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C ontents 4 2014 Bulldog 100: Celebrating Five Years
6 Bulldog 100 in Photos
10 Quick Stats
12 The Top Ten
14 The 2014 Bulldog 100 Class Photo
18 2014 Bulldog 100 List
20 Five-Year Bulldog 100 Companies
24 Top Honoree: The Social Empowerment Center
26 Keynote Speaker: Fran Tarkenton (BBA '61)
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UGA Alumni Association
Board Members EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Tim Keadle (BBA ’78), President Ruth Bartlett (BBA ’76), Vice President Jennifer L. Chapman (BBA ’97, MACC ’98, JD ’02), Treasurer Bonney S. Shuman (BBA ’80), Asst. Treasurer Julie Reynolds (BSHE ’81), Secretary Steve C. Jones (BBA ’78, JD ’87), Immediate Past President Harriette Bohannon (BSHE ’74) Craig Camuso (ABJ ’90) Maureen Clayton (ABJ ’80, MA ’84) Brian Dill (AB ’94) Brian Fuller (BS ’98) Bob Harris (AB ’79) Jeff Jowdy (ABJ ’83) Kelly Kerner, Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations Trey Paris (BBA ’84, MBA ’85) Palmer Sanford (BBA ’01, MBA ’10) Jim Sommerville (BS ’71) Bill Thomas (AB ’88)
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Stella Bailey (BSHE ’69) Josh Bell (AB ’93, MPA ’95, JD ’98) Peyton Bell ’16, Ex-officio Leslie Younts Brown (BSHE ’82) Bill Caldwell (BLA ’97) Kelly Dean (BSHE ’89, MS ’91) Barry Dotson (ABJ ’86, EDD ’06) Frank Elridge (BBA ’81) Lisa Gipson (BSFCS ’95, MED ’01) Vivian Greentree (ABJ ’00, AB ’01) Shelly Hutchinson (MSW ’00) Lisa Hyde (BBA ’87) Drew Jacoby ’15, Ex-officio Keane B. Johnson (AB ’04, MED ’05, BSFCS ’07) Kevin Lang (BBA ’98, JD ’01) Michael Lewis, Ex-officio Margaret Mathews (BSHE ’81, MED ’83) Bob McLeod (BSA ’80) Kim Metcalf (BS ’93, MS ’96) Bonnie Petersen (BSHE ’79) Mark Rush ’15, Ex-officio David E. Shipley, Ex-officio Bret Thurmond (BSAE ’80) Joane Toburen (BBA ’91) Barbara Woods (BFA ’77) Craig Yeomans (DVM ’79) Martha Zoller (ABJ ’79)
A bout Us
BULLDOG 100 recognizes the 100 fastest-
growing businesses owned or operated by UGA alumni. Nominated companies must have a UGA alumnus as CEO, president or managing partner. Companies are also eligible if at least 50 percent of the business is owned by UGA graduates. Companies must have been in business for five years or more, have minimum verifiable revenues of $100,000 in the first year of the 3-year assessment period, and must operate in a manner consistent with the university’s “Pillars of the Arch.” Upon nomination, each business is asked to submit certain financial data to Warren Averett CPAs and Advisors. Warren Averett reviews submissions based on compounded annual growth rates for the three years prior to the nomination and provides the UGA Alumni Association with a ranked list of the 100 fastest-growing businesses. While the complete alphabetized list is released to the public beforehand, the final ranking order remains confidential until the annual Bulldog 100 Celebration each January/February in Atlanta. Nominations for the 2015 Bulldog 100 will open on February 9. Nomination information can be found at www.alumni.uga.edu/b100.
T hanks
SPECIAL
to the UGA Student Alumni Council; UGA Alumni Association Board of Directors; Olivia Greene (BMUS ’14), Alma Mater performer; Fran Tarkenton (BBA ’61), keynote speaker; Brian Dill (AB ’94), Bulldog 100 Committee chairman; Office of the President; Office of the Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations; Office of the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost; Office of Special Events; Marquis Sponsor Bank of America; Wingate (ABJ ’79) and Spence Downs (AB ’09), photography; Mary Grace Fisher (ABJ ’14), intern; and Warren Averett CPAs and Advisors.
CONNECT
with the UGA Alumni Association:
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www.alumni.uga.edu
The University of Georgia is committed to principles of equal opportunity and affirmative action.
Your Alumni Association and Bank of America have teamed up to bring you some exclusive and exciting products. Visit www.alumni.uga.edu and click on Partners and Sponsors for more information.
THE 2014 BULLDOG 100
C elebrating Five Years By Elizabeth Elmore (ABJ ’08, BBA ’08)
“Every year, it’s an incredible experience. You can feel the positive energy in the ballroom as the countdown begins. The university doesn’t host another event like it, and it makes you proud to be a Georgia Bulldog.” Brian Dill (AB '94), UGA Alumni Association Board of Directors Bulldog 100 Chairman
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he University of Georgia’s Bulldog 100 Celebration is an exciting and lively event each year, as described by Brian Dill (AB ’94), member of the UGA Alumni Association Board of Directors and Bulldog 100 planning committee chairman. In 2014, though, the event took on an even more spirited feel as the Bulldog 100 program marked its fifth year of recognizing the fastestgrowing businesses owned or operated by UGA alumni. Everything from the invitations to décor to the firstever curtain unveiling of the business leaders highlighted the program’s important milestone and the individuals and businesses that helped establish the program as a cornerstone event at UGA. Since Bulldog 100 began in 2010, 311 different businesses have made the list, led by 397 individuals who attended UGA. Aside from Commencement, no other university event recognizes so many graduates each year. During the Bulldog 100’s first five years, the 311 businesses that made the list boasted an astounding compounded average growth rate of 32.67 percent. Compare that to the NASDAQ, which saw 16.7 percent, or the S&P 500, which only experienced 6.9 percent growth—it’s clear these businesses are on track to find even greater success. The honorees have represented 20 states (including the District of Columbia), 130 cities and more than 100 industries. They are owned by graduates from nearly every school and college at UGA and a variety of class years. Throughout the five years, not only did the businesses on the list become more diverse, the competition to make the list grew. With nearly 400 nominations in 2010, the number of businesses attempting to make the list has increased each year, resulting in more than 800 nominations for the 2014 Bulldog 100.
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Olivia Greene (BMUS ’14) began the program with a beautiful rendition of the University of Georgia Alma Mater.
Despite the stiff competition, four businesses were able to maintain significant levels of growth to keep them on the list all four years: Mom Corps, owned by Allison O’Kelly (BBA ’94); Atlanta Wine School, owned by Michael Bryan (BBA ’89); Bryant, Carroll & Associates, owned by Michael Bryant (BBA ’98); and EvoShield, led by Bob Pinckney (BBA ’82). To learn more about these businesses, turn to page 20.
President Jere W. Morehead (JD '80) poses with top honorees Rachelle D. Hutchinson (MSW '00) and her husband, Edward Hutchinson (MED '09).
Perhaps more than any statistics, the memories are what really tell the story of the Bulldog 100’s first five years. • Exchanging advice from fellow entrepreneurs during the pre-event roundtables. • Networking with hundreds of alumni and friends during the cocktail receptions. • The wise (and often entertaining) words shared by keynote speakers, Dan Amos (BBA ’73), Maxine Clark (ABJ ’71), Deborah Norville (ABJ ’79), Pete Correll (BBA ’63) and Fran Tarkenton (BBA ’61). • The anticipation of hearing a business name called to the stage for recognition. • The respect for the No. 1 businesses: Hitson Land & Timber Management (2010, 2013), EvoShield (2011), jobTopia (2012) and the Social Empowerment Center (2014). • A sense of pride as the full class is presented to the crowd • The hugs, handshakes and “Go Dawgs” exchanged as each Bulldog 100 Celebration comes to a close. As the curtain closes on the first half-decade of Bulldog 100, the UGA Alumni Association looks forward to many more years honoring those entrepreneurial-minded graduates. They took a leap of faith to start or run their own business, and as a result, represent the University of Georgia with excellence. Here’s to celebrating a full decade of the Bulldog 100 in 2019. Go Dawgs!
Use your smartphone or tablet to view video and photos from the 2014 Bulldog 100 Celebration.
5-YEAR VIDEO
EVENT PHOTOS 5
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1. Five-time honoree and Mom Corps founder Allison O’Kelly (BBA ’94) and son, Nolan, join UGA Alumni Association President Tim Keadle (BBA ’78) on stage during the 2014 Bulldog 100 Celebration.
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2. Shelly Hutchinson (MSW ’00), of No. 1 business Social Empowerment Center, poses with UGA School of Social Work Dean Maurice C. Daniels. 3. Student Alumni Council President Derek Hammock ’15 (center) with Bill Sharpton (AB ’08) and Sharpton’s father-in-law, James Cannon (BBA ’77), of No. 20 business Early Trucking Company, during the 2014 Bulldog 100 reception. 4. (l-r) Bob Hosker (ABJ ’00) and Danielle Hosker (AB ’01), owner of No. 51 business, Dancefx, Inc. 5. Walter Lee Jones III (BS ’97), of No. 7 business Professional Technology Integration, Inc., and his wife, Bernina Jones, enjoy the 2014 Bulldog 100 reception. 6. The official Bulldog 100 awards 7. UGA Alumni Association board member Keane Johnson (AB '04, MED '05, BSFCS '07) and Shireen Punja, a representative with Bulldog 100 table sponsor Liberty Mutual. 8. John Moeller (BBA ’93), of No. 45 business Action Ministries, joins UGA Alumni Association President Tim Keadle (BBA ’78) on stage during the 2014 Bulldog 100 Celebration.
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9. Owner of No. 66 business Association Management, LLC, Alva Youngner (BSHE ’66, MED ’73, EDS ’75, EDD ’77) is interviewed by Student Alumni Council member Meredith Dean (ABJ ’14) and Jeff Alligood (ABJ ’77), of Pace Communications. 10. UGA College of Engineering Dean Donald Leo (right) congratulates Rory Singer (BSBE ’99) of No. 22 business The HardCore Gym/ Athens Fitness and MMA, and Bennie Branch (BSAE ’88, MS ’90), of No. 26 business Kelley Manufacturing Company following the 2014 Bulldog 100 Celebration. 11. Bulldog 100 honorees were invited to attend a pre-event roundtable discussion hosted by the UGA Alumni Association. Participants discussed topics ranging from business strategy to talent development. 12. (l-r): Jennifer Ansley and Bonneau Ansley III (BBA ’99) of No. 3 business the Ansley Group.
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13. (l-r) Aiden Zafar and Corey Jones, representatives from affinity partner Liberty Mutual, enjoyed the 2014 Bulldog 100 reception. 14. Student Alumni Council member Taryn Winston ’15, was one of ten Student Alumni Council members who announced the Bulldog 100 list in ranked order during the 2014 Bulldog 100 Celebration. 15. Student Alumni Council member Kimberly Caldwell ’15 helped event photographer Spence Wingate (AB ’09) capture the magic of the 2014 Bulldog 100 Celebration.
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16. (l-r): Greg Davis and Garrett LeClair, representatives from Marquis Sponsor Bank of America, mixed and mingled with attendees during the 2014 Bulldog 100 reception. 17. Table setting for the 2014 Bulldog 100 Celebration at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis.
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S tatistics
BULLDOG 100 BUSINESS
The 2014 Bulldog 100 Celebration marked the fifth year recognizing Bulldog-owned and -operated businesses. Learn more about the businesses honored since the program began five years ago: AVERAGE COMPOUNDED ANNUAL GROWTH RATE OVER PAST FIVE YEARS
32.67
GENEROSITY OF BULLDOG 100 BUSINESS LEADERS PA
NASDAQ
FIVE YEA RS
55%
16.7 BULLDOG 100
ST
gave
$1.5m
DU
RIN
G LIETI
81%
M
E
gave
$2.5m
6.9
S&P 500
UGA Annual Fund and Major Academic Gifts
National Benchmark Comparison
SINCE PROGRAM BEGAN
781 397 unique nominations
311 businesses honored
130 CITIES 20
STATES
653
702
465
2010
2011
held at Intercontinental Buckhead
2012
2013 held at Atlanta Marriott Marquis
NUMBER OF BULLDOG 100 CELEBRATION ATTENDEES 10 10
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businesses made every list
711
INCLUDING D.C.
497
business owners honored
THE BULLDOG BULLDOG 100 100 THE
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2014
On this page, learn more about the businesses honored this year: AVERAGE COMPOUNDED ANNUAL GROWTH RATE Bulldog 100 Three-Year Comparison
150%
50%
48%
40%
REPRESENTING
143%
125% 100%
39%
30%
Bulldog 100/Top 50/Top 10 Classes of 2013 - 2014
111%
75%
20%
70%
50%
17%
10%
25%
Class of
2011
Class of
2012
39%
TOP
Class of
61 Terry College of Business 27 Franklin College of Arts and Sciences 9 Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication 8 College of Education 8 College of Family and Consumer Sciences 6 School of Public and International Affairs 5 College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences 4 College of Pharmacy
GEORGIA
TOP
100
2013
HONOREES BY SCHOOL/COLLEGE
79
COMPANIES
38
CITIES
Alpharetta: 2 Arlington: 1 Athens: 8 Atlanta: 20 Augusta: 1 Bainbridge: 1
48%
Bluffton: 1 Bogart: 2 Buford: 2 College Park: 1 Conyers: 1 Cornelia: 1
55%
INDUSTRIES
TOP
50
10
FOUNDING YEARS
3 3 3 1 1 1 1 1
Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources College of Engineering School of Law College of Environment & Design College of Education College of Public Health College of Veterinary Medicine School of Social Work
OLDEST
White Oak Pastures
1866 1 1947 • 1 1961 • 1 1963 • 1 1966 • 1 1968 • 1 1973 • 1 1980 • 1 1983 • 1 1988 • 1 1991 • 1 1991 • 2 1993 • 1 1996 • 3 1997 • 2 1998 • 1 1999 • 7 2000 • 3 2001 • 5 2002 • 5 2003 • 6 2004 • 9 2005 • 10 2006 • 6 2007 • 17 2008 • 10 2009 2
BUSINESS OWNER DEMOGRAPHIC
Cumming: 4 Decatur: 1 Duluth: 1 Dunwoody: 1 Eatonton: 1 Evans: 1 Gainesville: 1 Hawkinsville: 1 Jefferson: 1 Lawrenceville: 1 Loganville: 1 Macon: 1 Marietta: 1 Norcross: 4 Quitman: 1 Roswell: 4 Sandy Springs: 1 Savannah: 2 Sharpsburg: 1 Smyrna: 1 St. Simons Island: 2 Statesboro: 1 Sugar Hill: 1 Tifton: 1 Valdosta: 1 Vidalia: 1
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FEMALES
111 MALES
51 49
companies made debut
are repeat honorees
Southern Tradition Tailgating, LLC NEWEST
9 STATES AND DC REPRESENTED IN 2014
ALABAMA
FLORIDA
GEORGIA
KANSAS
MISSISSIPPI
NEW JERSEY
NORTH CAROLINA SOUTH CAROLINA
TEXAS
WASHINGTON D.C.
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T op Ten
THE 2014 BULLDOG 100
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Social Empowerment Center
Shelly and Edward Hutchinson are the dynamic duo behind the 2014 fastestgrowing Bulldog-owned business, Social Empowerment Center. Shelly spent many years working for the Georgia Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) in a variety of roles. Upon leaving DFCS, the alumna offered individual therapy for families, completed in-depth assessments of children entering foster care and trained new DFCS workers. Shelly’s husband, Edward, is Social Empowerment Center’s IT department, chief information officer and vice president. He is also a vice president and technical lead with SunTrust Bank. With a multicultural focus, Social Empowerment Center supports families in crisis. The organization is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities and provides a wide scope of mental health services, including intensive family interventions, indigent support and ongoing mental health treatment. To learn more about this year’s fastest-growing business, see page 24.
Vert Mobile, LLC
Kevin Planovsky spent several years in both the tech startup and digital marketing worlds before launching Vert Mobile, LLC, in late 2008. Vert is a full-service mobile and social media, advertising, and marketing agency that specializes in orchestrating brands’ digital footprints. Since it began, Vert has grown to employ dozens of full-time strategists, developers, media planners and designers who build cutting-edge digital media experiences for brands such as InterContinental Hotels Group, The Weather Channel, Coventry Healthcare (Aetna), SunTrust and Quikrete. In early 2009, Vert partnered with the UGA New Media Institute (NMI), an interdisciplinary unit of the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication. NMI became a key partner and the two organizations now work together to create an environment for UGA students where education meets the real world.
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The Ansley Group
The name Bonneau Ansley is synonymous with real estate sale and development in Atlanta, South Carolina, and along the Georgia Coast. An Atlanta native, Ansley is a well-regarded builder and investor. Since beginning his career, the alumnus has been involved in real estate sales and development exceeding $450 million and has built more than 80 luxury homes priced at $1 million or more. Ansley is especially knowledgeable about new construction and large developments. He is a full-time associate broker with Harry Norman Realtors in the company’s Buckhead office. He was named the “No. 1 Individual Agent Citywide” by the Atlanta Board of Realtors in 2009, and received the Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate’s Outstanding Rookie award in 2013.
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Hitson Land and Timber Management, Inc.
Greg Hitson graduated from UGA’s Warnell School of Forestry in 1994 and spent a few years interning and working with timber management companies before striking out on his own in 1997. Hitson Land and Timber Management, Inc., originally located in Dublin, Georgia, is a full-service forestry consulting and land management firm that assists landowners in maximizing profits from their natural resources while protecting the life and beauty of the forests. Hitson has since relocated his family to Florida, and maintains offices in central Georgia and central Florida to help clients across the Southeast. Services include timberland management, forest inventory and appraisals, wildlife management, herbicide treatments, controlled burning, hunt lease management, harvest scheduling and cell tower maintenance. Hitson Land and Timber Management, Inc., was the top Bulldog 100 business in 2010 and 2013.
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Aycock Properties, Inc.
Aycock Properties, Inc., is a residential and commercial general contracting firm, specializing in custom home building and property receivership. Aycock’s corporate office is in Atlanta, but the company is bonded and licensed as an unlimited general contractor in several states. Aycock offers a wide range of specialized business workout and real estate services to financial institutions, law firms, state and federal courts, property owners and similar entities throughout the country. The Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association presented Aycock Properties with a 2012 Gold OBIE Award in the “Residential Remodeling/Addition” category, the highest honor given to an Atlanta real estate firm.
Lawrenceville, Georgia Rachelle D. Hutchinson (MSW ’00) Edward Hutchinson (MED ’09) Industry: Social and mental health services socialempowermentcenter.com Founded: 2002 Years on the Bulldog 100 list: 1
2 Atlanta, Georgia Kevin Planovsky (ABJ ’05) Matt Griffin (BBA ’05) Michael Lentz (ABJ ’06) Industry: Advertising vertmob.com Founded: 2008 Years on the Bulldog 100 list: 1
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Atlanta, Georgia Bonneau Ansley III (BBA ’99) Industry: Real estate bonneauansley.com Founded: 2008 Years on the Bulldog 100 list: 1
Port Orange, Florida Greg Hitson (BSFR ’94) Industry: Forestry and land management hitsonltm.com Founded: 1997 Years on the Bulldog 100 list: 3
Atlanta, Georgia Kevin Aycock (AB ’02) Industry: Real estate aycockproperties.com Founded: 2004 Years on the Bulldog 100 list: 1
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EvoShield
In the fall of 2005, four UGA alumni, Stan Kavanage (M ’78), W. David Hudson (BBA ’78), Justin Niefer (BSFCS ’05) and Stan Payne (M ’97), came together in Athens, Georgia, to establish a company around a revolutionary gel-like material that, once exposed to air, molds into a rigid surface in minutes. This hard surface formed the ideal material for protective athletic gear and apparel. In 2007, after two years of product development and field testing, EvoShield began selling its products to professional athletes. Based on player demand and positive feedback, EvoShield now officially outfits 30 Major League Baseball teams, 200 college and professional football teams and has expanded into softball, hockey, lacrosse and soccer. UGA and Harvard alumnus Bob Pinckney was later added to the team as CEO, and under his leadership, the young company has continued to grow. EvoShield is one of only four Bulldog 100 businesses that have made the list every year since the program began in 2010. It was the top Bulldog 100 business in 2011.
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Professional Technology Integration, Inc.
Professional Technology Integration, Inc., is an information technology consulting firm specializing in software and database application development within Intranet and Internet environments. The company uses leading technologies, development methodologies and development models and modules to make business processes more efficient, allowing clients to compete effectively in an ever-changing world. Professional Technology Integration is registered as a Certified Minority Business Enterprise and Certified Minority Subcontractor for the State of Georgia. Before becoming owner of Professional Technology Integration, Inc., Walter Jones worked for Delta Air Lines, Oracle and Superior Insurance Group.
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Bogart, Georgia Bob Pinckney (BBA ’82) Industry: Protective athletic gear and apparel evoshield.com Founded: 2005 Years on the Bulldog 100 list: 5
Norcross, Georgia Walter Lee Jones III (BS ’97) Industry: Information technology professionaltechintegration.com Founded: 2001 Years on the Bulldog 100 list: 1
Blake & Brady
Former UGA cheerleader Sissa Sullivan and her husband, Chris, founded Blake & Brady in 2007. The boutique came to life following a simple conversation between the couple about Sissa’s love for fashion and the possibility of a new business venture. After more than nine years in pharmaceutical sales, Sissa decided to quit her full-time job and “come out from behind the curtain” to work at the store and assist with the growing business. Blake & Brady, named for the couple’s daughters, offers a stylish collection of casual and formal wear, shoes and accessories at affordable prices. The boutique is located in Anderson, South Carolina, but also sells its products through its website.
Two Maids and a Mop
Ron Holt, a member of the UGA 40 Under 40 Class of 2013, is CEO and founder of Two Maids and a Mop, the country’s largest privately owned residential cleaning firm. The company operates in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee, and employs more than 150 team members. Two Maids and a Mop is licensed, bonded and insured, and offers franchising opportunities. In 2013, Holt was a regional semifinalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award. In 2013, Inc. magazine included Two Maids and a Mop among the 5000 Fastest-Growing Businesses in America (No. 1156) and the ninth fastest-growing company in Alabama. Two Maids was recognized by the Cleaning for a Reason Foundation as the 2012 National Maid Service of the Year for having provided more than 2,000 house cleanings to women undergoing cancer treatment. Holt volunteers as a UGA Alumni Association Birmingham Chapter leader and participated in the UGA Alumni Association’s 2013 Thinc Entrepreneurial Week on campus.
Anderson, South Carolina Sissa Sullivan (M ’94) Chris Sullivan (BBA ’93) Industry: Retail – women’s apparel blakeandbrady.com Founded: 2007 Years on the Bulldog 100 list: 1
Mountain Brook, Alabama Ron Holt (BSA ’97) Industry: Consumer services twomaidsfranchise.com Founded: 2003 Years on the Bulldog 100 list: 3
Sovereign Systems
Norcross, Georgia George Barkley (BBA ’94) Matt Cadogan (BBA ’96) Michael Hunsucker (BBA ’91) Industry: Technology consulting and sales sovsystems.com Founded: 2007 Years on the Bulldog 100 list: 2
Sovereign Systems was founded in 2007 by a team of tenured business and information technology professionals, including UGA graduates George Barkley, Matt Cadogan and Michael Hunsucker. Sovereign provides industry-leading technical and consulting resources to its manufacturer partners and end-users. Barkley, Cadogan and Hunsucker have grown the start-up into one of the Southeast’s leading and fastest-growing technology consulting firms. Sovereign provides trusted application and infrastructure solutions from leading manufacturers and service providers. The company ensures exceptional customer experiences through the delivery of solutions that integrate best-of-breed technologies. In 2012, Sovereign was named an Inc. 500 business, an Atlanta Business Chronicle “Best Place to Work” and was included in the Atlanta Fast Growth 40. This is the second year Sovereign has landed in the Bulldog 100 top ten.
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[the] The W.H. Thomas Firm was established in 2011 by a former Assistant United States Attorney and Section Chief for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Atlanta, Georgia. The firm is devoted to the representation of businesses and individuals in Government Investigations and White Collar Criminal Matters.
Government Investigations & White Collar Criminal Defense The W. H. Thomas Firm LLC William H. Thomas, Jr., Attorney 75 14th Street, Suite 2500, Atlanta, GA 30309 (404) 897-3523 (vx) (678) 965-1781 (f) (888) 542-0092 Toll Free
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Bulldog 100 Table Sponsors Martha Zoller (ABJ ’79) Liberty Mutual Insurance
Keane Johnson (AB ’04, MED ’05, BSFCS ’07)
Intrepid Capital Management, Inc. Towable Tailgates is proud to be a member of the 2014 UGA Alumni Association Bulldog 100. GO DAWGS!
Contact Joshua and mention this ad to receive a special discount on your NEW Tailgater or Corporate Marketing Trailer for the upcoming season! 706-473-0360 Joshua@TowableTailgates.com 16
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UGA Honors Program Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce
“
The University of Georgia has touched each aspect of my life. I am proud to be a Bulldog. I am proud of everything it has helped me accomplish — a legacy that only UGA can provide. That’s why I give.
”
James Gregory (Greg) Hitson, BSFR '94 Hitson Land & Timber Management, Inc. Bulldog 100 Honoree 2010 (#1), 2013 (#1), 2014 (#4)
Why will you give? Tell us at giving.uga.edu/whyigive #givetoUGA
The Social Empowerment Center offers a variety of social and mental health services with a multicultural focus, geared at maintaining and supporting families in crisis. Our staff offers a proven record for quality services and expertise in mental healthcare.
Call 770-925-2095 for questions or to sign up.
www.socialempowermentcenter.com
“Protecting the most Valuable ID in the World.....Yours”
2014 No. 1 Bulldog 100 Business 17
THE 2014 BULLDOG 100
T op 100 Companies
1. Social Empowerment Center Social Services / Mental Health Lawrenceville, GA Rachelle D. Hutchinson (MSW ‘00) Edward Hutchinson (MED ‘09) socialempowermentcenter.com 2. Vert Mobile, LLC Advertising Atlanta, GA Kevin Planovsky (ABJ ‘05) Matt Griffin (BBA ‘05) Michael Lentz (ABJ ‘06) vertmob.com
10. Sovereign Systems Technology Consulting and Sales Norcross, GA George Barkley (BBA ‘94) Matt Cadogan (BBA ‘96) Michael Hunsucker (BBA ‘91) sovsystems.com 11. Williams Teusink, LLC Law Decatur, GA Eric M. Teusink (AB ‘03, AB ‘03) David J. Metzger (BBA ‘02) williamsteusink.com
3. The Ansley Group Real Estate Atlanta, GA Bonneau Ansley III (BBA ‘99) bonneauansley.com
12. PharmD on Demand, Inc. Healthcare Athens, GA Michael Azzolin (PHARMD ‘02) Andy Barrs (MFR ‘02) pharmdondemand.com
4. Hitson Land and Timber Management, Inc. Forestry / Land Management Port Orange, FL Greg Hitson (BSFR ‘94) hitsonltm.com
13. Mom Corps Staffing Atlanta, GA Allison O’Kelly (BBA ‘94) momcorps.com
5. Aycock Properties, Inc. Real Estate Atlanta, GA Kevin Aycock (BA ‘02) aycockproperties.com
14. Asa Carlton, Inc. Construction Buford, GA Scott Hester (AB ‘93) asacarlton.com
6. EvoShield Sporting Goods, Protective Gear and Apparel Bogart, GA Bob Pinckney (BBA ‘82) evoshield.com
15. jobTopia Executive Search / Staffing Alpharetta, GA Anthony Moore (BBA ‘93) jobtopiallc.com
7. Professional Technology Integration, Inc. Information Technology Norcross, GA Walter Lee Jones III (BS ‘97) professionaltechintegration.com 8. Blake & Brady Clothing Retail Anderson, SC Sissa Sullivan (MAT ‘94) Chris Sullivan (BBA ‘93) blakeandbrady.com 9. Two Maids & A Mop Consumer Services Mountain Brook, AL Ron Holt (BSA ‘97) twomaidsfranchise.com
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16. Smyrna Truck & Cargo Van Body Manufacturing / Truck Equipment Smyrna, GA Scott Edens (BBA ‘99) smyrnatruck.com 17. Estes Landscape Design, Inc. Landscape Design Sharpsburg, GA Robert Estes (BLA ‘95) Travis Cliett (MAT ‘95) esteslandscape.com 18. Needle Solutions Telecom / Wireless Network Consulting Norcross, GA Joshua Needle (BBA ‘99) needlesolutions.com
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19. Mullins Management and Entertainment Property Management Evans, GA Joe Mullins (BBA ‘95) mullinsmanagement.net
28. Southern Tradition Tailgating, LLC Tailgating Equipment Rentals Starkville, MS Brad Vickers (EDD ‘07) southerntraditiontailgating.com
20. Early Trucking Company Trucking Transportation Arlington, GA James Cannon (BBA ‘77) Bryan Willis (BBA ’85) earlytruckingco.com
29. Your Pie Franchising Food Franchising Athens, GA Arthur Allen French (BS ‘77) Drew French (BBA ‘05) Bucky Cook (BBA ‘77) yourpie.com
21. Bryant, Carroll & Associates Financial Services Atlanta, GA Jake Bryant (BBA ‘98) jaketbryant.com 22. The HardCore Gym/Athens Fitness & MMA Fitness and Martial Arts Athens, GA Rory Singer (BSBE ‘99) Adam Singer (BSBE ‘98, MS ‘07) athensfitnessandmma.com 23. The Leaders Lyceum Management Consulting and Leadership Development Atlanta, GA Keith Eigel (MS ‘95, PHD ‘98) leaderslyceum.com 24. Do My Own Pest Control Internet Retailer and Distributor Norcross, GA Michael Gossling (MAT ‘00) domyownpestcontrol.com 25. Towable Tailgates Manufacturing / Sporting / Custom Trailers Eatonton, GA Joshua R. Daniel (BBA ‘06) towabletailgates.com 26. Kelley Manufacturing Company Agricultural Machinery Tifton, GA Bennie Branch (BSAE ‘88, MS ‘90) kelleymfg.com 27. 6 Degrees Group Recruiting / Staffing Alpharetta, GA Tracy Bates (BBA ‘87) 6degreesgrp.com
30. Starnes Publishing Publishing Mountain Brook, AL Dan Starnes (MAT ‘98) 280living.com villagelivingonline.com thehomewoodstar.com hooversun.com vestaviavoice.com 31. Velocity Technology Partners IT Services Athens, GA David M. Denham (BSED ‘90) Joseph Moon (BS ‘97) vtechpartners.com 32. Clyde Armory, Inc. Sporting Goods Retail Bogart, GA Andrew Clyde (MBA ‘99) clydearmory.com 33. Resolution Technologies IT Staffing Atlanta, GA Joseph Bell (MED ‘01) resolution-tech.com 34. Full Media Web Development and Internet Marketing Gainesville, GA Kris Nordholz (BBA ‘95, MBA ‘96) Kevin West (BS ‘02) fullmedia.com 35. Ironwood Insurance Services, LLC Commercial Insurance, Employee Benefits Brokerage, Consulting Atlanta, GA Will Underwood (BBA ‘85) Matt Lovein (BBA ‘96, MBA ‘00) Matt Hene (BBA ‘03) Skin Edge (BBA ‘05) Mark Watson (BBA ‘80) ironwoodins.com
36. Insight Strategic Communications Marketing Communications Consulting Roswell, GA Maureen Clayton (ABJ ‘80, MA ‘84) insight-communication.com 37. Police & Sheriff’s Press, Inc. Security Printing Vidalia, GA Frank Raiford (MAT ‘79) Melanie Ledford Raiford (ABJ ‘84) pasp365.com 38. Suggs Johnson, LLC Public Accounting Anderson, SC Brian L. Johnson (MACC ‘95) suggsjohnson.com 39. Inspect-All Services Home Inspections and Pest Control Conyers, GA Brandon Lunsford (AB ‘02) Brian Lunsford (AB ‘02) inspectallservices.com 40. Astir IT Solutions, Inc. IT Consulting South Plainfield, NJ Kishore Ganji (MBA ‘03) astirit.com 41. Universal Servo Group, LLC Automation and Robotics Cumming, GA Larry Voss (AB ‘94) Stewart Bloodworth (BSPH ‘94) universalservo.com 42. EOC¹ Environmental Services Bainbridge, GA Kevin Hitchcock (BS ‘94) eocone.com 43. Mather Economics Business Consulting Roswell, GA Matt Lindsay (BBA ‘92, PHD ‘99) mathereconomics.com 44. Jackrabbit Technologies, Inc. Technology / Software as a Service Huntersville, NC Mark Mahoney (BBA ‘83) jackrabbittech.com 45. Action Ministries Nonprofit Atlanta, GA John Moeller (BBA ‘93) actionministries.net
46. Atlanta Wine School Food and Beverage Atlanta, GA Michael Bryan (BBA ‘89) atlantawineschool.com
58. Cowboy Jungle, Inc Medical Apparel and Footwear Retail Winston-Salem, NC Eric Johnson (BBA ‘90)
69. Sunbelt Technology Low Voltage and Audio / Video Atlanta, GA Wes Bradshaw (AB ‘99) sunbelttechnology.com
47. NCM Associates Consulting Overland Park, KS Paul Faletti (BBA ‘99) ncm20.com
59. DPM Fragrance Wholesale Manufacturing Starkville, MS Thomas Reed (BBA ‘87) dpmfragrance.com
70. Primemeridian Bank Financial Industry Tallahassee, FL Sammie Dixon, Jr. (MAT ‘92) primemeridianbank.com
48. Towersource, Inc. Telecommunications Roswell, GA Doug Weston (BBA ‘89) towersourceinc.com
60. Cay Insurance Services, Inc. Insurance Savannah, GA John Sipple (BBA ‘00) Christopher Cay (AB ‘97) cayinsurance.com
71. Tim’s Pharmacy Retail Pharmacy Cornelia, GA Tim Kaminski (BSPH ‘89) Kim Kaminski (BSPHR ‘00)
49. R.L. Cunningham & Sons, Inc. Peanut Agriculture Quitman, GA Larry Cunningham (BSA ‘80) Chris Cunningham (BSA ‘07) cunninghampeanuts.com
61. The Propel Agency Marketing / Advertising Atlanta, GA Tillman Douglas (BBA ‘90) Jeffrey Mares (AB ‘83) propelagency.com
50. The Mabra Firm, LLC Legal Atlanta, GA Ronnie Mabra (JD ‘04) mabrafirm.com
62. Colonial House of Flowers Florist Statesboro, GA Christy Hulsey (ABJ ‘98) colonialhouse.net
51. Dancefx, Inc. Arts Athens, GA Danielle Hosker (AB ‘01) dancefx.org
63. Forsyth Exterminating Pest, Termite, Wildlife and Landscape Cumming, GA Julie Ramirez (BBA ‘06, AB ‘06) forsythexterminating.com
52. Eight at Eight Dating Industry Atlanta, GA Sarah Kathryn Smith (BSFCS ‘98) 8at8.com 53. fab’rik Clothing Retail Atlanta, GA Dana Spinola (BBA ‘96) fabrikstyle.com 54. White Oak Pastures Agriculture Bluffton, GA Will Harris (BSA ‘76) whiteoakpastures.com
64. Liberty Technology, Inc. IT Services Griffin, GA Ben Johnson (AB ‘00) libertytech.net 65. Red Clay Communications, Inc. Public Relations and Public Affairs Cumming, GA Joshua W. Jones (ABJ ‘08, AB ‘08) redclaycomm.com
55. Initial Outfitters, Inc. Direct Sales Auburn, AL Alicia Storbeck (MMR ‘90) initialoutfitters.com
66. Association Management, LLC Community Association Management St. Simons Island, GA Mary Bryan Fields (BBA ‘71) Alva Youngner (BSHE ‘66, MED ‘73, EDS ‘75, EDD ‘77) bestassociationmanagement.com
56. Brokerhunter.com Advertising / Recruiting Cumming, GA David Testerman (AB ‘95) Jeff Testerman (AB ‘97) brokerhunter.com
67. RIA Solutions Pest Control Buford, GA Rob Lemoine (BBA ‘98) Catherine Lemoine (BSED ‘98) theriaway.com
57. LTC Tree Insurance Sandy Springs, GA Darrick Wilkins (AB ‘98) ltctree.com
68. Innovative Therapy Concepts, LLC Healthcare Hawkinsville, GA Joe Sapp (MAT ‘94) itcmgt.net
72. Rumor Boutique Clothing Retail Macon, GA Ashley S. Johnson (BSFCS ‘03) rumorboutique.com 73. The Service Fort Janitorial Services Atlanta, GA Jeremy Fort (AB ‘98) Brad Beem (AB ‘97) theservicefort.com 74. Atlas Real Estate Advisors Real Estate Investment, Brokerage, Advisory Services Athens, GA Chris Blackmon (BBA ‘99) Matt Thomas (BBA ‘00) atlasrealestateadvisors.com 75. SDA CPA Group, P.C. Accounting Dunwoody, GA Stanley Dean (BBA ‘85, MACC ‘86) Kelly Dean (BSHE ‘89, MS ‘91) sdacpa.com 76. Seacrest Partners Insurance Broker / Risk Management Consulting Savannah, GA Cliff McCurry (BBA ‘71) Cindy Parker Robinett (BBA ‘89) seacrestpartners.com 77. Intrepid Capital Funds Investment Advisory Services Jacksonville Beach, FL Mark Travis (AB ‘84) intrepidcapitalfunds.com 78. Trotter Jones, LLP Law Augusta, GA James B. Trotter (JD ‘00) David C. Jones (JD ‘97) trotterjones.com 79. Prestige Staffing Staffing Atlanta, GA Ronnie Hollis (MAT ‘96) prestigestaffing.com
80. Gas Innovations Industrial Gasses and Welding Supplies, Wholesale La Porte, TX Ashley Madray (BSED ‘80) gasinnovations.com
90. Robert Bowden, Inc. Manufacturer Building Products Marietta, GA Steve Cole (BBA ‘78, MBA ‘80) Robert Bowden (MA ‘68) robertbowden.com
81. Yancey Wire & Cable Wholesale Speciality Wire and Cable College Park, GA Richard Yancey (BBA ‘87) yanceywire.com
91. The Association Source, LLC Nonprofit and Professional Association Management Boca Raton, FL Jody Rosen Atkins (BSHE ‘89, MS ‘91) associationsource.com
82. Vantage Realty Partners Commercial Real Estate Atlanta, GA Gene Rice (BSFCS ‘05) vantageatl.com
92. Terrapin Beer Company Beverage Manufacturing Athens, GA John Cochran (BBA ‘93) Dustin Watts (BBA ‘03) Irina Melnik Cochran (BBA ‘93) terrapinbeer.com
83. Scott Circle Communications, Inc. Public Relations Washington, DC Laura Gross (ABJ ‘95) scottcircle.com 84. Johnson Benefits Group, LLC Insurance and Employee Benefits Duluth, GA Anna Brookshire Johnson (BSFCS ‘02) Jeffrey Johnson (AB ‘00, BSFCS ‘03) jbginsures.com
93. Howell Orthodontics Orthodontics Jefferson, GA Emily F. Howell (BBA ‘00) howellortho.com 94. Interchanges Business Consulting and Internet Marketing Jacksonville, FL Nelson Bruton (AB ‘02) interchanges.com
85. Forisk Consulting Forestry and Wood Bioenergy Athens, GA Brooks Mendell (PHD ‘04) forisk.com
95. The Butin Group Public Relations and Social Media St. Simons Island, GA Mary Butin (ABJ ‘86) thebutingroup.com
86. Westside Veterinary Hospital Veterinary Medicine Spartanburg, SC Scott Bryant (DVM ‘94) westsidevetofspartanburg.com
96. Sherpa! Web Studios Internet Marketing Services Atlanta, GA David Felfoldi (BS ‘01) sherpawebstudios.com
87. Home Instead Senior Care Valdosta Non-medical Home Care for Seniors Valdosta, GA Jack W. Hartley (MS ‘78) homeinstead.com/585 88. Lincoln Capital Advisors Finance / Residential Mortgage Lender Roswell, GA Blake Turner (AB ‘99) James N. Cheeley (AB ‘94) lincolncapitaladvisors.com 89. Happy & Healthy Products, Inc. Franchisor Boca Raton, FL Linda Kamm (ABJ ‘78) behappyandhealthy.com
97. Breda Pest Management Termite and Pest Control Loganville, GA Rodger Breda (BBA ‘73) bredapest.com 98. Sunburst Beach Vacations Vacation / Travel Seagrove Beach, FL Steve Howard (ABJ ‘83) Payson Comer Howard (BBA ‘83) sunburstco.com 99. Johnson & Garrison, LLC Public Accounting / Corporate Tax Services Sugar Hill, GA Jeff Johnson (BBA ‘89) johnson-garrison.com 100. Capital Investment Advisors Financial Services Atlanta, GA Michael Reiner (BBA ‘74) Mitch Reiner (BBA ‘05) yourwealth.com
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THE 2014 BULLDOG 100
F ive Fabulous Years on the Bulldog 100
In late 2013, the UGA Alumni Association contacted the four businesses that had made the Bulldog 100 list all five years since the program began in 2010. Each business has its own unique story of success, but they share at least one characteristic: they are led by dedicated and innovative individuals who sharpened their skills at the University of Georgia. Use the QR code to the left to watch a video about these businesses and their Bulldog 100 experiences.
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 9th 84th 10th 2nd 13th
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 51st 96th 43rd 56th 46th
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 31st 90th 54th 19th 21st
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2nd 1st 2nd 6th 6th
Mom Corps
Atlanta Wine School / Vino Venue Michael Bryan (BBA ’89) Twitter: @ATLWineSchool @VinoVenueATL
Bryant, Carroll and Associates Jake Bryant (BBA ’98)
EvoShield Bob Pinckney (BBA ’82) Twitter: @EvoShield
Bryant, Carroll and Associates provides financial planning assistance for individuals in a variety of life stages.
One of the fastest-growing brands in the sporting goods industry and known for their gel-to-shell technology, EvoShield outfits 30 Major League Baseball teams, 200 college and professional football teams and a variety of softball, hockey, lacrosse and soccer teams.
Allison O’Kelly (BBA ’94) Twitter: @MomCorps A leading staffing company and job board for flexible employment specifically designed for working mothers seeking improved work-life satisfaction.
DAWG BONE OF WISDOM "Listen to advice, but go with your heart. Remember: If it were easy, everyone would do it." 20
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Atlanta Wine School opened in 2004 and provides consumers with a relaxing environment in which to taste, purchase and learn about wine and cuisine.
DAWG BONE OF WISDOM "Replicate yourself. You never know when you may wish to start another location, another line of business, or you are struck down with a serious illness. Having another “you” gives you options."
Anniversary Issue
DAWG BONE OF WISDOM "Clarity in your mind and your team’s mind is the first step to being organized with your time, your money and the assignment of the talent within your firm."
DAWG BONE OF WISDOM "Build a team of talented individuals and let them fly."
Auto insurance as special as your alma mater. Did you know that as a University of Georgia alum, you could save up to $427.96 or more on Liberty Mutual Auto Insurance?1 You could save even more if you also insure your home with us. Plus, you’ll receive quality coverage from a partner you can trust, with features and options that can include Accident Forgiveness2, New Car Replacement3, and Lifetime Repair Guarantee.4
CONTACT US TODAY TO START SAVING
This organization receives financial support for allowing Liberty Mutual to offer this auto and home insurance program. 1 Discounts are available where state laws and regulations allow, and may vary by state. Figure reflects average national savings for customers who switched to Liberty Mutual’s group auto and home program. Based on data collected between 9/1/12 and 8/31/13. Individual premiums and savings will vary. To the extent permitted by law, applicants are individually underwritten; not all applicants may qualify. 2For qualifying customers only. Subject to terms and conditions of Liberty Mutual’s underwriting guidelines. Not available in CA and may vary by state. 3Applies to a covered total loss. Your car must be less than one year old, have fewer than 15,000 miles and have had no previous owner. Does not apply to leased vehicles or motorcycles. Subject to applicable deductible. Not available in NC or WY. 4Loss must be covered by your policy. Not available in AK. Coverage provided and underwritten by Liberty Mutual Insurance Company and its affiliates, 175 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA. ©2014 Liberty Mutual Insurance
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SAVE THE DATE
Bulldog 100 Celebration
February 7, 2015 Atlanta Marriott Marquis Keynote Speaker Hala Moddelmog (MA ’81) President and CEO of the Metro Atlanta Chamber
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LINCOLN CAPITAL ADVISORS WAS RECOGNIZED AS #88 IN THE BULLDOG FASTEST GROWING BULLDOG BUSINESSES.
Congratulations to the Bulldog 100
Class of 2014
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23
THE 2014 BULLDOG 100 TOP BUSINESS
A Year of Firsts By Elizabeth Elmore (ABJ ’08, BBA ’08)
A
Rachelle D. Hutchinson (MSW ’00) Founder and Director Edward Hutchinson (MED ’09) Chief Information Officer and Vice President Mission: Provide quality and cost-effective social services that meet the needs of individuals and families while preserving their rights and respecting them as individuals. Number of employees: Nearly 100 2775 Cruse Road, Suite 1602 Lawrenceville, GA 30044 770-925-2095 www.socialempowermentcenter.com
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visibly shocked Rachelle D. Hutchinson (MSW ’00) took the stage and said, “I have no words. I was not expecting this at all.” In all likelihood, not many others in the ballroom that night were expecting it either. The presence of this graduate on the stage at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis marked a number of firsts for the University of Georgia’s Bulldog 100 program. Not even members of the UGA Alumni Association staff could have predicted that the No. 1 honoree in 2014, the fifth year of the program, would change the face of Bulldog 100 forever. This is because Rachelle, Shelly for short, Hutchinson is the first female to ascend the Bulldog 100 list at No. 1. She is also the first minority to claim the top spot. The alumna is even the first School of Social Work graduate to ever make the list at all. She truly represents a shift in the image of a Bulldog 100 business, and the UGA Alumni Association is proud to call her a member of its board of directors. In a post-event interview, Shelly described her reaction to coming out on top, “In general, when people think of a social worker, they think of a low-paid, hardworking volunteer who chose to work in the trenches with the needy, sacrificing financial wellbeing. I am glad that I am able to show that social workers can run successful businesses while working in the trenches. I am overwhelmingly proud to be just one of the ‘firsts’ of our generation.” Shelly and her husband, Edward (MED ’09), own and operate the Social Empowerment Center in Lawrenceville, Georgia. The business provides specialized mental health and social services to underserved populations in Northeast Georgia. The Social Empowerment Center team of nearly 100 improves the lives of children and families in communities about which society has generally forgotten—or chooses to ignore. When the two decided to undertake this business endeavor, Shelly cites that the most difficult aspect was the unknown. She and her husband didn’t know if the business would help them flourish as a family or drain the life out of them. In the end, she is pleased with the fact that, as a business owner, she has the flexibility to see her children catch the bus for school each day and welcome them home in the afternoon.
Shelly congratulates her husband and business partner, Edward, after he receives his master's degree from UGA in 2009.
Edward's flexible work schedule has allowed both the Social Empowerment Center and the Hutchinson family to thrive and continue to grow.
First Lady Michelle Obama lauds Shelly for her entreprenuership and achievements.
WHAT IS THE BENEFIT OF BEING A PART OF THE BULLDOG 100?
“Notoriety. It’s a marketing tool I will use forever..” – Rachelle D. Hutchinson (MSW '00)
This work-life balance rises from Shelly and Edward’s commitment to an even distribution of labor in the business and in the home. “Eddie is our entire IT department, CIO and vice president. I oversee the rest [of the business]. At home, it is a different story. Eddie has a job that allows him to work from home quite a bit, so he does more than most husbands around the house. With no boundaries between our household and our business, the division of labor is just about 50/50.” Shelly acknowledges that Social Empowerment Center’s success has been achieved on the backs of many people who supported her from the beginning. In addition to her family and employees, the alumna recognizes the role that UGA played in her career development. “The UGA Small Business Development Center [www.georgiasbdc.org] supported me from the beginning. I attended events and trainings, and its director was a personal advisor to me as I started the Social Empowerment Center—a priceless resource.”
In addition, her professors taught her how to survive in imperfect systems, such as bureaucracies, governments, other businesses, families and individuals. “That is how I now approach business. I recognize that no funding source, contract, employee is perfect, but, I am wellprepared to cope with the imperfections of the business world.” Today, Shelly maintains a strong relationship with the School of Social Work where she is an adjunct professor. She is also proud of the work she has done with Dean Maurice Daniels on the Donald L. Hollowell: Foot Soldier for Equal Justice project. The Hutchinsons have come a long way since launching the Social Empowerment Center in 2002. They represent the success that many UGA graduates seek after graduation, but also the caliber and diversity of businesses that make the Bulldog 100 list each year. With so many boundaries broken by the duo this year, what will next year’s top business bring to the table? Join the UGA Alumni Association on February 7, 2015, to find out! 25
2014 KEYNOTE SPEAKER FRAN TARKENTON (BBA '61)
F rom the Gridiron
to the Board Room By Elizabeth Elmore (ABJ ’08, BBA ’08)
Scramblin’ Fran. Football fans know his moves. Business leaders respect him. Entrepreneurs learn from him.
W
hen the time came for the UGA Alumni Association to identify a University of Georgia graduate to serve as the 2014 Bulldog 100 Celebration keynote speaker, Fran Tarkenton’s (BBA ’61) name rose to the top. Tarkenton’s leadership hasn’t been confined to the gridiron—he has put his UGA degree to good use as a “hands-on entrepreneur.” Tarkenton has launched 20 companies in the past 30 years, the largest reaching revenues of $142 million. He was a founding board member of Coca-Cola Enterprises and has served on the board of directors for Sterling Software, Blimpie International and Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc. In 1996, the UGA alumnus started Tarkenton Companies, which offers small business consulting, coaching and software, telecommunication services and insurancebased retirement planning. At 73, he partnered with Office Depot to launch SmallBizClub.com, a free resource center offering small business owners access to business applications, training and coaching. The alumnus and business leader doesn’t show signs of slowing, either. While the UGA Alumni Association team knew Tarkenton’s experiences on the field and in the board room would certainly make him a great fit for the Bulldog 100 Celebration keynote speaker, it had no idea just how impressive he would be at the podium.
Sports and business were both on the agenda during Fran Tarkenton's UGA college career. Between games and studies, he became a licensed insurance salesman to help pay his college expenses.
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Former UGA President Fred Davison (DVM '52) (left) and Lamar Dodd (right) share campus extension plans with Fran Tarkenton during a visit to campus in 1985. When he took the stage at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis, the superstar athlete and successful business leader went on to regale the crowd with stories from his days at Athens High School, the University of Georgia and with the Minnesota Vikings. Each story underlined a lesson that could apply to both business and sports:
I have had no original thoughts; I have learned from other people. I had to reinvent myself every day. I had to work at it. I don’t have to be right as the quarterback or the leader. I have to get it right.
Flash forward to today, when he’s called upon by major media outlets such as CNN, Fox News, the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times to share his thoughts on small business and entrepreneurship. Before leaving the podium during the 2014 Bulldog 100 Celebration, “Scramblin’ Fran” left attendees with one last piece of advice: “Most of my errors are errors of assumption. Never assume anything.” And with that, he departed the stage to the applause of more than 700 fans and admirers. Tarkenton’s advice resonated with attendees, and was invaluable to those entrepreneurs that aspire to his incredible level of success. Fran Tarkenton speaks to the audience at the 2014 Bulldog 100 Celebration in Atlanta.
It’s about serving your customers. Making money is a by-product. Tarkenton’s story is inspiring. When he began his 18-year professional career, he was only earning $12,500. “And I was probably overpaid,” quipped Tarkenton. Therefore, during the NFL offseason, the self-described “serial entrepreneur” went to work learning about business “from the inside.” He worked for Wilson Truck Systems in South Dakota, a printing company, and advertising agency, McCann Erickson.
Use your smartphone or tablet to view Tarkenton's full address (begins at 15:38).
27
Congrats Bulldog 100 Honorees sign up for our newsletter @ www.bulldawgillustrated.com
Whether you’re having fun with your local alumni chapter, supporting scholarships and endowments, or plugging into a worldwide network of more than 288,000 graduates, the UGA Alumni Association is the best way to stay connected with YOUR alma mater! We invite you to support the University of Georgia by making a gift to the Georgia Fund for the UGA Alumni Association.
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Providing the best service and maximization of financial returns for our customers, while managing lands for future generations. ► ► ► ► ►
Forestry consulting Cell tower civil maintenance Telecommunications installation, construction and integration Storage facility and asset tracking Hauling Greg Hitson (BSFR ’94) Bulldog 100 #1 Fastest Growing Business: 2010 and 2013
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