John Ray Archives - Page 23 of 69

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 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.

Mortgage Solutions for Homebuyers, with Geoff Smith, Assurance Financial

September 19, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Mortgage Solutions for Homebuyers, with Geoff Smith, Assurance Financial

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Mortgage Solutions for Homebuyers, with Geoff Smith, Assurance Financial (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 803)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray interviews Geoff Smith, Assurance Financial. Geoff shares his journey from journalism to mortgage banking and highlights Assurance Financial’s services, including in-house mortgage lending, customer service excellence, and specialized loan products like bank statement loans and bridge loans. He emphasizes the importance of understanding federal guidelines and the steps Assurance Financial takes to ensure seamless client experiences. The episode also discusses current market dynamics, interest rates, and the importance of buying in a vibrant housing market like Georgia. Additionally, Geoff shares success stories and the impact of personalized service in handling complex loan situations.

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.

Geoff Smith, Roswell, GA Branch Manager and Loan Officer, Assurance Financial

Geoff Smith has been in the real estate industry since 2001, when he became a general contractor. In 2011, he went all in with mortgages, becoming a full-time loan officer with Assurance Financial and opening his own branch with them in 2021 on Canton Street in downtown Roswell.

Geoff volunteers in the community. He is currently sitting on the board of STAR House, an after-school tutoring and mentoring program for at-risk elementary school students in Roswell; he is on the Advisory Board for Wellstar North Fulton Regional Hospital; he is on the board for the Alpharetta Business Association; and he coaches 6th grade football at Blessed Trinity High School.

Geoff is married to Brenda and they have two boys, Samuel, who is a freshman at Auburn, and Charlie, who is a sophomore at Blessed Trinity.

LinkedIn | Facebook | X (Twitter)

Assurance Financial

Assurance Financial is a mortgage lender and refinance company that has been serving homeowners since 2001. The company is known for its customer-centric approach, offering a wide range of loan options tailored to meet the individual needs of homebuyers. They provide various loan types, including VA, FHA, construction, non-qualified, modular home, jumbo, first-time home buyer, conventional, and USDA RD loans.

Assurance Financial emphasizes a seamless and efficient loan application process, utilizing the latest technology to simplify steps such as prequalification, full application, processing, and funding. They pride themselves on outstanding customer satisfaction, with an average rating of 4.98 out of 5 stars based on numerous reviews.

The company is recognized as a Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac seller/servicer-approved and Ginnie Mae issuer-approved lender. Assurance Financial operates across 28 states in the U.S., providing personalized support through their team of experienced loan officers. Their services are designed to assist clients at various stages of life, whether buying a first home, a vacation property, or an investment property.

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | X (Twitter)

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
01:33 Guest Introduction: Geoff Smith. Assurance Financial
02:10 Geoff’s Career Journey and Passion for Mortgages
03:21 The Mortgage Process and Customer Experience
06:48 Challenges and Problem-Solving in Mortgage Lending
14:49 Understanding Interest Rates and Market Dynamics
18:48 Expanding Business Across States
19:02 Housing Market Dynamics in Georgia
22:03 The Impact of Waiting to Buy a Home
22:48 Innovative Loan Products for Homebuyers
24:47 Assurance Financial’s Unique Bridge Loan
27:05 Success Stories and Client Experiences
33:35 Community Support and Final Thoughts

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

Renasant Bank supports the Georgia Alliance for Breast Cancer

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

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

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.

Middle Income Housing Needs in Metro Atlanta, with Kristin Allin, Atlanta Regional Commission

September 18, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

Middle Income Housing Needs in Metro Atlanta, with Kristin Allin, Atlanta Regional Commission

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Middle Income Housing Needs in Metro Atlanta, with Kristin Allin, Atlanta Regional Commission (North Fulton Voices, Episode 4)

This episode of North Fulton Voices, hosted by Nancy Diamond and Jack Murphy from the North Fulton Improvement Network, focuses not just on the critical topic of workforce housing in the North Fulton region but examines this issue through the wider lens of the Metro Atlanta region. Special guest Kristin Allin from the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) elaborates on the various initiatives, statistics, and challenges associated with housing and community planning in Metro Atlanta. They discuss the region’s immense population growth, the significant rise in housing prices, and the shortage of middle-income housing. The episode highlights how local governments, aided by ARC’s data and planning assistance, can address these challenges. The discussion also explores topics such as the impact of housing variety, the importance of mixed-income housing, and the role of policy and zoning in shaping the housing landscape. Community engagement and education are emphasized as crucial components in finding comprehensive solutions. Listeners are encouraged to get involved in local planning discussions and leverage resources available through ARC and the North Fulton Improvement Network.

North Fulton Voices is presented by the North Fulton Improvement Network. The show series is proudly sponsored by John Ray Co. and the North Fulton affiliate of Business RadioX®.

Kristin Allin, Atlanta Regional Commission

Kristin Allin is a Senior Planner and Housing Specialist at the Atlanta Regional Commission.

Born in the Atlanta area, Kristin has resided in Decatur for over 19 years as a business owner and community leader. In her role at ARC, Kristin has helped to lead the Local Leadership Housing Action Committee, is assisting in re-instating the Regional Housing Task Force, serves on the advisory panel for the Atlanta Regional Housing Forum, and works within the ARC’s LCI and CDAP program to further affordable housing planning. She spearheaded the ARC’s application for the HUD PRO Housing Grant in hopes of funding direct housing support within the ARC’s programming.

Prior to joining the Atlanta Regional Commission, she was a Planner for the City of Decatur with a focus on housing policy. In this role, she was the staff liaison to the Affordable Housing Task Force and implemented several of its recommendations to reduce barriers to affordable housing in Decatur. Her most challenging policy implementation was the missing middle housing policy revisions to the zoning code. Kristin was also the lead in incorporating the Decatur Land Trust as a non-profit organization and serving as the staff liaison to the Decatur Land Trust Board. She created policies and procedures for Decatur’s Tax Allocation District and Housing Trust Fund.

Kristin’s career in affordable housing began in 2018 when she returned to school and received a Master of Urban Studies from Georgia State University. Her educational background includes earning an undergraduate degree in Industrial Engineering from Georgia Tech in 1997 and a Master of Business Administration from Saint Mary’s College of California. From 2007 to 2023, Kristin co-owned and operated several small restaurants in Decatur and Atlanta. The experience of running small businesses has shaped her world view in understanding the challenges of standing up a small-scale business, supporting employees in this industry, and the link between housing, wages, and transportation as vital to the vision of a region that supports the success of all residents.

Atlanta Regional Commission

The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) is the official planning agency for the 11-county Atlanta Region, including Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, and Rockdale counties, as well as the City of Atlanta and 74 other cities. The Atlanta Regional Commission’s mission is to foster thriving communities for all within the Atlanta region through collaborative, data-informed planning and investments.

Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction to North Fulton Voices
00:24 Meet the Hosts and Guests
01:03 Overview of the Atlanta Regional Commission
02:16 Metro Atlanta Growth Statistics
04:17 Housing Crisis and ARC’s Role
06:48 Challenges in Housing Variety
09:04 Impact of Housing on Communities
14:55 Local Leadership Housing Action Committee
18:45 Community Engagement and Planning
20:27 Addressing Workforce Housing
24:27 Programs and Initiatives by ARC
34:27 Call to Action and Conclusion

North Fulton Improvement Network

The North Fulton Improvement Network (NFIN) is a think tank made up of community leaders from a variety of sectors, focused on missing middle housing and the livability challenges confronting North Fulton. We come from the six cities making up the northern half of Fulton County, Georgia — Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Mountain Park, Roswell, and Sandy Springs — and are working to address the widespread yet little-known financial vulnerability across the region. With stakeholders from sectors including business, nonprofit, faith, government, and citizens, we center our work on five areas of impact, seek to educate the public about these issues, build a network of individuals and organizations with innovative private and public solutions, and connect resources to those in need.

The leadership team of NFIN is Jack Murphy, Nancy Diamond, and Kathy Swahn.

Jack Murphy

Jack Murphy is a volunteer with The Society of St. Vincent de Paul and is Chair of the North Fulton Improvement Network. He is also in his 21st year of working for the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce.

Prior to the Chamber, Jack worked for and with Fortune 500 companies in operations, human resources, training, and quality areas. Jack was a senior adjunct professor for Quality & Operations Management at Keller Graduate School for 14 years.

He has served on both the National and Georgia Boards of The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, responsible for Diversity, Advocacy, & Systemic Change. Jack is currently the national SVDP chair of Systemic Change and Advocacy.

Jack received a BA in psychology from Belmont Abbey College and a M.Ed. from UNC-Greensboro. Jack and his wife, Nancy, a retired elementary school principal, have two grown daughters and two grandchildren. They live in Alpharetta, Georgia.

Nancy Diamond

Nancy Diamond is a Project Manager with Schmit & Associates, a real estate development firm, creating town center revitalization in communities all around the metro area.

Nancy served 8 years as a Roswell City Council Member, including a term as Mayor Pro Tem, with liaison positions with Community Development, Transportation, Recreation & Parks, and Public Safety.

In addition to her work with the North Fulton Improvement Network, Nancy has been active in area non-profit organizations, including board leadership positions in the STAR House Foundation, WellStar North Fulton Hospital, and the Roswell Rotary Club.

A native of Atlanta and a 42-year North Fulton resident, Nancy worked at Turner Broadcasting in the early years of CNN, then became a freelancer in sports television graphics. While raising her two daughters, she worked from home, first developing a corporate gift service, and later as a mortgage loan originator.

Nancy and her husband, Glenn, now relish the role of grandparents to 8-year-old Owen.

About North Fulton Voices

While North Fulton County is one of the most desirable places to live in the United States, the region faces a growing crisis: a severe shortage of housing options for middle-income employees, particularly essential workers such as first responders and teachers. Presented by the North Fulton Improvement Network, North Fulton Voices is the go-to source for in-depth analysis and discussion of missing middle housing and the livability challenges confronting North Fulton. Listen as we understand the implications of this problem, explore innovative solutions, and examine why providing these housing options is vital for North Fulton’s future. The show is sponsored and offered as a service to the community by John Ray Co. and the North Fulton affiliate of Business RadioX®.

Sponsor for North Fulton Voices: John Ray and Business RadioX – North Fulton

The North Fulton Voices show series is proudly sponsored by John Ray Co. and the North Fulton affiliate of Business RadioX®.

John Ray 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 also operates his own business advisory practice, Ray Business Advisors. John’s services include advising solopreneur 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 author of the #1 nationally best-selling book, The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices.

John is the host of North Fulton Business Radio and The Price and Value Journey. North Fulton Business Radio, the longest-running podcast in the North Fulton region of Georgia, features a wide range of business and community leaders. The Price and Value Journey is devoted to solo and small firm professional services providers and covers issues such as pricing, value, and business development.

Website | LinkedIn

Mastering Business Communications, with Pamela DeRitis, Connect and Captivate

September 18, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Mastering Business Communications, with Pamela DeRitis, Connect and Captivate

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Mastering Business Communications, with Pamela DeRitis, Connect and Captivate (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 802)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, John Ray interviews Pamela DeRitis with Connect and Captivate. Pamela discusses her background in acting and how it informs her approach to corporate communications, emphasizing authentic connection and captivating an audience. She details techniques like improv and structured storytelling to help clients enhance their speaking and video presentations. Pamela also shares client success stories, including overcoming personal challenges and preparing for high-stakes presentations. The conversation touches on the importance of emotional engagement, the impact of AI on communication training, and tips for effectively connecting with an audience.

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.

Pamela DeRitis, Connect and Captivate

Pamela draws on over fifteen years of experience in acting and improv to help you create authentic and influential communications with your peers, employees, or audience.

Through coaching that builds confidence and character, Pamela will help you become a trusted partner to your clients and customers, whether you are giving a keynote speech, creating video content to help sales conversions, or networking in person.

Pamela’s coaching programs are formulated from her training in the Meisner technique, Practical Aesthetics, improv, and other neuroscience-based acting techniques, which have all shaped her life as an artist and entrepreneur.

Pamela brings her unstoppable creative momentum to the table to help your businesses gain an EQ advantage and become a captivating communicator, on camera, or off.

Website | LinkedIn | X (Twitter)

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction to North Fulton Business Radio
01:21 Meet Pamela DeRitis with Connect and Captivate
01:32 Pamela’s Journey and Connect and Captivate
02:10 Acting and Improv in Business Communication
04:41 Emotional Breakthroughs and Business Applications
08:14 Challenges in Business Communication
17:59 Storytelling Principles in Business
21:58 Client Success Stories
24:00 The Role of AI in Business Communication
26:56 How to Know You Need a Communication Coach
32:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

Renasant Bank supports the Georgia Alliance for Breast Cancer

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

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 790 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 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.

Exploring Concierge Medicine, with Kathleen Elmiger, PartnerMD

September 16, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Exploring Concierge Medicine, with Kathleen Elmiger, PartnerMD

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Exploring Concierge Medicine, with Kathleen Elmiger, PartnerMD (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 801)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray interviews Kathleen Elmiger, Membership and Business Development Officer at PartnerMD. Kathleen explains the benefits and workings of PartnerMD, a concierge medical practice based in Sandy Springs. The conversation covers a range of topics, including the difference between traditional primary care and concierge medicine, the value of personalized health care, membership benefits, and the role of insurance. They also discuss the unique executive health services offered by PartnerMD, aimed at improving workplace wellness. The show emphasizes the importance of personalized medical care and its positive impact on patients’ lives.

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.

Kathleen Elmiger, PartnerMD

Kathleen Elmiger’s role at PartnerMD is with Membership and Business Development.

She helps those who are looking for a better and more personalized primary care experience by matching their needs with a PartnerMD physician. Additionally, she helps companies with their executive health programs by personalizing executive physicals and health education for their leadership team members.

Her career path has always been centered around helping others in both the healthcare and hospitality industries, with an understanding that the two go hand in hand. Kathleen has a diverse background in direct patient care and advocacy, medical sales and prevention, and hospitality and program management. She is committed to building trust, strong relationships, and improving lives through better health in all populations.

PartnerMD

PartnerMD is a concierge medical practice that provides personalized primary care services across several states, including Maryland, Virginia, South Carolina, and Georgia. Established in 2003 and headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, PartnerMD operates with a membership model that allows patients to receive enhanced medical care tailored to their individual needs.

The practice emphasizes preventative care, offering customizable executive health programs designed for companies to support their employees’ well-being. By maintaining a lower patient-to-doctor ratio, PartnerMD enables its physicians to cultivate deeper relationships with their patients, ensuring more attentive and thorough care.

Membership at PartnerMD includes benefits such as extended appointment times, direct access to physicians, and a variety of wellness services.

In addition to primary care, PartnerMD provides access to wellness courses and health coaching, aiming to empower patients in managing their health proactively. The organization is committed to redefining the healthcare experience, focusing on both the physical and emotional aspects of patient care.

PartnerMD’s North Fulton location is at 755 Mt. Vernon Highway, Suite 110, Sandy Springs, GA 30328.

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | X (Twitter)

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
01:30 Introducing Kathleen Elmiger and PartnerMD
04:23 Understanding Concierge Medicine and Executive Health
06:35 Challenges in Traditional Primary Care
08:57 Benefits of PartnerMD’s Concierge Medicine
15:26 Affordability and Insurance Aspects
18:43 Patient Experience and Continuity of Care
27:05 Contact Information and Closing Remarks
28:20 Supporting the Georgia Alliance for Breast Cancer
30:25 Final Thoughts and Thank You

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

Renasant Bank supports the Georgia Alliance for Breast Cancer

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

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

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.

Do You Really Know Your Competition?

September 11, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

Do You Really Know Your Competition?

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Do You Really Know Your Competition? (The Price and Value Journey, Episode 113)

In this episode of The Price and Value Journey, host John Ray delves into the concept of understanding your competition from a unique perspective. He challenges common assumptions about competitors and highlights how they can be hidden in unexpected places, ranging from DIY solutions to client procrastination and unexpected market influences. John uses real-world examples from various industries to illustrate his points and emphasizes the importance of recognizing these hidden competitors. Additionally, he explains how this understanding can be leveraged to improve pricing strategies and ultimately enhance the perceived value of services.

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

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction to The Price and Value Journey
00:25 Understanding Hidden Competition
00:43 Examples of Unexpected Competitors
02:19 The Importance of Recognizing Hidden Competitors
02:44 Strategies to Shift Perceived Value
03:47 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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 Show Host and Producer and owns the North Fulton (Georgia) studio 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 780 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

Building Relationships Through Reciprocity

September 4, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

Building Relationships Through Reciprocity

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Building Relationships Through Reciprocity (The Price and Value Journey, Episode 112)

In this episode of The Price and Value Journey, John Ray explores the concept of reciprocity for professional service providers. He delves into the importance of meaningful, no-strings-attached interactions that build strong relationships and expand influence. In defining the rule of reciprocity, John articulates how genuine giving fosters lasting bonds and maniford returns organically and naturally. A notable historical example illustrates the profound impact of selfless giving. For those looking to grow their business and professional reputation, this episode emphasizes serving first without immediately expecting quid pro quo returns.

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

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction to the Price and Value Journey
00:28 Building Meaningful Relationships
01:16 The Rule of Reciprocity
01:49 Genuine Giving and Its Impact
02:45 Remarkable Examples of Reciprocity
03:37 The Importance of Selfless Giving
04:30 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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

Understanding Estate Planning, with Amina Bakari-Green, ABG Legal

September 3, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Understanding Estate Planning, with Amina Bakari-Green, ABG Legal

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Understanding Estate Planning, with Amina Bakari-Green, ABG Legal (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 800)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray welcomes Amina Bakari-Green, founder of ABG Legal. Amina discusses the importance of estate planning and probate services, addressing common misconceptions about wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. She shares her legal journey, starting as a prosecutor and now specializing in estate planning. Focusing on personal service and streamlined processes, Amina highlights the critical need for advance planning to avoid complications in probate court. She also provides practical advice for individuals of all ages and stages of life to ensure their assets and loved ones are protected. The conversation emphasizes the simplicity and necessity of effective estate planning, urging listeners to act before it’s too late.

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.

Amina Bakari-Greeen, ABG Legal, LLC

Amina Bakari-Green grew up in Richmond, VA. She received her B.A. in Political Science from Hampton University in Hampton, VA, in 2010. She moved to Georgia and earned her J.D. from the University of Georgia in 2013.

Amina began her legal career as a prosecutor, serving in the Gwinnett Solicitor’s Office from 2013 to 2019. She then served in the Gwinnett District Attorney’s Office from 2019 to 2021.

She went on to do civil practice for a few years, and finally found a home in estate planning and probate law. Through this work, she has seen firsthand the benefits of proper estate planning and the difficulty navigating the tedious probate process without it.

In 2020, Amina and her husband welcomed their first child. Since then, she has tailored her work to advocacy for generational wealth building and teaching financial literacy and asset protection throughout her community.

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Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message
01:25 Guest Introduction: Amina Bakari-Green
01:35 Amina’s Legal Journey
03:00 Estate Planning and Probate Services
05:00 Importance of Wills and Trusts
13:27 Power of Attorney Explained
18:08 Addressing Late Estate Planning
22:39 Client Success Stories
23:42 Conclusion and Contact Information
24:39 Closing Remarks and Additional Information

Renasant Bank and Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant support 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 $13 billion in assets and more than 190 banking, lending, wealth management, and financial services offices in Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida. 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.

Casa Nuova is a proud family-owned and operated restaurant, serving classic, authentic and traditional Italian cuisine and top tier hospitality since 1998.

Casa Nuova is a cook-to-order kitchen, serving traditional fare including pasta, chicken, seafood, veal, vegetarian and gluten-free options, plus daily specials. They are a farm-to-table establishment, meaning that in the summertime, they cultivate their own vegetables in their garden, steps away from the restaurant, including tomatoes, corn, peppers, zucchini, sunflowers and more!

Celebrating more than 25 years, Casa Nuova has become a true staple in the Alpharetta area, serving more than three generations of families, including friends old and new, visiting near and far from all over the metro Atlanta area and beyond.

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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.

Healthy, Great Tasting Snacks, with Teressa Ruspi, TR Healthy Bites

September 3, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Healthy, Great Tasting Snacks, with Teressa Ruspi, TR Healthy Bites

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Healthy, Great Tasting Snacks, with Teressa Ruspi, TR Healthy Bites (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 799)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray interviews Teressa Ruspi, the founder and owner of TR Healthy Bites. Teressa shares her journey of founding her company, which offers gluten-free, protein-packed tasty snacks aimed at promoting a healthy lifestyle. She discusses the inspiration behind her products, the unique benefits of her gluten-free offerings, and the importance of protein in everyday diets. Additionally, Teressa talks about her future plans for expanding her products into retail spaces and offers promotions to encourage new customers to try her healthy snacks.

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.

Teressa Ruspi, TR Healthy Bites

Teressa Ruspi is a native of Pennsylvania and currently resides in Georgia for the last 16 years with her three daughters, Alex, DeAnna and Savannah.

Teressa graduated from Marywood University, Pennsylvania, with a BA in Nutrition & Dietetics, In 2019, as a single mom, Teressa went back to school for her Masters from Mercer University in Organizational Leadership, with a focus in Nonprofit Business Management.

Teressa is an experienced executive director and co-founder of the LRJ Foundation, a mental health and suicide awareness organization serving Georgia, Pennsylvania and Virginia schools and communities. She has a history of working in mental health program development, fitness & nutrition coaching, public speaking, and community-wide healthy and mental wellness initiatives.

In March 2023, Teressa established TR Healthy Bites, a healthy snack company geared towards protein and gluten free nutritious snack products.

A fun fact: Teressa has an identical twin sister, Karla, and together they founded the LRJ Foundation in 2012. In her spare time, she enjoys fitness training, cooking, and traveling.

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TR Healthy Bites

Teressa Ruspi founded TR Healthy Bites, an Alpharetta, Georgia-based food and snack business, in March 2023. The brand specializes in all-natural, gluten-free, protein-packed snacks, including energy bites, muffins, and cookies. With a commitment to using high-quality ingredients like gluten-free oats, natural nut butters, and honey, TR Healthy Bites aims to provide delicious options that cater to health-conscious consumers seeking nutritious snacks for any occasion.

TR Healthy Bites sells its product locally in the North Fulton region and offers nationwide shipping as well. By redefining healthy snacking, the company delivers tasty, guilt-free options that support a balanced lifestyle.

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Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
01:29 Introducing Teressa Ruspi and TR Healthy Bites
01:51 The Journey to Healthy Snacking
05:10 The Benefits of Gluten-Free and Protein-Packed Snacks
14:07 Product Lineup and Development
19:53 Future Plans and Promotions
24:34 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Renasant Bank and Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant support 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 $13 billion in assets and more than 190 banking, lending, wealth management, and financial services offices in Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida. 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.

Casa Nuova is a proud family-owned and operated restaurant, serving classic, authentic and traditional Italian cuisine and top tier hospitality since 1998.

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram