Session Speakers
Anastasia Alkema | Anastasia Alkema Architectural Photography
"Photography as your Powerful Marketing Tool"
Professional photographer since 2009 and licensed drone pilot since 2018, specializing in interior and architectural photography and serving remodeling companies, architects, builders, and interior designers. Helped my clients get published, win professional awards, and promote their business. Photographer of the Month May 2019 by photographyforrealestate.net
"Photography as your Powerful Marketing Tool"
Professional photographer since 2009 and licensed drone pilot since 2018, specializing in interior and architectural photography and serving remodeling companies, architects, builders, and interior designers. Helped my clients get published, win professional awards, and promote their business. Photographer of the Month May 2019 by photographyforrealestate.net
Donna Davis | Pro Video Talent
"Positioning Yourself As A Consultative Expert"
Donna Davis is the owner of Pro Video Talent - a marketing, video, and live streaming company. She's done websites, full service marketing, events, public relations, and video production for some of the city's top remodelers and builder, produced her own television show and did all the public relations for the Atlanta Holiday House, a showhome that raised $200k for charity and was featured on WSB-TV, Fox 5 News, 11 Alive News, and Atlanta News First and in the AJC. Donna's knowledge of media and marketing stems from her 20 years as a tv news anchor and reporter.
Since starting her own company in 2006, Donna quickly learned how to utilize reviews, content, and media links to earn first page Google results nationally for the term "Video Production Companies". She's helped numerous remodeling companies create compelling videos that rank well in searches and create value on her client's website. Her videos, articles, and website copy help her clients define their story and brand which builds stronger connections with former clients and new prospects.
"Positioning Yourself As A Consultative Expert"
Donna Davis is the owner of Pro Video Talent - a marketing, video, and live streaming company. She's done websites, full service marketing, events, public relations, and video production for some of the city's top remodelers and builder, produced her own television show and did all the public relations for the Atlanta Holiday House, a showhome that raised $200k for charity and was featured on WSB-TV, Fox 5 News, 11 Alive News, and Atlanta News First and in the AJC. Donna's knowledge of media and marketing stems from her 20 years as a tv news anchor and reporter.
Since starting her own company in 2006, Donna quickly learned how to utilize reviews, content, and media links to earn first page Google results nationally for the term "Video Production Companies". She's helped numerous remodeling companies create compelling videos that rank well in searches and create value on her client's website. Her videos, articles, and website copy help her clients define their story and brand which builds stronger connections with former clients and new prospects.
Will Downs| Downs Law, LLC
"A Litigator's Guide to Resolving Client Disputes"
Will is originally from West Point, GA. After completing a journalism degree from The University of Georgia and working for several years in Atlanta at CNN/Sports Illustrated, he decided to switch gears and attend law school, obtaining his J.D. from Vanderbilt University. Beyond his time spent at the firm, Will contributes to the greater Atlanta community by serving on the State Bar of Georgia’s Access to Justice Committee and on the ACLU of Georgia’s Legal Committee. He volunteers his time with the Georgia Innocence Project and has been a member of the Lawyer’s Club of Atlanta, the Atlanta Bar Association, and the Dekalb County Bar Association.
"A Litigator's Guide to Resolving Client Disputes"
Will is originally from West Point, GA. After completing a journalism degree from The University of Georgia and working for several years in Atlanta at CNN/Sports Illustrated, he decided to switch gears and attend law school, obtaining his J.D. from Vanderbilt University. Beyond his time spent at the firm, Will contributes to the greater Atlanta community by serving on the State Bar of Georgia’s Access to Justice Committee and on the ACLU of Georgia’s Legal Committee. He volunteers his time with the Georgia Innocence Project and has been a member of the Lawyer’s Club of Atlanta, the Atlanta Bar Association, and the Dekalb County Bar Association.
Stan Garnet | Inspectors Associates, Inc.
"Deck Building, the Good, the Bad and the Ugly. How to Build a Code Compliant Deck"
Stan is CEO of Inspectors Associates, Inc. a residential and commercial property inspection business and the creative force behind the SEE-THRU HOUSE™ exhibit that was a featured exhibit of the Atlanta Home Show. Stan, a former PR director and 7 year past member of GAHI, The Georgia Association of Home Inspectors, a former PR director for ASHI Georgia and the past PR Chair for ASHI National, holds a teaching certificate from Lakeshore Teachers College, Toronto Canada. Stan’s Inspection business is licensed in the City of Roswell and he is a Georgia State licensed contractor. His specialty is building decks and screened porches and full remodeling. He presents code classes on deck building codes to County Inspector organizations and independent inspector associations. He operates and is an owner of Builders America, Inc.
"Deck Building, the Good, the Bad and the Ugly. How to Build a Code Compliant Deck"
Stan is CEO of Inspectors Associates, Inc. a residential and commercial property inspection business and the creative force behind the SEE-THRU HOUSE™ exhibit that was a featured exhibit of the Atlanta Home Show. Stan, a former PR director and 7 year past member of GAHI, The Georgia Association of Home Inspectors, a former PR director for ASHI Georgia and the past PR Chair for ASHI National, holds a teaching certificate from Lakeshore Teachers College, Toronto Canada. Stan’s Inspection business is licensed in the City of Roswell and he is a Georgia State licensed contractor. His specialty is building decks and screened porches and full remodeling. He presents code classes on deck building codes to County Inspector organizations and independent inspector associations. He operates and is an owner of Builders America, Inc.
Rick Goldstein | MOSIAC Design + Build
"The Project Development Process - Why Do You Need One?"
Rick entered this industry as a Registered Architect and now has more than 30 years of practical design and construction experience under his belt. Working as a carpenter for several years, he went straight from the drawing board to physically building these same projects, which taught him an enormous amount about the industry, and ultimately helped him to become a better Architect and builder. Now, as a business owner, he finds great pride mentoring and coaching his team to reflect the high level of service, craftsmanship and design that has been a hallmark of our company for so many years.
"The Project Development Process - Why Do You Need One?"
Rick entered this industry as a Registered Architect and now has more than 30 years of practical design and construction experience under his belt. Working as a carpenter for several years, he went straight from the drawing board to physically building these same projects, which taught him an enormous amount about the industry, and ultimately helped him to become a better Architect and builder. Now, as a business owner, he finds great pride mentoring and coaching his team to reflect the high level of service, craftsmanship and design that has been a hallmark of our company for so many years.
Brant Hurdelbrink | Velux
"Remodeling with Skylights: Improving a Home's Health and Energy Efficiency"
Brant Hurdelbrink is starting his 13th year with Velux as a Territory Representative covering Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi. He works directly with Homeowners, Architects, Builders, Remodelers, and Roofers plus their suppliers. Consulting and Educating on the benefits of daylight and fresh air thru skylights. As an Atlanta native, Brant graduated from Georgia Southern and prior to a long career in the Building Materials industry was a rural HS Social Studies teacher and basketball coach.
"Remodeling with Skylights: Improving a Home's Health and Energy Efficiency"
Brant Hurdelbrink is starting his 13th year with Velux as a Territory Representative covering Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi. He works directly with Homeowners, Architects, Builders, Remodelers, and Roofers plus their suppliers. Consulting and Educating on the benefits of daylight and fresh air thru skylights. As an Atlanta native, Brant graduated from Georgia Southern and prior to a long career in the Building Materials industry was a rural HS Social Studies teacher and basketball coach.
Debbie Killeen | Sub- Zero
"Specifying High Performing Ventilation for Luxury Kitchens"
"Specifying High Performing Ventilation for Luxury Kitchens"
Jeff Lovejoy | ActionCOACH
"Want to Significantly Increase Your Close Rate? Here's How"
For the past 16 years Jeff has worked with business owners to overcome the challenges they encounter in growing their businesses--working with successful owners whose businesses have recently plateaued and they don't know why, teaching business owners how to spend less time working IN their businesses and more time working ON their businesses, while increasing their leisure time.
Prior to owning an ActionCOACH franchise, Jeff was a Senior Vice President with Wachovia Bank for 5 years and before that with Bank of America and predecessor banks for 20 years, primarily running teams that supported the division's marketing and sales efforts.
Jeff has an MBA in Finance from George Washington University and an undergraduate degree in History and Political Science from Principia College.
"Want to Significantly Increase Your Close Rate? Here's How"
For the past 16 years Jeff has worked with business owners to overcome the challenges they encounter in growing their businesses--working with successful owners whose businesses have recently plateaued and they don't know why, teaching business owners how to spend less time working IN their businesses and more time working ON their businesses, while increasing their leisure time.
Prior to owning an ActionCOACH franchise, Jeff was a Senior Vice President with Wachovia Bank for 5 years and before that with Bank of America and predecessor banks for 20 years, primarily running teams that supported the division's marketing and sales efforts.
Jeff has an MBA in Finance from George Washington University and an undergraduate degree in History and Political Science from Principia College.
James Medina | Noble Company
"Going Curbless"
"Hit the Deck"
James' background in construction stems from over 30 years in the industry. He started out as a contractor and worked with general contractors as a Project Coordinator and Project Manager. In 2004, while working for Wynn Design and realizing that flooring was his true passion, Jim earned his certification in Flooring Forensics. This gave him a different outlook on every project and approach to installations. This unique insight of why floors fail in residential, commercial, and hospitality helped Jim to analyze and solve some of the most perplexing failures. His mission is to educate design professionals on the current and future approaches to the changes in the industry and to find out the answers to why installations fail.
"Going Curbless"
"Hit the Deck"
James' background in construction stems from over 30 years in the industry. He started out as a contractor and worked with general contractors as a Project Coordinator and Project Manager. In 2004, while working for Wynn Design and realizing that flooring was his true passion, Jim earned his certification in Flooring Forensics. This gave him a different outlook on every project and approach to installations. This unique insight of why floors fail in residential, commercial, and hospitality helped Jim to analyze and solve some of the most perplexing failures. His mission is to educate design professionals on the current and future approaches to the changes in the industry and to find out the answers to why installations fail.
Farrell Middleton | The Bell Cure of Life
"Storefront, Showroom, Manufacturing Facility"
Farrell is a 1986 Honor Graduate form Georgia Tech with a degree in Building Construction. Upon graduation, he entered the homebuilding industry in Atlanta and enjoyed a very successfiul 36 year career in which he worked for several volume builders. Over those years, he was involved in some form or fashion in building about 10,000 homes.
In early 2022, Farrell embarked on my long awaited second career as a teacher, coach, mentor, and speaker. The Bell Curve of Life is his custom program, the content relates to circumstances that people find themselves in on a routine basis, both personally and professionally. His goal is to work with business owners and leaders to help create healthy professional environments that will enhance productivity, strengthen employee engagement and retention, and improve customer service - both internal and external. This is accomplished by focusing on positive attitudes, healthy relationship building, interpersonal relationship skills, and problem solving abilities.
"Storefront, Showroom, Manufacturing Facility"
Farrell is a 1986 Honor Graduate form Georgia Tech with a degree in Building Construction. Upon graduation, he entered the homebuilding industry in Atlanta and enjoyed a very successfiul 36 year career in which he worked for several volume builders. Over those years, he was involved in some form or fashion in building about 10,000 homes.
In early 2022, Farrell embarked on my long awaited second career as a teacher, coach, mentor, and speaker. The Bell Curve of Life is his custom program, the content relates to circumstances that people find themselves in on a routine basis, both personally and professionally. His goal is to work with business owners and leaders to help create healthy professional environments that will enhance productivity, strengthen employee engagement and retention, and improve customer service - both internal and external. This is accomplished by focusing on positive attitudes, healthy relationship building, interpersonal relationship skills, and problem solving abilities.
Gabrielle Mills | Sourced.
"Accounting Best Practices for Remodeling and Construction"
"Accounting Best Practices for Remodeling and Construction"
Larry Oxenham | American Society for Asset Protection
"Don’t Kill your Golden Goose--Protect & Perpetuate your Business"
Larry Oxenham is one of America’s top asset protection experts, having helped thousands of professionals achieve financial peace of mind by teaching them how to properly structure their assets for lawsuit protection and tax reduction. He has authored and co-authored several articles and books on the subject including The Asset Protection Bible and How to Achieve Financial Peace of Mind through Asset Protection. His career has been credited with helping thousands of people save millions of dollars. Larry Oxenham is a nationally recognized speaker who has trained thousands of professionals at hundreds of conventions, conferences and seminars across the country.
"Don’t Kill your Golden Goose--Protect & Perpetuate your Business"
Larry Oxenham is one of America’s top asset protection experts, having helped thousands of professionals achieve financial peace of mind by teaching them how to properly structure their assets for lawsuit protection and tax reduction. He has authored and co-authored several articles and books on the subject including The Asset Protection Bible and How to Achieve Financial Peace of Mind through Asset Protection. His career has been credited with helping thousands of people save millions of dollars. Larry Oxenham is a nationally recognized speaker who has trained thousands of professionals at hundreds of conventions, conferences and seminars across the country.
Spencer Ripley | Barrwood Cabinets
"Creating Your Sales Story"
Spencer started his journey at the age of 21 in the industry over 27 years ago at a local lumber yard as an outside sales representative. After 3 years at Mickey's Lumber Supply, 9/11 happened and he was laid off. His father who was retired at the time and a carpenter by hobby asked him if he would be interested in starting a cabinet company in Roswell, Ga. They thrived for over 15 years as Bright Ideas Cabinets offering cabinets to builders, remodelers, designers and homeowners around the Southeast. Our services were design, supply and install. In 2013, Spencer's father passed away and his wife was pregnant with their first child. Trying to do everything myself with no sleep, he closed the family business and merged with Barrwood Cabinets who at the time was our Wellborn cabinet supplier. Spencer's position was the only outside sales representative and he was responsible for customer retention, new customer onboarding, customer product training and all marketing. They were able to grow Barrwood Cabinets into a multi-million dollar cabinet distributor along with selling location partnerships to their top customers. The biggest reward has been seeing the huge success our customers have receive through the continued training sessions they offer. When not working Spencer loves spending time with his wife and 2 young boys--either at the ball fields or a fishing pond. Always outdoors is their motto.
"Creating Your Sales Story"
Spencer started his journey at the age of 21 in the industry over 27 years ago at a local lumber yard as an outside sales representative. After 3 years at Mickey's Lumber Supply, 9/11 happened and he was laid off. His father who was retired at the time and a carpenter by hobby asked him if he would be interested in starting a cabinet company in Roswell, Ga. They thrived for over 15 years as Bright Ideas Cabinets offering cabinets to builders, remodelers, designers and homeowners around the Southeast. Our services were design, supply and install. In 2013, Spencer's father passed away and his wife was pregnant with their first child. Trying to do everything myself with no sleep, he closed the family business and merged with Barrwood Cabinets who at the time was our Wellborn cabinet supplier. Spencer's position was the only outside sales representative and he was responsible for customer retention, new customer onboarding, customer product training and all marketing. They were able to grow Barrwood Cabinets into a multi-million dollar cabinet distributor along with selling location partnerships to their top customers. The biggest reward has been seeing the huge success our customers have receive through the continued training sessions they offer. When not working Spencer loves spending time with his wife and 2 young boys--either at the ball fields or a fishing pond. Always outdoors is their motto.
Todd Smith | Todd Smith Consulting / Royce Joseph Capital LLC
"Goals are Great...Goals With a Plan are Even Greater"
Todd Smith is a seasoned business owner, having owned several businesses during his career. Currently, he is the founder and owner of Royce Joseph Capital LLC/ Todd Smith Consulting. The businesses provide strategies on how companies can grow, expand, and operate more effectively and efficiently and, when required, secure the necessary funding for growth and expansion.
Throughout the years, Mr. Smith has provided consulting services to not-for-profits, manufacturing firms, medical practices, internet companies, contracting firms, and franchises. In addition has been responsible for facilitating the funding of hotels, both existing and ground-up construction, c-stores, gas stations, farms, manufacturers, franchises, apartment buildings, and contracting companies.
"Goals are Great...Goals With a Plan are Even Greater"
Todd Smith is a seasoned business owner, having owned several businesses during his career. Currently, he is the founder and owner of Royce Joseph Capital LLC/ Todd Smith Consulting. The businesses provide strategies on how companies can grow, expand, and operate more effectively and efficiently and, when required, secure the necessary funding for growth and expansion.
Throughout the years, Mr. Smith has provided consulting services to not-for-profits, manufacturing firms, medical practices, internet companies, contracting firms, and franchises. In addition has been responsible for facilitating the funding of hotels, both existing and ground-up construction, c-stores, gas stations, farms, manufacturers, franchises, apartment buildings, and contracting companies.
Miles Welch | North Star Training Solutions
"Resolving Underperformance on your Team"
Founder of North Star Training Solutions; Miles is leadership expert with a passion for helping business owners build their leadership bench and develop their leadership potential.
He has impacted thousands of executives, entrepreneurs and business owners through his speaking and coaching as well as the industry leading developmental programming he has designed.
His varied leadership assignments include being a Platoon Sergeant in the Marines, pastoring one of the largest churches in the United States, serving as the Executive Director of the John Maxwell Leadership Center and launching 2 successful businesses.
He and his family live in the Atlanta area.
"Resolving Underperformance on your Team"
Founder of North Star Training Solutions; Miles is leadership expert with a passion for helping business owners build their leadership bench and develop their leadership potential.
He has impacted thousands of executives, entrepreneurs and business owners through his speaking and coaching as well as the industry leading developmental programming he has designed.
His varied leadership assignments include being a Platoon Sergeant in the Marines, pastoring one of the largest churches in the United States, serving as the Executive Director of the John Maxwell Leadership Center and launching 2 successful businesses.
He and his family live in the Atlanta area.
Stephen Wheeler | Remodelers Advantage, Inc.
"The End of the Job IS the Job! - Avoid the Never Ending Punchlist"
Steve Wheeler is an experienced sales executive and business consultant with a passion for helping business owners achieve growth and success in their remodeling business. Steve is in the constant pursuit of helping Remodelers earn more, work less, period. As the Executive Director of Roundtables for Remodelers Advantage, Steve is responsible for new membership sales and enhancing the Roundtables member experience to help them reach their financial and personal goals. Prior to joining R/A, Steve spent 12 years as a remodeling business owner in Delaware. In addition to leading the membership for Remodelers Advantage, Steve has been the Co-host of The Tim Faller Show, a weekly podcast focused on “Improving The Bottom Line Through Production Training…”
"The End of the Job IS the Job! - Avoid the Never Ending Punchlist"
Steve Wheeler is an experienced sales executive and business consultant with a passion for helping business owners achieve growth and success in their remodeling business. Steve is in the constant pursuit of helping Remodelers earn more, work less, period. As the Executive Director of Roundtables for Remodelers Advantage, Steve is responsible for new membership sales and enhancing the Roundtables member experience to help them reach their financial and personal goals. Prior to joining R/A, Steve spent 12 years as a remodeling business owner in Delaware. In addition to leading the membership for Remodelers Advantage, Steve has been the Co-host of The Tim Faller Show, a weekly podcast focused on “Improving The Bottom Line Through Production Training…”
Greg Woleck | Remodelers Advantage, Inc.
"Zero Punchlist - Industry Unicorn or Industry Goal"
"Leadership Essentials for Production Managers"
Greg is a Production Consultant with Remodelers Advantage. He started as a bags-on career carpenter and evolved into management, first as a Lead Carpenter and then learning production management through site supervision, project management, sales, and estimating. His most recent experience has allowed me the great opportunity to work with other companies as a consultant, share my experience, and be their resource to help make their processes and systems better.
He enjoys learning about emerging technologies for the residential construction world, as well as being up to date in building science and construction best practices.
"Zero Punchlist - Industry Unicorn or Industry Goal"
"Leadership Essentials for Production Managers"
Greg is a Production Consultant with Remodelers Advantage. He started as a bags-on career carpenter and evolved into management, first as a Lead Carpenter and then learning production management through site supervision, project management, sales, and estimating. His most recent experience has allowed me the great opportunity to work with other companies as a consultant, share my experience, and be their resource to help make their processes and systems better.
He enjoys learning about emerging technologies for the residential construction world, as well as being up to date in building science and construction best practices.
Radhika Vydianathan| Kalaa Chakra Interiors
"Design Panel"
Founder & Principal Designer of Kalaa Chakra Interiors, Radhika holds a Bachelor's in Interior Design from SCAD Atlanta and a Bachelor’s in Finance, blending expertise in both design and business. Her skills were further refined through work in Atlanta before an opportunity led her Singapore, where she worked on large-scale hospitality projects. In 2017, she founded Kalaa Chakra and, through her expertise, Kalaa Chakra Interiors creates distinctive, visually stunning spaces that celebrate individuality, embrace comfort, and evoke delightful nostalgia.
Radhika's work has been featured in publications such as Modern Luxury Interiors, Elle Décor, Charish, Nest Magazine and Voyage ATL.
"Design Panel"
Founder & Principal Designer of Kalaa Chakra Interiors, Radhika holds a Bachelor's in Interior Design from SCAD Atlanta and a Bachelor’s in Finance, blending expertise in both design and business. Her skills were further refined through work in Atlanta before an opportunity led her Singapore, where she worked on large-scale hospitality projects. In 2017, she founded Kalaa Chakra and, through her expertise, Kalaa Chakra Interiors creates distinctive, visually stunning spaces that celebrate individuality, embrace comfort, and evoke delightful nostalgia.
Radhika's work has been featured in publications such as Modern Luxury Interiors, Elle Décor, Charish, Nest Magazine and Voyage ATL.
Steve Young | Young and Associates
"Going Curbless"
"Hit the Deck"
Steve Young received his BS Ed from Georgia Southern University. With now more than forty-five years of experience as a construction consultant within the field of ceramic and modular stone tile, Mr. Young has worked with the Tile Council of North America and the Ceramic Tile Institute as well as for firms such as ProCon International. He has also served as a technical representative for many of the Tile Industry’s major product manufacturers. He has served as an NTCA Technical Committee member for more than thirty-five years. In 2016, he was chosen for the NTCA “Tile Person of the Year” award. He has also served as the technical director for the Atlanta chapter of CSI.
"Going Curbless"
"Hit the Deck"
Steve Young received his BS Ed from Georgia Southern University. With now more than forty-five years of experience as a construction consultant within the field of ceramic and modular stone tile, Mr. Young has worked with the Tile Council of North America and the Ceramic Tile Institute as well as for firms such as ProCon International. He has also served as a technical representative for many of the Tile Industry’s major product manufacturers. He has served as an NTCA Technical Committee member for more than thirty-five years. In 2016, he was chosen for the NTCA “Tile Person of the Year” award. He has also served as the technical director for the Atlanta chapter of CSI.