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.
With two individual journeys that diverged into one, Mike and Tracey Franklin share their story about how their backgrounds prepared them to be partners in life and business. In this podcast, Mike and Tracey discuss their drive for investing in their employees, their focus on accountability, and their commitment to education and training. They also share some of their personal journey of overcoming challenges, learning to believe in the impossible, and conquering fears that we all can relate to. Now open in a new incredible location, Mike and Tracey share how Loxx Salon & Spa has stretched them as business owners and as individuals, while simultaneously being their avenue to give back to our community. Full of quotable bits of wisdom, this episode is a must listen for any budding or struggling entrepreneur!
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!