In this episode of UrbanEBB, host Rico Figliolini speaks with Kyle Grob, CEO and founder of Peachtree Corners-based KGM Technologies, a precision manufacturing company specializing in firearm suppressors and expanding into medical device production. Kyle shares insights on growing a business during COVID-19, navigating ATF regulations, and how Georgia fosters innovation in manufacturing.The conversation also explores the future of skilled trades, the challenges of hiring motivated workers, and KGM’s commitment to workforce development through partnerships with vocational schools. Whether you’re interested in business growth, advanced manufacturing, or the evolving job market, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

Key Takeaways & Highlights:

• Adapting to Change – How KGM transitioned from automotive and defense contracts to firearm suppressor manufacturing and medical devices.
• The Impact of ATF Regulations – Digital processing has drastically reduced wait times for suppressor purchases.
• Workforce Challenges – The decline of skilled trades and the difficulty of hiring motivated employees in manufacturing.
• Medical Technology Expansion – KGM’s role in producing stroke rehabilitation devices and scaling medical manufacturing.
• Networking & Diversification – The importance of industry connections in finding new opportunities.
• The Value of Trade Schools – How partnerships with Maxwell High School and other vocational programs are shaping the next generation of skilled workers.
• Patents & Innovation – KGM’s goal of filing at least one new patent every year.
• The Role of Suppressors – Their use in law enforcement, hunting, and protecting hearing health.

Autonomous vehicles are here in Peachtree Corners!
Our latest UrbanEBB podcast explores the game-changing world of May Mobility’s driverless shuttles and their impact on urban transit. Join host Rico Figliolini as he talks with Brandon Branham (Peachtree Corners) and Daisy Wall (May Mobility) about the future of smart transportation. 

Key Topics Covered:

• Peachtree Corners’ role as a Smart City and AV testing hub
• How 5G and AI are revolutionizing autonomous vehicle safety
• Situational awareness: How AVs prevent accidents before they happen
• Microtransit’s potential for underserved communities and seniors
• The future of autonomous mobility and expansion plans
• How residents can experience May Mobility’s driverless shuttles today

Join UrbanEBB host Rico Figliolini for a conversation with Gabrielle Mills, co-founder and CEO of Sourced, a full-service back-office firm supporting small to mid-market businesses. She shares how she and her mother built a company that provides accounting, marketing, HR, staffing, and administrative support—all under one brand. Learn about the challenges entrepreneurs face with business operations and how outsourcing can provide the help they need. Gabrielle also discusses:

• A $12M business that never checked its financials
• The importance of trust in outsourcing key business functions
• The balance between people, technology, and business success
• Sourced’s commitment to giving back to local charities

Resources:
Sourced Website: https://getsourced.com/
Social Media: @SourcedATLGabrielle Mills
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriellejmills/

Timestamp:
00:02:20 - Sourcing Solutions for Entrepreneurs
00:07:26 - Building Trust and Expertise to Serve Clients
00:14:53 - Fixing Broken Books for Business Owners
00:18:18 - Encouraging Diversity in Talent Acquisition
00:19:57 - Embracing Mistakes and Developing Processes
00:23:12 - Giving Back to Local Charities
00:25:34 - Leveraging Technology to Enhance People-Centric Services

In this episode of UrbanEBB, host Rico Figliolini sits down with Mike Logan, Chief Commercial Officer of AVID Products, to explore the world of esports, gaming headsets, and innovation in audio technology. Mike shares how AVID’s employee-owned ethos drives its mission to create affordable, durable, and communication-focused products like the AVIGA gaming headset. They discuss AVID’s presence at DreamHack, the transformative power of audio, and the growing gaming accessibility for diverse communities. With insights into market trends and the role of AI in audio, Mike offers a compelling look at how AVID fosters connection and creativity through sound.

Resources:
Avid’s Website: https://shop.avidproducts.com/
Aviga Headset

Timestamp:
00:00:00 - From Athlete to Esports Advocate
00:01:49 - Esports Offers Valuable Life Skills for All Students
00:05:22 - The Transformative Power of Audio
00:07:42 - Affordable, Communication-Focused Gaming Headset
00:12:36 - Expanding Aviga Headsets Beyond Gaming
00:15:15 - A Gamer-Centric Festival at Dreamhack 
00:17:48 - Leveraging Niche Markets and Affordable Solutions
00:20:31 - The Importance of Quality Products and Authentic Marketing
00:23:10 - Accessibility in Gaming and Lowering Barriers to Entry
00:28:06 - The Rise of AI-Generated Content and Audio Importance
00:30:54 - The Vibrant Gaming Community

In this episode of UrbanEBB, Rico talks with Lyndsay Postell from DreamHack Atlanta to discuss the excitement surrounding this year’s event. Lyndsay reveals new experiences, including a tabletop gaming tavern and robotics demonstrations, while sharing how DreamHack continues to evolve with its diverse community of gamers, cosplayers, and tech enthusiasts. Whether you're into competitive esports, casual LAN parties, or discovering the latest indie games, DreamHack has something for everyone!

Join us as Lyndsay dives into how DreamHack Atlanta is growing its family-friendly offerings while staying true to its hardcore gaming roots. From cosplay competitions to charity events and creator hubs, this year’s event promises to be an unforgettable weekend for gaming fans of all ages. Don’t miss this insider look at one of the biggest gaming festivals in North America!

Timestamp:
00:00:00 - DreamHack Atlanta
00:01:24 - Excitement for Upcoming Events and Mobile Esports
00:02:52 - Innovative Products and Exciting Partnerships
00:04:43 - Enhancing E-Sports and Gaming Community Experiences
00:08:43 - Millennials Bringing Kids and Family to Gaming Events
00:10:06 - A Family and Community Affair
00:13:03 - Indie Playground at Dreamhack
00:15:30 - Dreamhack Dallas Boosts Indie Developers
00:18:03 - Vibrant Atlanta Cosplay Community Shines at DreamHack
00:22:10 - Call of Duty Championship Weekend
00:24:36 - Passionate Creator Hub and Exciting Guests
00:26:35 - Charity Initiatives and Live Streaming
00:29:23 - Celebrating Atlanta's Tech Community and STEM Initiatives

Elliot Brack, a longtime journalist and resident of Gwinnett County, founded the Gwinnett Forum. The online forum has attracted a steady flow of content from various sources that Brack carefully moderates and publishes. This episode highlights the county’s transformation, local histories, and the importance of providing a platform for diverse public opinions and covering local news. Hosted by Rico Figliolini.

Timestamp:
00:00:00 - Elliot Brack's Lifelong Journalism Journey
00:02:51 - Unexpected Opportunities and Challenges of Running an Online Forum
00:04:37 - Balancing Political Perspectives
00:06:38 - Gwinnett County's Rapid Growth and Media Coverage Challenges
00:09:46 - Balancing Short and Long-Form Journalism
00:11:14 - Exploring the Unexpected in Gwinnett County
00:15:44 - A Newspaper Man's History of Gwinnett County
00:17:39 - 366 Facts About Gwinnett County
00:24:14 - Diversity of Cuisine in Georgia
00:26:56 - Daughter's Passing and Cherished Memories
00:30:16 - Voting Irregularities in Small-Town Elections
00:33:32 - Jury Duty and Politics
00:35:25 - Serving in the Army in Germany
00:39:44 - Closing Thoughts

On this episode, RJ Encinas from CHRIS180 discusses the organizations' missions to provide trauma-informed behavioral health and wraparound services to children, families, and adults in the Atlanta and Gwinnett County communities. Programs address underlying experiences impacting families, not just presenting issues. CHRIS180 provides counseling and support services regardless of insurance status, partnering with local organizations. Hosted by Rico Figliolini

Resources:  
CHRIS180 Website: https://chris180.org/

Timestamp:
00:00:00 - Understanding Trauma and Community Care
00:01:20 - Transforming Lives in Gwinnett: The Story of CHRIS180
00:05:50 - Embracing Technology and Community Connections
00:08:44 - Providing Free, Nonprofit Services
00:10:15 - Expanding Awareness of Community Support Services
00:12:21 - Supporting Families in Juvenile Justice
00:14:27 - Adapting Services to Individual Needs
00:17:52 - Measuring Success Through Data and Community Engagement
00:19:47 - Embracing the New and Expanding Horizons
00:22:26 - Expanding Wraparound Services for Diverse Communities
00:25:20 - Leveraging Family Strengths in Home-Based Services
00:27:00 - Collaborative Family-Centered Approach
00:29:25 - Expanding CHRIS180's Staff and Services

Converting office buildings into apartments is a complex and challenging process, often met with a low success rate due to the inherent design of office structures. Warehouses, on the other hand, offer a simpler conversion path. In this episode, Brian Johnson delves into the intricacies of these transformations and explores what it takes to establish a new city within a metropolitan area, especially when residents feel their taxes are being misused or siphoned off by the county. The discussion provides insights into the complexities and considerations involved in the process of cityhood. Hosted by Rico Figliolini

Timestamp:
00:00:00 - Peachtree Corners' Office-to-Apartment Conversion Myth
00:03:00 - Adaptive Reuse of Mixed-Use Development
00:05:31 - Repurposing Warehouses and Offices into Lofts and Townhomes
00:08:19 - Impressive Growth and Safety in Suburban Location
00:09:44 - The Evolution of a New City: Challenges and Opportunities
00:13:25 - Transitioning from Unincorporated County to Incorporated City
00:15:57 - Exploring Municipal Funding Strategies
00:17:33 - The Rise of Local Control Through City Creation
00:22:30 - Considerations for Becoming an Independent City
00:24:56 - Considerations for Cityhood Movements
00:27:10 - Navigating City Finances and Service Delivery
00:30:44 - Balancing Municipal Responsibilities and Resources

Greg Burnham, a Norcross-based comic book and children's book author who is attending this month's Momocon over Memorial Day Weekend, spoke with Rico Figliolini this week. They talked about his recent contributions to comic anthologies Milestone Initiative (featuring Icon), Ghouls Just Wanna Have Fun (featuring Superman), and DC Power 2024 - and, his latest children's book, Swim, Kelly! Swim! They also talked about collaborating with artists, crafting compelling characters, feedback from beta readers, and the evolving landscape of diversity and representation in comics, stressing the importance of authentically empowering marginalized voices to shape narratives.

Resources:
MomoCon Website: https://www.momocon.com/
Greg Burnham Facebook:   / gregburnhambooks  
https://tuskegeeheirs.com/
Children's Books

Timestamp:
00:00:00 - Greg Burnham: Comic Book and Children's Book Author
00:02:25 - Collaborative Indie Comics Creation
00:04:51 - Crafting Captivating Visual Narratives
00:06:53 - Learning the Publishing Process
00:07:56 - The Story of Solace: A Collaborative Comic
00:09:41 - Crafting a Spooky Superman Story
00:12:48 - Navigating Creative Collaboration
00:14:53 - Balancing Indie Work and Deadlines
00:16:55 - Coaching Basketball and Crafting Characters
00:18:56 - Crafting Authentic Characters: Balancing Inspiration and Individuality
00:21:05 - Crafting Complex Characters
00:24:35 - Navigating Diversity and Stereotypes in Comics and Media
00:29:57 - Unreal Engine 5 and the Blurred Lines of Reality

On this episode of UrbanEBB, Claudiu Tanasescu, the CEO of Solid 3D, shares his entrepreneurial journey and the innovative robotics solutions his company is bringing to the logistics industry. Join us as we explore the future of warehouse automation, the integration of AI and robotics, and the importance of sustainability in business operations. Discover how Solid 3D is revolutionizing warehouse operations and shaping the future of logistics with its cutting-edge technology. Learn more about the exciting opportunities in robotics and the impact it will have on the workforce and the way we do business. Solid 3-D is based in out of The Curiosity Lab of Peachtree Corners  where we shot our video podcast, with host Rico Figliolini

Timestamp:  
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:01:12 - Claudio Stanislawski: From Cinema Software to Robotics CEO
00:03:52 - Pivoting to Robotics for Warehouse Automation
00:06:35 - Robotic Solutions for Industry Challenges
00:08:46 - Automating Warehouse Navigation Solutions
00:11:05 - Warehouse Efficiency and Robot Precision
00:13:54 - Revolutionizing E-Commerce with Robotics Services
00:18:39 - Warehouse Automation and AI in the Industry
00:21:45 - Robotic Automation in Logistics and Beyond
00:23:58 - Chat GPT and Robotics: The Future of Human-Machine Interaction
00:25:50 - AI and Sustainability in Modern Technology Development
00:29:07 - Sustainability and Robotics in Business Future
00:31:23 - Robotics Innovations in Construction Industry
00:33:00 - Creating a Hub for Robotics Innovation in Georgia