BUILDING LASTING LOVE:

AC and Chris attribute the solid foundation of their enduring marriage to God. Their unwavering commitment to navigating life's storms together has been the cornerstone of their relationship, allowing them to overcome various challenges

Beyond being life partners, they are also accomplished coauthors, having penned multiple books In a remarkable feat, one of their releases secured the coveted spot on Amazon's #1 new releases list in 2019. Their journey together spans an impressive 36 years of marriage and nearly four decades of companionship They are the proud parents of three remarkable children and have joyfully embraced the roles of grandparents to five beautiful grandchildren.

Leadership extends beyond their marriage, as AC and Chris serve as dedicated Pastors of Church

Beyond Walls Ministries

Their mission revolves around instilling hope within vulnerable populations and restoring a sense of belonging among the homeless in their community, based in Georgia. Their compassionate approach has led them to not only guide spiritually but also provide tangible assistance to those in need

With a deep sense of commitment to helping others, AC and Chris have become Licensed Paracletos Christian Counselors and Certified Life Coaches. Through these roles, they have established the "Loving You Until" (LYU) Marriage Ministry, a platform designed to nurture and enrich marriages Interestingly, the name of this ministry finds its origin in the lyrics of a song that has held special significance for the couple Ed Sheeran's "Thinking Out Loud"

Their counseling approach emphasizes a crucial aspect that often goes overlooked in the realm of marriage the understanding of one's spouse's Love Language This concept, first introduced by Gary Chapman in 1992, has proven to be an invaluable tool in nurturing stronger relationships around the world

AC and Chris emphasize the necessity of identifying and comprehending one's partner's Love Language to communicate effectively. Without this understanding, communication breakdowns akin to speaking different languages can emerge, leading to misunderstandings and barriers in the relationship As part of their counseling, they challenge couples to actively apply their love languages, a practice they also incorporate into premarital counseling, viewing it as an essential component of the "Marriage Toolbox"

In an era where marital longevity faces new challenges, AC and Chris advocate for recognizing marriage as a sacred covenant. AC underscores this by stating, “Marriage is a Covenant between you, your partner and God, yet some feel they can leave God out of it.” For them, marriage signifies the unity of two imperfect individuals under the divine guidance of God. This perspective has guided them through their own challenges, helping them surpass obstacles that might have led other couples to dissolution.

AC and Chris believe that successful marriages are built on mutual respect and love, adhering to the principles outlined in Ephesians 5:33. Understanding that men seek respect and women yearn for love, they stress the significance of incorporating these values into the marriage dynamic. This belief forms the crux of their counseling philosophy. Their calling as marriage counselors was born out of a desire to address the alarming trend of marriages crumbling, particularly within the Church community. The invaluable lessons gleaned from their own journey, combined with the strong examples set by their parents and grandparents, have fortified their resolve to be instruments of positive change.

In their counseling sessions, AC and Chris foster an environment of openness and authenticity They encourage couples to shed pretenses and confront underlying issues head-on These sessions delve into personal histories, as they firmly believe that addressing childhood experiences and preconceived notions is pivotal to resolving contemporary marital challenges

For those seeking their guidance and expertise, AC and Chris Scott can be contacted via email at wecounselcouples@gmail com or by phone at (888) 662COACH to schedule an appointment

written by Marvella Nesbitt

George remembers, after 8 years of employment with a major pest control company, Power House started in 2002, when his then employer gave him a 30-day notice that they were going out of business. Imagine how he felt going home to my wife and two small children to deliver this crushing news. Sitting at his desk considering what to do to feed and take care of my family, he noticed the certification from the Georgia Pest Control Commission It states that, he, George Burnett “is duly certified as a Structural Pest Control Operator ” Therefore, it hit him that he was authorized to treat residential and commercial accounts for termite and pest control services. His first Power House customers were former clients from the previous employer, 20 who are still faithful today God used the previous employer to provide his family with the experience, the truck and equipment necessary to do business Now with over 21 Years, the company is Family-Owned and operated and as they say "Power House Strong!"

Andrea Burnett is the President/CEO of Power House Termite and Pest Control, Inc

Responsible for long-term decisions and day to day management, leadership and administration of business operations. She develops and implement strategic plan to advance the company ’ s mission and to promote revenue, profitability and growth of operations to ensure quality, service, with cost effective management of resources

Responsible for updating company procedures, policies, and standards annually she implements ongoing marketing efforts for the company while managing financial statements, weekly activity reports and payroll and employee workforce to increase or dismiss when necessary She is also responsible for presenting company report at Annual Stockholder and Board of Director meetings

George Burnett has Over 29 years of experience in the Pest Control Industry, he is the Co-Owner Power House Termite and Pest Control, Inc. He Oversees all day to day productions and sales with Office Manager and Supervisors while managing operations to ensure quality, service, and cost effective management of resources However, their son, Destin Kolby, serves as the CFO, He graduated from West Ga University with a degree in Finance Destin also is a Certified Technician who trains the technicians and the IT components of the office.

From the deeply moving to the purely fun, Beyond Ordinary TV is a daily destination for all things topical and a platform for viewers to connect with the people who are shaping our world through meaningful, engaging, and entertaining conversations.

Their daughter, Brooke Tyler, handles the phones, the schedule, and the email marketing George and Andrea would love to see their children continue to run the business They are grooming them to take over so be on the look out for Power House Pest Control Franchises in the near future

Some of the biggest challenges with a family business are communication, roles and responsibilities, and being patient as we grow We have overcome by being brutally honest and addressing the concerns intentionally and directly The personal and business development plays a major role in helping everyone become better leaders. We invest in coaches, seminars, courses, books and retreats to support the team and family as we grow into a mature company We believe that Serving is the Path to Greatness Therefore we serve Christ and His church, our community, our customers and our company culture

We believe that we are one. We have always done everything together, Live, Work, Worship Pray and Play We don’t seek to separate our home life from work We don’t believe in Balancing but in Integrating We have created a flow which is how we roll We enjoy each other’s company This is who we are, The Power House Couple By divine design, we follow the example of Christ and His church.

We desire for Power House Pest Control to be the best in the Southeast Region We want three offices in Georgia with one office in Birmingham, Alabama Jackson, Mississippi, Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Jacksonville, Florida Many of our business decisions are determined by our Core Values. We debate as an Executive Team ideas until we come to the best decisions for the best of the company. We learned this strategy from books we ’ ve read on leadership, in particular, "Good to Great" by

James Collins

You can find out more about this awesome couple and their business, Power House Pest Control, by visiting their website at www.PowerHousePestControl.com.

Tipstogointobusinesswith yourspouse:

Operateinyourzoneofgenius. Allowyourspousetodothesame. Likeeachotherbeforeyoustart,so thatlovecancarryyouthrough. Appreciatetheprocess.Continueto learn,growanddeveloppersonally andprofessionally.

Treatthebusinessasareal,mature businesswithCoreValues,Standard OperatingProcedures,andCompany Policies; CelebrateEVERYTHING!!!

Written by Andreal Mallard

Warren and Alicia Washington are the proud owners of Frozen Smoke Restaurant and Bar, situated in the heart of Stockbridge, GA's downtown district With Warren's culinary experience spanning six years in the military and over two decades of catering to public and private events in the Stockbridge Area, he brings a wealth of expertise to the table. His culinary skills have been praised not only by family and friends but also by classmates and the Stockbridge community

On the other hand, Alicia holds a Bachelor’s degree in Management and a Master’s degree in Leadership, equipping her with the fundamental knowledge needed to run a successful business. She understands the importance of exceptional customer service, effective business management, and motivating employees to exceed daily goals while minimizing losses.

Together, Warren and Alicia have crafted a fresh concept for Frozen Smoke. They offer a simple yet delectable menu, along with an ambitious yet attainable plan to establish a flourishing business that lets Stockbridge citizens relish good food and enjoy themselves within the communities they call home.

This vision has been Warren's aspiration since his college days Inspired by his experiences cooking at family gatherings, in the military, and during catering events, he envisioned Frozen Smoke as an integral part of Stockbridge's economic growth. The overwhelming support from the community, family, and friends left him both humbled and exhilarated. The opening of Frozen Smoke Restaurant and Bar felt like a divine calling, and the venture is indeed moving in the right direction

In the Washingtons' perspective, obedience takes precedence over sacrifice. The menu offerings at Frozen Smoke are not only healthy and fulfilling but also irresistibly flavorful. Visitors can expect to leave the restaurant content and satisfied While they are newcomers to the restaurant scene, their commitment to their craft and customer satisfaction is unwavering. Their aim is not just to mitigate negative experiences but to transform them into positive ones, leaving patrons enriched by the visit. The establishment boasts a relaxing and inviting atmosphere with a distinct southern charm, appealing to those seeking a unique southern dining experience.

The Washingtons don't perceive challenges as obstacles but rather as opportunities for personal and business growth. Their unwavering faith leads them to continuous prayer, firmly believing that prayer yields results and that everything works together for good for those who love God and follow HIS purpose As ministers, they prioritize seeking God's guidance in all their endeavors. Their commitment to unity is reflected in their approach to blending business and personal life, aiming for harmony and structure in both spheres Currently, patrons of Frozen Smoke can look forward to karaoke every other Tuesday, live jazz performances every other Wednesday, and business speed dating on the third Friday of each month.

With a strategic location amidst the growth of Stockbridge Development, Frozen Smoke anticipates benefiting from their presence in Mainstreet Stockbridge, fostering further expansion for their business.

The establishment can be found on various social media platforms under the handle @frozensmokerestaurant, and more information can be accessed via their website at frozensmokellc.com.

Tips On Being In Business With Your Spouse

Understandthathardworkleadsto rewardingoutcomes.

Fostertrustinoneanother;whenboth voicesareacknowledged,harmony prevails.

Embracethevision:Beattentiveto customerfeedbackwhilestayingtrue toyourcorevision.

Whendisagreementsarise,seekmutual compromises.

by Dominique Huff

L I F E A N D B U S I N E S S

Every day, when Erica Bennett operates Smokin' Cues in Downtown Stockbridge, one might liken her journey to that of a Virginia Slim cigarette: she's come a long way, baby.

Despite her Barbie-like appearance and rock-n-roll vibe, Bennett's life hasn't been a walk in the park. She started working at the tender age of 15 By the time she turned 20, she was not only working multiple jobs, but also shouldering the responsibility of caring for her younger siblings. This added complexity and stress to her already challenging life

From that point onward, she juggled various jobs to keep food on the table and bills paid. Her journey took her from corporate roles that treated her like a disposable asset to the rapid twists and turns of entrepreneurial pursuits.

"I bartended, waited tables, and even repaired pool tables," she shared. "I've been working since I was 15. My family didn't have wealth, and our situation was different from most."

At 18, Bennett ventured into bartending at her uncle's bar in Conyers. One of her gigs involved repairing pool tables to make ends meet for her and her siblings. Like many entrepreneurs, she harnessed her skills and passion to start her own business. Her initial business partner was her ex-fiancé, and together, they ran a pool hall.

The convergence of romance and business initially seemed promising, until the economy shifted, accompanied by challenging decisions that tested their partnership

"We organized tournaments and soon realized that the pool industry was on the decline. This realization hit over a decade ago," she recounted. "Pool players were becoming more interested in gambling than spending money."

While many bars and establishments now host pool tables, with a few small pool halls scattered around, Bennett aimed for something bigger. Her aspiration was to put Stockbridge and South Metro Atlanta on the map.

"While Atlanta bustles with activity, suburbanites aren't always keen on driving to the city to socialize and have fun," she explained

This led Smokin' Cues to become a sought-after spot in South Metro Atlanta for music. Previously, the indie music scene centered around Little Five Points, Downtown Marietta, and Downtown Decatur. But in South Metro, there was a gap in consistent entertainment beyond occasional events in bars, clubs, and taverns.

Hence, Smokin' Cues took on the challenge of being the go-to destination, offering live music, music bingo, karaoke, open mic nights, and, of course, maintaining pool tables as an amenity. They embraced diversity by featuring a mix of rap, rock, country, and soul genres in their events, setting them apart from others who focused on just one style.

Approaching its seventh anniversary in October, Smokin' Cues, like many businesses, had to adapt due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Though Bennett had profitable years prior, she didn't apply for federal funding like the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL).

"My employees were able to collect unemployment, giving them some financial stability while we prepared to reopen. I relied on reserves from previous years, but I don't judge business owners who needed those funds to keep their doors open," she noted. "When you put in the effort and see results, it's important to be strategic. It all comes back to believing in yourself and investing in your vision."

Smokin' Cues has plans for expansion, although Bennett kept the details under wraps. She assured that she'll make her move when she's confident the current location is ready.

Reflecting on her beginnings, Bennett recalled how she started small, scaling up without loans or abundant resources. She left a corporate job as a parts administrator, where she felt undervalued and underpaid, in pursuit of a better life.

"I took that job initially because I thought it would provide significant financial relief for me and my family I was overworked and underpaid by a company that didn't reciprocate loyalty," she reflected.

With determination and an unwavering work ethic, Bennett knew entrepreneurship was her path

"I had to make this journey successful; I had no other choice," she declared. "I carved my own path regardless of who supported me or not."

So, if you find yourself in Henry County or near Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, be sure to stop by Smokin' Cues for live music, great company, and a delicious hamburger!

ArchersandAssociates'Retreat-Based TherapyforBusinessGrowth"

written by Andreal Mallard

Kascey Ifill and Rochelle Darden are Licensed Professional Counselors who offer retreatbased therapy for business owners, small businesses, and entrepreneurs We provide a safe, comfortable, and peaceful environment, allowing growing businesses to "Refresh, Recharge, and Refuel." However, many business owners hesitate to embrace therapy for themselves and their employees due to the societal stigma historically associated with mental health

Acknowledging a failed idea or strategy can lead to embarrassment or a sense of defeat.

Archers and Associates is committed to offering resources and tools that help teams recognize the value and benefits of fostering positive work environments. Our primary focus is on eliminating external distractions while fostering enthusiasm and commitment, cultivating a shared sense of experience and camaraderie, thus enhancing teamwork within companies