SKOT WALDRON

For the past 18 years, Skot Waldron’s work for clients such as J.P. Morgan Chase, CDC, Georgia Tech, Royal Caribbean, Sesame Workshop, Chiquita, and The Coca-Cola Company has included national and international branding campaigns as well as positioning, naming, corporate identity development, video, web, print, trade show, digital marketing, and event design.

His focus is on small businesses and entrepreneurs, and how he can use his extensive experience and a proven process to help them clarify their positioning, develop a strategy, and build their brand. Skot’s heard story after story of small businesses feeling lost or taken advantage of by fly-by-night “marketing companies.” He’s here to be their advocate and empower them to build something they can be proud of.

In addition to running his own agency, Skot has been teaching branding and design at the Portfolio Center. Skot has also traveled to different cities in the U.S. to conduct communication workshops and speaks about how the value of branding pertains to us as individuals, families, and businesses.

MEET SKOT IN SEMINAR ROOM 205 at 1:15 PM

WORKSHOP SESSION (Learn More):

Marketing

Why Your Marketing Isn't Working:

KATHERINE SPARKS, ESQ.

Katherine (Katie) Sparks is an attorney with Herbert Legal Group whose practice includes all aspects of business and corporate law. She has a particular interest in trademark law and enjoys helping her clients to develop and protect their valuable brands.

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Katie graduated from the University of Georgia where she graduated with a double major in History and French. She earned her law degree from The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC.

She is a mother to a young daughter and in her spare time enjoys reading, cooking and travelling.

MEET KATIE IN SEMINAR ROOM 116 at 10:30 AM

WORKSHOP SESSION (Learn More):

The Necessary Evils

How to Avoid the Five Mistakes Entrepreneurs Make

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AL SIMON

Al Simon was a mediocre salesperson for 22 years. He thought he was a professional because he was in the right place at the right time with a good compensation plan, so he made decent money. But in reality, he was an order taker and not a top performer. Sandler Training changed all that. It took a mediocre 40-something and made him into a true sales professional and trusted advisor.

Al Simon is the President of Simon Inc., an authorized Sandler Training franchise located in Metro Atlanta Georgia and an award-winning Sandler trainer, author, coach, and speaker.

Simon Inc. started September 10, 2001, and was named Sandler “Rookie of the Year” for the calendar year 2002.  Today, dozens of organizations trust Al with their sales professionals and leaders.

MEET AL IN SEMINAR ROOM 116 at 1:15 PM

WORKSHOP SESSION (Learn More):

Break the Rules & Close More Sales

Techniques & Technology to Improve Sales

JIM BEACH

Jim has started businesses and has taught entrepreneurship around the world.  At the age of 25, Jim founded American Computer Experience and grew the company with no capital infusion to $12 million in annual revenue and to over 700 employees, operating in 39 states and in three countries.  

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Jim taught entrepreneurship at Georgia State University for nine years and ranked number one in the business school for 12 straight semesters. Jim Beach’s first book, School for Startups, was published by McGraw-Hill in June 2011 and went to number 9 on the best sellers list.   He has been featured in a UPS commercial, CNN called him the "Simon Cowell of small business," and corporations like Wells Fargo, Toshiba, UPS, and SunTrust have hired him as a speaker and consultant.  His award-winning radio show is nationally syndicated on 24 stations. 

MEET JIM IN SEMINAR ROOM 117 at 10:30 AM

WORKSHOP SESSION (Learn More):

Rock Stars in an Elevator:

Mastering Your 3o-Second Elevator Speech

JOHN RAY

Because pricing is the fastest way to change the profitability of a business, John advises business owners on how to change their pricing and make more money. His clients include attorneys, CPAs, consultants, technology companies, and retail store owners. His blog, “Pricing for Profit,” regularly features examples and stories which help business owners in their own pricing journey. John is also a speaker on pricing at numerous chambers, business events and seminars.

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As President of Ray Business Advisors, John also helps small to mid-sized companies achieve their profit and growth goals as an outside CFO. He owns the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX and hosts “North Fulton Business Radio,” where he interviews the area’s top business and community leaders.

MEET JOHN IN SEMINAR ROOM 117 at 1:15 PM

WORKSHOP SESSION (Learn More):

Your Price is Too Low:

Pricing Your Products & Services

GREGG BURKHALTER

Gregg Burkhalter is a recognized authority on Personal Branding and LinkedIn. He has helped countless professionals in the U.S. and abroad define and grow their Personal Brand using LinkedIn.

Gregg spent the first part of his professional career behind the microphone at radio stations in Savannah, Jacksonville, Charleston, and Atlanta. Following his radio years, Gregg worked in national music marketing and distribution.

Today, Gregg is known by many as “The LinkedIn Guy”. He provides Personal Branding Coaching and LinkedIn Training via one-on-one and group training sessions, corporate presentations and webinars. He is also a frequent speaker at civic and chamber events and area universities.

MEET GREGG IN SEMINAR ROOM 205 at 10:30 AM

WORKSHOP SESSION (Learn More):

LinkedIn:

Personal Branding for Entrepreneurs