Listen Now!

Business Talk 24-7

Curated Collection Of The Best Interviews From Across The Network





Ed Brown with DataScan and Rick Folea with AutomationDirect.com

Mike Sammond, Ed Brown, Rick Folea

Ed Brown/DataScan

DataScan provides clarity to wholesale loan accounting and manages risk with a holistic auditing solution. As a global leader, DataScan offers comprehensive solutions to banks, independent finance companies and captive financial institutions.

 

 

Rick Folea/AutomationDirect.com

In business since 1994, AutomationDirect is a distributor of factory automation products, including PLCs, operator interfaces, AC drives, motors, stepper systems, sensors, motor controls, enclosures and more. Their prices are typically well below the list price of more traditional automation companies because of their modern online business model where you just drop parts in the shopping cart and hit buy now. Most products are in stock and shipped same day via 2-day delivery. Orders over $49 get free two-day delivery; some limitations apply. For more information, contact them at 800-633-0405 or visit www.automationdirect.com.

Janelle Fitzpatrick with the Stair Barrier, Dan Linihan with Atlanta Diamond Design, and Ashley Booth with Roswell Infiniti

Mike Sammond, Janelle Fitzpatrick, Dan Linihan, Ashley Booth, John Ray

Janelle Fitzpatrick/Stair Barrier

Better Options, LLC designs, manufactures and sells patented safety gates to the baby and pet markets under The Stair Barrier® brand. The Stair Barrier provides a safe and attractive solution to keep children off stairs and pets contained to one level of the home. The product is mom-invented and made in the USA with sustainable materials.  This innovative gate does not require two flat surfaces for installation, attaches to banisters with ease and rolls neatly to the side when not in use.

Dan Linihan/Atlanta Diamond Design

Atlanta Diamond Design is a family owned and operated local jeweler with two locations in Georgia. The owner is Izzy Israeli, a bench jeweler himself. Izzy was trained by His father-in-law, who was a Holocaust survivor and was forced to make jewelry and counterfeit coins for Nazi officers after they kiled his family. Izzy was trained over 36 years ago and has been a jeweler ever since. There is an amazing passion for jewelry and personal service that cannot be matched. Atlanta Diamond Design specializes in custom made jewelry, repairs, and appraisals.

Ashley Booth/Roswell Infiniti

As one of the nation’s original Infiniti dealers, Roswell Infiniti has witnessed the growth of our area and how today’s customers expect and demand more than ever before. Their goal is to exceed your expectations. Their satisfied customers, many of them repeat customers, come from all over Georgia and the Southeast because buying or leasing a new Infiniti from Roswell Infiniti is both a pleasant and rewarding experience.

 

 

 

Jon-Paul Croom with WellStar North Fulton Hospital, Tracey Grace with IBEX IT Business Experts, and John Hipes with Hipes and Belle Isle

John Ray, Jon-Paul Croom, Tracey Grace, John Hipes, Mike Sammond

Jon-Paul Croom/WellStar North Fulton Hospital

On April 1, 2016, North Fulton Hospital became part of WellStar Health System. The hospital was renamed WellStar North Fulton Hospital. In the past year, leaders at WellStar have shared the not-for-profit’s vision to deliver world-class healthcare with the hospital’s team members, physicians, patients and community. Today, the 202-bed facility, located in Roswell, is recognized for its Accredited Cancer Program and Primary Stroke Center designations, and is one of only three state-designated Level II Trauma Centers in metro Atlanta. WellStar North Fulton Hospital is known for providing a continuum of services through its centers and programs, including neurosciences, orthopedics, cardiology, women’s services, rehabilitation, surgical services and oncology. With this combination of commitment and expertise, North Fulton caters services to the unique healthcare needs of all patients.

Tracey Grace/IBEX IT Business Experts

IBEX IT Business Experts, LLC (IBEX) is an Award-Winning Consulting, Training and IT Service and Support firm working with Federal and Local Government, Healthcare and Corporate entities across the United States.  IBEX is an 8(a) and Woman Owned Small Business with a niche in Business Process Management and brings this to all engagements, whether they are Process Improvement focused or not.  The IBEX key advantage as they compete in the marketplace, is their strong team of employees empowered to decide in the best interest of their customer. They excel with their hands-on experience in consulting, benchmarking and best practices and out pace with their strong partner network. They help their customers Win!

John Hipes/Hipes and Belle Isle

John Hipes has been practicing law for more than 29 years and is a founding member of the Hipes & Belle Isle law firm located in Alpharetta, Georgia.  John practices commercial litigation, including insurance coverage, construction, real estate, employment, and partnership and shareholder disputes. He has successfully resolved and tried numerous business and contract lawsuits on behalf of policyholders, including issues involving bad faith, fraud, arson, theft, cancellation procedures, and coverage interpretation.

Tina McKenna of McKenna Media Group, Carrie Roeger of Windsong Properties and Chris Miller of North Fulton Wills

John Ray, Tina McKenna, Chris Miller, Carrie Roeger, Mike Sammond

Tina McKenna/McKenna Media Group

McKenna Media Group does all the things that a large ad agency does, but with the intense focus of a smaller agency… without the overhead. Their BIG agency talent (over 75 years plus combined experience) provides strong conceptual thinking with top quality implementation. They consider themselves an extension of your marketing department – working in close partnership with you. And they believe in an intimate and collaborative approach, working as part of your team that takes your business to the next level. Whether you are looking for traditional advertising strategies, media placement or an entire marketing plan, they can help. Your media dollars are treated as if they are their own and they have continued success with boosting your marketing ROI.

Carrie Roeger/Windsong Properties

Since 2003, Windsong Properties has been building homes in North Atlanta for the active adult market, providing “empty nesters” with beautifully designed houses that are uniquely functional. For many, being an empty nester doesn’t mean elderly, and downsizing doesn’t mean entering a retirement community. So all of Windsong’s communities allow older adults to live in smaller (not small) homes while staying independent, entertaining friends, and connecting with neighbors of similar age and interests.

Windsong’s team of highly-experienced experts is committed to improving the quality of life for homeowners. That focus includes creating an interior atmosphere where residents are comfortable and happy, as well as developing unique outdoor environments perfectly matched to their needs and requirements for an active lifestyle.

Chris Miller/North Fulton Wills

Chris Miller of North Fulton Wills and his team of lawyers and legal staff guide their clients through difficult times when a loved one passes away. They also work with clients to plan for the future with Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, and Health Care Directives. Chris has experience in forming and working with Special Needs Trusts. His 17 years in practice in Alpharetta have taught him how to walk clients through and around probate in Georgia.

 

Dr. Jeff Rose with Fulton County Schools, Dr. Dionne Poulton with Poulton Consulting Group, and Gary Campbell with Hire Dynamics

John Ray, Dr. Jeff Rose, Dr. Dionne Wright Poulton, Gary Campbell

Dr. Jeff Rose/Fulton County Schools

Dr. Jeff Rose serves as Superintendent of the Fulton County School system. As the fourth largest school system in Georgia, Fulton has more than 10,500 full-time employees, including more than 7,500 teachers and other certified personnel, who work in 101 schools and administrative and support buildings.

 

Dr. Dionne Poulton/Poulton Consulting Group

Dionne Wright Poulton, Ph.D., is an HR and Leadership Consultant, Educator, Author, Speaker, and Owner of Poulton Consulting Group, LLC (PCG), an HR and Leadership Consulting business specializing in diversity and inclusion, equity, bias, intercultural communication, adult learning, adult behavior, and conflict mediation. Since its inception in 2004, PCG has worked with a wide range of diverse clients in the US and Canada, including in the San Francisco tech and digital marketing industry, K-12 schools, higher education, and many corporate and service industries. Poulton Consulting Group (PCG) is also a government-approved business for local, state and federal level contracts.

Gary Campbell/Hire Dynamics

Hire Dynamics is a 15-year-old Georgia staffing company putting 5,000 people to work every day. Last year they did 26,000 W2s. “It’s very rewarding providing jobs to people”. They specialize in Call Center, Supply Chain Logistics, Manufacturing and Office Clerical. Gary chairs the Greater North Fulton Chamber’s Talent Coalition whose mission is to improve the supply of skilled workers to fulfill business demand – to fix the regional skills gap!

 

Hans Appen with Appen Media Group, Melody Astley with FinListics Solutions, and Abe Colin with Humble Pie Pizza Company

John Ray, Hans Appen, Melody Astley, Abe Colin, Mike Sammond

Hans Appen/Appen Media Group

Appen Media Group is a multimedia news organization headquartered in Alpharetta. It publishes the Alpharetta-Roswell Herald, Johns Creek Herald, Forsyth Herald, Milton Herald, Northside Woman, Education Answer Book, Relocation Answer Book, Medical Answer Book, Seniors Answer Book, and operates northfulton.com and multiple other niche websites and social media platforms.

Melody Astley/FinListics Solutions

FinListics Solutions  is an Alpharetta based company that helps B2B sales and marketing organizations to speak the language of business with their clients.  Using software and education, they help sellers better understand their clients and clients industry, and help them to understand how their solutions align with their clients’ goals.  Once they know how their client thinks, they can engage in more meaningful executive conversations and articulate the financial and operational improvement that their solution delivers.  This leads to better client relationships and more sales.

Abe Colin/Humble Pie Pizza Company

Local Humble Pie Pizza Company Chef Abe Colin finished big in the International Pizza Challenge recently which featured contestants from all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Italy, Greece, Austria, Scotland, and Japan. Chef Abe placed 5th in the World as well as 2nd in the Southeast region in the non-traditional pizza category. The Challenge is part of the annual International Pizza Expo which is billed as the best pizza-making contest in North America. Contestants bring their own ingredients and must bake a pie from their pizza menu on the spot and present it to a panel of judges. The panel scores each pizza based on crust, sauce, cheese, toppings, overall taste, creativity, and appearance. Humble Pie Pizza Company owner Elek Woodliff said “We’re thrilled that Chef Abe demonstrated his skills for Humble Pie on an international stage. We know how creative and delicious his recipes are and now that’s been recognized with this competition.”

 

Tyler Jones with Carmichael Consulting Solutions and Rob Peterson with Dave & Buster’s

Steven Julian, Tyler Jones, Rob Peterson, John Ray

Tyler Jones/Carmichael Consulting Solutions

Carmichael Consulting is a professionally-staffed Managed IT Services provider focused specifically on small and medium sized business (SMB) organizations. Carmichael Consulting is well positioned to support organizations that leverage any combination of Windows, mac OS, Android, and iOS based devices. As a full-service IT solution provider, Carmichael Consulting can provide IT support as well as technology planning for business requirements spanning your entire network: from server to desktop, or mobile device, and into the cloud. Carmichael Consulting is a proud member of the Google Cloud Partners program, Apple Consultants Network, they are also Dell Partners, Cisco Meraki Partners, and members of the Microsoft Partner Program.

Rob Peterson/Dave & Buster’s

Dave & Buster’s restaurant and entertainment venue will open its first location in Alpharetta, May 22, the fourth location in Georgia, and Dave & Buster’s 98th location. The 34,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility offers the very best in food, drink and entertainment in an upscale, modern interior. Guests can play more than 150 of the latest games including the new zombie-rrific The Walking Dead Arcade Game and Zombie Snatcher. The restaurant’s mouth-watering, chef-crafted menu combines fun and flavor in American fare with the Pepperoni Pretzel Pull-Apart, and legendary Buffalo Wing Burger. Dave & Buster’s offers an innovative cocktail menu including tropical Tiki Drinks, the Original CoronaRita, Adult Snow Cones, and Glow Kones, featuring a multicolored, flashing cube.

Steve Schilling with Digital Ignition, Roger Lusby with Frazier & Deeter, and Rose Sharif with Fidelity Bank

John Ray, Rose Sharif, Roger Lusby, Steve Schilling, Mike Sammond

Steve Schilling/Digital Ignition

Digital Ignition is a tech incubator designed to foster the growth of North Georgia’s tech community. Located in Alpharetta, Georgia, Digital Ignition is committed to launching the next big North Georgia success story by supporting and inspiring today’s entrepreneurs with 45,000 square feet of unique, flexible co-working space in which to innovate, create and collaborate, along with access to experienced mentors and investors.

Roger Lusby/Frazier & Deeter

Roger Lusby is the Managing Partner of Frazier & Deeter’s Alpharetta office. He is also a member of the Tax Department in charge of coordinating tax and accounting services for our clientele. His responsibilities include a review of a variety of tax returns with an emphasis in the individual, estate, and corporate areas. Client assistance is also provided in the areas of financial planning, executive compensation and stock option planning, estate and succession planning, international planning (FBAR, SFOP), health care, real estate, manufacturing, technology and service companies. Prior to joining the firm, Roger was a Tax Supervisor with an international accounting firm.

Rose Sharif/Fidelity Bank

Fidelity was founded in 1974 and is owned by Fidelity Southern Corporation, one of the largest bank holding companies based in Atlanta with $4.5 Billion in assets and over 15000 employees. Through careful, deliberate management, and their belief in “The Golden Rule” we have grown to over 60 bank branches throughout metro Atlanta and Florida. Additionally, Fidelity Bank operates Wealth Management as well as SBA, Commercial, Indirect Automobile Financing, Construction Lending, and Mortgage offices throughout the Southeast. Fidelity Bank’s mission is to be “The Number One Community Bank with The Best Customer Service In Town.”

Mike Healy with AAA The Auto Club Group, Peter Jundt with HR Value Partners, and Geoff Banta with IKOR of Alpharetta

John Ray, Peter Jundt, Geoff Banta, Mike Healy, Mike Sammond

Mike Healy/AAA The Auto Club Group

The Auto Club Group (ACG) is the second largest AAA club in North America.  ACG and its affiliates provide membership, insurance, financial services and travel offerings to over 9 million members across eleven states and two U.S. territories including Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Michigan, Nebraska, North Dakota, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands; most of Illinois and Minnesota; and a portion of Indiana.  ACG belongs to the national AAA federation with more than 57 million members in the United States and Canada and whose mission includes protecting and advancing freedom of mobility and improving traffic safety. Motorists can map a route, identify gas prices, find discounts, book a hotel, and access AAA roadside assistance with the AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. Learn more at AAA.com/mobile. AAA clubs can be visited on the Internet at AAA.com.

Peter Jundt/HR Value Partners

Formerly an executive in the construction industry, Peter Jundt has become a leading insurance/benefits agent in the Atlanta area.  Licensed in multiple states, Peter helps businesses and individuals to understand and prepare for the impact of the Affordable Care Act (ObamaCare). Representing HealthMarkets Insurance Agency, Peter has access to the leading providers, technology and training to provide his clients with the highest level of service and expertise.  3 years ago, Peter joined forces with Brad Foley; long time friend and Chief Value Partner of HR Value Partners to broaden his portfolio of services. HR Value Partners helps businesses succeed by providing customized HR services. Whether the need is recruiting, retention, succession planning, organizational development, HR strategy, tactical support or any other HR need HR Value Partners stands ready to partner with you.  A sought out speaker, Peter has presented at various business events thought the midwest and southeast.

Geoff Banta/IKOR of Alpharetta

IKOR is a life care management company focused on maintaining or improving the quality of life for seniors or persons with disabilities. As life care managers, IKOR’s Advocates build a “Life Care Plan” based upon a client’s medical condition, financial needs, physical environment and emotional well-being. IKOR’s sole mission is to guide and assist their clients in achieving an optimal level of wellness. IKOR Advocates, which include Certified Senior Advisors, Registered Nurses and Financial Custodians can coordinate all aspects of a client’s care using cost-effective services, whether such services are provided directly by IKOR or coordinated using other senior market specialists.

Joe Iarocci with Cairnway, Dave Bernard with The Intellection Group, and Angela Ellington with Moistura Silk

John Ray, Dave Bernard, Angela Ellington, Joe Iarocci, Mike Sammond

Joe Iarocci/Cairnway

Cairnway is a collective of servant leadership promoters helping businesses apply the power of servant leadership in the workplace. Servant leadership is a powerful approach to achieving common goals in which the leader acts to serve those who are led. Cairnway offers practical servant leadership training programs for individuals and teams that seek superior results. Servant leadership works for those pursuing greater employee engagement, customer loyalty and innovation. Members of the Cairnway team appreciate every opportunity to share their expertise in management, leadership development, human resources, executive education, coaching and public speaking.

Dave Bernard/The Intellection Group

As they have done for 15 years, The Intellection Group fixes broken and stalled technology projects for CTOs, CFOs, COOs, and CEOs of organizations of all sizes. The company’s specialty is complex (and often, award-winning) SaaS projects, and they’ve become well-known as the “vendor of last resorts” for many of their clients. The Intellection Group’s work has won awards such as the TAG Excalibur Award, the TAG Top 40 Most Innovative Company Award, and the Virginia Governor’s Technology Award. The company is a recognized innovator in natural language and virtual reality technologies.

Angela Ellington/Moistura Silk

Moistura Silk hair care brand creates a sensorial approach to hair care, delivering a holistic beauty experience with an uncompromised look and feel of hair. A holistic beauty experience where technology and feelings coexist as one. The result is a hair experience that you can smell…see…feel the difference. Moistura Silk is a multicultural product for all textures of hair. The brand manufacturer is RTG Research Laboratories LLC, a personal care company located in Atlanta Georgia. RTG Research Laboratories, will focus on grassroots community efforts to include the commitment to educate young women in the field of cosmetic science.