gwinnett business Archives - Page 2 of 19

Episode 8: The Global Business Playbook in the #1 State for Business

March 13, 2025 by Mike

Gwinnett Studio

Episode 8: The Global Business Playbook in the #1 State for Business

00:00 /

The Global Business Playbook in the #1 State for Business with Kristi Brigman and Trevor Williams

Welcome to today’s episode of Voice of Business, presented by Gwinnett Magazine! We’re thrilled to be joined by Kristi Brigman, Chief Economic Development Officer at the Metro Atlanta Chamber, and Trevor Williams, Managing Editor at Global Atlanta, for an insightful conversation on what makes Georgia the #1 state for business for the 11th year in a row. Our guests break down the impact of foreign direct investment, why exports matter for businesses of all sizes, and how initiatives like the Metro Export Challenge are helping small businesses expand internationally. Plus, we explore how companies can leverage consulates, embassies, and Atlanta’s diverse business ecosystem to compete on a global scale—all without leaving Metro Atlanta. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, business leader, or just curious about the future of global business in our region, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

In this Episode:

Guest Introduction 00:00
The Georgia Partnership Approach 01:35
FDI: Foreign Direct Investment 08:46
Existing Industries Leading Growth 16:21
Export Strategy – Why & How? 20:46
Utilizing Consulates & Embassies 30:30
Global Business Without Leaving Atlanta 36:35
Competitive Advantage of Diversity in Gwinnett 41:55
A Look to the Future 43:20

Resources & Links:

Kristi Brigman – LinkedIn

Metro Atlanta Chamber Website

Trevor Williams – LinkedIn

Global Atlanta Website

The “Gwinnett Chamber Voice of Business” Podcast is presented by Gwinnett Magazine and produced in partnership with Business RadioX. Hosted by President & CEO Nick Masino, this show features engaging fireside chats with prominent business leaders, offering invaluable insights into leadership, small business growth, economic development, and inclusive best practices in business.

Ashley Wynn with Outstanding Organizers and Lisa Thompson with Thompson Hypnotherapy

February 13, 2025 by Mike

Gwinnett Business Radio

Ashley Wynn with Outstanding Organizers and Lisa Thompson with Thompson Hypnotherapy

00:00 /

Harper Lebel, Lisa Thompson, Ashley Wynn, Steven Julian

Ashley Wynn/Outstanding Organizers

Outstanding Organizers specializes in creating organizing solutions that seamlessly integrate with your home’s design, transforming every corner of your space into a beautiful, functional haven. Whether it’s closets, playrooms, kitchens, pantries, garages, laundry rooms, or even your office, they offer tailored systems that suit your unique needs. Their personalized approach ensures each organizing plan is designed specifically for your space and lifestyle. With a keen eye for detail, they deliver a smooth and stress-free experience from consultation to completion. Imagine walking into a home or office that feels peaceful and tidy – where everything has its place, and you can focus on what matters most.

Lisa Thompson/Thompson Hypnotherapy

Thompson Hypnotherapy helps people improve, change, or replace their habits and behaviors in areas such as permanently losing weight, overcoming insomnia and improving sleep, reducing effects of stress and anxiety, improving performance, overcoming panic attacks, and moving past traumatic events just to name a few.

Episode 7: Celebrating Black Business Leaders: Leadership, Legacy & Impact with Tami Wilder and Lanier Levett

February 11, 2025 by Mike

Gwinnett Studio

Episode 7: Celebrating Black Business Leaders: Leadership, Legacy & Impact with Tami Wilder and Lanier Levett

00:00 /

Celebrating Black Business Leaders: Leadership, Legacy & Impact with Tami Wilder and Lanier Levett

Welcome to today’s episode of The Voice of Business, presented by Gwinnett Magazine! We’re thrilled to be joined by Tami Wilder, Co-CEO at Positive Impact International, and Lanier Levett, 2024 Board Chair and 3rd Generation Funeral Home Owner at Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Home & Crematory. Together, we explore the pivotal moments that shape leadership, the challenges businesses must prepare for, and the role of resilience in driving success. As we honor Black History Month, our guests offer personal reflections on its significance, highlight the role of allies in fostering inclusive business environments, and discuss how representation fuels stronger, more connected communities. From leadership growth to embracing diversity at every level, this conversation is filled with powerful insights—plus, we’ll dive into The Six Triple Eight, Tyler Perry’s latest film!

In this Episode:

Intro 00:00
Pivotal Moments that Shape You as a Leader 02:50
Business Challenges to Prepare for 09:55
What does Black History Month Mean to Me? 16:08
The Six Triple Eight Review 25:36
The Importance of Allies in Business 28:50
Being a Reflection of our Community 39:27
Advice to the Younger Generation 48:49

Resources & Links:

The Positive Impact – Website

Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Home & Crematory – Website

The Gwinnett Chamber’s “Voice of Business” Podcast is presented by Gwinnett Magazine and produced in partnership with Business RadioX. Hosted by President & CEO Nick Masino, this show features engaging fireside chats with prominent business leaders, offering invaluable insights into leadership, small business growth, economic development, and inclusive best practices in business.

Episode 6: Business Trends to Look For in 2025

January 16, 2025 by Mike

Gwinnett Studio

Episode 6: Business Trends to Look For in 2025

00:00 /

Workplace Evolution in 2025 with Fred Dawkins and Jeff Spence: Trends in Culture, AI Innovation, Legal Shifts, and More

Welcome to today’s episode of Voice of Business, presented by Gwinnett Magazine. We’re thrilled to be joined by Fred Dawkins, Owner at Frederick C. Dawkins, Esq., P.C., and Jeff Spence, Founder and CEO at WithFuel, for an in-depth discussion on the dynamic shifts shaping the workplace in 2025. Together, we’ll explore the evolution of workplace culture, the growing complexity of management, and the transformative impact of AI innovation. This episode also covers timely legal and business topics such as recent rulings on salary thresholds and non-compete agreements, the rising use of fractional employees, and strategies for leveraging remote work to solve complex challenges. Whether you’re leading a startup, managing a team, or running a large organization, this episode is filled with actionable insights to help you thrive in the year ahead.

In this Episode:

Intro 00:00
Trends in Workplace Culture in 2025 03:35
Calling Employees Back to the Office 03:40
There Should be Complexity to your Management 08:36
Knowing How to Manage People 13:00
Utilizing Fractional Employees as a Small Business 19:14
How Will AI Impact the Workplace? 21:15
Salary Threshold Increase Struck Down in Texas 29:55
Non-Compete Ban Blocked Nationwide 31:24
Immigration Enforcement in the Workplace Ramped Up 39:50
Using Remote Opportunities and AI to Solve Problems 43:40

Resources & Links:

Jeff Spence – LinkedIn

Unconstrained: Fueling Opportunities & Unsucking Your Business by Jeff Spence

Fred Dawkins – LinkedIn

Frederick C. Dawkins, Esq. – Website

Sherwin Levinson with MRC-GEM and Kristi Gorinas with Healthy Coverage for Life

January 9, 2025 by Mike

Gwinnett Business Radio

Sherwin Levinson with MRC-GEM and Kristi Gorinas with Healthy Coverage for Life

00:00 /

Sherwin Levinson/MRC-GEM

MRC GEM is an all-volunteer nonprofit whose mission is to augment community health operations during large-scale emergencies, aid response to pressing health care needs, and improve community emergency preparedness. They serve Georgia’s Gwinnett, Newton, and Rockdale Counties, a highly-diverse population of well over 1.2 million people. COVID is a perfect example of when their help was needed as their volunteers provided over 17,000 hours of support, helping with 375,000 vaccinations and tests. They’ve assisted with hurricane evacuation shelters, TB testing, distributing Narcan kits, providing first aid stations at public events, among many other functions. With over 1,300 volunteers who either have an
active healthcare license or a current background check, their work has received awards and special recognition from GNR Public Health, the Gwinnett County Commission, the Georgia State Legislature, FEMA, and the U.S. Surgeon General.

Kristi Gorinas/Healthy Coverage for Life

Healthy Coverage for Life is a boutique health insurance agency focusing on customized plans that meet health needs and budget. They are experts in health, life insurance, living benefits, and long term health insurance, retirement planning, annuities, college funds and more.

Episode 5: New Year, New Leadership

December 19, 2024 by Mike

Gwinnett Studio

Episode 5: New Year, New Leadership

00:00 /

New Year, New Leadership with Dr. Darice Irby and Rick Packer: Common Leadership Lessons, Navigating Change Management, Combating Burnout, and More

Welcome to today’s episode of “The Voice of Business” presented by Gwinnett Magazine, where we’re thrilled to have Dr. Darice Irby, Owner of Thriving Partners LLC, and Rick Packer, Principal Consultant at The Table Group, joining us for an inspiring conversation led by Nick Masino, President and CEO of the Gwinnett Chamber. Together, they’ll dive into the art of authentic leadership, strategies for preventing burnout, the transformative impact of AI innovation, and how to choose the right mentor to guide your leadership journey. Whether you’re a seasoned executive or a new leader, this episode is packed with actionable insights to inspire your growth in the new year.

In this Episode:

Intro 00:00
Common Leadership Lessons in 2024 03:18
Navigating Change Management 09:20
How Leaders can Prioritize their Growth & Development 10:50
Advice on Choosing a Mentor 14:30
Strategies to Combat Burnout 24:32
Advice for New Leaders 34:08

Resources & Links:

Dr. Darice Irby – LinkedIn

Thriving Partners LLC Website

Rick Packer – LinkedIn

The Table Group Website

Lela Dinakaran with Bojangles and Freda Kalina & Alicia Payne with Buford Business Alliance

November 14, 2024 by Mike

Gwinnett Business Radio

Lela Dinakaran with Bojangles and Freda Kalina & Alicia Payne with Buford Business Alliance

00:00 /

Lela Dinakaran, Alicia Payne, and Freda Kalina

Lela Dinakaran/Bojangles

Bojangles is a Carolina-born restaurant chain specializing in craveable Southern chicken, biscuits, and tea made fresh daily from real recipes, and with a friendly smile. Founded in 1977 as a single location in Charlotte, their beloved brand continues to grow nationwide. Their guests are at the forefront of everything they do. In addition to serving up flavorful food, they’re committed to doing good in the communities they serve. Fans from all over know Bojangles for their catchy tagline – “It’s Bo Time!”

Freda Kalina & Alicia Payne/Buford Business Alliance

The Buford Business Alliance is a non-profit organization that brings together the citizens, city leaders, civic organizations, and the businesses of Buford in a communal spirit. They work together through their festivals, events, and other marketing opportunities to promote business and tourism in Buford.

Gwinnett Business Radio is presented by

Episode 4: Small Business, Big Goals

November 14, 2024 by Mike

Gwinnett Studio

Episode 4: Small Business, Big Goals

00:00 /

Building Big Goals with Joy Mitchell and Charbel Aoun: From Gwinnett Roots to Entrepreneurial Impact and Community Collaboration

Welcome to today’s episode of “The Voice of Business”, where we’re thrilled to have Joy Mitchell, CEO/Owner of Office Creations, and Charbel Aoun, Founding Executive Director of the Georgia First Generation Foundation, sharing their journeys and insights in a conversation led by Deirdra Cox, Executive Director of the Gwinnett Chamber Foundation.

Both proud Gwinnettians, Joy and Charbel dive into the highs and challenges of starting a business, the essential differences between sponsorship and mentorship, and how for-profit and non-profit organizations can work together to make a real impact. Plus, we’ll talk about the power of a BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal), find inspiration in Kung Fu Panda quotes, and hear what’s kept these leaders motivated as they turn their visions into reality. Tune in for an inspiring mix of grit, goals, and Gwinnett pride!

In this Episode:

Intro 00:00
What prompted Charbel to start his non-profit? 02:02
The Leap of Faith 05:45
Gotta Have A B.H.A.G. (Big Hairy Audacious Goal) 05:45
Breaking Barriers for Women in Business 07:58
Early Challenges in Starting a Business 11:27
Strategies for Business Growth & Partnerships 15:49
How to create an Impact as a for-profit business? 20:20
Advice for Others Starting their own Business 23:08
What does the future hold for business? 26:07
How can for-profits & non-profits partner together in 2025? 30:00

Resources & Links:

Joy Mitchell – LinkedIn

Office Creations Website

Re:Creations Website

Charbel Aoun – LinkedIn

Georgia First Gen Foundation Website

Beth Coffey with Southwest Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce and Ray Godleski with Southeast Wealth Partners

October 24, 2024 by Mike

Gwinnett Business Radio

Beth Coffey with Southwest Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce and Ray Godleski with Southeast Wealth Partners

00:00 /

Beth Coffey/Southwest Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce

The Southwest Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce is a membership organization that exists to form partnerships among businesses, non-profits, and government leadership to positively impact the people they serve – their communities of Berkeley Lake, Norcross, and Peachtree Corners.