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Parita Kuttappan, Professional Coach, on Energy Management

August 25, 2025 by John Ray

Parita Kuttappan, Professional Coach, LIVE from the 2025 GNFCC BOLD Women’s Leadership Summit, on North Fulton Business Radio with host John Ray
North Fulton Business Radio
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Parita Kuttappan, Professional Coach, LIVE from the 2025 GNFCC BOLD Women’s Leadership Summit, on North Fulton Business Radio with host John Ray

Parita Kuttappan, Professional Coach, LIVE from the 2025 GNFCC BOLD Women’s Leadership Summit (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 893)

Parita Kuttappan, a certified professional coach, joined host John Ray live from the 2025 GNFCC BOLD Women’s Leadership Summit to share insights from her keynote on energy and how we manage it.

Parita explained how energy functions like a bank account, where daily choices and long-term habits determine whether we thrive or become depleted. She introduced a framework of six areas of influence, including physical, social, and emotional, that affect energy levels and encouraged participants to journal or track patterns to recognize where their energy is being drained.

She also emphasized the importance of proactive self-care, from small restorative practices to cultivating supportive relationships, so we do not end up “in the red” energetically. Her encouragement to allow ourselves grace and to stop wearing the “superwoman cape” reminded the audience that strength is built through awareness, balance, and self-compassion.

This interview was originally broadcast live from the 2025 GNFCC BOLD Women’s Leadership Summit held on August 12, 2025, at The Commons at Phase in Alpharetta, Georgia. John Ray Co. and North Fulton Business Radio were the Media Sponsors for this year’s Summit.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Event Overview
00:57 Meet the Keynote Speaker: Parita Kuttappan
01:58 Understanding Energy Management
03:54 Six Areas of Influence on Energy
04:52 The Importance of Journaling
06:30 Balancing Energy in Daily Life
08:48 Encouragement and Final Thoughts

Parita Kuttappan

Parita Kuttappan is a certified and professional mindset and confidence coach for executive and professional women and working parents.

She has 16 years of experience in strategic human resources in both the professional services and defense industries. Parita earned her Certified Professional Coach (CPC) certification through iPEC (Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching) coaching, an ICF-Accredited Coaching Training Program.

Parita truly believes her coachees are the experts in their lives, while she is the expert in the coaching process. She uses powerful questions and tools to help her clients overcome unhelpful blocks, manage their energy, and understand how to create thoughts and feelings that lead to fulfillment and joy. Regardless of who she is working with, Parita’s core mission is to empower working women and parents everywhere to unlock their inner goal-getters, bring awareness to what is most important to them, and live more joyful and confident lives.

Connect with Parita on LinkedIn

Parita Kuttappan

2025 GNFCC BOLD Women’s Leadership Summit

The 2025 GNFCC BOLD Women’s Leadership Summit was held on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at The Commons at Phase in Alpharetta, Georgia.

The mission of BOLD—Businesswomen Organizing for Leadership and Development—is to connect businesswomen to build outstanding networks and spheres of influence, to collaborate with each other and with partner organizations to develop their businesses, and to celebrate and recognize the women of North Fulton.

Website

Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce (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.

Connect with GNFCC:  Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

With over 890 episodes and having featured over 1,300 guests, North Fulton Business Radio is the longest-running podcast in the North Fulton area, covering business in our community like no one else. We are the undisputed “Voice of Business” in North Fulton!

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

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

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

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

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.

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, 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 Bank supports 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 $17 billion in assets and more than 180 banking, lending, wealth management, and financial services offices throughout the region. All of Renasant’s success stems from each banker’s commitment to investing in their communities as a way to better understand the people they serve. At Renasant Bank, they understand you because they work and live alongside you every day.

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

Beyond Computer Solutions supports North Fulton Business Radio

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

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

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube

Tagged With: 2025 GNFCC BOLD Women in Leadership Summit, Beyond Computer Solutions, burnout prevention, emotional intelligence, energy management, executive coach, executive coaching, GNFCC, Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, John Ray, North Fulton Business Radio, Parita Kuttappan, professional coach, renasant bank, self-awareness, Stress Management, Women in Business, Women in Leadership, women’s leadership, working parents

Mercedez Jackson, Fulton County Schools, on Resilience

August 25, 2025 by John Ray

Mercedez Jackson, Fulton County Schools, LIVE from the 2025 GNFCC BOLD Women’s Leadership Summit, on North Fulton Business Radio with host John Ray
North Fulton Business Radio
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Mercedez Jackson, Fulton County Schools, LIVE from the 2025 GNFCC BOLD Women’s Leadership Summit, on North Fulton Business Radio with host John Ray

Mercedez Jackson, Fulton County Schools, LIVE from the 2025 GNFCC BOLD Women’s Leadership Summit (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 892)

Mercedez Jackson from the Fulton County Schools Social Services Department joined host John Ray live from the 2025 GNFCC BOLD Women’s Leadership Summit to share her insights from her keynote address at the event on building resilience in the face of fear and stress.

Mercedez discussed the importance of self-awareness, naming and normalizing our fears, and recognizing how stress manifests differently for each person. She explained the continuum of mental health, ranging from excelling to crisis, and emphasized how awareness and intentional strategies, such as asking for help, delegating, or pausing before responding, can help individuals move toward thriving.

Her encouragement to “sit in the uncomfortable space” and remember that feelings pass provided the audience with both practical tools and hope. Mercedez also underscored the power of empathy and honest communication in relationships at home and at work.

Mercedez reminds us that resilience is not about avoiding hardship but choosing to move forward with courage, self-reflection, and the right support.

This interview was originally broadcast live from the 2025 GNFCC BOLD Women’s Leadership Summit held on August 12, 2025, at The Commons at Phase in Alpharetta, Georgia. John Ray Co. and North Fulton Business Radio were the Media Sponsors for this year’s Summit.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Welcome to the 2025 GNFCC BOLD Women in Leadership Summit
00:56 Introducing Mercedez Jackson, Fulton County Schools
01:16 Understanding Resilience and Fear
03:37 Self-Awareness and Stress Management
06:19 The Mental Health Continuum
08:24 Encouragement and Intentional Living
10:40 Contact Information and Closing Remarks

Mercedez Jackson, Fulton County Schools

Mercedez Jackson is Coordinator of School Social Work Services at Fulton County Schools.

Fulton County Schools (FCS) is the fourth largest school system in Georgia, serving a diverse and geographically expansive area outside the City of Atlanta. It operates 102 schools, including elementary, middle, and high schools; startup charter schools; and a virtual school, with a projected enrollment of about 86,000 students for the 2025-26 school year. Founded in 1871, the system employs over 10,900 staff, including 6,200 certified personnel, and is known for its commitment to student achievement, continuous improvement, and community engagement. The district uniquely spans both the northern and southern parts of Fulton County, separated physically by the City of Atlanta’s own school system, and focuses on providing a well-rounded education while fostering a safe and efficient learning environment.

Connect with Mercedez on LinkedIn

Mercedez Jackson

2025 GNFCC BOLD Women’s Leadership Summit

The 2025 GNFCC BOLD Women’s Leadership Summit was held on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at The Commons at Phase in Alpharetta, Georgia.

The mission of BOLD—Businesswomen Organizing for Leadership and Development—is to connect businesswomen to build outstanding networks and spheres of influence, to collaborate with each other and with partner organizations to develop their businesses, and to celebrate and recognize the women of North Fulton.

Website

Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce (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.

Connect with GNFCC:  Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

With over 890 episodes and having featured over 1,300 guests, North Fulton Business Radio is the longest-running podcast in the North Fulton area, covering business in our community like no one else. We are the undisputed “Voice of Business” in North Fulton!

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

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

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

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

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.

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, 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 Bank supports 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 $17 billion in assets and more than 180 banking, lending, wealth management, and financial services offices throughout the region. All of Renasant’s success stems from each banker’s commitment to investing in their communities as a way to better understand the people they serve. At Renasant Bank, they understand you because they work and live alongside you every day.

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

Beyond Computer Solutions supports North Fulton Business Radio

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

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

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube

Tagged With: 2025 GNFCC BOLD Women in Leadership Summit, Beyond Computer Solutions, emotional intelligence, Fulton County School System, Fulton County Schools, GNFCC, Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, John Ray, Leadership, mental health, Mercedez Jackson, North Fulton Business Radio, renasant bank, resilience, self-awareness, social services, Stress Management, Women in Business, Women in Leadership

How Banks Shape Workforce Housing in North Fulton

August 22, 2025 by John Ray

How Banks Shape Workforce Housing in North Fulton, on the North Fulton Voices podcast
North Fulton Studio
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How Banks Shape Workforce Housing in North Fulton, on the North Fulton Voices podcast

How Banks Shape Workforce Housing in North Fulton (North Fulton Voices, Episode 13)

Affordable housing is often discussed in terms of zoning, development, or politics, but the financial system behind it is just as critical. In this episode of North Fulton Voices, hosts Jack Murphy and Kathy Swahn examine workforce housing through the banking lens with Antonio Henson of Renasant Bank and Scott Doll of American Commerce Bank.

Antonio and Scott explain how the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) shapes what banks can and cannot do, and why CRA responsibilities go beyond loans to include financial literacy, board service, and community investment. The conversation also explores specific tools, from down payment assistance and Federal Home Loan Bank grants to manufactured housing and consortium lending, that can make projects financially viable.

Along the way, the guests unpack the toughest barriers, including land costs and loan risk, and highlight why creativity and collaboration among banks, developers, and municipalities are essential. For listeners in North Fulton and beyond, the episode offers a candid view of how financial institutions weigh risk, balance shareholder obligations with community needs, and use regulatory frameworks to help expand housing access for essential workers.

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

Key Takeaways from this Episode

  • Housing Costs Outpace Income: Median home prices in North Fulton far exceed what many essential workers can afford
  • Banks as Enablers: While banks don’t build houses, they finance developers, provide loan products, and support community services through CRA obligations
  • CRA Requirements: Banks must demonstrate community impact through lending, investment, and service — from financial literacy programs to nonprofit board work
  • Creative Financing Tools: Down payment assistance, manufactured housing, and partnerships with community development financial institutions (CDFIs) can reduce barriers
  • Land as the Biggest Barrier: High land costs remain the toughest challenge, but land trusts and consortium lending models offer potential solutions
  • Moving Forward: Collaboration among banks, municipalities, and developers is essential to create realistic workforce housing opportunities

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction to North Fulton Voices
00:23 Introducing the Hosts and Guests
00:54 Discussing the Housing Crisis
03:24 Banking Industry’s Role in Housing
04:03 Guest Introductions and Backgrounds
12:24 Community Reinvestment Act Overview
16:02 Banking Products and Programs
18:55 Challenges and Opportunities in Workforce Housing
20:26 Forum and Future Steps
20:59 Bankers’ Involvement in Affordable Housing
24:03 Consortiums and Partnerships in Development
25:30 Financing and Zoning for Housing Projects
32:26 Challenges and Solutions for Affordable Housing
35:51 Community and Policy for Housing Development
39:35 Contact Information and Closing Remarks

Antonio Henson, Renansat Bank

Antonio Henson, Renasant Bank, on the North Fulton Voices podcast
Antonio Henson, 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.

LinkedIn

Scott Doll, American Commerce Bank

Scott Doll, American Commerce Bank, on the North Fulton Voices podcast
Scott Doll, American Commerce Bank

Scott Doll is the SVP of Retail Market Strategies and Community Development and also serves as the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) Officer at American Commerce Bank, N.A. In these roles, he leads initiatives to strengthen the bank’s retail presence and deepen its community relationships, with a strategic focus on building partnerships that support sustainable local growth and ensuring compliance with CRA requirements. Scott’s career has included executive roles in both banking and nonprofit sectors, such as CEO of The Global Impact Group, Executive Director at the YMCA of Metro Atlanta, and Vice President at Crescent Bank and Trust Company, as well as the Bank of Ellijay. His expertise spans business development, financial management, team leadership, and advancing market strategies that align with the bank’s mission to serve its communities.

In addition to his leadership in retail strategy and CRA oversight, Scott is recognized for his dedication to philanthropic and civic causes, actively supporting local charities and participating in programs like Lionheart WORKS and Your Family’s Table through the bank’s Community of One Fund. He is passionate about financial literacy education and economic opportunity and regularly engages in volunteer projects that benefit families and youth. 

LinkedIn

North Fulton Improvement Network

The North Fulton Improvement Network (NFIN) is a think tank made up of community leaders from various sectors, focused on missing middle housing and the livability challenges confronting North Fulton. Its members come from the six cities constituting 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, NFIN centers their work on five areas of impact, seeks to educate the public about these issues, builds a network of individuals and organizations with innovative private and public solutions, and connects resources to those in need.

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

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | X (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 is currently the national SVDP chair of Systemic Change and Advocacy.

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

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. North Fulton Voices, presented by the North Fulton Improvement Network, 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 series 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 North Fulton Business Radio, LLC

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

John Ray
John Ray

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

John also operates his own business advisory practice, Ray Business Advisors. John’s services include advising 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.

Tagged With: Affordable housing, American Commerce Bank, Antonio Henson, Atlanta housing crisis, banking and housing, Community Development, Community Reinvestment Act, consortium lending, CRA, down payment assistance, Financial Literacy, housing affordability, housing finance, Jack Murphy, John Ray, Kathy Swahn, land trusts, manufactured housing, North Fulton, North Fulton housing crisis, North Fulton Voices, renasant bank, Scott Doll, workforce housing

How Mentorship Transforms: Five Men by Dave Schmit

July 15, 2025 by John Ray

How Mentorship Transforms: Five Men by Dave Schmit, on North Fulton Business Radio with host John Ray
North Fulton Business Radio
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How Mentorship Transforms: Five Men by Dave Schmit (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 884)

What happens when you reflect on the people who shaped your character, not just your career?

Dave Schmit, principal of Schmit + Associates and author of Five Men: The Transformative Power of Mentorship, joins host John Ray for a moving conversation about the mentors who changed his life. From his father and a high school baseball coach to a faith leader who walked with him through unimaginable grief, Dave shares how each man left a lasting imprint. Their influence continues to guide his work, his family, and his approach to leadership.

This episode is not about business tips. It is about legacy. It is about the quiet power of showing up for someone else. Dave’s book is an invitation to reflect on the mentors in your own life and the person you could become for someone who needs you.

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

Key Takeaways from this Episode

  • Mentorship is built over time: Dave’s mentors spanned decades and shaped every part of his life—vocational, personal, and spiritual.
  • Mentors speak hard truths: The most meaningful guidance often comes in the form of tough love, delivered with care.
  • Mentorship vs. coaching: Unlike coaching, true mentorship is grounded in long-term relationships and mutual respect.
  • Anyone can be a mentor: teachers, bosses, priests, parents; many roles can become mentoring relationships when trust and consistency are present.
  • Mentorship can heal division: Dave and his book’s preface writer, Egbert Perry, highlight how mentorship fosters understanding in a divided world.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
01:51 Guest Introduction: Dave Schmit
02:23 Dave Schmit’s Background and Career
03:29 The Inspiration Behind Five Men
06:53 Mentorship Stories and Lessons
09:18 The Importance of Long-Term Mentorship
12:09 Personal Stories: Lessons from Dad
17:12 Truth Tellers: The Role of Mentors
17:50 A Career in Development
18:35 Meeting Fred Fisher
19:39 Building Connections
22:08 A Personal Story of Loss and Faith
24:26 The Importance of Mentorship
26:52 Encouraging Young People to Seek Mentors
28:56 How to Be a Better Mentor
30:29 Final Thoughts and Book Information
34:17 Closing Remarks and Announcements

Dave Schmit

Dave Schmit, Author of Five Men: The Transformative Power of Mentorships
Dave Schmit, Author of Five Men: The Transformative Power of Mentorships

Dave Schmit is a seasoned real estate developer, entrepreneur, and mentor dedicated to building communities and future leaders.

As the founder of Schmit + Associates, he has helped shape walkable, experience-driven developments across Georgia.

Outside of business, Dave is passionate about mentorship, leadership, and faith, drawing from his experiences as an athlete, coach, and community leader.

Five Men is his debut book, sharing the invaluable lessons he learned from the mentors who shaped his life. His mission is to inspire others to recognize, appreciate, and become mentors in their communities.

LinkedIn | Amazon

Renasant Bank supports 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 $17 billion in assets and more than 180 banking, lending, wealth management, and financial services offices throughout the region. All of Renasant’s success stems from each banker’s commitment to investing in their communities as a way to better understand the people they serve. At Renasant Bank, they understand you because they work and live alongside you every day.

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

Beyond Computer Solutions supports North Fulton Business Radio

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

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

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

With over 880 episodes and having featured over 1,300 guests, North Fulton Business Radio is the longest-running podcast in the North Fulton area, covering business in our community like no one else. We are the undisputed “Voice of Business” in North Fulton!

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

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

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

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

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.

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, 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: Author, Beyond Computer Solutions, Coaching, community leader, Dave Schmit, Egbert Perry, Five Men, John Ray, mentoring, Mentors, mentorship, North Fulton Business Radio, renasant bank, Schmit+Associates

The Transformational Work of the STAR House Foundation

July 10, 2025 by John Ray

The Transformational Work of the STAR House Foundation, on North Fulton Business Radio with host John Ray
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The Transformational Work of the STAR House Foundation (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 883)

In Roswell, Georgia, hundreds of children face steep challenges outside the classroom. Those challenges don’t stop when the school day ends. That’s where the STAR House Foundation comes in.

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray speaks with Windy Nicholson, Maureen Curtis, and Alejandra Torchia of the STAR House Foundation, a nonprofit that provides free, on-site afterschool programs for underserved children at Title I elementary schools. These programs offer more than academic help. They provide character development, emotional support, healthy snacks, and consistent encouragement from trusted adults.

A $1,000 donation funds a full year of support for one child. Many former students are now returning as volunteers, educators, and even board members. Their “32 STARS for 32 Years” campaign aims to raise $32,000 to expand the mission and reach even more children.

If you believe every child deserves a strong start and a real chance to thrive, this conversation will show you what that looks like in action.

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

Key Takeaways from this Episode

  • Early intervention matters: Reading proficiency by third grade is a strong predictor of long-term academic success. STAR House helps students build that foundation.
  • On-campus access: STAR House operates after school in Title I schools at no cost to families, with a six-to-one student-to-coach ratio.
  • A full-circle model: Former students are now volunteers, educators, and board members—proof of long-term transformation.
  • High-impact giving: Just $1,000 supports a child for an entire year of afterschool care, tutoring, and personal development.
  • Community powered: STAR House depends on individual donors, sponsors, volunteers, and corporate partners to fulfill its mission.
  • Current campaign: “32 STARS for 32 Years” seeks to raise $32,000 to fund the upcoming school year for underserved students in Roswell.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction to North Fulton Business Radio
00:24 Highlighting the STAR House Foundation
00:46 Renasant Bank Sponsorship
01:49 Welcoming Guests from STAR House Foundation
02:14 Overview of STAR House Foundation
03:23 Challenges Faced by Underserved Children
04:35 Maureen’s Role and Experience
06:00 Details About the Schools Served
09:41 Importance of Food and Nutrition
10:16 Growth and Impact of STAR House Foundation
12:50 Partnership with Schools
15:09 The Stakes and Long-term Impact
19:05 Heartwarming Success Stories
22:09 Back to School Campaign
25:17 Volunteer Opportunities
28:40 Corporate Sponsorships and Donations
29:45 Final Thoughts and Gratitude
33:12 Closing Remarks and Sponsor Message from Beyond Computer Solutions

STAR House Foundation

STAR House Foundation is a non-profit organization based in Roswell, Georgia, dedicated to supporting at-risk children in North Fulton County through after-school tutoring, mentoring, and enrichment programs. Serving over 200 students in three Title I schools, STAR House provides a safe and nurturing environment where children can improve their academic performance, develop positive study habits, and build essential life skills. The foundation also offers a summer camp that bridges the academic gap during school breaks, focusing on retention and continued growth for elementary students.

Founded in 1993 by local volunteers who recognized the need for after-school supervision and academic support among economically disadvantaged youth, STAR House has grown to become a vital resource in the community. Its mission is to equip students with the tools and encouragement needed for personal and educational success, working closely with schools, families, and community partners. STAR House is committed to fostering diversity, inclusion, and equity, ensuring all children have the opportunity to reach their full potential and envisioning a future where every student can improve their life’s trajectory through education and mentorship.

Website | LinkedIn | Instagram

Renasant Bank supports 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 $17 billion in assets and more than 180 banking, lending, wealth management, and financial services offices throughout the region. All of Renasant’s success stems from each banker’s commitment to investing in their communities as a way to better understand the people they serve. At Renasant Bank, they understand you because they work and live alongside you every day.

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

Beyond Computer Solutions supports North Fulton Business Radio

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

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

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

With over 880 episodes and having featured over 1,300 guests, North Fulton Business Radio is the longest-running podcast in the North Fulton area, covering business in our community like no one else. We are the undisputed “Voice of Business” in North Fulton!

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

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

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

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

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.

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, 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: after school care, Alejandra Torchia, Beyond Computer Solutions, early childhood education, John Ray, Maureen Curtis, mentorship, North Fulton Business Radio, renasant bank, Roswell, Roswell Georgia, Star House Foundation, Title I schools, underserved children, underserved communities, why early childhood matters, Windy Nicholson

Whitney Teal on the Power of Communications Over Marketing

July 2, 2025 by John Ray

Whitney Teal on the Power of Communications Over Marketing, on North Fulton Business Radio with host John Ray
North Fulton Business Radio
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Whitney Teal on the Power of Communications Over Marketing, on North Fulton Business Radio with host John Ray

Whitney Teal on the Power of Communications Over Marketing (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 881)

Whitney Teal, founder of The Teal Bridge, joins host John Ray for an insightful conversation about why most small businesses are focusing on the wrong thing when it comes to visibility. A self-described communications specialist, not a marketer, Whitney breaks down how reframing your outreach around communications rather than marketing can lead to deeper client relationships, more meaningful engagement, and content that actually resonates.

She explains the importance of vulnerability in business, explains how to present authentically on podcasts and social media without oversharing, and explains why she believes podcasting is one of the most underutilized tools for building trust. Drawing on her radio background and current work with service-based businesses and thought leaders, Whitney offers a refreshing and practical take on what it means to show up, sincerely and consistently, for your audience.

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

Key Takeaways from this Episode

  • Stop saying “marketing.” Instead, start thinking “communications.” It changes how you show up and how others connect with you.
  • Podcast guesting and hosting are powerful tools for storytelling, not selling.
  • Vulnerability builds trust, but there’s an art to doing it well and meaningfully.
  • You don’t need to chase trends or go viral. Consistency, authenticity, and relationships win.
  • Thought leaders, lawyers, CPAs, and nonprofits can all thrive with message-first strategies, even in highly regulated industries.
  • Your brand isn’t what you say; it’s what others say when they see or meet you.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction to North Fulton Business Radio
02:00 Guest Introduction: Whitney Teal
02:16 Whitney’s Background and Career Journey
05:54 The Evolution of Marketing and Social Media
09:11 The Importance of Communication Skills
11:15 The Value of Media Training
12:58 Being a Podcast Guest and Host
18:35 The Importance of Delivery for Thought Leaders
19:05 The Power of Podcasts in Business
19:37 Challenges of Self-Promotion on Social Media
23:24 The Art of Vulnerability in Marketing
24:39 Authenticity in Business Communication
27:14 Building Relationships Through Marketing
30:09 Identifying Marketing Issues in Your Business
33:31 Success Stories and Client Testimonials
35:58 Contact Information and Final Thoughts

Whitney Teal, The Teal Bridge

Whitney Teal, The Teal Bridge
Whitney Teal, The Teal Bridge

Whitney Teal, a trailblazing visualizer, has extensive experience in the marketing industry. Her beginnings in radio kickstarted her journey as an entrepreneur. She co-founded her first business in 2015 and since has helped start four additional businesses specializing in services for thought leaders and SMBs including her current venture, The Teal Bridge.

Whitney is also a founding member and ambassador of the FEW (Fellowship of Extraordinary Women) Atlanta Chapter and hosts the podcast If I Ever Live to Be, highlighting personal stories and tips for navigating life the best way possible.

Website | LinkedIn | Instagram

Renasant Bank supports 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 $17 billion in assets and more than 180 banking, lending, wealth management, and financial services offices throughout the region. All of Renasant’s success stems from each banker’s commitment to investing in their communities as a way to better understand the people they serve. At Renasant Bank, they understand you because they work and live alongside you every day.

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

Beyond Computer Solutions supports North Fulton Business Radio

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

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

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

With over 880 episodes and having featured over 1,300 guests, North Fulton Business Radio is the longest-running podcast in the North Fulton area, covering business in our community like no one else. We are the undisputed “Voice of Business” in North Fulton!

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

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

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

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

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.

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, 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: Beyond Computer Solutions, Branding, building relationships, communications, John Ray, marketing, North Fulton Business Radio, relationships, renasant bank, Social Media, thought leaders, Whitney Teal

How to Make Confident Decisions Under Pressure, with Retired Major General Jack Briggs

July 1, 2025 by John Ray

How to Make Confident Decisions Under Pressure, with Retired Major General Jack Briggs, on North Fulton Business Radio with host John Ray
North Fulton Business Radio
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How to Make Confident Decisions Under Pressure, with Retired Major General Jack Briggs, on North Fulton Business Radio with host John Ray

How to Make Confident Decisions Under Pressure, with Retired Major General Jack Briggs (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 879)

Retired Major General Jack Briggs joins John Ray to share hard-earned insights on leading through crisis and making confident decisions under pressure. Drawing from more than three decades of military leadership, including 225 combat sorties and his role as Director of Operations at U.S. Northern Command, Jack explains why clarity, humility, and decisiveness are essential for leaders navigating high-stakes situations. He introduces a practical framework built around four key questions that can guide any leader through complexity and chaos.

Now serving in higher education and advising institutions across sectors, Jack brings these lessons into boardrooms, university leadership teams, and nonprofit strategy sessions. Whether you’re leading a business, a team, or a mission-driven organization, this episode will challenge how you think about crisis, redefine what it means to be decisive, and help you build a more grounded, confident leadership style when it matters most.

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

Key Takeaways from this Episode

  • Great crisis decision-makers share three core traits: they operate from clear principles, they ask others for help, and they know when and how to act decisively.
  • The quality of the decision matters more than the outcome. Good decisions can lead to bad outcomes—and vice versa—but relying on luck isn’t a strategy.
  • A crisis is a category error. You don’t solve a crisis. You solve the underlying problems that make it feel like a crisis.
  • Leaders should ask four key questions during any crisis: What do we know? What don’t we know? What are we doing about it? Who else needs to know?
  • Emotional regulation starts with the leader. If you overreact, your team will escalate. If you stay calm, they have room to respond effectively.
  • Decisiveness is a skill that can be trained, not just a personality trait. It flows from having clear values and drawing on diverse input.
  • Leaders should cultivate approachability, empathy, fierce advocacy for their team, and clarity in communication before the crisis hits.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
01:51 Interview with Major General Jack Briggs Begins
Retired Major General Jack Briggs03:04 Jack Briggs’ Military Background and Leadership Experience
06:55 Key Characteristics of Effective Crisis Decision Makers
10:34 The Importance of Humility and Team Input in Decision Making
14:14 Defining Crisis vs. Problem
17:25 Four Core Questions for Crisis Decision Making
25:34 Deliberative vs. Impulsive Decision Making
28:47 The Role of Emotions in Leadership
32:29 Handling Rapidly Evolving Situations
35:21 Developing Crisis Management Skills
40:19 Applying Crisis Management in Higher Education
45:34 Essential Leadership Qualities for Complex Times
47:49 Conclusion and Contact Information

Major General Jack Briggs (Retired)

Major General Jack Briggs (Retired)
Major General Jack Briggs (Retired)

Major General Jack Briggs is a retired United States Air Force officer with over 31 years of distinguished service, culminating in senior leadership roles including Director of Operations for U.S. Northern Command at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado. In this role, he was the principal adviser on operational matters, overseeing strategic guidance for land, maritime, homeland defense air operations, and defense support to civil authorities within the North American area of responsibility.

He graduated as a distinguished graduate from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1986 and has extensive experience as a fighter pilot, having flown 225 combat sorties in operations such as Desert Storm, Northern Watch, Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. His career also includes command at squadron and wing levels, NATO staff positions, and serving as executive officer to the Supreme Allied Commander Europe and Commander of U.S. European Command.

After retiring from the Air Force in 2017, Major General Briggs transitioned into leadership roles in higher education and non-profit sectors. He served as Vice President for Global Resiliency and Security at New York University, where he managed emergency management and security for multiple campuses worldwide. He later became President & CEO of Springs Rescue Mission in Colorado Springs, the largest homeless shelter and addiction recovery program in southern Colorado, driven by his faith and commitment to serving vulnerable populations, including homeless veterans.

Currently, Major General Briggs is the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Public Safety Operations at the University of Colorado Boulder, overseeing emergency management, flight operations, and security operations. He also holds a Doctorate in Education Leadership and Innovation, applying his military leadership experience to transform organizations and sharpen decision-making capabilities in crisis environments.

LinkedIn | For speaking, consulting and media opportunities, please connect with his agency, Voices to Connect

Renasant Bank supports 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 $17 billion in assets and more than 180 banking, lending, wealth management, and financial services offices throughout the region. All of Renasant’s success stems from each banker’s commitment to investing in their communities as a way to better understand the people they serve. At Renasant Bank, they understand you because they work and live alongside you every day.

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

Beyond Computer Solutions supports North Fulton Business Radio

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

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

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

With over 870 shows and having featured over 1,300 guests, North Fulton Business Radio is the longest-running podcast in the North Fulton area, covering business in our community like no one else. We are the undisputed “Voice of Business” in North Fulton!

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

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

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

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

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.

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, 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: Beyond Computer Solutions, confidence, crisis decision making, crisis leadership, Crisis Management, higher education, humility, John Ray, Leadership, leadership in higher education, Major General Jack Briggs (Retired), North Fulton Business Radio, renasant bank

Celebrating Two Distinguished Award Winners: Ken Davis, Renasant Bank, and Jack Murphy, North Fulton Improvement Network

May 2, 2025 by John Ray

Celebrating Two Distinguished Award Winners: Ken Davis, Renasant Bank, and Jack Murphy, North Fulton Improvement Network, on The GNFCC 400 Insider podcast
North Fulton Studio
Celebrating Two Distinguished Award Winners: Ken Davis, Renasant Bank, and Jack Murphy, North Fulton Improvement Network
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Celebrating Two Distinguished Award Winners: Ken Davis, Renasant Bank, and Jack Murphy, North Fulton Improvement Network, on The GNFCC 400 Insider podcast

Celebrating Two Distinguished Award Winners: Ken Davis, Renasant Bank, and Jack Murphy, North Fulton Improvement Network (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 106)

In this episode of The GNFCC 400 Insider podcast, hosted by Kali Boatright, President and CEO of the Greater North Fulton Chamber, we meet two distinguished award recipients, Ken Davis and Jack Murphy. Ken, the GNFCC 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award winner and regional president of Renasant Bank, and Jack, GNFCC 2025 Citizen of the Year and leader of the North Fulton Improvement Network, discuss their extensive contributions to the community. They share their backgrounds, the impactful civic positions they’ve held, and initiatives they’ve championed, including workforce housing and community charitable efforts. Both leaders emphasize the importance of community involvement and provide insights and advice for others looking to make a difference.

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

Ken Davis, Renasant Bank, 2025 GNFCC Lifetime Achievement Award

Ken Davis, Renasant Bank, 2025 GNFCC Lifetime Achievement Award winner, as heard on The GNFCC 400 Insider podcast
Ken Davis, Renasant Bank, 2025 GNFCC Lifetime Achievement Award winner

Ken Davis is the Georgia Division President at Renasant Bank, where his leadership has been instrumental in expanding the bank’s presence and increasing both commercial and consumer loan and deposit shares. He brings over 40 years of experience in finance and banking.

After earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wake Forest University and serving six years in the U.S. Army, Ken began his banking career in Atlanta. Prior to joining Renasant Bank, he held executive roles at other regional banks. Ken is also a graduate of the American Bankers Association Stonier Graduate School of Banking.

Ken is actively involved in his community, serving as a member of the Rotary Club of Roswell. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of North Fulton Community Charities. During his time living in and supporting the North Fulton Community, he has also served on the Board of Directors for the Gwinnett Chamber, Johns Creek Chamber, Georgia Ensemble Theatre, North Metro Miracle League, March of Dimes of North Fulton, Ed Isakson Alpharetta YMCA, and the Chattahoochee Nature Center. Ken was part of the teams that selected executive directors for the Roswell Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Greater North Fulton Chamber. His efforts in these organizations reflect his passion for enhancing the quality of life in North Fulton.

LinkedIn

Jack Murphy, North Fulton Improvement Network, 2025 GNFCC Citizen of the Year Award

Jack Murphy, North Fulton Improvement Network, 2025 GNFCC Citizen of the Year Award, as heard on The GNFCC 400 Insider podcast
Jack Murphy, North Fulton Improvement Network, 2025 GNFCC Citizen of the Year Award

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 22nd year of working for the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce.

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

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

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

LinkedIn

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction to The GNFCC 400 Insider podcast
00:38 Meet the Award Winners: Ken Davis and Jack Murphy
01:29 Ken Davis: Lifetime Achievement Award Winner
01:57 Jack Murphy: Citizen of the Year Community Service Award Winner
02:43 Community Leadership and Civic Engagement
08:50 Personal Journeys and Inspirations
18:16 Challenges and Triumphs in Leadership
21:51 Future of North Fulton: Exciting Developments
26:32 Advice for Aspiring Community Leaders
30:22 Conclusion and Contact Information

About GNFCC and The GNFCC 400 Insider

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

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

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

Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, GNFCCAs 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: community involvement, GNFCC, Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, Jack Murphy, Kali Boatright, Ken Davis, Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, North Fulton, North Fulton Improvement Network, renasant bank, Society of St. Vincent de Paul, workforce housing

Driving Economic Development in Roswell with Roswell Inc, with Steve Stroud and John Asbell

May 7, 2024 by John Ray

Steve Stroud and John Asbell, Roswell Inc.
North Fulton Business Radio
Driving Economic Development in Roswell with Roswell Inc, with Steve Stroud and John Asbell
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Steve Stroud and John Asbell, Roswell Inc.

Driving Economic Development in Roswell with Roswell Inc, with Steve Stroud and John Asbell (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 768)

This episode of North Fulton Business Radio, hosted by John Ray, features an interview with Steve Stroud, Executive Director of Roswell Inc, and John Asbell, President of the Board at Roswell Inc and Manager of External Affairs for North Fulton and Forsyth at Georgia Power. The episode discusses the mission and impact of Roswell Inc, a public-private partnership focused on economic development in Roswell, Georgia. Steve Stroud shares insights into how Roswell Inc supports local businesses through understanding and collaboration, while John Asbell emphasizes Georgia Power’s commitment to fostering economic growth in the region. Success stories illustrate Roswell Inc’s role in attracting, retaining, and supporting businesses, highlighting the importance of infrastructure, strategic partnerships, and community engagement in driving economic development. The episode also touches on future projects and the unique challenges and opportunities of economic development in Roswell.

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.

Roswell Inc

As the economic and business development organization for the City of Roswell, Roswell Inc serves as a catalyst for a sustainable, innovative, and vibrant local business community. Their vision is for Roswell to be the best city in the region for innovative, community-minded businesses and entrepreneurs. As a 501(c)6 nonprofit, they have worked with the City of Roswell through a public-private partnership since 2012.

For small businesses and Fortune 500 corporations alike, Roswell Inc supports business success within the city through four core service areas:

  • Business attraction and recruitment
  • Business retention and expansion
  • Industry support
  • Business development

They believe that working in all four of these areas is essential to building a strong, vibrant, and sustainable economy, and this holistic view of economic development is at the heart of their organization. Whether your organization is preparing to launch, expand, or relocate, Roswell Inc opens the door for you.

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

Steve Stroud, Executive Director, Roswell Inc

Steve Stroud
Steve Stroud

Steve Stroud is the Executive Director of Roswell Inc, an organization dedicated to fostering economic development through a public-private partnership with the City of Roswell. With over 11 years in this role, Steve has led numerous initiatives to recruit, retain, and promote businesses within the city. Under his leadership, Roswell Inc has successfully marketed an expanded Opportunity Zone, increased the number of certified businesses, and launched various networking, educational, and informative programs aimed at assisting and retaining local businesses.

Steve’s tenure at Roswell Inc includes overseeing more than 550 recruitment, retention, and expansion projects that have created or retained over 6,200 jobs, with notable projects such as the GM Innovation Center, GreyOrange, and the Southern Post mixed-use development. He has fostered open communication lines among business owners, developers, citizens, corporations, nonprofits, and various entities, enhancing the quality of the community.

An active community leader, Steve has served on numerous boards, including the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, North Fulton Community Charities, United Way of North Fulton, and Synovus Bank (Atlanta region). His earlier professional experience includes operating Stroud’s Printing & Design in Roswell for 30 years.

A lifelong Roswell native, Steve resides in the city with his wife and daughters. He attended Georgia State University, focusing on political science. Steve’s extensive board memberships and community involvement continue to play a crucial role in shaping the economic landscape and community development of Roswell.

LinkedIn

John Asbell, Manager for External Affairs, North Fulton and Forsyth, Georgia Power, and President of the Board for Roswell Inc

John Asbell
John Asbell

John Asbell is an experienced customer operations and external affairs professional with a demonstrated history of achieving successful business results in the utilities industry. With over 28 years at Georgia Power, he has held leadership roles in sales, customer service, and public relations, including responsibilities in call center operations, key account management, human resources, economic development, and government and community affairs.

In addition to his work with Roswell Inc, John has also been a vital contributor to numerous community and philanthropic efforts. He was named the first chairman of the board for THINC Academy, a school that focuses on machining and manufacturing education, in 2015. His work has led to significant recognition for Georgia Power’s support of legislative affairs in Forsyth County. Moreover, John has been active in the company’s employee volunteer efforts, participating in initiatives such as a Thanksgiving food drive in the North Fulton area and support for a veteran family.

John continues to impact his community and industry through his extensive involvement and leadership.

LinkedIn

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
01:33 Introducing Roswell Inc: Driving Economic Development
01:58 The Mission and Impact of Roswell Inc
06:22 Georgia Power’s Role and Commitment to Roswell
10:11 The Broader Scope of Economic Development in Roswell
19:45 The Importance of Supporting Existing Businesses
21:17 Strategic Economic Development Insights
21:25 Attracting New Businesses to Roswell
22:28 Leveraging Regional Relationships for Growth
26:28 Future Developments and Infrastructure in Roswell
30:44 Success Stories and Economic Impact
36:33 Closing Remarks and Additional Resources

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 760 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: Business Development, business expansion, business recruitment, business retention, Casa Nuova, Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant, economic development, Georgia Power, industry support, renasant bank, Roswell, Roswell Inc., Steve Stroud

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