North Fulton Business Radio Archives - Page 14 of 72

Lighting Up Business Success, with Matthew Efird, Lighting Pros

November 6, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Lighting Up Business Success, with Matthew Efird, Lighting Pros

00:00 /

Lighting Up Business Success, with Matthew Efird, Lighting Pros (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 813)

The owner of Lighting Pros, Matthew Efird, joins host John Ray in this episode of North Fulton Business Radio. They discuss Matthew’s innovative approach to business, adding an outdoor lighting business to his seasonal Mosquito Joe franchise. Matthew elaborates on how his company, Lighting Pros, specializes in both residential and commercial lighting, with a notable focus on year-round outdoor lighting solutions, including temporary Christmas decorations and permanent installations. He highlights the importance of using high-quality materials and providing exceptional service, which has led to increased client satisfaction and retention. Matthew also touches on his experiences receiving the Bulldog 100 accolade and the decision to franchise Lighting Pros to help other seasonal business owners extend their operations.

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

Matthew Efird, Founder, Lighting Pros

Matthew Efird, Lighting Pros, appearing on North Fulton Business Radio with host John Ray — **Matthew Efird, Lighting Pros**

Matthew Efird is the Owner of Mosquito Joe of North Georgia, Lighting Pros, and Lighting Pros Franchise. He sees his business as an avenue for serving and ministering to families throughout the Greater Atlanta area as well as to business owners throughout the United States.

Matthew and his lovely wife Hannah have four sons: Walker (6 years old), Noah, Abel (3 years old), Warren (1 year old), and a 9-year-old Goldendoodle named Fallon. Their second son, Noah Clifton Efird, was born on March 7, 2020, with Trisomy 13, and their family is thankful for the hours that they were able to spend with him before he went to be with Jesus. As a family, they love to travel, play board games and cards, go camping, and make memories with friends and family.

Matthew graduated with honors from The University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business. In 2024, he was proud to have Lighting Pros recognized as the 10th fastest-growing business founded or managed by a UGA Alumni. He was part of the inaugural UGA ILA Leadership Dawgs class of 2023, recognizing and investing in the emerging leaders within the UGA Alumni.

Matthew is driven by his faith and his love for people. He was honored in 2019 with the first-ever Union County High School Alumni Pacesetter Award, recognizing the most outstanding alumni setting the pace for the school’s alumnus. In his free time, Matthew loves speaking, reading, writing, and teaching his sons how to enjoy the outdoors. He and Hannah find fulfillment in serving others alongside each other.

He is excited to take the knowledge from the last five years of triple-digit growth in Lighting Pros and share it with his franchise system. His focus now is on investing in the long-term development of his teams to help his businesses continue to grow effectively. His greatest accomplishments in life have been marrying his beautiful wife and becoming a dad.

Lighting Pros

Lighting Pros is a premier provider of commercial holiday lighting solutions, specializing in creating festive atmospheres for businesses such as HOAs, hospitals, restaurants, and churches. The company focuses on delivering high-quality, professional Christmas lighting services, employing certified and insured professionals to ensure safe and durable installations. They also offer residential services, treating each home with care while providing a variety of decorative options, including roofer and gutterline lights, prelit wreaths and garlands, and custom orders tailored to client needs.

With a commitment to using only the finest materials, Lighting Pros aims to create memorable holiday experiences that last throughout the season. Their dedication to excellence has earned them recognition as one of the top 10 fastest-growing companies by the University of Georgia Alumni through the Bulldog 100 program. Clients can easily discuss their holiday lighting goals and receive complimentary quotes to transform their spaces into festive environments.

Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
01:41 Meet Matthew Efird, Founder of Lighting Pros
02:25 The Business of Outdoor Lighting
03:18 Commercial Success and the ROI of Outdoor Lighting
04:44 Matthew’s Backstory and Business Philosophy
06:57 Challenges and Quality in the Lighting Industry
22:00 Franchising Lighting Pros
26:17 Success Stories and Client Impact
29:10 Conclusion and Contact Information
30:07 Final Thoughts and Announcements

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

Renasant Bank has humble roots, starting in 1904 as a $100,000 bank in a Lee County, Mississippi, bakery. Since then, Renasant has become one of the Southeast’s strongest financial institutions, with over $17 billion in assets and more than 180 banking, lending, wealth management, and financial services offices throughout the region. All of Renasant’s success stems from each of their banker’s commitment to investing in their communities as a way of better understanding the people they serve. At Renasant Bank, they understand you because they work and live alongside you every day.

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

With over 800 shows and having featured over 1,200 guests, North Fulton Business Radio is the longest-running podcast in the North Fulton area, covering business in our community like no one else. We are the undisputed “Voice of Business” in North Fulton!

The show welcomes a wide variety of business, non-profit, and community leaders to get the word out about the important work they’re doing to serve their market, their community, and their profession. There’s no discrimination based on company size, and there’s never any “pay to play.” North Fulton Business Radio supports and celebrates business by sharing positive business stories that traditional media ignore. Some media leans left. Some media leans right. We lean business.

John Ray, Business RadioX - North Fulton, and Owner, Ray Business Advisors — **John Ray, Business RadioX – North Fulton, and Owner, Ray Business Advisors**

John Ray is the host of North Fulton Business Radio. The show is recorded and produced from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta. You can find the full archive of shows by following this link. The show is available on all the major podcast apps, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, Amazon, iHeart Radio, and many others.

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

John Ray also operates his own business advisory practice. John’s services include advising solopreneurs and small professional services firms on their value, their positioning and business development, and their pricing. His clients are professionals who are selling their expertise, such as consultants, coaches, attorneys, CPAs, accountants and bookkeepers, marketing professionals, and other professional services practitioners.

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

Becoming a More Thoughtful Leader, with Randy Hain, Author and Executive Coach

October 30, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Becoming a More Thoughtful Leader, with Randy Hain, Author and Executive Coach

00:00 /

Becoming a More Thoughtful Leader, with Randy Hain, Author and Executive Coach (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 812)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray welcomes Randy Hain to discuss his latest book, Becoming a More Thoughtful Leader. The conversation covers several key themes of the book, including being a considerate and attentive leader. Randy shares practical insights on improving leadership skills, such as the importance of workspace environment, maintaining connections, and the art of walking for reflection. They also discuss Randy’s philosophy of leading with generosity and actionable advice for busy professionals. This episode is packed with strategies for meaningful personal and professional growth.

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

Randy Hain, Author of Becoming a More Thoughtful Leader

Randy Hain is the founder and president of Serviam Partners (ServiamPartners.com) and the co-founder of the Leadership Foundry (MyLeadershipFoundry.com).

With a successful 30+ year career in senior leadership roles, corporate talent and executive search, Randy is a sought-after executive coach for senior leaders at some of the best-known companies in the U.S. and globally who are seeking candid and expert guidance on how to overcome obstacles to their success or develop new leadership skills.

Randy is a husband, father, and active community leader and serves on the boards of the causes he cares about most. Randy has earned a reputation as a creative business partner and generous thought leader through his books, articles and speaking engagements.

Randy is the award-winning author of 11 books, including the newly released Becoming a More Thoughtful Leader, and a past guest of our show.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
01:34 Meet Randy Hain: Author and Executive Coach
02:38 Exploring the Concept of Thoughtfulness
03:52 Practical Tips for Thoughtful Leadership
07:55 The Importance of Workspace
11:33 Addressing Workplace Disconnectedness
13:40 The Power of Simple Gestures
16:20 The Art of Walking and Reflection
20:58 Generosity in Leadership
26:50 Conclusion and Contact Information

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

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

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

Taylor English: A Unique Legal Model for Client Success, with Marc Taylor and Michele Stumpe

October 23, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Taylor English: A Unique Legal Model for Client Success, with Marc Taylor and Michele Stumpe

00:00 /

Taylor English: A Unique Legal Model for Client Success, with Marc Taylor and Michele Stumpe (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 811)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray welcomes Marc Taylor and Michele Stumpe, partners at Taylor English, as they discuss the rapid growth and client-focused approach of their law firm. Taylor English started with just four lawyers in the mid-2000s and has expanded to around 140 attorneys across multiple states. The conversation highlights the firm’s unique value-driven philosophy, real-time compensation system, and emphasis on personal care for their professionals, flexibility, and entrepreneurial spirit. Marc and Michele explain how these elements attract top legal talent and cater to small and midsized businesses while maintaining strong client relationships. Michele shares her transition from big law and highlights the firm’s community involvement, including support for charities like The Giving Kitchen. The discussion also covers the firm’s commitment to core values amidst growth, fostering a collaborative culture among staff, and staying purpose-driven to provide unique client value.

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

Taylor English Duma LLP

Taylor English Duma LLP is a full-service law firm headquartered in Atlanta, GA. Built from the ground up to provide highest-quality legal services for optimal value, the firm combines the best aspects of a traditional law firm with seasoned attorneys managing their practices throughout the United States.

Together, their attorneys work each day to provide timely, creative, and cost-effective counsel to help clients solve problems and achieve goals. Taylor English represents all types of clients, from Fortune 500 companies to start ups to individuals.

The firm is the Georgia law firm member of GGI Global Alliance AG, the leading worldwide alliance of accounting and law firms.

Website | LinkedIn | X (Twitter) | YouTube

Marc Taylor, Partner, Taylor English Duma LLP

Innovative corporate leadership and its positive impact on his clients’ success is Marc Taylor’s passion. Mr. Taylor believes in seizing opportunities for his clients, representing many industry sectors with both astute conscientiousness and considered pragmatism. From organizational policy reviews to multimillion-dollar transactions through to exit strategies, Mr. Taylor has provided corporate counsel to businesses and their executives with an eye on their future.

Along with his colleagues, Mr. Taylor has helped drive the growth of Taylor English from four lawyers to approximately 180 lawyers today, making the firm the fastest-growing law firm in Georgia and one of the fastest-growing firms in the country. In his law practice, he represents management in corporate leadership, litigation and risk mitigation and labor and employment relationships.

When corporate matters lead to litigation, Mr. Taylor has proudly advocated for clients in hundreds of matters. He is comfortable leading the defense of his clients due to his experience as trial counsel in federal and state courts throughout the country.

In representations involving employees, Mr. Taylor handles matters for employers ranging from individual and class action discrimination lawsuits to state law defamation and tort claims. Mr. Taylor has successfully represented employers in federal and state courts, as well as administrative proceedings before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and various state agencies in more than 30 states.

Before forming Taylor English Duma LLP, Mr. Taylor practiced law at an Atlanta-based, full service law firm, serving as a partner from 1997-2005 and as in-house employment counsel at Medaphis Corp. (now McKesson Corp.), a company with more than 10,000 employees, from 1995-1997. While serving as in-house employment counsel, he was responsible for investigating and handling all employment-related disputes. In this role, he developed and implemented nationwide employment law training programs and an alternative dispute resolution program that succeeded in reducing Medaphis’ employment-related lawsuits by 75 percent in a two-year period.

Mr. Taylor has been a frequent speaker at seminars that focus on topics involving a full range of law firm and legal department management, corporate strategy and employment relationship issues.

He is married and has three children.

Firm Website | LinkedIn

Michele Stumpe, Partner, Taylor English Duma LLP

Michele Stumpe is a seasoned litigator with both plaintiff and defense experience who is a trusted adviser to clients in the hospitality and retail industries. Ms. Stumpe is a certified mediator both in Georgia and East Africa. At Taylor English, she focuses her practice on hospitality and dram shop litigation, alcohol licensing and consulting, premises liability and dispute resolution. Known as one of the top attorneys in the Southeast for alcohol licensing and permits, Ms. Stumpe provides clients with a full range of services, including licensing, training, policy implementation, risk management, and legal representation.

In addition to her hospitality practice, Ms. Stumpe represents individuals and corporations in general litigation matters. She is a strategic partner who helps evaluate clients’ policies, procedures and implementation to minimize litigation risks. Ms. Stumpe is also passionate about early case assessment and resolution. She provides consulting services for various trade associations, including the Georgia Restaurant Association (GRA), Georgia Food Industry Association (GFIA) and the Georgia Association of Convenience Stores (GACS). In 2002, she developed “The Responsible Alcohol Sales & Service” (RASS) workshops to educate hospitality owners on the legal responsibilities of serving alcohol to consumers. The program was so well received that many Georgia jurisdictions now require attendance as a prerequisite to obtaining an alcohol license.

Business groups frequently ask Ms. Stumpe to speak on early case resolution, negotiation, conflict resolution and alcohol sales compliance issues. She has been a featured speaker at trade associations, legal education and law enforcement seminars, and consumer radio programs. Her exemplary work has been recognized through a host of awards, including the Georgia Restaurant Association Chairman’s Award, Atlanta Magazine’s Women Making a Mark and a special Conservation Award presented by Jane Goodall.

Ms. Stumpe enjoys volunteer work, scuba diving, gardening and golf when not practicing law. She is a co-founder of The Giving Kitchen, an Atlanta non-profit organization that provides crisis medical funds to employees in the hospitality industry. Ms. Stumpe also travels to Africa annually to work with underprivileged children and endangered wildlife through another non-profit that she co-founded, Children of Conservation. The organization provides scholarships to over 400 schoolchildren in Africa.

Firm Website | LinkedIn

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
01:46 Meet the Guests: Marc Taylor and Michele Stumpe
02:02 The Story of Taylor English
03:34 Growth and Client Service Philosophy
05:33 Michele’s Journey and Entrepreneurial Spirit
09:12 The Unique Model of Taylor English
15:26 Client Relationships and Firm Culture
16:51 Adapting to New Challenges
18:42 Client Relationships and Problem Solving
19:36 Handling Client Pain Points
21:23 Challenges of Rapid Growth
23:26 Expanding in Other Metro Regions
27:31 Maintaining the Original Vision
32:44 Contact Information and Closing Remarks

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

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

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

A Journey of Resilience and Leadership, with Maggie DeCan, Author of Humbled on Purpose

October 11, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

A Journey of Resilience and Leadership, with Maggie DeCan, Author of Humbled on Purpose

00:00 /

A Journey of Resilience and Leadership, with Maggie DeCan, Author of Humbled on Purpose (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 810)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray interviews Maggie DeCan, author of Humbled on Purpose: Discovering Strength Through Vulnerability, Humor, and Grace. The episode examines Maggie’s personal journey from a traumatic childhood—one that included her mother’s death by suicide and the resulting family difficulties that trauma caused—to becoming a successful leader in the corporate and nonprofit sectors. Maggie shares how her past shaped her as a manager and motivated her to foster empathetic leadership. The conversation highlights her career transition to nonprofit work at the Children’s Development Academy and her journey to writing a book sharing leadership lessons and personal growth. Maggie discusses the importance of resilience and finding strength through vulnerability and faith. The episode emphasizes the book’s mission to inspire others to overcome victimhood and choose a path of resilience and purpose.

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

Maggie DeCan

As of Saturday, 10/5/24, Maggie DeCan stepped aside as the CEO & Executive Director of the Children’s Development Academy (CDA) in Roswell, GA, where she served for nearly 8 years. The CDA provides high-quality early education to children from low-income households. She drove strategic priorities focused on increased enrollment, sustainable giving and quality outcomes.

Maggie is the author of the just published book from Ripples Media, Humbled on Purpose: Discovering Strength Through Vulnerability, Humor and Grace, about her life’s journey, including from the c-suite to running a small nonprofit. She is also an ICF-trained executive coach, mentoring and coaching other nonprofit leaders, and she also serves as a speaker and consultant.

Prior to taking the helm at the CDA, Maggie was with HoneyBaked Ham for 14 years and ran day-to-day operations for their national system as president and COO, leading a team responsible for $500MM annually of system sales in 500 corporate and franchise operating units as well as e-commerce. Before HoneyBaked, Maggie served in human resources and operations for well-known retailers Circuit City, Belk and Macy’s.

Maggie graduated with a bachelor’s degree in political science and communications from current CFP national champions, the University of Michigan Wolverines. She is still actively involved as a national volunteer with her women’s fraternity, Chi Omega, where she serves on the Chi Omega Foundation steering committee and as an ambassador for and mentor in the Pearl Program connecting alumnae and college students. Maggie is also actively involved in her parish, St. David’s Episcopal Church of Roswell. She also serves as a volunteer ALTA Coordinator for the Sunday Business Women’s League and proudly serves as the president of the Atlanta chapter of the University of Michigan Alumni group.

Maggie’s leadership experience extends to the community, where she is a respected leader and educational advocate, receiving awards from the State of Georgia PTA for visionary leadership, the Turknett Leadership Character Award, the National Diversity Council as a “Most Powerful and Influential Woman” in Georgia and a Womentics P.O.W. winner. She is Chairman Emeritus of the Roswell North Elementary Education Foundation, a 501(c)3 that she helped found in 2009. She is also past president of the Woodstock Junior Service League.

Maggie has been married to her husband for 38 years, Bob, a retired high school economics teacher and tennis coach. Maggie and Bob have two boys, Riley, a UGA graduate who works for Truist and is about to marry his middle school sweetheart and fellow UGA grad Emily Amour, and Brady, studying marketing at GCSU. Maggie enjoys spending time with her family, friends and dogs, playing tennis and time in the northeast Georgia Mountains at their lake home in Blairsville.

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

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
00:29 Meet Maggie DeCan: Author of Humbled on Purpose
02:05 Maggie’s Early Life and Childhood Trauma
03:33 Career Journey: From Corporate to Nonprofit
04:19 Impact of Childhood Trauma on Career
06:00 Finding Strength and Resilience
16:55 Transition to the Children’s Development Academy
20:52 Lessons Learned and Future Plans
25:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

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

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

Georgia’s Economic Outlook, with Dr. Jerry Parrish, Metro Atlanta Chamber

October 7, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Georgia's Economic Outlook, with Dr. Jerry Parrish, Metro Atlanta Chamber

00:00 /

Georgia’s Economic Outlook, with Dr. Jerry Parrish, Metro Atlanta Chamber (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 809)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, John Ray hosts Dr. Jerry Parrish, Chief Economist at the Metro Atlanta Chamber, who discusses Georgia’s economic outlook. Dr. Parrish details recent trends, including Georgia’s impressive job growth post-COVID, innovations in tech, and significant projects reshaping the Metro Atlanta regions. Challenges he points to include the impact of Hurricane Helene, the Longshoremen’s strike affecting Georgia’s ports, and the lack of adequate workforce housing. Dr. Parrish explores the implications of political uncertainty on business investment as well as discussing the importance of fostering a positive business climate in Georgia.

Note: Subsequent to the recording of this episode, the longshoremen’s strike that began on October 3, 2024, was suspended and work resumed, following a tentative agreement reached between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX).

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

Dr. Jerry Parrish, Chief Economist, Metro Atlanta Chamber

**Dr. Jerry Parrish, Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce**

Jerry D. Parrish, Ph.D., is the Chief Economist at the Metro Atlanta Chamber. Dr. Parrish was previously the Director of State and Local Policy Analysis at the Florida Institute of Government at Florida State University. Dr. Parrish was also on the faculty in the Masters of Applied Economics Program at Florida State University for twelve years.

Jerry was previously the Chief Economist and Director of Research for the Florida Chamber Foundation. Prior to that position, Dr. Parrish was the Chief Economist and Director of the Center for Competitive Florida at Florida TaxWatch. Prior to that position, he served as the Associate Director of the Center for Economic Forecasting & Analysis (CEFA) at Florida State University. He has many years of experience in the private sector in management roles at international manufacturing companies.

Jerry earned a B.S. in Agricultural Business and Economics from Auburn University, an M.B.A. from Bellarmine University, an M.S. in Economics from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and a Ph.D. in Economics from Auburn University.

LinkedIn| X (Twitter)

Metro Atlanta Chamber

The Metro Atlanta Chamber (MAC) is a privately funded 164-year-old organization representing businesses, colleges and universities, and nonprofits across the 29-county region that makes up the nation’s eighth-largest market.

MAC member companies represent 1+ million employees in the region. Our businesses invest in the work we do to attract and retain business, ensure a business-friendly climate through public policy and market the region as a place to live, work and play.

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

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
01:55 Guest Introduction: Dr. Jerry Parrish
03:39 Economic Overview of Georgia and Georgia’s Economic Outlook
06:26 Impact of Port Strike
10:36 Hurricane Helene’s Economic Impact
13:40 Interest Rates and Election Impact
19:21 Innovation and Tech in Georgia
22:18 New Leadership at Metro Atlanta Chamber
26:35 Closing Remarks and Additional Information

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

Renasant Bank supports the Georgia Alliance for Breast Cancer

Georgia Alliance for Breast Cancer (formerly It’s The Journey) is a registered 501c3 non-profit that strives to support Georgia’s breast cancer community by raising funds to support breast health and breast cancer programs throughout the state of Georgia.

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

Randi Passoff, a breast cancer survivor, founded GAABC in 2002. She created “the kinder and gentler breast cancer walk” based off the Avon 3-Day Breast Cancer Walk. Instead of a 3-day walk of 60 miles over 3 days and sleeping in a tent, the Georgia 2-Day Walk covers 30 miles over 2 days, and participants sleep in a hotel. Most importantly, what’s raised in Georgia stays in Georgia.

Renasant Bank is a major supporter of GAABC, both in corporately donated funds and employee donations and participation in the walk.

To learn more about GAABC and the 2-Day Walk, go to the GAABC Website.

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

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

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

Avoiding IRS Trouble, with Kristine Stevenson, Author, How to Avoid Trouble with the IRS

October 7, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Avoiding IRS Trouble, with Kristine Stevenson, Author, How to Avoid Trouble with the IRS

00:00 /

Avoiding IRS Trouble, with Kristine Stevenson, Author, How to Avoid Trouble with the IRS (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 808)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray interviews Kristine Stevenson, owner of Proverbs 16:16 LLC and author of How to Avoid Trouble with the IRS. Kristine shares her journey from struggling with personal debt to now helping others manage IRS issues, drawing from her experience as an IRS employee and her own past financial challenges. She emphasizes the importance of financial knowledge, particularly for self-employed individuals and small business owners. Kristine describes how her work with Dave Ramsey coaches, who were repeatedly asking questions about their own business, inspired her to write her book. She discusses some of the major ideas in the book, which offers straightforward tax tips for gig workers and contractors, and shares stories of clients she’s helped. The episode underscores the importance of financial coaching and the practical wisdom that can transform financial struggles into successes.

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

Kristine Stevenson, Author, How to Avoid Trouble with the IRS

Kristine Stevenson is an Enrolled Agent with the IRS, founder of Proverbs 16:16 LLC, and the author of How to Avoid Trouble with the IRS: 10 Best Tax Tips for the Self-Employed, Gig Worker, and Indie Contractor. Proverbs 16:16’s message, “How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver,” served as the inspiration for the name of her business.

Having completed the Ramsey Solutions Financial Coach Master Training program and now serving as a Dave Ramsey Preferred Coach, Kristine is equipped with advanced skills in financial coaching and debt management. This experience provides her with a strong foundation in personal finance principles and strategies for helping individuals overcome financial challenges, particularly those related to tax debt.

As a former employee and now an Enrolled Agent with the IRS, Kristine combines her financial coaching expertise with specialized knowledge of tax regulations and IRS procedures. She offers guidance and support to individuals struggling with tax-related financial issues, helping them navigate the complexities of dealing with the IRS, developing strategies for tax debt resolution, and negotiating tax debt settlements with the IRS.

Kristine has been quoted in Fox Business News, Marie Claire, Yahoo! Finance, Lovely Impact, Best Company, and U.S. News & World Report, to name a few. She speaks at various conferences, universities, and other gatherings of business owners. She hosts a live radio program, “Dollars & $ense℠ with Kristine,” in Central Texas.

Website | LinkedIn | Speaker Website

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
01:36 Guest Introduction: Kristine Stevenson
03:31 Kristine’s Background and IRS Experience
04:49 Starting a Business and Financial Coaching
06:50 Common Financial Issues and Solutions
15:07 Writing the Book: How to Avoid Trouble with the IRS
21:20 The Importance of a Business Checking Account
24:01 Personal Milestones and Tax Issues
26:02 Client Success Stories
31:04 Home Service Professionals and Tax Compliance
34:49 IRS Programs and Relief Options
37:01 How to Get in Touch and Final Thoughts

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

Renasant Bank supports the Georgia Alliance for Breast Cancer

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

Renasant Bank is a major supporter of GAABC, both in corporately donated funds and employee donations and participation in the walk.

To learn more about GAABC and the 2-Day Walk, go to the GAABC Website.

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

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

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

Innovating Ocular Disease Diagnosis, with Shiv Garg, EyeAI

October 3, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Innovating Ocular Disease Diagnosis, with Shiv Garg, EyeAI

00:00 /

Innovating Ocular Disease Diagnosis, with Shiv Garg, EyeAI (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 807)

This episode of North Fulton Business Radio, hosted by John Ray, features Shiv Garg, a junior at Innovation Academy in Alpharetta and the founder of EyeAI. Shiv discusses the creation of EyeAI, a novel machine learning model for diagnosing ocular diseases. The system, which uses retinal fundus images, aims to provide early diagnosis for conditions such as diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration. Shiv shares the personal motivation behind his work, his academic and extracurricular interests, and the challenges of developing AI technology for medical use. EyeAI’s goal is to offer accessible eye disease diagnosis to underserved communities and act as a secondary tool for ophthalmologists. Despite being in development, EyeAI promises to improve early disease detection significantly. Shiv emphasizes open access and non-commercialization of the technology to benefit public health entities and individuals globally. The episode also delves into Shiv’s broader interests, accolades, and leadership experiences, particularly with Student Leadership Johns Creek.

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

Shiv Garg

Shiv Garg is a junior in the Information Technology pathway at Innovation Academy in Alpharetta. Shiv is interested in computer science, specifically with applications in artificial intelligence.

With a Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate and awards for innovation in the intersection of health and technology from Boehringer Ingelheim, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and the Sigma Xi division of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Shiv has completed numerous projects utilizing computer science to positively serve his community, and he uses his skills to help those around him.

Shiv has served as a mentor at the Georgia Institute of Technology to instruct students regarding data science concepts and has led a hackathon to develop technologies to facilitate scientific study and research. Shiv further applies his knowledge as part of the Technology Student Association, Mu Alpha Theta Mathematics Honor Society, and Biology Olympiad. Additionally, Shiv enjoys playing chess, competing in fencing, and adventuring on hikes.

EyeAI

Shiv Garg created EyeAI, an AI-powered system that aims to revolutionize the detection of ocular diseases. It uses a convolutional neural network (CNN) model that was trained on 3,200 images of the retinal fundus to find 45 different eye diseases 80% of the time. These include diabetic retinopathy and optic disc cupping. By providing affordable and accessible eye health diagnostics, EyeAI aims to address the global issue of visual impairment, which affects 2.2 billion people worldwide, with 1 billion cases being preventable. This web-based tool enables users to upload retinal images and receive almost instant diagnostic results, making it especially beneficial for underserved communities where access to ophthalmologists is limited.

EyeAI’s potential to transform healthcare is vast, offering early detection and secondary diagnostic support for medical professionals. The system is scalable and adaptable, capable of being integrated into healthcare settings to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of eye disease diagnosis and treatment. With plans for future enhancements to improve accuracy, EyeAI represents a significant advancement in global health equity by providing accessible and low-cost diagnostics for vision-threatening conditions.

Website

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
01:30 Meet Shiv Garg: Innovator and Student
01:49 EyeAI: Revolutionizing Ocular Disease Diagnosis
03:11 Shiv’s Personal Interests and Achievements
09:51 The Technology Behind EyeAI
18:18 Future Goals and Community Impact
26:40 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

Renasant Bank supports the Georgia Alliance for Breast Cancer

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

Renasant Bank is a major supporter of GAABC, both in corporately donated funds and employee donations and participation in the walk.

To learn more about GAABC and the 2-Day Walk, go to the GAABC Website.

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

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

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

PALS Summit 2024, with Mollie Lacher, Professionals of After Loss Services

September 30, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

PALS Summit 2024, with Mollie Lacher, Professionals of After Loss Services

00:00 /

PALS Summit 2024, with Mollie Lacher, Professionals of After Loss Services (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 806)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray speaks with Mollie Lacher, founder of Sunny Care Services and co-founder of the Professionals of After Loss Services (PALS). Mollie discusses the emerging field of after loss care, a profession she helped pioneer to support grieving families with practical tasks following a loved one’s death. She shares her personal story of loss that inspired her to start her business and explains the services provided by after loss professionals. Mollie also talks about the founding of PALS along with co-founders Rachel Donnelly and Jasmine Hathaway and the goals of this unique organization. The discussion also covers the upcoming PALS Summit 2024 in Atlanta, designed to foster community, provide education, and offer business management support to those in the after loss profession. This episode underscores the importance of recognizing and supporting this new industry aimed at easing the burden on grieving families.

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

Professionals of After Loss Services (PALS)

PALS, or Professionals of After Loss Services, is a unique organization founded in 2021 that focuses on providing personalized support to families navigating the complexities of loss. As the first and only community dedicated to after loss professionals, PALS aims to fill the gap in services by helping clients manage the administrative and logistical challenges that arise after the death of a loved one. The organization offers a comprehensive training program, known as the PALS Training Program™, which consists of six modules designed to equip individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to become effective after loss professionals.

PALS is committed to enhancing industry standards and advancing ethical best practices within the field of after loss services. It also fosters connections among professionals and businesses that provide related products and services, ensuring a holistic approach to client care. Members of PALS benefit from exclusive events, continuing education opportunities, and access to a supportive community.

The organization will host its inaugural PALS Summit from October 23-25, 2024, in Atlanta, GA, further solidifying its role as a leader in this essential area of support for grieving families. For further details on the PALS Summit and to register, follow this link.

Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
01:30 Guest Introduction: Mollie Lacher
01:58 Understanding After Loss Care
04:20 The Birth of PALS
05:31 Challenges and Goals of After Loss Professionals
08:06 The Role of After Loss Professionals
15:11 The PALS Summit 2024
28:03 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

Renasant Bank supports the Georgia Alliance for Breast Cancer

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

Renasant Bank is a major supporter of GAABC, both in corporately donated funds and employee donations and participation in the walk.

To learn more about GAABC and the 2-Day Walk, go to the GAABC Website.

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

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

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

Support for Caregivers, with Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster, The Caregiver’s Journey

September 30, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Support for Caregivers, with Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster, The Caregiver's Journey

00:00 /

Support for Caregivers, with Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster, The Caregiver’s Journey (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 805)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray welcomes Nancy Treaster and Sue Ryan from The Caregiver’s Journey. They discuss the significant challenges faced by caregivers of loved ones with dementia, emphasizing the emotional and practical aspects of caregiving. Sue and Nancy provide valuable insights and resources through their podcast and other platforms to support caregivers. They share their personal experiences and emphasize the importance of businesses recognizing and supporting caregiver employees. The conversation also touches on the need for grace, dignity, and effective communication in caregiving, as well as the broader impact on families and workplaces.

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

Nancy Treaster and Sue Ryan, The Caregiver’s Journey

Nancy Treaster has been caregiving for her husband for nine years. He has frontotemporal dementia (aphasia), the same type of dementia as Bruce Willis. Her father-in-law, whom she also takes care of, has had Alzheimer’s for five years. When she cracked the code on how to get her husband’s sleeping back on track early in his journey with dementia, Nancy Treaster felt like a “new normal” was finally within reach. The retired software industry veteran who spent her professional life managing strategy for a publicly traded, global company found herself in unfamiliar territory with her husband’s diagnosis, and her usual techniques for quickly changing course and overcoming obstacles weren’t working.

When she reconnected with her friend, veteran caregiver Sue Ryan, the two lamented the lack of candid and practical advice for the day-to-day of caregiving for people living with dementia, and then the two former colleagues did what they knew best—they created the solution. Through The Caregiver’s Journey™, Nancy brings her business expertise, caregiving experience, and acquired knowledge as a Certified Caregiving Advocate and Certified Caregiving Consultant. Nancy lives in Johns Creek, Georgia.

Sue Ryan and her husband were already several years into his journey with Alzheimer’s disease when the pandemic hit in 2020. Given her more than thirty years of experience taking care of loved ones, including her father and grandmother, who had dementia, she naively thought she was well-equipped for this new challenge. Then Covid-created lockdowns occurred and her carefully managed system of support collapsed, just as her husband’s Covid diagnosis arrived.

Already working as a coach and advocate since 2014, Sue dug deep into her wells of support and pulled through, learning and sharing as she went. It was her sharing that caught the attention of her peer in the technology world, Nancy Treaster.

Together, they committed to dedicating themselves and their significant acumen to the task of creating a candid and practical lifeline for caregivers. Thus, The Caregiver’s Journey was born. Sue is a change strategist, speaker, author and executive coach who empowers leaders and caregivers to maximize their potential. With more than 40 years of experience as a business professional while also navigating a variety of caregiving roles, she guides families to become confident, balanced, and supported on their caregiving journey.

She also guides businesses to navigate the global crisis of family caregiving in business so both the organization and their valued working caregivers thrive. Sue has authored/co-authored five bestsellers, created an award-winning online course for caregivers, and is a certified hospice volunteer and caregiver advocate. Sue is a professional speaker, including TEDx, DisruptHR, and Vistage International.

Sue lives in Naples, Fla., where she and her husband made their home until his passing in 2023.

Nancy Treaster LinkedIn | Sue Ryan LinkedIn

The Caregiver’s Journey

The Caregiver’s Journey is a comprehensive online platform dedicated to supporting and empowering caregivers through their challenging experiences. The website offers a wealth of resources tailored to meet the diverse needs of caregivers, including informative articles, practical tips, and expert advice on various aspects of caregiving.

Visitors can access a range of tools and guides designed to help manage the day-to-day responsibilities of caregiving, as well as find emotional support and self-care strategies. The platform also features a community forum where caregivers can connect with others facing similar situations, share experiences, and offer mutual support.

The Caregiver’s Journey podcast is available on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, and other major podcast apps.

Additionally, The Caregiver’s Journey provides educational resources, webinars, and workshops to enhance caregiving skills and knowledge, ensuring that caregivers feel equipped and confident in their roles.

Website | Instagram | Facebook

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
01:36 Introducing the Caregiver’s Journey
02:25 The Scope of Caregiving in the U.S.
04:43 Personal Caregiving Stories
05:55 Challenges and Emotional Impact
09:17 Family Dynamics in Caregiving
15:27 Business and Caregiving
18:18 Flexibility for Family Caregivers
18:47 Leadership Advice for Supporting Caregivers
19:51 Team Dynamics and Support
22:00 Corporate and Small Business Strategies to Support Caregivers
23:17 Insights and Practical Tips from The Caregiver’s Journey Podcast
25:13 Detailed Caregiving Challenges
27:05 Engaging and Educational Episodes
29:38 Testimonials and Impact
32:45 Conclusion and Additional Resources

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

Renasant Bank supports the Georgia Alliance for Breast Cancer

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

Renasant Bank is a major supporter of GAABC, both in corporately donated funds and employee donations and participation in the walk.

To learn more about GAABC and the 2-Day Walk, go to the GAABC Website.

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

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

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

Lighting Up Business Success, with Matthew Efird, Lighting Pros (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 813)

Matthew Efird, Founder, Lighting Pros

Lighting Pros

Topics Discussed in this Episode

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

Becoming a More Thoughtful Leader, with Randy Hain, Author and Executive Coach (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 812)

Randy Hain, Author of Becoming a More Thoughtful Leader

Topics Discussed in this Episode

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

Taylor English: A Unique Legal Model for Client Success, with Marc Taylor and Michele Stumpe (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 811)

Taylor English Duma LLP

Marc Taylor, Partner, Taylor English Duma LLP

Michele Stumpe, Partner, Taylor English Duma LLP

Topics Discussed in this Episode

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

A Journey of Resilience and Leadership, with Maggie DeCan, Author of Humbled on Purpose (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 810)

Maggie DeCan

Topics Discussed in this Episode

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

Georgia’s Economic Outlook, with Dr. Jerry Parrish, Metro Atlanta Chamber (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 809)

Dr. Jerry Parrish, Chief Economist, Metro Atlanta Chamber

Metro Atlanta Chamber

Topics Discussed in this Episode

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

Renasant Bank supports the Georgia Alliance for Breast Cancer

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

Avoiding IRS Trouble, with Kristine Stevenson, Author, How to Avoid Trouble with the IRS (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 808)

Kristine Stevenson, Author, How to Avoid Trouble with the IRS

Topics Discussed in this Episode

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

Renasant Bank supports the Georgia Alliance for Breast Cancer

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

Innovating Ocular Disease Diagnosis, with Shiv Garg, EyeAI (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 807)

Shiv Garg

EyeAI

Topics Discussed in this Episode

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

Renasant Bank supports the Georgia Alliance for Breast Cancer

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

PALS Summit 2024, with Mollie Lacher, Professionals of After Loss Services (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 806)

Professionals of After Loss Services (PALS)

Topics Discussed in this Episode

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

Renasant Bank supports the Georgia Alliance for Breast Cancer

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

Support for Caregivers, with Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster, The Caregiver’s Journey (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 805)

Nancy Treaster and Sue Ryan, The Caregiver’s Journey

The Caregiver’s Journey

Topics Discussed in this Episode

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

Renasant Bank supports the Georgia Alliance for Breast Cancer

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

Our Mission

Sponsor a Show

Partner With Us

Connect with us