Page 33 - DeKalb NCG 2024
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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.
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