Meet Derrick Avila! Derrick and his wife, Tammy, have four children. He is a commercial banker and world traveler. I really enjoyed meeting him for coffee at Meadowlark this spring ~ Brad Abernathy
Please tell us a little bit about your family.
“I have four children: Caleb, Catalina, Camila, and Carolina. They are homeschooled. My wife is the owner of a catering company called Avila’s Delicacy. My wife and I met at the University of Georgia.”
Question: Please tell us about your current career. What do you love most about what you do?
Answer: “I’m currently VP of Commercial Banking here in Gainesville for First Citizens Bank. We serve our business community and focus on building lasting relationships with business owners, medical and dental practitioners, professionals and individual customers.”
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
A: “We like to eat out as a family throughout Hall County. Some of our favorites are Atlanta Highway Seafood, Luna’s Restaurant, La Parilla Mexican Restaurant.”
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
“I have lived in and worked in Hall County for over 10 years.”
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
A: “When I first started working on the Commercial side of the bank. I had the privilege of working with Mr. Jim Mathis at the North Georgia Community Foundation. He always connected me to great people here in our community. He is missed but left a great legacy and did so much awesome work here in Gainesville.”
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
A: “We love to travel as a family. One of our favorite destinations is a small city in the Tuscany region called Cortona, Italy. We love the mountain views, food, wine, culture and tranquility.”
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
A: “I like watching ‘Seinfeld’ and ‘The Office.’”
Q: What advice would you want to give or leave with people?
“I would have to say something my father told me since I was little. There are no ugly people in this world. There are only interesting beauties! So, look for them in everyone to appreciate and value one another.”
Q: If reading for pleasure, what do you like?
A: “I like reading the Bible and all of the teachings it has that benefit us to this date.”
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?
Q: “I would choose to eat with Warren Buffett at Mellow Mushroom here in Gainesville. Great food and good council from an industry expert.”
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: “The history in our community and all the business that is growing in Gainesville. I would hope it continues to grow in diversity within the business community to invite more international businesses.”
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
A: “I see myself growing in my role within the bank as well having a secondary home in Europe.”
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A: “Going to Australia.”
Q: And what is something you have been proud to check off your bucket list?
A: “Traveling with my kids to over 20 countries.”
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
A: “I would say the most beautiful place I have been is Cartagena, Colombia.”
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
A: “My favorite month is August because I got married that month. I celebrate the memorial of Christ every year. I celebrate all days of the year and every day I can live, breathe and enjoy time with my family.”
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
A: “I would say my wife Tammy Avila …… also good steak and BBQ!”
Q: Who would you want to play you in a movie about your life?
A: “I would Eric Bana is a good actor and would relate.”
Q: If you were given ONE EXTRA HOUR every day, and you could not use it for sleep, work, or with anyone else, what would you use it for?
A: “I volunteer on my free time and enjoy helping our community and youth in mentoring.”
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
A: “Mama’s cooking in the kitchen and I enjoy the outdoors and nature.”
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
A: “God and my family inspire to me to be better each and every day.”
