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Veterans Connect Radio Episode 012

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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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Sheb True / KSU

Sheb is a Professor of Marketing and Sr. International Officer in the Michael J. Coles College of Business at Kennesaw State University (KSU) in Georgia. He is also the Special Assistant to the Dean for Strategic Initiatives, the Founder and Director of the Georgia Advancing Veterans Education (GAVE) initiative, the Director of the Paul D. Coverdale Fellowship program for Returned Peace Corps Volunteers, and the Director of the United Nations PRME program in the Coles College.  He joined the faculty at KSU in 1998 and has served as the Associate Dean of Graduate Business Programs, and as the Director of the MBA the program that went from never being ranked to # 22 in the country by Bloomberg BusinessWeek.  He has published over 50 articles and edited 4 books, and created and edited the Journal of Executive Education.  He has led and participated in international programs for students and faculty in 53 countries.   He serves as a consultant to organizations in the area of marketing strategy and customer orientation.  Sheb received his Ph.D. from the University of Mississippi, an MBA from the University of Houston-Clear Lake, and a BBA from Stephen F. Austin State University.  He has been certified as a Master Teacher, completed programs at the Harvard Business School for teaching the case method and at the American Graduate School of Business (Thunderbird) for teaching international marketing, and was a a tenured faculty member at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California.

 

 

 

Dr. Terry W. Loe  PhD University of Memphis; MBA Mississippi State University; BS Mississippi State University

Professor, Kennesaw State University

Director, Center for Professional Selling

Executive Director, National Collegiate Sales Competition

Terry spent 11 years in industry in sales, marketing and management and has over 20 years of experience in sales research, training and consulting.  His recent sales training and consulting clients include NCR, Arch Chemical, AIG, and WellStar Health Care Systems, among others. In 1996, he earned his Ph.D. from the University of Memphis and is currently a tenured Full Professor at Kennesaw State University. Dr. Loe is the Director of the Center for Professional Selling, Executive Director and founder of the National Collegiate Sales Competition and is on the Board of Directors for PlayPro Media, an Entertainment and Promotions Marketing company.  Terry is also on the Editorial Review Boards for several international academic journals.  

Terry has published more than 40 research articles in numerous national and international academic conferences and academic journals and also authored The Instructor’s Role-Play Guide used by sales faculty and instructors around the country.  His research has won several awards including the “Journal of Business Ethics Citation Classics” award for publishing one of the top 12 cited articles in the JOBE over 30 years and over 100 volumes, as well as other awards.

Dr. Loe is quoted in numerous regional, national, and international newspapers and trade journals and spoken on sales, sales ethics and sales management topics to organizations and conferences around the United States and globally.  Terry is the Founder and Executive Director of the National Collegiate Sales Competition, the oldest and largest university sales role-play competition in the world that includes the top university sales programs in the country, and has included universities from Mexico, Canada, Belgium and other European countries. The NCSC has contributed more than $5 million to university sales programs and sales education. Terry has also been recognized by the American Marketing Association for his contribution to the sales discipline and sales education for his development of the National Collegiate Sales Competition. He has consulted numerous universities in the U.S. and abroad in developing sales education programs, curriculum and sales role-play competitions and is past President of the University Sales Center Alliance (USCA), a consortium of the top U.S. University Sales Centers that assists in mentoring developing sales centers and sales faculty in the U.S. and abroad. He is also on the board of directors for PlayPro Media, a millennial marketing and promotions company.

Dr. Loe and his wife, Robin, have been happily married for over 29 years and have two children, Rachel (25) and Nathan (23). Terry and Robin are members of Cedarcrest Church.

Terry was an All-SEC catcher and team co-captain at Mississippi State University and participated in the College World Series in Omaha, NE in 1979 and in 1981. Miss State finished 5th in the country both years.

Robin is a Family Practice physician in the greater Atlanta area and rated one of the top family practice physicians in patient satisfaction in the country for the past 10 years. Rachel is a graduate of the University of Alabama and currently a salesperson with the international logistics company, DHL, in Charlotte, NC.  Nathan is a recent graduate of the University of Mississippi, an entrepreneur and professional weight lifter with California Strength in San Ramone, CA.

 

 

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KSU Entrepreneurship Center Presents The Shrimp Tank

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 Where can a young entrepreneur figure out how to turn their dreams into reality? Just take a step into the Shrimp Tank. The Shrimp Tank brings you interviews with some of the most successful business owners in the United States to learn the do’s and don’ts of starting and running a successful business. Then, the fun really starts when we bring in high school and college students to pitch their business ideas to the Shrimp Tank. We don’t fund any business, but we do teach kids how to turn their business ideas into a successful business.

 

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Greg Abel / Tailfin
Owner

Greg’s career began in advertising at McCann-Erickson and Fitzgerald+Co in Atlanta. He then jumped on the digital wave early, by joining digital marketing mega-consultancy US Web/CKS (later marchFIRST) where he helped to develop digital strategy and online user experiences for a range of consumer brands. In 2002, Greg co-founded Tailfin, which has grown into a diverse marketing and creative services agency. Greg leads the Strategy Practice and the Client Service group.

 

KSUEntrepreneurship

KSU Entrepreneurship Center Presents The Shrimp Tank

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KSUEntrepreneurship

 Where can a young entrepreneur figure out how to turn their dreams into reality? Just take a step into the Shrimp Tank. The Shrimp Tank brings you interviews with some of the most successful business owners in the United States to learn the do’s and don’ts of starting and running a successful business. Then, the fun really starts when we bring in high school and college students to pitch their business ideas to the Shrimp Tank. We don’t fund any business, but we do teach kids how to turn their business ideas into a successful business.

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Shaquille Wiggins 

Shaquille is a network marketing professional and pioneer of movements that set thousands of people all over the nation on a path of financial freedom. Born in Raleigh, North Carolina, Shaquille is the fifth of seven children. The benefit of having older siblings was the ability to watch them make mistakes and learn from them. Knowing that going to school and working a job didn’t necessary equal success through observation Shaquille knew something more was needed. Still considering Shaquille got a job at Chipotle and was attending Georgia Gwinnett College full time. Looking for opportunity Shaquille found network marketing. The idea of being a business owner and not working for money excited him until the focus switched from personal financial freedom to the task of liberating those around him.

 

#2 distributor in the south east region for Wake Up Now, Inc

Founding member and owner of Novae

Executive producer of movies (Couples Therapy, TBA)

 

 

 

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KSU Entrepreneurship Center Presents The Shrimp Tank

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KSUEntrepreneurship

 Where can a young entrepreneur figure out how to turn their dreams into reality? Just take a step into the Shrimp Tank. The Shrimp Tank brings you interviews with some of the most successful business owners in the United States to learn the do’s and don’ts of starting and running a successful business. Then, the fun really starts when we bring in high school and college students to pitch their business ideas to the Shrimp Tank. We don’t fund any business, but we do teach kids how to turn their business ideas into a successful business.

Hosts of The Shrimp Tank Chris Hanks and Ted Jenkin.

 

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Ted Jenkin, John Loud and Lee Heisman

 

 

 

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John Loud

 

John Loud / Loud Security

John Loud, originally hailing from Boston, has embraced the spirit of Southern hospitality in all aspects of his personal and professional life.  John has worn many hats in his career:  hockey player, comedy club manager, Delta flight attendant, political campaign worker, community volunteer and entrepreneur.

 John’s primary focus since 1995 has been the establishment and growth of LOUD Security.  From its humble beginnings in the basement of the Loud home, LOUD Security now employs over 60 people and services 8,500 customers. Most recently, John’s outstanding leadership resulted in the Kennesaw Citizen of the Year Award and the Mack Henderson Public Service Award for his commitment and dedication to the quality of life for the citizens of Cobb County.

Not only has John used his talent of integrating today’s technology with old fashioned service to his current business, he has lent his talents to professional and community organizations across the state of Georgia.  From President of the Kennesaw Business Association, President of the Georgia Electronic Life Safety and Security Association, cooperating with local police departments to promote Georgia legislation that would increase life safety to his customers; John has been, and continues to be, an avid champion for the security industry.  

 

 

 

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Lee Heisman

 

Lee R. Heisman / Savant Comprehensive Technologies
(Co-Host)

Lee R. Heisman is the owner and CEO of Savant Comprehensive Technologies, My School Pool and Ask a Privacy Officer. Prior to this, Lee was the founder and CEO of H and W Printing and Brainstorm Design Works, a full advertising agency and commercial printing firm located in Atlanta, GA. He has a Master Degree from Rutgers University and is on the Advisory Board of the KSU Entrepreneurial Center. Lee has sold 2 of his previously businesses over the years through mergers and acquisition. Before launching his Entrepreneurial Career, Lee was a Licensed Physical Therapist in New Jersey for over 3 years

 

 

 

 

 

Ted Jenkin/Oxygen Financial
(Co – Host)

Ted Jenkin has spent the past 22 years giving personal financial advice to thousands of people across the United States. After graduating from Boston College in 1991, Ted spent more than 16 years working for American Express Financial Advisors/Ameriprise Financial. He was one of the youngest people in the history of the company to reach both Field Vice President and Group Vice President level. He managed more than 800 financial advisors throughout 8 states in his last position with the company. He won the premier performer award, leader of the year award, and had the number one office in the country for more than two years in a row. In 2008, Ted founded oXYGen Financial to help revolutionize the financial services industry by creating a new company that focused on serving the X and Y Generation. oXYGen Financial now has more than 1,700 clients throughout 25 states across the country. Ted has been featured in over 25 magazines and newspapers including the Wall Street Journal, Business Week, and The Huffington Post. He has six advanced designations from the College for Financial Planning (CFP®, CRPC®, CRPS®, AWMA®, AAMS®, CMFC®) and is an on air radio personality featured on the popular drive time Atlanta radio show The Rock 100.5 Morning Show on Rock 100.5 FM. Ted lives in Milton, GA with his wife Genna and three kids Olivia, Lyla, and Louden.

KSU Entrepreneurship Center Presents The Shrimp Tank

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Podcast: Download

KSUEntrepreneurship

Where can a young entrepreneur figure out how to turn their dreams into reality? Just take a step into the Shrimp Tank. The Shrimp Tank brings you interviews with some of the most successful business owners in the United States to learn the do’s and don’ts of starting and running a successful business. Then, the fun really starts when we bring in high school and college students to pitch their business ideas to the Shrimp Tank. We don’t fund any business, but we do teach kids how to turn their business ideas into a successful business.

Hosts of The Shrimp Tank Chris Hanks and Ted Jenkin.

 

 

 

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Travis Allen and Chris Hanks

 

Travis Allen /iSchool Initiative
Founder

Travis Allen is a young visionary promoting digital learning in the classroom. Before graduating from high school, Travis created a viral YouTube video on revolutionizing America’s education through the use of mobile technology. Today, he is a senior at Kennesaw State University where he operates his growing organization, iSchool Initiative. With the support of his team, Travis has presented in over 40 states and 8 countries, allowing him to reach an audience of over 200,000 people! He has been featured on CNN, Huffington Post and Forbes. In 2011, he was the winner of Google Young Minds competition; in 2012, he was invited to the White House for Education Datapalooza; and in 2015 he won the GA Young Entrepreneur of the Year. Travis is quickly becoming one of the most influential leaders of the emerging digital learning movement.

 

 

 

 

Chris Hanks/ KSU EC
(Co – Host)

Christopher C. Hanks is the founder and executive director of the KSUEntrepreneurship Center. Prior to this, Hanks was the founder and director of the entrepreneurship program at the University of Georgia. He has owned multiple businesses, including music, e-commerce, publishing, and export ventures. He is also the co-author of a best-selling book on low risk entrepreneurship.

Hanks leads the International Entrepreneurship Institute and is certified in business valuation, providing expert witness testimony. Before teaching at UGA, Hanks taught entrepreneurship at Georgia State University and assisted in leading the Russell Center for Entrepreneurship. He earned a BBA from University of Georgia and an MBA from San Jose State University. Before launching his first business, Hanks held corporate risk management positions in the pharmaceutical and beverage industries.

 

 

Ted Jenkin/Oxygen Financial
(Co – Host)

Ted Jenkin has spent the past 22 years giving personal financial advice to thousands of people across the United States. After graduating from Boston College in 1991, Ted spent more than 16 years working for American Express Financial Advisors/Ameriprise Financial. He was one of the youngest people in the history of the company to reach both Field Vice President and Group Vice President level. He managed more than 800 financial advisors throughout 8 states in his last position with the company. He won the premier performer award, leader of the year award, and had the number one office in the country for more than two years in a row. In 2008, Ted founded oXYGen Financial to help revolutionize the financial services industry by creating a new company that focused on serving the X and Y Generation. oXYGen Financial now has more than 1,700 clients throughout 25 states across the country. Ted has been featured in over 25 magazines and newspapers including the Wall Street Journal, Business Week, and The Huffington Post. He has six advanced designations from the College for Financial Planning (CFP®, CRPC®, CRPS®, AWMA®, AAMS®, CMFC®) and is an on air radio personality featured on the popular drive time Atlanta radio show The Rock 100.5 Morning Show on Rock 100.5 FM. Ted lives in Milton, GA with his wife Genna and three kids Olivia, Lyla, and Louden.

KSU Entrepreneurship Center Presents The Shrimp Tank

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KSUEntrepreneurship

The Shrimp Tank brings you interviews with some of the most successful business owners in the United States to learn the do’s and don’ts of starting and running a successful business. Then, the fun really starts when we bring in high school and college students to pitch their business ideas to the Shrimp Tank. We don’t fund any business, but we do teach kids how to turn their business ideas into a successful business.

 

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Garrett Jacobs, Lee Heisman, Kris Kolarich and Chris Hanks

 

 

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Lee Heisman, Kris Kolarich and Chris Hanks

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Kris Kolarich

 

 

Kris Kolarich / Atlanta Intown Real Estate Services

Specialized Asset Services / Realtor

Atlanta Intown Real Estate Services is a boutique, LGBT and woman-owned Real Estate Brokerage with three offices in Metro Atlanta. We have a combined 40 years of experience in the retail market and over 15 years of experience in the REO and Default Industry. With over 15 years in real estate, I have sold over 1,500 homes in Metro Atlanta. My experiences include working with first-time homebuyers, investors, the default industry; REO; short sales; pre-foreclosures; and with HUD counseling agencies to help keep homeowners in their home through loan modifications, or through any of the other available programs such as HAMP/HARP. I am also experienced in selling high-end homes. I have been licensed since 2001. I began working the REO market in 2007, and have been the top agent in multiple real estate offices from 2009-2014. I am also making strides to do the same for 2015. I have the knowledge, compassion and experience when working with struggling homeowners in the preforeclosure/short sale arena, and with homeowners who have just had their home foreclosed on and who will need relocation assistance or cash-for-keys making a dignified transition to another home. I have a full staff to assist with occupancy checks, cash-for-keys, property preservations, marketing and selling bank owned assets. I bring to the table detailed knowledge of construction and repair costs, enabling me to evaluate, assess and advise marketing strategies for a particular asset as is vs. repaired. We pride ourselves in our efficiency to submit BPO’s within 24-48 hours but with great details to show our clients what the market really looks like. I have done hundreds of BPO’s and have sold close to 1,000 homes in the past 8 years.

Email

 

 

 

 

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Lee Heisman

 

Lee R. Heisman / Savant Comprehensive Technologies
(Co-Host)

Lee R. Heisman is the owner and CEO of Savant Comprehensive Technologies, My School Pool and Ask a Privacy Officer. Prior to this, Lee was the founder and CEO of H and W Printing and Brainstorm Design Works, a full advertising agency and commercial printing firm located in Atlanta, GA. He has a Master Degree from Rutgers University and is on the Advisory Board of the KSU Entrepreneurial Center. Lee has sold 2 of his previously businesses over the years through mergers and acquisition. Before launching his Entrepreneurial Career, Lee was a Licensed Physical Therapist in New Jersey for over 3 years

 

 

 

 

Chris Hanks/ KSU EC
(Co – Host)

Christopher C. Hanks is the founder and executive director of the KSUEntrepreneurship Center. Prior to this, Hanks was the founder and director of the entrepreneurship program at the University of Georgia. He has owned multiple businesses, including music, e-commerce, publishing, and export ventures. He is also the co-author of a best-selling book on low risk entrepreneurship.

Hanks leads the International Entrepreneurship Institute and is certified in business valuation, providing expert witness testimony. Before teaching at UGA, Hanks taught entrepreneurship at Georgia State University and assisted in leading the Russell Center for Entrepreneurship. He earned a BBA from University of Georgia and an MBA from San Jose State University. Before launching his first business, Hanks held corporate risk management positions in the pharmaceutical and beverage industries.

 

Ted Jenkin/Oxygen Financial
(Co – Host)

Ted Jenkin has spent the past 22 years giving personal financial advice to thousands of people across the United States. After graduating from Boston College in 1991, Ted spent more than 16 years working for American Express Financial Advisors/Ameriprise Financial. He was one of the youngest people in the history of the company to reach both Field Vice President and Group Vice President level. He managed more than 800 financial advisors throughout 8 states in his last position with the company. He won the premier performer award, leader of the year award, and had the number one office in the country for more than two years in a row. In 2008, Ted founded oXYGen Financial to help revolutionize the financial services industry by creating a new company that focused on serving the X and Y Generation. oXYGen Financial now has more than 1,700 clients throughout 25 states across the country. Ted has been featured in over 25 magazines and newspapers including the Wall Street Journal, Business Week, and The Huffington Post. He has six advanced designations from the College for Financial Planning (CFP®, CRPC®, CRPS®, AWMA®, AAMS®, CMFC®) and is an on air radio personality featured on the popular drive time Atlanta radio show The Rock 100.5 Morning Show on Rock 100.5 FM. Ted lives in Milton, GA with his wife Genna and three kids Olivia, Lyla, and Louden.

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KSU Entrepreneurship Center Presents The Shrimp Tank

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Podcast: Download

 

KSUEntrepreneurship

The Shrimp Tank brings you interviews with some of the most successful business owners in the United States to learn the do’s and don’ts of starting and running a successful business. Then, the fun really starts when we bring in high school and college students to pitch their business ideas to the Shrimp Tank. We don’t fund any business, but we do teach kids how to turn their business ideas into a successful business.

 

 

 

 

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Ted Jenkins, Jamie Bodner and Chris Hanks

 

 

Jamie Bodner / Pinnacle Fitness
Owner

 

Jamie Bodner. Jamie’s love for fitness, weight training, and health began at a young age. He realized he could finally be in-shape like those around him by taking care of himself through exercising and eating right. He started reading every book and magazine he could and working out every moment he was able. Once he started, it quickly became a passion and it opened up a new world and way of life for him.

Growing up in New York, Jamie always expected to go to college before settling into the corporate lifestyle. He never once thought about making his passion for fitness his career. Still, while he was working his way up the corporate ladder at the World Trade Center, he never felt one hundred percent fulfilled.

After 9/11, Jamie decided to follow his dream to fruition.  Studying with the renowned Dr. Jack Barnathan, owner and founder of NYStrength, a worldwide leader in health, fitness, strength, and conditioning, he became a certified Fitness trainer with the International Sports Science Association (ISSA). He then moved to Miami and began his fitness career working for Bally’s initially as a trainer before then to assistant manager. He was later recruited by Results Fitness Studio for the head trainer position. During his time at Results Fitness, he also worked with the United Teaches of Dade County (UTD)creating and implementing dynamic fitness programs which resulted in a 90% increase in productivity, lower insurance premiums, and a raised level of moral.

In 2005, Jamie and his wife, Laura, relocated to Laura’s hometown of Atlanta where Jamie set about realizing his lifelong goal: opening his own fitness studio. After thinking of the name and discovering the perfect location, Pinnacle Fitness opened in May 2008 in the heart of Buckhead. 

Since his first certification, he has continued to obtain additional certifications in Sports Performance such as Nutrition, Arthritis, Special Population and Sports Posifice Training, and Core/Functional Training.

Jamie prides himself on understanding his clients’ needs and desires and seeing their potential. Jamie has worked with every type of client across the spectrum, from people in their late sixties who had never used free weights to high school athletes to improve their performance. No matter what fitness level, he will design a program that will suit your needs, whether it’s to make everyday activities easier or to make you a stronger competitive athlete.

Jamie will always encourage you, pulling your inner strength out with a smile. Along with instructing you on the gym floor, he will also share with you the latest research he finds on nutrition and health. A healthy lifestyle doesn’t start or stop in the gym; he wants you to have the tools you need to reach your goals. He asks every client, “You know you are doing your best when you are here at Pinnacle for your workout. Are you doing the best outside of the gym?” Jamie will ensure that you will.

Having been overweight as a child at the age of twelve, Jamie fully understand the difficulties and humiliation that is faced daily by those who are overweight and out-of-shape. That’s why Jamies first became interested in fitness, weight training, and health – and that’s why Jamie can be your special advocate in finally getting yourself in-shape.

 

 

 

Chris Hanks/ KSU EC
(Co – Host)

Christopher C. Hanks is the founder and executive director of the KSUEntrepreneurship Center. Prior to this, Hanks was the founder and director of the entrepreneurship program at the University of Georgia. He has owned multiple businesses, including music, e-commerce, publishing, and export ventures. He is also the co-author of a best-selling book on low risk entrepreneurship.

Hanks leads the International Entrepreneurship Institute and is certified in business valuation, providing expert witness testimony. Before teaching at UGA, Hanks taught entrepreneurship at Georgia State University and assisted in leading the Russell Center for Entrepreneurship. He earned a BBA from University of Georgia and an MBA from San Jose State University. Before launching his first business, Hanks held corporate risk management positions in the pharmaceutical and beverage industries.

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Ted Jenkin/Oxygen Financial
(Co – Host)

Ted Jenkin has spent the past 22 years giving personal financial advice to thousands of people across the United States. After graduating from Boston College in 1991, Ted spent more than 16 years working for American Express Financial Advisors/Ameriprise Financial. He was one of the youngest people in the history of the company to reach both Field Vice President and Group Vice President level. He managed more than 800 financial advisors throughout 8 states in his last position with the company. He won the premier performer award, leader of the year award, and had the number one office in the country for more than two years in a row. In 2008, Ted founded oXYGen Financial to help revolutionize the financial services industry by creating a new company that focused on serving the X and Y Generation. oXYGen Financial now has more than 1,700 clients throughout 25 states across the country. Ted has been featured in over 25 magazines and newspapers including the Wall Street Journal, Business Week, and The Huffington Post. He has six advanced designations from the College for Financial Planning (CFP®, CRPC®, CRPS®, AWMA®, AAMS®, CMFC®) and is an on air radio personality featured on the popular drive time Atlanta radio show The Rock 100.5 Morning Show on Rock 100.5 FM. Ted lives in Milton, GA with his wife Genna and three kids Olivia, Lyla, and Louden.

KSU Entrepreneurship Center Presents The Shrimp Tank

Posted on

Podcast: Download

 

KSUEntrepreneurship

The Shrimp Tank brings you interviews with some of the most successful business owners in the United States to learn the do’s and don’ts of starting and running a successful business. Then, the fun really starts when we bring in high school and college students to pitch their business ideas to the Shrimp Tank. We don’t fund any business, but we do teach kids how to turn their business ideas into a successful business.

 

 

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Wes Jones - Headshot

Wes Jones

 

Wes Jones / Honeysuckle Gelato
Founder & CEO

Wes Jones is an alumnus of the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business and Georgia State University’s J. Mack Robinson Graduate School of Business. After receiving his undergraduate degree in business administration, Wes began teaching in New Orleans, La., as part of the Teach For America program. Following his time as a teacher, Wes worked in commercial real estate with CB Richard Ellis’s corporate services division while earning his MBA.

In 2011, Wes co-founded Honeysuckle Gelato in Atlanta, Ga. As CEO of Honeysuckle Gelato, Wes manages the company’s day-to-day operations with a focus on marketing, strategic planning, business development and overall growth.

Honeysuckle Gelato is a manufacturer and wholesaler of gelato and sorbet. As a wholesaler, Honeysuckle Gelato supplies caterers, restaurants, specialty food stores, big box retailers and select Delta Air Lines flights. In 2015, Honeysuckle Gelato opened its first retail location at Ponce City Market in Atlanta, Ga.

In addition to an impressive customer list, Honeysuckle Gelato boasts a number of product and business awards, including DailyCandy’s national “Start Small, Go Big” contest, and was runner-up for Garden & Gun magazine’s “Made in the South” food award.

Wes serves on the United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia Board of Directors and, along with his brother, Bryan, is co-chair for the Culbreth Cup Golf Tournament. The tournament is hosted in memory of their grandparents, Roy and Floy Culbreth, and raises awareness and funds for UCP of Georgia.

Wes and his wife, Caitlin, were married in October 2013, and reside in Atlanta, Ga. Caitlin is very active in the community and is director of communications at Pace Academy.

 

 

 Chris Hanks/ KSU EC
(Co – Host)

Christopher C. Hanks is the founder and executive director of the KSUEntrepreneurship Center. Prior to this, Hanks was the founder and director of the entrepreneurship program at the University of Georgia. He has owned multiple businesses, including music, e-commerce, publishing, and export ventures. He is also the co-author of a best-selling book on low risk entrepreneurship.

Hanks leads the International Entrepreneurship Institute and is certified in business valuation, providing expert witness testimony. Before teaching at UGA, Hanks taught entrepreneurship at Georgia State University and assisted in leading the Russell Center for Entrepreneurship. He earned a BBA from University of Georgia and an MBA from San Jose State University. Before launching his first business, Hanks held corporate risk management positions in the pharmaceutical and beverage industries.

 

 

 

 

Ted Jenkin/Oxygen Financial
(Co – Host)

Ted Jenkin has spent the past 22 years giving personal financial advice to thousands of people across the United States. After graduating from Boston College in 1991, Ted spent more than 16 years working for American Express Financial Advisors/Ameriprise Financial. He was one of the youngest people in the history of the company to reach both Field Vice President and Group Vice President level. He managed more than 800 financial advisors throughout 8 states in his last position with the company. He won the premier performer award, leader of the year award, and had the number one office in the country for more than two years in a row. In 2008, Ted founded oXYGen Financial to help revolutionize the financial services industry by creating a new company that focused on serving the X and Y Generation. oXYGen Financial now has more than 1,700 clients throughout 25 states across the country. Ted has been featured in over 25 magazines and newspapers including the Wall Street Journal, Business Week, and The Huffington Post. He has six advanced designations from the College for Financial Planning (CFP®, CRPC®, CRPS®, AWMA®, AAMS®, CMFC®) and is an on air radio personality featured on the popular drive time Atlanta radio show The Rock 100.5 Morning Show on Rock 100.5 FM. Ted lives in Milton, GA with his wife Genna and three kids Olivia, Lyla, and Louden.

The Shrimp Tank Featuring Chris Hardwick with Build Technology Group

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KSUEntrepreneurship

The Shrimp Tank brings you interviews with some of the most successful business owners in the United States to learn the do’s and don’ts of starting and running a successful business. Then, the fun really starts when we bring in high school and college students to pitch their business ideas to the Shrimp Tank. We don’t fund any business, but we do teach kids how to turn their business ideas into a successful business.

 

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Lee Heisman, Chris Hardwick and Chris Hanks

 

 

Chris Hardwick is a graduate of University of Georgia with a BA in Political Science.  

As a recognized technology leader known for his love of solving problems, technology issues, building for and on successful business solutions, it has garnered him positions with such companies as Aaron Rents, Inc., ista, e:so Global, and Instawares.  With his ability to break down technology into business goals, and strategic technology alignment, he has been navigating his career waters through Hardwick Solutions, LLC for over 8 years.  Chris now leads Build Technology Group that practices a “partnership” approach to serving their clients, with the formula of breaking down strategic business goals into obtainable technology goals and vice versa.  He helps his partners be successful by being their trusted IT partner in delivering cost effective, smart technology.   

Longtime resident of Atlanta, Chris is married to Melissa with 3 boys.  He stays involved with their school through his volunteering on the Keheley School Council and the Keheley Foundation.  His community volunteerism covers animal welfare, children, education, environment, health and technology.  

Chris has recently been honored with being added to the board of ATG as well as various nominations for his work in Scrum.  

 

Inside The Shrimp Tank

Inside The Shrimp Tank

KSU Entrepreneurship Center “The Shrimp Tank” Featuring Brandon Lewis

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 The Shrimp Tank brings you interviews with some of the most successful business owners in the United States to learn the do’s and don’ts of starting and running a successful business. Then, the fun really starts when we bring in high school and college students to pitch their business ideas to the Shrimp Tank. We don’t fund any business, but we do teach kids how to turn their business ideas into a successful business.

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Ted Jenkin and Brandon Lewis

 

 

Brandon Lewis/Benchmark Public Adjusting Group

Brandon-Lewis-New-Pic-5COO and Partner of BenchMark Public Adjusting Group. As a 22 plus-year Atlanta business leader and executive coupled with nine years in the insurance advocacy profession, Brandon Lewis has forged a unique industry crossover. Brandon brings with him the experience of handling over 15 major natural disasters globally.

Brandon is a member of NAPIA and the Founding Treasurer of GAPIA. His other participations include the Atlanta Apartment Association, where he is a member and has educated the association on disaster preparedness. He is also a member of the National Suppliers Council. He has been a guest speaker at Emory University and worked closely with the Red Cross. Brandon attended both Pace University Lubin School of Business and Hofstra University.

 

The Establishment Atlanta     Supply And Demand Atlanta      Click Models 

 

 

KSUEntrepreneurship

 

 

 

Ted Jenkin/Oxygen Financial
TedJenkin(Co – Host)

Ted Jenkin has spent the past 22 years giving personal financial advice to thousands of people across the United States. After graduating from Boston College in 1991, Ted spent more than 16 years working for American Express Financial Advisors/Ameriprise Financial. He was one of the youngest people in the history of the company to reach both Field Vice President and Group Vice President level. He managed more than 800 financial advisors throughout 8 states in his last position with the company. He won the premier performer award, leader of the year award, and had the number one office in the country for more than two years in a row. In 2008, Ted founded oXYGen Financial to help revolutionize the financial services industry by creating a new company that focused on serving the X and Y Generation. oXYGen Financial now has more than 1,700 clients throughout 25 states across the country. Ted has been featured in over 25 magazines and newspapers including the Wall Street Journal, Business Week, and The Huffington Post. He has six advanced designations from the College for Financial Planning (CFP®, CRPC®, CRPS®, AWMA®, AAMS®, CMFC®) and is an on air radio personality featured on the popular drive time Atlanta radio show The Rock 100.5 Morning Show on Rock 100.5 FM. Ted lives in Milton, GA with his wife Genna and three kids Olivia, Lyla, and Louden.

 

 

 

 Chris Hanks/ KSU EC
(Co – Host)


ChrisHanksChristopher C. Hanks is the founder and executive director of the KSU Entrepreneurship Center. Prior to this, Hanks was the founder and director of the entrepreneurship program at the University of Georgia. He has owned multiple businesses, including music, e-commerce, publishing, and export ventures. He is also the co-author of a best-selling book on low risk entrepreneurship.

Hanks leads the International Entrepreneurship Institute and is certified in business valuation, providing expert witness testimony. Before teaching at UGA, Hanks taught entrepreneurship at Georgia State University and assisted in leading the Russell Center for Entrepreneurship. He earned a BBA from University of Georgia and an MBA from San Jose State University. Before launching his first business, Hanks held corporate risk management positions in the pharmaceutical and beverage industries.

 

 

KSUEntrepreneurship

 

 

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