5 Questions with Rachel Crumbley, director of marketing and public relations at Callaway Gardens
What is your favorite part about working at Callaway Gardens?
Diversity every moment is different. I may be working with the food and beverage department on a menu one minute and then I'll be on the new Ferryboat in the middle of Mountain Creek Lake, on the golf course or inside the butterfly center with a media person, and then I may be leaving to coordinate a television appearance in downtown Atlanta. And, I love that the many things that we offer appeal to so many people. I also love that the story of the Gardens is authentic.
How have the Gardens changed in the 18 years you have worked there?
Just like the rest of the world the Gardens has changed a lot since 1996. Specifically in my world, today more sophisticated technology, including social media, allows us to more specifically share information with people who are interested in what we offer -- which is wonderful.
You worked for Barbara Dooley for a while. What was it like working for Coach Dooley's wife?
I actually just spoke to her on the phone today. One thing is for sure, there was never -- and still isn't -- a dull moment. While working for her I was able to help with her campaign for Georgia House of Representatives and the manuscript for her book Put Me In Coach. Which while it has great stories, it is much more about marriage and commitment. I'm thankful that both she and Coach have become dear friends. They've come to Fantasy In Lights for several years now to sign books for guests. It's become a tradition.
So, how did a self-respecting University of Georgia graduate end up working at Georgia Tech?
Ha. Well, I've been a die-hard Georgia Bulldog since I was 12 years old. I dreamed of going to the University of Georgia and was accepted out of high school. But, things didn't line up quite right. In the meantime, my boyfriend's mother (now my mother-in-law) worked at Georgia Tech in the Nuclear Engineering/Health Physics program within the School of Mechanical Engineering. I went to work there right out of high school and then worked there on school breaks while on scholarship at Clayton State. After earning two associates degrees, I had the opportunity to transfer to UGA -- a dream come true. There I earned my journalism degree with an emphasis in public relations. I returned, engaged, to my summer job at Georgia Tech and was hired on full-time. When Tech's new president, Dr. Clough, was inducted, I made sure to shake the hand of Dr. Knapp to let him know UGA was well represented. But, I had to take home my framed diploma as the grad students were threatening to take it.
What is the best kept secret in the Chattahoochee Valley?
The best kept secret in the Chattahoochee Valley is everything at your fingertips -- great shows, great concerts, great people, great recreational offerings, great dining options and without all of the traffic.
Vital stats
Name: Rachel Crumbley
Age: 35+11
Job: Director of Marketing and Public Relations, Callaway Gardens
Hometown: Morrow, Ga.
Current home: Fortson
Family: Husband, Michael; children: Matthew, 16, and Jacob, 14; and super smart, cute and energetic Sambo, a 2-year-old German Shorthaired Pointer
Education: Associate degree of General Science and associate degree of Journalism from Clayton State University; Applied bachelor's of journalism with a concentration in Public Relations, University of Georgia
Favorite book: Perhaps I'll have time to read when I no longer have teenagers
Favorite movie: "Sweet Home Alabama"
Favorite restaurant: Maggiano's
Favorite quote: "Not my circus, not my monkeys"
Favorite song: "Happy"
Best concert attended: Brad Paisley
This story was originally published May 24, 2015 at 9:32 PM with the headline "5 Questions with Rachel Crumbley, director of marketing and public relations at Callaway Gardens."