John Ray, Author at Business RadioX ® Page

Rebekah Black, Jambos, and Heather Bellew, HB Consulting Co

January 4, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Rebekah Black, Jambos, and Heather Bellew, HB Consulting Co

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Rebekah Black, Jambos, and Heather Bellew, HB Consulting Co (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 737)

Rebekah Black, Jambos, and Heather Bellew, HB Consulting Co, joined host John Ray on this edition of North Fulton Business Radio. Rebekah is the founder of a nonprofit organization that provides brand-new pajamas to children in the foster care system. She shared Jambos’ incredible growth, serving children across all 50 states and 17 countries since its formation in 2018. Heather discussed her work at HB Consulting Co, helping small businesses and nonprofits gain visibility in their communities through what she calls “community marketing.” Both guests emphasized the importance of building authentic community connections and the power of doing good for business development. The discussion also touches on corporate social responsibility, the role of digital marketing, and practical tips for small businesses and nonprofits.

North Fulton Business Radio is broadcast from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

Rebekah Black, CEO, Jambos

Rebekah Black is a mother, nonprofit leader, foster advocate, and author of Let’s Get Comfy, the short, sweet, and simple bedtime story that both children and parents have grown to love.

Rebekah is the founder of Jambos, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has provided new pajamas to children in foster and orphan care in over 50 states and 16 countries since 2018. The mission of Jambos, Inc. is to bring comfort to vulnerable children and their families. Jambos is on a mission to bring comfort to kids in the foster care system by providing them with brand new pajamas. As an organization, they partner with the community to host pajama drives, collecting thousands of pairs of brand-new pajamas to be shipped to children all over the world. They know the comfortable feeling that comes from putting on brand new pajamas and it is their heart to share that feeling with the children they serve.

Known for dreaming big dreams, Rebekah is excited to see what big ideas she can come up with next.

Originally from eastern Kentucky, she now resides outside of Atlanta, GA, with her three daughters and an adopted kitten named Moo.

Connect with Jambos: Facebook | Instagram | TikTok

Connect with Rebekah: LinkedIn

Heather Bellew, CEO and Founder, HB Consulting Co

Heather Bellew is the CEO and Founder of HB Consulting Co, and her journey has taken her from McDonough, Georgia, to Gadsden, Alabama, and back. She has a strong academic foundation in Sociology and Women’s Studies from the University of Georgia.

Heather’s true joy lies in helping nonprofits and small businesses thrive through community engagement, combining her skills, experience, and values to create a positive impact in the world. Her dedication extends to serving on multiple advisory and board positions in the community, such as Gwinnett Young Professionals, the Lawrenceville Business Alliance, The Cottage, a sexual assault and children’s advocacy center, and others. Her achievements have garnered recognition, such as being honored as one of the recipients of the Gwinnett Young Professionals’ 35 under 35 award, securing the Best of Gwinnett 2022 Award, reaching the finals for both the Gwinnett Chamber’s Moxie Awards and Small Business Awards, and most recently, earning the distinction of being named one of the winners of the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of Atlanta’s 30 under 30 award.

When she’s not working, you’ll find Heather cheering on the Dawgs and the Braves, exploring the great outdoors with her dog Bellew (“Blue”) and her cat Button in her cat backpack, and being a full-time RVer.

LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

Topics Covered in these Interviews

00:06 Introduction and Welcome

01:15 Introduction to Guests: Rebekah Black and Heather Bellew

01:27 Discussion about Jambos and its Mission

02:23 Rebekah’s Personal Journey and Passion for the Cause

04:19 The Importance of New Pajamas for Foster Kids

07:52 The Story Behind the Name “Jambos”

09:10 The Growth and Expansion of Jambos

10:17 The Process of Collecting and Distributing Pajamas

15:04 The Impact of Going Viral on TikTok

19:23 The Importance of Year-Round Support

21:06 Looking Forward: The Future of Jambos

25:15 Getting Involved: How to Connect with Jambos

26:09 HB Consulting: Serving Small Businesses and Nonprofits

29:14 The Importance of Community and Relationships in Business

30:43 Getting Out There: Tips for Nervous Business Owners

33:04 Corporate Social Responsibility: Choosing and Connecting with a Cause

35:39 Working with HB Consulting: What to Expect

39:17 Success Stories: Digital and Community Marketing

42:21 Closing Remarks and Acknowledgements

North Fulton Business Radio is hosted by John Ray and broadcast 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.

RenasantBank

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.

Understanding The Importance of Regular Business Valuations, with David Hern, Sofer Advisors

January 3, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Understanding The Importance of Regular Business Valuations, with David Hern, Sofer Advisors

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Understanding The Importance of Regular Business Valuations, with David Hern, Sofer Advisors (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 736)

On this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray talked with David Hern, CEO at Sofer Advisors. David highlighted the importance of regular business valuations and shared why it’s a key metric that businesses should track. He also talked about how valuations are tied to both tangible and intangible assets, as well as the significant role valuations play in strategic decision-making. David shared anecdotes from his career and explained how company valuations help in disputes or potential mergers. He also discussed how his firm helps businesses understand and evaluate their own worth.

North Fulton Business Radio is broadcast from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

David Hern, CEO, Sofer Advisors

David Hern is the founder and chief executive officer of Sofer® Advisors, LLC, focusing on business advisory services related to litigation assistance, estate and tax planning, and business enterprise valuations for various privately held and public companies.

He is a qualified financial analyst with a proven ability to simply and clearly communicate analysis to boards of directors, presidents and CEOs, CFOs, controllers, and private equity portfolio managers.

Mr. Hern has been recognized for enabling organizations to determine their enterprise and equity value for a variety of situations, including strategic planning, sale or IPO, mergers and acquisitions, financial reporting (common stock, stock option grants, purchase price allocations, impairment analyses, etc.), and tax compliance (estate & gift, 409A, NUBIG). Industry experience includes, but is not limited to, professional services, business services, healthcare, information technology, financial services, and manufacturing and distribution.

Sofer Advisors

Sofer^® Advisors was created in 2019, but their experience with valuation goes back over a decade. Their CEO, David Hern, has worked in the business valuation field at both boutique advisory firms and large international financial services companies.

While at these firms, David recognized the need for a boutique financial advisory firm in the Atlanta area to serve the business valuation needs of small- and medium-sized businesses.

These businesses have unique needs that require an advisor who can both empathize and have the agility to deliver prompt insights. Sofer® Advisors was formed to fill this void while providing high-quality business valuations to the lower and middle markets.

Since its inception, Sofer® Advisors has quickly added associates to help with the growing business. The firm specializes in providing a neutral third-party valuation of closely held businesses. The valuation and its insights will give the business owner the confidence they need when contemplating a material but uncertain financial decision.

After determining a company’s value, they communicate that information to the relevant stakeholders, including company management, the board of directors, shareholders, and financial or legal advisors.

This process involves more than just providing accurate numerical valuations. They put numbers into proper perspective, giving you key insights when making critical business decisions.

Their “Heart of a Teacher” approach is designed to help you understand the data we provide and how to use these insights to immediately benefit your organization.

Valuation services are applicable in many situations where business value may be uncertain and critical. These situations include litigation assistance, estate and gift tax planning, financial and tax reporting, and other contexts for public and private companies.

Website | LinkedIn | YouTube

Topics in this Interview

00:04 Introduction
01:20 Welcoming Guest: David Hearn, CEO of Sofer Advisors
01:33 Understanding Sofer Advisors and Their Services
02:21 David’s Journey and Passion for Business Valuation
09:40 The Importance of Business Valuation in Different Contexts
20:09 The Role of Intangible Assets in Business Valuation
27:50 Success Stories and Impact of Regular Valuations
30:53 Connecting with Sofer Advisors
32:00 Closing Remarks and Show Wrap-up

RenasantBank

Joe Summerour and Eric Williams, Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe

January 3, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Joe Summerour and Eric Williams, Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe

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Joe Summerour and Eric Williams, Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 735)

On this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray spoke with Joe Summerour and Eric Williams, both of whom work for Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe in the Metro Atlanta region. They reflected on the company’s 25-year history, its growth from its inception after founders Keith and Amy Richards returned from an inspiring trip to Greece, up to its current 114 locations nationwide, and plans for further expansion. The conversation also covered Taziki’s emphasis on fresh, healthy Mediterranean-inspired food, commitment to excellent customer service, and investment in its staff. Details of new menu items and news about a new location in Johns Creek were also shared.

Joe Summerour, Atlanta Area Manager, and Eric Willliams, Atlanta Area Marketing, Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe

Eric Williams and Joe Summerour, Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe, Metro Atlanta — **Eric Williams and Joe Summerour, Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe, Metro Atlanta**

Joe Summerour is the Atlanta Area Manager of Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe, and Eric Williams handles Atlanta-area marketing for the company.

Keith and Amy Richards founded Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1998. After a trip to Greece a year earlier, Keith put his culinary skills to work, recreating some of the cuisine and experiences from the region. With a menu patterned after dishes traditionally served in Greek homes, Keith and Amy grew their dream restaurant from one to three locations and then began franchising in 2013 after partnering with Fresh Hospitality. Now at almost 100 units, Taziki’s continues to grow while serving many of the same dishes curated by Keith and Amy’s initial trip to Greece.

From hand-cut meats served with signature sauces to healthy salads filled with fresh fruits and veggies, Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe has mastered the art of creating Mediterranean-inspired dishes that are destined to become your next familiar favorite. At each location, dine-in, carry-out, and catering are available. Please check out their locations and menus here.

Topics in this Interview

00:05 Introduction
01:17 Welcoming Guests: Joe Summerour and Eric Williams
01:39 The Origin Story of Taziki’s
03:29 The Philosophy and Accolades of Taziki’s
04:28 Exploring the Menu of Taziki’s
10:44 The Impact of the Pandemic on Taziki’s
19:14 The Growth and Expansion of Taziki’s
21:16 Franchise Opportunities and Final Remarks

RenasantBank

Likes, Loves, Tweets, and Pics: Social Media in the Workplace

January 2, 2024 by John Ray

Social Media in the Workplace, Jacqueline Voronov, Shylie Bannon, Hall Booth Smith

Hall Booth Smith Podcast Network

Likes, Loves, Tweets, and Pics: Social Media in the Workplace

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Likes, Loves, Tweets, and Pics: Social Media in the Workplace (Litigators Lounge, Episode 3)

On this episode of Litigators Lounge, hosts Jackie Voronov and Shylie Bannon discuss various challenges and considerations related to social media usage in the workplace. Jackie and Shylie draw attention to the significant ways in which online platforms have changed business communication and employee representation. From an HR perspective and a general risk perspective, they consider how businesses can create effective social media policies. The discussion also delves into issues such as privacy laws, employee rights, workplace discrimination, and labor and employment laws. Other legal complexities, like trade secret violations and how specific usage of social media can lead to legal consequences like evidence for court cases, are also explored.

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

Topics in this Episode

00:01 Introduction to Litigators Lounge

00:52 The Role of Social Media in the Workplace

02:03 Personal Experiences and Opinions on Social Media

03:15 Legal Consequences of Social Media Posts

05:47 The Impact of Social Media on Employment

22:56 The Risks of Social Media in Hiring Processes

27:40 The Importance of Social Media Policies in the Workplace

33:25 The Use of Disclaimers in Social Media

35:39 Conclusion and Sign Off

About Litigators Lounge

Jackie Voronov and Shylie Bannon, attorneys at Hall Booth Smith who specialize in labor and employment law, are the hosts of the engaging podcast Litigators Lounge. Listen as they delve into the intricate world of workplace legal issues as they explore real-life examples, unpack legal scenarios, and offer expert insights to help organizations and employees navigate the ever-changing legal landscape. With engaging discussions, diverse viewpoints from expert guests, and an ample touch of humor, Litigators Lounge is the go-to source for in-depth analysis and expert advice on law and the workplace.

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

Jackie Voronov, Partner, Hall Booth Smith

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shylie Bannon, Partner, Hall Booth Smith

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

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

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

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

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

About Hall Booth Smith, P.C.

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

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

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

Company website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

Disclaimer

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

Dr. Trent Nessler, Owner and Founder, The Athlete Lab

December 26, 2023 by John Ray

LaserLife Insights

Dr. Trent Nessler, Owner and Founder, The Athlete Lab

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Dr. Trent Nessler, Owner and Founder, The Athlete Lab (LaserLife Insights, Episode 3)

On this episode of Laser Life Insights, host Pete Cousins welcomed Dr. Trent Nessler, a physical therapist for over 25 years, who discussed his journey in healthcare, nutrition, recovery in treating patients and increasing their rate of healing, and the importance of Class IV laser therapy in his practice. Dr. Nessler shared his personal experience of dealing with injuries and emphasized the relevance of a holistic approach in healthcare, including aspects like gut health and preventing inflammatory responses.

LaserLife Insights is underwritten by Summus Medical Laser and is broadcast from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

Dr. Trent Nessler, Owner and Founder, The Athlete Lab

Dr. Nessler is the owner and founder of The Athlete Lab and the co-founder and co-developer of the ViMove+ AMI™ and the Combat Athlete Science Institute. Dr. Nessler is a published researcher and author of How To Build a Badass Firefighter. Trent holds a bachelor’s degree in exercise physiology, a master’s in physical therapy, and a doctorate with a focus in biomechanics and motor learning. Dr. Nessler has been a sports medicine physical therapist for 25+ years, working with high school, collegiate, professional, and Olympic athletes. He is also the co-developer of a 3D movement capture system (ViMove+AMI™) that is used to assess 90,000+ athletes across 5 countries. The ViMove+ AMI is the largest objective movement database in the world and is considered one of the best tests for determining safer return-to-sport testing for athletes.

Dr. Nessler is an internationally known clinician and speaks nationally and internationally on the topic of ACLs, human movement assessment, and injury prevention. Dr. Nessler owns and practices out of The Athlete Lab. The Athlete Lab is a cash-based sports rehabilitation and recovery facility specializing in ACL rehab, ACL return-to-sport testing, MMA/BJJ, and mature athletes. The Athlete Lab utilizes a scientific holistic approach to an athlete’s rehabilitation and recovery, including nutrition, advanced recovery systems and therapies, and sleep. The Combat Athlete Science Institute and the Athlete Lab serve as functioning research organizations to help drive research and aid in advancing our knowledge and holistic approaches to rehabilitation and injury prevention in combat athletes. Dr. Nessler also serves as team PT for the TBJJA Competition Team and is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt under Professor Ray Casias.

About LaserLife Insights and Your Host, Pete Cousins

LaserLife Insights highlights the stories, strategies, and best practices from some of the most successful providers and practice owners in physical therapy, chiropractic, dental, vet, sports medicine, pain management, and more. Guided by host Pete Cousins, the show explores the world of Class IV Laser Therapy, uncovering facts about the science behind the technology, exploring success stories, and learning from experts who have witnessed the transformative effects of laser therapy firsthand.

LaserLife Insights is underwritten by Summus Medical Laser and is broadcast from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

**Pete Cousins, Chief Commercial Officer, Summus Medical Laser and Host, LaserLife Insights**

The host of LaserLife Insights, Pete Cousins, grew up as an avid sports fan and knew early on that he wanted to be focused on health and wellness in some capacity. After completing his undergraduate degree in Exercise Physiology, Pete started a fitness training business, where he discovered his talent for coaching and influencing others. In 1999, he was recruited into medical sales, exceeded expectations, and quickly rose to leadership positions. He has spent the entirety of his career since then in B2B healthcare commercial leadership roles.

Over the years, Pete has held progressively larger leadership roles within industries ranging from aesthetics to dermatology, dental practice management software, and currently, chiropractic, PT, pain management, dentistry, and veterinary medicine at Summus, where he is currently CCO.

He holds certifications such as “Integrity Selling Facilitator,” Predictive Index Certified Facilitator, Continuous Improvement Leadership, Culture Index Profiling, AMA Advanced Sales Management, and Dimensions of Professional Selling.

With a focus on adding value to others, Pete aims to make every episode of LaserLife Insights worthwhile for all who listen!

Pete Cousins LinkedIn

About Summus Medical Laser

Summus Medical Laser is a U.S. pioneer in Class IV laser therapy with over 18 years of experience.

Summus Laser was established in 2018, although the Founder and CEO, Dr. Richard Albright, was a pioneer in the field of photobiomodulation in 2004 by becoming the 2nd company in the US to receive FDA clearance for this ground-breaking technology.

Their mission is simple: to improve lives through laser therapy.

Their growth comes from a relentless commitment to constantly improve their lasers, provide reliable stateside service, follow science in their product development, supply effective consumer marketing tools, and deliver world-class training. No matter which of their models best fits your practice, you can be assured that a Summus Medical Laser will improve your efficiency, broaden the therapy options you offer, and provide safe, rapid relief, resulting in satisfied and returning patients.

Franklin, Tennessee, Summus’ hometown, is a historic yet innovative place with solid values and a community of generous neighbors. No matter where you are in the world, you can count on those same values in the Summus team and the lasers they offer as you generously serve those who need your care.

Company website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

Growing a Process-oriented IT Company: Insights from Gurmeet Judge, President and CEO, Encompass Solutions

December 26, 2023 by John Ray

Business Leaders Radio

Growing a Process-oriented IT Company: Insights from Gurmeet Judge, President and CEO, Encompass Solutions

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Growing a Process-oriented IT Company: Insights from Gurmeet Judge, President & CEO, Encompass Solutions

On this edition of Business Leaders Radio, host John Ray spoke with Gurmeet Judge, President and CEO of Encompass Solutions, about the crucial role of IT services in small and large businesses. Judge shares his journey from software development into establishing and leading his own IT firm. He highlights the importance of understanding client goals, the impact of company culture, and the evolving role of AI in businesses. He also talks about the importance of setting up IT processes that allow for measurable results and how Encompass Solutions addresses talent challenges in its forward-looking growth plans.

Gurmeet Judge, President & CEO, Encompass Solutions

Gurmeet Judge is the President and CEO of Encompass Solutions. Gurmeet founded the company in 2015.

Encompass Solutions is an innovative provider of powerful, practical, and cost-effective technology and consulting services focused on “Aligning Technology with Business Process” and the belief that technology should deliver consistent, expected business results.

Working closely with their technology partners, Encompass’s staff is on a mission to become a world-class IT service provider, delivering excellent customer service, improving business performance, and controlling technology costs for our clients. Their strong history of building and supporting large infrastructure means they have the experienced teams necessary to deliver on the toughest of problems. Our commitment to optimizing IT processes for business means we solve problems efficiently.

Encompass has decades of experience building mission-critical IT infrastructure across a variety of industries. Their strengths primarily exist in designing, building out, supporting, and solving problems around large-scale IT infrastructures. Key to their skill sets has been the creative integration of new technologies into the customer environment and our focus on drastically controlling costs. Their depth of experience in municipal and financial environments illustrates a partner who understands the integration of various technologies in the public sector.

Connect with:

Gurmeet Judge: LinkedIn

Encompass Solutions: Website | LinkedIn | Facebook

Topics in this Interview

00:02 Introduction and Welcoming Guest

00:25 Understanding Encompass Solutions and Its Services

01:27 Gurmeet’s Journey to Becoming a CEO

03:17 Transition from Software Developer to Entrepreneur

05:32 Challenges and Surprises in the Business Journey

07:42 Understanding Client Base and Their Mindset

12:44 Aligning Personal Goals with Company Goals

27:52 The Role of AI in Business

31:15 Future Plans and Challenges for Encompass Solutions

32:46 Conclusion and Contact Information

Business Leaders Radio is hosted by John Ray and produced virtually from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® in Alpharetta. The show can be found on all the major podcast apps and a full archive can be found here.

Rachel Ewald, Foster Care Support Foundation

December 22, 2023 by John Ray

Good2Give Podcast

Rachel Ewald, Foster Care Support Foundation

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Rachel Ewald, Foster Care Support Foundation (Good2Give Podcast, Episode 7)

On this episode of Good2Give, Maria Walden-Sullivan and co-host DePriest Waddy, both from the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia, discussed the critical work of the Foster Care Support Foundation with its founder, Rachel Ewald. The organization, operating out of Roswell, Georgia, provides essentials like clothing, toys, and infant equipment to foster care children and those who care for them, filling a significant gap in resources. Rachel shared the struggle of grandparents who unexpectedly become caregivers, the need for community involvement, the difficulties of fundraising, and volunteer opportunities. Maria and DePriest also touched on the wider role the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia plays in shaping philanthropic journeys.

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

Rachel Ewald, Foster Care Support Foundation

Rachel Ewald is the Founder and Executive Director for the Foster Care Support Foundation.

Foster Care Support Foundation serves a vital and growing need throughout Georgia by providing free clothing, infant equipment, and developmental toys to thousands of children in foster and relative care.

They serve basic-care (costs reimbursed $0 to base per diem) foster children residing in Georgia’s foster homes, administered by the Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) and children housed by private agencies.

They also serve abandoned, court-placed, and DFCS-placed grandparents raising grandchildren and parents caring for relative’s children for a limited time. About 75% of the 4500 children served are now raised by grandparents without the biological parents’ involvement due to drugs, abuse, neglect, or abandonment. Most of the relative caregivers receive no stipend to help raise the children.

They partner with Georgia’s DFCS for child referral and verification, along with Kinship Care, school counselors, and faith-based organizations.

Foster Care Support Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit, public charity organization.

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

Topics Discussed in This Interview:

00:00 Introduction and Welcoming Rachel Ewald

00:44 Introducing the Foster Care Support Foundation

01:54 The Challenges of Foster Care

03:27 The Impact of Foster Care on Children

04:17 The Role of Foster Parents and Relatives

06:12 The Financial Struggles of Foster Care

08:37 The Foster Care Support Foundation’s Christmas Initiative

17:28 The Foster Care Support Foundation’s Year-Round Program

18:37 The Challenges of Running the Foster Care Support Foundation

25:17 The Foster Care Support Foundation’s Resale Shop

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 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

Larry Hipp, CEO, Brightwell

December 21, 2023 by John Ray

Executive Perspective

Larry Hipp, CEO, Brightwell

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Larry Hipp, CEO, Brightwell (Executive Perspective, Episode 10)

In this episode of Executive Perspective, host Danny Vander Maten welcomed Larry Hipp, CEO of Brightwell. Brightwell is a payments company tied closely to the cruise industry and its employees; consequently, the company was heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Larry shared his experience of navigating that unprecedented challenge, shifting the company’s strategy, and investing in R&D during the lull period to diversify the company’s offerings. He underscored the importance of team unity, radical transparency, and innovative thinking in overcoming a crisis and emerging stronger.

Executive Perspective is broadcast and produced by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

Larry Hipp, CEO, Brightwell

Larry Hipp is Brightwell’s Chief Executive Officer and a member of Brightwell’s board of directors.

Steering the company at the highest level, Larry brings nearly 20 years of experience in finance, software engineering, and product development to his position as CEO. He has been with Brightwell since 2016, when he started as Chief Technology Officer. He then held the role of Chief Operating Officer for four years before taking on his current title.

In his time leading Brightwell, Larry has focused efforts on making the company a truly user-centric one, an initiative that has had a huge effect not just on how Brightwell serves its users but also on how it hires employees. He is interested in not just creating great products, but creating great products that serve real people. This approach is reflected in the team he leads as well—his leadership has transformed Brightwell’s vision and mission into one that is passionately user-centric. He has also been critical to Brightwell’s expansion into both fraud protection and remittance, helping steer the company toward new opportunities.

Prior to his work at Brightwell, Larry served as EVP of Technology and Operations at 352 Inc., a role that combined leadership over both the technology and operations teams. Prior to working at 352, Larry spent years leading software engineering teams and getting his start in software engineering himself. It’s this background that gives him excellent perspective that follows through to his leadership today.

Larry earned his BS in Management Information Systems from Auburn University and completed his MBA at the University of Tampa. When he’s not working, you can usually find him fieldside, cheering on his three children (or ushering them to the next activity). A real technologist at heart, a graveyard of Kickstarter projects past lies in his desk drawers. He also enjoys coaching the next generation of leaders and devotes time to mentoring anyone in whom he sees potential.

Brightwell

Brightwell is an Atlanta-based financial technology company that provides financial services, including cross-border remittance, P2P transfers and digital bank accounts, to more than 200K global workers from over 140 different countries. Brightwell’s mobile-first platform and suite of financial tools simplifies personal finances for a community that is traditionally underserved in the marketplace.

Brightwell has engineered a complete suite of global payment products to enable your company to generate revenue and create experiences your customers will love.

Your money. Your choices. That’s the Brightwell way.

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

Topics in this Interview:

00:00 Introduction to Executive Perspective Podcast

00:51 Guest Introduction: Larry Hipp, CEO of Brightwell Payments

01:02 Larry’s Professional Journey and Background

04:12 Understanding Brightwell Payments and Its Role in the Cruise Industry

08:01 The Challenges of Cross Border Payments

12:32 Brightwell’s Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic

17:16 Larry’s Transition to CEO During the Pandemic

21:07 The Impact of COVID-19 on the Cruise Industry

21:50 Adapting to a New Business Model

22:34 Changing Customer Relationships and Demands

23:59 The Turning Point During COVID-19

24:17 The Uncertainty and Chaos of the First Six Months

25:05 The Realization and Adaptation to the Long-term Impact of COVID-19

26:10 The Rebound of the Cruise Industry

26:36 The Transformation of Brightwell Pre and Post COVID-19

27:02 Innovation and Growth During COVID-19

32:27 The Return of the Base Business and New Developments

35:14 Reflections on the Journey Through COVID-19

38:39 The Importance of Transparency and Trust

41:52 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

About Executive Perspective

Executive Perspective features executives and business leaders from a wide variety of sectors. Host Danny Vander Maten and his guests cover industry trends, insights, challenges, success strategies and lessons learned. Executive Perspective is underwritten and presented by Cresa. The show series is produced by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® and can be found on all the major podcast apps. A complete show archive can be found here.

Executive Perspective

Danny joined Cresa in the Spring of 2016 and brought a diverse background with nearly 10 years of experience in finance, business operations, and strategy to his client’s real estate transactions.

At Cresa, Danny’s primary responsibilities include strategic planning, lease analysis, negotiations, and cost mitigation. As a registered Certified Public Accountant with an active license in the state of Georgia, Danny provides unique financial insight into every critical aspect of the transaction.

Cresa is the world’s most trusted occupier-centric commercial real estate firm. They strategize for the best possible results for occupiers everywhere. Cresa thinks beyond space. Partner without conflict. And apply their integrated expertise to make your business better.

Connect with Danny: LinkedIn | Twitter

Connect with Cresa: Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Inside Frazier & Deeter: From Founding to Top 40 Firm, with Jim Frazier, David Deeter, Bob Woosley, and Roger Lusby

December 20, 2023 by John Ray

Business Beat

Inside Frazier & Deeter: From Founding to Top 40 Firm, with Jim Frazier, David Deeter, Bob Woosley, and Roger Lusby

00:00 /

Inside Frazier & Deeter: From Founding to Top 40 Firm, with Jim Frazier, David Deeter, Bob Woosley, and Roger Lusby (Business Beat, Episode 57)

This special edition of Business Beat delved inside Frazier & Deeter and the firm’s remarkable 42-year journey, as Jim Frazier, David Deeter, and Bob Woosley joined Business Beat host Roger Lusby and co-host John Ray. The conversation delved into the early years of the firm’s existence, significant landmarks, growth strategies, and the firm’s unique culture that fostered long-term relationships with both clients and employees. The firm’s emphasis on personal relationships, consulting skills, and a market-oriented entrepreneurial mindset were cited as vital to their success. The discussion also touched on the evolution of accountancy, advice for younger accountants, and the important role of AI and technology in the future of the accounting profession. This show represented both a celebration of David Deeter and Roger Lusby as they retire at the end of 2023, as well as a look into a bright future for this dynamic accounting and advisory firm.

Business Beat is presented by the Alpharetta office of CPA firm Frazier & Deeter and is produced by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.

Frazier & Deeter

Frazier & Deeter is an award-winning Top 50 accounting and advisory firm that offers a full scope of tax, audit, internal controls advisory, and business transformation services. FD and its family of brands serve clients worldwide, from the Fortune Global 500 companies to growing small businesses, and the firm has been recognized repeatedly as a Best of the Best Accounting firm, a Best Firm to Work For®, and a Best Firm for Women in Leadership.

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

Jim Frazier, Founder & Tax Partner

Jim Frazier, Frazier & Deeter — **Jim Frazier, Founder & Tax Partner, Frazier & Deeter**

As one of the founding partners of Frazier & Deeter, Jim Frazier is responsible for activities related to tax planning and the preparation of tax returns for clients varying in size from individuals to closely held companies and large national concerns. In addition, he provides tax, accounting and management consulting services to a variety of medical practices in the Atlanta area.

Jim has extensive experience in strategic planning for closely held corporations, staff utilization, personnel evaluation monitoring procedures and the management of information systems. He also serves as a panel member for the American Arbitration Association.

Jim has earned the designation of certified fraud examiner (CFE). The CFE designation is awarded to select professionals responsible for detecting, deterring and investigating fraud and white-collar crime. He also has received the Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP) designation, which distinguishes CPAs who are proficient in information technology.

David Deeter, Founder & Tax Partner

As co-founder of Frazier & Deeter, David Deeter has a major role in facilitating the growth of the firm. From 2001 to 2009, during his term as Managing Partner, the firm experienced an average growth of 20% annually and became a Top 100 Firm in the US. David was named one of the Top 5 Most Admired Leaders in US Accounting Firms in a recent Inside Public Accounting survey by his peers.

Most of David’s work centers around income tax and financial planning. He is an advisor to many of Atlanta’s leading families, and he has extensive experience with companies in the real estate, entertainment, finance, manufacturing, services, and nonprofit industries.

Bob Woosley, National Practice Leader, Private Equity Practice

After beginning his professional service career at PwC, Bob Woosley became the first professional employee of Frazier & Deeter shortly after the firm was founded in 1981. In 1985, Bob became a Partner of the firm, and over the next 18 years, he served as head of the Audit and Strategic Consulting Services Departments. 

In 2000, Bob founded iLumen, Inc., the CPA profession’s leading business intelligence and analytics platform, which is today used by leading CPA firms and financial institutions across the country. Bob served as CEO of iLumen through 2010 and is currently an active board member and advisor to the company. In 2010, Bob led the creation of the FD Alliance, a strategic collaboration of non-merged CPA firms located in several metropolitan areas. 

In 2011, Bob returned to the firm. He now serves as the National Practice Leader of the firm’s Private Equity Practice, which includes the firm’s Transaction Advisory Services Practice. In addition, Bob directs the firm’s marketing and growth strategies on both a national and local level. 

Bob has been involved in numerous private company board positions and assists clients in developing and optimizing strategies that impact their business across the spectrum of the entrepreneurial life cycle, including capital formation and exit strategies. 

Roger W. Lusby III, Tax Partner

As a member of the Tax Practice and just-retired Office Managing Partner for FD’s Alpharetta location, Roger Lusby oversees coordinating tax and accounting services for the firm’s clientele. His responsibilities include reviewing various tax returns, with an emphasis in the individual, estate and corporate areas. 

Roger further provides client assistance regarding financial planning, executive compensation & stock option planning, estate & succession planning, and international planning (FBAR, SFOP). He has significant expertise in the healthcare, real estate, manufacturing, technology, and service industries. Before joining the firm, Roger was a Tax Supervisor with an international accounting firm.

About Business Beat and show sponsor, the Alpharetta office of Frazier & Deeter

Business Beat is presented by the Alpharetta office of CPA firm Frazier & Deeter and is produced by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.

The Alpharetta office of Frazier & Deeter is home to the firm’s Employee Benefit Plan Services group and a thriving CPA tax practice. Their Alpharetta CPAs and advisors serve clients across North Georgia and around the country with services such as personal tax planning, estate planning, business tax planning, business tax compliance, state and local tax planning, financial statement reviews, financial statement audits, employee benefit plan audits, internal audit outsourcing, cyber security, data privacy, SOX and other regulatory compliance, mergers and acquisitions, and more. Their Alpharetta CPAs serve clients ranging from business owners and executives to large corporations.

As one of the largest CPA firms in the United States, Frazier & Deeter takes pride in bringing their clients exceptional technical expertise backed by a devotion to exceeding client expectations. Their brand promise is “Investing in Relationships to Make a Difference,” and they focus on that goal every day.

As an active participant in the business community, Frazier & Deeter’s Alpharetta CPAs are involved with the Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce, the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, and the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce.

As an Alpharetta CPA firm, Frazier & Deeter has been highly involved in the Alpharetta community for many years. They are proud to support organizations like the Chattahoochee Nature Center, North Fulton Charities, and FosterCares, just to name a few. Frazier & Deeter is also a proud member of goBeyondProfit, an organization that helps businesses give back to our Georgia communities.

An episode archive of Frazier & Deeter’s Business Beat can be found here.

Rebekah Black, CEO, Jambos

Heather Bellew, CEO and Founder, HB Consulting Co

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About Executive Perspective

Danny Vander Maten, Host of Executive Perspective

Inside Frazier & Deeter: From Founding to Top 40 Firm, with Jim Frazier, David Deeter, Bob Woosley, and Roger Lusby (Business Beat, Episode 57)

Frazier & Deeter

Jim Frazier, Founder & Tax Partner

David Deeter, Founder & Tax Partner

Bob Woosley, National Practice Leader, Private Equity Practice

Roger W. Lusby III, Tax Partner

About Business Beat and show sponsor, the Alpharetta office of Frazier & Deeter

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