After growing up, going to school, starting a family and beginning his business in Covington, Ryan Norton is thankful for everything the community has to offer.

Norton is an owner of Bowler Hat Films, a videography service that focuses on creating wedding films, corporate commercials and providing photo booth services. Norton also does work with Covington Rentals and Norton Storage.

Through videography, Norton has had the opportunity to work in Covington in city events and celebrations. Norton has played big roles in capturing videos for the annual Covington Fuzz Run and the Newton County Special Olympics.

“Through my work with Covington Rental, Norton Storage, and Bowler Hat Films, I have the opportunity to work with many amazing clients,” Norton said. “I am extremely thankful for all that I have gained growing up in this community.”

Norton earned his associate’s degree at Oxford College of Emory University before earning his bachelor’s degree in business from Clayton State University. Norton’s wife, Amanda, also grew up in Covington and is a teacher at Newton County STEAM Academy.

Norton’s passion for videography and media began during his time working with the youth ministry at Julia A. Porter United Methodist Church in Porterdale.

Through working with the media, Norton saw an opportunity to help people capture some of their lives’ most important moments.

“I developed a passion for working with media and creating videos to assist in teaching students. This passion quickly developed into an opportunity for me to provide videography services to others,” Norton said. “Through my work of assisting brides with wedding rentals, I noticed the need to have their special day captured on video.”

For Norton, Covington seemed like the right place for him and his family to stay and continue their careers and lives.

“After earning my bachelor’s degree in business management I married my wife, Amanda,” Norton said. “We built a house in Covington and decided that Covington was the place we wanted to live, work and raise our family.”

Norton’s daughter, Abby, is a student at the University of Georgia while his son, Will, is a student at Eastside High School.

Being one of the “Faces of Newton” meant a lot to Norton, who could not be happier for the community he lives and works in.

“I am grateful to be nominated as one of the faces of Newton,” Norton said. “I was born and raised in Covington and I am thankful to have grown up in such a great community.”