Hendersonville, TN September 2023

Stylin' In September

The party’s over… Well, perhaps not the party, but summer is nearly over.

That means that it’s September, one of our favorite months of the year, bringing colorful leaves, lower humidity, shorter days and, of course, football. It is also a month of transition during which  summer clothes are replaced by their fall counterparts as the temperatures begin to cool down after Labor Day.

September’s arrival also means that it’s time for our annual style and fashion issue.

Style means different things to different people.

For some, it is all about the latest clothing trends or hairstyles. For others, it might be what’s trending on social media.

For us at Hendersonville Lifestyle, it means a great deal more – after all, style is in our name.

We see style as how we live our lives. It is an expression of how we see the world and how we want the world to see us.

This month, we bring you stories that showcase how fashion and style are alive and well in and around the City by the Lake.

Our first stop is at a local company who brings magic to its customers through beloved childhood characters.

Next, we visit with one of Hendersonville’s oldest businesses as it prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary in style.

Continuing, we take a quick trip across the river to Nissan Stadium to introduce you to the Tennessee Titans’ new general manager.

Moving on, we take a look back at fashion trends over recent decades to see how popular entertainment has changed our perceptions of style.

As always, our City Scene and Business Monthly sections will bring you the latest news about many of the great things happening in our city.

Our September train is about to leave the station, and the whistle is already blowing.

So let’s hop aboard, and cruise around the ‘Ville in style.

We’ll see you soon, Hendersonville!

LYNN BOWLES, PUBLISHER @HENDERSONVILLELIFESTYLE

September 2023

PUBLISHER

Lynn Bowles | lynn.bowles@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Rick Murray | rick.murray@citylifestyle.com

COPY EDITOR

Debbie Murray | debbiemurray1989@gmail.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Rick Murray, Julie Brown Patton, Matt Murray

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Rick Murray, Lynn Bowles

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

CONTROLLER Gary Johnson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Collins

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain

Proverbs 3:5-6

VIP Adult $45

VIP Senior $40 (Ages 60+)

Adults $15

Senior $10

Child $5 (Ages 6-12)

For more information, visit: hendersonvillechamber.com

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

1: Cal Turner Jr. addresses the Hendersonville Chamber of Commerce meeting on July 11. 2: A young player takes his turn in the Mario Kart Tournament on July 13. 3: Players compete in the Mario Kart Tournament at the Hendersonville Library on July 13. 4: The first Touch a Truck event was held at Drakes Creek Park on July 28. 5: All sorts of vehicles were on display at Touch a Truck, including a helicopter. 6: As always, the Hendersonville Police Mounted Patrol was a hit at Touch a Truck. 7: Kids of all ages had fun exploring many fire department vehicles at Touch a Truck. Photography by Rick Murray

8: The Hendersonville Fire Department Honor Guard presents the colors at the 2023 Kids Triathlon. 9: A Vanderbilt Champs buddy begins her swim at the Kids Triathlon on Aug. 5. 10: The swim leg is underway at the Kids Triathlon on Aug. 5. 11: A young triathlete finishes his swim and heads toward his bike at the Kids Triathlon. 12: A triathlete is happy to be out of the water and on his bike. 13: The final stage of the Kids Triathlon, the run, is underway on Aug. 5. 14: Young athletes close in on the finish line at the Kids Triathlon on Aug. 5.

Photography by Rick Murray

15: Food and drink vendors kept guests cool at the 2023 Sumner Fest on Aug. 5. 16: Timber Binkley enjoys a moment by a walk through balloon at the 2023 Sumner Fest. 17: A princess poses with Towana Bowles and Kathleen Hawkins at Sumner Fest on Aug. 5. 18: A young jumper is having fun at Sumner Fest on Aug. 5. 19: Jen Case performs with her band during Sumner Fest on Aug. 5. 20: As always, the highlight of Sumner Fest was the bright, colorful balloons. 21: Ted Perlman performs during Sumner Fest at Sanders Ferry Park on Aug. 5. Photography by Lynn Bowles

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @hendersonvillelifestyle

business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Pope John Paul II Preparatory School Welcomes First President

Dr. Erick Chittle was recently announced as the first president of Pope John Paul II Preparatory School in Hendersonville. Dr. Chittle, his wife and their nine children relocated to Hendersonville this spring from their previous home in Travers City, MI.

"Pope Prep is a positive force for the community, and I am humbled and honored to be school’s first president," says Dr. Chittle.

Centerline Audio Visual Celebrates Ribbon Cutting

Grace Wellness Celebrates Ribbon Cutting

The Hendersonville Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for Grace Wellness at its 107 Imperial Blvd. Suite 5 location on July 28. The event was attended by Grace Wellness staff, family members and Chamber representatives. Scan

The Hendersonville Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for Centerline Audio Visual at its 201D Molly Drive location on July 25. A large crowd of well wishers was on hand to celebrate the special occasion.

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect:

CityLifestyle.com/Hendersonville

Photography Rick Murray

Photography Rick Murray

The Sooner. The Better.

When you have an emergency, you want to be seen as quickly as possible. With wait times frequently under 15 minutes or less, the Emergency Room at Sumner Station is sooner. And as the only ER staffed solely with boardcertified emergency medicine-trained physicians, it’s also a better choice for life-saving care.

The Emergency Room at Sumner Station

 Open 24/7/365

 On-site lab and imaging, including MRI

 Comfortable, clean atmosphere

 Local, experienced physicians and staff

 All insurance plans accepted

Conveniently located at Sumner Station, at the intersection of Big Station Camp Blvd. and Vietnam Veterans (State Highway 386)

To learn more, visit MySumnerMedical.com/ SumnerStationER

Nationally Recognized Care in Sumner County

TriStar Hendersonville Medical Center has received numerous accolades for exceeding national standards in delivering superior quality care. Our team advocates for your best interest and puts responsiveness, safety and research-based protocols at the forefront of everything we do.

Our greatest honor is the reward of your trust.

A SAFETY GRADE

Surprisingly great rates that fit any budget.

Recognized by The Leapfrog Group, The Joint Commission, Press Ganey, Healthgrades® and more.

The Character Visits 4 U cast poses for a group photo at the Castle of Villains event.

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY RICK MURRAY

A princess greets some of her young fans.

Enchanting With Style

CHARACTER VISITS 4 U MAKES DREAMS COME TRUE

“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you’ve imagined.”

Henry David Thoreau

These classic words of wisdom by the late American poet and philosopher exhort people everywhere to follow their passions. After all, everyone has a dream.

For many people, their dreams begin in childhood and slowly fade away as they grow into adulthood. However, others refuse to give up, and they passionately pursue their dreams until they become reality.

One such successful dreamer is Hendersonville native Elizabeth Golden Curtis.

As the granddaughter of legendary Oak Ridge Boy William Lee Golden, Elizabeth is no stranger to being around people chasing their life goals, and she understands the dedication, hard work and good fortune that it takes to transform desires into reality.

In 2014, Elizabeth and her friend Peyton Weaver founded Character Visits 4 U (CV4U), a local business dedicated to creating magical moments for young people. CV4U is a unique company that provides entertainment at special events through a talented cast of actors portraying modern and classical characters.

“At CV4U, we are all about making dreams come true,” says Elizabeth. “We perform at all kinds of occasions, including festivals,

private parties and weddings. Magic is for everyone, and we love sharing it.”

Along with various corporate, civic and individual gatherings, CV4U also hosts four special events each year in Hendersonville – the Royal Princess High Tea, the Hero Initiative: Training Program, the Castle of Villains and the Enchanted Christmas Ball. Along with these events, CV4U also participates in other occasions, including the annual Rock Castle Wonderland Tea Party.

From a creative perspective, CV4U bases most of its characters upon well-known figures who have been popularized through movies, television, books and fairy tales. Popular characters include princesses and superheroes. Some of the characters closely resemble their media counterparts, included wearing familiar costumes and bearing well-known names, e.g. Cinderella and Snow White. Others, however, are more differentiated, with slightly different costuming and names in order to avoid copyright issues, e.g. God of Thunder and Spider Hero.

One of the biggest keys to success for CV4U is its attention to detail. From perfect casting to stylish costuming, Elizabeth and her team are dedicated to delivering the best possible customer experiences.

“Our biggest differentiator is our cast,” says Elizabeth. “To select our actors, we hold annual auditions in which we look for

engaging performers who feel comfortable changing the space in a room. We choose team members who have big hearts, and who are willing to do whatever it takes to ensure that our clients enjoy a magical time.”

Today, CV4U offers over 50 characters, with some cast members portraying multiple roles at different events. Determining who plays which character involves a long and detailed process.

“When evaluating actors for individual roles, we consider a lot of factors that we know to be crucial to character success,” says Elizabeth. “Attributes such as height, facial structure and vocal ability are strong influences upon our casting decisions. Once we approve a performer to portray a character, they undergo extensive training involving such things as cosmetology matching, autograph practice, question/answer responses and vocal/physical animation.”

Costume selection follows an equally detailed process, requiring a considerable investment in both time and money.

“We work with global designers to ensure the highest quality costumes and wigs for our cast. As a result, we

Two princesses are ready to greet fans at Sumner Fest.

The Scottish Princess poses with fans young at heart at the County Sumner Irish Festival.

typically invest $1,000 to $3,000 in costuming per character,” says Elizabeth. “These days, the wait times for costume components is astronomical due to high demand. I am already looking ahead to 2024 – 2025 to see what we will need then so that I can place the orders this year.”

During its early years, CV4U concentrated on providing its characters to hospitals and hospices through nonprofit agencies such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation. However, over time, the demand for the company’s services has increased, prompting CV4U to expand its scope into the commercial world. Today, the firm has grown to the point that it now provides characters to between 400 and 500 events each year.

In 2017, Elizabeth became the sole owner of CV4U as her former business partner moved away. Since then, the company has remained on an upward trajectory, creating magical moments for thousands of people, both young and young at heart.

For those looking to bring a little magic into their lives, they need look no further than Character Visits 4 U.

Character Visits 4 U 615.926.3447

CharacterVisits4U.com

"The characters that I represent are like old friends - they comfort and inspire me. Sharing them with others is a way that I can show love to my world."

Elizabeth Golden Curtis

Alice in Wonderland characters pose with young fans at Rock Castle.

If you haven’t seen us lately, you haven’t seen us at all!

Come by today and see our newly renovated community!

Assisted Living and Memory Care like you’ve never seen before. Come and tour today!

674 East Main St. | Hendersonville, TN 37075

legacyhendersonville.net

Open for tours! Call (615) 824-4552

BLUEGRASS BEVERAGES GOLDEN JUBILEE

Local Business Marks 50 Years of Helping Hendersonville Residents

Celebrate The Times In Their Lives

Multigenerational small businesses are fairly common in towns and cities across the United States. However, multigenerational businesses that last for fifty years are relatively rare.

Hendersonville is home to several small businesses which have reached their jubilee anniversaries, including Brown’s Florist and Hendersonville Tire Center. The most recent company to join this august group is Bluegrass Beverages.

The late entrepreneur Bill Sinks Sr. and his wife Darlene founded Bluegrass Beverages in November 1973. They were able to establish their business after the City of Hendersonville enacted an ordinance allowing three package liquor stores – one each in the south, middle and north portions of the city.

“Although the liquor laws were new and confusing at that time, Bill Sr. had the foresight to see what a difference that having locally-owned package stores could mean for area residents,” says Bill Sr.’s grandson and current Bluegrass Beverages owner Adam Sinks. “As soon as the authorizing ordinance was passed, he applied for and received the permit to build a liquor store across the street from the Bluegrass Yacht & Country Club.

Along with opening the package store, Bill Sr. was also heavily involved in the young Hendersonville community, which had only been incorporated four years earlier. He was very passionate about local politics, particularly the effort to allow liquor by the drink in Hendersonville.

“Although it was contrary to the interests of his package store, my grandfather firmly believed that the city’s residents should be able to order drinks at restaurants and bars,” says Adam. He felt that liquor by the drink would add to the city’s growth and vitality. Thanks to his efforts, and those of my uncle Bill Jr., the city finally approved liquor by the drink during the 1990s.”

Soon after Bluegrass opened its doors, it became popular with local wine and spirits enthusiasts, who were elated at no longer having to leave town to purchase their favorite adult libations. During these early years, Bill Sr. operated the store in conjunction with two of his sons, Bill Jr. and Tim. Tim left the business in the 1980s, but Bill Jr. continued to work in the family business.

In 1985, the duo opened a companion store in East Nashville, called Sinkers Beverages, which was named after Bill Jr.’s nickname “Sinker.” While separate entities, both stores

CONTINUED >

ARTICLE BY RICK MURRAY

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RICK MURRAY, PROVIDED

Bluegrass Beverages owner stands by a photo montage that depicts his uncle and previous store owner Bill Sinks Jr.

were designed to operate in conjunction with one another in order to achieve additional growth.

During the early 1990s, Bill Sr. decided that he wanted to get out of the business, and he transferred ownership of both stores to Bill Jr., who continued to operate them as usual until 2014, when the liquor landscape changed significantly.

That year, the Tennessee Legislature enacted a new law allowing grocery stores to sell wine. As part of this legislation, the act also removed many of the restrictions from liquor stores in order to help then stay competitive.

“Prior to the new legislation, package stores operated under severe restrictions. They could only sell wine and spirits – no beer, no ice, no mixers – not even a corkscrew,” says Adam. “Now, liquor stores can sell beer, food, soft drinks and other types of grocery items. Furthermore, they are now allowed to open on Sundays.”

Recognizing the seismic shift that this law would create in the industry, Bill Jr. immediately undertook a complete remodeling of Bluegrass Beverages in order to take advantage of the newfound commercial freedoms. Up until that point, Bluegrass had operated as a split operation, with the package store on one end of the building and a separate walled-off convenience store at the other end. With the limitations now removed, Bill Jr. decided to remodel and combine the two operations in 2015, resulting in a modern one-stop store.

“My uncle’s decisions were visionary, and they set the stage for the continuing growth and profitability of Bluegrass and Sinkers,” says Adam. “His quick actions enabled him to gain a true competitive advantage.”

Bill Jr. continued to operate the stores until August 2021, when he sold both businesses to his nephew Adam. Since then, Adam has worked hard to maintain steady business growth while introducing several innovations, including a loyalty program offering special perks for members.

Adam is also preparing to celebrate Bluegrass’s 50th anniversary this fall. Several special events will be held during September to commemorate the occasion, including a beer/ cocktail tasting festival, a charitable wine dinner and a special bourbon and tequila tasting session. Bluegrass will also offer several limited release and promotional items during the month, as well as 50th anniversary themed merchandise.

Bluegrass Beverages

555 East Main Street, Hendersonville, TN 37075 615.824.6600

BluegrassBeverages.com

Since 2015, Bluegrass Beverages has had one of the largest selections of craft beers in Hendersonville.

Bluegrass Beverages founders Darlene and Bill Sinks Sr. winter 1973-74.

3rd generation owner Adam Sinks stands before some of his store's high end wine offerings.

Adam Sinks shows off the portable bar used for in-store beverage tastings.

ARTICLE BY MATT MURRAY

POPULAR STYLES TRACK FOLLOW

ENTERTAINMENT INFLUENCES ACROSS THE DECADES

Over the past five decades, media such as music, film and television have played large  roles in determining what society deems fashionable and stylish.

THE 1980S

Big hair was the deal for many in the 1980s. With rock and roll soaring in popularity, there were many examples of wild hairstyles that spanned the decade. Long curly hair styles for men were influenced by popular rock bands and musicians such as Def Leppard, Guns ‘n Roses and Motley Crue.

Women also followed musical trends popularized by such icons as Madonna and Janet Jackson. Leggings covered by skirts or high waist shorts, accompanied by oversized bangles and necklaces, were popular looks during the decade of excess. Hairstyles tended to have tresses pulled to the side, instead of the back.

THE 1990S

The 1990s were known for oversized looks, such as bigger shirts and tracksuits. For example,

FIVE DECADES OF FASHION

many men adopted the styles worn by actor Will Smith in the classic television show “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air.” Fashion statements included large shorts, worn with baggy shirts such as cropped tee shirts or athletic jerseys.

The late Princess of Wales, Diana, proved to be a dominant influence for the female set. Always stylish, her fashion sense ranged from glamorous gowns adorned with eye-popping jewelry, to simple, yet elegant, casual sweatshirts worn over fitted shorts accompanied by high top shoes.

THE 2000S

During the first decade of the new century, designer-logoed merchandise was all the rage. Major outfitters offered a wide range of goods sporting signature logos and styles from wellknown couturiers.

Women fell in love with several new looks, including low-waist jeans, specialty handbags and custom belts. The decade also saw the birth of ripped clothing – jeans and shirts with holes deliberately placed in them.

Men were drawn more toward casual styles, wearing tracksuits, cargo shorts and ball caps bearing logos from major athletic companies and sports teams. One popular trend was baggy jeans that sagged below the waistline. This look was influenced by popular skateboarders such as legendary X Games champion Tony Hawk.

THE 2010S

During the 2nd decade of the new millennium, a reversal of sorts took place in men’s fashion. In contrast to previous styles that featured loose, baggy clothing, skinny jeans and slim fits suits became all the rage. Strongly influenced by the urban hipster phenomenon, this trend also featured shorter shorts and thick framed designer glasses.

Women’s styles became more provocative during the decade, featuring more revealing designs that featured bright colors reminiscent of the 1960s and 1970s. Both casual and formal wear became more attention-getting, due in

large part to the influence of runway fashions created by upscale designers such as Versace.

THE 2020S

Although we aren’t yet midway through this decade, there are already clear signs of fashion trends that will likely last until the 2030s. As in recent years, men’s styles have continued to be driven by athletic influences. For example, shorter shorts are continuing to grow in popularity, following trends set by college and professional basketball teams. While traditional long pants are still the norm in the workplace, they are increasingly being replaced by golf shorts in more casual settings.

Women have begun to return to a look that was popular in the 1940s, thicker, fuller eyebrows accompanied by stronger lipstick and eyeshadow colors. This trend has been strongly influenced by entertainment icons such as Billie Eilish and Demi Lovato, who have made it their signature style in recent years.

THE FUTURE

While the future is unknown, one thing is always certain, at least with regard to style. History almost always repeats itself. One quick glance at fashion trends over the past several decades proves that style tends to follow a cyclical pattern. What was once popular, will be once more, and what is popular today, will eventually fade away.

How,

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES STYLIST: AMANI SKALACKI

THE little BLACK DRESS

Most of us can say we have that one staple black dress that can be worn at any occasion, and the classic look is not only popular but is elegant and timeless. It is the dress in our closet that can be accessorized to fit the event and often is the dress we go back to time and again. It is one of the most versatile items we own, never goes out of style and looks good on anyone. But how did this classic look originate?

Prior to the 1920’s, black was reserved for funeral wear, but when Coco Channel made the bold move to print a short, black dress on the cover of Vogue in 1926, all of that changed. The popularity of the black dress skyrocketed, and it became one of the most influential pieces of clothing. Chanel transported fashion from tight corsets and bustles to straight-lined silhouettes. Because of its affordability, black remained a popular choice during The Great Depression. The black dress had another boom in popularity when “Breakfast at Tiffany’s’’ debuted, and Audrey Hepburn showcased her iconic black dress with long, black gloves. Today, people accessorize the black dress to fit any occasion.

We enlisted the help of stylist, Amani Skalacki, to show us how versatile the little black dress can be.

“We usually think of the little black dress as a piece you wear to an event. However, because black is so flattering on all body types and skin tones, women have multiple black dresses from casual to evening,” Amani says.

Although black is a timeless, classic look, that doesn’t mean it goes without personality. You can make it your own style by accessorizing to infuse new life into a dress that you already own.

“A sequin dress can be dressed up with heels, or that same dress can be transformed into a casual outfit with the addition of tennis shoes and an oversized blazer or a denim jacket. Transform that strappy dress you have been wearing all summer into an outfit that is perfect for chilly fall temperatures. Add a narrow scarf, a leather jacket and sandals or a tall pointy boot, and you have a whole new look for an evening out,” Amani adds.

If you have a dress in the back of your closet that you haven’t worn in years, don’t be afraid to dust it off and give it new life. “Take that evening gown you wore years ago to a tailor for a little transformation. Turn it into a high low dress-top that can be worn out with girlfriends or on a date night. Pair the top with leather leggings, ankle boots, a chunky belt and some statement jewelry, and now you have a piece that pushes the boundaries of the little black dress.”

Are you looking for the best cut or style of dress that works best for your body type? Amani provided this simple guide:

HOURGLASS FIGURE:

• V-necklines

• Cinched-in waistlines

• Tailored/fitted dresses

PEAR OR TRIANGLE FIGURE:

• Tailored dresses

• Off the shoulder

ATHLETIC FIGURE:

• Embellished

• Ruffles

• Empire waist

• Volume is your friend

APPLE FIGURE:

• Drop waist

• A-line

The dress that all body types can’t go wrong with is a wrap dress of any length.

realty report

A sample of recently sold properties in Hendersonville.

TITANS' NEW GM

Ran Carthon Shares What He's Thinking About Future Football Plans And The Music City

Ran Carthon became the Tennessee Titans franchise's 14th general manager in January.

Previously, he served for two seasons as director of player personnel with the 49ers after handling five seasons as the director of pro personnel in San Francisco.

Ran, 42, was one of seven candidates to interview for the position with the Titans. "I want us to build the best team possible – a competitive, sound football team that Nashville and other surrounding areas are proud of," he says.

"We're excited to add Ran to our organization," Titans Controlling Owner Amy Adams Strunk states. "He brings a variety of valuable experiences to our team. I was impressed with his natural leadership qualities and ability to connect with people. With talent evaluation being critical to this role, the roster they've built in San Francisco stands out. He played an important role there constructing one of our league's best teams."

Ran's father, Maurice, also played in the NFL with the New York Giants and Indianapolis Colts.

Ran himself played running back for  University of Florida and signed as an undrafted free agent with the Indianapolis Colts in 2004. He played for three NFL seasons with the Colts and Detroit Lions.

This new Titans' leader says he doesn't miss playing as much as he misses locker room camaraderie. "In my new role, I have to leave the locker room more to the guys and let it be their personal space."

So far, he says one of the toughest parts of his new job is being away from his family. "In terms of the job, I’ve been doing this for a while, but I knew things would come up that I had no experience with. In those cases, you lean on your mentors and people who've been there."

Football executives and former players Martin Mayhew and John Lynch Jr. are a couple of the advisers with whom Ran says he's fortunately collaborated.

Regarding Ran's main considerations heading into the NFL draft as a first-year general manager, he says, "The cool thing about this experience was having a partner in Mike Vrabel. He’s done it all before. Of course, there was pressure because this was my first time facilitating an NFL Draft as a general manager, but I had a lot of experience around me to lean on and bounce ideas off of.

We also had to just trust our board, and not allow outside circumstances dictate our plan. I think we did that well."

ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON

Ran says he's looking forward to exploring Nashville. "I’ve found a few places I already frequent, so I’m excited to keep growing that list."

Regarding hobbies, Ran quips, "If you ask my wife, she’ll tell you I have no hobbies. I have no life outside of my family and football. I do like music, though. I'm not musically inclined myself, but I appreciate it."

He says he relishes being around creators, so when he goes to Miami in the summers, he joins studio artists to just watch them create their music. "I’m looking for a studio in Nashville to engage with and spend time drawing inspiration from artists and musicians," he announces.

Ran's charitable interests lie in taking action on things that touch his heart. "I always want to lend a hand and show up for things that make an impact," he adds.

A good example of Ran's idea of support is the "Fatherhood Ticket Program" he created in Atlanta, which gives two tickets and two sideline passes to a deserving father.

"Usually kids write-in and tell us why their dad deserves it. We hear those stories about single parent households where dad wasn’t really involved, but you rarely hear the stories about where dad was involved and played a big role. It’s a great way to celebrate the men who are stepping up to fill such an important role in a kid’s life. I definitely want to bring the Fatherhood Ticket Program to Nashville. I think the community will love it," he says.

Regarding how his family's brood is getting acclimated, he says, "Our daughter is going off to college this year. I also have an assistant general manager in my house. My oldest son, at 6 years old, critiques every signing we do and every draft pick. My kids are amazing. I love spending time with them. Our house is always busy, and no one is short on opinions."

He shares that he met his wife, Heaven, during college in a Haitian-Creole class.

Ran's Father's Day tradition? "It's the best. I like to just chill out for the day. The kids will bring me breakfast, and then I just have a relaxing day for myself."