John Ray, Author at Business RadioX ® Page

What’s New at Wall Control? Family Business Behind the Scenes Updates with Ric & Richard

May 28, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

What’s New at Wall Control? Family Business Behind the Scenes Updates with Ric & Richard

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What’s New at Wall Control? Family Business Behind the Scenes Updates with Ric & Richard (Organization Conversation, Episode 60)

On this episode of Organization Conversation, Richard Grove and his father, Ric Grove, dive into what’s new at their family-owned company, Wall Control Storage Systems. Richard and Ric explore new product announcements, such as a freestanding workstation workbench, a versatile wine bottle holder, and innovative storage solutions for firearms and closets. The conversation also delves into the company’s recent adoption of 3D printing technology and the introduction of a universal bracket designed for custom storage needs. With insights into manufacturing scalability and customer-centric innovations, this episode provides valuable updates for both new and long-time customers of Wall Control.

Organization Conversation is sponsored by Wall Control. The show is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.

About Wall Control

The Wall Control story began in 1968 in a small tool & die shop just outside Atlanta, Georgia. The first of three generations began their work in building a family-based US manufacturer with little more than hard work and the American Dream.

Over the past 50+ years, this family business has continued to grow and expand from what was once a small tool & die shop into an award-winning US manufacturer of products ranging from automobile components to satellite panels and now, the best wall-mounted tool storage system available today, Wall Control.

The Wall Control brand launched in 2003 and is a family-owned and operated business that not only produces a high-quality American-made product but sees the entire design, production, and distribution process happen under their own roof in Tucker, Georgia. Under that same roof, three generations of American Manufacturing are still hard at work creating the best tool storage products available today.

Connect with Wall Control:

Company website | Facebook | Instagram

Ric Grove, Dekalb Tool & Die

Established in 1968, Dekalb Tool & Die, Inc. is the sister company of Wall Control Storage Systems. DeKalb Tool & Die specializes in crafting, repairing, and innovating a diverse array of metalworking tools. Whether it’s progressive dies, transfer dies, draw dies, or single hit tooling, they possess the expertise and resources to meet your needs. From CAD design to timely delivery, they ensure comprehensive tooling service.

Beyond their design and build capabilities, they excel as a competitive source for quality metal stampings. With presses ranging from 60 to 1800 tons and coil feed capability up to 60″ wide, their versatility enables them to produce a wide range of stamped metal parts.

Recognized for exceptional customer service and on-time deliveries, they were recently honored with Blue Bird Corporation’s Global Supplier of the Year award. While they take pride in their state-of-the-art equipment and technologies, it’s their skilled employees who remain their most valuable asset.

They invite you to experience their facility firsthand with a personal tour when you’re in the Atlanta area. As you explore their capabilities on their website, they’re ready to address any inquiries and provide assistance. They eagerly anticipate the opportunity to quote on your tooling and metal stamping needs, offering competitive prices and unwavering honesty in their business transactions.

Dekalb Tool and Die values the chance to introduce you to their company and demonstrate their commitment to excellence.

Website | Instagram

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Welcome to Organization Conversation
01:06 Introducing New Products at Wall Control
02:45 Exploring the Versatility of the Freestanding Workstation
04:14 Innovative Storage Solutions and Customer Feedback
05:08 Expanding Storage with the V Bracket and 3D Printing
11:02 Customization and Efficiency in Product Design
15:28 The Universal Bracket: A Game Changer for Custom Storage
23:04 Looking Ahead: Future Innovations and Closing Thoughts

About Organization Conversation

Organization Conversation is hosted by Richard Grove and broadcast and produced from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®. 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, Amazon, iHeart Radio, and others.

Richard Grove, Wall Control

**Richard Grove, COO, Wall Control, Small Business Consultant, and Host of Organization Conversation**

Richard Grove‘s background is in engineering, but what he enjoys most is brand building through relationships and creative marketing. Richard began his career with the Department of Defense as an engineer on the C-5 Galaxy Engineering Team, based out of Warner Robins. While Richard found this experience both rewarding and fulfilling, he always knew deep down that he wanted to return to the small family business that originally triggered his interest in engineering.

Richard came to work for the family business, Dekalb Tool & Die, in 2008 as a Mechanical Engineer. At the time, Wall Control was little more than a small ‘side hustle’ for Dekalb Tool & Die to try to produce some incremental income. There were no “Wall Control” employees, just a small warehouse with a single tool and die maker that would double as an “order fulfillment associate” on the occasion that the original WallControl.com website, which Richard’s grandmother built, pulled in an order.

In 2008, it became apparent that for the family business to survive, they were going to have to produce their own branded product at scale to ensure jobs remained in-house and for the business to continue to move forward. Richard then turned his attention from tool and die to Wall Control to attempt this necessary pivot, and his story with Wall Control began. Since that time, Richard has led Wall Control to significant growth while navigating two recessions.

Outside of Richard’s work at Wall Control, he enjoys helping other business owners, operators, and entrepreneurs along their own paths to success by offering personal business coaching and advice through his website, ConsultantSmallBusiness.com. Richard has developed an expansive and unique skillset, growing and scaling Wall Control through a multitude of challenges to become the successful brand and company it is today. Richard is happy to share his knowledge and experience with others who are looking to do the same within their own businesses.

Connect with Richard:

Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn | Richard’s Website

Chuck Milton, William’s House, and Chris Foley, Edward Jones

May 28, 2024 by John Ray

Good2Give Podcast

Chuck Milton, William's House, and Chris Foley, Edward Jones

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Chuck Milton, William’s House, and Chris Foley, Edward Jones (Good2Give Podcast, Episode 10)

On this episode of the Good2Give Podcast, host Maria Walden welcomes guests Chuck Milton, Executive Director of William’s House in Roswell, Georgia, and Chris Foley, a financial advisor with Edward Jones. Chuck discusses the mission of William’s House, which is to empower fathers in recovery to achieve self-sufficiency and housing sustainability. Chris elaborates on his philanthropic journey and how he assists his clients with charitable giving and financial planning. Topics include the innovative housing solutions William’s House provides for single fathers, their long-term support programs, and their efforts in fundraising and grant writing. The discussion also touches upon the benefits of donor-advised funds and strategies for financial literacy.

The article “Can you make charitable giving less ‘taxing’?” mentioned by Chris Foley during the show can be found online, free of charge, by following 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 studio of Business RadioX®. You can find the full archive of shows by following this link.

Chuck Milton, William’s House

Chuck Milton serves as the Executive Director and CEO of William’s House, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering fathers in recovery to achieve self-sufficiency and sustainable housing.

Before co-founding William’s House in 2020, Chuck accumulated over 20 years of corporate experience as Vice President at prominent boutique retained executive search firms. He excelled in business development and worked with a diverse clientele, including manufacturers, SMBs, and Fortune companies such as Southern Company and Walt Disney, across both Orlando and Burbank.

His inspiration for this mission stems from his personal journey with alcoholism and prescription drug abuse, which led him to enter a rehabilitation program in 2009. Following his rehabilitation, Chuck found himself in a challenging situation without a stable living environment or the necessary tools to rebuild his life. This experience sparked his curiosity about the support available to men with children facing similar struggles.

Shortly thereafter, Chuck coincidentally joined Mary Hall Freedom House, a facility that assists women and women with children. During his time there, he recognized the need for similar resources tailored to men with children, which inspired the creation of William’s House.

Chuck is a proud alumnus of Florida State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Social Sciences with a focus on Political Science. He was actively involved in the Greek system and student government during his time at FSU. Despite being a Florida native, Chuck now considers Atlanta his home after residing there for over three decades.

William’s House

William’s House empowers fathers in recovery to achieve self-sufficiency and attain housing sustainability.

At its essence, William’s House is dedicated to motivating men in recovery, guiding them through a transformative journey to reclaim their lives, and facilitating their reintegration with families as valued contributors to their communities. The programming at William’s House places emphasis on personal transformation, moral inventory, and reliance on a Higher Power. The strategy is centered around the transformative power of relationships, including the spiritual dimension, to foster lasting positive change.

Recent research highlights the importance of homeless men having the opportunity to share and process their feelings of judgment, guilt, shame, remorse, and separation from their families, as well as their fears about parenting and re-entering family and home life.

William’s House is dedicated to creating an enriching and supportive environment. The strategic approach is grounded in the belief that enabling individuals at William’s House has a positive ripple effect on the broader community. This approach is encapsulated in the Six Pillars: Housing, Financial Literacy-Wealth Building, Family Counseling, Physical and Mental Well-being, Sobriety Maintenance, and Career Heights. William’s House is committed to delivering comprehensive support through a combination of community-based initiatives and on-site services.

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

Chris Foley, Edward Jones, CFP®

Chris Foley guides individuals, families, and small business owners in an increasingly complex and volatile investment environment by offering clear, straightforward financial advice and helping them make sense of their investments.

Chris Foley, Edward Jones, on the Good2Give Podcast — **Chris Foley, Edward Jones**

Since joining Edward Jones, Chris has assisted many families in the community to fund their investment goals and plan for their financial futures. Prior to his career at Edward Jones, he worked in the financial services industry for nearly 13 years. He earned his B.A. from Dartmouth College.

Chris’s finance journey began in his junior year of college at the age of 20. He worked as an intern on the trading desk of a global investment bank and developed an enthusiasm for researching stocks. He saved $1,000 by the end of the summer and picked a blue-chip stock in which to invest. His father opened a brokerage account for them to invest in together. His father purchased the stock Chris had chosen, and Chris was to reimburse him. Instead, Chris used the money to buy an electric guitar (since purchasing that guitar, he has learned to play a whopping nine chords and only one scale). Fortunately, his father held onto the investment, and that initial $1,000 grew and eventually helped to fund his retirement. That experience taught Chris the power of compounding and investing for the long term. While his ability to play the guitar has not grown, his passion for investing, educating his clients, and helping them to create the life they dream of has grown exponentially.

Chris is a relationship builder and cares deeply about his community. He and his wife, Courtney, live in the Crabapple area of Alpharetta, Georgia, with their two curious and very active young boys. Courtney is a classical pianist who still encourages him to play his guitar and master the E minor pentatonic scale. In his spare time, Chris enjoys spending time with his family, watching sports, and traveling.

Website | LinkedIn

Edward Jones

Edward Jones, a Fortune 500 firm, provides financial services in the U.S. and through its affiliate in Canada. The firm’s nearly 19,000 financial advisors serve more than 8 million clients, with a total of $1.7 trillion in client assets under care. Edward Jones’ purpose is to partner for positive impact to improve the lives of its clients and colleagues, and together, better our communities and society.

Through the dedication of the firm’s 50,000 associates and our branch presence in 68 percent of U.S. counties, the firm is committed to helping more people achieve financially what is most important to them.

Website

Topics Discussed in This Interview

00:00 Welcome to the Good2Give Podcast
00:41 Introducing the Guests and Their Missions
01:13 Deep Dive into William’s House: Empowering Fathers
05:33 Financial Literacy and Philanthropy with Chris Foley
10:05 Exploring Donor Advised Funds and Charitable Giving
14:13 The Importance of Community and Fundraising Efforts
21:30 Future Plans and How to Get Involved
32:04 Closing Thoughts and Contact Information

The Good2Give Podcast celebrates the work of donors, nonprofits, and the causes they care about. DePriest Waddy and Maria Walden-Sullivan 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:
Website | Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

Don’t Run Your Business Without These Two Things, with Bill McDermott, Host of ProfitSense

May 28, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

Don't Run Your Business Without These Two Things, with Bill McDermott, Host of ProfitSense

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Don’t Run Your Business Without These Two Things, with Bill McDermott, Host of ProfitSense

In this commentary from a recent episode of ProfitSense, Bill talks about two things you shouldn’t neglect as you run your business.

Bill’s commentary was taken from this episode of ProfitSense.

ProfitSense with Bill McDermott is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton Studio of Business RadioX® in Alpharetta.

Transcript

I want to take a moment now to talk about “don’t run your business without these two things.” And today I want to talk about the two things that you should never When our company is growing, sometimes we hire people that don’t share our core values or core focus.

These people may behave in a way that we don’t understand because it’s not who we are. We’ve all heard the quote, “if you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.” Early in my coaching meetings with clients, it’s critical to find out what they stand for, even if it means taking a loss in their company.

I also had to determine what my core values were when I started The Profitability Coach 15 years ago. So when you’re running a business, it’s crucial to first decide on your core values. Some of mine are adaptability, empathy, and being strategic. If you’ve never done this exercise before, I encourage you to take some time to determine what you stand for and hire people who believe in the same things you do. You may even think about developing a core value speech that you share with each person that you’re thinking about hiring.

Second thing is we must choose perseverance. Very early in my life, when didn’t want to do homework for school. My dad told me anything worth doing. Is worth doing well.

Studies show that perseverance is an essential quality for success in life. It often tops aptitude and raw talent and is a more accurate predictor of success in life. When I was laid off at 54 years old, after 32 successful years in banking, I started The Profitability Coach at the height of the great recession with one idea in mind. I had a dream to make business owners, better financial managers of their businesses. 15 years later, I would not be where I am today without choosing perseverance.

So if you’re a business owner or CEO, make sure you’re not operating without these two things.

About ProfitSense and Your Host, Bill McDermott

ProfitSense with Bill McDermott dives into the stories behind some of Atlanta’s successful businesses and business owners and the professionals that advise them. This show helps local business leaders get the word out about the important work they’re doing to serve their market, their community, and their profession.

Follow this link to find the show archive.

The show is presented by The Profitability Coach. The Profitability Coach helps business owners improve cash flow and profitability, find financing, break through barriers to expansion, and financially prepare to exit their business.

Bill McDermott is the Founder and CEO of The Profitability Coach. When business owners want to increase their profitability, they don’t have the expertise to know where to start or what to do. Bill leverages his knowledge and relationships from 32 years as a banker to identify the hurdles getting in the way and create a plan to deliver profitability they never thought possible.

Bill currently serves as Treasurer for the Atlanta Executive Forum and has held previous positions as a board member for the Kennesaw State University Entrepreneurship Center, Gwinnett Habitat for Humanity, and Treasurer for CEO NetWeavers. Bill is a graduate of Wake Forest University, and he and his wife, Martha, have called Atlanta home for over 40 years. Outside of work, Bill enjoys golf, traveling, and gardening.

Connect with Bill on LinkedIn and Instagram and follow The Profitability Coach on LinkedIn.

Challenges in Exiting a Business, with Peter Faser, The Profitability Coach

May 28, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

Challenges in Exiting a Business, with Peter Faser, The Profitability Coach

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Challenges in Exiting a Business, with Peter Faser, The Profitability Coach

Peter Faser: I think, the first challenge you always run into is valuation expectations. Having a good understanding of what recent trades are in a specific industry is vital to understanding what your company is worth.

I think a tendency of business owners, because they live it day to day and because they’re emotionally attached to it, is to always think that it is worth X. Like anything, it is worth what someone is willing to pay for it, and especially in businesses, it is worth whether you’re running a discounted cash flow analysis or you’re running an enterprise value based on an EBITDA number.

Where I think I can be most helpful is I’ve spent a lot of time in my career helping clients get to the point where they are ready to sell. But also on the flip side, running due diligence, I worked for two years for an investment bank out of Birmingham, Alabama. And I led the due diligence team because they wanted to expand their line of business.

They wanted to bring a company into the fold, into the holding company. And getting into the weeds of what you look for, the interviews that you’re conducting, the questions you’re asking, and getting into the war room, if you will, of what are the financials really telling you. about the institution that wants to be acquired.

And when you’re on the flip side, I think having worked both sides of the trade, I think I can be very instrumental in helping business owners think through, okay, what is that going to look like for me?

Listen to Peter’s full ProfitSense with Bill McDermott interview here.

Peter Faser, The Profitability Coach

Peter Faser has over 25-years of commercial, corporate and investment banking experience. His passion has always been helping his clients get to a better place financially, whether they are a small business or a publicly traded company. He began his career with Trust Company Bank in Atlanta, managing a portfolio of middle-market clients and guiding them in appropriate balance sheet management and income statement efficiencies.

Peter then pivoted to specializing in the banking of other financial institutions, and for the next 17 years, Peter assisted his clients with debt and equity capital solutions to promote growth, along with providing startup capital solutions for de novo institutions. Additionally, Peter and his team ran due diligence on potential acquisition targets in the banking space and assisted in getting his clients ready to sell.

For seven years, Peter worked with Truist Securities, where he originated a new line of business designed to help corporate and investment banking clients recognize human capital efficiencies by increasing productivity, engagement and retention levels. Through this experience of working with over 500 clients across the country, Peter recognized that the level of advisory services offered to smaller clients was not as prevalent as it once was, and he found that most clients were so focused on running their businesses day to day that they were missing the sensitivity analysis required to move their business forward. He has now joined forces with his former teammate, Bill McDermott, to help fill this educational gap. He is excited to be working with The Profitability Coach and getting back to the fundamentals of helping small businesses discover the right path to profitability.

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

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

Celebrating Small Business Month, with Tracey Grace, IBEX IT Business Experts, and Heather Demis, Anchor Marketing

May 22, 2024 by John Ray

Tracey Grace, IBEX IT Business Experts, and Heather Demis, Anchor Marketing, with Kali Boatright, Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce

North Fulton Studio

Celebrating Small Business Month, with Tracey Grace, IBEX IT Business Experts, and Heather Demis, Anchor Marketing

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Celebrating Small Business Month, with Tracey Grace, IBEX IT Business Experts, and Heather Demis, Anchor Marketing (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 95)

In honor of Small Business Month, this episode of the GNFCC 400 Insider features Tracey Grace, IBEX IT Business Experts, and Heather Demis, Anchor Marketing, two accomplished business owners in the North Fulton region. The discussion with host Kali Boatright revolves around their initial challenges, strategies for success, and the importance of community engagement and partnerships. Both share significant milestones, such as adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on business practices. Tracey announces her company’s global expansion, and Heather discusses her firm’s evolution into offering online stores and branding services. The episode emphasizes the value of utilizing local resources, like the Chamber, and underscores the impact of mentorship and continuous learning to achieve business success.

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

Tracey Grace, IBEX IT Business Experts

Originally from New Jersey, Tracey attended the University of Pittsburgh, where she obtained her BA in Economics and Spanish and was then awarded a Graduate Tuition Fellowship to fully fund her MBA in Marketing, which she completed in 11 months. Before breaking into the technology industry by founding IBEX IT Business Experts in 2012, Tracey led successful sales teams at international corporations, including Learning Tree and FedEx.

At IBEX, Tracey helps organizations like NASA, the CDC, and Cox Communications implement IT solutions and train workers on innovative technologies. As a minority woman founder, Tracey knows that IBEX brings value beyond technology training; IBEX also serves a major need in connecting organizations with underrepresented groups. Although her professional expertise lies in IT solutions, government contracting and best practices, she is a uniquely powerful authority on topics like diversity, networking, and leadership.

In 2022, IBEX launched Certifiably Diverse, a new supplier of diversity software. Certifiably Diverse helps clients like the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) increase their supplier diversity by providing the smartest way to communicate, collaborate, and network with diverse suppliers. Additionally, IBEX has maintained its place on the Inc. 5000 list of Fastest-Growing Private Companies for 4 years straight and has won Greater North Fulton Small Business of the Year and the Georgia Fast 40 Award, given to the top 40 fastest growing Georgia based mid-market companies.

Tracey enjoys serving others and giving back. She serves on several non-profit boards, including North Fulton Community Charities and the Jane Addams Peace Association, and is Chair of the Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council’s Minority Business Input Committee, where she assists minority businesses throughout the state.

Heather Demis, Anchor Marketing

Heather Demis is the founder and president of Anchor Marketing, a branding and marketing firm she launched in 2005. With a passion for helping companies discover their unique voice, Heather has dedicated her career to creating impactful branding strategies.

Heather possesses a deep understanding of how messaging, color, and design influence corporate identity. She consistently crafts memorable campaigns that ensure businesses reach their target audiences and leave a lasting impression. Her expertise spans branding, commercial printing, and promotional products, enabling her to assist companies of all sizes in conveying their brand values with professionalism and trustworthiness. Heather’s work ultimately helps businesses attract more opportunities and achieve their growth goals.

Heather’s approach is rooted in treating her clients’ brands and businesses as her own. She is committed to meeting deadlines, respecting budgets, and delivering top-tier marketing solutions on time and within budget. Her mission is to help companies stand out in the marketplace with a consistent, professional image that fosters trust and reliability, reflecting the high level of service they provide.

Outside of her role at Anchor Marketing, Heather is a dedicated community member. She is an active member of the Rotary Club of Alpharetta, a Charter/Founding Board Member of the Alpharetta Chamber of Commerce, and a founder of the Business Alpharetta Roundtable (B.A.R.), a support network for female entrepreneurs.

Website | Instagram | Facebook | Heather’s LinkedIn

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Welcome to the GNFCC 400 Insider: Celebrating Small Business Month
01:42 Tracey Grace’s Journey: From Corporate America to Entrepreneurship
05:31 Heather Demis: The Birth of Anchor Marketing
07:54 Entrepreneurial Spirit: Born or Made?
10:06 Community Engagement: Beyond Business
13:20 Unique Business Strategies in North Fulton
14:51 The Unseen Competition: Thriving Through Referrals and Relationships
15:42 Navigating a Male-Dominated Industry: Strategies for Success
16:01 Leveraging Partnerships and Programs for Business Growth
18:40 The COVID-19 Pivot: Adapting and Innovating in Business
22:27 Global Expansion and Future Plans: A Sneak Peek
26:40 Strategic Advice for New Entrepreneurs: Insights from Experience
29:35 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

About GNFCC and The GNFCC 400 Insider

**Kali Boatright, President and CEO of GNFCC**

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.

Navigating Corporate Development and M&A Strategy, with Tim Christie, CorpDev Consulting, LLC

May 20, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Navigating Corporate Development and M&A Strategy, with Tim Christie, CorpDev Consulting, LLC

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Navigating Corporate Development and M&A Strategy with Tim Christie, CorpDev Consulting, LLC (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 772)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray interviews Tim Christie, founder of CorpDev Consulting, to introduce his expertise in corporate development and mergers and acquisitions. Tim explains how his consultancy focuses on marrying strategy with corporate development, aiding companies to understand processes and drive successful outcomes in M&A activities. He elaborates on the importance of integrating strategy throughout the M&A process, from considering acquisitions to post-merger integration, emphasizing the role of human resources and organizational alignment in ensuring the success of M&A deals. Tim shares insights on how small to medium-sized companies can strategically approach M&A, the advantages of engaging a corporate development consultant early in the process, and the importance of aligning M&A activities with overall business strategy. The conversation also covers the challenges and common pitfalls in M&A deals and how Tim’s expertise helps companies navigate these complex processes effectively.

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.

Timothy A. Christie, CFA, Managing Partner, CorpDev Consulting, LLC

Tim has over 25 years experience across a wide variety of industries and disciplines. His focus is on helping companies make the right strategic decisions and creating a framework for greatly increasing the probability of success. His experience across the broad sector of M&A (including organic growth, alliances, joint ventures, partnerships and venture investment) comes through when evaluating opportunities for clients.

Tim’s previous experience includes corporate development roles with RBC Bank (Royal Bank of Canada) and First Data, as well as consulting experience in fintech, financial services, payments, industrial products and non-profits. An excellent facilitator, he has spoken at numerous conferences and seminars on topics ranging from international business to mergers & acquisitions.

Tim completed his MBA at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business and his Undergraduate Degree in Political Science and Economics at Queen’s University (Canada). He is a Charterholder of the CFA Institute and serves on the Technology Association of Atlanta (TAG) Corporate Development Society Board.

Website | Company LinkedIn | Tim on LinkedIn

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
01:23 Introducing Tim Christie and CorpDev Consulting
01:31 The Philosophy and Approach of CorpDev Consulting
04:59 Tim Christie’s Background and Expertise
06:45 Understanding M&A Challenges and Solutions
16:20 The Role of a Fractional Corporate Development Officer
26:13 Success Stories and How to Connect
30:38 Closing Remarks

Renasant Bank and Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant support 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 $13 billion in assets and more than 190 banking, lending, wealth management, and financial services offices in Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida. All of Renasant’s success stems from each of their banker’s commitment to investing in their communities as a way of better understanding the people they serve. At Renasant Bank, they understand you because they work and live alongside you every day.

Casa Nuova is a proud family-owned and operated restaurant, serving classic, authentic and traditional Italian cuisine and top tier hospitality since 1998.

Casa Nuova is a cook-to-order kitchen, serving traditional fare including pasta, chicken, seafood, veal, vegetarian and gluten-free options, plus daily specials. They are a farm-to-table establishment, meaning that in the summertime, they cultivate their own vegetables in their garden, steps away from the restaurant, including tomatoes, corn, peppers, zucchini, sunflowers and more!

Celebrating more than 25 years, Casa Nuova has become a true staple in the Alpharetta area, serving more than three generations of families, including friends old and new, visiting near and far from all over the metro Atlanta area and beyond.

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

With over 770 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.

Why People Work, with Ercell Charles and Merle Heckman, Co-Authors of Why People Work

May 15, 2024 by John Ray

Why People Work, Ercel Charles and Merle Heckman

North Fulton Business Radio

Why People Work, with Ercell Charles and Merle Heckman, Co-Authors of Why People Work

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Why People Work, with Ercell Charles and Merle Heckman, Co-Authors of Why People Work (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 771)

Ercell Charles and Merle Heckman, co-authors of Why People Work, join host John Ray on this episode of North Fulton Business Radio. Why People Work is highlighted as a profound exploration into the motivational factors behind employees’ dedication to their work, offering a fresh perspective against the backdrop of numerous leadership books. The co-authors draw from their extensive corporate experience to address employee motivation from an individual’s perspective, focusing on intrinsic values and the importance of understanding an employee’s personal “why.” The discussion covers key themes of the book, including the significance of respect, responsibility, recognition, and reverence in the workplace, aiming to guide leaders and employees alike in fostering a fulfilling and productive work environment.

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.

Why People Work

There are most likely thousands of leadership books written to equip leaders to develop the skills and behaviors necessary to encourage their teams to achieve goals and purposes. However, the primary focus of Why People Work is to assist leaders in looking deeper into the expectations and motivations of the people they serve. So as the organization is achieving its strategic plans and objectives, it is also meeting the critical needs and ambitions of its most important essential resources, better known as its human resources.

In businesses and organizations today, everything begins and ends with leadership. Leaders who go beyond the obvious to uncover these critical hidden expectations of their employees are able to create a culture of engagement and retention where employees not only give you their hands but, most importantly, their hearts. The return on investment for this effort is that the leader will earn their employees’ best effort. Therefore, when you know your employees “why” game, they will bring their “A-game.”

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Ercell Charles

As the Vice President of Customer Transformation for Dale Carnegie & Associates, Ercell Charles oversees the entire customer experience by creating quality products that facilitate personal and professional breakthroughs for clients and developing a rigorous trainer certification system rooted in their unique delivery methodology. He ensures that both product quality and training will drive profitability for their franchise network while serving clients’ human capital training needs.

His responsibilities include overseeing the development of new product offerings and training quality for over 1700 global trainers. Previous to joining Dale Carnegie, Ercell worked with Cap Gemini America (now Capgemini) as Manager of Professional Staff, where he directed consulting activities for his staff of IT consultants providing information systems and programming services for top Fortune 500 companies like Coca-Cola, AT&T, Alcan, and UPS.

Ercell is regarded as a rapport builder—someone who can break down barriers and build bridges with messages and insights that transcend cultural and organizational differences. As a Carnegie Master, he is dedicated to coaching, evaluating, and directing the skills and abilities of future Dale Carnegie trainers on a global scale.

Ercell currently lives in Atlanta. He is married to his wife, Kynley Hayward Charles and they have three children, Cydnei, Blair, and Nola, and one granddaughter, Madison.

Merle Heckman

Dr. Merle Heckman is presently the Chief Culture Officer, Master Trainer and Consultant for Dale Carnegie of the Heartland.

Merle’s work experience is quite diverse. He grew up on a grain farm in Missouri. Merle’s work experience is very diverse, interacting with organizations like M&M Mars, Wrigley, Tootsie Roll, the World Bank, Kaiser Permanente, UPS, and others. His work experience in the areas of a non-profit organization, a privately held transportation business, a government agency, and a large publicly held global manufacturing company allows him to relate to employees at many different levels.

Merle served as Manager of Organizational Development for Emerson Electric, which was a Fortune 125 company. He is the designer and master trainer of “Safety Leadership Skills,” an Emerson course, and trained over 500 internal trainers, who in turn presented the course to over 27,000 employees worldwide. He was also the designer and master trainer of sales training for Regal Beloit, a global manufacturing company.

With a MA in counseling, an MBA with concentrations in Human Resources, Finance, and Marketing, a MPA and an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, he has taught at various universities over the last 19 years, both in-person and online. Heckman has the SPHR-SCP certification (Senior Professional in Human Resources) from the Society of Human Resource Management. He was awarded the certification of Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) through the National Speakers Association.

He and his wife, Cindy, have seven children and twelve grandchildren.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
01:28 Introducing Why People Work: A New Perspective on Leadership
02:01 Exploring the Essence of Work: Employee Perspectives
05:39 Beyond Compensation: Understanding Reward in the Workplace
10:23 Building Relationships and Respect at Work
18:33 The Significance of Responsibility and Reverence in Work
24:49 The Book’s Broader Impact Beyond Leaders
27:57 Final Thoughts and How to Get the Book

Renasant Bank and Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant support North Fulton Business Radio

Casa Nuova is a proud family-owned and operated restaurant, serving classic, authentic and traditional Italian cuisine and top tier hospitality since 1998.

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About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

With over 760 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 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.

Turning Dreams into Reality, with Tony Caudill, TN Film CommUNITY

May 15, 2024 by John Ray

Hello, Self . . .

Turning Dreams into Reality, with Tony Caudill, TN Film CommUNITY

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Turning Dreams into Reality, with Tony Caudill, TN Film CommUNITY (Hello, Self… Episode 43)

Tony Caudill, the founder of Tennessee’s film and television networking community joined host Patricia Leonard on this episode of Hello, Self…

Tony shared with Patricia his journey from having no acting experience to breaking into the industry through a Craigslist ad, which led to significant personal and professional growth. He discussed the importance of taking action towards dreams, the value of community support, and the power of collaboration over competition.

Their conversation was filled with inspiring messages about not waiting for opportunities but creating them, emphasizing teamwork, and the importance of pursuing one’s passion without being confined by titles or fear of failure.

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

Tony Caudill, Founder & Director, TN Film CommUNITY

Tony Caudill is the founder & director of a statewide networking community for people who work in the film and television industry throughout the state called “TN Film CommUNITY”.

Created on Christmas day of 2012, this “private” group on Facebook grew by invitation only to about 4500 statewide.

That number has grown significantly since they began holding our “In-person” mixers on March 29th, of 2022, and they currently have close to six thousand members.

Tony began working in the industry in 2011 as an actor. He saw a series was looking for actors and applied, despite having no experience acting. He was cast for the role and the opportunity that seemed impossible was now a reality. That one opportunity has led him to experience possibilities that he never imagined.

He was signed by Talent Trek Agency, and in addition to acting, he began working as crew on any project he could to gain more knowledge and meet new people.

He has taken that knowledge and experience over the years to help people and now he shares it so others have the opportunity for the community that he didn’t have.

TN FilmCommUNITY has held 6 events here in Knoxville in which hundreds of people have made connections, and they’ve collaborated on multiple projects. Projects that wouldn’t have existed before the opportunity to meet! In addition to speaking at his own events, he has been a guest speaker at multiple other industry events. His primary focus and passion is helping to encourage and inspire others to keep creating their own opportunities.

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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:

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Empowering Leadership and Recruiting Talent in Construction, with Stephanie McGregor, SMG Talent Partners

May 14, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Empowering Leadership and Recruiting Talent in Construction, with Stephanie McGregor, SMG Talent Partners

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Empowering Leadership and Recruiting Talent in Construction, with Stephanie McGregor, SMG Talent Partners (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 770)

On this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, hosted by John Ray, the spotlight shines on Stephanie McGregor, Managing Director at SMG Talent Partners. Stephanie shares her journey into the recruitment industry, focusing on the construction sector, and the unique challenges and opportunities it presents. She explains how her personal experiences and feedback have shaped her approach to leadership, and she emphasizes the significance of soft skills like empathy and humility in today’s leadership roles. Stephanie also highlights the growth of the construction and renewable energy sectors, pointing out the critical role of strategic recruitment in bridging talent gaps. Her company, SMG Talent Partners, pairs construction, solar energy, and renewables companies with top-tier talent, emphasizing the significance of mentorship, feedback, and a culture of leadership development.

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.

Stephanie McGregor, Managing Director, SMG Talent Partners

Stephanie McGregor was recruited into the industry and quickly found a passion for connecting clients with their next high-impact hire. As a sales and market manager, she oversaw branches in KY, TN, and NC, where she worked closely with construction companies to help them meet their project deadlines with qualified, skilled workers.

After several years as a successful sales representative and trainer, Stephanie was promoted to lead a team but lacked the training and understanding of how to lead. With much personal investment, mentorship, and coaching, Stephanie became a highly regarded leader within the industry.

Today, Stephanie combines what she learned on her path to authentic leadership with her recruiting skillset to work with clients at SMG Talent Partners. She and her team of top recruiters get satisfaction from finding construction professionals their ideal roles to grow in.

SMG Talent Partners

SMG Talent Partners utilizes its extensive network to engage passive candidates, filling high-impact positions for their clients. Their mission is to become the preferred agency for sourcing construction professionals in the US.

SMG Talent Partners upholds core values that include positivity, focusing on controllable aspects; accountability, being responsible for decisions and outcomes; respect, honoring commitments; and honesty, maintaining clear and honest relationships with clients and candidates.

Through their executive search services, SMG confidently and confidentially helps companies hire their next high-impact senior leaders while nurturing high-potential passive candidates. In professional recruitment, they extend their clients’ recruiting teams during times of high growth, enabling quick reactions to market demand and facilitating expansion into new markets or specialties. SMG’s specialized approach ensures that even the most niche positions are filled with the right talent.

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Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
01:22 Introducing Stephanie McGregor from SMG Talent Partners
01:42 The Unique World of Construction Recruitment
02:42 The Transformative Power of Recruiting
04:17 Leadership Lessons: A Personal Journey
07:17 Building Teams with Empathy and Leadership
08:56 The Exciting Future of Construction and Renewable Energy
13:31 The Importance of Soft Skills in Leadership
15:31 Navigating the Challenges of Talent Acquisition
20:00 Advice for Aspiring Leaders
24:36 Success Stories and Closing Thoughts

Renasant Bank and Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant support North Fulton Business Radio

Casa Nuova is a proud family-owned and operated restaurant, serving classic, authentic and traditional Italian cuisine and top tier hospitality since 1998.

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