BridgeMill Athletic Club is just a short putt away from the city center of Canton, off Bells Ferry and Sixes Road. The semi-private golf course features an 18-hole championship course, and the par-72 layout was masterfully carved into the rolling terrain and plays to 7,110 yards from the championship tees. The course was designed by Desmond Muirhead, the designer of Mission Hills (home of the LPGA Nabisco Championship) and consultant to Jack Nicklaus on Muirfield Village and Georgia’s 1987 Masters Champion Larry Mize.
With five sets of tees, various landscapes, and a true island green, BridgeMill’s 16th is one of the most recognized holes in Atlanta. It was opened in 1998 as one of the most well-balanced golf tests in Atlanta, and today, it is open for public play. This summer, the club's dining operations boast a newly renovated restaurant, bar, and lounge area with a deep menu of cocktails and cuisine. The athletic club membership offers tennis, pickleball, basketball, and one of Canton's largest swimming environments.
Our cover boasts four studs with deep connections in our community. William Thomas owns Golf2Grow Indoor Golf Experience, located in Towne Lake. His family-run operation is the hottest new golf simulator experience in Cherokee County. William served in the U.S. Navy (thank you for your service) and is a husband, father, and Christian author.
Ryan Shirley owns Shirley Commercial Real Estate. Since 2004, he has built his career and business through various commercial real estate services and advisory practices. Ryan is invested heavily in the Holly Springs community; he is a proud husband, father, and local super coach of the year.
Attorney Jeffrey Leeper, and contractor Gokhan Eskin are our June spotlight profiles.
What sets Reed and Leeper Law Firm apart from others in your field?
We provide cost-effective representation for a wide variety of construction, commercial, and personal injury matters and work directly with clients to avoid costly litigation and navigate the complexities of the legal system. When you choose Reed Leeper, P.C., you are not just hiring legal professionals; you are enlisting the services of a team deeply committed to your cause. We recognize your case's importance and approach each matter with unwavering dedication, attention to detail, and a strategic mindset. Our track record of success speaks volumes about our proficiency, but our personalized approach and client-focused ethos truly set us apart.
Our Reed Leeper, P.C. team has a reputation for results and a legacy of satisfied clients. Many of our clients, who range from suppliers, contractors, sureties, and subcontractors to lenders, property owners, and insurance companies, have trusted our attorneys for decades and have referred others to our firm. Our record of successful litigation and our reputation for cost-effective service gives business owners, corporate shareholders, Fortune 500 companies, and individuals the assurance they seek when seeking legal representation.
Since you are an alum of the University of Georgia, what football icon from your alma mater is your favorite and why?
I lived through the Jim Donnan days of Georgia football, so there is no denying that Kirby Smart is the face of the program's future. I would’ve loved to have been a student when UGA won a national championship, but the fact that Kirby has put us back on top is just as sweet. GATA
How does Jeffrey Leeper find a balance between home life and work life?
At Reed and Leeper Law Firm, we value the balance between work and personal life. By staying highly efficient during work hours and prioritizing boundaries, we ensure deadlines are met promptly and that employees can enjoy quality time outside work. Our motto remains "work hard so you can play hard," emphasizing the importance of maintaining a well-rounded lifestyle.
What sets Tatum Roofing apart from others in your industry?
As a family-owned business, Tatum's Roofing prioritizes personalized attention and exceptional quality in every project it undertakes. We offer comprehensive services designed to enhance homes and communities. From roofing to gutters, siding, painting, and tree removal, Tatum's Roofing provides a holistic approach to home improvement. Clients are not just customers; they become part of the Tatum family, where it started. My daughter Tatum's name means "To bring joy," and that is what we use as a true north. To bring joy to every project we work on.
What are your favorite pastimes when you're not working?
I enjoy diverse activities that enrich my life and provide balance. As an IFBB pro bodybuilder, I dedicate time to training at the gym, embodying discipline and passion for fitness. As a lover of live music, I keenly appreciate concerts, having experienced unforgettable performances by Metallica, Dave Matthews Band, and Avenged Sevenfold. Notably, I also enjoy (I can buy myself flowers) Miley Cyrus and Morgan Wallen. Beyond music, I enjoy attending Braves games for the live-action balanced with the marvels of shows like Cirque du Soleil.
I value family, relaxation, and exploration. I enjoy vacations on the serene shores of 30A and embark on adventures to new destinations, enriching my life with diverse experiences and carving new memories.
How has the discipline of former jobs as a Fitness Expert helped you in your current business?
With 15 years of experience in customer service and retail sales in the fitness industry, I have learned valuable lessons and honed my interpersonal skills. I have become adept at identifying and understanding clients’ needs. My ability to connect with customers, build authentic relationships, and tailor solutions to individual outcomes has been instrumental in building the business and delivering exceptional service to my customers.
How do you balance with such a labor-intensive job?
One effective strategy for achieving work-life balance is setting guardrails. Establishing clear boundaries between work and personal time allows me to dedicate uninterrupted focus to both spheres of their life. This might involve designating specific hours for work-related tasks and committing to unplugging from work during designated family or self-care time.
Another critical aspect of achieving balance is effective time management. Prioritizing tasks, delegating responsibilities where possible, and optimizing workflow can help individuals make the most of their time, reduce stress, and allow for greater flexibility in balancing work and home life.
Practicing self-care is essential for maintaining balance and well-being. Making time for activities that promote physical and mental health, such as exercise, hobbies, and relaxation, can help individuals recharge and better manage the demands of both work and home.
Our partners are outstanding examples of driven businessmen who know how to balance life and play.
What advice would you give young entrepreneurs?
For aspiring entrepreneurs, my advice is simple: take the leap of faith and start your journey. Entrepreneurship begins with that first step, so push past hesitation and dive in. Consistency is key – show up every day, ready to tackle challenges. Don't fear failure; it's a chance to learn and grow stronger. Embrace the journey wholeheartedly; success often lies beyond fear. Take risks, learn from failures, and stay resilient in pursuing your dreams.