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Atlanta’s Most Trusted Advisors Features Jerry Jones and Kelvin Moy

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Atlanta’s Most Trusted Advisors interviews industry experts from in and around the Metro Atlanta Area. Our goal is to provide valuable information that all business owners and managers can use in their day-to-day work to help them succeed.

 

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Kelvin Moy and Jerry Jones

 

Jerry Jones / Ad Information Technology (“AdIT”) / Baseology

Jerry Jones helps manage AdIT’s advisory and IT consulting services as well as Baseology’s custom SaaS development. Jerry has over eighteen years of experience in accounting, audit and information technology consulting including eight years of public accounting experience. Audit and advisory service industry experience includes distribution, financial services, health care, high-tech, hospitality, insurance, manufacturing, not-for- profit, real estate service and transportation. Jerry’s certifications include CPA, CISA, CISM, CGEIT, CRISC.

 

 

Kelvin Moy / Ad Information Technology (“AdIT”) / Baseology

Kelvin Moy has over sixteen years of experience in information technology risk management, strategic planning, governance, operations and consulting. His information technology services portfolio includes manufacturing, financial institutions, high-tech, marketing, real-estate, construction, transportation and logistics, education, government, and not-for- profits. In addition to assisting with the firm’s compliance services, he also manages AdIT’s IT consulting projects and outsourced CIO services. Kelvin specializes in working with executive teams and decision makers to remediate business gaps with practical and scalable enterprise information technology solutions.

 

Additional Resources:

See AdIT Baseology Firm Presentation and Baseology Baseline Builder Flyer

 

Bonnie Buol Ruszczyk (Host)/ bbr Marketing   

Bonnie Boul ruscyzkBonnie Buol Ruszczyk has been a member of the creative and marketing services community for over 20 years and does not appear to be leaving it anytime soon. As president of bbr marketing, she has relished the challenges of entrepreneurship as she worked to grow and nurture a new business. Since the firm’s inception in 2009, Bonnie has led the young company to become widely recognized and respected within the professional services marketing niche, with award-winning client websites and an outstanding history of business success having worked with clients in 23 states and 2 Canadian provinces.

She is excited about the publication of her first book earlier this year, Take Your Marketing Online! Proven Ways to Grow Your Firm in the Digital Age. She was recognized in 2012 and 2013 as one of AccountingToday’s Top 100 Most Influential People and is in great demand as a consultant, speaker and leader at various industry events. She is a founding member of the Atlanta Independent Women’s Network and is the Atlanta chapter president of the Association for Accounting Marketing. She is also a regular contributor to a variety of websites, including Social Media Today, Accounting Today and other industry-related publications and has been quoted in Entrepreneur, U.S. News & World Report, CPA Practice Advisor, and others. She was recently invited to join the CPA Consultants’ Alliance and is excited about being a part of this influential group.

 

 

 

 

 

Cumming/Forsyth Business RadioX Episode 1: Bruce Longmore with Lenny’s Subs and Tim Campbell with Big Frog T-Shirts & More

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 Cumming / Forsyth Business RadioX spotlighting , celebrating, and advertising businesses and entrepreneurs  in Cumming and Forsyth County.

Hosted by Alex Gossett Shifflet 

Powered by Business RadioX, Lee Kantor and Stone Payton 

Welcome to the very first episode of CFBRX!!!   I hope this is the first of many shows spotlighting all types of businesses in Forsyth county.  It was such a pleasure sitting down and chatting with Bruce  and Tim.   Both men are excellent examples of successful, family run businesses that make giving back to the community, they call home, a priority.   From Bruce providing 120 free lunches for the Leukemia Society or Tim coaching the North Forsyth freshman football team, they truly personify what is best about local business in our community.   I could go on and on telling you all the ways these two and their businesses give back to the community.  They also were kind enough to come to the interview bearing gifts.  Bruce brought a dozen delicious cookies from Lenny’s  Subs.  Tim was kind enough to make a few T-Shirts with our Business RaidoX logo on the front.  Thanks Gentlemen! It was a true honor to meet and interview you.  Please come back soon and talk about the progress you have made with Lenny’s Subs and Big Frog T-Shirts and More.  Now sit back press play and enjoy the show.

 Alex

alexgshifflet@businessradiox.com 

    Alex G. Shifflet (@AlexGShifflet) | Twitter

(843) 858-2277

Please get in touch with Alex if you would like to be a guest, sponsor or host your own show on Cumming/Forsyth Business RadioX.

RadioShowSponsor.com

 

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Tim Campbell & Bruce Longmore

Bruce Longmore / Lenny’s Subs
Owner / Operator

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Bruce Longmore

From the moment we purchased Lenny’s Sub Shop we chose to be a community minded business. We are fortunate that as a restaurant we can use food to support many different causes. We have learned that one key to small business success is concentrating efforts on what business owners can do for the community and not the other way around. Please find a partial list of contributions below.

Lenny’s separates itself from the competition by offering delicious food, generous food portions, service like a full service restaurant, great catering model and a happy smile and greeting every time you visit.

Lenny’s separates itself from other Lenny’s by community involvement, networking, marketing, social media and active involvement in the restaurant. Customers enjoy coming into Lenny’s and seeing the owners actively participating in the business…not just Donna and Bruce…children David, Ashley and Jack. We are a family run business that is also community minded.

One of our goals at Lenny’s is to use Fortune 500 skills and techniques in a small business. We strive to do that every day.

These efforts have resulted in impressive sales growth through an economic crisis and recovery:
Lenny’s has grown 174% since 2008

Lenny’s has won numerous awards from Lenny’s Franchiser including:
Franchisee of the Year 2010
Million Dollar Sales Store Top 5: 2010, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15
Best Customer Satisfaction: Taste of Food: 2011, 12
Best Customer Satisfaction: Order Accuracy: 2010, 11
Best Customer Satisfaction: Speed of Service: 2011, 2012
Best Customer Satisfaction: Overall Satisfaction: 2010, 11
Top % Sales Growth Top Five: 2008, 09, 10, 11
Top $ Sales Growth Top Five: 2008, 09, 10, 11

Other Awards:
Business Person of the Year, Forsyth County Chamber 2011
Small Business of the Year, Forsyth County Chamber 2012

Lenny’s in Cumming has been featured in articles in the following national and local publications:
Wall Street Journal
Atlanta Business Chronicle
Forsyth County News
Horizons
John’s Creek Herald
Alpharetta Revenue and News
Around About Cumming
Forsyth Herald

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Bruce Longmore

 Get in touch with Lenny’s Subs

Facebook:  Lennys Atlanta

Twitter:  LennysAtlanta

 Website:  Lenny’s Subs

Lenny’s Sub Shop

Cumming Marketplace

1040 Market Pl Blvd

(678) 947-0336

Open until 6:00 PM

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Tim Campbell / Big Frog T-Shirts & More
Owner/ Operator / Principal Frog

 

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Tim Campbell

Timothy ‘Tim’ Campbell is Founder and Managing Partner of Bright Sky Enterprises, LLC, a family owned and operated holding company consisting of Big Frog Custom T-Shirts of Cumming, Georgia, Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More of Suwanee/Johns Creek and PTC Strategies.  Big Frog is a locally owned and operated professional custom garment decorating business with offerings ranging from Direct To Garment “Vintage” printing, Screen Printing, Embroidery and Vinyl applied to a wide variety of apparel and gifts ranging from t-shirts and tanks to hoodies, polos, oxfords, caps and jackets.  PTC Strategies is a management consulting and executive coaching firm whose objective is to help leaders of small and medium sized organizations develop and execute strategies to ensure sustainable growth and success through sound business planning and organizational alignment. As a growth strategist, you can find Tim at the intersection of Coach, Engineer and Builder – with the unique skill to envision it, teach it and help leaders make it come to life.  His experience gained through nearly 30 years in roles that include Vice President Quality Improvement, Vice President Human Resources, Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing, President and CEO of leading U.S. businesses give Tim a very unique broad-based perspective of what makes and sustains success in any enterprise.

Prior to founding Bright Sky Enterprises, LLC, Tim was Chief Executive Officer and Board member of SecurAmerica, LLC, an Atlanta, Georgia based security services firm providing a suite of security related services in over 500 commercial, light industrial, distribution, healthcare and higher education properties across the United States. There Tim developed the firm’s first strategic plan refining the firm’s value proposition and targeting both organic and acquisitive growth goals, restructured the operational infrastructure while adding new executive talent, improved cash flow and eliminated external debt resulting in improved YOY revenue by 24% and gross contribution by 25% in the first 12 months.

Prior to joining SecurAmerica, Tim spent 12 years at the ARAMARK Corporation where he served as President of two ARAMARK operating companies and was a member of the executive leadership team at ARAMARK that orchestrated a unique management led LBO to take ARAMARK private in January, 2007.  As President, ARAMARK Healthcare, Tim led the turnaround of this multi-billion dollar business segment that provides Clinical Equipment Maintenance & Engineering, Plant Management & Engineering, Capital Project Management and Food and Patient Nutrition services in over 1,200 acute care hospitals across North America.  Prior to ARAMARK Healthcare, Tim was President, ARAMARK Correctional Services providing a similar suite of services to over 600 state, county and municipal correctional facilities in North America, where he and his team grew the business to over $500 million and became the significant market share leader in their industry.  In addition to these leadership roles, Tim helped lead the assimilation of the $800 million acquisition of Service Master as Executive Vice President of ARAMARK Healthcare and served as Region Vice President.  Prior to ARAMARK, Tim led new business acquisition in the Education business unit at Sodexo as Sr. Vice President Sales & Business Development.  Tim began his business career at Atlanta based Rollins, Inc. (Orkin Pest Control) where he progressed through a number of positions over his ten year tenure there including Rollins first Vice President Quality, Vice President Human Resources and Vice President Administration/Operations of Rollins Protective Services.

With nearly 30 years of service industry experience, Campbell has shared his expertise through directorship of a number of boards of for-profit and not-for-profit organizations including the former Atlanta Chamber of Commerce Quality Resource Center, the American Hospital Association Institute for Diversity and currently The Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management & Education (CAHME) and Advisory Board Member for the new University of Georgia College of Engineering.  He is closely affiliated with a number of trade organizations including the American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS), The American College of Healthcare Executives, The American Correctional Association, The National Sheriff’s Association, The International Facility Management Association and the National Association of College & University Business Officers.  Led by (then) Senator Sam Brownback and Congressman Danny Davis, Tim provided input to and lobbied for the Second Chance Act, which was passed by Congress in 2008.  He later attended the formal signing of the law by President George W. Bush in the Oval Office.

Tim earned both a B.S.A.E. degree and M.S. in Engineering from the University of Georgia where he graduated Cum Laude, was a walk-on member of the Georgia Bulldog football team, was Gamma Sigma Delta, and was the University’s first K.K. Barnes National Award Winner in 1984.  Since then Tim has guest lectured at several universities, been an invited speaker at 20 professional conferences and has authored or co-authored 17 published articles on topics ranging from food safety to leadership development.  

Tim is a volunteer Assistant High School Football Coach at North Forsyth High School, A volunteer guest musician with Musicians On Call at the VA Hospital in Decatur, Georgia, a guitarist/singer/songwriter, avid runner, whitewater kayaker and holds a Second Degree Black Belt in Kenpo Karate.  His wife Sandi, and their two children live in Cumming, Georgia.

 Get in touch with Big Frog T-Shirts & More

         Tim Campbell/Pond Owner & Principal Frog

Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More of Cumming, GA: (770) 889-3764

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Tim, Alex & Bruce

KSU Shrimp Tank with John Barber with SpeedPro Imaging

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Feeding Young Entrepreneurial Minds & Businesses Plans Entrepreneurs come to the Shrimp Tank to compete for funding to grow their dreams.

Hosts of The Shrimp Tank Chris Hanks and Ted Jenkin Executive Producer Lee Heisman

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Ted Jenkin, John Barber, Chris Hanks

John Barber / SpeedPro Imaging 

John T. Barber Biography  Franchise Development, General Management Executive, Entrepreneur  A proven executive, Mr. Barber has a diverse background in strategic management, sales and  franchise development, acquisitions, and organizational leadership. He began his career with The  Procter and Gamble Distributing Company, gaining a solid foundation in disciplined sales  techniques, execution of existing and new product management, managing key accounts, and  motivating sales teams. He quickly advanced to Unit Sales Manager in one of the largest retail  markets in the United States. (1982-1985)

Recruited by the Pepsi-Cola Company, he progressed on a fast-track progression through  increasingly responsible sales, business development, and leadership roles in both the retail and  food service industries over a fourteen year period. As a Market Unit General Manager, Mr.  Barber managed all aspects of sales and operations in union and non union facilities, where he  positioned the organization as a gold standard operation in the U.S. While at Pepsi Cola’s North  American headquarters in New York, as Vice President of Marketing Equipment Management for  the United States and Canada, he led an organization of 3000 employees, improving productivity  by double digits, with annual cash flow responsibility of $1.5 Billion USD. (1985-1998)

Mr. Barber was recruited by the Manitowoc Company to form a new operating division created  through acquisition. As Executive Vice President and General Manager, with full financial  responsibility for Manitowoc Beverage Systems, Inc, he was challenged with completing the  acquisition, assimilation and roll-up of formerly entrepreneurial organizations into a common  corporate sales/technology/distribution platform, while maintaining full customer service and  product distribution integrity. The Company exceeded $100 million in year 1 revenue (1998-  2000)

He then joined a technology start up company with a suite of POS-based wireless transaction  payment solutions for the food service, vending, and retail segments. As Chief Operating Officer  of Wirca Inc, the scope of responsibilities included establishment of operating infrastructure,  business development, partnership opportunities, recruiting, and active participation in the capital  raise process. He was challenged with gaining market share for technically advanced products in  development with high commercialization costs, during capital market decline. (2001-2003)

As the capital markets declined, Mr. Barber was hired as the Vice President of Member  Development and Member Services for Foodbuy LLC, a Foodservice Group Purchasing  Organization and operating division of the Compass Group PLC in London. His responsibilities  included leading the team in all aspects of member management including business development,  staffing, member relations, opportunity analysis, and negotiating member agreements. During his  tenure with Foodbuy, the represented purchasing volume doubled to $1.4 Billion USD by adding  new members and organically growing the existing client base. (2003-2006)

In 2006, he joined Hot Stuff Foods, a prior business partner, who had just completed a  management led buyout in partnership with business development corporation Allied Capital.  Mr. Barber’s first assignment as Executive Vice President of Development was to build a high  performing franchise development team. In 2007 and 2008, the team signed and opened twice as  many franchise convenience store locations as in any of the previous four years. Mr. Barber was  then promoted in October 2008 to Executive Vice President Sales and Development for a wholly  owned operating division, Lettieri’s Inc, while maintaining his current responsibilities at Hot  Stuff Foods. Effective January 2009, Mr. Barber was promoted to Chief Customer Officer and  Executive Vice President for Hot Stuff Foods Lettieri’s, adding the functional departments of  R&D, Innovation, Brand Marketing & Advertising, and Franchise Store Operations for 1100  locations in six countries, Equipment Installation & Service, and all Sales functions for the  consolidated company. In 2009, Hot Stuff Foods Lettieri’s doubled EBITDA. Allied Capital sold  the portfolio of companies in 2010. (2006 to 2010)

John T Barber Bio, continued page 2  In 2010, Mr. Barber focused his efforts on delivering rapid growth for numerous Quick  Serve/Quick Casual restaurant brands in the franchising industry. He was the Senior Vice  President for Focus Brands in Atlanta, owned by Private Equity firm Roark Capital. The Focus  portfolio included Moe’s Southwest Grill, Schlotzky’s, Cinnabon, Auntie Anne’s Pretzels, and  Carvel Ice Cream. Mr. Barber was on the executive committee with the Brand President’s and  reported directly to the CEO of the 3300 unit franchise parent.

In late 2011, Mr. Barber was recruited to the position of Chief Development Officer Worldwide  for Global Franchise Group based in Norcross Georgia. His responsibilities included franchisee  acquisition and contract negotiation, real estate development, store construction, project  management & build out, and franchisee relations. Under Mr. Barber’s leadership, the portfolio  of brands (3000 plus store locations in 36 countries) including Great American Cookies,  PretzelMaker, Maggie Moo’s Treatery, Marble Slab Creamery, and The Athlete’s Foot Shoe  Stores grew franchise deals signed by 300% and store openings worldwide by over 250%.

In 2013, the founder of Paratus Health Systems contracted Mr. Barber to assist in reacquiring the  company and to build operational capabilities and profitability. 2014 was a record sales year for  Paratus increasing net profit by over 800%. He currently serves as a Board Member and Advisor  to Paratus Health Systems.  In 2014, Mr. Barber, after several years of requests, joined privately held Chester’s International  as Senior Vice President of Franchise Development. On behalf of ownership, he resurrected and  completed negotiations for International Master Franchise agreements in Europe and the GCC  countries (Saudi Arabia, UAE/Dubai, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman).  Since 2015, Mr. Barber founded Rapid Growth Partners, a growth consultancy firm to the Food &  Beverage Industries (currently serves as the President and CDO), he is the President, Treasurer,  and Director of H&J Resources Inc. in Midland Texas, and he is a Partner/Owner and the CCO of  SpeedPro Imaging of NorCross Georgia.

Mr. Barber is a current Board Member of The United Intentions Foundation, a Board member of  Hedgehog Lacrosse, a Board member of Paratus Health Systems, a past Board member of Studio  RG Technologies, and a Committee Member of the 2016 Azalea Festival to benefit the  Endowment Fund of The Cottage School in Roswell Georgia. He has held licenses in Real Estate  since 2003 and is a 2011 graduate of the Alpharetta Public Safety Citizens Academy.  Mr. Barber has also been a past member of The International Franchise Association, The  Association of Healthcare Foodservice Management, The International Council of Shopping  Centers, The National Association of Convenience Stores Hunter’s Club, The National  Association of College & University Food Service, and the National Association of College and  Auxiliary Services. He is a recent inductee (2016) in the Southeast Chapter of BNI.

John Barber graduated from the University of Minnesota and holds a Bachelor of Science degree  in Business Administration from the Carlson School of Management and an Associate in Liberal  Arts degree.

Contact information:  John T Barber  Alpharetta, Georgia, USA
Domestic: 770.712.7708
International: 001 770.712.7708
Email: rapidgrowthpartners@gmail.com
LinkedIn: https:www.linkedin.com/in/johntbarber
Skype:john.barber9090

 

Digital Marketing Series Episode 01

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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

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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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Tracy Neal with Tracy Neal and Company

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Tracy Neal / Tracy Neal and Company
CEO

Tracy R. Neal is a mom, entrepreneur, innovator and author.  With more than 23 years of experience in corporate America, she has worked in various roles from a consultant at a global consulting firm to a lead position at a Fortune 100 beverage company.  She has two companies, Tracy Neal & Company (www.tracyneal.com) and TrustIntellect (www.trustintellect.com).  She also has a non-profit organization, focused on helping single parent entrepreneurs, with a specific focus on single mothers, start businesses from ideation to launch.  She has a Bachelor of Business Administration from Emory University in Atlanta Ga., and a Masters of Science in Project Management from The George Washington University in Washington D.C. She currently resides in a suburb outside of Atlanta.  She is an active member of On Board, a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing the number of females on Boards in the state of Georgia.   In 2014, she was inducted into the National Association of Professional Womens VIP Woman of the Year Circle 2014-2015. She is also a member and active contributor to the Harvard Business Review Discussion Group, a member of the Technology Association of Georgia, a member of StartUp Atlanta,  Atlanta Chapter Vice President of Women of Global Change.  She also owns 2 Copyrights and 5 Patents.

Twitter      LinkedIn

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Tracy Neal and Ryan “Redhawk” McPherson

 


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.

 

 

Renee Walsh with Wiithyu and Thomas Harpointner with AIS Media

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Renee Walsh / Wiithyu
Founder and CEO

Renee is a native of Washington, DC, and earned her degree in Public Communications and Marketing at American University. In the past 10 years since college, Reene has held several management and lead positions in marketing for companies such as AirWatch where she was responsible for both digital and traditional marketing, branding, and revenue management initiatives.

With an idea in hand for an online service, Renee made the leap from the corporate world to full-time entrepreneur.

LinkedIn     Facebook

 

 

Thomas Harpointner / 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

 

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” 


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