Quality is no accident. Congratulations to the doctors, nurses and other health professionals who make our hospitals great.
1 in nation
#
Top 10% in nation
for medical excellence in interventional carotid care at Holston Valley
for patient satisfaction in overall medical, surgical and hospital care at Hawkins County Memorial
1 in state
#
for medical excellence in joint replacement at Bristol Regional
Top 100 in nation for medical excellence in heart attack treatment, joint replacement and trauma care at Bristol Regional for patient safety in heart attack treatment, interventional carotid care and neurological care at Holston Valley
for medical excellence in cardiac care, neurological care and heart attack treatment at Holston Valley for medical excellence in cardiac care, overall medical care, major orthopedic surgery, pulmonary care and stroke care at Bristol Regional for patient safety in cardiac care, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, heart attack treatment, joint replacement, orthopedic care, pneumonia care and trauma care at Bristol Regional for patient safety in pneumonia care, trauma care and vascular surgery at Holston Valley
2016 CareChex速
wellmont.org
ENJOY A GIRLS’ DAY OUT – AND SAVE LIVES. Saturday, April 30 • 2–5 p.m. The Virginian Golf Club
•
Bristol, Virginia
With sip-sational wines, food, high fashion and charming Shoe Guys, Wine Women & Shoes is a can’t-miss event for the ultimate girls’ day out. In addition to exclusive designers and vendors, this event also features:
• Keys to the Closet, a one-of-a-kind drawing to win unique fashion and home accessories • Wall of Wine, where you can win a top-dollar bottle • A high-energy fashion show • Silent and live auctions
Buy your tickets today, and make it an afternoon to remember. Individual: $100 | Sole Sisters (2 tickets): $150
VIP Individual: $150 | VIP Sole Sisters (2 tickets): $250 VIP Table (six tickets): $850
VIP tables include reserved seating, upgraded swag bag, a bottle of wine for the table, personal Shoe Guy attendant and valet parking. Only six tables available! All VIP tickets include reserved seating, upgraded swag bags and valet parking.
Visit WineWomenAndShoes.com/Wellmont to purchase tickets, or call 423-230-8592 to learn more. Proceeds from Wine Women & Shoes will help the Wellmont Cancer Institute improve access and affordability for breast cancer screenings. Through earlier detection, we can help women live out their dreams – by outliving cancer.
Contents
FOUNDER/PUBLISHER Angela J. Baker CO-OWNER Mickey J. Baker CREATIVE DIRECTOR Angelica Ares OFFICE, SALES, AND EVENTS Felicia Conners EDITORIAL ASSISTANT James Helms DISTRIBUTION MANAGER James Helms ACCOUNT MANAGERS Lark Adams 423.612.3583 Lark@vipseenmag.com
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April Barnes 423.646.4626 april@vipseenmag.com Robyn Berrigan 423.765.5331 robyn@vipseenmag.com
FEATURES
Susan Couch 423.483.5591 susan@vipseenmag.com
8
Jacqueline Joseph 423.367.6785 Jacqueline@vipseenmag.com Carolyn Kestner 423.292.3436 Carolyn@vipseenmag.com COPY EDITOR Lucy Honeychurch CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Lark Adams Jennifer Clagg James Helms G.C. Hutson Lucy Honeychurch Sherri Jessee Tony Marr Savanna McDavid Beth Street PHOTOGRAPHY Mickey J. Baker Lark Adams Liz Bushong Jennifer Clagg Linda Coffey Felicia Conners James Helmes Jacqueline Joseph Carolyn Kestner Savanna McDavid DISTRIBUTION Ricky Adams Bobby Flowers James Helms Charles Kilgore Sarah Moody WEBMASTER Robert Neilson Wired Web Development VIPSEEN, Inc., Tri-Cities 151 E. Main Street, Suite 5 Kingsport, TN 37660 423.398.5321 info@vipseenmag.com WWW.VIPSEENMAG.COM
4 | VIPSEEN | MAY 2016
EVENTS
38
12
United Way of Bristol 2016 Annual Meeting “Past, Present and Future”
14
American Cancer Society Breakfast & Awards Ceremony
17
Kingsport 100
20
Art of Body
DEPARTMENTS
20
Man’s Best Friend: Man’s Best Drink
6
HAPPY
21
Food City Grower’s Appreciation Luncheon
7
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
22
Cocktails & Cute Handbags
26
The American Advertising Federation of Northeast Tennessee Awards Ceremony
24 VIPBEAUTY: SHARP HAIR, BOLD STYLE
28
SWVA Addy Awards
48 SEEN ON THE SCENE
30
Kingsport Chamber 4th Friday Breakfast
80 WIT BIT
33
JCAHBA Home and Garden Show
34
Human Odyssey: A Living Art Sanctioned Bodypainting Event
37
Girl Scout’s Sweetheart Dance
38
PEAK Event at The Kingsport Farmers Market
40
Be A Saint
40
Interstate Career Fair
41
Leap Year Glow Run/Walk
42
The Local Company Grand Opening
42
Ladies Night Out
44
Downtown Johnson City Brand Launch Party
45
Rock Springs Elementary School Presentation
46
Bristol CSA Fair
47
Regional Leaders Breakfast
96
Man Up Campaign Kickoff at BMS
COVER PROFILE: JIM MCGLOTHLIN
51 POWER MEN 70 SPECIAL EDITORIAL FEATURE: A GUIDE TO MAN CAVES
18 ARTSEEN:
LIDANY ROUSE
81 SERVE IT UP SASSY:
A HERO FOR YOUR SUPER HERO!
ON THE COVER Jim McGlothlin
Photo of Jim McGlothlin by Richard Mink Background photo by Larry Lambrecht
WINE + CRAFT BEER TASTINGS BBQ + MUSIC FESTIVAL
Souuern Rock Legends
THE
MARSHALL TUCKER BAND
plus
CRAFT BEER & WINE TASTINGS! TH SAT, MAY 14 FESTIVAL & MUSIC: 12-10PM | TASTINGS: 2-7PM DOWNTOWN KINGSPORT
TASTING + CONCERT: $30-$45 CONCERT ONLY: $10 ($15 DAY OF) TASTING TICKETS WILL SELL-OUT! Proudly Sponsored by: Food City, Cumulus Broadcasting, Libation Station, Sierra Nevada, Reedy Creek Vineyards & Cellars, Dermatology Associates, Powell Valley National Bank, Pepsi, AccuForce, Sapporo Beer, KCVB, Action Rentals, Barberitos of Kingsport, VIPSEEN and WJHL
Happy Birthday Tori!
Happy Birthday & Happy Anniversary to my Sweetie!
Happy Birthday Sarah Clevinger!
Happy Birthday Tara Burns!
Happy Birthday Theresa Shaw!
Happy Birthday Tamara Marshall! Happy Birthday Hillary Schmid!
Happy Birthday Dancing Debbie!
Happy Birthday Jaecee Rae!
Happy Birthday Reece Hill!
Happy Birthday Natalie!
6 | VIPSEEN | MAY 2016
Happy Birthday Stan!
Happy Birthday Heather Cook!
Happy Birthday David Meredith!
Happy Birthday Dancing Mike Adler!
Happy Birthday Shirley Carrier!
Calendar of Events / MAY 2016 MAY 1 9th Annual A Night of Hope 4:00pm – 8:00pm Maple Lane Farm 3134 Cherokee Road Johnson City, TN $50 / person 423-361-7806 lwengland72@gmail.com
The Spine Health Foundation DERBY DAY 5:30pm – 9:00pm The Olde Farm – Party Barn 16639 Old Jonesboro Road Bristol, VA Tickets: $150/person or 8 for $1200 423-467-2087 www.derbydayevent.org
Kingsport ARTS Follies 2:30pm – 4:30pm Renaissance Arts Center & Theatre 1200 E. Center Street Kingsport, TN Tickets: $5 (2-12 years) $10 (12 years & older) 423-392-8420 www.kingsportarts.org
Derby Northeast 5:00pm The Foundation Event Facility 620 State Street Bristol, TN $75/ticket and $400/table (seats 8) 423-354-5278 ribishop@northeaststate.edu
Miss Virginia United States Pageant 6:00pm – 11:00pm Virginia High School Auditorium Bristol, VA www.missvirginiaus.com MAY 4 Chamber Networking EXPO Holiday Inn Johnson City, TN mentgen@johnsoncitytnchamber.com MAY 7 Girls on the Run 5K presented by Families for a Healthier Eastman 9:00am – 10:00am South Side Elementary Johnson City, TN 423-502-6910 jessica.thomas@girlsontherun.org www.gotrnetn.org The 1st Annual Spay-Ghetti Dinner Fundraiser 5:00pm – 8:00pm The Abingdon Senior Center & Virginia Ballroom 300 Senior Drive NE Abingdon, VA $10 /child, $15/adult 724-244-1109 debbierobinson@outlook.com www.adlwashcova.org
Kingsport Ballet Presents: Ballet and Bubbly 6:00pm – 9:00pm The Chateau Selah 525 Gottland Shoals Road Blountville, TN Tickets: $50/person 423-378-3967 www.kingsportballet.org MAY 9 24th Annual Kingsport Chamber Golf Scramble Two Flights (Shotgun Start) 8:45am or 2:00pm Rain Date: May 23 Ridgefield’s Country Club 2320 Pendragon Road Kingsport, TN 423-392-8827 www.KingsportChamber.org MAY 12 Bowman Jewelers After Hours 5:30 – 7:00pm 2111 North Roan Street Johnson City, TN 423-461-8000
MAY 13 Mountain States Health Alliance (MSHA) Gala Benefitting Sycamore Shoals Featuring “Party on the Moon” 6:00pm – 11:30pm The Millennium Centre “Lawn” Johnson City, TN 423-302-3126 www.mshafoundation.org
MAY 21 Tri-Cities Hope Gala: An American Cancer Society Event 6:30pm Farmer’s Market Pavilion Founder’s Park Johnson City, TN 423-975-0635 holly.booker@cancer.org www.tricitieshopegala.org
MAY14 2nd Annual CFK Games 2016 CrossFit Competition 10:00am – 3:00pm CrossFit Kingsport 501 E. Main Street Kingsport, TN Tickets: $60/team www.eventbrite.com
2nd Annual Boots in the Mountains 6:30pm The Kingsport Farmers Market 225 West Center Street Kingsport, TN 423-232-0111 lorraine.veltri@benchmark.us www.bootsinthemountains.com
MAY 15 JDRF ONE Walk 3:00pm – 5:00pm Check-In: 1:30pm Warrior’s Path State Park 490 Hemlock Road Kingsport, TN 865-544-0768 www.jdrf.org MAY 17 Boys & Girls Club Inaugural Steak ‘n’ Burger 12:30pm – 1:30pm The Boys & Girls Club of Elizabethton/ Carter County 104 Hudson Drive Elizabethton, TN 423-543-22946 ewilliams@bgcecc.org
MAY 26 through May 28 Richard Leigh Songwriter’s Festival VHCC Campus www.vhcc.edu/songwriters MAY 28 8th Annual Bill Gatton Honda Memorial Freedom 5K Run/Walk 8:00am Bristol Train Station Bristol, TN 423-968-5111 www.gattonhonda5k.com
Keep checking our online calendar @ www.vipseenmag.com as we update daily!
MAY @ BARTER THEATRE
CHARLOTTE’S WEB
Often called “the best children’s book of all time,” Charlotte’s Web occupies a special place in the hearts of young and old alike. A tiny pig named Wilbur is saved from an untimely death by a little girl and taken to live in her uncle’s barn. In the barn, Wilbur meets many wonderful friends, the best of whom is Charlotte, a kindly spider who takes it upon herself to save Wilbur’s life yet again. Experience the joy and the wonder of this beautiful story of friendship at Barter Theatre.
OTHER SHOWINGS FOR THE MONTH OF MAY: GREATER TUNA & MAMMA MIA! Visit www.batertheatre.com or call 423-628-3991 for show times and to purchase tickets.
MAY 2016 | VIPSEEN | 7
VIP COVER PROFILE
Jim McGlothlin In
the summer of 1970, a weekly Tuesday night poker game between friends led to the establishment of The United Company, one of the most successful business partnerships our region has ever seen. The United Company began as a coal company that soon expanded into steel, financial services, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, and many other lucrative industries. When asked about not only his start, but also his meteoric rise in the business world Jim McGlothlin says it was, “a lot of luck, and a lot of hard work by United employees.” Jim McGlothlin was born and raised in Buchanan County, Virginia and began his entrepreneurial ventures early with a newspaper delivery route at age nine. He quickly expanded his route soon, though, from about 10 papers to well over 300. He continued to work hard both as a school bus driver and waiter throughout high school and into college at the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. While at William & Mary, McGlothlin would meet and develop a deep and long lasting relationship with the Dean of the Law School there, Dudley Woodbridge. Coming from a family of lawyers, and having a deep love for law, McGlothlin told Woodbridge that he wanted to attend William & Mary’s law school when he completed his undergraduate work. The Dean said he didn’t know
8 | VIPSEEN | MAY 2016
STORY BY LARK ADAMS
if McGlothlin was ready for the intense nature of law school based on his undergraduate grades. Not only did McGlothlin prove him wrong, he ultimately earned a scholarship and living stipend from Dean Woodbridge for his excellent course work. In addition, McGlothlin passed the Virginia Bar Exam after just two years of law school. When he returned to Southwest Virginia, McGlothlin settled in Grundy, Virginia, and started practicing law. It was as a lawyer that he was approached, and ended up purchasing on the courthouse steps, a small coal mine. His original intention was to liquidate the company and its equipment. That very night at his weekly poker game with family and friends, the group decided to invest resources into making the company profitable, and The United Company was born. For several years the company continued to operate mainly out of Grundy, Virginia, and McGlothlin has fond memories of the small town. “There was no class system in Grundy, so your golf buddy could be a truck driver as easily as one of your business colleagues,” says McGlothlin. Ultimately, the company headquarters moved to Bristol, Virginia, mainly due to access to airports, interstates, and ease of travel as the company continued to expand across the United States and the world.
“Look in the mirror every morning and make sure you see someone you like.”
McGlothlin still travels to Grundy several times a year to visit family and the Mountain Mission School (MMS), a quasi-orphanage that has served over 20,000 at risk children from around the country and the world. “Mountain Mission School is a place of refuge for children in need,” says McGlothlin. “I have taken many people there over the years and no one leaves with their heart untouched by these beautiful children.” MMS has a strong emphasis on college preparatory programs and over 95% of their students go on to attend college. McGlothlin, and the charitable organizations he supports, have long had an emphasis on helping children, providing meals and shelter to those in need, and helping make advancements in health, as well as arts and sciences. McGlothlin and his wife, Fran, most recently have made significant donations to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and the Medical College of Virginia. They have also donated funds for several buildings at educational institutions throughout Virginia, including locally; The Morrison School, Milligan College, and Emory & Henry. What McGlothlin wants people to know is that the money he gives away essentially comes from The United Company family and the thousands of people that have worked with him over the years through The United Company’s many businesses.
He and his wife feel one of their greatest legacies will be to give back and make a lasting difference for the communities, region, and country that enabled all of their successes. Recently McGlothlin suffered a serious health challenge, but after surgery and preventative chemotherapy, he is doing well. McGlothlin receives his chemotherapy treatment locally at the Wellmont Infusion Center and can’t say enough about the wonderful staff of doctors and nurses at the Center. [Author’s Note: The illness hasn’t slowed McGlothlin down much at all, and he was busy with meetings both before and after this interview.] McGlothlin feels he is incredibly lucky to be well on the road to recovery. In addition, says McGlothlin, “I have the most wonderful wife and family in the world.” Fran and Jim McGlothlin have been married for 19 years, and he says things only keep getting better and better. “She is the most loving and understanding woman in the world,” says McGlothlin. When his preventative treatments are complete, McGlothlin will be eager to get back onto the golf course, and his favorite place to play is at The Olde Farm, the private golf club he founded about 16 years ago in the rolling hills of Bristol, Virginia. The award winning club counts many notable celebrities and local MAY 2016 | VIPSEEN | 9
VIP COVER PROFILE
JIM MCGLOTHLIN’S BOOKS McGlothlin is constantly buying and receiving books from friends. He usually reads more than one book at the same time (perhaps remembering what it was like to read 3-400 pages a day during law school!) Currently he is reading ‘Killing Reagan,’ by Bill O’Reilly and Winston Churchill’s autobiography.
10 | VIPSEEN | MAY 2016
ILLUSTRATION BY MARK RAY
community leaders among its 400+ members, but has recently expanded its interests to include public access to its newly planned Lodge. Designed to accentuate the magnificent setting, and created to complement “The Olde Farm Experience,” this versatile venue will feature a two-story glass atrium at its center that allows for grand gatherings with lodging to each side. Its location will ensure breathtaking views of the landscape and convenient access to the existing Pavilion for tandem use. The Lodge will serve as a unique event center for weddings, business meetings, and private parties as well as a premier lodging facility with sleeping quarters for 32. The Olde Farm golf club has always prided itself on providing unparalleled personal service to its members, and that will be the same for the guests that choose to have an event at The Lodge and Pavilion at The Olde Farm. “Our members and guests come to The Olde Farm to take a break from the frenetic pace of modern day life,” says Marc Eubanks, General Manager of
The Olde Farm. “We provide a unique environment of rest and relaxation so they can unwind and recharge from their busy lives.” Speaking of hectic times, a wedding ranks high on the list of the most stressful, but wonderful, days in a married couple’s life together. When they were planning their special day, Leigh and Nat Powers didn’t look any farther than The Olde Farm. “We knew that The Olde Farm’s gorgeous location, combined with their high level of service and attention to detail were what we wanted. We never had a moment’s worry during our whole planning process, and were thrilled that when we brought ideas to the table, they would take them and make them even better,” said Leigh Powers. The Lodge is scheduled to open in June of 2016. “We hope that the Niswonger Children’s Charities golf celebrities will be among the first to stay in the new Lodge,” says McGlothlin. One of McGlothlin’s favorite sayings is, “The best is yet to come.” With a loving family and well-earned relaxation time ahead at The Lodge and The Olde Farm, that is certainly true for Jim McGlothlin.
MAY 2016 | VIPSEEN | 11
SEEN IN BRISTOL
HOLIDAY INN
United Way of Bristol Annual Luncheon:
Past, Present & Future PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY JAMES HELMS
The United Way of Bristol held their annual meeting and luncheon this year at the Holiday Inn in Bristol. A large number of agencies and supporters attended the luncheon and awards presentation. New board members were announced and the results of last year’s campaign efforts were made public. Jim Maxwell said that it was a privilege to be able to serve thousands of lives in the community and the United Way was the most effective way to reach people in the area. Several groups such as the Boys and Girls Club of the Greater Mountain Empire were on hand to receive awards as well as Kristi Haulsee ,whom was the 2015 Volunteer of the Year.
Ford Sikorski, Foster Covington, and Parker Carroll
Slim Pickens Band
Jim Maxwell and Lola McVey Kristi Haulsee, 2015 Volunteer of the Year
12 | VIPSEEN | MAY 2016
Trish Bane
Tyler Franklin
Heather Lawson
Boys and Girls Club of the Mountain Empire
SEEN IN JOHNSON CITY
DOUBLETREE HOTEL
American Cancer Society Breakfast & Awards Ceremony PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY JAMES HELMS
For many people, especially those who have dealt with cancer on a personal level, the color purple represents one thing: hope. The American Cancer Society has worked tirelessly to support victims and their caregivers of this terrible disease. From raising funds for research and programs, to offering rides to patients for appointments or support groups the ACS has been on the forefront of patient advocacy. Today’s event was to honor media sponsors, and volunteers who have gone above and beyond in the support of the American Cancer Society. Some of the biggest events of the year for the ACS are the Relay for Life events that take place throughout the year. Several teams were recognized for their fundraising efforts during last year’s events. Organizer, Jessica Poff, and her staff arranged for a beautiful breakfast, catered by the Doubletree staff, while sharing stories of inspiration from many survivors in the room. To find out how you can volunteer visit: The American Cancer Society on-line or attend your local Relay for Life this year.
Jo Williams and Sheila Loudermilk
Jessica Poff and Cathy Thomason
14 | VIPSEEN | MAY 2016
SEEN IN KINGSPORT
TURQUOISE BOUTIQUE
Keta’s Closet Ladies Night Out PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY CAROLYN KESTNER
Turquoise Boutique hosted a Ladies Night Out fundraiser on Thursday February 25th. Owner Keta Hawley raised money for the SBK Kingsport Animal Shelter from Keta’s Closet, the sale of items from her own personal closet, most of which were from Turquoise Boutique and had been gently worn by her. Ladies attending were treated to wine and food from Uncorked. While there, they were able to shop from Turquoise Boutique’s new Spring arrivals and Winter markdowns, as well as experience the awesome products that Arbonne had to offer. It was a night of women, wine, laughs, and fun that raised over a thousand dollars. Thank you Keta!
Intellihartx CEO John (aka Joan..because it was Ladie’s Night) Kunysz and wife Heather
Erin and Tiffany Hawley
Kingsport Animal Shelter Director Donna Davidson with Turquoise Boutique owner Keta Hawley
Kim McPherson, Keta Hawley, Lisa Church, Heather Kunysz, and Anita Campbell
Turquoise Boutique is located in Downtown Kingsport at 238 East Market Street. The SBK Kingsport Animal Shelter is located at 2141 Idle Hour Rd and open for adoptions Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 12:30- 5:30. Closed Wednesday and Sunday. Mary Quinn with Sherri Mosley
Deborah Mykytka and Tabitha Smith
DOWNTOWN
SEEN IN KINGSPORT
PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY JAMES HELMS
Jeff and CeeGee McCord
Jeff Fleming, Brenda White Wright, and Mayor John Clark
On Wednesday March 2, 2016 city leaders and residents came together for the Kingsport 100 press conference held at 151 E. Main Street. Plans were unveiled for The Centennial Park project and the work that will take place over the next year as we prepare for this once in a lifetime event. Several speakers were on hand, including Mayor John Clark, who spoke about this project, the upcoming celebration, and also shared a special memory that he had about life in Kingsport. The Centennial Park project will showcase the beauty of the city and will have an interactive water feature. Plans were also announced to have many organizations in Kingsport host their own official centennial celebration event next year. Those interested are encouraged to submit their event for consideration on the new website www.kingsport100.org.
Ken Maness
Jeff Fleming
MAY 2016 | VIPSEEN | 17
ARTSEEN
Lidany Rouse Digital Artist
W
hile growing up in Puerto Rico, surrounded by family and friends, I was instilled with the sense of appreciation for local history. Tracing my own roots back to a local pirate legend, I have always had a passion for the quirky, unusual and unique stories of family, community and regions.
After moving to the US with my family in 1989, I eventually made it to East Tennessee in 1996. Here, I was thrilled to experience the same feelings of community and “home” that I had grown up loving in Puerto Rico. After settling in Bristol with my husband, a 6th generation Bristol native, my love for hearing the stories of the region grew. A chance meeting with Mr. Bud Phillips in an antique store and hearing some of his colorful stories got me HOOKED! Not only did I witness Mr. Phillips as a mastered storyteller, I learned of his extensive written works on Bristol’s history. I was driven to learn all I could! My reading and research led me to a written piece by Joe Tennis; it reminded me of the stories my father-in-law had told me about South Holston Dam being built, and how it took away some of the homes of the people in the Friendship or Sharp’s Creek community. It inspired me to delve into the surreal world of Photo Manipulation. My passion has always been photography and the artistry and imagery of design. I decided to try my hand at the genre of surreal photo manipulation in the same vein as Eric Johansson, whose work I’ve admired for a few years and who is considered a pioneer in the field of surreal imagery. Louise Robinson is also a favorite of mine in this genre – I believe in giving credit to the hard work that inspired or drove or pushed me creatively. Photo Manipulation is a process that combines the technical skills of design and the creativity and artistry of painting and photography. I chose some of Mr. Phillip’s written work and decided to bring to life the characters that he conjured in my imagination. From these stories, Rosetta’s Gold, Famous Bonnie Belle Primrose, Holy Cow and more of my works of surreal imagery came to life. It’s not unlike being able to paint or photograph your dreams – it truly is surreal! After several months of trial and error, I finally fell into my groove and was able to channel the depiction of these characters in my head onto the digital canvas. Each finished piece of art is a compilation of sometimes dozens of individual images and layers purposefully blending into one single image. This work became the fun outlet of my “9 to 5” job of Web 18 | VIPSEEN | MAY 2016
Design and freelance Graphic Design projects (book cover design, logo design and more) that keep the business/ technical side of my brain satisfied through the company my husband and I own, RH Inc Design. Once I finally felt comfortable presenting my artwork to someone other than my husband and biased best friend, I called on several artist/photographer friends from “A Work of Art Gallery & Gifts” to get their opinion. After some feedback and finding new ways to apply all I had learned, I was hooked . . . consumed even! Each new story I read became a treasure hunt for details I could photograph and/or use to create a new surreal piece. In this medium, although the finished work is in a flat one dimensional space, I must think of the final image in three dimensions. The depth of field (that technically doesn’t exist), the glint of a gold coin or even the wrinkle in a discarded newspaper on the ground under a prized dairy cow all have meaning. Each of the pieces I created is a tribute to Mr. Phillips and as much as I could make it, a homage to his life’s work in and around the Bristol area. He and I share one thing in common. Like me, he adopted this area as home and fell in love with Bristol and all of her colorful characters. From a technical perspective, photo manipulation combines ‘tweaking’ photographs by manipulating highlights and shadows, masking or, hiding/revealing specific elements of each different photograph. This genre of the visual arts allows me the opportunity to place clues and make hidden references about the source or location of the stories I depict in my artwork. I strategically place these throughout the image. No detail is random; each portion of the image has been viewed, reviewed and dissected for the overall storytelling quality of the piece. Hiding little snippets of the story make it fun for me, and has given me a way to point back to Mr. Phillips on several occasions. Each person who contemplates the work can take away his or her spin on the subject. Some of the images have taken on a “Wizard of Oz” type vibe while others instantly grab the viewer because of the piercing, disapproving gaze of the main subject.
If you wish to read the stories behind each piece, and search for the hidden references in each of the artist’s surreal artwork, visit www.LidanyRouse.MyPortfolio.com
On the creative side, I am able to explore and stretch my own imagination by deciding which clues or references to include, how to place my virtual subjects and how to try to draw the attention of the viewer into its apparent secrets. My goal is for admirers to enjoy their experience while searching each piece for the hidden clues inside. I want my art pieces to be fun, and at the same time, to turn the story back to the people I heard them from. To say that I’m living the dream is a bit of an understatement, I’m not only LIVING the dream, I have the opportunity to depict my dream on paper! MAY 2016 | VIPSEEN | 19
SEEN IN JOHNSON CITY
ART OF BODY
Art of Body
Grand Opening and Open House PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY SAVANNA MCDAVID
Art of Body M.D. held their grand opening open house on Saturday February 13th in their beautiful office located at 4451 N. Roan Street in Johnson City. Many people came out to tour the brand new, spa like office. Guests also got to see up close the services Art of Body offers. Dr. Miranda Moretz’s goal is to enhance her clients’ natural beauty using the latest medical technology all within a soothing spa setting. Many guests stayed and enjoyed delicious snacks while waiting for prizes to be drawn. Art of Body M.D. specializes in i-lipo, botox and dermal fillers, and sclerotherapy. Dr. Miranda Moretz is a graduate of ETSU and the University of Louisville. She is passionate about making her clients feel and look better. Schedule a free consultation today! Check them out on their website at artofbodymd. com and follow them on Facebook!
SEEN IN JOHNSON CITY
Kim Asack and Samantha Disimone
Sandy Anderson and Teresa Moretz
Danni Campbell and Lynda Fontaine
Ruben and Dr. Miranda Moretz
OVER MOUNTAIN OUTDOORS
Man’s Best Friend & Man’s Best Drink PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY JACQUELINE JOSEPH
Over Mountain Outdoors in downtown Johnson City, 142 West Market Street, held a very special event on February 19 celebrating Man’s Best Friend and Man’s Best Drink. Store owner, Matt Whitson and Jeanine Vaszari, invited Paw and Company and Johnson City Brewing Company to help with the festivities. The pet friendly store was filled with all kinds of pooches, and even some kitties, sampling all the goodies and visiting with each other. Although all dogs were leashed, it was quite entertaining to watch. Of course, the beer was also a great attraction, as local brewer Johnson City Brewing Company provided samples of their many craft brews. The beer was very refreshing with the bright sunny day. In addition to all the four legged visitors, there were many shoppers taking advantage of the discounted items and also the quality outerwear and footwear. The name Over Mountain comes from the Over Mountain Men that once trekked through the region claiming victory at the historic Battle of King’s Mountain during the American Revolutionary War. The belief in mountain air, natural waters, and rich soil as key ingredients to a whole and happy life, is what inspired owner, Matt Whitson, to provide high quality gear in promotion of spending time in the outdoors. I’m sure we could all use a little more of that inspiration and healthy lifestyle. Be sure to visit them at their expansive store in downtown Johnson City at your next opportunity, or check out their Facebook page or online at www.overmountainoutdoors.com. 20 | VIPSEEN | MAY 2016
Jessica Nichol and Marc Ferrington
Nickki Southerland and Nikki Plaza
Jeanine Baszari and Matt White
Scott Bailey and Spunkie
Rachel Drummond, Gerrad Cunningham, and Quigley
FOOD CITY CORPORATE SUPPORT CENTER
SEEN IN ABINGDON
Food City Grower’s Appreciation Luncheon PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY LINDA COFFEY
Food City’s annual luncheon shows appreciation for local farmers who provide fresh produce for their customers. Providing local food to customers insures that the produce is fresh and also supports the local economy. This year marked the 8th annual Wayne Scott Grower of the Year Award. This year’s award was presented to Leonard, JC, Travis and Curtis Banks of Snake Creek Farm, Hillsville, VA. The farm has been operated by the Banks family since 1943. James Howard was presented the “Produce Manager Award”. Each year, United Fresh Produce Association recognizes the top 25 produce managers within the industry during their annual convention. Robin Robbins of Appalachian Harvest received a special recognition award for the work she has done toward developing Organic Farming in SW Virginia. The luncheon was a celebration of the partnership between local farmers and the Food City stores of Tennessee, Virginia and Kentucky.
Steve Smith and Mike Tipton
James Howard, Produce Manager of the Year
Steve and Fran Scott of Scott’s Farm
Jonathan Webb, Amy Lynn, and Chris McIntosh from WJHL
Steve Smith presenting Wayne Scott Grower of the Year Award to Leonard, JC, Travis and Curtis Banks
Special Appreciation Award to Robin Robbins of Appalachian Harvest
SEEN IN BRISTOL
THE VIRGINIAN
Cocktails & Cute Handbags PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY MARY SHRADER
The 5th Annual Cocktails and Cute handbags fundraiser, for Girls Incorporated of Bristol, was held on February 20, 2016, at The Virginian Golf Club in Bristol, VA. Attendees to the event enjoyed Cocktails and Hors d’oeuvres, while having the chance to bid on an array of silent auction handbags and live auction packages. Silent auction items included about 80 different handbags, while live auction items included 11 packages to include a trip to Disney World. Local residents and businesses donated all auction items. The event raised over $36,000 with all proceeds going to Girls Incorporated of Bristol. The Cocktails & Cute Handbags event was sponsored by Mr. & Mrs. Brian Shrader, Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Nicewonder, Mrs. Joan Gregory, First Tennessee Bank, Akard Funeral Home, BTES, Kerr-Boswell Insurance, Mrs. Sharon Bunn, Rita Kiscaden of Edward Jones, Mrs. Elliot Moore, Mrs. Susie Yates & VIP SEEN Tri-Cities Magazine. A big thank you to all sponsors and the 11-committee members that helped make this event a success!
COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Ms. Bambi Akard Mrs. Rita Kiscaden Mrs. Mary Ann Blessing Mrs. Alice Malina Ms. Bridget Dickert Mrs. Amy Phillips Ms. Carene Hunt Ms. Kim Sorensen Ms. Melissa Ingle Mrs. Mary Shrader Mrs. Megan Kerr
Megan Kerr, Bambi Akard, and Mary Shrader
Becky Matney, Kimberly Nicewonder Johnson, Shannon Gay, Kim Sorenson, and Sherry Spiegler
Peggy Carter, Melinda Akard, and Shannon Gay
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Amy Barker Phillips, Mosley King Synder, and Ronan King
Food Station with Miss Virginia Teen USA, Gracyn Blackmore
Karen Tilison, Shirley Carrier, and Etta Nicewonder
VIPBEAUTY
Sharp Hair, Bold Style BY SHERRI JESSEE
HAIR CUT & STYLE BY SHERRI JESSEE FOR PRAVANA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JULIA KUZMENKO
One sharp hair cut can provide 3 sexy shapes. Perfect graduation combined with a disconnected top creates an edgy shape for men. Change it up by using a variety of styling products and techniques. HAIR CUT HOW TO: 1. Separate top from the bottom and secure away with clips. 2. Use a variety of guards and settings on the clipper to achieve a blended graduation. 3. Pay close attention to make a clean perimeter. 4. Layer the top with special texturizing scissors to create softness. 5. Apply styling product and comb into place.
Styling How-to: LOOK ONE:
FAUX HAWK
Apply a small amount to of NEVO Twist Fiber Paste to damp hair and distribute well. Form the top section into a mowhawk shape. The lightweight fibers in this styling product allow for complete control to style, spike and twist.
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LOOK TWO:
WAVE
Apply a small amount of NEVO Total Fixation Firm Hold Gel. Distribute the gel well and form a wave using a fine-toothed comb. Allow to air dry.
LOOK THREE: POMPADOUR
Blow the hair dry directing up and back from away from the face with a small vent brush. Lightly spray with NEVO Super Shape Hair Spray.
SEEN IN JOHNSON CITY
THE GALLERY
The American Advertising Federation
of Northeast Tennessee
Awards Ceremony PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANGELICA ARES | STORY SUBMITTED
The American Advertising Federation of Northeast Tennessee held its annual ceremony for the local level of the American Advertising Awards on Saturday, February 20, at The Gallery event space in Johnson City. Attendees arrived at 5:30 p.m. for the Mad Men-themed party, a nod to the glamor of the advertising world of New York in the 1960s. Partygoers mixed and mingled for two hours, sipping classic cocktails such as gin martinis and Old Fashioneds, while viewing local advertising professionals’ and students’ best creative work from 2015. Music was provided by the Big Band Theory, a nine-piece big band from Kingsport. Emcee Andy Didyk, who also serves as Vice President of Account Services and Strategy at Ntara, worked the crowd with quick wit, while awarding both professional and student winners their trophies.
Jane Hillhouse, Amy Ketron, and James Caswell
There were five top honors awarded throughout the evening. Best of Show – Print went to Creative Energy for their Red Gold – Tomatoes in Every Can ad. Best of Show – Digital went to Ntara for their Hunter Fan Company website. Three judges’ choice honors were awarded to Christian Schmid for his Food for Vets logo, Creative Energy for their Red Gold campaign photography, and Birthplace of Country Music for their Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion 2015 recap video. With the success of the 2016 award ceremony, AAF NETN now turns its attention to the District 7 Spring Convention, to be held this year at the Carnegie Hotel in Johnson City, April 7-10. District 7 comprises AAF clubs from Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana.
Jeff Morris and Theresa Bellamy
Cumberland Marketing
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Dale Atkinson and Amy Johnson
Alice and Joey Salyer
Ryan Lee and Jessie Greear
Karen Jenkins, Megan Cottage, and Samantha Calabrese
Christian and Hillary Schmid
n•tara
Stacey Suarez, Sarah Caraway, and Ginny Tallent
Sam Barnett with Teresa and Tony Treadway
SEEN IN EMORY
EMORY AND HENRY COLLEGE
SWVA Addy Awards PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY JAMES HELMS
The Southwest Virginia Advertising Awards held their annual dinner, on February 27, 2016, at Martin Brock Gym located at Emory and Henry College. This year’s theme was entitled, “Addy’s In Pink”, which paid homage to the 1986 movie classic Pretty in Pink. The Martin Brock Gym was transformed into a picturesque 1986 prom night setting in which attendees were encouraged to dress in their best 1980’s costumes. Also, there were plenty of pink shoes, pants, shirts and dresses throughout the crowd. All of this year’s advertising entries were on hand for the crowd to observe and each one had the option to vote for their favorite advertising industry, as well as nominate their favorite People’s Choice Awardees. Sierra Howell and Maggie Bishop
Jeremy Bice
Dana Wolfe and Pete Foley
Jason and Melinda McClure
Leah Prater
SEEN IN KINGSPORT
MEADOWVIEW CONVENTION CENTER
Kingsport Chamber honors DeVault,
Hoovers at Fourth Friday Breakfast PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY JAMES HELMS
The Kingsport Chamber recognized three community leaders during its February Fourth Friday Breakfast at the MeadowView Marriott Conference Resort & Convention Center. Holston Valley Broadcasting Corporation President George DeVault was honored for his 55 years of service to the company and community. A local broadcasting legend, DeVault has worked at the Kingsport television and radio stations since he was 15 years old. He has been a longtime supporter of several local causes and organizations. Several former and current employees joined DeVault on stage as he was presented a Ray Austin print of Kingsport by Kingsport Chamber Chair and Eastman Global Public & Community Affairs Director CeeGee McCord.
Holston Valley Broadcasting Corporation President George DeVault (second from left) stands with former WKPT-TV ABC 19 news anchors John Williams (far left), Betty Payne and Bob Haywood. DeVault was presented a Ray Austin print of Kingsport by the Kingsport Chamber.
The Kingsport Chamber’s Leadership Kingsport program also presented its Distinguished Leadership Award to longtime community advocates Brad and Leigh Anne Hoover. A past Kingsport Chamber president, Brad serves as the senior vice president for commercial lending at Citizen’s Bank. He has held numerous leadership roles with several non-profit organizations, including Fun Fest, First Broad Street United Methodist Church, Kingsport Public Arts Committee, Kingsport Chamber Foundation, Downtown Kingsport Rotary Club, Kingsport Boys and Girls Club Foundation Board and the Downtown Kingsport Association, among others. The current president of the Friends of Allandale Board of Directors and a member of First Broad Street United Methodist Church, Leigh Anne is a local author, having written many popular works that include: “The Santa Train Tradition,” “Festus and His Fun Fest Favorites,” “Reading with Ralph – A Journey in Christian Compassion” and “For Better or Worse…Unless Annulment Comes First.” She is a past president of the Literacy Council of Kingsport and the Junior League of Kingsport, among other organizations in which she has served.
Indian Path Health Resources Center
Brad and Leigh Anne are the twenty-sixth and twenty-seventh recipients of the honor. The event was sponsored by Indian Path Medical Center. Dr. Allison Angott, a physician with Mountain States Medical Group, was the keynote speaker.
Mountain States Pharmacy
Kingsport Chamber President and CEO Miles Burdine (far right) presents the Leadership Kingsport Distinguished Leadership Awards to community volunteers Brad and Leigh Anne Hoover.
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Jennifer Hubmann
Dr. Allison Angott, a physician with Mountain States Medical Group, addresses the more than 200 attendees at the Kingsport Chamber’s Fourth Friday Breakfast at the MeadowView Marriott Conference Resort & Convention Center. The event was sponsored by Indian Path Medical Center.
MINI-DOME AT EAST TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY
SEEN IN JOHNSON CITY
JCAHBA Home & Garden Show PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY JAMES HELMS
Drew Stanley
Leonard Builders
The Johnson City Area Home Builders Association held their annual home and garden show at the ETSU mini-dome over the weekend. Once again vendors filled the mini-dome offering their goods and services to attendees looking for everything from building services to mortgages and gardening equipment. This marked the 47th year the home and garden show has held their event in Johnson City. According to Lisa Luster the main focus of the Johnson City Area Home Builders Association is to promote businesses in the building industry that supports builders and home and garden services. To find out more information or to learn how to become a part of the JCAHBA please visit jcahba.org.
East Tennessee Tile and Carpet Cleaning
J.D. Metals
MAY 2016 | VIPSEEN | 33
SEEN IN JOHNSON CITY
THE WILLOW TREE COFFEEHOUSE AND MUSIC ROOM
Human Odyssey: A Living Art Sanctioned
Bodypainting Event PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY LINDA COFFEY
Ren Allen (Faces by Ren), teamed up with Teri Dosher (The Willow Tree Coffehouse and Music Room) to host “Human Odyssey: a Living Art sanctioned bodypainting event” on Friday, March 4th in Johnson City. VIP ticket holders were admitted at 3:00 to observe the behind-the scenes process of creating art on live models. VIP ticket holders were also treated to refreshments, with a beautiful cake designed by Hannah Meade of The Cake Gallery. Khia & Andrea Hudgins entertained the crowd with music, prior to the models parading the body art. Allison Mullins provided music for the crowd after the body art was exhibited.
Scott Fray and Madelyn Greco are 5 times World Champions
The Body Art Guild (BAG), founded by Ren Allen in 2009, had several artists attending from outside our region. Five time World Champs, Madelyn Greco and Scott Fray were present, working with model, Emma D. to create an amazing example of body art that was very popular with the crowd and won first place in the event. When this event is available in our region again, buy your tickets early, because it is sure to be sold out!
Holding still
Ren Allen’s artwork
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Perry Ann Butler and Christine Yablonski (Artist from Asheville)
Several models had artistic headware
Weaving a design
Wood Fairy
Sam Love (Long time Barista) and Teri Dosher (Owner of The Willow Tree)
Ren Allen, founder of the Body Art Guild and Matthew Clark (Master of Ceremonies)
Almost Finished
Artwork by Scott Fray and Madelyn Greco
MAY 2016 | VIPSEEN | 35
Join Our 2016 Chair Committee at the Annual Hope Gala!
TRI-CITIES
Hope Gala An American Cancer Society Event
May 21, 2016
Founder’s Park • Johnson City, TN Join us at Johnson City’s new Farmer’s Market Pavilion at Founder’s Park for an elegant evening with dinner, dancing, live entertainment with Appalachian String Band followed by a deejay, live auction, and more! Your support will help the Society invest in groundbreaking cancer research; provide answers, care, and support to those touched by cancer; and empower communities to take steps that can help reduce their cancer risk. We look forward to seeing you there! For more information contact Holly Booker at holly.booker@cancer.org or 423-975-0635.
tricitieshopegala.org
CARVER RECREATION CENTER
SEEN IN JOHNSON CITY
Girl Scouts
Sweetheart Dance PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY JENNIFER CLAGG
On February 6, 2016 Washington County, TN Girl Scouts of the Southern Appalachians came together for fun and community service. Every year the girl scouts enjoy a sweetheart dance. This year the theme was a Masquerade Party. The gym was full of Girl Scouts all dressed up to hang out with their adult role models. This event is more than just having fun though. The girls get to go shopping and bring in items for babies, toddlers and new mothers. These items are then donated to Respect Life Committee, who distributes the items as gift baskets to local families that they have learned are in need. This service started out as a Silver Award project by the girls of Troop 86 and the Service Unit has taken it on since 2011 and has continued to collect the baby items in conjunction with the Sweetheart Dance ever since. The Girl Scouts of Washington County truly love giving back to their community and they have fun while doing it.
MAY 2016 | VIPSEEN | 37
SEEN IN KINGSPORT
FARMER’S MARKET
PEAK Annual Event PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY CAROLYN KESTNER
Kingsport’s young professional group PEAK held their 3rd Annual Event on Saturday February 27th at the Farmer’s Market in Downtown Kingsport. The circus themed, Carnnival Soiree was an opportunity for young professionals to see what PEAK is all about and join, as well as giving existing members an opportunity to renew, all while enjoying a great party. Tunes were provided by The DJ Doctors, while performers from Johnson City Circus Arts entertained and twirled with silk ribbons. A live body painting exhibit done by Faces by Ren and a photo booth provided by Studio Wick Photo Booth of the Tri-Cities topped off the entertainment. Stir Fry Cafe made sure everyone’s palette was taken care of with food and drink and the dance floor was hot! For more information on PEAK Young Professionals, view them online at www.ypkingsport.com.
Michele Mitchell with Aita Campbell
Stir Fry Cafe’s Josh Price and Sarah Jobe
Emma Clark with Russell and Tara Burns
Daniel and Kristen Way with Lindsey Wilder
Lesley and K.D. Bowen with Lisa Harris
Tori Robbins, Chelsea Burkett, and Katie Smith
Blair and Seth Jarvis
Lesley Hanna and Travis Featherton
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Kristi Anderson and Logan Myers
Johnson City Circus Arts performers
Kingsport City Police’s Officer Slater and Lieutenant Cline
John Aregson, Tramara Darnell, Corey Weber, Beth Litvack, and Whittney Griffith
Faces by Ren body painting
Brandon and Tasha Ferrall with Kayla Gilliam
Warren Fenglish and Joe Camarata
Mary Massarueh with Clisty Trent
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SEEN IN JOHNSON CITY
MILLENNIUM CENTRE
Be A Saint PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY JAMES HELMS
The Ronald McDonald House held their ‘Be A Saint’ fundraiser and dinner at the Millennium Centre in Johnson City on march 4, 2016. Everyone dressed in their best green costumes to celebrate this St. Patty’s Day inspired event. TV personality, Josh Smith, was on hand to emcee the event as attendees were treated to a fantastic buffet dinner. Everyone was given an opportunity to bid on items in a silent auction and a live auction led by Mr. Jim Woods. During the event the Bishop family spoke about their time spent at the Ronald McDonald house during a trying time with the premature birth of their daughter. The Ronald McDonald house provided hot meals and a place to stay for the family right next door to the hospital, which helped the family devote time to each other and their daughter during the months that she spent struggling to survive. The Bishop’s were very thankful for the women at the house who cared for them during this time.
Amanda and Philip Bachman
The Bishop Family
Haley Bradshaw and Morgan McNeel
SEEN IN JOHNSON CITY
The Whiskey Sticks
Lauren Kirkland and Rachel Mascola
Louise Burzynski and Sharon Bradshaw
THE MILLENNIUM CENTRE
Interstate Career Fair PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY JAMES HELMS
The fourth Thursday of every February marks the return of the Interstate Career fair and this was the 28th year for this event, which was held at the Millennium Centre in Johnson City. In all, 17 schools and many businesses gathered to introduce themselves to current students, alumni, and the general public who were interested in pursuing job opportunities or furthering their education within these organizations. Representatives from companies such as BAE Systems, WCYB, and Waffle House were on hand to discuss employment openings with curious attendees as well as many other types of industry. This career fair gives job seekers the chance to meet employers and ask questions in a laid back atmosphere and find out what the companies are all about as well as what positions are available. Each year the event continues to grow and draw bigger crowds.
Bristol Police
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Milligan College
Oreon Millard, Girl Scouts of the Southern Appalachians
Kim Trimble and Adam Williams
21st Mortgage
YWCA
SEEN IN BRISTOL
YWCA Leap Year
Glow Run PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY SAVANNA MCDAVID
February of this year had one extra day and the ladies at the YWCA were not going to let it go by unnoticed! The first ever YWCA Leap Year Glow Run was held February 29th and began at the YWCA in downtown Bristol. The two mile run around the historic downtown was a fun run for all ages. The night was chilly, but that didn’t stop everyone from having a glowing good time. Everyone was decked out in glow accessories from head to toe. There was no losing this crowd! The Glow Run was a free race and the YWCA asked for a five dollar donation. All proceeds were donated to NORD, National Organization for Rare Diseases in celebration for Rare Diseases Day on February 29th. Rare Disease Day takes place on the last day of February each year. The main objective of Rare Disease Day is to raise awareness amongst the public and decision-makers about rare diseases and their impact on patients’ lives. To learn more about Rare Disease Day visit their website at rarediseaseday.org. MAY 2016 | VIPSEEN | 41
SEEN IN JOHNSON CITY
THE LOCAL COMPANY
The Local Company
Grand Opening PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY LINDA COFFEY
The Local Company hosted a Grand Opening Celebration on Friday, March 4th. The store is located at 240 E. Main St. in Johnson City, TN. The store is a southern Appalachian artisan emporium. They offer locally produced art, crafts, and goods. Several local artists were present at the Grand Opening to show their crafts to the public. Items for sale include clothing, jewelry, photography, original artwork, jellies, soaps, and much more! Make sure to visit them in Downtown Johnson City! Sarah Fagley, owner
Robin Hillman of Robin Rene Art
Nancy Marshall shopping at the grand opening event. Slade Nakoff (15-year old artist) and Keith Nakoff
SEEN IN JOHNSON CITY
Ben Lolli with Kelly Cline (Artist, Recreative Designs)
Heather Applegate Photography
ADVANCED MEDICINE AND AESTHETICS
Ladies Night Out PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY JACQUELINE JOSEPH
Advanced Medicine and Aesthetics held their semi-annual Ladies Night Out event on March 3rd. Primary practitioner and practice owner Brooke Bentley (FNP, B.C.) along with Angela Smith (FNP, B.C.) provided various skilled cosmetic, weight loss and aesthetic services. This open house provided new and existing patients the opportunity to meet with various product representatives, consult with practitioners and receive information on procedures and services offered in office. During the event attendees were able to take advantage of the best prices offered throughout the year, meanwhile enjoying brunch and mimosas in the morning and heavy hors d’oeuvres and wine in the evening. As usual, Ladies Night Out at Advanced Medicine and Aesthetics located at 3135 Peoples St in Johnson City was a lot of fun with a great turn out! Advanced Medicine and Aesthetics is the premier provider of integrative and preventative medicine, specializing in hormone therapy, cosmetic procedures and weight loss treatment. Their skilled staff provides outstanding care and exceptional results. For more information, visit their website at www.advancedmedicinejc.com
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Cher Taylor and Erika Knight
Jean Hunt and Brooke Bentley
Kathy Cornett and Brandy McKinney
SEEN IN JOHNSON CITY
HANDS ON! MUSEUM
Downtown Johnson City
Brand Launch Party PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY JAMES HELMS
The Hands On! Regional Museum played host to the downtown Johnson City brand launch party on Friday March 4, 2016. A new logo and website were revealed to the public as restaurant and shop owners from the downtown area gathered to welcome the community to the launch. There was a scavenger hunt and door prizes were drawn for some lucky attendees. As the downtown area continues to expand with new businesses and development, the launch party was a great way to get folks out visiting some of the best shops from the downtown area. Food was available from places such as White Duck Taco, Main Street Pizza and Tipton Street Pub as well as beer samples from JRH, Atlantic Ale House, and Yee Haw Brewery.
Northeast State
Trek Bikes
Main Street Pizza
Tipton Street Pub
Contract Furniture Alliance
Johnson City Public Library
Johnson City Cardinals
Reclaimed Inspired Goods
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What’s The Buzz
JRH Brewing
ROCK SPRINGS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
SEEN IN KINGSPORT
Rock Springs
Elementary
Presentation PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY JAMES HELMS
Missy and Meribeth Dingus
Michael Dillow and Dr. Josh Davis
Dr. Josh Davis
Beth Geno
On February 8th, water damaged approximately $20,000 worth of books inside the Rock Springs Elementary School library. Although crews promptly responded to repair the damage, the school officials never expected to acquire adequate funds to replace the books during this school year. One month later, thanks to overwhelming support from individual donors and organizations, the school stands poised to replace and even improve the library in the coming months! At the March 8th presentation, Dr. Josh Davis, Principal, personally thanked community members and several organizations for their book and monetary donations. Present that evening to award checks of $2,500, $3,000, and $10,000, respectively, were the Sullivan South Community Chest, Wendy’s, and United WE READ // The United Way of Greater Kingsport. Countless other individuals and groups have continued to outpour generosity on Rock Springs in the weeks following the flood. During the evening, special recognition was also given to Michael Dillow, Rock Springs Elementary Teacher of the Year. After the meeting, students and their families enjoyed a book fair hosted by school librarian, Beth Geno. MAY 2016 | VIPSEEN | 45
SEEN IN BRISTOL
SLATER CENTER
Bristol CSA Fair Meet your Farmer PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY JAMES HELMS
The Appalachian RC&D Council held its second CSA event at the Slater Center on McDowell Street n Bristol on Saturday March 5, 2016. CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. A collection of farms from the Tennessee and Virginia area have joined together to create a unique opportunity for consumers in the area to purchase locally grown crops, meat, dairy and other products that the farms offer through a subscription service. Many of the farms offer these products on a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly basis in which the consumer pays for the products up front and picks up their products during the cycle of delivery. Depending upon which farm you choose the products could vary each week s, for instance if you selected a vegetable subscription you would receive a selection of fresh vegetables each week that would change depending on the crops available so that you would have a variety of options. You could also chose a meat option from some of the local meat farms offering products ranging from beef, to chicken, pork, rabbit, and even goat. At Rehobeth farms you could sign up for their dairy subscription and receive either a half or whole gallon of fresh raw milk each week. Samples of this milk were available Saturday and for those who don’t know the difference the taste and quality of fresh raw milk is amazing. Nearly all of the farms specialize in organic fruits and vegetables and free range animals providing a higher quality product than you would find at your local supermarket. Many of the farms also sell their products at local farmer markets as well.
Serenity Knoll Farm
Rehobeth Farm and Dairy
Rivermyst Farm
Noah Naseri and Kayla Carter
Abingdon Bristol CSA
King Family Farm
Lexy Close
MEADOWVIEW CONVENTION CENTER
SEEN IN KINGSPORT
Eastman CEO Talks Growth with
Tri-Cities Regional Leaders PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMES HELMS | STORY SUBMITTED
Growth for Eastman and for the Tri-Cities region was the theme for Eastman’s Regional Leaders Breakfast held March 3rd for leaders in the Tri-Cities community. Chairman and CEO Mark Costa discussed the importance partnerships and collaboration are to growth for both Eastman and the Tri-Cities. Costa spoke to regional leaders during the company’s annual event, which was held at the MeadowView Conference Resort and Convention Center in Kingsport. After highlighting the company’s 2015 accomplishments, Costa described how the company is investing in innovation and market development in order to ensure long-term growth. “We have a lot of growth initiatives and the most robust innovation pipeline that we have ever had,” said Costa. “Many others in our industry are pulling back on growth due to the tough environment, but we see that as even more reason to invest in our future.” During his presentation Costa also highlighted the benefits of regional partnerships and collaboration to overcome challenges and achieve goals. “The real value in meetings like these is the opportunity for us to come together as a region—as one greater community,” said Costa. “I firmly believe what is good for one town or community is good for our whole region and by finding common ground, we are better able to showcase our strengths as a region.” Costa also thanked regional leaders for their support and partnership in Eastman’s Project Inspire, a $1.6 billion reinvestment in the company’s Kingsport site. The project includes construction of a new corporate business center located on the company’s corporate campus. He added that the company has made it a priority to use local contractors. More than half of the contracts for the construction of the building have been with local and Tennessee-based industries. For example, the silica for the glass was mined in Hawkins County, Tennessee, and the glass sheets were manufactured in Hawkins County, Tennessee, both within 30 miles of the site. Costa thanked the group for their attendance and their leadership in the community. He then concluded the event by answering questions on a variety of topics.
David Golden, Jim Rogers, and John Abe Teague
Lindsay Hensley and Doris Lewis
Mark Costa, CEO Eastman
Jeanette Blazier, and Parker Smith
Perry Stuckey, Susan Lodal, and Marc Schurger
Rab Summers and Ken Maness
VIPSEEN EXCLUSIVE COMMUNITY COVERAGE MAY 2016
Seen on the Scene FOOD CITY RECOGNIZES DIVISIONAL WINNERS FOR OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY SERVICE ABINGDON, VA (Wednesday, February 24, 2016) – Food City’s retail supermarket chain annually recognizes outstanding volunteerism among their associates via the Claude P. Varney Volunteer Recognition Program. The creation of the program came in response to President Bush’s call to boost volunteer efforts through corporate support. During a June 2002 White House meeting, President Bush met with corporate leaders from organizations across the nation and key White House staff members to discuss objectives for his Businesses Strengthening America volunteerism campaign. Steve Smith, Food City president and chief executive officer was among the select group. STORY AND PHOTO BY JENNIFER CLAGG
After a snow delay, the Johnson City Council PTA had an awards ceremony for the Cultural Arts and Reflections city level winners on February 21, 2016. Roni Gray, JCCPTA Cultural Arts and Reflections Chair, welcomed everyone to the banquet held at Mountain View Elementary School. She introduced Officer Robert Edwards, guest speaker on Citizenship, who spoke to the kids about citizenship and what it means for them at their ages and as they grow up. Paula Treece, JCCPTA President, announced the winners, while Roni Gray and Theresa Shaw, TN PTA First Region Director handed out the certificates and medals. After all the awards were handed out Dana Lilly, JCCPTA Hospitality Chair, had cookies and drinks for the attendees to enjoy. All 1st Place finishers and several 2nd Place finishers had there pieces sent to the TN PTA State Competition CITIZENSHIP ESSAY “I am Proud to be in America because...” 1-2 GRADES 1st Place Emaan Warsy-Lake Ridge 2nd Place Xander Oshoniyi-Towne Acres 3rd Place Eli Teilhet-Fairmont 3-5 GRADES 1st Place Addison Phillips-Towne Acres 2nd Place Trishita Paul-Towne Acres 3rd Place Rhianna Whitehorn-Fairmont 6-8 GRADES 1st Place Ethan Rodriguez-Liberty Bell 2nd Place Madeline Fuller-Indian Trail 3rd Place Jack Fuller-Indian Trail Honorable Mention- Kyler Sood-Indian Trail SAFETY POSTER PROGRAM “Stop, Wait, Play it Safe” K-2 GRADES 1st Place Alystaire Higgins - Fairmont 2nd Place Rebekah Sutton - Woodland 3rd Place Neel Reddy - Lake Ridge 3-5 GRADES 1st Place Trishita Paul - Towne Acres 2nd Place Teebro Paul - Towne Acres 3rd Place Ayush Joshi - Towne Acres 6-8 GRADES 1st Place Katherine Ning - Indian Trail 2nd Place Ella Dunkelberger - Indian Trail 3rd Place Trinny Duncan - Indian Trail REFLECTIONS PROGRAM “Let Your Imagination Fly...” LITERATURE/K-2 GRADES 1st Place Emmie Hollinger - Towne Acres 2nd Place Amelia Burrow - North Side 3rd Place Aseel Tamimi - Fairmont LITERATURE/3-5 GRADES 1st Place Om Patel - Indian Trail 2nd Place Nora Honeycutt - Indian Trail 3rd Place Rose Honeycutt - Indian Trail LITERATURE/6-8 GRADES 1st Place Diana Lee Dalton - Liberty Bell 2nd Place Elizabeth Walker - Indian Trail 3rd Place Chloe Banner - Indian Trail LITERATURE/9-12 GRADES 1st Place Chloe Ledes - Science Hill 2nd Place Braden Trent - Science Hill 48 | VIPSEEN | MAY 2016
DANCE CHOREOGRAPHY/9-12 GRADES 1st Place Sarah Ann Kenneson - Science Hill
The program was entitled in memory of Food City’s beloved former president and board vice-chairman of 47 years, Claude P. Varney. Varney was well-known for his tremendous compassion and humanitarian services. Each year, committees review associate volunteer activities and select individual award recipients based on outstanding achievement in the areas of health, education, environment, cultural arts, recreational, heritage/history and public service. One winner is selected from each Food City location. The field is then narrowed to ten district winners, followed by two divisional winners. Jan Dingus from the Weber City, VA Food City and Joe Rogers of the Maynardville, TN Food City received this year’s coveted divisional awards.
FILM PRODUCTION/K-2 GRADES 1st Place Samantha Peterson - Woodland FILM PRODUCTION/6-8 GRADES 1st Place Diana Lee Dalton - Liberty Bell 2nd Place Sophie Carter - Indian Trail MUSIC COMPOSITION/K-2 GRADES 1st Place Grace Jenkins - Towne Acres MUSIC COMPOSITION/3-5 GRADES 1st Place Armita Kordamiri - Indian Trail 2nd Place Arshaam Kordamiri - Indian Trail PHOTOGRAPHY/K-2 GRADES 1st Place Abram Helton - South Side 2nd Place Emily Pogue - Cherokee 3rd Place Allie Conner - Woodland PHOTOGRAPHY/3-5 GRADES 1st Place Kaitlyn Tilson - Lake Ridge 2nd Place Tingen Hatcher - Fairmont 3rd Place Holden Leach - Cherokee PHOTOGRAPHY/6-8 GRADES 1st Place Erin Clagg - Liberty Bell 2nd Place Erin Clagg - Liberty Bell 3rd Place Jordan Hallman - Indian Trail PHOTOGRAPHY/9-12 GRADES 1st Place Maria Pham VISUAL ARTS/K-2 GRADES 1st Place Madalyn Leroy-Beaulieu - Woodland 2nd Place Eliza Godbold - Fairmont 3rd Place Olivia Brooks - Fairmont VISUAL ARTS/3-5 GRADES 1st Place Jordan Havert - Lake Ridge 2nd Place Boone Hatcher - Indian Trail 3rd Place Tingen Hatcher - Fairmont VISUAL ARTS/6-8 GRADES 1st Place Elias Simpson - Indian Trail 2nd Place Madeline Fuller - Indian Trail 3rd Place Olivia Smith - Indian Trail SPECIAL ARTIST 1st Place Evan Brown - Cherokee
HOLSTON HABITAT FOR HUMANITY CELEBRATES GROUNDBREAKING FOR A JOHNSON CITY FAMILY Rebecca Bohlander is one step closer to walking into her new Habitat for Humanity home. On Saturday, February 20, Rebecca and her children joined Holston Habitat for Humanity volunteers in a groundbreaking on the site of where their new home will be built. “Today is a dream come true! Our family is so thankful for Holston Habitat and all these volunteers who came today, and who will work with us to build our home.” Like all Habitat for Humanity homebuyers, Ms. Bohlander completed 250 hours of sweat equity for the opportunity to break ground and begin construction. This spring, she will work alongside Art Weekes, the site supervisor, and volunteers from 9 local churches to build her Habitat house. In addition, a group of Care-a-Vanners will arrive in their RVs from all over the United States to help with this construction project, along with groups of ETSU students. “This is truly a Johnson City and Jonesborough community project,” says Art Pearce, Holston Habitat for Humanity’s Executive Director. “We are building this house on faith, with the support of each church and group of volunteers. We have faith in this family and in this community, knowing that this Faith Build will be a great blessing.”
Seen on the Scene KOSBE LAUNCHES EXPANDED 2016 GROWTHWHEEL PROGRAM KINGSPORT, Tenn. – The Kingsport Office of Small Business Development and Entrepreneurship (KOSBE) and the Small Business Development Center ETSU Kingsport Affiliate Office have introduced a new expanded GrowthWheel® program for 2016, to help small businesses grow and create new jobs. GrowthWheel® is a new business tool for decision making. It offers small business owners and entrepreneurs a way to view their business holistically, get focused, set an agenda, and take definitive steps to grow. Before small business owners can participate in a GrowthWheel WorkGroup®, they must attend the GrowthWheel® Introduction, which is a two-hour primer, in which attendees will complete an individual GrowthWheel® 360° Screening for their business. The screening will help business owners identify areas where they are doing well, as well as decide what focus areas they need to address. QUILLEN DEAN RECEIVES ‘FOUNDERS MEDAL’ FROM MEDICAL ORGANIZATION JOHNSON CITY – The dean of East Tennessee State University’s Quillen College of Medicine has been awarded a prestigious honor by the Southern Society of Clinical Investigation (SSCI). At the organization’s annual meeting in New Orleans earlier this month, the SSCI awarded its highest honor, the Founders Medal, to Dr. Robert T. Means Jr., medical school dean. Means is a past-president and councilor of the SSCI and currently serves on the Executive Advisory Committee and is convener of the annual Southern Blood Club session. Since 1973, the SSCI has awarded the Founders Medal to a member of the organization who has both played an important role in the organization by providing leadership for growth in the SSCI and is a nationally recognized leader in medicine. Previous recipients include many distinguished physician scientists and leaders from medical schools throughout the South and Southwest, including Vanderbilt, Duke, Emory and Tulane universities. Means is the first Quillen faculty member to receive this award. It was presented to him by Dr. James Oates of the Medical University of South Carolina and former president of the SSCI. KINGSPORT CITY SCHOOLS ACCEPTING ZONING AND TUITION APPLICATIONS FOR 2016-2017 SCHOOL YEAR Kingsport City Schools will begin accepting Zoning and Tuition Applications for students in grades K–12 for the 2016-2017 school year beginning Friday, February 12, 2016 through April 30, 2016. Applications are available in-person at the KCS Administrative Support Center, 400 Clinchfield St., 2nd floor, Kingsport, TN or online at www.k12k.com. Criteria for zoning exceptions are as follows: · Documented medical reasons · Child care availability · An expected move to a different zone · Specialized school programs · A fifth or an eighth grade student with a previous zoning exception · A student whose family has moved to a different zone after November 1 · Documented justifications related to the child s specific educational experience The school system utilizes the following order when placing students: · Zoning exception reapplications · Tuition reapplications for school employees working at the requested school · New zoning exception applications · Tuition reapplications · New tuition applications for school employees working at the requested school · New tuition applications for system and city employees · New tuition applications for out-of-district residents To learn the school for which your child is zoned, please refer to the Kingsport Street Directory listed under the “School Zones and Street Directory” link under “Parents” at www.k12k.com or call KCS Administrative Support Center at (423) 378.2100.
MAY 2016 | VIPSEEN | 49
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OF
MEN MEASURE “Most often interpreted to mean that the individual human being, rather than a god or an unchanging moral law, is the ultimate source of value.” Our women’s issue last month highlighted the many powerful women in this area that are the movers and shakers in business, medicine, and education. This month, however, VIPSEEN has decided to focus on the male side of the business, medicine, and education coin. There is a ying and a yang to everything in life and these areas of community work are no different. It is true that there are a great many successful women in the Tri-Cities area, but there are also many successful men who make just as powerful of an impact on those around them. The men in the following pages are conscious of the needs in their communities and work hard to fill those needs through community development, youth mentoring, fellowship and worship, and volunteer work. Each is unique in how he approaches the issues faced by the community and by those who inhabit his world. The question and answer format on the following pages will allow you, the reader, to see each man’s honest answers in his own words. Here is the other side of the community coin: men. Enjoy!
52 54 56 58 60 62
C. Dwayne Baird Jeff Bingham Reid Burton Justin Clark Lafe Cook High Road Digital Power Men:
Rob Bunch, Jason Edmisten, Kyle Wirick, Kent Garner, Stack Amos, Erick Brizendine, Seth Penley, and Josh Mancuso
64 Allen Hurley 66 IntelliharTx: Philip Gower and John Kunysz 68 Nathan Jackson 70 A Guide to Man Caves 72 Richard Jackson, M.D. 74 Colton Marcum 76 Todd Peak 78 Michael Quinn 80 Scott Farms 82 WitBit 83 A Hero for Your Superhero 86 Corey Shepherd 88 Jud Teague 90 Bernie Tisdale 92 John Vachon 94 Billy Wayne MAY 2016 | VIPSEEN | 51
WHAT DO YOU WANT OTHERS TO KNOW ABOUT WHAT IT IS THAT YOU DO ON A DAILY BASIS? I begin each morning with a prayer of thankfulness, a request for wisdom to make the right choices and to have the ability to conquer the task of that day. I have the privilege of giving my time, talent and skills to helping others who desire to help themselves, by providing spiritual, emotional, and physical support. WHAT HAVE YOU ACCOMPLISHED IN THE WORKPLACE THAT YOU ARE MOST PROUD OF? To be honest, I am not sure; however, I have been told that I am a mentor and an encourager. I consider the greatest compliment I received was that “I was consistent whether at work, in church or in the community” I am proud that churches or church members of my Texas past are confident enough in me to still communicate with me from time to time to seek my advice. I am proud to be an Eagle Scout, a Retired Service Member, a life Member of Disabled American Veterans, I am proud to have served on TxDOT planning board for the I-35 extension/widening project and to have been a member of the GA State Chamber of Commerce. WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT OTHERS DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU THAT THEY SHOULD? I genuinely love others! Then on a totally different note, deep down inside I am a Radar O’Reilly fan. If you watch M.A.S.H. you’ll know what I mean. NAME AT LEAST ONE THING THAT HAPPENED TO YOU EARLY ON IN YOUR CAREER THAT HAS SHAPED THE TYPE OF BUSINESSMAN YOU ARE TODAY. I was privileged to have served under Medal of Honor Recipient Robert M. Patterson. He was the 1SG of Lima Troop, 3/3 Armored Calvary Regiment. He taught me decision-making, leadership, and teamwork. I would go into his office and request guidance on accomplishing a task. His response was “you are a non-commissioned officer!” More than a few expletives and the phrase “you make the decision” followed this comment. Well the next day, I would be back in his office being chastised for the decision. Yet with the sternness of a superior and the caring of a father he educated me in making quick, solid, decisions and taking the responsibility for it. NAME AT LEAST ONE THING THAT HAPPENED TO YOU IN YOUR YOUTH THAT HAS SHAPED WHO YOU ARE AS A MAN. I had the opportunity to participate in scouting and became an Eagle Scout. My father use to take me from time to time on the milk routes he ran. I learned honesty, respect, and hard work from his example. DESCRIBE YOUR WORK ETHIC. HOW DO YOU APPROACH DIFFICULT CLIENTS? ADVERSE MARKETS? OBSTACLES? HOW DO YOU HANDLE THE WORD-NO? My father developed my work ethic. He would get up at 2:30 -3:00 a.m. to run a milk route. When he got home, he worked on the farm until dark. To this day, I do not know how he did that. My father taught me to have respect for others regardless of whom you were talking to. My approach to difficult clients is very simple. Direct eye contact, a firm handshake, and steady voice. Listen and communicate calmly, clearly, and concisely. Engaging in an argument never produces goodwill. The word NO can be an obstacle, but obstacles provide us with the opportunity to do something different. I believe obstacles create an environment for ingenuity, new methods or new processes. They may delay us, but seldom do obstacles stop anyone. In the long run, obstacles usually have a positive effect on the business or persons involved. HOW DO YOU WORK TO HELP THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE WITH WHAT YOU DO IN YOUR CHOSEN PROFESSION? My profession is offering sound practical advice for the success or encouragement of others. I am a licensed and ordained minister of The Gospel of Jesus Christ. I am formerly a certified Palliative Care Hospice Chaplain, I Pastor a local church and am currently the CEO of a major RESCUE Mission serving over 20 counties in Tennessee and Virginia. MANY OF US WORK TO BE THE CHANGE WE WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD. WHAT CHANGE DO YOU WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD AND HOW DO YOU 52 | VIPSEEN | MAY 2016
WORK FOR THAT? When stationed in Europe during the Cold War, I had to make several trips to Berlin. I had to go through Check Point Charlie. During these trips, it seemed the same Russian Guard was on duty each time I went through. We developed a mutual respect. During my last trip, I told him that I would not be back because I was going back to the USA. That soldier set his weapon to the side, embraced me and stated “Comrade, may we never have to face each other on the battlefield. But if we do, we shall turn and go the other way.” It was a major point in my life. I realized the sanctity of life. He was a husband, father, son and grandson just like me. The difference was not in our dignity, our drive for self-preservation, our geography, or even our theology: the difference was our government’s ideology. To this day, I have his hat on my dresser as a reminder of that eye opening moment. WHAT IS THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE ABOUT BUSINESS OR LIFE THAT YOU EVER RECEIVED? Don’t be afraid to take a risk or to make a mistake and if you make a mistake, take ownership of it. If you are successful then give credit where credit is due. HOW DID FOLLOWING THIS ADVICE HELP AND WHEN DID IT REALLY HIT HOME THAT THE ADVICE WAS SO HELPFUL? Heeding this advice builds character in the individual, which is always positive. WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT YOU WOULD CHANGE ABOUT THE WAY BUSINESS IS DONE AND HOW WOULD YOU IMPROVE ON IT? I would “retro” a few years and I would pledge a loyal company for a loyal worker. When working for a division of a fortune 500, we instituted a cost savings initiative for each department. At the end of the Fiscal Year, if the department was under budget, it would receive 50% of the department savings for whatever purpose the employees decided. (Bonus, party, benevolence, etc.…) It saved tens of thousands of dollars each year, improved employee morale, production, innovation, and profit. WHO HAS IN THE PAST OR PRESENTLY SUPPORTS YOU AND WHAT DOES THEIR SUPPORT MEAN TO YOU? For 38 years, through thick and thin, good and bad, my wife has been by my side. She may not have agreed with all that was done, but she has always been my cheerleader. Without her support, I would not have been able to attend college, without her support I would not have retired from the Armed Services, been successful in several high stress and high responsibility occupations nor have pursued my desire to Pastor a church. It takes a special woman to take care of all the affairs of raising three successful children, maintaining a home, and just surviving the daily routines of life while your husband is deployed in the Military or is traveling on business. She could never be given enough credit for her sacrificial support. NAME YOUR PROUDEST MOMENT AS A MAN. There have been many but to narrow it down to one would be almost impossible. I am a blessed man. But I do remember, the time I realized how proud my father was of me. I had just graduated basic training for the US Army and was a distinguished graduate. As I was called to the front of the formation for the presentation, I looked into the audience and, for the first time, saw my father crying. I will never forget the hug that followed at the end of the ceremony. I continued and retired from the military in honor of my father. WHAT DO YOU DO AS A HOBBY IN YOUR FREE TIME? Free time, you’re kidding – right? THE WORLD CERTAINLY CAN BE A CHAOTIC PLACE AND WITH SO MUCH SOCIAL MEDIA OUR YOUTH ARE BOMBARDED WITH AN OVERWHELMING AMOUNT OF MESSAGES BOTH NEGATIVE AND POSITIVE. WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT YOU WOULD SAY TO YOUNG MEN IN ORDER TO HELP THEM NAVIGATE THE WORLD? WHAT PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD YOU SHARE? Art Linkletter was a very insightful man He said, “Do a little more than you’re paid to. Give a little more than you have to. Try a little harder than you want to. Aim a little higher than you think possible, and give a lot of thanks to God for health, family, and friends.” If I were to add to that, I would say “Make it a daily practice to read the Bible, lend a listening ear, share a kind word, tell someone that love them and meet the genuine need of another.”
C. Dwayne Baird
PHOTO BY MICKEY BAKER
MAY 2016 | VIPSEEN | 53
J
eff Bingham of B&H Wealth Strategies lives the life he preaches. His energetic and dynamic personality comes from his passion to develop meaningful relationships, his enjoyment of motivational books and desire to enjoy life by helping others maintain their wealth, and lead a healthy lifestyle.
“We’ve accomplished what others talk about doing and have formed long-term relationships over time. We understand that we’re working for real people, with real money and various life situations. I feel that building relationships by talking about overall lifestyle is a significant part of wealth management.”
Jeff admits he’s a creature of habit and enjoys routine. Within his chaotic life of running his financial business, staying active with his family, wife of 24 years, Jennifer, and three children, Jake (20), Jessica (19), and Julianna (10), he also sets aside time to work out daily. Jeff is passionate about living a healthy lifestyle and sharing his knowledge with his clients, or extended family, as many of them have become over the years.
Jeff and his family understand, by experience, the term “It takes a village,” because of what happened to them ten years ago.
Community and close relationships with family and friends have shaped Jeff’s life and how he runs his business. His father, Bob Bingham, played a significant role in his life, as he was his business partner, best friend and closest confidant until he passed away in August of 2010. Jeff credits his wife, Jennifer, as being the most influential person to change and shape his future. He met her in the late 80’s while working at the former Skoby’s restaurant and Jennifer was a graduate school student at ETSU. He had been working in the restaurant business for several years and had just returned back to Kingsport after living in Texas for a short time. Their relationship inspired and encouraged Jeff to start planning his future career goals, which prompted him to join his father’s business and became the beginning of his successful career at B&H Wealth Strategies.
Within a week after the birth of their youngest child, Jennifer was not feeling well. At first they thought it was aftereffects of a difficult pregnancy and routine postpartum. They soon realized it was more serious and went to see her physician, Dr. James Beckner. At that time, Jeff and Jennifer were given the worst imaginable news possible, Jennifer was diagnosed with stage 4 choriocarcinoma which is a fast growing form of cancer that originates in the womb and had already spread to her liver, lungs, and brain. She was immediately sent to Duke Medical Center for medical care. They ended up staying there for approximately six-months; initially staying in a hotel and then in an apartment close to the hospital, while the rest of their life was put on hold. Jeff said that around 25 to 30 family members and friends came with them to support and help take care of their children, who at that time were ten, eight and a newborn. He realized then that it does take a village to raise a child and was overwhelmed by the loyalty of their friends in the community.
“Community and close relationships with family and friends have shaped Jeff’s life and how he runs his business.” “I started writing down the goals for my life. I went from day-to-day survival mode, to creating a successful life and making a difference. I get up early each morning and start my day watching a video clip from motivational speaker, Eric Thomas, and I read from a personal development book,” said Jeff. A few books that he enjoys and recommends to his clients and friends are, “The Positive Dog” by Jon Gordon, “Younger Next Year” by Chris Crowley and “Corporate Athlete” by Jack Groppel. He always keeps a few copies on hand to share with others because of the impact they have made in his life. “I enjoy reading and researching personal development material. If I ever have a second career, I want to be a motivational speaker. I attend business leader conferences because I want to continually learn and grow to be a better person. I also want to share that information with others around me.” “I tell my children to write down what they want to do everyday, because it keeps you accountable. If you don’t write it down, it’s just a dream.” Jeff also said that he tells his children to follow his four keys to success. 1. Show up on time. 2. Do what you say you’re going to do. 3. Finish work that you start. 4. Always say “please” and “thank you” to others. Due in part to following his own advice, B&H Wealth Strategies has been in business for 50 years and Jeff has formed relationships and trust with his clients and their families. 54 | VIPSEEN | MAY 2016
After several surgeries and an extended time of treatments, Jennifer was victorious and overcame the cancer after a courageous battle. “This time period gave us a sense of family and what it means. It’s very important to me to have those connections in the community, as I want to bond with my clients so I understand their needs. I don’t know how we would have made it through that time without our friends in the community and our family, and I realize the importance of those relationships.” Because of his own experiences, he continually interacts and helps his clients achieve their financial objectives. He is focused on making the transition to retirement lifestyle a successful and productive change by planning events and offering information on aging healthy. Jeff networks with community organizations to provide his clients with the best community resources. B&H Wealth Strategies considers this a value added service for their clients. Regardless of where he is, on the golf course with his friends, in his office assisting his clients, or spending time with his family, he places priority on doing his best while forming meaningful relationships, because this is how Jeff Bingham is making a difference in his community. B&H Wealth Strategies is located at 1402 East Center St. and parking is located behind the house. To make an appointment with Jeff, or for further information, call 423-247-1152, email jeff@bhretire.com, or view their website at www.bhretire.com. Follow them on Facebook at B&H Wealth Strategies, on Twitter @BHRetire and connect with Jeff on LinkedIn.
Jeff Bingham STORY BY KATINA ROSE
Securities and Registered Investment Advisory Services offered through Silver Oak Securities, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC.
MAY 2016 | VIPSEEN | 55
WHAT DO YOU WANT OTHERS TO KNOW ABOUT WHAT IT IS THAT YOU DO ON A DAILY BASIS? It’s hard to put into words how full my plate is on a daily basis. I wear many hats each day, I’m a father of 2 young daughters, a husband, a restaurant owner, a caterer, a real estate investor, a son & grandson, and a volunteer. I try to keep as many plates as I can spinning at once while trying to keep my priorities in order. My top priority in business is to run Braeden’s BBQ at the highest level it can be. To be able to expand our catering footprint in the Tri-Cities, emphasize great customer service with our customers inside and outside the restaurant, and continue to learn and build relationships for future sustainable business. WHAT HAVE YOU ACCOMPLISHED IN THE WORKPLACE THAT YOU ARE MOST PROUD OF? Inside the workplace at Braeden’s BBQ I’m proud of the the customer relationships I’ve built as well as mastering the new bbq smoker in order to expand our menu and offer better and fresher smoked meats on a daily basis. I’m also very proud of the fundraising events we’ve been able to do lately in order to help some local schools and churches and one very special young girl in the community. Outside of the workplace, for anyone that knows me, knows my proudest role is being the best dad I can be to my 2 beautiful daughters. Kennedy, who will be 4 in May and Klaire who is 7 months old are the greatest gifts of mine and my wife Kristin’s lives. I can be good at everything else but if I fail as a father then I’ve failed at everything. They are priority #1 in my life. WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT OTHERS DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU THAT THEY SHOULD? Something others don’t know about me that they should would be that by in large, I live my my life to try to not disappoint those around me. Growing up I tried to not disappoint my parents by my behavior and actions. If friends or family ever need me or need a favor, I try to do everything I can to make it happen, because I don’t want them to be disappointed. I’ve said before I try to live my life so that everyone else sees me the way my daughters see me. Because to my daughters, I can do no wrong, I’m a hero every time I walk in the door and I’m invincible to them. NAME AT LEAST ONE THING THAT HAPPENED TO YOU EARLY ON IN YOUR CAREER THAT HAS SHAPED THE TYPE OF BUSINESSMAN YOU ARE TODAY. Early on I came to the realization that I like working for myself and really enjoy it also. I like that my income and success is solely on my shoulders and dependent on me and the team I’ve selected around me. At the end of the day, my success or my failure is all in my hands and I’d rather have it that way rather than rely on someone else deciding my fate. NAME AT LEAST ONE THING THAT HAPPENED TO YOU IN YOUR YOUTH THAT HAS SHAPED WHO YOU ARE AS A MAN. I can’t think of anything greater that influenced me as a young man more than my family and supporters. I grew up being very blessed with 2 great parents who supported me and coached me in every aspect of life. No matter what, at the end of the day I knew I had their unconditional support and love and I knew they were proud of me. In sports, in life, in business having confidence is invaluable, and having that kind of support growing up made me more confident than anything. DESCRIBE YOUR WORK ETHIC. HOW DO YOU APPROACH DIFFICULT CLIENTS? ADVERSE MARKETS? OBSTACLES? HOW DO YOU HANDLE THE WORD-NO. To sum up my work ethic in one word, I would say ‘calculated.’ Juggling as many plates as I have to on a daily basis, I have to work very hard but also have to be able to delegate
and prioritize as much as possible. I’m the most optimistic person you’ll ever meet, I always feel like there’s a solution or a positive way to handle every situation. HOW DO YOU WORK TO HELP THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE WITH WHAT YOU DO IN YOUR CHOSEN PROFESSION? Being a small business owner in Kingsport, I’m asked to help several different organizations on a weekly basis. So, we’ve came up with a solution to be able to help those organizations and individuals and be able to tie in our restaurant services at the same time. We’ve created fundraising nights at Braeden’s BBQ. These are nights where those organizations can invite everyone they want to come eat and we donate a portion of every plate back to their organization. We have helped several local schools and churches raise money lately. But, the one that touches my heart the most is the fundraiser night we held for a very special young girl with a rare blood disease. Being able to help that family and see the love and support that showed up that night for her, made me even more proud to call Kingsport my home town. Outside of my business, I also volunteer as the president of the basketball booster club at Dobyns-Bennett and help with the Kitchen of Hope as well. WHAT IS THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE ABOUT BUSINESS OR LIFE THAT YOU EVER RECEIVED? HOW DID FOLLOWING THIS ADVICE HELP AND WHEN DID IT REALLY HIT HOME THAT THE ADVICE WAS SO HELPFUL? Two of the best one liners for advice that’s helped me in business and personal life that go hand in hand are, “Don’t sweat the small stuff, and it’s all small stuff” and “They can’t EAT you.” These tips should be used by everyone. It helps keep things in perspective. In the heat of the moment we think the problem at hand is the worst thing in the world and its so detrimental to our daily agenda. But, by the end of the day, once we step back and take a breath, we realize it’s not the end of the world and in the grand scheme of things it’s a small problem and we shouldn’t sweat the small stuff. The 2nd one liner is really something I’ve only heard my Dad say, but it really hits home to my business style and personality. I got the entrepreneur bug at a young age and over the years I’ve found myself worrying and stressing over certain meetings or sales calls or having to deliver bad news. My Dad could easily sense my anxiety of the upcoming dilemma at hand and one day said, “Hey! They can’t eat you!” I knew what he meant, but he elaborated that, the worst thing they could do was say ‘No’ or be unhappy with the news that day, it wasn’t like they were going to harm me or in my dad’s version, eat me alive. But at the end of the day, I still get to go home to my wife and kids and I was building this anxiety up in my head for no reason. In any business circumstance, there’s no reason to worry about the possibility of the negative outcome...They Can’t Eat You! WHO HAS IN THE PAST OR PRESENTLY SUPPORTS YOU AND WHAT DOES THEIR SUPPORT MEAN TO YOU? HOW DOES THEIR SUPPORT ENABLE YOU TO ACCOMPLISH WHAT YOU DO? I’m been very blessed with an amazing support group my entire life, it is one of the greatest assets of my life. I’ve been blessed with great parents who have always been there with advice and unconditional love that helped build me as a confident and soft hearted young man. That then transitioned to my wife, Kristin, who I’ve dated since I was 16 years old. She’s been a great sounding board for me. As optimistic and as excited as I can get about business deals, she’s been the rock to keep me from floating away or getting ahead of myself and being sure I’ve thought through every angle. I had great teachers growing up who supported me
Owned by Kristin Burton
133 Broad Street | Kingsport, TN (423) 765-1837
823 N Eastman Road, Kingsport, TN (423) 378-0500 Smoked On Site & Customized Catering
as well as other people in the community who’ve become great friends. It’s hard to say where I would be today without such strong supporters my whole life, but I know I’m very thankful for them. NAME YOUR PROUDEST MOMENT AS A MAN. Proudest moment as a man is easy... The day I became a Dad my life changed. Everyone told me how much I’d love being a dad, but I had no idea. I never knew I could love something so much as I love my daughters. Everything they do I’m proud of. The most recent proud dad moment I’ve had was at Thanksgiving, my 3 year old daughter, with the entire family gathered around for thanksgiving dinner, said the sweetest prayer before we ate. Needless to say there was a huge lump in my throat after that and my heart swelled with pride.
“Reid is successful because of his work ethic. It’s the same one he exhibited on the practice floor every day as a player and Team Captain. He’s a great people person.” - Coach Charlie Morgan
Reid, President of the Dobyns-Bennett Basketball “Slam Dunk” Club with Coach Charlie Morgan
Reid and wife Kristin (owner of Wooden Hanger Boutique) with daughters Klaire and Kennedy
Reid with daughters Kennedy and Klaire
Reid Burton
PHOTO BY MICKEY BAKER
WHAT DO YOU DO AS A HOBBY IN YOUR FREE TIME? I hope this doesn’t sound like a broken record, but in my free time I enjoy being a fun dad to my daughters. Sure I like to golf and fish and other things, but when I look back at my life, my low golf round or the biggest fish won’t matter. What matters is the time and memories I’ve made with my girls and my family. There’s only so much time we have on this Earth and I want to leave this life knowing I’ve been the best dad I could’ve been and left my girls with nothing but great memories they can cherish and recall for the rest of their lives.
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J
ustin Clark grew up in East Tennessee, attending four different high schools all before the end of his sophomore year. He started his freshman year at Kingston High School near Knoxville and finished off at Tennessee High School. Then he began his sophomore year at Volunteer High School, attended for just two weeks, before completing the year at Sullivan Central High. He ended up transferring back to Tennessee High to begin his junior year, finally finishing high school there and graduating in 1997. After graduation he headed to the University of Tennessee, but after a freshman year of too much drinking and not enough studying he found himself with a 1.7 GPA and on the academic probation list. It was the wake up call he needed to start doing better in his major of Broadcasting. Admittedly, one of the best things Justin was able to do with his major was host a radio program. He soon found himself in his junior year of college however, wondering what in the world he was going to do after college life was over. “Quite honestly the only thing I knew was that I didn’t want to be poor! So I thought ‘I’m going to go to Law School’ and that I did.” A friend of Justin’s from Tennessee High ended up going to Boston for his undergraduate degree and it just so happened that a visit to see this friend in Boston would be the fork in the road Justin would follow to Law School. “Like many families in Tennessee, I had never been north of Kentucky and believed Lexington to be a northern city. While visiting my friend, we ended up staying up too late and I actually missed my flight back home the next morning. With another day in Boston, I happened to walk around this beautiful town and stumble into a law school called the New England School of Law. I went right back to Knoxville, sent in applications and was fortunate enough to get accepted.” Justin rented a U-Haul, packed up his small apartment in Knoxville and was on his way. As luck would have it, he ended up moving to the north end of Boston: the most Italian neighborhood in all of America. “I
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asked the super where I was supposed to park the U-Haul while I unloaded and he laughed at me so loudly. Like I was supposed to know you just park in the street and block traffic!” After unpacking all of his stuff, Justin walked down the street to buy some genuine Italian red wine. He spent several days just eating real Italian pizza, drinking red wine, and watching The Godfather series over and over. It was one of the highlights of his life and was, perhaps, the last truly relaxing time before he started Law School. Law school flew by quickly and Justin graduated in 2004, a bright-eyed 24-year-old Law School graduate. Law school was done, but then it was time to take the Bar exam and practice law. Any law student can take the exam in any state they want to practice, so Justin Clark had to decide where he wanted to live. He decided eventually to take the bar exam for both Massachusetts and Florida. It just so happened that Florida offered the Bar exam on Tuesday, Massachusetts offered their exam on Thursday, and Wednesday was the multistate bar exam. “I booked my flight, flew down to Tampa Florida, took the Florida bar exam Tuesday, took the multistate bar exam on Wednesday, flew back to Boston Wednesday night and took the Massachusetts bar exam on Thursday.” Stressful does not begin to explain the rigors of taking the Bar exam in any state, much less two. If he had not passed the exam, then Justin would have to continue his job as a law clerk for another six months before he was able to test again. “Somehow I passed both tests. I think it was more luck than anything, but regardless I passed both and ended up practicing law in Boston for a year.” Having had enough of the harsh Boston winters after just one year, Clark decided to make his move to Florida, South Beach to be exact, but it would not be very long before he was on the move again. “After arriving in South Beach I started work doing insurance defense work for a guy named William Gregory. To this day he is still the single most amazing man
During this time Justin moved into the world of advertising with his law firm. He started a radio show, which also broadcast on television, using that UT Broadcasting degree for something. Despite living in another state and having traveled all over the world, the one place he will always call home is Tennessee. “I will always miss and cherish the people in Tennessee, other parts of the country just aren’t nearly as nice and loving. My
favorite place to travel to is a lake in Tennessee to spend time with my Mom Cindy, and two brothers Josh and Jeremy.” Justin tells his friends that for a place to have four distinct seasons that last exactly three months each is a gift to be treasured. He consistently talks about the lakes here and how beautiful they are both on the surface and underneath. “No alligators! When people down here in Florida ask me to go wakeboarding or swimming in the lake, I just laugh.”
Justin Clark
I’ve ever met my life. He is also my mentor and a good friend. After working with him for a year he asked me to move to Orlando to open an office for him. Although I was having a blast in Miami, I once again packed up my things and moved to Orlando, where I didn’t know a soul.” Just like Boston, just like Miami, and just like four different high schools, Justin was once again moving into unfamiliar territory. He purchased a condo in Thornton Park, a cool little neighborhood with many shops, restaurants, bars, art galleries, and farmer’s markets. Clark opened the office for William Gregory, and after about a year created his own firm in 2007, Attorneys Justin Clark & Associates. Little did he know though, the biggest financial collapse in anyone’s lifetime was about to unfold. Over the next six or seven years he handled at least 10,000 cases of people about to lose their home to foreclosure, lose their bank accounts, or simply create financial suicide. “It was the single most rewarding professional experience of my life. Knowing that someone was on the verge of losing their house in a couple days and helping them save their home and stop the foreclosure was just an amazing feeling of accomplishment. Many times they cut their mortgage payment in half.” Justin Clark was voted to the Super Lawyers Rising Star for 2014, 2015, and 2016.
One of the many positives of living in Florida is that Justin has met the love of his life, Pilar. “Her family moved here from Colombia when she was thirteen. None of them spoke a word of English. Her mom told her they were going to Disney World, but when they landed Pilar realized the stay would be permanent.” Pilar got thrown in high school, knowing no English at all and was constantly ridiculed by other kids. She prevailed, however, and her toughness is an attribute that first drew Justin to her. They welcomed daughter Sofia on July 21, 2012, and pretty much everything he had ever done took a quick backseat to his future as a father. All in all, it’s been one wild ride so far and Justin Clark is excited to see where his future will take him both as a lawyer and family man. Asked to offer advice to youngsters either in college or law school he says, “Don’t put anything on social media you don’t want to share with your mother; Work hard, and outwork the guy or gal next to you; Be creative, don’t recreate the wheel but certainly don’t create the same one; Don’t ever be afraid to do things your own way.” Great advice for anyone just starting out or looking for that extra nudge.
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I
am someone who has always been more inspired by music than by words. I guess that’s why I’ve never really had a lot of quotes I have “lived my life by” and why I am probably not all that quotable myself. But I do believe that music, especially when created at a high level of excellence by student musicians is as about as inspiring as it gets!
I am honored to be getting ready to start my 20th year as the Band Director at Dobyns-Bennett High School and in my job I get to work with highly motivated students who represent what is best about the young adults in our region. I also get to work in a community that values education and with families that seem to value the band experience for kids in Kingsport. Because of this incredible support and the hard work of my students the band at Dobyns-Bennett has been able to accumulate honors and recognitions that exceed those of almost any other high school band in America. The DobynsBennett Band has performed all over the country and has been representing East Tennessee on the national stage for decades. Our marching band has successfully competed at the national level and has received international recognition from the John Philip Sousa Foundation. The Dobyns-Bennett Band Senior Class of 2015 were the only high school band students in U.S. history to march in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, The Presidential Inaugural Parade and the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade in consecutive years and our concert bands have performed at every major event available to high school bands including a recent performance at Carnegie Hall. What a testament to the hard work of students and the support of the Kingsport Community for music education. Perhaps even more meaningful than these group accomplishments is the joy I get from seeing students achieving their personal goals. Whether that means seeing a freshman get through their first halftime performance without making a mistake or watching a high school senior get into the college of their choice, it is humbling and rewarding to think that their experience in the D-B Band hopefully played a part in allowing them to reach their goals and shaping who they become as adults. It is especially rewarding to see students go on to play music in college. A few years back the D-B Band simultaneously had graduates participating in college music programs at Tennessee, South Carolina, Clemson, Arkansas, LSU, Kentucky, Indiana, Georgia, Florida State, Yale, East Tennessee State, Notre Dame, UCLA, Southern Cal, Virginia Tech, MTSU, Harvard and Vanderbilt. You couldn’t turn on a college football game without seeing a glimpse of a DB Graduate playing in the marching band! As one of the few teachers who has the same students all four years of high school I spend a great deal of time making sure that my band students see that hard work has stand-alone value separate from the achievement of a particular goal. Students need to know how to work hard before they can efficiently direct that work toward their goals. Students also need to understand how to commit themselves to the pursuit of excellence. I push kids towards musical excellence but I hope they can apply that commitment and work ethic to other aspects of their lives. 60 | VIPSEEN | MAY 2016
At the end of the day the most important take away students get from studying music is how to be better human beings. Music teaches people how to express themselves in a way that fills the world with more of what is good in humanity. It teaches people how to live. Society teaches us that the pursuit of monetary prosperity is the goal of life… but what good is making a prosperous living unless you know how to live? Music teaches us how to live. Even more important than my role as a teacher is my role as a father. I love watching my kids experience life. This spring my 14 year old daughter as an 8th grader made the JV Lacrosse Team at the high school she will attend. At her first game she scored two goals…unbelievably exciting! I also have a 10 year old son who is an accomplished violin player and a precious two year old little girl who is full of joy and shows all the signs of stubborn goal achievement at all costs! I grew up all over the country but would call the American Southwest home. I come from a family of National Park Service Rangers… both my grandfathers, my father, and my sister are or were all in the Park Service. My family’s commitment to the preservation of America’s national and historic treasures instilled in me a great respect for our country’s history and its national landmarks. Growing up in places as diverse as suburban Northern Virginia; Cortez, Colorado; Santa Fe, New Mexico; Anchorage, Alaska and Gatlinburg, Tennessee helped me learn how to make friends fast and how to fit into unfamiliar surroundings. I have the greatest partner in my wife Heather Cook. She is a role model for our daughter and a tremendous step-mother for our older kids. Her work ethic is inspirational and the universal respect she has from anyone who knows her is amazing. On top of all that she really likes being around the band and the band students so she is a constant companion both at home and when I am traveling with the band. I have had many mentors in my life but two stand out. My father John Cook rose to the top of his profession and his passion for the mission of the National Park Service coupled with his fearless tackling of tough professional situations was always an inspiration. I was very proud when the documentary filmmaker Ken Burns dedicated an entire segment of his series on the Park Service to my father. My college band director at the University of Tennessee was Dr. WJ Julian. Dr. Julian had uncompromising standards (to say the least) and taught me how to push students very hard without pushing them over the edge. Dr. Julian also taught me that being a band director is a noble profession and that you should never let your professional relevance be defined by your salary. Because of him I go to work every day to do something I love. My advice to young men who are assailed daily by the noise of social media, and the most divisive social atmosphere in decades, is for them to work to find real mentors in daily life. Don’t look to the media to find men you want to emulate. Look in your community for those people…. They’re easy to find if you will just look up from your screen long enough to see them.
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Lafe Cook
PHOTO BY MICKEY BAKER
The Men Who #TakeTheHighRoad H
igh Road Digital has paved roads since it began its journey in 2013 and has its sights set on the horizons. Having the capabilities and team to provide strategic marketing campaigns, produce video and graphic design work, and brighten up any neighborhood, High Road Digital is on the fast track as far as start-up companies are concerned. With a group including the following 8 men (and 5 awesome women who we all know are the driving force), the office is consistently filled with hard work, competition, and copious attempts at humor. They couldn’t be more proud of their accomplishments in their short existence including partnering with some of our region’s largest companies and pioneering live social media broadcasting during one of the biggest festivals in the Tri-Cities. These men are passionate about the work they produce, the relationships they build, and their commitments to faith and family.
ROB BUNCH As general manager of High Road Digital, Rob leads through dedication and commitment to his team, clients, and projects. He knows how to develop a creative concept from vision into final delivery, and is intensely devoted to standards of excellence in all aspects of his personal and professional endeavors. Featured in last year’s Business Journal 40 Under 40, Rob certainly has a lot to be proud of (except his photo from that night). He will never pass up an opportunity to help someone in need, but will also take every chance he gets to make a joke. In his free time, Rob adores his crafty wife of 15 years, April, and their two children, Ethan (6) and “Tornado” Truman (3). Together, the Bunch family lovingly welcomes foster children into their home. Rob lives in the fast lane – not only at High Road, but also on our region’s interstates (he has yet to reveal his number of speeding tickets). KENT GARNER Joining High Road Digital with over 20 years of experience in sales and marketing, Kent has added a strong skill set as Partner Success Manager to the team. As a Florida native, Kent’s impressive resume reflects his history as a professional show skier at Sea World Orlando as well as a promotions and special events coordinator for Anheuser Busch Parks. Since moving to Tennessee, Kent successfully owned and operated real estate publications in the market as well as a direct coupon marketing firm. Selling those businesses allowed Kent to start a new chapter in his career as he joined High Road Digital. His wife, Terry, and his two grown daughters, Jackie and Jess, can always expect Kent to be attempting something that requires a helmet whether it be white water kayaking or extreme mountain biking. Kent knows no stranger – if you ever want to meet someone or a warm introduction, Kent is the man to call.
KYLE WIRICK Driven by a passion for creativity and technology, Kyle has established his professional reputation over the past 10 years through graphic development and web design. In 2014, Kyle joined High Road Digital as their Digital Operations Director. Born and raised in Florida, Kyle attended the University of Central Florida where he received his Bachelor’s in Management Information Systems. Don’t let his degree fool you though, he’s only a part time geek. The other half of his brain is used searching for (and usually finding) the best memes on the internet. He and his wife, Lauren, have two lovely daughters, Abbey (15) and Emma (8). Kyle’s enjoyment lives within the pages of the books he reads, the time he spends with his family, and piloting High Road Digital’s drone. Kyle’s party trick is useless trivia knowledge he gains through listening to podcasts – he knows all there is to know about Helium.
SETH PENLEY High Road Digital was lucky enough to add Seth to the team just a few months ago as their Interactive Design Specialist. He attended King College and graduated with a degree in History and Biology, but then decided digital media was his real calling. Coming from co-owning his own business, Boomtown Film Company, Seth has learned the importance of working in a fast-paced environment and the need to wear multiple hats. He and his wife of 6 years, Stephanie, have a beautiful baby boy born last July along with his twin step-daughters (19). Seth enjoys traveling the world and used to enjoy running marathons – now, he chases his son for added exercise. He also has really interesting food objections – he WILL NOT eat mayonnaise, vinegar, or anything involving sour cream. He passionately calls out those who pick their boogers and do not use their turn signals.
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STACK AMOS Stacy (or “Stack” – as his friends call him) joined High Road Digital in 2015 as their Creative Director with an extensive background in Media. Earning his Bachelor’s from ETSU, he spent 12 years working in broadcast media, in a marketing capacity, with WJHL. He brings his expertise in graphic design, video production, and creativity to the team at High Road Digital. He and his wife, Shannon, recently welcomed their sweet baby Ava into the world. Stack also enjoys rubbing butts. As a Kansas City Barbecue Society certified barbecue judge, Stack travels to many different barbecue competitions with hopes of finding the perfect barbecue contestant to rock his taste buds.
High Road Digital
JASON EDMISTEN One of the few Johnson City-hometown boys at High Road Digital, Jason brings more than 20 years of financial consulting and strategic management to the arena. As a Wake Forest alumnus, he has worked with a variety of companies, first with Deloitte, then with regional firm Blackburn, Childers, and Steagall. Jason joined forces with Jones Media in 2007 as their CFO, and launched High Road Digital in 2013. Since then, he has served as Managing Director for High Road while still maintaining his CFO duties with Jones Media. When he takes his financial suit and tie off, Jason enjoys running, hiking, camping, and biking with his three energetic boys, Grady (10), William (8), and Brooks (6). Jason’s attempts at being funny are what make him entertaining to be around, but his comedy is short lived – so catch it while you can. His love for Kenny Rogers is unparalleled.
JOSH MANCUSO High Road Digital couldn’t pass up the opportunity to welcome Josh to its team earlier this year. As a Digital Marketing Consultant, Josh brings his outgoing personality and passion for helping businesses tell their story and expand their influence through creative marketing strategies. His prior experience in owning his own production businesses also encourages his ability to go above and beyond the expectations of his role. He enjoys history, politics, reading, exercising and being a part of his church family. He is completely outnumbered at home having his wife of 10 years, Anna, three little girls, Amilia (7), Ella (5), and Sofia (newborn), and even two female cats. Josh likes to think his skillset and personality are what landed his job at High Road Digital; however, it was, in fact, the chocolate chip cookies (his wife made), used as a bribery, that secured the offer.
ERICK BRIZENDINE As the man child at High Road Digital, Erick brings his fresh pretty face and perfectly styled hair to High Road Digital daily as a Digital Marketing Specialist. Still currently enrolled in college, Erick is gaining his knowledge through experience. His outgoing personality and ability to voice his opinions allow him to be a valuable member of the team. His passion is derived from the horses under the hood of his Mustang and the endorphins he gains from pumping iron twice daily at the gym (although – he still has no abs).
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WHAT DO YOU WANT OTHERS TO KNOW ABOUT WHAT IT IS THAT YOU DO ON A DAILY BASIS? I lead nine different companies that create unique opportunities from local, regional, and global markets. I also manage relationships and solve problems by using 25 years of entrepreneurial experience. WHAT HAVE YOU ACCOMPLISHED IN THE WORKPLACE THAT YOU ARE MOST PROUD OF? I have helped to build many successful companies and have had the privilege of working beside so many great people. Folks have asked how I have been able to accomplish all the things that I have and a major component of my success is the great people I have surrounded myself with. There’s only so much one person can do in a day, so I have learned to let others do what I hired them to do. We built Touchstone Wireless in a neighbor’s garage with a $17,000 line of credit. We built a nice Real Estate company specializing in modernization of old buildings and providing economic solutions for “out of the box” type tenant needs. It’s very difficult as an entrepreneur to have other people make decisions within your organization so successful entrepreneurs have to build great teams. OUTSIDE OF THE WORKPLACE? My kids’ activities are one of the most important things in my life. I’ve Coached Little League Baseball, Little League Softball, Travel Softball, Middle School Boys’ Basketball, Girls’ Basketball, USA Archery Team, Shotgun, and several other sports. I have loved every minute of it! We have also helped, either directly or indirectly, to develop economic development and jobs for our community. As a leader in the community we feel we have an obligation to help grow our town. NAME AT LEAST ONE THING THAT HAPPENED TO YOU EARLY ON IN YOUR CAREER THAT HAS SHAPED THE TYPE OF BUSINESSMAN YOU ARE TODAY. I noticed in the beginning of my career that there were some people, and companies, that rarely did what they said they would do and always hit the “ easy” button. When I started my first business I looked at it and said, “If I just do what I say I’m going to, then this will work. I have always believed if we do the little things that are harder to do people will appreciate that and, honestly, that may be the secret to our success.” Nothing is easy, even when you’re the best at what you do so the commitment you make to the choices you choose will define whom you are. NAME AT LEAST ONE THING THAT HAPPENED TO YOU IN YOUR YOUTH THAT HAS SHAPED WHO YOU ARE AS A MAN. I remember in high school when we were given a test that was supposed to tell us what “we could do when we grew up.” I can’t even remember exactly what it said, but the point is, I looked around at all my classmates and thought ‘there’s no test that can tell me or them what we can or can’t do.’ I decided right then and there that I was going to write my own book and it is a passion that I share with my kids, K-12 students, college students or anyone that will listen. You can do just about anything you want, but that doesn’t mean it will be easy. No one should be able to tell you what you can and can’t do, that’s a choice that each of us has to make at some point in our lives. DESCRIBE YOUR WORK ETHIC. HOW DO YOU APPROACH DIFFICULT CLIENTS? ADVERSE MARKETS? OBSTACLES? HOW DO YOU HANDLE THE WORD-NO. Well our work ethic is probably a little over the top to be honest with you. Once we commit to something it’s time to go to work and that may mean 14-16 hrs days, when needed, but we will meet our commitments. I kind of do everything over the top but that’s who I am and what I love to do. It differentiates our companies from others and folks know they can count on that “over the top” commitment. NO? Well this is our trademark, “no” is just a “yes, but”. I honestly believe everything can be accomplished, it just may not be able to be accomplished the way I wanted to do it, but successful people understand that and adapt to the situation to overcome it. Obstacles often lead to opportunities; they just sometimes take time to materialize. As I’ve gotten a little older I have learned to be more patient. HOW DO YOU WORK TO HELP THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE WITH WHAT YOU DO IN YOUR CHOSEN PROFESSION? We love our town and are driven to create jobs and economic development both directly and indirectly. We “Believe in Bristol”. We work with many organizations, both non-profits and for profits, to provide assistance that helps make our city a “Better Place to Live.” I’ve traveled here in the US, and abroad, and this region and its people are a blessing. It’s sometimes hard to see that, depending on the situation a person 64 | VIPSEEN | MAY 2016
may be in, but the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. How do you combine the two? We try to provide Public Private Partnerships to create a better community. MANY OF US WORK TO BE THE CHANGE WE WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD. WHAT CHANGE DO YOU WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD AND HOW DO YOU WORK FOR THAT? That everyone has an opportunity to succeed and compromise. Give and take is something our world seems to have gotten away from, everyone wants all or nothing and that’s a bad thing for the world. It creates barriers and hostility on so many levels. Leading by example is the way we work towards success and compromise. WHAT IS THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE ABOUT BUSINESS OR LIFE THAT YOU EVER RECEIVED? HOW DID FOLLOWING THIS ADVICE HELP AND WHEN DID IT REALLY HIT HOME THAT THE ADVICE WAS SO HELPFUL? “It only takes a little more work to do it right.” My grandfather used to tell me that when I was a teenager and it wasn’t until just after college that it started to make sense and that’s probably why we are over the top on about everything we do. The other advice was from my grandmother “do right by people and the Lord will bless you.” WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT YOU WOULD CHANGE ABOUT THE WAY BUSINESS IS DONE AND HOW WOULD YOU IMPROVE ON IT? There are always opinions on how to improve business, but those opinions are usually related to the situations you face with your own business or the people you do business with so we just like to see the good guys win. WHO HAS IN THE PAST OR PRESENTLY SUPPORTS YOU AND WHAT DOES THEIR SUPPORT MEAN TO YOU? HOW DOES THEIR SUPPORT ENABLE YOU TO ACCOMPLISH WHAT YOU DO? My family and friends have been so great to support what I have done and my appreciation for their support is hard to put into words. My wife is the best woman a man could ask for. My kids are supportive and my mother and father have been there from day one. My dad put up a retirement CD to secure a loan when we started and my brother is my best friend and has been my business partner for many years. Together we have built the business into a place most never have the opportunity to see and that in itself has been an honor. All of our friends and family are amazing and, honestly, I may be the luckiest guy in the world to have such a great support system. I cannot forget the man upstairs, He has given me guidance and humility over the years, with His support all is possible. NAME YOUR PROUDEST MOMENT AS A MAN. I can tell you there’s more than one moment because everyday I see my kids do amazing things to help people. My fourteen-year-old daughter has her own charity, Lovin N People, which she works with to support kids and veterans in need. There was a moment involving my son when he gave his new favorite pair of KD8 shoes, that he had bought with his own money, to a young man in the Charlotte airport. The young soldier was heading back to his second basic training assignment after a Christmas leave and had forgotten his running shoes and was looking at some stiff discipline from his superiors. My son took the shoes off his feet and gave them to this young man serving our country. I’m filled with moments like this and they all are with me every day. WHAT DO YOU DO AS A HOBBY IN YOUR FREE TIME? Well that’s a pretty packed agenda. I truly enjoy upland, duck hunting, shooting clay, long distance shooting and the outdoors in general. I also enjoy coaching and spending time with my family. THE WORLD CERTAINLY CAN BE A CHAOTIC PLACE AND WITH SO MUCH SOCIAL MEDIA OUR YOUTH ARE BOMBARDED WITH AN OVERWHELMING AMOUNT OF MESSAGES BOTH NEGATIVE AND POSITIVE. WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT YOU WOULD SAY TO YOUNG MEN IN ORDER TO HELP THEM NAVIGATE THE WORLD? WHAT PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD YOU SHARE? Integrity, Character and Respect are characteristics that last a lifetime no matter the generation. Make your own decisions and lead by example, every choice you make has an effect so make decisions that have a positive effect and remember perfect is the enemy of good. There’s only one perfect person.
J. Allen Hurley
PHOTO BY MICKEY BAKER
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Philip Gower WHAT DO YOU WANT OTHERS TO KNOW ABOUT WHAT IT IS THAT YOU DO ON A DAILY BASIS? The most important thing I do on a daily basis is drive the execution of the vision of our company. The next thing I do is learn how to thrive on the absolute chaos of a rapidly growing healthcare services company. Finally, I spend a great deal of my day helping everyone on the team reset priorities because of the speed of execution we maintain. WHAT HAVE YOU ACCOMPLISHED IN THE WORKPLACE THAT YOU ARE MOST PROUD OF? Taking IntelliHARTx from raw business plan to an actual company with the growth that is has seen is truly something special. Being able to transform the way patients are treated in a proactive versus passive patient financial engagement process is dramatic in terms of patient satisfaction and financial performance for our hospital and physician group clients. WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT OTHERS DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU THAT THEY SHOULD? I am Canadian (No “Eh” inserted) and a seasoned drummer and I play the piano (studied at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Canada) and guitar. I had the privilege to drum with Shania Twain at the Canadian Country Music Awards several years ago. NAME AT LEAST ONE THING THAT HAPPENED TO YOU EARLY ON IN YOUR CAREER THAT HAS SHAPED THE TYPE OF BUSINESSMAN YOU ARE TODAY. You learn from great people and also the not so great. “Carry the wounded and shoot the stragglers” is what I learned early on in my career. We are teaching to help invest in others as much as they invested in you. NAME AT LEAST ONE THING THAT HAPPENED TO YOU IN YOUR YOUTH THAT HAS SHAPED WHO YOU ARE AS A MAN. Learning the value of hard work and dedication to success from my mom and dad and also my grandpa. My dad was 36 years at one company, my mum was a high school English teacher and my grandpa was a pastor. My mum and dad bought a business when I was in high school after my mum left teaching… I learned a lot about “3rd shift” as we call it here at IntelliHARTx, you have to work hard to make something successful. Hard work and dedication with a little bit of luck thrown in for good measure.
DESCRIBE YOUR WORK ETHIC. HOW DO YOU APPROACH DIFFICULT CLIENTS? ADVERSE MARKETS? OBSTACLES? HOW DO YOU HANDLE THE WORD-NO? I am a recovering workaholic. Entrepreneur is French for “Someone who makes irrational choices”. You can’t be a successful entrepreneur without learning how to handle adversity, obstacles and learn to overcome “no”. Getting to “yes” is such a rush that it drives everything you do. As they said in Apollo 13, “Failure is not an option.” HOW DO YOU WORK TO HELP THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE WITH WHAT YOU DO IN YOUR CHOSEN PROFESSION? HOW DO YOU COMBINE THE TWO? I’ve been very involved with the NFL Alumni Charities over the years. I’d like to get more involved in local charities, but it’s hard when you are running multiple operations in multiple states. The best thing I can do right now is build a very successful company providing career opportunities for hundreds to thousands of people. MANY OF US WORK TO BE THE CHANGE WE WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD. WHAT CHANGE DO YOU WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD AND HOW DO YOU WORK FOR THAT? Encouraging personal responsibility in our young people. Promoting learning from the bottom up. So many college students want to come out and be “Managers” without ever understanding the starting points. Encouraging that approach is important for this world, or at least our business world, to succeed. WHAT IS THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE ABOUT BUSINESS OR LIFE THAT YOU EVER RECEIVED? It’s kind of simple and probably over used but; “trust your gut” or “a “Blink” moment is invaluable”. HOW DID FOLLOWING THIS ADVICE HELP AND WHEN DID IT REALLY HIT HOME THAT THE ADVICE WAS SO HELPFUL? A “Blink” moment is that feeling, snapshot or first impression you get when you meet someone or engage with a person/company that sets certain reactions off in your brain…they are usually right and when you fight them, it usually comes back to haunt you! Some of the best and worst decisions including employee hires and “not hired” in my career have come from this key element to business and life. WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT YOU WOULD CHANGE ABOUT THE WAY BUSINESS IS DONE AND HOW WOULD YOU IMPROVE ON IT? I would like to see business leaders and investors build businesses for the long run versus short run flips and profits. Most investors take a three year investment horizon as their goal instead of seven to ten years. It’s hard to build sustainable enterprises that way and instead you have hiring surges and layoffs after the sale or merger because people don’t matter. It’s very short sighted. WHO HAS IN THE PAST OR PRESENTLY SUPPORTS YOU AND WHAT DOES THEIR SUPPORT MEAN TO YOU? HOW DOES THEIR SUPPORT ENABLE YOU TO ACCOMPLISH WHAT YOU DO? Having worked for some great organizations like Target and Caribou Coffee, I can say it’s having a great team of talent from the top of our organization chart with the Patient Advocates to the bottom of the chart with our CEO who all support what we do together. Having a synchronous vision makes it much easier to execute on implementation of our plans. NAME YOUR PROUDEST MOMENT AS A MAN. Seeing my two baby girls born and growing. Eva and Piper. WHAT DO YOU DO AS A HOBBY IN YOUR FREE TIME? I play drums, guitar, piano, golf and I still play USAA volleyball and enjoy travel and great wine.
PHOTO BY MICKEY BAKER
THE WORLD CERTAINLY CAN BE A CHAOTIC PLACE AND WITH SO MUCH SOCIAL MEDIA OUR YOUTH ARE BOMBARDED WITH AN OVERWHELMING AMOUNT OF MESSAGES BOTH NEGATIVE AND POSITIVE. WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT YOU WOULD SAY TO YOUNG MEN IN ORDER TO HELP THEM NAVIGATE THE WORLD? WHAT PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD YOU SHARE? Be sure to stay focused and finish what you start. Most people are great starters and lousy finishers. As my mentor Amy O’Neil says; sometimes people love to report the news, but rarely feel comfortable actually making the news. I say, be a newsworthy newsmaker every chance you get, in life and in business.
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“Where Tennessee Begins Its Business Day”
John Kunysz WHAT DO YOU WANT OTHERS TO KNOW ABOUT WHAT IT IS THAT YOU DO ON A DAILY BASIS? The most important thing I do on a daily basis is support the pyramid of our upside down organization chart from the bottom up. Secondly is keep leading from the heart and share the vision of why IntelliHARTx does what it does to change the way patients feel about the post clinical experience with hospitals and physicians. WHAT HAVE YOU ACCOMPLISHED IN THE WORKPLACE THAT YOU ARE MOST PROUD OF? BUILDING A COMPANY FROM CONCEPT TO OVER OUTSIDE OF THE WORKPLACE? IntelliHARTx is my seventh company and is clearly positioned to be the largest and most impactful in terms of changing the patient financial experience through our Co-Ventured Business Offices and our Patient Balance Concierge Services. Having one vision and message that investors, clients and employees embrace is really powerful and a lot of fun because you don’t have to remember which version was told to which group.
provide Patient Financial Treatment to Match the Quality of the Clinical Care patients receive. This is making a real difference for our clients and their patients. WHAT IS THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE ABOUT BUSINESS OR LIFE THAT YOU EVER RECEIVED? HOW DID FOLLOWING THIS ADVICE HELP AND WHEN DID IT REALLY HIT HOME THAT THE ADVICE WAS SO HELPFUL? There are two that stand out for me: John Wooden’s Pyramid of Success points out “Don’t mistake activity for achievement.” David Holder, a former Chairman and mentor in another earlier deal I was in said to me in his best Natchez, Mississippi accent, “If you’ve got a lot of frogs to swallow: Number one, don’t think about it for very long. Number two, swallow the biggest one first.” WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT YOU WOULD CHANGE ABOUT THE WAY BUSINESS IS DONE AND HOW WOULD YOU IMPROVE ON IT? I think the biggest challenge for business leaders is to start taking a long view rather than short term what’s in it for me attitude. Secondly, CEOs need to start telling one story to their investors, customers and employees instead of three.
NAME AT LEAST ONE THING THAT HAPPENED TO YOU EARLY ON IN YOUR CAREER THAT HAS SHAPED THE TYPE OF BUSINESSMAN YOU ARE TODAY. Peer mentors and great bosses. They weren’t always super nice, but they were super invested in making me the best I was capable of being. Like having a great coach.
NAME YOUR PROUDEST MOMENT AS A MAN. It was my wedding with Heather Moore. Marrying the Princess of your dreams is an awesome feeling. Especially, when it feels like that every day thereafter. It truly was a Camelot moment that I am grateful for every day.
NAME AT LEAST ONE THING THAT HAPPENED TO YOU IN YOUR YOUTH THAT HAS SHAPED WHO YOU ARE AS A MAN. Growing up with two older brothers who are both 6’9” tall and 7 and 10 years older than me and I am only 6’ really teaches you that you just can’t do some things. Like, slam dunk a basketball. So, either you can or you can’t do something, then you will or you won’t. Birth order and the bad luck of the genetic lottery drove me to excel academically and career wise because I certainly wasn’t going to get there via athletic means.
WHAT DO YOU DO AS A HOBBY IN YOUR FREE TIME? I am a Certified Master Beef Producer and love farming. We live on a 234 year old Century Farm in Sullivan County. Driving something that is big, green and yellow is so much fun. Travel, wine and golf are my other diversions.
HOW DO YOU WORK TO HELP THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE WITH WHAT YOU DO IN YOUR CHOSEN PROFESSION? HOW DO YOU COMBINE THE TWO? Both my wife, Heather, and I share a big heart for animal adoption. We were very active in animal rescue work and serving on non-profit boards and professional societies. But, what’s taking precedence for me the last three years has been starting and building a company that now employs 100 people and is growing rapidly. That’s an incredible way to help people by creating real good paying jobs with a future career track.
THE WORLD CERTAINLY CAN BE A CHAOTIC PLACE AND WITH SO MUCH SOCIAL MEDIA OUR YOUTH ARE BOMBARDED WITH AN OVERWHELMING AMOUNT OF MESSAGES BOTH NEGATIVE AND POSITIVE. WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT YOU WOULD SAY TO YOUNG MEN IN ORDER TO HELP THEM NAVIGATE THE WORLD? WHAT PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD YOU SHARE? The sum total of your life is the result of a million little decisions. Make them wisely because they all add up.
MANY OF US WORK TO BE THE CHANGE WE WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD. WHAT CHANGE DO YOU WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD AND HOW DO YOU WORK FOR THAT? I want patients to always feel like a patient even after they leave a hospital and have a large unpaid hospital bill. The days of treating patients like debtors and being sent to collections are over. IntelliHARTx really puts into practice Intelligent Treatment for Healthcare Account Resolution, using our Patients, Not Debtors ITx Core Values to
Congratulations John and Philip! Thank you for your contribution to our region.
IntelliHARTx
DESCRIBE YOUR WORK ETHIC. HOW DO YOU APPROACH DIFFICULT CLIENTS? ADVERSE MARKETS? OBSTACLES? HOW DO YOU HANDLE THE WORD-NO? Work ethic is raised in a Polish Catholic Patriarchy by a WWII vet dad who landed on Normandy Beach. Enough said. You can’t just wish your way to the top. Everyone has the desire for success, the real question is do you have the fire in the belly and the drive to do what it takes to succeed. “No” usually means you haven’t convinced someone that it is in their best interest to say yes. Put yourself in their shoes and figure it out.
PHOTO BY MICKEY BAKER
WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT OTHERS DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU THAT THEY SHOULD? I survived a near death experience in a hospital setting due to a surgical complication about 13 years ago and that forever altered the way I view the patient experience and my personal understanding of how to communicate with patients. All is good now and no lingering effects, but it did leave me very changed in terms of appreciation for the amazing things that clinicians do that the healthcare business people really don’t appreciate.
WHO HAS IN THE PAST OR PRESENTLY SUPPORTS YOU AND WHAT DOES THEIR SUPPORT MEAN TO YOU? HOW DOES THEIR SUPPORT ENABLE YOU TO ACCOMPLISH WHAT YOU DO? My wife Heather has been with me through five of my seven deals. There is nothing like having a cheerleading captain on your team. It makes it all really special. Secondly, it’s great to have the team in your company be a support network and I am incredibly fortunate to have the best leadership team of my career in IntelliHARTx. The business plan sat on the shelf for 8 years before we could implement it with the right team. Finally, having a Co-Founder in Philip Gower really allows me to focus on the future because I know he has the present well in hand.
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it felt really good to be able to make my own money. I was pretty good at spending it too! This helped me to have a strong work ethic and see results from working hard. I continued to mow lawns for a living until I decided to start Jackson Jones Construction. WHAT ABOUT YOUR FAMILY? ARE YOU MARRIED? KIDS? JR Jones not only gave me my first job out of high school but he also gave me the chance to make a good living so I could ask my high school sweetheart to marry me. Jamie and I got married that next year and we will celebrate twenty years together this year. Jamie joined me in the business thirteen years ago and she has been a strong support to me professionally and personally. We have three awesome kids, Titus, 13, Rocky, 12 and Esther, 8. I was raised right here in Kingsport and Jamie and I had our kids at Holston Valley where I was born as well. My parents, Tim and Shelly Jackson, my brother Simeon and his wife Hillary and their two children as well as Jamie’s parents live here in Kingsport. We have a strong family rooted here and we see our lives becoming even more involved in our local community. I was raised with strong family values and a deep faith; I love this area and think it is such a great place to raise a family and grow a business.
To get to know Nathan Jackson a little better, we sat down and asked him a few questions... TELL ME A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS, JACKSON JONES CONSTRUCTION: We are a hardscape/outdoor living specialty construction business that does residential and commercial projects. We have fifteen employees and run three crews on a year-round basis. On the commercial side of things, we build mainly segmental retaining walls, interlocking paver systems, and Equinox Louvered Roof systems. You may have seen some of our walls around the area, like at the Eastman Credit Unions in the area, Founders Park in Johnson City, and at the Cabelas and Lowes building site in Bristol, VA. We installed the pavers for Meadowview Conference and Convention Center and Emory and Henry College and installed a large Equinox Roof for Siemens Corporation. Our commercial crews stay busy and next time you visit the Knoxville Zoo, check out the Mega Tandem wall we just finished in March of this year. On the residential side of our company, we design and install outdoor living spaces, retaining walls, patios, pool decks, sea walls, Equinox Roof systems and lay custom concrete. This is our chance to really get creative with customers and make something they will love and enjoy all year long. WHEN DID YOU START YOUR BUSINESS? I started JJC in April of 1998. I was working for JR Jones at Jones Plumbing at the time and really enjoyed running equipment and somehow I managed to talk JR into investing and cosigning a loan for me to purchase my first Bobcat, flatbed truck (1979 GMC), and trailer. Jackson Jones Construction was born! I mainly did small excavation jobs at the time like digging water and sewer lines. Vic Davis from Vic Davis Construction gave me some great advice the first day I started my business, “Be willing to do things that other people don’t want to do.” This really stuck with me and gave me my vision for finding a niche market with the hardscape industry. WHEN YOU SAY YOU STARTED JJC IN 1998, WAS THERE ANOTHER BUSINESS BEFORE THAT? I actually had a mowing business that my dad helped me start when I was twelve. I started mowing lawns around my house and then had the opportunity to bid on a commercial job for a church and surrounding buildings and rental properties. When I first started that mowing business, my dad drove me to the bank to get a loan for an Exmark commercial mower. When I paid that mower off the next year, everyone at the bank stood and clapped. I remember my dad being proud of me and 68 | VIPSEEN | MAY 2016
IN WHAT WAYS ARE YOU INVOLVED IN OUR COMMUNITY OTHER THAN WITH JACKSON JONES CONSTRUCTION? I am very passionate about singing and playing drums. I began playing drums at my childhood church when I was sixteen and leading worship at eighteen. I feel my faith deeply when I sing and play drums and am thankful for the many opportunities over the years to serve in these ways at Celebration Church and most recently at Christ Fellowship. Being a licensed contractor and growing up in a family of builders, I also love to create spaces that serve people in custom and unique ways. Recently I have joined ONEKingsport to lead a committee to draw new residential construction to the Kingsport area. We are active members of the Kingsport Chamber of Commerce and the Kingsport Home Builders Association, from whom we won the Best of Show booth at the most recent Kingsport Home Show. THANK YOU FOR SPENDING SOME TIME LETTING US GET TO KNOW YOU A LITTLE BETTER; ANY FAMOUS PARTING WORDS? At Jackson Jones I tell my guys that we operate with the motto “everything is possible”. I think that is a pretty good motto for life too.
Nathan Jackson MAY 2016 | VIPSEEN | 69
A GUIDE
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HISTORY: Man Caves: The word conjures up visions of basement dwellings that are dark and dank and sparsely decorated with an old sofa and single television set upon a box. This might have been what the original man cave looked like, but the idea of a “men only” hangout room has sure come a long way over the past several years. Today’s man cave is not relegated to the basement, although it can be housed there, but are often times found in the main part of a home in lieu of an office or kid’s playroom. According to mancavesite.org a man cave is, “a room or space (as in a basement) designed according to the taste of the man of the house to be used as his personal area for hobbies and leisure activities” and the first official use of the term “man cave” was in 1992. The world of man caves has come a long way since the first DIY rooms that guys started doing in their garages and basements all those years ago. Today, there is a full-fledged industry dedicated solely to man caves and all that can go in them. The surge in man caves has opened up a whole new industry dedicated just to the decoration of rooms solely for entertainment. The phenomenon took the DIY world by storm and has helped to spawn magazines, “How To” books, YouTube Channels, a Man Cave TV Show, and thousands of design ideas and Pinterest photos. Just about any type of hobby can be turned into a man cave complete with all types of memorabilia from glasses, to coasters, to rugs, to posters and pennants. EXPLANATION: What, we may ask ourselves, exactly is going on here? What is the big deal? There are television shows dedicated to “doing over” ordinary rooms into man caves, there are websites crammed full of information about man caves, pictures of man caves, advice on making man caves, 70 | VIPSEEN | MAY 2016
and stuff to buy to put in the man cave. “We just want a place to hang out and to keep our stuff,” says Justin Shoemaker of Piney Flats. “My wife had her stuff everywhere and when we got married all my stuff just stayed in boxes in the garage. I turned our basement into a room for my stuff the other year and now me and the fellas hang out there, especially during football season.” Shoemaker, a huge Alabama fan, had memorabilia from his and his father’s alma mater but is also a collector of all things college football. Now he has a home for his stuff and a place to hang out to watch the games without being in his wife’s way all season long. The perfect marriage of space to match the wonderful marriage that he and his young bride have forged together. IDEAS: The uses of a man cave can vary depending on what it is that a man likes to do. Love to hunt? Then the man cave can have a cammo sofa or recliner, a gun rack, animal heads on the wall, a deer antler chandelier, wood siding for a cabin feel, and a rustic fireplace. A sports-themed man cave can be filled with plenty of gear from the host’s favorite athletic team. There are leather sofas with sport’s logos emblazoned on them, pool tables done in the color and logo of popular teams, and don’t forget that just about anything from curtains to rugs to wallpaper can come with a team’s logo. Love the Chicago Cubs or the Green Bay Packers? Paint colors can be matched to the team colors so that walls, bars, and furniture can be painted to coordinate to the favorite team. Large screen televisions can be purchased at a pretty affordable rate these days and even projectors are much more cost effective than they once were. No one wants to watch the big game on a tiny TV. Fan of the movies? Fill your room with theater type seating, vintage movie posters, a projector, screen, and a slammin sound system: now you’re ready to have a home theater/man cave/homage to old Hollywood. Like to
read? There’s nothing that says a man cave can’t be a library and cool at the same time. Have a small humidor installed, dark heavy shelves built for all of your books, large leather club chairs, and a mini-bar to hold your brandy or scotch. Refined and sophisticated works in the man cave world as well. If you have the income, then add in a pool table or a game table for cards and dominoes or both with the money and room. Like to work out, but hate paying that gym fee each month? A man cave can be an in-home gym. Find a room, like a garage or basement, that has a concrete floor and begin by painting or staining it. Fill the room with plenty of light and mirrors on one wall and then start bringing in the weights, heavy bags, and other work out equipment. Put a television up and add some sound and you are ready to work out as much or as little as you like and in the comfort of your own home. THE SKINNY/ THE LOWDOWN/ THE BOTTOM LINE: One thing that makes man caves so unique is that they are, well: unique. They can be crafted on small budgets or large budgets and they can be tailored to fit the man and to reflect any hobby or aspect of his life. The man cave has become more than just somewhere to store that die-cast car collection, sports memorabilia, or all of that hunted and fished game that you’ve collected over the years. Man caves can be for either married or single men and they can be places of quiet reflection or of riotous parties. One aspect that makes them such a fascinating study and topic of reflection is that the possibilities for what makes a man cave and for what goes into a man cave are endless. Make your man cave as big or as small as you want. Make your man cave fit into your budget or blow your budget making your man cave. Have it reflect all of your interests or have it reflect just one interest. Whatever you want your man cave to be it can be and, the best part is, it will be just for and about you. MAY 2016 | VIPSEEN | 71
R
ichard Jackson, M.D., had a vision when he opened Changes Medical Spa & Laser Center in Johnson City almost 3 years ago: to bring new and innovative non-surgical aesthetic treatments to the area. Patients from 10 states have come to the TriCities for those services at Changes, and appreciate that ongoing vision.
ABC’s. “It if helps Animals, Babies, or Cancer treatment efforts, you can count on Changes to help.” Dr. Jackson provides some free services to cancer survivors, such as laser removal of radiation therapy tattoos, laser scar reduction or even laser hair removal post-chemotherapy if the hair returns in unwanted areas. When local animal shelters are full and may have to euthanize animals, Changes sometimes offers to reimburse adoption costs in service credit. Children’s Miracle Network activities are also included, as a part of Changes’ support of the Miss America Scholarship Pageant both locally and on a state-wide basis, as well as the chosen charities or causes selected by their patients who are local title holders, including the past 3 Miss Tennessees.
“Dr. J.”, as his patients call him, says that his goals are simple: To offer services that are state of the art, affordable, effective, safe, comfortable and that have little or no downtime. “We also focus on needs that are not met elsewhere in the region, to provide unique services that fill a niche for special health problems,” said Dr. Jackson.
The goal of offering innovative aesthetic and laser services has been more than met, with Changes being the only place in the region where you will find: • The new SculpSure laser, for fast, comfortable permanent elimination of unwanted fat, • The Fotona 4D treatment, which achieves lasting facial lifting and rejuvenation without surgery, • The Fotona LipLase laser lip plumping, • The Fotona IntimaLase procedure, for comfortable and immediately effective vaginal rejuvenation post-menopause and vaginal tightening post-childbirth, • The Fotona IncontiLase treatment, for female stress urinary incontinence, • The Fotona NightLase procedure, for snoring and sleep apnea, • The miraDry procedure, for permanent elimination of unwanted underarm sweat, odor and hair. Jackson and staff also provide comfortable, fast laser hair removal; laser treatment of nail fungus, acne, veins and other issues; and the usual aesthetic services like Botox/Xeomin, dermal fillers, facials, chemical peels, Obagi medical grade skincare products and glominerals therapeutic makeup.
Dr. Jackson and his wife, Angela Shelton, developed the concept of the laser center and medical spa when they returned to East Tennessee after living in Connecticut for many years. Development of the business began by surveying and talking to residents across East Tennessee. Hearing from people who had issues not able to be addressed in the local area, and learning of patients traveling to other regions and states for some services, led to the wide range of services provided today by Jackson and his staff. Some of their services are found nowhere else in a day’s driving distance; others may be available locally but at Changes, are performed with updated methods or more recently developed equipment. “Our business and personal philosophy guides everything we do, every day. We treat everyone like family once they come to us. We have a friendly, welcoming environment. We listen, and explain our recommendations and alternatives. We do not pressure or rush patients. As Medical Director, I am on-site daily, which is not the case at most medical spas in the area. We offer only those services, products and equipment that we have tested ourselves and researched extensively. We offer services for all skin tones and ethnicities, because we saw that there was a need for that. And we give back to the community,” said Jackson. Changes supports many local fundraisers, and hosts several fundraising activities each year. Their three top areas of giving are known as Angela’s
Their results with the nonsurgical laser facelift recently brought a visitor from Europe to the center, Jernej Kukovic, MD, Chief Clinical Researcher for Fotona, a world-leading medical laser company for more than 50 years. Dr. Kukovic provided additional ideas and training for Dr. Jackson and a visiting physician, as well as for Fotona executives and staff from around the US. “The results achieved by Dr. Jackson are excellent and the individualization of his treatments to the patient’s needs show in those results,” said Dr. Kukovic. According to Dr. Jackson, “Our patients’ needs, and those of the community, drive our continual growth and training. That’s what motivates us and makes me happy to come to the practice every day.”
Richard Jackson, M.D.
PHOTO BY MICKEY BAKER
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WHAT DO YOU WANT OTHERS TO KNOW ABOUT WHAT IT IS THAT YOU DO ON A DAILY BASIS? The primary mission of Marcum’s Pharmacy is to educate and serve the people in our community in a way that promotes improved quality of life for our patients via outcomes based care. Every day the staff of Marcum’s Pharmacy has a goal to meet the needs of patients as individuals. Whether that means adherence checks to make sure patients are compliant with drug regimens, overcoming road blocks to proper care such as lack of funding, or just spending a little time catching up on how their family has been and how they are doing. Our daily priority then, is to strive to identify each patient’s personal point of need and do everything possible to meet that need. WHAT HAVE YOU ACCOMPLISHED IN THE WORKPLACE THAT YOU ARE MOST PROUD OF? OUTSIDE OF THE WORKPLACE? I can identify numerous areas where I am pleased with the progress of Marcum’s Pharmacy since I took over in 2009. We have expanded our compounding base, increased sales and profitability in new arenas, developed programs to further educate and assist patients. Each of these items is something I am proud of but things for which I cannot alone take credit. I realize that my success is directly linked to the productivity and tenacity of my employees. That being said, there is one thing I am most pleased about personally. Many people know I purchased the pharmacy from Grandfather Carl Marcum who opened it in 1962. He was a wonderful pharmacist and a great friend to many of our customers. He was very well respected and was known for going out of his way to help others. Being told “you are just like your grandfather” is what I consider my highest achievement. WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT OTHERS DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU THAT THEY SHOULD? I KNOW WHAT IT’S LIKE TO STRUGGLE WITH SERIOUS HEALTH ISSUES. I was born with an overactive immune system that has caused many life threatening allergies that affect my daily activities. Everything I do must be scrutinized such as which restaurants I can go to, what medications I can take to combat the problem, what can trigger a life threatening episode if I’m hunting in the woods (I’m an avid hunter). Because of this I feel I can relate better to my patients struggling with chronic or long-term illnesses. NAME AT LEAST ONE THING THAT HAPPENED TO YOU EARLY ON IN YOUR CAREER THAT HAS SHAPED THE TYPE OF BUSINESSMAN YOU ARE TODAY AND ALSO AT LEAST ONE THING THAT HAPPENED TO YOU IN YOUR YOUTH THAT HAS SHAPED WHO YOU ARE AS A MAN. Working with my Grandfather, seeing him relate to customers, hearing how he handled difficult situations, having the privilege to be raised up with him close at hand has definitely shaped not only my career path , but who I am as person. In addition to this my father, Greg Marcum is an ER physician. Many, many times I have heard people tell me how my father literally saved their life. I’ve heard them speak of the grace and compassion he used while treating them. Having two great men in my life to look up to has had one of the greatest impacts on who I am as a man. DESCRIBE YOUR WORK ETHIC. HOW DO YOU APPROACH DIFFICULT CLIENTS? ADVERSE MARKETS? OBSTACLES? HOW DO YOU HANDLE THE WORD-NO? My work ethic is simple. Show up, be present, and don’t give up. Nothing worth having is usually going to be easy to obtain or maintain. Difficult customers are usually the result of the patient being upset with a situation out of their control such as a new diagnosis, negative test results, or cost prohibitive co-pays. We try to show kindness to the individual and look past what we first hear. Often this will soften their response and give us the opportunity to find out
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what is really going on. Often patients just need someone to share in their sorrow for a moment, let them know you care. HOW DO YOU WORK TO HELP THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE WITH WHAT YOU DO IN YOUR CHOSEN PROFESSION? HOW DO YOU COMBINE THE TWO? I believe when you are blessed there is a responsibility that comes with that to help others. We as a corporation try to support local sports teams and schools through purchases and sponsorships whenever we reasonably can. We are also working toward adding a department of charitable pharmacy to our store. This will allow us to expand our ability to meet the needs of those patients who struggle. MANY OF US WORK TO BE THE CHANGE WE WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD. WHAT CHANGE DO YOU WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD AND HOW DO YOU WORK FOR THAT? In the words of the great Carl Marcum “World peace!” I’m just kidding. My goal is just to be the best father and husband I can and to live my life in a way that makes my family proud. I believe the best change I can make in the world is to live like I would have those around me live, with caring and compassion. If we each looked to ourselves, instead of around at others, imagine what a difference we could make. WHAT IS THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE ABOUT BUSINESS OR LIFE THAT YOU EVER RECEIVED? HOW DID FOLLOWING THIS ADVICE HELP AND WHEN DID IT REALLY HIT HOME THAT THE ADVICE WAS SO HELPFUL? Never lose sight of what you are working for. That would be your family of course. WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT YOU WOULD CHANGE ABOUT THE WAY BUSINESS IS DONE AND HOW WOULD YOU IMPROVE ON IT? I think we need to see a return to the idea that we are here to serve one another. More customer satisfaction focused service. WHO HAS IN THE PAST OR PRESENTLY SUPPORTS YOU AND WHAT DOES THEIR SUPPORT MEAN TO YOU? HOW DOES THEIR SUPPORT ENABLE YOU TO ACCOMPLISH WHAT YOU DO? My grandparents, my mother and father and sister of course. I have been blessed with a very strong support system. In the last few years I would add to that my beautiful wife, Catherine. She is also a pharmacist so she understands my job. We share the same goals not only at work but in our home as well. She provides me a base so that I know my family and children are secure, my home is well taken care of and therefore I am able to focus more fully on my role at the pharmacy. I can call on her assistance in any arena and she never lets me down. NAME YOUR PROUDEST MOMENT AS A MAN. Oh that’s easy, the day each of my children was born. No question. WHAT DO YOU DO AS A HOBBY IN YOUR FREE TIME? Hunt, farm and fish…not necessarily in that order. I’m also fond of a little beekeeping here and there. THE WORLD CERTAINLY CAN BE A CHAOTIC PLACE AND WITH SO MUCH SOCIAL MEDIA OUR YOUTH ARE BOMBARDED WITH AN OVERWHELMING AMOUNT OF MESSAGES BOTH NEGATIVE AND POSITIVE. WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT YOU WOULD SAY TO YOUNG MEN IN ORDER TO HELP THEM NAVIGATE THE WORLD? WHAT PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD YOU SHARE? Refer back to an earlier question. No, truly. As a man you must always be focused on your responsibility to your family. They must come first just after your faith. They must be a consideration in every decision you make. Protect it at all costs. I would rather be a pauper surrounded by those I love, than a rich man alone.
Colton Marcum MAY 2016 | VIPSEEN | 75
WHAT DO YOU WANT OTHERS TO KNOW ABOUT WHAT IT IS THAT YOU DO ON A DAILY BASIS? At Lighthouse Supply what we do on a daily basis certainly isn’t glamorous, but I’m very proud of what we do. We provide lighting supplies in Bristol, to Tri-Cities region, statewide and even nationwide to some website customers. It’s a very simple supply company, but it’s based on one important thing: meeting a need. Lighting is something that everyone uses and that everyone has in his or her facilities and in their shops. We want to make the purchase of lighting a personal connection so that we know who our customers are as people and they know who we are as people. What we do on a daily basis is really more of a personal relationship than a business transaction. We also help in other ways too, like reducing the wattage our customers consume, saving the customer money on a daily basis. We also provide additional things that they need for their facilities and for their business. We want to meet the needs in a way that is pleasing, proper, and aesthetically appropriate for their facility. WHAT HAVE YOU ACCOMPLISHED IN THE WORKPLACE THAT YOU ARE MOST PROUD OF? OUTSIDE OF THE WORKPLACE? There are a lot of facilities that we have been instrumental in helping. It’s been an interesting thing to do, to see the before and the after, to see how much energy we’re able to save a customer, and to see how facility is lit. Museums are an example of a fascinating place that we have worked with in order to help transform. Through helping to change the lighting we were able to transform the way the museum looks. We’ve done several retail establishments and it just completely changes the way customers view the products at retail facilities. It’s really a different thing to drive through town or to go down town and look at the different places that we’ve been instrumental in helping to light the facility and see the response and see the people, just in a normal everyday way going about their business. Not realizing what the impact of the lighting is for their facility. It’s something we’re really proud of and it’s something that we take very seriously. Now outside of the workplace opens up the whole issue of what I’m the proudest of in my life. I’m an associate pastor and worship leader at First Christian Church in Bristol. I have been doing that for almost ten years now. Easter Sunday will be our ten-year anniversary. And we’ve seen families come and go. We’ve seen children grow from the cradle to teen years. We’re really proud of the work that we do at First Christian Church, letting people see and realize the love of Jesus and the love that God has set aside for them individually. To see them grow in their relationship with the Lord. First Christian Church is an old church, but we are not an old congregation and God is doing new things there and we’re awfully excited about what’s happening there. That’s something I’m very proud of and that’s something outside of the workplace that means so much to me. WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT OTHERS DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU THAT THEY SHOULD? There are things in all of the aspects of my life that I’ve taken a lot of education and a lot of experience and a lot of mentorship from. Other people have shaped who I am. So what’s something a lot wouldn’t know? In my business career with Lighthouse Supply Company, you know, I started there just sweeping floors. Just putting away stock. Kevin Dolan, the owner, is a good friend who was going to church with us at the time and I just needed a place to work. He was kind enough to open his heart and his life and his arms to invite me in. His kindness and that initial job launched the career that I’ve had at Lighthouse Supply. He was gracious enough to send me to some training sessions at LightFair International and that trip really opened my eyes to what the world of lighting is like. What a lot of people don’t know is that have been trained in and have education in lighting different facilities, as far as layout and design. I’ve had a lot of education in residential, retail, and specifically in offices, museums, and community facilities like churches, worship centers, and schools. A lot of people don’t know and think we just provide light bulbs, but having the experience and the education to lay out those facilities, and do a lot of the design work, is something that I love to do and I’m really proud of. WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT OTHERS DON’T KNOW, THAT THEY SHOULD? I just am an open book. There’s really nothing in my past that would frighten anyone or scare them.
I’m a pretty boring kind of guy. I’ve been involved in church my entire life. My dad’s been ministering my entire life and, as a matter of fact, I’ve been in ministry most of my life. I began playing piano and leading worship for the youth group at the age of thirteen. I was barely old enough to be in the youth group, but it’s all I’ve known and it’s all I’ve done. I’m very proud of that. I’m proud that the Lord has protected me and protected my family and kept me safe. I’ve never had those “wild” years in my life, where I was lost or running from the Lord. He protected me from that and I’m thankful. I guess those are some things that people may not know about me. NAME AT LEAST ONE THING THAT HAPPENED TO YOU EARLY ON IN YOUR CAREER THAT HAS SHAPED THE TYPE OF BUSINESSMAN YOU ARE TODAY. NAME AT LEAST ONE THING THAT HAPPENED TO YOU IN YOUR YOUTH THAT HAS SHAPED WHO YOU ARE AS A MAN. I alluded to it in the earlier question, about training at LightFair International. I guess that’s really one thing that opened my eyes to the career of lighting and lighting design. When anyone goes to one of these light shows, like LightFair International in particular, there are so many different venues and there are so many different people there showing the newest and greatest thing in lighting. It can be overwhelming and a little bit daunting. It really is an eye-opening experience. I was able to sit through a class from probably one of the most brilliant men I’ve ever met in the lighting world and he was able to explain things on such a different level. That causes me now to look at all of it differently. To see how important lighting is to lot of facilities and why it’s important to light those facilities properly. It makes such a difference for the elderly to have proper lighting in a facility. I was amazed to learn how much of a difference it can make on a young child as they’re growing up to have their homes lit properly or the facilities they sit through at school lit properly. That time at Lightfair, especially early on, really redefined the way I think about lighting and it’s changed my whole thought process. It has changed the whole model I use for approaching business now. You’ll hear me again and again repeat the phrase, “Meet the need”, and that’s something that I really took from one of those early classes. Lighting is a need and people need to be in a facility that’s lit well. Individuals need lighting to get to where they are going. Businesses need lighting to accent their retail products. In lighting supply we’re meeting the need. In my youth and in my time in ministry as a youth pastor, one thing that I saw over and over again was need. In the teenage years there are broken relationships, hurt feelings, moments of insecurities, and moments of young people being unsure of whom they are. As a young youth pastor, I don’t have all the answers, to know exactly where to point these kids or what to tell them but what I was able to do was meet a need. They needed encouragement, support, and love and I’m proud our family was able to do that for so many. Those are just some things that have helped to really define me as a man and a businessman in our world today. DESCRIBE YOUR WORK ETHIC. HOW DO YOU APPROACH DIFFICULT CLIENTS? ADVERSE MARKETS? OBSTACLES? HOW DO YOU HANDLE THE WORD-NO? My work ethic has developed from my family. My family has always been a family that’s worked hard. My grandpa, Herbert C Peak Sr. was in the insurance business for many years, he worked hard, traveled all over the region. My dad, Herbert Peak Jr, even in ministry, was always at the office. He got up early and got home late. He was out on the weekends visiting with people. Was in building projects. Was working in the community. And my mom, Evelyn Peak, was consistently working. To this day, she just won’t sit down. She works all the time. I just picked that up from them. I start at the beginning of the day just ready to go and five o’clock isn’t the end of the day. Many times I bring work home to finish things there. To me, it’s a battle to complete the task. Finding what needs to be done and working until it’s accomplished. I work with all different kinds of people and there are some people that are difficult to work with. Clients have told me things that I just didn’t want to hear, such as a product I sold them stunk and they didn’t like it. It’s important for me, though, to be able to know how to handle those types of things. Handling those things with grace and with mercy, I think many times, surprises those types of people. A lot of times, they do
Thank you, Todd, for all you do! LIGHTHOUSE SUPPLY COMPANY 901 MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. BLVD | BRISTOL, VA. www.lighthousesupply.com (276) 642-0086 76 | VIPSEEN | MAY 2016
what they do in order to get a rise out of people or to put others on their heels. But I’ve found when I handle it with grace and when with professionalism, the respect will be there the next time. I find that many times in continuing to work with the difficult clients, in continuing to support them and encourage them in what they do, over time you certainly see those relationships change. It’s a challenge that we all deal with in sales especially, but it’s also something that is very satisfying. When I realize that the relationship has turned and a difficult customer is now one of your strongest supporters: it’s certainly something I’m very proud of. MANY OF US WORK TO BE THE CHANGE WE WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD. WHAT CHANGE DO YOU WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD AND HOW DO YOU WORK FOR THAT? I’ve been fortunate enough to partner with TVA and with AEP. Both are energy service providers for the Tennessee valley and up in the Virginia territories. Our partnership is in a professional level, in that we can go in as lighthouse supply company and do a full lighting audit of the facility for free. We don’t charge anything for the lighting audit. All we do is we come in and we take a record of the lighting that they use and how often they use it. When that is completed, we go back and we put a plan together. The plan will be a conversion of lighting from older technology to newer technology, which is much more energy efficient, long lasting, and something that will properly light the facility. Our partnership with TVA and AEP is very beneficial to the consumer because both offer rebates for converting to energy efficient lighting. These rebates are pretty significant and can range anywhere from ten to fifty, or sixty percent of the lighting materials. This is something I’m really proud of. Not only are we reducing the energy use and the wattage consumed, but we’re also meeting in the need for the consumer. In every situation the appeal of seeing that energy bill reduced, every month, for the rest of their life cycle at that facility, is incredibly encouraging to a business owner or to a facility manager. We’re very proud to be able to take a part in saving energy for the consumer, saving money for the consumers and providing that service for customers all around the region.
my time in business continues. It’s very important for young men to have mentors. I think it’s something that we have missed from generation to generation. I think it is something that we have failed in, not that it doesn’t happen at all, but I think it’s something that we need to do on a much more regular basis. Social media can be a crutch for our youth today. But if used properly, I think it can also be encouraging. It can be something that can be used for good. When I see people scrolling through their social media feeds, hour after hour after hour, I feel that many times they’re looking to meet a need. Many times they’re looking for some type of social interaction, they’re looking for some type of positive reinforcement to what they’re thinking. They’re looking for things that will entertain them. They’re looking for a need to be met and many times, those can turn negative. Those needs can be fulfilled in a way that’s not positive for the youth of our time. We’ve got to start understanding that. We’ve got to be willing to go to where they are and to meet their need. What piece of advice would I share? Be real. Be who you are. Don’t be afraid to let people see who you are as a person and be the person that you think you should be. Search after what Gods calling is for your life. Search after who He has called you to be and do everything you can to follow Him. It’s all about meeting the need. And it’s all about building the relationships. I’m very proud that that really is the statement, the theme of my life and of who I am.
WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT YOU WOULD CHANGE ABOUT THE WAY BUSINESS IS DONE AND HOW WOULD YOU IMPROVE ON IT? Each individual business owner looks at their business and imagines how things could be different. I don’t know that my way of thinking would change the world in business, but I really believe that if we would approach things in a much more relational way, it would make a big difference. Too many times businesses, in particular sales businesses, are always looking for a hook. They’re looking for a new gimmick, a new scheme. I’m looking for a new relationship. I think that’s something that we’ve lost in today’s society. Now granted, it’s a fast paced society we live in and, as a salesperson, I’ve got to get someone’s attention: to find something that causes businesses to stop and take notice. So many businesses, however, are far away from the relationships of business because everything’s about saving a nickel. I think our world would be very different if we would approach business in a way that builds relationships. A model built on faithfulness and consistency. I think if we could look at business in that way, on both sides, as the customer and as the business, I think it would change, in the community, how things are done. Name your proudest moment as a man. I wouldn’t be anywhere without the love and encouragement, the support of my wife Crystal. She has been the rock for me when I’ve grown weak and when I’ve grown tired. When things have not gone as I’d hoped, she has always been the support, the strongest shoulder for me to lean on. There’s no way that I could have done any of this without her. We are going on twenty plus years of marriage, will be twenty-one in December, and she has been there for me every day. My two sons make me proud as a dad and as a man. My oldest son, Dakota (Koty) Peak, is eighteen years old and has graduated from Tennessee High School. He is very involved in music and played in the band. We’ve been so proud of him for being a man of character and a man of integrity. Grayson Peak is our youngest son. He is almost sixteen years old and he is again involved in the band. As I do this interview, he’s in Chicago, marching the St Patrick’s Day parade. He is so real in who he is. I couldn’t be any prouder of my two boys. THE WORLD CERTAINLY CAN BE A CHAOTIC PLACE AND WITH SO MUCH SOCIAL MEDIA OUR YOUTH ARE BOMBARDED WITH AN OVERWHELMING AMOUNT OF MESSAGES BOTH NEGATIVE AND POSITIVE. WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT YOU WOULD SAY TO YOUNG MEN IN ORDER TO HELP THEM NAVIGATE THE WORLD? Mentoring is something that I’m passionate about. It’s something that I hope to be very involved in with my time in the community, my time in leadership, and as
PHOTO BY MICKEY BAKER
Todd Peak
In the church realm, the change that we want to see in the world is for the world to know Jesus. For the world to see his love the way that we have seen his love and for the world to recognize the truth, in the scriptures and in the word. We want to live that. We want people to see that in our lives. We want people to know that what we preach on Sundays is what we live on Tuesdays and Fridays. That it really is who we are and it really is something that we want them to know. We want people to understand that Jesus loves them. That First Christian Church is a place that will show them the love of Jesus. We want people to understand that they can come just as they are and they will be loved.
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WHAT DO YOU WANT OTHERS TO KNOW ABOUT WHAT IT IS THAT YOU DO ON A DAILY BASIS? As the Human Resources Manager, I do a bit of the day-to-day Human Resources functions like payroll, process benefits, and employee relations. Mostly though, I leave the day-to-day to the wonderful staff that I have! A great deal of what I’ve been involved in since joining Domtar last March has been trying to help change our culture. My background is Organizational Development and Human Performance Improvement. I spend a fair amount of time leading teams, facilitating teams, helping to create employee engagement and enablement; no day is ever exactly the same. I also try to be the conscience of the organization making sure our decisions are consistent with our stated values and beliefs. What excites me about what we are attempting to do at the mill is creating a totally new work environment of engaged and empowered employees. We’ve recently expanded upon Domtar’s corporate values of being: Agile, Caring, and Innovative to include: • Integrity • Engagement • Safety and Environmental Stewardship These aspects help guide our decision making on our journey towards greatness! It never ceases to amaze me that when you give a team of people a clear statement of mission/purpose, provide them with the necessary resources and give them the opportunity to pursue the goal, how they will always exceed your expectations. WHAT HAVE YOU ACCOMPLISHED IN THE WORKPLACE THAT YOU ARE MOST PROUD OF? It is difficult to name one specific thing; however, throughout my career in the field of human resources, I have been fortunate to achieve ‘great’ results. I attribute this to my ability to engage and influence others for the common good of the organization. For example(s): • As the Project Manager of an International Consulting Company that focused our efforts on … Total workforce involvement – As a first time project manager, I led the most successful implementation in the company’s history with a team of newly hired/inexperienced consultants • As a Human Resource Development with a large Paper Company, I received “A Gold Key/Finding a Better Way” award (annually awarded to less than 12 employees in a company of 35,000 employees) for developing and training 600 capital project managers throughout the company which resulted in the savings of hundreds of millions of dollars in capital spending • Owner and President of an international consulting company focused on employee selection and human performance improvement for 18 years prior to joining Domtar. OUTSIDE OF THE WORKPLACE? Married to the love of my life, Mary, for 37+ years and have two amazing sons, Robert and Connor, now 30 and 27. We are blessed to have a wonderful daughter-in-law Meghann and grandson Braydan who is almost one. I managed to coach the boys in every sport imaginable during their youth. One ended up a State Champion in tennis and the other played division soccer as a goalie, but nothing makes me prouder than that both my boys are wonderful caring human beings. WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT OTHERS DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU THAT THEY SHOULD? I have run three full marathons. With the first race my goal was to run under 4 hours, enjoy the entire race and not stop to walk. I finished at 3 hours and 54 minutes, enjoyed the race and ran the entire 26.2 miles without stopping. For my second marathon, I set a goal to run under 3.45 and I ran it in 3.40. Third I set a 3.30 goal which was a stretch goal, which I didn’t achieve, but I finished at 3.38 which was a personal best. The thing that running a marathon taught me is that it’s easy to set a goal (run a marathon), it’s also relatively easy to put together the training plan needed to achieve the goal (x miles per day / per month), but the difficulty is sticking to the plan … especially when it means getting up a 4:00 a.m. on a cold and rainy Friday morning and seeing that the plan is to run your ten miles! This is a great analogy that applies to the world of work. NAME AT LEAST ONE THING THAT HAPPENED TO YOU EARLY ON IN YOUR CAREER THAT HAS SHAPED THE TYPE OF BUSINESSMAN YOU ARE TODAY. I had the privilege of working for a former Pittsburgh Steelers’ football player who I credit as being instrumental in shaping the way I approach every business situation---he taught me that the difference between being good and great is just a fraction more of effort! It’s the discipline to take notes, follow-up, keep your promises, be on time, etc., 78 | VIPSEEN | MAY 2016
I’ll never forget what he told me on my first day with him, He said, “You’re going to like working for me because I only require my employees to work half a day … and after a pause, he said, “and you can choose whichever 12 hours you like’!” We actually worked 16 hours a day for the first 3 months together. Later in my career this same individual worked for me on a project … and you’ll never guess what my first statement was to him, “You’re going to like working for me.” NAME AT LEAST ONE THING THAT HAPPENED TO YOU IN YOUR YOUTH THAT HAS SHAPED WHO YOU ARE AS A MAN. I was a very good basketball player in my youth---in grammar school I scored 45 points in one game actually outscoring the opponent (they scored 38 points)----and at the start of high school I was kind of clowning around in class and the basketball coach came to me and said, “if you ever want to play for me, you better straighten up and get serious about school.” After that, I got pretty serious about school and basketball. I was a four-year starter and Captain my junior and senior years! We also won the first school championship in over 30 years my senior season. DESCRIBE YOUR WORK ETHIC. HOW DO YOU APPROACH DIFFICULT CLIENTS? ADVERSE MARKETS? OBSTACLES? HOW DO YOU HANDLE THE WORD-NO? I live by the core principles of honesty and integrity and these must override everything you do. When I was growing up we lived in a very small town … 1500 people, mostly dirt roads until I was 18, and we didn’t realize how poor we were. So, from a very early age I worked with my grandfather in his mason / bricklaying business where l was mixing concrete, digging ditches, and cutting blocks and bricks. I did this mostly on weekends and during my summers until I was in college. During my college years, I worked one summer in a glass manufacturing plant and another in a chemical manufacturing plant and a couple summers as a bartender, bouncer and also as a part-time shoe salesman. I’ll do whatever it takes to get the job done and done right. I’ve had a lot of opportunity to deal with difficult people during my career. I learned early during my bouncer days in some of the largest clubs on the East Coast to always remain calm, ask questions rather than make demands and if/when things got out of hand to be decisive. Every individual and situation is going to be unique to that set of circumstances. Having said that, I find that learning as much as possible about the individual or circumstances helps to navigate difficult waters. Also, remaining calm and speaking softly usually helps dealing with difficult situations. I have been described as rather persistent, so I will persist until I find a way to overcome obstacles. HOW DO YOU WORK TO HELP THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE WITH WHAT YOU DO IN YOUR CHOSEN PROFESSION? Engaging other industry leaders within the Kingsport community to share ideas and best practices. My boys often kid me about just starting conversations with everyone. I find this is a great way to get to know folks and to find out what their needs are and how I might be able to help. Keeping an open dialogue with the community to foster relationships. MANY OF US WORK TO BE THE CHANGE WE WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD. WHAT CHANGE DO YOU WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD AND HOW DO YOU WORK FOR THAT? I want to see people work together for the common good and it doesn’t matter position/background/education...we should treat each other with respect and dignity and realize that everyone has something to contribute when given the opportunity. For instance, when I arrived at the Mill, one of the first things I did was to get the hourly employees engaged in the selection of new hires. We set up a team of hourly and salaried employees working together to redefine how our selection process was going to work. Hourly employees are now involved in every aspect of the hiring process from taking applications, to screening applications, giving mill tours and being actively involved in our board interview process. WHAT IS THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE ABOUT BUSINESS OR LIFE THAT YOU EVER RECEIVED? I think now would be the perfect time for a story: Early in my career, I walked into the foyer of a major corporation for an interview. When I looked up I saw an enormous solid lead ball about 5 ft across hanging from the ceiling on the large chain...and being the inquisitive youth that I was I asked, “What’s that?” My greeter / interviewer/ future mentor said, “That’s our corporate philosophy!” And I said, “Excuse me.” I also noticed that there was a large sledgehammer sitting in the corner and he gave me the go ahead to pick it up----I proceeded to swing the sledgehammer and hit the lead ball with all my might and the only thing that moved was me. The next thing I noticed was my future mentor as he began to tap the ball
with his little pinky...and before I knew it, the ball was swinging back and forth so violently that we had to duck to keep from getting hit. Lesson learned----it’s not the big hit that gets things done----it’s the constant push! WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT YOU WOULD CHANGE ABOUT THE WAY BUSINESS IS DONE AND HOW WOULD YOU IMPROVE ON IT? There are a number of things that I think need to change: The first is how we focus on the short-term/ immediate results to the detriment of long-term stability. Most incentive plans encourage leaders to focus on the shortterm to get their bonuses and we need to change this system to reward leaders for courage, vision, and living their values and beliefs. The next, and a very similar situation, is how we don’t get to the root cause of problems and don’t’ sustain the solutions or decisions that we make. Again, I think this is to our short-term and hero mentality.
I have a boss now who enables me by doing all of the above, and I have a wife who supports me unconditionally. NAME YOUR PROUDEST MOMENT AS A MAN. The birth of our sons and my grandson. Doesn’t get any better. WHAT DO YOU DO AS A HOBBY IN YOUR FREE TIME? Golf, hunting, fishing, traveling and spending time with family. THE WORLD CERTAINLY CAN BE A CHAOTIC PLACE AND WITH SO MUCH SOCIAL MEDIA OUR YOUTH ARE BOMBARDED WITH AN OVERWHELMING AMOUNT OF MESSAGES BOTH NEGATIVE AND POSITIVE. WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT YOU WOULD SAY TO YOUNG MEN IN ORDER TO HELP THEM NAVIGATE THE WORLD? WHAT PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD YOU SHARE? There are always going to be a lot of distractions. You have to know where you want to go; decide what you need to do to get from where you are to where you want to be and to be persistent and tough enough to stick with the plan. Relying on your family and close friends to keep you grounded and real. Never be afraid to make a mistake, ask questions and, most importantly, admit when you’ve made a mistake.
Celebrating
Mike and wife, Mary Quinn
100 YEARS in Kingsport PHOTO BY MICKEY BAKER
Michael Quinn
The third in line is, to get managers to realize that they are a resource to their employees. That they are at the bottom of the pyramid and they need to help their employees be successful. This help can take many forms. Such as: • Clear performance expectations • Permission to perform • Performance Feedback (in behavioral terms) • Manuals, standards, visual management • Job aids quick references to cue performance • Redesign the work so it makes sense • Rearrange consequences so that there are positive consequences for appropriate behaviors
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Remembering Wayne Scott A Small Dream Turned into Large Reality HOW IT ALL STARTED...
Every year we look forward to seeing Scott’s Farm Strawberry stands pop up all over the region. We salivate at the idea of eating homemade strawberry pies and get giddy at the thought of eating jams straight out of the container. Do we really think about, however, where all of this strawberry goodness has come from and how it all started? From the early age of four Steve Scott remembers following his dad all over the farm, helping him in the strawberry fields, and even driving a tracker at age five. Today, Steve and his brother David own and run the operations of the long time family business, but before they took over, the franchise had established itself as a fixture in East Tennessee. The Scott’s Farm founders were Wayne and Mary Lou Scott. In 1959, they moved to Unicoi, TN from Erwin, TN with their five children, Becky, Carole, Mike, David and Steve. Mr. Scott was a local high school agriculture teacher who always dreamed of putting what he taught into practice, so he and his wife started growing strawberries locally and called the farm Scott Strawberry Farm. Shortly after this, they ventured into the tomato business and sold vine ripened tomatoes locally. The Strawberry business started to grow rapidly and, although Mr. Scott would continue to teach, Mrs. Scott would run the operations of the farm during the day. In the evenings the family would load up strawberries and tomatoes and haul to A&P Grocery and Ingles Grocery Stores in Asheville as well a distribution center out of Charlotte. In 1963 Mr. Scott teamed up with two other businessmen who were in the Tomato Business, one in Charlotte and the other in Florida. The three men partnered together and started Tennessee Hills Tomato Company. After this Mr. Scott would hold meetings throughout Unicoi County in order to speak with local famers about growing tomatoes. The area famers would grow the tomatoes and Tennessee Hills Tomato Company would package them in 20 pound boxes to be sold in other states. After three years of doing this, Mr. Scott decided he wanted to buy out the company while keeping it under the same name. In 1970 Mr. Scott decided to retire from teaching in order to farm full-time as he and his wife worked day in and day out producing the wonderful produce that has become so familiar to the region. Along with produce, the Scott’s had another primary focus in life: a strong desire to make sure each of their children attended college. So, even though each of the children grew up and worked on the farm, they all attended college. Becky, Carole and Mike all graduated college with a degree in education. After teaching for several years, Carole is now employed by the Farm and Becky and Mike have continued their careers as educators. Steve farmed alongside of his father for 30 years after graduating from Virginia Tech with a degree in Horticulture in 1979. Steve met his wife Fran in college and she works along side of him still today running the day to day operations. David graduated from the University of Tennessee with a degree in Agriculture in 1980 and both sons work very hard to maintain the
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level of standards that Wayne and Mary Lou Scott set forth years ago. Their mother Mary Lou, passed away in 2004 and their father passed away in 2008. Not only do Steve and David run the operations of this long time family business, but they are educating a third generation, Steve’s sons Cody and Ryan are working on the Farm and will keep the family named farm going for years to come.
LET’S TALK STRAWBERRIES...
How in the world do they grow such wonderful sweet tasting strawberries in Tennessee? The sweet, juicy taste is very simple, they pick the strawberry at the very last minute when it is at it ripest point. But growing the strawberry isn’t as simple as we might think. It’s a very delicate task as well as a long year around process. There is no such thing as down time on the Strawberry Farm. They grow a California variety strawberry called Chandler, which is planted on raised plastic beds. Scott’s starts planting in March from a nursery stock that comes in from California. They grow these strawberries until August, then they go in and cut tips off, then pot them in the green house and grow a plug. Then in September they take that potted plant back to the field and plant it, and this will be the pick for the following Spring. They cover the plants during the winter months and are very busy monitoring the weather patterns. Watching the weather is crucial in making sure that there is a successful spring harvest. In some cases their might be warmer temperatures in the winter months, so it is just as important to uncover the plants during those warmer times as it is in keeping them covered during the colder, harsher times. This is a delicate and on-going process. Strawberries are picked for sale in May and average picking days in the spring are about 30 to 35 days. During the spring the fields are full of about 80 pickers and anywhere between 25 to 30 packers. The berries are taken fresh from the fields and straight to the retail stands, which are located in various locations from Knoxville to Bristol.
NEW FARM MARKET
In addition to the retail stands, they now have a Seasonal Farm Market located in Unicoi, TN that opens every year in late April and stays open until October. Scott’s grows a variety of garden vegetables that are picked fresh and delivered straight to the market. Their motto is, “If we didn’t grow it, we know who did” For more information about the Scott’s Farm Market call 423-743-7511
DID YOU KNOW THEY GROW BLUEBERRIES?
Steve Scott and his two sons Cody and Ryan started Unaka Mountain Blueberries in 2008. They grow four different varieties which are harvested from early July to the end of September. The blueberries are sold at Scott’s Farm Market in Unicoi. They also have blueberry preserves made with the blueberries.
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Seventeen Things That Every Boy Should Learn Before Becoming a Man by Beth Street 1. Everyone does not deserve a trophy. Trophies are for the people who finish first. If you don’t win a trophy, you don’t blame the referee or the coach and you don’t whine saying, “it’s not fair”. You simply remind yourself that second place is the first loser and you try harder until you finish first. 2. You need to know how to do your own laundry, sew a button on a shirt, iron, and how to actually find things you’ve lost without the help of a woman. 3. Having a cold does not mean that death is imminent. 4. There’s a certain lingo you need to know in order to effectively communicate with women. For example, when a woman says “go ahead”, she is not giving you permission...it’s a dare. Don’t do it. Learn the lingo and live a happy life. 5. Never make fun of a woman’s weight, her hair, or her clothes, unless you like to be throat punched. 6. You will never understand women. Accept that fact and move on with your life. 7. Random grunting noises, licking of the lips, and using the phrase “you’re hot” are all strictly prohibited when trying to impress a lady. If the female in question responds favorably to those tactics, she is not a true lady and definitely not the kind of person you will want to bring home to your mother. 8. Good spelling, proper grammar, and good hygiene are important. Nobody wants to be around a person who stinks and doesn’t even know the difference in their, they’re, and there. 9. Women are never on time. Be okay with that. 10. Be honest. If you always tell the truth you will never have to
worry about remembering all the lies you’ve told. It’s very difficult to live down the title of “Big Fat Liarmouth”. 11. Put the toilet lid down every time. It’s a small gesture that takes just a second, but will keep you from the monumental butt chewing you will receive when your mother, wife, or girlfriend ends up sitting in a toilet full of cold, questionably clean water. 12. Never date or marry a woman your mother does not love. No one will ever love you as much as your mother...and no one can make you more miserable when she thinks you’re making a poor choice. Choose wisely, or better yet, just let your mother choose your girlfriend or wife. Trust me, it will make life much easier for everyone involved. 13. Never burp or make other offensive body noises in public. Mostly because everyone will find you disgusting, but also because it’s what separates us from Barbarians. 14. Don’t waste time on people who create drama. They’re easy to recognize, because they are the ones who are always at the center of some controversy. They’re the people who have never done anything wrong, but everyone seems to be against them. Stay away from those people. They will suck the life right out of you. 15. Work hard at whatever you do, but make sure what you’re doing is worthwhile. (Translation: Do not grow up to be an adult who spends their time playing video games.) 16. Have fun in life. There are people who suck the fun right out of everything in life. I call them “fun-suckers”. Don’t be one. 17. Develop a relationship with God. He’s the One who knows you best and loves you even when you do stupid things.
Man-Card Application by GC Hutson If you’re a human-being residing on the planet Earth, and you’re... ya know... alive... you’ve likely heard the expression “Man-Card.” Now ladies, brace yourself. You’re about to get some insider information, that will likely blow your minds. Man-Cards... are a real thing. The origins of the Man-Card have been lost to the annals of history, but the leading and most widely accepted theory is that the first Man-Card was forged from Zeus’ chest hair. Man-Cards are issued to young lads just after their first man-hairs sprout from the dank trenches of their armpits. This odorous body-hair harvest is called, “The Stinkening.” The Stinkening is a revolutionary transition in every boy’s adolescence when suddenly, and without warning, parts of their anatomy they didn’t even know they had, begin to uncontrollably stink. Contrary to popular belief, Man-Cards are not just issued. There is an application process and a test called the Man-Bar. And in the interest of public awareness, I’ve decided to breach protocol, and share some of the questions from the Man-Bar exam. 1. Complete the following sentence: “I enjoy long, romantic walks ___________.” A. on the beach B. to the fridge for beer C. boobs and monster trucks D. anywhere but “A” 2. When is it appropriate to replace the toilet paper roll? A. always B. what is a toilet paper roll? C. boobs and fantasy football D. anything but “A” 82 | VIPSEEN | MAY 2016
3. Using Common-Core math, calculate the quadrilateral inverse distance of your underwear from the hamper, as it relates to Pi. (This is a trick question. The answer is “who cares.”) 4. An extremely attractive woman compliments the shirt you are wearing. How often do you now wear this shirt in her presence? A. once B. twice C. boobs and fishing D. all day, everyday, from now until the end-of-days 4. Your wife or girlfriend has just returned home after a rough day at work. She explains to you that the awful person at her office did that thing that she doesn’t like, with that stuff that makes her sad ...or some crap. You are now feeling: A. huh? B. hungry C. boobs and car parts D. huh? The test then continues with 127 more questions about farts and an essay question about “why commitment is the most horrifying thing, ever.” Now you’re in the know. May you and yours have a man-tastic day.
A HERO FOR YOUR Serve it up Sassy
SUPER HERO!
RECIPE DEVELOPMENT, FOOD STYLING, PHOTOGRAPHY, AND ARTICLE BY LIZ BUSHONG
“Look, up in the sky, it’s a bird, it’s a plane…its Superman!” When it comes to super heroes we often think of mighty men of valor fighting evil vigilantes combating threats against humanity. To honor your super hero make them a supersonic hearty meat and cheese filled hero sandwich, guaranteed to make them think they can “leap tall buildings in a single bound!” No matter who your hero is they will love this hearty meat and cheese filled sandwich. An Italian sesame seed topped 14-inch bread loaf is cut in half and spread with mayonnaise and Ranch jalapeno dressing. Layers of thin sliced peppered turkey, black forest ham, sopressata, hard salami, mortadella, provolone cheese, ripe tomatoes and red onions are stacked one layer at a time on bottom half of the bread. Shredded iceberg lettuce sprinkled with dried oregano, salt and pepper is
lightly drizzled with oil and vinegar dressing and piled high on top of the layered meat and cheese sandwich. The upper crust is added to the layers making this a monstrosity of a sandwich. Cherry tomatoes with sweet pickle chips are skewered with long toothpicks equally spaced on top of the sandwich to hold it together. The sandwich is wrapped in plastic wrap or parchment and refrigerated at least one hour for the flavors to mellow together. MAY 2016 | VIPSEEN | 83
Serve it up Sassy A note about sopressata and mortadella; both are Italian cured ground pork compressed sausages that make a pepperoni style deli meat. These meats are usually made from pork fat and other miscellaneous sources of pork pieces. The mortadella has black pepper, pistachios and nutmeg for added flavor and is a great addition to the Italian sandwich. The sopressata is dry-cured from different regions of Italy and has distinct flavors from those regions, most flavors are hot; as in spicy. Sopressata is becoming the new pepperoni on pizzas in large city pizzerias. Most local delis should have sopressata and mortadella; if not, select the hard salami and pepperoni for a wonderful Italian hero sandwich. Served with the hero sandwich are spiced potato chips. Heat potato chips on a baking sheet for a few minutes until the chips begin to shine, add your favorite herbs and spices toss and coat. Our chips were coated with Montreal steak seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. The chips seasoning compliment the jalapeno dressing on the sandwich. Every super hero has to have a dessert and what hero doesn’t love a rich dark chocolate brownie coated with caramel and pecans? Melted caramel bits, chopped pecans and dark chocolate morsels are added to the ‘just out of the oven’ warm brownies. The brownies are refrigerated
Super Hero Sandwich www.lizbushong.com
INGREDIENTS: 1 tsp. dried oregano Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste 2 teaspoons Newman’s oil and vinegar dressing 1-14 “ loaf Italian bread with sesame seeds 2 teaspoons Hellmann’s mayonnaise 2 teaspoons Lite house Jalapeno Ranch dressing 2 cups finely shredded iceberg lettuce 2 tomatoes, thinly sliced 1 small red onion rings, separated 5 oz. thinly sliced hard salami 5 oz. thinly sliced peppered turkey 5 oz. thinly sliced black forest ham 5 oz. thinly sliced Sopressata 5 oz. thinly sliced Mortadella 5 oz. thinly sliced provolone cheese INSTRUCTIONS: In a small bowl, whisk together Newman’s oil and vinegar, oregano, salt and pepper. Add shredded iceberg lettuce, toss to coat. Set aside. 84 | VIPSEEN | MAY 2016
until set and cut into 2 x 2 inch squares before serving. These brownies will be eaten in a flash! Treat your super hero with their favorite foods, a hearty meat and cheese stuffed hero sandwich with seasoned chips, and caramel pecan brownies! Who is your super hero? I’m sure it is not a sandwich, but a true super hero. A super hero is a person who is admired for their achievements and noble qualities, a warrior, or it can be an ordinary person facing extraordinary circumstances that acts with courage, honor and self-sacrifice. Sometimes a super hero lives in the hearts of children fighting big battles. Celebrate your super hero with sincere gratitude and appreciation. Be determined to be someone’s super hero today. Your super hero probably doesn’t wear a cape, mask, or wear a label that refers to super hero status instead they calmly go about the day dedicated to a moral code of “protecting truth, justice, and the American way”. Helping you Make a Statement, Make it Sassy and Make it Yours! ® http://www.lizbushong.com http://brandongaille.com/37-famous-superhero-slogans/ The term “Super Hero” is jointly claimed by DC Comics and Marvel Comics
On a work surface, place a long piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper and position the bottom half of the cut loaf over the wrap. In small custard cup, mix together mayonnaise and ranch dressing. Stir to combine and spread over the bread. Layer ham, turkey, sopressata, mortadella, and salami, provolone cheese, tomato slices, onion rings and shredded lettuce. Top with sesame seed top crust. Wrap sandwich in plastic wrap or parchment paper and refrigerate for at least one hour or up to 4 hours to develop the flavors. To serve, unwrap sandwich and garnish with cherry tomato with pickle slice skewered with a frilly toothpick. The picks will keep the sandwich together while cutting. Cut sandwich into desired portions. Yield: 4- 6 servings
Seasoned Potato Chips
Caramel Pecan Brownies
INGREDIENTS: 1-8.5 ounce package wavy potato chips or kettle chips 2 teaspoons Grill Mates Montreal Steak seasoning 2 teaspoons garlic powder 2 teaspoons onion powder 2 teaspoons salt 2 teaspoons chili powder
INGREDIENTS: 1-18 ounce package Brownie Mix, eggs, vegetable oil as per package 1-11 ounce package Kraft Caramel Bits or 25 unwrapped caramels 2 teaspoons half and half 2 cups chopped pecans 1- cup dark chocolate morsels
www.lizbushong.com
INSTRUCTIONS: Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Spread potato chips on a large baking sheet. Bake in oven until chips are slightly heated and appear to be shiny. In small bowl, combine spices to blend. Remove chips from oven and sprinkle with seasoning mix. Toss to coat. Store in airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Serve as desired with or without a dip. Yield: 6-8 servings
www.lizbushong.com
INSTRUCTIONS: Line an 8 x 8 inch square pan with aluminum foil. Lightly grease foil and coat with flour. Remove excess flour and set aside. Follow instructions on brownie mix and pour into prepared pan. Bake brownies 50-55 minutes. Remove brownies from oven and keep warm. Meanwhile, melt caramel bits and half and half in microwave for 1 minute or until melted. Pour melted caramel over warm brownies covering entire surface. Garnish caramel with chopped pecans and dark chocolate morsels. Refrigerate brownies to firm before slicing. Yield: 16-2” brownies
Make a Statement, Make it Sassy and Make it Yours!® Liz Bushong is an expert in the three-dimensional art of entertaining. She transforms simple dining occasions into beautiful and memorable moments by adding a touch of her own “sassy” style. For the past several years Liz been entrusted to decorate the White House for several Holidays. She is a featured monthly guest chef/designer on Daytime Tri-cities, Daytime Blue Ridge and other television shows. Liz is the author of the Just Desserts and Sweets & Savories cookbook as well as a contributing writer for VIPSEEN and Bella Magazine. For more information about Liz go to www.lizbushong.com or www.serveitupsassy.com
WHAT DO YOU WANT OTHERS TO KNOW ABOUT WHAT IT IS THAT YOU DO ON A DAILY BASIS? In my role as Business Development Specialist for the City of Kingsport, leverage the positive market statistics and characteristics of Kingsport in an attempt to lure national chains, small businesses, and aid NETWORKS Sullivan County Partnership with industry recruitment. In addition, I assist franchisees, entrepreneurs, and industries to navigate the development process by providing them resources and/or guidance to complete their project. WHAT HAVE YOU ACCOMPLISHED IN THE WORKPLACE THAT YOU ARE MOST PROUD OF? OUTSIDE OF THE WORKPLACE? I am a huge proponent of Downtown Kingsport and am very proud to contribute to the continued revitalization of our downtown. Outside of the workplace, I am one of the founding members of Professionals Engaged in Advancing Kingsport (PEAK), the largest young professional organization in the region and the largest in the state east of Nashville. Being a part of an organization that has left the level of positive impact on the community that PEAK has had on Kingsport gives me a great deal of gratification. We have been blessed to assemble some of the brightest young people from around the Tri-Cities for our leadership teams over the last few years. Couple that with the overwhelming support of many community leaders and it is easy to understand why Kingsport is such a special place. WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT OTHERS DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU THAT THEY SHOULD? I approach each day with many of the principles learned while playing college football. Competition, accountability, discipline, tenacity, passion, and effort are a few of the guiding principles of my life that is engrained in my work. I expect my colleagues to share the same passion for their work. NAME AT LEAST ONE THING THAT HAPPENED TO YOU EARLY ON IN YOUR CAREER THAT HAS SHAPED THE TYPE OF BUSINESSMAN YOU ARE TODAY. Failures, plural. Too many to name, in fact. But, for me, the important thing to remember is to own those mistakes. I try my best, as difficult as it may be at times, to use current failures as future motivators. I believe the old adage is true, “we learn more from our failures than our successes.” NAME AT LEAST ONE THING THAT HAPPENED TO YOU IN YOUR YOUTH THAT HAS SHAPED WHO YOU ARE AS A MAN. By participating in team sports and being around great leaders from an early age, I quickly understood that no individual is bigger than the team. The team comes first and it is true in every organization. Everyone is replaceable. In my current role no one, including myself, is more important than advancing the community as a whole. DESCRIBE YOUR WORK ETHIC. HOW DO YOU APPROACH DIFFICULT CLIENTS? ADVERSE MARKETS? OBSTACLES? HOW DO YOU HANDLE THE WORD-NO? I believe that almost anything can be overcome with hard work and effort. Albeit, there are a certain amount of things that are out of your control, economic downturns, unforeseen obstacles, etc. I think positivity is the only way to confront these particular issues. “No” is definitely a tough word to hear, but if you have done your homework and put thought into what might cause a potential customer to say “no”, you can overcome it. At a minimum, you can offer a sound, reasonable alternative that might overcome an objection. HOW DO YOU WORK TO HELP THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE WITH WHAT YOU DO IN YOUR CHOSEN PROFESSION? HOW DO YOU COMBINE THE TWO? Thankfully, my role within our organization is a position that is inextricably linked to the advancement of the community. Assisting entities in the creation of jobs and increasing the quality of life for the entire community through economic development is a rewarding endeavor. In my opinion, the true measure of a person is the legacy one leaves behind and the impact they had on their community.
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MANY OF US WORK TO BE THE CHANGE WE WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD. WHAT CHANGE DO YOU WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD AND HOW DO YOU WORK FOR THAT? Our world is constantly changing in virtually every way. I want to see this region embrace change. Technology is advancing and national trends are in constant flux. The Tri-Cities is home to some of the hardest working and most talented people in the nation. As a result, we should be mindful of these trends in an attempt to capitalize on those economic opportunities. I attempt to offer influence in this arena by familiarizing myself with these trends and determining how we are uniquely positioned to benefit in some way. WHAT IS THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE ABOUT BUSINESS OR LIFE THAT YOU EVER RECEIVED? HOW DID FOLLOWING THIS ADVICE HELP AND WHEN DID IT REALLY HIT HOME THAT THE ADVICE WAS SO HELPFUL? After a long day of meetings I made a critical observation about a situation without putting a great deal of thought into the potential solution. In short, the response I received was, “yes, you might be right, but what are you going to do to fix it?” I was taken aback by his response and from that point forward I have attempted to focus on the “how” and not the “why”. Admittedly, that is sometimes easier said than done. However, complaints without proposed solutions are a source of my greatest frustrations. WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT YOU WOULD CHANGE ABOUT THE WAY BUSINESS IS DONE AND HOW WOULD YOU IMPROVE ON IT? The terms “wait your turn” or “pay your dues” are prevalent in the workplace. I have been extremely fortunate to have had leaders and mentors throughout my life that put their trust and confidence in me early in my career. That is precisely the leader and/or mentor I want to be – someone who empowers their employees allowing the freedom to grow, learn, and make some mistakes along the way. WHO HAS IN THE PAST OR PRESENTLY SUPPORTS YOU AND WHAT DOES THEIR SUPPORT MEAN TO YOU? HOW DOES THEIR SUPPORT ENABLE YOU TO ACCOMPLISH WHAT YOU DO? I am very appreciative to have a large support group that I can look to for guidance on any topic. Family, friends, colleagues, former coaches, professors, and mentors constantly provide me with guidance. As odd as it sounds, knowing and understanding what you don’t know is a common characteristic of leaders in our community that I try to imitate. NAME YOUR PROUDEST MOMENT AS A MAN. That is a difficult question. At this stage in my life I would say that it occurs each time that I bring pride to my support group through any accomplishments I may achieve. WHAT DO YOU DO AS A HOBBY IN YOUR FREE TIME? Anything active. I really enjoy going to the gym and playing golf. Working out is a great stress reliever and, if I’m playing poorly, golf can create a great deal of stress! THE WORLD CERTAINLY CAN BE A CHAOTIC PLACE AND WITH SO MUCH SOCIAL MEDIA OUR YOUTH ARE BOMBARDED WITH AN OVERWHELMING AMOUNT OF MESSAGES BOTH NEGATIVE AND POSITIVE. WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT YOU WOULD SAY TO YOUNG MEN IN ORDER TO HELP THEM NAVIGATE THE WORLD? What piece of advice would you share? My mother and grandmother have had a profound impact on my life. They taught me respect at any early age— respect women, respect others’ differences, and, most importantly, to respect myself and the talents I have been given. Respect of others is what it means to be a man. In many ways, these two women have taught me much of what it means to be a man. Their tireless efforts to instill certain values in me have provided me with life skills that are irreplaceable. I would challenge young men to learn and practice the kind of respect I was taught. Secondly, I would caution young men and women alike to be mindful of their online presence. Social media will inevitably become an even larger part of employers’ decision making processes in the future.
Corey Shepherd
PHOTO BY MICKEY BAKER
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WHAT DO YOU WANT OTHERS TO KNOW ABOUT WHAT IT IS THAT YOU DO ON A DAILY BASIS? I work with a great team to attract visitors to our city. WHAT HAVE YOU ACCOMPLISHED IN THE WORKPLACE THAT YOU ARE MOST PROUD OF? OUTSIDE OF THE WORKPLACE? Along with the CVB team, I want to grow tourism’s impact for our city. Approximately 110 million economic dollars impact our region annually, which in turn has allowed capitol projects to materialize such as signage, Bays Mountain improvements, sports facilities improvements, and so on. Along with my wife Cathy, I want to help bring more awareness to Downs Syndrome in order to help individuals and families that may not otherwise receive the services they need. WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT OTHERS DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU THAT THEY SHOULD? I grew up on a large farm and my work habits were formed there as a young child. We had chores everyday starting around age six and I had to get all of my chores done before I could play. I went to college to become a veterinarian. NAME AT LEAST ONE THING THAT HAPPENED TO YOU EARLY ON IN YOUR CAREER THAT HAS SHAPED THE TYPE OF BUSINESSMAN YOU ARE TODAY. I had the honor and fortune of working with a peer that was internationally well respected in financial circles. He instilled in me some best practices that I use everyday. NAME AT LEAST ONE THING THAT HAPPENED TO YOU IN YOUR YOUTH THAT HAS SHAPED WHO YOU ARE AS A MAN. I lost my mother to cancer when I was 13. I had to take on responsibilities and grow up pretty quickly. I was more mature than most of my peers. DESCRIBE YOUR WORK ETHIC. HOW DO YOU APPROACH DIFFICULT CLIENTS? ADVERSE MARKETS? OBSTACLES? HOW DO YOU HANDLE THE WORD-NO? My expectations are very high but goals have to be attainable in order for one to be successful. I feel, also, that I must lead by example. I have to be ready to do what I may ask of my
team. Difficult clients can be a challenge and each one is different. I try to lead them to a solution that they feel was their own solution. “No” means I have to find another way to get to “yes” but what I don’t handle is “we have always done it that way.” WHAT IS THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE ABOUT BUSINESS OR LIFE THAT YOU EVER RECEIVED? HOW DID FOLLOWING THIS ADVICE HELP AND WHEN DID IT REALLY HIT HOME THAT THE ADVICE WAS SO HELPFUL? My grandfather said something to the effect of, “you have to talk without speaking and scream without raising your voice.” This means to me that actions speak louder than words. These words are in a song and every time I hear it, I think of him. Another favorite, and I don’t know if this one is appropriate, “If you don’t learn from your mistakes you might as well have two rear ends.” WHO HAS IN THE PAST OR PRESENTLY SUPPORTS YOU AND WHAT DOES THEIR SUPPORT MEAN TO YOU? HOW DOES THEIR SUPPORT ENABLE YOU TO ACCOMPLISH WHAT YOU DO? My wife is my best friend and allows me the time I need for my profession. NAME YOUR PROUDEST MOMENT AS A MAN. Watching my children become mature young adults along with our special needs son develop. WHAT DO YOU DO AS A HOBBY IN YOUR FREE TIME? Golf. I love to golf and golfing all year around is so special in this region with the different seasons because the golf course can look different in the fall than it does in the summer or spring. THE WORLD CERTAINLY CAN BE A CHAOTIC PLACE AND WITH SO MUCH SOCIAL MEDIA OUR YOUTH ARE BOMBARDED WITH AN OVERWHELMING AMOUNT OF MESSAGES BOTH NEGATIVE AND POSITIVE. WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT YOU WOULD SAY TO YOUNG MEN IN ORDER TO HELP THEM NAVIGATE THE WORLD? WHAT PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD YOU SHARE? Think twice before speaking. Make sure you deliver your message. And now days, think twice before you post to social media.
Thank you for all that you do, Jud!
Jud Teague
My grandfather said something to the effect of, “you have to talk without speaking and scream without raising your voice.”
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they were younger, and he first moved to Southwest Virginia, Tisdale put tens of thousands of miles on his car traveling back to Richmond to be with them. All of his children swam competitively in school, and excelled both in the pool, and in academics. His daughter, Lauren, is following in her dad’s footsteps and plans to enter medical school in the Fall of 2016. Bernie says he has always told his children: “Always do what is right; Always do your best; Always trust God.” In addition to focusing on medicine and his family, Tisdale plays the banjo and saxophone, writes poetry, and does philanthropic activity whenever possible. Tisdale has been a Susan G. Komen, ‘Pink Tie Guy,’ to support breast cancer, and was in the 2014 class of Dancing with the Tri Cities Stars, that benefits SteppenStone Youth Treatment Services. Tisdale is a member of the Cancer Outreach Foundation, which provides support for those who need help paying for their cancer treatment. He has also done church mission trips to Nicaragua, focusing on general medical care.
S
ome people know what they want to do with their life and career from an early age, and that was definitely the case with Dr. Bernard Tisdale (Bernie, Bern). Growing up on a farm in Lunenburg, Virginia, he always knew he wanted to be a doctor. As the youngest of six children, and with a very modest upbringing, the road was never easy for Tisdale, but he was determined to continue on a path he felt was laid out for him by a higher power. As he continued his progress towards his dream of practicing medicine, Bernie’s faith would be strongly tested at age 14, when he lost his older brother to melanoma at age 24. “It really shaped my faith, and my family’s faith, when my brother died,” says Tisdale. “Within a year of my brother’s death, all of my siblings were baptized. It brought us closer together as we became closer to God.” To this day, Bernie remains deeply spiritual, and reads from the Bible on a daily basis. It is also one of the reasons he loves this region so much. “So many of the people here in this area are good hearted, dedicated Christians,” explains Tisdale. About 9 years ago, a professional opportunity brought him to Southwest Virginia, and he was the first doctor to have an office on the new site of the Johnston Memorial Hospital, in Abingdon, Virginia. As a radiation oncologist, Dr. Tisdale loves what he does. He began his career as a family medicine physician after graduating from The University of Virginia Medical School and Family Medicine Residency Program, but quickly realized that family medicine was not his passion. After a couple years in the U.S. Public Health Service on an Indian reservation in New Mexico, he decided to go back and do a second residency to become a Radiation Oncologist. With memories of his brother’s suffering, Bernie was drawn to Radiation Oncology because cancer is a well-defined disease entity which can often be helped with radiation therapy. He believes cancer patients are the best! Dr. Tisdale has a patient that came to him in 2008 at the age of 95. Radiation therapy was essentially her last resort since her age precluded her from being a candidate for surgery or chemotherapy. He was able to control her cancer through radiation treatments and improve her quality of life, so much so that she is still alive today at age 103! Dr. Tisdale cherishes the work that he has accomplished, like the innovative prostate seed implant programs he started in the Richmond, Virginia area, but he feels his greatest accomplishment is his three beautiful children, Sarah, Lauren and Harrison. His son Harrison is married to Rebecca. Tisdale has always been devoted to his children, even now that they are all adults. When
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However, one of the things Dr. Tisdale cherishes most regarding his charitable efforts, is the volunteer work he does helping people to navigate the medical system. He does extensive work in connecting people with the resources and doctors that can help them with whatever illness they may have, not just cancer, and he also helps patients with their personal development. There is a woman Dr. Tisdale and his friends are currently assisting who is confined to her bed. They are helping her realize her dream of setting up an online ministry. Another way Tisdale has tried to follow the advice he has given his children, is that he always does his best, including being on time. Many of us are familiar with the long process involved with seeing a doctor, but Dr. Tisdale tries to be punctual and make the most of the time he has with each patient. He tries to see things from their perspective and always asks himself how he can help them solve their problems. What more could you ask for from your doctor?
Once you feel better from our treatments by x-ray Until your cancer stops its attack on your whole being Maintaining our focus on the tumors is all we are seeing A little smaller lump, a little less pain Kindles our hope of helping you with your health regain Every time there is reason for you to celebrate It is inspirational to our souls far past the date Treating cancer can be tough when things don’t go our way We try to find new methods that will keep the disease away Other radiation regimens with various doses and drugs Really seem to be more effective when given with warm hugs Thankfully your courage and your steadfast willpower Helps all our efforts so we never ever cower I can only hope you understand how much it means to us That you make our work worth it from dawn to dusk
Dr. Bernie Tisdale
PHOTO BY MICKEY BAKER
You make it worth it each and every day
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J
ohn Vachon loves a challenge! This is actually what brought him back to the area. He opted to take on an orthopedic surgical territory in the Tri-Cities that had literally no sales and that no one else was willing to tackle. “I saw the untapped potential and turned it around to become one of the most consistent and highest-performing territories in the Mid-Atlantic region for many years. This ability to focus on the goal helped me earn the award of Sales Professional of the Year for the Mid-Atlantic Region in 2003, beating out reps from larger metros like Charlotte, Atlanta, and Nashville.” Growing up, John was exposed not only to different cultures from his parents - his mother is British and his father French-Canadian - but also to different perspectives of how to look at problems. “My mom is an artist and my dad a chemist, so I got a balanced outlook that was both creative and analytical. I have a lot to thank them for!” The ability to approach issues from each side of the brain is something that Vachon has used to help him in business and life. His job in surgical sales took John Vachon all over the United States and, in his travels he complemented his analytical job with visits to creative parts of town. “Being in surgical sales allowed me the opportunity to travel to some larger urban areas...San Francisco, San Diego, Denver, D.C., Chicago, etc. I saw these cool downtown areas, ate at great restaurants, and was exposed to the possibilities that
upscale restaurant and lounge concept to fully maximize what we have to offer our clients in an effort to provide a greater benefit to the business and social communities as a whole.” John Vachon shows no signs of slowing down, but something a lot of people don’t know about him is that he does enjoy more than just working. John has always loved to travel, something his surgical sales job allowed him to do on a regular basis, and still does with the free time that he gets when he’s not working. What does he look for when he travels? “Fun”, he says with a grin. “I love music, craft beer, discovering new wines, having creative culinary experiences, and photography. I absolutely love family gatherings, though I admit they are not often enough.” Mentoring is also something that Vachon feels passionate about. “There are some incredible young men whom I have the privilege to mentor, but more importantly can proudly call them my nephews and in some cases Godsons…Cedar, Benjamin, Jean-Paul, Cody, EJ, and Ethan. It’s been amazing to be a part of their lives as they grow into young men and make their own impact on those around them.” He uses his own “no-quit” attitude in order to show others that the impossible and improbable can indeed be done. “Showing people that Urban Redevelopment is possible in the TriCities and that it’s the most sustainable path forward for our region is critical. What we as a region need to realize is that we are not just
“This region has so much going for it; it is just untapped potential at this point.” urban redevelopment held. It made me wonder why this revitalization wasn’t happening in our region.” John and his wife, Angela, purchased their first Downtown property in 2001 and were both immediately hooked on renovation and revitalization. They were amazed at the beauty that was, according to John, “hidden under every unattractive and faddish building material trend imaginable!” He tells tales of awful linoleum, shag carpet, hideous wallpaper, or cheap paneling. He is not one to be deterred, however, and is intent on bringing back to life the long-neglected areas of the City that are begging to be noticed again. “Thousands of square feet of underutilized Downtown structures still exist and are waiting to be redeveloped to play a major role in completely transforming this entire region. I am proud of the role that our company has had in this movement.” One such accomplishment is the BANQ building. “In 2004 my wife and I bought the historic First National Bank Building in Downtown Kingsport. This iconic building was screaming to be brought back to life because it stood abandoned for many years.” They embarked on restoring this 25,000 square foot gem, adaptively re-using a significant portion of the building to create a reception venue. During that period, they expanded the venue to include the Roof Deck overlooking Downtown. They knew there was a demand, but had no idea it would be so well received. For the last 7 years, guests from all over the world have enjoyed this amazing space overlooking Downtown Kingsport. BANQ’s success is evident; since day one people have sought out the venue for its classic design, unique character and sophistication. “I have really enjoyed working with all of the clients and their guests over the years. It makes me happy that we have been able to play a role in that experience for so many people and I want to continue to expand on the success our customers have brought to this venue. In 2017, the plan is to add an
3 cities of 50-60,000 each...we are a region of 1.2M. Larger than the Asheville metro, we deserve better than we think. I envision a TriCities region that lives up to its potential, and I want others to see the big picture and the possibilities. This region has so much going for it; it is just untapped potential at this point.” “By creating concepts like BANQ & Hibbert-Davis Urban Brews, recruiting other developers, working to fill our storefronts with new restaurants and retail, and creating upscale urban lofts, we’ve exposed a market for an urban lifestyle that the community is seeking. The better our companies perform, the better the whole Downtown area performs and vice versa. The more Downtown Kingsport excels, the more recognition our region receives.” John and his wife, through their company Urban Synergy, continue to renovate and revitalize Downtown Kingsport but they are on the lookout for new and increasingly challenging projects. They are both quite serious about having sustainable city centers that provide everything a resident might want or need. “Less sprawl and less development of the raw land helps to preserve this region’s natural beauty. More redevelopment of our historic Downtown buildings equates to less driving, more walkability, more physical activity, and an overall stronger community. I want to effect change through my work and principles…be it accountability, integrity, sustainability, or persistence.” The old saying about throwing out the old in favor of the new should be restated as making the old new again when referring to John Vachon and his vision for the region. He is tireless in his work and passionate in his vision: two characteristics that contribute to Vachon’s success. Let it never be said that John Vachon is a man without a vision or one to sit on the sidelines. Over, under, around, or by peeling back one layer at the time...he believes there is always a way forward.
John Vachon
PHOTO BY MICKEY BAKER
MAY 2016 | VIPSEEN | 93
WHAT DO YOU WANT OTHERS TO KNOW ABOUT WHAT IT IS THAT YOU DO ON A DAILY BASIS? My name is Billy Wayne Arrington. Most people know me as “Billy Wayne”. I am the President of Vision Productions, Inc. which is a non-profit tax-exempt corporation that was formed in 1994. I am also Producer/ Director of LampLight Theatre. My profession is multi-faceted. I am a producer, director, playwright, author, singer, songwriter, actor, speaker, and ordained minister. It is my desire to make a difference in people’s lives on a daily basis. WHAT HAVE YOU ACCOMPLISHED IN THE WORKPLACE THAT YOU ARE MOST PROUD OF? OUTSIDE OF THE WORKPLACE? Our workplace is an environment where our employees look forward to coming to work. It is a place where excellence and passion come together to impact thousands of lives. Outside the workplace, I love investing in the lives of students. We have a program called H.A.L.O. (Hope And Love Outreach), an outreach for “at risk” and underprivileged children. In the last ten years, as a single man, I adopted 2 sons from that program. Both are now on their own. One son, “Payton”, is seeking a future career in business. The other son, “Ridge”, is married and getting ready to have a baby.
HOW DO YOU WORK TO HELP THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE WITH WHAT YOU DO IN YOUR CHOSEN PROFESSION? HOW DO YOU COMBINE THE TWO? Community is about individual people with real needs. It’s not just about numbers and statistics. People need hope. The arts are not just an expression of our culture. They are a tool to inspire others to overcome difficulties and push forward. I don’t want to just entertain people for a couple of hours whether through a production, concert, or conference. I want to offer a message of hope that can last them a lifetime. It is our duty to serve others and not ourselves. When we learn to give our lives away for nothing in return, incredible things happen. MANY OF US WORK TO BE THE CHANGE WE WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD. WHAT CHANGE DO YOU WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD AND HOW DO YOU WORK FOR THAT? I have always been a “fixer”. I spent much of my life trying to change the world and the people in it, and I came to realize that I am only human. If we can learn to die to ourselves and get out of the way, it is amazing what God can do through fallible humans.
WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT OTHERS DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU THAT THEY SHOULD? My last name is actually “Arrington” and not “Wayne”. Also, as much as I love working directly with the public on a daily basis, people often think that I would enjoy socializing with lots of people. However, I love my privacy and being out of the public eye.
WHAT IS THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE ABOUT BUSINESS OR LIFE THAT YOU EVER RECEIVED? HOW DID FOLLOWING THIS ADVICE HELP AND WHEN DID IT REALLY HIT HOME THAT THE ADVICE WAS SO HELPFUL? I had a professor and wonderful mentor at Berea College named Paul Power. When it came to entertainment, he used to tell me, “Billy, you NEVER have the right to bore your audience. They don’t have to be there.” Throughout my professional career as Christian Music artist, director, actor, and speaker, I have lived by that statement. People still come, and sometimes it’s hard to get them to go home.
NAME AT LEAST ONE THING THAT HAPPENED TO YOU EARLY ON IN YOUR CAREER THAT HAS SHAPED THE TYPE OF BUSINESSMAN YOU ARE TODAY. I was very blessed to have incredibly talented business and professional people to invest time, energy, and resources into my life from funding my first studio recording to producing my first play. They believed in me when I was having a hard time believing in myself. It is important to invest in young lives.
When it comes to the best piece of advice for my life, I have always heard to give God your “firstfruits”. Which meant to me that God never deserves our sorry “leftovers”. Being faithful to Christ Jesus and the things that He has asked of me is my definition of success. He deserves my best for what He has done in my life. As I have yielded to Him, he has done immeasurably more in my life than I could have ever imagined.
NAME AT LEAST ONE THING THAT HAPPENED TO YOU IN YOUR YOUTH THAT HAS SHAPED WHO YOU ARE AS A MAN. I grew up in a broken home and was determined to prove the world wrong of what they thought of me. I am a firm believer that anything good is born from “hard times”. Adverse times are where character is built.
WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT YOU WOULD CHANGE ABOUT THE WAY BUSINESS IS DONE AND HOW WOULD YOU IMPROVE ON IT? There are too many people in business that are selfish and feel entitled because of all the schooling and hard work that they have put into their success. We need to be reminded that without people/patrons/customers/clients, we have no business. We need to invest in lives and not just buildings and business portfolios.
DESCRIBE YOUR WORK ETHIC. HOW DO YOU APPROACH DIFFICULT CLIENTS? ADVERSE MARKETS? OBSTACLES? HOW DO YOU HANDLE THE WORD-NO? I have an extremely high work ethic. Some call me a “perfectionist”. I believe in excellence, no matter how small or large the task. Every obstacle that I face, be it difficult clients, adversity, or no can be a stumbling block or stepping stone. I ask myself “ What is the life lesson that I should be learning from this? What is God trying to teach me? What am I supposed to take away from this that will better improve me?
WHO HAS IN THE PAST OR PRESENTLY SUPPORTS YOU AND WHAT DOES THEIR SUPPORT MEAN TO YOU? There is a desire in all of us to have the love and support of our family. I spent a great deal of my life wanting my parents to understand my faith. I longed to hear my alcoholic father say that he loved and supported me. It took 16 years for my mother to come to faith in Christ. It took my father 27 years. He came to one of my concerts and I had the privilege of sharing my faith with him. That night, he had a life-changing faith experience. The man who I thought was my enemy became my hero. Both
of my parents and step-parents came alongside me and became my biggest supporters. HOW DOES THEIR SUPPORT ENABLE YOU TO ACCOMPLISH WHAT YOU DO? My family knows me and what my life is really like. For them to choose to be a part of what I do is the ultimate stamp of approval. It keeps you humble and doesn’t allow much room for hypocrisy.
THE WORLD CERTAINLY CAN BE A CHAOTIC PLACE AND WITH SO MUCH SOCIAL MEDIA OUR YOUTH ARE BOMBARDED WITH AN OVERWHELMING AMOUNT OF MESSAGES BOTH NEGATIVE AND POSITIVE. WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT YOU WOULD SAY TO YOUNG MEN IN ORDER TO HELP THEM NAVIGATE THE WORLD? WHAT PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD YOU SHARE? Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to mentor over 50 young men. Most of which lived in my home as interns, band members, or employees. Many are now award-winning musicians, businessmen, and ministers. I love pouring into lives that want to make a difference in the world around them.
Micah 6:8 (NKJV) He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?
PHOTO CREDIT DEREK CRESS
My advice to them: • We all have a calling. Seek God first. He is the one who created you. Be faithful to Christ. That is success. • Swallow your pride and put people around you that are better than you at what they do. • Always have a teachable spirit and servant-heart.
Billy Wayne
NAME YOUR PROUDEST MOMENT AS A MAN. I had the privilege to attend Berea College where I worked and paid for my college education. I was the first in my family to ever go to college. Upon graduating Berea College, I received the T.J. Wood Achievement award which is the highest honor that Berea College bestows on a male graduate. It was for academic excellence and leadership. Alex Haley, author of “Roots”, presented me with the award. WHAT DO YOU DO AS A HOBBY IN YOUR FREE TIME? I don’t have much “free time”, but I love my job so much that it is hard to separate my hobbies from work. I love writing, music, speaking, and art. Traveling is one of my favorite things to do. I love experiencing different cultures at home and abroad. When I do get free time, I enjoy watching old classic movies and hanging out with my dog, “Zeke”.
MAY 2016 | VIPSEEN | 95
SEEN IN BRISTOL
BRISTOL MOTOR SPEEDWAY
Big Brothers Big Sisters
Man Up Campaign Launch PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY LARK ADAMS
The Big Brothers Big Sisters organization of Greater Tri-Cities has launched a campaign to raise awareness for the dire need of male volunteers to mentor kids in our area. The “Man Up” campaign aims to encourage males to sign up to be a Big Brother. “More than 70 percent of our children waiting for a ‘Big’ are boys, but only three out of every ten inquires to volunteer come from men,” explained Kristy Smith, BBBS interim regional director. “Research shows that having the positive influence of a Big Brother makes a real difference in a boy’s life and will give that young person someone to look up to.” Big Brothers Big Sisters serves children aged 6-15 who need the most help, including those living in single parent homes, growing up in poverty, or coping with parental incarceration. Family members, schools, and community agencies throughout the region refer kids to the organization. “After a Big Brother is paired with a Little Brother, they spend at least four hours a month together and see each other twice a month,” said Smith. “To make the biggest impact on the children and foster a meaningful relationship, we ask for our Big Brothers to volunteer for at least a year.” Spending time together is easy – activities can range from doing homework, to playing at a park, to going to a game. Big Brother and Little Brother matches are made based on similar interests so doing normal, everyday activities are encouraged.
The LEAD Bristol! Team
A team of individuals who are part of the 2015-2016 LEAD Bristol designed the “Man Up” campaign! Class. LEAD Bristol! is a nine- month leadership program, which focuses on providing skills essential to leadership development, and is conducted by the Bristol, TN/VA Chamber of Commerce.
Brian Mullins and Paul Becker
For more information about the program or to sign up to be a volunteer, visit www.ManUpTN.com
Austin Hickman and Charlie Gibbs
Paula Hurt and Kristy Smith, BBBS Regional Director
96 | VIPSEEN | MAY 2016