Rose, Author at Business RadioX ® Page

Connect with Beau Henderson:

https://www.facebook.com/Hopewell-Farms-GA-105614501707618/

This Segment Is Brought To You By Our Amazing Sponsors

Hopewell Farms GA

Roundtable Advisors

RichLife Advisors

Cadence Bank

Highlights of the Show:

00:31 – 02:39
Phil introduces JD Mealor and Bryan Scott, highlighting their expertise in banking and business systems.

03:27 – 05:22
JD and Phil discuss why accurate, timely financial statements are vital for both banks and business leaders.

05:22 – 07:39
Bryan shares how even small service businesses can triple growth with basic systems like billing and scheduling.

09:00 – 10:05
Phil explains that most businesses don’t lack effort—they lack fixed systems. “Flying by the seat of your pants” won’t scale.

12:54 – 13:33
The hosts praise local restaurant Big Burrito as an example of operational consistency—and wonder if they use systems, too.

16:35 – 18:01
Phil shares a powerful story about using QR codes and checklists to systemize heavy equipment maintenance.

20:26 – 22:21
Phil uses his family’s pancake-making to illustrate how the right person in the right role is key to effective systems.

25:53 – 28:25
JD discusses how banking systems differ by market, and the challenge of recruiting the next generation of bankers.

28:25 – 30:08
Phil and JD talk about using AI to eliminate data entry and free up time for high-value work.

31:22 – 33:37
Phil admits to struggling with control in his own business—and how letting go improved performance and team ownership.

34:34 – 37:26
Bryan talks about normalizing coaching and giving timely, honest feedback to avoid passive-aggressive behavior in leadership.

JD Mealor – Cadence Bank | Banking Fraud Prevention & Leadership

November 3, 2025 by Rose

North Georgia Business Radio

JD Mealor - Cadence Bank | Banking Fraud Prevention & Leadership

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How Fraudsters Target North Georgia Businesses (And How to Stop Them)

How to Protect Your North Georgia Business from Banking Fraud: Expert Insights from Cadence Bank

Banking fraud is targeting small businesses across North Georgia at alarming rates, and criminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their tactics. In a recent episode of North Georgia Business Radio, JD Mealor from Cadence Bank joined host Phil Bonelli to share critical fraud prevention strategies that every business owner needs to know.

Understanding How Banking Fraudsters Operate

According to Mealor, banking fraud criminals don’t work randomly—they operate strategically in waves. These fraudsters target specific banks, geographies, and vulnerable businesses, particularly those that have recently undergone mergers or experienced organizational changes when security awareness may be lower.

“The fraudsters, the criminals, the people that wake up every morning, put on their work clothes and go to an office to commit crimes—they actually target different geographies and different banks from time to time,” Mealor explained during the interview. This systematic approach makes fraud prevention an ongoing concern rather than a one-time worry for business leaders.

The Phone Call Scam Targeting Business Owners

One of the most prevalent banking fraud tactics involves fraudsters calling businesses and impersonating bank representatives. These criminals use caller ID spoofing to make it appear they’re calling from legitimate financial institutions. They sound professional, know details about your bank’s systems, and create urgent scenarios requiring immediate action.

The key to their success? Getting business owners to voluntarily provide login credentials, usernames, and passwords.

The One Rule That Stops Banking Fraud 100% of the Time

Mealor emphasized a critical fraud prevention rule that every business owner must follow: “Never, for one second, give out your user ID, password, credentials, or anything to anyone on the phone that asks for it.”

Banks already have access to customer information and will never request login credentials over the phone. If someone calls asking for this information—regardless of how legitimate they sound or what the caller ID displays—they are criminals attempting to access your business accounts.

“Banks have the information. They don’t need to call and ask you for that,” Bonelli reinforced during the discussion. This simple awareness can protect businesses from devastating financial losses.

Who Else Is at Risk?

While business owners face significant fraud threats, Mealor also highlighted other vulnerable populations in North Georgia communities. Criminals often target recently retired individuals, people who have lost loved ones (monitoring obituaries for potential victims), and anyone unfamiliar with managing finances independently.

The banking expert urged listeners to share fraud prevention information with elderly family members and vulnerable individuals who may not recognize sophisticated scam tactics.

Beyond Fraud: Leadership Lessons for Business Growth

The conversation also explored essential leadership principles for business success. Mealor shared his belief that “self-awareness is a superpower” for business leaders, explaining that understanding your strengths, weaknesses, and impact on others enables more effective leadership.

Both Bonelli and Mealor discussed the importance of operating in your “highest and best use” by building teams that complement your skills. Rather than viewing additional staff as expenses, successful business owners recognize team members as investments that multiply impact and efficiency.

For solopreneurs or small business owners, this might mean hiring virtual assistants, using fractional CFO services, or partnering with back-office support companies to handle administrative tasks while focusing on revenue-generating activities.

Protecting Your North Georgia Business

Banking systems remain secure, with institutions like Cadence Bank investing millions in security infrastructure. However, business owners must remain vigilant and never compromise their login credentials. Share fraud prevention education throughout your organization and with family members to create a strong defense against increasingly sophisticated criminal tactics.

This Segment Is Brought To You By Our Amazing Sponsors

Hopewell Farms GA

Roundtable Advisors

RichLife Advisors

Cadence Bank

Highlights of the Show:

Introduction [0:07 – 1:33] Phil Bonelli introduces the episode focus on banking fraud prevention and welcomes frequent guest JD Mealor from Cadence Bank. Discussion of how much time banking leaders spend focused on fraud protection.

How Fraudsters Operate in Waves [1:33 – 3:20] JD explains how criminals systematically target specific banks and geographies, particularly after mergers. Key insight: fraudsters “wake up every morning, put on their work clothes and go to an office to commit crimes.”

The Critical Phone Call Scam Warning [3:20 – 8:10] In-depth explanation of how fraudsters impersonate banks via phone calls. THE ONE RULE: Never give out user ID, password, or credentials to anyone who calls—EVER. Banks already have your information and will never ask for it.

Protecting Vulnerable Populations [3:40 – 6:35] Discussion of how criminals target retired individuals, people who’ve lost loved ones (monitoring obituaries), and anyone new to managing finances. JD shares personal story about fraudsters threatening his mother.

Why Banking Systems Are Safe But You Might Not Be [6:35 – 8:10] Explanation that criminals don’t infiltrate bank systems—they trick people into giving away access. The banking system itself is secure; users who share credentials become the vulnerability.

Caller ID Spoofing and Social Engineering [8:10 – 10:45] How fraudsters make calls appear legitimate and use information they’ve gathered to sound convincing. Discussion of why these tactics work on even sophisticated business owners.

Who Fraudsters Target and When [10:45 – 15:30] Detailed breakdown of timing and targeting strategies, including vulnerable moments like after a death in the family, during busy seasons, or when businesses are distracted.

Real-World Fraud Examples and Case Studies [15:30 – 22:00] JD shares specific examples of fraud attempts against clients, reinforcing the importance of remaining vigilant at all times. Discussion of how criminals gather information and build credibility.

Transitioning to Leadership Discussion [22:00 – 32:43] Lighter conversation including restaurant reviews and weight loss maintenance, leading into deeper leadership principles. Natural transition from security awareness to self-awareness.

Self-Awareness as a Superpower [32:43 – 35:00] JD breaks down why self-awareness is critical for business leadership. Understanding how you show up in rooms, recognizing your impact on others, and building relationships requires awareness beyond yourself.

Phil’s Revelation About Highest and Best Use [35:00 – 37:34] Phil shares his realization that meeting-heavy days energized him while desk work created anxiety. The solution: hire team members to handle administrative tasks so he can operate in his zone of genius.

Building Teams Around Your Strengths [37:34 – 39:39] Discussion of how to structure teams to support your highest value activities. JD provides practical examples for solopreneurs and trades businesses about delegating administrative work.

The Investment vs. Expense Mindset [38:31 – 39:39] Critical mindset shift: viewing team members as investments that multiply your efficiency and revenue rather than as expenses that reduce profit.

Closing Remarks and Resources [39:39 – 40:16] Phil thanks JD for his friendship and contributions to North Georgia businesses. Mentions resources including Round Table Advisors (fractional CFO), Rivet (back-office support), and Cadence Bank team members Julie Taylor and Mary Andrews.

Mishelle Orrego – Synchronize (app)

October 27, 2025 by Rose

North Georgia Business Radio

Mishelle Orrego - Synchronize (app)

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How a 22-Year-Old UGA Graduate Built a Mentorship App and Landed 4 Job Offers with One Strategic Move

Mishelle Orrego is rewriting the playbook for Gen Z entrepreneurship—and her story will inspire anyone looking to stand out in today’s competitive job market.

At just 22 years old, Mishelle Orrego has already accomplished what most people take decades to achieve. As the youngest guest ever featured on North Georgia Business Radio, this recent University of Georgia graduate with a degree in computer science and artificial intelligence is proving that strategic thinking and relentless execution trump traditional career paths every single time.

From High School Founder to Google Scholar

Mishelle didn’t wait for graduation to start making her mark. During her junior year of high school, she founded Synchronize, an innovative app that pairs K-12 students with college mentors from their exact geographic area and target schools. Think of it as “Uber for college mentorship”—connecting students who lack guidance with mentors who’ve already walked the path they want to follow.

“A lot of K through 12 students want to go to college, but they don’t have that older brother or sister guidance,” Mishelle explained during her interview with host Phil Bonelli. Her solution? A geographically-based platform that matches students with mentors who attended their same high school and now attend their dream college.

The Strategy That Changed Everything

While balancing her startup with her UGA computer science studies, Mishelle made a decision that would set her apart from every other CS graduate: she skipped the computer science job fair entirely.

Instead, she attended a finance-exclusive job fair in Florida—paid for by Google after she became the first and only person in the Southeast to receive two Google scholarships in 2023. The result? Four job offers, simply because she was the only computer science major in a sea of finance candidates.

“It’s all about positioning,” Mishelle shared. “Everyone there is finance, business, economics—I’m computer science, so it makes it very easy for me to stand out.”

YouTube Star Since Age 14

Before she was building AI applications, Mishelle was building an audience. Since age 14, she’s been creating content on YouTube and TikTok, amassing hundreds of thousands of views monthly. From funny skits to automotive content, she’s mastered the art of digital storytelling—skills that translate directly to entrepreneurship.

But here’s what makes Mishelle different: she never attended a single UGA football game, even during the Bulldogs’ back-to-back national championship runs.

“If you want to be like everyone else, then do what everyone else is doing,” she said. “But if you want to set yourself apart, especially to run your own business, you have to have a lot of accountability in yourself.”

The Next Chapter: Giving Back

Mishelle’s next big goal? Starting a scholarship foundation for low-income and first-generation students who don’t see education as an accessible option. As someone who taught herself Python through YouTube videos, she understands that opportunity doesn’t always come knocking—sometimes you have to build your own door.

“You have to open your own doors,” Mishelle emphasized. “No one is going to create opportunity for you. If you want something, you have to chase it with everything you’ve got.”

Connect with Mishelle

https://synchronizetutoring.com/

https://linktr.ee/mishelleoregano

Connect with Phil Bonelli:

Connect with Beau Henderson:

https://thepositiveimpact.org/contact

This Segment Is Brought To You By Our Amazing Sponsors

Hopewell Farms GA

Roundtable Advisors

RichLife Advisors

Cadence Bank

Highlights of the Show:

0:30 – Phil introduces the episode and previews why this 22-year-old guest is so special

1:18 – Mishelle confirms she’s the youngest guest ever on North Georgia Business Radio (22, not 23!)

2:15 – Discussion of UGA’s back-to-back national championships during her time as a student

2:40 – Mishelle explains Synchronize: her app that pairs K-12 students with perfect college mentors

3:25 – How the Synchronize app works (Uber-style model, geographically based matching)

5:05 – The shocking revelation: Mishelle never attended a single UGA football game

5:45 – How she found like-minded entrepreneurial friends at UGA who supported her journey

8:00 – Building in public: Why Mishelle shares her journey on social media despite the haters

12:15 – The importance of staying curious and continuously learning

14:30 – Discussion of AI tools and how Mishelle uses them in her daily work

18:45 – Why she chose computer science and her passion for AI

22:30 – How she balances her full-time job with running her business

25:00 – Mishelle’s YouTube journey since age 14 and building her content creator brand

32:01 – Entering the competitive job market as a recent UGA graduate

34:00 – THE GAME CHANGER: How she skipped the CS job fair and went to the finance fair instead, landing 4 offers

35:04 – Phil’s take: Why doing things outside the classroom matters more than perfect grades

36:53 – Where does Mishelle see herself at 32? Her unique perspective on goal-setting

37:55 – Current goals: Starting a scholarship foundation for low-income students

38:46 – Shoutout to Mishelle’s mom Raquel and the importance of giving back

40:15 – FINAL WISDOM: “You have to open your own doors. No one is going to create opportunity for you.”

Tami Wilder – Positive Impact International

October 20, 2025 by Rose

North Georgia Business Radio

Tami Wilder - Positive Impact International

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Empowering Youth with Safe Places and Second Chances: Tami Wilder’s Mission with Positive Impact International

During this episode of North Georgia Business Radio, host Phil Bonelli sits down with Tami Wilder, Executive Director of Positive Impact International, to spotlight the transformative work her organization is doing across Georgia and beyond. With deep roots in community service and a mission to protect and empower underserved youth, Tami’s journey is a powerful blend of leadership, compassion, and unshakable resolve.

Founded 13 years ago by Tami and her mother, Positive Impact International began with after-school programs and expanded into emergency youth housing. When National Safe Place reached out about Gwinnett County’s lack of an emergency youth shelter, Tami said yes—without hesitation. That leap of faith led to a network of safe homes for youth ages 12–21, serving counties all the way to the South Carolina border.

Unlike traditional shelters, their model offers warmth and stability—a home, not an institution. Through partnerships with businesses like QuikTrip, any youth in crisis can walk into a safe place, say “I need a safe place,” and be connected with Tami’s team in minutes.

Tami, a foster parent herself and a long-time trainer for therapeutic foster families, brings a unique perspective to her work. She’s a certified TBRI (Trust-Based Relational Intervention) practitioner, focusing on building deep trust as the foundation for transformation—not just with youth, but also her staff.

Beyond the current impact, Tami is dreaming big: a tiny home village for young adults aged 18–22 aging out of care, and “The Royal-Tea Cup,” a British-style tea house that would double as a workforce training center and social enterprise.

Listeners will be inspired by Tami’s unrelenting focus on gratitude, her musical flair as part of the band Twisted Royalty, and her grounded, no-nonsense approach to making a real difference.

If you’re looking to support an organization making a life-changing impact for our community’s most vulnerable, visit thepositiveimpact.org and consider donating or getting involved.

Connect with Tami and the Positive Impact International Team

Connect with Phil Bonelli:

https://www.facebook.com/Hopewell-Farms-GA-105614501707618/

Connect with Beau Henderson:

https://www.facebook.com/p/Grinola-61566426153102/

This Segment Is Brought To You By Our Amazing Sponsors

Hopewell Farms GA

Roundtable Advisors

RichLife Advisors

Cadence Bank

Highlights of the Show:

00:30 – 01:24
Host Phil Benelli introduces guest Tami Wilder and her dynamic role as Executive Director of Positive Impact International.

01:33 – 03:22
Tami shares how she and her mother launched the nonprofit and evolved into a certified emergency youth shelter with a unique “home-like” model.

03:59 – 04:19
The importance of Safe Place partnerships with QuikTrip and local businesses to provide immediate refuge for youth in crisis.

05:29 – 06:48
Tami’s 17-year journey training foster parents for the state of Georgia and how that prepared her for running the shelter.

08:11 – 09:47
How Tami uses trust-building (via TBRI certification) to connect with youth and lead effectively—starting with her own team.

13:43 – 15:21
Real-life scenarios of youth in need—from grandparents evicted to teens in unsafe homes—and how Positive Impact responds.

17:11 – 17:43
Balancing care for new arrivals with the safety and success of current residents, especially when youth have violent histories.

21:32 – 23:59
Tami’s vision: a tiny home community for young adults aging out of care and a British tea house for workforce development.

26:23 – 26:56
A call to action: $1.2M could fund housing for 20+ youth—and donors get “free tea for life” at the future Royal-Tea Cup.

27:43 – 28:42
Tami’s secret to staying upbeat and resilient? Daily gratitude and an incredible support team.

31:45 – 32:09
Surprise twist—Tami is also a singer in a funk-soul band, Twisted Royalty, and music plays a big role in her joyful outlook.

Grinola – Scott Jones

October 13, 2025 by Rose

North Georgia Business Radio

Grinola - Scott Jones

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Grinola: Faith, Family & Crunchy Dreams with Scott Jones

In this episode of North Georgia Business Radio, host Phil Bonelli goes full-on crunchy as he welcomes Scott Jones, founder of Grinola, a handcrafted granola company born in the hills of White County, Georgia. With a bag of almond cranberry Grinola in hand, Phil dives into a conversation that’s equal parts business insight, family legacy, and faithful entrepreneurship.

What started eight years ago as a simple homemade recipe inspired by Scott’s wife’s radiant smile has grown into a thriving small business. The name “Grinola”—a clever twist on granola and “grin”—sums it up perfectly: this brand is something to smile about.

Scott shares how he refined the all-natural recipe, removed excess sugar, and crafted a unique, crunchy granola bar that quickly won fans at local farmers markets and beyond. But it wasn’t just about perfecting a recipe. For Scott, launching Grinola was also a spiritual calling. He candidly shares how letting go of personal idols and aligning his life with God’s will cleared the path for the business to thrive.

From cottage food licenses to battling for a national trademark, Scott details the hurdles he’s overcome and the legal grit it took to secure his beloved brand name. He credits AI tools for helping him draft a 20-page opposition to a trademark claim—David versus Goliath style—and win.

Grinola’s growth has been steady and intentional. They now operate with a Food Sales Establishment License, use a commercial kitchen in Clayton, and are stocked in local favorites like Green’s Grocery, Mountain Fresh Creamery, Gourmet Goodies in Cleveland, and Betty’s Country Store in Helen. Customers also order nationwide from their website, grinola.shop.

But what really sets Grinola apart? Family. Scott’s daughters help with production and even run their own micro-businesses. His wife, an entrepreneur herself, contributes while running her own nursing agency. They’re building a legacy of hard work, integrity, and joyful living.

The show is filled with laughter, delicious granola, and reminders that success isn’t just profit margins—it’s loving what you do, who you do it with, and why you’re doing it.

Whether you’re an aspiring food entrepreneur, a lover of small-town grit, or just want to know where to get the best granola in Georgia, this episode is for you.

Find Grinola in stores across North Georgia or order online at grinola.shop. One taste and you’ll be grinning too.

Connect with Grinola and Scott:

Shop Grinola

Connect with Phil Bonelli:

https://www.facebook.com/Hopewell-Farms-GA-105614501707618/

Connect with Beau Henderson:

https://www.instagram.com/blackjackcoffeeGVL

This Segment Is Brought To You By Our Amazing Sponsors

Hopewell Farms GA

Roundtable Advisors

RichLife Advisors

Cadence Bank

Highlights of the Show:

00:31 – 01:32
Phil introduces Scott Jones of Grinola and samples the almond cranberry flavor live on-air.

01:43 – 04:56
Scott shares the origin of Grinola, his wife’s smile, and his spiritual journey that launched the business.

08:24 – 09:23
How Scott moved from cottage food license to a full Food Sales Establishment License and commercial kitchen use.

11:11 – 14:09
The story behind securing the Grinola trademark and how he beat out a big firm with grit and AI.

16:39 – 18:20
Scott talks flavor favorites like pecan blueberry and the labor of love behind cherry chopping.

20:04 – 22:18
Retail partners and supporters from Gainesville to Helen, including Gourmet Goodies and Betty’s Country Store.

24:50 – 25:41
Grinola’s future: packaging upgrades, scaling production, and staying true to the product and values.

31:17 – 33:49
Running a family business: Liberty’s sand art biz, Evelyn’s kitchen cheerleading, and mom’s home care agency.

34:42 – 35:40
Ecclesiastes 3:12-13: The Bible verse that defines Grinola’s culture—joyful work and gratitude.

36:29 – 37:10
New team member Jana joins the mission—proof that even seasoned food industry pros want in on the magic.

Blackjack Coffee Roasters – Will Edwards and Julie Gossett

September 29, 2025 by Rose

North Georgia Business Radio

Blackjack Coffee Roasters - Will Edwards and Julie Gossett

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Blackjack Coffee Roasters: Bringing Specialty Coffee and Pirate Passion to Gainesville

During this North Georgia Business Radio segment, host Phil Bonelli welcomed the energetic duo behind Blackjack Coffee Roasters — Will Edwards and Julie Gossett — for a caffeinated conversation packed with business insights, origin stories, and the aroma of specialty-grade coffee.

Will Edwards, already a veteran entrepreneur with 20 years of experience running “We Clean,” stumbled into the coffee business while servicing commercial buildings. One day, a client asked him if he could provide coffee for a 300-person office. He didn’t know how—but he said yes. That “yes” kicked off a whirlwind journey of learning, persistence, and eventually, the creation of Blackjack Coffee Roasters.

Julie Gossett joined the venture with a background in farming and small-scale production, bringing precision and passion to the roasting process. As a member of the Specialty Coffee Association of America, Julie ensures that every bean is treated with care, from sourcing to roasting. Blackjack proudly roasts Grade 1 specialty coffee — the highest quality in the industry — and their attention to detail shows in every cup.

Phil, a self-proclaimed coffee aficionado, raved about their hazelnut toffee iced latte, describing it as “delightful” and “not too sweet,” and praised their cold brew for its smooth, rich kick. Julie broke down coffee science for listeners, explaining how roast levels affect caffeine content and flavor profiles, and walked us through the magic behind blends like “Blackbeard’s Brew” and “Anne Bonny’s House Blend.”

With a pirate-inspired brand and names like Blackbeard and Anne Bonny attached to their roasts, Blackjack Coffee is about more than just taste—it’s about storytelling. Julie and Will have tied the treasure-hunting spirit of pirates to the global journey of coffee, sourcing beans from places like Sumatra, Ethiopia, and Peru, all with distinctive flavor profiles and ethical traceability.

But they’re not just about pirates and great coffee—they’re serious about business too. Blackjack Coffee is now available online at blackjackcoffee.net, in select Gainesville shops like Greens Grocery, Thrive, and even at Mellow Mushroom. They also serve corporate clients with breakroom delivery, helping companies keep employees happy, alert, and energized.

Whether you’re a business looking for premium breakroom coffee or a consumer seeking better beans for home brewing, Blackjack Coffee Roasters has your back. Their commitment to freshness, flavor, and local roots makes them a true North Georgia gem.

Want to energize your office or taste coffee worth walking the plank for? Visit blackjackcoffee.net or stop by their booth at Mule Camp to sample the brews. You’ll be hooked!

Connect with the Blackjack Coffee Roasters team:

Website Contact

Connect with Phil Bonelli:

https://www.facebook.com/Hopewell-Farms-GA-105614501707618/

Connect with Beau Henderson:

https://instagram.com/osleeper_mfg_co/

This Segment Is Brought To You By Our Amazing Sponsors

Hopewell Farms GA

Roundtable Advisors

RichLife Advisors

Cadence Bank

Highlights of the Show:

00:30 – 01:22
Phil introduces Blackjack Coffee and their pirate-inspired brews. Will Edwards and Julie Gossett join the show.

02:10 – 03:04
Will shares how his cleaning business led to his first big coffee opportunity — a 300-person office asking him to supply coffee.

04:01 – 04:43
Will describes the hustle of learning the coffee business, visiting roasters, and convincing one to give him a chance.

07:37 – 08:30
Julie explains what makes Blackjack special: Specialty-grade beans, precision roasting, and SCAA membership.

10:38 – 11:53
Julie dives into roasting science—how roast levels affect caffeine and flavor, and what the “first crack” means.

13:05 – 14:00
Phil shares how quitting K-cups improved his health and urges businesses to choose Blackjack for breakroom coffee.

17:03 – 18:35
Will shares how Julie’s past egg business made her the perfect partner—attention to detail and strong marketing.

24:49 – 26:41
Julie discusses how bean origin affects flavor profiles, highlighting regions like Kenya, Guatemala, and Sumatra.

30:46 – 31:48
The origin of the pirate theme—coffee is treasure brought from far-off lands. Each roast tells a pirate’s story.

36:18 – 37:11
Julie and Will share their future goals—expanding nationally while maintaining local quality and integrity.

38:10 – 38:55
Perfect holiday gift idea: A holiday box of premium Blackjack coffee for clients, employees, or loved ones.

Jerry Channel – O Sleeper Manufacturing

September 22, 2025 by Rose

North Georgia Business Radio

Jerry Channel - O Sleeper Manufacturing

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Building Excellence: Jerry Channel and the Art of Custom Woodworking with O Sleeper Manufacturing

In this inspiring episode of North Georgia Business Radio, host Phil Bonelli sits down with Jerry Channel, founder of O Sleeper Manufacturing, a custom woodworking business rooted in Gainesville, GA. For over a decade, Jerry has poured passion, precision, and purpose into building not just beautiful furniture, but also a life of integrity, creativity, and community impact.

The episode delves into Jerry’s journey — from experimenting with woodworking in his uncle’s basement to starting a business in his parents’ home while expecting his second child. With an eye for craftsmanship and a heart for people, Jerry shares how O Sleeper evolved from an Etsy side hustle into a go-to source for high-end custom woodwork in North Georgia. His work can be seen at Char Steakhouse, Midland Station, and even the Gem and Stone Museum in Arizona.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into the realities of entrepreneurship, including the tough lessons around pricing, team management, and defining clear expectations. Jerry opens up about the importance of systems in scaling a business, the difference between freelancing and building an enterprise, and the mindset shift required to lead well.

Perhaps most refreshing is Jerry’s honest take on failure, people-pleasing, and learning to say no. He speaks candidly about undercharging in the early days, learning to “run it by the numbers,” and finding strength in community—crediting mentors, family, and his small but mighty team for helping him build something truly lasting.

Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or a dreamer ready to take the leap, this episode offers encouragement, realism, and a powerful reminder: Building a business is really about building people.

Connect with Jerry and his team to explore custom woodwork at

osleeper.com

Connect with Phil Bonelli:

https://www.facebook.com/Hopewell-Farms-GA-105614501707618/

Connect with Beau Henderson:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/cortney-orme-rid-ncidq-b067aa8/

This Segment Is Brought To You By Our Amazing Sponsors

Hopewell Farms GA

Roundtable Advisors

RichLife Advisors

Cadence Bank

Highlights of the Show:

00:30 – 02:20
Phil introduces Jerry Chanel and O Sleeper Manufacturing, noting their standout craftsmanship and community presence in North Georgia.

03:00 – 05:20
Jerry shares his background, from missionary life in Spain to business school at UGA and the early spark for combining creativity and commerce.

07:46 – 09:00
How early projects with churches and restaurants kickstarted O Sleeper—starting in a basement with support from family and friends.

12:08 – 13:31
Leadership lessons: Jerry discusses how failure in managing people often stemmed from his own lack of clear expectations.

14:43 – 15:55
Phil and Jerry break down the difference between being a freelancer and running a systems-driven business.

17:47 – 18:32
Jerry credits his CPA brother-in-law and a generous community for helping him navigate the administrative side of business.

21:01 – 22:00
A highlight project: Building a custom turquoise inlay conference table for a museum in Tucson, Arizona.

24:09 – 26:34
Lessons on pricing: Learning to value your time, include labor, and avoid undercharging—“run it by the numbers.”

27:28 – 28:53
The dangers of discounting: Why sticking to your price (and knowing your worth) is essential for survival and scale.

29:56 – 30:35
Looking forward: Jerry shares his hopes to expand into real estate and keep stretching his entrepreneurial creativity.

32:58 – 35:00
Phil’s closing thoughts on margin, pricing, and the moral imperative of building people through business.

Cortney Orme – Vivre Interiors

September 15, 2025 by Rose

North Georgia Business Radio

Cortney Orme - Vivre Interiors

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How Commercial Interior Design Impacts Your North Georgia Business Success

When most North Georgia business owners think about interior design, they picture decorative touches like paint colors and furniture selection. However, licensed commercial interior design encompasses far more than aesthetics, directly impacting your bottom line through psychology, functionality, and code compliance.

The Difference Between Interior Decorating and Commercial Design

Cortney Orme, founder of Vive Interiors and licensed commercial interior designer, recently appeared on North Georgia Business Radio to explain this critical distinction. Unlike interior decorators, licensed designers hold NCIDQ certification, requiring a four-year accredited degree, years of field experience, and passing a comprehensive three-part examination.

“Most people think interior design is decorating,” Orme explains. “But licensed commercial interior designers can design tenant lease space of any square footage, as long as we’re not moving load bearing walls. You don’t even need an architect.”

Commercial Interior Design Services in Georgia

Licensed commercial interior designers in Georgia provide comprehensive services including space planning, ADA compliance verification, building code navigation, and furniture procurement. For businesses in Gainesville, Hall County, and throughout North Georgia, this means one professional can handle entire tenant buildout projects, streamlining the renovation process and reducing costs.

Orme’s portfolio includes iconic North Georgia locations such as the Lake Lanier Olympic Pavilion Boathouse, Hall County Library, Bourbon Brothers, and Gold Creek Foods. She’s also completed work for Free Chapel, including their California and Spartanburg campuses.

The Psychology Behind Business Environment Design

One of the most underestimated aspects of commercial interior design is environmental psychology. Colors, textures, and spatial layouts significantly influence employee productivity and client perceptions.

Orme shared a compelling example: “We did one office with a really neat red wall. Red is not my favorite to design with, because it’s a really hot color, but in this case, it was a high energy space with a lot of sales people that needed constant high energy.”

This strategic color choice demonstrates how professional design thinking can drive business results. Healthcare facilities provide another example, increasingly incorporating warmer, residential-style finishes to reduce patient anxiety in traditionally institutional environments.

Commercial Design Trends in North Georgia

The commercial interior design landscape in North Georgia continues evolving, particularly as businesses bring employees back to office environments. Orme notes she’s focusing increasingly on tenant improvement projects, helping new businesses create functional, code-compliant spaces that reflect their company culture.

“A lot of people are bringing people back to the office, and they’re having to reinvent their space to meet their staff needs,” Orme observes. This trend has created opportunities for businesses to rethink how workspace design supports collaboration, productivity, and employee satisfaction.

Choosing a Commercial Interior Designer in Georgia

When selecting a commercial interior designer, Orme emphasizes the importance of collaboration and communication. Her approach involves thorough client consultations to understand both functional needs and aesthetic preferences, followed by 3D renderings that help clients visualize the final result.

“Most people are very visual, and they can’t see what we can see,” she notes. “You have to sit down with them and get the ultimate vision for what they have.”

Successful projects require ongoing communication throughout the construction administration phase, as small changes often create domino effects requiring professional adjustment.

The ROI of Professional Commercial Design

Your business environment represents more than overhead costs. Strategic interior design influences employee morale, client impressions, operational efficiency, and ultimately, your company’s financial performance. Whether you’re opening a new location, expanding existing space, or renovating outdated facilities, professional commercial interior design services provide measurable returns through improved functionality and enhanced business image.

For North Georgia businesses seeking commercial interior design expertise, Vive Interiors offers comprehensive services from initial space planning through final implementation. Learn more about commercial interior design strategies by listening to the complete North Georgia Business Radio interview with Cortney Orme.

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