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Let's Talk Small Business

Month: February 2015

Black History Month – African American Enterprise in Georgia

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LTSBYou have never heard two different success stories than that of Sylvester Hester from ARD Logistics (and several other notable companies), and Orlando Lynch, from Peachtree Movers. These MBEs came to us for our February 17th, 2015 show to talk about their struggle in building successful minority business enterprises for Black History Month, and there could not have been a better pair to talk about the real issues to both their success, and their journey. Covered are the critical issues that matter most to businesses starting out: finances, health, perspective, and dedication, and although the poised Mr. Hester, and the perpetually outgoing Mr. Lynch could not be more different as people, there is a genuine empathy and real outpouring of support from one entrepreneur to the other, that is palpable in the room. This show will leave you inspired. And we will leave you with a couple of quotes from our esteemed guests:

“What got you here, won’t keep you here, and won’t get you THERE.” Sylvester Hester

“You have to be [as a minority business] twice as good, and half as bad.” Orlando Lynch

Sylvester Hester / ARD Logistics, LLC

Sylvester Hester is Vice Chairman and Chief Operations Officer, Global Automotive Alliance (GAA). The enterprise is comprised of five manufacturing and logistics companies with eleven U.S. operations, and 1,400 employees. Since stepping into this role in 2008 Hester’s focus on operational excellence and sustained growth has resulted in a corporate acquisition, entré into new markets, an increase in facilities, innovation in product and service delivery and enhanced national and global relationships. GAA companies are: ARD Logistics, Global SQ, Grupo Antolin Wayne, Key Logistics and Vitec.

Global Automotive Alliance began as an automotive supplier in 1999 and today has the reputation for providing quality manufacturing and exceptional logistics management to aerospace, automotive, food & beverage, government and retailers. Hester led the aerospace expansion, including two new logistics operations in Charleston, SC, and in 2013 Global SQ, a logistics company providing quality inspection services for Toyota in Georgetown, KY was acquired.

His lengthy career in the automotive parts manufacturing began in 1985 as an engineering technician for General Motors Advanced Engineering. He quickly moved up to project engineer/project manager at Regal Plastics in Michigan before moving into account management at Tredegar Molded Products and Woodbridge Inoac. In 1993 Hester returned to Regal Plastics as Vice President where his success prepared him to initiate and launch ARD in 1998 when chairman and CEO, William Pickard selected him as president of ARD near Atlanta, Georgia. In 2003 he was named president of GAA’s newest acquisition, Key Logistics and today Hester is president of four GAA companies including Global SQ, and Grupo Antolin Wayne.

In addition to serving as president of GAA’s Advisory Board of Directors Hester is Vice Chair of the Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council transportation and logistics committee, and is a board member for the Southern Region Minority Supplier Development Council and past board member of the Atlanta Business League. He is also a member of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity.

Hester is completing a Master of Science in Administration with concentration in Leadership at Central Michigan University, and has a Bachelor of Science in Plastics Engineering with an emphasis in Polymer Chemistry from Ferris State University. He has completed the Advanced Minority Business Executive Program (AMBEP) at Dartmouth College Tucks School of Business and the Kellogg School of Management Advanced Management Education Program (AMEP) at Northwestern University.

Orlando Lynch / Atlanta Peach Movers

Orlando Lynch established Atlanta Peach Movers, Inc. in Atlanta, GA in 1998. A relocation service company that offers commercial and residential relocation services locally in the Metro Atlanta area, nationally and internationally the company has garnered a reputation of quality and reliability among the Atlanta real estate community, mortgage brokers, home builders and national corporations.

Moving and storage service with an emphasis on customer service and quality. Gaining knowledge about the relocation industry and thinking of ways to create business have been a driving force behind the success of the company. Utilizing the Marketing degree from Arizona State University and the information gained from both Kellogg’s and Tuck’s CEO Management programs, Atlanta Peach Movers now boasts a fleet of 39 trucks and 4 tractor trailers.

Atlanta Peach Movers has received awards from Consumers’ Choice, Supplier of the Year – Tier II, 2010 from the Georgia Minority Supplier Diversity Council (“GMSDC”) and has designations for Corporate Plus ® status through the National Minority Supplier Diversity Council (“NMSDC”), Certified Pro-Mover through the American Moving and Storage Association (“AMSA”) and GSA Advantage listed.

In addition to his duties as President, Mr. Lynch also is an integral part of the firm’s marketing and business development. Heading a company in itself can be a stressor, coupled with the fact that moving is one of the top five most stressful things people can do in their life, Mr. Lynch exudes the “Sense of Urgency” he demands from his staff.

Mr. Lynch sits on the Board of Zoo Atlanta and is active in supporting several non-profit organizations including Hosea Feed the Hungry, the Warrick Dunn Foundation, Habitat for Humanity and the Nicholas House.

Mr. Lynch is married to Kaihra Lynch and has 3 children, Taylor, Tiffani, and Orlando James Lynch.

 

 

Small Business Week and MBEs

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Georgia declares its first official Small Business Week! Our February 10th, 2015 show featured Ms. Mary McClanahan, Georgia’s Director of Entrepreneur & Small Business Development for the Georgia Department of Economic Development. The kick-off event at Georgia Tech for Small Business Week on Monday will highlight some of Georgia’s most innovative businesses in their “Rock Star” award series luncheon, so come prepared to get inspired by some of Georgia’s true path-blazers in some of the hottest sectors. As a precursor, however, tune in to find out what changes we can expect in 2015 for small enterprises, and mine the wealth of priceless information and resources Ms. McClanahan reveals will be the key to success in 2015 for small businesses. To find out more about Georgia’s first official Small Business Week kick-off at Georgia Tech, the amazing programs for 2015, and to get up to speed on some of the best resources for entrepreneurs and small businesses, please visit: http://www.georgia.org/business-resources/small-business-resource-directory/georgia-small-business-week/.

Mary Ellen McClanahan / Georgia Department of Economic Development LinkedIn Twitter 

As Director of Entrepreneur & Small Business Development for the Georgia Department of Economic Development, Mary Ellen helps find solutions and effective ways to build an enabling environment and support small business through mentoring, professional development, strategic planning, processes and resource awareness. She also connects with Georgia’s business and community associations so that thousands of businesses, local leaders and practitioners are aware of resources and opportunities. She also directs any sized businesses to the specific resources they need.

Mary Ellen is also an Existing Industry Project Manager within the Metro Atlanta region. She calls on growing companies making them aware of state resources and incentives and provides assistance with their growth plans and decision-making process. Mary Ellen also works closely with the local economic developers with their economic development efforts.

During her 16 years with the department, she helped develop and grow its regional economic development program, the “Entrepreneur Friendly” Initiative and acted as legislative liaison. Prior to that, Mary Ellen was the economic developer and president of two rural South Georgia chambers of commerce in Dodge and Sumter Counties.

Originally from Erie, PA and in Georgia since 1973, Mary Ellen serves on the boards of GEDA (Georgia Economic Developers Association), GACCE (GA Association of Chambers of Commerce Executives), Georgia Mentor Protégé Connection, Advisory Council for the Edge Connection and the DeKalb Workforce Investment Board.

She is a 1997 graduate of Institute for Organization Management, Leadership Georgia and a 2000 graduate of EDI (Economic Development Institute).

 

 

MBEIC Kickoff and Tier II Opportunities

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Our Let’s Talk Small Business show on February 3rd 2015 featured Mr. Sylvester Johnson, Senior Manager Supplier Diversity of Home Depot, and Ms. Sylvia Nealy-David, the Principal Managing Consultant for Human and Technology Capital Advisors, LLC, and chair of the MBEIC. This show announced the MBEIC Kickoff event where Mr. Johnson will be the keynote speaker discussing the importance of Tier II opportunities in the corporate supply chain. Bringing more than 17 years of corporate experience at Home Depot, he shares a comprehensive view on the current minority business landscape in Georgia and identifies strategies for success with Tier II opportunities. This year the MBEIC focus will be on educating all MBE’s on the importance of Tier II , and how to maximize resources for growth and capacity building. Please join Sylvia and the entire MBEIC leadership for an exciting meeting as they kick off the year on February 16th, 2015 from 9-11 am at Georgia Power. We look forward to seeing you there, and helping you “Realize Tomorrow.”

Sylvester Johnson / The Home Depot LinkedIn

Sylvester Johnson leads The Home Depot’s efforts to tap into small, minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses. He drives internal processes and functions as the external liaison to ensure The Home Depot forms mutually beneficial partnerships with small and diverse businesses. This allows The Home Depot to deliver innovative products and services and superb customer service, which ultimately increases shareholder value.

Sylvester joined The Home Depot in 1997 and has served in a variety of positions during his 17 year career at the company including Manager for Home Depot Tool and Truck Rental, Sr. Manager Inventory Planning & Replenishment, Sr. Manager Multi- Channel Integration and eBusiness Inventory Manager in the HD.com organization. He has also held key roles in Strategic Finance, Logistics Finance and Supply Chain. Prior to beginning his corporate career Sylvester spent several years working in The Home Depot stores as a Department Manager.

Sylvester is a graduate of Alabama State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in finance. He currently serves on the advisory boards for the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, and the Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council. He is also a member of the NMSDC Retail Industry Group and the US Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce Corporate Brain Trust.

Sylvia Nealy David / Human & Technology Capital Advisors, LLC LinkedIn

Sylvia Nealy David is the Managing Principal with Human and Technology Capital Advisors, a premier Human Capital Management consulting and solution implementation firm, specializing in the implementation of human capital management strategy utilizing technology. She is an International HR Executive with over 20 years of experience in human capital management. Sylvia has led international and national HR organizations in North America, South America, Southern and Central Europe for profit and non-profit organizations. She has experience in higher education, financial services, and the healthcare industries. Her expertise includes strategic human resources leadership and evaluation, total rewards management, workforce planning & diversity implementation, mergers & acquisitions, corporate compliance, leadership development, talent management, performance management and organizational design & development.

Sylvia is a pioneer in Human Capital Management. She developed an HR Capabilities Model. This model has established standard competencies for measuring HR effectiveness and efficiency. Sylvia has held several leadership roles with in human resources management. Prior to Human and Technology Capital Advisors, Sylvia was the Vice President for Human Resources for Morehouse School of Medicine, Global Vice President of HR at Habitat for Humanity International, and various leadership roles with Emory and Synovus Financial Corp.

Sylvia serves on the Board of Director, (HR Committee) for the Girls Scouts of Greater Atlanta, and is a Mentor for Pathbuilders, Inc. In addition, she serves as the Chair of (MBEIC) Minority Business Enterprise Input Committee for the NMSDC Georgia Affiliate Council, a member of the Board of Directors for the NMSDC Georgia Affiliate Council, and an appointee of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, Small Business Advisory Council. Sylvia is also Chair of the Small Business Council Community Committee.