John Ray, Author at Business RadioX ® Page

Mortgage Solutions for Homebuyers, with Geoff Smith, Assurance Financial

September 19, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Mortgage Solutions for Homebuyers, with Geoff Smith, Assurance Financial

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Mortgage Solutions for Homebuyers, with Geoff Smith, Assurance Financial (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 803)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray interviews Geoff Smith, Assurance Financial. Geoff shares his journey from journalism to mortgage banking and highlights Assurance Financial’s services, including in-house mortgage lending, customer service excellence, and specialized loan products like bank statement loans and bridge loans. He emphasizes the importance of understanding federal guidelines and the steps Assurance Financial takes to ensure seamless client experiences. The episode also discusses current market dynamics, interest rates, and the importance of buying in a vibrant housing market like Georgia. Additionally, Geoff shares success stories and the impact of personalized service in handling complex loan situations.

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.

Geoff Smith, Roswell, GA Branch Manager and Loan Officer, Assurance Financial

Geoff Smith has been in the real estate industry since 2001, when he became a general contractor. In 2011, he went all in with mortgages, becoming a full-time loan officer with Assurance Financial and opening his own branch with them in 2021 on Canton Street in downtown Roswell.

Geoff volunteers in the community. He is currently sitting on the board of STAR House, an after-school tutoring and mentoring program for at-risk elementary school students in Roswell; he is on the Advisory Board for Wellstar North Fulton Regional Hospital; he is on the board for the Alpharetta Business Association; and he coaches 6th grade football at Blessed Trinity High School.

Geoff is married to Brenda and they have two boys, Samuel, who is a freshman at Auburn, and Charlie, who is a sophomore at Blessed Trinity.

LinkedIn | Facebook | X (Twitter)

Assurance Financial

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

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

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

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

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
01:33 Guest Introduction: Geoff Smith. Assurance Financial
02:10 Geoff’s Career Journey and Passion for Mortgages
03:21 The Mortgage Process and Customer Experience
06:48 Challenges and Problem-Solving in Mortgage Lending
14:49 Understanding Interest Rates and Market Dynamics
18:48 Expanding Business Across States
19:02 Housing Market Dynamics in Georgia
22:03 The Impact of Waiting to Buy a Home
22:48 Innovative Loan Products for Homebuyers
24:47 Assurance Financial’s Unique Bridge Loan
27:05 Success Stories and Client Experiences
33:35 Community Support and Final Thoughts

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.

Renasant Bank supports the Georgia Alliance for Breast Cancer

Georgia Alliance for Breast Cancer (formerly It’s The Journey) is a registered 501c3 non-profit that strives to support Georgia’s breast cancer community by raising funds to support breast health and breast cancer programs throughout the state of Georgia.

GAABC’s mission is to engage with Georgia’s breast cancer community to increase access to care and reduce disparities in cancer outcomes.

Randi Passoff, a breast cancer survivor, founded GAABC in 2002. She created “the kinder and gentler breast cancer walk” based off the Avon 3-Day Breast Cancer Walk. Instead of a 3-day walk of 60 miles over 3 days and sleeping in a tent, the Georgia 2-Day Walk covers 30 miles over 2 days, and participants sleep in a hotel. Most importantly, what’s raised in Georgia stays in Georgia.

Renasant Bank is a major supporter of GAABC, both in corporately donated funds and employee donations and participation in the walk.

To learn more about GAABC and the 2-Day Walk, go to the GAABC Website.

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.

Middle Income Housing Needs in Metro Atlanta, with Kristin Allin, Atlanta Regional Commission

September 18, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

Middle Income Housing Needs in Metro Atlanta, with Kristin Allin, Atlanta Regional Commission

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Middle Income Housing Needs in Metro Atlanta, with Kristin Allin, Atlanta Regional Commission (North Fulton Voices, Episode 4)

This episode of North Fulton Voices, hosted by Nancy Diamond and Jack Murphy from the North Fulton Improvement Network, focuses not just on the critical topic of workforce housing in the North Fulton region but examines this issue through the wider lens of the Metro Atlanta region. Special guest Kristin Allin from the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) elaborates on the various initiatives, statistics, and challenges associated with housing and community planning in Metro Atlanta. They discuss the region’s immense population growth, the significant rise in housing prices, and the shortage of middle-income housing. The episode highlights how local governments, aided by ARC’s data and planning assistance, can address these challenges. The discussion also explores topics such as the impact of housing variety, the importance of mixed-income housing, and the role of policy and zoning in shaping the housing landscape. Community engagement and education are emphasized as crucial components in finding comprehensive solutions. Listeners are encouraged to get involved in local planning discussions and leverage resources available through ARC and the North Fulton Improvement Network.

North Fulton Voices is presented by the North Fulton Improvement Network. The show series is proudly sponsored by John Ray Co. and the North Fulton affiliate of Business RadioX®.

Kristin Allin, Atlanta Regional Commission

Kristin Allin is a Senior Planner and Housing Specialist at the Atlanta Regional Commission.

Born in the Atlanta area, Kristin has resided in Decatur for over 19 years as a business owner and community leader. In her role at ARC, Kristin has helped to lead the Local Leadership Housing Action Committee, is assisting in re-instating the Regional Housing Task Force, serves on the advisory panel for the Atlanta Regional Housing Forum, and works within the ARC’s LCI and CDAP program to further affordable housing planning. She spearheaded the ARC’s application for the HUD PRO Housing Grant in hopes of funding direct housing support within the ARC’s programming.

Prior to joining the Atlanta Regional Commission, she was a Planner for the City of Decatur with a focus on housing policy. In this role, she was the staff liaison to the Affordable Housing Task Force and implemented several of its recommendations to reduce barriers to affordable housing in Decatur. Her most challenging policy implementation was the missing middle housing policy revisions to the zoning code. Kristin was also the lead in incorporating the Decatur Land Trust as a non-profit organization and serving as the staff liaison to the Decatur Land Trust Board. She created policies and procedures for Decatur’s Tax Allocation District and Housing Trust Fund.

Kristin’s career in affordable housing began in 2018 when she returned to school and received a Master of Urban Studies from Georgia State University. Her educational background includes earning an undergraduate degree in Industrial Engineering from Georgia Tech in 1997 and a Master of Business Administration from Saint Mary’s College of California. From 2007 to 2023, Kristin co-owned and operated several small restaurants in Decatur and Atlanta. The experience of running small businesses has shaped her world view in understanding the challenges of standing up a small-scale business, supporting employees in this industry, and the link between housing, wages, and transportation as vital to the vision of a region that supports the success of all residents.

Atlanta Regional Commission

The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) is the official planning agency for the 11-county Atlanta Region, including Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, and Rockdale counties, as well as the City of Atlanta and 74 other cities. The Atlanta Regional Commission’s mission is to foster thriving communities for all within the Atlanta region through collaborative, data-informed planning and investments.

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

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction to North Fulton Voices
00:24 Meet the Hosts and Guests
01:03 Overview of the Atlanta Regional Commission
02:16 Metro Atlanta Growth Statistics
04:17 Housing Crisis and ARC’s Role
06:48 Challenges in Housing Variety
09:04 Impact of Housing on Communities
14:55 Local Leadership Housing Action Committee
18:45 Community Engagement and Planning
20:27 Addressing Workforce Housing
24:27 Programs and Initiatives by ARC
34:27 Call to Action and Conclusion

North Fulton Improvement Network

The North Fulton Improvement Network (NFIN) is a think tank made up of community leaders from a variety of sectors, focused on missing middle housing and the livability challenges confronting North Fulton. We come from the six cities making up the northern half of Fulton County, Georgia — Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Mountain Park, Roswell, and Sandy Springs — and are working to address the widespread yet little-known financial vulnerability across the region. With stakeholders from sectors including business, nonprofit, faith, government, and citizens, we center our work on five areas of impact, seek to educate the public about these issues, build a network of individuals and organizations with innovative private and public solutions, and connect resources to those in need.

The leadership team of NFIN is Jack Murphy, Nancy Diamond, and Kathy Swahn.

Jack Murphy

Jack Murphy is a volunteer with The Society of St. Vincent de Paul and is Chair of the North Fulton Improvement Network. He is also in his 21st year of working for the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce.

Prior to the Chamber, Jack worked for and with Fortune 500 companies in operations, human resources, training, and quality areas. Jack was a senior adjunct professor for Quality & Operations Management at Keller Graduate School for 14 years.

He has served on both the National and Georgia Boards of The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, responsible for Diversity, Advocacy, & Systemic Change. Jack is currently the national SVDP chair of Systemic Change and Advocacy.

Jack received a BA in psychology from Belmont Abbey College and a M.Ed. from UNC-Greensboro. Jack and his wife, Nancy, a retired elementary school principal, have two grown daughters and two grandchildren. They live in Alpharetta, Georgia.

Nancy Diamond

Nancy Diamond is a Project Manager with Schmit & Associates, a real estate development firm, creating town center revitalization in communities all around the metro area.

Nancy served 8 years as a Roswell City Council Member, including a term as Mayor Pro Tem, with liaison positions with Community Development, Transportation, Recreation & Parks, and Public Safety.

In addition to her work with the North Fulton Improvement Network, Nancy has been active in area non-profit organizations, including board leadership positions in the STAR House Foundation, WellStar North Fulton Hospital, and the Roswell Rotary Club.

A native of Atlanta and a 42-year North Fulton resident, Nancy worked at Turner Broadcasting in the early years of CNN, then became a freelancer in sports television graphics. While raising her two daughters, she worked from home, first developing a corporate gift service, and later as a mortgage loan originator.

Nancy and her husband, Glenn, now relish the role of grandparents to 8-year-old Owen.

About North Fulton Voices

While North Fulton County is one of the most desirable places to live in the United States, the region faces a growing crisis: a severe shortage of housing options for middle-income employees, particularly essential workers such as first responders and teachers. Presented by the North Fulton Improvement Network, North Fulton Voices is the go-to source for in-depth analysis and discussion of missing middle housing and the livability challenges confronting North Fulton. Listen as we understand the implications of this problem, explore innovative solutions, and examine why providing these housing options is vital for North Fulton’s future. The show is sponsored and offered as a service to the community by John Ray Co. and the North Fulton affiliate of Business RadioX®.

Sponsor for North Fulton Voices: John Ray and Business RadioX – North Fulton

The North Fulton Voices show series is proudly sponsored by John Ray Co. and the North Fulton affiliate of Business RadioX®.

John Ray 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 also operates his own business advisory practice, Ray Business Advisors. John’s services include advising solopreneur 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 author of the #1 nationally best-selling book, The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices.

John is the host of North Fulton Business Radio and The Price and Value Journey. North Fulton Business Radio, the longest-running podcast in the North Fulton region of Georgia, features a wide range of business and community leaders. The Price and Value Journey is devoted to solo and small firm professional services providers and covers issues such as pricing, value, and business development.

Website | LinkedIn

Mastering Business Communications, with Pamela DeRitis, Connect and Captivate

September 18, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Mastering Business Communications, with Pamela DeRitis, Connect and Captivate

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Mastering Business Communications, with Pamela DeRitis, Connect and Captivate (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 802)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, John Ray interviews Pamela DeRitis with Connect and Captivate. Pamela discusses her background in acting and how it informs her approach to corporate communications, emphasizing authentic connection and captivating an audience. She details techniques like improv and structured storytelling to help clients enhance their speaking and video presentations. Pamela also shares client success stories, including overcoming personal challenges and preparing for high-stakes presentations. The conversation touches on the importance of emotional engagement, the impact of AI on communication training, and tips for effectively connecting with an audience.

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.

Pamela DeRitis, Connect and Captivate

Pamela draws on over fifteen years of experience in acting and improv to help you create authentic and influential communications with your peers, employees, or audience.

Through coaching that builds confidence and character, Pamela will help you become a trusted partner to your clients and customers, whether you are giving a keynote speech, creating video content to help sales conversions, or networking in person.

Pamela’s coaching programs are formulated from her training in the Meisner technique, Practical Aesthetics, improv, and other neuroscience-based acting techniques, which have all shaped her life as an artist and entrepreneur.

Pamela brings her unstoppable creative momentum to the table to help your businesses gain an EQ advantage and become a captivating communicator, on camera, or off.

Website | LinkedIn | X (Twitter)

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction to North Fulton Business Radio
01:21 Meet Pamela DeRitis with Connect and Captivate
01:32 Pamela’s Journey and Connect and Captivate
02:10 Acting and Improv in Business Communication
04:41 Emotional Breakthroughs and Business Applications
08:14 Challenges in Business Communication
17:59 Storytelling Principles in Business
21:58 Client Success Stories
24:00 The Role of AI in Business Communication
26:56 How to Know You Need a Communication Coach
32:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

Renasant Bank supports the Georgia Alliance for Breast Cancer

GAABC’s mission is to engage with Georgia’s breast cancer community to increase access to care and reduce disparities in cancer outcomes.

Renasant Bank is a major supporter of GAABC, both in corporately donated funds and employee donations and participation in the walk.

To learn more about GAABC and the 2-Day Walk, go to the GAABC Website.

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

With over 790 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 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.

Exploring Concierge Medicine, with Kathleen Elmiger, PartnerMD

September 16, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Exploring Concierge Medicine, with Kathleen Elmiger, PartnerMD

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Exploring Concierge Medicine, with Kathleen Elmiger, PartnerMD (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 801)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray interviews Kathleen Elmiger, Membership and Business Development Officer at PartnerMD. Kathleen explains the benefits and workings of PartnerMD, a concierge medical practice based in Sandy Springs. The conversation covers a range of topics, including the difference between traditional primary care and concierge medicine, the value of personalized health care, membership benefits, and the role of insurance. They also discuss the unique executive health services offered by PartnerMD, aimed at improving workplace wellness. The show emphasizes the importance of personalized medical care and its positive impact on patients’ lives.

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.

Kathleen Elmiger, PartnerMD

Kathleen Elmiger’s role at PartnerMD is with Membership and Business Development.

She helps those who are looking for a better and more personalized primary care experience by matching their needs with a PartnerMD physician. Additionally, she helps companies with their executive health programs by personalizing executive physicals and health education for their leadership team members.

Her career path has always been centered around helping others in both the healthcare and hospitality industries, with an understanding that the two go hand in hand. Kathleen has a diverse background in direct patient care and advocacy, medical sales and prevention, and hospitality and program management. She is committed to building trust, strong relationships, and improving lives through better health in all populations.

PartnerMD

PartnerMD is a concierge medical practice that provides personalized primary care services across several states, including Maryland, Virginia, South Carolina, and Georgia. Established in 2003 and headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, PartnerMD operates with a membership model that allows patients to receive enhanced medical care tailored to their individual needs.

The practice emphasizes preventative care, offering customizable executive health programs designed for companies to support their employees’ well-being. By maintaining a lower patient-to-doctor ratio, PartnerMD enables its physicians to cultivate deeper relationships with their patients, ensuring more attentive and thorough care.

Membership at PartnerMD includes benefits such as extended appointment times, direct access to physicians, and a variety of wellness services.

In addition to primary care, PartnerMD provides access to wellness courses and health coaching, aiming to empower patients in managing their health proactively. The organization is committed to redefining the healthcare experience, focusing on both the physical and emotional aspects of patient care.

PartnerMD’s North Fulton location is at 755 Mt. Vernon Highway, Suite 110, Sandy Springs, GA 30328.

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | X (Twitter)

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
01:30 Introducing Kathleen Elmiger and PartnerMD
04:23 Understanding Concierge Medicine and Executive Health
06:35 Challenges in Traditional Primary Care
08:57 Benefits of PartnerMD’s Concierge Medicine
15:26 Affordability and Insurance Aspects
18:43 Patient Experience and Continuity of Care
27:05 Contact Information and Closing Remarks
28:20 Supporting the Georgia Alliance for Breast Cancer
30:25 Final Thoughts and Thank You

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

Renasant Bank supports the Georgia Alliance for Breast Cancer

GAABC’s mission is to engage with Georgia’s breast cancer community to increase access to care and reduce disparities in cancer outcomes.

Renasant Bank is a major supporter of GAABC, both in corporately donated funds and employee donations and participation in the walk.

To learn more about GAABC and the 2-Day Walk, go to the GAABC Website.

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.

Desiree Caldwell, Elite HR Logistics, Jason Etheridge, Logic Speak, and Sean Shannon, Strategic Growth Design

September 12, 2024 by John Ray

Desiree Caldwell, Elite HR Logistics, Inc., Jason Etheridge, LogicSpeak, and Sean Shannon, Strategic Growth Design, on ProfitSense with host Bill McDermott

North Fulton Studio

Desiree Caldwell, Elite HR Logistics, Jason Etheridge, Logic Speak, and Sean Shannon, Strategic Growth Design

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Desiree Caldwell, Elite HR Logistics, Jason Etheridge, Logic Speak, and Sean Shannon, Strategic Growth Design (ProfitSense with Bill McDermott, Episode 61)

This episode of ProfitSense with host Bill McDermott features three distinguished entrepreneurs who share their expertise in navigating various complexities of managing a business. Desiree Caldwell from Elite HR Logistics discusses modern HR challenges, employee engagement, and the role of technology in streamlining HR processes. Jason Etheridge, Logic Speak, reveals key moments from his 20-year journey in the IT service industry, covering topics such as financial growth, acquisition, and managing technological change. Lastly, Sean Shannon from Strategic Growth Design elaborates on the critical components of a successful sales strategy, the importance of aligning sales and marketing, and the nuances of sales leadership.

Bill McDermott concludes the show with a commentary on going beyond exit planning as a buzzword.

ProfitSense with Bill McDermott is sponsored and presented by Bill McDermott, The Profitability Coach, and the show is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton Studio of Business RadioX® in Alpharetta.

Desiree Caldwell, Elite HR Logistics, Inc.

Desiree Caldwell, Director of People & Culture / President, Elite HR Logistics, on ProfitSense with Host Bill McDermott — **Desiree Caldwell, President and Director of People & Culture, Elite HR Logistics, Inc.**

Desiree Caldwell is President and Director of People & Culture at Elite HR Logistics, Inc.

Elite HR Logistics is dedicated to providing exceptional hiring and staffing solutions to keep businesses running smoothly. Founded on the principle of putting people and family first, Elite HR Logistics delivers outstanding service through a flexible and comprehensive approach, ensuring teams are equipped with professionals who are ready to perform at their best.

Specializing in finding dedicated candidates who are passionate, eager to contribute, and ready to grow, Elite HR Logistics leverages over 30 years of combined experience in the logistics industry. The company excels in safety, service, and building strong relationships, making it a trusted partner in workforce management.

Elite HR Logistics’ streamlined process saves clients time, money, and resources, allowing them to focus on their core business operations without interruption. The company manages all aspects of the hiring process, including recruiting, dispatch, payroll, education verification, background checks, DOT compliance, and more. Whether clients need temp-to-hire industrial employees or long-term team members, Elite HR Logistics provides hands-on service and industry expertise to meet all staffing needs.

With a unique ability to find talent where others aren’t looking, Elite HR Logistics equips candidates with the tools they need to succeed and places them with reputable businesses across the United States. Committed to helping clients build strong, adaptable workforces, Elite HR Logistics is the partner of choice for driving business success. The road to success starts with Elite HR Logistics.

Jason Etheridge, Logic Speak

Jason Etheridge is the Founder and President of Logic Speak

Logic Speak works with local Atlanta businesses to provide proactive Technology Strategy, Support and Security. Since 2004, Logic Speak has focused on making a positive impact on organizations to leverage technology better.

IT Strategy: A well-defined technology strategy is essential for aligning IT initiatives with business goals. It involves identifying the right technologies that can drive innovation, enhance productivity, and improve operational efficiency. By developing a clear roadmap, you can ensure that your technology investments are strategic and yield long-term benefits.

Support: Effective technology support is crucial for maintaining a productive workforce. It involves providing timely assistance and troubleshooting for IT-related issues. This can range from software and hardware support to network and infrastructure management. By ensuring that employees have access to reliable support services, you can minimize downtime and maximize productivity.

Security: Security is paramount in today’s digital world, especially with the rise of cyber threats. A strong security strategy involves implementing measures to protect sensitive data and systems from unauthorized access, breaches, and other security risks. This includes deploying firewalls, encryption, multi-factor authentication, and regular security audits.

Find out more at www.logicspeak.com or email us at hello@logicspeak.com

Website | LinkedIn | Jason’s LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

Sean Shannon, Strategic Growth Design

Sean Shannon, President, Strategic Growth Design, on ProfitSense with Bill McDermott — **Sean Shannon, President, Strategic Growth Design**

Sean Shannon is the President of Strategic Growth Design.

Strategic Growth Design helps small and medium sized businesses and start ups chart a path to sustainable growth through thoughtful strategy and disciplined processes. Sales is the engine that drives growth and yet little thought is given to the infrastructure that’s necessary to create repeatable success.

SGD offers business owners and CEOs the opportunity to engage on a project basis or as fractional sales leadership, all driven by the needs of the organization. Some simply need the processes; others need the leadership only years of experience can bring on an interim basis. The pros at Strategic Growth Design are ready to roll their sleeves up and get to work driving revenue north and mental anguish south.

Website | LinkedIn

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction to Profit Sense
01:20 Guest Introduction: Desiree Caldwell of Elite HR Logistics
01:40 Navigating Modern HR Challenges
02:52 Employee Engagement and Retention Strategies
04:50 The Role of Technology in HR
05:52 Success Stories from Elite HR
07:32 Fostering Healthy Workplace Cultures
09:36 Guest Introduction: Jason Etheridge of Logic Speak
10:05 Pivotal Moments in LogicSpeak’s Journey
11:35 Managing Financial Growth
14:45 Adapting to Technological Changes
18:00 Sales Strategies and Community Service
22:46 Guest Introduction: Sean Shannon of Strategic Growth Design
23:07 Key Elements of a Successful Sales Strategy
26:58 Aligning Sales and Marketing
28:32 Compensation Design for Sales Teams
30:59 Responding to Market Disruption
34:44 The Importance of Exit Planning
36:37 Conclusion and How to Stay Connected

About ProfitSense and Your Host, Bill McDermott

ProfitSense with Bill McDermott dives into the stories behind some of Atlanta’s successful businesses and business owners and the professionals that advise them. This show helps local business leaders get the word out about the important work they’re doing to serve their market, their community, and their profession.

Follow this link to find the show archive.

The show is presented by The Profitability Coach. The Profitability Coach helps business owners improve cash flow and profitability, find financing, break through barriers to expansion, and financially prepare to exit their business.

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

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

Connect with Bill on LinkedIn and Instagram and follow The Profitability Coach on LinkedIn.

Do You Really Know Your Competition?

September 11, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

Do You Really Know Your Competition?

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Do You Really Know Your Competition? (The Price and Value Journey, Episode 113)

In this episode of The Price and Value Journey, host John Ray delves into the concept of understanding your competition from a unique perspective. He challenges common assumptions about competitors and highlights how they can be hidden in unexpected places, ranging from DIY solutions to client procrastination and unexpected market influences. John uses real-world examples from various industries to illustrate his points and emphasizes the importance of recognizing these hidden competitors. Additionally, he explains how this understanding can be leveraged to improve pricing strategies and ultimately enhance the perceived value of services.

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

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction to The Price and Value Journey
00:25 Understanding Hidden Competition
00:43 Examples of Unexpected Competitors
02:19 The Importance of Recognizing Hidden Competitors
02:44 Strategies to Shift Perceived Value
03:47 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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

What is Profitability?, with Bill McDermott, Host of ProfitSense

September 9, 2024 by John Ray

What is Profitability? with Bill McDermott, The Profitability Coach

North Fulton Studio

What is Profitability?, with Bill McDermott, Host of ProfitSense

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What is Profitability?, with Bill McDermott, Host of ProfitSense

In this commentary from a recent episode of ProfitSense, Bill McDermott, The Profitability Coach, defines profitability and discusses the dynamics behind it.

Bill’s commentary was taken from this episode of ProfitSense.

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

Transcript

I want to take a moment and share with our listeners the question, what is profitability anyway? Today, I’d like to talk about profitability being the profitability coach. That’s a word we throw out a lot, but what exactly is profitability? Simply stated, profitability is how efficiently a company makes a profit.

A high gross or net margin shows a company is highly efficient in profitability. A low gross or net margin is highly inefficient in profitability. However, there are industry norms which can also dictate profitability. Service businesses usually make. Higher margins manufacturers typically lower. And the primary reason is manufacturers typically are more asset intensive than a service businesses are.

So how does a company increase profitability? Revenue, often called the top line, is the total income generated from the sale of goods or services. Increasing revenue is crucial for success and can often be done through things like developing a marketing strategy and diversifying offerings. It’s also important to manage costs effectively.

Costs are expenses incurred in running a business, including products and materials, labor, rent, utilities, and marketing expenses. Understanding the difference between fixed costs, expenses that remain constant regardless of production levels, like rent, and variable costs, expenses that vary with production, like ingredients, can help business owners make informed decisions to maximize profitability.

Try keeping fixed costs low and efficient as well as managing variable costs. With a solid understanding of profitability, success is within reach. How are you doing with your profitability?

About ProfitSense and Your Host, Bill McDermott

Follow this link to find the show archive.

Connect with Bill on LinkedIn and Instagram and follow The Profitability Coach on LinkedIn.

What Do After Loss Professionals Do?, with Rachel Donnelly, AfterLight

September 9, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

What Do After Loss Professionals Do?, with Rachel Donnelly, AfterLight

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What Do After Loss Professionals Do?, with Rachel Donnelly, AfterLight

Rachel Donnelly: One of the things that people have to do when they become an executor is put together the process of how they’re going to attack it.

And we come in and help them to really get organized, do an audit and inventory of their loved one’s assets and debts, put together a spreadsheet because that is the biggest part of being an executor, is getting organized from the beginning. And one of the mistakes that I made in being an executor, so I’ve taken the mistakes I’ve made, the mistakes I see executors make and reverse engineer that into a proven process that we utilize over and over again.

Every client engagement is customized. Every client engagement is different, but we have that framework that we work with clients to do over and over again. Okay, let’s put together the scaffolding of your loved one’s affairs from, like I said, their assets and debts to the intangible assets, their photos that may be behind a username and password at a Google Drive, or what did they want to have happen to their Facebook account?

So we do a very detailed inventory and then systematically. And then we work alongside them per the wishes of the will, or the sort of laundry list the estate attorney has given them and say, okay, let’s follow along with that. Let’s close, transfer, archive, according to that laundry list. And then, there are always sort of other duties as assigned that come up that we help them to brainstorm and figure out what to do with mom’s Hummel figurine collection.

Getting the house cleaned out, we can help do that. So we’re very full service in taking each aspect of a loved one’s life and figuring out, how do we close that down and protect and safeguard that?

Listen to Rachel’s full ProfitSense with Bill McDermott interview here.

Rachel Donnelly, AfterLight

Rachel Donnelly is the Founder and CEO of AfterLight.

AfterLight is on a mission to help the living deal with dying, fostering lighter hearts and lighter loads. The company assists clients in managing the unavoidable administrative tasks associated with after loss and legacy planning.

Whether you’re facing an unexpected loss or want to prepare your legacy so your family can grieve in peace and settle your affairs with ease, AfterLight is the answer to your overwhelm.

Connect with Rachel and AfterLight: Rachel’s LinkedIn |Website | Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)

The “One Minute Interview” series is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® in Alpharetta. You can find the full archive of shows by following this link.

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

Does God Care About YOUR Business with Author Ric Grove

September 5, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

Does God Care About YOUR Business with Author Ric Grove

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Does God Care About YOUR Business with Author Ric Grove (Organization Conversation, Episode 61)

In this unique episode of Organization Conversation, host Richard Grove welcomes his father, Ric, to discuss the intersection of business and faith. Ric, who has over 30 years of experience in both business management and Bible study, shares insights from his book Does God Care About YOUR Business? The conversation delves into the significance of maintaining one’s relationship with God while pursuing business success. Drawing from personal anecdotes and scripture, Rick explains how business ambitions should not come at the expense of spiritual commitments. He emphasizes that while God does not micromanage business outcomes, the principles and values upheld during business operations are of utmost importance. The episode offers thought-provoking reflections for anyone grappling with how to integrate their faith into their life as a business owner.

Organization Conversation is sponsored by Wall Control. The show is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.

Ric Grove, Dekalb Tool & Die and Author, Does God Care About YOUR Business?

**Ric Grove, Author, Does God Care About YOUR Business?**

Ric Grove is the CEO of Dekalb Tool & Die and author of the newly-released book, Does God Care About YOUR Business?

Established in 1968, Dekalb Tool & Die, Inc. is the sister company of Wall Control Storage Systems. DeKalb Tool & Die specializes in crafting, repairing, and innovating a diverse array of metalworking tools. Whether it’s progressive dies, transfer dies, draw dies, or single hit tooling, they possess the expertise and resources to meet your needs. From CAD design to timely delivery, they ensure comprehensive tooling service.

Beyond their design and build capabilities, they excel as a competitive source for quality metal stampings. With presses ranging from 60 to 1800 tons and coil feed capability up to 60″ wide, their versatility enables them to produce a wide range of stamped metal parts.

Recognized for exceptional customer service and on-time deliveries, they were recently honored with Blue Bird Corporation’s Global Supplier of the Year award. While they take pride in their state-of-the-art equipment and technologies, it’s their skilled employees who remain their most valuable asset.

They invite you to experience their facility firsthand with a personal tour when you’re in the Atlanta area. As you explore their capabilities on their website, they’re ready to address any inquiries and provide assistance. They eagerly anticipate the opportunity to quote on your tooling and metal stamping needs, offering competitive prices and unwavering honesty in their business transactions.

Dekalb Tool and Die values the chance to introduce you to their company and demonstrate their commitment to excellence.

Website | Instagram

About Organization Conversation

Organization Conversation is hosted by Richard Grove and broadcast and produced from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®. 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, Amazon, iHeart Radio, and others.

Richard Grove, Wall Control

**Richard Grove, COO, Wall Control, Small Business Consultant, and Host of Organization Conversation**

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

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

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

Outside of Richard’s work at Wall Control, he enjoys helping other business owners, operators, and entrepreneurs along their own paths to success by offering personal business coaching and advice through his website, ConsultantSmallBusiness.com. Richard has developed an expansive and unique skillset, growing and scaling Wall Control through a multitude of challenges to become the successful brand and company it is today. Richard is happy to share his knowledge and experience with others who are looking to do the same within their own businesses.

Connect with Richard: Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn | Richard’s Website

Mortgage Solutions for Homebuyers, with Geoff Smith, Assurance Financial (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 803)

Geoff Smith, Roswell, GA Branch Manager and Loan Officer, Assurance Financial

Assurance Financial

Topics Discussed in this Episode

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

Renasant Bank supports the Georgia Alliance for Breast Cancer

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

Middle Income Housing Needs in Metro Atlanta, with Kristin Allin, Atlanta Regional Commission (North Fulton Voices, Episode 4)

Kristin Allin, Atlanta Regional Commission

Atlanta Regional Commission

Topics Discussed in this Episode

North Fulton Improvement Network

Jack Murphy

Nancy Diamond

About North Fulton Voices

Sponsor for North Fulton Voices: John Ray and Business RadioX – North Fulton

Mastering Business Communications, with Pamela DeRitis, Connect and Captivate (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 802)

Pamela DeRitis, Connect and Captivate

Topics Discussed in this Episode

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

Renasant Bank supports the Georgia Alliance for Breast Cancer

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

Exploring Concierge Medicine, with Kathleen Elmiger, PartnerMD (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 801)

Kathleen Elmiger, PartnerMD

PartnerMD

Topics Discussed in this Episode

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

Renasant Bank supports the Georgia Alliance for Breast Cancer

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

Desiree Caldwell, Elite HR Logistics, Jason Etheridge, Logic Speak, and Sean Shannon, Strategic Growth Design (ProfitSense with Bill McDermott, Episode 61)

Desiree Caldwell, Elite HR Logistics, Inc.

Jason Etheridge, Logic Speak

Sean Shannon, Strategic Growth Design

Topics Discussed in this Episode

About ProfitSense and Your Host, Bill McDermott

Do You Really Know Your Competition? (The Price and Value Journey, Episode 113)

Topics Discussed in this Episode

About The Price and Value Journey

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

Connect with John Ray:

What is Profitability?, with Bill McDermott, Host of ProfitSense

Transcript

About ProfitSense and Your Host, Bill McDermott

What Do After Loss Professionals Do?, with Rachel Donnelly, AfterLight

Rachel Donnelly, AfterLight

Does God Care About YOUR Business with Author Ric Grove (Organization Conversation, Episode 61)

Ric Grove, Dekalb Tool & Die and Author, Does God Care About YOUR Business?

About Organization Conversation

Richard Grove, Wall Control

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