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Lenise Williams

Cobb County Edition: John Silvey , Zaxby’s Chicken

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John Silvey/ Zaxby’s

John Silvey has been married for 11 years and has two step children and two adopted children. He is the managing partner of two Zaxby’s franchises in Marietta, located at 2080 Lower Roswell Road and 591 S. Marietta Pkwy. Zaxby’s has been in business for 25 years. John has franchised for 10 years. John’s franchises are heavily involved in the community. John has received many awards and certificates over the years for his commitment to the community. His dedication to his family and community are the most important things in his life. John and his business partner are looking to expand their franchise in the near future.

https://www.facebook.com/zaxbys591

https://www.facebook.com/ZaxbysMarietta2080LRR

Cobb County Edition: The Power of Networking w/ Keith Ivey

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Keith Ivey/Identity Theft Specialist 

Keith Ivey provides small business owners with programs that are specifically designed to enhance employee productivity, increase the bottom line and protect the business from all of the legal events of business life.

Keith Ivey is also an identity theft specialist and a dynamic speaker. He is a member of several Cobb County business associations and facilitates several networking experiences in Cobb County to help other entrepreneurs to build their business.

My Networking Groups
1. Kennesaw Area Business Networking Luncheon (RSVP Required) – 1st & 3rd Wednesdays – Noon –  http://www.meetup.com/Kennesaw-Area-Business-Networking/
 
2. East Cobb Business Networking Luncheon (RSVP Required) – 2nd & 4th Wednesday – Noon – http://www.meetup.com/East-Cobb-Business-Networking-Luncheon/
3. Marietta Business Association Networking Group – Thursdays – 3pm – Charles D. Switzer Public Library/Marietta
 
4. TipClubs in Alpharetta, Perimeter Mall Area and Buckhead (RSVP Required) – www.TipClub.com (800-798-0270/Jim Fox)

Cobb County Edition: Revive Consignment & The Book Stop

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Brice Fogle/ Revive Consignment

Jubilee Church established Revive Consignment in 2007 in Woodstock, GA to demonstrate that the church is more than just a meeting on Sunday but it should affect society itself. From the first day Revive Consignment opened, the hope was that not only would homes or clothing be “revived” but families, marriages, finances, and lives themselves would be “revived” by the grace of God.  In this desire to make a difference, not only in the store but also in tangible ways within the community, part of the proceeds goes to helping the homeless and the needy in the local area.

In February of 2014, with a lot of help from the existing Revive Team, Brice pioneered the effort to open a second location of Revive in Smyrna. We did this to build relationships in the community and plant another location of Jubilee Church in the Smyrna area. Our philosophy is that customer service is our number one priority and we hope you will find authentic friendliness from each and every employee. We realize that everyone who walks through our doors has a story, just as we all do, and it is with this in mind that we desire to know and care for each person. In prayer, God highlighted to the founders that Revive would be a place where many would come simply because of its very atmosphere. Free coffee, cookies, and wi-fi is offered in the coffee bars of both locations and people are welcomed to relax and visit with us, meet up with friends or bring their laptop and use the space as a quiet place to work.

The nature of the business at Revive is that of consignment . Simply defined, consignment is selling an item for someone else and receiving a percentage of the sale price for doing so. You will find that Revive is unique since we offer an abundance of high quality clothing, home decor and furniture all under one roof in each of our locations. We so appreciate our consignors and think they would agree that consigning is a safe, simple process and a great way to earn some extra money. We even offer a furniture pickup and delivery service!

We will be celebrating 8 years as a company on Saturday June 6th, 2015. It has been a wonderful journey, and we have really enjoyed participating in the Cobb County business community over the last year four months. The city of Smyrna has been a great host and the Smyrna Business Association has been a great welcoming organization to help us make business connections in the community. Jubilee Church now has two small groups that meet in homes throughout the week in Smyrna, and we hope to launch a Sunday meeting sometime next spring.

 

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Elaine Koziatek/ The Book Stop

Elaine Koziatek is an entrepreneur whose current endeavor includes The Book Stop, located in Smyrna, Georgia. A public speaker, she specializes in the arena of human resources. She received a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration from Charter Oak University in Connecticut and a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management from Troy State University.

Having spent 25 years in the arena of Senior Management with various public and private companies Elaine branched out into her own consultant company, and purchased The Book Stop back in December 2013.

The Book Stop is a neighborhood book store specializing in gently used books, audio books, Usborne books, and as of May 1, 2015 is the proud sole distributor of “The Burse”.

The store purchases books from its customers for store credit (25% of publisher purchase price).  The books are then clean and put out on the shelves for purchase. The books are available at 50% off the publisher price. The Book Stop has over 25,000 books on its selves. The store utilizes the Dorwood Design which is a design focused on exceptional customer experience.   We offer individualized service and customized help for our clients to ensure their needs are met.

“The Burse” is the brain child of two local women who make purses out of hard back books. They remove the inside pages, line the inside with fabric and put handles on them. The process is amazing to watch it all come together. Similar items are available on Etsy for up to $150. “The Burse” is available starting at $29.99.   Special orders are the norm. The Book Stop does have an inventory of ten available for immediate purchase.

She has been active in the Smyrna Lions Club, Toastmasters International, and the Georgia Blind Sports Association. Currently her volunteer efforts are focused on the 2015 National Goal Ball Championships being held June 18 – 20, 2015 right here in Atlanta, Georgia, she is looking for volunteers for this Olympic level event. Did we mention she is Volunteer Chair for the event?

Elaine’s experience arises from her working around the United States and international in Costa Rica.

 

 

Cobb County Special Edition: NorthStar Payroll

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Dave Olsen, President/ April Rhodes, Business Development Executive/  NorthStar Payroll

Dave established NorthStar Payroll on the foundation of 35 years of CPA and CFO expertise. His company provides payroll and employee management solutions to help clients improve operations and position them for future growth. They partner with small to medium sized businesses, churches and non-profit organizations ranging from 1 to 1000 employees to deliver a personal and customized approach.

Dave’s experience includes being a CPA firm partner, the co-founder and CFO of a food processing business, software industry executive, and many civic and non-profit leadership roles.

Dave’s company also integrates leading solution providers in electronic timekeeping, background checks, benefits, hiring assessments, and others to meet comprehensive employer needs.

Dave also serves as the VP / President-elect of the Marietta Business Association, a voluntary association of business people in the Marietta area who join together for the collective benefit of the members.

Special Edition: Cobb County

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Tiffany Webb, MBA/ Unique Occasions By TNicole

Tiffany Nicole Webb, MBA is Founder, Owner, and Visionary behind Unique Occasions byTNicole, Inc. She is professionally known as an Event Planner Consultant, but she really considers herself to be a leader who believes in service. She prides herself on providing assistance and services that help people create and experience memorable events that last a lifetime.

Tiffany is passionate about every aspect of event planning from creating, organizing, to project management. She also loves to bring people together by coordinating events that will empower them in their lives both professionally and personally.

Tiffany has always had a desire to be an entrepreneur since she was a little girl and has been planning events for herself and love ones since she was a child. Her first experiences with event planning began at a young age during planning her childhood birthday parties year after year. After handling multiple projects and events through her professional career in the corporate arena, she decided to transition into her longtime dream of entrepreneurship and follow her passion. Through faith, persistence, determination, and hard work, she birthed her private event planning company, Unique Occasions byTNicole, Inc. in 2013. She now spends each day fulfilling her purpose and executing the visions of her clients.

It is imperative that each event implemented by Unique Occasions byTNicole, Inc. is a direct result of the client’s vision. Tiffany enjoys transforming ideas and bringing them to life through managing various events. At Unique Occasions byTNicole, Inc., there is an amazing staff that works relentlessly to ensure successful and unforgettable events for our clients time and time again.

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Lindsey Walker/ PR Mentality

Lindsey Walker is the CEO and Lead Publicist of PR Mentality. The firm has a presence in Atlanta, GA, and services clients worldwide. Lindsey has a true passion for empowering entrepreneurs and creating a voice for them among their target audience through public relations.

Lindsey has launched effective PR campaigns in the fashion, beauty, entertainment and literary industries. Past coverage includes: KPLR 11, Vibe Vixen, Hype Magazine, Kontrol Magazine, Sheen Magazine, Focus SWFL, among many other regional and national media outlets.

A proud alumna of Jackson State University, Lindsey holds a Bachelors degree in Mass Communications and has been featured in numerous publications including The Source Magazine and Everything Girls Love

 

Special Edition: Cobb County

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Scott Forester/ Forester Consulting

Forester Consulting is a private consulting firm dedicated to accelerating and maximizing your company’s sales and client acquisition.  The firm’s main services include strategic direction for executives looking for new ideas on how to best grow their business and training for sales management and sales producers.  Forester Consulting’s client list ranges from small, start-up companies all the way up to large corporate entities with large sales teams.

Forester Consulting is headed by Scott and Ed Forester.  Together they bring over 53 years of executive level experience and strategic insights into the world of sales, marketing and business development.

Scott Forester began his career with Prudential Insurance Company and has led sales and marketing for a number of small and large companies, including AT&T and Assurant before starting Forester Consulting in 2012 with his father, Ed Forester.

Ed Forester began his career with Prudential Insurance Company in 1962.  He became one of the leading estate planning and large group producers until he was named General Manager of the then Greater Atlanta Agency in 1978.  Under Ed’s leadership the Greater Atlanta Prudential agency lead the nation in sales and revenue generated until his retirement in 1995.

 

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Michelle Barnard/ Michelle Barnard Fitness

Michelle Barnard is a certified Personal Trainer, Yoga, and Group Exercise Instructor. Honored to help our world community stay fit for life, Michelle designs challenging results driven workouts for all fitness levels. Armed with over 10 years of teaching experience and the preparation of training, Michelle Barnard Fitness stands ready to assist you in reaching your fitness potential.

​Michelle’s passion for fitness inspired her to spread her message to others by starting her own company, Michelle Barnard Fitness. From this inspiration she has has developed Tone & Tuff and Barefoot Boot Camp small group training programs. Here she uses her background in kickboxing, yoga, weight training, Pilates, water and floor aerobics to help many achieve their fitness goals.

She earned her Personal Trainer certification through ACE (American Council on Exercise), her 200 hour Yoga Instructor training from Kashi Atlanta and her Group Exercise Instructor certification from AFAA (Aerobics and Fitness Association of America). She has instructed fitness classes for CNN, Gold’s Gym, Delta Airlines, Georgia Pacific, the YMCA, and the Center for the Visually Impaired.

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Special Edition: Cobb County

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Liv Harrison/ Liv With Bliss

Liv Harrison is a Certified Health Coach, business professional, German teacher and loving mother of one. She decided to become a Certified Health Coach in 2012 to fulfill her passion to work with business professionals to improve their health and happiness, reduce their stress level, have more energy and learn how to eat better on the “Go” or at home.

Liv received her training at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York City and is certified by the AADP. She offers individual health, nutrition and lifestyle coaching and is also a group workshop presenter.

She was born and raised in Berlin, Germany. While graduating in honor from the apprenticeship program for Hotel Management, she received a scholarship for further education. She then completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from City University at the Frankfurt Germany Campus in 2002. Liv is also a certified Personal Trainer and currently working on her Cancer Exercise Specialist Certification.

Ms. Harrison came to the US in 2002 for a job offer in Florida. She is bilingual in German and English. She loves basketball, track, horse back riding and fitness. She is a very outgoing people person and has a passion for helping individuals. Liv is part of a ‘Giving Club’ and volunteers at ‘The Launch Pad Foundation’ where free housing, mentorship and coaching sessions are provided to individuals who faced various challenges.

Liv supports business professionals to find the right balance in life. Her mission is to help individuals to achieve their optimal health and happiness and be the best they can be at all times.

“Heal, grow, breakfree – be in charge of how you feel.”

For more info on Liv With Bliss upcoming 5k in Marietta, GA please visit Active.com: Legs & Eggs 5k Run/ Walk

Cheri Flake/ The Stress Therapist

Cheri Augustine Flake is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 20 years of experience helping people in the Atlanta area. Cheri has worked as a social worker and therapist in numerous settings including inpatient, outpatient, pharmaceutical research, and private practice. Her training includes Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Michigan State University, and a Masters degree in Social Work from the University of Georgia. Cheri is also a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist as well as a Certified Distance Credentialed Counselor. Cheri is a member of the Academy of Certified Social Workers, the National Association of Social Workers, the Georgia Society of Clinical Social Work and the International Certification Board of Clinical Hypnotherapy.

 

Tyra Johnson/ Posh Life

Posh Life is a Professional Organizing and Consulting company. We specialize in sustainable solutions to help you face your organization challenges and accomplish your goal of living a more appointed lifestyle. With a focus in residential, business, and lifestyle organization, our services cater to each individual’s personality and style.  Our services are completely confidential and we guarantee respect when handling your possessions. Serving the Atlanta Metropolitan area to include Clayton, Cobb, Fulton, DeKalb, Douglas and Gwinnett counties, we look forward to working with you.

Cobb County Edition: Wealth Building

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Sonia Booker/ Real Estate Investor, Author, Wealth Coach /SoniaBooker.com

Sonia is among the nation’s top ‘Go To’ thought-leaders on wealth creation and real estate investing. She is also one of most sought-after speakers and real estate coaches.   Sonia’s passion to equip everyday people with the blueprint to build wealth, “one dollar at a time,” is her unique and distinct brand.  It has resonated with the public and inspired a wealth building movement centered not just on building a better life, but a building a lasting legacy.  Sonia is the author of  “Real Estate and Wealth: Investing in the American Dream.”  This bestseller is a simple, step-by step guide to purchasing real estate as a form of wealth building.  Sonia’s newly-released DVD, “7 Basic Truths of Wealth Building,” has also sparked eager conversations on how small changes now can create large rewards later. Sonia is the creator of the iBuild Wealth Workshop and the Everything Real Estate Conference & Expo. This savvy wealth-builder started her first business at the age of twenty-four; an Allstate Insurance Agency which she later sold at a profit. Then, for twelve years, Sonia worked with her mentor and friend, the late Herman J. Russell, legendary founder of H.J. Russell  Company. It is this iconic Atlanta-based builder and real-estate mogul whom she credits with spring-boarding her knowledge and success.

 

 

Special Edition: Cobb County

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Joseph Malbrough/ Smyrna Business Association / UPS Store Cobb Parkway

Joseph Malbrough is the President of Parkland Place Associates, which owns and operates The UPS Store Cumberland Galleria in Smyrna, Georgia.

He was the top revenue producer at The Metro Atlanta Chamber, where he generated over a million dollars in revenue from 1994-2004. He served as the Assistant Vice President of New Business Development at United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta and Vice President of Business development at Entrepreneur Advisors. He also held revenue development roles at Motorola Communications and Clear Channel Communications.

Joseph is Past President of the Smyrna Business Association, where he currently serves on its Board of Directors and Chairs the Smyrna Business Expo.

He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Coalition of Cobb County Business Associations, The Campbell High IB Foundation and Chairs ACE (Antioch Christian Entrepreneurs).

A native of Beaumont, Texas; He received a Bachelor of Communications degree from Lamar University. He and his wife Cara are active members of Antioch Baptist North and reside in Smyrna with their sons Evan and Jared.

 

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John Loud/ Loud Security/ Good For Cobb Committee

John Loud, originally hailing from Boston, has embraced the spirit of Southern hospitality in all aspects of his personal and professional life. Devoted father of two children, 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 beginning as a one-man operation in the basement of his home, to its role as a cutting edge leader in commercial and residential security, LOUD Security now employs over 40 people and services 6,000 customers. Most recently, John’s outstanding leadership was recognized by the Cobb County Chamber of Commerce when LOUD Security was voted one of the Top 25 Small Businesses of the Year for 2010, 2011, 2013 and 2014.   LOUD Security also came in at the number 10 spot on The Atlanta Business Chronicle’s list of Top 10 security companies in 2010 and moved up to the number 9 spot in 2011. LOUD Security was also honored with the Kennesaw Business Association Business of the Year and the Acworth Business Association Business of the Year and the Cobb County Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the year for 2014. John was recently awarded the Kennesaw Citizen of the Year 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.

Special Edition: Cobb County

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David Monroe/Smyrna Vision

David Monroe has over 30 years of sales, marketing, and leadership experience in the hospitality and real estate industry with Marriott International, Ritz-Carlton Club and Residences, LBA Hospitality, and Berryfield Hotels. David’s current role is Broker for JWC Real Estate and Achasta Realty in Dahlonega, GA.

He has held property level sales and marketing positions, multiple property roles, and corporate level positions. Many of the assignments have been full service, select service, and extended stay branded hotels. Throughout his career, David has assisted owners and management companies to increase top line sales through direct sales, marketing, training, new business development, and e-commerce strategies as well as implementing sales and marketing plan.

David partnered with the Marriott Training and Development Department to train over 2500 Marriott general managers and sales managers with sales and management skills as well as various other courses for more than 20 years. He is currently a Licensed Georgia Real Estate Instructor.

As a SCORE member for over 4 years, David has counseled small businesses in Cobb County and Metro Atlanta with Sales, Marketing, E-Commerce, Social Media, and hospitality.

David holds a MBA in International Studies from Georgia State University as well as a BBA in Marketing from Georgia Southern University. David is a licensed real estate broker in Georgia, and South Carolina.

 

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Jonathan Adams (Owner/Publisher) & Gloria Rodriguez (Director of Sales & Marketing) / Town Planner

As the Publisher of your local Town Planner Community Calendar, I am thankful for the support and enthusiasm of our Community Sponsors and Leaders. It’s with great joy that I present the 2015 Edition of the Town Planner Community Calendar on their behalf.

This community resource is a free gift from local businesses whose message and coupons are displayed each month in the calendar. We hope you enjoy the beautiful pictures taken by our very own Griffin Gibson and the many others who submitted pictures of our city. Also highlighted in this edition are schools schedules, civic, cultural, and tourism events, along with easy access to area resources and important phone numbers listed on the back cover.

Please support all of the business that have made this calendar possible by using the money saving coupons and letting the sponsors know you found them in the Town Planner Community Calender. Visit our website, www.townplanner.com, for event updates all year long! Sign up for a free membership and start receiving our newsletter. Our new App, Town Planner Events Calendar, keeps you informed on the go.