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Artisan Design Studio, Walk Your Plans Atlanta Win GNFCC Honors

October 30, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

Artisan Design Studio, Walk Your Plans Atlanta Win GNFCC Honors

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Artisan Design Studio, Walk Your Plans Atlanta Win GNFCC Honors (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 109)

This edition of the GNFCC 400 Insider podcast features two entrepreneurs who are changing what “seeing the plan” means for homeowners and builders in our region. Ryan Williams, owner of Artisan Design Studio, shares how a small design firm can grow without losing its soul. She discusses pricing for outcomes, opening a retail studio to create community touchpoints, and why disciplined books and a good CPA are growth tools, not afterthoughts.

Mary Atchley, co-owner of Walk Your Plans Atlanta and co-founder of Design & Build XR, explains how clients make better decisions when they can literally walk their floor plans at full scale. Then she layers in extended reality to preview kitchens, baths, and additions on-site or in their studio, reducing rework and surprises.

Together, Mary and Ryan trade practical lessons: how to decide when to expand, where to invest first, what metrics to watch, and how to balance momentum with margin. They also highlight their shared work with Sunshine on a Ranney Day, creating accessible spaces for families who need them most. If you’re building, renovating, or growing a design-related business, this conversation is a blueprint for smarter decisions and happier clients.

The GNFCC 400 Insider is presented by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce and produced by John Ray and the North Fulton affiliate of Business RadioX®.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

XR goes beyond 2D: Walk Your Plans Atlanta launched Design & Build XR to layer AR/VR and on-site visualization so clients understand unbuilt spaces and reduce surprises.
Category creation is hard work: Educating a successful industry to try a new modality takes daily consistency and clear value stories.
Boutique by design: Artisan Design Studio grew from a home office to a retail studio after past lessons on scaling, prioritizing process and the craft of design.
Community at the center: Both Artisan Design Studio and Walk Your Plans Atlanta volunteer with Sunshine on a Ranney Day, creating accessible bedrooms, baths, and therapy spaces for kids and families.
Make it easy to connect: Artisan’s Roswell storefront hosts events, while Walk Your Plans Atlanta invites prospects to see work online and on social.
Mindset for year one: Guard time, choose communities wisely, and keep showing up. Consistency compounds.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction to the GNFCC 400 Insider podcast
00:26 Celebrating Small Business Award Winners
01:06 Meet two of the Award Winners: Artisan Design Studio and Walk Your Plans Atlanta
02:15 Journey of Entrepreneurship: Challenges and Inspirations
05:05 Innovations and Expansions in Business
12:28 Community Involvement and Giving Back
20:00 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
27:06 Connecting with the Businesses
28:59 Conclusion and Farewell

Ryan Morgan Williams, Artisan Design Studio

**Ryan Williams, Artisan Design Studios**

Principal designer Ryan Williams owns Artisan Design Studio. Williams has been practicing interior design for twenty years and has been a business owner for more than 15 of those.

With utmost attention given to learning about her clients and their families, Williams prioritizes making sure she is not only creating breathtaking spaces for them but also improving their mental, physical, and emotional well-being. As a member of a custom home-building family in Atlanta, Williams advocates for her clients through building and remodeling, as well as full furnishings projects. She prides herself on being the expert in the room but also a friend at the table.

Williams graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Furnishings & Interiors from the University of Georgia. She is an Atlanta native and she currently lives with her husband and two children in Roswell.

Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Mary Atchley, Walk Your Plans Atlanta

Mary Atchley is the owner and driving force behind Walk Your Plans Atlanta, a cutting-edge business that enables clients to experience life-sized floor plans before construction begins. Bringing over 20 years of expertise in marketing, brand strategy, and entrepreneurship, Atchley created a platform that bridges the gap between abstract blueprints and real-life spatial understanding so homeowners, architects, and commercial developers can make informed, confident decisions. Her visionary leadership and relentless focus on client service have transformed Walk Your Plans Atlanta into a destination for immersive, collaborative design walkthroughs, helping Atlanta’s building community identify issues early, optimize layouts, and minimize costly post-construction changes.

Atchley’s deep commitment to the local community matches her passion for innovation. She has ensured that Walk Your Plans Atlanta provides complimentary access to families sponsored by Sunshine on a Ranney Day, supporting ADA-compliant renovations for children with special needs. Recognized for her ability to foster lasting relationships and deliver tailored technology solutions, Mary Atchley is also active in regional leadership and professional organizations, including Leadership North Fulton and Women in Sport & Events (WISE). Her work continues to propel industry standards forward, making the design and construction process more transparent, collaborative, and client-focused throughout the greater Atlanta area.

Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

About GNFCC and The GNFCC 400 Insider podcast

Kali Boatright, President and CEO of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce (GNFCC) — **Kali Boatright, President and CEO of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce**

The GNFCC 400 Insider is sponsored by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce (GNFCC), and the host of the show is 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 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.

Beyond IT and Into Community Impact, with Jason Etheridge, Logic Speak

December 19, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Beyond IT and Into Community Impact, with Jason Etheridge, Logic Speak

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Beyond IT and Into Community Impact, with Jason Etheridge, Logic Speak (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 829)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray interviews Jason Etheridge, Founder and CEO of Logic Speak. Jason discusses the mission and philosophy behind Logic Speak, a managed IT and cybersecurity company. Jason shares insights on proactive IT management, the importance of operational maturity, and the role of technology in business growth. The conversation also highlights LogicSpeak’s commitment to community service, showcased by their Volunteer Time Off program and involvement with local organizations like North Fulton Community Charities. Jason also elaborates on the impact of receiving the 2024 Community Service Excellence Award from the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce and the value of chamber involvement. The episode concludes with a discussion on the positive feedback from Logic Speak’s clients and their approach to treating clients with kindness and respect.

John Ray is the host of North Fulton Business Radio. The show is recorded and produced by the North Fulton affiliate of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

Jason Etheridge, Founder and President, Logic Speak

Jason Etheridge, Logic Speak

Jason Etheridge is the Founder and President of Logic Speak, a managed IT service provider that empowers the modern workforce through technology strategy, support, and security.

Through Jason’s leadership, Logic Speak recently celebrated its 20-year anniversary. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from the Georgia Institute of Technology and has over 25 years of experience in the IT field in Georgia.

Prior to founding Logic Speak, Jason worked as a Technology Consultant for Hewlett-Packard and served as the Director of Information Technology at Extreme Logic, where he received the Extreme Logic Excellence through Results award for his work with Ernst Young. He has also consulted for small businesses in the Atlanta area and has implemented systems to streamline corporate processes and reduce overall IT costs.

Jason serves on many industry advisory boards, including Datto, IT Glue, and Mailprotector. He is also a member of an MSP-Ignite peer group and a facilitator of peer groups for smaller MSPs.

Jason lives in Johns Creek, GA, with his wife Jennifer, two boys, Jameson and Jackson, and Harbins, their labradoodle. He is an Enneagram 7, was recently voted life of the party by his co-workers, and loves riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle when he is not spending time with his family, coaching baseball, or thinking about technology.

Logic Speak

Logic Speak, based in Alpharetta, GA, is a dedicated IT managed services provider that focuses on empowering small to medium-sized businesses through tailored technology solutions. Founded in 2004 by Jason Etheridge, the company operates with a philosophy centered on relationship-building and technology humility, aiming to demystify IT for its clients. Logic Speak emphasizes understanding each client’s unique needs and challenges, ensuring that technology serves as a facilitator for business growth rather than a hindrance. Their services range from proactive technology strategy and support to comprehensive cybersecurity measures, all designed to help businesses operate efficiently and securely.

The team at Logic Speak prides itself on being approachable and responsive, fostering an environment where clients feel valued and understood. They believe that effective communication is key to successful IT management, which is why they strive to avoid technical jargon and instead focus on clear, helpful dialogue. By combining technical expertise with a genuine care for their clients’ success, Logic Speak positions itself not just as a service provider but as a strategic partner in navigating the complexities of modern technology. Their commitment to making a positive impact extends beyond individual clients to the broader community, reflecting their mission to enhance lives through technology.

Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
00:34 Guest Introduction: Jason Etheridge of Logic Speak
02:02 Understanding Managed IT Services
04:23 Celebrating 20 Years in Business
05:41 Operational Maturity and Business Growth
08:45 The Importance of Security Awareness
11:08 Mission Statement and Core Values
16:57 Community Involvement and Volunteer Time Off
19:55 Chamber of Commerce Involvement
25:48 Client Testimonials and Closing Remarks

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.

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

With over 800 shows and having featured over 1,200 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 welcomes a wide variety of business, non-profit, and community leaders to get the word out about the important work they’re doing to serve their market, their community, and their profession. There’s no discrimination based on company size, and there’s never any “pay to play.” North Fulton Business Radio supports and celebrates business by sharing positive business stories that traditional media ignore. Some media leans left. Some media leans right. We lean business.

John Ray, Business RadioX - North Fulton, and Owner, Ray Business Advisors — **John Ray, Business RadioX – North Fulton, and Owner, Ray Business Advisors**

John Ray is the host of North Fulton Business Radio. The show is recorded and produced from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank 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, and many others.

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

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 and 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.

Blythe Hammons – Sisu of Georgia

October 7, 2024 by Rose

Imagine having a months-long waitlist for your products or services. Sounds great, right? Not always—especially when it comes to essential services for our community’s most vulnerable.

Today on North GA Business Radio, Phil Bonelli speaks with Blythe Hammons, Executive Director of Sisu of Georgia about an urgent need in our backyard.

Blythe is an experienced advocate for inclusive early learning environments for children with special needs. Her role involves overseeing the provision of crucial therapies such as occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, and ABA therapy, aimed at supporting the holistic development of children with diverse needs.

With a focus on integrating special needs children into educational settings, Blythe is deeply committed to addressing the challenges faced by parents of children with special needs.

Her work at SISU reflects a dedication to creating a supportive and inclusive space where all children, regardless of their abilities, can receive the necessary support and thrive in their educational journey.

What is Sisu?

==> Formerly Challenge Child and Friends

==> An integrated early learning facility serving children with special needs

==> Unique approach: educating special needs and typically developing children side-by-side

==> Comprehensive support system for families

The Pressing Need

==> 30 children pending enrollment

==> 165 families seeking services

This waitlist represents families struggling to find appropriate care, potentially facing financial hardship due to lack of childcare options.

How Can Business Leaders Help?

==> Financial Support: Make a significant donation to help Sisu expand

==> Raise Awareness: Share Sisu’s mission within your network

==> Volunteer: Offer your time or expertise

==> Corporate Partnerships: Explore collaboration opportunities

Visit https://mysisu.org to learn more and get involved. Every action counts!

Connect with Blythe and Sisu:

https://www.facebook.com/SisuIntegratedEarlyLearning

https://www.instagram.com/my_sisu/

Connect with Phil Bonelli:

https://www.facebook.com/Hopewell-Farms-GA-105614501707618/

https://www.instagram.com/hopewellfarmsga/

https://www.hopewellfarmsga.com/

Connect with Beau Henderson:

https://RichLifeAdvisors.com

https://www.facebook.com/RichLifeAdvisors

https://www.facebook.com/NorthGARadioX

This Segment Is Brought To You By Our Amazing Sponsors

Hopewell Farms GA

Roundtable Advisors

RichLife Advisors

Regions Bank

Highlights Of The Show

00:03:01 – SISU’s Mission and Unique Services
Blythe explains that SISU serves children with special needs in an inclusive environment, providing therapeutic services such as occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, and ABA therapy. The organization also offers early childhood education for typically developing children.

00:10:04 – The Need for Growth and Resources
Blythe discusses the high demand for SISU’s services, with a waitlist of 30 pending enrollments and 165 leads. She emphasizes the need for a bigger facility and more staff to accommodate the growing demand.

00:14:14 – Call to Action for Support
Phil encourages listeners to support SISU by giving donations to help the organization grow and meet the needs of the children and families it serves. He emphasizes the importance of using resources to serve those who cannot generate them themselves.

00:15:23 – My SISU
Phil and Blythe discuss the personal connection people feel towards SISU, as evidenced by Blythe’s daughter calling it “My SISU.” This highlights the impact of the organization’s work on the community and the families it serves.

00:16:44 – Creating a Safe Space at SISU
Blythe shares her experience of welcoming kids to SISU and the impact it has on their well-being. The consistent support from therapists and teachers creates a safe and loving environment for the children.

00:19:30 – Importance of Serving Special Needs Kids
Phil emphasizes the significance of serving special needs kids and how it can make a difference in their families’ lives. He encourages businesses to consider how they can make their clients and employees feel as valued as the children at SISU.

00:22:25 – Challenges of Waiting Lists
Blythe discusses the challenges families face when waiting for placement at SISU, highlighting the overwhelming stress and impact on their livelihood. She emphasizes the critical need to provide a competent and safe place for special needs children.

00:26:29 – The Power of Listening as a Leader
Blythe emphasizes the importance of listening as a new leader, sharing her experience of connecting with various stakeholders to understand their perspectives and concerns. She encourages leaders to prioritize listening and taking action based on the feedback received.

00:30:08 – Balancing Action with Listening
Phil and Blythe discuss the challenge of balancing action with listening and how leaders can integrate feedback into decision-making. Blythe emphasizes the need for prioritizing and taking incremental steps towards addressing stakeholders’ concerns.

00:33:23 – Give Yourself Grace
Blythe emphasizes the importance of giving oneself grace and not being too hard on oneself. She encourages taking a minute to breathe and tackle each day one step at a time.

00:34:10 – Act like You Just Started
Blythe advises leaders, regardless of experience, to listen to different stakeholders, establish trust, and prioritize tasks. She emphasizes the importance of tackling one thing at a time to build momentum.

00:35:24 – Understanding Priorities
Blythe shares the analogy of a leaky hose to highlight the importance of understanding priorities. She emphasizes the need to intentionally prioritize tasks and work on the most important things first to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

00:37:15 – Vulnerability and Asking for Help
Blythe discusses the importance of being vulnerable as a leader and asking for help when needed. She emphasizes the value of leaning on the support system and involving experts in areas of weakness.

00:39:04 – Freestyle Rap
The conversation takes a light-hearted turn as Phil asks Blythe to share three topics for a freestyle rap. The episode ends with a fun rap and a call to action to support local businesses.

John Baxter and Ben Filchak | Deep Roots Landscape

March 24, 2024 by Rose

North Georgia Business Radio

John Baxter and Ben Filchak | Deep Roots Landscape

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What does planting Deep Roots have to do with growing a successful business… Pretty much EVERYTHING!

John Baxter and Ben Filchak, co-founders of Deep Roots Landscape, are this week’s featured guests on North Georgia Business Radio.

Their company, based in Hall County, specializes in providing full-service landscape solutions, including design, installation, and maintenance.

Their enduring friendship, which dates back to kindergarten, has laid a strong foundation for their successful business partnership.

Their unwavering commitment to shared values and their vision for serving the community has been pivotal to the growth and impact of their business.

Tune in to gain valuable insights from their experience and learn about the significance of shared values in fostering successful business partnerships.

Key Highlights of This Episode:

00:01:33 – Origin Story of Deep Roots Landscape
John Baxter shares the story of how Deep Roots Landscape started after he graduated from college and the impact of a small business class exercise. Ben Filchak also discusses joining the company and their shared vision for the business.

00:04:30 – Maintaining Friendship and Business Partnership
The guests discuss the challenges of maintaining a strong friendship while being business partners for over 14 years. They emphasize the importance of communication, intentionality, and a shared vision in their partnership.

00:07:43 – Shared Vision and Decision-Making
The conversation shifts to the shared vision of Deep Roots Landscape, rooted in serving others and providing quality landscaping services. The guests highlight the importance of aligning their decisions with their core principles and values.

00:10:20 – Business Growth and Design Expertise
John and Ben share the company’s growth from a small operation to hiring employees and expanding their services. They also discuss the artistic aspect of landscape design and the importance of building lasting relationships with clients.

00:14:32 – The Expertise of Sid Johnston
Sid Johnston, a seasoned landscape designer with nearly 50 years of experience, joined the company four years ago, bringing with him a wealth of knowledge and innovative ideas for landscape architecture and project management.

00:15:23 – The Importance of Serving and Diversifying Services
The discussion highlights the significance of serving customers by diversifying services. The hosts emphasize the importance of recognizing the potential for additional services among existing customers and creating consistent income through maintenance and project-based work.

00:16:21 – Strategic Employee Growth and H-2B Program
The hosts discuss their strategic employee growth, employing 50 full-time staff and utilizing the H-2B visa program to bring in seasonal workers from Mexico. They emphasize the benefits of this program in meeting seasonal labor needs and providing growth opportunities for both local and seasonal employees.

00:18:58 – Cultivating Growth and Leadership
The conversation delves into the importance of growth in providing opportunities for employees to develop their leadership skills. The hosts emphasize the value of creating a supportive environment that encourages employees to step out of their comfort zones and maximize their potential.

00:21:30 – Overcoming Bottlenecks and the Role of Coaching
The hosts reflect on the challenges of overcoming bottlenecks and the need for personal and business coaching. They share their experience with receiving guidance from a coaching program, which has been instrumental in empowering them to develop leaders and grow their business effectively.

00:28:51 – Building Hope for Hall
John and Ben discuss the creation of Hope for Hall, a foundation aimed at normalizing disability through play, education, and technology. The project focuses on building inclusive playgrounds for children with all abilities.

00:30:45 – Impact of Inclusive Playgrounds
The conversation highlights the impact of the first inclusive playground built in Hall County, where children with mobility devices can now play alongside their friends. The success of the project has led to the approval of a second playground for a new elementary school.

00:36:18 – Tax Credit for Support
John shares information about the Peach education tax credit, which allows individuals and corporations to donate to support innovative programs for students. This tax credit can be designated to support inclusive playgrounds in Hall County.

00:38:44 – Future Plans for Deep Roots
The hosts discuss the future plans for Deep Roots Landscape, which include continued growth, expansion into multifamily projects, and contributing to the development of Hall County. The company aims to have a significant impact on the community.

00:39:51 – Freestyle Rap and Core Values
The episode concludes with a freestyle rap incorporating Deep Roots’ core values of excellence, purpose, and care. The hosts emphasize the importance of these values in their business and community involvement.