Close with Exit 21 Transport of
see story on page 5.
Lawrenceville
Snellville
Lilburn
Michael Green, CWS® | Andrew Green, CFP®, AIF®
Roger S Green, MSFS, CFP®
On the Cover: Catching Up with Exit 21 Transport of Atlanta
By Kristen Eleveld
Carlik Jones is passionate about a lot of things, but one in particular takes a high priority: excellent client service. It is with that goal in mind that he and his father, Raymond Jones, have created a company that provides transportation services to hundreds of clients.
As the founder and co-owner of Exit 21 Transport of Atlanta, Carlik understands better than most just how important paying attention to the little details is. It can make a service go from good to great to above and beyond. Carlik and his team are always striving for the highest tier of excellence when it comes to the care shown to their clients’ needs.
“We are car enthusiasts,” said Carlik. “We found that services for towing and transportation were limited, and we decided to fill that need.”
Named for the well-known Roosevelt exit in New York, Exit 21 Transport of Atlanta has made a name for itself as it provides only top-notch service for all clients great and small. Whether they are transporting a vehicle for a city official, Falcons player, or just giving a tow to someone in need, the team at Exit 21 is committed to treating each vehicle it transports like it’s a $100,000 car.
“We offer white glove executive service. Think of us like a butler for cars,” said Carlik. “We use logistics tools to stay on schedule and are constantly evaluating new resources to be sure we can always communicate with a client.”
In addition to recognizing how important a vehicle is to its owner, regardless of the reason, Carlik and Raymond also place a high priority on customer contact and making sure a client is never left waiting without communication. Clients receive regular updates on the current location of their car, information on when it is expected to arrive at its final location, and even information about traffic or any other obstacles that may change the original plan. The team also covers the seats and steering wheel in plastic to ensure they do not leave so much as a smudge on any surface inside the vehicle.
“We’re always on time and we work to keep our trucks as clean as possible,” said Carlik. “We consider ourselves an extension of the dealers or companies we work for when we’re on the field, and we want to represent them well.”
Exit 21 has seen a lot of success, but they are committed to focusing on quality over quantity. So even as they look to expand some of their resources,
their first priority is always to maintain the excellent customer service that keeps clients coming back for more.
“We won’t sacrifice the quality of our service for anything,” said Carlik. For those who need to reserve services in advance, the process is easy. Just call (678) 861-8693 and speak to Raymond about your needs. But if you find yourself in an emergency and need a quick tow, go ahead and give Raymond a call, too.
If you want help moving your priceless vehicle, want to know how Exit 21 can assist with your fleet, or just need a quick tow—the answer is always the same. Reach out to Exit 21 Transport of Atlanta today.
More information at https://www.exit-21towing.com/, (678) 861-8693
Our Town
Gwinnett/NE DeKalb Community & Family Magazine — An EndResultz Media Company EndResultz.com
Our Town Gwinnett is published and direct mailed to select homes in the Gwinnett/NE DeKalb area. Opinions expressed by the writers and staff are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Our Town Gwinnett reserves the right to edit and/or reject any editorial or advertising content. Our Town Gwinnett is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond the cost of the space or for the validity of claims made by advertisers.
Entire contents copyright 2025 by Our Town Gwinnett Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden in any media without written permission from the publisher.
Publisher/Owner
Dr. Ryan T. Sauers Ryan@EndResultz.com
Creative Director Elsie Olson Elsie@EndResultz.com
Editor
Catherine L. Osornio Editor@EndResultz.com Cover
IN THIS ISSUE
5 On the Cover: Catching Up with Exit 21 Transport of Atlanta 7 From the Publisher: Ryan’s Remarks
7 April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month: Stay Focused, Save Lives
8 Getting to Know: Spark Forge Labs 8 Travel Tales: Do You Know How To Pack For Vacation? 9 Women Leaders Share Advice with the Next Generation
10 Three Things to Know About Learning AI for Career Advancement
11 Seen in Gwinnett: Emil’s Photo of the Month 12 Gwinnett Technical College: Partners with Mazda Automotive Student Training Program
13 Almost…A Word for Your Day
14 Plan Your Wedding with the Experts at Vecoma
From the Publisher: Ryan’s Remarks
By Dr. Ryan T. Sauers
@RyanTSauers @RyanTSauers
Wow, it is April 2025. Spring is here, and the warm weather is expected to last. In this column, I want to share some things I do and believe in. These are principles that help people achieve success in all aspects of life, and they are based on extensive research as well as decades of real-world experience.
I believe in a relentless work ethic, a passion for excellence, and unwavering grit and perseverance. Success is not a matter of luck or talent, but a result of hard work, dedication, and resilience. There is no substitute for putting in the time and effort required to achieve your goals or your dreams. Success is not “working smart,” but “working hard and smart.” Or, in other words, being both efficient and effective at what we do. I always encourage people to adopt the ‘Keep Pushing Forward’ (KPF) mindset, as I have done for many years. This means digging deep, finding a way to make things happen, never giving up, and displaying grit.
Grit is the deep drive and courage to persist in the face of all types of adversity. Success is not a straight line, but a journey filled with achievements, setbacks, failures, and obstacles. My advice is to work hard but enjoy the ride. We can achieve this and cultivate our resilience by embracing challenges and learning from our failures. People with more grit are likelier to achieve their goals and reach their full potential. We must be authentic as well. Such authenticity and consistent behavior build integrity, credibility, and respect, which are critical elements for long-term success. We must always be honest, transparent, and genuine in our actions, which are built on trust. And when we make a mistake (which we all do as human beings), we must step up and make it right.
Passion is also vital to success because it is the fuel that drives success. It’s more than just enthusiasm; it’s an intense desire to achieve your goals and make a meaningful difference. I encourage each of you to discover your passions and pur-
Continued on page 15
April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month: Stay Focused, Save Lives
By Our Town Gwinnett Staff
As April kicks off Distracted Driving Awareness Month, Snellville Police is urging all drivers to stay focused behind the wheel and put down their distractions. Each year, distracted driving claims thousands of lives and causes even more injuries, and this month serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety and attention while driving. Within the city limits, the Snellville Police Department has observed a rise in distracted driving-related collisions over the years, coinciding with the increasing popularity of smartphones and social media.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving is responsible for more than 3,000 fatalities annually in the United States. With the rise of smartphone usage, in-vehicle technology, and other distractions, the risk of accidents remains a significant concern.
Key Facts About Distracted Driving:
• Texting and driving increases the risk of crashing by up to 23 times.
• Distracted driving includes activities such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, adjusting in-car entertainment or navigation systems, and more.
• Drivers can become distracted in the blink of an eye—taking their attention away from the road for just a few seconds can lead to devastating consequences.
What You Can Do:
1. Put Your Phone Away: If you must make a call or send a message, pull over safely first. Keep your phone out of reach to avoid the temptation.
2. Focus on the Road: Avoid using in-car tech systems while driving. Set up your GPS or playlist before you start driving.
Continued on page 9
Getting to Know: Spark Forge Labs
By Victoria R. Crosby
Spark Forge Labs, located in Lilburn, offers a welcoming space for individuals aged 13 and up to explore the art of welding. With one-on-one instruction, students learn at their own pace, making it perfect for hobbyists looking to pick up a new skill. Welding is not only a valuable trade, but also a deeply creative art form that allows individuals to craft everything from furniture to sculptures. Whether you’re looking to build practical items or express your creativity through metalwork, Spark Forge Labs provides a tailored approach to each student, ensuring that lessons fit their interests and learning style.
Ryan Schmidt, the founder and lead instructor, brings his passion for welding and teaching to each class. He understands that the learning process is unique for every student, and his approach is hands-on and supportive. Ryan’s journey began in 2015 when he discovered his love for welding, which grew into a desire to share that passion with others. Whether students are new to the trade or are looking to hone their skills, Ryan offers a safe, engaging environment
for all. Classes range from introductory workshops to full courses, with flexible scheduling to fit even the busiest lifestyles.
Welding as a hobby opens a world of possibilities for personal projects. At Spark Forge Labs, students can explore the artistic side of welding, from creating metal art pieces to custom fabrications. For those interested in DIY projects, welding offers the opportunity to design and build unique creations from scratch. The handson nature of welding is both therapeutic and rewarding, giving hobbyists a sense of accomplishment with every project completed.
Amy Schmidt, Ryan’s wife and operations manager, helps ensure that Spark Forge Labs runs smoothly, offering a personal touch to the administrative side of things. Together, they make learning to weld an experience that is not only informative but also enjoyable. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your skill set, Spark Forge Labs is ready to guide you on your welding journey.
More information at SparkForgeLabs.com/Welding-School, info@SparkForgeLabs.com, or 404-395-6339.
Travel Tales: Do You Know How To Pack For Vacation?
By Pam Walker
Planning a vacation soon? Great news! But as you get closer to your trip, do you worry that you won’t be able to fit all your “stuff” into your luggage?
As I travel frequently, I notice things when I check into my flight. Sometimes, it seems that people plan to travel for several months based on the size of their suitcases. The airlines only allow a checked-in bag to weigh a certain amount. If your bag is over 40 or 50 lbs., you might get charged. I say might because if your bag is just a little overweight, usually the airline won’t charge you. But if it weighs more than 5 lbs., you could be charged anywhere from $50 to $200.
So, packing light is the answer. When I travel, I try to maximize my outfits with a mix-and-match plan: several tops, one or two pants, one skirt, and a dress for more formal times. As the world has gone completely casual, it is no longer
Continued on page 13
Women Leaders Share Advice with the Next Generation
By Our Town Gwinnett Staff
Setting and reaching goals is never easy, and if you’re a woman, you will likely face additional challenges on the path to achieving your dreams. To foster the success of future female leaders, five Wells Fargo honorees of American Banker’s “Most Powerful Women in Banking” are sharing their best advice with the next generation of female leaders:
1. Stick it out. Tracy Kerrins is Wells Fargo’s head of technology, which is the equivalent to a chief information officer. One of the only women at a large American bank with this role, Kerrins knows that roadblocks are a part of the journey you should anticipate and plan for. “Stick to your goals, even when obstacles emerge, and rely on those who are truly invested in your success,” she says.
This focus on preparedness keeps Kerrins on her toes in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. She and her team recently implemented several personalization technology solutions that improve the banking experience, including beefing up fraud detection and delivering a virtual assistant to customers.
2. Stay curious. Transforming the banking industry is fundamental to Kristy Fercho’s role at Wells Fargo as head of diverse segments, representation, and inclusion. Her motto is “The 3 B’s,” which include, “Be excellent at your job. Be curious. And most importantly, Be your authentic self.” This attitude is valued at a time when Wells Fargo continues to commit to its diversity, equity, and inclusion programs both inside the company and in the communities where it operates.
3. Uplift others. For Ellen Patterson, general counsel for Wells Fargo, her success reflects the diligence and hard work of the team of over 1,200 attorneys and legal professionals she leads. She views every experience as an opportunity to learn from and teach others, regardless of seniority. She values collaborating as a team to put forth the strongest work product. That’s why she advises: “Be great at what you’re doing, and actively look for ways to be helpful to those around you. That applies in the early days and later on as well.”
4. Solve problems. Given her educational background, it’s no surprise that Tanya Sanders, head of Wells Fargo’s auto division, has confidence that solutions to most problems are just waiting to be discovered. Not only is she a banker looking to simplify the process for consumers to obtain auto loans and vehicles,
but she’s also a mechanical engineer who believes, “There is incredible power in forging new and inclusive solutions.” She advises future leaders to “Find ways to collaborate with professional and community colleagues to develop solutions that expand economic and social benefits for everyone.”
5. Communicate effectively. Kara McShane, head of Wells Fargo’s commercial real estate division, believes strong communications are a critical component of business acumen. She advises, “Learn how to communicate clearly, concisely and confidently to be effective. Be direct but diplomatic. How you say it is as important as what you say.”
Whether you’re in school, recently graduated, or in the middle of your career, applying the tried-and-true lessons of successful women leaders can help you meet challenges head on and make a bigger impact. (StatePoint)
Distracted Driving Awareness
Continued from page 7
3. Be a Role Model: Encourage others, especially young drivers, to stay focused and avoid distractions while driving.
The Snellville Police Department is committed to reducing distracted driving accidents through education, outreach, and support for safer driving habits. This month, Snellville Police is partnering with local authorities, schools, and community groups to host events and campaigns aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of distracted driving.
Throughout the month, the Snellville Police will conduct proactive traffic enforcement details to combat the dangers of distracted driving. Join us in the effort to reduce distracted driving and keep our roads safe. Together, we can make a difference.
More information at https://www.snellville.org/police-department
Three Things to Know About Learning AI for Career Advancement
By Our Town Gwinnett Staff
Artificial intelligence (AI) undeniably continues to shape the workplace. Companies across the globe are navigating how to integrate AI into their business operations and strategies, making it increasingly paramount for professionals to keep pace with these modern tech advancements.
This AI-focused landscape might be overwhelming for some, but there is a significant opportunity for workers to excel by learning new skills and enhancing existing ones. Based on new research conducted by Reputation Leaders and sponsored by DeVry University, there are several considerations individuals should keep in mind when working to progress in an economy influenced by AI.
1. AI skills are no longer a nice-to-have
Gone are the days when AI was a distant concept; it is now a present-day reality that shifts current roles and creates new ones. From automating routine tasks to providing data-driven insights, AI tools are changing what businesses and their workers need to succeed in the future. Employers recognize this, with the research finding that 73% believe hiring more people with AI skills will benefit their organization. Meanwhile, most workers (83%) say AI skills will have some impact on their ability to remain employable.
The challenge is that while nearly 9 in 10 employers (87%) offer upskilling opportunities, they estimate that only about half of workers (55%) participate on average. While employers continue to identify how to best train on AI, this signals a vast opportunity for workers to take advantage of their company’s continuing education offerings. If they are unsure how to align their skills with their company’s future needs, they can proactively ask how they should be upskilling for their specific career advancement.
2. Responsible AI use is imperative
Most workers already see the benefits of AI, such as increased ease of work and productivity, and only 1 in 5 workers (19%) feel their job security has decreased because of the technology. In addition, AI can allow employees to concentrate on work involving strategic decision-making and collaboration rather than administrative or other mundane tasks.
“The future of work is all about the synergy between the individual capabilities and AI technologies,” said Shantanu Bose, Ph.D., provost and chief
academic officer at DeVry University. “Embracing AI as a partner in your work can enable you to engage in higher-value activities that foster innovation and growth.”
With that, workers need to abide by the guidelines set by their employers to ensure they are using the technology responsibly and can take advantage of its benefits. Half of employers say AI poses potential data privacy and confidentiality risks for their organization. If workers are unsure how or when to use AI in their roles, they should be cautious when experimenting with the technology and ask their manager about the best options for proper training.
3. Learning for the future doesn’t require a traditional degree
There are a variety of options for workers to acquire new skills, and this does not always necessitate a four-year college degree. Engaging with academic institutions that offer flexible, accessible, and personalized alternate learning pathways can help workers pursue their desired career ambitions while balancing other commitments.
Seventy-five percent of employers agree that people who take the initiative to upskill or reskill, including in AI, will get ahead in their careers. If workers are unsure about their employer’s professional development offerings, they should ask their HR department about available resources for ongoing learning. This could include earning certifications and certificates or participating in other targeted skills development opportunities funded by employers.
“Asking about AI training opportunities not only demonstrates your willingness to learn, but it also signals to your employer that you are invested in the company’s future,” said Dave Barnett, chief administrative officer at DeVry University. “I’d remind anyone who feels they are not being adequately trained on AI that it is not too late to build the skills for the future you want.”
Lifelong learning can have a positive impact on career mobility. While workers should not be alone in their quest to learn, this quest requires a sense of individual ambition to keep up in an AI-driven era. (BPT).
Seen in Gwinnett
Emil’s Photo of the Month
Gwinnett Technical College: Partners with Mazda Automotive Student Training Program
By Our Town Gwinnett Staff
Gwinnett Technical College proudly announces a new partnership with Mazda North American Operations to launch the Mazda Automotive Student Training (MAST) program. This innovative program educates students, provides career training, and prepares graduates with the skills necessary to excel as technicians at Mazda dealerships.
The MAST program aims to create Mazda Senior Certified Technicians by offering a comprehensive curriculum combining classroom instruction and hands-on experience. As part of their coursework, students will apprentice with Senior Technicians or Master Mazda Technicians at local Mazda dealerships. Upon graduation, students will achieve the rank of Mazda Senior Technician, ready to embark on successful careers in the automotive industry.
Students in the MAST program are provided access to Mazda’s Certified and senior-level technician training, hands-on experience with current Mazda vehicles, and advanced diagnostic tools. Students will gain a deep understanding of dealership systems and resources and have direct connections with partnered Mazda dealerships for internship and employment opportunities.
This partnership marks the first of its kind in Georgia and highlights Gwinnett
Continued on page 15
Almost…A Word for Your Day
By Jane Bishop
What image does the word “almost” bring to mind? Perhaps it is an unfinished project, a near-miss, or something you didn’t quite accomplish. For many of us, “almost” stirs feelings of falling short—like failure or inadequacy. But what if we reframed it?
I have plenty of “almost” moments in my mental gallery. One that stands out happened during my junior year of high school in Brooklyn, New York. I was on the school bowling team, and we competed in a major tournament at Madison Square Garden. I almost bowled a perfect game of three hundred. I almost scored high enough to have my name engraved on a plaque. I almost placed in the top five. Our team almost finished in the top five. I missed those markers by exactly six points in all three categories.
It would have been easy to let that number haunt me and our team, but we chose to rewrite the narrative. On the subway ride from Manhattan back to Brooklyn, we embraced in a quirky way the number 6 as a symbol of our effort. We boarded the sixth car, counted six steps to a door, and each of us sat in a sixth seat. Instead of dwelling on what was not achieved, we celebrated what
Travel
Tales Continued from page 8
essential to have a fancy outfit for every day. Jeans are de riguer in most places, unless you are in a warmer climate where a skirt or light pants will do.
Even if you are going on a cruise, things are super casual. Gone are the days of formal nights and midnight buffets. Now, just comfy resort wear is perfect. How do you pack your mix-and-match items? I am a total advocate of packing cubes. I have one for pants and a skirt or dress, one for tops, one for lingerie, a cosmetics bag (a small one), and only two pairs of shoes. I wear my tennis shoes through the TSA lines as most don’t have any metal in them, and then I pack flats or heels for those special occasions.
Guys don’t have to worry much, as their wardrobes are much simpler than the ladies’, so one or two cubes are fine for them. The last rule of thumb is to roll things. Lay them flat, then fold them carefully, smoothing as you go. Then, roll them and put them in the cube. If done correctly, they rarely wrinkle when you get there.
So, these are my rules of the road for people like me who are always on the go. Try it—it’s simple and way easier for a short or long vacation!
Pam Walker is a Virtuoso travel advisor. More information at pam@walkeradventures.com
we had accomplished and set our sights on improving for the next tournament. Embracing “almost” was evidence of our resilience. It fueled our determination to keep going and accomplish a better outcome at the next tournament. As you think of success, do not underestimate the power of “almost.” It is an indicator of your progress, resilience, and determination. It signifies that you are on the verge of achieving your desired outcome and can propel you forward to reaching success. Consider one of your “almost” moments.
Where is your focus? Does it hold you back, or does it motivate you to move forward? How do you embrace “almost” as an indicator of the progress of your journey? “Almost” is not the end of your progress story. It can be the beginning of a new challenge, a steppingstone to growth, or a reminder to celebrate what you have accomplished. Take a moment and ask yourself:
• What can I learn from my “almost”?
• What steps can I take to move forward?
• How can I shift my focus to what I have gained instead of what I have missed?
You are capable of turning “almost” into achieving success. Keep going… you have this!
More information at www.janebishoplive.com.
Plan Your Wedding with the Experts at Vecoma
By Kristen Eleveld
Did you or a loved one ring in the season with an engagement? Or do you think your special someone will pop the question soon? If so, you need the experts at Vecoma at the Yellow River, the perfect spot for an intimate and romantic wedding.
It is never too early to start working on the details of one of the most memorable events of your life. And the team at Vecoma at the Yellow River is ready and waiting to help you plan every last detail.
Owner Caroline Tucker wants each wedding at this venue to be an unforgettable experience, and she keeps her finger on the pulse of wedding trends so she can best advise her clients. And, of course, she and the Vecoma team are always aware of the latest trends and ideas that make each wedding or event incredibly special—and they love to teach clients about these trends, too.
One of the first pieces of advice that Caroline wants newly engaged couples to know is that you have to figure out who you want to invite and what your wedding budget is. She cautions that while many clients try to do a rough estimate of their budget and costs, it’s far better to do an in-depth analysis of exactly what you will be spending. You can even look online for average wedding costs in your area to help you get started.
Then, of course, comes the venue.
“Choose your venue before anything else!” advised Caroline. “You want to get your day booked as soon as possible, and then you can work with the venue to get more information on preferred vendors and next steps.”
For instance, at Vecoma at the Yellow River, they don’t just provide a beautiful place to exchange vows. The Vecoma team can help you with catering, beverages, music, and they can also connect you with great resources for ordering your flowers and cake. They are the one-stop-shop of wedding expertise, which is already a huge step in the right direction when it comes to planning the big day.
Caroline and her team have also seen some fun variations on more formal traditions. For instance, they have seen flower boys (or “flower dudes”) bring flowers down the aisle instead of the traditional flower girls. Or maybe you want your bridesmaids to learn a special dance, or maybe you just want to include someone special in your wedding party in a non-traditional way. Vecoma can
help with all of it.
“We had one bride who asked her grandmother to be the flower girl!” said Caroline. “That was so much fun and the grandmother really enjoyed it.”
You have likely been to a wedding or two with a photo booth for guests to take fun pictures with props. But have you seen a wedding with a live painter? This fun trend has a painter on site who paints the bride and groom (or whatever you want painted!) throughout the wedding and presents it to the happy couple at the end of the reception. It’s a personalized keepsake that will last forever— and you can work with the artist to ensure your painting reflects everything you love.
Caroline and her team know that sorting out every detail of a wedding is overwhelming. But the good news is, they want to help—and they are pretty good at it. Whether you need a gorgeous outdoor venue, a recommendation on which shoes are most popular, or even how to get your friend ordained as your officiant, you can find all the answers and more right here in Gwinnett, courtesy of Vecoma at the Yellow River.
More information at https://vecoma1.com/, (770) 972-6540
sue them with determination. When people are passionate about their work, they are more likely to work harder, dig deeper, take risks, and overcome obstacles.
One more key factor to success is perseverance. I think of perseverance as the will to succeed. It emphasizes that success requires a long-term commitment and a willingness to persevere through both good and challenging times. As people develop, they begin to set realistic goals, create a plan of action, and stay focused on their objectives. It is a fact that people with perseverance are more likely to achieve their dreams and make a positive impact in the world.
So, here it is – my thoughts on success. However, we can never lose sight of one thing, perhaps the most important thing: the people around us are vital. We must always start by helping others achieve success, because we can reach our goals by helping those around us reach theirs. Finally, I would like to thank our fantastic community and partners for all their support. You all play a paramount role in our success. Also, and as always, thanks for continuing with me on the journey of my town, your town, OUR TOWN!
Gwinnett Technical College
Technical College’s commitment to providing cutting-edge educational opportunities for its students.
Dr. D. Glen Cannon, president of Gwinnett Technical College, stated, “Anytime we have a global player that becomes a part of our college, it is a tremendous achievement for our students and community. Mazda is a global leader, and when we can connect with global leaders with a sustainable, qualified workforce to help meet their workforce demands, everyone benefits.”
Gwinnett Technical College’s Automotive Technology program is nationally recognized and fully accredited by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation in Automotive Service Excellence. Renowned as one of the best programs in the country, Gwinnett Tech’s automotive technology graduates are highly sought after in the job market. The program, which takes two years to complete, boasts a 100% job placement rate, underscoring its quality and excellence.
More information at GwinnettTech.edu.
RESTORING ROOFS, BUILDING TRUST
INSPECTIONS ARE ALWAYS FREE PREVENT EXPENSIVE REPAIRS
Early detection of roof damage can save you from expensive repairs or full roof replacements.
Addressing issues early helps extend the life of your roof.
MAXIMIZE INSURANCE COVERAGE
A thorough inspection ensures all damage is documented, making it easier to file successful insurance claims.
Proper documentation increases the likelihood of getting full coverage for repairs.
