Honoring the men who make a difference
Our City is full of so many influential men. Men who provide jobs, men who build communities and most importantly, men who protect our City!
We have the pleasure every day to be connected with so many who make a huge difference in our town. We have even met some of them through our readers.
With our close proximity to Nashville, it is natural in Mount Juliet to run into so much talent from sports to music and beyond.
In this issue, you will learn so much about some of the men and the differences they make through their business or their line of work. From the Mt. Juliet Fire Department to your favorite local dentist, they all make a huge impact.
Personally, my father inspired me to do the work I do now. When he handed me a camera on a family vacation one year (I was only about 8 years old), I will never forget the fire that ignited in my spirit to pursue a career in creativity. As a wedding photographer for over 15 years, and now a publisher, I have always served my local community and love working with friends, family and neighbors every day!
Don't forget to acknowledge those men in your life this month (whether they are a father figure or not) who have truly made a difference in your life.
KIMBERLY THOMAS,
Do you have an inspiring story, you would love to see in our magazine? Email us! We love to hear from our readers!
June 2025
PUBLISHER
Kimberly Thomas | kimberly.thomas@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Kourtney McComb | kourtney.mccomb@citylifestyle.com
STAFF WRITER
Courtney Stockton
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Lindsey Conder
COPY EDITOR
Summer Thomas
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Karly Thomas
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Kourtney McComb, Courtney Stockton, Paige Turner
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Lindsey Conder, Coast to Coast & Co., Trenton Swartzentruber, Dustin Haney
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 Antanette Ray
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
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Photo Credit: Relive Studio
Greg Long Earns Edward Jones Honor
Local financial advisor Greg Long has qualified for the Edward Jones Momentum conference, recognizing the firm’s top advisors. He’ll join peers from across the U.S. and Canada in Scottsdale to share ideas and learn from industry leaders. Long says he’s excited to bring fresh insights back to better serve clients right here at home.
General Jackson Showboat Marks 40 Years on the River
The General Jackson Showboat is turning 40 in 2025! Since arriving in Nashville in 1985, it’s been a favorite for locals and visitors alike, offering scenic cruises, live music, and Southern-style meals. With stunning views, unforgettable shows, and plenty of charm, the showboat remains a one-of-a-kind way to experience the Cumberland River.
Inspiring Future Architects at Night of the Arts
Anderson Architects was honored to support Friendship Christian School’s Night of the Arts by donating LEGO Architecture sets and architectural books for the silent auction. The event offered a meaningful opportunity to inspire future architects and celebrate the impressive student work on display. The team is grateful to have been invited to take part. https://www.instagram.com/fcscommanders
A Starry Night for Scholarships: Phoenix Ball Returns June 7
Cumberland University will host its 41st annual Phoenix Ball on June 7, 2025, in Lebanon, TN. This year’s theme, Starry Night, promises an enchanting evening benefiting student scholarships. Chaired by Kevin and Christine New, the blacktie gala continues a cherished tradition of philanthropy. Tickets are $475 and available now at phoenixball.com.
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Meet the men who make a difference in Mount Juliet Everyday
Men who Influence Community
ARTICLE BY KOURTNEY MCCOMB
PHOTOGRAPHY BY COAST TO COAST & CO. AND VARIOUS
Dr. Zac Berry – Berry Dental Group
Dr. Zac Berry has redefined dental care in Mount Juliet by, blending advanced treatments with a personal, comfortable approach. He’s built a team that shares his passion for crafting beautiful smiles while treating patients like family. Off the clock, he enjoys being outdoors with his wife and three energetic kids, fully embracing Mt. Juliet’s vibrant community life.
Dr. Chris Motley – (photo cred to Trenton Swartzentruber )
Healing through both science and spirit, Dr. Chris Motley founded his practice in 2004 to help people recover from chronic illness by addressing physical, emotional, and energetic health. His mission is rooted in his own healing journey. When he’s not with patients, you’ll find him recording The Ancient Health Podcast, making music, or speaking at wellness events nationwide.
Dr. Lucas B. Richie –Orthopaedic Surgeon
Driven by a lifelong desire to help others, Dr. Lucas Richie has built a trusted orthopaedic practice in Wilson County since 2014. He finds purpose in restoring mobility and improving lives—treating every patient like family. Outside the OR, he cherishes time on Old Hickory Lake or at youth sports fields with his wife and kids, grateful for Mt. Juliet’s community support.
Chris Winder –TrainersLab
With over 15 years in fitness, Chris Winder launched TrainersLab in 2024 to offer one-on-one training tailored to each person’s unique movement and goals. A former pro baseball player, he now finds joy in helping everyday people achieve what once felt impossible. At home, Chris spends quality time adventuring with his wife, newborn son and two huskies.
Ben Chism –
Bradford Lawn and Turf
For Ben Chism, landscaping is about making dreams tangible. Over the past four years, he’s helped Mt. Juliet residents bring their outdoor visions to life while forming close bonds with clients along the way. When he’s not creating lush green spaces, Ben enjoys family time, hunting, fishing, and making music with friends.
Greg Long –
Edward Jones Financial Advisor
Greg Long empowers clients to live with purpose and joy, not fear or obligation. With Edward Jones since 2010 and recently relocated to a new Mt. Juliet office, Greg thrives on building lasting community impact through a collaborative team approach. He recharges through travel with his family, pickleball matches, and hitting the golf course.
Jason Morris –KBJM Architects, Inc.
As VP of Production at KBJM since 2018, Jason Morris channels passion and integrity into architectural designs that make a lasting impact. Whether it’s a family home or a community project, he loves seeing clients’ dreams come to life. Off the drafting board, Jason’s often traveling with his wife, running, golfing, or enjoying time on the lake.
John Howard –Lawns by Luke
For nearly eight years, John Howard has led Lawns by Luke with a mission rooted in freedom, family, and personal responsibility. His business empowers him not only to secure his family’s future but also to create opportunities for others to grow and thrive. When he’s not building success from the ground up, John recharges with his family, soaking in country music, the outdoors, and peaceful getaways to the beach or mountains.
Miles BurrisHope Driven Entertainment
After retiring from the NFL in 2017, Miles Burris channeled his passion into storytelling, founding Hope Driven Entertainment in 2022. His mission is simple: lift spirits through powerful, joy-filled content. Whether he’s acting, producing, or creating with his family, Miles finds purpose in making others feel seen. A gym regular with a sense of humor, he loves adventures with his wife and kids—from lake days to kitchen dance parties.
MEN WHO Serve
Meet some of Mount Juliet’s hero’s
ARTICLE BY KOURTNEY MCCOMB | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LINDSEY CONDER
For Fire Chief Mark Foulks of Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, firefighting isn’t just a career— it’s a legacy. Inspired by his father, a decorated firefighter who served over 29 years with the Knoxville Fire Department, Foulks found his calling early. “We were fortunate enough to serve together for three years before he retired,” he says with pride. That shared time in uniform laid the foundation for a lifelong commitment to fire and emergency services—a journey now spanning more than 35 years.
As his career progressed, so did his mission. “I realized that by stepping into leadership roles, I could create positive change across the department,” he explains. His focus shifted from individual acts of service to system-wide improvements—all aimed at saving more lives and enhancing service to the community.
Among countless calls, the most memorable have been those where his team directly saved lives. “There’s nothing like the feeling when someone who had no pulse and wasn’t breathing walks out of the hospital without limitations. That’s indescribable,” he says, reflecting the weight and wonder of the work.
The Fire Department of Mt. Juliet (FDMJ) handles more than 5,000 calls annually—fires, medical emergencies, rescues, and hazardous incidents. Preparation is key, and Foulks credits their success to three pillars: staffing, equipment, and training. “We make sure we’re well-staffed, properly equipped, and constantly training,” he says.
Training at FDMJ is extensive. The department now offers in-house programs leading to state certification for firefighters and licensure for emergency medical technicians. “These programs ensure our team is not just ready—but ahead of the curve,” Foulks notes. This forward-thinking approach is one of many ways the department continues to evolve with the city's needs.
Foulks’ leadership is grounded in a set of core values: professionalism, integrity, accountability, compassion, unity, stewardship, and progress. “These aren’t just words. They guide every interaction we have,” he says. From safety inspections to fire prevention education, the department ensures each touchpoint reflects its mission to serve with heart.
Community engagement plays a vital role. Through station tours, fire safety programs, and pre-incident planning, the department builds proactive relationships with residents. “We want to prevent emergencies before they happen,” Foulks says. Their annual life safety inspections help ensure Mt. Juliet businesses remain safe and code-compliant.
With Mt. Juliet growing rapidly, the department is expanding too. A new station under construction will centralize resources and reduce response times citywide. Two more stations are planned for the city’s east side over the next decade, with a sixth near the Central Pike interchange already on the radar. “We’re planning ahead, keeping pace with development,” Foulks explains.
Collaboration is key to handling this growth. The Wilson Emergency Management Agency (WEMA) provides mutual aid, especially during peak demand when all ambulances are committed and FDMJ provides mutual aid support to WEMA. “It’s a strong, supportive relationship that ensures we’re covered when it counts,” he adds.
At the heart of it all is a deeply bonded team. “Our operations personnel spend 48 hours at a time together. You can’t help but become close,” Foulks says. “They care— about each other and the community. That’s what makes them exceptional.”
MARK FOULKS | MT. JULIET FIRE CHIEF
Foulks’ leadership is grounded in a set of core values: professionalism, integrity, accountability, compassion, unity, stewardship, and progress. “These aren’t just words. They guide every interaction we have,” he says.
ROB WILLIFORD
LEAVING A MARK IN THE MUSIC
INDUSTRY
ARTICLE BY PAIGE TURNER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DUSTIN
HANEY
From the stadium shows of country megastar Luke Combs, to the soulful storytelling of his own solo venture, Mt. Juliet’s Rob Williford is charting a bold new path with the release of his upcoming album, Johnny & Jenny, out June 27. The GRAMMY®-nominated, CMA Awardwinning songwriter—best known for penning hits like “Beautiful Crazy,” “Forever After All,” and “Doin’ This”—has traded life on the road for life behind the mic, and he’s not looking back.
Photo Credit Dustin Haney
“I thought about it, I prayed about it, and I knew I couldn’t go back to the side-man thing,” says Williford, who left Combs’ band in 2023 after nearly a decade on the road. “Thankfully, Luke was nothing but supportive—but that gig was harder to quit than drinking.”
Williford’s solo journey began in earnest with the 2023 release of Wildcard , his debut album produced by Matchbox Twenty’s Kyle Cook. Now, he’s embracing a rawer, more vulnerable sound. “There’s a bit of a lost art in the human element of music these days. When we recorded, it wasn’t about hitting the perfect notes—it was about feeling something real. I wanted the imperfection. I wanted to throw the cue cards in the air.”
A Gastonia, North Carolina native who now calls Mt. Juliet home, Williford brings deep emotional intelligence and lyrical craftsmanship to every track he touches. His songs don’t just tell stories—they ask questions, stir memories, and leave a mark.
Listeners have already been introduced to the forthcoming project via a series of single releases, including lead-off tune “Johnny,” a dark, gripping ballad that blends Appalachian grit with raw emotion. He followed that with his haunting, Americana-drenched rendition of the classic Motown hit “Ain’t No Mountain,” desperation-fueled “Beautiful Breakdown,” and most recent and final single release, “Jenny,” which introduces Johnny’s counterpart who, despite the best of intentions, has made a series of bad decisions, leading to a sort of bittersweet entrapment.
“I thought about it, I prayed about it, and I knew I couldn’t go back to the side-man thing.”
Along with Johnny & Jenny, the multi-talented Williford will be releasing an accompanying short film: a 15-minute pilot-style work shot by award-winning cinematographer Dustin Haney that brings a visual component to the album - a slightly different and welcomed approach from what most artists offer in tandem with a project release.
To learn more about Rob Williford, visit robwilliford.komi.io.
Inspired by the big leagues
With a true “coach” approach, Trainers Lab stands apart from the crowd
When Chris Winder stepped off the baseball field for the last time, he didn’t expect his next big win to happen inside a gym. But today, the former pro athlete and founder of TrainersLab is swinging for the fences in a different arena— one where personal bests, perseverance, and purpose define the scoreboard.
“Injuries were really what started it all,” Winder says, reflecting on the turning point that reshaped his future. “During my baseball career, I worked with some amazing athletic trainers. They inspired me, and that stuck with me. In the off-seasons, I started studying exercise science and working part-time in a gym—not really knowing what was next, but knowing I liked helping people.”
What began as curiosity soon evolved into a calling. The more Winder trained, coached, and encouraged others, the more he realized fitness was his new playing field. “Helping people hit goals they didn’t think were possible—that’s where the idea for TrainersLab came from,” he explains. “I wanted to create a place where people could feel empowered, strong, and capable of achieving things they never thought possible.”
Winder’s approach to training is rooted in lessons learned over years on the diamond.
“Baseball taught me that smart training beats hard training every time,” he says. “A lot of
ARTICLE BY PAIGE TURNER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY COAST TO COAST & CO.
people don’t love working out—it’s tough, it burns, you get sore. But if you make it focused, consistent, and goal-oriented, it changes everything. That’s what we bring into the gym every day.”
At TrainersLab, it's not about generic routines or one-size-fits-all plans. The core of the business is one-on-one coaching, tailored to the individual. “There’s a real need for that here in Mount Juliet,” Winder says. “We meet people where they are, and design programs that actually make sense for their lifestyle, goals, and fitness level.”
That personalized, relationship-driven approach has helped TrainersLab become more than just another gym—it’s a true community hub where transformation happens daily.
“Mt. Juliet has been awesome,” Winder adds. “It’s tight-knit, supportive, and really values connection. We’ve built a culture that reflects that. People walk in and feel comfortable, seen, and supported—but they’re also pushed to grow. And when they commit, the results speak for themselves.”
Owner and Founder Chris Winder - Trainers Lab
Before Mount Juliet, Winder launched his first location in Hilton Head, South Carolina. But Nashville was always the long-term vision. “This is home for my family,” he explains. “Mt. Juliet felt like the right fit to build something sustainable—and to serve as the model for what we plan to expand.”
And expansion is already in motion. Winder’s big-picture goal is to empower passionate, hard-working trainers to open their own TrainersLab locations using the Mt. Juliet site as the blueprint. “Helping people has always been the goal—whether it’s
clients or coaches,” he says. “We’re building something that gives both a chance to thrive.”
That mission also includes a strong focus on youth development. “We love working with young athletes,” Winder says. “Many of our trainers come from competitive sports backgrounds, so we know what it takes to level up. Whether a kid wants to make varsity or dreams of going pro, we create programs tailored to their sport, body, and goals. It’s powerful to see them build strength, confidence, and discipline.”
Looking ahead, Winder is excited to keep growing TrainersLab’s impact—one location, one trainer, and one client at a time.
“Success is a team effort,” he says. “I’ve lived that on the field, and now I’m living it in the gym. TrainersLab is all about unlocking potential—in everyone.”
realty report
This data is a sampling of sold properties from April 2025. Source: IRES MLS system.
LOADS OF Love
A LEGACY WASHED IN FAMILY
ARTICLE BY KOURTNEY MCCOMB | PHOTOGRAPHY BY COAST TO COAST & CO.
When Barry Oakley opened the doors to Loads of Clothes Laundromat, it wasn’t just about clean laundry—it was about continuing a legacy built on love, hard work, and family. A third-generation entrepreneur from Middle Tennessee, Barry found inspiration not only in a vacant building but in a deeper desire to build something meaningful with—and for—his children.
Barry’s three adult sons—Colton, Hudson, and Breckman—have always been his motivation. “I’ve always wanted them to be successful in whatever they chose,” Barry says. “The goal was to expose them to different experiences so they could find something they truly loved—something that never felt like just a job.”
That philosophy was passed down from Barry’s father, B.N. Oakley—known as “Chief.” Born in 1925 and raised on a Depression-era farm in Hillsboro, Tennessee, Chief survived being a POW during WWII and returned home to start B.N. Oakley Construction in 1947. The business—and his values—were passed on to Barry, who started working with his dad the moment he could hold a hammer.
The laundromat idea came from both practicality and vision. Barry and his sister Kathy co-own a commercial building in Hermitage, where a run-down laundromat next door was surprisingly successful despite poor upkeep and management. “If that place could make it,” Barry thought, “surely we could do better.” With a desire to diversify income, serve the community, and create a lasting opportunity for his sons, Loads of Clothes was born.
The business started as a side project while Barry continued to run Oakley Construction. But when the second location opened, Colton stepped in full time. “We realized the business needed daily involvement,” Barry explains. “Colton became vital—especially in launching our full-service and delivery laundry options.”
During the pandemic, Colton had been delivering food between shifts, which sparked the idea: if they could deliver food, why not deliver laundry? “It just clicked,” Barry says. “Working with my son— it’s an honor and a bonus in life.”
The generational dynamic has strengthened the business in unexpected ways. “I push for using technology wherever we can,” Barry says. “Colton and the younger generation naturally embrace it.” Today, technology powers nearly every aspect of their operations— from machine monitoring and multiple payment methods to scheduling services, routing vans, and communicating with customers.
Colton also brings a modern focus on sustainability. “He’s committed to environmental responsibility,” Barry says. “We offer reusable laundry bags, and we work hard to extend the life of customers’ garments.” This attention to detail aligns with Gen Z’s values and strengthens their connection with the community.
“We’re not just running a business—we’re carrying forward the values he taught us: integrity, resilience, and love for family. I hope I can pass those on to my boys, just like he did for me.”
Community is at the heart of Loads of Clothes . “We don’t want to be just a place to wash clothes— we want to be a hub,” Barry says. They support local schools like DCA, Goodpasture, and West Elementary, partner with churches on outreach, sponsor youth sports, and participate in festivals that give back to local causes. Future plans include educational workshops, family days with food trucks and games, and even special events for retirement home residents.
As the business looks ahead, growth remains a priority.
“Our five-year goal is to be the cleanest, most reliable laundry service in the region,” Barry says. “We plan to open more locations and keep pushing technology to improve our services.”
But at the center of it all is family. “The best part is getting to work with my sons,” Barry reflects.
“Watching them grow as leaders, seeing their hard work pay off—it’s incredibly rewarding.”
— Barry Oakley
Still, working with family brings its own challenges. “Balancing being a dad and a boss isn’t always easy,” Barry admits. “We have different work styles and perspectives. But we’ve learned to respect each other and work as a team. It takes effort, but it’s worth it.”
As Barry prepares to celebrate what would have been Chief’s 100th birthday this May, his thoughts turn to legacy. “I hope he’d be proud,” Barry says. “We’re not just running a business—we’re carrying forward the values he taught us: integrity, resilience, and love for family. I hope I can pass those on to my boys, just like he did for me.”
Photography Credit & Location (Josh Vaughn + Circle S Farms)