Edward Cates is the CEO and Managing Partner of Nuance Marketing based in Atlanta, GA. He is also Co-Founder and CEO of FluidTech Products/WaterDawg, a consumer electronics company that manufactures Waterproof and ruggedized devices for smartphones and tablets. Prior to becoming an entrepreneur, Cates served as the Director of Marketing & Communications for an electronic security, fire, life safety & project management firm that was one of the largest minority owned businesses in the country. During his time as Director, Cates led the marketing activities of the company supporting annual revenue growth from $45 to 100 million. With 10 years at Bank of America as a Vice President, Cates developed expertise in consumer and commercial banking, training, public relations, executive events management, multicultural marketing, supplier diversity and business communications. A graduate of Emporia State University in Kansas, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication with a minor in political science and served on their Alumni Board of Directors. Prior to his senior year of college, Cates served as a White House Intern in the Office of Advance & Scheduling during the Clinton administration. Cates has also served as an executive board member of the Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council and founding board member of the Georgia Women’s Business Council. As a writer Cates' articles have been published in several national magazines on a variety of topics related to business, politics, and supplier diversity. He has been a contributing writer to Savoy Magazine since 2010 interviewing a variety of celebrities including; Soledad O'Brian, Idris Elba, Hill Harper, Steve Harvey, Iyanla Vanzant, DeVon Franklin, Dr. Michael Eric Dyson and an assortment of executives. In 2009, The National Council of Asian American Business Associations recognized Cates with the “Minority Business Advocate of the Year” award. Additional affiliations include the National Association of Black Journalists and the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.