Ricky Lewallen

REALTOR | Associate Broker

This is a short Q and A with Ricky Lewallen, Realtor with Abernathy Cochran Group at The Norton Agency..

Please tell us a little bit about your family.

I am from Hall county and I have lived here most all my life. I am married to my wife Michelle and we live in the Lula area. We have one daughter, Rachel Burnett and she also works at the Norton Agency in insurance. She is Married to Brandon Burnett who is a police officer in Jackson county. Michelle and I will celebrate our 33rd anniversary in December.

Please tell us about your current career.  The thing you love most about what you do.

I have been a Realtor with the Norton Agency since 1999. I love what I do.  It’s a great feeling when you find the perfect home for someone. It’s also very satisfying when you get a home sold for someone who is moving up in life or just needs a change in lifestyle. When you change a person’s home, you change a person’s whole life experience and it’s very rewarding.

Question: What inspired you or led you to your current career?

A: Michelle and I worked at the same place for years, Peachtree Windows and Doors. I was an inspector there. I loved it there but knew I could do more. Michelle left first and started her own business. This was inspiring for me. My brother had gotten into Real Estate, something one of my math teachers in school had talked to me about. You see, I loved talking to people, which in school and production work was not always a good thing, but in Real estate I had found my home. My brother helped me to get started and co listed a property with me. With his help and good guidance from the Norton Agency, I was able to soon get on my feet and have a successful career in real estate.

Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in Hall County?

A: The Road House, Johnny’s BBQ. For the longest time one of our all time favorites was the Golden Buddha on Thompson Bridge Rd. Everyone knew us by name there as we had actually gone there when we dated until it was recently torn down.

Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?

A: Since 1984. 36 years. I have never had a job outside of Hall county.

Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?

A: I would say my friend and pastor, Daryl Womack. He has been all over the Globe on Mission trips helping others and delivering the Gospel. He has been to more places than anyone I know. He also has given himself to causes in our own community for over 20 years. He is also a Chaplain for our local fire dept.

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?

A: I would love to see Alaska and the wilderness & wildlife there.

Q: What is one of your favorite movies?  TV shows?

A: I love a movie with a great story like Forrest Gump, and the Green Mile. I also loved the Rocky series of movies. I have re-watched Rocky 2 and 3 more times than any other Movie.

Q: What advice would you give to people?

A: Be thankful and cherish everyday! If more people just simply said “Thank you” and took time to show appreciation and kindness the world would be a much better place.

Q: What is something on your bucket list?

A: I would love to chase Elk in Colorado or fish for salmon in Alaska.

Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?

A: The Eagles.

Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?

A: The collegiate grill would be my top answer. Other businesses that make me nostalgic about Gainesville would be the old Woolworths, Roses at Sherwood where I bought my first baseball glove (that I still have), the Sherwood theatre where I saw my first movie, the First National Bank where I got my first car loan, Professors restaurant where Michelle and I went for their amazing spudweisers.

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: I would say Michael Waddell and Johnny’s BBQ. He loves the outdoors and has a great sense of humor so we would definitely have a great time!

Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?

A: Lake Lanier! It runs right through the middle of our whole county! It’s an amazing source of recreation and revenue that is unique to us.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?

A: Selling more homes, of course! Maybe even a grandfather by then!

Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?

A: I love motorcycles and atv’s. That may be no secret but if you’re wondering what I would rather be doing, it would be exploring new trails on my Yamaha Grizzly atv.

Q: What 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?

A: Homes are where your most cherished memories are made. Home is your very own safe space where we find security, happiness, and stability.

Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?

A: I think in the Caribbean Sea. We were on a cruise in the Bahamas and getting

close to port, the beautiful blue water and land in the distance was an amazing sight.

Q: If you were cast in a movie and could choose your costar, who would it be?

A: Tim Allen. I think he would be a lot of fun to be on a set with.

Q: Favorite month?  holiday?  and best single day on the calendar?

A: Favorite months are October and April. My favorite day is Thanksgiving. Most everyone is off work together and it’s always a good time to spend with Family and friends.

Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?

A: I went to the ark in Kentucky this past year and it was truly an amazing experience. Also, a sunny day on the beach with my family is my happy place.

Q: Who inspires you to be better?

A: Our Real Estate group! We always have someone in our group who is really great at different parts of our business. It allows you to see different and better ways of doing things on a daily basis. “Iron sharpens Iron” and being a part of a great group makes us all sharper and “on top” of what we do.

Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?

A: Brownies cooking or lavender.

Q: If a movie was made of your life, who would you want to play you?

A: I think I would want an unknown, fresh face. I think some actors will always be the character they played. I mean, does anyone look at Tom Hanks and not think Forrest Gump? Sylvestor Stallone played many characters but will always be Rocky to me. I think I would want someone less well known.

Q: What is the best thing about being a part of our real estate group?

A: The best thing about our group first of all is the friendships we have. Also, the team work and the amount of knowledge we have to share with each other makes us all better at what we do. The relationships we have with each other helps us serve our clients at the highest level.

Office: 770-654-7922
rlewallen@gonorton.com