Listen on Sundays at 11 a.m. on 95.5 WSB and wsbradio.com
Each week, host Jon Waterhouse speaks with Atlanta’s business leaders to explore their inspiring stories, lessons learned, and tips for growth and success. From big business execs to indie entrepreneurs, these guests not only share their practical secrets, but also unveil the personalities behind the careers.
“Business touches all our lives and deserves to be explored,” says show founder, Richard J. Lenz. “Lenz on Business taps into the excitement and dynamics of business; the colorful characters who drive these companies, their entrepreneurial adventures, and the innovative ways they thrive and survive in today’s world.”
Upcoming Lenz on Business Show
Recent Lenz on Business Shows
Jerome Sabol, owner and president, Plumb Works
With Atlanta’s recent cold front leaving many to deal with freezing pipes, it was fitting to invite Jerome Sabol from Plumb Works back to the program. The Atlanta-based Plumb Works, one of the city’s leading residential plumbing companies, has been operating since 1989 and has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Sabol returns to explain how he built a successful business with no prior business experience, how to navigate a sudden influx of customers with limited staff support, and shares initiatives that uphold Plumb Works’ philanthropic goals throughout the year.
Dr. Benjamin Lefkove and Ron Sanders, PA-C, founders Viral Solutions
This week’s guests are incredibly inspiring, and their company has had and continues to have a profound impact on metro Atlanta and beyond. Dr. Ben Lefkove and physician assistant Ron Sanders of Viral Solutions first founded Viral Solutions drive-up COVID-19 testing sites in 2020 in an effort to resolve the testing crisis in Georgia. Today they offer COVID, flu, and RSV testing along with COVID-19 vaccinations at their seven Viral Solutions locations in the metro Atlanta area. Additionally, they have now launched First Class Healthcare, a correctional facility healthcare company that serves correctional facility residents who have typically not received proper healthcare. They talk in depth about these projects and their exciting plans for the future.
Jeff Roth, owner, Premier Tree Solutions
Many entrepreneurs try a wide range of opportunities before settling on the field of their dreams. This week’s guest has a fascinating entrepreneurial history. A US Navy veteran, Jeff moved out of the Armed Forces and into the nightclub business, eventually owning venues in Atlanta, Georgia and Orlando, Florida. After stepping away from the bar world, Jeff began chopping his way into the tree service industry. For more than a decade, he’s been the owner and operator of Premier Tree Services, which provides professional tree services to metro Atlanta clients. These services range from tree removal and trimming to storm damage, stump grinding, and crane work. Jeff joins host Jon Waterhouse to talk about his entrepreneurial spirit, the importance of diversification, the secret to employee dynamics, and more.
Diamond Dallas Page, DDP Yoga
Just in time for New Year’s resolutions, we revisit an interview we had with Diamond Dallas Page, founder of the wildly successful fitness program DDP Yoga. This retired professional wrestler combined yoga positions and calisthenics with physical therapy principles to create a unique program that continues to spawn incredible transformation stories. He talks about the genesis of the business, his experience on “Shark Tank,” his documentary “Relentless,” and more.
Alicia Dean, Elvis Presley Enterprises and Graceland
Elvis Presley recorded some classic Christmas music, so Christmas Day is a great opportunity to talk about the business of Elvis, one of the most recognized and celebrated entertainers of all time. We revisit an interview we had earlier this year with Alicia Dean, a marketing, promotion, and events specialist for Elvis Presley Enterprises and Graceland, the Memphis, Tenn.-based tourist attraction. Later in the show, Jon plays an interview he had with one of Elvis’ closest friends, Jerry Schilling, and we find out what it was like spending the Christmas season with the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Jon also shares some tips on how business owners and managers can alleviate employee burnout.
Maria Licata, team leader, Maria Licata and Associates; associate broker, RE/MAX Around Atlanta
What’s the latest in Atlanta’s residential real estate scene and what does the future hold? This week’s guest has some seasoned perspective. For more than 30 years, Maria Licata has been one of the top-producing agents in the Atlanta real estate market. In fact, she continues to be among the top 1% of real estate agents in the nation for 25 years running. Join “Lenz On Business” as we dive into an array of relevant topics, from local inventory issues to interest rates to what to look for in a real estate agent.
Isabel Soles, Clinical Director, and Dr. Avi Varma, Director of HIV Services, YourTown Health
AIDS and HIV awareness is as important as ever. According to HIV.gov, approximately 1.2 million people in the United States have HIV and around 13% are unaware of their HIV-positive status. In fact, Georgia has some of the highest HIV rates in the country. And YourTown Health is doing something about it with its HIV Prevention and Treatment Program. The program offers HIV services to patients at reduced costs using the Sliding Fee Scale. Services include HIV testing, free at-home tests, preventative and post-exposure medications, and more. Isabel Soles and Dr. Varma talk about the program, address HIV misconceptions, and more.
Erin Bradley Dangar, actress, owner and creative director, Dangar Design LLC
Countless Atlantans have and continue to find work in Georgia’s film and television industry, and this week’s special guest, an entrepreneur herself, has a unique and inspiring story about how she broke into the business and landed on one of the most popular TV series in recent memory. Erin Bradley Dangar is owner and creative director of Dangar Design LLC. This company specializes in comprehensive creative communications for its clients. Simultaneously, Erin has found success as an actress in Georgia-based film and TV productions, most notably with her recurring role on the hit Netflix series “Cobra Kai,” part of the “Karate Kid” franchise. So how does Erin own and operate a business, while managing an acting career? She talks about that and a whole lot more on this week’s “Lenz On Business.”
Chuck Wolf, founder WolfPhoto & DesignBar
Wolf is an entrepreneur with quite the track record. Best known for founding Wolf Camera in 1975, his business became one of the most prominent camera/photo-finishing retailers in the country. The field evolved in the late 1990s, and Wolf merged Wolf Camera with Ritz Camera in 2001. After a stint in the marketing world, Wolf reentered the photo business with a new concept: WolfPhoto & DesignBar. This Atlanta-based storefront and online business specializes in producing art, decor and prints from smartphones and digital cameras. Wolf talks about the business lessons he’s learned throughout his storied career, his knack for marketing, and how he’s entering a new entrepreneurial chapter at the age of 80.
Zoe Caldwell, Senior Tour Director, Kurios, Cirque du Soleil
This week on the program we’re stepping into the big top, taking a look at Cirque du Soleil, a Canadian entertainment company and the largest contemporary circus producer in the world. Host Jon Waterhouse talks with Zoe Caldwell, Senior Tour Director of Kurios, the Cirque du Soleil production currently in Atlanta at Atlantic Station through December 24. Zoe oversees all tour operations for Cirque du Soleil’s Kurios, including Travel and Lodging, Immigration, Kitchen, IT, Human Resources and more. She explains her management style, how Cirque du Soleil bounced back after a pandemic hiatus, and how Cirque du Soleil continues to redefine the circus.
Lauren Fernandez, CEO and founder, Full Course
Some say the restaurant business is one of the most challenging fields around. Well, this week’s guest specializes in making that aspect of the business world easier for budding restaurateurs, especially women and minority business owners. Lauren Fernandez is CEO and founder of Full Course, a restaurant development and investment firm which incubates and accelerates emerging fast casual restaurant brands. Lauren began Full Course through her own investment. She joins Jon Waterhouse to talk about the company’s consulting, development, educational services, and how she focuses on helping clients grow through conscious capital and coaching.
Sean Rabideaux, senior vice president, and Jessica Powers, senior loan consultant, Milend
When it comes to mortgage lending, no one knows more than the experts at Milend. Their award-winning services date back to 1995 and continue to help clients find mortgages that best meet their needs. With Milend, clients have access to quality advice and affordable loan options. On this episode, Sean Rabideaux, senior vice president, and Jessica Powers, senior loan consultant, share their insights and expertise in the mortgage lending industry with host Jon Waterhouse.
Ralph Castillo, CEO of Morgan Medical Center
Independent hospitals are incredibly important to the communities they serve, not only for the health and welfare of the citizens but also due to the fact they create an economic ripple effect. Our guest this week, Ralph Castillo of Morgan Medical Center, has more than 30 years of experience in the healthcare industry. He discusses the importance of independent, community hospitals, shares how Morgan Medical Center is reaching its goal of becoming a Patient-Focused Center of Excellence, and explains his three-legged stool vision. For the last 60 years, Morgan Medical Center has served the people of Morgan County. Morgan Medical Center prides itself on the care they provide through modern technology, enhanced treatment facilities, upgraded amenities, and affordable healthcare.
Nicole Altamirano, laser specialist and medical aesthetician, and Mandy Ramer, nurse practitioner, Olansky Dermatology & Aesthetics
On this week’s show, we take a look at the business of cosmetic and aesthetic procedures with Nicole Altamirano, a laser specialist and medical aesthetician, and Mandy Ramer, a nurse practitioner, with Olansky Dermatology & Aesthetics. They explain CoolSculpting technology, discuss the benefits of seeing your dermatologist for injectables, how to choose a quality provider, how COVID has impacted aesthetic trends, and much more.
Woody Alpern, Rollins Financial Advisors
When it comes to business talk, retirement planning is always a relevant topic. Our resident financial expert, Woody Alpern of Rollins Financial Advisors, returns to talk about a perfect storm of specific events that could have significant financial consequences for your retirement savings. A registered investment advisor and a full-service certified accounting firm, Rollins Financial Advisors provide a full range of financial planning and accounting services. Alpern is a CPA and holds the designation of being a personal financial specialist.
Loretta Goodson, CEO of University Cancer and Blood Center
This week we’ll be learning about University Cancer and Blood Center, an eminent leader in oncology and hematology since 1981. As the second most prolific clinical trial facility in Georgia, it continues to play a vital role in helping advance cancer treatment research. Loretta Goodson, CEO of University Cancer and Blood Center, chats with Jon Waterhouse about the beginnings of the organization, milestones, management tools, innovative cancer treatments, and much more.
Mark Fonseca, co-founder and partner, Pragmetrix Group
CEO’s around the globe often agonize over the secret to client retention. Fonseca’s Atlanta-based business specializes in uncovering that secret and much more for their clients. Pragmetrix Group works with CEOs to help baseline their organization and uncover hidden revenue risks that would otherwise lead to customer defections. As a third party, Pragmetrix Group interviews a company’s customers and shares their unabridged and unedited thoughts. Mark talks with Jon Waterhouse about how his business came together, how it works, and the many ways Pragmetrix Group has saved clients millions of dollars.
Woody Alpern, Rollins Financial Advisors
Part of reaching success is planning for retirement. Our guest this week, Woody Alpern of Rollins Financial Advisors, discusses three retirement tax traps that could needlessly cost you thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, in retirement. For the last 30 years, Rollins Financial Advisors has been putting their clients’ interests first. A registered investment advisor and a full-service certified accounting firm, Rollins Financial Advisors provide a full range of financial planning and accounting services. Alpern is a CPA and holds the designation of being a personal financial specialist.
Chuck Wolf, founder WolfPhoto & DesignBar
Wolf is an entrepreneur with quite the track record. Best known for founding Wolf Camera in 1975, his business became one of the most prominent camera/photo-finishing retailers in the country. The field evolved in the late 1990s, and Wolf merged Wolf Camera with Ritz Camera in 2001. After a stint in the marketing world, Wolf reentered the photo business with a new concept: WolfPhoto & DesignBar. This Atlanta-based storefront and online business specializes in producing art, decor and prints from smartphones and digital cameras. Wolf talks about the business lessons he’s learned throughout his storied career, his knack for marketing, and how he’s entering a new entrepreneurial chapter at the age of 80.
Jerome Sabol, owner and president, Plumb Works
The Atlanta-based Plumb Works, one of the city’s leading residential plumbing companies, has been operating since 1989 and has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Sabol returns to the program to share his business strategies and behind-the-scenes industry knowledge. He talks with Jon Waterhouse about how he is steering his company through a labor shortage, equipment shortage, and inflation. In addition to giving tips on how to prepare plumbing systems for the winter, Sabol discusses how new technology can make plumbing maintenance easier.
Nick Johnson, founder and head coach, CrossFit Liminal
This week on the program we’ll be taking a look at a unique fitness business with an inspiring nonprofit model. Nick Johnson is founder and head coach of CrossFit Liminal, a nonprofit gym in Clarkston, Georgia. Clarkston is known for its refugee population, and CrossFit Liminal is designed to provide services for that community. In addition to regular gym memberships, CrossFit Liminal raises funds to make its services accessible, primarily to Clarkston-area refugees. Additionally, it’s free for youth. In addition to CrossFit Classes, Nutrition Coaching and Education, Personal Training, Yoga and more, CrossFit Liminal offers refugee specific programs. You can learn more at CrossFitLiminal.com.