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Artisan Design Studio, Walk Your Plans Atlanta Win GNFCC Honors

October 30, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

Artisan Design Studio, Walk Your Plans Atlanta Win GNFCC Honors

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Artisan Design Studio, Walk Your Plans Atlanta Win GNFCC Honors (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 109)

This edition of the GNFCC 400 Insider podcast features two entrepreneurs who are changing what “seeing the plan” means for homeowners and builders in our region. Ryan Williams, owner of Artisan Design Studio, shares how a small design firm can grow without losing its soul. She discusses pricing for outcomes, opening a retail studio to create community touchpoints, and why disciplined books and a good CPA are growth tools, not afterthoughts.

Mary Atchley, co-owner of Walk Your Plans Atlanta and co-founder of Design & Build XR, explains how clients make better decisions when they can literally walk their floor plans at full scale. Then she layers in extended reality to preview kitchens, baths, and additions on-site or in their studio, reducing rework and surprises.

Together, Mary and Ryan trade practical lessons: how to decide when to expand, where to invest first, what metrics to watch, and how to balance momentum with margin. They also highlight their shared work with Sunshine on a Ranney Day, creating accessible spaces for families who need them most. If you’re building, renovating, or growing a design-related business, this conversation is a blueprint for smarter decisions and happier clients.

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

XR goes beyond 2D: Walk Your Plans Atlanta launched Design & Build XR to layer AR/VR and on-site visualization so clients understand unbuilt spaces and reduce surprises.
Category creation is hard work: Educating a successful industry to try a new modality takes daily consistency and clear value stories.
Boutique by design: Artisan Design Studio grew from a home office to a retail studio after past lessons on scaling, prioritizing process and the craft of design.
Community at the center: Both Artisan Design Studio and Walk Your Plans Atlanta volunteer with Sunshine on a Ranney Day, creating accessible bedrooms, baths, and therapy spaces for kids and families.
Make it easy to connect: Artisan’s Roswell storefront hosts events, while Walk Your Plans Atlanta invites prospects to see work online and on social.
Mindset for year one: Guard time, choose communities wisely, and keep showing up. Consistency compounds.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction to the GNFCC 400 Insider podcast
00:26 Celebrating Small Business Award Winners
01:06 Meet two of the Award Winners: Artisan Design Studio and Walk Your Plans Atlanta
02:15 Journey of Entrepreneurship: Challenges and Inspirations
05:05 Innovations and Expansions in Business
12:28 Community Involvement and Giving Back
20:00 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
27:06 Connecting with the Businesses
28:59 Conclusion and Farewell

Ryan Morgan Williams, Artisan Design Studio

**Ryan Williams, Artisan Design Studios**

Principal designer Ryan Williams owns Artisan Design Studio. Williams has been practicing interior design for twenty years and has been a business owner for more than 15 of those.

With utmost attention given to learning about her clients and their families, Williams prioritizes making sure she is not only creating breathtaking spaces for them but also improving their mental, physical, and emotional well-being. As a member of a custom home-building family in Atlanta, Williams advocates for her clients through building and remodeling, as well as full furnishings projects. She prides herself on being the expert in the room but also a friend at the table.

Williams graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Furnishings & Interiors from the University of Georgia. She is an Atlanta native and she currently lives with her husband and two children in Roswell.

Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Mary Atchley, Walk Your Plans Atlanta

Mary Atchley is the owner and driving force behind Walk Your Plans Atlanta, a cutting-edge business that enables clients to experience life-sized floor plans before construction begins. Bringing over 20 years of expertise in marketing, brand strategy, and entrepreneurship, Atchley created a platform that bridges the gap between abstract blueprints and real-life spatial understanding so homeowners, architects, and commercial developers can make informed, confident decisions. Her visionary leadership and relentless focus on client service have transformed Walk Your Plans Atlanta into a destination for immersive, collaborative design walkthroughs, helping Atlanta’s building community identify issues early, optimize layouts, and minimize costly post-construction changes.

Atchley’s deep commitment to the local community matches her passion for innovation. She has ensured that Walk Your Plans Atlanta provides complimentary access to families sponsored by Sunshine on a Ranney Day, supporting ADA-compliant renovations for children with special needs. Recognized for her ability to foster lasting relationships and deliver tailored technology solutions, Mary Atchley is also active in regional leadership and professional organizations, including Leadership North Fulton and Women in Sport & Events (WISE). Her work continues to propel industry standards forward, making the design and construction process more transparent, collaborative, and client-focused throughout the greater Atlanta area.

Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

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 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.

GNFCC Local Councils: Milton’s 5th Year & Alpharetta Launch

September 10, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

GNFCC Local Councils: Milton’s 5th Year & Alpharetta Launch

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GNFCC Local Councils: Milton’s 5th Year & Alpharetta Launch (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 110)

In this episode of the GNFCC 400 Insider, host Kali Boatright, President & CEO of the Greater North Fulton Chamber, welcomes Jamie Bendall, Chair of the Milton Business Council, and Mary Trachian-Bradley, Chair of the new Alpharetta Business Council.

Jamie reflects on the Milton Business Council’s five-year journey, how it has grown, and what makes it unique in fostering both community identity and business growth. Mary introduces the vision behind the launch of the Alpharetta Business Council in July 2025, sharing why now was the right moment and how intentional planning has set it up for success.

The conversation explores how the councils reflect the unique character of their cities, the importance of member-driven programming, and the balance between regional impact and hyperlocal engagement. It also highlights the councils’ role in advocacy, innovation, and creating space for small businesses and entrepreneurs. Along the way, listeners hear stories of signature events, future priorities, and even a few lighter moments, including a lively exchange about tacos and hang gliding!

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 Milton Business Council has grown into a thriving five-year-old model for how local councils can succeed within a regional chamber.
The Alpharetta Business Council launched in July 2025 with an emphasis on intentional planning, strategic partnerships, and a clear vision for its members.
Each council reflects the unique identity of its city: Milton with its equestrian and community charm, and Alpharetta with its tech-forward, innovation-driven focus.
Councils create opportunities for business connection, advocacy, and engagement that complement regional chamber activities.
Human connection, local culture, and even small traditions like pop-up events and food favorites add depth to the professional relationships formed.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction to the GNFCC 400 Insider
00:46 Spotlight on Milton and Alpharetta Business Councils
01:02 Meet the Chairs: Jamie Bendall and Mary Trachian-Bradley
01:29 Jamie Bendall: Journey with Milton Business Council
03:05 Mary Trachian-Bradley: Launching Alpharetta Business Council
05:23 The Vision and Evolution of Milton Business Council
08:58 Alpharetta Business Council: Embracing a New Era
13:32 Unique Identities of Milton and Alpharetta
18:10 Future Prospects for Alpharetta Business Council
22:28 Benefits and Opportunities in 2026
22:58 Signature Events and Popups
24:12 The Importance of Member Feedback
24:38 Council Events and Networking
27:14 Success Metrics for Business Councils
29:06 Call for Board Member Nominations
31:34 Favorite Local Tacos
34:43 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

**Mary Trachian-Bradley and Jamie Bendall**

Mary Trachian-Bradley, Chair, Alpharetta Business Council

Mary Trachian-Bradley, on The GNFCC 400 Insider Podcast — **Mary Trachian-Bradley**

Mary Trachian-Bradley serves as the Chair of GNFCC’s Alpharetta Business Council.

Mary is a Senior Litigation Associate at Briskin, Cross & Sanford, LLC, with extensive trial experience. Mary specializes in litigation relating to all corporate law matters, including but not limited to FLSA claims, contract disputes, shareholder derivative actions, franchise law, landlord/tenant law, homeowner association law and all matters relating to partnerships and corporations.

Prior to joining Briskin, Cross & Sanford, Mary was a partner at the largest minority- and women-owned law firm in the country, focusing on a wide range of civil litigation cases. She has experience managing a team of associates and has chaired cases involving disputes over claims up to twenty-six million dollars. Her significant trial experience, coupled with her detailed understanding of complex transactional matters, allows Mary to firmly guide clients through business obstacles.

Mary received her law degree from the Florida International University College of Law, where she acted as Vice President of Moot Court and a Law Review Editor. Spending much of her free time giving back to the community, Mary is a proud foster parent and has been a dedicated Big Sister with the Big Brother Big Sister Foundation for twelve years. She is dedicated to sharing her passion and drive for justice, equality, and hope with the next generation.

Jamie Bendall, Chair, Milton Business Council

Jamie Bendall, on the GNFCC 400 Insider podcast — **Jamie Bendall**

Jamie serves as the Chair of GNFCC’s Milton Business Council.

Jamie is a seasoned comedian, attorney, and entrepreneur best known as the owner and managing partner of Atlanta’s legendary Punchline Comedy Club, widely regarded as one of the country’s top comedy destinations. With over thirty years as a professional performer, Bendall’s clean, observational style and quick wit have made him a sought-after host, corporate speaker, and panelist for major events and media outlets. In addition to his work on stage and television, he is a licensed lawyer admitted in Georgia, New York, and Massachusetts, focusing his practice on personal injury law and media representation.

Beyond comedy and the law, Jamie’s entrepreneurial ventures have spanned real estate, parking services, and team sports leagues, reflecting his versatility as a business leader. Throughout his career, he has produced thousands of comedy events, mentored young talent, and driven the Punchline’s growth. from relocating the club to expanding its brand and programming. As a father of three, community coach, and active volunteer, Bendall brings humor, professionalism, and strategic acumen to every role he holds.

About GNFCC and The GNFCC 400 Insider Podcast

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.

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.

Sharon Catter with Catter Design Group and Soul Ongoiba with Quantum Do

July 3, 2025 by Mike

Gwinnett Business Radio

Sharon Catter with Catter Design Group and Soul Ongoiba with Quantum Do

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Sharon Catter/Catter Design Group

Established in 1991, Catter Design Group is a woman-owned small business based out of Duluth, GA. They specialize in office, industrial, and retail spaces, and have provided design services for commercial leasing agents, property managers, facilities managers, tenants, building owners, landlords, and business owners.

Soul Ongoiba/Quantum Do

The Quantum Do™ (the way of energy) is an energetic, high-performance approach that equips athletes, executives, and business owners to move from frustration, pressure, and plateaued performance to fulfillment, flow, and inner peace so they can create the meaningful impact they desire.

Gwinnett Business Radio is presented by

Gregg Venable — Draaw Studios

December 9, 2024 by Rose

North Georgia Business Radio

Gregg Venable -- Draaw Studios

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Starting a business is a thrilling journey filled with the highest of highs and the lowest of lows, right? Based on my personal experiences, it’s the WILDEST rollercoaster ride ever…

Returning guest, Architect Gregg Venable of Draaw Studios is dropping some wisdom about his first 9 months as a business owner during this North Georgia Business Radio segment.

Some of the BIG lessons Gregg’s learned:

Hire help sooner than you think you need it
Document your processes (even when you’re crazy busy)
A supportive spouse is worth their weight in gold
Stop trying to do it all yourself
Join a business network – you need those connections

Whether you’re a seasoned business owner or just starting out, this episode offers practical insights and inspiration to help you navigate the exciting world of entrepreneurship.

This Segment Is Brought To You By Our Amazing Sponsors

Hopewell Farms GA

Roundtable Advisors

RichLife Advisors

Regions Bank

Highlights Of The Show

00:01:05 – Starting a Business Journey
Gregg Venable shares his experience of starting his business, Draaw Studio, and the challenges and successes he has encountered along the way.

00:03:05 – Draaw Studios’ Services and Future Plans
Gregg explains the services offered by Draaw Studio, including residential and commercial architecture, and discusses the potential expansion into multifamily projects and other sectors.

00:06:46 – Importance of Communication in Business
Gregg highlights the significance of intense collaboration and effective communication in the design process, emphasizing the need to understand clients’ visions and translate them into tangible designs.

00:11:53 – Lessons Learned from Entrepreneurial Journey
Gregg shares valuable lessons learned from starting his business, including the importance of seeking help and the realization that hiring a committed full-time employee is more beneficial than relying on contract workers.

00:15:10 – Importance of Hiring
Gregg discusses the importance of hiring employees and not trying to do everything yourself. He emphasizes the need to hire people who can help grow the business and free up time for more important tasks.

00:16:04 – The Role of Sarah
Gregg talks about the valuable role his wife, Sarah, plays in the business, handling QuickBooks, balancing the books, and providing operational support. Her involvement has been crucial in lifting the weight off Gregg’s shoulders and allowing him to focus on business growth.

00:17:09 – Supportive Spouse
The conversation shifts to the importance of having a supportive spouse when starting a business. Gregg emphasizes the need for encouragement and belief from a spouse, as well as the necessity for tough love when necessary to push someone to take the leap into entrepreneurship.

00:20:04 – Financial Confidence
Gregg and Phil discuss the importance of running a business by the numbers and the need for financial planning. They highlight the role of a supportive bank in providing financial guidance and strategies for business growth.

00:21:13 – Hiring and Business Growth
Gregg shares his experience of hiring employees and how it has accelerated the growth of his business. He emphasizes the need to view hiring as an investment and a means to leverage higher value activities, ultimately leading to faster business growth.

00:29:38 – Importance of Teaching and Process Implementation
Gregg emphasizes the importance of teaching a system and process to others in a way they can easily pick up, highlighting the significance of efficient processes in business.

00:30:06 – Working on Your Business vs. in Your Business
Phil discusses the difference between working in the business, which involves day-to-day activities, and working on the business, which entails stepping back to make a plan and improve processes.

00:31:49 – Reflecting on Business and Learning
Phil and Gregg stress the importance of taking time to reflect on business, learning from mistakes, and continuously seeking to improve processes and operations.

00:34:10 – The Value of Mentorship and Peer Groups
The conversation delves into the significance of mentorship, peer groups, and structured environments like Iron Forums in helping business owners see blind spots and learn from others’ experiences.

00:39:12 – Freestyle Rap on Business Principles
Phil and Gregg engage in a freestyle rap, highlighting important business principles, including putting ego aside, being honest, and detaching to work on the business.

Tara Lombardo with United Child Actors Network and Alex Radford with The Edge Agency

August 15, 2024 by Mike

Gwinnett Business Radio

Tara Lombardo with United Child Actors Network and Alex Radford with The Edge Agency

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Tara Lombardo/United Child Actors Network

United Child Actors Network (UCAN) is a one-stop shop for everything a parent of a child actor needs to know so they can safely and successfully move their child through the entertainment industry. UCAN offers free resources, as well as an online masterclass that is an all-encompassing guide to empower the parent to not only advocate for their child’s rights, but give them an advantage in an extremely competitive industry.

Alex Radford/The Edge Agency

The Edge Agency is a women owned creative marketing agency that creates a bridge of impact between your business goals and your customer needs through a personalized approach to branding, marketing and internal communications for B2B companies.

Gwinnett Business Radio is presented by

Hosted by Mike Sammond and Steven Julian
Produced by Dan Braverman

Shiloh Bigles with Level Minds CBD and Michelle Bertrand with Poetic Fitness

July 25, 2024 by Mike

Gwinnett Business Radio

Shiloh Bigles with Level Minds CBD and Michelle Bertrand with Poetic Fitness

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Steven Julian, Shiloh Bigles, Michelle Bertrand, Harper Lebel

Shiloh Bigles/Level Minds CBD

Level Minds CBD prides itself on being more than just a CBD store and manufacturer. They are dedicated to enhancing the well-being of their customers through high-quality products and exceptional service. With a brick and mortar store and their own line of CBD gummies, tinctures, and topicals, they stand as a beacon of trust and reliability in the CBD industry.

Don’t miss the Level Minds Wellness Fair on Saturday August 10 from 11am-5pm at Level Minds CBD in Suwanee. CLICK HERE for tickets and more information.

Michelle Bertrand/Poetic Fitness

Poetic Fitness is where strength and healing unite. It is more than a business; it’s a support system for anyone looking to shed physical weight or release emotional burdens. With Michelle as your guide, you’re set to embark on a transformative journey toward holistic healing. Discover the poetry in your own strength with Poetic Fitness.

Michelle will be leading a Low Impact workout at 12:00pm at the Level Minds CBD Wellness Fair on August 10th.

Gwinnett Business Radio is presented by

Hosted by Harper LeBel and Steven Julian
Produced by Dan Braverman

Good Beer, Good Business – A Highlight of Arizona’s Craft Beer Industry E48

July 22, 2024 by Karen

Good-Beer-GoodBusiness-A-Highlight-of-Arizonas-Craft-Beer-Industry-feature

Arizona Good Business

Good Beer, Good Business - A Highlight of Arizona's Craft Beer Industry E48

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In the latest Arizona Good Business Radio episode, Thomas Barr explores Arizona’s craft beer scene with Cale Aylsworth with OHSO Brewery + Distillery, Andrew Bauman from the Arizona Craft Brewers Guild, and Brad Miles from Arizona Wilderness Brewing Company.

Despite being 43rd nationally in breweries per capita, Arizona’s craft beer industry is booming. Six new breweries just opened in the last 3 months, and Arizona now represents 100+ local breweries.

This episode highlights the challenges breweries face, and how the brewery community comes together and relies on each other for the industry’s success. The guests predict a mix of prediction for the future of the industry, and discuss the opportunity to learn from national trends.

Since being establish in the Valley in 2011 O.H.S.O. has taken on a life and community of its own. Not only deeply entrenched in its AZ community, they are huge advocates and supporters for new local breweries and small local businesses.

With nearly 10 valley wide locations O.H.S.O.’s success directly reflects its support in its communities. Weather it be Teachers, First Responders, Mental Health Awareness/Resources, Animal Shelters, ALS or MDA, or even the Neighborhood Community Garden, O.H.S.O. believes that libations brings people to gather, and when good people gather, good things can happen.

Born at St Joseph’s Hospital in 1985, a third generation Arizonan, Cale Aylsworth’s claim is “Arizona is a place like no other”. He entered the restaurant industry to pay for college, started out as a food runner, to head expo, to server, to bartender all before age 20.

Cale found his path intersecting with a brand new local brewery in 2011 by simply enjoying a locally crafted beer at the bar. Thirteen years later he holds the title of Director of Sales and Relations, manages a majority of O.H.S.O.’s community outreach and is the “not by choice” face of the company.

Combining his passion and love for this one of a kind state, his journey with O.H.S.O. Brewery + Distillery has be a harmonious fit as his personal views and the company’s views align with the goal to be grateful for the individual people that make this community and to make sure to give it back.

The Arizona Craft Brewers Guild is the state-wide organization that represents Arizona Craft Breweries through legislative efforts, community partnerships, presenting beer festivals all over the state, and providing educational opportunities for the entire craft beer community.

Supporting local small businesses is our number one goal.

Andrew Bauman has been in the Arizona Craft Beer industry for over 12 years as a Head Brewer, Director of Brewery Operations, and currently as Deputy Director of the Arizona Craft Brewers Guild.

Prior to entering the beer business, Andrew managed restaurant and catering businesses in the Phoenix metro area.

Follow Arizona Craft Brewers Guild on Facebook and Instagram.

Arizona Wilderness is a Brewery and Restaurant specializing in Craft Beer, Burgers, and Sustainable business practices in Arizona.

Brad Miles is the Head of Production at Arizona Wilderness Brewing Company. He has been at Arizona Wilderness for a little over a year. He has a decade of experience in Craft Beer ranging from small breweries to large regional craft breweries.

Brad started his journey in Craft Beer as a Homebrewer then started moonlighting at a small brewery in Southern California where he spent a year learning. He then moved onto Firestone Walker Brewing Co where he started as a Cellarman, moved into the brew house, lead the filtration operations, managed the yeast, and eventually spent the last two years in Research and Development and new product development.

After 8 years at Firestone Walker he took a leap and started as the Head of Production at Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co, where he is responsible for all beer being produced, served, and distributed.

Connect with Brad on X and follow AZ Wilderness on Instagram.

About Arizona Good Business

What is good business? What are local businesses doing to build a better Arizona?

Join Arizona Good Business to hear from local companies who are:

Centering purpose at the forefront of business
Creating social well-being for the community
Prioritizing sustainability and positive environmental practices
Growing strong company cultures through building authentic teams
Ensuring diversity, equity, and inclusion are involved in all business decisions

Arizona Good Business features local business leaders that are redefining what it means to do good business.

About Your Host

Thomas Barr is the Vice President of Business Development for Local First Arizona, the largest coalition of local businesses in North America. He advocates for a strong local business community that contributes to building vibrancy, equity, and prosperity across the state.

A proud Arizona native and graduate of Arizona State University, Thomas leads the strategic partnerships and business development at Local First through advancing the organization’s statewide business coalition and technical assistance resources deployed to entrepreneurs.

As the Vice President of Business Development, Thomas guides the direction and execution of Local First’s key initiatives and partnerships, as well as the collaboration of 60+ staff implementing work in entrepreneurship programs and access to capital, rural and tribal community development, and local food economic development. He speaks to groups both locally and nationally, presenting the impact of Local First through demonstrating the organization’s effectiveness in building economic opportunity for more than 20 years.

Outside of Local First Arizona, Thomas has contributed his time throughout his career to many causes and organizations including the American Independent Business Alliance, Arizona Commission on the Arts, Equality Arizona, Heritage Square Foundation, Phoenix Legal Action Network, and Young Nonprofit Professionals. He currently serves on the small business advisory council for Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, as a member of the multicultural advisory board for ONE Community, and as a member of the board for Tempe Tourism.

Thomas is a 2018 Phoenix Magazine and 2020 Phoenix Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree, alumni of Arizona Leading for Change, and alumni of Valley Leadership Institute’s 40th cohort.

Connect with Thomas on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Adam Ledford & Mike Grow with Adams Pallet Company and Millie Habtemariam with Full Circle Salon & Candles

June 13, 2024 by Mike

Gwinnett Business Radio

Adam Ledford & Mike Grow with Adams Pallet Company and Millie Habtemariam with Full Circle Salon & Candles

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Adam Ledford, Millie Habtemariam, Mike Grow

Adam Ledford & Mike Grow/Adams Pallet Company

Adams Pallet Company is a pallet supplier and wood recycler in Norcross, GA. Their bragging right is that they can get you truckloads of high-quality pallets in 2 days or less. They serve major distribution companies by recycling what would otherwise go to a landfill.

They acquire their excess pallets, wood, and other packaging materials, then sanitize and remanufacture usable materials. Finally, they grind the remaining wood into mulch for landscaping and biomass energy production, which is returned to the local power grid.

Millie Habtemariam/Full Circle Candles & Apothecary and Full Circle Salon Suites

Full Circle Salon Suites is a one-stop-shop for all your self-care needs in Suwanee, GA. As an award-winning beauty salon, they offer a range of services, including highlights, color, cuts and trims, blowouts, updos and styling, perms and straightening, and hair extensions.

They also offer high-quality products, including candles, massage candles, wax melts, hair oils, soaps, body scrubs, hand soaps, and body butter. Their goal is to give their clients the best self-care experience possible in a calm and friendly setting. Full Circle Candles is dedicated to creating products that captivate and inspire. Their wide range of massage oil candles, infused with diverse scents, each designed to deliver unique therapeutic effects, is truly remarkable.

Full Circle believes that self-care is not just a luxury, but a necessity. They are dedicated to helping their clients feel their best, both inside and out, by providing them with the tools and services they need to achieve their beauty and wellness goals.

Gwinnett Business Radio is presented by

Hosted by Harper LeBel and Steven Julian
Produced by Dan Braverman

Empowering Small Business Success, with John Constantino, Verizon Business

March 4, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Empowering Small Business Success, with John Constantino, Verizon Business

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Empowering Small Business Success, with John Constantino, Verizon Business (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 749)

On this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, John Constantino, Vice President of Business Sales at Verizon Business, joined host John Ray to discuss the various services Verizon offers to small and medium businesses. This includes easing communication, digital cloud services, security services, and their flexible fixed wireless offering. Constantino underlined Verizon’s role as a consultant, not just a service provider. They focus on understanding their clients’ unique needs to provide valuable, customized solutions, rather than just selling products. He also highlighted Verizon’s commitment to customer relationships and the importance of face-to-face engagement to fully understand a client’s business challenges.

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.

John Constantino, Verizon Business

John Constantino is a results- and culture-driven technology executive with experience in creating and developing high performance direct and indirect sales organizations. With over 14 years of sales and technical leadership, he has developed a consistent record of success. John has held leadership positions responsible for multiple customer segments, including channel, small business, enterprise, and government sectors.

John is currently the Executive Director of Channel Sales and Strategy, responsible for the development and execution of the Verizon Business Group (VBG) channel strategies. He leads overall strategy and execution with VBG Channel programs of Indirect to Business, Outbound/Inbound Telemarketing Partnerships and Alt Channel Distribution. He also leads the Channel Sales organization focused on driving growth through different Partner models. John’s team focuses on developing and implementing programs that enhance partner experiences and grow profitable revenue underpinned by governance and compliance.

Prior to his current role, John served in sales leadership positions including as Executive Director of the Retail to Business and Indirect to Business Sales teams as well as the Data Security team for the South. His organization consisted of over 350 sales professionals across the South focused on servicing the Small Business segment. Previously, John served as the Director of Business Sales in the South Market where he led a team of sales professionals focused on acquiring new customers and growing the customer base in the medium business segment.

Originally from Peabody, MA, John and his family now reside in the greater Atlanta area. John holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Westfield University. He also serves on the board of the North Georgia Habitat for Humanity.

Verizon Business

Verizon Business (VBG) is a division of Verizon Communications. Verizon Business provides services and products for Verizon’s business and government clients. Regardless of the size of your business, agency or organization, you’re always on the lookout for the right partners. VBG’s industry insight, information, products and solutions help improve your outcomes, so you can grow and thrive.

Website | LinkedIn

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

01:19 Introducing John Constantino from Verizon Business

01:47 John’s Role and Responsibilities at Verizon

02:26 John’s Journey and Career at Verizon

03:58 Challenges and Learnings in a Large Organization

06:17 The Importance of Customer Engagement

08:56 Verizon’s Approach to Business Sales

13:33 The Role of Cybersecurity in Business

17:18 The Flexibility and Growth Opportunities with Verizon

19:23 Success Stories and Final Thoughts

22:31 Conclusion and Farewell

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

With over 740 shows and having featured over 1,100 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 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 bestselling author of The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices.

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.