Podcast episodes

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Suzanne Tucker with Georgia Symphony Orchestra

"Founded in 1951, the Georgia Symphony Orchestra (GSO) has engaged audiences through imaginative programming, visionary leadership, and critically acclaimed performances."

"The mission of the GSO is to enrich our community through accessible, high quality musical and educational experiences that instill a lifelong appreciation for the arts." Their vision is to "continue growing a thriving and innovative cultural organization that enriches, educates, and inspires[...]

27:55

July 7, 2023

Kat Reynolds with Veritiv

"Veritiv Corporation (NYSE: VRTV), headquartered in Atlanta and a Fortune 500^® company, is a full-service provider of packaging, JanSan and hygiene products, services and solutions. Additionally, Veritiv provides print and publishing products, and logistics and supply chain management solutions. Serving customers in a wide range of industries both in North America and globally, Veritiv has distribution centers throughout the U.S. and Mexico, and team members around the world helping shape the success of its customers."

Kay Reynolds is the Manager of Community Relations for Veritiv focusing on cooperate social responsibility. This fascinating interview covers a variety of aspects of mission focus, sustainability, cultural inclusiveness, social issues awareness, their carbon foot print, data pieces, capacity building.

Thanks, Kat Reynolds, for your service to our community!

Thank you to our sponsor, The Corporate Volunteer Council of Atlanta.

22:26

April 7, 2023

Jai Rogers and Delta Community Credit Union

Delta Community Credit Union is among the top 25 largest credit unions in the United States. Their Vision: “We want to be metro Atlanta’s preferred place to bank, known for providing our members with honest value, superior service and trusted advice.” We have the pleasure of speaking with, once again, Ms. Jai Rogers, Vice President of Business & Community Development for the Delta Community Credit Union.

It’s no coincidence that “community is in our name!”
“We are actively involved with local chambers of commerce, schools and charitable organizations to this end and embrace the opportunity to give back to the communities where we live, work and serve.”
“If our communities thrive, our members thrive and thus we thrive.”
Delta Community Credit Union has 16 branches that actively work in communities both at the[...]

24:51

January 27, 2023

Jamaal Greer and The Posse Foundation

The Posse Foundation might just be the premier networking organization for young adults anywhere. The Posse model works for both students and college campuses and is rooted in the belief that a small, diverse group of talented students—a Posse—carefully selected and trained, can serve as a catalyst for individual and community development. As the United States becomes an increasingly multicultural society, Posse believes that the leaders of the 21st century should reflect the country’s rich demographic mix. The key to a promising future for our nation rests on the ability of strong leaders from diverse backgrounds to develop consensus solutions to complex social problems. Posse’s primary aim is to train these leaders of tomorrow.

Thanks to Inspire Brands, an active supporter of Posse, we[...]

January 13, 2023

Kayla Altland and Park Pride

"For over 30 years, Park Pride has engaged communities to activate the power of parks. Parks have the power to increase quality of life. They promote community engagement, health, safety, and revitalization. They make citizens happy, communities strong, and cities sustainable. Park Pride’s programs, leadership, and funding helps communities unlock these benefits in parks across Atlanta.

The formation of Friends of the Park group is the first step in creating positive changes in a neighborhood park."

We had the honor of speaking to Kayla Altland, Park Pride's program director, who is in charge of their Grand Making Program.

Park Pride believes great parks have the power to improve our quality of life and strengthen the fabric of our cities. When parks meet the needs and reflect the unique character of the communities they serve, they are welcoming[...]

January 6, 2023

Lauren Koontz of YMCA of Metro Atlanta

Since 1858, the YMCA of Metro Atlanta has been serving the ever-changing needs of our community. As the oldest non-profit in Atlanta, the Y champions communities where everyone belongs, and provides opportunities so that everyone—especially children—can reach their full potential.

We visited with Ms. Lauren Koontz, the President & CEO of YMCA of Metro Atlanta, and discussed a myriad of this organization's incredible contributions:

The goal of the Y is transformational change in the community benefiting all.
YMCA of Metro Atlanta is the largest provider of early childhood education and care in the state of Georgia - birth to Pre-K.
90% of children the Y serves are at the poverty level. The Y equips them for kindergarten.
Financial assistance is available based on need.[...]

December 16, 2022

Yunice Patrick of JJ’s Playhouse Children’s Museum & Gym

JJ’s Playhouse provides an avenue for parents, grandparents and caregivers to meet the physical, social and cognitive development needs of children under the age of 12 in Atlanta’s West-Metropolitan communities and beyond. We visited with Eunice Patrick, the Executive Director, and discussed her passions in her work such as:

Exposing children to career passions in a hands-on, face-to-face learning environment
Children are born ON purpose-FOR purpose
Proving an environment & tools to discover what they like and learn on their own
Paying attention to what kids are interested in helps them develop their natural gifts and talents
JJs Playhouse Children’s Museum & Gym has been designed and provides programming to introduce kids to what their purpose might[...]

December 9, 2022

Marlene Russell of Thyme 4 Friends

Thyme 4 Friends provides socialization, stimulation, and support for senior adults who know that life gets better with age. Founder & CEO, Marlene Russell is the brains behind this fascinating organization. Join us as we discuss:

What’s the backstory regarding the spelling of “Thyme?”
What’s Thyme for Friends all about?
Exercise, jokes, music and working the brain
The 175 ways to breathe
The most creative use of Zoom I’ve ever heard!
Scoaializaton, stimulation and support for seniors
Not so much a class as engaging in life
Mentoring for in-home care providers

Thank you, Marlene Russell,[...]

February 18, 2022

Enrique Alvarez of Vector Global Logistics

Enrique Alvarez, Managing Director of Vector Global Logistics, has a unique perspective on the meaning of "Purpose-Driven." In his view, it all starts with and depends on individuals. Listen in as we discuss a whole host of topics including:

“We set out to change the world”
“The more you give, the more you get”
The simple beginning - Donate some portion of every transaction
Getting customers and suppliers involved
“You have to be socially responsible to have a great company”
There are many simple, easy, inexpensive things we can do that have an outsized impact
Hire people that are purpose-driven. Given that, the business itself cannot help but become purpose-driven also

Thank you, Enrique Alvarez, for your service to[...]

January 28, 2022

Marcus Blackwell & Make Music Count

The kids don't want to stop the math lesson??? Huh??? I know... It makes no sense. But listen to the fascinating personal journey of musician/mathemetician/entrepreneur/community servant Marcus Blackwell, CEO & Founder of Make Music Count. We discuss some pretty wild, yet exciting ideas like:

Using math to play music? Yes! Hear about the “lightbulb” moment!
Learn to play a song in literally minutes
Marcus’ conversion” from music major to math major
From idea to actually teaching music with math and math with music
The connection between volunteering and entrepreneurship
Let’s throw in some life and career mentoring while we’re at it
The kids don’t want to stop! They want to learn more math!

This episode will stick in your head for quite some time. It's that interesting!

Thank you,[...]

January 21, 2022

Ashley Jones of Love Not Lost

In the words of Ashely Jones, the Love Not Lost Founder & Executive Director...

"After losing our daughter, Skylar, to a terminal condition, grief and depression hit me hard. The pictures we had of our family created a safe space for me to grieve and gave me permission to be whatever I needed to be in that moment. The tangible prints provided comfort, a way to carry on a relationship with my daughter, and allowed me to hold Skylar when she wasn't here to hold."

Hers is a truly powerful & compelling story. Join us as we discuss:

The powerful back-story of Love Not Lost
Dealing with grief
The power of an intentional photography session
Helping others deal with grief and pain
Photography & grief
The Love Not Lost process

January 7, 2022

Maury Wolfe of Cox Enterprises

"We believe it’s good business to be good citizens of the communities we serve through volunteerism and financial support. We are committed to helping shape a better world through both responsible company and individual actions.” For over 100 years, Cox Enterprises has lived up to this ideal. Join Maury Wolfe, Assistant Vice President of Corporate Responsibility and Public Affairs at Cox, as we discuss:

Actual CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) in place more than a century ago!
Sustainability & “Cox Conserves”
A multi-billion dollar clean technology division in the works
The Cox Social Goal: Empower 34 million people to lead more prosperous live by 2034
Being a good corporate citizen is good for business
Impact Measurement - a “Holy Grail?”
The Cox Enterprises Scholarship Fund
The Cox Impact[...]

December 17, 2021

Yvonne Whitaker of the NCR Foundation

NCR Foundation exists to be a catalyst of opportunity and change. It is relentlessly focused on advancing STEM education for students, especially in under-served communities. NCR efforts to eliminate poverty and drive economic development include fostering job creation and provident training on critical workforce skills. And NCR steps up in times of crisis through disaster response work. Yvonne Whitaker, Foundation Lead for the NCR Foundation, shared LOADS of insight with us, including:

Her “both sides” perspective as a fundraiser and as a foundation executive
Choosing causes and geographies to serve - a set of strategic, business decisions
Impact - What’s the measurable outcome produced by the nonprofit? )This is the key factor in writing a grant request.)
It’s an investment decision. Reinvest NCR revenue back into the communities that produced it.
The grant process... (Some excellent hints and tips!)
Why so[...]

December 3, 2021

Julie Teer & The Wellstar Foundation

The Wellstar Foundation supports Wellstar Health System, the largest health system in Georgia. The Foundation reinvests 100% of the donations it receives into delivering world-class care to everyone, everywhere, every minute of every day. Julie Teer, the foundation's President, is also a Senior Vice President with the health system. Her vision is broad, deep, very ambitious and exciting. Follow along as we discuss:

How a political background fits so for a nonprofit leader working to solve the problems we face as a nation
“She believed she could so she did.”
The opportunity to create fund and awareness raising events like 75,000 people “running for the cure” around the pyramids of Giza
A fascinating perspective on work/life balance
The collective impact and power of partnerships
The "Six Pillars" of the Wellstar Foundation's vision

[...]

November 12, 2021

Jai Rogers of the Delta Community Credit Union

Speaking of great corporate perspectives, consider that of the Delta Community Credit Union - "If our community isn’t together, then life can’t fully come together for the people who are a part of it. We believe that the better off everyone is, the better off we all will be, which is why we support so many community programs." We visited with Jai Rogers, the credit union's Vice President of Business & Community Development who shared details like:

A lifetime of “urban planning” with one foot each in business and community
The Delta Community Credit Union commitment to community service
The focus on Education, Financial Education, health and well being of children and families
A day-in-the-life of Jai
“Circles of Influence”
Community Service is good for business!
The importance of[...]

October 29, 2021

Maurice Baker of Georgia Natural Gas

Georgia Natural Gas has a well-deserved reputation as a business committed to community service. Moe Baker, their Manager of Community Relations provides insight into the what, why and how. Join us as Moe discusses:

The need for businesses to be a real part of the community
Define your focus areas!
Why GNG is such a strong supporter of the Corporate Volunteer Council of Atlanta and their 24th annual IMPACT Awards
How to implement a community service process in your own business
The TrueBlue Community Awards
One piece of advice...

Thank you, Moe Baker, for your service to our community!

Brought to you by the Corporate Volunteer Council of Atlanta.

CVC's mission is to support member[...]

October 22, 2021

Jeri Hadaway & The Acworth Cultural Arts Center

Combine a lifelong love of the arts with a commitment to build a legacy to bring the power of the arts to the whole community, and you get a Jeri Hadaway - Chair of the Acworth Cultural Arts Center. Pick up on the infectious enthusiasm as Jeri talks about:

Getting people in Acworth to talk about the arts
Building coalitions with other local arts orgs
Art as the connective tissue that builds community
The upcoming 11/6 Tour of Historic Homes
Watch for the mystery theatre performance in March!
Meet us in the jail!
Jeir's long term goal of building an arts complex in Acworth

Thank you, Jeri Hadaway, for your service to our community!

October 15, 2021

Christopher Kunney of DSS

Christopher Kunney combines his business focus as Chief of Strategy and Business Development for DSS with his personal belief that “From those to whom much is given, much is expected.“ That means a combination of Information Technology, Healthcare Technology and serving underserved communities. Listen in on the story of one who has seamlessly woven business and community service together:

Caring Meds & n the ground healthcare delivery in West Africa
The potential of telemedicine in serving economically challenged communities
Leadership from the Morehouse School of Medicine with Healthcare Informatics
Remote Robotic Surgery augmented by Virtual Reality - Seriously!!!

Thank you, Christopher Kunney, for your service to our community!

August 20, 2021

Todd Brown of Equifax

Not only is Equifax a household word due to its status as a major credit rating company, they are a major force in serving their communities. VP of Marketing, Todd Brown, is a shining example of that commitment. Join us as we discuss:

The "3Ts" of community service
The ERGs (Employee Resource Groups) of Equifax
Todd's personal story of getting involved with community service
Serving on a nonprofit board - The Red Cross of Atlanta in this case
Donating your talent - For Todd it's to serve the Corporate Volunteer Council of Atlanta
Making time for community service
Adapting nonprofit services to the digital world

Thank you, Todd Brown, for your service to our community!

August 13, 2021

The Georgia Symphony Orchestra & GSO Music Works

The Georgia Symphony Orchestra, in partnership with Carnegie Hall, has developed a set of music programs specifically targeted to enhance the cognitive skills of young children, veterans and seniors. A growing volume of empirical data from formal, scientific research continues to validate the hypothesis that music, particularly performing music, substantially contributes to an increase in cognitive ability and cognitive restoration.

Students perform better academically in a broad range of measurements including IQ, working memory, creativity, grades, graduation rates and SAT scores.
Veterans with serious wounds and/or PTSD demonstrate reduced stress, improved communication, better and faster cognitive rehabilitation, fewer social and emotional problems and enhanced recovery of coordination and physical skills.
Seniors experience alleviation of symptoms of depression, improvement and recovery of memory, increased cognitive processing speed and better overall mental and physical health.

July 9, 2021

Doug Hooker and the Atlanta Regional Commission

The Atlanta Regional Commission is charged with peering into the future and working with 1,000s of partners across the community to plan for a better, brighter tomorrow. What a challenge... crafting 25-year plans for a region that has added literally millions of new residents with no end to the growth in sight! Doug Hooker, the Executive Director of ARC, jokes that he has gotten a PhD in Herding Cats! It's actually a pretty close description of what does... Join us to learn more about why and how Metro Atlanta is and will continue to be a great place to live. Doug and I discussed?

The sheer magnitude of the area's growth - from less than 2 million in 1986 to 6 million today to 9 million by 2050
Why 70-75% of the area's college graduates opt to stay[...]

June 18, 2021

Marjy Stagmeier & Star-C

The mission of Star-C Programs is to reduce resident transiency in affordable housing communities and nearby schools, provide academic support for children and ultimately improve the quality of life for the individual and the neighborhood. Founder and Board Chair, Marjy Stagmeier, who is also Managing Director of TriStar Real Estate Investment, is the driving force behind what has become a national model. This might well be the best example of integrating business and community service ever! TriStar is in the business of affordable housing and Star-C provides services to improve the quality of life for the residents. It's a classic "virtuous cycle." Listen in as Marjy discusses:

Transiency and its devastating impact
How Star-C has become a national role model for successful management of affordable housing (Better quality of life AND more profitable!)
Star-C's organization strategy & how it works
Landlord as[...]

June 4, 2021

Taylor Rambo & the Georgia Symphony Orchestra

Going into its 71st season, the Georgia Symphony Orchestra is thrilled to welcome its new Executive Director. Meet Taylor Rambo! Taylor is obviously excited about assuming his new role as leader of one of our venerable community institutions. A native of Marietta, Georgia, he previously served as the major gifts and campaign manager with Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater in Washington, D.C., and has held fundraising and staff positions at the American Pops Orchestra, the Washington Ballet, and APAP, the Association of Performing Arts Professionals. Listen in as we discuss:

Why the Executive Director job is perfect fit
Strengths of the organization that Taylor will levergae
The communities served by the GSO now and in the future
Key[...]

May 14, 2021

Cheryl Kortemeier and The Corporate Volunteer Council of Atlanta

The Corporate Volunteer Council of Atlanta (CVC) delivers business results by supporting members in their strategic commitment to workplace volunteerism and civic engagement. Since 1992, the CVC of Atlanta has been bringing together business professionals who are passionate about volunteerism so that they may share best practices, strengthen community investment strategies, and make a difference through service. CVC Executive Director, Cheryl Kortemeier, sat down with us to discuss all things "Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), including:

Why "Deliver business results" is fundamental to the CVC's mission
CSR = Employee Skill Developemnt
Why aren't all employers formally and more fully embracing volunteerism and civic engagement?
What's a "Community Facing Professional" and why is this role vital?
COVID 19's silver lining. (Yes, there IS a silver lining!!!)

Thank you, Cheryl Kortemeier, for your service to our community!

April 30, 2021

Laurie Wong & Reflections of Trinity

Reflections of Trinity serves to meet the basic needs of those in crisis and facilitates structured opportunities for people to engage in meaningful community service.

"I've got you!"

If there's one phrase that captures Laurie Wong's vision for Reflections of Trinity, it's, "I've got you!" As Founder and CEO of this 18 year old organization, that's the phrase she works hard to ensure a family in crisis hears from her team.

Tune in to hear this inspiring story of how this remarkable organization serves its community, including:

How when COVID hit their food pantry went from serving 500 families per week up to 1,200
How the Reflections of Trinity eBay store extended their Powder Springs based thrift store to enable this amazing leap in service
Guess who was the 2016 eBay Small[...]

April 23, 2021

Andy Gaines & The Strand Theatre

The historic Strand Theatre lights up the downtown Marietta square with live theatre, films, concerts, comedy, private events, and more. Join us for a conversation with Andy Gaines, the General Manager of this historic venue. You'll come away with an even higher level of enthusiasm and be seriously impressed with all that's going on! Andy & I, among other things, discussed:

The history of The Strand
Is it an arts venue? An economic driver? Both?
The power of collaboration with businesses AND nonprofits
Don't just think about the Strand. Think "Marietta Arts District"
The Strand's creative response to the pandemic

The best news is The Strand has a full slate of events lined up starting THE DAY the world reopens!

Thank you, Andy Gaines, for your service to our community!

...and thank you[...]

April 16, 2021

Debbie McKinley, Veterans & Home Depot

Debbie McKinley, a 20 year Marine Corps veteran herself, balances her VP Human Resources for Home Depot responsibilities and her heavy-duty family commitments all while serving as Board Chair for the Veterans Empowerment Organization. (I might never complain about being too busy ever again!) Debbie works closely with Tony Kimbrough, VEO's Executive Director. Listen to Tony's Willful Impact interview here. Soak all that in, then shift your focus to Debbie's insights regarding:

Her own transition from the Marine Corps to civilian life
TAPS - The Transition Assistance Program - Is it enough??? Sadly... not in all cases
How we all can help veterans build their own communities
How business can help veterans (They make great employees and a good job is critical!)
Debbie's story about assuming board leadership (Never miss a board meeting!)
What's coming[...]

April 2, 2021

Malaika Rivers, CIDs & Lexicon Strategies

Community Improvement Districts (CIDs) have emerged as significant centers of influence in the Metro Atlanta region. By utilizing self-imposed tax revenues from commercial businesses within their districts they are dramatically changing their communities in many ways. Malaika Rivers, Partner with Lexicon Strategies is legitimate CID pioneer. She worked for two decades with metro Atlanta's very first CID and continues to apply her expertise in this fascinating arena. Our discussion touched on some surprising topics like:

Why various businesses will link up to voluntarily raise their own taxes!
CIDs obviously work - there are now 34 of them in Metro ATL
The power of the public/private partnership
Yes, there's loads of value to the host government too
$1 invested in a CID, on average, returns $5 (...speaking of good deals...)
How CIDs can "Future-Proof"

I learned a lot about[...]

March 26, 2021

Kim Ellet, The Growth Coach of Metro Atlanta

If you are frustrated with trying to grow your business but don’t know what to focus on first, Kim Ellet understand . Growing a business is hard! With all “the balls in the air,” how do you decide which one is the most important without dropping them all? In addition to her role as President of The Growth Coach of Metro Atlanta, Kim is a dedicated community servant. Our conversation ranged across topics like:

Her experience with Leadership Cobb and her own class, "The Change Makers"
Her work with Basic Diversity and Cultural Mastery
How to expand your perspective and make changes
How clarity about your values helps define the work that "lights you up!"
Is Community Service good for business?

Thank you, Kim Ellet, for your service to[...]

March 19, 2021

Irene Barton, Executive Director of the Cobb Collaborative

The Cobb Collaborative connects community resource leaders together to holistically meet critical needs in our community. It does so by coordinating its efforts via the Georgia Family Connection Partnership and 159 similar organizations in every county in our state. Irene Barton is its Executive Director and a master of "herding cats" to accomplish great things on behalf of members of our community that are in need. We discussed a wide range of issues including:

Irene's focus on ensuring that "the whole is greater than the sum of its parts"
The importance of making data-driven decisions
How the Cobb Collaborative addresses underlying issues, not just the obivous
The challenges of coordinating the deployment of resource to achieve optimal efficiency and effectiveness
The "Two Generation" program at Kennesaw State that addresses the unique challenges[...]

March 12, 2021

Tony Kimbrough, CEO of Veterans Empowerment Organization

The Veterans Empowerment Organization offers a healing campus environment that allows veterans to rebuild their lives. Their mission is to empower veterans along their journey to self-sufficiency. Newly appointed CEO, Tony Kimbrough, an Army veteran himself, has the passion for struggling veterans one would expect. Our conversation was both heartbreaking and inspiring. Listen in to hear more about:

The tragedy of homeless veterans - especially right here in metro Atlanta
VEO's holistic approach to setting veterans on the road to self-sustenance
The dual challenge of vets from active duty and reservists
The scourge of PTSD
We invest heavily to train our warriors to "react normally to abnormal situations," but invest next to nothing to help them return to actual normal life
What it's like to go from war zone to everyday job in two weeks[...]

March 5, 2021

Nigel Zelcer of Jabian Consulting

The culture of Jabian Consulting truly sets it apart. Jabian is a community-, career-, and client-focused organization. They value inclusion, teamwork, intellectual curiosity, and mutual support. While some companies are driven by metrics, they chose to be principle-driven and metrics-aware. Our conversation with Nigel Zelcer, Partner & Co-Founder, focused on this remarkable culture and its impact on all Jabian stakeholders, especially the community. We discussed issues such as:

Unlike most management consultants, those at Jabian are home every night!
The continual focus on "Making People Famous"
60% of Jabian employees are in leadership positions with local nonprofits and literally 100% are involved
How the Jabian corporate culture "spills" into their clients and other stakeholders
Think Work/Life Integration vs. Work/Life Balance
Jabian Cares - an internal non-profit delivered $630K of pro bono services, matched $27K of[...]

February 12, 2021

Michael Barrett & The Southeast Association of Facilitators

Speaking of things that successful nonprofits need... How about facilitation? Michael Barrett is Founder of Resonance LLC and President of the Southeast Association of Facilitators. SEAF is the premier source in the region for assisting facilitators in developing their skills and promoting facilitation as an essential organizational function. Now that's a resource of value to the nonprofit world. Michael provided some fascinating insight into topics like:

What is "Facilitation" and how can it provide value to nonprofits?
Why time - and not wasting it - is so vital for your volunteers
A better way to increase and enhance the engagement of your board members
Metrics for performance monitoring and improvement
Passion - the necessary, but not sufficient ingredient
The Impact Chain and why it's important

After listening to this conversation, you'll feel the need[...]

February 5, 2021

Betsy Armentrout & Georgia Voting Works

It started with a few simple ideas...

Every vote counts and every voter deserves to be counted
Employers can play a pivotal role in engaging their employees in Georgia's elections
Peer-company sharing of ideas and best practices is powerful
Employees want to engage and are open to options

...and led to a safer, more secure, efficient and accessible election across the state of Georgia. All this thanks to Betsy Armentrout, the founder of Georgia Voting Works. It's one those "the power of one" stories. From a simple idea to persistence to a lot of work and attracting lots and lots others to participate. Hear about:

How the messy June primary provided inspiration
Recruiting people and corporations to actively particiapte
The ideas - and the work to implement them - all came from the participants (...including a[...]

January 29, 2021

Chris Hooper & Conscious Capitalism

The Purpose of Conscious Capitalism Atlanta is to Elevate Humanity Through Business, in Atlanta. Practitioners of Conscious Capitalism believe that business is good because it creates value, it is ethical because it is based on voluntary exchange, it is noble because it can elevate our existence and it is heroic because it lifts people out of poverty and creates prosperity. Free enterprise capitalism is the most powerful system for social cooperation and human progress ever conceived. It is one of the most compelling ideas we humans have ever had. But we can aspire to even more. Chris Hooper is co-founder of the Atlanta Chapter and its current Chair. Chris is not only passionate about his work, but also extremely knowledgeable. Among other things, we discussed:

How a self-describe "marketing guy" get fascinated by companies that succeed without doing[...]

January 22, 2021

Karen Hunter of Whetstone Strategies

Most of us have a strong feeling that we should be doing something to serve our community, but don't really know how to get started. Karen Hunter, Principal at Whetstone Strategies, has invested a lot of effort into figuring out how to do that effectively. Her process led her to service on three nonprofit boards at present, all of which are an excellent match for what she has to offer. These include Synergies Work, the Southeast Association of Facilitators and Georgia Voting Works. We talked about that process and how it works.

Board service is an excellent vehicle for meeting like-minded people
How to identify & define your Big 3 - Your Personal Brand, Your Passion, Your Skills & Abilities
"Positive and humble service to others"
A nonprofit board is a working[...]

January 15, 2021

Sharon Mason of the Cobb Chamber of Commerce

The Cobb Chamber of Commerce is one of the most influential business advocacy organizations in Georgia and among the top 1 1/2% of chambers in the nation. Sharon Mason, their President and CEO is a big part of their 5 Star rating and reflects the "When businesses thrive, communities flourish" philosophy. Listen in a hear about:

The role of the Cobb Chamber in the communiuty
The "Select Cobb" program which has played a key role in attracting 34,000 jobs and $3.1 Billion in investment in the county
How the chamber effectively administered $50 Billion in CARES Act aid
The impact of the Economic Recovery Task Force
The extensive Community Service involvement of Chamber employees

It's an inspiring story that you don't want to miss!

Thank you Sharon Mason, for your[...]

January 8, 2021

Karen Beavor of the Georgia Center for Nonprofits

The mission of the Georgia Center for Nonprofits is to build thriving communities by helping nonprofits succeed. Through a powerful mix of advocacy, solutions for nonprofit effectiveness, and insight building tools, GCN provides nonprofits, board members and donors with the tools they need to strengthen organizations that make a difference on important causes throughout Georgia. Listen in on a discussion with Karen Beavor, GCN's President and CEO. We talked about:

Management, Leadership & Governance of nonprofits
Questions an Executive Director should be asking
The role of the nonprofit board
The "Big 3" for nonprofit success: Strategy, Leadership and $$$
Think revenue, not just fundraising!
What's next for the nonprofit world

Thank you, Karen Beavor, for your service to our community!

December 18, 2020

liveSAFE Resources & Tracey Atwater

liveSAFE Resources provides safety and healing to those impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault and elder abuse by offering services, creating awareness and fostering support within the community. Tracey Atwater, their Executive Director, provides outstanding leadership to this organization that addresses some tough, pervasive issues. Among other things, we discussed:

How depressingly pervasive these ugly issues really are
The journey from victim to thriving survivor
1 in 2 women and 1 in 4 men are victims of physical and/or emotional violence
80% of these victims are below the poverty line
How to be aware of when a relative, friend or colleague might be a victim
The many programs provided by liveSAFE

Donate your time and or cash to this vital community effort!

Thank you, Tracey Atwater for[...]

December 11, 2020

Kim Cooper & Children Helping Children

Children Helping Children educates and empowers youth philanthropists in Atlanta. Listen in on this inspiring story about developing a lifelong habit of community service! Kim Cooper, Senior Board President for Children Helping Children talked about a whole host of services provided by this dedicated organization including:

How it's the kids - not the parents - making decisions about who to serve and how
The soon-to-be-mobile Compassion Curriculum
What's your light? How will you share it?
The Light & Love Loft at the King Plow Arts Center
The CHC "Junior Board" and how it provides valuable life-lessons
How to become a Village Volunteer

Want a simple way to lend a hand? Participate in the Children Helping Children Virtual Food Drive.

Thank you, Kim Cooper, for your service to our community!

November 20, 2020

Jillian Youngblood & Common Ground Solutions

There are over 150 substantive, national political issues about which there is more than 50% agreement??? Some with agreement in the 80-90% range??? Is it possible that the media - especially social media, and the lobbyists, and the pundits over-exaggerate our differences because “anger sells” and it helps them make more money? What if there were a non-partisan, nonprofit organization that helps people become and remain active citizens who work together across party lines? What if this organization helped us get beyond the simple-minded, binary yes/no, on/off, red/blue debate over issues? And used hard, empirical data to prove that we’re not anywhere near as divided as it seems? And facilitated the crafting of recommendations for action that have broad, bi-partisan support? Such an organization exists! It’s called Common Ground Solutions and is led by their Executive Director, Jillian Youngblood. Their goals[...]

November 13, 2020

Barry Coates of SCORE

Barry Coates is District Director for SCORE Georgia. Nationally, SCORE consists of a team of over 10,000 volunteer business mentors who are all ready to help your small business survive—and thrive—through any crisis. Barry had a successful career with a large corporation, executed a year stint as an entrepreneur himself, and has been an active SCORE volunteer for 7 more years. His perspective on SCORE as well as the challenges of entrepreneurship is broad and deep. We discussed things like:

How the SCORE mentoring process works
It's mentoring, not consulting!
The amazingly broad range of skills, knowledge and insight available from SCORE
Barry's personal business journey and how it relates to SCORE
A really cool success story!
Other tools and resources available
Getting started

The notion of serving community by helping entrepreneurs succeed and thrive is fascinating. Check it out!

November 6, 2020

Stuart Winborne of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Stuart Winborne is Georgia Area Director at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. AFSP is where grassroots meets science to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide. It's an uncomfortable topic, but one we need to address. Stuart has the sort of positive, upbeat attitude it takes to stand up to and address such a tragic and sadly not infrequent issue. It's folks like her that bring hope and comfort to those affected by suicide. Among other things, we discussed:

The over 43,000 Americans who take their own lives annually
The impact of COVID-19
Suicide Warning Signs & what to watch out for:
The work of AFSP: Education, Public Policy, Funding Research, Support for Survivors
Trust your gut and say something!!! Don't wait for someone else to intervene.
Project 2025
Sign up for and[...]

October 30, 2020

Seth Hopkins & The Booth Western Art Museum

North America is home to some of the world’s most impressive art museums showcasing some of the most comprehensive collections and most famous works of art. And which is the best according to USA Today? None other than the Booth Western Art Museum in Cartersville, GA. Our discussion with Seth Hopkins, the museum's Executive Director was both fascinating and wide-ranging. Listen in to hear more about:

Yes, Cartersville!
The focus on student and adult education
The focus on living artists (which adds a decidedly non-traditional spin to Western Art)
Andy Warhol in a Western Art Museum???
80% of the collection is Western, but don't miss out on the Civil War and Presidential galleries!
Sagebrush Ranch - Don't tell the kids it's more about the learning than the fun!
The extensive "Virtual Booth Museum"

I'm personally heading back[...]

October 23, 2020

Holly Quinlan & Cobb County – “Atlanta’s Sweet Spot”

Holly Quinlan, as President and CEO of Cobb County Travel & Tourism is laser-beam focused on how to bring people to Cobb and connect them with all the assets within the community. Listen in to learn just how great a job she and her team are doing! Our conversation covered all sorts of exciting topics including:

Holly and her team's role as catalysts and connectors
The critical role of Community Improvement Districts
How success with the Cobb Sports Alliance led to more success with Cobb Arts Vibe
Pandemic? How about Hello, Again? (See video below...)
Place-making (Very cool concept!)
Cobb is "Camera Ready" for the film industry!

Well... I'm convinced! Cobb County most certainly is Atlanta's Sweet Spot!

Thank you, Holly Quinlan,[...]

October 16, 2020

Kim Gresh of S. A. White

Kim Gresh has been a pioneer and leader in the petroleum industry as President of S. A. White since 1999. In addition to all that, she has served on a looooooong list of nonprofit boards and has been repeatedly recognized by various groups for her community service. Lots and lots to learn from someone with that sort of broad perspective. We talked about things like:

A lifelong, deep immersion in one's own community
Before you ask for money, you need to being giving money yourself!
Balancing time invested in business and community
Kim's fascinating view of why The Arts are so vital ("All the lights came on in my brain!")
The "Community Service Ecosystem"
Corporate Social Responsibility

It's tough to not come away from a conversation with Kim Gresh without thinking your own community service might not[...]

October 9, 2020

Randy Yeomans – Your Retirement Coach

Financial Planning and Community Service. Without the latter, the former is simply not complete. This notion become SO crystal clear during my conversation with Randy Yeomans, CEO of Yeoman’s Consulting Group. We talked about all the "normal" topics associated with retirement planning, but the really fascinating part revolved around very pragmatic tax strategies that can actually increase both the impact and amount of Community Service each of can really deliver. Among other things, we discussed:

The "Venn Diagram" of retirement planning
How Yeomans supports the Community Service of all of its employees
MUST Ministries (Randy's passion)
Money, Time & Voice
"Bunch Giving" - If you hear nothing else, HEAR THIS!!!
Guiding $100 Million of client portfolios into worthy causes

I could go on and on. Seriously. Regardless the quality of your current Retirement,[...]

October 2, 2020

Ellen McCarty of McCarty & Co.

Looking for some insight into your role as a nonprofit Executive Director or Board Member? You've come to the right place! Ellen McCarty, President & Owner of McCarty & Company joined us to share lessons from her long experience as the leader of five different Community Service organizations. Among other things, we discussed:

Morphing from the corporate world to the nonprofit world
Key differences of the board member role in a large vs. small nonprofit
Board Recruitment hints and tips (Great stuff here!!!)
The 3 Ts - Time, Treasure, Talent
The growing significance of Corporate Social Responsibility
Know your strategic plan!
Celebrate Successes

My head's still full of questions for Ellen. So much insight; so little time!

Thank you, Ellen McCarty, for your service to our community!

September 25, 2020

Susan Norris of Rescuing Hope

It's uncomfortable. It makes your skin crawl. Most of us want to "look away" from the very real problem of sex trafficking. In Metro Atlanta alone, there are 7,200 sex trafficking transactions each and every month. You probably don't want to, but you MUST focus your attention. There are many - very simple - things each of us can do to combat this scourge. Kudos to Susan Norris, Founder & Executive Director of Rescuing Hope, an organization with the mission to ENLIGHTEN the public about sex trafficking in America, EDUCATE potential victims and first responders and EMPOWER advocates and survivors. We touched on a host of topics including:

The average age of a sex trafficking victim is 12-14 years
Buy the book! Rescuing Hope: A Story of Sex Trafficking in America September 18, 2020

United Cerebral Palsy Association of Greater Indiana

Cerebral palsy strikes everywhere. The work of the United Cerebral Palsy Association of Greater Indiana reflects the dedication of community servants across the nation in fighting this disease. Their PANDACADEMY Awards program is a glowing example of the creativity applied in what they do. We had the pleasure of speaking with Mike Foddrill, Executive Director at UCP Greater Indiana... and Lee White, Vice President of Commercial Sales for Bosma Enterprises and also a board member for UCP. They both shared fascinating insights, like:

Lifelong dedication shown by Lee's 30 years on the board and Mike's 15+ years
The perception of "can't do" and why it's just wrong
Cerebral palsy affects muscle control, so Mike gets a black belt? Seriously?
Key challenges they face and what they're doing about it
PANDACADEMY[...]

September 11, 2020

Shari Martin & The Cobb Community Foundation

The Cobb Community Foundation has been connecting donors who care with causes that matter for twenty seven years. The Foundation manages charitable funds for local individuals, families, for-profit and non-profit organizations who are all connected by their passion for making a difference in our community. CEO Shari Martin exudes enthusiasm for that mission with every sentence and is dedicated to making all the participants in this organization's work more impactful. Our wide-rnaging conversation addressed topics like:

What exactly is a community foundation?
How CCF functions as a "community catalyst
How and why CCF is different
The unique power of Cobb Community Connection (You owe it to yourself to check this out!)
Food Fleet - A shining example of coordinating all manner of resources to address COVID-related issues
And - believe it or not with all CCF has on its plate - Shari's[...]

September 4, 2020

Randy Thompson – “Cheerful Giver”

From "getting run out of town" to becoming a "Cheerful Giver," Randy Thompson's story of business success and philanthropy feels almost like a TV drama. It also provides a shining example of just how inextricably connected our business lives and community service really are. Listen in as Randy discusses:

How "getting run out of town" was the best thing that ever happened to him
There's nothing difficult or complicated about combining business and philanthropy
His transformation from "Obligatory Giver" to "Cheerful Giver"
Why "Give your first dollar" is important

It's fascinating, and frankly obvious, how philanthropy contributes to business success which enables more philanthropy which contributes to more business success...

Thank you, Randy Thompson, for your service to our community!

August 28, 2020

Dikembe Mutombo – Global Community Servant

Dikembe Mutombo hails from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In 1987, Mutombo was the recipient of a USAID scholarship to attend Georgetown University, and he soon excelled both academically and in basketball. His 18 seasons as an NBA superstar culminated in Mutombo’s induction into the League’s coveted Hall of Fame and the responsibility of promoting the game as the first NBA Global Ambassador. Thanks to his heart, his vision, his insight and his tireless dedication to making a positive difference in the lives of others, Mutombo has leveraged his celebrity as an NBA superstar to become a well-known and much loved spokesman for the underserved especially those living in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and throughout Africa. Our conversation with Dikembe was genuinely inspirational ...and humbling. Listen in to hear about:

How the aspiring physician chose a different path, but[...]

August 21, 2020

Craig Lesser – Community Service and Economic Development

Craig Lesser, is Chairman of The Pendleton Group and one with a deep knowledge of the role of Community Service in Economic Development. We talked about the critical inter-relationships among the various groups that comprise a community and how they can - and must - work together.

Community Service is the first step toward overall Economic Devleopment
Who must set the basic priorities?
"Silos" are the enemy!
The danger of being too internally focused
The 4 Legged Stool: Government, Business, Education, Culture

This is an episode worth listening to twice! It's loaded up with insights, ideas and inspiration.

Thank you, Craig Lesser, for your service to our community!

August 14, 2020

Sam Olens, Former GA Attorney General

As one with years of both community service and public service, Sam Olens brings a unique perspective to the Willful Impact discussion. While his passion centers on issues relating to children, Sam's career has led to involvement in a wide range of causes. Among other things, we talked about:

The importance of involvement with Community Service starting in childhood
The "Bike Story" - Combining value from place of worship and fire-fighters to get bikes to kids
The trend of businesses encouraging employees to donate their time
How Community Service time can also be Family Time
Why focusing on local issues is the most effective form of Community Service

Thank you, Sam Olens, for your service to our community!

August 7, 2020

Charlie Yates & A Lifetime of Service

Charlie Yates is a long-time fixture as an Atlanta Community Servant. From his stint as Chair of the YMCA (following in his father's and grandfather's footsteps), to the 1996 Olympics to the Atlanta Opera. He's an individual with some serious perspective to share. He had some intriguing thoughts about:

The importance of establishing roots in your community
Why business-people need to get way beyond "mercenary" goals for community service
A fascinating backstory about real estate development for the '96 Atlanta Olympics
The need for a long term perspective
Some great advice for young people

Thank you, Charlie Yates, for your service to our community!

July 31, 2020

David Bottoms and the WellStar Foundation

David Bottoms is Principal at The Bottoms Group and Chair of the WellStar Foundation Board. For twenty years, WellStar Foundation has acted as a supporting organization to the WellStar Health System, Northwest Georgia’s largest not-for-profit healthcare provider. “Not-for-profit” means that instead of distributing revenues to individual shareholders, we reinvest revenues into new WellStar programs and enhanced services for the benefit of our community. David has been and continues to be deeply involved in several community service organizations, and provides a great example of a business leader who also carves out a significant amount of time to help make his community a better place. We addressed a wide range of topics including:

Disparities in availability of health care services across the state
The unique challenges presented by the COVID pandemic
Dealing with the large amount of "unreimbursed care" delivered by the WellStar[...]

July 24, 2020

Ashish Thakur & Atlanta CEO Council

The Atlanta CEO Council is a relationship-driven nonprofit that connects CEOs to capital, customers, talent, and each other. Community Service is one of the initiatives driven by this dynamic organization. Listen it as Ashish Thakur, its Executive Director & Board Member talks about the impact these business leaders are having. Issues we discussed included:

The high Return On Investment of "mentoring relationships"
The value of job creation to the community
digitalundivided - a social startup that merges data and heart to develop innovative programs and initiatives that catalyzes economic growth in Black and Latinx communities
How a "C-Level" executive can catalyze Community Service
Thoughts on measuring impact

Ashish also shared a number of stories about how he and his family "walk the walk" with their own Community Service efforts.

Thank[...]

July 17, 2020

Jeremy Cole & UNICEF

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, to defend their rights, and to help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence. And they never give up! Jeremy Cole, Managing Director of the Southeast Regional Office of UNICEF joined us to share his insights about this remarkable organization and its work. Among other things, we discussed:

How his background led him to his life's work
UNICEF vaccinates 45% of world's children, and that's just scratching the surface
6% of U.S. giving goes to international causes
An example of what the Global Innovations Team does - from plastic trash - to bricks - to schools!

There's a whole lot more to UNICEF than "Trick or Treat!"

Thank you, Jeremy Cole, for your service to our community!

July 10, 2020

Marilynn Martinez & PRISM of Georgia

The mission of PRISM of Georgia is to change the way the community sees people with developmental disabilities and recognizing that every life has a purpose. Marilynn Martinez, the Executive Director, is nothing less than outstanding at leading the effort to achieve that goal. As she puts it, it's all about PRISM: Purpose - Relationships - Independence - Service - Mentorship Our wide-ranging conversation covered topics including:

The importance of celebrating success
How families can support a loved one with a disability
The challenge of funding
The challenge of recruiting staff - It's everything!
Collaborating with business to fill jobs

For me, Marilynn's most intriguing project is the "PRISM Planet Patrol." Everyone involved wins, and it's a terrific way to get involved.

Thank you, Marilynn Martinez, for your service to our community!

July 3, 2020

Jim Rhoden – “Pay your civic rent!”

At age 80, Jim Rhoden continues to go into his office every day and continues to fulfill his father's life-lesson of "Pay your civic rent." I found his perspective on delivering community service to be one that is both simple and profound. Key components of his approach include:

Pay your civic rent!
Business and community service are inextricably intertwined
"Give everybody that asks you for something, something!"
Small, steady, quiet, relentless community service over a long span of years has a huge impact

Jim and I discussed those principles and more as well the legacy of which he is most proud - the Cobb Community Foundation.

Thank you, Jim Rhoden, for your service to our community!

June 26, 2020

Bill Bolling & Food Well Alliance

There is a lot of uncertainty in the world today -- we don’t know what tomorrow will bring, let alone next week or next month. At Food Well Alliance, two truths have kept them grounded and guided by their strategy during the COVID-19 crisis. First, there is no safer, healthier food than locally grown food. Increased access will not only help our communities survive the pandemic, but thrive in its aftermath. Second, the demand for this nutritious, immune-boosting food is greater than ever before. Bill Bolling just couldn't sit still after founding and leading the Atlanta Community Food Bank for 36 years. His is an inspiring story of Community Service sustained - literally - for a lifetime. Among other things, we discussed:

Sharing a meal as a means to community building
Community Service - like any business - requires[...]

June 19, 2020

Dave Ward & The Tommy Nobis Center

The mission at Tommy Nobis Center is to empower individuals with disabilities through employment. Not only do the individuals the Center helps to employ gain experience and independence, they also feel a sense of community around them. Tommy Nobis Center has helped over 25,000 people in the last 40 years. Dave Ward is President & CEO of The Tommy Nobis Center, and is fulfilling his lifelong commitment to Community Service. Dave shared many insights with us, including:

The legacy of "Mr. Falcon," Tommy Nobis
Partnerships and service across 24 states
The Big 3: Education - Training - Employment
A few stirring individual examples
New initiative for the future

Everyone who lives in metro Atlanta has heard the request many times... "Donate your old car, truck or RV to the Tomy Nobis Center!" After[...]

June 12, 2020

Lisa Mello & The Wellstar Foundation

The Wellstar Foundation acts as a supporting organization to WellStar Health System, the largest health system in Georgia. Through philanthropy, we reinvest 100 percent of the donations received toward achieving its vision of delivering world-class care to everyone, everywhere, every minute of every day. Lisa Mello, the Foundation's Director of Strategic Giving, joined us to share some of the critical work they are accomplishing:

Enabling the building of a chapel and adding a full-time chaplain to the staff of one of their hospitals
The unique challenges presented the pandemic
The sheer magnitude of managing the demands and getting the right resources to the right place at the right time
The truly gratifying outpouring of support for the hospital system
How to lend your hand to the Wellstar Foundation

June 5, 2020

Rich Cavagnaro & “B2B Community Service”

Rich Cavagnaro, founded AdEdge Water Technologies with an eye toward community service as an integral part of his business strategy. AdEdge, and Rich as its CEO, have maintained that commitment and as a result, have made a whole series of community contributions with lasting global impact. AdEdge specializes in the design, development, fabrication and supply of water treatment solutions, specialty medias, legacy and innovative technologies that remove a wide range of contaminants from water. This discussion focused on the portion of the company's mission to work regionally and globally to steward their collective skills, talents, and resources to serve communities, businesses, and non-profit organizations. This includes the startup of Helping Hands for Water, a 501(c)(3) started by a group of AdEdge employees, and working with the nonprofit organization His Heart Missions to deliver a water treatment system to the community of San[...]

May 29, 2020

Aarti Sagahl, Founder of Synergies Work

Aarti Sagahl is the Founder of Synergies Work, an organization dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities earn a livelihood. As she states it, "The organization is all about helping disabled people earn money. It's not charity!" It's a fascinating philosophy and it works. Learning about Aarti's journey - from mom with a son who has Downs Syndrome; to mom determined to provide him with the same opportunities as any other child; to non-profit entrepreneur selling the amazing artistic products created by those with disabilities; to enabler of entrepreneurs - is both poignant and compelling inspiring. A few of the topics we discussed:

"Raise the bar of expectations"
Several stories of the folks Aarti started on the road to entrepreneurship
The breakthrough moment
On becoming a Business Incubator
Challenges

You owe it to yourself to check out the[...]

May 22, 2020

Bob Bonstein & the Georgia Symphony Orchestra

Next season will be the 70th for the truly extraordinary Georgia Symphony Orchestra. This diverse Arts organization serves the families and communities of Greater North Georgia and Metro Atlanta providing audience members with a memorable experience at each and every one of its more than 20 annual concerts. We tracked down Mr. Bob Bonstein, Chair of the GSO's Board of Directors and were delightedly surprised to learn just how much this long-lived institution accomplishes every year. We talk about things such as:

The performances of classical masterpieces (of course...)
GYSO - the Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra - the largest of its kind in the Southeast and among the top 10 in the coutry
The annual "Sensory Friendly" concert specifically designed for autistic children. (...tough to not get choked up a bit about this amazing performance
The surprising[...]

May 15, 2020

Rhys Wilson & The Atlanta Opera

The Atlanta Opera’s mission is to build the major international opera company Atlanta deserves, with a vision to reimagine opera. Founded in 1979, The Atlanta Opera celebrates its 40^th anniversary in the 2019-20 season. The Opera works with world-renowned singers, conductors, directors, and designers who seek to enhance the art form. Under the leadership of internationally recognized stage director and Carl W. Knobloch, Jr. General & Artistic Director Tomer Zvulun, The Atlanta Opera expanded from three to four mainstage productions at Cobb Energy Centre and launched the acclaimed Discoveries series. In recent years, the company was recognized by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution as part of its “Best of 2015” awards; it was nominated for an International Opera Award in 2016; and it won ArtsATL’s 2019 Luminary Award for Community Engagement, recognizing its successful Veterans Program in partnership with The Home Depot Foundation. We were[...]

May 8, 2020

Alli Neal, Founder of Revved Up Kids

Revved Up Kids equips children against predators! Our personal safety and self-defense training programs help children recognize unsafe people, avoid dangerous situations and escape attackers. Tens of thousands of children and teens have benefited from Revved Up Kids training. It would very difficult to find someone more passionate about what she does. It was a distinct pleasure to speak with Alli Neal, the Co-Founder of Revved Up Kids. We discussed a wide range of topics including:

It's all starts with awareness
How to start the conversation, and keep it going...
Talk to your kids about personal safety as often as you talk to them about brushing their teeth!
The Family Safety Community
And the most important bit... The cost of prevention is negligible, the cost of rehabilitation is in excess of $200,000!

How[...]

May 1, 2020

Chris Brand of FODAC

The mission of Friends Of Disabled Adults & Children - FODAC - is to provide durable medical equipment (DME) such as wheelchairs and hospital beds at little or no cost to individuals with disabilities and their families. We seek to enhance the quality of life for people of all ages who have any type of illness or physical disability. Since 1986, FODAC has collected and distributed more than 50,000 wheelchairs!

FODAC provides over $9 million each year in equipment and services to the community at little or no cost to the recipients. FODAC is a 501(c)(3) and does not have direct funding from Medicare/Medicaid for the services offered. Most equipment for people with disabilities is issued for a suggested donation but some services have mandatory fees. Chris Brand, FODAC's President & CEO joined[...]

April 24, 2020

Giles Barton & Revved Up Kids

What if it were possible to train a child to not only recognize a potential predator, but also to apply some physical, self-defense techniques if that awful situation presents itself? Sound like something of interest to you as a parent? Well, it is possible, and Revved Up Kids has a proven that it can consistently deliver that training.

As a parent, what value does that have? How much would you be willing to pay for it?

We were fortunate enough to catch up with Giles Barton this week, to talk about Revved Up Kids and his role on their board. Giles is a dedicated, contributing board member, who also has a day job as CEO of Expeditor Systems. He has lots of interesting thoughts to share in addition to that very[...]

April 17, 2020

Gregory Harris of The High Museum

Gregory Harris of The High Museum talks photography.

April 10, 2020

Introducing Willful Impact

Welcome to Episode 0 of the Willful Impact podcast. I’m your host Todd Youngblood, the one who’s fortunate enough to have the opportunity to be the visible, public voice for a show with a purpose that I believe is genuinely inspiring.

Simply stated, our goal is to generate a dramatically higher level of voluntary community service.

I trust you will agree that I’m not using the words “genuinely inspiring” lightly. Our world is already over-loaded with hype, and exaggerated claims. None of us wants or needs or maybe can even stand for any more of that. Our plan is to tell stories. Stories about individuals and organizations who generously set out to make the world a better place. Many times the story is short - as straightforward as providing financial support. Obviously, cash donations are critical. Without them, virtually all community[...]

April 7, 2020