John Ray, Author at Business RadioX ® Page

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

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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 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 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

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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

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 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.

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.

Plant Vogtle and Georgia’s Energy Future, with Kelley Balkcom, Georgia Power

January 29, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

Plant Vogtle and Georgia's Energy Future, with Kelley Balkcom, Georgia Power

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Plant Vogtle and Georgia’s Energy Future, with Kelley Balkcom, Georgia Power (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 103)

In this episode of the GNFCC 400 Insider, Kali Boatright, President and CEO of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, interviews Kelley Balkcom, Region Executive for Georgia Power. They discuss the pivotal role of Plant Vogtle in securing Georgia’s energy future, highlighting its significance as the first new nuclear unit built in the U.S. in over three decades. Kelley shares insights about her background, Georgia Power’s integrated resource planning, the challenges and successes of developing Plant Vogtle’s new units, and the importance of diverse energy sources. They also touch on Georgia’s distinction as the “best state to do business,” workforce development, and what North Fulton residents and businesses can expect from these advancements.

The GNFCC 400 Insider is presented by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce and produced by John Ray and the North Fulton affiliate of Business RadioX®.

Kelley Balkcom, Region Executive, Georgia Power

Kelley Balkcom serves as the Metro North Region Executive at Georgia Power Company where she manages external affairs for the Gwinnett, North DeKalb, North Fulton and Forsyth areas.

Prior to her current role, Kelley was leading the company’s Regulatory Affairs team. In this role, Kelley was responsible for developing and implementing regulatory strategies as well as building and maintaining constructive relationships with key external stakeholders impacting Georgia’s energy policy decisions. Key successful accomplishments include: 2022 Integrated Resource Plan, 2022 Rate Case, Fuel Case, Vogtle 3 & 4 Prudence Review, and 2023 Integrated Resource Plan Update.

Her career began at Georgia Power Company in 2003 in the sales organization. She was a member of the Key Account team, where she provided dedicated customer service and sales support to large business customers. Kelley has also worked within the Pricing & Rates organization, where she supported business customers with tariff analyses. In addition to her various marketing and sales positions, Kelley worked in the Customer Service Operations Financial Support organization, where she served as a financial comptroller, supporting statewide operations teams.

Over the years, Kelley has led various teams focused on providing technical analyses, customer service, sales and energy efficiency support to statewide residential and business customer markets. Prior to joining Regulatory Affairs, Kelley supported the Executive Vice President of External Affairs & Nuclear Development, where she was responsible for broad support of goal achievement among the organization’s cross-functional teams.

Born and raised in the Atlanta area, Kelley earned a B.B.A. in Finance from the University of Georgia in 2003. She received her M.B.A. from Mercer University in 2009. She participated in the inaugural Georgia Chamber High Potentials program in 2018 and recently served on the University of Georgia’s Board of Visitors. She is a member of Leadership Georgia’s Class of 2020-2021, a member of New Mexico State’s Center for Public Utilities and a participant in the Atlanta Women’s Foundation 2025 Inspire program.

Georgia Power

High reliability, low prices, and high customer satisfaction are cornerstones of the Georgia Powers’s commitment to its customers, but its dedication extends beyond these principles. Equally committed to giving back to the communities it serves, the company continues to uphold its vision of being “A Citizen Wherever We Serve,” a philosophy established more than 100 years ago by its first president, Preston Arkwright Sr.

As the largest subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), one of the nation’s largest electricity generators, the company serves 2.5 million customers across all but four of Georgia’s 159 counties. Its foundation is built on value, reliability, customer service, and stewardship. Focused on delivering clean, safe, reliable, and affordable energy at rates below the national average, it maintains a diverse and innovative generation mix, incorporating nuclear, 21st-century coal, natural gas, and renewable sources such as solar, hydroelectric, and wind.

Dedicated to providing world-class service, the company consistently earns recognition from J.D. Power and Associates as an industry leader in customer satisfaction.

Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction to the GNFCC 400 Insider
00:42 Meet Kelley Balkcom: Georgia Power’s Regional Executive
02:56 The Significance of Plant Vogtle
04:54 Challenges and Triumphs in Nuclear Energy
06:15 Understanding Clean Energy and Nuclear Power
07:53 Georgia’s Diverse Energy Portfolio
13:07 The Future of Energy in Georgia
22:13 Workforce Development and Opportunities
25:09 Touring Plant Vogtle
26:59 Conclusion and Contact Information

About GNFCC and The GNFCC 400 Insider

Kali Boatright, President and CEO of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce (GNFCC) — **Kali Boatright, President and CEO of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce**

The GNFCC 400 Insider is sponsored by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce (GNFCC), and the host of the show is Kali Boatright, President and CEO of GNFCC.

The Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce is a private, non-profit, member-driven organization comprised of over 1,400 business enterprises, civic organizations, educational institutions, and individuals. Their service area includes Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Mountain Park, Roswell, and Sandy Springs. GNFCC is the leading voice on economic development, business growth, and quality of life issues in North Fulton County.

As a five-star accredited chamber, GNFCC’s vision is to be the premier organization driving member and community success across the region, and they are dedicated to pursuing this vision based on the guiding principles of advocacy, inclusivity, and operational excellence.

GNFCC promotes the interests of their members by assuming a leadership role in making North Fulton an excellent place to work, live, play, and stay. They provide one voice for all local businesses to influence decision-makers, recommend legislation, and protect the valuable resources that make North Fulton a popular place to live.

For more information on GNFCC and its North Fulton County service area, follow this link or call (770) 993-8806. For more information on other GNFCC events, follow this link.

Scaling with Distributed Remote Teams, with Adam Houlahan, Prominence Global

January 29, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

Scaling with Distributed Remote Teams, with Adam Houlahan, Prominence Global

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Scaling with Distributed Remote Teams, with Adam Houlahan, Prominence Global (The Price and Value Journey, Episode 120)

In this episode of The Price and Value Journey, host John Ray interviews Adam Houlahan, CEO of Prominence Global, about building and scaling businesses with remote teams. Adam, a LinkedIn expert and author of The Distributed Teams Blueprint, shares insights from his experience in creating a globally distributed team. He discusses the challenges, and solutions of managing remote teams, including cybersecurity, cultural differences, and maintaining trust. The episode also highlights the benefits of leveraging remote team members, such as cost savings and access to a broader talent pool. Adam further discusses strategies for effective team communication, the role of technology and AI, and tips for business owners looking to expand globally.

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

Adam Houlahan, CEO, Prominence Global

Adam Houlahan is a renowned LinkedIn expert and entrepreneur who has made significant contributions to digital marketing and business strategy. In 2014, he founded Prominence Global, an award-winning agency dedicated to developing cutting-edge lead generation and personal branding strategies. The agency was recently voted Australia’s most Innovative Social Media Marketing Agency for 2024 in the Australian Enterprise Awards.

He is a prestigious Top Voice on LinkedIn and an international keynote speaker specializing in LinkedIn strategies for entrepreneurs. Houlahan has authored four Amazon bestselling books, including Social Media Secret Sauce, The LinkedIn Playbook, and Influencer. His latest book, The Distributed Teams Blueprint: Leveraging Remote Teams to Scale Your Business, provides insights into effectively managing and integrating distributed teams. Prominence Global also hosts the world’s largest free online LinkedIn training event, which attracted over fifteen thousand registrants in 2024 and is considered one of the most impactful training events for leveraging LinkedIn for business.

Prominence Global

Prominence Global, founded in 2014, helps clients establish themselves as industry leaders on LinkedIn. In 2024, the company launched Remote Team Connect, enabling businesses to build distributed global teams at 75% less cost than hiring for similar roles in Western countries. Prominence Global, dedicated to authenticity, transparency, and integrity, creates intelligent lead generation strategies that effectively navigate the complexity of social media. Ethics are embedded in its DNA, ensuring that marketing efforts align with principled business practices. The company prioritizes continuous improvement through innovation and tailors its solutions to meet the specific needs of each client, instead of providing generic programs.

With a belief in the power of entrepreneurs to drive meaningful change, Prominence Global creates powerful LinkedIn presences that expand and accelerate clients’ global footprints. By 2025, the company is set to surpass 12 million global impacts created. Prominence Global provides the LinkedIn La Carte Program, the LinkedIn Corporate Program, and the Remote Team Connect Program to assist businesses in optimizing their LinkedIn strategy and expanding their global reach. Each program delves deeply, utilizing a cutting-edge, results-driven methodology to construct high-performing lead-generation sales funnels across various industries. Additionally, the company provides affordable, highly functional distributed teams worldwide, helping businesses scale efficiently.

Company website | LinkedIn

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome to The Price and Value Journey
00:41 Meet Adam Houlahan, Prominence Global
02:47 The Inspiration Behind the Book
04:20 Transition to a Fully Remote Team
08:45 Building Effective Remote Teams
17:59 Overcoming Challenges in Remote Work
25:53 Cybersecurity in Remote Teams
30:32 Maintaining Trust and Relationships
34:59 Leveraging AI and Future Trends
38:36 About Prominence Global and Services
43:34 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

The Evolution of Specialty Medical Marketing, with Chris Suchánek, Firm Media

January 28, 2025 by John Ray

Dental Business Radio

The Evolution of Specialty Medical Marketing, with Chris Suchánek, Firm Media

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The Evolution of Specialty Medical Marketing, with Chris Suchánek, Firm Media (Dental Business Radio, Episode 56)

In this episode of Dental Business Radio, host Patrick O’Rourke welcomes Chris Suchánek, CEO of Firm Media, to discuss the latest trends in specialty medical marketing. The episode explores the evolution of marketing in the dental and medical fields, emphasizing the impact of AI on both digital and traditional marketing strategies. Chris highlights the importance of market exclusivity, effective budgeting, and measuring ROI to achieve successful marketing outcomes. The episode also touches on Chris’s speaking engagements, his contributions to Forbes and Brainz magazines, and his passion for combat sports photography. The conversation provides valuable insights for dental and medical professionals looking to enhance their marketing efforts and business growth.

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®.

Chris Suchánek, CEO, Firm Media

Chris Suchánek, Firm Media — **Chris Suchánek**

As CEO and co-founder of Firm Media, an award-winning national medical marketing agency, Chris has launched innovative brands, including Omniblend Advertising™, MediLearn360™, ReputationNest™, and the forthcoming Ailm Atelier™. He is a Forbes™ Author & Agency Council Member, Executive Contributor for Brainz™ Magazine, and an internationally recognized speaker on specialty medical branding and marketing.

Chris offers insights on the latest trends in digital marketing, brand development, and patient engagement, drawing from his extensive experience and ongoing success. He is a skilled team builder and leader known for driving results through a combination of strategic vision and hands-on mentorship.

Chris is also passionate about achieving greatness through quality and consistency, a philosophy that has been instrumental in the success of Firm Media and its affiliated brands. He is a dynamic and engaging thought leader, offering clients a wealth of knowledge and a clear roadmap to elevate their marketing efforts.

Outside of his work with Firm Media, Chris serves as a co-founder of the international nonprofit organization Project Boon. As Firm Media’s sister organization, Project Boon devotes itself to addressing food insecurity and providing volunteer opportunities.

Chris is also the managing partner at CASKS Restaurant Group, where he and his team own and operate multiple restaurants in the Greater Los Angeles area.

Firm Media Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction to Dental Business Radio
02:05 Meet the Guest: Chris Suchánek
03:31 Marketing Insights and Strategies
05:35 AI and Traditional Marketing
13:34 Market Exclusivity and Client Relations
19:07 Investment in Marketing
33:23 Marketing Strategies and Testing
36:34 The Importance of Measuring ROI
40:15 Speaking Engagements and Topics
44:31 Combat Sports Photography Insights
47:09 Writing for Publications and AI Assistance
54:26 Upcoming Projects and Digital Magazine
59:13 Conclusion and Contact Information

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)

Streamlining Staffing Management, with Omer Mutaqi, BuraqHR

January 23, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Streamlining Staffing Management, with Omer Mutaqi, BuraqHR

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Streamlining Staffing Management, with Omer Mutaqi, BuraqHR (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 839)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray welcomes Omer Mutaqi, CEO of BuraqHR, to discuss the intricacies of HR managed services and staffing. Omer explains the concept of Vendor Management Services (VMS) and how BuraqHR specializes in serving small to midsized companies by centralizing their HR processes. The conversation delves into Omer’s career journey, the competitive landscape of HR services, and how BuraqHR enhances efficiency and compliance for its clients. They also explore the benefits these services bring to businesses expanding internationally. The episode highlights client success stories and offers insights on how BuraqHR saves companies time and money.

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.

Omer Mutaqi, Chief Executive Officer, BuraqHR

Omer Mutaqi

Omer Mutaqi is a highly accomplished business leader with 20+ years of experience in recruitment.

Omer climbed the ranks from Head of Recruiting to Regional Manager and eventually became Managing Director—East Coast at Horizon Staffing. Omer‘s expertise lies in understanding business needs, ensuring customer satisfaction, and sourcing top-notch candidates, primarily in the aerospace, medical device, energy, and healthcare industries along the East Coast.

In 2011, he co-founded MY HR, where he streamlined processes, introduced new vendors, and implemented a successful social media marketing strategy. Now, as CEO of BuraqHR (Talent Acquisition MSP), Omer is building a diverse team of leaders across the USA to elevate MY HR and BuraqHR to greater heights. Omer‘s dedication extends to his involvement as a board member at USPAACC-SE, marketing team chair at TAG DE&I, and mentor at SCORE-Atlanta, GA.

BuraqHR

BuraqHR is a Contingent Workforce Managed Service Provider (MSP) that specializes in simplifying and managing all aspects of contingent workforce programs. With over 25 years of industry expertise, BuraqHR offers comprehensive solutions, including talent sourcing, vendor management, compliance, onboarding, time tracking, payroll, and invoicing, all consolidated under one platform.

As an NSMDC-certified Minority and Women-owned business, the company focuses on supporting small to mid-size programs ranging from $3 million to $25 million. Buraq HR partners with rigorously vetted local vendors who bring a deep understanding of regional labor markets and utilizes an advanced recruitment technology ecosystem to optimize total talent strategies. With global capabilities, Buraq HR delivers efficiency and exceptional service tailored to meet the unique needs of its clients.

Website | LinkedIn

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
01:34 Guest Introduction: Omer Mutaqi
01:48 About BuraqHR
02:53 Omer’s Career Journey
03:54 Challenges in HR and Staffing
04:29 Vendor Management Services Explained
22:21 Client Success Stories
25:33 Contact Information and Closing Remarks
26:24 Final Thoughts 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.

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

Understanding and Combating Neurofibromatosis: Insights from the Children’s Tumor Foundation

January 22, 2025 by John Ray

Good2Give Podcast

Understanding and Combating Neurofibromatosis: Insights from the Children's Tumor Foundation

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Understanding and Combating Neurofibromatosis: Insights from the Children’s Tumor Foundation (Good2Give Podcast, Episode 14)

This episode of the Good2Give Podcast, hosted by Maria Walden and DePriest Waddy of the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia, features guests Kate Kelts, Senior Manager of Patient Education and Engagement, from the Children’s Tumor Foundation, and Mark Oppenheimer, CEO of Modern Executive Solutions and a board member of the foundation. The discussion delves into the mission and efforts of the Children’s Tumor Foundation in researching and combating neurofibromatosis (NF), a genetic condition that causes tumors to grow on nerves. Kate shares her professional journey and her current roles, including leading the NF registry and planning patient engagement programs. Mark opens up about his personal connection to NF through his daughter, Riley, and the emotional and practical challenges faced by families dealing with the condition. The show highlights the importance of community, the impact of NF research on broader medical advancements, and the urgent need for funding clinical trials and treatments. The Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia’s role in supporting these initiatives and an urgent call to action for donations and support are emphasized throughout the episode.

To contribute to the Children’s Tumor Foundation, follow this link.

The Good2Give Podcast is presented by the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia. The show is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton affiliate of Business RadioX®. You can find the full archive of shows by following this link.

Children’s Tumor Foundation

NF refers to genetic conditions that cause tumors to grow on nerves throughout the body. NF includes all forms of neurofibromatosis and schwannomatosis and affects about 4 million people worldwide. Anyone can be born with NF, and it affects everyone differently. There is no cure yet.

The Children’s Tumor Foundation is the drug discovery engine for NF. By bringing together patients, doctors, scientists, and pharma, we drive treatments, advance care, and deliver faster results for millions affected by neurofibromatosis or schwannomatosis. Their patient-first collaborative approach accelerates drug development and brings life-changing therapies to patients faster—driven by their mission to end NF.

Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)

Kate Kelts, RN, BSN, Senior Manager of Patient Education & Engagement, Children’s Tumor Foundation

Kate Kelts, Children's Tumor Foundation — **Kate Kelts, Children’s Tumor Foundation**

Kate Kelts is a registered nurse and the Senior Manager of Patient Education & Engagement at the Children’s Tumor Foundation (CTF). With extensive experience as a pediatric nurse, Kate spent many years providing care to acutely ill children in hospital settings before transitioning to a role as Clinic Coordinator in the Neurology Department at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles (CHLA). It was there that she first encountered families affected by Neurofibromatosis (NF) Type 1, NF2-related Schwannomatosis, and Schwannomatosis.

Driven by a passion for supporting patients and their families, Kate joined CTF in 2015 as a Patient Support Coordinator. Since then, her role has evolved significantly, but her commitment to providing education, support, and advocacy for families living with NF has remained central to her work.

As Senior Manager of Patient Education & Engagement, Kate oversees key initiatives such as the NF Summit, the largest annual gathering of patients and families affected by NF. She also leads CTF Engage, a patient representative training program that empowers individuals living with NF to actively engage in research by prioritizing their voices and lived experiences. Additionally, Kate serves as Principal Investigator for the NF Registry, the world’s largest patient-reported database for individuals with any form of NF.

Kate’s dedication to advancing patient education, support, and research in the NF community continues to drive her work at the Children’s Tumor Foundation, where she remains focused on making a meaningful impact in the lives of those affected by these rare genetic conditions.

Mark Oppenheimer, Modern Executive Solutions

Mark Oppenheimer is a Board Member of the Children’s Tumor Foundation.

Mark is also the CEO of Modern Executive Solutions. He has 15 years experience building and leading innovative global search firms.

Prior to Modern, Mark was CEO Americas for Marlin Hawk Executive Search. From 2010 to 2018, Mark helped lead the company from 5 to circa 80 employees and grew revenues from $800K to $32M. During this time he innovated a new set of service lines and digital products while founding and growing the US entity to consist of over 70 blue-chip clients. In 2019, Mark sold out and began a new mission with his wife, Michelle Domanico.

He received a 1st Class Honor in Economics from the University of Nottingham (2005). Mark has dedicated a lot of time to New York Cares and the Board of both Big Brother/Big Sister US and Lucky Dog Animal Rescue.

Taking care of employees is Mark’s number one driver in business and taking care of his family and the community is his number one goal in life. His ambition is to build Modern from the inside out, with a culture of equality, care and teamwork. Modern supports diverse leadership teams & charities while significantly upskilling the experience of the executive solutions industry.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction to the Good2Give Podcast
00:38 Meet the Guests: Kate Kelts and Mark Oppenheimer
01:27 Understanding the Children’s Tumor Foundation
05:24 Mark Oppenheimer’s Personal Story
18:55 Daily Life with NF: Mark’s Perspective
28:10 The Role of the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia
32:05 Call to Action: How You Can Help
36:47 Conclusion and Contact Information

The Good2Give Podcast celebrates the work of donors, nonprofits, and the causes they care about. DePriest Waddy and Maria Walden are the show’s hosts, and the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia is the presenting sponsor.

The Good2Give Podcast is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®. You can find the full archive of shows by following this link. You can also find the show on all the major podcast apps, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and many others.

At the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia, everything they do centers around one purpose: improving the world through the power of philanthropy.

On a fundamental level, they do that through managing funds held in trust, donated by individuals, organizations, and businesses. Most funds are donor-advised funds, similar to savings accounts. These funds are pooled for investment purposes, and their income is used to make grants for a wide variety of charitable purposes.

But the Foundation’s goals extend far beyond managing funds. They desire to strengthen the communities they serve in Gwinnett, Northeast Georgia, and beyond by providing leadership, addressing community needs, and assisting individuals and organizations with their charitable giving.

Connect with CFNEG:
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Enhancing Beauty, with Dr. Stephanie Farber, Stephanie Farber Plastic Surgery

January 21, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Enhancing Beauty, with Dr. Stephanie Farber, Stephanie Farber Plastic Surgery

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Enhancing Beauty, with Dr. Stephanie Farber, Stephanie Farber Plastic Surgery (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 838)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray welcomes Dr. Stephanie Farber, a plastic surgeon who shares her journey and insights into the world of plastic surgery. Dr. Farber discusses her partnership with Thrive Medical Spa, the extensive training required to become a plastic surgeon, and the importance of personalized care. She also highlights various procedures, from breast reduction to facial rejuvenation, and emphasizes the need for natural, timeless results over trendy body modifications. Dr. Farber’s commitment to enhancing her patients’ inner and outer beauty is evident through her sharing of inspiring success stories and practical advice for those contemplating plastic surgery.

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.

Dr. Stephanie Farber, Stephanie Farber Plastic Surgery

Dr. Stephanie Farber is a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the face, breasts, and body.

She has an eye for beauty that has been refined through her training in plastic surgery and the fine arts. Dr. Farber is committed to making all of her patients look and feel their best. She derives profound joy and fulfillment from seeing her patients glowing with renewed confidence following their treatments.

Patients of Dr. Farber appreciate her passion for the art of plastic surgery and her ability to make her patients feel comfortable and confident. She is kind, talented, meticulous, and is known for her attention to detail, listening ear and aesthetic eye. Her goal is to earn her patients’ trust by being their advocate, confidante, and cheerleader.

Though her aesthetic eye has been finely tuned to recognize perfect symmetry, balance, and proportions, Dr. Farber distinguishes herself from fellow plastic surgeons in her ability to tailor her surgical plan to her individual patients’ goals. She makes it her mission to listen to and appreciate each patient’s vision and to carefully plan and execute her operations to make this vision a reality.

As a surgeon, Dr. Farber has extensive experience in aesthetic plastic surgery, including breast surgery, body contouring, and facial plastic surgery, as well as in reconstructive surgery, including breast cancer reconstruction and skin cancer reconstruction. Her colleagues know her for her “extraordinary work ethic,” “sunny disposition,” and “excellent technical abilities.”

She has been recognized as one of the Atlantan/Modern Luxury’s Top Doctors, Castle Connelly’s Rising Stars and Best Plastic Surgeon in Sandy Springs and Buckhead for the past four years.

Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
00:28 Meet Dr. Stephanie Farber
02:00 The Journey to Becoming a Plastic Surgeon
05:05 Starting a New Practice with Thrive Medical Spa
07:49 Understanding Plastic Surgery Procedures
09:38 Breast Reduction Surgery Insights
13:00 Facial Surgery and Aesthetic Goals
15:57 Weight Loss and Skin Removal Surgeries
17:11 Recovery and Pain Management
17:47 Dr. Farber’s Media Contributions
19:40 Trends and Technology in Plastic Surgery
23:06 Success Stories and Patient Experiences
25:55 How to Get in Touch with Dr. Farber
26:44 Closing Remarks and Additional Resources

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.

Secrets to a Successful Business Sale, with Bob Tankesley, Exit Teams

January 16, 2025 by John Ray

Family Business Radio

Secrets to a Successful Business Sale, with Bob Tankesley, Exit Teams

00:00 /

Secrets to a Successful Business Sale, with Bob Tankesley, Exit Teams (Family Business Radio, Episode 61)

In this episode, Family Business Radio kicks off 2025 with Anthony Chen hosting m&a advisor and author Bob Tankesley. They discuss the intricacies of exit planning for family businesses, including common misconceptions, the importance of thinking like a buyer, and the value of building a strong advisory team. Bob shares insights from his book Exit Teams and highlights the critical factors that can either discount or drive a premium for a business during a sale. They explore the necessity of early strategic planning, the impact of family dynamics, and the rising relevance of human capital in business valuation.

Anthony concludes the show with thoughts on how to find the best advisor.

This episode is essential for any business owner contemplating an exit strategy or seeking to maximize their business value.

Family Business Radio is underwritten and brought to you by Anthony Chen with Lighthouse Financial Network. The show is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton affiliate of Business RadioX®.

Bob Tankesley, Exit Teams

Bob Tankesley is a fourth-generation entrepreneur, an MBA, and a CPA with a keen insight into and understanding of the business owner mindset. As an M&A advisor, he uses his 27 years of experience to sell companies grossing up to $75,000,000 in revenue throughout the southeast U.S., as well as the commercial real estate associated with such holdings. When a company is not ready to sell, Bob regularly partners with advisors of all types to optimize it throughout the ownership lifecycle and is a frequent speaker/educator to owners and their various advisors.

‍Bob’s experience ranges from a division of a Fortune 500 corporation to a Big Four accounting firm to multiple micro-cap and lower mid-market closely held businesses. He also ran his own tax and financial advisory firm for over a decade. For the past 22 years, he has advised over 150 business owners and executives on valuation, market readiness, and proven methods to engage in proper financial management.

Bob’s formal education includes both a BS degree in Accounting (cum laude) from UNC Asheville and an MBA in Finance from Appalachian State University, as well as multiple industry certifications. He is also a co-founder and board member of the Exit Planning Exchange (XPX) Atlanta Chapter.

Exit Teams: Build a Team of Advisors for Your Business Sale to Get a Higher Price

You’ve got one shot to sell your business right!

The American Dream fulfilled! You are a business owner, and it’s time to cash in on the sale of your business. Except the buyers on the other side of the table are prepared with a team of experts ready to lower your price.

Enter Exit Teams. This book won’t give you tactics that don’t pertain to your situation, and it won’t promise you beach chairs and Caribbean sunsets. This book will tell you the truth, letting you know the psychological dangers that play into a business sale, and how buyers can use that psychology to acquire your business for far less than you, the owner, could have made.

Follow along with Dave, the owner of FineLine Manufacturing, who received notice of a health scare, forcing him to think about selling before he’s ready. Dave makes many of the typical business seller moves, getting advice from seemingly logical but misaligned resources. Pressures mount from his employees, his customers, his friends, and his family as he juggles a business sale while maintaining secrecy.

When Dave finally gets an offer, it’s for far less than he had hoped. This sends Dave on a whirlwind of choices that pull him in many directions. Will Dave learn the lessons required to give him the best chance at business sale success before he loses his largest customer?

Exit Teams will:

Alert you to the emotional roller coaster that arises during a business sale.
Educate you to the common pitfalls business owners fall into, often of their own making.
Explain what an Exit Team is, and why they are necessary for the ultimate business sale success.
Warn you of some of the strategies buyers employ to pressure business sellers to lower their price.
Caution you about lifting expectations according to a colleague’s experience (hint: it may not be all he says it is).
Counsel you on how to handle family dynamics during a business sale.
Present you with common decisions made by inexperienced business sellers so you won’t make the same choices.
Display the challenge of secrecy among employees and customers.
Address health challenges and how they often impact the business owner while trying to sell.
Stress the need to understand your company’s value on an ongoing basis.
Provide you with a business selling experience without your having to learn the hard way from real life at the cost of millions of dollars

To order the book, follow this link.

Anthony Chen, Host of Family Business Radio

Family Business Radio is sponsored and brought to you by Anthony Chen with Lighthouse Financial Network. Securities and advisory services are offered through OSAIC, member FINRA/SIPC. RAA is separately owned, and other entities and/or marketing names, products, or services referenced here are independent of OSAIC. The main office address is 575 Broadhollow Rd., Melville, NY 11747. You can reach Anthony at 631-465-9090, ext. 5075, or by email at anthonychen@lfnllc.com.

Anthony Chen started his career in financial services with MetLife in Buffalo, NY, in 2008. Born and raised in Elmhurst, Queens, he considers himself a full-blooded New Yorker while now enjoying his Atlanta, GA, home. Specializing in family businesses and their owners, Anthony works to protect what is most important to them. From preserving to creating wealth, Anthony partners with CPAs and attorneys to help address all of the concerns and help clients achieve their goals. By using a combination of financial products ranging from life, disability, and long-term care insurance to many investment options through Royal Alliance, Anthony looks to be the eyes and ears for his client’s financial foundation. In his spare time, Anthony is an avid long-distance runner.

The complete show archive of Family Business Radio can be found by following this link.

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

Carter Nelms, Actor and Software Engineer

About Hello, Self…

Patricia Leonard, Host of Hello, Self…

Connect with Patricia:

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

Meg Blackwood, CEO, InCommunity

InCommunity

Topics Discussed in this Episode

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

Plant Vogtle and Georgia’s Energy Future, with Kelley Balkcom, Georgia Power (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 103)

Kelley Balkcom, Region Executive, Georgia Power

Georgia Power

Topics Discussed in this Episode

About GNFCC and The GNFCC 400 Insider

Scaling with Distributed Remote Teams, with Adam Houlahan, Prominence Global (The Price and Value Journey, Episode 120)

Adam Houlahan, CEO, Prominence Global

Prominence Global

Topics Discussed in this Episode

About The Price and Value Journey

John Ray, Host of The Price and Value Journey

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

Connect with John Ray:

The Evolution of Specialty Medical Marketing, with Chris Suchánek, Firm Media (Dental Business Radio, Episode 56)

Chris Suchánek, CEO, Firm Media

Topics Discussed in this Episode

About Dental Business Radio

Practice Quotient

Connect with Practice Quotient

Streamlining Staffing Management, with Omer Mutaqi, BuraqHR (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 839)

Omer Mutaqi, Chief Executive Officer, BuraqHR

BuraqHR

Topics Discussed in this Episode

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

Understanding and Combating Neurofibromatosis: Insights from the Children’s Tumor Foundation (Good2Give Podcast, Episode 14)

Children’s Tumor Foundation

Kate Kelts, RN, BSN, Senior Manager of Patient Education & Engagement, Children’s Tumor Foundation

Mark Oppenheimer, Modern Executive Solutions

Topics Discussed in this Episode

About the Good2Give Podcast

Community Foundation of Northeast Georgia

Enhancing Beauty, with Dr. Stephanie Farber, Stephanie Farber Plastic Surgery (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 838)

Dr. Stephanie Farber, Stephanie Farber Plastic Surgery

Topics Discussed in this Episode

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

Secrets to a Successful Business Sale, with Bob Tankesley, Exit Teams (Family Business Radio, Episode 61)

Bob Tankesley, Exit Teams

Exit Teams: Build a Team of Advisors for Your Business Sale to Get a Higher Price

Anthony Chen, Host of Family Business Radio

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