Name: Jorgia McAfee
Birthdate: May 30, 1981
Where were you born? Gainesville!
What are your community activities? (church or faith-based involvement, local, regional and national professional organizations, non-profits, etc)
Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce – Diplomat & Co-Chair of an Entrepreneur Roundtable
BANCF – Currently serve on several committees. Former Membership Chair, Ambassador Chair, and Silent Auction Chair
Junior Achievement – Taught for Diploma-See Day for two years
Temple Shir Shalom – brand new member.
List any awards you have won for community service:
Security Systems News Magazine Top 20 Under 40 – 2009
BANCF Associate of the Year – 2005
What is your definition of success?
Doing what you love with people who you enjoy working with. For me, success is very much tied in to the ability to spend time with my family. This is one of the great rewards in working at Crime Prevention – I get to spend my days helping to keep our community safe while working with my husband Bobby McAfee, sister Jessica McKinney, and parents John Pastore and Randi Elrad.
What is your greatest professional accomplishment?
My “professional” life is so divergent that it’s really hard to isolate one defining moment in my career.
In my Crime Prevention career, my greatest professional accomplishment was launching a live-redundant monitoring center in Gainesville and Atlanta. I worked with our incredible team to accomplish this complicated technical feat. As a result, our customers have enjoyed a greater peace of mind knowing that we will be there for them no matter what happens.
As an actor, I am very proud of the work I have done at the Hippodrome. I appeared in five mainstage productions, including the smash hit “The Great American Trailer Park Musical.” I look forward to the opportunity to return to that stage when my son is a little older.
With my production company, I think my greatest professional accomplishment (to date) is just on the horizon. It has always been my dream to write and produce a creative work. And, my new media series “Status” is currently in pre-production, set to film in early 2014.
How do you exemplify the spirit of a Forty Under 40 professional?
I believe that the way in which I exemplify the spirit of a Forty Under 40 professional is that I am in constant pursuit of excellence and meaning in my work and in my life.
Businessperson who has most inspired you:
Both of my parents, John Pastore and Randi Elrad, have been huge inspirations to me professionally. They founded Crime Prevention when they were very young and very poor. Over nearly 40 years, they have grown this business to be one of the top 100 companies in the United States and one that is nationally recognized for excellence.
However, the person who has most inspired me is a champion of business, author Ayn Rand. I read her novel “Atlas Shrugged” when I was in high school and it has dramatically affected the way I view life. Her book celebrated the pursuit of an individual’s passion and a constant determination to be the best. I love her book for the way in which it continues to positively influence the way I make decisions in my life. And, I love that this book, and the philosophy of Objectivism that she founded, celebrates Capitalism.
Best advise ever received:
There is not one singular piece of advice that I have received that has changed me. But, there is one person who continually gives me advice that helps to guide me when I am lost – my husband Bobby McAfee. Sometimes I refer to him as my “life coach.” He asks the right questions, he supports me when I am struggling, and he helps me to find my way when I need guidance.
Greatest professional challenge:
My greatest professional challenge is learning how to focus on the things that I am passionate about. I am very fortunate in that I am capable in many different areas, thanks to my early exposure to the business world through Crime Prevention. I’ve gained a good understanding of math and accounting. I am proud to be a database nerd. I am effective at professional communication and managing people. I also love belting out show tunes, while dancing in 4” heels to an audience. So, my greatest professional – and personal challenge – is focusing on doing that which brings me the most joy.
First job:
My first real job was working as a night dispatcher for Crime Prevention’s monitoring center. Although I had helped file paperwork before that experience, I consider working as an operator as my first real work experience. During college, I worked several nights a week until midnight. I loved what I was doing and really took pride in making sure our customers’ emergencies were communicated effectively and quickly.
What color crayon would you be? Why?
Purple. It’s my son Maxwell’s favorite color.
Favorite after-work drink:
Chocolate Milk. I know I should say something cool, exotic, or containing alcohol. But, I really love chocolate milk. And, cheerios. And peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Don’t get me wrong, I love wine. But, I love chocolate milk more.
If I had a magic wand, I’d:
If I had a magic wand, I’d create an invisible dome of safety around my son. That way, he could experience everything he wants to without getting injured.
What is your favorite Gadget?
I love gadgets. All of them! While my iPhone is the most versatile, I think my favorite gadget is my iMac computer. I am a recent Apple convert, although I still use a PC daily. But, the iMac’s power, speed, and beauty are all really sexy.
How long have you been in Gainesville?
My. Whole. Life. Born and raised ACR (Alachua County Resident). I do, however love to travel when the opportunity presents itself – not nearly as much as John Spence, but I love new adventures. And, of course, it’s always great to come home.
What do you love most about Gainesville/Alachua County?
As I get older, I love more and more about Gainesville and Alachua County. I love the natural beauty, the great cultural experiences available here, and the entrepreneurial spirit of the community. But, the thing I love most about Gainesville is that my family is here.
Three things people would be surprised to know about you:
I dyed my hair hot pink for a show at the Hipp in 2008. And, I would LOVE to have hot pink hair again. Just because.
My favorite thing to do is snowboard.
My husband Bobby and I are celebrating our 10-year wedding anniversary in October 2013!
Advice you would give a younger you:
Go for it. All of it!