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Maria Fundora, Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant

April 28, 2026 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Maria Fundora, Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant

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Maria Fundora, Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant, on Farm-to-Table Italian Food, the Annual Block Party, and Purple Pansies (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 958)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray welcomes Maria Fundora, owner of Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant in Alpharetta. With the restaurant approaching nearly 29 years of serving the community, the conversation covers the food philosophy and fresh ingredients that have set Casa Nuova apart since 1998, the family culture behind the operation, and the restaurant’s annual Community Block Party, which doubles as the launch event for her nonprofit, Purple Pansies. Casa Nuova is a cook-to-order kitchen offering traditional Italian fare, including pasta, fresh seafood, veal, and chicken, with a menu rooted in the recipes Chef Antonio Fundora developed at Alfredo’s back in 1974. The restaurant also operates a working farm steps from the building, now spanning 14 acres, that supplies the kitchen with tomatoes, corn, peppers, zucchini, and more during the growing season.

Maria describes hospitality at Casa Nuova as a “50-50 marriage” between food and service, with every guest treated as the top priority. That culture shows in the staff: Chef George has been with Casa Nuova for 28 years, Juan Carlos for 26, and Victoria for 22. The team gathers for a family meal together at 3:30 PM every day, and Maria says she would do the same tasks as any team member. A regular customer put it simply: she can’t always remember what she ordered, but she always remembers how Casa Nuova made her feel. Maria also received the Legacy Award from the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, which she took as a call to mentor younger people in the community.

On the food side, Casa Nuova serves only fresh seafood, fresh veal, and fresh chicken. Nothing is frozen, and all meat is butchered in-house. In the summer months, the kitchen draws from a working farm just steps from the restaurant, which now spans 14 acres and produces tomatoes, corn, peppers, zucchini, and more. The Community Block Party on Sunday, May 3rd, 2026, from 2:00 to 5:30 PM at the restaurant is free and open to the public, with a complimentary buffet and live music. Donations to Purple Pansies are welcome but not required. Every dollar raised by Purple Pansies goes directly to clinical trials and research, emergency grants for families battling the disease, and scholarships for children of pancreatic cancer patients.

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

Key Takeaways from This Episode

A longtime Casa Nuova regular told Maria she can’t always remember what she ordered, but she always remembers how the restaurant made her feel. That’s the standard Maria and her team work to deliver for every guest.
Casa Nuova staff longevity is remarkable: Chef George has been with the restaurant for 28 years, Juan Carlos for 26, and Victoria for 22. The team shares a family meal together at 3:30 PM every day.
Casa Nuova uses only fresh seafood, fresh veal, and fresh chicken. All meat is butchered in-house, which is why portions vary in appearance rather than arriving pre-cut and identical.
Casa Nuova’s 14-acre farm, which began with a single acre in 2000, grows vegetables used directly in the kitchen during the summer months, including the corn behind the restaurant’s celebrated corn chowder.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:20 John Ray introduces the show and guest Maria Fundora
01:48 Maria Fundora introduces Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant and its nearly 29-year history
04:42 Staff longevity and the family culture inside Casa Nuova
05:39 Legacy Award from the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce
07:37 How guests are remembered and Casa Nuova’s role in celebrations of life
09:12 Annual Community Block Party: free admission, complimentary buffet, Sunday May 3rd, 2026, 2:00 to 5:30 PM
10:42 Block party details: paella, roasted pig, gelato, live music, and children’s corner
15:38 Fresh ingredients: no frozen seafood, veal, or chicken; everything butchered in-house
18:28 The farm: 14 acres of vegetables growing steps from the restaurant
20:57 Purple Pansies: clinical trials, emergency grants, and scholarships for families
21:33 Contact information for Casa Nuova and Purple Pansies

Maria Fundora, Owner

Maria Fundora is the owner of Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant in Alpharetta and the founder of Purple Pansies, a nonprofit dedicated to fighting pancreatic cancer. She co-founded Casa Nuova in 1998 with her late husband, Chef Antonio “Tony” Fundora, after the couple had built a string of successful Atlanta restaurants, including the original Alfredo’s, which Tony opened in 1974.

Maria immigrated to the United States from Cuba in the 1960s, grew up in Chicago where her father was a restaurateur, and moved to Atlanta in the 1980s. She founded Purple Pansies in 2009 following her mother’s death from pancreatic cancer, and the organization became an incorporated nonprofit in 2017.

Maria has received the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce Legacy Award, the Greater North Fulton Chamber Small Business of the Year Award (2023), the Atlanta Business Chronicle Leaders in Corporate Citizenship Award (2021), and recognition as one of the Georgia Hispanic Chamber’s 50 Most Influential in Georgia. She was also appointed to the National Pancreatic Cancer Council in 2022.

Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant

Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant is a family-owned and operated establishment in Alpharetta that has served traditional Italian cuisine since 1998.

The restaurant is a cook-to-order kitchen offering pasta, chicken, fresh seafood, veal, and vegetarian and gluten-free options, along with daily specials. All seafood, veal, and chicken are fresh and butchered in-house. In the summer months, the kitchen draws from a working farm just steps from the restaurant, growing tomatoes, corn, peppers, zucchini, and more for direct use in the kitchen. Casa Nuova also offers catering for private events of all sizes.

Maria and her husband, the late Chef Antonio Fundora co-founded the restaurant, and their son Jose “Pepe” Fundora now serves as executive chef. Casa Nuova is located at 5670 Atlanta Highway in Alpharetta and is open Monday through Saturday beginning at 4:00 PM.

Website | Facebook

Purple Pansies

Purple Pansies is a nonprofit organization founded by Maria Fundora in 2009 after losing her mother to pancreatic cancer and incorporated as a nonprofit in 2017. Its mission is to fund research and provide support for those affected by pancreatic cancer through clinical trials, emergency financial grants for families actively battling the disease, and scholarships for children of pancreatic cancer patients.

Purple Pansies operates entirely on volunteers, and every dollar raised goes directly to its mission. Two annual fundraising events support the organization: the Community Block Party, hosted each spring at Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant, and the Pillars of Hope gala each fall. Through these efforts, Purple Pansies has raised more than $5 million for pancreatic cancer research and patient support.

Website | Facebook | Instagram

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

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

Beyond Computer Solutions supports North Fulton Business Radio

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

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

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

Approaching 1,000 episodes and having featured over 1,400 guests, North Fulton Business Radio is the longest-running podcast in the North Fulton area, covering business in our community like no one else. We are the undisputed “Voice of Business” in North Fulton!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Randy Hain’s A Different Take: From Surviving to Thriving

April 27, 2026 by John Ray

Randy Hain, Serviam Partners, on A Different Take, Curiosity, Assumptions, Mission Statements, and Moving from Surviving to Thriving (North Fulton Business Radio By Invitation, Episode 957) with host John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Randy Hain's A Different Take: From Surviving to Thriving

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Randy Hain, Serviam Partners, on A Different Take, Curiosity, Assumptions, Mission Statements, and Moving from Surviving to Thriving (North Fulton Business Radio By Invitation, Episode 957)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio By Invitation, host John Ray welcomes executive coach and author Randy Hain, founder and president of Serviam Partners, for a live recorded conversation before an invited audience at the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce. The occasion is the release of Randy’s 13th book, A Different Take: Thoughtful Insights to Help You Thrive at Work and in Life, and the episode marks the debut of the By Invitation format.

Randy and John work through several of the book’s themes. On curiosity, Randy describes it as the direct antidote to assumption, explaining that assumptions close the aperture on what we can learn about another person while questions open it. He makes this concrete with a story from his own life: watching people mentally sideline his son Alex, who has autism, based on unfounded assumptions reinforced for Randy every day why that habit is so costly. They also explore “the thief of comparison,” where Randy’s argument is that gratitude, including for difficulties, is the practical counter. One of the more memorable moments in the conversation is Randy’s account of a COO client who walked into their second coaching meeting carrying a two-page mission statement. His own mission statement is two words: “serve others.”

The conversation also covers creating margin, being fully present versus multitasking, time management as partnership rather than battle, and three virtues Randy returns to repeatedly: gratitude, generosity, and contentment. He introduces the Italian phrase voglio bene (“I want your good”) as a frame for thinking about generosity beyond material gifts. The episode closes with the Thrive 26 Project: Randy’s challenge, tied to the book’s 26 topics, to move from surviving to thriving and then to invest in the thriving of someone else.

John Ray is the host of North Fulton Business Radio. This episode of North Fulton Business Radio By Invitation was recorded live at the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce. The show is produced by John Ray and North Fulton Business Radio, LLC, an affiliate of Business RadioX®.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

Randy’s approach to fighting assumptions is grounded in a personal story: watching others limit his son Alex, who has autism, based on false assumptions became a daily reminder that making assumptions about people closes off what we can learn from them and that questions are always the better path.
“The thief of comparison” describes the habit of measuring our lives against what others appear to have. Randy’s antidote is gratitude, including for challenges, which he frames as learning opportunities rather than losses.
Simplicity in a mission statement is a virtue, not a shortcut. A coaching session with a COO who arrived with a two-page document became the origin of Randy’s own mission statement: two words, “serve others,” which he says drives everything he does.
Creating margin, intentionally cutting non-essential commitments to build breathing room in the calendar, is both a personal health practice and the precondition for being available when someone else genuinely needs your time.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:19 John Ray introduces North Fulton Business Radio By Invitation and the live audience format
01:52 Randy Hain on his background, Serviam Partners, and the Leadership Foundry
03:25 Why A Different Take: looking at old problems through a new lens
04:29 The book’s early popularity with leaders, mentors, and teams
05:49 Curiosity as a superpower and Randy’s approach to questions
07:16 How assumptions close the aperture and why questions open it
09:22 Randy’s son Alex and the personal cost of making assumptions
10:24 The thief of comparison and gratitude as the antidote
12:28 Adding value to relationships: advice from Randy’s father
14:16 Time always wins: partner with time instead of battling it
16:17 Mission statements: the COO client story and “serve others”
20:11 Using A Different Take as a catalyst for mentoring conversations
22:28 Three virtues: gratitude, generosity, and contentment
25:32 Voglio bene (“I want your good”) as a broader frame for generosity
26:31 Being fully present versus the myth of multitasking
28:28 Creating margin: cutting 20% to make space for what matters
31:39 The Thrive 26 Project: moving from surviving to thriving

Randy Hain, Founder and President, Serviam Partners

Randy Hain is the founder and president of Serviam Partners and the co-founder of the Leadership Foundry.

With a successful 30-plus-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 also an expert at onboarding senior executives, as well as coaching senior leadership teams to improve trust, alignment, collaboration, and candid communication. His deep expertise as a former senior executive and his years as a proven and successful executive coach for leaders around the world are true areas of differentiation for him and Serviam Partners.

Randy is a husband, father, and active community leader and serves on the boards of the causes he cares about most. He is particularly passionate about elevating autism awareness and investing in the next generation of leaders.

Randy has earned a reputation as a creative business partner and a generous thought leader through his books, articles, and speaking engagements. Randy is the award-winning author of 13 books, including his newest, A Different Take: Thoughtful Insights to Help You Thrive at Work and in Life.

Serviam Partners

Serviam Partners is an Atlanta-based executive coaching and leadership consulting firm founded by Randy Hain in 2012. The firm works with senior leaders and high-potential leaders at companies across the United States, offering executive coaching, senior leader onboarding, and leadership team development. Its approach is grounded in candor, authenticity, and a practical focus on identifying and removing the obstacles that hold leaders back. The firm’s name is Latin for “I will serve,” a phrase that reflects both its founder’s philosophy and its orientation toward the leaders it works with.

Website | LinkedIn

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

Beyond Computer Solutions supports North Fulton Business Radio

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

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

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

Fractional HR for Small Business: Stop Winging It

April 22, 2026 by John Ray

Kelsey Geist, Custom Human Resource Solutions (CHRS), on HR Compliance Risks, Fractional HR, and the Mistakes Small Businesses Make (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 956) with host John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Fractional HR for Small Business: Stop Winging It

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Kelsey Geist, Custom Human Resource Solutions (CHRS), on HR Compliance Risks, Fractional HR, and the Mistakes Small Businesses Make (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 956)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray welcomes Kelsey Geist, Vice President of HR Operations at Custom Human Resource Solutions (CHRS), a fractional HR firm serving small- to mid-size businesses, most with fewer than 50 employees. Kelsey grew up around HR, with a mother who spent her career in the field, and she spent years insisting she would never follow that path. She eventually caught what she calls “the HR bug” and has now been with CHRS for over a decade.

The conversation digs into the most common mistakes small businesses make with HR: reactive rather than proactive thinking, inconsistent decisions between employees that quietly corrode culture, misclassifying workers under the Fair Labor Standards Act, and basic compliance gaps like missing I-9 documentation. Kelsey makes the case that bringing in a spouse, an admin, or a business partner to handle HR is not a sustainable solution. The problem is not just knowing the rules, she explains, but also having the experience to interpret specific situations and adapt in real time.

John and Kelsey also discuss AI in the HR context. While AI tools can help with tasks like screening resumes through applicant tracking systems, Kelsey is direct about the limits: AI cannot have the empathetic, relationship-informed conversations required to handle employee relations well, and HR documents written by AI without expert review are a real liability. She notes that experienced HR professionals and opposing attorneys can spot an AI-generated handbook quickly.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

Small businesses often reach a compliance threshold, such as hiring their 10th employee in Georgia, without realizing new legal obligations have kicked in. Getting HR support before growth hits is far less costly than correcting violations after the fact.
Giving HR responsibilities to an untrained spouse, family member, or office manager tends to result in inconsistent decisions that quietly damage company culture and create legal exposure.
Fractional HR works best as a true partnership. CHRS makes recommendations and lays out the risk options, but the business owner makes the decisions and CHRS handles execution.
AI can help with efficiency in HR tasks like resume screening, but using it to generate employee handbooks or legal documents without expert review creates real legal risk. Experienced HR professionals, and opposing counsel, recognize AI-generated documents immediately.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:20 John Ray introduces the show and guest Kelsey Geist
01:53 Kelsey Geist introduces CHRS and its focus on small business fractional HR
02:38 How Kelsey came to work in HR, inspired by her mother’s career
04:07 Advocating for both businesses and employees, and what drives her work
06:27 The biggest HR mistakes small businesses make: reactivity, inconsistency, misclassification, and compliance gaps
10:20 Why handing HR to a spouse, family member, or office manager creates risk
14:04 Why HR is a strategic function, not a transactional one
15:17 How AI fits into HR: where it helps and where it falls short
20:40 What distinguishes CHRS: direct employee support and high-touch service
24:14 When should a small business owner call CHRS?
25:55 Client success story: building HR infrastructure from five employees to 25
28:24 The importance of partnership in an outsourced HR relationship
29:22 How to reach Kelsey Geist and CHRS

Kelsey Geist, Vice President of HR Operations

Kelsey has been an integral part of the CHRS leadership team since 2015, bringing over 15 years of human resources expertise to her role as Vice President of HR Operations. In this position, she not only leads and develops CHRS’s team of HR Consultants but also rolls up her sleeves every day to support clients directly.

A true HR generalist and high-level business partner, Kelsey thrives in both strategy and execution. She designs and drives people strategies for mid-sized businesses while also diving into the tactical and administrative details that keep HR moving. Whether it’s employee relations, compliance, recruiting, training, safety, or documentation, Kelsey’s ability to move seamlessly between the big picture and the day-to-day ensures clients receive both visionary guidance and practical, high-touch support.

Kelsey’s hands-on leadership has been pivotal in CHRS’s growth, helping nearly triple revenue post-COVID while solidifying the firm as a trusted HR partner nationwide. She is particularly skilled in navigating employee relations, multi-state employment practices, and tailoring solutions that are scalable, compliance-driven, and people-focused.

Originally from Southern California, Kelsey now resides in the metro-Atlanta area with her spouse and two children.

Custom Human Resource Solutions (CHRS)

Custom Human Resource Solutions (CHRS) simplifies the complex world of HR, helping businesses navigate today’s ever-changing employment landscape with confidence. Grounded in client-centered excellence and compliance leadership, CHRS provides the HR support businesses need, when and how they need it.

Whether a business is looking for on-site, on-call, or hybrid services, the CHRS dedicated consulting team delivers real-time, practical solutions. From everyday administrative tasks to more advanced strategies like succession planning, performance management, and workplace investigations, CHRS is a dependable HR partner at every stage of the business journey.

With proven expertise, a commitment to compliance, and a focus on client success, CHRS helps organizations of all sizes identify vulnerabilities, streamline processes, and build stronger, more resilient teams.

Website | LinkedIn

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

Beyond Computer Solutions supports North Fulton Business Radio

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

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

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

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

Sri Chakravarty on Business Valuation and Exit Planning

April 20, 2026 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Sri Chakravarty on Business Valuation and Exit Planning

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Sri Chakravarty, ProfitAbility, on Business Valuation, Lender-Ready Financials, and Exit Planning (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 955)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray welcomes Sri Chakravarty, President of ProfitAbility, a financial advisory practice based in Alpharetta that specializes in business valuations, financial projections, and business plans for small and mid-sized companies.

Sri explains the fundamental gap that exists between how a business owner sees their company and how a lender sees it. Owners see opportunity; lenders see risk. His job is to close that gap by helping owners build realistic financial projections that address both sides of that perception divide. As Sri puts it, the goal is not just to produce a convincing document for the bank but to help a business owner develop what he calls “intrinsic confidence” in their numbers, a genuine understanding of the why behind every projection.

The conversation also covers how Sri approaches business valuation. He argues that a valuation is not a fixed number but a defensible estimate and that a thorough valuation functions as something close to a quasi-audit of the entire business, examining management, customers, market, competition, and more. Sri draws on a memorable example from his own work: visiting a client’s warehouse and discovering a large amount of obsolete inventory that was quietly dragging down the company’s value. That kind of operational lens, he says, is what distinguishes a meaningful valuation from a ChatGPT-generated number.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

Business owners and lenders often see the same company very differently: owners see opportunity while lenders see risk, and bridging that gap requires more than solid historical financials.
A good business valuation is not a single number — it is a defensible estimate built from multiple approaches, and the documentation of how you arrived at it matters as much as the result.
Sri’s operational background led him to walk a client’s warehouse during a valuation engagement, where he discovered obsolete inventory that was suppressing the company’s value and lender readiness.
Business owners eyeing an exit in the next five to ten years benefit from getting a professional valuation done well in advance, not just at the finish line, to both understand where they are and what to fix before the sale.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:20 John Ray introduces the show and guest Sri Chakravarty
02:00 Sri describes who he serves and how he helps close the financial narrative
02:58 Sri’s background: MBA from University of Chicago Booth, M&A work, and founding ProfitAbility in 2022
03:42 Why business owners often don’t know what they need until they sit across from a banker
04:11 The perception gap between business owners and lenders: opportunity vs. risk
05:13 Sri’s role: turning historical financials into a forward-looking story in numbers
06:15 The Amazon analogy: growing companies burning cash and why projections need full expense context
07:29 What lenders actually look for: clarity, detail, and documentation
08:21 Helping owners “own their numbers” and build intrinsic confidence
09:24 Common reasons loan applications fall apart: unrealistic projections and unaddressed questions
10:36 Sri’s operational background and how it helps him see both sides
12:11 Using financial analysis for businesses not seeking outside financing: opportunity cost and ROI decisions
14:27 The name “ProfitAbility” and what it represents
14:44 Preparing for a business exit: moving from hub to spoke, and addressing customer concentration
16:11 Valuation as a living management tool, not just an end-of-life exercise
17:19 Why a ChatGPT-generated valuation won’t hold up: the three approaches to business valuation
21:15 How often business owners should get a valuation done
22:16 The case for getting a valuation before you think you need one: private equity surprise offers and knowing your number
24:37 How Sri’s operations background informs his valuation work: the warehouse walk example
26:27 Who should call Sri and when: taking off or getting ready to land
27:12 How to reach Sri Chakravarty

Sri Chakravarty, President

Sri Chakravarty is the founder of ProfitAbility, a financial advisory practice focused on business valuations, business plans, and integrated financial projections for small and mid-sized companies.

With more than 20 years of experience inside large global organizations, Sri has worked across manufacturing, distribution, and industrial sectors at the intersection of finance and operations. His background includes leading financial planning, pricing strategy, and operational initiatives, giving him an inside view of how businesses actually operate beyond what is reflected in financial statements.

Drawing on this operating experience, Sri brings a practical lens to financial analysis. When business owners talk about pricing pressure, inventory challenges, working capital cycles, or customer concentration, he understands those dynamics firsthand and translates them into clear financial insight.

Sri holds the Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA) designation and an MBA in Finance and Operations from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

ProfitAbility

ProfitAbility is a financial advisory practice that specializes in business valuations, business plans, and integrated financial projections for small and mid-sized businesses.

Founded in 2022, the firm was built to bring sophisticated, real-world financial analysis to companies that need to present their financials clearly to lenders, investors, and transaction counterparties. Typical client situations include debt or equity financing, ownership transitions, and strategic growth initiatives.

Valuation work sits at the center of the practice. ProfitAbility develops customized, standards-compliant analyses and financial projections designed to stand up to scrutiny from underwriters, investors, and advisors.

The firm is intentionally structured as a focused practice, with all engagements receiving direct senior-level attention to ensure quality, consistency, and accountability.

Website | LinkedIn

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

Beyond Computer Solutions supports North Fulton Business Radio

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

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

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

Tina McKenna on Fixing the Hiring Process for Small Business

April 20, 2026 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Tina McKenna on Fixing the Hiring Process for Small Business

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Tina McKenna, Smart Hire Solutions, on Why Small Business Owners Should Stop Doing Their Own Hiring (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 954)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray welcomes Tina McKenna, owner of Smart Hire Solutions, a recruiting firm serving small and mid-size businesses across metro Atlanta and nationwide.

Tina got her start in marketing, and the shift to recruiting happened organically during COVID. Clients who maintained their marketing spending found themselves overwhelmed with work but short on staff to handle it. Tina began writing job ads, screening candidates, and interviewing applicants on their behalf, and the model stuck. She now handles the entire hiring process for business owners who lack the time and bandwidth to do it themselves, including sourcing candidates who are not actively looking, conducting video screenings, and delivering only vetted, qualified finalists to the client.

Tina walks John through the common pain points business owners face when they try to hire on their own: crafting job descriptions that attract the right applicants, managing the flood of unqualified resumes, responding to candidates fast enough to compete, and dealing with no-shows after clearing the calendar for an interview. She also describes Smart Hire Solutions’ “Smart Start” session, a deep-dive onboarding conversation that gives her team what they need to write better ads, ask sharper screening questions, and represent the client’s culture accurately to candidates.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

Small business owners who try to hire on their own often find it becomes a part-time or even full-time job, pulling them away from the work that actually drives revenue.
Simply posting a job and waiting is usually ineffective. Qualified candidates are often not actively looking, and finding them requires active sourcing and outreach on job boards every day.
Smart Hire Solutions uses a “Smart Start” onboarding session to understand a client’s business, culture, and leadership style before writing any job ad, which leads to better screening conversations and more accurate candidate matches.
Many qualified candidates are not actively applying for jobs and will not respond to a posting alone. Reaching them requires daily outreach, and that level of attention is something most business owners simply cannot sustain on top of running their business.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:20 John Ray introduces the show and guest Tina McKenna
01:49 How Smart Hire Solutions helps small and mid-size business owners
02:01 Why hiring is time-consuming and complicated for business owners
04:24 Tina’s background in marketing and how COVID shifted her focus to recruiting
05:44 Why qualified candidates are often not actively looking
07:02 What business owners get wrong when hiring on their own
08:20 Managing the volume of applicants and screening for qualified candidates
10:11 Sourcing passive candidates and the daily outreach process
11:41 Video screening process and how Smart Hire Solutions vets candidates
13:30 The problem of no-shows and wasted interview time
14:58 Home services companies and the unique hiring challenges they face
16:38 What “smart hire” really means and how the name captures the firm’s approach
18:36 The Smart Start session: onboarding a new client
20:12 How the engagement works from first call through candidate delivery
23:27 Signs that a business owner needs to call Smart Hire Solutions
25:21 Success stories, including a multi-year relationship with NG Windows North Georgia
26:41 Contact information for Smart Hire Solutions

Tina McKenna, Owner

Tina McKenna is the owner of Smart Hire Solutions and a recruiting expert who helps small and mid-size business owners fix broken hiring processes and avoid costly bad hires, without the big agency fees. Her team takes the sourcing, screening, and vetting off clients’ plates so they can focus on interviewing only vetted, qualified candidates.

Smart Hire Solutions

Smart Hire Solutions is a recruiting partner that helps small and mid-sized businesses hire more effectively without the traditional agency fees. For business owners and hiring managers who don’t have time to sift through unqualified applicants or properly vet candidates, Smart Hire Solutions handles the entire process, from sourcing and screening to thorough vetting, so clients only spend time interviewing qualified, right-fit candidates.

Website | LinkedIn

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

Beyond Computer Solutions supports North Fulton Business Radio

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

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

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

Dale Jordan on Ransomware and Cyber Risk for Small Business

April 20, 2026 by John Ray

Dale Jordan, Perspectives Cyber and Technology Advisors, on Ransomware, Vendor Security, and Cyber Risk for Small Businesses and Nonprofits (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 953) with host John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Dale Jordan on Ransomware and Cyber Risk for Small Business

00:00 /

Dale Jordan, Perspectives Cyber and Technology Advisors, on Ransomware, Vendor Security, and Cyber Risk for Small Businesses and Nonprofits (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 953)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray welcomes Dale Jordan, Founder and Principal of Perspectives Cyber and Technology Advisors, a North Georgia-based firm that helps small and mid-sized organizations make clear, defensible decisions about cybersecurity and technology risk.

Dale explains why small businesses are not too small to be on attackers’ radar. Cyber threats are largely automated and indiscriminate, with organized groups operating like businesses, running phishing campaigns at scale and offering ransomware as a service to other bad actors. He walks through what a cyber incident actually looks like for a 25- to 50-person company on payday when systems go dark and explains why the outcome often depends on whether the organization tested its backups and made good on the security practices it claimed on its insurance questionnaire. He also describes the cloud and vendor risk that most small organizations overlook, including the danger of shadow IT and what happens when an AI agent is connected to an improperly secured Office 365 tenant.

Dale also covers how he helps clients evaluate managed service providers, the difference between compliance minimums and actual risk reduction, and why the best success stories in cybersecurity are the ones that never make the news.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

Small and mid-sized businesses are not too small to be targets. Cyber attacks are automated and scripted, so attackers have no idea how large an organization is until they start negotiating the ransom.
Organized cybercriminal groups operate like businesses, with specializations and a brokered marketplace where one group sells stolen credentials to another group that runs ransomware as a service.
Many organizations carry more risk than they realize because they have never tested their backups, have cloud vendors with improperly managed access, or have signed cybersecurity insurance questionnaires that are unbacked by their actual practices.
Dale describes his advisory role as distinct from an MSP: he helps organizations understand risk, write defensible policies, evaluate their IT providers, and prepare for compliance and insurance requirements as an independent party.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:20 John Ray introduces the show and guest Dale Jordan
01:55 Dale Jordan’s background in cybersecurity and IT, from the Army to EarthLink
03:42 How cybersecurity has evolved and the risk each technology wave introduced
04:42 Why small and mid-sized businesses face the same threats as large organizations
06:34 How organized cybercriminal groups operate and specialize
10:45 What a cyber incident looks like for a small business on payday
13:37 Explaining cybersecurity in business terms: IT, security, and compliance roles
17:12 Cybersecurity challenges specific to nonprofits
18:24 Vendor and cloud security risk that small organizations overlook
19:37 Shadow IT and the risk of AI agents connecting to unsecured Office 365 tenants
21:02 What working with Dale as a trusted advisor looks like in practice
23:42 Symptoms that tell a business owner it is time to call
25:01 Why success stories in cybersecurity are often invisible
26:30 A ransomware case where a client ignored the advice and paid the price twice
28:41 How to evaluate and select a managed service provider
31:05 Dale Jordan’s contact information

Dale Jordan, Founder and Principal

Dale Jordan is the Founder and Principal of Perspectives Cyber and Technology Advisors, a North Georgia-based advisory firm that helps small and mid-sized organizations make smarter decisions about cybersecurity and technology risk. With more than 20 years of experience in cybersecurity and IT leadership, Dale has built and led security operations programs, supported regulatory and audit initiatives, and advised executive teams and boards on managing cyber risk in practical, real-world environments. His approach focuses on cutting through technical complexity and helping leaders understand risk in plain business terms so they can make clear, defensible decisions.

In addition to his advisory work, Dale has served since 2019 on the Cyber Advisory Board for the University of North Georgia, where he contributes industry insight to cybersecurity curriculum development, workforce readiness, and emerging risk trends. Perspectives Cyber and Technology Advisors is a veteran-owned firm based in North Georgia, supporting businesses, nonprofits, and independent practices across Forsyth County, North Fulton, Gwinnett County, and the greater Metro Atlanta region.

Perspectives Cyber and Technology Advisors

Perspectives Cyber and Technology Advisors is a North Georgia-based cybersecurity advisory firm that helps business and nonprofit leaders make clear, defensible decisions about cyber risk and technology. The firm works with organizations that know cybersecurity matters but do not always have the time, staff, or clarity to determine where to focus.

Instead of selling products or services, Perspectives acts as an independent advisor, working with internal teams and current IT providers to help leaders understand risks, focus on what really matters, and keep records of decisions that meet cyber insurance, audit, and regulatory needs. Perspectives focuses on practical outcomes for small and mid-sized organizations, including cybersecurity risk assessments, vendor risk management, compliance readiness, incident response planning, and helping organizations build sustainable security programs that fit real-world budgets and operational constraints.

The firm is veteran-owned and based in North Georgia, supporting businesses, nonprofits, and professional practices across Forsyth County, North Fulton, Gwinnett County, and the greater Metro Atlanta region.

Website | LinkedIn

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

Beyond Computer Solutions supports North Fulton Business Radio

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

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

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

Shannon McClure on InCommunity and Disability Services

April 16, 2026 by John Ray

Shannon McClure, InCommunity, on Supporting Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in Metro Atlanta (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 952) with host John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Shannon McClure on InCommunity and Disability Services

00:00 /

Shannon McClure, InCommunity, on Supporting Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in Metro Atlanta (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 952)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray welcomes Shannon McClure, Chief Development Officer at InCommunity, a nonprofit serving adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families across Metro Atlanta. Founded 47 years ago in Roswell by parents at a local church who couldn’t find the services their children needed, InCommunity has grown into the largest nonprofit provider of IDD services in Georgia, serving approximately 2,500 individuals and families each year across a full range of programs, including residential support, day programs, employment coaching, crisis respite, and community living services.

Shannon walks John through how InCommunity tailors its services to each individual’s specific needs and goals, a necessity given the broad range of diagnoses that fall under the IDD definition. She describes the organization’s employability program, which currently partners with more than 50 Metro Atlanta businesses to prepare and place individuals in jobs matched to their skills and interests. One standout example: a partnership with Walgreens that began with a gala sponsorship and evolved into vaccine clinics, a certified partnership status, and a pledge of 25 jobs for InCommunity clients.

Shannon also shares why businesses throughout the region have good reasons beyond generosity to invest in InCommunity’s mission, and she describes InCommunity’s upcoming gala on May 16, 2026, at The Stave Room at American Spirit Works in Atlanta, where day program participants and gala attendees will collaborate to finish commissioned art pieces together.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

Roswell parents, unable to find services for their children with disabilities, founded InCommunity in North Fulton 47 years ago. The organization has since grown into Georgia’s largest nonprofit IDD services provider, though Shannon notes it remains “the biggest nonprofit in Georgia that nobody ever heard of.”
The definition of intellectual and developmental disability is far broader than most people realize, encompassing autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, fragile X, and many other diagnoses, often in combination, which makes individualized service delivery both complex and essential.
InCommunity’s Employability program prepares individuals for the workforce and supports them on the job through weekly coaching visits, working not just with employees but also with their supervisors and coworkers to build strong workplace relationships.
Businesses that partner with InCommunity can go well beyond writing a check. Shannon describes opportunities ranging from ERG volunteer activities to job placement partnerships, making the case that investing in the community where employees live and work pays dividends in talent attraction and retention.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:21 John Ray introduces the show and guest Shannon McClure
02:16 InCommunity’s 47-year history and its origins in Roswell
03:10 How InCommunity was founded by parents at Roswell United Methodist Church
03:49 Wraparound services: residential, day programs, employment, respite, and family support
05:08 What “intellectual and developmental disability” actually means and the breadth of diagnoses
06:32 Group homes, HOST foster-family program, and community living services
07:26 The intake process and how InCommunity evaluates fit with new clients
09:24 Scale of service: approximately 2,500 individuals and families served annually
11:14 The Employability program and how it prepares and places individuals in the workforce
12:52 How employer partnerships are built, including the Walgreens REDI program
14:35 The range of jobs held by InCommunity clients, from retail to veterinary assistant
16:22 The upcoming gala on May 16, 2026, and its mission-focused format
17:34 Partnerships with Orchestra SOOP and No More Liddering for the gala
19:12 How gala attendees will collaborate with day program participants to finish art pieces
20:11 How businesses can get involved with InCommunity beyond financial sponsorship
23:14 ERG engagement, volunteer opportunities, and what types of businesses are a good fit
24:34 Individual stories: the globe-trotter, the 90-year-old resident, and the gala volunteer

Shannon McClure, Chief Development Officer, InCommunity

Shannon McClure is a nonprofit leader with over 20 years of experience in strategic management, fundraising, marketing, and public relations. As Chief Development Officer at InCommunity, she leads efforts to advance the organization’s mission by fostering community partnerships, driving fundraising initiatives, and enhancing public engagement.

Prior to joining InCommunity, Shannon founded McClure Nonprofit Solutions, where she provided strategic consulting services to nonprofit organizations nationwide. She has successfully managed multimillion-dollar capital campaigns, executed feasibility studies, and guided nonprofits in building sustainable funding models.

Shannon’s career spans leadership roles in performing arts organizations, economic development, and philanthropy. As Senior Director of Business Intelligence at the Greater Omaha Chamber, she worked closely with businesses, economists, and policymakers to attract investment and support economic growth. Her extensive background also includes serving as Director of Marketing for The Atlanta Opera and leading public relations and fundraising initiatives for arts organizations across the country.

An active member of the nonprofit and philanthropic community, Shannon has been involved with various professional organizations and initiatives dedicated to strengthening the sector. She is deeply committed to organizations that support arts, youth, and community initiatives.

Shannon holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of Tulsa and an MBA from the University of Nebraska. A native of Omaha, she now calls Atlanta home. In her free time, she enjoys music, presidential history, travel, and spending time with her 18 nieces and nephews.

InCommunity

Originally founded in 1979, InCommunity, a non-profit agency headquartered in Atlanta, was created to provide community-based services and support to people with disabilities and their families.

For over 46 years, InCommunity has been embracing the abilities in all of us, building an outstanding reputation in Georgia for innovative programs and a willingness to take on challenging support situations for people in their communities.

Currently, InCommunity has more than 650 employees who provide all levels of support in the community to people with a variety of needs, including residential support, employment services, respite care, family support, in-home care, and day programs.

To date, InCommunity has provided support and service to more than 10,000 Georgian community members.

Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

Beyond Computer Solutions supports North Fulton Business Radio

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

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

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

Kathi Cook on Alpharetta Growth and Community Development

March 30, 2026 by John Ray

Kathi Cook, City of Alpharetta, on Alpharetta Growth and Redevelopment, North Point, and the Future of Community Development (North Fulton Voices, Episode 17)

North Fulton Studio

Kathi Cook on Alpharetta Growth and Community Development

00:00 /

Kathi Cook, City of Alpharetta, on Alpharetta’s Growth, Redevelopment, North Point, and Future Community Development (North Fulton Voices, Episode 17)

How does a fast-growing city preserve what people value while continuing to evolve?

In this episode of North Fulton Voices, Kathi Cook, Director of Community Development for the City of Alpharetta, joins Jack Murphy, Nancy Diamond, and Kathy Swahn of the North Fulton Improvement Network for a wide-ranging conversation on how Alpharetta approaches growth, redevelopment, and long-term planning. Drawing on more than three decades of experience with the city, Cook reflects on Alpharetta growth and its transformation into a more connected, walkable community, why mixed-use development has mattered so much, and how projects like Avalon reshaped expectations for quality development.

The discussion also explores Alpharetta’s current comprehensive plan update, what residents are saying about connectivity, tree canopy, green space, and workforce housing, and how public engagement helps shape decisions that will affect the city for decades. Cook also offers a detailed look at North Point redevelopment, including the vision for a sports and entertainment district, green space integration, housing, and transportation connections. This is an important conversation for anyone interested in how North Fulton communities can grow thoughtfully without losing their character.

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

Key Takeaways from This Episode

How Alpharetta growth created a more walkable, connected community
Why Avalon became a turning point in Alpharetta’s development model
What residents are saying in the comprehensive plan process about traffic, green space, tree canopy, and housing
Why redevelopment now matters more than greenfield development in Alpharetta
What Kathi Cook says about ADUs, housing types, and local flexibility
The long-range vision for North Point, including a possible sports and entertainment district
Why public engagement in planning matters more than most residents realize

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Jack Murphy’s housing affordability data point
02:31 Kathi Cook’s background and how she got into city planning
04:09 Alpharetta growth and it’s transformation into a walkable, connected community
04:37 Avalon’s impact and why it changed Alpharetta more than expected
07:18 Comprehensive plan update and current public engagement process
08:27 What residents are saying now about growth, connectivity, green space, and housing
09:49 Mixed-use development, redevelopment, and what the public will support
11:18 Tree canopy, tree-lined streets, and ordinance changes
12:31 How residents should approach and use the comprehensive plan
15:37 ADUs, workforce housing, and local planning flexibility
17:47 Gentle density, condos, stacked flats, and smaller housing formats
19:46 North Point redevelopment vision and the sports and entertainment proposal
22:36 Workforce housing questions tied to North Point
24:12 Transportation capacity and connectivity around North Point
26:12 Tax allocation districts and public-private redevelopment tools
29:08 Permitting timelines and misconceptions about delays
33:53 Brookside, Windward, and office-to-residential evolution
40:12 How the public can engage productively in planning decisions
42:20 Downsizing, seniors, and walkable housing preferences
43:49 Kathi Cook’s contact information and closing call to action from NFIN

Kathi Cook, Director of Community Development, City of Alpharetta

Kathi Cook is the Community Development Director for the City of Alpharetta. Since joining the city in 1992 as a public works engineering technician and construction manager, she has served in a range of leadership roles, including oversight of environmental programs and the engineering department. Her more than three decades of experience give her a rare perspective on Alpharetta’s evolution and the planning, redevelopment, and quality-of-life issues that continue to shape its future.

Website | LinkedIn

North Fulton Improvement Network

The North Fulton Improvement Network (NFIN) is a think tank made up of community leaders from a variety of sectors, focused on missing middle housing and the livability challenges confronting North Fulton. We come from the six cities making up the northern half of Fulton County, Georgia—Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Mountain Park, Roswell, and Sandy Springs—and are working to address the widespread yet little-known financial vulnerability across the region. With stakeholders from sectors including business, nonprofit, faith, government, and citizens, we center our work on five areas of impact; seek to educate the public about these issues; build a network of individuals and organizations with innovative private and public solutions; and connect resources to those in need.

The leadership team of NFIN is Jack Murphy, Nancy Diamond, and Kathy Swahn.

Jack Murphy

Jack Murphy is a volunteer with The Society of St. Vincent de Paul and is Chair of the North Fulton Improvement Network. He is also in his 21st year of working for the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce.

Prior to the Chamber, Jack worked for and with Fortune 500 companies in operations, human resources, training, and quality areas. Jack was a senior adjunct professor for Quality & Operations Management at Keller Graduate School for 14 years.

He has served on both the National and Georgia Boards of The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, responsible for Diversity, Advocacy, & Systemic Change. Jack is currently the national SVDP chair of Systemic Change and Advocacy.

Jack received a BA in psychology from Belmont Abbey College and an M.Ed. from UNC-Greensboro. Jack and his wife, Nancy, a retired elementary school principal, have two grown daughters and two grandchildren. They live in Alpharetta, Georgia.

Nancy Diamond

Nancy Diamond is a Project Manager with Schmit & Associates, a real estate development firm, creating town center revitalization in communities all around the metro area.

Nancy served 8 years as a Roswell City Council member, including a term as Mayor Pro Tem, with liaison positions with Community Development, Transportation, Recreation & Parks, and Public Safety.

In addition to her work with the North Fulton Improvement Network, Nancy has been active in area non-profit organizations, including board leadership positions in the STAR House Foundation, WellStar North Fulton Hospital, and the Roswell Rotary Club.

A native of Atlanta and a 42-year North Fulton resident, Nancy worked at Turner Broadcasting in the early years of CNN, then became a freelancer in sports television graphics. While raising her two daughters, she worked from home, first developing a corporate gift service and later as a mortgage loan originator.

Nancy and her husband, Glenn, now relish the role of grandparents to Owen.

Kathy Swahn

Kathy has resided in the North Fulton area for almost 45 years. She has watched the community evolve from what was “unincorporated Fulton County” to a six-city bustling suburban community. Her history has been marked by a strong emphasis on children: she raised two daughters as a stay-at-home mother, held leadership positions in school PTAs and Girl Scouts, participated in the National Charity League and the North Fulton Council of PTAs, and held the position of chair of the Superintendent’s Advisory Council.

Kathy resumed her career by entering the nonprofit sector. She joined the team at North Fulton Community Charities, running their holiday program, becoming Development Director and successfully managing the $3 million capital campaign for their Elkins Road location. Along the way, she also served on the DFACS Board and chaired the board of the Fulton County Continuum of Care for four years.

After having the opportunity to join in the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce Leadership Program, Kathy was surrounded with a dynamic group of folks who worked to create The Drake House. Since 2004, she served as board chair for the first four years, executive director for nine years, and is now retired. Over those years, The Drake House served over 500 single mothers with over 1,000 children and grew the assets of the organization to over $4 million.

Kathy continues to serve The Drake House on the Advocacy Committee, along with her work for NFIN.

She spends much of her time traveling to the DC area, where her children and grandchildren reside.

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

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

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

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

John is the author of the #1 nationally best-selling book, The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices.

John is the host of North Fulton Business Radio and The Price and Value Journey. North Fulton Business Radio, the longest-running podcast in the North Fulton region of Georgia, features a wide range of business and community leaders. The Price and Value Journey focuses on solo and small-firm professional services providers, addressing topics like pricing, value, and business development.

Roswell Mayor Mary Robichaux: Growth, Preservation, and Jobs

March 26, 2026 by John Ray

Mayor Mary Robichaux on Roswell’s Next Chapter: Growth, Workforce Development, and Protecting What Makes Roswell Unique (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 113) with host Kali Boatright

North Fulton Studio

Roswell Mayor Mary Robichaux: Growth, Preservation, and Jobs

00:00 /

Mayor Mary Robichaux on Roswell’s Next Chapter: Growth, Workforce Development, and Protecting What Makes Roswell Unique (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 113)

Kali Boatright, President and CEO of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, sits down with Roswell Mayor Mary Robichaux for a wide-ranging conversation about leadership, growth, and what it takes to guide a city that is both historic and fast-changing.

Mayor Robichaux shares her background in healthcare leadership and her time representing House District 48 in the Georgia General Assembly, then walks through what the first 90 days as mayor have required, from meeting teams across a large city organization to getting grounded in budgets, priorities, and economic development momentum.

They dig into the real tension Roswell has to manage: preserving natural assets and historic character while still planning for smart redevelopment, infrastructure, and business growth. The conversation also gets practical about workforce, including apprenticeship models and why trade pathways are a serious economic development strategy, not an afterthought. It closes with how regional collaboration across North Fulton strengthens the whole area, and where residents and visitors can keep up with what’s happening in Roswell.

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

Key Takeaways from This Episode

The first 90 days of a new mayor’s term are less about speeches and more about meeting people, learning systems, and getting clear on priorities.
Roswell’s identity, natural assets, historic character, and quality of place provide a unique advantage that requires protection as the city grows.
The city’s landlocked status dictates the growth strategy. The focus becomes redevelopment and smart planning, not expansion.
Infrastructure decisions, including roads and connectivity, are inseparable from business growth and quality of life.
Workforce development becomes real when cities and employers treat apprenticeships and skilled trades as legitimate career pipelines.
North Fulton cities carry more influence when they collaborate, even while they compete for talent and business investment.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Show opens and introduction of Mayor Mary Robichaux
01:00 Swearing-in timing, background, and why she ran for mayor
02:00 Healthcare leadership career and service in the Georgia House
03:00 First 90 days: staff, budgets, and setting priorities
05:00 What success looks like in 4 to 6 years for Roswell
07:00 Roswell’s identity: history, quality of place, and preservation
09:00 Balancing development with preservation, plus infrastructure realities
12:00 Comprehensive 2045 planning and what landlocked growth requires
15:00 Workforce development and apprenticeship pathways
19:00 Why regional collaboration across North Fulton matters
22:00 The hardest decisions in city leadership and how she approaches them
30:00 Where to find Roswell information and events
32:00 Closing remarks and wrap

Roswell Mayor Mary Robichaux

Mary Robichaux began her term as the Mayor of Roswell, Georgia, in January 2026. She previously represented House District 48 in the Georgia House of Representatives from 2019 to 2023, where she served in caucus leadership and focused on issues affecting families, local communities, and economic development.

A longtime Roswell resident, Robichaux has spent more than three decades in healthcare improvement and consulting, with a career focused on strengthening quality of care, patient outcomes, and cost effectiveness. She has worked with major health systems and mission-driven organizations, including roles connected to the American Heart Association, Emory Healthcare, and Johns Hopkins Hospital. She earned degrees from the University of New Orleans and Louisiana State University Medical Center.

Website

About GNFCC and The GNFCC 400 Insider podcast

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

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

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

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

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

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

Maria Fundora, Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant, on Farm-to-Table Italian Food, the Annual Block Party, and Purple Pansies (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 958)

Key Takeaways from This Episode

Topics Discussed in this Episode

Maria Fundora, Owner

Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant

Purple Pansies

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

Beyond Computer Solutions supports North Fulton Business Radio

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

Randy Hain, Serviam Partners, on A Different Take, Curiosity, Assumptions, Mission Statements, and Moving from Surviving to Thriving (North Fulton Business Radio By Invitation, Episode 957)

Key Takeaways from This Episode

Topics Discussed in this Episode

Randy Hain, Founder and President, Serviam Partners

Serviam Partners

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

Beyond Computer Solutions supports North Fulton Business Radio

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

Kelsey Geist, Custom Human Resource Solutions (CHRS), on HR Compliance Risks, Fractional HR, and the Mistakes Small Businesses Make (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 956)

Key Takeaways from This Episode

Topics Discussed in this Episode

Kelsey Geist, Vice President of HR Operations

Custom Human Resource Solutions (CHRS)

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

Beyond Computer Solutions supports North Fulton Business Radio

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

Sri Chakravarty, ProfitAbility, on Business Valuation, Lender-Ready Financials, and Exit Planning (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 955)

Key Takeaways from This Episode

Topics Discussed in this Episode

Sri Chakravarty, President

ProfitAbility

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

Beyond Computer Solutions supports North Fulton Business Radio

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

Tina McKenna, Smart Hire Solutions, on Why Small Business Owners Should Stop Doing Their Own Hiring (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 954)

Key Takeaways from This Episode

Topics Discussed in this Episode

Tina McKenna, Owner

Smart Hire Solutions

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

Beyond Computer Solutions supports North Fulton Business Radio

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

Dale Jordan, Perspectives Cyber and Technology Advisors, on Ransomware, Vendor Security, and Cyber Risk for Small Businesses and Nonprofits (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 953)

Key Takeaways from This Episode

Topics Discussed in this Episode

Dale Jordan, Founder and Principal

Perspectives Cyber and Technology Advisors

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

Beyond Computer Solutions supports North Fulton Business Radio

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

Shannon McClure, InCommunity, on Supporting Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in Metro Atlanta (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 952)

Key Takeaways from This Episode

Topics Discussed in this Episode

Shannon McClure, Chief Development Officer, InCommunity

InCommunity

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

Beyond Computer Solutions supports North Fulton Business Radio

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

Kathi Cook, City of Alpharetta, on Alpharetta’s Growth, Redevelopment, North Point, and Future Community Development (North Fulton Voices, Episode 17)

Key Takeaways from This Episode

Topics Discussed in this Episode

Kathi Cook, Director of Community Development, City of Alpharetta

Jack Murphy

Nancy Diamond

Kathy Swahn

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

Mayor Mary Robichaux on Roswell’s Next Chapter: Growth, Workforce Development, and Protecting What Makes Roswell Unique (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 113)

Key Takeaways from This Episode

Topics Discussed in this Episode

Roswell Mayor Mary Robichaux

About GNFCC and The GNFCC 400 Insider podcast

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