We’ve assembled a team of well-established and highly experienced financial professionals. It has given us the ability to address every aspect of our clients’ financial needs. And by limiting the number of clients we serve, it allows us to offer an uncommon level of service and maintain our unwavering focus on helping to create quality financial solutions.
This is what we bring to the table – and what will ultimately bring you to us. If you are an individual seeking seasoned financial guidance and the comfort of working with an experienced group of advisors who call Chattanooga home, we welcome the opportunity to sit down together. Main Office: 1200 Premier Drive, Suite 100 •
Photographed at Ruby Falls
We’re local bankers, but we’re huge UTC fans. Our FirstBank Power C Card shows your loyalty is fully backed by your bank. Get the debit card that’s sure to start pre-game talk with every transaction.
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Resting on the cliff-edge of Lookout Mountain, McLemore delivers a golf experience unlike any other. With cascading waterfalls, ancient boulders, and sweeping mountain vistas, every hole offers both a challenge and a stunning view. Come discover a course where nature and design unite in perfect harmony.
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CAILEY MULLINIX EASTERLY
Co-Publisher
“SUCCESS IS NOT FINAL, FAILURE IS NOT FATAL: IT IS THE COURAGE TO CONTINUE THAT COUNTS.” WINSTON CHURCHILL
Chattanooga’s business community boasts long-standing, family-owned companies, large corporations, and startups fresh to the scene. With the world’s fastest internet, access to rail, water, and major highways, and business-friendly policies, opportunities for entrepreneurs and companies abound.
In the 2025 CityScope® magazine Annual Business Issue, local business leaders and owners as well as community leaders share with us the dedication and innovative spirit that drive their day-to-day and fuel their success. Beginning with our article “Milestones,” we showcase local companies who are celebrating quarterly anniversaries from 25 to 125 years. The feature “Passing the Reins” also highlights upstanding businesses while shedding light on the second generation of family leadership for five local companies. More business spotlights can be found in the articles “Outdoor Companies Thrive in the Scenic City” as well as “Calling Chattanooga Home,” which highlight the many ways our city’s offerings promote successful business pursuits.
This issue also features sage advice from many of our area’s leaders. Read on for tips covering everything from “Empowering Employees” to the importance of “Connecting with the Community.” Also included, experts discuss how to distinguish your business from the competition as well as provide guidance on developing your leadership skills.
Not to be missed are insights on industries and trends. “Where We Gather” spotlights local public marketplaces and their impact on our economy, while “Talking Tourism with Top Players” gives a glimpse into the importance of tourism for our city. In the same vein, “Staying on Top of Trends” highlights how local experts navigate the ever-changing marketing landscape, and in “The Cutting Edge,” companies share how they are leveraging the latest in innovation.
We hope you enjoy this annual issue and join us in celebrating the many unique individuals and companies that make up our area. May you find this issue to be informative, uplifting, and provide you with inspiration for all your professional pursuits.
Happy reading,
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Learn more at UnumGroup.com.
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“I know the importance of surrounding yourself with people who bring both skill and heart to the table.”
Amanda Jelks
Financial Perspectives
196 From Predictive Models to Prediction Markets Analyzing the Benefits of a Market-Based Approach
Ken Jones is one of the many accomplished leaders highlighted in this year’s Annual Business Issue .
Photo by Vityl Media
Publisher George Mullinix
Co-Publisher Cailey Mullinix Easterly
Sales & Business
Development
Sales & New Business
Amanda Worley
Development Meredith McNeeley
Design Lead, Sr. Graphic Designer
Lauren Robinson
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Editors Kristen Dee Tory Irmeger
Editors/Digital
Content Specialists Lindsey Clute Ali Lemmons
Director of Digital Marketing
Ruth Kaiser De Backer
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Marketing, Events, & Operations Laci Lanier Jackson
Photographers
Hacker Medias Kristina Armstrong
Rich Smith Vityl Media
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LEADING THE WAY FOR OUR REGION.
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CHATTANOOGA
Companies
“Whenever you see a successful business, someone once made a courageous decision.”
- Peter F.
Drucker
Milestones
Every success story begins with inspired individuals willing to work to bring their ideas to life, and each year, a new lineup of companies celebrates anniversaries that exemplify a vision come true. From companies reaching their first milestone to those with centuries-old roots in the city, an anniversary year allows time to reflect on where they started and look forward to where this trajectory of success will take them. Here, we highlight the stories of five local companies celebrating milestone anniversaries from 25 years to 125.
BY RACHEL STUDEBAKER
25 Y E A R S
3H Group
Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year is 3H Group, a hospitality management and development company founded in 2000 by Hiren Desai, Harshad Shah, and Harshad Naik. What began with one hotel has grown to include nearly 40 properties, several brand partners, and a team of close to 1,000 employees, situating 3H Group as a prominent name in the hospitality industry.
Since its founding, the company’s vision has evolved to encompass more than just hospitality. 3H Group now also operates in real estate development and recently began manufacturing relevant products for its industries. One of the company’s biggest transitions took place in early 2022, when 3H Group allied with LBA Hospitality, a top hotel management group in the Southeast, allowing for further diversification. Among 3H Group’s accomplishments are developing first-ever hotels for new national and international brands and being recognized as developer of the year for top brands like Hilton, Marriott, and Hyatt.
“3H” stands for honest, hardworking, and hospitable, which Hiren Desai, president and CEO, says “are the pillars upon which 3H was founded, has grown, and continues to flourish.” These founding principles have seen the company through fluctuations in business over the years, such as during COVID-19, when guests were hesitant to travel. “We have endured and continued to be successful because of the quality of people on our team, as well as the strong relationships we’ve formed with lenders, vendors, partners, and customers,” says Desai.
A family-oriented culture is at the heart of 3H Group. Colleagues are treated like family, and the company currently has a team that has been with 3H Group for at least a decade, and for many employees, even longer. Shared values like teamwork and loyalty guide their business practices, and when curating the guest experience, Desai says he always follows the company motto: “We act like a guest and think like an owner.”
For Desai, it all comes back to the people, and he looks forward to celebrating those who have made 3H Group’s accomplishments possible this anniversary year, saying, “This 25th anniversary is a special milestone for us, and we look forward to celebrating with a surprise later this year to thank our employees for their hard work, great results, and dedication.”
Hiren Desai Photos
Chattanooga
Allergy Clinic
When Dr. Hyman Kaplan moved to Chattanooga and opened his clinic in 1975, he was making history. His business, Chattanooga Allergy Clinic (CAC), was the very first full-service allergy and immunology clinic in the city and was poised to meet the needs of a population dealing with the effects of an exceptionally high pollen count. Before, Chattanooga residents had to travel to Atlanta or Nashville to see an allergy specialist. Now, quality care was just around the corner.
Dr. Kaplan remained the only trained specialist in his field in Chattanooga for a decade, and worked to expand his practice. Since then, CAC has grown
from five employees and one location to more than 130 employees, six doubleboard-certified physicians, 11 nurse practitioners, and eight locations in the greater Chattanooga area. Drs. Marc Cromie, Todd Levin, Lee Perry, Jennifer Patel, and Jessica Van Mason join Dr. Kaplan in providing quality care and bring an empathetic perspective to their patients, as each of them suffered from asthma or allergies as a child.
CAC’s motto is “Helping You Live Life to the Fullest,” and its services strive to accomplish exactly that. The clinic prioritizes cutting-edge, compassionate care and seeks to increase the quality of its patients’ lives while reducing the need for emergency room visits and hospital admissions. CAC treats allergies, asthma, immunodeficiency, and food allergies as well as skin and sinus conditions in both pediatric and adult patients. Through it all, “our values
continue to include providing the best possible medical care with efficiency as conveniently and comfortably as possible,” shares Dr. Kaplan.
Over 50 years, CAC has witnessed and implemented many advancements in medical care. “The biggest successes include the introduction of up-to-date and advanced testing and treatments of allergic disease and immunologic deficiency,” says Dr. Kaplan. “We have seen huge advancements in medications for these illnesses as well as biologic agents giving relief not previously available.”
CAC has treated thousands of patients while maintaining the standard of care that Dr. Kaplan set from the beginning by treating each patient like family. As part of its 50th anniversary celebration, CAC plans to hold a public ceremony to formally rename its Lee Highway building in honor of Dr. Kaplan as the clinic upholds the legacy he continues to leave.
In 1942, Chattanooga local Garrison Siskin faced a life-threatening injury. Doctors had told him that his leg would need to be amputated, but Siskin prayed, pledging to dedicate his life to helping others if his leg was spared. Miraculously, his prayers were answered the next day. Siskin shared his pledge with his brother, Mose, who responded, “If it’s your promise, it’s my promise, and we’ll keep it together.”
The brothers made it their mission to serve their community and support individuals with disabilities. In 1950, they founded the Mose & Garrison Siskin Memorial Foundation and began funding a preschool for young children with physical disabilities and developmental delays, called Siskin Children’s Institute. In 2009, the Siskin Center for Developmental Pediatrics was launched at Siskin Children’s Institute to provide diagnostic, therapy, and support services to families navigating complex healthcare challenges in Tennessee and Georgia.
Today, the Siskin brothers’ inspiring legacy lives on at Siskin Children’s Institute, which has continued to grow its impact through the launch of feeding therapy and applied behavior analysis therapy programs and the opening of a clinic in Nashville.
“It is very unusual for a city the size of Chattanooga, TN, to have access to the developmental medicine and early intervention services offered at the Siskin Children’s Institute,” says CEO Don Mueller. “Over the last 75 years we have helped thousands of children achieve their full potential. We have built a comprehensive care team to address the needs of not only the children we serve, but their families as well.”
As a nonprofit, Siskin Children’s Institute is grateful for the philanthropic contributions that have allowed it to expand access to care. The institute is currently working to train specialists in the midst of a national shortage, and Mueller says this funding enables them to “bring more specialists on board, decrease wait times, and ensure that more children receive the care they need during these critical early years.”
“Siskin Children’s Institute has an unbelievable amount of regional and local community support that has enabled us to endure for more than 75 years. The Siskin family has remained involved throughout the years, and along with many dedicated community board and committee members, has helped steer Siskin Children’s Institute forward,” adds Mueller.
To celebrate 75 years of providing hope for children and families in the community, Siskin Children’s Institute will be hosting awareness events throughout the year as it remains dedicated to advancing access to care and making a difference in the region and beyond.
Don Mueller, FACHE
Mose and Garrison Siskin
Photos Courtesy of Siskin Children’s Institute
100
Lawson Electric Co.
One hundred years ago, Lawson Electric Co. opened its doors. The commercial and residential electrical service provider was founded in 1925 as Lawson & McCaslin Electric by Lester E. Lawson and Elmer McCaslin, who entered the industry at a perfect time – between 1925 and 1927, the use of electricity in Chattanooga increased by 31%. Taking advantage of this rapidly expanding trade, they began to grow their business. After McCaslin left the company in 1931, the name was changed to Lawson Electric Co.
The company has endured many historic events over the past century, including the Great Depression and World War II. During that time, Lawson Electric assisted with the Chattanooga campaign of the American Red Cross and helped raise $125,000 to support the war effort.
In the 1960s, under the leadership of Melvin Wilhoite, Lawson Electric Co. pioneered the introduction of electrical inspections in Hamilton County – one of four remaining counties in Tennessee without inspections. Wilhoite met with the Chattanooga Engineers Club regarding this issue and a committee was formed to request that the state provide the county with an inspector, efforts that paid off and set the foundation for today’s standards.
Lawson Electric Co. has since become one of Tennessee’s largest electrical contractors with an expansive portfolio of successful projects. The company has tackled projects big and small over the years, including installing LED lighting at Finley Stadium and working on the tallest peaks of the Tennessee Aquarium. Its team consists of more than 500 staff, and each electrician goes through a five-year apprenticeship. “We know the importance of a job well done and we take a lot of pride in our work. It’s something we instill in every individual on our team,” says current president, Bill Crawford.
As electrical technology has evolved, so has Lawson Electric Co. “We’re taking a long view on technology that focuses on renewable energy sources like solar and wind power and the desire by many of our customers to invest in new infrastructure and technology that integrates these resources. Solar panels, electric charging stations, and sustainability priorities are all pieces of our evolving industry,” shares Crawford.
A centennial anniversary is no small feat, and Crawford says the company is looking forward to celebrating. “We’re excited about our milestone year. It’s a time to share our history with our team members; however, it’s also a time for express our immense gratitude to clients who’ve been part of our success over the last hundred years.”
Photos Courtesy of Lawson Electric Co.
Bill Crawford
Lawson Electric Co. Team, 1939
Celebrating 100 years!
ELECTRICAL
Chattanooga Coca-Cola Bottling Company
These days, Coca-Cola is widely enjoyed from a can or bottle, but this wasn’t always the case. The iconic beverage was invented in 1886 by pharmacist Dr. John S. Pemberton in Atlanta, Georgia, and before it appeared in stores, was sold as a concentrated syrup to area drugstores to be mixed as a fountain drink. However, by the turn of the century, Coca-Cola would begin its ascent to the best-selling soft drink in the world, thanks to the efforts of two aspiring entrepreneurs.
Chattanooga attorneys Benjamin F. Thomas and Joseph B. Whitehead wanted to turn Coca-Cola into a bottled beverage and were determined to make it
happen. The summer of 1899, the men traveled to Atlanta for a meeting with Asa Candler, who had purchased the Coca-Cola Company seven years prior. Candler was skeptical that bottling Coca-Cola would be successful, but after much persuasion and persistence on behalf of the eager businessmen, he signed a contract granting exclusive bottling rights to Thomas and Whitehead.
To secure the capital needed to carry out their plan, Thomas and Whitehead partnered with colleague John Lupton, and that September, the very first Coca-Cola bottling plant in the world opened on Market Street in downtown Chattanooga. A couple months later, the Chattanooga Coca-Cola Bottling Company was chartered. The three businessmen developed a franchise bottling method, and bottled Coca-Cola began to be introduced across the country, and soon, the world.
Demand for bottled Coca-Cola began to boom. In 1931, the company moved to a new facility on Broad Street, and by 1937, was producing more than 1 million cases per year – compared to 22,000 in
1904. The plant moved once again in 1970 to its current location on Amnicola Highway, and in 2016 added a $67 million distribution center and regional headquarters on West Shepherd Road.
Today, Chattanooga Coca-Cola Bottling Co. produces 37 million cases annually and employs more than 500 people who work to manufacture, sell, and distribute the company’s brands in Hamilton County and North Georgia. Beyond Coca-Cola, the company also bottles brands such as Sprite, Dasani, Powerade, and Minute Maid. It operates under Alabama-based Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED, which bought the business in 1926 and remains the thirdlargest bottler of Coca-Cola in the world.
Chattanooga Coca-Cola Bottling Co. reached an impressive 125 years in business last year and held a 125-day-long celebration with its associates and communities. Honoring its storied past while looking to the future, the company stands ready to refresh customers for another 125 years to come.
(Left) Photo Courtesy of Chattanooga Public Library, (Right) Photos Courtesy of Chattanooga Coca-Cola
Passing the Reins
Companies in Their Second Generation of Leadership
PHOTOGRAPHY BY HACKER MEDIAS
Handing over the reins to the next generation is a defining moment for any family business. Here, we chat with five locals carrying on their family legacy to find out what motivated them to join, the biggest challenges and advantages, and how they preserve the company’s legacy while bringing fresh ideas to the table.
Stacy Beaty
President, Beaty Fabricating, Inc.
What motivated you to join the family business, and how did you prepare for the leadership transition?
I was working a job that I hated and going to college at night trying to earn a degree in engineering. Not sure which one I hated more – where I was working at the time or school. My dad said, “Look, if you’ll take a welding course, then you can start helping me full time.” I took a welding course at Cleveland State Community College, and in six months, I began working with my dad. When I started building rails and gates and got comfortable, I started studying how long it took to build each item, how much material, etc. I made handwritten notes so that I could start bidding projects based on time and materials.
How do you balance preserving the company’s legacy while focusing on future growth?
We have never tried to outgrow the demand of our customers. We have only grown as needed. This is how a lot of companies go out of business: trying to grow when the demand is not there. I have never wanted to outgrow the personalization that we have between us and our customers.
What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned from your parent’s leadership style or approach?
Always, always be a man of integrity and do what you say you are going to do. Always live a clean life inside and outside of work so that people respect you. Your name is all you have. My approach is to underpromise and overdeliver. We respond to customers faster than anyone else in our trade.
How have you made your mark as a leader, and in what ways have you modernized or evolved the business?
I have created a business and workmanship that speaks for itself. When you create that, you don’t have to sell your product. It sells itself. We have developed certain techniques for efficiency in how we quote to how we fabricate and install.
Craig Braun
Owner, Mammoth Endurance
What was it like growing up around the family business?
Growing up around the family business was a formative experience for me. I was 15 years old when my parents started the events business, and I quickly became involved. From the start, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment being part of “the crew,” knowing I helped set up and execute a well-run event. As I grew older and was entrusted with more responsibility, it began to feel less like a fun activity with my parents and more like a serious job. The pressure of race weekends became more intense, but with it came invaluable life lessons and growth.
What’s the biggest advantage of leading a family business? What are the biggest challenges?
The biggest advantage of leading a family business is getting to work alongside your family. And, honestly, the biggest challenge is also getting to work alongside your family – ha! Balancing the dynamics of working together, respecting each other’s thoughts and ideas, and maintaining strong relationships outside of work can be tricky. But when navigated thoughtfully, it’s incredibly rewarding. At its core, it’s an opportunity to build a stronger bond between family members if handled with care and respect.
What values or principles from your family have guided your leadership style?
Our faith in Jesus is the cornerstone of my family, my life, and my business. Every decision I make begins with bringing it to God. Leading a business with God in my corner has been an incredible experience, as I believe so much more can be achieved through Him than I could ever accomplish on my own.
How have you made your mark as a leader, and in what ways have you modernized or evolved the business?
My first priority was modernizing our online presence. We revamped our logo and launched a dynamic, mobile-friendly website. We also made significant investments in the athlete experience. We worked with a designer to create visually appealing finisher medals and shirts for each participant and partnered with top local photographers to offer free professional race photos that were delivered to the athletes within minutes after they crossed the finish line.
Nick Topping
Vice President, Chattanooga Tractor & Equipment
What motivated you to join the family business, and how did you prepare for the leadership transition?
The motivation and leadership transition came easy. I literally grew up in the dealership. I mean, what kid wouldn’t want to work around tractors and construction equipment every day? The products and services that we provide are helping other business owners conduct their business and feed their families. So, growing up and seeing the results of what we do and how it affects the community were always impactful.
What challenges did you face while stepping into your role? How did you navigate those?
I was in my early 30s when I began the role of vice president. Not many, if any, dealership executives are that young. In order to not be looked at as “some kid” who inherits the family business, I made sure to lead with conviction and make sure everyone knew that I had the sweat equity to back it up.
What’s the biggest advantage of leading a family business? What are the biggest challenges?
Most of our competitors are franchises or large multistore corporations, not locally and family owned as we are. This is an advantage and a challenge. While we may not have the capital and buying power of some of these competitors, being locally owned allows us to be extremely receptive to our customers’ needs. We don’t have to go through a bunch of red tape and corporate nonsense to make a change in our process to enhance our business and customer experience. We also get told by most of our customers that they appreciate not feeling like a number when they do business with us. We’re able to provide a personal touch that most others cannot do.
What values or principles from your family have guided your leadership style?
That hard work, honesty, and integrity are at the forefront of everything we do. Never do anything to jeopardize your ability to look yourself in the mirror or lay your head down at night.
Companies
Mike Webb
President, Webb Financial Consultants
What was it like growing up around the family business? Did you ever envision yourself taking on a leadership role?
My father started our wealth management firm in 1982. While interested in our family business then, the defining moment in terms of my career path came in the fall of 1987 when I was a business major at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Over fall break, I was asked to come into the office to help my father. That week coincided with the stock market crash on October 19, 1987. For a few days, I witnessed my father conversing with clients, helping to answer questions, and attempting to make the best decisions given the frenzy of a stock market dropping by 20% in one day. Seeing my father utilize his wisdom and experience to impact his clients at a challenging moment in their lives motivated me to pursue wealth management as a career and possibly one day work in my family business.
What advice do you have for growing a family business?
I cannot overstate how important the people you hire are, whether or not they are family members. The growth and success of my second-generation company is based directly upon the outstanding people that I hire and partner with to serve my clients. Look for the best people who have amazing, diverse talents and who value the same mission and culture you promote. Once these employees are a member of the team, my goal is to serve these employees in the same way I want them to serve my clients. My employees and those who I partner with are a part of my extended family!
What values or principles from your family have guided your leadership style?
Our family and our faith are very important to us. From my personal faith, I learned the importance of serving others and helping each client create a lasting legacy for their family, whether it be financially, relationally, civically, or spiritually. The importance of family also led me to consider each client I work with as part of my extended family, treating them with the respect and care that I experienced from my parents, as well as how I saw them treat others.
Selwin Abraham, MD, FACC
Board-Certified Interventional Cardiologist
Awa Drame, MD, MScPH
Board-Certified Non-Invasive Cardiologist
Zorana Mrsic, MD, FACP, FACC
Board-Certified Non-Invasive Cardiologist
Ted Richards, DO
Board-Certified Non-Invasive Cardiologist
Ezad N. Ahmad, MD
Board-Certified Cardiologist
Robert Mingus, MD
Board-Certified Cardiac Anesthesiologist
Sonny Achtchi, DO, FACC, FSCAI
Board-Certified Interventional and Endovascular Cardiologist
Board-Certified Interventional and Structural Cardiologist
Paul Stewart, DO Board-Certified Non-Invasive Cardiologist
Michael Hartley, MD, FACS Board-Certified Vascular Surgeon
Evan Parker
Owner/President, Ben Parker Company
What was it like growing up around the family business?
There is nothing more educational for a future business owner than witnessing firsthand a business truly built from nothing into something substantial. As a teenager, I would work in the summers for my father and see both the excitement and inevitable frustration of day-to-day small business reality. At the time, seeing such effort and struggle from loved ones made me question whether it was worth it. As time goes on, you grow in your appreciation for the process and just how important it is for an organization to have a clear figurehead and leader. Frankly, it took a while to gain the necessary comfort level and confidence to actually want to play that role.
What challenges did you face while stepping into your role? How did you navigate those?
When dad retired in the late 2000s, the global economy was in shambles. We had to regroup and rethink what we wanted to do in many ways moving forward. We were so young at that stage that we were just trying to figure out what we were doing. To fill the void left by my dad and the force that he was from a sales perspective was not possible in the short term. We just had to figure it out as we went and gained confidence by fighting through those hard times.
What advice would you give to others preparing to step into leadership of a familyowned business?
I would say remember to focus on the values that got the organization to whatever positive point it is currently and what the identity of it truly is. Try to protect those core values as you inject your vision and direction of the future.
How do you balance preserving the company’s legacy while focusing on future growth?
Every time we discuss substantial revenue growth we make sure we can keep our small business identity and values. We have a unique business model that revolves around smaller business principles of service, quality, dependability, and versatility. It is at the core of who we are, and we make sure it is not compromised as we grow.
*Under construction
Opening Soon: The Lantern at Morning Pointe of East Hamilton to Welcome Residents
The Lantern at Morning Pointe of East Hamilton will be opening this year in Ooltewah. Located at 1775 Generations Way off East Brainerd Road, this premier memory care community will provide state-of-the-art amenities to residents with dementia. The single-level building will feature 60 memory care apartments and a dedicated staff of skilled caregivers and medical professionals who will ensure that each resident benefits from personalized and purposeful support.
As an Alzheimer’s Center of Excellence, Morning Pointe continues to be the only senior living community in Hamilton County that offers two levels of care – Lamplight, for early stages, and Lantern, for later stages. By offering stage-appropriate care all under one roof, The Lantern at Morning Pointe of East Hamilton provides residents with a comfortable and familiar environment and makes transitioning to the Lantern program a smooth process.
“People that have brain disease of any level like a certain familiarity and structure. When you have to go outside of that and seek care in a different location or to move, it is very disruptive for the person, and it can take a while for them to recover. So, it's wonderful to have an option where you don't have to move your loved one. They are at home and they stay at home, it's just in a different area of the home,” says Beth Jan ney, RN, corporate director of memory care at Morning Pointe Senior Living.
Like all Morning Pointe locations, The Lantern at Morning Pointe of East Hamilton will adhere to a strong focus on clinical care with physical and occupational therapies and wellness offerings. Daily enrichment programming will include exercise and physical activity; creative, nurturing, and sensory programs; activities to engage the body, mind, and spirit; lifelong learning and cognitive programs; intergenerational programming with local schools and colleges; live entertainment; and more. The new location will also feature Morning Pointe’s Farm to Table program, which provides seniors with local, farm-fresh, and seasonal ingredients.
Whether your mother has received a recent diagnosis and begun struggling with scheduling or your spouse has recently transitioned to more advanced dementia and needs assistance with everyday tasks, The Lantern at Morning Pointe of East Hamilton can provide a safe and supportive environment tailored to their needs.
Founded in 1997 by healthcare entrepreneurs Greg A. Vital and J. Franklin Farrow, Morning Pointe Senior Living operates assisted living and Alzheimer’s memory care communities in five southeastern states. In the greater Chattanooga area, Morning Pointe operates assisted living and memory care communities in Chattanooga, Collegedale, East Hamilton, Hixson, Athens, and Calhoun.
Two Levels of Care
The Lamplight program is for early to moderate stages of memory loss and offers seniors a secure, home-like environment with plenty of space to walk around. Residents maintain their independence with minimal assistance and enjoy daily programming.
“It’s a very lively area,” describes Janney. “We always have many activities going on. Morning Pointe offers what we call Meaningful Day. People that have dementia have difficulty planning out their day, so we do it for them. We plan out activities based on their cognitive ability and their individual likes and dislikes, so it's very individualized and very active.”
Lamplight Lantern
The Lantern program is for more advanced stages and includes assistance with daily tasks and a structured routine. Residents begin their day with exercise and a cognitive activity, followed by a quieter activity to lead into mealtime. After lunch, residents will often rest, which Janney notes can help ease symptoms of agitation or confusion. This is followed by a group game in the afternoon, such as chair volleyball or bowling, or individual activities based on ability and interest. The day ends with a calm transition to dinner and then bedtime.
“As a person's brain disease progresses, that large environment with that much stimulation is overwhelming for people that are farther along in their brain disease, and they need a smaller environment. It's easier for them to navigate and they're free to walk around, like walking around the living room in their home. We offer the same activities, but the activities are more gauged for people that are farther along in their brain disease,” says Janney.
Individuals in early to moderate stages of decline may exhibit:
Memory loss: forgetting names, appointments, or recent events
Behavioral changes: anxiety, mild confusion, or difficulty concentrating
Independence: retains some independence but may need assistance with complex tasks
Communication: some challenges finding the right words or following conversations
Individuals in latter stages of decline may exhibit:
Memory loss: difficulty recognizing family or familiar places
Behavioral changes: agitation, apathy, or other shifts in behavior
Independence: needs assistance with daily tasks, including personal hygiene and accessibility to eating (stage appropriate foods, prompting, etc.)
Communication: limited communication abilities, including using few words or nonverbal cues
Outdoor Companies Thrive in the Scenic City
With a thriving outdoors scene fueled by both locals and tourists, Chattanooga provides a sensible setting for outdoors-focused businesses. Here, we speak with five local business owners serving those who can’t get enough of nature.
BY KRISTEN DEE
Photo
The Gear Closet by WaterWays
Mary Beth Sutton & Thomas Trouy
Drawing inspiration from other used gear shops in Colorado, Mary Beth Sutton and her former student and friend Chris Calhoun founded The Gear Closet in 2012, offering used outdoor gear with the purpose of giving back. Thanks to the local demand for outdoor gear, and those familiar with the mission of WaterWays, the store has been growing ever since.
The Gear Closet provides used gear such as kayaks, clothing, and equipment at an affordable price, seven days a week. “If you’re only going to sell one type of product, you’d better hope it’s something people in your area want,” jokes Sutton. “Luckily we have a vast market of outdoor enthusiasts in Chattanooga. Folks come in every day looking for a boat to help them explore the Tennessee River or even just an affordable pair of hiking boots.”
Store manager Thomas Trouy agrees, sharing, “Outfitters like us have the opportunity to help equip people of all skill levels, backgrounds, and interests to enjoy all our city has to offer.”
Part of what makes The Gear Closet special is its unique mission – the effort is part of WaterWays, a local nonprofit dedicated to watershed health and restoration. “Every penny earned by The Gear Closet helps protect and restore our waterways,” says
Sutton, who serves as the organization’s executive director. “It’s an essential part of our income and our outreach to folks who care about nature.”
Caring about nature is a core part of the work being done by Sutton, Trouy, and the rest of the WaterWays team. “We need nature,” insists Sutton. “It’s important to get away from the screens that dominate our lives and get a dose of well-being from nature. WaterWays focuses much of our environmental education on urban schools where students have few, if any, opportunities to experience the outdoors. We also provide businesses opportunities to get outdoors in service to nature to help build trails, clean up creeks, or plant trees. Through The Gear Closet, we offer a less expensive entry into outdoor pursuits so people can try out outdoor endeavors without a huge investment.”
The Hatch Outfitters
Seth Logan Fields
While there is no shortage of fly fishing spots along Chattanooga’s beautiful waterways, there has historically been a drought in local fly fishing outfitters. Seth Logan Fields recognized this gap in the market, and after working as a freelance fly fishing writer for various magazines, he jumped at the opportunity to open his own shop. Founded in 2019, The Hatch Outfitters offers a wide variety of fly-fishing products including rods and reels, clothing, bags, sunglasses, materials for flies, as well as guided tours, workshops, community events, and even a beer bar.
Chattanooga’s landscape includes urban fisheries, river gorges, mountain streams, and countless other waterways, appealing for both locals and tourists looking for a day out on the water. Not only does this make a great place for owning a fishing-focused business, but it also allows Fields the opportunity to introduce people to fly fishing, which he describes as a “medicinal-like” experience. “The focus required, the landscapes it brings to you, the camaraderie, and the physical exertion have proven advantageous for a whole host of folks looking for a way to connect with nature,” he says. “We love giving people the knowledge and tools to go out and begin their journey.”
While many of their products are offered online, Fields and his team at the shop make for a special in-store shopping experience that shouldn’t be missed, in addition to many unique events. This year, The Hatch Outfitters will continue offering their first Friday Fly Tying Nights, as well as a fly fishing film showcase, fly fishing tournament, and annual oyster roast. Fields enjoys bringing the community together for these events, saying, “Fly shops aren’t just retail spaces. They’re a cultural hub of sorts for local and traveling anglers – a place of information, friendships, great stories, and cold beers. I took the plunge and poured all my time and energy into it, and the result couldn’t have been more worth it.”
Handup Gloves
Cody & Jamie Wallis
After husband and wife Cody and Jamie Wallis moved to Chattanooga, they took up cycling to meet new friends and share a hobby. As they began cycling more frequently, Cody became disappointed by the cycling gloves on the market, which often didn’t fit well or spark inspiration. After a candid conversation about taking a risk and starting a cycling glove company, Handup Gloves began operations out of the Wallis’ guest bedroom.
Cody set out to make a minimalist cycling glove that was fun and without gimmicks like padding or Velcro straps. What began as one glove has grown into diverse apparel that customers can wear while biking or on a night out with friends. “We offer a full lineup from head to toe,” shares Jamie. “We have progressed to both casual and serious cycling gear, and we offer nine types of riding gloves.” While they may be best known for their gloves, the Handup product line also includes items like jeans, socks, shirts, and flannels, perfect for everyday wear.
Being in Chattanooga, Cody and Jamie are able to get realtime feedback from the local cycling community, allowing them to test and expand their product line. “We’ve been very fortunate to have Chattanooga’s trail system and the cycling community, which helps us tailor our products around what our friends use
and love, and we develop products based on what we see missing in the market,” says Jamie.
One of the standout elements of the Handup line is the colorful and unique designs, which break the mold of more traditional cycling gloves. Prints are often limited runs, and designs are constantly changing. Thanks to this element, Handup has built its own community and continues to gain popularity in the cycling community, with their gloves being worn by everyone from former presidents and Tour de France racers to Red Bull athletes and even world-champion cyclists. “I love that our company gives people a reason to be outside,” says Jamie. “Wearing fun gear that expresses part of your personality on the trails gives you motivation and confidence that I’m proud to be a part of in a small way.”
L2 Outside
Steve
Clanin
& Debbie
Founded in 2011, L2 Outside is Chattanooga’s first dedicated paddle board and kayak rental business, and it’s also one of the nation’s first inland standup paddle board and kayak rental companies. Since opening their doors, the shop has continued to grow and evolve. Owners Steve and Debbie Clanin have been operating L2 Outside since 2020, describing the business as “a sweet dream come true.”
Located right off the Tennessee River, L2 Outside specializes in paddle board and kayak rental offerings. Open seven days a week during the summer season, customers can get out on the river in a premium paddle board or kayak and take in the scenic views, explore Maclellan Island, or adventure along the cliffs and caves underneath the Hunter Musuem of American Art. In addition to renting paddle boards and kayaks to create your own adventure, they also offer private lessons and sunset tours. “We aim to be easy, accommodating, dependable, efficient, and trustworthy,” says Debbie.
The Clanins are proud to be small, local business owners, and they embrace L2 Outside’s motto “Live Life Outside,” which often comes easy in a city like Chattanooga. Debbie shares, “For the region, Chattanooga has an uncommon spirit of innovation and a sense of entrepreneurism. Water is the epicenter of Chattanooga lifestyle, which fits us perfectly. Our personal passion for living life outdoors drew us to ownership of L2 Outside, and we take pride in the unique business we offer to locals and tourists. We are dedicated to helping people get outside and enjoy life.” This year, they look forward to offering new classes and specials to customers, all with the hopes of getting them to live life outside.
Photos
GOODMAN COFFEE
TEREN
Chris Loizeaux & Nick Rader
“Spending time in nature has so many benefits – physically, mentally, and spiritually. Being in nature is where I feel most alive and inspired,” shares
TEREN co-founder and native Chattanoogan Chris Loizeaux. This mentality is at the core of TEREN’s menswear, which bridges the gap between everyday clothing and performance gear. The high-performance outdoor apparel can be worn both “in the city and out on the trails,” in any and all conditions.
The idea was born from Loizeaux and his co-founder Nick Rader’s experiences buying outdoor gear that didn’t match their everyday life. “Too often, we’d buy gear that was overly specialized and not something we wanted to wear around town,” Loizeaux shares. “That gap inspired us to create TEREN – apparel that’s functional, stylish, and encourages people to spend time outdoors without changing outfits or hauling extra gear.” Their variety of innovative product offerings include items such as pants and shorts, different styles of shirts, and outerwear and accessories, many of which have special features, such as their insect-repellent pants or fireresistant puffy jacket.
With Chris as a designer and maker, and Nick’s background as a mechanical engineer, the two work well together while navigating the challenges of running an outdoors-focused business.
Thanks to an engaged community, there are always opportunities for them to continue perfecting their gear. Loizeaux says, “There’s a built-in sense of passion and purpose. Customers aren’t just looking for a product; they’re looking for gear that supports their next adventure and aligns with their love of nature. This creates a tight-knit community of like-minded people who offer valuable, real-world feedback. The local community is passionate about active outdoor lifestyles and preserving natural spaces, which aligns perfectly with TEREN’s mission.”
TEREN continues to innovate and has plans for new products in the works this year. Ultimately, Loizeaux is proud of TEREN’s effort in breaking down barriers that keep people from getting outside. “We eliminate the need for separate ‘outdoor’ and ‘everyday’ wardrobes. Our clothing says ‘you can go outside whenever you feel like it – no excuses.’”
Photos
Organizations & People
“Growth is never by mere chance. It is the result of forces working together.”
- James Cash Penney
Life Lessons
Local Professionals & the Educators Who Inspired Them
“Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.”
This quote, attributed to William Butler Yeats, rings true for many professionals whose lives have been shaped by the region’s talented educators. Whether sparking an interest in a career path or drilling practical advice on the field, educators play a key role in strengthening our communities by investing in our students. Here, five locals reflect on the teachers who inspired them and share how they give these life lessons back through their work.
BY TORY IRMEGER / PHOTOGRAPHY BY KRISTINA ARMSTRONG
Playing to Your Strengths
Cole Webster
Inspired by: Coach Grant Reynolds
Every student needs someone in their corner. For Cole Webster, that person was Grant Reynolds, football coach and Bible teacher at Boyd-Buchanan School.
“Coach Reynolds is the master of tough love but the exact person you want your kids to play for,” Webster says. Coach Reynolds instilled a solid work ethic in his students: show up on time, be a team player, take care of the people around you, and outwork the competition. For Webster, these values learned on the field and in the classroom directly contribute to his successes as president and third-generation leader at The Barn Nursery.
Coach Reynolds held a high standard for his students, always pushing them to become the best versions of themselves. “When I was a freshman, I asked for number 63 – previously worn by an all-state defensive tackle,” Webster recalls. “Coach said, ‘Son, you don’t deserve that number,’ and handed me number 78. I made a point to prove to him I did deserve that number, and that next year he gave me the jersey.”
Webster faced several challenges in high school, falling behind in the classroom and dealing with personal loss. It was mentors like Coach Reynolds who stepped in to bolster Webster and remind him of his strengths. “He taught me day in and day out how to be tough, yet show compassion,” he says, “but more than that he taught me how to work with others and utilize the strengths of those around you.”
When it came to his career journey, Webster always knew his path was leading him to take part in the family business. What wasn’t guaranteed was how he would build on the company’s successes. He says, “Even when others didn’t believe it, I knew I would take things to the next level.” His confidence in building the family business was rooted in the faith Coach Reynolds instilled in him from the start.
Throughout the wins and the losses, Coach Reynolds was there to call on. Webster says, “I’m blessed. Without the impact of guys like Grant, I wouldn’t be here today. I knew then and know today that Grant Reynolds will do anything for me, there’s no doubt in my mind about that. Football and Bible class were always just stepping stones, not a destination.”
Caption Caption Caption
Coach
Reynolds
Sharing Your Joy With Others
Ryan Kirk Kopet
Inspired by: Andrew Smith
The path into one’s vocation is not always straightforward, but the way is well-lit by educators who instill confidence in their students. Such is the case with interior designer Ryan Kirk Kopet and beloved architecture teacher Andrew (Andy) Smith.
Mr. Smith comes from a family of architects, and he worked to design and preserve many structures in Chattanooga. This background provided him a rich knowledge of architecture, which he shared widely while teaching students from Girls Preparatory School, McCallie School, and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. For Kopet, this was the spark she needed while a student at GPS. “Andy gave me confidence in my ever-present interest in architecture,” she shares. “I had been doodling and sketching homes and floorplans my entire childhood, so it was a gift to have an architecture class so early on in my life. It was never a question of how much he believed in me.”
Kopet followed in Mr. Smith’s footsteps by pursuing architecture at Auburn University, but to her disappointment, outside circumstances forced her to take a different path. “Andy made sure to tell me he was sad, as I was one who would have done great things with it,” she says. However, her journey didn’t end there. Her time spent studying architecture directly translated into her current role as principal designer at Miles and Kirk Design. “I came back to the design world much older and wiser, knowing Andy had been right the whole time.”
Kopet recalls Mr. Smith’s teaching as well as his passionate spirit, which extended beyond the classroom. Mr. Smith often mailed thoughtful cards to friends and students at Christmas: “He sent out delicate handmade ornaments made from natural materials – cotton, seeds, small hand-chosen twigs. My favorite was the year he made dragonflies from whirlybird seeds. I have saved each one he sent, and each Christmas it’s a reminder of my good friend who cares so much for others.”
Mr. Smith inspires Kopet to this day. “I always answer requests from aspiring design students and try to encourage and give direction the same way Andy would,” she shares. “Andy was the encouraging and soulful counterpoint to all the chaos that is trying to pick a career path. Many of us have had our lives changed because of him. Thank you, Andy, from all of us.”
Andy Smith and Ryan Kirk Kopet
LOCAL, CONNECTED REALTORS
“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.” –Coretta Scott King
ABBEY MCDONALD ALEXIS WILLIS
ANA FAULK
CATHERINE SCHWARTZ
BRENDA JEAN ADAMSON
CHARITY MARTIN
CHARLIE WALLDORF
DAVID CATES
DEBBIE RADFORD
GAYLE O’BRIEN
JASON FARMER
JEB BENNETT
JOSH KILLIAN
JOHN ELDRIDGE
KADI BROWN
KELLI CRANE
MATT MCDONALD
NATHAN WALLDORF
TIA GRIFFIN
MICHELLE JOHNSON
Instilling a Culture of Excellence
J. Rob Headrick, Jr. MD, MBA
Inspired by: Fred Hubbs and Major Luther Worsham
For Dr. Rob Headrick, chief of thoracic surgery at CHI Memorial, life lessons were to be learned both in the classroom and on the field. The Baylor School alum recalls two particularly influential individuals on his early education: Fred Hubbs, geography teacher and football coach, and Major Luther Worsham, biology teacher and football/track coach.
“High school sports have a unique opportunity to further develop someone’s confidence, maturity, and relationship with a teacher,” Dr. Headrick says. “Seeing that demanding teacher in the classroom play a different role as a coach who really wanted me to succeed made me want to work even harder in their classrooms.”
Dr. Headrick recalls how both educators encouraged him to strive for excellence in academics, athletics, and all aspects of life. “You never showed up to one of their classes hoping to hide in the back, not having read the chapter or done the homework. On the football field, you never wanted to be in the locker room after a game and have one of your teammates look you in the eye knowing you didn’t give it your all, win or lose.”
While a student in Coach Hubbs’ and Major Worsham’s classes, Dr. Headrick didn’t know his career path would lead him from Baylor to a fellowship at the Mayo Clinic and back to Chattanooga. “I don’t think anyone can accurately predict what opportunities will come your way,” Dr. Headrick says. “I certainly could not envision my current role as a leader in the lung cancer efforts nor as a physician in my hometown. Both educators gave me the building blocks to be prepared for life and to take on those opportunities when they presented themselves.”
Trust, precision, and accountability are key values in Dr. Headrick’s work. He points this work ethic back to the high standards Coach Hubbs and Major Worsham expected of their students: “If you wanted to do great things, you had to do the work.” In the practice of medicine, he applies this philosophy daily. “Patients expect this when they trust us with their lives. Every operation is preceded by decades of hard work; each is well-thought-out and orchestrated in my head with contingencies in place. When things don’t go as planned, you work harder. There is always more to learn about the human body, and sometimes a better way.”
Thanks to the educators who inspired him, Dr. Headrick is passionate about passing on this practice to the next generation of caretakers and leaders. His team works with local high schools as part of a mentorship and educational program. He says, “My hope is to excite students about fields related to science, lung cancer, engineering, and medicine. And maybe someday they will do something they never thought was possible and bring their success back home to help our community.”
Rob Headrick and Coach Hubbs
(Middle) Photo Courtesy of Dr. Rob Headrick; (Bottom) Photo Courtesy of Baylor School
On Curiosity and Adaptability
Casey Ridley
Inspired by: Dr. Kevin Trobaugh
Sometimes, an educator gives us the tools for success that don’t come into play until much later in life. When Casey Ridley took Dr. Kevin Trobaugh’s microeconomics class at Heritage High School, he had no idea that these lessons would one day influence his future vocation.
Ridley is a serial entrepreneur and founder and president of The Designery, a national kitchen and bath company. Before pursuing an entrepreneurial career, however, he wanted to be a surgeon. While on a pre-med track in college, Ridley found himself returning again and again to Dr. Trobaugh’s teachings. “I recalled how much I had genuinely enjoyed learning about economics and problem solving in a way that felt both natural and exciting,” he says. This realization became a turning point that forged a path for him into business entrepreneurship.
One thing that set Dr. Trobaugh’s class apart was how he fostered a culture of curiosity. “Dr. Trobaugh transformed what could have been a complex subject into something accessible and exciting, ensuring that students not only grasped economic principles but also understood their real-world applications,” Ridley says.
Dr. Trobaugh encouraged questions and engaging with multiple perspectives, which Ridley has found to be a fruitful skill to apply in business ventures. “More than just teaching economics, Dr. Trobaugh imparted a way of thinking – one that emphasized adaptability, critical analysis, and strategic problem solving,” he says.
Another key takeaway from Dr. Trobaugh’s class was the ability to work with people of all learning styles. “He recognized that every student processes information differently and tailored his approach to create an inclusive and effective learning environment,” Ridley says. As a result, Ridley has built this principle into professional development models in his business: “Understanding that individuals absorb information in different ways – whether through hands-on experience, auditory instruction, or visual learning – has been instrumental in how I train employees, build standard operating procedures, and develop essential management tools.”
In both the professional and the personal, Ridley falls back on Dr. Trobaugh’s advice: “Never be afraid to raise your hand, think critically, and explore difference perspectives –the more you learn, the more opportunities you create for yourself.” Although he couldn’t have known it at the time, Ridley now sees how Dr. Trobaugh’s influence shaped the business acumen he employs today. He says, “The lessons learned in a high school classroom have come full circle, helping me build businesses where people feel supported, capable, and set up for success.”
Dr. Trobaugh
Casey Ridley
(Bottom)
Remaining Steadfast
Nick Kyriakidis
Inspired by: John “Yo” Strang
What Nick Kyriakidis remembers most about his teacher John “Yo” Strang is his joy and resolve.
“He taught by example and truly lived everyday by his faith,” Kyriakidis recalls. “He loved where he was, teaching young boys to become good men.”
Yo taught 7th grade Bible class at McCallie School. He was a World War II veteran and something of a celebrity among the McCallie community. His impact on students extended beyond the curriculum; Yo’s life was a testament of enduring hardship, finding purpose, and sharing kindness. “Faith can guide you out of the darkest places and times of trial,” Kyriakidis says. “His life story demonstrated this.”
Kyriakidis, now managing partner at Acropolis Grill, shares that Yo left an indelible mark on him: “His lessons were filled with such joy. He was teaching basic Bible, but he taught us so much more. One quiz question that I’ll always remember is, ‘Who was on the road to Damascus, and where was Saul going?’”
Yo’s teaching influenced the character of his students, many of whom would grow into leadership positions, like Kyriakidis. “What he left with me was a clearer image of what servant leadership means, to always have empathy for those around us, and how far genuine kindness goes,” Kyriakidis says. “No matter what profession you pursue, these basic values will serve you well. Our paths are not always a straight line or easy, but these tenets will help anyone be a more successful leader.”
Prepare as we might for the future, life has a way of throwing curveballs. Throughout moments of uncertainty and difficulty in Kyriakidis’ life, he finds strength in the example Yo set for his students. “He was steadfast and never wavered,” Kyriakidis remembers. “In my own personal struggles, I have tried to maintain the same purpose and joy he demonstrated.”
In this way, Yo prepared his students for approaching their businesses and professional lives with the same resolve they practice in their personal lives. Kyriakidis carries this lesson into his work, saying, “I try to show the same kindness to those I work with. We all have such different stories that we can never fully understand one another, but that doesn’t mean kindness is not needed.”
John “Yo” Strang
(Bottom) Photo Courtesy of Nick Kyriakidis
Empowering Employees
Running a successful business isn’t just about making the most sales or bringing in the most profit – it’s also about fostering a healthy work environment where employees can grow their skills and thrive in their positions. Here, we speak with eight local professionals to discuss how they empower their own employees to be the best they can be.
Over the years, I’ve found that team members best thrive, learn, excel, and reach their full potential when they approach their roles as just that, members of a team. Very few accomplishments come from the sole efforts of one person. And the quicker you learn that key lesson, the better off you’ll be. Those who truly thrive are the ones who get more satisfaction from the successes of their teammates than they do their own. They lift up the efforts of their colleagues and champion them to others, both inside and outside of the organization. So very true is Aristotle’s principle, “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.”
Mike Alston
Office Managing Partner, Husch Blackwell
Organizations thrive when their team members are empowered with the tools and support to grow their skills. At Southern Champion Tray, we’ve built a clear job architecture that provides visibility into career paths across the organization. A competency resource guide outlines key behaviors – both skilled and unskilled – offering team members a roadmap for development. By linking critical skills to business strategy, we ensure that growth aligns with both individual and organizational success. Beyond skill development, we recognize that thriving team members need to feel supported. Through initiatives like text-based care, onsite counselors, and adoption assistance programs, we foster a culture where team members feel valued. When people are both empowered and cared for, they bring their best to their roles – driving engagement, innovation, and long-term success. This investment doesn’t just benefit our organization; it strengthens our communities, as team members apply their skills and care to make a meaningful impact beyond the workplace.
Ralph Romero Chief People Officer, Southern Champion Tray
Understanding that each employee is motivated differently is critical to creating an environment in which they can thrive. Providing employees with tools to help them identify and understand what drives them and what opportunities are available to them, coupled with encouraging them to create a personalized approach to their own professional development, allows individuals to align their interests and aptitudes in their pursuit of growing their skills and expertise. This approach to learning and development, combined with an organizational culture that is committed to celebrating each employee for the unique attributes that they bring to the team and their role in the organization’s overall success can cultivate trust, innovation, and a sense of belonging that strengthens employee commitment, dedication, and dare I say, happiness.
Danette Scudder
Executive VP & Chief Strategy Officer, Tennessee Valley Public Power Association
Five Star Breaktime Solutions has experienced significant growth for the past several years. In order to ensure that our associates are encouraged to develop their skills and succeed, it is crucial that well-defined organizational goals and strategies are established and communicated. All associates must understand how their roles contribute to Five Star’s overall success. Talent acquisition should align with organizational priorities, ensuring candidates fit the company culture. Comprehensive onboarding is critical for communicating our vision, mission, and values.
Five Star identifies learning and development needs through succession planning processes to define career pathways that are facilitated via a flexible learning and development program. It is important to ensure that trainers are qualified, equipped, and properly compensated to foster growth. Leaders should regularly meet with associates to discuss their career goals and progress. Lastly, it is important to provide performance feedback and recognize and celebrate successes to reinforce a commitment to growth.
Peggy Russell Vice President of Human Resources, Five Star Breaktime Solutions
At Miller & Martin, we empower our attorneys and staff by fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development. We have a mentorship program for our associates where they are paired with a partner-level mentor and a mentor associate. This allows experienced lawyers to guide and support junior staff. We encourage our attorneys to make the time for continued legal education (CLE) to boost their knowledge, confidence, and expertise. This includes attending Miller & Martin Academy, a monthly meeting with topics of interests not only for attorneys but for our paralegals as well. We also offer Miller & Martin University for any partner-track attorneys, a series of educational sessions with business acumen topics, and any related topics that will impact their practice at the partnership level. We are very lucky to have a valuable, knowledgeable training manager who is always willing to explore new ideas, processes, applications, and/ or programs that can make our daily jobs more efficient. By investing in their growth, a law firm can ensure its team thrives and remains competitive.
Yolanda Irby, CLM Director of Human Resources, Miller & Martin
Investment in training and development programs is a key component to an employee’s growth throughout their career. However, I believe that companies who provide holistic support for their employees are the ones who see a happier, healthier, and more productive workforce – and this is the approach we’ve taken at Unum Group. In my role, I lead our comprehensive total well-being program that provides a full spectrum of support an employee needs to thrive professionally and personally. In addition to Unum’s extensive skills development resources, we provide our team with a wide range of financial, emotional, physical, and family caregiving support that focuses on bettering the overall work-life balance of employees. We do this not only because it drives productivity, but simply because it is the right thing to do.
Allison Salkeld Vice President of HR Global Total Rewards, Unum Group
Organizations can empower their employees to grow their skills and thrive in their positions by cultivating an environment where learning is a cultural norm. A learning environment aligned with key organizational objectives and desired behaviors can be game-changing in achieving sustainable career fulfillment. The following considerations are essential for creating thriving spaces for all employees:
• Supportive leaders who provide clear role expectations and continuous, growth-oriented feedback.
• Opportunities to apply learnings on the job, engage in social learning settings, and participate in formal training options leveraging the 70-20-10 methodology.
• Personalized and empowered development plans aligned with both current performance goals and future career aspirations.
• Recognition and rewards that reinforce demonstrated skills, behaviors, and outcomes, highlighting the moments that matter most.
Brandon Springle Director, Talent Development and Succession Planning, Shaw Industries
At Urban Story Ventures, we encourage everyone on our team to take ownership over their projects and lean into growth opportunities. We’ve seen this builds confidence, and our team is empowered to take initiative, make decisions, and take chances on creative solutions. As we work through challenges, we both give and receive feedback. This feedback on both sides keeps everyone engaged and energized by a culture where learning never stops. We learn from our experiences, and we grow, thrive, and succeed together.
Audrey Hooper Chief of Staff, Urban Story Ventures
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Connecting With the Community
In a state nicknamed the “Volunteer State,” it’s no surprise that Chattanoogans reflect this generosity throughout their daily endeavors. With community outreach programs, a hospitable spirit, and continual investment in city development, these local businesses showcase what it means to connect with community in their professional practices.
C. Mark Warren, Esq. Attorney, Warren & Griffin
In a phrase, how would you describe your business’ connection with the community? “Givers’ Gain.”
What are some ways your team connects with your customer base? We connect with social media and “Never Text & Drive” campaigns. We strive to make our streets safer by championing laws and personal habits that decrease distracted driving.
What is the importance of staying in tune with the community? We’ve found that when given the opportunity, Chattanooga prefers a local business instead of out-of-state businesses. Local Chattanoogans support local businesses who reinvest in our local community.
What are your markers for successfully connecting with the community? Our goal is that every client leaves a 5-star review for our firm.
Gina Dhanani Chief Operating Officer, The Double Cola Company
In a phrase, how would you describe your business’ connection with the community? “Giving Back with Gratitude”: Our team commits to “Giving Back with Gratitude” by making community service a core part of our culture. We don’t just donate – we take action. Together, we’ve cleaned and sanitized rooms at the Chambliss Center for Children, pulled clover from a bioretention basin at Warner Park, and built and painted homes for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga, just to name a few. We also encourage employees to suggest volunteer efforts that matter to them, ensuring that our service is meaningful to everyone on our team. Whether through hands-on projects, sponsorships, or local partnerships, we remain dedicated to giving back to the community that has supported us.
Any memorable interactions with community members that you feel embody the spirit of your business? One special moment was at an event when a customer told us they had fond memories of drinking our products with their grandparents and now share that same experience with their own children. It was a powerful reminder that our brand isn’t just about beverages – it’s about tradition, connection, and bringing people together. These experiences remind us why staying involved in the community matters.
Why make relationships with the community a priority? Staying connected with the community isn’t just something we do – it’s who we are. Our customers aren’t just numbers; they’re our friends, neighbors, and the reason we’re in business. When we listen, engage, and give back, we build real, meaningful relationships and create a brand that means something beyond just a product. Prioritizing community involvement keeps us grounded, helps us understand what matters to the people we serve, and allows us to make a meaningful impact. It’s not just about selling beverages – it’s about being part of something bigger. When the community thrives, we all do.
Jim McKenzie Tennessee Market President, FirstBank
What are some ways your team gives back to the community? We are very involved in civic and charitable causes in our community. Our associates are all given paid time off to volunteer in the community. At FirstBank, we feel that giving time and resources to better our communities is part of our heritage and mission.
What memorable initiative embodies the spirit of your business? This past year we were involved in a year-long effort to lead a consortium of banks to help the Chattanooga Lookouts put together financing to build a new ballpark on the Southside. This will be the catalyst for a tremendous amount of investment around the site to help our city grow in terms of new housing and new employment opportunities.
What insights have you gained through connecting with your community? Chattanoogans take pride in our community, and they appreciate a bank with local people helping to build a bridge for consumers and businesses to get from where they are to where they want to be. At FirstBank, we appreciate the opportunity to serve Chattanoogans. We have local people with local knowledge making local decisions.
Neha Shah, DMD
Dentist & Owner, BEAM Pediatric Dental Studio
What are some ways your team connects with your customer base? Like most successful marketing campaigns, our stickiest content is what comes from our heart. It’s an honor to our team that our patients share their quality visits on social media, which has led to our practice seeing patients from Atlanta, Nashville, and all of the furthest reaches of the Chattanooga community. We further aim to educate and excite young people about dental care through seasonal events around town at schools, daycares, or local businesses like The Book & Cover.
Why make relationships with the community a priority? As a Chattanooga native, I understand how special our local community is. There is truly nowhere like it in the country, and a big reason for that is the support of local businesses and the predilection of its citizens to constantly give back. I believe staying in tune with the community is paramount to continuing the momentum the area is currently experiencing. As a mother of two young girls, I have a vested interest in Chattanooga continuing to evolve into the best version of itself over the next several decades.
What insights have you gained through connecting with your community? Small gestures can make a big difference. The staff at BEAM is highly vetted and trained to show care, love, and attention to detail from start to finish. Patients get a fun and educational animated video to walk them through what to expect prior to their first visit, narrated by me. In the evening, I call each operative patient personally to ensure that they are happy with their visit, and first-time visitors can expect a handwritten card from the doctor as well. When you stack these initiatives up, you see a thought-out patient experience that is anchored in true care from the team at BEAM.
Dalya Qualls White, EdD
Sr. Vice President & Chief Communications Officer, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee
What are some ways your team connects with your customer base? Our employees have huge hearts. In many ways, they’re the hands and feet of BlueCross in the communities we serve. In 2024 alone, they donated more than 16,000 hours of their time to over 400 organizations in Tennessee. From stocking shelves at food banks to creating cards for senior citizens in care facilities, our TeamBlue volunteers are always ready to help others, and I’m constantly amazed by their passion and the ways they live out our mission every day.
What are your markers for successfully connecting with the community? I think if you asked any of the members of our Community Relations team, they’d have a story from a community member about how BlueCross has had a positive impact on their life. We’ve heard from parents of special needs children about how our BlueCross Healthy Places make it possible for them to play with their friends. We’ve also heard about how funding from our Community Trust has increased how many residents in need are able to receive meal deliveries at home. Those stories are the real measures of success, in my opinion.
In a phrase, how would you describe your business’ connection with the community? “We’re here for you.” We live in the communities we serve, and our members are our neighbors. We’re committed to providing residents of our state – and all our members – with peace of mind through better health. Of course, that means helping them find doctors and get care, but it also means finding ways to strengthen communities statewide. We’ve evolved the way we connect with our communities over time. One thing I think is key is a willingness to pivot and embrace change. If you think something can be done differently or enhance how you serve your community, challenge yourself to try something new.
Jay Dale Market President, Southeast Tennessee Region, First Horizon Bank
Why make relationships with the community a priority? A bank can only be as strong and vibrant as the community it serves. We are committed to supporting growth, economic stability, and revitalization efforts in Chattanooga. We know what’s happening in our communities because our team members live there too! Supporting these efforts is just good business.
What memorable initiative embodies the spirit of your business? It’s in our DNA to give back to the communities we serve. Long-standing partnerships have resulted in us banking the majority of nonprofits in Chattanooga, and we’re extremely grateful for the opportunity. Over the last five years, our bank has provided additional foundation giving for COVID-19 relief, tornadoes that struck many of our communities, and most recently, relief efforts for victims of Hurricane Helene. We know that we’re stronger when our communities are strong.
What are your markers for successfully connecting with the community? Our customers often say that they choose First Horizon Bank because of our commitment to community. Chattanooga has a legacy of philanthropy and service, and I’m proud of what our bank has done to promote philanthropy over our 120 years of operations here. This reputation is part of why we have been named Chattanooga’s “Best Bank” for 17-straight years, and we have had the No. 1 market share for many years. We also take our regulatory responsibilities very seriously, including the Community Reinvestment Act and Fair Lending Standards.
Chris Wood Co-Owner, (Be)Caffeinated
In a phrase, how would you describe your business’ connection with the community? “Cultivate Kindness, Foster Community, Be Happy, Be Caffeinated.” These pillars guide our efforts in all that we do. We support local cornerstones of the community, including nonprofits, other small businesses, artists, musicians, and the youth. We also offer our monthly giveback program, the (Be)Kind Initiative, Bagels of Change, Coffee Break(Outs), and more!
What are some ways your team connects with your customer base? We do limited menus for things like new Taylor Swift album releases, holidays, pairing drinks with local bands, and even drinks in partnership with the Chattanooga Zoo! My favorite initiative was a March Madness bracket, where we had customers make brackets of our most popular past drink flavors and guess which one would win! At the end of 2024, we did a pup cup calendar with Luck's Rescue, where customers brought in their dogs and cats to have a photoshoot for the calendar. It was a great example of what community looks like, as people were so excited to take pictures with their animals all for a good cause of helping the animal rescue.
Why make relationships with the community a priority? This is perhaps one of the most important things a business can do in my opinion. Without people, there is no point to what we do, and our entire point as a business is to make people happy. Whether this is through our hospitality, menu, or remembering someone's order, the things that our baristas do every day is what makes everything feel like a community. This is what makes a stronger city, more mentally healthy people, and a happier world. This city is magic, and we get to experience it every day.
Industries & Trends
“Success seems to be connected with action. Successful people keep moving. They make mistakes, but they don’t quit.”
- Conrad Hilton
Where We Gather
Behind the Scenes of Chattanooga’s Favorite Marketplaces
BY TORY IRMEGER
From farmers markets to art festivals, public marketplaces are mainstays in the Chattanooga community, creating a place where visitors can sample locally produced goods from the passionate vendors who supply them. This year, markets both new and old are celebrating notable milestones of serving the community. Here, their organizers reflect on the thousands of farmers, makers, artisans, musicians, sponsors, and community members who come together year after year to create these special spaces.
A Place to Gather
Chattanooga markets take many forms throughout the year, including year-round grocery providers alongside specialty holiday and artisan gatherings. At their core, however, these spaces have one goal: to create a physical space that accommodates a community’s needs.
“Public markets are actually one of society’s oldest institutions, serving the basic needs of connecting producers with consumers. This is as true today as it was thousands of years ago,” says Melissa Lail, director of marketing and public relations for Chattanooga Market and its umbrella nonprofit, Public Markets, Inc.
The Chattanooga Market is perhaps one of the area’s most familiar marketplaces, filling the First Horizon Pavilion with food and craft vendors, live music, food trucks, and packed crowds every Sunday from April through November. Public Markets, Inc. also supports other ventures throughout the year, including the Chattanooga River Market by the Tennessee Aquarium as well as the Erlanger Market. “Our markets are one of the few natural gathering places for families in our community,” Lail says. “Folks come after church, on a bike ride, or simply just for a family outing or day date. We are the place to be for locals on Sundays and the place to bring visitors – it’s pretty darn special.”
Also calling the First Horizon Pavilion home is the 4 Bridges Arts Festival (4BAF), organized by the Association for Visual Arts (AVA). This festival is unique in that it focuses exclusively on fine arts and crafts, drawing artists from across the country to the annual three-day event.
“4 Bridges is special because it offers the most accessible space for the general population of Chattanooga to see and buy artwork from a large number of working artists,” says director of festivals Sarah Moore. “We also pride ourselves on bringing in artwork that is financially accessible to almost everyone in the community, with prices starting around $25-50 and going into the thousands. It’s a great place for anyone to become an art collector.”
I love the support that the Chattanooga community gives us, and I love to see folks find handmade art that speaks to them, whether it be a handmade coffee cup, wooden spoon, painting, or piece of jewelry. Being a vehicle for folks to make their lives more beautiful is a great job.”
Sarah Moore, Director of Festivals, Association for Visuals Arts
While these events are certainly wellloved by locals, they also draw visitors from far and wide. “AVA has been really successful in developing 4BAF into a nationally known event that artists are eager to get into and that provides them with good sales each year,” says Moore. As part of a grant from the Chattanooga Tourism Company, AVA analyzed where festival attendees were traveling from, allowing them to consider the potential for driving tourism every April. “Last year, a little over 7% of our attendees were traveling over 100 miles to Chattanooga. I’d love to see that grow to 10-15%.”
One aspect that makes events like Chattanooga Market and 4BAF so popular is the opportunity for hundreds of vendors and customers to gather under one roof, sharing products, stories, and ideas. This creates a unique culture of exchange for shoppers and vendors alike. Moore recalls a conversation with two participating artists who remarked on how much they enjoy coming to Chattanooga for 4BAF, “not only because we put on a good show, but
because the buyers they meet here seem unusually knowledgeable about and interested in their processes for making their work. They said it means a lot to them to sell work to people who seem really excited about what they’re doing and the materials and techniques they use.”
Supporting Independent Makers and Growers
Alongside enriching shopping experiences, public marketplaces also serve as incubators for local entrepreneurs. Lail lists several locally and nationally recognized brands that used the Chattanooga Market as a testing ground: Bluff View Bakery, Hoff & Pepper Hot Sauce, Good Fortune Soap, and The Rustic House Candles, to name a few. “I think half the fun (and possibly all of the magic) of the Market is that it continuously changes and adapts,” she says. “This allows our entrepreneurs to chase the latest trends or to define the next big thing much faster than a brick-andmortar can typically evolve.”
4 Bridges Arts Festival
Photo
Each market and festival has something different to offer, creating diverse opportunities for vendors to find the most opportune place to offer their product. Such is the case with the vendors at Main Street Farmers Market (MSFM), a producers-only, farmer-run market that operates 52 weeks out of the year. “I’d been a customer of MSFM for about six years before I applied to be a vendor,” says Elizabeth Bounds, owner of Other Milk Co. “Knowing the ethos of the market from being a customer, I knew it was the market I wanted to launch my product at. Their focus on sustainability, locality, and accessibility falls in line with some of my top priorities as a business.”
The vendors at MSFM are exclusively regional farmers, bakers, and makers whose goal is to bring the highest quality nutritious foods to Chattanooga locals year-round. “The market’s focus from beginning to end is authenticity,” shares Bill Keener, who farms Sequatchie Cove Farm with his wife Miriam – the architects of MSFM back in 2008. “We want to be real and transparent – we want individuals to have the joy of the full circle of life, knowing who grew the food they eat, where it was grown, and the methods used to grow it.”
Bridging the Gap
The need for accessible food was heightened during COVID-19 as supply chains worldwide were interrupted. Farmers and community organizers throughout the Southeast rose to the challenge, such as the group of North Georgia farmers who established Rabbit Valley Farmers Market in 2020. Executive director and market manager Samantha Leslie explains, “Local foods are more readily available and more easily accessible than global foods. Food security absolutely relies on local food sources, and connecting personally with the farmer who grows your food is a relationship grounded in a community supporting itself.”
Main Street Farmers Market
What a wonderful feeling to see who grows your food and to know that they care about what you eat and feed your family. Community really is everything.”
Samantha Leslie, Executive Director and Manager, Rabbit Valley Farmers Market
Adam Hobbs, MSFM board member and owner of Midway Mushrooms, echoes this: “The pandemic highlighted the importance of food security and connection to where our food comes from, leading more people to seek out farmers markets. Now, this interest seems to be evolving into a deeper appreciation for the work of small farmers and the value of sustainable, community-based agriculture.”
The impact of locally-sourced goods extends beyond the pandemic. In 2020, the American Farmland Trust (AFT) published a report that ranked Tennessee as the fourth most-threatened state for farmland loss. The AFT reports that on recent trends, Tennessee will pave over, fragment, or compromise over 1 million acres of farmland by 2040. However, regional farmers markets are seeing shifts in the Chattanooga food scene, leading consumers to be more curious about how to support local food systems. “If this momentum continues, we
can look forward to even stronger markets that not only support local farmers but also educate and inspire communities to invest in their local food economy,” shares Hobbs. “It’s a hopeful future – one that thrives on the continued enthusiasm and commitment of both farmers and consumers.”
Building Resilient Communities
Across all Chattanooga markets, vendors forge connections with local businesses, sponsors, and restaurants, which has a ripple effect on the wider community. In 2023, the Rabbit Valley market started a program called “Nourish North Georgia,” which purchases all unsold produce at the end of the day and donates to a local food pantry. “This program is a huge catalyst in establishing and creating an equitable food system that supports sustainable agriculture and the community,” Leslie says.
Rabbit Valley Farmers Market
Photos Courtesy of Rabbit Valley Farmers Market
Similarly, Gaining Ground Grocery in Highland Park partners with several MSFM vendors to provide affordable, nutritious food to Chattanoogans. Many farmers markets, including MSFM and Rabbit Valley, are able to support shoppers by accepting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programming (SNAP) benefits. Restaurants and eateries are also key players in supporting Chattanooga food systems by creating menus that feature local eggs, milled items, meats, and more.
“One thing I wish people knew about shopping for locally sourced groceries is many great things are all rolled into one: keeping food dollars local, building community, and helping small business thrive,” says Jane Wheeler Mauldin of Wheeler’s Orchard, a MSFM vendor. “When I am out sweltering in the vineyard in the middle of summer, I remind myself of all the customers that will be delighted when the first grapes of the season appear at market.”
Attention to local food systems creates a cycle, says David Cook, MSFM vendor and co-founder of Food as a Verb: “More people, more farmers, more products and options – national award-winning cheese, gourmet mushrooms, chocolate, gorgeous flowers, milk, so many kinds of meat, dozens and dozens of types of vegetables – and the growing realization among Chattanoogans: food like this is unlike any other kind of food. It’s homegrown. Nourishing. Prepared with intention and love.”
A Hopeful Future
Whether offering produce, one-of-a-kind goods, or fine art, Chattanooga markets are rich with passionate community organizers. In 2024, the folks at MSFM organized a Christmas tree fundraiser to support a farm in North Carolina that was severely damaged by Hurricane Helene. Other memorable contributions are built from the quotidian; AJ Jackson of Quail Run Farm fondly recalls being asked to supply locally produced meat for a customer’s wedding. She says, “Knowing the care and time we take to raise our animals the right way is something people love so much that they want it to be the centerpiece of their special moment – that’s what makes being a local vendor just that much more special.”
The Chattanooga Market
Photos
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CHATTANOOGA
Successful relationships are built on mutual support, education, and shared values around local food systems. When everyone invests in local agriculture – by buying, supporting, and spreading the word – we create a thriving system that benefits growers, eaters, and the entire city.”
Adam Hobbs, Midway Mushrooms, Main Street Farmers Market Board Member
Many programs on offer for the community are made possible thanks to the greater Chattanooga area’s generous donors and sponsors. At Rabbit Valley, the “Power of Produce” children’s club allows for kids to receive $2 in “market bucks” and a “market passport.” In addition, the Youth Vendor Program supports one young farmer or maker each Saturday during the season. “Supporting their entrepreneurial efforts and including the youth in all aspects of being a market vendor has really been a huge boost for our area,” Leslie reflects. “Kids who grow up shopping at the farmers market usually grow into adults who support the farmers market.”
At 4BAF, the “Emerging Artist Program” allows for less-seasoned makers to gain exhibition experience and mentorship from other artists. AVA also established the Between the Bridges Festival in 2021. Moore explains, “We wanted a way to give more local artists the chance to try selling in a festival setting, and that had become difficult as 4BAF’s national profile grew and applying became more competitive. Between the Bridges has been very successful, and we’ve seen tremendous growth in its popularity with artists and with the public.”
Thanks to gallery exhibits and programming from AVA, lovers of 4 Bridges Arts
Festival can connect with the arts yearround. “There is a huge wealth of creative talent in Chattanooga, and we are delighted that we get to be involved in cultivating, nurturing, and showcasing it,” says Moore.
This year, both Chattanooga Market and 4 Bridges Arts Festival will celebrate their 25th season serving the Chattanooga community. “Our 25th season is a special milestone and a time for reflection,” Lail says. “Thousands of market vendors, millions of guests, tens of millions of direct commerce, and over a half-billion dollars of economic impact within our region is the direct result of the Chattanooga Market and our team of a half-dozen. We love that so many aspects of our community are positively impacted by our efforts.”
As is, the Chattanooga market scene is a testament to the community members who have invested decades worth of time, money, resources, and passion into these events. The old adage is true: many hands make light work. The result is dynamic marketplaces and festivals throughout the year that bring Chattanoogans together in celebration of art, food, and life well lived.
“Our hope,” Lail says, “is that our community will continue to find joy at our markets for years to come.”
4 Bridges Arts Festival
APRIL 24, 2025
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Talking Tourism With Top Players
With Chattanooga’s stunning natural beauty, rich history, and plethora of thrilling activities, it’s no surprise that tourists flock to the Scenic City. Here, we chat with representatives from top tourist attractions in the area to discuss the state of the tourism industry, how it contributes to the city’s growth, and so much more.
Penelope Soule Gault Director of Marketing, Communications, and Product Development, Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
What makes Chattanooga a compelling destination for visitors?
Chattanooga is a beautiful city with offerings from sunup to sundown. From all the wonderful attractions to the diverse restaurant and music options, it really is the best place to visit for a weekend getaway.
How has the tourism industry in Chattanooga evolved over the years? What role has your organization played in that evolution?
Chattanooga tourism has changed in the classic way – the city has been on the forefront of making infrastructure investments to encourage ever-changing tourism needs. Our organization, founded in 1961, has grown with the city to become one of the premier places to visit while in Chattanooga. We offer the “classic Chattanooga” experience with an authentic train ride on vintage equipment, all pulled by one of our 100+ year-old steam engines. Each year, our schedule expands to offer unique train rides that entertain guests from the age of 2 to 102.
How do you see tourism contributing to the future growth and development of Chattanooga?
Tourism is critical to future growth and development as a true partner for building successful communities. Tourism offers so many opportunities for our younger workforce to be introduced to all kinds of career opportunities – which leads to the next generation of city leaders and planners. Building partnerships within our economic structure among local businesses and tourism partners allows for a well-rounded and inclusive city experience.
Jamie Ann Rennick Marketing Director, See Rock City, Inc.
How would you describe the current state of the tourism industry in Chattanooga? What trends are shaping its future?
I think Chattanooga has a very healthy tourism industry, and I’m excited for its future. Much in thanks to the Chattanooga Tourism Company, we have done a great job at showing the region and beyond that we are a great destination. Chattanooga is well-positioned for the tourism trends of 2025 where we’ll be seeing more multigenerational travelers, a continued increase of visitors looking to get outside to experience the serenity of nature, and those looking for a unique cultural experience.
What challenges does the local tourism industry face?
Tourism is all about balance, and ultimately, a destination is a great place to visit because it is a great place to live. We must meet the challenge of balancing the importance of our visitors with the importance of our locals.
What impact does the tourism sector have on the local economy and business climate, particularly for smaller businesses?
Tourism has a significant positive impact on our local economy, generating jobs, tax revenue, and increased income, particularly for small businesses. Travelers seek out experiences they can’t have where they live. Whether enjoying handcrafted ice cream made with locally sourced ingredients at Clumpies Ice Cream Co. or marveling at the imagination of Fairyland Caverns, visitors are experiencing something unique. Local restaurants, retail, and other small businesses excel at delivering those special moments and therefore benefit from out-of-town visitors.
(Top) Photo Courtesy of Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum; (Bottom) Photo Courtesy of See Rock City, Inc.
Hugh Morrow Jr. President & CEO, Ruby Falls
What makes Chattanooga a compelling destination for visitors?
The mix of legacy attractions such as Ruby Falls, Rock City, and the Incline Railway, along with the world-class Tennessee Aquarium, stunning scenic beauty, outdoor activities, friendly locals, and a thriving music and culinary scene that continues to grow makes Chattanooga an ideal getaway with wide appeal. Being within an easy two-hour drive from multiple metropolitan areas, and with major freeways running through Chattanooga, makes the city very accessible.
What challenges does the local tourism industry face?
The Chattanooga Tourism Company, of which I am the chairman, commissioned three future needs studies: convention center, music venues, and sports facilities. Each study pinpointed where we need to invest to remain competitive in the future. We cannot rely on leisure travel alone and must upgrade our convention center, add additional music venues, and create more inviting sports facilities. These specific investments will benefit both Hamilton County residents and visitors.
What impact does the tourism sector have on the local economy and business climate, particularly for smaller businesses?
Local restaurant and shop owners have told me that at least 30% of their revenue comes from out-of-town visitors. As more hotel rooms are added in the Chattanooga area, increased tourism will boost local restaurant and shop revenue and further reduce Hamilton County residents’ tax burden, which is currently lowered by about $1,200 through visitor tax funding.
Cara McGowan Director of Institutional Advancement, Hunter Museum of American Art
How has the tourism industry in Chattanooga evolved over the years? What role has your organization played in that evolution?
Just about everything in Chattanooga has evolved over the years, and I would say that tourism is no exception. There’s been incredible growth in tourism, and we’re lucky to have such a wealth of natural resources on which to build. The Hunter has evolved with the city. The museum is an iconic riverfront gem that also serves as a cultural hub and destination for art lovers from all over the country. The Hunter brings artists and exhibitions of national and international renown to its galleries, helping to draw tourists to our area. It’s a museum you’d expect to find in a much larger city. As one of our longtime supporters says so fittingly, “the Hunter punches above its weight.” Much like Chattanooga itself.
What advice would you give to local businesses looking to tap into the opportunities created by Chattanooga’s thriving tourism scene?
Partnerships! Working with attractions, restaurants, and hotels can offer local businesses unique opportunities to participate in the vibrant tourism scene and also to capture the attention of locals.
How do Chattanooga residents benefit from tourism?
In addition to generating significant tax revenue and creating local jobs, a thriving tourism industry adds to the quality of life in Chattanooga day in and day out by supporting leisure activities that residents also enjoy!
(Top) Photo Courtesy of Ruby Falls; (Bottom) Photo Courtesy
Thom Benson Chief Communications and Marketing Officer, Tennessee Aquarium
What impact does the tourism sector have on the local economy and business climate, particularly for smaller businesses?
Large-scale attractions, like the Tennessee Aquarium, bring people to the city from around the world, and many other businesses benefit from the ripple effects of tourism. One aspect of the economic benefits of tourism, which is sometimes overlooked, is the tax money generated by visitors from outside our area that helps support essential services throughout Hamilton County.
How would you describe the current state of the tourism industry in Chattanooga? What trends are shaping its future?
Chattanooga’s tourism sector is thriving and growing. People are looking for affordable destinations that offer a wide range of memorable and repeatable leisure activities. Chattanooga is uniquely positioned to appeal to audiences from multigenerational families to couples who travel without children. Adventure seekers also have many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors just minutes from the heart of downtown. As our airport continues to expand routes, getting to Chattanooga has never been easier for travelers living outside of our traditional drive markets.
What advice would you give to local businesses looking to tap into the opportunities created by Chattanooga’s thriving tourism scene?
In an increasingly connected world, an online presence is crucial for success. Potential visitors are evaluating a lot of information before making travel decisions. As the number of positive impressions spreads from each and every business, it makes it more likely that someone will choose Chattanooga over another destination.
Sydney Brown Director of Marketing and Communications, High Point Climbing and Fitness
Dardenelle Long
President & CEO, Chattanooga Zoo
How would you describe the current state of the tourism industry in Chattanooga? What trends are shaping its future?
Tourism in Chattanooga is thriving! Some tourist attractions in Chattanooga have been around for a long time, but there are also so many new businesses popping up. The newer businesses support the others by driving more traffic to our city while also showing there is an increased demand for new, exciting things each year.
How has the tourism industry in Chattanooga evolved over the years? What role has your organization played in that evolution?
At one point in time, Chattanooga was not known as a great place to visit and bring your family. Over the years, we have seen more structure and systems put in place to make our city safer, along with more small businesses and attractions to attract folks from out of town. High Point’s outdoor climbing wall is seen as this bold and attractive face of Broad Street, right next to the Tennessee Aquarium and Creative Discovery Museum, that fosters a sense of adventure that you don’t get to see in many cities.
What challenges does the local tourism industry face?
The seasonal influx of tourism is challenging. It feels difficult for small businesses to be prepared for the dip in slower months while also being prepared for heavy traffic.
How would you describe the current state of the tourism industry in Chattanooga? What trends are shaping its future?
Tourism is constantly expanding in our city. Over the years, I have been consistently impressed with our collective ability to make waves across the nation and distinguish Chattanooga as a unique and worthwhile destination. I think our visitorship will see more growth as Chattanoogans continue to innovate in the entertainment, business, and hospitality sectors.
How has the tourism industry in Chattanooga evolved over the years? What role has your organization played in that evolution?
Every year, more innovative, creative, and driven people are bringing their ideas to life in Chattanooga, making it an even better place to be. Chattanooga hit a remarkable milestone in 1998 when Chattanooga Zoo first received accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. AZA accreditation shows that we uphold the highest standards of animal welfare, staff training, and guest experience while also enhancing our value to the community and ability to attract guests. Since then, the Zoo has grown and changed remarkably. Most recently, we opened the biggest expansion in Chattanooga Zoo history: Cape of Africa. Cape of Africa provides a uniquely immersive experience while displaying remarkable animals like giraffes, warthogs, Cape porcupines, and more.
What advice would you give to local businesses looking to tap into the opportunities created by Chattanooga’s thriving tourism scene? Partnerships and relationships are key. Identify how you add value to the visitor experience, and get plugged in with others in the hospitality industry.
Sales & Marketing
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
- Maya Angelou
How to Stand Out
Local Professionals Share What Sets Their Businesses Apart
Whether it's marketing initiatives, culture, or the products and services that make a company unique, one thing is certain: it takes dedication and a strategic approach to build a business that keeps customers and clients coming back. Here, we asked nine local professionals how their companies stand out in their industries amidst a competitive and ever-changing market. Read on for an inside look at what’s fueling success in our dynamic and thriving community.
The founder of Eyear Optical, Inc., Jim Crittenden, was innovative and truly a pioneer at getting our name, our superior products, and our story out to the public. Our criteria in marketing has been distinction, demographic, and reason. The consistent use of the color purple is our hallmark and we still use it for our brand recognition. We are a family-owned business and the culture of “family” creates an atmosphere that retains good employees and welcomes new customers while serving the previous four generations of Chattanooga-area families. We originated the 1-Hour Optical in Chattanooga, and we are the only company that still fabricates lenses in about an hour. Service, selection, quality, and care keep us at the forefront of the industry.
Cindy Crittenden-Henderson Optician & Owner, Eyear Optical, Inc.
Standing out in the vascular care industry requires more than exceptional clinical expertise – it demands a relentless focus on relationships, education, and innovation. At the Vascular Institute of Chattanooga, we prioritize genuine connections with patients and referring providers, ensuring that every interaction reflects our commitment to their well-being. By staying ahead of technological advancements, offering comprehensive services, and maintaining national accreditation, we demonstrate both excellence and trustworthiness. Additionally, we focus on community engagement and patient education, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their vascular health. Our dedication to these principles sets us apart and defines our reputation as the region’s leading vascular care provider.
Tracie LeSar Director of Marketing and Community Outreach, Vascular Institute of Chattanooga
At MurMaid Mattress, we are committed to selling a better mattress at a better price by using higher-quality materials than most other national brands. This approach has always been important to us, as it reduces the number of quality issues that arise. Because we deal directly with customers – not through other retailers who sell our products – we ensure their concerns are addressed firsthand. In the past, I personally made house calls to address any issues with mattresses, which gave me invaluable insight into what needed to be improved to enhance quality. Additionally, MurMaid is deeply involved in the communities we serve through sponsorships and charitable initiatives. This involvement has kept us in the hearts and minds of those we serve. We strive to consistently deliver on our brand’s promise to provide value to our customers, and this dedication helps us stand out in a highly competitive industry.
Roger Pickett President, MurMaid Mattress
In today's competitive landscape, standing out in your industry requires a strong emphasis on company culture. Consumers, employees, and potential hires increasingly prioritize fair treatment, respect, and ethical practices from the organizations they engage with. By cultivating a robust and positive company culture, businesses can attract and retain top talent more effectively. Happy employees are more engaged and productive, leading to remarkable service and high-quality job performance. Customers who interact with your brand will undoubtedly notice your commitment to fostering an environment that values employee well-being and customer satisfaction. This dedication distinguishes your business and drives longterm success, as it builds trust and loyalty among employees and consumers. Ultimately, a strong company culture is the foundation for sustainable growth and positive impact in the industry.
Timothy Johnson Business Relations Supervisor, Galen Medical Group
It starts with leadership and company culture. From its founding, McKee Foods Corporation has been built upon the principles of honesty and treating others as you want to be treated. The company embraces the fact that it is a vital part of every community in which it operates and strives to make a positive impact. A company’s employees are critical. Employee interactions with members of their community and those we do business with are a very tangible expression of what the company stands for and how we operate. It builds the reputation of the company, aids in recruiting new employees, and strengthens business relationships. Brands are the lifeblood of a company. They are the primary means of how most people experience and interact with a company. Quality products, meeting a need, and bringing some happiness into a consumer’s life are key components of a successful brand. The Little Debbie brand is a great example – mention it to someone and they usually return a large smile thinking of their experiences with the brand and products.
Jeff Badger VP of Marketing, McKee Foods Corporation
Being part of an organization that spans tourism, education, and nonprofit sectors, I’ve found that brand clarity is one of the
most effective ways to stand out. Clear, intentional messaging allows businesses to uniquely connect with their audiences, inviting them to see their place within the organization’s story. This connection transforms individuals from mere consumers into loyal advocates who champion the brand within their communities. Businesses can cultivate authentic connections that inspire advocacy and drive sustainable growth by honing and sharing a clear, compelling, cohesive narrative.
Mackenzie Steele Director of Marketing and Communications, Creative Discovery Museum
The first step to standing out is honing in on your product and service qualities. If you aren’t serving your customer in the best way possible, no amount of marketing can sustain business
long term. Securing online reviews from customers is an additional key to this point. Brands with many positive reviews establish themselves as experts, magnifying themselves in potential customers’ eyes. Also, be sure to respond to reviews – even the negative ones. It shows you are willing to learn and grow.
Secondly, especially if you are a service-based industry, go make connections within your market. For example, we sell wedding dresses, so we have cultivated relationships with wedding planners, makeup artists, photographers, and the like. When other experts believe in you and your mission, they can help spread the word about you. And as we know, people trust experts. That’s the best kind of marketing that you can’t buy.
Allie Holland Co-Owner, Monica’s Bridal
It's a simple concept that's not easy to execute –whoever gets closest to the customer wins. No matter the industry, a customer-centric culture is the number one way to stand out. Of course, virtually every company claims to put customers first; but firms that actually build their operations, sales/ marketing plan, and all other functions around customer needs will always come out ahead. At University Surgical Associates (USA), that means putting our patients first in everything we do – from convenient locations and user-friendly registration systems to surveying every new patient who walks through our doors. USA will celebrate 50 years of serving the Chattanooga region next year, and this longevity wouldn't be possible without our surgeons – and all 200 team members – committed to living our mission: to enrich quality of life for our community through excellent surgical care and education.
Jason Skinner Director of Marketing and Provider Relations, University Surgical Associates
I have found that effective leaders who stand out don't shy away from seemingly impossible challenges. When you encounter obstacles, take whatever steps you can, and a path forward will reveal itself. During these times, remember the power of short bursts of focused effort – compartmentalize and "live in day-tight compartments."
Tackling difficult tasks also requires genuine care, an attribute that's hard to fake. When you truly care about your work and its impact, you'll find the drive to achieve what others deem impossible.
Surround yourself with people who inspire you and believe in your potential. In turn, mentor and develop their abilities. When you and your team members genuinely care about each other, your team becomes an unstoppable force.
Ember Souchet Director of Asset Management,
DeFoor Brothers
Staying on Top of Trends
Advice From Area Marketing Experts
From the fast pace of social media to continually changing consumer preferences, marketing trends are always on the move. Because of this, companies are tasked with remaining up-to-date on the latest trends, as well as determining which are worth implementing into their marketing strategy. Here, area professionals discuss how they navigate the everevolving landscape of marketing trends and provide insight on how to discern the best move for a brand.
Ronelle
Sellers
Market Director, Marketing Communications, CHI Memorial
Why is it important to pay attention to marketing trends?
Adapting to current marketing trends is vital for business success. Embracing new technologies and platforms and understanding evolving consumer preferences allows businesses to enhance brand visibility, gain a competitive advantage, and improve customer engagement. By aligning with trends that resonate with your audience, you can create more impactful content, fostering stronger customer relationships and driving growth.
What are some current marketing trends?
What would you say is driving these trends?
Key marketing trends include the continued dominance of short-form video, the increasing importance of creator marketing and influencer collaborations, AI-powered personalization for enhanced customer engagement and loyalty, and a growing emphasis on brand transparency. Factors such as shorter attention spans, increasingly sophisticated AI, and the vast amounts of data being collected and stored are fueling these changes. Marketers must adapt by prioritizing genuine connections with their customers.
Do you have any predictions for marketing trends in 2025?
Looking ahead to 2025, two marketing trends stand out:
1. Businesses will use virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) to create fun and engaging experiences. Think virtual stores you can visit online, interactive events, and even virtual customer service.
2. Short videos will remain very popular, with even more ways for businesses to advertise and sell products directly through the videos.
Ryan Armstrong Director of Admission & Enrollment, Baylor School
What are some current marketing trends?
What would you say is driving these trends?
Social media has become increasingly trendy among independent schools. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok provide an opportunity for authentic and compelling storytelling through videos. Generally, this form of marketing resonates well with the current target audience, Generation Z and Generation Alpha, and it can also be appealing to their millennial parents.
Do you have any predictions for marketing trends in 2025?
The rise of AI does not seem to be slowing down, and I expect more independent schools and businesses will begin adopting practices to customize content for their target audience. From an independent school perspective, the element of human interaction is crucial, and I do not see that being replaced; however, I can see AI playing a role in optimizing and analyzing information to help develop new marketing strategies.
What advice would you give on striking a balance between tried-and-true marketing strategies versus participating in trends?
Primarily, it’s important to have data that supports that the “tried-and-true” marketing strategies have been effective. If so, using those proven, time-tested methods as a foundation for most of your marketing (60-75%) should work well. Then, utilizing different, emerging tactics, too, on a quarterly basis (25-40%) can be a useful way to expand your audience. In all cases, being able to track and analyze your marketing strategies is critical, as that feedback will determine if it’s necessary to adjust your approach.
Ron Jones
Regional President, SouthEast Bank
Why is it important to pay attention to marketing trends?
Marketing trends reflect how people prefer to connect with businesses. By staying aware of how these preferences shift, we can ensure we’re reaching customers in ways that are relevant and meaningful.
What are some current marketing trends?
What would you say is driving these trends?
One noteworthy trend is the shift toward community-centered marketing. People want to do business with companies that invest in their local areas. We see this in Chattanooga, where businesses that support schools, nonprofits, and small business growth are earning customer loyalty. Another key trend is digital engagement – that is, more customers are interacting with banks online, whether through social media or mobile banking. The drive behind these trends is customer preference. People want convenience, authenticity, and local impact from the businesses they support.
What advice would you give on striking a balance between tried-and-true marketing strategies versus participating in trends?
The key is to stay true to your mission while being curious about how to improve. At SouthEast Bank, we’ve always believed in developing strong relationships with our customers and deep roots in our community – that doesn’t change, no matter what trends come and go. However, we also look for new ways to engage, whether through digital outreach, local sponsorships, or innovative banking solutions. A balanced approach means maintaining what works while also being open to fresh ideas that enhance customer relationships.
Angela Duke Vice President, Managing Director of Marketing, SquareOne Holding Company
Why is it important to pay attention to marketing trends?
Marketing trends reflect shifts in consumer behavior, driven by changing preferences, lifestyles, and expectations. As people’s needs evolve, whether due to cultural shifts, economic factors, or different ways of engaging with brands through new technology, it’s essential to adapt. Paying attention to these trends ensures your brand or product stays relevant and continues to meet their expectations in meaningful ways.
What are some ways a business can stay on top of the latest marketing trends and discern which to participate in?
The best marketing plans start with understanding your guests, what they want, need, and expect. From there, it’s about creating a product or experience that resonates with them and building a strategy around it. Trends should complement this, not dictate it or replace it. Stay informed by analyzing guest behavior, tracking industry shifts, and testing new ideas in small, measurable ways. The key is to experiment without losing sight of your brand identity or your loyal customer.
What role have you seen social media play in marketing in recent years?
Social media has become a game-changer for engagement and brand awareness. Viral trends can quickly put a brand in front of a huge audience, but the real impact happens when that moment turns into a new brand follower and ultimately, a loyal guest through storytelling, personalized engagement, and memorable experiences.
Anita Headrick Owner, The Blue Collection
Why is it important to pay attention to marketing trends?
Smart marketing helps build an authentic brand identity that can promote momentary trends.
Do you have any predictions for marketing trends in 2025?
Local is king! Shopping with people you know and trust is back in style.
What are some ways a business can stay on top of the latest marketing trends and discern which to participate in?
Work on your existing customer relationships. Your loyal customers can guide you to what they like to see and what they expect. Marketing trends are not always worth the time and money.
What advice would you give on striking a balance between tried-and-true marketing strategies versus participating in trends?
Know your brand, know your clients, and know your audience.
Can you share an example of a marketing trend your business has participated in and how it was successful?
Partnering with other businesses in town to cross-promote and support each other locally is the best marketing and the most fun. It has been a continuous commitment of a very valuable team of like-minded fashionistas. Each business owner genuinely wants to see all of us succeed.
Ryan May
Co-Owner & Senior Vice President, Real Estate Partners Chattanooga
What are some current marketing trends?
What would you say is driving these trends?
In the real estate industry, we see an emphasis on utilizing AI-powered technology. A significant focus of this technology is to create and distribute their marketing content easier and faster. In turn, real estate agents can dedicate more of their time to their clients and provide value in ways that AI cannot.
Do you have any predictions for marketing trends in 2025?
In 2025, we expect to see even more advancement and adoption of this technology. We launched a super app at the end of 2024 that helps our agents with both the people and marketing sides of their businesses. The app has an AI assistant, Lucy, who is in final beta testing. Lucy will take direction from the agents, learn their business personally, and enhance their productivity and creativity. One minute, she may create a marketing email or social media post and then distribute it on the agent’s behalf. Next, she may remind them of a critical follow-up task on their calendar, like scheduling a dinner or sending a birthday note. This is only one of many AI-centered investments we’ve made recently.
What advice would you give on striking a balance between tried-and-true marketing strategies versus participating in trends?
Strong real estate businesses are focused on serving people above all else, so make every decision with that in mind. Traditional methods like print advertising, sponsoring local events, or networking will always be a part of the strategy. The new technology gives agents back something very valuable: time. The perfect balance would be leveraging the advancements, so you have even more time to connect and serve.
Our passion is educating our clients and community so that they can make well informed decisions about their financial goals and future. Rick & Granger Hughes, along with their team at HRG, through The Retirement Playbook™, are here to help Develop Your Game Plan and Coach You Through Your Retirement Season If you need help in any of the areas below, Choose Hughes!
Meet the 2024 class of changemakers who are bringing the mission of the American Heart Association to life in Chattanooga!
Justin
Justin
WINNER
Chloe Kennedy
Luther
The Leaders of Impact initiative shines a spotlight on heart health, as heart disease is the No. 1 killer worldwide and stroke ranks second globally. During an intense seven-week campaign, the nominees proved their dedication and commitment to the lifesaving work of the American Heart Association in our local community.
Jeremy Bradford Xpress Global Systems
Lauren Shuler Unum
Callie Burnette Chattanooga Tourism
Tate
Tate Homes
Anderson Law Firm
Lauren Sands RaganSmith
Amanda Trotter Amada Tapas
Innovation & Entrepreneurship
“Motivation is the catalyzing ingredient for every successful innovation.”
- Clayton Christensen
CALLING CHATTANOOGA HOME
Thanks to a close proximity to major interstates, tax incentives, fast internet, and everything our city has to offer, many businesses have chosen Chattanooga as their landing place. Here, we speak with four thriving local businesses who were eager to call the Scenic City home.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY RICH SMITH SHOT ON LOCATION AT WHISKEY THIEF
Ambition
Ambition is a sales performance management platform that helps Fortune 500 companies get the most out of their sales teams and drive revenue growth.
Why did you choose Chattanooga as your business location?
We were trying to find somewhere the fit into the “Goldilocks zone” – we wanted a city with unique outdoor and quality of life perks, a place that was affordable to live and operate a business, and a city you could find exceptional talent in and recruit new people to because they genuinely wanted to live there. Chattanooga checked all three boxes, even as a smaller city. When people come here for the first time they are blown away. Not to mention, the venture capital and talent network that Ted Alling, Allan Davis, Barry Large, and Jack Studer were starting at that time was so unique and authentic. A lot of our decision to stay and build is a credit to them.
What do you love about Chattanooga?
It’s an incredible place to live. The natural beauty is astounding with our lakes, river, and the mountains. This is a fantastic place to raise a family.
How does the Chattanooga community differ from others? Chattanooga is unique in that entrepreneurship is really a core part of the business ethos. Different cities have different vibes and cultures, but a consistent theme here is so many people are involved in starting something, investing in, or supporting new companies. That is certainly not the same everywhere. Regardless of what type of company or the scale of the vision – people in Chattanooga are very proud of this entrepreneurial bend.
What makes Chattanooga a good place to do business? Without incredible people, our business doesn’t work. We can’t under appreciate how important having a city people want to live in or visit and spend time in is for our success. So many people visit us here and are wowed by their experience. One of the amazing parts of Chattanooga is the city really is still small. You can get your arms around it. You can see and connect with people so easily here, and there is a willingness here to say yes.
Brian Trautschold, Co-Founder & COO
Top Gear Athletics
Founded in 2017 by Akeen Anthony, Top Gear Athletics offers premium athletic gear for a variety of sports such as softball, baseball, football, soccer, volleyball, and more, available online and at their retail space.
Why did you choose Chattanooga as your business location?
I would call it a “divine” accident. I came to Chattanooga because I was working on my master’s degree at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. When we got married, the business moved with Akeen. When I graduated in 2018 and was offered a job in town, we had a decision to make. Once we started looking at all the opportunities around us and what the area had to offer, it made our decision fairly easy. We decided to stay. Chattanooga not only has such a rich history, but it is by far the most beautiful and unique place we have ever visited.
What makes Chattanooga a good place to do business?
Chattanooga is a great hub for sports activity and tourism. It serves as a great location to service a large number of customers, not only in the local community, but also multiple states. It is a business-forward city that has embraced the growth mindset. It has been exciting to see how Chattanooga has developed over the years. Where there is development, there
is more opportunity to serve. What is it that makes Chattanooga so special? The people. Even though Chattanooga has been growing, it has that small town, tight community feeling: where neighbors look after one another and make sure you are taken care of. This mindset of the community makes Chattanooga special like no other city.
How do you feel supported by the Chattanooga community? At first, it was difficult finding people to connect with and figure out how to grow our network. Figuring out how to grow a business is challenging, but with that community mindset, people gave us a shot. Those early connections have now turned into partnerships, which have really been pivotal to our growth. Since the beginning, our standard has always been about treating people right and nourishing relationships. We believe in the Golden Rule by treating others the way we want to be treated. We found that going by these standards has opened the door to other people wanting to do business with us as well.
Bella Anthony, Co-Owner
The Rustic House
Emily Warr began The Rustic House (TRH) in 2013 with $500, saved recycled glass, and a dream. The Rustic House candles, made in small batches with high-quality ingredients, are now available in all 50 states and a dozen countries.
What makes Chattanooga a good place to do business?
It’s the quality of life in Chattanooga that makes it such a great place to do business. The affordability, the vibrant city life, the fastest internet in the world, and the ability to get out in nature daily. Our business thrives because of our community support. Chattanoogans are loyal to local brands they believe in. I am so thankful for every retailer/brand/person in Chattanooga who allows me to share my dream with a little bit of yours.
Do you have any special stories you’d like to share regarding doing business in Chattanooga?
One of our local customer’s girlfriends, living in New York City, sent me a letter last year thanking me for “creating such beautifully scented products.” She said that her boyfriend (now husband) would send her their favorite TRH scent during long stints apart. She said our candles got her through some of her toughest days without him and that once lit, the smell brought her so much joy and serenity. In a recent update from my new long-distance pen pal, she
shared, “Today, we are happily married in NYC and are loyal TRH candle fans for life!”
How does the Chattanooga community differ from others? I was embraced with encouragement and support from my Chattanooga Market family and the patrons attending. This is not something I had experienced before in my hometown. After 10 years of doing business here, customers still show up with their empty recycled containers for a discount on their next purchase. I am so grateful for the people who continue to support us and purchase our candles.
Do you have anything exciting coming up?
We have a new home! We just moved our 3,000-square-foot manufacturing warehouse to the south side of Chattanooga to a place called “Onion Bottom,” an old dump site for produce in the early 1900s. As hilarious and ironic as this is, I believe our role for this new space is to bring some better smells to Southside and its community.
Emily Warr , Founder
WorkHound
WorkHound enables businesses to capture workforce feedback, allowing them to retain their workforce and improve their business.
Why did you choose Chattanooga as your business location?
We actually started the company in Des Moines, Iowa, and decided to open an office in Chattanooga a year later. One of the biggest reasons why we grew our presence here was because of the community’s focus on the supply chain. When Dynamo Ventures was running their accelerator, we came down for three months and were able to double our revenue and land our first enterprise customer. I kept thinking to myself, “It would be crazy if we didn’t have a presence here.” I knew that Chattanooga would be a place where we could recruit talent that was drawn to the same things that I was. The connections here were outstanding. It helps that there’s a really nice quality of life. I can go from the office to being on a trail in five minutes.
How do you feel supported by the Chattanooga community? If I need guidance or connections in this town and reach
out, usually someone is willing to help me. For example, I ran into Mayor Tim Kelly at a Chattanooga FC soccer game and asked him to meet so I could learn from him about how he’s navigated hard challenges in his career. That is one of the ugly realities of business: You have to work through hard stuff. He did meet with me – and he was incredibly helpful, empathetic, and supportive. There have been other leaders like that who will take time to connect if I ever ask. That means the world to me – because building a business is riding a roller coaster.
How does the Chattanooga community differ from others? What stood out to me when we made the decision to have a presence in Chattanooga was the collaborative nature of the community and the focus on the supply chain. Most of our customers are everywhere else in the country, so Chattanooga has been a good place to go heads down as we build our business.
Max Farrell, Co-Founder & CEO
The Cutting Edge
How Local Companies are Leveraging the Latest in Innovation
In an age where technology is constantly evolving and artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly being incorporated into business practices, it’s more important than ever to stay ahead of the curve. Here, local companies share how they are leveraging the latest advancements to remain on the cutting edge of innovation in their industries.
Brian Elrod
Co-Founder & CEO, Text Request
At Text Request, staying attuned to the latest innovations is fundamental to our mission as a technology company. Our approach is twofold: we focus on building solutions for our customers’ evolving needs while continuously evaluating and improving our internal technologies to drive operational efficiency. Listening to our customers is at the heart of our innovation process. Their feedback often highlights pain points and opportunities, serving as the foundation for developing new features and tools.
The rise of AI is a perfect example of how we approach innovation thoughtfully. While AI is widely seen as a transformative technology, it must be implemented with clearly defined use cases to deliver meaningful results. For instance, we’ve explored AI-powered agents to enhance scheduling, outbound and inbound sales, and lead generation. Rather than jumping on trends, we ensure our adoption process begins with identifying a specific problem. From there, we conduct research, attend product demos, engage in industry conferences, and run rigorous internal testing before integrating new technologies into our workflows.
This deliberate approach drives innovation and ensures that our solutions are practical, effective, and aligned with our customers’ goals and our company’s vision.
Tanya Manoni VP Pharmacy, Designer Drugs
If there’s one thing my 20-year career has taught me, it’s that “change is life,” and those willing to accept that reality and ride the wave of adaptation will succeed. Innovation takes a willingness to try something new and the courage to fail. It is not a perfectionist’s sport. It certainly helps to be passionate about what you do; this gives me the energy to maintain the constant hustle that innovation requires. I ensure Designer Drugs stays on the forefront of preventative and antiaging therapies by aligning our interests with the forward thinkers in the field and providing corresponding products and services. The second piece of innovation, and perhaps most valuable, is creating innovative workflows and solutions to operational problems, as well as creating a collaborative environment where our employees are empowered to pitch an idea or learn from a calculated mistake. We are a solution-centered pharmacy; it is part of our mission to view each operational or patient “problem” as an opportunity to create an innovative solution. It’s so fulfilling and fun once you let go of the fear of failure and ride that wave!
Jared Houghton
Co-Founder & CEO, Ambition
At Ambition, staying ahead means solving real problems for real customers. Sales managers at companies like Waste Management, ADP, and T-Mobile don’t have time to sift through endless data –they need answers they can act on.
That’s where our investment in AI comes in. We’re not just talking predictions and reports; we’re delivering automated insights that cut through the noise. Need to know which rep needs coaching or your forecast is at risk? Our platform surfaces that intelligence so managers can stop guessing and start leading.
What makes this work is simple: we listen. Our customers tell us what they’re up against, and we build tools to tackle it head-on. It’s not about chasing buzzwords or flashy features; it’s about creating solutions that actually work. Innovation isn’t a box to check – it’s how we operate.
And at Ambition, we’re always looking for the next way to make life easier for the people who rely on us.
Jim Coleman, Jr.
President & CEO, Erlanger
Erlanger continues to set the gold standard for innovation and technology in healthcare, solidifying our position as a regional leader. From performing Tennessee’s first dual-chamber leadless pacemaker implant to pioneering the state’s first use of Robotic Focal HighIntensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) for prostate cancer treatment, Erlanger remains at the forefront of medical advancement.
Our 50-year partnership with the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine – Chattanooga underscores our shared commitment to innovation and excellence in medical education and research. Together, we contributed to an international study published in The Lancet Digital Health on the effectiveness of an AI system for detecting polyps during colonoscopies, further advancing care through groundbreaking technology.
These achievements reflect Erlanger’s unwavering commitment to adopting innovative solutions and delivering the highest quality of care. Backed by the dedication and expertise of our exceptional team, Erlanger continues to shape the future of healthcare and fulfill our mission to provide high-quality, accessible, and compassionate care for all.
“Where our clients are a name before a number ”
Patrick Visintainer
Co-Founder, REPOWR
In 2024, we saw significant growth – increasing our customer base and trailers on our platform. This success stems from our focus on innovation. The logistics industry is evolving, and if we do not innovate, we will be behind. That’s why we are always testing and implementing new technologies with our partners. We rely on their feedback to shape our innovative solutions. A few recent examples include:
• Integrations with telematics providers to ensure actionable trailer tracking
• Partnering with Reliance Partners to enable usage-based insurance while maintaining chain of custody
• Leveraging Highway data to enhance onboarding for new users
• Using FreightWaves SONAR data to improve pricing for optimal trailer liquidity
Through innovation and collaboration, REPOWR is driving the future of trailer sharing in logistics.
Craig Miller
Market President, SmartBank
In today’s hyper-connected world, innovation is the lifeblood of the banking industry. Embracing cutting-edge technologies is crucial for banks to remain competitive, enhance customer experiences, and safeguard their clients. This necessitates a comprehensive approach that encompasses advancements in treasury management, such as the implementation of robust fraud prevention measures like positive pay. By leveraging these tools, banks can significantly reduce the risk of check fraud and provide enhanced security for their clients. Moreover, the rise of mobile banking has revolutionized customer interactions, enabling 24/7 access to accounts, seamless bill payments, and personalized financial management tools. By embracing these innovations, banks can not only improve operational efficiency and enhance customer satisfaction but also solidify their position as trusted partners in their clients’ financial journeys. In an era of constant evolution, banks that prioritize innovation and leverage technology to enhance their services will thrive and maintain their leadership in the ever-changing financial landscape.
Daniel Pickett
Chief Technology Officer, FreightWaves
The pace of new technology is always accelerating, and it can be exhausting to stay abreast of the latest trends. Keeping up is a worthwhile endeavor, however. When the public internet gained popularity in the 1990s, many dismissed it as hubris. While there were some spectacular business failures in that period, it also saw companies like Netflix, Google, and Amazon founded. The birth of the smartphone has been another major paradigm shift. The lack of a physical keyboard was derided as the inevitable doom of touch screens, and even Facebook refused to make an app initially. Fortunately for them, they finally realized that the explosion of smartphone apps would create novel business models and one day lead to 65% of all internet traffic coming from mobile devices!
Today, at FreightWaves and SONAR, we are researching generative artificial intelligence models like ChatGPT. Generative AI models will absolutely change the way we think about interacting with computers and the internet. Once again, with this new technology we see some amazing examples of the future of computing, but also some over-hyped, get-rich-quick schemes. The point is that the only way to sift the wheat from the chaff is to conduct small experiments with new technologies and learn for yourself.
Greg Bloh
CEO, Transcard
At Transcard, innovation is interweaved into everything we do. The payment ecosystem that we are a part of is constantly evolving, and we continue to innovate and enhance our embedded solutions to improve the payment experience for our customers globally. Not only do we work with many Fortune 500 companies across the U.S., we recently expanded our payment orchestration solutions into Canada and the United Kingdom to support global operations.
AI continues to grow, and the power of AI is something I believe in.
Although we’ve been using AI for years, we ramped up our organization’s adoption last year. Internally, we’re leveraging AI to improve operations. However, I’m even more excited about how we’ve embedded generative AI into our customer experience to drive efficiencies in the office of the CFO. With data-rich AI insights, our customers will receive recommendations to improve financial operations and optimize cash flow.
A prime example of Transcard’s innovation is our lienholder payment solution, which we worked closely with leading insurers and lienholders to custom design and create for the insurance industry. The digital payment experience replaces the cumbersome check process and transforms the recipient’s claim payout from weeks into minutes.
Innovation is not just a goal; it’s a continuous journey at Transcard, and we’re committed to staying on the cutting edge.
Strategy & Leadership
“Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.”
- John F. Kennedy
Off the Clock
At the end of a productive workday, even the greatest leaders need time to rest. Having a restorative after-work routine or ritual can help one bring their best self to work and sustain success in their roles. From going for a walk and cooking a meal to spending time with loved ones, read on to learn how local leaders recharge off the clock.
Sandy McKenzie President & CEO, Hamilton Medical Center
As a leader in a large organization, you are never really able to completely disconnect, although you have to make time and take advantage of it. The first is how I start and end each day. Each morning, I start with 5-10 minutes of quiet time, and at the end of the day I go through any notes and put all documents and files away so my desk is clean. It is always nice to start the day with a clean desk. When away from the office, I focus on family time. This can be a family dinner, walk with my husband, or a good spin class. This allows my brain to focus on something different. Another way I am able to recharge is to take time away from the office, not just for vacationing, but also for quiet days at home. It is not just one thing.
Tracy Wood President & CEO, Journey Health Foundation
After a long day, I’ve found that recharging is key to showing up as my best self – not just as a leader, but as a person. Whether it’s a quiet walk, cooking dinner with family, or simply pausing to reflect, those moments of downtime give me the energy and clarity to tackle challenges with fresh perspective. Taking time to unwind isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. When we prioritize self-care, we’re not only healthier and happier but also better equipped to inspire and support those around us. For me, recharging isn’t just about rest – it’s about reconnecting with what fuels me. As leaders, we set the tone for our teams. When we prioritize self-care, we model resilience and balance, showing that bringing your best to your role starts with taking care of yourself. Remember, a refreshed leader is an effective leader.
Phillip Pickett President & Founder, Advanced Energy Engineering & Design, Inc.
I’m not sure that recharge best describes what I do after work. Redirection may be a better descriptor of the shift. The mindset and activities that go into supporting clients, co-workers, vendors, etc. get redirected to family, church, and two dogs. Staying in the support mindset means that I don’t have a change in focus, and change is tough on this old engineer's faculties. To say I don't have hobbies would not be accurate and misleading on my part, but even those are focused on support or interacting with others.
Kimberly Bowen Senior Vice President, Global Talent and Inclusion, Unum Group
Working in HR, I know the importance of ensuring employees are holistically supported, which includes providing them the time and resources they need to rest and recharge. As a busy leader, I need to make sure I am also implementing these practices for myself. Like a car without gas in its tank, leaders who run on empty do not go far. So, I am intentional and prioritize spending quality time with my family daily, reading good books, and taking advantage of my paid time off. Investing just 15 minutes a day to relieve stress, renew your mind, and refocus on what is most important can make a world of difference in how we show up for those who are depending on us.
John Sterner, CFP® Private Wealth Advisor, BrightView Capital
As a business owner, it’s easy to let work consume every hour of the day, but I’ve learned that real success is measured in the moments we create with the people who matter most. Intentional time with my family is a priority, whether it’s walking my daughter to school every morning before heading to the office or spending a Saturday on the lake with my family. I recently had the privilege of taking my dad to Philadelphia to watch our favorite team, the Washington Commanders, play in the NFC championship game. At 80 years old, it was a bucket-list moment for him, and seeing his excitement reminded me why I do what I do. These moments recharge me, giving me the energy and perspective to lead better in business and at home. In the end, it’s not just about building a great company – it’s about building a life worth remembering.
Sharae Moore Founder, SHE Trucking
After a long day of leading, mentoring, and making decisions, I make it a priority to recharge. For me, that means unplugging from work, spending time with loved ones, and doing something that feeds my soul –whether it’s listening to music, journaling, or simply sitting in silence. Rest isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. As leaders, we pour into others all day, but we can’t give our best if we’re running on empty. Taking time to recharge allows me to show up refreshed, focused, and ready to lead with clarity and purpose. Whether it’s a quiet moment in the morning, listening to audiobooks, or a creative outlet, find what refuels you and make it nonnegotiable. When we take care of ourselves, we create space for innovation, patience, and the energy needed to inspire those around us. Leadership starts with self-care – because when we thrive, so do the people we lead.
Garnett Decosimo Managing Director, Decosimo
Although I don’t always have time for it, my favorite way to recharge after work is to cook. In our M&A advisory work, where projects and engagements can take as long as a year to complete, it’s rewarding to find a challenging meal or “project” that I can plan, start, and finish in a single evening. Additionally, cooking requires presence and focus (especially when using a knife…) but can also provide rare time for reflection. Importantly, cooking can remind you that many recipes, similar to a transaction process, can be improved by creativity, improvisation, and judgment, leading to unexpected and positive results. It’s important to clarify that my enjoyment of cooking far exceeds my actual skills in the kitchen, so I won’t be quitting my day job anytime soon.
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Working Their Way Up
Climbing the career ladder takes dedication, hard work, and a willingness to learn every step of the way. Here, we speak with five local professionals who worked their way up from entry-level positions to upper management roles within the same company. Read on to learn where they started, what challenges they had to overcome, and who motivated them to keep going.
BY ALI LEMMONS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KRISTINA ARMSTRONG
Charles Gomez, MD
ERLANGER
From Patient Care Technician to Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon
Dr. Charles Gomez’s journey at Erlanger started in 2003 when he joined the hospital as a patient care technician in the children’s emergency department.
“While working as a technician, I found that it did not take degrees or titles to make a difference in the lives of patients and their families, just a willingness to meet the needs of those you are caring for,” shares Dr. Gomez.
However, as Dr. Gomez gained more experience in the emergency room, he realized that he could do even more for his patients.
“I wanted the responsibility of having hard conversations with patients and making difficult decisions related to their medical treatment,” shares Dr. Gomez. “Several years later, I was accepted to medical school at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center.”
From there, Dr. Gomez completed many of his third- and fourth-year clinical rotations at Erlanger. After graduating from medical school, he completed his orthopedic surgery residency in southern California followed by a fellowship in pediatric orthopedic surgery in Cincinnati, Ohio. In 2023, Dr. Gomez returned to Erlanger as a pediatric orthopedic surgeon.
“I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to return to the place where my journey began so many years ago,” shares Dr. Gomez. “It is so amazing to see and work beside many of the people who were there when I knew so little. Their patience, support, and encouragement have meant so much to me over the years.”
While Dr. Gomez faced many challenges while pursuing his career in medicine, such as working full-time in the ER while being a full-time college student, he refused to quit, knowing he had found his calling.
“In a very real sense, Erlanger has made me who I am today,” finishes Dr. Gomez. “This is where an immature kid learned about patient care, empathy, and compassion. It’s where I realized that things of value require hard work and sacrifice. It’s where I plan to spend my career giving back.”
Kara Van Brunt
RUBY FALLS
From Tour Guide to Executive Director
While many spend years deciding what career path to take, Kara Van Brunt’s journey at Ruby Falls began when she was just 14.
“Working at Ruby Falls was an idea my friend and I cooked up during class and something we thought would be a fun way to meet people,” Van Brunt shares. “The idea of meeting people from all over, both guests and peers, was very intriguing. I had no idea the journey I was beginning at that time.”
Throughout her high school and college career, Van Brunt continued to work at Ruby Falls on holidays and in between her classes. While she originally planned to earn a degree in art, Van Brunt changed her major to business after discovering how much she enjoyed being involved in the business side of the tourism industry.
“I began working in Ruby Falls’ human resources and operations management while still in college,” adds Van Brunt. “It was a unique experience to have real-world applications to apply to the business principles I studied, and I used some of what I learned to implement new policies and procedures at Ruby Falls.”
After graduating, Ruby Falls offered Van Brunt the opportunity to stay on full time –with a promotion to a senior leadership role.
While Van Brunt mentions that there are many days with long hours, both early mornings and late nights, she counts herself lucky, noting that she has a unique career and is surrounded by an amazing staff.
“I love the people,” finishes Van Brunt. “The thing that drew me in as a teenager is what makes me smile every day. I love that we have such a diverse and fun group of people working at Ruby Falls. Folks genuinely care about one another and want each other to succeed.”
Ken Jones
EPB
From Network Technician to Senior Director of Procurement, Vendor Relations, and Minority and Women-Owned Businesses
In 2000, one short phone call changed the trajectory of Ken Jones’ career.
“My manager from a previous job was working at EPB. He called me one day and asked if I would be interested in working there. If so, he would recommend me to the hiring manager,” shares Jones. “It’s amazing to think of how much growth EPB – and I – have gone through since then.”
Jones started at EPB as a network technician, installing and maintaining internet for the company’s customers. Just two years and eight months later, Jones received his first promotion into a supervisory role.
“I was still young, maybe about 30 years old, and I didn’t have much leadership experience. It was very challenging. Looking back, I learned a lot from that role,” shares Jones.
Over the years, Jones continued to advance in his career at EPB and take on important tasks, from playing a pivotal role in the fiber-to-thehome network that powers Chattanooga today to managing a smart grid deployment to speed up connection time for businesses. In 2020, he was promoted to director of procurement and vendor relations and, in 2022, he assumed responsibility for developing relationships with minority and women-owned businesses as senior director of procurement, vendor relations, and minority and women-owned business.
“Like many previous roles, I wasn’t a subject matter expert. I’ve kept an open mind about trying new things at EPB, with every opportunity more rewarding than the last,” says Jones. “While the roles have been different, all have been about empowering strong teams – finding great people and letting them do what they know best.”
Now, more than two decades later, Jones reflects on his career with gratitude.
“I grew up at EPB through 24 years of consistent, constant evolution,” finishes Jones. “It wasn’t always easy or fun, but I wouldn’t change my experience for the world because it helped shape and mold me into who I am today.”
Photo
Stephen Hungate Vice President, Employee Benefits
Vanasia Conley Parks
UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE AT CHATTANOOGA
From Accounting Clerk to Senior Associate Vice Chancellor for Business Services
When Vanasia Conley Parks graduated from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) in 1983 with a degree in business management, she didn’t have to go far to begin her career – she quickly accepted a position as an accounting clerk in the university’s financial aid office.
“I was drawn to the position because of the experience I received as a full-time student working as a peer counselor in the same office,” shares Parks. “It was an ideal opportunity after graduating.”
Little did Parks know that her first job would turn into a 42-year career at the university. In 1984, Parks moved to the bursar’s office as a staff accountant, later being promoted six separate times until she landed in her current role as senior associate vice chancellor for business services.
“My promotions and advancements were due to significant changes within the division along with retirements and internal reorganizations to align people with their strengths,” shares Parks.
Starting at the university fresh out of college wasn’t without its challenges. Early in her career, Parks was younger and had less experience than many of the employees who reported to her.
“Those challenges quickly disappeared after I proved that I had their best interest at heart, instilled teamwork, and I ‘walked the talk,’” shares Parks. “I would not ask my staff to do anything I wouldn’t do myself … no matter how big or small. Those qualities quickly allowed me to win over a great, dedicated team.”
While at UTC, Parks has enjoyed working with students and her staff alike as she finds solutions to problems and assists students in earning their education.
“I knew at an early age what I wanted to do in life and what I wanted to be,” finishes Parks. “After working for 42 years, I feel I have left my footprint, and I am so grateful!”
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Solara Sain
GOODWILL
From Store Associate to Vice President of Retail Operations
From 1992 to 1995, the Bosnian War displaced more than 2 million people as they fled to seek safety from the violence – and Solara Sain was one of them.
“I was granted the opportunity to move to the U.S. through a Lutheran Church refugee program,” shares Sain. “I had little work experience, but I was determined to find a job that allowed me to earn a living.”
At the time, Goodwill was opening a new store within walking distance of Sain’s apartment, and she was hired as a store associate in January of 1997. Before the war, Sain never imagined she would live in America, so her English was very limited.
“When I arrived in the U.S., my English vocabulary consisted of about 200 words,” shares Sain. “Every day presented a new challenge to learn something new.”
Despite this obstacle, Sain persisted. She became a U.S. citizen in 2001, and from 1997 to 2005, Sain was promoted three separate times, eventually earning the title of store manager.
But Sain’s journey didn’t stop there. She continued to participate in training programs and accept any opportunities for growth. From 2008 to 2020, Sain continued to advance in leadership roles at Goodwills across the country, from Oklahoma City to Dallas, Texas.
“Today, I am proud to serve as vice president of retail operations at Goodwill Industries of the Greater Chattanooga area,” says Sain. “Goodwill is much more than a store. More than 85 cents from every dollar generated in stores by the sale of donated items is used to support our mission to help people transform their potential into opportunity through education, training, and employment.”
Throughout her career progression at Goodwill, Sain was inspired to persevere by her late father, and his influence still guides her journey today.
“He never stopped learning, which is why I enrolled in college to pursue his dream of all of his children obtaining a college degree,” finishes Sain. “In May of this year, I will graduate with my master’s degree.”
Developing Leadership Skills
LOCAL LEADERS WEIGH IN
Whether you’ve led a team for years or are new to a leadership role, leadership skills are an invaluable asset throughout a career. Here, we speak to local leaders who share the advice they would give to someone looking to develop their leadership skills.
Todd Fortner President & CEO, TVFCU
The key to developing your leadership skills is finding a successful mentor and maintaining open, honest communication with them about what you hope to accomplish.
Through this relationship you’ll be able to gain new perspectives and learn in ways you hadn’t yet considered, and in turn, you’ll have a model for how to develop others. Ultimately, developing leaders is about creating and nurturing a supportive community.
I’m still on the journey of learning how to lead.
As a business owner with a team, this is something that is required of me but definitely doesn’t come naturally to me. I very much strive to be a servant leader and lead with confidence and empathy, while fostering a sense of collaboration amongst my team. The best advice I could give is to do a lot of self-reflection and surround yourself with people who challenge you and elevate you. Remember that the magic of growth happens outside of your comfort zone. Push yourself to embrace challenges as opportunities to evolve.
Kim Thompson Owner, Love, EROS
As a leader, it’s important to inspire others to aim for excellence and empower them to pursue their God-given potential.
Consider how you are cultivating not only your own growth but also the growth of those around you. Be authentic and aware of your strengths while surrounding yourself with individuals who complement those strengths. Communicate clearly and transparently, setting well-defined expectations. Seek knowledge continuously to improve and drive innovation. Be a visionary in crafting a strategic plan, gaining support from stakeholders with understandable, achievable milestones and timelines. Embrace best practices and lead by example through a strong work ethic, integrity, and values, inspiring others to model dedication and passion. Recognize your people as your greatest asset, investing in their development and well-being. Let your leadership be motivated by the needs of others, and as you lead others, remember to let God lead you.
Ken Shaw President, Southern Adventist University
I strongly believe in servant leadership.
Great leaders put the needs of others ahead of their own and work to serve those they lead. The motivation of servant leaders is one of team, family, and community, not of self. Leaders must lead with great humility and respect, knowing when to roll up their sleeves and work alongside their peers and when to step aside and let their team’s talent shine brightly. They must invite and embrace constructive feedback, in the same manner with which it is given. Mutual respect of the team is not some tangible item to be handed over based on promotion or title. Rather, it is earned through daily selfless interaction, empathy, and sacrifice of one’s own time and emotional energy. Leaders must always reflect compassion, resilience, encouragement, vision, and influence. Great leaders realize collaboration of the team collectively will always outperform the results of individuals.
Dean Krech Managing Partner, JHM CPAs
My leadership style has been profoundly shaped by the culture and environment at NAI Charter.
I have been with this company for more than 20 years, beginning shortly after graduating from UTC. This longevity speaks volumes about the organization’s impact on my growth. For those seeking to develop their leadership skills, my advice is this: Choose an environment that nurtures your growth, led by a kind and empathetic leader who believes in your potential. As a young, introverted, and fresh-faced woman entering a business world where I knew no one, this support made all the difference. While I do not claim to have all the answers, nor believe I have reached the peak of my experience and learning, I am confident in my ability to continue evolving and growing as a leader.
Amie Thomas CFO, NAI Charter
The best leaders grow through mentorship and meaningful connections.
Serving as a leader is an incredibly rewarding experience but can sometimes feel isolating. Networking with colleagues in similar roles can provide the best support and enhance your leadership skills. Joining professional organizations helps you build a network of peers who can collaborate, brainstorm, and tackle challenges together. These professional communities provide invaluable resourc es and opportunities for ongoing professional growth. Additionally, finding a mentor is also vital when developing leadership skills. A mentor is a confidante and provides wisdom as a developing leader navigates new challenges. This relationship helps ensure a smooth er transition into a new role.
Renee Murley, EdD Head of School, Boyd-Buchanan School
Jenelle Hawkins Director of Operational Excellence, Vision Hospitality Group
Leadership has to be developed from example.
Many people starting out are concerned with where they work more so than who their manager is going to be. It needs to be the exact opposite. The interview process is a twoway street, so those wanting to develop need to interview their potential new boss in the same way they are being judged for their potential fit. Ask questions that will show this person’s approach to teaching, how they deliver criticism, and their approach to delegation. Ask them about their support style. If you work under a great developer, are open to critical feedback, and put in your fair share of the effort, there’s no way you won’t grow and thrive.
Eric Schexnaildre, EdD Head of School, Notre Dame High School
Developing leadership skills is a journey that requires intentional effort and practice.
When engaging with effective leaders, digest the characteristics displayed and be inquisitive as to how and why they are successful. Cultivate emotional intelligence by understanding and managing your emotions. Leaders will always be on the front line of adversity and difficult decision-making. This is crucial for aspiring leaders: Seek opportunities to take initiative, even in small tasks, to build confidence and decision-making skills. Superiors will take notice of your willingness to tackle small tasks and see the value in investing time and energy into your potential. Always seek mentorship, both formal and informal, from experienced leaders. Be adaptable and approachable; embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and remain open to feedback. Once you make an educated decision, be bold and execute. Leadership is about inspiring and guiding others to achieve shared goals while fostering a positive and supportive environment.
A successful leader must first recognize their own weaknesses and actively seek to address them.
Investing in personal development and continuous learning through books and podcasts provides valuable insights and strategies that enhance your leadership skills. I enjoy reading biographies and memoirs of business leaders I admire and trying to learn from their successes and failures. Admittedly, leadership books can seem redundant, but I have found they reinforce an intentional mindset. Effective leadership transcends hierarchy; it operates horizontally among peers and vertically across all levels of an organization. Always prioritize the success of your team. Empower colleagues by providing support, resources, and opportunities for growth. When you focus on lifting others, you cultivate a positive environment that drives collective achievement. Remember, true leadership is measured not just by your own success but by how effectively you can guide and elevate those around you. Embrace this holistic approach, and you’ll create a thriving, collaborative culture.
Jason T. Allen Market Executive, Regions Bank
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John Eaves at 423.752.1605 | John.Eaves@Regions.com
Justin Whitaker at 423.752.1510 | Justin.Whitaker@Regions.com
Justin Whitaker at 423.752.1510 | Justin.Whitaker@Regions.com
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1 Financing terms are subject to change and dependent on credit parameters, including collateral and documentation requirements and credit approval. Ascentium Capital is a division of Regions Bank. Loans and leases provided by Regions Bank, member FDIC, doing business as AscentiumCapital.
Swafford, EdD CEO, Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy
I am cautious to give any advice, especially leadership advice. What I have found in my walk toward becoming a leader is to first understand the fundamentals. As a coach and athlete, I know that being a fundamentally sound player and coach is important. The greatest athlete or professional strives to get it right every day, even though they know perfection in every situation is unattainable. You cannot live your vision or purpose fully, without having the strength to face struggles and know which struggles matter. In other words, focus only on what matters most and lead others to believe in your vision. I believe that knowledge about processes can be learned, but wisdom comes from experience and showing up every day with unwavering integrity. One’s real character shows up when the chips are down. Leadership for me is when vision, purpose, character, and integrity all line up intentionally.
Leadership does not require a title, as it is far more than the overt act of being at the head of an organization or being “first.” In its purest form, leadership requires integrity coupled with a desire to help others overcome challenges and adversity. Leaders listen to the experiences of others while leaning on their own life experiences to create a shared vision for success. Effective leaders are open-minded, creative, and inspire trust by pursuing solutions for the good of the whole.
Andrew J. Godbold Of Counsel, Leitner, Williams Dooley & Napolitan
In leadership, crucial skills include listening, staying curious, and being resilient.
Honing these skills has shaped leadership effectiveness throughout my career. Listening, really listening, is one of the most underestimated skills in leadership. Early in my career, I realized that when I listened to understand, solutions emerged that I could never have come up with on my own. Staying curious encourages lifelong learning. In healthcare, where innovation and change happen almost daily, staying curious has been one of the most important habits I have cultivated. The humility to continue learning and seeking advice from valued colleagues also provides the courage to trust our team. Resilience is what keeps us standing when the world shakes. It allows us to take one more step when every part of us wants to quit. It’s not about being invincible; it’s about being unshakeable in our commitment to keep moving forward.
Lisa Lovelace President & CEO, Bradley Medical Center, Vitruvian Health
Elaine
Leadership is more than just managing people – to me, it’s about setting an example and inspiring those around you in an effort to help elevate them to achieve great things.
To develop as a leader, one must focus on continuous learning and self-awareness. They should seek out feedback regularly, not just from mentors but also from peers and team members. Great leaders listen more than they speak to understand the needs of their team and to find ways to help others thrive. A leader builds trust through consistency and integrity, and they are not afraid to take calculated risks or admit when they make mistakes. Finally, embrace opportunities for growth, whether it’s taking on challenging projects, mentoring others, or expanding your knowledge in areas outside your comfort zone. Leadership isn’t a destination; it’s a journey of growth, resilience, and impact, and if it’s done correctly, it can be incredibly rewarding for everyone involved.
Matt Hisey Partner, Chattanooga Practice Leader, Mauldin & Jenkins
Former Tennessee Senator and United States Senate Majority Leader Howard Baker was famous for the adage, “You should always go through life working on the assumption that the other guy might be right.”
Senator Baker is one of Tennessee’s most storied leaders, and I think he was on to something important. The best leaders think of themselves as partners with their teams – talking less and listening to their unique and varied ideas. Simply put, the best leaders must be good listeners. Listening goes beyond simply engaging in conversation: It’s a crucial skill that fosters trust, builds relationships, brings new ideas to light, and is rooted in the humble reality that none of us has a corner on all knowledge. We lead far better when we consider the opinions, perspectives, and wisdom of others.
Todd Womack President & CEO, Bridge Public Affairs
Start by being a curious learner so that you know you can add value when it’s your turn to lead.
Too many people in leadership roles are certain they are right, rather than in pursuit of the best idea. Commit to core values so you are consistent and people will trust you. Especially in politics, if you try to be all things to all people, no one will trust you. Work to develop empathy by putting yourself in the shoes of others and trying to understand their perspective. Curiosity, core values, and empathy will prepare you for the defining moments of leadership: knowing when to stand your ground. Great leaders have a sense of which battles to fight and are willing to stand firm when the going gets tough.
Weston Wamp Mayor, Hamilton County
Leaders move people to action – that can be convincing your kids to do their chores or getting your co-workers excited about surpassing a quarterly goal.
You don’t need a fancy title or a specific job to work on those skills. Lead by example, by doing the hard work, and be willing to make difficult decisions. Leaders speak up, and they are wiling to make unpopular decisions and even risk being wrong. Better to make a mistake and learn from it than stay on the sidelines. They share recognition for the wins with the whole team and take the blame when they make mistakes. Once you have a habit of thinking and working this way, it will become a natural next step for you to act, think, and contribute as a leader.
Todd Phillips President, Noon Management
So much about politics is local.
Get to know your elected officials and the political process, from the school board to the state house. Business leaders have all the ingredients to be meaningful contributors to the political process. Active participation and relationship building can help influence policy, enhance economic development, and create stronger places to live and work. You’ll be surprised to find out how much your input and participation is welcomed. Governments depend on their constituents for expertise and trusted advice, and business leaders are uniquely positioned to give insight into the impact of policies on communities.
Evann Freeman Vice President, Government & Community Relations, EPB
True leadership lies in seeking knowledge and virtue, not personal gain or self-aggrandizement.
Developing leadership skills starts with fostering self-awareness, understanding your strengths and weaknesses and how your actions affect others. Leaders must first clarify the accomplishments sought and the roles of each member of the team necessary to succeed in every endeavor. Embrace challenges as opportunities to grow rather than obstacles to shy away from. Observing and learning from successful leaders around you can provide valuable perspectives on ways to improve your own leadership style. My belief is that a trait of brevity brings clarity while verbosity brings obfuscation. Fewer words delivered softly are more impactful than more words delivered repeatedly.
James F. Logan Jr. President, Logan-Thompson, P.C.
To develop your leadership skills, embrace a mindset of continuous learning and improvement. Begin by reading or listening to a diverse range of materials on leadership – not just the compelling stories of military leaders like Navy SEALs or generals but also insights from academia and the private sector. A broad perspective will deepen your understanding of leadership's many facets. Next, seek out challenges. Growth comes from stepping outside your comfort zone. Taking on difficult assignments or navigating demanding environments will sharpen your abilities and build resilience. If leadership feels easy, you may not be stretching yourself enough. Finally, redefine your relationship with failure. Rather than fearing it, view failure as a stepping stone to improvement. Each setback offers valuable lessons that can make you a stronger leader. Success lies in perseverance, reflection, and the commitment to keep moving forward.
John Chambers Police Chief, Chattanooga Police Department
One of the best ways to develop your skills as a leader is by seeking guidance from those you admire.
When you identify someone with a skill you want to develop, don’t hesitate to ask them for direction. Seeking their insight makes you a stronger, more coachable leader. Remember that leadership is a journey of continuous growth, so don’t be afraid to take on new challenges and put yourself out there. Flexibility and a willingness to learn are key to unlocking your full leadership potential.
Caroline F. Burris CEO, Parkridge East Hospital
In my experience, the best leaders know where they want to go but are flexible with how they get there.
They anticipate, plan for, and even enjoy the zig-zag, up-and-down path it can sometimes take to reach the destination. From the outside, many leaders often look like they have been on a steady glide path to success, but hidden in that veneer are a lot of very challenging days that most people cannot see. While no one has ever mistaken me for a U.S. Marine, I think the adage "improvise, adapt, overcome" can be really helpful for any leader who is trying to make a meaningful difference in uncharted territory.
Emily Mack President & CEO, River City Company
My advice for developing leadership skills is to embrace change and prioritize self-reflection.
Understanding what your team values and leveraging their strengths requires awareness, empathy, and strategic thinking. By learning what motivates each team member, you can inspire them to perform at their best while helping them feel valued and connected to the team. Growing these skills involves engaging with diverse groups of people, which strengthens your ability to effectively interact with different personality types. Leaders are forever students. We must continue to learn and bridge the gap as we connect and work with all generations.
Kristal Hacker Owner, Hacker Medias
My advice for someone who wants to develop their leadership skills would be fourfold:
1. Pray daily for wisdom.
2. Read two books: “A Failure of Nerve” by Edwin Friedman and “The Speed of Trust” by Stephen Covey.
3. Find a mentor who has experienced both leadership failure and success.
4. I would challenge the emerging leader to go for it.
Leadership effectiveness hinges primarily on making wise decisions and the willingness to dig in, learning to lead by doing. If you are a true leader, you won't need to find opportunities to lead; they will find you.
Matt Covey Head of School, Chattanooga Christian School
Leadership is not about titles or positions, but it is about action and example.
One way to develop your leadership skills is to start by listening more than you speak. You must fully understand the needs and aspirations of your team and empower them to achieve their best. Also, be willing to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and never shy away from making tough decisions. It’s imperative to cultivate a sense of empathy, as it builds trust and fosters a positive environment. Remember, a great leader is also a lifelong learner. You should strive to seek feedback, stay curious, and continuously improve. Aim to lead with integrity and inspire others through your commitment and passion. It is important to understand that your journey as a leader is a marathon, not a sprint, so be patient and persistent. Ultimately, true leadership is about serving others and making a meaningful impact.
Yolanda Hayslett Vice President, Finance and Operations, Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce
THE HAMILTON COUNTY BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER
Becky Hansard Head of School, Silverdale Baptist Academy
I encourage up-and-coming leaders to find methods to develop strong soft skills, which are attributes that enable someone to interact effectively and harmoniously with other people. With the heavy presence of technology in our culture, robust communication skills in particular are dwindling among today’s emerging leaders. I often remind my faculty, staff, and students that God created us for relationships with Him and with others. Communication plays a vital role in growing and maintaining both personal and professional relationships. Communication as a leader encompasses many different areas to include collaboration, problem solving, listening, and even storytelling, to name a few. All are essential to leading a successful and growing organization. Finding a trustworthy, dynamic mentor who will help you grow in this important area is one of the most strategic ways to garner these valuable skills and take you to the next level.
Find opportunities to lead, big or small.
Empathy, sacrifice, and servant leadership can only be achieved by trying (and failing) to lead and improving over time.
Find mentors, podcasts, and books to learn from. I was fortunate enough to observe my dad lead his business for decades and also be raised in the internet age where education is just a click away (and often free). “How I Built This,” “Acquired,” and “The Tim Ferris Show” are great podcasts to hear real stories from successful leaders. “Start Something That Matters,” “Willpower Doesn’t Work,” and “Unreasonable Hospitality” are books that offer insight on empathic and values-based leadership.
If you are a leader, be transparent with your team and be willing to accept honest feedback. Building a safe space and reputation as a listener is a constant challenge that evolves over time.
Guru Shah Founder & CEO, Shah Logistics
“Our son is a freshman at Mississippi State and graduated from SBA. He aced an assignment in World History, because it was a book he was required to read his junior year. He remembered what he was taught at SBA and was able to do it all from memory. SBA’s education continues to serve our kids even after they’ve graduated!”
– Parent of an SBA Alum
One of the best assets an organization has is its people and the relationships between them.
If leaders don’t have insight into how to collaborate, nobody will pay attention or be motivated. On a recent Cadence Bank “In Good Companies” podcast, neuropsychologist and bestselling author Dr. Julia DiGangi says studies show good leadership starts with the brain. Our brains love patterns and struggle with inconsistency and uncertainty. When you’re feeling stressed and are having a hard time communicating or managing your team, its likely you’re feeling uncertain. Your reflex might be to work longer hours, micromanage projects, or overanalyze. But that’s not the right way to go. Dr. DiGangi says it’s when we address our uncertainties, get a handle on our emotions, and communicate from a place of authenticity that we put ourselves in a position to lead. Understanding who you are and how you’re coming across is a leadership skill that builds collaboration and results.
Gary Sanders
Area Managing Executive, McGriff Insurance
Developing leadership skills takes time, practice, and selfawareness.
Leadership is not just about holding a position of authority. It’s about influencing, inspiring, and guiding others towards a shared goal. A great leader leads by example, demonstrating discipline, accountability, and strong work ethic. Set high standards for yourself and demonstrate the work ethic and integrity you expect from others. Manage your emotions, stay composed under pressure, and show empathy towards others to build trust. Own your decisions, admit mistakes, and learn from them rather than making excuses. More importantly, encourage honest input from peers and team members, and use constructive criticism to grow and improve. Always strive to study leadership books, attend workshops, seek mentorship, and learn from experienced leaders to refine your skills. Consistently practicing these habits will help you become a more effective and inspiring leader.
A leader seeks a successful mentor and listens; a great leader becomes a mentor and speaks.
Leadership is finding ways to allow others to shine alongside you. There is always enough shine to go around. Effective leaders are able to articulate a clear vision and then inspire others to enact that vision. Leadership is not for the weak nor for the overly sensitive, but rather for the person who, in spite of obstacles or fear, embraces courage and takes the first step. One step turns into steps and then the stride comes.
Ryan Marshall Chattanooga Market President, Cadence Bank
Mark Pierce Principal, Catoosa County College & Career
“The growth and development of people is the highest calling of leadership.”
- Harvey S. Firestone Management
Onbo a rding
Impacting the Employee Experience from Day One
Whether joining a team of three or 3,000, a new hire’s onboarding experience can shape their time at an organization. Here, eight local leaders share how they help new team members feel welcome, prepared, and excited to begin a new role.
What is important to include in the onboarding process?
It is essential to incorporate an introduction to the company’s culture and expectations, training, and ongoing feedback into the onboarding process. At Miller, we are implementing a system that allows new employees to provide feedback on their onboarding experience at the 30-day mark and again at the 90-day mark. This feedback will be crucial in helping us optimize our onboarding experience.
How can onboarding be customized to each new team member?
Onboarding can be tailored to each new team member by assessing their individual learning styles and recalibrating our approach accordingly. Gathering feedback from the new hire about what is effective for them, as well as providing them with constructive feedback on their performance, is also essential for a successful onboarding experience.
Can you share a successful onboarding story?
During an employee town hall meeting, a new employee shared that he had never before worked for a company that genuinely allowed employees to express their opinions and contribute to positive changes in the work environment. He noted that, despite only being with the company for a month, he had experienced more face time with Miller Industries’ leadership than he had at his previous job. This highlights that onboarding is not solely the responsibility of human resources; rather, it is a collective effort involving every manager and employee who interacts with the new hire, all of whom play a crucial role in ensuring a positive onboarding experience.
Julie Hoover Vice President, Human Resources, Miller Industries
Heath Haley Chief Executive Officer, Trident Transport
What are some aspects of your organization emphasized as part of the onboarding process?
We emphasize several aspects to promote a positive and energetic start to a career here at Trident. We focus on introducing our culture through interactive presentations with peers, managers, and our leadership team, as well as organizing group outings to foster team building and strengthen relationships. We promote employee training and support by equipping each new hire with a training program specific to their role and experience to set them up for success as well as empower them to feel confident as they start their career.
What are current trends in onboarding?
Current trends in onboarding really focus on creating an engaging, personalized experience for each new hire. Employees expect clear communication and a wellorganized onboarding process to help them feel prepared, confident, and connected from the start. This includes introductions to the company in terms of leadership, values, and culture, as well as an interactive experience that isn’t all about paperwork. Starting a new job can be overwhelming, but entering a welcoming environment with people eager to meet you helps ease that stress and motivates you to hit the ground running, knowing we are here to support you.
Can you share any successful onboarding stories?
Our success story is reflected in the career journeys of our employees at Trident. Seeing a new hire get promoted quickly and continue to advance is a testament to the effort we invest in our onboarding and training programs from the very beginning.
How does successful onboarding impact an employee’s experience?
A positive onboarding experience accelerates the process of building a sense of community, enabling new associates to connect with their peers, stakeholders, and teams, while providing a roadmap to understand and embrace the culture. At Mars, onboarding brings our purpose to life by helping associates see how their contributions align with our mission, brands, and competitive edge. It also introduces them to the ways in which Mars connects with and gives back to the local communities where we operate. By providing guidance tied to our purpose and building communities, it sets the stage for associates to feel confident, supported, and ready to make meaningful contributions.
What do employees expect to see in the onboarding process?
Associates now expect onboarding to be engaging, interactive, and purpose-driven. At Mars, we incorporate gamification elements to bring our brand and culture to life in a way that is both memorable and fun. These tools ensure new associates experience the com pany’s competitiveness and begin building their belief in our shared purpose from day one.
Can you share any successful onboarding stories?
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we were hearing feedback about improving the onboarding process to make it more personal. Without making changes, we were at risk of new associates lacking connection to our purpose and culture. We revamped our onboarding program which has greatly improved both the associate experience – as well as retention – by creating space for associates to build community to promote belonging and bringing our purpose to life so that associates attach more meaningful value to their day-to-day work.
Hamp Johnston President & CEO, RockPointBank
Jennifer Thiele HR Director, Mars Wrigley
How does successful onboarding impact an employee’s experience?
Onboarding is their first official interaction with the bank and its culture. New employees are making a significant change and are typically both excited and anxious. It gives us a chance to show how important they are to us and reinforce that they made a good decision.
What is the ultimate goal of onboarding?
Onboarding begins the process of creating a roadmap that guides a new team member’s journey and ultimately helps them to be successful. We want to make them feel welcome and reinforce their decision to come work at RockPointBank. It also gives us the opportunity to introduce them to their new team members and environment.
What are some aspects of your organization emphasized as part of the onboarding process?
Being local allows us to be more authentic and welcoming, and it allows new team members to meet our team and feel comfortable in their new environment. We emphasize company culture – RPB 3x3. At RockPointBank, we value the team. We believe our commitment to trust, respect, and communication is intrinsic to our success. Our culture is shaped every day, with every interaction, in every task. Everyone has to be engaged and accountable for us to create an environment that gives us a competitive advantage.
Sarah Boyles Sr. Human Resources Manager, LBA Hospitality
What are current trends in onboarding?
How does onboarding help new team members feel welcome?
Many of us have experienced starting a new job in which we signed some paperwork and were then left to figure things out on our own. That’s not how we do things at LBA Hospitality. By planning for a new team member’s first day and setting aside time to personally welcome them, we make sure they feel like part of the team from the beginning. People want to feel valued and supported, and a thoughtful onboarding experience helps make that happen.
What are some aspects of your organization emphasized as part of the onboarding process?
Something we really emphasize is company culture. We as HR professionals can speak about culture all day long, but we ensure new associates have the chance to hear firsthand from their teammates what makes LBA Hospitality a great company to work for. When new associates hear real experiences from their colleagues, it makes a lasting impact and helps them feel more connected.
How do you help managers and HR staff feel prepared to tackle the onboarding process?
We strive to make the onboarding process as straightforward as possible for our managers. By providing a clear plan, structured materials, and the right resources, we ensure that every new associate receives a consistent and welcoming experience. We also want managers to be able to focus on the fun parts of onboarding – helping new team members feel excited about where they work and who they work with.
Hybrid onboarding, or the use of electronic forms, is an efficient and convenient way to onboard for both the employee and employer. Additionally, our HR department has recently implemented the use of the 30/60/90 plan, which allows the reduction of employees resigning within a 90-day timeframe. It is used as a touch point between the employee, supervisor, and HR to know how the employee is acclimating to the organi zation and position at 30, 60, and 90 days.
What are some aspects of your organization emphasized as part of the onboarding process?
We emphasize our new hire orientation, which all full- or part-time employees attend before starting their position. This addresses the mission, values, and culture of our organization, expectations of dress attire, hours, meal breaks, professional development expectations, poli cies, employee resources, and employee benefits. By offering this, it sets a foundation of what we as the employer expect from the employee moving forward in their position.
Can you share a successful onboarding experience?
Within the past two years since implementing a more streamlined onboarding process with our new hire orientation, we have found less employees resigning and more em ployee consensus of completing required training and having less disciplinary issues. They are able to have questions answered up front before starting their positions and fully understand the expectations of the organization.
What do you believe is the ultimate goal of onboarding?
The ultimate goal of onboarding is to have a successful, dedicated, and top performing employee.
Elizabeth Barksdale Director of Human Resources, Georgia Northwestern Technical College
What are some aspects of your organization emphasized as part of the onboarding process?
MedicareMisty’s company culture emphasizes that we are one team and we help each other. You don’t see that mindset on a lot of sales teams. Support and training is what we thrive on, and onboarding can affect an individual’s attitude toward their role.
What’s important to include in the onboarding process?
The new employee’s expectations, as well as mine. They are assigned a dedi cated agent that welcomes them and helps them one-on-one, walking them through our processes. We also conduct testing, which helps them gain prod uct knowledge, as well as field training which helps them gain experience in the role. We want team members to be successful from day one.
Can you share any successful onboarding stories?
Several agents have come to me who were previously not thriving in their roles. After being with me for a year they make more money and get more training then they ever have!
How do you help managers and HR staff feel prepared to tackle the onboarding process?
We provide our managers with step-by-step instructions for onboarding, but most importantly we have a personal agent to help them through the process.
How does successful onboarding impact an employee’s experience?
Successful onboarding profoundly shapes an employee’s journey. When organizations recognize and thoughtfully address the natural mix of excitement and nervousness that comes with a career transition (or new role within their existing company), they transform onboarding from a procedural checklist into a powerful foundation for long-term success.
How can onboarding be customized to each new team member?
There are aspects of the role and the new hire’s previous experience that can help curate onboarding. For example, if the new hire has relocated, resources about the community (where to eat, where to shop, etc.) are a great way to help them settle in and get to know their new home. For someone starting their first management role, onboarding might include sessions with successful leaders in similar positions, along with clear guidance on managing team dynamics and responsibilities.
Can you share any successful onboarding stories?
In my own onboarding experience, thoughtful touches made me feel valued from day one. My new workspace was fully set up, which signaled that I was expected and welcomed. The personal welcome note and goodie bag from my boss added a human touch. In addition, having a clear understanding of why I was hired and what my responsibilities would be gave me early confidence, while the welcome email to the organization made me feel immediately part of the team. The comprehensive approach gave me confidence that I’d made the right choice, and it’s something I still think about when welcoming new team members.
Beyond the Basics
Local Professionals Share Insightful Interview Questions
An interview is a crucial step in the hiring process, allowing companies to gain valuable insight on whether an applicant is a good fit for the role. Integral to interviews are questions designed to assess a person’s skills, goals, and alignment with company values. While these often follow a traditional format, adding in unique or personalized questions can offer key insights. Here, local professionals share their go-to interview questions to identify top talent and get candidates thinking outside of the box.
Quincy Jenkins, EdD
Vice
President
of Organizational Culture and Engagement, Chattanooga State Community College
“Can you share an example from your professional experience where you navigated a conflict with a colleague?”
Hiring talented employees is one of the most critical activities for any organization. However, it carries inherent risks for both parties. Candidates may find that the job does not meet their expectations, while employers might discover that the candidate has overstated their skills or does not exhibit the positivity or initiative demonstrated during the interview process. Building a culture rooted in care and accountability requires individuals who not only uphold its traditions but also embrace the inevitability of change. Therefore, understanding how candidates perceive themselves and their role within the organization is essential to making informed hiring decisions. To gain insight into their self-awareness and collegiality, this is one question I like to ask. The candidate’s response may illuminate their approach to both empathy and accountability in teamwork.
Becky Farmer, MBA
CEO, Center for Sports Medicine & Orthopaedics
“If we could provide your dream job, what would that be?”
It’s my privilege to be the first line of communication for physicians who are interested in joining CSMO. While reviewing skillsets and experience is a necessary part of the process, those elements are often apparent from a resume. The real challenge – and the most critical part of the selection process – is determining how well a candidate aligns with our team-oriented values and collaborative culture. To do this, I prioritize asking questions that reveal whether the candidate’s mindset is more “team-focused” or “individual-focused.” While it’s certainly important for a physician to develop their individual practice and achieve personal growth, our organization thrives on teamwork. Physicians here are part of a collective effort, working together to deliver the best outcomes for our patients. One of my favorite questions to ask is, “If we could provide your dream job, what would that be?” This open-ended question encourages candidates to share their true aspirations and priorities. Their response often gives me a clear sense of whether they value collaboration, patient care, and teamwork, or if their focus is more self-driven. Ultimately, this question provides valuable insight into the candidate’s mindset and their potential fit within our organization – making it an essential part of my initial evaluation process.
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From the beginning, we’ve understood that it’s the people who make our town special. We all have a job to do, and we all depend on one another. At Bradley, our role is to make sure that you and your family can access the care you need, when you need it, from a medical team you can trust. And
more present than ever.
Eric Kaulfuss
Director of Talent and Employee Engagement, Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel, P.C.
“Tell me about a new workrelated skill you have picked up in the last year. What made you decide to learn about it? How did it enhance your performance?”
I ask this question and the follow-ups because I believe the most important quality we can look for in someone is a growth mindset. When I talk about a growth mindset, I mean a genuine desire and a proven track record of being curious about learning and improving oneself. Too often, hiring managers and HR professionals focus on finding candidates who have done the same type of work before. While this helps fill the current need, it can lead to solving old problems rather than preparing for the future. By hiring individuals who love to learn, are innately curious, and can adapt quickly, we can effectively future-proof the organization. People with a growth mindset often become early adapters or fast followers, which can drive efficiency and productivity across the board. A less formal question I like to ask is, “What are you currently reading?” I am not looking for a specific genre or type of book; I want to know if they enjoy consuming knowledge. This is another way to identify someone with a growth mindset.
Janell Satterfield, SPHR
Director of Human Resources, Lee University
“What are three things that would cause you to stay at our organization, and the one thing that would cause you to leave?”
This interview question provides valuable insights into a candidate’s motivations, values, and long-term alignment with the organization. It takes the focus off just the job itself and gives you a bird’s eye view to what drives the candidate and keeps them engaged. By asking what would make them stay, you learn what aspects of a company are most important to the candidate. You also get insight into whether a candidate’s priorities align with your organization’s. The “one thing that would cause you to leave” part helps uncover deal-breakers for the candidate. This insight allows you to assess whether there are any structural or cultural elements of the organization that might conflict with the candidate’s needs or expectations. This question fosters a more candid and conversational interview. It signals that the organization values transparency and wants to create an environment where employees feel heard. By asking this question, interviewers can evaluate whether the candidate is likely to thrive and stay long-term while also proactively addressing potential mismatches before hiring.
Amanda Jelks
Owner & Managing Attorney, Jelks Law
“If your best friend described you, what three words would they use?”
I love this question because it invites applicants to step away from rehearsed responses and share something personal. It reveals how they see themselves through the eyes of someone who truly knows them. Often, the answers highlight qualities like loyalty, adaptability, or a sense of humor – traits that go beyond qualifications but are essential to creating a strong, collaborative team.
At Jelks Law, we’ve built a firm rooted in trust, empathy, and a shared commitment to our clients. As a mother of three and someone who’s been practicing law for over a decade, I know the importance of surrounding yourself with people who bring both skill and heart to the table. This question helps us uncover whether someone will fit into the culture we’ve cultivated, a place where teamwork and genuine connection matter as much as professional success.
Adam Osborne
Managing Partner, Cleveland Office, HHM CPAs
“How do you handle tight deadlines and working under pressure?”
As accountants, we work in an industry where tight deadlines and client demands are constant, and the pressure can sometimes be challenging. As the managing partner of HHM CPAs’ Cleveland office, it’s imperative that I help foster a positive work environment and a strong, supportive culture. We look for employees who possess the ability to handle the work demands and stressful situations that often come with our industry. Management also plans events and “perks” throughout our busy season designed to offer some fun and/or downtime for all employees. We know we demand a lot from our staff; therefore, we try to give back in every way possible to keep them as equipped as possible to deal with the challenging workdays that make up our busy seasons.
30 INFLUENTIAL BUSINESS LEADERS
Selected for both their exceptional industry skills and dedication to their workplace and community, the following business leaders make up CityScope® magazine’s prestigious Gold Club this year. Congratulations to these impactful men and women on this well-deserved honor!
— THE GOLD CLUB —
Joel Henderson
President & CEO, Volunteers in Medicine Chattanooga Years With the Company: 5
Joel Henderson has spent most of his 30-year career in leadership service for nonprofits and healthcare management. As president and CEO of Volunteers in Medicine Chattanooga, he leads a staff that works alongside 100 volunteers to provide $1M pro bono in primary healthcare and $1M in patient prescription assistance annually. The clinic delivers compassionate care for 2,000 patient visits each year at no cost to uninsured, financially eligible individuals residing in Southeast Tennessee and North Georgia. Over the years, Henderson has advocated for the uninsured and served on regional and state community health consortiums. Additional boards include Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce, PRSA Lookout Chapter, American Cancer Society, and an active member of the Chattanooga Rotary Club. Henderson is a local graduate from Southern Adventist University (’94) and a Leadership Chattanooga alum (’13).
DeJuan S. Jordan
Co-CEO, LAUNCH, Inc.
Years With the Company: 5
DeJuan S. Jordan is a Chattanooga native with two decades of executive leadership experience in nonprofit, business, and entrepreneurship. In 2019, she joined LAUNCH, Inc., a nonprofit that also owns and operates the Kitchen Incubator of Chattanooga (KIC), becoming co-CEO in 2023. Through her community work and role at LAUNCH, Jordan has become a recognized champion for entrepreneurship and economic empowerment, earning her the 2024 Best Business Executive award from Chattanooga Business Elite. Jordan serves on the United Way of Greater Chattanooga board, is part of Leadership Chattanooga’s Class of ‘25, is a TEDx speaker, and is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She holds a B.A. in criminal justice from Indiana University, a master’s degree in business, a cosmetology license, and life and business coaching certifications.
Brian Mack
Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Black Creek
Years With the Company: 3
Brian Mack serves as the vice president of sales and marketing at Black Creek, a premier master-planned community in Chattanooga celebrating its 25th year. In this role, he leads a dedicated team in driving sales growth and enhancing brand visibility through strategic initiatives. Mack is helping lead the community’s largest growth initiative to date, overseeing marketing efforts and leveraging customer insights as Black Creek expands into a new mountaintop development with over 1,000 new homes and additional amenities planned. With extensive experience in marketing and consumer strategy, Mack is committed to delivering exceptional customer experiences and fostering community engagement. His passion and vision continue to propel Black Creek’s success in the Chattanooga market.
— THE GOLD CLUB —
Jim Vaughn
Market Executive, Synovus Bank
Years With the Company: Newly Appointed, January 2025
Jim Vaughn leads Synovus Bank’s Chattanooga teams in delivering financial solutions for clients while driving business development and growth and supporting community outreach initiatives. Before joining Synovus in early 2025, Vaughn was a partner at Mauldin & Jenkins, where he worked for 25 years. He held various leadership roles at the accounting firm, including leading its financial services practice and serving on its executive, advisory, leadership, and career advisory committees. Vaughn provided advisory and CPA services to financial institutions, nonprofits, hedge funds, transportation companies, and other Tennessee small- and medium-sized businesses. Vaughn is involved in the Chattanooga community, serving as chairman of the Cherokee Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America Board of Directors and sits on the Rollins College of Business Advisory Board. He earned a bachelor’s in business administration in accounting and finance from Georgia Southern University.
Jessie Blankenship
Director of Operations, Market Street Partners (a Smith + Howard company)
Years With the Company: 5
Jessie Blankenship is the director of operations at Market Street Partners (MSP). After graduating from Covenant College in 2014, Blankenship went on to earn her CPA license and began her career in Big Four public accounting. She later transitioned into private accounting to focus on leading financial objectives for high-growth, entrepreneurial-minded technology companies. Blankenship played a vital role in MSP’s 2023 merger with Smith + Howard, and her daily responsibilities include driving strategic initiatives such as financial planning, automation and technology, scalable growth, and employee engagement. Blankenship was also recently selected to serve with the 187th Fighter Wing of the Alabama Air National Guard and will be attending Officer Training School this year.
Brittany McKee East, MBA
Director of Research & Development, and Quality, McKee Foods Corporation
Years With the Company: 20
Brittany McKee East, a Chattanooga native, is the director of research, development, and quality at her family business, McKee Foods Corporation. Headquartered in Chattanooga, McKee Foods makes iconic snack brands such as Little Debbie Snack Cakes and Drakes Cakes, to name a few. Brittany has been involved with the business for over 20 years, and she’s passionate about developing the next generation of leaders. She also enjoys giving back to the community through serving on advisory boards and speaking on family business topics at conferences and universities across the country. She has a B.S. in health science from Southern Adventist University and an MBA from Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida. Her number one priority is family. Her husband, Jarred East, is a realtor at Uptown Firm, and they enjoy traveling and hiking on the weekends with their two young boys.
— THE GOLD CLUB —
Ghena Wilson
Regional Director of Nursing, Morning Pointe Senior Living
Years With the Company: 1
“Start out like you are going to hold out!” This was Ghena Wilson’s father’s motto, and it has been her motto since the day she became an RN in 1993. Her nursing career began at Parkridge Medical Center. She worked on the medical-surgical floor before transferring to the ICU, where she pushed herself to learn all she could about cardiac care. She moved to Atlanta in 1996 after being offered a position at Saint Joseph’s Hospital in the Coronary Care Unit. In 2002, married with two small children, Wilson completely switched gears and began working in skilled nursing. Geriatrics quickly become her new passion. She received her certification as a Gerontological Nurse in 2014 and took a skilled nursing consultant position a few years later. After 32 years in nursing, Wilson began working for Morning Pointe in January 2024, where her goal is to instill the passion for nursing and geriatrics into those she comes into contact with daily.
Alan King
Partner, JHM Certified Public Accountants
Years With the Company: Newly Appointed, January 2025
Alan King has 20 years of experience, with a focus on closely held businesses and their owners and families. His primary practice area is tax, but King frequently advises clients on succession and exit planning, as well as major areas of business operations. King has owned and exited other businesses over the course of his career. This experience allows King to bring actionable insight when it comes to tax planning and advisory with his clients. Outside of work, King enjoys spending time with his wife and two school-aged children. They enjoy traveling and any active pursuit, whether it is hiking or bike riding.
Paul Leath
Regional Director of Operations, Chattanooga Gas and AGL Northwest Georgia Region
Years With the Company: 23
Paul Leath has served as the regional director of operations for Chattanooga Gas and Atlanta Gas Light Company’s Northwest Georgia Region since 2018. During his 23-year career at the gas company, he has held positions in operations and external affairs. Prior to joining Atlanta Gas Light, he worked for General Electric and served as an officer in the United States Army. Leath is active in his community. His past service organizations include the Leadership Georgia Board of Trustees, Chairman of the Chattanooga Area Chamber, and Chairman of the Greater Macon Chamber. Leath is currently a member of the Chattanooga Downtown Rotary Club. He is a graduate of Leadership Georgia, Leadership Macon, and Leadership Chattanooga, and has been named to Georgia Trend’s “40 Under 40” and Macon Magazine’s “Five Leaders Under 40.”
— THE GOLD CLUB —
Sherry Fusco
MSHSA, BSN, CNOR - Chief Nursing Officer | SVP, Surgical and Ambulatory Services | Administrator, CHI Memorial Hospital Hixson
Years With the Company: 32
Sherry Fusco has full responsibility for all nursing services including med/surg, ICUs, ED, clinical education, and surgical services at all three hospital campuses. She began her career as a RN in the surgery department and quickly moved into the role of GEN/GYN/endoscopic coordinator. Her leadership skills and abilities were evident as she was promoted to director of operations for general surgery in 2001. In 2008, she became the market vice president of orthopedics and outpatient service lines and has continued to advance in her career. She was named to her current role of market senior vice president, chief nursing officer, and Hospital Hixson administrator in 2022. Fusco has a master’s degree in health services administration.
Lauren Barlew, WHNP, MSCP
Owner, Lotus Center for Women
Years With the Company: 2
Lauren Barlew is a women’s health nurse practitioner trained at Vanderbilt University and has 13 years of clinical experience in the Chattanooga area. In 2022, she recognized an unacceptable void in women’s midlife healthcare in our region. Lotus Center for Women was opened in April 2023 to specialize in women’s health beyond child-bearing years. At Lotus Center for Women, care is focused on the perimenopause transition and menopause support as well as sexual health and wellness. Beyond providing patient care in the office, Lauren is an advocate for midlife women in the community. She hosts educational courses and frequently speaks to employers and city leaders to ensure that midlife women are supported at all levels.
Veatrice Conley Lee
Owner, Unveiled Bridal Studio
Years With the Company: 4
Veatrice Conley Lee is the owner and founder of Unveiled Bridal Studio LLC, a boutique dedicated to creating personalized, unforgettable bridal experiences through its focus on elegance, inclusivity, and exceptional customer service. She is an active mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Chattanooga and the Tennessee Achieves Mentor Program, as well as a member of the Community Advisory Committee for the City of Chattanooga and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Veatrice is deeply committed to empowering others, underscoring the values of community, compassion, and excellence in all her endeavors. A passionate advocate for literacy, she frequently volunteers her time to initiatives that inspire reading and education for all ages. Through her professional and philanthropic efforts, she continues to make a meaningful impact in her community.
— THE GOLD CLUB —
Darik Dawes
Owner & CEO, Dawes Hospitality Group Years With the Company: 21
Darik Dawes is the owner and CEO of Dawes Hospitality Group, including five different hotel brands and a restaurant with three locations. Dawes Hospitality began in 2004 as a small dream nurtured by strong faith and founded in Christian values and has grown into a thriving legacy that has influenced the lives of many. Each day, the team at Dawes Hospitality Group strive to build a haven embodying their core principles of kindness, compassion, and service. Dawes currently serves as vice chairman of Chattanooga Tourism Company, vice chairman of the Tennessee Hospitality & Tourism Education Foundation, board member of the Greater Chattanooga Hospitality Association, and board member of Tennessee Hospitality & Tourism Association. Dawes has also served as chairman of the State Tennessee Hospitality & Tourism Association, president of the Greater Chattanooga Hospitality Association, and national delegate for Choice Hotels Owners Council, representing Tennessee and Kentucky.
Michael G. Mathis
Executive Vice President & Chattanooga President, Pinnacle Financial Partners Years With the Company: 3
Michael G. Mathis is executive vice president and Chattanooga president for Pinnacle Financial Partners, a position he has held since 2022. Mathis graduated with a B.A. in accounting from Furman University in 1991 and received his MBA from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 1993. Mathis is active in the Chattanooga community, having previously served as the 2018 United Way campaign chairman, chairman of the board of directors for the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and Chamber Foundation. In addition, Mathis currently or has previously served on the Board of Siskin Hospital and the McCallie School Board of Trustees, Alumni and Athletic Councils. Mathis won the McCallie School Alumni Achievement Award in 2012 and was named Chattanooga Area Manager of the Year in 2020. Mathis is a native Chattanoogan and has been married to his wife Paige for 31 years. Mathis and Paige have two children, McCay and Jackson, and they are members of Brainerd Baptist Church.
Tasia Malakasis
CEO, The Company Lab (CO.LAB) Years With the Company: 2
Tasia Malakasis is the CEO of The Company Lab (CO.LAB), a nonprofit dedicated to accelerating startups in Chattanooga, TN. Malakasis was the former CEO of Belle Chevre, an internationally award-winning creamery, and author of two cookbooks: Tasia’s Table and Southern Made Fresh , published by Southern Living . Her passion for entrepreneurship prevails throughout her illustrious career. She has helped to nurture several embryonic businesses to a lucrative exit for their founders. At the heart of it, her journey has been characterized by the exhilaration she’s felt at the beginning of a venture and the satisfaction of spurring its initial growth.
— THE GOLD CLUB —
Nicole Jeppesen
Market Leader, LBMC
Years With the Company: 9
Nicole Jeppesen, CPA, is the Chattanooga market leader and a shareholder in Tax Services at LBMC. She has 20 years of public accounting experience with a focus on tax compliance and planning for high-net-worth individuals, including their related investment entities and trusts. Jeppesen enjoys her role as trusted advisor to her clients and likes nothing more than helping them with the challenges they face in their current financial affairs and planning for their futures. As the Chattanooga market leader, she is focused on developing relationships in the Chattanooga community and spreading the word about the various solutions and services that LBMC offers. Jeppesen enjoys connecting people, whether with colleagues at LBMC or other advisors and leaders in the community.
Shauna Wooten
Director of Patient Access & Revenue Cycle, Cempa Community Care
Years With the Company: 6
Shauna Wooten, CCA, CMAA, CCMA, has more than 25 years of experience in the healthcare industry, working in the reimbursement, billing, and coding sectors, in addition to being an instructor at a local college. Wooten has an associate’s degree in healthcare administration and is a Certified Coding Associate, a Certified Medical Administrative Assistant, and a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant. At Cempa, Wooten’s responsibilities include hiring, training, scheduling, and supervising employees in the medical billing department and front desk. She works to ensure all employees follow HIPAA policies and uphold a superior patient experience. She also handles components of patient registration, billing, and coding, claims management, physician credentialing operations, electronic health systems, Medicare cost reports, and resolving insurance issues.
Liz Culler, MD
President & CEO, Blood Assurance
Years With the Company: 18
Dr. Liz Culler has a degree in chemistry from the University of South Carolina and a Doctor of Medicine degree from the Medical University of South Carolina. She completed a residency in Clinical Pathology and a fellowship in Transfusion Medicine at Emory University. Prior to becoming CEO, Dr. Culler worked at Blood Assurance for the past 18 years as medical director and then chief medical officer. She is honored to serve the community and support physicians as they offer new blood-related treatments locally.
— THE GOLD CLUB —
John Mark Griggs
Financial Advisor, Riggs & Associates Years With the Company: 11
John Mark Griggs is a partner with Riggs & Associates, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. He is proud to be affiliated with a firm known for its excellent service and genuine concern for the well-being of clients and employees. The Riggs & Associates team was just named to the Forbes “Best-inState Wealth Management Teams” list for 2025. Griggs and his wife Hannah are deeply involved in serving the community of Chattanooga. For years they have served in leadership with local nonprofits such as Chattanooga Sports Ministries and the Chattanooga Football Club Foundation. Currently, Griggs serves as a deacon at Grace + Peace Presbyterian Church in Ooltewah, TN, and as a board member for the National Center for Youth Issues. His favorite thing in the world is to spend time with his family, which often looks like coaching the various sports teams of their six boys: Justin, CJ, Mac, Will, Judah, and Gabriel.
Paulo Hutson Solórzano
Founder & Principal, A Medida Communications Years With the Company: 9
As founder and principal of A Medida Communications, Paulo Hutson Solórzano has provided strategic communication services for national and international organizations, including the CDC, SAMHSA, Energy Star, and the Army National Guard. Originally from Nicaragua, Hutson Solórzano earned his degree in marketing and communications from Lee University and recently completed an organizational leadership specialization at Harvard Business School. His commitment to community is evident through board service and leadership with organizations such as the United Way of Greater Chattanooga, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, and the National Latino Health Leadership Network. A recipient of numerous accolades – including La Paz Latino Leader of the Year and Edge magazine’s Community Health Champion – Hutson Solórzano champions the ethos of inclusion through his #ThinkInclusively movement, driving meaningful change in communities nationwide.
Granger Hughes
Vice President & Chief Investment Officer, Hughes Retirement Group Years With the Company: 16
Granger Hughes is an investment advisor and chief investment officer at Hughes Retirement Group. He began his career in 2009 after becoming a licensed insurance agent and quickly developed a passion for helping clients navigate their financial future. Hughes graduated with honors from Lee University and holds his Series 65. His holistic, tax-sensitive methodology allows him to craft customized solutions that help clients protect, preserve, accumulate, and distribute their wealth with efficiency. His clients benefit from his commitment to their financial well-being and his ability to craft thoughtful, tax-efficient plans for a secure future.
— THE GOLD CLUB —
Shadrina Booker
CEO, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Chattanooga Years With the Company: Newly Appointed, December 2024
Shadrina Booker, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Chattanooga, is an Afro-Latina of Dominican descent, originally from Miami, Florida. A graduate of the University of Central Florida and holding a Master of Education, Booker and her husband began their careers in Chattanooga, where she has been dedicated to helping nonprofits and schools thrive. A graduate of Leadership Chattanooga, Leadership Tennessee Next, and the Urban League’s Inclusion by Design program, she has deep ties to the community. Prior to becoming CEO, she served as chief development and marketing officer for Big Brothers Big Sisters and director of community engagement for the City of Chattanooga. Booker is also the co-founder of Vityl Media and serves on the boards of La Paz Chattanooga and the Chattanooga Theatre Center. She and her husband, Justin, are proud parents of their 10-year-old son, Jonah.
Brenda Bridges
Founder, Bridging Divorce Solutions
Years With the Company: 4
Brenda Bridges, founder of Bridging Divorce Solutions, knows firsthand the emotional and financial toll divorce can take. Driven by her own experience, she has spent over a decade helping families navigate divorce with clarity, compassion, and confidence. With roots as a financial advisor, she brings calm to the often-confusing world of divorce finances, ensuring clients avoid costly mistakes. As a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®), Certified Divorce Coach®, mediator, and Collaborative Divorce professional, she is dedicated to keeping families out of court whenever possible. Her mission is clear: to help people avoid the damage divorce can bring by providing solid information so they can make informed decisions and find a path to peaceful resolutions. She loves the beauty and people of Chattanooga, where she proudly serves the community with care and commitment.
Mark W. Smith
Attorney, Miller & Martin PLLC
Years With the Company: 21
Mark Smith is a business and regulatory lawyer who focuses his practice on economic development, government relations, and broadband and utility matters. Smith has been involved in numerous state and local tax incentive projects, and he has also represented a wide range of clients before the Tennessee General Assembly, various State agencies, and local governmental entities. Listed in The Best Lawyers in America® for his economic development and government relations work, he is a frequent speaker on economic development, legislative, and utility law issues. He is a member of the Tennessee Economic Development Council as well as the board of directors of the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and serves on its Public Policy Committee. Smith splits his time between the firm’s Chattanooga and Nashville offices, spending considerable time in Nashville during the State legislative session.
— THE GOLD CLUB —
Mark D. Hackett
Managing Partner, Evans Harrison Hackett PLLC
Years With the Company: 18
Mark Hackett is managing partner and co-founder of Evans Harrison Hackett PLLC, where he practices primarily in the corporate, health law, and life sciences areas, representing numerous businesses and physician groups in corporate and transactional matters. Hackett received his bachelor’s degree from Tulane in 1988 and his J.D. from Vanderbilt in 1991. In addition to his law practice, Hackett is co-founder of Solas BioVentures, a venture capital firm that invests in breakthrough biotech and medical device companies throughout the U.S. Hackett has served on the boards of several local nonprofits, and he and his wife are active members of St. Timothy’s Episcopal on Signal Mountain, where they raised their three children.
Sam Montgomery
Financial Advisor, Riggs & Associates
Years With the Company: 8
Sam Montgomery, CFP®, CKA®, APMA™ is a financial advisor at Riggs & Associates. Montgomery was raised in southwest Virginia and moved to Chattanooga in 2016 with his wife, Cassidy, after graduating from Liberty University. Montgomery and his family love Chattanooga and were drawn to it for all the outdoor recreational opportunities the city has to offer. Passionate about generosity, Montgomery serves on the leadership team of the Young Givers Circle, a philanthropic group operated through The Generosity Trust that supports local nonprofit organizations and the amazing work they do to meet needs in Chattanooga. Montgomery is also heavily involved in Kingdom Advisors, an international organization that helps financial advisors integrate their faith into their practice. Montgomery and Cassidy now have two beautiful children, Sutton and Sawyer, and attend RockPoint Church Chattanooga.
Marcherie J. Savage
Director of Entrepreneurial Development, INCubator, Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce
Years With the Company: 3
Marcherie Savage is a champion for Chattanooga’s entrepreneurs. As the director of entrepreneurial development at the INCubator, she helps small businesses navigate the challenges of growth by providing educational programming, resource partner mentorship, and space for small businesses to scale. Through her business, Marcherie Jamene Marketing, she extends this mission by helping local companies refine their branding and marketing assets. She is particularly passionate about supporting nonprofits, offering discounted services to help them increase awareness, raise funds, and further impact the community. Outside of her professional roles, Savage volunteers at Pneuma Church, where she serves in the media department and mentors the youth in media production, teaching them valuable skills in photography and videography. She is committed to empowering the next generation of creatives while strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Chattanooga.
— THE GOLD CLUB —
Charlie Wade
Founder, Lookout Limousine Years With the Company: 5
Charlie Wade started a career of service in the early 1990s, ultimately spanning both government and private sector roles. At the pinnacle of this career, Wade served in the United States Secret Service under several presidents as a Special Agent. In 2020, Wade founded Lookout Limousine to bring conciergelevel secure transportation services to the Chattanooga region. In 2025, Lookout Limousine is a recognized leader of secure black car services, from sedans and SUVs to buses for corporate and personal transportation. The company participates in many local charity organizations as gratitude to Chattanooga. Wade’s motto is, “We don’t just drive people ... We take care of people!”
Duane Horton
President, Scenic Land Company
Years With the Company: 18
Duane Horton founded Scenic Land Company along with three others, while also serving as Owner of GenTech Construction, leading a vertically integrated real estate development, design, construction, marketing, sales, and operations company consisting of in-house team members and strategic partners. Horton has a passion to serve by creating value through critical thinking skills, planning, execution, and leadership through care and authenticity. His most recent accomplishments include the acquisition, branding, design, and financing of McLemore Resort on Lookout Mountain. Horton was born and raised in the Chattanooga area and is a graduate of Georgia Tech. He and his wife Mindy reside in Ooltewah with their 10 children and are members of Covenant Presbyterian.
Brandon Combs
Owner & Agent, State Farm Insurance
Years With the Company: 14
Brandon Combs is a dedicated State Farm insurance agent in Dalton, Georgia, who opened his agency in 2011 as a third-generation State Farm agent. With deep roots in the insurance industry, he combines family values of hard work and integrity to serve his community effectively. Combs offers personalized insurance solutions, covering auto, home, life, health insurance and business insurance, helping clients make informed decisions. He is committed to giving back to the community by actively participating in local events and charities while serving on the Whitfield Healthcare Foundation and Humane Society of Northwest Georgia. Under his leadership, his agency has grown steadily, earning recognition for excellent customer service and community involvement. Combs’s goal is to ensure that every family in North Georgia, Southeast Tennessee and North East Alabama feels secure and protected through quality insurance coverage.
Financial Perspectives
“Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning.”
- Benjamin Franklin
From Predictive Models to Prediction Markets
BY RAY RYAN, CFA
Ray Ryan is the president of Patten and Patten, an investment management firm, and a registered investment adviser in Chattanooga. Ray is a CFA charter holder, a member of the advisory board for UTC’s College of Business, and an adjunct professor of finance at UTC. He is a graduate of Princeton University, where he had the privilege of taking a course taught by former Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke.
Consider how frequently you check the weather app on your phone.
Weather apps present forecasts from meteorological models. Most forecasts are developed from models. A model is a simulation of reality using historical data.
Models reflect expert analysis of hard data such as economic indicators and soft data such as surveys and polls. Analysis usually involves technical, statistical, and quantitative extrapolation.
All models have limitations and flaws. Cognitive biases reduce model accuracy, and models are inherently limited by their assumptions. There are countless models of the stock market, and their shortcomings have been exposed by outlier events, such as stock market crashes.
Despite rigorous model construction, predictive value remains quite limited. Nevertheless, the public relies on many models for planning, policy, and general
decision-making. For example, most people rely on weather forecasts from smartphone apps, despite varying perceptions of accuracy. Weather models update every six hours. According to the NOAA, weather models are approximately 80% accurate up to seven days and 50% accurate at 10 days.
The Survey of Professional Forecasters (SPF) has collected predictions of key economic indicators such as unemployment, inflation, and economic growth since 1968. SPF data informs key policy makers such as the Federal Reserve. A recent study using SPF data tested the accuracy of 16,559 forecasts from 396 different forecasters. Results of the study: “forecasters report 53% confidence in the accuracy of their forecasts, but are correct only 23% of the time.”
In other words, economic and financial market forecasts “claim greater certainty than their accuracy justifies.”
The authors of one study stated: “traditional forecasting formats exacerbate the human tendency toward over-confidence.” Over-confidence is a cognitive bias that arguably has the largest impact on forecast error. There are three types: a) optimistic over-estimation of future performance; b) exaggerated belief in one’s forecast superiority to others; and c) excessive certainty in the precision or accuracy of one’s beliefs or forecasts. Fortunately, technology has facilitated the adoption of market-based forecasts that could reduce dependence on models in the future. Market-based approaches offer fewer biases and structural limitations. Examples of market-based indicators include those that forecast inflation and interest rates.
A market is essentially an aggregation of information, and the crowd (i.e., the “market”) is usually wiser than the individual. Studies confirm the median estimate of a diverse group of people is more accurate than individual estimates.
Prediction markets are a form of crowdsourced market-based forecast. Theory asserts, “the prediction market price equals the mean belief among traders.”
Prediction markets involve purchasing contracts (i.e., “betting”) on the likely winner of a contest or the outcome of an event. At the end of a contest, the winning contract is worth $1, and the losing contract is worth zero. During the contest, a contract price of $0.60 corresponds with 60% probability of success.
Election studies demonstrate that prediction markets in 1988-2004 were more accurate than polls 74% of the time. They also had a lower error rate – 1.6% – as compared with the Gallup poll error rate of 1.9%. Researchers claim, “in a truly efficient prediction market, the market price will be the best predictor of the event, and no combination of available polls or other information can be used to improve on the market-generated forecasts.”
Researchers commented further, “the power of prediction markets derives from the fact that they provide incentives for truthful revelation, they provide incentives for research and information discovery, and the market provides an algorithm for aggregating opinions … If traders are typically well-informed, prediction market prices will aggregate information into useful forecasts.”
Prediction markets are not immune to collective bias. For example, prediction markets are susceptible to anchoring – i.e., perceptions remain “anchored” to recent contract prices. This bias could create a self-reinforcing loop. Studies have also observed an “asymmetry bias” in that optimists tend to bet more aggressively than pessimists. In addition, research indicates the public consistently exhibits asymmetric interpretations of probability.
In prediction markets, a small number of highly active traders dominate total volume and number of transactions. Thus, traders with extreme beliefs often have a disproportionate impact on price. There have also been documented incidents of contract price manipulation.
Researchers also identified the tendency to over-price low probability events. Specifically, “there is substantial evidence from psychology and economics suggesting that people tend to overvalue small probabilities and undervalue near certainties.” Weather app studies support this statement. Survey respondents overestimate the chances for rain at 70% and underestimate the chances for rain at 30%.
“Prediction markets are not immune to collective bias.”
Market-based forecasts are essentially implied probabilities, and under certain conditions, implied probabilities can be predictive. Historically, market-based forecasts have been superior to model-based forecasts. With market expansion, efficient market dynamics should resolve structural flaws of prediction markets, thereby further improving accuracy relative to models.
While market-based forecasts improve decision-making, perceived accuracy as opposed to statistical accuracy could determine adoption. In this context, model-based expert forecasts and highly flawed surveys and polls will continue to influence the public. Over time, this influence should wane as market-based approaches attract greater attention. Prediction markets can be misinterpreted, but when applied properly, prospects for improved predictive analytics appear promising.
Source for quotes regarding prediction markets: Justin Wolfers and Eric Zitzewitz, “Prediction Markets in Theory and Practice,” National Bureau of Economic Research: Working Paper 12083, 2006.
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The Economic Impact of Tariffs Balancing Pros and Cons
BY EVAN RUSSELL, FINANCIAL ADVISOR ROUND TABLE ADVISORS, RJFS
Evan Russell is a financial advisor for Raymond James Round Table Advisors. Holding a bachelor’s degree in business finance and a master’s in communications from the University of Tennessee, Evan’s academic achievements have complemented his tenure as a professional baseball player for the L.A. Angels and team captain at the University of Tennessee. Evan has recently passed Level 1 of the CFA while working alongside the team at Round Table Advisors.
As investors, we might ask ourselves, “How will tariffs impact my investments?” Tariffs, which are taxes imposed on imported goods from outside countries, play a significant role in international trade policy which is a huge component of the U.S. economy. They can have various effects, influencing everything from consumer prices to job creation. Here, we explore the potential benefits and drawbacks of tariffs.
The Pros of Tariffs The Cons of Tariffs
1. Protection of Domestic Industries
Tariffs can help protect local industries from foreign competition by making imported goods more expensive. This can be particularly beneficial for emerging industries that need time to grow and become competitive.
2. Job Creation
By protecting domestic industries, tariffs can lead to job creation. Companies that are shielded from foreign competition may expand production and hire more workers.
3. Revenue Generation
Tariffs provide a source of revenue for governments. This additional income can be used to fund public services, infrastructure projects, or reduce budget deficits.
4. Trade Balance Improvement
Tariffs can help improve a country's trade balance by reducing imports. A lower volume of imports means less money flowing out of the country, which can help reduce trade deficits.
1. Higher Consumer Prices
Tariffs often lead to higher consumer prices. The additional costs of imported goods are usually passed on to consumers, which can reduce purchasing power and affect household budgets.
2. Supply Chain Disruptions
Tariffs can disrupt global supply chains, making it more difficult and expensive for businesses to source materials and components. This can lead to production delays and increased costs.
3. Retaliation and Trade Wars
Tariffs can provoke retaliatory measures from other countries, leading to trade wars. This can result in a cycle of escalating trade barriers that disrupt international trade and economic growth.
4. Economic Inefficiencies
By protecting less efficient domestic industries, tariffs can lead to economic inefficiencies. Resources may be diverted from more productive uses to support industries that are not competitive globally.
Recent Examples and Implications
Recent tariffs discussed by the United States on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China illustrate the complex effects of such measures. For instance, tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods can potentially raise prices for American consumers and businesses, particularly in the automotive, energy, and food sectors. Similarly, tariffs on Chinese goods could disrupt supply chains and increase costs for manufacturers relying on Chinese imports.
So, the question is: when tariffs are imposed, will U.S. businesses experience growth, gain market share, and add jobs while maintaining current pricing? Or, will U.S. consumers be faced with higher prices and greater inflation due to international companies raising prices?
Historical Impact of Tariffs
Tariffs have significantly influenced the economic landscape of many countries, particularly the United States. Here’s a concise look at their historical impacts:
EARLY U.S. HISTORY
• Revenue Generation: From 1790 to 1860, tariffs were the primary source of federal revenue, accounting for
about 90% of federal income. This revenue was crucial for funding the government before the establishment of the federal income tax in 1913.
• Protection of Infant Industries: High tariffs protected emerging American industries from foreign competition, allowing them to grow and become competitive. This was particularly important during the 19th century as the U.S. industrialized.
THE SMOOT-HAWLEY TARIFF ACT OF 1930
The Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act raised U.S. tariffs on over 20,000 imported goods to record levels, intending to protect American farmers and manufacturers during the Great Depression. However, it had several unintended consequences:
• Global Trade Retaliation: Many countries retaliated by imposing their own tariffs on American goods, leading to a significant decline in international trade.
• Economic Downturn: The reduction in trade exacerbated the economic downturn of the Great Depression, worsening the global economic situation.
POST-WORLD WAR II ERA
After World War II, the U.S. shifted towards promoting global free trade:
• General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT): Established in 1947, GATT aimed to reduce tariffs and
other trade barriers, promoting international trade and economic cooperation.
• World Trade Organization (WTO): In 1995, GATT was replaced by the WTO, which continues to oversee international trade agreements and disputes, further reducing tariffs and promoting free trade globally.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
In recent years, there has been a resurgence of protectionist policies:
• U.S.-China Trade War: Starting in 2018, the U.S. imposed tariffs on Chinese goods to address trade imbalances and intellectual property theft. China retaliated with its own tariffs on American products, leading to increased costs for businesses and consumers in both countries.
Conclusion
Throughout history, tariffs have been used for revenue generation, protection of domestic industries, and trade policy. While they can provide short-term benefits, such as protecting local jobs and industries, they can also lead to higher consumer prices, trade retaliation, and economic inefficiencies. How will this impact your investments? Time will tell. Ultimately, it is best to mitigate the risks with a longterm approach and diversification.
The information contained in this article does not purport to be a complete description of the securities, markets, or developments referred to in this material. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any opinions are those of Evan Russell and not necessarily those of Raymond James. Expressions of opinion are as of this date and are subject to change without notice. There is no guarantee that these statements, opinions or forecasts provided herein will prove to be correct. Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of strategy selected, including diversification and asset allocation. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Future investment performance cannot be guaranteed, investment yields will fluctuate with market conditions. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Round Table Advisors is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc.
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