For the past five years, Chris Nedza and Cindy Howell have called Chateau Elan home, embracing all that the vibrant community has to offer. With its stunning landscapes, golf cart-friendly streets, and a close-knit neighborhood vibe, it's no wonder they made the move here in 2019 after living in Sugarloaf Country Club for many years. 

 

Cindy spent the early part of her career as the owner of 43 hair salons, but 10 years ago she decided to pursue her lifelong passion of helping people buy and sell their homes. She became a Keller Williams Luxury Real Estate agent and has never looked back. When asked, Chris had this to say: “We nicked named Cindy “Special Agent”, because she does things NOBODY would do. I remember one cold rainy day; it was Cinco de mayo and Cindy had an open house the following weekend. She went door to door with flyers and invited every neighbor in the neighborhood to the open house. She came home cold and wet, but that open house was a success, and I am amazed by her determination. I have many stories about the joys and tragedies she helps navigate. It’s her mission field and many times I’ve witnessed Cindy on the phone late into the night with an overwhelmed client, or a recent widow, or children who lost their parents and didn’t know what to do with the estate. She takes no shortcuts no matter what the home price point is. Her eye for detail with all facets: staging, pricing, photography, inspections, appraisals, contracts and closings is a labor of love. I’ve also watched her coach many agents. She serves others with joy and gives her all. I also think she’s wonder woman because she does all of this while also being the mother of our 6 sons, 3 daughter-in laws and 5 grandchildren. She’s beautiful - inside and out!"

 

Chris, on the other hand, is an entrepreneur through and through. He has founded, funded, scaled and exited several companies in a wide range of industries. He is currently serving on the faculty/staff of Georgia Tech where he leads a team with a mission of helping technology companies from ideation to scale. He also works as a fractional Chief Strategy Officer as a consultant and helps companies with their organizational design and go-to-market strategy. For fun Chris plays golf, and is drummer in a neighborhood band (led by Jack Humble). But you’ll rarely find Chris and Cindy apart. They do life well together and are so in love with each other. 

 

Community involvement is a significant part of their lives. They serve their church, 12Stone, by leading small groups focused on marriage, including the reEngage program, where they have witnessed the transformative power of God’s healing hand in relationships. Chris shared “Cindy and I understand the pain of divorce and the damage it causes. Marriage is easy, and average marriage is the norm. However an exceptional marriage is within everyone’s reach, but it takes intentionality, and Cindy and I love helping couples create a marriage just like ours."

 

Chris joined several Chateau Elan neighbors including Mayor, Kurt Ward, Rhonda Stites, Marc Carson, Larry Monroe, Cindy Green, Russel Smith, and Jeff Ford in launching Braselton Tech, Braselton’s technology business incubator. Their goal is attracting high paying jobs to the area by helping technology companies launch and scale in Braselton. 

 

The couple loves camping with their family and friends. They frequently hit the road in their Class A Motorhome and recently completed an epic 5-week cross-country trip with 3 other couples from Chateau Elan. We laughed, cried, sang, and saw some of the most beautiful sites this country has to offer. 

 

But for Chris and Cindy, their greatest achievements are their six grown sons and being Pops and Cici to their five grandchildren: Joshua and Sarah Michelle Bloodworth, (Billy, Henry); Clayton and Brittany Nedza; Jon Bloodworth; Joe and Madison Nedza, (Valley, Auggie); Jack Nedza; and Ben Nedza, (Jayce). "All six of our sons live within 45 miles of us, so we spend lots of time together - what a blessing!" Cindy notes. 

 

As empty nesters, Chris and Cindy enjoy riding electric bikes and off-roading in their Jeep. “We’re nuts about ‘WHEELING’—taking our Jeep off-road and riding through mud, rivers, rocks, and mountains,” Cindy says with a smile. Bare Bones in Buford is their favorite local go-to restaurant, where they appreciate the good food and relaxed atmosphere. And when in Athens cheering on the Dawgs, they go to the best burger joint in the world, Baddies Burgers! (Their son Joe is the owner)

 

For Chris and Cindy, Chateau Elan is the greatest community they’ve ever been part of. “We are incredibly thankful for the opportunity to live, work, and play in this area,” they say, reflecting on their journey. With a thriving family, successful careers, and a deep connection to their community, Chris and Cindy are truly living the dream at Chateau Elan.