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Ryan Redhawk McPherson

Veterans Connect Radio Episode 021

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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

VCR Ep.021

Vonetta Daniels and Carl Gebo

 

Carl Gebo / Government Contractors Assistance & Resource Line, LLC  (G-CARL)
Founder & President

Carl received his Commission as a US. Army 2nd Lieutenant when he graduated from University of Notre Dame in 1986. His 1st Active Duty Assignment was at Ft. Rucker, Alabama — the Home of Army Aviation. For the next 6 years he was a Combat Helicopter Pilot stationed in Korea during the 1988 Olympics; Panama During Operation Just Cause; and Saudi Arabia & Iraq during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Based out of Ft. Bragg for the remainder of his active duty service, he left the Army as a Captain in 1992 after receiving Army Expeditionary Force and Commendation Medals as as the Army Air Medal for his service in Desert Storm. Carl went  to Northwestern University School of Law in Chicago. Graduated in 1995 and came to Atlanta. Since then he has practiced Government Contracts Law as a partner at one Atlanta’s oldest and most respected law firms and then joined another nationally recognized firm before launching the Government Contractors Assistance & Resource Line or GCARL in 2010 to help companies Win, Keep, and Profit From Government Contracts through Direct and Strategic Assistance

LinkedIn     Facebook     Twitter

 

 

Vonetta Daniels / VYD and Associates
President and CEO

Vonetta Daniels is an Air Force Veteran and President & CEO of VYD and Associates. VYD and Associates provides Management & Strategy Consulting services to a diversity of government, commercial and non-profit clients to include the Small Business Association (SBA), the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) and the East Lake Foundation. Vonetta has more than 20 years of professional experience which includes Management Consulting experience with BearingPoint, PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers), internal consultant for SunTrust Banks, and industry experience in Public Health, Research, Higher Education, Government, Non-Profits, Education and Community Partners and Financial Services.

In 2015 Vonetta was nominated for Department of Labor Advisory Committee on Veterans & Employment, Training, and Employer Outreach (ACVETEO) and Awarded 2016 Veteran Entrepreneur of the Year by the DeKalb County Veterans’ Affairs Advisory Board. Vonetta is an alumna of the University of Virginia and Emory University with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Political Science, and an AmeriCorps National Service Alumna.

LinkedIn     Facebook     Twitter

 

 

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KSU Entrepreneurship Center The Shrimp Tank Featuring Mark Fonseca

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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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Mark Fonseca / Executive Image Consultant & Professional Speaker

The best-dressed man always makes a powerful statement. Mark Fonseca should know; he’s one of them. The first thing one will notice when meeting Mark is that he is impeccably dressed, with an unpretentious elegance. His exquisite attire and flawless detail package a look that radiates confidence, success and quiet authority. Mark has mastered the art of dressing. As founder and owner of Fonseca Clothiers, it’s no wonder that he also dresses some of the country’s most dynamic, affluent men, guaranteeing that they will always look and feel their absolute best.

Veterans Connect Radio Episode 018

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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

 

Veterans Connect Radio “Fire Your Guns”
Dec. 02 6-8pm

 

 

Veterans Rally in the Woods
Dec. 09-11 2016

 

 

 

Charlie Whitfield / Whitty IT Solutions
CEO

Charlie Whitfield is the CEO of Whitty Apps LLC, a SBA certified 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, WBE, MBE, Woman Owned and Operated Company.
Whitty IT Solutions, LLC is a Software Engineering & Technology Integration company. We deliver next generation innovative solutions that address our client’s needs. Our expertise centers around Technology Strategies including the following: Information Technology, Risk Management and Software Engineering.
Technology Integration | Application Development & Management | Enterprise Risk Management | Custom Computer Programming | IT Consulting and Strategy | Native, Mobile and Web Applications | Cyber Security | Data Hosting and Related Services | Computer Systems Design | Project Management | Program Management |

 

David Rowell

I am currently working for a Large IT company in Alpharetta. I grew up an Air Force brat, and I finished Middle and High School in Metro Atlanta. I attending Georgia Southern University and upon graduation I enlisted in the Marine Corps. I served 5 years in the Marine Corps as an Infantryman in Panama, Kosovo, and Iraq (03). After my time in the Marines, I got into government contracting and worked in Iraq and Afghanistan. Eventually, starting my own government contracting company that focussed on providing services and support in the frontier regions of North Africa, Afghanistan, and the Middle East. I was able to move back to Atlanta and pivot into IT where I am a customer success manager supporting Fortune 500 company’s IT Divisions.

I have recently completed my MBA from Georgia Tech with a concentration in Management of Technology. I am a “hang around” in the startup scene around Atlanta. I am interested in technologies like AI that give SMB’s a competitive advantage in the marketplace.

    Thank you

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Veterans Connect Radio Episode 017

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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

Veterans Rally in the Woods
Dec. 09-11 2016

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Matt Gob, Damon Gabriel, Clayton Still

 

 

Matthew A. Grob / United States Department of Labor
Veterans’ Employment and Training Service Office of Strategic Outreach
Atlanta, Georgia / Veterans.Gov

VETLANTA / Director of Stategic Planning

Matthew Grob entered on duty as the Atlanta Regional Veterans’ Employment Coordinator for the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS) on June 29th, 2015.  As the Regional Veterans’ Employment Coordinator Matthew provides employment resources and expertise, through outreach to businesses, employer groups, Veterans’ organizations, state workforce partners and government agencies to promote Veterans’ employment opportunities and coordinate veterans employment initiatives with the DOL VETS and state workforce agencies in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.

Matthew enlisted in the US Army in 1989 and served as an Intelligence Specialist in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and tours in Germany and Italy from 1990 through 1996.  He then separated from active duty and enrolled in the Simultaneous Membership Program in the Wisconsin Army National Guard and the Army ROTC program.  He was a Distinguished Military Graduate and commissioned a Second Lieutenant in July, 1999.  Matthew’s recent assignments include directing a Human Resources department of a transportation agency and commanding a regional Human Resources unit in Germany and Kuwait.  He culminated his military career managing Army-wide transformation programs over a 6-year period as the Senior Program Manager and Force Development Officer for Headquarters, US Army Europe. 

Upon retirement, Matthew and his family relocated from Heidelberg, Germany to the Atlanta, Georgia area and found most meaning and purpose in serving his fellow Veterans, their families and the military community.  He is a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, a member of the Atlanta Chapter of Team Red, White and Blue, and is actively involved in numerous local veterans’ organizations.  In September 2015, Matthew was elected to the position of Executive Secretary and Executive Committee Member of VETLANTA, and in August 2016 he assumed the new role of Director of Strategy.  He most recently served as a Veteran Transition Specialist with Hire Heroes USA, a nationwide non-profit organization providing personalized transition and career coaching to US military Veterans, service members and their spouses. 

Matthew is currently in the Executive MBA Program at Emory University’s Goizueta Business School.  He has a background in Program and Project Management with Lean Six Sigma training and experience.  His career is supported by a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management & Communication from Concordia University – Wisconsin, and a Master of Arts in International Relations from Webster University. 

 

 

 

Clayton Still / Power Home Remodeling
Marekting Mentor

Clayton Still, I am currently a Marketing Mentor for Power Home Remodeling Group. I was born and raised in Snellville, Georgia where I attended South Gwinnett High School. After graduating with a 3.8 GPA from South Gwinnett High School I attended Middle Georgia College in Cochran GA on a full academic scholarship. I received an associates degree from Middle Georgia College in 2008 and I transferred to Georgia State University. Upon transferring I enlisted into the Georgia Army National Guard where I served 6 years as a 31B or Military Police. I graduated from Basic and AIT from Fort Leonardwood Missouri. After graduating basic I served in the 178th MP Co, 190th MP Co, 179th MP Co. In 2011-2012 I deployed to Bagram Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. I also deployed in 2013-2014 with the 179th MP Co to Kabul Afghanistan doing Security Escorts and Quick Reaction Forces also in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. I was honorably discharged from the  Georgia Army National Guard in 2015 as a SGT. I am currently a Marketing Mentor in the Atlanta office for Power Home Remodeling Group. I have been with Power Home Remodeling for two years and I’m excited to not only continue to grow as a professional but also to be able to help veterans find a place where they can truly accomplish their american dream utilizing Power’s Veteran Initiative.

 

 

Damon Gabriel / Power Home Remodeling
Quality Assurance Manager
Originally From Seattle Washington, I enlisted in the United States Marine Corps when I was 17. Shortly after graduation from High School I shipped out for boot camp in San Diego California.
After a full work up with my unit I deployed to Afghanistan in the spring of 2010. While on deployment I was struck by IEDs twice which ultimately lead to the end of my unfortunately short Marine Corps career. I sustained severe spinal injuries due to the strikes and was not able to re-enlist in 2012 as the Marine Corps felt I was no longer fit for duty in my occupation.
After transitioning out of the Marine Corps in 2012, my girlfriend at the time who is now my wife and I decided to move to Atlanta to start our new lives. She is originally from Atlanta so it was nice to have her family here to help us out while we got on our feet.
I had a job prior to working for Power for about a year but I never really got that sense of purpose that I had while in the Corps. I was laid off in the end because of industry regulation that destroyed the small company I was working for at that time and within two weeks I had found Power.
When I started with Power I was in the entry level marketing position which served me really well while I was getting immersed in the culture and figuring my life out. Right from the start I knew I was going to love working here because of the commradarie you could feel in the office. It felt very similar to the Marine Corps and I really liked that.
As time went on I found myself in a management position in the marketing department and then was able to be promoted and transferred into the sales department where within a year I was mentoring our new consultants and helping to develop our leadership/and office.
Now adays I’m married to my beautiful wife Samantha and we have a home in Brookhaven that we share with our son Theo… I say share because it has quickly become his house and we just live there, clean it and pay the bills!.. As for my Career with Power I’m in the Quality Assurance department as a manager where I go out to our active installs and ensure that our customers are having the five star experience that we talk about during our initial consultation and make sure that all our products are going in per spec.

 

 

 

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Veterans Connect Radio Episode 013

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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

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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Veterans Connect Radio Episode 011

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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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Kyle Norton, Brandon Skolnick and John Belman

 

 

Kyle Norton / Materiall
CEO

Kyle Norton is Co-Founder and CEO of Materiall in Atlanta, GA. Materiall is a new visual discovery and recommendation engine, making it easier to find products where looks are a first consideration.  

Prior to founding Materiall, Kyle was a Junior Partner at McKinsey and Company (a global management consulting Firm). As a core leader in McKinsey’s North American operations practice, Kyle lead transformation efforts for multiple Fortune 500 clients, generating in excess of $1B in financial impact for those organizations. Kyle also previously served as a Captain in the United States Army, serving 24 total months in Baghdad, Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Kyle holds a MBA in Management and Finance from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania and a BS in Management and Systems Engineering from the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY.

LinkedIn      Twitter     kyle@materiall.com

 

 

John Belman / Vistage International
Group Chair

John has broad leadership experience across a range of industries, companies (public, private, family-owned), and functional roles. Most recently he served as a CEO of a mid-market logistics company following 7 years at Target Corporation as a leader in transportation and finance. Prior to Target, John held senior business development and marketing roles in the media and technology industries.

John received his BA from Washington University in St. Louis, was a graduate fellow in history at Columbia University, and holds an MBA from the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan.

A veteran of the 75th Ranger Regiment, John participated in the 1993 “Black Hawk Down” mission in Mogadishu, Somalia.

LinkedIn     Twitter      john.belman@vistagechair.com

 

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Chris and Jessica Simms with High Five Filter Company

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Jessica Simms / High Five Filter Company 
Founder

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” 


2016-Business-Writers-Conference

 

WIT Atlanta Features David Bingenheimer with Mohawk Industries

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David Bingenheimer / Mohawk Industries
CIO

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

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

 

 

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Sandy Welfare / WIT

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

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

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

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

Twitter     Twitter(Sandy)      LinkedIn

 

 

 

Aaron Aycock with UserIQ and Alma G. Davis with The Alma G. Davis Foundation

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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

 

 

Alma G. Davis / Alma G. Davis Foundation
CEO

Growing up in an environment of domestic violence and having to endure physical abuse from a boyfriend starting at age 14, Alma G. Davis, a world-renowned entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and visionary felt it only right at the height of her success to reach back and grab those who were pushing their way forward through domestic violence abuse.  Emergent as a leader in the hearts of many through her desire and dedication to serving women and youth, Ms. Davis believes in the “E2C” philosophy of educating, empowering and celebrating domestic violence survivors.  Through her foundation, participants are offered continuous, year-round programming providing them with opportunities to attain employment and work maturity skills, financial security, and gain the necessary resources to transition to lives of independence.  Most recently, Ms. Davis’ work and expertise was acknowledged as she was selected to attend the “United State of Women” White House Summit.  Additionally, she was a finalist for the 2016 Presidential Leadership Scholars Program and received a special invitation to the White House to give guidance on Violence against Women and discuss continued strategies to combat domestic violence.  Ms. Davis’ credentials reach beyond the boundaries of the United States, as she has participated in four humanitarian trips to Ghana, Africa delivering advocacy care to over 40,000 people.  A native of Albany, GA, Ms. Davis received certification as a Victims Advocate and Crisis Interventionist from the University of Georgia.  She also received her MS in Management from Troy State University and a BS in Computer Science from Albany State University.  Booking inquiries: (678) 957-9464 or PR@almagdavisfoundation.org

 

Facebook     Twitter     www.AlmaGDavisFoundation.org 

 

 

Christina Beyer / WIT
Director Of Programming

Founded in 1992, Women In Technology (WIT) serves as a passionate advocate for women and girls at every stage of their STEM careers – from the classroom to the boardroom. WIT utilizes its programs, connections, volunteer opportunities and events to enable the development of the WIT community through recognition, thought leadership and foundation efforts. WIT is driven to help women and girls write their own stories of success throughout the full lifecycle of their careers and continued evolution as STEM leaders.

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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” 


2016-Business-Writers-Conference

Veterans Connect Radio Episode 09

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

 

 

 

Derek Smith / Financial Advisor

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Phil Kuban / FranNet of Atlanta
Advisor

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

Twitter     Facebook     LinkedIn

 

Jason Sobczak / Crossfit East Cobb
Owner

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

Facebook      Instagram

 

 

Chris Sims / Crossfit East Cobb
Owner

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

Facebook      Instagram

 

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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