Meet our Partners
June 2025-In this edition, we are excited to introduce Stephen Wallace, the Manufacturing Manager at ASI Group in Toccoa. He began with ASI 12 years ago and loves the company for many reasons but especially for its family focus and company culture. We sat down with Stephen recently to discuss his journey with ASI Group.
Question: Let’s go back to the beginning—how did you first get involved with ASI?
“It’s kind of a long story but it involved me shooting out a light as a high-school kid and I was given a 2nd chance. Years later, my boss that had given me that chance got a job at ASI and offered me a position.”
Q: When you think about leadership today, how has your personal journey shaped the way you lead others?
“My leadership style today has been shaped by a mix of life experiences—on the production floor, in the community, and even on the ball field. Coaching youth sports for over a decade taught me the value of meeting people where they are, building trust, and developing individuals over time. Serving as a member of the Board of Directors for the Chamber of Commerce helped me learn how to listen, support, and serve others with integrity.
“At ASI Southeast, I try to bring all of that into how I lead. I believe leadership is about creating an environment where people feel heard, challenged, and empowered to grow. I’ve seen firsthand how investing in people—through continuous improvement, clear communication, and accountability—leads to stronger teams and better results. My journey has taught me that the best leaders don’t just set direction—they bring others along with them.”
Q: Can you tell me a little about your family and what you like to do for fun when you aren’t working?
“I’ve chosen to stay and work in the same community I grew up in because of family—it’s always been at the center of my life. I married my high school sweetheart, who also happens to be my best friend. I’m incredibly blessed by the love and support she gives me every day. We have two wonderful kids, and being able to coach their teams over the years and be at all their events has meant the world to me. That kind of involvement just wouldn’t be possible without being rooted here.
“I’m also one of seven kids, and the Wallace clan is still very close. We talk often, see each other regularly, and really do life together. That tight-knit bond has shaped who I am—personally and professionally. Whether it’s coaching, supporting my kids, or just gathering with family on the weekends, I try to stay grounded in what matters most: faith, family, and community.”
Q: What are you excited about or any news you’d like to share about ASI?
“There’s a lot to be excited about at ASI right now. First, I have to brag on the strength of our ownership—the Rolas family has built this company with a long-term mindset and a genuine care for people. That culture starts at the top and is reinforced every day by leaders like our COO, Doug Hitchon. Doug brings a clear vision, consistent leadership, and the kind of hands-on support that really sets the tone for success.
“Right now, ASI is growing like crazy. We’re expanding our footprint, investing in new equipment, and creating new opportunities across the board. But what’s most exciting is that we’re not just growing bigger—we’re getting better. We’re sharpening our processes, empowering our teams through continuous improvement, and pushing toward operational excellence at every level. It’s a great time to be part of ASI, and I’m proud to be helping shape where we go next.”
Q: Can you tell me a little about Javen Richie and his journey with ASI and the importance of Work-Based Learning and Apprenticeship to ASI Southeast?
“Javen Richie is a great example of what’s possible when you invest in young talent. He started with us through the Work-Based Learning (WBL) program while still in high school, and from the very beginning, he stood out—not just for his work ethic, but for his attitude and willingness to learn. Over time, he’s grown into a skilled and dependable team member, and now he’s on a clear path toward leadership.
“His journey really illustrates why WBL and Apprenticeship programs are so important to us at ASI Southeast. These programs help us build a pipeline of talent, but more than that, they give students real-world experience, confidence, and direction at a critical point in their lives. We’ve had several success stories like Javen’s, and each one reinforces our belief that when we partner with local schools and invest early, everyone benefits—the student, the company, and the community. It’s one of the best decisions we’ve made as a plant, and it’s something we plan to continue growing.”
May 2025-In this edition, we are excited to introduce Danielle Perkins, the COO at Murray Plastics in Gainesville. She began in 2010, as a machine operator and now leads the plastics company. We sat down with Danielle recently to discuss her journey with Murray Plastics.
Question: Let’s go back to the beginning—how did you first get connected with Murray Plastics, and what was it like starting out as a machine operator?
“After moving to Hall County in 2010, unsure of what life had in store for me, I began my job search in a completely unfamiliar territory. I was referred to Murray Plastics by a friend I met that worked there. At the time I was clueless about plastic manufacturing but was interested in trying something new with a company that I heard great things about. When hearing how Murray Plastics was a small family-oriented company with a good reputation for growth and development and a second chance program it sparked my interest even more. Starting from the bottom as a machine operator was challenging at first but also very rewarding to this day. Over time I became more confident and efficient and continued to take on more responsibility and move into other positions throughout the production floor and then into office positions working with our customers and vendors.”
Q: You’ve gone from the floor to the C-suite. What do you think helped you stand out and earn the kind of trust that got you to COO?
“From day one I always pushed myself to do my best and learn all that I could. I gained a lot of hands-on experience and knowledge working on the production floor. Being reliable, hardworking, and always willing to contribute to the next level helped me stand out. I do my best to stay motivated, encouraging and I lead by example. I’ve always made it a point to come to work each day to learn something new. I made a point to understand the company’s goals while building strong relationships with customers, vendors and employees. Trust grew over the years and when the opportunity for COO came up, I was ready. Building a foundation of credibility from the ground up starting at an entry level operator position is something I am happy I was able to do and very proud of.”
Q: When you think about leadership today, how has your personal journey shaped the way you lead others?
“Having great mentors and leaders ahead of me and alongside me helped me through my journey. I’m fortunate to have a great leader at Murray Plastics that I look up to and I strive for others to look up to me. I do my best to give others the tools and support they need to succeed. My path has taught me that real leadership comes with trust and is about service-lifting others up, recognizing their potential and helping them grow. This is the mindset that drives how I lead every day.”
Q: You’ve shared your story with groups like WomenSource and in front of big audiences. What has that experience been like for you personally?
“Oh Boy! At first it was scary and nerve racking. I would lose my thoughts and my palms would sweat. I learned real fast not to use note cards and just speak from the heart. Speaking in front of a crowd was part of me stepping out of my comfort zone and continuing to grow. Sharing my story has helped me realize that my story isn’t just about me, it is about encouraging others especially those who may not see their potential yet. If my sharing my journey and passion can help even one person take a step forward, then it is worth it.”
Q: Can you tell me a little about your family and what you like to do for fun when you aren’t working?
“Growing up we always did things with the family and had a wonderful group of friends that were family. Life was fun and lots of memories were made. We did a lot together and I continued to carry that on with my own family. I’m married to a wonderful man and have two amazing sons that have brought two wonderful daughter in-laws and four beautiful grandkids into our life. Being grandparents is Absolutely the best! Weekend sleepovers at ‘Lolli and Pops’ are filled with sweet snuggles, cute remarks, smiles, laughs and fun. When I am not working, I enjoy time on the lake boating, cooking out with family and friends, game nights, camping and weekend getaways.”
Q: What are you excited about or any news you’d like to share about Murray Plastics?
“Every year I get excited about the new growth. This may be growth from our employees working on Apprenticeships, GED’s, or any additional training that they may be working on to better themselves and move up in the company. It is exciting to see the smiling faces with their new certificates saying, ‘I did it!’ To me that is very rewarding. I’m also looking forward to the company growth with our new production lines and new products coming in. Each day we have new product requests come through the pipeline which keeps things interesting, new and adds to our future growth. It’s been fifteen years of new challenges that never get old.”
April 2025-In this edition, we are excited to introduce Mikhail Saddler, Human Resource Generalist at Power Services Group (PSG). Originally from Jamaica, Mikhail brings a wealth of experience to his role, drawing on years of leadership in both the military and corporate sectors. We sat down with him to discuss his journey, the exciting new apprenticeship program at PSG, and his thoughts on leadership, HR, and the industry.
Question: Can you tell us a little about your background and what brought you to Gainesville, GA?
“I am originally from the beautiful island of Jamaica. Before moving to the United States in 2023, I worked as an Operations Manager and later as the Manager of Commercial Services at Jamaica Post for 7 years. Alongside my professional career, I proudly served as an officer in the Jamaica National Reserve of the Jamaica Defence Force for 6 years. My journey to Gainesville, GA, was inspired by my wife, a compassionate nurse whose career brought the family to the US. We chose Gainesville because my wife has family in the area, and we wanted to be closer to loved ones. The warm climate and welcoming community have made Gainesville feel like a second home. When I migrated to the US, I worked for 18 months as a recruiter before moving into my current role of Human Resource Generalist at Power Services Group.”
Question: How did your experience in the Army shape your approach to leadership and HR?
“My experience as an officer in the Jamaica Defence Force, where I served as a platoon commander, deeply shaped my approach to leadership and human resources. In the military, leadership isn’t just about giving orders; it’s about earning respect, building trust, and fostering a cohesive team environment. I learned the importance of leading by example, maintaining high standards, and being accountable for both my actions and those of my team. One key lesson from my military experience that influenced my leadership style is the emphasis on clear communication. In high-stress situations, effective communication ensures everyone understands their roles and responsibilities. This skill translates well into HR, where clear communication is crucial for conflict resolution, feedback, and ensuring organizational goals are met. My military background instilled in me a strong sense of duty and commitment to the well-being of my team, leading me to prioritize a people-first approach in HR. Overall, my military experience equipped me with leadership, communication, and adaptability skills that have been essential in my professional growth and success.”
Question: What inspired you to pursue a career in human resources?
“I would say HR found me. After completing my BS in Business Administration, I was promoted to Assistant Training Manager at NERHA where I was working and studying at the same time, and it was in this role that I discovered my passion for human resources. Later, as an Operations Manager at Jamaica Post, where I managed a staff of over 100 people, my HR knowledge proved invaluable, helping me support and manage my team effectively. Additionally, my military experience further honed my HR skills, particularly in leadership, communication, and teamwork. What truly inspires me about HR is the opportunity to make a positive impact on people’s lives. Whether through training, conflict resolution, or employee development, I am driven by the desire to help individuals reach their full potential and contribute to a thriving organizational culture. HR allows me to combine my passion for leadership with my commitment to supporting and empowering others, making it a deeply fulfilling career path.”
Question: Power Services Group is launching apprenticeships at Lanier Technical College—what sparked this program?
“I was asked by the management team to undertake this initiative, and several key factors sparked the program:
- Company Growth: As Power Services Group continues to expand, there is an increasing need for skilled workers to support operations and maintain high service standards.
- Diversification of Manufacturing Services: With the expansion of our manufacturing services, we need a workforce that is well-trained and adaptable to new technologies and processes.
- Talent Development: The apprenticeship program aims to develop local talent, providing individuals with the skills needed to succeed in the industry. This benefits both the apprentices and strengthens our workforce, contributing to the community.
- Sustainable Workforce: By investing in apprenticeships, we’re creating a sustainable pipeline of skilled workers who can grow with the company and help drive future success.
This initiative reflects our commitment to growth, innovation, and community engagement, ensuring that we have the right people to support our long-term goals.”
Question: What skills/qualities are you hoping to develop in apprentices through the program?
“Through our apprenticeship program, we aim to develop versatile mechanical meeting the changing needs of our customers. Additionally, we hope to instill qualities such as: problem-solving, strong work ethic. Attention to Detail: (Apprentices must develop a keen eye for detail to ensure high-quality results and maintain safety standards) and Leadership Identifying leadership qualities early on will help prepare apprentices for future roles within the company.”
Question: How has PSG’s management supported these efforts?
“PSG’s management has been incredibly supportive of our apprenticeship program. They identified skilled on-the-job trainers to ensure high-quality, hands-on training for apprentices. Additionally, management adjusted the expected production output for these trainers, allowing them the time and resources to mentor apprentices effectively.”
Question: What has it been like collaborating with Kim Guy and Lanier College & Career Academy on this project?
“I haven’t had direct communication with Kim, however; I’ve worked closely with Beth Tyner, Greg Vitek, Shelly Logan, and Nikki McPherson. They’ve been incredibly helpful, offering guidance every step of the way. Nikki even joined a Teams call with me and one of our directors to explain the program and guide us through the process. They’ve provided valuable information about funding opportunities and benefits. Cory Addison from Lanier Tech has been incredibly helpful throughout this process. He took the time to visit our office to present the program in detail to our prospective apprentices and explain how to apply. His thorough explanations and willingness to answer all our questions have made the entire process much easier.”
Question: Can you give us an overview of Power Services Group and the work it does?
“Power Services Group (PSG) is a company that provides a wide range of services in the energy sector. It supports power plants and industrial customers in three primary areas: equipment inspection, parts repair, and replacement part manufacturing. overall, PSG plays a key role in ensuring the reliable and efficient operation of energy systems and contributing to the advancement of the power industry.”
Question: How many employees does PSG have, and what kinds of roles are most in demand?
“Power Services Group employs 450 people. The roles most in demand are CNC and manual machinists.”
Question: What advice would you give to someone looking to start a career in your industry?
“Starting a career in our industry can be incredibly rewarding. My advice is to embrace every opportunity to learn and grow. Pursue every chance to acquire new mechanical skills and become as versatile as possible. Stay curious and open to continuous learning, as the industry constantly evolves with new technologies and methods. Dedication, adaptability, and a passion for excellence are key to thriving in this dynamic field.”