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History, Nature, and Community Impact at the Autrey Mill Nature Preserve, with Lizen Hayes, Executive Director

July 18, 2024 by John Ray

John Ray, Business RadioX, and Lizen Hayes, Autrey Mill Nature Preserve
North Fulton Business Radio
History, Nature, and Community Impact at the Autrey Mill Nature Preserve, with Lizen Hayes, Executive Director
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John Ray, Business RadioX, and Lizen Hayes, Autrey Mill Nature Preserve

History, Nature, and Community Impact at the Autrey Mill Nature Preserve, with Lizen Hayes, Executive Director (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 784)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray interviews Lizen Hayes, the Executive Director of Autrey Mill Nature Preserve in Johns Creek. They discuss the history of the preserve, its unique blend of nature conservation and historical preservation, and the various programs and activities offered to the community. Lizen shares her personal journey from volunteer to executive director and highlights the preserve’s mission to connect the community with the land through education and engagement. The episode also explores the significant partnerships with local businesses and the role of volunteers in maintaining the preserve’s beauty and functionality.

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

Lizen Hayes, Executive Director, Autrey Mill Nature Preserve

Lizen Hayes, Autrey Mill Nature Preserve
Lizen Hayes, Autrey Mill Nature Preserve

Lizen Hayes is a hands-on leader passionate about her work at Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and is always actively learning and engaging with the community. Lizen is also a resident of Johns Creek and North Fulton County.

Originally from the Pacific Northwest, Lizen gained experience and understanding of the struggles of the indigenous community in the Pacific Northwest and the Americas. She has a bachelor’s degree from Evergreen State College, with an emphasis in Museum Studies. She worked alongside the Squaxin Island Tribe on a joint-led archeology dig for several summers and in their Museum and Research library, leading her to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian Cultural Resources Center.

Lizen has continued to use these experiences throughout her work at a children’s museum, a science museum, and now a nature preserve to connect local indigenous communities to institutions and organizations in equal partnerships to tell their own stories and foster relationships that may not have otherwise been offered.

LinkedIn

Autrey Mill Nature Preserve

Autrey Mill Nature Preserve & Heritage Center is a 46-acre nature preserve and historical site located in Johns Creek, Georgia. The organization’s mission is to create a destination and educational resource that inspires exploration, appreciation, and preservation of the natural environment and local history.

Autrey Mill Nature PreserveAutrey Mill Nature Preserve encompasses several key features. The natural areas include 2 miles of walking trails, woodlands, wetlands, and Sal’s Creek. The preserve is home to 28 species of native trees, 58 species of native plants, and 110 native wildlife species. The Heritage Village showcases 400 years of local history through a collection of historic buildings from the 19th and early 20th centuries.

The center offers various educational programs, including homeschool programs, guided tours, and exhibits on local history and nature. Animal enthusiasts can enjoy live exhibitions of insects, reptiles, and amphibians, as well as rabbits, chickens, and ducks. The preserve also houses collections of artifacts related to early 20th-century farm life, Native American history, and local commerce.

The center serves as a haven for both humans and animals, offering a respite from the busy metro-suburban area north of Atlanta.

Website | Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
01:24 Meet Lizen Hayes: Executive Director of Autrey Mill Nature Preserve
02:25 Lizen’s Journey to Autrey Mill
07:13 History and Operations of Autrey Mill Nature Preserve
14:35 Nature and Environmental Programs
18:43 Community Engagement and Events
26:59 Visitor Experiences and Testimonials
29:22 Upcoming Events and Final Thoughts
35:29 Closing Remarks and Sponsor Messages

Renasant Bank and Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant support North Fulton Business Radio

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

Casa Nuova Italian RestaurantCasa Nuova is a proud family-owned and operated restaurant, serving classic, authentic and traditional Italian cuisine and top tier hospitality since 1998.

Casa Nuova is a cook-to-order kitchen, serving traditional fare including pasta, chicken, seafood, veal, vegetarian and gluten-free options, plus daily specials. They are a farm-to-table establishment, meaning that in the summertime, they cultivate their own vegetables in their garden, steps away from the restaurant, including tomatoes, corn, peppers, zucchini, sunflowers and more!

Celebrating more than 25 years, Casa Nuova has become a true staple in the Alpharetta area, serving more than three generations of families, including friends old and new, visiting near and far from all over the metro Atlanta area and beyond.

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

With over 770 shows and having featured over 1,200 guests, North Fulton Business Radio is the longest-running podcast in the North Fulton area, covering business in our community like no one else. We are the undisputed “Voice of Business” in North Fulton!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tagged With: Autrey Mill Nature Preserve, Historic Preservation, John Ray, Johns Creek, Lizen Hayes, museum, nature preserve, North Fulton, North Fulton Business Radio

Successful Innovative Education for Students with Learning Differences, with Dr. Steven Palmer, The Cottage School

July 16, 2024 by John Ray

Dr. Steven Palmer, The Cottage School
North Fulton Business Radio
Successful Innovative Education for Students with Learning Differences, with Dr. Steven Palmer, The Cottage School
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Dr. Steven Palmer, The Cottage School

Successful Innovative Education for Students with Learning Differences, with Dr. Steven Palmer, The Cottage School (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 781)

On this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray converses with Dr. Steven Palmer, Executive Director and Head of School at The Cottage School in Roswell, GA. Celebrating its 40th anniversary, the school is expanding its elementary program into a newly purchased facility, which completes a comprehensive K-12 curriculum. Dr. Palmer discusses the school’s mission to serve students with learning differences through experiential learning, highlighting their individualized education plans, and the positive impacts on students’ lives. He shares success stories from past students and emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive, inclusive environment for learning and growth. The episode also touches on the role of local businesses in supporting The Cottage School and Dr. Palmer’s vision for future growth and community collaboration.

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

Dr. Steven Palmer, Executive Director/Head of School, The Cottage School

Dr. Steven Palmer, Executive Director/Head of School, The Cottage School
Dr. Steven Palmer, Executive Director/Head of School, The Cottage School

Dr. Steven Palmer’s professional experience includes serving at every level: teacher, principal, Executive Director and Superintendent. Prior to joining The Cottage School, Steve was Superintendent in Michigan. Steve led major efforts resulting in increased student achievement and significant improvements in teaching, learning and school status. His central work focused on enhancing the educational culture with “Best Practices” and ensuring that all high school graduates were prepared for college and careers.

Under his leadership, Steve’s high school received national recognition from U.S. News and World Report as one of “America’s Best High Schools.” Steve previously served as CEO and founder of a state-of-the-art aviation high school for the Dick DeVos Foundation. He has also served as Principal of three special education K–8 schools with 600 students with learning differences.

In addition, Steve has been a national presenter on various special education topics and educational “Best Practices”. A member of numerous national, state, and local boards, Steve has participated with national agencies and associations to reform special education.

Steve’s academic background includes a Doctorate in Education, a Master of Science in Educational Leadership, a Master of Science in Counseling, a Bachelor of Science in Education, a minor in Business, and Certifications from various states in Special Education and Educational Leadership.

Some of his accolades include: Dr. Landis Special Education Administrator of the Year, S.T.A.R. Administrator of the Year, Tandy Scholars Outstanding Teacher, Teacher of the Year, South Lake High School, 1 of 3 finalists for the Lake County Teacher of the Year, Educator of the Year Finalist Branch County Michigan, Disney’s Teacher of the Year Finalist, South Lake High School Teacher of the Year, Radio Shack Outstanding Teacher, Clermont Chamber of Commerce Teacher of the Year, presented Key to the city of Orlando Florida, and North Fulton Chamber Non-for-Profit Leader of the Year.

LinkedIn

The Cottage School

The Cottage School provides an educational environment for students with learning differences in grades 3–12.  They pride themselves on meeting the student where they need to be met.  They also recognize that all students learn differently.

TCS offers a unique combination of small class sizes and a business model, along with the implementation of study skill techniques to provide a unique educational experience. This combination, along with the outstanding faculty and staff, works together to provide an opportunity for students with mild to moderate learning differences to achieve academic and social success.

TCS has been recognized for excellence by distinguished educators, counselors, and psychologists and was named by the Masters in Special Education Resource Guide as one of their Top 50 Best Private Special Needs Schools in the United States. Of significant importance, the school is recognized for its results by the most valued audience of all: students and their families.

Company website | Facebook | Instagram

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
01:11 Meet Dr. Steven Palmer
01:37 The Cottage School’s Mission and Growth
04:26 Experiential Learning at The Cottage School
06:34 Expansion and Future Plans
17:04 Community and Business Involvement
22:13 Success Stories and Impact
26:48 Closing Remarks and Additional Information

Renasant Bank and Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant support North Fulton Business Radio

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

Casa Nuova Italian RestaurantCasa Nuova is a proud family-owned and operated restaurant, serving classic, authentic and traditional Italian cuisine and top tier hospitality since 1998.

Casa Nuova is a cook-to-order kitchen, serving traditional fare including pasta, chicken, seafood, veal, vegetarian and gluten-free options, plus daily specials. They are a farm-to-table establishment, meaning that in the summertime, they cultivate their own vegetables in their garden, steps away from the restaurant, including tomatoes, corn, peppers, zucchini, sunflowers and more!

Celebrating more than 25 years, Casa Nuova has become a true staple in the Alpharetta area, serving more than three generations of families, including friends old and new, visiting near and far from all over the metro Atlanta area and beyond.

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

With over 770 shows and having featured over 1,200 guests, North Fulton Business Radio is the longest-running podcast in the North Fulton area, covering business in our community like no one else. We are the undisputed “Voice of Business” in North Fulton!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tagged With: Dr. Steven Palmer, education, innovative education, John Ray, learning differences, North Fulton, North Fulton Business Radio, Roswell, special education, the cottage school

Addressing the Workforce Housing Crisis: An Introduction to North Fulton Voices, presented by the North Fulton Improvement Network

July 11, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Improvement Network
North Fulton Studio
Addressing the Workforce Housing Crisis: An Introduction to North Fulton Voices, presented by the North Fulton Improvement Network
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North Fulton Improvement Network

Addressing the Workforce Housing Crisis: An Introduction to North Fulton Voices, presented by the North Fulton Improvement Network (North Fulton Voices, Episode 1)

In this inaugural episode of North Fulton Voices, hosted by Jack Murphy, Kathy Swahn, and Nancy Diamond, the leadership team of the North Fulton Improvement Network. This show series delves into the critical issue of the workforce housing crisis in North Fulton County, exploring why an adequate supply of middle-income housing is essential for the community’s economic vitality and quality of life. The support that NFIN has received from North Fulton organizations like Renasant Bank, Wellstar Health Systems, and the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia attests to the seriousness of this issue. The podcast promises to bring stories, expert insights, and innovative solutions to tackle this pressing issue, with more episodes to follow.

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

Topics Discussed in this Episode

0:00 Introduction to North Fulton Voices
00:38 The Housing Crisis in North Fulton
01:49 Exploring Solutions and Initiatives
02:12 Acknowledgements and Sponsorship
02:54 Closing Remarks

North Fulton Improvement Network

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

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

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube

Jack Murphy

Jack Murphy
Jack Murphy

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

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

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

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

LinkedIn

Nancy Diamond

Nancy Diamond 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 8-year-old Owen.

LinkedIn

Kathy Swahn

Kathy Swahn, President Emeritus, The Drake House
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 characterized by a focus on children: she was a stay-at-home mother who raised two daughters, she spent years in leadership roles in school PTAs and Girl Scouts, the National Charity League, the North Fulton Council of PTAs, and she served as chair of the Superintendent’s Advisory Council.

Kathy transitioned back to work by jumping into the non-profit world. 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.

LinkedIn

About North Fulton Voices

While North Fulton County is one of the most desirable places to live in the United States, the region faces a growing crisis: a severe shortage of housing options for middle-income employees, particularly essential workers such as first responders and teachers. Presented by the North Fulton Improvement Network, North Fulton Voices is the go-to source for in-depth analysis and discussion of missing middle housing and the livability challenges confronting North Fulton. Listen as we understand the implications of this problem, explore innovative solutions, and examine why providing these housing options is vital for North Fulton’s future. The show is sponsored and offered as a service to the community by John Ray Co. and the North Fulton affiliate of Business RadioX®.

Sponsor for North Fulton Voices: John Ray and Business RadioX – North Fulton

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

John Ray
John Ray

John Ray is a podcast show host and producer, and owns the North Fulton (Georgia) affiliate of Business RadioX®. John and his team work with B2B professionals to create and conduct their own podcast using The Generosity Mindset™ Method:  building and deepening relationships in a non-salesy way that translates into revenue for their business.

John also operates his own business advisory practice, Ray Business Advisors. John’s services include advising solopreneur 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 is devoted to solo and small firm professional services providers and covers issues such as pricing, value, and business development.

Website | LinkedIn

Tagged With: housing in North Fulton, Jack Murphy, Kathy Swahn, Nancy Diamond, North Fulton, North Fulton Improvement Network

Inspiring Future Tech Leaders Through a Unique Partnership, with Michele Curtis, Fiserv, and Ehab Jaleel, Amana Academy

April 23, 2024 by John Ray

Michele Curtis, Fiserv, Kali Boatright, GNFCC, and Ehab Jaleel, Amana Academy
North Fulton Studio
Inspiring Future Tech Leaders Through a Unique Partnership, with Michele Curtis, Fiserv, and Ehab Jaleel, Amana Academy
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Michele Curtis, Fiserv, Kali Boatright, GNFCC, and Ehab Jaleel, Amana Academy

Inspiring Future Tech Leaders Through a Unique Partnership, with Michele Curtis, Fiserv, and Ehab Jaleel, Amana Academy

On this episode of GNFCC 400 Insider, host Kali Boatwright highlights a special collaboration between Fiserv, a leader in financial services technology worldwide, and Amana Academy, a charter school in Alpharetta that specializes in STEAM education for fifth through eighth graders. Guests Michele Curtis, Vice President of Corporate Communications at Fiserv, and Ehab Jaleel, Executive Director of Amana Academy, discuss the inception and objectives of the Future Techies program, its impact on students and the local community, expectations from the students, and the broader implications for talent development and workforce readiness in North Fulton. Michele and Ehab also share insights into the program’s development, hands-on learning experiences, and the crucial role of industry-education partnerships in fostering the next generation of FinTech leaders.

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

Michele Curtis, Fiserv, Inc.

Michele Curtis, Fiserv
Michele Curtis, Fiserv

As Vice President of Corporate Communications at Fiserv, Michele leads strategic communications programs that drive associate engagement, brand strategy and corporate culture. With more than 20 years of corporate communications experience, Michele currently serves as the executive director of Future Techies, an afterschool STEAM program conducted in partnership with Amana Academy.

Prior to joining Fiserv in 2018, Michele served as Director of Global Corporate Communications at Verifone, where she led executive and internal communications, public relations, mergers and acquisitions, change management, message development, brand building and crisis communications. She has also held a variety of roles, managing global, national and regional brands such as The Home Depot, Macy’s and a range of B-to-B and retail clients.

Michele holds a bachelor’s degree in communications and English literature from the University of Texas at El Paso. She is a member of the Rotary Club of Alpharetta, the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, the International Association of Business Communicators, PayTech Women, and the Technology Association of Georgia.

LinkedIn

Fiserv, Inc.

Fiserv, Inc., a Fortune 500 company, aspires to move money and information in a way that moves the world. As a global leader in payments and financial technology, the company helps clients achieve best-in-class results through a commitment to innovation and excellence in areas including account processing and digital banking solutions; card issuer processing and network services; payments; e-commerce; merchant acquiring and processing; and the Clover® cloud-based point-of-sale and business management platform. Fiserv is a member of the S&P 500® Index and has been recognized as one of Fortune® World’s Most Admired Companies™ for nine of the last 10 years.

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

Ehab Jaleel, Executive Director, Amana Academy Charter Schools

Ehab Jaleel
Ehab Jaleel, Amana Academy

Ehab Jaleel has a zeal for pursuing innovation and mobilizing new ventures with an eye toward making a difference in his community and the world. He aspires to be a “weaver”—building community connections and weaving a rich social fabric.

A graduate of the Leadership Atlanta class of 2016, Ehab is a corporate professional turned nonprofit leader/educator. He is Executive Director of Amana Academy Charter Schools, an emerging network of metro-Atlanta public schools. He co-founded Amana’s flagship school in 2005 in Alpharetta, GA, a STEM-themed EL Education credentialed Title-1 school that is among the highest performing schools in Georgia. Amana’s first replica school is in partnership with the Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta at their Camp Timber Ridge.

Ehab’s education and community focus extends to a number of organizations, including the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce’s Tech400 Committee, the Advisory Council for North Fulton Community Charities, as a board member of the Atlanta International Night Market, and as a Regional Director for the Georgia Tech President Scholars Selection Committee. He led the governance committee on the Board of Directors for the Georgia Charter Schools Association, and he served as a board member at U-Beyond, a youth mentorship & professional development organization. 

In 2014 Ehab was included in the list of Georgia’s 100 Most Influential Muslims; and in 2015, The Alif Institute recognized him with the Arab American High Achiever award.

Born in Jordan, Ehab immigrated to the United States at the age of six and resided in Albany, NY, until his family moved to Florida’s Tampa Bay area.  He has also lived in Louisville, KY while working for General Electric, but most of his adult life has been in metro Atlanta, where he earned degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Applied Psychology from the Georgia Institute of Technology, and where he worked at The Coca-Cola Company’s headquarters in operational marketing and innovation roles for fifteen years.  

Ehab resides in Milton, Georgia, with his wife, Lara ‘Lemiya’ Alexander. They have three adult daughters, the eldest an equestrian, the second a veteran of the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division, and the youngest attending his alma mater studying Environmental Public Policy and minoring in Japanese.  He is a foodie who enjoys global travel, fitness, outdoor adventure, and following Formula 1 racing.

LinkedIn

Amana Academy Charter Schools

Amana Academy is a K–8 tuition-free public charter school open to all students who are eligible to attend Fulton County Schools.

The Georgia Department of Education and the Fulton County Schools system approved the establishment of Amana Academy’s Alpharetta campus in 2005. Amana is now one of Georgia’s most well-regarded charter schools.

Amana chose the Harvard-based EL Education (Expeditionary Learning) model* because of its equal emphasis on academic achievement and character education. With high standardized test scores, an integrated STEM curriculum, a focus on stewardship and ethical character, and Arabic world-language instruction across all grade levels, Amana is a success story in the world of whole-child education.

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Welcome to GNFCC 400 Insider: Fostering STEAM Education and Future Tech Leaders
01:00 Exploring the FISERV and Amana Academy Partnership
01:31 Guest Backgrounds and Program Involvement
03:30 Understanding FinTech and Its Importance
07:04 The Future Techies Program: A Deep Dive
11:49 Impact and Aspirations: Building Future Leaders
23:42 Expanding the Talent Pipeline: A Community Effort
27:27 Closing Thoughts and How to Learn More

About GNFCC and The GNFCC 400 Insider

Kali Boatright, President and CEO of GNFCC

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

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

Tagged With: Amana Academy, Amana Academy Charter Schools, Ehab Jaleel, FinTech, Fiserv, future tech leaders, Future Techies, GNFCC, GNFCC 400 Insider, Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, Kali Boatright, Michele Curtis, North Fulton, talent development, Tech

Navigating the North Fulton Real Estate Market, with Pam Santoro, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties

April 11, 2024 by John Ray

Pam Santoro, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties
North Fulton Business Radio
Navigating the North Fulton Real Estate Market, with Pam Santoro, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties
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Pam Santoro, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties

Navigating the North Fulton Real Estate Market, with Pam Santoro, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 761)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray interviews Pam Santoro, a realtor with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Georgia Properties. Pam shares her journey from a computer science background to a successful 20-year career in real estate, highlighting her expertise in the North Fulton region. The discussion covers current market dynamics, including the effects of low supply and high demand, interest rates, and the importance of strategic property upgrades for sellers. Pam also shares insights on the aging population’s real estate needs, including aging in place, and introduces her book on the subject. Additionally, the conversation touches on the importance of home staging, the “three P’s” of property marketing, and personal success stories that underscore Pam’s dedication to her clients.

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

Pam Santoro, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties

Pam Santoro, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties
Pam Santoro, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties

Pam Santoro’s passion for people, homes, and business sparked her career in real estate. Originating from a family that moved from the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, area to Kansas City, Missouri, and then to Alpharetta, Georgia, Pam understands the emotional journey of relocation firsthand. She recalls a poignant moment during their first move when her daughter inquired if the family would need to find new relatives along with new friends. This personal experience deeply informs her empathetic approach to helping families find their ideal homes. Santoro is a seasoned real estate agent within the Luxury Collection at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science and Business from Robert Morris University.

Currently, she is an active member of several prestigious organizations, including the Atlanta Board of Realtors, the Georgia Association of Realtors, and the National Association of Realtors, and she has earned designations such as Luxury Specialist, Accredited Relocation Specialist, and 55+ Realty Advisor Specialist. She is also involved with the Women’s Council of Realtors, the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, and the Alpharetta Business Association.

Santoro’s professional achievements are numerous and include receiving the Five Star Award continuously from 2000 to 2024 and being named North Fulton’s Best Realtor by Family Life Publications in 2021 and 2019. In 2018 and 2014, the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce named her Ambassador of the Year, and in 2023, she received the Community Builder Award. In 2015, she was inducted into the Berkshire Hathaway Honor Society. Her leadership roles have included serving as President of the American Business Women’s Crabapple Chapter from 2011 to 2013, where she was also recognized as the Woman of the Year in 2011, and as the WCR Member of the Year in 2010.

Beyond her awards, Pam is deeply involved in her community through her roles as chair for her church’s Married Couples Group, coordinator for Aging Well Workshops, originator and coordinator for the Senior Resource Alliance of North Atlanta, a member of the National Aging in Place Council, and a co-author of Difficult Aging in Place Conversations: What Industry Experts Have to Say. Her comprehensive involvement and contributions underscore her dedication to her profession and community.

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

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
01:26 Introducing Pam Santoro: A Journey from Computer Science to Real Estate
01:37 The Art of Real Estate: Pam’s Approach and Market Insights
08:27 Aging in Place: Insights and Safety Tips
14:31 Staging Homes for Seniors: Maximizing Value with Minimal Investment
17:35 Marketing Mastery: The Three P’s of Property Sales
18:32 Navigating the North Fulton Real Estate Market
22:46 A Heartwarming Success Story: Helping Stanley
26:14 Closing Remarks and Resources

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

With over 750 shows and having featured over 1,200 guests, North Fulton Business Radio is the longest-running podcast in the North Fulton area, covering business in our community like no one else. We are the undisputed “Voice of Business” in North Fulton!

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Renasant BankRenasant 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.

Tagged With: aging in place, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, John Ray, North Fulton, North Fulton Business Radio, Pam Santoro, realtor, residential real estate, Senior Resource Alliance of North Atlanta, seniors

Nesha Mason, The Drake House

March 25, 2024 by John Ray

Nesha Mason, The Drake House
Good2Give Podcast
Nesha Mason, The Drake House
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Nesha Mason, The Drake House

Nesha Mason, The Drake House (Good2Give Podcast, Episode 9)

Nesha Mason, President of The Drake House, joined this episode of the Good2Give Podcast. The Drake House is a nonprofit operating in North Fulton, focusing on assisting single mothers and their families who face homelessness. Hosts Maria Walden and DePriest Waddy interviewed Nesha on the history of the Drake House, its programs, and the impact it has had on the community. Founded following a realization of the homelessness crisis affecting single mothers in North Fulton, the Drake House provides emergency and transitional housing, financial literacy, and community support to empower single mothers towards independence. The organization has evolved to offer comprehensive support, including a fresh market and a professional women’s career network. The conversation covered volunteer opportunities, fundraising events, and how the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia supports the Drake House through partnerships, funding, and resources, emphasizing the importance of community support in addressing homelessness and financial vulnerability among single mothers and their children.

The Good2Give Podcast is presented by the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia. The show is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®. You can find the full archive of shows by following this link.

Nesha Mason, President, The Drake House

Nesha Mason, President, The Drake House
Nesha Mason, President, The Drake House

Nesha Mason is a dedicated leader with a rich and diverse background in education, operations management, and community engagement. With experience in both the public and nonprofit sectors, Nesha has consistently demonstrated her commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others.

Her passion for community service and helping others has led her to roles in public service, education and nonprofit leadership. Mason served as the first female African American Mayor of Abilene, Kansas. In this role, she focused her efforts on planned growth and government transparency for residents. Mason chose not to seek reelection, opting to pursue alternative certification to be a K–12 educator. After serving as a teacher at Haynes Bridge Middle School in Alpharetta, Mason served as Executive Director of a state-wide educational foundation connecting high school students to the hospitality industry.

In her current role as President of The Drake House, Nesha Mason combines her leadership skills, educational expertise, and commitment to community welfare to lead and support initiatives that empower families and create lasting positive change.

Under Nesha’s direction, The Drake House has witnessed a remarkable transformation in its programming. Her strategic insight and commitment to holistic support have propelled the organization from providing shelter to a two-generational approach to overcoming homelessness and financial vulnerability. This shift has been pivotal in ensuring that families not only find housing but also receive comprehensive resources to transition towards independence and stability.

In her personal life, Nesha has been married for 23 years and is the proud parent of five adult sons. Nesha and her husband currently reside in Roswell, Georgia, where they continue to be actively involved in their community.

LinkedIn

The Drake House

The Drake HouseThe Drake House is a 501(c)3 organization that works to respond to the growing number of women and children experiencing homelessness in North Fulton. They involve members of our community in the effort to keep single mothers and their children united under one roof as they work toward self-sufficiency.

The Drake House helps women with children overcome the circumstances of homelessness with dignity while keeping their families intact. In response to the changes in our post-COVID world, The Drake House has adapted its programming to help the families we serve acquire housing and achieve financial self-sufficiency.

Graduates of their program work, pay taxes, rent apartments, purchase groceries, attend faith-based organizations, and hopefully, one day, become homeowners. They are equipped to be good employees, tenants, and neighbors. When given the opportunity, some even use their story to inspire others to follow in their footsteps and take advantage of all the services The Drake House has to offer them. As they continue their work to improve their program and campus, The Drake House does so with the expectation that the results will lead to more graduates, more resilient children and teens, and ultimately, a stronger community.

Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

Topics Discussed in This Interview

00:00 Welcome to the Good2Give Podcast
00:36 Introducing Nisha Mason from The Drake House
01:57 The Drake House: A Beacon of Hope for Single Mothers
03:21 Expanding Support: From Emergency Housing to Financial Literacy
10:39 The Importance of Community and Sponsorship
22:12 Volunteering, Funding, and How to Get Involved
30:08 Upcoming Events and How to Support The Drake House
33:23 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

Nesha Mason, The Drake House

About the Good2Give Podcast

The Good2Give Podcast celebrates the work of donors, nonprofits, and the causes they care about. DePriest Waddy and Maria Walden-Sullivan are the show’s hosts, and the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia is the presenting sponsor.

The Good2Give Podcast is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®. You can find the full archive of shows by following this link. You can also find the show on all the major podcast apps, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and many others.

Community Foundation of Northeast Georgia

At the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia, everything they do centers around one purpose: improving the world through the power of philanthropy.

On a fundamental level, they do that through managing funds held in trust, donated by individuals, organizations, and businesses. Most funds are donor-advised funds, similar to savings accounts. These funds are pooled for investment purposes, and their income is used to make grants for a wide variety of charitable purposes.

But the Foundation’s goals extend far beyond managing funds. They desire to strengthen the communities they serve in Gwinnett, Northeast Georgia, and beyond by providing leadership, addressing community needs, and assisting individuals and organizations with their charitable giving.

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

Tagged With: community foundation for northeast Georgia, DePriest Waddy, Drake House, Financial Literacy, Good2Give Podcast, Homelessness, homelessness and hunger in North Fulton, homelessness in North Fulton, Maria Walden, Maria Walden-Sullivan, Nesha Mason, North Fulton, The Drake House, transitional housing

Celebrating an Award-Winning North Fulton Franchisee, with Gloria Mattei and Sergio Pacheco, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Alpharetta/Milton and Sandy Springs

February 28, 2024 by John Ray

Nothing Bundt Cakes Sandy Springs Alpharetta Milton Roswell
North Fulton Studio
Celebrating an Award-Winning North Fulton Franchisee, with Gloria Mattei and Sergio Pacheco, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Alpharetta/Milton and Sandy Springs
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Nothing Bundt Cakes Sandy Springs Alpharetta Milton Roswell

Celebrating an Award-Winning North Fulton Franchisee, with Gloria Mattei and Sergio Pacheco, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Alpharetta/Milton and Sandy Springs (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 92)

Host Kali Boatright welcomed Gloria Mattei and Sergio Pacheco, the award-winning owners of Nothing Bundt Cakes in Alpharetta/Milton and Sandy Springs to this edition of the GNFCC 400 Insider.  During this insightful discussion, Gloria and Sergio shared their journey transitioning from the corporate world to franchise owners. Their perseverance and diligence helped them win the International Franchise Association’s recognition as a Franchisee of the Year in 2023 despite initial challenges, including receiving a rejection letter from their franchisor when they first applied. This couple also won a Circle of Honor award in 2023, given the top franchise in the Nothing Bundt Cakes system. The discussion further highlighted their active involvement in the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce and other community initiatives, and their commitment as small business owners to provide high-quality service and opportunities to their employees and the community.

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

Gloria Mattei and Sergio Pacheco, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Alpharetta, Milton, Roswell, and Sandy Springs

Sergio Pacheco and Gloria Mattei, Nothing Bundt Cakes Sandy Springs
Sergio Pacheco and Gloria Mattei, Nothing Bundt Cakes

Gloria Mattei and Sergio Pacheco are the owners of Nothing Bundt Cakes Alpharetta, Milton, Roswell as well as a newly acquired store in Sandy Springs. Nothing Bundt Cakes reintroduces an old family favorite—the Bundt cake—with a light, moist taste and fresh, clean look that appeals to all ages. Each 8” and 10” Bundt cake features custom concept cake decorations that are smart, contemporary, and fun to enhance any occasion, large or small, in a wide range of cake flavors and sizes. Nothing Bundt Cakes celebrates the very heart of true hospitality, where all are welcome, and no one is a stranger. Each thoughtful detail of the experience, from the heartfelt welcome at the door to remembering the customer’s favorite flavor, has been naturally embraced at Nothing Bundt Cakes

Nothing Bundt Cakes is not in the cake business; they are in the “joy-giving” business. Their mission is to come up with unique, valuable solutions to every guest celebration need.

Their journey out of the corporate world and into entrepreneurship started when Gloria met the Nothing Bundt Cakes (NbC) brand back in 2010, during one of her many business trips to California. A friend from Texas who was very familiar with the brand introduced her. She came home to tell Sergio, her husband, “I think we found the business,” and her husband said, “Are you crazy? You don’t even cook!”

Her first thought after knowing the brand, was, “There is nothing like this in Georgia.” One year later, the first NbC store opened in Sandy Springs, and Sergio got to taste the product, at his own Christmas housewarming party. At that point, he said, “You are on to something. Let’s start the research process.” What started as simple franchise research in January 2011 resulted in the opening of the 2nd NbC store in Georgia, store number 83 for the franchise system. They opened their doors in December 2013. They just celebrated their 10th anniversary on December 13, 2023.

In March 2022, Gloria and Sergio were approved to open their second bakery. However, destiny and serendipity had other plans. Gloria had a strong relationship with the owner of the first store in GA (Sandy Springs), and that owner reached out to Gloria as soon as she was approved for her second bakery and said, “I want to retire, and I don’t want to sell to anyone but you.”

Gloria and Sergio expanded their market by taking over the Sandy Springs bakery in June 2022 and are now proud owners of bakery #1 and #2 in Georgia, proudly serving the GA 400 North Fulton Corridor.

Gloria, Sergio, and their NbC family are proud to bring joy to their community and truly live the experience of how “cake changes everything.” Gloria and Sergio opened their business with a big dream. That dream is their why: the dream of building a platform for her son, who is in the autistic community. He could either be able to perform in it or prove that he, and other kids like him, can function and have a role in the community.

Gloria and Sergio have seen their business grow not only as a platform for their son, but also for their daughter and many other individuals, including other special needs young adults in the community. That accomplishment is proudly the one they are most proud of.

Website

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction to the GNFCC 400 Insider
00:31 Meet the Guests: Gloria Mattei and Sergio Pacheco
01:14 Journey from Corporate World to Franchise Ownership
02:42 The Birth of a Business Idea: Nothing Bundt Cakes
03:42 The Decision to Become Franchisees
06:00 The Unexpected Journey to Franchisee of the Year
06:26 The Circle of Honor and Franchisee of the Year Awards
11:23 Reflections on Success and Perseverance
12:30 The Initial Rejection and Determination
13:09 Finding a New Path to Business Ownership
14:27 The Importance of Small Businesses
15:01 Challenges Faced by Franchise Owners
15:58 The Impact of Economic Fluctuations on Small Businesses

Nothing Bundt Cakes Sandy Springs Alpharetta

About GNFCC and The GNFCC 400 Insider

Kali Boatright, President and CEO of GNFCC

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

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

Tagged With: Alpharetta, bundt cakes, cakes, Gloria Mattei, GNFCC, Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, joy, Kali Boatright, Milton, North Fulton, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Nothing Bundt Cakes Alpharetta, Nothing Bundt Cakes Sandy Springs, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Sergio Pacheco

Residential Real Estate in Metro Atlanta, with Garet Duff, Keller Williams

February 28, 2024 by John Ray

Garet Duff, Keller Williams
North Fulton Business Radio
Residential Real Estate in Metro Atlanta, with Garet Duff, Keller Williams
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Garet Duff, Keller Williams

Residential Real Estate in Metro Atlanta, with Garet Duff, Keller Williams (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 746)

Garet Duff, a residential real estate professional with Keller Williams, joined host John Ray on this edition of North Fulton Business Radio to discuss residential real estate trends in the Metro Atlanta market and in North Fulton specifically. Garet addressed the impact of the housing inventory shortage, and factors that drive home values, such as school district quality. Garet shared her expertise and insights on guiding clients through what she calls “The Process,” the significance of mindset and time management, and the benefits of owning property in the present market. She also highlighted how her previous experience in corporate communications has equipped her with effective listening and client-centric skills, enhancing her ability to serve her clients effectively.

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

Garet Duff, Keller Williams

Garet Duff, Keller Williams
Garet Duff, Keller Williams

Garet Duff is a dynamic residential real estate professional in metro Atlanta who is committed to making your real estate journey a seamless and rewarding experience.

Known for her client-centered approach, Garet’s expertise guides her clients through “The Process,” successfully selling homes and acquiring their dream properties. With 30 years of diverse business experience in negotiation, marketing, and public relations, Garet offers a unique skill set tailored to your real estate needs. Her adept negotiation skills ensure the best possible deal for your home, while her background in marketing guarantees effective campaigns to attract potential buyers. Garet’s excellent listening skills, time management, and attention to detail make the selling process smooth and stress-free.

As an Atlanta resident since 1995, she brings local expertise, providing valuable insights into the market for competitive pricing. Garet’s commitment to personalized service, high integrity, and problem-solving proficiency sets her apart, ensuring your interests are prioritized throughout the entire real estate journey. Her and her dedicated team provide you with extensive business experience and a passion for delivering exceptional results.

Garet and her husband Tim enjoy live music, traveling, and dance lessons.

LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

Topics Discussed in this Interview

00:00 Introduction to North Fulton Business Radio
01:14 Meet Garet Duff from Keller Williams
01:58 Garet’s Journey into Real Estate
02:44 The Impact of Real Estate on People’s Lives
03:33 The Importance of Long-Term Goals in Real Estate
04:57 The Culture and Training at Keller Williams
06:49 Garet’s Expertise in Metro Atlanta
15:19 The Importance of Time Management in Real Estate
16:35 The Current Trends in the Real Estate Market
17:14 The Role of School Districts in Home Value
23:38 The Impact of Interest Rates on Home Buying
26:38 A Success Story and Final Thoughts

 

Host John Ray with Garet Duff, Keller Williams
Host John Ray with Garet Duff, Keller Williams

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

With over 740 shows and having featured over 1,100 guests, North Fulton Business Radio is the longest-running podcast in the North Fulton area, covering business in our community like no one else. We are the undisputed “Voice of Business” in North Fulton!

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

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

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

John Ray
John Ray, Business RadioX – North Fulton, and Owner, Ray Business Advisors

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

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

 

Renasant BankRenasant 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.

Tagged With: Garet Duff, John Ray, Keller Williams, Keller Williams Realty, Metro Atlanta, North Fulton, North Fulton Business Radio, residential real estate

Revitalizing an Iconic Alpharetta Landmark, with Jacqueline Welch, Wills Park Equestrian Foundation

February 23, 2024 by John Ray

Jacqueline Welch, Wills Park Equestrian Foundation,
North Fulton Business Radio
Revitalizing an Iconic Alpharetta Landmark, with Jacqueline Welch, Wills Park Equestrian Foundation
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Jacqueline Welch, Wills Park Equestrian Foundation,

Revitalizing an Iconic Alpharetta Landmark, with Jacqueline Welch, Wills Park Equestrian Foundation (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 745)

On this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, John Ray welcomed Jacqueline Welch of the Wills Park Equestrian Foundation. Jacqueline discussed the history of the Wills Park Equestrian Center, its impact, and the public-private partnership between the Foundation and the City of Alpharetta to revitalize the Center. Jacqueline also addressed the Foundation’s aim to raise $5 million to match city funding for renovations, the facility’s ability to attract bigger, more involved horse shows after the planned upgrades, and the different ways the community can get involved, from attending annual fundraising events to providing donations. The revitalization project not only preserves an important community asset but also significantly impacts the local economy. The economic impact of the Wills Park Equestrian Center is currently estimated at $4.8 million annually, and planned upgrades would increase that impact even further.

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

Jacqueline Welch, Director of Development and Operations, Wills Park Equestrian Foundation

Jacqueline Welch, Wills Park Equestrian Foundation
Jacqueline Welch, Wills Park Equestrian Foundation

Jacqueline Welch quickly fell in love with horses after moving to an Alpharetta farm at 11 years old. Within a year, she competed at the Wills Park Equestrian Center in her first horse show. Over the next ten years, she made countless life-long memories and learned many life lessons at Wills Park Equestrian Center. Jacqueline credits her love for horses as a crucial element in her development, as it taught her the power of patience, discipline, and the importance of establishing strong, trusting partnerships—skills that would later prove indispensable in the world of business.

Jacqueline obtained her B.S. in Business with a Sport Management concentration from Florida Gulf Coast University before returning to Alpharetta to work for the family business, where she was given opportunities to wear many hats. She was often given responsibilities she didn’t quite feel prepared for, but she prides herself on knowing that she will always figure them out.

In 2023, Jacqueline made the decision to combine her 15 years of business and hospitality experience with her passion for horses and fond admiration for the Wills Park Equestrian Center, and she accepted a full-time position with the Wills Park Equestrian Foundation, where she currently serves as the Director of Development and Operations.

LinkedIn

Wills Park Equestrian Foundation

Wills Park Equestrian FoundationWills Park Equestrian Center has been the heart of the north Atlanta horse community since its inception in the early ‘70s. Located on 50 acres of rolling fields and woods, the center currently includes a covered arena, two outdoor competition rings, more than 290 shed row stalls, two schooling rings, and a show office.

Each year, the center hosts multiple local and USEF rated horse shows, as well as dog shows, reining shows, an annual rodeo, and other community activities.

Wills Park Equestrian Center is one of the few equestrian facilities remaining that is located in a thriving suburb of a major metropolitan city. It has become a well-loved hub for equestrians from across the Southeast. Yet as the center has grown in usage over the past five decades, the horse show industry has grown and evolved.

By upgrading the center’s infrastructure, the Foundation can ensure that this unique facility can continue to serve the equestrian community, the City of Alpharetta, and the citizens of north Metro Atlanta for years to come.

Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
01:18 Welcoming Jacqueline Welch from Wills Park Equestrian Foundation
01:31 Overview of Wills Park Equestrian Foundation
02:43 The History and Impact of Wills Park Equestrian Center
04:52 The Role of the Equestrian Center in the Community
06:54 The Need for Revitalization and the Partnership with the City
10:03 Fundraising Efforts and Community Involvement
13:48 The Economic Impact of the Wills Park Equestrian Center
16:33 Future Plans and Opportunities
20:17 Conclusion and Contact Information
21:22 Final Remarks and Acknowledgements

 

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

With over 740 shows and having featured over 1,100 guests, North Fulton Business Radio is the longest-running podcast in the North Fulton area, covering business in our community like no one else. We are the undisputed “Voice of Business” in North Fulton!

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

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

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

John Ray
John Ray, Business RadioX – North Fulton, and Owner, Ray Business Advisors

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

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

 

Renasant BankRenasant 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.

Tagged With: Alpharetta, City of Alpharetta, Jacqueline Welch, John Ray, North Fulton, North Fulton Business Radio, Wills Park, Wills Park Equestrian Foundation

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