Business RadioX ®

Steve Reising on Business Contracts, Litigation, and M&A

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Steve Reising, Briskin, Cross & Sanford, on Business Contracts, Litigation, and Selling Your Business (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 943) with host John Ray
North Fulton Business Radio
Steve Reising on Business Contracts, Litigation, and M&A
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Steve Reising, Briskin, Cross & Sanford, on Business Contracts, Litigation, and Selling Your Business (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 943) with host John Ray

Steve Reising, Briskin, Cross & Sanford, on Business Contracts, Litigation, and Selling Your Business (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 943)

On this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray welcomes Steve Reising, Senior Attorney at Briskin, Cross & Sanford, LLC in Alpharetta. Steve focuses his practice on corporate transactions, mergers and acquisitions, franchise law, and business litigation, serving small- and mid-sized business owners throughout the North Fulton area.

The conversation covers how business owners typically land in litigation, from contract breaches and payment disputes to personal injury claims involving company vehicles. Steve explains why a poorly written contract is often at the root of the problem and offers a pointed warning about business owners who have turned to AI tools to generate their contracts. He has spotted several such contracts in his practice and says they tend to look polished but fall apart under scrutiny.

Steve also walks through what the current mergers and acquisitions market looks like, including the role private equity is playing and the phenomenon he calls “the silver tsunami,” as baby boomer business owners approach retirement and look to exit. He outlines what buyers want to see, why business owners often get caught unprepared when interest comes in, and how to start building a business that can stand on its own without the owner at the center of it.

John Ray is the host of North Fulton Business Radio. The show is produced by John Ray and North Fulton Business Radio, LLC, an affiliate of Business RadioX®, and is recorded inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

  • Steve has reviewed contracts his clients admitted were generated by AI tools and says they tend to contain boilerplate that looks credible but lacks the specific provisions needed to actually protect a business, which can lead to significant legal vulnerabilities and financial risks for the business owners relying on them.
  • When a business owner is being pursued by buyers, having two to five years of runway to prepare is ideal, but that window often surprises owners who weren’t expecting interest so soon.
  • A concentrated customer base, where a single client drives the majority of revenue, raises concerns for buyers and can significantly lower a business’s sale price.
  • Reising settled a $5 million state enforcement claim on behalf of a client for $8,000 and caught a single missing word in a $40 million real estate contract that would have triggered tens of millions in additional liability.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:20 John Ray introduces the show and guest Steve Reising
01:53 Steve Reising describes his practice areas at Briskin, Cross & Sanford
02:22 Why Steve chose business law and litigation
03:04 His background in insurance defense and thousands of litigated cases
04:23 Common reasons business owners end up in litigation
05:14 Personal injury exposure for businesses with vehicles on the road
06:13 How poorly written contracts contribute to litigation
07:04 Why AI-generated contracts are dangerous for business owners
10:58 Debt collection and payment disputes in the current economy
13:40 The M&A market and current activity levels
14:11 The “silver tsunami” and baby boomer business exits
15:20 How private equity is operating in the market today
16:27 PE firms rolling up franchise businesses
18:09 Why business owners get caught unprepared when a buyer approaches
19:21 What buyers look for: customer concentration, contracts, and key person dependency
21:43 When to call an attorney and what triggers should prompt action
23:36 Success stories: the $5 million state claim and the $40 million contract
27:07 Beyond Computer Solutions sponsor segment and cybersecurity discussion

Steve Reising, Senior Attorney

Steve Reising is a Senior Attorney at Briskin, Cross & Sanford, LLC in Alpharetta, bringing more than 16 years of diverse legal experience to the firm. He is licensed in both Georgia and Illinois and is admitted to practice before the Court of Appeals of Georgia and multiple U.S. District Courts. His practice focuses on corporate transactions, mergers and acquisitions, franchise law, and business litigation.

Before joining Briskin, Cross & Sanford, Reising spent nearly five years at a boutique Chicago firm handling insurance defense litigation and subrogation claims and, earlier in his career, he represented individual plaintiffs in personal injury matters at a well-regarded Chicago firm. He earned his J.D. from the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law and holds degrees in political science and business administration from Illinois State University.

LinkedIn

Briskin, Cross & Sanford, LLC

Briskin, Cross & Sanford, LLC, delivers full-service legal counsel to entrepreneurs and businesses throughout Alpharetta and the North Atlanta area. For more than 30 years, the firm’s attorneys have advised technology firms and businesses along the Georgia 400 corridor and were founding members of the 400 Technology Connection steering committee, which evolved into a partnership with the Technology Association of Georgia (TAG).

The firm serves companies of all sizes, from startups to established enterprises, across a broad range of practice areas including business organization, business litigation, mergers and acquisitions, franchise law, employment law, technology and internet law, intellectual property, commercial real estate, and nonprofit law.

Website

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

Renasant BankRenasant Bank has humble roots, having started in 1904 as a $100,000 bank located in a Lee County, Mississippi, bakery. Since then, Renasant has grown into one of the Southeast’s strongest financial institutions, boasting over $26 billion in assets and more than 280 offices offering banking, lending, wealth management, and financial services throughout the region. All of Renasant’s success stems from the commitment of each banker to invest in the communities they serve, which in turn helps them better understand the people they serve. At Renasant Bank, their banking professionals understand you because they work and live alongside you every day.

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

Beyond Computer Solutions supports North Fulton Business Radio

Whether you’re a law firm, medical practice, or manufacturer, there’s one headline you don’t want to make: “Local Business Pays Thousands in Ransom After Cyberattack.” That’s where Beyond Computer Solutions comes in. They help organizations like yours stay out of the news and in business with managed IT and cybersecurity services designed for industries where compliance and reputation matter most.

Whether they serve as your complete IT department or simply support your internal team, they are well-versed in HIPAA, secure document access, written security policies, and other essential aspects that ensure your safety and well-being. Best of all, it starts with a complimentary security assessment.

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

With over 900 episodes and having featured over 1,400 guests, North Fulton Business Radio is the longest-running podcast in the North Fulton area, covering business in our community like no one else. We are the undisputed “Voice of Business” in North Fulton!

The show invites a diverse range of business, non-profit, and community leaders to share their significant contributions to their respective markets, communities, and professions. There is no discrimination based on company size, and there is never any “pay to play.” North Fulton Business Radio supports and celebrates businesses by sharing positive stories that traditional media ignore. Some media lean left. Some media lean right. We lean business.

John Ray, host of  North Fulton Business Radio, and Owner, Ray Business Advisors
John Ray, host of North Fulton Business Radio and Owner, Ray Business Advisors

John Ray is the host of North Fulton Business Radio. John and the team at North Fulton Business Radio, LLC, an affiliate of Business RadioX®, produce the show, which is recorded inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

The studio is located at 275 South Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

You can find the entire archive of shows by following this link. The show is accessible on all major podcast apps, such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, Amazon, iHeart Radio, and many others.

John Ray, The Generosity MindsetJohn 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, bookkeepers, marketing professionals, and other professional services practitioners.

John is the author of the five-star-rated book The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices, praised by readers for its practical insights on raising confidence, value, and prices.

Why Attainable Housing Feels Impossible in North Fulton

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Why Attainable Housing Feels Impossible in North Fulton, and What Can Actually Change, with Mark Murphy, City of Mountain Park and the Fuller Center for Housing of Greater Atlanta (North Fulton Voices, Episode 17)
North Fulton Studio
Why Attainable Housing Feels Impossible in North Fulton
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Why Attainable Housing Feels Impossible in North Fulton, and What Can Actually Change, with Mark Murphy, City of Mountain Park and the Fuller Center for Housing of Greater Atlanta (North Fulton Voices, Episode 17)

Why Attainable Housing Feels Impossible in North Fulton, and What Can Actually Change, with Mark Murphy, City of Mountain Park and the Fuller Center for Housing of Greater Atlanta (North Fulton Voices, Episode 17)

Housing affordability is no longer a “someday” problem in Metro Atlanta. It is here, and it is changing who can live near where they work in North Fulton. In this episode of North Fulton Voices, Jack Murphy and Nancy Diamond from the North Fulton Improvement Network (NFIN) discuss with Mark Murphy the reasons behind the seeming impossibility of affordable housing and the practical solutions that can significantly improve the situation.

Mark serves on the Mountain Park City Council and leads the Fuller Center for Housing of Greater Atlanta. He makes the issue concrete: the local rules and approvals that quietly decide what gets built, why zoning matters more than most people want to admit, and why small, sensible moves like ADUs (accessory dwelling units) and cottage homes are part of the answer.

If you are concerned about enabling teachers, first responders, and working families to remain in the communities they serve, this episode will provide you with the essential language and perspective to actively participate in the next zoning discussion in your city.

North Fulton Voices is presented by the North Fulton Improvement Network. The show series is proudly sponsored by John Ray Co. and North Fulton Business Radio, LLC.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

  • Housing affordability is now the region’s top concern, ahead of traffic, and it is hitting hardest for those building families and careers.
  • The affordability gap is structural, not a matter of personal effort. The numbers have shifted under everyone.
  • Zoning and local approvals are not background noise. They often decide what gets built and what never gets a chance.
  • “Gentle density” is a practical path, including ADUs and cottage homes that add options without flipping neighborhood character.
  • When attainable housing disappears, the people who keep a community running get pushed out: teachers, school staff, caregivers, and first responders.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Show Intro and Hosts
00:40 Meet Mark Murphy
01:08 Data Gems on Affordability
02:15 Workforce Housing Reality Check
03:37 Mark’s Path to Service
05:08 Run the River and Homestretch
05:51 Finding NFIN Through Cycling
08:57 Fuller Center Housing Mission
11:16 Land Zoning and Build Costs
13:05 Mountain Park Comp Plan and ADUs
16:20 ARC Support and Regional Survey
17:59 Housing Pain Points
18:24 Cherokee vs North Fulton
19:53 Why Cherokee Moves Faster
21:50 NIMBY Myths and Fear
24:02 Who Attainable Housing Serves
25:23 Hidden Heroes Focus
26:32 Eligibility and AMI Basics
28:14 ADUs Cottages and Momentum
29:25 Land Banks and Trusts
30:40 Collaboration and Hope
33:53 Call to Action and Wrap

Mark Murphy

Mark Murphy
Mark Murphy

Mark Murphy is President of the Fuller Center for Housing of Greater Atlanta and a city council member in the City of Mountain Park.

Mark holds a finance degree and spent more than 30 years as an executive in consulting and IT outsourcing, including senior roles with HP Enterprise Services, Capgemini, CIBER, and CSC Consulting. Since his retirement in 2016, Mark has concentrated on raising funds and providing support for causes that are dear to him, such as Homestretch, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, and the housing initiatives of the Fuller Center.

Markis is also the founder and director of the St. Paddy O’Pedal Ride to Conquer Childhood Cancer, which benefits Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Mark and his puppy Mosby have lived in the City of Mountain Park for eight years.

LinkedIn

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.

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube

Jack Murphy

Jack Murphy
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 an 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.

LinkedIn

Nancy Diamond

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 Owen.

LinkedIn

Sponsor for North Fulton Voices: John Ray and North Fulton Business Radio, LLC

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

John Ray
John Ray

John Ray is a podcast show host and producer and owns North Fulton Business Radio, LLC, the North Fulton (Georgia) affiliate of Business RadioX®.

John also operates his own business advisory practice, Ray Business Advisors. 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 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 focuses on professional services providers in solo and small-firm settings, addressing topics like pricing, value, and business development.

GNFCC Leadership Programs: LNF and Youth LNF

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GNFCC Leadership Programs: Leadership North Fulton (LNF) and Youth Leadership North Fulton (Youth LNF), with alumni Adam Bieber and JD Ginn (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 112)
North Fulton Studio
GNFCC Leadership Programs: LNF and Youth LNF
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GNFCC Leadership Programs: Leadership North Fulton (LNF) and Youth Leadership North Fulton (Youth LNF), with alumni Adam Bieber and JD Ginn (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 112)

GNFCC Leadership Programs: Leadership North Fulton (LNF) and Youth Leadership North Fulton (Youth LNF), with alumni Adam Bieber and JD Ginn (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 112)

Applications are now open for two GNFCC Leadership Programs: Leadership North Fulton (LNF) and Youth Leadership North Fulton (Youth LNF). Host Kali Boatright, President and CEO of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, is joined by two voices from the programs: Adam Bieber of Logic Speak, a current Leadership North Fulton participant, and JD Ginn, a Cambridge High School student and Youth LNF Class of 2025 alumnus.

They talk candidly about walking into the program with nerves, then discovering how quickly it becomes a community that builds confidence, curiosity, and real leadership habits. The conversation shows what these programs actually develop—leaders who listen, serve, and act with purpose—through retreat experiences, relationship-building, hands-on civic exposure, and a broader view of local challenges and opportunities.

If you are considering applying, or you know an employee or student who should, this episode gives you the why behind the commitment, plus a clear next step: applications are open now, with a deadline of March 20, 2026

The GNFCC 400 Insider is presented by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce and produced by John Ray and the North Fulton affiliate of Business RadioX®.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

  • Leadership growth often starts with uncertainty, and the program is built to help participants push through that quickly.
  • Leadership is not about title; it is about how you show up for others and how you serve.
  • Exposure matters: participants learn how North Fulton works, including civic systems and community needs that are easy to miss day to day.
  • Youth LNF expands perspective by bringing together standout students across many schools, creating a “you are not alone” effect.
  • The alumni network is genuine, continuing to contribute and give back long after graduation.
  • The programs build practical confidence through real scenarios, real relationships, and real community context.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Show Introduction and Guests
01:40 Meet Adam Bieber, Logic Speak, and JD Ginn, Cambridge High School
03:40 GNFCC Leadership Programs Overview
04:19 Why They Applied
08:25 Leadership Breakthrough Moments
12:45 Leading After the Program
15:41 Discovering North Fulton Issues
17:10 Community Mental Health Wins
18:05 Adam’s Eye-Opening Lessons
20:18 JD Mentoring and Paying Forward
22:29 Adam’s Plan to Give Back
23:43 Favorite Class Days
25:42 Why Join the Program
28:16 Final Takeaways and How to Apply

About GNFCC and The GNFCC 400 Insider podcast

Kali Boatright, President and CEO of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce (GNFCC)
Kali Boatright, President and CEO of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce

The GNFCC 400 Insider is sponsored by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce (GNFCC), and the host of the show is Kali Boatright, President and CEO of GNFCC.

The Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce is a private, non-profit, member-driven organization comprised of over 1,400 business enterprises, civic organizations, educational institutions, and individuals. Their service area includes Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Mountain Park, Roswell, and Sandy Springs. GNFCC is the leading voice on economic development, business growth, and quality of life issues in North Fulton County.

Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, GNFCCAs a five-star accredited chamber, GNFCC’s vision is to be the premier organization driving member and community success across the region, and they are dedicated to pursuing this vision based on the guiding principles of advocacy, inclusivity, and operational excellence.

GNFCC promotes the interests of their members by assuming a leadership role in making North Fulton an excellent place to work, live, play, and stay. They provide one voice for all local businesses to influence decision-makers, recommend legislation, and protect the valuable resources that make North Fulton a popular place to live.

For more information on GNFCC and its North Fulton County service area, follow this link or call (770) 993-8806. For more information on other GNFCC events, follow this link.

Christy Krzyzaniak on Bookkeeping for Small Businesses

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Christy Krzyzaniak, ClearLedgers LLC, on Bookkeeping, Financial Clarity, and What Small Business Owners Get Wrong About Their Books (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 941), with host John Ray
North Fulton Business Radio
Christy Krzyzaniak on Bookkeeping for Small Businesses
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Christy Krzyzaniak, ClearLedgers LLC, on Bookkeeping, Financial Clarity, and What Small Business Owners Get Wrong About Their Books (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 941), with host John Ray

Christy Krzyzaniak, ClearLedgers LLC, on Bookkeeping, Financial Clarity, and What Small Business Owners Get Wrong About Their Books (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 941)

On this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray welcomes Christy Krzyzaniak, founder and owner of ClearLedgers LLC and a Certified Bookkeeper based in Alpharetta. Christy built her firm to offer small business owners the attentive, relationship-focused bookkeeping support she saw missing in high-volume accounting firms.

Christy and John dig into why so many business owners put off hiring a professional bookkeeper for as long as possible. Software companies market their tools as user-friendly, attracting business owners to purchase, and before long they realize they are overwhelmed. The result is clients who only reach out to a bookkeeper when desperate, plus the shame owners feel about their books. Christy’s two responses to the shame are: your mess isn’t the first one she’s seen, and the messier the books, the better she likes it.

The conversation also covers what makes a bookkeeper actually qualified. Christy describes the bookkeeping landscape as “the wild west” and walks through the difference between software-specific certifications and the Certified Bookkeeper designation she holds, which is issued by the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers and requires passing six exams, proctored testing, and a minimum of two years of documented experience. She also shares a story that captures the hidden cost of the do-it-yourself approach: a business owner who called her saying he needed marriage counseling because his wife was managing his books on top of her full-time job.

John Ray is the host of North Fulton Business Radio. The show is produced by John Ray and North Fulton Business Radio, LLC, an affiliate of Business RadioX®, and is recorded inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

  • Business owners most often reach out to ClearLedgers when they are overwhelmed and out of options, not when they are being proactive. Christy sees this as a pattern driven by the mistaken belief that doing the books yourself is free.
  • The real cost of DIY bookkeeping shows up in stress, missed deadlines, and strained relationships. Christy shared the example of a client whose wife was about to leave him over the burden of managing his business finances on top of her own full-time job.
  • ClearLedgers differentiates itself through communication. Christy sees two or more clients per month who switch firms because their previous bookkeeper stopped responding. Her commitment: a same-day reply, even if just to acknowledge receipt and set a follow-up time.
  • When vetting a bookkeeper, look beyond software badges. The Certified Bookkeeper designation from the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers requires real accounting knowledge, proctored exams, and verified experience, not a two-hour online course.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:20 John Ray introduces the show and guest Christy Krzyzaniak
02:11 Christy introduces ClearLedgers LLC and the range of services offered
03:47 Christy’s background and why 30-plus years across operations, HR, and payroll sets her apart
06:32 The difference between basic bookkeeping and controller-level services
07:01 Why so many business owners hesitate to hire a professional bookkeeper
10:39 Why owners think DIY bookkeeping is free, and what it actually costs them
14:49 The value of time: helping business owners calculate what their hours are really worth
16:35 The messy closet problem: owners are ashamed of their books, but they don’t need to be
17:58 What makes ClearLedgers stand out, especially around client communication
20:18 Viewing the client relationship as a true partnership
21:07 The “wild west” of bookkeeping: how to spot a qualified bookkeeper versus an imposter
23:08 What the Certified Bookkeeper designation actually requires and why it matters
26:22 Signs that it’s time to call a bookkeeper
28:13 What the onboarding process looks like from first call to clean books
29:36 The most common thing clients say after ClearLedgers takes over their books

Christy Krzyzaniak, Founder & Owner/Certified Bookkeeper

Christy Krzyzaniak founded ClearLedgers LLC and a Certified Bookkeeper and QuickBooks ProAdvisor known for her personalized and relationship-focused approach to supporting small businesses. With more than 30 years of experience across accounting, operations, payroll, and human resources, she brings both technical expertise and practical insight to every client she serves.

Christy began her professional journey in retail and later in CPA firms, long before earning her associate degree in accounting. Those early hands-on roles shaped her real-world understanding of business operations and sparked her passion for helping business owners gain clarity and confidence in their financial records. Over the years, she expanded her skills through formal education, platform certifications, and experience across multiple industries, including manufacturing, construction, healthcare, e-commerce, nonprofits, and professional services.

Motivated by a desire to deliver bookkeeping that is both precise and personal, Christy founded ClearLedgers to offer business owners the thoughtful, attentive support she saw missing in high-volume firms. Her approach prioritizes clarity, transparency, and genuine care. She believes excellent bookkeeping should keep a business financially healthy and give owners something equally valuable: the time and mental bandwidth to focus on what matters most.

Today, Christy leads ClearLedgers with an ongoing dedication to accuracy, responsiveness, and client success. She works directly with every client, providing services that include historical financial cleanups, monthly bookkeeping, payroll management, sales tax compliance, and controller-level oversight.

LinkedIn

ClearLedgers LLC

ClearLedgers LLC is a boutique bookkeeping and financial support firm serving small businesses across Metro Atlanta and the Southeast. Known for its commitment to clarity, accuracy, and responsive partnership, the company provides certified bookkeeping services designed to help business owners gain financial confidence and stay focused on running their businesses.

Christy Krzyzaniak founded ClearLedgers to meet the needs of small business owners who were overwhelmed by disorganized books and the impersonal nature of high-volume bookkeeping firms. Built on more than 30 years of combined experience in accounting, operations, payroll, and human resources, the firm was created to provide a more attentive, relationship-driven alternative.

ClearLedgers offers a full suite of services, including monthly and quarterly bookkeeping, historical cleanups, payroll administration, sales tax filings, W-9 and 1099 processing, financial statement preparation, accounts payable and receivable support, and migrations to QuickBooks Online. The firm also provides controller-level oversight, giving business owners structured financial management and guidance without the complexity of CFO-style services.

Website | Facebook | Instagram

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

Renasant BankRenasant Bank has humble roots, having started in 1904 as a $100,000 bank located in a Lee County, Mississippi, bakery. Since then, Renasant has grown into one of the Southeast’s strongest financial institutions, boasting over $26 billion in assets and more than 280 offices offering banking, lending, wealth management, and financial services throughout the region. All of Renasant’s success stems from the commitment of each banker to invest in the communities they serve, which in turn helps them better understand the people they serve. At Renasant Bank, their banking professionals understand you because they work and live alongside you every day.

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

Beyond Computer Solutions supports North Fulton Business Radio

Whether you’re a law firm, medical practice, or manufacturer, there’s one headline you don’t want to make: “Local Business Pays Thousands in Ransom After Cyberattack.” That’s where Beyond Computer Solutions comes in. They help organizations like yours stay out of the news and in business with managed IT and cybersecurity services designed for industries where compliance and reputation matter most.

Whether they serve as your complete IT department or simply support your internal team, they are well-versed in HIPAA, secure document access, written security policies, and other essential aspects that ensure your safety and well-being. Best of all, it starts with a complimentary security assessment.

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

With over 900 episodes and having featured over 1,400 guests, North Fulton Business Radio is the longest-running podcast in the North Fulton area, covering business in our community like no one else. We are the undisputed “Voice of Business” in North Fulton!

The show invites a diverse range of business, non-profit, and community leaders to share their significant contributions to their respective markets, communities, and professions. There is no discrimination based on company size, and there is never any “pay to play.” North Fulton Business Radio supports and celebrates businesses by sharing positive stories that traditional media ignore. Some media lean left. Some media lean right. We lean business.

John Ray, host of  North Fulton Business Radio, and Owner, Ray Business Advisors
John Ray, host of North Fulton Business Radio and Owner, Ray Business Advisors

John Ray is the host of North Fulton Business Radio. John and the team at North Fulton Business Radio, LLC, an affiliate of Business RadioX®, produce the show, which is recorded inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

The studio is located at 275 South Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

You can find the entire archive of shows by following this link. The show is accessible on all major podcast apps, such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, Amazon, iHeart Radio, and many others.

John Ray, The Generosity MindsetJohn 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, bookkeepers, marketing professionals, and other professional services practitioners.

John is the author of the five-star-rated book The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices, praised by readers for its practical insights on raising confidence, value, and prices.

Eric Togneri on Business Valuation and MyBizWorth.com

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Eric Togneri, What is My Biz Worth? and MyBizWorth.com, on Affordable Business Valuations and the "Determine Build Realize" Framework (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 934), with host John Ray
North Fulton Business Radio
Eric Togneri on Business Valuation and MyBizWorth.com
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Eric Togneri, What is My Biz Worth? and MyBizWorth.com, on Affordable Business Valuations and the "Determine Build Realize" Framework (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 934), with host John Ray

Eric Togneri, What is My Biz Worth?, on Affordable Business Valuations and the “Determine, Build, Realize” Framework (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 934)

On this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray welcomes Eric Togneri, Founder and CEO of What is My Biz Worth? Eric discusses the importance of business owners knowing the accurate value of their business, noting that 85% of most business owners’ net worth is tied up in their company, yet they often have no idea what it’s worth. He explains how What is My Biz Worth? was created to make valuations accessible and affordable, helping business owners determine, build, and realize the value they’ve created.

Eric shares the backstory of founding What is My Biz Worth? and parent company Neri Capital Partners with his father 20 years ago, and how they evolved from investment banking to supporting business owners throughout their entire business lifecycle. He tells the story of a concrete company owner who thought no one would want to buy his business, only to discover it was worth millions and successfully exit years earlier than planned. Eric reveals that business owners who get intentional about building value can improve their business value by an average of 71% in just 12 months.

John Ray is the host of North Fulton Business Radio. The show is produced by John Ray and North Fulton Business Radio, LLC, an affiliate of Business RadioX®, and is recorded inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

  • Most business owners have 85% or more of their net worth tied up in their business but have no clear idea what it’s actually worth, relying instead on perception rather than professional valuation
  • Business owners who get intentional about building value using proven tools and frameworks can improve their business value by an average of 71% in just 12 months
  • What is My Biz Worth? offers affordable, market-accurate valuations that help owners understand their business value at any stage, not just when they’re ready to sell
  • The “Determine, Build, Realize” framework guides business owners through understanding current value, improving that value systematically, and ultimately achieving a successful exit

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:20 John Ray introduces the show and guest Eric Togneri
02:05 Eric Togneri introduces What is My Biz Worth?
02:40 Why most business owners don’t know what their business is worth
03:39 The shocking percentage of net worth tied up in business value
04:33 Eric’s backstory and founding Neri Capital Partners with his father
05:49 Evolution from investment bank to lifecycle business valuation services
06:45 Genesis of What is My Biz Worth?
07:38 Business owners who are shocked positively or negatively by valuation results
09:24 Common misperceptions about business value based on buddy’s sale or arbitrary multiples
11:52 How marketplace realities differ from owner perceptions
14:31 Financial versus strategic buyers and their different value calculations
17:51 The importance of getting a valuation years before selling
20:05 Building transferable value that doesn’t depend solely on the owner
22:14 Examples of value drivers in different industries
25:45 The Determine Build Realize framework explained
29:15 Success story of Boss Concrete owner who exited early after discovering true value
31:43 How to get started with MyBizWorth.com
33:25 Business owners can improve value by 71% in 12 months on average

Eric Togneri, Founder & CEO

Eric Togneri is a passionate entrepreneur and investor with over 20 years of experience in the lower-middle market. Eric founded What is My Biz Worth? to deliver affordable, actionable, market-accurate valuations for business owners who want to know the worth of their most important asset. His goal is to provide solutions that help entrepreneurs determine, build, and realize the value they have created so they can exit on top.

As the CEO and Managing Director of Neri Capital Partners, Eric leverages his expertise in deal origination, investment banking, and consumer products to facilitate successful transactions for owners and investors. He is a Certified Exit Planning Advisor and a co-founder of the Exit Planning Exchange (XPX) Atlanta Chapter, a collaborative network of professional service providers who share a vision of changing the trajectory of exit planning services in the Southeast United States.

Prior to founding Neri Capital Partners and What is My Biz Worth?, Eric had a successful corporate career in health, beauty, and wellness with L’Oreal and Wyeth, representing brands such as Advil, Robitussin, Centrum, and ChapStick. His corporate career culminated in leading Shopper Marketing and Trade Planning for North America Consumer Brands. Eric has a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from the University of Iowa and an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh. He earned the designation of Certified Exit Planning Advisor in 2008, one of the first 100 advisors worldwide.

LinkedIn

What is My Biz Worth?

What is My Biz Worth? is the trusted source for financial advice and business valuation services. The company specializes in providing accurate, affordable, and actionable business valuations to help owners make informed decisions for their company’s future. The team of experts combines years of experience and over 1,000 valuations with data-driven analysis to give business owners the most reliable valuation possible. What is My Biz Worth? stands out by focusing on trust, expertise, and accuracy. Their commitment to exceptional service and reliable valuations reflects their values, and they provide the tools business owners need to determine, build, and realize the value of their business so they can exit on top. The parent company, Neri Capital Partners, has facilitated over 248 successful exits since its founding. Whether looking to sell a business, secure funding, or simply understand current business value, the What is My Biz Worth? team is ready to help.

Website | Facebook | Instagram

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

Renasant BankRenasant Bank has humble roots, having started in 1904 as a $100,000 bank located in a Lee County, Mississippi, bakery. Since then, Renasant has grown into one of the Southeast’s strongest financial institutions, boasting over $26 billion in assets and more than 280 offices offering banking, lending, wealth management, and financial services throughout the region. All of Renasant’s success stems from the commitment of each banker to invest in the communities they serve, which in turn helps them better understand the people they serve. At Renasant Bank, their banking professionals understand you because they work and live alongside you every day.

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

Beyond Computer Solutions supports North Fulton Business Radio

Whether you’re a law firm, medical practice, or manufacturer, there’s one headline you don’t want to make: “Local Business Pays Thousands in Ransom After Cyberattack.” That’s where Beyond Computer Solutions comes in. They help organizations like yours stay out of the news and in business with managed IT and cybersecurity services designed for industries where compliance and reputation matter most.

Whether they serve as your complete IT department or simply support your internal team, they are well-versed in HIPAA, secure document access, written security policies, and other essential aspects that ensure your safety and well-being. Best of all, it starts with a complimentary security assessment.

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

With over 900 episodes and having featured over 1,400 guests, North Fulton Business Radio is the longest-running podcast in the North Fulton area, covering business in our community like no one else. We are the undisputed “Voice of Business” in North Fulton!

The show invites a diverse range of business, non-profit, and community leaders to share their significant contributions to their respective markets, communities, and professions. There is no discrimination based on company size, and there is never any “pay to play.” North Fulton Business Radio supports and celebrates businesses by sharing positive stories that traditional media ignore. Some media lean left. Some media lean right. We lean business.

John Ray, host of  North Fulton Business Radio, and Owner, Ray Business Advisors
John Ray, host of North Fulton Business Radio and Owner, Ray Business Advisors

John Ray is the host of North Fulton Business Radio. John and the team at North Fulton Business Radio, LLC, an affiliate of Business RadioX®, produce the show, which is recorded inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

The studio is located at 275 South Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

You can find the entire archive of shows by following this link. The show is accessible on all major podcast apps, such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, Amazon, iHeart Radio, and many others.

John Ray, The Generosity MindsetJohn 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, bookkeepers, marketing professionals, and other professional services practitioners.

John is the author of the five-star-rated book The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices, praised by readers for its practical insights on raising confidence, value, and prices.

Kimberly Draper on IRS Tax Resolution and Tax Planning

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Kimberly Draper, Elite Tax Preparers, on IRS Tax Resolution, Strategic Tax Planning, and Payroll Tax Compliance (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 933), with host John Ray
North Fulton Business Radio
Kimberly Draper on IRS Tax Resolution and Tax Planning
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Kimberly Draper, Elite Tax Preparers, on IRS Tax Resolution, Strategic Tax Planning, and Payroll Tax Compliance (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 933), with host John Ray

Kimberly Draper, Elite Tax Preparers, on IRS Tax Resolution, Strategic Tax Planning, and Payroll Tax Compliance (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 933)

On this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray welcomes Kimberly Draper, CEO of Elite Tax Preparers. Kim brings 32 years of IRS experience, including roles as a Revenue Officer and Senior Operations Advisor, to help businesses and individuals navigate tax problems, reduce tax liability, and maintain compliance. As an Enrolled Agent licensed to practice in all 50 states, she provides expert representation before the IRS backed by rare insider knowledge of agency enforcement priorities.

Kim shares how understanding IRS thinking prevents costly mistakes. She details a case where a business owner facing $270,000 in unpaid payroll taxes planned to file bankruptcy, unaware this would not eliminate the debt and would trigger personal liability through trust fund recovery penalties. Kim also explains how she saved an Airbnb property owner $14,000 by properly depreciating furniture and appliances that do-it-yourself software missed, and discusses how working with fraudulent tax preparers can result in 75% fraud penalties when the IRS discovers fabricated credits or deductions. She emphasizes that the IRS prioritizes taxpayer compliance over collections, requiring on-time filing and payment as conditions for installment agreements and offers in compromise.

John Ray is the host of North Fulton Business Radio. The show is produced by John Ray and North Fulton Business Radio, LLC, an affiliate of Business RadioX®, and is recorded inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

  • Unpaid payroll taxes trigger trust fund recovery penalties that make business owners personally liable, and bankruptcy does not eliminate these debts or stop the IRS from pursuing personal assets
  • The IRS wants compliant taxpayers more than money, requiring on-time filing and payment as conditions for installment agreements, and monitoring taxpayers for five years after accepting offers in compromise
  • Proper asset depreciation and expense tracking through professional bookkeeping can save business owners thousands in taxes that self-preparation software overlooks
  • Working with fraudulent tax preparers results in 75% fraud penalties on top of taxes owed, and the IRS tracks patterns across preparers using their PTIN numbers

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:20 John Ray introduces the show and guest Kimberly Draper
02:23 Kimberly Draper introduces Elite Tax Preparers
02:32 Services including tax resolution, planning, and preparation
03:09 Kim’s 32-year IRS career and insider perspective
04:04 How Enrolled Agents can represent clients before the IRS
04:35 Case study: $270,000 in unpaid payroll taxes and trust fund penalties
08:17 Why the IRS aggressively enforces payroll tax compliance
09:45 Common misconceptions about the IRS and collections
10:56 The IRS prioritizes compliant taxpayers over putting people in jail
12:27 The biggest mistake: ignoring IRS notices and hoping problems disappear
14:08 How to stay off the IRS radar through compliance and timely filing
15:35 The importance of hiring payroll services and professional bookkeepers
17:24 Case study: $900,000 bookkeeping discrepancy discovered at a family business
18:27 How tax planning identifies savings opportunities
20:03 Case study: Saving a doctor and real estate agent $102,000 annually
20:44 How the IRS monitors Enrolled Agents and tax preparers for fraud patterns
21:41 Case study: Fraudulent energy credits claimed for renters
24:05 When to call a tax professional for help
24:21 Case study: $70,000 incorrect assessment on a proper 401k rollover
26:27 Case study: Saving an Airbnb owner $14,000 through proper asset depreciation
30:36 Contact information for Elite Tax Preparers

Kimberly Draper, CEO

Strategic tax resolution requires more than just knowledge of the law. It requires an understanding of how the IRS thinks. As an Enrolled Agent and retired IRS veteran, Kim Draper’s 32-year IRS career included pivotal roles as a Revenue Officer and Senior Operations Advisor. This enables Kim to possess a rare insider perspective on the agency’s enforcement and strategic priorities.

Kim’s distinguished career is marked by her deep technical expertise in tax adjustments and the complex landscape of IRS collections. She specializes in the management and review of high-level collection cases, including Offers-in-Compromise and sophisticated installment agreements.

Now leading Elite Tax Preparers, she leverages this unique background to provide expert representation, tax resolution, tax return preparation, strategic tax planning, and bookkeeping. Licensed to practice in all 50 states, she is dedicated to navigating the complexities of the tax code with the precision and confidence that only 32 years of insider expertise can provide.

LinkedIn

Elite Tax Preparers

Elite Tax Preparers’ two Enrolled Agents leverage a combined 37 years of IRS career experience to provide expert tax representation, tax resolution, tax return preparation, strategic tax planning, and bookkeeping.

Website | Facebook | Instagram

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

Renasant BankRenasant Bank has humble roots, having started in 1904 as a $100,000 bank located in a Lee County, Mississippi, bakery. Since then, Renasant has grown into one of the Southeast’s strongest financial institutions, boasting over $26 billion in assets and more than 280 offices offering banking, lending, wealth management, and financial services throughout the region. All of Renasant’s success stems from the commitment of each banker to invest in the communities they serve, which in turn helps them better understand the people they serve. At Renasant Bank, their banking professionals understand you because they work and live alongside you every day.

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

Beyond Computer Solutions supports North Fulton Business Radio

Whether you’re a law firm, medical practice, or manufacturer, there’s one headline you don’t want to make: “Local Business Pays Thousands in Ransom After Cyberattack.” That’s where Beyond Computer Solutions comes in. They help organizations like yours stay out of the news and in business with managed IT and cybersecurity services designed for industries where compliance and reputation matter most.

Whether they serve as your complete IT department or simply support your internal team, they are well-versed in HIPAA, secure document access, written security policies, and other essential aspects that ensure your safety and well-being. Best of all, it starts with a complimentary security assessment.

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

With over 900 episodes and having featured over 1,400 guests, North Fulton Business Radio is the longest-running podcast in the North Fulton area, covering business in our community like no one else. We are the undisputed “Voice of Business” in North Fulton!

The show invites a diverse range of business, non-profit, and community leaders to share their significant contributions to their respective markets, communities, and professions. There is no discrimination based on company size, and there is never any “pay to play.” North Fulton Business Radio supports and celebrates businesses by sharing positive stories that traditional media ignore. Some media lean left. Some media lean right. We lean business.

John Ray, host of  North Fulton Business Radio, and Owner, Ray Business Advisors
John Ray, host of North Fulton Business Radio and Owner, Ray Business Advisors

John Ray is the host of North Fulton Business Radio. John and the team at North Fulton Business Radio, LLC, an affiliate of Business RadioX®, produce the show, which is recorded inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

The studio is located at 275 South Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

You can find the entire archive of shows by following this link. The show is accessible on all major podcast apps, such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, Amazon, iHeart Radio, and many others.

John Ray, The Generosity MindsetJohn 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, bookkeepers, marketing professionals, and other professional services practitioners.

John is the author of the five-star-rated book The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices, praised by readers for its practical insights on raising confidence, value, and prices.

Loraine DiSalvo on Estate Planning for Business Owners

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Loraine DiSalvo, Morgan & DiSalvo, on Estate Planning, Business Succession, and Blended Families (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 932), with host John Ray
North Fulton Business Radio
Loraine DiSalvo on Estate Planning for Business Owners
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Loraine DiSalvo, Morgan & DiSalvo, on Estate Planning, Business Succession, and Blended Families (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 932), with host John Ray

Loraine DiSalvo, Morgan & DiSalvo, on Estate Planning, Business Succession, and Blended Families (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 932)

On this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray welcomes Loraine DiSalvo, partner at Morgan & DiSalvo, an Alpharetta law firm specializing in estate planning and trust administration. Loraine discusses the critical importance of proactive estate planning, particularly for business owners facing potential private equity sales or succession challenges. She explains how failing to plan before a business sale can significantly limit tax mitigation options and result in substantial estate tax exposure above the $15 million per person exemption.

Loraine addresses the complexities of estate planning for blended families, noting that no two situations are alike and emphasizing the value of open family discussions before death to prevent conflicts during grief. She also highlights a common misconception that both singles and married couples without children have simple estate planning needs, when in fact they often face complex decisions about beneficiaries beyond the typical spouse and children. The conversation covers succession planning for businesses where the next generation is not interested in taking over, the importance of having proper authority structures in place, and the various life events that should trigger an estate plan review.

John Ray is the host of North Fulton Business Radio. The show is produced by John Ray and North Fulton Business Radio, LLC, an affiliate of Business RadioX®, and is recorded inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

  • Business owners considering or approached about private equity sales should complete estate planning before any sale offer materializes, as proximity to a sale makes it increasingly difficult to support lower valuations for tax mitigation purposes.
  • Georgia’s probate process can be quick and inexpensive with a well-drafted will, but inadequate documents can require tracking down distant relatives for consent and result in significantly higher costs and delays.
  • Blended families benefit from open discussions about estate plans while the parents are alive, helping family members understand decisions and reducing the likelihood of disputes during grief.
  • Singles and married couples without children often face more complex estate planning decisions than those with traditional family structures, as they must thoughtfully determine beneficiaries beyond the typical spouse and children.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:20 John Ray introduces the show and guest Loraine DiSalvo
02:26 Loraine DiSalvo discusses her background and how she became interested in tax and estate planning law
05:05 The importance of estate planning for successful business owners and the consequences of failing to plan
07:17 How well-drafted wills streamline Georgia’s probate process versus inadequate documents
08:23 Common estate planning issues for business owners
09:09 Estate tax planning strategies for business owners facing private equity sales
11:03 The critical importance of timing estate planning before accepting sale offers
12:02 How Loraine helps clients navigate complex estate planning decisions and options
14:07 Business succession planning when children are not interested in taking over
15:08 The consequences when business owners fail to plan for succession
17:15 Balancing estate distributions when one child is in the business and others are not
17:37 Estate planning complexities for blended families
20:58 The value of family discussions about estate plans to prevent post-death conflicts
22:29 Loraine’s role in educating clients and raising what-if questions
23:03 Common misconceptions about intestate succession for married couples
24:19 Why singles and childless couples often face complex estate planning decisions
26:15 Life events that should trigger a call to an estate planning attorney
28:21 The importance of periodic estate plan reviews as life circumstances change
30:02 Success stories, including helping families with disabled members maintain Medicaid benefits
32:37 Using Georgia’s year support law to protect surviving spouses from creditor claims
34:18 How to connect with Morgan & DiSalvo for a no-charge estate planning consultation

Loraine DiSalvo, Partner, Morgan & DiSalvo, P.C.

Loraine DiSalvo, as heard on North Fulton Business Radio with host John Ray
Loraine DiSalvo

Loraine DiSalvo has been practicing law in Georgia since 1997. Loraine is a partner with Morgan & DiSalvo, P.C., the Alpharetta law firm dedicated to helping individuals and families plan and prepare for the many changes that life brings.

Loraine’s areas of concentration include estate planning, probate, estate administration, trust administration, tax planning, and charitable gift planning. She specializes in addressing the unique needs of blended and non-traditional families as well as same-sex couples.

Loraine is a member of the Stonewall Bar Association, the Georgia Bar Association, the American Bar Association, the Atlanta Bar Association, the Georgia Association for Women Lawyers, the Atlanta Estate Planning Council and the Estate Planning Council of North Georgia. She is a past Chair and past member of the Board of Directors of the Atlanta Bar Association’s Estate Planning and Probate Section, a past member of the CLE Board of Trustees for the Atlanta Bar Association and a past member of the North Fulton Bar Association.

Loraine has almost completed her two-year term as President of the Estate Planning Council of North Georgia, which began in 2024. She previously served as their VP of Programs in 2022 and 2023. She also serves as the Editor-in-Chief of The Mortmain, which is published by the Estate Planning and Probate Section for its members. Loraine spent two consecutive years as President of the Professional Women’s Information Network (ProWIN), an organization that provides networking, educational, and charitable opportunities for entrepreneurial and professional women in the metropolitan Atlanta area. Prior to becoming President of ProWIN, she spent three years as Treasurer and one year as President-Elect. After her two years as President, followed by a year as Immediate Past President and another year as a Member-at-Large on the ProWIN Board of Directors, Loraine left the Board of Directors and served on ProWIN’s Advisory Board.

An Atlanta native, Loraine graduated cum laude from Georgia State University and earned her J.D. degree, with distinction, from Emory University. Loraine has one adopted daughter and two grandchildren. She lives in Sandy Springs with her husband, Anthony, and enjoys riding motorcycles and using her expertise as a trained auto mechanic to work on their multiple cars and bikes.

LinkedIn

Morgan & DiSalvo, P.C.

Morgan & DiSalvo, P.C. is a boutique estate planning law firm based in Alpharetta, Georgia, focused on providing highly personalized guidance to individuals and families navigating wills, trusts, and broader estate and tax planning needs. The firm prioritizes clear, customized plans over generic documents, assisting clients in addressing issues like probate, estate and gift tax planning, trust administration, and elder and disability-related matters as life circumstances evolve.

Founded in 1995 and led by attorneys Richard Morgan and Loraine DiSalvo, the firm has developed a reputation for attentive client service, compassion, and technical depth in trusts and estates work, earning top-tier ratings from multiple legal rating services and recognition as a Tier 1 firm in Georgia for Trusts & Estates Law. With a small team of attorneys and paralegals, Morgan & DiSalvo positions itself as a long-term partner for North Metro Atlanta families, guiding them through planning, administration, and dispute resolution to protect legacies and minimize burdens on beneficiaries.

Website | LinkedIn

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

Renasant BankRenasant Bank has humble roots, having started in 1904 as a $100,000 bank located in a Lee County, Mississippi, bakery. Since then, Renasant has grown into one of the Southeast’s strongest financial institutions, boasting over $26 billion in assets and more than 280 offices offering banking, lending, wealth management, and financial services throughout the region. All of Renasant’s success stems from the commitment of each banker to invest in the communities they serve, which in turn helps them better understand the people they serve. At Renasant Bank, their banking professionals understand you because they work and live alongside you every day.

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

Beyond Computer Solutions supports North Fulton Business Radio

Whether you’re a law firm, medical practice, or manufacturer, there’s one headline you don’t want to make: “Local Business Pays Thousands in Ransom After Cyberattack.” That’s where Beyond Computer Solutions comes in. They help organizations like yours stay out of the news and in business with managed IT and cybersecurity services designed for industries where compliance and reputation matter most.

Whether they serve as your complete IT department or simply support your internal team, they are well-versed in HIPAA, secure document access, written security policies, and other essential aspects that ensure your safety and well-being. Best of all, it starts with a complimentary security assessment.

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

With over 900 episodes and having featured over 1,400 guests, North Fulton Business Radio is the longest-running podcast in the North Fulton area, covering business in our community like no one else. We are the undisputed “Voice of Business” in North Fulton!

The show invites a diverse range of business, non-profit, and community leaders to share their significant contributions to their respective markets, communities, and professions. There is no discrimination based on company size, and there is never any “pay to play.” North Fulton Business Radio supports and celebrates businesses by sharing positive stories that traditional media ignore. Some media lean left. Some media lean right. We lean business.

John Ray, host of  North Fulton Business Radio, and Owner, Ray Business Advisors
John Ray, host of North Fulton Business Radio and Owner, Ray Business Advisors

John Ray is the host of North Fulton Business Radio. John and the team at North Fulton Business Radio, LLC, an affiliate of Business RadioX®, produce the show, which is recorded inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

The studio is located at 275 South Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

You can find the entire archive of shows by following this link. The show is accessible on all major podcast apps, such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, Amazon, iHeart Radio, and many others.

John Ray, The Generosity MindsetJohn 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, bookkeepers, marketing professionals, and other professional services practitioners.

John is the author of the five-star-rated book The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices, praised by readers for its practical insights on raising confidence, value, and prices.

 

 

James Daniel on Financial Planning and Tax Strategies

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James Daniel, The Advisory Firm, on Comprehensive Financial Planning, Tax Strategies, and Planning for Retirement (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 930), with host John Ray
North Fulton Business Radio
James Daniel on Financial Planning and Tax Strategies
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James Daniel, The Advisory Firm, on Comprehensive Financial Planning, Tax Strategies, and Planning for Retirement (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 930), with host John Ray

James Daniel, The Advisory Firm, on Comprehensive Financial Planning, Tax Strategies, and Planning for Retirement (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 930)

On this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray welcomes James Daniel, owner of The Advisory Firm in Alpharetta. James discusses his journey from electrical engineer to day trader to financial planner, sharing how his father’s experience losing 30% of his retirement savings in the 2000-2002 bear market shaped his planning-focused approach.

James explains his unique practice model that combines financial planning, investment management, and tax preparation under one roof. As an IRS enrolled agent, he provides clients with integrated tax planning throughout the year rather than just transactional tax preparation. He discusses the importance of stress testing retirement plans against different market scenarios, particularly after 16 years of strong bull market returns, and why sequence of returns risk matters more than most people realize.

The conversation covers James’ fee-only fiduciary model, how he helps clients navigate financial noise from social media, and his approach to working with both young professionals and retirees. He emphasizes reverse engineering financial goals and building comprehensive strategies that address investments, taxes, insurance, cash flow, and estate planning.

John Ray is the host of North Fulton Business Radio. The show is produced by John Ray and North Fulton Business Radio, LLC, an affiliate of Business RadioX®, and is recorded inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

  • James’ father lost 30% of his retirement savings in the 2000-2002 bear market after being placed in highly-rated technology mutual funds, which prompted James to focus on comprehensive retirement planning rather than just investment selection.
  • The Advisory Firm offers a unique “personal CFO” model that combines financial planning, investment management, and tax preparation, allowing clients to work with one professional who understands their complete financial picture and can provide integrated strategies.
  • After 16 years of strong bull market returns, James advises clients to stress test their retirement plans against different scenarios and be realistic about future return expectations, particularly regarding sequence of returns risk when stepping into retirement.
  • James operates as a fee-only fiduciary, which eliminates sales pressure and product commissions, allowing clients to engage for just financial planning if that’s all they need, or add investment management and tax services as appropriate.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:20 John Ray introduces the show and guest James Daniel
02:06 James Daniel introduces The Advisory Firm and his financial planning approach
02:51 James’ backstory from electrical engineer to day trader to financial advisor
04:08 His father’s retirement experience and losing 30% in the 2000-2002 bear market
05:31 Learning the business and starting his own practice in 2006
06:20 Lessons from the dot-com bubble and 2008 recession
08:39 James’ engineering background and how process thinking applies to financial planning
09:31 His strategy development approach and reverse engineering financial goals
10:28 What makes James different from other financial planners
11:51 Incorporating tax preparation into his practice
13:25 The value of holistic tax planning versus transactional tax prep
15:43 Current market conditions and advising clients in early 2026
17:30 Walking clients through the retirement decision
19:31 Different ways to work with James and his services
21:23 Starting with a financial plan before managing investments
23:05 When to call a financial planner
23:54 Navigating financial advice on social media
24:39 Success stories from his practice
27:32 Contact information for The Advisory Firm

James Daniel, Founder and CEO, The Advisory Firm, LLC

James Daniel, Founder and CEO, The Advisory Firm, LLC, on North Fulton Business Radio
James Daniel

James is a former engineer, stock trader, brokerage financial advisor and for the past 20 years owner of The Advisory Firm LLC, a fee-only financial planning practice in Alpharetta.

James helps clients with developing their financial life plans with a focus on retirement planning. He personally manages the investment strategy for over $100 million for his clients and does in excess of 100 tax returns annually.

LinkedIn

The Advisory Firm LLC

The Advisory Firm is a fee-only fiduciary financial planning practice in Alpharetta. The firm offers comprehensive financial planning, investment management, and tax preparation services, providing what James Daniel calls a “personal CFO” approach for clients. As an IRS enrolled agent, James integrates tax planning with retirement planning and investment strategy, allowing clients to work with one professional who understands their complete financial picture. The firm serves both young professionals building wealth and retirees managing their financial futures.

Website

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

Renasant BankRenasant Bank has humble roots, having started in 1904 as a $100,000 bank located in a Lee County, Mississippi, bakery. Since then, Renasant has grown into one of the Southeast’s strongest financial institutions, boasting over $26 billion in assets and more than 280 offices offering banking, lending, wealth management, and financial services throughout the region. All of Renasant’s success stems from the commitment of each banker to invest in the communities they serve, which in turn helps them better understand the people they serve. At Renasant Bank, their banking professionals understand you because they work and live alongside you every day.

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

Beyond Computer Solutions supports North Fulton Business Radio

Whether you’re a law firm, medical practice, or manufacturer, there’s one headline you don’t want to make: “Local Business Pays Thousands in Ransom After Cyberattack.” That’s where Beyond Computer Solutions comes in. They help organizations like yours stay out of the news and in business with managed IT and cybersecurity services designed for industries where compliance and reputation matter most.

Whether they serve as your complete IT department or simply support your internal team, they are well-versed in HIPAA, secure document access, written security policies, and other essential aspects that ensure your safety and well-being. Best of all, it starts with a complimentary security assessment.

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

With over 900 episodes and having featured over 1,400 guests, North Fulton Business Radio is the longest-running podcast in the North Fulton area, covering business in our community like no one else. We are the undisputed “Voice of Business” in North Fulton!

The show invites a diverse range of business, non-profit, and community leaders to share their significant contributions to their respective markets, communities, and professions. There is no discrimination based on company size, and there is never any “pay to play.” North Fulton Business Radio supports and celebrates businesses by sharing positive stories that traditional media ignore. Some media lean left. Some media lean right. We lean business.

John Ray, host of  North Fulton Business Radio, and Owner, Ray Business Advisors
John Ray, host of North Fulton Business Radio and Owner, Ray Business Advisors

John Ray is the host of North Fulton Business Radio. John and the team at North Fulton Business Radio, LLC, an affiliate of Business RadioX®, produce the show, which is recorded inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

The studio is located at 275 South Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

You can find the entire archive of shows by following this link. The show is accessible on all major podcast apps, such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, Amazon, iHeart Radio, and many others.

John Ray, The Generosity MindsetJohn 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, bookkeepers, marketing professionals, and other professional services practitioners.

John is the author of the five-star rated book The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices, praised by readers for its practical insights on raising confidence, value, and prices.

Julian Jordan on Mobile Pet Grooming in Alpharetta

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Julian Jordan, Aussie Pet Mobile of Alpharetta, on Mobile Dog Grooming, One-on-One Pet Care, and Serving North Fulton Communities (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 929), with host John Ray
North Fulton Business Radio
Julian Jordan on Mobile Pet Grooming in Alpharetta
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Julian Jordan, Aussie Pet Mobile of Alpharetta, on Mobile Dog Grooming, One-on-One Pet Care, and Serving North Fulton Communities (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 929), with host John Ray

Julian Jordan, Aussie Pet Mobile of Alpharetta, on Mobile Dog Grooming, One-on-One Pet Care, and Serving North Fulton Communities (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 929)

On this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray welcomes Julian Jordan, owner of Aussie Pet Mobile of Alpharetta. Julian discusses how his mobile grooming service brings professional, salon-quality pet care directly to homes and businesses throughout Alpharetta, Milton, Cumming, Johns Creek, and Peachtree Corners. He explains the convenience factor for busy professionals, work-from-home pet owners, and residents of senior living facilities who need reliable grooming without the stress of transportation.

Julian shares how the mobile grooming experience differs from traditional brick-and-mortar salons, offering one-on-one attention in a climate-controlled Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van equipped with professional grooming tools, heated hydro baths, and premium products, including blueberry facials. He discusses his transition from corporate healthcare to franchise ownership, the importance of building a strong groomer team, and how the service creates a spa-like experience that reduces pet anxiety. Julian also covers grooming schedules for different breeds, safety protocols, and how his AKC-certified groomers handle various pet temperaments.

John Ray is the host of North Fulton Business Radio. The show is produced by John Ray and North Fulton Business Radio, LLC, an affiliate of Business RadioX®, and is recorded inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

  • Mobile grooming eliminates the stress of transporting pets to traditional salons and provides one-on-one attention in a climate-controlled van with professional equipment
  • Dogs with longer hair, especially doodles, should be groomed every four to six weeks to prevent matting and maintain coat health
  • Aussie Pet Mobile serves senior living facilities throughout North Fulton, providing essential grooming services for residents who cannot easily transport their pets
  • Building pet-groomer relationships takes time, but most dogs become comfortable and even excited to see the grooming van after two visits

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:21 John Ray introduces the show and guest Julian Jordan
02:13 Julian Jordan introduces Aussie Pet Mobile of Alpharetta
03:21 Julian’s backstory and transition from corporate healthcare to pet grooming
05:13 Why Julian chose an Aussie Pet Mobile franchise
06:05 Business growth and expansion into Milton and Cumming areas
07:11 The value of mobile pet grooming for busy professionals and seniors
08:29 How the grooming appointment process works
10:06 Recommended grooming schedules for different breeds
12:13 Attracting and retaining quality groomers
14:06 How pets respond to mobile grooming versus traditional salons
17:48 Safety protocols and AKC-certified training
21:53 Signs that pet owners should schedule professional grooming
23:46 Success stories serving senior living facilities in North Fulton
26:00 How to contact Aussie Pet Mobile of Alpharetta

Julian Jordan, Owner, Aussie Pet Mobile of Alpharetta

Julian Jordan is the owner of Aussie Pet Mobile of Alpharetta, where he brings a passion for pets, customer service excellence, and community-focused leadership to mobile dog grooming. With a commitment to convenience and compassionate care, Julian has built his business around providing high-quality, cage-free, one-on-one grooming experiences that prioritize each pet’s comfort and well-being.

As a local business owner, Julian dedicates himself to serving the Alpharetta community and surrounding areas, providing a stress-free alternative to traditional grooming salons. Under his leadership, Aussie Pet Mobile of Alpharetta operates with professionalism, reliability, and a strong attention to detail, ensuring pets not only look great but also feel their best.

Building trusted relationships with pet parents, supporting his grooming team, and maintaining high standards of safety and service are deeply important to Julian. His mission is simple: to make pet grooming easier, more personal, and more enjoyable for both pets and their owners.

LinkedIn

Aussie Pet Mobile of Alpharetta

Aussie Pet Mobile of Alpharetta is a professional mobile dog grooming service dedicated to providing a calm, convenient, and high-quality grooming experience right at your doorstep. They specialize in full-service, cage-free grooming with one-on-one care, ensuring every pet receives personalized attention in a safe and stress-free environment.

Their fully equipped grooming vans allow them to deliver salon-quality results without the hassle of drop-offs, long waits, or crowded facilities. From baths and haircuts to nail care and styling, their experienced groomers focus on your pet’s comfort, health, and happiness.

Proudly serving the Alpharetta area and surrounding communities, Aussie Pet Mobile of Alpharetta is committed to helping pets look and feel their best while making life easier for pet parents.

Website | Facebook | Instagram

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

Renasant BankRenasant Bank has humble roots, having started in 1904 as a $100,000 bank located in a Lee County, Mississippi, bakery. Since then, Renasant has grown into one of the Southeast’s strongest financial institutions, boasting over $26 billion in assets and more than 280 offices offering banking, lending, wealth management, and financial services throughout the region. All of Renasant’s success stems from the commitment of each banker to invest in the communities they serve, which in turn helps them better understand the people they serve. At Renasant Bank, their banking professionals understand you because they work and live alongside you every day.

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

Beyond Computer Solutions supports North Fulton Business Radio

Whether you’re a law firm, medical practice, or manufacturer, there’s one headline you don’t want to make: “Local Business Pays Thousands in Ransom After Cyberattack.” That’s where Beyond Computer Solutions comes in. They help organizations like yours stay out of the news and in business with managed IT and cybersecurity services designed for industries where compliance and reputation matter most.

Whether they serve as your complete IT department or simply support your internal team, they are well-versed in HIPAA, secure document access, written security policies, and other essential aspects that ensure your safety and well-being. Best of all, it starts with a complimentary security assessment.

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

With over 900 episodes and having featured over 1,400 guests, North Fulton Business Radio is the longest-running podcast in the North Fulton area, covering business in our community like no one else. We are the undisputed “Voice of Business” in North Fulton!

The show invites a diverse range of business, non-profit, and community leaders to share their significant contributions to their respective markets, communities, and professions. There is no discrimination based on company size, and there is never any “pay to play.” North Fulton Business Radio supports and celebrates businesses by sharing positive stories that traditional media ignore. Some media lean left. Some media lean right. We lean business.

John Ray, host of  North Fulton Business Radio, and Owner, Ray Business Advisors
John Ray, host of North Fulton Business Radio and Owner, Ray Business Advisors

John Ray is the host of North Fulton Business Radio. John and the team at North Fulton Business Radio, LLC, an affiliate of Business RadioX®, produce the show, which is recorded inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

The studio is located at 275 South Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

You can find the entire archive of shows by following this link. The show is accessible on all major podcast apps, such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, Amazon, iHeart Radio, and many others.

John Ray, The Generosity MindsetJohn 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, bookkeepers, marketing professionals, and other professional services practitioners.

John is the author of the five-star rated book The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices, praised by readers for its practical insights on raising confidence, value, and prices.

Our Mission

We help local business leaders get the word out about the important work they’re doing to serve their market, their community, and their profession.

We support and celebrate business by sharing positive business stories that traditional media ignores. Some media leans left. Some media leans right. We lean business.

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