North Fulton Business Radio Archives - Page 23 of 71

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

October 2, 2023 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

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

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North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 704)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

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

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

Renasant Bank has humble roots, starting in 1904 as a $100,000 bank in a Lee County, Mississippi, bakery. Since then, Renasant has become one of the Southeast’s strongest financial institutions with over $13 billion in assets and more than 190 banking, lending, wealth management, and financial services offices in Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida. All of Renasant’s success stems from each of their banker’s commitment to investing in their communities as a way of better understanding the people they serve. At Renasant Bank, they understand you because they work and live alongside you every day.

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

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

October 2, 2023 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

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

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North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 703)

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

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

Loyal Q and Brew

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

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

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

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Natasha Clark, Director of Operations, Loyal Q and Brew

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

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

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

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

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

October 2, 2023 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

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

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North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 702)

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

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

Fort Leadership and Sales Consulting

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

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

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

Andy Kalajian is the Founder and President of Fort Leadership and Sales Consulting based in Alpharetta, GA. Andy founded Fort Leadership in 2019 after a 33-year career in Medical Device Sales and Marketing Leadership; 25 of those years were with Zimmer (NYSE ZBH) formerly a division of Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE BMY).

Andy’s journey began at 9 years old when he started in Cub Scouts with his dad and his younger brother. His parents constantly reinforced the Scout lessons of Character and Integrity. Andy continued in Scouting and at the age of 16 he earned the rank of Eagle Scout. At 17 his mom handed him the book, How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. Andy credits that book with igniting his passion for learning how to get along with people. From Hill, to Covey, from Peale to Ziglar and Maxwell, Andy became a voracious reader of books about Leadership, Character, Communication and Teamwork.

After 5 years working as a golf caddie, Andy was the recipient of the prestigious Evans Scholarship Award (www.wgaesf.org). This full academic and housing college scholarship is awarded in recognition of a strong work ethic as a golf caddie, and strength of character, integrity, and leadership. Andy used his scholarship to earn a B.S. in Medical Technology from Michigan State University.

In 1985, Andy loaded up his car with nothing more than his resume, a sport coat and tie, $2500, a big dream and faith that God was going to fill in the gaps. He moved to Atlanta GA in pursuit of a medical sales career where he could leverage his passion for medicine to serve people. Andy grew his medical sales business well into 7 figures by applying the leadership, character, communication, and teamwork lessons he learned from reading books and listening to thought leaders. As Andy continued to advance in his career, he was invited to speak to organizations and train teams on those lessons learned throughout the United States and Puerto Rico.

Andy founded Fort Leadership to continue speaking, training, and coaching individuals and teams in leadership and character development. These skills foster growth in corporate leadership, communication, and teamwork. His corporate experience and insights train leaders to develop healthy corporate cultures with team members who are motivated, engaged, and purpose-driven, resulting in increased employee retention, team performance, and revenue growth!

Andy and his wife, Sherrie, live in Alpharetta, GA and have four adult children. They are members of Pastor Andy Stanley’s North Point Community Church (www.northpoint.org) where Andy is a small group leader in the North Point Men’s Ministry. Andy serves on the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors at Avalon (www.gnfcc.com) where he started the successful Member 2 Member Business Roundtable.

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

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

A Transformational Approach to Leadership, with Chief John Robison, Ph.D., Alpharetta Department of Public Safety, and Author of Compelling Force Leadership

September 25, 2023 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

A Transformational Approach to Leadership, with Chief John Robison, Ph.D., Alpharetta Department of Public Safety, and Author of Compelling Force Leadership

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Chief John Robison, Alpharetta Department of Public Safety, and author of Compelling Force Leadership, joined host John Ray on North Fulton Business Radio to talk about a transformational approach to leadership. They discussed his book and why he wrote it, why it is so important to understand your purpose as a leader, why you need to be intentional in your engagement with your team members, how to ensure you are growing as a leader, and much more.

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

Compelling Force Leadership: How Leaders Can Use Their Influence to Effectively Lead People with Purpose and Passion

Today’s leaders are challenged more now than ever to create and maintain vibrant organizational cultures. In this book, Dr. John Robison shares what he has gained through research and his personal leadership experience to help equip current and future leaders with the tools needed to create a dynamic workplace environment.

Readers will gain a working knowledge of ways to increase employee job satisfaction and commitment to the organization. Whether you are a seasoned leadership veteran or brand new to leadership, the mindset and tools you will gain from this book will help ensure you are a COMPELLING FORCE leader by adding value to your people through leading with purpose and passion.

Amazon

Alpharetta Department of Public Safety

It is the mission of the Alpharetta Department of Public Safety to enhance the quality of life of those that live, work, and play in the City of Alpharetta.

They do things a little differently than your average emergency services department. Unlike most jurisdictions, their services are not separated into different departments. Police, fire, and 911 are all part of a single, streamlined team. This allows each service to work more closely, train more efficiently, and communicate together to provide the optimal service to those in Alpharetta. For the community they serve, that translates into low crime rates, faster responses to emergency calls, and the lowest possible ISO rating so homeowners enjoy lower insurance rates.

Chief John Robison serves as Director of Public Safety for the Alpharetta Department of Public Safety

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

Chief John Robison, Ph.D., Author of Compelling Force Leadership and Director of Public Safety, Alpharetta Department of Public Safety

**Dr. John Robison, Author of *Compelling Force Leadership* and Director of Public Safety, Alpharetta Department of Public Safety**

Dr. John Robison has over 15 years of leadership experience in the public safety profession, and he currently serves as Director of Public Safety with the Alpharetta Department of Public Safety. He leads over 250 police officers, firefighters and 911 dispatchers. John is also a leadership instructor for a national training agency where he teaches and develops leaders from organizations throughout the country. Additionally, John works as an instructor for two different universities in Georgia.

LinkedIn | X

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

What led to your decision to write a book on leadership?
Why do you so strongly believe in a transformational leadership approach? Discuss your dissertation research on transformational leadership.
Why is understanding your purpose as a leader so important?
You talk a good bit about engagement in your book. Talk about why you emphasize the need for leaders to be intentional when it comes to engaging with their people.
Talk about the importance of always growing. What are some keys to ensure you are growing as a leader?
What do you hope people will take away from your book?

Steve Fisher, Strategy Partners Group

September 25, 2023 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Steve Fisher, Strategy Partners Group

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Steve Fisher, one of the founding partners of Strategy Partners Group, joined host John Ray to discuss the work of SPG. Steve discussed the revenue “stalls” that many businesses face, structured growth plans, why it’s hard to delegate, how SPG serves its clients, success stories, and much more.

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

Strategy Partners Group has built a team of cross discipline experts who work as an expert team to provide integrated strategic support services to their clients. By leveraging their complimentary skillsets, their teams provide each client with the exact expert skill set needed for their unique needs.

Imagine having access to seasoned business owners and veteran consultants who have all been where you are today. With a laser focus on creating and sustaining enterprise value, Strategy Partners Group teams with C-suite’s to design and support strategic value enhancing initiatives throughout your organization. Let SPG create a plan to generate more revenue, profit, and long-term value. Schedule your call today.

Company website | LinkedIn

Steve Fisher, Partner, Strategy Partners Group

Steve Fisher is one of the founding partners of Strategy Partners Group established in 2020. He joins other executive level, seasoned corporate leaders to provide a single source of agile, accelerated and scalable solutions to business owners, C-suites and capital providers. Steve, along with a team of finance and operational experts and industry specific partners, strategically helps accomplish client goals and improve overall business performance.

By combining and leveraging experiences and resources, Strategy Partners Group specifically addresses and overcomes obstacles to help clients achieve their desired outcomes. Steve is a highly experienced and skilled strategist with a diverse background in leadership, finance, consulting and executive management.

He has a track record of helping corporate clients focus on customer service and maximizing long-term shareholder value. His capabilities encompass a wide range of financial and operational areas, including business integration, structured growth plans, financial analysis and modeling, financial regulatory compliance, risk management, business exit strategy, procedural policy streamlining, operational procedures development and implementing monitoring and accountability systems. Steve has years of experience dealing with complex financial conversations and distilling them down into common words, so everyone involved in the decision-making understands what is being presented.

In addition to using his knowledge and skill with clients, he has been privileged to collaborate with training professionals to co-develop and present curriculum entitled “Finance for Everyone.” Steve served as a subject matter expert for Panasonic’s Executive Training program. He also served as a speaker for Human Resource and Management Professionals from a variety of companies at Emory University’s Continuing Education Division.

Steve’s notable achievement includes serving as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of JP Turner and Company throughout its entire life cycle, from 1997 to 2016. During his tenure, he played a crucial role in the firm’s growth from a startup to an enterprise generating over $90 million in annual revenues. Under his guidance, JP Turner expanded its reach from a small regional operation to a successful nationwide organization with multiple offices and advisors.

Before joining JP Turner, Steve worked as a management consultant, providing his expertise to clients in various industries across North America, including transportation, manufacturing, and commercial services. This experience allowed him to develop a keen ability to identify root causes of problems and deliver customized solutions to his clients. Steve’s background also includes a strong understanding of financial and service industries, franchise business models, and managing rapid expansion.

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research from Virginia Tech. He has held Series 27, Series 7, and Series 63 licenses. With his vast experience and knowledge, coupled with the experience and resources of Strategy Partners Group, Steve continues to expertly deliver measurable results to clients, enabling them to stay focused on their core business functions and achieve their goals.

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

How to get your company to break through to the next revenue level
Developing and implementing “Structured Growth Plans”
Why is it so hard for business owners to delegate successfully?
The importance of Board of Director development
Pitfalls surrounding post-merger integration

HR, Culture, and Relationships, with Dr. Aisha Wright-Burke, ADP

September 22, 2023 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

HR, Culture, and Relationships, with Dr. Aisha Wright-Burke, ADP

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Dr. Aisha Wright-Burke, Director of Talent Solutions at ADP, joined host John Ray to chat about HR, business culture, and business relationships. Dr. Burke-Wright talked about how she came to work in HR, the process behind ongoing conversations between managers and their team members, leading “beside” vs. from “in-front”, the lasting impacts of the pandemic, career growth, strength-based culture, and much more.

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

At ADP, what they do is about people. Although they have a strong history of providing solutions for human resource challenges, they strive to do more than that. They challenge themselves to anticipate, think forward and take action in a way that empowers them to shape the changing world of work.

For over 70 years, they’ve led the way in defining the future of business solutions. ADP is proud to be named the 2023 Fortune® World’s Most Admired Companies™ list again for 17 consecutive years*.

They are a comprehensive global provider of cloud-based human capital management (HCM) solutions that unite HR, payroll, talent, time, tax and benefits administration, and a leader in business outsourcing services, analytics and compliance expertise. Their unmatched experience, deep insights and cutting-edge technology have transformed human resources from a back-office administrative function to a strategic business advantage.

Dr. Aisha Wright-Burke SHRM-SCP, Director, Talent Solutions, ADP

Dr. Wright-Burke joined ADP in November 2009. Currently, she leads the thought leadership, strategy and execution of talent planning, succession, and movement globally. Previously, as a valued and esteemed member of the field HR organization as Human Resources Business Partner, she was instrumental on several stretch assignments on HR strategic teams related to the learning trajectory of the global HR organization, deployment of ADP’s strengths-based approach, Career Growth & Development and a host of integrative initiatives to drive and influence engagement, talent movement and acceleration within key businesses.

Prior to ADP, Dr. Wright-Burke held multiple roles nationally and internationally with Siemens, Inc., a global engineering, and technology company, where she spearheaded key talent and diversity initiatives. She has over 20 years’ experience in field HR, talent acceleration, diversity, early career leadership programs, compensation, and talent acquisition.

Dr. Wright-Burke earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, Georgia, a Master’s in Education – Human Resources Organizational Development (HROD), and a Doctorate in Adult Education-HROD from the University of Georgia. She also served as an evening HR Instructor at the School of Continuing & Professional Education at Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, Georgia. Dr. Wright-Burke holds Korn Ferry Leadership Potential , Potential Solution assessments and Society of Human Resources-SCP certifications.

Dr. Wright-Burke is a member of the Society of Human Resources (SHRM) and SHRM-Atlanta Chapter. Additionally, she is an Atlanta Track Club Board Member, volunteers with the Atlanta Chapters of the Society of Human Resources, National Black MBA Association, Associate for Talent Development (formerly ASTD) and the National African American Association of Human Resources (NAAAHR).

She resides in Sandy Springs, Georgia with her husband Jenero.

LinkedIn | Instagram

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

Importance of conversations between managers and employees
Navigating career development and growth no matter the size of the organization
Tips on developing skills/gaining experience
Cultivating a strength-based culture
Importance of succession planning

Daniel Sosebee and Heather Fleming, MST

September 19, 2023 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Daniel Sosebee and Heather Fleming, MST

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North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 695)

Daniel Sosebee and Heather Fleming with MST were guests on this episode of North Fulton Business Radio with host John Ray. Daniel and Heather each shared how they came to MST, what MST does for family businesses, and what makes them unique. They also talked about how cloud accounting has changed their business, the advantages they bring to their clients, success stories, and much more.

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

MST’s focus remains on serving privately owned businesses, entities domiciled in the United States owned by a foreign parent company, and nonprofits since 1956. We opened our first office in Brunswick, Georgia, with two partners and five employees driven to give individual and organizational clients the pinnacle of business support and consultation. Now, with four offices, ten partners, and more than 100 employees, we are equipped to support a broader clientele with an extensive array of specialized services.

After achieving substantial growth through the Brunswick office, we expanded operations into the Atlanta market, opening a second location in 1967. Positioning ourselves in this southeastern hub was essential to serve the extensive metro community. Twenty years later, in 1988, we furthered our outreach in Georgia by opening a third office in Gwinnett County. In 2017 through the growth of the firm and our clients, we were able to open a New York office to better serve clients with holdings in the Northeast.

Our focus has remained constant throughout our distinguished growth and history: the entire MST team is dedicated to creating lasting success for our clients and continuing opportunities for our employees. Our achievements have been recognized by Accounting Today and Atlanta Business Chronicle, where we are consistently named in the “Top 25 Accounting Firms.”

MST is an independently owned and operated member firm of Moore North America (Moore NA), a regional member of Moore Global Network Limited (MGNL). All the firms in MGNL are independent entities owned and managed in each location.

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter

Daniel Sosebee, Associate Member, MST

Daniel is an associate member in MST’s Gwinnett office. He specializes in assurance and attestation services for closely held businesses and not-for-profit organizations. His expertise includes a variety of industries such as distribution, manufacturing, construction, technology and dealerships, as well as serving on a number of significant non-profit engagements, including our largest private foundation clients.

In addition to assurance and attest engagements, Daniel is passionate about building relationships with colleagues, clients, prospects and networking within the communities we serve. This passion has led Daniel to the position of Director of Business Development where his role is to lead the Firm through organic growth, mergers and acquisitions as well as develop new lines of business. Secondly, he oversees the Firm’s employee retention and recruiting department in which he works hand-in-hand with the Firm’s retention and recruiting specialist.

Daniel obtained his BBA in Accounting from Georgia College and State University (where he also was a member of the men’s golf team) and completed his Master of Accountancy at Kennesaw State University.

Daniel is a member of the Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants and American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and is actively involved with his church and community affairs including the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce, Gwinnett Chairman’s Club, Partnership of Gwinnett and board member of the Gwinnett Leadership Forum and the Hudgens Center for Art and Learning.

Heather Fleming, Business Development Manager, MST

Heather is the Business Development Manager in the Gwinnett office for MST. She is a. former banker who spent the first part of her career helping privately held companies achieve their business goals by providing sound financial solutions. She invested time with her clients to really get to know them, their company, and their goals.

As a daughter of entrepreneurial parents, Heather has always enjoyed working with privately held companies and when she was presented the opportunity to join the MST team as a Business Development Manager, she couldn’t pass up the chance to do what she loves, getting to know people and more importantly getting to know their business.

Heather wants to help businesses determine what accounting services match their strategic or compliance needs and connect them with the partner and team that is going to be best for them and their team. It’s MST’s goal to be a strategic partner with their clients and to develop strategies that help reach their goals.

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

What is MST and how did each of you come to MST?
What makes MST unique as a CPA firm?
Why do you focus on family businesses?
What are some common themes you’re seeing in your clients?
What are the advantages to cloud accounting?
What’s the return on the investment for a business with MST?

Revolutionizing the Reentry Process for the Formerly Incarcerated, with Andre Peart, Untapped Solutions

September 11, 2023 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Revolutionizing the Reentry Process for the Formerly Incarcerated, with Andre Peart, Untapped Solutions

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North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 694)

Founder and CEO of Untapped Solutions, Andre Peart, joined host John Ray on North Fulton Business Radio to talk about how his company’s groundbreaking platform is helping formerly incarcerated individuals rebuild their lives faster and more efficiently, while giving companies ready access an under-resourced talent pool. They discussed Andre’s personal story that led to the founding of Untapped Solutions, how the platform works, benefits such as higher loyalty which companies receive from hiring the formerly incarcerated, success stories, and much more.

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

Untapped Solutions

Untapped Solutions is a groundbreaking platform revolutionizing the reentry process for formerly incarcerated individuals by connecting them with the resources, services, and employers they need to rebuild their lives. Founded in 2020 by Andre Peart, Untapped Solutions has grown into an innovative force backed by Techstars and Cox Communications enterprise, striving to create meaningful social impact through technology.

At Untapped Solutions, we understand the challenges faced by the formerly incarcerated, as well as the organizations and employers dedicated to supporting their reintegration into society. Our mission is to empower case worker-driven organizations, employers, and the formerly incarcerated by streamlining the reentry process and building a strong, supportive network.

Our platform leverages cutting-edge AI technology to enhance the client experience and reduce staff fatigue. By automating key tasks, such as identifying client needs, employment status, and skill requirements, we enable organizations to make faster, more accurate referrals to relevant stakeholders. With our internal impact report tool, tracking progress and updates on referrals becomes seamless and efficient.

For employers, Untapped Solutions offers an AI-powered job board that matches open roles with candidates who possess the required skills or are currently enrolled in relevant training programs. By partnering with us, employers can tap into a diverse, skilled talent pool of formerly incarcerated individuals, while also providing them the support they need to overcome personal challenges and excel in their work lives.

Untapped Solutions’ LinkedIn-style professional network creates an exclusive space for the formerly incarcerated, where they can connect with case worker-driven organizations and employers, access resources and skill training, and discover job opportunities tailored to their talents and aspirations.

Our vision is to reduce recidivism by 20% by 2030 through the power of technology, ultimately fostering a more inclusive, supportive, and successful society for all. Join us in our mission to transform lives and create lasting change for those seeking a fresh start.

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter

Andre Peart, Founder and CEO, Untapped Solutions

Andre Peart Untapped Solutions — **Andre Peart, Founder & CEO, Untapped Solutions**

Andre Peart was born in 1990 in Westchester, New York, and raised in the city of Yonkers during the uprising of crime and drugs that plagued the city. As a teen, he was stuck in the center of a crime ridiculed neighborhood and found his way out through writing war-fiction novels in his room where he silenced the sirens and screams. He continued to use writing as a gateway through high school and onto college, where he drifted his writing genre to the world of crime fiction. Andre changed his genre over to crime, but also his endeavors, which ended his college journey early and landed him in New York State Prison for five years.

Unlike many others, Andre had the skill of mentally escaping rough environments. And so he did, writing seven novels, three short stories, and finishing his degree through a prison college program. Andre has published two short stories and founded Untapped Solutions (formerly ConConnect), the world’s first social network for formerly incarcerated men and women to get connected with valuable resources upon release. He has continued to write and plans to drop his novels in due time.

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

Tell us about you and your story, how you came to create Untapped Solutions?
How does Untapped Solutions work?
Who does this platform help?
What are the benefits of hiring these populations for employers?
What kinds of businesses are you working with?
Once someone is hired, is there a support system that helps navigate starting a new job?

Human Resources for the Non-HR Professional: The Atlanta Works Conference, with Jason Cline and Liz Beltramini, SHRM-Atlanta

September 6, 2023 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Human Resources for the Non-HR Professional: The Atlanta Works Conference, with Jason Cline and Liz Beltramini, SHRM-Atlanta

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North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 693)

Small organizations without an HR department, as well as team members managing HR without a background in human resources, need education tailored to their specific needs. SHRM-Atlanta’s Jason Cline and Liz Beltramini joined host John Ray to discuss the Atlanta Works Conference, a conference designed with such an audience in mind. Jason and Liz talked about the industry-specific tracks the conference will feature, industry association partners who are collaborating, sponsors, and much more.

An online information session on this event will be conducted by SHRM-Atlanta on September 13, 2023, at 12:00 pm Eastern. This session is free of charge. For more information and to register, follow this link. To register for the conference itself, follow this link.

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

SHRM-Atlanta is one of the largest chapters of SHRM and shares its purpose of elevating the HR profession. As a leader in the Atlanta metro business community, SHRM-Atlanta strives to be the premier resource for those working in and supporting the human resource function. SHRM-Atlanta’s predominant goal is to be the voice of HR in metro Atlanta and be the first contact for those seeking information and solutions.

This will be achieved through the growth and diversity of members, education, and delivery of content, and by strengthening partnerships with organizations that share its vision.

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

Jason Cline, CAE, Chief Executive Director, SHRM-Atlanta

Jason Cline brings over 18 years of association management and leadership experience to SHRM-Atlanta. Previously, Jason was the President & CEO of the Printing & Imaging Association of Georgia. There, Jason spearheaded the development and execution of a strategic plan and led a highly profitable insurance arm of the organization. Prior to that role, he was the Strategic Initiatives Executive at the Association of College Unions International, the Section Membership Development Manager at the American Bar Association, and he began his association career as the Director of Membership at the Roller Skating Association International.

Jason earned both his undergraduate degree in Elementary Education and a graduate certificate in Nonprofit Management from Indiana University. He also holds the Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential from ASAE: The Center for Association Leadership. Jason has called Atlanta home since 2016 when he moved here from Indianapolis.

Liz Beltramini, Chief Content Officer & DEI Advisor, SHRM-Atlanta

Elizabeth Beltramini leads SHRM-Atlanta in providing members with content they need to advance as HR professionals. In joining the team, Liz hopes to grow the Association’s efforts related to equity and inclusion. Previously, Liz was a director and senior diversity officer for the Association of College Unions International. She also served as a consultant and project manager for Atria association management services. During her 20 years working with associations, Liz has overseen conferences and events, publications, websites, assessment and research, marketing, and membership.

Liz has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Indiana University, a certificate in diversity and inclusion management from Cornell University, and is a qualified administrator of the Intercultural Development Inventory.

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

SHRM-Atlanta’s mission
The intended audience for the Atlanta Works conference
Leaning into the adage of “people leave managers, not companies”
Industry specific tracks
Partners and sponsors
Registration and location details

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

North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 704)

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

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

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

North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 703)

Loyal Q and Brew

Natasha Clark, Director of Operations, Loyal Q and Brew

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

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

North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 702)

Fort Leadership and Sales Consulting

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

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

A Transformational Approach to Leadership, with Chief John Robison, Ph.D., Alpharetta Department of Public Safety, and Author of Compelling Force Leadership

Compelling Force Leadership: How Leaders Can Use Their Influence to Effectively Lead People with Purpose and Passion

Alpharetta Department of Public Safety

Chief John Robison, Ph.D., Author of Compelling Force Leadership and Director of Public Safety, Alpharetta Department of Public Safety

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

Steve Fisher, Strategy Partners Group

Steve Fisher, Partner, Strategy Partners Group

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

HR, Culture, and Relationships, with Dr. Aisha Wright-Burke, ADP

Dr. Aisha Wright-Burke SHRM-SCP, Director, Talent Solutions, ADP

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

Revolutionizing the Reentry Process for the Formerly Incarcerated, with Andre Peart, Untapped Solutions

North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 694)

Untapped Solutions

Andre Peart, Founder and CEO, Untapped Solutions

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

Human Resources for the Non-HR Professional: The Atlanta Works Conference, with Jason Cline and Liz Beltramini, SHRM-Atlanta

North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 693)

Jason Cline, CAE, Chief Executive Director, SHRM-Atlanta

Liz Beltramini, Chief Content Officer & DEI Advisor, SHRM-Atlanta

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

Our Mission

Sponsor a Show

Partner With Us

Connect with us

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

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

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

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

Loyal Q and Brew

Natasha Clark, Director of Operations, Loyal Q and Brew

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

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

Fort Leadership and Sales Consulting

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

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

A Transformational Approach to Leadership, with Chief John Robison, Ph.D., Alpharetta Department of Public Safety, and Author of Compelling Force Leadership (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 700)

Compelling Force Leadership: How Leaders Can Use Their Influence to Effectively Lead People with Purpose and Passion

Alpharetta Department of Public Safety

Chief John Robison, Ph.D., Author of Compelling Force Leadership and Director of Public Safety, Alpharetta Department of Public Safety

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

Steve Fisher, Strategy Partners Group (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 699)

Strategy Partners Group

Steve Fisher, Partner, Strategy Partners Group

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

HR, Culture, and Relationships, with Dr. Aisha Wright-Burke, ADP (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 698)

ADP

Dr. Aisha Wright-Burke SHRM-SCP, Director, Talent Solutions, ADP

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

Daniel Sosebee and Heather Fleming, MST (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 695)

MST

Daniel Sosebee, Associate Member, MST

Heather Fleming, Business Development Manager, MST

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

Revolutionizing the Reentry Process for the Formerly Incarcerated, with Andre Peart, CEO, Untapped Solutions (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 694)

Untapped Solutions

Andre Peart, Founder and CEO, Untapped Solutions

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

SHRM-Atlanta

Jason Cline, CAE, Chief Executive Director, SHRM-Atlanta

Liz Beltramini, Chief Content Officer & DEI Advisor, SHRM-Atlanta

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

Our Mission

Sponsor a Show

Partner With Us

Connect with us

North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 704)

North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 703)

North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 702)

North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 695)

North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 694)