renasant bank Archives - Page 20 of 33

LIVE from the 2022 Roswell Rotary Golf and Tennis Tournament: Michele Johnson, Ameris Bank

October 6, 2022 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

LIVE from the 2022 Roswell Rotary Golf and Tennis Tournament: Michele Johnson, Ameris Bank

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LIVE from the 2022 Roswell Rotary Golf and Tennis Tournament: Michele Johnson, Ameris Bank (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 537)

Michele Johnson is a fourteen-year Roswell Rotary volunteer, as well as banker with Ameris Bank, a Round Robin Sponsor at the Hagan Cup Classic Tennis Tournament. Michele and North Fulton Business Radio host John Ray chatted about the work Rotary can do because of the proceeds from the Golf and Tennis Tournament. She shared what being a Rotary volunteer means to her, other events Roswell Rotary has throughout the year, and more.

This show was originally broadcast live from the 2022 Roswell Rotary Golf and Tennis Tournament at Brookfield Country Club in Roswell, Georgia, on September 12th, 2022.

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

Michele Johnson, Vice President and Branch Manager, Ameris Bank

At Ameris Bank, their bankers are empowered at the local level to make decisions, so you don’t have to jump through hurdles or endure endless red tape. This empowerment, combined with their strength, means that they can get things done right.

In person, on the phone, or on a screen, they provide seamless — and personalized — interactions so you can choose how, when and where you interact with Ameris.

From corporate banking to personal finances, they treat every deal and every account like it’s the most important. At Ameris Bank, you’re a priority, not a number.

Michele can be reached by email.

Questions and Topics in the Interview:

About Ameris Bank
About the Hagan Cup Classic Tennis Tournament
Roswell Rotary’s impact on the community
Reasons to join Roswell Rotary

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

Renasant Bank has humble roots, starting in 1904 as a $100,000 bank in a Lee County, Mississippi, bakery. Since then, Renasant has grown to 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.

Special thanks to A&S Culinary Concepts for their support of this edition of North Fulton Business Radio. A&S Culinary Concepts, based in Johns Creek, is an award-winning culinary studio, celebrated for corporate catering, corporate team building, Big Green Egg Boot Camps, and private group events. They also provide oven-ready, cooked-from-scratch meals to go they call “Let Us Cook for You.” To see their menus and events, go to their website or call 678-336-9196.

Amber Muhammad and Deidre White, Netchex

October 4, 2022 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Amber Muhammad and Deidre White, Netchex

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Amber Muhammad and Deidre White, Netchex (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 535)

Amber Muhammad and Deidre White of Netchex joined host John Ray on North Fulton Business Radio to discuss how they help businesses solve their payroll and HR administration needs. Amber and Deidre shared the history of Netchex, what differentiates their company from other payroll providers, the educational opportunities they offer, including Netconnect 2022, and more.

To register for Netconnect 2022, mentioned in this show, follow this link.

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

Amber Muhammad, Regional Sales Manager and Deidre White, Account Executive, Netchex

Amber Muhammad is a Regional Sales Manager in the Southeast and Deidre White is Account Executive in Atlanta with Netchex.

Netconnect 2022 is October 6th, 2022, and includes a jam-packed itinerary of HR best practices, information security, and HR leadership training. Advance your professional education with HR-focused sessions led by a diverse lineup of industry experts.

Earn five SHRM CE credits by attending Netconnect, and win great prizes just for engaging!

Netchex invites you to take a road trip with them—without using your vacation days because Netconnect is 100% virtual and FREE!

Netchex is a cloud-based payroll and HCM (Human Capital Management) system designed to help businesses of all sizes manage the entire employee lifecycle—from recruitment to retirement. Founded in 2003, Netchex payroll software has become one of the industry’s fastest-growing payroll and HR service providers.

Netchex gives users the flexibility to manage the employee lifecycle anytime, anywhere, via any internet-enabled device, including mobile devices. With a dedicated employee self-service portal, Netchex empowers employees to access real-time information, including:

Payroll
Time
Benefits

HR
PTO requests
Pay stubs

Withholdings
Tax documents

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

Who is Netchex?
What does Netchex do?
How long has Netchex been in business?
What is your role at Netchex?
Who is your ideal customer?
How do you help small to mid-size businesses?
Do you specialize in any industries?

LIVE from the 2022 Roswell Rotary Golf and Tennis Tournament: Robert Fezza, Odyssey Personal Financial Advisors

October 4, 2022 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

LIVE from the 2022 Roswell Rotary Golf and Tennis Tournament: Robert Fezza, Odyssey Personal Financial Advisors

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LIVE from the 2022 Roswell Rotary Golf and Tennis Tournament: Robert Fezza, Odyssey Personal Financial Advisors (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 533)

Robert Fezza, CFP, Owner of Odyssey Personal Financial Advisors, sat down with host John Ray to talk about the tremendous charitable work that Roswell Rotary is able to do because of the proceeds from the Golf and Tennis Tournament. Robert discussed his work on Rotary’s charity committee, Odyssey’s sponsorship, the community organizations that Roswell Rotary gives time and money to, the advantages to joining Rotary, and more.

This show was originally broadcast live from the 2022 Roswell Rotary Golf and Tennis Tournament at Brookfield Country Club in Roswell, Georgia, on September 12th, 2022.

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

Odyssey Personal Financial Advisors

Odyssey Personal Financial Advisors works with individuals and families who are seeking customized advice to help them reach their financial goals. An “odyssey” is a long series of wanderings or adventures that includes both challenges and triumphs – they want to be with you through all of them.

Odyssey was founded on the principle of “doing things differently” than what you’ve heard about or experienced with other financial advisors. They are committed to providing personalized, unbiased, ethically-based, and well-researched advice, bringing simplicity to complex financial situations and serenity to our clients.

Their team loves working with people who are serious about their financial futures. If you’re ready to create a personal plan tailored to your long-term goals, they’d love to meet you.

Company website | LinkedIn | Facebook

Robert Fezza, CFP, Owner and Partner, Odyssey Personal Financial Advisors

Robert has been with the firm since 1999. A native New Yorker, Robert and his wife Teri live in Roswell with their two teenage children, Matthew and Megan. Robert is a member of the Financial Planning Association, St. Peter Chanel Knights of Columbus, and the Rotary Club of Roswell. Although he has lived in the Atlanta area for over 20 years, following the New York Jets and Mets is still a favorite pastime.

When not in the office, Robert enjoys golf, working out at Crossfit North Fulton, and watching his kids play sports and dance. He also serves a mentor with Stand Up for Kids Atlanta. He considers it a blessing to have close family members living nearby with his parents having chosen Roswell as their retirement home.

Robert believes one of the best parts of his chosen profession is the trusting personal relationships he develops with his clients by working with them for many years. Robert graduated from Hofstra University in 1992, completed the Oglethorpe University Financial Planning program in 1999 and has served his clients as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional since 2002. He is a Registered Representative with Cetera Financial Specialists LLC and an Investment Adviser Representative with Cetera Investment Advisers LLC.

Questions and Topics in the Interview:

About Odyssey
His membership and sponsorship of the Golf and Tennis Tournament
Organizations that benefit from the proceeds
Reasons to join Roswell Rotary

Sean Taylor, Smith + Howard

October 4, 2022 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Sean Taylor, Smith + Howard

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Sean Taylor, Smith + Howard (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 532)

On this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, Sean Taylor, Managing Partner of Smith + Howard, joined host John Ray to discuss his award-winning firm’s growth and culture. Sean discussed the firm’s recognition as “Best of the Best” by Inside Public Accounting, how the firm’s culture contributes to employee retention and talent acquisition, expansion beyond traditional accounting services, and much more.

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

Smith + Howard

While many advisors say clients are their priority, Smith and Howard lives and breathes a promise of personal, responsive client service.

They hire smart, engaging professionals who find motivation and satisfaction in learning about their clients’ businesses, challenges, and goals. From that vantage point, they are positioned to provide key strategic advice and national-firm services that enable our clients to move their mission forward.

Service is such an important part of the Smith and Howard culture that if they are not serving clients, they’ll often be found serving in other ways. Many of them plant roots deep in their communities and find value and satisfaction in serving others where they live. When the needs expand beyond their neighborhoods, they can also be found on nonprofit boards or joining service projects that broaden their reach and impact.

Company website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter

Sean Taylor, Managing Partner, Smith + Howard

Sean drives the vision, innovation, and growth of the firm, and was named a Most Admired CEO by the Atlanta Business Chronicle in 2020 in recognition of his leadership.

Sean Taylor became managing partner of Smith and Howard in January 2019 after 25 years of leadership progression in the Assurance practice. He joined the firm as an intern and was ultimately named partner in charge of the Assurance practice in 2010, a role he held for nearly a decade.

A recognized and respected leader, Sean presents to many for-profit and nonprofit businesses, lenders, and other professional service providers. He has both served on and moderated numerous workshop and conference panels, as well as presented to local and national audiences on various topics.

Sean is an active participant and advocate at Smith and Howard for our mentoring program, personally mentoring many of our professional and administrative staff through career progression and advancement.

Sean is actively involved as a multi-year member of various committees at Dunwoody United Methodist Church (DUMC), including finance, staff parish relations, leadership roundtable, missions and evangelism. He also had led strategic planning initiatives as well as capital campaigns for the church. Additionally, Sean served seven years on the Council on Finance and Administration at the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church, including time as the vice chair and chair.

Sean is currently a member of the Board of Trustees for Wesleyan School, serving actively on the finance and investment committees, and is also a member of the finance committee for the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta.

In 2012, Sean co-founded FoodStock, an annual food packaging event in Dunwoody, Georgia, where over 1,000 community members pack 300,000 meals in one day for children in school feeding programs around the globe. This is the largest single-day food packaging event of its kind in Georgia and, to date, this event and other food packaging events in the Dunwoody community associated with FoodStock have packaged over 3.6 million meals.

Additionally, Sean serves as a mentor to 13 young men through a group he founded called Fit 4 Life, discussing various aspects of faith and life for these 13 young men.

Sean graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting.

Affiliations: American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants (Leadership Academy Inaugural Member) Wesleyan School (Board of Trustees) Dunwoody United Methodist Church Awards Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants’ Public Service Award (2020) Atlanta Business Chronicle Most Admired CEOs (2020).

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

Inside Public Accounting “Best of the Best”
New Areas in which the firm is growing
#1 issue CPA profession is facing
Let’s talk about where you are innovating
What are you most excited about at Smith + Howard
How do you live your values
What is the culture like at Smith + Howard
Where do you see the firm 5 years from now

Jeff Fischer, Houck’s Grille and Independent Business Consultant

September 30, 2022 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Jeff Fischer, Houck's Grille and Independent Business Consultant

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Jeff Fischer, Houck’s Grille and Independent Business Consultant (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 531)

After a successful career at UPS, Jeff Fischer settled into full-time business ownership and consulting with small businesses and non-profits. Jeff joined host John Ray on this edition of North Fulton Business Radio to discuss his career path and what he learned from his time at UPS, how he helps the organizations he consults with, the great food and drink at Houck’s Grille, their private dining and event space, and much more.

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

Houck’s Grille

Located in the heart of Roswell, Houck’s offers classic American dining, a large event facility & weekly live entertainment.

This favorite American restaurant was open back in the day, and its owners decided to re-imagine the menu and space and bring it back to Atlanta. Whether you are looking to stop by for brunch, dinner, or lunch, their menu has a wide array of delicious choices to fulfill your appetite.

Houck’s is also a bar and grill, and they serve a number of local tap beers! They pride themselves on the huge event space attached to the facility.

Live music and entertainment is always in abundance on the weekends, and private events can be booked for birthday parties, wedding rehearsals, and more! Just give them a call today at (770) 993-8000 to ask about any of these options!

They also have a private dining space, inclusive of: – A private entrance for you and your guests – Private Men’s/ Women’s Restrooms – Per-person pricing – Personal event coordination services – A dedicated bartender for your very own bar – Drink packages for every budget – Customized menus

Contact the Events Director, Shelby Walsh for more information by email at shelby.walsh@houcksgrille.com or by phone at 404.368.0223

Company website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest

Jeff Fischer, Owner, Houck’s Grille and Independent Business Consultant

Jeff Fischer has over 35 years of experience within the global supply chain industry; of which the final 25 were with UPS. During his UPS career, Jeff worked on developing integrated logistics solutions for the world’s largest Fortune 100 companies. He was a key member of a UPS team that won a $1 Billion service parts logistics contract with IBM followed by a $750 Million similar logistics deal with Compaq; the 2 largest revenue opportunities for UPS at the time. This was followed by converting 4,000+ Mail Boxes Etc. (MBE) to The UPS Store retail network, and later in his career directing the operations of a customer contact center in Richmond, VA.

Prior to joining UPS, Jeff worked for Fuji Photo Film USA and Lever Brothers in New York. Jeff has written and published over 100 articles for a variety of logistics and business magazines. He was an adjunct professor in New York and Georgia colleges teaching logistics, international management, thesis research and writing, and organizational management.

He holds both a Bachelor of Science in Transportation and Distribution Management and a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Syracuse University; and earned a Master of Business Administration in Management from Long Island University. Jeff is a native of the New York City area and moved to Atlanta with UPS in 1994.

He has been married to his wife Nancy 37 years with 2 adult children Matthew and Christine. Jeff has been the co-owner of Roswell’s Houck’s Grille since opening in 2015 and the primary face and voice of Houck’s since the pandemic in the spring of 2020. Since retiring from UPS, in April 2018, Jeff has also been supporting many local non-profits by leveraging his acquired business acumen and corporate experience through Houck’s Grille as well as his consulting practice, The Whole Business LLC.

Whether sponsoring a cause, hanging a poster, having a community giveback day, etc., leveraging the space and Houck’s brand is an opportunity, even during the pandemic, to give back to the community. In some cases, the combination of being a former executive of three Fortune 100 companies and owner of a small family restaurant has afforded Jeff the opportunity to serve as an advisory board, board, or executive board member.

As an independent consultant, in addition to non-profits, Jeff helps small and medium sizes companies increase revenue, improve profitability, improve customer experience, and/or reduce operational expense by taking a holistic 360-degree of all processes within the order-to-cash cycle or simply put, within the four walls of a business, to see what’s working and what’s not.

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

Briefly discuss your global supply chain/logistics career pre-UPS and UPS, and the transition to owning a small business
Why start a restaurant?
How have your past corporate background and present restaurant ownership redefined you or help you now in this part of your life?
What are some of the business skills or experiences you’ve had helped specifically with non-profits?
How do you typically engage with a non-profit? What are they typically asking of you or Houck’s?
How have your family and friends, whether growing up or now, influenced and guided you?
So, what’s next for you?

John Webster, DC, Roswell Health and Injury Center

September 30, 2022 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

John Webster, DC, Roswell Health and Injury Center

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John Webster, DC, Roswell Health and Injury Center (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 530)

Dr. John Webster, Owner of Roswell Health and Injury Center, shared with host John Ray the fascinating story of how he came to be a chiropractor, which has been his profession for thirty-eight years. Dr. Webster discussed the causes of problems in the spine besides injury, the history of chiropractic, the conditions he treats, the importance of drinking water, and more.

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

Roswell Health and Injury Center

Roswell Health and Injury Center is a healing center for both the injured and those who simply want to be healthy. They have the latest technology to properly diagnose and treat your condition. The doctor and staff are especially caring and pay close attention to detail. Care plans are individually designed to get the best results as quickly as possible. Any case that is beyond our expertise is referred to the appropriate medical specialist.

Company website | LinkedIn | Facebook

John Webster, DC, Owner, Roswell Health and Injury Center

Dr. John Webster discovered the benefits of chiropractic care as a young man. He was struck with a life-changing health condition for which traditional medicine had no answer. As a last resort, he tried chiropractic and was very surprised and pleased at the amazing results. This led him to become a chiropractor himself.

He has helped thousands over the last 38 years and still enjoys helping people every day.

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

History of chiropractic. How it started and how it has evolved over the years
Is chiropractic accepted as mainstream? Does the medical profession “approve” of the chiropractic profession?
Dr. Webster’s path to chiropractic
Is it safe for children and how so?
Discuss the most common conditions and solutions that you see in your practice
Discuss Personal Injury and why a person should be examined by a chiropractor even if they don’t feel that they are hurt.

Renasant Roots Entrepreneurial Success Series 2022 with Antonio Henson, Renasant Bank, Trenton Carson, TC Productions, and Gladys Agwai, Ignite Within

September 28, 2022 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Renasant Roots Entrepreneurial Success Series 2022 with Antonio Henson, Renasant Bank, Trenton Carson, TC Productions, and Gladys Agwai, Ignite Within

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Renasant Roots Entrepreneurial Success Series 2022 with Antonio Henson, Renasant Bank, Trenton Carson, TC Productions, and Gladys Agwai, Ignite Within (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 529)

The Renasant Roots Entrepreneurial Success Series is a capacity-building program designed to assist small business owners with business development, marketing, networking, and many other benefits. On this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray was joined by Antonio Henson, Renasant Bank, and Renasant Roots alumni Trenton Carson and Gladys Agwai. Antonio discussed last year’s program, topics and speakers for this year’s series, grants available to participants, and more. Trenton and Gladys discussed their respective businesses, why they signed up for last year’s Renasant Roots series even though they are veteran business owners, what they learned, why they encourage fellow entrepreneurs to participate, and much more.

To apply for this year’s Renasant Roots program, follow this link. You can also email RenasantRootsCapacityBuilding@renasant.com for more information.

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

Renasant Roots Entrepreneurial Success Series

Renasant Bank is proud to introduce the Renasant Roots Entrepreneurial Success Series to the Atlanta market. The capacity-building workshop is a four-week program customized to help small business owners sharpen their business development skills and fill gaps in their knowledge and experience to make their enterprises stronger. Renasant Roots was created in partnership with the Birmingham Business Resource Center four years ago.

With the program having great success in the Birmingham market, Renasant’s Birmingham team and the BBRC are sharing the Renasant Roots template with the Atlanta Renasant team to share with small business owners in Atlanta. “We are excited to bring the Renasant Roots program to the Atlanta market. After watching the success and growth of the program in Birmingham, we decided that it would be a great opportunity to share these business resources with the Atlanta community as well,” said Zennie Lynch, Atlanta Market President. “In addition to the skills development and powerful information these participants will receive, they will also be provided with a small business development grant of $2,500 when they complete the program.”

The workshop will focus on business development and planning, marketing and branding, accounting principles and tax preparation, funding options, and resource development. Speakers for the sessions will be provided by Invest Atlanta, Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs, LiftFund, and Atlanta Black Chambers.

There is no cost to participate in the program other than committing 10 hours over five weeks. 10 participants will be selected through an application process.

Company website | LinkedIn | Facebook

Antonio Henson, MBA, First Vice President – Community Lending Relationship Director, Renasant Bank

Antonio Henson has over twenty years of experience in business and banking. He has facilitated training sessions for staff aimed at enhancing product & credit knowledge and regulatory procedures.

Antonio has structured project financing designed to spur neighborhood revitalization efforts in the low-income communities throughout the State of New Jersey and Metro Atlanta. This action involved community outreach and working with elected officials, government agencies, quasi-public agencies and the private sector to promote revitalization and commercial development.

He has provided expertise and assistance to various community-based organizations, to assist them with meeting the financial needs of their respective organizations.

Trenton Carson, President, TC Productions

TC Productions Video Production Company is a full-service video production company that partners with marketing executives and business owners. They develop and execute highly customized video marketing campaigns focused on driving leads, awareness, brand loyalty and retention. Their focus is in Branding, Marketing and Testimonial video production.

The two areas their company specialize in are; They produce videos specifically for your intended audience – Video Production and they get those videos in front of your intended audience – Video Marketing.

They have helped their clients:

*Build brand awareness and establish an influencing presence online
*Effectively use video as a tool in their marketing strategy
*Create evergreen content that enhances their marketing message
*Become comfortable with the growing demand the market has for videos

What they learned:
Stories are in everything you do. Your brand and the story it tells impacts people, what they believe, how they feel, and the decisions they make. The combination of visuals and sound evokes emotions more effectively than text alone. If you want to draw your viewers in, connect with them emotionally, and move them to take the next step, working with TC Productions to produce your next video will make you the company hero.

Company website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

Gladys Agwai, Founder, Ignite Within

Ignite Within is a 100% woman and minority-owned business with 30 years of international (US, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya) executive organizational leadership experiences in the areas of organizational development, sales/marketing strategies, execution, operations, and infrastructure development and design. They provide services that help clients establish an authentic connection with their target audiences while exceeding their personal and professional goals. By making an impact on the current issues that my clients face, and anticipating ones they may face in the future, I empower individuals and businesses to lead globally with confidence. This brings focus, effective decision making, wise choices, and accelerated growth as defined by the client to have BETTER organizations, businesses, teams, careers, and overall lives.

They take clients through a 5 “C” step methodology-CLARITY of purpose/objective, CREATION of an on-purpose strategic plan, CONNECTING with purpose, COMMUNICATING their message/brand, and CAPITALIZING on opportunity. Ignite Within’s differentiator is its global corporate and business exposure and experience ensuring tailored content.

Gladys Agwai spent 30 years as a corporate executive leader in the US, Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya. Her leadership experiences spanned across multiple functional areas, such as Sales, Marketing, Financial, and Operations, key industries in Public Sector, Banking, Telecommunications, and Small Medium Enterprises, and cultures. She received multiple top leadership and sales awards throughout her career. On an Executive Loan program, she spent seven years working with the Committee for the Olympic Games with game-changing thought leadership on its resource strategy that was implemented for future Olympic games.

In 2014, she decided to leverage these experiences and made a transformational transition into entrepreneurship as Founder & CEO of Ignite Within. Gladys works with professionals and leaders of organizations to take scared action to accelerate and sustain their personal, professional, and organizational growth. She brings a global perspective to ensure clarity of purpose and objectives with an effective and sustainable plan to execute with confidence and success.

She is the author of a) Dumped! NOT Dumped On! How to stop reliving the negative impact of rejection in your life, business, and career, b) IMPOSTER: Five Strategies to Your Authentic Self and c) co-author of Life Boosts: Strategies, Tactics, and Ideas to boost your wealth, health, and more! Gladys is an authentic, engaging, inspiring, and results-driven international author, speaker, coach, teacher, and strategist. She provides inspirational enrichment programs related to self and business discovery, leadership, organizational, business, and transition strategies and values. Her speaking engagements have included: US: United Nations CSW65, VEEAM Software, University of Chicago Health, Georgia State University, West Virginia State University, SCORE, Small Business Administration, Small Business Master Mind Forum, Women and Dekalb Chambers of Commerce, Junior League, Georgia Minority Supplier Diversity Council (GMSDC), Project Management Institute, Atlanta Business League. NIGERIA: General Electric, Women in Business, Continental Reinsurance, HIVE Global, International Summit of Leaders, The American Women’s Club. FRANCE: Africa CEO Forum – Women in Business GHANA: HR Network Africa

Gladys holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration and a Master of Science in Leadership. She has had a positive impact on others through the mentoring and coaching of individuals and small businesses’ growth and development internationally. She worked with over 100 small and medium minority businesses within the Georgia Minority Supplier Diversity Council (GMSDC) to develop them on their business approach and how to grow their business with large corporations while mentoring female small business owners in Nigeria. Being a role model, she has always had a passion for working with teenage girls and became a foster parent of two girls. She mentors and coaches young women in high school and college through her Girls Ignited program and one-on-one providing skills to help them successfully navigate through life, careers, and business.

Her favorite role is being the grandmother of three wonderful children – Prince 9, Ana 7, and Rose 2. She enjoys inspirational reading and beach vacations.

Company website | Facebook | LinkedIn

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

Antonio Henson’s role at Renasant
Renasant Roots and its success
Trenton Carson and TC Productions
Gladys Agwai from Ignite Within
The skills and strategies that they learned through Renasant Roots

Tonya Hicks and Nicole Jones, Women Do Everything

September 27, 2022 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Tonya Hicks and Nicole Jones, Women Do Everything

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Tonya Hicks and Nicole Jones, Women Do Everything (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 527)

Tonya Hicks and Nicole Jones, Women Do Everything, LLC, joined host John Ray to share the tremendous work their organization does empowering and encouraging women to pursue male-dominated occupations. Tonya and Nicole discussed the Women Do Everything Summit and Career Expo to be held on October 1, 2022. They also explained the challenges facing women in the workforce, who the Summit is designed for, the tracks and speakers, their vision for women in the workforce, and much more.

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

Women Do Everything, LLC

Women Do Everything, LLC was founded by Tonya Hicks in 2015 as a social enterprise on a mission to change the future of work for women by providing the tools necessary to gain access to high-paying careers and contracts in male-dominated industries.

Her passion was inspired, in part, by her own career journey. Hicks was the first Black woman to be certified as a journeyman electrician in her home state of Mississippi. She is also the CEO of her electrical engineering firm Power Solutions, which she founded 22 years ago at the age of 28. (In the United States, only 2.4% of electricians are women, and just 9.5% of electrical contracting businesses are owned by women.)

“Women have always stepped up selflessly, leaving their jobs behind and limiting their own earning potential,” said Hicks. “Women need equitable career and job opportunities that pay a livable wage, benefits that support women’s health, and access to affordable housing. The life of the working woman has changed drastically and it’s time the working world responds.”

Tonya Hicks will bring this message to the masses when her Women Do Everything (WDE) Summit and Career Expo kicks off in Atlanta on Saturday, October 1, 2022. The event will feature some of today’s most accomplished women entrepreneurs, executives and community leaders who will gather to offer insight, advice and even jobs to the hundreds who will be in attendance. The festivities will then continue with a free career expo starting at 9:00 AM at Georgia State University’s Center Parc Stadium.

Company Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Tonya L. Hicks, President and CEO, Power Solutions, Inc. and Women Do Everything, LLC

Tonya L. Hicks is the President and CEO of Power Solutions, Inc. and the Managing Principal of Women Do Everything, LLC. Ms. Hicks is a serial entrepreneur and journeyman wireman electrician in the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). She became the first woman – not to mention first African American woman – to become a journeyman wireman in Local 917 of IBEW in her hometown of Meridian, Mississippi. Ms. Hicks specializes in robotics, building automation, and high voltage equipment installation and repair.

In 2000, at the age of 28, Ms. Hicks founded Power Solutions, Inc.; an electrical contracting and facility maintenance company specializing in renewable energy, sustainability, and smart city technology. In 2015, Ms. Hicks launched Women Do Everything LLC; a workforce development and technology company helping women to thrive in male-dominated industries through employment or entrepreneurship.

Tonya Hicks serves on the board of C5 Georgia Leadership Foundation, Georgia Women’s Chamber of Commerce, and Board Chair for Partners in Action for Healthy Living (PAHL). In November 2019, Ms. Hicks was featured in Forbes Japan for expanding her business in Singapore and the New York Times for her progress as a tradeswoman and business owner in the construction industry. Ms. Hicks is a Leadership Atlanta Class of 2022 alumni and a Sustainability Ambassador for the City of Atlanta.

Tonya is a graduate of the inaugural classes of the City of Atlanta Women’s Entrepreneurship Initiative (WEI), Women Export University by UPS, The Bridge Accelerator by Microsoft, and the African Diaspora Network (ABLE) Program. Ms. Hicks has received several honors and awards but most importantly she’s proud to be called “Mom” by her sons: Rashadim (28) and Vincent (16).

Ms. Hicks enjoys golf, cooking, gardening, and volunteering on community projects.

Company Website | LinkedIn

Nicole Jones, Co-Founder, Women Do Everything, LLC and Founder/CEO ‘The Perfect Fit’ Global HR Solutions

Nicole is a co-founder of Women Do Everything, LLC and works on community efforts for the organization. She has a twenty-year career in Human Resources.

In addition to helping coordinate the Women Do Everything Summit, Nicole is a speaker in the Work Track of the Summit happening on October 1st, 2022 at Center Park Stadium. The inaugural summit includes panel discussions, one-on-one networking and a career expo curated for women trying to find profitable new opportunities in a post-pandemic economy.

Questions and Topics in the Interview:

Description of the Conference
Why did you want to create this event?
What makes it different from other similar conferences?
What results to you want your attendees to take from the conference?
What drew you to work in a male-dominated profession?

LIVE from the GNFCC Grand Opening Celebration: Lisa Amundsen, Le Macaron French Pastries Alpharetta

September 26, 2022 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

LIVE from the GNFCC Grand Opening Celebration: Lisa Amundsen, Le Macaron French Pastries Alpharetta

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LIVE from the GNFCC Grand Opening Celebration: Lisa Amundsen, Le Macaron French Pastries Alpharetta (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 525)

Lisa Amundsen is the owner of Le Macaron French Pastries Alpharetta, with locations at North Point Mall and at Avalon. She joined host John Ray at the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce Grand Opening Celebration to talk about the delicious handmade macarons and other French pastries she and her team offer. Lisa also discussed the rewards of being involved in GNFCC, the Chamber’s Women INfluencing Business committee and events, and more.

This show was originally broadcast live from the Grand Opening celebration and ribbon cutting of the new offices of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce at the 10000 Building at Avalon in Alpharetta, Georgia, on August 18, 2022.

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

Lisa Amundsen, Owner, Le Macaron French Pastries Alpharetta

Today’s consumers are eager to engage with their food in new, creative ways. They want flavor and texture, quality, and presentation; they are more health conscience. Each of Le Macaron’s signature pastries is handcrafted.

Their true French macaron is made with the finest gluten-free ingredients, no preservatives, and is about 80 calories each. Beyond the signature macarons, their menu includes gourmet chocolates, French gelato, classic French pastries, European-style beverages, and homemade candies. You will want to come back often to experience their limited-time seasonal macaron flavors and fresh seasonal offerings.

Le Macaron French Pastries Alpharetta has two locations: one at North Point Mall and one at Avalon.

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | Lisa Amundsen LinkedIn