Faces Behind the Places
Spotlighting the People Who Make Madison County Thrive
Every business has a story, and every organization is powered by people who are passionate about what they do. The Faces Behind the Places is a Madison County Chamber initiative designed to highlight the incredible Chamber member businesses, organizations, and individuals who help shape our community each and every day.
Through short videos, business spotlights, behind-the-scenes tours, and conversations with local leaders, this series gives our community the opportunity to learn more about the people behind the storefronts, offices, nonprofits, farms, industries, and services that make Madison County unique.
Whether you are a longtime business owner, a growing startup, a nonprofit organization, or an industry leader, we want to help tell your story.
Interested in Participating?
We would love the opportunity to connect with you and showcase the incredible work happening throughout Madison County.
Contact the Madison County Chamber to schedule your feature today.
Meet Alisa Hutchins with Hutchins Financial Harmony
Behind every successful business is a person with a passion for serving others, and that is exactly what makes Alisa Hutchins of Hutchins Financial Harmony such a wonderful feature in our Faces Behind the Places series. As a QuickBooks ProAdvisor with 17 years of hands-on accounting experience at the University of Georgia, Alisa now uses her expertise to provide dependable bookkeeping support for therapists, nonprofits, and service-based professionals. Her heart for helping organizations create financial clarity and stability is rooted in a genuine desire to help others thrive behind the scenes. Through The Faces Behind the Places, we are proud to highlight not only the services our members provide, but also the incredible people and stories that make their businesses meaningful to our community. We invite you to watch Alisa’s full sit-down interview at the Madison County Chamber office to learn more about her journey, her mission, and the “why” behind Hutchins Financial Harmony.
Click her photo to watch her Faces Behind the Places feature and learn more about her story.
Meet Laurie Williams with H&R Block
With more than 15 years of experience in the tax industry, Laurie Williams of H&R Block has built her career around helping individuals and families navigate important financial decisions with confidence and care. As a Franchise Owner and Master Tax Advisor, Laurie brings both deep expertise and a genuine commitment to serving her clients well. Throughout her career with H&R Block, Laurie has continued to grow her knowledge and sharpen her skills through ongoing professional education, completing more than 32 hours of training annually. As an Enrolled Agent (EA), she specializes in retirement planning, investments, and farming income, helping clients better understand their finances and work toward their long-term goals. Beyond the credentials and experience, what truly stands out about Laurie is her heart for helping people feel supported during what can often be stressful financial seasons. Her thoughtful approach, attention to detail, and dedication to client success have made her a trusted resource for so many throughout our region.
Click her photo to watch her Faces Behind the Places feature and learn more about her story.
Meet Katie Peeler with Front Porch Marketing
Katie Peeler is the owner of Front Porch Marketing and a North Georgia native with more than 10 years of experience in digital marketing. Based in Athens with her family, Katie is deeply rooted in the community she serves and is passionate about helping local small businesses grow through authentic connection and thoughtful digital strategy.
With expertise in social media advertising, organic content creation, web design, and SEO, Katie helps businesses strengthen their online presence and turn digital engagement into real customer relationships. She has partnered with a wide range of industries including HVAC, plumbing, roofing, real estate, home building, boutiques, and other service-based businesses across Northeast Georgia.
Front Porch Marketing was built to give small business owners a more personal, approachable alternative to large marketing agencies. Katie focuses on building genuine relationships with her clients, offering hands-on support, and simplifying the often overwhelming world of digital marketing so business owners can confidently show up online and reach the customers they’re meant to serve.
When she is not working with clients, Katie enjoys time at local Athens restaurants and community events, as well as time at the lake or in the mountains with her husband and their two young children.
Click her photo to watch her Faces Behind the Places feature and learn more about her story.
Meet Taryn Maddox with Kingdom Destinations
Taryn Maddox is a travel advisor with Kingdom Destinations and a Colbert, Georgia native who specializes in multi-generational family cruises and creating meaningful, memory-filled travel experiences. She is passionate about helping families plan trips that bring people together, with a focus on thoughtful details, seamless planning, and unforgettable moments from start to finish.
With a love for travel planning and a talent for organizing the little details that make a big difference, Taryn helps clients turn dream vacations into reality. Her favorite destination is Jamaica, and she enjoys working with families who are looking to create experiences that will be remembered for years to come. Her expertise and excitement for the planning process allow her to take the stress out of travel so her clients can simply enjoy the journey.
Kingdom Destinations allows Taryn to do what she loves most, helping others create lifelong memories through travel while also working from home and homeschooling her three daughters. She values the flexibility and purpose her career provides, blending family life with a passion for helping others experience the joy of travel.
When she is not planning vacations for clients, Taryn enjoys reading and karaoke, and she can often be found daydreaming about her next theme park treat, hot butterbeer and Nutella waffles among her favorites.
Click her photo to watch her Faces Behind the Places feature and learn more about her story.