angishields, Author at Business RadioX ® Page

GWBC POP 2024: Tia Robinson with Vertical On-Demand

October 4, 2024 by angishields

GWBC Radio

GWBC POP 2024: Tia Robinson with Vertical On-Demand

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The Power of Partnering (POP) is a half-day event where women entrepreneurs, business leaders, corporations and procurement professionals come together to train, network and create matchmaker opportunities to help create and reach procurement and business goals.

Each agenda includes educational resources from thought leadership and subject matter experts and the opportunity to showcase your capabilities statements in a meet the buyer setting or matchmaker sessions.

Tia Robinson is CEO and Founder of Vertical on Demand. Vertical On-Demand was born out of a passion for revolutionizing the fashion industry. We envisioned a one-stop, subscription-based platform that simplifies fashion design, development, and production.

Our mission is to empower brands to build sustainable e-commerce businesses from design to shipping, all without minimum order requirements or wasted inventory. By eliminating these barriers, we make it possible for brands to focus on creativity and innovation while promoting environmental responsibility.

Tia is also a GWBC Perfect Pitch finalist.

Follow Vertical on Demand on Facebook and Instagram.

This transcript is machine transcribed by Sonix.

TRANSCRIPT

Intro: Broadcasting live from the Business RadioX Studios in Atlanta, Georgia, it’s time for GWBC Radio’s Open For Business. Now, here’s your host.

Lee Kantor: Lee Kantor here, broadcasting live from GWBC Power of Partnering event at the Georgia Power Headquarters. I’m so excited to be talking to the first Perfect Pitch finalist, Tia Robinson with Vertical On-Demand. Welcome. So, tell us about Vertical On-Demand.

Tia Robinson: So, we are a smart and sustainable subscription-based apparel manufacturer that makes clothing on-demand here in Atlanta, Georgia.

Lee Kantor: And then, what’s your backstory? How’d you get involved in this line of work?

Tia Robinson: Yeah. So, I actually launched my very own line, Vertical Activewear, right before the pandemic, and had some difficulty with getting apparel manufactured due to a lot of manufacturers focusing on creating PPE materials and things of that sort. So, yeah, I was getting a lot of press and attention at that time, but couldn’t fulfill orders. And I said, never again will I allow my destiny to be placed in the hands of some other organization.

Lee Kantor: That’s right. Control what you could control.

Tia Robinson: Exactly. So, I brought my manufacturing in-house, and we’ve been manufacturing for our brand as well as others since then.

Lee Kantor: So, now you’re doing your own kind of design and own brand as well as doing the work for other manufacturers?

Tia Robinson: Correct. We have Vertical Activewear, which is one of our subsidiary brands that people can purchase product from at www.verticalactivewear.com. But Vertical On-Demand is our service-based portion of the business, where companies, emerging brands, corporations, even folks that are looking for sustainable apparel from a government contracting standpoint can visit us and learn more.

Lee Kantor: So, why was it important for you to become part of GWBC?

Tia Robinson: Well, definitely to be able to help us with our reach, with reaching, customers that are actually looking for our products and services.

Lee Kantor: So, has that been the case? Have you been able to kind of grow your business through these relationships?

Tia Robinson: It has. And I’ve gotten the most unique and great opportunities. We worked with MassMutual this year in terms of staffing, providing their staff at national conference with T-shirts and sweatshirts that they can wear at their booth. And they also sponsored us at their booth to be able to showcase our capabilities. So, we had quite a bit of folks come and ask about the connection between MassMutual and Vertical and why we were there, but it was great thought and conversation starters in terms of being able to talk about our services and what we can offer.

Lee Kantor: And you’re demonstrating it as you’re showing it.

Tia Robinson: Exactly.

Lee Kantor: It’s a double win.

Tia Robinson: Exactly. They’re like, “MassMutual and clothes? Wait a second.”

Lee Kantor: “I don’t get it.”

Tia Robinson: Yeah.

Lee Kantor: So, how do you kind of see the future? What’s on your roadmap?

Tia Robinson: Yeah, the future is bright. I really am working to revolutionize the sustainable apparel industry, starting here in Georgia, first and foremost. But I look at Vertical On-Demand as a company that has the ability to be national, with fulfillment centers throughout the U.S. Being able to help companies align with their ESG goals, reducing waste, both textile and financial, and doing on-demand manufacturing for other companies that are interested in offering that as a sustainable service.

Lee Kantor: So, what do you need more of? How can we help? Do you need more clients? More investors?

Tia Robinson: Do you have some money?

Lee Kantor: So, you need investors.

Tia Robinson: You know, as a business, being able to get funding is always a part of my job, first and foremost, but also getting customers into the queue. There’s a lot of waste financially when it comes to producing textiles and garments. Over $100 billion is lost each year due to merchandise not selling. And so, we have a solution to be able to help companies mitigate that by transferring some of their e-commerce sales over from actually buying product in bulk to manufacturing on-demand. And so, yeah, getting more customers and clients into the fold and making them believers as it relates to on-demand manufacturing is key.

Lee Kantor: So, if somebody wants to learn more, have a more substantive conversation with you or somebody on the team, what is the website? What’s the best way to connect?

Tia Robinson: The best way to connect is visit us at www.verticalondemand.com. You can also find us on LinkedIn. You can find me on LinkedIn at Tia Robinson, or you can email me directly at info@verticalondemand or tia@verticalactivewear.com.

Lee Kantor: Well, congratulations again on all the success. You’re doing important work and we appreciate you.

Tia Robinson: Thank you much.

Lee Kantor: All right. This is Lee Kantor, back in a few at GWBC Power of Partnering.

GWBC POP 2024: Jacquette Lowery with Secure Logistics Solutions LLC

October 4, 2024 by angishields

GWBC Radio

GWBC POP 2024: Jacquette Lowery with Secure Logistics Solutions LLC

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Jacquette Lowery, owner, Secure Logistics Solutions, LLC.

This transcript is machine transcribed by Sonix.

TRANSCRIPT

Intro: Broadcasting live from the Business RadioX Studios in Atlanta, Georgia, it’s time for GWBC Radio’s Open For Business. Now, here’s your host.

Lee Kantor: Lee Kantor here, broadcasting live from GWBC Power of Partnering event at Georgia Power Headquarters. I’m so excited to be talking to my guest, Jacquette Lowery with Secured Logistics Solutions. Welcome.

Jacquette Lowery: Hi. How are you?

Lee Kantor: I am doing well. I’m so excited to learn what you’re up to. Tell us about your firm. How are you serving folks?

Jacquette Lowery: Yes, we are Secured Logistics Solutions, we are a freight brokerage where we cover the southeast region. What we do is we communicate with shippers, large shippers and customers, and we give their work to guys that either have small trucking companies or either guys that are owner/operators that operate their own trucks. So, basically, Secured Logistics, we are the middleman with the big companies and the big shippers and the guys that have their own operating trucks.

Lee Kantor: So, is this an issue that some people, they have something that needs to be moved and they don’t have the right ability to do it so they would partner with a firm like yours to help them get the stuff they need to the place they need it to be?

Jacquette Lowery: Yes, that is correct. So, most of the time big companies, like let’s say Coca-Cola or let’s say Georgia Power, so they focus on, you know, the products and the services. That’s why they use us to see how are they going to get their products moved, and that’s when we come into play to make sure that we have the resources and we have enough of what they need to get the job done.

Lee Kantor: And then, a lot of times, you’re kind of cobbling together different resources to help them move the stuff? And that’s where it gets tricky, right? You can’t just go on the internet and go, “Hey, make this go.” It takes a lot of coordination.

Jacquette Lowery: Yes. Yes, it does. It takes a lot of coordination. So, what we do is, let’s say for an example, a trucking company, we make sure that they have enough trucks or enough equipment to move whatever it is that that big shipper, that big customer needs to be moved in adequate amount of time.

Lee Kantor: Right. And I’m sure that’s a key part of your business, is keeping those lines of communication so that everybody’s on the same page of, okay, if you think this is going to be there by Tuesday, it’s got to be there by Tuesday, and you got to get the right resources in place to make that happen.

Jacquette Lowery: Yes, that’s correct. If you tell me that you want your products there by Tuesday, it’s going to be there by Tuesday. If you tell me you want it there by 5:00, 4:00, I will make sure that it’s there by 4:30 or by 3:30.

Lee Kantor: Right. And that’s the hard part, right?

Jacquette Lowery: That is the hard part. Especially so right now, we have a big hurricane coming in, so we have to make sure the loads that we’re supposed to get there by tomorrow, they needed to get there by today because the weather —

Lee Kantor: These things change, right?

Jacquette Lowery: That’s right. That’s right.

Lee Kantor: And that’s why they need a partner like you to help them make sure that nothing kind of slows down.

Jacquette Lowery: That is correct. You can never go wrong with Secured Logistics Solutions. We’re very dependable.

Lee Kantor: Now, why was it important for you to get involved with GWBC?

Jacquette Lowery: It’s very important, because GWBC, they do businesses with the people that I would like to do businesses with. They open up that point of contact for me and those big shippers and those big customers. They make it easy for me.

Lee Kantor: Because they become like kind of the matchmaker and help you get in front of the right people.

Jacquette Lowery: That is correct.

Lee Kantor: So, now, who is your ideal customer? Do you have an ideal customer?

Jacquette Lowery: My ideal customer —

Lee Kantor: Is it the kind of Coca-Colas of the world, these huge people who ship huge amounts of product or is it smaller businesses or a combination?

Jacquette Lowery: A combination. Sometimes it will be big customers. Like you said, Coca-Cola would be a really, really big customer. You can never have enough Coke, right?

Lee Kantor: That’s right.

Jacquette Lowery: Yes, sir.

Lee Kantor: So, now, if somebody wants to learn more about your firm, have more substantive conversation, is there a website? Is there a way to connect with you?

Jacquette Lowery: Yes. They can go to the website at securedlogistics.com, and we also have our contact link and our email as well.

Lee Kantor: Good stuff. Well, congratulations on all the success. And you’re doing important work and we appreciate you.

Jacquette Lowery: Yes. Thank you so much. Pleasure to be here.

Lee Kantor: All right. This is Lee Kantor, back in a few with GWBC Power of Partnering.

GWBC POP 2024: Sylvia Muwallif with My Mom’s Pie

October 4, 2024 by angishields

GWBC Radio

GWBC POP 2024: Sylvia Muwallif with My Mom's Pie

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Sylvia Muwallif is head baker and owner of My Mom’s Pie. Her journey started over 25 years ago, as a single mom raising two boys who loved sweet potato pie. They would tell people “ My Mom makes the best sweet potato pie, you’ve gotta try one”.

As a result of their persistence, Sylvia started making and selling pies for family and friends, their teachers, and colleagues for the holidays and dinners, which helped her support her family.

Over the years, people have shared their stories of eating sweet potato pie and the warm memories they felt surrounding the delicious dessert. Sylvia realized that her sweet potato pie was more than just a pie, but it shared a history with others and that grew her desire to leave a legacy for her family and others to enjoy.

Follow My Mom’s Pie on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.

This transcript is machine transcribed by Sonix.

TRANSCRIPT

Intro: Broadcasting live from the Business RadioX Studios in Atlanta, Georgia, it’s time for GWBC Radio’s Open For Business. Now, here’s your host.

Lee Kantor: Lee Kantor here, broadcasting live from GWBC Power of Partnering event at Georgia Power Headquarters. I’m so excited to be talking to my guest, Sylvia Muwallif with My Mom’s Sweet Potato Pie. Welcome.

Sylvia Muwallif: Thank you. Hi.

Lee Kantor: I am so excited to learn about your business. Tell us about My Mom’s Sweet Potato Pie.

Sylvia Muwallif: Well, My Mom’s Sweet Potato Pie started about maybe five, six years ago. I started out making pies for my sons, and it just grew into this business because people liked my pies. So, we started, like I said, about five years ago initially in farmer’s markets and mostly retail sales. But our focus now is to move our sweet potato pies more to the food service industry. We make our traditional sweet potato pie, and we also have one with pecans and brown sugar, in addition, we now have a vegan-friendly formula and a diabetic-friendly formula. So, we want to try to meet the needs of all of our customers dietary concerns.

Lee Kantor: So, why was it important to become part of the GWBC community?

Sylvia Muwallif: I wanted to find a group where I could connect with to help build my product. It has been very inspirational for me to be a part of a larger group of entrepreneurs who have a vision to move forward. And the purpose of my pie is to create and to leave a legacy for my family.

Lee Kantor: So, now, any advice for an aspiring home baker or a home cook, how do you transition from that thing that, you know, your family says it’s great to an actual business like you’ve done?

Sylvia Muwallif: Well, you have to have a passion and believe in your product. I tell you to research, find the environment that works best for you. I knew I wanted my product to be able to sell in every environment, so I researched and joined a shared kitchen where it allows me the opportunity to be able to produce my product on a commercial level and be able to expand into those commercial food service markets.

Lee Kantor: And if somebody wants to learn more, what’s a website? What’s the best way to connect?

Sylvia Muwallif: Yes, you can visit our website at mymomssweetpotatopie.com. Our email is mymomspie2018@gmail.com.

Lee Kantor: And then, your ideal customer is who?

Sylvia Muwallif: Anyone. Anyone who loves to eat. Anyone who loves pies.

Lee Kantor: So, individuals as well as corporations.

Sylvia Muwallif: Corporations. Everyone. Yeah, and our focus is really trying to move more towards the food service environments, hospitals, nursing homes, you name it, schools, clinics, anywhere where people eat food.

Lee Kantor: Well, Sylvia, thank you so much for sharing your story. You’re doing such important work and we appreciate you.

Sylvia Muwallif: And thank you for this opportunity.

Lee Kantor: All right. This is Lee Kantor, back in a few with GWBC Power of Partnering.

GWBC POP 2024: Shannon Bright with Bright Interiors Group

October 4, 2024 by angishields

GWBC Radio

GWBC POP 2024: Shannon Bright with Bright Interiors Group

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Shannon Bright is President and Founder of Bright Interiors Group. Bright Interiors Group is a full service contract office furniture dealership located in Atlanta, Ga.

With over 2 decades of experience in the office furniture industry, we take pride in what we do to provide exceptional customer care while creating an effective and efficient way for our customers to fulfill their office furniture needs.

This transcript is machine transcribed by Sonix.

TRANSCRIPT

Intro: Broadcasting live from the Business RadioX Studios in Atlanta, Georgia, it’s time for GWBC Radio’s Open For Business. Now, here’s your host.

Lee Kantor: Lee Kantor here, broadcasting live from GWBC Power of Partnering event at the Georgia Power Headquarters. I’m so excited to be talking to my guest, Shannon Bright with Bright Interiors Group. Welcome.

Shannon Bright: Thank you.

Lee Kantor: Well, Shannon, for folks who aren’t familiar with your firm, can you tell us about Bright Interiors Group? How are you serving folks?

Shannon Bright: Absolutely, I would love to. Bright Interiors Group is a small dealership, minority-owned, woman-owned by myself, Shannon Bright. We do office furniture. We specialize in government as well as commercial. No residential, just commercial and government entities.

Lee Kantor: So, have you always been involved in this kind of business?

Shannon Bright: I have. My business began two years ago, but I have been doing furniture for over 25 years. It’s my love. It’s my passion. And as Oprah says, do what you love and the money will come, so I’m just waiting on the rest of the money.

Lee Kantor: Well, if Oprah said it, it’s true.

Shannon Bright: Right.

Lee Kantor: So, now, any advice for people who are in business? You know, these are things you take for granted, like having the office furniture. And we’re in a beautiful facility right now, and we talked to the people who actually were the construction company for this space, how did they do when it comes to office furniture in this space?

Shannon Bright: This would be a dream job for me. Everything that they did in here, as I look around, it’s beautiful. And this is the type of environment, this is what I do. Being a furniture dealership is no easy task. It’s a lot of hard work and it’s a lot of product knowledge, but it’s also about relationships and just product knowledge. Because once the client tells me what they want, then I envision it, and then I also do space planning, CAD design.

Shannon Bright: So, the client tells me what they want, then I put it into a CAD, do a design, color renderings, and we’ll do the collaboration. And then, that’s the beginning of a project going beautifully well and turning out like this beautiful environment that we’re in.

Lee Kantor: So, now, what are some do’s and don’ts when it comes to an office environment in your opinion?

Shannon Bright: Being in business as long as I’ve been, I know the do’s and the don’ts. One of the do’s is do make a site visit and don’t take the client’s word saying I love this and I know that it will fit and just order it, and I trust your judgment and the colors you pick are fine. No.

Shannon Bright: So, the do is show up, do your presentation properly. And the don’t is don’t take the client’s word for it because I know better than them, even though I won’t say that. The saying the customer is always right, that is not so. They’re right after we have a collaborative meeting and get to a place to make sure that the client is happy and I’m happy as well.

Lee Kantor: Right. It’s because the client doesn’t know what they don’t know. And you know a lot of the things that they don’t know.

Shannon Bright: Right. Right. Absolutely. For example, if you’re doing a cubicle office setting, you could be off by one foot and that could destroy your entire plan. So, yes, yes, the clients rely on me to be the expert.

Lee Kantor: And measuring is important it sounds like.

Shannon Bright: Yes. It’s crucial. It’s crucial. As you look at that glass wall right there, that had to be measured precisely to make sure that that fit.

Lee Kantor: Right. It’s not something you can eyeball.

Shannon Bright: No. No.

Lee Kantor: And a lot of this stuff isn’t off the shelf, right? A lot of this stuff is custom?

Shannon Bright: Right. Everything is custom to order, which means you can’t get it and say “Oh. I don’t want that,” because everything is custom designed. If you ordered it, you own it. Yes, that’s right. Just like if you broke it, you bought it.

Lee Kantor: So, why was it important for you to become part of the GWBC community, and what did you hope to get out of it?

Shannon Bright: I wanted to just be in the room with all of these wonderful business owners, all of these wonderful women, and just do a collaboration, and just hear other people’s stories. So, it’s about networking. It’s about getting to know other people, and you never know who may be your next teaming partner. I feel like it’s enough money to go around and we can team with even our competition, because each of us has a need. One vendor may not be able to give you what I may be able to give you, and I may not be able to get what that vendor can get. So, it’s so many nuggets that were dropped today. I was glad to be in the building.

Lee Kantor: Right. And like you said, relationships are important and that’s how you’re going to build your business is through the people you probably meet in this room today.

Shannon Bright: Absolutely.

Lee Kantor: So, what do you need more of? How can we help you?

Shannon Bright: Basically, I just wanted to put the word out. And you have my business card in front of you, so read my tagline.

Lee Kantor: The tagline is, Turning empty spaces into beautiful places.

Shannon Bright: And I came up with that tagline in the shower, so nobody can tell me that you can’t come up with creative ideas in the shower. And that is my passion. I just want to know that Bright Interiors is here for your needs. Like I said, we do space planning, and we’re a one-stop-shop, so basically what I sell, which is office furniture, and like they said, so many of the people, like for City of Atlanta and other government entities, they order everything, so it takes a collaborative effort for us to get everything that the client needs.

Shannon Bright: So, basically, I would love to turn your empty space into a beautiful place. Just reach out to me, and my email is shannon@brightinteriorsgroup.com. And if you want to check out my website, it’s www.brightinteriorsgroup.com.

Lee Kantor: Well, Shannon, thank you so much for sharing your story today. You’re doing such important work and we appreciate you.

Shannon Bright: Thank you so much. My pleasure.

Lee Kantor: All right. This is Lee Kantor, back in a few with GWBC Power of Partnering.

GWBC POP 2024: Jennifer Barbosa with International Supply Partners

October 4, 2024 by angishields

GWBC Radio

GWBC POP 2024: Jennifer Barbosa with International Supply Partners

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Jennifer Barbosa is the owner of International Supply Partners, LLC, a medical and janitorial supply and distribution manufacturer helping businesses get in touch with suppliers worldwide. She’s a seasoned sales and business development professional with over 20 years of experience.

Jennifer absolutely enjoys working with people and being of service with pride and excitement. She aspires to bring her knowledge, skills, and experiences to enhance the quality and marketability of the companies she consults. She also seeks to provide quality service and sustainable relationships with other professionals, partners and clients.

Jennifer is also a Certified Financial Education Instructor extending her knowledge and skills in financial literacy to empower individuals in changing their relationship with money in a positive direction. She’s able to teach all age groups from K through adult. Whether in a class setting or one on one, understanding the psychology of money and how money has been influenced, she teaches people how to take control of their day to day financial decisions and use money as a tool to achieve their personal and professional goals.

Connect with Jennifer on LinkedIn.

This transcript is machine transcribed by Sonix.

TRANSCRIPT

Intro: Broadcasting live from the Business RadioX Studios in Atlanta, Georgia, it’s time for GWBC Radio’s Open For Business. Now, here’s your host.

Lee Kantor: Lee Kantor here, broadcasting live from GWBC Power of Partnering event at the Georgia Power Headquarters. I’m so excited to be talking to my guest, Jennifer Barbosa with International Supply Partners. Welcome.

Jennifer Barbosa: Thank you. Good morning – or good afternoon.

Lee Kantor: It’s afternoon now. It’s been a long day.

Jennifer Barbosa: Yes, thank you. It has been.

Lee Kantor: So, tell us about International Supply Partners. How are you serving folks?

Jennifer Barbosa: We are a almost full service supply company. We supply medical, office, industrial, construction supplies and equipment, and we just added fuel and asphalt to our repertoire.

Lee Kantor: So, what’s your backstory? How did you get involved in this line of work?

Jennifer Barbosa: Well, I was bored. One day —

Lee Kantor: Woke up and said I think I’ll start this international Supply Partners company.

Jennifer Barbosa: That’s it. I was a stay at home mom and I was bored and I needed something else to do. I’ve always been an entrepreneur, but I realized very quickly that I had a lot of the skills and knowledge because I grew up in the manufacturing industry. My parents worked in manufacturing, as well as my grandfather used to import and export between West Africa and the U.S.

Lee Kantor: So, where did you see the opportunity?

Jennifer Barbosa: I saw the opportunity when I learned that I could not be competitive going through third party distributors and stores, and I needed to get straight to the source of the products and built relationships with manufacturers, and that really catapulted during the pandemic.

Lee Kantor: And then, how did you even begin? Because you could supply anything to anybody, so how do you even pick a starting point?

Jennifer Barbosa: Well, in our name, International Supply Partners, we partner with our clientele. So, we do a more inclusive assessment in regards to what their needs are. What is important, is it the cost is, it the sustainability, is it lead time, quality, value? And through those processes, we understand what their needs are and figure out how we can best support them. Sometimes you may think that you need this product, but if we dig deep in and understand why you think you need this product and what is it going to be used for, and what are the metrics that you’re trying to be able to fall in between, then we can maybe even suggest something that could be even more efficient, more valuable, have better safety parameters, or even customize something and make it for you.

Lee Kantor: Now, when you’re in an industry like this, how does your client know to hire you or to partner with you? Like, they must be doing something now.

Jennifer Barbosa: Well, what we do is we attend a lot of events, networking events. We are registered in the vendor or supplier portals for a lot of major corporations, and we reach out and we introduce ourselves. We are a fully certified minority woman-owned company, MBE, DBE. We are certified with several states and counties and cities. We have the EBO certifications with the City of Atlanta as well. And, honestly, a lot of our clients have come to us through word of mouth.

Lee Kantor: So, what is the pain that they’re having? Like, are they just having trouble getting certain things and they’re like, “Hey, this isn’t acceptable. We have to find somebody who can help us get these things”?

Jennifer Barbosa: In some cases, yes. In other cases, it’s more than that, because we continue to talk to our clients and let them know what’s going on within the supply chain industry. Because we have relationships globally, we understand what’s going on, on the other side of the world and how it could potentially impact our clients in the long term or in the future.

Jennifer Barbosa: So, for example, the ILA negotiations of contracts that’s going on now with the deadline coming up next week, we knew about this. And so, what we would tell our clientele, regardless of whether or not the strike goes on, this is going to impact the cost. And considering that we are at peak season, which already increases costs in the supply chain, you need to get ahead of it and make sure that it does not impact you, especially for products that are very time sensitive, is essential to the operations of your business, medical facilities, power companies, a variety of different organizations that need certain products in order to operate and support their clientele.

Lee Kantor: So, how does the GWBC community help you in your business?

Jennifer Barbosa: Well, we stay in touch, attending the events, the workshops, reaching out to the different organizations that are partnered with GWBC, and just staying connected.

Lee Kantor: And then, if somebody wants to learn more about your firm and get in connection with you, what is the best way to do that? And what are the coordinates of maybe your website or a way to connect with you?

Jennifer Barbosa: Sure. Well, you can find us on any social media platform, International Supply Partners. Our website is internationalsupplypartners.com. You can DM us, email us, info@isp-b – as in boy – iz.com. And if you see me, just stop me.

Lee Kantor: Well, thank you so much for sharing your story today. You’re doing such important work and we appreciate you.

Jennifer Barbosa: Wonderful. Thank you for the opportunity.

Lee Kantor: All right. This is Lee Kantor, back in a few at GWBC Power of Partnering.

BRX Pro Tip: 4 Elements of a Useful B2B Playbook

October 4, 2024 by angishields

BRX Pro Tips

BRX Pro Tip: 4 Elements of a Useful B2B Playbook

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BRX Pro Tip: 4 Elements of a Useful B2B Playbook

Stone Payton: Welcome back to Business RadioX Pro Tips. Stone Payton and Lee Kantor here with you. Lee, I have become more and more enamored with the mental imagery of a playbook to help me run the network business, but also the local studio here. What are you learning about crafting a B2B playbook?

Lee Kantor: Yeah. I think it’s so important for anybody who has a professional service business to have playbooks in a variety of areas. But when you have those playbooks, it’s important that they kind of check four boxes.

Lee Kantor: And the four elements of a useful B2B playbook are, number one, they have to include customizable templates for common tasks and communication. Anybody in your community, they’re hungry for this type of information where they don’t have to create a wheel. They’re counting on you to create some wheels that will help them be more effective and efficient. So, you should be working on creating customizable templates for a variety of things, including emails, social media engagement, how to talk on LinkedIn. Some customizable templates for common tasks and communications is critical, and that should be part of your playbook.

Lee Kantor: Second is there should be some sort of a digital academy or knowledge library that’s regularly updated with the latest information. Capturing best practices is one of the values you’re bringing. This is where, again, they don’t have to create a wheel. They’re learning from other people in the community, and they can go somewhere where all this stuff is available, and they can learn, and they can pick and choose what works for them, and they can try different things that have already been kind of tested and proven within your systems already. So, having some sort of a digital academy or library is critical for anybody who’s trying to build a community like this.

Lee Kantor: Another thing is workflow automation tools that make team members work easier and more productive. Part of your job as a leader of a community like this is to be testing what type of automation tools are out there, and which ones are going to work in your system that will make life easier for everybody else.

Lee Kantor: And now with AI and things like that, you know, how can you make the life easier for all of your members and community partners. And you should be testing and learning and being on the cutting edge of this, because, again, they’re too busy running their business. They’re too busy doing the work in their community. They’re counting on you to be the expert in this area and provide value in areas and test and try things that a lot of them aren’t going to be effective. So, this way, they don’t have to waste the money on it. You’re wasting the money on it. And you’re testing these things because it’s important for everybody to find the right tool to help them achieve what they’re trying to do at the end of the day, and that’s why they’re part of your community.

Lee Kantor: And lastly is some design elements. You have to have visual elements. You should have flow charts and diagrams that make communication clearer, more engaging, and easier to understand. You’ve got to really be able to create that clarity and simplicity so they can take whatever you’re giving them and use that as if it’s theirs. Again, you’re doing some of this heavy lifting for them because that’s why they’re paying to be part of your community.

Lee Kantor: So, I think those are four elements of useful B2B playbooks.

GWBC POP 2024: Kanchana Raman with Avion Networks

October 3, 2024 by angishields

GWBC Radio

GWBC POP 2024: Kanchana Raman with Avion Networks

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Kanchana Raman is President and CEO of Avion Networks.

Avion Networks is an Atlanta-based, global telecom technology firm, specializing in converging communications, broadband network services, solutions and innovations.

With two distinct practice areas, centered on the Telecom and Technology sectors, Avion provides value-added network planning, design, installation, optimization and deployment services.

These behind-the-scene services enable seamless, anytime, anywhere access to information and entertainment. Historically, Avion’s roots originate in the Telecom Services sector, where we have played a critical role in helping to implement network infrastructures worldwide for major global operators and OEM’s .

Connect with Kanchana on LinkedIn.

This transcript is machine transcribed by Sonix.

TRANSCRIPT

Intro: Broadcasting live from the Business RadioX Studios in Atlanta, Georgia, it’s time for GWBC Radio’s Open For Business. Now, here’s your host.

Lee Kantor: Lee Kantor here, back at GWBC Power of Partnering event at the Georgia Power Headquarters. I’m so excited to be talking to my guest, Kanchana Raman with Avacend. Welcome.

Kanchana Raman: Thank you for having me.

Lee Kantor: Well, before we get too far into things, tell us a little bit about Avacend. How are you serving folks?

Kanchana Raman: So, we are headquartered here in Atlanta, Georgia. I am on the board of the Georgia Women’s Business Council. And we’ve been in business for over eight years, so primarily doing data analytics, IT staffing, healthcare staffing nationwide.

Lee Kantor: So, what’s your backstory? How’d you get involved in this line of work?

Kanchana Raman: So, obviously, I come from a tech background and I’ve been doing this for many years and very passionate about the industry. And I’m passionate about different industries, I like to learn about what what other industries are doing and constantly try to diversify and, again, align with, you know, the changes around you. Like for example, today everything’s about AI, so you also want to learn and adapt and change and align with what is happening in the industry.

Lee Kantor: So, how is the industry changing when it comes to AI? Like, how can a candidate make themselves attractive to you or somebody you’re trying to place them at?

Kanchana Raman: So, I think one of the misconceptions about AI is that it’s going to replace you. I think it’s going to augment the work culture. It’s going to augment our work. So, it is almost like a copilot for you, right? So, if you start looking at it like that and see how you can work alongside AI and automate a lot of what your daily routine work is, I think it’s going to help enhance the entire industry and, again, enhance your own personal work as well.

Lee Kantor: So, is that something that you recommend a candidate be doing, is learn how that candidate can use AI to make themselves more marketable and more valuable to a potential employee?

Kanchana Raman: A hundred percent, yes. So, anytime you could use a tool, it’s more like adapting a technology, and as you progress in your work, I mean, there are some mundane tasks that can be done by an AI agent rather than you trying to do it on your own.

Lee Kantor: So, now, for you personally, why was it important for you to not only get involved with GWBC, but also to get involved at a level of a board director?

Kanchana Raman: I love what the organization does. I love Roz Lewis. I love her vision of where GWBC should be, and the focus of the organization, and also the amount of opportunities that they present to women businesses like me, and also the opportunity to meet local corporations. I think it’s so powerful to meet people in your backyard. And also support the companies who are here, whether it is women-owned businesses or Fortune 100 corporations. So, completely excited about the membership at Georgia Women’s Business Council.

Lee Kantor: So, now, for the women out there that are potentially listening that aren’t certified yet, a lot of people talk about, “Okay. Well, to get certified there’s a lot of hoops I have to jump through.” But the value of jumping through those hoops, can you explain what’s possible once you do that in order to get certified and to join the community, like the benefits, to me, outweigh the cost of getting certified.

Kanchana Raman: I don’t think there are any hoops that you need to jump to get certified, because I’m assuming as a small business or any business, you’re pretty organized internally. You have your tax records, your incorporation certificates, everything in place, your insurance, your CPAs, attorneys. So, once you have all of those, the day-to-day stuff in order, then the certification process becomes pretty easy. And, also, we have at GWBC some wonderful people who are there to help you through, handhold you through the certification process if that’s your first time.

Kanchana Raman: I mean, even for us as a WBE, we have to renew our certificate every year and I think it’s the same amount of information, updated tax records that you have to submit to get recertified year after year. So, I don’t think it’s any different from getting certified on the first day and then getting a recertification.

Kanchana Raman: So, I would highly encourage it because, I think, first of all, it’s the sisterhood, right? Especially during the pandemic, we were all sitting by ourselves in silos, and then we had communities like the Georgia Women’s Business Council that would have monthly meetings, and we would exchange notes as to what our journeys were. And then, many times it is great to know that you’re not alone in what’s happening. There are other people that are going through similar situations.

Kanchana Raman: So, one of the things I really love about the Georgia Women’s Business Council is the sisterhood that, you know, WBENC as an organization, GWBC as an organization brings to each one of us because as a founder and CEO, the journey could be pretty lonely.

Lee Kantor: So, if somebody wants to connect with you and learn more, what is the website, the best coordinates to connect?

Kanchana Raman: I would say LinkedIn, Kanchana Raman. I’m on LinkedIn, so the best way to connect with me is on LinkedIn.

Lee Kantor: Good stuff. Well, thank you so much for sharing your story today. You’re doing such important work and we appreciate you.

Kanchana Raman: Thank you.

Lee Kantor: All right. This is Lee Kantor, back in a few with GWBC Power of Partnering.

GWBC POP 2024: Chondra Webster Myers with WEBMyers Construction

October 3, 2024 by angishields

GWBC Radio

GWBC POP 2024: Chondra Webster Myers with WEBMyers Construction

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In 2016, Chondra Webster Myers opened the doors to WEBMyers Construction. Chondra has been certified by numerous organizations such as the Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council, Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, City of Atlanta African-American Business Enterprise, and many more (listed below).

Recently, WEBMyers Construction has been recognized as the largest minority-owned, woman-owned Interior general contracting company in Georgia.

Chondra’s value system is clear, and WEBMyers Construction operations are fueled by three indelible tenets: delivering the highest quality results; in the most cost-efficient way possible; while supporting minority-owned subcontractors with a minimum revenue spend of 20% and a goal revenue spend of 30% or more for every project.

Chondra personally values integrity and inclusiveness, and the mom in her makes sure every single person connected to her is nurtured and supported. She is on a mission to do things differently and to create a new normal in her industry, all while maintaining a serious work ethic and doing every single thing joyfully.

Today, Chondra is happily married and lives with her husband and their combined family of five children. In her free time, she enjoys travelling, bowling, and tennis.

Connect with Chondra on LinkedIn.

This transcript is machine transcribed by Sonix.

TRANSCRIPT

Intro: Broadcasting live from the Business RadioX studios in Atlanta, Georgia, it’s time for GWBC Radio’s Open For Business. Now, here’s your host.

Lee Kantor: Lee Kantor here broadcasting live from GWBC Power of Partnering event at the Georgia Power Headquarters. I am so excited to be talking to my guest, Chondra Myers with WEBMyers Construction. Welcome.

Chondra Webster Myers: Hello. Thanks for the invitation.

Lee Kantor: Well, I’m excited to learn about WEBMyers Construction. Tell us a little bit about it.

Chondra Webster Myers: Well, we are a nine-year-old interior general contractor. We are actually the largest MWBE interior general contractor in the state of Georgia.

Lee Kantor: And what does that mean?

Chondra Webster Myers: That means we renovate the inside of a building. We don’t come out of the ground. We had the capacity to do it, but we stay on the interior side.

Lee Kantor: And is it primarily commercial or is it residential?

Chondra Webster Myers: It’s all commercial. And we do a lot of hospitals as well, pharmacies, and federal work.

Lee Kantor: So what’s your backstory? How did you get involved in the construction industry?

Chondra Webster Myers: I started in this industry I want to say 30-something plus years ago, and I started in commercial furniture sales, and then I went to movable walls in a low profile floor that held the data and electrical. And I was talking to contractors at that point. And the more and more I talked to contractors, the more I was attracted to what they were doing. And so nine years ago, I started a construction company.

Lee Kantor: Now, have you ever been involved in the the actual construction, or are you managing a firm of people who go out and do the actual construction?

Chondra Webster Myers: We actually hire the subs. I haven’t done a lot of joint ventures where I’m augmenting staff. We actually compete for work. And then we use our subs. Our internal goal is to spend at least 30% with women in minority companies to do the work.

Lee Kantor: Are you finding more and more women in minorities getting involved in this line of work?

Chondra Webster Myers: Absolutely.

Lee Kantor: Has it changed over the years?

Chondra Webster Myers: Absolutely.

Lee Kantor: What are some of the big changes you’re seeing?

Chondra Webster Myers: I’m seeing more diversity that’s coming in, not only from the general construction standpoint, but even through the subs. And so I actually found that I needed someone on my team that spoke Spanish.

Chondra Webster Myers: There was a young girl that was working with her father on one of our jobs, and she approached me because she wanted to, you know, have her own destiny in her own hands. And so she’s a good superintendent. She likes being in the field.

Lee Kantor: So now, why was it important for you to get involved with GWBC?

Chondra Webster Myers: Well, there aren’t a lot of women that look like me that’s in this space, which is why I’m the largest.

Lee Kantor: Well, it could be because you’re talented and do good work. I’m sure that has to do with it.

Chondra Webster Myers: A lot. A lot because we have grown a lot. We work with various hospitals and corporations throughout Georgia. And we’re – occasionally, for some other customers we’ll travel.

Lee Kantor: Now, why is hospitals kind of a niche for you? How did that come about?

Chondra Webster Myers: Well, when I first started my business, my first customer was Grady Hospital. And we were in Grady Hospital every day for seven years. They had a management change. It didn’t feel comfortable for me, and so I left. I honestly didn’t know what I was going to do, but my spirit just said, you got to get out of here. And so I left. And before I knew it, I had a phone call from Georgia Power. They had a small project they wanted me to look at and and it grew into an entire two floors.

Lee Kantor: Is that how it typically works? They come on for kind of one project, and then they see how good you are, and it kind of creeps and expands.

Chondra Webster Myers: I do not blame them for doing that because they didn’t know me or my work. Well, some of them knew me. That’s how they found me and said, “Hey, we know she’s out here, but we really haven’t worked with her.” And so they gave me a small job to see how we did, and we did good. And then they gave me a next section and we did good. And so then they were like, “Well, this is what’s going to happen.” And so we ended up doing this entire first floor and the second floor.

Lee Kantor: So now that’s great advice for other entrepreneurs out there. Don’t kind of avoid these smaller projects because that gets your foot in the door.

Chondra Webster Myers: Absolutely.

Lee Kantor: So if somebody wants to learn more, have a more substantive conversation with you or somebody on the team, what’s the website? What’s the best way to connect?

Chondra Webster Myers: The best way to connect is on – I’m on LinkedIn, so that’s a really good way to connect to me. I’m on no other social media. I’m on Facebook and that’s rare, and I’m just trying to see what my family’s doing. So don’t do that. I don’t do Instagram or any of that other stuff. So, you know, just go on the website and then there is – info at webmyersconstruction.com is out there as well.

Lee Kantor: And the website is?

Chondra Webster Myers: www.webmyersconstruction.com.

Lee Kantor: Well, thank you so much for sharing your story today. You’re doing such important work and we appreciate you.

Chondra Webster Myers: All right. Thank you so much.

Lee Kantor: All right. This is Lee Kantor, back in a few at GWBC Power of Partnering.

GWBC POP 2024: Lamonica Thornhill with For the Good Times Luxury Transportation

October 3, 2024 by angishields

GWBC Radio

GWBC POP 2024: Lamonica Thornhill with For the Good Times Luxury Transportation

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Lamonica Thornhill with For the Good Times Luxury Transportation.

Connect with Lamonica on Facebook.

This transcript is machine transcribed by Sonix.

TRANSCRIPT

Intro: Broadcasting live from the Business RadioX Studios in Atlanta, Georgia, it’s time for GWBC Radio’s Open For Business. Now, here’s your host.

Lee Kantor: Lee Kantor here broadcasting live from GWBC Power of Partnering event at Georgia Power Headquarters. I’m so excited to be talking to my guest, Lamonica Thornhill with For The Good Times Luxury Transportation. Welcome.

Lamonica Thornhill: Thank you. Thank you. It’s so good to be here today.

Lee Kantor: So, tell us about your company. How are you serving folks?

Lamonica Thornhill: Right now, I’m in the luxury transportation industry. I am a newcomer to the industry, but I do believe that a good time needs to be had by all of us at this stage in the game. I have a brand new spanking 13-passenger Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. It’s less than 30 days old with a wet bar, two flat screen TVs, and it’s just a lovely piece of equipment, luxurious, yes.

Lee Kantor: So, have you been in this industry long?

Lamonica Thornhill: I have not. I had this dream more than 20 years ago, but fear kept me from making a move. But the dream was brought back to me a few months ago, and I’m moving out, stepping out on faith, and I’m feeling really good about this. And so far, so very good, so very good.

Lee Kantor: So, can you talk us through, for the aspiring entrepreneurs out there who haven’t, you know, maybe gotten the faith or the nerve to take the step that you have, how did this come about? Like you had an idea of I want to be in the luxury transportation, what was your vision?

Lamonica Thornhill: Well, 20 years ago, I had a vision of starting a limousine service and running it through funeral homes and social venues in Atlanta, but fear kept me away from doing it. I have just been kind of praying for the last six months, since I retired two years ago, about another stream of income, and the vision came back to me. So, I’ve been trusting God, stepping out on faith, and everything has just been working decent and in order.

Lamonica Thornhill: Even today being here at the Women’s Business Council today, I got an invitation from my marketing director, the young lady that’s been doing my marketing. So, I feel like God is just putting everything in place. So, if you take it to God in prayer, let him guide and lead you, you will get exactly what you need.

Lamonica Thornhill: So, I’ll be taking a group to the Georgia-Alabama game this weekend, so everything is working out decent and in order. I have met some exciting ladies here today. It’s been such great energy. So many women of color and different industries doing their thing, and it’s just been an inspiration to me.

Lamonica Thornhill: So, if you’ve got a dream or you’ve got something that God has put in your spirit, just trust him and walk with him and he will give you exactly what you need. I’m filled with gratitude today.

Lee Kantor: So, when you had the concept, the idea of luxury transportation like this, how did it lead you to this, you know, 13-passenger vehicle instead of a limousine or a Lincoln or something like that?

Lamonica Thornhill: Just kind of studying the industry, I, myself, I’m a social butterfly. I love spending time with my friends. I love travel. So, for the last few years, me and my crew, my girls nights or whenever I’m having a birthday gathering, we’ve taken a Sprinter just so we could be together, party together. We can be safe. If we want to have cocktails, nobody’s having to drive. So, that experience has always given me great joy, so I just believe that I’m giving joy back.

Lamonica Thornhill: So, I just feel that you should make every moment a Sprinter moment. You’ll be glad that you did. It’s going to give you an opportunity to spend quality time with your folk. You’re going to all be together. You’re all going to be safe. I am fortunate to have three drivers who have more than 15 years of CDL experience. So, you can be guaranteed with For The Good Times that you’re going to have a safe, comfortable, luxurious, opulent kind of experience, and are you going to be glad that you did.

Lee Kantor: So, now, what does that experience look like? So, say, I have a group and, like you said, I want to go to the game, how does it work?

Lamonica Thornhill: Well, you kind of tell me what you’re trying to do. I’ll ask you how many passengers because I have room for 13. If you need me to curate an event – a couple of weeks ago, I took some ladies to a concert, and in the package I curated, they got two bottles of champagne. They got one special shot of whatever their favorite alcohol was. We had great music. It was just a wonderful experience. I can curate an event just for you and your group. You tell me what you like and we can make it happen. With For The Good Times Luxury Transportation, yes, we can.

Lee Kantor: And so, I come to you with I’m going to XYZ event, a concert, or whatever, it doesn’t matter what it is, and then you just build this kind of transportation experience for me and my crew so that we have a good time. It doesn’t start at the event. The party starts before the event.

Lamonica Thornhill: Exactly. Exactly. And another side of the business is remembering the good times. I have even taken families together that are going to funerals. You know, I’ve been working with some of the local funeral homes. Right now, a lot of people are into the Sprinter industry, you can get more people together. Usually in a limo, you’re going to be able to carry only four or five. But if you get a luxury Sprinter, like with my Sprinter, I’ve got room for 13 passengers and that’s a larger group that can travel together. So, just whatever your needs may be, you know, wedding party or prom, families going together to mourn a loved one, we can help you remember those times with For The Good Times Luxury Transportation.

Lee Kantor: Now, you mentioned a little bit about coming here, finding out about this event, but why was it important for you to really consider becoming part of the GWBC community?

Lamonica Thornhill: I think what impressed me was the energy. It’s just so many women just doing great things, stepping out on faith, believing in themselves, and just just offering such positive feedback. I’ve had conversations with people in every industry, and it’s women that are doing their thing, and that encourages me, that inspires me. And if it inspires me, then maybe I can go out and inspire another woman. This is your time.

Lee Kantor: So, if somebody wants to connect with you and learn more about luxury transportation with you, what is the website or coordinates, best way to connect?

Lamonica Thornhill: Right now, you can reach me at 678-964-0024 or lamonicathornhill@yahoo.com. I am presently working on For The Good Times LLC for my website. It should be up within the next seven to ten days. But right now, just lamonicathornhill@yahoo.com or 678-964-0024, or check me out on Facebook, For The Good Times LLC.

Lee Kantor: All right. Well, thank you so much for sharing your story today. You’re doing such important work and we appreciate you.

Lamonica Thornhill: Thank you for having me. And just remember, make every moment a Sprinter moment. You’ll be glad that you did.

Lee Kantor: All right. This is Lee Kantor, we’ll be back in a few at GWBC Power of Partnering event.