West Knoxville, TN June 2023

Kids don't come with a playbook

Luckily, there's a Children's Hospital location near you

Children’s Hospital Pediatrics is part of the network of care our community has trusted for more than 85 years.

From well visits and sports physicals to sick visits, each office has staff and providers who are highly-trained to heal children. This includes board-certified pediatricians and pediatric nurse practitioners who believe in putting family first.

Give your child a winning season. Find a pediatrician near you at etch.com/peds.

Summer Fun is Not Overrated

We welcome you, June! To Marc and me, there is no place to be than in East Tennessee, especially in these early summer days. We hope you will be able to unplug and enjoy time with your friends or family and enjoy all that Knoxville has to offer.

When we started brainstorming ideas for our June issue, we knew we wanted to spotlight a few men who were doing interesting things. The first man we thought of was former UT football coach Phillip Fulmer, but not for the reason you might think. He’s a beekeeping hobbyist who makes his own honey for his family and friends to enjoy. (Sorry, y’all. He doesn’t sell it.)

We also talked to Scott Hayse, owner and operator of Phoenix Conversions, whose story of resilience is not for the weak. Scott has overcome more obstacles than many could bear. (Prepare to be inspired.)

But since it’s summer, we wanted to spotlight our minor league sports teams and throw some love their way. We are so lucky to live in a city with diverse activities to enjoy and organizations to support. There is no shortage of fan and family fun to be had at a Tennessee Smokies or One Knox SC game. (Sit tight – the Ice Bears will be along in October.)

As always, we have our wonderful columnists and partners who contribute to our magazine monthly and quarterly. We’ve heard your feedback and love that YOU love seeing what our experts have to share, whether it be old photos from the Knoxville History Project or financial and legal advice from PYA Waltman and Triamicus Law. If you need a winning Father’s Day gift, check out our book recommendations from Union Ave Books.

For all of the fathers and father figures near or far, we applaud you and wish you a very happy Father’s Day. I was blessed to have had a wonderful father that many of you may have known, the late Dr. John W. Campbell M.D. He was a gentle, generous, and loving man who helped generations of Knoxvillians have better health and hearing through his lifelong work of Otolaryngology. For him, his work was a calling, and that is how Marc and I feel about this magazine. We want to spotlight the goodness around us and celebrate wins of our hard-working business community. We are so thankful for your readership and for our advertising partners who help to deliver this magazine every month. Thank you so much for your good company!

MARC ROCHELSON & AMY CAMPBELL, PUBLISHER @WESTKNOXVILLELIFESTYLE

June 2023

PUBLISHER

Marc Rochelson | marc.rochelson@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Jennie Treadway-Miller jennie.miller@citylifestyle.com

MARKET SUPPORT MANAGER

Carol AuBuchon | carol.aubuchon@citylifestyle.com

COPY EDITOR

Patricia Broyles

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jack Neely, Paul James, Aaron Nolan, Mital Patel, Amy Campbell

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Shawn Poynter, Ben Finch, Megan Clute Photography

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

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 Josh Govero

LAYOUT DESIGNER Eva Tucker

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

1: WKL hosted a networking event with Sunsphere Events and Rosa’s Catering on Tuesday, May 2. 2: Victoria Flowers and Brandon Whitaker provided music throughout the evening. 3: Publishers Amy Campbell and Marc Rochelson, with Marketing Manager Carol AuBuchon, welcomed guests to the event. 4: Guests enjoyed complimentary drinks and a taco bar provided by Rosa’s Catering. 5: Other event sponsors include FemCity Knoxville, Berrylicious Bouquets, OWL Professional Coaching, and Skintentional Spa. 6: It was a fun-filled evening of meeting new people and making connections in the business community. 7: This was the first networking event of 2023, but more will be planned.

Photography by Emily Blake

Want to be seen in the magazine?

Tag your Instagram photos with @westknoxvillelifestyle

business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Rhinestone Fest

The Old City Association is hosting its 3rd annual Dolly-themed festival June 2-4, reimagined this year as “Rhinestone Fest, for the Love of Dolly!” The festival celebrates all the artists, musicians, and do-gooders that Dolly has inspired throughout her rhinestone-studded career!

Benefiting Dogwood Arts’ Art Kits for Kids program and The Historic Old City Association, Rhinestone Fest will take place at various locations in and around the Old City. Rhinestone Fest is a family-friendly event and free to attend. Visit OldCityKnoxville. org/RhinestoneFest to learn more.

Hops in the Hills

Hops in the Hills Craft Beer Festival, set against the backdrop of the Smokies, returns for its seventh celebration on Saturday, June 24, from 5 to 9 p.m. This festival allows attendees to sample regional craft beer from the best breweries in the area. This year's festival will be located in the Maryville Greenway Amphitheater and will allow extra space for games, lounging, and live music. The festival price includes tastings, food, official event t-shirt, and great live music. Visit HopsInTheHills. com to learn more.

Music at Montvale

Enjoy a day of music while supporting Harmony Family Center on Saturday, June 24, at Montvale Springs in Maryville. Tickets are $30, but kids 12 and under are free. Bring a camp chair, enjoy food trucks, beer, and corn hole, as well as the music of Scott Miller and opening act Wilder Things Than Us. The event happens rain or shine, and gates open at 5:30 p.m. Visit Harmonyfamilycenter. org/musicatmontvale to learn more.

Want to be featured?

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

CityLifestyle.com/WestKnoxville

Take

Men Like To Be Pampered Too!

In celebration of a special occasion or “just because”, we have the perfect gift for him! Our Gentleman’s Facial is a time to reset, renew and relax. This service consists of a deep cleanse, exfoliation and calming mask. This treatment is followed up with an invigorating and stimulating scalp and neck massage utilizing customized skincare products.

Life can be stressful and what a unique gift to give to that someone special in your life. This treatment not only addresses one’s skincare concerns, but also replenishes and rejuvenates skin tone and texture.

Reserve your appointment today! We would love to be a part of your special occasion.

Rebekah McCulloch

Kristine Griffin

Photos provided by One Knox

MINOR

ONE KNOX SC

Season: March to October

Location: Regal Soccer Stadium at the University of Tennessee

When Drew McKenna moved to Knoxville with his wife, Maria, who’s from Rocky Hill, he had already been looking at what the city lacked regarding professional sports. Research showed him that of the top 65 biggest markets, only three of those cities didn’t have a professional soccer team.

“Chattanooga has two, but Knoxville had none,” he says. “It just felt like Knoxville was underserved. Soccer was underserved.”

CONTINUED > 13 | CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/WESTKNOXVILLE JUNE 2023

Photo by Lindsay Coward

“We looked around the Southeast and saw that soccer was doing well. When you look at the MLS level, the top clubs are Nashville, Charlotte, and Atlanta, which is the eighth highest-attended club in the world, alongside England and Spain,” says Drew. “Soccer has connected in the Southeast differently than around the rest of the country.”

The response to One Knox has been positive, with more than 850 season ticket holders and games with more than 2,000 in attendance. Coach Mark McKeever, originally from Scotland, came to the U.S. in 1998 and spent 17 years in collegiate coaching, thereby building a strong network of players. In this environment, networking was crucial when it came to starting a professional team.

However, One Knox isn’t focused solely on its own players. They’re also looking at the next generation.

“Youth soccer is a space we always wanted to be a part of, so we’ve been supporting it from our earliest days. We got a call from Knoxville Crush and the Knoxville Reds because both clubs were looking for long-term continuity,” says Drew. “We started investigating if it made sense, talking to boards and parents, so then we announced One Knox Youth Soccer. We want to retain what’s great about Crush and Reds but put them under one brand. We’ll have a platform to create access and aspiration for young people in Knoxville.”

The team currently plays at UT’s Regal Soccer Stadium, but they are looking forward to bringing 20 dates a year to the new stadium downtown set to open in 2025. At this rate, the future for One Knox is bright.

“I constantly hear people say, ‘I didn’t know it was going to be like this.’ I love showing people how fun it can be,” says Drew. “Come out to a game. The beer is cold, and the game is only two hours long.”

Learn more at OneKnoxSC.com .

TENNESSEE SMOKIES

Season : April to September

Location: Smokies Stadium in Kodak

Though minor league baseball started in Knoxville in the late-1890s, first with the Indians, followed by the Reds and then the Appalachians, it wasn’t until the 1920s when the Tennessee Smokies secured its name and started a long tradition of America’s Favorite Pastime alongside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. They’ve been affiliated with a number of major league teams over the years, such as the St. Louis Cardinals and the Arizona Diamondbacks, but since 2007, they’ve been connected to the Chicago Cubs.

“Affiliation means that all of the players are drafted or picked up from the Cubs, so we don’t have open

Photo by Lindsay Coward

Photo by Lindsay Coward

tryouts or anything like that. These players are working their way up to play for the Cubs,” says Assistant General Manager Aris Theofanopoulos. “The team below us is the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. If a player does well there, he comes here. If he does well here, he goes to the Iowa Cubs in Des Moines. If he does well there, he goes to the Chicago Cubs. So far, we’ve had 140 players called up to the Cubs. Just last year, we had 17 Smokies players who debuted with the Cubs. It’s rare to skip ahead, but it happens.”

It's important to note that being a baseball fan isn’t required to enjoy a game day experience. While the games promise to be competitive and will showcase plenty of talent, the overarching goal is to offer a family-friendly environment with promotions and events designed to create lifelong memories.

“We’re proud to be known as America’s Friendliest Ballpark. Every game is somebody’s first game, so we want to make it special every time,” says Aris. “That’s from the ground up – from the parking attendants and ticket takers to the promotional team and staff members. We want to put together the best show possible.”

That endeavor translates to theme nights and contests, auctions and giveaways, and fireworks shows on most weekend nights from May to September, weather-permitting. They also love to partner with community organizations, such as wearing Tennessee-themed jerseys to benefit the Pat Summitt Foundation.

“We love to interact with fans and do so much for kids. We market towards families, so we tie in a lot of promotions to get kids to the ballpark. We have a 90s night with different appearances from characters. This year we have the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” says Aris. “We also have Princess Night. Kids can meet their princess heroes and also experience baseball.”

sports... Any

Ice Bears.

The Smokies are buzzing with anticipation about the new stadium slated to open for the 2025 season, which won’t be geared singularly towards baseball. There will be restaurants and shopping, a full hospitality area and plenty of scheduled events sure to pique everyone’s interest. Until then, it’s a quick trek on I-40 to exit 407 for the kind of summer fun families will remember forever.

“When you’re going to a Cubs or Braves game, you’re going to see players throw 100 mph and hit 450-feet home runs, but when you come to a Smokies game, you’re going to see people pied in the face or trying to catch a hot dog being thrown at them,” says Aris, laughing. “We want people to come out and enjoy affordable family fun, young and old. These are the future starts in the major league, so it’s always better when we win, but at the end of the day, it’s about having fun.”

Learn more about nightly promotions at milb.com/ tennessee/tickets/promotions

KNOXVILLE ICE BEARS

Season : October to April

Location : Knoxville Civic Coliseum

When summer ends and both the soccer and baseball seasons begin to wane, the Knoxville Ice Bears will just be getting started. Founded in 2002 as a charter member of the Atlantic Coast Hockey League, the Ice Bears have made the playoffs in every season of their existence.

“We’ve had the same ownership group for all 21 seasons,” says Joel Silverberg, director of broadcasting. “They’ve done a great job keeping hockey in Knoxville. We have fans who’ve been here since the Cherokee era, so it’s fun to see old jerseys.”

What started in the 1960s with the Knoxville Knights morphed into the Cherokees for about a

“Knoxville really loves

time there’s been consistency, people go.” - Joel Silverberg of the Knoxville

decade, followed by the Knoxville Speed. Then came a new league, which only lasted a season, but the Southern Professional Hockey League was established in 2004, and the Ice Bears have been a part of it since. The fanbase grows consistently each year, averaging upwards of 4,000 for a regular game.

“Knoxville really loves sports. Obviously, there’s UT, but Knoxville is passionate about sports overall. Any time there’s been consistency, people go,” says Joel. “Consistent promotions is important but so is having a product that’s part of the community, plus the investment from the players. All our players are from up north or overseas, but they get involved in school and hospital visits.”

There are a few staple promotions that the Ice Bears support each season, such as the wiener dog races, which is always a sell-out event. There’s also Star Wars night during which the coliseum morphs into the Death Star with Storm Troopers who roam and lurk. They also partner with athletes and coaches from the University of Tennessee. On those nights, the Ice Bears wear smokey gray uniforms in solidarity.

“We want people to have fun, but we believe in our sport and our product. If we get people in the seats for a promotion, then maybe they’ll stay for the season. We had 1,400 season ticket holders this year, which is about half of our capacity,” says Joel. “We believe that if we can get people to a game the first time, then we’ll get them back a second time.”

In between the theme nights and media timeouts (that’s when the contests and giveaways happen), the Ice Bears are serious about spreading the word on the fun of their sport.

“We’re trying to grow the sport as much as we can. During the season, we have youth and adult skaters to learn skills, and there’s a youth hockey academy,” says Joel. “We want kids to fall in love with hockey and parents to let them. In the decade I’ve been here, I’ve watched Knoxville becoming a hockey town. Our fans continue to show up. We had seven sellouts last season and went 7-0 in those sellouts. It takes a special place to sustain the sport.”

Learn more at KnoxvilleIceBears.com

Photo by Daniel Moore

Photo by Daniel Moore

Older House Charm Can Bring Electrical

Chances are an aging home needs some electrical updates. An electrical inspection can protect your home from potential hazards, determine if it is code compliant, help with insurance premiums and--when the time comes, make it easier to sell.

Here are some common electrical problems with older homes.

Old Fuse Box

Fuse boxes melt wires when the circuit is overloaded, requiring them to be replaced before the electricity can be restored to that circuit. Modern circuit breakers have switches that can be flipped and wires that can disconnect and plug back into place - A much safer option.

Knob And Tube Wiring

Knob and tube wiring was used in the 1950s and earlier and does not provide the appropriate energy for running modern appliances. Overheating can occur and result in fire hazards.

Aluminum Wiring

Aluminum wiring was used largely in the 1960s to 1970s. The metal heats up more than standard copper wires and is prone to loosen electrical connections, which can result in arcing, melting insulation, and fire hazards.

Circuit Breakers Tripping

Circuit breakers commonly trip when high-energy appliances draw more energy than the breaker allows, but if it happens frequently or without using an appliance, there may be loose connections in the system.

Two-Prong Outlets

Two-pronged outlets mean the outlet doesn’t have ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) to prevent electrocution in wet areas like kitchens and baths. It’s also inconvenient since you can’t use your three-pronged appliances

An

Check light switches and wall outlets for signs of overheating from faulty wiring.

Assess all shock and electrocution hazards.

Verify arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) are operating properly.

Check

Test whole-house surge protector if available to ensure it is operating properly.

Verify placement and test all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.

Inspect the electrical panel for the appropriate labels, amperage, and operation.

Examine outdoor electrical systems.

Provide a detailed report prioritizing areas of concern.

Local, Family-Owned Salons for Over 40 years

If you’ve read any of our recent ads, you’ll see a trend- Community. Team. Partnership. It’s all around us in society, but it’s especially important in the workplace. When given the opportunity for our company to work together as a whole, not just salons individually, we get excited! Sometimes even turning it into a friendly competition.

Back in March, Ross the Boss Salons was invited to participate in a fundraising event hosted by the Parkinson’s Foundation. This organization is significant to our company personally as our founder, Ross Badgett III, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease around 5 years ago. We were honored to partner with them to help raise awareness and funds for those battling the disease right here in our community. We did this on behalf of “Big Ross,” who retired back in 2019 to focus on his health handing the reigns over to his son Ross Badgett IV.

So many of our stylists have been with the company for 20, 30, and even 40 years. Ross wasn’t just the boss, he became family too. Clients also got to know him personally over the years while he was out visiting salon locations, so we knew we had a supportive group for this cause.

At the Moving Day Knoxville event, Ross III, his wife Le Badgett, Ross IV, and our Vice President Patricia Howard (who worked alongside Ross for so many years before his retirement) proudly represented our team- stylists, clients, friends, family- and all their efforts towards the fundraiser. Ross the Boss Salons matched what our company raised in the weeks leading up to the event and was recognized for raising the most money. While this was exciting, it’s not the trophy that matters at all. It’s everyone’s willingness to come together and support Ross, the OG boss- THE Ross the Boss- and the Parkinson’s Foundation for all that they do for our community.

Ross Badgett III & Ross Badgett IV

Ross with part of his management team!

From the Ashes

The Inspiring Story Behind Phoenix Conversions

ARTICLE BY JENNIE TREADWAY-MILLER PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHAWN POYNTER

On October 1, 1987, Scott Hayse and Butch Burson started a business doing van conversions, a highly sought-after service at the time, particularly for folks who wanted shag carpeting beneath their cushy captain’s chairs and a small, boxy television mounted to the side. Scott, unlike Butch, knew this was a trend that would eventually pass and wanted to get into installing bedliners and doing other types of truck conversions. The two parted ways professionally, so in 1988, Scott calls his best friend, George Vaughan, to see if he wanted to join him in the truck conversion business.

“We’d worked together up to 1986, but he went on to be a stockbroker in New York City and hated it. That only lasted about seven or eight months. He was an accountant by nature,

so I said come down here and help me,” says Scott. “He said, ‘I can’t right now. I’m listening to Guns N’ Roses, but when the song’s over, I’ll come.’ He showed up eight hours later.”

In an alternate universe, their success comes easy and at no personal cost, but the realities of this world would put them on a different path.

SCRUFFY START-UP

The original Phoenix Conversions was located off North Central, a bare-bones operation with card tables, folding chairs, and a leaky roof. But the work was good, and George’s accounting expertise helped point the business in the right financial direction. By the mid-90s, they realized relocating to West Knoxville might put them in an even

better position long-term, so the company moved to Trucker’s Lane, now Parkside Drive, just as construction was underway to extend Pellissippi Parkway to Alcoa and the boom of Turkey Creek was yet to come. With room to grow, Scott and George saw a bright future for their venture.

What came next would prove their instincts correct. Within five years, four different business owners approached them about buyouts – an accessory distribution company in Sevierville, a bedliner company in Nashville, then came inquiries from Memphis, then Kingsport. Scott spent much of 2001 on what felt like a driving tour of Tennessee, bouncing from city to city, shop to shop, while George kept things afloat back home in Knoxville. Despite their quick success, Phoenix Conversions was growing at an exhaustive pace, one that couldn’t be endured indefinitely.

It wasn’t long before the dam broke. George couldn’t manage the pressure and by the spring of 2002, Scott was on his own.

TIME TO PIVOT

Scott knew he needed to downsize as soon as possible. He hired a new accountant, and over the next few years, closed the statewide locations, all to keep the banks at bay. The company was in debt, and 2008 brought another financial whammy – the Great Recession – which resulted in a 40 percent drop in business.

That’s why, when a customer named Ed came around needing a handful of van conversions completed, Scott was eager to take the business. Ed was reliable and seemed to be flush with cash, so much that he was happy to loan Scott $100,000 to help keep Phoenix Conversions afloat.

Then, Ed disappeared. “I was building vans for this guy, but no one could find him. The bank is still calling, and all this equipment was supposed to be paid for by Ed,” says Scott, “but it was a scam, and Ed was in jail, and now I was the guy to help uncover the mess. We lost a couple hundred thousand dollars from that.”

By December 2008, the outlook was bleak in a new and troublesome way. All of Scott’s efforts seemed to be failing, and this led to intrusive, unimaginable thoughts about how to get off the hamster wheel. What can only be explained as divine intervention led to Scott changing direction yet again.

Scott with his sons, Justin and Brad

“I had to make a decision I didn’t want to make. I called the bank, my landlord, and all the vendors to say back off. I was going to lay off 14 people, keep seven, and they’ll have to take a pay cut, and I’ll take nothing. This was two days before Christmas. Everyone took the deal. We were like family, and I hated to do it,” says Scott. “There were a lot of tears and hugs.”

A NEW LIFE

In 2011, the landlord let Scott know they’d be selling the property to a hotel company but that it would be a slow process, at least a year. It was a heads-up to start looking for a new location for Phoenix Conversions. Then, he came back in January 2012 to say they’d break ground that March but not to worry. Due to the landlord’s windfall, he would forgive Scott’s outstanding debt and part ways amicably. Not only had the business bounced back from the recession, but now there was debt forgiveness, a literal answer to prayer.

Scott knew he wanted to stay in West Knoxville, so when their current location near  the intersection of Weisgarber Road and Middlebrook Pike came available, it seemed like a no- brainer.

“We struck a deal to have the west end of this building, but the fire marshal came in and said we needed to build a wall. That was a Friday night in the first week of February. We needed to be moved out and opened in a new location by March 1,” says Scott. “When I want to pray and talk to God, I lean against a tree. It has a bigger reach than I do. So, I laid against the tree at the front of the property and prayed to God that he needed to do something. The next day, the landlord said I could

take the whole building, and we didn’t have to pay rent for the first three months. We moved everything from Parkside Drive and remodeled the showroom and had it up and going March 1. We never missed a day of work.”

This is something that happened time and again throughout Scott’s decades-long career as a business owner, which he acknowledges is not his own doing.

“There are times when God is in your life, when God’s hand is in the whole process,” says Scott. “This is all God’s hand. Our business took off. By 2014, we were debt free.”

Phoenix Conversions employs 28 people with good pay and benefits, some of whom have been with the company since its inception. Its reputation continues to be the go-to place for vehicle conversions of many kinds, both commercial and personal. And while Scott is starting to slow down, he’s not quite ready to leave the office.

“I was supposed to retire last October. The business turned 35 and I turned 70, but my wife accepted that I won’t retire if we could travel and I don’t work 100 hours a week,” he says. “A group of employees, including my sons, will buy the business from me when it’s time to be done.

Those people have been with me from the beginning, through thick and thin.”

As the company name suggests, Phoenix Conversions has been reborn a number of times.Despite Scott’s hard work and resilience, he doesn’t take the credit.

“I look at this all as a blessing from God,” he says. “I tried to end it, but He had a better idea.”

Learn more about the company at PhoenixConversions.com

“I look at this all as a blessing from God... I tried to end it, but He had a better idea.”

GENERAL CONTRACTOR

ARCHITECTURAL + INTERIOR DESIGNER

“Lori was an invaluable asset and advocate during our recent home sale and purchase! Her knowledge in...well, EVERYTHING is unmatched!”

Buyer & Seller

“When you work with Lori, you truly experience the best of the best.”

Buyer

“You will never find a more reliable, trustworthy, or hardworking realtor than Lori. She works nonstop and truly fights for her clients.”

Seller

The Sweet Life

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMY CAMPBELL

AMY: THANK YOU FOR SPARING TIME TO TALK WITH ME ABOUT HONEYBEES. I KNOW THAT THIS IS SOMETHING THAT YOU DO FOR FUN, AND I APPRECIATE YOU SHARING.

Phillip: I’m glad to be here, and I hope the little bit I know about them we can share with people and make them more interested in what the honeybee does for us. If they weren’t here, we’d have a difficult time of surviving because they do so many good things for us. It’s important that we pay attention to our environment and to what is causing the different issues that the bees are having.

A: HOW DID YOU GET INTO THIS?

P: One of my great friends and former teammates Larry Johnston, who is a Maryvillian as well, said, “Hey, I’m having a good time with these honeybees and now that you’re retired you should do it with me.” This was after I left UT as a coach. I’ve always been fascinated by bees, and my grandparents kept big gardens, so I understood pollination and what the bees did generally. Larry said it doesn’t take

much time, which is not exactly right, but it doesn’t take a ton of time. So, I decided to try it, and I really enjoyed it. I think we are also doing some good things for our family because I wanted my children, and particularly my grandchildren, to appreciate nature. We have a big enough place with room for the bees. We started off with a 60x60 garden, and they help me in the garden and the bees, which is precious and fun. We are fortunate to have most of our grandchildren close, so we enjoy it. Mike Smith here in town, who is my mentor, was nice enough to come over here and teach me everything. He’s been one of those guys that you can count on.

A: I’M SO GLAD YOU HAVE YOUR GRANDKIDS INTO THIS BECAUSE THEY WILL LEARN FROM YOU, AND THEY WILL CARRY THIS ON. THAT’S WHAT ALL OF THIS IS ABOUT, ISN’T IT?

P: Well, it really is. The time I spent as a coach was wonderful. We built hundreds of great relationships with families across the country as kids came to campus, and we did it very much as a family. The kids grew

up in it – recruiting and ballgames. It was special for them to be on the sidelines. Vicky insisted on that, and I fought against it a little bit because I didn’t know what they’d hear Dad say down on the sidelines sometimes. But it turned out to be one of the greatest experiences that we did as a family because they understood the commitment and passion, the love and tough times when you don’t win.

I’m not the greatest gardener of all time, but we do get lots of vegetables to enjoy and give away, and the honey process in July or sometimes early August has really been fun. The kids look forward to it. They have their little bee suits and are not afraid, except for one who got a bee in his bonnet one day, and I can’t get him back up there.

It’s interesting. You get to know the hives because each hive has a personality, probably related to the queen’s personality or age. As long as you don’t bang on them some way or another, they are pretty docile, until you get to a place where they are storing for the winter and then they are protective. There’s not a lot of pollen or blooming left for them to gather so they start being a little bit defensive at that point. I don’t go out there in shorts or a T-shirt, I can promise you that. I found out early on, after I had gotten hooked on how much I enjoy doing it, that I am allergic.  I got stung and swelled up, but I have since had the shots and everything, so if I should get stung again, it shouldn’t bother me. I take great precaution to make sure I don’t get stung and carry an EpiPen with me now. You must be careful. They aren’t out there to bother you unless you bother them.

A: FOR A BEGINNER, HOW DOES SOMEONE GET STARTED?

P: How you get started is find a good mentor, read about it, and stay with it. You’ve got to commit some time to it. The guys who do it commercially, that’s a full-time job. They’re doing it every day. For me, as a hobby, just pay attention once a week or to see what’s up with them, what stage they are in. I have a big poster in the barn with what each time of year you’re supposed to do what. I also keep it on my calendar. I’m very much a rookie at this, so there are guys who know a lot more than I do.

A: HOW MANY HIVES DO YOU HAVE?

P: I only have two hives now. I’ve had as many as six, and you have all of these different dynamics. Some of them leave or the queen ages… We had a couple of years where we had pests that disrupted them. I plan to have four hives this year.

A: DO YOU SELL YOUR HONEY?

P: I don’t sell the honey. There’s usually enough for family, and we give it away to friends, that sort of thing. This is a hobby for me. A lot of people have made a good business out of it, and that’s good for all of us.

A: HOW DO YOU ENJOY EATING YOUR HONEY THE BEST?

P: Well, I like to have it like my mother used to do with homemade biscuits. In this household, there’s not a lot of homemade biscuits made and that’s probably a good thing, but I’ll have it on toast or cereal. Our children use it for quite a bit of things, and we’ll also cook with it and use it as a substitute for sugar.

A: PHILLIP FULMER, THANK YOU FOR TALKING ABOUT HONEYBEES AND ENCOURAGING OTHERS.

P: Thank you for bringing it to light. People should be paying attention to nature in general, particularly to our honeybees, which we need for our own existence.

For information on beekeeping and how to find beekeeping clubs near you, visit tnbeekeepers.org

This interview with Coach Phillip Fulmer is also available as a podcast if you would like to listen. Visit Tennesseefarmtable.com , Season 10, Episode 13.

Join Amy Campbell weekly at The Tennessee Farm Table Podcast & Broadcast for stories of Food, Farming, and Folklore. Listen on your schedule by podcast at TennesseeFarmTable.com or listen in on your radio Saturday mornings at 9:00, 89.9. WDVX, Knoxville, 2:00 WUTC, Chattanooga and Sundays at 1:00 from Radio Bristol.

ATTORNEYS & COUNSELORS AT LAW

We are here to serve as friends, allies, loyal and trusted advisors during what is often a difficult time for our clients, their families or their business.

The word Amicus is synonymous with what sets our attorneys apart and truly defines the weight we place in our relationship with our clients.

Sports Law

TriAmicus Law, PLLC provides athletes with strong legal representation in contracts, negotiations and compliance while also providing legal guidance with branding and business pursuits to athletes transitioning into life after sports.

Derrick Furlow, Jr. SLB Agent

D. Patel SLB Agent

Mital D. Patel Founder & Managing Partner

Julie D. Eisenhower Partner

More Is Caught Than Taught

ARTICLE BY AARON NOLAN, CFP® | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BEN FINCH

On July 31, 2012, I said goodnight to my dad for the last time. At the tender age of 13, I had no idea how life-altering the next day would be. Twenty-four hours later, my 42-year-old father, healthy as a horse, found himself on an operating table, fighting for his life. Although my dad didn’t physically die that day, in a lot of ways it felt like he did. When he woke up days later from a coma, he didn’t recognize my mother, brothers, or myself. It would take him weeks to re-learn how to speak and months to learn to walk again. Over a decade later, he still suffers from permanent brain damage. Unable to remember anything, unable to have meaningful conversations, or unable to grasp what it means to be a father or a husband, he exists as a shell of the person he once was.

While I only have a few years’ worth of memories from my time with my dad, he has still played a massive part in shaping me into the person I am today. That being said, I honestly can’t remember a single time he sat me down to give me advice or I asked for advice. While I am sure he did that plenty of times, what lives on in my memory are his actions. He taught me how to be a good father by his commitment to always being home to eat dinner with us and having fun with us after dinner (even though this meant he had to finish up work once we went to bed). He taught me how to always strive for excellence in everything I do. In the early hours of the morning, before he went to work, he would set up sports drills

and stations with written instructions so my brothers and I could improve during our summer break. He taught me how to love well, by going above and beyond to shower my mom with love and affection. He taught me how to serve well, by the countless hours he would spend serving our local church. I could go on and on, but you can see how these things easily sunk into my brain. None of these lessons were something that he just said to me once. He embodied them every single day. It was who he was and how he lived.

I have no idea what it is like to be a father, but I know from my own experience as the son of a father, more will be caught than taught (both good and bad). Lessons we teach with our mouths are fading, but the lessons we teach with our actions will leave a lasting impression when we are gone.

What are others catching from you?

PYA Waltman 1402 Ebenezer Rd. (865) 693-6301

PYAWaltman.com

PYA Waltman Capital, LLC (“PYAW”) is an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. More information about PYAW’s investment advisory services can be found in its Form ADV Part 2, which is available upon request.  PYA-23-21

Shoebox Collection

THE KNOXVILLE HISTORY PROJECT CONTINUES ITS SERIES ON LITTLE KNOWN PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY LOCALS

At the nonprofit Knoxville History Project, we are always on the lookout for old images for our Knoxville Shoebox digital collection. If you have interesting photographs, postcards, or brochures, from any era, we’d love to hear from you so we can preserve the visual history of Knoxville and make it available for researchers of the future. Old family photos might show interesting scenes or buildings. Posters and photos from musical shows also have fascinating stories to tell. We are interested in all eras, especially more recent decades not yet covered by local archives and collections, and images of South Knoxville for our current book research.

MARKET HOUSE

This rare photograph by artist Joe Parrott Sr. was taken from his studio window around 1939, showing a busy day on Union Avenue in front of the old Market House. The large building to the left of the Market House is the former Kern’s Emporium, used at this time, on the ground floor at least, by Cole’s Drugs. Behind it is the Roxy Theatre, the burlesque theater and movie house that closed in 1959. Parrott was a wellknown illustrator who designed lobby displays for the Tennessee Theatre when it opened in 1928. He served as president of the Knoxville Camera Club in 1940. (Shared by Joe Parrott Jr who still has the 4x5 Graflex camera used by his father on this shot.)

FIREPROOF STORAGE

Nicholson Construction took this construction photograph before completion

ARTICLE BY JACK NEELY AND PAUL JAMES

Ayres Hall

Fireproof Storage

of the Fireproof Storage Company building in October 1923. Located on E. Jackson Avenue and S. Humes Street, adjacent to the Southern Railroad and close to Cripple Creek (now First Creek), for many years, this area formed the core of the meatpacking district with the associated East Tennessee Stockyards. Close by, the Bottom was a poor and predominantly African American neighborhood that flooded frequently. This building, renovated, still stands today and is an immediate neighbor to the construction site of the new baseball stadium site. (Shared by Ed Nicholson.)

AYRES HALL

Construction of Ayres Hall on the Hill at the University of Tennessee nears completion in this 1921 photograph. The building was designed by Chicago architect Grant Miller and although it has been called Collegiate Gothic due to its stone arches and gargoyles, architecture students argue that its perfect symmetry makes it more akin to Elizabethan Revival. The building’s checkerboard motif can be found mirrored in Neyland Stadium’s end zones. Ayres Hall is named after former UT President, Brown Ayres (1856-1919), a former Tulane professor who had been well known in New Orleans as a scientist and demonstrator of new electrical marvels, and who introduced radio technology to Knoxville when he conducted a demonstration here during a visit in 1902. He died in office as this project began. (Shared by Ed Nicholson.)

KUB BUILDING

Here is the Knoxville Utilities Building (KUB) on the corner of Gay Street and W. Church Avenue not long after a new facade was added in 1951. An expansion and a further makeover was completed in 1964. Used for more than three decades as a furniture store, this building became home to Knoxville Power and Light Company in 1916. It was here that many Knoxvillians were first introduced to modern electrical appliances through its window displays. The

Tennessee Valley Authority held offices here in the 1930s before KUB was established in 1939 to manage water and electric services for Knoxville residents.  The current owner, the advertising firm Tombras, radically designed the building in 2018. (Shared by Ed Nicholson.)

Market House

ABOUT KHP

The mission of the Knoxville History Project (KHP) is to research, preserve, and promote the history and culture of Knoxville, Tennessee. Donations to support the work of the Knoxville History Project, an educational nonprofit, are always welcome and appreciated.

Look for Historic Knoxville: The Curious Visitor’s Guide, a 200-page, full-color, book offering a wide-ranging tour of scores of places and institutions relevant to the city’s often little known but endlessly fascinating history. All of Knoxville’s historic homes are included, along with the city’s museums and historical collections, historic downtown buildings, churches, statues, and a couple of suggested literary walks. Userfriendly maps enable readers to explore Knoxville’s other historic landscapes including notable neighborhoods, parks, cemeteries, UT campus, and Civil War sites.

KHP’s publications also include Historic Bearden: The 200-year story of Knoxville’s Fourth Creek Valley, and numerous story collections including the “Knoxville Lives” series. Copies are available at knoxvillehistoryproject.org and local bookstores, including Union Ave Books.

IF YOU ARE READING THIS... SO IS YOUR BEST CLIENT.

2 OUT OF 3 of our readers regularly purchase from our ads.

From Health Coach to Cookie Maker

A Q&A with

Kooky

Cookies

Creator

Margarita McClure

ARTICLE BY MITAL D. PITAL | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MEGAN CLUTE PHOTOGRAPHY

I have worked with many business owners over the years, and I always enjoy listening to how their business went from an idea to a successful startup. Some entrepreneurs are able to share their own journey in a way that can not only inspire others, but also educate them before they make the decision to start a business. Margarita McClure is a serial entrepreneur, wife, and mom of four. I was excited to go to her Kooky Cookies location to learn more about her business, but as a mom myself there was no way I was going to be able to go there without sharing that sweet experience with my own children. This was a unique opportunity to mix business with pleasure.

MITAL: WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO START KOOKY COOKIES?

Margarita: It was during the school closures for Covid, and at the time I was working as a weight loss coach. My clients were not following the plan and emotional eating seemed to be the reason. I wanted to create a cookie worth those calories. I was also at home with my four children -- Jacob, Nathan, Isabella and Joshua -- and the lockdown motivated me to show my children the practical applications for what they were learning, as well as how to grow a business from scratch. They were involved in the entire process as we created delicious stuffed cookies with gluten free, vegan and high protein options.

M: YOUR HEALTH COACH AND CULINARY BACKGROUND HELPED WITH YOUR PRODUCT, BUT HOW DID YOU SCALE YOUR BUSINESS MODEL?

M: First was selecting a name that was easy to pronounce and catchy enough to remember. The color scheme, logo, and packaging followed. I wanted

packaging that looked professional, not your typical home baked goods options. This is where I invested money in stickers, labeling, and boxes. I also created appealing photos and video of the cookies to reach my customers. Next was creating my website, which I maintain to date. I wanted the same professional look of the packaging to be reflected on my website.

Second, I started my marketing with just my Facebook page. I made more in sales in the first four weeks than I did in three months of health coaching. It was clearly time to move the business out of my house, so I built a commercial kitchen and eventually a storefront. This was also around the time I started marketing my business to corporate event, gifting, and nationwide shipping. Marketing has since grown to more social media platforms, billboards, and radio.

M: I ADVISE BUSINESS OWNERS ABOUT LEGAL FORMATIONS AND LIABILITY PROTECTIONS, BUT FROM YOUR PERSPECTIVE WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE?

M: (1) Have a bigger vision in mind than just the individual client; (2) First impressions matter, so make it count; (3) Build trust with your customer, be authentic, and stand out from your competition.

I am sure Margarita and I could have talked for hours about this successful business of hers, but it was time for me to be the judge and enjoy a sweet treat. Learn more about Margarita’s story and the cookie options at KookyCookie.com .

TriAmicus Law

217 S. Peters Road (865) 217-1154

TriAmicusLaw.com

“Build trust with your customer, be authentic, and stand out from your competition. ”

MAKE AN IMPACT FOR DAD

What do you buy for the man who has everything? Perhaps an experience oriented around what dads value most – time together – is just what he needs. Fathers and father figures are invaluable in our lives. They help shape and mold us. They’re there for us and support us. If you haven’t already planned something special, take a look at our list of ideas and circle your favorites. If you have kids, let them join in the fun too!

Whether you decide to spend a day at home or enjoy a day on the town, these innovative celebration ideas will include fun for the whole family and make Dad feel loved. Whatever activity or surprise you land on to show your dad, husband, brother or father figure your appreciation for all they do, the most important thing is that you all get to spend some quality time together.

Memorable Ways to Celebrate The Father Figure in Your Life

LEARN ABOUT HIS FAMILY TREE

Family heritage websites can offer insight into dad’s past and be an interesting way to study the history of your family. Present Dad with a report on his ancestors or dig in together!

PLAN A STAYCATION

You don’t need to go very far to have a great time with Dad! Explore a new neck of your own woods with a family staycation. You can go out on the town, stay at a fancy hotel and maybe even enjoy some room service!

GO BIRD WATCHING

Lay out a blanket in your backyard and grab your binoculars for a peaceful, naturefilled day. Make a list of how many different kinds of birds you see and guess if you can identify them.

GO BOWLING

Bowling is a timeless classic Dad is sure to enjoy. Bonus if the bowling alley has an arcade, chicken wings and Dad’s favorite beverage of choice.

PLAY FRISBEE GOLF AS A FAMILY

Find a local frisbee golf course and grab a slot for the family to play. This activity is fun for both young and old and helps you take advantage of being in the beautiful outdoors together.

events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

JUNE 5TH

Ryan Adams & the Cardinals

KNOXVILLE CIVIC AUDITORIUM AND COLISEUM | 8:00 PM

Ryan Adams has been praised as "one of rock's most talented songwriters” (SPIN). The 7-time Grammy nominated artist has 22 studio albums to his name, accumulating in millions of sales. He has produced albums for esteemed musicians including Willie Nelson, Jesse Malin, Jenny Lewis and has collaborated with some of music’s most influential artists such as Weezer, Fall Out Boy, America and many more.

JUNE 17TH

Comedian Darren Knight

KNOXVILLE CIVIC AUDITORIUM AND COLISEUM | 8:00 PM

Bang Productions presents the Southern Momma & Friends Comedy Tour with Darren Knight Live, featuring Comedians Red Squirrel and Gary Cargal hosted by Comedian Robin Phoenix. Originally from Mumford, Alabama, Darren Knight's character, Southern Momma, is a household name in the South. He has a massive nationwide following on multiple social media platforms and was named one of “10 Comics To Watch” by Variety Magazine.

JUNE 18TH

Father's Day Dinner Cruise

STAR OF KNOXVILLE RIVERBOAT | 12:30 PM

Treat dad to a uniquely relaxing trip down the Tennessee River on the Star of Knoxville Riverboat this Father's Day. Enjoy a delicious buffet and great views during the scenic two-hour cruise. Choose between two options: Board at 12:30 p.m and sail from 1 to 3 p.m., or board at 4:15 p.m. and sail from 5 to 7 p.m. Visit TNRiverboat.com to book.

JUNE 19TH JUNE 23RD

Juneteenth Celebration and MLK Memorial Parade

CHILHOWEE PARK & EXPOSITION CENTER | 10:00 AM

The Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Commission Parade will begin at 10:00am at Chilhowee Park and conclude at Dr. Walter E. Hardy Park for a special Beck Juneteenth Memorial Tribute service.

Smoky Mountain Quilters 42nd Annual Show

KNOXVILLE EXPO CENTER | 9:00 AM

More than 200 beautiful quilts entered by quilters from all over the US will be on display. Winners are chosen and awarded over $6000 in prize money. Stop by on Friday from 9 a.m to 5 p.m. or Saturday, June 24, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit SmokyMtnQuilters.com to learn more.

JUNE 24TH

Knoxville Brewfest

WORLD'S FAIR PARK | 12:00 PM

Session No. 1 is from 1 to 4 p.m. and Session No. 2 is from 6 to 9 p.m. Patrons are not allowed to attend both sessions. Tickets to both Saturday sessions include admission, a commemorative tasting glass, a festival map, and beer tasting for all your favorite breweries. Net proceeds of the Fest benefit CureDuchenne. Visit KnoxvilleBrewfest.com to learn more.

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Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/WestKnoxville

ARTICLE BY CHELSEA BAUER

A BOOKISH FATHER’S DAY

Father’s Day is just around the corner, and what better way to show your dad how much you love him than by giving him the gift of a great book? Whether your dad is into history, adventure, or loves grilling out, we’ve got you covered.

Wilderness Tales

A wonderful compilation of wilderness stories from a wide variety of authors. Every genre is represented, and the physical book is gorgeous.

The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder

The Outdoor Cook

edited by Diana Fuss by America’s Test Kitchen

by David Grann

Grann’s first book since Killers of the Flower Moon . It tells the story of a 1700s shipwreck and the surviving members of the crew. It’s a deep dive into maritime rivalries during the golden age of ship warfare.

The ultimate how-to for outdoor cooking just in time for grilling season! It includes 150 recipes to make the whole meal outdoors, including snacks, sides, breads, and desserts.