If you have been to most any of the events in Suwanee, you certainly cannot miss the very tall guy on stage with the amazing voice! We caught up with Brandon one afternoon to learn more about this extremely upbeat person whom we all know and love!
Please tell us a little about your family.
I have been married to my wife, Cindy, for 24 years and she is the joy of my life. We have a daughter, Makenzie who is 21 and a son, Maverick, who is 20. Cindy and I met while we were Young Life leaders at North Gwinnett school Norcross High School. We love traveling as a family and Disney World is one of our favorite places to go!
Tell us about your current and past career. What do you love most about it?
My career continues to evolve. I was an actor at a very young age and it opened the door to public speaking and entertainment, which I have been doing since college. I started Brandon Rushin Productions and really enjoy my work with the City of Suwanee. Someone once said I am “Suwanee’s Ryan Seacrest.” I felt it was a high compliment because I love this city!
I also have the opportunity to speak at corporate events, churches, camps, and any type of MC events. I am often asked to come back. Sometimes we use characters to entertain and involve the audience in fun. We believe that everyone feels better when they feel included.
When people ask me how to perform in front of crowds without feeling nervous, I tell them to use those butterflies to make you fly! Take a chance, start out small, but do it and learn from it.
Have you always been high-energy?
YES! I get it mostly from my mom. I feel like I have a gift and it is meant to be used.
What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Mellow Mushroom because I LOVE pizza. Ippolito’s is a favorite because their food and atmosphere are amazing. Rita’s has my favorite ice; I always need some Rita’s goodness!
How long have you lived or worked here?
I was born in DeKalb County and lived my first ten years in Chamblee. My family then moved to what used to be called “the country” because back then Gwinnett was small. I have lived here the last 43 years, and watched Gwinnett County go from a once rural town to a thriving county that so many want to call home!
What is your favorite thing about Suwanee?
Suwanee is big now, but I love the small-town feel it has. There’s a sense of community that everyone feels like they’re part of. It feels like people here care about one another. I love the way they make me feel like part of their family. I know and have seen that this is the way they treat everyone.
What business or place — current or former — makes you feel the most nostalgic about Suwanee?
It would be Suwanee Town Center Park. So many people come together there. I love to look out and see people laughing, singing and having fun. They bring their pets and their friends. I believe that this is what the world needs more of.
If you could take anyone to lunch, dead or alive, who would it be? Where would you go?
I would take my paternal Grandmother because she always took such good care of me, until she passed when I was in my teens. I would take her to Mellow Mushroom because I love pizza and sharing things I love with others.
Where is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Cindy and I were leading a team building event and got the opportunity to also experience all of the beauty of the island of Maui. It is a slice of heaven.
What was the first movie you remember seeing in a theatre?
Star Wars was the first movie I saw in a theatre. I will never forget the amazing selection of candies and the smell of popcorn as we entered the theatre. The opening scene with the storm troopers captured my attention and I realized that I would love movies the rest of my life!
Tell me something that’s on your bucket list.
Cindy and I are going on a Transatlantic cruise to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary next year. We are excited to celebrate with one another!
What advice would you give to a crowd of people?
Learn to laugh at yourself, learn to care for somebody, and learn to slow down and enjoy the moments. If somebody does you wrong, try to be kind to them anyway. I think we need to listen more than we speak. People feel more cared for when others listen.
Who is the most interesting person you have ever met in Suwanee?
It would have to be Jimmy and Caron Burnette of Suwanee.
What type of music do you like?
I was a D.J. in high school and college, so I love all styles and genres of music.
Tell me something interesting about you that most people don’t know.
I was 5’ 10” when I graduated from high school in 1989, and quickly grew to 6’ 7” with no growing pains! Also, Julie Perdue was our wedding photographer (so much fun).
I love to volunteer and show love to people. Two organizations who really have my heart are Sleep In Heavenly Peace, where we build beds for children who have been sleeping on the floor, and the North Gwinnett Co-Op. SHP believes that “no kids sleep on the floor in our town,” and the co-op helps so many people by making them feel loved. We volunteer there as well.
