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Dr. Johnetta MacCalla with Zyrobotics and Gene Norman with WeatherCall

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Dr. Johnetta MacCalla / Zyrobotics facebook twitter

Dr. J. MacCalla is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Zyrobotics, responsible for corporate management and implementation of Zyrobotics’ strategic plans. Dr. MacCalla is a serial entrepreneur and has a 35-year executive track record managing technology companies as well as extensive project management experience in high-tech projects with BART, Port of Los Angeles, TRW, NASA, and the U.S. Military. Prior to Zyrobotics, she was the CEO of Automated Switching and Controls Inc., a communications & controls company with over $8M in annual contracts with city & state transit. Before that, Dr. MacCalla was President of Advanced Systems Concepts Inc., overseeing approximately $3M in DOD contracts for military communications and control systems. As Chairman of the LA Metropolitan Transit Authority Foundation she managed their $100M endowment, and was a board member of the California High Speed Rail Commission. She has been a member of the California Council of Science and Technology and the National Office Advisory Panel, member of the Independent Review Panel for the Public Interest Energy Research Program, and is currently a member of the California Science and Technology Policy Fellowship Review Board. She has also held positions as an Associate Professor at the California Polytechnic University in Pomona, Ca. and Adjunct Professor at Spelman College in Atlanta, GA, University of Southern California, and West Coast University in Los Angeles, Ca.

Gene Norman / WeatherCall facebook twitter

Gene Norman is a veteran, award-winning broadcast meteorologist, having worked at CBS 46 in Atlanta, Houston and Birmingham. He currently represents WeatherCall, a nationwide weather service provider. He has extensive experience explaining cost-effective methodologies for safety planning to businesses and community groups. Prior to entering the broadcast arena, he worked on a NASA team providing weather support for the space shuttle program. He earned a M.S. in Meteorology from the University of Maryland and a B.S. in Earth and Planetary Science from M.I.T. Gene holds the Certified Broadcast Meteorologist designation from the American Meteorological Society.

 

 

The Shrimp Tank Featuring Jason Smith with Mr. Mister Mosquito Control

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KSUEntrepreneurship

The Shrimp Tank brings you interviews with some of the most successful business owners in the United States to learn the do’s and don’ts of starting and running a successful business. Then, the fun really starts when we bring in high school and college students to pitch their business ideas to the Shrimp Tank. We don’t fund any business, but we do teach kids how to turn their business ideas into a successful business.

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Jason Smith is the owner of Mr. Mister Mosquito Control, and a graduate of the University of Georgia with a BS in Finance.

Career Achievements

  • Jason Smith is a professional and philanthropic leader in the Atlanta community and beyond. Prior to founding Mister Mosquito Control, which is now the 2nd largest mosquito control company in Metro Atlanta, Smith had a successful career in the branded apparel arena. Here, he was responsible for the acquisition, management and fulfillment of nationwide accounts such as: Circuit City Uniform Program, Georgia Aquarium, Turner Broadcasting and many others.
  • Smith was head of social media for Ian’s Friends Foundation for four years.
  • Smith created concept for Turner Broadcasting of sports specific poker sets–created sets personally for Magic Johnson, Charles Barkley, Braves on-air personalites, NCAA on air, and PGA on air.
  • He is currently on the board of directors for the Billi Marcus Foundation
  • The philanthropic component has been an integral part in the organic “word of mouth” growth of Mr. Mister. As the fastest growing (and the 2nd largest) mosquito control company in Metro Atlanta, Mr. Mister boasts an almost perfect online review record due to their unparalleled personal customer service, often provided directly by Jason Smith.
  • As the head of sales for Mr. Mister Mosquito Control, Smith has exceeded all sales goals and established as well as maintained excellent relationships with customers.  He proudly maintains 5 star ratings on Yelp! and Facebook.  He is currently in charge of redevelopment of the company websitemrmr.biz which has been a huge revenue driver
  • Smith was most recently featured on CBS Better Mornings as a local expert. See clip here: http://www.cbs46.com/story/25748324/have-you-mosquito-proofed-your-yard?autostart=true

Community Involvement

  • Mister’s pro bono work is integral to the surrounding community. They continually treat schools, parks and more complimentary for the betterment of the residents. Recent recipients of pro bono services include Weinstein Preschool, Camp Twin Lakes, Morningside Elementary, GA Autism, and Dunwoody’s Brook Run Dog Park. Personally, Smith’s charitable contributions continue. In his “downtime”, he can be found coaching The Epstein School’s boys and girls tennis teams and building houses for the important organization “Habitat for Humanity.” He is also highly invested in advancing pediatric brain tumor research by supporting Ian’s Friends Foundation.
  • Today, Smith marries his career with philanthropy with Mr. Mister. As an outdoor enthusiast with children of his own, Jason is personally invested in protecting families from disease carrying mosquitos. So much so he has incorporated a philanthropic component to his business and its bottom line. With every new customer, Mr. Mister donates a life-saving mosquito net through Nothing But Nets to help combat the epidemic of malaria and other mosquito-borne illnesses across the world.

Awards and Recognition

  • Invited to be part of Leadership Epstein.
  • Member of LEAD class 2005
  • Graduate of Dale Carnegie sales class where he was recently invited back as a keynote speaker.

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Linda Brenner with Designs on Talent and Casey Smith with Wiser Wealth Management

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Linda Brenner / Designs on Talent facebook twitter

Linda started Designs on Talent in 2003 with the vision of helping organizations improve talent acquisition and talent management results. She then founded Skillsify, Inc. in 2012 as a way to speed and improve hiring and retention.
Today, a team of consultants and process improvement experts make up the Designs on Talent and Skillsify teams. What’s unique about the team is the fact that many previously led HR, TA, TM or Finance teams for large corporations before banding together to form a consulting firm like none other.

Linda’s practical, real-world approach, coupled with a bias for action and high quality results, is reflected throughout both organizations. The firms’ clients include great companies like Coca-Cola, Home Depot, Chick-fil-A, TJX, L’Oreal, Microsoft, LinkedIn and Turner Broadcasting.

Over the years, Linda has demonstrated a unique ability to break complex problems into manageable pieces, and has led many teams to drive results in a timely, effective and cost efficient way. She works closely with business leaders and HR partners to create the business case, consensus and tactical plan for change.

Linda holds a Master of Arts degree in Labor and Employment Relations and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Judaic Studies, both from University of Cincinnati. She and her family live in Atlanta.

Casey Smith / Wiser Wealth Management, Inc. facebook twitter

Casey Smith is a fiduciary fee-only financial advisor in Marietta, GA. Casey earned a Bachelor of Science Degree with a major in Finance from Berry College, Rome, Georgia. Unhappy with the traditional brokerage product pushing agenda, Casey became a Registered Investment Advisor and formed a fee only financial services firm in June 2001, which later became Wiser Wealth Management, Inc.

Casey serves on the board of the Laona M. Kitchen Foundation, The Berry College Campbell School of Business Executive Advisory Committee, Berry College Board of Visitors and Atlantic Southeast Airlines Airline Pilots Association (ASA ALPA) Retirement and Insurance Committee as a “401k Specialist.”

Casey and his team were awarded the Cobb County Chambers Top 25 Small Business of the Year award in 2015. Past awards are Cobb Magazines Top 20 Under 40 and Atlanta Magazines Top Wealth Manager of the Year in client service for the last 5 years in a row.

 

 

Special Episode with The Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce

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8th Annual North Fulton Business Expo

Date: March 11, 2016 Time: 10:00 PM – 4:00 PM

GNFCC

The mission of the North Fulton Chamber is to be the catalyst for economic development, business growth, and quality of life in North Fulton.

The GNFCC promotes the interests of our members by assuming a leadership role in making North Fulton an excellent place to work, live, play and stay. We provide one voice for all local businesses to influence decision makers, recommend legislation, and protect the valuable resources that make North Fulton a popular place to live. 

 

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Bonnie Mauldin and Kendra Plotkin

Bonnie Mauldin and Kendra Plotkin

 

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Kendra Plotkin/GNFCC
Director of Operations

As Director of Operations, I have watched our Chamber grow along with our community. I am fortunate to work with a great team assisting businesses with resources and connections that will help their business grow. We represent the 6 cities of North Fulton. We offer opportunities to spotlight their business and network with their peers.

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Bonnie Mauldin / The Mauldin Group Facebook Twitter

Bonnie Mauldin aka “The Rainmaker” is a Senior SEO Specialist who has helped countless small and medium size business owners propel their business to greater heights. She is also a top-notch sales marketing copywriter who has published four bestselling books and has been featured on CNN, Fox News, The Huffington Post and The Atlanta Business Chronicle.

Bonnie is also the founder and CEO of The Mauldin Group, a North Fulton based company that specializes in providing world class yet affordable online marketing services designed to elevate small and medium sized businesses to the next level of success.

 

 

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Ben Hamilton with ImagineAir

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ImagineAir

 

Ben Hamilton and Ryan Redhawk

Ben Hamilton and Ryan Redhawk

 

 

Ben Hamilton/ImagineAir
Co-Founder and CEO

Prior to serving in his role as CEO, Ben Hamilton was heavily involved with the operational development of ImagineAir, and has served as the company’s Part 135 Director of Operations. As a co-founder ImagineAir, Ben has led the company through more than 30% growth year over year in his mission to offer on-demand air travel at the lowest price point in the industry. Prior to ImagineAir, Ben served as President of Georgia Tech’s Yellow Jacket Flying Club of more than 200 members, and a flight instructor for students, faculty and alumni. Ben is a licensed commercial pilot and CFI with multiengine, single-engine, and instrument ratings. Ben Hamilton holds a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from Georgia Tech and an M.B.A from Emory University.

 

www.ImagineAir.com     Facebook     Twitter

 

 

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Atlanta Business Radio Spotlight Episode: Caring for Aging Parents

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Caring for Aging Parents is a radio show that discusses topics related to aging. Topics surround issues impacting older adults such as caregiving, relationships, health, driving, finances, legal, resources, etc.

Caring for Aging Parents airs monthly on Atlanta Business Radio. The show needs sponsors. If you are interested in being a sponsor email jenny@caringforagingparents.info

 

Ryan Redhawk, Chris Brannon, Amanda James, Jenny Heuer

Ryan Redhawk, Chris Brannon, Amanda James, Jenny Heuer

 

 

 

 

 

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Host Jenny Heuer

Jenny Heuer, MS, LAPC, NCC is a Doctoral Student at Mercer University studying Counseling Education & Supervision. The focus of her dissertation is on the lived experiences of individuals with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, she is also working towards a Graduate Certificate in Gerontology from Georgia State University. Jenny is an adjunct instructor at Mercer University and is working towards becoming a professor and teaching courses in aging. She also does counseling under direct supervision and specializes in working with older adults, baby boomers, caregivers, and individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. She currently works at the Georgia Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association as a Care Consultant and works with the Director of Public Policy & Advocacy. Her passion and areas of research are focused on aging adults and Alzheimer’s disease.

 

 

 

 

Amanda James
Amanda is a Forensics Specialist with the Forensics Special Initiatives Unit (FSIU) for the Department of Human Services Division of Aging Services. She has a Masters of Public Administration from Georgia Southern University, a Certificate of Gerontology from Kennesaw State University and a Bachelors of Family and Consumer Sciences in Child and Family Development from the University of Georgia. Amanda also serves as a board member for the Georgia Gerontology Society. Prior to her current position, Amanda was the State Senior Medicare Patrol Coordinator and also worked as a local GeorgiaCares Coordinator at the Athens Community Council on Aging and the Coastal Regional Commission. Amanda has a passion for helping prevent and respond to abuse of older adults and adults with disabilities and identifying and developing resources for victims.
For suspected abuse in the community contact Adult Protective Services at 866-552-4464 or visit www.aging.ga.gov
For suspected abuse in long-term care facilities contact Healthcare Facility Regulation at 800-878-6442 or visitwww.dch.ga.gov
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Chris Brannon

Chris is a member of Elder Counsel, the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, the State Bar of Georgia and the Atlanta Bar Association.  He currently serves as the Vice-Chair of the Elder Law Section of the Atlanta Bar.  In 2012, Chris was recognized by Georgia Trend Magazine as a member of Georgia’s “Legal Elite” as one of the state’s top practitioners in the field of Elder Law.  Chris frequently speaks throughout the Atlanta area about topics related to his practice including Medicaid, Veterans Benefits, Guardianship, and Basic Estate Planning.

Prior to joining with Paul to found the Atlanta elder law practice of Brannon + Black, LLC, Chris founded the Brannon Law Firm.  Chris has also worked with Duhon & Brannon, the Pollan Law Firm, and Boling Rice, LLC. Chris has also volunteered with the Georgia Senior Legal Hotline, a division of the Atlanta Legal Aid Society.

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Atlanta’s Most Trusted Advisors: Tax Tips for Small and Mid-Sized Business Owners

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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.

 

 

Cathy Wright, Mark Fishman, Bonnie Boul Ruszczyk and Ryan Redhawk

Cathy Wright, Mark Fishman, Bonnie Boul Ruszczyk and Ryan Redhawk

 

 

Mark Fishman: Mark is a CPA and has a Masters in Taxation with several years of experience in public accounting. He joined Cain & David in 2005 as a Partner. Mark’s areas of practice include manufacturing, technology, telecommunications, distribution, entertainers and athletes, and services companies. He also is the Partner in charge of the firm’s state and local tax practice (SALT) with a specialty in multi-state tax planning, tax credits, nexus requirements, sales tax and ad valorem tax issues. He also advises the firm’s clients in international taxation.

 

 

Cathy Wright: Cathy Wright, owner of Wright Tax Solutions, LLC has over 20 years of experience in serving individuals and small businesses with their income tax needs.  Wright Tax Solutions, LLC is located in East Cobb.

 

 

 

Bonnie Buol Ruszczyk (Host)/ bbr Marketing Bonnie 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.

 

 

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Alana Muller with Coffee Lunch Coffee

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“Networking is the practice of establishing and nurturing mutually beneficial relationships. The primary purpose of networking is to create a community of supportive people that can help you achieve your goals.”

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Alana Muller/Coffee Lunch Coffee 
Master Networker

Alana is a Networking speaker, workshop facilitator, coach and author of the book, Coffee Lunch Coffee: A Practical Field Guide for Master Networking and a companion blog, CoffeeLunchCoffee.com. Her accessible, relevant, immediately actionable approach to professional networking for anybody interested in connecting with others, getting involved in their community, seeking to advance their career or looking to build social relationships, has helped thousands of people formulate a strategic mindset around networking while creating a game plan to get out there and connect. She is the former President of Kauffman FastTrac and was an executive with Sprint for many years. Alana has an MBA from the University of Chicago where she was the recipient of the Karen and Mike Herman Family Fellowship for Women in Entrepreneurship and an undergraduate degree in mathematics from Smith College. She is actively engaged in the community and serves on a number of corporate and volunteer boards.

Facebook     Twitter     LinkedIn 

 

 

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David Hultstrom with Financial Architects and Matthew Fassnacht with Meridian Investment Partners

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“Do You Have Your Financial House In Order”

David Hultstrom/Financial Architects 
President & Chief Investment OfficerFor over a decade Mr. Hultstrom has served as president of Financial Architects, a registered investment advisory firm that provides personal financial planning and wealth management services for private clients.
He began his career as a Financial Advisor at a small firm in Florida. Realizing his clients’ need for more comprehensive financial advice, he worked for several years in the tax field while earning his MBA and was subsequently a Vice President at Wheat First Butcher Singer (now Wells Fargo Advisors) where he was responsible for teaching financial advisors the nuances of various financial planning and investment techniques as well as the latest technology tools.
Mr. Hultstrom then joined Financeware as the Director of Training where again he instructed financial advisors in the proper methods of performing sophisticated modeling of financial plans and constructing appropriate investment portfolios. Subsequently, he founded Financial Architects, LLC to help individuals more directly.
He has served as a local chapter board member of both the Financial Planning Association and the Society of Financial Services Professionals. He is currently a member of and active in:  The Atlanta Society of Finance and Investment Professionals  The Financial Planning Association of Georgia  The Investment Management Consultants Association  The National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA)  Mensa
He has also earned the premier industry designations, including:  Master of Business Administration (MBA)  Certified Financial Planner (CFP®)  Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®)  Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®)
Mr. Hultstrom has served as an arbitrator and expert witness in securities disputes and has taught numerous courses nationwide for CPAs, financial planners, investment managers, and other professionals through several universities and other organizations.
He has been published in Financial Planning and Investments & Wealth Monitor and is the author of a number of white papers on financial planning and wealth management topics. He also produces a newsletter and a blog for thousands of financial professionals and has been quoted in numerous newspapers and journals, including the Chicago Tribune, the Christian Science Monitor, the Economic Times, the Journal of Financial Planning, Newsweek, and the Wall Street Journal.
Mr. Hultstrom resides in Woodstock, Georgia with his wife, Dawn, and their daughter, Alexandra. In addition to her roles as wife and mother, Dawn is an avid marathon runner and a kindergarten teacher at Cherokee Christian Academy where Alex attends high school.
Phone: 770-517-8160 • Fax: 770-517-8159 • Toll Free: 888-Fin-Arch (888-346-2724) 107 Weatherstone Drive, Suite 510 • Woodstock, GA 30188 www.FinancialArchitectsLLC.com
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Chief Investment Advisor
Matthew founded Meridian Investment Partners in 2011 and manages all client assets. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst®, Certified Financial Planner™ and Certified Public Accountant. Professional memberships include the Chartered Financial Analyst Institute, Atlanta Society of Finance and Investment Professionals, Board of Certified Financial Planners and the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Matthews combination of investment and tax
experience allows him to take a comprehensive approach to wealth management and give clients the best opportunity to achieve their financial objectives. With more than 14 years of investment experience, Matthew is one of the few Chartered Financial Analysts in Georgia offering individual portfolio management services.
Phone(s) Office, Cell, etc.:
(404) 585-5946
(404) 991-8489
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The Shrimp Tank Featuring Chris Hardwick with Build Technology Group

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KSUEntrepreneurship

The Shrimp Tank brings you interviews with some of the most successful business owners in the United States to learn the do’s and don’ts of starting and running a successful business. Then, the fun really starts when we bring in high school and college students to pitch their business ideas to the Shrimp Tank. We don’t fund any business, but we do teach kids how to turn their business ideas into a successful business.

 

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Lee Heisman, Chris Hardwick and Chris Hanks

 

 

Chris Hardwick is a graduate of University of Georgia with a BA in Political Science.  

As a recognized technology leader known for his love of solving problems, technology issues, building for and on successful business solutions, it has garnered him positions with such companies as Aaron Rents, Inc., ista, e:so Global, and Instawares.  With his ability to break down technology into business goals, and strategic technology alignment, he has been navigating his career waters through Hardwick Solutions, LLC for over 8 years.  Chris now leads Build Technology Group that practices a “partnership” approach to serving their clients, with the formula of breaking down strategic business goals into obtainable technology goals and vice versa.  He helps his partners be successful by being their trusted IT partner in delivering cost effective, smart technology.   

Longtime resident of Atlanta, Chris is married to Melissa with 3 boys.  He stays involved with their school through his volunteering on the Keheley School Council and the Keheley Foundation.  His community volunteerism covers animal welfare, children, education, environment, health and technology.  

Chris has recently been honored with being added to the board of ATG as well as various nominations for his work in Scrum.  

 

Inside The Shrimp Tank

Inside The Shrimp Tank