GNFCC Archives - Page 7 of 15 - Business RadioX ®

LIVE from the GNFCC Grand Opening Celebration: Melvin Everson, Gwinnett Technical College

September 19, 2022 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

LIVE from the GNFCC Grand Opening Celebration: Melvin Everson, Gwinnett Technical College

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LIVE from the GNFCC Grand Opening Celebration: Melvin Everson, Gwinnett Technical College (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 521)

Melvin Everson, Gwinnett Technical College, stopped by to chat with North Fulton Business Radio host John Ray during the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce Grand Opening Celebration. Melvin discussed Gwinnett Tech’s presence in North Fulton, recent developments at the college, why Gwinnett Tech is so active in GNFCC, and more.

This show was originally broadcast live from the Grand Opening celebration and ribbon cutting of the new offices of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce at the 10000 Building at Avalon in Alpharetta, Georgia, on August 18, 2022.

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

Gwinnett Technical College

Gwinnett Tech has been providing career-focused education and training for our region for more than 35 years. Our programs focus on real-world education for real-world jobs and help you gain the knowledge you need to realize your dreams.

We offer more than 140 programs – degree, diploma and certificate options – that you can finish in two years or less. Programs in the fastest growing fields, plus emerging industries and technologies, where employers need a highly skilled workforce and our graduates are in demand.

Gwinnett Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award the associate degree. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Gwinnett Technical College.

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter

Melvin Everson, Vice President, Economic Development, Gwinnett Technical College

Melvin Everson leads the College’s economic programming with a plethora of workforce development programs focused on training and education to grow businesses. He oversees continuing education, career services, and the Launch Pointe Center for Career Experience.

Everson brings more than 30 years of leadership and economic development in both the public and private sectors.

Everson mostly recently served as the College’s Director of Business and Industry Training. Prior to joining the College, he served as the Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Workforce Development and Executive Director of the Georgia Commission of Equal Opportunity. Everson also served as a Georgia State Representative for House District 106, on the Snellville City Council, and in the United States Army. Everson holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminology from Albany State University.

Questions and Topics in the Interview:

Gwinnett Tech
Recent developments
Gwinnett Tech’s connection to GNFCC

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 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.

Special thanks to A&S Culinary Concepts for their support of this edition of North Fulton Business Radio. A&S Culinary Concepts, based in Johns Creek, is an award-winning culinary studio, celebrated for corporate catering, corporate team building, Big Green Egg Boot Camps, and private group events. They also provide oven-ready, cooked-from-scratch meals to go they call “Let Us Cook for You.” To see their menus and events, go to their website or call 678-336-9196.

LIVE from the GNFCC Grand Opening Celebration: Stacy Garmon, Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce

September 15, 2022 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

LIVE from the GNFCC Grand Opening Celebration: Stacy Garmon, Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce

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LIVE from the GNFCC Grand Opening Celebration: Stacy Garmon, Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 519)

Stacy Garmon is Vice President of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce and joined host John Ray LIVE to talk about the Grand Opening Celebration. She discussed the new location, value-laden opportunities available to Chairman’s Circle members, and more.

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

Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce

The mission of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce is to be the recognized leader in its region for business growth, talent development and regional prosperity.

The Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce is a private, nonprofit, member-driven organization comprised of over 1,200 business enterprises, civic organizations, educational institutions, and individuals. Its 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.

Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Stacy Garmon, IOM, Vice President, Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce (GNFCC)

Stacy Garmon is a Chamber of Commerce Executive with over seven years of experience providing fiscal and operational oversight for chamber membership, sponsorship, programming, and business advocacy activities. As a former small business owner turned chamber of commerce leader, she is deeply passionate about connecting and promoting businesses within her community.

Stacy worked her way up from Membership Director at a local chamber, to serving as Vice President at the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce. She joined GNFCC in 2018.

Stacy is an expert in chamber leadership and operations from strategic planning to fiscal management, As a service-oriented leader at heart, she is dedicated to making a positive impact on the community through volunteering, board membership, and social services.

Stacy holds a degree from Berry College and is on the board of directors of The Drake House.

Questions and Topics in the Interview:

Stacy’s role at GNFCC
The new location
Chairman’s Circle

LIVE from the GNFCC Grand Opening Celebration: Jerry Orlans, BIS Benefits, and Anthony Chen, Lighthouse Financial

September 12, 2022 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

LIVE from the GNFCC Grand Opening Celebration: Jerry Orlans, BIS Benefits, and Anthony Chen, Lighthouse Financial

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LIVE from the GNFCC Grand Opening Celebration: Jerry Orlans, BIS Benefits, and Anthony Chen, Lighthouse Financial (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 516)

Two Greater North Fulton Chamber Diplomats, Jerry Orlans of BIS Benefits and Anthony Chen of Lighthouse Financial, sat down with host John Ray LIVE at the Grand Opening Celebration of GNFCC’s new offices at Avalon. Jerry and Anthony discussed their respective businesses, the work they do as Diplomats to orient new Chamber members, and more.

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

BIS Benefits

Employee benefits and insurance for your business or non-profit organization can be a maze—especially with healthcare reform and compliance. You need a trusted advisor.

One with the experience and knowledge to structure a strategic insurance and employee benefit plan that’s cost-effective yet works to keep your employees healthy, productive and satisfied. Instead of cookie-cutter offerings, you want customized options. A team of benefits experts providing the latest technology solutions to help you save time and increase communication with your employees. Your search has led you to the right place: BIS Benefits.

Company website

Jerry Orlans, Consultant, BIS Benefits

Jerry is President of RBC Benefits, Inc., and a recognized expert in employee benefits administration for small to mid-sized companies. He has over 35 years of industry experience and attributes his continued success to placing his clients’ needs first and foremost.

In 2013 Jerry connected with Ray Bachman and BIS Benefits, Inc., in a strategic partnership for the benefit of their clients. Jerry is now a consultant working with BIS Benefits. Jerry and Ray offer almost 80 years of combined experience in the Employee Benefits arena.

Prior to starting RBC Benefits, Inc., he served as Regional Director for a National Brokerage and Consulting firm and as a Regional Sales Manager for two major national insurance companies. He has supported small, medium and large employers by consulting in all areas of employee benefits. His expertise covers health care, including self-funded health plans, dental and vision benefits, long-and-short term disability and 401(k) retirement and profit sharing plans.

Jerry is currently serving his fifth term as an elected City Councilman in Roswell, Georgia. He served nine years on the Board of Directors of North Fulton Regional Hospital and rotated off in January of 2011. He has previously served on the Boards of North Fulton Community Foundation, the Rotary Club of Roswell, and the North Fulton YMCA. He is a member of the National Association of Health Underwriters and keeps abreast of legislative issues impacting his clients. Additionally, he is actively involved in the North Fulton Chamber of Commerce and the Roswell Rotary Club. In recognition of his leadership in the community, he was invited by the Atlanta Regional Commission to participate in the Regional Leadership program in 1997.

Jerry graduated from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan with a degree in Finance. He obtained the designation of FLMI (Fellow Life Management Institute) from LOMA. LOMA (Life Office Management Association) has set the standard in Insurance education for over 70 years.

Lighthouse Financial Network

Lighthouse Financial Network is affiliated with Royal Alliance Associates, Inc. member FINRA/SIPC. The firm is located in Melville, NY and has an additional 14 affiliated offices located throughout the nation. They provide financial guidance to clients across the country, each with unique financial needs.

Lighthouse is comprised of a dedicated group of professionals, with high core values and extensive experience in finance, insurance, and money management. Many of its advisors have attained advanced degrees and professional designations to enhance their ability to best represent you to make certain that they meet your needs effectively. Their advisors are responsible for understanding your financial picture, applying a comprehensive strategy, and providing the appropriate resources to help meet your goals and objectives.

Company website | LinkedIn

Anthony Chen, Investment Advisor Representative, Lighthouse Financial Network, and Host of Family Business Radio

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

Anthony is also the host of Family Business Radio. His show features family business owners and the advisors who assist them in their journey. The show archive can be found here.

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.

Questions and Topics in the Interview:

Jerry’s work at BIS Benefits
Anthony Chen’s work as a Financial Advisor
GNFCC Chamber Diplomats

LIVE from the GNFCC Grand Opening Celebration: Linda Coyle, LGE Community Credit Union

September 8, 2022 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

LIVE from the GNFCC Grand Opening Celebration: Linda Coyle, LGE Community Credit Union

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LIVE from the GNFCC Grand Opening Celebration: Linda Coyle, LGE Community Credit Union (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 515)

Linda Coyle stopped by to chat with host North Fulton Business Radio host John Ray during the live remote celebrating the new Greater North Fulton Chamber offices at Avalon. Linda discussed LGE’s continued growth, her deep involvement with GNFCC, the Milton Business Council, LGE’s sponsorships of Chamber events and activities, and much more.

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

Linda Coyle, Business Development Officer, LGE Community Credit Union

Linda Coyle started as a teacher and moved from education to business development. She has been in that role with LGE Community Credit Union since 2016.

She is the 2022 Chair of the Milton Business Council and is on the board of GNFCC.

In 1951, seven Lockheed Georgia employees dreamed of a better way to bank, and LGE Community Credit Union was born. Today they serve communities in Northwest Georgia as a not-for-profit financial institution. Unlike a bank, whose profits go to its shareholders, their profits go to their members in the form of better rates and lower fees. They are guided by a strong commitment to provide a better financial future for our members.

Everyone who lives or works in Bartow, Cherokee, Cobb, Fulton, and Paulding counties is eligible to apply for membership, as are employees of many companies. Family members of existing members are also eligible.

Since 2010, LGE has invested over $1.45 million in the lives of those in the community including children, homeless, abuse victims, and those that fall on hard times. Not only is there a monetary contribution but LGE staff members volunteer over 2,600 hours in the community annually. Additionally, we partner with schools in the local communities through our Partners in Education platform. Continued efforts show why LGE Community Credit Union continues to be a fabric of the community.

Company website | LinkedIn

Questions and Topics in the Interview:

LGE Community Credit Union
GNFCC and business development
Milton Business Council

LIVE from the GNFCC Grand Opening Celebration: Shuntel Beach, King’s Ridge Christian School

September 7, 2022 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

LIVE from the GNFCC Grand Opening Celebration: Shuntel Beach, King’s Ridge Christian School

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LIVE from the GNFCC Grand Opening Celebration: Shuntel Beach, King’s Ridge Christian School (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 513)

Shuntel Beach is the Director of Admissions at King’s Ridge Christian School. While attending the GNFCC Grand Opening Celebration, Shuntel sat down with host John Ray to discuss the work of King’s Ridge, the value of Chamber membership for the school, how and why King’s Ridge hosts the Chamber’s annual luncheon devoted to education, and much more.

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

King’s Ridge Christian School

King’s Ridge Christian School is an exceptional place. But, among their strengths, several things set them apart.

First, this is a place of great intellectual activity and academic rigor. They seek to be the best in the world at providing a Christian college-preparatory program for students in grades Pre-K – 12, teaching students to view all learning through a Biblical template.

Second, they have a passion for bringing every student into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ while equipping our students with all excellence God calls them to do.

From its founding in 2001 until now, its enduring mission has been to be a Christian community providing a college preparatory education equipping students to know, to serve, and to believe in Christ.

Third, the school is preparing young men and women not just for college but also for life. They aim to educate, not indoctrinate. As a result, students have not only the freedom but also the encouragement to pursue knowledge and their giftedness and calling to the fullest extent possible.

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter

Shuntel Beach, Director of Admissions, King’s Ridge Christian School

Shuntel Beach is the Director of Admissions for King’s Ridge Christian School.

She is also a board member for the REACH Georgia Foundation, whose mission is to be the most effective champions for Georgia’s children in need and unlock the full potential of our future workforce.

Shuntel holds an MBA from Kennesaw State University and lives in Alpharetta, Georgia with her husband, Senator Brandon Beach.

Questions and Topics in the Interview:

King’s Ridge Christian School
Shuntel’s experience with GNFCC
Annual celebration of education in North Fulton

LIVE from the GNFCC Grand Opening Celebration: Rory Robichaux, Sciera

September 6, 2022 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

LIVE from the GNFCC Grand Opening Celebration: Rory Robichaux, Sciera

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LIVE from the GNFCC Grand Opening Celebration: Rory Robichaux, Sciera (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 512)

Rory Robichaux of Sciera joined host John Ray LIVE from the Grand Opening Celebration of the new offices of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce at Avalon. Rory discussed the work of Sciera, why he and his company are so involved with GNFCC, their sponsorship of Chairman’s Circle activities, and much more.

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

Sciera, Inc.

In late 2007, with the rapid explosion of publicly available information, Sciera’s two founders wondered, “What if this can be harnessed to answer the question, What Changed?” Using the then-nascent AWS (Amazon cloud), unstructured text mining, and advanced analytics, they set about creating a scalable framework to capture changes…which when combined with known client data, identifies triggers that initiate a buy journey.

Today Sciera is a team of Strategists, Analysts, Data Scientists and Technologists who provide answers to the most important marketing questions – Who, When, Where & Why.

Company website | LinkedIn | Facebook

Rory Robichaux, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Sciera, Inc.

Rory Robichaux has been at the forefront of each technology revolution of the past 40+ years. He has led technology, strategic planning, design and development, data analytics, and sales and marketing teams across the technology industry. He has held leadership positions in major firms such as Coca-Cola, Sun Microsystems, and Deloitte Consulting, as well as created and built successful start-ups in industries ranging from transportation and entertainment to technology and financial services. He currently leads the sales and marketing functions of a global market intelligence firm headquartered in Atlanta.

Outside of his responsibilities with Sciera, Mr. Robichaux belongs to the Chambers of Commerce across the Atlanta region and is very involved in helping to lead and mentor a number of Rotary Clubs across the Atlanta area.

Questions and Topics in the Interview:

What Sciera does
Sciera’s involvement in the Chamber
The Chairman’s Circle

2022 GNFCC Non-Profit and Small Business Award Winners: Tanya Morris, Senior Services North Fulton, and Tom Burgess, Christian Brothers Automotive, Cumming and Jones Bridge

September 1, 2022 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

2022 GNFCC Non-Profit and Small Business Award Winners: Tanya Morris, Senior Services North Fulton, and Tom Burgess, Christian Brothers Automotive, Cumming and Jones Bridge

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2022 GNFCC Non-Profit and Small Business Award Winners: Tanya Morris, Senior Services North Fulton, and Tom Burgess, Christian Brothers Automotive, Cumming and Jones Bridge (GNFCC 400 Insider, Episode 78)

On this edition of the GNFCC 400 Insider, host Kali Boatright celebrated the 2022 Chamber Non-Profit and Small Business Award recipients. Senior Services North Fulton, represented by Tanya Morris, Client Services Director, was the Non-Profit Award winner, and Christian Brothers Automotive Cumming & Jones Bridge, owned by Tom Burgess, was named Small Business of the Year. Tanya and Tom each shared some of the work they are most proud of, the people who help make it happen, the clients they serve, and much more.

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

2022 Nonprofit Award Winner:

Tanya Morris, LMSW, Client Services Director, Senior Services of North Fulton

For over 30 years, Senior Services North Fulton has been at the forefront of efforts to eliminate senior hunger and provide additional care and support to the region’s growing population of older adults.

• Meals on Wheels – Delivers nearly 50,000 meals a year to seniors who are food insecure.

• TOPS – Facilitates free rides to and from important medical appointments.

• Senior Centers – Operation of seven senior centers located in Atlanta and North Fulton which helps the lonely and isolated build community and enhance wellbeing.

• Care Management – One-on-one emotional and relational support to the lonely and vulnerable.

• Meals on Wheels for Pets – Free pet food delivered to the furry companions of our seniors!

Their agency is a resource for all senior-related needs in the community.

Tanya Morris, LMSW, has been with Senior Services of North Fulton since 2011 and the Client Services Director since 2016.

Company website | Facebook | Tanya Morris LinkedIn

2022 Small Business of the Year:

Christian Brothers Automotive Cumming and Jones Bridge

Christian Brothers Automotive Comming’s expert, ASE-certified technicians care about every car that visits the shop, and they offer you a complimentary Courtesy Inspection on every visit. No work is ever performed without your permission and you will always be informed about your car in language that’s easy to understand. Bring your newer vehicles under warranty in for routine service and save on dealership prices!

For a car repair experience that’s clean, courteous and caring, choose your neighborhood Christian Brothers Automotive. Take a look at reviews from real customers at nearby shops and those around the country. Every visit to Christian Brothers should end in a happy car and a happy customer.

Christian Brothers Automotive offers auto repair service and maintenance for every vehicle. Gas or diesel, foreign or domestic, car or truck – no matter the vehicle, they have the expertise and experience to fix it right the first time. They have the same manufacturer-recommended equipment and diagnostic tools as the dealerships, but the local ties and industry partnerships so they can often offer better prices.

All locations are independently owned and operated and the owner is on-site. Speak directly with the owner about your car repairs. We know you have a choice in car care – thanks for considering Christian Brothers Automotive. Schedule an appointment today or send your questions to our experts.

Company website

Tom Burgess, Owner, Christian Brothers Automotive Cumming and Jones Bridge

Tom Burgess received his undergraduate BS Degree from Syracuse and an MBA from Oklahoma City University. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel after 23 years in the US Air Force. He has over 900 combat flying hours in Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan). He spent three years as an Associate Professor at US Air Force Academy and 1 year as a Squadron Commander there. He spent 3 years in Counter Drugs and one year in Korea.

Following his time in the Air Force, he was with Northrop Grumman Corporation as a Systems Engineer for six years, and he currently owns Christian Brothers Automotive in Cumming and Jones Bridge.

About GNFCC and The GNFCC 400 Insider

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

The GNFCC 400 Insider is presented by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce (GNFCC) and is hosted by 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 1400 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.

The GNFCC promotes the interests of our 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 such as this North Fulton Mayors Appreciation Lunch, follow this link.

For the complete show archive of GNFCC 400 Insider, go to GNFCC400Insider.com. The GNFCC 400 Insider is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®.

LIVE from the GNFCC Grand Opening Celebration: Bill Bland, Construction Industry Veteran, and 2019 Chairman, Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce

August 31, 2022 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

LIVE from the GNFCC Grand Opening Celebration: Bill Bland, Construction Industry Veteran, and 2019 Chairman, Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce

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Construction Industry Veteran, and 2019 Chairman, Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 509)

Bill Bland, an icon of the construction industry and the 2019 Chairman of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, was on hand at the Grand Opening celebration to reflect with John Ray on not only his accomplishments and involvement with GNFCC, but why GNFCC membership is so important and what he’s doing now.

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

Bill Bland, Construction Industry Veteran, and 2019 Chairman, Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce

Bill Bland recently retired from Choate Construction after 26 years of service where he was employed initially as a project manager and became a principal and Senior Vice President.

Prior to joining Choate, Bill was a principal and project manager for Wood, Morris & Bland where he was involved in the design and construction of numerous healthcare-related projects across the country. Bill earned a Bachelor of Science from Georgia Southern University, and he is also a graduate of Georgia College and State University, where he received his Masters in Business Administration.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Bill is active in several civic and professional associations. He has served as past President of CoreNet Global and Real Estate Group of Atlanta (REGA), and he is an active member of the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP), and the Urban Land Institute (ULI).

Bill is also a former board member of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce where he served as chair for the annual golf tournament and was the 2019 Chairman of The Board.

Bill is now an independent consultant in the construction industry.

Questions and Topics in the Interview:

Bill’s experience
Bill’s consulting work
Why be involved in GNFCC

LIVE from the GNFCC Grand Opening Celebration: Andy Kalajian, Fort Leadership and Sales Consulting

August 30, 2022 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

LIVE from the GNFCC Grand Opening Celebration: Andy Kalajian, Fort Leadership and Sales Consulting

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North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 508)

Andy Kalajian, founder of Fort Leadership and Sales Consulting is deeply involved in GNFCC as a Chamber Diplomat, a Chairman’s Circle member, and several other capacities. Andy sat down with host John Ray during the GNFCC Grand Opening Celebration to talk about Fort Leadership, Andy’s approach to sales and relationships, why he’s so involved with GNFCC, and much more.

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

Fort Leadership and Sales Consulting, LLC is a Professional and Personal Development company that creates healthy corporate cultures by developing the personal and professional leadership capacity of the person. Fort Leadership and Sales Consulting, LLC believes that a healthy Corporate Culture benefits the business leader and the employee alike, and it enhances the customer experience.

The culture on the inside of a company is what the customer experiences on the outside of the company. That is the customer experience. But if this is true, why do so many employees feel that their corporate culture is not where it needs to be? Why do some employees describe their corporate culture as dysfunctional or even toxic? How does this dysfunction impact the customer experience? Furthermore, why do some business leaders when asked “how many employees work for you?” respond by saying, “about 1/2”!
Demographic studies indicate that in 5 years up to 75% of the employees will be millennials. That means that for a business leader to be able to attract and retain the best talent from the biggest pool of talent, the business leader must have a healthy corporate culture.

But if a healthy corporate culture is what the employer and the employee are looking for, what does a healthy corporate culture look like? How is a healthy corporate culture created? The answer is Leadership! Fort Leadership and Sales Consulting creates healthy corporate cultures through Leadership Development. Leadership development is all about Character. After all, when we talk about corporate culture, what we are really talking about is corporate character. Corporations are made up of people. And people bring their character to work. So, it only stands to reason that when a collection of people brings their collective characters to work, a corporate character or a corporate culture is created.

Fort Leadership and Sales Consulting, LLC is creating healthy corporate cultures.

Company website | LinkedIn | Instagram

Andy Kalajian, Founder, Fort Leadership & Sales Consulting

Andy Kalajian has been a highly sought-after public speaker for more than 25 years. He has received public acclaim for his brand, EnTheos, Latin for Spirit Within and predecessor to the word Enthusiasm. Andy enthusiastically delivers powerful talks and lessons steeped in wisdom literature and their practical application to busy lifestyles. His tagline, transformational thought in action, serves as a reminder to the participant that one can, indeed, permanently change the destiny of their life by changing the nature of their thoughts and actions.

Andy was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. As a young boy he discovered his passion for serving others in medicine and his gift for public speaking. At the age of 12, Andy, at the urging of his father, began to earn his own way as a Golf Caddy. His sense of adventure also led him, along with his father, to the Boy Scouts of America where he achieved the Rank of Eagle Scout. In High School, Andy was fed books from his mother, Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill and How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

While a golf caddy, Andy was awarded the prestigious Evans Scholarship, a full academic and leadership scholarship, to study at Michigan State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology. In 1985, he coupled his lifelong passion for medicine and serving people with his gift of enthusiastic speaking and moved to Atlanta to begin his career in Medical Sales.

As a young professional, Andy’s Mom continued to fuel his desire for wisdom literature from authors/speakers Zig Ziglar, Earl Nightingale, Les Brown, Stephen Covey, and John Maxwell. Andy applied the character traits instilled in him from the Boy Scouts and the leadership skills taught to him by John Maxwell, Stephen Covey, and others to enjoy over 30 years in an award-winning medical sales career. It was during this time that Andy was asked to speak to groups as small as 4 or 5 and as large as 500+ all over the US and Puerto Rico.

Andy is very involved in the lives of his two children, Mallory and Drew. For 12 years they were engaging in monthly adventures with the YMCA Adventure Guides program where Andy volunteered in several leadership positions including Nation Chief. Andy and his wife, Sherrie, have four adult children and are active members of Pastor Andy Stanley’s congregation at North Point Community Church in Alpharetta, Georgia.

Andy enjoys time invested with his wife Sherrie, his family, and his friends. He still has a voracious appetite for reading the wisdom literature and the biographies of the American Founders. He enjoys weightlifting, aerobics, golf, and hiking the outdoors. Andy continues to have a passion for speaking, coaching, and training others to lead a life of significance.