Atlanta Business Radio

In this episode of Atlanta Business Radio, Lee Kantor interviews Michael Anton, CEO and co-founder of Huper, an AI-driven knowledge management platform. Michael explains how Huper replaces inefficient communication layers in growing organizations with a self-organizing AI brain and a chief of staff agent, helping leaders access real-time information without wasting time on status reporting. […]

In this episode of Atlanta Business Radio, Lee interviews Rene Beach, President of Focus People, an Atlanta-based staffing agency. Rene discusses Focus People’s specialization in government and mid-market private sector staffing, including serving as a major workforce provider for the State of Georgia. She shares advice for job seekers on tailoring resumes and making personal […]

In this episode of Atlanta Business Radio, Lee interviews Randall Avery, owner of Deasil Wealth Management. Randall shares his journey from corporate finance to personal financial planning, focusing on retirement-minded individuals and service-based business owners. He highlights common financial mistakes entrepreneurs make, including underpricing services and neglecting profit margins. Randall emphasizes the importance of tracking […]

In this episode of Atlanta Business Radio, host Lee Kantor interviews Josh Friedensohn, co-owner of Greenleaf Management. Josh shares how he and partner Dave Codrea built a real estate investment company focused on acquiring and revitalizing distressed properties across Atlanta and the Southeast. Starting during the Great Recession, they capitalized on undervalued properties, renovating them […]

In this episode of Atlanta Business Radio, Lee speaks with entrepreneur Charlie Ebersol about his journey building Infinite Athlete, a sports data synchronization company recently acquired by Exos. Charlie explains how the technology unifies disparate data sources across major leagues like the NFL and Premier League, with plans to expand into healthcare and fitness. The […]

In this episode of Atlanta Business Radio, Lee interviews Richard Shaaya, CEO of Sigma Automate. Richard discusses his IT infrastructure background and how it inspired him to create a no-code, AI-enabled automation platform designed for enterprise IT teams. Sigma Automate simplifies complex tasks like patch management, system migration, and VDI management, eliminating costly manual processes. […]

In this episode of Atlanta Business Radio, Lee interviews Jason Lockhart, co-owner and TV/film division head of Atlanta Models and Talent (AMT). Jason shares his eight-and-a-half-year journey to ownership, emphasizing patience, persistence, and positivity. He discusses Atlanta’s thriving entertainment industry, highlighting strong studio infrastructure, Georgia’s tax incentives, and growing independent productions. Jason also addresses emerging […]

In this episode of Atlanta Business Radio, Lee Kantor speaks with Cynthia Washington, owner of Sprolls, a unique dessert business based on a 40-year-old family recipe. Cynthia transformed her grandmother’s sweet potato filling into a creative dessert by wrapping it in spring rolls, adding a special glaze and icing. After retiring, she launched the business […]

In this episode of Atlanta Business Radio, Lee interviews Brandon Burdin, founder and CEO of MarginSignal OS. Brandon discusses how his company helps organizations uncover hidden financial leaks in customer service operations, particularly in call centers. He explains the industry-wide problem of untracked repeat customer interactions that drive up costs, and shares how MarginSignal OS […]

In this episode of Atlanta Business Radio, Lee interviews Robert Burke, founder and CEO of Sobo. Robert discusses how Sobo’s AI-powered platform helps small and mid-sized businesses identify and solve operational, financial, and leadership challenges. The platform analyzes business data, provides actionable insights, and connects owners with vetted experts for targeted support. The conversation covers […]

In this episode of Atlanta Business Radio, Lee interviews Kashaun Cooper, founder of the Five Stages of Yes Leadership and Development Institute. Kashaun discusses how leadership under pressure reveals true behavior, not just intentions. He explains that mental toughness can be learned by identifying “pressure entry points” and practicing new responses. The conversation covers preparing […]

In this episode of Atlanta Business Radio, Lee interviews Chris Edwards, a Tax Partner at Bennett Thrasher. Chris discusses how his firm serves middle-market companies, especially in technology, distribution, and professional services. The conversation covers proactive tax planning, key provisions in recent tax legislation, overlooked tax credits, and strategies for preparing a business for sale. […]

In this episode of Atlanta Business Radio, Lee interviews Daniel Popovic, author of “Where the Paw Prints Lead” and leader of PawPads. Dan shares how the loss of his Doberman, Marley, inspired his book and a growing community focused on pet grief support. The conversation explores the deep impact of pet loss on mental health, […]

In this episode of Atlanta Business Radio, Lee interviews Elias Crum of BestBonobos, a platform helping small business owners sell their companies (valued up to $10 million) without brokers. Elias explains how BestBonobos uses AI to guide owners through valuation, document preparation, buyer identification, and due diligence. The discussion covers common pitfalls in business sales, […]

In this episode of  Atlanta Business Radio, host Lee Kantor interviews Sherry Deutschmann, founder and CEO of BrainTrust. She shares her journey from cleaning bathrooms and being a single mom to building and selling a $40M company. Deutschmann created BrainTrust to help women entrepreneurs grow successful businesses through small peer groups (“Vaults”) where members openly […]

In this episode of Atlanta Business Radio, Lee interviews Bryan Coley, founder of REEL Experiences. Bryan shares how his program uses people’s favorite movies as a tool for personal and team development in business settings. By exploring movie themes, characters, and stories, teams gain deeper self-awareness, empathy, and connection. Bryan discusses the program’s origins, its […]

In this episode of Atlanta Business Radio, Lee interviews Thomas Davenport, Managing Partner at Davenport Capital Management. Thomas discusses his firm’s patient capital approach to investing in privately held companies, focusing on long-term value and partnership rather than quick exits. He shares insights on selecting high-integrity management teams, the importance of cultural fit, and best […]

In this episode of Atlanta Business Radio, Lee interviews Ari Milrud, co-founder and CEO of Hive—a contractor marketplace tailored for real estate investors and house flippers in Atlanta. Ari shares his journey from high school entrepreneur to startup founder, discusses the challenges flippers face finding reliable contractors, and explains Hive’s rigorous vetting process. The conversation […]

In this episode of Atlanta Business Radio, Lee Kantor interviews Karen Houghton, CEO and co-founder of Infinite Giving. Karen discusses how Infinite Giving empowers small to midsize nonprofits by providing tailored financial technology and investment advisory services, including streamlined brokerage accounts and support for accepting stock gifts. She highlights the challenges nonprofits face in accessing […]

In this episode of Atlanta Business Radio, Lee interviews Shuron Hall, a business banking executive at Bank of America Atlanta, about the annual Business Owner Report. They discuss key findings on labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, inflation, and the growing adoption of AI and digital tools among small and mid-sized businesses. Sharon highlights how AI […]

Markus Scott serves as the CEO of EyeQ Monitoring, an AI-enabled surveillance and business intelligence technology company headquartered in Atlanta, GA. He acquired the business in 2015 and has overseen the company’s growth from 15 employees to 170+, serving businesses across 37+ states. Connect with Markus on LinkedIn. What You’ll Learn In This Episode Spotlighting […]

In this episode of Atlanta Business Radio, Lee interviews Paul Carpenter, president of the AMA Atlanta chapter, about the evolving marketing landscape. They discuss the blurring lines between marketing, PR, and digital media, the importance of trust and authenticity, and the impact of AI. Paul highlights AMA Atlanta’s commitment to creativity, connection, and community, supporting […]

In this episode of Atlanta Business Radio, Lee Kantor interviews Luke Keller, founder and builder dedicated to helping people flourish. Luke shares how he has spent the last decade launching ventures at the intersection of technology, social impact, and scale—including co-creating MatchGrant, an AI-powered grant-matching platform, and leading Tekton Career Training, which brings VR-based digital […]

In this episode of Atlanta Business Radio, Lee Kantor interviews Craig Robson, founding principal of Regent Peak Wealth Advisors. Robson discusses his transition from engineering to wealth management, his 25-year career at Merrill Lynch, and the founding of Regent Peak to better serve clients with complex financial needs. The conversation covers Regent Peak’s holistic, collaborative […]

In this episode of Atlanta Business Radio, Lee Kantor interviews Keena Pierre, Managing Director at Gener8tor, about their new fintech accelerator in Atlanta, launched in partnership with Pinnacle Financial Partners. Keena discusses the program’s structure, selection process, and the five startups in the current cohort, each receiving $100,000 and intensive mentorship. The conversation highlights the […]

In this episode of Atlanta Business Radio, Lee Kanter interviews David Hall, Managing Partner of Revolution’s Rise of the Rest Fund. Hall discusses the fund’s mission to invest in early-stage startups outside traditional tech hubs, highlighting Atlanta’s growing tech ecosystem and the importance of founder-market-geography fit. The conversation explores how local entrepreneurs, corporate support, and […]

In this episode of Atlanta Business Radio, Lee Kantor interviews Allyson Eman, CEO of Venture Atlanta. They discuss the evolution of Venture Atlanta into one of the nation’s largest venture capital conferences, new event formats, and efforts to support diverse founders. Allison highlights the Southeast’s growing startup ecosystem, challenges in attracting venture funding, and the […]

In this episode of Atlanta Business Radio, Lee Kantor interviews Mark Emery, co-founder and CEO of Juvo Jobs. Mark discusses how Juvo Jobs connects job seekers with nearby employment using a location-focused mobile app and video introductions. He highlights the platform’s growth, upcoming microlearning features, and partnerships with schools, governments, and apartment complexes. The conversation […]

Barron Segar is the President and Chief Executive Officer of World Food Program USA, the nonprofit charged with inspiring and mobilizing people in the United States to support the U.N. World Food Programme’s mission to save and protect the world’s most vulnerable lives against hunger. He has more than 25 years of experience growing philanthropic […]

Laura Ries is a globally recognized positioning strategist and bestselling author. Since 2022, she continues her father’s legacy as Chairwoman of RIES, guiding the expansion and global influence of the firm where she has helped Fortune 500s and ambitious startups win through bold, focused brand positioning for over 30 years. She’s a sought-after speaker, trusted […]

In this episode of Atlanta Business Radio, Lee Kantor welcomes back Aarti Sahgal, founder and CEO of Synergies Work and Synergies Seed Fund. Artie discusses her nonprofit’s mission to empower entrepreneurs with disabilities through resources, mentorship, and access to capital. She highlights the launch of Synergies Seed Fund, the first nonprofit CDFI supporting disabled business […]

In this episode of Atlanta Business Radio, host Lee Kantor interviews Darren Joel, Atlanta Regional Director of The CFO Center. Darren explains how The CFO Center provides fractional CFO services, offering experienced financial leadership to small and medium-sized businesses on a flexible basis. He discusses ideal client profiles, common triggers for seeking fractional CFOs, and […]

In this episode of Atlanta Business Radio, Lee Kantor interviews Amber Cabral, founder of Human Well, about the evolving challenges of leadership and communication in today’s workplaces. Amber discusses the impact of technology, generational differences, and remote work on interpersonal skills, emphasizing the need for psychological safety and resilience. She shares insights on bridging gaps […]

In this episode of Atlanta Business Radio, host Lee Kantor sits down with Starr Douglas, Founder & CEO of an AI-powered staffing platform transforming the hospitality industry. Starr shares why the hourly labor market is broken, why hospitality was the right place to start, and how flexibility—not just pay—is key to solving staffing shortages. She […]

Gaurav Singal was named Chief Technology Officer in September 2022. Singal has over 20 years in experience scaling technology companies and driving product innovation. Prior to joining Cantaloupe, Singal served as the executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer of the Georgia Lottery Corporation, where he led the organization through a successful digital transformation. His previous experience […]

Shanthi Shanmugam is CEO and Co-Founder of Casap. Casap is a copilot & collaboration platform to automate disputes, reduce fraud loss, and create loyalty building opportunities. Casap’s mission is driven by cutting-edge technology, client success, and a deep sense of empathy. We are committed to creating innovative solutions that expedite resolution and provide financial peace of […]

Charles E. Potts is Executive Vice President, Innovation for the Independent Community Bankers of America® (ICBA). In this role Potts drives ICBA’s innovation initiatives, and financial technology strategies, working with ICBA leadership to develop impactful, value-added solutions that help community banks seize new market opportunities to meet customers’ evolving financial services’ needs. Potts’ extensive experience […]

Prakash Devulapalli with Opus Technologies is a Global Business and Technology leader with over 20 years of experience in Strategy, Consulting, Sales & Business Development with an entrepreneurial mindset. Over the years, he has enjoyed many challenging leadership roles, including leading high-powered teams to deliver top-line and bottom-line growth, building practice and competency, driving customer […]

Ania Lackey is the Executive Director of FinTech Atlanta. FinTech Atlanta is a coalition of companies working to advance Atlanta as the recognized global capital of financial technology. Led by seasoned industry executives, the group’s priorities are to drive fintech industry growth, talent expansion, innovation acceleration, and public policy influence in Atlanta and across the […]

Mike Kresse is Executive Vice President of Commercial and New Payment Flows at Mastercard, North America. In this role, he leads the go-to-market strategy for a diverse set of commercial products and services, spanning large corporate, middle market, SMB, healthcare, and money transfer solutions. Mike oversees a cross-functional team that’s helping to scale innovation, accelerate […]

Mark Frey has established Corpay as a market leader in cross-border payments and currency risk management since being appointed Group President of Corpay Cross-Border Solutions in March 2022. A proven leader with over 20 years’ experience in trading and treasury operations, Mark has been with us for over a decade. He led the successful acquisitions […]

Jonathan O’Connor, Fintech South 2025 Chair; Division President, Third-Party Payments, Synovus. Jonathan is a results-oriented Executive, with 25+ years of experience leading sales teams, driving revenue, and identifying operational improvement strategies. Expert knowledge of global payment solutions, e-commerce, risk mitigation, digital currencies, merchant processing, mergers and acquisitions. Adept at effective communication with internal executive leaders and external […]

Monika Mueller has over 23 years of experience, bringing innovative solutions to her clients. Monika has focused on business and technology management at entrepreneurial, Fortune 500, and consulting companies. She has a depth of experience in management consulting, information management, process optimization, and customer relationship management. Monika has served in leadership roles at Ernst & […]

Tom Priore co-founded Priority in 2005, and has served as the company’s chairman and chief executive officer since 2018. Under his direction, Priority has grown from a founder-financed technology startup to be the fifth largest non-bank merchant acquirer in the U.S. by volume. Tom has steered Priority from an organization focused on payments processing to […]

As Founder and CEO of Keeper Solutions for over 13 years, Stephen Walsh leads our team in developing products and platforms for fintech companies at all stages in the US, UK, and Ireland. We support clients from their initial prototypes through significant growth by delivering tailored solutions that address real market needs. Our AI Lab […]

Internationally recognized thought leader and speaker, Michelle Beyo has graced prestigious stages worldwide, including Santa Barbara TEDx, Money20/20, Fintech Meetup, and Open Banking Expo, sparking dialogue on finance’s future. A dedicated mentor and Money20/20 RiseUp alum, she serves on the Advisory Boards of Tillo Rewards and VoPay. As President and Board Member of Open Banking […]

Mike Morris, with Wipfli, oversees projects, including Service Organization and Control (SOC) reports (SOC 1 and SOC 2), Sarbanes Oxley IT 404 testing, network vulnerability and penetration testing and IT general control reviews for FinTech companies, banks, and insurance companies. He is a member of the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) and is an […]

Sabrina Lamb is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of WorldofMoney.org, a non-profit dedicated to providing 120 annual immersive hours of classroom and online youth financial education in the United States and Africa. She contributed to Ghana’s original Ministry of Finance Digital Financial Services Policy. Sabrina is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Wekeza […]

Innovation runs in Natalie Hogg’s family. Her grandfather is credited with inventing direct deposit, and she carries that same drive to transform established systems. At Method Q, we have developed a proprietary framework that applies scientific principles to marketing strategy and execution. This methodology enables our clients to achieve predictable growth through evidence-based decision making […]

Erica Woods, head of U.S. State & Local Public Policy, Stripe, is an experienced attorney and policy professional with a demonstrated history of working in Government Affairs at both the Federal and State levels. Skilled in Government/ Stakeholder Engagement, Communications, and Public Policy. Public and private sector experience. Graduate of Vanderbilt University and Washington University […]