Meet Nicole Pleasant. In an industry where change is happening all the time, Nicole has been a constant, a very welcome constant, at First Citizens Bank in downtown Gainesville. She has a very positive spirit and a smile all the time. She and her husband, Jason, have two children. Originally from southern California, they have made their home Gainesville since 2006.
Please tell us a little bit about your family.
A: “Jason is an educator at Riverside Military Academy as well as the Head Basketball coach and DC of the football team. We have two amazing girls, they attended New Holland Elementary. Skylar is in 5th grade and loves basketball and soccer. Ashton is in 2nd grade and loves gymnastics, basketball and soccer. When we are not at the gym or field we enjoy taking family vacations.”
Q: Please tell us about your current career. What do you love most about what you do?
A: “I am the Service Manager at First Citizens Bank. If I had to pick one thing I love most, it is the ability to be in the community networking and building relationships.”
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
A: “Avocados, Inked Pig and Mellow Mushroom.”
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
A: “2006.”
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
A: “Tommy Aaron.”
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
A: “Japan, to experience the culture and food.”
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
A: “My favorite movie is Grease and I Love Lucy is my favorite TV show.”
Q: What advice would you give to people?
A: ““Disconnect” people get so caught up with all the social media platforms that sometimes we forget to take a moment and truly enjoy ourselves in the moment.”
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
A: “Skate Country.”
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
A: “Beyonce. She’s one of my favorite artists and I admire her work ethic and how she juggles her personal and professional life. I would take her to Lunas.”
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community? And secondly, what is something you hope our community has or does in the future?
A: “I love that we are a tight knit community and we have everything we need locally.”
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
A: “Managing a company and making a difference in the community.”
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A: “Travel to Bora Bora.”
Q: And, what is something you have been proud to check off your bucket list?
A: “I hiked the Hollywood Trail”
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
A: “R&B”
Q: In hard times we can sometimes see and recognize greatness in those around us. Hard working. Positive attitudes. Helping on the front lines. Who is one of our local shining lights today?
A: “Michelle Prater.” (President and CEO, North Georgia Community Foundation)
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
A: “Mount Rushmore.”
Q: Favorite month? Favorite holiday? And best single day on the calendar?
A: “November is my favorite month and Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. The best single day of the year is Christmas Eve.”
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
A: “Bruster’s”
Q: Who would you want to play you in a movie about your life?
A: “Chrissy Teigen.”
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
A: “Winter Candy Apple.”
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
A: “My girls.”
