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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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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 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.

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

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.

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 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 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 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.

Addressing the Workforce Housing Crisis in North Fulton, with Jack Murphy and Nancy Diamond, North Fulton Improvement Network

April 10, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Addressing the Workforce Housing Crisis in North Fulton, with Jack Murphy and Nancy Diamond, North Fulton Improvement Network

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Addressing the Workforce Housing Crisis in North Fulton, with Jack Murphy and Nancy Diamond, North Fulton Improvement Network (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 760)

This episode of North Fulton Business Radio featured guests Jack Murphy and Nancy Diamond from the North Fulton Improvement Network. Jack and Nancy joined host John Ray to discuss the pressing issue of workforce housing, namely, affordable housing for essential workers, in North Fulton. The North Fulton Improvement Network started its work as the North Fulton Poverty Task Force, and evolved its focus towards addressing the broader economic development issue of accessible housing for those earning middle incomes, including teachers, nurses, and public officers. The dialogue also touched upon how this housing crisis impacts local schools, healthcare, and the overall economic development of North Fulton. Jack and Nancy emphasized the importance of community awareness, the role of government, private sector, and non-profit collaboration in addressing the issue, as well as potential solutions like changes in zoning laws and engaging the faith community in housing projects. The episode is a call to action for North Fulton residents and businesses to acknowledge and work on solutions for the workforce housing shortage.

To view the Future First: North Fulton Summit held on February 20, 2024, mentioned during the show, follow this link.

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.

North Fulton Improvement Network

In 2014, a group of nonprofit and community leaders joined forces as the North Fulton Poverty Task Force to focus on raising awareness for the needs of those living and working in the community who experience financial vulnerability. However, as our research demonstrated that living in our region is challenging at multiple income levels — including those well above poverty — we renamed our organization the North Fulton Improvement Network. Now, we are a think tank that gathers research, resources, and perspectives on the interconnected issues impacting our community.

The North Fulton Improvement Network serves as a platform to provide education on the reality of living in North Fulton County and to bring together resources that currently address financial vulnerability. We are a network made up of the whole community — businesses, stakeholders, nonprofits, faith-based organizations, political leaders, and the general public. With a central belief that we need all hands on deck to address these systemic issues, NFIN works to make North Fulton a thriving, equitable, and affordable community.

NFIN serves the six cities that comprise Georgia’s North Fulton region: Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Mountain Park, Roswell, and Sandy Springs. We center our work on five main areas— 1) workforce housing, (2) income and employment, (3) transportation, (4) child well-being, and (5) food insecurity. All of these aspects of community both impact and are impacted by financial vulnerability. By supporting innovative private and public solutions that address one or more of these fields, we believe that we can build a North Fulton that is thriving and prosperous for all community members.

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 profession 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 currently is national SVDP chair of Systemic Change and Advocacy.

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

Nancy Diamond

Nancy Diamond is a Project Manager with Schmit & Associates, a real estate development firm, creating town center revitalization in communities all around the metro area.

Nancy served 8 years as a Roswell City Council Member, including a term as Mayor Pro Tem, with liaison positions with Community Development, Transportation, Recreation & Parks, and Public Safety.

In addition to her work with the North Fulton Improvement Network, Nancy has been active in area non-profit organizations, including board leadership positions in the STAR House Foundation, WellStar North Fulton Hospital, and the Roswell Rotary Club.

A native of Atlanta and a 42-year North Fulton resident, Nancy worked at Turner Broadcasting in the early years of CNN, then became a freelancer in sports television graphics. While raising her two daughters, she worked from home, first developing a corporate gift service, and later as a mortgage loan originator.

Nancy and her husband, Glenn, now relish the role of grandparents to 8-year-old Owen.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
01:23 Introducing Jack Murphy and Nancy Diamond from North Fulton Improvement Network
01:56 The Mission of North Fulton Improvement Network: Addressing Workforce Housing
03:02 From Poverty Task Force to Housing Focus: The Evolution of the North Fulton Improvement Network
04:17 The Economic and Social Impact of Workforce Housing
06:11 Understanding Affordable Housing: Definitions and Implications
07:50 Why Workforce Housing Matters to North Fulton
08:50 Challenges and Solutions in Affordable Housing
11:20 The Role of Government and Economic Development in Housing
18:42 Private Enterprise and Housing Solutions
20:46 The Impact of Housing on Schools and Communities
22:37 Exploring the Shift in Neighborhood Dynamics
23:21 The Housing Industry Disruption and Generational Preferences
24:38 Addressing Teacher Housing Challenges
25:56 Collaborative Solutions for Housing and Community Improvement
35:02 The Role of Faith-Based Organizations in Affordable Housing
37:09 Engaging Businesses and Communities in Housing Solutions
41:48 Closing Remarks and Resources for Further Engagement

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

With over 750 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 studio address is 275 South Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

John is the national bestselling author of The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices.

Celebrating an Award-Winning North Fulton Franchisee, with Gloria Mattei and Sergio Pacheco, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Alpharetta/Milton and Sandy Springs

February 28, 2024 by John Ray

Nothing Bundt Cakes Sandy Springs Alpharetta Milton Roswell

North Fulton Studio

Celebrating an Award-Winning North Fulton Franchisee, with Gloria Mattei and Sergio Pacheco, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Alpharetta/Milton and Sandy Springs

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Celebrating an Award-Winning North Fulton Franchisee, with Gloria Mattei and Sergio Pacheco, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Alpharetta/Milton and Sandy Springs (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 92)

Host Kali Boatright welcomed Gloria Mattei and Sergio Pacheco, the award-winning owners of Nothing Bundt Cakes in Alpharetta/Milton and Sandy Springs to this edition of the GNFCC 400 Insider. During this insightful discussion, Gloria and Sergio shared their journey transitioning from the corporate world to franchise owners. Their perseverance and diligence helped them win the International Franchise Association’s recognition as a Franchisee of the Year in 2023 despite initial challenges, including receiving a rejection letter from their franchisor when they first applied. This couple also won a Circle of Honor award in 2023, given the top franchise in the Nothing Bundt Cakes system. The discussion further highlighted their active involvement in the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce and other community initiatives, and their commitment as small business owners to provide high-quality service and opportunities to their employees and the community.

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

Gloria Mattei and Sergio Pacheco, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Alpharetta, Milton, Roswell, and Sandy Springs

Sergio Pacheco and Gloria Mattei, Nothing Bundt Cakes Sandy Springs — **Sergio Pacheco and Gloria Mattei, Nothing Bundt Cakes**

Gloria Mattei and Sergio Pacheco are the owners of Nothing Bundt Cakes Alpharetta, Milton, Roswell as well as a newly acquired store in Sandy Springs. Nothing Bundt Cakes reintroduces an old family favorite—the Bundt cake—with a light, moist taste and fresh, clean look that appeals to all ages. Each 8” and 10” Bundt cake features custom concept cake decorations that are smart, contemporary, and fun to enhance any occasion, large or small, in a wide range of cake flavors and sizes. Nothing Bundt Cakes celebrates the very heart of true hospitality, where all are welcome, and no one is a stranger. Each thoughtful detail of the experience, from the heartfelt welcome at the door to remembering the customer’s favorite flavor, has been naturally embraced at Nothing Bundt Cakes

Nothing Bundt Cakes is not in the cake business; they are in the “joy-giving” business. Their mission is to come up with unique, valuable solutions to every guest celebration need.

Their journey out of the corporate world and into entrepreneurship started when Gloria met the Nothing Bundt Cakes (NbC) brand back in 2010, during one of her many business trips to California. A friend from Texas who was very familiar with the brand introduced her. She came home to tell Sergio, her husband, “I think we found the business,” and her husband said, “Are you crazy? You don’t even cook!”

Her first thought after knowing the brand, was, “There is nothing like this in Georgia.” One year later, the first NbC store opened in Sandy Springs, and Sergio got to taste the product, at his own Christmas housewarming party. At that point, he said, “You are on to something. Let’s start the research process.” What started as simple franchise research in January 2011 resulted in the opening of the 2nd NbC store in Georgia, store number 83 for the franchise system. They opened their doors in December 2013. They just celebrated their 10th anniversary on December 13, 2023.

In March 2022, Gloria and Sergio were approved to open their second bakery. However, destiny and serendipity had other plans. Gloria had a strong relationship with the owner of the first store in GA (Sandy Springs), and that owner reached out to Gloria as soon as she was approved for her second bakery and said, “I want to retire, and I don’t want to sell to anyone but you.”

Gloria and Sergio expanded their market by taking over the Sandy Springs bakery in June 2022 and are now proud owners of bakery #1 and #2 in Georgia, proudly serving the GA 400 North Fulton Corridor.

Gloria, Sergio, and their NbC family are proud to bring joy to their community and truly live the experience of how “cake changes everything.” Gloria and Sergio opened their business with a big dream. That dream is their why: the dream of building a platform for her son, who is in the autistic community. He could either be able to perform in it or prove that he, and other kids like him, can function and have a role in the community.

Gloria and Sergio have seen their business grow not only as a platform for their son, but also for their daughter and many other individuals, including other special needs young adults in the community. That accomplishment is proudly the one they are most proud of.

Website

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction to the GNFCC 400 Insider

00:31 Meet the Guests: Gloria Mattei and Sergio Pacheco

01:14 Journey from Corporate World to Franchise Ownership

02:42 The Birth of a Business Idea: Nothing Bundt Cakes

03:42 The Decision to Become Franchisees

06:00 The Unexpected Journey to Franchisee of the Year

06:26 The Circle of Honor and Franchisee of the Year Awards

11:23 Reflections on Success and Perseverance

12:30 The Initial Rejection and Determination

13:09 Finding a New Path to Business Ownership

14:27 The Importance of Small Businesses

15:01 Challenges Faced by Franchise Owners

15:58 The Impact of Economic Fluctuations on Small Businesses

About GNFCC and The GNFCC 400 Insider

**Kali Boatright, President and CEO of GNFCC**

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 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.

Secrets for Healthy Skin, with Maedeh Samimi, Urban Skin Care Clinic

January 23, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Secrets for Healthy Skin, with Maedeh Samimi, Urban Skin Care Clinic

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Secrets for Healthy Skin, with Maedeh Samimi, Urban Skin Care Clinic (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 740)

Maedeh Samimi, owner of Urban Skin Care Clinic in Roswell, joined host John Ray on this episode of North Fulton Business Radio. Maedeh discussed the importance of understanding skin, both in managing challenges like adult cystic acne and aging gracefully, highlighting the holistic approach that makes Urban Skin Care Clinic stand out. She shared how her personal experience with cystic acne fueled her passion for skincare and how her treatments aim to boost confidence and self-image in addition to improving skin health. Maedeh also covered the importance of daily skincare routines, including the use of sunscreen, why regular exfoliation is so crucial, and much more.

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.

Maedeh Samimi, Owner, Urban Skin Care Clinic

Maedeh Samimi is a licensed aesthetician in Roswell, Georgia.

Maedeh started her career path as a makeup artist and enjoyed helping and uplifting women and their self-image. In her early 20s, she experienced adult cystic acne and quickly learned that masking her breakouts with makeup wasn’t improving her skin condition but further clogging her pores. Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, affecting up to 60 million Americans and their self-esteem annually.

Inspired to help others after her own journey with acne, Maedeh founded Urban Skin Care Clinic in February of 2020 in Roswell. From the early days of her aesthetic career, Maedeh knew she wanted to focus on the clinical side of the industry, and from working in medical spa settings, she gained vast knowledge and over 10,000 hours of hands-on experience in clinical skin treatments and procedures.

Maedeh continuously furthers her education and stays current with industry news and innovations. She is passionate about helping and guiding other women to feel confident in their own skin and leaving makeup to be an option rather than a security blanket by clearing their acne, removing sun-damaged spots, and rejuvenating tired, dull complexions.

Maedeh is the host of The Skin Coach in Georgia podcast.

Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | LinkedIn

Topics Discussed in this Interview

00:05 Introduction and Welcome

01:13 Interview with Maedeh Samimi, Owner of Urban Skin Care Clinic

01:32 Maedeh’s Journey into Skincare

03:55 Understanding Acne and its Causes

07:41 Holistic Approach to Acne Treatment

09:58 Helping Women Age Gracefully

15:21 Importance of Sunscreen and Exfoliation

24:31 A Success Story: Alexa’s Transformation

25:57 Contact Information and Closing Remarks

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, and many others.

RenasantBank

Chad Hagan, Hagan Capital Group and Author of Global Family Office Investing

August 29, 2023 by John Ray

Business Beat

Chad Hagan, Hagan Capital Group and Author of Global Family Office Investing

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Frazier & Deeter’s Business Beat: Chad Hagan, Hagan Capital Group and Author of Global Family Office Investing

Chad Hagan, founder of Hagan Capital Group and author of Global Family Office Investing, joined Business Beat and host Roger Lusby for a wide-ranging conversation about investing in the environment, his non-political definition of “environmentalism,” his views on the energy sector, the economy of the North Fulton region, and much more.

Business Beat is presented by Alpharetta CPA firm Frazier & Deeter and is produced by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®

Hagan Capital Group

Since the founding of Hagan Capital, the principals have advised on over $2,5 billion of transactions for funds, family offices, institutions, investment companies and wealthy individuals.

The partners are headquartered in metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia with affiliated partners and companies in New York, Florida, Canada, and England.

Company website | LinkedIn

Chad Hagan, Founder, Hagan Capital Group and Author, Global Family Office Investing

Chadwick Hagan is an author, investor, and entrepreneur.

He is a managing partner of Wessex Investments and the founder of Hagan Capital Group.

Over his career he has advised nearly $2 billion dollars in M&A transactions and investments; including managing funds with an average annual return of 30%; leading the takeover and bankruptcy recapitalisation efforts of American Apparel – then the largest vertically integrated apparel company in the US – and managing investments in consumer goods and energy commodities. He is an investor and company director for numerous commercial concerns, funds, and entities in the US and Europe.

His most recent book, Global Family Office Investing, was published by Palgrave in 2021, and his economics blog, Chaganomics.com, was archived by US Library of Congress Economics Blogs Web Archive. He is an opinion columnist and has written for The Epoch Times, Fox Business, and ArtNews.

He is a director for the Hagan Family Foundation, founded by his father in the 1990s, where he focuses on fiscal policy, environmentalism, and art history.

Chad studied economics at Harvard and the London School of Economics. He married Emily Wheeler in 2008 and lives in Metropolitan Atlanta. He enjoys skiing, tennis and producing documentaries in his spare time.

LinkedIn | Twitter

Frazier & Deeter

The Alpharetta office of Frazier & Deeter is home to a thriving CPA tax practice, a growing advisory practice and an Employee Benefit Plan Services group. CPAs and advisors in the Frazier & Deeter Alpharetta office serve clients across North Georgia and around the country with services such as personal tax planning, estate planning, business tax planning, business tax compliance, state and local tax planning, financial statement reviews, financial statement audits, employee benefit plan audits, internal audit outsourcing, cyber security, data privacy, SOX and other regulatory compliance, mergers, and acquisitions and more. Alpharetta CPAs serve clients ranging from business owners and executives to large corporations.

Roger Lusby, host of Frazier & Deeter’s Business Beat, is an Alpharetta CPA and Alpharetta Office Managing Partner for Frazier & Deeter. He is also a member of the Tax Department in charge of coordinating tax and accounting services for our clientele. His responsibilities include a review of a variety of tax returns with an emphasis in the individual, estate, and corporate areas. Client assistance is also provided in the areas of financial planning, executive compensation and stock option planning, estate and succession planning, international planning (FBAR, SFOP), health care, real estate, manufacturing, technology, and service companies.

You can find Frazier & Deeter on social media:

LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter

An episode archive of Frazier & Deeter’s Business Beat can be found here.

Roswell Program of Path to Shine

March 10, 2023 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Roswell Program of Path to Shine

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The Roswell Program of Path To Shine, Inc. (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 619)

North Fulton Business Radio Host John Ray went on the road to visit the children and mentors of the Roswell program of Path to Shine, an after-school mentoring and tutoring program for children at Mimosa Elementary School. John was joined by Judith Windsor, Program Director, who discussed the children they serve, the results which come from their mentorship model, how interested individuals can become a mentor, and more. John also interviewed children in the program, including Javier, Kayden, Karla, Inielka, Lia, Asia, Mia, Candler, Andy, Kathryn, Diego, Jesus, Matthew, and Ross.

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

Path To Shine, Inc.

Path To Shine®, Inc. is a mentoring and tutoring program for elementary school children in North and Middle Georgia.

Its purpose is to provide academic and social support to encourage children to thrive in school and build self-confidence to achieve their dreams.

PTS’s success stems from its principles to maintain a ratio of no more than one Mentor to two students, to have a flexible structure that adapts to each local community, and to consistently seek collaboration with other organizations.

Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook

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 bankers’ 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/.

LIVE from the GNFCC 2022 Women in Leadership Summit: Gloria Mattei, Nothing Bundt Cakes

November 15, 2022 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

LIVE from the GNFCC 2022 Women in Leadership Summit: Gloria Mattei, Nothing Bundt Cakes

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LIVE from the GNFCC 2022 Women in Leadership Summit: Gloria Mattei, Nothing Bundt Cakes (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 569)

Gloria Mattei, Owner of two Nothing Bundt Cakes stores in North Fulton, joined North Fulton Business Radio host John Ray LIVE from the GNFCC 2022 Women in Leadership Summit. They talked about the growth of her Nothing Bundt Cakes business, community engagement, the Women INfluencing Business Committee, the Summit itself, and much more.

This show was originally broadcast live from the GNFCC 2022 Women in Leadership Summit held at The Commons at Phase in Alpharetta, Georgia.

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

Gloria Mattei, Owner, Nothing Bundt Cakes

Gloria Mattei is the Owner of Nothing Bundt Cakes Alpharetta, Milton, Roswell as well as a newly acquired store in Sandy Springs. Nothing Bundt Cakes reintroduces an old family favorite – the Bundt cake – with a light, moist taste and fresh, clean look that appeals to all ages. Each 8” and 10” Bundt cake features custom concept cake decorations that are smart, contemporary, and fun to enhance any occasion, large or small, in a wide range of cake flavors and sizes. Nothing Bundt Cakes celebrates the very heart of true hospitality where all are welcome and no one is a stranger. Each thoughtful detail of the experience, from the heartfelt welcome at the door to remembering the customer’s favorite flavor, has been naturally embraced at Nothing Bundt Cakes

Nothing Bundt Cakes is not in the cake business, they are in the “joy-giving” business. Their mission is to come up with unique valuable solutions to every guest celebration need.

Website

GNFCC 2022 Women in Leadership Summit, presented by the Women INfluencing Business Committee

The 2022 Women in Leadership Summit, organized by the Women INfluencing Business Committee of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, was held on November 2, 2022, at the Commons at Phase in Alpharetta, Georgia.

Powered by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce (GNFCC), the Women INfluencing Business Committee strives to engage female leaders and enhance the standing of professional women within the community. Its annual awards program recognizes women with exceptional vision who have implemented innovative ideas in both the workplace and community and who inspire others.

Website

Questions and Topics in the Interview

Nothing Bundt Cakes
Community Engagement
Women INfluencing Business Committee
Women in Leadership Summit

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.

LIVE from the GNFCC Grand Opening Celebration: Jon-Paul Croom, Wellstar North Fulton Hospital

August 29, 2022 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

LIVE from the GNFCC Grand Opening Celebration: Jon-Paul Croom, Wellstar North Fulton Hospital

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North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 506)

Jon-Paul Croom, President of Wellstar North Fulton Hospital, joined John Ray to chat about the grand opening celebration for the new offices of GNFCC at Avalon, the recent improvements at Wellstar North Fulton including the new CyberKnife®, Wellstar North Fulton’s support of GNFCC, and more.

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

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

Equipped with the latest technology and medical expertise, Wellstar North Fulton Hospital is committed to delivering quality, personalized care, tailored to you. Wellstar North Fulton is a Level II Emergency Cardiac Care Center, Level II Trauma Center, and Joint Commission Primary Stroke Center.

From their convenient Roswell location, Wellstar North Fulton Hospital offers the most advanced stroke care and leading therapies, specializing in complicated and complex cases. Count on their dedicated neuro team, state-of-the-art imaging technologies, and neuro-trained intensive care unit (ICU), to treat all types of strokes, including ischemic strokes, intracerebral hemorrhages, and subarachnoid hemorrhages.

Wellstar North Fulton’s team of neurosurgeons, neurocritical care physicians, and neuroradiologists perform thrombectomies, aneurysm treatments, and cerebral bypass procedures. In addition, our dedicated hybrid neurovascular suite is equipped with innovative bi-plane technology. This allows neurosurgeons to view highly detailed images of brain vessels, so our experts can customize treatments in real-time. That means you don’t have to go far for expert stroke treatment.

From diagnostic testing to life-saving emergency care to physical rehabilitation, Wellstar North Fulton Hospital provides comprehensive stroke care so you can get back to life, faster.

Company Website | Facebook | Twitter

Jon-Paul Croom, FACHE, President of WellStar North Fulton and SVP at WellStar Health System

Jon-Paul Croom is President of Wellstar North Fulton and joined the hospital in 2017.

Croom previously served as CEO of the 429-bed Central Mississippi Medical Center (CMMC) in Jackson, Miss. At CMMC, Croom was regarded as a team builder, using daily team huddles focused on delivering care that exceeded patient expectations while working to improve access to needed services. Croom opened the only burn center in Mississippi and increased the availability of inpatient psychiatric services at the facility.

Croom was also CEO for Merit Health Rankin in Brandon, Miss., chief operating officer for Clearview Regional Medical Center in Monroe, Ga., and chief operating officer for Roxborough Memorial Hospital in Philadelphia. Additionally, he served on the board of the Mississippi chapter of March of Dimes.

Croom received his bachelor’s degree from Mercer University, in Macon, Ga., and a master’s degree in both business administration and health administration from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Jon-Paul lives in Roswell with his wife and three children.

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

Wellstar North Fulton’s recent improvements
The addition of the CyberKnife®
Wellstar North Fulton’s involvement with GNFCC
Chamber luncheons

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.

North Fulton Hotel Industry: Ted Basco, Visit Roswell, and Xavier Etcheberrigaray, Atlanta Marriott Alpharetta

June 30, 2022 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

North Fulton Hotel Industry: Ted Basco, Visit Roswell, and Xavier Etcheberrigaray, Atlanta Marriott Alpharetta

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North Fulton Hotel Industry: Ted Basco, Visit Roswell, and Xavier Etcheberrigaray, Atlanta Marriott Alpharetta (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 76)

Host Kali Boatright welcomed Ted Basco, Director of Sales for Visit Roswell, and Xavier Etcheberrigaray, General Manager of the Atlanta Marriott Alpharetta, in a conversation about the hotel industry in North Fulton. They had a lively discussion about how the industry adjusted to the changing conditions of the pandemic, the need for resilience, the rise of Airbnb and VRBO properties and how hotels differentiate themselves, labor shortage issues, trends they see coming, and much more.

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

Visit Roswell

Visit Roswell is the convention and visitors bureau for the City of Roswell, Georgia.

Often referred to as a destination marketing organization (DMO), their organization incorporates targeted advertising and marketing programs with sales and public relations efforts to build the image of Roswell as a travel destination and increase visitation to the city.

Company website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Ted Basco, Director of Sales, Visit Roswell

Ted Basco is a seasoned veteran of the tourism & hospitality industry. He has extensive hotel experience with major worldwide brands like Hyatt Corporation, Starwood Hotels and Resorts, Marriott International, and IHG Hotels and Resorts. The bulk of Ted’s career includes roles as Director of Guest Services, Director of Operations and Director of Sales & Marketing at numerous hotels in San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles and Atlanta.

Today, Ted is in his 3rd year on the DMO’s side of the business as Director of Sales & Film Liaison for Visit Roswell – the Roswell, Georgia Convention & Visitors Bureau. Ted currently serves as an active member of the MPI Georgia Chapter, co-chairing their Community Outreach Committee where he recently was awarded the Phoenix Award for MPI Georgia Supplier Member of the Year.

Ted also is also a recent graduate of the Leadership North Fulton – Class of 2022, a year-long class facilitated by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce. Ted’s true personal passion is in sports, as he was a former student-athlete at San Francisco State University, majoring in Broadcast Communications and Sports Journalism. He also serves as a long-time volunteer and advisory board member with the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl in Atlanta.

Ted is married to Wendy, his wife of 14 years, who is also in the hospitality industry as an executive with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. They both have two amazing and talented children (11, 8).

And congratulations to Ted for being a 2022 MPI Georgia Phoenix Award Recipient as Supplier of the Year.

Atlanta Marriott Alpharetta

Experience attentive service in a prime setting at Atlanta Marriott Alpharetta. Ideally situated near business centers and popular attractions such as Top Golf, their updated hotel offers a modern yet warm and inviting ambiance that welcomes every traveler. Relax in the comfort of their spacious guest rooms or suites, each with deluxe amenities and products.

Savor delicious dining in the hotel’s restaurant or stop by the coffee shop to pick up drinks and treats to take along on your adventures around Alpharetta. If a business meeting, wedding, or social event brings you to Alpharetta, you’ll be delighted with their sophisticated venues, custom catering and unparalleled services. When it’s time to explore, you’ll find shopping, dining and entertainment nearby, including Ameris Bank Amphitheatre, Avalon, and more.

Whether staying with Atlanta Marriott Alpharetta for work or enjoying a getaway, they look forward to greeting you.

Company website | Facebook | Instagram

Xavier Etcheberrigaray, General Manager, Atlanta Marriott Alpharetta

Xavier Etcheberrigaray serves as a GM for the Atlanta Marriott Alpharetta.

Previously he was the Corporate Director of Hotel Operations at Caesars Entertainment, based in Las Vegas. In this role, he was responsible for the development, implementation, and execution of hospitality-related initiatives for Caesars’ Brands in the Americas, including Caesars Palace, Paris, Flamingo, and Harrah’s properties.

Prior to joining Caesars, Xavier spent the last decade working overseas, for both Rixos and Kempinski Hotels. As the Corporate Director of Strategy and Development at Rixos, he oversaw the company’s strategic, long-term goal planning function and development pipeline for luxury resorts in emerging markets.

Xavier embarked on his career as a Management Trainee with InterContinental Hotels, working as a Food & Beverage MT in Miami and subsequently a Sales & Marketing MT in Atlanta, before assuming roles of increasing responsibility outside the company. He later pursued an MBA in hospitality from Glion in Switzerland.

Xavier graduated from Ole Miss with a degree in Political Science. Xavier is a polyglot and serious foodie, speaking French, Spanish, some Portuguese, and English, and enjoying the food from those countries in that order.

About GNFCC and The GNFCC 400 Insider

The GNFCC 400 Insider is presented by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce (GNFCC) and is hosted by 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 1400 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.

The GNFCC promotes the interests of our 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 such as this North Fulton Mayors Appreciation Lunch, follow this link.

For the complete show archive of GNFCC 400 Insider, go to GNFCC400Insider.com. The GNFCC 400 Insider is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.

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

Roswell Inc

Steve Stroud, Executive Director, Roswell Inc

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

Topics Discussed in this Episode

Renasant Bank and Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant support North Fulton Business Radio

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

Addressing the Workforce Housing Crisis in North Fulton, with Jack Murphy and Nancy Diamond, North Fulton Improvement Network (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 760)

North Fulton Improvement Network

Jack Murphy

Nancy Diamond

Topics Discussed in this Episode

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

Celebrating an Award-Winning North Fulton Franchisee, with Gloria Mattei and Sergio Pacheco, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Alpharetta/Milton and Sandy Springs (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 92)

Gloria Mattei and Sergio Pacheco, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Alpharetta, Milton, Roswell, and Sandy Springs

Topics Discussed in this Episode

About GNFCC and The GNFCC 400 Insider

Secrets for Healthy Skin, with Maedeh Samimi, Urban Skin Care Clinic (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 740)

Maedeh Samimi, Owner, Urban Skin Care Clinic

Topics Discussed in this Interview

Frazier & Deeter’s Business Beat: Chad Hagan, Hagan Capital Group and Author of Global Family Office Investing

Hagan Capital Group

Chad Hagan, Founder, Hagan Capital Group and Author, Global Family Office Investing

Frazier & Deeter

The Roswell Program of Path To Shine, Inc. (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 619)

Path To Shine, Inc.

LIVE from the GNFCC 2022 Women in Leadership Summit: Gloria Mattei, Nothing Bundt Cakes (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 569)

Gloria Mattei, Owner, Nothing Bundt Cakes

GNFCC 2022 Women in Leadership Summit, presented by the Women INfluencing Business Committee

Questions and Topics in the Interview

LIVE from the GNFCC Grand Opening Celebration: Jon-Paul Croom, Wellstar North Fulton Hospital (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 506)

Wellstar North Fulton

Jon-Paul Croom, FACHE, President of WellStar North Fulton and SVP at WellStar Health System

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

North Fulton Hotel Industry: Ted Basco, Visit Roswell, and Xavier Etcheberrigaray, Atlanta Marriott Alpharetta (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 76)

Visit Roswell

Ted Basco, Director of Sales, Visit Roswell

Atlanta Marriott Alpharetta

Xavier Etcheberrigaray, General Manager, Atlanta Marriott Alpharetta

About GNFCC and The GNFCC 400 Insider

Our Mission

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North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 506)