15 Questions with Kevin Cook
In this edition of 15 Questions we meet Kevin Cook, Landscape Foreperson at Graylyn for Facilities, Real Estate, and Planning, fishing enthusiast, and occasional pyrographer.
How long have you worked at Wake Forest?
It was 25 years this past March.
In simple terms, what is your job here at Wake Forest?
The landscape team at Graylyn is part of Facilities, Real Estate, and Planning. I’m responsible for overseeing the upkeep and design of the landscape at Graylyn. We also help prepare for many special events, making sure guests have a memorable experience.
What do you like best about working at Wake Forest?
I love working outside and the freedom that I have in my job. But, I think the best part is the people, the connections, and the friendships I’ve made over the years. The people here have made all the difference, especially my team; they’ve really been a blessing to work with.
Do you have a favorite spot on campus?
Davis Chapel. My wife and I had our wedding there almost 15 years ago. It’s got a lot of character and interesting architecture. Our wedding was a really good day with family and friends, so Davis Chapel will always be a special place on campus for me.
What do you admire the most about your work at the Graylyn Estate?
The history of the architecture and the landscape. When you enter the estate, it’s like the French countryside with a winding road and big, grand trees. Also, if you’re on the second floor of the Manor House and you look out the window, you can see the symmetry and balance of the grass and flowers, which I admire.
Do you have a favorite Wake Forest tradition or activity?
My favorite is when the Demon Deacon rides the motorcycle out before athletics games. I’ve loved it ever since I was young.
How would you describe your music taste?
I like a variety of music. It seems like the older I get, the more I enjoy listening to the music I grew up on, which was classic country, Christian music, and rock.
What book or TV show or podcast would you recommend to our readers?
I like to fish, so I watch a lot of different fishing techniques. I would recommend a few people to follow, whether you’re new to fishing or more experienced.
One is Ott DeFoe. He is really good on his fine grip knot time and makes it look super easy.
I would also recommend Brian Latimer for his crankbait, rods, and soft plastics. His explanations are down to earth and simple to understand.
Lastly, I would recommend Randy Blaukat. He helps you understand the moods and personalities of different kinds of fish, and he’s also skilled with weightless worms.
What is the best piece of advice that you’ve ever received?
I have two pieces of advice that are similar.
When I was in third grade, I really wanted to play baseball, so my parents signed me up. I was the smallest kid on the team and struggling to find my spot. I remember my grandmother made me a small hand-stitched quote that she put in a frame. It said, “It’s not what you get, but what you give that determines the life you live.”
Around that same time, my parents were telling me that I should focus on what I can control, and if I put in the time and practice, good things will happen.
Those two pieces of advice have always stayed with me, especially when things aren’t going the way I thought they would. My attitude can help create a better outcome.
What is your hidden talent?
I haven’t done it much lately, but I create wood burning images as gifts that I give to family and friends.
What brings you joy?
Spending time with my wife. One of the first vacations my wife and I took was to the coast at Fort Fisher in the Kure Beach area; we try to make it an annual trip. She likes looking for shark teeth, and we both like to fish from the surf.
Also, spending the day out on a lake brings me joy. I just love being outside, where I can be thankful for the beauty of nature and what God has created.
What is your dream vacation destination?
I’ve always wanted to go to Hawaii. I’ve never been there, and to me, that seems like a dream vacation.
If you had an entirely free Saturday with no chores, no responsibilities, and an unlimited budget at your disposal, how would you spend that Saturday from sunrise to sunset?
If I had a private jet and could fly anywhere, I’d go to the Galapagos Islands, snorkel with my wife to see the turtles, and relax at sea on a catamaran.
If you could instantly become an absolute expert in any skill or subject overnight, purely for fun, not for work, what would it be?
Fishing—bass fishing, specifically. I’ve fished all my life, but I never fully realized how much technique is involved in bass fishing. Bass fishing is one of those activities where no matter how much I do it, I’m always learning something new and it stays challenging.
What is the greatest gift that you’ve ever received?
The intangibles, like the gift of my family and my life, are the greatest gift I’ve received.
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