John Ray, Author at Business RadioX ® Page

Together in Business as a Married Couple, with Brenda and Geoff Smith, Assurance Financial

March 18, 2025 by John Ray

Family Business Radio

Together in Business as a Married Couple, with Brenda and Geoff Smith, Assurance Financial

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Together in Business as a Married Couple, with Brenda and Geoff Smith, Assurance Financial (Family Business Radio, Episode 62)

In this episode of Family Business Radio, host Anthony Chen interviews Geoff and Brenda Smith from Assurance Financial. The couple shares their journey of building and managing their family business while navigating personal and professional challenges. They discuss their beginnings in construction, the transition to the mortgage industry, and the importance of setting boundaries, clear communication, and defined roles to maintain a successful business and healthy marriage. Highlighting notable milestones, empowering stories, and practical advice for other family businesses, this episode sheds light on the dynamics of working together as spouses and balancing family life.

Anthony concludes the show with thoughts on finding harmony as a couple, in and out of the family business.

Family Business Radio is underwritten and brought to you by Anthony Chen with Lighthouse Financial Network. The show is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton affiliate of Business RadioX®.

Geoff and Brenda Smith

Geoff and Brenda Smith are the husband-and-wife team behind the Assurance Financial branch in downtown Roswell, where they help individuals and families navigate the mortgage process with clarity and care.

Geoff began his career in business journalism before moving into construction and later mortgages, becoming a full-time loan officer in 2011 and opening his own branch in 2021. Brenda, with a background in advertising and education, ensures every loan runs smoothly behind the scenes, making their client experience seamless.

Committed to their community, Geoff serves on the boards of STAR House, the Alpharetta Business Association, and Wellstar North Fulton Regional Hospital while also coaching youth football. Brenda brings creativity and organization to both their business and home life.

Married since their college days at the University of Georgia, they’ve raised two sons: Samuel, a freshman at Auburn, and Charlie, a sophomore at Blessed Trinity. When they’re not helping clients secure their dream homes, you’ll find them enjoying an espresso at the office or unwinding at North End Tavern.

LinkedIn | Facebook

Assurance Financial

Assurance Financial is a mortgage lender and refinance company that has been serving homeowners since 2001. The company is known for its customer-centric approach, offering a wide range of loan options tailored to meet the individual needs of homebuyers. They provide various loan types, including VA, FHA, construction, non-qualified, modular home, jumbo, first-time home buyer, conventional, and USDA RD loans.

Assurance Financial emphasizes a seamless and efficient loan application process, utilizing the latest technology to simplify steps such as prequalification, full application, processing, and funding. They pride themselves on outstanding customer satisfaction, with an average rating of 4.98 out of 5 stars based on numerous reviews.

The company is recognized as a Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac seller/servicer-approved and Ginnie Mae issuer-approved lender. Assurance Financial operates across 28 states in the U.S., providing personalized support through their team of experienced loan officers. Their services are designed to assist clients at various stages of life, whether buying a first home, a vacation property, or an investment property.

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction to Family Business Radio
00:51 Meet Geoff and Brenda Smith
01:21 Geoff’s Journey from Journalism to Construction
02:51 The Early Days of Construction
03:52 Building Their First Home Together
05:42 The Taco Stand Connection
09:31 Transitioning to the Mortgage Business
09:51 Navigating the 2008 Financial Crisis
11:32 Starting a Mortgage Branch
16:27 The Mortgage Process Demystified
23:29 Balancing Work and Family Life
27:18 Navigating Communication in Family Business
28:37 Top Tips for Couples Starting a Family Business
31:30 Balancing Family Life and Business
35:17 Memorable Projects and Milestones
41:38 Future Goals and Hiring Plans
46:56 Final Thoughts and Advice

Anthony Chen, Host of Family Business Radio

Family Business Radio is sponsored and brought to you by Anthony Chen with Lighthouse Financial Network. Securities and advisory services are offered through OSAIC, member FINRA/SIPC. RAA is separately owned, and other entities and/or marketing names, products, or services referenced here are independent of OSAIC. The main office address is 575 Broadhollow Rd., Melville, NY 11747. You can reach Anthony at 631-465-9090, ext. 5075, or by email at anthonychen@lfnllc.com.

Anthony Chen started his career in financial services with MetLife in Buffalo, NY, in 2008. Born and raised in Elmhurst, Queens, he considers himself a full-blooded New Yorker while now enjoying his Atlanta, GA, home. Specializing in family businesses and their owners, Anthony works to protect what is most important to them. From preserving to creating wealth, Anthony partners with CPAs and attorneys to help address all of the concerns and help clients achieve their goals. By using a combination of financial products ranging from life, disability, and long-term care insurance to many investment options through Royal Alliance, Anthony looks to be the eyes and ears for his client’s financial foundation. In his spare time, Anthony is an avid long-distance runner.

The complete show archive of Family Business Radio can be found by following this link.

Finding Common Ground, with Dr. Ming Wang, Founding Director, Wang Vision Institute

March 13, 2025 by John Ray

Hello, Self . . .

Finding Common Ground, with Dr. Ming Wang, Founding Director, Wang Vision Institute

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Finding Common Ground, with Dr. Ming Wang, Founding Director, Wang Vision Institute (Hello, Self… Episode 64)

Patricia Leonard, host of the Hello, Self… podcast, welcomed Dr. Ming Wang, an esteemed laser eye surgeon and Harvard/MIT graduate. Dr. Wang shared his remarkable journey from a tumultuous childhood in China during the Cultural Revolution to becoming a pioneering eye surgeon in America. His work includes developing the amniotic membrane contact lens, which has restored sight to millions globally.

Their conversation covered themes of resilience, faith, and the pursuit of common ground in a divided world. Dr. Wang emphasized the importance of sharing knowledge, remembering one’s roots, progressing human knowledge, and helping those in need. He inspired listeners to find their purpose and work towards making the world a better place.

A video version of this conversation is available on Patricia’s YouTube Channel here.

Dr. Ming Wang, Founding Director, Wang Vision Institute

Dr. Ming Wang, Harvard & MIT (MD, magna cum laude), PhD (laser physics), is a world-class cataract and LASIK eye surgeon, philanthropist, and community activist. He is the founding director of Wang Vision Institute and a Clinical Professor for Meharry Medical College, both in Nashville, TN.

As an eye surgeon in Nashville, TN, Dr. Wang has performed over 55,000 procedures, including on over 4,000 doctors. He has published over 100 papers, including one in the world-renowned journal Nature, as well as 10 ophthalmic textbooks

The Wang Foundation for Sight Restoration, a 501c(3) non-profit charity founded by Dr. Wang, has helped patients from over 40 states in the U.S. and 55 countries worldwide, with all sight restoration surgeries performed free-of-charge.

As a co-founder of another 501c(3) non-profit organization, the Common Ground Network, Dr. Wang is dedicated to helping people find common ground and solutions to problems in order to achieve more success and happiness.

Dr. Wang has received numerous awards including the Honor Award of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the Lifetime Achievement Award of the Association of Chinese American Physicians, an honorary doctorate degree from Trevecca Nazarene University, NPR’s Philanthropist of the Year Award, and Kiwanis Nashvillian of the Year Award for his lifetime dedication to helping blind orphan children from around the world.

Dr. Wang’s patients include music stars such as Dolly Parton, Charlie Daniels, Kenny Chesney, Naomi Judd, and “Dancing with the Stars” pro, Julianne Hough.

Dr. Wang is the founding president of the Tennessee Chinese Chamber of Commerce, and co-founder of the Tennessee Immigrant and Minority Business Group.

Website | LinkedIn

Wang Vision Institute

Wang Vision Institute is pleased to be at the forefront of innovative vision correction procedures, for those with a diverse range of eye concerns. Dr. Ming Wang, a Harvard & MIT graduate who holds a doctorate degree in laser physics, uses his unrivaled experience and skill to lead their team and provide patients with revolutionary surgeries and treatments to improve their quality of vision, as well as their quality of life.

They have performed over 55,000 laser vision procedures, including on over 4,000 doctors, and have helped patients from over 40 states in the U.S. and 55 countries worldwide.

Website

About Hello, Self…

Hello, Self… is a biweekly podcast focused on inspiring stories of turning dreams into reality. Join coach and author Patricia Leonard and her guests as they share life-changing Hello, Self… moments.

Hello, Self… is brought to you by Patricia Leonard & Associates and is based on the new book by Patricia Leonard, Hello, Self.., available here.

The show is produced by Arlia Hoffman in association with Business RadioX®. You can find this show on all the major podcast apps. The complete show archive is here.

Patricia Leonard, Host of Hello, Self…

Patricia Leonard is President of RUNWAY TO SUCCESS, a division of Patricia Leonard & Associates located in Nashville, TN. She is a MESSAGE ARTIST speaker, career & business coach, author and magazine columnist. Patricia consults with clients on leadership, empowerment, career management, entrepreneurship and the power of language. Her work is focused on helping clients find their runway to success!

She has a professional background in management, human resources, corporate training, business consulting and talent development. Patricia has worked with companies in the service, music, banking, manufacturing, publishing, warehousing, healthcare, academic, retail and financial industries, and has taught management classes as an adjunct professor.

Patricia has a degree in Human Resource Management, is certified as a Career Coach and Consulting Hypnotist and is MBTI qualified.

Her volunteer energies are focused on Women in Film and Television-Nashville, where she is a Board Vice President; Dress for Success as the Advisory Board President; and International Coaching Federation-Nashville where she held Board roles for several years.

Patricia is the author of Wearing High Heels in a Flip Flop World, BECOMING WOMAN…a journal of personal discovery, THE NOW, HOW & WOW of Success, Happenings, a full year calendar of inspirational messages and a spoken word album titled, I AM…

She enjoys songwriting, creating poetry and has written a one-woman show and artistic speech she performs titled Hello, Self…, about a woman in midlife reinventing herself, which led to her new book by the same name, available here.

On the personal side, Patricia, describes herself as a woman, lover of life, mother, grandmother, career professional and message artist; AND in that order! Her goal is to continue inspiring others, of any age, to START NOW creating and expanding their Runway to Success.

She believes that life is a gift, the way we wrap it is our choice.

Connect with Patricia:

Website| LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Monetizing Your Firm’s Hidden IP with AI, with Mike Blake, High Score Strategies

March 12, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

Monetizing Your Firm’s Hidden IP with AI, with Mike Blake, High Score Strategies

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Monetizing Your Firm’s Hidden IP with AI, with Mike Blake, High Score Strategies (The Price and Value Journey, Episode 124)

In this episode of The Price and Value Journey, host John Ray welcomes back Mike Blake, CEO of High Score Strategies, to explore the untapped potential of intellectual property (IP) for professional services firms. The discussion centers on the significant value that firms often overlook in their accumulated data and institutional knowledge. Mike explains the importance of structured data and how firms can monetize it through consulting services, thought leadership, and even AI-driven insights. The conversation delves into practical steps for firms of all sizes to start leveraging their data, the potential impediments, and the broader implications for firm valuation and exit strategy. Whether an accounting firm, law firm, or any other professional practice, Mike offers actionable advice to transform data into a valuable, saleable asset.

The Price and Value Journey is presented by John Ray and produced by the North Fulton affiliate of Business RadioX®.

Mike Blake, High Score Strategies

Mike is the CEO of High Score Strategies (HSS), a consultancy devoted to guiding clients to understand the value of their businesses and intangible assets for acquisition, investing, capital raising, disposition, and succession planning.

Investors and owners rely on Mike’s “information over validation” advisory approach, understanding that the questions he asks unearth hard but crucial answers that support their next transformative step or business stage.

Mike’s background spans 20+ years in valuation and 8 years in venture capital and investment banking. Before founding HSS, he served as Managing Partner with Brady Ware Arpeggio, Director of Valuation Services with Aprio (formerly Habif, Arogeti, & Wynne), and Managing Director with Adams Capital.

He is also a Special Lecturer at Georgia Tech, where he teaches graduate students about the valuation of emerging technologies and intellectual property, with a focus on Monte Carlo simulations and real options theory.

Mike founded and ran Startup Lounge, a nonprofit in Atlanta that helped connect hundreds of investors and startups over a decade. He currently serves on the board of the BVIUK (Business Valuation Institute UK).

He has coached six teams to victory in business plan competitions, leading to over $300,000 in cash prizes and nearly $2 million in services—including an entrepreneur who secured funding through ABC’s Shark Tank.

A highly engaging and deeply knowledgeable speaker, Mike has delivered 100+ presentations on a range of topics, including startup valuation, business appraisal, risk management, intellectual property, and emerging tech valuation.

He holds an MBA from Georgetown University and a BA from Franklin & Marshall.

Mike is multilingual, speaking fluently in English, Ukrainian, Russian, and French, and is conversant in Portuguese, German, and Spanish.

He currently lives with his family in Caldas Da Rainha, Portugal, about an hour outside of Lisbon.

Website | Mike’s LinkedIn | Firm LinkedIn | YouTube | Facebook

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Recap
00:50 Reintroducing Mike Blake, High Score Strategies
02:40 The Value of Intellectual Property in Professional Services
04:09 Monetizing Data and Information in Professional Services
10:46 Leveraging AI for Data Analysis
14:33 Challenges and Opportunities in Data Utilization
27:09 The Cost of a Conservative Mindset in Accounting
28:41 The Overwhelming Task of Data and Information Management
29:18 Leveraging AI for Competitive Advantage
32:22 Challenges and Solutions for Small Firms
40:06 Creating Value Through Structured Data
48:39 Prioritizing Data Management in Your Firm
52:19 Conclusion and Contact Information
23:19 Guidance for Business Owners
28:40 Success Stories and Impact
30:49 Conclusion and Contact Information

About The Price and Value Journey

The title of this show describes the journey all professional service providers are on: building a services practice by seeking to convince the world of the value you offer, helping clients achieve the outcomes they desire, and trying to do all that at pricing that reflects the value you deliver.

If you feel like you’re working too hard for too little money in your solo or small firm practice, this show is for you. Even if you’re reasonably happy with your practice, you’ll hear ways to improve both your bottom line and the mindset you bring to your business.

The show is hosted and produced by John Ray and North Fulton Business Radio, LLC, an affiliate of Business RadioX®. The show can also be found on all the major podcast apps. The complete show archive is here.

John Ray, Host of The Price and Value Journey

John Ray, Author of The Generosity Mindset and Host of The Price and Value Journey — John Ray, Author of *The Generosity Mindset* and Host of *The Price and Value Journey*

John Ray is the host of The Price and Value Journey.

John owns Ray Business Advisors, a business advisory practice. John’s services include business coaching and advisory work, as well as advising solopreneurs and small professional services firms on their pricing. John is passionate about the power of pricing for business owners, as changing pricing is the fastest way to change the profitability of a business. His clients are professionals who are selling their expertise, such as attorneys, CPAs, accountants and bookkeepers, consultants, coaches, marketing professionals, and other professional services practitioners.

In his other business, John is a podcast show host, strategist, and the owner of North Fulton Business Radio, LLC, an affiliate of Business RadioX®. John and his team work with B2B professionals to create and conduct their podcast using The Generosity Mindset® Method: building and deepening relationships in a non-salesy way that translates into revenue for their business.

John is also the host of North Fulton Business Radio. With over 850 shows and having featured over 1,300 guests, North Fulton Business Radio is the longest-running podcast in the North Fulton area, covering business in its region like no one else.

John’s book, The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices

John is the #1 national best-selling author of The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices.

If you are a professional services provider, your goal is to do transformative work for clients you love working with and get paid commensurate with the value you deliver to those clients. While negative mindsets can inhibit your growth, adopting a different mindset, The Generosity Mindset™, can replace those self-limiting beliefs. The Generosity Mindset enables you to diagnose and communicate the value you deliver to clients and, in turn, more effectively price to receive a portion of that value.

Whether you’re a consultant, coach, marketing or branding professional, business advisor, attorney, CPA, or work in virtually any other professional services discipline, your content and technical expertise are not proprietary. What’s unique, though, is your experience and how you synthesize and deliver your knowledge. What’s special is your demeanor or the way you deal with your best-fit clients. What’s invaluable is how you deliver great value by guiding people through massive changes in their personal lives and in their businesses that bring them to a place they never thought possible.

The combination of all these elements is quite different for you compared to any other service provider in your industry. Therein lies your value, but it’s not the value you see. It’s the value your best-fit customers see in you.

If pricing your value feels uncomfortable or unfamiliar to you, this book will teach you why putting a price on the value your clients perceive and identify serves both them and you, and you’ll learn the factors involved in getting your price right.

The book is available at all major physical and online book retailers worldwide. Follow this link for further details.

Connect with John Ray:

Website | LinkedIn | Twitter

Business RadioX®: LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

One Essential Question for Your Advisor, with Anthony Chen, Host of Family Business Radio

March 10, 2025 by John Ray

Family Business Radio

One Essential Question for Your Advisor, with Anthony Chen, Host of Family Business Radio

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One Essential Question for Your Advisor, with Anthony Chen, Host of Family Business Radio

In this commentary from a recent Family Business Radio episode, host Anthony Chen shares one essential question you need to ask of any advisor you’re considering working with.

Anthony’s commentary was taken from this episode of Family Business Radio. Family Business Radio is underwritten by Anthony Chen with Lighthouse Financial Network.

Transcript

Now, as we are closing out the show, we have what’s called Anthony’s financial take. And taking some perspective and insights from our recent guest here, Bob, with the question of how to best find the right advisor, what’s the question to ask for me? My go-to question or recommendation is ask them what would need to happen at the five- and ten-year mark for you to be able to look back and say, this was a good decision for us to decide to work with you.

If they don’t ask a similar question, well, what does the endpoint look like? What does success look like? It is almost impossible for any advisor, doesn’t matter if it’s financial planning, CPA or whoever, to create any plans. It’s almost like going to an architect and saying, hey, design me a house.

expecting the architect to come with a blueprint and not even know what a square footage is or how many bedrooms or bathrooms there are. So if that’s the case and there’s, Oh yeah, I’m going to design a plan. And, and they even asked the most basic questions; second to what Bob said, you probably should run. That being said, thank you for listening in to Family Business Radio.

Anthony Chen, Host of Family Business Radio

The complete show archive of Family Business Radio can be found by following this link.

Navigating Career Transitions, with Kelly Johnson, Crystal Lake Marketing and Coaching

March 10, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Navigating Career Transitions, with Kelly Johnson, Crystal Lake Marketing and Coaching

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Navigating Career Transitions, with Kelly Johnson, Crystal Lake Marketing and Coaching (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 853)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray talks with Kelly Johnson from Crystal Lake Marketing and Coaching. Kelly is a transition coach who helps individuals navigate career and business changes. She shares her own journey from an unfulfilled corporate employee to a successful business owner and coach. Kelly emphasizes the importance of understanding personal strengths through assessments, leveraging networks, and building a strong personal brand. She also discusses the process of transitioning to new careers or business ventures, providing actionable steps and success stories to illustrate her points. Kelly’s insights are invaluable for anyone feeling stuck or unfulfilled in their current role and seeking clarity on their next steps.

John Ray is the host of North Fulton Business Radio. The show is produced by John Ray and North Fulton Business Radio, LLC, an affiliate of Business RadioX®, and recorded inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

Kelly Johnson, Crystal Lake Marketing and Coaching

Kelly Johnson is a dedicated coach, speaker, and business leader who specializes in helping individuals and entrepreneurs discover their ideal career paths and achieve their professional and business goals.

As the founder of Crystal Lake Marketing and Coaching, Kelly blends her extensive experience in strategic healthcare marketing with her passion for personal and professional development. With over 25 years of experience in healthcare B2B growth marketing, Kelly has a proven track record of driving impactful results for organizations through innovative strategies and leadership.

Drawing from her professional journey and advanced coaching training, she has expanded her services to include career development and business coaching, empowering clients to navigate challenges, unlock their potential, and thrive in their chosen fields.

Kelly’s unique blend of marketing expertise and coaching insights allows her to provide a holistic approach to success, helping individuals and organizations align their goals, strategies, and purpose.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction to North Fulton Business Radio
00:24 Meet Kelly Johnson: Transition Coach
02:10 The Journey to Becoming a Transition Coach
03:19 Helping People in Transition
03:42 Career Arc and Self-Exploration
05:18 Understanding Strengths and Overcoming Fear
07:02 Real-Life Examples of Transition Coaching
13:38 Exercises for Career Clarity
17:33 Training for Career Transition
18:02 Building a Strong Personal Brand
20:36 Kelly’s Personal Transition Journey
23:19 Guidance for Business Owners
28:40 Success Stories and Impact
30:49 Conclusion and Contact Information

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

With over 850 shows and having featured over 1,300 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 invites a diverse range of business, non-profit, and community leaders to share their significant contributions to their market, community, and 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 lean left. Some media lean right. We lean business.

John Ray, host of North Fulton Business Radio, and Owner, Ray Business Advisors — **John Ray, host of *North Fulton Business Radio*, and Owner, Ray Business Advisors**

The studio address is 275 South Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

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.

John Ray also operates his own business advisory practice. John’s services include advising solopreneurs and small professional services firms on their value, their positioning and business development, and their pricing. His clients are professionals who are selling their expertise, such as consultants, coaches, attorneys, CPAs, accountants and bookkeepers, marketing professionals, and other professional services practitioners.

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

Beyond Numbers: How Frazier & Deeter Invests in Relationships, with Jessie Broussard and Donna Beatty, Frazier & Deeter

March 7, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Beyond Numbers: How Frazier & Deeter Invests in Relationships, with Jessie Broussard and Donna Beatty, Frazier & Deeter

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Beyond Numbers: How Frazier & Deeter Invests in Relationships, with Jessie Broussard and Donna Beatty, Frazier & Deeter (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 852)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray interviews Jessie Broussard, Chief Marketing Officer, and Donna Beatty, Tax Partner at Frazier & Deeter. The discussion highlights the evolution of Frazier & Deeter from a traditional accounting firm to a multifaceted advisory firm. Topics covered include the firm’s commitment to client relationships, the integration of technology like AI, and the recent rebranding efforts focused on maintaining client trust while evolving with modern times. The conversation also touches upon the importance of internal culture and recruiting in maintaining the firm’s growth and success. Listen to learn how Frazier & Deeter continues to innovate and serve their clients’ diverse needs while fostering a dynamic and supportive workplace.

Jessie Broussard, Chief Marketing Officer, Frazier & Deeter

Jessie Broussard was named Frazier & Deeter’s first Chief Marketing Officer in 2024, marking a significant milestone for the firm’s strategic growth. With more than 15 years of corporate marketing and leadership experience, she specializes in B2B marketing, advertising and sales enablement, along with a background in talent and organizational development. Her expertise spans brand development, demand generation and client engagement across professional services, technology and telecommunications sectors.

Known for leading high-performing teams, Broussard has developed marketing strategies that fuel business growth and innovation. Her leadership plays a key role in advancing Frazier & Deeter’s market presence and strengthening client relationships. A graduate of the University of Mississippi with a Bachelor of Arts in History, she has been recognized for her expertise in strategic communications and sales marketing in the B2B sector.

Donna Beatty, Tax Partner, Frazier & Deeter

Donna Beatty, a Partner in Frazier & Deeter’s Tax Practice, brings extensive professional tax and accounting expertise to the firm. Her experience includes providing comprehensive tax planning, review, advisory, and compliance services to closely held businesses, high-net-worth individuals, and professional services groups. She has significant expertise consulting with small businesses on financial software and has worked with clients across various industries, including real estate, construction, manufacturing and distribution, retail, professional services, technology, entertainment, and family-owned businesses.

Donna specializes in assisting law firms and real estate investment groups with complex tax matters. Her broad industry knowledge enables her to offer valuable insights in an evolving market. She has successfully represented clients before the Internal Revenue Service in Washington, D.C., showcasing her ability to navigate challenging tax scenarios.

A hallmark of Donna’s career is her commitment to building strong professional relationships with her clients. She thrives on understanding and meeting their needs and expectations. Before 1994, Donna served as a Principal at Frazier & Deeter before transitioning to a partner role at a small local accounting firm. She rejoined Frazier & Deeter in January 2010 to better serve her clients.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Donna is actively involved in civic and professional organizations. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants (GSCPA), and the Atlanta Tax Forum, where she serves as a Board Member and Past President. She is also a Board Vice President for the Better Business Bureau Serving Metro Atlanta, Athens & Northeast Georgia, and a Board Member and Past Chair of the C5 Georgia Youth Foundation. Furthermore, Donna serves as a director on the board of the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia (CFNEG), contributing to initiatives that strengthen communities through leadership and charitable giving while supporting nonprofits and fostering meaningful connections between donors and causes.

Frazier & Deeter

Frazier & Deeter, founded in 1981 by Jim Frazier and David Deeter, is a prominent accounting and advisory firm that has grown from its Atlanta roots to become one of the largest and fastest-growing firms in the United States. The founders, dissatisfied with the rigid and impersonal approach of their Big Eight firms, set out to create a company that prioritized client relationships and hired curious professionals eager to understand their clients on a deeper level.

Over the past four decades, Frazier & Deeter has attracted talent from the world’s largest accounting firms, the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB), and prestigious colleges. Today, it stands as a Top 50 firm with a presence in three countries, maintaining its commitment to client-centric service.

The firm’s success is attributed to its brand promise of “Investing in Relationships to Make a Difference™,” which has earned it numerous accolades. These include recognition as a Best of the Best Accounting firm, Best Firm for Women, Fastest Growing, and Best Firm to Work For.

Frazier & Deeter offers a comprehensive range of services, including tax, audit, risk advisory, digital, and business transformation solutions. Its client base spans from Fortune Global 500 companies to small businesses worldwide. The firm is registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, underscoring its commitment to maintaining high professional standards.

Website | LinkedIn |Facebook | Instagram

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
00:33 Meet Jessie Broussard and Donna Beatty
01:52 Frazier & Deeter: Beyond Traditional Accounting
07:16 The Role of Technology and AI
11:50 Brand Refresh and Employer Branding
24:22 Client Success Stories and Firm Growth
29:11 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

The studio address is 275 South Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

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.

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

Empowering Breast Cancer Survivors, with Lois Rusco, TurningPoint Breast Cancer Rehabilitation

March 5, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Empowering Breast Cancer Survivors, with Lois Rusco, TurningPoint Breast Cancer Rehabilitation

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Empowering Breast Cancer Survivors, with Lois Rusco, TurningPoint Breast Cancer Rehabilitation (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 851)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray interviews Lois Rusco, the Executive Director of TurningPoint Breast Cancer Rehabilitation. The discussion covers the vital need for specialized rehabilitation services for breast cancer survivors, highlighting the comprehensive support TurningPoint offers, including physical therapy, emotional counseling, and nutrition services. Lois shares her personal connection to the cause and the organization’s efforts to reach underserved communities through initiatives like the Atlanta Initiative and the Georgia Outreach Initiative. The episode also provides details on upcoming events and ways the community can support TurningPoint.

Lois Rusco, Executive Director, TurningPoint Breast Cancer Rehabilitation

Lois Rusco has been involved with TurningPoint since 2014 as a donor and volunteer. She joined the Board of Directors in 2021, where she served as Development Chair and on the Executive Committee as Treasurer. Lois joined the staff in 2022 as the Development Director and now serves as the Executive Director.

Lois has an MBA and is a former CPA. Prior to joining TurningPoint, she was an entrepreneur owning three successful businesses. Lois also worked in various roles in consumer packaged goods companies, including sales, marketing, brand management, and finance.

TurningPoint is important to Lois as her mother is a breast cancer survivor and her sister-in-law passed away from from the disease

TurningPoint Breast Cancer Rehabilitation

TurningPoint Breast Cancer Rehabilitation is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals impacted by breast cancer. Established in 2003, it provides specialized, evidence-based rehabilitation services to help patients manage the physical and emotional side effects of breast cancer treatment.

Located in Atlanta, Georgia, TurningPoint offers a comprehensive range of services including physical therapy, massage therapy, nutritional counseling, lymphedema screening and management, emotional support, and tailored fitness classes. These services are designed to address the holistic needs of patients, ensuring they can return to an active and healthy lifestyle. TurningPoint also offers reduced-fee and complimentary services, along with financial assistance programs, to ensure care is accessible to all, particularly low-income and uninsured patients.

TurningPoint is recognized as a thought leader in breast cancer rehabilitation and survivorship. It focuses on reducing socioeconomic, racial, cultural, and geographic barriers to care through initiatives like The Atlanta Initiative and The Georgia Outreach Initiative. The Atlanta Initiative targets underserved Black and LGBTQIA+ breast cancer survivors in Atlanta, while The Georgia Outreach Initiative reaches rural areas of Georgia where access to quality care is limited. TurningPoint provides telehealth services, transportation assistance, and financial aid to ensure that no patient is turned away. With a commitment to education, TurningPoint also offers workshops and training for healthcare providers to enhance patient outcomes and reduce cancer recurrence.

Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
01:32 Introducing Lois Rusco and TurningPoint
01:51 The Founding and Mission of TurningPoint
02:37 Lois Rusco’s Personal Connection
03:24 Challenges in Breast Cancer Rehabilitation
05:41 Services and Programs at TurningPoint
08:58 Community Outreach and Support
15:16 Events and Fundraising
17:02 Impact and Testimonials
18:27 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

Renasant Bank has humble roots, starting in 1904 as a $100,000 bank in a Lee County, Mississippi, bakery. Since then, Renasant has become one of the Southeast’s strongest financial institutions, with over $17 billion in assets and more than 180 banking, lending, wealth management, and financial services offices throughout the region. All of Renasant’s success stems from each banker’s commitment to investing in their communities as a way to better understand the people they serve. At Renasant Bank, they understand you because they work and live alongside you every day.

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

**John Ray, North Fulton Business Radio, and Owner, Ray Business Advisors**

The studio address is 275 South Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

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.

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

The Value of a Fractional CFO, with Lyle Newkirk, SeatonHill Partners

March 3, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

The Value of a Fractional CFO, with Lyle Newkirk, SeatonHill Partners

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The Value of a Fractional CFO, with Lyle Newkirk, SeatonHill Partners (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 850)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio hosted by John Ray, guest Lyle Newkirk from SeatonHill Partners discusses his extensive experience as a fractional CFO. Lyle explains the value of having a fractional executive for middle-market businesses, stressing the importance of preparation for mergers and acquisitions (M&A). Throughout the conversation, Lyle shares insights on various aspects of business finance, from operational improvements with AI to the importance of soft skills in connecting with business owners. The episode is filled with practical advice and real-world examples, showcasing the unique benefits of hiring a seasoned fractional CFO.

Lyle Newkirk, CFO Partner, SeatonHill

Lyle Newkirk is a CFO partner with SeatonHill. He has over 35 years of experience in CFO and executive finance roles. He has worked with public and private companies based both in the US and internationally, where he developed the strategies to achieve significant top-line revenue growth and helped to facilitate various successful acquisitions and strategic exits, including three exits to Fortune 500 companies. Lyle has extensive experience in technology companies in general and SaaS companies specifically. Lyle’s expertise also includes FP&A, growth planning and tactics, cash management, HR, sales operations, and regulatory compliance

SeatonHill provides organizations financial leadership with a strategic and operational focus by placing elite CFO talent to challenge the business and contribute to operational decisions to achieve results. With their curated talent, their financial leaders guide small and medium-sized businesses through complex financial problems to mitigate risk and achieve organizational goals.

SeatonHill is the fastest-growing CFO services firm in the nation, offering the power of combined thought leadership and the support of the country’s top financial talent to the benefit of all our clients. SeatonHill has offices in Boston, Dallas, Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Austin, Houston, New York, Atlanta, Chicago, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Diego, and Washington D.C.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
02:00 Meet Lyle Newkirk: Veteran CFO
04:02 The Role and Importance of a Fractional CFO
05:53 Soft Skills and Business Connection
08:06 Fractional Executive vs. Full-Time Employee
10:32 Leveraging Experience and Network
14:52 Middle Market Focus
16:23 Shift in Business Optimism
17:57 Preparing for M&A Transactions
19:18 Importance of Early Preparation
20:49 Navigating the LOI Process
24:29 Impact of AI on Finance
26:30 Success Stories in Business
29:37 Contact Information and Closing Remarks

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

The studio address is 275 South Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

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.

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

Financial Infidelity: The Hidden Threat to Marriages, with Kathy Healy, Healy Wealth Management

March 3, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Financial Infidelity: The Hidden Threat to Marriages, with Kathy Healy, Healy Wealth Management

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Financial Infidelity: The Hidden Threat to Marriages (One Minute Interview, Episode 133)

During her recent appearance on North Fulton Business Radio with host John Ray, Kathy Healy of Healy Wealth Management addressed a growing concern in marriages: financial infidelity.

Healy noted that money consistently ranks as the primary source of conflict between married couples. She defined financial infidelity as behaviors ranging from “squirreling away money” and making undisclosed purchases to more significant financial deceptions.

The solution? Regular, transparent communication.

Healy shared that some of her clients have implemented structured financial check-ins. One couple calls their weekly session the “MOM” meeting—Meeting of the Minds. While Healy acknowledged that weekly might be excessive for many (including herself), she emphasized that monthly financial conversations should be the minimum standard.

Even when one spouse handles the day-to-day financial administration, Healy stressed that both partners must remain informed and engaged with their shared financial picture. This transparency builds trust and ensures both spouses understand their current situation and progress toward goals.

For couples discovering fundamental differences in their financial priorities, Healy offered a practical exercise: Have each spouse separately list their top ten financial goals, then come together to discuss. This approach creates space for both perspectives before moving into the essential work of collaboration and compromise.

The wisdom extends beyond avoiding arguments. Financial transparency builds something far more valuable: a shared vision that honors both partners’ needs and concerns.

By maintaining open financial communication, couples can avoid the damaging effects of financial infidelity and build a stronger foundation for their future together.

Follow this link to listen to Kathy’s full North Fulton Business Radio interview with host John Ray.

Kathy Healy, Healy Wealth Management

Kathy Healy, CFP®, founder and CEO of Healy Wealth Management in Atlanta, Georgia, has been recognized in this year’s Forbes Best in State Wealth Advisors—Atlanta High Net Worth Advisors and Top Women Wealth Advisors 2024, Best-In-State.

Kathy has served more than 20 years in the financial services industry and provides a full range of financial services, including retirement and financial planning, wealth management, and insurance. Her husband, John Healy, CFA, is the Chief Investment Officer for Healy Wealth Management. Together they make an amazing team, working to improve each client’s financial well-being.

Kathy’s education and certifications include: CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, University of Georgia–Terry College of Business MBA, University of Alabama at Birmingham BBA, University of Montevallo FINRA Series 7 held with LPL Financial, FINRA Series 66 held with IFG Advisory, LLC and LPL Financial Life and Health/Accident Sickness Insurance.

Website | LinkedIn | YouTube

The “One Minute Interview” series is produced by John Ray and North Fulton Business Radio, LLC, an affiliate of Business RadioX®, and recorded inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta. You can find the full archive of shows by following this link.

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.