Roswell Georgia Archives - Business RadioX ®

Roswell Mayor Mary Robichaux: Growth, Preservation, and Jobs

March 26, 2026 by John Ray

Mayor Mary Robichaux on Roswell’s Next Chapter: Growth, Workforce Development, and Protecting What Makes Roswell Unique (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 113) with host Kali Boatright

North Fulton Studio

Roswell Mayor Mary Robichaux: Growth, Preservation, and Jobs

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Mayor Mary Robichaux on Roswell’s Next Chapter: Growth, Workforce Development, and Protecting What Makes Roswell Unique (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 113)

Kali Boatright, President and CEO of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, sits down with Roswell Mayor Mary Robichaux for a wide-ranging conversation about leadership, growth, and what it takes to guide a city that is both historic and fast-changing.

Mayor Robichaux shares her background in healthcare leadership and her time representing House District 48 in the Georgia General Assembly, then walks through what the first 90 days as mayor have required, from meeting teams across a large city organization to getting grounded in budgets, priorities, and economic development momentum.

They dig into the real tension Roswell has to manage: preserving natural assets and historic character while still planning for smart redevelopment, infrastructure, and business growth. The conversation also gets practical about workforce, including apprenticeship models and why trade pathways are a serious economic development strategy, not an afterthought. It closes with how regional collaboration across North Fulton strengthens the whole area, and where residents and visitors can keep up with what’s happening in Roswell.

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®.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

The first 90 days of a new mayor’s term are less about speeches and more about meeting people, learning systems, and getting clear on priorities.
Roswell’s identity, natural assets, historic character, and quality of place provide a unique advantage that requires protection as the city grows.
The city’s landlocked status dictates the growth strategy. The focus becomes redevelopment and smart planning, not expansion.
Infrastructure decisions, including roads and connectivity, are inseparable from business growth and quality of life.
Workforce development becomes real when cities and employers treat apprenticeships and skilled trades as legitimate career pipelines.
North Fulton cities carry more influence when they collaborate, even while they compete for talent and business investment.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Show opens and introduction of Mayor Mary Robichaux
01:00 Swearing-in timing, background, and why she ran for mayor
02:00 Healthcare leadership career and service in the Georgia House
03:00 First 90 days: staff, budgets, and setting priorities
05:00 What success looks like in 4 to 6 years for Roswell
07:00 Roswell’s identity: history, quality of place, and preservation
09:00 Balancing development with preservation, plus infrastructure realities
12:00 Comprehensive 2045 planning and what landlocked growth requires
15:00 Workforce development and apprenticeship pathways
19:00 Why regional collaboration across North Fulton matters
22:00 The hardest decisions in city leadership and how she approaches them
30:00 Where to find Roswell information and events
32:00 Closing remarks and wrap

Roswell Mayor Mary Robichaux

Mary Robichaux began her term as the Mayor of Roswell, Georgia, in January 2026. She previously represented House District 48 in the Georgia House of Representatives from 2019 to 2023, where she served in caucus leadership and focused on issues affecting families, local communities, and economic development.

A longtime Roswell resident, Robichaux has spent more than three decades in healthcare improvement and consulting, with a career focused on strengthening quality of care, patient outcomes, and cost effectiveness. She has worked with major health systems and mission-driven organizations, including roles connected to the American Heart Association, Emory Healthcare, and Johns Hopkins Hospital. She earned degrees from the University of New Orleans and Louisiana State University Medical Center.

Website

About GNFCC and The GNFCC 400 Insider podcast

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.

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 its 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.

The Transformational Work of the STAR House Foundation

July 10, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

The Transformational Work of the STAR House Foundation

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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 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.

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 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.

Mortgage Solutions for Homebuyers, with Geoff Smith, Assurance Financial

September 19, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Mortgage Solutions for Homebuyers, with Geoff Smith, Assurance Financial

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Mortgage Solutions for Homebuyers, with Geoff Smith, Assurance Financial (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 803)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray interviews Geoff Smith, Assurance Financial. Geoff shares his journey from journalism to mortgage banking and highlights Assurance Financial’s services, including in-house mortgage lending, customer service excellence, and specialized loan products like bank statement loans and bridge loans. He emphasizes the importance of understanding federal guidelines and the steps Assurance Financial takes to ensure seamless client experiences. The episode also discusses current market dynamics, interest rates, and the importance of buying in a vibrant housing market like Georgia. Additionally, Geoff shares success stories and the impact of personalized service in handling complex loan situations.

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

Geoff Smith, Roswell, GA Branch Manager and Loan Officer, Assurance Financial

Geoff Smith has been in the real estate industry since 2001, when he became a general contractor. In 2011, he went all in with mortgages, becoming a full-time loan officer with Assurance Financial and opening his own branch with them in 2021 on Canton Street in downtown Roswell.

Geoff volunteers in the community. He is currently sitting on the board of STAR House, an after-school tutoring and mentoring program for at-risk elementary school students in Roswell; he is on the Advisory Board for Wellstar North Fulton Regional Hospital; he is on the board for the Alpharetta Business Association; and he coaches 6th grade football at Blessed Trinity High School.

Geoff is married to Brenda and they have two boys, Samuel, who is a freshman at Auburn, and Charlie, who is a sophomore at Blessed Trinity.

LinkedIn | Facebook | X (Twitter)

Assurance Financial

Assurance Financial is a mortgage lender and refinance company that has been serving homeowners since 2001. The company is known for its customer-centric approach, offering a wide range of loan options tailored to meet the individual needs of homebuyers. They provide various loan types, including VA, FHA, construction, non-qualified, modular home, jumbo, first-time home buyer, conventional, and USDA RD loans.

Assurance Financial emphasizes a seamless and efficient loan application process, utilizing the latest technology to simplify steps such as prequalification, full application, processing, and funding. They pride themselves on outstanding customer satisfaction, with an average rating of 4.98 out of 5 stars based on numerous reviews.

The company is recognized as a Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac seller/servicer-approved and Ginnie Mae issuer-approved lender. Assurance Financial operates across 28 states in the U.S., providing personalized support through their team of experienced loan officers. Their services are designed to assist clients at various stages of life, whether buying a first home, a vacation property, or an investment property.

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

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
01:33 Guest Introduction: Geoff Smith. Assurance Financial
02:10 Geoff’s Career Journey and Passion for Mortgages
03:21 The Mortgage Process and Customer Experience
06:48 Challenges and Problem-Solving in Mortgage Lending
14:49 Understanding Interest Rates and Market Dynamics
18:48 Expanding Business Across States
19:02 Housing Market Dynamics in Georgia
22:03 The Impact of Waiting to Buy a Home
22:48 Innovative Loan Products for Homebuyers
24:47 Assurance Financial’s Unique Bridge Loan
27:05 Success Stories and Client Experiences
33:35 Community Support and Final Thoughts

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

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 $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 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.

Renasant Bank supports the Georgia Alliance for Breast Cancer

Georgia Alliance for Breast Cancer (formerly It’s The Journey) is a registered 501c3 non-profit that strives to support Georgia’s breast cancer community by raising funds to support breast health and breast cancer programs throughout the state of Georgia.

GAABC’s mission is to engage with Georgia’s breast cancer community to increase access to care and reduce disparities in cancer outcomes.

Randi Passoff, a breast cancer survivor, founded GAABC in 2002. She created “the kinder and gentler breast cancer walk” based off the Avon 3-Day Breast Cancer Walk. Instead of a 3-day walk of 60 miles over 3 days and sleeping in a tent, the Georgia 2-Day Walk covers 30 miles over 2 days, and participants sleep in a hotel. Most importantly, what’s raised in Georgia stays in Georgia.

Renasant Bank is a major supporter of GAABC, both in corporately donated funds and employee donations and participation in the walk.

To learn more about GAABC and the 2-Day Walk, go to the GAABC Website.

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

With over 800 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 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.

LIVE from the 2022 Roswell Rotary Golf and Tennis Tournament: Kurt Wilson, Mayor of the City of Roswell

October 7, 2022 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

LIVE from the 2022 Roswell Rotary Golf and Tennis Tournament: Kurt Wilson, Mayor of the City of Roswell

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LIVE from the 2022 Roswell Rotary Golf and Tennis Tournament: Kurt Wilson, Mayor of the City of Roswell (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 539)

Kurt Wilson, Mayor of the City of Roswell, joined host John Ray at the 2022 Roswell Rotary Golf and Tennis Tournament, LIVE at Brookfield Country Club. They discussed Kurt’s involvement in the Roswell Rotary Club, the projects that the tournament funds, the City of Roswell, and much more.

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

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

Kurt Wilson, Mayor of the City of Roswell and Roswell Rotary

Kurt Wilson was elected as Mayor of the City of Roswell in 2022 and will continue his term until December 31st, 2025. The Mayor is the Chief Executive Officer of the City, the presiding officer at City Council meetings, and responsible for the efficient and orderly administration of City affairs.

Kurt is a member of the Roswell Rotary and is continually impressed with all that the Rotary and the City of Roswell do for the community. Roswell Rotary has been serving the community for over 70 years and is one of the largest service organizations in the southeast. Their members come from all walks of life and combine to provide a diverse group of servant-minded business leaders. Their mantra of putting “Service Above Self” is easy when you do it alongside some of your best friends. With numerous service projects within their community and abroad, you can be sure that you will find a place to give back and have fun doing it.

This year the Rotary International theme is “Imagine Rotary” and Roswell Rotarians are using their imaginations to make the community and world a better place. With over 1.4 million members internationally focusing on water/sanitation, mental/child health, basic education/literacy, economic/community development, the environment, disease prevention/treatment and peace and conflict prevention/resolution, you can be assured that Rotary is changing lives in the community and the world.

Roswell Rotary’s signature event is the Aubrey Greenway Golf and the Hagan Cup Tennis Tournaments. These tournaments serve as their main fundraiser and engage our 240 members in a one-day event that includes a full day of golf, a tennis tournament, an after party, and silent/live auctions. The event typically raises over $150,000. Proceeds fund an annual Community Impact Project as well as provide grants to various charities during the Rotary year; helping organizations large and small fulfill their charitable missions.

Kurt Wilson invites you to suit up, help them give back to the community and join in the fun.

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | Kurt Wilson LinkedIn

Questions and Topics in the Interview:

About Kurt’s involvement in the Roswell Rotary Club
The Golf and Tennis Tournament
The City of Roswell

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

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

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