Garrett Ervin, Author at Business RadioX ® Page

Gwinnett Chamber 74th Annual Dinner Award Winners

April 14, 2022 by Garrett Ervin

Gwinnett Studio

Gwinnett Chamber 74th Annual Dinner Award Winners

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The Gwinnett Chamber announced the honorees for its 74th Annual Dinner to be held Friday, April 22, at the Gas South Convention Center. The annual event, presented by Northside Hospital, celebrates Gwinnett’s community servants, corporate citizens, and compassionate organizations.

Five of the award winners recently visited the Gwinnett Business RadioX studio to discuss what the prestigious honor means to them.

The 2021 Citizen of the Year Award honors individuals whose services have had the greatest impact on the overall quality of life for Gwinnett County in recent years.

Winner: Sidney H. Theus, Chief Executive Officer of American Painting and Renovations

Public Service Awards are given to individuals who, over the years, have gone above and beyond in their service to the community and its residents.

Winner: Jay Dennard, Chief Operating Officer, Northside Hospital Duluth

Public Service Awards are given to individuals who, over the years, have gone above and beyond in their service to the community and its residents.

Winner: Jonathan Holmes, Managing Partner, Mighty 8th Media

Public Service Awards are given to individuals who, over the years, have gone above and beyond in their service to the community and its residents.

Winner: Representative Sam Park, Georgia State House District 101

The D. Scott Hudgens Humanitarian Award is given in honor of Scott Hudgens, a respected developer and philanthropist who unselfishly gave of his time and talents to ensure that many others, especially those with limited means, would benefit from his treasure.

Winner: Special Needs Schools of Gwinnett (Jamie Hamilton, Executive Director)

In addition to the above winners, Dr. Jann L. Joseph, President, Georgia Gwinnett College, will be recognized as a Public Service Award Winner. The R. Wayne Shackelford Legacy Award, honoring the memory and legacy of an individual who has made a difference in the history and progress of Gwinnett County, will be awarded posthumously to James J. Maran, former President & CEO of the Gwinnett Chamber; L. Jim Steele, former Chief Operating Officer of Gwinnett County Public Schools; and Kelvin J. “Kelly” Kelkenberg, former Councilman for the City of Duluth.

The James J. Maran International Award, recognizing an international company that has chosen to locate in Gwinnett, taking advantage of Gwinnett’s pro-business mindset, and become an active member of the Chamber and the local community, will be awarded to Hettich America.

For more information on this annual program including how to register, please visit GwinnettAnnualDinner.com.

Wendi Lucas with Main Event Entertainment and Samuel Richmond with Nvestfit

April 14, 2022 by Garrett Ervin

Gwinnett Business Radio

Wendi Lucas with Main Event Entertainment and Samuel Richmond with Nvestfit

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Wendi Lucas/Main Event Entertainment – Suwanee

Main Event Entertainment currently offers three (3) centers in the Georgia: Atlanta (near Cobb Parkway), Alpharetta (off of Mansell and 400), and the best for last – Suwanee (located just off Interstate 85 at the Lawrenceville/Suwanee exit). Main Event offers interactive entertainment center for all ages including games, bowling, indoor ropes course, laser tag, delicious food, and so much more.

Samuel Richmond/Nvestfit

Nvestfit specializes in providing comprehensive wealth management services to individuals, families, and business owners. Their team is committed to serving their clients as unique partners, requiring individual solutions, and well thought-out strategies to empower them to make their own decisions. Above all else, Nvestfit values the relationships and trust that they build.

Gwinnett Business Radio is presented by

SIMON SAYS, LET’S TALK BUSINESS: Billy Gray with Gray Contracting

April 14, 2022 by Garrett Ervin

Gwinnett Studio

SIMON SAYS, LET'S TALK BUSINESS: Billy Gray with Gray Contracting

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Gary Zermuehlen, Billy Gray, and Al Simon

Billy Gray/Gray Contracting

Gray Contracting is an owner-operated company that has been in business for over two decades. When Billy Gray started the company, he was a one-man team passing out flyers door to door. Since he opened the doors, he has grown Gray Contracting to over 250 full time employees with multiple divisions and services. His dedicated employees that started with him at the beginning are still with the company. A great benefit to working with them is the limited turnover. You will be able to have a dedicated curated team that knows and learns your property which is a huge benefit to you.

Culture is a priority for the company. Team members are not considered employees, they are considered family. They believe that success comes from working together. They foster an environment built on collaborative problem solving to improve productivity, reduce costs, and give customers the best experience possible.

The team members at Gray Contracting understand the needs of commercial buildings and the expectations of the men and women that run these buildings. They always apply best practices to ensure your projects run smoothly and swiftly.

Keely McNeal with Remax Legends and Mallely Then with Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners

April 13, 2022 by Garrett Ervin

Gwinnett Studio

Keely McNeal with Remax Legends and Mallely Then with Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners

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Bruno Taillefer, Mallely Then, Brian Peart and Keely McNeal

Keely McNeal/Remax Legends

As a RE/MAX agent, Keely McNeal is dedicated to helping her clients find the home of their dreams. Whether you are buying or selling a home or just curious about the local market, she would love to offer her support and services. She knows the local community — both as an agent and a neighbor — and can help guide you through the nuances of the local market. With access to top listings, a worldwide network, exceptional marketing strategies, and cutting-edge technology, Keely works hard to make your real estate experience memorable and enjoyable.

Mallely Then/Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners

Becoming a realtor was always the career aspiration for Mallely Then. Though it did not happen sooner, her time is now, and she is on her journey to connect with people, and make their dream come true with the perfect property. Mallely thrives on interacting with and helping people, and has exceptional attention to detail.

Top Realtors of Atlanta is proudly presented by

Congressman Jody Hice, Candidate for Georgia Secretary of State

April 13, 2022 by Garrett Ervin

Case In Point

Congressman Jody Hice, Candidate for Georgia Secretary of State

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Congressman Jody Hice/Candidate for Georgia Secretary of State

In 2014, Jody Hice was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives to serve Georgia’s 10th Congressional District. Along with fellow Congressmen Mark Meadows and Jim Jordan, he was a founding member of the House Freedom Caucus. The House Freedom Caucus (HFC) gives a voice to countless Americans who feel that Washington does not represent them. They support open, accountable, and limited government, the Constitution and the rule of law, and policies that promote the liberty, safety, and prosperity of all Americans.

Since 2015, Congressman Jody Hice has served on the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform where he led the fight against things such as the failed impeachment attempt and H.R. 1. He has continuously sought out corruption and helped hold government accountable.

CASE IN POINT is presented by:

Episode 7 – Cannabis Advocate Brian Grosso

April 11, 2022 by Garrett Ervin

Free Game

Episode 7 - Cannabis Advocate Brian Grosso

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Luke Jeraci, Brian Grosso and Jeremy Todd

Brian Grosso/Cannabis Advocate

Cannabis refers to a group of three plants with psychoactive properties, known as Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. When the flowers of these plants are harvested and dried, you’re left with one of the most common drugs in the world. Some call it weed, some call it pot, and others call it marijuana.

As weed becomes legal in more areas, names for it are evolving. Today, more and more people are using the term cannabis to refer to weed. Some argue that it’s a more accurate name. Others feel it’s more neutral compared with terms like weed or pot, which some people associate with its illegal use.

Cannabis is usually consumed for its relaxing and calming effects. In some U.S. states, it’s also prescribed to help with a range of medical conditions, including chronic pain, glaucoma, and poor appetite.

Cannabis is illegal in many places, but more and more areas are starting to legalize it for both recreational and medical uses. In the United States, for example, several states have legalized recreational and medical cannabis. Others have legalized it only for medical use.

Mason Ailstock with Rowen Foundation and Tonya Baughman & Melissa Blaurock with Rytech Restorations

April 7, 2022 by Garrett Ervin

Gwinnett Business Radio

Mason Ailstock with Rowen Foundation and Tonya Baughman & Melissa Blaurock with Rytech Restorations

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Melissa Blaurock, Tonya Baughman and Mason Ailstock

Mason Ailstock/Rowen Foundation

Located on over 2,000 carefully preserved acres along Highway 316 in Gwinnett County, GA, Rowen is a visionary knowledge community that will bring together entrepreneurs, researchers and innovators at the intersection of the Atlanta, Athens, and Gainesville metropolitan statistical areas and more than 50 research and educational institutions. A new multi-use concept designed to foster discoveries in agricultural, medical and environmental sciences, Rowen will build on the land’s rich history of thoughtful environmental stewardship, while changing the economic and social trajectory of Gwinnett, Georgia, and our nation for generations. Rowen Foundation is the independent, mission-driven, not-for-profit entity leading the planning and visioning of Rowen. With its mission to be a catalyst for education, research, and innovation, the foundation is responsible for project leadership and operations to ensure the long-term vision for Rowen is never compromised. For more information, please visit www.rowenlife.com.

Tonya Baughman & Melissa Blaurock/Rytech Restorations

After an unexpected disaster, you can feel frustrated and unsure of how to get back to normal. Rytech Restorations responds quickly to identify the source of damage and provides a plan of action to get you back to normal in the shortest amount of time possible. Live specialists are ready to answer your questions, and dispatch a Rytech tech to your door. Their network responds to over 20,000 claims annually. Restore your property and restore your life.

Gwinnett Business Radio is presented by

Pivot to Purpose

April 6, 2022 by Garrett Ervin

Gwinnett Studio

Pivot to Purpose

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Derek Hays, Leta Brooks and April Farlow

Let Leta take you on a journey of faith, life, travel, and interior design. Leta Brooks is the star of the hit podcast “Status Life With Leta.” Reaching a record number of downloads in a very short amount of time, Leta engages her audience with her honesty, captivating stories, and her talent for teaching. “Status Life With Leta” is a lifestyle podcast and blog which focuses on everything you need to know to enhance your life, your health, and your home.

Leta uses her 20+ years of experience as a practicing interior designer to teach trends, design styles, and tips on how to make a house a home. She also guides her followers to a lifestyle of better mental, physical, and spiritual health. With her “sweetie”, Derek Hays, as her co-host, they entertain listeners with playful banter and real life situations. Her mission is to help each and every listener #designyourlife.

Status Life with Leta is brought to you by Status Home Design, and by the Law Office of Derek M. Hays at 404-777-HURT.

April Farlow/Motivational Speaker and Performance Coach

April Farlow has spent over 15 years motivating audiences to get them out of their comfort zone, speak up and represent their values. April has taught over 20,000 individuals and honed her skills to motivate hard to reach audiences. She has ranked in the top 1% of facilitators out of 3,000 for Dale Carnegie Training International. Today, April uses this experience to deliver content with depth and real-life immediate application. April is the right choice when you are looking for a speaker who is passionate about connecting with the audience and moving people to action.

Lydia’s Place serves young adults age 17-24 who have experienced foster care or homelessness. Built on Christian principles, they seek to demonstrate God’s love by providing basic needs during the transition to independent living.

Leta Brooks/Status Home Design

Status Home Design is a 12.000 sq ft retail store located in the Kohls Plaza of Hamilton Mill at 2240 Hamilton Creek Pkwy, Dacula, Georgia. They have 70 different merchants inside the store selling furniture and home goods of various styles. Their Status Carpenters can rehab, refinish, or repaint almost anything. This fantastic team of carpenters also custom builds tables, bookcases, cabinets, and barn doors. Status Design Studio, Inc., their award winning full-service interior design firm is also located inside the store. Their designers, provide exemplary service for all your home and business needs. Status Home Design’s knowledge of the latest trends and access to an abundance of manufacturers for furniture and all home decor items, sets them apart from the rest. Last, but certainly not least, they have an in-house seamstress and upholstery workshop.

Contact Leta at lbrooks@statushomedesign.com

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Status Home Design and Status Life with Leta

Achieving Systemness: Empathetic Automation Opportunities

April 5, 2022 by Garrett Ervin

Gwinnett Studio

Achieving Systemness: Empathetic Automation Opportunities

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Apruv Gupta MD, MPH, an expert on the topic of empathetic automation and driving care transformation, joins “Leader Dialogue” co-hosts Dr. Charles (Chuck) Peck, Dr. Darin Vercillo, and Ben Sawyer to discuss “Achieving Systemness: Empathetic Automation Opportunities” and explore how empathetic automation can help to address clinical workforce overload and shortages. Dr. Gupta shares his perspective and insights on this important topic, providing practical suggestions that can be applied immediately.

Charles (Chuck) Peck, MD, FACS

Charles (Chuck) Peck is an internist and rheumatologist with more than 35 years of healthcare experience as a clinician, scientist, medical school faculty member, administrator, medical director, CEO, and partner in the global healthcare advisory company Guidehouse.

Chuck’s most recent projects include a $108M financial turnaround of a $2B integrated health system in the northeast leading to their affiliation with a leading academic health system. He was a member of President Joe Biden’s Health and Human Services transition team. Prior to joining Guidehouse, Chuck served as CEO of Piedmont Athens Regional Health System, on the board of Vizient Southern States, partner at a global healthcare consulting firm responsible for the clinical operations practice; CEO of a 150 physician group multi-specialty practice; president of the southeast and northeast regions of a large national health insurance carrier; chief medical officer of a start-up retail health clinic operator; chief medical officer/chief operations officer of a national disease management company; and CEO of an ambulatory surgery center and physician services company.

Chuck is a co-host of the Baldrige Foundation Leader Dialogue program and provides mentoring and thought leadership insights to numerous organizations and leaders across the country on a variety of operational, financial, and leadership topics.

Ben Sawyer, MBA, PT, OCS, LBB

Ben Sawyer is an ABOUT executive. He has more than 35 years of industry experience, most recently serving as CEO of SOAR Vision Group, and EVP of Care Logistics.

Ben started his healthcare career in 1985 as a Physical Therapist, focusing on sports medicine and orthopedics, and received his specialist certification as an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) in 1997 from the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties.

After securing his MBA, he moved into hospital administration, overseeing rehab, wellness, cardiac therapy, and occupational medicine services, specializing in team development and performance optimization. This expanded into a system leadership role overseeing performance and quality improvement. During that time Ben achieved his Lean Black Belt certification (LBB)

Ben has a gift for recognizing strategic gaps that can be turned into opportunities. For example, during the COVID-19 crisis he initiated national executive roundtables with the Baldrige Foundation via the Leader Dialogue program to help executives turn the pandemic disruption into an opportunity for improved collaboration and performance towards true Community Health beyond the walls of hospitals and to prioritize and coordinate action and resources.

Apruv Gupta/Guidehouse Consulting

Dr. Apruv Gupta completed his Internal Medicine training at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, MA, and received an M.D. and Sc.B. from Brown University, as well as a M.P.H. from Harvard University. He leads care transformation at Guidehouse Consulting, and is an expert in driving transformational change, physician engagement, change management, and leadership development. He has led multiple projects in clinical operating model redesign, length of stay and throughput, clinical variation, and service line optimization. He has experience as a clinician, manager, executive, educator, and thought leader.

Dr. Gupta is also the host of the “Speaking of Making Healthcare Work For You” podcast series.

Leader Dialogue is presented by