John Ray, Author at Business RadioX ® Page

Empowering Breast Cancer Survivors, with Lois Rusco, TurningPoint Breast Cancer Rehabilitation

March 5, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Empowering Breast Cancer Survivors, with Lois Rusco, TurningPoint Breast Cancer Rehabilitation

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Empowering Breast Cancer Survivors, with Lois Rusco, TurningPoint Breast Cancer Rehabilitation (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 851)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray interviews Lois Rusco, the Executive Director of TurningPoint Breast Cancer Rehabilitation. The discussion covers the vital need for specialized rehabilitation services for breast cancer survivors, highlighting the comprehensive support TurningPoint offers, including physical therapy, emotional counseling, and nutrition services. Lois shares her personal connection to the cause and the organization’s efforts to reach underserved communities through initiatives like the Atlanta Initiative and the Georgia Outreach Initiative. The episode also provides details on upcoming events and ways the community can support TurningPoint.

John Ray is the host of North Fulton Business Radio. The show is produced by John Ray and North Fulton Business Radio, LLC, an affiliate of Business RadioX®, and recorded inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

Lois Rusco, Executive Director, TurningPoint Breast Cancer Rehabilitation

Lois Rusco has been involved with TurningPoint since 2014 as a donor and volunteer. She joined the Board of Directors in 2021, where she served as Development Chair and on the Executive Committee as Treasurer. Lois joined the staff in 2022 as the Development Director and now serves as the Executive Director.

Lois has an MBA and is a former CPA. Prior to joining TurningPoint, she was an entrepreneur owning three successful businesses. Lois also worked in various roles in consumer packaged goods companies, including sales, marketing, brand management, and finance.

TurningPoint is important to Lois as her mother is a breast cancer survivor and her sister-in-law passed away from from the disease

TurningPoint Breast Cancer Rehabilitation

TurningPoint Breast Cancer Rehabilitation is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals impacted by breast cancer. Established in 2003, it provides specialized, evidence-based rehabilitation services to help patients manage the physical and emotional side effects of breast cancer treatment.

Located in Atlanta, Georgia, TurningPoint offers a comprehensive range of services including physical therapy, massage therapy, nutritional counseling, lymphedema screening and management, emotional support, and tailored fitness classes. These services are designed to address the holistic needs of patients, ensuring they can return to an active and healthy lifestyle. TurningPoint also offers reduced-fee and complimentary services, along with financial assistance programs, to ensure care is accessible to all, particularly low-income and uninsured patients.

TurningPoint is recognized as a thought leader in breast cancer rehabilitation and survivorship. It focuses on reducing socioeconomic, racial, cultural, and geographic barriers to care through initiatives like The Atlanta Initiative and The Georgia Outreach Initiative. The Atlanta Initiative targets underserved Black and LGBTQIA+ breast cancer survivors in Atlanta, while The Georgia Outreach Initiative reaches rural areas of Georgia where access to quality care is limited. TurningPoint provides telehealth services, transportation assistance, and financial aid to ensure that no patient is turned away. With a commitment to education, TurningPoint also offers workshops and training for healthcare providers to enhance patient outcomes and reduce cancer recurrence.

Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
01:32 Introducing Lois Rusco and TurningPoint
01:51 The Founding and Mission of TurningPoint
02:37 Lois Rusco’s Personal Connection
03:24 Challenges in Breast Cancer Rehabilitation
05:41 Services and Programs at TurningPoint
08:58 Community Outreach and Support
15:16 Events and Fundraising
17:02 Impact and Testimonials
18:27 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

Renasant Bank has humble roots, starting in 1904 as a $100,000 bank in a Lee County, Mississippi, bakery. Since then, Renasant has become one of the Southeast’s strongest financial institutions, with over $17 billion in assets and more than 180 banking, lending, wealth management, and financial services offices throughout the region. All of Renasant’s success stems from each banker’s commitment to investing in their communities as a way to better understand the people they serve. At Renasant Bank, they understand you because they work and live alongside you every day.

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

With over 850 shows and having featured over 1,300 guests, North Fulton Business Radio is the longest-running podcast in the North Fulton area, covering business in our community like no one else. We are the undisputed “Voice of Business” in North Fulton!

The show invites a diverse range of business, non-profit, and community leaders to share their significant contributions to their market, community, and profession. There’s no discrimination based on company size, and there’s never any “pay to play.” North Fulton Business Radio supports and celebrates business by sharing positive business stories that traditional media ignore. Some media lean left. Some media lean right. We lean business.

**John Ray, North Fulton Business Radio, and Owner, Ray Business Advisors**

The studio address is 275 South Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

You can find the full archive of shows by following this link. The show is available on all the major podcast apps, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, Amazon, iHeart Radio, and many others.

John Ray also operates his own business advisory practice. John’s services include advising solopreneurs and small professional services firms on their value, their positioning and business development, and their pricing. His clients are professionals who are selling their expertise, such as consultants, coaches, attorneys, CPAs, accountants and bookkeepers, marketing professionals, and other professional services practitioners.

John is the national bestselling author of The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices.

The Value of a Fractional CFO, with Lyle Newkirk, SeatonHill Partners

March 3, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

The Value of a Fractional CFO, with Lyle Newkirk, SeatonHill Partners

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The Value of a Fractional CFO, with Lyle Newkirk, SeatonHill Partners (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 850)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio hosted by John Ray, guest Lyle Newkirk from SeatonHill Partners discusses his extensive experience as a fractional CFO. Lyle explains the value of having a fractional executive for middle-market businesses, stressing the importance of preparation for mergers and acquisitions (M&A). Throughout the conversation, Lyle shares insights on various aspects of business finance, from operational improvements with AI to the importance of soft skills in connecting with business owners. The episode is filled with practical advice and real-world examples, showcasing the unique benefits of hiring a seasoned fractional CFO.

Lyle Newkirk, CFO Partner, SeatonHill

Lyle Newkirk is a CFO partner with SeatonHill. He has over 35 years of experience in CFO and executive finance roles. He has worked with public and private companies based both in the US and internationally, where he developed the strategies to achieve significant top-line revenue growth and helped to facilitate various successful acquisitions and strategic exits, including three exits to Fortune 500 companies. Lyle has extensive experience in technology companies in general and SaaS companies specifically. Lyle’s expertise also includes FP&A, growth planning and tactics, cash management, HR, sales operations, and regulatory compliance

SeatonHill provides organizations financial leadership with a strategic and operational focus by placing elite CFO talent to challenge the business and contribute to operational decisions to achieve results. With their curated talent, their financial leaders guide small and medium-sized businesses through complex financial problems to mitigate risk and achieve organizational goals.

SeatonHill is the fastest-growing CFO services firm in the nation, offering the power of combined thought leadership and the support of the country’s top financial talent to the benefit of all our clients. SeatonHill has offices in Boston, Dallas, Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Austin, Houston, New York, Atlanta, Chicago, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Diego, and Washington D.C.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
02:00 Meet Lyle Newkirk: Veteran CFO
04:02 The Role and Importance of a Fractional CFO
05:53 Soft Skills and Business Connection
08:06 Fractional Executive vs. Full-Time Employee
10:32 Leveraging Experience and Network
14:52 Middle Market Focus
16:23 Shift in Business Optimism
17:57 Preparing for M&A Transactions
19:18 Importance of Early Preparation
20:49 Navigating the LOI Process
24:29 Impact of AI on Finance
26:30 Success Stories in Business
29:37 Contact Information and Closing Remarks

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

The studio address is 275 South Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

You can find the full archive of shows by following this link. The show is available on all the major podcast apps, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, Amazon, iHeart Radio, and many others.

John is the national bestselling author of The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices.

Financial Infidelity: The Hidden Threat to Marriages, with Kathy Healy, Healy Wealth Management

March 3, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Financial Infidelity: The Hidden Threat to Marriages, with Kathy Healy, Healy Wealth Management

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Financial Infidelity: The Hidden Threat to Marriages (One Minute Interview, Episode 133)

During her recent appearance on North Fulton Business Radio with host John Ray, Kathy Healy of Healy Wealth Management addressed a growing concern in marriages: financial infidelity.

Healy noted that money consistently ranks as the primary source of conflict between married couples. She defined financial infidelity as behaviors ranging from “squirreling away money” and making undisclosed purchases to more significant financial deceptions.

The solution? Regular, transparent communication.

Healy shared that some of her clients have implemented structured financial check-ins. One couple calls their weekly session the “MOM” meeting—Meeting of the Minds. While Healy acknowledged that weekly might be excessive for many (including herself), she emphasized that monthly financial conversations should be the minimum standard.

Even when one spouse handles the day-to-day financial administration, Healy stressed that both partners must remain informed and engaged with their shared financial picture. This transparency builds trust and ensures both spouses understand their current situation and progress toward goals.

For couples discovering fundamental differences in their financial priorities, Healy offered a practical exercise: Have each spouse separately list their top ten financial goals, then come together to discuss. This approach creates space for both perspectives before moving into the essential work of collaboration and compromise.

The wisdom extends beyond avoiding arguments. Financial transparency builds something far more valuable: a shared vision that honors both partners’ needs and concerns.

By maintaining open financial communication, couples can avoid the damaging effects of financial infidelity and build a stronger foundation for their future together.

Follow this link to listen to Kathy’s full North Fulton Business Radio interview with host John Ray.

Kathy Healy, Healy Wealth Management

Kathy Healy, CFP®, founder and CEO of Healy Wealth Management in Atlanta, Georgia, has been recognized in this year’s Forbes Best in State Wealth Advisors—Atlanta High Net Worth Advisors and Top Women Wealth Advisors 2024, Best-In-State.

Kathy has served more than 20 years in the financial services industry and provides a full range of financial services, including retirement and financial planning, wealth management, and insurance. Her husband, John Healy, CFA, is the Chief Investment Officer for Healy Wealth Management. Together they make an amazing team, working to improve each client’s financial well-being.

Kathy’s education and certifications include: CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, University of Georgia–Terry College of Business MBA, University of Alabama at Birmingham BBA, University of Montevallo FINRA Series 7 held with LPL Financial, FINRA Series 66 held with IFG Advisory, LLC and LPL Financial Life and Health/Accident Sickness Insurance.

Website | LinkedIn | YouTube

The “One Minute Interview” series is produced by John Ray and North Fulton Business Radio, LLC, an affiliate of Business RadioX®, and recorded inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta. You can find the full archive of shows by following this link.

Renasant Bank has humble roots, starting in 1904 as a $100,000 bank in a Lee County, Mississippi, bakery. Since then, Renasant has grown to become one of the Southeast’s strongest financial institutions, with over $13 billion in assets and more than 190 banking, lending, wealth management, and financial services offices in Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida. All of Renasant’s success stems from each of their banker’s commitment to investing in their communities as a way of better understanding the people they serve. At Renasant Bank, they understand you because they work and live alongside you every day.

Happy Dogs, Happier Owners, with Stacy Fotos, The Happy Dog Hotel

March 3, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Happy Dogs, Happier Owners, with Stacy Fotos, The Happy Dog Hotel

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Happy Dogs, Happier Owners, with Stacy Fotos, The Happy Dog Hotel (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 849)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray interviews Stacy Fotos, co-owner of The Happy Dog Hotel. Stacy shares insights about her dog-centric business that offers daycare, boarding, and grooming services for dogs. She emphasizes the importance of cleanliness, staff who genuinely love dogs, and the difference between owner-run and investor-run dog care businesses. Stacy also discusses the unique features of The Happy Dog Hotel, such as large kennels, a dog ice cream shop, and various community events. Additionally, she outlines her future goals, including acquiring a farm to expand her services and creating a non-profit to help homeless dogs.

Stacy Fotos, Co-Founder, The Happy Dog Hotel

Stacy Fotos is a dedicated entrepreneur and community leader who has been an integral part of the Metro Atlanta area for over three decades. As a mother of two grown children, Courteney (29) and Joseph (25), and a grandmother to Jaxson (4) and Chandler (21 months), Stacy has deep roots in Alpharetta, where she raised her family. Her personal interests include spending quality time with her grandchildren, traveling abroad, and indulging in her love for reading.

Throughout her career, Stacy has demonstrated a strong commitment to both community service and business leadership. From 1998 to 2002, she served on the Board of Directors of the Children’s Restoration Network, eventually holding the position of Chair. In this role, she was instrumental in media relations, acting as a spokesperson across various platforms, and led successful fundraising initiatives, including chairing the fundraising committee and organizing annual auctions. From 2008 to December 31, 2024, Stacy founded and managed Synergy HomeCare of North Atlanta, a home care company where she oversaw daily operations, employee management, and ensured compliance with state regulations.

**Stacy Fotos and Christopher Zimmerman, Co-Founders, The Happy Dog Hotel**

The Happy Dog Hotel is a premier dogboarding and daycare facility co-founded by Stacy Fotos and her childhood friend Christopher Zimmerman. Opened in March 2024, the hotel offers a unique “home away from home” experience for canine guests, providing services such as boarding, daycare, grooming, and even featuring an organic doggie ice cream parlor. The facility prides itself on its spacious, climate-controlled suites, supervised playtime sessions, and personalized care tailored to each dog’s individual needs.

At The Happy Dog Hotel, Stacy oversees comprehensive management, including human resources, marketing, networking, social media, and all operational aspects of the business. What sets the hotel apart is not only its commitment to exceptional pet care but also its dedication to giving back to the community. The founders have set a five-year goal to use proceeds from the hotel to build their own homeless shelter and support dogs in need. This mission-driven approach, combined with their family-owned status and trained, dog-loving staff, has quickly established The Happy Dog Hotel as a top-rated choice for pet owners in the Johns Creek and Alpharetta areas of Georgia.

The Happy Dog Hotel is located at 11895 Jones Bridge Rd., Johns Creek, GA 30005.

Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Stacy LinkedIn

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
01:35 Meet Stacy Fotos of Happy Dog Hotel
01:55 Services Offered by Happy Dog Hotel
02:41 The Story Behind Happy Dog Hotel
04:29 Importance of Cleanliness and Quality Care
05:46 Owner-Run vs. Investor-Run Facilities
14:25 Community Involvement and Events
17:38 Future Plans and Goals
21:51 Conclusion and Contact Information
22:42 Final Announcements and Thank You

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

The studio address is 275 South Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

You can find the full archive of shows by following this link. The show is available on all the major podcast apps, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, Amazon, iHeart Radio, and many others.

John is the national bestselling author of The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices.

The Value of Self-Effacing Humor, with Comedian Jeff Justice

March 3, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

The Value of Self-Effacing Humor, with Comedian Jeff Justice

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The Value of Self-Effacing Humor, with Comedian Jeff Justice (One Minute Interview, Episode 132)

During a recent interview on North Fulton Business Radio with host John Ray, comedian and humor expert Jeff Justice shared a profound insight about effective communication that many business professionals overlook.

Self-effacing humor—the art of laughing at your own mistakes and missteps—creates an immediate connection with others that polished perfection simply cannot achieve.

Justice explained that audiences don’t want to hear from someone who presents themselves as flawless. They crave authenticity and relatability. When speakers share their stumbles along with their successes, they transform from distant authorities into trusted guides.

He illustrated this with the story of Charles Brewer, MindSpring’s founder. According to Justice, Brewer’s early presentations were painfully self-promotional, focusing solely on achievements. But after embracing self-effacing humor, Brewer’s speaking transformed dramatically. By laughing at his “stupid ideas and dumb assumptions” from his early days, he created genuine audience connection.

Justice compared this to Bill Gates’ famously incorrect prediction that “64K of memory” would be sufficient for computing needs—the kind of humbling admission that humanizes even the most successful business leaders.

The psychology behind this approach is straightforward but powerful. When speakers acknowledge their imperfections, audiences think, “They’re one of us. They’ve made the same mistakes we have.” This creates the foundation for trust and influence that no amount of credential-touting can establish.

For business professionals looking to strengthen their communication impact, Justice’s insight offers a clear direction: don’t hide your missteps—strategically share them with humor and perspective. The vulnerability creates the very bridge that perfection never can.

Listen to Jeff’s full North Fulton Business Radio interview with host John Ray here.

Jeff Justice

Jeff Justice was destined to become a humorist. At an early age, he discovered that if he could make his older brothers laugh, they would stop giving him “Noogies.” Thus, his first realization in humor: You can’t laugh and be angry at the same time.

Jeff spent fourteen years headlining the top comedy clubs across the United States. For the past twenty years, Jeff has focused on empowering corporate Americans to reduce stress in both business and personal life by utilizing our innate sense of humor as a safety valve. Jeff’s true gift is helping people laugh at their mistakes so they can take themselves lightly and their work seriously.

Jeff’s innovative ideas have been featured many times on CNN and CNBC, while his expertise in humor has also been recognized in numerous magazine and newspaper articles plus radio shows across the country.

Jeff’s client list includes IBM, Coca-Cola, Southern Company, Kroger, the Food Marketing Institute, the National Association of Realtors, James Madison University and the list goes on.

His latest book is Laugh More, Stress Less (and avoid getting burned out).

Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

The “One Minute Interview” series is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® in Alpharetta. You can find the full archive of shows by following this link.

The Role and Impact of a Fractional CFO, with Stan Alhadeff, Business CFO for Hire

March 3, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

The Role and Impact of a Fractional CFO, with Stan Alhadeff, Business CFO for Hire

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The Role and Impact of a Fractional CFO, with Stan Alhadeff, Business CFO for Hire (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 848)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray interviews Stan Alhadeff, an outside fractional CFO from Business CFO for Hire. Stan shares his journey from South Africa to the U.S. and how his personal circumstances led him to a career in financial management. He explains the concept of a fractional CFO, emphasizing the strategic and analytical support provided to businesses. Stan highlights the importance of communication and risk management in financial roles and shares success stories from his career, including turning around troubled companies. The episode also discusses the distinction between a CFO and a CPA, stressing the complementary nature of their roles.

Stan Alhadeff, Business CFO for Hire

Stan Alhadeff is a seasoned financial executive with over 30 years of international experience in financial and operational management. As a former corporate CFO, he has a proven track record of guiding companies through strategic growth, financial solvency, and successful exits. His expertise spans closely held companies, start-ups, nonprofit organizations (501(c)(3)), and public companies across diverse industries, including organizations with revenues exceeding $1 billion.

With 15+ years as a corporate CFO and 18 years as an outsourced/fractional CFO, Stan has played a pivotal role in leading four successful company exits. Known for his analytical, flexible, and creative problem-solving skills, he excels in business strategy development and financial leadership.

Stan’s academic credentials include degrees in Accounting, Auditing, and Taxation, along with two master’s degrees: an MAcc-equivalent (Accounting, Auditing, Taxation) and an MBA specializing in Corporate Strategy and Project Management. His depth of experience and strategic insight make him a trusted advisor to businesses seeking financial clarity and sustainable growth.

Website | LinkedIn

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
00:29 Guest Introduction: Stan Alhadeff
01:59 Stan’s Background and Journey
02:59 Understanding the Role of a Fractional CFO
04:41 Stan’s Career Path and Experiences
12:22 The Importance of Communication in Finance
16:11 Industry Specializations and Client Success Stories
28:52 Closing Remarks and Contact Information
29:36 Host’s Final Thoughts and Book Promotion

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

The studio address is 275 South Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

You can find the full archive of shows by following this link. The show is available on all the major podcast apps, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, Amazon, iHeart Radio, and many others.

John is the national bestselling author of The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices.

Unlocking Sales Success with Sean Shannon, Strategic Growth Design

March 3, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Unlocking Sales Success with Sean Shannon, Strategic Growth Design

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Unlocking Sales Success with Sean Shannon, Strategic Growth Design (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 847)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray interviews Sean Shannon, a fractional chief sales officer and sales expert from Strategic Growth Design. Sean shares his experience and strategies on effectively managing sales teams, establishing documented sales processes, and aligning sales and marketing efforts. He emphasizes the importance of having individual sales quotas, understanding client mixes, and creating sustainable processes. Sean also discusses the complexities of sales compensation plans, the significance of courage and emotional resilience in sales roles, and the intricacies involved in complex sales. With practical anecdotes and actionable insights, Sean provides valuable guidance for business owners looking to enhance their revenue and sales performance.

Sean Shannon, Strategic Growth Design

Sean Shannon loves sales. For the past three decades, he has been leading market-making sales teams in one of the most challenging industries, local broadcasting.

Sean’s teams worked with hundreds of small and medium-sized businesses to create winning sales and marketing campaigns that generated award-winning results. Sean has worked in sales and operations leadership at iHeart, Audacy and Cumulus Media, rising through the ranks as an innovator and thought leader.

As a Senior Vice President of Sales, Sean blazed a trail in training sales leaders and salespeople on the value of diagnosing sales and marketing problems before offering solutions. This approach led to marketing leading returns on advertising investment for the clients. As a Market President, Sean built market-leading brands like Q99.7 and 99x in Atlanta by focusing on the people behind those brands, the culture that underpinned them, and a structure that was responsive to the changing tides in a challenged industry.

Sean is now bringing those three decades of experience in building winning sales teams and winning brands to small and medium-sized businesses in Atlanta. Not simply through consulting, but through a roll your sleeves and up do it approach guided by the wisdom he’s earned in both his successes and, more importantly, in his less than optimal learning experiences (Sean doesn’t believe there’s such a thing as failure if there is learning that is applied the next time around).

Website | LinkedIn | Substack

Topics Discussed in this Interview

00:00 Introduction and Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
01:52 Meet Sean Shannon: Sales Expert
02:57 Sean’s Sales Journey
05:54 Challenges in Sales Management
08:30 Ideal Client Profile and Value Proposition
19:49 Complex Sales and Salesperson Traits
24:30 Compensation Plans and Sales Success
29:59 Sean’s Success Stories
33:28 Conclusion and Contact Information

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

The studio address is 275 South Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

You can find the full archive of shows by following this link. The show is available on all the major podcast apps, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, Amazon, iHeart Radio, and many others.

John is the national bestselling author of The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices.

CIDs and Workforce Housing, with Ann Hanlon, Perimeter Community Improvement Districts, and Kristin Winzeler, True North 400

February 28, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

CIDs and Workforce Housing, with Ann Hanlon, Perimeter Community Improvement Districts, and Kristin Winzeler, True North 400

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CIDs and Workforce Housing, with Ann Hanlon, Perimeter Community Improvement Districts, and Kristin Winzeler, True North 400 (North Fulton Voices, Episode 9)

In this episode of North Fulton Voices, hosts Jack Murphy and Kathy Swan of the North Fulton Improvement Network discuss the workforce housing crisis in North Fulton with guests Ann Hanlon, Executive Director of Perimeter CIDs, and Kristen Winsler, Deputy Director of True North 400. The discussion covers community improvement districts (CIDs), their roles in infrastructure development, and the importance of forward-thinking in addressing housing and transportation challenges. They also touch upon the collaboration between CIDs, MARTA, and local governments, as well as ongoing projects aimed at enhancing livability and addressing the missing middle housing gap. The episode emphasizes the need for diverse housing options to support local workforce needs, including teachers, first responders, and hospital staff.

North Fulton Voices is presented by the North Fulton Improvement Network. The show series is proudly sponsored by John Ray Co. and North Fulton Business Radio, LLC.

Ann Hanlon, Perimeter Community Improvement Districts

As Executive Director for the Perimeter Community Improvement Districts (PCIDs), Ann Hanlon is in charge of the organization’s daily operations, as well as its financial investments in transportation infrastructure.

The CIDs have an annual operating budget of over $10 million. Previously, Ann was the Executive Director of the North Fulton CID for 13 years, beginning when it was a start-up. Prior to entering the CID space, Ann served as a Senior Program Specialist at the Atlanta Regional Commission. She began her career in the private sector, as a Research and Development Analyst with Press Ganey & Associates, a healthcare consulting firm in South Bend, Indiana.

A native of South Georgia, Ann received a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in Government and Computer Science from the University of Notre Dame, and a Masters of Public Administration degree in Management and Finance from Georgia State University.

Ann was honored as the “Woman of the Year” by the Women’s Transportation Seminar Atlanta Chapter in November 2016. In April 2015 and 2017, Governor Nathan Deal appointed Ann to the Board of Directors for the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority where she serves on the Projects and Planning committees. She was re-appointed to the GRTA Board by Governor Brian Kemp in 2022. Ann was named one of Georgia Trend Magazine’s “500 Most Influential Georgians” in 2023, one of the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s “Women Who Mean Business” in 2015 and as one of Georgia Trend Magazine’s “40 under 40” in 2018.

Ann is a graduate of the Regional Leadership Institute of the Atlanta Regional Commission (2010) and Leadership North Fulton (2006).

In 2019, she served as the first female Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Council for Quality Growth, a trade association of the real estate development industry in Atlanta. Additionally, Ann has served as a volunteer with the Women’s’ Transportation Seminar, Atlanta Chapter and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, the Sandy Springs Chamber of Commerce, and the Georgia Chamber of Commerce.

In 2020, Ann was appointed by CEO Michael Thurmond to the DeKalb County COVID-19 task force, and continued to serve in that capacity as a representative of large business interests in Perimeter during the pandemic.

In March 2023, Hanlon was appointed to the Decide DeKalb Development Authority Board by the DeKalb County Commission. A devoted champion of public schools, Ann was selected to serve on the Fulton Education Foundation Board of Directors by Superintendent Mike Looney in September 2022, where she serves as an Officer and Secretary.

Personally, Ann is a volunteer with the National Charity League, a volunteer coach for the golf team at Peachtree Middle School, the President of the Foundation at Chesnut Elementary School, a member of All Saints Catholic Church and a sustainer with the Junior League of Atlanta.

She lives in Dunwoody with her husband Michael and their two daughters.

Perimeter Community Improvement Districts

The Perimeter Community Improvement Districts (PCIDs) are self-taxing districts that use additional property tax on commercial space to accelerate transportation and infrastructure projects in the Central Perimeter area of metro Atlanta. Established over two decades ago, the PCIDs cover parts of Brookhaven, Dunwoody, and Sandy Springs, bridging government, development, and business communities to fuel one of Georgia’s most influential business districts. The PCIDs have invested millions into infrastructure, programs, and projects, focusing on improving access, creating a sense of place, and transforming the once car-dependent suburban area into a livable, walkable community that attracts major corporations and thousands of new jobs.

Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

Kristin Winzeler, True North 400

Kristin Winzeler is the Deputy Executive Director for True North 400, formerly known as the North Fulton Community Improvement District (CID). Ms. Winzeler manages the daily operations, projects, and consulting team of True North 400. She led the rebranding effort and launch of True North 400 in 2023. She has been with the organization since starting as a Project Assistant in 2012.

Prior to joining True North 400, Ms. Winzeler received a dual master’s degree in public administration and business administration from Kennesaw State University. Her graduate work has been published in Public Performance & Management Review. She has also served as an intern for the Association County Commissioners of Georgia and the Arthritis Foundation Southeast Region, both in Atlanta.

Ms. Winzeler is a graduate of several leadership programs, including the Atlanta Regional Commission’s Regional Leadership Institute and the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership North Fulton. She has been a member of Women Transportation Seminar (WTS) since 2013 and served as President during the organization’s 40th anniversary in 2021-2022.

Ms. Winzeler also serves as a board member of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce and was awarded the Chamber’s JenLan Rising Star Award in 2018. She has been named one of Engineering Georgia Magazine’s Most Influential Women in Transportation from 2020-2024. In her spare time, Ms. Winzeler volunteers on the PTA Board for her children’s school and coaches her daughter’s little league softball team. She lives in Woodstock, GA with her husband and three daughters.

True North 400

True North 400, formerly known as the North Fulton Community Improvement District (NFCID), is a self-taxing district established in 2003 by business leaders committed to enhancing the North Fulton area of metro Atlanta. Encompassing parts of Alpharetta, Milton, and Roswell along the Georgia 400 corridor, True North 400 focuses on improving economic viability, transportation efficiency, and overall community livability. The district has invested approximately $28 million to bring about $170 million in investments as of 2022, significantly impacting property values and attracting major corporations. True North 400 plays a crucial role in fostering economic growth, with the area hosting nearly half of North Fulton County’s retail and office space and a quarter of its jobs, despite occupying only 4% of the total land area. The organization collaborates with local governments and businesses to accelerate infrastructure projects, enhance walkability, and create a vibrant, sustainable community along the Georgia 400 corridor.

Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction to North Fulton Voices
00:38 Jack’s Metaphor and Workforce Housing
02:27 Understanding Community Improvement Districts (CIDs)
06:20 Current CID Projects and Initiatives
08:22 Challenges and Opportunities in Housing and Transportation
16:29 Collaboration with MARTA and Future Developments
26:56 The Importance of Schools and Housing Diversity
33:14 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

North Fulton Improvement Network

The North Fulton Improvement Network (NFIN) is a think tank made up of community leaders from a variety of sectors, focused on missing middle housing and the livability challenges confronting North Fulton. We come from the six cities making up the northern half of Fulton County, Georgia—Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Mountain Park, Roswell, and Sandy Springs—and are working to address the widespread yet little-known financial vulnerability across the region. With stakeholders from sectors including business, nonprofit, faith, government, and citizens, we center our work on five areas of impact, seek to educate the public about these issues, build a network of individuals and organizations with innovative private and public solutions, and connect resources to those in need.

The leadership team of NFIN is Jack Murphy, Nancy Diamond, and Kathy Swahn.

Jack Murphy

Jack Murphy is a volunteer with The Society of St. Vincent de Paul and is Chair of the North Fulton Improvement Network. He is also in his 21st year of working for the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce.

Prior to the Chamber, Jack worked for and with Fortune 500 companies in operations, human resources, training, and quality areas. Jack was a senior adjunct professor for Quality & Operations Management at Keller Graduate School for 14 years.

He has served on both the National and Georgia Boards of The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, responsible for Diversity, Advocacy, & Systemic Change. Jack is currently the national SVDP chair of Systemic Change and Advocacy.

Jack received a BA in psychology from Belmont Abbey College and a M.Ed. from UNC-Greensboro. Jack and his wife, Nancy, a retired elementary school principal, have two grown daughters and two grandchildren. They live in Alpharetta, Georgia.

Kathy Swahn

Kathy has resided in the North Fulton area for almost 45 years. She has watched the community evolve from what was “unincorporated Fulton County” to a six-city bustling suburban community. Her history has been marked by a strong emphasis on children: she raised two daughters as a stay-at-home mother, held leadership positions in school PTAs and Girl Scouts, participated in the National Charity League, led the North Fulton Council of PTAs, and served as the chair of the Superintendent’s Advisory Council.

Kathy transitioned back to work by jumping into the non-profit world. She joined the team at North Fulton Community Charities, running their Holiday Program, becoming Development Director and successfully managing the $3 million capital campaign for their Elkins Road location. Along the way, she also served on the DFACS Board and chaired the board of the Fulton County Continuum of Care for four years.

After having the opportunity to join in the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce Leadership Program, Kathy was surrounded with a dynamic group of folks who worked to create The Drake House. Since 2004, she served as board chair for the first four years, executive director for nine years, and is now retired. Over those years, The Drake House served over 500 single mothers with over 1,000 children and grew the assets of the organization to over $4 million.

Kathy continues to serve The Drake House on the Advocacy Committee, along with her work for NFIN.

She spends much of her time traveling to the Washington, D.C., area, where her children and grandchildren reside.

About North Fulton Voices

While North Fulton County is one of the most desirable places to live in the United States, the region faces a growing crisis: a severe shortage of housing options for middle-income employees, particularly essential workers such as first responders and teachers. North Fulton Voices, presented by the North Fulton Improvement Network, is the go-to source for in-depth analysis and discussion of missing middle housing and the livability challenges confronting North Fulton. Listen as we understand the implications of this problem, explore innovative solutions, and examine why providing these housing options is vital for North Fulton’s future. The show is sponsored and offered as a service to the community by John Ray Co. and North Fulton Business Radio.

Sponsor for North Fulton Voices: John Ray, John Ray Co.

The North Fulton Voices show series is proudly sponsored by John Ray Co. and North Fulton Business Radio.

John Ray is a podcast strategist, producer, and show host, and the owner of North Fulton Business Radio, LLC. North Fulton Business Radio is an affiliate of Business RadioX®.

John is the host of North Fulton Business Radio and The Price and Value Journey. North Fulton Business Radio, the longest-running podcast in the North Fulton region of Georgia, features a wide range of business and community leaders. The Price and Value Journey is devoted to solo and small firm professional services providers and covers issues such as pricing, value, and business development.

John also operates his own business advisory practice, Ray Business Advisors. John’s services include advising solopreneur and small professional services firms on their value, their positioning and business development, and their pricing. His clients are professionals who are selling their expertise, such as consultants, coaches, attorneys, CPAs, accountants and bookkeepers, marketing professionals, and other professional services practitioners.

John is the author of the #1 nationally best-selling book, The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices.

Website | LinkedIn

Turning Dreams into Reality: One Carlos, Martial Artist, and Grant Rosado, Filmmaker, Share Their Journey

February 26, 2025 by John Ray

Hello, Self . . .

Turning Dreams into Reality: One Carlos, Martial Artist, and Grant Rosado, Filmmaker, Share Their Journey

00:00 /

Turning Dreams into Reality: One Carlos, Martial Artist, and Grant Rosado, Filmmaker, Share Their Journey (Hello, Self… Episode 62)

In this episode of Hello Self, host Patricia Leonard interviewed two inspiring young filmmakers, One Carlos (1C) and Grant Rosado. One Carlos, a Filipino immigrant with a background in martial arts and kinesiology, and Grant Rosado, a Cuban Bosnian filmmaker raised across North America, shared their journeys in the film industry.

From creating a movie during the pandemic to working on their latest project, 8RX, they discussed the challenges they overcame, the creative processes they followed, and the importance of perseverance and honesty in pursuing one’s dreams.

Their conversation with Patricia offered insightful advice for aspiring filmmakers and dreamers alike.

Hello, Self… is presented by Patricia Leonard & Associates and produced by Arlia Hoffman in association with the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.

A video version of this conversation is available on Patricia’s YouTube Channel here.

One Carlos, Martial Artist and Filmmaker

One Carlos, also known as “1C,” is a Filipino immigrant, martial artist, stunt performer, and aspiring filmmaker. Trained in Filipino martial arts from a young age, he transitioned into fight choreography and stunt work after moving to the United States three years ago. A published author at just 13 years old, One Carlos continues to expand his expertise by studying kinesiology and health sciences to enhance his understanding of movement and performance. His dedication to blending physical artistry with cinematic storytelling has led him to collaborate on independent film projects, including his upcoming action film, 8RX, where he showcases his talent in fight choreography and performance.

Facebook | Instagram

Grant Rosado, Filmmaker

Grant Rosado is a Cuban-Bosnian filmmaker and storyteller with a background in film production and marketing from Emerson College. Raised across North America, his dynamic experiences have shaped his approach to filmmaking. As one half of the creative duo The Rowe Brothers, Grant has led companies, charities, and multiple independent film projects.

His first feature film, Toys the Night, was picked up by Vertical Entertainment and featured on Tubi, earning him industry recognition. His follow-up film, Puffin Iron, premiered at the Miami Film Festival and secured distribution. Now based in Los Angeles, Grant is directing and producing 8RX, an action film that highlights innovative fight choreography and compelling storytelling.

Facebook | Instagram

About Hello, Self…

Hello, Self… is a biweekly podcast focused on inspiring stories of turning dreams into reality. Join coach and author Patricia Leonard and her guests as they share life-changing Hello, Self… moments.

Hello, Self… is brought to you by Patricia Leonard & Associates and is based on the new book by Patricia Leonard, Hello, Self.., available here.

The show is produced by Arlia Hoffman in association with Business RadioX®. You can find this show on all the major podcast apps. The complete show archive is here.

Patricia Leonard, Host of Hello, Self…

Patricia Leonard is President of RUNWAY TO SUCCESS, a division of Patricia Leonard & Associates located in Nashville, TN. She is a MESSAGE ARTIST speaker, career & business coach, author and magazine columnist. Patricia consults with clients on leadership, empowerment, career management, entrepreneurship and the power of language. Her work is focused on helping clients find their runway to success!

She has a professional background in management, human resources, corporate training, business consulting and talent development. Patricia has worked with companies in the service, music, banking, manufacturing, publishing, warehousing, healthcare, academic, retail and financial industries, and has taught management classes as an adjunct professor.

Patricia has a degree in Human Resource Management, is certified as a Career Coach and Consulting Hypnotist and is MBTI qualified.

Her volunteer energies are focused on Women in Film and Television-Nashville, where she is a Board Vice President; Dress for Success as the Advisory Board President; and International Coaching Federation-Nashville where she held Board roles for several years.

Patricia is the author of Wearing High Heels in a Flip Flop World, BECOMING WOMAN…a journal of personal discovery, THE NOW, HOW & WOW of Success, Happenings, a full year calendar of inspirational messages and a spoken word album titled, I AM…

She enjoys songwriting, creating poetry and has written a one-woman show and artistic speech she performs titled Hello, Self…, about a woman in midlife reinventing herself, which led to her new book by the same name, available here.

On the personal side, Patricia, describes herself as a woman, lover of life, mother, grandmother, career professional and message artist; AND in that order! Her goal is to continue inspiring others, of any age, to START NOW creating and expanding their Runway to Success.

She believes that life is a gift, the way we wrap it is our choice.

Connect with Patricia:

Website| LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Empowering Breast Cancer Survivors, with Lois Rusco, TurningPoint Breast Cancer Rehabilitation (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 851)

Lois Rusco, Executive Director, TurningPoint Breast Cancer Rehabilitation

TurningPoint Breast Cancer Rehabilitation

Topics Discussed in this Episode

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

The Value of a Fractional CFO, with Lyle Newkirk, SeatonHill Partners (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 850)

Lyle Newkirk, CFO Partner, SeatonHill

Topics Discussed in this Episode

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

Financial Infidelity: The Hidden Threat to Marriages (One Minute Interview, Episode 133)

Kathy Healy, Healy Wealth Management

Happy Dogs, Happier Owners, with Stacy Fotos, The Happy Dog Hotel (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 849)

Stacy Fotos, Co-Founder, The Happy Dog Hotel

Topics Discussed in this Episode

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

The Value of Self-Effacing Humor, with Comedian Jeff Justice (One Minute Interview, Episode 132)

Jeff Justice

The Role and Impact of a Fractional CFO, with Stan Alhadeff, Business CFO for Hire (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 848)

Stan Alhadeff, Business CFO for Hire

Topics Discussed in this Episode

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

Unlocking Sales Success with Sean Shannon, Strategic Growth Design (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 847)

Sean Shannon, Strategic Growth Design

Topics Discussed in this Interview

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

CIDs and Workforce Housing, with Ann Hanlon, Perimeter Community Improvement Districts, and Kristin Winzeler, True North 400 (North Fulton Voices, Episode 9)

Ann Hanlon, Perimeter Community Improvement Districts

Perimeter Community Improvement Districts

Kristin Winzeler, True North 400

True North 400

Topics Discussed in this Episode

North Fulton Improvement Network

Jack Murphy

Kathy Swahn

About North Fulton Voices

Sponsor for North Fulton Voices: John Ray, John Ray Co.

Turning Dreams into Reality: One Carlos, Martial Artist, and Grant Rosado, Filmmaker, Share Their Journey (Hello, Self… Episode 62)

One Carlos, Martial Artist and Filmmaker

Grant Rosado, Filmmaker

About Hello, Self…

Patricia Leonard, Host of Hello, Self…

Connect with Patricia:

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