Business
10 Years of Peachtree Corners Business Association Scholarship Winners
Published
2 years agoon
Students that Benefited through the Peachtree Corners Business Association Program
Recently, the Peachtree Corners Business Association (PCBA) reviewed its Community Outreach Program results over the past 10 years. The organization decided to follow up with its 15 scholarship winners to find out “where are they now.”
When the PCBA started its scholarship program, it could fund only one scholarship per year. Through the generosity and support of the group’s members and sponsors, it has been able to award two scholarships a year since 2017.
Jenna McEachen
Jenna McEachen was the PCBA’s first scholarship winner. She received her International Baccalaureate Diploma from Norcross High School in 2014. Jenna attended Birmingham-Southern College and graduated in 2018 with a degree in Psychology and Business.
She enjoyed working several internships during her college years, including local business, NanoLumens and an international internship as a programing intern in London, England. She has worked for AT&T for the last 4+ years and is now a Lead Technical Project Manager in the Atlanta area.
Jenna loves building relationships and transforming complex and overwhelming concepts into streamlined and effective communications. She won the AT&T Business Sales Diamond Club Award in 2020 for her outstanding accomplishments.
Elizabeth Waid
Elizabeth Waid graduated in the Norcross High School Class of 2015 with the International Baccalaureate program. In addition to the PCBA scholarship, she was the recipient of the Fulbright Scholarship, Richter Scholarship and Sanders Scholarship.
She attended Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, N.C. and graduated with a BA in Economics and German with a minor in global Trade and Commerce studies.
Elizabeth had the opportunity to work as an English Teaching Assistant for eight months at the Austrian Ministry of Education, Science and Research in Imst, Austria. Upon completion of her work in Austria, Elizabeth joined EY as a Business Consultant.
Elizabeth now lives in Charlotte, N.C. and is a Theology Teacher at Charlotte Catholic High School.
Eliza Antonowich
Eliza Antonowich graduated in the Class of 2016 with the International Baccalaureate program from Norcross High School. She graduated from Washington University in St. Louis, Mo. in 2020, majoring in Global Health and Environment.
She also studied International Global Studies and a program in Swahili, Public Health and Environment. In addition to English, Eliza has a professional working knowledge of Spanish and Swahili.
Eliza is a U.S. Army Cadet since 2013 and is an active Army Officer Candidate with the St. Louis Gateway Battalion. Eliza is currently a Research Assistant in the Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis for HIV (PrEP) Program with the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.
Morgan Keller
Morgan Keller graduated from Wesleyan High School with the Class of 2017. Morgan used her scholarship dollars to graduate from Georgia Institute of Technology with a BS in Materials Science and Engineering in May 2022.
Morgan is currently working for Corning Optical Communications in the BRiTE commercial Rotational Program where she is rotating through functions of engineering, market development, product line management and sales.
Morgan is looking forward to continuing to incorporate engineering principles within business strategies and developing her professional skill set in whatever direction her career takes her. She has learned the value of nurturing relationships and pouring back into her hometown of Peachtree Corners, even as her career leads her to new opportunities and new communities.
Sarah Lashley (Gries)
Sarah Lashley graduated from Norcross High School in 2017. She attended the University of Georgia and graduated in 2021 with a degree in Elementary Education. Sarah is currently working as the Marketing Manager at 3DE by Junior Achievement.
Sarah is excited about this role as it allows her the opportunity to pair her background in education with her passion for non-profit marketing. 3DE by Junior Achievement re-engineers high school education to be more relevant, experiential and authentically connected to the complexities of the real world through joint ventures between public school systems and the business community.
Sarah recently moved back to Peachtree Corners with her husband. She is looking forward to becoming well versed in non-profit marketing, knowledgeable in content design and involved in the local Peachtree Corners community while building her family.
Abigail (Abbie) Alf
Abbie Alf graduated from Norcross High School in 2018. She attended the University of Georgia and graduated in May of this year with a BFA in Interior Design and a certificate in Entrepreneurship. Abbie was able to use her scholarship towards purchasing her books and have a greater college experience.
Abbie is currently pursuing her dreams of running her own baking business, Abbie Bakes. She is focusing on growing in the Atlanta area and across the United States. In the next three to five years, Abbie sees establishing a storefront in the Atlanta area and having a stronger presence across the country.
She is excited to see what is to come and appreciates the ability to grow during her years at UGA.
Ian Paul Huelsbeck
Ian Huelsbeck graduated from Norcross High School in the Class of 2018. He currently attends Colorado College and plans to graduate in May 2023. He is planning to pursue a PhD in Chemistry or attend medical school.
Ian is a research assistant in the Fahrenkrug Lab working on low cost, accessible and open-source sensors to detect PFAS chemicals in drinking water. PFAS chemicals are toxic at one part per trillion and are currently extremely costly to detect. This process would enable at-site detection of specific PFAS compounds at appropriate ranges by untrained users.
Over the next three to five years, Ian sees himself in graduate school or doing work in environmental chemistry. He has learned that he absolutely loves chemistry and wants to do something with it in the future.
Vishva Natarajan
Vishva Natarajan graduated in the Class of 2019 and is currently attending Georgia Institute of Technology for a BS in Biology/Biological Sciences. He is expected to graduate in 2023.
In addition to receiving faculty honors and being on the Dean’s List, Vishva has also received the President’s Undergraduate Research Award (PURA) and the John H. Ridley Award. He is bilingual, speaking both English and Spanish
Vishva has participated in several internships and programs including Georgia Tech Bioinformatics Research Assistance and Pfizer NGS Bioinformatics Internship. He is currently a Research Assistant at Georgia Tech studying computational proteomics.
Through his passion for analyzing high-throughput biological data, Vishva is leveraging the latest tools and technologies to do so.
Connor Creedon
Connor Creedon graduated from Duluth High School in 2019. He is currently using his scholarship to attend Piedmont University, double majoring in Sports Communications and Mass Communications, with a minor in General Business. Connor is set to graduate in Spring 2023.
In the next three to five years, Connor sees himself working in the media in one form or another, most likely in sports. He hopes to cover collegiate and professional sports in journalism, video production, radio production, etc.
From his experience in college, Connor has learned that hard work is required to get anywhere in life, especially academically. Pushing himself to get better in areas where he may not be as strong has helped him get to where he is today, and he is proud of his hard work.
Feben Simeneh
Feben Simeneh is a graduate of the Norcross High School Class of 2020. As Feben pursues her current college studies, she is able to enhance her passion for seeing lives change. She is committed to programs that would further develop her view of the world.
Feben is currently studying International Relations and Biomedical engineering. Her goal is to become a UN peacekeeper and help resolve disputes between countries and create leadership environments through public servitude.
She also would like to help the healthcare industry increase the quality and volume of medical services throughout hospitals in both rural and urban districts.
Maria Cook
Maria Cook is a graduate of Wesleyan High School with the Class of 2020. She is only the second person in her biological family to ever go to college.
She felt her most impactful service at Wesleyan was when she was able to join the Omicron Service Society. She has volunteered at La Amistad, Corners Outreach and Next Generation.
Maria aspires to be a social worker and to continue to help children in need upon the completion of her college studies.
Katheryn Antonowich
Katheryn Antonowich graduated from Paul Duke STEM High School in 2021 and began college at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. that fall. She is currently a sophomore in college with a major in Geography and Sustainable Development, a co-major in Sustainability and a minor in History.
As a member of the varsity swim and dive team at Miami, Katheryn practices for 20 hours a week and often travels for competitions. She plans to graduate from Miami University in 2025, by which time she will have completed her bachelor’s degree as well as her master’s degree in Environmental Science.
This summer, Katheryn hopes to study abroad in Luxembourg to explore more paths for her major and learn how to make a difference within her field. Following college, she hopes to work for an international organization or non-profit that combats climate issues and the negative impacts that humans have had on the Earth.
She feels that receiving the PCBA scholarship has allowed her to make the most out of her future, pursue her passions at college and expand her academic experience.
Katherine Graddy
Katherine Graddy graduated from Wesleyan High School in 2021. Currently, she is pursuing her college studies. One of the key takeaways from Katherine’s scholarship essay was the importance of leaving roots in a world where she can travel and connect with more people than ever before.
Katherine wants to look back on life beyond the pandemic and know the faces and names of people in her community. She wants to take moments with lasting impact where her life becomes woven into the stories of the places she goes and the people she meets.
Rachel Lee
Rachel Lee, a recent graduate from the Class of 2022 at Norcross High School, is attending Emory University. Rachel is majoring in Human Health and Economics and minoring in Nutrition. In the next few years, she sees herself pursuing a Public Health degree with a concentration in Nutrition and possibly researching with an Emory professor.
Her time at Emory has only covered three months, but she has learned the importance of continuing to connect with friends from her past. Being at a place where people all over the world come to study, she finds it fascinating how people’s different upbringings shape their knowledge.
Rachel has had the opportunity to attend college while continuing her volunteer work in Peachtree Corners. She has learned three powerful lessons: “lead by example, serve your community and cultivate inclusivity.” With Peachtree Corner roots at the core, she hopes to demonstrate each of these core lessons.
Sarah Lim
Sarah Lim is a recent graduate of the Wesleyan High School Class of 2022. She is currently attending Emory University and has used her scholarship to flourish during her first year of college.
She plans to graduate Emory in 2026 and is studying Pre-Law. Sarah is involved in an all-girls+ a cappella group called “the Gathering” at Emory and a conversation club on campus, Table Talk. She is the community service chair of her residence hall and has found a wonderful community with Bread Coffeehouse Ministry.
Sarah sees herself discovering her passions and exploring various interests during college. She hopes to study abroad and gain practical experience with advocacy, service and education work. She has learned that her supportive community and network of valuable mentors and friends are a main reason she has found success and joy during this chapter of her life.
The PCBA will award two $1,000 scholarships April through May 2023. The 2022-2023 application will be available for completion January 1, 2023. The full application, essay and transcripts must be received no later than March 8, 2023. Questions regarding the scholarship program may be directed to scholarship@peachtreecornersba.com.
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Business
Two Peachtree Corners Business Leaders Named Finalists for EY Entrepreneur Award
Published
3 days agoon
April 23, 2025Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur Of The Year celebrates ambitious entrepreneurs who are shaping the future
Ernst & Young LLP (EY US) recently announced the finalists for the prestigious Entrepreneur Of The Year 2025 Southeast Award, and two local, Peachtree Corners business leaders — David Quirk, president and CEO of DLB Associates Consulting Engineers PC and Erin Hanson, founder and CEO of Guardian Sports — made the list.
Hanson’s Guardian Sports is a family-owned company dedicated to serving athletes through safety and performance improvements in sports equipment. Major products include the Guardian Cap, PEARL ball and Guardian Infill serving the sports industry.
DLB Associates is a U.S.-based consulting engineering firm specializing in mission-critical and complex built environments. With more than 40 years of expertise, DLB delivers innovative, technology-driven solutions in engineering, commissioning and operations worldwide.
Celebrating entrepreneurial leaders
Now in its 40th year, Entrepreneur Of The Year recognizes the bold leaders who disrupt markets through the world’s most ground-breaking companies, revolutionizing industries and making a profound impact on communities. The program honors those entrepreneurs whose innovations shape the future and pave the way for a thriving economy and a hopeful tomorrow.
The Southeast program celebrates entrepreneurs from Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.
An independent panel of judges selected 36 finalists for their entrepreneurial spirit, purpose, growth and lasting impact in building long-term value.
“This year’s finalists are leading examples of innovation, perseverance and resilience, illuminating paths to a brighter future for their industries and communities,” said Chevy Arnold, Entrepreneur Of The Year Southeast Program co-director.
“Their commitment to excellence transforms challenges into opportunities, inspiring us all,” added Kimberly Kicklighter, Entrepreneur Of The Year Southeast Program co-director.
Entrepreneur Of The Year honors many different types of business leaders for their ingenuity, courage and entrepreneurial spirit.
The program showcases original founders who bootstrapped their business from inception or who raised outside capital to grow their company; transformational CEOs who infused innovation into an existing organization to catapult its trajectory; and multigenerational family business leaders who reimagined a legacy business model to strengthen it for the future.
Including Quirk and Hanson, the 2025 Southeast finalists are:
- Marc Hodulich | 29029 | Atlanta, Georgia
- Damon Stafford | Alpine Intel | Charlotte, North Carolina
- Lou Hensley | Aspida | Durham, North Carolina
- Matthew Dent | Buffalo Rock Company | Birmingham, Alabama
- Melanie Little | Colonial Pipeline Company | Alpharetta, Georgia
- Will Bartholomew | D1 Training | Franklin, Tennessee
- Rene Diaz | Diaz Foods | Atlanta, Georgia
- David Quirk | DLB Associates Consulting Engineers PC | Peachtree Corners, Georgia
- Markus Scott | EyeQ Monitoring | Atlanta, Georgia
- Jon Gosier | FilmHedge | Atlanta, Georgia
- John Fitzpatrick | Force Marketing | Atlanta, Georgia
- Dr. Barry Patel | Galt Companies | Atlanta, Georgia
- Dr. Wade Smith | Galt Companies | Atlanta, Georgia
- Charles Gillespie | Gambling.com Group | Charlotte, North Carolina
- Kevin McCrystle | Gambling.com Group | Charlotte, North Carolina
- Mike Griffin | Griffin Brothers Companies | Cornelius, North Carolina
- Erin Hanson | Guardian Sports | Peachtree Corners, Georgia
- Dan Beem | Hissho Sushi | Charlotte, North Carolina
- Aaron Siegel | Home Team BBQ | Charleston, South Carolina
- Marc Murphy | Ignite Digital Services | Charleston, South Carolina
- Miller Chalk | Inglett & Stubbs, LLC | Mableton, Georgia
- Liza Rodewald | Instant Teams | Southern Pines, North Carolina
- Stephen Andresen | McClancy Foods & Flavors | Fort Mill, South Carolina
- Travis LeFever | Mission Mobile Medical Group | Greensboro, North Carolina
- Cyrus Mojdehi | Northway Homes | Charlotte, North Carolina
- Connor Ryan | NutraSky | Alpharetta, Georgia
- Fritz Owens | OTR Solutions | Roswell, Georgia
- Christopher Chuang | Relay, Inc. | Raleigh, North Carolina
- Kurt Jacobus | restor3d, Inc. | Durham, North Carolina
- Tom Kendrot | Shearwater Health | Nashville, Tennessee
- Teak Shore | Southern Lighting Source | Cumberland, Georgia
- Cindy Eckert | Sprout Pharmaceuticals | Raleigh, North Carolina
- Bryan Moore | TalkShopLive Inc. | Nashville, Tennessee
- Tina Moore | TalkShopLive Inc. | Nashville, Tennessee
- Igor Marinelli | Tractian | Atlanta, Georgia
- Joan Butters | Xsolis | Franklin, Tennessee
You can learn more about the finalists at ey.com/en_us/entrepreneur-of-the-year-us/southeast/winners-finalists.
Regional award winners will be announced on June 25 during a special celebration. The winners will then be considered by the national independent panel of judges for the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Awards, which will be presented in November at the annual Strategic Growth Forum®, one of the nation’s most prestigious gatherings of high-growth, market-leading companies.
About Entrepreneur Of The Year
Founded in 1986, Entrepreneur Of The Year has celebrated more than 11,000 ambitious visionaries who are leading successful, dynamic businesses in the U.S., and it has since expanded to nearly 60 countries globally.
The U.S. program consists of 17 regional programs whose panels of independent judges select the regional award winners every June. Those winners compete for national recognition at the Strategic Growth Forum® in November where national finalists and award winners are announced.
The overall national winner represents the U.S. at the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year™ competition.
For more about the award, visit ey.com/us/eoy.
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Business
SCB Construction Group Partners with CGA Reps on New Peachtree Corners HQ
Published
2 weeks agoon
April 15, 2025SCB Construction Group, freshly rebranded from SteelCo, secures construction project with CGA Reps for new office HQ in Peachtree Corners
SCB Construction Group has announced a strategic partnership with CGA Reps to build a new office headquarters in Peachtree Corners. The project, encompassing approximately 26,000 square feet of innovative workspace, marks a significant milestone in advancing CGA Reps’ corporate vision while showcasing SBA Construction Group’s commitment to delivering transformative construction solutions.
In collaboration with Oakley Real Estate Partners — serving as developers of the project on behalf of CGA Reps — this venture reflects a united effort to bring cutting-edge design (from Smallwood architecture firm) and operational excellence to the commercial kitchen equipment industry.
The announcement follows several high-profile projects for SCB Construction Group in 2024, including a 72,500-square-foot manufacturing center and headquarters for Process Equipment & Controls, an impressive interior build-out for Courtesy Ford Conyers’ commercial service center and the Phase 1 completion for StoreEase Loganville — recently honored as a 2024 Smart Facility of the Year by Modern Storage Media.
A bold new chapter for CGA Reps
The new 25,890-square-foot headquarters is designed to be more than just a workplace — it is envisioned as an inspiring environment that serves both client engagements and employee creativity. CGA Reps is recognized as an industry expert in commercial kitchen equipment, representing leading manufacturers, warehousing, distributing and installing everything from fryers to commercial walk-in freezers.
The facility’s design reflects this expertise, featuring a dedicated approximately 9,000-square-foot showroom kitchen that will host equipment demonstrations, tradeshows and webinars. This dynamic space will allow CGA Reps to showcase its comprehensive product range and provide clients with hands-on experiences of the latest commercial kitchen innovations.
A standout feature of the project is its innovative approach to stormwater management. With the site comprising only three acres, sufficient space for a traditional detention pond does not exist. To overcome this challenge, the design includes an underground detention system located beneath the truck court to efficiently handle all stormwater runoff.
This solution not only maximizes the use of the available land but also reinforces CGA Reps’ commitment to sustainable practices.
“We are excited to embark on this project with CGA Reps,” said Jay Bailey, CEO of SCB Construction Group. “This partnership underscores our commitment to customer excellence in design and construction, and it is a testament to the trust our clients place in our ability to deliver projects that not only meet but exceed expectations.”
Delivering excellence through proven expertise
SCB Construction Group’s track record in 2024 has been nothing short of remarkable. Earlier in the year, the company completed a 72,500 square foot manufacturing center for Process Equipment & Controls, integrating office space within a dynamic production facility.
This project was celebrated for its innovative design that balanced operational efficiency with a modern aesthetic, utilizing IMP panels to mimic tilt-up concrete, setting new standards for manufacturing environments.
Similarly, the interior build-out for Courtesy Ford Conyers’ commercial service center demonstrated SCB Construction Group’s ability to transform conventional spaces into functional and attractive environments that cater to both customer and staff needs.
The company’s commitment to quality and precision was again evident in the successful Phase 1 completion for StoreEase Loganville. This project, which recently earned the distinction of a 2024 Smart Facility of the Year by Modern Storage Media, highlights SCB Construction Group’s forward-thinking approach to construction and design, incorporating smart technologies and design that enhance sustainability and operational efficiency.
A rebranding that reflects a vision for the future
In a move that signals its evolution and growth, SCB Construction Group has recently rebranded from its former identity, SteelCo Buildings, as it spins off its construction division. This strategic rebranding is not merely cosmetic — it represents a renewed commitment to capabilities, credibility and client-focused service.
The refreshed brand is anchored by a new tagline “Deep Expertise, High Expectations” and a clear brand promise that communicates the company’s mission: to craft exceptional construction experiences based on precision, innovation and trust.
“Our rebranding is about more than just a new name or logo; it’s a renewed promise to our clients and communities,” explained Robert Lee, marketing director at SCB Construction Group. “We believe that our updated brand identity, including our invigorated tagline and mission statement, encapsulates our dedication to pushing the boundaries of design and construction. It reflects our commitment to creating spaces that are as inspiring as they are functional.”
Transforming spaces to inspire and connect
The new headquarters for CGA Reps is expected to become a landmark facility in Peachtree Corners. Beyond its impressive architectural design and advanced construction techniques, the building is planned as a hub for innovation and collaboration.
The interior build-out will include dynamic client reception areas, interactive meeting rooms, and dedicated spaces designed to foster creativity and teamwork among employees. The layout is crafted to ensure that every area of the facility contributes to a productive and inspiring work environment.
“By investing in this state-of-the-art facility, CGA Reps is making a strong statement about the future of work,” said Bryan Young, VP of construction at SCB Construction Group. “Our team is dedicated to designing and building spaces that not only serve the immediate needs of our clients but also create environments that motivate and inspire. The new headquarters will be a testament to that vision.”
Looking ahead
The partnership between SCB Construction Group and CGA Reps marks a significant step forward for both companies. As SCB Construction Group continues to build on its legacy of excellence and innovation, this project is poised to set a new benchmark for modern office headquarters design in the region.
With a strategic focus on creating spaces that inspire, connect and drive success, the future looks promising for both SCB Construction Group and its esteemed partner, CGA Reps.
For more information on the new headquarters project or to learn more about SCB Construction Group’s portfolio, visit scbcg.com.
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How NetPlanner Systems powers businesses with tech-forward services and solutions
Anyone who’s been in business for more than a decade — maybe even less than that — can attest to the changes one must make to stay relevant. Such is the case with NetPlanner Systems.
During a discussion recently with Southwest Gwinnett magazine, CEO Clint Bridges explained that NetPlanner was an outgrowth of another company he started in 1983, initially in Mableton and later moved to the Peachtree Corners/Norcross area in 1985.
The first company manufactured printer and modem cables, which were in high demand during the early personal computer market boom. The company transitioned from manufacturing to providing networking services in 1987 due to the shift in the market and the desire to stay in a service-oriented business.
“Those cable assemblies sold for higher margins in the early days of the PC market. Rapidly, a lot of that manufacturing went offshore, and the margins went down, and a number of my competitors decided just to become brokers in that field,” said Bridges. “I didn’t really want to become a broker. I am very technical, very hands on, and so I sold that first business in 1986.”
Services and market reach
The contacts and trust he’d built with customers prompted him to go another route.
“Local area networking was starting to come into the marketplace, and so instead of manufacturing cable assemblies, we started to do networking, which involves putting network cabling and related hardware into commercial buildings,” he said.
NetPlanner built some of the earliest networks in the area.
“This was back in the days before there were any standards for this,” Bridges added.
Today NetPlanner provides complete design services, installation and ongoing maintenance of all communication systems in commercial buildings, focusing primarily on hardware. The company also runs a network services division that offers help desk support for small businesses without their own IT departments.
“That’s what really caused NetPlanner to be formed in 1987 — the desire to be in a service business and to provide a service that was still working with the same sorts of clientele in the computer marketplace,” he said.
NetPlanner works with a variety of commercial enterprises, as well as K-12 schools, colleges, universities and large hospital systems.
“Everything that wasn’t on the IP network in a commercial building before 1990 started to fall onto the IP network,” said Bridges. “Things that we never anticipated, including telephone systems, which were totally separate back in the 1980s, now all operate over IP-based systems.”
In addition, things like security and access control, video surveillance and similar systems all work on IP networks.
“So as time has gone on, NetPlanner has received requests from our customers to install these other systems, and we’ve embraced the other technologies that are now a part of almost all commercial buildings,” he added.
The company is now expanding its services to include nurse call services for hospitals — one of the newer markets for NetPlanner.
Security and access control systems
With ever-changing business technology needs, NetPlanner successfully keeps current with trends. With heightened security concerns everywhere, the company installs biometric readers and smart camera systems for access control.
“We provide a wide variety of smart camera systems, where they can do recognition, license plate recognition, facial recognition — all those kinds of intelligent systems for commercial spaces,” he said.
Building relationships with a wide variety of manufacturers who provide different types of software systems is how NetPlanner meets the needs of its clients.
“We work with whatever software system the particular enterprise feels is most appropriate for their needs, depending on whether they want to do license plate recognition or face recognition,” said Bridges. “We do a tremendous amount of security camera work in schools all over the southeast. And that is becoming more top of mind in school systems now.”
But there’s more. NetPlanner also provides distributed antenna systems (DAS) to improve cell phone coverage in commercial spaces.
“Cell carriers are concerned about not just signal strength, but also channel capacity — the ability to have a much larger number of users that might be around a particular cell tower at any given point in time,” said Bridges.
When installing a DAS, NetPlanner’s proficiency in coordinating with the carriers ensures compliance with carrier requirements and optimizes signal strength and coverage throughout the building.
Evolution of the technology-driven company
Anyone who knows Clint Bridges shouldn’t be surprised that he’s right in the thick of the technology boom. He started his first company at 19 and attended Southern Tech for a while before focusing on entrepreneurship.
“My passion for technology goes back to my earliest years. I’ve been fascinated by electronics and computers since I was very young. And I always had a home laboratory in the basement of the house as I was growing up,” he said. “I knew when I was in high school that I wanted to be an entrepreneur. During my time at Southern Tech, I started my first company and realized that’s what I wanted to do more than be at Southern Tech.”
NetPlanner is not only a local company. It operates fully-staffed branch offices in Augusta, Columbus and Savannah, as well as in Nashville, Tennessee; Raleigh, North Carolina; and Tampa, Florida. It has also provided services in every U.S. state, as well as parts of the Caribbean, Canada, London and Puerto Rico.
“We do projects all over the country, including some that are for companies that need to do national rollouts,” Bridges said. “A lot of our customers want to see the exact same approach used consistently throughout all their facilities across the country. So they’ll look to a company like NetPlanner to go and provide that consistent installation of all their communications technology needs in all their facilities across the country.”
Community commitment
Whether it’s working with manufacturing facilities and distributors, some of the largest big box organizations in the country, small retail businesses or anything in between, NetPlanner never loses sight of the local community.
With a home base in Peachtree Corners, the company has strong community involvement — including adopting a roadway section for clean-up efforts and participating in local chamber of commerce activities. NetPlanner has been active in several community events, such as shoe drives, food drives and charity walks, demonstrating its commitment to giving back.
“Since 2018, we’ve adopted a roadway section in the community through Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful,” said Michelle Bruck, marketing specialist at NetPlanner. “We go out about five times a year, clear debris off of that roadway and just make sure that it’s beautiful and that it’s safer for people who are walking or driving in the area.”
Nationally, NetPlanner participates in Toys for Tots and Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
“Not only [do we give back] in our headquarters location, but all of our branch offices look for ways to help, get involved and support our communities that we’re part of,” Bruck added.
NetPlanner’s marketing efforts include social media, direct marketing and trade shows, with support from Vox-Pop-Uli for branded materials and printed media.
“When we first started using Vox-Pop-Uli, we had just a straightforward vendor relationship, but they very quickly became a partner to us,” said Bridges. “Vox-Pop-Uli has actually set up a company store on our behalf where our employees can purchase branded material, branded clothing, ball caps and those sorts of things. And they also handle printed media — things that we would use at trade shows.”
Looking forward
With technology moving at a warp speed, NetPlanner relies on a lot of repeat business.
“Bandwidth requirements are increasing year after year,” Bridges said. “Fiber optic cabling that we might have installed 10 years ago won’t support the data rates that are needed today, so it needs to be changed out in many cases.”
Many of the customers that he’s been with for several decades use NetPlanner’s services over and over.
“We’ve gone into the same building and re-cabled it over and over again as the different category levels of copper cabling have advanced,” he said. “The demands on fiber are now way beyond what they were even five years ago because the capacity has increased so much.”
And as everyone is embracing artificial intelligence, Bridges said he’s working to keep up.
“Everyone is well aware of what’s happening in the artificial intelligence space. And what’s really amazing to us is the number of new data centers that are being built across the United States by all the major players,” he said. “It’s kind of hard to imagine even being able to keep up with all that. We do a lot of data center work ourselves, and are trying to engage with more of our customers to help build some of these newer data centers.”
He added that the artificial intelligence boom is causing so much additional strain on the network infrastructure across the country, there are concerns about how it’s all going to be powered.
“I think everyone’s concerned,” he said. “Everyone that’s involved in this is wondering how we’re going to meet the bandwidth demands, the capacity demands, the power demands to make all this work.”
Staying ahead of the curve
With decades of experience, Bridges offers advice for all types of businesses starting out — put technology needs into your business model early on.
“The companies that struggle the most with technology are the ones that wait until after everything with the building is developed and completely built before they realize that they need Wi-Fi or some other network installation done,” he said. “It’s just a much more efficient process if we’re involved as early as possible to help design the network, along with the building structure itself.”
He also emphasized the importance of staying ahead of technological advancements to avoid falling behind.
“As fast as technology moves, if you get behind the power curve, it’s really hard to catch up,” he added.
The Local Thread: This business profile series is proudly supported by Vox-Pop-Uli, championing local stories and the communities we serve.
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