Andrew McCleskeySeven years ago, Andrew McCleskey moved to Gainesville and began pursuing his passion as the Area Director of Gainesville Hall County Young Life. Young Life is a Christian ministry with the mission of meeting kids right where they are in their lives and showing them Jesus.  Some would argue Andrew is the coolest adult in all of Gainesville. He has a knack for building relationships with teenagers and young adults and he has had a widespread impact on many youth in Hall County.
Question: What inspired you or led you to your current career?
Answer: “I started Wyld Life in the 7th grade and grew close to a leader. It was then, a seed was planted in me for ministry through Young Life.”
 
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in Hall County and what do you love there?
A: “Stan’s, they have the best hamburgers and slaw dogs.”
Q: How long have you lived or worked in Hall County?
A: “I moved here from Roswell seven years ago.”
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in Hall County?
A: “That would be Doyle Johnson—he was by far in a league of his own. We met through Young Life. He took my wife and I in when we first moved here.”
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be? And why?
A: “I would love to go to Ireland or Wales; they are so different than any place I’ve ever been.”
Q: What is your favorite movie or what is the first movie you remember seeing in a theater?
A: “My favorite is probably ‘Good Will Hunting.’ It’s a classic.”
Q: What advice would you give to a crowd of people?
A: “The verse, John 10:10, ‘The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.’ I believe if you get to know the real Jesus, your life will be fulfilled.”
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A: “I’d love to be in a Dude Perfect video. They go to extremes.”
Q: What is your favorite music/three bands you would like to see (dead or alive)?
A: “I would love to see Doctor Dog, The Kings of Leon, and The Beatles.”
Q:  What local business makes you nostalgic about Hall County?
A:  “Longstreet because it was the first meal I had in Gainesville. You can see someone from every generation when you dine there.”
Q: Choosing anyone (alive and a non-relative): with whom would you love to have lunch? Why this person? Where in Hall County would you have this lunch?
A: “Justin Timberlake. He is interesting, funny and musically talented; I would have fun with him. We’d probably go to Atlanta Seafood Market.”
Q: What is your favorite thing about Hall County?
A: “I love its location in Georgia. It is close to the Blue Ridge Mountains, on Lake Lanier and close enough to Atlanta, and yet has a hometown feel.”
Q: Where do you see yourself in five or 10 years?
A: “I see myself still with Young Life which has grown and possibly as a metro-director for YL in Hall County. I see myself with four kids.”
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
A: “I love writing songs. If and when I find the time, I love doing that.”
Interview by Abernathy Cochran Group intern:  Meredith Pannek
The Faces of Hall County is a project to showcase the amazing people that live or work in our community. If you would like to nominate an interesting person to be featured please email babernathy@gonorton.com.