ConnectTheKnox Julia Hurley

In this episode of Connect the Knox, host Julia Hurley interviews TenHats CEO Brian Strong. They explore his career journey from various sales roles to his current position in IT and data center services. Brian explains the role of TenHats in providing essential IT infrastructure and support for businesses in Knoxville, highlighting the city’s growth as a tech and energy hub. They discuss the increasing demand for power, potential solutions like nuclear energy, and Knoxville's future prospects. The episode concludes with a rapid-fire round about Brian's favorite local spots, emphasizing the city's community and business appeal.
 
 
Show Highlights: (00:00) - Intro
(00:43) - Brian’s Business Background
(02:03) - Knoxville’s Railroad Industry
(04:06) - Julia’s Fate Encounter with Brian
(04:48) - Brian’s Path to TenHats
(06:47) - Learning From Prior Small Business Experiences
(10:40) - Explaining TenHat and Its Services
(11:09) - Plans for Future Expansion
(12:41) - Ad - Just Homes Group
(13:11) - The Energy Industry and Knoxville’s Growth
(16:22) - The Local Future of Nuclear Energy
(18:23) - Knoxville as a Tech Hub
(21:17) - Rapid Fire Round
(23:36) - Where You Can Find Brian’s Business
 
 
Links Referenced:
TenHat’s Website: https://tenhats.com/
Brian’s email: brian.strong@tenhats.com
 
 
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Just Homes Realty Group: www.justhomesgroup.com Find my Home Buyers & Home Sellers Guide here: https://linktr.ee/thejuliahurley

From cheese making to fermentation, Kristin Webber has the knowledge to help you get back to the basics. Julia sits down with Kristin to find out what homesteading is, how Kristin developed her love for it, and why Knoxville has embraced her business with open arms. Plus, we find out where Kristin’s pseudonym “Chicken Librarian” comes from and what her plans are for scaling her business over the next 5-10 years.  
 
 
Links Referenced:
Kristin’s Website: https://chickenlibrarian.com/
Events Page: https://chickenlibrarian.com/classes-and-events/2024-events/
Facebook: ChickenLibrarian
Instagram: @chickenlibrarian
 
 
Connect with ConnectTheKnox
- Follow the Podcast -
iTunes Spotify Or wherever you listen to Podcasts Podcast Created With Riverside.fm - Connect with Julia -
Follow me on TikTok Connect with me on Instagram Find me on Twitter Follow me on Facebook - Buy or Sell a home in Knoxville -
Just Homes Realty Group: www.justhomesgroup.com Find my Home Buyers & Home Sellers Guide here: https://linktr.ee/thejuliahurley

Sam Elliott, the Vice President of Development for the Young Professionals of Knoxville (YPK), shares his journey from a pilot to a pivotal community leader, detailing the impact of YPK in fostering a vibrant network for young professionals in Knoxville. Discover how YPK's connections, development, and service initiatives are crafting a promising future for the city’s young talent and how young professionals can get involved, grow their skills, and contribute to their community.
Show Highlights: (00:00) Introduction.
(01:07) Sam's background in aviation and community leadership.
(02:17) Exploring volunteer opportunities and community involvement in Knoxville.
(03:23) How the city supports a community-driven mindset.
(03:51) Overview of Young Professionals of Knoxville and their activities.
(05:22) Professional development events hosted by YPK.
(06:27) Leadership experiences within YPK.
(07:34) YPK’s affinity groups and personal connection opportunities.
(08:10) Discussion on Knoxville’s transformation into a tech and educational hub.
(09:28) Retaining young talent in Knoxville with strategic initiatives.
(10:33) YPK’s expansion into surrounding areas.
(14:05) Community service projects and their impacts.
(16:32) Regional expansion plans into Oak Ridge.
(17:11) Future partnerships and growth for YPK.
(18:44) Importance of community and professional development.
(25:13) Closing remarks and appreciation for Sam Elliott.
Links Referenced: Young Professionals of Knoxville website: https://www.ypknox.com/
Reach Sam via Email: advancement@ypknox.com
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- Buy or Sell a home in Knoxville - 
Just Homes Realty Group: www.justhomesgroup.com
Find my Home Buyers & Home Sellers Guide here: https://linktr.ee/thejuliahurley

In this episode, we meet John Ewart, the dynamic leader of the Knoxville Chapter of the Associated General Contractors. John shares his inspiring journey from his early days in the Navy to playing football at the University of Tennessee and how these experiences led him to a significant role in shaping Knoxville's construction scene. He discusses the importance of skilled trades like electric work and carpentry, the impact of the Women in Construction initiative, and how he is helping to grow the next generation of leaders in the construction industry. Tune in to discover how John's leadership is building a stronger community in Knoxville.
Show Highlights: (00:00) Introduction.
(01:00) John recounts his early experiences.
(02:31) Explanation of what AGC stands for and its significance in the construction industry.
(03:24) Details on the membership composition of AGC and its community impact.
(05:33) The role of AGC in workforce development, focusing on the Apprenticeship Program.
(06:04) Explanation of what a journeyman is and the value of the apprenticeship.
(07:09) Strategies to combat the workforce shortage in skilled trades.
(09:18) Insights into the Women in Construction initiative and its goals.
(11:00) Discussion on large-scale projects and the importance of blueprint skills in construction.
(13:36) The pivotal role of mentorship and networking in professional growth.
(16:00) The importance of community involvement and service in John's career.
(18:45) How AGC connects with legislation and the broader construction industry at the national level.
(20:43) The impact of social media and networking on professional relationships.
(22:35) Closing thoughts on leadership, community impact, and the future of Knoxville's growth.
 
Links Referenced:
Connect with John on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/john.ewart.92/
Connect with John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-ewart-79645578/
The Associated General Contractors Of Tennessee: https://www.tnagc.org/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR1tYTy1NQthNQ4nuE9ZdoJ9Gx5wYMK66xFKV5f2DHMR6jsdLmG1pBXSEqM_aem_AasVxJi0pfAijcboVz04oicdRqrQ2YjpNRhnK1Ni6J0d2U4s8D9xvbaFrQqBtocM2yUk3KDdvGQcb-M-_uZqzpnv 
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Just Homes Realty Group: www.justhomesgroup.com
Find my Home Buyers & Home Sellers Guide here: https://linktr.ee/thejuliahurley

In this heartwarming episode of Connect the Knox, Julia sits down with George Bove, a cherished children's book author who brings the spirit of Knoxville, Tennessee, to life through his stories. George gives us a peek into how he crafts his engaging tales, shares his passion for community service, and introduces his latest book, 'The Little Orange Tea's Great Tennessee Adventure.
Show Highlights: (00:00) - Introduction to the episode and guest, George Bove
(00:37) - George introduces himself and the concept behind 'The Little Orange Tea'
(01:48) - A surprise visit from a character and its role in George's stories
(03:04) - Discussion on George's broader range of books and his writing process
(04:21) - George's deep ties to Knoxville and his extensive community service
(06:56) - George promotes Knoxville to potential newcomers and highlights local attractions
(10:16) - George’s new book, 'The Little Orange Tea’s Great Tennessee Adventure'
(12:03) - Where to find George’s books, including local and online stores
(17:04) - Details on upcoming book projects and the creative challenges involved
(20:21) - Future plans for book signings and special events in Knoxville
(24:05) - Closing thoughts on the importance of community and family in George's life
(28:40) - How to connect with George and final remarks


Links Referenced:


The Little Orange Tea on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Little-Orange-T-George-Bove/dp/1631775367
The Little Orange Tea's Great Tennessee Adventure on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/little-orange-Great-Tennessee-Adventure/dp/195497874X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3K6HKXSTZEIP5&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.LDAj3g9Cs71gPpODHcD-Pw.SyiMNNHyVhi98wzSOw4a_IMx1xB8aBgYWRtb3LdwSlw&dib_tag=se&keywords=The+Little+Orange+Tea%27s+Great+Tennessee+Adventure&qid=1714966741&s=books&sprefix=the+little+orange+tea%27s+great+tennessee+adventure%2Cstripbooks%2C97&sr=1-1
Hound Dogs:
https://hdknoxville.com/product/the-little-orange-t/
 
Connect with ConnectTheKnox
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Follow me on TikTok Connect with me on Instagram Find me on Twitter Follow me on Facebook - Buy or Sell a home in Knoxville -
Just Homes Realty Group: www.justhomesgroup.com Find my Home Buyers & Home Sellers Guide here: https://linktr.ee/thejuliahurley

In this exciting episode of Connect the Knox, host Julia Hurley speaks with Justin Cazana, one of Knoxville's leading commercial real estate brokers and developers. With over 20 years of experience, Justin shares stories about his experiences in real estate, his family’s history in the business, and some projects he's proud of, like improving old buildings and developing new ones. Justin also discusses how Knoxville's commercial spaces have evolved and what he sees for the city’s future. The episode highlights how important local knowledge and connections are in the real estate industry.
Show Highlights: (00:00) - Introduction to the episode and guest, Justin Cazana
(00:43) - Justin describes his role and history in Knoxville's commercial real estate
(04:30) - Justin’s reflection on his early experiences and the evolution of his career
(07:00) - Discussing favorite projects and their impact on Knoxville
(09:59) - Key transformations in downtown Knoxville and future projections
(14:09) - Insights into Justin’s family legacy in Knoxville’s real estate
(17:13) - The process and vision behind turning The Tennessean into a luxury hotel
(23:09) - Upcoming projects and the current state of office spaces in Knoxville
(28:21) - Personal recommendations for first-time Knoxville visitors
(30:24) - How to find Justin and closing remarks
Links Referenced:
Justins LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justincazana/
Justin’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/jcazana?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor
Avison Young: https://www.avisonyoung.com/professionals/-/ayp/view/justin-cazana/in/knoxville
Connect with ConnectTheKnox
- Follow the Podcast -
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Spotify
Or wherever you listen to Podcasts
Podcast Created With Riverside.fm
- Connect with Julia - 
Follow me on TikTok
Connect with me on Instagram
Find me on Twitter
Follow me on Facebook
- Buy or Sell a home in Knoxville - 
Just Homes Realty Group: www.justhomesgroup.com
Find my Home Buyers & Home Sellers Guide here: https://linktr.ee/thejuliahurley