John Ray, Author at Business RadioX ® Page

LIVE from SOAHR 2022: Jordan Alley, NetTax

August 17, 2022 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

LIVE from SOAHR 2022: Jordan Alley, NetTax

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North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 497)

Jordan Alley, Director of Client Success for NetTax, was the guest on this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, LIVE from SOAHR 2022. Jordan and host John Ray talked about the work NetTax performs in recommending valuable tax credits for their clients, particularly the COVID Employee Retention Credit and Work Opportunity Tax Credit.

This show was originally broadcast live from SOAHR 2022, the annual conference of SHRM-Atlanta, held at the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta, Georgia on July 27th and 28th, 2022.

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

Jordan Alley, Director of Client Success, NetTax

Jordan Alley is Director of Client Success at NetTax and joined the company in June 2020.

NetTax is a tax credit and incentive consulting firm that helps you make more money and pay less tax.

Since 2008, our team has been helping companies across the country secure over 2 billion dollars in tax credits and incentives.

Every year corporate America leaves billions in unclaimed incentives and tax credits from various government agencies. Many corporations are not aware they are eligible for these tax credits and incentives or do not have a system in place to effectively pursue all available opportunities both retroactive and prospective. NetTax is here to identify and help you take advantage of all applicable incentives and credits.

NetTax is comprised of an experienced team of Economic Development and Tax Credit consultants who are ready to help you earn more revenue and pay less tax. Combined, we have over 30 years of experience in Economic Development, Government Programs and Tax Credits and Incentives. Our team members have worked as a Real Estate Site Incentives Manager for a Fortune 50 company and as an Internal Revenue Service Revenue Agent for the US Department of the Treasury. This past experience has provided invaluable knowledge in a wide array of industries including but not limited to manufacturing, distribution, retail, call centers, and hospitality spanning all 50 states. We are committed to maximizing your savings while upholding excellent levels of customer service in the timeliest manner possible.

Website |LinkedIn | Jordan Alley LinkedIn

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

What NetTax does
COVID Employee Retention Credit
Why not just use a CPA?
Alliances with NetTax
What other tax credits are available?

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

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

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

LIVE from SOAHR 2022: Karilyn Greene and Nicole Jackson, City of Thomasville

August 16, 2022 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

LIVE from SOAHR 2022: Karilyn Greene and Nicole Jackson, City of Thomasville

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North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 496)

Karilyn Greene and Nicole Jackson, both with the City of Thomasville in Human Resources, joined host John Ray LIVE at SOAHR 2022. They shared their excitement to be at the conference, their work in Thomasville and all the city offers its employees, their experience with SHRM-Atlanta, and much more.

This show was originally broadcast live from SOAHR 2022, the annual conference of SHRM-Atlanta, held at the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta, Georgia on July 27th and 28th, 2022.

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

City of Thomasville, Georgia

Thomas County was formed in 1825 by legislation introduced by Thomas J. Johnson, owner-builder of Pebble Hill Plantation. One year later, on December 22, 1826, a location was established for the new county seat, Thomasville. The city and county are believed to have been named for Major General Jett Thomas, a member of the State Militia during the war of 1812. Without a railroad until 1861, Thomas County residents became largely self-sufficient. Agriculture was diversified and business methods were modernized. As the terminus for the railroad, Thomasville was accessible from the north and, during the late 1800s, became known as the “Winter Resort of the South.” In the beginning of this era, Northerners and other visitors came to Thomasville for their health, breathing the pine-scented air as a curative for pulmonary ailments. They were soon joined by friends to enjoy hunting, fishing, and an active social life, including golf, horse racing and bicycling. Thomasville came to represent the best of Southern hospitality with the lavishness of the resort lifestyle.

Thomasville’s luxurious hotels regularly hosted America’s wealthiest families as their guests. Once they discovered that it cost less to purchase land than rent hotel rooms, these wealthy families bought property and built grand Victorian mansions and plantation homes. Many of these plantations are still owned by the families who built them and are visited year-round. Many of the “winter cottages” built during the 1880s have been lovingly restored and are included on the Historic Walking and Driving Tour of Thomasville’s Historic Districts. Although the grand hotel era ended with the extension of the railroad into southern Florida, Thomasville and Thomas County have continued the long-standing tradition of cultural and economic diversity and the preservation of the area’s rich heritage.

Website |Facebook | Instagram

City of Thomasville Human Resources

**Karilyn Greene, Benefits & Wellness Coordinator, City of Thomasville**

**Nicole Jackson, Human Resources & Community Relations Specialist, City of Thomasville**

Karilyn Greene is the Benefits and Wellness Coordinator and Nicole Jackson is the Human Resources & Community Relations Specialist for the City of Thomasville.

The HR staff provides personnel services to employees, and applicants through recruitment, staffing, organizational and employee development, training, policy development and implementation, compensation, performance evaluation, employee events and employee relations. Employment information is available on our 24-hour job line: (229) 227-7019 and at hrjobscityofthomasvillega.com. The HR staff has affiliations with the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM), the Georgia Local Government Personnel Association (GLGPA) and the International Personnel Management Association (IPMA).

The staff works with the Thomasville Police Department and Thomasville Fire Rescue to coordinate several neighborhood and community events throughout the year to promote goodwill and community engagement.

Their Community Oriented Revitalization and Education (CORE) events offer food, fun and education through events.

Website | Karilyn Greene LinkedIn | Nicole Jackson LinkedIn

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

Karilyn Greene and Nicole Jackson’s roles at City of Thomasville
Benefits package for city employees
Events for the community
Their individual career paths
Their experience with SHRM-Atlanta

LIVE from SOAHR 2022: Gemma Ames, Main Event

August 16, 2022 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

LIVE from SOAHR 2022: Gemma Ames, Main Event

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North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 495)

Gemma Ames, Sales Manager at Main Event and an exhibitor at SOAHR 2022, talked with host John Ray about what Main Event offers, their locations, how to book for fun corporate or personal events, their games, their menu, and more.

This show was originally broadcast live from SOAHR 2022, the annual conference of SHRM-Atlanta, held at the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta, Georgia on July 27th and 28th, 2022.

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

Gemma Ames, Sales Manager, Main Event

Gemma Ames is Sales Manager for Main Event.

Every occasion is a celebration when you visit Main Event Atlanta, your headquarters for family fun and entertainment. Main Event in Atlanta, Georgia, is located off of I-75 and I-285, in the Akers Mill Square area. It’s part of the Atlanta metro area; near the cities of Marietta and Sandy Springs. It is located 15 minutes from downtown Atlanta and 15 minutes from I-285. Parking is free on-site. When you’re seeking fun things to do in Atlanta, we’ve got you covered. You can kick back and relax at the bar, bowl, play video games, or watch sports on a giant screen. They also have dedicated meeting room space, perfect for team building, mini-retreats, and planning sessions. Nobody does birthday parties, group events, or company parties like Main Event Atlanta.

Main Event Atlanta is more than just 24 lanes of state-of-the-art bowling, gravity ropes, and over 100 games. It’s also one of the best venues for birthday parties, group events, company holiday parties, and even team building. Book your upcoming event online and you’ll see: they take the stress out of party planning! Enjoy full-service catering with private party rooms, free Wifi, and big-screen TVs paired with the latest audiovisual technology. Looking for a children’s birthday venue that’s sure to impress? We handle everything, from the invitations to the clean-up.

Looking to throw a holiday office party your employees will genuinely enjoy? They can help there, too! Their party venues are simple to book and fun for all. Book your next party or corporate meeting at Main Event Atlanta to make it a memorable event!

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

Main Event locations and offerings
Corporate Events
Variety of events
How to book an event
Main Event’s menu

Samantha Shams, MD, Piedmont Cancer Institute

August 16, 2022 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Samantha Shams, MD, Piedmont Cancer Institute

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North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 494)

Medical oncologist Dr. Samantha Shams joined host John Ray on this edition of North Fulton Business Radio to discuss her background, her work as a board member of the Georgia Society of Clinical Oncology (GASCO), the advantages of a doctor-owned practice like Piedmont Cancer Institute, the rapid advances in oncology treatment technology, and much more.

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

**Samantha Shams, MD, Medical Oncologist, Piedmont Cancer Institute**

Dr. Samantha Shams is a medical oncologist and hematologist on the team at Piedmont Cancer Institute. Dr. Shams has a degree from Mercer University School of Medicine and did her residency at Emory University.

At Piedmont Cancer Institute, you will find comprehensive cancer care is what they do.

In 1987, Piedmont Cancer Institute began providing care for those diagnosed with cancer. Since that time, PCI has expanded its care to five cities in the Atlanta metro area. They have continued to operate as a private practice allowing their team to build meaningful patient relationships. From the beginning, their number one goal is to provide the best possible care in all aspects of treatment – Clinical, Mind, Body, and Spirit.

The physicians and staff treat all types of cancer and diseases of the blood. Their physicians and advanced practitioners work closely with your entire treatment team of specialists, primary care physicians, family, and caregivers to address your individualized cancer treatment plan. They integrate leading-edge therapies, the latest clinical trials, and cancer wellness programs for the best care possible.

They also offer convenient telehealth appointments and treatment education appointments – all easily scheduled through our website.

If you need a partner in care or need a second opinion, Piedmont Cancer Institute is here.

Company Website | LinkedIn | Samantha Shams LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

What factors in your life contributed to your decision to be a doctor specializing in medical oncology?
Why private practice?
Women are underrepresented among leadership in oncology specialties. Your thoughts as to why the gender gap.
What your board seat on GASCO (Georgia Society of Clinical Oncology) means for women in oncology?
What does the future of oncology look like?

Workplace MVP LIVE from SHRM 2022: Verónica Gómez-Vilchis, Central Washington University

August 16, 2022 by John Ray

Minneapolis St. Paul Studio

Workplace MVP LIVE from SHRM 2022: Verónica Gómez-Vilchis, Central Washington University

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Workplace MVP LIVE from SHRM 2022: Verónica Gómez-Vilchis, Central Washington University

Verónica Gomez-Vilchis is an HR Business Partner with Central Washington University, and a graduate of CWU. She shared with host Jamie Gassmann her experience at SHRM, the role the University is hiring for, a profile of the University, and much more.

Workplace MVP is underwritten and presented by R3 Continuum and produced by the Minneapolis-St.Paul Studio of Business RadioX®.

This show was originally broadcast live from the 2022 SHRM Annual Conference held at the New Orleans Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Verónica Gómez-Vilchis, SHRM-CP, Central Washington University

Verónica Gómez-Vilchis is a Human Resources Business Partner at Central Washington University, which is also her alma mater.

She is a first-generation college graduate from a farm-worker background and prides herself on being bilingual, bicultural, and bi-literate. As a proud Latina of Mexican heritage, she loves dancing, exploring other cultures, and she is a foodie! Food is one of the best ways to learn about others.

Human resources has become the pathway for Verónica’s professional growth and advancement. Her passion is to serve, guide, and be an anchor for those who are in her care. It is essential to her to interact with employees to learn what motivates them, what success looks like to them, and to explore avenues that can lead to highly engaged and happy employees.

Verónica wants to inspire and uplift. While doing all of this, she aims to be intentional, understand the organization’s mission, vision, and goals, and seek to be aligned while being true to herself.

Central Washington University

Central’s commitment to hands-on learning and discovery and individual attention takes students beyond the limits of the classroom and books. Students get to do what they’re studying in real-world, professional settings, which makes learning exciting and relevant.

Each year, CWU graduates thousands of well-educated citizens who are ready for high-demand careers in the workforce: construction management, accounting, engineering technology, teacher education, wine business, paramedicine, aviation, and more.

CWU prepares students to succeed in a global economy through strong partnerships with 30 colleges and universities around the world. In recent years, we have welcomed more than 400 students from 36 countries to our campus.

CWU’s residential campus in Ellensburg encompasses 380 acres. There are also six university centers (Des Moines, Lynnwood, Pierce County, Moses Lake, Wenatchee, and Yakima) and two instructional sites (Joint Base Lewis-McChord and Sammamish).

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook| Instagram

About Workplace MVP

Every day, around the world, organizations of all sizes face disruptive events and situations. Within those workplaces are everyday heroes in human resources, risk management, security, business continuity, and the C-suite. They don’t call themselves heroes though. On the contrary, they simply show up every day, laboring for the well-being of employees in their care, readying the workplace for and planning responses to disruption. This show, Workplace MVP, confers on these heroes the designation they deserve, Workplace MVP (Most Valuable Professionals), and gives them the forum to tell their story. As you hear their experiences, you will learn first-hand, real-life approaches to readying the workplace, responses to crisis situations, and overcoming challenges of disruption. Visit our show archive here.

Workplace MVP Host Jamie Gassmann

**Jamie Gassmann, Host, “Workplace MVP”**

In addition to serving as the host to the Workplace MVP podcast, Jamie Gassmann is the Director of Marketing at R3 Continuum (R3c). Collectively, she has more than fourteen years of marketing experience. Across her tenure, she has experience working in and with various industries including banking, real estate, retail, crisis management, insurance, business continuity, and more. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mass Communications with special interest in Advertising and Public Relations and a Master of Business Administration from Paseka School of Business, Minnesota State University.

R3 Continuum

R3 Continuum is a global leader in workplace behavioral health and security solutions. R3c helps ensure the psychological and physical safety of organizations and their people in today’s ever-changing and often unpredictable world. Through their continuum of tailored solutions, including evaluations, crisis response, executive optimization, protective services, and more, they help organizations maintain and cultivate a workplace of wellbeing so that their people can thrive. Learn more about R3c at www.r3c.com.

Company website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter

TRANSCRIPT

Intro: [00:00:02] Broadcasting live from SHRM 2022 at the New Orleans Convention Center, it’s time for Workplace MVP. Brought to you by R3 Continuum, a global leader in helping workplaces thrive during disruptive times. Now, here’s your host.

Jaime Gassmann: [00:00:20] Hey, everyone. You’re host, Jamie Gassmann here, and I am coming to you from the SHRM 2022 Exhibit Hall in R3 Continuum, our show sponsor’s booth. And with me is Veronica Gomez Vilchis. Did I say that correctly? Awesome. And she is an H.R. partner in human resources with the Central Washington University. Welcome to the show.

Veronica Gomez Vilchis: [00:00:42] Hi. Thank you. Glad to be here.

Jaime Gassmann: [00:00:44] So, let’s start out with you telling me a little bit about your H.R. background and how did you make your way to the Central Washington University in the H.R. role you’re in today?

Veronica Gomez Vilchis: [00:00:54] It was an interesting journey because I graduated from Central Washington University with my bachelor’s in education. And then, I took a job mentoring college students, taught a little bit. I did a little bit of everything at the university. In 2012 and 2014, I did my first stint in H.R., focusing on training and development. Then, I went into more of the diversity and equity work, and then just recently in November, I came back to H.R. at Central Washington University, and now I’m a business partner.

Jaime Gassmann: [00:01:30] What a fun journey.

Veronica Gomez Vilchis: [00:01:32] Yeah. It’s been a great journey.

Jaime Gassmann: [00:01:32] And I’d love that you came back to like your alma mater if I’m saying that. I always make those words come out a little goofy, but that’s really kind of fun.

Veronica Gomez Vilchis: [00:01:38] Yeah, yeah.

Jaime Gassmann: [00:01:39] Very cool. So now this is your first time at SHRM.

Veronica Gomez Vilchis: [00:01:42] Yes.

Jaime Gassmann: [00:01:42] So what are you – what got you most excited about coming to SHRM this year? What were you most excited to see and experience?

Veronica Gomez Vilchis: [00:01:50] Well, a couple of things. I think one is as I was talking with my colleague, Tracy, who’s here with me, we were talking about how do we expand our knowledge in H.R., looking at ways that we can deepen it, thinking that we’re not the only ones that are battling situations. So, building that network to learn more about what others are doing and sharing ideas and getting inspired to come back to our institution and say, “Okay, these are major things that we’ve learned. And what about we apply these? These might work for us as well.” So that’s one of the biggest reasons.

Veronica Gomez Vilchis: [00:02:24] And then, the second reason is that we’re here to recruit. We want to look for folks who would like to work at Central Washington University. There’s a major role that we’re trying to fill. Our leader is retiring, gave us plenty of notice to allow for us to do a really solid recruitment plan for that particular role.

Jaime Gassmann: [00:02:43] Yeah. Give you that time to really make sure you’re bringing in that right candidate that fits that culture the best.

Veronica Gomez Vilchis: [00:02:48] Right.

Jaime Gassmann: [00:02:48] So, I’ve kind of – you were talking a little bit before, you jumping on these microphones about your approach at hiring and you’ve got like a business card you’re handing out. So, are you just like, you know, handing them out to everybody, kind of like the swag here at the conference, or are you like really looking at somebody, having a conversation and choosing the people you want to hand that to?

Veronica Gomez Vilchis: [00:03:08] Well, it’s kind of like a mix. You know, we are partnering with a recruiting agency, another source. And part of the idea from them was to do a drip campaign. So basically, start getting the word out because eventually we’ll start taking applications this summer. But we wanted to get people excited and think about Central as an opportunity to grow in their career, right?

Veronica Gomez Vilchis: [00:03:33] So, we created these business cards. It has basic information about the role, and then it has a QR code that links them to the web page that has more in-depth information about the position as well as about the area that they would be in and the students they would be serving indirectly, right, in all those pieces. So when we interact with folks, we learn a little bit about them and then we say, “Hey, you know, we have this position,” give them the business card. And they’re like, “Oh, interesting.” Right? Because you never know.

Jaime Gassmann: [00:04:02] No, you never know.

Veronica Gomez Vilchis: [00:04:04] Right?

Jaime Gassmann: [00:04:04] Yeah.

Veronica Gomez Vilchis: [00:04:04] So, you know, we’re trying to avoid that passive approach of recruitment and really engage and get to know another person and say, “Hey, have you ever thought about Central Washington University, Washington State, and come and work for us?”

Jaime Gassmann: [00:04:19] Yeah. Well, and it’s interesting in the hiring process when you think about it, the candidate is very much vetting you as an employer nowadays as much as you are vetting them as that candidate. I mean, it really is kind of that relationship that needs to be, you know, you both have to kind of, you know, like each other basically. So, yeah, no, that’s a great approach that you’re doing. So, so far, how many have you been handing out, like a ton?

Veronica Gomez Vilchis: [00:04:44] It’s little by little, right? We just got here yesterday. So today has been really the day that we started to connect with folks and spread the word. Some are like, “Oh, you know, I’m pretty happy where I am.” And I said, “Well, can you still take the card because you might be able to find somebody in your network that might be interested, and please just let them know about it.”

Jaime Gassmann: [00:05:03] It’s kind of like social media in person in a way, right?

Veronica Gomez Vilchis: [00:05:07] Yes.

Jaime Gassmann: [00:05:07] Like just take the card. You might want to share that with somebody. Well, I think that’s really an interesting approach. And so, if there’s anybody listening –

Veronica Gomez Vilchis: [00:05:14] Yes.

Jaime Gassmann: [00:05:15] That is, you know, really excited about hearing about that opportunity, so tell us a little bit about the university. What makes it so wonderful to work at? What would they be getting themselves into? Maybe talk a little bit about the role, you know, so if you share this later, people can hear about it.

Veronica Gomez Vilchis: [00:05:31] Yeah.

Jaime Gassmann: [00:05:31] Kind of go there.

Veronica Gomez Vilchis: [00:05:32] Yeah. Well, Central Washington University is located really at the center of the state, in Ellensburg, Washington. And we serve about 10,000 students. We have seven centers, seven to eight 8 centers, around the state as well. And we’re in a small town, which is kind of great, but we’re not that far away from cities so an hour and a half southeast of Seattle and about 45 minutes from Yakim, so that’s another big city.

Veronica Gomez Vilchis: [00:06:06] So, it’s a great, great university to work for. We have a new president, university president. He’s about a year in now and has great initiatives, great ideas to really diversify our staff, our faculty, looking for ways to serve our students in ways that make them feel like they’re part of the institution, right, which is really important for us because students are the whole reason that we’re there. So, without students, right – so our intention is to hire people that can really make an impact on student lives. That’s the whole purpose. Right?

Veronica Gomez Vilchis: [00:06:45] So, I think anybody who’s out there who’s interested in the associate vice president, human resources, I think that they will have a great team. We have about maybe 20, 25 folks in the H.R. department itself. This person will be integral in really leading that department and also leading in important conversations on campus to make some changes on campus in partnership with other leaders of the institution.

Jaime Gassmann: [00:07:14] Wonderful. And if somebody wanted to check out that role, where would you direct them to?

Veronica Gomez Vilchis: [00:07:19] Okay. So if they wanted to learn more about it, they can visit our website at cwu.edu/hr. And then on the left-hand menu, just click jobs in the spotlight and they will be able to learn more about the role.

Jaime Gassmann: [00:07:35] Wonderful. It’s been such a pleasure to have you on our show.

Veronica Gomez Vilchis: [00:07:38] Thank you.

Jaime Gassmann: [00:07:38] Thank you for stopping by.

Veronica Gomez Vilchis: [00:07:39] Thank you for the opportunity to share.

Jaime Gassmann: [00:07:41] We’re absolutely honored to be able to let you share that information and showcase that kind of, that really cool, creative approach to hiring. Yeah.

Veronica Gomez Vilchis: [00:07:48] Thank you.

Intro: [00:07:54] Thank you for joining us on Workplace MVP. R3 Continuum is a proud sponsor of this show and is delighted to celebrate most valuable professionals who work diligently to secure safe workplaces where employees can thrive.

Taylor Cox, Koelbel and Company

August 16, 2022 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Taylor Cox, Koelbel and Company

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North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 493)

Taylor Cox, Director of Acquisition for Denver-based Koelbel and Company, joined host John Ray to share the news of his firm’s first commercial property investment in the North Fulton market, Northridge Center. Taylor talked about his family-owned firm’s investment history, why Atlanta and the North Fulton market specifically offer compelling opportunities, where they see value in the office building segment, and much more.

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

Nothing is stronger than family—especially when it comes to business.

The notion of creating a legacy that was built upon the right ideals forges a firm foundation that endures. A lasting dynamic that attracts business partners that care about more than the bottom line. And a relationship-driven entity that always puts community first.

In 1952, Walt Koelbel founded just such a family business holding up those exact aspirations. Every day since then, Koelbel and Company has been seeing the possibilities and realizing the potential for Colorado real estate. The vision to try new things. And the willingness to think differently. All in an effort to create developments that people are proud to call home.

Company Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

**Taylor Cox, Director of Acquisition, Koelbel and Company**

Taylor Cox is Director of Acquisition for Koelbel and Company. He is based here in North Fulton and spearheading Koebel’s expansion into the Atlanta market.

Throughout his career, Taylor Cox has developed a skilled approach to analyzing deals and finding value-add opportunities. He religiously tracks market conditions by staying educated on political, economic, and social trends.

He is well-aligned with Koelbel in his vision to venture into unknown territories and he possesses the measured discipline to quickly establish a network of key local contacts and build business from the ground up in any market.

Taylor’s success in assembling and leading fully integrated teams, persisting through unforeseen complications, and securing key partners and investors has enabled him to not only protect but enhance investor capital.

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

Who is Koelbel and Company?
Why are they now investing in North Fulton?
What is Koebel’s acquisition strategy?
What are the benefits of the commercial property you’ve purchased?

LIVE from SOAHR 2022: Kafi London, Smart Women on Fire, and Gigi Miller, Vision Organizing

August 16, 2022 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

LIVE from SOAHR 2022: Kafi London, Smart Women on Fire, and Gigi Miller, Vision Organizing

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North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 492)

Kafi London with Smart Women on Fire and Gigi Miller of Vision Organizing were both speakers at SOAHR 2022. They joined host John Ray to chat about their respective paths and businesses. Kafi discussed the factors that lead to burnout and how she helps women recover from and prevent it. Gigi Miller aids her clients in organizing and decluttering, not just physically but in the mental and emotional clutter that accompanies it. They each shared the focus of their presentation at SOAHR2022, successful work with their clients, and much more.

This show was originally broadcast live from SOAHR 2022, the annual conference of SHRM-Atlanta, held at the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta, Georgia on July 27th and 28th, 2022.

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

Kafi London, Chief Energy Officer, Smart Women on Fire

Kafi spent 27 years climbing the corporate ladder working “in the trenches” of the fast-paced, high-demand world of management consulting supporting global training and organizational change initiatives. Past clients include The Coca-Cola Company, Hewlett-Packard, Kimberly-Clark and Shell Chemical Company.

After almost three decades of disregarding her own needs, life caught up with her and she lost the drive and passion to be successful. Overwhelmed, overworked and overweight, she eventually paid the price…BURNOUT!

Fast forward, she is now helping ambitious professionals avoid the same mistakes.

Known by her clients as the Fire Starter, she reignites those who feel their flame is starting to fade.

Leadership is intense at the best of times and despite being resilient, even the best leaders struggle with being fully self-expressed, energized and inspired to do their best work…and Kafi teaches her clients just how to do this.

Born and raised in London, Kafi now lives in Atlanta and is known for her work as a top speaker, facilitator, coach, and mentor.

She loves leading results-based workshops and transformational experiences around the world that help ambitious people play bigger.

In addition to being an expert facilitator, Kafi supports clients through one-to-one coaching, group programs, intensive experiences and transformational retreats.

Kafi uniquely blends her expertise as a management consultant, certified fitness professional and work-life balance expert to help driven, high-performers get out of their own way!

Kafi has proudly co-authored three books:

303 Solutions for Reaching Goals and Living Your Dreams,
303 Solutions for Communicating Effectively and Getting Results
303 Solution for Overcoming Challenges.

Most recently Kafi had a spotlight appearance at the She Means Business Female Founders’ Dinner hosted by Facebook and Civic Dinners.

Kafi is Chair of the Events Committee and an active Board Member of the British American Business Council of Georgia.

Website | LinkedIn |Facebook | Instagram

Gigi Miller, Founder and Owner, Vision Organizing

Founded in 2008, Gigi Miller created Vision Organizing to offer individuals, families and companies of all sizes valued organization and productivity solutions that are simple, sustainable, and effective for long-term success and visible results.

Vision provides simple, sustainable, and effective organization and productivity solutions for your home, work, and life.

Gigi’s clients include busy families, executives on Wall Street, top-tier Health Systems, Legal Firms, Educational Institutions, and Corporations.

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

Kafi London’s experience
Smart Women on Fire
Burnout
Gigi Miller’s experience
Vision Organizing
Their respective talks at SOAHR 2022

LIVE from HAVEN 2022: Charlee, Build and Create Home

August 15, 2022 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

LIVE from HAVEN 2022: Charlee, Build and Create Home

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LIVE from HAVEN 2022: Charlee, Build and Create Home (Organization Conversation, Episode 32)

Charlee, owner of Build and Create Home, joined Richard in the Wall Control booth just as she arrived at HAVEN 2022. She and Richard talked about how she got into DIY, her early videos on Instagram before TikTok came along, her love of organization and creating organized spaces, her Expert Help Desk at HAVEN 2022, and much more.

This show was originally broadcast live from the 2022 HAVEN Conference held at the Grand Hyatt Buckhead in Atlanta, Georgia.

Organization Conversation is broadcast from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

Charlee, Owner, Build and Create Home

Charlee is the owner of Build and Create Home. She started her blog Attempting Aloha in 2010 when she purchased her home in Hawaii. It started as just a craft blog, but with their home renovations, Charlee learned a lot about woodworking and fell in love with power tools and building things.

She took a break when she and her husband moved to Italy for a few years in 2013, and her focus switched to learning a new language and helping her kids as they trudged through public Italian school.

Now she is back in Hawaii again, and Build and Create Home was born.

Charlee is most active on Instagram. Feel free to connect with her over there! She is always happy to answer questions and help beginning and seasoned woodworkers, crafters, and DIY’ers!

About Organization Conversation

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

About Richard Grove

Richard Grove, Host, *Organization Conversation*

Richard Grove‘s background is in engineering but what he enjoys most is brand building through relationships and creative marketing. Richard began his career with the Department of Defense as an engineer on the C-5 Galaxy Engineering Team based out of Warner Robins. While Richard found this experience both rewarding and fulfilling, he always knew deep down that he wanted to return to the small family business that originally triggered his interest in engineering.

Richard came to work for the family business, Dekalb Tool & Die, in 2008 as a Mechanical Engineer. At the time Wall Control was little more than a small ‘side hustle’ for Dekalb Tool & Die to try to produce some incremental income. There were no “Wall Control” employees, just a small warehouse with a single tool and die maker that would double as an “order fulfillment associate” on the occasion that the original WallControl.com website, which Richard’s grandmother built, pulled in an order.

In 2008, it became apparent that for the family business to survive they were going to have to produce their own branded product at scale to ensure jobs remained in-house and for the business to continue to move forward. Richard then turned his attention from tool and die to Wall Control to attempt this necessary pivot and his story with Wall Control began. Since that time, Richard has led Wall Control to significant growth while navigating two recessions.

Connect with Richard:

Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn

About Wall Control

The Wall Control story began in 1968 in a small tool & die shop just outside Atlanta, Georgia. The first of three generations began their work in building a family-based US manufacturer with little more than hard work and the American Dream.

Over the past 50+ years, this family business has continued to grow and expand from what was once a small tool & die shop into an award-winning US manufacturer of products ranging from automobile components to satellite panels and now, the best wall-mounted tool storage system available today, Wall Control.

The Wall Control brand launched in 2003 and is a family-owned and operated business that not only produces a high-quality American Made product but sees the entire design, production, and distribution process happen under their own roof in Tucker, Georgia. Under that same roof, three generations of American Manufacturing are still hard at work creating the best tool storage products available today.

Connect with Wall Control:

Company website | Facebook | Instagram

Samantha McElhaney, SouthState Bank, Keith Costley, Keck & Wood, Inc., and Derek Griffin, Speartek

August 15, 2022 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

Samantha McElhaney, SouthState Bank, Keith Costley, Keck & Wood, Inc., and Derek Griffin, Speartek

00:00 /

Samantha McElhaney, SouthState Bank, Keith Costley, Keck & Wood, Inc., and Derek Griffin, Speartek (ProfitSense with Bill McDermott, Episode 35)

Host Bill McDermott was joined by three accomplished business leaders on this edition of ProfitSense. Banker Samantha McElhaney discussed what business owners need to be focused on now, what to look for in choosing an advisor, as well as how she uses her extensive network to assist her clients. Keith Costley shared how his engineering consulting firm develops and retains talent, how collaboration with clients has been so crucial to their success, and his firm’s succession planning process. Derek Griffin talked about how his firm helps gift and home decor firms, industrial products companies, distributors, and other B2B companies with website and e-commerce solutions for their marketing needs.

Bill closed the show with a commentary on the four components of getting a business ready to sell for its maximum value.

ProfitSense with Bill McDermott is produced and broadcast by the North Fulton Studio of Business RadioX® in Alpharetta.

SouthState Bank

SouthState is one of the leading regional banks in the Southeast – serving more than one million customers via 275+ locations in Florida, Alabama, Georgia, the Carolinas, and Virginia. They offer robust banking solutions, including consumer banking, mortgage, small business banking, commercial banking and wealth management.

SouthState bankers care about their customers and each other – and it shows. They are proud to have earned awards for their banking solutions, service, and workplace environment. For the past three years, they’ve been ranked on Forbes’ 100 Best Banks in America and have earned top workplace honors several years running. This is banking at its best. This is banking forward.

Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender.

Website | LinkedIn |Facebook

Samantha McElhaney, Commercial Relationship Advisor, SouthState Bank

Samantha McElhaney is a Commercial Relationship Advisor with SouthState Bank.

She is a single mom of twins at the University of Alabama and the University of South Carolina, respectively. She has been in financial services for 28 years this September and currently holds the position of Commercial Banking Advisor in Greater GA.

She loves Lighthouses because they provide hope in the darkness/storms of life and admits she is extremely hard on herself. She leads and participated in small groups at North Point Community Church and Woodstock City Church because her faith is extremely important to her personally and professionally.

And her favorite time of the year – college football season is about to start, so bring on Fall, food, and “fandemonium”.

Keck & Wood, Inc

Keck & Wood, Inc., founded in 1954, provides professional civil engineering, landscape architecture, and land surveying services to clients throughout the southeast. The company has 65 employees in four offices. Duluth and Fayetteville, GA as well as Rock Hill and North Charleston, SC. Our clients include city and county governments, utility companies, state agencies, education institutions, and private developers.

Company website | Facebook | LinkedIn

Keith Costley, President & CEO, Keck & Wood, Inc.

Keith Costley is the President and CEO of Keck & Wood, Inc., a 65-person civil engineering firm headquartered in Duluth, GA. He graduated from Vanderbilt University with a civil engineering degree in 1994 and has become licensed as a Professional Engineer in GA, SC, and NC.

He joined the firm as a Project Manager in their Rock Hill, SC office in 2000 and has steadily progressed his career by becoming the office leader in 2012 and then the President and CEO in 2017.

Speartek

Speartek is a technology company that builds online business solutions for product-based businesses that sell primarily in Business to Business environments. Yes, that online solution is a website but it is so much more than that because it enables the client to do business with their clients in a much more automated and efficient manner. Clients are typically manufacturers or product importers that well either wholesale to retailers or through a distribution channel. B2B selling is significantly more complex than selling to consumers and many of these client websites are integrated into accounting or ERP systems so that data is exchanged automatically, reducing the administrative costs and time in managing orders. With B2B as a primary focus for the past 20 years, the experience that Speartek delivers coupled with a platform built for B2B is an incredibly valuable combination.

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

Derek Griffin, President, Speartek

Derek Griffin has spent 22 years as the leader of Speartek, a niche B2B eCommerce solution provider. His background includes being a CPA in public accounting for 7 years as well as a CFO for a $20M manufacturing company. That financial experience and understanding of how a business needs to operate has been tremendously valuable in what Speartek delivers for its clients. Derek has lived in the Atlanta area since 1992, is married and has 2 children. Outside of work, his interests are mountain biking and hiking national parks (up to 30!), live music, and college sports.

About ProfitSense and Your Host, Bill McDermott

ProfitSense with Bill McDermott dives into the stories behind some of Atlanta’s successful businesses and business owners and the professionals that advise them. This show helps local business leaders get the word out about the important work they’re doing to serve their market, their community, and their profession. The show is presented by McDermott Financial Solutions. McDermott Financial helps business owners improve cash flow and profitability, find financing, break through barriers to expansion, and financially prepare to exit their business. The show archive can be found at profitsenseradio.com.

Bill McDermott is the Founder and CEO of McDermott Financial Solutions. When business owners want to increase their profitability, they don’t have the expertise to know where to start or what to do. Bill leverages his knowledge and relationships from 32 years as a banker to identify the hurdles getting in the way and create a plan to deliver profitability they never thought possible.

Bill currently serves as Treasurer for the Atlanta Executive Forum and has held previous positions as a board member for the Kennesaw State University Entrepreneurship Center and Gwinnett Habitat for Humanity and Treasurer for CEO NetWeavers. Bill is a graduate of Wake Forest University and he and his wife, Martha have called Atlanta home for over 40 years. Outside of work, Bill enjoys golf, traveling, and gardening.

Connect with Bill on LinkedIn and Twitter and follow McDermott Financial Solutions on LinkedIn.

LIVE from SOAHR 2022: Jordan Alley, NetTax (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 497)

Jordan Alley, Director of Client Success, NetTax

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

LIVE from SOAHR 2022: Karilyn Greene and Nicole Jackson, City of Thomasville (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 496)

City of Thomasville, Georgia

City of Thomasville Human Resources

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

LIVE from SOAHR 2022: Gemma Ames, Main Event (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 495)

Gemma Ames, Sales Manager, Main Event

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

Samantha Shams, MD, Piedmont Cancer Institute (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 494)

Samantha Shams, MD, Medical Oncologist, Piedmont Cancer Institute

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

Workplace MVP LIVE from SHRM 2022: Verónica Gómez-Vilchis, Central Washington University

Verónica Gómez-Vilchis, SHRM-CP, Central Washington University

Central Washington University

About Workplace MVP

Workplace MVP Host Jamie Gassmann

R3 Continuum

Taylor Cox, Koelbel and Company (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 493)

Koelbel and Company

Taylor Cox, Director of Acquisition, Koelbel and Company

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

LIVE from SOAHR 2022: Kafi London, Smart Women on Fire, and Gigi Miller, Vision Organizing (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 492)

Kafi London, Chief Energy Officer, Smart Women on Fire

Gigi Miller, Founder and Owner, Vision Organizing

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

LIVE from HAVEN 2022: Charlee, Build and Create Home (Organization Conversation, Episode 32)

Charlee, Owner, Build and Create Home

About Organization Conversation

About Richard Grove

About Wall Control

Samantha McElhaney, SouthState Bank, Keith Costley, Keck & Wood, Inc., and Derek Griffin, Speartek (ProfitSense with Bill McDermott, Episode 35)

SouthState Bank

Samantha McElhaney, Commercial Relationship Advisor, SouthState Bank

Keck & Wood, Inc

Keith Costley, President & CEO, Keck & Wood, Inc.

Speartek

Derek Griffin, President, Speartek

About ProfitSense and Your Host, Bill McDermott

Our Mission

Sponsor a Show

Partner With Us

Connect with us

North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 497)

North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 496)

North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 495)

North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 494)

North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 493)

North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 492)