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A Shoutout to the Gents of the 37075
“Hot town, summer in the city…”
John Benson Sebastian, Mark Douglas Sebastian, Steve Boone – “Summer in the City” Rain, rain, please go away!
After one of the wettest springs seen in many years, June is finally here to usher in summer. It’s the time of year when we get rewarded for enduring a long, cold winter and a stormy spring. At long last, we get to enjoy the long, lazy days of summer with family and friends as we pursue our favorite outdoor activities.
Along with being summer’s herald, June is also the month when we celebrate Father’s Day, the day that we take the time to show our dads how much we love and appreciate them. In recognition of this special holiday, we dedicate the June issue of Hendersonville Lifestyle to honoring all the special men in our lives who have given so much to make us who we are.
This month, we are featuring several great stories about people and places that are important to gentlemen all across the City by the Lake.
First up, we introduce you to three outstanding men who give of themselves each and every day to help our community grow and prosper.
Next, we visit with a father and son team to get an inside look at what it’s like to work in a family business.
Finally, we visit with a local boutique that lets local hunters and fishermen obtain the outdoor clothing and accessories they need without having to leave the 37075.
As always, our City Scene and Business Monthly sections will keep you in tune with many of the exciting events and activities that are happening in the ‘Ville.
Now that we have given you a sneak peek at June, it’s time to get started!
Take it easy, Hendersonville. We’ll see you around town soon.
LYNN BOWLES, PUBLISHER @HENDERSONVILLELIFESTYLE
June 2025
PUBLISHER
Lynn Bowles | lynn.bowles@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Rick Murray | rick.murray@citylifestyle.com
COPY EDITOR
Debbie Murray | debbiemurray1989@gmail.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Rick Murray
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Rick Murray, Lynn Bowles
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford
LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
3:5-6
1: The annual James Hawkins Student Art show was held at Monthaven on Apr. 13. 2: Students across Sumner County received art awards at Monthaven on Apr. 13. 3: The annual Samaritan Center golf tournament was held at Bluegrass on Apr. 14. 4: Golfers enjoyed their day during the Samaritan golf tournament on Apr. 14. 5: The annual Gallatin Square Fest was held on Saturday, Apr. 26. 6: Thousands of people from across Middle Tennessee attended the Gallatin Square Fest on Apr. 26. 7: The inaugural Don Dallenbach clay target tournament was held on Apr. 29.
Photography by Rick Murray
8: The Don Dallenbach clay target tournament raised $11,000 for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. 9: Artist Scott Jacobs poses with his family at the opening of his Monthaven exhibition. 10: Monthaven patrons enjoyed an evening of art and dancing on May 1. 11: Artist Scott Jacobs took part in a Q&A session at Monthaven on May 4. 12: Hendersonville Mayor Jamie Clary gives the State of the City address on May 6. 13: Children from the Goddard School recite the Pledge of Allegiance on May 6. 14: Hendersonville Mayor Jamie Clary presented the 2025 Sam Walton volunteer award to Jerald Barrett.
Photography by Rick Murray
BARABARA CORCORAN, SHARK TANK
mor e With incoming or der, at time of pur c hase only Expir es 6/30/25. Of fer not v alid in all r e gions.
business monthly
ROUNDUP OF NEWS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES
The Rock Place Ribbon Cutting
The Hendersonville Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony for The Rock Place Outdoor Living Supply Company at its 160 Center Point Rd. S, Suite 101 location on Apr. 10.
Scan to read more
High Point Health Announces Plans to Grow Sumner Station Services
On Apr. 16, Highpoint Health with Ascension Saint Thomas announced that it is seeking to grow healthcare services available to those in Sumner County and the surrounding region. The health system announced plans to submit a Certificate of Need (CON) application to expand medical services and add inpatient beds at its existing Highpoint Health – Sumner Station campus on Big Station Camp Boulevard in Gallatin.
Scan to read more
Photography by Lynn Bowles
Photography by Highpoint Health with Ascension Saint Thomas
TriStar Hendersonville Recognized as a Top 100 Hospital by Fortune/Premier
TriStar Hendersonville Medical Center announced on Apr. 21 that it has been named on the 2025 Fortune/ Premier 100 Top Hospitals list. According to Fortune/Premier, the annual list is based on public data that reflect measures of clinical outcomes, operational efficiency, patient experience and financial health.
“We are incredibly proud to be named to this prestigious, national list,” said Justin Coury, chief executive officer of TriStar Hendersonville.
Photography by Rick Murray
2 0 2 5 MEN OFDISTINCTION
In recent years, Hendersonville has experienced rapid growth as many new residents and businesses have chosen to make Sumner County their home. There are many reasons for this growth, including beautiful scenery, a strong economy and, of course, Old Hickory Lake. However, the most important thing is its people. This month, Hendersonville Lifestyle profiles three local men who are committed to making our community the best that it can be.
THREE GENTLEMEN MAKING THEIR MARK ON THE COMMUNITY EVERY DAY
ARTICLE BY RICK MURRAY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY RICK MURRAY AND PROVIDED
Ross El-Bobou Restauranteur
Ross El-Bobou has over 37 years of experience in the restaurant industry, having served in operational and management roles in many eateries, including Major Wallaby’s, Cracker Barrel, Logan’s Roadhouse and O’Charley’s. Currently, he is currently the Managing Partner and Executive Chef at Safari’s Brick Oven & Grille in Hendersonville. Ross loves giving back to the community through his meal donation program, to which he donates complete meals to families and organizations in need across Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky.
WHY HENDERSONVILLE AND SUMNER COUNTY?
“The people in our community are what makes it great.”
MOTIVATION
“There are many things that motivate me, but the thing that excites me the most is seeing happy guests at my restaurant.”
MENTOR
“My mentor was Andy Ermerec. He taught me a great deal over the years.”
LIFE LESSON
“The most important life lesson that I have learned is that the harder you work, the luckier your get.”
ADVICE TO YOUNGER SELF
“Buy real estate at a younger age.”
ADVICE TO OTHERS
“Always be humble and be smart when making decisions. Also, be patient – things happen for a reason.”
CONTINUED > Ross El-Bobou
Michael Ponce Attorney
Michael Ponce has 31 years of experience as an attorney, and he is currently the founder and owner of Ponce Law, a well-known local law firm. He is very active in organizations across Sumner County and Middle Tennessee, including the Hendersonville Evening Rotary Club, St. Timothy Lutheran Church and the Nashville Union Rescue Mission. Michael and his firm support many local causes each year, including the Ponce Law Outstanding Teacher Contest, Fox 17 Tennessee Heroes, the Goodlettsville 4 Mile Classic, the Sumner County YMCA Frostbite Races and Plunge and Pedal for Paws.
WHY HENDERSONVILLE AND SUMNER COUNTY?
“I grew up in Sumner County, and I love the people here. There is not a more caring and considerate group of people anywhere else in the world.”
MOTIVATION
“My biggest motivators are my wife Kim, my two sons Michael and Alex, and the incredible team that I have the honor of working with at Ponce Law.”
MENTOR
“My mentor was U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals Judge John Minor Wisdom.”
LIFE LESSON
“My dad taught me that almost every obstacle that you face in life can be overcome with determination, hard work and persistence.”
ADVICE TO YOUNGER SELF
“I would tell myself to not be so stressed. Success will come in time if you put in the work.”
ADVICE TO OTHERS
“Find at least one thing to improve about yourself every day.”
Michael Ponce
Matt Rucks
Matt Rucks
Business Owner
Matt has been involved in the automotive repair industry for 16 years, and he is currently the owner of Christian Brothers Automotive in Hendersonville. He is very active in the Sumner County community where he is a member of First Baptist Church Hendersonville, the Hendersonville Area Chamber of Commerce and a board member at Living Sent Ministries. He is also involved with Grace Place Ministry and the Cumberland Crisis Pregnancy Center.
WHY HENDERSONVILLE AND SUMNER COUNTY?
“My wife Lee and I have lived here for almost 16 years, and it has become the home where we raised our kids. The people in Hendersonville are what make the community so special.”
MOTIVATION
“I enjoy helping other people become successful.”
MENTOR
“My father was my greatest mentor.”
LIFE LESSON
“God is in control, not me.”
ADVICE TO YOUNGER SELF
“Relax – don’t worry about things that you cannot control.”
ADVICE TO OTHERS
“Work hard, be honest and take care of others. The rest will fall into place.”
Dad
ARTICLE BY RICK MURRAY PHOTOGRAPHY BY LYNN BOWLES
Father And Son Team Keep Local Automotive Dealership On The Road To Success
And Lad
Since the founding of America, family businesses have been the backbone of our nation, with each one representing a cornerstone in its local community. There is just something special about patronizing small companies who treat their customers like family members. However, how much do we really know about what it’s like to be a part of a family business?
To get an insider’s perspective, we recently visited with father and son team Barry and Zac Carver of Serra Chevrolet-Buick-GMC of Nashville. Barry is Serra’s owner, and his son Zac is the company’s sales manager.
BARRY, HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE AUTOMOTIVE BUSINESS?
“I have always been intrigued by cars. I began my automotive career cleaning dealership service departments in Dayton, Ohio while I was in high school. Over the years, my passion for automobiles has increased from there, and this October, I will celebrate 40 years in automotive retail.
ZAC, HOW DID YOU DECIDE TO FOLLOW YOUR FATHER IN THE AUTOMOTIVE BUSINESS?
“My decision to follow my father into the automotive business was inspired by a mix of personal passion and the values that he instilled in me.
ZAC, HOW LONG HAVE YOUR WORKED WITH YOUR FATHER?
“I have worked for my father for more than 15 years. I started out as a lot attendant at our Jackson campus in 2008.”
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES OF WORKING TOGETHER IN A FAMILY BUSINESS?
Barry: “This is a great question, and one that I have been asked many times. I wouldn’t describe it as a challenge, but rather it’s a privilege to be able to have one of my three kids display the drive, intellect and passion for the industry.”
The car business can be stressful at times, but very rewarding if you keep the customer at the center of all that you do. I learned many years ago that any successful organization recognizes that customers, or as we prefer to call them guests, are the center of our universe, and every process that we implement should have them in mind.”
Zac: “Working together in a family business presents personal challenges, such as maintaining professional respect during disagreements, and clearly defining each person’s role. For instance, to foster objectivity among colleagues, I avoid referring to my father as ‘Dad’ or ‘my father’ in the workplace. Instead, I use his name or his title.
Zac and Barry Carver are proud to work together at their dealership.
Father and son team Barry and Zac Carver pose by a Chevrolet truck at their dealership.
“MY
ADVICE TO FATHERS AND SONS CONSIDERING A BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP IS TO CHERISH THE UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY AND TO VIEW SUCCESS AS A WAY TO HONOR THAT PRIVILEGE. ALSO, ALWAYS TREAT THE BUSINESS WITH PURPOSE AND GRATITUDE."
Zac and Barry Carver show off a new Corvette in their Serra Chevrolet showroom.
Another key challenge is aligning myself with his vision for the business. I’ve learned that my role is to support and execute his goals for the store, rather than prioritizing my own ideas. Keeping this perspective at the forefront guides my decisions and interactions, ensuring a cohesive and professional working environment.”
WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT OF WORKING TOGETHER, SO FAR?
Barry: “I enjoy attending Zac’s sales meetings. He is high energy, and he approaches each meeting with intensity and excitement. His goal is for everyone to take something away from the meetings that can be shared with a guest to assist them in making an informed decision.”
Zac: “My most memorable moment of working with my father in the business was the acquisition of the Clarksville campus in late 2023. Witnessing the intricate process of acquiring a dealership, from negotiations to finalizing the deal, gave me a profound appreciation for the effort involved.
Seeing how quickly positive results began to emerge at the new location was incredibly rewarding. As a child, I wasn’t able to experience such a significant milestone in my father’s career, so being a part of this achievement made it especially meaningful, and it strengthened our shared commitment to the business.”
HOW HAS WORKING TOGETHER IMPACTED YOUR FAMILY LIFE OUTSIDE OF THE BUSINESS?
Barry: “I believe that it has made us closer, and it has helped us to develop a mutual respect for one another.”
Zac: “Working together in the family business has significantly strengthened our relationship. Outside
of work, when we gather with our entire family, my father and I share unique conversations about the business that are special to us. These moments, filled with shared experiences and insights, have been incredibly enjoyable, and they have deepened our bond, both professionally and personally.”
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER FATHERS AND SONS CONSIDERING GOING INTO BUSINESS TOGETHER?
Barry: “Always respect one another’s opinion, and remember, you may not always agree.”
Zac: “My advice to fathers and sons considering a business partnership is to cherish the unique opportunity and to view success as a way to honor that privilege. By treating the business with purpose and gratitude, you not only ensure its success, but you also deepen your own personal relationship.”
Outdoor enthusiasts understand that having the right gear is essential to support long days hunting and fishing, especially during conditions of extreme weather. When dealing with freezing temperatures, heavy rain or other challenging conditions, it is essential to have the proper clothing and accessories to support a day out in the wild.
For quite some time, area sportsmen had to drive to Nashville to get the brands, selections and prices of outdoor clothing and accessories needed to keep them going. Alternatively, they had to order their gear online without having the opportunity to try before buying.
Fortunately, those days are behind us now, thanks to Volunteer Outfitters, founded by local businessman Tommy Elsten. Tommy is an enthusiastic hunter and fisherman who loves to spend his free time in the great outdoors with friends and family. Having personally experienced the difficulty in finding
LOCAL ENTREPRENEUR
BRINGS TOP QUALITY
OUTDOOR GOODS
TO THE 37075
Volunteer Outfitters just received a new warm weather shipment, just in time for summer.
“WE TRY TO CARRY SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE. WE HAVE CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR FOR MEN, WOMEN, AND KIDS.”
any quality outdoor clothing around Hendersonville and Sumner County, he decided that he needed to do something about the situation.
A few years ago, Tommy began thinking about the possibility of opening an outdoors-oriented clothing store in Hendersonville to meet local demand. After receiving encouragement from his friends and family, he began working on a business plan for what was to become Volunteer Outfitters.
As he worked toward his goal, Tommy realized that opening a retail establishment involved a lot of moving parts. Along with finding the right location for his store, he also had to deal with several other issues, including negotiating agreements with clothing, footwear and accessory brands, choosing the right product mix to reflect the needs of his customers and hiring a staff.
Eventually, all of Tommy’s hard work paid off, and Volunteer Outfitters became a reality in 2024, much to the delight of sportsmen all across Middle Tennessee.
HOW DID YOU DECIDE TO START VOLUNTEER OUTFITTERS?
“My sons and I, as well as all our friends that hunt and fish were having to drive to Nashville, Franklin or beyond to find the clothing that we like to wear. We wanted to be able to buy our favorite brands locally, so I decided to open Volunteer Outfitters. The majority of what we offer is men’s clothing, but we do have some women’s and kid’s clothing and boots as well.”
HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH YOUR BUSINESS NAME?
“My friends and family are all University of Tennessee Volunteer fans, and of course, we live in the Volunteer State. Since we outfit our customers for their outdoor excursions, we came up with the name Volunteer Outfitters.”
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE VOLUNTEER OUTFITTERS?
“We are an outdoor clothing boutique. We take pride in carrying top quality brands in clothing and casual wear. Whether its hunting, fishing, or boating, we have a wide selection of the best brands to fit the sportsman lifestyle.”
CONTINUED >
Amy Reed shows off some of the stylish warm weather clothing in stock at Volunteer Outfitters.
Volunteer Outfitters is the home for outdoor clothing in Hendersonville.
Tommy Elsten, Owner of Volunteer Outfitters
Tommy Elsten
VOLUNTEER OUTFITTERS
Local entrepreneur Tommy Elsten is well known around Hendersonville. Since graduating from Beech High School in 1985, the Hendersonville native has gone on to found and operate multiple small businesses across the City by the Lake, including Elsten Security Services.
Along with managing his businesses, Tommy is also an avid hunter and fisherman who loves to spend his free time in the great outdoors with friends and family. In recent years, he and his fellow sportsmen began to notice that it was getting harder to find any high quality outdoor clothing in Hendersonville. To get the brands and selection on gear that he needed, he was having to travel to Madison and beyond to big box outdoor stores.
In response, and sensing an exciting business opportunity, Tommy opened his latest enterprise, Volunteer Outfitters. Since opening its doors in 2024, Volunteer Outfitters has become the place to go in Hendersonville for premier clothing, boots and accessories for outdoorsmen across Sumner County.
Volunteer Outfitters
593 A New Shackle Island Road, Hendersonville, TN 37075
615.431.0824
VolunteerOutfitters.com
WHO IS YOUR TARGET MARKET?
“We try to carry something for everyone. We have clothing and footwear for men, women, and kids.”
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR MOST POPULAR BRANDS AND PRODUCTS?
“We carry clothing brands like Drake Waterfowl, Banded, HUK, Southern Marsh, Marsh Wear and Aftco. We also feature and footwear from companies such as Sanuk, Muck, Durango and Xtra Tuf. To help our outdoors clients take care of their exposed skin areas, we carry a variety of Sun Bum skin care products. Last, but not least, since so many sportsmen rely upon their four legged friends when they are out in the wild, we also offer several lines of products for dogs from brands like Pointer Traditions and Avery Outdoors.”
DOES YOUR PRODUCT MIX CHANGE ON A SEASONAL BASIS?
“Yes, our product selection changes with the seasons. Since it is springtime, with summer not too far behind, we currently have turkey hunting gear, as well as boating, beach gear and summer casual wear. We also have flip flops, boat shoes, men’s, women’s and kid’s cowboy and work boots.”
HOW DO YOU COMPETE AGAINST OUTDOORS-ORIENTED BIG BOX STORES, SUCH AS DICKS AND ACADEMY SPORTS?
“As any local business knows, it is hard to compete with big box stores. However, we do our best by carrying only top notch clothing from all of the brands that we represent. Our customers don’t have to leave Hendersonville anymore to find what they need.”
HOW HAS HENDERSONVILLE AND SURROUNDING AREAS RESPONDED TO YOUR BUSINESS?
“We are grateful for all the support that we receive from our local community.”
DO YOU HAVE ANY CURRENT SPECIALS?
“Yes, we now have T-shirt Tuesdays. Any customer making a purchase on Tuesdays receives a free Volunteer Outfitters classic T-shirt, a $19.99 value.”
SO YOU WANT TO BE A COWBOY
Favorably referred to as the “Last Best Place” and the “Treasure State,” Montana has captured the hearts of cinematic cowboys like Taylor Sheridan and Harrison Ford and inspired the television series, “Yellowstone” and its prequels, “1883” and “1923.” Though fictional, they’ve reminded America of its deeply-rooted spirit for adventure and the simple yet rugged way of life that we all crave. Whether its the backdrop of jagged, snowcapped peaks or the endless golden pastures that are peppered with livestock, this Rocky Mountain soil is a breeding ground for dreamers and doers, and the people who call it home are no strangers to the ritual of ranch life.
So, you want to be a cowboy? Slipping on some leather and having a little hide in your hat are good ways to start, but visiting a resort that brings the best of this life to the forefront, while also embracing modern luxury, is the experience of a lifetime. Personalization is key—a divine selection of cuisine for the foodies, awe-inspiring activities for the adrenaline seekers, and world-class lodging that tickles every fancy from stargazing glamping, to timber-style family dwellings, to the uniquely designed green “o hauses” that invite the outside world in.
WHAT TO DO
To change your attitude, you need a change in altitude. Gain some speed or turn up the adrenaline level with ATV tours, electric biking, mountain biking, go-karts, paintball, rappelling down Lookout Rock or whitewater rafting down the Blackfoot River. Indulge in the western art of living with archery, fly-fishing, hiking or sporting clays. For those who want to immerse themselves in the language of horses, there are horse-related adventures such as lessons, grooming or feeding, horse-whispering workshops or organized trails rides. Riders can also enjoy cattle drives that bring you back to yesteryear—driving a herd of cattle across the famed landscape—and bear witness to mustang gentling, where the Equestrian Manager communicates with a wild horse through body language and tone of voice.
DISCOVER THE WHIMSY OF THE WEST AT PAWS UP MONTANA
HOW TO GET HERE
Airport: Missoula Montana Airport (MSO) Airport transfers from Missoula are complimentary for guests and all luxury home and Green O accommodations come with a Lexus luxury SUV for transportation use on property.
DRINK & DINE
Montana’s best kept secret? Our hideaway chefs, making waves from the Montana wilderness. Chef Brandon Cunningham, Executive Chef at the Green O, is a James Beard Award finalist whose creations at the Social Haus are highly curated through an 8-course tasting menu. Other highly trained and talented chefs like Chef Brett Edlund, Chef Ben Scott, Executive Pastry Chef Krystle Swenson, and Sunny Jin, the General Manager of Food and Beverage, are part of the intricate patchwork of the culinary experience at Pomp, Trough, Shed, Camp and the notable Chuck Wagon—a summertime treat where guests can ride a hay wagon along the banks of the Blackfoot River for an Old West-inspired chuck wagon dinner.
