Alpharetta Archives - Page 2 of 5

Addressing the Workforce Housing Crisis in North Fulton, with Jack Murphy and Nancy Diamond, North Fulton Improvement Network

April 10, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Addressing the Workforce Housing Crisis in North Fulton, with Jack Murphy and Nancy Diamond, North Fulton Improvement Network

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Addressing the Workforce Housing Crisis in North Fulton, with Jack Murphy and Nancy Diamond, North Fulton Improvement Network (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 760)

This episode of North Fulton Business Radio featured guests Jack Murphy and Nancy Diamond from the North Fulton Improvement Network. Jack and Nancy joined host John Ray to discuss the pressing issue of workforce housing, namely, affordable housing for essential workers, in North Fulton. The North Fulton Improvement Network started its work as the North Fulton Poverty Task Force, and evolved its focus towards addressing the broader economic development issue of accessible housing for those earning middle incomes, including teachers, nurses, and public officers. The dialogue also touched upon how this housing crisis impacts local schools, healthcare, and the overall economic development of North Fulton. Jack and Nancy emphasized the importance of community awareness, the role of government, private sector, and non-profit collaboration in addressing the issue, as well as potential solutions like changes in zoning laws and engaging the faith community in housing projects. The episode is a call to action for North Fulton residents and businesses to acknowledge and work on solutions for the workforce housing shortage.

To view the Future First: North Fulton Summit held on February 20, 2024, mentioned during the show, follow this link.

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.

North Fulton Improvement Network

In 2014, a group of nonprofit and community leaders joined forces as the North Fulton Poverty Task Force to focus on raising awareness for the needs of those living and working in the community who experience financial vulnerability. However, as our research demonstrated that living in our region is challenging at multiple income levels — including those well above poverty — we renamed our organization the North Fulton Improvement Network. Now, we are a think tank that gathers research, resources, and perspectives on the interconnected issues impacting our community.

The North Fulton Improvement Network serves as a platform to provide education on the reality of living in North Fulton County and to bring together resources that currently address financial vulnerability. We are a network made up of the whole community — businesses, stakeholders, nonprofits, faith-based organizations, political leaders, and the general public. With a central belief that we need all hands on deck to address these systemic issues, NFIN works to make North Fulton a thriving, equitable, and affordable community.

NFIN serves the six cities that comprise Georgia’s North Fulton region: Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Mountain Park, Roswell, and Sandy Springs. We center our work on five main areas— 1) workforce housing, (2) income and employment, (3) transportation, (4) child well-being, and (5) food insecurity. All of these aspects of community both impact and are impacted by financial vulnerability. By supporting innovative private and public solutions that address one or more of these fields, we believe that we can build a North Fulton that is thriving and prosperous for all community members.

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 profession 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 currently is national SVDP chair of Systemic Change and Advocacy.

Jack received a BA in psychology from Belmont Abbey College and a M.Ed. from the 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.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
01:23 Introducing Jack Murphy and Nancy Diamond from North Fulton Improvement Network
01:56 The Mission of North Fulton Improvement Network: Addressing Workforce Housing
03:02 From Poverty Task Force to Housing Focus: The Evolution of the North Fulton Improvement Network
04:17 The Economic and Social Impact of Workforce Housing
06:11 Understanding Affordable Housing: Definitions and Implications
07:50 Why Workforce Housing Matters to North Fulton
08:50 Challenges and Solutions in Affordable Housing
11:20 The Role of Government and Economic Development in Housing
18:42 Private Enterprise and Housing Solutions
20:46 The Impact of Housing on Schools and Communities
22:37 Exploring the Shift in Neighborhood Dynamics
23:21 The Housing Industry Disruption and Generational Preferences
24:38 Addressing Teacher Housing Challenges
25:56 Collaborative Solutions for Housing and Community Improvement
35:02 The Role of Faith-Based Organizations in Affordable Housing
37:09 Engaging Businesses and Communities in Housing Solutions
41:48 Closing Remarks and Resources for Further Engagement

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

With over 750 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.

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 $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.

Celebrating an Award-Winning North Fulton Franchisee, with Gloria Mattei and Sergio Pacheco, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Alpharetta/Milton and Sandy Springs

February 28, 2024 by John Ray

Nothing Bundt Cakes Sandy Springs Alpharetta Milton Roswell

North Fulton Studio

Celebrating an Award-Winning North Fulton Franchisee, with Gloria Mattei and Sergio Pacheco, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Alpharetta/Milton and Sandy Springs

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Celebrating an Award-Winning North Fulton Franchisee, with Gloria Mattei and Sergio Pacheco, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Alpharetta/Milton and Sandy Springs (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 92)

Host Kali Boatright welcomed Gloria Mattei and Sergio Pacheco, the award-winning owners of Nothing Bundt Cakes in Alpharetta/Milton and Sandy Springs to this edition of the GNFCC 400 Insider. During this insightful discussion, Gloria and Sergio shared their journey transitioning from the corporate world to franchise owners. Their perseverance and diligence helped them win the International Franchise Association’s recognition as a Franchisee of the Year in 2023 despite initial challenges, including receiving a rejection letter from their franchisor when they first applied. This couple also won a Circle of Honor award in 2023, given the top franchise in the Nothing Bundt Cakes system. The discussion further highlighted their active involvement in the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce and other community initiatives, and their commitment as small business owners to provide high-quality service and opportunities to their employees and the community.

The GNFCC 400 Insider is presented by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce and produced by John Ray and the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.

Gloria Mattei and Sergio Pacheco, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Alpharetta, Milton, Roswell, and Sandy Springs

Sergio Pacheco and Gloria Mattei, Nothing Bundt Cakes Sandy Springs — **Sergio Pacheco and Gloria Mattei, Nothing Bundt Cakes**

Gloria Mattei and Sergio Pacheco are the owners of Nothing Bundt Cakes Alpharetta, Milton, Roswell as well as a newly acquired store in Sandy Springs. Nothing Bundt Cakes reintroduces an old family favorite—the Bundt cake—with a light, moist taste and fresh, clean look that appeals to all ages. Each 8” and 10” Bundt cake features custom concept cake decorations that are smart, contemporary, and fun to enhance any occasion, large or small, in a wide range of cake flavors and sizes. Nothing Bundt Cakes celebrates the very heart of true hospitality, where all are welcome, and no one is a stranger. Each thoughtful detail of the experience, from the heartfelt welcome at the door to remembering the customer’s favorite flavor, has been naturally embraced at Nothing Bundt Cakes

Nothing Bundt Cakes is not in the cake business; they are in the “joy-giving” business. Their mission is to come up with unique, valuable solutions to every guest celebration need.

Their journey out of the corporate world and into entrepreneurship started when Gloria met the Nothing Bundt Cakes (NbC) brand back in 2010, during one of her many business trips to California. A friend from Texas who was very familiar with the brand introduced her. She came home to tell Sergio, her husband, “I think we found the business,” and her husband said, “Are you crazy? You don’t even cook!”

Her first thought after knowing the brand, was, “There is nothing like this in Georgia.” One year later, the first NbC store opened in Sandy Springs, and Sergio got to taste the product, at his own Christmas housewarming party. At that point, he said, “You are on to something. Let’s start the research process.” What started as simple franchise research in January 2011 resulted in the opening of the 2nd NbC store in Georgia, store number 83 for the franchise system. They opened their doors in December 2013. They just celebrated their 10th anniversary on December 13, 2023.

In March 2022, Gloria and Sergio were approved to open their second bakery. However, destiny and serendipity had other plans. Gloria had a strong relationship with the owner of the first store in GA (Sandy Springs), and that owner reached out to Gloria as soon as she was approved for her second bakery and said, “I want to retire, and I don’t want to sell to anyone but you.”

Gloria and Sergio expanded their market by taking over the Sandy Springs bakery in June 2022 and are now proud owners of bakery #1 and #2 in Georgia, proudly serving the GA 400 North Fulton Corridor.

Gloria, Sergio, and their NbC family are proud to bring joy to their community and truly live the experience of how “cake changes everything.” Gloria and Sergio opened their business with a big dream. That dream is their why: the dream of building a platform for her son, who is in the autistic community. He could either be able to perform in it or prove that he, and other kids like him, can function and have a role in the community.

Gloria and Sergio have seen their business grow not only as a platform for their son, but also for their daughter and many other individuals, including other special needs young adults in the community. That accomplishment is proudly the one they are most proud of.

Website

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction to the GNFCC 400 Insider

00:31 Meet the Guests: Gloria Mattei and Sergio Pacheco

01:14 Journey from Corporate World to Franchise Ownership

02:42 The Birth of a Business Idea: Nothing Bundt Cakes

03:42 The Decision to Become Franchisees

06:00 The Unexpected Journey to Franchisee of the Year

06:26 The Circle of Honor and Franchisee of the Year Awards

11:23 Reflections on Success and Perseverance

12:30 The Initial Rejection and Determination

13:09 Finding a New Path to Business Ownership

14:27 The Importance of Small Businesses

15:01 Challenges Faced by Franchise Owners

15:58 The Impact of Economic Fluctuations on Small Businesses

About GNFCC and The GNFCC 400 Insider

**Kali Boatright, President and CEO of GNFCC**

The GNFCC 400 Insider is sponsored by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce (GNFCC), and the host of the show is Kali Boatright, President and CEO of GNFCC.

The Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce is a private, non-profit, member-driven organization comprised of over 1,400 business enterprises, civic organizations, educational institutions, and individuals. Their service area includes Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Mountain Park, Roswell, and Sandy Springs. GNFCC is the leading voice on economic development, business growth, and quality of life issues in North Fulton County.

As a five-star accredited chamber, GNFCC’s vision is to be the premier organization driving member and community success across the region, and they are dedicated to pursuing this vision based on the guiding principles of advocacy, inclusivity, and operational excellence.

GNFCC promotes the interests of their members by assuming a leadership role in making North Fulton an excellent place to work, live, play, and stay. They provide one voice for all local businesses to influence decision-makers, recommend legislation, and protect the valuable resources that make North Fulton a popular place to live.

For more information on GNFCC and its North Fulton County service area, follow this link or call (770) 993-8806. For more information on other GNFCC events, follow this link.

Revitalizing an Iconic Alpharetta Landmark, with Jacqueline Welch, Wills Park Equestrian Foundation

February 23, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Revitalizing an Iconic Alpharetta Landmark, with Jacqueline Welch, Wills Park Equestrian Foundation

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Revitalizing an Iconic Alpharetta Landmark, with Jacqueline Welch, Wills Park Equestrian Foundation (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 745)

On this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, John Ray welcomed Jacqueline Welch of the Wills Park Equestrian Foundation. Jacqueline discussed the history of the Wills Park Equestrian Center, its impact, and the public-private partnership between the Foundation and the City of Alpharetta to revitalize the Center. Jacqueline also addressed the Foundation’s aim to raise $5 million to match city funding for renovations, the facility’s ability to attract bigger, more involved horse shows after the planned upgrades, and the different ways the community can get involved, from attending annual fundraising events to providing donations. The revitalization project not only preserves an important community asset but also significantly impacts the local economy. The economic impact of the Wills Park Equestrian Center is currently estimated at $4.8 million annually, and planned upgrades would increase that impact even further.

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.

Jacqueline Welch, Director of Development and Operations, Wills Park Equestrian Foundation

Jacqueline Welch quickly fell in love with horses after moving to an Alpharetta farm at 11 years old. Within a year, she competed at the Wills Park Equestrian Center in her first horse show. Over the next ten years, she made countless life-long memories and learned many life lessons at Wills Park Equestrian Center. Jacqueline credits her love for horses as a crucial element in her development, as it taught her the power of patience, discipline, and the importance of establishing strong, trusting partnerships—skills that would later prove indispensable in the world of business.

Jacqueline obtained her B.S. in Business with a Sport Management concentration from Florida Gulf Coast University before returning to Alpharetta to work for the family business, where she was given opportunities to wear many hats. She was often given responsibilities she didn’t quite feel prepared for, but she prides herself on knowing that she will always figure them out.

In 2023, Jacqueline made the decision to combine her 15 years of business and hospitality experience with her passion for horses and fond admiration for the Wills Park Equestrian Center, and she accepted a full-time position with the Wills Park Equestrian Foundation, where she currently serves as the Director of Development and Operations.

Wills Park Equestrian Foundation

Wills Park Equestrian Center has been the heart of the north Atlanta horse community since its inception in the early ‘70s. Located on 50 acres of rolling fields and woods, the center currently includes a covered arena, two outdoor competition rings, more than 290 shed row stalls, two schooling rings, and a show office.

Each year, the center hosts multiple local and USEF rated horse shows, as well as dog shows, reining shows, an annual rodeo, and other community activities.

Wills Park Equestrian Center is one of the few equestrian facilities remaining that is located in a thriving suburb of a major metropolitan city. It has become a well-loved hub for equestrians from across the Southeast. Yet as the center has grown in usage over the past five decades, the horse show industry has grown and evolved.

By upgrading the center’s infrastructure, the Foundation can ensure that this unique facility can continue to serve the equestrian community, the City of Alpharetta, and the citizens of north Metro Atlanta for years to come.

Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

01:18 Welcoming Jacqueline Welch from Wills Park Equestrian Foundation

01:31 Overview of Wills Park Equestrian Foundation

02:43 The History and Impact of Wills Park Equestrian Center

04:52 The Role of the Equestrian Center in the Community

06:54 The Need for Revitalization and the Partnership with the City

10:03 Fundraising Efforts and Community Involvement

13:48 The Economic Impact of the Wills Park Equestrian Center

16:33 Future Plans and Opportunities

20:17 Conclusion and Contact Information

21:22 Final Remarks and Acknowledgements

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

With over 740 shows and having featured over 1,100 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 Ray, Business RadioX – North Fulton, and Owner, Ray Business Advisors**

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

Paul Zanardo, Zanardo Dezignz, LLC, and Sheldon Guan, Pro Computer

October 16, 2023 by John Ray

Family Business Radio

Paul Zanardo, Zanardo Dezignz, LLC, and Sheldon Guan, Pro Computer

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Paul Zanardo, Zanardo Dezignz, LLC, and Sheldon Guan, Pro Computer (Family Business Radio, Episode 49)

On this edition of Family Business Radio, host Anthony Chen was joined by two superb business owners, Paul Zanardo, Zanardo Dezignz, LLC, and Sheldon Guan, Pro Computer.

Paul talked with host Anthony Chen about how he got into the web design business, the services they offer, and mistakes business owners often make when trying to create their own websites. He also discussed recent changes in SEO, the need for alternative text, mobile design, recent features added to Wix, and much more.

Sheldon Guan, owner of Pro Computer, shared with Anthony about his experience in IT and moving from Canada in retail computer sales to an opportunity in Georgia. He discussed what kinds of repairs he can do to save a computer from the landfill, refurbishing machines, the resale machines he has available, other services he provides, and more.

Anthony posed a final question for Paul and Sheldon about the advice they would give their younger selves just starting out.

Anthony concluded the show with comments about finding the right professionals to assist with planning and needs beyond the business owner’s skillset.

Family Business Radio is underwritten and brought to you by Anthony Chen with Lighthouse Financial Network.

Zanardo Dezignz, LLC

Zanardo Dezignz LLC is the Lawrenceville-based professional service provider offering fully integrated digital branding solutions through website development, SEO, graphic design, printing, and digital marketing. Some of their clients include Above & Beyond Cabinetry LLC, K&J Mechanical, Joe Sells GA with Keller Williams, and Hickory’s Trail.

Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Twitter

Paul Zanardo, CEO / Founder, Zanardo Dezignz, LLC

Paul Zanardo is the CEO and founder of Zanardo Dezignz LLC. He has over 20 years of sales management and marketing experience at companies such as TruGreen and Luxottica with a proven track record of growth in the areas of marketing and new client revenue.

He excelled in these fields but often thought about how he could improve the overall customer experience and desired to spend more time with his family. After lots of prayer and soul searching, he decided to go back to school and get his degree in graphic design with a study in website development.

His company is now quickly approaching 8 years of serving his community as a professional service provider. His wife, Amy, is their lead graphic designer and content editor. She earned this position by helping him study for his degree and collaborating with him through the entire process. Their son Anthony is a sweet, creative 7-year-old that also aspires to own a creative business as well.

Pro Computer

Pro Computer was established in 2008, at Mall of Georgia, in Buford. Once expanded with a 2nd store in Cumming for 3 years. As the fast pace and continuous changes of computer industry, Pro Computer business scope keeps updating to adapt the market. What never changes is custom satisfaction focus by deliver value products and quality services.

Since 2023, Pro Computer renovated itself again, and relocated to Alpharetta, the center of IT, to be closer to the mass computer users. With 24×7 text service through business number 770-932-3020, quote request submission on website procmog.com, clients can save a trip to know how much it cost to repair the computers, and get quick help on urgent situation like liquid spill, suspicious onscreen browser webpage, computer error messages.

Website | LinkedIn

Sheldon Guan, PMP, Owner, Pro Computer

Sheldon has been owner of Pro Computer since 2008. After 15 years at Mall of Georgia in Buford, they moved to Alpharetta.

Sheldon has more than 29 years in the IT industry. When he emigrated to Canada, he began working in computer retail until he had the opportunity to start his own store in Georgia.

Sheldon is a certified PMP.

Anthony Chen, Host of Family Business Radio

**Anthony Chen, Lighthouse Financial, and Host of “Family Business Radio”**

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

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

The complete show archive of “Family Business Radio” can be found at familybusinessradioshow.com.

Chad Hagan, Hagan Capital Group and Author of Global Family Office Investing

August 29, 2023 by John Ray

Business Beat

Chad Hagan, Hagan Capital Group and Author of Global Family Office Investing

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Frazier & Deeter’s Business Beat: Chad Hagan, Hagan Capital Group and Author of Global Family Office Investing

Chad Hagan, founder of Hagan Capital Group and author of Global Family Office Investing, joined Business Beat and host Roger Lusby for a wide-ranging conversation about investing in the environment, his non-political definition of “environmentalism,” his views on the energy sector, the economy of the North Fulton region, and much more.

Business Beat is presented by Alpharetta CPA firm Frazier & Deeter and is produced by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®

Hagan Capital Group

Since the founding of Hagan Capital, the principals have advised on over $2,5 billion of transactions for funds, family offices, institutions, investment companies and wealthy individuals.

The partners are headquartered in metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia with affiliated partners and companies in New York, Florida, Canada, and England.

Company website | LinkedIn

Chad Hagan, Founder, Hagan Capital Group and Author, Global Family Office Investing

Chadwick Hagan is an author, investor, and entrepreneur.

He is a managing partner of Wessex Investments and the founder of Hagan Capital Group.

Over his career he has advised nearly $2 billion dollars in M&A transactions and investments; including managing funds with an average annual return of 30%; leading the takeover and bankruptcy recapitalisation efforts of American Apparel – then the largest vertically integrated apparel company in the US – and managing investments in consumer goods and energy commodities. He is an investor and company director for numerous commercial concerns, funds, and entities in the US and Europe.

His most recent book, Global Family Office Investing, was published by Palgrave in 2021, and his economics blog, Chaganomics.com, was archived by US Library of Congress Economics Blogs Web Archive. He is an opinion columnist and has written for The Epoch Times, Fox Business, and ArtNews.

He is a director for the Hagan Family Foundation, founded by his father in the 1990s, where he focuses on fiscal policy, environmentalism, and art history.

Chad studied economics at Harvard and the London School of Economics. He married Emily Wheeler in 2008 and lives in Metropolitan Atlanta. He enjoys skiing, tennis and producing documentaries in his spare time.

LinkedIn | Twitter

Frazier & Deeter

The Alpharetta office of Frazier & Deeter is home to a thriving CPA tax practice, a growing advisory practice and an Employee Benefit Plan Services group. CPAs and advisors in the Frazier & Deeter Alpharetta office serve clients across North Georgia and around the country with services such as personal tax planning, estate planning, business tax planning, business tax compliance, state and local tax planning, financial statement reviews, financial statement audits, employee benefit plan audits, internal audit outsourcing, cyber security, data privacy, SOX and other regulatory compliance, mergers, and acquisitions and more. Alpharetta CPAs serve clients ranging from business owners and executives to large corporations.

Roger Lusby, host of Frazier & Deeter’s Business Beat, is an Alpharetta CPA and Alpharetta Office Managing Partner for Frazier & Deeter. He is also a member of the Tax Department in charge of coordinating tax and accounting services for our clientele. His responsibilities include a review of a variety of tax returns with an emphasis in the individual, estate, and corporate areas. Client assistance is also provided in the areas of financial planning, executive compensation and stock option planning, estate and succession planning, international planning (FBAR, SFOP), health care, real estate, manufacturing, technology, and service companies.

You can find Frazier & Deeter on social media:

LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter

An episode archive of Frazier & Deeter’s Business Beat can be found here.

John Hipes, Hipes & Belle Isle, LLC, and Councilman, City of Alpharetta

June 27, 2023 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

John Hipes, Hipes & Belle Isle, LLC, and Councilman, City of Alpharetta

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North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 675)

John Hipes, attorney and owner of Hipes & Belle Isle, LLC, was the guest on this episode of North Fulton Business Radio. He and host John Ray talked about the firm and its evolution, how he prepares clients for litigation, legal success stories, why he serves on the Alpharetta City Council, what makes Alpharetta such a superb place to work, live, and play, and much more.

North Fulton Business Radio is broadcast from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

Hipes & Belle Isle, LLC

Hipes & Belle Isle, LLC provides expert legal assistance, advice, and representation to businesses of all sizes.

Their attorneys have the experience, knowledge and judgment to handle your legal matters and protect your company’s interests to the fullest extent of the law. They have highly skilled, ethical and successful negotiators, courtroom litigators, real-estate experts and business advisors who provide prompt, aggressive and reasonably priced legal services.

When a complex legal question demands knowledge and experience in several areas, Hipes & Belle Isle offers single-source convenience by providing legal services in:

Business Litigation
Commercial Real Estate Law
Construction Law
Employment Law
Insurance Law

At Hipes & Belle Isle, they are also proud of their success and standing within the legal, professional and civic communities. They look forward to even greater achievements as they meet and address the legal challenges of our rapidly evolving society, but most importantly we look forward to serving you with experience, expertise and integrity.

Website| LinkedIn | Facebook| Twitter

John Hipes, Attorney and Owner, Hipes & Belle Isle, LLC

John Hipes is from Muncie, Indiana. He received his B.A. cum laude from Wake Forest University (Winston-Salem, North Carolina) in 1981 and his J.D. magna cum laude from Georgia State College of Law (Atlanta) in 1988, where he served as senior editor for the Georgia State University Law Review. He authored Abusive Litigation in Georgia, Georgia State Univ. L. Rev., Vol. 3, 1987.

John has practiced law for 33 years. He began his law practice in 1988 with Smith, Gambrell & Russell LLP and then with Morris, Manning & Martin (both in Atlanta) before forming Hipes & Norton, P.C. (Alpharetta) in 1996. In 2004, John helped to form Bach, Dewberry & Hipes, LLC (Alpharetta). In 2013, John founded Hipes & Belle Isle, LLC.

John practices commercial litigation, including insurance coverage and interpretation, construction, real estate, employment, partnership and shareholder disputes, and tort and injury law. He has successfully resolved and tried numerous lawsuits on behalf of residential and commercial policyholders, including issues involving bad faith, unfair claims practices, fraud, arson, theft, cancellation procedures, protective safeguard endorsements, and coverage interpretation.

John is a member of the State Bar of Georgia. He is admitted to practice in all Georgia courts, including State and Superior, the Georgia Court of Appeals, and the Georgia Supreme Court. He is also admitted in the United States District Court, Northern District of Georgia and the United States Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit. John is a Past-President of the North Fulton Bar Association for 2011-2012.

John is an Alpharetta City Councilman and liaison to the Alpharetta Public Safety Department and the Alpharetta Municipal Court. He has been an active member of the Rotary Club of Alpharetta since 1997, served as President in 2008-2009, and was founder of the Alpharetta Memorial Day Tribute. He serves on the boards of North Fulton Community Charities and the Alpharetta Public Safety Foundation. John previously served on the Alpharetta Planning Commission, the Board and Executive Committee of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, and the Board of the Ed Isakson Alpharetta YMCA. He is a member of the Leadership North Fulton Class of 2000, Alpharetta Chamber of Commerce, and Alpharetta Business Association.

John is an active member of the Alpharetta First United Methodist Church. He has participated in many humanitarian and mission trips to Africa, Central and South America with Rotary and AFUMC. John resides in Alpharetta with his wife Karen.

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

Overview of Hipes & Belle Isle legal practice
Legal success stories
Community involvement
Why Alpharetta is a great place to operate a business
What’s happening in Alpharetta and what lies ahead

North Fulton Business Radio is hosted by John Ray and broadcast 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, Stitcher, TuneIn, and others.

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 $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.

Since 2000, Office Angels® has been restoring joy to the life of small business owners, enabling them to focus on what they do best. At the same time, we honor and support at-home experts who wish to continue working on an as-needed basis. Not a temp firm or a placement service, Office Angels matches a business owner’s support needs with Angels who have the talent and experience necessary to handle work that is essential to creating and maintaining a successful small business. Need help with administrative tasks, bookkeeping, marketing, presentations, workshops, speaking engagements, and more? Visit us at https://officeangels.us/.

Karen Cashion, Tech Alpharetta

March 21, 2023 by John Ray

Business Beat

Karen Cashion, Tech Alpharetta

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Frazier & Deeter’s Business Beat: Karen Cashion, Tech Alpharetta

Karen Cashion, CEO of Tech Alpharetta, joined host Roger Lusby and his colleague at Frazier & Deeter, Reid Blalock, on this edition of Business Beat. Karen discussed how and why Tech Alpharetta was founded, their work as an incubator for tech startups, their strong graduation rate, available programs and educational opportunities, their dedicated, experienced board, tech trends locally, and much more.

Business Beat is presented by Alpharetta CPA firm Frazier & Deeter and is produced by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®

Tech Alpharetta

Tech Alpharetta is an independent, 501c(6) nonprofit organization whose mission is to help grow technology and innovation in Alpharetta. There are nearly 700 tech companies located in the City of Alpharetta today. Tech Alpharetta helps to recruit and retain tech companies, grow new tech startups and innovation, create jobs, and grow the next generation of skilled tech workforce for the many employers in the Alpharetta and north metro region.

Tech Alpharetta also focuses heavily on giving back to the community, through its Women’s Forum, which supports area women in STEAM-related careers and provides STEAM mentoring to high school girls. Tech Alpharetta is partnered with the new, Innovation Academy Fulton County public STEM high school in Alpharetta. Tech Alpharetta, through its Board companies and its Women’s Forum, will be providing mentorship, classroom challenges, and internship opportunities to the school’s students.

Tech Alpharetta helps to effectuate its strategy through its Strategic Board of Directors, by operating a thriving tech startup incubator and its Women’s Forum, and by hosting year-round, locally-based, educational and tech thought leadership events for technology executives.

Company website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter

Karen Cashion, President and CEO, Tech Alpharetta

Karen Cashion is President & CEO of Tech Alpharetta, which was created by the City of Alpharetta in 2012 and is now a 501(c)6 nonprofit organization.

Karen is an attorney with twenty years of experience as a commercial litigator and corporate technology lawyer. Karen began her career at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett in New York City, and in addition to law firm practice, has served as Assistant General Counsel for EarthLink and Legal Counsel, Global Technology for Travelport, LP in Atlanta.

Karen received her J.D. with high honors from Duke University School of Law, where she served as Senior Editor of the Law & Contemporary Problems Journal. Karen received her Bachelor of Arts degree, summa cum laude, from Emory University, where she graduated Phi Beta Kappa.

Karen has served as a Commissioner on the City of Alpharetta’s Planning Commission, is a 2014 graduate of Leadership North Fulton, and is a graduate of the 2015 Georgia Academy for Economic Development. She has also served on the Board of Directors for the North Fulton Bar Association and the Advisory Board for the University of North Georgia’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. In addition, Karen is a member of the Advisory Board for Vinings Bank.

Karen and her family are longtime residents of the city of Alpharetta.

Frazier & Deeter

You can find Frazier & Deeter on social media:

LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter

An episode archive of Frazier & Deeter’s Business Beat can be found here.

Jim Miller, CEO & Co-Founder, DutchCrafters Amish Furniture

March 13, 2023 by John Ray

Jim Miller, DutchCrafters Amish Furniture

North Fulton Business Radio

Jim Miller, CEO & Co-Founder, DutchCrafters Amish Furniture

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North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 621)

On this edition of North Fulton Business Radio, Jim Miller, CEO and Co-Founder of DutchCrafters Furniture, joined host John Ray to discuss what makes DutchCrafters an industry disruptor, how they got started, what it was like to sell custom Amish furniture on the internet prior to the booming e-commerce industry we see today, why the company located a showcase store in Alpharetta, and much more.

North Fulton Business Radio is broadcast from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

DutchCrafters is a niche retailer, selling more than 15,000 products on its Amish furniture website www.dutchcrafters.com. DutchCrafters Showrooms and Design Centers welcome customers in Sarasota, Fla. and Alpharetta, Ga. and in an outlet store in LaGrange, Ind. DutchCrafters was named to Newsweek’s prestigious Best Online Shops for 2021 and Fastest Growing Online Shops for 2022. The company has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and was listed six times as one of the fastest-growing private companies in the United States, according to Inc. Magazine’s prestigious Inc. 5,000 List.

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

**Jim Miller, CEO & Co-Founder, DutchCrafters Amish Furniture**

Jim Miller is the Founder and CEO of JMX Brands, a Sarasota-based e-commerce company that he began with his wife Linse Miller, and Miao Xue in 2003. JMX Brands is a six-time Inc 5000 company, a Gulf Coast 500 company, and is recognized by Furniture Today as a leading e-tailer.

JMX Brands was recognized as a 2016 Florida Company to Watch by GROW FL and 2021 Medium Business of the Year by the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce. The company was named Best Place to Work by the Sarasota Herald-Tribune in 2020, 2021, and 2022 and by Furniture Today in 2021 and 2022.

The company’s flagship brand, DutchCrafters, is the largest e-commerce brand of Amish-made furniture – retailing products from more than 150 small American vendors and delivering throughout the United States and Canada. DutchCrafters is one of Newsweek’s Best Online Shops of 2021 and Fasted Growing Online Shops of 2022 and from his work, Jim received a Top Entrepreneur Award from the Business Observer in 2022.

Jim previously served as the founding director of Goshen College – Sarasota. Goshen College is a four-year, private, liberal arts college located in Goshen, Indiana. The Sarasota program offers baccalaureate degree completion in management, computer certifications, and personal enrichment courses. In 1999, as the new director, Jim was recognized in Gulf Coast Business Review’s inaugural publication of “40 Under 40” – the region’s forty most promising leaders under age forty. Jim has taught management, organizational communication, and related courses in non-traditional programs at Goshen College and Eckerd College.

Jim was associate pastor at Bahia Vista Mennonite Church in Sarasota from 1993-1998. He served various roles in his congregation and with Southeast Mennonite Conference and the larger Mennonite Church. From 2011-13, he served as a bi-vocational pastor at Covenant Mennonite Fellowship in Sarasota. He continues to speak in various settings on issues of faith.

Jim earned a bachelor’s degree from Goshen College and a master’s degree in management in leadership and organizational development from the University of South Florida. In addition, he has studied at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary, Eastern Mennonite University, and Bethel Theological Seminary.

Jim’s community service has been extensive. He has served in a variety of capacities, including aquatic rescue at Mote Marine Laboratories, youth basketball coach, and in directorships with Charis Center, Sarasota United for Responsibility and Equity, Sunnyside Properties, and as president of the Sunnyside Foundation.

What makes DutchCrafters an industry disruptor?
Whose idea was it to pair custom Amish furniture with the internet and bring Amish furniture to homes and offices across America via the internet (prior to Facebook and the booming e-commerce industry we see today)?
What is something most people don’t know about you?
With showrooms in Sarasota, Florida, and Alpharetta, Georgia, and an outlet store in LaGrange, Indiana, what is next for JMX Brands / DutchCrafters?

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.

Gerald Pulsinelli, Viva Chicken

March 2, 2023 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Gerald Pulsinelli, Viva Chicken

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North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 614)

On this edition of North Fulton Business Radio, Gerald Pulsinelli, CEO of Viva Chicken, joined host John Ray to discuss his company and their new Haynes Bridge Road location in Alpharetta. Gerald talked about their delicious menu offerings, including their Peruvian Rotisserie Chicken, how every menu item, even sauces, are made fresh on premises, why Alpharetta represents an attractive market for the company, how Viva Chicken takes care of its team members and gives back to the community through VivaCares, and much more.

North Fulton Business Radio is broadcast from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

Viva Chicken is a fast-casual charcoal-fire Peruvian Rotisserie Joint specializing in the authentic Pollo a la Brasa (Peruvian Rotisserie Chicken) found on the streets of Peru. Serving the hottest, freshest chicken, Viva promises distinctive and flavorful menu items packed with inspired recipes that will transform your taste buds.

Convenience is key, whether guests dine in or take out. Order with the VIVA App for a seamless experience and earn Viva Points when signing up for our loyalty program.

Website | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

**Gerald Pulsinelli, CEO, Viva Chicken**

With nearly thirty years of experience, Gerald Pulsinelli plays an active leadership role in the hospitality industry. A strategic-driven senior executive with a proven history of success in restaurant operations, Gerald serves as the Chief Executive Officer for Viva Chicken, a fast-casual, authentic Peruvian Rotisserie Joint founded in 2013 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Viva Chicken currently operates 12 restaurants across the country and is making its market entry into Georgia in late 2022.

Gerald’s role with Viva Chicken began in 2018. Since that time, he has dug into every aspect of the aspiring brand, partnering with the co-founders, current board of directors, and operations team, and working to fortify the homegrown company into a national brand.

Much of Gerald’s strong commitment to delivering superior hospitality was instilled in him when he served as a member of the Senior Executive Team at Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, also based in Charlotte. He was with Firebirds from its inception in 2000, serving as General Manager of the restaurant’s first location, and in numerous senior-level positions over the next 18 years.

As a member of Firebirds’ Senior Leadership Team, Gerald was responsible for helping the team deliver the company’s version of iconic hospitality to all team members and every guest, while also helping define and execute the company’s purpose, mission, and values. As the Firebirds concept developed and grew from a single location to 50 by the end of 2018, Pulsinelli took pride in integrally shaping the growth and culture of the company nationwide.

As Firebirds’ Vice President of Development, he was responsible for leading and directing the development team in achieving the company’s high growth objectives. He oversaw the rollout of two new prototype restaurants, including evaluating the overall design and construction costs to ready the innovative prototypes for the expansion of the company.

Giving back to the community is part of Gerald’s DNA. In early 2020, Gerald pioneered a valued partnership between No Kid Hungry and Viva Chicken through the “Churros for Children” campaign. In addition, he is an active supporter of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF), helping to find a cure for childhood cancer. Gerald is currently an ambassador for CORE (Children of Restaurant Employees) as well as a former member of the CHEERS Advisory Board.

Why is Viva Chicken opening in Alpharetta?
Philanthropy is a big part of Viva Chicken’s corporate culture – how do you as Viva’s CEO inspire your team to be as passionate as you are?
When did you know you wanted to be in the restaurant and hospitality industry?
How have you navigated your team through a pandemic and actually grown your business while others have not?
What have the VivaCares initiatives been in the last 60 days?
Any expansion plans in metro Atlanta?

Addressing the Workforce Housing Crisis in North Fulton, with Jack Murphy and Nancy Diamond, North Fulton Improvement Network (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 760)

North Fulton Improvement Network

Jack Murphy

Nancy Diamond

Topics Discussed in this Episode

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

Celebrating an Award-Winning North Fulton Franchisee, with Gloria Mattei and Sergio Pacheco, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Alpharetta/Milton and Sandy Springs (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 92)

Gloria Mattei and Sergio Pacheco, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Alpharetta, Milton, Roswell, and Sandy Springs

Topics Discussed in this Episode

About GNFCC and The GNFCC 400 Insider

Revitalizing an Iconic Alpharetta Landmark, with Jacqueline Welch, Wills Park Equestrian Foundation (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 745)

Jacqueline Welch, Director of Development and Operations, Wills Park Equestrian Foundation

Wills Park Equestrian Foundation

Topics Discussed in this Episode

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

Paul Zanardo, Zanardo Dezignz, LLC, and Sheldon Guan, Pro Computer (Family Business Radio, Episode 49)

Zanardo Dezignz, LLC

Paul Zanardo, CEO / Founder, Zanardo Dezignz, LLC

Pro Computer

Sheldon Guan, PMP, Owner, Pro Computer

Anthony Chen, Host of Family Business Radio

Frazier & Deeter’s Business Beat: Chad Hagan, Hagan Capital Group and Author of Global Family Office Investing

Hagan Capital Group

Chad Hagan, Founder, Hagan Capital Group and Author, Global Family Office Investing

Frazier & Deeter

John Hipes, Hipes & Belle Isle, LLC, and Councilman, City of Alpharetta (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 675)

Hipes & Belle Isle, LLC

John Hipes, Attorney and Owner, Hipes & Belle Isle, LLC

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

Frazier & Deeter’s Business Beat: Karen Cashion, Tech Alpharetta

Tech Alpharetta

Karen Cashion, President and CEO, Tech Alpharetta

Frazier & Deeter

Jim Miller, CEO & Co-Founder, DutchCrafters Amish Furniture (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 621)

DutchCrafters Amish Furniture

Jim Miller, CEO & Co-Founder, DutchCrafters Amish Furniture

Questions and Topics

Gerald Pulsinelli, Viva Chicken (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 614)

Viva Chicken

Gerald Pulsinelli, CEO, Viva Chicken

Questions and Topics

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North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 675)

North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 621)

North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 614)