BNI Athens Referral Factory

04/08/2026

✨BNI Member Spotlight ✨ This week, we’re highlighting Matt McCue of Junk South | Junk Removal of Athens.

Matt has been with Junk South for the past four years, and if you’ve met him, you might assume he owns the company. That’s the level of pride, professionalism, and leadership he brings to his work every single day.

Founded in 2011, Junk South has grown into a trusted team of 12 employees with over 1,100 five-star reviews. But what really sets them apart is how they do business. Instead of simply hauling items to the landfill, they take the extra step to donate usable items to local charities whenever possible. It’s a smarter, more responsible approach that benefits the entire community.

From full-service junk removal to specialty cleanouts, they truly offer it all—and they do it with integrity.

https://junksouth.com/

Are you a small business owner looking to connect, learn, and grow? We’d love to have you join us!
📍 Jennings Mill Country Club
⏰ Every Thursday at 7:30 AM
🔗 Register your Visit: https://bniatl.com/en-US/visitorregistration?chapterId=1981

03/30/2026

✨BNI Member Spotlight ✨ This week, we’re highlighting Brandt Farmer with FarmHouse Apparel, LLC, who delivers custom branding for schools, athletic departments, clubs, and organizations that want more than just a basic logo on a shirt.

His work stands out because it’s intentional. Every design is approached with the understanding that a great idea isn’t always a good idea. That perspective shows up in the final product. Clean, creative, and built to represent the group well.

Brandt operates with a simple mindset: you can always outrun talent. That work ethic is evident in the consistency and quality of what he produces.

Outside of apparel, he’s also a musician with Monkey Wrench, a 90s cover band, and draws inspiration from artists like Sailor Jerry, Saul Reese, and Ed Roth. That influence carries into his design style, giving his work a distinct edge.

For organizations that need branded apparel done right, Farmerhouse Apparel is a solid resource.

👉 farmhouseapparel.com

Are you a small business owner looking to connect, learn, and grow? We’d love to have you join us!
📍 Jennings Mill Country Club
⏰ Every Thursday at 7:30 AM
🔗 Register your Visit: https://bniatl.com/en-US/visitorregistration?chapterId=1981

03/27/2026

✨ BNI Member Spotlight ✨ This week, we’re highlighting Dr. Jeff Stortz of Oconee Veterinary Hospital. Dr. Jeff Stortz brings a unique level of care to the community, with a special focus on treating exotic animals alongside traditional pets. As co-owner of Oconee Veterinary Hospital, he and Dr. Jeff Bangle have built a private practice grounded in independence, expertise, and trust.

What sets them apart is their commitment to staying independent. By choosing not to sell to corporate ownership, they ensure that every decision is made with patients and clients in mind—not a bottom line.

That approach allows Dr. Stortz to provide thoughtful, personalized care to every animal and every family he serves.

https://www.oconeevet.com/

Are you a small business owner looking to connect, learn, and grow? We’d love to have you join us!
📍 Jennings Mill Country Club
⏰ Every Thursday at 7:30 AM
🔗 Register your Visit: https://bniatl.com/en-US/visitorregistration?chapterId=1981

03/26/2026

✨ BNI Member Spotlight ✨ This week, we’re highlighting AK Patel of Mitchell Investment Group in Athens GA.

AK Patel’s story is rooted in perspective, discipline, and respect for hard work. With family roots spanning India and Africa, and parents who owned a local business for 35 years, AK grew up understanding the value of money firsthand—literally counting it alongside his dad at a young age.

That early foundation shaped the way he approaches his work today. AK is committed to helping people make thoughtful financial decisions that truly align with their goals. He takes the time to ask the right questions and offers guidance through a genuine desire to help.

After being recognized early on by Mark Mitchell, AK joined Mitchell Investment Group at just 21 years old. Eight years later, he continues to serve clients with care, integrity, and a steady focus on what matters most to them.https://www.mitchellinvestmentsathens.com/

Are you a small business owner looking to connect, learn, and grow? We’d love to have you join us!
📍 Jennings Mill Country Club
⏰ Every Thursday at 7:30 AM
🔗 Register your Visit: https://bniatl.com/en-US/visitorregistration?chapterId=1981

03/25/2026

BNI Spotlight: Tim Sanders of Timothy F. Sanders Law
3651 Mars Hill Rd Ste 500A, Watkinsville, GA 30677 | (706) 534-3635

From an unexpected start as a drama major at University of Georgia to becoming a highly respected attorney, Tim Sanders’ path reflects discipline, adaptability, and sharp thinking. After shifting to Biology, he earned an impressive 99.8% on the LSAT, securing his place at UGA School of Law and graduating in the top 10% of his class.

With over two decades of legal experience, Tim focuses on business law, contracts, and litigation, bringing clarity to complex situations and helping clients move forward with confidence.

His approach is simple and steady: keep going, and find the path forward.

Are you a small business owner looking to connect, learn, and grow? We’d love to have you join us!
📍 Jennings Mill Country Club
⏰ Every Thursday at 7:30 AM
🔗 Register your Visit: https://bniatl.com/en-US/visitorregistration?chapterId=1981

02/25/2026

✨ BNI Member Spotlight ✨ This week, we’re highlighting Thomas Durrence, owner of Specialty Paint & Body, one of our original chapter members and a true example of integrity in business.

Family-owned and operated for 39 years, Specialty Paint & Body serves Athens with two locations and a commitment to doing things the right way. As vehicle technology has advanced, repair standards and costs have increased. Thomas and his team stay ahead of those changes to ensure every vehicle is repaired properly and restored to its original condition.

Even when insurance companies push for cheaper, aftermarket parts, they advocate for quality and safety first. Their priority is protecting their customers and standing behind their work.

If you’re looking for honest, high-quality auto body repair, Thomas and his team deliver every time.
https://specialtypaintandbody.com/

Are you a small business owner looking to connect, learn, and grow? We’d love to have you join us!
📍 Jennings Mill Country Club
⏰ Every Thursday at 7:30 AM
🔗 Register your Visit: https://bniatl.com/en-US/visitorregistration?chapterId=1981

02/18/2026

✨BNI Member Spotlight ✨ This week, we’re highlighting Sandra Williamson of Wynne Pest Solutions.
https://wynnepestsolutions.com/

Wynne Pest Solutions is a family-owned business established in 2010 and built on integrity, professionalism, and genuine care for customers. Their team provides dependable, science-based pest control with a strong focus on safety and compliance.

Services include:
✔️ Routine quarterly pest control
✔️ One-time treatments for ants, spiders, and invasive pests
✔️ Mosquito services
✔️ Yard treatments
✔️ Termite inspections and letters
✔️ Termite treatments
✔️ Small-scale exclusion work

They proudly live by the industry standard: “The label is the law.”
Governed by the Department of Agriculture, their technicians complete ongoing education and testing and never dilute or alter products. What’s on the label is exactly what’s used.

Their tagline says it best: “We bug bugs so they don’t bug you.”

While Wynne serves residential customers, it also has the capacity for large commercial work, including restaurants, daycares, preschools, and pre-treatments for new construction at schools and commercial buildings. They’re meticulous about scheduling, often working after hours or during approved windows to ensure food safety and child safety.

Just as important as their technical expertise is their strong family-centered culture. All technicians are background-checked, and customer care is non-negotiable. Taking care of people is at the heart of everything they do.

Are you a small business owner looking to connect, learn, and grow? We’d love to have you join us!
📍 Jennings Mill Country Club
⏰ Every Thursday at 7:30 AM
🔗 Register your Visit: https://bniatl.com/en-US/visitorregistration?chapterId=1981

02/16/2026

02/12/2026

✨ BNI Member Spotlight ✨ This week, we’re highlighting Cullen Gossett | The Trusted Toolbox of Athens 🔧

If you’ve ever heard a friend or family member say, “It’s not that bad…” about something in their house, you already know how this story usually ends. 😅

DIY attempts drag on, small problems get bigger, and eventually… Cullen gets the call.

Cullen is a UGA grad with a big heart for this community. He has worked closely with nonprofits and understands that trust, reliability, and doing things the right way matter. His guiding question is simple and powerful: What is your time worth?

Here’s the reality:

A homeowner might spend 3.5 hours replacing a toilet
The Trusted Toolbox does it in about 1 hour
Done correctly, efficiently, and without the stress

Cullen and his team work with high-quality partners, many of whom are fellow BNI members, and they stand behind their work with a one-year warranty on all labor at no charge. That’s confidence.

Even better:
✔️ All employees are background checked
✔️ All workers are properly documented and W-9’d
✔️ Professional, accountable, and trustworthy from start to finish

When the “it’s not that bad” projects stop being funny, Cullen is the one you want on speed dial.

Learn more here: https://www.thetrustedtoolbox-athens.com/

Are you a small business owner looking to connect, learn, and grow? We’d love to have you join us!
📍 Jennings Mill Country Club
⏰ Every Thursday at 7:30 AM
🔗 Register your Visit: https://bniatl.com/en-US/visitorregistration?chapterId=1981

02/11/2026

✨ BNI Member Spotlight ✨ This week, we’re highlighting Cathy Kesterson, Development Specialist at Georgia Options in Athens. If you’ve ever wondered what lifelong service looks like, meet Cathy Kesterson.

Cathy’s heart for the special needs community began at home with her daughter, Kyla, whose life and legacy continue to shape everything Cathy does. Today, she pours that same love, grit, and commitment into her work as a leader at Georgia Options, Inc..

She’s known for two things:
✔️ Holding high standards (rule breakers, beware 😄)
✔️ Living by her favorite quote: “Give grace. You never know when you’ll need it.”

Cathy believes deeply that the disability community is strong and that community means everything. That’s why Georgia Options is such a natural fit for her. When GO is working at its best, inclusion feels effortless. Neighbors with special needs are fully integrated into everyday life, often so seamlessly you hardly notice. And that doesn’t happen by accident.

It happens because of the incredible Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) who walk alongside the people they support every single day. Cathy is one of their biggest champions.

And exciting news: 🎲 Casino Night is coming up!
It’s one of Georgia Options’ major fundraisers, and they’re aiming big this year to support even more individuals and families in our community.

https://georgiaoptions.org/

Are you a small business owner looking to connect, learn, and grow? We’d love to have you join us!
📍 Jennings Mill Country Club
⏰ Every Thursday at 7:30 AM
🔗 Register your Visit: https://bniatl.com/en-US/visitorregistration?chapterId=1981

01/29/2026

✨ BNI Member Spotlight ✨ This week, we’re highlighting Dr. Ray Stewart of Dr. Ray's Wellness.

Dr. Ray is over 90 years old and continues to inspire everyone around him. He is a retired veteran Navy pilot and the former owner of The Stewart Clinic, a network of chiropractic care clinics that once operated throughout Georgia, and he has spent decades helping people take responsibility for their health.

Dr. Ray is a powerful motivator with a simple but uncompromising message: “Don’t die of self-inflicted injuries.” He believes movement matters and exercises every single day.

Through his work today, Dr. Ray educates people on the importance of hydration quality, specifically water pH and electrical charge. He uses a Japanese medical device that converts tap water into hydrogen-rich, antioxidant water through electrolysis. He has tested Kangen water alongside bottled waters and popular sports drinks and challenges the assumption that bottled water, especially water stored in plastic, is inherently healthy.

A fellow networker eliminated extensive psoriasis within three weeks of beginning to drink hydrogen-rich water.

Dr. Ray’s life and work are a reminder that longevity, vitality, and discipline go hand in hand.

Are you a small business owner looking to connect, learn, and grow? We’d love to have you join us!
📍 Jennings Mill Country Club
⏰ Every Thursday at 7:30 AM
🔗 Register your Visit: https://bniatl.com/en-US/visitorregistration?chapterId=1981