Veterans Connect Radio Episode 010

July 11, 2016 by angishields

Atlanta Business Radio

Veterans Connect Radio Episode 010

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Veterans Connect Radio

A spotlight episode of Atlanta Business Radio and powered by Business RadioX. Co-Hosted by Ryan “Redhawk” McPherson and Brandon Skolnick with Gathering Of Angels. Featuring veteran entrepreneurs, support organizations, outreach groups and more in the Atlanta area continuing to serve our families, our communities and our country.

#VetsConnect

@VetConnectRadio

Scott Bock / Instant Imprints

Scott Bock is the Area Franchisee for Instant Imprints of Georgia and North Florida. In this role, he identifies qualified individuals who wish to become independent business owners in the Instant Imprints system. He then provides ongoing business coaching and consulting to help them reach and exceed their business goals. Scott also owns and operates his own center, Instant Imprints of Smyrna, GA

After receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from Iowa State University, Scott served as a United States Navy Submarine Officer from 1988-1995. He subsequently earned an Master of Business Administration from Duke University.

Alan Urech / Stoney River Capital LLC

Managing Partner

LINK TO FULL BIO HERE

Andy Wickman is one of the founding members of Warrior Outdoors. He has owned and operated several business’, including a transmission shop, a full motorcycle shop and a dating service. Andy has always had a service heart. He has worked with Habitat for Humanity, the Lions Club and is very accomplished in the Masonic fraternity.

Andrew Hurst– 12 year army veteran, served in both Iraq and Afghanistan, father, husband, and avid outdoorsman when at all possible. He got into helping other veterans with the VFW and found that Warrior Outdoors would allow him the ability to help even more by taking the State Director position.

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Aaron Aycock with UserIQ and Alma G. Davis with The Alma G. Davis Foundation

July 6, 2016 by angishields

Atlanta Business Radio

Aaron Aycock with UserIQ and Alma G. Davis with The Alma G. Davis Foundation

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Aaron Aycock / User IQ

CEO & Founder

Nominated for the 2013 Georgia CIO of the Year, Aaron Aycock has an unmatched passion for building the worlds best SaaS products. With more than 15 years of experience leading technical teams that have built and launched highly sophisticated software applications, Aaron is a true leader in his field. Aaron received his MBA from Duke University.

Currently, Aaron is CEO and Founder of UserIQ, a Customer Growth Platform that works with B2B SaaS companies to help them retain and expand revenue while mitigating churn and increasing referrals. In March 2016, UserIQ was designated as a Top 10 Most Innovative Technology Startup by the Technology Association of Georgia (TAG).

Prior to founding UserIQ, Aycock was the CIO of TRX, a public company that was sold to Concur. At TRX, Aaron experienced first-hand the difficulty many SaaS companies have in effectively engaging with their users. That was when he first realized that there was a major opportunity to help SaaS companies interact more effectively with their customers. He knew that there needed to be a solution to pick up where other marketing automation tools left off during the customer journey. Thats why UserIQ was developed: to help SaaS companies grow profitable revenue by engaging with the right user at the right time with the right message – and all without any custom coding.

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Alma G. Davis / Alma G. Davis Foundation

CEO

Growing up in an environment of domestic violence and having to endure physical abuse from a boyfriend starting at age 14, Alma G. Davis, a world-renowned entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and visionary felt it only right at the height of her success to reach back and grab those who were pushing their way forward through domestic violence abuse. Emergent as a leader in the hearts of many through her desire and dedication to serving women and youth, Ms. Davis believes in the “E2C” philosophy of educating, empowering and celebrating domestic violence survivors. Through her foundation, participants are offered continuous, year-round programming providing them with opportunities to attain employment and work maturity skills, financial security, and gain the necessary resources to transition to lives of independence. Most recently, Ms. Davis’ work and expertise was acknowledged as she was selected to attend the “United State of Women” White House Summit. Additionally, she was a finalist for the 2016 Presidential Leadership Scholars Program and received a special invitation to the White House to give guidance on Violence against Women and discuss continued strategies to combat domestic violence. Ms. Davis’ credentials reach beyond the boundaries of the United States, as she has participated in four humanitarian trips to Ghana, Africa delivering advocacy care to over 40,000 people. A native of Albany, GA, Ms. Davis received certiﬁcation as a Victims Advocate and Crisis Interventionist from the University of Georgia. She also received her MS in Management from Troy State University and a BS in Computer Science from Albany State University. Booking inquiries: (678) 957-9464 or PR@almagdavisfoundation.org

Facebook Twitter www.AlmaGDavisFoundation.org

Christina Beyer / WIT

Director Of Programming

Founded in 1992, Women In Technology (WIT) serves as a passionate advocate for women and girls at every stage of their STEM careers – from the classroom to the boardroom. WIT utilizes its programs, connections, volunteer opportunities and events to enable the development of the WIT community through recognition, thought leadership and foundation efforts. WIT is driven to help women and girls write their own stories of success throughout the full lifecycle of their careers and continued evolution as STEM leaders.

The Episode is Sponsored in Part By:

Business Writers Conference 2016

www.business-writers-exchange.com

July 27-29 • Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa

Young Harris, GA

USE PROMO CODE “BWC 20”

Veterans Connect Radio Episode 09

June 20, 2016 by angishields

Atlanta Business Radio

Veterans Connect Radio Episode 09

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Veterans Connect Radio

#VetsConnect

@VetConnectRadio

Jason Sobczak, Chris Sims, Derek Smith, Phil Kuban, John Phillips

Derek Smith / Financial Advisor

Phil Kuban / FranNet of Atlanta

Advisor

I began my career as a marketing executive at 3M Company. In this role, I was exposed to independent entrepreneurs and gained a real sense of their work-life balance, something that I had never been exposed to even as a corporate executive. This led me to explore ways of starting my own business while recognizing that I was not an entrepreneur in the true sense. I had a young family to support and taking a high risk was not viable. I began my career in franchising in 1982 with VR Business Brokers. I soon realized that buying an independent small business was far more often, “the American nightmare” for people than “the American dream”. In 1985, I shifted my brokering practice to franchise area development. For more than 30 years, I have been helping people (almost a thousand of them) realize their dream of business ownership. Since 1999, I have been affiliated with the FranNet organization, the world’s original, premier network of franchise consultants. My proven track record in numerous franchise systems has been a key factor in my success as a FranNet consultant. Additionally, I have personal experience owning and operating retail and professional services businesses. I’ve been personally involved with master franchise development and have been able to use that experience in my consultations with first- time prospective franchise owners. I always suggest a client begin “with the end in mind”. I believe that the right franchise opportunity with the right exit strategy is the key to building equity wealth. My extensive experience is an asset for anyone looking for assistance with investing in a new or existing franchise opportunity. I am a principal owner and board member of FranNet, LLC, an international franchise company. I spend part of my time contributing to growth strategies for FranNet LLC, building the value of the company. My daughter Leslie and I recently celebrated our 16 th year as owners of FranNet of Georgia.

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Jason Sobczak / Crossfit East Cobb

Owner

Grew up in Orlando, FL. Served as a paratrooper in the 82^nd Airborne Division from 1991 to 1994

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, University of Florida, 1997. Long Range Surveillance Team Leader, H CO 121^st Infantry, Long Range Surveillance, GA Army National Guard 2001-2005 Veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom Licensed Georgia Residential Mortgage Loan Officer since 2003. Co Owner and Coach of CrossFit East Cobb since 2009.

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Chris Sims / Crossfit East Cobb

Owner

Director – Fitness Fueling Awareness (501c3 dedicated to providing relief for Cystic Fibrosis). Married to my beautiful wife Jessica Sims, Daughter – Naomi 6yo, attends Mt Bethel and will attend Dickerson and Walton. Son – Sam 5yo, will follow sis starting Kindergarten next year at Mount Bethel. Moved to East Cobb in 1985. Mt. Bethel, Dickerson and Walton Graduate 1999. Favorite Teachers – Mrs Krosner and Mrs. Jedlica BA Social Science, Current MBA student at Thomas Edison State College. US Army Green Beret. US Army Ranger, 6 Combat deployments between Iraq (2003, 2015), Afghanistan (2009, 2010, 2012/13) and Colombia, South America (2007). Just hit 16 years service in the military.

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John Philips LTC, U.S. Army Retired / Boots To Loafers

Author, Speaker, Leader / Vice Chairman VETLANTA

John has had a distinguished career in both military and civilian service. John is a retired Lieutenant Colonel from the US Army where he served in the Field Artillery as well as a Financial Comptroller. With more than 20 years of service, he served in Corps Artillery, Division Artillery, Army Headquarters and Forces Command, the largest command and the generating force provider for combatant commanders – at home and abroad. He has served in Europe, throughout the Middle East and the United States. Among his awards and decorations are the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, and the Air Assault Badge.

John is the Author of Boots to Loafers, Finding Your New True North which outlines a proven process of transitioning out of the military and into the private sector. He is also a contributing author to Paddling Guide to the Sunshine State and An American Crisis, Veteran Unemployment, Stand by Them/How You can Help/Solution. He has been featured on The Mike Huckabee Show, the Dennis Miller Show as well as a number of radio appearances across the country.

John is a finance executive at The Coca-Cola Company in Atlanta, Georgia. In his spare time, John spends his time travelling with his wife, Sailing in the British Virgin Islands, remote wilderness trips in the western United States, and helping our nation’s military and veterans make the transition into society and finding a job in the private sector.

John holds a BS in Finance from University of Central Florida and an MBA from Syracuse University. He lives in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Georgia with his wife, the former Melissa K. Smith and their Australian Shepherd, Bear.

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Andy Wickman and Andrew Hurst with Warrior Outdoors Inc.

June 13, 2016 by angishields

Atlanta Business Radio

Andy Wickman and Andrew Hurst with Warrior Outdoors Inc.

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www.WarriorOutdoors.org

Andy Wickman is one of the founding members of Warrior Outdoors. He has owned and operated several business’, including a transmission shop, a full motorcycle shop and a dating service. Andy has always had a service heart. He has worked with Habitat for Humanity, the Lions Club and is very accomplished in the Masonic fraternity.

Andrew Hurst- 12 year army veteran, served in both Iraq and Afghanistan, father, husband, and avid outdoorsman when at all possible. He got into helping other veterans with the VFW and found that Warrior Outdoors would allow him the ability to help even more by taking the State Director position.

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WIT Atlanta Features Sugra Naqvi with Stellar Consulting Solutions

June 9, 2016 by angishields

Atlanta Business Radio

WIT Atlanta Features Sugra Naqvi with Stellar Consulting Solutions

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Sugra Naqvi / Stellar Consulting Solutions

Co Founder

Sugra Naqvi is the co-founder of Stellar Consulting Solutions. She has over 10 years of experience in sales and being a successful entrepreneur. In her role, she serves as a primary hunter of new businesses and client relationships. Sugra has been in sales under the retail vertical prior to starting her current venture. She brings deep understanding of operations, culture and relationships. Sugra has earned her dual bachelors from Georgia State University, in Sociology and Business. She currently enjoys volunteering her time to WIT, enjoys reading and traveling with her two sons.

STELLAR CONSULTING SOLUTIONS is among the fastest growing boutique technology consulting and staffing firms globally. Stellar is a minority business enterprise (MBE), that fosters diversity workforce. We deliver high quality and experienced consultants for niche technology project on any scale. Providing, end-to-end recruiting and staffing solutions and maintaining a successful track record using a robust recruiting process. We also bring the right talent at the right time. From our humble beginning, delivering resources for IT projects, we’ve stayed true to our mission and core values – and do our best every day to deliver happiness to our clients.

www.stellarconsulting.com

678-925-9466

2475 NORTHWIND PARKWAY, SUITE 200

ALPHARETTA, GEORGIA 30009

INFO@STELLARCONSULTING.COM

Sandy Welfare / WIT

Sandy Welfare is the Executive Director of Women In Technology (WIT). Prior to that, she was the Executive Director of Cool Girls Inc, an award-winning early intervention after-school program dedicated to the empowerment of girls (2009-2015).

Sandy’s career began in 1989 in Greenwich, Connecticut where she joined Rand Insurance as the Controller. Six years later, she accepted a position with Lucent Technologies, an international telecommunications leader, holding a number of positions including serving as Accounting and Treasury Manager in Singapore (1999-2000) and then as Senior Manager in Australia and New Zealand (2000-2002). Sandy returned to Atlanta in 2002 as Senior Manager of Global Financial Services.

In 2003, Sandy accepted a position as Director of Operations for Xchanging, a business processing outsourcing company. In 2006, her career took her to London, England as Managing Director for professional services, where she managed global business processing services for bank financial transactions, insurance and retail.

Sandy received her undergraduate degree from St. John’s University in New York, and a Master of Business Administration from Sacred Heart University in Connecticut. She serves on the board of several non-profits, including Kiwanis Club of Atlanta. Sandy resides in Marietta, Georgia with her husband, Cliff and son, Soloman.

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THE ART OF COLLABORATION: Alan Schaefer with Banding People Together

June 8, 2016 by Mike

On the Money

THE ART OF COLLABORATION: Alan Schaefer with Banding People Together

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On this episode of “On the Money“, host Joe Moss talks productivity and collaboration in the workplace with guest Alan Schaefer with Banding People Together.

Alan Schaefer/Banding People Together

Banding People Together is a supergroup of collaboration experts who enable organizations to amp up productivity by creating engagement nirvana. They are a rare breed of rockstars (literally), behaviorists, and strategists with business smarts who teach organizations how to get more done and feel great doing it. With their proprietary True Collaboration methodology, you’ll connect heads and hearts, align people and process, and define the operational rhythm that makes your company groove.

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To watch the video of this show CLICK HERE.

“On the Money” focuses on topics and issues allowing small businesses to better navigate the financial services minefield, with analysis and opinions from today’s industry experts on banking and loans. “On the Money” also introduces you to some of the top small business leaders in the Atlanta market.

Hosted by Joe Moss, the president of Embassy National Bank, “On the Money” airs live every Wednesday at 3:00 PM EST from the Business RadioX studio in Gwinnett.

KSU Entrepreneurship Center Presents The Shrimp Tank

June 7, 2016 by angishields

Atlanta Business Radio

KSU Entrepreneurship Center Presents The Shrimp Tank

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Where can a young entrepreneur figure out how to turn their dreams into reality? Just take a step into the Shrimp Tank. The Shrimp Tank brings you interviews with some of the most successful business owners in the United States to learn the do’s and don’ts of starting and running a successful business. Then, the fun really starts when we bring in high school and college students to pitch their business ideas to the Shrimp Tank. We don’t fund any business, but we do teach kids how to turn their business ideas into a successful business.

Hosts of The Shrimp Tank Chris Hanks and Ted Jenkin.

Sparks3 — Ted Jenkin, Jeff Woolverton, Alexandra Woolverton and Lee Heisman

Alexandra Woolverton / www.GetSparkedATL.com

Alexandra attended the University of Florida’s Pre-Veterinary program and graduated with a Bachelors degree in Animal Science. After much thought she decided that she found herself getting too emotionally attached to sick animals and going straight into the workforce after graduation would better suit her. And through her career choices she fell in love with entrepreneurship. Always a dream big kind of girl, her first job out of college was in Marketing and Sales for a little start-up by her sister’s best friend, Sara Blakely. She saw Blakely take Spanx from the back of her apartment to a booming billion dollar pantyhose empire. That was Alexandra’s first glimpse that big vision and hard work go hand in hand. Her next endeavor was with a local Atlanta Sports Radio Station started and run by Andrew Saltzman and Stephen “Steak” Shapiro. Two men in their thirties that had a dream and a vision to own their own radio station. There she was an Account Manager who created and sold sports marketing campaigns. During her time there she met and married Jeff Woolverton, an on-air personality at the station. After they began a family with the arrival of their first born, Alexandra realized that it might be time to be a flexible working mom and go into business for herself. She came across a newer Direct Sales company, Stella & Dot, where she launched and built her new career as a Stylist who set up pop-a-shop trunk shows in people’s homes selling fashion accessories. At Stella & Dot she was a Senior Director and Founding Leader who led a team of over 500 other stylists across the country, was Top in Sales for North America and Top in Recruitment. During this journey of home parties, working full time hours she found she had put her health on the back burner. She was exhausted, found herself just trying to get through the day and her weight was the same as the day she walked in the door carrying her second baby home form the hospital three years prior. Her husband, Jeff, had been drinking AdvoCare’s Spark for over a decade but she had never really looked into the products or company for herself but needed a lifestyle shift so she gave it a go. In her first 24 days she lost 8 pounds and unlocked energy for the first time in a long while. Over the next 3 months she lost a total of 35 pounds and took her body fat from 34% to 9.9%. People began to notice more pep in her step and the healthy changes taking place. As they began to ask, she began to share and a business was born. AdvoCare is world-class nutrition that provides distributors solutions in two key areas: health and finances. Alexandra and Jeff are looking forward to helping Atlantans and beyond feel and look their best through AdvoCare’s food first program and elite nutritional supplements and building teams of others who in conjunction with taking care of themselves and others want to fight for the same freedoms that American’s deserve: financial and time freedom for families. www.GetSparkedATL.com

Jeff Woolverton / www.GetSparkedATL.com

Jeff attended Florida State University and since childhood has had a passion for all things sports. In 1996 he moved to Atlanta during the Olympics and enjoyed interning in sports broadcasting. He found a home at Sports Radio 790 The Zone as a producer for their popular Mayhem in the AM morning show and within a few years had an on-air show of his own during the mid-day slot. He spent over a decade there and enjoyed opportunities such as being the Sideline reporter for the Georgia Tech Football team. But his love of sports is also paralleled with his love of coaching youth sports. Jeff has volunteered for over 15 years as a baseball and basketball coach at Northside Youth Organization also known as NYO out of Chastain Park. In 2014, Jeff left the corporate world to start his own business: Woolverton Sports Academy. Through camps, clinics and private lessons Jeff has taken his passion and made a career out of it. Through his affiliation with AdvoCare he is able to help his youth athletes as well as his players who have gone onto play at the collegiate level by helping them get the best nutrition in their body through food choices and safe supplementation. www.GetSparkedATL.com

Sparls 1 — Jeff Woolverton, Alexandra Woolverton and Lee Heisman

Lee R. Heisman / Savant Comprehensive Technologies

(Co-Host)

Lee R. Heisman is the owner and CEO of Savant Comprehensive Technologies, My School Pool and Ask a Privacy Officer. Prior to this, Lee was the founder and CEO of H and W Printing and Brainstorm Design Works, a full advertising agency and commercial printing firm located in Atlanta, GA. He has a Master Degree from Rutgers University and is on the Advisory Board of the KSU Entrepreneurial Center. Lee has sold 2 of his previously businesses over the years through mergers and acquisition. Before launching his Entrepreneurial Career, Lee was a Licensed Physical Therapist in New Jersey for over 3 years

Ted Jenkin/Oxygen Financial

(Co – Host)

Ted Jenkin has spent the past 22 years giving personal financial advice to thousands of people across the United States. After graduating from Boston College in 1991, Ted spent more than 16 years working for American Express Financial Advisors/Ameriprise Financial. He was one of the youngest people in the history of the company to reach both Field Vice President and Group Vice President level. He managed more than 800 financial advisors throughout 8 states in his last position with the company. He won the premier performer award, leader of the year award, and had the number one office in the country for more than two years in a row. In 2008, Ted founded oXYGen Financial to help revolutionize the financial services industry by creating a new company that focused on serving the X and Y Generation. oXYGen Financial now has more than 1,700 clients throughout 25 states across the country. Ted has been featured in over 25 magazines and newspapers including the Wall Street Journal, Business Week, and The Huffington Post. He has six advanced designations from the College for Financial Planning (CFP®, CRPC®, CRPS®, AWMA®, AAMS®, CMFC®) and is an on air radio personality featured on the popular drive time Atlanta radio show The Rock 100.5 Morning Show on Rock 100.5 FM. Ted lives in Milton, GA with his wife Genna and three kids Olivia, Lyla, and Louden.

Veterans Connect Radio Episode 08

June 6, 2016 by angishields

Atlanta Business Radio

Veterans Connect Radio Episode 08

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Veterans Connect Radio

#VetsConnect

@VetConnectRadio

Roger Roley, Forrest Woodland, Ryan “Redhawk” McPherson , John Phillips and Lloyd Knight

Forrest Woodland/JDog Lawrenceville

Owner/Operator

Roger Roley CSM (Retired) / Four Block

Atlanta Program Director

Roger joined the Army where he served for 24 years; during his tenure Roger had several positions of Leadership and responsibility and was awarded the Bronze Star, Legion of Merit and numerous other awards. Roger achieved the highest non-commissioned rank of Command Sergeants Major.

After retiring from the Army Roger joined Ferrellgas as a District Manager where he took a District ranked at #123 to #1. In 2 years Roger grew the District’s customer base 78%, doubled top line earnings, received the Donald Trump Award for the highest margins over projections while reducing expenses by 18% under projections.

Roger joined Cintas in 2001 as an Advance Management Candidate; during the next 11 years Roger held the positions of; Market Manager where he developed the top Location in the Corporation for internal growth, Top Sales Manager of 22 Location generating $160,000 in weekly volume over a 3 year period, as a Director of Facility Services (Group Level) Roger developed over $200,000 in weekly volume in new business services; Roger’s last position was as Atlanta’s Market Manager for the Deep Clean Division where he developed the top Location in the Corporation for 2 straight years.

Roger joined Osprey Biotechnics Inc. in January 2012 as Vice President of Business Development Growing sales 30% ($1.4M) creating the company’s first growth year in 3 years.

In August 2013 Roger joined Corporate Leads Inc., as Senior Partner. Corporate Leads Inc. is a Veterans placement organization with an outstanding record with both Veterans and corporations.

Roger joined Building Global Leaders Team in December 2014 as Vice President of Operations and Partner. Building Global Leaders (BGL) mission is to develop future business leaders utilizing business training, leadership training and mentorship.

In continuing to support our veteran Roger joined Four Block in November 2015 as the Atlanta Program Director: Four Block Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that prepares transitioning veterans for careers in corporate America. We teach a semester long, university accredited course that assists student-veterans with obtaining competitive internships and full-time positions.

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Lloyd Knight / VETLANTA

Co-Founder

Lloyd Knight is Director, Government, Aerospace & Project Cargo Operations at UPS. He oversees multiple freight forwarding programs supporting a wide range of clients including the Department of Defense, defense contractors, humanitarian and aerospace customers. He develops operational strategies to meet business objectives and ensures UPS remains compliant with government regulations. Lloyd has been employed at UPS since 2007 and in addition to his current assignment has served in several different roles including Government Tender Manager, Global Government Operations Manager and a special assignment with corporate HR focusing on veteran hiring initiatives.

Lloyd retired from the Air Force in 2007 after 20 years of service. During this time, Lloyd logged over 3,000 flight hours as a Loadmaster on several operational and flight test aircraft including the C-141 Starlifter, C-5 Galaxy, and C-23 Sherpa. He also served assignments as a Tanker Airlift Control Lift Element (TALCE) Loadmaster, HQ Air Mobility Command Functional Manager and First Sergeant.

Lloyd founded the UPS Veterans Business Resource Group in Atlanta and co-founded and the Chairman of VETLANTA, an industry collaboration of Veteran friendly/ affiliated organizations in the Atlanta region. VETLANTA mission is to make Atlanta a top destination for veterans. He is an active volunteer for multiple veteran non-profits including American Corporate Partners and Hire Heroes USA.

Lloyd has associate degrees in Aircrew Operations and Human Resources Management from the Community College of the Air Force, a Bachelor Degree in Transportation & Logistics Management from American Military University and a Master’s Degree in Logistics & Transportation Management from American Military University.

He has been married to Suzan for 28 years and has two sons (James & Brandon). Brandon is a college sophomore and James is a soon to be transitioning solider assigned to the 82nd Airborne.

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John Philips LTC, U.S. Army Retired / Boots To Loafers

Author, Speaker, Leader / Vice Chairman VETLANTA

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