The Interview – Samantha Brazie
Briefly describe yourself and what you do/did.
I work with a super talented team as the Sales and Operations Manager for Progressive Heating and Air here in Newnan.
Best piece of business advice you’ve received.
If it was easy, everyone would do it.
If I had it to do over …
I would have skipped living in Fayette County for years and moved straight to Coweta! Absolutely love our community and the people in it.
You are going on an extended solo trip. What three albums and three books would you take?
Music: The Best of Journey, No Doubt – Tragic Kingdom and Jimmy Buffet – Songs You Know By Heart. I could go on and on as I love all kinds of music, from all genres and times.
Books: People Can’t Drive You Crazy If You Don’t Give Them the Keys by Mike Bechtle, The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy and Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg. I like nonfiction books too like Glass Castle or the Flowers in the Attic series – but once I read those I’m good for a few years.
Tell us one thing about yourself that few people know
I grew up in a military family, moving from California to Seattle to Illinois, and on and on. When we finally settled in Wisconsin [where I call home], my dad decided he would move us in the middle of my senior year to Florida. There I got in a severe car accident and missed the other half of my senior year but still managed to graduate on time.
You are hosting a dinner party for six. What five people, living or dead, would you invite and why
If we take my four kids out of the mix – and they wouldn’t want to go to a dinner party anyway – I would invite: my husband [I always want him by my side], Drew Barrymore [she is one of my favorite actresses and people that I don’t know], Freddie Mercury [what an extreme talent and passion for music! Probably the best voice that has ever graced this planet], P!nk [she’s unique, spunky and amazing] and Jason Momoa [do I really need to explain this one?!]. I would also have to cheat and invite Kim Melhouse-Guerra for several reasons: she’s my best friend, doubles as my party planner, and Jason Momoa would need a date.
Name an as yet unfulfilled dream
Travel several times a year to new and exciting places. This year has been the best year of travel yet but so much more to come!
If you weren’t doing what you are, you would be …
A psychologist. I have wanted to be a psychologist since I was in 8th grade and entered a contest where I played my trumpet with the MASH theme song [it was the only thing I could think of that had anything to do with medicine]. Going to school with young kids, it wasn’t possible for me to put the unpaid internships in so I adjusted my sails and moved right along.
Your go-to food.
My favorite food of all time is pizza. However, it’s not possible to eat that all the time – so salmon is a close second and I can have that guilt-free.
Favorite movies(s)
The Rocky series! My guilty secret is that I LOVE Sylvester Stallone.
Dogs or cats?
We have both but I am mildly allergic, so I have to keep an arm’s length. As long as we have a clean house, I’m good to go!
Your favorite quote and why
So many but this one sticks out to me today: “Things work out best for those who make the best of how things work out.” –John Wooden
Name something that you are extremely glad you did or accomplished
I am so glad I went back to college after having children at a very young age. My husband was instrumental and all but pushed me out the door. He encouraged me when I had enough and took the brunt of responsibilities with our kids more than I could have ever expected. Thanks to him, I was able to not only get a Bachelor’s in Psychology, but a Masters in Business Administration.
What advice would you give your younger self just starting out on their own
Just breathe! It will be ok. Life is exactly what you make of it. Carry on with a smile and enjoy the journey.
