Welcome to Lenz on Business

Presented by Lenz, Atlanta’s marketing experts since 1992.

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

Christopher Escobar

Christopher Escobar, executive director of the Atlanta Film Society, owner of The Plaza Theatre and The Tara Theatre

Atlanta is well known for its place in the film and television industry, but when it comes to the celebration of the art itself here in Atlanta, this week’s guest occupies a special place in that regard. Since 2011, Christopher Escobar has been executive director of the Atlanta Film Society, which produces the Academy Award-qualifying Atlanta Film Festival. Escobar purchased the historic Plaza Theatre in Poncey-Highland in 2017. Having opened in 1939, the Plaza is the oldest continuously operating theater in the city. In 2023, Escobar purchased the Tara Theatre on Cheshire Bridge Road. It was the last movie palace to open in Atlanta and is its second oldest cinema in town. With Escobar at the helm, these independent theaters are thriving, hosting both mainstream and art house releases, as well as special events featuring the best in classic and cult cinema. Escobar talks about how he unexpectedly became a theater owner, his business approach, and much more.

Recent Lenz on Business Shows

Jerome Sabol, owner and president of Plumb Works

Jerome Sabol, owner and president, Plumb Works

Sabol returns to the program to talk about one of Atlanta’s leading and longstanding plumbing companies. He’ll chat with host Jon Waterhouse about how the company continues approaching business amid the pandemic, and how the new apprentice program with Georgia Plumbing Association could help the current unemployment crisis. Sabol also puts the spotlight on the new Plumb Works Academy, a free, how-to online video course offering simple plumbing maintenance and repair tips for homeowners.

This week’s “Lenz On Business” airs at a special time, 3 p.m. Saturday, January 30.

Benjamin Lefkove and Ron Sanders

Dr. Benjamin Lefkove and Ron Sanders, PA-C, founders Viral Solutions

After seeing the need for additional COVID-19 testing in the Atlanta area, this duo founded Viral Solutions in an effort to offer the best diagnostic testing possible in a timely manner for all, including the uninsured. Dr. Lefkove and Sanders, PA-C, return to the show five months after their last visit to chat about how their business has since exploded. Their drive-up testing locations have become the largest single ambulatory sites in the state. They’ll discuss their trials and tribulations on the pandemic front, adding vaccine administration into the mix, and more.

Jon Wollenzien, CEO, and Isabel Soles, Clinical Director, YourTown Health

Jon Wollenzien, CEO, and Isabel Soles, Clinical Director, YourTown Health

Wollenzien makes a return visit to the program to chat about YourTown Health’s network of nonprofit community health centers, each strategically located in areas facing limited access to affordable, quality healthcare. Soles joins Wollenzien to discuss the biggest challenges they’ve faced during the pandemic, how they’ve implemented new technologies, mobile COVID-19 testing, vaccine administration, and more.

Diamond Dallas Page

Diamond Dallas Page, DDP Yoga

Just in time for New Year’s resolutions, we talk with Page, founder of the widely 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 new documentary “Relentless,” and more.

This week’s “Lenz On Business” airs at a special time, 7 p.m. Saturday, January 9.

Emily Acker and Adam Silberman of Hillside, Inc.

Emily Acker, CEO, Hillside, Inc. and Dr. Adam Silberman, Medical Director, Hillside, Inc.

This week we hear from a pair of staffers from one of Atlanta’s oldest nonprofits, dating all the way back to 1888. Hillside, a longstanding leader in the field of youth and family mental health services, helps children and families thrive by providing residential and community mental health services for children and adolescents struggling with emotional and behavioral issues. For many, Hillside’s services are more important now than ever before. Acker and Dr. Silberman talk about dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), youth mental health during the pandemic, and more.

Chris Mitchell

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.

Mike Killeen

Mike Killeen, vice president and partner, Lenz Marketing

This week we take a look at the art of marketing. More specifically, how to market a healthcare practice. Mike Killeen is vice president and partner of our show’s namesake, Lenz, a marketing agency. He directs client marketing for the company’s healthcare clients. Additionally, Mike teaches healthcare marketing to graduate students at Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health. Jon Waterhouse talks with Mike about the history and importance of healthcare marketing, why Lenz specializes in healthcare marketing, marketing healthcare in the midst of a pandemic, and much more.

Jerome Sabol, owner and president of Plumb Works

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/.

John Lenz, Richard Lenz, Mike Killeen, Lenz on Business

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.

Benjamin Lefkove and Ron Sanders

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

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

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

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.

Benjamin Lefkove and Ron Sanders

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

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

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 of Plumb Works

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

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.

YourTown Health

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.