We're fortunate to have a number of brilliant people in East Cobb and beyond — many of whom are known for giving back to the community in business, education, philanthropy and more. For our annual men's issue, we spoke to two who envision a better life for our entire community. Now that's what we call leadership!
Investing in Inclusion
José Manuel Jimenez
Owner, AlphaGraphics Centers
Business leader José Manuel Jimenez owns two AlphaGraphics Centers: Dunwoody-Sandy Springs and Tri-Cities-Atlanta Airport. He started the Sandy Springs location in the fall 2019, becoming the first brand-new Center in the AlphaGraphics network in more than eight years. As for the Tri-Cities location, he acquired an existing signage operation in East Point and rebranded it in late summer 2019, choosing to invest in a generally underserved portion of the region by bringing the first national print and signage brand south of I-20 in greater Atlanta.
Jimenez worked for a large corporate employer in the region for nearly 20 years before becoming a small business owner. “I knew this would be an exciting journey,” he said. “I wanted the challenge of growing an operation of my own and making an impact through our virtual communications products and services on the local communities around the Centers.”
Jimenez is engaged with the Atlanta community and is a passionate advocate for small businesses, equality, cultural inclusion and people affected by the HIV-AIDS epidemic. “I truly believe in giving back to the community in any way I can through volunteer work and sponsorships.” He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and previously served on the Boards of Jerusalem House and Positive Impact Health Centers. He also regularly volunteers for Leadership Atlanta, a program from which he graduated in 2018.
A graduate of the University of Southern California, Jimenez holds a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering. He is involved with the Sandy Springs Perimeter Chamber, the OUT Georgia Business Alliance and the Atlanta Airport Chamber. He has resided in the Atlanta metro since 2008.
Teamwork Prevails
Blessed Trinity’s Ricky Turner
Region 7-AAAAA Athletic Director of the Year
Long before Coach Ricky Turner won an award for being named Region 7-AAAAA Athletic Director of the Year by Georgia Athletic Directors Association, he was honing his love for sports and for education. The University of Georgia graduate completed a physical education degree and embarked on a successful career now 33 years and counting, starting with Henderson High School in DeKalb County, then on to Salem High School and then St. Pius X High School, his alma mater.
Today, at Blessed Trinity Catholic High School, Turner has served as head football coach and athletic director. He credits not only his parents, who instilled in him a can-do spirit, but countless mentors as well as his peer group of athletic directors for his recent success. “I have had many athletic directors that have helped me over the years and I am still learning from other athletic directors every day,” he remarks.
Turner’s personal coaching philosophy includes hard work, dedication and encouraging each team member to take ownership of his actions. He believes each athlete must be developed as a whole person — not just in the physical sense but academically and spiritually. “Developing the character of an individual athlete transforms into a positive team culture,” he says.
This year’s prestigious award is the result of votes from regional athletic directors, and Turner humbly remarks that each of his fellow directors deserves to be recognized. Still, he’s proud to help make Blessed Trinity a household name. “I think any award like this brings positive recognition to the school, which reflects on our student athletes, administrators, coaches and teachers,” he notes. He’s constantly inspired by his wife of 32 years, Lynn, as well as their five children — plus his two knowledgeable assistant athletic directors, Jan O’Donnell and Ryan O’Sullivan, and one highly organized administrative assistant, Noelle Barkes.
Turner's plans are to continue enriching the Blessed Trinity experience and give back to the Archdiocese of Atlanta. “I went to elementary school and high school in the Archdiocese, and I've spent 23 years at Blessed Trinity,” he muses. “I would like to finish my career where I started it many years ago.”
