Born and raised just down I-40, Allison Clark came to Cookeville to play basketball for Tennessee Tech University. After a storied playing career that eventually landed her in the TTU Hall of Fame, Allison ventured into coaching the game that she loves. A published author and a true exhorter and encourager, Coach Alli sees basketball as her avenue to mentor and empower young girls in more than just sports. From teaching leadership and character building to running the point and shooting the 3, Clark uses her influence on and off the court to be an asset to both the team she coaches and the community that has embraced her. In this episode, Coach Clark talks to us about how she sells TTU to new recruits, how she dealt with her parent’s divorce at a pivotal age, and how fortunate she feels to be a part of the Cookeville community.

While advisers might argue against going into business with a family member, Resa and Crystal Roberts have found it to be a wise and successful business model. They are sister-in-laws and have six children between them which has fostered a sense of family in their business as a whole. Luxe Boutique began in Cookeville out of a dream they had to build a business together, and has since been expanded into the Chattanooga market with two additional stores. The Roberts Girls see Luxe Boutique as an opportunity to mentor the next generation of strong women and teach their own children the wonderful world of entrepreneurship. In this episode, Resa and Crystal talk about the joys and challenges of being Momtrepreneurs, employers of millennials, and the lessons they have learned in the retail game.

Having a background in the non-profit sector coupled with growing up in Cookeville, it seemed a natural fit for John Bell to serve as the Director for the Cookeville Regional Charitable Foundation. The Foundation has multiple arms of benevolence that reach all across our region. In this podcast, John touches on many of the different programs that Foundation provides to meet the practical and medical needs of our community. From free CPR training and the patient assistance programs, to the Pet Therapy program and remote area medical clinics, learn about all of the amazing things that the CRMC Charitable Foundation is doing in the Upper Cumberland.

After a diverse and storied career in law enforcement, Eddie Farris was elected as the Sheriff of Putnam County in 2014. Sheriff Farris immediately went to work assembling a team of dedicated officers who have been instrumental in the heaping strides that have been made in the Putnam County Sheriffs Office under his leadership. In this episode, Farris talks about how his career was a natural progression to where he is now, what has happened over the last four years, the struggles that our law enforcement face, and what every day life as the Sheriff looks like. It’s great to hear from the heart of the leaders in our community!

Natalie Stout is a born and raised Putnam County native. A Tennessee Tech alum, she began a career in real estate and within five years opened her own brokerage, The Realty Firm. Natalie’s upbeat personality, can do attitude, and tireless work ethic have propelled her to the front of the pack in Upper Cumberland real estate. In this podcast, Natalie talks about business development, the influences that have shaped her, and how she swore she would never sell real estate. Down to earth and matter of fact, Natalie’s episode holds great insight for both new and seasoned business owners alike

Mark Wilson has had a love for athletics and administration from an early age, which made a career as an AD a natural fit. Wilson moved to Cookeville in 2004 to take on that leadership role for TTU athletics. Since then, he has led the way on numerous improvements across the board, focusing heavily on academic achievement and facility enhancements. In this episode, Mark shares the story of his road to Cookeville, the mentors who have shaped the man that he is, and the exciting things on the horizon for TTU athletics.

Beth Thompson moved across the country to Cookeville with her mother and quickly acclimated and grew Upper Cumberland roots. A vibrant member of the local theatre community, Beth is a fantastic advocate for the arts and serves this community as the Museums Manger for the Cookeville History Museum and Cookeville Depot Museum. In this episode, Beth tells a little bit about working on the west side, her passion for local history, and some of the fun events the museums have planned in the near future.

What is Impact Club? In this episode, Amber and Zach talk a little bit about this organization that they both are super passionate about. In a nutshell, Impact Club can be thought of as crowd funding for non-profits. If I give you $100 for your charity, you will be super grateful, but in all honesty, $100 doesn't go very far nowadays. However, if we get together with 100, or now 200, friends, we can turn small donations into large impact, and give away $20,000!! Listen in to hear more about Impact Club and the difference we can make when we give as a community!

A lifetime Cookeville resident, Becky Magura has been a vital part of growing the Upper Cumberland's only TV station for nearly 40 years. Beginning as the station's very first intern and now serving as the GM and CEO, Becky has worked in every facet of public television. Her passion for extending the classroom and impacting children with early education in the home is evident in all she does. Becky also serves on the national board for PBS, bringing fresh perspective and first hand input for rural communities. In this incredible episode, Becky shares her background and the behind the scenes stories that have made her who she is. This one is must listen!

Melissa Parks moved to the Upper Cumberland area just a few years ago when her husband took a new job. She searched for awhile to find the right job for her, but certainly found her niche at Habitat for Humanity. Melissa currently serves as the Development Director helping the non-profit raise funds, strengthen community relationships, and maintain their healthy local presence. In this episode, you will hear the conviction in Melissa’s voice as she shares about the incredible work that Habitat for Humanity is making across the globe and in the Upper Cumberland region.

Sam Brooks has found the magic place where passion and skill set intersect. Growing up as talented athlete both at Cookeville High School and at Tennessee Tech University, Sam learned a lot of valuable lessons about hard work, teamwork, and leadership. He carried those teachable moments into a career in coaching and education where he now serves Putnam County Schools as the Personal Learning Supervisor heading up the VITAL program that oversees virtual learning in our area. In this episode, Sam shares with us his personal story about growing up as an athlete who is now raising one and the challenges and advantages therein.

With roots in neighboring Cumberland County, Jeff Brown has been involved in the business world of the Upper Cumberland for all of his life, including five business that he has personally started and managed. His passion for innovation is palpable and he serves as an evangelist for entrepreneurship. In this episode, he shares the role of The Biz Foundry in our community and their mission to assist local innovators in bringing business dreams to fruition. Jeff and his team are constantly looking for ways to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Upper Cumberland.

A Jackson County native with a background in accounting, you don’t have to talk with Mandy Perhay very long to hear her heart for people and the place our local YMCA has in this community. Mandy is full of energy and optimism, and brings that energy to her role of running one of the largest fitness centers in our area. From youth soccer programs and Learn to Swim, to Go Pink and Open Doors (an income based rate scale program), the YMCA is more than just a workout facility. This is where Mandy’s true passion shines. In this episode, she shares all that the Y has to offer, her favorite (and not so favorite) parts of her job, and why she doesn’t take herself too seriously.

Serving as only the 9th President of Tennessee Technological University, Dr. Phil Oldham knows the delicate balance of building on a strong foundation to further an organization. Dr. Oldham has both a science background and long list of achievements in collegiate academia, but his true passion is innovation and creating new opportunities. In this episode, Oldham shares about his roots in the Upper Cumberland, his views on entrepreneurship, and the role that Tennessee Tech plays in our area. Not only do we get to pick Dr. Oldham’s brain on university advancement and upcoming changes to the campus, we also get to know him a little more as a person and member of our community.

Moving here from Whitwell, TN to attend TTU, Cigi England never imagined that Cookeville is where she would eventually move back to establish her business and start her family. After obtaining a degree in Fashion Merchandising, Cigi traveled the southeast working in the fashion industry and for America’s Mart in Atlanta. In this podcast, she shares how she felt impressed to make Cookeville her home just a few years ago and how her boutique, Cigi's, was born. This episode is a great encouragement to pursue your dreams, to remember that “nothing is permanent”, and inspiration on how to be the agent of change for your own life. Full of class and spunk, Cigi brings a contagious joy to this podcast that we know you’ll enjoy!

Growing up in Cookeville, Zach Ledbetter has watched this town grow and now works to spotlight our community to visitors and potential future Cookevillians. In this podcast, Zach covers everything from overcoming health struggles from a young age, to stints in the radio business and at TTU, to what he loves about what he calls “the most fun job ever” at the chamber. Ledbetter also shares some insight into what we can expect with the upcoming Solar Eclipse from a tourist perspective, calling it quite possibly the biggest national AND international draw to our community. Finally, Zach offers a fresh Millennial viewpoint to local business and the perks our area has to offer.

Michael Detwiler works in 11 Upper Cumberland counties on behalf of Congressman Diane Black, but as a long time Cookeville resident, it is evident that his roots run deep here at home. Known locally as the ‘Cookeville Weather Guy’, Michael has become quite the social media celebrity and go to weather guy. In this episode, Detwiler shares about his work background and upbringing, his current position and calling in statewide politics, and the present battle that his family is fighting in faith. Michael has a great perspective on life and an out of the box mindset that makes this episode both encouraging and intriguing.

From three rap albums to seven years of semi-pro football to a career in Human Resources at one of Cookeville’s largest employers, there’s not much Dee Prince hasn’t done. He has a big family and a huge heart, passionate about community and diversity. Leading by example, Dee shares his incredible story of growth, influence, and self awareness. With a spirited sense of humor, a quick wit, and a positive spin on life, Dee brings a hilarity and contagious vibe to this podcast that you won’t want to miss!

As the County Executive, Randy Porter essentially serves as the CEO and CFO of Putnam County. With his usual calm and steady demeanor, Randy talks to us about the daily responsibilities of his job, the things he sees on the horizon, and how serving as the EMS Director for 30 years prepared him for what he’s doing now. In this episode, Randy also shares about his faith, his family, and his values. It’s not often that we get to communicate with our elected officials on a personal level, but in this episode, we got to hear the core of our County Executive and why he feels privileged to serve our community in this capacity. Enjoy!

Brandon Smith is a born and raised Cookeville native. Working within the Emergency Medical Services field means he’s on call for a wide variety of tragedies, resulting in his seeing a different side of this community. One of Brandon’s passions is education and youth outreach, and he was recently been awarded the SADD Advisor of the Year. As crazy busy as life is, in this podcast, Brandon gives us some great advice to “be where you are” and live intentionally. He talks to us about everything from his brief stint on the pageant stage to the core values that shape his life. This episode is a must listen!

A Cookeville Native, Ricky Shelton has loved this community since day one. With a passion for service and a vision for development, Ricky has been an asset to our city for years. In this podcast, he shares his story of life in the public sector and a little about what it looks like to be Mayor of Cookeville, TN.

Here's a very patriotic podcast for your 4th of July listening pleasure, our sit down with State Representative, Ryan Williams. In this podcast, Ryan shares how life in the business world prepared him for public service and his journey to the capital. From sharing insights like the mentors that have shaped who he is or a word of advice he would share with his younger self, this episode gives you a glimpse into the heart of Ryan Williams.

After establishing MealFit in 2013, Thomas Cox has quickly diversified his business to offer multiple product lines and a variety of services. A consummate learner and practitioner, in this podcast, Thomas shares his journey of going from the football field to the daily grind of entrepreneurship. If you’re looking for a little inspiration, this episode is for you.

Zach Buckner, VP of Development and Communications for the Chamber of Commerce, Entrepreneur Extraordinaire, and Tribe Leader.

A born and raised Cookevillian, Zach and his beautiful wife, Bethany, are doing their part to grow our community – one Buckner at a time. Father of five fun kiddos, Zach has his hands in multiple businesses and has a passion to see other entrepreneurs reach their full potential. In this podcast, he shares his story of growth and reconciliation in a way that is relatable and refreshing.