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Veterans Connect Radio Episode 022

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

 

 

Kyle Moore / Lazenby Law Group

Twitter     Facebook     LinkedIn

 

Rich Watson / Wounded Warrior Project Project Odyssey

&

Jason Bush / Wounded Warrior Project Project Odyssey

Twitter     Facebook

 

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Veterans Connect Radio Episode 021

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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Veterans Connect Radio Episode 019

Veterans Connect Radio Episode 019

Warren Taninbaum, Andrew Harazin, Brandon Skolnick, Todd Ervin,

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

 

 

Warren Taninbaum / Ballistic Armor Defense and Equipment, LLC
Owner

Warren Taninbaum earned a Bachelors degree of Commerce from Concordia University, Montreal, Canada in June 1976.  He received a commission in the Canadian Navy in February 1978 and served several years before attending graduate school, earning a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Victoria in June 1984. While working for IBM in Calgary, Canada, Warren served with the Kings Own Calgary Regiment, a Reserve Armored Corps Unit.  

After moving to Atlanta in 1984 he also joined the U.S. Navy Reserve as a Direct Commission Officer in June 1986. He served in numerous supply billets throughout his 28 year Navy career, including two overseas mobilizations for Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Warren retired as a Commander in 2014 and is authorized to wear the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal with 5 gold stars, and the Navy Achievement Medals with 2 gold stars.  He also earned the Seabee Warfare Qualification Pin.

In his civilian life, Warren worked for a number of software companies until he joined First Choice Armor in 2005, selling body armor to the military and federal government. That experience eventually led to the formation of his own company, Ballistic Armor Defense and Equipment, which sells body armor and related tactical gear to law enforcement, security companies, and law-abiding citizens. He resides in Cobb County with his wife and two daughters.  In his spare time, Warren enjoys playing hockey, biking, shooting, and boating.

Warren Taninbaum

Ballistic Armor Defense and Equipment, LLC

warren@ballisticarmordefense.com

w: 770-456-5612

c: 678-828-1326

 

 

Todd Ervin / Georgia Tech Scheller College of Business
Director of Marketing and Communications

Todd Ervin serves as Director of Marketing and Communications for the Georgia Tech, Scheller College of Business.  Prior to that he served as Sr. Vice President Cultur8.  He brings over 20 years of leadership and marketing experience to the higher education world.  His extensive knowledge in strategy, market research, brand and multicultural marketing are all called upon in the development and implementation of a 360 degree marketing and communications program for Scheller College.

Prior to joining Cultur8, Ervin served as Director of Marketing at Turner Broadcasting System, INC., where he oversaw marketing for all of Turner’s NBA properties (NBA on TNT, NBA TV, NBA League Pass, and NBA.com).

He also spent over five years as Sr. Director of Brand Strategy and Market Insights for International Speedway Corporation, a motorsports and entertainment company based in Daytona Beach, FL.  Honored by African Americans OnWheels as among the 70 Most Influential Men in 2007, Ervin oversaw ISC brand marketing, marketing research, and emerging markets.

His civilian career started at Sprint Nextel Corporation where he served as Sr. Manager of Market Research and Sponsorship Diversity Initiatives.  His main responsibilities included building and implementing the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series research plan and ROI model, and developing a diversity program to support all Sprint Nextel sponsorship properties.

From 1995 through 2000, Ervin was an AH-64A (Apache) Attack Helicopter Pilot in the U.S. Army.  During his tenure, he served as a Platoon leader, Company Executive Officer, and Assistant Regiment Operations Officer.  Ervin concluded his military service in February 2000 as a Captain, having completed tours in Ft. Rucker, AL, Fort Bragg, NC, and Bosnia-Herzegovina.

During his spare time, Ervin also serves as a member of the National Advisory Committee for the American Stroke Association.  Ervin holds a Masters of Business Administration from Webster University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from East Carolina University.

 

 

Andrew Harazin, MBA Candidate  / Scheller College of Business at Georgia Tech
Class of 2017

I grew up in Central Florida, joined the Navy in 2005 and served for just under 10 years as a Nuclear Electronics Technician.  I was an E-6 when I separated in 2014.  I spent about 2 years in the various nuclear training schools, then was stationed on a Virginia Class fast attack submarine that was being built at the time.  I spent 4.5 years on her, with a few home port changes from Norfolk, VA to Groton, CT to Pearl Harbor, HI, before going to recruiting duty for 3 years out of New Orleans, LA and then separating.  I took a few months to relax before starting the full time MBA program using the Post 9/11 GI Bill.  I interned at Bank of America over this last summer and accepted a full time offer, so I’ll be working for BoA in Charlotte after I graduate in May.

 

 

Thank You!

sharpshootersusa

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

sharpshootersusa

Veterans Connect Radio Episode 016

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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

 

 

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.

 

 

Patrick Haddock / VETLANTA
Director of Administration

Patrick Haddock is a Project Manager, User Experience and Digital Services for The Coca-Cola Company. In this role, he manages global initiatives to improve digital platforms across the company, including the internal intranet site and associated content. He joined The Cola-Cola Company in 2006, initially serving as Agency Sales Manager.  In this role, he managed sales and distribution of bottle/can products to independent bottlers. Patrick has held several managerial positions within the Coca-Cola system with experience in supply chain, equipment services, sales support, and project management. He concurrently serves as President of the company’s Military Veterans Business Resource Group, which he co-founded in 2012.

Prior to joining Coca-Cola, Patrick served as an officer in the United States Army, where he led military organizations from 12 to 157 personnel responsible for multiple aspects of logistics and supply chain.  His service has included three combat tours in Iraq, Kuwait, and Afghanistan.

He earned his undergraduate degree in economics and business from the Virginia Military Institute, where he now serves on the board of directors of the VMI Alumni Association. He earned his Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business, where he continues to support student-veterans.  Full Bio Here 

LinkedIn

 

 

Patrick Griffith / Team Red, White and Blue
Southeast Regional Program Manager

Patrick Griffith is a Program Manager for the Southeast Region. Prior to joining Team RWB, Patrick was an Operations and Logistics Manager for Target’s Food Distribution Center in Lake City, FL where he managed a team responsible for production flow. Patrick served as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician with the US Army, including a tour in Afghanistan. Patrick earned his Bachelor of Science from Bethel University where he also served as an assistant coach in Bethel’s football program. He now resides in Atlanta with his wife, Brittany, and their two dogs. He enjoys functional fitness, being outdoors, and all sports.

Twitter     Facebook

 

Lornett Vestal / Sierra Club
Southeastern Military & Veterans Coordinator

Lornett Vestal was born and raised in Chicago, IL. He joined the United States Navy at the age of seventeen. He served four years honorably and was deployed during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. He’s traveled to over ten different countries including; Mexico, Brazil, Estonia. He has BA in Sociology from Northern Illinois University and Master’s Degree in Social Work from University of Chicago. He spent several years working in education and social work at Chicago Public Schools and non-profit organizations.

LinkedIn

 

 

Jorge Valentin-Stone / U.S. Small Business Administration
Georgia District Officer

Jorge is a native of the USA Island Commonwealth of Puerto Rico;

Graduated from Louisiana State University (LSU)/Baton Rouge, Louisiana with a B.S. Degree in Business Administration and a major in International Trade / Economic Development, Spent more than 30 years in the economic development / industrial promotion business in Puerto Rico, Atlanta and Chicago USA. 

Veterans Help with SBA

 

 

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Veterans Connect Radio Episode 012

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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Sheb True / KSU

Sheb is a Professor of Marketing and Sr. International Officer in the Michael J. Coles College of Business at Kennesaw State University (KSU) in Georgia. He is also the Special Assistant to the Dean for Strategic Initiatives, the Founder and Director of the Georgia Advancing Veterans Education (GAVE) initiative, the Director of the Paul D. Coverdale Fellowship program for Returned Peace Corps Volunteers, and the Director of the United Nations PRME program in the Coles College.  He joined the faculty at KSU in 1998 and has served as the Associate Dean of Graduate Business Programs, and as the Director of the MBA the program that went from never being ranked to # 22 in the country by Bloomberg BusinessWeek.  He has published over 50 articles and edited 4 books, and created and edited the Journal of Executive Education.  He has led and participated in international programs for students and faculty in 53 countries.   He serves as a consultant to organizations in the area of marketing strategy and customer orientation.  Sheb received his Ph.D. from the University of Mississippi, an MBA from the University of Houston-Clear Lake, and a BBA from Stephen F. Austin State University.  He has been certified as a Master Teacher, completed programs at the Harvard Business School for teaching the case method and at the American Graduate School of Business (Thunderbird) for teaching international marketing, and was a a tenured faculty member at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California.

 

 

 

Dr. Terry W. Loe  PhD University of Memphis; MBA Mississippi State University; BS Mississippi State University

Professor, Kennesaw State University

Director, Center for Professional Selling

Executive Director, National Collegiate Sales Competition

Terry spent 11 years in industry in sales, marketing and management and has over 20 years of experience in sales research, training and consulting.  His recent sales training and consulting clients include NCR, Arch Chemical, AIG, and WellStar Health Care Systems, among others. In 1996, he earned his Ph.D. from the University of Memphis and is currently a tenured Full Professor at Kennesaw State University. Dr. Loe is the Director of the Center for Professional Selling, Executive Director and founder of the National Collegiate Sales Competition and is on the Board of Directors for PlayPro Media, an Entertainment and Promotions Marketing company.  Terry is also on the Editorial Review Boards for several international academic journals.  

Terry has published more than 40 research articles in numerous national and international academic conferences and academic journals and also authored The Instructor’s Role-Play Guide used by sales faculty and instructors around the country.  His research has won several awards including the “Journal of Business Ethics Citation Classics” award for publishing one of the top 12 cited articles in the JOBE over 30 years and over 100 volumes, as well as other awards.

Dr. Loe is quoted in numerous regional, national, and international newspapers and trade journals and spoken on sales, sales ethics and sales management topics to organizations and conferences around the United States and globally.  Terry is the Founder and Executive Director of the National Collegiate Sales Competition, the oldest and largest university sales role-play competition in the world that includes the top university sales programs in the country, and has included universities from Mexico, Canada, Belgium and other European countries. The NCSC has contributed more than $5 million to university sales programs and sales education. Terry has also been recognized by the American Marketing Association for his contribution to the sales discipline and sales education for his development of the National Collegiate Sales Competition. He has consulted numerous universities in the U.S. and abroad in developing sales education programs, curriculum and sales role-play competitions and is past President of the University Sales Center Alliance (USCA), a consortium of the top U.S. University Sales Centers that assists in mentoring developing sales centers and sales faculty in the U.S. and abroad. He is also on the board of directors for PlayPro Media, a millennial marketing and promotions company.

Dr. Loe and his wife, Robin, have been happily married for over 29 years and have two children, Rachel (25) and Nathan (23). Terry and Robin are members of Cedarcrest Church.

Terry was an All-SEC catcher and team co-captain at Mississippi State University and participated in the College World Series in Omaha, NE in 1979 and in 1981. Miss State finished 5th in the country both years.

Robin is a Family Practice physician in the greater Atlanta area and rated one of the top family practice physicians in patient satisfaction in the country for the past 10 years. Rachel is a graduate of the University of Alabama and currently a salesperson with the international logistics company, DHL, in Charlotte, NC.  Nathan is a recent graduate of the University of Mississippi, an entrepreneur and professional weight lifter with California Strength in San Ramone, CA.

 

 

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Veterans Connect Radio Episode 08

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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Roger Roley, Forrest Woodland, Ryan “Redhawk” McPherson , John Phillips and Lloyd Knight

 

 

Forrest Woodland/JDog Lawrenceville
Owner/Operator

 

 

Roger Roley CSM (Retired) / Four Block
Atlanta Program Director

Roger joined the Army where he served for 24 years; during his tenure Roger had several positions of Leadership and responsibility and was awarded the Bronze Star, Legion of Merit and numerous other awards. Roger achieved the highest non-commissioned rank of Command Sergeants Major.

After retiring from the Army Roger joined Ferrellgas as a District Manager where he took a District ranked at #123 to #1. In 2 years Roger grew the District’s customer base 78%, doubled top line earnings, received the Donald Trump Award for the highest margins over projections while reducing expenses by 18% under projections.

Roger joined Cintas in 2001 as an Advance Management Candidate; during the next 11 years Roger held the positions of; Market Manager where he developed the top Location in the Corporation for internal growth, Top Sales Manager of 22 Location generating $160,000 in weekly volume over a 3 year period, as a Director of Facility Services (Group Level) Roger developed over $200,000 in weekly volume in new business services; Roger’s last position was as Atlanta’s Market Manager for the Deep Clean Division where he developed the top Location in the Corporation for 2 straight years.

Roger joined Osprey Biotechnics Inc. in January 2012 as Vice President of Business Development Growing sales 30% ($1.4M) creating the company’s first growth year in 3 years.

In August 2013 Roger joined Corporate Leads Inc., as Senior Partner. Corporate Leads Inc. is a Veterans placement organization with an outstanding record with both Veterans and corporations.

Roger joined Building Global Leaders Team in December 2014 as Vice President of Operations and Partner. Building Global Leaders (BGL) mission is to develop future business leaders utilizing business training, leadership training and mentorship.

In continuing to support our veteran Roger joined Four Block in November 2015 as the Atlanta Program Director: Four Block Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that prepares transitioning veterans for careers in corporate America. We teach a semester long, university accredited course that assists student-veterans with obtaining competitive internships and full-time positions.

Twitter      Facebook

 

 

Lloyd Knight / VETLANTA
Co-Founder

Lloyd Knight is Director, Government, Aerospace & Project Cargo Operations at UPS.  He oversees multiple freight forwarding programs supporting a wide range of clients including the Department of Defense, defense contractors, humanitarian and aerospace customers. He develops operational strategies to meet business objectives and ensures UPS remains compliant with government regulations.  Lloyd has been employed at UPS since 2007 and in addition to his current assignment has served in several different roles including Government Tender Manager, Global Government Operations Manager and a special assignment with corporate HR focusing on veteran hiring initiatives.

Lloyd retired from the Air Force in 2007 after 20 years of service.  During this time, Lloyd logged over 3,000 flight hours as a Loadmaster on several operational and flight test aircraft including the C-141 Starlifter, C-5 Galaxy, and C-23 Sherpa.  He also served assignments as a Tanker Airlift Control Lift Element (TALCE) Loadmaster, HQ Air Mobility Command Functional Manager and First Sergeant.

Lloyd founded the UPS Veterans Business Resource Group in Atlanta and co-founded and the Chairman of VETLANTA, an industry collaboration of Veteran friendly/ affiliated organizations in the Atlanta region.  VETLANTA mission is to make Atlanta a top destination for veterans. He is an active volunteer for multiple veteran non-profits including American Corporate Partners and Hire Heroes USA.

Lloyd has associate degrees in Aircrew Operations and Human Resources Management from the Community College of the Air Force, a Bachelor Degree in Transportation & Logistics Management from American Military University and a Master’s Degree in Logistics & Transportation Management from American Military University.

He has been married to Suzan for 28 years and has two sons (James & Brandon).  Brandon is a college sophomore and James is a soon to be transitioning solider assigned to the 82nd Airborne.

Facebook     LinkedIn

 

 

 

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.

Boots To Loafers The Book      VETLANTA     Twitter    LinkedIn     Facebook 

 

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Veterans Connect Radio Episode 06

 

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Bill Williams, Grant McGarry, Ryan Redhawk, Brandon Skolnick, Eddie Williams

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. 

#VeteransConnectRadio
@VetConnectRadio

 

 

 

 

EddieWilliamsEddie Williams / E&M Consulting
Founder & Managing Partners

Eddie is a West Point graduate, U.S. Army Veteran, and former Airborne Ranger, and Green Beret.  After leaving the military, he has held positions of increased responsibility in Sales, Marketing and Management. Eddie also holds an MBA from Kennesaw State University’s Executive MBA program.

Eddie also serves in the Georgia State Defense Force (GSDF), a voluntary military organization that assists the Georgia Army and Air National Guard during state emergency situations, such as; search & rescue, hurricane evacuation, joint operations, and medical emergencies. He has been the Headquarters Recruiting Officer, Public Affairs Officer, Commander of Operations Company, Executive Officer and Commander of 911th Support Battalion. He currently serves as the Commander of the 76th Support Brigade at the Clay National Guard Center, Marietta, GA, and holds the rank of Colonel.

Veterans Economic Communities Initiative (VECI)

 

 

Son of A Soldier

 

BillWilliamsBill Williams / Axxiom Franchise Consultants

Bill knows what it’s like to want to control your destiny by owning a business. He began his career in the United States Army where he served as an officer in Vietnam. For more than 30 years, he was an executive with technology companies, responsible for training, support, operations and IT. After experiencing “his final corporate reorganization,” he became an adjunct career consultant with Right Management Associates, the firm who provided his outsourcing services.

It was there that he discovered his passion to help others discover their full potential. “As a consultant, I helped them get past the anger and shock of being fired and see this as one of the greatest opportunities of their lives,” he says. “Often, they chose to ‘hire themselves’ and start their own businesses.”

Bill also had aspirations to be his own boss. He wanted to run a business that capitalized on his military and corporate experiences to help others realize their dreams. Research showed that the structure and track record of franchise businesses increased an owner’s success rate. As part of Axxiom Franchise Advisors and the International Franchise Professionals Group, Bill can help you discover the best franchises for your unique skills and desires. Seasoned and wise. Of the highest integrity. Respected and trusted. Caring. An excellent listener with your best interests at heart. That’s how Bill’s colleagues describe him. He speaks and writes on career issues. As a member of the Atlanta Vietnam Veterans Business Association, he helps former military professionals transition into new careers.  

 

 

 

GrantMcGarryGrant McGarry / Live The Ranger Creed, LLC
Founder

Grant is a former US Army Ranger, author of A Night in the Pech Valley and a combat veteran with five deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan in the War on Terrorism. Upon graduation in 2006 from the University of Alabama with a degree in finance, Grant McGarry reported to Fort Benning with an enlistment contract “for the hardest thing the Army has to offer.” Following his graduation from the Ranger Indoctrination Program Grant was assigned to the 1st Ranger Battalion in Savannah Georgia. Following the completion of his enlistment in 2011, he was a civilian security contractor at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad. Upon his return to the U.S., Grant was hired by The Coca-Cola Company and served as the Atlanta chapter president of the military veteran’s business resource group. After leaving Coca-Cola Grant started his own business, Live the Ranger Creed, LLC. and co-founded The Darby Project (501-C-3). Grant McGarry is continuing his education at Emory University in the Goizueta Business School Weekend Executive MBA program and his happily married to his wife Karin.

Twitter        Twitter(Grant)      Facebook     LinkedIn

 

ANightInThePechValley

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Veterans Connect Radio Episode 05

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. 

#VeteransConnectRadio
@VetConnectRadio

 

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Len Pagano / Safe America Foundation
CEO & Founder

Len Pagano is a social entrepreneur who has spent over 30 years developing communication programs that address key issues across North America. As President, CEO and founder of Safe America, Mr. Pagano launched the 501(c) 3 organization with a $1 million grant from the Travelers Insurance Foundation.

In its early days, Safe America focused on highway safety issues with Operation Baby Buckle, a child protection program that has distributed over 150,000 infant/child car seats to disadvantaged families across the United States.

Mr. Pagano then organized a ‘Safe Team Coalition’ that was recognized by General Motors (GM) for its work. Innovative safety education programs followed which addressed emerging issues. These included initiatives in teen driver education, water safety, cyber-safety, homeland security, youth safety and disaster readiness.

Through Len’s leadership, the Safe America Foundation has developed educational and practical safety and preparedness programs for businesses and communities. These include safety product distribution, national youth programming, international travel security, and advocating that non-profit organizations screen volunteers (to avoid predatory activities by adults).  His accomplishments include raising over $30 million for injury prevention initiatives and engaging organizations including Porsche North America, the Woodruff, Motorola and UPS Foundations along with the National PTA, Allstate, Wal-Mart, Chevrolet, Verizon, State Farm, NBC/Comcast, USA TODAY, Sprint, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and a variety of public safety and government agencies at state and national levels.

 

 

 

Tem Frierson / First Data Salutes
VP, Veteran Business Solutions

 

 

 

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Veterans Connect Radio Episode 04

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. 

#VeteransConnectRadio

VCR_04.11.16

Tanya D. Bryant, John Phillips, Ryan Redhawk, Garrett Cathcart, Brandon Skolnick

 

 

Tanya D Bryant / Just Lovely Lipstick LLC
Personal Branding Expression Artist

Tanya Bryant is a retired twenty-one-year veteran who has been in two war campaigns. While the fatigues and combat boots are as close as the closet door, Tanya’s entrepreneurship journey led her right into the beauty industry. Today Tanya is the owner of Imagine Makeup Artistry, LLC and founder of Just Lovely® Lipstick, she markets herself as the Personal Branding Expression Artist. She helps business women to enhance their personal brand image so they can express who they are in their industry by using the power of color so they look and feel confident when presenting their business.

Facebook     Twitter     LinkedIn

 

 

 

Garrett Cathcart / Team Red White and Blue
Southeast Regional Director

Team RWB’s mission is to enrich the lives of America’s veterans by connecting them to people in their community through physical and social activity. Join!

Facebook      Twitter(Team RWB ATL)     Twitter(Team RWB)

 

 

 

 

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.

Boots To Loafers The Book      VETLANTA     Twitter    LinkedIn     Facebook 

 

 

 

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