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On this episode of DeKalb Business Today, host Matt Holmes talks with three entrepreneurs who – from construction to medicine – make their living off consulting and advising others. Don Boyken talks about the projects his company is managing across the Western Hemisphere. Wendy Watkins describes her process for helping business owners maximize their profits and their happiness. Dr. Melissa Black reveals how her new practice could revolutionize the future of medicine in Decatur and across the United States.
Donald R. Boyken/Chief Executive Officer, DRB Consulting LLC
Donald R. Boyken has been active in the construction industry since 1970. His experience includes development and management of Hotel, Casinos and Resort projects in the United States, the Caribbean, Latin America, and the United Kingdom. Based in Atlanta Mr. Boyken provides consulting services both nationally and internationally. Mr. Boyken’s experience also includes major healthcare programs, university and college facilities, office and commercial buildings, transportation systems and infrastructure projects.
Prior to starting his current company, Mr. Boyken was Chairman and CEO of Boyken International for over 30 years, building the practice to the 34th largest program management firm in the United States before selling the firm in 2009. The firm’s hospitality industry focus enabled Mr. Boyken to be part of development teams for some of the world’s largest and highest profile Resort projects completed over the last two decades.
Mr. Boyken has been instrumental in working with clients who have critical project problems, not only finding solutions, but also helping owners with the implementation of these solutions. His consulting work as a CEO Coach, Business Development Consultant, and Turn-around Specialist uniquely qualifies him, to advise clients with business issues or projects with foreseeable problematic issues, and to resolve the conflicts before they become a hindrance to the company.
Mr. Boyken has also provided expert witness testimony regarding project costs, defective construction, project means and methods, and costs for foreclosed or bankrupt properties in cases involving airports, apartments, office buildings and sports arenas. He is also recognized for his work as an Arbitrator and Mediator for construction disputes.
Prior to starting Boyken International, Mr. Boyken was part of the project management team for Atlanta Hartsfield International Airport leading the Project Administration team including the schedule and estimating services. Mr. Boyken was also with Blount Brothers Corporation, an international construction company, as an estimator and scheduler.
He has been recognized with the distinction of Fellow by the Royal Institution of Charter Surveyors and the Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering.
Mr. Boyken is a firm believer in returning to the community his expertise and time. He is currently on the Advisory Board for the School of Construction at Virginia Tech. and the Chamber Board for the City of Dunwoody. His past Board experience includes the Advisory Board for the City of Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Trustees for a private school in North Georgia, several national professional associations, and local civic associations.
He was also a Planning Commissioner for the City of Sandy Springs, Georgia.
Mr. Boyken can be contacted at 678-296-3492 or dboyken@ConsultDRB.com
Wendy Watkins/Business Coach, Wendy Watkins LLC
Wendy Watkins, CPCC, PCC is a business coach who works with ambitious entrepreneurs who are called to do and be more with their business, but are not quite clear on how to achieve this lofty goal. Wendy teaches a Mind-Body-Business approach to building a juicy, successful and sustainable company. This inclusive strategy focuses on a strong optimistic mindset, the all-important business planning process and fabulous self-care techniques. Wendy’s clients enjoy all the benefits of success including joy, fulfillment and more bank deposits.
Wendy was one of the first million dollar sales women for Aveda (that is a lot of shampoo) and the author of The Joy Factor Recipe Book – A Common Sense Approach to a Delicious Life. Wendy has coached hundreds of people to create successful, succulent lives and flourishing businesses aligned with their purpose and passions.
Visit WendyWatkins.com to pick up her free e book, 7 Activities for Increased Success and Fulfillment
Melissa Black, M.D./Empower Family Medicine
A graduate of SUNY Buffalo College of Medicine and Atlanta Medical Center Family Practice Residency, Dr. Melissa Black worked for nine years for Emory Healthcare in the Division of Geriatric Medicine. She recently left her academic