From Illinois to Tennessee: Business, Freedom, Taxes & Starting Over with Dustin Rhodes On this episode of Behind The Anvil, host Michael Peterson sits down with bladesmith and entrepreneur Dustin Rhodes for a wide-ranging conversation about what happens when you decide to leave one state behind and build a new life and business somewhere else. Dustin shares the story behind moving from Southern Illinois to Tennessee and why he believes the move has made such a difference for both his business and his personal life. We talk about taxes, property costs, wages, gas prices, groceries, business regulations, and what it actually takes to relocate a small business. Dustin explains the transition from his Illinois operation to Smoky Mountain Forge Works and Trading Post LLC in Sevierville, Tennessee, including the challenges of setting up a new LLC, obtaining business licenses, dealing with sales tax, finding the right location, and investing in a new shop. We also get into the economic struggles Dustin saw in rural Southern Illinois, the loss of manufacturing jobs, employment challenges, declining communities, and how economic conditions can affect everything from local businesses to grocery-store selection. Michael and Dustin compare the cost of living in Illinois and Tennessee, including property taxes, state income taxes, sales taxes, gas prices, groceries, and the overall business climate. Dustin also shares his experience buying property and vehicles outright, avoiding financing, and why he believes owning your assets outright can make a huge difference in the long run. But this conversation isn't just about money. Dustin talks about the differences he has experienced in the communities, the atmosphere, faith, personal freedom, and what he describes as feeling like he has been “delivered from evil” by getting away from an environment he felt was holding him and his family back. The conversation also covers the challenges of relocating, including vehicle titles, mail forwarding, getting a Tennessee driver's license, concealed-carry permits, firearm regulations, and the differences Dustin experienced between Illinois and Tennessee. And because this is Behind The Anvil, eventually we end up talking about groundhogs! Dustin shares his recent experience hunting and cooking groundhog, including his slow-cooker method. Michael and Dustin also talk about trucking, pursuing happiness, making positive changes in life, and why sometimes changing your surroundings can make a tremendous difference. It's another episode proving that you never know where the conversation will go on Behind The Anvil! Follow Dustin & Smoky Mountain Forge Works and Trading Post LLC Facebook: Smoky Mountain Forge Works & Trading Post Dustin's business is located in Sevierville, Tennessee, near Smoky Mountain Knife Works. CHEYENNE RHODES' GROUNDHOG RECIPE Groundhog Flavor until your ancestors approve: mesquite, garlic powder, Tony Chachere's, and anything else that sounds good. Heck, throw in the kitchen sink if you'd like. Ingredients Groundhog Mesquite seasoning Garlic powder Tony Chachere's Anything else that sounds good 2 sticks of margarine 1 bottle of carbonated drink — Angry Orchard Original Water as needed (to not burn meat) Directions Sear the exterior of the groundhog, adding 1 stick of margarine and small amounts of water as needed. Add the seared groundhog and all remaining ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on LOW for a minimum of 12 hours. Occasionally add water to keep the meat moist. Eat when you're feeling like it, or when your wife/daughter tells you to. Make sure your neighbor knows it's groundhog and that you didn't steal a small dog for dinner. Cheyenne's Recommendation: Flavor until your ancestors approve! For wild game, make sure the animal was legally harvested and properly cleaned and handled. Cook thoroughly to a safe internal temperature.
