Page 33 - DeKalb NCG 2024

Ron

Bivins

Educator and mentor
Ron Bivins began in the real estate
industry in 1974, ascending quickly to the
ranks of mastery in commercial real estate
acquisition and development. More than a
commercial real estate expert, Ron is also an
educator and mentor. Through seminars and conferences,
he has taught others how to develop real estate and obtain
financing for their projects. Ron also is the CEO of OURS Studios, a
film, TV production, and music recording studio. He is the executive
producer of As If We Were Ghosts, a documentary that aired its first
installment on Georgia Public Broadcasting, that tells the story of
Black athletes whose accomplishments were “ghosted” by media
coverage and sports organizations during segregation.

Robert

Witherspoon

Spirited entrepreneur
Certified by Whiskey University as a Master
Whiskey Taster, Robert is the mastermind behind
Granite Mountain Distillery in Stone Mountain. A
disabled veteran, Robert brings his passion for all
spirits to a public eager for offerings from signature
distilleries. In addition to his Master rating, he is a
Certified Bourbon Steward and a member of the
Bardstown Whiskey Society. In addition to Bourbon
and other types of whiskey, Granite Mountain distills
vodka, rum, gin, and even moonshine.

Karen & Daren

Gayle

A taste of Georgia
Georgia natives Daren Gayle and his wife Karen founded
Georgia Gifts & More to give everyone an opportunity to support
and enjoy locally made products while spreading Southern
hospitality and a taste of Georgia. More than 300 Georgia-made
and Georgia-themed products are in the shop, with everything from
Georgia peach jam to Braves koozies. Since 2012, Georgia Gifts & More
has provided meeting planners, the film industry, schools, organizations,
corporations and individuals with Georgia-themed gifts and souvenirs
for welcome gifts, hotel amenities, thank you gifts, and client gifts, as
well as promotional products for giveaways and special events. Daren’s
background is in entertainment, booking major musical artists, sales, and
marketing. When he met Karen, she already had a successful gift basket
company and retail store in DeKalb County. Together, they have grown an
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online and brick-and-mortar presence that delivers the best of Georgia.