renasant bank Archives - Page 6 of 33

Cybersecurity Threats to Small Business, with Michael Caralis, Verizon

October 4, 2023 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Cybersecurity Threats to Small Business, with Michael Caralis, Verizon

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North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 707)

Michael Caralis, Vice President at Verizon Business Markets, was the guest on this episode of North Fulton Business Radio with host John Ray to discuss cybersecurity threats to small business. Michael described the current top cybersecurity threats he’s seeing, ways business can protect their data with limited resources, the scope of the problem, his recommendations, resources which Verizon offers, success stories, and much more.

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

Verizon

Verizon Communications was formed on June 30, 2000, and is one of the world’s leading providers of technology and communications services.

Headquartered in New York City and with a presence around the world, Verizon generated revenues of $133.6 billion in 2021. The company offers voice, data and video services and solutions on its award-winning networks and platforms, delivering on customers’ demand for mobility, reliable network connectivity, security and control.

Verizon Business Markets provides the best Broadband, Voice, and Mobile products, solutions and services in support of America’s growing Small & Medium Business community. Verizon Fios uses powerful fiber-optic network technology to deliver fast and reliable internet to help you run your business.

Fios technology is flexible enough to support businesses of all sizes with a wide range of Internet, TV and Phone packages based on your needs. Verizon also offers reliable mobile phone service plans to businesses that signup with 5 or more lines.

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

Michael Caralis, Vice President, Verizon Business Markets, Verizon

As Vice President of Verizon Business Markets, Michael leads three critical business units for small and midsize business customers: network as a service (NaaS), Fios for Business and Verizon’s channel program. His team of 1,200+ professionals partner with customers on their digital transformation journeys, providing innovative managed solutions for total communications, connectivity, collaboration and security.

Verizon’s customer-centric organization delivers 5G technologies, fiber, ethernet, security solutions, and unified communications solutions such as BlueJeans conferencing, One Talk (voiceover IP solution) and Microsoft Teams. As businesses across all segments and industries anticipate a post-pandemic comeback, they are looking to adopt 5G and its potential to create new opportunities and build new efficiencies and scale their businesses. Their team also provides Fios for Business, business digital voice, and easy to deploy and use set of security and collaboration products.

Prior to this, Michael served as Executive Director of Solution Architect and Engineering. In that role, his team was focused on the transformation of our technical teams, providing the best-integrated solution designs and managed services, including broadband, security and collaboration platforms. Earlier in his career, he served public sector customers at Verizon for four years. Last year, his team delivered critical services and technology to aid in the pandemic response and enable remote learning for students.

Previously, he served as the Director of Marketing and Operations for Verizon Wireless and partnered with Apple, Google and Samsung to enable a frictionless customer experience in deploying new technology and applications. As a result, Verizon was the first carrier in the world to launch Apple Business Manager, an iconic solution. Later, he led a team that launched Android zero-touch and Samsung Knox Mobile Enrollment. Prior to Verizon, he worked in various sales roles at Nextel and Sprint.

Michael thrives on solving the most complex business problems in today’s data-rich and tech-heavy environment while leading groundbreaking transformations and aligning large-team operations to the strategic vision. He strives to be the most objective voice in a room and believe in authentic leadership.

Michael is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive culture, where everyone is heard and they take pride in serving their customers.

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

What do you see as the top cybersecurity threats affecting SMBs?
What do you recommend SMBs do to address security/cybersecurity threats beyond the basics?
What are you hearing from SMBs in terms of how they perceive and how they are addressing security/cybersecurity threats?
With limited resources, what are the three most important things SMBs can do to better protect their data?
Why is the data security problem for SMBs so big?
Any other new data points or insights you’d like to share?

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 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.

Since 2000, Office Angels® has been restoring joy to the life of small business owners, enabling them to focus on what they do best. At the same time, we honor and support at-home experts who wish to continue working on an as-needed basis. Not a temp firm or a placement service, Office Angels matches a business owner’s support needs with Angels who have the talent and experience necessary to handle work that is essential to creating and maintaining a successful small business. Need help with administrative tasks, bookkeeping, marketing, presentations, workshops, speaking engagements, and more? Visit us at https://officeangels.us/.

Drive-Through Medical Care, with Stacy and Dr. Luke Lathrop, SmartMED Drive-Thru Medical Care

October 3, 2023 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Drive-Through Medical Care, with Stacy and Dr. Luke Lathrop, SmartMED Drive-Thru Medical Care

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Drive-Through Medical Care, with Stacy and Dr. Luke Lathrop, SmartMED Drive-Thru Medical Care North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 706)

Stacy Lathrop and Dr. Luke Lathrop, owners of SmartMED Drive-Thru Medical Care in Roswell, joined host John Ray on this edition of North Fulton Business Radio. Stacy and Luke discussed how their work during the pandemic convinced them of the demand for a drive-thru medical practice, building the business from scratch, the services they offer, the advantages of their service model, why parents of young children particularly love their practice, what it’s like to receive medical care while seated in your automobile, the changing face of medical care, and much more.

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

SmartMED Drive-Thru Medical Care

SmartMED Drive-Thru is the first drive-thru medical clinic with urgent care services provided while the patient is in the vehicle. All labs, both PCR molecular and Antigens, are processed on site and immediately, allowing SmartMED to provide a quick and accurate diagnosis. Check-In to Check-Out in less than 10 minutes. Treating all patients over 1 year of age.

Medical Services Include:

· Sick Visits

· Onsite Lab Services

· IV Hydration

· Semaglutide for Weight Loss

· Camp & Sports Physicals

· Medication Refills

SmartMED Drive-Thru is credentialed as “general medicine practice” so that it’s a primary care copay for most insurances. In-Network with all major insurance carriers; Insurance and Pricing.

For more information, call (678) 744-5386 or visit their website. Their Roswell, GA location is at 612 Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell, GA, next to Chick-Fil-A near the Highway 9 intersection.

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

Dr. Luke Lathrop, Medical Director, SmartMED Drive-Thru Medical Care

Originally from Washington, IL, Dr. Luke Lathrop completed his undergraduate studies and medical school at St. Louis University. This was followed by residency training at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis. He is board certified in Emergency Medicine and has been practicing for over 17 years. His research includes work on the GUARDIAN trial (studying outcomes after cardiac reperfusion) and contributions to the revised Sgarbossa criteria (identifying STEMI with pre-existing LBBB) with Dr. Stephen Smith.

To make dependable covid testing more available to their community, Dr. Lathrop and his wife, Stacy Lathrop, started a covid testing business in 2021 and saw over 20,000 patients in their first year at their Roswell location.

In response to the strain placed on the US healthcare system by the global pandemic, the Lathrop’s founded SmartMED Drive Thru in 2022. This was the first drive thru with urgent care services in the country. As the Chief Medical Officer, he is focused on providing the utmost in efficient care, while never sacrificing quality. Through his experience in Emergency Medicine, he continually looks for ways to innovate and improve the patient experience.

Dr. Lathrop, his wife, and two young children reside in Roswell, GA.

Stacy Lathrop, CEO, SmartMED Drive-Thru Medical Care

Stacy Perry-Lathrop is originally from Williamsburg, VA and a graduate of James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA. Shortly after graduation, she began her career with Cox Automotive, where she remained for 17 years. Over the course of her career with Cox Enterprises, Stacy served in many areas of the business including sales, marketing, strategy and operations.

In 2021, Stacy left Cox to open and operate a Drive-Thru Covid testing location with her husband, Dr. Luke Lathrop. Their company tested more than 22,000 individuals for Covid over the course of the year.

The pandemic underscored the inefficiencies in healthcare. In response, the Lathrops developed a new drive-thru medical model with the goal of providing safe, convenient, thorough and prompt medical care for all. SmartMED Drive-Thru launched in September of 2022 and has treated thousands of patients of all ages, for a multitude of illnesses and ailments, from the comfort of the car. Their affordable and accessible drive-thru medical clinics have received accolades for ingenuity and most importantly, their dedication to compassionate care.

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

How did you come up with the idea of a full drive-thru medical clinic?
What are the benefits of a drive-thru and who are you serving?
Aside from the drive-thru aspect, how is this different than traditional medical visits?
How do you think this model will change medicine?
How will you set yourself apart from others that follow behind you?
Do you have any plans to expand? What’s next?

Kicking It Into High Gear, with Ryan Burton, Leads Near Me® and the High Gear Auto Repair Marketing Conference

October 2, 2023 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Kicking It Into High Gear, with Ryan Burton, Leads Near Me® and the High Gear Auto Repair Marketing Conference

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Leads Near Me® and the High Gear Auto Repair Marketing Conference North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 705)

Ryan Burton, CEO of Leads Near Me®, a digital marketing agency focused on the automotive repair market, joined host John Ray on North Fulton Business Radio to talk about his love for digital marketing, why digital marketing is so important for auto repair shops, how word of mouth created this niche for him, success stories, and much more. Ryan also discussed the 2023 High Gear Auto Repair Conference which will occur on November 29 – December 1, 2023 in Atlanta. Ryan shared why he started and organized this conference, what attendees can expect, and more.

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

High Gear Auto Repair Marketing Conference

The High Gear Auto Repair Marketing Conference is coming to Atlanta!

Scheduled for November 29 – December 1, this conference will help attendees understand all things marketing, and will allow them to walk away with a wealth of knowledge that can’t be gained anywhere else.

Website

Leads Near Me®

Leads Near Me, a 2023 Google Premier Partner, is a digital marketing agency for Auto Repair Shops – Auto Repair Marketing. We have become known for our ability to Effortlessly Increase Car Count™. Leads Near Me combines many years of experience, proprietary Google Ads software and a thirst for getting better every day to help auto repair companies grow their shops. With hundreds of shops in 43 states and Canada, Leads Near Me is uniquely qualified to help shop owners dramatically grow revenue. Leads Near Me manages $10M+ annually in Google ad revenue for auto repair shops and has become one of the fastest growing marketing companies for auto repair.

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

Ryan Burton, CEO, Leads Near Me® and founder of High Gear Auto Repair Marketing Conference

Ryan Burton is CEO of Leads Near Me®, a digital marketing agency for auto repair shops and a 2023 Google Premier Partner, and founder of the High Gear Auto Repair Marketing Conference.

Since 2016, Leads Near Me has combined innovative strategies and tailored marketing solutions to help hundreds of repair shops in 43 states across the United States and Canada become lead-generating, relationship-building businesses that keep customers coming back. With Burton’s deep understanding of the auto repair industry and digital marketing, Leads Near Me oversees more than $10 million per year in Google ad spend.

Burton is a visionary entrepreneur who created the High Gear Auto Repair Marketing Conference in 2023. At this cornerstone event, repair shop owners share insights, exchange knowledge and stay ahead of the ever-evolving marketing landscape. They learn how to leverage the key skills of digital media, direct mail, networking and more so they can become the high-trust, high-visibility local brand customers know by name.

Prior to his success in auto repair marketing, Burton was a full-time radio announcer with a deep passion for broadcasting and music. He held roles in broadcasting sales and management before joining Cumulus Media in the U.S., where he became one of the company’s top salespeople nationwide. This valuable experience shaped Burton’s understanding of the entertainment industry and also paved the way for high performance in his future endeavors.

Burton currently lives in Dacula, Georgia, while the headquarters of Leads Near Me is located in nearby Lawrenceville, a suburb of Atlanta. The company has become a trusted partner in the growth and prosperity of auto repair businesses, revolutionizing the way auto repair shops thrive in the digital era.

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

Tell me about yourself and how you came to start Leads Near Me?
What led you to focus on working with auto repair show owners?
Tell us about the marketing conference in Atlanta this fall
What do you think has led to such rapid growth for Leads Near Me?
What tips for lead generation can you share with our audience?
What do we need to know about the importance of finding a good auto repair shop?

Steve Fisher, Strategy Partners Group

September 25, 2023 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Steve Fisher, Strategy Partners Group

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Steve Fisher, one of the founding partners of Strategy Partners Group, joined host John Ray to discuss the work of SPG. Steve discussed the revenue “stalls” that many businesses face, structured growth plans, why it’s hard to delegate, how SPG serves its clients, success stories, and much more.

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

Strategy Partners Group has built a team of cross discipline experts who work as an expert team to provide integrated strategic support services to their clients. By leveraging their complimentary skillsets, their teams provide each client with the exact expert skill set needed for their unique needs.

Imagine having access to seasoned business owners and veteran consultants who have all been where you are today. With a laser focus on creating and sustaining enterprise value, Strategy Partners Group teams with C-suite’s to design and support strategic value enhancing initiatives throughout your organization. Let SPG create a plan to generate more revenue, profit, and long-term value. Schedule your call today.

Company website | LinkedIn

Steve Fisher, Partner, Strategy Partners Group

Steve Fisher is one of the founding partners of Strategy Partners Group established in 2020. He joins other executive level, seasoned corporate leaders to provide a single source of agile, accelerated and scalable solutions to business owners, C-suites and capital providers. Steve, along with a team of finance and operational experts and industry specific partners, strategically helps accomplish client goals and improve overall business performance.

By combining and leveraging experiences and resources, Strategy Partners Group specifically addresses and overcomes obstacles to help clients achieve their desired outcomes. Steve is a highly experienced and skilled strategist with a diverse background in leadership, finance, consulting and executive management.

He has a track record of helping corporate clients focus on customer service and maximizing long-term shareholder value. His capabilities encompass a wide range of financial and operational areas, including business integration, structured growth plans, financial analysis and modeling, financial regulatory compliance, risk management, business exit strategy, procedural policy streamlining, operational procedures development and implementing monitoring and accountability systems. Steve has years of experience dealing with complex financial conversations and distilling them down into common words, so everyone involved in the decision-making understands what is being presented.

In addition to using his knowledge and skill with clients, he has been privileged to collaborate with training professionals to co-develop and present curriculum entitled “Finance for Everyone.” Steve served as a subject matter expert for Panasonic’s Executive Training program. He also served as a speaker for Human Resource and Management Professionals from a variety of companies at Emory University’s Continuing Education Division.

Steve’s notable achievement includes serving as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of JP Turner and Company throughout its entire life cycle, from 1997 to 2016. During his tenure, he played a crucial role in the firm’s growth from a startup to an enterprise generating over $90 million in annual revenues. Under his guidance, JP Turner expanded its reach from a small regional operation to a successful nationwide organization with multiple offices and advisors.

Before joining JP Turner, Steve worked as a management consultant, providing his expertise to clients in various industries across North America, including transportation, manufacturing, and commercial services. This experience allowed him to develop a keen ability to identify root causes of problems and deliver customized solutions to his clients. Steve’s background also includes a strong understanding of financial and service industries, franchise business models, and managing rapid expansion.

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research from Virginia Tech. He has held Series 27, Series 7, and Series 63 licenses. With his vast experience and knowledge, coupled with the experience and resources of Strategy Partners Group, Steve continues to expertly deliver measurable results to clients, enabling them to stay focused on their core business functions and achieve their goals.

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

How to get your company to break through to the next revenue level
Developing and implementing “Structured Growth Plans”
Why is it so hard for business owners to delegate successfully?
The importance of Board of Director development
Pitfalls surrounding post-merger integration

HR, Culture, and Relationships, with Dr. Aisha Wright-Burke, ADP

September 22, 2023 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

HR, Culture, and Relationships, with Dr. Aisha Wright-Burke, ADP

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Dr. Aisha Wright-Burke, Director of Talent Solutions at ADP, joined host John Ray to chat about HR, business culture, and business relationships. Dr. Burke-Wright talked about how she came to work in HR, the process behind ongoing conversations between managers and their team members, leading “beside” vs. from “in-front”, the lasting impacts of the pandemic, career growth, strength-based culture, and much more.

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

At ADP, what they do is about people. Although they have a strong history of providing solutions for human resource challenges, they strive to do more than that. They challenge themselves to anticipate, think forward and take action in a way that empowers them to shape the changing world of work.

For over 70 years, they’ve led the way in defining the future of business solutions. ADP is proud to be named the 2023 Fortune® World’s Most Admired Companies™ list again for 17 consecutive years*.

They are a comprehensive global provider of cloud-based human capital management (HCM) solutions that unite HR, payroll, talent, time, tax and benefits administration, and a leader in business outsourcing services, analytics and compliance expertise. Their unmatched experience, deep insights and cutting-edge technology have transformed human resources from a back-office administrative function to a strategic business advantage.

Dr. Aisha Wright-Burke SHRM-SCP, Director, Talent Solutions, ADP

Dr. Wright-Burke joined ADP in November 2009. Currently, she leads the thought leadership, strategy and execution of talent planning, succession, and movement globally. Previously, as a valued and esteemed member of the field HR organization as Human Resources Business Partner, she was instrumental on several stretch assignments on HR strategic teams related to the learning trajectory of the global HR organization, deployment of ADP’s strengths-based approach, Career Growth & Development and a host of integrative initiatives to drive and influence engagement, talent movement and acceleration within key businesses.

Prior to ADP, Dr. Wright-Burke held multiple roles nationally and internationally with Siemens, Inc., a global engineering, and technology company, where she spearheaded key talent and diversity initiatives. She has over 20 years’ experience in field HR, talent acceleration, diversity, early career leadership programs, compensation, and talent acquisition.

Dr. Wright-Burke earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, Georgia, a Master’s in Education – Human Resources Organizational Development (HROD), and a Doctorate in Adult Education-HROD from the University of Georgia. She also served as an evening HR Instructor at the School of Continuing & Professional Education at Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, Georgia. Dr. Wright-Burke holds Korn Ferry Leadership Potential , Potential Solution assessments and Society of Human Resources-SCP certifications.

Dr. Wright-Burke is a member of the Society of Human Resources (SHRM) and SHRM-Atlanta Chapter. Additionally, she is an Atlanta Track Club Board Member, volunteers with the Atlanta Chapters of the Society of Human Resources, National Black MBA Association, Associate for Talent Development (formerly ASTD) and the National African American Association of Human Resources (NAAAHR).

She resides in Sandy Springs, Georgia with her husband Jenero.

LinkedIn | Instagram

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

Importance of conversations between managers and employees
Navigating career development and growth no matter the size of the organization
Tips on developing skills/gaining experience
Cultivating a strength-based culture
Importance of succession planning

Daniel Sosebee and Heather Fleming, MST

September 19, 2023 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Daniel Sosebee and Heather Fleming, MST

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North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 695)

Daniel Sosebee and Heather Fleming with MST were guests on this episode of North Fulton Business Radio with host John Ray. Daniel and Heather each shared how they came to MST, what MST does for family businesses, and what makes them unique. They also talked about how cloud accounting has changed their business, the advantages they bring to their clients, success stories, and much more.

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

MST’s focus remains on serving privately owned businesses, entities domiciled in the United States owned by a foreign parent company, and nonprofits since 1956. We opened our first office in Brunswick, Georgia, with two partners and five employees driven to give individual and organizational clients the pinnacle of business support and consultation. Now, with four offices, ten partners, and more than 100 employees, we are equipped to support a broader clientele with an extensive array of specialized services.

After achieving substantial growth through the Brunswick office, we expanded operations into the Atlanta market, opening a second location in 1967. Positioning ourselves in this southeastern hub was essential to serve the extensive metro community. Twenty years later, in 1988, we furthered our outreach in Georgia by opening a third office in Gwinnett County. In 2017 through the growth of the firm and our clients, we were able to open a New York office to better serve clients with holdings in the Northeast.

Our focus has remained constant throughout our distinguished growth and history: the entire MST team is dedicated to creating lasting success for our clients and continuing opportunities for our employees. Our achievements have been recognized by Accounting Today and Atlanta Business Chronicle, where we are consistently named in the “Top 25 Accounting Firms.”

MST is an independently owned and operated member firm of Moore North America (Moore NA), a regional member of Moore Global Network Limited (MGNL). All the firms in MGNL are independent entities owned and managed in each location.

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter

Daniel Sosebee, Associate Member, MST

Daniel is an associate member in MST’s Gwinnett office. He specializes in assurance and attestation services for closely held businesses and not-for-profit organizations. His expertise includes a variety of industries such as distribution, manufacturing, construction, technology and dealerships, as well as serving on a number of significant non-profit engagements, including our largest private foundation clients.

In addition to assurance and attest engagements, Daniel is passionate about building relationships with colleagues, clients, prospects and networking within the communities we serve. This passion has led Daniel to the position of Director of Business Development where his role is to lead the Firm through organic growth, mergers and acquisitions as well as develop new lines of business. Secondly, he oversees the Firm’s employee retention and recruiting department in which he works hand-in-hand with the Firm’s retention and recruiting specialist.

Daniel obtained his BBA in Accounting from Georgia College and State University (where he also was a member of the men’s golf team) and completed his Master of Accountancy at Kennesaw State University.

Daniel is a member of the Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants and American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and is actively involved with his church and community affairs including the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce, Gwinnett Chairman’s Club, Partnership of Gwinnett and board member of the Gwinnett Leadership Forum and the Hudgens Center for Art and Learning.

Heather Fleming, Business Development Manager, MST

Heather is the Business Development Manager in the Gwinnett office for MST. She is a. former banker who spent the first part of her career helping privately held companies achieve their business goals by providing sound financial solutions. She invested time with her clients to really get to know them, their company, and their goals.

As a daughter of entrepreneurial parents, Heather has always enjoyed working with privately held companies and when she was presented the opportunity to join the MST team as a Business Development Manager, she couldn’t pass up the chance to do what she loves, getting to know people and more importantly getting to know their business.

Heather wants to help businesses determine what accounting services match their strategic or compliance needs and connect them with the partner and team that is going to be best for them and their team. It’s MST’s goal to be a strategic partner with their clients and to develop strategies that help reach their goals.

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

What is MST and how did each of you come to MST?
What makes MST unique as a CPA firm?
Why do you focus on family businesses?
What are some common themes you’re seeing in your clients?
What are the advantages to cloud accounting?
What’s the return on the investment for a business with MST?

Revolutionizing the Reentry Process for the Formerly Incarcerated, with Andre Peart, Untapped Solutions

September 11, 2023 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Revolutionizing the Reentry Process for the Formerly Incarcerated, with Andre Peart, Untapped Solutions

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North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 694)

Founder and CEO of Untapped Solutions, Andre Peart, joined host John Ray on North Fulton Business Radio to talk about how his company’s groundbreaking platform is helping formerly incarcerated individuals rebuild their lives faster and more efficiently, while giving companies ready access an under-resourced talent pool. They discussed Andre’s personal story that led to the founding of Untapped Solutions, how the platform works, benefits such as higher loyalty which companies receive from hiring the formerly incarcerated, success stories, and much more.

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

Untapped Solutions

Untapped Solutions is a groundbreaking platform revolutionizing the reentry process for formerly incarcerated individuals by connecting them with the resources, services, and employers they need to rebuild their lives. Founded in 2020 by Andre Peart, Untapped Solutions has grown into an innovative force backed by Techstars and Cox Communications enterprise, striving to create meaningful social impact through technology.

At Untapped Solutions, we understand the challenges faced by the formerly incarcerated, as well as the organizations and employers dedicated to supporting their reintegration into society. Our mission is to empower case worker-driven organizations, employers, and the formerly incarcerated by streamlining the reentry process and building a strong, supportive network.

Our platform leverages cutting-edge AI technology to enhance the client experience and reduce staff fatigue. By automating key tasks, such as identifying client needs, employment status, and skill requirements, we enable organizations to make faster, more accurate referrals to relevant stakeholders. With our internal impact report tool, tracking progress and updates on referrals becomes seamless and efficient.

For employers, Untapped Solutions offers an AI-powered job board that matches open roles with candidates who possess the required skills or are currently enrolled in relevant training programs. By partnering with us, employers can tap into a diverse, skilled talent pool of formerly incarcerated individuals, while also providing them the support they need to overcome personal challenges and excel in their work lives.

Untapped Solutions’ LinkedIn-style professional network creates an exclusive space for the formerly incarcerated, where they can connect with case worker-driven organizations and employers, access resources and skill training, and discover job opportunities tailored to their talents and aspirations.

Our vision is to reduce recidivism by 20% by 2030 through the power of technology, ultimately fostering a more inclusive, supportive, and successful society for all. Join us in our mission to transform lives and create lasting change for those seeking a fresh start.

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter

Andre Peart, Founder and CEO, Untapped Solutions

Andre Peart Untapped Solutions — **Andre Peart, Founder & CEO, Untapped Solutions**

Andre Peart was born in 1990 in Westchester, New York, and raised in the city of Yonkers during the uprising of crime and drugs that plagued the city. As a teen, he was stuck in the center of a crime ridiculed neighborhood and found his way out through writing war-fiction novels in his room where he silenced the sirens and screams. He continued to use writing as a gateway through high school and onto college, where he drifted his writing genre to the world of crime fiction. Andre changed his genre over to crime, but also his endeavors, which ended his college journey early and landed him in New York State Prison for five years.

Unlike many others, Andre had the skill of mentally escaping rough environments. And so he did, writing seven novels, three short stories, and finishing his degree through a prison college program. Andre has published two short stories and founded Untapped Solutions (formerly ConConnect), the world’s first social network for formerly incarcerated men and women to get connected with valuable resources upon release. He has continued to write and plans to drop his novels in due time.

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

Tell us about you and your story, how you came to create Untapped Solutions?
How does Untapped Solutions work?
Who does this platform help?
What are the benefits of hiring these populations for employers?
What kinds of businesses are you working with?
Once someone is hired, is there a support system that helps navigate starting a new job?

Human Resources for the Non-HR Professional: The Atlanta Works Conference, with Jason Cline and Liz Beltramini, SHRM-Atlanta

September 6, 2023 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Human Resources for the Non-HR Professional: The Atlanta Works Conference, with Jason Cline and Liz Beltramini, SHRM-Atlanta

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North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 693)

Small organizations without an HR department, as well as team members managing HR without a background in human resources, need education tailored to their specific needs. SHRM-Atlanta’s Jason Cline and Liz Beltramini joined host John Ray to discuss the Atlanta Works Conference, a conference designed with such an audience in mind. Jason and Liz talked about the industry-specific tracks the conference will feature, industry association partners who are collaborating, sponsors, and much more.

An online information session on this event will be conducted by SHRM-Atlanta on September 13, 2023, at 12:00 pm Eastern. This session is free of charge. For more information and to register, follow this link. To register for the conference itself, follow this link.

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

SHRM-Atlanta is one of the largest chapters of SHRM and shares its purpose of elevating the HR profession. As a leader in the Atlanta metro business community, SHRM-Atlanta strives to be the premier resource for those working in and supporting the human resource function. SHRM-Atlanta’s predominant goal is to be the voice of HR in metro Atlanta and be the first contact for those seeking information and solutions.

This will be achieved through the growth and diversity of members, education, and delivery of content, and by strengthening partnerships with organizations that share its vision.

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

Jason Cline, CAE, Chief Executive Director, SHRM-Atlanta

Jason Cline brings over 18 years of association management and leadership experience to SHRM-Atlanta. Previously, Jason was the President & CEO of the Printing & Imaging Association of Georgia. There, Jason spearheaded the development and execution of a strategic plan and led a highly profitable insurance arm of the organization. Prior to that role, he was the Strategic Initiatives Executive at the Association of College Unions International, the Section Membership Development Manager at the American Bar Association, and he began his association career as the Director of Membership at the Roller Skating Association International.

Jason earned both his undergraduate degree in Elementary Education and a graduate certificate in Nonprofit Management from Indiana University. He also holds the Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential from ASAE: The Center for Association Leadership. Jason has called Atlanta home since 2016 when he moved here from Indianapolis.

Liz Beltramini, Chief Content Officer & DEI Advisor, SHRM-Atlanta

Elizabeth Beltramini leads SHRM-Atlanta in providing members with content they need to advance as HR professionals. In joining the team, Liz hopes to grow the Association’s efforts related to equity and inclusion. Previously, Liz was a director and senior diversity officer for the Association of College Unions International. She also served as a consultant and project manager for Atria association management services. During her 20 years working with associations, Liz has overseen conferences and events, publications, websites, assessment and research, marketing, and membership.

Liz has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Indiana University, a certificate in diversity and inclusion management from Cornell University, and is a qualified administrator of the Intercultural Development Inventory.

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

SHRM-Atlanta’s mission
The intended audience for the Atlanta Works conference
Leaning into the adage of “people leave managers, not companies”
Industry specific tracks
Partners and sponsors
Registration and location details

Tax Strategy and Tax Credits, with Greg Silberman, S.J. Gorowitz Accounting & Tax Services

August 14, 2023 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Tax Strategy and Tax Credits, with Greg Silberman, S.J. Gorowitz Accounting & Tax Services

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North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 692)

Greg Silberman, Managing Director of S.J. Gorowitz Accounting & Tax Services, joined host John Ray to talk about his company’s unique approach to business consultancy, their ability to offer consolidated tax strategy, filing, and CFO services, renewable energy tax credits, some estate planning tips, and much more.

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

S.J. Gorowitz Accounting & Tax Services

S.J. Gorowitz Accounting & Tax Services is a boutique CPA firm that supports expanding and emerging businesses and their owners with a consultative, inclusive approach to accounting, business advisory, tax, trust, and estate services. They work one-on-one with clients to produce accurate financials, minimize taxes and ensure compliance. Their tailored accounting solutions and financially focused business consulting spans industries including manufacturing, professional services, real estate and technology.

The company is guided by the highest standards of integrity, authority, and commitment to client service excellence. Clients trust them for reliable knowledge that considers industry nuances, the economic climate, and their unique business goals.

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook

**Gregory Silberman, Managing Director, S.J. Gorowitz Accounting & Tax Services**

A seasoned Certified Public Accountant with extensive knowledge of accounting, tax planning and preparation, investments, private equity and M&A, Gregory Silberman leverages his international expertise in the exclusive service of high-net-worth individuals and growing small businesses. He brings more than 20 years of global financial experience in Europe, Asia, and North America to the position.

Silberman developed an overarching commitment to quality service during his diversified career which included stints in public accounting at Grant Thornton (Johannesburg, SA); derivative accounting for JPMorgan Chase & Company (London, UK); and management consulting with Atlanta Gas Light and NASCO (Atlanta, Ga, USA).

Nearly a decade ago, he established CJ Tag LLC to provide complex accounting, tax, and business services to high-net-worth individuals. Additionally, the firm offered fractional CFO services and investment guidance to corporate clients in a wide range of industries and markets.

Previously Silberman was the Chief Investment Officer at ACG Investment Management. He was responsible for managing the firm’s private equity, hedge fund and real assets investment portfolio.

Prior to joining ACG Investment Management, Greg served as Director of Alternative Investments at Wilmington Trust. He was responsible for managing more than $2 billion in private equity, hedge fund, and real estate assets, and was instrumental in the launch of a successful alternative mutual fund. Silberman also managed more than $80 billion as a member of the research team. He was a portfolio manager, analyst, and product developer for Perpetual Investments in Sydney and JP Morgan Chase in London with a focus on structured derivative products.

Silberman earned a Bachelor of Accounting from the University of Witwatersrand and subsequently passed the South African Accountant’s and Auditor’s Board Exam, the Australian Chartered Accountant’s Exam and the Uniform CPA Examination. In addition, Silberman is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) and a Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA®).

When not spending time with his three daughters, Greg follows UFC and is always ready to cheer for the Springboks Rugby team.

Affiliations and Associations:
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
Georgia Society of CPAs
Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst Institute
CFA Institute and CFA Society of Atlanta
Kaplan Schweser, CFA review course
South African Institute of Chartered Accountants

Boards/Committees:
Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, Investment Committee (former chairman)
Solomon Schechter Epstein School, Investment and Finance Committee (former member)
Ariel Synagogue (former treasurer)

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

Services Provided

What services does SJG offer? How do you cater to the needs of your clients?
How does your firm help clients navigate through the complexities of tax preparation and planning?
Beyond tax-related services, what other financial areas does your CPA firm specialize in? Could you elaborate on financial consulting or advisory services you provide?
As technology advances, how has your firm embraced digital solutions for services like bookkeeping and financial reporting?

Inflation Reduction Act of 2022

Could you give our listeners a clear picture of what renewable energy entails and why it’s gaining so much attention?
How do these incentives work, and what benefits do businesses stand to gain?
- The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 offers tax incentives for businesses to adopt renewable energy.
Could you share examples of how different businesses are integrating renewable energy into their operations?
Beyond the financial incentives, how does embracing renewable energy contribute to environmental sustainability?
While the incentives are promising, are there any challenges businesses might face when transitioning to renewable energy?
What advice would you give to businesses that are considering adopting renewable energy but are unsure where to start?

Estate Planning

Can you explain the concept of portability and how it can be utilized in estate planning?
Could you elaborate on the increase in the lifetime gift and estate tax exemption for 2023?
Could you explain the concept of the annual gift tax exclusion and what it means for taxpayers?
What happens if someone decides to gift more than the annual exclusion amount to an individual recipient?

Cybersecurity Threats to Small Business, with Michael Caralis, Verizon (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 707)

Verizon

Michael Caralis, Vice President, Verizon Business Markets, Verizon

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

Drive-Through Medical Care, with Stacy and Dr. Luke Lathrop, SmartMED Drive-Thru Medical Care (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 706)

SmartMED Drive-Thru Medical Care

Dr. Luke Lathrop, Medical Director, SmartMED Drive-Thru Medical Care

Stacy Lathrop, CEO, SmartMED Drive-Thru Medical Care

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

Kicking It Into High Gear, with Ryan Burton, Leads Near Me® and the High Gear Auto Repair Marketing Conference (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 705)

High Gear Auto Repair Marketing Conference

Leads Near Me®

Ryan Burton, CEO, Leads Near Me® and founder of High Gear Auto Repair Marketing Conference

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

Steve Fisher, Strategy Partners Group (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 699)

Strategy Partners Group

Steve Fisher, Partner, Strategy Partners Group

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

HR, Culture, and Relationships, with Dr. Aisha Wright-Burke, ADP (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 698)

ADP

Dr. Aisha Wright-Burke SHRM-SCP, Director, Talent Solutions, ADP

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

Daniel Sosebee and Heather Fleming, MST (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 695)

MST

Daniel Sosebee, Associate Member, MST

Heather Fleming, Business Development Manager, MST

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

Revolutionizing the Reentry Process for the Formerly Incarcerated, with Andre Peart, CEO, Untapped Solutions (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 694)

Untapped Solutions

Andre Peart, Founder and CEO, Untapped Solutions

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

SHRM-Atlanta

Jason Cline, CAE, Chief Executive Director, SHRM-Atlanta

Liz Beltramini, Chief Content Officer & DEI Advisor, SHRM-Atlanta

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

Tax Strategy and Tax Credits, with Greg Silberman, S.J. Gorowitz Accounting & Tax Services (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 692)

S.J. Gorowitz Accounting & Tax Services

Gregory Silberman, Managing Director, S.J. Gorowitz Accounting & Tax Services

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

Our Mission

Sponsor a Show

Partner With Us

Connect with us

North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 707)

Drive-Through Medical Care, with Stacy and Dr. Luke Lathrop, SmartMED Drive-Thru Medical Care North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 706)

Leads Near Me® and the High Gear Auto Repair Marketing Conference North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 705)

North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 695)

North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 694)

North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 692)