Curated Collection Of The Best Interviews From Our Sandy Springs Studio
Podcast: Download
Hosted by Adam Wozniak and Darren Parkinson
Sven Cowart / Traxion
Head of Design & Engineering
Sven Cowart is the co-founder of Traxion, a business accelerator that focuses on supporting start-up companies by harnessing the collective power of our community by bringing local governments, corporations, educational institutions and individuals together to provide a solid foundation for early-stage companies to establish themselves, gain traction and thrive.
Podcast: Download
The work of Women in Technology has an incredible impact.
Since 1992, Women in Technology has had a mission dedicated to promoting the advancement of women in Georgia’s technology community. Through the WIT COMMUNITY, WIT Also educates and encourages girls and young women to pursue careers in STEM.
Christina Beyer / WIT
Director of Programs and Events
Joining WIT (Women in Technology) as Director of Programs and Events, Christina serves as a primary leader in the organization with oversight of programs, volunteer services and events. Christina is a personable, detail-oriented manager with experience demonstrating improvements in sales and marketing efforts, operations, customer service ratings and team productivity.
Kathryn Finney / digitalundivided
Founder and Managing Director
Kathryn Finney is the founder and Managing Director of digitalundivided (DID), an organization that invests in the success of Black and Latina women tech founders by providing them with the network, coaching, and funding to build, scale, and exit their high growth companies. DID runs the BIG Innovation Center, home to the BIG accelerator program, a 16 week program for high potential startups led by Black and Latina Founders. She is also a General Partner in the Harriet Fund, the first pre-seed venture fund focused on investing the untapped potential of high potential Black and Latina women led startups.
One of the first social media “stars”, in 2014 Kathryn sold her site, The Budget Fashionista, to a midwest media company and later was the editor at large at BlogHer (sold to Sheknows), a platform representing 40MM+ women influencers.
An honors graduate of Yale University, and Rutgers University, Kathryn received the Champion of Change Award in 2013 from the White House for her work increasing inclusion in the tech industry and is an Eisenhower Fellow. She’s also listed in Marie Claire’s 10 Women to Watch in 2016, Entrepreneurs Magazine’s “Woman to Watch in 2016”, New York Business Journal’s Women of Influence Award, SXSW Black Innovator Award, The Grio 100, Ebony Power 100, Black Enterprise “40 under 40” list, and inducted into Spelman College’s “Game Changers Academy.”
On February 26, 2015 she was honored by Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer with the “Kathryn Finney Appreciation Day.”
Podcast: Download
Jay Bandy / Goliath Consulting Group
President
As President of Goliath Consulting Group, Jay Bandy has built a broad foundation of expertise in the restaurant industry.
Jay’s record of achievement ranges from McDonald’s USA to RTM to BLIMPIE and now to full service restaurants. He has opened more than 300 restaurants; developed supply chain systems, strategic plans and restaurant operating systems; and trained area developers, franchisees and staff in all facets of the restaurant business. At each of his prior stops, Jay has been recognized for his contributions with several internal awards.
Through Goliath, Jay is now offering a full array of consulting and management services to the industry.
Jay’s broad-based background gives him the know-how to bridge the critical areas of strategic planning, operations, marketing, supply chain, and restaurant development. Restaurants are a complicated puzzle with many moving parts. Jay knows how to put the puzzle together and make it work.
At Goliath, Jay works with restaurant management to assess current conditions – both financial and brand-related. After developing an action plan, Jay directs all members of the Goliath team to deliver results that exceed client expectations. As an expert in understanding how the components of restaurant operating systems tie together, he will make sure that the team maximizes sales opportunities and profit and unit growth based on each client’s vision.
Over the years he’s developed expertise in communications, marketing and developing and rolling out new products. Jay has overseen operations at hundreds of restaurants, written training manuals and coordinated operations. Jay has done a lot of everything in each of his industry positions. He’s also a results-oriented people person, which gives him the skill to bring teams together to achieve their goals.
Before taking the step into consulting, Jay was the McDonald’s Atlanta region deployment manager and a member of the region leadership team. He was responsible for implementing new products and procedures in 755 restaurants throughout the Southeast. He was project manager for McDonald’s specialty coffee and drive-thru initiative — a $70 million project involving 650 restaurants.
Through Goliath, Jay continues to work with regional chains and franchisees but also has successfully consulted with multiple full-service restaurants in the Atlanta area.
Jay has a B.S. in Political Science from the University of Louisville and earned CFM certification from the International Food Service Executives Association. He’s also a graduate of McDonald’s Hamburger University.
Eric Leland / DTT
Regional Sales – DTT Surveillance
Eric Leland is the Regional Account Executive for DTT Surveillance. He has over 10 years of restaurant experience in sales, marketing and promotion. He lives in Cumming GA with his wife, his two boys and his dog.
Podcast: Download
Sean Reardon / Zenith & Moxie
CEO
A nine-year Zenith veteran, Sean has moved across multiple facets of the business in his nearly two decades of experience. From account planning, media and strategy to data, insights and technology, Sean is able to connect the dots across disciplines in a way that brings flexibility to our agency and our clients. While he considers himself a “big thinker,” Sean is a firm believer that big ideas are only as good as the ability to execute upon them. He takes tremendous pride in not only generating ideas, but in translating ideas into actionable outcomes that impact the bottom line.
In his freshman year as CEO for Moxie, he has attained a level of unprecedented growth in its 16-year history, adding American Cancer Society, Delta, TaxSlayer, Atlanta Braves and TGI Fridays to the client roster. With even less time since taking the helm at Zenith, he has rendered immediate effect with the retention of 21st Century Fox as a client and injected a tangible spirit into the halls of the company that drives innovation, collaboration and outside-the-box thinking.
Prior to taking over the helms at Zenith, ROAR and Moxie, Sean spent time at Publicis & Hal Riney, Goodby Silverstein & Partners and AKQA.
Brad Shaw / Crazy Good Turns
Co-Creator and Host
Brad Shaw is host and co-creator of Crazy Good Turns, a nonprofit podcast that tells stories about people who do amazing things for others. Shaw retired from The Home Depot in April, 2015, after more than 10 years as the company’s vice president and chief communications officer, reporting directly to three CEOs during his tenure there. Prior to joining Home Depot in 2004, Shaw served as chief communications officer at Gateway, Inc.
Shaw is actively involved in philanthropic efforts and has served on various non-profit boards including The Points of Light Foundation, Ken’s Krew, Kaboom and the Metro Atlanta Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America. Brad and the former CEO of The Home Depot, Frank Blake, created Crazy Good Turns together when they realized that through the power of storytelling, they could help ignite change and inspire people to give back.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Va. in 1988.
Podcast: Download
Hosted by Adam Wozniak and Darren Parkinson
David Walens / Exploring, Inc.
CEO
Jordy Gamson / The Icebox
President / CEO
Podcast: Download
Skye Estroff / Taste of Atlanta / Food that Rocks
Marketing and Media Manager
Skye Estroff is the marketing and media manager for Atlanta’s largest food festival, Taste of Atlanta. Skye manages all TV, radio and print media relationships, as well as strategizing and planning all social media. She is an Atlanta native, a University of Georgia graduate and an expert in Atlanta’s best food.
Food that Rocks: For one night only, more than 20 of Sandy Springs’ favorite restaurants will be rocking the big tent in Hammond Park, in the heart of Sandy Springs. This all-inclusive event will provide you with food, wine, beer and cocktail tastes from local mixologists, local musicians and will benefit Sandy Springs-based charities Second Helpings, Ian’s Friends Foundation and the Georgia Ovarian Cancer Alliance. Follow on Twitter and Facebook for more information.
Robert Gayle / Chef Rob’s Caribbean Cafe / Upscale Lounge
Executive Chef and Owner
Robert Gayle, the Executive Chef and owner at Chef Rob’s Caribbean Cafe, combines his Caribbean background with a Culinary Institute of America education, gathering flavors from around the world to refine a menu of island comfort fare. After spending his childhood in Jamaica West Indies, Chef Rob relocated to the United States and began to develop his culinary love at age 13 by working as a steward in Brooklyn. Shortly after obtaining his culinary degree in 1993, his skills and prestige steadily increased over time, allowing him to eventually assist with the openings of Sean ‘P. Diddy’ Combs’ New York and Atlanta venture, Justin’s Restaurant, in 1997. There he was able to deliver his culinary expertise for the likes of Jennifer Lopez and Akon.
Chef Rob’s mental Rolodex includes recipes for top-selling entrees and Caribbean Cuisine such as braised beef oxtails, ackee and saltfish, jerk chicken, curried goat, dry-rubbed spare ribs, and his signature spicy jerk seasoning. In addition to opening his Atlanta-based restaurant in 2006, the Chef Rob brand continues to grow with its wide selection of signature sauces, intimate cooking classes, and event catering options. He was recently featured on Atlanta Eats, April 2017, and continues to bless media outlets with his extraordinary delights.
After many years of success as an esteemed restaurateur, Chef Rob’s Upscale Lounge brings an exciting, zesty addition to Sandy Springs’ eccentric nightlife scene. The lounge presents tastemakers and professionals throughout the city with a unique experience. Guests will be treated to assorted tapas, cocktails, top-shelf choices, hookah, signature wine selections and the option of various VIP Packages. The couture ambiance seasoned with contemporary furnishings will provide host to an assortment of exclusive events, private mixers and social activities attended by industry influencers.
Podcast: Download
Hosted by Adam Wozniak and Darren Parkinson
Ryan Claterbaugh / Mr. Mister Mosquito Control
CEO
Ryan Claterbaugh is an entrepreneur from a small town in West Texas. At a very young age Ryan dreamed of owning his own company. He started Mr. Mister four years ago, and has since grown it into the largest mosquito control company in the state of Georgia. Ryan also owns a sister company, Peoples Pest Control, that was founded in 2016 to keep up with the growing demand to add household pest control for their current customer base.
Ryan moved to Atlanta in 2008 from Austin, TX. He and his wife married in 2013, and they had their first child last year.
Podcast: Download
Tara Murphy / 360 Media
Founder
Tara Murphy is the definition of a self-made woman. As founder and president of 360 Media, a leading Atlanta-based public relations boutique, she started on her own and now has a flourishing media and marketing company serving top-name clients. Since establishing the firm in 1996, Tara has become well-known as one of Atlanta’s foremost public relations and media mavens, having launched many of city’s top events including Music Midtown and Peach Drop. Renowned events like these, plus her dedicated work ethic and overall knowledge of what works, makes Tara a prominent in voice Atlanta’s entertainment, lifestyle and hospitality industries.
Earning her stripes as a successful public relations practitioner in the music industry, Tara headed up PR for notable companies including Ichiban Records, NMC Records and Concert Southern, where she successfully managed PR and promotions as an independent contractor for what would become Atlanta’s largest outdoor entertainment event, Music Midtown. Out of a simple need for space and a business name rather than an entrepreneurial plan, 360 Media was born in her former boss’s basement. Her reputation for creativity and integrity spread quickly and soon additional clients and projects came her way out of natural, authentic relationships.
From its humble beginnings as a one-person shop, now 21 years later, Tara has grown 360 to seven employees and expanded the agency’s services by adding culinary, lifestyle and hospitality clients to its roster. With clients and connections that span the globe, 360 Media represents some of the best culinary personalities, hotels, brands, bands, non-profits and food and wine events. Some notable 360 clients have included Atlanta Food & Wine Festival, Music Midtown, Voodoo Music Experience, BottleRock Napa Valley, Lakewood Amphitheatre, Charlotte Marriott City Center Hotel, Krog Street Market, Netherworld Haunted House, Miracle On Monroe Christmas Pop Up, ADAC, Renaissance Atlanta Airport Gateway Hotel, Jennifer Nettles/Sugarland, 10th Anniversary of the Olympics, The Atlanta Jazz Festival, W Atlanta Downtown, Cousins Properties, The Lawrence, radio personality Bert Weiss of Q100, Eight Sushi Lounge and non-profits such as Bert’s Big Adventure, The Frank Ski Kids Foundation, Grady Health Foundation and March of Dimes.
Tara has spoken to groups at many conferences including the Winter Music Dance Conference, Atlantis Music Conference, GA Chapter of PRSSA, Georgia State University, other universities and the International Festivals and Events Association Southeast Conference. Tara is also the recipient of several professional awards, including the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s Best in Atlanta Real Estate – Retail, for Underground Atlanta (Public Relations mention); and a nomination for the National Leadership Award. She was also named as “One of the 25 Power Women to Watch,” and was nominated as one of Atlanta’s Top 25 Women by Rolling Out Magazine and has received leadership accolades by the MS Society and March of Dimes and has been featured in Styleblueprint, Jezebel, Rolling Out, Piedmont Review, The Atlanta Journal and Women’s Business Daily. Tara is also an active member in the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences (NARAS), was featured in the 2014 digital curriculum for Usher’s New Look Foundation about entertainment PR and landed on the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s Book of Lists for “Top 25 PR Firms” in 2015.
Podcast: Download
Vyasa Palffy / Simply Heavenly Meals
CEO
Vyasa is a 23 yr old graduate, traveler and entrepreneur currently building his startup SimplyHeavenly in Atlanta, GA. SimplyHeavenly is the future of fast food – healthy, mixed cuisine for only $6 with free delivery. All meals are prepared fresh and mostly from scratch that morning and ingredients are sourced fresh and organic.
Vyasa went to school and studied Ayurveda & nutrition. He incorporates his love for nutrition at SimplyHeavenly to create well rounded and tasty meals. He traveled around the world, learning to prepare dishes as he went and is using this knowledge to incorporate authentic cuisine into the meal plans.
SimplyHeavenly has been currently servicing Marietta and Kennesaw and is beginning expansion into Atlanta this week. With a focus on servicing businesses and universities we aim to make SimplyHeavenly the healthy alternative to fast food around the globe. Check out SimplyHeavenly further at simplyheavenlymeals.com to find special referral deals and join in on events we will soon be hosting around Atlanta!
Chrissy Brimmage / CHRISSYBRIMMAGE.COM
Artist
Chrissy Brimmage is a self-taught artist currently living, and working, out of Atlanta, GA. Her line-art style was inspired by a dream she had in 2014, following a self-exploration trip to Thailand. The dream consisted of a world of wire-frame figures, prompting her to title her style “Wireframing”. Over time, her style has evolved from mimicking wire-renderings, to her current geometric and crystallized style.
Since her dream, she has used her art as an experimental world to explore her thoughts and feelings on everything from daily occurrences, to emotions and current events.
Podcast: Download
Joe Kelly / TalentServed
Vice President of Recruiting
Joe Kelly is a professional recruiter bringing six years experience of restaurant management recruiting. Prior to obtaining his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Colorado, Joe worked for several seasons with his family’s fishing fleet in the Bering Sea. As a result, Joe has one of the best work ethics in the business.
Joe’s tenacity has made him successful at doing the heavy lifting necessary to match the right person with our client’s demanding requirements. Joe lives in the metropolitan Atlanta area and helps many of the city’s top restaurateurs and emerging concepts to find strong leaders. He also works with several regional and national organizations, where he helps to source top talent at many levels.
Aaron Avers / Establishment
Chef
Chef Aaron Avers is a culinary “Master of Meat” with 20+ years of experience ranging from gourmet fine dining to private catering. As a native of Columbus, Ohio, Chef Aaron started his career at McDonalds, slinging burgers at the age of 15. Smarter than R. Kroc, his passion transformed into a partnership with the City of Columbus to provide nutrition and cooking education to elementary school children. His drive to provide real food to the masses grew stronger when he received his first grant to have live chickens in coops he built at the school.
From Columbus, Chef Aaron ventured to D.C. to expand his culinary style and technique. After learning from several great minds in the area, he decided culinary school would give him an opportunity to truly fine tune to his art. He and his wife relocated to Charleston, South Carolina where he earned his degree in Culinary Arts from the Art Institute of Charleston.
Chef Aaron is Executive Chef and Partner at Establishment. Additionally, he is Executive Chef, Owner and Meat Master of Braizing Saddles & Chef-in-a-Box.
