John Ray, Author at Business RadioX ® Page

Insurance Extravaganza 2025: Tackling Dental and Medical Billing Challenges, with Christine Taxin, Links2Success

February 18, 2025 by John Ray

Dental Business Radio

Insurance Extravaganza 2025: Tackling Dental and Medical Billing Challenges, with Christine Taxin, Links2Success

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Insurance Extravaganza 2025: Tackling Dental and Medical Billing Challenges, with Christine Taxin, Links2Success (Dental Business Radio, Episode 57)

In this episode of Dental Business Radio, host Patrick O’Rourke interviews Christine Taxin, a leading expert in dental and medical billing. The discussion covers the importance of responsible billing practices, the evolving landscape of dental insurance, and the significance of medical histories in dental practices. Christine highlights the need for proper documentation, the pitfalls of unnecessary write-offs, and the critical role of educating patients about their treatment plans. The episode also previews the upcoming Insurance Extravaganza 2025 in Orlando, Florida, emphasizing the event’s educational value for dental professionals.

Dental Business Radio is underwritten and presented by Practice Quotient: PPO Negotiations & Analysis and produced by John Ray and the North Fulton affiliate of Business RadioX®.

Links2Success

When running a dental practice, clinical expertise and quality customer service come first, but what about the behind-the-scenes work? Many dentists and team members struggle to keep up with the complicated world of dental billing and insurance claims while also remaining as profitable as possible.

Thankfully, Christine Taxin is here to lend a helping hand and shed some much-needed light on best practices for billing, staying current with yearly codes, taking advantage of medical/dental cross coding, and much more.

Yearly codes, collections, co-payments, and patient privacy—there’s a lot to keep in mind when handling dental insurance, and the rules and regulations are constantly being updated as well. Maybe your team is regularly running into issues or even concerned about a future audit. Perhaps you’re apprehensive about the possibility of overlooking revenue opportunities. Regardless of the situation, it’s essential to seek guidance and training from a genuine expert in the field.

Christine Taxin is a member of the National Association of Dental Plans, is on the Dental Benefit Council of the ADA, and is also fully licensed by the American Dental Association to share ADA CDT Codes. She can provide comprehensive training to your entire team that covers several important objectives and topics related to dental billing and coding, including the following:

State-Federal government regulations of dental/wellness benefits
How to successfully complete new insurance forms
Utilizing diagnostic codes to access maximum insurance benefits
Updating medical history forms
Navigating the various legalities of narrative writing and documentation
And much more!

Company website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

Christine Taxin, Founder and President, Links2Success

Christine Taxin is the founder and president of Links2Success, a practice management consulting company for the dental and medical fields. Prior to starting her own consulting company, Ms. Taxin served as an administrator of a critical care department at Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York City and managed an extensive multi-specialty dental practice in New York.

With over 25 years of experience as a practice management professional, she now provides private practice consulting services, delivers continuing education seminars for dental and medical professionals, and serves as an adjunct professor at the New York University (NYU) Dental School and Resident Programs for Maimonides Hospital.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Acknowledgment
01:27 Welcoming the Guest: Christine Taxin
02:28 Discussing Dental and Medical Coverage
07:26 The Importance of Patient Responsibility
14:17 Challenges in Dental Practice and Insurance
20:25 The Role of Oral Health in Overall Health
34:05 Humorous Banter and Legal Concerns
34:27 Excitement for the Insurance Extravaganza
36:31 Key Speakers and Topics at the Event
38:03 Challenges with Bureaucratic Rules
38:22 The Evolving Role of Front Desk Staff
40:43 Importance of Teamwork in Dental Practices
42:28 Navigating Insurance Contracts
53:38 Unnecessary Write-Offs in Dental Offices
01:00:31 Promoting the Insurance Extravaganza Event
01:02:11 Closing Remarks and Farewells

Dental Business Radio covers the business side of dentistry. Host Patrick O’Rourke and his guests cover industry trends, insights, success stories, and more in this wide-ranging show. The show’s guests include successful doctors across the spectrum of dental practice providers, as well as trusted advisors and noted industry participants.

Dental Business Radio is underwritten and presented by Practice Quotient and produced by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®. The show can be found on all the major podcast apps and a complete show archive is here.

Practice Quotient

Practice Quotient is the sponsor of Dental Business Radio. Practice Quotient, Inc. serves as a bridge between the payor and provider communities. Their clients include general dentists and dental specialty practices across the nation of all sizes, from completely fee-for-service-only to active network participation with every dental plan possible. They work with independent practices, emerging multi-practice entities, and various large ownership entities in the dental space. Their PPO negotiations and analysis projects evaluate the merits of the various in-network participation contract options specific to your practice’s patient acquisition strategy. There is no one-size-fits-all solution.

Connect with Practice Quotient

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | X (Twitter)

The Evolving Dynamics of Love and Relationships: Understanding the Law of Attraction, Part Ten

February 13, 2025 by John Ray

Hello, Self . . .

The Evolving Dynamics of Love and Relationships: Understanding the Law of Attraction, Part Ten

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The Evolving Dynamics of Love and Relationships: Understanding the Law of Attraction, Part Ten (Hello, Self… Episode 61)

Host Patricia Leonard concluded her six-month series on the Law of Attraction by diving into the evolving dynamics of love, relationships, and marriage. She discussed the changing landscape of intimacy, examining how modern relationships differ from traditional norms.

Patricia highlighted various topics such as compatibility, communication, the eight types of love, and the impact of age on relationships. She also explored the concepts of ‘confluent love’ and the ‘deinstitutionalization of marriage,’ citing insights from sociologists Anthony Giddens and Andrew Cherlin.

Through her combination of scientific research and personal anecdotes, Patricia encouraged listeners to reflect on their own dynamics of love and intimacy values, and to embrace change in a way that aligns with their personal growth and happiness.

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

Find the video version of this podcast on YouTube here.

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

The Rapidly-Evolving Landscape of Employment Law in 2025

February 12, 2025 by John Ray

Hall Booth Smith Podcast Network

The Rapidly-Evolving Landscape of Employment Law in 2025

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The Rapidly-Evolving Landscape of Employment Law in 2025 (Litigators Lounge, Episode 13)

In this episode of Litigators Lounge, hosts Jackie Voronov and Shylie Bannon discuss the major shifts in employment law for 2025. They tackle critical topics including the surge in pay transparency laws, the implications of AI in hiring, the rollback of the Department of Labor’s overtime rule, the ongoing issue of non-competes, and the growing importance of mental health accommodations in the workplace. The episode also explores the dynamic changes within the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Jackie and Shylie predict significant shifts in enforcement and compliance landscapes based on new leadership and revised priorities.

Litigators Lounge is underwritten and presented by Hall Booth Smith. The show is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton affiliate of Business RadioX®.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction to Litigators Lounge
01:50 Setting the Stage for 2025
04:15 Pay Transparency Laws Explained
08:56 Workplace Privacy and AI in Hiring
17:38 Overtime Rule and Salary Thresholds
21:31 FTC’s New Commissioner and Non-Compete Agreements
22:47 State-Specific Non-Compete Regulations
23:41 Personal Views on Non-Compete Agreements
26:14 Mental Health Accommodations in the Workplace
28:09 Remote Work and Mental Health
29:54 Independent Contractor Classification
32:32 NLRB and EEOC Leadership Changes
35:49 EEOC’s New Priorities
41:19 Employer Takeaways for 2025
42:29 Listener Engagement and Contact Information

Jackie Voronov, Partner, Hall Booth Smith

Jackie Voronov is a Partner in Hall Booth Smith’s office in Paramus, New Jersey, and she represents management in a wide variety of employment matters and litigates employment claims before administrative agencies and state and federal courts. Her clients include major hotels, retailers, shipping companies, assisted living facilities and nursing homes, manufacturers, and national fast-food franchisees.

Jackie’s litigation experience includes the defense of employers in single and multi-plaintiff actions on claims of wrongful discharge, sexual harassment, race, national origin, gender, disability and age discrimination, breach of contract, family medical leave, failure to accommodate, retaliation, wage/hour laws, and related tort claims. Jackie also works with her clients to prepare various employment agreements (including non-compete, confidentiality, independent contractor, and separation agreements). She has extensive experience before various administrative tribunals, including the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the State Division of Human Rights (SDHR), the Division of Civil Rights (DCR), and other state, federal, and local agencies.

In addition, Jackie frequently conducts management training for employers on a wide variety of employment law topics, such as:

EEO/anti-harassment
employee recruiting and hiring practices
family and medical leave
reasonable accommodations for disabilities and religion
preventing and investigating harassment, discrimination, and whistleblower claims
wage and hour compliance
discipline and termination of employees
privacy in the workplace

Jackie is regularly invited to speak nationally on best practices and other employment-related issues. Before joining Hall Booth Smith, she worked for one of the country’s largest law firms, where she defended employers in a wide range of labor and employment matters, including wage and hour class actions under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), claims related to the New York State Human Rights Law (NSHRL), the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD), the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), the New Jersey Conscientious Employee Protection Act (CEPA), and Title VII.

Jackie was selected for inclusion as a New Jersey Rising Star by Super Lawyers® for six consecutive years (2010-2016), which honors the top 2.5% of young lawyers in New Jersey.

Shylie Bannon, Partner, Hall Booth Smith

Shylie Bannon is a Partner in Hall Booth Smith’s Jacksonville, Florida, office. She also serves as Hiring Partner for the region of Florida, where she oversees associate attorney hiring endeavors. Prior to joining Hall Booth Smith, Shylie was a partner in both a multi-state, multi-specialty firm and a boutique practice.

At Hall Booth Smith, Shylie continues to represent physicians, mid-level providers, and health care providers in high-exposure medical negligence claims and in administrative proceedings before the Florida Department of Health. She also represents national retailers in high-exposure premises liability, negligent security, and transportation litigation with our National Trial Counsel team.

In addition to litigating matters involving personal injury and negligence, Shylie also represents management in all aspects of employment-related litigation arising from allegations of sex, disability, race, and pregnancy discrimination; whistleblower actions; and alleged violations of the National Labor Relations Act and Fair Labor Standards. She does so in administrative proceedings before both the Florida Commission on Human Relations and the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, as well as in all of the state and federal courts in Florida. She also provides employment-related counsel to clients, helping them avoid employment-related litigation through the implementation of best employment, investigation, and risk management practices.

Shylie earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Florida Levin College of Law, cum laude, and graduated magna cum laude from Tulane University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History.

Shylie volunteers with the Guardian Ad Litem program and supports child welfare advocacy efforts in Northeast Florida. She is also a Member of the Board for the Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida.

About Hall Booth Smith, P.C.

Established in 1989, Hall Booth Smith, P.C. (HBS) is a full-service law firm headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with regional offices strategically located throughout Georgia and the United States. Experienced across a wide range of legal disciplines, HBS prides itself on providing knowledgeable, proactive, client-specific counsel to individuals, domestic and international corporations, state and federal agencies, and nonprofit organizations.

HBS possesses the legal knowledge, skill, and experience to meet their clients’ needs wherever they do business. HBS maintains the highest commitment to ethically and professionally serving their clients by providing the highest quality legal representation.

They deliver quality legal services in a variety of service areas. Experience across legal disciplines combined with a focus on the unique business or personal requirements of the client is the hallmark of the firm. Their clients receive the attention, expertise, and cost-effectiveness of a smaller law firm with the full service and strong regional presence typical of a larger one.

Company website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

Disclaimer

Litigators Lounge is a production brought to you by Hall Booth Smith, PC. This podcast is published for the purposes of providing general information and education on topics that include those related to the law and legal issues, but the contents of the podcast do not constitute legal advice. Listening to this podcast or utilizing the information contained in it in any way does not constitute nor does it create an attorney-client relationship between you and Hall Booth Smith or its lawyers. The contents of this podcast should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a professional attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.

Mastering Enterprise Risk Management with Steven Lustig, Lustig Global Solutions

February 10, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Mastering Enterprise Risk Management with Steven Lustig, Lustig Global Solutions

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Mastering Enterprise Risk Management with Steven Lustig, Lustig Global Solutions (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 843)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray interviews Steven Lustig from Lustig Global Solutions. The discussion delves into the critical importance of enterprise risk management (ERM) for small and medium-sized businesses. Steven shares his extensive experience in engineering and operations, highlighting how managing risk can improve business outcomes. He explains the concept of ERM, addressing both negative risks and opportunities, and dispels myths about risk management. The conversation covers practical steps for companies to identify, prioritize, and mitigate risks effectively. Steven emphasizes the customizable and scalable nature of ERM, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes. He also shares real-life success stories of implementing ERM and its benefits. Listen to this episode to learn how a structured risk management approach can safeguard your business’s future.

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

Steven Lustig, Lustig Global Solutions

Lustig Global Consulting enhances company value, profitability, and cash flow while addressing key risks that they face by establishing robust, effective supply chain and manufacturing solutions and enterprise risk management programs.

Steven Lustig is a strategic operations executive with 20+ years of experience who held leadership positions in supply chain, project management, manufacturing, and new product introduction at companies ranging from a start-up to a Fortune 100 firm.

Steven has earned Enterprise Risk Management Certified Professional and Six Sigma Green Belt certifications and the Project Management Professional (PMP) designation. He holds a BSME from MIT and MSME and MBA degrees from Georgia Tech.

Website | LinkedIn

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
01:50 Meet Steven Lustig: The Risk Management Expert
04:19 Understanding Enterprise Risk Management
06:57 Common Myths About Risk Management
12:39 Real-World Risk Examples and Lessons from the Pandemic
19:38 How to Engage with a Risk Management Consultant
30:00 Success Stories and Final Thoughts
32:47 Closing Remarks and Announcements

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 800 shows and having featured over 1,200 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, Business RadioX - North Fulton, and Owner, Ray Business Advisors — **John Ray, Business RadioX – North Fulton, and Owner, Ray Business Advisors**

John Ray is the host of North Fulton Business Radio. The show is recorded and produced from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta. 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.

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

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.

Empowering Women to Prioritize Themselves, with Cynthia Lyles, The Tapestry of Love

February 6, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Empowering Women to Prioritize Themselves, with Cynthia Lyles, The Tapestry of Love

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Empowering Women to Prioritize Themselves, with Cynthia Lyles, The Tapestry of Love (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 842)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray interviews Cynthia Lyles, founder of The Tapestry of Love. Cynthia shares her journey from California Highway Patrol dispatcher to life coach, focusing on helping women who have neglected their own needs for the sake of others. She discusses the inspiration behind her work, her personal experiences with caregiving, and the cultural influences that lead women to sacrifice their own well-being. Cynthia offers insights into her coaching process, including the importance of individual assessments and understanding personal temperaments. She also highlights her free group sessions and upcoming events, aiming to create a supportive community for women striving to reconnect with their goals, needs, and self-worth.

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

Cynthia Lyles, The Tapestry of Love

Cynthia Lyles founded The Tapestry of Love, a transformative coaching platform that empowers women to navigate life’s most challenging transitions. With a robust background in communications and a profound passion for advocacy, Cynthia has built a powerful mission around helping women rediscover their strength, resilience, and personal purpose during times of crisis and significant life changes.

Through her personalized coaching approach, Cynthia provides women with the tools, support, and strategic guidance needed to move beyond survival and into a space of genuine thriving. Her work is deeply rooted in the belief that every woman has the inner capacity to rise with grace, rebuild her confidence, and craft a meaningful life narrative, even in the face of profound personal challenges.

Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction to North Fulton Business Radio
01:44 Guest Introduction: Cynthia Lyles
01:54 Cynthia’s Background and The Tapestry of Love
04:46 Challenges Faced by Women
06:38 Personal Stories and Client Successes
14:37 Coaching Approach and Techniques
24:30 Upcoming Events and Contact Information
27:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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.

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

Lessons in Pricing, Value, and Funk, with Chris Lalomia, The Trusted Toolbox

February 5, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

Lessons in Pricing, Value, and Funk, with Chris Lalomia, The Trusted Toolbox

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Lessons in Pricing, Value, and Funk, with Chris Lalomia, The Trusted Toolbox (The Price and Value Journey, Episode 121)

In this episode of The Price and Value Journey, host John Ray chats with Chris Lalomia, owner of The Trusted Toolbox, the largest handyman service in Atlanta and in the top three nationwide. Chris discusses his journey from a successful corporate career to entrepreneurship, highlighting the challenges and insights he gained from starting his business from scratch. They discuss the importance of self-awareness, overcoming funks, and the impact of pricing and value on business success. Chris also highlights the significance of mentorship, setting the right prices, and recognizing the value delivered to customers. His insights include the necessity of understanding one’s business costs, process development, and customer relationships, culminating in the personal growth and business achievements he’s made.

The Price and Value Journey is presented by John Ray and produced by the North Fulton affiliate of Business RadioX®.

Chris Lalomia, Founder and CEO, The Trusted Toolbox

Chris Lalomia is the CEO of The Trusted Toolbox. He also hosts the Small Business Safari podcast and is the author of the book From the Zoo to the Wild: Your Guide to Entrepreneurial Freedom and Wealth.

Chris Lalomia is a successful entrepreneur and change leader who has built on his experience working with the largest companies in America to start his own business from scratch. He brings his unique style to leadership to build a culture of professionalism in the blue-collar world of home renovations. He left the corporate zoo, ventured into the entrepreneurial wild and started The Trusted Toolbox: Home Repair and Projects in 2008. YES, he started a business right before the Great Recession, so he admits that timing the market is not his strength. He survived through that time and has grown his business into a multimillion-dollar handyman and remodeling company, which has won numerous awards in Atlanta, GA.

Chris is originally from Jackson, MI, and he uses his hand to show where he lives. He went to college and earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering. His path to business ownership was similar to most people’s journey to their current position… spinning and winding… His first engineering job was at Curtiss-Wright Flight Systems making airplane parts, but soon realizing he needed to add some other business skills to his resume, he joined Accenture and began working with large banks to help them merge, which led him to SunTrust (now Truist), where he transformed the commercial loan operations department… That meandering path led him to leap into starting his own business, The Trusted Toolbox, in 2008.

Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

The Trusted Toolbox

The Trusted Toolbox is a leading provider of professional handyman services and home remodeling solutions in the Metro Atlanta area. With over 15 years of experience serving over 16,000 homeowners, the company specializes in a wide range of home repair and improvement projects, including kitchen and bathroom remodels, basement renovations, deck repairs, door replacements, and wood rot repair.

Committed to delivering exceptional results with a customer-centric approach, The Trusted Toolbox employs a team of skilled professionals who are fully insured, background checked, and dedicated to ensuring 100% customer satisfaction. The company’s local expertise, efficiency, and attention to detail have earned it numerous awards and accolades, solidifying its reputation as a trusted partner for homeowners in Alpharetta, Atlanta, Athens, and the surrounding areas.

Website | Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome to Chris Lalomia
00:50 Corporate Life to Entrepreneurship
01:29 The Zoo Metaphor
02:44 Challenges of Leaving Corporate
07:27 Mindset Shifts and Skill Development
16:14 Mentorship and Networking
21:52 Pricing Strategies and Value
29:32 Customer Willingness to Pay for Convenience
29:42 Understanding Millennial and Gen X Mindsets
30:49 The Shift from DIY to Outsourcing
33:41 Training Employees to Reflect Company Values
35:39 The Importance of Reviews and Customer Feedback
40:17 Overcoming Business Challenges and Personal Funk
51:53 Future Goals and Business Expansion
54:59 Conclusion and Contact Information

About The Price and Value Journey

The title of this show describes the journey all professional service providers are on: building a services practice by seeking to convince the world of the value we offer, helping clients achieve the outcomes they desire, and trying to do all that at pricing that reflects the value we deliver.

If you feel like you’re working too hard for too little money in your solo or small firm practice, this show is for you. Even if you’re reasonably happy with your practice, you’ll hear ways to improve both your bottom line and the mindset you bring to your business.

The show is hosted and produced by John Ray and the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®. The show can also be found on all the major podcast apps. The complete show archive is here.

John Ray, Host of The Price and Value Journey

John Ray, Author of The Generosity Mindset and Host of "The Price and Value Journey" — John Ray, Author of *The Generosity Mindset* and Host of *The Price and Value Journey*

John Ray is the host of The Price and Value Journey.

John owns Ray Business Advisors, a business advisory practice. John’s services include business coaching and advisory work, as well as advising solopreneurs and small professional services firms on their pricing. John is passionate about the power of pricing for business owners, as changing pricing is the fastest way to change the profitability of a business. His clients are professionals who are selling their expertise, such as attorneys, CPAs, accountants and bookkeepers, consultants, coaches, marketing professionals, and other professional services practitioners.

In his other business, John is a podcast show host and producer and owns the North Fulton (Georgia) affiliate of Business RadioX®. John and his team work with B2B professionals to create and conduct their own podcast using The Generosity Mindset™ Method: building and deepening relationships in a non-salesy way that translates into revenue for their business.

John is also the host of North Fulton Business Radio. With over 800 shows and having featured over 1,200 guests, North Fulton Business Radio is the longest-running podcast in the North Fulton area, covering business in its region like no one else.

John’s book, The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices

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

If you are a professional services provider, your goal is to do transformative work for clients you love working with and get paid commensurate with the value you deliver to those clients. While negative mindsets can inhibit your growth, adopting a different mindset, The Generosity Mindset™, can replace those self-limiting beliefs. The Generosity Mindset enables you to diagnose and communicate the value you deliver to clients and, in turn, more effectively price to receive a portion of that value.

Whether you’re a consultant, coach, marketing or branding professional, business advisor, attorney, CPA, or work in virtually any other professional services discipline, your content and technical expertise are not proprietary. What’s unique, though, is your experience and how you synthesize and deliver your knowledge. What’s special is your demeanor or the way you deal with your best-fit clients. What’s invaluable is how you deliver great value by guiding people through massive changes in their personal lives and in their businesses that bring them to a place they never thought possible.

The combination of all these elements is quite different for you compared to any other service provider in your industry. Therein lies your value, but it’s not the value you see. It’s the value your best-fit customers see in you.

If pricing your value feels uncomfortable or unfamiliar to you, this book will teach you why putting a price on the value your clients perceive and identify serves both them and you, and you’ll learn the factors involved in getting your price right.

The book is available at all major physical and online book retailers worldwide. Follow this link for further details.

Connect with John Ray:

Website | LinkedIn | Twitter

Business RadioX®: LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Rebuilding Life After Gray Divorce, with Author Pat Fenner

February 4, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Rebuilding Life After Gray Divorce, with Author Pat Fenner

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Rebuilding Life After Gray Divorce, with Author Pat Fenner (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 841)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray speaks with Pat Fenner, a podcast producer, author, and host of the Silver Women, Bright Future podcast. Pat shares her personal journey through a gray divorce and how she transitioned this experience into a mission to support other women going through similar challenges. She discusses her book, Rebuilding Your Life After a Gray Divorce: A Path to Healing, Significance, and Joy, and highlights strategies for overcoming financial setbacks, rebuilding self-image, and finding gratitude amidst turmoil. The conversation also covers Pat’s work in podcast production and financial advisory, emphasizing the critical need for financial literacy and emotional support for women in midlife transitions.

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

Pat Fenner, Author and Podcaster

Pat Fenner is a devoted advocate for personal transformation and healing. As an accomplished author and podcast producer, Pat has dedicated her career to empowering women, particularly those navigating the challenging waters of post-divorce life. In her latest book, Rebuilding Your Life After a Gray Divorce: A Path to Healing, Significance, and Joy, Pat draws on her own experiences and years of mentoring to offer a lifeline to women struggling to find their footing after a “gray divorce.”

With a compassionate voice and a deep understanding of the emotional and spiritual upheavals faced in later-life separations, Pat has crafted the STRENGTHS framework. This guide is designed to help women savor simplicity, rebuild trust, and embrace a future filled with peace, purpose, and joy. Her approach is deeply practical, rooted in real-life stories, biblical wisdom, and actionable strategies encouraging women to reclaim their lives and rediscover joy.

Beyond her writing, Pat produces the engaging and insightful podcast Silver Women, Bright Future which serves as a platform to discover resilience, healing, and personal growth. She aims to inspire listeners to move forward with grace and strength. Whether through her book or her podcasts, Pat Fenner is passionate about helping others rewrite their stories, proving that the journey doesn’t end post-divorce—it transforms.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
01:56 Guest Introduction: Pat Fenner
02:37 Pat’s Journey into Podcasting
03:52 Experiencing and Overcoming Gray Divorce
06:32 Rebuilding Life After Divorce
11:01 Challenges and Commonalities in Gray Divorce
15:40 Rebuilding Trust and Moving Forward
20:32 Moving On from Divorce
21:04 The Healing Power of Writing and Podcasting
23:45 Empowering Women Through Coaching
25:27 Financial Challenges of Gray Divorce
27:19 The Emotional Journey of Financial Planning
30:34 Maintaining Stamina and Self-Care
33:57 Sharing Stories of Healing and Transformation
37:37 Connecting with Pat Fenner

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.

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

Finding Divine Purpose in Life’s Journey, with Carter Nelms, Actor

January 29, 2025 by John Ray

Hello, Self . . .

Finding Divine Purpose in Life's Journey, with Carter Nelms, Actor

00:00 /

Finding Divine Purpose in Life’s Journey, with Carter Nelms, Actor (Hello, Self… Episode 60)

In this episode of the Hello, Self podcast, host Patricia Leonard welcomed guest Carter Nelms, a diverse actor and software engineer. Carter discussed his dynamic career, his varied roles in film and television, and his spiritual journey.

He shared key life moments, emphasizing the importance of faith, divine timing, and remaining open to new opportunities. He and Patricia discussed the disruptions that led him to new beginnings and the significance of maintaining a spiritual path amidst life’s challenges.

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.

Carter Nelms, Actor and Software Engineer

Carter Nelms is an actor and software engineer based in Nashville, Tennessee. His acting work spans theatre, film, tv, commercial and voiceovers.

Carter studied mechanical engineering in college, made a switch over to software engineering and attended Nashville Software School in 2014.

Website | Instagram | IMDb

About Hello, Self…

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

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

Connect with Patricia:

Website| LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Empowering Intellectually and Developmentally Disabled Adults, with Meg Blackwood, InCommunity

January 29, 2025 by John Ray

Empowering Intellectually and Developmentally Disabled Adults: A Conversation with Meg Blackwood, CEO of InCommunity

North Fulton Business Radio

Empowering Intellectually and Developmentally Disabled Adults, with Meg Blackwood, InCommunity

00:00 /

Empowering Intellectually and Developmentally Disabled Adults: A Conversation with Meg Blackwood, CEO of InCommunity (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 840)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray speaks with Meg Blackwood, CEO of InCommunity, about the organization’s mission to support intellectually and developmentally disabled adults. Meg shares her passion for the cause, driven by a personal connection, and discusses the variety of services InCommunity offers, including residential care, employability programs, day services, and the unique host program. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by the intellectually disabled adult population, especially in terms of affordable housing and the need for robust support networks. Meg highlights the significant contributions of direct support professionals (DSPs) and calls for increased community support through donations, volunteer opportunities, and corporate partnerships. Listen to learn about the impactful work of InCommunity and how you can get involved.

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

Meg Blackwood, CEO, InCommunity

Meg Blackwood is the CEO of InCommunity, a leading Atlanta-based non-profit organization with a 45-year legacy dedicated to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. With over two decades of experience advising and defending a wide range of entities, from governmental bodies to Fortune 500 corporations, Meg brings a wealth of expertise to her leadership role at InCommunity.

Before joining InCommunity, Meg had a distinguished career in the legal sector. She began as an Associate Attorney, spending 13 years in private practice at various Atlanta law firms.

In 2015, she was recruited by Colonial Pipeline Company as its employment counsel. Her ability to remain composed under pressure and her strategic approach to crisis management led to her rapid advancement within the company, culminating in her role as Deputy General Counsel. During her tenure, Meg was instrumental in guiding Colonial Pipeline through multiple high-profile challenges, including two major pipeline incidents, and navigating complex government investigations. Her hands-on approach and dedication to field teams earned her the respect and trust of colleagues across the organization.

In 2021, Meg was tasked with establishing Colonial’s Public Affairs function, focusing on building and maintaining trusted partnerships within the communities served by the company. She spearheaded the company’s charitable contributions program, managing the distribution of approximately $1,000,000 in grants annually. In this role, she engaged directly with community leaders and non-profit organizations to identify challenges and develop effective support strategies. Meg also served as a spokesperson for Colonial, representing the company to the media, government officials, and the public.

Meg holds a degree from the College of William and Mary and earned her J.D. from Emory University School of Law. She resides in Buckhead with her husband, Lanny, a teacher and coach at Greater Atlanta Christian School, and their three children: Land (16), Margaret Bailey (12), and Ridge (10). Outside of her professional endeavors, Meg enjoys traveling with her family, especially to the beach, cooking, and volunteering in her community. She and her family are active members of Peachtree Road United Methodist Church.

InCommunity

Originally founded in 1979, InCommunity, a non-profit agency headquartered in Atlanta, was created to provide community-based services and support to people with disabilities and their families.

For almost 35 years, InCommunity has been embracing the abilities in all of us, building an outstanding reputation in Georgia for innovative programs and willingness to take on challenging support situations for people in their communities.

Currently, InCommunity has more than 650 employees who provide all levels of support in the community to people with a variety of needs, including residential support, employment services, respite care, family support, in-home care, and day programs.

To date, InCommunity has provided support and service to more than 10,000 Georgian community members.

Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
01:41 Guest Introduction: Meg Blackwood
01:56 Meg Blackwood’s Background and Role
03:38 Challenges Faced by Intellectually Disabled Adults
06:28 InCommunity’s History and Services
08:30 Residential Care and Housing Challenges
10:57 Employment and Day Programs
13:12 Volunteer and Corporate Partnerships
15:21 Future Goals and Community Engagement
21:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

The show welcomes a wide variety of business, non-profit, and community leaders to get the word out about the important work they’re doing to serve their market, their community, and their 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 leans left. Some media leans right. We lean business.

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

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