Listen Now!

Business Talk 24-7

Curated Collection Of The Best Interviews From Our Sandy Springs Studio





Atlanta Business Radio

KSU Entrepreneurship Center

KSU Entrepreneurship Center Presents The Shrimp Tank

Posted on

Podcast: Download

 

Copy of KSU_EC_2

 

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.

 

ShrimpTank03.15.16

 

 

Brittney is the CEO and Co-founder of The Dorm Room Beautician (@thedrbco). She began The DRB with co-founders Kaye Thompson and Marcelo Burkard after 3+ years as a freelance stylist for afro-textured hair in the Athens Area in August 2015. The DRB facilitates connections and operations for freelance hair stylists and their clients in college areas. Brittney is originally from Suwanee, Ga where she graduated from Collins Hill High School in 2012. She will graduate from The University of Georgia with a BBA in Business Marketing w/digital emphasis, an ABJ in Broadcast Journalism and Spanish minor in May of 2016. After graduation, Brittney will continue to grow The Dorm Room Beautician and intern for The Wall Street Journal in NYC. Follow her on twitter, @brittneylaryea to learn more!
–
Caleb is the founder of Spacey Sciences and is building the University of Georgia’s first satellite. He has worked for NASA as a flight software developer and was a Google Glass beta tester – having helped build the first musical score viewing application for it. He lead the team that won the first MLH, nationally recognized, hackathon for UGA by building a low-cost remote-operated telescope. He currently runs the most popular Computer Science and Astronomy blogs on the tumblr blogging platform with a total following of over 200,000. Caleb is a Computer Science and Astrophysics double major at UGA. His career goal is to further the exploration and monetization of outer space and to help lay the foundation to explore and colonize our solar system.
–
Anastasia Roberts has a degree in Digital Marketing from the University of Georgia.  She lives in Athens with her two young boys and enjoys watching them play football, basketball, and Jiu Jitsu. Anastasia started Nourishing Business Solutions in 2015 because she saw a need with the businesses around her to have quality marketing in order to grow.  Anastasia believes in the freedom entrepreneurship offers to people and enjoys teaching others how to nourish their businesses through effective marketing techniques.  You can check out NBS at www.nourishingbusinesssolutions.com, on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

The Shrimp Tank Featuring Mike Blake with Arpeggio Advisors

Posted on

Podcast: Download

 

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.

 

KSUEntrepreneurship

 

 

img_0004Mike Blake is President of Arpeggio Advisors, a business appraisal and strategic advisory firm headquartered in Atlanta.  Mike appraises businesses, securities, and intellectual property to help clients maximize their returns on transactions and painlessly comply with tax and financial reporting requirements.  Mike has specialized expertise in appraising and advising emerging technology companies; patents, copyrights and trademarks; professional services firms; alternative energy companies; and aerospace companies.  Prior to starting his career as a business appraiser and strategic advisor, Mike raised capital and created international strategic partnerships for Israeli companies, and helped convert Russian companies convert part of their weapons of mass destruction design and production capabilities into civilian applications and privatized businesses.

 

Mike founded co-founded StartupLounge in 2007, a nonprofit that helps technology entrepreneurs on the journey from idea to venture to business, and helped technology entrepreneurs in Atlanta raise over $10 million (all pro bono).  Mike has also coached 6 companies to victory in various business plan competitions, helping them win a combined $300K in cash and over $2 million in services.  One of Mike’s teams went on to secure funding on ABC’s Shark Tank.  
Mike is a member of the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s Top 40 Under 40 Class of 2009 and is a member of the Leadership Atlanta Class of 2014.  He plays keyboards and vocals for a classic rock band, Kickin Off the Coverz, and lives in Chamblee with his wife, Cordelia (a fellow entrepreneur) and two sons, Alex and Max.

 

 

ShrimpTank.03.08.16

 

 

view-Facebook-galleries-button

 

 

IMG_8215

The Shrimp Tank Featuring Jason Smith with Mr. Mister Mosquito Control

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.

ABR

Jason Smith is the owner of Mr. Mister Mosquito Control, and a graduate of the University of Georgia with a BS in Finance.

Career Achievements

  • Jason Smith is a professional and philanthropic leader in the Atlanta community and beyond. Prior to founding Mister Mosquito Control, which is now the 2nd largest mosquito control company in Metro Atlanta, Smith had a successful career in the branded apparel arena. Here, he was responsible for the acquisition, management and fulfillment of nationwide accounts such as: Circuit City Uniform Program, Georgia Aquarium, Turner Broadcasting and many others.
  • Smith was head of social media for Ian’s Friends Foundation for four years.
  • Smith created concept for Turner Broadcasting of sports specific poker sets–created sets personally for Magic Johnson, Charles Barkley, Braves on-air personalites, NCAA on air, and PGA on air.
  • He is currently on the board of directors for the Billi Marcus Foundation
  • The philanthropic component has been an integral part in the organic “word of mouth” growth of Mr. Mister. As the fastest growing (and the 2nd largest) mosquito control company in Metro Atlanta, Mr. Mister boasts an almost perfect online review record due to their unparalleled personal customer service, often provided directly by Jason Smith.
  • As the head of sales for Mr. Mister Mosquito Control, Smith has exceeded all sales goals and established as well as maintained excellent relationships with customers.  He proudly maintains 5 star ratings on Yelp! and Facebook.  He is currently in charge of redevelopment of the company websitemrmr.biz which has been a huge revenue driver
  • Smith was most recently featured on CBS Better Mornings as a local expert. See clip here: http://www.cbs46.com/story/25748324/have-you-mosquito-proofed-your-yard?autostart=true

Community Involvement

  • Mister’s pro bono work is integral to the surrounding community. They continually treat schools, parks and more complimentary for the betterment of the residents. Recent recipients of pro bono services include Weinstein Preschool, Camp Twin Lakes, Morningside Elementary, GA Autism, and Dunwoody’s Brook Run Dog Park. Personally, Smith’s charitable contributions continue. In his “downtime”, he can be found coaching The Epstein School’s boys and girls tennis teams and building houses for the important organization “Habitat for Humanity.” He is also highly invested in advancing pediatric brain tumor research by supporting Ian’s Friends Foundation.
  • Today, Smith marries his career with philanthropy with Mr. Mister. As an outdoor enthusiast with children of his own, Jason is personally invested in protecting families from disease carrying mosquitos. So much so he has incorporated a philanthropic component to his business and its bottom line. With every new customer, Mr. Mister donates a life-saving mosquito net through Nothing But Nets to help combat the epidemic of malaria and other mosquito-borne illnesses across the world.

Awards and Recognition

  • Invited to be part of Leadership Epstein.
  • Member of LEAD class 2005
  • Graduate of Dale Carnegie sales class where he was recently invited back as a keynote speaker.

ABR

 

 

The Shrimp Tank Featuring Chris Hardwick with Build Technology Group

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.

 

IMG_8661

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

The Shrimp Tank Featuring Mike Russell with ETS Solutions

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.

Ted Jenkin, Mike Russell, Chris Hanks

Ted Jenkin, Mike Russell, Chris Hanks

 

 

Mike Russell/ETS Solutions
Founder

11263064_1590122594581068_8926286324631199718_nMike has a B.S. Degree from UNC-Chapel Hill and an MBA in Accounting & Finance degree from Kennesaw State University. Mike took his experience managing companies and law firms and formed Elite Telecom Services in 2002, re-branding his company to ETS Solutions in 2014 to include Cloud Services.

 

 

 

 

 

www.ETSsolutions.com | LinkedIn (ETS) | Linkedin (Mike) | Twitter | Facebook

 

 

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.

 

 

view-Facebook-galleries-button

 

 

 

KSU Entrepreneurship Center “The Shrimp Tank” Featuring Brandon Lewis

Posted on

Podcast: Download

 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.

IMG_8338

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

 

 

IMG_8215

 

KSU Entrepreneurship Center “The Shrimp Tank” Featuring Shantel Khleif Imagine Media

Posted on

Podcast: Download

Where Young Entrepreneurs Turn Their Dreams Into Business.

Meet The Brightest Entrepreneurs From Today and Tomorrow…

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.

 

Ted Jenkin, Shantel Khleif and chris Hanks

Ted Jenkin, Shantel Khleif and Chris Hanks

 

 

Shantel Khleif/Imagine Media
Owner

ShantelK+copyStemming from a deep love and respect for small businesses, Shantel built Imagine Media to give an online voice to companies who wouldn’t otherwise have the time to do so. As the previous owner of a Wedding Planning company, and as the current co-founder of an Non Profit aimed at assisting students in need, Shantel is a go-getter through and through with a huge heart. When she’s not networking her way through Atlanta, selling our services to business owners in need, and motivating the team to be the best that they can be, you can find Shantel                                            exploring Atlanta with her big and lovable pup, Gunnar.

Twitter     Imagine Media     Facebook     Pinterest    Instagram

 

KSUEntrepreneurship

 

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.

 

 

 

 Chris Hanks/ KSU EC
(Co – Host)


Christopher 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.

 

image-2