By Abernathy Cochran Real Estate Group intern Grady Vardeman
Meet David Presnell! David was born and raised in Hall County and is the Athletic Fields and Grounds Manager for all Gainesville City School athletics. David’s work over the years at City Park has been recognized state-wide. In 2008, the Gainesville High football field (Bobby Gruhn Stadium) was awarded Sports Turf of the Year. In 2015, under David’s leadership, the Gainesville High baseball field earned the same distinction. These achievements were accomplished by David and his team of five employees.
We want to thank David for spending time with us and telling us about his love for Hall County.
Question: How long have you been doing fieldwork in Gainesville?
Answer: “I started in 2003, working for the Park and Rec as a Park Maintenance Worker. I moved up to Turf and Landscape Technician to Assistant Supervisor until 2011 where I became to the School System as the Athletic Field Manager.”
Q: What Awards have you won for the fields?
A: “In 2008, we won the football field of the year and in 2015 we won the baseball field of the year.”
Q: What inspired you or led you to your current career?
A: “My grandfather had a garden that we took care of and my first job was working on a golf course, so I had lots of exposure growing up.”
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in Hall County, and what do you love there?
A: “Longhorn and the ribeyes.”
Q: How long have you lived or worked in Hall County?
A: “I’ve lived here all my life and worked here all my life.”
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now where would it be and why?
A: “Hawaii because of the beaches.”
Q: What is your favorite movie?
A: “’Remember the Titans.’”
Q: What advice would you give a crowd of people?
A: “Always do your best and pay attention to the small details.”
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A: “I want to travel more.”
Q: What current/former local business makes you the most nostalgic about Hall County?
A: “Longstreet and Green’s Grocery.”
Q: Choosing anyone besides a non-relative with whom would you have lunch with?
A: “George Toma, George Bush, and Tom Brady.”
Q: What three words or phrases that come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
A: “Peaceful, happy, and family.”
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 would go with a Chef.”