Partner Spotlight: Dekalb Tool & Die Manufacturing Capabilities with Ric Grove

May 7, 2024 by John Ray

Richard Grove, Wall Control, and Ric Grove, Dekalb Tool & Die

North Fulton Studio

Partner Spotlight: Dekalb Tool & Die Manufacturing Capabilities with Ric Grove

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Partner Spotlight: Dekalb Tool & Die Manufacturing Capabilities with Ric Grove (Organization Conversation, Episode 59)

This episode of Organization Conversation, hosted by Richard Grove and sponsored by Wall Control Storage Systems, focuses on highlighting their closest partner, Dekalb Tool & Die. Richard’s father, Ric Grove, joins the conversation to share the history and evolution of Dekalb Tool & Die since its inception in 1968, its growth from serving the automotive industry to a diverse range of sectors, and the importance of skilled labor in the tool & die industry. They discuss the challenges and opportunities in attracting and training new talent, the significance of being a full-service metalworking facility, and how the industry has adapted to changes in manufacturing and labor. The episode also explores the role of employers in creating valuable work environments and the potential for rewarding careers in skilled trades.

Organization Conversation is sponsored by Wall Control. The show is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

Ric Grove, Dekalb Tool & Die

Established in 1968, Dekalb Tool & Die, Inc. specializes in crafting, repairing, and innovating a diverse array of metalworking tools. Whether it’s progressive dies, transfer dies, draw dies, or single hit tooling, they possess the expertise and resources to meet your needs. From CAD design to timely delivery, they ensure comprehensive tooling service.

Beyond their design and build capabilities, they excel as a competitive source for quality metal stampings. With presses ranging from 60 to 1800 tons and coil feed capability up to 60″ wide, their versatility enables them to produce a wide range of stamped metal parts.

Recognized for exceptional customer service and on-time deliveries, they were recently honored with Blue Bird Corporation’s Global Supplier of the Year award. While they take pride in their state-of-the-art equipment and technologies, it’s their skilled employees who remain their most valuable asset.

They invite you to experience their facility firsthand with a personal tour when you’re in the Atlanta area. As you explore their capabilities on their website, they’re ready to address any inquiries and provide assistance. They eagerly anticipate the opportunity to quote on your tooling and metal stamping needs, offering competitive prices and unwavering honesty in their business transactions.

Dekalb Tool and Die values the chance to introduce you to their company and demonstrate their commitment to excellence.

Website | Instagram

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction to Organization Conversation
00:28 Spotlight on Dekalb Tool & Die: A Partner Focus
01:37 The Evolution of Dekalb Tool & Die
07:49 Challenges and Opportunities in the Tool and Die Industry
09:31 The Importance of Skilled Labor and Training
11:46 Encouraging a New Generation in Skilled Trades
17:34 Dekalb Tool & Die’s Customer and Service Evolution
22:51 Reaching Out to Potential Employees and Customers
24:14 Closing Remarks and Additional Resources

About Organization Conversation

Organization Conversation is hosted by Richard Grove 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.

Richard Grove, Wall Control

**Richard Grove, COO, Wall Control, Small Business Consultant, and Host of Organization Conversation**

Richard Grove‘s background is in engineering, but what he enjoys most is brand building through relationships and creative marketing. Richard began his career with the Department of Defense as an engineer on the C-5 Galaxy Engineering Team, based out of Warner Robins. While Richard found this experience both rewarding and fulfilling, he always knew deep down that he wanted to return to the small family business that originally triggered his interest in engineering.

Richard came to work for the family business, Dekalb Tool & Die, in 2008 as a Mechanical Engineer. At the time, Wall Control was little more than a small ‘side hustle’ for Dekalb Tool & Die to try to produce some incremental income. There were no “Wall Control” employees, just a small warehouse with a single tool and die maker that would double as an “order fulfillment associate” on the occasion that the original WallControl.com website, which Richard’s grandmother built, pulled in an order.

In 2008, it became apparent that for the family business to survive, they were going to have to produce their own branded product at scale to ensure jobs remained in-house and for the business to continue to move forward. Richard then turned his attention from tool and die to Wall Control to attempt this necessary pivot, and his story with Wall Control began. Since that time, Richard has led Wall Control to significant growth while navigating two recessions.

Outside of Richard’s work at Wall Control, he enjoys helping other business owners, operators, and entrepreneurs along their own paths to success by offering personal business coaching and advice through his website, ConsultantSmallBusiness.com. Richard has developed an expansive and unique skillset, growing and scaling Wall Control through a multitude of challenges to become the successful brand and company it is today. Richard is happy to share his knowledge and experience with others who are looking to do the same within their own businesses.

Connect with Richard:

Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn | Richard’s Website

About Wall Control

The Wall Control story began in 1968 in a small tool & die shop just outside Atlanta, Georgia. The first of three generations began their work in building a family-based US manufacturer with little more than hard work and the American Dream.

Over the past 50+ years, this family business has continued to grow and expand from what was once a small tool & die shop into an award-winning US manufacturer of products ranging from automobile components to satellite panels and now, the best wall-mounted tool storage system available today, Wall Control.

The Wall Control brand launched in 2003 and is a family-owned and operated business that not only produces a high-quality American Made product but sees the entire design, production, and distribution process happen under their own roof in Tucker, Georgia. Under that same roof, three generations of American Manufacturing are still hard at work creating the best tool storage products available today.

Connect with Wall Control:

Company website | Facebook | Instagram

Unlocking Incremental Innovation in Small and Medium-Sized Businesses, with Thomas Storteboom, i2e Solutions

April 26, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Unlocking Incremental Innovation in Small and Medium-Sized Businesses, with Thomas Storteboom, i2e Solutions

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Unlocking Incremental Innovation in Small and Medium-Sized Businesses, with Thomas Storteboom, i2e Solutions (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 766)

On this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray interviews Thomas Storteboom, founder and CEO of i2e Solutions, on the topic of fostering innovation within small and medium-sized businesses. Thomas shares insights on how he helps companies spark new ideas, foster innovation, and select the best projects to pursue through structured innovation strategies and brainstorming sessions. The discussion covers the importance of differentiating between disruptive and incremental innovation, and how businesses can leverage both for growth. Thomas emphasizes the necessity of cross-functional teams in the brainstorming process and outlines how he assists organizations, particularly manufacturers, in overcoming common innovation challenges, such as idea selection and execution.

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.

Thomas Storteboom, i2e Solutions

Thomas Storteboom is the Founder of i2e Solutions, a consulting practice that helps companies grow by finding better ideas and bringing them to life. Thomas gained his innovation expertise at industry leading companies like Ford Motor Company, CHEP, and Cox Automotive. Now he is focused on sharing his knowledge broadly by helping small to midsize manufacturing companies accelerate their growth through innovation. He focuses on innovation strategy, processes, and creating a culture of innovation. Thomas also trains groups on innovation, facilitates brainstorming, and is currently writing a book on the challenges companies face when innovating.

Website | LinkedIn | Thomas Storteboom LinkedIn

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
01:17 Introducing Thomas Storteboom and the Magic of Innovation
01:52 The Essence and Impact of Innovation Consulting
04:17 Disruptive vs. Incremental Innovation: A Deep Dive
08:37 Thomas Storteboom’s Journey to Innovation Expertise
10:35 Addressing Innovation Challenges in Small and Medium-Sized Businesses
16:56 Unlocking Innovation Through Targeted Brainstorming
19:15 The Ideal Brainstorming Team: Composition and Characteristics
21:30 Challenges of Innovation Across Different Business Sizes
23:05 Facilitating Effective Brainstorming Sessions
24:13 Client Engagement and Success Stories
29:29 Connecting with Thomas Storteboom and Closing Remarks

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 and 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.

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

SPECIAL EVENT: Join everyone as Casa Nuova for their annual Casa Nuova Block Party on Sunday, April 28 from 2 PM to 5:30 PM!

Complimentary food, music, and fun for the whole familia! It’s their way of saying thank you to the amazing community that they love to serve!

Donations will benefit Purple Pansies, which is dedicated to raising funds for pancreatic cancer research and providing emergency grants to individuals and families battling the disease.

Rain or shine, we hope to see you there!

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

With over 760 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.

Chasing Excellence at Bitzel’s Chocolate

February 13, 2024 by Amanda Pearch

Chasing Excellence

Chasing Excellence at Bitzel's Chocolate

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Bitzel’s Chocolate

Ray Bitzel Jr. & Cathy Hogan

See chocolate production from seed to truffle at Bitzel’s Chocolate!

Watch every step of the process, see how the cacao seed is grown, harvested, fermented, dried and finally sorted. Take a tour of this Artisan Chocolate Factory located in Suwanee Georgia. Try their fresh Gelato too! See how it is continuously churned & made right at the counter. Stop by for a one-of-a-kind experience.

Visit bitzelschocolate.com to learn more

SERIES PROUDLY PRESENTED BY:

Cachet Corporate Gift Services

Host Cathy Hogan

Cathy is an expert in design and marketing. She has won numerous awards as a gift designer, writer, instructor and trainer in the gift industry. Her award-winning design team specializes in unique creations. Her experience allows her to highlight a multitude of interesting professionals and share their stories with YOU!

Do you have a story that is worth sharing?

Email us at chasingexcellencepodcast@gmail.com– we would love to hear from you.

Produced by Amanda Pearch Marmolejo

Workforce Challenges in the Manufacturing Sector, with Jim Pursley, Factory Automation Systems

January 8, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

Workforce Challenges in the Manufacturing Sector, with Jim Pursley, Factory Automation Systems

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Workforce Challenges in the Manufacturing Sector, with Jim Pursley, Factory Automation Systems

Jim Pursley: It’s still strong. We had some concerns about rising cost of money and economy slowing down.

But we’ve not seen it in a whole slug taking a downward turn just yet, always subject to change. And I think a lot of what’s driving that is still the strong employment numbers. Our business is structured around automation and helping people manufacture things in all types of spaces.

And, traditionally through the years that takes people to do that. And it’s harder and harder these days to find people that you could trust to show up to work every day that have the skills to do that. And especially in the manufacturing space. And so our customers, and the list keeps growing, from beyond the traditional Fortune 500 companies, to Fords and General Motors of the world to smaller organizations that just can’t find the people to do the work.

And so we get calls for “we’ve had this process we’ve done for years. We’re looking for a way to be able to do it. We can’t run the equipment sometimes because we don’t have people to show up to work to do it.” That’s been a big part of our continued success, whether that’s with robotic systems or just any other type of automation system.

And it continues to, to be even as large capital projects, maybe are slowing down. Even a lot of upgrade work with existing customers are taking the opportunities to replace obsolete equipment if they’ve slowed down. And even customers who aren’t seeing growth in their business in manufacturing still need the automation piece to drive costs down and to really backfill where you can’t find the labor.

Listen to Jim’s full ProfitSense with Bill McDermott interview here.

The “One Minute Interview” series is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® in Alpharetta. You can find the full archive of shows by following this link.

Renasant Bank has humble roots, starting in 1904 as a $100,000 bank in a Lee County, Mississippi, bakery. Since then, Renasant has grown to 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.

Dee Barnes, Evans Tool & Die and Evans Metal Stamping & Laser Cutting

November 13, 2023 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

Dee Barnes, Evans Tool & Die and Evans Metal Stamping & Laser Cutting

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Dee Barnes, Evans Tool & Die and Evans Metal Stamping & Laser Cutting (ProfitSense with Bill McDermott, Episode 52)

Dee Barnes, CEO of Evans Tool and Die, joined host Bill McDermott to discuss how her 75-year-old family-owned business has successfully navigated the manufacturing industry’s challenges and embraced its opportunities. Dee focused on the importance of trade skills within the sector and the resurgence of manufacturing in the United States. They also delved into how technology is transforming the industry, the addition of a laser metal fabrication division at Evans, the struggle against overseas competition due to inflation, and much more.

Bill wrapped up the show with his thoughts on the one question every business owner should be able to answer.

ProfitSense with Bill McDermott is produced and broadcast by the North Fulton Studio of Business RadioX® in Alpharetta.

Evans Tool & Die and Evans Metal Stamping & Laser Cutting

Improving Our Community Through Manufacturing Excellence Since 1948 – Celebrating 75 years… Evans is a one stop, Made in the USA, Preferred Provider of precision Tool & Die builds, progressive and hand transfer metal stamping products as well as laser cutting metal fabrication.

They provide complete design and engineering processes, assembly, and packaging. They provide risk management solutions to the overseas supply chain breakdowns for OEMs by localizing supply chains with high quality, seamless logistics and hands on supply chain control.

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

Deanne “Dee” Barnes, President & CEO

Deanne “Dee” Barnes has served as Chief Executive Officer and President of Evans Tool & Die/Evans Metal Stamping, Inc. since 2011. Dee is the granddaughter of company founder, Leonard Evans, Jr., and represents the company’s third generation of family leadership. A seasoned industry leader, she is the driving force behind Evan’s ongoing commitment to “Made in the USA” manufacturing and delivering the highest caliber of customer service. After attending Georgia College and State University, Dee has contributed to every aspect of the company for more than 35 years. Now as CEO, she continues the family legacy as an example of prosperous domestic manufacturing since 1948. Evans Company exists not only to make a profit for its stakeholders, but to make a positive impact that will support and encourage customers, employees and their families, and our community.

About ProfitSense and Your Host, Bill McDermott

ProfitSense with Bill McDermott dives into the stories behind some of Atlanta’s successful businesses and business owners and the professionals that advise them. This show helps local business leaders get the word out about the important work they’re doing to serve their market, their community, and their profession. The show is presented by McDermott Financial Solutions. McDermott Financial helps business owners improve cash flow and profitability, find financing, break through barriers to expansion, and financially prepare to exit their business. The show archive can be found at profitsenseradio.com.

Bill McDermott is the Founder and CEO of McDermott Financial Solutions. When business owners want to increase their profitability, they don’t have the expertise to know where to start or what to do. Bill leverages his knowledge and relationships from 32 years as a banker to identify the hurdles getting in the way and create a plan to deliver profitability they never thought possible.

Bill currently serves as Treasurer for the Atlanta Executive Forum and has held previous positions as a board member for the Kennesaw State University Entrepreneurship Center and Gwinnett Habitat for Humanity and Treasurer for CEO NetWeavers. Bill is a graduate of Wake Forest University and he and his wife, Martha have called Atlanta home for over 40 years. Outside of work, Bill enjoys golf, traveling, and gardening.

Connect with Bill on LinkedIn and Twitter and follow McDermott Financial Solutions on LinkedIn.

John Sewell, CKS Packaging

October 19, 2023 by John Ray

Executive Perspective

John Sewell, CKS Packaging

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John Sewell, CKS Packaging

John Sewell, CEO of CKS Packaging, a successful and longstanding family business, joined host Danny Vander Maten on this edition of Executive Perspective. They discussed CKS Packaging’s history, their success as a family-owned business, their commitment to relationships, their second chance program for employees, and their philanthropic efforts, Maximum Impact Love. John told several stories highlighting the success he owed to the family’s unwavering faith and dedication to Christian values.

Executive Perspective is broadcast and produced by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

CKS Packaging

CKS Packaging is a privately owned manufacturer and supplier of rigid plastic packaging with 24 locations in the United States, headquartered in Atlanta.

CKS Packaging’s business is the marketing, sales, and manufacturing of quality plastic containers utilizing environmentally friendly raw materials, maintaining high ethical standards honoring the covenant to support Christian-based ministries from the profits generated through the business.

CKS provides containers for a variety of consumer goods and industrial products including: Food Beverage Health and Beauty Personal Care Automotive Medical Chemicals and Solutions With over 50 years of experience in the plastics manufacturing business, CKS Packaging has acquired the product design and technical expertise that has made us the industry leader for innovative and cost-effective solutions for most any packaging and branding solutions.

They have been chosen to provide products for: Beverage Companies, Food Packaging Companies, Dairies, Fast Food Chains, Food Service Industry, Grocery Stores, Home Improvement Stores, Automotive Supply Stores, and Cosmetics Companies.

CKS Packaging, Inc. is a family-owned plastic container manufacturing company with its home office headquartered in Atlanta Georgia. CKS stands for Charles K. Sewell, who has become a legend in the plastic container blow-molding arena. He began in the plastic business in the mid-1960s. He was honored to be named the first recipient of the Society of Plastic Engineers Lifetime Achievement Award. is an industry leader in custom bottle design.

CKS Packaging introduced the Second Chance Program in 2016 with the goal of hiring people who otherwise might struggle to find employment. Specifically, the program focuses on hiring previously incarcerated people, homeless individuals, and people recovering from drug addictions. To recruit candidates to this program, CKS Packaging partners with community organizations for referrals. Since the inception of the program, hundreds of people have been hired successfully. Employees have moved up in the company or found better positions elsewhere. CKS now employs almost 10 % of their workforce as Second Chance employees.

Additionally, many Second Chance employees have escaped the cycles of poverty, crime, and addiction. CKS Packaging has also been positively impacted since they now have a loyal, hard-working group of employees who otherwise would not have been found. Since people who previously were incarcerated or relied on social support programs now have employment and some financial independence, taxpayers also end up paying less to help these individuals.

Company website | LinkedIn

John Sewell, CEO, CKS Packaging

John Sewell is CEO of CKS Packaging, a privately-held family run business based in Atlanta, Georgia. John’s father Charles started CKS Packaging in 1985. But Charles started his first packaging business in the sixties and sold it in the early 80s. It was this company that John went to work for right out of college.

When CKS was founded, John went to work for his father and never left. In 2000 John became President and then CEO. It’s a fourth-generation manufacturing business now doing more than 750 million in business.

About Executive Perspective

Executive Perspective features executives and business leaders from a wide variety of sectors. Host Danny Vander Maten and his guests cover industry trends, insights, challenges, success strategies and lessons learned. Executive Perspective is underwritten and presented by Cresa. The show series is produced by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® and can be found on all the major podcast apps. A complete show archive can be found here.

Executive Perspective

Danny joined Cresa in the Spring of 2016 and brought a diverse background with nearly 10 years of experience in finance, business operations, and strategy to his client’s real estate transactions.

At Cresa, Danny’s primary responsibilities include strategic planning, lease analysis, negotiations, and cost mitigation. As a registered Certified Public Accountant with an active license in the state of Georgia, Danny provides unique financial insight into every critical aspect of the transaction.

Cresa is the world’s most trusted occupier-centric commercial real estate firm. They strategize for the best possible results for occupiers everywhere. Cresa thinks beyond space. Partner without conflict. And apply their integrated expertise to make your business better.

Connect with Danny: LinkedIn | Twitter

Connect with Cresa: Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Ruth Ellen and Tim Elinski with Pin Drop Travel Trailers and Evelyn Vargas with Town of Miami, AZ

September 12, 2023 by Karen

Phoenix Business Radio

Ruth Ellen and Tim Elinski with Pin Drop Travel Trailers and Evelyn Vargas with Town of Miami, AZ

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Ruth Ellen and Tim Elinski with Pin Drop Travel Trailers and Evelyn Vargas with Town of Miami, AZ

Pin Drop Travel Trailers are solar powered, fully self contained micro campers manufactured from raw materials in rural Arizona. Hand-built by experienced craftsmen, these campers are meticulously designed to utilize every square inch for gear storage and special features that enhance your outdoor experience.

The company was launched in 2018 by avid campers and entrepreneurs, Tim and Ruth Ellen Elinski. The Elinski’s sought a way to provide a sustainable alternative to camping with a travel trailer that would be untethered and easy on the environment, yet still allow one to haul adventure gear and sleep, cook and recreate with creature comforts normally found in much larger (inefficient) RV’s in remote, off grid destinations or in your favorite campground.a

Tim and Ruth Ellen are very active in their local communities. Tim has served as a member of City Council for over 18 years, currently serving as the mayor of Cottonwood, Arizona. Ruth Ellen is a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer and was instrumental in creating the Jerome Art Walk and in helping Jerome to achieve its reputation as a fine arts destination. She is currently on the Board of Verde Valley Leadership and was recently elected to serve on the local school board.

Tim and Ruth Ellen are both Fellows of the Arizona Center for Civic Leadership’s Flinn Brown Leadership Academy. They are the proud parents of two young daughters who enjoy testing PinDrop Travel Trailers on their many adventures.

With their combined grit, work ethic and love of the outdoors, Tim and Ruth Ellen have created a company that is prepared to “Recharge Your Wonder.” Working collaboratively from their repurposed 115 year old production facility in historic downtown Miami, Arizona, the team utilizes Arizona resources and supplies whenever possible and aims to revitalize rural Arizona, producing a clean, sustainable and environmentally-friendly product.

Follow Pin Drop Travel Trailers on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

The copper mining town of Miami, Arizona is one square mile in size but, despite its small size, Miami has provided copper to the world for the the past 120 years. Today, copper mines surrounding Miami are still producing the copper found in satellites, cell phones, vehicles, electrical wire, and even makeup!

Miami is rich in manufacturing, industry, art, mining and mining history. Miami has 5 consecutive Luten arch bridges which connect Live Oak Street (Highway 60) to the downtown area of Sullivan Street. The only other place in the world to have 5 consecutive arch bridges of this type is in Italy.

Manufacturing includes hand-crafted Pin Drop Travel Trailers – a most unique design has enhanced the comfort of camping while still being part of the outdoors. The “Neo Tat,” is a tattoo machine are also manufactured in Miami and shipped all over the world. This revolutionary design changed the entire tattoo industry with its quiet use and low vibration.

Banjos are also made in Miami and are shipped throughout North America. Firearm parts are another product manufactured within the town. Art of all types is prevalent within the town along with many cultural an unique events hosted throughout the year.

Miami is in a resurgence time with many people interested in purchasing buildings and opening shops.

Evelyn Vargas is the first Economic Development Director for the Town of Miami, Arizona. She was born and raised in Miami, graduated from Miami High School, earned Bachelor of Science degrees in Business Administration, Computer Information Systems, Secondary and Elementary Education from Northern Arizona University.

Her professional background has included Teacher and Coach at Miami High School; Communications Coordinator at BHP Billiton-Pinto Valley Operation, a local copper mine; Chief Experience Officer at the Cobre Valley Regional Medical Center; and Director of Special Education for the Miami Unified School District. All her positions have given her a well-rounded background in many areas to lead the economic development for the Town of Miami.

Evelyn is currently the Chairman of the nonprofit “Hearts of Miami Engaged – HOME,” whose mission is to provide for the economic development of the Town of Miami by raising funds to restore public areas, increase tourism and bring about new business activities. “The copper Miami has produced over the past 120 years has been lighting the world and connecting our planet. The value the little Town of Miami has played in the world is immeasurable,” states Evelyn.

Evelyn and her husband, Ken, have been married for 44 years, raised 3 children whom they are very proud of and are all university graduates. She enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, traveling, gathering with family, and the quiet times at home.

Follow Miami, Arizona on Facebook.

SBA Lending, with Chip Gjertsen, Renasant Bank

June 5, 2023 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

SBA Lending, with Chip Gjertsen, Renasant Bank

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North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 669)

Renasant Bank Senior Vice President and SBA Senior Banker Chip Gjertsen joined host John Ray to discuss SBA lending. Chip shared how he got hooked on business lending as a career, defined what an SBA loan is, described what kinds of businesses might benefit from an SBA loan, discussed recent changes that benefit business owners in transition, Renasant’s status as a Preferred Lender, success stories, and much more.

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

**Chip Gjertsen, Senior Vice President and SBA Senior Banker, Renasant Bank**

Chip Gjertsen is a Senior Vice President and SBA Senior Banker. He has been an SBA Lender for two decades.

Renasant Bank has humble roots, starting in 1904 as a $100,000 bank in a Lee County, Mississippi, bakery. Since then, we have grown to become one of the Southeast’s strongest financial institutions with approximately $17.5 billion in assets and 196 banking, lending, wealth management and financial services offices in Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia and Florida.

Renasant’s success stems from each of our teammates’ commitment to diversity and inclusion, and investing in their communities as a way of better understanding the people we serve. At Renasant Bank, we understand you because we work and live alongside you every day.

Website | Renasant SBA website | Chip Gjertsen LinkedIn

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

How Chip got into SBA lending
What is an SBA loan
The UGA Small Business Development Center
New revisions that impact exit planning
Renasant as a Preferred Lender
The kinds of businesses ideal for an SBA loan

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/.

Ian Rush with Summit Electric Supply and Jason Haines with ISI Arizona

May 30, 2023 by Karen

Ian-Rush-with-Summit-Electric-Supply-and-Jason-Haines-with-Industrial-Solutions-feature

Phoenix Business Radio

Ian Rush with Summit Electric Supply and Jason Haines with ISI Arizona

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Ian Rush with Summit Electric Supply and Jason Haines with ISI Arizona

Summit Electric Supply is an electrical supply company. For over 30 years they have been providing Schneider/Square D components to Electrical contractors in Arizona.

Since 2021, they have been expanding their business into the industrial automation space; providing essential components to manufacturing, distribution, and warehousing operations in the state of Arizona.

Ian Rush is an Arizona native, but has lived in 2 countries outside the USA; Paraguay and Brazil. He is fluent in both Spanish and English.

After graduating from Red Mountain High School, Ian immediately enlisted in the Marine Corps; serving from 2007-14.

Ian has a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering from Minnesota State University. He has worked as an engineer at companies like: 3M, Wabash National, and Summit Electric Supply.

His current role at Summit Electric Supply, has him building a new division of the company, focused on Automation components and solutions for Arizona Industrial organizations.

Connect with Ian on LinkedIn.

With a robust library of Lean training materials, ISI Arizona can help improve any part an organization through training, facilitation, or consulting work.

We help business owners and leadership achieve a standard of excellence by creating strong internal team relationships, employees who produce quality – all while saving resources.

We strive to make it possible for these owners and leaders to focus on working on the business, by developing their employees so they no longer feel they must do everything themselves.

Furthermore, ISI Arizona is licensed and certified to present Blue Collar Leadership© Training. This leadership training is uniquely designed content specifically created to engage and develop the front-line workforce and those who lead them, by taking powerful leadership concepts and packing them in easy to understand and apply resources.

Jason Haines is Owner, Lead Consultant and Trainer at Industrial Solutions, LLC of Arizona (ISI Arizona). As part of the Industrial Solutions team, Jason has the ability develop and execute customized solutions and/or Lean trainings for Commercial, Healthcare, Hospitality, and Industrial companies.

Through these solutions and trainings, organizations can expect to increase their bottom line, improve system capacity, remove unnecessary steps, to streamline and increase overall efficiency through Lean Thinking implementation.

Our goal is to help companies create stronger leadership, increase morale, employee retention, and ultimately greater profitability.

Connect with Jason on LinkedIn.