Patrick was born and raised in Lakeland, Florida. He started his working career with Publix Supermarkets and then transitioned into retail management with The Home Depot where he worked for the next 15 years. After The Home Depot, Fulbright has had several entrepreneur endeavors and a successful career as an educator as Professor of Business, Finance and Entrepreneurship at Savannah College of Art and Design. Before joining UGA SBDC, Patrick was instrumental in the development of a multi-inspection firm and real estate school teaching realtors in continued educational classes to be better realtors. Patrick is married where his spouse works for Walton Communities and has two fantastic adult children, Winston (SCAD graduate) working in graphic design and Emma (UGA graduate) working as an first grade teacher. Patrick is an avid woodworker, antique collector and outdoorsman.

Education

• Bachelor of Science (Business Administration), Florida Southern College
• Master of Business Administration, Kennesaw State University
• Doctorate of Philosophy ABD, Trident University International

Experience

Patrick brings over 30 years of business experience to the UGA SBDC. Prior to joining the SBDC, Patrick spent 10 years working for Publix Supermarkets, Inc in management and Expense Accounting. Patrick left Publix to join The Home Depot and spent the next 15 years working in retail management, logistic, store operations and as a merchant/buyer for import and domestic goods. Leaving The Home Depot, Patrick has started and sold and developed several Entrepreneur endeavors. Before joining the SBDC, Patrick was Professor of Business, Finance and Entrepreneurship at Savannah College of Art and Design. Patrick brings extensive knowledge in retail management, along with significant experience in human resources, personnel management, marketing, logistics and entrepreneurship. Patrick has served as a board member of ArtsNow and served as Commissioner for the City of Kennesaw Zoning and Planning board. Patrick has received many awards with Publix, The Home Depot and SCAD. One of his cherished award is the 2017 Max award with Berkshire Hathaway Luxury Home Division for Outstanding Marketing Campaign developed in concert with students from SCAD awarded by Georgia State University.

Patrick earned his undergraduate degree in Personnel Management from Florida Southern College, his Masters of Business Administration from Coles College of Business at Kennesaw State University and currently is working on his dissertation for his PhD in Educational Leadership from Trident University. Patrick has received significant training in management, leadership, human resources, finance and entrepreneurship that he has utilized to start and grow his own successful companies which culminates in the skills and experiences he now brings to the UGA SBDC.

Accomplishments

• Eagle Scout
• Boy Scouts of America Scoutmaster
• Graduate with Honors – MBA Coles College of Business
• Value Award – The Home Depot
• Max Award – Georgia State – Robinson College of Business

Molly came onboard as the UGA SBDC Gainesville Program Coordinator in May 2017. Molly is originally from Augusta, Georgia where she participated in Youth Leadership Columbia County. Seeing the integral role the Chamber of Commerce played in her community as well as being employed by small businesses provided her with insight to the value of small business in Georgia. She is a graduate from the University of North Georgia in Dahlonega where she was actively involved in student activities developing the skills necessary to thrive in public service.

Prior to the Small Business Development Center, Molly gained experience in social media marketing while employed with small businesses in both Hall and Lumpkin counties. She values the culture and community found in the Northeast Georgia mountains. Her familiarity and love for Northeast Georgia assists her in her role as liaison to the 13 counties served by the Gainesville Office of the SBDC.

Education

• B.A. in Communications (Concentration: Organizational Leadership , Minor: Spanish Language)

Experience

• UGA SBDC (Program Coordinator)
• TAP Pest Control Insulation (Marketing Associate)