Paces Properties, a commercial real estate developer, has been making an impact on the Atlanta-area landscape since 1972. They create new landmarks and revitalize old ones, and foster community with retail, restaurant, office, and residential properties. David shares the stories behind their acclaimed projects, including Vinings Jubilee, Krog Street Market, and Atlanta Dairies.

David Cochran, President & CEO of Paces Properties

Jon Waterhouse is joined by Cindy Richards, founder of Best Nest Senior Advisors, and Rob Stearns, a family advisor for the company. Best Nest Senior Advisors uses its expertise and market knowledge to help clients navigate the overwhelming process of senior living options. They explain how their business works, the definition of a senior advisor and a placement company, and a whole lot more.

Cindy Richards, founder, and Rob Stearns, family advisor, Best Nest Senior Advisors

Tara and her Atlanta-based 360 Media have been specializing in entertainment, lifestyle, and hospitality public relations and marketing for 26 years. Additionally, 360 Media handles special event development, planning, and management. In 2021, 360 Media was ranked among America’s Best PR Agencies in Forbes. Tara chats with Jon Waterhouse about how she started her business, her secret to a successful start-up, how her business has grown alongside Atlanta, and much more.

Tara Murphy, founder of 360 Media

Alpern’s Atlanta-based financial planning company uses qualified CPA advisors to assist investment clients in establishing and achieving personal financial income, retirement, estate, and wealth planning objectives. Additionally, they provide tax planning strategies regarding wealth management, as well as personal investment strategies. So this long-time entrepreneur has a lot to say about the current inflationary period we’re going through. He talks about that and more, including the importance of generating income in retirement, the five ways to bulletproof a financial plan, and why you should rebalance your investments.

Woody Alpern, president of CPA Wealth Advisors

Of course, the pandemic has affected all of our lives, and businesses have been facing a myriad of challenges for the past two years. But help is out there. This week’s guests specialize in helping businesses receive financial assistance, which can be a substantial lifeline. Jorns ERC, a division of Jorns & Associates, works with small businesses to help them get funding, specifically an Employee Retention Credit, which is a tax credit program that’s part of the CARES Act. Tony Swantek and Stephanie Wood talk with Jon Waterhouse about how the ERC process works and so much more.

Tony Swantek, founder, and Stephanie Wood, senior associate, Jorns & Associates

As the film “Elvis” arrives in cinemas worldwide, we take the opportunity to talk about the business of Elvis Presley, one of the most recognized and celebrated entertainers of all time. Alicia Dean is a marketing, promotion, and events specialist for Elvis Presley Enterprises and Graceland, the Memphis, Tenn.-based tourist attraction. Since opening for tours in 1982, Graceland has welcomed more than 22 million visitors from around the world.  Later in the program, five-time world champion Elvis Presley tribute artist Dwight Icenhower (@dicenhower.eta) joins the show. In addition to managing his own career, Dwight won the 2016 Elvis Presley Enterprises Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest, appeared in an Apple commercial in 2018, and continues to perform around the world. Jon Waterhouse chats with Alicia and Dwight about the new film, what’s happening at Graceland, tribute artists, Elvis world, and much more.

Alicia Dean, Elvis Presley Enterprises/Graceland, and Dwight Icenhower, Elvis Presley tribute artist

When it comes to mortgage lending, no one knows more than the experts at Milend. Their award-winning services date back to 1995 and continue to help clients find mortgages that best meet their needs. With Milend, clients have access to quality advice and affordable loan options. On this episode, Sean Rabideaux, senior vice president, and Jessica Powers, senior loan consultant, share their insights and expertise in the mortgage lending industry with host Jon Waterhouse.

Sean Rabideaux, senior vice president, and Jessica Powers, senior loan consultant, Milend

This week on the program we’re stepping into the big top, taking a look at Cirque du Soleil, a Canadian entertainment company and the largest contemporary circus producer in the world. Host Jon Waterhouse talks with Zoe Caldwell, Senior Tour Director of Kurios, the Cirque du Soleil production currently in Atlanta at Atlantic Station through December 24. Zoe oversees all tour operations for Cirque du Soleil’s Kurios, including Travel and Lodging, Immigration, Kitchen, IT, Human Resources and more. She explains her management style, how Cirque du Soleil bounced back after a pandemic hiatus, and how Cirque du Soleil continues to redefine the circus.

Zoe Caldwell, Senior Tour Director, Kurios, Cirque du Soleil

Lenz On Business often explores the business of healthcare and its many forms. This week’s guest knows that business extremely well, including the mechanics of leading a company that successfully helps others and how to persevere in the face of adversity. The Atlanta-based LifeBrite operates LifeBrite Laboratories, which provides clinical testing services to healthcare organizations, physician practices, pain management clinics, addiction clinics, and employers nationwide. Another division of the company, LifeBrite Hospital Group, owns and operates a rural hospital in Danbury, NC, bringing much needed care to a community in need. Fletcher talks about these and other aspects of his business, including the challenges of overcoming a business-related lawsuit and how he emerged victorious on the other side.

Christian Fletcher, CEO of LifeBrite

The TOUR Championship, one of professional golf’s most high profile events, is the grand finale of the FedExCup Playoffs and PGA TOUR season, featuring the top 30 players in the FedExCup standings. They’ll be battling it out August 23-27 at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta for the PGA TOUR’s Ultimate Prize – the FedExCup. Urban talks to us about the event’s charitable side, and how it continues to benefit the surrounding community and metro Atlanta at large. Since first being played at East Lake in 1998, the TOUR Championship has given back more than $48 million to charity – including a record $5.5 million from the 2022 event. Event volunteers help enable the TOUR Championship to make these contributions, and one of the sponsors supporting the TOUR Championship’s volunteers is Georgia Urology, the largest urology practice in Georgia. Dr. Hal Scherz of Georgia Urology discusses the importance of community engagement, giving back, healthcare marketing, and much more.

Alex Urban, Executive Director, PGA TOUR and Dr. Hal Scherz, Managing Partner, Georgia Urology

Business careers often take unorthodox turns, and this week’s guest went from playing soccer in sports arenas to booking concerts in them. After a professional soccer career in the U.K., Andy found his way to Atlanta where eventually began working for legendary concert promoter, Alex Cooley. Cooley took Andy under his wing, and later on Andy became talent booker at the iconic Decatur venue Eddie’s Attic, which Cooley co-owned at the time. After Cooley’s passing in 2015, Hingley became co-owner of Eddie’s Attic. Today, Andy not only runs Eddie’s Attic, but he also books talent for Live Nation, a multinational entertainment company. He books shows of all sizes in Atlanta and Southeast. From Luke Combs to Lizzo to Ween to Sturgill Simpson. Andy returns to the program to talk about the challenges of operating a club like Eddie’s Attic, how the pandemic has changed the live music business, his foray into artist management, and much more.

Andy Hingley, co-owner of Eddie’s Attic and talent booker at Live Nation

This week on the program we’ll be taking a look at a unique fitness business with an inspiring nonprofit model. Nick Johnson is founder and head coach of CrossFit Liminal, a nonprofit gym in Clarkston, Georgia. Clarkston is known for its refugee population, and CrossFit Liminal is designed to provide services for that community. In addition to regular gym memberships, CrossFit Liminal raises funds to make its services accessible, primarily to Clarkston-area refugees. Additionally, it’s free for youth. In addition to CrossFit Classes, Nutrition Coaching and Education, Personal Training, Yoga and more, CrossFit Liminal offers refugee specific programs. You can learn more at CrossFitLiminal.com.

Nick Johnson, founder and head coach, CrossFit Liminal

Andy Hingley, co-owner of Eddie's Attic and talent booker at Live Nation

Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group, a Canadian company and the largest contemporary circus producer in the world, currently has nearly 4,000 employees representing 80 nationalities. It's currently presenting more than 45 shows and sells more than 9.5 million tickets annually. Stéphane joined Cirque du Soleil in 2016 as Chief Financial Officer and later served as Chief Operating Officer. He was promoted to CEO in 2021, and he has navigated the company through a challenging transition, while retaining its esteemed brand reputation and success in the world of live entertainment. Stéphane discusses his business philosophy, how Cirque du Soleil faced pandemic-related business challenges, the future of the brand, and other intriguing topics. Cirque du Soleil Echo is now playing at Atlantic Station Atlanta through January 21, 2024.

Cirque Du Soleil

Family businesses are an American tradition, and this week’s guest has a unique perspective of the concept. Sue left a corporate recruiting role after 20 years to join her husband in running Plumb Works, the family business. She talks about the transition, the unique challenges, and the opportunities she’s experienced since she began this role 18 months ago. One of the city’s leading plumbing companies, PlumbWorks has been in business since 1989. The company proudly bears an A-plus rating from the Better Business Bureau. They specialize in an exhaustive amount of plumbing repair, maintenance and installation services. Everything from emergency plumbing and commercial services to drain cleaning, sewer line and water heaters. Plumb Works even has its own free, how-to online video course. Plumb Works Academy teaches simple plumbing maintenance and repair tips. You can visit plumbworksacademy.com to learn more. And you can learn more about PlumbWorks at plumbworksinc.com.

Sue Sabol, co-owner, Plumb Works

Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group, a Canadian company and the largest contemporary circus producer in the world, currently has nearly 4,000 employees representing 80 nationalities. It’s currently presenting more than 45 shows and sells more than 9.5 million tickets annually. Stéphane joined Cirque du Soleil in 2016 as Chief Financial Officer and later served as Chief Operating Officer. He was promoted to CEO in 2021, and he has navigated the company through a challenging transition, while retaining its esteemed brand reputation and success in the world of live entertainment. Stéphane discusses his business philosophy, how Cirque du Soleil faced pandemic-related business challenges, the future of the brand, and other intriguing topics. Cirque du Soleil Echo is now playing at Atlantic Station Atlanta through January 21.

Stéphane Lefebvre, President and CEO of Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group

Jeff Patterson, President, Phoenix Parking Solutions

Jon Wollenzien, CEO of YourTown Health

City of Brookhaven, one of metro Atlanta’s most vibrant and diverse communities, has seen great growth in recent years. Since becoming a municipality in 2012, it has made incredible strides in many areas, from public safety to infrastructure. A major win that continues for Brookhaven is its community engagement, especially its annual Brookhaven Cherry Blossom Festival, which returns March 23-24.

John Ernst, Brookhaven Cherry Blossom Festival

Meisa Salaita and Jordan Rose, co-executive directors and co-founders, Science ATL

Jerome Sabol, owner and president, Plumb Works

Joann Cebulski, Alicia Cardillo, and Patricia Pichado, Seed & Feed Marching Abominable

Amplify leaders: Mike Killeen, Christine Mahin, and Drew Robinson

Doug Warner and Josh Rossmeisl of Your 3rd Spot

Raphael Holloway of the Gateway Center and Diane Capriola of Decatur Children's Book Festival

Neal Idnani, co-founder and CEO, and Samir Idnani, co-founder and CFO,  NaanStop

About a decade ago, this week’s guest and a partner started a home improvements business from the ground floor up, pun intended. Steve Woods and Jim Marino began Pinnacle Home Improvements by going door-to-door selling roofs and gutter systems. Today Pinnacle not only operates out of Atlanta, but also has branches in Knoxville and Nashville, Tennessee. Steve visits the WSB studio and tells guest host Jon Waterhouse the secret to his success, management and sales force tips, and what it was like participating on the TV program “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.”

Steve Woods, co-founder of Pinnacle Home Improvements

Atlantic Station, the 138-acre, multi-use development in Midtown Atlanta, continues to be one of the city’s most high-profile areas for living, working, and playing. Responsible for Atlantic Station’s retail leasing, Nick Garzia has his hand in the property’s huge transformation. In fact, he says Atlantic Station will change more in the next 18 months than it has in the past decade. On this week’s show, Nick joins Richard to discuss Atlantic Station’s growth and expansion, the future of retail in America, and more.

Nick Garzia, Southeast Director of Retail Leasing for Hines, including Atlantic Station

Producer Jon Waterhouse takes listeners on a special road trip edition of “Lenz on Business” to Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. Jon chats with Jeff James, Vice President and General Manager of Disney Institute. Disney Institute is the professional development and business advisory arm of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. Jeff explains how Disney Institute helps business professionals learn the Disney approach to customer experience by sharing the company’s business insights on leadership, employee engagement and service. And Jeff shares some of the business secrets behind the magic.

Jeff James, Vice President and General Manager, Disney Institute

This week we welcome a timely return visit from Nicole Moore from the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. As director of education for the Atlanta-based Center, Nicole shares her unique perspective on several topics, including its history, how operations have changed during COVID-19, the Center’s Campaign for Equal Dignity, and how it’s more than a museum. She’ll also inform listeners on ways we can help the National Center for Civil and Human Rights foster change regarding social injustice.

Nicole Moore, Director of Education, The National Center for Civil and Human Rights

As the recently-named CEO of the largest urology practice in Georgia, Dan didn’t take the typical path to the CEO chair. He brings nearly 25 years of law practice and human resources experience to the table. How will this give him a unique perspective? Dan talks about this and other topics, from medical distancing during COVID-19 to team building and employee retention.

Dan Fellner, CEO of Georgia Urology

Each week, host Richard J. Lenz—founder, president, and CEO of Lenz Marketing—speaks with Atlanta’s business leaders to explore their inspiring stories, lessons learned, and tips for growth and success. From big business execs to indie entrepreneurs, these guests not only share their practical secrets, but also unveil the personalities behind the careers. 

Lenz on Business is Presented by Georgia College's J. Whitney Bunting College of Business.  Listen live on Saturday nights at 6 on News 95.5, AM 750 WSB, and WSBRadio.com. 

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