Stacked Keys Podcast

Mandi Fortner Is an amazing lady and a business owner— State Farm Insurance in Millbrook, Alabama. She started her agency from scratch and is conscientious to take care of her employees and customers. She works with her husband, Josh and they have found that they do have to draw the lines between business and home life. Being involved in community she knows the benefits to have a heart to serve others, build centers of influence so that you can form the deep and meaningful aspects of life.Mandi tries to keep balance to family and work and community service. There are several aspects of Mandi’s life that intentional and describes herself as a “nerd” — she loves to read and learn! We cover topics from business, a rhythm of rest, priorities and even blending in a date night in there with husband, Josh. They opened their world through hosting an exchange student and she saw elements in her life that helped her be who she is today. Tune in for this week’s episode.Song used by permission "Stomp" written by Donica Knight and Jim Huff

Music "STOMP" used by permission of artist Donica Knight Holdman and Jim Huff

This episode is a fabulous conversation with Angie Ellis who is the Ellis Brothers Pecan family—you may know them as We’re Nuts. Angie worked in the financial industry for 30 years and found her place at the table in industries and organizations that are predominately male dominated and she rocked making impact in the community, in schools and industry.They have a 4th generation working with pecans through her son joining the company where they grow, process and put incredible flavors on pecans and sell them all over the world. Learning about the branding process and how they market is tremendous in the relationships they build in places outside the United States. She talks about the health and nutrition aspects of the pecan and how exports help that market. She looks in the long run and the pecan industry as they are diversifying their markets and looking at other countries. Angie is involved in traveling and marketing the products. The stories she tells — like the set up shop in New York to introduce the pecan with its nutrition value and pulling growers together with one voice and she says the pecan industry has to educate. Work isn’t all that defines Angie, she says “everything we do is not what defines us and who we really are.” Having inner confidence is important. We also talked about family and positive messages for moms and kids alike. She would tell her kids when they were snow skiing that if they weren’t falling going down the mountain then they weren’t skiing to their potential. Tune in and subscribe!Song used by permission "Stomp" written by Donica Knight and Jim Huff

Music "STOMP" used by permission of artist Donica Knight Holdman and Jim Huff

Kate Stackhouse is the guest on this episode and you are in for a treat. She is a teacher in Siler City, North Carolina. They have opportunities in their school system that include a dual language program, which exposes kids to so many different cultures and they graduate with a bilingual degree. Kate is a believer in kids being read to and continuing that habit. Want a gifted child? Read to them, talk to them, spend time to them and have dinner together. She gears her classes to meet the kids where they are and talks about differentiation classrooms … that means the teacher delivers lessons at varying levels of difficulty based on the ability of each student. Advice to young ladies is that they need to do what they want to and not let a relationship determine where you go.Song used by permission "Stomp" written by Donica Knight and Jim Huff

Music "STOMP" used by permission of artist Donica Knight Holdman and Jim Huff

This episode features Suzy Stewart Gandy. What a go getter she is and seems to have more than 24 hours in a day!! She has been a part of the YMCA Camps for years and she left Alabama and went to North Carolina. Know people who seem like they’ve been a leader basically their whole life? That is Suzy She believes that kids can be creative and says that kids want to be responsible and independent. She loves being the person that kids can come to when they need a little extra help one-on-one. A big take away? Parents, kids need to know how to swim. Suzy also talks about peer pressures and advice is that one should take initiative and get things done that you see need to be done.Song used by permission "STOMP" written by Donica Knight and Jim Huff.

Music "STOMP" used by permission of artist Donica Knight Holdman and Jim Huff

Kimberly Mershon is flying high as a pilot these days…that’s after she put her dreams on hold. She graduated from the aviation program at Auburn University years ago and got busy with life Kimberly is active in her community and in her role as wife and mom of three adult boys. She’s now a Certified Flight Instructor, and Instrument Rated Commercial Pilot AS/MEL. The words “give me a reason to fly” are the words Kimberly is living by these days as she just started teaching in Montgomery, Alabama. These wise words “Believe in yourself, pursue your dreams, and never let your dreams die” are the theme of Kimberly’s life. She gives back to her community and is a leader.Song used by permission "Stomp" written by Donica Knight and Jim Huff

Music "STOMP" used by permission of artist Donica Knight Holdman and Jim Huff

Robin Gray is former teacher of 24 years so the insight she has on youth today is insightful. She’s a part of the Peach Park family in Clanton Alabama which is known up and down the highway throughout Alabama. A definite spot on the tourist trail. Turning a fruit stand into a tourist attraction is, in part, what earned the Gray family, owners and operators of Peach Park the Bronze Alabama Retailer of the Year Award in the Annual Sales $1 Million to $5 Million category. Robin gives us a bit of background on this fabulous property and some of the plans they have coming up. She's a mom of boys who are hard working right along side of the family. As a talented buyer for the gift shop, she is always listening to customers like she recently added a focus for pet lovers. Robin is involved in the Marketing and Merchandising and is the Social Media Manager at Peach Park. Don’t cross her, she was the high school archery coach and has quite an aim.Song used by permission "Stomp" written by Donica Knight and Jim Huff

Music "STOMP" used by permission of artist Donica Knight Holdman and Jim Huff

Sherry Evans is an amazing woman! She’s married and has a super career serving others. From her military service to where she is today. She’s a mom of a college age son and a true asset to her community. She serves as the director of the Crisp County Community Council. They are part of Family Connection, an initiative making measurable improvements for children and families in Georgia. You can hear her heart in this podcast and learn about some of the ways that the community where she serves supports the vision for all children to be healthy, primed for school, and succeed when they get there; that all families are stable, self-sufficient, and productive; and that every community is vibrant, robust, and thriving.Sherry has also jumped back into her education to become an Art Therapist and works at The Gateway Center to incorporate art into helping victims of sexual assault and their families. It’s a creative method of expression used as a therapeutic technique and it is fascinating Song used by permission “Stomp” written by Donica Knight and Jim Huff

Music "STOMP" used by permission of artist Donica Knight Holdman and Jim Huff

Miriam Edwards is so energetic and has a passion for art that is contagious. She is the executive director of the Crisp County Arts Alliance whose focus is to be a part of the development and growth of cultural activities through art education, promoting local artists and having super creative programs and special events for the public. She teaches arts and crafts to kids and is involved in the Empire theater to pull artists into opportunities for set design and more. She’s passionate and encouraging for people making art by just getting started—she’s an art advocate across Georgia and impacts her community through various events including hosting classes and weekly story time for toddlers that impacts both children and parents/caregivers.Song used by permission “Stomp” written by Donica Knight and Jim Huff

Music "STOMP" used by permission of artist Donica Knight Holdman and Jim Huff

Lauren French Barnette is co-owner of Empire Dance and Performing Arts in Cordele, Georgia. She is enthusiastic and strives for excellence in every aspect of her career in working with staff, students and families. Lauren is a wife and mom, as well as a busy instructor. She graduated from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City and returned home to give back to her community. The ideals she holds are found in the mission statement of the studio to develop actors/dancers/vocalists/pianists and make them not only experienced at their craft, but also give them the confidence and skills needed to go to college and pursue any degree. She strives to enrich by inspiring the lives of the audience and community off-stage by opening their minds and hearts to the culture and wonder of the arts. Lauren also connects in the community both on and off-stage so the community will become more united. Overall, the theater helps relationships develop, minds to open, and hearts to unite in a common place where you can enjoy clean family fun, while introducing performing arts to a community. This episode is full of inspiration!Song used by permission “Stomp” written by Donica Knight and Jim Huff

Music "STOMP" used by permission of artist Donica Knight Holdman and Jim Huff

Beth Roper Stewart is an author and a truly talented lady who gives to her community, family and career. She’s been inside a class room and has insights of how children interact and how they learn. Beth is a wife to Scott, Momma to Walker and Worth, and step Mom to Cameron and Claire. She taught music to preschool and elementary children for over 20 years. Beth is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. She and her family live in Montgomery, Alabama. Her catch phrase is “I’m not weird, I’m wonderful” as she talks about adoption and finding your place. Beth began writing her adoption story and is quickly becoming an established writer. Her characters are beautifully drawn and share life experiences that teach lessons along the way. This episode is loaded with fun-ness!Song used by Permission "Stomp" Written by Donica Knight and Jim Huff

Music "STOMP" used by permission of artist Donica Knight Holdman and Jim Huff