John Ray Archives - Page 31 of 66

Tangible Touch in a Digital World, with Mark Weiss, Renaissance Communications Group, a SendOutCards Affiliate

October 25, 2023 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Tangible Touch in a Digital World, with Mark Weiss, Renaissance Communications Group, a SendOutCards Affiliate

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North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 710)

Mark Weiss, owner of Renaissance Communications Group and a SendOutCards affiliate, joined host John Ray to discuss the importance of appreciation and relationship marketing in staying top of mind with clients. He explained how SendOutCards can help business owners personalize and send cards to their clients and prospects, creating a tangible and thoughtful touch in today’s digital world. Mark shared the story behind the founding of SendOutCards, the concept of promptings, and more.

Follow this link to learn more about SendOutCards and to take advantage of the opportunity to send a free card.

North Fulton Business Radio is broadcast from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

Mark Weiss, Owner, Renaissance Communications Group,

Communication is the common thread that runs through Mark Weiss’ life. It started in high school and continued through his days at Ithaca College, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Television-Radio Communications. Mark worked in television stations in Utica, New York, and St. Petersburg, Florida, directing the local newscasts and producing and directing local programming before he moved to Atlanta in 1976 to work at WTCG, Ted Turner’s Superstation.

Mark left the broadcasting industry to work for Georgia Power in 1977 for almost 20 years in the company’s Media Services organization before leaving to form The Renaissance Communications Group (TRCG) in 1996. He formed TRCG to support small and medium-sized businesses to provide marketing, advertising, public relations, and website services. During that time, he was introduced to Constant Contact and became a business partner. In 2007, he was introduced to SendOutCards, which, over time, has become his passion.

Using SendOutCards, Mark works with businesses to help them keep the clients they worked hard to get. He does this through a process and system that enables his clients, both business and personal users, to go online via their smart phone, tablet, or computer to either use existing greeting cards in SendOutCards’ extensive online catalog or customized cards they can create to express appreciation and show gratitude. By using multiple card campaigns, Mark’s clients can easily stay top of mind with their clients throughout the years by giving tangible appreciation that their clients can touch.

Mark enjoys sharing SendOutCards with business owners and individuals to help them incorporate Relationship marketing into their business. Relationship marketing (or Capital R, small m) symbolically places the emphasis on the Relationship and not marketing. As a result, Mark’s clients create a stronger, deeper, and more loyal bond with their clients because they stay top of mind. This combination creates referrals from their customers along with incremental sales. Please visit Mark’s website for more information and experience SendOutCards by sending a free card including postage to anyone you choose, wherever they may be!

Website | LinkedIn

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

Relationship marketing
How SendOutCards work
The advantages they bring to business owners
How SendOutCards got started
What are promptings?

North Fulton Business Radio is hosted by John Ray and broadcast 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, Stitcher, TuneIn, and others.

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.

Since 2000, Office Angels® has been restoring joy to the life of small business owners, enabling them to focus on what they do best. At the same time, we honor and support at-home experts who wish to continue working on an as-needed basis. Not a temp firm or a placement service, Office Angels matches a business owner’s support needs with Angels who have the talent and experience necessary to handle work that is essential to creating and maintaining a successful small business. Need help with administrative tasks, bookkeeping, marketing, presentations, workshops, speaking engagements, and more? Visit us at https://officeangels.us/.

Communicating with Poise and Persuasion, with Dr. Bill Lampton, Championship Communication

October 24, 2023 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Communicating with Poise and Persuasion, with Dr. Bill Lampton, Championship Communication

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North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 709)

Dr. Bill Lampton, the “Biz Communication Guy” and President of Championship Communication, joined host John Ray on this episode of North Fulton Business Radio. They discussed various aspects of communication, including the importance of effective listening, overcoming stage fright, and Bill’s untraditional approach to teaching communication. Bill shared his expertise in public speaking, coaching, and video communication. He emphasized the power of genuine and empathetic communication, provided tips for being a successful podcast guest, discussed the significance of video charisma, and much more.

North Fulton Business Radio is broadcast from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

Bill Lampton, Ph.D., The “Biz Communication Guy,” President, Championship Communication

Bill Lampton, Ph.D.—known as the “Biz Communication Guy”—helps current and future executives communicate with poise, persuasion, and profits. After earning his Ph.D. from Ohio University, he taught Speech Communication at the University of Georgia, and then moved into management for two decades. In 1997, he launched his career as a professional speaker, coach, and consultant.

He works with current and future C-Suite executives (CEO, CFO, COO, CIO) in business, healthcare, higher education, and non-profits to help them master leadership communication skills.

As the “Biz Communication Guy,” serving executives has become his mission. Why? Because he knows firsthand the challenges they face. He spent two decades at the vice-presidential level in higher education and health care. “Been there. . .done that.”

His top-tier client list includes the University of Georgia Athletic Association, Georgia Power Company, Oceania Cruises, Ritz-Carlton-Cancun, Missouri Bar, Gillette, and Procter & Gamble.

Website | LinkedIn| YouTube | Facebook | Twitter

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

What initially stimulated your interest in communication, so that you dedicated your career to helping clients communicate more effectively?
You have written a brief book about controlling the fear of stage fright. What are some of your major guidelines?
We often hear about the different communication styles people prefer. What’s that all about?
When you coach current and future executives about their presentations, your methods aren’t traditional. Explain your approach.
You have produced more than 450 instructional videos. Many professionals are reluctant to record videos. What is the “video charisma” you teach?
Tell us about the 5 listening levels that describe our listening habits.

Pete Cousins, Summus Medical Laser and Host of LaserLife Insights

October 23, 2023 by John Ray

LaserLife Insights

Pete Cousins, Summus Medical Laser and Host of LaserLife Insights

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North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 708)

Pete Cousins, Chief Commercial Officer for Summus Medical Laser, joined host John Ray on this episode of North Fulton Business Radio. Pete discussed his company’s technology and applications of Class IV Laser Therapy, the patient experience, success stories, and more. Pete also announced the launch of a new podcast called LaserLife Insights. Summus Medical Laser is the show’s sponsor, and it will include interviews with professionals who are using the technology effectively.

North Fulton Business Radio is broadcast from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

Summus Medical Laser

Summus is a U.S. pioneer in Class IV laser therapy with over 18 years of experience.

Summus Laser was established in 2018 although the Founder and CEO, Dr Richard Albright was a pioneer in the field of Photobiomodulation in 2004 by becoming the 2nd company in the US to receive FDA clearance for this ground-breaking technology.

Their mission is simple- to improve lives through laser therapy.

Their growth comes from a relentless commitment to constantly improve their lasers, provide reliable stateside service, follow science in their product development, supply effective consumer marketing tools, and deliver world-class training. No matter which of their models best fit your practice, you can be assured a Summus Medical Laser will improve your efficiency, broaden the therapy options you offer, and provide safe, rapid relief resulting in satisfied and returning patients.

Franklin, Tennessee, Summus’ hometown, is a historic, yet innovative place with solid values and a community of generous neighbors. No matter where you are in the world, you can count on those same values in the Summus team and the lasers they offer as you generously serve those who need your care.

Company website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

Pete Cousins, Chief Commercial Officer, Summus Medical Laser

With over 20 years’ experience in commercial leadership across multiple healthcare verticals and in industry leaders such as Patterson Dental, Pete has been fortunate to help hundreds of providers with incorporating technology that improves patient care and increases business profitability.

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

Introduction to Summus Medical Laser
Class IV Laser Therapy
It’s development of applications over time
What is the experience like?
Where is this used?
How have practice owners responded to this new technology?
Research and Development
Announcing the launch of LaserLife Insights

Cybersecurity Threats to Small Business, with Michael Caralis, Verizon

October 4, 2023 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Cybersecurity Threats to Small Business, with Michael Caralis, Verizon

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North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 707)

Michael Caralis, Vice President at Verizon Business Markets, was the guest on this episode of North Fulton Business Radio with host John Ray to discuss cybersecurity threats to small business. Michael described the current top cybersecurity threats he’s seeing, ways business can protect their data with limited resources, the scope of the problem, his recommendations, resources which Verizon offers, success stories, and much more.

North Fulton Business Radio is broadcast from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

Verizon

Verizon Communications was formed on June 30, 2000, and is one of the world’s leading providers of technology and communications services.

Headquartered in New York City and with a presence around the world, Verizon generated revenues of $133.6 billion in 2021. The company offers voice, data and video services and solutions on its award-winning networks and platforms, delivering on customers’ demand for mobility, reliable network connectivity, security and control.

Verizon Business Markets provides the best Broadband, Voice, and Mobile products, solutions and services in support of America’s growing Small & Medium Business community. Verizon Fios uses powerful fiber-optic network technology to deliver fast and reliable internet to help you run your business.

Fios technology is flexible enough to support businesses of all sizes with a wide range of Internet, TV and Phone packages based on your needs. Verizon also offers reliable mobile phone service plans to businesses that signup with 5 or more lines.

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

Michael Caralis, Vice President, Verizon Business Markets, Verizon

As Vice President of Verizon Business Markets, Michael leads three critical business units for small and midsize business customers: network as a service (NaaS), Fios for Business and Verizon’s channel program. His team of 1,200+ professionals partner with customers on their digital transformation journeys, providing innovative managed solutions for total communications, connectivity, collaboration and security.

Verizon’s customer-centric organization delivers 5G technologies, fiber, ethernet, security solutions, and unified communications solutions such as BlueJeans conferencing, One Talk (voiceover IP solution) and Microsoft Teams. As businesses across all segments and industries anticipate a post-pandemic comeback, they are looking to adopt 5G and its potential to create new opportunities and build new efficiencies and scale their businesses. Their team also provides Fios for Business, business digital voice, and easy to deploy and use set of security and collaboration products.

Prior to this, Michael served as Executive Director of Solution Architect and Engineering. In that role, his team was focused on the transformation of our technical teams, providing the best-integrated solution designs and managed services, including broadband, security and collaboration platforms. Earlier in his career, he served public sector customers at Verizon for four years. Last year, his team delivered critical services and technology to aid in the pandemic response and enable remote learning for students.

Previously, he served as the Director of Marketing and Operations for Verizon Wireless and partnered with Apple, Google and Samsung to enable a frictionless customer experience in deploying new technology and applications. As a result, Verizon was the first carrier in the world to launch Apple Business Manager, an iconic solution. Later, he led a team that launched Android zero-touch and Samsung Knox Mobile Enrollment. Prior to Verizon, he worked in various sales roles at Nextel and Sprint.

Michael thrives on solving the most complex business problems in today’s data-rich and tech-heavy environment while leading groundbreaking transformations and aligning large-team operations to the strategic vision. He strives to be the most objective voice in a room and believe in authentic leadership.

Michael is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive culture, where everyone is heard and they take pride in serving their customers.

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

What do you see as the top cybersecurity threats affecting SMBs?
What do you recommend SMBs do to address security/cybersecurity threats beyond the basics?
What are you hearing from SMBs in terms of how they perceive and how they are addressing security/cybersecurity threats?
With limited resources, what are the three most important things SMBs can do to better protect their data?
Why is the data security problem for SMBs so big?
Any other new data points or insights you’d like to share?

Drive-Through Medical Care, with Stacy and Dr. Luke Lathrop, SmartMED Drive-Thru Medical Care

October 3, 2023 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Drive-Through Medical Care, with Stacy and Dr. Luke Lathrop, SmartMED Drive-Thru Medical Care

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Drive-Through Medical Care, with Stacy and Dr. Luke Lathrop, SmartMED Drive-Thru Medical Care North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 706)

Stacy Lathrop and Dr. Luke Lathrop, owners of SmartMED Drive-Thru Medical Care in Roswell, joined host John Ray on this edition of North Fulton Business Radio. Stacy and Luke discussed how their work during the pandemic convinced them of the demand for a drive-thru medical practice, building the business from scratch, the services they offer, the advantages of their service model, why parents of young children particularly love their practice, what it’s like to receive medical care while seated in your automobile, the changing face of medical care, and much more.

North Fulton Business Radio is broadcast from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in AlphaBretta.

SmartMED Drive-Thru Medical Care

SmartMED Drive-Thru is the first drive-thru medical clinic with urgent care services provided while the patient is in the vehicle. All labs, both PCR molecular and Antigens, are processed on site and immediately, allowing SmartMED to provide a quick and accurate diagnosis. Check-In to Check-Out in less than 10 minutes. Treating all patients over 1 year of age.

Medical Services Include:

· Sick Visits

· Onsite Lab Services

· IV Hydration

· Semaglutide for Weight Loss

· Camp & Sports Physicals

· Medication Refills

SmartMED Drive-Thru is credentialed as “general medicine practice” so that it’s a primary care copay for most insurances. In-Network with all major insurance carriers; Insurance and Pricing.

For more information, call (678) 744-5386 or visit their website. Their Roswell, GA location is at 612 Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell, GA, next to Chick-Fil-A near the Highway 9 intersection.

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

Dr. Luke Lathrop, Medical Director, SmartMED Drive-Thru Medical Care

Originally from Washington, IL, Dr. Luke Lathrop completed his undergraduate studies and medical school at St. Louis University. This was followed by residency training at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis. He is board certified in Emergency Medicine and has been practicing for over 17 years. His research includes work on the GUARDIAN trial (studying outcomes after cardiac reperfusion) and contributions to the revised Sgarbossa criteria (identifying STEMI with pre-existing LBBB) with Dr. Stephen Smith.

To make dependable covid testing more available to their community, Dr. Lathrop and his wife, Stacy Lathrop, started a covid testing business in 2021 and saw over 20,000 patients in their first year at their Roswell location.

In response to the strain placed on the US healthcare system by the global pandemic, the Lathrop’s founded SmartMED Drive Thru in 2022. This was the first drive thru with urgent care services in the country. As the Chief Medical Officer, he is focused on providing the utmost in efficient care, while never sacrificing quality. Through his experience in Emergency Medicine, he continually looks for ways to innovate and improve the patient experience.

Dr. Lathrop, his wife, and two young children reside in Roswell, GA.

Stacy Lathrop, CEO, SmartMED Drive-Thru Medical Care

Stacy Perry-Lathrop is originally from Williamsburg, VA and a graduate of James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA. Shortly after graduation, she began her career with Cox Automotive, where she remained for 17 years. Over the course of her career with Cox Enterprises, Stacy served in many areas of the business including sales, marketing, strategy and operations.

In 2021, Stacy left Cox to open and operate a Drive-Thru Covid testing location with her husband, Dr. Luke Lathrop. Their company tested more than 22,000 individuals for Covid over the course of the year.

The pandemic underscored the inefficiencies in healthcare. In response, the Lathrops developed a new drive-thru medical model with the goal of providing safe, convenient, thorough and prompt medical care for all. SmartMED Drive-Thru launched in September of 2022 and has treated thousands of patients of all ages, for a multitude of illnesses and ailments, from the comfort of the car. Their affordable and accessible drive-thru medical clinics have received accolades for ingenuity and most importantly, their dedication to compassionate care.

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

How did you come up with the idea of a full drive-thru medical clinic?
What are the benefits of a drive-thru and who are you serving?
Aside from the drive-thru aspect, how is this different than traditional medical visits?
How do you think this model will change medicine?
How will you set yourself apart from others that follow behind you?
Do you have any plans to expand? What’s next?

Kicking It Into High Gear, with Ryan Burton, Leads Near Me® and the High Gear Auto Repair Marketing Conference

October 2, 2023 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Kicking It Into High Gear, with Ryan Burton, Leads Near Me® and the High Gear Auto Repair Marketing Conference

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Leads Near Me® and the High Gear Auto Repair Marketing Conference North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 705)

Ryan Burton, CEO of Leads Near Me®, a digital marketing agency focused on the automotive repair market, joined host John Ray on North Fulton Business Radio to talk about his love for digital marketing, why digital marketing is so important for auto repair shops, how word of mouth created this niche for him, success stories, and much more. Ryan also discussed the 2023 High Gear Auto Repair Conference which will occur on November 29 – December 1, 2023 in Atlanta. Ryan shared why he started and organized this conference, what attendees can expect, and more.

North Fulton Business Radio is broadcast from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in AlphaBretta.

High Gear Auto Repair Marketing Conference

The High Gear Auto Repair Marketing Conference is coming to Atlanta!

Scheduled for November 29 – December 1, this conference will help attendees understand all things marketing, and will allow them to walk away with a wealth of knowledge that can’t be gained anywhere else.

Website

Leads Near Me®

Leads Near Me, a 2023 Google Premier Partner, is a digital marketing agency for Auto Repair Shops – Auto Repair Marketing. We have become known for our ability to Effortlessly Increase Car Count™. Leads Near Me combines many years of experience, proprietary Google Ads software and a thirst for getting better every day to help auto repair companies grow their shops. With hundreds of shops in 43 states and Canada, Leads Near Me is uniquely qualified to help shop owners dramatically grow revenue. Leads Near Me manages $10M+ annually in Google ad revenue for auto repair shops and has become one of the fastest growing marketing companies for auto repair.

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

Ryan Burton, CEO, Leads Near Me® and founder of High Gear Auto Repair Marketing Conference

Ryan Burton is CEO of Leads Near Me®, a digital marketing agency for auto repair shops and a 2023 Google Premier Partner, and founder of the High Gear Auto Repair Marketing Conference.

Since 2016, Leads Near Me has combined innovative strategies and tailored marketing solutions to help hundreds of repair shops in 43 states across the United States and Canada become lead-generating, relationship-building businesses that keep customers coming back. With Burton’s deep understanding of the auto repair industry and digital marketing, Leads Near Me oversees more than $10 million per year in Google ad spend.

Burton is a visionary entrepreneur who created the High Gear Auto Repair Marketing Conference in 2023. At this cornerstone event, repair shop owners share insights, exchange knowledge and stay ahead of the ever-evolving marketing landscape. They learn how to leverage the key skills of digital media, direct mail, networking and more so they can become the high-trust, high-visibility local brand customers know by name.

Prior to his success in auto repair marketing, Burton was a full-time radio announcer with a deep passion for broadcasting and music. He held roles in broadcasting sales and management before joining Cumulus Media in the U.S., where he became one of the company’s top salespeople nationwide. This valuable experience shaped Burton’s understanding of the entertainment industry and also paved the way for high performance in his future endeavors.

Burton currently lives in Dacula, Georgia, while the headquarters of Leads Near Me is located in nearby Lawrenceville, a suburb of Atlanta. The company has become a trusted partner in the growth and prosperity of auto repair businesses, revolutionizing the way auto repair shops thrive in the digital era.

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

Tell me about yourself and how you came to start Leads Near Me?
What led you to focus on working with auto repair show owners?
Tell us about the marketing conference in Atlanta this fall
What do you think has led to such rapid growth for Leads Near Me?
What tips for lead generation can you share with our audience?
What do we need to know about the importance of finding a good auto repair shop?

Making a Career Change to Writing, with Carole Townsend, Award-Winning Author, Journalist, and Speaker

October 2, 2023 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Making a Career Change to Writing, with Carole Townsend, Award-Winning Author, Journalist, and Speaker

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North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 704)

Award-winning author, journalist, and speaker Carole Townsend joined host John Ray on North Fulton Business Radio to talk about her transformative journey to a career in writing. They discussed how she got started with writing, why she left the security of her marketing career to pursue writing full-time, books she’s written, her choice to pursue journalism as well, her advice to others who have yet to pursue their own dreams, and much more.

North Fulton Business Radio is broadcast from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in AlphaBretta.

Carole Townsend, Award-Winning Author, Journalist, and Speaker

Carole Townsend has been a print correspondent and blogger for nearly twenty years. Also an award-winning author of six books, she has established a reputation as both an ardent researcher and an engaging writer. She has also taught writing workshops in the metro Atlanta area for nearly ten years.

Townsend is a graduate of Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee. Her books are rooted in the deep South, mainly in Georgia and its rich history. Carole has been a guest on CNN, FOX, ABC, NBC, CBS, NPR, and other major network news, talk shows and podcasts, to discuss her books and related topics.

Townsend is also a writing coach, having taught writers’ workshops for ten years, with her soon-to-be-launched company WRITE ADVICE COACHING (www.writeadvice.net) coming WINTER 2023. She is passionate about teaching aspiring writers how to be the strongest writers they can be, while also teaching them about the business of writing, publication and publicity.

A well-known advocate for women, Townsend devotes much of her time speaking to groups of women about pursuing their real dreams – those they’ve had for most of their lives and deferred because of, well, life.

The author resides in a suburb of Atlanta, Georgia, with her husband and their two beloved dogs. When she’s not writing, Carole enjoys gardening, cooking, spoiling their grandchildren, and travel.

Carole’s Books
Southern Fried
Red Lipstick and Clean Underwear
Magnolias, Sweet Tea and Exhaust
Blood in the Soil (WINNER – FINALIST, 2017 GA Author of the Year)
Peachtree Corners, Georgia: The history of an innovative and remarkable city (WINNER – 2022 GA Author of the Year, WINNER – the Whitworth-Flanigan Book Award)
Major League Deal: How the Braves Came to Cobb

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

How did you get started with your writing career?
What books have you written and in what genres?
Why a journalist, too?
What did you do before becoming a journalist and author?
What made you decide to make the change from being a corporate Marketing Director to a writer?
What is the message that you have to share with people who have yet to pursue their real dream?
As a speaker, what message do you have to share?
How has pursuing the dream you’ve had since you were a little girl changed your life?

Alpharetta Barbeque, Bourbon, and Brew, with Natasha Clark, Director of Operations, Loyal Q and Brew

October 2, 2023 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Alpharetta Barbeque, Bourbon, and Brew, with Natasha Clark, Director of Operations, Loyal Q and Brew

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North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 703)

Natasha Clark, Director of Operations of Loyal Q and Brew, joined host John Ray on North Fulton Business Radio to talk about the traditional smokehouse experience offered at this popular Alpharetta restaurant. They discussed their handmade smokers and their process which produces outstanding traditional smoked barbeque, their extensive and unique bourbon collection, the restaurant’s capacity for catering and special events, private dining rooms, and much more.

North Fulton Business Radio is broadcast from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

Loyal Q and Brew

Loyal Q is a smokehouse dedicated to serving the freshest ingredients possible. They have a true passion for creating a one-of-a-kind experience for each and every guest they serve, and they do that with a little help from their traditional “smOAKers.”

All their meats are smoked in their beloved smokers named Harry, Lloyd, Doug & Steve. These smokers were handmade in Texas and use wood as the sole fuel source, not gas. They use Post Oak from Texas and Hickory wood from North Carolina.

Specializing in prime SmOAKed meats, Loyal Q catering has you covered for any event of any size!

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Natasha Clark, Director of Operations, Loyal Q and Brew

Natasha Clark fully utilizes her people skills and go-getter personality to tackle a bit of everything at Loyal Q, including proposals, sales, and building the team.

From Catering Manager to General Manager and now the Director of Operations, Natasha has been loyal since day one, starting back in 2017. She has been instrumental in leading the restaurant to success and is especially proud of their 99% client retention rate. It’s the client relationship that she treasures the most!

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

Catering/event capacity on-site and off-site
Smoking process: the ins and outs of being a pit-master
Holiday season: smoked turkeys and whole briskets
TV viewership: sports bar aspect
Extensive bourbon collection
Private dining rooms: bourbon bar and game room

Leadership Across Generations, with Andy Kalajian, Founder and President, Fort Leadership and Sales Consulting

October 2, 2023 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Leadership Across Generations, with Andy Kalajian, Founder and President, Fort Leadership and Sales Consulting

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North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 702)

Andy Kalajian, Founder and President of Fort Leadership and Sales Consulting, joined host John Ray on North Fulton Business Radio to share his work in leadership and character development. Andy discussed leadership and workforce challenges businesses face today, the proportion of the workforce millennials comprise, what that proportion suggests about successful leadership, developing a personal and professional development curriculum, and much more.

North Fulton Business Radio is broadcast from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

Fort Leadership and Sales Consulting

Fort Leadership and Sales Consulting, LLC is a professional education & training company that helps high commission sales professionals, small business owners, and entrepreneurs get the most out of their teams through character development, leadership training, and practical application.

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

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.

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

What is your background and how did you come around to starting Fort Leadership and Sales Consulting?
How does Fort Leadership and Sales Consulting help businesses out there today?
What challenges are you hearing about in the business community?
What’s causing these business challenges?
Why is it so important for business owners today to understand the Millennials?
Can you tell us why it’s so important for Millennials to enroll in a personal and professional development curriculum?
What is the experience like to work with you and Fort Leadership?

Tangible Touch in a Digital World, with Mark Weiss, Renaissance Communications Group, a SendOutCards Affiliate (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 710)

Mark Weiss, Owner, Renaissance Communications Group, a SendOutCards Affiliate

Communicating with Poise and Persuasion, with Dr. Bill Lampton, Championship Communication (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 709)

Bill Lampton, Ph.D., The “Biz Communication Guy,” President, Championship Communication

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

Pete Cousins, Summus Medical and Host of LaserLife Insights (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 708)

Summus Medical Laser

Pete Cousins, Chief Commercial Officer, Summus Medical Laser

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

Cybersecurity Threats to Small Business, with Michael Caralis, Verizon (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 707)

Verizon

Michael Caralis, Vice President, Verizon Business Markets, Verizon

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

Drive-Through Medical Care, with Stacy and Dr. Luke Lathrop, SmartMED Drive-Thru Medical Care (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 706)

SmartMED Drive-Thru Medical Care

Dr. Luke Lathrop, Medical Director, SmartMED Drive-Thru Medical Care

Stacy Lathrop, CEO, SmartMED Drive-Thru Medical Care

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

Kicking It Into High Gear, with Ryan Burton, Leads Near Me® and the High Gear Auto Repair Marketing Conference (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 705)

High Gear Auto Repair Marketing Conference

Leads Near Me®

Ryan Burton, CEO, Leads Near Me® and founder of High Gear Auto Repair Marketing Conference

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

Making a Career Change to Writing, with Carole Townsend, Award-Winning Author, Journalist, and Speaker (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 704)

Carole Townsend, Award-Winning Author, Journalist, and Speaker

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

Alpharetta Barbeque, Bourbon, and Brew, with Natasha Clark, Director of Operations, Loyal Q and Brew (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 703)

Loyal Q and Brew

Natasha Clark, Director of Operations, Loyal Q and Brew

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

Leadership Across Generations, with Andy Kalajian, Founder and President, Fort Leadership and Sales Consulting (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 702)

Fort Leadership and Sales Consulting

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

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

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North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 710)

Mark Weiss, Owner, Renaissance Communications Group,

North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 709)

North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 708)

North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 707)

Drive-Through Medical Care, with Stacy and Dr. Luke Lathrop, SmartMED Drive-Thru Medical Care North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 706)

Leads Near Me® and the High Gear Auto Repair Marketing Conference North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 705)

North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 704)

North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 703)

North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 702)