Meet Steve Murray. Steve is the owner of New Leaf Landscape Services, a father of three, and a loving husband. Steve was born in Massachusetts just north of Boston. When he was thirteen years old, Steve’s father was transferred to Connecticut for his job. After finishing high school, Steve attended the University of Connecticut where he majored in horticulture. Steve says that going into college, he knew that he wanted to landscape. It all started with his mom and grandpa, who he always helped in the gardens. Even in high school, the only job that he applied for was a plant nursery.
Steve moved to Georgia in 1986 and worked for two landscaping services in Atlanta. After living in Atlanta, Steve moved to Gainesville. In 2001, he bought Quality Lawn Maintenance, he then changed the name of the company in 2002 to New Leaf Landscape Services. Some of Steve’s hobbies include golfing and boating. He also just recently started learning to play the guitar. He and his wife, Lori, are members of Lakewood Baptist Church and are coming up on their 25th anniversary.
 
We were recently fortunate enough to ask Steve some questions about his life here in Hall County. We would like to thank him for taking time out his day to meet with us.
Question: What inspired you or led you to your current career?
Answer: “My mom and grandpa loved gardening, and I would go out and help them.”
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in Hall County?
A: “I have two. Scott’s on the Square and Poor Richards, I love a good steak at either.”
Q: How long have you lived or worked in Hall County?
A: “We moved here in April of 2001, so about 17 years.”
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in Hall County?
A: “Tom Smiley, because he speaks the truth and I feel like he is a visionary.”
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be? And why?
A: “I would love to travel around Europe to see all of the amazing gardens.”
Q: What is your favorite movie OR what is the first movie you remember seeing in a theatre?
A: “It was Thunderball in a drive in, which is a James Bond movie.”
Q: What advice would you give a crowd of people?
A: “Always tell the truth for two reasons. One, it’s easy to remember, and two, it’s easy to sleep at night.”
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A: “Going to Hawaii.”
Q: What are 3 bands you would like to see (dead or alive)?
A: “Fleetwood Mac, Poco, and The Eagles.”
Q: What former local business makes you the most nostalgic about Hall County?
A: “The Turnstile Deli.”
Q: Choosing anyone alive and a non-relative: with whom would you love to have lunch? Why this person? Where would you have this lunch?
A: “Billy Graham, because of the millions of lives he has changed with a simple message and to spend time with him and hear his stories. We would eat at Midland Station.”
Q: What is your favorite thing about Hall County?
A: “I love that it’s big enough to do anything, but at the same time you can go anywhere and see somebody you know. Out of all the places I’ve lived, this is my favorite.”
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years?
A: “Still involved in New Leaf although not involved in day to day operations. I see myself doing a lot more vacationing and a lot more mission work.”
Q: (Even friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
A: “Most people don’t realize that I was born in the Northeast.”
Q: What are 3 words or phrases that come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
A: “Security, peace, and comfort.”
 
The Faces of Hall County is a project to showcase the amazing people that live or work in our community. If you would like to nominate an interesting person to be featured please email babernathy@gonorton.com.