Meet Sandi Rose! Looking for an opportunity to move back to the Atlanta area, Sandi and her husband, Rich, who lived in Quincy, Illinois wanted to find a business where they could give back to the community and work together in a business. Involved in the Johns Creek community before they moved to Illinois, they saw it as the place they wanted to be. They knew that Johns Creek had become a city in 2006 and that the city’s goal was to be one of the metro-Atlanta areas where people could live, work and play. So that is exactly where they have chosen to live!
Q: What inspired you or led you to your current career?
A: As we looked for business opportunities that would return us to the Atlanta area, we were presented with an opportunity to purchase an existing Allstate insurance agency. Despite the fact that neither of us had insurance experience, we believed that Rich’s background in marketing and management and my sales and project management experience would bring all the essential elements together in making this a successful business choice for our family. Beyond that, Rich and I wanted to make a difference in the community by helping people protect the things that are important in their lives. People do not enjoy shopping for insurance, but we’ve set the bar high to make sure we provide great service, answer all questions and find ways to save people money, yet provide them with appropriate coverage. Hopefully, we are making a difference one customer at a time.
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in Johns Creek, and what do you love there?
A: “We have many favorite restaurants in Johns Creek. I guess, one of our favorite restaurants is Mavericks Cantina restaurant. The atmosphere is always nice; you can eat outside or inside. It’s casual, the staff gives great service and the food is always good.”
Q: How long have you lived or worked in Johns Creek?
A: Most recently, we’ve been back in the area for 2-1/2 years. However, prior to leaving Johns Creek at the end of 2008, we had lived for here for 13-1/2 years. So, all together, we’ve lived in Johns Creek for over 16 years.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be? And why?
A: One of the places that I would love to visit is Banff, Canada. I love the serenity of the mountains, and beautiful scenery. Every time I see a picture of Lake Louise, and the surrounding area, I know this destination is on my bucket list.
Q: What is your favorite movie OR what is the first movie you remember seeing in a theater?
A: I am not sure what the first movie was, but I definitely remember that the Star Wars Trilogy was big when I was young. I find it very interesting that over the years Star Wars has provided prequels and sequels that really span several generations. My children are grown now and love Star Wars just as much as I did as a child. As for a favorite movie, that’s very hard to answer as I have many, but one of my favorite movies growing up (and I still love it) is Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.
Q: What advice would you give a crowd of people?
A: Search for something that gives you joy and try to follow your passion. Make a difference in your community.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A: I enjoy travel, love to see the world and cherish those memories. While I have been to a number of countries, there are still so many that I want to get to see. I hope to visit Australia someday, return to Greece, and explore Alaska and the northeastern United States. So I guess continued travel is a big bucket list item.
Q: What is your favorite music/band that you would like to see (dead or alive)?
A: One of my favorite groups is Chicago and whenever they are in town, I always try to see them. They are definitely getting up in age, but they still put on a great show.
Q: What current / former local business makes you the most nostalgic about Johns Creek?
A: Since we moved away from the area for 9 years, there has been so much growth in Johns Creek; so much has changed. Two stores come to mind. Each of them stands out as special to me because we didn’t have anything like these in Quincy, IL while we were there. The first is Your Serve Tennis. I have played tennis for years and love shopping at this store in Johns Creek. When we moved away, there was no place like YST to buy tennis supplies or apparel. The second store is Wild Birds Unlimited. Whenever I shop at this store, I always find something for my garden, landscaping or treats for the birds that we enjoy watching at our home. Again, in IL, there was nothing similar. These two stores always make me think of our great community.
Q: Choosing anyone alive and a non-relative: with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? Where in Johns Creek would you have lunch?
A: I would love to have lunch with Laura Bush. Not only would it be interesting to hear stories surrounding her time as First Lady, but I know she is an advocate for education, literacy and women’s rights. Since I have always been passionate about improving education and fostering student achievement, her perspective would be insightful. I would take her to lunch at Hen Mother Cookhouse, as this restaurant is small, quaint and always offers interesting and delicious menu options.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about Johns Creek?
A: Johns Creek will always be known for its great schools. The schools foster exceptional student achievement and the parent involvement in this community is phenomenal. Our community should be proud of that, as it is not the norm, elsewhere. One unique fact is that we have 3 high schools within probably one mile of each other!
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years?
A: I see myself in a very similar role as far as working the next 5 to 10 years. Outside of work, I hope to see continued success for my children, their relationships and hopefully even families. I imagine I will likely get more involved in the community, as well, since that has always been a passion of mine. Previously, I was heavily involved in the schools and with the zoning committee for Johns Creek Community Association. I would like to find continued ways to support the community moving forward.
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
A: I am not sure that most people know that I grew up as an only child and that I moved numerous times during my childhood. My dad worked for a company that transferred us every year and a half to 3 years. I believe this experience helped me become much more outgoing, more willing to put myself out there. This ultimately challenged me to embrace the new and different.
Q: What 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
A: Love, comfort, and peace.
Q: If you were cast into a major motion picture and had your choice of anyone to be your co-star, who would you choose?
A: Maybe Reese Witherspoon because she appears to be down to Earth, a really caring mom, passionate about reading and has a good sense of humor. I think it would be fun to be a co-star with her.
Q: If you had a full-time staff member that was fully paid for, who would you choose? Chef, Housekeeper, Driver, Coach, Physical Fitness Trainer, or Nanny?
A: I might choose a Chef only because Rich and I are both working full time. I’m a fairly good cook but it is a struggle when I come home at the end of the day to put together a good meal; I really just want to relax.
