John Ray Archives - Page 16 of 68

Lessons in Pricing, Value, and Funk, with Chris Lalomia, The Trusted Toolbox

February 5, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

Lessons in Pricing, Value, and Funk, with Chris Lalomia, The Trusted Toolbox

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Lessons in Pricing, Value, and Funk, with Chris Lalomia, The Trusted Toolbox (The Price and Value Journey, Episode 121)

In this episode of The Price and Value Journey, host John Ray chats with Chris Lalomia, owner of The Trusted Toolbox, the largest handyman service in Atlanta and in the top three nationwide. Chris discusses his journey from a successful corporate career to entrepreneurship, highlighting the challenges and insights he gained from starting his business from scratch. They discuss the importance of self-awareness, overcoming funks, and the impact of pricing and value on business success. Chris also highlights the significance of mentorship, setting the right prices, and recognizing the value delivered to customers. His insights include the necessity of understanding one’s business costs, process development, and customer relationships, culminating in the personal growth and business achievements he’s made.

The Price and Value Journey is presented by John Ray and produced by the North Fulton affiliate of Business RadioX®.

Chris Lalomia, Founder and CEO, The Trusted Toolbox

Chris Lalomia is the CEO of The Trusted Toolbox. He also hosts the Small Business Safari podcast and is the author of the book From the Zoo to the Wild: Your Guide to Entrepreneurial Freedom and Wealth.

Chris Lalomia is a successful entrepreneur and change leader who has built on his experience working with the largest companies in America to start his own business from scratch. He brings his unique style to leadership to build a culture of professionalism in the blue-collar world of home renovations. He left the corporate zoo, ventured into the entrepreneurial wild and started The Trusted Toolbox: Home Repair and Projects in 2008. YES, he started a business right before the Great Recession, so he admits that timing the market is not his strength. He survived through that time and has grown his business into a multimillion-dollar handyman and remodeling company, which has won numerous awards in Atlanta, GA.

Chris is originally from Jackson, MI, and he uses his hand to show where he lives. He went to college and earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering. His path to business ownership was similar to most people’s journey to their current position… spinning and winding… His first engineering job was at Curtiss-Wright Flight Systems making airplane parts, but soon realizing he needed to add some other business skills to his resume, he joined Accenture and began working with large banks to help them merge, which led him to SunTrust (now Truist), where he transformed the commercial loan operations department… That meandering path led him to leap into starting his own business, The Trusted Toolbox, in 2008.

Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

The Trusted Toolbox

The Trusted Toolbox is a leading provider of professional handyman services and home remodeling solutions in the Metro Atlanta area. With over 15 years of experience serving over 16,000 homeowners, the company specializes in a wide range of home repair and improvement projects, including kitchen and bathroom remodels, basement renovations, deck repairs, door replacements, and wood rot repair.

Committed to delivering exceptional results with a customer-centric approach, The Trusted Toolbox employs a team of skilled professionals who are fully insured, background checked, and dedicated to ensuring 100% customer satisfaction. The company’s local expertise, efficiency, and attention to detail have earned it numerous awards and accolades, solidifying its reputation as a trusted partner for homeowners in Alpharetta, Atlanta, Athens, and the surrounding areas.

Website | Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome to Chris Lalomia
00:50 Corporate Life to Entrepreneurship
01:29 The Zoo Metaphor
02:44 Challenges of Leaving Corporate
07:27 Mindset Shifts and Skill Development
16:14 Mentorship and Networking
21:52 Pricing Strategies and Value
29:32 Customer Willingness to Pay for Convenience
29:42 Understanding Millennial and Gen X Mindsets
30:49 The Shift from DIY to Outsourcing
33:41 Training Employees to Reflect Company Values
35:39 The Importance of Reviews and Customer Feedback
40:17 Overcoming Business Challenges and Personal Funk
51:53 Future Goals and Business Expansion
54:59 Conclusion and Contact Information

About The Price and Value Journey

The title of this show describes the journey all professional service providers are on: building a services practice by seeking to convince the world of the value we offer, helping clients achieve the outcomes they desire, and trying to do all that at pricing that reflects the value we deliver.

If you feel like you’re working too hard for too little money in your solo or small firm practice, this show is for you. Even if you’re reasonably happy with your practice, you’ll hear ways to improve both your bottom line and the mindset you bring to your business.

The show is hosted and produced by John Ray and the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®. The show can also be found on all the major podcast apps. The complete show archive is here.

John Ray, Host of The Price and Value Journey

John Ray, Author of The Generosity Mindset and Host of "The Price and Value Journey" — John Ray, Author of *The Generosity Mindset* and Host of *The Price and Value Journey*

John Ray is the host of The Price and Value Journey.

John owns Ray Business Advisors, a business advisory practice. John’s services include business coaching and advisory work, as well as advising solopreneurs and small professional services firms on their pricing. John is passionate about the power of pricing for business owners, as changing pricing is the fastest way to change the profitability of a business. His clients are professionals who are selling their expertise, such as attorneys, CPAs, accountants and bookkeepers, consultants, coaches, marketing professionals, and other professional services practitioners.

In his other business, John is a podcast show host and producer and owns the North Fulton (Georgia) affiliate of Business RadioX®. John and his team work with B2B professionals to create and conduct their own podcast using The Generosity Mindset™ Method: building and deepening relationships in a non-salesy way that translates into revenue for their business.

John is also the host of North Fulton Business Radio. 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 its region like no one else.

John’s book, The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices

John is the #1 national best-selling author of The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices.

If you are a professional services provider, your goal is to do transformative work for clients you love working with and get paid commensurate with the value you deliver to those clients. While negative mindsets can inhibit your growth, adopting a different mindset, The Generosity Mindset™, can replace those self-limiting beliefs. The Generosity Mindset enables you to diagnose and communicate the value you deliver to clients and, in turn, more effectively price to receive a portion of that value.

Whether you’re a consultant, coach, marketing or branding professional, business advisor, attorney, CPA, or work in virtually any other professional services discipline, your content and technical expertise are not proprietary. What’s unique, though, is your experience and how you synthesize and deliver your knowledge. What’s special is your demeanor or the way you deal with your best-fit clients. What’s invaluable is how you deliver great value by guiding people through massive changes in their personal lives and in their businesses that bring them to a place they never thought possible.

The combination of all these elements is quite different for you compared to any other service provider in your industry. Therein lies your value, but it’s not the value you see. It’s the value your best-fit customers see in you.

If pricing your value feels uncomfortable or unfamiliar to you, this book will teach you why putting a price on the value your clients perceive and identify serves both them and you, and you’ll learn the factors involved in getting your price right.

The book is available at all major physical and online book retailers worldwide. Follow this link for further details.

Connect with John Ray:

Website | LinkedIn | Twitter

Business RadioX®: LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Rebuilding Life After Gray Divorce, with Author Pat Fenner

February 4, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Rebuilding Life After Gray Divorce, with Author Pat Fenner

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Rebuilding Life After Gray Divorce, with Author Pat Fenner (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 841)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray speaks with Pat Fenner, a podcast producer, author, and host of the Silver Women, Bright Future podcast. Pat shares her personal journey through a gray divorce and how she transitioned this experience into a mission to support other women going through similar challenges. She discusses her book, Rebuilding Your Life After a Gray Divorce: A Path to Healing, Significance, and Joy, and highlights strategies for overcoming financial setbacks, rebuilding self-image, and finding gratitude amidst turmoil. The conversation also covers Pat’s work in podcast production and financial advisory, emphasizing the critical need for financial literacy and emotional support for women in midlife transitions.

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.

Pat Fenner, Author and Podcaster

Pat Fenner is a devoted advocate for personal transformation and healing. As an accomplished author and podcast producer, Pat has dedicated her career to empowering women, particularly those navigating the challenging waters of post-divorce life. In her latest book, Rebuilding Your Life After a Gray Divorce: A Path to Healing, Significance, and Joy, Pat draws on her own experiences and years of mentoring to offer a lifeline to women struggling to find their footing after a “gray divorce.”

With a compassionate voice and a deep understanding of the emotional and spiritual upheavals faced in later-life separations, Pat has crafted the STRENGTHS framework. This guide is designed to help women savor simplicity, rebuild trust, and embrace a future filled with peace, purpose, and joy. Her approach is deeply practical, rooted in real-life stories, biblical wisdom, and actionable strategies encouraging women to reclaim their lives and rediscover joy.

Beyond her writing, Pat produces the engaging and insightful podcast Silver Women, Bright Future which serves as a platform to discover resilience, healing, and personal growth. She aims to inspire listeners to move forward with grace and strength. Whether through her book or her podcasts, Pat Fenner is passionate about helping others rewrite their stories, proving that the journey doesn’t end post-divorce—it transforms.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
01:56 Guest Introduction: Pat Fenner
02:37 Pat’s Journey into Podcasting
03:52 Experiencing and Overcoming Gray Divorce
06:32 Rebuilding Life After Divorce
11:01 Challenges and Commonalities in Gray Divorce
15:40 Rebuilding Trust and Moving Forward
20:32 Moving On from Divorce
21:04 The Healing Power of Writing and Podcasting
23:45 Empowering Women Through Coaching
25:27 Financial Challenges of Gray Divorce
27:19 The Emotional Journey of Financial Planning
30:34 Maintaining Stamina and Self-Care
33:57 Sharing Stories of Healing and Transformation
37:37 Connecting with Pat Fenner

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 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 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.

Empowering Intellectually and Developmentally Disabled Adults, with Meg Blackwood, InCommunity

January 29, 2025 by John Ray

Empowering Intellectually and Developmentally Disabled Adults: A Conversation with Meg Blackwood, CEO of InCommunity

North Fulton Business Radio

Empowering Intellectually and Developmentally Disabled Adults, with Meg Blackwood, InCommunity

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Empowering Intellectually and Developmentally Disabled Adults: A Conversation with Meg Blackwood, CEO of InCommunity (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 840)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray speaks with Meg Blackwood, CEO of InCommunity, about the organization’s mission to support intellectually and developmentally disabled adults. Meg shares her passion for the cause, driven by a personal connection, and discusses the variety of services InCommunity offers, including residential care, employability programs, day services, and the unique host program. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by the intellectually disabled adult population, especially in terms of affordable housing and the need for robust support networks. Meg highlights the significant contributions of direct support professionals (DSPs) and calls for increased community support through donations, volunteer opportunities, and corporate partnerships. Listen to learn about the impactful work of InCommunity and how you can get involved.

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.

Meg Blackwood, CEO, InCommunity

Meg Blackwood is the CEO of InCommunity, a leading Atlanta-based non-profit organization with a 45-year legacy dedicated to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. With over two decades of experience advising and defending a wide range of entities, from governmental bodies to Fortune 500 corporations, Meg brings a wealth of expertise to her leadership role at InCommunity.

Before joining InCommunity, Meg had a distinguished career in the legal sector. She began as an Associate Attorney, spending 13 years in private practice at various Atlanta law firms.

In 2015, she was recruited by Colonial Pipeline Company as its employment counsel. Her ability to remain composed under pressure and her strategic approach to crisis management led to her rapid advancement within the company, culminating in her role as Deputy General Counsel. During her tenure, Meg was instrumental in guiding Colonial Pipeline through multiple high-profile challenges, including two major pipeline incidents, and navigating complex government investigations. Her hands-on approach and dedication to field teams earned her the respect and trust of colleagues across the organization.

In 2021, Meg was tasked with establishing Colonial’s Public Affairs function, focusing on building and maintaining trusted partnerships within the communities served by the company. She spearheaded the company’s charitable contributions program, managing the distribution of approximately $1,000,000 in grants annually. In this role, she engaged directly with community leaders and non-profit organizations to identify challenges and develop effective support strategies. Meg also served as a spokesperson for Colonial, representing the company to the media, government officials, and the public.

Meg holds a degree from the College of William and Mary and earned her J.D. from Emory University School of Law. She resides in Buckhead with her husband, Lanny, a teacher and coach at Greater Atlanta Christian School, and their three children: Land (16), Margaret Bailey (12), and Ridge (10). Outside of her professional endeavors, Meg enjoys traveling with her family, especially to the beach, cooking, and volunteering in her community. She and her family are active members of Peachtree Road United Methodist Church.

InCommunity

Originally founded in 1979, InCommunity, a non-profit agency headquartered in Atlanta, was created to provide community-based services and support to people with disabilities and their families.

For almost 35 years, InCommunity has been embracing the abilities in all of us, building an outstanding reputation in Georgia for innovative programs and willingness to take on challenging support situations for people in their communities.

Currently, InCommunity has more than 650 employees who provide all levels of support in the community to people with a variety of needs, including residential support, employment services, respite care, family support, in-home care, and day programs.

To date, InCommunity has provided support and service to more than 10,000 Georgian community members.

Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
01:41 Guest Introduction: Meg Blackwood
01:56 Meg Blackwood’s Background and Role
03:38 Challenges Faced by Intellectually Disabled Adults
06:28 InCommunity’s History and Services
08:30 Residential Care and Housing Challenges
10:57 Employment and Day Programs
13:12 Volunteer and Corporate Partnerships
15:21 Future Goals and Community Engagement
21:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

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.

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.

Scaling with Distributed Remote Teams, with Adam Houlahan, Prominence Global

January 29, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

Scaling with Distributed Remote Teams, with Adam Houlahan, Prominence Global

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Scaling with Distributed Remote Teams, with Adam Houlahan, Prominence Global (The Price and Value Journey, Episode 120)

In this episode of The Price and Value Journey, host John Ray interviews Adam Houlahan, CEO of Prominence Global, about building and scaling businesses with remote teams. Adam, a LinkedIn expert and author of The Distributed Teams Blueprint, shares insights from his experience in creating a globally distributed team. He discusses the challenges, and solutions of managing remote teams, including cybersecurity, cultural differences, and maintaining trust. The episode also highlights the benefits of leveraging remote team members, such as cost savings and access to a broader talent pool. Adam further discusses strategies for effective team communication, the role of technology and AI, and tips for business owners looking to expand globally.

The Price and Value Journey is presented by John Ray and produced by the North Fulton affiliate of Business RadioX®.

Adam Houlahan, CEO, Prominence Global

Adam Houlahan is a renowned LinkedIn expert and entrepreneur who has made significant contributions to digital marketing and business strategy. In 2014, he founded Prominence Global, an award-winning agency dedicated to developing cutting-edge lead generation and personal branding strategies. The agency was recently voted Australia’s most Innovative Social Media Marketing Agency for 2024 in the Australian Enterprise Awards.

He is a prestigious Top Voice on LinkedIn and an international keynote speaker specializing in LinkedIn strategies for entrepreneurs. Houlahan has authored four Amazon bestselling books, including Social Media Secret Sauce, The LinkedIn Playbook, and Influencer. His latest book, The Distributed Teams Blueprint: Leveraging Remote Teams to Scale Your Business, provides insights into effectively managing and integrating distributed teams. Prominence Global also hosts the world’s largest free online LinkedIn training event, which attracted over fifteen thousand registrants in 2024 and is considered one of the most impactful training events for leveraging LinkedIn for business.

Prominence Global

Prominence Global, founded in 2014, helps clients establish themselves as industry leaders on LinkedIn. In 2024, the company launched Remote Team Connect, enabling businesses to build distributed global teams at 75% less cost than hiring for similar roles in Western countries. Prominence Global, dedicated to authenticity, transparency, and integrity, creates intelligent lead generation strategies that effectively navigate the complexity of social media. Ethics are embedded in its DNA, ensuring that marketing efforts align with principled business practices. The company prioritizes continuous improvement through innovation and tailors its solutions to meet the specific needs of each client, instead of providing generic programs.

With a belief in the power of entrepreneurs to drive meaningful change, Prominence Global creates powerful LinkedIn presences that expand and accelerate clients’ global footprints. By 2025, the company is set to surpass 12 million global impacts created. Prominence Global provides the LinkedIn La Carte Program, the LinkedIn Corporate Program, and the Remote Team Connect Program to assist businesses in optimizing their LinkedIn strategy and expanding their global reach. Each program delves deeply, utilizing a cutting-edge, results-driven methodology to construct high-performing lead-generation sales funnels across various industries. Additionally, the company provides affordable, highly functional distributed teams worldwide, helping businesses scale efficiently.

Company website | LinkedIn

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome to The Price and Value Journey
00:41 Meet Adam Houlahan, Prominence Global
02:47 The Inspiration Behind the Book
04:20 Transition to a Fully Remote Team
08:45 Building Effective Remote Teams
17:59 Overcoming Challenges in Remote Work
25:53 Cybersecurity in Remote Teams
30:32 Maintaining Trust and Relationships
34:59 Leveraging AI and Future Trends
38:36 About Prominence Global and Services
43:34 Conclusion and Contact Information

About The Price and Value Journey

The show is hosted and produced by John Ray and the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®. The show can also be found on all the major podcast apps. The complete show archive is here.

John Ray, Host of The Price and Value Journey

John Ray is the host of The Price and Value Journey.

John’s book, The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices

John is the #1 national best-selling author of The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices.

The book is available at all major physical and online book retailers worldwide. Follow this link for further details.

Connect with John Ray:

Website | LinkedIn | Twitter

Business RadioX®: LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Streamlining Staffing Management, with Omer Mutaqi, BuraqHR

January 23, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Streamlining Staffing Management, with Omer Mutaqi, BuraqHR

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Streamlining Staffing Management, with Omer Mutaqi, BuraqHR (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 839)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray welcomes Omer Mutaqi, CEO of BuraqHR, to discuss the intricacies of HR managed services and staffing. Omer explains the concept of Vendor Management Services (VMS) and how BuraqHR specializes in serving small to midsized companies by centralizing their HR processes. The conversation delves into Omer’s career journey, the competitive landscape of HR services, and how BuraqHR enhances efficiency and compliance for its clients. They also explore the benefits these services bring to businesses expanding internationally. The episode highlights client success stories and offers insights on how BuraqHR saves companies time and money.

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.

Omer Mutaqi, Chief Executive Officer, BuraqHR

Omer Mutaqi

Omer Mutaqi is a highly accomplished business leader with 20+ years of experience in recruitment.

Omer climbed the ranks from Head of Recruiting to Regional Manager and eventually became Managing Director—East Coast at Horizon Staffing. Omer‘s expertise lies in understanding business needs, ensuring customer satisfaction, and sourcing top-notch candidates, primarily in the aerospace, medical device, energy, and healthcare industries along the East Coast.

In 2011, he co-founded MY HR, where he streamlined processes, introduced new vendors, and implemented a successful social media marketing strategy. Now, as CEO of BuraqHR (Talent Acquisition MSP), Omer is building a diverse team of leaders across the USA to elevate MY HR and BuraqHR to greater heights. Omer‘s dedication extends to his involvement as a board member at USPAACC-SE, marketing team chair at TAG DE&I, and mentor at SCORE-Atlanta, GA.

BuraqHR

BuraqHR is a Contingent Workforce Managed Service Provider (MSP) that specializes in simplifying and managing all aspects of contingent workforce programs. With over 25 years of industry expertise, BuraqHR offers comprehensive solutions, including talent sourcing, vendor management, compliance, onboarding, time tracking, payroll, and invoicing, all consolidated under one platform.

As an NSMDC-certified Minority and Women-owned business, the company focuses on supporting small to mid-size programs ranging from $3 million to $25 million. Buraq HR partners with rigorously vetted local vendors who bring a deep understanding of regional labor markets and utilizes an advanced recruitment technology ecosystem to optimize total talent strategies. With global capabilities, Buraq HR delivers efficiency and exceptional service tailored to meet the unique needs of its clients.

Website | LinkedIn

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
01:34 Guest Introduction: Omer Mutaqi
01:48 About BuraqHR
02:53 Omer’s Career Journey
03:54 Challenges in HR and Staffing
04:29 Vendor Management Services Explained
22:21 Client Success Stories
25:33 Contact Information and Closing Remarks
26:24 Final Thoughts and Thank You

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.

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

Enhancing Beauty, with Dr. Stephanie Farber, Stephanie Farber Plastic Surgery

January 21, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Enhancing Beauty, with Dr. Stephanie Farber, Stephanie Farber Plastic Surgery

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Enhancing Beauty, with Dr. Stephanie Farber, Stephanie Farber Plastic Surgery (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 838)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray welcomes Dr. Stephanie Farber, a plastic surgeon who shares her journey and insights into the world of plastic surgery. Dr. Farber discusses her partnership with Thrive Medical Spa, the extensive training required to become a plastic surgeon, and the importance of personalized care. She also highlights various procedures, from breast reduction to facial rejuvenation, and emphasizes the need for natural, timeless results over trendy body modifications. Dr. Farber’s commitment to enhancing her patients’ inner and outer beauty is evident through her sharing of inspiring success stories and practical advice for those contemplating plastic surgery.

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.

Dr. Stephanie Farber, Stephanie Farber Plastic Surgery

Dr. Stephanie Farber is a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the face, breasts, and body.

She has an eye for beauty that has been refined through her training in plastic surgery and the fine arts. Dr. Farber is committed to making all of her patients look and feel their best. She derives profound joy and fulfillment from seeing her patients glowing with renewed confidence following their treatments.

Patients of Dr. Farber appreciate her passion for the art of plastic surgery and her ability to make her patients feel comfortable and confident. She is kind, talented, meticulous, and is known for her attention to detail, listening ear and aesthetic eye. Her goal is to earn her patients’ trust by being their advocate, confidante, and cheerleader.

Though her aesthetic eye has been finely tuned to recognize perfect symmetry, balance, and proportions, Dr. Farber distinguishes herself from fellow plastic surgeons in her ability to tailor her surgical plan to her individual patients’ goals. She makes it her mission to listen to and appreciate each patient’s vision and to carefully plan and execute her operations to make this vision a reality.

As a surgeon, Dr. Farber has extensive experience in aesthetic plastic surgery, including breast surgery, body contouring, and facial plastic surgery, as well as in reconstructive surgery, including breast cancer reconstruction and skin cancer reconstruction. Her colleagues know her for her “extraordinary work ethic,” “sunny disposition,” and “excellent technical abilities.”

She has been recognized as one of the Atlantan/Modern Luxury’s Top Doctors, Castle Connelly’s Rising Stars and Best Plastic Surgeon in Sandy Springs and Buckhead for the past four years.

Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
00:28 Meet Dr. Stephanie Farber
02:00 The Journey to Becoming a Plastic Surgeon
05:05 Starting a New Practice with Thrive Medical Spa
07:49 Understanding Plastic Surgery Procedures
09:38 Breast Reduction Surgery Insights
13:00 Facial Surgery and Aesthetic Goals
15:57 Weight Loss and Skin Removal Surgeries
17:11 Recovery and Pain Management
17:47 Dr. Farber’s Media Contributions
19:40 Trends and Technology in Plastic Surgery
23:06 Success Stories and Patient Experiences
25:55 How to Get in Touch with Dr. Farber
26:44 Closing Remarks and Additional Resources

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.

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

Building a Healthy Corporate Culture, with Andy Kalajian, Fort Leadership and Sales Consulting

January 14, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Building a Healthy Corporate Culture, with Andy Kalajian, Fort Leadership and Sales Consulting

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Building a Healthy Corporate Culture, with Andy Kalajian, Fort Leadership and Sales Consulting (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 837)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray welcomes Andy Kalajian, founder and CEO of Fort Leadership and Sales Consulting. Andy shares insights into personal and professional development, emphasizing the importance of building a healthy corporate culture one character at a time. They discuss the significance of intentional growth, the process of selecting the right people for leadership development, and the value of authentic, relationship-based leadership. Andy also shares a success story and provides tips on how organizations can foster a culture of continuous improvement and leadership excellence.

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.

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

Andy Kalajian is the Founder and President of Fort Leadership and Sales Consulting, based in Alpharetta, GA. Andy founded Fort Leadership in 2019 after a 33-year career in Medical Device Sales and Marketing Leadership; 25 of those years were with Zimmer (NYSE ZBH) formerly a division of Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE BMY).

Andy’s journey began at 9 years old when he started in Cub Scouts with his dad and his younger brother. His parents constantly reinforced the Scout lessons of character and integrity. Andy continued in Scouting and at the age of 16, he earned the rank of Eagle Scout. At 17, his mom handed him the book, How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. Andy credits that book with igniting his passion for learning how to get along with people. From Hill, to Covey, from Peale to Ziglar and Maxwell, Andy became a voracious reader of books about leadership, character, communication and teamwork.

After 5 years working as a golf caddie, Andy was the recipient of the prestigious Evans Scholarship Award (www.wgaesf.org). This full academic and housing college scholarship is awarded in recognition of a strong work ethic as a golf caddie, and strength of character, integrity, and leadership. Andy used his scholarship to earn a B.S. in Medical Technology from Michigan State University.

In 1985, Andy loaded up his car with nothing more than his resume, a sport coat and tie, $2500, a big dream and faith that God was going to fill in the gaps. He moved to Atlanta, GA, in pursuit of a medical sales career where he could leverage his passion for medicine to serve people. Andy grew his medical sales business well into 7 figures by applying the leadership, character, communication, and teamwork lessons he learned from reading books and listening to thought leaders. As Andy continued to advance in his career, he was invited to speak to organizations and train teams on those lessons learned throughout the United States and Puerto Rico.

Andy founded Fort Leadership to continue speaking, training, and coaching individuals and teams in leadership and character development. These skills foster growth in corporate leadership, communication, and teamwork. His corporate experience and insights train leaders to develop healthy corporate cultures with team members who are motivated, engaged, and purpose-driven, resulting in increased employee retention, team performance, and revenue growth!

Andy and his wife, Sherrie, live in Alpharetta, GA and have four adult children. They are members of Pastor Andy Stanley’s North Point Community Church (www.northpoint.org), where Andy is a small group leader in the North Point Men’s Ministry. Andy serves on the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors at Avalon (www.gnfcc.com), where he started the successful Member 2 Member Business Roundtable.

Andy’s LinkedIn | Fort Leadership Sales and Consulting: Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
00:28 Guest Introduction: Andy Kalajian
01:47 Kickoff to Personal and Professional Development
02:49 Creating a Healthy Corporate Culture
04:15 Leadership and Team Development
06:19 The “Sunday Scaries” and Work-Life Balance
08:41 The Importance of Reading and Continuous Learning
13:33 Implementing a Leadership Curriculum
17:28 Self-Selection in Organizational Growth
19:50 Stephen Covey’s Trivia Question
20:26 Introduction to Teaching and The 7 Habits
21:10 The Importance of Character and Integrity
21:56 Thoughts, Actions, Habits, and Destiny
22:41 The Five F’s: Faith, Family, Finance, Fitness, Fun
23:22 Character Development in Business
25:28 The Law of the Farm: Patience and Persistence
27:06 Teamwork: The Ultimate Competitive Advantage
27:41 Motivating and Understanding Your Team
28:20 Leadership and Personal Growth
37:07 Coaching Success Stories
40:11 Contact Information and Closing Remarks

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.

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

Empowering Young Girls in STEAM, with Gail Tusan and Tammy Cass, The Pave Foundation

January 13, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Empowering Young Girls in STEAM, with Gail Tusan and Tammy Cass, The Pave Foundation

00:00 /

Empowering Young Girls in STEAM, with Gail Tusan and Tammy Cass, The Pave Foundation (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 836)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, hosted by John Ray, the spotlight is on The Pave Foundation, an organization dedicated to empowering young girls in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics). John welcomes two board members, Gail Tusan, Pave’s founder, and Tammy Cass. They discuss the foundation’s mission to support, mentor, and inspire young girls, particularly girls of color, in pursuing STEAM careers. The conversation highlights various programs and initiatives like summer camps, the “Super Science Day of the Girl,” and the importance of community partnerships. The episode also covers the challenges girls face, such as access to technology and self-advocacy, and shares success stories and future goals for the foundation.

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.

The Pave Foundation

Gail Tusan is the Founder and President of The Pave Foundation, and Tammy Cass is a Board Member.

The Pave Foundation, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering Black girls in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) fields. Founded with a mission to “pave the way” for young women of color, the foundation focuses on providing comprehensive academic and enrichment programs that nurture intellectual curiosity and build self-confidence. By creating targeted opportunities, they aim to address the significant underrepresentation of Black women in STEAM disciplines and help break down systemic barriers that have historically limited their participation.

Through innovative educational initiatives, mentorship programs, and hands-on learning experiences, The Pave Foundation seeks to inspire and equip Black girls with the skills, knowledge, and support necessary to pursue successful careers in STEAM-related fields. The organization is committed to not only developing individual potential but also promoting environmental awareness and advocating for equitable resource distribution. By investing in these young women’s education and personal development, the foundation hopes to create lasting change, diversify professional landscapes, and empower a new generation of Black female leaders in science, technology, and innovation.

Website | Instagram | Facebook

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
01:44 Meet the Guests: Gail Tusan and Tammy Cass
02:25 The Mission and Work of The Pave Foundation
05:17 Challenges and Solutions in STEAM Education
08:29 Program Details and Community Impact
11:28 Access to Technology and Digital Disparities
17:18 Community Partnerships and Success Stories
24:04 How to Get Involved and Support Pave
34:22 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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.

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

Covering Sports Startups and Finance, with Sid Balaga,The 4th Quarter

January 10, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Covering Sports Startups and Finance, with Sid Balaga,The 4th Quarter

00:00 /

Covering Sports Startups and Finance, with Sid Balaga, The 4th Quarter (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 835)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray chats with Sid Balaga, co-founder of The 4th Quarter, a media company focused on sports technology, startups, finance, and venture capital. Sid shares the story behind the company’s inception with his childhood friend and company co-founder, Suraj Peramanu, and explains their vision to bridge the gap between sports, business, and technology. They delve into the niche of sports tech, covering areas such as AI applications, venture capital in emerging sports markets, and the innovative concept of investing in athletes’ future earnings. Sid also highlights their upcoming deep dive pieces and the expanding role of private equity in sports leagues. The episode is packed with insights for sports fans, business enthusiasts, and those interested in the future of sports technology.

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.

Sid Balaga, The 4th Quarter

The 4th Quarter is a media company focused on sports technology, startups, finance, and venture capital. Its newsletter is the #1 sports business newsletter on Substack, delivering weekly insights on the latest business news, cutting-edge innovation, and trends in the sports technology, startup and venture capital ecosystem. Subscribers gain exclusive updates on emerging unicorn startups, high-profile investments, and a curated job board, making it a go-to resource for staying informed.

Led by Sid Balaga and Suraj Peramanu, The 4th Quarter connects a community of founders, venture capitalists, and professionals passionate about the sports-business world.

LinkedIn | Substack Newsletter | Sid’s LinkedIn | Suraj’s LinkedIn

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
01:45 Meet Sid Balaga
02:21 Overview of The 4th Quarter
04:47 Why Focus on the Business of Sports?
06:25 Covering the Financial Side of Sports
08:03 Spotlight on Startups and Niche Markets
10:20 Athletes and Venture Capital
15:02 Future Trends and Predictions
26:36 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

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.

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

Chris Lalomia, Founder and CEO, The Trusted Toolbox

The Trusted Toolbox

Topics Discussed in this Episode

About The Price and Value Journey

John Ray, Host of The Price and Value Journey

John’s book, The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices

Connect with John Ray:

Rebuilding Life After Gray Divorce, with Author Pat Fenner (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 841)

Pat Fenner, Author and Podcaster

Topics Discussed in this Episode

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

Empowering Intellectually and Developmentally Disabled Adults: A Conversation with Meg Blackwood, CEO of InCommunity (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 840)

Meg Blackwood, CEO, InCommunity

InCommunity

Topics Discussed in this Episode

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

Scaling with Distributed Remote Teams, with Adam Houlahan, Prominence Global (The Price and Value Journey, Episode 120)

Adam Houlahan, CEO, Prominence Global

Prominence Global

Topics Discussed in this Episode

About The Price and Value Journey

John Ray, Host of The Price and Value Journey

John’s book, The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices

Connect with John Ray:

Streamlining Staffing Management, with Omer Mutaqi, BuraqHR (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 839)

Omer Mutaqi, Chief Executive Officer, BuraqHR

BuraqHR

Topics Discussed in this Episode

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

Enhancing Beauty, with Dr. Stephanie Farber, Stephanie Farber Plastic Surgery (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 838)

Dr. Stephanie Farber, Stephanie Farber Plastic Surgery

Topics Discussed in this Episode

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

Building a Healthy Corporate Culture, with Andy Kalajian, Fort Leadership and Sales Consulting (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 837)

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

Topics Discussed in this Episode

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

Empowering Young Girls in STEAM, with Gail Tusan and Tammy Cass, The Pave Foundation (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 836)

The Pave Foundation

Topics Discussed in this Episode

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

Covering Sports Startups and Finance, with Sid Balaga, The 4th Quarter (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 835)

Sid Balaga, The 4th Quarter

Topics Discussed in this Episode

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

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