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Curated Collection Of The Best Interviews From Our Sandy Springs Studio





Digital Marketing Series Episode 01

Dr. Jeff Semel / Atlanta Medical Institute

Optimum health is no longer as simple as being born with a good set of genes. It’s a proactive choice each person has to make. Living in a toxic environment requires an aggressive program, and a visionary captain at the helm. Dr. Jeff Semel, one of Atlanta’s leading physicians and pioneer of wellness, is realizing his holistic vision for health by offering advanced anti-aging medicine at Atlanta Medical Institute. Dr. Semel is a graduate of Life College and a post-graduate of The National College of Chiropractic specializing in Physiological Therapeutics, along with a license to practice in both Georgia and New York. He is specialized in holistic medicine as well as an expert in anti-aging medicine.  Throughout his career, Dr. Semel has worked extensively within the community to raise awareness of prevention and natural alternatives to wellness designed to retard the aging process. Dr. Semel is a board-certified member of the American Chiropractic Association for the past 16 years as well as a preferred physician for Fulton County. He is a well-known national speaker in the field of anti-aging medicine. Dr. Semel is one of the first doctors in Georgia to complete a fellowship and diplomate in anti-aging. He is also currently pursuing a master’s in functional medicine/anti-aging. He is considered one of the leading authorities on bioidentical hormone balancing, anti-aging medicine, and wellness in Georgia.

 

 

 

Thomas Harpointner (Co Host) / AIS Media
CEO

Thomas Harpointner is founder & CEO of AIS Media, Inc., an Atlanta-based, award-winning digital marketing firm. Thomas is a recognized subject matter expert on digital marketing strategy development and execution.

Thomas has served as a keynote speaker at trade organizations, conferences, and corporate events. He has appeared on Fox Business, Bloomberg Television, CNN Radio, CNBC, The Advertising Show, The Today Show and many other TV and radio programs. He’s been featured in publications such as Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Forbes, CFO, AJC, Fortune, and Wired.

At AIS Media, Thomas consults executives at leading companies on digital strategy. He’s led hundreds of digital marketing initiatives for clients ranging from start-ups to Fortune 500 corporations such as AT&T, Synovus Financial, Emory Healthcare, Wake Forest Innovations, Pfizer, and Maui Jim Sunglasses. Under his leadership, AIS Media has been recognized with dozens of prestigious industry awards.

LinkedIn      Twitter

 

 

SaaS Spotlight Episode Featuring User IQ and QASymphony

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Aaron Aycock / User IQ
CEO & Founder

Nominated for the 2013 Georgia CIO of the Year, Aaron Aycock has an unmatched passion for building the worlds best SaaS products. With more than 15 years of experience leading technical teams that have built and launched highly sophisticated software applications, Aaron is a true leader in his field. Aaron received his MBA from Duke University.

Currently, Aaron is CEO and Founder of UserIQ, a Customer Growth Platform that works with B2B SaaS companies to help them retain and expand revenue while mitigating churn and increasing referrals. In March 2016, UserIQ was designated as a Top 10 Most Innovative Technology Startup by the Technology Association of Georgia (TAG).

Prior to founding UserIQ, Aycock was the CIO of TRX, a public company that was sold to Concur. At TRX, Aaron experienced first-hand the difficulty many SaaS companies have in effectively engaging with their users. That was when he first realized that there was a major opportunity to help SaaS companies interact more effectively with their customers. He knew that there needed to be a solution to pick up where other marketing automation tools left off during the customer journey. Thats why UserIQ was developed: to help SaaS companies grow profitable revenue by engaging with the right user at the right time with the right message – and all without any custom coding.

Facebook     Twitter

 

 

 

Kyle Cochran / QA Symphony
VP of Operations

Kyle Cochran is the Vice President of Product Management and Success at QASymphony. Kyle has over 17 years of software product management and strategy experience in mobile, cloud, software-as-a-service (SaaS) and traditional client-server software development environments. Over the last 6 years, Kyle has been using the latest in agile and software delivery to optimize software delivery.

Previous to QASymphony, Kyle joined Firethorn in 2005 as the 3rd full-time employee. He worked with top wireless partners to launch the first domestic Mobile Banking applications for key Financial Institutions. After the company was acquired by Qualcomm in 2007, Kyle continued to lead product strategy for Firethorn in the Mobile Payment and Commerce domain.

Prior to joining Firethorn, Cochran managed the technical vision and roadmap for Employease, now a Division of ADP. He began his career with Andersen Consulting specializing in Human Resources, Benefits and Payroll systems consulting for clients including major financial institutions and state governments.

Mr. Cochran holds a Bachelor Degree in Industrial Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology.

 

 

 

Veterans Connect Radio Episode 013

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

VCR Guys

Ryan Redhawk and Brandon Skolnick

 

 

 

IMG_1632Mike Brennen /  Disgruntled Vets
Editor

Mission Statement

We are a group of American loving patriots and Veterans who are Disgruntled with the status quo. We aim to create a high standard for our products through  motivation determination and a little bit of  whiskey.

 Who are we

After coming home from Afghanistan, a group of three friends decided to create a Facebook page to help vent our frustrations and problems with living a civilian life again. After a year of being home, we went from three friends venting, to a disgruntled community.

Facebook         Instagram

 

 

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Paul Masters with Birch Communications

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Paul Masters / Birch Communications
SVP Alternate Channels

Paul Masters serves as Senior Vice President of Alternate Channels and is responsible for planning, developing and implementing a strategic roadmap for future growth which includes sales, marketing, partner development, sales engineering, and client implementation. Paul Masters has over 20 years of demonstrated accomplishments in the telecommunications industry and in developing multi-channel operations, as well as leading Sales and Marketing teams focused on aggregating voice and data telecom solutions for enterprise firms. Prior to joining Birch, Mr. Masters served as the co-founder and President of Ernest Communications, a nationwide carrier focused on the distributed Enterprise. Mr. Masters hold a Masters of Business Administration degree from Emory University.

Twitter      LinkedIn

 

 

KSU Entrepreneurship Center Presents The Shrimp Tank

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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Richard Howe / Howe & Associates Law Offices
Managing Partner

A native of Atlanta, Richard Howe is the owner and managing partner of Howe & Associates Law Offices.  As lead counsel in over 9000 litigation cases, he is a seasoned attorney and entrepreneur who combines decades of business experience with a keen knowledge of complex litigation to provide cutting edge solutions to his many corporate and individual clients. Since 1985, Howe & Associates has provided experienced and skilled Debt Collection and Personal Injury representation on an affordable contingency basis to the marketplace. Richard has achieved an esteemed “AV Preeminent” rating from Martindale Hubbell, the nation’s oldest and most recognized legal directory.  This rating – which is bestowed on a small percentage of attorneys nationwide, and those with over ten years of experience even being considered as candidates – is actually the highest rating available.
Richard is admitted to practice in the state, district and appellate courts in the state of Georgia and his memberships include the Georgia State Bar Association, The American Bar Association, The Commercial Law League of America, and the National Commercial Collectors Association.  An Atlanta, Georgia native, he received his undergraduate degree in Business Administration from Georgia Southern University and his Juris Doctor degree from John Marshall Law School.

 

 

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.

 

 

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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KSU Entrepreneurship Center Presents The Shrimp Tank

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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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.

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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.

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