Family: Dr. Alison Ward (wife), Paloma (dog)

Hometown: Augusta, Georgia

Current Town: Atlanta, Georgia

What Years at UGA: 2002-2005

School/Degree: Terry/Management

Profession: Co-founder of The Zero Proof – Adult, NA Beverage Company

What life lessons did you learn while at UGA? 

It all comes to an end! I loved my time at UGA – truly some of the best years of my life. I remember walking out onto North Campus after my last final, realizing this chapter was closed… and it was time to take the next step.

What professor did you most admire? 

I can’t remember his name, but I had a business professor that was a very successful businessperson himself. He would start every class by asking what the energy level of the classroom was (holding his hand at various heights). He brought great energy, he cared about the students and he brought fantastic real-world experience to the classroom. If anyone reading this remembers his name, reach out!

What do you consider your greatest achievement? 

I spent my entire career at one company. And I stepped down from a lucrative, executive position there to start something from scratch. It was a big leap, but I haven’t regretted it once.

Who are your heroes in real life? 

I’ve always wanted to meet Rick Rubin (he’s the big music producer). That guy seems to have it figured out. He lives in Malibu, meditates all the time, makes great music. And he’s made some of the greatest albums in history across genres – Slayer, Kanye West, Red Hot Chili Peppers. He just seems like a really cool guy who is doing what he was put on this earth to do. He’s tapped in!

What is your idea of perfect happiness? 

Nothing I love more than a day off lounging around with my two girls – Alison and Paloma.

What is your most marked characteristic? 

I bounce my shoulders when I laugh. And I have a dry sense of humor.

What do you most value in your friends? 

Consistency.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? 

I’m always trying to work on empathy.

Fave social media and who to follow? 

@atlscoop. It’s a great account to follow for some of the more interesting things that are happening around Atlanta. Whenever our partners from overseas come visit Atlanta, I get them to follow @atlscoop, so they can keep a pulse on their home base in the US.