Gary Abanatha – Mechanic, fixer of all things, technical support, and website builder
Heather Abanatha – Owner of the dirt road boutique
Colt Abanatha • Age 11, Owner of CG toys
Tell us how you and your spouse met and how long you have been married.
Gary and I met out and about in Paducah through a mutual friend. Gary figured out my love language of coffee and flowers early on. He knew the way to my heart. We have been married 13 years in March. We even share the same birthday.
Tell us about where each of you grew up and how you landed in the region.
Gary – He grew up in the Heath area. His family is from here.
Heather – I am a preacher’s kid, so we moved multiple times. We started in Ballard, moved to Clinton, moved to Heath, and lastly put down roots in Lone Oak where I graduated high school.
What is your favorite holiday?
Christmas is our favorite holiday. I love Christmas trees. I may have a slight obsession. Gary absolutely loves Christmas music. He could sing it all year. Colt loves Christmas and all the decorations.
What is your favorite thing about the region?
We love the support that the local community gives. People come together and help each other and support local business.
How do you spend your summer breaks?
We are home bodies. We love to grill and sit outside, finished with a drive downtown for ice cream and a moonlight drive.
What does your spouse do to make you feel special?
Gary really listens to me. He makes the coffee every morning. He values my opinion and we do things as a team. He never shoots down my ideas. He helps me achieve my goals. My parents are a big part of my life. He is loving and caring with my parents. He will call or text them on his own. He has his own relationship with them.
How do you manage work and family time?
Work/life balance is the hardest thing to do well as a small business owner. I am a planner which helps. Gary and I tag team with Colt. As far as homework, school things, etc., Gary pitches in to help more in that area so I can stay involved at The Dirt Road. We are closed on Sundays. Sundays are our family days. Sunday is spent at church followed by a big family lunch each week. It’s a good way to dedicate time to your family.
Does your family have a motto? If so, what is it?
We call ourselves the three amigos. Our slogan would be • your attitude is everything • it controls the situation.
What are the core values of your family?
Faith, family, freedom. Faith is a huge part of our everyday. We love our church and put God first. Family is a big deal to us. We are very close and do everything together. Freedom. Gary served in the Army for nine years. We are thankful for our military and everyone who has or is serving.
Do you have any family traditions?
Our happy place is going to the beach. We drive wherever we go. Road trip. Gary, Colt, and I search for the first palm tree we see. The person to spot it and call it out gets $20.
What brings you the greatest joy as a parent?
I love watching Colt grow up. His love for his family, church, and community is so big. I love to watch him give back. He has a kind heart.
Tell us something interesting about your family.
We absolutely love our cat, Meow. We were not “cat” people. She came to us during a difficult time and she has changed us for the better. We absolutely, positively do not know what we would do without her. She is our joy.
Do you have nicknames for your kids?
Colt has so many nicknames. Turkey would be the main one.
Is there something we didn’t ask that you think we should include?
One different thing about us is that we all work together. We go to market for the store as a family. We do maintenance, floor moves, and decorations as a family. We all three pitch in to make the small business a reality. The Dirt Road and CG toys is a huge part of the Abanathas.
Questions for the kids: What’s your favorite thing to do as a family?
Colt’s favorite thing is to go to the beach. We cook all week, go crab hunting at night, spend all the time together. He makes homemade strawberry pie with my mom.
