Simply Buckhead Archives - Business RadioX ®

Debra Johnston with Berkshire Hathaway Luxury Collection and Ted Jenkin with oXYGen Financial

April 14, 2015 by angishields

Simply Buckhead Radio

Debra Johnston with Berkshire Hathaway Luxury Collection and Ted Jenkin with oXYGen Financial

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Debra Johnston / Berkshire Hathaway Luxury Collection. Residential Real Estate

Luxury Collection Specialist

After a successful career as a top corporate executive, Debra Johnston entered the real estate industry with 25 years of sales & marketing experience. It paid o. In 2011 she brokered the second largest sale in Atlanta, putting her in the top 5% of real estate agents in the city. Then in 2014, she represented the buyer in the second largest sale in Atlanta. A fixture on Atlanta Board of Realtors’ prestigious Multi-Million Dollar Sales Club, Debra’s $30M listing portfolio currently features Buckhead’s most distinguished properties.

With a love of modern architecture and a passion for design, real estate comes naturally to Debra Johnston. “I specialize in superb marketing to best represent each client’s property,” says the 22-year Buckhead resident. “Whether a listing is worth one or $25 million, I pay attention to every detail and come up with a bespoke campaign. I pull out all the stops — aerial photography, video, floor plans, e-mail marketing, wide internet exposure and timely one-on-one consultations.” The proof is in Debra’s extensive clientele of elite buyers and sellers and her working relationship with Hollywood and Atlanta’s film industry. Known for her lively “Residence of the Month” open houses, Debra’s creative marketing/buying plan, implemented by Berkshire Hathaway Luxury Collection’s international marketing team, guarantees top exposure for all consumers and real estate brokers.

So, if you’re in the market for a new home today or just making plans for tomorrow, get the best — Debra Johnston.

Achievements & Certifications

• Current portfolio valued over $30M

• Second-highest Residential Sale 2011 & 2014

• ABR Multi-Million Dollar Sales Club 2005, 2007-2014

• Top Agent Magazine: Top 25 Georgia Agent 2013-2014

• Exclusive Atlanta agent – Haute Living Magazine

• Exclusive Atlanta agent – ClienteleLuxury.com

• Exclusive Atlanta agent – Chic Metropolitan Magazine

• Berkshire Hathaway Luxury Collection Specialist

• Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chairman’s Circle – Platinum Level

• Atlanta Board of REALTORS®

• National Association of REALTORS®

DebraAJohnston.com | Twitter | LinkedIn

Ted Jenkin/ oXYGen Financial Inc.

Co-CEO and Founder

Ted has been a financial advisor for more than 22 years and a CFP® for over 17 years. In 2008, Ted founded oXYGen Financial to help change the financial services industry by creating a new company that focused on serving the X and Y Generation. oXYGen Financial now has more than 1,400 client households over 320 million AUM. Ted has been featured in over 30 magazines and newspapers including being a current featured columnist on the The Wall Street Journal, The Experts, CNN/Headline News, and The Huffington Post. He has been on the cover of Investment News and REP magazine, runs a top ranked financial blog www.yoursmartmoneymoves.com, and is a social media guru. He has six advanced designations from the College for Financial Planning (CFP®, CRPC®, CRPS®, AWMA®, AAMS®, CMFC®).

Ted lives in Milton, GA with his wife Genna and three kids.

oXYGenFinancial.net | Personal Finance Blog | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn

Zeb Stevenson with Watershed on Peachtree, Camille Kesler with Atlanta Symphony Associates

March 31, 2015 by angishields

Simply Buckhead Radio

Zeb Stevenson with Watershed on Peachtree, Camille Kesler with Atlanta Symphony Associates

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Zeb Stevenson / Watershed on Peachtree

Executive Chef

Zeb Stevenson, a former Cornell art major, has risen through the ranks to make a culinary name for himself in Atlanta. Zeb thrived as a young sous chef at the renowned Dick & Harrys restaurant where he honed his technical skills of butchery, charcuterie, pastry and sauce work. He then advanced his career taking on the position of executive sous chef and opening Spice Market while training under Jean-Georges Vongerichtens, one of the worlds best and most famous chefs. Zebs next career move led him to The Livingston as chef de cuisine collaborating with chef Gary Mennie and he was quickly promoted to executive chef. During his tenure at The Livingston, he won Food Networks Chopped cooking competition show and opened Proof + Provision speakeasy, which became an immediate success. Zeb is USDA certified in canning which adds a unique creativity to his repertoire. He comes to Watershed after successfully completing a one-year project assisting Concentrics Restaurant Group in rebranding Parish restaurant. Zeb has evolved into a forward thinking chef and his commitment to local and sustainable ingredients allows him to be at his creative best.

FACEBOOK | TWITTER | YELP

Camille Kesler / Atlanta Symphony Associates

President

Camille Kelser, president of the Atlanta Symphony Associates and chair of the Atlanta Symphony Decorators’ Show House & Gardens

decoratorsshowhouse.org | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST | FACEBOOK

Drew French with Your Pie, John Plesnarski with Eighteen Eight Fine Men’s Salons, Dr. Tim Kelly with Buckhead Wellness Center, Trisha Cornett with Diptyque, Danielle Rollins

March 17, 2015 by angishields

Simply Buckhead Radio

Drew French with Your Pie, John Plesnarski with Eighteen Eight Fine Men's Salons, Dr. Tim Kelly with Buckhead Wellness Center, Trisha Cornett with Diptyque, Danielle Rollins

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John “Skip” Plesnarski/Eighteen Eight Fine Men’s Salons

Franchisee Owner Operator

John Plesnarski is President and Owner of Plezco, Inc. He has recently invested in Eighteen Eight, a franchise which provides Hair Styling and Grooming Services for Men. He owns the territory rights in Atlanta which he plans on developing over the next three years.

John retired from corporate America in 2012. He is an accomplished Senior Supply Chain Leader with a wide breadth of global experience at Kimberly-Clark Corporation (NYSE:KMB). John began his career in Finance and moved to several business Operations leadership roles. He spent the majority of his career leading a Global Supply Chain organization which supported the Safety Business Unit in the contract manufacturing, importing and distribution of personal protective equipment.

As Director of Global Supply Chain, John was responsible for vendor management in Mexico, Malaysia, Thailand and China. He also led a shared services organization which included Logistics, Customer Service, Information Systems, Sourcing and Supply and worked closely with the Sales organization to support customer expectations. John was instrumental in the successful expansion of contract manufacturing footprints to support sales growth around the world.

John has been recognized for his expertise in organizational development, strategic planning, operations, and the ability to develop successful leaders. This unique combination of experience and skill set has enabled him to achieve success across the entire organization to meet business objectives in all key areas.

www.EighteenEight.com | Twitter | Facebook

Drew French/Your Pie

Founder

Like every pizza lover, Drew French wants his own pie, his own way. Drews passion turned into an obsession while he and his wife were honeymooning in Ischia (pronounced: eesh – Key – ah), Italy. Thats where he received his first taste of authentic Italian brick-oven pizza. In 2008, Drew created Your Pie. It was the very first down-the-line, fast-casual pizza concept where customers select their own type of crust, sauce, cheese and toppings and watch the pizza bake in front of them. Today Your Pie is one of the fastest growing pizza concepts with 21 locations.

www.YourPie.com | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Dr. Tim Kelly/Buckhead Wellness Center

Founder/Owner

Chiropractor in Buckhead for almost 30 years, specializing in Applied-Kinesiology, nutritional wellness, gentle non-force chiropractic.

www.DrTimKelly.net | LinkedIn | YouTube

Trisha Cornett/Diptyque

Boutique Manager

Boutique Manager of Diptyque at Buckhead Atlanta. I’ve worked for Diptyque for 3 years now, in the cosmetic/fragrance industry for over 10 years. Prior to Diptyque I ran the cosmetic/fragrance department at Nordstrom in Nashville, Tennessee. I opened the very first Diptyque counter inside of a Nordstrom department store. I’ve trained with Diptyque Paris in New York several times, working at the Bleeker Street, Nolita & Madison Avenue Boutiques. I’m Nationally fragranced certified with a stellar nose! Diptyque is very dear to me & something

I stand behind as a consumer.

www.diptyque.com

Danielle Rollins

Author/Speaker

Author of bestseller, Soirée Entertaining with Style, (Rizzoli 2012), contributing editor for Veranda and writer for her own website, DanielleDRollins.com, Danielle Rollins has become one of the nations leading lifestyle experts. Designer, sought-out speaker, and mother of three, Rollins has been featured on national and local television, radio, print and websites.

www.DanielleDRollins.com | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Kevin Aoki with The Aoki Group, Dr. Ray Gutierrez with Modern Emergent Care, Tony Conway with Legendary Events

February 24, 2015 by angishields

Simply Buckhead Radio

Kevin Aoki with The Aoki Group, Dr. Ray Gutierrez with Modern Emergent Care, Tony Conway with Legendary Events

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Kevin Aoki / Doraku

CEO

Kevin Aoki, founder of The Aoki Group, is a veteran of the Japanese restaurant industry.

Kevins entry into the business was at the knee of Rocky Aoki, who founded the world-famous Benihana Restaurant chain. Initially with his fathers guidance, Kevin launched several successful Asian restaurant concepts. Kevin is now picking-up where his father has left off, finding new and exciting ways to delight diners with innovative variations on Asian and holistic cuisine. Doraku, Blue Tree and Aoki are a demonstration of his expertise and success.

Kevin is continually testing limits and exciting customers with innovative restaurant design and cuisine unmatched in quality. He travels to remote regions of Indonesia and China to source the supplies for each restaurant and is involved in every aspect of each restaurants development, from creation to operation.

Kevin is a graduate of New York University and sits on numerous boards and mentoring groups.

www.dorakusushi.com | Facebook | Instagram

Tony Conway / Legendary Events

Founder & CEO

Tony Conway formed Legendary Events in 1997, after 20 years in the hotel industry with Stouffer, Marriott and Ritz-Carlton. The organization has since grown into an award-winning full-service Special Events Company including catering, floral, and design. In 2013 he launched The Estate, Atlanta’s newest luxury event space, located at 3109 Piedmont Road in the heart of Buckhead.

In its 18 years of business Legendary Events has made contributions in excess of $10 million dollars to non-profit organizations and Tony has served on the boards of The Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Alliance Theatre, Leadership Atlanta, Murphy-Harpst Childrens Center, The Atlanta Community Food Bank, Senior Citizens Services, Central Atlanta Progress, UNICEF and many others.

Tony also awarded The Special Event – Lifetime Achievement Award for his indelible imprint on the industry, and hes been honored with a coveted 11Alive Community Service Award. In addition to his service to the local community Conway served as an Honoree Patron Chair for The Ronald McDonald House Gala and Chair for the American Cancer Societys Cattle Barons Ball, and UNICEFs Designs of Hope.

Recently crowned King of The Starfish Ball for 2015 which benefits the NSORO Foundation, Tony continues to donate his time to worthy causes and share his extensive knowledge of entertaining throughout the country and around the world.

Dr. Ray Gutierrez / Modern Emergent Care

Atlanta’s Concierge ER

Garth Peters with Buckhead Coalition, Kelly Green with Bank of North GA/Buckhead Business Assn, Chris Godfrey with Hire Dynamics

February 10, 2015 by angishields

Simply Buckhead Radio

Garth Peters with Buckhead Coalition, Kelly Green with Bank of North GA/Buckhead Business Assn, Chris Godfrey with Hire Dynamics

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Garth Peters / Buckhead Coalition

Execitive VP

Garth Peters is Executive VP for the Buckhead Coalition having joined the Coalition in 2006. Prior to the Coalition he was Senior Executive Officer NA for the Bermuda Ministry of Tourism. Garth is also a retired Capt. and Assistant Adjutant with the Bermuda Regiment, having also served as Aide-D-Camp to the Governor of Bermuda. His career has encompassed a variety of professional and civic interest including memberships or appointments to numerous business and civic boards in Bermuda, New York, and locally, and was founding president of the Memorial Park Civic Association. He was elected to two years as Vice Chair NPU-C, and three years as business rep with NPU-B. He represents the Coalition on a variety of boards, committees, and civic organizations. He was recently re-elected to serve another 2 yr term as President of the MPCA and is a founding member of the Atlanta Memorial Park Conservancy. Garth was the Buckhead Business Associations 2013 Bullish on Buckhead Award recipient.

www.buckheadis.com

Kelly Green / Bank of North GA/Buckhead Business Assn

Relationship manager in the Professional and Executive division of Private Wealth at the Bank of North GA, a division of Synovus Bank. Volunteered for the Taste of Buckhead event in 2014 and have been newly appointed to the Board in 2015.

Chris Godfrey / Hire Dynamics

Account Manager

Chris Godfrey is from Powder Springs, GA and a proud graduate from The University of Georgia with his BBA in Management and Certificates in New Media and Entrepreneurship.

Godfrey has always enjoyed volunteering and being involved in making a better community so while in college he interned with the Red Cross in Athens, was an ambassador for his college, and president of his fraternity. After college he took a role with Beta Upsilon Chi Nationals, a national Christian fraternity headquartered in Dallas, TX. He spearheaded new fundraising campaigns that resulted in new donor gifts annually and developed college students by investing in them to grow as community leaders.

He moved back to Atlanta a little over a year ago, and he has become very involved in the business community here in Atlanta. He continues his journey at the Atlantas Best Places to Work, Hire Dynamics, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. He strives to excel in his work, spiritual and personal life by being involved in the community and make a difference with those lives he comes across by being a positive influence through his actions and character.

www.BuckheadBusiness.org | www.HireDynamics.com | Twitter

Jon Vandegrift with Shake Shack, Reina Bermudez with Spa Sydell, Lee Killian with Jambanz, Steph Dietz with Cyc Fitness

January 27, 2015 by angishields

Simply Buckhead Radio

Jon Vandegrift with Shake Shack, Reina Bermudez with Spa Sydell, Lee Killian with Jambanz, Steph Dietz with Cyc Fitness

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Jon Vandegrift/Shake Shack

Senior Director of Operations

Jon Vandegrift is a graduate of Cornell University’s Hospitality school, and has been working in various roles with the Union Square Hospitality Group and Shake Shack organization for 12

years. He has seen Shake Shack grow from one location in Madison Square Park to the 60+ locations worldwide today.

www.ShakeShack.com | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Reina Bermudez/Spa Sydell

CEO

www.SpaSydell.com

Lee Killian/Jambanz

Founder

Lee Killian, Owner and founder of Jambanz™, comes from an accomplished career in Radio advertising and is no stranger to hard work, dedication, accomplishment and growing a brand.

After 24 years in radio Killian, who always dreamed of being an Entrepreneur, decided to step away from the radio world after finding a need for his music loving young daughter. He wanted her to be able to listen to her favorite music while still playing with friends, all without the wires, without headphones. He quickly realized there was no Bluetooth on the market for a kids lifestyle. His marketing background (and fatherly love) kicked into overdrive where he has since built a team of partners and experts in design, manufacturing and production. Killian now looks forward to growing Jambanz™ as the worlds first Bluetooth slap-band wearable speaker company.

www.JamBanz.com | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Steph Dietz/Cyc Fitness

Assistant Studio Director & Lead Cycologist

Steph lives and breathes health and fitness, whether she’s out for a run around campus, studying Anatomy and Physiology, or whipping up a nutritious snack. Her motivating personality and energetic style will have you hooked from your first pedal stroke at Cyc! Steph welcomes all fitness levels and guarantees to take you on a challenging and fun ride choreographed to a dynamic playlist.

www.CycFitness.com| Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

James O’Brien (Host), Deb Beacham with My Advocate Center and Wendy Hayes, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst

January 26, 2015 by angishields

Pro Advocate Radio

James O’Brien (Host), Deb Beacham with My Advocate Center and Wendy Hayes, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst

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Wendy Hayes, Deb Beacham and James O'Brien (Host) — Wendy Hayes, Deb Beacham and James O’Brien (Host)

Wendy Hayes/Mitchell Hayes

CEO/Certified Divorce Financial Analyst

Wendy Hayes is a highly creative, goal-oriented executive and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst™ (CDFA™) with solid finance, revenue recognition, project management, and systems development experience.

My career has a unifying theme; it is my passion for working with innovative, fast-moving companies. In this environment I can best exercise my talent for developing the kinds of daily processes and procedures that increase information visibility and lead to profit maximization. Over the last 20 years, my professional roles and responsibilities have progressed from accounting manger to director of finance, to VP of Finance to the CFO position, experiences I will now leverage as the founder and CEO of Mitchell Hayes.

www.MitchellHayes.net | Linkedin | Twitter | Blog

James O’Brien/Pro Advocate Radio

Talk Show Host

Pro Advocate Radio is designed to give a voice to advocates and families focused on serving the needs of children. The show will call attention to current issues and challenges facing families, advocates, educators, healthcare providers and law enforcement.

James, a native Georgian, and long time girls’ softball coach, is the proud father of three daughters and a grandson.

Read James’ bio here.

www.ProAdvocateRadio.org | Twitter (PAR) | Twitter (James)

Deb Beacham/My Advocate Center

Founder, Executive Director

We are the Game-Changers in guiding improvements that affect the Family Law community, specifically high-conflict divorce, child custody disputes & family violence matters.

Bold moves are being made to help parents understand how to better transition through & out of conflict, meaning we help reduce stress for children, and preserve family time & resources for their benefit.

Professionals who are like-minded are encouraged to connect and become a part of our Resource Directory. Please visit the Counsel for Change group page here on LinkedIn to learn more about our discussions. Our advisory panel reviews professionals to ensure certain standards are met. If you are focused on upholding ethics rules, professional duty, and are committed to helping children receive the best that both parents have to offer, let us know.

Our investigations, initiatives & strategies are also well suited to supporting government agencies in making necessary improvements to programs & services. It is important that these changes are made to better serve parents & children; but it is also possible to yield a positive economic return for each community & state.

MAC’s purpose in contributing to agencies & other organizations is to improve the divorce/child custody process in a way that leaves our communities stronger & better able to support the needs of children. We now have opportunities to lessen the impact of family violence, addiction & other dysfunction, while putting our financial resources to better use.

Connect | Inform | Empower

When it comes to guiding public policy to improve the process, and to helping parents navigate through high-conflict custody cases, no other collection of experts and resources is better positioned to give you clear and actionable insight.

MyAdvocateCenter.com | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | Linkedin (Deb)

John Meadow and David Abes with LDV Hospitality, Robert Lowe with Mandarin Oriental, Sarah Kathryn Smith with One on One Matchmaking

January 20, 2015 by angishields

Simply Buckhead Radio

John Meadow and David Abes with LDV Hospitality, Robert Lowe with Mandarin Oriental, Sarah Kathryn Smith with One on One Matchmaking

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John Meadow/LDV Hospitality

Founder

John is the founder of LDV Hospitality, which includes Corso Coffee, now open in Buckhead Atlanta, plus two additional restaurants opening this Spring. Focused on concept business development, John drives the creative process for the company, envisioning restaurants and bringing them to life.

www.LDVHospitality.com | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

David Abes/LDV Hospitality

Regional Director of Operations

Regional Director of operations for LDV Hospitality in Atlanta. Corso, American Cut and an Italian restaurant. Previous director of operations for 14 years for here to serve restaurants.

www.LDVHospitality.com | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter (David)

Robert Lowe/Mandarin Oriental, Atlanta

General Manager

Robert Lowe is General Manager of Mandarin Oriental, Atlanta. He is responsible for the executive management and operations for the 127-room hotel situated in the prestigious Buckhead

neighborhood, which opened on May 1, 2012.

Mr. Lowe is a veteran hotelier with over 25 years of hospitality industry experience including 13 years with Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. He joined Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco in

1999 as Director of Sales and Marketing and later moved into Operations as Resident Manager in 2005. In 2007, he moved to Mandarin Oriental, Washington DC in the capacity of Resident

Manager. Since 2010, Robert has held the position of Hotel Manager at Mandarin Oriental, New York. Prior to joining Mandarin Oriental, Mr. Lowe held various management positions with

Hyatt Hotels.

A native of Buenos Aires, Argentina, Mr. Lowe is bilingual in English and Spanish. He studied Hotel and Restaurant Management in the U.K. and holds a Bachelors Degree from Slough

Polytechnic in Berks, England.

www.MandarinOriental.com | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Sarah Kathryn Smith/One on One Matchmaking

Founder

Sarah Kathryn Smith, a 16 year veteran of the dating industry, is one of the most respected names in matchmaking. Sarah Kathryn has been profiled as an authority on relationships and

singles issues by The Wall Street Journal, The Oprah Winfrey Show, CNN, Cosmopolitan, Men’s Health, and many others. And, her expertise has led to more than 200 marriages and serious

relationships. A stickler for excellence member service, Sarah Kathryn is personally involved with every One on One Matchmaking client.

www.1on1Matchmaking.com | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube

Inaugural: Pro Advocate Radio! James O’Brien (Host) and Deb Beacham w/My Advocate Center

January 19, 2015 by angishields

Pro Advocate Radio

Inaugural: Pro Advocate Radio! James O’Brien (Host) and Deb Beacham w/My Advocate Center

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Deb Beacham with My Advocate Center and Host James O’Brien

James O’Brien/Pro Advocate Radio

Talk Show Host

James O’Brien is the Producer and Co-Host of 92.5 FM’s The Bear Country Sports Show, the only radio show featuring high school prep sports year round in the metropolitan Atlanta area.

James began with 92.5 FM The Bear by co-hosting Hometown Radio and producing shows which focused on areas of state-wide interest with Georgia authors, the Georgia film making industry and local non-profits.

Some of his most memorable interviews include the legendary Vince Dooley, former Georgia Bulldogs football coach and athletic director, Jim Fowler from Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom and Hunter Strickland with the world championship San Francisco Giants.

James, a native Georgian, and long time girls’ softball coach, is the proud father of three daughters and a grandson.

In addition to his role with 92.5 FM The Bear, James hosts (the newly launched) Pro Advocate Radio’s weekly show with My Advocacy Center’s Executive Director, Deb Beacham.

www.ProAdvocateRadio.org | Twitter (PAR) | Twitter (James)

Deb Beacham/My Advocate Center

Founder, Executive Director

Deb Beacham with My Advocate Center and Host James O'Brien — Deb Beacham with My Advocate Center and Host James O’Brien

Deb Beacham as Co-host of Pro Advocate Radio often talks about the bold moves being made to help parents understand how to better transition through & out of conflict, meaning we help reduce stress for children, and preserve family time & resources for their benefit. This includes engaging professionals who are true advocates who will step up in legal, financial and in healthcare matters and insert common sense to help the family reach the best possible outcome.

Connect | Inform | Empower

MyAdvocateCenter.com | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | Linkedin (Deb)