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Cary Matthews, Adam Marshall, and Jonathan Bill on Guiding Family Businesses

September 17, 2025 by John Ray

Family Business Radio

Cary Matthews, Adam Marshall, and Jonathan Bill on Guiding Family Businesses

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Cary Matthews, Adam Marshall, and Jonathan Bill on Guiding Family Businesses (Family Business Radio, Episode 68)

On this episode of Family Business Radio, host Anthony Chen sits down with three leaders who specialize in helping family businesses grow, plan, and prepare for the future. Cary Matthews of Opal Partners Group draws on his Fortune 50 and small business background to help companies clarify their identity, strategy, and culture. Adam Marshall of Lorium Law explains how his firm combines technical excellence with a human approach to risk management, transactions, and succession planning. Jonathan Bill of SBS Accounting and Advisors shares how his firm frees entrepreneurs from back-office burdens, delivering accurate books, timely financials, and proactive guidance. Together, they show how strategy, law, and financial discipline intersect to build strong family business legacies.

Family Business Radio is underwritten and brought to you by Anthony Chen with Lighthouse Financial Network. The show is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton affiliate of Business RadioX®.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

Cary Matthews emphasizes clarity on identity and culture as the foundation of strategy.
Adam Marshall shifted from “big law” to client-centered legal practice to focus on relationships and assisting clients in making informed choices.
Jonathan Bill sees accurate, timely financials as essential for growth, lending, and exit planning.
Strategic planning, legal foresight, and sound bookkeeping intersect in family business success.
Host Anthony Chen emphasizes that beyond dollars and cents, family businesses need clarity of purpose and must tie financial planning to personal meaning and legacy.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction to Family Business Radio
00:47 Cary Matthews’ Journey from COO to Business Strategist
02:14 The Importance of Organizational Structure
04:05 Common Challenges in Small Businesses
08:36 The Role of Strategy in Business Growth
12:01 Introducing Adam Marshall and His Legal Journey
14:52 Building Client Relationships in Law
18:50 The Importance of Risk Management and Pragmatism
25:21 The Importance of Foundational Documents
26:56 Preparing for Business Exits
28:20 Family Business Transitions
32:03 Introducing Jonathan Bill
32:10 The Origin Story of SBS Accounting
36:30 Unique Aspects of SBS Accounting
45:54 Legacy and Business Values
50:43 Anthony’s Financial Corner

Cary Matthews, Opal Partners Group

Cary Matthews is the Managing Partner of Opal Partners Group, LLC (OPG), where he helps small business owners and leadership teams get unstuck, achieve their goals, and build businesses they enjoy. As a strategy coach and fractional executive, he draws on more than two decades of experience leading operational improvement and growth in small businesses.

Before founding OPG, Cary served as COO and EVP of Operations for several Atlanta-area companies, overseeing project management, support services, accounting, HR, engineering, and logistics. His leadership produced measurable results, including reducing invoicing time by 80%, boosting gross profit by 10% while managing a 30% increase in sales, and cutting training development costs by 30%. Earlier in his career, Cary worked for Fortune 100 companies and a start-up, experiences that built the foundation for his passion and expertise in small business leadership.

Cary holds a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering and an MBA from Auburn University.

Website | LinkedIn

Adam Marshall, Lorium Law

Adam Marshall focuses his practice on matters dealing with corporations, with an emphasis on corporate restructuring, bankruptcy, and distressed M&A. Adam has represented debtors, creditors, corporations, lenders, funds, and buyers and sellers of assets in numerous industries, including retail, food service, real estate, healthcare, automotive, energy, and financial services.

Further, Adam counsels business owners/C-level executives on general corporate matters, including structuring, financing, operational needs, and liquidity events/strategies. Adam began his career as an attorney with several national and international law firms, including White & Case and Greenberg Traurig, working in the restructuring and distressed M&A practice areas.

He has practiced law since 1999 and lived in Florida for 21 years, until recently relocating to the Atlanta area with his wife Stefanie and two sons, Joshua (Duke ’23) and Alexander (University of Michigan LSA Honors ‘26).

Website | LinkedIn

Jonathan Bill, SBS Accounting

Jonathan Bill owns SBS Accounting & Advisors. Jonathan grew up in a small business and seeing his dad struggle to start a new business is what gave him his heart to help entrepreneurs. As a result, Jonathan started his company in 2006 with a passion to free and empower small businesses—”free” by taking their back-office responsibilities off their plate and “empower” by providing them with the key metrics and coaching in order to meet their goals. Since 2006, Jonathan and his companies have had the privilege of bringing this transformation to hundreds of organizations.

Outside of work, Jonathan enjoys spending time with his family and ministering in his church in the area of music.

Website | LinkedIn

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.

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.

Follow this link to access the complete show archive of Family Business Radio.

Michael Cross, Briskin, Cross & Sanford, on Women Leaders

August 25, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Michael Cross, Briskin, Cross & Sanford, on Women Leaders

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Michael Cross, Briskin, Cross & Sanford, LIVE from the 2025 GNFCC BOLD Women’s Leadership Summit (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 896)

Michael Cross, partner at Briskin, Cross & Sanford, joined host John Ray live from the 2025 GNFCC BOLD Women’s Leadership Summit to highlight his firm’s sponsorship of the event and their long-standing support for the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce.

Michael shared the history of the Alpharetta-based law firm, which has served the North Fulton community for over 30 years with business law, real estate, and dispute resolution services. He emphasized the importance of sound agreements for business partners, drawing from his own experience to stress how planning ahead prevents conflict.

He also reflected on why the firm values its Chamber membership, how supporting events like the Women in Leadership Summit helps both their clients and their team, and why he personally enjoys learning from the many accomplished women who lead and participate in the summit. Beyond his legal work, Michael offered a glimpse into his creative side, discussing his passion for singing, songwriting, and even leading the Crossroads Vocal Band.

This interview was originally broadcast live from the 2025 GNFCC BOLD Women’s Leadership Summit held on August 12, 2025, at The Commons at Phase in Alpharetta, Georgia. John Ray Co. and North Fulton Business Radio were the Media Sponsors for this year’s Summit.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

0:00 Introduction and Event Overview

00:39 Meet Michael Cross from Briskin, Cross & Sanford, LLC

01:48 The Importance of Proper Business Paperwork

03:36 Sponsorship and Community Involvement

04:45 Michael’s Musical Hobby and Innovative Legal Thinking

07:10 Conclusion and Appreciation

Michael Cross, Partner, Briskin, Cross & Sanford, LLC

Michael D. Cross, Jr., is a partner at Briskin, Cross & Sanford, LLC, in Alpharetta, Georgia, where he has practiced since 1999. His legal work centers on business transactions, mergers and acquisitions, employment law, commercial real estate, and nonprofit corporation law. Michael also assists clients with matters such as partnership and LLC law, franchise issues, and the formation of tax-exempt organizations.

In addition to his law practice, Michael is a frequent writer and speaker on business law topics and has served as an adjunct professor at Reinhardt University. He has held influential roles in multiple civic and economic development boards, including the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce and Alpharetta’s Downtown Development Authority. Michael’s educational background includes a J.D. from Emory University, an LL.M. in Taxation from the University of Alabama, and a B.A. from Anderson University.

LinkedIn | BCS Website

2025 GNFCC BOLD Women’s Leadership Summit

The 2025 GNFCC BOLD Women’s Leadership Summit was held on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at The Commons at Phase in Alpharetta, Georgia.

The mission of BOLD—Businesswomen Organizing for Leadership and Development—is to connect businesswomen to build outstanding networks and spheres of influence, to collaborate with each other and with partner organizations to develop their businesses, and to celebrate and recognize the women of North Fulton.

Website

Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce (GNFCC)

The Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce is a private, non-profit, member-driven organization comprised of over 1,400 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.

As a five-star accredited chamber, GNFCC’s vision is to be the premier organization driving member and community success across the region, and they are dedicated to pursuing this vision based on the guiding principles of advocacy, inclusivity, and operational excellence.

GNFCC promotes the interests of their 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 more information on other GNFCC events, follow this link.

Connect with GNFCC: Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

With over 890 episodes and having featured over 1,300 guests, North Fulton Business Radio is the longest-running podcast in the North Fulton area, covering business in our community like no one else. We are the undisputed “Voice of Business” in North Fulton!

The show invites a diverse range of business, non-profit, and community leaders to share their significant contributions to their market, community, and profession. There’s no discrimination based on company size, and there’s never any “pay to play.” North Fulton Business Radio supports and celebrates businesses by sharing positive stories that traditional media ignore. Some media lean left. Some media lean right. We lean business.

John Ray, host of North Fulton Business Radio, and Owner, Ray Business Advisors — **John Ray, host of *North Fulton Business Radio* and Owner, Ray Business Advisors**

John Ray is the host of North Fulton Business Radio. John and the team at North Fulton Business Radio, LLC, an affiliate of Business RadioX®, produce the show, and it is recorded inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

The studio address is 275 South Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

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.

John Ray also operates his own business advisory practice. John’s services include advising solopreneurs and small professional services firms on their value, their positioning and business development, and their pricing. His clients are professionals who are selling their expertise, such as consultants, coaches, attorneys, CPAs, accountants, bookkeepers, marketing professionals, and other professional services practitioners.

John is the national bestselling author of The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices.

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

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 $17 billion in assets and more than 180 banking, lending, wealth management, and financial services offices throughout the region. All of Renasant’s success stems from each banker’s commitment to investing in their communities as a way to better understand the people they serve. At Renasant Bank, they understand you because they work and live alongside you every day.

Beyond Computer Solutions supports North Fulton Business Radio

If you’re a law firm, medical practice, or manufacturer, there’s one headline you would rather not make: “Local Business Pays Thousands in Ransom After Cyberattack.” That’s where Beyond Computer Solutions comes in. They help organizations like yours stay out of the news and in business with managed IT and cybersecurity services designed for industries where compliance and reputation matter most.

Whether they serve as your complete IT department or simply support your internal team, these professionals are well-versed in HIPAA, secure document access, written security policies, and other essential aspects that ensure your safety and well-being. Best of all, it starts with a complimentary security assessment.

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube

Katie Moore, Sonal Chandler, Diamond Ford, and Teresa Caro on Trademarks, Cybersecurity, Senior Salon Services, and Leadership

July 17, 2025 by John Ray

Family Business Radio

Katie Moore, Sonal Chandler, Diamond Ford, and Teresa Caro on Trademarks, Cybersecurity, Senior Salon Services, and Leadership

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Katie Moore, Sonal Chandler, Diamond Ford, and Teresa Caro on Trademarks, Cybersecurity, Senior Salon Services, and Leadership (Family Business Radio, Episode 66)

In this episode of Family Business Radio, host Anthony Chen welcomes four dynamic women whose work spans business law, cybersecurity, senior hair salon services, and leadership coaching but whose stories are deeply rooted in family, legacy, and personal mission.

Katie Moore, founder of Katherine Moore Law, LLC, shares how childhood exposure to trademark law shaped her path and why intellectual property is essential for growing businesses.
Sonal Chandler, founder of Minerva Consulting, opens up about the loss of her father, her pivot from corporate cybersecurity to entrepreneurship, and how small businesses can proactively protect themselves in an age of AI threats.
Diamond Ford, founder of Don’t Touch My Hair by Hollywood, shares her journey from childhood beauty salons to creating a luxury experience for seniors, reminding us that dignity and care never grow old.
Teresa Caro, founder of Liminist, explains how she helps business owners, and particularly family-led businesses, navigate growth plateaus, generational succession, and team dynamics to build something that lasts.

This episode, spanning from trademarks to transitions, is brimming with practical wisdom and heartfelt insight. Whether you’re building a business, protecting a legacy, or redefining success, these stories will stay with you.

Anthony concludes the show with thoughts on crafting a legacy of memories, reminding us that you can’t buy time or memories.

Family Business Radio is underwritten and brought to you by Anthony Chen with Lighthouse Financial Network. The show is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton affiliate of Business RadioX®.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

Katie Moore, Katherine Moore Law, LLC

Trademarks protect the identity, value, and recognition your business builds, not just your logo.
You don’t have to wait to register. “Intent to use” filings can reserve your rights as you grow.
Descriptive names are weak trademarks; creative, distinctive names offer stronger protection.

Sonal Chandler, Minerva Consulting

Small businesses are attractive targets for hackers due to limited cybersecurity defenses.
Basic protections like strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, and staff training go a long way.
Don’t just chase AI tools. Focus on how they fit your business strategy and strengthen operations.

Diamond Ford, Don’t Touch My Hair by Hollywood

Seniors want luxury, dignity, and routine in their grooming just like anyone else.
Salon environments using nostalgic music and décor create healing, memory-rich experiences for aging clients.
Stories from elders—like a 110-year-old who said “right now” is the best time to be alive—remind us to live gratefully and stay present.

Teresa Caro, Liminist

Founders often become the bottleneck to growth when they don’t shift leadership mindsets.
Succession planning can take seven or more years. Start before you feel “ready.”
Build a business that can thrive without you; systems and strategy matter more than solo effort.

Anthony Chen, Lighthouse Financial and Host, Family Business Radio

True legacy means living without regret—making memories, not just money.
Overworking can cost you the life experiences you’re working so hard to afford.
“You can’t buy time or memories”—use your success to support the life you want to live now.

Katie Moore, Katherine Moore Law, LLC

Katie Moore is an attorney specializing in corporate law, contracts, and trademarks. With a focus on helping business owners protect and grow their enterprises, Katie guides her clients through the legal requirements and best practices that can help them achieve their goals.

In her trademark practice, Katie assists clients in safeguarding their brand identities. Katie’s passion lies in empowering businesses to establish and maintain strong legal foundations for the brands they have worked so hard to build.

Katie’s approach to law is characterized by her dedication to providing personalized attention and tailored solutions to each client’s unique needs.

Katie is a graduate of the University of Georgia and Catholic University in Washington, DC.

Website | LinkedIn

Sonal Chandler, Minerva Consulting

Sonal Chandler is the founder and CEO of Minerva Consulting, a woman-owned business based in Alpharetta, GA. Minerva helps small and mid-sized organizations strengthen their cybersecurity posture and harness the power of AI with clarity and confidence. Her firm specializes in cyber risk management and AI readiness & integration, bridging strategy, implementation, and education to make complex technology feel actionable.

With over 20 years of experience in technology consulting, Sonal’s background spans Fortune 500 enterprises, boutique firms, and high-growth startups. She is the host of the Minerva Meets podcast and author of the Mind Spark blog, where she explores how AI and cybersecurity are shaping the future of work.

Sonal holds a Master’s in Information Technology from AIU and a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Management from the University of South Carolina. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, kayaking, cooking, watching sports, especially football, and traveling. Her favorite role of all is being a mother and role model to her two young daughters.

Website | LinkedIn

Diamond Ford, Don’t Touch My Hair by Hollywood

Diamond Ford is the visionary founder and CEO of Don’t Touch My Hair by Hollywood, a luxury salon management company revolutionizing beauty care within senior living communities. With nearly a decade of experience specializing in beauty services for seniors, Diamond has built a brand rooted in dignity, consistency, and elevated self-care.

Don’t Touch My Hair by Hollywood is a salon management company delivering luxury pampering and grooming services to senior living communities. Infused with Old Hollywood charm from iconic starlet imagery to the intentional use of music therapy featuring classic jazz, soul, and swing, they create an experience that restores dignity, evokes joy, and celebrates legacy. Through exclusive memberships, they provide not just beauty care but a place to gather, feel seen, and be treated. The team takes pride in serving with excellence, compassion, and purpose, making every appointment a moment of care, connection, and confidence.

In addition to her leadership in salon management, Diamond is a certified trichologist, a specialist in the study of hair loss. Her work blends science, beauty, and heartfelt service to restore dignity, confidence, and personal style to aging adults. She is known for building a brand that marries glamor with purpose and for mentoring other women in business through her journey as a wife, mother, and entrepreneur.

Website | LinkedIn

Teresa Caro, Liminist

Teresa Caro is the founder and CEO of Liminist, where she utilizes her proprietary LIMINAL methodology—Learn, Investigate, Measure, Innovate, Navigate, Adapt, Lead—to catalyze growth and elevate performance among C-suite executives, senior leaders, and high-potential teams.

With over twenty years of leadership experience in complex environments, Teresa is recognized for her strategic acumen and empathetic, grounded style. Her career includes award-winning work across sectors like CPG, retail, fintech, and B2B SaaS, and she has held notable leadership roles at organizations such as Razorfish, Engauge (acquired by Publicis), and Atlanticus. Her expertise lies in guiding organizations through acquisitions and digital transformations, consistently building strong foundations for success.

Teresa’s commitment to developing future leaders extends beyond her executive coaching, as she serves as a mentor coach for initiatives such as OnBoard and the UGA Digital Marketing Competition. She is a co-author of The Purpose Playbook, which promotes purpose-driven leadership. Teresa’s credentials include an MBA from Georgia State, executive coach certifications from CEC and ICF, and specialized expertise in assessment tools and mental fitness. A devoted golfer and yoga enthusiast, Teresa exemplifies the balance of professional drive and personal fulfillment, encouraging clients to do the same.

Website | LinkedIn

Anthony Chen, Host of Family Business Radio

Follow this link to access the complete show archive of Family Business Radio.

Good Foundations E101

April 21, 2022 by Karen

Phoenix Business Radio

Good Foundations E101

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Good Foundations E101

In this episode of Tycoons, Todd Jarvis joins the show to talk about the importance of estate planning and how that integrates with business consulting. Todd’s background in the sciences makes him uniquely qualified in understanding technology, systems, and automation. But it was his personality that led him to connect with clients and move away from being a transactional attorney to putting counselor and advisor back into the job description.

Todd uses the LIFT strategy (you have to tune in to learn what that means) to help identify holes in a foundation so he can build a plan to fill gaps and introduction strategic partners, all in an effort to make sure your business is strategically sound and geared towards moving forward. It’s important to build upon a strong foundation so that business owners have confidence as they grow. You’ll also learn about the difference between contingency vs succession planning and why it’s important to have both in place. This is a great episode full of valuable information for business owners.

Jarvis works with parents and entrepreneurs who are committed to impacting their family, business, and community as whole. We help you work through your goals so that you can answer the call to serve those who can benefit from your stewardship, guidance, services, and products.

As an entrepreneur, husband, and father it was obvious to Todd that the standard, traditional law firm model doesn’t support families and businesses. We aren’t just document drafters, we are partners with families and entrepreneurs. We advise and have disrupted the legal industry in many ways, namely: transparent fixed pricing; day-to-day, strategic proactive business advising; and an ongoing supportive relationship.

At Jarvis, we’re proud of doing things differently. We believe that meaningful, personalized legal and business guidance should be accessible. It should stem from a partnership built on mutual trust and understanding.

Todd Jarvis is an entrepreneur at heart. Before attending law school he worked in the technology arm of a Fortune 500 company. When the company wanted to innovate and try new departments or processes, Todd was called upon to implement these innovations.

Wanting to be involved in all aspects of business development and growth, he decided to attend law school where he could work as counsel for business owners and be involved in multiple projects at once.

He fostered a strong tech background by earning a BS in bioinformatics at Brigham Young University and then a Masters in Genetics com concurrently with his JD. He can talk the talk with tech companies. With his scientific training he was able to sit for and pass the patent bar and is a registered patent attorney.

On the personal side Todd is a husband and father. He and his wife Jayna have seven children together. It is his focus on family that has led him to broaden his practice to include estate and legacy planning services for families, both those who do and don’t own businesses. This gives him a unique ability to truly help protect all aspects of a business owner’s life: both in and out of the business.

Connect with Todd on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About the Show

Tycoons of Small Biz spotlights the true backbone of the American economy, the true tycoons of business in America… the owners, founders and CEO’s of small businesses. Join hosts, Austin L Peterson, Landon Mance and the featured tycoons LIVE every Tuesday at 1 pm, right here on Business RadioX and your favorite podcast platform.

About Your Hosts

Austin Peterson is a Comprehensive Financial Planner and co-founder of Backbone Planning Partners in Scottsdale, AZ. Austin is a registered rep and investment advisor representative with Lincoln Financial Advisors. Prior to joining Lincoln Financial Advisors, Austin worked in a variety of roles in the financial services industry.

He began his career in financial services in the year 2000 as a personal financial advisor with Independent Capital Management in Santa Ana, CA. Austin then joined Pacific Life Insurance Company as an internal wholesaler for their variable annuity and mutual fund products. After Pacific Life, Austin formed his own financial planning company in Southern California that he built and ran for 6 years and eventually sold when he moved his family to Salt Lake City to pursue his MBA.

After he completed his MBA, Austin joined Crump Life Insurance where he filled a couple of different sales roles and eventually a management role throughout the five years he was with Crump. Most recently before joining Lincoln Financial Advisors in February 2015, Austin spent 2 years as a life insurance field wholesaler with Symetra Life Insurance Company. Austin is a Certified Financial Planner Professional and Chartered Life Underwriter. In 2021, Austin became a Certified Business Exit Consultant® (CBEC®) to help entrepreneurs plan to exit their businesses.

Austin and his wife of 23 years, Robin, have two children, AJ (21) and Ella (18) and they reside in Gilbert, Arizona. He is a graduate of California State University, Fullerton with a Bachelor of Arts in French and of Brigham Young University’s Marriott School of Management with a Master of Business Administration with an emphasis in sales and entrepreneurship.

Connect with Austin on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Landon Mance is a Financial Planner and co-founder of Backbone Planning Partners out of Las Vegas, Nevada. He rebranded his practice in 2020 to focus on serving small business owners after operating as Mance Wealth Management since 2015 when Landon broke off from a major bank and started his own “shop.”

Landon comes from a family of successful entrepreneurs and has a passion and excitement for serving the business community. This passion is what brought about the growth of Backbone Planning Partners to help business owners and their families. At Backbone Planning, we believe small business owners’ personal and business goals are intertwined, so we work with our clients to design a financial plan to support all aspects of their lives.

In 2019, Landon obtained the Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) designation through the Exit Planning Institute. With this certification, Backbone Planning Partners assists business owners through an ownership transition while focusing on a positive outcome for their employees and meeting the business owner’s goals. Landon is also a member of the Business Intelligence Institute (BII) which is a collaborative group that shares tools, resources and personnel, and offers advanced level training and technical support to specifically serve business owners. In 2021, Landon became a Certified Business Exit Consultant® (CBEC®) to help entrepreneurs plan to exit their businesses by counseling owners about exit options, estimating the value of the business, preparing the business for exit and tax considerations.

Landon enjoys spending time with his beautiful wife, stepson, and new baby twins. He grew up in sunny San Diego and loves visiting his family, playing a round of golf with friends, and many other outdoor activities. Landon tries to make a difference in the lives of children in Las Vegas as a part of the leadership team for a local non-profit. He regularly visits the children that we work with to remind himself of why it’s so important to, “be the change that you wish to see in the world.”

Landon received his B.S. from California State University Long Beach in business marketing and gets the rest of his education through the school of hard knocks via his business owner clients.

Connect with Landon on LinkedIn.

Gary Braun is a Founder and co-owner of Pivotal Advisors. In his role at Pivotal, Gary is primarily responsible for business development but, he’ll gladly take on few clients in a consulting role. Gary speaks with and partners with other firms that help drive top-line growth.

Gary, helps organizations define where growth is coming from, helps them hire and/or develop the sales team, identify ideal clients and markets, and leverage true differentiators (even in commodity markets). He also implements sales processes, targets specific KPIs, increases activity, creates and applies sales compensation plans, and develops sales leadership skills.

Pivotal Advisors LLC is dedicated to creating a community of people who strive for excellence in sales and leadership. A Sales Operating System is the model for how to achieve excellence. Leadership is the First Factor of success in any sales organization. Therefore, building and developing leaders responsible for generating revenue is critical for growth.

Follow Pivotal Advisors on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

Austin Peterson and Landon Mance are registered representatives of Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp. Gary Braun and Pivotal Advisors are separate from and not affiliated with Backbone Planning Partners/Lincoln Financial Advisors.

Securities and investment advisory services offered through Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp., a broker/dealer (member SIPC) and registered investment advisor. Insurance offered through Lincoln affiliates and other fine companies. Backbone Planning Partners is a marketing name for registered representatives of Lincoln Financial Advisors. CRN-4666096-040822

Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp. and its representatives do not provide legal or tax advice. You may want to consult a legal or tax advisor regarding any legal or tax information as it relates to your personal circumstances.

The content presented is for informational and educational purposes. The information covered and posted are views and opinions of the guests and not necessarily those of Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp.

Business RadioX® is a separate entity not affiliated with Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp.

Andy Kalajian of Fort Leadership, Dixie McCurley with Cherry Bekaert, Tanya Osensky of Osensky Law LLC

August 16, 2021 by John Ray

Family Business Radio

Andy Kalajian of Fort Leadership, Dixie McCurley with Cherry Bekaert, Tanya Osensky of Osensky Law LLC

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Andy Kalajian of Fort Leadership, Dixie McCurley with Cherry Bekaert, and Tanya Osensky of Osensky Law LLC (Family Business Radio, Episode 23)

Legal, accounting, and executive leadership development may be something business owners consider doing themselves, but host Anthony Chen’s guests on this Family Business Radio episode discuss when its time to get professional support to deliver faster and more reliable results. Andy Kalajian with Fort Leadership discussed how mindset impacts the success of a business, Dixie McCurley talked about the need for proactive expert accounting, and attorney Tanya Osensky discussed how properly written contracts are necessary for any business. Finally, Anthony offers some advice about when to bring in an outside perspective. Family Business Radio is underwritten and brought to you by Anthony Chen with Lighthouse Financial Network.

Andy Kalajian, Founder and President, Fort Leadership and Sales Consulting, LLC

Fort Leadership and Sales Consulting, LLC is a Professional and Personal Development company that creates healthy corporate cultures by developing the personal and professional leadership capacity of the person. Fort Leadership and Sales Consulting, LLC believes that a healthy Corporate Culture benefits the business leader and the employee alike, and it enhances the customer experience.

The culture on the inside of a company is what the customer experiences on the outside of the company. That is the customer experience. But if this is true, why do so many employees feel that their corporate culture is not where it needs to be? Why do some employees describe their corporate culture as dysfunctional or even toxic? How does this dysfunction impact the customer experience? Furthermore, why do some business leaders when asked “how many employees work for you?” respond by saying, “about 1/2”!
Demographic studies indicate that in 5 years up to 75% of the employees will be millennials. That means that for a business leader to be able to attract and retain the best talent from the biggest pool of talent, the business leader must have a healthy corporate culture.

But if a healthy corporate culture is what the employer and the employee is looking for, what does a healthy corporate culture look like? How is a healthy corporate culture created? The answer is Leadership! Fort Leadership and Sales Consulting creates healthy corporate cultures through Leadership Development. Leadership development is all about Character. After all, when we talk about corporate culture, what we are really talking about is corporate character. Corporations are made up of people. And people bring their character to work. So, it only stands to reason that when a collection of people brings their collective characters to work, a corporate character or a corporate culture is created.

Fort Leadership and Sales Consulting, LLC is creating healthy corporate cultures.

Company website | LinkedIn | Instagram

Dixie McCurley, Principal, Digital Advisory, Client Accounting Services Lead, Cherry Bekaert

Ranked among the largest accounting and consulting firms in the country, Cherry Bekaert LLP provides guidance and support that helps our clients move forward to reach their organizational goals. We will ignite growth with integrated, forward-looking industry solutions that effectively deliver on our Client Promise, and we will deliver this growth by empowering our people and investing in efficient innovative processes to become the Firm of the Future.

Company website | LinkedIn | Twitter

Tanya Osensky, Owner, Osensky Law LLC

Osensky Law’s business model is designed around being more cost-effective and efficient for clients. No fancy office space. No staff. No run-around. When you call Tanya, you get Tanya. Not a paralegal; not an administrative assistant; not a receptionist. You won’t be transferred among several people. You don’t have to explain things twice to someone else. Nothing gets lost in translation.

Osensky Law is different from other law firms because Tanya’s experience comes from working inside the business, rather than an outside law firm. Unlike a traditional law firm, which is motivated to bill more hours by unnecessarily prolonging or over-complicating matters, Tanya’s focus is on providing business value to clients. Being a company’s in-house legal counsel gives a lawyer a unique insight into what kind of legal support a business wants and needs – not just technically correct legal advice, but strategic problem-solving.

Company website | LinkedIn

Anthony Chen, Host of Family Business Radio

family owned craft breweries — **Anthony Chen**

This show is sponsored and brought to you by Anthony Chen with Lighthouse Financial Network. Securities and advisory services 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.

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.

The complete show archive of “Family Business Radio” can be found at familybusinessradioshow.com.

Roxann Smithers, Smithers + Ume-Nwagbo, LLC

April 26, 2021 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Roxann Smithers, Smithers + Ume-Nwagbo, LLC

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Roxann Smithers, Smithers + Ume-Nwagbo, LLC (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 349)

Roxann Smithers, a co-founder of Smithers + Ume-Nwagbo, joined host John Ray to discuss why well-drafted legal documents are so vital for any business, resolving disputes out of court, effective negotiation strategies, and much more. “North Fulton Business Radio” is produced virtually from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® in Alpharetta.

Smithers + Ume-Nwagbo, LLC

S+U provides comprehensive legal services to start-up and small to mid-size companies with a 360° approach. S+U’s practice areas include Commercial Litigation, Corporate Law, Employment Law, and Employee Benefits. These are the four (4) critical areas of law that regularly impact businesses.

As Your Trusted 360° General Counsel ®, S+U saves its clients the expense and responsibility of staffing and supporting an in-house legal department. Best of all, S+U offers superior legal services and experience with flexible rate structures tailored to the needs of our clients

The attorneys at S+U have a collective thirty (30) years of legal experience, including mid-size to large law firm practice as well as extensive in-house counsel practice. S+U’s attorneys practice extensively in Georgia state and federal courts and assist clients throughout the United States. S+U’s attorneys have practiced in the areas of Corporate Law, Commercial/Business Litigation, Employment, Employee Benefits, Torts/Product Liability, Construction Law, Collections, and Premise Liability.

S+U is strongly committed to public service. Annually, the firm pledges to contribute a percentage of its profits to a number of local and national charities. S+U attorneys lend their resources, time, and talent to several charitable organizations and pro bono matters.

Company website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | Youtube

Roxann Smithers, Co-Founder and Managing Member, Smithers + Ume-Nwagbo, LLC

Roxann Smithers is a Founder and Managing Member of Smithers + Ume-Nwagbo, LLC. Roxann has a passion for working with entrepreneurs and small business owners. She developed a nationwide practice that focuses on providing clients with the expertise, quality, and tailored legal services of Big Law for the benefit of Small and Medium size businesses. Roxann’s practice includes Business Law, Dispute Resolution, and General Counsel Services.

As a Business Attorney, Roxann regularly advises clients in corporate matters involved with running their business. That includes advising clients during contract drafting, reviews and negotiation (both private and public contracts). Roxann works with clients who seek to purchase a business, sell their business as part of an exit planning strategy, or grow their business through investors and third-party financing.

In terms of Dispute Resolution, Roxann has expertise in tackling matters in multiple state and federal jurisdictions across the country, including, breach of contract, enforcement of business covenants (competition, solicitation, and confidentiality), payment actions, and general business disputes. Roxann is well poised to draft a contract, mediate it, arbitrate it or litigate it. She has a specific background in premise liability defense.

Finally, as General Counsel, Roxann routinely advises clients in various aspects of their businesses including formations, deal negotiations, property acquisitions, joint ventures, corporate governance, and compliance investigations. She ushers clients through partner exits, i.e. business divorces. Additionally, Roxann serves as general counsel on court-appointed receiverships. She has a specific background with the construction industry.

A Super Lawyers Magazine 2012, 2014-2016 Georgia Rising Star, Roxann Smithers and S+U team with the Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs, SBA, Emory Start:ME and Club E Atlanta to educate entrepreneurs. Finally, Roxann is a registered mediator focusing on business disputes.

Roxann has a mission to educate business owners about the legal issues that impact their ventures every day. She is the co-founder of The SORS Collective, a roundtable group of business owners who are seeking to build profitable and sustainable businesses to provide wealth for themselves, their families, and others. Roxann regularly speaks before business associations, seminar groups, and conference audiences on the law, its impact on your business, and entrepreneurship in general. As a former Trustee, Roxann is part of the Entrepreneurship Ministry at Providence Missionary Baptist Church. She serves as a mentor with the Emory Business School Accelerator Start:ME. Roxann has provided legal education content to various organizations dedicated to the service of entrepreneurs and business owners including, the Small Business Administration, Club E Atlanta, and Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs.

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

Best practices to Crisis-Proof Your Business
Strategies for Resolving Disputes Outside of Court
What Does a Business Attorney Actually Do
Options for Infusing Cash into Your Business
The Importance of Written Contracts
Negotiation Strategies

“North Fulton Business Radio” is hosted by John Ray and produced virtually from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® 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, Stitcher, TuneIn, and others.

Renasant Bank has humble roots, starting in 1904 as a $100,000 bank in a Lee County, Mississippi, bakery. Since then, Renasant has grown to 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.

Gabe Tilley, King Steel, Inc., Tara Winslow, Winslow Home Professionals, and Rob Swartwood, consilium (ProfitSense with Bill McDermott, Episode 17)

February 11, 2021 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

Gabe Tilley, King Steel, Inc., Tara Winslow, Winslow Home Professionals, and Rob Swartwood, consilium (ProfitSense with Bill McDermott, Episode 17)

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Gabe Tilley, King Steel, Inc., Tara Winslow, Winslow Home Professionals, and Rob Swartwood, consilium (ProfitSense with Bill McDermott, Episode 17)

Host Bill McDermott welcomes Gabe Tilley, King Steel, to discuss his firm’s growth since he and his partner assumed ownership in 2018. Bill also interviewed Tara Winslow on the current state of Atlanta residential real estate, and Rob Swartwood described the “coach approach” he takes with his business law clients. “ProfitSense with Bill McDermott” is produced and broadcast by the North Fulton Studio of Business RadioX® in Alpharetta.

Gabe Tilley, Executive Vice President, King Steel, Inc.

King Steel is a structural steel fabricator located in Lawrenceville, GA. They have been in business since 1989, providing turnkey steel fabrication and erection services throughout the Southeastern United States. They have expertise in providing steel for a wide variety of building projects, including schools, high-rises, data centers, military installations, and distribution centers. Their client portfolio is diverse, including several national general contractors, and they have supplied fabricated steel for several high-profile companies.

In 2018, King Steel was purchased by two partners, Marvin Brown, and Gabe Tilley. Under their leadership, the company has made several capital improvements and streamlined its ability to fabricate steel in a more efficient manner. Both have 20+ years in the steel industry and are looking forward to ushering in a new era of success for King Steel.

More information at 770-963-3888 or contact Gabe by email.

Tara Winslow, Realtor & Business Owner, Winslow Home Professionals

**Tara Winslow, Winslow Home Professionals**

Prior to following her passion in residential real estate, Tara spent twelve years in corporate America as a top Sales Executive at several Fortune 500 companies including The Coca-Cola Company, AT&T Business and PGi (formerly Premiere Global Services). In her last position at PGi, selling SAAS (software as a service) technology, she finished 2011 as the #1 Sales Executive across the company in sales production.

As a native Atlantan, she has vast insight in the Atlanta Real Estate Market. Tara resides at Keller Williams Realty Peachtree Road office in Brookhaven. She loves being a business owner which allows her to help make decisions important to her clients. Tara is passionate about helping her clients build wealth through real estate. She is committed to her clients, values long-term relationships and strives to exceed expectations. She has a deep understanding of the real estate process and knows what it takes to get her clients into the home of their dreams. Tara takes pride in her business and earns the trust of her clients who call on her for advice.

Winslow Home Professionals has held its license at Keller Williams Realty Peachtree Road in Brookhaven for over 9 years where the office sells over $1 billion in real estate every year across Metro Atlanta.

Company website LinkedIn

Rob Swartwood, Managing Member, consilium

Rob is a business attorney, outside general counsel, and transaction counsel to small and middle-market businesses throughout the Southeast. A former big-law attorney, Rob leverages over a decade of experience representing businesses across the spectrum of size, industry, and complexity to help owners and executives navigate their day-to-day operations; prepare for and complete mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and other transactions; and accomplish their strategic objectives in a manner that is true to the brand.

Consilium is a boutique business law firm providing wise counsel, professional, concierge service, and effective solutions at competitive rates. At consilium, Rob and his team take a coach-approach to understand their client’s businesses, problems, and interests; developing a sound strategy for accomplishing client objectives in a manner that is on-time and within budget; and guiding their clients through their legal matters with precision and care, to the best outcomes possible. And though outcomes are very important to the team at consilium, it is equally important that they leave their clients in a better position than they found them – with their clients having received something of greater value from the experience than the fee charged to them in the exchange.

Company website Company LinkedIn LinkedIn

About “ProfitSense” and Your Host, Bill McDermott

“ProfitSense with Bill McDermott” dives in to 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.