John Ray, Author at Business RadioX ® Page

Leadership and Innovation in the Roswell Fire Department, with Chief Joe Pennino

February 25, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Leadership and Innovation in the Roswell Fire Department, with Chief Joe Pennino

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Leadership and Innovation in the Roswell Fire Department, with Chief Joe Pennino (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 845)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray speaks with Chief Joe Pennino of the Roswell Fire Department. Chief Pennino shares insights on leadership lessons that can be applied in various business sectors, discussing his career journey and the significant transitions at the Roswell Fire Department. The conversation highlights the shift from part-time to full-time staffing, the innovative measures implemented for firefighter health and safety, and the importance of vision and communication in leadership. Additionally, the episode explores how Chief Pennino fosters a culture of transparency and trust while addressing the mental and emotional well-being of firefighters. The discussion also touches on the broader challenges and innovations within public safety and government organizations.

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

Dr. Joe Pennino, DPA, EFO, CFO, MIFireE, PMP

**Dr. Joe Pennino, Fire Chief, City of Roswell, Georgia**

Dr. Joe Pennino is a seasoned public safety leader, educator, consultant, and leadership coach with over two decades of experience in fire service, emergency management, and public administration. Since 2021, he has served as the Fire Chief and Emergency Manager for the City of Roswell, GA, leading a department of more than 150 personnel and managing a $17 million budget to enhance public safety and community resilience.

Under Dr. Pennino’s leadership, the Roswell Fire Department was recently honored with the 2025 Senator Paul S. Sarbanes Fire Service Safety Leadership Award for its groundbreaking research on the effects of shift schedules and adjusted start times on firefighter performance and well-being. This study, conducted in collaboration with researchers, aims to improve firefighter health by addressing sleep quality, reducing fatigue, and enhancing long-term wellness. The award, presented at the 35th Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner in Washington, DC, recognizes departments that make significant contributions to firefighter safety and health.

Prior to his tenure in Roswell, Dr. Pennino was Deputy Fire Chief in Largo, Florida, where he oversaw the department’s five operational divisions and played a pivotal role in modernizing emergency medical services, data-driven decision-making, and intergovernmental coordination. His diverse career includes experience as a hazmat technician, SWAT medic, flight medic, and emergency management coordinator, providing him with a broad perspective on crisis response and strategic leadership.

Beyond his operational leadership, Dr. Pennino is an educator, consultant, and leadership coach. He teaches in both the Fire Administration bachelor’s and Doctor of Public Administration programs at Liberty University, mentoring future public safety and government leaders. He also provides leadership coaching for professionals seeking to enhance their strategic thinking, team development, and personal effectiveness.

Dr. Pennino holds a Doctorate in Public Administration from Valdosta State University and a Master’s in Public Policy from Liberty University. He is a Project Management Professional (PMP) certified by the Project Management Institute and holds professional designations including Executive Fire Officer (EFO), Chief Fire Officer (CFO), and Member of the Institution of Fire Engineers (MIFireE), reflecting his commitment to lifelong learning and excellence in leadership.

A strong advocate for data-driven governance, organizational efficiency, and leadership development, Dr. Pennino continues to shape the future of public safety and professional leadership through innovation, strategic planning, and coaching.

Roswell Fire Department, Roswell, Georgia

The Roswell Fire Department, located in Roswell, Georgia, is a progressive, ISO Class 2 all-hazards agency dedicated to providing comprehensive public safety services. The department operates out of seven fire stations, a separate fire headquarters, and the Roswell-Alpharetta Public Safety Training Center (RAPSTC). The department’s apparatus includes seven fire engines, two ladder trucks, a heavy/technical rescue truck, two rescue ambulances, and one Battalion Chief/Incident Command vehicle, all of which are Advanced Life Support (ALS) capable and staffed with paramedics.

The Roswell Fire Department offers a wide range of services, including fire suppression, emergency medical services (EMS), technical rescue, and public education. The technical rescue services encompass swift water rescue, motor vehicle and machinery rescue, rope rescue, trench rescue, collapse rescue, confined space rescue, and hazardous materials response. The department’s commitment to excellence is reflected in its ISO Class 2 rating, which places it among only 84 departments in Georgia and 2,200 departments nationwide with an ISO rating of 2 or better. This rating indicates that the department provides excellent fire protection services to the community.

The department has received several notable awards and recognitions for its outstanding performance. Recently, it was selected to receive the Senator Paul S. Sarbanes Fire Service Safety Leadership Award for its collaborative study on the effects of shift schedules and start times on firefighter health and performance. Additionally, two members of the department were honored with Life Saving Valor Awards by Governor Brian Kemp during Firefighter Recognition Day in 2024. These recognitions highlight the Roswell Fire Department’s dedication to innovative practices, firefighter safety, and excellence in fire protection services. The department continues to strive for improvement, maintaining its high standards while adapting to the evolving needs of the community it serves.

Website | Instagram | Facebook

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
00:40 Guest Introduction: Chief Joe Pennino
02:01 Chief Pennino’s Career and the Roswell Fire Department
07:03 Leadership Lessons from Chief Pennino
11:09 Managing Change in the Fire Department
20:43 Innovations in Firefighter Health and Safety
31:24 Public Perception and Community Engagement
36:53 Closing Remarks and Resources

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

With over 800 shows and having featured over 1,200 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, Business RadioX - North Fulton, and Owner, Ray Business Advisors — **John Ray, Business RadioX – North Fulton, and Owner, Ray Business Advisors**

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

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

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

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

Groveway Community Group: Unsung Heroes of North Fulton, with Gail Bohannon McCoy

February 24, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Groveway Community Group: Unsung Heroes of North Fulton, with Gail Bohannon McCoy

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Groveway Community Group: Unsung Heroes of North Fulton, with Gail Bohannon McCoy (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 844)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray interviews Gail Bohannon McCoy of Groveway Community Group, an iconic organization serving the North Fulton community since 1943. Gail discusses the rich history of the organization, its mission to help everyone from youth to seniors, and the critical services they provide, including clothing drives, financial assistance, and support for the elderly. Gail also shares touching success stories and highlights the ongoing needs for volunteers, donations, and specific items. This insightful discussion sheds light on the compassionate and impactful work done by Groveway Community Group over the years.

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

Gail Bohannon McCoy, Groveway Community Group

Gail Bohannon McCoy is the Executive Director of Groveway Community Group.

Groveway Community Group (GCG), Roswell’s oldest non-profit organization, continues its mission of providing assistance to the elderly and youth in the community. Founded in 1943, GCG has evolved into a vital community resource, focusing on strengthening and unifying the local area.

GCG has a rich history marked by resilience and determination. In 1961, their community center was torched by the Ku Klux Klan, a tragic event that could have halted their progress. However, the community came together to rebuild, demonstrating their strength and commitment to their mission. This historical context underscores the significance of GCG’s role in fostering unity and addressing disparities within the community. Over the years, they have continued to provide essential services and support, making them a cornerstone of community development in Roswell.

Currently, GCG is actively involved in several initiatives and events. They are a major contributor to the Roswell Roots Festival, Georgia’s largest Black History celebration held throughout the month of February. This festival features various cultural events, exhibits, and music performances, promoting education and cultural awareness. GCG is also hosting a family outing day in Groveway Community Park as part of the festival.

In addition to their cultural contributions, GCG continues to provide essential services to the community. They organize community clothing giveaways, where they distribute clothing to people in need. The organization also offers programs such as youth scholarships, support for nursing homes, and provision of school supplies for children. GCG remains committed to addressing unmet needs within the Roswell community, encouraging citizen participation in community affairs, and promoting good citizenship.

Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
00:28 Meet Gail Bohannon McCoy
02:04 Groveway Community Group’s Mission and History
09:03 Challenges and Advocacy for the Community
12:33 Supporting Seniors in Roswell
18:27 Engaging the Youth
20:19 How You Can Help
24:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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.

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

Navigating Hidden Risks in Professional Services, with Mike Blake, High Score Strategies

February 19, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

Navigating Hidden Risks in Professional Services, with Mike Blake, High Score Strategies

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Navigating Hidden Risks in Professional Services, with Mike Blake, High Score Strategies (The Price and Value Journey, Episode 122)

In this episode of The Price and Value Journey, host John Ray delves into risk management for solo and small professional service providers, with guest Mike Blake, CEO of High Score Strategies. Mike, a seasoned valuation expert with over 20 years of experience and more than 400 completed valuations, discusses the unseen risks faced by small firms, including client selection, revenue management, and execution pitfalls. The conversation explores the implications of client concentration, the importance of strategic pricing, the impact of mindset on risk assessment, and practical tips for managing client relationships. Mike offers insights on maintaining business autonomy, handling imposter syndrome, and the value of transparent and strategic pricing. This episode is packed with strategies for mitigating business risks and optimizing decision-making in professional services.

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 to Risk Management
00:18 Meet Mike Blake: Valuation and Risk Expert
01:14 The Hidden Risks in Professional Services
03:41 Revenue Challenges for Small Firms
04:17 Execution and Malpractice Risks
05:16 Concentration Risk and Client Dependency
16:43 Client Due Diligence and Ownership
21:21 Naming Your Business and Succession Planning
25:22 Mindsets in Risk Management
26:53 Embracing Mistakes for Success
27:10 Mindsets: Scarcity, Fear, and Growth
27:34 The Impact of Poverty on Decision-Making
29:24 Professional Services and Poor Decisions
30:33 Managing Fear and Risk in Business
32:30 Imposter Syndrome and Pricing Challenges
38:19 The Language of Pricing
47:32 Radical Approaches to Pricing
51:03 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 we offer, helping clients achieve the outcomes they desire, and trying to do all that at pricing that reflects the value we 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 the North Fulton 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 and producer and owns the North Fulton (Georgia) 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

Insurance Extravaganza 2025: Tackling Dental and Medical Billing Challenges, with Christine Taxin, Links2Success

February 18, 2025 by John Ray

Dental Business Radio

Insurance Extravaganza 2025: Tackling Dental and Medical Billing Challenges, with Christine Taxin, Links2Success

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Insurance Extravaganza 2025: Tackling Dental and Medical Billing Challenges, with Christine Taxin, Links2Success (Dental Business Radio, Episode 57)

In this episode of Dental Business Radio, host Patrick O’Rourke interviews Christine Taxin, a leading expert in dental and medical billing. The discussion covers the importance of responsible billing practices, the evolving landscape of dental insurance, and the significance of medical histories in dental practices. Christine highlights the need for proper documentation, the pitfalls of unnecessary write-offs, and the critical role of educating patients about their treatment plans. The episode also previews the upcoming Insurance Extravaganza 2025 in Orlando, Florida, emphasizing the event’s educational value for dental professionals.

Dental Business Radio is underwritten and presented by Practice Quotient: PPO Negotiations & Analysis and produced by John Ray and the North Fulton affiliate of Business RadioX®.

Links2Success

When running a dental practice, clinical expertise and quality customer service come first, but what about the behind-the-scenes work? Many dentists and team members struggle to keep up with the complicated world of dental billing and insurance claims while also remaining as profitable as possible.

Thankfully, Christine Taxin is here to lend a helping hand and shed some much-needed light on best practices for billing, staying current with yearly codes, taking advantage of medical/dental cross coding, and much more.

Yearly codes, collections, co-payments, and patient privacy—there’s a lot to keep in mind when handling dental insurance, and the rules and regulations are constantly being updated as well. Maybe your team is regularly running into issues or even concerned about a future audit. Perhaps you’re apprehensive about the possibility of overlooking revenue opportunities. Regardless of the situation, it’s essential to seek guidance and training from a genuine expert in the field.

Christine Taxin is a member of the National Association of Dental Plans, is on the Dental Benefit Council of the ADA, and is also fully licensed by the American Dental Association to share ADA CDT Codes. She can provide comprehensive training to your entire team that covers several important objectives and topics related to dental billing and coding, including the following:

State-Federal government regulations of dental/wellness benefits
How to successfully complete new insurance forms
Utilizing diagnostic codes to access maximum insurance benefits
Updating medical history forms
Navigating the various legalities of narrative writing and documentation
And much more!

Company website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

Christine Taxin, Founder and President, Links2Success

Christine Taxin is the founder and president of Links2Success, a practice management consulting company for the dental and medical fields. Prior to starting her own consulting company, Ms. Taxin served as an administrator of a critical care department at Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York City and managed an extensive multi-specialty dental practice in New York.

With over 25 years of experience as a practice management professional, she now provides private practice consulting services, delivers continuing education seminars for dental and medical professionals, and serves as an adjunct professor at the New York University (NYU) Dental School and Resident Programs for Maimonides Hospital.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Acknowledgment
01:27 Welcoming the Guest: Christine Taxin
02:28 Discussing Dental and Medical Coverage
07:26 The Importance of Patient Responsibility
14:17 Challenges in Dental Practice and Insurance
20:25 The Role of Oral Health in Overall Health
34:05 Humorous Banter and Legal Concerns
34:27 Excitement for the Insurance Extravaganza
36:31 Key Speakers and Topics at the Event
38:03 Challenges with Bureaucratic Rules
38:22 The Evolving Role of Front Desk Staff
40:43 Importance of Teamwork in Dental Practices
42:28 Navigating Insurance Contracts
53:38 Unnecessary Write-Offs in Dental Offices
01:00:31 Promoting the Insurance Extravaganza Event
01:02:11 Closing Remarks and Farewells

Dental Business Radio covers the business side of dentistry. Host Patrick O’Rourke and his guests cover industry trends, insights, success stories, and more in this wide-ranging show. The show’s guests include successful doctors across the spectrum of dental practice providers, as well as trusted advisors and noted industry participants.

Dental Business Radio is underwritten and presented by Practice Quotient and produced by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®. The show can be found on all the major podcast apps and a complete show archive is here.

Practice Quotient

Practice Quotient is the sponsor of Dental Business Radio. Practice Quotient, Inc. serves as a bridge between the payor and provider communities. Their clients include general dentists and dental specialty practices across the nation of all sizes, from completely fee-for-service-only to active network participation with every dental plan possible. They work with independent practices, emerging multi-practice entities, and various large ownership entities in the dental space. Their PPO negotiations and analysis projects evaluate the merits of the various in-network participation contract options specific to your practice’s patient acquisition strategy. There is no one-size-fits-all solution.

Connect with Practice Quotient

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | X (Twitter)

The Evolving Dynamics of Love and Relationships: Understanding the Law of Attraction, Part Ten

February 13, 2025 by John Ray

Hello, Self . . .

The Evolving Dynamics of Love and Relationships: Understanding the Law of Attraction, Part Ten

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The Evolving Dynamics of Love and Relationships: Understanding the Law of Attraction, Part Ten (Hello, Self… Episode 61)

Host Patricia Leonard concluded her six-month series on the Law of Attraction by diving into the evolving dynamics of love, relationships, and marriage. She discussed the changing landscape of intimacy, examining how modern relationships differ from traditional norms.

Patricia highlighted various topics such as compatibility, communication, the eight types of love, and the impact of age on relationships. She also explored the concepts of ‘confluent love’ and the ‘deinstitutionalization of marriage,’ citing insights from sociologists Anthony Giddens and Andrew Cherlin.

Through her combination of scientific research and personal anecdotes, Patricia encouraged listeners to reflect on their own dynamics of love and intimacy values, and to embrace change in a way that aligns with their personal growth and happiness.

Hello, Self… is presented by Patricia Leonard & Associates and produced by Arlia Hoffman in association with the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.

Find the video version of this podcast on YouTube here.

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

The Rapidly-Evolving Landscape of Employment Law in 2025

February 12, 2025 by John Ray

Hall Booth Smith Podcast Network

The Rapidly-Evolving Landscape of Employment Law in 2025

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The Rapidly-Evolving Landscape of Employment Law in 2025 (Litigators Lounge, Episode 13)

In this episode of Litigators Lounge, hosts Jackie Voronov and Shylie Bannon discuss the major shifts in employment law for 2025. They tackle critical topics including the surge in pay transparency laws, the implications of AI in hiring, the rollback of the Department of Labor’s overtime rule, the ongoing issue of non-competes, and the growing importance of mental health accommodations in the workplace. The episode also explores the dynamic changes within the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Jackie and Shylie predict significant shifts in enforcement and compliance landscapes based on new leadership and revised priorities.

Litigators Lounge is underwritten and presented by Hall Booth Smith. The show is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton affiliate of Business RadioX®.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction to Litigators Lounge
01:50 Setting the Stage for 2025
04:15 Pay Transparency Laws Explained
08:56 Workplace Privacy and AI in Hiring
17:38 Overtime Rule and Salary Thresholds
21:31 FTC’s New Commissioner and Non-Compete Agreements
22:47 State-Specific Non-Compete Regulations
23:41 Personal Views on Non-Compete Agreements
26:14 Mental Health Accommodations in the Workplace
28:09 Remote Work and Mental Health
29:54 Independent Contractor Classification
32:32 NLRB and EEOC Leadership Changes
35:49 EEOC’s New Priorities
41:19 Employer Takeaways for 2025
42:29 Listener Engagement and Contact Information

Jackie Voronov, Partner, Hall Booth Smith

Jackie Voronov is a Partner in Hall Booth Smith’s office in Paramus, New Jersey, and she represents management in a wide variety of employment matters and litigates employment claims before administrative agencies and state and federal courts. Her clients include major hotels, retailers, shipping companies, assisted living facilities and nursing homes, manufacturers, and national fast-food franchisees.

Jackie’s litigation experience includes the defense of employers in single and multi-plaintiff actions on claims of wrongful discharge, sexual harassment, race, national origin, gender, disability and age discrimination, breach of contract, family medical leave, failure to accommodate, retaliation, wage/hour laws, and related tort claims. Jackie also works with her clients to prepare various employment agreements (including non-compete, confidentiality, independent contractor, and separation agreements). She has extensive experience before various administrative tribunals, including the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the State Division of Human Rights (SDHR), the Division of Civil Rights (DCR), and other state, federal, and local agencies.

In addition, Jackie frequently conducts management training for employers on a wide variety of employment law topics, such as:

EEO/anti-harassment
employee recruiting and hiring practices
family and medical leave
reasonable accommodations for disabilities and religion
preventing and investigating harassment, discrimination, and whistleblower claims
wage and hour compliance
discipline and termination of employees
privacy in the workplace

Jackie is regularly invited to speak nationally on best practices and other employment-related issues. Before joining Hall Booth Smith, she worked for one of the country’s largest law firms, where she defended employers in a wide range of labor and employment matters, including wage and hour class actions under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), claims related to the New York State Human Rights Law (NSHRL), the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD), the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), the New Jersey Conscientious Employee Protection Act (CEPA), and Title VII.

Jackie was selected for inclusion as a New Jersey Rising Star by Super Lawyers® for six consecutive years (2010-2016), which honors the top 2.5% of young lawyers in New Jersey.

Shylie Bannon, Partner, Hall Booth Smith

Shylie Bannon is a Partner in Hall Booth Smith’s Jacksonville, Florida, office. She also serves as Hiring Partner for the region of Florida, where she oversees associate attorney hiring endeavors. Prior to joining Hall Booth Smith, Shylie was a partner in both a multi-state, multi-specialty firm and a boutique practice.

At Hall Booth Smith, Shylie continues to represent physicians, mid-level providers, and health care providers in high-exposure medical negligence claims and in administrative proceedings before the Florida Department of Health. She also represents national retailers in high-exposure premises liability, negligent security, and transportation litigation with our National Trial Counsel team.

In addition to litigating matters involving personal injury and negligence, Shylie also represents management in all aspects of employment-related litigation arising from allegations of sex, disability, race, and pregnancy discrimination; whistleblower actions; and alleged violations of the National Labor Relations Act and Fair Labor Standards. She does so in administrative proceedings before both the Florida Commission on Human Relations and the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, as well as in all of the state and federal courts in Florida. She also provides employment-related counsel to clients, helping them avoid employment-related litigation through the implementation of best employment, investigation, and risk management practices.

Shylie earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Florida Levin College of Law, cum laude, and graduated magna cum laude from Tulane University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History.

Shylie volunteers with the Guardian Ad Litem program and supports child welfare advocacy efforts in Northeast Florida. She is also a Member of the Board for the Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida.

About Hall Booth Smith, P.C.

Established in 1989, Hall Booth Smith, P.C. (HBS) is a full-service law firm headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with regional offices strategically located throughout Georgia and the United States. Experienced across a wide range of legal disciplines, HBS prides itself on providing knowledgeable, proactive, client-specific counsel to individuals, domestic and international corporations, state and federal agencies, and nonprofit organizations.

HBS possesses the legal knowledge, skill, and experience to meet their clients’ needs wherever they do business. HBS maintains the highest commitment to ethically and professionally serving their clients by providing the highest quality legal representation.

They deliver quality legal services in a variety of service areas. Experience across legal disciplines combined with a focus on the unique business or personal requirements of the client is the hallmark of the firm. Their clients receive the attention, expertise, and cost-effectiveness of a smaller law firm with the full service and strong regional presence typical of a larger one.

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Disclaimer

Litigators Lounge is a production brought to you by Hall Booth Smith, PC. This podcast is published for the purposes of providing general information and education on topics that include those related to the law and legal issues, but the contents of the podcast do not constitute legal advice. Listening to this podcast or utilizing the information contained in it in any way does not constitute nor does it create an attorney-client relationship between you and Hall Booth Smith or its lawyers. The contents of this podcast should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a professional attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.

Mastering Enterprise Risk Management with Steven Lustig, Lustig Global Solutions

February 10, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Mastering Enterprise Risk Management with Steven Lustig, Lustig Global Solutions

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Mastering Enterprise Risk Management with Steven Lustig, Lustig Global Solutions (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 843)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray interviews Steven Lustig from Lustig Global Solutions. The discussion delves into the critical importance of enterprise risk management (ERM) for small and medium-sized businesses. Steven shares his extensive experience in engineering and operations, highlighting how managing risk can improve business outcomes. He explains the concept of ERM, addressing both negative risks and opportunities, and dispels myths about risk management. The conversation covers practical steps for companies to identify, prioritize, and mitigate risks effectively. Steven emphasizes the customizable and scalable nature of ERM, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes. He also shares real-life success stories of implementing ERM and its benefits. Listen to this episode to learn how a structured risk management approach can safeguard your business’s future.

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

Steven Lustig, Lustig Global Solutions

Lustig Global Consulting enhances company value, profitability, and cash flow while addressing key risks that they face by establishing robust, effective supply chain and manufacturing solutions and enterprise risk management programs.

Steven Lustig is a strategic operations executive with 20+ years of experience who held leadership positions in supply chain, project management, manufacturing, and new product introduction at companies ranging from a start-up to a Fortune 100 firm.

Steven has earned Enterprise Risk Management Certified Professional and Six Sigma Green Belt certifications and the Project Management Professional (PMP) designation. He holds a BSME from MIT and MSME and MBA degrees from Georgia Tech.

Website | LinkedIn

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
01:50 Meet Steven Lustig: The Risk Management Expert
04:19 Understanding Enterprise Risk Management
06:57 Common Myths About Risk Management
12:39 Real-World Risk Examples and Lessons from the Pandemic
19:38 How to Engage with a Risk Management Consultant
30:00 Success Stories and Final Thoughts
32:47 Closing Remarks and Announcements

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.

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

Empowering Women to Prioritize Themselves, with Cynthia Lyles, The Tapestry of Love

February 6, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Empowering Women to Prioritize Themselves, with Cynthia Lyles, The Tapestry of Love

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Empowering Women to Prioritize Themselves, with Cynthia Lyles, The Tapestry of Love (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 842)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray interviews Cynthia Lyles, founder of The Tapestry of Love. Cynthia shares her journey from California Highway Patrol dispatcher to life coach, focusing on helping women who have neglected their own needs for the sake of others. She discusses the inspiration behind her work, her personal experiences with caregiving, and the cultural influences that lead women to sacrifice their own well-being. Cynthia offers insights into her coaching process, including the importance of individual assessments and understanding personal temperaments. She also highlights her free group sessions and upcoming events, aiming to create a supportive community for women striving to reconnect with their goals, needs, and self-worth.

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

Cynthia Lyles, The Tapestry of Love

Cynthia Lyles founded The Tapestry of Love, a transformative coaching platform that empowers women to navigate life’s most challenging transitions. With a robust background in communications and a profound passion for advocacy, Cynthia has built a powerful mission around helping women rediscover their strength, resilience, and personal purpose during times of crisis and significant life changes.

Through her personalized coaching approach, Cynthia provides women with the tools, support, and strategic guidance needed to move beyond survival and into a space of genuine thriving. Her work is deeply rooted in the belief that every woman has the inner capacity to rise with grace, rebuild her confidence, and craft a meaningful life narrative, even in the face of profound personal challenges.

Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction to North Fulton Business Radio
01:44 Guest Introduction: Cynthia Lyles
01:54 Cynthia’s Background and The Tapestry of Love
04:46 Challenges Faced by Women
06:38 Personal Stories and Client Successes
14:37 Coaching Approach and Techniques
24:30 Upcoming Events and Contact Information
27:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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.

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

Lessons in Pricing, Value, and Funk, with Chris Lalomia, The Trusted Toolbox

February 5, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

Lessons in Pricing, Value, and Funk, with Chris Lalomia, The Trusted Toolbox

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Lessons in Pricing, Value, and Funk, with Chris Lalomia, The Trusted Toolbox (The Price and Value Journey, Episode 121)

In this episode of The Price and Value Journey, host John Ray chats with Chris Lalomia, owner of The Trusted Toolbox, the largest handyman service in Atlanta and in the top three nationwide. Chris discusses his journey from a successful corporate career to entrepreneurship, highlighting the challenges and insights he gained from starting his business from scratch. They discuss the importance of self-awareness, overcoming funks, and the impact of pricing and value on business success. Chris also highlights the significance of mentorship, setting the right prices, and recognizing the value delivered to customers. His insights include the necessity of understanding one’s business costs, process development, and customer relationships, culminating in the personal growth and business achievements he’s made.

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

Chris Lalomia, Founder and CEO, The Trusted Toolbox

Chris Lalomia is the CEO of The Trusted Toolbox. He also hosts the Small Business Safari podcast and is the author of the book From the Zoo to the Wild: Your Guide to Entrepreneurial Freedom and Wealth.

Chris Lalomia is a successful entrepreneur and change leader who has built on his experience working with the largest companies in America to start his own business from scratch. He brings his unique style to leadership to build a culture of professionalism in the blue-collar world of home renovations. He left the corporate zoo, ventured into the entrepreneurial wild and started The Trusted Toolbox: Home Repair and Projects in 2008. YES, he started a business right before the Great Recession, so he admits that timing the market is not his strength. He survived through that time and has grown his business into a multimillion-dollar handyman and remodeling company, which has won numerous awards in Atlanta, GA.

Chris is originally from Jackson, MI, and he uses his hand to show where he lives. He went to college and earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering. His path to business ownership was similar to most people’s journey to their current position… spinning and winding… His first engineering job was at Curtiss-Wright Flight Systems making airplane parts, but soon realizing he needed to add some other business skills to his resume, he joined Accenture and began working with large banks to help them merge, which led him to SunTrust (now Truist), where he transformed the commercial loan operations department… That meandering path led him to leap into starting his own business, The Trusted Toolbox, in 2008.

Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

The Trusted Toolbox

The Trusted Toolbox is a leading provider of professional handyman services and home remodeling solutions in the Metro Atlanta area. With over 15 years of experience serving over 16,000 homeowners, the company specializes in a wide range of home repair and improvement projects, including kitchen and bathroom remodels, basement renovations, deck repairs, door replacements, and wood rot repair.

Committed to delivering exceptional results with a customer-centric approach, The Trusted Toolbox employs a team of skilled professionals who are fully insured, background checked, and dedicated to ensuring 100% customer satisfaction. The company’s local expertise, efficiency, and attention to detail have earned it numerous awards and accolades, solidifying its reputation as a trusted partner for homeowners in Alpharetta, Atlanta, Athens, and the surrounding areas.

Website | Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome to Chris Lalomia
00:50 Corporate Life to Entrepreneurship
01:29 The Zoo Metaphor
02:44 Challenges of Leaving Corporate
07:27 Mindset Shifts and Skill Development
16:14 Mentorship and Networking
21:52 Pricing Strategies and Value
29:32 Customer Willingness to Pay for Convenience
29:42 Understanding Millennial and Gen X Mindsets
30:49 The Shift from DIY to Outsourcing
33:41 Training Employees to Reflect Company Values
35:39 The Importance of Reviews and Customer Feedback
40:17 Overcoming Business Challenges and Personal Funk
51:53 Future Goals and Business Expansion
54:59 Conclusion and Contact Information

About The Price and Value Journey

The show is hosted and produced by John Ray and the North Fulton studio 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 is the host of The Price and Value Journey.

In his other business, John is a podcast show host and producer and owns the North Fulton (Georgia) affiliate of Business RadioX®. John and his team work with B2B professionals to create and conduct their own 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 800 shows and having featured over 1,200 guests, North Fulton Business Radio is the longest-running podcast in the North Fulton area, covering business in its region like no one else.