Chattanooga, TN June 2024

The Influence of Men

For many of us, the month of June marks the beginning of summer. Longer days and a little less structure bring more opportunities to engage in hobbies, spend time with loved ones, and perhaps spend time trying new things. While I thrive in structured environments, there's something about summertime that invites me to slow down just a bit and be a bit more intentional with my time rather than continuing the fast-paced momentum that the year normally brings.

As we slow down and really take time to appreciate what we've been given, I've found it's equally important to acknowledge the influential people in our lives as well. Last month, we had the privilege of introducing you to some incredible local women who have not only had an impact on the Chattanooga community, but also in the lives of our publisher, Amber Harris, and in my own life.

This month, we get to do it again with a focus on men in our community who are trailblazing paths in their respective fields. We had the chance to sit down with Alton Byrd, the newly minted CEO of the Chattanooga Football Club who’s journey to Chattanooga is sure to awe you as it did us. We catch up with Christopher Shaw of Final Flash Productions to touch base with the man behind the lens and cover of this month's issue. We learn more about Christian Harris and Brandon Carruth of Sleepyhead Coffee and their mission to create an inclusive community for all. We touch base with Chuck Bordogna of Lookout Winery & Wood Oven Pizza and Steve Flynn of Stevarino’s & Blackstone Grille, two men who are bringing new flavors to the Chattanooga food scene. Finally, we learn more about Kenneth Burke of Text Request, a quickly growing tech start-up changing the landscape of mass communication.

No matter how you choose to spend your summer, we hope that this issue inspires you to explore more about some of the businesses owned by our local men you should know. As the weather gets warmer and the days get longer, we also hope that each of you have a chance to slow down, recharge, and enjoy all that this season has to offer.

Cheers!

BELINDA MARTIN, EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

June 2024

PUBLISHER

Amber Harris | amber.harris@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Belinda Martin | Belinda.Martin@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Amber Harris, P.E. Craven

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Final Flash Productions

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Collins

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain Learn

the CITY LIST

We have such amazing, innovative business leaders in our community who are proud to serve you, our residents, with class and quality. We’ve compiled some of our top company picks for the services that might be on your mind this month in an effort to make your lives a little easier.

Men’s Clothing Store

Onward Reserve onwardreserve.com | 423.362.5714

Bruce Baird & Co. brucebaird.com | 423.265.8821

Yacoubian Tailors yacoubians.com | 423.265.0187

Peter Millar petermillar.com | 423.265.0187

J. Crew jcrew.com | 423.634.5273

Country Club

McLemore Club themclemore.com |

Chattanooga Golf & Country Club chattanoogagcc.org | 423.266.6178

Signal Mountain Golf & Country Club smgcc.org | 423.886.5767

Want to suggest a monthly pick?

Mountain City Club themountaincityclub.com | 423.756.5584

The Walden Club waldenclub.org | 423.756.6686

Bars

Whiskey Thief whiskeythiefchattanooga.com | 423.269.8555

The Bitter Alibi thebitteralibi.com | 423.362.5070

Unknown Caller unknowncallerbar.com | 423.541.3199

Gate 11 Distillery gate11distillery.com | 423.825.4283

BrewHaus brewhausbar.com | 423.531.8490

Dinner For Dads

Bridgeman's Chophouse bridgemanschophouse.com | 423.643.1240

Number Ten numbertenchatt.com | 423.654.8139

St. John's stjohnsrestaurant.com | 423.266.4400

Main Street Meats mainstreetmeatschatt.com | 423.602.9568

Tremont Tavern tremonttavern.com | 423.266.1996

Sweat Club sweatclub.fit | 423.206.4280

Kyle House Fitness kylehousefitness.com | 423.803.9630

F45 Training f45training.com | 423.654.8300

D1 Training d1training.com | 423.220.4282

OrangeTheory Fitness orangetheory.com | 423.438.1588

Seven Local Men You Should Know

MEN POSITIVELY INFLUENCING THE SCENIC CITY

ARTICLE BY AMBER HARRIS & P.E. CRAVEN

Alton Byrd, Chattanooga Football Club

Born in San Francisco, Alton Byrd has always had a passion for sports. In 1979, he was drafted to the Boston Celtics, but due to an injury the night before training camp, he took his chances with a job opportunity in London that summer.

Byrd proved to be passionate about both the business side of sports as well as the recreational side as he continued to establish his reputation as a sports commentator, TV personality, and broadcast host over the years. Byrd’s one year EU plan quickly turned into a lifetime career both on and off the court as he soon became the leading rookie of the Crystal Palace team in the British Basketball league leading the team to a 50-5 record.

From there, business alliance opportunities presented themselves as Byrd was approached by a wealthy steel magnet in Edenburg named David Murray who asked Byrd to build and run the most successful team in EU basketball history. After the birth of his daughter in 1987, Alton received a call from Manchester

Alton Byron CEO, Chattanooga Football Club

United and transferred back to the UK to act as the captain of their basketball team for one year. A stockbroker by day, Byrd continued his athletic pursuits by night.

Retiring from basketball at 38, Byrd began a host of endeavors including starting his own sports marketing agency and a range of television and radio shows. Following these pursuits, he became the NFL EU general manager for the London Monarchs.

In 1999, Byrd moved back to the U.S. to be closer to his mother and assumed the role of Head of Sponsorships Alliances for the Sacramento Kings. In 2000, he founded Clear Focus Consulting and for eleven years ran the multicultural marketing agency for corporate coaching.

Despite all of these accomplishments, Byrd notes that his most valuable roles are being a husband for twenty-four years and father of two.

Byrd’s impressive career path brought him to Chattanooga in 2023 where he now serves as the CEO of the Chattanooga Football Club. Byrd told us, “When you have a curious mind, you watch what managers say, what plays are made and called and you research the stats. It’s about spacing near the goal and front end, being connected so that when one player moves everyone moves. It’s the same size, style, and spacing as basketball.”

When asked about his future plans for the Club, Byrd hopes to implement matchday events throughout the city emulating the comradery, support and alliance that EU football fans are known for. On the presence of two prominent football clubs in Chattanooga, Byrd told us, “Soccer is built on rivalries and this is evidence of the city’s love of the game as we see tourists from surrounding cities coming to town for soccer events. Furthermore, it is great to see our local recreation programs incorporating the sport into the roster of sports options.”

Byrd is hopeful that by showcasing the games on a national stage, more positive attention will be brought to the Scenic City.  -AH

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Brad Shelton Accendo Studio

The Latin term “accendo” means to bring light or enlighten. Brad Shelton, owner of Accendo Studio, began his company with the aspiration of creating a studio that supported all types of work from art and photography to architecture. Through his work, Shelton works to enlighten the Chattanooga community and those with whom he works about the importance of sustainability. An architect by day and a photographer by trade, Shelton has an eye for design and a heart for the earth. “As architects, we have responsibilities to the environment”, he told us. One of his points of pride is working with the local nonprofit, Tennessee River Gorge Trust, which began by purchasing the gorge and has expanded over the years acquiring property along the Tennessee River. Land

that is purchased is placed in a conservation trust so that it can’t be built on along the water ensuring that it stays in its most natural form.

Currently, Shelton and his team are working on an environmentally conscious office building designed with all things conservation in mind. Several green infrastructure components, solar energy panels, rainwater collection, and low flow fixtures are just a few features the site will boast. This 4,000-square-foot building will research access and land stewardship initiatives that continue to make the Tennessee River Gorge Trust a nationally recognized organization.

To learn more about Brad and Accendo Studio, visit: accendostudio.com . -AH

There’s no chance of snoozing when chatting with Christian Harris and Brandon Carruth, co-owners of Sleepyhead Coffee. Originating in 2018 as a mobile coffee cart, Christian combined his talents as a former barista with Brandon’s business philosophy to create a brand the Chattanooga community can’t live without.

Since their coffee cart days, Christian and Brandon have opened two brick and mortar locations. Whether interviewing for a job, leisurely

Christian Harris and Brandon Carruth Sleepyhead Coffee

painting, celebrating a two-year old’s birthday party, playing an intense game of chess, or catching up with old friends, the environment at Sleepyhead is the place for it all. Customers come for the space and stay for the coffee which is what fuels Christian, Brandon, and their team to do what they love.

While it hasn’t always been easy owning their own business, Christian and Brandon both agreed that their greatest accomplishment thus far was opening their storefronts using all of their own funding at the ages of 19 and 21. They both attribute their success to the powerful impact of the Chattanooga community which never shies away from supporting local businesses and has been the backbone of their growth.

The entire team at Sleepyhead is grateful for the open-mindedness of the Chattanooga community that allows them to be an inclusive establishment for all.

Be on the lookout for new local merch collaborations and their own roasted coffee! To learn more about Sleepyhead Coffee, visit: sleepyhead.coffee. -AH

Chuck Bordogna

Lookout Winery & Wood Oven Pizza

Chuck Bordogna is honoring years of culinary tradition by carrying on his family’s legacy in the mountains of Tennessee. In March of this year, Lookout Winery & Wood Oven Pizza celebrated its ninth anniversary. A slice of Sicilian heaven tucked away in Guild, Tennessee, Lookout Winery proudly serves homemade Nonna style pizzas and wine.

While many come for the views, what keeps people coming back is the pizza. Utilizing a family recipe that was passed down from his late grandmother, Lookout Winery & Wood Oven Pizza has lifelong patrons who travel from as far as two hours away.

When we asked Chuck why he chose Guild as the location for Lookout Winery, he gave us three simple reasons: the view, proximity to travelers, and the hillside. The winery sits high enough to look out onto the Tennessee River and far into the lush greenery of the region. Non-local tourists are frequently drawn to the winery as a pit stop on their travels. In an effort to maintain as much of the site’s natural integrity, Chuck knew he needed to be able to build a sustainable kitchen and restaurant into the hillside for cooling and storage purposes.

With such breathtaking views, it is no surprise that Chuck is expanding his portfolio into the event business with a venue currently under construction. After hosting a number of gatherings on site, Chuck knew it was time to expand what people loved most about the locale: its beauty, timeless elegance, and seclusion to a larger audience. With plans to host weddings on-site as well as private short-term vacation rentals, the future for Lookout Winery is incredibly bright.

To learn more about Lookout Winery & Wood Oven Pizza, visit: lookoutwinery.com . -AH

It all started with a text that read, “Just show up on Monday.” A South Georgia native, Kenneth Burke, took a leap of faith, packed up his life, and moved to Chattanooga in 2014. Along with three other people in the office, Burke was handed a list of contacts and started cold calling. The rest, as they say, is history.

Growing up, Burke always pictured himself in the music industry as he practiced guitar for hours each day. After attending Covenant College in pursuit of a music career, he soon started studying business, hoping he could combine his passion for music and his business acumen.

Kenneth Burke

Text Request

Text Request began with seven employees and has grown to a team of forty-five. The integrative customer service product that originated right here in Chattanooga, offers moderate pricing with no limits on how many texts can be sent per month. Over 100 million people are connected today through Text Request and over 90% of customers are outside of the Chattanooga area. Burke uses SEO marketing and blogging to reach clients across the nation.

What began as a customer service tool for the hospitality industry and college admission departments has now transitioned to a majority of customers from the home and professional services industries.

Even though he wasn’t the best at English in school, Burke eventually transitioned from sales and developed what is now the marketing department at Text Request. This began with casual blog posting and email marketing in 2016. Kenneth has taken the company’s marketing one step further and created a successful podcast called “Text Request Talks” on Spotify, where he interviews franchise owners and home service providers to hear their business journeys.

Locally, Text Request values their partnerships with Chattanooga Football Club, UTC and the Chattanooga Lookouts. To learn more about Text Request, visit: textrequest.com . -AH

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Christopher Shaw

Final Flash Photography

Christopher Shaw, owner of Final Flash Photography, has always considered himself a story teller. Telling stories through painting has been something he was enthralled with for years. At just twelve years old, he held a camera for the first time and discovered an art form that ignited his passion. From then on, he worked tirelessly and intentionally to perfect his craft and continue storytelling from a different perspective.

Collaborating with fellow entrepreneurs and creatives has been a grounding force and inspiration throughout Christopher’s professional journey. “Malik Stoudemire, Genesis the Greykid, Herman Prater, Anthony Wiley, Jeremy Lawrence are all men that have created and continue to create things that make waves through our city and create a name for themselves. They keep me focused on the promises I made to myself when I began this journey.”

Shaw, who photographed our cover and feature images of Chattanooga Football Club CEO Alton Byrd, aspires to continue his pursuits in athletic photography and, as an avid wrestling fan, hopes to one day shoot something with the WWE. From a musical perspective, Zendaya and Rihanna are at the top of his list given their natural auras in front of the lens.

Visual arts in general have taken a large leap of popularity in recent years and many people are entering the digital space. This allows an opportunity for our creatives to showcase different perspectives and services to our city that are needed in today’s market. “I’m really excited to see how far creativity can go in this medium”, Shaw told us.

To learn more about Christopher and Final Flash Productions, visit: finalflashpro.com . -AH

Steve Flynn Owner, Stevarino’s & Blackstone Grille

Sociable. Happy. Fun-loving. These are qualities you can expect when meeting Steve Flynn, owner of Stevarino’s Italian Eatery and Pub. Steve Flynn has spent a lifetime in the restaurant business, and he’s brought his positive spirit to the food service industry in Chattanooga. Flynn learned about the beauty of independently owned restaurants as a wholesaler in Florida before moving to Tennessee.

Now, Steve has planted his roots in the Scenic City. In 2007, Flynn alongside his friend and business partner Kerry, opened the first Stevarino’s in South Pittsburg before opening another location in Chattanooga in 2019. Now, Steve and his wife are opening a new restaurant in Lookout Valley. Blackstone Grille is set to open this summer and will fill a void for the community. “Chattanooga is a foodie town. It’s small enough to not

be a mega city, but big enough for opportunity” the couple told us.

Steve and his wife Vicki are excited about the future potential of their upscale American tavern in Lookout Valley. “In this area, we have Lookout Mountain, Black Creek, Tiftonia, plus all of the hotels. Most of what is in this area is fast food, we are excited to offer something different.” With the opening of Blackstone Grille, the carefree, fun-loving spirit that is recognizable at Stevarino’s will make its way to Lookout Valley.

After meeting with him it was obvious that the Scenic City is lucky to have Flynn who just wants to have fun and enjoy life. Steve invites you all to, “Come for the food and stay for the atmosphere.”

Be on the lookout for more information about Blackstone Grille. To learn more about Stevarino’s visit: stevarinos.com. -PC

REALTY REPORT

REALTY REPORT CHATTANOOGA

STEVE W EISBERG

Steve Weisberg is taking an innovative approach to investing in his community. After moving to Chattanooga with his family from Tampa, Florida, Weisberg began his insurance career based on a faith-driven connection and has found his niche in the industry.

With a passion for serving people and a previous career in massage therapy, Weisberg has worked with neurologists to heal everything from body pains to migraines. As such, Weisberg has always prioritized customer care. Starting his insurance business with American National, he has found that he is able to remain completely client-focused while also helping others invest in the protection of themselves and their families.

One thing that has always intrigued Steve is the concept of living off of the land and creating your own goods and produce. Steve has created the gift of protecting generations of hard work that will be passed down to the future farmers of America by specializing in farm insurance. “Not only am I helping the farmers, the farmers are helping us”. By investing his time and talents in preserving farms by protecting them with the proper coverage for their families and equipment, he is finding new ways to invest in our community and our country.

How a Local Insurance Agent is Ensuring a Better Tomorrow

ARTICLE BY AMBER HARRIS

Perfecting Your Golf Swing

ARTICLE BY DANIEL SCHOWENGERDT

Whether you are a new golfer or have been playing for decades, we all want the same thing—to be a single-digit handicap (or better). In some professions, golfing with clients is a must, and slicing off the tee box can kill the deal.

Get fit for equipment.

01.

If you are buying clubs off the rack, you aren’t giving yourself the best chance for success. Golf technology is evolving every year, and although you don’t need to buy a new driver each year, if you’ve been playing with the same clubs for 5+ years, it’s time to take advantage of the new equipment. Newer clubs have lower and deeper center of gravity (CG), creating an easier launch off the face. Even off-center strikes can produce a straight shot with the right set of clubs. Any major golf store will fit you for free—just make sure you get the correct length club and size grip. The clubs don’t swing themselves, so don’t neglect instruction and practice, but getting the right equipment is a vital piece of the puzzle.

On drivers and hybrids, some of the newest equipment have premium shaft options off the rack. Generally, a $300 driver has a low-grade $15 shaft that you should change. The shaft is the engine of the club, so getting custom shafts will add distance and forgiveness—guaranteed.

As for the putter, you use it more than any other club in your bag on every round of golf. It should be the most tailored club in your bag.

We’ve all heard someone say, “I should get a lesson sometime.” To be effective, you need regular lessons from a PGA certified pro, not just one lesson. Getting quality instruction from the same instructor can turn slices into draws and give you the confidence to play with anyone on any course. Years ago, golf instructors started instruction with chipping and putting and then graduated to the driver. Now, instructors have been pressured to start with the driver because we all want to outdrive our friends. Resist that temptation! Get instruction on your short game and irons first. My friend regularly outdrives me by 50 yards, but my ball is in the hole first most of the time because of my training and practice on the short game.

Read quality golf books for a higher golf IQ.

There are thousands of golf books, but don’t worry, you only need to read a handful of them to up your golf IQ. Here are some top reads: Short game: Dave Pelz’s Short Game Bible Mental game: Golf is Not a Game of Perfect Mechanics: Practical Golf by John Jacobs Ball flight laws: The Practice Manual (only read the first 50 pages)

Practice your short game every day.

You don’t even have to spend time away from your family while practicing if you don’t have a golf simulator. You can practice putting and chipping on the carpet while watching TV with your family.

Chipping and the bump and run: The only mechanical advice I will give is the most important lesson you can learn in the short game. When you miss your approach shot you must be able to chip the ball within 8 feet of the hole for a one putt. Try this shot from Dave Peltz’s short game book. It gets me up and down from 25 yards out to just off the green.

Position the ball in the back of your stance, just inside your back ankle. This will help avoid hitting it thin. That ball position will also help you hit the ball with a descending blow, and as Dave Pelz says, “hit the little ball (golf ball) before the big ball (the earth).”

Turn your feet 30 degrees toward the target and have 70% of your weight on your front foot which also promotes the descending blow.

Use a putting stroke to hit the ball. That’s right—do not use your hands or wrists for power. Using a putting stroke just off the green will create consistency and clean contact.

Don’t take the club back very far (depending on the length of the shot) and make sure your follow-through is 20% further than your backswing. This will ensure accelerating through the ball.

Use the right club. I use anything from a 9 iron to 60-degree wedge for this shot. Use a 9 iron or wedge when you need the ball to roll further once it hits the green, and use a more lofted club for less roll. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

If you perfect this shot, you’ll be chipping in and getting up and down much more often.

events

JUNE 1ST

Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird"

Memorial Auditorium | 8:00 PM

Oscar winner Aaron Sorkin brings his Broadway smash hit out on tour! "To Kill A Mockingbird" tells the story of a black man accused of rape in pre-civil rights era Alabama and the noble lawyer who defends him. Directed by the iconic, and Tony-winning Barlett Sher, witness the tale of an era come to life on stage June 7-9!

JUNE 1ST

Copperhill Special Train Ride

9406 Highway 411 | Delano, TN 37325 | 9:30 AM

Welcome to the Copperhill Special Train Ride, a breathtaking journey that takes you through the captivating scenery of the Tennessee Valley and the Hiwassee River Gorge. This unforgettable excursion offers a unique opportunity to explore the natural wonders and rich history of the region while traveling in comfort and style. June 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29.

JUNE 8TH

Beginner's Welding Classes

1007 Taft Avenue | Chattanooga, TN 37408 | 10:00 AM

Make a fun project for your home or business in our 3-8 hour classes where we'll cover safety, equipment uses, proper welding techniques and more! If you have no prior experience but have a passion for creating art, our project classes are the perfect place to start! Gain valuable knowledge that will allow you to create beginner-friendly yet challenging projects.

JUNE 20TH

Songwriters Series: Eric Paslay

Cloudland at McLemore Resort | 7:30 PM

Enjoy the views and join us for the Songwriters Series featuring Eric Paslay at Cloudland at McLemore Resort.

JUNE 20TH

Candlelight:

The Best of The Beatles

The Hotel Chalet | 8:45 PM

Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Chattanooga. Get your tickets now to discover the music of The Beatles at The Beverly Ballroom at Hotel Chalet under the gentle glow of candlelight.

JUNE 22ND

Chattanooga Summer Cocktail Festival

First Horizon Pavillion | 6:00 PM

Cool down with the Summer’s hottest sips at Chattanooga Summer Cocktail Festival where distillers mix up their best summer-inspired signature cocktails! In addition to 12 cocktail samples, attendees can purchase local, tasty eats, enjoy a photo booth on-site to capture all the magic, dance the night away with the help of the DJ, and more!

COLLAB:

Staples Should Own Every Guy 5

BIT LOAFER:

$198 - This must-have style is perfect for any occasion.

SPORT TEE:

$50 - Throw this on for any outdoor activity, workout class, or lounging.

DI PRAY APPLE PLAID SPORT COAT:

$695 - With a silk, linen and wool blend, our sport coats are a classic.

SHADE SWIM TRUNK:

$75 - Inspired by Palm Beach, these swim trunks are perfect for a swim in the pool or the ocean!

GREEN FOX WOOL SOCK:

$24 - Mid-calf sock fitting sizes 8-12.