From the Publisher – Nov. ’25

Story by Nathan Sparks
Photography by Molly Herb

Every year, when we publish our Best of the Best issue, I’m reminded just how much this community cares. Hundreds of thousands of votes pour in, each one representing someone taking the time to recognize the hard work, talent, and service of a local business or professional. That’s no small thing. It says a lot about Knoxville—and it makes me ask myself, as a business owner, “Am I really doing what it takes to be the best of the best?”

That question isn’t an easy one to answer, because “the best” is more than a title—it’s a mindset. For many of us, the first time we truly understand that drive comes through sports. In the classroom, you might do fine, but on the field—or in my case, on the river—you discover that deeper rhythm, that zone where effort meets instinct.

For me, that moment came when I was 14, competing in the National Championships for Whitewater Open Canoe Slalom on the Nantahala River in Bryson City, North Carolina. The Nantahala is a small, fast, dam-controlled river—cold, clear, and challenging. The slalom course winds through a series of hanging gates, each one demanding precision. Touch a gate and you get a time penalty. Miss one completely, and you’re out of the running.

There was one gate I could never make. It sat in a cross-current that spun me every time. I’d tried everything I knew, and nothing worked. I remember sitting on the bank one afternoon, frustrated, staring at that gate, convinced it was impossible. Then a paddler came by and did something I’d never seen before—a compound backstroke, pulling and pushing in one smooth motion. It was a revelation. The instant I saw it, I understood. I jumped in my canoe, tried it, and it worked. For the first time, I cleared that gate clean.

That night, I practiced until dark. When race day came, I ran clean all the way down the course. I was flying. And then, at the final rapid—Lesser Wesser—a wave filled my canoe. I dumped, flipped it back over, jumped in, and finished, but I’d lost too much time. My shot at the podium was gone.

Still, that day changed my life. I realized something about myself: I’m a visual learner. I learn by watching. Back then, schools didn’t talk much about visual learning, and maybe that’s why I struggled in the classroom. But that discovery gave me confidence. I knew I could learn anything if I could see it—and that realization pushed me toward a life of self-employment. I built businesses by surrounding myself with people who knew more than I did and learning directly from them, side by side. That’s still how I learn today.

Every project, every interview, every photoshoot—I approach them with the same mindset I had on that river: I might not have all the answers when I start, but I’ll give it everything I’ve got until I figure it out. That’s what it takes to be the best of the best. It’s not perfection; it’s perseverance. It’s curiosity. It’s refusing to quit, even when the current’s pushing hard the other way.

To all of you who earned your place in this year’s Best of the Best issue—first, second, or third—I applaud you. You’ve shown what commitment looks like. You’ve proven that excellence isn’t an accident; it’s a product of your effort. You’re the reason this issue is our most celebrated every year.

So here’s to you—the business owners, providers, and professionals who keep showing up, learning, and striving. You remind all of us what it means to keep paddling toward better, even when the water gets rough.

Color Outside the Lines

How Mark English is Painting the City of Knoxville

Story by Susan AlexanderI
Photography by Molly Herb

Mark Carson English (he uses his middle name so as not to be confused with artist Mark English) pats the neck of the 8-foot-tall wooden giraffe he has coated in rainbow-colored dribbles and drips of acrylic paints. “It’s my self portrait,” he says. “I do one every year.”

The resemblance is striking. Though not 8 feet, English is tall (6’6”) and lean, and his black T-shirt and shorts are nearly as paint-spattered as the giraffe.

The whole of English’s Old City studio is stacked with colorful canvases in a variety of colors, sizes and styles. Most are his own, but some are by other artists he admires. “Not a day goes by I don’t learn something from somebody else,” he says. English spends about a week each month in Knoxville. He travels frequently to New York and Nashville and Miami, and he has a studio in Jacksonville. A self-taught artist, he says, “I notice things. I look. I learn. And I’ve had some great influence from artists I’ve watched or painted with.”

English grew up in Knoxville and first had his art in a show at Farragut High School. Since then, he’s participated in about 1,000 shows, he says, and has painted more than 15,000 pieces. Many are created with a customer’s specific desires in mind, influenced by the design of its destination, whether a living room or a corporate lobby. His pieces decorate the walls of downtown restaurants Kefi, Fiori and Vida and the rooftop bar at the Hyatt Place hotel.

He paints in a variety of media and also creates textural pieces using fabric and decoupage. He sculpts. He uses canvas, paper, wood and metal. He’s painted purses and used bits of Playboy magazines in large collages for Fashion Week in New York.

He describes his art as expressive and soulful and says he’s known as both an abstract expressionist and as a street artist. “What’s important is the intimacy of the client’s relationship with the painting. Art is such a personal thing. People see it every day and then possibly pass it down to their children.”

You can find English on Instagram@markcarsonenglish.

Music – A Rare & True Talent

With grit and soul, Dave Kennedy is redefining country music’s heart and future

Story by Terry Adams
Photography by Nathan Sparks.

Dave Kennedy is the truth. He is all that was great about the country music we grew up on and all that could be great about the future of the genre. Rarely does one find the ability to write lyrics and melody at the highest level coupled with one of the best voices on the planet. His songs are shockingly intelligent, erudite, and often heartbreaking. Fifty years ago, Jon Landau wrote, “I saw rock and roll’s future, and its name is Bruce Springsteen”. Well, I can say I have seen the future of country music, and his name is Dave Kennedy.

I grew up in Nashville, born and raised. Some of my earliest recolections are of my Mother sharing her love of music and songwriting, it’s been a part of my life as long as I can remember. So, when someone told me that I had to hear this guy Dave Kennedy in Knoxville, I really didn’t think much of it. After all, go into the honky-tonk hangs in Nashville and you are bound to see extraordinary singers, pickers, and writers, some who have record deals, some who lost them, and some who will become big stars. With that as the backdrop, I was not prepared for what I was about to hear when I went to meet Dave at Toddy’s, on a picnic table, next to guys playing horseshoes.

No, he was not playing a gig. Our mutual friend just told him to bring his guitar over and play a few songs. The first song was called “Union Wine.” To this day, it is still one of the best songs I have ever heard but that wasn’t all.

This guy could sing, I mean really sing. He was soulful but he was country, like Bob Segar and Merle Haggard in one angelic voice. The more he played, the more I wanted to hear.

A month later we met up again. I asked him if he’d written any new songs since I had seen him last. He said, “Yes, about 20”. Twenty in 30 days? Let’s hear um. Every song better than the last. Talent and work ethic, this guy was born to do this. When he told me later that he was leaving his master’s program at the University of Tennessee and was going to figure out how to get to Nashville, I honestly thought that was where he belonged. Both of Dave’s parents are educators in Chattanooga, so I am not sure they agreed but they could see just how gifted he was.

Like many artists before him, Kennedy’s move to Nashville was both a dream and a struggle. “I went from working all the time and having gigs coming out of my ears to being one of thousands just trying to get by,” he admits. But while the hustle of Music City was difficult, it wasn’t without its rewards.

In the years since we first met, Dave Kennedy has become one of the most respected singer/songwriters in Nashville. He has written and performed with the likes of Travis Tritt, Riley Green, Whiskey Myers, Drake White, Channing Wilson, Ella Langley, and Larry Fleet. His co-write with Larry Fleet, “Working Man,” has nearly 35 million streams on Spotify alone.

Kennedy’s career hit a high point with his national tour as direct support for Drake White. But perhaps the most surreal moment came when Kennedy found himself performing on national television as part of Travis Tritt’s team on the competition show Real Country. “That was cool as hell,” Kennedy reflects. “Being on TV with one of my heroes—there’s nothing like that.”

What stands out more, though, is the impact Kennedy has had on the next generation of songwriters. “I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know some of them and to have written and performed with them as well,” Kennedy says, noting that every now and then, one of these younger artists will mention how they used to watch him perform at places like Revival or Whiskey Jam, inspired by his work. “It’s humbling to hear that you might have influenced someone.”

The day Merle Haggard died Dave penned an ode to the Okie from Muskogee. The first line goes, “It’s a hard life getting by on melodies and rhymes”. Well, that it is, but Dave is doing and keeps doing it. Scorching stages from Nashville to Key West to Hawaii, every single live performance is a master class in singing and songwriting.

Kennedy’s focus has now shifted toward his next big project—his upcoming record. For the first time in his career, he feels confident not only in what he wants to say, but in how he wants to say it. “I’ve spent so much time thinking about this, and now I finally have a catalog of songs that I feel deserve to be heard,” he says. With longtime friend and producer Rob Snyder at the helm, Kennedy is eager to bring these songs to life in the studio. “Rob and I are having so much fun putting it all together,” he says, reflecting on the energy and excitement building around the project

For Kennedy, it’s not just about releasing music; it’s about making an album that is true to him. “I’ve got a team that believes in me, and I’m finally able to focus on these songs in a way I haven’t before.” Everyone who has laid ears on his music is anxiously waiting to hear what a master at his craft has in store for us in the studio.

find more Dave Kennedy at

Spotify

Instagram

Facebook

Public Process as Fact, or Fiction

“If I ain’t up on it, I’m down on it”

Story by George Korda

Where government projects are concerned, a “public process,” in which the public gets to comment or offer suggestions on public-sector projects, can be friend or foe. Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon’s administration’s effort in August to sell Chilhowee Park land used for generations by the Tennessee Valley Fair ran face-first into a buzzsaw best described by a political adage: “If I ain’t up on it, I’m down on it.” The Kincannon team wanted to fast-track a city council vote on the sale: news stories said council members didn’t know about the impending vote until hearing about it from the news media. However, alerted to the timing scheme, interested members of the public pushed back. What was supposed to be a quick and mostly silent maneuver turned into a quagmire—and eventually, failure. I was on a WATE-TV television show with two other panelists discussing the Chilhowee Park issue; both said that a public process should have been conducted. I said that a public process can be nothing more than an administration listening to whoever turns up at a public meeting, saying they’ve heard from both sides, had listened to the public, and then go forward with pretty much the original plan.

Calls for public processes are abundant in modern local politics. Whether they come to anything is another issue: Public processes typically are created by governments or non-profit organizations (sometimes in concert with government) to find a “collaborative” way forward on a subject affecting the public. It’s the governing equivalent of putting a lot of different items into a blender, mixing them, and seeing what it tastes like. But a public process takes time, involves compromise, risks creating anger—and can interfere with a political entity’s goal. However, a public process might also save a city or county administration from itself.

Among some, the words “public process” have taken on a golden aura of a municipal planning holy grail. But there are a variety of different interpretations of what it means. Saying “public process” is somewhat equivalent to telling a friend they should “get counseling” for a personal or domestic problem. The expectation is that counseling will root out and solve the conflict. But what kind of counseling? By whom? For how long? What assurance is there that the counselor is any good? If one counselor’s approach differs from another’s, might that mean a completely different outcome? Similar dynamics exist for public processes.

A public process involves one or more of the following: public meetings, mailed surveys, phone surveys, internet chats or zoom conversations, or other tactics. Nine Counties, One Vision (9C1V), which ran from 2000-2005, was a long-running and probably most-publicized public process to occur in these parts: the intent was to establish a “vision” for the future of Knoxville and adjacent counties. But it can also be argued that 9C1V is an example of much ado about very few. Of the approximately 700,000 people in the nine counties, only a fraction of a fraction participated in the visioning and idea meetings.

Nevertheless, 9C1V’s “collaborative” approach inspired passionate defenders. In a 2002 Leadership Knoxville roundtable discussion, after a participant said that any elected official who didn’t support 9C1V should be voted out of office, I said that the taxpayers of one county want to know what their leaders are doing with their tax dollars, for them, in their county, not necessarily that they’re promoting the well-being of another county, and no elected official would lose their job over not wholeheartedly adhering to 9CIV. Furthermore, if you search the internet for “Nine Counties, One Vision accomplishments to-date,” there are mentions of various task forces and planning entities that are offshoots of 9C1V. One such East Tennessee Quality Growth, “Achieving Quality Growth Through Regional Cooperation & Local Action.” However, the last regional event was posted in 2015: the “news” tab is empty.

That’s not saying there aren’t useful things that came out of 9C1V, or from other public processes. They can be very good things, giving people a voice where they’d otherwise go unheard. But mere use of the term to ward off criticism is motion in place of action. And the issues still exist of speeded-up legislation to avoid public awareness and public processes as smokescreens for an administration’s plans. At present, who is it that decides whether a public process is lip service or truly seeking public comment? The public. If it cares enough to be up on it.

Chasing the Ghost of Citico

In search of a lost hunter, a trek through Jeffrey’s Hell reveals not just legend, but the fragile edge of America’s last great wild places.

Story and Photography byJohn Quillen

Many legends float through the Citico/ Slick Rock wilderness. Deep in the folds of this magical place are paths few have ever crossed. Had the controversial Cherahola Skyway never been constructed, this would remain the largest tract of roadless wilderness on the East Coast.

I set off on a quest to disappear into the heart of this vastness one time. My goal was to chase the ghost of Ebenezer Jeffrey. Legend has it he disappeared chasing his hounds into these hills and hollers. At the turn of the 1900s, locals would say you could hear him on a clear night still calling for those dogs; neither of which ever returned. If you stick a pin in a map on the Citico side, it will put you squarely in a place delineated as Jeffrey’s Hell. And that is where I wound up.

Southern mountain people referred to laurel and heath slicks as hells. Ask anyone who has ever been trapped in dog hobble and saw briers. Those were our reward as I spent my first day following the creek. I was on the Jeffrey’s Hell trail but there was nothing particularly sinister or hellish about this one. By the time we got to the South Fork Citico Trail, my first danger appeared in the form of a huge swollen crossing. It seemed wise to camp here for the night in hopes the flow may abate by morning.

But it did not. By dawn my friend and I were thigh deep in a raging torrent when he suddenly lost his footing and hiking pole. Quick thinking and a bit of teamwork saved the day. Ebenezer Jeffrey was sending us a message.

The wilderness of Citico is unmarked. Occasionally there may dangle a derelict sign but no such luck for Brush Mountain on this day. I did notice a piece of red tape attached to a tree on the opposite side of the creek. This jived with my reading of an antiquated paper map. I had a faint idea who may have left that tape. There’s another legend that cruises around these parts. His name is Tipi Walter.

Tipi is known to set off for three weeks at a time, with a pack sometimes weighing up to 75 lbs. I first met him 18 years ago while I was camped at a place called Mill-Branch. He came lumbering into my area with his dog and this monstrous backpack. My group had been waging a big fight with the forest service over their abominable decimation at Saddle Tree Gap not far away on the Carolina side. For no apparent reason they had clear cut more than 100 mature beech and birch trees at my favorite camping spot on earth.

Tipi was down for the fight and threw his hat into the ring with us. After all, this was like home to him. I learned a valuable lesson when dealing with public lands managers: when something is done, it’s done. Despite our offer to carry saplings up there to reforest the area, we were similarly dispatched by a bureaucratic sawblade. What remains today is a shameful patch of weeds and briers.

Annually my group of friends return to that place up near the Haoe. It’s probably the most beautiful view in the south, minus the clear cut. What I have noticed in the 40 years I’ve been going up there, however, is the encroaching civilization noise. This is because of the Skyway. Although 10 miles away, those Harley-Davidson noises permeate the forest. And I say this as a motorcycle rider myself. Tipi and I would sit up there on that knob looking out over three states. Sunset and sunrise are spectacular at The Hangover. What used to be identifiable little spots of light from Tellico, Madisonville, and Maryville, have turned into an unbroken string from one end to the other.

As I bushwhacked up the Brush Mountain Trail, it was apparent no one had been here since Tipi. I just sensed it. He was the only soul willing to clip out overhanging vines and laurel. We were circumnavigating a mountain called Ike’s Peak. Deep in this wilderness—and now obviously off-trail, Jeffrey’s Hell was sucking us deeper and deeper into no-man’s-land. Any logging roads that may have brought someone into this area had been closed off thanks to the unusual wisdom of bipartisan lawmakers in the form of the Roadless Act in 2001.

When I next saw Tipi in the fall, he knew exactly where we had been. No one ever goes up or down Brush Mountain without a great story. Most don’t end up three days long though.

Our second night found us camping along the raging torrent of South Fork Citico. Another big crossing and seven or eight miles was required before we would reach the Skyway and our vehicle. Despite the cuts and abrasions I was thankful for the wild unpredictability of this area.

When Tipi disappears on his three-week trips into this wilderness he often takes a book and burns chapters as he reads them. A man in his seventies needs to lighten his load wherever possible. Thoreau opined, “I should be glad if all the meadows on the earth were left in a wild state, if that were the consequence of men’s beginning to redeem themselves”.

We’re faced with an obvious clear and present danger in the form of potential changes to the roadless rule designation. The entire magic of Citico and Slick Rock could disappear into memory. Wilderness is medicine and solitude healing. John Muir knew this when he drug Teddy Roosevelt off up in Yosemite. Roosevelt was being feted by the corporate interests to turn that area into development for commercial purposes. Leaning against a Sequoia in the light of their golden campfire, Muir convinced our president to enshrine the areas and hence was born the National Park system. Who would have imagined 122 years later we would need to drag some more politicians back into the warming glow beneath an unspoiled canopy.

If this roadless designation is revoked, it’s not just Citico/Slick Rock that are threatened. Nearly 58.5 million acres are at risk nationally. On behalf of the forest, I ask for your help. Tipi does too. M

Tipi and I would sit up there on that knob looking out over three states. Sunset and sunrise are spectacular at The Hangover.”

any legends float through the Citico/ Slick Rock wilderness. Deep in the folds of this magical place are paths few have ever crossed. Had the controversial Cherahola Skyway never been constructed, this would remain the largest tract of roadless wilderness on the East Coast.

I set off on a quest to disappear into the heart of this vastness one time. My goal was to chase the ghost of Ebenezer Jeffrey. Legend has it he disappeared chasing his hounds into these hills and hollers. At the turn of the 1900s, locals would say you could hear him on a clear night still calling for those dogs; neither of which ever returned. If you stick a pin in a map on the Citico side, it will put you squarely in a place delineated as Jeffrey’s Hell. And that is where I wound up.

Southern mountain people referred to laurel and heath slicks as hells. Ask anyone who has ever been trapped in dog hobble and saw briers. Those were our reward as I spent my first day following the creek. I was on the Jeffrey’s Hell trail but there was nothing particularly sinister or hellish about this one. By the time we got to the South Fork Citico Trail, my first danger appeared in the form of a huge swollen crossing. It seemed wise to camp here for the night in hopes the flow may abate by morning.

But it did not. By dawn my friend and I were thigh deep in a raging torrent when he suddenly lost his footing and hiking pole. Quick thinking and a bit of teamwork saved the day. Ebenezer Jeffrey was sending us a message.

The wilderness of Citico is unmarked. Occasionally there may dangle a derelict sign but no such luck for Brush Mountain on this day. I did notice a piece of red tape attached to a tree on the opposite side of the creek. This jived with my reading of an antiquated paper map. I had a faint idea who may have left that tape. There’s another legend that cruises around these parts. His name is Tipi Walter.

Tipi is known to set off for three weeks at a time, with a pack sometimes weighing up to 75 lbs. I first met him 18 years ago while I was camped at a place called Mill-Branch. He came lumbering into my area with his dog and this monstrous backpack. My group had been waging a big fight with the forest service over their abominable decimation at Saddle Tree Gap not far away on the Carolina side. For no apparent reason they had clear cut more than 100 mature beech and birch trees at my favorite camping spot on earth.

Tipi was down for the fight and threw his hat into the ring with us. After all, this was like home to him. I learned a valuable lesson when dealing with public lands managers: when something is done, it’s done. Despite our offer to carry saplings up there to reforest the area, we were similarly dispatched by a bureaucratic sawblade. What remains today is a shameful patch of weeds and briers.

Annually my group of friends return to that place up near the Haoe. It’s probably the most beautiful view in the south, minus the clear cut. What I have noticed in the 40 years I’ve been going up there, however, is the encroaching civilization noise. This is because of the Skyway. Although 10 miles away, those Harley-Davidson noises permeate the forest. And I say this as a motorcycle rider myself. Tipi and I would sit up there on that knob looking out over three states. Sunset and sunrise are spectacular at The Hangover. What used to be identifiable little spots of light from Tellico, Madisonville, and Maryville, have turned into an unbroken string from one end to the other.

As I bushwhacked up the Brush Mountain Trail, it was apparent no one had been here since Tipi. I just sensed it. He was the only soul willing to clip out overhanging vines and laurel. We were circumnavigating a mountain called Ike’s Peak. Deep in this wilderness—and now obviously off-trail, Jeffrey’s Hell was sucking us deeper and deeper into no-man’s-land. Any logging roads that may have brought someone into this area had been closed off thanks to the unusual wisdom of bipartisan lawmakers in the form of the Roadless Act in 2001.

When I next saw Tipi in the fall, he knew exactly where we had been. No one ever goes up or down Brush Mountain without a great story. Most don’t end up three days long though.

Our second night found us camping along the raging torrent of South Fork Citico. Another big crossing and seven or eight miles was required before we would reach the Skyway and our vehicle. Despite the cuts and abrasions I was thankful for the wild unpredictability of this area.

When Tipi disappears on his three-week trips into this wilderness he often takes a book and burns chapters as he reads them. A man in his seventies needs to lighten his load wherever possible. Thoreau opined, “I should be glad if all the meadows on the earth were left in a wild state, if that were the consequence of men’s beginning to redeem themselves”.

We’re faced with an obvious clear and present danger in the form of potential changes to the roadless rule designation. The entire magic of Citico and Slick Rock could disappear into memory. Wilderness is medicine and solitude healing. John Muir knew this when he drug Teddy Roosevelt off up in Yosemite. Roosevelt was being feted by the corporate interests to turn that area into development for commercial purposes. Leaning against a Sequoia in the light of their golden campfire, Muir convinced our president to enshrine the areas and hence was born the National Park system. Who would have imagined 122 years later we would need to drag some more politicians back into the warming glow beneath an unspoiled canopy.

If this roadless designation is revoked, it’s not just Citico/Slick Rock that are threatened. Nearly 58.5 million acres are at risk nationally. On behalf of the forest, I ask for your help. Tipi does too.

The Raven Takes Flight – Dining Out Review

Jim Saunders and Jimmy Loup’s latest venture soars with history, flavor, and flair.

Story by Brooks Clark
Photography by Nathan Sparks

When last we left transplanted Texan restauranteurs Jim Saunders and Jimmy Loup, they had bought Bella on Maryville’s West Broadway Avenue, hired Chef Cory Giaquinta, and quickly scored a hit with the dining public.

A few months ago, an 85-year-old building just a block away from Bella, once the home of Duggan’s Men’s Store, The Soup Kitchen, Tomato Head, and Diamondjack Wine Bar, came up for sale. “It was our dream to open a steakhouse,” says Jim, so they jumped. They did a complete redesign with Laws Interiors, uncovering the original red oak floors buried beneath three layers of flooring and restored them in the lounge area, adding to its special warmth.

They picked a name with a shared Texas-Tennessee history. Sam Houston’s family moved from Virginia to Maryville when he was a boy. At 16 he ran away from home and lived for three years with the Cherokee. His adopted father gave him his Cherokee name “Colonneh,” the Raven. Returning to his family, Houston opened a one-room schoolhouse for a time. He then fought under Andy Jackson in the War of 1812, moved to Nashville and became Tennessee’s governor, moved to Arkansas and then Texas, led the fight for independence and became the Republic of Texas’ first and third president.

Visiting the restrooms, you pass by a two-foot bronze scale model of Pennsylvania sculptor Wayne E. Hyde’s seven-foot statue on the Maryville Municipal Center lawn, showing Houston at 19, armed with his late father’s long rifle and a pipe tomahawk, and titled “You Shall Hear of Me.”

On first entering the lounge area we enjoyed a Raven Brown Ale, crafted by Peaceful Side Brewery especially for the Raven and drawn by bartender Lucy Cleek from one of four raven-sculpture tap handles custom-made by Dallas sculptor Amber Zuniga.

The lounge is set off from the dining room by the building’s original glass front door, which was found in the basement and restored. Warm with dark wood paneling, a large screen behind the bar shows soothing nature scenes. Another focal point is a textural painting by Lenoir City artist Donna Brass of sheep thick with wool. The corner-style, dark-granite bar has 11 seats, providing intimacy. Plaid banquets line the opposite walls with tables for casual dining. Bronze ravens in various poses peer out from five wall-mounted platforms.

The dining room is warm with a Belgium tapestry wall covering of a soothing woodland scene and upholstered seating keeps the dining room quiet and contributed to a plush atmosphere. Lighting comes from small pendants with a long leather straps anchored by an alabaster stone accent, a nice compliment to the Leatherbound menus and wine-and-drink lists were borrowed from the St. Regis Deer Valley in Utah.

Chef Cory came to Bella after a year at the Dancing Bear Lodge, where he learned from 2025 Top Chef winner Jeff Carter. Giaquinta comes from a big Italian family in Massachusetts. His father’s side is from Sicily. He loved bringing his own take to the menu at Bella, but when Jim and Jimmy ran the concept of a high-end steakhouse, he was all in. “I am all about super fine dining. It’s what I’m used to and like doing. It’s right up my alley.”

Adam Boyer, looking Johnny Deppish with his Rollie Fingers moustache and goatee, is not only beverage director for all of Jim and Jimmy’s properties but also its jack of all trades. A former construction worker, he was hands-on during the renovation of the Raven building. Did he relate to the episodes in The Bear when they tore their building down to the studs? “Very much so,” he says with a grin. Boyer became something of a legend after an oven hood failed by recreating another with parts he picked out at Home Depot. “My shining achievement to MacGyvering,” he says with a grin.

That said, Boyer’s passion is his craft cocktails. He welcomed us to the Raven dining room with a Crimson Mirage, made with Haku Vodka infused with pomegranate for six days, raspberry liqueur, Italicus, lemon, and rosewater. “It’s a light new age Cosmo with more flavor,” explained bartender Cleek.

Boyer also introduced the Vesper Martini, one of many mixed-at-the-table cocktails. A tribute to the martini James Bond invents and names after double-agent Vesper Lynd in Casino Royale, it combines Tanqueray 10 gin, Chopin Vodka, Kina, and Orange Blossom, which Boyer twists himself, showing that his on-table silver box contains lemon, olives, and other condiments if diners prefer them.

The Seafood Tower—for two, four, or six people—is excess at its finest, with plenty of king crab, snow crab, lobster, prawns, oysters, sauces, drawn butter, and house made saltines. The feeding frenzy is followed by moist, warm hand towels, as the Raven’s core customers would expect.

The Wedge exceeds other wedges by the freshness and quality of the iceberg lettuce, the subtle Danish bleu cheese dressing—“A game changer,” says Chef Cory—the sweet & spicy candied Benton’s bacon, dehydrated heirloom tomato, and pickled carrot. Some customers come to the bar to order just the wedge, and we understand why.

The Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes starter presents two crab cakes that are almost all crab— hardly any breading, in a remoulade that makes you think you’re in New Orleans, preserved lemon, and microgreens.

Between courses, Boyer returned to do a tableside Old Fashioned, made with Raven’s barrell select Makers Mark Bourbon, gomme, and aromatic bitters. As Boyer prepares the elements, he puts a cube of ice into a ice ball press that turns it into a perfect sphere.

Your taste buds travel to another world with each bite of the tender, succulent eight-ounce Prime Filet, also from Chatel Farms. The bone-marrow butter is house-made. It comes with flaky salt, but “Enhancements” include Au Poivre, Oscar-style with Truffle Hollandaise, Grilled Shrimp, Lobster Chunks, and Tableside Shaved Truffles. Raven’s steaks are all USDA Prime with abundant marbling, superior tenderness, juiciness, and flavor, and all seared at 1,800 degrees in a Montague oven whose intense radiant heat locks in juices and creates a flavorful crust on each steak.

To go with the cuts we sampled, Sommelier Andrew Palmer put forth two rich and subtle reds: a Ridge “Three Valleys” Zinfandel from Sonoma, California, and a Clarendelle Saint-Émilion 2019 from Bordeaux, France. The pairings were exquisite.

Beef Wellington is culinary performance art, sealing the Chatel Farms prime tenderloin in puff pastry, with et fungi duxelles, prosciutto, foie gras demi-glace, celery root purée, and served with herb-roasted asparagus.

Then came the 40-oz. Wagyu Tomahawk, with a Mayura beef marbling standard rating of 9, served with bone- marrow butter, and flaky salt. This and the three-ounce A5 Wagyu Japanese Filet fall into a pricey category. “We built this for people who want to indulge.” says Jimmy.

It’s not all red meat. Chilean Seabass has Crispy skin, Anson Mills forbidden black rice, edamame puree, tomato vinaigrette, chive oil, and smiley microgreens. The 16-ounce double-cut Villari duroc pork chop is juicy and flavorful, complemented perfectly by Anson Mills creamy grits, heirloom carrots, black garlic puree, and chowchow.

Highlights among the sharable side dishes are the loaded potato—like no loaded potato you’ve ever seen—and the Lobster Mac & Cheese with Italian Apron garganelli pasta, gruyere cheese, lobster, pimento, parmesan crust.

As fans of Brennan’s in New Orleans, Jim and Jimmy were committed to offering Bananas Foster, delicious with rum foster sauce, candied walnuts, house-made ice cream, whipped cream. The 14-layer Indulgent Chocolate Cake features soft cocoa butter cream and chocolate ganache. The Butterscotch Crème Brulee is creamy and light.

As a nightcap, we had a Velvet Talon of Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cream, frambois, chocolate liqueur, and walnut bitters.

“Most importanly”, Jimmy reflects, “Even after all of the thought that goes into a restaurant of this caliber, it is really the team that brings it all together.”

Best of the Best 2025

Here atCityview, few things are more fascinating to us than watching as our annual Best of the Best voting unfolds. As the numbers climb—10,000 in a day, 30,000 in a day—it’s hard not to feel the pulse and energy of our community. One day a business or person is in first place, the next they’ve slipped to third, fourth, or fifth. Occasionally, they vanish from the top five all together, only to reappear later in the voting period.

And then there’s the moment when that vote-ticker crosses the 200,000 mark. That’s when we know we’re in the home stretch. In the final days, the frenzy hits—voters crank it up, businesses ramp up their social media campaigns, and challengers leap forward. In a single day, there might be four or five different names occupying the top slot in one category. It’s chaotic and thrilling. Read More…

It’s especially true in this, our 16-year anniversary of the Best of the Best. Reflecting back, in 2018 we noted: “What’s in Knoxville? 200,000 people. Thousands of businesses. Countless perspectives. One Sunsphere. One thriving city.” In 2019 we wrote: “This just might be our favorite issue each year. Getting to watch as the contenders leapfrog over each other, constantly jockeying for the lead during the voting is amazing.” And in 2023 we proudly shared: “Our biggest year ever … we counted over 313,800 votes across 365 categories in the Best of the Best poll this year.”

So as we mark the sixteenth year of readers’ choice, what does “best” mean? For us it means this: businesses and people who show up. It means the ones you rally behind, the ones you believe in. It means the ones you vote for, multiple times, in multiple categories—not just once, but dozens of times, because the process is built that way. We ask each voter to enter at least 35 votes. Why? Because we want a meaningful sampling of opinion, not just one vote from your Aunt Sally for her nephew’s business. We want you to share your voice across the board: favorite restaurant, favorite hair salon, favorite local artist. Using those multiple votes gives us a statistically stronger snapshot of our community’s tastes and passions.

Watching that ballot migration—how people rise, fade, then surge again—is one of the most fun parts. In some years we’ve seen dozens of businesses jump 10+ places in the final 48 hours. The ticker’s spinning. The suspense is high. It feels like we’re choreographing a grand finale of sorts. And you’re all part of it.

But beyond the competition, there’s something more meaningful happening here. Every vote is a nod of appreciation, a way of saying “you matter.” The winners you’ll see in this issue are not just the top vote-getters—they’re the ones who earned community recognition. Look through the pages: long-standing businesses that have quietly become institutions. Newer ventures that came on strong. Individuals who turned their passion into impact. Each category in our list gives a snapshot of who in our community is making it happen.

Over the years we’ve tracked growth: more categories, more voters, more engagement. In 2022, we noted that the 301,000-plus votes said a lot—but not everything. In 2023, we surpassed 313,000. The growth means something: more voices, more perspectives, more of Knoxville and the surrounding communities’ heartbeat. But the numbers are only part of the story. The engagement behind them is what makes this special.

So what should you take away from this issue? First: participation matters. Your vote, your voice, your selections—they carry weight. Second: being on the list is a badge of community trust. Winners aren’t chosen by editors alone—they’re chosen by you, your neighbors, your friends, your peers. Third: the “Best of” isn’t static. It evolves. Because our community evolves. New categories, new businesses, new people show up on our list each year for a reason. This year we’ve added fresh voices, new perspectives, and the familiar favorites that still shine.

As you flip through this issue, I hope you’ll feel the momentum of these last 16 years. I hope you’ll feel the joy of seeing an under-the-radar business emerge. Seeing an established one hold its ground. Watching a local creative get the recognition they deserve. And your community’s excitement as it anticipates the opening of the vote each year. Behind the scenes, we hear from so many of you as that voting window approaches, eager to get started; we know first hand just how much Best of the Best means to you.

So thank you for being part of this process. Thank you for voting—35 times or more, across dozens of categories. Thank you for caring about your city’s people, businesses, and culture. And thank you for being part of what makes Knoxville and the region not just a place where things happen—but a place where things matter.

Here’s to the next 16 years of discovering the best of us.

Arts & Music Automotive & Marine Beauty & Aesthetics Contractors & Home Improvement Dining Entertainment Family & Pets

Health & Wellness Hunting, Fishing & Sporting People & Places Schools & Education Stores & Services Weddings & Events Click to jump to a section!

Arts & Music

Americana Band3 Mile SmileThe Dirty Guv’nahsChillbillies

Art ClassesPaint With A TwistDogwood ArtsMighty Mud

Art GalleryThe Emporium Arts Center214 Magnolia GalleryDistrict Gallery

Bluegrass BandThe Black LilliesBlue Moon RisingAlex Leach Band

Blues BandKitty WampusSoulfingerPistol Creek Catch of the Day

Folk BandRedd & The Paper FlowersFountain City RamblersBen McLaughlin

Glass ArtistLaura GoffRichard JolleyJohnny Glass

Music LessonsSchool of RockJoy of Music SchoolBill Jones Music

Music StoreRush’s MusicBill Jones MusicOpen Chord

Painter – AbstractAdrian VarnesMark EnglishCurtis Glover

Painter – LandscapeRobert A. TinoAlexandr CherepovCurtis Glover Kathie Odom

Painter – PortraitAbigail JenkinsCooper LawsonRobert A. Tino

Recording StudioShed 55The Sound LairThe Arbor Studio

Rock BandThe Dirty Guv’nahs10 YearsSkankbanger Smooth Sailer

SculptorEmily KeyMorena ConstantinouBill Cook, Jr.

Visual ArtistMark HarrimanMegan LingerfeltAdrian Varnes

WoodworkerKevin Pitts – Still Water CustomsFat Cat WoodworksAlex Jaynes

Automotive & Marine

Auto & Marine DetailerHarpersKnox Details 2CleanJorge Navarro, NG Detailing

Auto MechanicAaron Broyles, Mercedes BenzRandy Creswell, Pro ToyDennis Hall Auto Service

Auto Repair ShopPro ToyMatlock Tire and ServiceFisher Tire

Boat DealershipAmerican Boat CenterTravis MarineBunch Marine

Boat RepairTravis MarineAmerican Boat CenterBunch Marine

Body ShopJoe Neubert Collision CenterColors on Parade KnoxvilleHarper Collision

Car DealershipFox ToyotaAirport HondaHarper Infiniti

Car WashHarpers Auto WashPure Magic Car WashZips Car Wash

MarinaConcord MarinaChoto MarinaFort Loudoun Marina

Marine MechanicTravis MarineBunch MarineHalls Marine Center

Motorcycle DealershipSmoky Mountain Harley DavidsonAlcoa Good TimesKnoxville Harley Davidson

Powersports/ATV DealershipAlcoa Good TimesTommy’s MotorsportsKnoxville Powersports

Tire StoreMatlock Tire and ServiceFisher TireDiscount Tire

Beauty & Aesthetics

AestheticianAlexis Pacetti – Skin Wellness CenterLaura Price – CultureHeather Whittemore – Be Well

Anti-Aging ClinicCulture Aesthetics & WellnessSkin Wellness CenterBe Well Anti-Aging & Weight Loss

BarberBrent Wilkins – GrowZach Norton – GrowAaron Barnes – Lucky 7’s Barber Co.

BarbershopStubble – A Shane Archer ConceptGambuzza’s BarbershopJerry’s Barbershop

Body Art Studio – ArtistBerhan Tabih – Born This Way Body ArtsJon Overton – Born This Way Body ArtsRosie Ruther – Rosie Tattoos

Body Art Studio – PiercingBorn This Way Body ArtsPurple Heart TattooMythical Markings

Body Art Studio – TattooBorn This Way Body ArtRosie TattoosPurple Heart Tattoo

Cosmetic InjectorErica Oakes, RN, CANS – Culture Aesthetics & WellnessCaitlyn Savage – Premier SurgicalHeather Whittemore, FNP-BC – Be Well

DermatologistKimberly Grande – Skin Wellness CenterCarley Fowler – Knoxville Center for DermatologyMeredith Overholt – Skin Wellness Center Dr. Robert Griffith

Dermatology CenterSkin Wellness CenterKnoxville Institute of DermatologyDermatology Associates of Knoxville

FacialCulture Aesthetics & WellnessBailey Branaum – GrowSkin Wellness Center

Hair ColoristJill Evans – GrowShane Archer – GrowAlex Whitt – Grow

Hair Removal – LaserTarah Brooke – Culture Aesthetics & WellnessGrow Wellness – A Shane Archer ConceptSkin Wellness Center

Beyond the competition, there’s something more meaningful happening here. Every vote is a nod of appreciation, a way of saying, “you matter.”

Hair Removal – WaxEuropean Wax CenterBailey Branaum – Grow WellnessTop Knox Beauty Bar

Hair SalonGrowChop ShopVonnJones Salon

Hair StylistShane Archer – GrowRachel Archer – GrowDomi Gager – Grow

Makeup ArtistAlex Whitt – GrowRachel Archer – GrowTaylor Davis

SpaCulture Aesthetics & WellnessBe Well Anti-Aging & Weight LossGrow Wellness

Tanning SalonSprays by HaySun Tan CityYou Glow Girl

Contractors & Home Improvement

Appliance StorePattersons Home AppliancesFriedman’s AppliancesFerguson Enterprises

Architect – ResidentialJonathan MillerAmy SherrillBarberMcMurry

Architectural Firm – Commercialoysk3 – Cara KnappBarberMcMurryAmy Sherrill

Cabinets – Custom BuilderDixie KitchenStandard Kitchen & BathClancy Custom Woodworking Cabry Design & Cabinetry

Cabinets – Refacing & RefinishingThe Painted RoomK&P RemodelingKitchen Tune-Up of Knoxville

Cabinets – Sales and InstallationDixie KitchenStandard Kitchen & BathKitchen Sales Gillenwater Flooring & Cabinets

Carpet ContractorBroadway CarpetsDavid’s Abbey Carpet & FloorsCella Flooring & Design

Closet Design and InstallationA Place for Everything ClosetsClosets by McKenryCloset Solutions

Commercial – New ConstructionBuckhead ConstructionDenark ConstructionJohnson and Galyon

Commercial – RemodelingBuckhead ConstructionsJohnson and GalyonCreative Structures, Inc. Merritt Construction

Custom Homes BuilderMike Stevens HomesBiles HomesF.E. Trainer Construction

Custom Home Builder – One Million+Providence BuildersSeigler Building and DevelopmentCharles Atkins, Inc.

ElectricianShamrock ElectricalMcGaha Electric CompanyLarry’s Electric

Faux FinisherEugenia Almeida – A New HueJill Stone StudiosChristian Freeman Annalee B. Studios

Fencing CompanyTim’s FencingLoudon County FenceChampion Fence of Knoxville

Flooring SalesBroadway CarpetsDavid’s Abbey Carpet & FloorsCella Flooring & Design

Furniture RefinishingC & S Refinishing & UpholsteryBlue Kangaroo PackoutzFurniture Pros of Knoxville

Handyman ServicesMr. HandymanAce HandymanOn the Spot Handyman

Heating and Air ConditioningGrissom Heating and AirCity Heat and AirAire Care Heating and Cooling

Home DesignerStephen DavisShawn FisherFalconnier Design Co.

Hot Tubs and SpasAurora SpasThe Great Backyard PlaceCampbells Pool & Spa

Interior DesignerAnne White – Boyd Harvey DesignLouise Dover – Louise Dover InteriorsShae Seeber – Shae Design Studio

Kitchen and Bath DesignStandard KitchenDixie KitchenShae Design Studio

Landscape Architecture FirmStephen Hackney Landscape ArchitectureBeasley Landscape ArchitectsHedstrom Design

Landscape Designer/HorticulturalistEarthadelicNature by DesignKnoxville Land Design

Landscape InstallationNature by DesignEarthadelicMagnolia Landscape Modern Design Aquascapes

Log Home CompanyAppalachian Log & Timber HomesNatural Element HomesHonest Abe Log Homes Custom Timber Log Homes

Masonry ServicesTennessee StoneEarthadelicJTM Stucco

Outdoor Living SpaceEarthadelicSilver LandscapingMagnolia Landscape Construction

Painter – CommercialEarlybird PaintersCertaPro PaintersThat 1 Painter

Painter – ResidentialEarlybird PaintersCertaPro PaintersOB Painting

PlumberPipe Wrench PlumbingScramlin PlumbingEidemiller Plumbing

Pressure Washing & Window CleaningHilltop Pressure WashingFish Window CleaningPureClean

Remodeling – ResidentialF.E. Trainer ConstructionEarthadelicPreferred Construction

Rental Equipment CompaniesStowers Equipment RentalLoudon County RentalsUnited Rentals

Roofing – CommercialUS Commercial RoofingMcGuire Roofing & ConstructionBurell Built Roofing

Roofing – ResidentialBarnett RoofingMcGuire Roofing & ConstructionFlow Roofing

Swimming PoolsAble Gunite Pool and SpaThe Great Backyard PlaceSequoyah Pool

Tile ContractorExact TileCella Flooring & DesignDavid’s Abbey Carpet & Floors

Waterproofing/Crawl Space Encapsulation58 FoundationsMasterDryAmerican Foundation & Waterproofing

Window TreatmentsWolfgang InteriorsBudget BlindsBlinds & More

Windows and DoorsHome ChoicePella WindowKeith Window Company

Dining

Americana RestaurantAubrey’sAbridged Beer CompanyCazzy’s Corner

AppetizerAubrey’sAbridged Beer CompanyCazzy’s Corner

Asian RestaurantSticky Rice CafeAsia CafeAsia Kitchen

BagelsPotchke DeliEinstein Brother’s Bagel CompanyBest Bagels & Deli

BakeryMagpies BakeryWild Love BakehouseHam ‘n Goody’s

Banquet HallBearden Banquet HallThe Mill and MineBridgewater Place

Bar/PubXulAbridged Beer CompanyBrother Wolf

Barbeque RestaurantDead End BarbequeBuddy’s Bar-B-QSweet P’s

BaristaAbby Arsenault – Starbucks TargetAnna – Starbucks NorthshoreAlec Glover – Honeybee Coffee

BartenderKim Long – Nauti K’s Riverside(Kim)berly Beeler – Urban Bar & Corner CafeMegan Buzzeo – Soccer Taco Northshore

Bearden Restaurant (Lyons View to Morrell)Aubrey’sAbridged Beer CompanyFarmacy

Beer SelectionXulAbridged Beer CompanySchulz Brau Brewing Co.

BreakfastHolly’s Gourmet MarketFirst WatchScrambled Jake’s

BreweryXulAbridged Beer CompanySchulz Brau Brewing Co.

Brunch RestaurantScrambled Jake’sCopper CellarPoint B

BurgerAbridged Beer CompanyStock & BarrelLitton’s

Business LunchAubrey’sCazzy’s CornerLakeside Tavern

CakeNothing Bundt CakesMagpies BakeryLitton’s

Carry Out/DeliveryBrown BagA DopoAubrey’s Cedar Bluff

Caterer – BusinessClassy CatererBuddy’s Custom CateringHolly’s Eventful Dining

Caterer – PartyClassy CatererHolly’s Eventful DiningAll Occasion Catering

Cedar Bluff/West Hills Restaurant (Morrell to Mabry Hood)Abridged Beer CompanyYassin’s Falafel HouseSticky Rice Cafe

Charcuterie BoardAmazing GrazeEuphoric Cheese ShopPoint B

Coffee ShopK BrewHoneybee CoffeeCoffee and Chocolate

CookiesHam ‘N Goody’sMoonshine Mountain Cookie CompanyCrumbl Cookies

CupcakeNothing Bundt CakeMagpies BakeryBetter When Baked

DeliPotchke DeliHoly LandSam and Andy’s

DessertLitton’sCheesecake FactoryCruze Farms

Dog-Friendly RestaurantAubrey’sAbridged Beer CompanyDouble Dogs

DonutsKrispy KremeRichy Kreme DonutsDuck Donuts Status Dough

Downtown RestaurantA DopoChivo TaqueriaJC Holdway

East RestaurantAubrey’sJackie’s DreamPizza Palace

Fine DiningJC HoldwayDancing Bear Lodge & Appalachian BistroBella

First Date RestaurantA DopoLakeside TavernConnor’s Steak & Seafood

Food TruckAbridged Burger CompanyLa HerraduraPenne For Your Thoughts

Happy HourLakeside Tavern35 NorthBalter Beerworks Aubrey’s

Hot DogsCurious Dog Hotdogs & SandwichesDouble DogsD & B Hot Dogs

Ice CreamCruze FarmBruster’sSugar Queen Creamery

Italian RestaurantAltruda’sBellaA Dopo

Juice BarNekterTropical Smoothie CafeBlossom Bowls North Knox

MargaritaSoccer TacoChivo TaqueriaChez Guevara

Meat and ThreeJackie’s DreamNick & J’sSweet P’s

Mexican RestaurantSoccer TacoCountry BurritoChez Guevara

North RestaurantLitton’sAubrey’sAle Rae’s Gastropub

Patio – UrbanYee-Haw BrewerySchulz Brau Brewing Co. Lakeside Tavern

Patio – WaterfrontLakeside TavernCalhoun’s on the RiverCheers at Choto

PieButtermilk Sky Pie ShopLitton’sMagpies Bakery

PizzaA DopoMellow MushroomBaker Boy Pizza Company

SeafoodChesapeake’sShrimp DockThe Brass Pearl

SmoothiesSmoothie KingTropical Smoothie CafeBlossom Bowls West Knoxville

South RestaurantYe Olde Steak HouseSoKno TacoSouth Coast Pizza

Specialty DrinkBrother WolfPeter Kern LibraryFiori Bar & Lounge

SteakConnor’sYe Olde Steak HouseRuth’s Chris Steak House

SushiNamaAnaba Japanese CuisineKabuki

Vegetarian MenuSunspotTomato HeadYassin’s Falafel House

West/Farragut RestaurantLakeside TavernConnor’sCazzy’s Corner Elkmont Station

Wine BarWater Into WineSparrow Wine BarZero/Zero Wine Bar

Wine ListWater Into WineJC HoldwayZero/Zero Wine Bar

WingsBig KahunaWild Wings CafeWings Xpress

Entertainment

ActorJohnny KnoxvilleDavid KeithAdam Stair

ActressDolly PartonLeanne MorganDale Dickey

ComedianLeanne MorganHenry ChoNate Bargatze

Dance Club(Nightlife)Cotton Eyed JoeHanna’sClub XYZ

Festival/FairDogwood Arts FestivalTennessee Valley FairBig Kahuna Wing Festival

Game Night/TriviaToken Game TavernXulKnox Trivia Guys

InfluencerNew2KnoxPeyton BaxterBlue Shirt Guy

PodcastsRaven’s VailThis Is For UsAppalachian Unsolved

Radio DJMarc and KimJoel Tack – WIVK MorningsSterl the Pearl (Sterling Henton) WBJE Erik Ainge Sports Animal 99.1

Radio StationWIVK 107.7 FMWWST 102.1 FMK-Love 88.3

Radio Talk-Show HostMarc and KimJoel & NancyHallerin Hilton-Hill T. Scott Jones

Small Music VenueBijou TheatreThe Mill and MineThe Shed Smokehouse & Juke Joint

Television StationWBIRWATEWVLT

TV News AnchorAbby HamRobin WilhoitTodd Howell

Family & Pets

Children’s AttractionZoo KnoxvilleThe MuseIjams

Children’s CampTate’s Day CampThe Little GymIjams

Children’s Party DestinationThe Little GymMain EventZoo Knoxville

Dance LessonsAngela Floyd School for Dance and MusicRevolution DanceMakers Ekklesia

Dog DaycarePet ResortsRoyal Bark Social ClubFoxy Locks

Dog TrainerNorth Star K9 TrainingOff Leash K9 TrainingThe Dog Wizard Pet Resorts

GymnasticsPremier AthleticsTataru’s Gymnastics and TumblingThe Little Gym

Home Pet ServicesKT Walking PawsWaggy Tails of KnoxvillePawz Dog Services

Martial ArtsStephen Strouss Tae Kwon DoPremier Martial ArtsP3 Martial Arts

Pet BoardingPet ResortsRoyal Bark Social ClubThe Bark Knoxville

Pet GroomerFoxy LocksRoyal Bark Social ClubPaws Pet Supply & Grooming

Pet StorePetSmartPet Supplies PlusAgri Feed Pet Supply River Dog Bakery

Swim LessonsSafeSplash Swim SchoolWest Side Family YMCANational Fitness Center

VeterinarianCentral Veterinary HospitalButler Animal Clinic (Karns)Butler Veterinary Services (Nathan Butler/Kate Goldin)

Health & Wellness

Alzheimer’s and Memory CareThe Pat Summitt ClinicAmerican House West KnoxvilleThe Lantern at Morning Pointe

Assisted LivingNHC FarragutMorning PointeArbor Terrace

Chiropractic ServicesApple HealthcareJacobs ChiropracticMarble City Maximized Living Chiropractic

ChiropractorDr. Chad JacobsDennis BushmanA Healthy Life Chiropractic

Community PharmacyMac’s PharmacyBelew DrugsVaughn Pharmacy

Compounding PharmacyHillstone PharmacyP3 CompoundingCompounding Pharmacy of America

Dental HygienistMelody Frank – Dental ImagesMadison Williams – Dental ImagesForrest York – Coulter Family Dentistry

Dentist – CosmeticChase Nieri –Dental ImagesJohn Coulter – Coulter Family DentistryBen Stroud – Cornerstone

Dentist – FamilyChase Nieri –Dental ImagesKyle Smith – Beaver Creek DentalJohn Coulter – Coulter Family Dentistry

Dentist – OrthodontistPickering & Allen OrthdonticsAndy TurnerChristopher O’Rourke

Family Health CareFamily Health Center – Raye-Anne AyoTrinity MedicalUniversity Family Physicians

Fitness – Athletic TrainingYMCA of East TennesseeDiamonds All StarsHYLO

Fitness – Cross Fit TrainingCrossFit KnoxvilleRocky Top CrossfitCrossfit 865

Fitness – Small GymJoyRyde Cycling StudioCurrent CycleOne Nation Spin & Sculpt

Fitness CenterYMCA of East TennesseeClub 4 FitnessNational Fitness Center

Hair ReplacementCulture Aesthetics & WellnessBe Well Anti-Aging and Weight Loss

Health Food StoreEddie’s Health ShoppeThree Rivers MarketThe Fresh Market

Home Health CareVisiting AngelsHome HelpersEncompass Health

Hormone TherapyCulture Aesthetics & WellnessRevitalyzeMDKnox Wellness

HospiceUT Medical Center Hospice ServicesSacred Ground Hospice HouseAmedisys Hospice

HospitalUT Medical CenterParkwest HospitalEast TN Children’s Hospital

Independent LivingThe Villages of FarragutArbor Terrace of KnoxvilleParkview Senior Living

Life CoachEmily HildrethJulia HurleyAmanda Reyes

Massage TherapistCara BradshawLeah GoodrichBrittney Miller Paul Justice

Men’s Health & LongevityRevitalyzeMDBe Well Anti-Aging & Weight LossCulture Aesthetics & Wellness

Non-Medical Health CareBe Well Anti-Aging & Weight LossCulture Aesthetics & WellnessRevitalyzeMD

Nursing HomeNHC HealthcareLife Care Center of Blount CountyShannondale

Nutrition StoreEddie’s Health ShoppeThree Rivers MarketGold Star Nutrition

OptometristCharles Y. Shields, ODDr. Blake RustDr. Sam Winston

Personal Trainer – AthleticsDevin DriscollAndrew Henderson – Fitness TogetherDunstan Kendrick

Personal Trainer – Cross FitAllyse Danielle – CrossFit KnoxvilleHannah AllenChase Hill – CrossFit One Valley

Personal Trainer – FemaleSonya Smith – YMCAKrystal GoodmanKim Day

Personal Trainer – MaleAllen ScottDunstan KendrickMarcus Harrell

PharmacistRandy Martin – HillstoneCaleb Selby – Phoenix PharmacyTim Smith – P3 Compounding

Physical TherapyAlaina Marino – Marino PhysiotherapyJason Fuller – Select PTStephen Karp – Simply Physio

Pickleball FacilityThe Pickleball PlaygroundPremier Pickleball Club of KnoxvillePickleville Tennessee Big Orange Pickleball

Plastic SurgeonJason HallDavid LoE. Edward Breazeale, Jr. Tom Gallaher

Regenerative MedicineRevitalyzeMDBe Well Anti-Aging and Weight LossCulture Aesthetics & Wellness

Weight LossBe Well Anti-Aging & Weight LossCulture Aesthetics & WellnessRevitalyzeMD

Women’s Health & LongevityBe Well Anti-Aging & Weight LossCulture Aesthetics & WellnessThe Skin Wellness Center

Yoga InstructorHeather HutchesonHope IrwinAmy Yunger

Yoga StudioBlueridge Yoga and Wellness CenterReal Hot YogaYoga Six

Hunting, Fishing, & Sporting

Fishing GuideGavin Greely – Fish KnoxvilleAdam AbstonJay’s Striper Guide Service

Fishing Tackle StoreBig Fish OutfittersEdgemoor OutdoorsOrvis Knoxville

Gun RangeShoot Point BlankCrossville Shooting and Sports ParkGunny’s Indoor Range and Firearms

Gun SmithKnoxville TacticalEast Tennessee Gunsmith ServicesB&B Firearms

Gun StoreSmoky Mountain Guns & AmmoBud’s Gun Shop and RangeCrossroad Firearms

Hunting GuideJohn Burrell – High Adventure CompanyGreg Ward – Rocky Top OutfitterDrew Burrell – High Adventure Company

Outdoor AdventureIjams Nature CenterSmokey Mountains National ParkSeven Islands State Birding Park

Outdoor Tour CompaniesHiking in the SmokysSmoky Mountain GuidesJust Get Outdoors Knoxville Adventure Collective

RaftingSmoky Mountain River Rat WhitewaterOcoee RaftingNantahala Outdoor Center

Skeet and Trap RangeIron Mountain Sporting ClaysOak Ridge Sportsman’s AssociationSmoky Mountain Sports Club

People & Places

Apartments—DowntownMarble Alley LoftsRiver WalkChurch and Henley

Apartments—SuburbanAventineThe Tapestry at Turkey CreekBridlewood on Westland

AuctioneerBear StephensonLaura SlymanAngela Taylor

Bed & BreakfastWhitestone InnBoyd Harvey HouseThe Hippensteal

Best Dressed ManT. Scott JonesDino CartwrightMarcus Hall

Best Dressed WomanAbby Ham – WBIRTearsa Smith – WATEPeyton Baxter

Bodybuilder–Men’s PhysiqueFrank PadillaChristian NaveJason Akers

Bodybuilder–Men’s TraditionalJason AkersBart StevensonDerrick Humphreys

Bodybuilder–Women’s Bikini/PhysiqueAlexis ProffittBrittany MerchantNina DiTommaso

Bodybuilder–Women’s TraditionalAlexis ProffittYana AndreeaSilvia Henry

Financial AdvisorMark PancratzTodd Kelly, Jr. Thierry Sommers

Golf InstructorCasey Flenniken – TellicoClint Suggs – GettysvueBo Harris – Back Nine Golf

HotelThe OliverThe TennesseanRT Lodge

MeteorologistTodd HowellMike WitcherRebecca Sweet

Minority-Owned BusinessYassin’s Falafel HouseJackie’s DreamSticky Rice Cafe

Most Influential PersonDolly PartonTim BurchettGlenn Jacobs

Movie TheaterRegal Cinemas CinebarreRegal Pinnacle Stadium 18Cinemark Tinseltown Oak Ridge

MuseumKnoxville Museum of ArtMUSE Children’s MuseumMuseum of Appalachia

NonprofitKARMYoung-Williams Animal CenterFun With Friends – Helping Hands

Nonprofit – ChildrenEast Tennessee Children’s HospitalIsaiah 117 HouseBoys and Girls Club of East TN Emerald Youth Foundation Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Tennessee

Photographer – CommercialBruce McCamishColby McLemoreCait Caddell

Photographer – PortraitHaleigh CrabtreeTaryn YagerElijah West Lightfoot

Place to work (500+ Employees)Clayton HomesUniversity of TennesseeCovenant Health

Place to work (100–499 Employees)Knoxville Wholesale FurnitureZoo KnoxvilleMortgage Investors Group

Place to work(50-99 Employees)Skin Wellness CenterAbridged Beer CompanyAdmiral Title, Inc.

Place to work(under 50 Employees)Grow – A Shane Archer ConceptCulture Aesthetics & WellnessAmelse & Edmonds CPAs Be Well Anti-Aging & Weight Loss

Playground or ParkAspire ParkLakeshore ParkMcFee Park

PoliticianTim BurchettMarsha BlackburnGlenn Jacobs

Public Golf CourseWillow CreekThree Ridges Golf CourseEgwani Farms

Real Estate Agent—ResidentialLucas Haun – Keller Williams SignatureTim Burnette – Whitetail PropertiesMichelle Corley – Keller Williams Signature Sara Price – Realty Executives Associates

RV CenterLazydays of KnoxvilleCamping WorldBlue Compass RV of Knoxville

Veteran-Owned BusinessBorn This Way Body ArtsAdams Law FirmHoneybee Coffee

Wealth PlannerThe Trust Company of TennesseeMark PancratzThierry Sommer

Woman-Owned BusinessCulture Aesthetics & WellnessA New HueAmelse & Edmonds CPA Be Well Anti-Aging & Weight Loss

Schools & Education

Christian SchoolChristian Academy. of KnoxvilleGrace Christian AcademyRiver’s Edge Christian Academy

College Test PreparationTestPrep ExpertsHuntington Learning CenterSylvan Learning Center

DaycareChild CreationsMorning StarChildren’s Center of Knoxville

High School CoachTony Tampas – Halls TrackEddie Courtney – Farragut FootballCarol Mitchell – Gibbs Softball

Middle School CoachAngela Sellers – Garden Montessori TrackBryan Gordon – Halls SoftballJason Ewing – Karns Basketball

Montessori SchoolGarden Montessori SchoolKnoxville Montessori SchoolLittle River Montessori School

PreschoolChristian Academy of KnoxvilleRiver’s Edge Christian AcademyConcord Christian Preschool

Private Elementary SchoolChristian Academy of KnoxvilleRiver’s Edge Christian AcademyGrace Christian Academy

Private High SchoolKnoxville Catholic High SchoolChristian Academy of KnoxvilleWebb School of Knoxville

Private Middle SchoolChristian Academy of KnoxvilleRiver’s Edge Christian AcademyWebb School of Knoxville

Swim SchoolYMCAAll Knox SwimKnoxville Survival Swim Academy

Teacher—Elementary SchoolAbbey Fariss – Gibbs ElementaryKelli SmithKelcie Vanosdale – Highland Park Elementary

Teacher—High SchoolTony Tampas – Halls High SchoolJessica Barrett – River’s EdgeEmber Lundy – West High School

Teacher—KindergartenWhitney France – Garden MontessoriAmanda Harb – Christian Academy of KnoxvilleKristin Geren – Alcoa Elementary

Teacher—Middle SchoolJere Margene – Christian Academy of KnoxvilleKatie Cooper – River’s EdgeKrista Allison – River’s Edge

TutorBeth CarterHeather BoothSebastien Crepieux

Tutoring ServiceSylvan Learning CenterHuntington Learning CenterMathnasium

Stores & Services

Advertising – AgencyNew Frame CreativeTombras AgencyCitizen Advertising Agency

Advertising – Social MediaNew Frame CreativeCitizen Advertising AgencyBig Slate Media

Antique Store – FurnitureBearden Antique MallMid Mod CollectiveArchitectural Antics

Antique Store – MemorabiliaNostalgiaBargain Hunters Antique MallClinton Antique Mall

Arts & Crafts StoreJerry’s ArtaramaHobby LobbyMighty Mud Pottery Store

Attorney – Auto AccidentT. Scott Jones – Banks & JonesMarcos M. Garza – Garza Law FirmAdam M. Priest – Pryor, Priest, Harber, Floyd & Coffey

Attorney – DivorceMandy M. Hancock – Mandy Hancock LawCaitlin Elledge – Sobieski, Messer and ElledgeAdam M. Priest – Pryor, Priest, Harber, Floyd & Coffey

Attorney – DUI DefenseMarcos M. Garza– Garza Law FirmT. Scott Jones – Banks & JonesDonald A. Bosch – The Bosch Law Firm Daniel Morrell – Garza Law

Attorney – Estate Planning/TrustsTerry G. Adams – The Adams Law FirmCarolyn Levy Gilliam – McDonald, Levy & TaylorDustin Landry – Landry and Azevedo

Banking – BusinessPinnacleFirst Horizon (formerly First Tennessee)Regions

Banking – PersonalFirst HorizonRegionsHome Federal

Bartending ServicesThe Pour GuysBrother WolfKnoxville Bartending School

Bicycle ShopCedar Bluff CyclesHarper’sTwo Bikes

Boutique StoreJosie’s BoutiqueBlissBradley’s

Boutique Store – ChildrenLittle Josie’sOnce Upon a ChildAdorable Child

Business BrokerageKnox Wealth PartnersHawthorne Business BrokersFirst Choice Business Brokers of East TN

Cell Phone RepairBatteries PlusuBreakiFixCPR CellPhone

Christmas Tree DecoratorChristmas Decor Plus MoreSamuel Franklin FloralAlways in Bloom

Cleaning Service – HomeMaid to ConquerMerry MaidsMaid to be Clean

Cleaning Service – OfficeDuncan & Sons’ Building MaintenanceCoverall3D Services

Clothing Store – MenWm. Henry Fine Gentlemen’s ClothingJos. A. BankM.S. McClellan

Clothing Store – WomenJosie’s BoutiqueAltar’d StateTalbots

Co-working SpaceBaseAughtKnoxville Office Suites

Computer RepairNerds To GoCloud InnovationsRJ Technology

Computer SecurityAllevia TechnologyNerds To GoCloud Innovations

Consignment ShopRepeat BoutiqueAdorable ChildPlanet Exchange

Copier CompanyImage MattersCentriworksAppalachian Business Communication

CPAAmelse & Edmonds CPAsIntegrityPugh and Company Pinkstaff, Simpson, & Headrick

Credit Union – BusinessKnoxville TVA Employees Credit UnionORNL Federal Credit UnionY-12 Federal Credit Union

Credit Union – PersonalKnoxville TVA Employees Credit UnionORNL Federal Credit UnionY-12 Federal Credit Union

Document Shredding ServiceShred-itKelShredShredPro Secure Paper Bee Gone

Dry CleanerPrestige CleanersCrown CleanersFarragut Cleaners

Eyeglasses ShopWinston Eye & Vision CenterWarby Parker Kingston PikeCampbell, Cunningham, Taylor and Haun

Financial PlanningThe Trust Company of TennesseeAxiom Wealth ManagementORNL FCU

Fitness Equipment StoreFitness SolutionsPush Pedal PullDynabody

Flooring InstallationBroadway CarpetsDavid’s Abbey Carpet & FlooringCella Flooring & Design

FloristAlways in BloomPetree’sFlourish

Funeral HomeMynatt Funeral HomeBerry Funeral HomeRose Mortuary Click Funeral Home

Furniture – PatioKnoxville Wholesale FurnitureMayo’sHearth & Patio

Furniture Store – HomeKnoxville Wholesale FurnitureO.P. JenkinsBrown Squirrel Furniture

Furniture Store – OfficeKnoxville Wholesale FurnitureBill Cox FurnitureBraden’s Furniture

GreenhouseStanley’s GreenhousePope’s Garden CenterWillow Ridge Nursery

Head Hunter/RecruiterBGT RecruitingStaffSourceSnelling Professional Services

Hearing CenterENT Consultants of East TNTennessee Hearing InstrumentsBridgewater Balance & Hearing

Home Inspection CompanyBentley Home InspectionInspector Bills Home InspectionsIntegrity Inspections

HR CompanyBMHRS – Wes BrownADP – KnoxvilleCoAdvantage

Insurance – CommercialTIS Insurance ServicesTate Insurance GroupShafer Insurance

Insurance – HealthSenior Financial GroupFarm BureauHealthMarkets Insurance Agency

Insurance – LifeSenior Financial GroupTIS Insurance AgencyHealthMarkets Insurance Agency

Insurance AgentLaura AshJosh HemphillGreg Scealf

IT Services ProviderAllevia TechnologyNerds To GoTenHats

Jewelry – Custom DesignerRick Terry Jewelry DesignsFountain City JewelersLamon Jewelers

Jewelry StoreMarkman’sRick Terry Jewelry DesignsKimball’s

Junk RemovalJunk Bee GoneJunk GalaxyEast TN Junk Away

Liquor StoreTotal Wine & MoreBob’s Liquor & WineDixie Lee Wines and Liquors

Mattress StoreKnoxville Wholesale FurnitureThe Bed StoreMattress by Appointment

Mortgage BrokerSandra Parsons – Element Home LoansFrank Myers – MIGScott Worley – MIG

Mortgage CompanyMortgage Investors GroupFirst Choice Lending ServiceORNL Federal Credit Union

Moving CompanyGouffon Moving and StorageFox Moving and StorageTwo Men and a Truck

Pest Control/ExterminatorCook’s Pest ControlPest-Ops Pest ControlClear Defense Pest Control

PrinterPrintedgeGraphic CreationsHigh Resolutions

Professional OrganizerHelp You DwellEmily No-Mess Home OrganizationKlosets by Kelsey

Real Estate CompanyRealty ExecutivesWallace Real EstateKeller Williams Signature

Real Estate Title CompanyAdmiral TitleKnoxville Title AgencySoutheast Title

Rug StoreKnoxville Wholesale FurnitureBroadway CarpetsDavid’s Abbey Carpet & Flooring

Security SystemHIS SecurityADT SecurityFleenor Security

Sign PrinterPrintedgeGraphic CreationsHigh Resolutions Jim McMichael Signs & Truck Painting

Sporting Goods StoreRiver Sports OutfittersLittle River Trading CompanyREI

Staffing and EmploymentStaffSourceExpress Employment ProfessionalsAccounting Principals

Tailor/AlterationsSandra G’sPrestige CleanersEuropean Alterations

Title InsuranceAdmiral TitleKnoxville TitleSoutheast Title

Touring ServiceDream VacationsEnchanting EscapesInternational Accents Travel

Travel AgencyAlmost Anywhere Dream VacationsKat’s Purrfect GetawaysAAA – West Knoxville

Vehicle WrapsGraphic CreationsPrintedgeJim McMichael Signs & Truck Painting

Video ProductionNew Frame CreativeBig Slate MediaLoch and Key

Web Site DesignerNew Frame CreativeTom NameyLeighton Smith Pioneer Media

Wedding & Events

Bridal ShopWhite Lace & PromisesVow’d WeddingsLillian Ruth Bride

Event DJJim Ogle – Ogle EntertainmentDJ Sterl the Pearl – Sterling HintonDJ Dustin Godsey

Event Rental CompanyAll Occasion Party RentalsThe Party ElevatorsEvent Rentals by Rothchild

Event VenueRiverView Family FarmRT LodgeAbsolute Ballroom

Tuxedo RentalPrestige TuxedoMen’s WearhouseBellario’s Tuxedo

Wedding CakeMagpies BakeryArt of CakesAll Mixed Up Cakes

Wedding CatererBy the Tracks CateringClassy CatererRosa’s Catering

Wedding FloristLisa Foster FloralSam FranklinFlourish

Wedding Performer/BandStephen GoffLiquid VelvetErick Baker

Wedding PhotographerBrittany SidwellAustin AngelAmanda May

Wedding PlannerMargaret Claire’s Weddings & EventsPeggy Buchanan – Heels & VeilsRachael Wofford – MW Events

Wedding VenueRT LodgeMarblegate FarmRiverView Family Farms

Wedding VideographerRellek FilmsTW ProductionsNothing Rhymes With Orange

Eating by the Clock

Fasting and time-restricted feeding aren’t just trends— they’re tools to help your body reset, reduce inflammation, and restore energy naturally.

Story by Dr. Edwin E. Spencer
Photography by Anna N.

Dietary trends change as frequently as the weather in East Tennessee. However, to consider fasting or time-restricted eating a trend is really not doing it justice. Not only are there positive health benefits that extend far beyond weight loss, there is spiritual value as well. Many religions have espoused fasting as a spiritual tenet. After all, Jesus himself fasted for 40 days while in the wilderness prior to spiritual warfare with the devil. Is it possible that Jesus had more mental clarity after his fast?

While I have never fasted for more than 18 hours, I have researched the data which is replete with incredible health benefits. My fast, however, was externally imposed during my residency where the workload and lack of available food conspired to make a young cranky doctor. Fasting is becoming more popular and we actually discussed fasting at our men’s group the other night at church. Only one man out of eight had actually fasted for the sake of religion. He fasted for three days and said that after 24 hours, he felt great.

When I started researching fasting years ago, I thought that this was just another means of caloric restriction for the sake of weight loss. I mean it makes sense that if don’t eat, then you should be in a negative caloric balance and should lose weight. However, there is much more to fasting or time restricted eating than just imposing a caloric deficit.

However, don’t get me wrong, caloric restriction is very important and does occur spontaneously in clinical trials studying time restricted eating. Understand that 70% of our standard American diet is ultra processed food that is loaded with high fructose corn syrup that causes us to eat on average 25% more calories. Therefore, reducing calories is critical in America and will help with all health metrics.

Intermittent fasting or time restricted eating (TRE) has been studied in humans and animal models. Interestingly not only does the length of the fasting matter but also the timing and consistency of the eating pattern. For instance, a mouse study found that mice fed “out of phase” (this is during the daytime for mice as they usually feed at night) caused them to live 10% shorter lives with an increase incidence of obesity and diabetes. This is because we have a genetically encoded 24-hour circadian rhythm as do mice. This circadian rhythm is set by light exposure to our suprachiasmatic nucleus in the brain which then controls when genes are turned off and on. Approximately 80% of our genes are controlled by this circadian rhythm to include those employed in digestion as well as our microbiome. When humans eat “out of phase” (at night is out of phase for us), we too gain weight and the incidence of diabetes increases.

In that same mouse study, the “in phase” (eating at night) mice were either allowed to eat ad libitum (whenever they want) or they were restricted to an 8-hour feeding window. The two groups were isocaloric, meaning they each had the same number of calories, just a different feeding pattern. It was found that both eating in phase and an 8-hour time restricted window led to a 35% increase in lifespan. That is an amazing increase in lifespan just based on eating patterns. No fancy supplements like NAD or methylene blue or rapamycin but simply adopting an eating pattern that is consistent with our circadian rhythm and restricted to a certain time. Although we cannot replicate “lifespan” studies in humans, human clinical trials of time-restricted feeding have demonstrated similar decreases in weight, diabetes, oxidative stress and chronic inflammation and better insulin sensitivity.

There are many studies evaluating different time-restricted eating patterns from eating only over a 4-hour period to 10-hour period to alternate day fasting (eating one day and not the next) to longer fasts of several days. All have shown similar benefits in the same health metrics except the 4-hour window as participants tended to overeat during that window and actually gained weight. There is something to time-restricted eating that improves glucose and insulin levels even in diabetics.

Why might time-restricted eating have such health benefits? The magic really happens in the fasting state. For the purpose of this article, we will reduce the science and biochemistry to two major levers. These are mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) and AMPK (AMP activated protein kinase). AMPK is activated when AMP (adenosine monophosphate) levels rise. AMP is the end product of ATP (adenosine triphosphate – the energy currency of the body) breakdown that occurs as cells in the body use their ATP stores for various processes. As the cells use up ATP with exercise or nutrient depletion (fasting), the AMP rises and activates AMPK. AMPK then stimulates cells to use more fat as fuel, instead of glucose, and puts the cell into a state of recycling old or defective parts. It also encourages the cells to make more mitochondria which are the energy producers of the cell. Instead of growth, AMPK can be thought of as a braking mechanism that allows the cells to repair and recycle.

On the other hand, mTOR can be thought of as the opposite of AMPK. It causes cells to be in a growth mode building and multiplying. Whenever we are in a fed state, mTOR is more highly expressed and when we are in a fasted state, AMPK is expressed preferentially. Just as with your car, you need an accelerator but also brakes. Having one system on all the time is not good for your car or body.

The average American typically eats over a 15-hour window and we tend to have our largest meal later in the evening. This puts us in an almost constant growth mode with very little time for repair and recycle. We tend to have 7-8 eating periods throughout the day as we have access to snacks everywhere. This was not always the case. Just 100 years ago, there were very few snacks and people ate basically 3 meals per day. Prior to Edison’s development of the lightbulb in 1879, people ate their last meal fairly early and went to bed not long after the sun went down.

This constant growth mode and caloric toxicity has created an America that looks far different than it did when I was a kid. Now 74% of Americans are overweight or obese and 50% are on the diabetic spectrum. Through time restricted eating we can change this trend. We can put ourselves into a repair/recycle mode where cells undergo “autophagy” or self-eating or self-cleanup. To further highlight this growth problem, just look at the rates of cancer in diabetics. Reports vary but most state that diabetics have a two-to four-fold increase in the top five cancers. These cancers are fueled by a constant supply of glucose.

“When we align our eating with our circadian rhythm and allow time for fasting, the body shifts from growth mode to repair mode—recycling damaged cells and improving metabolic health.”

Moreover, it is well known that cancer cells prefer glucose as a fuel source and make energy through anaerobic (without oxygen) respiration. This is called the Warburg Effect. This is in contrast to most of our normal cells which at rest will produce energy by using oxygen and can use fat for fuel. One of my friends who is fighting cancer right now is using this information to slow down his cancer by eating straight ketogenic. This means eating mainly fat which the body turns into ketones which our normal cells can easily use for fuel and in a sense, starving out the cancer cells. This can be accomplished through fasting as well. Although, most of us take about 72 hours or so to get into full ketosis with a fast, some people enter it sooner.

Through intermittent fasting or time-restricted eating, we can teach our cells to be more metabolically flexible. They can use glucose when available after a meal, but can also use fats and ketones when in a fasted state. This metabolic flexibility allows your body to burn more fat when at rest. There is good data that demonstrates that when a pattern of time-restricted eating is adopted for a couple months, you will actually preferentially burn more fat.

Most of the data shows that an eating window of 8-10 hours is optimal. Human clinical trials have demonstrated spontaneous reduction in caloric intake, better glucose control, improved insulin sensitivity, and reduction in blood pressure. I kind of fell into this window just based on lifestyle and training preferences and it is still consistent with social activities. If you are interested in trying intermittent fasting, I would suggest cleaving some time at both ends of your current eating window, meaning trying not to eat within the first hour or two upon wakening allowing yourself to stay in your overnight fast a little longer, and then trying not to eat within 3 hours of going to bed. I’ll admit the later one is a little harder for me especially in the summer when the days are nice and long. Longer fasts like alternate-day fasting has been shown to yield faster results as far as glucose control and weight loss and are safe. Most humans can go 30 days without eating but one would probably need to do this with some medical supervision to assess proper micronutrient levels. Facilities that assist with these longer fasts are gaining popularity especially in Europe.

Fasting is not new and was just a function of the normal human condition back in the day. Avoiding ultra processed foods was easy back in the day because they didn’t exist. Getting eight hours of sleep and getting outside used to be the norm. I’m not suggesting that our modern conveniences like indoor lighting and food access are bad, but they have lulled us into metabolic complacency. The apogee of American prowess has come with a desultory approach to health and nutrition. We now have to invent medications and strategies to combat the overabundance of unhealthy foods.

I think you will find fasting is a salutary endeavor with manifold health benefits. It really is the essential condition that allows our bodies time to recycle and repair. With all that said, my first 24-hour fast is coming up this week…wish me luck.

“Fasting isn’t just about restricting calories—it’s about restoring balance. It’s a return to the way humans were designed to live, with periods of nourishment and periods of rest.”

Holiday Helpers

Nonprofits provide cheer to their neighbors in need­—and East Tennessee steps up to help

Story by Susan Alexander

Santa needs a lot of help to get the big Christmas job done. He needs reindeer to fly and elves to build toys. Mrs. Claus to keep his energy up with lots of cookies. Sleigh maintenance guys. Red suit manufacturers.

Even south of his headquarters, Santa relies on community partners to ensure the spirit of Christmas giving is shared far and wide. Here are five such partners in the Knoxville region who make wishes come true.

Fantasy of Trees

Pumpkin spices arrive these days in July and Christmas decorations before Halloween, but in the world of Christmas-centric nonprofit efforts, Christmas launches at Thanksgiving in East Tennessee. For more than 40 years, East Tennessee Children’s Hospital has raised money through the help of thousands of volunteers, sponsors, designers, school kids, and more at Fantasy of Trees, which turns the Knoxville Convention Center into a confection of fairy lights and festive activities the week of Thanksgiving.

Natalia Havasy, the hospital’s director of marketing, started volunteering at Fantasy when she was 10, she says. She continues to stay involved but it is really a team effort. She recruits designers and others to decorate trees and wreaths and gingerbread houses in March, and in September she asks for volunteers to set up and man the show. About 60,000 people will admire the decorations, complete the holiday-related crafts, shop the vendor booths, sip hot chocolate, enjoy the performances of various arts groups, and visit Santa between Nov. 26 and 30. A pre-Fantasy gala launches the celebration on Nov. 25.

The event has raised millions of dollars for ETCH, and this year’s profits will go to re-imagining the hospital’s hematology/oncology center. The hospital received a $1 million donation toward the project from Hogs for the Cause, a Louisiana-based non-profit initiative that raises money through barbecue competitions for pediatric oncology patients, and the Fantasy money will round out what they need to complete the center. Havasy expects that amount to be upwards of $2 million.

“The new center will provide more privacy for chemo treatments and allow more children at a time to receive infusions since there won’t be the worry about exposure,” she says.

How can you help? Attend! Volunteer slots are full for this year’s Fantasy, but watch the website next year if you want to get involved. Head toetch.com/ways-to-give/events/fantasy-of-treesfor more info.

Toys for Tots

For Marine Staff Sergeant Matthew Martinez, who is coordinating the Toys for Tots distribution this year, the project strikes a personal chord.

“I had four siblings and a single mother growing up, and she relied on programs like these some years,” he says. “This is a very big deal for me.”

It’s a big deal for the whole community, in fact. Last year, Toys for Tots collected and distributed more than 23,000 new toys to nearly 8,000 kids from 0 to age 17.

Martinez is an active duty member of the Delta Company Fourth Combat Engineer Battalion in Knoxville. The Marines have sponsored Toys for Tots around the U.S. since 1947.

Families in the area needing help this holiday season can apply at the website of the local campaign,knoxville-tn.toysfortots.org. Martinez receives those applications and reviews them, then responds to the families or nonprofits who submitted them. People who want to help with the effort go to the same website.

And there are lots of ways to help. Donating a new toy or two at one of the collection points around the area is one. Local businesses can also request to be one of those collection points. Some organizations host an event to which all attendees bring a toy; a local Marine will be on hand to saythanks. Yet another way is to help sort toys by age and gender or help with distribution Dec. 16-18 at Callahan Road Baptist Church, where Toys for Tots warehouses their inventory.

“This is an amazing program,” Martinez says. “I’m looking forward to seeing happy faces in December.”

Dear Santa

The Helen Ross McNabb Center provides mental health care, substance use, social and victim services throughout East Tennessee. Amy Fellhoelter, community relations coordinator, say nearly half of its 51,000 clients are children. The center’s Dear Santa program relies on its caseworkers to identify families with the most need and the fewest resources to receive toys for Christmas.

Once those families have been chosen, kids or their parents submit their wish lists to Santa; they usually include necessities like clothing or shoes as well as special gifts. Once they’re on paper, those lists go to Fellhoelter, who matches them with area elves to fulfill them. Some of those elves are individuals and families; others are churches or organizations who choose to help dozens of kids have a great Christmas.

“The stories I receive back from caseworkers make you melt,” Fellhoelter says. “One year a kid asked for a chicken coop so his family could have eggs. Another wanted a bike; he lived in an area where he could get a job, but had no transportation. A mother of six had to choose between rent and utilities or gifts. So the requests go way beyond just wanting toys.”

This year the program will make wishes come true for 1,500 local kids. If Fellhoelter doesn’t find enough people to sponsor all the wish lists, the McNabb Foundation will step in to fund the rest. But even with that, she’ll need help shopping. Volunteers can sign up to shop at the Target store in Turkey Creek and the McNabb Foundation will foot the bill.

Want to help Santa with this important work? Sign up atmcnabbfoundation.org/event/dear-santa. Fellhoelter accepts volunteers through most of November. We guarantee there’ll be no coal in your stocking come Christmas!

Angel Tree/Silver Bells

Be an angel and help supply a happy Christmas to a child in Knox, Anderson, or Campbell County. Or ring in the holidays with gifts for a Silver Bell.

Angel Tree and Silver Bells are Christmas projects of the Salvation Army under the direction of Major Paula Henderson. The Salvation Army gathers information about families and senior citizens in need in the three counties it serves, then local businesses, churches, families, and other groups step up to sponsor them and help fulfill their holiday wishes.

Tracy Weber, the development and communications manager for the local Salvation Army, says people applied for assistance in September. Last year, more than 2,000 people were served.

“They can ask for specific things they’d like to have, and that serves as a guide for the people who choose to help. But I can tell you they usually buy way more than what was requested.”

Once people do their shopping and turn in the gifts they’ve selected, Weber says familiar faces gather to organize them and prepare to distribute them. She mentions that a group of employees from the Knoxville Utilities Board has helped with the process since at least the 1990s.

What happens if there aren’t enough shoppers for the Angels that have been chosen? “I can tell you that’s never happened. We work until we find someone to adopt each one. No child on our list will not receive presents.”

Distribution day is a festive affair filled with holiday cheer. “We want it to be a joyful time,” Weber says. “This is such a great program. East Tennessee is so great to support it. It’s so much fun to be involved with it.”

Because Weber has a reliable list of longtime volunteers, she now encourages others to help by getting involved on the shopping side of things and finding an Angel Tree in the community. If you need help finding them, go tosouthernusa.salvationarmy.org/Knoxville.

Empty Stocking Fund

While gifts are important to share during the holidays, so is a wholesome and festive meal, and that’s what the Empty Stocking Fund provides. The program, sponsored byNews Sentinel Charities, has been around since at least 1910, says Joel Christopher, executive editor ofknoxnews.comand president of the News SentinelCharities board.

And while that holiday dinner is top of the list as far as what will be distributed to 3,000 families the week before Christmas, the huge box of groceries each recipient gets also includes enough supplies for a week of nutritious meals for a family of four. Each box contains 40 items, including a five-pound ham, cranberry sauce, and stuffing mix.

Money is collected to fund the program both through stories written forknoxnews.comand through the efforts of community partners. “Alliance Brewing sold a Full Stocking beer to raise money,” Christopher says, “and Scott West donated the proceeds from a Battle of the Bands.” Longtime partners like Food City, Weigels, and the Haslam Family Foundation offer support as well.

Recipients apply for help through the Knox County Community Action Committee, and the week before Christmas hundreds of volunteers converge on the Jacob Building at Chilhowee Park to assemble boxes of food in assembly-line fashion and then distribute them.

“What’s remarkable about the Empty Stocking Fund is how long it’s been around — through two world wars and a pandemic — and it is 100 percent volunteer-run. Every penny goes back into the charity. We’re making sure we’re feeding people and we’re focused on building a solid foundation for the future.”

Santa’s helpers aren’t just at the North Pole — they’re right here in East Tennessee, turning wishes into reality one child at a time.

Knoxville Memories Part 1

Story by Robert Pryor, Sr.
Photography by Nathan Sparks

When I decided to collect memories of growing up and living in Knoxville from people who have lived and worked here their entire lives, I knew I wanted to include the experiences of my 87-year-old friend, Glenn Allen. I called Glenn and told him that I wanted to interview him so that I could write about his experiences living in Knoxville for so long, and he said, “I’d be happy to do it, but you better hurry – I ain’t been feeling too good lately.”

I always refer to Glenn as the First Man of Fountain City because his wife, Jane, has been honored so many times for her civic work in the Fountain City community. She has been named Woman of the Year twice and has received other honors surely making her the First Lady of Fountain City, which, I assume, would make Glenn the First Man.

Glenn was the fourth of six children born and raised in East Knoxville by Troy and Audrey Allen. Troy was a highly religious machinist who worked building coal digging equipment for Dempster Brothers at their manufacturing facility on Springdale Avenue off North Central. George Dempster (who invented the coal digger, which included his design that allowed the digger to mechanically empty its load, and who, of course, invented and began manufacturing the famous Dempster-Dumpster waste container in 1935) was also a politician and served as Knoxville’s city manager and mayor off and on from 1929 to 1946. Audrey had her hands full with six kids and a thin budget to feed and clothe the active clan. Glenn and his four brothers and one sister all worked to support the family.

Glenn and his older brother, J. B., were fond of horses and got jobs in 1948 to work after school at Chilhowee Park where there was a horse boarding and training center. Glenn shoveled manure and groomed and fed the horses while paying close attention to the on-staff farrier. He began to pick up on how to custom make horseshoes and shoe all types of horses. Glenn and J. B. heard about an old horse for sale and paid $10 for a brown horse named “Pat” and took him home when the family lived on McCalla Avenue next to the current Austin-East High School. The house had a garage in back, but the family had no car, and Pat had a cozy home in the garage. When feed and supplies were needed, Glenn would hook up a Radio Flyer wagon to Pat using strips of material cut from a blanket to serve as the harness, and he and J. B. went off to the Henderlight Feed Store in Burlington. They rode in the wagon going to the store and walked back with Pat pulling a load of corn and oats the boys had saved up to buy. J. B. practiced on Pat and started looking for work shoeing horses for a living.

Pat was a good old horse, but they traded him for a black horse at the stockyards on Willow Street where the new Knoxville Smokies Covenant Health Park is located. They gave Pat and $15 for the black horse and hooked him up to the wagon.

J. B. got a regular gig shoeing the horses of Kay’s Ice Cream for a dollar per shoe. The horses were kept in a barn behind the Kay’s Ice Cream plant at the corner of Cherry Street and Magnolia Avenue and were used to pull ice cream carts all over Knoxville beginning in the 1940’s and all through the 1950’s. Kids all over town ran into the house for change when they heard the clomp of the horses and the ringing of the ice cream bell. One early morning, Glenn answered the phone, and it was the superintendent of Kay’s asking for J. B. to come and shoe several horses. J. B. was out of town, and he asked if Glenn knew how to do it. Glenn, only 12 at the time, jumped at the opportunity, and the superintendent, so desperate for help, sent a Kay’s Ice Cream truck to the house to pick up Glenn to take him to shoe the horses. That day Glenn put on 16 shoes and gave the superintendent a ticket for the work at $1 per shoe. The superintendent looked at the ticket and told Glenn, “Son, you’ve made $16 in an hour and a half before going to school, and that’s more than I’ll make all day and I run this place.” Thereafter, Glen had the Kay’s account and a new occupation.

The Allens did their grocery shopping across the street from their house on McCalla Avenue at H&W Market. In those days each neighborhood had a small grocery store as there were few large chain stores. Audrey Allen would send one of the boys to the store and she would cook up pinto beans, fried potatoes, and maybe country steak in gravy for supper. The Allens raised chickens in their back yard and ate a lot of chicken and had plenty of eggs. Glenn remembers cutting off chicken heads with an axe and watching them run around the yard before they collapsed in surrender.

In 1952, Glenn’s older brother, Bob, graduated from college but died of injuries suffered in a crash when he was returning from school in a borrowed car. The death was devastating to the Allen family, and hard emotional and financial times followed. Glenn’s father had a nervous breakdown over his son’s death and was unable to work for months, but the children helped, and by pulling together they were able to save the house and keep the lights on. While off from work, Troy Allen drew only $26 a week in disability, but every Sunday he would tithe $2.60 to First Wesleyan Methodist Church on Woodbine Avenue located behind Swan’s Bakery.

First Wesleyan was the family church throughout Glenn’s childhood, and he loved to go to Sunday morning service because the church had an old International bus that went around East Knoxville to pick up worshipers. Glenn loved to ride in the front of the bus with the driver, Bob Sexton, and was allowed to move the lever to open and shut the bus door. Glenn watched Sexton drive and memorized the procedures, including how to start the old keyless bus with a penny stuck in the ignition. Having three older brothers has its benefits, and Glenn had been taught how to drive by the time he was 9 years old. During the service, the bus was parked next to the church and Glenn, then 10 years old, invited his sister, Charlotte (8), and his youngest brother, Jerry (7), for a ride. The three slipped unnoticed off the back row and away they went for a 20-minute ride around Park City in the church bus. Glenn chauffeured his younger brother and sister the first time, and it was so much fun they did it every Sunday, religiously.

In about 1950 when Glenn was 12 and Jerry was 10, they and two more boys were “running the alleys,” which ran behind most houses in East Knoxville. Glenn explains that sometimes “good stuff” is thrown away in alleys behind the houses and businesses. One day, in the alley off Harrison Street, they came upon a 1947 green Crosley station wagon that looked good but had four flat tires and an accumulation of dirt. Crosley was probably the smallest automobile ever manufactured in the United States. The boys walked around the car and questioned whether or not it had been abandoned in the alley. They got in, one at a time, and sat behind the wheel and pretended to drive. A man in the apartment house where the car was parked hollered out the window, “Hey, you boys, you want that car – you can have it, just get it out of here.” Excited, Glenn ran home and got an air pump, and they inflated the tires only to discover the car had no engine.

Undeterred, the boys pushed the Crosley station wagon six blocks to Glenn’s house where they washed it and made it shine. For the next several days the boys pushed the Crosley all over the McCalla/Milligan Street neighborhood. They would push it on level streets, and all would run and jump in for a ride. They pushed it up Elmwood Hill behind what is now the Austin-East football field to a location Glenn knew as the place to buy Ruby’s Hot Tamales where he had often bought a dozen for his mother for sixty cents. From the top of Elmwood Hill, the boys would take turns driving back down the 300-yard downgrade only to push it back up the hill so the next boy could drive. So few people owned cars at that time, traffic was not a problem.

One day during the great Crosley escapade, the boys were exhausted from pushing the car and were sitting on the curb beside the impotent Crosley on East Linden Avenue behind the Tic-Tok barbecue restaurant when a U-Li-Ka Cleaners delivery truck stopped and the driver asked of they needed a push. The boys looked at Glenn and they all smiled, and Glenn said, “Yes sir, get in, guys – let’s go.” The delivery truck lined up against the Crosley’s rear bumper and away they went west toward downtown Knoxville. The Crosley had never gone so fast, and the boys had never had so much fun. Finally, after eight long blocks and near Park City Lowry School, the U-Li-Ka driver backed off and they coasted to a stop. The delivery driver parked and walked to the Crosley and said, “Boys, I think you must be out of gas because it never started up.” “No,” said Glenn leaning out the driver’s window, “this car ain’t got no engine.” The delivery driver stomped off mad and got in his truck and left but was seen once more by Glenn in the Medical Arts Building café on Main Street 10 years later and after Glenn was discharged from the Navy. Glenn recognized the U-Li-Ka driver and asked him if he remembered pushing the Crosley. They both had a good laugh remembering the station wagon without an engine.

Glenn Allen grew up in a mixed race neighborhood but never attended school with a black student; he rode a bicycle delivering telegraphs downtown for Western Union; he delivered morning newspapers for theKnoxville Journal; rode on a streetcar (trolley) to the doctor’s office; and worked as a “hog pusher” at East Tennessee Packing Company. He started U. T. thinking he would become a veterinarian but quit when he learned that he would be required to go to Auburn. He worked 31 years at the Post Office in Knoxville, became a real estate broker and an auctioneer, shoed horses and cut hair as a barber off and on over many years, worked construction, and played golf for 52 years primarily at Whittle Springs public course. He has lived in Knoxville his entire life and has lots of great memories to share. Today, Glenn is up early every morning looking for a new adventure.

By the way, the owner of the Crosley came and retrieved it when he heard the boys were “driving” it all over town.

Knoxvillians Around The World-Japan

A Month in Japan, a lifetime of Lessons

Story & Photography by Noah Allen

From bullet trains to temple bells, one East Tennessean discovers that Japan’s greatest beauty isn’t in its landscapes—but in the kindness of its people.

When I stepped off the plane in Tokyo on May 7, I was hit with a mix of excitement and uncertainty. The signs around me were in characters I couldn’t read, the voices in a language I couldn’t follow. I felt the weight of being somewhere completely unfamiliar. For a moment, I wondered how on earth I was going to make it through a month here.

But then something remarkable happened: people noticed me struggling and helped. Total strangers stopped to point me in the right direction or explain which train I needed to catch. It set the tone for the entire trip. From the very first day, I realized Japan is not only safe—it’s incredibly hospitable.

Learning the Rhythm of the City

The first order of business was navigating Tokyo’s trains. I picked up an IC card—a little pass that works like magic through turnstiles—and leaned heavily on Google Maps. The trains were fast, clean, and punctual, but at first, they were also a maze. Still, it didn’t take long before I found myself appreciating the rhythm of the city.

And food—oh, the food! Fresh sashimi that melted in my mouth, wagyu beef that lived up to every bit of its reputation, even a traditional eel dish in a rural town that quickly became one of my favorite meals. Every bite seemed to carry centuries of care.

Work with a Deeper Meaning

I was in Japan for my job at DENSO, where I lead a line producing advanced driver assistance systems. This trip was about training—learning a new product line that will eventually come to Maryville, Tennessee.

But in Japan, even work carried a sense of tradition. At the start of our project, we painted one eye on a Daruma doll. In Japanese culture, the other eye remains blank until the project is finished. When we finally complete the work, we’ll fill it in. It was a small ritual, but it gave me a sense that our efforts were part of something bigger—something meant to be seen through with focus and determination.

The Good Ole Tennessee Bar in Tokyo

On my very first night, I stumbled into a place that felt strangely like home: a little one-man bar called The Good Ole Tennessee Bar, run by Yoshi—this one a University of Tennessee graduate from the early’90s. His bar was plastered with Vols memorabilia, Titans gear, and Southern charm.

What struck me was how he turned his love of Tennessee into a haven for travelers. That night, over drinks, he gave me a crash course in “survival Japanese”—simple phrases and gestures that ended up helping me the entire month. I walked out feeling like I’d already made a friend, halfway across the world, bound by orange and white.

The Heart of Hiroshima

One of the most powerful experiences of my life happened in Hiroshima. I wasn’t sure what to expect walking into the Peace Memorial Museum. Outside, the city buzzed like any other—people laughing, traffic moving, voices carrying across streets. But the moment I stepped inside, silence wrapped around me.

It was almost unbearable at times—the weight of the stories, the photographs, the remnants of a day that forever changed history. Yet what struck me most was the way Japan has chosen to remember: not with anger, but with a message of peace. Standing there, I couldn’t help but feel humbled, reminded that our world can’t afford to forget what unchecked war can do.

Finding Peace on an Island

If Hiroshima held my most emotional memory, Miyajima Island gave me my most peaceful one. Just off the coast, it’s famous for the great torii gate that appears to float on water during high tide. I hiked trails shaded by towering trees, visited ancient temples, and even watched deer wander freely through town as if they owned the place.

There was something grounding about being there. It slowed me down, pulled me out of the noise of travel and work, and reminded me how deeply Japan treasures its history and spirituality.

As I moved through both Buddhist and Shinto temples across the country, I felt the depth of tradition in every step. The stillness, the incense, the meticulous upkeep of centuries-old structures—it all spoke to a culture that refuses to forget where it came from. Those moments of quiet reflection in temples were some of the most meaningful of my trip, leaving me with a sense of reverence for beliefs and practices that, while not my own, connected me to something timeless.

Unexpected Friendships

Work trips are usually about colleagues, but Japan gave me more than that—it gave me friends. My translator, Yoshi, is a Harley guy. Yes, in Japan.

He rebuilds and races motorcycles, and when he found out I loved bikes too, he took me to a Harley shop. I couldn’t believe the sight—old knuckles and panheads, polished and roaring to life, cherished just as much as they are back home. We didn’t ride this time, but next trip, we’re planning a motorcycle adventure.

Another colleague, Tsuda-san, invited me to a traditional pottery workshop. I tried my hand at making beer glasses, which are still curing in a kiln. He promised to bring them to me when they’re ready. That gesture—a piece of Japan, made with my own hands, brought back by a friend—might be one of the most meaningful souvenirs I’ve ever had.

Lessons I’ll Keep

Looking back, what stays with me isn’t just the food or the sights or even the work. It’s the feeling of being welcomed into a culture so different yet so full of warmth. It’s the silence of Hiroshima, the glow of lanterns in Kyoto, the laughter in a Tennessee-themed bar in Tokyo where a UT graduate named Yoshi taught me survival Japanese phrases over a beer.

I left Japan with new skills for my job, yes—but more than that, I left with a deeper appreciation for history, for peace, for craftsmanship, and for the simple connections we make when we open ourselves up to people.

Next time, I’ll stay longer. Next time, I’ll ride those motorcycles. But even if I never return, a part of me will always carry Japan with me.

Reloading Not Rebuilding – UT Basketball 2026

Having lost five and seven seniors, respectively, the UT women and men are stocked with answers.

Story by N. Brooks Clark
Photography by Carlos Reveiz

Last January Lady Vols Head Coach Kim Caldwell, 36, gave birth to her and her husband Justin’s first child, Conor Scott Caldwell. Just a week later she was greeted with a standing ovation from a crowd of 12,033 when she returned to the bench in Thompson-Boling Arena against powerhouse South Carolina. Caldwell walked briskly down the sideline shortly before tipoff and waved to the crowd before shaking hands with Gamecocks Coach Dawn Staley. “I tried to sneak in,” Caldwell said after a 63-70 loss. “I wanted to go unnoticed. [The ovation] makes it worth it, coming back.”

The quick return was a bad-ass move on the order of Pat Summitt’s famous boarding a plane in Allentown, Pa., with her water broken to make sure Tyler was born in Tennessee. Said Staley, “Women have the strength of 10 men.”

Caldwell did well to teach last year’s team to play her pressing, fast-breaking, quick-shooting, rapid-substitution style, and the Lady Vols got it right much of the time. Still, it’s a challenge to maintain the swarming intensity for a full game, especially if you’re new to it. The Lady Vols had heartbreakingly close losses in January to tough opponents like Oklahoma, LSU, Vandy, and Texas. Then in February they scored an 80-76 upset to the mighty UConn, a loss that sent the Huskies back to the drawing board and sparked their march to the national title. For their part in the NCAAs, the Lady Vols beat Ohio State 82-67 and made it to the Sweet 16 of the NCAAs, losing 67-59 to Texas. Not bad for a first-year coach.

Five seniors have moved on, but Caldwell brought on five freshmen ranked as the No. 2 class in the nation, as well as three key transfers—all of whom completely embrace Caldwell’s up-tempo game and have the physical ability to carry it out.

Speedy redshirt sophomore Kaniya Boyd, who loves Caldwell’s system, will take over as point guard. She’ll share the backcourt with Talaysia Cooper, and Kaiya Wynn, returning from a torn Achilles tendon. SMU transfer Nya Robertson will join hotshot freshmen Deniya Prawl, Jaida Civil, Lauren Hurst of Cleveland, Tenn., and the Pauldo twins from Paterson, N.J.—Mya and Mia, the latter a five-star recruit who could start at the point.

In an early press availability, Caldwell told Cora Hall of the News Sentinel that Mia Pauldo is “made to play” her style and is comfortable pushing the pace in transition. “Mia has really stepped up and kind of separated herself by leading the lead,” said Caldwell. “Any point guard in my system probably has the hardest life… I expect them to score. Everything’s at tempo. I don’t call a lot. I don’t control a lot, so they’re having to do that, and she’s picked up on it really well.”

Forwards Alyssa Latham and Zee Spearman work well together. “We’re some dogs,” said Latham last year. “We can guard anybody. We’re not going to stop playing. We’re a very resilient team. You can see we have a lot of chemistry. We have fun while we’re playing.” They’ll get help from transfers Jersey Wolfenbarger (LSU) and Janiah Barker (UCLA). Tough to Say Goodbye to Zakai Zeigler. But Hello, Nate Ament

With Zakai Zeigler at point guard and relentless defender, the Vols had a chance in every game, right up to their 69-50 loss to Houston in the Elite Eight last March. Head Coach Rick Barnes lost seven seniors from last year’s team. He returns sophomore guard Bishop Boswell, senior center Felix Okpara from Lagos, Nigeria; junior forward Cade Phillips, and redshirt sophomore J.P. Estrella, who missed much of last season after foot surgery but looms as the team’s best scorer from the post position.

Help comes from transfers: senior point guard Ja’Kobi Gillespie (Maryland/Belmont), from Greeneville, Tenn.; 6-foot-eight junior forward Jaylen Carey (Vandy/James Madison) from Southwest Ranches, Fla.; and senior guard Amaree “Mo” Abraham (La. Tech/Georgia Tech/Ole Miss). As Janis Joplin was, Abraham is also from Port Arthur, Texas.

Then there is Barnes’ crop of five freshmen, headlined by six-foot-nine Nate Ament, a five-star recruit from Manassas, Va. Ranked among the top five recruits in the country, he is the highest-rated UT prospect in history (think back to top fivers Allan Houston in 1989 and Tobias Harris in 2010). In Barnes’s early comments, he praised Ament’s humility and team-first approach.

In 1998, his father Albert Ament was a French teacher. While working in Rawanda, what was then Zaire, with Catholic Relief Services, met his future wife, Godelive, a nurse from native to Rwanda. Albert is a member of the Wayne State (Mich.) Athletics Hall of Fame for his 1985-89 basketball career. This included a senior season when he averaged 23.4 points and 11.4 rebounds per game, plus set school single-season records for points (654) and made free throws (194) that still stand at the Division II school.

With two master’s degrees, Albert Ament also did a pair of two-year tours with the United States Peace Corps, one in Chad as an English teacher (1989-91) and one in Madagascar as an English-teacher trainer (1993-95).

Freshman Troy Henderson, a three-star recruit from Chester, Va., will help fill the Zeigler void. “Troy is a pass-first point guard with a great deal of toughness, both physically and mentally,” Barnes said when Henderson signed in April. “He possesses a lot of the leadership qualities we look for in a point guard, which will help him at this level. He comes from a winning tradition in both high school and AAU ball, and he has received excellent coaching throughout his life.”

Guard Amari Evans is a four-star recruit from Pittsburgh and Georgia. Six-foot-nine forward, DeWayne Brown II, is another four-star. He hails from Hoover, Ala. Guard Clarence Massamba comes from Paris—France, not Tennessee.

In July, Barnes enhanced the Vols’ international feel by signing Ethan Burg, a 6-foot-3 guard from Mishmar HaShiv’a, Israel, who competed for Bnei Herzliya Basket in the Israeli Basketball Super League for the last two seasons and comes to Knoxville with three years of eligibility. “We are excited for Ethan and his family to join Tennessee basketball,” said Barnes. “He is a confident young man who plays with an edge. Ethan is a talented combo guard with backcourt versatility who is excellent in transition and can really get to the basket off the bounce. He also has the ability to shoot the ball. Ethan’s experience playing high-level international basketball should help him make a smooth transition to the SEC.”

Burg, the ninth newcomer to the UT men’s roster, is the first player from Israel to play for Tennessee. He is also the first from the Middle East and/or Asia.

The Call of the Dogs – Heath Shuler’s Next Play

Story by Nathan Sparks
Photography by Nathan Sparks & Molly Herb

I ‘ve spent my fair number of years in East Tennessee. I grew up here—driving down country backroads that wind and weave through hollers and hills, roads paved the old-fashioned way with tarmac and gravel chips, the kind that bubble up with tar spots in the summertime. No lines on these roads, just trust and timing. Two cars can pass, but it’s tight, and both drivers know it.

You wind past everything from million-dollar houses tosingle-widetrailers, sitting side by side as if money never mattered much out here. Little churches with hand-painted signs—Community Bible, Missionary Baptist, maybe even one that just says Jesus Saves—dot the bends. It’s a landscape stitched together with faith, grit, and a kind of beauty that doesn’t need polishing.

It feels like home—East Tennessee through and through.That’s exactly how it felt the day we turned down a gravel lane toward what everyone simply calls the farm, to meet with an old friend and a living legend—Heath Shuler. We were there to talk dogs, business, and a life that’s wound its own share of curves. As we rolled onto the property, scanning for the right spot to shoot our cover photo, I had that quiet sense you get when you know the story’s going to be something special.

The air carried the clean scent of cut grass and the low, rhythmic hum of cicadas. A few retrievers trotted across the field beside us—tails high, eyes locked on their handlers. This was no ordinary kennel; it was a place alive with purpose. And as Heath stepped out of a pickup, hand extended, easy smile in place, it felt like I was catching up with an old teammate rather than interviewing a man who’s already lived three extraordinary lives.

The Boy and the Dog Named Spot

Before the roar of Neyland Stadium or the debates of Capitol Hill, there was a boy in the Smoky Mountains and a dog named Spot.

“She had one spot right over her eye,” Shuler says, smiling. “We’d spend hours roaming the woods behind our house in Bryson City. She’d chase squirrels and rabbits and keep me company before my brother was old enough to tag along.”

That companionship—simple, loyal, and wordless—would foreshadow a lifelong connection between Shuler and dogs. Even now, decades later, it’s easy to trace a line from that childhood bond to his latest venture, Pet Resorts, a thriving business built on love, discipline, and teamwork.

Growing Up in the Mountains

Bryson City was—and still is—a place where the natural world wraps close around you. “You didn’t have to walk far to be in the woods,” Shuler recalls. “We spent a lot of time hunting, fishing, just being outside.” His father led many of those outings, teaching both sons the rhythms of the mountains and the lessons that only time outdoors can give.

“There was always something to do—squirrel hunting, grouse hunting, fishing on Fontana Lake,” Shuler says. “That’s where my love for the outdoors really started.”

It’s also where his competitive streak took hold. By high school, his athletic ability had caught national attention—and the recruiters followed.

Choosing Tennessee

When it came time for college, Shuler could have gone anywhere. Notre Dame, Alabama, Miami, Florida—all came calling. “I’ll never forget my trip to Alabama,” he says. “I had a lot of respect for Coach Gene Stallings and Coach Woody McCorvey. I almost committed.”

But family played a role. “My parents said, ‘You promised you’d visit Tennessee,’” he laughs. “So I went. And honestly, that trip changed everything.”

The warmth of the people, the proximity to home, and the sincerity of coaches like Phillip Fulmer and David Cutcliffe sealed the deal. “I wanted my parents to be able to come to games,” Shuler says. “It was an easy drive from Bryson City. And I just felt at home in Knoxville.”

That feeling never left. “Running through the T for the first time,” he says, pausing, “I’ll never forget it. It’s one of those moments—like getting married or seeing your first child born. It’s emotional. To this day, when I watch them run through the T, I still feel it.”

Orange Glory and Brotherhood

Shuler’s years at Tennessee were filled with electric moments—gritty wins, loyal teammates, and lifelong friendships. “The Florida game in the monsoon stands out,” he says. “And that win at Georgia, between the hedges. But really, it’s the relationships that stay with you—the guys you played beside, whose kids now play together. That’s the legacy that lasts.”

Those relationships, he says, shaped how he later led—on the field, in Congress, and now in business.

The NFL and the Turning Point

The jump to the NFL was natural but not easy. “The pros weren’t as much fun,” Shuler admits with a chuckle. “It’s all business. And then the injury… well, that tested my faith.”

He doesn’t linger on the setback. “I think God had a different plan,” he says simply. “At the time, I didn’t understand it. But looking back, that door closing opened others. And I’ve had some incredible opportunities because of it.”

Politics and Public Service

After returning home, Shuler turned to business development, but his sense of duty soon led him elsewhere. “There were 88 in my high school graduating class, and 27 went into the military,” he says. “That kind of service leaves an impression. I wanted to give back in my own way.”

So he ran for Congress—and won. Twice.

“Politics is a contact sport too,” he laughs. “You take hits, but the goal’s the same—move the ball down the field and make your community better.”

As chairman of the centrist Blue Dog Coalition, Shuler found what he calls “the closest thing to a team environment in Washington.” Late nights in the cloakroom reminded him of locker-room banter—except now the stakes were national. “We didn’t care who wrote the bill, as long as it helped the country,” he says. “That’s what I miss most—the teamwork.”

From Capitol Hill to Corporate Boardrooms

After six years in Washington, he’d had enough. “I wanted to spend more time with my family and less time on planes,” he says. His business background—dating back to his first car wash at age fifteen—pulled him naturally toward the private sector.

He joined Duke Energy as senior vice president, eventually helping lead the largest utility company in the United States. “It was an incredible education,” Shuler says. “And then I started my own business consulting firm, working with executives and companies all over the world. Forty-eight partners—many of them former CEOs. I tell people I earned my MBA from experience.”

The Call of the Dogs

Still, something was missing. When Shuler learned that PetSafe Village—the longtime Knoxville pet boarding and training facility—was for sale, it felt like a sign.

“I’d been helping companies restructure,” he says. “And I thought, why not take something I love and build it the right way?”

He bought the facility, renamed it Pet Resorts, and brought in his longtime friend and dog-training legend Mike Osteen, whose reputation in both civilian and military dog training circles is second to none.

“Mike’s the best dog trainer I’ve ever been around,” Shuler says. “He just connects with dogs in a way that can’t be taught.”

Winfield Roots and a Vision for Knoxville

The two men’s history goes back decades—to Winfield Plantation, Shuler’s former quail operation in Georgia that once managed over 100 dogs and earned Orvis’s Lodge of the Year distinction. “We had pointers, setters, German short-hairs—a real kennel of champions,” Shuler recalls.

When the distance made managing Winfield tough, he sold it. But when he moved back to Knoxville, opportunity came knocking again. His brother spotted a property in Loudon, and soon “The Farm” was born—a sprawling new facility blending training, family, and community.

“My dad works here,” Shuler says proudly. “My closest friends are here. Sometimes I take conference calls from the cab of a tractor.”

Training That Transforms

Pet Resorts now runs full-scale operations in West Knoxville, Loudon, and a North Knoxville location under construction. The Loudon farm specializes in everything from basic obedience to elite field trial and hunt test training.

“We want a dog you can take anywhere,” Shuler explains. “Walk into Home Depot, sit quietly at your feet, ride calmly in the car, or relax at home. It’s about creating structure—for the dog and for the owner.”

Training programs can last weeks or months, depending on the goal. “We’ve raised dogs from puppyhood through full training,” he says. “We even do crate training and house manners. It’s all about creating that perfect companion.”

The Masters Behind the Mission

The Pet Resorts team is a family in itself. Osteen’s sons, John and Grant, now manage and train alongside their father, while rising star Caleb has become one of the region’s most promising young trainers.

“Mike’s trained some of the best dogs in the world,” Shuler says. “He helped develop the U.S. military’s IED-detection program—hundreds of dogs that went on to save lives. And now he’s teaching that same discipline and communication here.”

The results speak for themselves. “People travel from all over—Connecticut, Virginia, South Carolina—to train here,” Shuler says. “It’s becoming a destination.”

A New Kind of Daycare

The West Knoxville facility, meanwhile, hums with activity each morning. “Between seven and nine a.m., it’s like elementary school drop-off,” Shuler laughs. “People who don’t have kids bring their dogs. They come for daycare, socialization, and structure.”

Unlike most traditional kennels, Pet Resorts dogs don’t sit in crates all day. They play, exercise, and even learn manners through supervised interaction. “They learn how to behave—just like kids on a playground,” Shuler says. “It’s about teaching respect and confidence.” Having a well trained dog makes pet ownership more enjoyable for owner and pet alike.

Building Legacy—Again

When asked what drives him today, Shuler gives a familiar answer: teamwork, family, and faith. “Whether it’s football, business, or dogs, it’s all the same formula,” he says. “You bring together good people with a shared vision and give them the freedom to be great. That’s how you build something special.”

And with Pet Resorts quickly growing into a regional brand, it’s clear Shuler’s not done building. His fields may be quieter than Neyland Stadium these days, but the sense of purpose—steady, loyal, and strong as a retriever’s heart—feels every bit as powerful.

Author’s Note: Racing the Sunset

After the interview wrapped and the photos for our cover were made, the light began to fade fast across the Loudon hills. We raced against time, cameras slung over our shoulders, the sun dropping low and gold across the fields. Someone suggested, “Let’s bring out a few of the dogs—get them in the water.”

Within minutes, they were splashing through the shallows, arcing after training dummies that cut through the orange light like comets. The water glowed. The dogs, sleek and focused, surged forward in perfect rhythm. My team and I shot until there was nothing left of the day but the hum of cicadas and the soft sound of paws in the water.

Then it was over. We took a few last photos of the team together—Heath, Mike, John, Grant, Caleb—each of them smiling, shoulders squared, dogs pressed tight at their knees. And then we all just stood there.

No hurry. No talking. Just that mutual feeling of gratitude—for the work, for the day, and for the chance to be a part of something done right. We shook hands, each thankful for the other.

And as I packed up my camera, I thought about those old East Tennessee roads again—their twists and turns, their simple beauty, their honesty. Heath’s story, in its own way, feels a lot like those roads. Winding, yes. But always leading home.

Trimmed to Perfection

Knoxville’s design pros share new ways to deck your halls—from autumn trees to oversized bows and glittery nostalgia.

Story by Carolyn Evans

Just when I thought I knew it all about Christmas decorating, I found out that new things have slipped in while I wasn’t looking! Even before I sat down with some of our local experts, I found myself wrapped up in the trends of the year: an autumn tree, simple bows, oversized décor, nostalgia, “kitschmas.” And it turns out our local interior designers Stephen Brown and Sam George weren’t surprised at all. Their advice is all that and more. And our local outdoor lighting guru, Chris King? He has some advice that will wrap it all together in a nice bow.

Start with What Makes you Happy

Every time we’ve spoken with Stephen Brown, creator of Glitterville Studios, and Sam George, owner of Samuel Franklin Florist, we find ourselves reminded that a great place to start when you’re looking to do new decorating ideas is simply with what you love.

“The glitter theology has always been that you do what you like and it doesn’t matter what the trend is,” Stephen says. “You figure out what it is that makes you happy, what you like, and you begin to layer things in from there.”

If there’s something you collect that you love, Stephen recommends finding ways to incorporate that into your tree and décor. “If you can strap it to the tree, then let it be,” he says.

Once you have some ideas, it’s time to start planning that tree. Stephen says there’s a recipe for decorating trees, and honestly, none of his tips seem all that difficult to pull off. The first point is to layer different-sized bulbs to really bring it to life. And don’t forget that you need a base of white lights first, even if you’re using colored lights as your main light source, so the tree isn’t too dark. Next, add two or three sizes of ornaments. If you like to see more, then finish it off with garland and finally tinsel.

“If you want to have a tree that shows lots of depth and photographs well,” Stephen says, “then that’s the way to do it.”

Sam, who is also a big proponent of doing what you love, says the secret is making your Christmas tree personal to you. If you have ornaments your kids made, use them. If you have items that don’t necessarily match but have a theme to them, there are ways to help bring it all together.

“Ribbon becomes the one constant throughout the tree that can unite all the elements and make a cohesive look,” he says. “Use a ribbon that coordinates with your interior so everything looks planned.” Those mismatched items might also create depth for the tree.

“We like trees that aren’t flat, that have dimension with items placed within the tree and breaking out of the tree. Branches and elements projecting out of a tree can be a good friend to a tree. These items will give you the opportunity to hang ornaments off of them when secured well.”

“Big is in,” Sam adds. “This year, I used some very large red birds in a tree at the shop as well as gigantic jingle bells. When you put different sizes on, it’s more interesting. A side note is to put the biggest ornaments on first, deeper in the tree.”

Experts in the Field

Sam and Stephen have been at this for a long time. Both have their own story, but they are grounded in a desire to help neighbors, near and far, feel at home and at ease when they decorate for the holidays.

Sam’s been going in to people’s homes to help with Christmas décor for the last 44 years. His shop, which has been in business since 1985 and offers about 8,000 square feet of flowers, plants, gifts, antiques, and home accessories. It has already transformed for the holiday season, with a variety of Christmas trees on display and a host of décor ideas to get you inspired and ready for the season. If you want a fun outing, it’s on Main Street in Knoxville.

As for Stephen, he launched Glitterville Studios back in 2003, and it has grown into a worldwide supplier of all things Christmas. You can find his work locally on World’s Fair Park Drive, but also in larger retailers such as Neiman Marcus and Anthropology. He also has showrooms in Atlanta and Dallas. Stephen’s made a national name for himself working with celebs like Oprah and Ryan Reynolds, but also by decorating for a rather big client.

“For the last few years we have decorated the White House for Christmas,” Stephen says. “Last year, I caused a really big kerfuffle because we decided that we would put colored lights on the Christmas tree, the official White House Christmas tree.”

While people told him colored lights were not for that kind of environment, Stephen approached it with the same down-to-earth advice he gives to his local clients. “I said, ‘No, you can because actually, it takes people back and people think of when they were little and all the color,’ and so we proceeded with that. You know it caused a disturbance, but when it was done, everybody was like, ‘Oh my gosh! We love it!’”

Decorating for the Season and Beyond

The tree is important, but it’s only one leg of the Christmas décor journey. I pressed Sam for some more tips and found that there are always a variety of trends to latch on to. Find the ones, though, that feel right to you. Here are some he’s seeing right now, both new and staples. Sam’s advice is to keep themes simplistic by not mismatching them and adding other color elements that confuse the theme you’ve chosen.

“Whites and blues are still very on trend and red never goes out of style,” Sam says. Also trending right now are wintry items, lots of whites, silvers, gold, elements of sparkle and frosty and snowy items.

“Green is a big trend this year as well. And this is one that’s a little more difficult to pull off. Since the tree itself is already green, you need lots of different shades of green and most of those need to be on the lighter side.

“We all love Christmas lights because we loved Christmas lights when we were kids,” Chris says. “It’s for the kids in all of us.” Chris King, Christmas Lights Knoxville

Both Sam and Stephen gave their thumbs up to greenery, berries, and other natural elements. “Fruit is trending this year as an element to add to your tree,” Sam says. “Cloved fruit like oranges, proves that everything old becomes new again.” What a great point!

The autumn tree has been around for a few years, Sam says, and is almost a throwback to the past when people made their ornaments. It’s decorated with natural elements like pine cones, dried plants, birds’ nests, orange berries, tiny pumpkins and cloved oranges. The idea of the tree is transition, carrying you from October into Christmas. The more I think about it, the more I like it! If I could get my husband to bring down a tree early and get lights on it, I could easily shift some ornaments after Thanksgiving to more Christmasy baubles.

Before we finished, I tagged our designers for a few more pieces of note. Stephen gave his take on the bow trend, saying that bows, like a ribbon in a girl’s hair, have been in for a while, and they’re everywhere, even in everyday décor. Between this comment and the autumn tree, it comes together to make up the good point that inspired, festive décor doesn’t have to stop at Christmas.

As a child, the closer Christmas came, the sadder Stephen became because all his crafting and the lights and joy were about to end. I’m sure we all can attest to this in some way. But he credits his grandmother, Enza Cline, with his motto: “Make every day a holiday.”

“After that my whole life was just making things, so the minute Christmas was over I would start Valentine’s Day and then St. Patrick’s and Easter. So the premise was just sort of to make things that were beautiful and would surround you. I do believe that your environment and your surroundings affect your mood.”Bring the Festivity Outdoors

Did you think I forgot about your front porch or house? Imagine standing on the street looking at your house this Christmas. Do you see bright lights in clean lines? Do you see yourself waving goodbye to the light installer who did all the work for you?

Climbing up a tall ladder with a long string of lights gives many people pause. So while you can absolutely do it yourself (or with a buddy), there are plenty of options to have the work done for you and it might be a little simpler than you think.

Chris King, who started Christmas Lights Knoxville back in 2016 as a sister company to Cornerstone Construction, says that there are actually options to having someone come and do your lights for you. You can install permanent year round lights, sure. But did you know you can also lease them for the season?

Chris’s bread and butter is regular big bulbs on the roof lines, mini lights in the trees, wreaths, and garland around the door and on lampposts, etc. “A lot of people want to go full-on Griswold, but we know that nice clean lines are just so pretty,” he says. “We put everything up before Thanksgiving and take it down after New Year’s. We store it for you until next year. We use commercial-grade lights. If there’s a bulb out, we’ll be there immediately.”

Going back to the idea that you can decorate all year long, Chris says there’s also RGB app-based lighting systems that also can be a permanent purchase or a seasonal rental. On Saturday they can be orange and white for the big game, then change to warm white or red and green for Christmas. These lights can be any color or pattern you want and can be installed for a few days for occasions such as weddings, or for a season, usually September to January.

The value of going this route it seems is that they’re not the grade of lights you buy at a big box store. Chris says the lights he installs are commercial grade. “They last about 10 years and require special training to sell and install.”Wrapping it All Together

So there you have it. With some expert notes in your back pocket, local folks you can call for help, and the thrill of jumping on a national trend (I’ll see you soon, autumn tree), you’ll have made a little bit of Christmas magic, all on your own.

Amelese & Edmonds – Planning Over Panic

Story and photography byNathan SparksMichelle Amelse’s proactive approach to accounting and business growth

Accounting isn’t known for surprises—and that’s exactly how Knoxville CPA Michelle Amelse likes it. At her firm, Amelse & Edmonds CPAs, she believes the best way to run a business is with no financial curveballs, only clear strategy and steady communication. Her mission: replace year-end panic with year-round peace of mind.

A Legacy in Ledgers

Michelle grew up in the business. Her father has been a CPA in Knoxville for more than 45 years, and she started helping him with bookkeeping when she was barely a teenager. “He’d call it ‘write-up work,’” she says. “I was 13 or 14, entering checks for his clients.” Even so, accounting wasn’t her first career choice. She began college as a pre-med major before realizing her real passion was in numbers and strategy. “I love solving the puzzle—putting all the numbers together to help people reach their goals,” she says.

Building a Firm on Strategy and Service

After earning her degree from Austin Peay and gaining a decade of experience, Michelle launched her own firm eight years ago. What began as a two-person operation has grown into a thirteen-member team offering full-service accounting, tax planning, bookkeeping, and consulting.

“The value in full-service accounting is that we take those tasks off a business owner’s plate so they can focus on what they do best,” she explains. “Our goal is to handle the details—accurately, efficiently, and proactively—so they can focus on growth.”

Proactive, Not Reactive

That proactive mindset defines her firm’s approach. “It used to be that a bookkeeper was enough,” Michelle says. “But today’s tax codes and financial regulations are so complex that every business needs an expert CPA on their team. We stay involved throughout the year so our clients never face unpleasant surprises.”

Rather than simply preparing taxes at year’s end, Amelse & Edmonds maintains regular communication with clients, analyzing financials each quarter and adjusting strategy in real time. “We generally find that we save clients more money than we cost in fees,” Michelle says. “That’s through smart tax planning, savings strategies, and helping them avoid costly mistakes before they happen.”

More Than Numbers

That partnership extends far beyond the numbers. “Finance touches every part of life,” she says. “If I understand what a client is going through—personally and professionally—I can help them make decisions that support both their business and their overall goals.”

Each client relationship begins with a deep-dive conversation. “We sit down and learn about their process, their goals, and how they’re currently managing their books,” Michelle explains. “From there, we show them exactly how our process will make their business smoother and less stressful.” Clients gain full transparency through a secure online portal that allows them to view their books in real time. “There are no secrets here,” she adds. “We’re partners in their success.”

Watching Clients Thrive

Her favorite moments come when long-time clients reach milestones they once thought impossible. “I started working with one client over ten years ago when they had two locations. Now they have thirty,” she says with pride. “That’s what drives me—knowing that while so many people stress over tax season, my clients can relax, confident everything’s handled.”

10160 Parkside Drive, Suite 200 Knoxville, TN 37922 865-288-2200 amelsecpa.com

Barnett Roofing

A Roofer You Can Trust

IIt’s 2 a.m. when you make the call. You expect a machine to answer, but instead you hear a person, “Barnett Roofing Company, how can I help you?” You tell him about the unexpected damage that just happened to your roof. A tree branch had fallen during the evening’s storm and you’re beside yourself with a mix of panic and frustration.

In a calm voice, the Barnett rep—which you later find out was the owner of the company—reassures you that all will be well and says that someone will be out there within 48 hours to get moving on the inspection and work. You breathe a sigh of relief.

At the inspection, your roofer lets you know that no down payment is necessary for the project. You get the quote within hours, and the company finishes the repair in a single day. Even better, they offer a 50-year warranty on all materials, a 25-year leak warranty, and a 30-year algae-resistant warranty. They’ll even come back to do a free inspection and free tune-up every single year.

The Company Behind the Model

While it may sound unrealistic, this is actually an average situation for Barnett Roofing.

“You’ll always talk to a real person, never a machine, no matter how busy we are and no matter when you call,” says David Barnett, company founder. “Ninety-seven percent of the roofs we service are finished in a single day.” David explains that this commitment to treat every customer this way is simply part of his belief in treating others the way he would want to be treated.

In the roofing business since 1986, David founded Barnett Roofing, a GAF Master Elite® Certified Roofing Contractor, in 1998, moving it to Knoxville in 2001. He and his team service an average of four roofs every day across Knoxville and surrounding communities stretching from Newport to Madisonville.

“When I started in the business, the average roof took four to five days. I didn’t understand why it should take that long,” David says, “so over the years, I kept developing new ideas on how to get them done faster, quicker, and smarter. It worked very well, and now most people around the country use my model.”

Having a foreman on each job to provide better organization has contributed to the model’s success.

Honest and Trustworthy

Barnett Roofing’s more recent division, Clean Roof, LLC, removes stains and algae from roofs, making them look brand new—a great option for those looking to breathe new life into their home or those looking to sell. All the warranties are fully transferable, too, which can be an added selling point.

Backed by more than 2,000 Google reviews, David’s goal is for his company to be the most honest and trustworthy business possible.

“There’s a very, very big problem with trust in this industry,” David says. “I came up different. I don’t believe in ripping customers off.”

The phrase “Trust Matters” is the mantra he and his team live by. It’s why he offers broad warranties and gives free inspections and tune-ups every year. It’s also why he never pressures anyone into buying a new roof unless that person needs and wants it.

Coming Together

Last year, after rallying their industry partners, Barnett Roofing gave a free roof to a widow who had been scammed by a different company. Helping others through trustworthy service is simply another day’s work for this Knoxville business owner.

“It makes me love the business,” David says. “Our number one claim to fame is customer service. That is what we’re known for.”

Gold Winner : Roofing – Residential

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Benton Roofing

Building Roofs and Trust for Knoxville’s Businesses

Story by Matt McGarry
Photography by Benton Roofing

Benton Roofing blends quality craftsmanship with enduring Christian business values and community commitment

For the team at Benton Roofing, their reputation as a quality roofing company is, of course, important. But not as important as their reputation as a company guided by Christian principles. The company’s story stretches back decades — 40-plus years, thousands of roofs, and two generations, in fact — when the Benton name first became a household word: one synonymous with dependable commercial and industrial roofing work across the Southeast.

These days, Benton Roofing calls Hendersonville, NC, home. They’ve earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and hold licenses across several states. Nick Mock, Business Development Manager, puts it this way: “Over the past 40 years, we’ve established a reputation for providing high-quality commercial and industrial roofing solutions. We continue to build upon that reputation not just with quality workmanship and dependable service, but with the Christian values that guide us.”

Benton Roofing’s growth isn’t just in the square footage it builds each year. Over time, and driven by that system of values that guide them, Benton has grown from 50 employees to 150 employees across three locations, as well as beyond commercial projects into residential.

At the moment, about 80 to 85 percent of Benton’s business is commercial. Though only in the residential market for a short time, the company has been able to quickly leverage their reputation on the commercial side to build the residential side with new roof construction, repair, maintenance, and historic roof restoration.

In an industry where it’s challenging to stand out, Nick says that Benton isn’t like its competitors. “Every roofing company can talk about their capabilities, service, and warranties,” he says, “so it’s the nuances that can set you apart. For us, it’s the experience. We offer the customer a single point of contact. We are with the customer every step of the way, and most roofing companies don’t offer that.”

Nick goes on to explain that with most companies, the customer’s initial contact is the sales person. Then the sales person hands the customer over to a project manager. If there are questions about billing, for instance, the customer then gets referred to the billing department. “Along the way,” says Nick, “the customer can experience up to four hand-offs… in a situation like that, things inevitably fall through the cracks, which can then lead to mistakes, mishaps, delays, and cost overruns.” This, however, is not the case with Benton Roofing.

As a company guided by Christian values, the team at Benton believes strongly in giving back. Habitat for Humanity is just one example.

“Last year,” recounts Nick, “we provided three roofs at no charge. We provided the materials and the labor, installing them and everything. It’s the kind of work we love. We also do what we can in partnership with other charitable organizations such as Samaritan’s Purse, Shriners Hospitals for Children, Hope Academy, Hendersonville Rescue Mission, and others. As the Bible tells us in James 1:27: ‘Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.’”

In the world of roofing, if you want a partner that stands by their work, and cares about more than just the bottom line, Benton Roofing is that partner. Benton Roofing 6308 Chapman Highway Knoxville, TN 37920 828-693-3362 bentonroofing.com

Biles Construction

Building with Purpose

Guided by precision, and partnership, Biles Construction marries design, craft, and client vision to create works of art

Story and Photography byNathan Sparks

When you meet Bill Biles, you get the sense he was born to build. “All I did was construction growing up,” he says. “My father was a trial attorney, and he always wanted me to be an attorney and follow in his footsteps. But it came to be my senior year in college, and I was working the summers on golf courses, doing construction planning and estimating for roofing systems. And I knew that I didn’t want to be an attorney.”

Biles’ passion for construction started early—his first summer job at age twelve in Bay Minette, Alabama, taught him the value of hard work. “I did it from the time I was 15 years old during the summer, and I worked every single summer until I was 19 years old,” he recalls. “It was very hard work. It taught me a lot.”

By 2009, he was ready to strike out on his own, founding Biles Construction. His first project—a 2,000-square-foot home he designed and managed from start to finish—proved he was on the right path. “I was so proud of myself,” he says. “I took my time because I didn’t want to make the crucial mistakes. I can make the small mistakes and recover from those and learn from those, but it’s hard to recover from those bad mistakes.”Crafting Homes That Fit

Today, Biles Construction builds seven to 10 high-end custom homes a year, each between one and three million dollars.

“We’re a design-build firm,” Biles explains. “Whenever you partner with someone in the beginning, you understand who they are, what they want, what they don’t want, and what their lot looks like. We work with the architect, shoot drone videos, and get the topo survey on all of our jobs before we even start discussions on design.” – Bill Biles

Biles partners with trusted architects to align clients with the right designer. “We place our client with whichever architect we feel they’re going to be best suited,” he says. “We’re controlling the footprint, where the house sits, the layout, the aesthetics, ergonomically how the house functions—and we’re designing a home that fits within their budget.”A Transparent Process

Clients stay connected through UDA Construction Online, tracking schedules, budgets, and progress photos.

“They have a direct connection into that,” Biles says. “Every Friday, they get a drone video of the outside and the inside. They get videos and pictures every Friday.” Daily site visits keep projects on track.Building Relationships That Last

For Biles, construction is personal. “We have a true belief that God put us here to help people, not just to make a living,” he says. “We’re looking out for our client, their family, their investment.”

And at the heart of it all is joy. “I love my job,” he says. “We’re not just building brick and mortar—we’re building memories for these people. We’re building a legacy for them.”

That sense of purpose fuels every project, from foundation to final walkthrough. For Biles and his team, success isn’t just measured in square footage—it’s measured in trust, craftsmanship, and relationships that last long after the keys are handed over.

“We’re a design-build firm,” Biles explains. “Whenever you partner with someone in the beginning, you understand who they are, what they want, what they don’t want, and what their lot looks like. We work with the architect, shoot drone videos, and get the topo survey on all of our jobs before we even start discussions on design.” – Bill Biles

Our Team

BMHRS – Gold-Winning Payroll & HR Solutions for Today’s Businesses

Story by Nathan Sparks

Award-winning payroll and HR experts expanding into Knoxville—BMHRS streamlines business operations with secure, seamless solutions and personalized service nationwide.

This year’s Best of the Best Gold Winner in Payroll and HR Services, BMHRS, Inc., is making waves as it officially expands into the Knoxville market. Known for its innovative, people-first approach to business solutions, BMHRS is setting a new standard for service and reliability in East Tennessee.

At the helm of the new Knoxville branch is Wes Brown, a seasoned payroll and HR specialist who brings years of expertise to the region. Partnering with Kelly Mann, co-founder and Alabama-based powerhouse behind BMHRS, the duo is poised to make a lasting impact. Together, they’ve built a company recognized not just for results, but for relationships.

“We’re in the business of helping people. We help consumers save money, we help businesses reduce risk, and we help families protect and preserve their financial future. That’s what drives us every day.” – Wes Brown

Transforming How Knoxville Does Business

“We’re in the business of helping people. We help consumers save money, we help businesses reduce risk, and we help families protect and preserve their financial future. That’s what drives us every day.” – Wes Brown

BMHRS simplifies the complex world of payroll and human resources with a seamless, secure platform designed to free business owners from administrative overload.

Their Services IncludePayroll check processing and direct depositFederal, state, and local tax filingEmployee benefits consultation and enrollmentSection 125 administrationRetirement planning and enrollmentWorkers’ compensation pay-as-you-goCash card and Christmas Club programs

“It’s not just about payroll—it’s about peace of mind,” Brown explains. “We’re here to give employers confidence that their people, their data, and their compliance are all handled with care.”A Complete Protection Partner

Beyond HR and payroll, BMHRS provides a full suite of insurance and business protection solutions, including:Business Owner’s Policies (BOP)EPLI insuranceUmbrella and liability coverageLandlord and renters insurance

“We treat every client as family. We’re here to build relationships that last—and to protect what our clients have worked so hard to build.” – BMHRS co-founder Kelly Mann

Whether you’re a small local business or a multi-state operation, BMHRS takes a personal, hands-on approach to every client—matching the right coverage and services to each unique need.

“We treat every client as family. We’re here to build relationships that last—and to protect what our clients have worked so hard to build.” – BMHRS co-founder Kelly Mann A Gold Standard for Service Winning Gold in Cityview’s Best of the Best is more than a recognition—it’s a reflection of the trust BMHRS has earned from its clients and communities. With its Knoxville launch, that same award-winning service is now available to businesses across East Tennessee and beyond. BMHRS, Inc. proudly serves communities nationwide, offering a blend of local care and national expertise that’s hard to find. How can we help you today? To learn more or schedule a consultation, visit bmhrs.com or contact Wes Brown at the Knoxville office. Because when your payroll runs right, your benefits are handled seamlessly, and your risks are covered—you’re free to focus on what matters most: growing your business. 11255 Cherokee Rd. Alexander City, Alabama 865-548-4084

Classy Caterer – Elevating Every Occasion

Story by Nathan Sparks
Photography by Nathan Sparks & Trisha Kelly

When Trisha Kelly retired from the financial services industry, she wasn’t ready to slow down. Hosting and entertaining had always been a passion. So in April 2018, she launched Classy Caterer, “just as something to do with my spare time.” Her plan was modest: a few small events each week. But the Knoxville market had other ideas.

Kelly’s background in executive leadership helped shape her approach from day one. “I had hired caterers that came in and set up, and it was always so very plain—paper plates and such. I never liked that,” she recalls. “So I would bring in my own china, serving dishes, dress it up a little bit. That’s what I wanted to do—a more elevated experience.”

That vision quickly became her brand. “It’s still catering,” she says, “but we use real plates, linen napkins, real silverware. And we do table scapes on every occasion. We want it to look like it blends in with your event—company colors, holidays, fall décor. It just dresses up the entire presentation and makes the meal look better.” Clients began to notice the difference right away, and word spread quickly that Classy Caterer wasn’t just serving food—it was creating an experience.

A World of Opportunity

As business grew, so did the opportunities. Her few times a week had quickly turned into something much bigger.

“I had reached a limit and didn’t know what to do next,” Kelly says. “Then

I came across someone who introduced me to the executive staff I have now. They had worked together for 10 years with a previous caterer, and I was able to step out on faith and hire them. The experience they brought has absolutely made my business explode.”

With an expanded staff, an upgraded kitchen, and even a warehouse, Classy Caterer can now handle multiple large events simultaneously. “We’ve even moved to the point where we have a warehouse manager who keeps everything organized,” Trisha says. “It’s so much nicer—everything under one roof.”

What started with lunches for 15 people has grown to events for hundreds. “We’ll do multiple 500-person events throughout the year,” she says. “We’ve done a crowd as large as 700. My team really gets on fire when I tell them we’re doing a breakfast for 400 or a black-tie gala. We do it—white glove treatment.”

Teamwork and Passion

Classy Caterer’s reputation now spans East Tennessee. “We currently belong to seven different Chambers of Commerce,” Kelly notes. “I serve on the board of the Loudon County Chamber. And we have top corporate companies in Knoxville that are steady clients.”

Kelly attributes the company’s success to teamwork and passion. “Everyone knows their role and takes pride in it.

We work hard, we laugh a lot, and we all share one goal—to make every client’s event feel effortless, beautiful, and perfectly planned from start to finish.”

That spirit carries into every detail, from the way napkins are folded to how the final plate is placed. It’s a philosophy rooted in care—because, as Kelly puts it, presentation is a form of respect.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s 25 or 2,500,” she says. “We’re going to give you an elegant meal—perfect every time.”

Her mantra says it all: “It will always be an elevated experience.”

Gold Winner: Caterer – Business Caterer – Party

Dental Images – Where Healthy Smiles Begin

Through advanced dentistry and compassionate care, Dental Images helps patients find the smiles that will last a lifetime.

Story by Rob Johnson
Photography by Nathan Sparks

A confident, healthy smile can light up a room — and at Dental Images, the mission is to help every patient feel that confidence. Led byDr. Steven BrockandDr. Chase Nieri, the practice blends modern dental technology, genuine compassion, and decades of expertise to deliver results that go far beyond the surface.A Legacy of Care and Innovation

Founded in 1986 as Living Tree Dental Care in Powell, the practice moved to Downtown West Boulevard in 2006 and became Dental Images. From day one, the focus has been whole-body wellness. “Many people don’t realize that issues like heart disease, inflammation, and even sleep apnea can begin in the mouth,” says Dr. Brock. “Our goal is to treat the whole person, not just their teeth.”

With more than 30 years of experience, Dr. Brock has built a reputation for excellence in complex restorative dentistry and dental implants. Joining him in 2017, Dr. Nieri brings a gentle touch and exceptional cosmetic artistry. His calm, friendly chairside manner has earned him recognition multiple years in Cityview’s Best of the Best for both Family and Cosmetic Dentistry.Advanced Dentistry, Personalized for You

Dental Images offers a comprehensive range of services, including:Cosmetic Dentistry & Smile Makeovers: whitening, veneers, crowns, aligners, and implantsPreventive Care: cleanings, exams, and long-term oral health planningRestorative Dentistry: fillings, crowns, bridges, and implant restorationEndodontics: gentle root canal therapyPeriodontal Treatment: deep cleaning, maintenance, andLANAP laser therapy(a no-cut, no-stitch approach to treating gum disease)Emergency Dentistry: same-day urgent care for pain or injury

With advanced tools likeX-Guide precision implant technology, patients benefit from improved comfort, shorter recovery times, and extremely precise surgical outcomes — all tailored to the individual.A Team That Makes You Smile

The Dental Images team is known not just for skill, but for compassion.Dr. Chase Nierihas once again been recognized as a Cityview Best of the Best winner for both Family and Cosmetic Dentistry.Dental Hygienist Melody Frankearned this year’s Gold Winner award for her gentle, attentive care. Past multi-year honoreeMadison Williamscontinues to set the standard for professionalism and comfort.

From the moment patients walk in the door, they are welcomed like family — seen, heard, and cared for.

Congratulations to Chase M. Nieri D.D.S Gold Winner for Cosmetic Dentist & Family Dentist

Congratulations to Chase M. Nieri D.D.S Gold Winner for Cosmetic Dentist & Family DentistSmiles That Last a Lifetime

Dental Images believes dentistry is about more than appearances — it’s about confidence, health, and quality of life. With decades of experience, innovative technology, and a commitment to compassionate service, the practice remains one of East Tennessee’s most trusted destinations for dental care.

New patients are always welcome.Schedule a visit and discover how Dental Images can help you achieve a smile you’ll love to share.1715 Downtown W Blvd Knoxville, TN 37919 865-531-1715 mydentalimage.com

Garza Law Firm – Navigating Tennessee DUI Laws

Story by Liza Wells,Andrew Varney&Willow Van Skyhawk
Photography by Nathan Sparks

Driving Under the Influence (DUI) charges in Tennessee are far more complicated than many realize. These cases sit at the crossroads of criminal law, constitutional rights, and scientific evidence, a combination that creates significant challenges for the accused. Given the potential consequences, including jail time, loss of license, heavy fines, and a permanent criminal record, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Garza Law offers a powerful combination of in-house expertise and deep regional connections, setting it apart from other firms. The firm employs a team of full-time investigators, including former law enforcement professionals (all of whom are on staff) ensuring consistency, reliability, and a deep understanding of criminal procedures.

The criminal team is run by firm founder, Marcos Garza. The firm prioritizes continued education, sending all 10 of its experienced criminal defense attorneys to specialized and advanced DUI trainings and conferences regularly. With daily work across eastern Tennessee, this team is highly familiar with the courts, judges, and prosecutors in each county. They are not only well-versed in litigation but also have extensive knowledge of constitutional and legal issues specific to DUI cases. Garza Law provides clients with aggressive, informed, and empathetic defense throughout every stage of the case.

DUI Landscape in Tennessee

Tennessee categorizes first, second, and third DUIs as misdemeanors, while fourth and subsequent offenses can be charged as felonies. Repeat offenders face a slightly different setup.

DUIs have a “lookback” period in Tennessee that significantly impacts sentencing for repeat offenders. If a person is charged with a DUI and has a prior DUI conviction within the past 10 years, the new charge will be treated as a second offense, bringing enhanced penalties such as longer mandatory jail time, increased fines, and extended license suspension. In addition, the lookback period can effectively extend to 20 years: if someone was convicted of a DUI that occurred within the last 10 years, the lookback period then extends to another 10 years, not to exceed 20 years. In sum, your past criminal history can enhance the penalties for your current DUI.

With that in mind, here’s a breakdown of what you may face in Tennessee for first, second, and subsequent DUI offenses.

First DUI Offense

Second DUI Offense

Third DUI Offense

Fourth & Subsequent DUI Offenses — Felony Land

Facing a DUI charge in Tennessee can feel overwhelming. The laws are strict, the penalties severe, and the consequences life-changing. But you don’t have to face this alone. Marcos Garza was recently voted Top DUI Attorney by Cityview readers, a reflection of the trust the East Tennessee community places in the firm’s dedication and results. He and the entire criminal defense team at Garza Law are deeply committed to protecting the rights and future of every one of their clients.

Gold Winner : Attorney – DUI Defense

Knoxville Wholesale Furniture – Where Luxury Lives & Everything’s In Stock

Story by Nathan Sparks

For more than three decades, Knoxville Wholesale Furniture has defined what it means to bring comfort, quality, and value home to East Tennessee. This year, the company once again swept Cityview Magazine’s Best of the Best awards—Gold in Furniture Store, Mattress Store, Patio Furniture, Office Furniture, Outdoor Furniture, and Rug Store. But despite that golden reputation, owner Tim Harris says one thing still surprises him: “Many people have no idea what’s actually in this store.” That’s why, he explains, the company’s new message is simple: You must come see this store.

Behind the doors of their massive North Peters Road showroom lies more than millions in inventory—hundreds of thousands of items, with over 95 percent in stock and ready for pickup the same day from their warehouse on Callahan Rd. From timeless sectionals and solid-wood bedroom suites to luxury outdoor sets and handcrafted rugs, it’s a destination for anyone who wants the perfect piece today rather than weeks from now.The Galleria: A Store Within a Store

The newest jewel in Knoxville Wholesale Furniture’s crown is The Galleria, a “store within a store” devoted entirely to luxury brands. The concept, launched to national acclaim, has transformed a 35,000-square-foot section of the flagship showroom into an immersive design experience. Each space is dedicated to a distinct brand—Lexington, Bernhardt, Hooker, Tommy Bahama, Bob Timberlake, Carolina Custom Leather, Archbold, and others—allowing visitors to step directly into curated model rooms that showcase full-home style concepts.

“We work with the very best luxury brands in the business,” says Harris. “Our goal was to be the best of the best in that category—and judging by the response, I think we’ve done that.”Experience First, Always

Walk through The Galleria and it’s clear this isn’t your typical furniture store. Each room is meticulously staged to spark imagination—soft lighting, layered textures, and artful detail designed to help customers envision how these luxury pieces could live in their own homes.

“It’s about the experience,” says Brad Delperdang, field sales manager for Tempur-Sealy. “They’ve created an environment where choosing the right mattress or sectional is enjoyable—and you leave confident you’ve made the right decision.”

That sense of purpose extends far beyond the showroom. Over the years, Knoxville Wholesale Furniture has supported dozens of nonprofits and community events, embodying a “neighbor first” approach to business. It’s one reason why so many East Tennesseans trust them when furnishing their homes—and why national brands view Knoxville as a flagship market for design innovation.

Industry leaders agree. “This new concept of The Galleria is game-changing,” said Jeremy Hoff, CEO of Hooker Furnishings. “It gives upper-level products a presence that simply doesn’t exist anywhere else.”

Pat McNamara, president of Archbold Furniture, adds, “Tim’s got some of our best sellers at price points I’ve never seen. He’s definitely bringing value to this community.”Come See the Difference

From contemporary elegance to handcrafted heritage, Knoxville Wholesale Furniture truly offers it all—and it’s here, right now. Whether you’re furnishing your first apartment or your dream home, the best way to understand what makes them East Tennessee’s favorite is to experience it firsthand.

Gold Winner: Mattress Store Rug Store Furniture – Home Patio Place to work (100-499 Employees Office

Lucas Haun – Keller Williams Signature

Welcome Home

Late afternoon light falls softly across the lawn of a stately Craftsman home on Kingston Pike, its brick glowing with the patina of a century’s care. The house stands with quiet confidence – timeless, dignified, and distinctly Knoxville. Inside, Realtor Lucas Haun moves through its rooms with the calm assurance of someone who has seen many remarkable homes yet still pauses to appreciate each one.

He stops for a moment, admiring the balance between the home’s original Stickley-inspired design and the thoughtful modern updates that now define it—clean iron details, open spaces, and light that shifts beautifully throughout the day. “Homes like this have a soul,” he says. “It’s not just the craftsmanship—it’s the feeling. You can tell when a place has been loved for a long time.”

For more than twenty years, Lucas has helped clients find and sell homes across Knoxville—some historic, others newly built, all meaningful to the people who live in them. “I’ve been fortunate,” he says. “Knoxville has trusted me with some truly special properties. But honestly, every home deserves the same attention. Whether it’s a first condo or a custom residence, I try to give it the care it deserves.”

That mindset has guided his work since the beginning. When Lucas started out, there were no luxury listings or marketing teams—just long hours, dedication, and an unwavering belief in doing things the right way. “I’d be out putting up my own signs, writing my own flyers, returning calls at all hours,” he recalls with a smile. “I loved it then, and I still love it now.”

Over time, that consistency has become the foundation of his reputation. Lucas is now recognized for representing some of Knoxville’s most distinctive homes—from the tree-lined streets of Sequoyah Hills to the classic architecture of Westmoreland. Still, he doesn’t take the recognition for granted. “There are a lot of great realtors in this city,” he says. “When someone chooses me, I see that as a responsibility. Earning their trust matters more than anything.”

His process is deliberate and personal. Lucas doesn’t simply list homes—he builds a plan around them. “Every property is unique,” he explains. “Some need a quiet, targeted approach. Others deserve a broader spotlight. My goal is to understand the story behind each home and represent it with care.”

Known for his attention to detail, Lucas combines traditional professionalism with a refined, design-driven sensibility. His listings reach audiences well beyond Knoxville, yet his work remains rooted in genuine relationships and honest communication. “People here value sincerity,” he says. “They want someone who listens, follows through, and treats them with respect. That’s what I try to do.”

It’s a philosophy that has built lasting connections—often with clients returning years later to buy or sell again. “That’s one of the most rewarding parts of this business,” he says. “Being trusted to help families through different seasons of life—it’s something I never take lightly.”

Across town, another of Lucas’s listings tells a different story. The home on Westland Drive is one many Knoxville residents recognize instantly. “It’s kind of a landmark,” he says, smiling. “The one with the grassy bridge near the entrance to Westmoreland—people point it out when they drive by.”

Set on a broad, manicured lot across from Lakeshore Park, the house feels both stately and welcoming. “It’s one of those homes that’s been part of Knoxville’s collective memory for years,” Lucas says. “But what really makes it special is how much care the owners have poured into it. They’ve spent more than two decades restoring and refining it, and you can feel that in every detail.”

When Lucas talks about homes like this, he doesn’t lean on numbers or square footage. He talks about how the light moves through the rooms, the weight of old doors, the way certain spaces make people feel. “I think people fall in love with homes the same way they fall in love with anything else,” he says. “It’s about connection. You just know when it’s right.”

That belief also extends to his more contemporary listings. Currently, he is representing Albion—a striking lakefront residence designed by Atlanta architect Keith Summerour. With its clean lines and panoramic views, it stands in deliberate contrast to the century-old charm of Kingston Pike, yet both share a common thread—craftsmanship

and integrity. “Keith’s work is extraordinary,” Lucas says. “Every line has intention. Albion is one of those homes that stops you the moment you walk in. The design and the setting are in perfect conversation.”

Still, Lucas resists the idea that luxury defines his work.

“I represent all kinds of properties,” he says. “Some are grand, some are simple—but all of them matter. What’s important to me is that my clients feel looked after, no matter the price point or neighborhood.”

That steady, client-first approach has earned him the trust of multiple generations of Knoxville families. “I’ve been fortunate to work with parents, then their children, and sometimes even their friends or colleagues,” he says. “That kind of trust doesn’t happen quickly. It’s built one good experience at a time.”

Behind that consistency is a tight-knit support system. “I don’t have a large team,” Lucas explains. “It’s me and a small administrative group, and they’re remarkable. They handle the details that keep everything moving smoothly—marketing, scheduling, communication. I couldn’t do what I do without them.”

But for Lucas, the idea of a “team” extends far beyond his immediate staff. “After two decades in this business, you build lasting relationships—with lenders, inspectors, contractors, stagers, photographers. These are people I’ve worked alongside for years. We share a mutual respect, and that makes the process better for everyone involved.”

He pauses, thoughtful. “It’s not glamorous,” he says with a modest laugh, “but it’s what makes the difference. People want things to go right. And we all work together to make sure they do.”

That blend of humility and professionalism has become Lucas’s signature—an approach rooted not in self-promotion, but in gratitude. “When someone trusts you with their home, it’s personal,” he says. “It’s usually the biggest investment they’ve made, and it holds years of memories. You have to treat that with care.”

Back at the Kingston Pike home, the evening light softens against the brick façade, casting long shadows across the garden. Lucas stands for a moment at the doorway, looking out toward the hedges and the curve of the old stone path. “It’s hard to believe you’re right off one of the busiest roads in town,” he says. “You step outside and it’s suddenly peaceful, like the city disappears for a moment.”

Beyond the patio, the property unfolds into several acres of manicured lawn and mature gardens—boxwoods, hydrangeas, and oaks that have framed a century of gatherings and quiet evenings alike. “That’s the beauty of places like this,” Lucas says. “You can renovate and modernize everything else, but you can’t recreate that sense of history. It has to be lived in to exist.”

He gestures toward the home’s recent updates—sleek iron fixtures, open living spaces, and a kitchen that balances functionality with timeless design. “The owners did a beautiful job modernizing it without losing what made it special,” he says. “That’s the art of restoration. Bringing something forward without erasing its past.”

That philosophy mirrors Lucas’s own approach to his work: a balance between progress and respect for what’s come before. “Real estate changes constantly,” he says.

“Markets shift, styles evolve—but the heart of it stays the same.

It’s about people, trust, and the idea of home.”

It’s not unusual for Lucas to receive calls from clients he helped decades ago—sometimes to sell the same home they once bought together, other times to help their children find

a place of their own. “That’s probably the greatest compliment,” he says. “When someone comes back years later,

it tells me we did something right the first time.”

Those relationships, built over time, are what keep him motivated. “I’ve been lucky to work with incredible families,” he says. “People who care deeply about this community, who believe in doing things the right way. That’s what makes Knoxville special.”

He credits much of his success to that same community and to the people who continue to shape it. “There’s a generosity here—of spirit, of time, of care—that you don’t find everywhere,” he says. “It’s one of the reasons I’m proud to call this place home.”

As dusk settles over the gardens, Lucas takes one last look through the wide front windows of the Kingston Pike house. The light glows warm and steady, touching every surface with the kind of quiet grace that defines both the home and the man describing it.

“Homes like this remind you to slow down,” he says. “To notice what lasts.”

It’s an observation that captures his philosophy in full: success measured not in sales numbers or accolades, but in the steady accumulation of trust, integrity, and care.

Lucas smiles—an unassuming gesture from someone who prefers his work to speak for itself. “At the end of the day,” he says, “it’s simple. Do right by people. Take care of the details and stay grateful for the chance to do what you love.”

The evening air cools as he steps outside, the glow of the house soft behind him. In that quiet, it’s easy to see what he means. The best things—like a well-built home, or a good reputation—aren’t created quickly. They’re built slowly, with intention and respect for the craft.

And that, perhaps, is what defines both Lucas Haun and the homes he represents: a commitment to work that endures, and to people who believe home should mean something.

Gold Winner : Real Estate Agent – Residential

oysk3 Architects

Building a Legacy of It’s Own

Story by Matt McGarry

For oysk3 Architects, every project is more than a structure—it’s a collaborative process built on trust, responsiveness, and community roots.

Oysk3 Architects is more than a typical design firm. It’s a legacy. Originating as Odle & Young Architects, founders Jim Odle and Steve Young operated their firm for nearly three decades, many years before partnering with Cara Knapp and giving birth to osyk3 Architects. As Cara puts it, “I began collaborating on projects with Jim and Steve to see if the chemistry was right, and in 2017, we all came to the same conclusion: the chemistry was right.”

The name “3” in oysk3 reflects three guiding pillars that drive the principals, and through them, the oysk3 team—consistent, reliable, and responsive—values that Cara says are simply “non-negotiable.” “We put these pillars into practice across our organization every day and in everything we do,” she says. “Our goal, just as importantly as delivering the desired outcome, is to engage clients with a process that is collaborative and seamless.”Diversity in Projects and Team Members

oysk3 boasts a diverse portfolio across hospitality, healthcare, restaurant, recreational, general commercial, custom homes, and historic building renovations.

“Our team of design professionals is wonderfully diverse. That diversity and cross-industry knowledge speaks to our commitment to quality in the design process and the attention we give to our clients—from residential to food processing facility—no matter the nature of their project.” – Cara Knapp

One of the firm’s personality traits, one that is, in fact, deep in oysk3’s DNA, is its personal, hands-on collaboration with clients. Cara describes the firm’s design process as “interactive” and “tailored to clients’ needs and conscious of constraints outside the scope of the project.”

From early concept sketches to final finish selections, the oysk3 team works in close consultation with the client, ensuring that the outcome reflects both the desired personality and practicality. “It’s driven by our pillar of responsiveness. That collaboration,” Cara says, “reinforces trust: clients know they’ll be heard, understood, and supported from groundbreaking to ribbon cutting.”

Beyond their project work, oysk3 also serves nonprofits, works on designs in hospitality that emphasize local place and character, and contributes to commercial structures that enhance the built environment in East Tennessee. One project that particularly excites the team is Operation Hero’s Hill, a vital initiative launched by Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs to build tiny homes for homeless veterans.

“Projects like this one,” Cara says, “reflect the firm’s belief that architecture has a purpose beyond profitability. We believe good design should serve people first, places second.”

“Our team of design professionals is wonderfully diverse. That diversity and cross-industry knowledge speaks to our commitment to quality in the design process and the attention we give to our clients—from residential to food processing facility—no matter the nature of their project.” – Cara Knapp

For oysk3, contributing design, planning ideas, or mentorship to efforts like Hero’s Hill is more than voluntary work—it’s part of the firm’s identity. A mission of serving those who served the nation, supporting skilled trades education, and breathing life into communities while preserving dignity aligns perfectly with oysk3’s values.

For clients, working with oysk3 isn’t just about getting a building—it’s about a process that feels respectful, transparent, and creative. Clients repeatedly praise the team for being attentive, professional, and for delivering projects on time and budget. Their repeat and referral business is remarkably high and for Cara, not terribly surprising. This again hearkens back to the three pillars.

As Cara puts it, “The repeat business comes from the trust we garner, which comes from consistency in communication, responsiveness to evolving project challenges, and reliability of results.”

Through Cara’s leadership, and the three pillars, the firm continues to build remarkable structures for clients in East Tennessee, as well as a legacy of its own.1545 Western Ave, Knoxville, TN 37921 (865) 523-8200 oysk3architects.com

Pickering & Allen – The Thirty-Year Smile

Pickering & Allen celebrates three decades of high-quality, innovative orthodontics

Story by Dylan Balle
Photography by Audrey Stephens

What does it take to make the perfect smile? It takes an orthodontist with a scientist’s mind but an artist’s eye. More than that, though, it takes a dedicated team, all working together to make sure each and every patient walks out of the office not just with the pearliest whites but the perfect bite, teeth able to tackle whatever the world throws at them.

“The best compliment that I can ever get is when somebody says, ‘That person’s got a beautiful smile. They don’t have the orthodontic smile,’” says Dr. Jim Pickering, founder of Pickering & Allen Orthodontics. “And I look at them and I say, ‘Well, yeah, I treated them.’”

Since 1995, when Dr. Pickering first opened the doors of what would become Pickering & Allen, the goal has always been to create smiles that are both beautiful and functional.

“We started with one patient a day,” says Dr. Pickering. But over the past 30 years, the practice has grown to become a trusted staple of Knoxville orthodontics, and Dr. Pickering has put together a team of experts that elevate the practice further, from fellow orthodontist Dr. Tyler Allen to Gina and Jill at the front desk.

“We’ve been blessed with the ability to care for a lot of patients,” says Dr. Pickering, “and the team is very vital to any success we have.”

Growth in the size of the team and public trust haven’t been the only drivers behind Pickering & Allen’s success; innovation has always been a key part of Dr. Pickering’s approach to medicine. Techniques have evolved since he first began working on Knoxville’s smiles, and he’s been committed since day one to evolve with them.

“I don’t practice orthodontics at all like I was taught in school, because that was back in the 90s,” says Dr. Pickering. One new technique – Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion (or MARPE) – has allowed Dr. Pickering and Dr. Allen to improve the breathing of patients and tackle problems such as sleep apnea; previous treatments were restricted to children or required invasive surgery, but this new treatment allows for it to be handled in-office for adults, not only helping their sleep challenges but also reducing the risk of damage to their teeth.

Perhaps the most common examples he gives of innovations in the practice, however, are braces. In his own childhood, a child’s braces had to be held in place by rubber bands; these days, he can offer passive self-ligating brackets, which is a fancy way of saying braces that stay in place all on their own. This seemingly small change can make a substantial long-term difference in one’s dental hygiene, since more of the teeth are regularly able to be cleaned. There are even clear options for self-ligating brackets, providing near-invisible correction, as well as tools like Invisalign.

“It’s given us a whole array of options for aesthetic treatment,” says Dr. Pickering.

Thirty years after it first opened, Pickering & Allen Orthodontics is still going strong, and Dr. Pickering looks forward to helping patients new and old achieve their perfect smile and bite.

“My favorite thing is seeing that final result, hearing them say, ‘Gosh, this is exactly what I was hoping for,’” says Dr. Pickering. “Because who doesn’t want a beautiful smile?”

4741 N. Broadway, Suite C & 120 Capital Dr. Suite 104 Knoxville | 865-687-9412 pickeringorthodontics.com

Pro Toy – Where Honesty Drives the Shop

Trusted for independent auto care in Knoxville, Pro Toy is fueled by deep experience and customer confidence

Story and Photography byNathan Sparks

A Shop With Roots and a Promise

Founded in 2001 by Barry and Kim Dickey, Pro Toy Automotive Service Center began as a specialist shop for Toyota and Lexus owners. Over time, it expanded to serve most makes and models while keeping its original ethos intact: “Where the truth is always free.”

Today, with a clean, professional eight-bay facility and a reputation throughout Knoxville for honest and transparent service, the shop stands as a family-driven alternative to the typical car dealership. Customers know they’ll find dealership-level expertise without the high-pressure sales or inflated repair lists. From check-ins to diagnostics, customers are welcomed into an environment designed to make them feel respected and informed.

As Barry says, “It’s easy to check in. If you want to see your vehicle when it’s being worked on, that’s not a problem. Glad to show you what we found.”

Stable Team, Sharp Skills

One of Pro Toy’s quiet strengths is its long-tenured staff. Neal, the service manager, for instance, has been part of the team for five years, and the average tech has over six years with the company—a testament to the shop’s stability. Technicians receive ongoing education, particularly as new vehicle technologies emerge.

Barry brings in specialized trainers when new models are released, ensuring his team stays ahead of the curve. That commitment to learning means every repair, from brake jobs to complex hybrid diagnostics, is always done with the upmost confidence and precision.

Pro Toy uses the same diagnostic software that dealerships rely on, allowing for precise evaluations and complete “health checks” that scan every module in a vehicle. “We have access to the same information that a dealer tech has, so we can always properly analyze the codes and get our customers back on the road with minimum expense” Barry explains. Yet the technical excellence isn’t the only thing that keeps their customers loyal—it’s also the honesty behind every recommendation.

Trust Worn on the Hood

Customers consistently say they trust Pro Toy. “They know we’re not going to sell them something that we shouldn’t,” Kim says. That integrity shows in the shop’s 4.9 Carfax rating and a steady stream of word-of-mouth referrals.

Congratulations Randy Creswell Silver Winner in Auto Mechanic

Barry recalls a Lexus owner was told by a chain repair shop that she needed three motor mounts for $2,500. His assessment? Nothing was wrong. “That car didn’t need that,” Barry says. “It made me frustrated for our customer.” He took care of her right away, ensuring she felt safe to drive after checking everything was in tip-top shape. Pro Toy also rejects the industry’s upsell trends. “Transmission flush, engine flush—things nobody needs,” Barry explains. “It’s nice to be able to tell people what they really need and not try to sell them stuff they don’t. Our customers appreciate that honesty.”

Pro Toy’s success rests on a simple formula: skill, consistency, and honesty. In a city full of auto shops, Pro Toy remains the rare one that values trust above all—where every customer leaves with clarity, confidence, and a car that’s truly cared for.

10635 Braden Dickey Lane Knoxville, TN 37932 865-670-0787 protoyauto.com

Providence Builders – The Art of Comfortable Living

Story by Nathan Sparks
Photography by Bruce McCamish

Morning light drapes across the hills of Tennessee National, catching the soft grain of timber beams and the shimmer of glass in a home that seems to have grown naturally from the land itself. Beneath the vaulted rooflines and stone accents, there’s a quiet sense of balance—strength and warmth, modernity and timelessness. It’s the kind of home that doesn’t just impress—it invites you in.

This year, Providence Builders celebrates its third consecutive Cityview Magazine Best of the Best Award for Custom Home Builder – Over $1 Million. For Ron and Diane Bills, the husband-and-wife team behind the company, the honor feels both humbling and affirming. “Every award we’ve ever received belongs to our team,” says Ron, president and founder of Providence Builders. “The designers, the project managers, the craftsmen, the people who pour their skill and care into every detail. We just have the privilege of leading them.”

And the home that best embodies that spirit this year is their latest Parade of Homes showcase: a 3,792-square-foot Mountain Modern Ranch in the Tennessee National development, complete with an 830-square-foot garage, three bedrooms, and four baths. Designed and built for a client who wanted the perfect marriage of comfort and sophistication, the home is an architectural expression of Providence’s entire philosophy—where design, craftsmanship, and livability meet in harmony.

The home’s style—what Ron and Diane describe as Mountain Modern Ranch—is defined by its clean geometry and natural textures. From the moment you step onto the wide, welcoming front porch, the materials do the talking: authentic stone, wood, and glass in perfect proportion. Inside, a vaulted great room rises dramatically, its timber trusses drawing the eye upward while a natural stone fireplace anchors the space with quiet confidence.

It’s an environment that feels both grand and grounded. Expansive glass walls open the interior to nature through a 10-foot multi-slide door, erasing the line between indoors and outdoors. Beyond it, a broad covered patio and sunroom create a seamless flow of space—ideal for entertaining or simply enjoying the calm of the landscape.

“Comfort was the goal,” Ron says. “We wanted the home to live easily day to day—to feel connected and warm, while still having the precision and presence of fine craftsmanship.”

Designed for the Way People Live

While many Parade homes strive to dazzle, this one was designed to feel right. Most of the living space sits on a single level—a thoughtful decision for comfort, accessibility, and flow. Each space transitions naturally to the next: the great room to the kitchen, the kitchen to the sunroom, the sunroom to the patio overlooking the rolling Tennessee hills.

The kitchen, designed “with the culinary artist in mind,” is both functional and inspiring. Professional-grade appliances, abundant prep space, and a large island make it a cook’s dream. Yet the finishes—rich wood cabinetry, Dekton surfaces, and subtle lighting—keep it warm and inviting. It’s the kind of space where a chef can host a dinner party or a family can gather over pancakes on a Sunday morning.

“Single-level living doesn’t mean simple,” Diane says with a smile. “It means intentional. Every detail—from sightlines to materials to lighting—is chosen to make daily living a pleasure.”

What makes Providence Builders unique isn’t just their craftsmanship—it’s their process. The company’s design-build model means that architecture, construction, and interior design all work in concert from day one. There’s no handoff between firms, no miscommunication between vision and execution. The entire project moves as one creative rhythm.

That collaboration starts with listening. “We begin by understanding how our clients live,” Diane explains. “How they cook, entertain, relax, and recharge. Then we design a home that supports that lifestyle.”

Once the design direction is established, Ron and his project team translate that vision into structure. His background in aerospace engineering and corporate leadership informs a disciplined approach to precision. “We don’t draw something we can’t build beautifully,” he says. “Our plans are detailed to the millimeter. That’s how you control quality and make sure the finished home is as extraordinary as the dream behind it.”

Providence’s process is also defined by transparency. Every budget is meticulously documented, every cost accounted for. Clients receive regular reports through the BuilderTrend platform, complete with photos, updates, and progress tracking. The result is not just a well-built home—it’s a stress-free experience.

“Building a home should be fun,” Ron adds. “It’s one of the biggest investments of your life. You deserve to enjoy the process.”

Craftsmanship That Tells a Story

Providence Builders’ reputation has been built one detail at a time. Their job sites are models of organization and pride, where long-time trade partners—many of whom have worked with Ron for years—bring engineering-level precision to every cut, joint, and finish.

In the Tennessee National home, that craftsmanship is everywhere you look. The beam work in the great room is as structural as it is sculptural. The stone fireplace rises in graceful contrast to sleek built-in shelving. Cabinetry fits like fine furniture. Even the trim transitions, often overlooked in lesser builds, align perfectly from room to room.

“There are a thousand people who touch a home before it’s done,” Ron says. “We make sure every one of them knows their role matters. Because it does.”

That culture of respect and shared pride is what keeps Providence’s quality consistent—and why clients return again and again. Many homeowners build multiple homes with Providence, not out of necessity, but because the experience is that good.

Inside, the artistry continues. Under the guidance of Diane Bills and interior designer Anne White, the home’s interiors reflect a refined yet livable aesthetic. The palette is soft and natural: warm woods, creamy whites, brushed metals, and subtle stone tones that echo the landscape beyond the glass.

The result is a home that feels serene, connected, and timeless. “Our goal is to make every home not just beautiful but livable,” Anne says. “We design for how people actually live, not just how it photographs.”

From the welcoming foyer to the intimate owner’s suite, each space feels cohesive and considered. The bathrooms blend spa-like luxury with practical comfort; the bedrooms are retreats, designed for rest and simplicity. The sunroom, with its broad windows and gentle light, offers a moment of calm—perhaps the most defining space of all.

“Comfort doesn’t just come from furniture or finishes,” Diane notes. “It comes from balance—proportion, light, texture, the way materials meet. That’s what makes a home feel right.”

A Legacy of Trust and Gratitude

Winning Best of the Best for three years running is no small feat, but Providence Builders doesn’t measure success in trophies. For Ron and Diane, the recognition is a reflection of the relationships they’ve built—with clients, with their team, and with the community.

“We’re incredibly grateful,” Ron says. “It means people notice the care we take. It means they value transparency, quality, and trust as much as we do.”

In an industry often driven by speed and scale, Providence continues to champion the personal side of building—the belief that each home is a story of people and place. “We never want to lose sight of that,” Diane adds. “This work is about creating something meaningful—something lasting.”

That philosophy extends beyond the job site. Providence is known for its community-minded approach: delivering welcome baskets to neighbors before a build begins, celebrating project completions as shared milestones, and maintaining friendships with clients long after the keys are handed over.

“It’s not just about building homes,” Ron says. “It’s about building relationships that last.”Looking Forward

As Providence Builders steps into another year of design excellence, the mission remains the same: to create homes that elevate everyday living through precision, beauty, and heart. The Tennessee National Parade Home may stand as their latest masterpiece, but for Ron and Diane, it’s simply the continuation of a story they’ve been writing for two decades—a story of craftsmanship guided by purpose.

Each new project brings fresh ideas, new materials, evolving technologies—but the essence never changes. Every plan begins with a blank sheet of paper and a question: How can we make this home feel like theirs?

It’s that question that keeps Providence’s work personal and enduring—and what keeps clients coming back, generation after generation.

Standing in the great room of the Tennessee National home, sunlight streaming across the stone hearth and the wide-plank floors, Diane smiles. “Homes like this remind us why we do what we do,” she says. “When you create something that feels right—where every detail works in harmony—you’ve built more than a house. You’ve built a home.”

Gold Winner: Custom Home Builder – One Million +

For more information,click here

Safe Splash

Taking the Plunge

Story by Micha Haas
Photography by Nathan Sparks

SafeSplash gives East Tennessee’s youth a lifelong love for the water

For some, swimming is a passion. That’s certainly the case for Davis Tarwater, who capped his 20-year-long competitive swimming career with Olympic gold in London. But whether it’s a passion for you or not, it’s important that you and your family have the tools you need to survive and thrive in the water, and giving you those tools has been Tarwater’s goal since the first day he opened the doors to Knoxville’s SafeSplash Swim School.

“We want to provide a fun and nurturing environment for kids to develop a love for the water while also learning important safety skills.” says Tarwater.

Tarwater started off his business in a borrowed hotel pool, but these days he and his team operate four locations, with their flagship location in Cedar Bluff. SafeSplash boasts a number of different programs for swimmers of all ages, but whether you or your kid are looking to join a class or spring for one-on-one lessons, you can be sure you’re in good hands.

“We work really hard to make sure our instructors are the best in the business,” says Cedar Bluff location manager Emily Morgan. “Each receives very extensive training before they get their own block of classes.”

SafeSplash is what the team calls a “swimmer-initiated submersion program”, meaning that they don’t force kids under the water if they don’t feel comfortable or ready. It means that each swimmer can go at their own pace. This is helped by small class sizes (with most classes having a 3-to-1 student/instructor ratio), making sure each student gets the personal attention they need to have a safe and constructive swimming journey.

“All kids develop at different speeds. The most important thing is consistency, that week-to-week exposure,” says Tarwater. “We know that not every person that comes through our doors wants to be a competitive swimmer, but everyone should be able to enjoy the water.”

Tarwater explains his classes as being like a rolling monthly membership. “We enroll kids and they come the same day and time every week,” says Tarwater. “When the student has achieved their objective, you put in a drop date and you’re done. We try to make it really easy, with as few strings attached as possible.”The S.A.F.E.R. Swimmer Promise

This January, in the spirit of making safe swimming accessible to all in Knoxville, SafeSplash is debuting a new program called the S.A.F.E.R. Swimmer Promise, offered for kids as young as four. The idea behind the program is to ensure the student has all the skills they need to survive the water over the course of a year, with an evaluation at the end to test their water-readiness. The eponymous promise is that if a year isn’t enough for the student to acquire the needed skills, then all the lessons the student needs going forward to pass the evaluation are free.For All Ages and All Levels

But SafeSplash isn’t just for kids and beginning swimmers.

“While we’re not a fitness concept, we are an instructional business for swimmers of all levels,” says Tarwater. “We have video offerings for triathletes and competitive swimmers, and our endless pools, which create a current you can swim against.”

Want to know what SafeSplash can do for you? Give them a call at 865-263-1800 or check them out online at safesplash.com.

Gold in Swim Lessons

Skin Wellness

Healthy Skin, Beautiful Skin

Story by Micha Haas
Photography by Hannah Davis & Nathan Sparks

The Skin Wellness Center offers a holistic, medically-focused approach to improving the health of your skin

Whether you’re talking to their doctors, their staff, or their patients, you’ll hear the same thing: there are many medispas in East Tennessee, but there is only one Skin Wellness Center.

For over two decades, Dr. Meredith Overholt and Dr. Kimberly Grande have prided themselves on providing the best in medical and cosmetic dermatologic care, while their dedicated team of aestheticians and advanced practitioners offer a variety of services to improve the health and look of skin.

“We look at things like psoriasis, eczema, acne, autoimmune rashes, things like that,” says Dr. Overholt. “That’s the bread and butter of our practice.”

So what goes into a top-tier dermatology practice? The first element is expertise.

“We have a completely different platform than other medispas because we have dermatologists on site at our practice who oversee our work and decisions on site daily,” says staff aesthetician Alexis Pacetti. And it’s not just Dr. Overholt and Dr. Grande bringing that level of medical care to the practice, either.

“One thing that makes us different from most is that most of our aesthetic staff come from medical backgrounds,” says Dr. Grande. “It really gives them appreciation for anatomy, what the skin is made of physiologically, and what you can expect skin to do,”

Aestheticians spend months shadowing the dermatologists before they’re allowed to perform treatments of their own. This means that the care they provide, even when purely aesthetic, is part of a larger plan to improve the health of the patient’s skin.

That plan is the second element: a holistic medical approach to skincare.

“We carry the caring mantra of medicine into our practice,” says Dr. Grande. “We want to give patients good medical outcomes, not just make them look pretty.”

Every patient gets a personalized treatment plan after consultation with the Skin Wellness team, to make sure their treatment is focused on their individual needs and concerns.

“We always like to give people options,” says Dr. Overholt. “We’re all about giving you the pros and cons of each of your choices.”

Treatment doesn’t just stay in the office, either. Education is a big part of continuing treatment, and both Dr. Overholt and Dr. Grande emphasize teaching their patients the best ways to maintain the results Skin Wellness helps them achieve.

“There’s a lot of people who learn about their skincare on TikTok, but the influencer doesn’t have the years of medical school and 24 years of practice we do,” says Dr. Grande.

One simple technique for self-diagnosis Dr. Overholt teaches her patients is what she calls the ‘Ugly Duckling’ rule.

“Skin cancer doesn’t often come in identical sets of six or seven,” says Dr. Overholt. “Basically, if you look at a spot and you look around and you’re like, ‘No, I really don’t have any others like that,’ that’s an ugly duckling.”

The third and final element is innovation. One such innovative service Skin Wellness offers is a non-surgical treatment for skin cancer known as GentleCure.

“It’s superficial radiation therapy guided by an ultrasound,” explains Dr. Grande. “You can get your skin cancer treated without a scalpel, and it’s 99.9% effective.”

“We’ve been doing it the longest of anyone in the city,” says Dr. Overholt – for over seven years, Dr. Grande adds.

Staying on top of the latest innovations in dermatologic medicine takes time and effort, but for Dr. Overholt and Dr. Grande, it’s the right thing to do for their patients.

“At Skin Wellness, we believe healthy skin is beautiful skin, and every person has the right to have the skin they desire,” says Dr. Grande.

If you’d like to learn more about the Skin Wellness Center, you can check them out online at theskinwellnesscenter.net, or schedule a consultation at 865-584-8580 (for medical dermatology) or 865-251-9965 (for cosmetic dermatology).

10215 Parkside Dr., Ste 200 Knoxville, TN 37922 865-584-8580 theskinwellnesscenter.net

Stillwater Customs – An Unlikely Journey

From boat captain to built‑ins, Stillwater Customs crafts Knoxville’s finest woodwork

Story by Nathan Sparks
Photography by Nathan Sparks & Kevin Pitts

It had been a long, fruitless day. We’d tried everything, and the fish just weren’t biting. Dinner depended on it, and we were coming up empty. Chris Goodwin was on the phone, talking about maybe heading into town for supper—not what we wanted, but it was starting to sound like our only option, at least that’s what I thought. In reality Chris was pulling on the short list. The elite group of people in his life he can always count on, and I was about to learn why.

Then, just as the sun began to fall, I heard it: the distant whine of a single outboard coming closer. Moments later, a boat eased up alongside the pier, and out of the live well came a beautiful seven‑pound tripletail—enough to feed all seven of us. That was the first time I met Kevin Pitts, and it wouldn’t be the last. That’s the heart of a giver. He could have kept that fish for himself, but that just wouldn’t have been Kevin. And true to form, that’s how he runs Stillwater Customs—always giving more than expected, not because he has to, but because he can. That’s just who he is.

Kevin’s path to becoming one of Knoxville’s most respected woodworkers began far from the shop floor—on the open water. Before crafting fine cabinetry, he spent years as a biologist and boat captain in Beaufort, South Carolina. His introduction to woodworking came later, when he apprenticed under an expert craftsman in Nashville. “About twenty years ago,” Kevin recalls, “I was introduced to an expert woodworker who offered me the chance to learn. While I was doing basic carpentry, he was building for big names—politicians, musicians, people at the top of their game. Working beside him, I fell in love with woodworking.”

Today, that same passion drives Stillwater Customs, recognized as a Cityview Best of the Best Gold Winner for 2025—and for good reason. Kevin’s work stands apart because it begins with the simplest, most honest materials: rough lumber, milled and shaped entirely by hand. “What I do is different,” he explains. “When people say custom, they sometimes mean they ordered something from a catalog and put it together. We start with raw boards and build from scratch. No computer‑controlled cutters—just tools, craftsmanship, and care.”

Every piece begins with a conversation. “It’s important to be a good listener,” Kevin says. “I work with each client from the first idea to the final coat of finish. Some want to be hands‑on through every step; others hand me the reins and trust me to bring it home. Either way, it’s personal.”

For Kevin, woodworking isn’t just a trade—it’s a calling. His shop is his sanctuary, filled with the scent of sawdust and the rhythm of creation. “I love being in my shop,” he says. “It’s peaceful. Sometimes my daughters join me, and that’s the best part.”

In an age of automation and shortcuts, Kevin Pitts reminds us that beauty still lives in honest work—where a steady hand, a generous heart, and a piece of rough wood can become something enduring. Knoxville, TN 865‑282‑2048 stillwatercustoms.com

The Painted Room – Kitchen Dreams, Family Roots

When it comes to making your kitchen look its best, Chris Hardy of The Painted Room tells it like it is—and then makes it beautiful.

Story by Quenntin Galyon

Christopher Hardy and his mother, Chriss Hardy Glover launched a mother-son, joint business concept back in 2002, running out of Chriss’s garage. They had the skills, but would they be able to successfully open a small business? Could the business survive two recessions and a global pandemic? Twenty-three years later, The Painted Room is thriving and has become the go-to spot for kitchen makeovers.An Artistic Beginning

The Painted Room started as an art-centered paint company, focusing primarily on murals, faux finishing, and decorative design. Christopher studied International Business at the University of Tennessee and the University of Charles de Gaulle in Lille, France, while Chriss was a well-established artist and muralist. “While on Spring break in 2002, I worked with my mother on an art project at our church, and from that, we came up with the idea of working together and starting a business,” Christopher recounts. From humble beginnings, like driving to job sites with a ladder bungee-corded to the top of a Ford Escort, countless hours of their hard work and dedication propelled The Painted Room to a mainstay of the Knoxville design community. Over the years, as trends shifted and their business grew, they adapted their craft, merging it with carpentry and kitchen design, and even opened a secondary location in the greater New York area. The Painted Room boasts to have worked with local design giants like Blackberry Farms, High Hampton Resort, Paula Deen Restaurants, and Dollywood. Their work is also featured in prominent homes and businesses across the area.

After building an empire with her son, five years ago, Chriss decided to retire, and Christopher now continues the family legacy. The dynamics of their lives have ultimately shaped The Painted Room to become what it is today. Christopher moved to midtown Manhattan for several years and worked with stellar designers while juggling the business in Knoxville. “All the back-and-forth travel was exhausting, and it split my focus too much,” recounts Christopher. He closed down the New York operations and moved back full-time to Knoxville. Meanwhile, almost simultaneously, Chriss decided it was time to focus on family and her artwork again. Christopher clarifies, “It was the best thing that could have happened. I loved my time in New York, and the experiences I garnered, but it also made me realize how much I love East Tennessee and the people here.”A Team Built on Experience and Vision

Today, Christopher is accompanied by Valerie Garner, an expert design consultant bringing thirty years of experience who has showcased her talents through exquisite construction designs in the area along with prominent project management gigs. “Our goal is to make this a one-stop shop for kitchen remodeling,” Garner explains. In addition to cabinet finishes and hardware, The Painted Room also has a large selection of granite, quartz, and stone countertop and backsplash options to personalize the experience. “I love to meet with customers in their homes, getting to know them, and helping them create a memorable gathering space that’s both practical and beautiful.” Between Valerie and Christopher, The Painted Room is consistently providing experienced knowledge in design and execution to give the customer exactly what their dream kitchen is made of. When asked what is trending in Knoxville currently, Christopher and Valerie both agree that shaker cabinets and quartz countertops are the rage.Craftsmanship Backed by Trust

A quick google search will show that The Painted Room has a stellar record of customer satisfaction supported by glowing reviews online. Christopher illustrates that having the right team makes that possible. Jay Link has been with the company for the better part of a decade and leads the paint and carpentry crews. “Jay is my right-hand man who makes these visions come to life,” he explains, “we are lucky to have such great guys working with us.”The Heart Behind the Craft

The joy and love that is conveyed through projects stems from Christopher’s joy and love for life. When not working, he’s a self described gym rat, avid kayaker and hiker, and loves anything to do with the great outdoors. “It took a while, but it’s been great to settle down full-time back here in Knoxville,” he shares. Christopher lives with his girlfriend, Caroline and his dog, Bugsy.

Christopher Hardy infuses art, masterful fine-finishing, and carpentry at The Painted Room, the best choice for repurposing and redesigning aging kitchens. But most importantly, it’s the heart that is poured into every customer and project that makes The Painted Room unique.

Gold in Cabinets- Refacing & Refinishing