Celebrating Small Business Month, with Tracey Grace, IBEX IT Business Experts, and Heather Demis, Anchor Marketing (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 95)
In honor of Small Business Month, this episode of the GNFCC 400 Insider features Tracey Grace, IBEX IT Business Experts, and Heather Demis, Anchor Marketing, two accomplished business owners in the North Fulton region. The discussion with host Kali Boatright revolves around their initial challenges, strategies for success, and the importance of community engagement and partnerships. Both share significant milestones, such as adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on business practices. Tracey announces her company’s global expansion, and Heather discusses her firm’s evolution into offering online stores and branding services. The episode emphasizes the value of utilizing local resources, like the Chamber, and underscores the impact of mentorship and continuous learning to achieve business success.
The GNFCC 400 Insider is presented by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce and produced by John Ray and the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.
Tracey Grace, IBEX IT Business Experts
Originally from New Jersey, Tracey attended the University of Pittsburgh, where she obtained her BA in Economics and Spanish and was then awarded a Graduate Tuition Fellowship to fully fund her MBA in Marketing, which she completed in 11 months. Before breaking into the technology industry by founding IBEX IT Business Experts in 2012, Tracey led successful sales teams at international corporations, including Learning Tree and FedEx.
At IBEX, Tracey helps organizations like NASA, the CDC, and Cox Communications implement IT solutions and train workers on innovative technologies. As a minority woman founder, Tracey knows that IBEX brings value beyond technology training; IBEX also serves a major need in connecting organizations with underrepresented groups. Although her professional expertise lies in IT solutions, government contracting and best practices, she is a uniquely powerful authority on topics like diversity, networking, and leadership.
In 2022, IBEX launched Certifiably Diverse, a new supplier of diversity software. Certifiably Diverse helps clients like the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) increase their supplier diversity by providing the smartest way to communicate, collaborate, and network with diverse suppliers. Additionally, IBEX has maintained its place on the Inc. 5000 list of Fastest-Growing Private Companies for 4 years straight and has won Greater North Fulton Small Business of the Year and the Georgia Fast 40 Award, given to the top 40 fastest growing Georgia based mid-market companies.
Tracey enjoys serving others and giving back. She serves on several non-profit boards, including North Fulton Community Charities and the Jane Addams Peace Association, and is Chair of the Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council’s Minority Business Input Committee, where she assists minority businesses throughout the state.
Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter) | Tracey’s LinkedIn
Heather Demis, Anchor Marketing
Heather Demis is the founder and president of Anchor Marketing, a branding and marketing firm she launched in 2005. With a passion for helping companies discover their unique voice, Heather has dedicated her career to creating impactful branding strategies.
Heather possesses a deep understanding of how messaging, color, and design influence corporate identity. She consistently crafts memorable campaigns that ensure businesses reach their target audiences and leave a lasting impression. Her expertise spans branding, commercial printing, and promotional products, enabling her to assist companies of all sizes in conveying their brand values with professionalism and trustworthiness. Heather’s work ultimately helps businesses attract more opportunities and achieve their growth goals.
Heather’s approach is rooted in treating her clients’ brands and businesses as her own. She is committed to meeting deadlines, respecting budgets, and delivering top-tier marketing solutions on time and within budget. Her mission is to help companies stand out in the marketplace with a consistent, professional image that fosters trust and reliability, reflecting the high level of service they provide.
Outside of her role at Anchor Marketing, Heather is a dedicated community member. She is an active member of the Rotary Club of Alpharetta, a Charter/Founding Board Member of the Alpharetta Chamber of Commerce, and a founder of the Business Alpharetta Roundtable (B.A.R.), a support network for female entrepreneurs.
Website | Instagram | Facebook | Heather’s LinkedIn
Topics Discussed in this Episode
00:00 Welcome to the GNFCC 400 Insider: Celebrating Small Business Month
01:42 Tracey Grace’s Journey: From Corporate America to Entrepreneurship
05:31 Heather Demis: The Birth of Anchor Marketing
07:54 Entrepreneurial Spirit: Born or Made?
10:06 Community Engagement: Beyond Business
13:20 Unique Business Strategies in North Fulton
14:51 The Unseen Competition: Thriving Through Referrals and Relationships
15:42 Navigating a Male-Dominated Industry: Strategies for Success
16:01 Leveraging Partnerships and Programs for Business Growth
18:40 The COVID-19 Pivot: Adapting and Innovating in Business
22:27 Global Expansion and Future Plans: A Sneak Peek
26:40 Strategic Advice for New Entrepreneurs: Insights from Experience
29:35 Closing Remarks and Contact Information
About GNFCC and The GNFCC 400 Insider
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.
Steve Zylstra serves as president and CEO of the Arizona Technology Council, a role he assumed in 2007. He is responsible for strategy, operations, finance and policy development. Zylstra is a vocal spokesman for the value technology can provide in raising social and economic standards in Arizona.
Karen Nowicki is a successful author, speaker and the creator of Deep Impact Leadership™ and SoulMarks Coaching™. She is a two-time recipient of the prestigious national Choice Award® for her book and personal development retreat. Karen was crowned the first-ever “Mompreneur of the Year” Award in 2010 for the southwestern states. She was recognized for her leadership, business acumen, and work-life balance.
Born in Phoenix, Arizona, Bianca Buliga is a trilingual first-generation American of Romanian ethnicity. A marketing professional with experience in both the nonprofit and for-profit sectors, Bianca currently works as Director, Marketing & Communications for the Arizona Technology Council.
