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Winder Works Podcast
Winder Works is the official podcast of the City of Winder, bringing you behind the scenes of the people and projects shaping our community. Hosted by the City Administrator, each episode dives into the initiatives that make Winder a great place to live, work, and visit.
From infrastructure improvements to local events, public safety updates, and city services, Winder Works keeps you informed and engaged. The first season focuses on City of Winder employees and what they are doing to make Winder a better place to live. Whether you're a longtime resident or new to town, tune in to hear firsthand from city leaders, employees, and community members about the work that keeps Winder running.
Listen to Winder Works on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or whever you enjoy podcasts!
Season 1, Episode 1: Inside the Role of a City Administrator
Ever wondered what a day in the life of a city administrator looks like? In our first episode, City of Winder Administrator Jonathan Lynn talks about how he got his start in city government and the path that let him to Winder. Tune in for an insightful conversation about leadership, problem-solving, and the dedication it takes to serve our community.
Season 1, Episode 2: Inside the Role of City Planning & Development
Beth Reynolds, Director of Development Services for the City of Winder, discusses why planning and development matters for a city. She shares her journey into city planning and zoning, and even a few fun facts—like her love for kayaking and mapping historic cemeteries.
We break down complex topics like code enforcement, city planning, and mapping in a way anyone can understand (think building a town out of Legos!). Beth also addresses some common misconceptions about the planning department, explains how residents can get involved in shaping Winder’s future, and talks about the city's challenges and opportunities as it experiences rapid growth.
Season 1, Episode 3: Inside the Role of City Utilities
Horace Gee, Utilities Director for the City of Winder, discusses what it really takes to keep a city running behind the scenes. From managing water, gas, wastewater, and stormwater systems to preparing for population growth and extreme weather, Horace offers an eye-opening look at the essential work his team does every single day.
He also shares one of the city’s most ambitious projects to date: converting an old rock quarry into a billion-gallon water reservoir that will secure Winder’s water future for decades. Learn how this forward-thinking initiative—and smart reuse of treated wastewater—supports sustainable growth while protecting vital natural resources.
Season 1, Episode 4: What's Going on with Winder's Roads?
Ever wonder who decides which streets get paved—or why that traffic light never seems to be in sync? In this episode, Winder City Engineer Gerard Brewer pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to keep a city running.
From potholes to pavement condition scores, from drainage to development, Gerard explains how the engineering team is tackling Winder’s aging roads, explosive growth, and limited resources—all while staying laser-focused on getting the most value for your tax dollars.
Season 1, Episode 5: Captain Rob Curott Signs Off After 31 Years
Retiring Winder Police Captain Rob Curott looks back on 31 years of service to the city. He shares reflections from his decades in uniform, including chasing down drug dealers, working the 1996 Olympics, and the time he watched Animal Control wrestle a furious muskrat. You'll also hear about a suspect who outran a Crown Vic—briefly—and the crime scene that earned him a nomination for World’s Dumbest Criminals.
With humor, humility, and heart, Captain Rob offers advice for new officers and thoughts on how the public and law enforcement can better understand each other.
Season 1, Episode 6: Inside the Role of Customer Service
What’s it really like to run the hub where thousands of Winder residents go to pay bills, ask questions, and solve problems? In this episode, Michele Melville, Director of the City of Winder’s Customer Service Center, takes us behind the counter.
From water bills and property taxes to leak adjustments and garbage service, Michele’s team serves more than 22,000 customers with accuracy, kindness, and a steady hand—even when emotions run high. She shares her journey from cashier to director, explains how smart meter technology helps residents track their usage, and highlights the importance of empathy and active listening in every interaction.
Michele also talks about how her department supports residents facing financial hardship, why communication is key to avoiding service interruptions, and what it means to be the first impression of the city.
Whether you’ve ever wondered what goes on at the Customer Service Center or just want to hear how Winder puts people first, this episode offers an inside look at the team that keeps the city running smoothly.
Season 1, Episode 7: Inside the Role of Public Works
Ever wonder who maintains the street signs, why the White’s Mill Trail is always packed, or what really happens when you call in a pothole? In this episode, Winder Public Works Director Clint Cannon shares what it takes to keep the city running day to day.
From right-of-way maintenance to major generational projects, Clint talks about balancing safety and service, tackling everything from trash pickup to billion-gallon water storage, and why public works is really about having a servant mindset.
Season 1, Episode 8: Behind the Scenes of Winder's Signature Events
Ever wonder how Spooktacular comes together, how many pieces of candy it takes to keep thousands of trick-or-treaters happy, or why Winder’s events seem to get bigger every year? In this episode, Winder’s Director of Special Events, Talore Ruedt, pulls back the curtain on what it takes to plan the city’s most popular community experiences.
From closing streets and coordinating 60-float parades to booking bands a year in advance and tracking event impact with real data, Talore shares how events drive foot traffic downtown, support local businesses, and bring neighbors together. She also reveals details about Winder’s newest major celebration — Celebrate America — coming next year.
Season 1, Episode 9: Firefighting, Leadership, and 50 Pit Vipers with Chief Matt Whiting
What does it take to serve a city for more than three decades—and still show up every day with purpose? In this episode, Winder Fire Chief Matt Whiting shares his journey from a 20-year-old part-timer to leading a modern, 42-member fire department. Chief Whiting talks about the passion that drew him into the fire service, how Winder has changed over 33 years, and why leadership, at its core, is about trusting your team and taking care of your people.
He also discusses how technology like thermal imaging cameras has transformed firefighting, the rise of battery-related fires, and why medical calls now make up the majority of the department’s workload.