Chattanooga, TN June 2023

LUXURY TINY HOME

V A C A T I O N P R O P E R T I E S

B o o k y o u r n e x t v a c a t i o n o r i n v e s t i n a t i n y h o m e p r o p e r t y o f y o u r o w n . L u x u r y , r e s o r ti n s p i r e d t i n y h o m e c o m m u n i t i e s a n h o u r o u t s i d e o f C h a t t a n o o g a . Y o u ' l l t h a n k u s l a t e r !

Welcome to the one-year anniversary issue of Chattanooga City Lifestyle! It's hard to believe you have been welcoming us into your homes for an entire year. We are so grateful to this community and for the opportunity you have given us. What better way to celebrate than by introducing you to some of Chattanooga's most notable and influential gentlemen!

We meet Chasen Thomas and his adorable daughter Mary Douglas as they get ready to open The Stanley School. The Stanley School was designed around one key idea—to make every day a better day for children in our community. Their re-imagining of a historic building on McCallie Avenue along with their focus on the SHINE method makes their early childhood program unrivaled in this region.

We meet Kyle House and Kyle Miller, the experts behind the popular fitness program, Kyle House Fitness. Their team of certified instructors and trainers offer group classes and personal training to help get members in the best shape of their lives.

We learn about aging gracefully with Dr. Daniel Barker. His clinic Wabi Sabi is located in Hixson. Rooted in Japanese culture, "Wabi Sabi" takes the view of finding beauty in imperfection and this is the guiding principal in Dr. Barker's practice.

We catch up with Ryan Hood to talk about his successful accounting firm Hood, CPA and Associates. Hood started his business 4 years ago and has built a loyal customer base. He recently moved his offices to the iconic former Hullco building on East Brainerd Road where he continues to grow his business.

It's hard to put into words the gratitude I feel for this community and for the opportunity I have had to be a part of your lives this past year. "Thank you" isn't enough, but it's what I have to offer. Thank you for everything, Chattanooga! I'm excited to see where this next year will lead.

June 2023

PUBLISHER

Rebecca Kilday | rebecca.kilday@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Belinda Martin | belinda.martin@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

P.E. Craven, Eva Horning, Loman W. Martin, Eve Robles, Laura Jane Walker

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Kristen Linderman, The SimonWest Agency

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Rachel Collins

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain

REBECCA

KILDAY, PUBLISHER @CHATTANOOGACITYLIFESTYLE

Kayo Erwin, Erwin Marine Sales

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

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1: The team from Reyka & Lu Creative at the MAC Gala benefiting McKamey Animal Center. 2: Dr. Mark Banks and Amber Banks attend the Believe Bash to benefit the Erlanger Foundation. 3: Team members from the Lookouts support members of the Chattanooga Miracle League. 4: Leadership from Dress for Success Chattanooga celebrate three years of the organization’s work. 5: JROTC cadets participate in the Annual Armed Forces Day Parade. 6: The team from Amada Tapas with their award-winning watermelon sangria at Sips from Latin America. 7: Signal Mountain Middle High School teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week.

SMMHS PTSA

@BANKSA

MAYOR TIM KELLY’S OFFICE

@REYKALUCREATIVE

@AMADATAPAS

@CHATTLOOKOUTS

@DFSCHATTANOOGA

Chattanooga Chamber Names Charles Wood President and CEO

Charles Wood has been named President and CEO of the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce. Wood will oversee programs and services of the Chattanooga Chamber and Chamber Foundation. “I am honored to have been chosen,” Wood said. “Chattanooga has been my home for a while now and as the voice for business in our area, I am thrilled to be able to share what makes our community a prosperous place."

Photography @chachamber

Ground Breaks on

Park

Located

Lynnbrook Park will be a green space for the community, and is said to have the potential to improve water quality for local residents. The project will turn the former empty lot with a history of flooding into a safe and welcoming space that features a restored stream, natural and native plantings, rain gardens, new play equipment and spaces to gather.

Photography @noogatoday

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New Accessible Playground Installed at Orange Grove Center

Orange Grove Center’s campus is now home to a new playground. The accessible playground was made possible by a gift from the estate of Marina Jenkins and the support of guests of Orange Grove’s inaugural Bingo for the Grove! fundraiser. The playground installation was completed over a 2-day period by 50 employees of PlayCore, Inc. – a community-focused supplier of commercial outdoor playground equipment – as part of PlayCore’s annual Days of Caring event.

Photography Orange Grove Center

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2

local experiences

The

Our Picks for The Man Clan

VALKYRIE AXE THROWING - CHATTANOOGA: Let off some steam or drink mead with friends as you throw axes down the lane to see who's the best Viking among friends. 45 E Main Street, Suite 108 | Chattanooga, TN

CIGAR MAN: If you enjoy hand-rolled, high quality cigars and great conversation, pick out the cigar of your choice and unwind in the Cigar Lounge. 514

E Main Street | Chattanooga, TN

TOP GOLF CHATTANOOGA: Take time out to work on your golf game with friends. The all-weather bays allow you to play year-round with friends and drinks. 490 Camp Jordan Parkway | East Ridge, TN

BEAR TRACE COURSES AT HARRISON BAY: A Jack Nicklaus designed course surrounded by water, soaring pines, and hardwoods, makes this a perfect weekday or weekend escape. 8919 Harrison Bay Road | Harrison, TN

BRIDGEMAN'S CHOPHOUSE: For upscale dining set in a time period where service and excellence were the standard, Bridgeman’s is a superior restaurant in Chattanooga. 107 West MLK Boulevard | Chattanooga, TN

FIVE LOCAL MEN YOU SHOULD KNOW

INFLUENTIAL MEN WHO CALL CHATTANOOGA HOME

Having lived in Chattanooga for over a decade now, I proudly consider myself a local. It is in this city where I have had the privilege of building a life with my wife and daughter and it is here where I have made connections with some truly remarkable men. As I sat down with the men you are about to meet, some of whom I know personally and others who I got to know for the first time, I was inspired by their stories and captivated by the paths that led each of them to call Chattanooga home. Each of these interviews felt like conversations with an old friend and I am excited to provide you, the reader, with a glimpse into the hearts, minds, and passions of five influential men who call Chattanooga home–locals, like me, who simply can’t imagine living anywhere else.

ARTICLE BY LOMAN W. MARTIN PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE SIMONWEST AGENCY

ZIGGY KORYTOSKI

HEAD COACH, CHATTANOOGA RED WOLVES SOCCER CLUB

A head coach with experience across the globe, the Chattanooga Red Wolves have landed a seasoned coach to take the reins in Ziggy Korytoski. “We’ve been blessed to get this opportunity and we want to make the most of it, because we believe in this community and this team,”  Korytoski said. Upon reflecting on the path that led him to coaching, Ziggy said, “I knew I wanted to coach from a young age, whether it was baseball management or being a soccer coach, and God led me in this direction. I played in college, turned it into a part-time job, and then into a fulltime career coaching at the professional and international levels.”  As soon as Ziggy arrived in Chattanooga, he worked to fill player gaps that naturally occur in the offseason, build rapport with the current roster, and focus on player development. “We want to build off last year’s run up to the title and help create a dynasty here for the fans.” Coach Korytoski is a sports enthusiast and educates himself not only about other sports, but about successful coaches. A stoic leader on the field, Coach Korytoski’s style is fueled by passion and focuses on fundamentals. “Players are always hyped up and ready to go, so it’s our job to manage those emotions and be the consistent voice they can rely on throughout the game.” Coach Korytoski and his family have already fallen in love with Chattanooga.  “When we took this job, we were thrilled to become a part of a community with people who are genuine and we want to make both the fans and Chattanooga excited for the future of our Red Wolves Soccer Club.”

NEIL TURNER

OWNER, RIVER CITY MOVING

An accomplished musician, a photographer, and now an entrepreneur, Neil Turner has settled down in Chattanooga to launch a new business and the next chapter in his life.  “I came here to start my moving company because I am from Tennessee and with Chattanooga’s growth, I felt my business model would be successful here.”  Neil doesn’t just want to build a successful company.  He also wants to create a job with livable wages for his employees.  “I want to take care of my guys and I pay an average of $8 more an hour, even for those who work part-time, because a livable wage is important to me.” Neil also recognizes the importance of moving services for those who can’t afford it.  “I believe in giving back to my community, so we volunteer our services as we can to help families in our community.”  Neil’s current focus is to build a sustainable business model so he can provide jobs for people in the community while simultaneously shifting to his primary focus.  “I lost my sister to mental illness and as our family went through that process, I realized there are limited resources to assist families.  I want to develop a foundation in memory of her, making resources available to individuals and families and assisting families who have lost a loved one to mental illness.”  Neil’s drive to develop a successful company does not come from maximizing profits, but for his love for people. “Everything is a process, but I believe if I treat people fairly as customers and employees, I can then start the groundwork to build a foundation I can be proud of and develop resources which help our community navigate mental issues.  I want more happy endings and I believe this foundation can make that happen.”

ALEX PAUL LOZA

MULTIDISCIPLINARY ARTIST

A talented artist with a passion for social advocacy, Alex Paul Loza’s work tells a story and touches the viewer in a personal way.  Originally from Lima, Peru, Alex and his mother immigrated to the States when he was in junior high school.  While he was excited to move to the States, he left a large part of his heart in Lima as his maternal grandparents were an influential part of his life.  “My grandfather was a professional soccer player in Peru, so as soon as I could walk, I was kicking a ball and my grandmother could create anything from nothing.  I was fortunate to have people in my life that allowed me to pursue my passions.”  Both of Alex’s grandparents gave him the freedom to express himself and continually supported him no matter what he chose to pursue.  When Alex was in high school, his art teacher took the time to help him understand different mediums and gave him extra supplies on the weekend to develop his natural talent.  “She would tell me to create something over the weekend, bring it in on Monday, and we would talk about it.  Her interest in my work helped me build the confidence to make whatever medium I was using, such as a brush or the pencil become an extension of my hand, and that’s what made me choose to go to school for art.”  When Alex chose a career in art, both his grandparents and mother supported him unconditionally.  “I had people in my life that wanted me to succeed in the career I chose, supported my craft entirely, and gave me the drive to pursue my dreams.  I am thankful for their belief in me and I credit my success to them.”

CONTINUED >

JONNY THE BARBER

OWNER, LEGENDS BARBERSHOP

A true master of his craft, you can sit down in Jonny’s chair, discuss anything from pop culture to current events, and leave with the freshest cut in town. While Jonny did not know where exactly his career path would take him, some of his fondest childhood memories took place at a barbershop.  “I grew up around our local barbershop in Chicago.  My dad’s best friend owned the shop and everyone I knew hung around his place and got their hair cut.”  In junior high, Jonny had a friend who wanted a haircut, but his mom wouldn’t take him, so Jonny cut it for him, and got paid $10.  “After that, it became normal for me to cut my buddies’ hair and I liked it, but didn’t think this would be my profession.”  After college, Jonny managed the business operations of several companies and became a flight attendant because he had aspirations of becoming a pilot.  Although he enjoyed seeing the world, he felt he was missing important moments with his family and friends.  When his family moved to Chattanooga, Jonny made the life-altering decision to move with them and decided to pursue a career in a field that would experience minimal impacts if the economy had major shifts.  “The hair industry kept recurring in my research, and given my fond childhood memories, I decided to try it.”  Jonny learned the trade, but his skills were sharpened by a great mentor who showed him the value of building relationships with clients and paying attention to the smallest details to ensure client satisfaction.  Jonny’s cuts give his clients confidence beyond the chair.  “I enjoy building relationships and being a part of people’s lives in a way that makes them feel confident in who they are and how they look.”

CHRISTOPHER PERRY, DVM

MEDICAL DIRECTOR & VETERINARIAN, SHALLOWFORD ANIMAL HOSPITAL

A skilled physician with a passion for the well-being of animals and the bond they have with their humans, Dr. Chris Perry has become a leader in the field of veterinary medicine. “I’m very fortunate I get to live out my childhood dream each day.”  Chris was helping his mother clean out her attic a few years ago when he found an illustration from first grade with his name, favorite foods, and what he wanted to be when he grew up.  “So, even from a young age, it’s documented that I wanted to be a veterinarian,” Perry said, “albeit superficially since I was not fully aware what that meant at the time.”  Growing up, Chris and his father read James Herroit books together. Herroit’s characters focused loosely on veterinary cases the author experienced throughout his career and the stories resonated with him. In high school, Chris recognized his love for science and fascination with the study of life.  “I was captivated by biology in high school. When I dissected a pig, I thought it was so neat to see the inside of the engine and I wanted to learn all I could.”  Upon graduating from UGA, Chris completed an emergency room internship in Chattanooga and then entered general practice in Virginia before settling in Chattanooga. Chris credits his mentors in the field who have shaped his medical training and connection with animal owners.  “I love watching client’s pets grow and develop and I want to be the part of your extended family you can always rely on to take care of you and your pet. Being able to confidently deliver services to an animal and put their owner at ease is the best part of my job.”

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The Stanley School

Encouraging Children to SHINE

ARTICLE BY LAURA JANE WALKER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE SIMONWEST AGENCY

When Chasen Thomas set out to start a school for young children, he had no idea the potential impact it would have not only on his family but on so many other Chattanooga families.

Chasen welcomed The Stanley School’s families to their opening day on May 8th. Housed in a beautifully renovated brick building on McCallie Avenue in downtown Chattanooga, The Stanley School provides quality care and education for children ages 8 weeks through preschool, preparing children through a comprehensive curriculum led by supportive, caring teachers and staff.

Among bright classrooms and hallways, Chasen reflects on The Stanley School journey from concept to creation. What started as a business idea for Chasen built into something much greater—and what he hopes will be his family’s legacy in Chattanooga. At its peak capacity, the school can serve as many as 250 children, filling a vital need for childcare in the Chattanooga area.

“We never forced the school to happen. We were patient to find the right location and building. We were patient during a tenuous supply chain disruption during an economic downturn. We were patient

with the development of our curriculum and hiring process, and the result is an exceptional foundation and school,” Chasen says.

The Thomas family has always valued education, and they have a deep understanding of the educational space in Chattanooga. His grandfather started a school in Bristol, Virginia, where Chasen grew up. He and his sister graduated from Baylor, a school that left a lasting impression on the Thomas family, and Chasen’s wife, Meredith, graduated from GPS. In founding The Stanley School, the Thomas family sought to bolster the early childhood education pipeline, preparing children for success before beginning a K-12 education.

“In founding the Stanley School, we want to extend our family’s values of respect, dignity, and value of a person’s worth to every part of the school—to our teachers and staff, and especially to our families and children,” Chasen says. He is honored to be in business with his parents who came out of retirement to help make The Stanley School happen, as well as his sister and his young daughter, Mary Douglas, who will be among the school’s first students.

“Chattanooga has a critical need for early childhood education providers,” Chasen says. “Ultimately, our family interest in the educational space aligned so we could invest in Chattanooga.”

The Stanley School in downtown Chattanooga will be the first location for the company, as the Thomas family looks to establish additional locations in other Southeastern cities.

From the school’s inception, the Thomases have set out to provide a supportive, safe environment for children to thrive and grow and to prepare them for the next stage of life.

With help of industry experts, the Thomases developed the school’s S.H.I.N.E. method, ensuring the school provides a Seamless, Happy, Intentional, Nurturing, and Exceptional experience every day for families.

“When we started The Stanley School, some might say it wasn’t the best time— after COVID many businesses faced staffing challenges and we are in the middle of a trying time economically. Ultimately, we believe in what we are doing and know that the product will speak for itself,” Chasen says. “We have a phenomenal staff and building, and our Head of School Sharon Jensen brought the curriculum to life, combining features of the most tried and tested teaching methods. We are very proud of it all.”

The Thomas family strives to build an environment that’s enjoyable for all. “The Stanley School is a family-run business, and we have been selective with each hire we’ve made, instilling our beliefs and mission in how we treat our employees and families,” Chasen says. “I wanted to create an environment everyone looks forward to coming to in the morning. Our mission is to make every day a better day for our children and we are excited to make an impact in Chattanooga and beyond.”

Learn more about The Stanley School and request a tour at TheStanleySchools.com.

“Our mission is to make every day a better day for our children and we are excited to make an impact in Chattanooga and beyond.”

Kyle House Fitness

Where Fitness and Community Meet

ARTICLE BY EVE ROBLES PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE SIMONWEST AGENCY

A boutique fitness studio, Kyle House Fitness prides itself on standing apart from big box gyms.  Located in Chattanooga’s Southside, Kyle House Fitness delivers a top-notch fitness program in an all-inclusive space where community thrives.  Since opening its doors in 2016, co-founders Kyle House and Kyle Miller had a clear vision in mind.  “We believe in balanced fitness for all. Whether you are taking one of our three class styles or participating in individual or group personal training, we strive to provide a balance of the core fitness pillars: cardio, strength training, and yoga.”

With five-star ratings across multiple platforms and consecutive awards for best trainers in Chattanooga, Kyle House Fitness has ranked amongst the top three gyms in the area offering innovative workouts catered to meet the needs of individuals at all fitness levels.  At Kyle House Fitness, “We believe that everyone is on their own personal fitness journey and it is our job as trainers and instructors to meet them where they are currently.”

House and Miller stress, “There’s not one body type and each member is at a different point in their own fitness journey. That’s the reality of what we have built. It’s a community, not a membership.” With community and relationships at the heart of the studio, clients are continually transformed and challenged to reach their personal goals.

“Fitness isn’t just a 30-day commitment, it's a journey.  It doesn’t matter if you are taking your first step or you are building upon the journey you’ve already been on. Our motto is “It’s not too late. Just don’t wait!” There is always time to jump into a fitness program no matter who you are or where you are from.”

To learn more about classes and memberships, visit kylehousefitness.com

“There’s not one body type and each member is at a different point in their own fitness journey. That’s the reality of what we have built. It’s a community, not a membership.”

Beauty Beyond Aesthetics

An Interview with Dr. Daniel Barker

After gaining experience in New York and Los Angeles, Dr. Daniel Barker returned home to Chattanooga, bringing a unique approach with his clinic Wabi-Sabi.

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF.

I went to the University of Virginia and I was there from 2004 to 2013. It was a really great school and I became really enamored with the field of facial plastics. I did my fellowship at UCLA and I got to work with some of the best facial plastic surgeons in the country and the world.

WHAT’S THE STORY BEHIND THE NAME

WABI SABI?

Obviously, I am a plastic surgeon, but one of things that bothers me is the trying to obtain perfection. I was watching a show on tiny homes and the guy was describing this process in New Zealand of putting together and handcrafting a house he had built. It was a beautiful house and he described it as “wabi-sabi” and I wondered what that meant.

So, I started looking into it and there was a YouTube video of a designer who discusses wabi-sabi and it really just hit home. “Wabisabi” is the idea that beauty that comes with age. Things should show their origin and appear natural, not fake. It seemed to me like there wasn’t a really succinct way to say that in the English language.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR WORK?

The thing I enjoy most about my work is having high quality interactions with my patients. I really enjoy helping people with the way they present themselves to the world.

WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME?

I much prefer to be outside. I love working in my yard and gardening. I do whitewater kayaking up the Oconee River and it’s one of my favorite places to go.

For more information about Dr. Barker’s practice, visit wabisabi.clinic

realty report

A sample of recently sold properties in Chattanooga.

IF YOU ARE READING THIS... SO IS YOUR BEST CLIENT. 2 OUT OF

Hood, CPA & Associates

Big Firm Experience with Small Firm Personality

ARTICLE BY P.E. CRAVEN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KRISTEN LINDERMAN

On first impression, Ryan Hood doesn’t immediately fit the mold of a CPA. The profession isn’t always characterized by people whose favorite pastimes are spending time out on the lake and playing basketball, but Ryan Hood’s personality is evident in his work. With eighteen years of experience, his firm is leading the charge in creating opportunities for small businesses to flourish by offering quality services and consultation. After all, it was the big picture that drew Ryan to the profession. “I always knew being a CPA would let me see a business’s side from every angle. You wouldn’t just be advising on one piece of the business, you would be looking at everything that goes on in the client’s business, and that always interested me.”

Hood’s mission is to make financial consulting accessible for all, especially younger small business owners. For the past four years, Ryan has focused on building a firm that is personable enough that clients feel comfortable texting Ryan and his team when they have questions about tax law, payroll, or bookkeeping. This has led to tremendous growth, a dream Ryan hopes to capitalize on in the future. Ryan’s business stands apart from other firms by being accessible to clients, which makes them ideal for small businesses needing services and consultation. According to Ryan, his firm is a one-stop shop for a “big firm experience, with a small-firm personality.”

Ryan’s youthful energy is reflected in the aesthetics of his firm. The open format of the office encourages an open and receptive relationship with their clients. If asked to peg one aspect that sets his firm apart from others, Ryan insists

it’s their eagerness to consult businesses in all aspects of finance. This isn’t just a place to get taxes filed. Ryan and his employees are available to advise clients on all financial aspects of running a business. Furthermore, the firm operates on a fixed billing format, meaning clients aren’t nickeled and dimed every time a small question pops up.

Chattanooga has been an optimal choice for Hood, CPA given the real estate boom over the past few years. With an abundance of construction contractors, increased industry bringing in new families and businesses, and start-ups flocking to the city, growth is inevitable for a firm like Ryan’s. With so much growth, Ryan is excited for the opportunity to help more people conquer their financial goals in their businesses and in their personal lives. This growth could lead to a second location in the future, but Chattanooga is the heart of the firm.

When he’s not consulting clients on aspects of business ownership and operations, Ryan loves to spend time with his family. He and his wife, Rachel, are proud parents to three boys: Cooper, Landon, and Jackson. You can find him with his boys cruising the neighborhood on their golf cart, playing basketball, or spending time out by the lake. It wouldn’t be a surprise for Ryan to answer financial questions while playing at Dave & Buster’s or enjoying a quiet evening of Netflix.

If you’re looking for financial advice with a hometown feel, Hood, CPA and Associates is just the place for you. Learn more at hoodaccounting.com

NEURO-PSYCHOLOGICAL TESTING

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

INDUSTRIAL ARTS

FAMILY PROGRAMMING

ACADEMIC SUPPORT

SIBLING SUPPORT

ART + MUSIC THERAPY