Veterans Connect Radio Episode 011

July 25, 2016 by angishields

Atlanta Business Radio

Veterans Connect Radio Episode 011

00:00 /

Veterans Connect Radio

A spotlight episode of Atlanta Business Radio and powered by Business RadioX. Co-Hosted by Ryan “Redhawk” McPherson and Brandon Skolnick with Gathering Of Angels. Featuring veteran entrepreneurs, support organizations, outreach groups and more in the Atlanta area continuing to serve our families, our communities and our country.

#VetsConnect

@VetConnectRadio

Kyle Norton, Brandon Skolnick and John Belman

Kyle Norton / Materiall

CEO

Kyle Norton is Co-Founder and CEO of Materiall in Atlanta, GA. Materiall is a new visual discovery and recommendation engine, making it easier to find products where looks are a first consideration.

Prior to founding Materiall, Kyle was a Junior Partner at McKinsey and Company (a global management consulting Firm). As a core leader in McKinsey’s North American operations practice, Kyle lead transformation efforts for multiple Fortune 500 clients, generating in excess of $1B in financial impact for those organizations. Kyle also previously served as a Captain in the United States Army, serving 24 total months in Baghdad, Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Kyle holds a MBA in Management and Finance from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania and a BS in Management and Systems Engineering from the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY.

LinkedIn Twitter kyle@materiall.com

John Belman / Vistage International

Group Chair

John has broad leadership experience across a range of industries, companies (public, private, family-owned), and functional roles. Most recently he served as a CEO of a mid-market logistics company following 7 years at Target Corporation as a leader in transportation and finance. Prior to Target, John held senior business development and marketing roles in the media and technology industries.

John received his BA from Washington University in St. Louis, was a graduate fellow in history at Columbia University, and holds an MBA from the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan.

A veteran of the 75^th Ranger Regiment, John participated in the 1993 “Black Hawk Down” mission in Mogadishu, Somalia.

LinkedIn Twitter john.belman@vistagechair.com

Veterans Connect Radio Episode 010

July 11, 2016 by angishields

Atlanta Business Radio

Veterans Connect Radio Episode 010

00:00 /

Veterans Connect Radio

#VetsConnect

@VetConnectRadio

Scott Bock / Instant Imprints

Scott Bock is the Area Franchisee for Instant Imprints of Georgia and North Florida. In this role, he identifies qualified individuals who wish to become independent business owners in the Instant Imprints system. He then provides ongoing business coaching and consulting to help them reach and exceed their business goals. Scott also owns and operates his own center, Instant Imprints of Smyrna, GA

After receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from Iowa State University, Scott served as a United States Navy Submarine Officer from 1988-1995. He subsequently earned an Master of Business Administration from Duke University.

Alan Urech / Stoney River Capital LLC

Managing Partner

LINK TO FULL BIO HERE

Andy Wickman is one of the founding members of Warrior Outdoors. He has owned and operated several business’, including a transmission shop, a full motorcycle shop and a dating service. Andy has always had a service heart. He has worked with Habitat for Humanity, the Lions Club and is very accomplished in the Masonic fraternity.

Andrew Hurst– 12 year army veteran, served in both Iraq and Afghanistan, father, husband, and avid outdoorsman when at all possible. He got into helping other veterans with the VFW and found that Warrior Outdoors would allow him the ability to help even more by taking the State Director position.

Facebook

Veterans Connect Radio Episode 09

June 20, 2016 by angishields

Atlanta Business Radio

Veterans Connect Radio Episode 09

00:00 /

Veterans Connect Radio

#VetsConnect

@VetConnectRadio

Jason Sobczak, Chris Sims, Derek Smith, Phil Kuban, John Phillips

Derek Smith / Financial Advisor

Phil Kuban / FranNet of Atlanta

Advisor

I began my career as a marketing executive at 3M Company. In this role, I was exposed to independent entrepreneurs and gained a real sense of their work-life balance, something that I had never been exposed to even as a corporate executive. This led me to explore ways of starting my own business while recognizing that I was not an entrepreneur in the true sense. I had a young family to support and taking a high risk was not viable. I began my career in franchising in 1982 with VR Business Brokers. I soon realized that buying an independent small business was far more often, “the American nightmare” for people than “the American dream”. In 1985, I shifted my brokering practice to franchise area development. For more than 30 years, I have been helping people (almost a thousand of them) realize their dream of business ownership. Since 1999, I have been affiliated with the FranNet organization, the world’s original, premier network of franchise consultants. My proven track record in numerous franchise systems has been a key factor in my success as a FranNet consultant. Additionally, I have personal experience owning and operating retail and professional services businesses. I’ve been personally involved with master franchise development and have been able to use that experience in my consultations with first- time prospective franchise owners. I always suggest a client begin “with the end in mind”. I believe that the right franchise opportunity with the right exit strategy is the key to building equity wealth. My extensive experience is an asset for anyone looking for assistance with investing in a new or existing franchise opportunity. I am a principal owner and board member of FranNet, LLC, an international franchise company. I spend part of my time contributing to growth strategies for FranNet LLC, building the value of the company. My daughter Leslie and I recently celebrated our 16 th year as owners of FranNet of Georgia.

Twitter Facebook LinkedIn

Jason Sobczak / Crossfit East Cobb

Owner

Grew up in Orlando, FL. Served as a paratrooper in the 82^nd Airborne Division from 1991 to 1994

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, University of Florida, 1997. Long Range Surveillance Team Leader, H CO 121^st Infantry, Long Range Surveillance, GA Army National Guard 2001-2005 Veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom Licensed Georgia Residential Mortgage Loan Officer since 2003. Co Owner and Coach of CrossFit East Cobb since 2009.

Facebook Instagram

Chris Sims / Crossfit East Cobb

Owner

Director – Fitness Fueling Awareness (501c3 dedicated to providing relief for Cystic Fibrosis). Married to my beautiful wife Jessica Sims, Daughter – Naomi 6yo, attends Mt Bethel and will attend Dickerson and Walton. Son – Sam 5yo, will follow sis starting Kindergarten next year at Mount Bethel. Moved to East Cobb in 1985. Mt. Bethel, Dickerson and Walton Graduate 1999. Favorite Teachers – Mrs Krosner and Mrs. Jedlica BA Social Science, Current MBA student at Thomas Edison State College. US Army Green Beret. US Army Ranger, 6 Combat deployments between Iraq (2003, 2015), Afghanistan (2009, 2010, 2012/13) and Colombia, South America (2007). Just hit 16 years service in the military.

Facebook Instagram

John Philips LTC, U.S. Army Retired / Boots To Loafers

Author, Speaker, Leader / Vice Chairman VETLANTA

John has had a distinguished career in both military and civilian service. John is a retired Lieutenant Colonel from the US Army where he served in the Field Artillery as well as a Financial Comptroller. With more than 20 years of service, he served in Corps Artillery, Division Artillery, Army Headquarters and Forces Command, the largest command and the generating force provider for combatant commanders – at home and abroad. He has served in Europe, throughout the Middle East and the United States. Among his awards and decorations are the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, and the Air Assault Badge.

John is the Author of Boots to Loafers, Finding Your New True North which outlines a proven process of transitioning out of the military and into the private sector. He is also a contributing author to Paddling Guide to the Sunshine State and An American Crisis, Veteran Unemployment, Stand by Them/How You can Help/Solution. He has been featured on The Mike Huckabee Show, the Dennis Miller Show as well as a number of radio appearances across the country.

John is a finance executive at The Coca-Cola Company in Atlanta, Georgia. In his spare time, John spends his time travelling with his wife, Sailing in the British Virgin Islands, remote wilderness trips in the western United States, and helping our nation’s military and veterans make the transition into society and finding a job in the private sector.

John holds a BS in Finance from University of Central Florida and an MBA from Syracuse University. He lives in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Georgia with his wife, the former Melissa K. Smith and their Australian Shepherd, Bear.

Boots To Loafers The Book VETLANTA Twitter LinkedIn Facebook

Veterans Connect Radio Episode 08

June 6, 2016 by angishields

Atlanta Business Radio

Veterans Connect Radio Episode 08

00:00 /

Veterans Connect Radio

#VetsConnect

@VetConnectRadio

Roger Roley, Forrest Woodland, Ryan “Redhawk” McPherson , John Phillips and Lloyd Knight

Forrest Woodland/JDog Lawrenceville

Owner/Operator

Roger Roley CSM (Retired) / Four Block

Atlanta Program Director

Roger joined the Army where he served for 24 years; during his tenure Roger had several positions of Leadership and responsibility and was awarded the Bronze Star, Legion of Merit and numerous other awards. Roger achieved the highest non-commissioned rank of Command Sergeants Major.

After retiring from the Army Roger joined Ferrellgas as a District Manager where he took a District ranked at #123 to #1. In 2 years Roger grew the District’s customer base 78%, doubled top line earnings, received the Donald Trump Award for the highest margins over projections while reducing expenses by 18% under projections.

Roger joined Cintas in 2001 as an Advance Management Candidate; during the next 11 years Roger held the positions of; Market Manager where he developed the top Location in the Corporation for internal growth, Top Sales Manager of 22 Location generating $160,000 in weekly volume over a 3 year period, as a Director of Facility Services (Group Level) Roger developed over $200,000 in weekly volume in new business services; Roger’s last position was as Atlanta’s Market Manager for the Deep Clean Division where he developed the top Location in the Corporation for 2 straight years.

Roger joined Osprey Biotechnics Inc. in January 2012 as Vice President of Business Development Growing sales 30% ($1.4M) creating the company’s first growth year in 3 years.

In August 2013 Roger joined Corporate Leads Inc., as Senior Partner. Corporate Leads Inc. is a Veterans placement organization with an outstanding record with both Veterans and corporations.

Roger joined Building Global Leaders Team in December 2014 as Vice President of Operations and Partner. Building Global Leaders (BGL) mission is to develop future business leaders utilizing business training, leadership training and mentorship.

In continuing to support our veteran Roger joined Four Block in November 2015 as the Atlanta Program Director: Four Block Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that prepares transitioning veterans for careers in corporate America. We teach a semester long, university accredited course that assists student-veterans with obtaining competitive internships and full-time positions.

Twitter Facebook

Lloyd Knight / VETLANTA

Co-Founder

Lloyd Knight is Director, Government, Aerospace & Project Cargo Operations at UPS. He oversees multiple freight forwarding programs supporting a wide range of clients including the Department of Defense, defense contractors, humanitarian and aerospace customers. He develops operational strategies to meet business objectives and ensures UPS remains compliant with government regulations. Lloyd has been employed at UPS since 2007 and in addition to his current assignment has served in several different roles including Government Tender Manager, Global Government Operations Manager and a special assignment with corporate HR focusing on veteran hiring initiatives.

Lloyd retired from the Air Force in 2007 after 20 years of service. During this time, Lloyd logged over 3,000 flight hours as a Loadmaster on several operational and flight test aircraft including the C-141 Starlifter, C-5 Galaxy, and C-23 Sherpa. He also served assignments as a Tanker Airlift Control Lift Element (TALCE) Loadmaster, HQ Air Mobility Command Functional Manager and First Sergeant.

Lloyd founded the UPS Veterans Business Resource Group in Atlanta and co-founded and the Chairman of VETLANTA, an industry collaboration of Veteran friendly/ affiliated organizations in the Atlanta region. VETLANTA mission is to make Atlanta a top destination for veterans. He is an active volunteer for multiple veteran non-profits including American Corporate Partners and Hire Heroes USA.

Lloyd has associate degrees in Aircrew Operations and Human Resources Management from the Community College of the Air Force, a Bachelor Degree in Transportation & Logistics Management from American Military University and a Master’s Degree in Logistics & Transportation Management from American Military University.

He has been married to Suzan for 28 years and has two sons (James & Brandon). Brandon is a college sophomore and James is a soon to be transitioning solider assigned to the 82nd Airborne.

Facebook LinkedIn

John Philips LTC, U.S. Army Retired / Boots To Loafers

Author, Speaker, Leader / Vice Chairman VETLANTA

Boots To Loafers The Book VETLANTA Twitter LinkedIn Facebook

Veterans Connect Radio Episode 07

May 23, 2016 by angishields

Atlanta Business Radio

Veterans Connect Radio Episode 07

00:00 /

Veterans Connect Radio

#VeteransConnectRadio

@VetConnectRadio

Brandon Skolnick, Dr. Anthony Cooper, Rocky McKay. Sandy Sanders, Bill Duelge and Ryan Redhawk

Dr. Anthony Cooper / Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center

Chief, Voluntary Service

Dr Cooper is a retired Army First Sergeant and work with the Atlanta community who want to help volunteer for programs at the VA.

anthony.cooper@va.gov, 404-321-6111 ext. 7728

Rocky McKay / Operation Reset

CEO & Founder

Rocky McKay aka “Rocky The Roofer” is the Founder and President of The Operation Organization Inc. (TOO) a 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose program Operation Reset gives a “hand-up and not a hand-out” to returning citizens – U.S. Veterans who’ve returned home jobless, non violent ex-offenders, and homeless people in need of a second chance.

Facebook Twitter YouTube

Bill Duelge / Hearts For Heroes

Founder

Born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Accepted an appointment to West Point from Senator William Proxmire to join the class of 1980. Having turned down a number of football scholarships, I decided to play at West Point. I played in 10 varsity games on special teams and at defensive tackle my freshman year. I had the chance to play against household names like Joe Montana, Tony Dorsett, Hugh Green, Mike Singletary, Howie Long, Fred Smerlas and many others. I graduated in 1980 with an engineering degree with a concentration in Chemistry, became Airborne qualified and brought my shiny new butter bar to 1st Armored Division in Germany. After 3 years in Germany I came back to 1st Cav Division at Ft Hood as a Captain.

My business career started at Mobil Chemical in the Plastic packaging business. On my 30th birthday I became the manager of Mobil’s International Films group. I worked as a senior executive for 4 different companies before starting my first company in January 2004. I have been part of 14 small company startups since that time, centered around general business leadership and new startup technology. Currently 3 of those 15 companies are operating.

–

Veterans Connect Radio Episode 05

April 25, 2016 by angishields

Atlanta Business Radio

Veterans Connect Radio Episode 05

00:00 /

Veterans Connect Radio

A spotlight episode of Atlanta Business Radio and powered by Business RadioX. Co-Hosted by Ryan “Redhawk” McPherson and Brandon Skolnick with Gathering Of Angels.Featuring veteran entrepreneurs, support organizations, outreach groups and more in the Atlanta area continuing to serve our families, our communities and our country.

#VeteransConnectRadio

@VetConnectRadio

Len Pagano / Safe America Foundation

CEO & Founder

Len Pagano is a social entrepreneur who has spent over 30 years developing communication programs that address key issues across North America. As President, CEO and founder of Safe America, Mr. Pagano launched the 501(c) 3 organization with a $1 million grant from the Travelers Insurance Foundation.

In its early days, Safe America focused on highway safety issues with Operation Baby Buckle, a child protection program that has distributed over 150,000 infant/child car seats to disadvantaged families across the United States.

Mr. Pagano then organized a ‘Safe Team Coalition’ that was recognized by General Motors (GM) for its work. Innovative safety education programs followed which addressed emerging issues. These included initiatives in teen driver education, water safety, cyber-safety, homeland security, youth safety and disaster readiness.

Through Len’s leadership, the Safe America Foundation has developed educational and practical safety and preparedness programs for businesses and communities. These include safety product distribution, national youth programming, international travel security, and advocating that non-profit organizations screen volunteers (to avoid predatory activities by adults). His accomplishments include raising over $30 million for injury prevention initiatives and engaging organizations including Porsche North America, the Woodruff, Motorola and UPS Foundations along with the National PTA, Allstate, Wal-Mart, Chevrolet, Verizon, State Farm, NBC/Comcast, USA TODAY, Sprint, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and a variety of public safety and government agencies at state and national levels.

Tem Frierson / First Data Salutes

VP, Veteran Business Solutions

Veterans Connect Radio Episode 04

April 11, 2016 by angishields

Atlanta Business Radio

Veterans Connect Radio Episode 04

00:00 /

Veterans Connect Radio

#VeteransConnectRadio

VCR_04.11.16 — Tanya D. Bryant, John Phillips, Ryan Redhawk, Garrett Cathcart, Brandon Skolnick

Tanya D Bryant / Just Lovely Lipstick LLC

Personal Branding Expression Artist

Tanya Bryant is a retired twenty-one-year veteran who has been in two war campaigns. While the fatigues and combat boots are as close as the closet door, Tanya’s entrepreneurship journey led her right into the beauty industry. Today Tanya is the owner of Imagine Makeup Artistry, LLC and founder of Just Lovely® Lipstick, she markets herself as the Personal Branding Expression Artist. She helps business women to enhance their personal brand image so they can express who they are in their industry by using the power of color so they look and feel confident when presenting their business.

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn

Garrett Cathcart / Team Red White and Blue

Southeast Regional Director

Team RWB’s mission is to enrich the lives of America’s veterans by connecting them to people in their community through physical and social activity. Join!

Facebook Twitter(Team RWB ATL) Twitter(Team RWB)

John Philips LTC, U.S. Army Retired / Boots To Loafers

Author, Speaker, Leader / Vice Chairman VETLANTA

Boots To Loafers The Book VETLANTA Twitter LinkedIn Facebook

Freeman Fields with iVault Home Protection

April 11, 2016 by angishields

Atlanta Business Radio

Freeman Fields with iVault Home Protection

00:00 /

Freeman Fields is CEO of iVault Home Protection — Freeman Fields CEO of iVault Home Protection is a decorated Navy Veteran.

Freeman Fields / iVault Home Protection

Owner and CEO

A successful entrepreneur, Freeman Fields I has many years of experience with start-ups. He developed his leadership skills while serving in the Armed Forces as the youngest person on his command to ever lead an entire division to oversee multi-million dollar operations. Since medically retiring from the Navy in 1997 due to an injury suffered during Desert Storm, he has diligently pursued his passion for entrepreneurship. Some of his many achievements include successfully becoming a real estate investor, twenty plus in construction, publishing two books, acquiring multiple patents and his latest endeavor, iVault Home Protection.

Facebook Twitter Veteran Owned Business

iVault Home Protection does more than simply deter burglars as traditional home security companies and home alarms, it is one of the first home protection company to essentially turn your existing doors into security doors to actually STOP BURGLARS FROM ENTERING YOUR HOME IN THE FIRST PLACE. This is done by seamlessly reinforcing the door jambs to make the doors kick proof.

Veterans Connect Radio Episode 3

March 31, 2016 by angishields

Atlanta Business Radio

Veterans Connect Radio Episode 3

00:00 /

Veterans Connect Radio

#VeteransConnectRadio

Brandon Skolnick, Everett Steele and Ryan Redhawk

Everrett Steele / Steele Technology Partners

Chief Operating Officer

As the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Kanga Technology, Everett led the company through raising millions in funding, building an award winning mobile and web application, and being named “Atlanta’s Best Startup” by General Assembly. Everett’s global vision for Kanga helped grow the small operation into a well-known brand that has been covered in The Motley Fool, TechCrunch, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The Atlanta Business Chronicle, and countless others. The company was a Finalist at TechCrunch Disrupt and was selected to the prestigious “Signature” program of the Advanced Technology Development Center in 2014.

Everett was named one of the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s “40 Under 40” in 2015, graduated from LEAD Atlanta in 2014, and is an active participant and board member of several non-profits. Everett is a Veteran of the United States Army, where he earned awards for his participation in combat operations during Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation New Dawn. Everett is a proud native Atlantan, a graduate of the University of Georgia, and a diehard Atlanta sports fan. When he isn’t at the office, Everett enjoys spending time exploring the city, dining out, and writing music.

Twitter LinkedIn