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Curated Collection Of The Best Interviews From Our Sandy Springs Studio





High Velocity Radio

Month: March 2014

Sharon Goldmacher with Communications 21, Madeline L. Reamy with Earthshare of Georgia, and Dave Basarab with Mobile Business Academy

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Sharon Goldmacher/Communications 21 Linkedin Facebook Twitter

Sharon L. Goldmacher is a veteran in the marketing public relations industry. She develops integrated, results-oriented marketing PR and interactive campaigns for clients in industries from consumer products and real estate to food/beverage, sports and technology.

Competitive by nature, she created communications 21 in 1992, at the naive age of 28 and within the first two years, she won the DeKalb Chamber’s Stargazer award for “Small Business Start-Up of the Year” and the Young Advertising Professional Award presented by the Atlanta Ad Club, and in 21 years the company has garnered almost 70 awards.

Sharon speaks on marketing PR and interactive strategies across the country at various organizations such as the Association of Public Gardens, the American Marketing Association’s Annual Summit, the Exhibit Design and Producers Association, NewComm (Society for New Communications Research conference), MBA Conclave Curriculum and Teaching Conference, PRSA chapters in Washington, D.C., and Florida and more.

She currently volunteers on a number of industry and community boards, including the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, the American Marketing Association – Atlanta Chapter, Leadership Buckhead and The Blue Horse Association. She also has held volunteer positions with the Green Chamber of the South, Literacy Volunteers of America and Hands On Atlanta. In 2013, Sharon was the executive director of the Atlanta Local Organizing Committee for the planning and execution of the 2013 NCAA® Men’s Final Four®.

While a love-hate relationship, golf is her current passion, and her favorite golf saying is “fairway-play is for sissies.”

Madeline L. Reamy/Earthshare of Georgia Facebook Twitter

I have lived in Atlanta for my entire working career, since 1978. My undergraduate education includes two years in art school in Philadelphia, then two years at college in France where I completed my BFA in art and art history. I then returned to the USA and pursued graduate school at Syracuse University (full scholarship) where I received a Masters of Fine Arts in Museology (MUSEUM studies). For fourteen years I worked in museums in Atlanta, mostly in Director of Education positions, but it was my position at Chattahoochee Nature Center as Director of Education from 1992-98 that convinced me of my lifetime dedication to the environmental field. From there, I continued to work in environmental education for Keep Sandy Springs North Fulton Beautiful (1998- 2006) until I became the Executive Director of EarthShare of Georgia in March 2006.

Dave Basarab/Mobile Business Academy Linkedin Facebook Twitter

Dave Basarab has founded multiple consulting firms, including Dave Basarab Consulting and V.A.L.E. Consulting and LLC. Basarab has worked as chief learning officer and head of training and development for Fortune 100 companies like Motorola, Pitney Bowes, NCR and Ingersoll Rand. He has worked with clients like AT&T, The Cheesecake Factory, Ameriprise Financial, and many more. Basarab earned the Chief Learning Officer Innovator of the Year Award and helped Pitney Bowes earn a spot on the Training Magazine’s Top 100 Companies list. Basarab has developed many groundbreaking training and evaluation techniques and continues to do so with his new Mobile Business Academy. For more information, please visit www.mobilebizacademy.com.

Bonnie Buol Ruszczyk with bbr Marketing and Norbert H. Crabtree with CSP360

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Bonnie Buol Ruszczyk/bbr Marketing 

Bonnie Buol Ruszczyk is the President and Founder of bbr marketing, a firm that provides marketing strategy and services to professional services firms. By having such a narrow market, she has been able to create a name for herself and her company, and was recently named “One to Watch” by AccountingToday on their Top 100 Most Influential People of 2011. She attributes the awareness and growth of her firm to a number of things, one of the most effective has been making connections with others and actively networking among her peers. She is never hesitant to make introductions to colleagues with the hopes that they will eventually work together, refer business to each other or simply enjoy getting to know each other. She’s even been known to reach out to her competitors, and has made some lasting friendships and alliances because of this strategy. At the end of the day, she feels the good that can be done by connecting people far outweighs any negative impact. And who doesn’t enjoy meeting someone new?

Norbert H. Crabtree/CSP360

CSP360

 

Desiree Scales and Sander Biehn Interview John Lawson about Social Commerce

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John Lawson

John Lawson is the author of “Kick Ass Social Commerce for E-prenuers” and also the founder of ColderIce Media, an eCommerce education, training and consultant agency headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia and 3rd Power Outlet. John has executed more than 300,000 online transactions resulting in more than $25 million dollars in sales.

John is a true rags-to-riches fairy tale. In 2001, while enjoying professional success at Fortune 100 consulting firm, Accenture, John was enticed into the world of “flipping” real estate by a friend. “I let him use my credit to buy a house that we were never able to flip.” Now saddled with two mortgages, John began selling his IT books, printers and ink on Ebay and soon discovered that selling online was a great way to make the extra cash he needed. Thus his online business was born.

Today, Mixergy calls John Lawson a “power seller.” American Express hawks him as their “featured businessman.” Startup Nation says he’s the “savviest” in Social Media and Small Biz Trends named him “Influencer” of the year. He is an award-winning Social Media Strategist, a spokesperson for several corporations, a commercial television personality and a sought after Keynote Speaker, Trainer/Instructor and conference panelist. Find John at www.ColderICE.com.

 

Sander Biehn Interviews Marc Zionts about Emerging Technologies and Services in High Growth Markets

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Marc Zionts

Marc Zionts, a telecom executive and entrepreneur for almost three decades, focuses on developing emerging technologies and services in high growth markets. Currently, Zionts is the President & CEO of Aicent, Inc. Aicent’s innovative mobile data services build a bridge between the IP world and the wireless world, delivering powerful wireless communications services to mobile operators around the world. Previously, Zionts was the VP, Strategic Mobile Service Providers at Allot Communications. Zionts came to Allot after they acquired Ortiva Wireless where he was the President & CEO. Prior to Ortiva, Marc was the CEO of FastMobile (sold to RIM), CEO of Cantata Technology (sold to Dialogic), CEO of Westell Technologies (Nasdaq: WSTL), and Founder and EVP of Communicate Direct, Inc., (sold to Softnet). Zionts began his career with GTE and Fujitsu/GTE Business Systems, serving in various sales and marketing capacities. Zionts earned his undergraduate degree and MBA from Georgia Institute of Technology and remains active at Georgia Tech as an Alumni Mentor. Zionts is also an Independent Director for Pivot 3 based in Austin, TX and, an advisor to Allot Communications and Sckipio, both in Israel and to Vobi, also based in Austin, TX. Find Marc at www.aicent.com.

George Ishee with Millionaires by George, Larry Myricks with Corporate Challenge Network, and Dr. Richard Liposky with Dental Specialists of America

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George Ishee / Owner Linkedin

George Ishee is a sales and marketing expert and helps businesses automate their lead generation. He stumbled upon the idea of Millionairesbygeorge.com and created the system so anybody could follow a simple process and make a million dollars. Visit www.millionairesbygeorge.com for more information.

Larry Myricks / Executive Director  Linkedin Facebook

Larry Myricks, 4-Time Olympian, 1988 Olympic Bronze Medalist, is the Director of the Atlanta Corporate Challenge and the Corporate Challenge Network.

The Atlanta Corporate Challenge – is 5 weeks and 23 tournaments (sports & games) that make up the largest and most effective teambuilding, company pride and morale boosting event for businesses in the metro Atlanta area. It is “Where Work Comes to Play”.

Dr. Richard Liposky LinkedIn Twitter Facebook

Dr. Richard Liposky is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, seasoned businessman, and the president and CEO of Dental Specialists of America (DSA) — DSA works to bring outpatient oral/maxillofacial surgery and specialty services into group practices throughout the US to help them increase practice profitability and expanse patient services. Dr. Liposky personally provides surgery services at dental practices here in Atlanta, Ga.

Dr. Liposky is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. After completing a U.S. Air Force medical internship and active duty in Vietnam, he returned to complete a 5-year residency in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Presbyterian in Pittsburgh, PA.

While in private practice, he also provided surgical services to the Freedom Fighters in Central America through the International Medical Core and was a consultant to the U.S. State Department in the People to People program. Dr. Liposky has been active in professional associations, patented medical devices, and developed and implemented new surgical procedures. He is a contributing author of a textbook on facial reconstruction and has authored many professional articles.

With more than 50 years of business experience, Dr. Liposky has had the privilege of coaching new physicians, dentists, and businessmen and women in starting, developing, and growing their businesses or practices. He teaches them to integrate sound business principles with continued personal growth and innovative ideas.

His latest book, It’s Not What I Know…It’s How I Learned It, released January 2014, showcases how to start, grow, and stay in business.

Learn more about Dr. Liposky and DSA at: www.createaprofitcenter.com.

Special Edition: Dunwoody Chamber of Commerce

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Mary Jane Caldwell/Lady Jane Custom Footwear

Mary Jane Caldwell, of Atlanta, is the founder of Lady Jane Custom Footwear. Her concept of “intelligent glamour” is the company’s guiding philosophy, and is the result of years of research and development in consultation with pedorthists, podiatrists, material developers, shoe designers, and manufacturers. Her designs correct fashion heels’ most harmful flaws, while preserving and enhancing the classic elements that women have come to expect in beautiful dress shows. Currently her shoes can be custom ordered through her showroom in Primera Podiatry and Foot Spa, or through her website. Mary Jane is married to an Atlanta attorney, and travels frequently to New York City where her son is an orthopedic surgeon.

Karen Cannon/Karen Cannon Realtors

Karen Cannon is the name and the face behind the most successful independent real estate company specializing in Dunwoody, Sandy Springs and the best communities in North Atlanta.  When you meet Karen, you know right away she chose the right profession.  Her passion for her job and for her clients is immediately apparent as is the extensive knowledge she brings from 10 years of working with buyers and sellers in both up and down markets.

Whether you are looking for a realtor who will be a tough negotiator on your behalf or for one who will listen to what is important to you and guide you to the best communities and neighborhoods for your lifestyle, Karen has the experience and connections to do both.

As an expert in her field, Karen excels in strategic pricing, negotiating and in connecting buyers and sellers – often times prior to listing.  Her deep knowledge of local Atlanta communities gives her clients an edge in selling or finding the perfect home.

Karen is a lifetime member of the Multi-Million Dollar Club, a Phoenix Award recipient and a member of the Atlanta Board of Realtors.  Currently she serves as chairwoman of the Dunwoody Chamber in Heels, a subgroup of the Dunwoody Chamber of Commerce which brings together local businesswomen.   In 2011, Karen was nominated by former Dunwoody Mayor Ken Wright to the Development Impact Fee Advisory Committee.  She recently received the 2013 ACE Award from the Dunwoody Chamber of Commerce for outstanding participation and promotion of the Chamber and its goals.

Traci Sampson/Eye Graphic Design, LLC

Traci with an Eye Graphic Design, LLC was founded in 2010 and specializes in print design, illustration and branding for small to medium businesses. This includes logo, business card, and letterhead design, brochures, flyers, postcards, advertisements, invitations, billboards, posters, and signage. Traci with an Eye also designs specialty and promotional items such as shopping bag design, t-shirts, food packaging and water bottle labels, and any other promotional pieces your business requires to stand out and get noticed. We are also experienced in social media marketing including creating Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn pages, web banners, web ads, designing cover photos and icons for specialty tabs, as well as e-mail campaigns/blasts. We work with real estate agents, non-profit organizations, chambers of commerce, convention centers, retail and merchandising companies, start-ups and new businesses, law practices, and many others. Traci with an Eye Graphic Design believes in design solutions that are memorable, timeless, and can communicate efficiently and offers reasonable prices, quick turn-a-round and excellent customer service from process to completion.

Atlanta-based owner of Traci with an Eye Graphic Design, Traci Sampson, has been a graphic designer and illustrator for 15 years. She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a Drawing and Painting concentration from the University of Georgia and also attended Kennesaw State University for Graphic Design. Traci loves her neighborhood of East Atlanta Village and is a member of the East Atlanta Business Association, is a committee member of the Dunwoody Chamber in Heels, a women’s networking group that is part of the Dunwoody Chamber of Commerce, is the social media chairperson for the Atlanta Freelance Forum, as well as involved in other business and social groups.

Beth Summers/Dunwoody Chamber of Commerce 

 

 

Desiree Interviews James Ball, John Kirk and Samantha Bennett

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James Ball

James Ball co-founded TrustWorkz® after more than a decade of experience helping small business owners to integrate better tactics and strategy into their marketing efforts. As the World Wide Web became a more predominant vehicle for marketers to drive a better bottom line, his focus shifted toward leveraging the incredible power and connectivity of the internet to better meet the objectives of business through Inbound Marketing.

In early 2008 James co-founded an internet directory that was designed to help the businesses of North Georgia obtain a more visual presence online. The company was acquired in less than two years by a local media company. Of interest to many was the fact that the company marketed itself by using social media exclusively.

James is known for his expertise and success with hyper-local marketing tactics and his skill with search engine optimization (SEO).  He has achieved widespread respect and notoriety among his peers and clients as a skilled, if not counter-cultural marketing practitioner. James is always ready to speak professionally in an effort to teach others, quite candidly, the things that he has learned while pursuing his passion to help small businesses succeed.

James enjoys living in the North Georgia Mountains with his wife and daughter and a pair of beloved Boston Terriers.

Find James at trustworkz.com.

John Kirk

A recognized international executive with over 30 years experience in CEO Coaching, Corporate Strategy, Process Improvement, and Outsourcing, John Kirk is a leading authority in Global Business Management. He honed his results-oriented approach in leadership roles as a Covansys Vice President, a KPMG Partner, an IBM Corporation Principal, and a Dun & Bradstreet Software Senior Manager. Mr. Kirk has an established reputation in the field of Global Management Advisory.
John Kirk’s international background makes him uniquely qualified in his field. In his early years he lived and was educated in Europe and this experience continues to shape a deep appreciation for international cultures and the nuances of international business. His career began in HR for several manufacturing companies, where he educated himself through deep immersion into the details of business operations and developing a real-world approach to managing by walking around. Through positions as a KPMG Global Partner, IBM Global Principal, Covansys VP and Dun & Bradstreet Manager he acquired extensive experience in developing global operations, outsourcing/offshore and launching global products. In his current role as CEO and Managing Partner of J Phillip Partners he consults and provides CEO coaching for primarily Fortune 100 to Fortune 500 companies.

Find John at jppllc.com.

Samantha Bennett

Samantha Bennett is the creator of www.TheOrganizedArtistCompany.com, dedicated to helping creative people get unstuck from whatever way they’re stuck, especially by helping them focus and move forward on their goals.

She is delighted to announce the publication of her new book, “Get It Done: From Procrastination to Creative Genius in 15 Minutes a Day” from New World Library.

Originally from Chicago and now based in a tiny beach town outside of Los Angeles, Bennett offers her revolutionary “Start Right Where You Are,” “Get It Done” and “Creative Genius, CEO” Workshops, teleclasses as well as public speaking engagements and private consulting to overwhelmed procrastinators, frustrated overachievers and recovering perfectionists everywhere.

Find Samantha at theorganizedartistcompany.com.

 

 

Yasmine Jandali with Starwood Business Group, David Weisser with Creative Impressions and Kent Hill with Kent’s Country Cookies

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Yasmine Jandali/Starwood Business Group LinkedinTwitterFacebook

Yasmine began her business career in the 1990’s working for one of the largest investment banking firms in the country. Helping clients succeed in their own businesses gave Yasmine the drive to build and sell her own company. She is a business owner, entrepreneur and business intermediary who brings more than 10 years of experience to the task of structuring winning deals for the sellers and buyers of businesses.

She is an experienced business owner who founded her own chain of upscale tanning salons and played a key role in making the company a success. Under her leadership, the company consistently grew revenues and profits, and built a dedicated customer base which resulted in a profitable sale to a private investor in North Carolina. Prior to her success in the service industry, Yasmine held numerous positions in the financial service industry such as Wachovia Securities where she specialized in Currency Risk Management and Foreign Currency Exchange; managing the currency needs of Wachovia’s Latin American bank market.

In addition to well-honed business skills, Yasmine brings a strong educational background to the task of transferring businesses. She has pursued post graduate studies in Business Administration at the University of North Carolina, and holds a B.A. in Marketing from Queens University. She speaks Spanish, French and Arabic and is well versed in international business issues. Her focus on detail and in-depth understanding of the essential workings of small and large businesses provide both buyers and sellers confidence that transactions will run smoothly.

Yasmine and her team at Starwood Business Group have successfully and confidentially facilitated the sale of hundreds of businesses in the Metro Atlanta area and are ready to help you!

David Weisser/Creative Impressions

David Weisser is the owner of Creative Impressions, a design and fabrication firm that specializes in wayfinding signage and environmental graphics.

Kent Hill/Kent’s Country Cookies TwitterFacebook

As a former All-Pro NFL football player who loves to eat and recognizes the value that quality food sharing experiences have in building of relationships, Kent created an entity to help people build personal, professional and business relationships through sharing the finest quality, best tasting, all natural gourmet cookies available anywhere. Relationships are the lifeblood for creating success in life and business. What better way to enhance relationships than sharing unforgettably delicious cookies?