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About
Let's Spill The Beans
Your Brand Partner
Better Beans was founded in 2016 to address the clear need for a turnkey provider in interior design, construction, and brand design. Over the past 8 years, we have helped 400 locations receive design, build, or branding services.
Our comprehensive solutions unlock the full potential of your space and brand. With over 20 years of experience in owning, operating, and transforming childcare businesses, we understand what it takes to bring both your facility and your brand to the next level. From concept to completion, we manage every detail, creating a seamless and cohesive visual experience that tells your story.
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timeline
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Thad Joiner
Chief Executive Officer, Managing Partner
Hometown: Lilburn, GA
Lives in: Duluth, GA
Favorite Bean: Coffee Bean
Thad, a Gwinnett County, Georgia native, lives there with his wife, Emily, and their two children, Trace and Mia. He served in the United States Marine Corps Reserves while attending Valdosta State University. At just 21, Thad founded TS Express and purchased his first restaurant, which he sold to partners after a successful year. After moving back to Atlanta in 1997, he joined The Winston Group, a Golden Corral franchise, where he opened seven locations over nine years and earned multiple awards, including the National Sales Volume Increase award three times.
Neel Sengupta
Director of Sales, Managing Partner
Hometown: New York
Lives in: Lilburn, GA
Favorite Bean: Garbanzo Bean
Neel brings 30 years of experience across hospitality, operations consulting, and preschool management, making him a valuable asset at Better Beans. His entrepreneurial background enhances his understanding of client needs and the owner’s mindset. With extensive experience in customer flow and interaction, Neel has nurtured thousands of relationships and led numerous remodels and construction projects in various environments, including restaurants, schools, and airport concessions. He lives with his wife, Amy, an operations manager in higher education, and their daughters, Maya and Grace.
Jordan Woodruff
Vice President of Design, Partner
Hometown: Wichita, KS
Lives in: Athens, GA
Favorite Bean: Jelly Bean
Jordan’s passion for design shines through from the start of every project, leaving a lasting impact. With nearly 20 years of experience, she excels in both residential and commercial design, working across sectors such as hospitality, preschools, healthcare, and custom luxury homes. Jordan thrives on translating business owners' visions into compelling designs and managing construction with meticulous attention to detail. When she’s not crafting renderings, she’s busy being a mom to Denley and Ivy and the wife of world-traveling classical guitarist Dusty Woodruff.
Better Beans Branding has one mission: to make it happen. We handle every stage of your remodeling and branding project because we know we do it best. Our turnkey approach integrates interior design, construction, branding, and signage services to ensure a cohesive and efficient process from start to finish.
Our process is simple. Better Beans deploys a team of designers, brand developers, and project managers to dive into your space and gather the real story behind your brand. Within 2-3 months, we deliver a knockout presentation called "Spill the Beans," showcasing a comprehensive design concept that sets the stage for your brand’s future. After that, we fine-tune the final scope with you and hit the ground running to bring your vision to life. From design to execution, we’ve got your back at every step.
The results speak for themselves: our clients have experienced increased brand value through improved enrollment rates, improved staff retention, and seamless scalability for future growth. Our strategic solutions not only enhance your brand’s identity but also drive tangible business outcomes that support long-term success.
Better Beans designs spaces where every detail enhances the way people experience your brand. Leading the entire design process—from spatial and floor planning to executing the architectural and MEP phases—we ensure your space flows and functions at its best. Our design team curates each interior design aspect to create a cohesive, engaging space that works for your needs.
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As previous preschool operators ourselves, we understand what it takes to build spaces that truly work. We guide you through every step of the construction process, making sure your vision is executed with precision. Whether it’s your 1st or 50th location, we’re your partner in growth, ensuring each space supports your brand and future expansion.
We believe your brand story is the foundation of your strategy for growth. Whether you are in need of a new brand or looking to elevate your existing one, our signage and graphics services will provide a visual path to success. From identity design to environmental graphic design in your space, we ensure your brand presence is known consistently across your locations.
our Services
meet the Beans
Kaitlyn Telfor
Office Manager, Designer
Hometown: Detroit, MI
Lives in: Atlanta, GA
Favorite Bean: Black Beans
Growing up, Kaitlyn always shared a love for design. When she had the opportunity to attend college out of state to study Interior Design, she took it with no hesitation. While in school, she interned in Atlanta and ended up falling in love with the city’s design diversity. After graduation, she decided to further pursue her career in Atlanta and has worked in both residential and commercial design.
In her free time, Kaitlyn enjoys going to the gym, listening to music, and finding new restaurants.
Curt Williams
Construction Coordinator
Hometown: McDonough, GA
Lives in: McDonough, GA
Favorite Bean: Black-Eyed Peas
Curt has always valued the importance of hard work and dedication. This is evident in his professional background, where he’s gained experience in various fields, including upkeep and maintenance operations for natural gas and owning a 14-unit childcare company. Curt’s extensive experience allows him to connect with clients on a deeper level, as he understands the complexities of different operational processes. What truly motivates Curt about his work is witnessing the final results of a project come together.
Outside of work, Curt enjoys spending quality time with his family and cheering on his favorite baseball team, the Atlanta Braves. When he needs a moment of peach, you can find him casting a line on the lake in search of the perfect catch.
Camryn Rogers
Project Manager
Hometown: Kennesaw, GA
Lives in: Kennesaw, GA
Favorite Bean: Black Eyed Peas
Camryn grew up in Kennesaw, Georgia, spending most of her time at the softball fields. She graduated from the University of Georgia with degrees in Marketing and Management Information Systems, where she discovered her passion for the intersection of creativity and technology in business.
Outside of work, Camryn enjoys catching up on her favorite books, spending time with family and friends, and cheering on the Dawgs!
Christiann Bramble
Office Coordinator
Hometown: St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
Lives in: Atlanta, GA
Favorite Bean: Vanilla Bean
Hailing from the U.S. Virgin Islands, Christiann has always had a deep love for baseball. His passion for the game kept him close to it, eventually leading him to photography and videography through his media business, NeXup Baseball. From a young age, Christiann has embraced creativity—whether through writing, photography or simply being himself.
At Better Beans, Christiann channels his creativity by producing visuals that showcase the innovative work of the team. In addition to being part of the creative team, he takes his talents on-site, working hands-on with the install team to bring projects to life.
Outside of work, Christiann coaches baseball, sharing his knowledge with the next generation. A lifelong fan of the Chicago Cubs, his love for the team began at the age of five while watching WGN with his dad. When he's not working or immersed in America’s favorite pastime, Christiann enjoys walking and spending quality time with family and friends.
Niasia Ferguson
Interior Designer
Hometown: Lynchburg, VA
Lives in: Atlanta, GA
Favorite Bean: Vanilla Bean
Niasia began developing her interest in design and other creative outlets at a young age, primarily fashion design. One would either find her designing new clothing lines, perfecting her drawing and painting skills, or, more often than not, rearranging her bedroom furniture at 3 am. It wasn’t until later on, when she began binge-watching HGTV with her mom, that Niasia rediscovered her love for design and shifted her focus to interiors. Her real passion is in helping clients create beautiful and functional interiors that will serve them for years to come. When not living in her dream design world, she enjoys cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs as a proud UGA alum, spending great quality time with her friends and family, and getting her hands on a new design book.
Keira Douget
Sr. Project Manager
Hometown: Atlanta, GA
Lives in: Atlanta, GA
Favorite Bean: Robusta Coffee Bean
Keira has a diverse background, working on projects from Atlanta to Prague, where she immerses herself in new cultures to find innovative solutions that align with everyone’s vision. Her passion for transforming ideas into reality began as a child when she redecorated her room, discovering that all it takes is a clear vision and the discipline to execute it. Now, while she tackles larger projects, Keira brings her creative, optimistic, and determined energy to every collaboration, recognizing that by working with others, she can help turn shared visions into reality while realizing her own.
Vince Williams
Signage & Production, Lead Installer
Hometown: Germany
Lives in: Norcross, GA
Favorite Bean: Black Beans
Vince was born in Germany and raised in Colorado, Kansas, and Georgia. After graduating from Savannah State University, he started shadowing a master installer his first year. Over the years, he has continued to help Better Beans “make it happen” in the signage department.
When he’s not working, Vince loves to spend time with his wife, two sons, and a dog. He also loves the outdoors and being in nature.
Lyndsey Ward
Brand Developer
Hometown: Frisco City, AL
Lives in: Atlanta, GA
Favorite Bean: Butter Bean
From the start, it was evident that Lyndsey thrived by thinking differently and moving to her own beat. Aside from her childhood love of telling stories and creating new visions with her fashion plates, Lyndsey’s first serious creative outlet was photography. Her first camera was only 4 megapixels, but she continued to grow in skill and love of photography and moved on to 35mm film cameras and beyond. This creative passion led Lyndsey to a degree in fine art, starting her own photography business, and later a master's in graphic design.
When Lyndsey isn’t photographing or creating design solutions, she can be found spending time with her dog, Zuzu, or relaxing with a new embroidery project. She also loves to travel, explore new places, and meet new people whenever she can.
Steve Dyer
Director of Construction
Hometown: Acworth, GA
Lives in: Acworth, GA
Favorite Bean: Cool Beans
Steve’s love of all things construction began in 1981, and ever since he’s thrived on transforming blueprints into breathtaking realities. The thrill of overcoming challenges and witnessing projects come to life fuels his fire.
Steve has been married to his wife Donna for over 33 years and has two sons, Stevey and Scotty, as well as 4 grandchildren that keep him busy in his free time. A true Georgia Bulldogs devotee, you’ll rarely find Steve without a UGA shirt proudly on display. Go Dawgs!
James Andrews
Project Coordinator
Hometown: Roswell, GA
Lives in: Atlanta, GA
Favorite Bean: Black Beans
James is homegrown in Roswell, Georgia, where he takes immense pride in his family and community. Raised with the values of sweet Southern culture, he thrives on building relationships face-to-face, making customer interaction his specialty.
He studied Environmental Economics at UGA to learn obsessively about how to incorporate sustainability into any area of life. James strives to always take an efficient, balanced, and durable approach in business as well as in his personal life.
KatieLea Conwell
Chief Systems Officer, Partner
Hometown: Austin, TX
Lives in: Atlanta, GA
Favorite Bean: Mexican Jumping Bean
KatieLea discovered her passion for collaboration in 5th grade while creating a story about a magical dog, igniting her excitement for brainstorming with others. Though her projects have shifted from whimsical tales to managing creative endeavors, she brings the same enthusiasm to every task. While she enjoys diving into algorithms and automation, her true passion lies in strategizing with teams to streamline complex processes and enhance efficiency, ensuring that every creative project runs smoothly from start to finish. With her knack for collaboration, KatieLea turns challenges into opportunities for innovation.
Leah Wirtz
Chief Operating Officer, Partner
Hometown: Gadsden, AL
Lives in: Atlanta, GA
Favorite Bean: Lima Bean
While Leah has always had an artistic flair-she has a love of community theatre and marching band, her career has developed from broadcast news to consultancy and project management, eventually finding her way back to her first love: design. She has a passion for creating a well-thought-out environment that accomplishes her clients’ needs as well as showcases their crafted aesthetic. Given her diverse background, Leah provides a unique perspective on the design process with her experience in corporate settings and medical and financial interiors. When not in the studio, you can most likely find Leah gardening or lost in a book.
Savannah Fernald
Director of Brand Development
Hometown: Alpharetta, GA
Lives in: Atlanta, GA
Favorite Bean: Vanilla Bean
Growing up with a love for drawing, Savannah has cultivated her artistic passions and gone on to pursue graphic design, branding, editorial design, and illustration. Savannah’s love for design has shown through a number of projects in a range of industries such as fashion, law, restaurant, and non-profit. Whenever she is taking on a project, Savannah likes to strategize new ways to rework the problem at hand and use design as a solution. Most of all, Savannah enjoys using design as a platform to share stories behind brands and people in a compelling and universal way. Whenever she is in need of some inspiration, Savannah enjoys hiking in North Georgia, mastering a new yoga pose, or consulting a new book.