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Atlantas Most Trusted Advisors

Atlanta’s Most Trusted Advisors: Tips for Businesses Looking to Expand Beyond the U.S.

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Atlanta’s Most Trusted Advisors interviews industry experts from in and around the Metro Atlanta Area. Our goal is to provide valuable information that all business owners and managers can use in their day-to-day work to help them succeed.

 

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Stafford Hull, Marc Schwartz, Ryan Redhawk, Bonnie Buol Ruszczyk

 

 

Marc Schwartz / Schwartz International
Partner

 Marc is cheerleader-in-chief with so much energy the firm’s coffee machine has to work overtime so the others have a chance to keep up. Marc loves to be outdoors and is always moving, frequently participating in long-distance swims and runs and whatever else lies in wait.

The founding partner at Schwartz International, Marc teams with a variety of U.S. and foreign individuals and business clients, providing strategic tax and financial solutions to help his clients achieve their goals.

Marc has lived and worked in the U.S. and abroad in both governmental and private sector roles. His diversified experience enables him to bring a practical global perspective to the individuals and businesses he serves. He began his career at a Big 6 accounting firm in his hometown of Atlanta, Georgia, where he built a strong foundation in federal, state/local and international tax over several years. He then transferred to one of the firm’s non-U.S. offices in Latin America where he continued to serve European, Asian, Latin American and U.S. clients.

A geographically diverse client base has allowed Marc to gain significant experience with tax treaties, outbound/inbound planning, repatriation, foreign tax credits, real estate investments/FIRPTA, branch taxes and audit defense. He has taught a graduate-level international tax course at the Universidad Panamericana in Mexico City and continues to lecture on international tax issues. In addition, Marc is a recognized author who contributes articles on international tax matters and legal issues to several trade publications.

Marc earned his BA from Colgate University, a Master of International Affairs from Columbia University and a law degree from Emory University. He is fluent in Spanish and has a working knowledge of Portuguese.

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Stafford Huff / BNKJ (babush, neiman, kornman & Johnson)
Partner


Stafford’s many years of experience in public accounting, combined with his impressive and unique education, have contributed to his very strong and thorough understanding of the common and uncommon challenges facing growing businesses and their owners.

From the beginning of his accounting career in 1986, Stafford has benefited from his involvement in a wide variety of tax and accounting engagements. He prides himself on developing practical solutions and earning the trust of clients, associates and other members of the professional services team.

Stafford focuses his service efforts in taxation and business consulting. He is particularly knowledgeable in the areas of:

  • Real Estate Development, Construction and Investment Entities
  • Timber and Timberland Investment Entities
  • Physician, Dental and Orthodontic Entities
  • High Income and High Net Worth Individuals
  • Closely Held Entities

Stafford is a native of Atlanta and has earned degrees from the University of Georgia and the State University of West Georgia. He currently serves as Secretary on the Board of the Atlanta Tax Forum, and is an active member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants (GSPCA)

 

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Bonnie Buol Ruszczyk (Host)/ bbr Marketing
President

Bonnie Buol Ruszczyk has been a member of the creative and marketing services community for over 20 years and does not appear to be leaving it anytime soon. As president of bbr marketing, she has relished the challenges of entrepreneurship as she worked to grow and nurture a new business. Since the firm’s inception in 2009, Bonnie has led the young company to become widely recognized and respected within the professional services marketing niche, with award-winning client websites and an outstanding history of business success having worked with clients in 23 states and 2 Canadian provinces.

Co Host Bonnie Buol Ruszczyk

Bonnie Buol Ruszczyk

 

 

Atlanta’s Most Trusted Advisors: Why You Should Care about Social Security Planning

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Faye Sykes, Laurie Attaway and Bonnie Buol Ruszczyk

Atlanta’s Most Trusted Advisors interviews industry experts from in and around the Metro Atlanta Area. Our goal is to provide valuable information that all business owners and managers can use in their day-to-day work to help them succeed.

 

 

Faye Sykes / Social Security Benefit Planners
Retirement Planner NSSA, CLTC

Faye Sykes, NSSA, CLTC is a financial planner with 11 years of experience assisting clients view their financial life from a holistic approach. Faye’s company Social Security Benefit Planners is a flat fee social security planning firm that helps baby boomers understand and implement their optimal plan.  fsykes@socialsecuritybp.com 877-270-7727 to find out more.

 

 

Laurie Attaway / Attaway Linville
Partner

Laurie has been a real estate investor for more than 20 years.  She has purchased, rehabbed, managed, rented, and or sold single family homes, multi family structures, commercial properties and even trailers and trailer parks.  Laurie was frustrated with the CPA assistance that was out there for her and her partners.  So in the late 1990’s she became a CPA, retired from corporate America and began providing Entrepreneurial Services to Real Estate players.  In addition to being a CPA, Laurie has two business degrees from Mercer University and a Masters in Taxation from Georgia State University.

 

 

 

Bonnie Buol Ruszczyk (Host)/ bbr Marketing Bonnie Buol Ruszczyk has been a member of the creative and marketing services community for over 20 years and does not appear to be leaving it anytime soon. As president of bbr marketing, she has relished the challenges of entrepreneurship as she worked to grow and nurture a new business. Since the firm’s inception in 2009, Bonnie has led the young company to become widely recognized and respected within the professional services marketing niche, with award-winning client websites and an outstanding history of business success having worked with clients in 23 states and 2 Canadian provinces.

 

 

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Atlanta’s Most Trusted Advisors: If you don’t take care of yourself, who’s going to run your company?

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Atlanta’s Most Trusted Advisors interviews industry experts from in and around the Metro Atlanta Area. Our goal is to provide valuable information that all business owners and managers can use in their day-to-day work to help them succeed.

 

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Kevin Kusinski, Samuel Mugavero, Bonnie Buol Ruszczyk, Paris Campeau

 

 

Kevin Kusinski / Ksquaredmeals
Years ago, I was struggling with my weight. I learned, the hard way, that exercise alone was not going to help me lose the weight. I started to cook healthy meals, and tried to incorporate

principle of cooking that I had witnessed with my multiple years in the restaurant industry. I got really good at it! I decided to become a personal trainer because i wanted to help others change their life.

Years went on and I started this company because I wanted my personal training clients to see more results! I wanted to help them obtain their fitness goals quicker and maintain them for life. I love to cook and have a passion for experimentation. As the years have progressed, I decided to incorporate the ideals of paleo diet. The paleo diet, in my opinion, is an awesome way to eat all-natural, gluten-free meals that are high in protein and low in calories, salt and preservatives. I firmly believe that this diet can not only help you lose weight, but increase your energy and help you feel like you are doing good things for your body.
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Samuel Mugavero, Ph.D / Smugs Fitness
Sam Mugavero is the owner of Smugs Fitness; a company providing individual and small group fitness training to people of all ages and abilities including businesspersons, full time Moms and Dads, and high school athletes seeking to participate in collegiate athletics. In addition to our individual and small group training, we also provide onsite fitness and health programs to assist businesses (small and large) in creating a healthy, strong, and productive workplace.
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Paris Campeau / Indigo Wellness
I am a licensed skin therapist, certified yoga instructor, and have a MA in Humanistic Psychology. I have recently opened Indigo Wellness, a full service day spa that will continue to grow into an urban holistic haven for both body and mind. I am a solo parent of an amazing 3 year old, who is my source of all inspiration.
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 Bonnie Buol Ruszczyk (Host)/ bbr Marketing Bonnie Buol Ruszczyk has been a member of the creative and marketing services community for over 20 years and does not appear to be leaving it anytime soon. As president of bbr marketing, she has relished the challenges of entrepreneurship as she worked to grow and nurture a new business. Since the firm’s inception in 2009, Bonnie has led the young company to become widely recognized and respected within the professional services marketing niche, with award-winning client websites and an outstanding history of business success having worked with clients in 23 states and 2 Canadian provinces.

 

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Atlanta’s Most Trusted Advisors: Avoiding Costly ERISA Legal Non-Compliance Issues

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Stephanie Hodge, Anne Tyler Hall and Bonnie Boul Ruszczyk

Atlanta’s Most Trusted Advisors interviews industry experts from in and around the Metro Atlanta Area. Our goal is to provide valuable information that all business owners and managers can use in their day-to-day work to help them succeed.

 

 

Stephanie Hodge/Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta

Stephanie is the Chief Human Resources Officer for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta. She is responsible for managing all aspects of human resources and supporting the organization’s strategic initiatives.

Stephanie has over 18 years of progressive HR experience in both the not-for-profit industry, and the for-profit financial services industry. Her most recent experience was as HR Director, North & South America, for PRGX, Inc., a global business analytics and information services firm.

Stephanie is a certified professional in human resources (PHR) and holds a Master’s degree in Organization and Management from Capella University. She is a board member of the Atlanta Chapter of the National Association of African Americans in HR (NAAAHR), serving as their VP Operational Effectiveness & Administration; and is a member of the Society for HR Management (SHRM) Atlanta and National Chapters. Stephanie is an active member of Turner Chapel AME, and currently serves on the usher board. Stephanie and her husband Kenneth are proud parents of a blended family of four kids: Zariyah, Malik, Zoe & Xavier.

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Anne Tyler Hall/Hall Benefits Law

Anne Tyler Hall is an ERISA Legal Compliance Problem Solver and a Benefits Program Designer and Drafter. She is Attorney and Principal of Hall Benefits Law, a law firm focused on helping businesses attract and retain top employees and avoiding costly non-compliance errors.

 

HBL provides counsel to employers in the following primary areas:
Customizing Solutions to Complex ERISA Issues. HBL provides counsel focused on solving complex ERISA (executive compensation, health and welfare benefits and retirement plans).

Leading Negotiations of DOL/IRS ERISA Audit Penalty Abatement. For businesses in an audit, HBL counsels clients with the primary focus of obtaining a reduction in costly Department of Labor (DOL) or Internal Revenue Service (IRS) excise taxes and penalties.
Strategic ERISA Counsel for Businesses in Merger and Acquisition. HBL counsels clients to maximize legally-compliant transitional Benefit offerings to new and transitioning employees.

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Bonnie Buol Ruszczyk (Host)/ bbr Marketing Bonnie Buol Ruszczyk has been a member of the creative and marketing services community for over 20 years and does not appear to be leaving it anytime soon. As president of bbr marketing, she has relished the challenges of entrepreneurship as she worked to grow and nurture a new business. Since the firm’s inception in 2009, Bonnie has led the young company to become widely recognized and respected within the professional services marketing niche, with award-winning client websites and an outstanding history of business success having worked with clients in 23 states and 2 Canadian provinces.

 

 

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Atlanta’s Most Trusted Advisors: Why HIPAA Is Important To You

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Atlanta’s Most Trusted Advisors interviews industry experts from in and around the Metro Atlanta Area. Our goal is to provide valuable information that all business owners and managers can use in their day-to-day work to help them succeed.

 

What Do You Mean I Have to Be HIPAA Compliant? 

While most of us are familiar with the term, HIPAA, that knowledge typically doesn’t extend past our signature on a form when we visit the doctor. Most people certainly don’t realize that being “HIPAA-compliant” stretches far beyond medical practices to anyone who has access to patient information. These companies are called “business associates” and include accountants, attorneys, HR professionals and more. On this show Donna Grindle of Kardon Compliance shares her expertise about what HIPAA is, how one can get, and remain, compliant. She is joined by Sean Joyce of Patientco who talks about his experience as a business associate as well.  
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Bonnie Buol Ruszczyk (Host)/ bbr Marketing   

Bonnie Boul ruscyzkBonnie Buol Ruszczyk has been a member of the creative and marketing services community for over 20 years and does not appear to be leaving it anytime soon. As president of bbr marketing, she has relished the challenges of entrepreneurship as she worked to grow and nurture a new business. Since the firm’s inception in 2009, Bonnie has led the young company to become widely recognized and respected within the professional services marketing niche, with award-winning client websites and an outstanding history of business success having worked with clients in 23 states and 2 Canadian provinces.

She is excited about the publication of her first book earlier this year, Take Your Marketing Online! Proven Ways to Grow Your Firm in the Digital Age. She was recognized in 2012 and 2013 as one of AccountingToday’s Top 100 Most Influential People and is in great demand as a consultant, speaker and leader at various industry events. She is a founding member of the Atlanta Independent Women’s Network and is the Atlanta chapter president of the Association for Accounting Marketing. She is also a regular contributor to a variety of websites, including Social Media Today, Accounting Today and other industry-related publications and has been quoted in Entrepreneur, U.S. News & World Report, CPA Practice Advisor, and others. She was recently invited to join the CPA Consultants’ Alliance and is excited about being a part of this influential group.

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Atlanta’s Most Trusted Advisors hosted by Bonnie Buol Ruszczyk Matt Tovrog with Bell Oaks Excutive Search and Todd Stanton with Stanton Law LLC

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Atlanta’s Most Trusted Advisors interviews industry experts from in and around the Metro Atlanta Area. Our goal is to provide valuable information that all business owners and managers can use in their day-to-day work to help them succeed. 

 

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Bonnie Buol Ruszczyk (Host)/ bbr Marketing   

Bonnie Boul ruscyzkBonnie Buol Ruszczyk has been a member of the creative and marketing services community for over 20 years and does not appear to be leaving it anytime soon. As president of bbr marketing, she has relished the challenges of entrepreneurship as she worked to grow and nurture a new business. Since the firm’s inception in 2009, Bonnie has led the young company to become widely recognized and respected within the professional services marketing niche, with award-winning client websites and an outstanding history of business success having worked with clients in 23 states and 2 Canadian provinces.

She is excited about the publication of her first book earlier this year, Take Your Marketing Online! Proven Ways to Grow Your Firm in the Digital Age. She was recognized in 2012 and 2013 as one of AccountingToday’s Top 100 Most Influential People and is in great demand as a consultant, speaker and leader at various industry events. She is a founding member of the Atlanta Independent Women’s Network and is the Atlanta chapter president of the Association for Accounting Marketing. She is also a regular contributor to a variety of websites, including Social Media Today, Accounting Today and other industry-related publications and has been quoted in Entrepreneur, U.S. News & World Report, CPA Practice Advisor, and others. She was recently invited to join the CPA Consultants’ Alliance and is excited about being a part of this influential group.

 

 

Matt Tovrog/ Bell Oaks Excutive Search

Matt TovrogAs a Partner at Bell Oaks Executive Search, Matt Tovrog has a passion for serving clients before and after the recruiting process and applies his experience in both sales and customer assurance to build long lasting relationships.

Matt joined Bell Oaks following his work with Cbeyond, an Atlanta-based communications provider for businesses. At Cbeyond, he thrived in a number of different roles focused on sales as well as account maintenance. His ability to maintain mutually beneficial relationships with his customers is what led him to Bell Oaks. As partner, Matt is quickly becoming a noted industry expert. He has been quoted and had guest articles appear in multiple industry and consumer publications, including WorkShifting.com, WorkAwesome.com, MediaBistro and LovetoKnow.com to name a few. He also serves as an expert contributor at TalentManagement.com in The Recruitment Revolution. A native Chicagoan, Matt moved to Georgia in the 90’s and is a graduate of the University of Georgia with a Bachelor’s degree in
Consumer Economics. He currently serves on the board of the Furniture Bank of Metro Atlanta, the only local organization of its kind with a mission to “make a house a home” by providing furniture items to families in need. As a board member, he is involved in the planning and execution of the organization’s fundraisers, including the annual Chairish the Future Gala and The Atlanta Mattress 500. He also works to develop strategic partnerships and alliances to further the mission of the organization. He and his wife Lindsey are active members of Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Atlanta and currently reside in Alpharetta, Georgia with their twin daughters Emily and Avery.
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Todd Stanton/ Stanton Law LLC
Founder

Todd-Stanton-200x300Building upon his decade of “big law” experience with the reputable firms of Fisher & Phillips and Bryan Cave (formerly Powell Goldstein), and demonstrating the same entrepreneurial drive he admires in his clients, Todd founded Stanton Law LLC in Atlanta, Georgia. Seeking to combine the quality of large firm representation with the flexibility, responsiveness, and cost-effectiveness of a nimbler shop, Todd’s practice remains dedicated to the employer side of the employer-employee relationship. From on-boarding new talent and assisting with the development of workable job descriptions, personnel policies, and compensation plans, to guiding clients through sticky disciplinary, performance, and leave issues, to executing respectful and amicable separations, Todd provides practical bottom line-oriented legal advice to small and medium-sized employers.

When not working to represent the needs of employers, Todd enjoys hiking, landscaping, photography, and coaching youth baseball. He played NCAA baseball while at Washington & Lee University and his love of the game inspired him to coach the next generation of ball players. He’s active in the Georgia Bar Association’s Lawyers Assistance Program, serves as secretary for the board of directors of Buckhead Baseball, Inc. and president of the board of directors of Haygood United Methodist Church Weekday Children’s Ministries, and is a member of the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Sports Network board.

Todd lives in the Atlanta neighborhood of Morningside with his wife, Ashley, their two sons, Parker and Griffin, and their rescue setter-collie mix, Hattie.

 

 

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