THE RYKMAN INSURANCE GROUP - ALLSTATE
Being one of the most successful Allstate agencies year-over-year nationally, comes with its perks, as well as its responsibilities. Since 2013, Lindsey and Kory Rykman have been working tirelessly to bring the best coverage and customer service to their friends and neighbors in Atlanta and it shows. Having been awarded the 2023 Best in Company Award, The Rykman Insurance Group has been able to parlay their success into expanding to different states.
In addition to owning offices in Marietta, Kennesaw, Acworth, Woodstock and East Cobb, The Rykman Insurance Group is now writing coverage for customers in Florida. As they open their Tampa office, they will tap into the 28 million clients that can experience the “Rykman touch” for themselves. Mr. Rykman states, "The trend is 1-800-self service for many insurance companies but we’re doing the opposite. We now have 30 employees and half of them do service. I could ship jobs overseas and charge less, but these “service providers” wouldn’t understand the insurance needs like the people that live in the state”.
Mr. Rykman also continues to find success in Ryce Realty Partners, his home rehabbing and selling business. He has carefully curated a team that works together to find the deals, negotiate the terms, renovate homes on time and on budget and then sell to a prospective homeowner. Many times the buyer is purchasing a home for the first time. Mr. Rykman says, "First time home buyers don’t want a project. That’s why they love our fully renovated homes”. These clients can then take advantage of the expertise and experience the The Rykman Insurance Group has developed over their twelve years of being in business. For the Rykman Insurance Group, it’s just like welcoming you into the family.
Contact Kory Rykman to explore options for all your insurance needs Krykman@allstate.com • 770-974-5303.
EAST COBB COUNSELING
It’s time to flip the script on how we talk about men’s mental health. Too often, boys and men are taught to “tough it out,” hide their emotions, or handle things alone. But emotional strength doesn’t come from silence—it comes from self-awareness, support, and the courage to ask for help. At East Cobb Counseling, we believe in giving men and boys the space to be strong and vulnerable, confident and curious, driven and emotionally grounded.
We’re proud to have three incredible male clinicians on our team Shannon Mimbs, Dr. Stephen Wise, and Alex Ayvazian — who are deeply committed to helping boys, teens, and men thrive.
Shannon Mimbs brings a relatable, calming presence to his work with clients navigating everything from relationships and identify formation to anxiety and emotional regulation. Dr. Stephen Wise blends empathy with deep clinical expertise, helping veterans, seniors, adults and young men work through, conflicts in partnerships, trauma, and life transitions with clarity and strength. Alex Ayvazian connects powerfully with young adults, creating a welcoming environment for open conversations around identity, self-esteem, and the new pressures men in this era face.
Whether it’s a teenage boy struggling with school stress, a college student facing depression, or a dad balancing work, his relationships and family life—we’re here to help. Our goal is to normalize therapy for men and boys, empower them with tools to navigate life, and let them know they’re not alone.
At East Cobb Counseling, we see therapy not as a last resort, but as an act of strength—a bold step toward becoming the best version of yourself. Let’s raise a generation of emotionally healthy, self-aware men and boys who know it’s okay to ask for support—and that doing so is a powerful form of growth.
Discover more eastcobbcounseling.com • 678-263-4211.
JAN ZALUD - PERSPIRE SAUNA STUDIO
Jan Zalud, owner of FG Brands (Feel Good Brands), has always built his wellness businesses around one guiding principle: make the customer feel good.
“People will never forget how you make them feel,” says Mr. Zalud. “When you do your job well and leave someone feeling valued and cared for, they remember you—and your business. They become advocates and even friends.” This customer-first approach has been central to his success.
Growing up in the Czech Republic, Mr. Zalud was inspired by the European tradition of regular sauna use—a ritual he believed Americans would come to appreciate. “I’ve always been focused on physical health, but life’s challenges taught me that mental wellness is just as important,” he shares. “Sauna sessions have become part of my personal routine to maintain both.”
With that philosophy in mind, he opened Perspire Sauna Studio in East Cobb/Marietta, a natural extension of his wellness-focused FG Brands portfolio. Perspire offers a luxury infrared sauna experience that supports meditation, relaxation, or simply catching up on your favorite show. Infrared heat and red-light therapy offer benefits ranging from reduced inflammation and faster muscle recovery to better cardiovascular, skin, and mental health.
“Science is starting to embrace what many have known for years,” Zalud says. “More studies are showing how therapies like this can help combat chronic diseases.”
Perspire Sauna Studio now has locations in East Cobb/Marietta’s Merchant’s Walk, Midtown, Virginia Highland, and Buckhead. The brand also engages the community through festivals and wellness pop-ups, encouraging people to explore sauna and red-light therapy. “For anyone looking to improve their health,” Mr. Zalud says, “just try a session—you might fall in love with it like so many of our clients have.
Visit perspiresaunastudio.com/ga/east-cobb/ • 678-902-8398
Jamie Kresl - Artisan Jewelers
In the heart of Atlanta’s jewelry scene, one name continues to shine with enduring brilliance—Jewelry Artisans. This year marks the 25th anniversary of Jamie Kresl’s ownership, a milestone that reflects passion, craftsmanship, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
The story begins in 1973, when David Geller, a talented jeweler from Neiman Marcus, founded Jewelry Artisans. In 1993, Mr. Kresl joined the business as store manager, quickly immersing himself in the world of custom design and client relationships. Seven years later, a simple yet life-changing conversation with David led him to take the reins. In January 2000, Mr. Kresl became the proud owner of Jewelry Artisans.
Under his leadership, the store has grown into one of Atlanta’s premier custom jewelry destinations. With on-site designers, the team offers everything from unique creations to expert repairs, all delivered with a warm, family-like atmosphere. Mr. Kresl credits their success to word of mouth, loyal clients, and the genuine joy of helping people commemorate life’s most meaningful moments.
"Of the many touching stories that stands out involves two sisters who brought in their late mother’s sapphire ring”, shares Mr. Kresl. "My team and I carefully transformed it into two identical rings, each set with a piece of the original stone - allowing both sisters to carry a part of their mother with them always. One example among hundreds where jewelry has become a lasting legacy."
At the heart of the experienced design team is Beatriz, a gifted artisan whose background in architecture and intuitive grasp of clients’ wishes allows her to create unforgettable, heirloom-quality pieces.
Always ahead of the curve, our artists and jewelers are deeply committed to growth and development, regularly attending premier industry shows. This dedication allows Jewelry Artisans to thoughtfully curate a collection that blends timeless elegance with modern individuality.
As Jewelry Artisans celebrates its remarkable 51st year in business, Mr. Kresl continues to inspire—a testament to how vision, integrity, and heart, can transform a small business into a nationally recognized legacy, one brilliant stone at a time.
Discover more jewelryartisans.com • 770-393-0321