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Living in North Georgia

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GET TO KNOW Winning at work and life.

HOLIDAYS The bright side of small holiday celebrations.

HOLIDAYS Gifts that can make social distancing more enjoyable.

HOLIDAYS Tips for successfully gifting teens.

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TASTE OF HOME Stock the pantry with holiday baking ingredients.

NOTICE OF CORRECTION: In the October issue of HOME magazine, we misspelled the name of Brian Moore in the photo caption on page 5. We apologize for the error.

November 2020 | HOME | 3

GET TO KNOW

WINNING IN WORK AND LIFE

C

asey Ryals, recently published author and agency manager for Hall County Farm Bureau Insurance, once called an acquaintance in Kentucky for advice on how to meet the needs of clients while making a profit. Ryals — who sells home, life, farm, and auto insurance — always knew that putting the customer first would get him further in his career. He was unprepared for the advice he got, though.

“He [my acquaintance] told me a story about his son, who had died of cancer, and he was talking about life insurance,” said Ryals. “He said, ‘I want to be, for every client that I come in contact with, like my son’s agent was for him. My son had a life insurance policy and that guy who sold my son his life insurance made sure that [my son’s] family was taken care of… that’s the thing that steers me.’”

That piece of advice shaped the basic,

4 | HOME | November 2020

STORY BY M. GILLAN RITCHIE

fundamental principles that Ryals still applies to his day-to-day operations as an insurance and risk management professional.

It was also that piece of advice that shaped the idea for Ryals’ newest book long before he realized he even wanted to write one.

Ryals’ newest book, Last to Least, focuses on self-management and helps readers create a new direction for winning in work and life. Ryals’ book encourages readers to uncover what is guiding their professional journey and how to enjoy higher work productivity and satisfaction.

“When people start thinking about their work, they almost always have this sense that surely there’s something more,” Ryals said. “It’s like you fell asleep during the climax of an epic movie, only to wake up and watch the credits roll… Then we look into our future and we start to wonder, ‘Which career will give me what I want? Is it too risky to start my own business? Is it too late to go back to school? Will a degree even

help me at all?’”

Ryals can speak from personal experience. Years ago, he was enrolled at the Medical College of Georgia, and he was making good grades. But during his clinical, he realized that medicine was not his calling. Ryals had a friend who was in the insurance business at the time who felt like Ryals would be successful in the industry.

“Like most people do, I just needed a job. Nobody grows up thinking, ‘I want to be an insurance man one day,’” Ryals said.

“I got into it because I had a buddy of mine that was in [the] insurance business … he was like ‘man, I think this is something that I think you’d enjoy.’ And I thought that I’d do that for a little bit until I find something that I really want to do. But what I realized is that what I do love is people.”

When Ryals managed his first office with Hall County Farm Bureau Insurance, there was an employee that ranked third from last across the entire company. Ryals started lay-

ing out principles for the employee to follow, and a year later, that same employee was third from the top.

“We were kind of joking about it and I called him Sid Bream,” said Ryals. “... the 1990-91 Braves, they went from worst to first. [In] 1990, they were the worst placed team in the national league and in 1991, they were in first place … he [the employee] went from last to least.”

One of the basic principles that Ryals uses to coach others is that transactions with clients are more important than profits and incentives. An individual needs to understand that their work shouldn’t be so self-centered. Profits and incentives are massively important, but the needs of the client should be met first and profits second.

“No matter what work we’re talking about, what you’re doing is making yourself the least important person in the transaction, and make whoever you’re serving the most important person in the conversation,” Ryals said.

In his current position at Hall County Farm Bureau Insurance, Ryals recruits, coaches, and trains new agents and customer service representatives. In addition

to working as an agency manager, Ryals also runs a trucking company with his brother.

It was always a dream of Ryals to run a small business; when the opportunity presented itself, he and his brother invested in a used dump truck. The business started off as a hauling company, but today, the brothers’ business focuses on asphalt.

Ryals isn’t just committed to his profession; he’s committed to his community and his family. He is a part-time pastor for his church, and he leads worship at the church’s campus in Clermont. Ryals is also the Board Chair of the North Georgia Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and sits on the Board of Georgia Mountain Food Bank, Board of North Hall Community Educational Foundation, and Hall County Chamber of Commerce.

His number one priority in life is his wife, Alli, and their three girls, ages 8, 6, and 5. Ryals jokes that he is the only person who has ever written a book while playing Go Fish. The process was hectic, and he did it when he could, but it was something that Ryals felt so passionate about the topic.

“I just know that people need to hear this message so badly,” Ryals said. “It will change the way people work… I am so con-

fident that if people learn to work this way, it will change everything about the way they feel about work. It will change their engagement with work.”

When Ryals isn’t working, he loves going hiking with his family up near Helen and spending time on Lake Lanier. He also loves spending time in the metro Atlanta area because of its diversity. Several times a year, the family also vacations at a beach that lies between Destin and Panama — known as 30A Beaches.

“Last to Least” is now available for purchase on Ryals’ website (lasttoleast.com) and Amazon. H

LEFT: Casey Ryals, newly published author, talks about the importance of changing direction and enjoying higher productivity at work and in life as a result.

RIGHT: Casey Ryals poses with his wife, Alli, and their three daughters Livie, Aliza, and Anna Brooks.

OPPOSITE PAGE: Casey Ryals talks to a client about his latest book, Last to Least.

Photos provided by The Stoke Creative Agency.

November 2020 | HOME | 5

HOLIDAYS

The Bright Side of

SMALL HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS

T

o say the novel coronavirus COVID-19 changed life would be an understatement. Due to COVID-19, the way people interact with one another has changed dramatically over the last several months. Despite this, the public has proven very resilient and adaptive, often finding a silver lining while confronting challenges that might once have seemed insurmountable.

The holidays are one aspect of life that have been modified as people continue to navigate the new normal. It’s easy to lament the fact that extended family may not be able to travel or celebrate the holidays together. However, there is something to be said for small celebrations. The following are some of the positive aspects of scaling back holiday festivities.

MORE PERSONAL Certainly it can be great to see distant cousins or old college roommates for the holidays. But the more people who you see each holiday season, the less personal interaction you get. When the holidays are scaled back, dinner becomes more intimate and everyone can exchange gifts and see their loved ones’ reactions.

REDUCED EXPENSES Putting out an extensive holiday spread and entertaining 10 or more people can be expensive. Small gatherings are less expensive because there’s fewer mouths to feed.

ABILITY TO SPLURGE On the other side of the financial coin, having fewer people for the holidays means one can indulge on items that may not be possible when hosting a crowd. Therefore,

if chicken was normally on the menu, it could be possible to upgrade to a roast or something indulgent like lobster and other seafood. In addition, a small holiday celebration may free up the budget to spend more on gifts.

SPECIAL TOUCH When there are only a few people celebrating, hosts can go the extra mile to give celebrations a special touch. Create a special holiday dessert even if the recipe is time-consuming. In addition, immediate family can pile into the car to tour the neighborhood decorations, something that may not be as manageable with a motorcade of relatives.

While holiday celebrations may need to be scaled back this year, small gatherings can produce some pleasant, unanticipated benefits. H

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November 2020 | HOME | 7

HOLIDAYS

GIFTS THAT CAN MAKE SOCIAL DISTANCING MORE ENJOYABLE

E

xchanging gifts with loved ones is a holiday season tradition. That tradition figures to continue this year, though families will almost certainly have to adjust the ways they exchange gifts.

The outbreak of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 in the winter of 2019-20 changed how people across the globe live their lives. Social distancing guidelines encouraged people to limit get-togethers, particu-

COOKING CLASSES Many people have spent the last several months honing their culinary skills. Gift givers can help them take those skills to the next level by enrolling them in online cooking classes. The options are endless and some even include access to legendary celebrity chefs like Gordon Ramsay. Many online cooking classes feature monthly memberships or single classes, making them ideal for loved ones of all skill and interest levels.

STREAMING SUBSCRIPTION Movie theaters have been closed for months in many areas. But movie lovers still want to see their favorite flicks, so a streaming subscription to a service such as 8 | HOME | November 2020

larly indoor gatherings. Experts anticipate restrictions on indoor gatherings will continue in the early part of the winter of 2020-21, which could force families to rethink how they get together during the holiday season.

Families also may want to think outside the box when buying gifts for their loved ones, targeting items that can make social distancing easier. The following gift ideas can make a socially distant holiday season that much more special for a loved one.

Netflix or Amazon Prime can be just what they need to stay entertained while social distancing this winter. For fans of classic films, including indie movies, foreign films and big studio productions, a subscription to the Criterion Channel might make the perfect gift. Curated by the Criterion Collection, this streaming service provides access to a library of more than 1,000 classic and contemporary films, making it an ideal gift for the family film buff.

TECHNOLOGY Technology has helped many people stay connected with friends and family while social distancing, so a new tablet, laptop or desktop computer can be just what people need to fully engage in family Zoom

sessions or weekly virtual happy hours with coworkers and friends. If a new tablet or laptop stretches your budget, consider a pair of noise-canceling headphones, which can make it easier to concentrate while working remotely in a crowded house.

CRAFTING KIT Hobbyists may have had their passions for crafting reinvigorated while social distancing, making a crafting kit an ideal gift to help them fill their downtime. Beginner’s kits also can make an ideal gift for novices looking for an engaging, time-consuming hobby.

Certain gifts can be a perfect fit during a socially distant holiday season. H

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November 2020 | HOME | 9

HOLIDAYS

TIPS FOR SUCCESSFULLY

Gifting Teens G

iving gifts during the holiday season may be rewarding, but certain people on your shopping list may leave you scratching your head wondering what to buy.

Teenagers often fall into that confusing category. As trends and interests change at a moment’s notice, adults may not know what to get the teenagers on their list. These suggestions can set you on the right course.

can enjoy their favorite streaming music stations or binge Netflix series without disturbing others.

using and then purchase gift cards, points or e-codes so that they can get new games or enjoy in-app purchases and upgrades.

GYM EQUIPMENT

SCHOOL FUNDING

Adolescents are conscious of their personal health and body image. To foster positive experiences, gift givers can encourage healthy physical activity. A gym membership or personal fitness equipment can help teens get on track with a weekly regimen.

GADGETS

LUGGAGE/TRAVEL GEAR

Teens like staying abreast of the latest technology, and what better way to do so than with hot-off-the-assembly-line products? Moderns teens use multiple mobile devices — from tablets to smartphones to notebook computers — so an outlet multiplier with surge protection could be the way to go. A charging caddy that keeps all of their devices organized and within reach while replenishing the batteries can make for another go-to gift.

While shopping for gadgets, think about investing in Bluetooth-enabled earbuds or over-the-ear headphones. This way teens

A thirst for exploration may inspire teens to travel the country or the world.

A high-quality piece of luggage can be a building block for teens’ travel gear. Other travel items to consider are RFID blocker ID and credit card holders, money toward a passport or an overnight toiletries bag.

Some gifts can focus on the future, including teens’ education. Consider donating to or opening up an account to help fund college costs. Different plans have different annual contribution limits and tax deferments, so it’s a good idea to speak with a financial professional to figure out which avenue is right for you and your gift recipient.

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GAMING Many teens immerse themselves in gameplay, whether solo or online multiplayer. Games can be enjoyed while using various consoles, computers and even smartphones. Find out which platform teens are

RETAILER GIFT CARDS Teenagers always enjoy some extra purchasing power, so gift cards to their favorite retailers are likely to be a hit. If you’re not sure where the teen on your list shops, consider a gift card good for any store in a local mall.

Shopping for gifts for teens can be a little easier if shoppers get a nudge in the right direction. H

TASTE OF HOME

STOCK THE PANTRY WITH

Holiday Baking M

INGREDIENTS

any holiday traditions begin with family and friends gathered in the kitchen or around the dinner table. Food is an integral part of celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas and Chanukah, and key components of each holiday are tied exclusively to food.

Come the holiday season, many people gather to

make delicious desserts for holiday dinners or even as gifts. The right ingredients are necessary to produce a bounty of baked goods. It’s also essential to ensure those ingredients are fresh, as age can compromise the taste of some spices, and leavening ingredients like yeast, baking soda and baking powder may lose efficacy over time.

✽ FLOURS: All-purpose flour is versatile and useful in many recipes. In addition, bread flour, cake flour and pastry flour have attributes that make them better suited for their respective jobs than all-purpose flour. Individuals who follow certain diets, including gluten-free diets, can find alternative flours that can be substituted in many different recipes.

✽ YEAST: Yeast takes more time to metabolize and cause doughs to rise than other leavening agents.

✽ BAKING SODA: This leavening agent is activated when it is combined with acid and heat. That is why it is often paired with citrus juice, buttermilk and sour cream.

✽ SALT: Granulated table salt is used in everyday baking.

✽ BAKING POWDER: This leavening agent is baking soda mixed with a powdered acid and cornstarch. If baking soda is the only leavening agent, it will not require the addition of another acidic ingredient. “Doubleacting” means carbon dioxide bubbles will form during mixing and again during heating.

✽ SUGAR: Granulated sugar is the most common sugar found in recipes.

Confectioner’s sugar (powdered sugar) is used in frosting and icings. Brown sugar is refined sugar with molasses added, and is used in certain recipes, like gingerbread.

✽ UNSALTED BUTTER: Unsalted butter will be the default for baked goods unless the recipe specifically mentions salted butter. ✽ EGGS: Eggs help to bind ingredients together. Large eggs are most often cited in many baking recipes. ✽ MILK: Dairy adds moisture and texture to batters. Alternative milks, such as soy or almond milk, can sometimes be substituted, but the resulting texture

may change. ✽ VEGETABLE OIL: Many recipes call for vegetable oil, which has a neutral flavor. ✽ SHORTENING: Shortening is a solid vegetable fat used to make tender baked goods. Shortening also has a higher melting point, which helps cookies and other items retain their shape while cooking. ✽ FLAVORINGS: It is helpful to have various spices and extracts on hand.

Cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice are some common baking spices. Almond and vanilla extracts are quite versatile and add extra punch to recipes. ✽ ADDITIONS: Mix-ins, such as chocolate chips, cocoa powder, oats, nuts, and dried fruits, often turn up in holiday recipes. H

November 2020 | HOME | 11

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