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Altera Investments named fastest-growing UGA business

February 9, 2024/by Rachael Andrews

The University of Georgia Alumni Association recognized the fastest-growing companies owned or led by UGA alumni during the 15th annual Bulldog 100 Celebration Feb. 9 in the West End Zone of Sanford Stadium.

The 2024 fastest-growing business, Altera Investments, was founded and is led by David Fershteyn, CEO, Carlos Alcala, CFO and Mitch Reiner, Board Member. Fershteyn, Alcala and Reiner all earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from the Terry College of Business – Fershteyn and Alcala received theirs in 2017, while Reiner received his degree in 2005.

Altera Investments is based in Atlanta and is an alternative investment firm focused on the lower middle market. This is the company’s first time on the Bulldog 100 list, although Reiner has represented previous companies that have made the list.

The 2024 No. 1 Bulldog business, Altera Investments, is led by David Fershteyn, CEO (pictured above in foreground), Carlos Alcala, CFO (pictured in background above), and Mitch Reiner, Board Member (not pictured).

Rounding out the Bulldog 100 top ten are:

Jetset World Travel, Atlanta, Georgia
Ryals Brothers, LLC, Lula, Georgia
Neighborly Software, Atlanta, Georgia
Capital Real Estate Group, Atlanta, Georgia
SynerGrx, Chamblee, Georgia
teXga Farms, Clarkesville, Georgia
Eagle Christian Tours, Rome, Georgia
Society 54, LLC, Charlotte, North Carolina
Lighting Pros, Jefferson, Georgia

“It is our privilege to recognize this year’s honorees, who truly embody the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship that is found in every Bulldog,” said Lee Zell, president of the UGA Alumni Association. “Welcoming these Bulldogs back to campus was an honor, and we look forward to continuing to celebrate their impact on their communities and industries.”

The Bulldog 100 companies were ranked solely based on their three-year compounded annual growth rates. The Atlanta office of Warren Averett CPAs and Advisors—a Bulldog 100 partner since the program began in 2009—verifies the information submitted by each company and determines the ranked list. On average, companies in the 2024 Bulldog 100 grew by 67 percent each year from 2020-2022, the highest growth rate in the 15-year history of the program.

This year, businesses are headquartered in a total of 7 states, with 88 of the businesses located in the state of Georgia. In total, 139 alumni representing over a dozen industries, including health care, financial services, agriculture, and real estate are being recognized.

The fifth annual Michael J. Bryan Award was presented during the Feb. 9 event. The award, named for the co-founder and managing partner of Vino Venue and Atlanta Wine School who passed away in 2017 from cancer, recognizes a returning Bulldog 100 honoree who demonstrates the entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to UGA that was Bryan’s hallmark. This year’s recipients are Jim Chasteen, Charlie Thompson, Kelly Chasteen, Justin Manglitz and Chad Ralston, the team behind ASW Distillery.

2024 Michael J. Bryan Award Winner: ASW Distillery

(L-R) Kelly Chasteen and Jim Chasteen of ASW Distillery, the 2024 Michael J. Bryan Award winner, with Michael’s wife Leila Bryan and UGA Alumni President Lee Zell.

The complete list of 2024 Bulldog 100 businesses can be viewed online at alumni.uga.edu/b100.

Nominations for the 2025 Bulldog 100 will open in late Spring 2024.

2023 Home Game Guide: Athens

August 29, 2023/by Lindsay Tuck Morris

Fall is just around the corner—which means it’s almost time for the Dawgs to hunker down Between the Hedges once again. If you’re traveling to Athens for a home game this season, here’s a guide to all the best hotels, restaurants and attractions for your weekend in the Classic City.

Where to stay

UGA’s very own Center for Continuing Education and Hotel is a convenient place to stay, just steps from Myers Quad and an easy walk to the stadium. Fun fact: the hotel has a dedicated suite for Uga to stay in on game days—maybe you’ll pass by him on the way to your room.

If you’d like a boutique hotel experience, The Graduate Athens may be just the place for you. Graduate hotels are located in college towns across the country, each with their own quirky decorative style.

The Graduate Athens has its own coffee shop and a bar, restaurant and music venue. (Photo: Graduate Athens)

What to eat

Athens has a renowned and diverse restaurant scene. Check out Classic City mainstays downtown like The Grill, a 50s-style diner, or Dawg Gone Good BBQ, a hole-in-the-wall barbecue joint.

Those looking for a taste of Athens’ fine dining options could head to The National, a Mediterranean-inspired favorite founded by UGA alumnus Peter Dale (ABJ ’99). Peter also owns Seabear Oyster Bar and co-owns Condor Chocolates and Maepole, a counter-service health food restaurant.

On Sundays, brunch options abound downtown at Mama’s Boy, Trappeze Pub and South Kitchen and Bar. Plan for long waits at many restaurants, but know that the food will be worth it.

Mama’s Boy’s made-from-scratch breakfasts have been written about in Oprah Magazine, Southern Living, Sports Illustrated and more. (Photo: Mama’s Boy)

On game day

Before the game, cheer on the Redcoat Band, cheerleaders, players and coaches as they enter Sanford during the Dawg Walk, which happens approximately two hours before kickoff at Gate 10 of the stadium. Show up early and you can watch the Redcoat drum line perform a concert before the walk.

Even if you don’t have a ticket to the game, there are plenty of places in Athens to enjoy the game day atmosphere. Tailgaters surround most of the UGA campus, and big-screen viewing of UGA games is available downtown at both Paloma Park and the Georgia Theatre. If you’d like to stay on campus, the Tate Theater inside the Tate Student Center also screens football games.

After a Dawgs win, make sure to celebrate by ringing the Chapel Bell on North Campus.

The Georgia Theatre shows most games on their big screen throughout the season, although you must be 21 or older to enter the venue. (Photo: Georgia Theatre)

More Athens attractions

In addition to UGA sports, Athens has lots of opportunities for cultural exposure and outdoor adventure. Explore Athens’s history as a musical hub by taking the Athens Music Walk of Fame downtown, or pay a visit to the Georgia Museum of Art, which features traveling exhibitions plus an eclectic permanent collection including a sculpture garden.

Enjoy nature by visiting Bear Hollow Zoo, a free zoo of non-releasable, rehabilitated wildlife, or walking the trails of the sprawling State Botanical Garden of Georgia.

There’s a lot to see in the Classic City! Not making the trip to Athens and looking to connect with Dawgs in your own area? Find your local UGA alumni chapter and cheer on the Dawgs with fellow alumni at a game-watching party near you.

EXPLORE UGA ALUMNI FOOTBALL HQ

The best of the Classic City

November 4, 2022/by Haley Arner

The fall is a busy time at the University of Georgia. With the semester underway and football season in full swing, plenty of Bulldogs find themselves back home in Athens for a weekend. There are so many reasons to love the Classic City, from the music scene to Saturdays in Sanford Stadium to the restaurants, so we put together a guide to some of our favorite things to do in Athens, Georgia.

Entertainment

Athens is known for its vibrant music scene, and a show at 40 Watt or the Georgia Theatre is always a good time. If you prefer movies, Ciné is a great stop for a flick downtown. The Georgia Museum of Art, the official art museum of the state of Georgia, showcases a permanent collection of visual art as well as rotating exhibitions.

Good Eats & Shopping

The restaurant choices are vast, so we took a 48-hour food tour to some of our favorite spots. From coffee and doughnuts to pizza and burgers, you’re sure to be well fed during your stay in Athens.

Our caffeine stop on the tour is Jittery Joe’s Downtown – they’re the perfect place for a cup of coffee or if you want to take home a Bulldog-themed coffee tin! While you’re downtown, be sure to browse the plethora of shops where you can find everything from UGA gameday gear to thrifted treasures. There’s plenty of Bulldog-owned places to shop as well, like Cheeky Peach and Fab’rik.

Another Athens staple is Mama’s Boy, a classic southern restaurant serving the best of breakfast and lunch in two locations. It’s a favorite with Athens residents, students, and visitors alike.

Get Outdoors

If you’re here for a football gameday, tailgating on campus is a must. North Campus and Myers Quad are popular tailgating destinations, but on gameday you can find people on all parts of campus. Even if you’re not headed to the game, tailgates are a great way to join in on the fun.

Walking through The State Botanical Garden of Georgia or along the Lake Herrick walking trails provides an opportunity to get away from the hustle and bustle of downtown. If you’re traveling with kids, the Playground of Possibilities features an accessible play space and Memorial Park offers trails and a zoo.

Thanks for following along! Hope to see you in Athens soon, Bulldogs.

Alumni collaborate with Bulldog Basics for G-Day tailgate

May 5, 2022/by Alyssa Craig

The Athens Area Alumni Chapter began a new tradition during this year’s G-Day. Before the big game, the chapter organized a tailgate to reconnect with UGA fans and alumni from all over the state.

The chapter held the tailgate at The Intersection at Tate. The chapter provided free food to the attendees from The Flying Biscuit Café, gave away UGA swag and fostered a fun environment where people could enjoy themselves before the scrimmage began.

Bringing in Bulldog Basics

Beyond engaging with their fellow alumni, the Athens chapter wanted to make a positive impact on the Athens and UGA community. They partnered with Bulldog Basics—a nonprofit that provides donated, unused toiletry and personal-care items to UGA students—and hosted an item drive in tandem with their tailgate.

“I know our event was some people’s first exposure to the great work Bulldog Basics does,” said Carrie Campbell (AB ’99, ABJ ’00, MPA ’18), vice president of the Athens chapter and senior public relations specialists with University Housing. “Spreading the message about how they support students was a big part of why [we] wanted to partner with them.”

The chapter encouraged guests to bring supplies or to purchase them ahead of time from Bulldog Basics’ wish lists. With over 130 registrants for the event, the chapter collected around 10 standard-sized moving boxes worth of items—enough to fill a truck! This doesn’t even include the items that were pre-purchased.

Bradley Erbesfield (BSFCS ’07, MSW ’10), one of the co-presidents of the Athens chapter and senior coordinator at UGA’s Disability Resource Center, recalled a special moment that happened within the first hour of the event.

Three alumnae approached him and asked him about the chapter, the item drive and Bulldog Basics. Bradley sat with them and explained the event and the impact it had on students in need.

“I love to see people feel comfortable enough asking us questions and showing interest,” he said. “I could really tell that their hearts came out to help others.”

Looking back

While this marked the first G-Day tailgate the Athens chapter ran, this was not their first time holding an item drive. In December of 2020, the Athens chapter partnered with Bulldog Basics again and hosted a donation drive virtually.

Though this was during the pandemic, the Athens chapter still wanted to find ways to support the UGA community. By hosting an online drive, the chapter was able to work with Bulldog Basics without the need for person-to-person contact.

Those who participated could purchase items from Bulldog Basics’ online wish lists or donate money directly to the organization. No one had to leave their home to take part in the drive.

“We wanted to engage with the community and push forward despite the difficulties,” Bradley explained. “It was tough, but the drive ended up having this great impact.”

Looking ahead

While both saw amazing results, shifting from a virtual item drive to their in-person tailgate allowed for the Athens chapter to physically see the UGA community come together. The amount of people who showed up—lugging heavy items like detergent or shampoo for the drive—exceeded expectations.

“The event mixed fun with engagement and philanthropy. Those are sometimes hard to bring together,” Bradley said.

With two successful donation drives done, the chapter is already looking ahead and hoping to do more with Athens-based organizations moving forward to support UGA students and the Athens community.

LEARN MORE ABOUT BULLDOG BASICS DONATE TO BULLDOG BASICS

From Uga to the Arch, here are 6 UGA-themed emojis for World Emoji Day

July 13, 2021/by Sarah Dorr

Are you ever texting a friend on game day and wish you could show your Bulldog spirit with images? Maybe you’re posting a picture of North Campus and can’t express your thoughts with words alone. To celebrate World Emoji Day (July 17), we’ve created 6 UGA-themed emojis we wish were on our keyboards!

Heart Eyes Uga

The Arch

Super G

X Eyes Gator

Georgia Football Helmet

UGA Bus

World Chocolate Day: Q&A with alumni-owned Condor Chocolates

July 6, 2021/by Shannon Moran

The Condor Chocolates cafe located in Five Points. A second location in Downtown Athens is coming soon.

Located in the historic Five Points neighborhood of Athens, Georgia, Condor Chocolates produces bean-to-bar chocolates, confections, gelato and beverages. Brothers and co-owners Peter Dale (ABJ ’99) and Nicholas Dale (BSA ’04) opened the city’s first specialty chocolate shop in 2014 as a homage to the world-class cacao of Ecuador. Visitors can witness chocolate production while indulging in handcrafted desserts. In honor of World Chocolate Day (July 7), we sat down with Peter (a UGA 40 Under 40 honoree back in 2012) to learn more about this alumni-owned chocolate shop.

Peter Dale, co-owner of Condor Chocolates.

Tell us about your background.

We’re brothers, born, raised and educated in Athens. Nick worked in agriculture after graduating from UGA. His expertise has been invaluable in sourcing beans directly from Ecuador. I graduated with a journalism degree before realizing my passion for food. There’s still a storytelling piece of what we do, which relates to my experience at Grady College. We tell stories through food and beverage rather than the written word.

What advice would you give to an aspiring entrepreneur from UGA?

Lean into the UGA community for advice, support and a very loyal customer base.

What is Condor’s mission?

We bring people together through delicious and beautiful flavors. Crafted with pride and integrity, grown in Ecuador, made in Georgia, from our family to yours.

What product would you recommend to a first-timer at Condor?

The affogato! Meaning drowned in Italian, the affogato is a shot of espresso with a scoop of chocolate gelato. The gelato sandwich is also a perfect option for summer! It’s two cookies, filled with gelato and coated with cocoa nibs.

How has Condor grown?

Since opening in 2014, we have expanded chocolate making to the Chases Street Warehouses, allowing us to make more products and reach more people. We also have a new café coming soon in downtown. Check it out!

Can you give us a sneak peek at any new products?

In a few weeks, we’re launching our Bulldog Bark, a milk chocolate bar with dried strawberries, pecans and cocoa nibs. With football season coming up, we’re excited to share a red and black product with our Dawgs.

How can alumni support Condor?

We love seeing alumni at the café. Our Bulldog bars and upcoming Bulldog Bark make great hostess gifts and stocking stuffers. Out-of-state alumni can shop for Condor at condorchocolates.com.

How is Condor celebrating World Chocolate Day?

Every day is World Chocolate Day at Condor Chocolates. But on July 7, we will show our customers the whole chocolate production process from bean to bar.

Peter Dale cooks with the Young Alumni Council

April 22, 2021/by Zach Armstrong

Chef and restauranteur Peter Dale (ABJ ’99) led a virtual cooking class with the Young Alumni Council and it went deliciously. Peter is an award-winning chef and has flavored Athens’ dynamic food scene with restaurants like The National, Seabear Oyster Bar, Condor Chocolates and Maepole. Peter demonstrated three recipes over the course of the evening: a local greens with pears and asiago cheese salad, gambas al ajillo, and chocolate budino.

If you missed the event, don’t worry! The recording is just above the post title on this page, and here we have the recipes and ingredient lists straight from Peter.

Download the Recipes

By the end of the event, attendees donated an impressive $1,700 toward the purchase of a food truck for Campus Kitchen at UGA that will allowed them to expand their service. That total recently reached $2,500, triggering matched funds from the UGA Young Alumni Council (for a total of $5,000) and reaching the fundraising goal for the truck purchase. Thanks for getting that food truck rolling, Bulldog donors!

On National Picnic Day, picnic like a Bulldog

April 15, 2021/by Caroline Odom

April 23 is National Picnic Day. With spring blooming in Athens, it’s time to grab a blanket, pack a meal, invite a few friends and find your favorite outdoor spot at the University of Georgia. There are 700 acres of campus to choose from, and we lined up our top campus spots to help you picnic like a Bulldog.

Founders Memorial Garden

Photo: Dorothy Kozlowski, University of Georgia Marketing and Communications

You can’t go wrong with anywhere on UGA’s historic North Campus, but the Founders Memorial Garden offers a quiet escape from the usual bustle of campus. Enter on Lumpkin Street across from Morris Hall to explore the 2.5-acre garden’s network of paths, koi pond and over 300 species of plants.

UGA Horticulture Trial Gardens

Photo: Dorothy Kozlowski, University of Georgia Marketing and Communications

Whether you have a green thumb or are horticulturally hopeless, the UGA Horticulture Trial Gardens is the perfect spot for the plant lover. Tucked between Snelling Dining Hall and the College of Pharmacy’s R.C. Wilson Pharmacy Building, this spot offers a variety of blooms, shady benches and a dreamy gazebo. Bonus: you can browse the plants being tested by UGA’s horticulture department while you’re there.

Lake Herrick Pavilion and Docks

Photo: Andrew Davis Tucker, University of Georgia Marketing and Communications

Located within Oconee Forest Park, the Lake Herrick pavilion and docks offer several spots to soak up the sun on a spring day. Wander the lakeside trail or bring a frisbee to toss with friends.

West End Zone Overlook

Photo: Andrew Davis Tucker, University of Georgia Marketing and Communications

G-Day means we’re creeping closer to fall and football season! If you can’t wait to cheer for the Dawgs as they tee it up between the hedges, feed your anticipation with a picnic on Sanford Stadium’s west end zone overlook. If you have a speaker, queue “Baba Riley,” “Glory” and “Let the Big Dog Eat” to mimic that Saturday-in-Athens feeling.

Coca-Cola Plaza

a green courtyard between two brick buildings

Photo: Dorothy Kozlowski, University of Georgia Marketing and Communications

Nestled in the center of the Terry College Business Learning Community is the Coca-Cola Plaza. This grassy courtyard near the heart of campus is a great spot to share a Coke with a fellow Bulldog. If you forgot your beverages – or your picnic basket – the Au Bon Pain inside the BLC offers coffee and pastry treats.

Turtle Pond

sunlight coming through trees near a pond

Photo: University of Georgia Marketing and Communications

The more, the merrier, right? A picnic at the Mary Kahrs Warnell Memorial Garden, also known as the turtle pond, will guarantee a few aquatic guests at your picnic. This secluded spot outside the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources is a South Campus hidden gem.

Myers Quad

a grassy area with students in front of a building

Photo: University of Georgia Marketing and Communications

For the athlete or the social butterfly, Myers Quad is the perfect place to spend an afternoon. Bounded by Myers, Rutherford and Mary Lyndon halls, the quad hosts ultimate frisbee games, Spikeball matches and student gatherings big and small.

Herty Field

a fountain and green space in front of a building

Photo: Peter Frey, University of Georgia Marketing and Communications

Reconnect with UGA’s roots at the site of the first UGA football game in 1892. Before the English white bulldog was adopted as UGA’s official mascot, the Mercer Bears lost to the UGA Goats 50-0. That’s right – the UGA goats. This historic site is flanked by Moore College and the beautiful Herty Fountain.

Celebrating dads while supporting Dawgs

June 8, 2020/by UGA Alumni

UGA Alumni Association's Luke Massee and sons

Luke and his two sons enjoying a hike together

By Luke Massee, UGA Alumni Association Associate Director of Outreach

Father’s Day (June 21, 2020) is almost here and you need to avoid what happened last year. Remember? You waited until the day before to go shopping and ended up buying the singing wall trout, or the Potty Putter, or that “World’s Greatest Dad” T-shirt. It was not your best moment. Luckily Father’s Day happens every year and 2020 is your chance to right last year’s wrong. This year you can give your dad something that will have him jumping for joy.

Wait … you waited until the day before because you didn’t know where to shop? Don’t worry, friend, we’ve got you covered. Here are 10 amazing gift ideas from UGA alumni-run businesses that will have him high fiving the room and singing “Glory, Glory” the rest of the day. Not only do these businesses have wonderful products, but the UGA graduates who run them are past Bulldog 100 honorees! Look at you … supporting small businesses and your fellow Dawgs and giving a gift that will make you the envy of the virtual family gathering. Talk about going from worst to first!

Congratulations in advance to you and your dad! Now, to the list. Scroll through gift ideas for every type of dad below.

Swipe to view more

The Fashionable Father

Did your dad win the “Best Dressed” senior superlative and could easily win it again today? If so, he has probably shopped at Onward Reserve and would love to receive any of their clothing items. Shirts, shorts, pants, shoes, belts … you name it, they have it. Onward Reserve’s motto is “Live authentically” and you will be living authentically as the favorite child if you go this route.

Locations: Athens, GA; 3 locations in Atlanta, GA; Charlotte, NC; Chattanooga, TN; Clemson, SC; Dallas, TX; Nashville, TN; Thomasville, GA; and Washington, DC

Bulldog: TJ Callaway (BBA ’07), Founder/CEO

The Fancy Feet

There is a rumor going around that businesses are going to make shoes optional. Sock Fancy products seem to be taking over, and bosses everywhere are asking why you’d ever cover an inch of these suave and durable masterpieces. Would your dad’s feet look and feel great in the latest Sock Fancy styles and colors? Of course they would! Sock Fancy is a subscription service, so your pops’ sock game would be on point every month and he could turn the “no shoes” rumor into reality.

Bulldog: Stefan Lewinger (AB ’11), Co-Founder/CEO

The Whiskey Lover

ASW Distillery and their staff are the “Southern Pot-Still Pioneers,” and your father can be a libation legend in his own right. If your dad is the guy who visits Kentucky every other year and sets up quarterly bourbon tastings for the neighborhood, if he is known as the local spirits savant, or if he just wants to do those things, then he would be the perfect recipient of ASW’s Maris Otter Whiskey or Resurgens Rye. Any of their selections would be a welcome addition to his private collection. Cheers to you, your dad, and your amazing gift-giving abilities!

Locations: Two locations in Atlanta, GA

Bulldogs: James Chasteen (BBA ’98), Co-Founder/CEO; Kelly Chasteen (BSED ’00), Head of Retail and Private Events; Justin Manglitz (BBA ’04), Master Distiller; Chad Ralston (BBA ’08), CMO; Charles Thompson (AB ’99, MBA ’03, JD ’03), Co-Founder

The Custom Made Man

Your dad is a true trailblazer. Remember when you played rec-league basketball, softball, baseball, etc. and your dad let you put your nickname on the back of your jersey? It didn’t matter that you were terrible as long as “T-Rex,” “Izzy,” or “Mad Max” graced your uniform. You were the coolest, and your dad changed the jersey game forever. So head to Zeus’ Closet to return the favor and spice up his current attire with a custom touch. They can personalize clothing to suit your dad’s unique flare and continue his tradition of changing the fashion landscape.

P.S. – Tell your dad that the 1989 Ninja Turtles T-ball squad and I said, “Thank you for your contribution to sports.”

Locations: Atlanta, GA; Kennesaw, GA

Bulldogs: Ethan King (AB ’99), Co-Founder/CEO; Monica Allen (BBA ’96), Co-Founder/COO

The Sophisticated Nose

Fathers teach us many lessons. Surprisingly, many of those nuggets of wisdom involve smells. Like that day when your dad handed you your first stick of deodorant and lovingly said, “You stink.” Or the time you returned from soccer practice and threw your half-open gym bag on the floor, filling the room with an odor words can’t describe. Dad just walked over, handed you some Febreze, and smiled. It was a Hallmark moment. He also gave you your first bottle of perfume/cologne followed by the phrase, “Smell good, feel good.” Get the father of fantastic fragrances one of the rustic, natural colognes from EastWest Bottlers. With several different scents to choose from, you can’t go wrong. This gift will show him the student has now become the teacher.

Location: Austin, TX

Bulldogs: Charlie Holderness (BSFCS ’05), Co-Founder; Matt Moore (BBA ’05), Co-Founder; Colin Newberry (AB ’05), Co-Founder

The Sweet Tooth

It was a day that has never been forgotten. You were 14-years-old and decided to make your dad a carrot cake for Father’s Day. You followed the recipe to the letter and could not wait for your dad to taste your culinary masterpiece. With the whole family watching, your dad took a bite and the crunch of some unknown substance was heard ‘round the room. He swallowed that bite after gnawing at it for what felt like an hour. Sadly, nobody else was brave enough to try it. It’s the reason “Maybe [insert your name] can bring dessert,” is followed by an explosion of laughter. Don’t make that mistake again. Put up the mixer and head to Southern Baked Pie Company. With delicious sweet and savory pies, maybe they can help folks forget about the carrot cake incident … but probably not.

Locations: Alpharetta, GA; Atlanta, GA; Gainesville, GA

UGA Bulldog: Amanda Dalton Wilbanks (BBA ’09), Founder

The Health Nut

Your dad finds a way to mix topics like superfoods, hydration, the importance of sleep, and exercising into every conversation. He listens to podcasts about organic foods, currently holds the record for “longest plank” at the neighborhood yoga studio and closing the circles on his Apple watch is the highlight of his day. Binge-watching workout tutorials on YouTube like they’re “Tiger King” is his idea of a good time. This Father’s Day, let Georgia Grinders help you feed his health craze. Their specialty is creating all-natural nut butters, and your dad surely knows the health benefits of nuts like almonds, peanuts and pecans. Give him one of their trio gift boxes, and he might serve something other than kale at the next meal.

Location: Atlanta, GA

Bulldog: Jaime Foster (BSA ’99), Founder/CEO

The Athlete

Your father starts his day with a five-mile jog, a long bike ride, and pilates class all before you’ve had your first cup of coffee. He is a living legend at the local YMCA and goes by the nickname “Buckets.” Sports movies like “Rudy,” “Blue Chips” and “Rocky” are a few of his favorites. He was a tri-state athlete in high school and could hold his own with the young bucks today. If this sounds like your dad, then give him a gift from SculptHouse. They offer fitness classes and athletic wear that will make your dad as happy as the start of Georgia football season. Trust me, it will be a homerun.

Location: Atlanta, GA

Bulldogs: Katherine Mason (ABJ ’12), Co-Founder; Jennifer McKissick (ABJ ’12), Co-Founder

The Coffee Connoisseur

Some guys live for sports or woodworking. Others know all about wines or the latest tech gadget. Your dad’s obsession is coffee. He knows all the baristas at the local coffee shop by name, and they always know his usual. When the family goes on vacation, he gets souvenir mugs to add to his already overflowing collection. His day is planned around his next cup. For these fathers, Rev Coffee Roasters and Three Tree Coffee Roasters will be able to satisfy his cravings. Both offer a variety of coffee blends they can ship and storefronts where you can purchase food and other merchandise.

Location: Smyrna, GA

Bulldog: Jenn Bimmerle (AB ’02), Marketing Director

Location: Statesboro, GA

Bulldog: Philip Klayman (BSA ’11), Founder

The Gameday Fanatic

Does your dad have a tailgating spot that’s been “in the family for generations” (aka since he was in school in ’85)? Does he have four generators, three televisions, a speaker system, and 20 assorted food staples to create the ultimate game day experience? Has he spent a small fortune supporting the Dawgs at away games? Then your pops is the ultimate Georgia fan and knows that game day isn’t complete without boiled peanuts. Show your father you’ve learned a thing or two and give him some delicious boiled peanuts from Hardy Farms Peanuts. He will enjoy the gift of this “country caviar” and might even let you yell the orders at the next tailgate set-up.

Location: Hawkinsville, GA

Bulldogs: Brad Hardy (BSA ’96), President; Ken Hardy (BSA ’93), Co-CEO

There you have it, Dawgs! 10 gift ideas from 11 different businesses that will negate last year’s debacle and put you in your dad’s good graces. Gifts from any of these places are sure to make any father proud to have a child as caring, thoughtful, and all-around awesome as you. Congrats in advance on the gift. You have set yourself up nicely for your next birthday.

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Spotlight on 2020 Bulldog 100 business: Agora Vintage

January 13, 2020/by Danielle Bezila

Airee Edwards (AB ’99) wasn’t sure what she wanted to do when she graduated from UGA with a bachelor’s in fabric design, but she knew she wanted to stay in Athens.

So she looked for a business opening, asking herself what was missing, what did Athens not have?

The answer: an open market where anyone could sell their vintage furniture, handcrafted items, art, or whatever, really.

Open Marketplace

“I went to what seemed like every bank in Athens, and I heard a lot of no’s,” Edwards says. But with savings from waiting tables and taking money off the house she’d bought, “a risky move” as she describes it, Edwards convinced a local bank to lend her what she needed to open Agora in 2002. (Agora means “open marketplace” in Greek.)

The only problem? Edwards didn’t have a business degree. But growing up, she’d followed her mother from one craft fair to the next, selling tissue box holders they fashioned from vintage fabrics. That early exposure to entrepreneurship stuck with her.

So she learned as she went, eventually outgrowing the little shop at the corner of Clayton and Pulaski. Sellers had also begun bringing in higher-end items, including women’s clothing and accessories, and Edwards’ husband, attorney and Athens-Clarke County Commissioner Russell Edwards (JD ’10), suggested she move the fashion items to a new store a few blocks away on Broad Street, right across from North Campus.

For a while, the Edwards family headed both stores, an exhausting but incredibly rewarding job. But she eventually decided to focus on one of her first loves—fashion—and grow the now iconic vintage fashion store on Broad, selling the furniture store that would become Atomic Vintage.

When you walk into the recently renovated Agora Vintage, you see an Art Deco-inspired cabinet lined with bags from Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Hermès, just to name a few. But there are also less expensive, gently used Coach, Tory Burch, and Marc by Marc Jacobs bags toward the back of the store. The counter display is full of beautiful, estate jewelry.

To the left, rows of vintage and modern clothes, all marked significantly below retail. Designer shoes are toward the back.

Honored Bulldog Business

But what makes Agora Vintage stand out is Edwards herself. She’s almost always in the store, greeting customers, suggesting items she knows they have to have, and tracking down pieces they’ve inquired about. It’s that attention to detail that has landed Agora several times on the Bulldog 100, which lists the fastest-growing businesses owned or operated by UGA alumni. Agora Vintage has made the list an outstanding six times in 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2020.

But she never forgets the place that made it all possible, regularly speaking in classes at UGA and supporting the Georgia Museum of Art.

“I tell them the whole story about how I couldn’t get a loan and was eating potato chips for a year, thought I was going to get scurvy,” Edwards says. “I now own a business that allows me to live securely and enjoy some success. UGA helped me build that.”

This story was originally published in Georgia Magazine.