On Leadership with Atlanta Business Chronicle: Recent Episodes
Crystal Edmonson
An insightful exchange with Atlanta leaders about industry, innovation and lessons on achieving success.
Grace C. Fricks founded Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs in her laundry room 24 years ago. What started off as a $50,000 loan fund to help small business owners in North Georgia, has become a force to help underserved entrepreneurs across the state of Georgia start and scale their businesses. Since 2000, ACE has loaned $200 million. It’s served 2,600 businesses and created or retained 21,000 jobs.
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Milton Jones has amassed a wealth of knowledge from his decades-long career in the banking sector. The Atlanta-native is considered a pioneer, having been the first African-American to hold the title of Georgia market president for Bank of America. He also forged a path in his civic involvement. He was elected chairman of the UNCF board, becoming the first African-American to hold that position. He co-founded the consulting firm Peachtree Providence Partners in 2014.
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Garrett Langley is out to change the world, one neighborhood at a time. He is the founder and CEO of Flock Safety, a fast-growing company that makes surveillance products to help law enforcement solve crimes. Its cameras and license plate readers are in 3,000 cities. Nationwide, about 7% of crimes that happen, will be solved because of Flock Safety, Langley said, at that pace the company will reach 10% by the end of 2023.
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Paul Donahue is only the fifth CEO Genuine Parts Company has had in its 95-year history. The company owns NAPA Auto Parts and also distributes industrial parts to manufacturers. While he admits, it’s not especially sexy, Genuine Parts Company also isn’t stodgy. Donahue says its goal is to be the disruptor in the industry. It’s one of the dominate players with 10,000 locations spanning 17 countries worldwide.
Kevin Gillespie has come up with his own recipe for successful leadership. The award-winning chef and founder of Red Beard Restaurants aims for what he calls “honest leadership” where people follow him because they trust him and believe in the mission. Part of that mission is serving up a top-notch experience for diners. In 2023, his flagship restaurant Gunshow marked 10 years. He’s working on a new restaurant set to open in 2024.
As president and CEO of the Atlanta Community Food Bank, Kyle Waide’s figurative plate is full. He oversees the distribution of nearly 100 million pounds of food each year across 29 counties in Georgia. While the organization is taking on food insecurity, Waide sees the food bank’s role more broadly, as an organization that creates greater access to people in need so that food is one less barrier they must face.
Even prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, Stephanie Nadi Olson saw a need in the marketplace for more flexibility for workers whose lifestyles required time to care for children or an aging family member. She said she felt compelled to act. And in 2018, she founded We Are Rosie which connects more than 25,000 freelancers, mostly in the marketing sector, with project-based work at more than 25 Fortune 500 brands.
As president and CEO of Graphic Packaging, Mike Doss believes in the circular economy. The company makes paperboard from trees for everything from fast food cups to cereal boxes. The goal is to recycle them many times over, then compost and restart the process. It’s investing in innovation to support the mission, Doss says. By 2030, Graphic Packaging could be a $20 billion company.
Lauren Koontz leads one of the oldest nonprofits in Atlanta. She is president and CEO of the YMCA of Metro Atlanta. The organization was founded in 1858, but Koontz calls it a 165-year-old start up because it has had to be resilient and able to adapt to the changing needs and demographics of the Atlanta communities it serves.
Armed with its inaugural “State of Black Georgia” report, the Urban League of Greater Atlanta, under the leadership of its president and CEO Nancy Flake Johnson, aims to make the Peach State more equitable for people of color. It has identified the historical factors fueling modern day disparities, and ways to collaborate with community groups, lawmakers, and philanthropists to level the playing field for future generations.
For 30 years, Mit Shah has been buying and developing hotels across the country through his company, Noble Investment Group. While the Covid-19 pandemic created some unique challenges for the industry, it also produced opportunities. During the past two years, Noble has acquired $2 billion of assets—namely struggling hotels. Shah is optimistic about the future, as trends favor increasing consumer demand for leisure and business travel.
Egbert Perry has found a way to balance the profitability of commercial real estate with projects that have positive community impact. Since he founded The Integral Group in 1993, the Atlanta-based development firm has produced 10,000 units of multifamily housing with retail and office space. One of its most notable projects was the transformation of the Techwood Homes public housing project into the mixed-income Centennial Place community, which became a model for hundreds of public housing renovations nationwide.
As managing partner of Deloitte for Atlanta and Birmingham, Ed Heys leads one of the largest professional services firms in the region. When he joined the Atlanta office nearly 40 years ago, there were about 110 employees. Now he oversees more than 4,000, providing each with opportunities for career advancement and ways to give back to the community.
Bill Nordmark III is a tech executive and John Grant is executive director of major college football championship bowl games. On the surface, they’re as different as two people can be. That’s exactly what makes them an ideal duo to lead the Atlanta Friendship Initiative. The nonprofit has more than 250 pairs of Atlanta executives. The aim is to dismantle divisions around race and class, and build authentic connections that support a thriving community.
John Yates is the partner in charge of Morris Manning & Martin’s corporate technology practice. But the long-time attorney is probably best known as a master connector—of people to positions, nonprofits to donors and tech founders to funders. He helped launch Venture Atlanta. Since starting in 2007 the annual conference has led to $7.5 billion in funds raised for tech entrepreneurs.
After 12 years as vice president of global corporate social responsibility for Chick-fil-A, Rodney Bullard is taking on a new challenge, leading a new nonprofit called The Same House. It will promote education, employment and entrepreneurship. The organization will also put on the Beloved Benefit, an annual fundraiser. Since it started in 2019, the Beloved Benefit has raised $12 million for nonprofits that promote economic mobility in west Atlanta.
For more than two decades, Bruce Deel founder and CEO of City of Refuge, has served some of Atlanta’s poorest residents, those living in the 30314 zip code. The nonprofit provides a variety of services including workforce training, housing and childcare. To mark its 25-year anniversary, it launched a $25 million fundraising campaign to expand its offerings in Atlanta and nationwide.
When it comes to the luxury housing market, Jenny Pruitt has probably seen it all. She has been in the business for more than 55 years. She started as a sales agent when the average price for a house was about $22,000. Today, as co-founder and executive chairman of Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby's International Realty, she leads one of the region’s largest residential real estate firms with 2021 sales of $4.7 billion.
Andre Dickens had his eye on Atlanta’s top office since he was a child growing up in the city’s Adamsville neighborhood in the 1980’s. Elected as Atlanta’s 61st mayor in 2021, he leads one of the nation’s fastest growing regions. His administration oversees assets worth nearly $11 billion.
As many as 2 billion people worldwide do not have access to the medicine they need. MAP International aims to change that. President and CEO Steve Stirling brings three decades of experience to the job, and a sense of empathy--having contracted polio as a child in post-war Korea.
Frank Fernandez leads one of the largest philanthropic organizations in the country. The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta donates about $140 million annually. Under his leadership as president and CEO, the organization launched TogetherATL, a strategy that makes equity the group’s primary mission.
The 87-year-old Stuckey’s brand is synonymous with the American road trip. But Stephanie Stuckey, CEO of Stuckey's Corporation (and granddaughter of its founder) is charting a new course for the family brand that takes it from the nation’s highways to your local grocery store aisle. Since she purchased the business in 2019, Stuckey says gross sales have increased more than 500%.
It’s been 20 years since Bernie Marcus retired as CEO of The Home Depot. But he still lives by the “do-it-yourself” philosophy. In his new book, “Kick Up Some Dust,” the 93-year-old entrepreneur provides lessons on tackling tough business problems and the benefit of giving back. He has donated more than $2 billion to charity.
Frank Argenbright, Jr.’s career “took off” in 1979 when he founded Argenbright Security, a company focused on aviation services. His journey has had its fair share of turbulence. But he's kept going. With more than 50 mergers and acquisitions under his belt, Argenbright is being recognized with the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s 2022 Deals of the Year Lifetime Achievement award.
As the Managing Director of Accenture’s Atlanta office, Chloe Barzey says she aims to ensure the $50 billion global consulting firm has a local impact on metro Atlanta through innovation, collaboration and community service.
Chris Womack is energized by the prospect of leading one of the nation’s largest utility companies. Named president of Georgia Power in 2020, he became Chairman and CEO of the company in June 2021. In that role he leads an enterprise with 7,000 employees and 2.7 million customers across the state of Georgia.
As CEO of SignatureFD, Heather Fortner is focused on the “net worthwhile” for her 1,200 clients and employees. The Atlanta-based financial advisory firm has about $4.5 billion under management. By 2025, the company expects that number to grow to $10 billion.
Ravi Saligram, CEO of Newell Brands, is focused on keeping the company young and relevant. Some of its brands are more than 100 years old. Newell Brands makes products under the Sharpie, Rubbermaid and Mr. Coffee brands. When he joined the company in 2019, sales were sagging. Not anymore. Last year, net sales topped $10.6 billion.
For Meredith Leapley, founder and CEO of Leapley Construction, leadership is all about one’s ability to LEAP IN. Always Learn, demonstrate Empathy, be Agile, and Persistent. And do it with Integrity. It’s been an undeniable recipe for success for the company which specializes in building out interior spaces for corporate, healthcare and education clients. Its annual revenue tops $200 million.
As many as two billion people worldwide do not have access to the medicine they need. MAP International aims to change that. President and CEO Steve Stirling brings three decades of experience to the job, and a sense of empathy--having contracted polio as a child in post-war Korea.
The current job market is nothing short of “wild” according to Dan Erling, president and CEO of Accountants One. Covid-19 has forced the industry to toss out the old rules of talent recruiting for a more time-intensive and expensive form of finding the right hires. It’s put more demand on his recruiting firm, and led to the company’s best year ever, he said. After 25 years in the industry, “it’s still rewarding.”
Karen Knudsen, President and CEO of the American Cancer Society
Dr. Karen Knudsen is the first female CEO of the American Cancer Society. As an oncologist, she is also the organization’s first chief executive with a background in science. While 1 in 3 people will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, more are living beyond the diagnosis. According to the ACS, there are nearly 17 million cancer survivors alive today.
Big isn’t just this nonprofit’s middle name, it also describes its latest fundraising win—a $3.6 million grant from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. Kwame Johnson, president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta calls the donation “historic,” and says it will help the nonprofit reach more youth through one-on-one mentorship.
As president and CEO of Wellstar Health System, Candice Saunders oversees 11 hospitals in Georgia and 24,000 employees. But the chief executive says her “most important job” is taking care of people. In 2021, Wellstar invested $18 million into MyCare Rewards, a customizable employee benefits program.
For Clyde Higgs, president and CEO of Atlanta Beltline, Inc., leadership is about “bringing more people underneath the tent.” Intentional inclusion has been an important component, he says, of generating innovative ideas for one of the nation’s largest urban redevelopment programs. By the time the Atlanta Beltline is completed in 2030, the 22-mile loop is expected to have attracted $10 billion in economic development.
Bonneau Ansley, III says he has never seen a housing market quite like the one we’re in right now—with soaring prices, slim supplies and strong demand. The founder and CEO of Ansley Christie’s International Real Estate says his team of 350 agents remains energized. In 2021, the Atlanta-based brokerage firm grew its sales by more than 120%.
For T. Dallas Smith, president and CEO of T. Dallas Smith & Co., commercial real estate is not just a career, it’s a calling. He is focused on his mission even if others don’t understand “the call.” It’s paying off. During the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, his firm brokered the largest office lease in Atlanta, securing a half million square feet of space in the trendy Midtown area for Microsoft Corp.
Todd Stansbury’s winning leadership strategy is rooted in a commitment to develop student athletes at Georgia Tech. He returned to his alma mater in 2016 on a mission to build on the Total Person Program which takes a balanced approach to academic and athletic achievement along with personal well-being. He says the goal is to ensure young people are ready for “prime time” after they graduate.
Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice’s prescription for being a strong leader includes developing the ability to “find the potential in people,” and create an environment for their success. The Macon, GA-native is president and CEO of Morehouse School of Medicine which has been at the center of Covid-19 vaccine research and innovation. She says her team rose to the challenge of the global pandemic by tapping into the “resilience and grit” on which Morehouse School of Medicine was founded.
Mike Neumeier’s day is full of growth opportunities. As CEO of the digital marketing and PR agency Arketi Group, he leads a team that helps business-to-business technology firms grow their companies through strategic communications. And as a leader, he says one of his top priorities is to help his employees grow and reach their full potential.
Craig Gunckel has been working in the paper and packaging sector since he was a teenager. Today, he is the CEO of Iconex, the world’s largest manufacturer of roll cash register receipt paper. Despite the rise of digital technology, paper isn’t going away any time soon. Iconex’s label division is on a roll, Gunckel says, and could help the company’s revenue next year, top $500 million.
People go into business for many different reasons including to make money and to support their families. But for Thomas W. Dortch, there’s one more reason, to “provide opportunities.” Dortch has more than 400 employees working across his six companies. He is chairman and CEO of TWD Inc. and Chairman of The 100 Black Men of America. He was recently named the Leaders in Corporate Citizenship Ann Cramer Lifetime Achievement Award winner for his accomplishments in the area of social responsibility.
While most people try to avoid a crisis, Dave Poston is often in the middle of them. He is general counsel and CEO of Poston Communications—a crisis communications firm that helps businesses “prepare, respond and recover” when they are faced with challenging situations. He says the hope is that leaders can turn a crisis into an opportunity to be better on the back end.
Keith Parker is president and CEO of Goodwill of North Georgia, an organization known for taking your donated “gently used” items, and selling them in its 68 stores (more than Target’s Georgia footprint). But the idea of upcycling extends beyond products to its people, including its top executive who has transferred his leadership skills from the transit sector to the non-profit world.
At Gas South, everybody may not know your name, but you can bet the CEO does. Kevin Greiner leads nearly 400 people as the president and CEO of Gas South. He says knowing his employees is an important part of the business. Gas South has grown in recent years. In 2020, it purchased Infinite Energy, expanding its service area to six states with more than 425,000 natural gas customers.
For Stewart “Stew” Chisam, CEO of Hi-Rez Studios, video gaming is about achieving “Victory Together.” That’s not just the company’s new brand identity, it’s a reminder of its mission. Chisam says Hi-Rez, the publisher of video game hits including SMITE and Paladins, aims to unite competitors to form a strong gaming community.
Shan Cooper’s leadership style is deeply rooted in her upbringing. The long-time Atlanta business leader and executive director of the Atlanta Committee for Progress says she learned from her parents—local church leaders— how to serve, listen, reach out and face challenges head on. One of her secrets for success--getting up every day “choosing” to be happy and content.
Eugene Jones deals with one of life’s essentials--housing. As president and CEO of Atlanta Housing—the agency that manages the region’s public housing initiatives--he says success requires more than providing shelter. Offering wrap-around services such as job training and college scholarships ensures residents can move from subsidized housing to homeownership.
Josh Clark is head of school at the Schenck School which focuses on educating students with dyslexia and other language-based learning disabilities. Although an educator by trade, Clark says he learned a tremendous amount about leadership during Covid-19. One of his strategies for success was focusing on the school’s mission, those things that “can never change” regardless of the pandemic or any other outside challenges.
Jeff Pollock is managing principal at Pollock Commercial. He started his commercial real estate firm in 2009 during the Great Recession. But during another crisis period, Covid-19, he says he’s learned lessons about leading with a positive mindset and the importance of being supportive of clients and employees. He also shares how Atlanta is well-positioned to continue to attract businesses to the region."
Aisha “Pinky” Cole is the founder and CEO of Slutty Vegan ATL, a restaurant concept that regularly draws crowds (vegan and meat-eaters alike) that wrap around the block. Cole’s entrepreneurial roots run deep. And her background in television and food service also proves to be key ingredients to her company’s success. Since launching in 2018, Slutty Vegan has opened two locations and has plans for three more in the not too distant future.
Judy Monroe is president and CEO of the CDC Foundation—an organization that connects the public health agency with corporate and non-profit support. She says during the pandemic, she leaned on lessons learned from her early career as a practicing physician in Appalachia, where she saw how “magical” caring for others can be. She also discusses how Covid-19 caused her to rediscover the importance of self-care as a leadership tool.
Dick Sullivan is president and CEO of the PGA TOUR Superstore, one of the nation’s largest golf retailers. The industry grew 60% during the pandemic as consumers sought outdoor recreation. Hear how the company managed to score despite Covid-19, and how a nearly 30-year relationship with The Home Depot co-founders Bernie Marcus and Arthur Blank have affected Sullivan's leadership philosophy and his company’s performance.
Doug Hooker decided decades ago to make “Atlanta his career.” He describes how that has played out since he graduated from Georgia Tech with an engineering degree to eventually become the executive director of the Atlanta Regional Commission—a planning nonprofit which affects millions of residents across the 11-county metro Atlanta area. Hooker is also an accomplished musician and describes his leadership style as harmonious.