Session Speakers
Brian Blackwood | Simpson Strong Tie
"Critical Deck Connections for the 2018 IRC"
Brian is a Residential Dealer Sales Representative for Simpson Strong-Tie. He supports Simpson’s mission to “build stronger, safer structures” by working closely with suppliers, contractors, building officials, and engineers in North Georgia. He has been working in the construction industry since 2005 in various roles with several building products manufacturers. Brian is a member of NARI, ICC, and a certified teacher. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Auburn University in secondary education with a focus on chemical, biological, and physical sciences. Brian is a native of Marietta and currently lives in Peachtree City. He can be reached at bblackwood@strongtie.com.
"Critical Deck Connections for the 2018 IRC"
Brian is a Residential Dealer Sales Representative for Simpson Strong-Tie. He supports Simpson’s mission to “build stronger, safer structures” by working closely with suppliers, contractors, building officials, and engineers in North Georgia. He has been working in the construction industry since 2005 in various roles with several building products manufacturers. Brian is a member of NARI, ICC, and a certified teacher. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Auburn University in secondary education with a focus on chemical, biological, and physical sciences. Brian is a native of Marietta and currently lives in Peachtree City. He can be reached at bblackwood@strongtie.com.
Justin Byrd | Ranney Blair Home Renovations
"No Free Work! Charge for Your Design and Planning Services"
Justin is an Alpharetta native and graduate of The University of Alabama where he studied Hospitality Management. He spent the first 10 years of his career as a General Manager for an Atlanta hotel where he honed his skills in customer relation and managing staff. He made the transition to Ranney Blair in 2021 as a Project Developer. In his day-to-day role he is talks with prospects, sells design and planning work and manages the customer experience through contract signing.
"No Free Work! Charge for Your Design and Planning Services"
Justin is an Alpharetta native and graduate of The University of Alabama where he studied Hospitality Management. He spent the first 10 years of his career as a General Manager for an Atlanta hotel where he honed his skills in customer relation and managing staff. He made the transition to Ranney Blair in 2021 as a Project Developer. In his day-to-day role he is talks with prospects, sells design and planning work and manages the customer experience through contract signing.
Donna Davis | Pro Video Talent
"Why You Should Be Live-Streaming"
Donna Davis is a former television news reporter and anchor who has owned her own video production and marketing company since 2007. She's now using the power of live streaming to help clients reach their target audience, get television news coverage, and gain followers on social media. Donna has worked with national and local brands, including Briggs & Stratton, NARI National, NARI Atlanta, Wellstar, & Harvard University. She's produced live event videos as well as in-studio live "television-like" shows that air each month. Donna is committed to helping brands of all sizes take advantage of the immediacy, interaction, and excitement of live streaming.
"Why You Should Be Live-Streaming"
Donna Davis is a former television news reporter and anchor who has owned her own video production and marketing company since 2007. She's now using the power of live streaming to help clients reach their target audience, get television news coverage, and gain followers on social media. Donna has worked with national and local brands, including Briggs & Stratton, NARI National, NARI Atlanta, Wellstar, & Harvard University. She's produced live event videos as well as in-studio live "television-like" shows that air each month. Donna is committed to helping brands of all sizes take advantage of the immediacy, interaction, and excitement of live streaming.
Doug Howard | Remodelers Advantage
"Make a PACT for Success in 2022"
Doug Howard, Director of Consulting for Remodelers Advantage, is a leading authority on small business strategy specializing in the remodeling industry. He has helped several hundred remodeling companies to develop and implement strategies to manage growth. For more than 30 years, Doug has worked with owners of growing businesses to help them overcome challenges and develop strategies for successfully navigating growth. He does this through training, webinars, writing, facilitated meetings and one-on-one consulting. Doug is known his entertaining yet informative approach to business ideas and strategies. He likes to bring complex business concepts into clarity with real life stories and recognizable examples. He has been a speaker at IBS, NAHB, NARI, Remodelers Advantage Summit and many industry local chapter organizations. Now, he specializes in strategic planning, financing assistance, LEAN process improvement, profit enhancement and growth strategies for home remodeling companies across the US and Canada.
Doug is a graduate of the Wharton School of Business.
"Make a PACT for Success in 2022"
Doug Howard, Director of Consulting for Remodelers Advantage, is a leading authority on small business strategy specializing in the remodeling industry. He has helped several hundred remodeling companies to develop and implement strategies to manage growth. For more than 30 years, Doug has worked with owners of growing businesses to help them overcome challenges and develop strategies for successfully navigating growth. He does this through training, webinars, writing, facilitated meetings and one-on-one consulting. Doug is known his entertaining yet informative approach to business ideas and strategies. He likes to bring complex business concepts into clarity with real life stories and recognizable examples. He has been a speaker at IBS, NAHB, NARI, Remodelers Advantage Summit and many industry local chapter organizations. Now, he specializes in strategic planning, financing assistance, LEAN process improvement, profit enhancement and growth strategies for home remodeling companies across the US and Canada.
Doug is a graduate of the Wharton School of Business.
Brant Hurdelbrink | Velux
"The Future of Healthy Homes"
Brant is starting his 10th year with Velux as a territory representative covering Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi. He works with Architects, Builders, Dealers, Remodelers, and Roofers as well as homeowners presenting and educating on the benefits of daylight and fresh air through the roof.
"The Future of Healthy Homes"
Brant is starting his 10th year with Velux as a territory representative covering Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi. He works with Architects, Builders, Dealers, Remodelers, and Roofers as well as homeowners presenting and educating on the benefits of daylight and fresh air through the roof.
Frankie Jones | International Union of Painters
& Allied Trades, District Council 77
"Introduction to the IUPAT"
Frankie is a professional glazier and glass worker and currently serves as the Director of Training for the IUPAT District Council 77 Southeast.
& Allied Trades, District Council 77
"Introduction to the IUPAT"
Frankie is a professional glazier and glass worker and currently serves as the Director of Training for the IUPAT District Council 77 Southeast.
Chris Lalomia | The Home Services Institute
"Customer Service is Critical for In-Home Service Providers"
Chris is a successful entrepreneur and change leader that has built on his experience working with the largest companies in America to start his own business from scratch. He brings his unique style of leadership to build a culture of professionalism to the blue-collar world of home renovations. He left the corporate zoo and ventured into the entrepreneurial wild and started The Trusted Toolbox: Home Repair and Projects in 2008. YES, he started a business right before the Great Recession, so timing the market is not his strength. He survived through that time and has grown his business into a multimillion-dollar handyman and remodeling company which has won numerous awards in Atlanta, GA.
"Customer Service is Critical for In-Home Service Providers"
Chris is a successful entrepreneur and change leader that has built on his experience working with the largest companies in America to start his own business from scratch. He brings his unique style of leadership to build a culture of professionalism to the blue-collar world of home renovations. He left the corporate zoo and ventured into the entrepreneurial wild and started The Trusted Toolbox: Home Repair and Projects in 2008. YES, he started a business right before the Great Recession, so timing the market is not his strength. He survived through that time and has grown his business into a multimillion-dollar handyman and remodeling company which has won numerous awards in Atlanta, GA.
Peter Michelson | Alair Homes
"Monetizing Your Life's Work"
Building, Business, and building a business are in Peter’s blood. As a 4th generation construction professional, Peter grew up in the family construction business in the Boston area, and later worked as a carpenter for various remodeling companies in San Francisco and the Hudson Valley region.
In 2001, Peter combined his extensive and varied work experiences into a new endeavor: Renewal Design-Build, a Decatur-based design-build remodeling company. Peter built Renewal into one of Atlanta's premier home renovation companies, where he and his team completed hundreds of home remodeling projects, earned more than 60 awards for design, craftsmanship and customer service, and consistently ranked top 5 in the annual Atlanta Business Chronicle.
In 2018, as part of his exit plan, Peter and his business partner and brother, David, purchased the first franchise license for Alair Homes in north Georgia. Shortly thereafter, Peter and David partnered again to become the Regional Partners for Alair Homes in all of north Georgia.
As Regional Partner, Peter identifies and supports the best independent remodelers and custom home builders in North Georgia who are also looking to grow their businesses with the systems and support of Alair, while thrilling their clients and having a greater balance in their personal lives, while also providing a path toward a financially rewarding exit.
"Monetizing Your Life's Work"
Building, Business, and building a business are in Peter’s blood. As a 4th generation construction professional, Peter grew up in the family construction business in the Boston area, and later worked as a carpenter for various remodeling companies in San Francisco and the Hudson Valley region.
In 2001, Peter combined his extensive and varied work experiences into a new endeavor: Renewal Design-Build, a Decatur-based design-build remodeling company. Peter built Renewal into one of Atlanta's premier home renovation companies, where he and his team completed hundreds of home remodeling projects, earned more than 60 awards for design, craftsmanship and customer service, and consistently ranked top 5 in the annual Atlanta Business Chronicle.
In 2018, as part of his exit plan, Peter and his business partner and brother, David, purchased the first franchise license for Alair Homes in north Georgia. Shortly thereafter, Peter and David partnered again to become the Regional Partners for Alair Homes in all of north Georgia.
As Regional Partner, Peter identifies and supports the best independent remodelers and custom home builders in North Georgia who are also looking to grow their businesses with the systems and support of Alair, while thrilling their clients and having a greater balance in their personal lives, while also providing a path toward a financially rewarding exit.
Roselyn Mircio | Cox Media Group
"Atlanta Consumer Research Report 2021"
Originally from Buffalo, New York Roselyn is an Alumna of the University of New York at Buffalo graduating Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing & Advertising. She is a seasoned and successful marketing professional with experience working with small to large companies in the USA, Canada, and Italy. She makes her home in Atlanta, Georgia.
For the past 25 years Roselyn has successfully helped businesses grow revenue and profits through strategic marketing solutions. Her expertise includes Media Planning, Research, Digital & Social Media, and Campaign execution.
"Atlanta Consumer Research Report 2021"
Originally from Buffalo, New York Roselyn is an Alumna of the University of New York at Buffalo graduating Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing & Advertising. She is a seasoned and successful marketing professional with experience working with small to large companies in the USA, Canada, and Italy. She makes her home in Atlanta, Georgia.
For the past 25 years Roselyn has successfully helped businesses grow revenue and profits through strategic marketing solutions. Her expertise includes Media Planning, Research, Digital & Social Media, and Campaign execution.
Laura Morton, EA | Aprio, LLC
"Payroll, Taxes, and Accounting for Your Business"
Laura has served both the public and private sectors of tax and accounting for over 30 years. An experienced and dedicated professional, with an attention for detail and love for problem solving. She utilizes her diverse background and experience to help small businesses maintain their much needed financial, tax and payroll information so that they may succeed in this ever-changing economic environment.
Laura is a Tax Manager for Aprio LLP, a premier national CPA and business advisory firm, headquartered in Atlanta. Prior to joining Aprio, she was the owner and founder of 10 Key Solutions, a tax and accounting firm, now owned and managed by her husband Mike Morton. He has always worked in the background, so it was a natural transition. Now Laura helps from time to time in the background.
Laura has received a series of professional designations including Enrolled Agent (EA), Accredited Tax Advisor and Accredited Tax Preparer and is a member of the National Society of Accountants (NSA) and National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP).
"Payroll, Taxes, and Accounting for Your Business"
Laura has served both the public and private sectors of tax and accounting for over 30 years. An experienced and dedicated professional, with an attention for detail and love for problem solving. She utilizes her diverse background and experience to help small businesses maintain their much needed financial, tax and payroll information so that they may succeed in this ever-changing economic environment.
Laura is a Tax Manager for Aprio LLP, a premier national CPA and business advisory firm, headquartered in Atlanta. Prior to joining Aprio, she was the owner and founder of 10 Key Solutions, a tax and accounting firm, now owned and managed by her husband Mike Morton. He has always worked in the background, so it was a natural transition. Now Laura helps from time to time in the background.
Laura has received a series of professional designations including Enrolled Agent (EA), Accredited Tax Advisor and Accredited Tax Preparer and is a member of the National Society of Accountants (NSA) and National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP).
Frank Pologruto | Decks and More, Inc.
"Marketing Lessons from Decks and More "
A US Army Veteran serving from 1989 to 1995, Frank is the Founder/Owner of Decks and More. After 20 years in business the company has completed 1,000 jobs and has earned 120 awards. Frank has been a member of NARI for 18 years. Decks and More has donated over $600,000 to charitable organizations since 2010.
"Marketing Lessons from Decks and More "
A US Army Veteran serving from 1989 to 1995, Frank is the Founder/Owner of Decks and More. After 20 years in business the company has completed 1,000 jobs and has earned 120 awards. Frank has been a member of NARI for 18 years. Decks and More has donated over $600,000 to charitable organizations since 2010.
Spencer Ripley | BarrWood Cabinets
"The Value of No Outcome"
Bright Ideas - Partner - 2000-2015
President of Sales, Design Installation
Spencer has been the Sales Manager at Barrwood Cabinets since 2015. He has successfully increased revenue and client engagement as a wholesale distributor, trained industry-professional clients for success, established franchise opportunities, and designed and opened multiple showrooms throughout Georgia.
He is the recipient of the Guild Quality Customer Service award and has been selected as the Wellborn Presidential winner the past 6 years.
"The Value of No Outcome"
Bright Ideas - Partner - 2000-2015
President of Sales, Design Installation
Spencer has been the Sales Manager at Barrwood Cabinets since 2015. He has successfully increased revenue and client engagement as a wholesale distributor, trained industry-professional clients for success, established franchise opportunities, and designed and opened multiple showrooms throughout Georgia.
He is the recipient of the Guild Quality Customer Service award and has been selected as the Wellborn Presidential winner the past 6 years.
Joel Rodriguez | Gwinnett County Inspections Department
"Deep Dive: Georgia Amendments to the IRC"
"Deep Dive: Georgia Amendments to the IRC"
Mitchell Smith | Pike Consulting Group, LLC
"Understanding OSHA: for Remodelers"
Mitchell Smith is the President and Founder of PIKE Consulting Group, safety compliance management consulting firm. Mitchell has been involved in various sectors of the residential construction industry for the last 25 years and a frequent speaker at industry events. After much success as a custom home developer and consultant in Atlanta, combined with his extensive training as a certified Firefighter for over 20 years, Mitchell and his team developed compliance management solutions to meet the abundance of federal requirements for residential construction employers. With over 190 clients represented in 11 different states, PIKE continues its mission to be a partner and resource for construction employers and its clients to grow their businesses, maintain safe and adequate personnel and avoid hefty citations
"Understanding OSHA: for Remodelers"
Mitchell Smith is the President and Founder of PIKE Consulting Group, safety compliance management consulting firm. Mitchell has been involved in various sectors of the residential construction industry for the last 25 years and a frequent speaker at industry events. After much success as a custom home developer and consultant in Atlanta, combined with his extensive training as a certified Firefighter for over 20 years, Mitchell and his team developed compliance management solutions to meet the abundance of federal requirements for residential construction employers. With over 190 clients represented in 11 different states, PIKE continues its mission to be a partner and resource for construction employers and its clients to grow their businesses, maintain safe and adequate personnel and avoid hefty citations
Plamena Todorova | NARI National
"Build a Better Business with NARI Accreditation"
Plamena serves as Director of Credentialing and Education for NARI, based in Wheeling, Illinois. With over twelve years of experience building credentialing and education programs for national and international industry trade associations, her primary focus is on developing programs which assist association member companies to improve operations, increase visibility and trust with clients, and help individuals sharpen their business and technical acumen. She also manages NARI’s extensive complimentary educational offerings, designed to aid members in tackling the toughest challenges remodeling businesses face. Prior to joining NARI, she managed credentialing programs for ISSA – The Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association for seven years. Plamena is a firm believer in the benefits of professional development and has seen first-hand the tremendous impact such programs can have on individuals and businesses. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, tending her garden and various house plants, and taking care of her dog, two cats, and numerous aquariums.
"Build a Better Business with NARI Accreditation"
Plamena serves as Director of Credentialing and Education for NARI, based in Wheeling, Illinois. With over twelve years of experience building credentialing and education programs for national and international industry trade associations, her primary focus is on developing programs which assist association member companies to improve operations, increase visibility and trust with clients, and help individuals sharpen their business and technical acumen. She also manages NARI’s extensive complimentary educational offerings, designed to aid members in tackling the toughest challenges remodeling businesses face. Prior to joining NARI, she managed credentialing programs for ISSA – The Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association for seven years. Plamena is a firm believer in the benefits of professional development and has seen first-hand the tremendous impact such programs can have on individuals and businesses. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, tending her garden and various house plants, and taking care of her dog, two cats, and numerous aquariums.
