Bradley Carroll, Progressive Lighting, and Gary Clayton, Superior Business Management (ProfitSense with Bill McDermott, Episode 33)
A major theme of this edition of ProfitSense was accounting, as host Bill McDermott welcomed two CPAs, Bradley Carroll, CFO of Progressive Lighting, and Gary Clayton, CFO of Superior Business Management. Bradley discussed his move from a CPA firm to in-house practitioner, the significant problems associated with logistics and sourcing products internationally, and more. Topics Gary addressed included enhancing the value of the business, major challenges business owners face today, and why misclassifying employees is so high-risk for such small savings.
ProfitSense with Bill McDermott is produced and broadcast by the North Fulton Studio of Business RadioX® in Alpharetta.
Progressive Lighting, Inc. is a family-owned business with a 50-year history. As the largest chain of residential lighting showrooms in the Southeastern United States, Progressive Lighting has a national reputation for stylish and unique lighting fixtures, superior value, and unparalleled customer service.
The company operates retail locations in Georgia, Texas, and North Carolina, under both the Progressive Lighting and Lee Lighting brand names. Furthering Progressive Lighting’s leadership in residential lighting is Savoy House, the company’s wholesale brand, which offers a full catalog of elegant, high-quality lighting and accessories for the home.
With central distribution from Duluth, Georgia, Savoy House is available nationwide through many of the finest lighting showrooms in the U.S. More recently, the company launched an e-commerce brand, LightsOnline.com, which features thousands of residential lighting products from many of the top lighting brands.
Company website | Facebook | Twitter
Bradley is a seasoned financial professional having had a diverse career spanning internal audit, banking, manufacturing, logistics, income tax, financial statement audits, and building and selling a CPA firm that still operates today.
He has presented on numerous compliance, risk management, and control topics at national and international conferences in his career. Bradley not only is a CPA, but he is a Certified Internal Auditor, Certified Financial Services Auditor, Certified in Risk Management Assurance, Certified in Financial Forensics, and holds a Qualification in Internal Audit Leadership.
In addition to his role at Progressive Lighting, Bradley is interested to join a local board of directors with interest in serving on the audit or risk committee.
He’s been married to the lovely Dawn Carroll for 26 years with a 15-year-old son, Harris, at Wesleyan and a 4-year-old yellow lab Geronimeaux.
Superior Business Management
Gary Clayton, CFO, Superior Business Management
Gary is a CPA with experience in a variety of industries. As a partner in Superior Business, he provides valuable insight into running profitable companies and creating wealth for its shareholders and employees. Superior Business Management is a firm that provides accounting and tax services to entertainers, wealthy individuals, and small businesses. The firm was founded by Kris Benson, former major league baseball player, in 2014. Gary has been involved since 2015.
Gary Clayton graduated from Presbyterian College in 1975 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He passed the CPA exam in 1978 and was a partner in Clayton Paulk and Associates. Mr. Clayton originated and owned Micro/Net Solutions, Inc. from 1995 until 2009. After this venture, Gary returned to the accounting field, and over the years, has served as a “Part-time CFO” for numerous companies. In 2015, he joined Superior Business Management, Inc.
Gary is at his best when helping Entrepreneurs, Business Owners, and Executives quickly understand their financial position and guide them through key areas for future growth. His ideal clients are those who do not have the means for a full-time CFO but know they need to address key areas that include: Minimizing tax obligations, hiring new employees, improving cash flow, and maintaining profitability while keeping a watchful eye on risk management. He serves business owners who need guidance in areas of finance and business operation, who may also lack a formalized infrastructure and future growth plan.
Gary Clayton currently resides with his wife in Hoschton, Georgia. They are members of Cannon United Methodist Church, where he teaches a weekly Bible study.
Gary can be reached by email.
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. The show is presented by McDermott Financial Solutions. McDermott Financial helps business owners improve cash flow and profitability, find financing, break through barriers to expansion, and financially prepare to exit their business. The show archive can be found at profitsenseradio.com.
Bill McDermott is the Founder and CEO of McDermott Financial Solutions. 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 and 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 Twitter and follow McDermott Financial Solutions on LinkedIn.
