Welcome to the Sugar Hill Business Alliance

President

Alan Sell, CFP®, is a seasoned financial advisor with nearly a decade of experience in the industry. As a Certified Financial Planner® professional and fiduciary, he is committed to providing his clients with unbiased, high-quality financial advice.

Alan holds degrees in Finance and Latin from the University of Georgia, where he also had the honor of playing as a fullback for the UGA football team. Alan's journey in the financial sector began under the mentorship of a former hedge fund manager, where he honed his skills in investment management. Before starting his own firm, he served as the Chief Compliance Officer and lead portfolio manager at his previous company.

In 2022, Alan established Polaris Asset Management, LLC, a firm dedicated to offering comprehensive financial planning and investment management services. At Polaris, he specializes in using sophisticated hedge-fund style techniques to optimize client portfolios. Importantly, he does not sell commission-based products such as life insurance or annuities, reducing conflicts of interest and helping him make recommendations that are in the best interest of his clients.

On a personal note, Alan is married to his wonderful wife, Jill, and they have four amazing kids. Outside of work, Alan enjoys Crossfit, drumming, and playing sports with his children. He is also a coffee enthusiast, always on the lookout for a great brew.

Vice President

Dr. Caren Carney serves as the Treasurer of the Sugar Hill Business Alliance, where she helps support the growth and collaboration of local businesses. A resident of Sugar Hill since 2016, Caren is actively involved in the community and values contributing to its continued development.

Caren earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Louisiana State University and has been a practicing Veterinarian since 2007. She is the owner of Vets Off Leash, a mobile veterinary practice that brings in-home care to pets and their families in Sugar Hill and surrounding areas. Her services include wellness exams, vaccinations, minor illness treatment, and chronic disease management, with a focus on reducing stress for both pets and their owners. She is also a fear-free certified practitioner, committed to low-stress, compassionate care.

In addition to her local veterinary work, Caren is the founder of Holiday Vet, a veterinary relief and recruiting company that supports animal hospitals across the country by connecting them with skilled veterinarians.

Caren has previously served as both President and Vice President of the White Oak Elementary PTA, and continues to participate in local events and initiatives.

Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends.

Secretary

Jesse Nelson is the Secretary of the Sugar Hill Business Alliance and the Owner of Simpleman Digital Marketing. With years of experience in local SEO and online marketing, Jesse brings a hands-on approach and entrepreneurial spirit to the Sugar Hill community. His work focuses on building connections among local businesses while empowering them with a strong online presence.

As the founder of Simpleman Digital Marketing in 2018, Jesse leads a boutique agency dedicated to helping brick-and-mortar and service-based companies get found on Google. By incorporating AI strategies, face-to-face collaboration, and personalized tactics, Simpleman Digital Marketing has earned multiple “Best of Forsyth” awards from 2022 to 2025. The company prides itself on delivering real, measurable growth that aligns with each client’s unique goals.

In both roles, Jesse is passionate about supporting small businesses, fostering community partnerships, and creating new opportunities for growth in Sugar Hill. He and his wife, Alex, along with their three children and new puppy Lucy, love calling this area home. When he’s not busy guiding clients’ digital strategies or organizing local events, you can find him staying active with CrossFit or enjoying family fun around town. 

Jesse strives to cultivate an environment where every business can rise together—reflecting the idea that “a high tide lifts all boats.”

Treasurer

Sugar Hill community leader, entrepreneur, and trusted business professional

Sergio Paz has spent the last 10 years helping individuals, families, and business owners navigate some of life’s most important financial and professional decisions. As the founder of Paz Enterprise Services and creator of Evolve Coworking, Sergio has built a reputation for providing reliable, bilingual, and community focused services with a personal touch.

Through his businesses, Sergio offers a wide range of solutions including tax preparation, bookkeeping, insurance services, financial guidance, real estate assistance, and professional coworking spaces designed to support entrepreneurs and small businesses in the growing Sugar Hill area.

Beyond business, Sergio is passionate about giving back to the community by supporting local entrepreneurs, helping families better understand their finances, creating opportunities for small business growth, and providing resources that empower people to succeed. His mission has always been simple, to make professional services more accessible, trustworthy, and personalized for the community he proudly serves.

With a decade of experience and a strong commitment to excellence, Sergio continues to grow businesses that not only provide services but also create lasting impact throughout the community.