Shep Hyken with Shepard Presentations

November 21, 2016 by Danny

Shep Hyken / Shepard Presentations
CAO (Chief Amazement Officer)

Shep Hyken is a customer service and experience expert and the Chief Amazement Officer of Shepard Presentations. He is a New York Times bestselling author and has been inducted into the National Speakers Association Hall of Fame for lifetime achievement in the speaking profession. Shep works with companies and organizations who want to build loyal relationships with their customers and employees. He is also the creator of The Customer Focus™, a customer service training program which helps clients develop a customer service culture and loyalty mindset.

Twitter Facebook LinkedIn

Veterans Connect Radio Episode 019

November 21, 2016 by Danny

Warren Taninbaum, Andrew Harazin, Brandon Skolnick, Todd Ervin,

Veterans Connect Radio

A spotlight episode of Atlanta Business Radio and powered by Business RadioX. Co-Hosted by Ryan “Redhawk” McPherson and Brandon Skolnick with Gathering Of Angels. Featuring veteran entrepreneurs, support organizations, outreach groups and more in the Atlanta area continuing to serve our families, our communities and our country.

#VetsConnect
@VetConnectRadio

Veterans Connect Radio “Fire Your Guns”
Dec. 02 6-8pm

Warren Taninbaum / Ballistic Armor Defense and Equipment, LLC
Owner

Warren Taninbaum earned a Bachelors degree of Commerce from Concordia University, Montreal, Canada in June 1976. He received a commission in the Canadian Navy in February 1978 and served several years before attending graduate school, earning a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Victoria in June 1984. While working for IBM in Calgary, Canada, Warren served with the Kings Own Calgary Regiment, a Reserve Armored Corps Unit.

After moving to Atlanta in 1984 he also joined the U.S. Navy Reserve as a Direct Commission Officer in June 1986. He served in numerous supply billets throughout his 28 year Navy career, including two overseas mobilizations for Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Warren retired as a Commander in 2014 and is authorized to wear the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal with 5 gold stars, and the Navy Achievement Medals with 2 gold stars. He also earned the Seabee Warfare Qualification Pin.

In his civilian life, Warren worked for a number of software companies until he joined First Choice Armor in 2005, selling body armor to the military and federal government. That experience eventually led to the formation of his own company, Ballistic Armor Defense and Equipment, which sells body armor and related tactical gear to law enforcement, security companies, and law-abiding citizens. He resides in Cobb County with his wife and two daughters. In his spare time, Warren enjoys playing hockey, biking, shooting, and boating.

Warren Taninbaum

Ballistic Armor Defense and Equipment, LLC

warren@ballisticarmordefense.com

w: 770-456-5612

c: 678-828-1326

Todd Ervin / Georgia Tech Scheller College of Business
Director of Marketing and Communications

Todd Ervin serves as Director of Marketing and Communications for the Georgia Tech, Scheller College of Business. Prior to that he served as Sr. Vice President Cultur8. He brings over 20 years of leadership and marketing experience to the higher education world. His extensive knowledge in strategy, market research, brand and multicultural marketing are all called upon in the development and implementation of a 360 degree marketing and communications program for Scheller College.

Prior to joining Cultur8, Ervin served as Director of Marketing at Turner Broadcasting System, INC., where he oversaw marketing for all of Turner’s NBA properties (NBA on TNT, NBA TV, NBA League Pass, and NBA.com).

He also spent over five years as Sr. Director of Brand Strategy and Market Insights for International Speedway Corporation, a motorsports and entertainment company based in Daytona Beach, FL. Honored by African Americans OnWheels as among the 70 Most Influential Men in 2007, Ervin oversaw ISC brand marketing, marketing research, and emerging markets.

His civilian career started at Sprint Nextel Corporation where he served as Sr. Manager of Market Research and Sponsorship Diversity Initiatives. His main responsibilities included building and implementing the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series research plan and ROI model, and developing a diversity program to support all Sprint Nextel sponsorship properties.

From 1995 through 2000, Ervin was an AH-64A (Apache) Attack Helicopter Pilot in the U.S. Army. During his tenure, he served as a Platoon leader, Company Executive Officer, and Assistant Regiment Operations Officer. Ervin concluded his military service in February 2000 as a Captain, having completed tours in Ft. Rucker, AL, Fort Bragg, NC, and Bosnia-Herzegovina.

During his spare time, Ervin also serves as a member of the National Advisory Committee for the American Stroke Association. Ervin holds a Masters of Business Administration from Webster University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from East Carolina University.

Andrew Harazin, MBA Candidate / Scheller College of Business at Georgia Tech
Class of 2017

I grew up in Central Florida, joined the Navy in 2005 and served for just under 10 years as a Nuclear Electronics Technician. I was an E-6 when I separated in 2014. I spent about 2 years in the various nuclear training schools, then was stationed on a Virginia Class fast attack submarine that was being built at the time. I spent 4.5 years on her, with a few home port changes from Norfolk, VA to Groton, CT to Pearl Harbor, HI, before going to recruiting duty for 3 years out of New Orleans, LA and then separating. I took a few months to relax before starting the full time MBA program using the Post 9/11 GI Bill. I interned at Bank of America over this last summer and accepted a full time offer, so I’ll be working for BoA in Charlotte after I graduate in May.

Thank You!

Karl Weber with Karl Weber Literary

November 17, 2016 by Danny

Karl Weber / Karl Weber Literary
President

Karl Weber is a writer and editor who specializes in topics from business, politics, current affairs, history, and social issues.

Weber has co-authored two books with Muhammad Yunus, founder of Grameen Bank and winner of the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize, “Creating a World Without Poverty” and its sequel, “Building Social Business.” He has also co-authored two books with sustainability expert Andrew W. Savitz, “The Triple Bottom Line” and “Talent, Transformation, and the Triple Bottom Line”; three books with Loews Hotel CEO Jonathan Tisch; and five books with business strategy guru Adrian Slywotzky.

Weber also edited three best-selling books by former President Jimmy Carter, as well as the number one best-seller “What Happened: Inside the Bush White House and Washington’s Culture of Deception” by former White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan. He has also edited four best-selling companion books to acclaimed films: “Food Inc.”, “Waiting for Superman,” “Last Call at the Oasis,” and Steven Spielberg’s “Lincoln.”

Through his company Karl Weber Literary, Weber offers publishing services that include co-authorship (collaboration), ghost writing, editing, book doctoring, consulting, and coaching for authors, including those considering self-publishing. His clients include publishers large and small, literary agents, and individual authors. You can learn more about Weber by visiting his website, www.karlweberliterary.com.
Karl share with the audience insight on the following and more!!

Why you want to write a book?
What do you want to achieve?
Why it is best to create a platform first and then write a book.

You Can Contact Karl Weber here:

Karl Weber Literary

240 Locust Lane

Irvington NY 10533

914-478-1983

KSU Entrepreneurship Center The Shrimp Tank Featuring John Belman

November 17, 2016 by Danny

Where can a young entrepreneur figure out how to turn their dreams into reality? Just take a step into the Shrimp Tank. The Shrimp Tank brings you interviews with some of the most successful business owners in the United States to learn the do’s and don’ts of starting and running a successful business. Then, the fun really starts when we bring in high school and college students to pitch their business ideas to the Shrimp Tank. We don’t fund any business, but we do teach kids how to turn their business ideas into a successful business.

Hosts of The Shrimp Tank Chris Hanks, Ted Jenkin and Lee Heisman

John Belman / Vistage Atlanta Chair

John Belman is CEO of Own Accord, LLC, a CEO coaching and advisory firm serving the great Atlanta area. John also serves as a CEO Group Chair with Vistage Worldwide, facilitating advisory groups of high-performing CEOs and business owners. John has broad leadership experience across a range of industries, companies (public, private, family-owned), and functional roles. Most recently he served as a CEO of a mid-market logistics company following 7 years at Target Corporation as a leader in transportation and finance. Prior to Target, John held senior business development and marketing roles in the media and technology industries. John has a BA from Washington University in St. Louis, was a graduate fellow in history at Columbia University, and holds an MBA from the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan.

A veteran of the 75th Ranger Regiment, John participated in the 1993 Black Hawk Down mission in Mogadishu, Somalia.

AGLCC’s Emma Foulks Talks Out In The Kitchen

November 15, 2016 by Danny

Subscribe: iTunes | Android | RSS

Carlton Brown, Angel Touwsma, Elizabeth Odem

Emma Foulkes, Vadam Clementi, Carlton Brown

AGLCC’s Emma Foulks Talks Out In The Kitchen

On this week’s episode, AGLCC’s Emma Foulks Talks Out In The Kitchen with Occasional Occasions’ Chef Carlton Brown and Chef Vedam Clementi, author of “Vedam’s Gluten Free & Fabulous! Recipes From A Southern Gay Househusband.” Both chefs are contributing their culinary treats for the upcoming Out In The Kitchen event December 7 at the W Midtown. Also joining us were Elizabeth Odom and Angel Touwsma from the W’s sales and marketing team to talk about why the W enjoys hosting this and other AGLCC events.

Chef Vedam Clementi is a gluten free personal chef and the author of “Vedam’s Gluten Free & Fabulous! Recipes From A Southern Gay Househusband.” After suffering for over two decades with misdiagnosed health issues, Vedam was diagnosed with Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity, and had to learn to cook a new way – completely gluten free. The cookbook not only offers Southern dishes but also includes gluten free basics, how to create your own flour blend, how to set up a gluten free kitchen and home, breakfasts, soups, side and main dishes, desserts and some of his and his husband’s favorite dishes and cuisines.

Chef Vedam is a personal chef providing delicious gluten free meals customized to your tastes and needs and conveniently prepared in your home. Whether you want to plan a special dinner, or to have frozen, easy-to- reheat prepared meals for those days you are too busy to cook, he will work with you to develop a delectable gluten free menu. Vedam also offers customized gluten free hors d’oeuvres, desserts, and complete meals for parties and corporate events.

Understanding the challenges of gluten free living, Vedam offers in-home cooking classes and guidance on setting up a gluten free kitchen and home. He is also busy creating new recipes for his next gluten free cookbook which will focus on more vegetarian and health-conscious recipes.

Offering boutique-style catering services for your private, corporate, or non-profit affair, Occasional Occasions by
Carlton will make your Occasional Occasion truly memorable. Founded in 1994 by Carlton A. Brown, Occasional Occasions by Carlton has been serving clients, corporate and private, throughout the Atlanta Metropolitan area. What we offer you is not only great food, but elegant presentations and impeccable service. Visualize all of this and you will foresee how Occasional Occasions by Carlton will create your event, personalized to your needs and operating comfortably within your budget.

W’s 14th Street address places you in the heart of Atlanta’s most dynamic neighborhood, Midtown, with
over 22 miles of urban redevelopment at your fingertips, picturesque Piedmont Park in our backyard, and
world-class shopping, dining and nightlife surrounding. you’ll appreciate having the city at your fingertips.

Ignite your stay in one of W’s 466 unique, spacious guestrooms and suites with unmatched floor to ceiling
Atlanta skyline and park views. Upon arrival, guests walk into a dramatic open air Living Room, amplifying the energy that W Hotels are known for with sounds from impromptu and often intimate performances featuring what’s new/next from the Atlanta music scene. Delight in classic and modern twists on New South favorites at TRACE, our Midtown Atlanta restaurant.

The W scene continues to unfold as the guests arrive to the signature glass lift and connect instantly with SPG keyless room access. Weekend adventurers escape here to indulge in Bliss spa and FIT, W Atlanta Midtown’s 24/7 gym. For those seeking outdoors, grab a bike and hit the Beltline or take a walk on the natural side exploring Piedmont Park. And when the sun sets, free your inner night owl at some of Atlanta’s chicest clubs.

Michael Blake of Arpeggio Advisors, Marc Lewyn of GV Financial Advisors and John Miller of Sterling Risk Advisors

November 15, 2016 by Danny

Michael Blake / Arpeggio Advisors

Mike Blake is the founder of Arpeggio Advisors, a boutique business appraisal and corporate strategy advisory firm in Atlanta. Mike’s background has included work in venture capital, investment banking, and public accounting.

For the first eight years of his career, Mike worked in venture capital and investment banking in the U.S. and abroad. In 2004, Mike entered the business appraisal profession full-time, working most recently for Habif, Arogeti & Wynne, LLP (the largest independent public accounting firm headquartered in Atlanta). Mike led HA&W’s effort to become the first appraisal practice in Georgia to earn the International Society of Business Analysts’ Gold Seal of Trust, the only peer review recognition for observing best practices in the business appraisal profession in the United States.

Mike has particular expertise in the appraisal of firms in the fields of professional services, information technology, aerospace, and alternative energy. In addition, he has developed specific expertise in the appraisal of intellectual property and intangible assets.

Mike is an active educator. He is a Special Instructor of Business Valuation in the Georgia Tech/Emory University TI:GER (Technology Innovation: Generating Economic Results) program. In addition, he is regularly invited to provide instruction on entrepreneurship, corporate finance, and business valuation to graduate level classes at the Georgia Institute of Technology, Emory University, Kennesaw State University, the University of South Carolina, Georgia State University, and the University of Georgia. Furthermore, he regularly provides continuing professional education for his peers in the business valuation profession.

Mike earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and French (Cum Laude) from Franklin & Marshall College, from which he graduated Phi Beta Kappa. In addition, he holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Georgetown University. Mike is also a member of the Leadership Atlanta Class of 2014.

Mike’s additional professional and community-service passions include supporting entrepreneurship through education and nonprofit board involvement, raising awareness of and funding to combat Lou Gehrig’s Disease, promoting alternative energy development through market forces, advocating for de-stigmatizing mental illness and disorders, and expanding the inclusiveness of the Atlanta high technology community.

Mike speaks Russian, French, and Ukrainian, lives near Atlanta with his wife and two sons, and plays keyboards and vocals for Kickin’ Off the Coverz, a working classic rock cover band.

Website LinkedIn Twitter

Marc Lewyn / GV Financial Advisors

With over 20 years of experience, Marc is a partner, senior financial advisor, and CEO of Strategic Liquidity Services (“SLS”) at GV. SLS provides a methodology designed to help business owners navigate the complex options available for generating liquidity from their businesses.

“Most business owners think there’s one way to generate liquidity from their business — to sell it,” Marc explains. “However, that’s one of many options, and in our experience, it’s often not the best one. We help people navigate complex variables so they can choose a path that best fits with their personal and professional goals.”

Lewyn graduated cum laude from the University of Virginia and received his law degree from the University of Georgia School of Law. Prior to joining GV Financial, Marc served as a corporate attorney for a variety of business clients. Marc also had the privilege of working on the staff of a U.S. Senator, a job he credits for giving him the willingness to tackle a variety of complex problems in service to others.

A leader in the community, Marc enjoys sharing his time and expertise with a number of Atlanta-based charities and organizations. Marc is the immediate past Chair of the Endowment Fund of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta and has served on the Executive Committee and the Board of that organization for many years. He served on the Endowment Board of the Westminster Schools, the Boards of the Greenfield Hebrew Academy, and the Endowment Committee of the Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta, the Atlanta Scholars Kollel and Temima High School.

Website LinkedIn

John Miller / Sterling Risk Advisors

Mr. John W Miller II has over 20 years of experience in providing risk management and commercial/professional insurance solutions to clients throughout the United States. He knows clients’ business as well as he knows insurance, and is a trusted strategic advisor to professional, commercial, and personal clients.

A founding Principal of Sterling Risk Advisors, John was a Principal at one of Atlanta’s oldest insurance brokerage firms. Previous to that, he was an Insurance Underwriter for The St. Paul Companies (now a part of Travelers). John speaks regularly to healthcare organizations around the Southeast and is often quoted in the media on the topic of the malpractice insurance marketplace.

John received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Furman University. At Furman, he served as the Business Manager of The Paladin (student newspaper), Treasurer in the Association of Furman Students (student government) and Executive Committee Member of the Inter-Fraternity Council. John was active in the Sigma Chi Fraternity serving as President and as Grand Council delegate from South Carolina. Prior to Furman, he attended The Baylor School in Chattanooga and graduated from The Westminster Schools in Atlanta.

With a dedication to giving back to the community, John coaches football, basketball and baseball through the Northside Youth Organization and serves on its Board of Directors. He is also on the Board of Directors of The Schenck School and serves on the Board of Directors of the Wiskott Aldrich Foundation. John is also on the Board of Directors of the Westminster Schools Catbackers. An Eagle Scout, John serves as an Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 232 in Atlanta.

John is an active member of The Peachtree Road United Methodist Church. He and his wife Mary reside in Sandy Springs and have three children: Will, Price and Mary Hilton.

Website LinkedIn Twitter

CyberSecurity Month

November 13, 2016 by Danny

Cause & Affect Radio Brought To You By

David Barton / UHY Advisors
Managing Director

David Barton is a Managing Director with the firm in the Southeast and serves as leader in the Internal Audit, Risk & Compliance and Management & Technology Consulting groups. He has more than 25 years of practical experience in information systems and technology risk and controls.

Dave King / UHY Advisors
Senior Manager

Dave King is Senior Manager within UHY’s Technology and Risk Management consulting practice. He has over 15 years of experience in governance, risk, and compliance management. He is responsible for
advising business and technology executives on Cybersecurity, PCI Compliance, and technology risk management initiatives.

Glenise Moore / Ventiv
Director of IT Security, Compliance, and Privacy

Driven and Innovative leader with expertise in information systems security analysis and management. Seasoned in internal and external audit, risk mitigation and enterprise security posture. Keen understanding of IT and non-IT integrated issues and adept at bridging the gap between IT and business constituents. Proven ability to quickly understand key business drivers, and develop strategies to leverage and streamline continuous organizational development and growth, while delivering tangible results for all stakeholders.

Tony UcedaVelez / Internap
CEO

Tony is the CEO and Founder of VerSprite, a global security consulting firm offering strategic services offerings around information security, including virtual CISO services. He currently is acting CISO for Internap, an international hosting and network service provider. He is author to Risk Based Threat Modeling (Wiley 2015) and the PASTA risk based threat modeling methodology. Tony runs the OWASP Atlanta chapter and hosts monthly talks in Atlanta around emerging threats to application environments. He has spoken at numerous international security conferences, including OWASP, ISSA, ISC2, ISACA, BSides Security Conference, Cloud Connect, and EC-Council. Tony’s 20 years of IT and Security experience across various industries has made him a strategic consultant for multiple Fortune 500 leaders.

Want to speak with the UHY team?
consulting@uhy-us.com

Amir Ghannad Author of The Transformative Leader

November 10, 2016 by Danny

Amir Ghannad / The Ghannad Group

Amir Ghannad is a leadership coach with 30 years of experience in leadership and organizational development.

Amir’s corporate career began at Procter and Gamble, where he held a variety of positions in the US, Southeast Asia, and Europe. Amir also served as Plant Director at Sunny Delight Beverages Company, where he led the Atlanta plant operations and the company’s Workplace Excellence efforts, before taking on leading the Global High Performance Organization initiative at Campbell Soup Company.

A registered corporate coach and an accomplished trainer of courses such as Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, The Speed of Trust, The Mind Gym, and many others, Amir has designed and delivered numerous customized sessions that have helped organizations successfully achieve results in a variety of business situations.
In addition to designing and conducting training sessions, and facilitating numerous workshops in various locations in the US, Asia, and Europe, Amir has effectively led multi-national and multi-functional teams in delivering superior results through his ability to rally teams around a common vision. Having had extensive hands-on leadership experience in a variety of business situations, Amir is proficient in using an array of tools and methodologies to facilitate teams through the process of strategy development and deployment, organizational assessment and design, high performance organization development, transition management, and leadership development.

Twitter Facebook LinkedIn

Points of interest during the conversation with Amir

Anyone of us has it in us to become a leader
It is really important to be clear about results and delegate accordingly
This is not just a business book but a book that will transform your life

KSU Entrepreneurship Center The Shrimp Tank Featuring Mark Fonseca

November 10, 2016 by Danny

Where can a young entrepreneur figure out how to turn their dreams into reality? Just take a step into the Shrimp Tank. The Shrimp Tank brings you interviews with some of the most successful business owners in the United States to learn the do’s and don’ts of starting and running a successful business. Then, the fun really starts when we bring in high school and college students to pitch their business ideas to the Shrimp Tank. We don’t fund any business, but we do teach kids how to turn their business ideas into a successful business.

Hosts of The Shrimp Tank Chris Hanks and Ted Jenkin.

Mark Fonseca / Executive Image Consultant & Professional Speaker

The best-dressed man always makes a powerful statement. Mark Fonseca should know; he’s one of them. The first thing one will notice when meeting Mark is that he is impeccably dressed, with an unpretentious elegance. His exquisite attire and flawless detail package a look that radiates confidence, success and quiet authority. Mark has mastered the art of dressing. As founder and owner of Fonseca Clothiers, it’s no wonder that he also dresses some of the country’s most dynamic, affluent men, guaranteeing that they will always look and feel their absolute best.