Anthony Chen Archives - Page 4 of 13

Elevating Exit Planning and XPX Atlanta, with XPX Atlanta President Maria Forbes and President-Elect Anthony Chen

May 2, 2024 by John Ray

Maria Forbes and Anthony Chen, XPX Atlanta, elevating exit planning

North Fulton Studio

Elevating Exit Planning and XPX Atlanta, with XPX Atlanta President Maria Forbes and President-Elect Anthony Chen

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Elevating Exit Planning and XPX Atlanta, with XPX Atlanta President Maria Forbes and President-Elect Anthony Chen (The Exit Exchange, Episode 17)

On this episode of The Exit Exchange, host John Ray welcomes Maria Forbes, President of XPX Atlanta, and Anthony Chen, President-elect. They discuss the formation of XPX Atlanta chapter in 2018 as part of the global Exit Planning Exchange based in Boston, highlighting its mission of innovating and elevating exit planning services in Atlanta. The organization attracts a diverse range of professionals who seek to work collaboratively to improve business owners’ exit strategies. They emphasize the essential need for interdisciplinary cooperation among professionals to successfully plan and execute business exits, focusing on low- to mid-market, privately held businesses. The episode also covers the evolution of XPX Atlanta over the years, its shift towards member-led initiatives, and upcoming events such as mastermind groups and a major conference in November. The discussion underscores the importance of early and strategic planning for business exits and the role of XPX Atlanta in facilitating this through collaboration, education, and promoting long-term thinking among professionals.

The host of The Exit Exchange is John Ray, and the show is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®. John Ray and Business RadioX are Gold Sponsors of XPX Atlanta.

Maria Forbes, President, XPX Atlanta

Maria is the President of XPX Atlanta and was a founding board member of the chapter.

In her professional practice, Maria Forbes is the Founder and President of FIREPOWER Business Catalyst, LLC. Maria’s thirty-year consulting career serves privately held business owners in financial services and related fields across the U.S. Our mission is to integrate financial capital with human capital in planning for organizational growth and continuity. Maria’s work frames the long-term trajectory of business growth and succession through people-powered structures that enable an ongoing positive impact of talent through all business life cycles.

Maria and her teams provide expertise in expanding internal capacity through creative alignment of human values, making it possible for owners and key decision-makers to lead both their people and their businesses confidently toward the future. As a committed strategic partner to her clients, Maria makes visible the arrangement of human strengths as part of an innovative business strategy. This work optimizes organizational performance and builds transferable value as owners look toward a role transition and business succession.

Maria conducts a summer mentor program for college graduates and seasoned professionals who are navigating career transitions. The mentor process develops personal advantage in the career marketplace and fosters confidence in communicating the best roles for a successful new career.

Maria is a Kolbe Certified Consultant, Faculty member of The Life Transitions University™, mentor, and member of the Catholic Charities Atlanta Georgia Leadership Program.

Anthony Chen, President-Elect, XPX Atlanta

Anthony Chen, Lighthouse Financial, and host of Family Business Radio — **Anthony Chen**

Anthony Chen is the President-Elect of XPX Atlanta. He will begin his term as President of the chapter in January 2025.

In his professional practice, Anthony is a financial advisor with Lighthouse Financial. He is also the host of Family Business Radio.

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.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Welcome to the Exit Exchange: Introducing XPX Atlanta
01:11 The Mission and Vision of XPX Atlanta
02:39 Addressing the Core Needs of Business Owners
04:44 The Importance of a Multidisciplinary Approach
12:07 The Evolution and Growth of XPX Atlanta
14:48 Member-Led Initiatives and Future Directions
22:52 Maximizing Member Engagement and Utilizing Resources
25:44 Reviving the Exit Exchange Show: A New Focus
28:31 Joining and Benefiting from XPX Atlanta

The Exit Planning Exchange Atlanta

The Exit Planning Exchange Atlanta (XPX) is a diverse group of professionals with a common goal: working collaboratively to assist business owners with a sale or business transition. XPX Atlanta is an association of advisors who provide professionalism, principles, and education to the heart of the middle market. Our members work with business owners through all stages of the private company life cycle: business value growth, business value transfer, and owner life and legacy. Our Vision: To fundamentally changing the trajectory of exit planning services in the Southeast United States. XPX Atlanta delivers a collaborative-based networking exchange with broad representation of exit planning competencies. Learn more about XPX Atlanta and why you should consider joining our community: https://exitplanningexchange.com/atlanta.

The Exit Exchange is produced by John Ray in the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® in Alpharetta. The show archive can be found at xpxatlantaradio.com.

John Ray and Business RadioX are Gold Sponsors of XPX Atlanta.

Alissa Bickar, The Consultress, and Karen Bershad, The Small Business Advisor

April 15, 2024 by John Ray

Family Business Radio

Alissa Bickar, The Consultress, and Karen Bershad, The Small Business Advisor

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Alissa Bickar, The Consultress, and Karen Bershad, The Small Business Advisor (Family Business Radio, Episode 56)

Anthony Chen, the host of Family Business Radio, offers two guests in this episode who focus on the journeys and tactics of family businesses and real estate investors. Guest Alissa Bickar, known as “The Consultress,” shares her family-rooted background in business and real estate, emphasizing the importance of personal passion in entrepreneurship and the diverse options in real estate investment beyond common perceptions. The discussion delves into the significance of understanding one’s goals, risk tolerance, and leveraging professional relationships for success in real estate. Karen Bershad, The Small Business Advisor, provides insights into managing finances for success in real estate, highlighting the value of strategic planning, cash flow management, and the concept of becoming one’s own bank to achieve financial goals. Both guests share personal definitions of success and valuable business advice, offering listeners practical strategies for achieving their entrepreneurial and investment ambitions.

Anthony closed the show with a commentary on how to define a life fully lived.

Family Business Radio is underwritten and brought to you by Anthony Chen with Lighthouse Financial Network.

Alissa Bickar, The Consultress

Alissa Bickar is a diagnostic consultant and coach who uses business acumen and laser-sharp intuition to assess, diagnose, and develop solutions so that businesses can truly work smarter, not harder.

She uses her natural creative talents to create innovative solutions for growing businesses to become more effective, efficient and sustainable. With 20+ years of experience in business ranging from family-owned to corporate, Alissa has gleaned wisdom from every level of organization. In her own consultancy, she has successfully trained entrepreneurs and founders to see business in a more collaborative fashion and deliver extraordinary experiences at every level of the organization.

She has a passion for innovation and out-of-the-box methodologies so that her clients can become unforgettably distinct in the marketplace, and so that business development becomes effortless: returning more results in less time.

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

Karen Bershad, The Small Business Advisor

The Small Business Advisor is your business cash flow and advisory bookkeeping expert. The SBA empowers small business owners with cash flow analysis and expert bookkeeping for profitable financial management. They use specialized tools, analysis, insight and systematic systems to guide their clients to reach their goals. The SBA has worked with varied industries but has had a market niche in the real estate investor industry for many years.

The Small Business Advisor is a 28-year-old Certified Profit First advisory and bookkeeping firm. The landscape of the accounting industry is quickly changing, and their firm has been changing with the times very purposefully over the last 6 years.

Entrepreneurs are becoming savvier and want to be better at running their businesses while also understanding the numbers. They want to understand why the income statement tells them they had a $30,000 profit this month, but the bank only has $1000. “Where’s the Money?”

While taking another advisory course, Karen was introduced to Profit First. She was immediately drawn into the program and knew this was the next step to creating the value her clients needed and the tools to show them where the money is (or went) using the “cash management system” that she was looking for.

Today, The Small Business Advisor has the tools and knowledge to share with their clients and provides a service most CPAs, bookkeepers, and coaches don’t provide. They are different because we are not just number crunchers; we are in the trenches with the client to show/teach them that they don’t come last in their businesses, but they come “first” because they took the risk, the frustrations, and the sleepless nights.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | Karen’s LinkedIn

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Welcome to Family Business Radio: Showcasing Family Businesses
00:39 The Consultress: Alissa Bickar’s Journey into Business and Real Estate
02:44 Diving Deep into Real Estate Investment Strategies with Alissa Bickar
23:54 Karen Bershad: The Small Business Advisor on Financial Management
43:35 Defining Success and Valuable Business Advice
47:55 Anthony’s Financial Take: Defining Success and a Life Fully Lived

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 Royal Alliance Associates, Inc. (RAA), member FINRA/SIPC. RAA is separately owned, and other entities and/or marketing names, products, or services referenced here are independent of RAA. 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.

The complete show archive of Family Business Radio can be found by following this link.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help, with Anthony Chen, Host of Family Business Radio

April 8, 2024 by John Ray

Anthony Chen, Lighthouse Financial, Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Help

Family Business Radio

Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Help, with Anthony Chen, Host of Family Business Radio

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Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help, with Anthony Chen, Host of Family Business Radio

In a commentary from a recent Family Business Radio episode, host Anthony Chen discusses why it’s vital to not be afraid to ask for help as you plan your financial journey.

Anthony’s commentary was taken from this episode of Family Business Radio. Family Business Radio is underwritten by Anthony Chen with Lighthouse Financial Network.

Anthony Chen, Host of Family Business Radio

Family Business Radio 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.

The complete show archive of Family Business Radio can be found by following this link.

Nathan Miller, Atlantic Consulting Solutions, and Carl Nicpon, Marsh Creek Advisors

March 19, 2024 by John Ray

Anthony Chen, Lighthouse Financial, Nathan Miller, Atlantic Consulting Services, and Carl Nicpon, Marsh Creek Advisors

Family Business Radio

Nathan Miller, Atlantic Consulting Solutions, and Carl Nicpon, Marsh Creek Advisors

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Nathan Miller, Atlantic Consulting Solutions, and Carl Nicpon, Marsh Creek Advisors (Family Business Radio, Episode 55)

Family Business Radio host Anthony Chen was joined on this episode by business consultant Nathan Miller and M&A advisor Carl Nicpon. Nathan Miller, Atlantic Consulting Solutions, talked about the routes to business growth that strategic consulting and culture development create. He shared his journey into business consulting and emphasized the importance of investing in people, structuring for growth, and developing a clear company culture. Carl Nicpon of Marsh Creek Advisors focused on the process of preparing for and executing a successful business exit or sale. He shared his personal experience with selling a family business, explained common misconceptions about business valuation, and introduced the concept of a “second bite of the apple.” The episode underscores the value of seeking expert guidance early on for both achieving sustainable business growth and navigating the intricacies of selling or transitioning a business.

Anthony closed the show with a commentary on why it’s vital that you not be afraid to ask for help.

Family Business Radio is underwritten and brought to you by Anthony Chen with Lighthouse Financial Network.

Nathan Miller, Atlantic Consulting Solutions

Nathan Miller is a global leader with over 25 years of international experience across 11 countries and fluency in four languages. He holds licentiate degrees from universities in Europe.

Leveraging his background in strategic management, organizational development, leadership coaching, and training, Nathan has served in diverse leadership roles, including business management in full-service marketing agencies, management roles in construction companies, and also as a National Director for a global non-profit organization and editor-in-chief of a website in Rome, Italy. He also brings experience in education, counseling, and real estate.

Nathan is passionate about applying his global perspective and diverse expertise to help business owners grow and thrive.

Outside of work, Nathan enjoys basketball, woodworking, and hiking with his wife.

Atlantic Consulting Solutions

Atlantic Consulting Solutions (ACS) provides strategic business consulting tailored to the needs of small businesses that are growing or seek to grow. With over 20 years of experience, their team of MBAs and former executives has assisted over 250 businesses across nearly 40 industries. They understand the real complexities a small business owner goes through and are experts and masters of overcoming those challenges.

Their holistic approach and methodology set us apart. They offer complete guidance, from developing your vision to implementing it successfully. This includes strategy, management, financial, and organizational consulting. They have expertise across all aspects of business, including strategy, finance, operations, HR, and more.

ACS has helped clients raise over $145 million in capital, negotiate major deals, restructure organizations, improve culture, and provide effective transition leadership.

As your trusted advisor, ACS provides in-depth strategic advice to support important decisions. Your success as a business owner and leader is theirs as a company. They understand the complexities organizations at this stage face and draw from real executive experience to provide tailored solutions.

ACS has worked on business model improvements, financial structuring, organizational restructuring, raising capital and obtaining large credit lines and loans. They have also significantly improved company cultures in toxic environments, trained executives/managers to become great leaders, helped companies merge, helped companies acquire others and sell themselves for double the original offer, transitioned COOs, created successful revenue models, and helped negotiate large deals. Finally, they are bilingual consultants who understand the complexities of cultures and approaches.

Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

Carl Nicpon, Managing Director, Marsh Creek Advisors

Carl Nicpon is an entrepreneur at heart. He was the third-generation owner of a wedding services provider with 14 locations and 200 employees. Carl led the effort to sell the 50-year-old business in a private equity roll-up of the industry, and his first-hand experience gives him an unparalleled understanding of what it’s like for a business owner to bring their company to market and negotiate a successful exit.

Carl is also an Adjunct Professor in the Executive MBA program at the University of Georgia and serves on the Board of the Shore Entrepreneurship Center at Kennesaw State University. He is the Founder of Brio Business Academy, dedicated to guiding business owners as they launch and grow their businesses. He is passionate about education because he believes that business owners make better decisions when they know how and why things work (or don’t!).

Carl graduated from the University of Notre Dame, holds an MA from the University of Chicago, an MBA from the University of Georgia, and an M.Ed. from the University of Loyola. He and his wife live in Dunwoody and have two sons who attend the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Marsh Creek Advisors

Marsh Creek is an M&A and business brokerage firm helping lower middle market business owners sell with confidence. Our typical clients are business owners with annual revenue between $5 and $75 million. While we are based in the Southeast, we proudly serve clients nationwide.

Marsh Creek is proud to partner with the Bristol Group, a network of over 20 advisors from across the country. While leveraging this broad pool of experienced advisors, we remain committed to providing you with a high-touch, high-service approach that is customized to your unique needs. We firmly believe that teamwork is essential to ensuring a successful and fulfilling sales experience for our clients.

The Marsh Creek team is comprised of former business owners who are honored to partner with you on your path to sale. It’s our goal to ensure the largest financial transaction of your life is done right.

Website | LinkedIn

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Welcome to Family Business Radio
00:39 Nathan Miller’s Journey: From Nonprofit to Business Consulting
03:21 The Role and Impact of Business Consulting
05:22 Cultivating a Successful Business Culture
12:19 Strategic Planning and Organizational Structure for Growth
16:16 Recruiting the Right Team: Mission, Vision, and Values
17:12 Navigating Financial Challenges and Planning for the Future
22:37 Transitioning to Exit Planning: Carl Nicpon’s Story and Insights
28:40 The Pitfalls of a Single Buyer in Business Sales
29:29 Exploring the ‘Second Bite of the Apple’ Strategy
31:30 When to Consider the ‘Third Route’ for Your Business
33:44 Maximizing Business Value for Sale: Strategies and Mistakes
40:31 Enhancing Business Value: Positive Strategies and Practices
46:25 Expert Insights: Common Mistakes and Missed Opportunities in Business
52:00 Closing Thoughts: The Importance of Seeking Help and Building a Team

Anthony Chen, Host of Family Business Radio

The complete show archive of Family Business Radio can be found by following this link.

Finding Advocates in Your Financial Journey, with Anthony Chen, Host of Family Business Radio

March 18, 2024 by John Ray

Finding Advocates in Your Financial Journey, Anthony Chen, Lighthouse Financial

Family Business Radio

Finding Advocates in Your Financial Journey, with Anthony Chen, Host of Family Business Radio

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Finding Advocates in Your Financial Journey, with Anthony Chen, Host of Family Business Radio

In a commentary from a recent Family Business Radio episode, host Anthony Chen discusses the importance of not being afraid to take risks and finding advocates in the financial journey.

Anthony’s commentary was taken from this episode of Family Business Radio. Family Business Radio is underwritten by Anthony Chen with Lighthouse Financial Network.

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.

The complete show archive of Family Business Radio can be found by following this link.

Celebrating 50 Episodes of Family Business Radio, with host Anthony Chen and guests Dr. James Connelly, Results Rehab, and Meredith Fingarson, Meredith Fingarson Consulting

March 6, 2024 by John Ray

Family Business Radio

Celebrating 50 Episodes of Family Business Radio, with host Anthony Chen and guests Dr. James Connelly, Results Rehab, and Meredith Fingarson, Meredith Fingarson Consulting

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Celebrating 50 Episodes of Family Business Radio, with host Anthony Chen and guests Dr. James Connelly, Results Rehab, and Meredith Fingarson, Meredith Fingarson Consulting

On this special episode of Family Business Radio, host Anthony Chen celebrated 50 episodes of the show with two return guests, Dr. James Connelly, Results Rehab, and Meredith Fingarson, Meredith Fingarson Consulting. Both James and Meredith shared their unique entrepreneurial journeys and what they learned along the way. James emphasized the importance of risk-taking, seeking professional help, and learning from failures in the entrepreneurial journey. He shared how his dissatisfaction with the big-company work environment drove him to start his own venture in physical therapy. Mentioning his determination to be the “Chick-fil-A” of his industry, he offered his personalized and attentive approach to healthcare as his unique selling point. Meredith highlighted her transition from executing marketing plans to strategizing them, becoming a fractional Chief Marketing Officer for her clients, and advocating for marketing success while keeping their bottom line in mind. Both guests agreed that embracing risk, maintaining confidence, and giving clients individualized attention are essential for entrepreneurial success.

Anthony closed the show with a brief commentary on taking risks and seeking help.

Family Business Radio is underwritten and brought to you by Anthony Chen with Lighthouse Financial Network.

Dr. James Connelly, PT, DPT, OCS, Owner, Results Rehab

Dr. James Connelly, Results Rehab — **Dr. James Connelly, Owner, Results Rehab**

Dr. James Connelly, Owner of Results Rehab, is a distinguished figure in the field of physical therapy and rehabilitation. With a foundational education from the University of Georgia in Health Promotion and Behavior, and a doctoral degree from Georgia State University, Dr. Connelly brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his practice.

Dr. Connelly’s passion for physical therapy is deeply personal. He has firsthand knowledge of the transformative power of physical therapy because he has undergone corrective surgeries and rehabilitation since he was 8 months old after suffering a stroke. This personal journey has not only shaped his career but also fueled his commitment to his profession, firmly believing in physical therapy’s ability to improve lives.

At Results Rehab, Dr. Connelly and his team are dedicated to providing top-notch physical therapy services. They utilize evidence-informed practices and deeply value client input to tailor their approach, ensuring that each treatment plan is as unique as the individuals they serve. Their goal transcends providing relief from pain; they aim to empower clients to prevent future injuries and enhance their quality of life through personalized, one-on-one sessions.

Under Dr. Connelly’s leadership, Results Rehab has become synonymous with excellence in concierge physical therapy care in Atlanta. The clinic is committed to being a pillar of hope and healing in the community, offering services designed to give clients the best life possible. Dr. Connelly’s personal and professional experiences have uniquely positioned him to lead with empathy, expertise, and a genuine desire to see his clients thrive.

Company website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

Meredith Fingarson, Meredith Fingarson Consulting

Meredith Fingarson is an Atlanta-based marketing consultant with a passion for helping companies grow. With a diverse background in marketing and executive leadership, Meredith is well-equipped to tackle challenges head-on and with a creative perspective. She offers an impressive portfolio of marketing consulting services that are customized for each business. Whatever the needs may be, Meredith can make them happen.

Meredith treats every business as an individual and develops a personalized plan based on its goals, acknowledging that there is no one-stop-shop marketing plan. She strives to understand the nuances of a business, its customers, and its industry.

With her background in corporate marketing, Meredith is able to see how a great marketing strategy will impact the business from a global perspective. She understands how branding and messaging can be used throughout an organization to help drive awareness and even increase employee satisfaction.

Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction to Family Business Radio

00:25 Celebrating 50 Episodes of Family Business Radio

00:55 Interview with Dr. James Connelly: The Journey of Results Rehab

01:26 The Challenges and Triumphs of Starting a Business

06:00 The Vision for Results Rehab: Future Growth and Hiring

07:58 Interview with Meredith Fingarson: The Birth of Meredith Fingarson Consulting

09:35 The Evolution of a Business: From Execution to Strategy

10:55 The Role of a Fractional CMO: Demystifying Marketing for Businesses

17:29 Reflections on the Entrepreneurial Journey: Advice and Key Moments

31:42 Closing Thoughts: The Importance of Taking Risks and Seeking Help

Anthony Chen, Host of Family Business Radio

The complete show archive of Family Business Radio can be found by following this link.

Effective Questions Build Trust, with Anthony Chen, Host of Family Business Radio

March 4, 2024 by John Ray

Family Business Radio

Effective Questions Build Trust, with Anthony Chen, Host of Family Business Radio

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Effective Questions Build Trust, with Anthony Chen, Host of Family Business Radio

In a commentary from a recent Family Business Radio episode, host Anthony Chen discussed how effective questions build trust, both those you ask and those asked of you by your advisors.

Anthony’s commentary was taken from this episode of Family Business Radio. Family Business Radio is underwritten by Anthony Chen with Lighthouse Financial Network.

Anthony Chen, Host of Family Business Radio

The complete show archive of Family Business Radio can be found by following this link.

Robin Roden, K & J Mechanical, Chip Gjertsen, Renasant Bank, and Scott Ward, ITRA Global Atlanta

February 26, 2024 by John Ray

Family Business Radio

Robin Roden, K & J Mechanical, Chip Gjertsen, Renasant Bank, and Scott Ward, ITRA Global Atlanta

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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.

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

00:00 Introduction and Welcoming Remarks

00:44 Interview with Robin Roden: Origin Story of K&J Mechanical

01:54 The Journey of Starting a Family Business

04:40 Balancing Family and Business

11:34 The Importance of Quality Work in Construction

14:09 Contact Information and Closing Remarks

14:34 Interview with Chip Gersten: His Journey into Banking

18:36 Changes in the SBA World and New Opportunities

26:06 Understanding Business Real Estate

27:43 The Role of Estate Planning in Business

28:19 Reaching Out to Professionals

29:40 Introduction to Scott Ward: Commercial Real Estate

31:20 The Importance of Tenant Representation

37:30 Navigating Commercial Real Estate Contracts

41:11 Advice for New Business Owners

47:41 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

Anthony Chen, Host of Family Business Radio

The complete show archive of Family Business Radio can be found by following this link.

Taking a Small First Step toward Bigger Goals, with Anthony Chen, Host of Family Business Radio

February 12, 2024 by John Ray

Family Business Radio

Taking a Small First Step toward Bigger Goals, with Anthony Chen, Host of Family Business Radio

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Taking a Small First Step toward Bigger Goals, with Anthony Chen, Host of Family Business Radio

In a commentary from a recent Family Business Radio episode, host Anthony Chen discussed the value of taking a small first step when you have bigger goals in mind.

Anthony’s commentary was taken from this episode of Family Business Radio. Family Business Radio is underwritten by Anthony Chen with Lighthouse Financial Network.