Épisodes

  • More Than Badges: Why Community Culture Drives Great Policing

    More Than Badges: Why Community Culture Drives Great Policing
    Jun 4 2025
    In this episode of UrbanEBB, host Rico Figliolini sits down with Chief Frank Trammer, Chief of Police for Stockbridge, Georgia, to explore the realities of building a police department from the ground up. With over 25 years in public safety—including roles at Atlanta PD, Sandy Springs, and Georgia Tech—Chief Trammer brings strategic clarity, deep community values, and a blueprint for modern law enforcement in rapidly growing cities.

    Together, they discuss how Stockbridge launched its own police department in just nine months after a 50-year absence, overcoming recruitment challenges, supply chain delays, and startup logistics—while prioritizing culture, officer wellness, and community trust. This conversation dives into the “why” behind forming a city force, the hidden costs, and the long-term impact of getting it right from day one. Whether you're a city planner, resident, or curious citizen, this episode offers invaluable insight into creating a modern, community-focused police department from scratch.

    Key Takeaways
    1. Define Your “Why” Before Your “What”
      Chief Trammer emphasizes that cities should start with clear goals and community expectations before diving into operations or logistics.
    2. Culture Over Credentials
      Hiring for character and cultural fit—not just experience—was central to Stockbridge’s successful recruitment and retention strategy.
    3. Officer Wellness Is Public Safety
      A supportive work environment and generous benefits created a healthier, more responsive department—and helped attract over 1,200 applicants.
    4. Smart Partnerships Pay Off
      Stockbridge leveraged regional partnerships for SWAT, drones, and crime centers to expand capabilities without overextending budget or staff.
    5. Policing as an Investment, Not Just an Expense
      A city-run department is a long-term investment in safety, accountability, and local quality of life—and can redefine how a community connects with law enforcement.
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    44 min
  • From Zero to Accredited: Dunwoody's Billy Grogan on Starting a City Police Department

    From Zero to Accredited: Dunwoody's Billy Grogan on Starting a City Police Department
    Jun 4 2025
    In this episode of UrbanEBB, host Rico Figliolini is joined by Billy Grogan, former Chief of Police in Dunwoody and now Senior VP at Sumter Local Government Consulting. With over 15 years of experience leading a nationally accredited department, Grogan recounts the high-stakes journey of launching Dunwoody’s police force in just 120 days—from policy creation and recruitment to integrating cutting-edge technology. He shares candid insights into the challenges and lessons learned in building a police department from the ground up.

    Rico and Bill also discuss what Peachtree Corners should consider if it chooses to form its own police force, weighing the pros and cons of local control versus county-provided services. This episode offers a practical, behind-the-scenes look at the complexities of creating and sustaining a city-run police department—from staffing and budgeting to public trust and community impact.

    Key Takeaways
    1. Start Big, Not Small – Grogan warns that underestimating a city’s long-term policing needs at launch leads to costly, continual catch-up.
    2. Technology is a Force Multiplier – Drones, body cams, and real-time crime centers now help cities like Dunwoody respond faster and smarter.
    3. Recruiting Has Changed – Officer retention has become more difficult post-Ferguson and COVID, requiring stronger benefits and creative incentives like housing stipends.
    4. Local Control Boosts Accountability – A city-run department serves its residents exclusively, fostering trust and deeper community ties.
    5. Civilian Roles are Critical – Grogan emphasizes the importance of hiring non-sworn staff for support roles, freeing officers to focus on enforcement.
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    47 min
  • From Boardrooms to the Himalayas: Vandana’s Journey to Purpose and Growing with Intention

    From Boardrooms to the Himalayas: Vandana’s Journey to Purpose and Growing with Intention
    May 19 2025
    In this episode of UrbanEbb, host Rico Figliolini chats with Vandana Aggarwal, VP of Operations at Aggarwal Real Estate, about the winding road from global consulting to family-run commercial real estate in Norcross, Georgia. With honesty, warmth, and insight, V shares how she went from working 80-hour weeks in corporate strategy to rediscovering clarity in the mountains of India—and ultimately, helping transform her family’s business into a community-driven real estate firm managing over 50 shopping centers.

    The conversation weaves together themes of leadership, legacy, operational excellence, and the transformative power of both AI and yoga. This is another episode you won’t want to miss.

    Bullet Points:
    • Why Vandana left a high-powered consulting career to join her family business
    • How hiking Kilimanjaro and studying yoga in the Himalayas changed her leadership mindset
    • The operational overhaul she brought to Arragwal Real Estate to support growth
    • What it’s like working side-by-side with your dad, siblings, and 700+ tenants
    • How the company rebranded with intention and built a mission around “building communities as a community”
    • Where AI is reshaping real estate—from lease drafting to property management—and where it still can’t compete with people
    • Leadership succession planning with siblings at the helm
    • The importance of clarity, calm, and conscious growth in both business and life
    Timestamp:
    00:00:00 – Introduction and sponsors: Vox Pop Uli & EV Remodeling
    00:03:12 – From Georgia Tech to global consulting
    00:04:23 – Leading strategy for Fortune 500 companies
    00:06:11 – The role of vision alignment at the C-suite
    00:08:01 – Sabbatical becomes family business overhaul
    00:09:35 – Bringing operational excellence to a growing real estate firm
    00:12:02 – A year of yoga, nature, and healing in India
    00:17:03 – Hiking Kilimanjaro, testing limits, and expanding self-trust
    00:18:52 – Navigating family dynamics inside a business
    00:21:56 – Planning for leadership transition: siblings, strategy, succession
    00:24:06 – Rebranding the business: from American Management to Arragwal Real Estate
    00:26:33 – Where AI fits (and doesn’t) in real estate operations
    00:30:04 – Legal, leasing, HR, and marketing efficiency with tech
    00:31:01 – Community-focused retail and experiential shopping centers
    00:32:00 – Reflections on AI, journalism, and digital trust
    00:32:57 – Closing thoughts
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    35 min
  • World Blood Donor Day Starts Here: Theo’s Miracle, Katherine Lafourcade’s Mission

    World Blood Donor Day Starts Here: Theo’s Miracle, Katherine Lafourcade’s Mission
    May 5 2025
    In this deeply moving episode of UrbanEbb, host Rico Figliolini sits down with Katherine Lafourcade, Executive Director of the French-American Chamber of Commerce Atlanta, to talk about life, leadership, and the power of giving back. Katherine shares her unexpected journey from Europe to Georgia, her role in connecting French businesses to Atlanta’s thriving innovation scene, and a powerful personal story of her son’s battle with leukemia that inspired her mission to promote blood donation.
    With candor, insight, and heart, this conversation reminds us of the value of community—and how even a small act, like donating blood, can change lives.
    Resources:
    • French-American Chamber of Commerce – Atlanta: https://www.facc-atlanta.com
    • Blood Drive Registration (June 14, 2025): https://www.facc-atlanta.com/events/upcoming-events/e/event/blood-drive-june.html
    • American Red Cross: https://www.redcrossblood.org
    Takeaways:
    • Why the French-American Chamber of Commerce relocated to Curiosity Lab in Peachtree Corners
    • How Katherine transitioned from a global business background to nonprofit leadership
    • The life-threatening diagnosis that changed everything for her family
    • How her son Theo’s recovery from leukemia—and over 50 blood transfusions—inspired her to launch a community blood drive initiative
    • Why World Blood Donor Day (June 14, 2025) is a meaningful opportunity for new and returning donors
    • What it takes to host a Red Cross blood drive—and how you can help
    • How giving blood could save up to three lives in under 15 minutes


    Timestamp:
    00:01:42 – Why the French-American Chamber relocated to Peachtree Corners
    00:02:14 – Katherine’s transatlantic journey from England to France, Switzerland, and Georgia
    00:06:02 – The chamber’s mission: helping French businesses land and grow in the U.S.
    00:07:38 – Why French, British, and Irish nationals were banned from donating blood until 2023
    00:10:01 – Katherine shares her son Theo’s leukemia diagnosis and critical care experience
    00:13:03 – The severity of Theo’s condition and the ECMO machine that saved his life
    00:16:00 – The frustration of being unable to donate blood as a parent
    00:20:19 – The family’s move to the U.S. and continued treatment during COVID
    00:21:44 – Theo’s dream of becoming a pediatric oncologist
    00:22:21 – Launching local blood drives and how to get involved
    00:24:09 – What it’s really like to donate blood: time, process, and tracking where it goes
    00:28:05 – Tracking donations via the Red Cross app and building a culture of giving
    00:29:19 – Where to sign up and what to expect on June 14, 2025
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    32 min
  • Expanding Horizons: How KGM Technologies Balances Defense, Medical, and Precision Manufacturing

    Expanding Horizons: How KGM Technologies Balances Defense, Medical, and Precision Manufacturing
    Mar 23 2025
    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.
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    31 min
  • Safer, Smarter, and Driverless: Exploring Smart City Transportation with May Mobility

    Safer, Smarter, and Driverless: Exploring Smart City Transportation with May Mobility
    Mar 10 2025
    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
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    33 min
  • The Benefits of Outsourcing: How Sourced Supports Growing Businesses

    The Benefits of Outsourcing: How Sourced Supports Growing Businesses
    Mar 6 2025
    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
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    32 min
  • Mike Logan on AVID Products and the Growing World of Esports Audio

    Mike Logan on AVID Products and the Growing World of Esports Audio
    Nov 15 2024
    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
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    34 min