Local businesses are truly the backbone of our East Cobb community. And for the past 26 years, the EAST COBBER has had a strong partnership with the local business community of which we are part. Since we are not publishing a May edition, the EAST COBBER wants to continue to remind readers of our advertisers’ long-standing relevance to the East Cobb community by posting their business profiles on our social media platforms.
HELENE NELMS, VICE PRESIDENT OF HIGH TOUCH HIGH TECH
Job title: Vice President
Year founded: 1994
Website: http://www.sciencemadefunatl.net
What does your business do?
For 25 years High Touch High Tech’s degreed professionals have been turning children onto science in Greater Atlanta Elementary and Middle Schools with our unique hands on science programs that meet Georgia Standards of Excellence. We facilitate a 90 minute “hands on” interactive science lesson. The students conduct the actual experiments themselves. We proudly call it, “eduatainment”!
During the summer, those same degreed professionals put on week-long science/stem camps in multiple Metro Atlanta cities, as well as individual programs at Day Care Centers. We also conduct science birthday parties and special events. We currently employ 8 teachers, although COVID19 hit us hard and we are desperately trying to survive the impact of school closings.
Why did you start your business?
I was a teacher for the founder of High Touch High Tech in FL, Daniel Shaw, when he began selling franchises and I loved what I did so much I convinced my parents to buy a franchise with me and we have been partners ever since. My parents, Richard and Dianne have been the best partners anyone could have asked for!
What is your favorite part of your business?
The best part of the business is getting to work along side my fellow teachers who devote their lives to exciting children about science and seeing kids faces light up actually conducting our experiments. We have taught over 2,000,000 Atlanta children during our 25 years in business.
Tell us about your family (spouse, kids, pet):
I am married 20 years to Adam Nelms, native of GA. We met when I moved to GA to start the business after teaching for the founder in FL. Adam and I are blessed with three busy teenagers all attending Pope High School next school year. We are a very sports minded family and my children have all participated in both rec and travel ball growing up. Between all three of them I think we have played every sport. We have lived in Marietta their whole life and love our community. We had a dog named Chelsea and when she passed we rescued a cat name Oreo who is currently 8 years old. I count my blessings every day.
How are you passing your time during the COVID crisis?
I have balanced my COVID19 time between my family and my business. Our dedicated teachers have put together virtual school lessons and virtual camp to move forward during this pandemic. Between assisting them, I have gone on numerous bike rides and walks with the family, learned how to play poker and gin rummy, started many bon fires, painted rooms in our house and other odd jobs, read many books and of course binge watched a few shows, lol etc.
Where were you born? Florida
What are your hobbies/interests outside of your business?
Raising three kids my hobbies and interests centered around their school and sports while juggling a business but when I found a rare moment to myself, I love to read and jog/walk. I also cherish my vtime with with family, my parents and getting together with good friends.
Favorite quote:
“It ain’t over till it’s over” Yogi Berra 1973
I especially like this quote now for all struggling small businesses as a beacon of hope to not give up. Yogi’s team were a long way from winning the pennant race and they rallied to win the division title.
