East Cobb, GA April 2026

Investing in wealth, purpose, and the chapters ahead

Living and working in this community gives me a front-row seat to something inspiring: the many ways people — from our neighbors to business leaders and even nationally known personalities — are choosing to build their lives with intention.

As someone who calls this community home, I see firsthand how people approach their next steps — whether it’s launching a new venture, planning for retirement, relocating, or simply refining a financial plan. These aren’t just transactions. They’re milestones. They represent courage, clarity, and a willingness to think long-term.

Every day, we make investments — not just financial ones, but investments of time, energy, and heart. We invest in our families, our careers, our communities, and the causes that matter most to us. Through small daily actions and big, life-changing decisions, the things we choose to support ultimately shape the world around us.

Personally, I find myself in a season where my greatest investment is my family. As our children grow older and step into some of the most important chapters of their lives, I’m reminded daily how precious time truly is — and how important it is to be present. To show up. Prioritizing isn’t always easy. It’s not simply a choice; it’s a commitment we make again and again, whether for a moment, a season, or a lifetime.

That perspective shapes how I think about everything else — wise business decisions, following your passion, protecting what you’ve built, and planning thoughtfully for what’s ahead. Financial security and prosperity matter. So does living well along the way.

This issue reflects that spirit: building wisely, living fully, and creating a legacy that extends well beyond numbers on a page.

I’m grateful to share these stories — and even more grateful to be part of a community that continues to invest in what truly matters.

KEVIN KASETA, PUBLISHER

@EASTCOBBCITYLIFESTYLE

April 2026

PUBLISHER

Kevin Kaseta | kevin.kaseta@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Lisa Thibault | lisa.thibault@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Karyn Slovin | karyn.slovin@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Emily Ann Jackson

ejw.eastcobbcitylifestyle@gmail.com

STAFF WRITER

Rei Kaiser

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Ali Salimi, Esq., Tran Bui, Constance Vedroe

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

OneStreet Residential

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman

LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: NCL East Cobb Class of 2027 Ticktocker volunteer and serves at 2026 Senior Banquet. 2: National Charity League East Cobb Board of Directors gather for inaugural meeting at Rise Coffee 3: Congratulations! Team of Ten Cobb County Elementary Students Heading to World Championship in LEGO Challenge! 4: Window World's top Atlanta sales leaders showing up strong in Miami-ready to lead and serve! 5: Class of 2026 Ticktockers honored at Senior Banquet celebrating years of community service. 6: Cobb County student Ariela Vega makes history-becomes first female student to win Georgia HVAC competition! 7: Stretch Zone East Cobb celebrates Grand Re-Opening and welcomes community to stretch and live amazingly!

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60 Years of Service Serving Seniors

Meals On Wheels Atlanta was honored Feb. 25 with a Georgia Senate resolution sponsored by Senator RaShaun Kemp, recognizing 60 years of service and more than six million meals delivered across Atlanta. Serving over 1,100 seniors annually and distributing 500,000+ meals each year, the nonprofit fights food insecurity (70% rely on MOWA as their only source of food) while providing critical social connection, safety checks and dignity to homebound seniors throughout the community. www.mowatl.org

Cobb Schools Honors 2026 Volunteers of the Year

Cobb Schools and the Cobb Schools Foundation came together to celebrate an exceptional network of volunteers who power the District. From elementary to high school, Volunteers of the Year were recognized for extraordinary service — supporting classrooms, mentoring students, organizing events, and strengthening school communities across Cobb’s 112 schools. Their behind-the-scenes dedication helps remove barriers and creates opportunity for every student. Their impact is felt in every classroom, every day across the entire district. https:// www.cobbschoolsfoundation.org

Publix Super Market Charities Awards Habitat for Humanity-NW Metro $250K

Through a generous $250,000 grant from Publix Super Markets Charities, Habitat for Humanity Northwest Metro Atlanta is expanding its mission to advance affordable housing across Cobb, Douglas, and Paulding counties. This 19-year partnership supports new home construction, critical repairs, and neighborhood revitalization - efforts helping 40 families this year gain safe, stable housing. Together, they are strengthening communities and creating lasting impact across Northwest Metro Atlanta. https://habitatnwma.org

Y O U R R E C O V E R Y

Y O U R R E C O V E R Y

I S W O R T H T H E

I S W O R T H T H E

I N V E S T M E N T .

I N V E S T M E N T .

If an auto accident disrupts your life, we take care of the legal stress so you can focus on family and recovery. If an auto accident disrupts your life, we take care of the legal stress so you can focus on family and recovery.

Rhythm, Radiance & Record Breaking Impact!

"Marietta’s Biggest Night"! Community stars dazzled the stage at Georgia Metropolitan Dance Theatre's annual Dancing with the Stars at the Earl Smith Strand Theatre, raising nearly $60,000 to support arts education. Team Smoke Show, alongside choreographer Cymone Jeter, took home People’s Choice after raising a record-breaking $22,000. Team Triple Threat earned Judge’s Choice honors. Featuring local leaders and dancers from Georgia Dance Conservatory, the night celebrated creativity and generosity inspiring the next generation of performers.

Photography by Georgia Metropolitan Dance Theatre

WOVEN TO ENDURE THREE STRANDS

Legacy is more than what you leave. It's how you live.

ARTICLE BY REI KAISER

When Brandon and his family chose to plant roots in Marietta, it wasn’t by accident. They were drawn to the strong public schools, the sense of safety and connection, and the unmistakable pride that defines Cobb County. This is where his children will grow, attend local schools, build lifelong friendships, and learn what it means to belong to a community that truly shows up for one another.

East Cobb’s entrepreneurial spirit resonates deeply with him. Many of the families he serves are business owners, physicians, executives, and leaders carrying complex financial responsibilities. Their lives aren’t simple — and their financial strategies shouldn’t be either

As founder of 3 Strands Wealth, a wealth management firm affiliated with Northwestern Mutual, Brandon leads with a clear mission: creating financial security, prosperity, and legacy for the families and business owners he serves. For him, those three pillars are not just words —they are deeply personal convictions.

Early in his career, Brandon worked with Chick-fil-A, where he learned the power of a service-first model shaped by the enduring leadership legacy of S. Truett Cathy. That foundation — putting people first, leading with integrity, and serving with excellence - still forms the way he shows up for clients today.

Long before launching his own firm, Brandon understood his conviction about financial stewardship is also deeply personal. As a child, he watched his father navigate serious illness and long-term disability - an experience that permanently altered his family’s financial trajectory and instilled in him, at an early age, the critical importance of thoughtful planning and protection.

His journey represents hard work, late nights, risk-taking, and resilience.  He sees first-hand how families who plan with intention don’t just build wealth, they build freedom, stability, and opportunity for the next generation.

A CALLING GROUNDED IN SECURITY

Brandon understands that financial security is the foundation. It’s the quiet confidence that comes from knowing your family is protected, your risks are managed, and your future isn’t left to chance. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and highly credentialed wealth management advisor, he brings both rigor and discipline to that foundation. His clients often face

sophisticated financial circumstances—complex compensation structures, business succession decisions and multi-generational estate considerations.

These aren’t one-size-fits-all conversations - and Brandon doesn’t approach them alone. He is backed by a seasoned team of professionals with deep bench experience across investment strategy, risk management, estate planning coordination, and business continuity. Together, they design comprehensive strategies that anticipate both opportunity and uncertainty.

Because in Brandon’s words, some things are simply stronger together.

PROSPERITY WITH PURPOSE

If security is the base, prosperity is the growth, but Brandon’s definition of prosperity goes beyond performance charts.

Prosperity means freedom - the freedom to choose how you spend your time, how you grow your business, how you give back, and how you show up for your family. It means creating momentum that aligns wealth with values. It’s the belief that true wealth management requires understanding the whole person.  The whole family. The whole business.

This philosophy has earned him recognition beyond the local community. Brandon has been recognized by Forbes as a  Best-in-State Top Financial Security Professional for 2024 and 2025*, a distinction that reflects on various factors including impact.

Yet accolades are not what drive him. What drives him is the opportunity to sit across the table from a neighbor and ask: What does success look like for you? What would it mean to feel fully secure? What legacy of prosperity do you envision for your children—not just financially, but personally?

In addition to the deeply personal approach Brandon and his team bring to every relationship, their work includes advanced planning designed to enhance tax efficiency and thoughtful mitigation strategies, coordinated exit and succession planning for business owners, comprehensive wealth management and retirement strategies, and the integration of proven risk management solutions to help protect what matters most at every life stage. While every recommendation is tailored and confidential, the goal remains consistent: structure, clarity, and alignment between opportunity and protection.

CONTINUED >

As a firm affiliated with Northwestern Mutual, 3 Strands Wealth draws from an integrated planning model that thoughtfully combines investment and risk management strategies under one coordinated approach. Northwestern Mutual is widely recognized for its long-standing financial strength and client-centered philosophy. Independent research and industry studies from respected organizations such as Ernst & Young (EY) have highlighted the value of integrating investment and risk management planning as a powerful framework for building sustainable financial success. For Brandon, this reinforces what he already believes: when protection and growth strategies work together, families can be better positioned to create lasting financial security, prosperity, and legacy.

LEGACY THAT LIVES BEYOND NUMBERS

The third pillar—legacy—is where Brandon’s heart shows most clearly. Legacy isn’t simply about wealth transfer. It’s about wisdom transfer. It’s about preparing the next generation to steward opportunity with responsibility. It’s about aligning financial structure with generational values. Brandon and his family made an intentional decision to establish roots in Marietta. They were drawn to the strong public schools, the deep sense of community pride, and the feeling that this is a place where families truly put down lasting roots. This is where his children are growing up. Where they’ll walk through local school hallways, build enduring friendships, and understand the importance of community connection. For Brandon, serving East Cobb families isn’t transactional—it’s relational. The people he advises are often the same ones he sees at school events, on the sidelines of youth sports, or around town. That proximity reinforces his responsibility.

“When you care about the whole person—the whole family, the whole business—planning changes,” he often says. “It becomes long-term. It becomes intentional. It becomes legacy work.”

THE THIRD STRAND

The name 3 Strands Wealth believes that true financial strength weaves together three essential strands: Security (defense).  Prosperity (wealth). Legacy (future generations –values, story and, yes, money). The first protects. The second grows. The third endures. Individually, each matter — but woven together, they become far stronger than anyone alone, as a chord of three strands is not easily broken.

The inspiration echoes the wisdom of Ecclesiastes 4:12: “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” It’s a reminder that lasting strength - in faith, in family, and in finance - is built with intention and woven to endure.

“As the founder of 3 Strands Wealth, I’m deeply inspired by the life and writings of King Solomon. He’s one of the most wellknown and chronicled figures in history - renowned for both his extraordinary wisdom and his extraordinary wealth,” shares Brandon. “Historians estimate that, adjusted for inflation, his wealth today would fall somewhere between $2 to $3.9 trillion, making him arguably the wealthiest individual in global history. But what makes Solomon so compelling to me isn’t just the scale of his wealth, it’s that we have a record of his life, his successes and his failures, and his own written reflections on what truly matters.”

That belief mirrors the way Brandon has built his firm, his client relationships, and his life here in East Cobb: thoughtfully, collaboratively, and with an eye on generations ahead.

In a world that often treats wealth as a scorecard, Brandon sees it as a responsibility and an opportunity. An opportunity to protect what families have worked tirelessly to build. To help prosperity flourish with intention and to ensure that legacy is not accidental, but by design.

Right here in East Cobb – Marietta, he is doing just that – helping to create financial security, prosperity, and legacy for the community he proudly calls home.

*Forbes Best-in-State Top Financial Security Professionals (July 2024, July 2025), based upon data as of December 31st of preceding year. Research & ranking provided by SHOOK® Research, LLC. Northwestern Mutual and its advisors do not pay for placement on 3rd party rating lists, but do pay marketing fees to these organizations to promote the rating(s). Rankings and recognitions are no guarantee of future investment success.

To view detailed disclosures for Brandon Guntor, you can visit 3strandswealth.com.

Redefining MVP: TIM TEBOW’S LIFE BEYOND FOOTBALL

An exclusive Q&A with City Lifestyle

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

From championship trophies to global humanitarian impact, Tim Tebow’s journey has defied every standard playbook. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Tebow pulls back the curtain on the moments that truly defined him, from a humbling middle school church retreat to the life-altering shift of fatherhood. This isn’t just a look back at a career; it’s an invitation into the heart of a man driven by purpose. Read the highlights below, then join us for the full, unfiltered experience by scanning the QR code at the end.

Q: WE ALL KNOW YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD, BUT TELL US ABOUT THE CURL CONTEST.

A: I was competing for my future high school team (my brother’s team), and I pushed myself way past what was smart. I ended up collapsing and needing medical attention. But what stayed with me wasn’t the pain, it was the lesson. Would I be willing to do something that others aren’t? For much of my life, I strived to bring my best for a game, but I hope that I can say at the end of my life I was willing to do that for things that actually matter.

Q: YOU’VE ACHIEVED SO MUCH IN SPORTS. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT NOW?

A: Becoming a dad. Nothing compares. From the moment I knew my wife was pregnant, I felt a new depth of love for our child, but when you bring your baby home, the responsibility hits you like nothing else. Suddenly, everything you see, every decision you make, you’re asking, “Is this corner too sharp? What happens if she reaches that drawer?” It changes how you see the world and how you see other people.

Q: YOU’VE SPOKEN OPENLY ABOUT DISAPPOINTMENT, ESPECIALLY AROUND FOOTBALL. HOW DID THAT SEASON OF LIFE SHAPE YOU?

A: I talked a lot about that very thing in my book Shaken . We all go through moments where our faith in our abilities and purpose feels rattled, but I believe it’s often in those storms when God can show us who we could become.

Q: YOU TALK A LOT ABOUT COMPARISON CULTURE. WHY DO YOU BELIEVE COMPARISON HAS BECOME SUCH A TRAP TODAY?

A: Because we’re comparing our real, everyday lives to someone else’s highlight reel. Social media shows people’s “best day,” often filtered and staged, and then we measure our reality against that. There’s a reason filters are so popular—it’s not real. We end up scrolling through images that don’t tell the full story, and without realizing it, comparison starts to steal our joy and our gratitude.

“We’re comparing our real, everyday lives to someone else’s highlight reel... comparison starts to steal our joy.”

Q: YOUR FOUNDATION FOCUSES ON THE “MOST VULNERABLE.” WHERE DID THAT CALLING BEGIN?

A: When I was 15, I met a boy in the Philippines who was treated as a throwaway because he was born with physical differences. That moment changed me. I realized God was calling me to pursue a different kind of MVP, not “Most Valuable Player,” but “Most Vulnerable People.”

Q: FINALLY, WHAT’S ONE THING PEOPLE MIGHT BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?

A: I have some weird coffee habits, which include protein powder, collagen, and cream all mixed together. I love golf dates with my wife. And every night, I bring snacks to bed to share with our dogs. It brings me more joy than it probably should.

This conversation barely scratches the surface. Tim goes deeper into the moments that rattled him, the joys of fatherhood, and one story he has never shared publicly until now. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on Share the Lifestyle Podcast.

A CURATED LIFESTYLE MAKES IT EASY TO "JOIN THE FUN"

YOUR NEXT CHAPTER STARTS HERE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ONESTREET RESIDENTIAL

“THOUGHTFUL PLANNING SHAPES EACH DAY, WHERE CONNECTION, VITALITY, AND CELEBRATION ARE WOVEN NATURALLY INTO COMMUNITY LIFE.”

A NEW CHAPTER BEGINS

In the heart of Marietta’s East Cobb neighborhood, a new story of community, comfort, and connection continues to unfold and it’s called EVOQ East Cobb. This modern 55+ community offers stylish apartment homes designed for an active, vibrant lifestyle where residents can invest in a robust lifestyle, live beyond limits and begin anew. Here, days are marked by laughter at social gatherings, peaceful mornings on private balconies, and friendships forged poolside - all set against lush landscaping and thoughtfully curated spaces.

Residents enjoy engaging fitness classes — including interactive wellness programs designed to support strength, balance, and overall well-being. Evenings unfold with intimate wine gatherings and tastings, while holiday celebrations, themed socials, and spirited game nights bring laughter and tradition throughout the year. A variety of resident-inspired clubs — from book discussions to art classes — nurture creativity and camaraderie in a welcoming culture that encourages friends and family to participate in these experiences and “join the fun”.

Perfectly positioned, the community also offers close proximity to favorite restaurants, boutique shopping – including the Avenue East Cobb - and trusted healthcare providers. Resident Molly

captures the spirit beautifully: “We couldn’t be happier with our decision to move to EVOQ.  We were looking for a vibrant community that felt modern, active, and welcoming - and EVOQ delivers on all fronts. The facilities are beautiful, clean, thoughtfully designed, and full of amenities… there is always something to do and someone to do it with.”

Life at EVOQ isn’t simply about beautiful residences - though granite countertops, private patios or balconies, and refined finishes certainly make coming home a pleasure. It’s truly about connection. Residents gather around a gorgeous resort-style pool, unwind in the landscaped courtyard, and enjoy a playful round on the putting green. The community embraces pet-friendly living, complete with a dedicated dog park and on-site pet washing station that ensure four-legged companions feel just as pampered and at home. From cozy gathering spaces to a robust calendar of events, every detail is designed to inspire joyful, engaged living. With a focus on active adult lifestyles - where many residents are pursuing passions, new ventures, or even second careers - EVOQ also features dedicated co-working spaces ideal for private meetings or collaborative sessions. High-speed internet and thoughtfully designed work areas provide the ease and professionalism of a workfrom-home experience, all within the comfort of the community.

THE VISION BEHIND THE COMMUNITY

Behind EVOQ East Cobb is OneStreet Residential, an Atlanta-based owner, developer, and property manager creating boutique-scale communities across the Southeast since 1988. With more than 130 communities and over $1 billion invested, OneStreet is known for crafting sustainable neighborhoods designed for long-term impact. One of its newest concepts, Northpoint on Jarvis  Creek in Hilton Head Island, is designed specifically for the professionals and essential workers who keep that island community thriving — thoughtfully situated near community venues and local happenings, and reflecting the same guiding philosophy as Evoq, homes designed for comfort and a true sense of belonging.

THE NEXT CHAPTER

EVOQ East Cobb isn’t only about securing a convenient address - whether for yourself or helping a friend or loved one relocate – it’s about finding the right place to begin what’s next. From resort-style amenities and pet-friendly perks to vibrant social spaces and thoughtfully designed residences, every detail is curated to make it easier to “join the fun” and make life feel fuller, easier, and more connected. Specialty leasing opportunities and limited-time promotions help make the transition seamless. Here, your next chapter unfolds naturally - surrounded by comfort, community, and the ease of truly feeling at home. Experience EVOQ for yourself and discover what sets this community apart.

Evoqeastcobb.com

building

We’re a family owned, Marietta based proven design build firm. See how 40+ years of combined experience can bring your dream home to reality.

ARTICLE BY CONSTANCE VEDROE

The Art of New Beginnings: designs that celebrate life's milestones with intention and artistry

Investing in

What Blooms

April is about investing — not only in portfolios, but in passion. For Garrett Wolters, that investment didn’t begin on a trading floor. It began with flowers.

After years in an entirely different industry, Wolters made a bold decision: to turn a lifelong love of plants and blooms into his next chapter. When he purchased Flowers of Marietta — a beloved floral boutique founded in 1999 on Johnson Ferry Road — he wasn’t simply acquiring a business, he was investing in beauty, creativity and community.

“I accidentally learned a lot about this business over the last seven years by hosting two large weddings for my daughters,” Wolters says with a laugh. “So on my first day after purchasing the business, I was ready to go.”

That readiness shows. While its traditional roots as a top-tier floral delivery shop remain strong — serving Marietta and the greater Atlanta area — the company has expanded confidently into the wedding and event space, adorning venues across the city with layered, artful installations. Wolters personally oversees each event from inspiration to installation, ensuring every stem reflects the client’s vision.

Under his leadership, the shop continues to serve every milestone: romance, birthdays, anniversaries, baby arrivals, promotions — and meaningful celebrations of life with standing sprays, crosses and wreaths. A growing corporate division elevates meeting and event spaces, while the retail shop maintains live plants, orchids and lush European gardens. Wolters, affectionately known as “Mr. Potts,” is hands-on in crafting beautiful custom containers designed to transform outdoor entertaining spaces.

“Our design studio continues to flourish, with talented artisans crafting creations as unique as the clients we serve,” shares Wolters. With a team boasting nearly 30 years of combined experience, the aesthetic blends traditional floristry with a contemporary twist. Current trends lean toward loose, whimsical arrangements in muted tones of sage, ivory and peach — often featuring Playa Blanca roses, peach and white ranunculus, dusty miller, peach hypericum and layers of sword and plumosa fern.

In a season focused on investing wisely, Garrett Wolters offers a refreshing perspective: sometimes the smartest investment is the one that feeds your passion. And when nurtured with intention, it just might bloom beautifully.

flowersofmarietta.com

ARTICLE BY ALI SALIMI, ESQ.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE AAA GROUP

ONE YEAR AFTER Tort REFORM

Breaking down the promises, the changes, and what they mean for your premiums and protections.

This month marks the one-year anniversary of a significant shift in Georgia's legal landscape. On April 21, 2025, Governor Kemp signed Senate Bills 68 and 69 into law. This sweeping tort reform legislation was pitched to Georgia consumers and businesses as a remedy for rising insurance costs and a way to keep insurers from exiting the state. A year in, it's worth stepping back and asking: what did this law actually do, and who does it help?

FIRST, WHAT'S A TORT?

Before diving into "tort reform," it helps to understand what a tort is. Put simply, a tort is a civil wrong that causes harm to another person's body, property, reputation, or rights. When someone rear-ends your car, slips on a wet floor at a negligent business, or is injured by a defective product, the resulting legal claim is a tort claim. The civil justice system exists to compensate people who've been harmed by someone else's negligence. Tort reform, then, refers to changes that limit either the ability of injured people to bring those claims or the amount of money they can receive when they do.

THE PROMISE: LOWER INSURANCE RATES

The headline argument for SB 68 and 69 was straightforward: Georgia was becoming an expensive and unpredictable state for insurers, and those costs were being passed on to you in the form of higher premiums. There were real concerns behind this

argument. Nationwide Insurance, for example, effectively paused writing new business in Georgia due to what it called "profitability issues," and its Excess & Surplus division exited the commercial auto market entirely in 2023.

One year later, there are some early signs the reform is having its intended financial effect. Liberty Mutual and its subsidiary Safeco announced nearly a 6% rate reduction in late 2025, and State Farm has reportedly implemented a rate reduction as of November 2025, though official figures haven't been released. In February, Georgia's Insurance Commissioner John King posted  that "Four rate cuts in less than three months shows that our approach is working." With over 200 companies actively competing for automobile insurance business in Georgia, increased competition can only help consumers, if the savings actually materialize in your premium bill.

WHAT THE LAW ACTUALLY CHANGED

The reform touched several major areas of civil litigation. Here's what each one means in plain terms.  Phantom Damages. Before SB 68, a plaintiff injured in an auto accident could seek recovery based on the full "sticker price" billed by a hospital which is sometimes dramatically higher than what insurance actually pays. Under the new law, plaintiffs can only recover the "reasonable value" of medical care, meaning what was actually paid or expected to be paid. Juries now hear both the billed amount and

the actual paid amount and weigh them together. Insurers argued the old system allowed inflated recoveries; plaintiff attorneys argue it deprived injured people of fair compensation for the true cost of their care.

Anchoring and Noneconomic Damages. When a jury is deciding how much to award for pain and suffering (losses that have no price tag) the first number they hear tends to influence their final decision. This psychological effect is called "anchoring." Under SB 68, attorneys can no longer suggest a specific dollar figure for noneconomic damages unless it's supported by evidence. The law also restricts "per diem" arguments, the technique of saying something like, "My client will suffer for 30 years. Isn't that worth $100 an hour?" Judges must now instruct juries that any dollar amounts mentioned by attorneys are not evidence. The practical effect is that it becomes much harder to recover large awards for pain and suffering, even in cases of genuine and lasting injury.

Trial Bifurcation. Either party can now demand that a trial be split into separate phases: liability is decided first, then damages. The idea is to make sure a jury decides whether a defendant is actually at fault before they hear potentially emotional testimony about the extent of a plaintiff's suffering. This may lead to fairer verdicts in some cases, but it also separates the human story of an injury from the question of accountability.

Seat Belt Admissibility. Previously, whether a plaintiff was wearing a seat belt at the time of an accident couldn't be used against them. Under SB 68, that information is now admissible and can be used to reduce a plaintiff's recovery. If you weren't buckled up, that fact can now shift some of the blame, and the financial burden, back onto you.

Negligent Security. This is perhaps the most nuanced change. Under Georgia law, a business or property owner can be held liable if a criminal act against a customer was foreseeable. Foreseeability exists, for example, if the property was in a documented high-crime area or the owner had ignored repeated safety complaints. The logic was sound: legal liability gives property owners a financial incentive to take proactive steps to protect the people on their premises.

Georgia's

Insurance Commissioner John King said,

“Four rate cuts in less than three months shows that our approach is working.”

SB 68 changed the fault-sharing rules significantly. Now, if a criminal is involved, there's a legal presumption that the criminal must bear at least 50% of the fault. If a jury awards $1 million and splits fault 50/50, the property owner only pays $500,000. Because criminals typically have no money to collect from, the injured victim is left with half the compensation they were awarded.

A FAIR ASSESSMENT

It's genuinely too early to know the full impact of these reforms. If insurance rates meaningfully drop for East Cobb families and small businesses, that's a real and tangible benefit. Competition among insurers is healthy, and if the reforms helped stabilize that market, credit is due.

But Georgia consumers should understand the tradeoff clearly. This legislation reduced the ability of injured Georgians to access the courts and recover fair compensation. The rules around anchoring, phantom damages, and negligent security don't just trim excessive verdicts, they are meant to reduce all claim values. The civil justice system exists to make injured people whole after an injury. When the rules change in ways that primarily benefit insurers and defendants, it's worth asking whether the savings will genuinely reach policyholders or simply improve corporate bottom lines.

As Georgia State Senator Josh McLaurin put it before tort reform passed last year, what he would have preferred to see was "insurance reform, where we hold the insurance companies accountable" to provide the benefits their customers have paid for instead of making it harder for injured Georgians to be made whole.  The next few years will tell the story. Watch your premiums and pay attention to what happens when someone you know gets hurt.

The Auto Accident Attorneys Group has spent over three decades doing one thing: taking care of people. With its flagship East Cobb office serving the community since 2018, the firm's attorneys handle auto, truck, and motorcycle accident cases from start to finish. Representation includes professional

investigation, health insurance advocacy, reimbursement negotiations, and connections to specialized medical and wellness resources. Consultations are always free, and representation is fully contingency-based, so clients never have to choose between getting help and getting better. In a legal landscape reshaped by Georgia's tort reform, having an experienced, full-service advocate in your corner matters more than ever. The firm also hosts The Auto Accident Attorneys Podcast on the 3A Network covering the things people wish they'd known before something happened. Because whether it's in the courtroom, the recovery room, or your earbuds, The Auto Accident Attorneys Group lives by a simple promise: We take care of you. theaaagroup.com

The author is a plaintiff's personal injury attorney. This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

Your North Georgia Real Estate Team

Discover a true mountain retreat along Fightingtown Creek where luxury craftsmanship and serene natural beauty come together in the heart of North Georgia. Built by renowned builder Keith Sumner, this stunning estate features soaring 25-foot ceilings, elegant fireplaces, and a chef’s kitchen with quartzite countertops and Viking appliances. The private primary suite offers spa-inspired comforts and a balcony overlooking the flowing creek, while the heated saltwater pool and expansive waterfront pavilion create the ultimate setting for entertaining, relaxing, or enjoying the mountain lifestyle.

KEV IN EGAN’S GLOBAL SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT CAREER MEE TS FAMILY LIFE IN ROSWELL.

ARTICLE BY TRAN BUI

CALLING THE GAME.

BUILDING A LIFE.

Kevin Egan’s work has taken him across continents, into packed stadiums, and onto some of the biggest stages in sports and entertainment. From Dublin, Ireland to Atlanta, his journey has been anything but ordinary. Today, the global broadcaster, his wife Megan, and their children, seven year old James and four year old Maisie call Roswell home, putting down roots in a community that feels grounded and full of possibility.

Kevin currently serves as Apple TV’s lead host for Major League Soccer, a role shaped by more than two decades of on-air experience. His career includes a three-year run with WWE as the first non–North American voice to front Monday Night Raw and Friday Night SmackDown. This summer, he’s Atlanta’s World Cup Host City Ambassador.

For Kevin, the best part of the job is clear.

“I think it’s the fact that I’m wearing a genuine smile on my face whenever I’m at work. My role as Apple TV’s host for MLS is my absolute dream job, and it only helps that I’m on air with some of my dearest friends. We spend most of the day laughing!”

That passion comes through in the way he talks about the sport.

“I’m so invested in the growth of our global game here in the US, and the trajectory Major League Soccer is on is undeniable. In December our 2025 season wrapped up with Lionel Messi winning MLS Cup, David Beckham with us on our broadcast desk, and the world watching it all play out. Just shy of five million people tuned in, and it was such an honor to host such a memorable broadcast.”

Roswell wasn’t always on the radar, but the timing aligned both personally and professionally.

“We hit the jackpot finding Roswell! My wife Meg and I were living in Miami for almost four years, when we decided to make the move, for personal and professional reasons. We had just become parents, and living on the 21st floor of a high-rise wasn’t exactly ideal with a baby!”

Atlanta also made sense for work. Kevin was already calling Atlanta United matches and had plans to begin covering soccer on CNN International.

What’s kept the family here goes beyond geography.

“Honestly I love it all, but if I was to hone in on one thing, I’d say community. There’s such a lovely collaborative zest and spirit for community where we live. Our kids are so lucky with the teachers they have, and our friends and neighbors are just the best.”

He’s already settled into a few local go-to spots.

“Meg and I love a cheeky little brunch date when the kids are at school, and for that we usually go to Fellows!” Kevin says. Milton’s Cuisine and Cocktails is a favorite for dinner, while Mac McGee's and the Olde Blind Dog satisfy his love for Guinness beer. Burn Bootcamp has also become a staple, offering workouts, childcare, and a strong sense of community the family values.

This summer, Atlanta steps onto the world stage as the World Cup arrives, and Kevin believes it’s something everyone should welcome.

"It’s by far and away the biggest event on the planet, and we’re about to have over 500,000 fans come to Atlanta to party! The fun, the flair, and the flavor of each and every culture will be a joy to behold. Dive in and enjoy. We’ve got eight games in Atlanta, including a World Cup semifinal!"

Looking ahead, Kevin is focused on balancing both family life and a packed professional season.

“Our kids are at such beautiful ages, where Momma and Dadda are their best friends! This is what I want to savor every single day.”

Another new chapter is unfolding at the perfect moment.

"Meg and I are officially co-owners of a new pub, The Irish Exit, coming to downtown Atlanta in the heart of Centennial Yards, just steps from Mercedes Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena. It will offer a proper pint of Guinness, craft cocktails, and modern Irish hospitality. I’m thrilled to be on this journey with my friend and fellow Roswell local, Pierce White, in collaboration with The Dead Rabbit group out of NYC."

It's a fitting extension of the life Kevin and his family have built in Roswell.

You can follow Kevin on Instagram, Threads, and X at @Kev_Egan, connect with him on LinkedIn, or book him as an emcee.

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