Meet Janet Buchanan! She is originally from Alma, Georgia. She comes from a large family with 5 kids. After graduating high school, she attended Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, GA and got a degree in Finance. Janet’s sister-in-law was her roommate in college, and that’s how she met her husband, Doug.
It has been a pleasure getting to know Janet and her family over the years. She is a true encourager and blessing to others. We appreciate Janet letting us know more about herself and what she loves the most about our community.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I am married to Doug Buchanan, and we have 4 kids: Miles, Matt, Jordan and Jennifer. Doug’s father, John, was a developer in Jackson County and encouraged us to move out here. That was one of the best decisions we ever made.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
My first job was with Allstate Commercial in their Controller Division. I worked at their office off Northside in Atlanta and later transferred to their headquarters in Chicago. I moved back to Atlanta in 1986 and married Doug. I then worked at Assurant Group as Compliance Manager in their Legal Division. After our 3rd child, I went out on my own providing product design and compliance services on a contract basis for ten years or so. For the past 15 years I have worked at our family business, Northeast Georgia Motorsports, as CFO. I have enjoyed working with Doug and watching our business grow over the years. Our business family has grown as well. Our store began with 2 employees and we now have over 25 employees.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Some of my favorite places are Cotton Calf, Local Station, and Kay’s Vintage Pantry.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
We have lived and worked in Jackson County now for 30 years.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
I would say Kelli Potts. She loves her family, is a generous person, and is a great friend and business woman. She gives back to our community and schools through the Kory Potts Foundation. Our community is fortunate to have people like her.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I would love to travel back to Africa and take our family. Doug and I went to Sabi Sabi in Kruger National Park in 2017. We went on safari’s each day and saw the “Big 5”. It was an amazing trip.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
I love any “whodunnit” like Dateline or 48 hours. My favorite movie has to be Forest Gump.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Trust God and don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone. He’s got you.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I want to be a blueberry farmer! My momma left us a farm in South Georgia that is perfect for it. I have the corporation set up and named it after her, “Lydia’s Farm”. I have to get a tractor now!
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
My go to band in the past has been the Eagles – now it’s Chris Stapleton!
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
A few. P &G in Hoschton. When we first moved to Hoschton, it was one of the few places to grab groceries! Hoschton Hardware, owned by Lendgrin Maddox, is another fixture in my mind.
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?
Lewis Stewart; he was a professor in the Finance Department at GSU. He took me under his wing and changed my life. I’d like to have lunch at Local Station with him.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I lived in big cities, and I have lived in small towns. The people of Jackson County are truly one of a kind. People really care about each other and take action when there is a need. Our family has really been blessed to be part of this community.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I hope to be living here in Braselton with Doug, and being a grandparent! I hope my kids are reading this…
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I grew up on a tobacco farm in South Georgia. We had a 150 acre farm and my dad, who was a hospital administrator at the time, began farming on the side. We tended over 30 acres of tobacco. It was hard but it taught me a lot about having a strong work ethic.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Sabi Sabi in South Africa
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
October is my favorite month. My favorite holiday and single day is Christmas.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
My husband’s coffee.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
Our 4 kids. They encourage and challenge me to take care of myself, and live life to the fullest. They are my greatest cheerleaders.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
I love candles- My favorite would have to be the Velvet Pear candle by Nest, and I also love the smell of gardenias in bloom. They line the walk up to our house.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Love, laughter, and memories
