Dawn Crawford with BCDC Ideas dedicated her career to nonprofit communications and fundraising. Before founding BC/DC Ideas, she spent the first 10 years of her career in various communications leadership roles. A true communicator at heart, she found her niche in social media where she is a weaver of words and a passionate community builder.
Adwait Joshi’s IT career in the US began with Fisher Price where he spent his summer creating tools for mechanical engineers to speed up design of toys and he was successful in automating a lot of trivial tasks. He then went on to work at Intel where he was given a challenge that had not been solved before, migrating a 3d visualization software to a 64-bit architecture. He not only took that challenge, but tenuously worked towards finishing the project and won an award for doing it 4 weeks ahead of schedule. That’s when Adwait found his passion for IT, and it was simple to create solutions to automate tedious manual processes. He believes in the philosophy of complex problems can be solved with simple solutions. For more than a decade now, Adwait has been working with various verticals solving their Data problems. He has tremendous expertise in big data and analytics. After a successful exit in 2016, he is back in the startup mode. His latest venture DataSeers, is a startup focused on RegTech and helping FinTech companies with Reconciliation, Compliance, Fraud and Analytics. The product has been so majorly successful that within the first year the company is already profitable and winning awards. LexisNexis recently awarded DataSeers an Award for creating a truly unique solution in the market space that uses HPCC Technology.
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Tom Loftus with 3G Insurance has worked for over 20 years in every aspect of the insurance industry from sales to claims; for big insurance & reinsurance companies, as well as boutique consulting firms. He is currently putting that experience to work helping business owners succeed, providing “Protection For The Road Ahead”.
David Brinkman with AssureSign has been an entrepreneur in technology since 1991. He started his career as a programmer for Health Technologies and as a project manager at Virtual Technologies Inc. before co-founding AssureSign LLC’s two sister companies, Marketing Systems Group, Inc in 1991 and Third Party Verification, Inc. (3PV) in 2001. AssureSign, LLC was founded in 2007. Throughout his 30-year tenure in the software industry, Dave has used the capacity of authorizations and electronic signatures to help redefine enterprises within various industries in a digital era. Dave serves on the board of the Entrepreneurs’ Association’s Atlanta chapter and Atlanta’s Technology Executives Roundtable as well as currently serving as the president of Startup Atlanta, a non-profit organization dedicated to the support of Atlanta’s thriving Startup community. Dave also served as the Chairperson of Electronic Signature and Records Association (ESRA) among other positions within the association.
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The following story was made possible by DecisionLink Corporation. To learn more about DecisionLink, follow them on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
Jamie Weeks is the CEO of MOTION Stretch Studio.
Nick Garrity is the Executive Director of Product and Sales at MOTION Stretch Studio.
Nathan George is the Director of Business Development for The Floow, one of the world’s fastest-growing telematics providers for the insurance industry. George joins The Floow after a 10-year career with a leading telematics firm. He has extensive technology industry experience with special expertise in telematics, wireless communications, Internet of Things (IoT), fleet tracking and usage-based insurance. George holds a Bachelor of Arts in Apologetics from The Master’s College and a MBA from Georgia Tech Universit.
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On this CEO Exclusive we talk with David Wilkie and Jen Cooper with World 50, a worldwide CEO peer group, about the important trends that midmarket CEOs should know about, including corporate culture and purpose.
World 50 initiates and facilitates the most interesting and influential business conversations in the world by providing global executives a private forum for sharing ideas and insights on critical strategic issues. The participation of remarkable practitioners and expert thinkers creates a candid dialogue on leading and growing significant enterprises in a global economy, delivering insights found nowhere else. In addition to unparalleled gatherings, membership provides year-round peer collaboration.
David Wilkie is CEO of World 50.
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Jen Cooper is Chief Customer Officer.
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Junko’s Health, Wealth, and Happiness Hour is brought to you by Fujiyama Wealth Management.
Dr. Linda Klaitz is a medical psychologist in private practice in Atlanta, Georgia. She received her Doctorate and Master’s degrees in Developmental Psychology from Columbia University. She also holds a Master’s Degree in Psychology from University of California. In addition, Dr. Klaitz completed a Post Doctoral Masters of Science Degree in psychopharmacology from Farleigh Dickinson University. After finishing this post doctorate Masters of Science degree, Dr. Linda spent another year in supervised certification and successfully completed the national examination to become a medical psychologist. This confers prescription privileges in a number of states. She is certified in Cognitive/Behavioral Psychology and spent a year of formal training in family therapy. She has many years of post graduate training for the treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Multi-Modal Cognitive Behavioral treatment of Insomnia. Dr. Klaitz began her career as a professor of Developmental Psychology at Stockton State University. She completed a Post Doctoral Internship at the Georgia Mental Health Hospital. Following that she was Clinical Director/Chief Psychologist at the Devereux Hospital for Adolescent Psychiatric Disorders. She has been in private practice for many years in Atlanta. Over the past ten years Dr. Linda’s training has particularly focused on the biological underpinnings of emotional behavior. She has spoken on numerous television and radio talk shows including CNN and “Nightline” with Ted Koppel. She is interested in coalescing the research in clinical psychology, neurobiology and genetics to facilitate the understanding of human experience. She focuses on the translation of relevant neuroscience research into practical life applications. Her therapeutic style is didactic, health focused, multidimensional and proactive.
Erin Madigan-Fleck brings over 30 years of experience to the esthetic and natural health industry. She is a licensed master cosmetologist, esthetic instructor, and holds certification as a dermatology technician. She is a Nationally Certified Health Professional, and holds several degrees in natural health and naturopathy. She received her Naturopathic Medical Doctoral Degree from the University of Science, Arts & Technology College of Medicine. She is the co-owner of Intellective Aesthetics Advanced Esthetic Training and has a private practice – Naturophoria, in Atlanta, GA.
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Roz Zollinger is a certified reflexologist, aromatherapist, metamorphic practitioner and energy worker who has been in practice for 34 years. She undertook many studies in her home country of South Africa and went to the United States in 1989. Shortly after her arrival in the US she began teaching her BodySystems Method of Reflexology/ Aromatic Reflexology which evolved from her practice as a reflexologist. She also began teaching a Foundation Class in Aromatherapy, also based on the BodySystems approach, at that time. Roz is the founder of the Heal Center in Atlanta, Georgia, which opened its doors in April 1992 and is now in its 26th year of business. She co-owns the Heal Center with her son, Michael Zollinger, a licensed massage therapist. The Heal Center has established an international reputation both for its wellness clinic and as a recognized teaching facility that hosts many national and international instructors.
A graduate of the Hospitality School at Cornell University, Federico “Fred” Castellucci III has worked in the restaurant business his entire life. During his tenure at Cornell, Federico helped create and develop the original Sugo in Roswell. He grew the concept to four locations including three franchises. After graduating in 2007, Federico took over a failed franchise location that is currently Sugo in John’s Creek, Ga. Federico worked tirelessly to re-establish the brand, and within a year and a half the restaurant had become the most successful restaurant his family had ever owned in Georgia. Building on that success, Federico created a new restaurant concept from scratch in downtown Decatur called The Iberian Pig. A modern Spanish restaurant with a strong focus on imported Spanish cured meats, fresh local produce, creative tapas dishes, wines of the region and classic cocktails, The Iberian Pig has been a hit from opening night in late 2009. Following the success of The Iberian Pig, Federico embarked on two more projects in 2011 and 2014. Located on Roswell Road near I-285, Double Zero Napoletana opened in May 2011, bringing the regional cuisine of Campania in Southern Italy to Sandy Springs, Ga. The menu featured handmade pasta, traditional Neapolitan pizza, handmade pastries and gelato, as well as contemporary takes on classic Southern Italian dishes. In September of 2016, Federico successfully moved Double Zero to Emory Village. With the move came a completely new menu, featuring modern, Italian-inspired dishes. In November 2014, Federico opened Cooks & Soldiers, a Basque-inspired concept located in West Midtown, featuring traditional pintxos, raciones, asador and desserts influenced by the signature cooking methods of the region. In late 2017 and early 2018, Federico opened two concepts in Krog Street Market – Bar Mercado and Recess. Bar Mercado is a traditional Spanish tapas restaurant, while Recess focuses on “healthy-ish” grain bowls, salads and sandwiches. Federico currently serves as president of Castellucci Hospitality Group, the management company that he created in 2010, which includes Bar Mercado, Cooks & Soldiers, Double Zero, Recess, Sugo and The Iberian Pig.
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This duo’s love of restaurants and hospitality began long before either of them ever met. Kelvin, having worked over 30 years in the business, began his career as a cook for T.G.I Friday’s and Chili’s, then progressed to manager and finally managing partner at Carrabba’s Italian Grill. Mandy, currently at 25 years in the industry, started out as a server and bartender at Outback Steakhouse and Chili’s and then management as she worked her way through college. The two met when they both worked for Chili’s and Kelvin hired Mandy onto to the team—the best hire he ever made, as he says. With an understanding of both the service and cuisine side of the restaurant industry, the couple makes a perfect dream team to create a holistic experience of the likes that Atlanta has never seen. The Slaters began to dream up their own concepts, keeping the values they learned on the job close to mind such as making the customer feel as if they are eating in their own home, attention to every detail and consistency in the quality of service and menu. Thus, Blue Moon Pizza was born in 2003. Beginning with only ten employees, this concept grew from an idea into five locations, four in Atlanta and one in Florida. With a staunchly loyal fan base and stout set of regulars, Blue Moon Pizza placed itself on the culinary map for twelve years until 2015, when the Slaters sold the legacy to explore other endeavors. The Slaters knew they wanted to stay true to their values, which were the core of their past concept but create something they had never seen before. Ponce City Market presented that opportunity with the highly anticipated opening of its rooftop space. Working with the Jamestown team, the Slaters have created two concepts: Skyline Park, a nostalgic carnival-themed amusement park, and Nine Mile Station, a modern beer garden with an unparalleled, panoramic view of the Atlanta skyline. Although service is vital in the restaurant business, it is a way of life for the Slaters that they live every day. Heavily involved in their community, the Slaters partner closely with charities and community organizations to give back to the city that showed them so much support in the past. The Slaters are avid supporters of Junior Achievement, a non-profit that prepares children for the real world through simulated scenarios, and Kelvin serves on the Board of Directors for the Georgia Restaurant Association. Most importantly, the Slaters love to spend time together as a family with their two children and two dogs.
Chad Lewis with ETS Wound Care is a talented leader with experience in medical device product development (concept to post-launch), business development track record, team leadership, project/product management, intellectual property portfolio management, and regulatory strategy who delivers innovative and effective solutions to meet unmet business and clinical needs.
Christopher J. Williams, MD is the founder and medical director of Interventional Orthopedics of Atlanta, Georgia’s primary premier regenerative orthopedics practice and the first Regenexx provider in the State of Georgia.
Originally from Jacksonville, FL, Dr. Williams enlisted in the United States Air Force after graduating from high school and then after serving honorably in the military, he enrolled in college at the University of North Florida where he graduated with the highest honors of Summa Cum Laude. After his undergraduate career, Dr. Williams spent 4 years in medical school and an additional 4 years of residency at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia.
Dr. Williams completed his residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and he was awarded the resident of the year 3 consecutive years in a row and was voted to serve as the Academic Chief Resident his senior year.
After completing his residency, Dr. Williams did a 1-year fellowship under the direct mentorship of Dr. Christopher Centeno and Dr. John Schultz, two of the founding pioneers in the field of regenerative orthopedics and orthobiologics. During his fellowship, Dr. Williams contributed to the authorship of 3 book chapters and 5 research papers for publication. Because of his passions for research and education, Dr. Williams decided to stay on staff at the Centeno-Schultz clinic for an additional year as an attending physician to allow him the opportunity to continue working with the exceptional research team at Regenexx and the new doctors in fellowship training.
Dr. Williams wholeheartedly believes in a holistic approach to medicine and takes pride in building a partnership with each patient so that they can learn the skills to be able to achieve their functional goals in life.
Some of Dr. Williams interests include traveling, exercising, spending time with family, and art.
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Tracey Paulfrey is a physical trainer with the Concourse Athletic Club.
Edward J. Buckley, III, Ph.D., is the CEO of Peerfit, a digital platform that makes it easy for insurance carriers, brokers, and employers to offer local fitness classes to their clients and employees. Ed leads Peerfit’s expansion strategy by driving national partnerships, business development, and fundraising. With nearly 10 years in the fitness industry and a background in digital health behavior research, Ed continues to push the envelope on innovation in the fitness-technology space. He is passionate about designing new ways to drive engagement and help deliver flexibility and personalization to the health and wellness marketplace. Ed holds a Ph.D. in Digital Health Behavior, and a Master’s of Public Health, from the University of Florida. He is also the co-founder and Vice-President of the Board of Governors for Balance180, a non-profit that encourages children with disabilities to be physically active.
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Under the direction and leadership of Mary Ellen Garrett, Senior Vice President –Wealth Management Advisor, The Garrett Group provides clients with 35 years of solid industry experience at Merrill Lynch. Within Merrill Lynch, The Garrett Group is a leader in the firm’s wealth management line of business, striving to offer exceptional capabilities in wealth planning and investment and financial management to high net worth individuals, families, family offices, corporations, charitable gift programs, endowments and foundations. Mary Ellen is a frequent guest speaker at seminars and is recognized for her commitment to professional excellence, client trustand community service. In 2018 she was named to Forbes “America’s Top Women Wealth Advisors” list in 2018*, Forbes “Best-in-state Wealth Advisors” list*, and in 2017 she was named to Forbes “Top Women Advisors” list*, as well as being recognized out of close to 60,000 Merrill Lynch employees worldwide as a recipient of the 2015 David Brady Award.*
In the Atlanta community Mary Ellen serves as Chair of the Mercy Care Foundation Board. She is also the Chair of United Way of Greater Atlanta’s Alexis de Tocqueville Society, and is an Ivan Allen Member. She is also a United Way Worldwide board member in Washington, D.C. Mary Ellen has been married to Scott for 35 years and has three children and one grandchild.
As Founding Principal of Facilitec, Bill Coons is dedicated to delivering beautiful, innovative and functional workspaces within predetermined budgets and ensuring that all client objectives are met. Bill’s more than 35 years of industry experience provides him the necessary expertise to assist clients identify and achieve optimal workplace solutions, while successfully executing the design, management and budgeting of multi-million dollar projects. A graduate of both the University of Louisville and Eastern Kentucky University with a degree in Interiors, Bill Coons began his career at the Webb Companies, a national developer building in 63 U.S. markets, where he became the youngest Vice President in company history. He then joined a New York metro-based facility management and design firm, working with a variety of clients including Tiffany & Co., Calvin Klein Cosmetics Co., and Baker & Taylor and more. In 1991, Bill relocated to Atlanta to launch Facilitec.
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Greg Silberman is Chief Investment Officer of ACG Wealth. He brings more than 16 years of market experience in Europe, Asia and North America to ACG. Greg is responsible for managing the firm’s global investment portfolio, as well as supervising the implementation of the company’s asset management strategies. Prior to joining ACG, Greg served as Director of Alternative Investments at Wilmington Trust, where he was responsible for managing more than $2 Billion in private equity, hedge fund and real assets and was instrumental in the launch of a successful alternative mutual fund. He was also involved in the management of more than $80 billion as a member of the research team. He has worked as a portfolio manager, analyst and product developer for Perpetual Investments in Sydney, Australia and JP Morgan Chase in London, England with a focus on structured derivative products. A South African qualified Chartered Accountant, Greg is also a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) and a Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA). Greg serves on the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta’s investment committee and The Solomon Schechter Epstein School of Atlanta investment committee. He is a part-time lecturer of the Schweser CFA review course.
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Katherine Mason is Founder & CEO of SculptHouse, the world’s first studio to combine the Megaformer – a full-body strength and conditioning machine – and treadmill, offering the most sophisticated human-powered machines alongside a curated collection of luxury activewear. As a lifelong athlete, certified trainer in the Lagree Fitness Method and former Wilhelmina fitness model, Katherine has the passion and expertise to help others build the physique they want. She has worked at some of New York City’s most prominent luxury fitness studios, has represented many global brands – including Bandier, Nike, Under Armour, Reebok, Adidas and Champion – and has been featured in (and on the cover of) many fashion and fitness publications, such as Fitness, Women’s Health, Runner’s World and Vogue USA, and was named by Shape Magazine as one of the “50 Hottest Female Trainers in America” in 2014. After working in the fitness industry in New York City for several years, Katherine decided to fuse her diverse background in retail, marketing, public relations and fitness, and use the knowledge and experience she had gained, to create a fitness studio and boutique that focuses on individuals being the best and most powerful version of themselves by sculpting their bodies, strengthening their minds and outfitting themselves to face the world. She conceptualized the idea of combining the Megaformer with a Woodway Curve treadmill to create a low-impact, but high-intensity workout that combines strength training and cardio intervals in a way that had never been done before. Being a proud graduate of The University of Georgia, Katherine decided to return to her roots in Atlanta to bring the fitness studio to life. Katherine aims to make SculptHouse a place where all ages, fitness levels and genders can come escape to a positive and encouraging environment for 50-minutes. SculptHouse’s boutique allows men and women to have access to the latest in fitness fashion – selling the latest established and up-and-coming brands that add a layer of confidence when going to their workout or just in everyday life. Katherine won the Apex Society’s Atlanta 2016 “30 Under 30” Award in the business category, and SculptHouse has been awarded multiple accolades, including: “The Coolest New Studios in Boutique Fitness in America Right Now,” Well+Good; “Best New Studio” in 2016 by Jezebel; “Best New Studio” in 2016 by The Atlantan; “Best New Workout,” Atlanta Magazine; and more.
