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Artisan Design Studio, Walk Your Plans Atlanta Win GNFCC Honors

October 30, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

Artisan Design Studio, Walk Your Plans Atlanta Win GNFCC Honors

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Artisan Design Studio, Walk Your Plans Atlanta Win GNFCC Honors (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 109)

This edition of the GNFCC 400 Insider podcast features two entrepreneurs who are changing what “seeing the plan” means for homeowners and builders in our region. Ryan Williams, owner of Artisan Design Studio, shares how a small design firm can grow without losing its soul. She discusses pricing for outcomes, opening a retail studio to create community touchpoints, and why disciplined books and a good CPA are growth tools, not afterthoughts.

Mary Atchley, co-owner of Walk Your Plans Atlanta and co-founder of Design & Build XR, explains how clients make better decisions when they can literally walk their floor plans at full scale. Then she layers in extended reality to preview kitchens, baths, and additions on-site or in their studio, reducing rework and surprises.

Together, Mary and Ryan trade practical lessons: how to decide when to expand, where to invest first, what metrics to watch, and how to balance momentum with margin. They also highlight their shared work with Sunshine on a Ranney Day, creating accessible spaces for families who need them most. If you’re building, renovating, or growing a design-related business, this conversation is a blueprint for smarter decisions and happier clients.

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

Key Takeaways from This Episode

XR goes beyond 2D: Walk Your Plans Atlanta launched Design & Build XR to layer AR/VR and on-site visualization so clients understand unbuilt spaces and reduce surprises.
Category creation is hard work: Educating a successful industry to try a new modality takes daily consistency and clear value stories.
Boutique by design: Artisan Design Studio grew from a home office to a retail studio after past lessons on scaling, prioritizing process and the craft of design.
Community at the center: Both Artisan Design Studio and Walk Your Plans Atlanta volunteer with Sunshine on a Ranney Day, creating accessible bedrooms, baths, and therapy spaces for kids and families.
Make it easy to connect: Artisan’s Roswell storefront hosts events, while Walk Your Plans Atlanta invites prospects to see work online and on social.
Mindset for year one: Guard time, choose communities wisely, and keep showing up. Consistency compounds.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction to the GNFCC 400 Insider podcast
00:26 Celebrating Small Business Award Winners
01:06 Meet two of the Award Winners: Artisan Design Studio and Walk Your Plans Atlanta
02:15 Journey of Entrepreneurship: Challenges and Inspirations
05:05 Innovations and Expansions in Business
12:28 Community Involvement and Giving Back
20:00 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
27:06 Connecting with the Businesses
28:59 Conclusion and Farewell

Ryan Morgan Williams, Artisan Design Studio

**Ryan Williams, Artisan Design Studios**

Principal designer Ryan Williams owns Artisan Design Studio. Williams has been practicing interior design for twenty years and has been a business owner for more than 15 of those.

With utmost attention given to learning about her clients and their families, Williams prioritizes making sure she is not only creating breathtaking spaces for them but also improving their mental, physical, and emotional well-being. As a member of a custom home-building family in Atlanta, Williams advocates for her clients through building and remodeling, as well as full furnishings projects. She prides herself on being the expert in the room but also a friend at the table.

Williams graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Furnishings & Interiors from the University of Georgia. She is an Atlanta native and she currently lives with her husband and two children in Roswell.

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Mary Atchley, Walk Your Plans Atlanta

Mary Atchley is the owner and driving force behind Walk Your Plans Atlanta, a cutting-edge business that enables clients to experience life-sized floor plans before construction begins. Bringing over 20 years of expertise in marketing, brand strategy, and entrepreneurship, Atchley created a platform that bridges the gap between abstract blueprints and real-life spatial understanding so homeowners, architects, and commercial developers can make informed, confident decisions. Her visionary leadership and relentless focus on client service have transformed Walk Your Plans Atlanta into a destination for immersive, collaborative design walkthroughs, helping Atlanta’s building community identify issues early, optimize layouts, and minimize costly post-construction changes.

Atchley’s deep commitment to the local community matches her passion for innovation. She has ensured that Walk Your Plans Atlanta provides complimentary access to families sponsored by Sunshine on a Ranney Day, supporting ADA-compliant renovations for children with special needs. Recognized for her ability to foster lasting relationships and deliver tailored technology solutions, Mary Atchley is also active in regional leadership and professional organizations, including Leadership North Fulton and Women in Sport & Events (WISE). Her work continues to propel industry standards forward, making the design and construction process more transparent, collaborative, and client-focused throughout the greater Atlanta area.

Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

About GNFCC and The GNFCC 400 Insider podcast

Kali Boatright, President and CEO of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce (GNFCC) — **Kali Boatright, President and CEO of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce**

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.

Bo Palmer with Palmers Hometown Furniture

June 23, 2025 by Tom Sheldon

Northeast Georgia Business Radio

Bo Palmer with Palmers Hometown Furniture

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Bo Palmer

From humble beginnings to building a hometown brand rooted in integrity and personal service. More than just a furniture store, Palmers Hometown Furniture is a place where customers become friends and every home finds its perfect touch. Located in Downtown Commerce, Georgia; Bo and his staff are ready to assist you in making a house into your home.

Our Community Partner for this episode of Northeast Georgia Business Radio is Parisi Law Firm. A giant thank you to Jerry and his team for their support. If you’re struggling with medical bills and dealing with the aftermath of an accident, let them guide you!

Georgia’s Economic Outlook, with Dr. Jerry Parrish, Metro Atlanta Chamber

October 7, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Georgia's Economic Outlook, with Dr. Jerry Parrish, Metro Atlanta Chamber

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Georgia’s Economic Outlook, with Dr. Jerry Parrish, Metro Atlanta Chamber (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 809)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, John Ray hosts Dr. Jerry Parrish, Chief Economist at the Metro Atlanta Chamber, who discusses Georgia’s economic outlook. Dr. Parrish details recent trends, including Georgia’s impressive job growth post-COVID, innovations in tech, and significant projects reshaping the Metro Atlanta regions. Challenges he points to include the impact of Hurricane Helene, the Longshoremen’s strike affecting Georgia’s ports, and the lack of adequate workforce housing. Dr. Parrish explores the implications of political uncertainty on business investment as well as discussing the importance of fostering a positive business climate in Georgia.

Note: Subsequent to the recording of this episode, the longshoremen’s strike that began on October 3, 2024, was suspended and work resumed, following a tentative agreement reached between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX).

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

Dr. Jerry Parrish, Chief Economist, Metro Atlanta Chamber

**Dr. Jerry Parrish, Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce**

Jerry D. Parrish, Ph.D., is the Chief Economist at the Metro Atlanta Chamber. Dr. Parrish was previously the Director of State and Local Policy Analysis at the Florida Institute of Government at Florida State University. Dr. Parrish was also on the faculty in the Masters of Applied Economics Program at Florida State University for twelve years.

Jerry was previously the Chief Economist and Director of Research for the Florida Chamber Foundation. Prior to that position, Dr. Parrish was the Chief Economist and Director of the Center for Competitive Florida at Florida TaxWatch. Prior to that position, he served as the Associate Director of the Center for Economic Forecasting & Analysis (CEFA) at Florida State University. He has many years of experience in the private sector in management roles at international manufacturing companies.

Jerry earned a B.S. in Agricultural Business and Economics from Auburn University, an M.B.A. from Bellarmine University, an M.S. in Economics from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and a Ph.D. in Economics from Auburn University.

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Metro Atlanta Chamber

The Metro Atlanta Chamber (MAC) is a privately funded 164-year-old organization representing businesses, colleges and universities, and nonprofits across the 29-county region that makes up the nation’s eighth-largest market.

MAC member companies represent 1+ million employees in the region. Our businesses invest in the work we do to attract and retain business, ensure a business-friendly climate through public policy and market the region as a place to live, work and play.

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

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
01:55 Guest Introduction: Dr. Jerry Parrish
03:39 Economic Overview of Georgia and Georgia’s Economic Outlook
06:26 Impact of Port Strike
10:36 Hurricane Helene’s Economic Impact
13:40 Interest Rates and Election Impact
19:21 Innovation and Tech in Georgia
22:18 New Leadership at Metro Atlanta Chamber
26:35 Closing Remarks and Additional Information

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

Renasant Bank has humble roots, starting in 1904 as a $100,000 bank in a Lee County, Mississippi, bakery. Since then, Renasant has become one of the Southeast’s strongest financial institutions, with over $17 billion in assets and more than 180 banking, lending, wealth management, and financial services offices throughout the region. All of Renasant’s success stems from each of their banker’s commitment to investing in their communities as a way of better understanding the people they serve. At Renasant Bank, they understand you because they work and live alongside you every day.

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.

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Legislation in Georgia, with Representative Todd Jones, Georgia House District 25

July 27, 2023 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Legislation in Georgia, with Representative Todd Jones, Georgia House District 25

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Mental Health and Substance Abuse Legislation in Georgia, with Representative Todd Jones, Georgia House District 25 (Episode 86, To Your Health with Dr. Jim Morrow)

Representative Todd Jones, Georgia House District 25, was Dr. Morrow’s guest on this episode of To Your Health. Rep. Jones discussed the state of mental health care in Georgia, HB 1013, the “Mental Health Parity Act,” which passed in 2022, as well as House Bill 520, which is in Senate committee currently and builds on HB 1013. He also discussed telemedicine, the state’s efforts in workforce development to bring more mental health providers to the state, the mental health hotline, 988, advice for caregivers, and much more.

You can find a video of their conversation here.

To Your Health is brought to you by Village Medical (formerly Morrow Family Medicine), a “New Way to Well.” The show is produced by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.

Representative Todd Jones, Georgia House District 25

**Representative Todd Jones, House District 25**

Representative Todd Jones represents the citizens of House District 25, which encompasses South Forsyth and North Fulton Counties. He was first elected to the Georgia House of Representatives on November 8, 2016, and sworn into office on January 9, 2017. Todd started his third term representing District 25 on January 11, 2021.

Rep. Jones serves as the chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Education and as the vice chairman of the Science & Technology Committee. Further, Todd serves as a member of the Budget & Fiscal Affairs Oversight, Code Revision, Economic Development & Tourism, Education, Industry & Labor and Judiciary committees. He also serves on the Special Committee on Access to Quality Health Care.

Todd’s business experience has focused on triple-bottom line companies that focus on social, environmental, and financial impacts. From changing K-12 education worldwide to launching energy projects in the developing world to deploying EHS software, each company created accretive, positive return on investment. During his time as a business executive, he has worked with companies like Johnson Controls, Goldman Sachs, Goodyear, Cardinal Health, John Deere, Walgreens, Morgan Stanley and Cargill.

In 2010, Todd was named “Co-Volunteer of the Year” by the Forsyth County Board of Education. He has also served on a variety of community executive boards including the SPES Dads Club and SFHS Touchdown Club.

Todd holds a Juris Doctor (1994) and Bachelor of Administration in Finance (1989) from the University of Florida(UF). Todd served as his fraternity’s president and treasurer, UF student senator and Greek Council student representative. He was named to the “University’s Who’s Who “at UF.

As an alumnus, Todd has sat on his fraternity’s board of directors, delivered guest lectures at the UF business, law and political science schools, and led a variety of alumni activities.

Todd has been married to his high school sweetheart, Tracey Jones, for more than 25 years. Tracey and Todd have three sons and one daughter. The family has called South Forsyth County home for more than 14 years.

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Village Medical

At Village Medical, your relationship with your primary care provider is the foundation to your health. Their doctors and staff partner with you to understand your needs, and work together to focus not just on treatment, but also education and preventative care.

They combine the tools, technology and people needed to help create healthier, happier patients. More connected care means more complete care.

Village Medical clinics located at Walgreens pharmacies are bringing their vision of exceptional and compassionate primary care even closer to you. With locations throughout the United States, they’re in your neighborhood. And that network means you can visit a doctor at any of their locations, and they’ll have your records available.

With Village Medical at Home, they provide at-home visits designed to give eligible patients the attention they need, in a way that’s best for them and their caregivers.

With your caring team at Village Medical, it’s easy and convenient to stay on top of your health. Maybe more than ever before. Village Medical. The New Way to Well.

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Dr. Jim Morrow, Village Medical, and Host of To Your Health with Dr. Jim Morrow

Dr. Jim Morrow is the founder of Morrow Family Medicine, now part of the Village Medical family of practices. He has been a trailblazer and evangelist in healthcare information technology, was named Physician IT Leader of the Year by HIMSS, a HIMSS Davies Award Winner, the Cumming-Forsyth Chamber of Commerce Steve Bloom Award Winner as Entrepreneur of the Year and he received a Phoenix Award as Community Leader of the Year from the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce. He is married to Peggie Morrow and together they founded the Forsyth BYOT Benefit, a charity in Forsyth County to support students in need of technology and devices. They have two Goldendoodles, a gaggle of grandchildren and enjoy life on and around Lake Lanier.

Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter

The complete show archive of To Your Health with Dr. Jim Morrow addresses a wide range of health and wellness topics.

The Rome Floyd Chamber Show – City Clerk Joe Smith

May 22, 2023 by Roger Manis

Rome Business Radio

The Rome Floyd Chamber Show - City Clerk Joe Smith

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The Rome Floyd Chamber Show – Floyd County Manager Jamie McCord and Rome City Manager Sammy Rich

April 24, 2023 by Roger Manis

Rome Business Radio

The Rome Floyd Chamber Show - Floyd County Manager Jamie McCord and Rome City Manager Sammy Rich

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Kate Stroth, Farm Stores Georgia

April 30, 2020 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Kate Stroth, Farm Stores Georgia

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Kate Stroth, Farm Stores Georgia (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 226)

Farm Stores Georgia representative Kate Stroth joins “North Fulton Business Radio” to discuss this unique drive-through grocery-bakery-cafe concept and the franchise opportunities available in the state. The host of “North Fulton Business Radio” is John Ray and the show is produced virtually by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® in Alpharetta.

Farm Stores

Kate Stroth is the Area Representive for Farm Stores Georgia.

Farm Stores is a multi-generational brand with over 65 years delivering a unique neighborhood and community experience. As an essential business, they are a combination of a grocery store, bakery and café. They give their customers the freshest products in the most convenient and safest manner, all without ever having to leave the car!

They sell favorite grocery items combined with convenient fast café items like fresh baked bread, coffee and deli products: the equivalent of a supermarket express lane pick-up window!

Farm Stores’ customers love the convenience of driving through on their way to work for coffee and a breakfast sandwich or fresh pastry, and coming by again on the way home for a gallon of milk, eggs, and cereal.

As their customers’ needs continue to evolve, Farm Stores will evolve with them. Their model is built around convenience, quality, and service, not a locked down product that may go out of fashion.

More information is available at the Farm Stores website, and you can contact Kate by email.

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

Kate’s background and decision to affiliate with Farm Stores
the unique drive-through grocery-bakery-cafe business model of Farm Stores
neighborhood orientation
how the business fits the Covid-19 social distancing way of doing business
Farm Stores franchise opportunity
growth of the Farm Stores Georgia franchise system

North Fulton Business Radio” is produced virtually from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® 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, 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 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.

Ron Combs – Combs Pest Control, Mike Wofford – JMW Construction Co., LLC

January 28, 2020 by Beau Henderson

North Georgia Business Radio

Ron Combs - Combs Pest Control, Mike Wofford - JMW Construction Co., LLC

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Ron Combs – Combs Pest Control, LLC

The average homeowner stays with their pest control provider to 3-5 years. We are proud to serve many customers who’ve been with us since day-one-that’s over 17 years! We believe our customers continue to choose us because at Combs Pest Control – you aren’t a customer, you are family.

Many other companies are in the pest control business. We are in the PEOPLE business – we want to EARN your business and continue earning it.

Don’t let pests and termites control your home! Call Combs Pest Control today to schedule a free consultation and estimate.

With over 26 years of experience, you can bet, that if it has more than 4 legs, we can kill it!

Mike Wofford – JMW Construction Co., LLC

We are a full service contractor serving Gainesville since 1996. We offer CAD design, turnkey building and remodeling, and service work ranging from gutter cleaning to repairs of all types… no job is too big or too small. We take care of your home! Licensed and insured.

Hundreds of satisfied customers!

Kyle Sanders, Let There Be Rock, Dan Solla, PTSD Foundation of America

November 13, 2019 by Beau Henderson

Business RadioX® Community

Kyle Sanders, Let There Be Rock, Dan Solla, PTSD Foundation of America

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Kyle Sanders – Let There Be Rock

Let There Be Rock School is a music lesson facility and rock and roll community center. Students from age 5 to adult learn to play guitar, bass, drums, keys and vocals while interacting with their peers. All students have the opportunity to join a band learning classic, current and writing original songs to perform at a real rock n roll venue!!

What Kyle and his team have so much more to offer than just music and vocal lessons… community, likeness and spirit are developed here!

Dan Solla, JD – PTSD Foundation Of America Atlanta

“Hope and Healing for the Invisible Wounds of War: Support and Treatment for our Communities’ Combat Veterans”

Dan Solla is the Managing Director of the PTSD Foundation of America’s-Atlanta/North Georgia Chapter. The PTSD Foundation of America operates an 80-bed residential treatment and interim housing facility for combat veterans, facilitates local peer-based support groups, and organizes recreational and outdoor events, outings, and challenge expeditions for veterans and their families. Mr. Solla’s work and passion is helping other combat veterans struggling with adjustment to civilian life, combat trauma, PTSD, addiction and thoughts of suicide.

Mr. Solla is a veteran of the United States Army Infantry, having served as a rifleman in the 1st Armored Divisions 1/36 Infantry Battalion out of Ray Barracks Freidberg, Germany. He served 15 months as a rifleman in Iraq during the invasion of 2003-2004 and was awarded the Combat Infantryman’s Badge for actively engaging in ground combat with the enemy. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Tennessee and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of Tennessee College of Law in Knoxville. A resident of Flowery Branch, he is a member of the American Legion Post 7 in Gainesville, a parishioner of St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church in Oakwood and father to Jude and Zen Solla.