What is your vision for Knoxville 10 years from now?
Knoxville is a wonderful place to live. People continue to move here as the revitalization of downtown and the economic development climate, I believe, has helped our city and county prosper. I want to see continued residential and retail growth in the downtown area, and I would love to see greater growth and interest in the South Knoxville riverfront. Unfortunately, Knoxville has suffered an identity crisis as we are near the Smokies but not in them, we have a beautiful riverfront, yet it is not utilized ideally, and there is no large tourism draw or unique attraction. However, I really enjoy watching Randy Boyd create. He and his family are focusing and developing within the Old City and that is exemplified by them bringing baseball back to Knoxville. It would be great to have Knoxville as a destination rather than a passthrough for folks heading to the mountains. Nevertheless, Knoxville needs to continue to offer a quality education within the public school’s system and offer competitive careers for those graduating from the universities and colleges that surround this great city.
What is Knoxville's best kept secret?
The hiking trails at Concord Park. My wife, son and I find this to be a relaxing hike as we usually take the Lakeshore Loop. Along that path you will meander alongside the lake and most of the time you will come across a sandy beach to enjoy. We found this to be a perfect activity to gain some perspective while being sheltered at home during the pandemic. It is a fun place to play for our son and gets him outdoors. This was a place we seemed to go to often during the height of the pandemic as we just needed to get away and do something together. Over time this became a part of our routine, and I just love the beauty of the area, yet you are only 15 miles from downtown Knoxville.
What would you do to strengthen Knoxville?
To become stronger, we must realize where we are weak. Right now, I think the racial equity makeup of Knoxville is creating stagnation. With so much civil unrest throughout the U.S., Knoxville and its leaders need to work together rather than create more division. Human dignity is a feeling of self-worth and there really seems to be regression right now. Something innocent and fun we could do is a promotion of Knoxville, a festival celebrating all things Knoxville. If we could find a way to acknowledge all things great and different about Knoxville it could be fun and educational – plus create an economic impact. Look at it as a weekend of celebration where different businesses, races, religions, cultures, cuisines, sports, etc., could be on display to show what is uniquely Knoxville and why we are who we are.
What is your favorite Knoxville memory?
One of my favorite memories is when my father took me to a UT football game. I remember it vividly as Tennessee played Louisville in 1993, Heath Shuler was at quarterback. This was my first game watching the Vols and one of my few trips to Knoxville at the time as I grew up splitting half my childhood in Savannah, TN but then moved to Elizabethton in 1990. I was amazed as I had never experienced anything so vibrant, so loud, and exciting. My dad was never a UT fan as he went to Tulane, but this experience provided me with a new perspective and a desire to attend the University of Tennessee. I do believe that it was this experience that led me to UT and to remain in Knoxville, ultimately raising a family here. Had it not been for that experience my path might have been different. I had received an appointment to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy, but that trip to Knoxville in 1993 had an impact on me that will last a lifetime.
What is your favorite book or what book is currently on your nightstand?
My favorite book is Treasure Island. This was a childhood favorite and one I would pick up now just for pleasure. Currently, on my nightstand is “A Shipload of Leadership Nuggets” by Michael McIntyre. Doc was my leadership coach and is truly an amazing person with one heck of personality that I just admire. I look to gain knowledge from leaders, and he is one of them.
What is the best advice you have received from a mentor, and who was that mentor?
There have been a lot of great role models in my life, but I owe Bill Pittman a lot for his guidance, leadership, and friendship. He pushed me to be a better manager, a better leader, and a better person. He asked me to pursue an MBA while at DeRoyal. The push he gave me changed my personal and professional life for the better. I would not be as good of an employee, manager or family man had Bill not offered his friendship and guidance.
What advice would you give to your 16 year old self?
Look at life as an experience, take a chance and push yourself. Life is interesting as there will be so many opportunities and challenges. But what do you do with those instances, those challenges? Many of the challenges I was given around this age led to me taking an easier path. I did not have great confidence in myself, and the idea of failure would, at times, sway my decision. However, I have realized that everyone is going to fail, and those failures lead to a better understanding and create confidence to succeed. If you do not challenge yourself, you will only limit your growth.
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