John Ray, Author at Business RadioX ® Page

Supporting Georgians with Hemophilia, with Vic McCarty, Hemophilia of Georgia

November 11, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Supporting Georgians with Hemophilia, with Vic McCarty, Hemophilia of Georgia

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Supporting Georgians with Hemophilia, with Vic McCarty, Hemophilia of Georgia (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 816)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, John Ray interviews Vic McCarty, Chief Community Engagement Officer with Hemophilia of Georgia. Vic discusses the organization’s extensive work in supporting individuals with blood clotting disorders, providing education, resources, and specialized care throughout Georgia. The conversation covers Hemophilia of Georgia’s history, the impact on affected families, and the various events and programs that support their mission. Listeners also learn about Vic’s career journey in the nonprofit sector and the diverse ways the organization assists clients from birth through adulthood. The episode concludes with information on how to support and volunteer with Hemophilia of Georgia.

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.

Hemophilia of Georgia

Hemophilia of Georgia (HoG) is a nationally and internationally recognized nonprofit organization that provides programs and support services for people with hemophilia, von Willebrand Disease, and other bleeding disorders. HoG is the only agency of its kind in the state and is dedicated to enhancing the health and wellness of the bleeding disorder community by providing excellence in comprehensive health care, education, advocacy, and the support of research to transform lives.

Since 1973, Hemophilia of Georgia has been providing blood clotting medications, home infusion training, educational programs, and clinical services. The Georgia General Assembly has honored Hemophilia of Georgia (HoG) every year for the exceptional work that the organization and its staff have done in serving the community of people with bleeding disorders over the past ten years. Dedicated to their mission, the people at Hemophilia of Georgia know it takes more than medicine to support the bleeding disorder community.

HoG works to enhance health care and quality of life, while actively pursuing a cure through research funding. Hemophilia of Georgia looks forward to the day when we live in a world where people live free from bleeding disorders.

HoG is a trusted resource for medical providers and offers rewarding opportunities for volunteers and donors.
HoG’s nonprofit pharmacy provides convenient home delivery of clotting factor and other medications at competitive prices.
HoG is guided by a volunteer Board of Directors that includes individuals who have a bleeding disorder.
For 50 years, Hemophilia of Georgia has provided a wide range of programs and services, including blood clotting products, home infusion training, education, and activities for people who have hemophilia and other bleeding disorders.

Hemophilia of Georgia exists so that people affected by bleeding disorders live as normally and productively as possible.

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | X (Twitter)

Vic McCarty, Hemophilia of Georgia

Vic McCarty currently serves as Chief Community Engagement Officer at Hemophilia of Georgia.

Since 2000, Vic has been involved in nonprofit organizations and fundraising, where he has been creating and improving signature events, managing budgets and timelines, and working closely with planning committees and volunteers. Vic is responsible for creating the Trot to Clot Walk event for Hemophilia of Georgia.

Vic also has a strong background in strategic and visionary planning, engaging community stakeholders, securing charitable support from corporations, and providing training for event committees and volunteers. He has worked with business executives, community leaders, college students, and internal staff on creating and implementing signature events as well as developing vision plans and timelines for signature events. Vic has worked with several nonprofit youth organizations, serving as both a volunteer and staff member.

Vic resides in Marietta with his wife, Shanie, and two kids. He enjoys traveling, cooking, spending time with family and friends, and volunteering with Georgia 4-H Foundation.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
00:35 Guest Introduction: Vic McCarty, Hemophilia of Georgia
02:01 Understanding Hemophilia
03:19 Vic’s Journey in Nonprofit
04:45 Community Engagement and Support
07:57 Family Support and Education
14:00 Patient Assistance and Resources
19:11 Fundraising and Community Events
21:51 Volunteer Opportunities
25:12 Success Stories and Impact
28:09 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 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.

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 welcomes a wide variety of business, non-profit, and community leaders to get the word out about the important work they’re doing to serve their market, their community, and their profession. There’s no discrimination based on company size, and there’s never any “pay to play.” North Fulton Business Radio supports and celebrates business by sharing positive business stories that traditional media ignore. Some media leans left. Some media leans right. We lean business.

John Ray, 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.

Expert Insights on Health Insurance, with Bill Neglia, Neglia Insurance Group

November 11, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Expert Insights on Health Insurance, with Bill Neglia, Neglia Insurance Group

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Expert Insights on Health Insurance, with Bill Neglia, Neglia Insurance (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 815)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray welcomes returning guest Bill Neglia from the Neglia Insurance Group. They discuss the intricacies of open enrollment for health insurance, particularly notable changes for the current year, and highlight the benefits of working with a professional insurance agent. Bill explains the impact of recent adjustments to short-term major medical policies and the introduction of Georgia’s own state-based insurance exchange, Georgia Access. The conversation also touches on common pitfalls for individuals purchasing health insurance themselves, issues related to robocall fraud, key considerations for business owners offering health benefits to employees, and Medicare enrollment.

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.

Bill Neglia, Founder, Neglia Insurance Group

Inspired by a family friend’s offer of mentorship, Bill started his career in insurance over 40 years ago. He was drawn to the autonomy of the industry and the desire to make a difference in people’s lives. This commitment was underscored when a meeting led a client to discover a life-threatening heart condition, which reaffirmed the importance of his role.

To best serve his clients, Bill begins with a comprehensive questionnaire, ensuring he understands their unique needs before discussing solutions. Guided by transparency and genuine care, he always prioritizes the client’s interest, setting him apart in the industry.

Outside work, rock concerts are his escape, where he sees parallels to his profession: individual performers coming together for a harmonious result. That balance is pivotal in his personal life too. When his wife, Sandy, faced a cancer diagnosis, he became her primary caregiver. This period cemented his belief in the importance of personal connection and empathy in his business.

His family is his inspiration. With Sandy, their children Danny and Caitlin, and six grandchildren, he finds joy in spending time with them, either at home or traveling with his family. Whether it’s golf with his son, watching sports, or being amused by their five granddogs, these experiences enrich his interactions with clients.

Bill’s not just your insurance agent with decades of experience, but he’s a compassionate adviser committed to serving your individual and family needs.

Neglia Insurance Group

Bill Neglia started his health, life, disability, and long-term care insurance agency in 1983 as a one-person operation.

Since then he has added a full time Office Administrator Charlotte, his son Dan and his son-in-law Zach to the team. The agency specializes in working with mainly self-employed individuals, their families and their employees to make sure they have the most suitable and cost effective health insurance and other benefit insurance plans available.

Bill’s team uses a comprehensive “hands-on” approach from initial contact to quoting to enrollment and to servicing the policy after the sale.

Bill and his team have never charged their clients a penny for their time and professional services. They are compensated by the insurance carriers themselves. The premium you pay is exactly the same whether you use Bill and his team or do it yourself.

Website | Facebook

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction to North Fulton Business Radio
01:32 Guest Introduction: Bill Neglia, Neglia Insurance Group
02:04 Health Insurance Changes and Updates
05:02 The Importance of Using a Broker
09:03 Fraud and Robo Calls in Health Insurance
11:21 Alternative Health Insurance Plans
13:39 Group Insurance Plans for Businesses
17:24 Medicare Supplement Plans
20:21 Conclusion and Contact Information

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.

Beauty, Faith, and Determination, with JeanAnne Roberts, author of It’s Never Too Late to Find Your Crown

November 6, 2024 by John Ray

Hello, Self . . .

Beauty, Faith, and Determination, with JeanAnne Roberts, author of It's Never Too Late to Find Your Crown

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Beauty, Faith, and Determination, with JeanAnne Roberts, author of It’s Never Too Late to Find Your Crown (Hello, Self… Episode 55)

Host Patricia Leonard welcomed JeanAnne Roberts, Mrs. DC America 2020, who shared her inspiring story of transformation and perseverance.

Despite starting her pageantry journey later in life and facing numerous challenges, JeanAnne exemplifies how it’s never too late to pursue your dreams. She discussed her new book, It’s Never Too Late to Find Your Crown, and emphasized turning obstacles into opportunities with faith and determination.

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

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

JeanAnne Roberts, Mrs. DC America 2020 and Author of It’s Never Too Late to Find Your Crown

At the age of 55, JeanAnne, a stay-at-home mom competed with women, some 30 years younger and won the crown of Mrs. DC America 2020 during a “World Wide Pandemic”.

In her book, she pens her journey from childhood to the crown to inspire generations that failure isn’t final and with a “VISION”, you can make it to the mountaintop!!

She wants readers to understand that God sees their buried dreams even when they have forgotten them. Through delightful humor and melodrama, the author proves that nothing is ever hopeless, and failure is not final.

She shares her life story beginning in her beloved hometown of Williamson, West Virginia and throughout thirty-six years of trials and tribulations to find love and success. At the moment the announcer called her name, winning the title of Mrs. DC America 2020, she realized, “It’s Never Too Late to Find Your Crown.”

Instagram | It’s Never Too Late to Find Your Crown

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

Navigating HR Challenges, with Scott Mastley, Thread HCM

November 6, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Navigating HR Challenges, with Scott Mastley, Thread HCM

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Navigating HR Challenges, with Scott Mastley, Thread HCM (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 814)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray interviews Scott Mastley, Chief Human Relations Officer at Thread HCM. The discussion delves into Thread’s HR software and services, emphasizing their focus on efficiency, top-tier payroll technology, and unique HR consulting services. Scott shares his unconventional journey into HR, the importance of personal and proactive client relationships, and the evolving landscape of HR regulations, including multi-state compliance and remote work challenges. He also touches on trends like unlimited PTO and cannabis regulations, offering practical advice for business owners. Scott’s insights provide valuable guidance for small to medium-sized businesses looking to enhance their HR practices.

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.

Scott Mastley, Chief Human Relations Officer, Thread HCM

Scott joined Thread in 2019 to develop and manage our HR Consulting services. Scott is a double Dawg with undergraduate and MBA degrees from UGA, and he is passionate about simplifying HR to support engagement.

Scott is interested in your challenges and enthusiastic about finding solutions and proactively preventing future issues. His confidence comes from 25 years of hands-on consulting, HR work, and leading HR teams with clients across multiple industries.

Thread HCM

Thread offers a way for businesses to make HR an advantage. The company believes in better workplaces, engaged employees, and peace of mind for the C-Suite.

At its core, Thread offers a top-tier technology platform that over 100,000 businesses trust and that serves over 5,000,000 employees. This all-in-one solution offers a superior approach to hiring, managing, and growing teams. With a scalable system and a variety of offerings, the iSolved platform is designed to grow alongside its clients.

Thread offers a partner relationship approach to working with clients, backed by quick, individualized service from a support team that is familiar with each business. The company believes time is valuable and doesn’t intend to waste any of it. Live response times and NPS Customer Satisfaction ratings are posted right on its website.

Lastly, Thread is a business like its clients. With a team of amazing people doing great work for their clients, Thread achieves success in turn. As a recipient of GPTW awards several years in a row, Thread aims to be a company its employees love and where candidates are eager to join. The company wants that same success for its clients and their teams too.

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | X (Twitter)

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
00:36 Guest Introduction: Scott Mastley from Thread
02:46 Scott’s Journey into HR
04:20 HR Consulting at Thread
07:10 Challenges in HR: Multi-State Regulations
12:19 Cannabis in the Workplace
15:13 Remote Workforces Post-Pandemic
16:17 Effective Communication in Remote Work
17:28 Maintaining Productivity and Connection
18:27 Hybrid Work Models and Their Benefits
21:31 Challenges of Unlimited PTO Policies
24:04 Upcoming Salary Threshold Changes
26:15 Client Success Stories and Services
29:22 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.

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

Challenging Common Marketing Misconceptions with Paul Zanardo, Zanardo Dezignz

November 6, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

Challenging Common Marketing Misconceptions with Paul Zanardo, Zanardo Dezignz

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Challenging Common Marketing Misconceptions with Paul Zanardo, Zanardo Dezignz (The Price and Value Journey, Episode 118)

Paul Zanardo, the founder of Zanardo Dezignz, is the guest on this episode of The Price and Value Journey with John Ray, and he shares insights from his 25-year background in sales and marketing. Paul discusses common misconceptions about marketing and SEO, why many marketers’ claims can be misleading, and the importance of understanding the specific needs and goals of a business before implementing marketing strategies. Paul highlights the significance of an individual’s digital reputation, the value of personal engagement both online and offline, and the true use and limitations of AI in marketing. Practical advice for service providers in terms of effective website design, SEO, and networking strategies is provided, aimed at helping professional service providers better position and price their services.

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

Paul Zanardo, Zanardo Dezignz

Paul Zanardo is the CEO and Founder of Zanardo Dezignz.

Paul Zanardo’s background of over 25 years was in sales and marketing. He turned his attention to entrepreneurship in the early 2000’s. While studying website design and earning his degree in graphic design, he opened Zanardo Dezignz in the same year of 2015. Zanardo Dezignz has grown into an award-winning, nationwide marketing communications agency with locations in Alpharetta and Lawrenceville, GA.

Zanardo Dezignz exists to honor God by partnering with business service providers on website design, hosting services, SEO, graphic design, & digital marketing, achieving the highest reputations online.

Paul was named Solopreneur of the Year by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce in 2024.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction to The Price and Value Journey
00:44 Guest Introduction: Paul Zanardo
02:37 Challenging Marketing Preconceptions
04:54 The Importance of SEO
07:43 Building Online Presence
13:26 Offline Networking and Engagement
20:12 Website Design Misconceptions
26:30 The Value of LinkedIn Newsletters
27:13 SEO Benefits of LinkedIn Newsletters
27:45 Website Strategy for Niche Clients
28:59 The Pitfalls of Landing Pages
30:20 Understanding Digital Reputation
31:23 Personal Branding for Professionals
33:51 The Role of Reviews and Testimonials
36:08 Ethical and Unethical Uses of AI
40:59 Effective Marketing Strategies
43:28 Choosing the Right Marketing Professional
46:36 Final Thoughts 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 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, 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 Show Host and Producer and owns the North Fulton (Georgia) studio 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 780 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.

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

Lighting Up Business Success, with Matthew Efird, Lighting Pros

November 6, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Lighting Up Business Success, with Matthew Efird, Lighting Pros

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Lighting Up Business Success, with Matthew Efird, Lighting Pros (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 813)

The owner of Lighting Pros, Matthew Efird, joins host John Ray in this episode of North Fulton Business Radio. They discuss Matthew’s innovative approach to business, adding an outdoor lighting business to his seasonal Mosquito Joe franchise. Matthew elaborates on how his company, Lighting Pros, specializes in both residential and commercial lighting, with a notable focus on year-round outdoor lighting solutions, including temporary Christmas decorations and permanent installations. He highlights the importance of using high-quality materials and providing exceptional service, which has led to increased client satisfaction and retention. Matthew also touches on his experiences receiving the Bulldog 100 accolade and the decision to franchise Lighting Pros to help other seasonal business owners extend their operations.

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.

Matthew Efird, Founder, Lighting Pros

Matthew Efird, Lighting Pros, appearing on North Fulton Business Radio with host John Ray — **Matthew Efird, Lighting Pros**

Matthew Efird is the Owner of Mosquito Joe of North Georgia, Lighting Pros, and Lighting Pros Franchise. He sees his business as an avenue for serving and ministering to families throughout the Greater Atlanta area as well as to business owners throughout the United States.

Matthew and his lovely wife Hannah have four sons: Walker (6 years old), Noah, Abel (3 years old), Warren (1 year old), and a 9-year-old Goldendoodle named Fallon. Their second son, Noah Clifton Efird, was born on March 7, 2020, with Trisomy 13, and their family is thankful for the hours that they were able to spend with him before he went to be with Jesus. As a family, they love to travel, play board games and cards, go camping, and make memories with friends and family.

Matthew graduated with honors from The University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business. In 2024, he was proud to have Lighting Pros recognized as the 10th fastest-growing business founded or managed by a UGA Alumni. He was part of the inaugural UGA ILA Leadership Dawgs class of 2023, recognizing and investing in the emerging leaders within the UGA Alumni.

Matthew is driven by his faith and his love for people. He was honored in 2019 with the first-ever Union County High School Alumni Pacesetter Award, recognizing the most outstanding alumni setting the pace for the school’s alumnus. In his free time, Matthew loves speaking, reading, writing, and teaching his sons how to enjoy the outdoors. He and Hannah find fulfillment in serving others alongside each other.

He is excited to take the knowledge from the last five years of triple-digit growth in Lighting Pros and share it with his franchise system. His focus now is on investing in the long-term development of his teams to help his businesses continue to grow effectively. His greatest accomplishments in life have been marrying his beautiful wife and becoming a dad.

Lighting Pros

Lighting Pros is a premier provider of commercial holiday lighting solutions, specializing in creating festive atmospheres for businesses such as HOAs, hospitals, restaurants, and churches. The company focuses on delivering high-quality, professional Christmas lighting services, employing certified and insured professionals to ensure safe and durable installations. They also offer residential services, treating each home with care while providing a variety of decorative options, including roofer and gutterline lights, prelit wreaths and garlands, and custom orders tailored to client needs.

With a commitment to using only the finest materials, Lighting Pros aims to create memorable holiday experiences that last throughout the season. Their dedication to excellence has earned them recognition as one of the top 10 fastest-growing companies by the University of Georgia Alumni through the Bulldog 100 program. Clients can easily discuss their holiday lighting goals and receive complimentary quotes to transform their spaces into festive environments.

Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
01:41 Meet Matthew Efird, Founder of Lighting Pros
02:25 The Business of Outdoor Lighting
03:18 Commercial Success and the ROI of Outdoor Lighting
04:44 Matthew’s Backstory and Business Philosophy
06:57 Challenges and Quality in the Lighting Industry
22:00 Franchising Lighting Pros
26:17 Success Stories and Client Impact
29:10 Conclusion and Contact Information
30:07 Final Thoughts 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.

Trends in Dental Insurance Benefits, with Josh Roland, Centro Benefits Research

November 6, 2024 by John Ray

Dental Business Radio

Trends in Dental Insurance Benefits, with Josh Roland, Centro Benefits Research

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Trends in Dental Insurance Benefits, with Josh Roland, Centro Benefits Research (Dental Business Radio, Episode 53)

In this episode of Dental Business Radio, host Patrick O’Rourke introduces guest Josh Roland, a market leader for Centro Benefits Research. The discussion focuses on dental insurance, including employer-provided plans, PPO analysis, negotiations, and strategic guidance. They delve into the importance of ancillary benefits like dental, vision, life, and disability insurance for recruitment and retention, touching on trends, employer decisions, and the impact of AI on the insurance and dental provider industries. A humorous yet insightful conversation that interweaves professional advice with engaging anecdotes.

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®.

Centro Benefits Research

Centro is a wholesale employee benefits firm representing many of the top consulting firms in the United States.

With over 11,000 groups and managed premium exceeding $1.6 Billion, Centro delivers unparalleled value to the industry stakeholders and the clients they serve.

Because of the volume of business, depth of data, and research analytics provided by Centro, carrier partners are better able to assess risk and make business decisions on behalf of the clients that utilize Centro’s platform.

Leveraging Centro can mean a significant difference for brokers in creating differentiation and competitive advantage in a rapidly changing and increasingly consolidated industry.

Company website | LinkedIn

Josh Roland, Ancillary Consultant Market Leader, Centro Benefits Research

Josh Roland is Ancillary Consultant Market Leader for Centro Benefits Research.

Josh has over 20 years of experience in the insurance industry. He was previously a partner and ancillary benefits practice leader of a regional insurance brokerage, in addition to having a wealth of expertise and experience in sales and account management.

Josh received a bachelor’s degree in business administration and finance from the University of Georgia. He is licensed to sell all group life and health in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction
02:17 Guest Introduction: Josh Roland
03:41 Understanding Employer-Sponsored Benefits
04:37 Importance of Dental and Vision Insurance
05:32 Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) Explained
11:14 Critical Illness and Disability Insurance
13:10 Employer’s Role in Benefit Decisions
19:39 Designing Dental Plans
24:21 Navigating One-One Season
25:31 Understanding Insurance Profitability
25:47 Post-COVID Utilization Trends
27:08 Future of Dental Plan Designs
35:36 The Role of AI in Dental Insurance
42:01 Medicare and Employer Group Benefits
47:17 Conclusion and Contact Information

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 dentist 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.

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Meaning Behind the Dollars, with Anthony Chen, Host of Family Business Radio

November 4, 2024 by John Ray

Family Business Radio

Meaning Behind the Dollars, with Anthony Chen, Host of Family Business Radio

00:00 /

Meaning Behind the Dollars, with Anthony Chen, Host of Family Business Radio

In this commentary from a recent Family Business Radio episode, host Anthony Chen discusses the meaning behind the dollars.

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

Anthony Chen: So to close out for a little section called the Anthony’s Financial Take, as you’re all listening in to our three amazing guests of leaning into family and relationships. Starting out early and leaning into what gives your hands blisters, whether that’s a hobby or whatever it is that you’re willing to pour your life and soul into, I don’t think, at least on the financial side of things, I can really top any of that other than as you’re going through your own financial plan and journey. Keep those three things in mind because, at the end of the day, something I might sound like a preacher for some of my clients that know me already is that you can’t take it with you. You just can’t.

You’ve got to make sure that there is meaning behind those dollars. And at the end of the day, if you can spend every penny, but you have an amazing memory and experience that you can get to share with your friends and family, it’s hard to top that. That should be the number one goal.

And that being said, for listening in to Family Business Radio.

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.

Building a Business Through Acquisitions, with Joe Noonan, Inside EDGE Consulting

October 30, 2024 by John Ray

Insights from a Serial Acquirer, with Joe Noonan, Inside EDGE Consulting, on The Exit Exchange podcast with host John Ray

North Fulton Studio

Building a Business Through Acquisitions, with Joe Noonan, Inside EDGE Consulting

00:00 /

Building a Business Through Acquisitions, with Joe Noonan, Inside EDGE Consulting (The Exit Exchange, Episode 19)

In this episode of The Exit Exchange, Joe Noonan joins host John Ray to offer a reprise of the story he shared during a recent XPX Atlanta lunch session on building a business through serial acquisitions. They discuss Joe’s evolution from co-owning a printing company to becoming a successful Proforma franchise owner. Key points include strategies for effective business acquisitions, the impact of choosing the right partners, and leveraging business resources like brokers and wealth advisors. Joe also emphasizes the importance of maintaining strong customer relationships and the role of expert coaching in avoiding common business pitfalls. Highlights include personalized acquisition tactics, strategic pricing, and the collaborative support available through XPX Atlanta.

The host of The Exit Exchange is John Ray, and the show is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton affiliate of Business RadioX®. John Ray and Business RadioX-North Fulton are Gold Sponsors of XPX Atlanta.

Joe Noonan, Inside EDGE Consulting

Joe Noonan is the Head Coach at Inside EDGE Consulting, where he specializes in empowering CEOs, sales leaders, and entrepreneurs to refine their go-to-market strategies and address challenges in sales and leadership. With a mission to “cure sales and leadership pain,” Joe leverages his expertise as a certified professional speaker and sales coach to provide impactful training and guidance. His approach focuses on building strong team cultures and fostering determination among team members, which he effectively communicates through engaging content on platforms like LinkedIn.

With extensive experience in sales and leadership coaching, Joe has developed tailored programs that address common pain points within organizations, ensuring they achieve sustainable growth. His commitment to continuous learning is reflected in his professional credentials, and he actively contributes to community initiatives as a board member for various organizations.

Joe’s dedication to enhancing organizational effectiveness makes him a valuable asset for businesses seeking to elevate their leadership capabilities and sales strategies.

Website | LinkedIn

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction to The Exit Exchange
00:30 Meet Joe Noonan: Business Acquirer and Seller
01:52 Inside EDGE Coaching: Empowering Leaders
03:04 The Journey of Unlimited Printing
03:32 Lessons from Business Partnerships
06:21 Transition to Proforma Franchise
09:14 Acquisition Strategies and Sales Tactics
15:51 Marketing to Solopreneurs
16:55 Deal Structure Insights
20:34 The Role of Business Brokers
21:53 Identifying Red Flags
23:01 Financials and Due Diligence
24:47 The Value of Acquisitions
27:33 The Importance of Advisors
29:15 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

The Exit Planning Exchange Atlanta

The Exit Planning Exchange Atlanta (XPX) is a diverse group of professionals with a common goal: working collaboratively to assist business owners with a sale or business transition. XPX Atlanta is an association of advisors who provide professionalism, principles, and education to the heart of the middle market.

Their members work with business owners through all stages of the private company life cycle: business value growth, business value transfer, and owner life and legacy. Their Vision: To fundamentally change the trajectory of exit planning services in the Southeast United States. XPX Atlanta delivers a collaborative-based networking exchange with broad representation of exit planning competencies. Learn more about XPX Atlanta and why you should consider joining our community by following this link.

The host of The Exit Exchange is John Ray, and the show is produced by the North Fulton affiliate of Business RadioX® in Alpharetta. The show archive can be found by following this link.

John Ray and Business RadioX North Fulton are Gold Sponsors of XPX Atlanta.

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Hemophilia of Georgia

Vic McCarty, Hemophilia of Georgia

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Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

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Bill Neglia, Founder, Neglia Insurance Group

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Beauty, Faith, and Determination, with JeanAnne Roberts, author of It’s Never Too Late to Find Your Crown (Hello, Self… Episode 55)

JeanAnne Roberts, Mrs. DC America 2020 and Author of It’s Never Too Late to Find Your Crown

About Hello, Self…

Patricia Leonard, Host of Hello, Self…

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Scott Mastley, Chief Human Relations Officer, Thread HCM

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Paul Zanardo, Zanardo Dezignz

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John Ray, Host of The Price and Value Journey

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

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Matthew Efird, Founder, Lighting Pros

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About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

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Centro Benefits Research

Josh Roland, Ancillary Consultant Market Leader, Centro Benefits Research

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About Dental Business Radio

Practice Quotient

Connect with Practice Quotient

Meaning Behind the Dollars, with Anthony Chen, Host of Family Business Radio

Transcript

Anthony Chen, Host of Family Business Radio

Building a Business Through Acquisitions, with Joe Noonan, Inside EDGE Consulting (The Exit Exchange, Episode 19)

Joe Noonan, Inside EDGE Consulting

Topics Discussed in this Episode

The Exit Planning Exchange Atlanta

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