Fractional CFO Archives - Business RadioX ®

Art Bottoms with B2BCFO and Tom Studer with Symmetry Benefit Solutions

February 5, 2026 by Garrett Ervin

BRX National

Art Bottoms with B2BCFO and Tom Studer with Symmetry Benefit Solutions

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Art Bottoms | B2BCFO

Founded in 1987, B2B CFO® is the largest CFO and Business Transition services company in the nation. The firm provides services to privately held businesses. B2B CFO® is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, and has a nationwide presence with more than 115 CFO and Exit Transition Professionals in 46 states across the USA. These Professionals specialize in providing senior level executive services to growing companies that need assistance in finding solutions to their business challenges. The firm’s motto is: First Direction, then Velocity®. Each B2B CFO® Professional is a senior level executive averaging 25-30 years of experience.

Tom Studer | Symmetry Benefit Solutions

Symmetry Benefit Solutions is a leading provider of comprehensive benefits solutions, specializing in self-funded benefits for organizations of all sizes. With a commitment to innovation and tailored strategies, Symmetry empowers businesses to optimize their employee benefits programs, fostering healthier and more engaged workforces. By offering self-funded benefits, Symmetry enables companies to take control of their healthcare expenses while providing flexibility and customization to meet the unique needs of their employees. With a focus on transparency, efficiency, and strategic partnerships, Symmetry Benefit Solutions stands as a trusted ally in navigating the complexities of modern benefits administration.

Succession Planning with Steve Fisher and Bryan Preston

November 13, 2025 by John Ray

Family Business Radio

Succession Planning with Steve Fisher and Bryan Preston

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Succession Planning with Steve Fisher and Bryan Preston (Family Business Radio, Episode 70)

In this episode of Family Business Radio, host Anthony Chen is joined by Steve Fisher from Strategy Partners Group and Bryan Preston from Gaelic Business Solutions for a candid conversation about the real challenges that prevent family businesses from growing and transitioning successfully.

Steve shares how his journey from being an engineer to becoming a longtime CFO, which included navigating a stressful acquisition and downsizing, ultimately led him to advise business owners on strategic, operational, and financial issues. He explains why most businesses plateau because the owner becomes the bottleneck, how weak financial reporting and “shoebox” accounting quietly destroy valuation, and why a buyer is purchasing the company’s future potential, not the owner’s heroic history.

Bryan draws on his corporate background and his experience growing up in a declining mill town to explain why healthy small businesses are vital to the communities they serve. He discusses the danger of running a family business like a family instead of a business, how to free up owner time by building repeatable processes and delegating effectively, and why owners should be spending a significant portion of their week working on the business instead of just in it.

Together, Steve and Bryan present practical low-hanging fruit that family business owners can address immediately, including establishing clean books and standard operating procedures, as well as tackling difficult questions about succession, legacy, and the true requirements for successfully passing the torch.

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

Start with the end in mind. Steve says owners should think about their exit when starting a business, as every owner will leave eventually, and the only question is how much control they will have over that transition.
Owner dependency kills value. Both guests note that the greater the business’s reliance on the owner’s daily involvement and crisis management, the less attractive and valuable it becomes to potential buyers or future successors.
Clean financials are nonnegotiable. Many family businesses rely on checkbook accounting or neglect their balance sheets and cash flow, making it difficult to run the company and even harder to sell it. Establishing solid, understandable financial statements is a foundational step.
Documented processes are an asset. Written, current, and consistently followed standard operating procedures make a business more turnkey, easier to scale, and significantly more appealing to successors or acquirers who need to understand how operations function without the owner’s presence.
Delegation is about trust and monitoring. When owners refuse to delegate responsibilities to capable team members, it often indicates a trust issue, either regarding the employee or the owner’s ability to supervise effectively. Learning to delegate tasks and then monitor the results is essential for growth.
Family must act like a business at work. Bryan highlights that family dynamics, charitable payroll decisions, and unresolved personal issues can undermine performance and value. Buyers will not pay to support family dynamics, so these issues must be addressed well before any transition.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction to Family Business Radio

00:41 Meet Steve Fisher: From Engineer to CFO

02:03 The Rise of Fractional CFO Services

03:16 Challenges in Family Businesses

05:10 Succession Planning Insights

08:09 Personal Experience and Lessons Learned

10:01 Common Mistakes in Family Businesses

12:30 The Importance of Delegation

19:28 Unique Client Stories

21:53 Future Aspirations and Goals

24:52 Introduction to Bryan Preston

25:02 Bryan’s Corporate Journey

25:46 Helping Small Businesses

29:07 Challenges in Delegation

30:51 Vision and Growth

33:13 Succession Planning

36:15 Family Business Dynamics

38:15 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

43:51 Closing Remarks and Financial Advice

Steve Fisher, Founding Partner, Strategy Partners Group

Steve Fisher, Strategy Partners Group, on Family Business Radio with host Anthony Chen — **Steve Fisher, Strategy Partners Group**

Steve Fisher is the founder of Strategy Partners Group and brings more than 30 years of leadership experience as a CFO, management consultant, and advisor to growing companies. With a background in industrial engineering from Virginia Tech and a long tenure as CFO of a national financial services firm, he helps business owners and executive teams improve financial performance, manage risk, and build companies that are prepared for growth or exit. His expertise includes financial analysis and modeling, regulatory compliance, process improvement, and building monitoring and accountability systems that support better decision-making.

Known for making complex financial topics understandable to non-financial leaders, Steve has co-developed and delivered “Finance for Everyone,” contributed as a subject matter expert to executive training programs, and spoken to groups ranging from Emory University’s continuing education programs to private business networks. Through Strategy Partners Group, he works with C-suite leaders to design and support strategic, value-enhancing initiatives across their organizations, including succession and exit strategy planning.

Website | LinkedIn

Bryan Preston, Owner, Gaelic Business Solutions, LLC

Bryan Preston is the owner of Gaelic Business Solutions, LLC, a consulting firm focused on small and mid-sized businesses. He brings more than 30 years of executive experience from large organizations, where he served in roles such as Vice President of People and Culture, Senior Vice President of Talent Management and Community Relations, Interim CIO, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Product Management, Managing Director of New Product Development, Vice President and Business Unit Leader, and Vice President of Operations. Bryan holds a bachelor’s degree in quantitative economics from Framingham State University. Bryan has been married to his wife, Lori, for 39 years, and together they have three grown children and five grandchildren.

Gaelic Business Solutions partners with mid-market leaders who have outgrown basic business tactics but do not fit the mold for enterprise playbooks. Using its Mid-Market Optimization Method™, the firm provides strategic advice grounded in Bryan’s cross-industry executive experience. The focus is on practical, executive-level insight tailored for operators who want results and clarity, not theoretical frameworks or unnecessary complexity that slows execution.

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.

Human-Centered Family Business Succession Planning, with Andrea Carpenter, The Transition Strategists, and Jamie Reynolds, Reynolds CFO Services

June 17, 2025 by John Ray

Human-Centered Family Business Succession Planning, with Andrea Carpenter, Transition Strategists, and Jamie Reynolds, Reynolds CFO Services, on Family Business Radio with host Anthony Chen

Family Business Radio

Human-Centered Family Business Succession Planning, with Andrea Carpenter, The Transition Strategists, and Jamie Reynolds, Reynolds CFO Services

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Human-Centered Family Business Succession Planning, with Andrea Carpenter, The Transition Strategists, and Jamie Reynolds, Reynolds CFO Services (Family Business Radio, Episode 65)

In this episode of Family Business Radio, host Anthony Chen welcomes Andrea Carpenter of The Transition Strategists and Jamie Reynolds of Reynolds CFO Services. Andrea shares her journey from UX design to becoming a transition specialist focused on the human side of family business and internal succession planning. Jamie discusses his pivot from a corporate career to launching a fractional CFO firm that supports small and mid-sized businesses. Together, they explore the challenges and strategies of family business transitions, emphasizing the importance of communication, values, and aligning personal passions with business roles. You will gain valuable advice on preparing for succession, maintaining brand equity, and ensuring that next-generation leaders are equipped and passionate about taking over the family enterprise.

Anthony concludes the show with comments on the value of communication and individual identity in family business succession.

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:

Andrea Carpenter, The Transition Strategists

Start with Values Before Structures – True succession success starts with understanding personal goals, non-negotiables, and passions—not just business mechanics.
Use Dialogue to Prevent Disconnection – Transparent conversations between generations prevent misaligned expectations and foster trust.
Empower, Don’t Pressure, the Next Generation – Support younger family members in discovering their authentic path—whether inside or outside the family business.

Jamie Reynolds, Reynolds CFO Services

Fractional CFOs Bring Strategic Clarity – Jamie helps small businesses make financial decisions with confidence, beyond bookkeeping or tax prep.
Training Beats Replacing – Family members often have the heart, but need the tools. Jamie helps build their capability to lead.
Work-Life Balance Is a Leadership Priority – After a heart attack, Jamie redefined success: being present with family while helping others grow.

Anthony Chen, Lighthouse Financial and Host, Family Business Radio

Legacy Is More Than a Business – The real asset being transferred isn’t just ownership. It’s identity, values, and intent.
Succession Is a Conversation, Not a Conclusion – Families must start talking, even before they feel “ready,” to explore what a good transition looks like.
You Don’t Have to Become Them to Honor Them – Children don’t have to copy their parents’ careers to carry forward their values and legacy.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction to Family Business Radio
00:30 Andrea Carpenter’s Journey into Family Business
02:05 The Human Side of Family Business
12:38 Navigating Family Business Conflicts
26:15 Jamie Reynolds: Transitioning to Business 2.0
31:10 Believing in the Mission
31:38 Relaunching Reynolds CFO Services
32:55 Balancing Family and Business
33:04 Health Scare and Its Impact
33:43 The Flexibility of Business Ownership
37:04 Family Support and Early Return to Work
39:13 Client Success Stories
43:11 The Role of a Fractional CFO
46:57 Contact Information and Services
48:15 Words of Wisdom for Family Business Succession Planning
49:16 Legal Disclaimer and Closing Remarks

Andrea Carpenter, The Transition Strategists

Andrea Carpenter, Transition Strategists — **Andrea Carpenter, The Transition Strategists**

As President of The Transition Strategists, Andrea Carpenter specializes in guiding multi-generational families through complex business succession planning. Her unique perspective as both a successor in her family business and an advisor to transitioning families offers priceless information about the challenges faced by both generations.

Andrea excels at creating psychologically safe environments where families can navigate the delicate balance between preserving legacy and embracing innovation. As a certified XChange facilitator, she combines human-centered design principles with proven facilitation techniques to help clients transform business transitions into opportunities for deeper family connection.

The Transition Strategists is an international boutique consultancy headquartered in Denver, Colorado, with over 30 years of experience in business succession planning and transition strategies. The firm works with family and private business owners, their companies, and their families. They design dynamic, people-first succession plans, balance business objectives with family relationships, and create transition paths that sustain business success and launch leaders into new ventures.

Andrea LinkedIn | Company Website

Jamie Reynolds, Reynolds CFO Services, LLC

Jamie Reynolds is the founder and owner of Reynolds CFO Services, LLC. As the principal of the firm, Jamie specializes in providing financial services to small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), with a focus on financial planning and analysis (FP&A), bookkeeping, and grant writing

Reynolds CFO Services positions itself as a partner for business owners who need professional financial guidance but may not require a full-time, in-house CFO. The firm’s mission is to provide reliable, actionable financial insights and support, enabling clients to focus on running and growing their businesses. Reynolds CFO Services is renowned for its pragmatic approach and unwavering dedication to assisting clients in reaching their financial objectives.

Jamie LinkedIn | Company Website

Anthony Chen, Host of Family Business Radio

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

The Value of a Fractional CFO, with Lyle Newkirk, SeatonHill Partners

March 3, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

The Value of a Fractional CFO, with Lyle Newkirk, SeatonHill Partners

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The Value of a Fractional CFO, with Lyle Newkirk, SeatonHill Partners (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 850)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio hosted by John Ray, guest Lyle Newkirk from SeatonHill Partners discusses his extensive experience as a fractional CFO. Lyle explains the value of having a fractional executive for middle-market businesses, stressing the importance of preparation for mergers and acquisitions (M&A). Throughout the conversation, Lyle shares insights on various aspects of business finance, from operational improvements with AI to the importance of soft skills in connecting with business owners. The episode is filled with practical advice and real-world examples, showcasing the unique benefits of hiring a seasoned fractional CFO.

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

Lyle Newkirk, CFO Partner, SeatonHill

Lyle Newkirk is a CFO partner with SeatonHill. He has over 35 years of experience in CFO and executive finance roles. He has worked with public and private companies based both in the US and internationally, where he developed the strategies to achieve significant top-line revenue growth and helped to facilitate various successful acquisitions and strategic exits, including three exits to Fortune 500 companies. Lyle has extensive experience in technology companies in general and SaaS companies specifically. Lyle’s expertise also includes FP&A, growth planning and tactics, cash management, HR, sales operations, and regulatory compliance

SeatonHill provides organizations financial leadership with a strategic and operational focus by placing elite CFO talent to challenge the business and contribute to operational decisions to achieve results. With their curated talent, their financial leaders guide small and medium-sized businesses through complex financial problems to mitigate risk and achieve organizational goals.

SeatonHill is the fastest-growing CFO services firm in the nation, offering the power of combined thought leadership and the support of the country’s top financial talent to the benefit of all our clients. SeatonHill has offices in Boston, Dallas, Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Austin, Houston, New York, Atlanta, Chicago, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Diego, and Washington D.C.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
02:00 Meet Lyle Newkirk: Veteran CFO
04:02 The Role and Importance of a Fractional CFO
05:53 Soft Skills and Business Connection
08:06 Fractional Executive vs. Full-Time Employee
10:32 Leveraging Experience and Network
14:52 Middle Market Focus
16:23 Shift in Business Optimism
17:57 Preparing for M&A Transactions
19:18 Importance of Early Preparation
20:49 Navigating the LOI Process
24:29 Impact of AI on Finance
26:30 Success Stories in Business
29:37 Contact Information 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 850 shows 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 business by sharing positive business stories that traditional media ignore. Some media lean left. Some media lean right. We lean business.

**John Ray, North Fulton Business Radio, and Owner, Ray Business Advisors**

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 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.

The Role and Impact of a Fractional CFO, with Stan Alhadeff, Business CFO for Hire

March 3, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

The Role and Impact of a Fractional CFO, with Stan Alhadeff, Business CFO for Hire

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The Role and Impact of a Fractional CFO, with Stan Alhadeff, Business CFO for Hire (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 848)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray interviews Stan Alhadeff, an outside fractional CFO from Business CFO for Hire. Stan shares his journey from South Africa to the U.S. and how his personal circumstances led him to a career in financial management. He explains the concept of a fractional CFO, emphasizing the strategic and analytical support provided to businesses. Stan highlights the importance of communication and risk management in financial roles and shares success stories from his career, including turning around troubled companies. The episode also discusses the distinction between a CFO and a CPA, stressing the complementary nature of their roles.

Stan Alhadeff, Business CFO for Hire

Stan Alhadeff is a seasoned financial executive with over 30 years of international experience in financial and operational management. As a former corporate CFO, he has a proven track record of guiding companies through strategic growth, financial solvency, and successful exits. His expertise spans closely held companies, start-ups, nonprofit organizations (501(c)(3)), and public companies across diverse industries, including organizations with revenues exceeding $1 billion.

With 15+ years as a corporate CFO and 18 years as an outsourced/fractional CFO, Stan has played a pivotal role in leading four successful company exits. Known for his analytical, flexible, and creative problem-solving skills, he excels in business strategy development and financial leadership.

Stan’s academic credentials include degrees in Accounting, Auditing, and Taxation, along with two master’s degrees: an MAcc-equivalent (Accounting, Auditing, Taxation) and an MBA specializing in Corporate Strategy and Project Management. His depth of experience and strategic insight make him a trusted advisor to businesses seeking financial clarity and sustainable growth.

Website | LinkedIn

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
00:29 Guest Introduction: Stan Alhadeff
01:59 Stan’s Background and Journey
02:59 Understanding the Role of a Fractional CFO
04:41 Stan’s Career Path and Experiences
12:22 The Importance of Communication in Finance
16:11 Industry Specializations and Client Success Stories
28:52 Closing Remarks and Contact Information
29:36 Host’s Final Thoughts and Book Promotion

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

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

What’s the Difference Between a Profitability Coach and a Part-Time CFO?, with Bill McDermott, Host of ProfitSense

November 19, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

What's the Difference Between a Profitability Coach and a Part-Time CFO?, with Bill McDermott, Host of ProfitSense

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What’s the Difference Between a Profitability Coach and a Part-Time CFO?, with Bill McDermott, Host of ProfitSense

In a commentary from a recent episode of ProfitSense, Bill McDermott, The Profitability Coach, outlines the difference between a profitability coach and a part-time CFO, and the circumstances that necessitate hiring one or the other.

Bill’s commentary was taken from this episode of ProfitSense.

ProfitSense with Bill McDermott is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton affiliate of Business RadioX® in Alpharetta.

Transcript

What’s the difference between a profitability coach and a part-time CFO? We get that question a lot. Business owners often struggle with financial management, making external help crucial. Two common options are hiring a part-time CFO or a business profitability coach. Here are some main differences between the two to help you determine which one best fits your needs.

A part-time CFO specializes in financial management, such as budgeting, reporting, cash flow management, and strategic financial planning. They typically provide high-level financial insights and help with long-term financial strategy.

Meanwhile, a business profitability coach focuses on improving overall business profitability by optimizing processes, increasing sales, reducing costs, and enhancing operational efficiency. They focus on practical, actionable steps to improve day-to-day operations and drive immediate profitability gains.

Of course, there are differences in the engagement duration for each, as well as the cost. Part-time CFOs are often engaged on an ongoing basis to provide continuous financial oversight and strategic planning. They’re generally more expensive due to their specialized expertise and the comprehensive nature of their responsibilities.

Business profitability coaches are typically hired for projects to address specific profitability issues and implement improvement plans quickly. They are usually more affordable, focusing on immediate practical strategies.

If you’re struggling to manage the financial side of your business, get help today for more insight. Check out theprofitabilitycoach.net.

About ProfitSense and Your Host, Bill McDermott

ProfitSense with Bill McDermott dives into the stories behind some of Atlanta’s successful businesses and business owners and the professionals that advise them. This show helps local business leaders get the word out about the important work they’re doing to serve their market, their community, and their profession.

Follow this link to find the show archive.

The show is presented by The Profitability Coach. The Profitability Coach helps business owners improve cash flow and profitability, find financing, break through barriers to expansion, and financially prepare to exit their business.

Bill McDermott is the Founder and CEO of The Profitability Coach. 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, 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 Instagram and follow The Profitability Coach on LinkedIn.

Loren Funk | T L Funk Consulting

September 30, 2024 by Rose

North Georgia Business Radio

Loren Funk | T L Funk Consulting

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North Georgia Business Owners! Want expert advice to boost efficiency, streamline decision-making, and enhance the overall management of your small to medium-sized business — without the hefty price tag of a full-time CFO or COO? Then this episode of North Georgia Business Radio is for you!

Our special guest, Loren Funk, founder of T L Funk Consulting, brings a wealth of experience in business and consulting to the table.

With over 30 years at Longstreet Clinic, including roles as CFO and COO, Loren has immersed himself in the complexities of running a successful healthcare organization.

His expertise in team building, business operations, and transitioning from corporate to becoming a fractional COO and consultant makes him an invaluable resource to for any business owner looking to scale smarter.

Loren’s insights shed light on how businesses can leverage experienced professionals to take their operations to the next level. He also talks about how to ethically and gracefully transition from a corporate position to the role of consultant.

This Segment Is Brought To You By Our Amazing Sponsors

Hopewell Farms GA

Roundtable Advisors

RichLife Advisors

Regions Bank

Highlights Of The Show

00:00:33 – Loren’s Background and TL Funk Consulting
Phil discusses Loren’s background as a former COO at Longstreet Clinic and how he now runs TL Funk Consulting, helping small to medium-sized businesses improve operations and efficiency.

00:07:40 – Clarity is Kindness
Phil and Loren discuss the importance of clarity in business operations, emphasizing how it leads to a better experience for both the team and the patients in the healthcare industry.

00:10:38 – Fractional Work and Business Growth
The conversation shifts to the benefits of fractional executives for business growth, highlighting how it allows businesses to access high-level expertise and experience at a cost they can afford.

00:15:13 – Advantages of Fractional Consulting
Loren shares his experience transitioning to fractional work, expressing how it enables him to focus, dig deeper, and get more done for his clients, helping them solve specific business challenges.

00:16:57 – The Value of Fractional Positions
Loren discusses the benefits of hiring fractional positions, such as a CFO, for better output at a lower cost. Clients can avoid paying for unproductive time and benefit from specialists’ expertise.

00:19:29 – Exploring Business Opportunities
Phil and Loren discuss the impact of a Regions Greenprint plan on business growth. They emphasize the importance of team building and the value of outdoor team-building experiences for business teams.

00:21:39 – Consulting Examples
Loren shares examples of his consulting work, including conducting business assessments in the healthcare industry and evaluating the installation of expensive medical equipment. He also highlights his role in setting up business systems for a new company.

00:26:55 – Project Analysis in Healthcare
Loren discusses the importance of project-specific analysis in the healthcare industry, citing an example of saving a client from making a costly equipment purchase. He emphasizes the value of his expertise in making informed business decisions.

00:30:05 – Making the Leap into Consulting
Loren reflects on his transition from a corporate career to consulting, sharing his journey of prayerful consideration and the impact of major changes in the healthcare industry. He highlights the challenges and decisions involved in making a career transition.

00:32:35 – Managing Stress and Community Collaboration
Loren discusses the challenges of managing a high-stress situation during a community health crisis and the importance of collaboration between healthcare practitioners.

00:33:39 – Impact of Stress on Health
Loren shares how the stressful situation impacted his health and led to a serious medical condition, emphasizing the importance of managing stress for overall well-being.

00:36:25 – Open Communication and Trust in Leadership
The importance of open communication and trust in leadership is highlighted, as well as the need for employees to feel comfortable discussing potential career changes with their employers.

00:37:32 – Building Trust and Clarity in Leadership
The significance of building trust and providing clarity in leadership is emphasized, as well as the role of leaders in developing and supporting their employees’ career growth.

00:39:48 – Importance of Clarity and Communication
The conversation concludes with a focus on the importance of clarity in communication and the role of leaders in developing trust and supporting their employees’ career development.

Empowering Business Success, with Paris and James Williams, Next Level Financial

September 24, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Empowering Business Success, with Paris and James Williams, Next Level Financial

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Empowering Business Success, with Paris and James Williams, Next Level Financial (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 804)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray welcomes Paris and James Williams, co-founders of Next Level Financial, a fractional CFO firm. The discussion highlights the Williams’ journey from corporate careers to entrepreneurship, their approach to helping businesses with financial strategy, and the unique dynamics of working as a married couple. Key takeaways include the importance of financial clarity, proactive decision-making, and the role of fractional CFOs in scaling businesses.

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.

Paris and James Williams, Next Level Financial

Next Level Financial is a strategic financial consulting firm dedicated to helping service firms enhance their impact through effective financial planning and analysis. The company focuses on providing tailored financial solutions that empower businesses to achieve sustainable growth. By leveraging their expertise, Next Level Financial aims to simplify complex financial processes, allowing clients to concentrate on their core operations while ensuring their financial health is robust and well-managed.

The leadership team at Next Level Financial consists of Paris Williams and James Williams Jr., both of whom bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the firm. Paris serves as the co-founder and CEO, leading all operational aspects of the company with an emphasis on growth, goal-setting, and client support. She holds a bachelor’s degree from San Francisco State University and a Master’s degree from UC Berkeley. James, who is also a co-founder and serves as the lead CFO, holds the prestigious Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation. His passion lies in assisting mission-driven organizations in growing and operating more efficiently. James has extensive experience in accounting, investments, real estate development, and asset management.

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Paris LinkedIn | James LinkedIn

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
01:36 Meet Paris and James Williams
01:50 Next Level Financial: The Journey Begins
02:18 Balancing Family and Business
04:14 The Role of a Fractional CFO
06:57 Building Trust and Strategy
08:30 Recognizing the Need for Financial Guidance
22:31 Client Success Stories
29:39 How to Connect with Next Level Financial
30:27 Final Thoughts

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 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.

Renasant Bank supports the Georgia Alliance for Breast Cancer

Georgia Alliance for Breast Cancer (formerly It’s The Journey) is a registered 501c3 non-profit that strives to support Georgia’s breast cancer community by raising funds to support breast health and breast cancer programs throughout the state of Georgia.

GAABC’s mission is to engage with Georgia’s breast cancer community to increase access to care and reduce disparities in cancer outcomes.

Randi Passoff, a breast cancer survivor, founded GAABC in 2002. She created “the kinder and gentler breast cancer walk” based off the Avon 3-Day Breast Cancer Walk. Instead of a 3-day walk of 60 miles over 3 days and sleeping in a tent, the Georgia 2-Day Walk covers 30 miles over 2 days, and participants sleep in a hotel. Most importantly, what’s raised in Georgia stays in Georgia.

Renasant Bank is a major supporter of GAABC, both in corporately donated funds and employee donations and participation in the walk.

To learn more about GAABC and the 2-Day Walk, go to the GAABC Website.

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

Dr. Jacob Koch | Koch Orthodontics

September 16, 2024 by Rose

North Georgia Business Radio

Dr. Jacob Koch | Koch Orthodontics

00:00 /

What do Whack-A-Mole, Operating Systems, and Orthodontics have in common? Tune in to find out…

Ever feel like you’re playing a never-ending game of Whack-A-Mole in your business? You’re not alone. In this episode, host Phil Bonelli sits down with Dr. Jacob Koch of Koch Orthodontics to explore how implementing the right systems can transform your business from chaotic to controlled.

Dr. Koch shares his journey from overwhelmed orthodontist to empowered leader, revealing the pivotal role of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) in his practice’s growth.

Phil and Dr. Koch also discuss the power of clear communication, intentional purpose-driven culture building, and the importance of assembling the right team.

This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs and business leaders looking to streamline their operations, build a strong team culture, and achieve sustainable growth.

Dr. Koch’s insights offer a roadmap for transforming your business from reactive to proactive, ensuring you’re no longer at the mercy of the Whack-A-Mole game of business challenges.

Connect with Dr. Koch and Koch Orthodontics Team:

https://kochorthodontics.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Kochorthodontics/

https://www.instagram.com/kochorthodontics/

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:

00:00:36 – Importance of Trust in Orthodontics
Dr. Koch emphasizes the importance of trust in orthodontics and how their practice focuses on honest recommendations and transparent pricing to build trust with patients and their families.

00:04:30 – Establishing Trust and Honesty
Dr. Koch shares a story of recommending no treatment to a patient, which later proved to be the right decision, emphasizing the importance of genuine and honest recommendations to establish trust with patients and their families.

00:07:13 – Building a Positive Culture and Language
Dr. Koch discusses the importance of language in shaping the culture of the practice, emphasizing the use of positive language and the term “team” instead of “staff” to create a supportive and empowering environment.

00:10:05 – Implementing EOS in Business Operations
Dr. Koch explains the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) as a way to work on the business, not just in the business, and how it has helped create accountability and teamwork within the practice.

00:13:04 – Implementing the EOS Meeting System
Dr. Koch discusses the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) and its recommended 90-minute weekly meeting structure. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss and resolve business issues by creating actionable to-do items.

00:15:07 – Importance of an Intentional Business Operating System
Dr. Koch emphasizes the need for an intentional business operating system to address regular issues and improve the business. He shares the impact of implementing EOS and the importance of executive buy-in.

00:19:30 – Importance of Culture in Business
Phil and Dr. Koch discuss the significance of a strong company culture and the impact it has on the success of a business. They emphasize the need for intentionality in shaping and maintaining a positive culture.

00:21:16 – Integrating Philanthropy into Company Culture
Dr. Koch shares his involvement with Helping Mamas, a charity that provides baby supplies to mothers in need. He discusses how he integrates philanthropy into his company’s culture by requiring team members to volunteer at Helping Mamas.

00:25:34 – Benefits of Fractional CFOs
Dr. Koch discusses his introduction to the concept of fractional CFOs and the benefits of working with a fractional CFO like Doug Boucher. They touch on the value of having financial expertise to support business growth.

00:25:57 – The Need for C Suite Knowledge
Dr. Jacob Koch discusses the need for C suite knowledge in his business, but not yet ready for a full-time C suite officer due to financial constraints. He explains the value of a fractional CFO in bridging the gap.

00:26:45 – Importance of Different Perspectives
Dr. Koch emphasizes the importance of having a different perspective and insight in business. He highlights how the fractional CFO has brought a new level of maturity and responsibility to his business.

00:27:42 – An Experienced Executive’s Impact
The conversation delves into the benefits of having an experienced executive who has been there and done that, in addition to the financial aspect. Dr. Koch discusses the massive changes and enlightenment brought about by setting up the financial scaffolding.

00:32:26 – Letting Go and Trusting Others
Dr. Koch shares his experience of hiring an executive assistant to manage his email, highlighting the need to let go and trust others’ expertise. He emphasizes the importance of delegating tasks and allowing others to thrive in their areas of expertise.

00:38:05 – Openness to Guidance and Mentorship
The conversation touches on the significance of being open to guidance and mentorship, as well as the value of questioning one’s thinking. Dr. Koch and the host emphasize the necessity of humility and seeking advice from others.

00:40:06 – Building a Great Culture
Dr. Koch encourages listeners to invest in their operating system and build a great culture within their business, emphasizing that it is achievable.

00:40:13 – Highlighting Local Businesses
Phil encourages the audience to suggest local businesses to be highlighted on the show, promoting support for the local business community.

00:40:30 – Supporting Local Businesses
Phil reminds the audience to support local businesses, highlighting the importance of community support for small businesses.