CATCHING UP WITH KANE BROWN

LIFE + CULTURE

A DAY FOR DAD
HOME + DESIGN
WILLOW BRANCH HOMES
JUNE 2023































LIFE + CULTURE
A DAY FOR DAD
HOME + DESIGN
WILLOW BRANCH HOMES
JUNE 2023
Our quality control manager is the dad to a little girl who keeps him on his toes. To her, he’s the guy who makes everything work. As luck would have it, he’s also the guy who makes everything work for us. It’s his job to make sure the communities and homes we build are up to snuff—and when something goes wrong, he makes it right. He brings out the best in us so we can build the best for you. If that’s not something to cheer about, we don’t know what is.
Learn more about our team, our building philosophy, and our available homes and floor plans at WillowBranchHomesTN.com.
We’re built different.
To the men in our life....this issue pays homage to you! Whether you are a Dad, a Grandfather, the “fun Uncle,” or a positive male role model to those around you, we are grateful for all you offer to the loved ones in your life and in our community. We put this issue together to showcase male leaders in our community from all walks of life, and all with a story to tell or words of wisdom to share.
We hope you enjoy hearing from superstar and Nashville resident Kane Brown on fame and fatherhood.
We had conversations with several men who own businesses in the area or are making a difference.
And let’s not forget a day out to explore! There are a plethora of fun things to do with the men in your life in middle Tennessee. We’ve given you a few suggestions.
June is for summer explorations, cool drinks by the pool and warm evenings by the firepit.
We hope you can enjoy the slower summer days and celebrate the gentlemen in your life.
PUBLISHER
Athena West | athena.west@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Maria Dinoia | maria.dinoia@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Emily Smith | emily.smith@citylifestyle.com
ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR
Karen Creason | karen.creason@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Sue Baldani, Jennifer Bennhoff, Linda Dohse, Kimberly Blaker
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Deb Scally
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry
ATHENA
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore
DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer
ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson
WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell
AD DESIGNER Mary Albers
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier
Thompson’s Station Lifestyle is available for pickup at the following locations:
• RE/MAX Encore (100 W. 6th Street, Columbia)
• The Fainting Goat (Spring Hill)
• Spring Hill Public Library
• Sweet CeCe’s (The Crossings at Spring Hill)
• Parkway Wine and Spirits (Spring Hill)
• Vintage 615 Boutique Clothing & Decor
• Living615
• Local doctors and professional offices around the area
• Grecian Family Restaurant and Bakery
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Proverbs 3:5-6
WEST, PUBLISHER @THOMPSONSSTATIONLIFESTYLEWant to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @thompsonsstationlifestyle
Tennessee Equine Hospital is the proud recipient of the 2023 PATH Intl. Region 5 Veterinarian of the Year award and was named as a finalist to win the National designation which will be awarded this summer. The successful nonprofit now has more than 800 member centers and nearly 7,000 individual members globally who support more than 53,000 individuals with special needs each year through a variety of equine-assisted services. TnEquineHospital.com
The Tennessee Holocaust Commission presented Legacy Middle School eighthgrade English Language Arts teacher Allison McSwain with its Belz-Lipman Award last May, honoring outstanding educators who excel in teaching the history of the Holocaust. McSwain will receive a $1,500 scholarship that can be used to develop new curriculum, attend training sessions and purchase resources to further engage students in the study of the Holocaust. Wcs.edu
Photography: WCS
Spring Hill's Fischer Park is set to host Spring Hill Fest on Saturday, June 3 from 2:00-7:00 p.m. Hot air balloon rides, kite flying, food trucks, daytime fireworks are all a part of the free fun family day. Food trucks include Brenner Brothers Quick Bites, The Spice is Right, Joe Dean’s EatsN-Treats and Ooh La La New Orleans Style Shaved Ice. Kite flying professionals from River City Kites will be on site to demonstrate their amazing kites. SpringHillTN.org
Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/ThompsonsStation
Fathers play a significant role in their kids' lives. They're essential role models, influence children's self-esteem and school performance, and make great coaches and fun-loving playmates. Once kids have grown and aged, fathers make great friends, confidants, and are there to lend a hand.
Father’s Day is just around the corner, so don’t be caught scrambling for the perfect way to show you care. Try some of these ideas to show your dad just how important he is to you.
Take your father to see his favorite band or performing artist, head to a jazz or blues festival, or pack up some lawn chairs and enjoy a local concert in the park.
Get in touch with nature and each other on a camping trip for two. Either rough it in a tent or rent a mini-cabin at a state park. Spend your weekend hiking, sightseeing, fishing, boating, playing cards, and taking it easy together.
What better way to show your appreciation for all his hard work than to indulge him? Give your father a gift certificate for a professional massage, which will be sure to please.
Enjoy a peaceful walk in the park or the country together. Better yet, gather your bikes or rollerblades, hit a scenic bike path, and enjoy the fresh summer air.
Show Dad you appreciate his hard work by returning the favor. Make coupons that say: "In appreciation for all that you do, Dad. Redeem this certificate for a hassle-free car wash by me!" Other favors include sweeping out the garage, mowing the lawn, or any other task he usually handles.
Treat your dad to a movie fest. Rent a couple of newly released videos or some of his long-time favorites. Or head to the cinemas for a double feature. Whether you take the movies in at home or the theater, don’t forget the hot, buttered popcorn, candy, and soft drinks.
Give your dad a book of poetry specially written for fathers. Try one of these:
• Fathers: A Collection of Poems by David Ray and Judy Ray
• Father's: Collected Poems by Ken Koprowski
• Thoughts to Share With a Wonderful Father: A Collection of Poems by Blue Mountain Arts Collections
A GIFT OF GIVING
Does your dad have a favorite cause or charity such as the Humane Society, the Nature Conservancy, or the American Cancer Society? If so, why not give him a membership or make a donation in his name? Remember, small donations add up and are always appreciated.
“A father is someone you look up to no matter how tall you grow.” –
ENABLING CLIENTS, EMPLOYEES AND OTHERS TO LIVE THEIR BEST LIVES
ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
When Daron Farrar started working for Molly Maid in 1993, he found both a lifelong career and a wife. “My mom and uncle started the one in the Franklin area, and I worked there offand-on starting in high school,” he says. “Maricela, my now wife, worked there as well.” Later his father would also become involved with the franchise.
Over the years, Daron has performed many of the roles in the business, from everyday cleaner to management. In 2020, he and Maricela, who live in Franklin with their children, 16-yearold Chris and 11-year-old Isabella, bought Molly Maid of S. Davidson, Williamson, and Maury Counties from his parents. Its main focus is on residential cleaning. “Most of our clients get their houses cleaned every week or two, which frees up their time to do other things with their families,” says Daron. “We also do a lot of deep cleanings for special occasions or when someone is moving into or out of a house. We can do small commercial jobs as well, as long as they can be done during regular business hours.”
All of their cleaners are employees, not independent contractors, and go through multi-state background checks. The business also has insurance to protect both homeowners and employees.“We also offer what's called a Done Right Promise, which is a 24-hour satisfaction guarantee. If homeowners find something that was not done to their satisfaction, we're happy to come back and make things right.” Molly Maid doesn’t have any contracts; instead, the company relies on customers being very satisfied with the high quality of work they do.
Daron and Maricela believe in doing the best for their employees too. “We want everybody to feel like this is a great work environment and we want to be able to help them in any way we can,” he says. “Last year, we set up an Employee Care Fund, which lets them apply for help to cover emergency or unexpected expenses.”
Helping others is the goal of the overall franchise. In 1996, Molly Maid corporate established the Ms. Molly Foundation, a non-profit organization supporting victims of domestic violence. “We're trying to raise awareness and provide support for local shelters like Bridges of Williamson County,” says Daron. “There are over 200 franchises across the country and many support their local shelters.”
October is Domestic Violence Awareness month, and during that time, letters are sent out to clients providing information on the foundation and asking people to donate. “We also do monthly contributions throughout the year to the foundation.” Molly Maid of S. Davidson, Williamson, and Maury Counties has received the Franklin Sizzle Award for the last 10 years as the best cleaning company in Williamson County. And since the entire franchise is part of the Neighborly brand of companies, they follow their code of values. “We show respect for all people and act with integrity through all of our dealings. We also serve our customers with enthusiasm and have fun in the process!” MollyMaid. com/S-Davidson-Williamson-Maury-Counties
Jill Arnold and Duwayne Matz of Southern Homes Collective serve buyers and sellers in Williamson County. We also own SHC Property Management, LLC and manage rental properties for investors in Middle Tennessee. Our office is located in Tollgate Village. We would LOVE the opportunity to help you with all your real estate needs!
REAPPLY, REAPPLY, REAPPLY!
The biggest mistake we see everyday is overestimating how long sunblock lasts in the heat and sweat. Reapplication every 2-3 hours keeps a consistent barrier on the skin to protect from harmful UV rays. Even mineral based sunblocks containing zinc and titanium need reapplication. If you are getting in and out of the water at the pool or beach, make sure you are reapplying every 30-45 minutes. Water activities decrease the lifespan of sunblock considerably. Sticking to a schedule or setting an alert on your phone are the best methods to stay sunburn free!
SUN PROTECTIVE CLOTHING IS YOUR NEW BEST FRIEND!
Sun Protective or UPF clothing is one of the best methods to protect from overexposure to ultraviolet rays. Not only does it provide a physical barrier from sun exposure, it also avoids the risk of forgetting to reapply in hard to reach areas like the back. Many companies make lightweight and breathable materials, so you can stay protected and cool. So save yourself some sunblock and invest in sun protective clothing this summer.
DON’T FORGET YOUR HEAD!
The scalp is an area that often gets left behind when we apply sunblock. With very little skin exposed and dense hair coverage, the scalp is a very difficult place to apply sunblock. Wide brimmed hats with UPF fabric provide great protection for the scalp and ears, that otherwise can be difficult to protect fully with sunblock. Find a stylish hat that you can wear throughout the summer to fully protect your skin.
“I cannot say enough good words about this company. I am extremely pleased.”
- Susan
Kane Brown is an anomaly. Overcoming a difficult childhood that included both abuse and homelessness, the Tennessee native has clearly risen above it. And enjoying a solidly successful musical career seems to be just the beginning. For starters, he’s the first artist of color to be nominated for the Academy of Country Music Entertainer of the Year award in more than 50 years (since Charlie Pride). The father of two has big plans. He has his own record label, publishing company, brand partnerships, a clothing line and a desire to continue acting. To name just a few. We chatted with Brown in between stops on his Drunk or Dreaming Tour to talk about all the things.
Q: Tell us about the experience of hosting the CMT Awards {last April} for the third time. Do you ever get used to being in front of a live TV audience? Hosting the awards was an amazing experience and it was great to be back in front of live fans again after the past few years. I’ve definitely gotten more comfortable over the years with it and CMT has always made me feel very at home. I think the place I will always be the most comfortable is on stage, but I love the chance to connect with fans in a different way and see all the other artists perform and all bring something to the table.
Q: How did it come to be that your wife Katelyn sang with you on "Thank God"? Was it always the plan?
I’ve always known she was an amazing singer and we knew we would be open to something that was the right thing. There wasn't a rush or any pressure we put on ourselves to make it happen, but we definitely heard the fans always asking for it to happen too. We just wanted to make sure it was the right thing. And when I heard “Thank God” and came home and played it for her, it was undeniable.
Q: Are you surprised by the song's success?
I’m always grateful and never take it for granted, but when we heard the final version of the song- or even when we were in the studio recording it- there was no denying it was special and we hoped the fans would feel the same way. It's all newer to her but I kept telling her, 'This is a huge song.'
Q: You have so much going on – your label, your publishing company Verse2, making your acting debut on CBS’ "Fire Country," clothing line at Rue 21, Kane Crunch Cereal, in addition to a huge music careerhow do you keep it all straight?
I think we all keep it to things that we are passionate about, and I have a great team that I get to work with that I know and trust, and we all have the same vision - but these are things I am passionate about. I created my label and then my publishing company and it's an amazing feeling to watch writers we’ve signed have successes and number one's - that’s a big part of itwanting to help give more people more opportunities to break into it as well. The acting thing I would love to do more of, but I love being on stage and its been amazing to be out on the road again from Australia to back in the U.S. now. I just got back from Stagecoach {where Brown headlined} and we get to be a part of so many shows this year. I just always want to keep moving it forward toward the next thing, but trying to take it day by day.
Q: Then what do you do to relax and unwind?
Family time is always at the top of the list. My daughters surprise me every day with something they will say or do and being around them is what drives me and also makes me slow down and be totally in the moment at the same time. And I’ve started to golf a lot more!
Q: You're on tour through the summer. What's the hardest thing about being on the road?
It's been amazing to be out on the road again and the fans have shown up with so much energy in every city and every night. The week of the CMT awards was the same week we got to headline Bridgestone Arena and it was the first time headlining there andthe first time back playing Nashville in a long time. The crowd was amazing and it was great to have the family here in town, and at the end of the night, we got to go back home.
I’m lucky that our bus and tour is set so that we can take the girls and Kate out on the road and keep us together a lot of the time, but when they aren’t out on the road with me, that is the hardest part about being away.
Q: What's next for you?
We have the rest of the Drunk or Dreaming Tour throughout the summer, including some we haven’t headlined like Fenway {Park} in Boston. I’ve been doing a lot of writing and working on songs for the next project. There’s a lot in the works - I just can't talk about most of it yet! In between it all, taking time to be home and enjoying time off together before we hit the road again, because this area is definitely home.
Q: What is the greatest thing about being a Dad? Everything. But laughing with them and making them laugh.
"I JUST ALWAYS WANT TO KEEP MOVING IT FORWARD TOWARDS THE NEXT THING, BUT TRYING TO TAKE IT DAY BY DAY."
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GULF COAST JAM
FIDDLER'S GREEN AMPHITHEATRE
ISLETA AMPHITHEATER
THE COUNTRY FEST
TAILGATE N' TALLBOYS
SIMMONS BANK ARENA
MAINE SAVINGS AMPHITHEATER
FENWAY PARK
JIFFY LUBE LIVE
CAVENDISH BEACH MUSIC FESTIVAL
TD PAVILION AT THE MANN CENTER
CMAC
PENDLETON WHISKY MUSIC FESTIVAL
SOARING EAGLE CASINO & RESORT
2023 WE FEST 2023
LASSO
FALLSVIEW CASINO RESORT
LAKE TAHOE OUTDOOR ARENA AT HARVEY'S
LAKE TAHOE OUTDOOR ARENA AT HARVEY'S
WASHINGTON STATE FAIR
BOOTS IN THE PARK (WOODWARD PARK)
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The Brown Family on tourWhen Chris Ziegler recognized a need in his community of Spring Hill, he set out to fill it. “My wife, Margaret, was selling repurposed furniture at Vintage 615, and we had a lot of demand for furniture in general. We saw an opportunity to better meet the need for new furniture, so we decided to open Living615.”
That was in 2018, and in 2019, they moved to a bigger and better location right down the street from Vintage 615. The furniture is stylish and unique, but not ultra-trendy. “It’s timeless,” he says. “Our job is to find pieces that are incredibly beautiful and comfortable,have great quality and are great values.”
When customers walk into the store, Chris and his team want them to feel like they’ve entered an oasis, a place where they can relax and not feel any pressure. Another goal is providing design inspiration so they can create their own sanctuaries in their homes. “We want to give people a vision, so we have some really pretty vignettes set up,” he says. “Our store designer, Lisa Thompson, has a natural gift, and she works hard at understanding the current styles and the current trends and just knows what looks good.”
Furniture is sold right off the floor, and once an item is gone, something new replaces it, so there’s always something different to see. While Lisa focuses mainly on style, Chris focuses on quality. An engineer by trade, he looks at and can understand the manufacturing process to ensure the items Living615 provides not only look great, but will last a long time.
After working for General Motors for 31 years, running a furniture store has given Chris a new lease on life. “If I stayed at my old job, my life would’ve been shortened. I had to be at work by 6:00 am or earlier and it was very stressful. I could feel the years coming off the end of my life.”
But instead of spending his retirement quietly at home or playing golf, Chris now gets to meet and satisfy a need for many of the people who live in his community and surrounding areas. “This store has changed everything for me,” he says.
He adds, “Spring Hill doesn’t have a lot of mom-and-pop small retail stores, so both Vintage 615 and Living615 stand out. Communities need these – they’re the bread and butter of a community. We’re committed to Spring Hill and we want to be a shining light here in town.” Living615Home.com
“One of the nice things about these stages,” says Kelly Frey, founder and CEO of Worldwide Stages, “is that their design allows for a music video to be filmed in one while an album cover is being shot in another.”
Walking onto the 320,000-square-foot campus of middle Tennessee’s new film and entertainment production complex, Worldwide Stages, is a pleasant surprise. Production facilities are often located in congested, dodgy neighborhoods of old warehouses on the outskirts of cities, making parking difficult and security a risk. Worldwide Stages is the opposite. It is spacious, luxurious, surrounded by wildflower fields and filled with comforting touches like sunny atriums and designer-curated sitting areas.
Located in the former Saturn corporate headquarters in Spring Hill, the complex couldn’t be more convenient for production crews. It’s just minutes off the highway with acres of space for parking trucks, unloading equipment and providing the services necessary for filming features, commercials, TV series, music videos, tour preparation, photo shoots, concert rehearsals, and live-streamed events. Walls in the main building’s lobby are lined with signed pictures of artists who have utilized the space, including Carrie Underwood, Katy Perry, Darius Rucker, TobyMac, TLC, Tyler Hubbard, Thomas Rhett and Walker Hayes.
A tour took us by four (soon to be eight) massive soundstages where crews were building sets and a major studio feature film was being shot.
Frey is an ardent arts supporter, having executive-produced feature films and served as president of the Greater Nashville Arts and Business Council, the Nashville Film Festival and the Franklin Theatre. He and his partners saw an opportunity with the vacant Saturn campus to keep creative capital here in Nashville and be good stewards of a complex that already existed, rather than building on empty land. “We created a place where artists and crews can feel happy, safe, and be treated well,” says Frey. “The attitude of the cast and crew comes across onscreen, and attitude is something you just can’t fix in post-production.”
Amenities abound, including a 100-seat screening theater, a grade-A commercial kitchen, massage and spa rooms, modern bathrooms with hot showers, even a vintage-style speakeasy with a full bar and comfy furniture for artists to relax in after rehearsals or filming. “Artists and talent like to hang out here because it’s a safe and private environment for them. They can invite their family and friends and enjoy a luxurious lounge.”
When requested, the staff can provide professional chefs, craft services, fitness trainers or massage therapists from the local community. If crews need a quick coffee run or meal, they’ll find The Fainting Goat Coffee Co., Starbucks, Panera, Target and many other stores and restaurants five minutes away. Home Depot is nearby for gaffers and set builders. Gas stations and hotels are also just down the road.
Because of the high profiles of their clients, Worldwide Stages provides onsite medics and state-of-the-art security, staffed by former law enforcement and military personnel, with campus-wide facial recognition cameras. When this reporter arrived for a tour, my arrival was noted on a bank of security monitors and a guard immediately whisked me to my appointment.
“In other production markets like Los Angeles or Atlanta, driving to a complex to rehearse or film can take over an hour, maybe longer,” says Frey. “We’re only about 30 minutes south of Nashville. When completed, we will have invested over $100 million in our campus. There’s really no other entertainment complex like it.”
Worldwide Stages is located at 5000 Northfield Lane in Spring Hill. WorldwideStages.com
Opposite Page: Forget about the typical industrial warehouses – Worldwide Stages is more like a five-star hotel This page, Top Left: The vintage wood bar in the campuses “speakeasy” dates back to the 1920s and is still a prime spot for relaxing with cocktails after a day of production
Top Right: Set designers have decorated a series of private artist studios, places for creating, interviewing or just taking a break | Bottom: Kelly Frey, Chief Executive Officer, President and Founder of Worldwide Stages has been recognized by “Nashville Post” as one of Nashville’s most influential person.
“Willow Branch is a trusted local builder that has grown with integrity and respect over the years. We’re in constant pursuit to build more than homes; we build communities.”
These words, shared by Willow Branch COO Paul Winegar, truly speak to the essence of what Willow Branch Homes is all about. He adds, “Willow Branch has always sought out opportunities to give back to our communities. We were born and raised here, and are completely local so we love supporting our surrounding communities. We’ve participated in smaller events including community sports sponsorships for tee ball teams, and larger events such as donating homes in support of our local children's hospital.”
He adds, “Over the years we have worked with Second Harvest Food Bank, Toys for Tots, I Am Second, My Friend's House, United Way, and Monroe Carrell Jr. Children's Hospital - all wonderful organizations that support our communities. The biggest project we are doing now is the 'I Am Home' project benefiting Monroe Carrell Jr. Children's Hospital. We began the 'I Am Home' contest
as a way to give back to our community and after careful thought we chose Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt as the beneficiary,” says Winegar. “We chose Monroe Carell because of their hard work and dedication to healing the children in our area and beyond."
Willow Branch Homes’ impressive community involvement expands over many years of commitment and exemplifies their dedication to the communities in which they build. These heartfelt commitments include:
• Second Harvest. Willow Branch Homes manages food-drive boxes during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays to help nourish local food banks.
• Toys for Tots. Donation boxes are set up at all Willow Branch offices and model homes for their team, clients, and even prospective clients. Donations benefit the Willow Branch mission in their communities.
• United Way. United Way was instrumental in guiding Willow Branch to My Friend's House where they built a new group home for boys in Franklin and
surrounding areas. Willow Branch donated all their time and billed only the cost of the building materials to the organization.
• The Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt. The hospital is the sole beneficiary of Willow Branch’s giveaway home project 'I Am Home'. Willow Branch donates 100 percent of building costs and time so Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital receives the maximum benefit from ticket purchasers.
• I Am Second. I Am Second is a Christian outreach nonprofit that assisted with the creation of the 'I Am Home' giveaway project.
In terms of giving back to the communities in which they build, Winegar notes, “We pride ourselves on personal commitment to executing the best processes that inspire and nourish local communities, carrying this through every stage of a build. Willow Branch uses proven methods to execute a high level of customer service backed by a decade of experience in our market. We partner with the homebuyer to curate a personalized design selection process, walking alongside every customer with transparency throughout the building process from start to finish. Every home is a new neighbor that makes Middle Tennessee a great place to live.”
Willow Branch offers a breadth of home types and styles ranging from single-family, condos, townhomes, and custom homes across their nine communities throughout Middle Tennessee. Adds Winegar, “We are not only committed to building beautiful houses with integrity and attention to detail, but building communities that people are proud to call home.”
WillowBranchHomesTN.com