angishields, Author at Business RadioX ® Page

TMB E12: Linda Welter, Brent Aleksich, Jennifer Chenault

June 13, 2019 by angishields

Business RadioX® Community

TMB E12: Linda Welter, Brent Aleksich, Jennifer Chenault

00:00 / 57:34

Guests

Linda Welter, CEO/Principal – Caliber Group
4007 E. Paradise Falls Drive, Tucson AZ, 85712
Email: lwelter@calibergroup.com
Phone: 520-795-4500
https://www.calibergroup.com
SOCIAL MEDIA: Linda Welter’s LinkedIn | Twitter // Caliber Group’s Facebook |LinkedIn | Twitter |

Linda Welter is an entrepreneur and veteran brand marketing and reputation management strategist based in Tucson, Arizona with more than 20 years of experience creating, repositioning and protecting brand reputations.

As CEO and principal of the Caliber Group, Linda is responsible for managing and growing Caliber’s business through product and service innovations, leadership recruitment and development, customer relations, and sales and marketing campaigns. Previously, Linda served as vice president of marketing and public relations for a financial institution and account executive for an advertising and public relations agency.

She is a board member of the Tucson Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, an advisory board member of the UA’s College of Science, and a member of the Women’s President Organization (WPO), American Advertising Federation Tucson (AAFT), the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Counselor’s Academy, and the Tucson Breakfast Club.

About Caliber:

Caliber is an innovative brand marketing, public relations, and digital firm based in Tucson, representing clients who engage with audiences across the state, U.S. and internationally. For more than two decades, the firm has served as a strategic business partner for organizations repositioning mature brands, starting new brands, or facing a challenge that requires breakthrough thinking, strategy and relationships with key influencers to achieve successful outcomes.

Brent Aleksich, Tucson Project Manager for Burns & McDonnell
baleksich@burnsmcd.com Phone: 520-448-9635
https://www.burnsmcd.com/
SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook | LinkedIn

Brent was chosen by the company to lead the Burns & McDonnell Tucson office based on his natural leadership, sincere interest in the success of those who work for him and his ability to create cohesive teams. He recruits, develops, trains and mentors staff members that serve clients in Tucson and throughout Southern Arizona).

Passionate about providing opportunities for team members to grow and thrive, Brent’s team performs engineering and architectural services for clients including Tucson Electric Power and the University of Arizona.

About Burns & McDonnell

Burns & McDonnell is a full-service engineering, architecture, construction, environmental and consulting solutions firm, based in Kansas City, Missouri. Our staff of over 7,000 includes engineers, architects, construction professionals, planners, estimators, economists, technicians, and scientists, representing virtually all design disciplines. We plan, design, permit, construct and manage facilities all over the world, with one mission in mind: “Making Our Clients Succesful”.

Jennifer Chenault, Vice President Lovitt and Touche
7202 East Rosewood, Suite 200, Tucson AZ, 85710
jchenault@lovitt-touche.com
520-722-7174
https://www.lovitt-touche.com/
SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook | Instagram| LinkedIn | LinkedIn | Twitter |

Jennifer comes to Lovitt & Touche with more than 15 years of successful organizational management experience within the Higher Education Industry. She is passionate about helping businesses succeed through problem-solving, navigating risk management and organizational strategy.  She has extensive experience in training, development, human resources, and operations.

Jennifer is focused on community development and has a strong belief in supporting the local community. She currently serves the President of Greater Tucson Leadership and is an Ambassador for the Arizona Tech Council.

Past Board involvement includes Casa de la Luz Board Member, YWCA Pop Event Chair,  Oro Valley Community Foundation as  Board Member, The Idea School as Board Member, Secretary and Treasurer, American Heart Association Circle of Red and Committee member and Boys and Girls Club of Southern Arizona as Associate Board Member.

She is dually licensed in property and casualty as well as life and health insurance.  A lifelong learner, she holds a Master’s Degree in Organizational Management and loves to help businesses solve their problems with a specialized team approach. Jennifer establishes long-term relationships built on trust. She partners with her clients to provide the best programs that specifically address each company’s unique requirements.

On a personal note, Jennifer is a former Bostonian, a food and wine aficionado, “Mama Bear” to two “cubs,” and a blackjack table warmer!

About Lovitt & Touché

Collaborative. Committed. Client-Centric.

Headquartered in Arizona, Lovitt & Touché is a part of the Marsh & McLennan Agency serving Arizona and the Western region. A
subsidiary of Marsh LLC, a leading global insurance broker, and risk management advisor, we offer world-class business insurance and risk management solutions, personal insurance, bonds and surety, and employee benefits.

Despite our size, we retain the close-knit, collaborative atmosphere we were founded in 1911. Our leaders are mainstays in the Phoenix-area and Tucson communities, actively contributing their time, talent and resources for the betterment of all neighbors. We are proud to foster a culture that places community stewardship on par with performance.

Forty-Niner Golf & CC – Tucson’s Hidden Jewel

Tucson Business Radio: Conscious Capitalism Ep 9

June 13, 2019 by angishields

Business RadioX® Community

Tucson Business Radio: Conscious Capitalism Ep 9

00:00 / 1:01:07

Guests

Wendy Werden, Manager of Community Investment and Philanthropy TEP
 WWerden@tep.com

Wendy Erica Werden is an award-winning community engagement manager with more than 25 years of outreach, marketing, media, and strategic development experience. She began her career with the Fox TV affiliate in Cleveland, Ohio – then moved to Tucson, Arizona where she has worked with associations and businesses, an environmental non-profit, and media entities including PBS and NPR affiliates through the University of Arizona. She joined Arizona Congressman Ron Barber’s office as Outreach and Deputy District Director in 2012 and re-joined the Tucson Electric Power/UniSource Energy team in early 2015 as the manager of Community Investment where she manages donations totaling more than $2 million annually. In her personal time, she enjoys volunteering with animal rescue and the outdoors as a trail builder and section steward of Arizona National Scenic Trail. She is proud of her work and commitment to improving Arizona but also loves being on her horse with her trail dog on a mountain far away from the reach of her mobile phone.

Ciara Garcia | Chief Executive Officer
SOCIAL VENTURE PARTNERS TUCSON
5049 E. Broadway Blvd., Suite 233 | Tucson, AZ 85711
Direct 520.209.2878 | Main 520.622.8476 | Cell 520.449.0169
Ciara@svptucson.org

Ciara is CEO of Social Venture Partners Tucson – a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting individuals and businesses with true community impact. Using a venture philanthropy model, SVP Partners invest their time and money in vetted nonprofits through multi-year grants and capacity building projects. SVP has a 12-year track record of strengthening and scaling nonprofits – maximizing their impact in the Tucson community.

Ciara has more than 14- years’ experience leading nonprofits through strategic growth and transformation. As a community leader, Ciara recognizes the expanded impact that occurs when people come together to leverage their strengths and resources for a greater good. “The opportunity to support the Tucson community at this juncture is exciting to me,” says Ciara. “In fact, it is what I am most passionate about–bringing people together to create impact. There is so much potential when we bring the business, nonprofit and philanthropic communities together to address community issues.” 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ciara-garcia-3078a28/

About Your Hosts

McCraren Compliance
sarah@mccrarencompliance.com

Sarah McCraren is CEO and President of McCraren Compliance and is a Tucson native with a strong sense of community. Sarah spent many years in the corporate finance world specializing in the operational analysis, measurement and accountability systems, project management and software implementations. However, Sarah wanted to do work which was meaningful and would positively impact her community. She found that saving lives and reducing injuries through comprehensive safety programs fit that bill. Sarah leads the McCraren Compliance team by keeping everyone focused on their primary purpose and balancing the needs of all their stakeholders.

Sarah serves on the Board for the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration Tucson Chapter, Southwest University of Visual Arts, Conscious Capitalism Arizona and are active with the Arizona Builders Alliance, Arizona Rock Products Association and Arizona Transportation Builders.

Follow McCraren Compliance on LinkedIn and Facebook.

Retirement Evolutions
jneis@retevo.com
www.retevobiz.com

Jeremy Neis is an Investment Advisor with Retirement Evolutions and a small business operator fueled by the desire to enrich the life experience. He grew up in the Chicago area and chased the sun to get a degree at the University of Arizona in human and organizational communications. After doing so, he returned to Illinois where over the next 15 years he would find joy in co-launching and growing a technology solutions company and establishing a family. In 2014 he returned to the desert to join his current venture, Retirement Evolutions, where his focuses are: (1) Conduct planning with individuals and families so that they can maximize the likelihood of leading secure and comfortable retirements. (2) Through the business services arm, Resourceful, empower business leaders to care for the people that they will rely upon to be thriving, sustainable organizations.

Jeremy is a proud contributor to the Conscious Capitalism movement as he views it as a powerful vehicle to bring about greater prosperity and reduced suffering for our human family. Over his career he has had the privilege to work closely with hundreds of different enterprises across many markets and industries. A common theme emerges among those firms that he’s seen excel and that is to be great not just with what they are bringing to market, but also with the manner in which they are doing so.

Connect with Jeremy on LinkedIn and follow Retirement Evolutions on Facebook.

Tuesdays with Corey Episode 22

June 12, 2019 by angishields

Atlanta Business Radio

Tuesdays with Corey Episode 22

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Jane Reid is CEO of Can You Imagine? Since coaching and mentoring individuals and teams are a part of her DNA, Jane is passionate about making sure the Can You Imagine? team members are ready to take the company to the next level of success. Together they are exploring all facets of the company to find ways to improve processes which will support their ability to align, connect and drive rewarding outcomes.

Connect with Jane on LinkedIn.

Corey Rieck is the President and Founder of The Long Term Care Planning Group, a firm that specializes in delivering Long Term Care education and coverage to companies, high net worth individuals and large organizations. Since 2001, Corey has devoted his career to Long Term Care as a result of multiple personal experiences.

A neutral provider of Long Term Care Solutions since 2001, Corey brings a unique and comprehensive consultative perspective to this issue. Since 2003, part of his commitment to the Long Term Care Industry includes his having trained over 3,500 advisors from San Francisco to Wall Street on how to properly position Long Term Care to clients through the CLTC organization. Additionally, he has authored dozens of published industry articles on Long Term Care and has assisted many of the nation’s leading LTC carriers on operational and educational matters.

Joe Haldiman with Fit N’ Seal and Linc Miller with Sandler Training

June 11, 2019 by angishields

Valley Business Radio

Joe Haldiman with Fit N' Seal and Linc Miller with Sandler Training

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Joe Haldiman, Fit N’ Seal

Joe Haldiman is the creator of Fit N’ Seal, a unique “seal and straw” combination that will fit any plastic bottle. As a single father of three young boys, Joe knew firsthand how urgent it was to seal a beverage container. From daily spills to a pantry full of mismatched cups, lids and straws, he knew there had to be an easier way and without the increased plastic consumption. Fit N’ Seal was born out of this need and is a product that will fit any bottle on the market. Joe believes this accessory line will become the standard universal seal and consumption bottle enhancement that everybody has a use for.

Joe is a 4th-generation Arizonian who grew up in Phoenix. He worked in construction for several years before starting his first business from scratch. In 2007 Joe launched Arizona Outdoor Fun, which has become incredibly successful and a big attraction for out-of-state visitors and Arizona residents alike.

Connect with Joe Haldiman on LinkedIn, and follow Fit N’ Seal on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Learn more at www.fitnseal.com

Linc Miller, Sandler Training

Linc Miller is President of Mercury Professional Development, an authorized Sandler Training center in Phoenix, Arizona. His 20+ years of observations and interactions while working with companies all over the world have lead to the discovery of behavioral patterns leading to success. Sandler Training by Mercury helps successful clients optimize their sales initiatives, through strategic consulting, training and support. Linc has been a part of the Sandler network since 2000, and he has trained thousands of executives from countries around the world and throughout the United States.

Linc welcomes change and thrives in asking the questions that enable his clients to see the objectives more clearly, “not shying away from the hard questions and leaning into what are the causes and symptoms of failure create the greatest success.” Linc is a family man, constant learner, one who believes that failure is the greatest form of wisdom has created the paths taken to success. He attributes his own success to helping others in leadership rise to even higher levels of truth by acknowledging and welcoming change.

Connect with Linc Miller on LinkedIn.

Katharine Chestnut with Alkaloid Networks, Lisa Laday-Davis with Kennesaw CPA and Nikkita Gordon with Cute and Cocky

June 11, 2019 by angishields

Atlanta Business Radio

Katharine Chestnut with Alkaloid Networks, Lisa Laday-Davis with Kennesaw CPA and Nikkita Gordon with Cute and Cocky

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Katharine Chestnut spent 30+ years focused on marketing strategy continues to provide marketing consulting along being active as a speaker and mentor. She opened Alkaloid Networks, an Atlanta coworking office, four+ years ago and recently launched the Atlanta Coworking Alliance.

Connect with Katharine on LinkedIn, follow Alkaloid Networks on Twitter and Facebook, and Atlanta Coworking Alliance on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

Lisa Laday-Davis has been a CPA for over 18 years Specializing in Accounting, Tax and Business Planning. She started Kennesaw CPA with the goal of assisting small business owners and entrepreneurs in creating and maintaining thriving businesses. She creates educational webinars, programming and products specifically for business owners.

Laday-Davis is a graduate of Louisiana State University and is licensed in the field of accounting, insurance and risk management. She lives in the Metro Atlanta area.

Follow Kennesaw CPA on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

Nikkita Gordon, CEO of Cute and Cocky. Never Be Compromised with Cute & Cocky Firearm Accessories and Apparel.

BRX Studio Partner Office Hours May 2019

June 10, 2019 by angishields

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Jon Bradway with CapTech, Chris Duncan with Decisely and Rupen Patel with Healthgrades

June 10, 2019 by angishields

Atlanta Business Radio

Jon Bradway with CapTech, Chris Duncan with Decisely and Rupen Patel with Healthgrades

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Jon Bradway, Managing Director & Atlanta Office Lead at CapTech, is passionate helping companies use technology to launch strategies, products and business models to connect with customers and drive growth in the digital economy. With extensive experience identifying, launching and commercializing digital businesses and products, he is trusted to lead innovation and transformation projects for the world’s top companies.

At CapTech, Jon is responsible for managing all aspects of the Atlanta office. In addition, he is a leader in CapTech’s Innovation service offering, which helps clients to structure organizations for transformation and identify growth opportunities. Jon also leads multiple client accounts for CapTech ensuring delivery and client success.

Before joining CapTech, Jon was co-founder and COO of Vunify, a direct-to-consumer, content discovery platform which incorporated social recommendations and personalization features. Previously, Jon was a founder and Managing Partner of Blueshift Media, which provided consulting services, technology development and analytic software to media companies and Fortune 500 consumer marketers. Earlier in his career, Jon was a consultant and client lead for inCode Consulting and ioko. Additionally, Jon spent 8 years at Turner Broadcasting where he launched and ran 12 Video On Demand services, and was instrumental in developing the early strategy and business models for streaming video.

Jon received a BA in Economics from Hampden-Sydney College and an MBA from Emory University (Goizueta Business School). Jon lives in Atlanta, GA with his wife, daughter and son.

Chris Duncan is EVP/COO of Decisely, a fast growing “insuretech” company focused providing integrated benefits and other HR solutions to small businesses, Insurance Brokerage Partners, Associations and Franchisee nationally. Decisely is owned by Two Sigma, a leading private equity firm, and management. At Decisely he is responsible for sales and operations. Decisely is HQ in Alpharetta GA, with offices in Salt Lake City and Folsom, Sacramento CA.

Formerly, Chris was the Chief Growth Officer of EPIC, a “Top 15” property/casualty, benefits, loss control, claims and HR administration company with various offices in the U.S. His primary responsibility was to grow and lead its expanding employee benefits brokerage and consulting practice.

Previously, he is a Partner with Mercer Health & Benefits involved with strategy and M&A, as well as leader of its Atlanta Health & Benefits Business

His background includes COO/CFO of a regional brokerage, benefits and administration firm, Chief Risk Officer at Delta Air Lines, and multiple positions including strategic planning, finance, and risk/security/insurance management leadership positions within PepsiCo companies of Frito-lay and KFC. He started his career at Ford Motor Company as a casualty insurance analyst.

Active in the community, he is a board member of the Brantley Risk & Insurance Center at Applachian State University in Boone, NC. BBA in Marketing and an M.B.A. in Finance and Risk Management, both from the University of Georgia, was named Alumnus of the Year (2003) for the Terry College of Business Risk Management and Insurance Program, the University of Georgia. He is also a Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU).

Rupen Patel is Chief Strategy Officer at Healthgrades. With more than 15 years of experience in assembling and directing fast-paced software engineering teams, Rupen specializes in strategy and roadmaps to help businesses drive growth and innovation. He’s passionate about creating products that address healthcare’s need for better consumer engagement solutions.

Rupen previously served as CEO of Influence Health. He initially joined the company in 2017 as Chief Technology officer, and shaped the vision and technology agenda for Influence Health’s consumer experience platform. He focused on providing oversight across the organization to ensure timely and efficient execution of strategic initiatives and operations as well as driving product development and technology innovation efforts.

Rupen formerly served as CTO for NCR’s Small and Medium Business division, where he led global engineering for NCR Silver and launched SaaS and Mobile products in three new markets. He also drove innovation efforts in streaming analytics and Internet of Things. Prior to that, he founded and directed Mercurium which helped SaaS companies create new products in marketing automation, eCommerce, health gamification, and more. He also led CMS and Social Network product development for many Turner brands including CNN.com, SI.com, and Money.com

An alum of Vanderbilt, Rupen also received a Master’s degree from Georgia Tech. His honors include a Frost and Sullivan Excellence in Technology Innovation Award in 2016.

About Your Host

Joey Kline is a Vice President at JLL, specializing in office brokerage and tenant representation. As an Atlanta native, he has a deep passion for promoting the economic growth and continued competitiveness of communities in and around Atlanta, as well as the Southeast as a whole. He has completed transactions in every major submarket of metro Atlanta, and works primarily with start-ups, advertising/marketing agencies, and publicly-traded companies. With a healthy mix of tenacious drive and analytical insights, Joey is a skilled negotiator who advises clients on a myriad of complex real estate matters.

With a strategy and business development background, Joey is first and foremost a pragmatic advisor to his clients. Most recently, he was the Director of Business Development for American Fueling Systems, an Atlanta-based alternative energy company. While at JLL, he has become a member of the Million Dollar Club, and has built a reputation as an expert on the intersection of transit-accessibility and urban real estate. With intimate involvement in site selection and planning/zoning concerns, Joey approaches real estate from the perspective of the end user, and thus possesses a unique lens through which to serve his clients.

Joey holds a Master of Business Administration from Emory University, and a Bachelor of Arts from Washington University in St. Louis. He is a founder, board member, and the treasurer of Advance Atlanta, and also sits on the Selection Committee for the Association for Corporate Growth’s Fast 40 event. In addition, he is a member of CoreNet and the Urban Land Institute. Finally, he is part of LEAD Atlanta’s Class of 2019.

Connect with Joey on LinkedIn.

Mike Roush and David Judd with Inxeption, Atul Agarwal with Althea Brands and Todd McAllister with McAllister Retail

June 7, 2019 by angishields

Atlanta Business Radio

Mike Roush and David Judd with Inxeption, Atul Agarwal with Althea Brands and Todd McAllister with McAllister Retail

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Mike Roush is an experienced software executive with a commitment and passion for leading and developing a highly energetic and knowledgeable sales organization. Recognized for his consultative approach to working with customers to ensure they realize the full potential of their investment. A financial and consulting background in ERP, Supply Chain, Human Capital, Agile and Project and Portfolio Management provides for a knowledge base to prepare sales teams to speak to the impact of technology on the bottom and top line.

Current role at Inxeption is to build and lead the N.A. business in a hyper growth Silicon Valley technology company pursuing blockchain driven initiatives in the areas of eCommerce, supply chain, logistics and financials. Inxeption is a B2B SaaS I-commerce platform that allows product and services companies to promote their products/services online, sell directly to their end customers, analyze their online presence real-time with embedded logistics. Inxeption will exponentially increase online sales and significantly reduce the cost and friction in B2B logistics.

Connect with Mike on LinkedIn.

David Judd is VP Customer Success at Inxeption. David has 30 years’ experience in developing enterprise solutions for manufacturing and service-based companies. He has worked with most of the Fortune 500 bringing digital transformation in the areas of marketing, sales, and service.

As director at Oracle for 12 years he led partner and field sales enablement. He managed sales integration and go-to-market strategy for Oracle acquisitions. He has a PhD in leadership and administration.

His dissertation examined online communities in knowledge-based organizations. He has published articles and speaks on the uses of blockchain technology in higher education and industry. In his role at Inxeption, he supports sales operations and leads customer success through growing GMV.

Connect with David on LinkedIn.

Atul Agarwal is Founder and CEO of Althea Brands. Althea Brands brings together traditional medicine and contemporary scientific research to develop natural and healthy foods and beverages.

Our first line of products leverage the 5000 year old Indian system of holistic health and medicine – Ayurveda – to provide enhanced hydration by combining ancient herbs with contemporary scientific knowledge. Branded Béla, these products are now available online and being steadily launched in key markets.

Follow Béla on Facebook.

Todd McAllister, CEO and Founder, McAllister Retail, a direct supplier of electric boilers, presses, vacuum tables and sewing machines for the garment, retail stores, hotels and dry cleaners nationally. We are very unique as we deliver, install and service nationally, utilizing our staff of steam and sewing technicians.

For ongoing support and service, we have over 300 agents nationally who can respond to your needs quickly; and with genuine replacement parts. We look forward to continuing to serve you, our valued customer.

April Stammel with Newport, Milliner Otis Damón, Sean Keaton with Kea Beverages and Courtney Johnson with Agape Gems

June 7, 2019 by angishields

Atlanta Business Radio

April Stammel with Newport, Milliner Otis Damón, Sean Keaton with Kea Beverages and Courtney Johnson with Agape Gems

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April Stammel is the VP of Marketing and Community Development at Newport, focusing on bringing out all the stories of South Downtown – how it began and is beginning all over again. Prior to joining the company two years ago, she held a range of leadership positions in business development, marketing, creative strategy and event management for start-ups, non-profits and social enterprise organizations.

April received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Florida and a Master of Business Administration Degree from Vanderbilt University.

Follow South Downtown on Instagram.

Otis Damón is a millinery brand that does not focus on creating trends but timeless pieces for his wearers. Each creation has its own personality & style without duplication. A lover of the 1920’s, 1930’s, & 1940’s era milliner Otis Damón incorporates the past with the present as he orchestrates an artistic flow with each creation. Color & shape is the main focus of the birth of each millinery piece.

At age 15, Otis Damón had contemplated suicide. Otis hid his thoughts of ending this lonely state of struggling with depression through his laughter & caring for others. After meeting & confiding to educator Gleora Sibley of his suicidal thoughts, Otis was instructed to attend Mrs. Sibley’s class everyday on his lunch break. Mrs. Sibley taught him sewing techniques & entrepreneurship during these meetings. Otis soon began creating wears for him & others.

Finding his niche in this whole creative & fashion world Otis Damón began creating a collection of hats. His mom would become his first muse & patron of pride. Little did he know that his talents would fester a career involving head transformations. Otis Damón had garnered a significant following for his millinery creations from community residence.

In his home town of the Incorporated Village of Hempstead former Mayor James A. Garner presented Otis Damón a Citation for Entrepreneurship at the age of 16. While attending Nassau Community College Otis caught the eye of hat guru Lola Ehrlich of Lola Millinery, where he interned and later assisted. Otis also worked under the tutelage of the late Horace Weeks of Peter & Irving. This is where he mastered the art of hat blocking /molding.

His eyes are presently set on upscale retailers such as Bergdorf Goodman & Neiman Marcus. His breathtaking couture designs have been on 5th Avenue in Fortunoff with Mr. Fortunoff’s fine jewelry & sold at Henri Bendel. His hat drama has been in movie & film such as Step Up, Queer Eye, Being Mary Jane, The Skinny & off Broadway productions such as “Look What The Cat Dragged In” written by Cheryl Lane Lewis. His hats continue to top off New York Fashion Week. Otis Damón has created millinery pieces for actors & entertainers Neyo, Musiq SoulChild, Gabrielle Union, Alicia Keys, Patti Labelle, & Victoria Rowell to name a few.

Although his demeanor is polite and shy, his creations are cloaked in ribbons, para sisal, velour, beaver felt, fur, austrian crystal, & flowers peak volume. His creations narrate the character of the women & men wearing them without restrictions.

Connect with Otis on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

If you asked Sean Keaton, Co-Founder of Kea Beverages, as a child what he wanted to do when he grew up, he probably would have told you he wanted to go into advertising. His late mother was a hometown hero within the industry and her passion for storytelling was instilled in him before he was old enough to walk.

In lieu of becoming an ad man, Sean spent the better half of his life exploring what it means to be a storyteller. From hosting a speakeasy in New York City with six course meals, inspired by the flavors and people around him, to being the personal photographer for an Atlanta mayoral candidate, Sean has always sought the moments that will add up to the fullest life journey.

So it makes sense that when Sean was feeling stagnant in his prior restaurant job that he would seek out an adventure that would lead to a great story. Start a restaurant called “ParmaSean” or take his sailing to the next level and become a part-time yacht skipper?

The answer ended up growing in his backyard (quite literally). Sean was inspired by his plum tree to make plum wine. When friends and family asked for more, he knew he was on to something. Plum wine may not be on the official menu (yet) but beverages did become the greatest story of all.

Follow Kea Beverages on Facebook.

Courtney Johnson is an Atlanta native, a graduate of UGA, and a mom of two. After a decade of nonprofit leadership, Johnson decided to pursue her passion for creating beautiful things that make women feel beautiful. She formally launched her artisan jewelry collection, Agape Gems, in March of 2016. In 2017, Johnson won the Belk Southern Designer Competition and had her collection featured in 9 Belk stores and on Belk.com.

In 2018, Johnson assisted with launching EmpowerDesign, a wholesale showroom at AmericasMart showcasing handcrafted jewelry from 15 female designers from around the globe. You can find Agape Gems at more than 20 locations across the southeast. Metro Atlanta stockists include The Beehive, Scottsdale Farms, Garage Door Studio, Hello Gorgeous, Crafted Perimeter Mall, and Sugarboo & Co.

Most recently, Johnson was selected to receive a storefront on Pop-Up Row on historic Mitchell Street in downtown Atlanta. She seized the opportunity to create a space called Atlanta Makery. As the name suggests, Atlanta Makery carries the work of some of Atlanta’s most inspiring makers, designers, and artists. Jewelry, apparel, candles, apothecary, fine art, leather accessories, artisan chocolate truffles, air plants, prints, and more can be found in this beautiful shop. Johnson took care to curate a collective of primarily female and minority owned brands. Atlanta Makery offers public and private workshops and also offers corporate gifting services. Atlanta Makery is located at 211 Mitchell St.

Follow Agape Gems on Facebook and Instagram.