Robin Roden, K & J Mechanical, Chip Gjertsen, Renasant Bank, and Scott Ward, ITRA Global Atlanta (Family Business Radio, Episode 53)
On this episode of Family Business Radio, host Anthony Chen welcomed three outstanding business leaders to discuss their professional journeys and their respective areas of expertise. The first guest, Robin Roden, K & J Mechanical, shared her experiences of managing a business together with her husband, including the transition from Chicago to Florida and setting up a new division. Further discussion revolved around managing family pressure while running a business. Chip Gjertsen, Renasant Bank, discussed his experiences in banking and finance and how changes in the Small Business Administration have opened new opportunities, particularly for younger businesses. Former business owner turned commercial real estate professional Scott Ward, ITRA Global Atlanta, emphasized the importance of accurate and clear communication in real estate transactions and the added value of having a tenant-only representative to advocate for clients.
Anthony closed the show with thoughts on asking questions of your advisors.
Family Business Radio is underwritten and brought to you by Anthony Chen with Lighthouse Financial Network.
Robin Roden, K & J Mechanical
Robin Roden is President of K & J Mechanical, Inc. She is MWBE-certified and certified in firestopping. She started her journey into the construction field back in 2012 in the Chicagoland area, before relocating to Florida in 2018. Robin’s responsibilities include accounting tasks, payroll, company insurance coordination, and office management. Robin gained her knowledge of the construction industry by working alongside her husband, James, who has over 20 years of experience in the trade. She self-taught herself when it came to the accounting end of the business and gained her knowledge of managing the business through repetition. Robin plans to further her education in January by working on her master’s degree in business management with a focus on construction. This will only help her grow her business with her husband and allow her to gain even more knowledge in the industry.
K & J Mechanical is a family-owned mechanical, plumbing, and firestop construction company. K & J Mechanical started back in Chicago, Illinois, before incorporating in Florida in 2018. K & J is certified in firestopping and MWBE certified as well. The company services areas from Gainsville all the way down to Naples, Florida. All of their employees have extensive experience in the trade, which makes K & J the business they are. They have grown their reputation by providing top notch service and clean work. Their employees are not just employees to them; they are like family. Their employees are also what make this company go and reach the success level it has gotten to today.
K&J Mechanical, 5320 Lena Rd., Suite 109, Bradenton, FL 34211. Serving Pinellas County, FL; Bradenton, FL; Lee County, FL; Sarasota County, FL; Hillsborough County, FL; and Gainesville, FL.
Company Website | Company Instagram | Company Facebook
Chip Gjertsen is a Senior Vice President and SBA Senior Banker with Renasant Bank. He has been an SBA lender for two decades.
As a Small Business Administration (SBA) Preferred Lender, Renasant Bank can process and approve SBA loans, expediting the application process. SBA loans typically come with competitive interest rates, lower down payments, and longer repayment terms, making them more affordable and manageable for borrowers.
Renasant Bank has humble roots, starting in 1904 as a $100,000 bank in a Lee County, Mississippi, bakery. Since then, we have grown to become one of the Southeast’s strongest financial institutions, with approximately $17.5 billion in assets and 196 banking, lending, wealth management, and financial services offices in Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida.
Renasant’s success stems from each of our teammates’ commitment to diversity and inclusion, and investing in their communities as a way of better understanding the people we serve. At Renasant Bank, we understand you because we work and live alongside you every day.
Website | Renasant SBA website | Renasant LinkedIn | Renasant Instagram | Renasant Facebook | Chip Gjertsen LinkedIn
Scott Ward, Vice President, ITRA Global Atlanta
Scott Ward is a veteran of over 25 years of owning businesses. Successfully representing and consulting other business owners in lease negotiations in the technology, creative media, retail, and manufacturing industries, Scott’s unique perspective keeps in mind the owner/tenant’s long-term cash flow needs as a catalyst for the future health of his client’s company.
Examples of Scott’s work include a young tech company expanding for the first time and helping to enable its current growth to include private and government clients worldwide. An industrial cabinet manufacturer successfully expanded to handle over 40 percent growth. Media agencies that need flexibility in their space to address the demands of sudden surges or shrinkage in client needs. And retail/franchise situations that come with issues of territory, visibility, and access. Scott has mentored five former employees to own their own businesses and applies these techniques in formulating winning space solutions for his clients.
Scott’s contacts and involvement in citywide groups give him an innovative perspective on trends in traffic, population, education, and economics. He is part of enabling organizations throughout metro Atlanta to realize their missions by serving on boards or as an officer in Rotary International (Treasurer/International Director), The Chattahoochee Nature Center Board, The North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, Scouts BSA (adult training), Toastmasters International, The Georgia Production Partnership (membership, industry relations, and governmental relations), and the Atlanta Theatre to Go Board. He is also a member of the Atlanta Commercial Board of Realtors.
Scott is a graduate of the University of Florida. Scott is also a public speaker and presentation coach. He loves fly fishing and sailing, and he has been known to swing a golf club or two! His family’s accomplishments overwhelm him with pride. If you would like to share a coffee, please reach out!
Company Website | Company LinkedIn Scott Ward LinkedIn
Topics Discussed in this Episode
Anthony Chen, Host of Family Business Radio
This show is sponsored and brought to you by Anthony Chen with Lighthouse Financial Network. Securities and advisory services are offered through OSAIC, member FINRA/SIPC. RAA is separately owned, and other entities and/or marketing names, products, or services referenced here are independent of OSAIC. The main office address is 575 Broadhollow Rd., Melville, NY 11747. You can reach Anthony at 631-465-9090, ext. 5075, or by email at anthonychen@lfnllc.com.
Anthony Chen started his career in financial services with MetLife in Buffalo, NY, in 2008. Born and raised in Elmhurst, Queens, he considers himself a full-blooded New Yorker while now enjoying his Atlanta, GA, home. Specializing in family businesses and their owners, Anthony works to protect what is most important to them. From preserving to creating wealth, Anthony partners with CPAs and attorneys to help address all of the concerns and help clients achieve their goals. By using a combination of financial products ranging from life, disability, and long-term care insurance to many investment options through Royal Alliance, Anthony looks to be the eyes and ears for his client’s financial foundation. In his spare time, Anthony is an avid long-distance runner.
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