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Curated Collection Of The Best Interviews From Our Sandy Springs Studio





Atlanta’s Most Trusted Advisors Features Cheryl Legare with Legare, Attwood & Wolfe, LLC

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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Cheryl Legare / Legare, Attwood & Wolfe, LLC

Cheryl Legare’s practice focuses on representing employees in all aspects of employment law, including claims of disability discrimination and retaliation, sexual harassment, FMLA interference and retaliation, gender, pregnancy, race, religion,  national origin, and age discrimination, and wage and hour disputes. She also represents individuals in contract negotiations and employment separation negotiations. Prior to founding Legare, Attwood Wolfe, Cheryl represented employees at one of the largest plaintiff employment law firms in the southeast for seven years and worked for two large national law firms counseling management on employment law issues and defending employers sued in employment-related lawsuits in federal and state courts.
Cheryl is active in the Atlanta Bar Association, the State Bar of Georgia, and the Georgia Association for Women Lawyers. She currently serves as Founding Co-Chair of GAWL’s Solo/Small Firm Affinity Group and as GAWL’s Representative-at-Large.  Cheryl is also a member of the National Employment Lawyers’ Association and serves on NELA-GA’s board.

Cheryl is admitted to practice law in Georgia and South Carolina. She is also admitted to the United States District Courts for the Northern and Middle Districts of Georgia, the United States Courts of Appeals for the Fourth and Eleventh Circuits, and the United States Supreme Court.
Cheryl and her husband Brad live with their dog Catfish and cat Dixie in the Oakhurst neighborhood of Decatur, Georgia. In their spare time, Cheryl and Brad enjoy spending time with friends, listening to live music and going to the beach.

 

LinkedIn

KP Reddy with The Combine, Adam Jones-Kelly with Conway, Todd Stanton and Manori De Silva with Stanton Law LLC

 

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KP Reddy / The Combine
Co Founder

K.P. Reddy is a venture capitalist, angel investor, and AEC space expert with over 20 years of experience in disruptive innovation. He is a globally-recognized expert on advanced technologies including Building Information Modeling (BIM), Collaborative Communication, Artificial Intelligence, Mobile Applications and Cloud computing. Currently K.P. is the CEO of SoftWear Automation Inc, a leading developer of robotic sewing automation that promises drive down the cost of apparel and textile manufacturing while increasing quality and speed to market for retailers. He also serves as  Partner at The Combine. The Combine partners with enterprise organizations and technical founders to convert their promising intellectual property into viable, scalable businesses with a strict focus on achieving aggressive IRR and multiple targets.

K.P. is a respected expert in helping organizations accelerate change and growth through his highly sought after coaching and startup catalyst programs. IBM, Coca-Cola, UPS, and Cox Communications have all enlisted his services. He served as the Interim General Manager for one of the country’s top startup accelerators, Atlanta’s Advanced Technology Department Center at Georgia Tech.

In 2012, K.P. published BIM for Building Owners and Developers, a book on the adoption of advanced technology in the infrastructure space employed by leading companies and universities.

K.P. is also a prolific public speaker delivering addresses to audiences at universities across the U.S., various tech and startup events in the Southeast, and SXSW.

LinkedIn     Twitter

 

 

 

Adam Jones-Kelly / Conway
President

Adam Jones-Kelley is a leading expert in cross-border investment and corporate expansion strategy. He has worked with Conway, Inc., for 17 years and served as President for four. Prior to becoming President of Conway Adam managed the award-winning international magazine Site Selection.

He has broad experience in economic development publishing and marketing, has been a featured speaker at events around the world and has been interviewed for various news media in the US and Europe. Adam has consulted for dozens of government economic development agencies on six continents, helping them position themselves to attract domestic and foreign corporate investment and create jobs.

Adam is also an accomplished writer, having produced original content for Site Selection magazine, OnSite Travel and The FDI Report.

Over the last four decades Adam has visited 80 countries, 78 of which he’s really enjoyed. A deadly parasite in Ghana nearly killed him, as did stepping in front of a tram in Prague, adventures which he dutifully chronicled for the aforementioned OnSite Travel.

Adam grew up in Atlanta, Georgia and Auckland, New Zealand. He and his wife, renowned photographer Soo Jones-Kelley, reside in Peachtree Corners, a suburb of Atlanta where they’re raising a pair of rambunctious kittens.

This idyllic life leaves Adam a little restless. He’s an avid adventure-sport enthusiast who enjoys activities such as bungee jumping and diving with sharks, and does philanthropic work for endangered and abused animals.

Twitter

 

 

 

Todd Stanton/ Stanton Law LLC
Founder

Building 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, Todds 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.

As legal counsel, Todd is focused on helping companies avert employment-related issues without sacrificing managerial efficiency. In most instances, a proactive approach to employment issues can prevent months of disruptive headaches down the road. When the inevitable disputes do arise, however, his litigation experience allows his clients to consider all available options to efficiently resolve the problem. He regularly represents employers in state and federal courts and before administrative agencies such as labor departments, equal opportunity and human rights commissions, and employee safety administrations.

Twitter     LinkedIn     Facebook

 

 

 

Manori de Silva / Stanton Law LLC
Attorney

Manori de Silva is qualified as an attorney in England (solicitor) and the United States. She has spent the last decade assisting businesses and executives with a variety of employment and commercial matters. Manori uses her understanding of cultural differences to help European companies to do business in the United States and American companies navigate the complex web of worker protections in Europe. She also represents clients in actions to have foreign country monetary judgments recognized in the United States. Following her studies at the Royal Conservatory of the Netherlands, Manori worked as a recording engineer as well as writing music and editing radio and television commercials for large businesses in the Netherlands. She then attended law school in the U.K. and subsequently joined the London office of an international law firm, where she advised global brands and senior executives on hiring, termination, discrimination, redundancy, and dispute resolution issues. After moving to the U.S., Manori passed the Georgia Bar and worked for a boutique firm in Atlanta, providing counsel for the U.S. subsidiaries of European businesses on a variety of commonly encountered legal areas; these included hiring, termination, non-disclosure agreements, restrictive covenants, company policies, and discrimination. Manori is fluent in Dutch and proficient in French.

 

 

Atlanta’s Most Trusted Advisors Features Colin E. Blalock

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.

 

Colin E. Blalock / JONES AND KOLB, CPA
Shareholder

A shareholder with Jones and Kolb since 1986, Colin's practice concentration is in tax controversy, nonprofit organizations, entrepreneurial businesses and individuals. His prior experience includes working with the Examination Division of the IRS in Atlanta. Colin is a member of the AICPA, the Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants, the Georgia Society of Association Executives, the Financial Planning Association and the

Atlanta Alumni of Revenue Agents. Colin is a Past President of the Georgia Society of CPAs and the Past Chair of the Gulf Coast Tax Exempt/Governmental Entities IRS Advisory Council. He currently serves as a Trustee (Past President) of the Georgia Federal Tax Conference. Colin is a prolific speaker on tax topics and facilitates several roundtable discussion groups. He is very active in his community serving on the Board of Directors of the Fowler YMCA and Chair of the Finance Committee at his church.

LinkedIn

 

 

 

Bonnie Buol Ruszczyk (Co-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.

 

Chris and Jessica Simms with High Five Filter Company

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Jessica Simms / High Five Filter Company 
F
ounder

1998 DePaul University Grad- Journalism degree
Background in pharma/medical device sales as well as sales training for managed care health plan (BCBS of AL) started High Five Filter Co with Chris Jan 1.  We sell air filters to commercial business (HVAC companies, property managers, Paint Booth operations).  5% of our profits go towards veteran out reach programs.

 

 


Chris Simms /
High Five Filter Company
Founder

US Army Green Beret and Ranger that is a combat tested and proven leader. Experienced in multicultural and high-risk environments, risk mitigation, IED/C-IED operations and forensic exploitation, crisis management and training/business development.  Strong acumen track in logistics and operations. A trainer of trainers, a builder of networks, focused on the art of managing people and processes. Entrepreneur and Philanthropist.
 
 
MILITARY PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: 
US Army Sergeant First Class/E-7
Acitve Duty 1999-2002
National Guard 2002-Present
 
Iraq Jan 2015 – August 2015:
•Senior Engineer on Special Forces Operational Detachment Alpha (ODA) 2124.  Advised Coalition and Peshmerga leadership up to the General office level on best practices to mitigate ISIS/ISIL tactics, techniques and procedures.
•Conducted over 30 named, combat operations. 
•Provided strategic planning and execution for all sensitive site and forensic exploitation to US and Peshmerga senior leadership.  
•Joint Training Support for 100+ Peshmerga Officers in IED/C-IED operations. 
•Implemented successful policies and procedures to improve logistical operations, safety and consistency on the battlefield.  
 
Afghanistan October 2012 – March 2013:
•Advised the ANASFQC Commander on how to develop and deploy training tactics for Afghan Special Operation Soldiers.
•Conducted combat operations against Taliban and Al-Quada forces.
•Planned, organized, and executed security details for US and Afghan military leaders.
•Led a cross-functional team of US and Afghan Personnel that used the SEEK II and other exploitation avenues to maintain camp security and validate future Afghan Special Forces and Commando candidates. 
 
Colombia, South America May 2007 –  September 2008:
•Team member of Operation Willing Spirit/Jaque to free American hostages from FARC control.  
•Provided personal security for Colombian Vice President Francisco Santos Calderón and his family.
•Worked at the US Embassy for 2 months as a liaison between military, government and civilian officials. 
•Worked with and Trained Colombian National Police and Lancero (Colombian Rangers) soldiers in security, mobility, Counter mobility and demolition operations.
 
Iraq Invasion March – June 2003:
•Southwest Asia Operation Iraqi Freedom. 
•Personal security detail to Defense Intelligence Agency officials.
•Conducted sensitive site exploitation (SSE) in search of chemical munitions and weapons of mass destruction.
 
 
Other Military Schools and Awards:
 
•Exploitation Analysis Organic managers course
•Combat Infantry Badge (CIB)
•Special Forces Qualification Course (18C)
•Ranger
•Jumpmaster
•Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat Instructor
•Survival Escape Resistance Evade (S.E.R.E. ) Level C Instructor
•Gryphon Group Mobile Force Protection
•Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) 
 
 
 
CIVILIAN PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
 
Co-Owner/Operator CrossFit East Cobb, LLC May 2009-Present:  
Affiliate opportunity to support personal beliefs in physical fitness and take advantage of a niche market trend early in its lifecycle.
•Standardized and managed staff, program, and membership development.
•Coach members, troubleshoot and put a plan together to motivate member success. 
•Build local network of supporting businesses, including Reebok.
•Financials, marketing, and construction.  
•Consistent 25% annual business growth.
 
 
 
 
 
United States Training Center, (Formally Blackwater Worldwide June 2009-March 2010): 
Responsible for selection, assessment, integration and training of Afghanistan National Policeman (ANP). 
•Leadership development and advanced field training with Small Units.  Training focused on Small Unit Tactics, Marksmanship, Medical, Search and Seizure, and Vehicle Check Points.  
•Advised and assisted the Afghanistan Border Police Commanders on mission essential tasks including operational tactics, techniques, and procedures regarding the safest and most efficient way to successfully employ men in the battlefield.   
•Conducted site surveys of, and personal security to proposed sights in order to expand the operational capability of the Afghan National Police in depth.
 
Lead Instructor, Tate Incorporated December 2006-September 2008: 
•Worked in a blended team of both military and civilian team members teaching, implementing and instructing survival and evasion tactics.
•Designed and implemented the Survival Escape Resistance and Evasion (S.E.R.E.) level C course at Fort Rucker, Alabama. 
•Taught Evasion tactics, firearms marksmanship, crisis action planning and basic/advanced survival skills to US Army Green Berets, Rangers and Aviators.
 
 
NON PROFIT EXPERIENCE:
 
Founder/Director, Fitness Fueling Awareness (FFA) June 2013 – Present 
•FFA is a fundraising organization to encourage athlete participation in local community causes. 
•To date FFA has donated more than $50,000 to Cystic Fibrosis (Emory Research Center), Lift Up for Autism, and the Special.

 

The Episode is Sponsored in Part By:

Business Writers Conference 2016
www.business-writers-exchange.com

July 27-29 • Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa

Young Harris, GA

USE PROMO CODE “BWC 20” 


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WIT Atlanta Features David Bingenheimer with Mohawk Industries

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David Bingenheimer / Mohawk Industries
CIO

Highly motivated self-directed leader , results driven in business operations and information technology, with extensive industry background spanning operations, manufacturing, sales, field service, and financial services. Enterprise system (SAP, Oracle, Siebel, Hybris, SiteCore, Sterling WMS, SAP CEC, SAP Cloud 4 Sales, SAP Cloud for Service) implementation and support experience in a global environment, hands on experience with application development, application support, enterprise application integration, and infrastructure analysis on multiple software platforms and technologies. Focused on delivering business value, developing high performing teams, and continuous improvement.

Extensive experience in aligning strategic business objectives with technology enablement and transformational change. Ability to create strategic plans and execute at all levels. In depth understanding of Six Sigma, CMMi, and various business operating systems to deliver customer quality and operational initiatives. Can successfully work within a global matrix organizational structure.

 

 

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Sandy Welfare /
WIT

Sandy Welfare is the Executive Director of Women In Technology (WIT). Prior to that, she was the Executive Director of Cool Girls Inc, an award-winning early intervention after-school program dedicated to the empowerment of girls (2009-2015).

Sandy’s career began in 1989 in Greenwich, Connecticut where she joined Rand Insurance as the Controller. Six years later, she accepted a position with Lucent Technologies, an international telecommunications leader, holding a number of positions including serving as Accounting and Treasury Manager in Singapore (1999-2000) and then as Senior Manager in Australia and New Zealand (2000-2002). Sandy returned to Atlanta in 2002 as Senior Manager of Global Financial Services.

In 2003, Sandy accepted a position as Director of Operations for Xchanging, a business processing outsourcing company. In 2006, her career took her to London, England as Managing Director for professional services, where she managed global business processing services for bank financial transactions, insurance and retail.

Sandy received her undergraduate degree from St. John’s University in New York, and a Master of Business Administration from Sacred Heart University in Connecticut. She serves on the board of several non-profits, including Kiwanis Club of Atlanta. Sandy resides in Marietta, Georgia with her husband, Cliff and son, Soloman.

Twitter     Twitter(Sandy)      LinkedIn

 

 

 

Dr. Andrea Bowens-Jones with IDG Vision Consulting and Training and Maria Resuta and Jackie Waice with Urban Tree Cider

Your Most Trusted and Respected Source For #ProBusiness Talk in Atlanta. With Hosts Stone Payton and Lee Kantor
Tune in LIVE Monday and Wednesday 10am and always on at AtlantaBusinessRadio.com

 

 

Dr. Andrea Bowens-Jones / IDG Vision Consulting & Training 
President/CEO

Dr. Bowens-Jones is a high-performance leader and skilled developer of top talent. She spent over 15 years at Procter & Gamble in R&D leadership roles and has held various leadership positions in volunteer organizations. She has served on national and local boards, including the Polymer Division of the American Chemical Society as a Graduate Student Liaison.

Dr. Bowens-Jones has her PhD in Polymer Chemistry and cares deeply about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education and inspiring the next generation of technical leaders. In 2004 she developed the Resident Scholar Program (RSP) while at Procter & Gamble Company. RSP is a unique job-shadowing program for minority youth interested in careers in STEM. It is now a premier program for talent pipeline development at Procter & Gamble for which she received a number of awards. The program expanded to Duracell Company in 2012. She continues to expand the effort through the RSP Corporate Affiliate Program.

As President and Chief Executive Officer of IDG Vision, LLC and Certified John Maxwell Coach, Speaker, and Trainer, Dr. Bowens-Jones passionately uses her gifts, talents, and experiences together with John’s proven leadership methods to inspire, develop, and grow people to become the highest expression of themselves. You can follow Dr. Bowens-Jones’ teachings on her video blog, “Coffee Break w/ Dr. Andrea” or the local newspaper, eMetroTimes, servicing East Metro Atlanta.

Dr. Bowens-Jones and her husband, Chester, have 3 daughters. They reside in Conyers, GA.

Twitter

 

 

Maria Resuta and Jackie Waice / Urban Tree Cider
Owner and Manager

Urban Tree Cidery is a true labor of love crafted by the Resuta Family. Tim and Maria were both certified as Master Cider Makers at the Cider and Perry Academy in Gloucestershire, England before founding Urban Tree out of Tim’s spirited passion for all things cider.

Facebook     Twitter

 

 

 

 

Stone Payton and Dr. Andrea Bowen-Jones

Stone Payton and Dr. Andrea Bowens-Jones

 

 

 

Lee Kantor, Maria Resuta and Jackie Waice

Lee Kantor, Maria Resuta and Jackie Waice

 

 

 

 

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Veterans Connect Radio Episode 010

Veterans Connect Radio

A spotlight episode of Atlanta Business Radio and powered by Business RadioX. Co-Hosted by Ryan “Redhawk” McPherson and Brandon Skolnick with Gathering Of Angels. Featuring veteran entrepreneurs, support organizations, outreach groups and more in the Atlanta area continuing to serve our families, our communities and our country. 

#VetsConnect
@VetConnectRadio

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Scott Bock / Instant Imprints 

Scott Bock is the Area Franchisee for Instant Imprints of Georgia and North Florida. In this role, he identifies qualified individuals who wish to become independent business owners in the Instant Imprints system.  He then provides ongoing business coaching and consulting to help them reach and exceed their business goals. Scott also owns and operates his own center, Instant Imprints of Smyrna, GA

After receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from Iowa State University, Scott served as a United States Navy Submarine Officer from 1988-1995. He subsequently earned an Master of Business Administration from Duke University.

 

 

Alan Urech / Stoney River Capital LLC
Managing Partner
LINK TO FULL BIO HERE

 

 

 

Andy Wickman is one of the founding members of Warrior Outdoors. He has owned and operated several business’, including a transmission shop, a full motorcycle shop and a dating service. Andy has always had a service heart. He has worked with Habitat for Humanity, the Lions Club and is very accomplished in the Masonic fraternity.

 

Andrew Hurst– 12 year army veteran, served in both Iraq and Afghanistan, father, husband, and avid outdoorsman when at all possible. He got into helping other veterans with the VFW and found that Warrior Outdoors would allow him the ability to help even more by taking the State Director position.

Facebook

 

 

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Adrian Davis with MYidealDOCTOR Telehealth and Amal Bhatnagar with First Aid For All

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Adrian Davis / MYidealDOCTOR Telehealth
CEO

MYidealDOCTOR™ is a venture-backed mHealth company reinventing the way healthcare is delivered. By blending technology and the best physicians in the healthcare world, we believe that we offer a better way to consult and diagnose the issues that many of us face daily. Telehealth will become one of the first access points to healthcare in the future and we are ready to be there when our patients need us.

Twitter     Facebook

 

 


Amal Bhatnagar / First Aid For All

Founder and President

Amal Bhatnagar, a senior at Northview High School, leads a journey to fight against medical poverty worldwide by leading his nonprofit organization called First Aid For All.

Facebook

 

 

 

Veterans Connect Radio Episode 09

Veterans Connect Radio

A spotlight episode of Atlanta Business Radio and powered by Business RadioX. Co-Hosted by Ryan “Redhawk” McPherson and Brandon Skolnick with Gathering Of Angels. Featuring veteran entrepreneurs, support organizations, outreach groups and more in the Atlanta area continuing to serve our families, our communities and our country. 

#VetsConnect
@VetConnectRadio

 

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Jason Sobczak, Chris Sims, Derek Smith, Phil Kuban, John Phillips

 

 

 

Derek Smith / Financial Advisor

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Phil Kuban / FranNet of Atlanta
Advisor

I began my career as a marketing executive at 3M Company. In this role, I was exposed to independent  entrepreneurs and gained a real sense of their work-life balance, something that I had never been  exposed to even as a corporate executive.  This led me to explore ways of starting my own business  while recognizing that I was not an entrepreneur in the true sense.  I had a young family to support and  taking a high risk was not viable.  I began my career in franchising in 1982 with VR Business Brokers.  I  soon realized that buying an independent small business was far more often, “the American nightmare”  for people than “the American dream”.  In 1985, I shifted my brokering practice to franchise area  development.  For more than 30 years, I have been helping people (almost a thousand of them) realize their dream of  business ownership. Since 1999, I have been affiliated with the FranNet organization, the world’s original,  premier network of franchise consultants. My proven track record in numerous franchise systems has  been a key factor in my success as a FranNet consultant. Additionally, I have personal experience  owning and operating retail and professional services businesses. I’ve been personally involved with  master franchise development and have been able to use that experience in my consultations with first-  time prospective franchise owners.  I always suggest a client begin “with the end in mind”. I believe that  the right franchise opportunity with the right exit strategy is the key to building equity wealth. My extensive  experience is an asset for anyone looking for assistance with investing in a new or existing franchise  opportunity.  I am a principal owner and board member of FranNet, LLC, an international franchise company. I spend  part of my time contributing to growth strategies for FranNet LLC, building the value of the company. My  daughter Leslie and I recently celebrated our 16 th  year as owners of FranNet of Georgia.

Twitter     Facebook     LinkedIn

 

Jason Sobczak / Crossfit East Cobb
Owner

Grew up in Orlando, FL. Served as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division from 1991 to 1994
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, University of Florida, 1997. Long Range Surveillance Team Leader, H CO 121st Infantry, Long Range Surveillance, GA Army National Guard 2001-2005 Veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom Licensed Georgia Residential Mortgage Loan Officer since 2003. Co Owner and Coach of CrossFit East Cobb since 2009.

Facebook      Instagram

 

 

Chris Sims / Crossfit East Cobb
Owner

Director – Fitness Fueling Awareness (501c3 dedicated to providing relief for Cystic Fibrosis). Married to my beautiful wife Jessica Sims, Daughter – Naomi 6yo, attends Mt Bethel and will attend Dickerson and Walton. Son – Sam 5yo, will follow sis starting Kindergarten next year at Mount Bethel. Moved to East Cobb in 1985. Mt. Bethel, Dickerson and Walton Graduate 1999. Favorite Teachers – Mrs Krosner and Mrs. Jedlica BA Social Science, Current MBA student at Thomas Edison State College. US Army Green Beret. US Army Ranger, 6 Combat deployments between Iraq (2003, 2015), Afghanistan (2009, 2010, 2012/13) and Colombia, South America (2007). Just hit 16 years service in the military.

Facebook      Instagram

 

 

 

John Philips LTC, U.S. Army Retired / Boots To Loafers
Author, Speaker, Leader / Vice Chairman VETLANTA

John has had a distinguished career in both military and civilian service. John is a retired Lieutenant Colonel from the US Army where he served in the Field Artillery as well as a Financial Comptroller.  With more than 20 years of service, he served  in Corps Artillery, Division Artillery, Army Headquarters and Forces Command, the largest command and the generating force provider for combatant commanders – at home and abroad. He has served in Europe, throughout the Middle East and the United States. Among his awards and decorations are the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, and the Air Assault Badge.

John is the Author of Boots to Loafers, Finding Your New True North which outlines a proven process of transitioning out of the military and into the private sector.  He is also a contributing author to Paddling Guide to the Sunshine State and An American Crisis, Veteran Unemployment, Stand by Them/How You can Help/Solution.  He has been featured on The Mike Huckabee Show, the Dennis Miller Show as well as a number of radio appearances across the country.

John is a finance executive at The Coca-Cola Company in Atlanta, Georgia. In his spare time, John spends his time travelling with his wife, Sailing in the British Virgin Islands, remote wilderness trips in the western United States, and helping our nation’s military and veterans make the transition into society and finding a job in the private sector.

John holds a BS in Finance from University of Central Florida and an MBA from Syracuse University. He lives in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Georgia with his wife, the former Melissa K. Smith and their Australian Shepherd, Bear.

Boots To Loafers The Book      VETLANTA     Twitter    LinkedIn     Facebook 

 

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Steve Cesari with The Cesari Companies, Denise Adamson with BioIQ, Greg DeLoach with Developmental Disabilities Ministries and Walt Carter with Primary Capital Mortgage, LLC

 

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Walt Carter, Denise Adamson. Steve Cesari, Lettie Hernandez Ongie and Greg Deloach

 

 

Steven Cesari / The Cesari Companies
President & CEO

Steve has more than 40 years of business experience having started or owned 15 companies in many different industries.
In 1992 his company, Trillium Heath Products, marketers of the Juiceman Juicer, was ranked by Inc Magazine as one of the fastest growing, privately held companies in the US and in that same year Steve was nominated by Inc Magazine as Entrepreneur of the Year. As President of The Cesari Companies Steve uses his vast business experience to teach business leaders and entrepreneurs how to accelerate the growth of their companies by creating CLARITY at all levels of the organization.
He has been featured on TV and radio and has been the subject of numerous articles including, The Wall Street Journal, Fortune Magazine and Success Magazine to name a few. Steve served on the Board of the Leadership Companies and Pro Athletes Outreach. He is the co-author of, Success is not an Accident, Secrets of the Top 1%, along with his best selling book Clarity, How to Get it, How to Keep it, and How to use it to Balance your Life and is a sought after keynote speaker across the country. Steve is married to Indy, his wife of 35 years and has four grown children.

Facebook     Twitter 

 

 

 

Denise Adamson / BioIQ
Corporate Vice President

Denise Adamson is Corporate Vice President of Sales at BioIQ. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology at the University of Tennessee, Memphis. Denise has over 20 years of healthcare sales in diagnostics, pharmaceuticals and healthcare technology. She was one of 14 women chosen by Lead Star to attend their 2016 Women’s Leadership Forum. Denise also represents BioIQ on the Georgia Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, TechBridge and Technology Association of Georgia. Denise resides in Dallas, Georgia with her husband, Chaz.

Facebook      Twitter

 

 

Greg DeLoach / Developmental Disabilities Ministries
President & CEO

Greg DeLoach is a native Georgian, who grew up on a dairy farm outside the small town of Eatonton. Before coming to serve DDM as President/CEO he was the pastor of First Baptist Church of Augusta. Greg is a graduate of Shorter College, the Southern Seminary Baptist Theological Seminary, and Columbia Theological Seminary, where he earned a Doctor of Ministry in Old Testament Theology. Amy and Greg were married on a hot July afternoon in Milledgeville in 1988 and are proud parents of two adult sons. When time permits, he enjoys oil painting and exploring the outdoors. It is not unusual that Greg can be found pitching a tent in the Appalachian Mountains and breathing in campfire smoke or paddling his kayak along one of Georgias many beautiful rivers.

Facebook     Twitter 

 

 

 

Walt Carter / Primary Capital Mortgage
CIO

With more than twenty-five years in technology leadership roles, Walt specializes in technology visionography. Before joining Primary Capital Mortgage, his team at Generation Mortgage received very positive press from the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, Kiplinger’s, Bloomberg and MarketWatch for innovative use of technology as a key differentiator for the company. A proven technology executive, Walt is adept at working through complex business challenges and has successfully implemented several enterprise-wide packaged software solutions. Walt is frequently asked to speak to professional groups on the topics of leadership, governance, risk management and compliance.

After earning a BS in Physics from Guilford College, he began his career as a technical officer in the US Air Force, and over the years he has served in a variety of technology leadership roles with companies such as Fidelity, Gannett, BDM, TRW, and Ajilon Consulting. Walt earned a Master’s degree in Public and Private Administration from Central Michigan University in 1991. While at TRW, he won the President’s Award for his leadership on their largest commercial project. Recently, Walt was named winner of the prestigious Georgia CIO Leadership Association’s Corporate CIO of the year for 2014.

 

 

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