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
John Lenz, vice president, and Mike Killeen, vice president of marketing Lenz Marketing
What does Richard Lenz do when he’s not hosting the show? He’s founder, president, and CEO of Lenz Marketing, a downtown Decatur-based marketing agency. This unique episode finds Richard in the studio with his two partners, John Lenz and Mike Killeen, discussing topics including family relationships in the workplace, how to balance project diversity, continuing education, and more.
Dr. Benjamin Lefkove and Ron Sanders, founders Viral Solutions
In the midst of the COVID-19 testing crisis, Dr. Lefkove, an emergency physician, and Ron Sanders, a physician’s assistant, saw a need. After having worked closely together for years, they founded Viral Solutions in an effort to offer the best diagnostic COVID-19 testing possible in a timely manner for all, including the uninsured. They talk about the challenges of starting their own business, finding the right partner, and the future of Viral Solutions post pandemic.
Jonathan Baltic, Senior Vice President, BrandArmor Technologies
In the midst of the pandemic, sanitation is on everyone’s mind, and it’s affecting all aspects of our world, including business. And this week’s guest has a unique product that’s relevant now more than ever. Baltic’s company, BrandArmor, is the creator and manufacturer of SafeWalls, a commercial-grade, customizable, antimicrobial wallcovering, for use in healthcare, food service, hospitality, educational, retail, and other public-facing outlets. SafeWalls inhibits the growth of 99.99% of microbes, bacteria and viruses on the surface. Baltic talks about the creation of the product, how it works, and how it’s helping change the industry.
Jay Rodgers, Owner, Full Moon Studio
This week’s show airs at a special time and day. Tune into this Lenz on Business show on 95.5 WSB at 1 PM on Sunday, September 27.
On this week’s episode, we take a look behind the curtain at Full Moon Studio, a recording studio located in the music mecca of Athens, Georgia. Rodgers talks about his journey from intern to owner, the ever-evolving studio recording industry, how he diversifies his business, the effects of COVID-19, some of his famous clients, and more.
Chris Mitchell, Owner, Mitchell Cooling + Heating
Nearly 30 years ago, equipped with little more than a truck and $10,000, Mitchell started his own heating and air conditioning business. Today he and his team continue serving metro Atlanta and North Georgia, banking on basic business philosophies such as customer service, honesty, and avoiding upselling. Mitchell joins producer Jon Waterhouse for a conversation about what it’s like starting a business from the ground up, when and how to grow, employee retention, and a whole lot more.
Dr. Benjamin Lefkove and Ron Sanders, founders Viral Solutions
In the midst of the COVID-19 testing crisis, Dr. Lefkove, an emergency physician, and Ron Sanders, a physician’s assistant, saw a need. After having worked closely together for years, they founded Viral Solutions in an effort to offer the best diagnostic COVID-19 testing possible in a timely manner for all, including the uninsured. They talk about the challenges of starting their own business, finding the right partner, and the future of Viral Solutions post pandemic.
Rachael Collier, Practice Leader and Senior Benefits Consultant, and Tina Macey, Senior Client Engagement Consultant, Total Employee Benefits
This week we take a look at employee benefits, certainly something relevant during the COVID-19 era. We hear from Collier and Macey of Total Employee Benefits, an insurance broker that not only sells employee benefits plans, but helps clients navigate coverage options to enrollment, onboarding, claims care, and renewals. They discuss topics including COVID-19’s impact on employee benefits, how the pandemic has affected claims, and how health insurance covers unlimited amounts of COVID-19 testing in and out of network.
Keisha Jackson, owner One Voice Entertainment
On this episode, we take a look at how COVID-19 is impacting the local entertainment industry, and how one entrepreneur is making it work to her advantage. Keisha Jackson began her career at age 15, providing background vocals for her mother, legendary soul singer, Millie Jackson. Keisha went on to carve out her own recording career with Sony Records, as well as singing on recordings for Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Toni Braxton and more. She’s toured with OutKast, Erykah Badu, Faith Evans, and others, and she currently performs with Yacht Rock Revue.
In 2001, she founded One Voice Entertainment, a vocal coaching talent agency. She’s also a certified life coach, public speaker, and host of her own podcast The Vent Box. Keisha talks about how she’s adapted her business during COVID-19, the future of live music, and more.
Tune into Lenz on Business every Saturday at 6 PM on 95.5 WSB!
Jerome Sabol, owner and president, Plumb Works
After operating for more than 30 years, Plumb Works continues to be one of Atlanta’s leading plumbing companies and proudly bears an A-plus rating from the Better Business Bureau. Sabol, an award-winning owner/operator, talks with producer Jon Waterhouse about how to acquire business savvy through professional resources, the company’s training policy, the importance of customer service and reliability, and navigating growth amid a pandemic.
Tune into Lenz on Business every Saturday at 6 pm on 95.5 WSB, or stream online at https://www.wsbradio.com/.
Dr. Chad Copper and Dr. Ronald Lewis, co-directors, Hernia Center of Northeast Georgia Medical Center
Recently Lenz on Business has been talking with a variety of healthcare professionals, checking the pulse on the business of healthcare during COVID-19. This week producer Jon Waterhouse talks with Drs. Copper and Lewis about elective surgeries during the pandemic, wearing the caps of both an executive and a surgeon, worker’s compensation, and more.
Jon Wollenzien, CEO, and Luke Putnam, Director of Human Resources, YourTown Health
Wollenzien and Putnam visit the program to talk about YourTown Health’s network of nonprofit community health centers, each strategically located in areas facing limited access to affordable, quality healthcare. They explain this healthcare model, talk employee retention, and more. Wollenzien and Putnam also share YourTown Health’s unique response to COVID-19 testing, which finds mobile units hitting the street and executive leadership suiting up in PPE to help get the job done.
Cleve Gaddis, managing partner and broker, Gaddis Partners RE/Max Center
Of course, business owners and customers alike are looking at business practices in new ways during the COVID-19 era, and real estate is certainly no exception. What’s going on in the market right now? Is it a good time to sell or buy? Is it safe to go house hunting? Gaddis answers these and other questions, while dishing eye-opening, Atlanta-area real estate facts, figures, and advice.
Dan Fellner, CEO of Georgia Urology
As the recently-named CEO of the largest urology practice in Georgia, Dan didn’t take the typical path to the CEO chair. He brings nearly 25 years of law practice and human resources experience to the table. How will this give him a unique perspective? Dan talks about this and other topics, from medical distancing during COVID-19 to team building and employee retention.
Tune into Lenz on Business every Saturday at 6 PM on 95.5 WSB radio or stream online.
Steve Leondis, Owner and CEO of Horizon Air Freight
Lenz On Business often shares inspiring business stories and this week’s guest brings plenty to the table. 50 years ago, Steve’s immigrant father Anthony started Horizon Air Freight, equipped with little more than a small amount of capital and a dream. Today, Steve continues carrying his dad’s torch as Horizon Air Freight delivers critical marine spare parts, supplies, and equipment from vendors worldwide to customer vessels. This includes container ships, tankers, and cargo vessels to US Naval fleets and cruise ships to offshore oil, gas, and wind platforms. Additionally, Steve is a member of the 2020 class of the Legends of Ivy League Basketball, and his philanthropy includes his daughter Devon Leondis’ nonprofit Project Nyame Nsa.
John Lenz, vice president, and Mike Killeen, vice president of marketing Lenz Marketing
What does Richard Lenz do when he’s not hosting the show? He’s founder, president, and CEO of Lenz Marketing, a downtown Decatur-based marketing agency. This unique episode finds Richard in the studio with his two partners, John Lenz and Mike Killeen, discussing topics including family relationships in the workplace, how to balance project diversity, continuing education, and more.
Chris Mitchell, Owner, Mitchell Cooling + Heating
Nearly 30 years ago, equipped with little more than a truck and $10,000, Mitchell started his own heating and air conditioning business. Today he and his team continue serving metro Atlanta and North Georgia, banking on basic business philosophies such as customer service, honesty, and avoiding upselling. Mitchell joins producer Jon Waterhouse for a conversation about what it’s like starting a business from the ground up, when and how to grow, employee retention, and a whole lot more.
Dr. Hal Scherz, managing partner, Georgia Urology
Recently we’ve been talking with business leaders —from restaurateurs to executives— about the effects of COVID-19. This time we speak with Dr. Hal Scherz, a leader among Atlanta’s healthcare landscape, who serves as managing partner for Georgia Urology, the largest urology practice in the Southeast. Dr. Scherz is also an award-winning pediatric urologist, Wall Street Journal contributor, and former president of the American Association of Pediatric Urology. He chats with producer Jon Waterhouse about the challenges of operating a healthcare practice during COVID-19, how Georgia Urology changed its business approach during the pandemic, and the importance of not forgoing significant office visits.
Nicole Moore, Director of Education, The National Center for Civil and Human Rights
This week we welcome a timely return visit from Nicole Moore from the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. As director of education for the Atlanta-based Center, Nicole shares her unique perspective on several topics, including its history, how operations have changed during COVID-19, the Center’s Campaign for Equal Dignity, and how it’s more than a museum. She’ll also inform listeners on ways we can help the National Center for Civil and Human Rights foster change regarding social injustice.
John Schuerholz, former Atlanta Braves GM and President, and Allan Vela, President and CEO of the Fox Theatre, Atlanta
Since many are longing for baseball season, now is the perfect time to revisit Richard’s interview with John Schuerholz, an inductee in the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. He also co-authored the book “Built to Win: Inside Stories and Leadership Strategies from Baseball’s Winningest GM.” As a bonus, producer Jon Waterhouse checks in with Allan Vela, president and CEO of the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, discussing the fate of the live entertainment business post COVID-19.
Aaron McPherson, Vice President of Integrated Care Services, Institute on Aging
McPherson, a seasoned healthcare executive, discusses how he went back to school through Georgia College’s WebMBA program, despite being located in Alaska. He shares online graduate school tips and tricks, and how attaining an MBA helps with career advancement.
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.