Interview by Realtor Brad Abernathy
Meet Reid Mason! I would like to introduce my friends and neighbors to Reid. He is someone everyone should know. He and his wife, Ana, met working for Adventures in Missions, and they are the parents to Ellis, 2 and Maya, 4 months. They love being outside, whether it’s walking, running, hosting our friends, or playing golf (Ellis’s favorite). He says Ana’s creativity drives the culture of our house; she excels at bringing people together in community.
Question: Please tell us about your current career. What do you love most about what you do?
Answer: “I have been working in financial advising for four years, spending most of my time serving families in northeast Georgia. I love using money as a tool to change the world and that starts with deep, intentional conversations to help families understand their vision and values, and how their money can be used to drive that vision or distract from that vision. My job is less about the finances and more about empathy, understanding, and action.”
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
A: “You’ll find my family at Meadowlark, Consuelo, Sweet Magnolia’s, and NoFo.”
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
A: “I moved to Gainesville in 2016 to work full-time for the ministry Adventures in Missions. I started working in the community in financial advising in 2020.”
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
A: “Trey McPhaul. He always has something going on and something new he’s working on.”
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
A: “We would hop on a flight to Spain. I’ve been once but want to go back with my family so we can all experience the food, culture, and landscapes. You can’t go to Spain and come away unhappy, it warms your soul.”
Q: What advice would you want to give or leave with people?
A: “Every moment is a moment. It’s something I experience every day with my two young kids; don’t take any moment for granted. The same is true when we’re sitting with your friends over coffee, or with your family over a meal. We can ignore those moments or be intentional to take them in and let them change us. We define the moments and memories of our life; we control what they mean to us.”
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: “Warren Buffett and I would enjoy El Plato de Pepe and a nice bourbon at Consuelo. The Oracle of Omaha has seen it all and heard it all. His wisdom and vision on leadership, stewardship, and investment are unmatched.”
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: “This community really, truly knows each other. Our favorite thing is the fact we can’t go out to eat or shopping without seeing a friend. The depth of relationships in this community is incredibly unique and life-giving.”
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
A: “In 5-10 years, we will be a family of five that travels the country and world to experience all that God has for us. I believe we can impact this community in incredible ways, and I’m excited to grow that influence over the next 5-10 years.”
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A: “Run a 50-mile ultramarathon. I’m close, having done a full marathon and a few half-marathons. The 50-mile ultramarathon is an entirely different experience, and I can’t wait to do it.”
Q: And what is something you have been proud to check off your bucket list?
A: “I could not be prouder of my two kids. They’re happy, energetic, and excited kids who love to play, laugh, and be wild.”
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
A: “This might surprise you, but August Burns Red. If you check them out, make sure to use headphones to not startle your co-workers. Start with ‘White Washed,’”
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
A: “Three-way tie between Lesvos in Greece, Zion National Park in Utah, or Queenstown in New Zealand.”
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
A: “May (perfect weather), Christmas (great family time) and May 5(our anniversary).”
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
A: “A great 15-mile run. It’s long enough to push yourself but short enough to be done on a Saturday morning.”
Q: Who would you want to play you in a movie about your life?
A: “People say I look and act like Penn Badgley, so let’s go with him.”
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
A: “My wife, Ana. Ever since I met her in 2016, I’ve been driven to be better, to be more humble, loving, outgoing, and honest. Ana inspires me every single day.”
