“GNFCC 400 Insider,” Episode 28, GNFCC Award Winners
“You can learn from both fools and wise men, as long as you can figure out who is who.” “We address students as clients.” A few words to operate by and much more offered by 2019 GNFCC Small Business Person of the Year, Brian Martin of Righteous Guitars, and 2019 GNFCC Non-Profit Leader of the Year Dr. Steven Palmer of the Cottage School. The “GNFCC 400 Insider” is presented by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce and hosted by GNFCC CEO Kali Boatright.
Brian Martin, Righteous Guitars
Brian S. Martin is the President and CEO of Righteous Guitars, LLC. In 2015, he founded Righteous Guitars with the vision of building the finest guitar store in the Southeast and one of the top 10 guitar stores in the world. The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) has recognized Righteous Guitars as being one of the Top 100 Music Stores in the world for the past three years.
Prior to founding Righteous Guitars, Brian (as co-founder, President and CEO) negotiated the sale of Nanoventions anti-counterfeiting subsidiary to Crane & Co. in one of the largest transactions in the US in the fourth quarter of 2008. One of the anti-counterfeiting technologies that was sold to Crane is still used worldwide for product protection with companies such as Hewlett-Packard and Eli Lilly, as well as for worldwide currency protection in over 30 countries and for approximately 100 banknotes, including the current U.S. $100 bill.
Early in his career, he managed a telecommunications start-up that grew to $5 Million in revenue before it was sold. He also managed a corporate division with $36 Million in revenue and 100 employees and has senior management experience in a matrix-managed corporate division with over $500 Million in revenue and 1,500 employees.
Brian is also the co-owner of Royal Lakes Golf & Country Club in Flowery Branch, GA. He resides in Roswell, GA and has four grown children and one grandchild.
Dr. Steven Palmer, The Cottage School
Dr. Steven Palmer is the Executive Director of The Cottage School (TCS). TCS offers a unique combination of small class sizes and a business place model, along with the implementation of study skill techniques to provide a unique educational experience. This combination along with the outstanding faculty and staff work together to provide an opportunity for students with mild to moderate learning differences, where they can achieve academic and social success. TCS has been recognized for excellence by distinguished educators, counselors and psychologists and was named by the Masters in Special Education Resource Guide as one of their Top 50 Best Private Special Needs Schools in the United States. Of significant importance, the school is recognized for its results by the most valued audience of all – students and their families. Steven’s professional experience includes serving at every level – teacher, principal, Executive Director and Superintendent.
Prior to joining The Cottage School, Steven was a School Superintendent in Michigan. He led major efforts resulting in increased student achievement and significant improvements in teaching, learning and school status. His central work focused on enhancing the educational culture with “Best Practices” and ensuring all high school graduates were prepared for college and careers. Under his leadership, his schools received national recognition from U.S. News and World Report as One of Americas Best High Schools.
About GNFCC and “The GNFCC 400 Insider”
“The GNFCC 400 Insider” (formerly “North Atlanta’s Bizlink”) is presented by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce (GNFCC) and is hosted by 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 1400 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.
The GNFCC promotes the interests of our 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 previous episodes of “The GNFCC 400 Insider,” go to GNFCC400Insider.com.
