Ambassadors

Name: Jeremy Johnson
Company: Farmers Insurance
Title: Insurance producer

Briefly describe your career path and how you got to your current position. I have always been in a customer oriented business as I did restaurant for 20 years. I have now been with the Drew Miles Agency for 7 years. Drew and I crossed paths many years ago during our restaurant days. Our paths crossed again in 2014 as I joined him in the insurance industry. I work with families and business owners to give them advice and guidance on their insurance needs. I always enjoy meeting new people within our community.

What’s one interesting fact about you? “In 2010, I was able to visit Ketchikan Alaska and had the opportunity to ride on the Aleutian Ballad crab boat from the TV series the Deadliest Catch. They toured us around the Bering Sea and hauled in several crab pots and see many different types of marine life.”

Name: Kelley Bell
Company: SAXON
Title: Group Benefits Consultant

Briefly describe your career path and how you got to your current position. “Prior to joining SAXON, I had 25 years in the banking industry. The last 3 years in banking, I was a Program Manager for a bank, partnering with numerous health insurance Brokers, educating employees on the Health Savings Bank Account when they were offered the HSA health plan. I enjoyed attending those employee meetings with the Brokers and had an interest in becoming a Group Benefits Consultant. I chose SAXON over several offers from other Brokers I partnered with because of our unique service model and focus on small businesses.”

What’s one interesting fact about you? “Love volunteering. Hospitality is the gift God has given me. I am happiest when I am serving others. I have gone on 9 mission trips and served on committees, Boards with numerous chambers of commerce, non-profits and chariites.”

Name: Shannon Bryant
Company: Sky City Entrepreneur Center
Title: Community Manager

Briefly describe your career path and how you got to your current position. “I’m a Maryville College alum, and I started my career as a reporter with Shopper-News community newspaper in Halls Crossroads, TN. There, I developed a love of community involvement and small business in particular, working as sales manager and finally general manager. I ran my own freelance writing business for two years before a combination of mayhem and serendipity brought me to a Maryville. I was commuting from Halls to Maryville and back for an job at a marketing agency. I fell in love with this community and moved myself and my son here in 2019. Becoming the Community Manger at Sky City Entrepreneur Center seemed like a great fit for me, with community involvement and engagement with local businesses like I missed from my Shopper-News days. I love coming to work with our amazing and diverse members every day!”

What’s one interesting fact about you? “I do medieval and Renaissance re-enactment with the Society for Creative Anachronism as a hobby. My specialty is traditional archery and thrown weapons!”

Name: Meagan Byrd
Company: CBBC Bank
Title: Assistant Vice President / Heritage Branch Manager

Briefly describe your career path and how you got to your current position. “My family moved from FL to Blount County, TN when I was 11 years old. I went to Maryville City Schools all through grade school and then went on to Maryville College where I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Outdoor Recreation and Business. I needed a job with benefits for my family so I applied for a teller position at CBBC Bank. I worked my way up in the company from a part-time teller to an Assistant Vice President. I turned a job into a career and never looked back. Here I am 14 years later still at CBBC Bank. These people are my second family and I am so thankful.”

What’s one interesting fact about you? “Being outside is one of my favorite things to do. I love camping with my family and friends. Cooking a good meal along with sitting around a campfire with the people you love is very fulfilling to me.”

Name: Sarah Calkin
Company: Express Strategic Services
Title: Business Development Manager

Briefly describe your career path and how you got to your current position. “Over the past 15 years, I have been in a sales/marketing role for several companies. Almost 6 years ago, 2 partners and I formed Express Strategic Services, a business and marketing consulting company. Our expertise in business and marketing strategies enables us to partner with companies who want to make a big impact. My role as Business Development Manager gives me the opportunity to interact and work with people across all industries. I have been involved with the Blount Chamber for many years in some capacity, and the opportunities they provide people and businesses are endless.”

What’s one interesting fact about you? “I am a mom of four, including b/g twins!”

Name: Javon Crane
Company: Northwestern Mutual
Title: Financial Representative

Briefly describe your career path and how you got to your current position. “I started my Financial Practice here in Maryville. I joined the chamber and it has been the best decision I’ve made. I have made so many connections and relationships, that are priceless. I help people plan for the future! I specialize in financial planning meaning that me and my team spend a lot of time walking through cash flow management, tax mitigation/funding strategies, and making sure that once you are prepared to exit your career on your terms. If you have a business that we have the proper amount of assets in suitable locations to alleviate any stressor the company’s might put on your financial plan.”

What’s one interesting fact about you? “I am from Memphis and played basketball at Maryville College”

Name: Rod Davis
Company: TN Real Estate & Auction, LLC
Title: Broker/Owner

Briefly describe your career path and how you got to your current position. “I have worked in Real Estate for 20 years, I am also a licensed Contractor and Paramedic. I recently retired from Sevier County as a Paramedic after 28 years of service. That job taught me how to deal with life and death situations and at the same time enjoy making a difference in peoples lives. Now that my focus is 100% real estate, I still get the opportunity to help others, just in a different environment. I enjoy working with Commercial, Residential and Investment properties. My mission is to treat others the way I would want to be treated and love your neighbor as yourself.”

What’s one interesting fact about you? “I enjoy wake surfing and snowboarding.”

Name: Susanne Davis
Company: TN Real Estate & Auction, LLC
Title: Realtor

Briefly describe your career path and how you got to your current position. “I have been in real estate for 4 years and have personally worked on over 20 investment projects. I enjoy working in the family environment at TN Real Estate & Auction. I have the privilege of helping others make dreams come true in their personal homes and with their businesses. I am also a Certified Public Accountant and have my own 19-year-old firm. I have over 30 years’ experience in the accounting profession and serve clients in the Blount, Knox, and Sevier counties.”

What’s one interesting fact about you? “I enjoy spending time with my family on the slopes snowboarding, camping on the lake while wake surfing & boarding, or any other adventure my kids let me join in on.”

Name: Maelea Galyon
Company: Turn It Up Consulting
Title: Owner, Collaboration Superhero

Briefly describe your career path and how you got to your current position. “Maelea Galyon is a Leadership Consultant and Collaboration Superhero at her company, Turn It Up Consulting. She helps organizational leaders level up and get more out of their teams by coaching them to create the space and environment necessary to create solutions TOGETHER. After 25-years as a change agent in the public education setting, Maelea is thrilled to share her expertise, experience, and toolkit to help leaders access untapped potential, enhance engagement, and increase performance on their teams.”

What’s one interesting fact about you? “I sing harmony for The Backseat Delilahs, a local cover band that has been together for ~30 years.”

Name: Courtney Gann
Company: Shults Pediatrics
Title: Practice Coordinator

Briefly describe your career path and how you got to your current position. “I went to college for Communications in hopes of eventually being a Producer for the Today Show. While producing in Birmingham, AL, Matt Lauer was released from NBC and I needed to completely change the format of my morning newscast! I covered a lot of natural disasters and big worldwide events over five years of working in television. Around the time that my contract was going to be up, I knew I wanted to pursue something else but still use my degree. My now husband accepted a job in Knoxville and we moved to the area. I had time to figure out what I really wanted to do. I dabbled in sales and property management before finally landing at Shults Pediatrics, where my mentor and boss took me under her wing to get my trained and ready to really progress into doing more of things I am good at. Shortly after starting, I had my beautiful little boy and when maternity leave was over, I knew that I wanted to give back to the community I was working in. I wear many hats but being able to do something I feel so passionately about has been the icing on the cake for me! I went through a lot of things with work to be able to land somewhere that feels like home. I now have the honor of planning social events for our community, working hand in hand with my co-workers to plan team building events and hopefully being a positive light for not only my co-workers but our patients as well!”

What’s one interesting fact about you? “I absolutely LOVE sharks! My husband surprised me with the opportunity to swim with some on our honeymoon!”

Name: Novella Jones
Company: CBBC Bank
Title: Senior Vice President

Briefly describe your career path and how you got to your current position. “I started with the bank as a teller in 1977 and have worked my way up to my current position. I served in different capacities including HR, Branch Manager, Executive Assistant, and have been a lender for 30 years.”

What’s one interesting fact about you? “I attended Girl State when I was a senior in high school.”

Name: Michelle Kiles
Company: Results Physiotherapy-Alcoa
Title: Physical Therapist

Briefly describe your career path and how you got to your current position. “After graduating from University of Miami with my PT degree, I returned to Tennessee. Prior local work experience includes Fort Sanders, Parkwest (cardiac and ortho), KOC, University Orthopedics (Clinic Director) and Forward Physical Therapy. I specialize in shoulder, elbow, hand therapy but also treat a variety of orthopedic conditions with an emphasis on manual therapy. I joined Results in 2022 due to their focus on manual therapy and excellent patient care outcomes.”

What’s one interesting fact about you? “I am also an educator. I homeschool my kids and have instructed science/ anatomy classes for both middle and high school co-operatives in the area.”

Name: Aaron Killian
Company: Visual Voice
Title: Client Relations Manager

Briefly describe your career path and how you got to your current position. “I love helping people, specifically small business owners. Over the course of my career, I have helped well over 100 clients grow their businesses through marketing and advertising strategies. As the Client Relations Manager of Visual Voice, I am blessed to be working with the oldest and most awarded marketing and graphic design firm in Blount County, and I continue to help clients focus on their business while we focus on the marketing and advertising. At Visual Voice, we know you well; we make you well known”

What’s one interesting fact about you? “I am a walking recessive trait. I’m a redhead with attached earlobes and can wiggle my nose and my ears.”

Name: Joy LaForce
Company: LaForce Insurance Agency
Title: Agent/Owner

Briefly describe your career path and how you got to your current position. “My Dad, David Borden, hired me to work temporarily in his Allstate office in 2009. At the time, I had no idea this would be my career. Upon David’s retirement in December 2018, I was able to purchase the agency. Since I purchased the agency, I have also been able to spend more time supporting our community.”

What’s one interesting fact about you? “I am a farm girl at heart. Love to garden and love my flock of chickens.”

Name: Elizabeth Martin
Company: Pineywoods Benefits
Title: Director of Client Experience

Briefly describe your career path and how you got to your current position. “20 years ago, I created and led a division for a nationwide insurance company focused on design and communication. I began to understand the vast opportunity to educate employers and employees on their benefits – and perks no one seems to know exist. After 5 years, I launched specialty services for select large clients. I truly wanted all clients to have the same resources my clients were receiving. Fortunately, I found a company with the same desire in 2021. Pineywoods Benefits offers the same (and even more) specialty services to ALL of our clients! As if that wasn’t exciting enough – there is NO cost for our services – and there are many resources we pay for on behalf of our clients!”

What’s one interesting fact about you? “I make my own wine – and often from very unexpected resources.”

Name: Tony Mayo
Company: MayoGenuine LLC

Briefly describe your career path and how you got to your current position. “Tony Mayo is an experienced executive coach to business owners and their teams. He is a master of analogy and anecdote whose illustrations are as likely to come from his studies of brain science, high energy physics, or eastern philosophy as from his years of management and sales in high-technology. Whether speaking from a platform, coaching one-on-one, or facilitating a workshop, Tony maintains a laser focus on his goal of helping people realize their dreams.
Tony earned his MBA from the University of Chicago (now, Booth School of Business) at age twenty-one, after three years each of high school and college. He immediately started a business that he sold in 1982.

Tony has worked with Arthur Andersen & General Electric, founded boot-strap and venture-backed start-ups, and taught at the college, graduate, and executive levels. Tony is the author of #1 bestsellers The Courage to Be in Community and business-themed novel Crimes of Cunning. He is also the sole inventor of US Patents 6,678,663 & 7,930,209. His most important activities today are public speaking, working with business owners, and photography. All with one unifying purpose: to promote workplaces of humanity and prosperity where people can be productive and satisfied.”

What’s one interesting fact about you? “My hobby is learning new skills.”

Name: Casey Mershon
Company: Veteran CFO Services, Inc.
Title: Senior Consultant

Briefly describe your career path and how you got to your current position. “Casey Mershon is a 1992 graduate of Full Sail University with a Degree in Recording Engineering. He has more than 30 years experience in the Advertising & Home Entertainment industries, having held positions as a Sound Designer/Mixer, DVD/Blu-ray Programmer and Producer.

Casey added the title of Owner to his resume in January of 2004 when he and his wife Tammy started Nuclear DVD Inc, a full service DVD and Blu-ray production company, which they operated until May of 2021.

After relocating to Maryville in 2017, he earned his real estate license and worked as a Realtor at Century 21 Smoky Mountain Real Estate in Townsend.

Prior to joining Veteran CFO full time in October 2023, Casey spent 3 1/2 years as the General Manager & CFO/Controller for Knoxville Wholesale Granite, a countertop fabrication and installation company in Maryville, Tennessee, where he was responsible for day to day business operations including accounting, inventory/materials, sales, service, scheduling, staffing and payroll.”

What’s one interesting fact about you? “I took guitar lessons in the early 80’s as a kid and in October 2023, after a 40 year “break”, I decided it was time to really learn how to play the guitar. I enrolled in online guitar lessons, bought 6 new guitars, and have been spending time every day learning how to play my favorite rock and pop songs from the 80s (a lot of Hair Bands) and my favorite country songs. My tastes range anywhere from George Strait to Metallica.”

Name: Taylor Morgan
Company: Above the Rest Balloons and Event Designs
Title: Lead Event Designer

Briefly describe your career path and how you got to your current position. “Since i was a young teenager, I have wanted a career that involved weddings and design. Here I am, living a dream career for myself and meeting the most wonderful people everyday. I did temp work for Above the Rest Balloons and Event Designs for a while, Dianna recognized my positive work ethic, ability to design, and outgoing personality in which she offered me the position of wedding design and sales.”

What’s one interesting fact about you? ” I can talk to a brick wall, and make it become my friend.”

Name: Denise Moseley
Company: First Choice Business Brokers of East Tennessee
Title: Business Sales Consultant

Briefly describe your career path and how you got to your current position. “Financial Services for 26 years working with businesses and business owners and was an easy transition to being a business broker. I am passionate about people and love to hear their stories!”

What’s one interesting fact about you? “Pat Summitt recommended me for a job!”

Name: John Nolan
Company: Y-12 Credit Union
Title: Manager, Community and Business Development

Briefly describe your career path and how you got to your current position. “I have been in financial services for ten years, and came to Y-12 Credit Union two years ago to lead their financial literacy initiatives. Before that, I served in retail sales management for the last 20 years.”

What’s one interesting fact about you? “I have travelled above the Arctic Circle and fished on the Bering Strait atop 8 feet of ice.”

Name: April Parks
Company: Melaleuca
Title: Marketing and Education

Briefly describe your career path and how you got to your current position. “My career path at this time is retire from a 30-year career in hair to market and educate customers on how to protect themselves, family and environment from all the chemicals being used all around us. In doing that help them shop with Melaleuca. A companies who’s future is to make product to save the environment one product at a time and help customers being financially successful.”

What’s one interesting fact about you? “I started my career path to be a surgeon. Started Pre-med at Maryville College, but God had another idea. Always loved makeup and hair so started that career in 1994.”

Name: Kyle Perkins
Company: RoseWood Virtual Tours
Title: Founder

Briefly describe your career path and how you got to your current position. “I began my career with a B.S.E.E. from Tennessee Technological University working as an Automation/Controls Engineer for Denso Mfg. in Maryville, TN. I spent almost 10 years supporting Manufacturing Automation across North America and locally in Maryville. After my daughter was born in 2020 I was inspired to own a business of my own. In October of 2021 I founded RoseWood Virtual Tours and transitioned to a fully self-employed business owner. ”

What’s one interesting fact about you? “I believe almost every skill, trade or technology is worth learning something about. Therefore, I enjoy finding what people are good at and passionate about and connecting them with others who they can collaborate with. Also, I now have too many hobbies.”

Name: Lindsey Plyler
Company: Lindsey Plyler State Farm Insurance
Title: Owner/Agent

Briefly describe your career path and how you got to your current position. “I knew early on that I was passionate about helping others, and working in insurance has allowed me to bring that passion to life every day. My insurance career started shortly after high school when I worked for a State Farm agent in SC. My dream was to grow with the company and one day open my own office. That dream became a reality when we found Maryville, TN and I opened my own State Farm Agency. I’m now over 14 years into my insurance career and look forward to continuing my passion of helping others and our community for years to come.”

What’s one interesting fact about you? “I earned a degree in Graphic Design before I changed my career path and also earned my Business degree.”

Name: Craig Richardson
Company: Look Rock Communications
Title: President

Briefly describe your career path and how you got to your current position. “I was born and raised in the Boston area. My family was involved in state politics growing up, which sent me on my career path (I was supposed to be the lawyer in the family but found politics more fun). I graduated from Bowdoin College in Maine in 1985 and went to work at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. after graduation in an office that helps military and overseas citizens vote in the U.S. elections.

After a cycle at one of the national campaign committees, I returned to Boston for a few years before heading back to Washington to work as a political and fundraising consultant. My clients included the former Majority Leader of the U.S. House and numerous Representative and Senate members.

I moved into managing non-profit policy groups and continue to run a small energy organization. In addition, I branched out into other communications areas including website design, video editing and production, and voiceovers.

After my youngest son headed off to college, I left the Washington, D.C. area after more than thirty years to Maryville in the fall of 2021. My company offers strategic communications, public relations, and public affairs services. ”

What’s one interesting fact about you? “I have two Master’s, neither one in my career area. One is in Theology and the other in Transpersonal Psychology.”

Name: Perry Roberts
Company: CBBC Bank
Title: Vice President

Briefly describe your career path and how you got to your current position. ” I began my banking career in 2000 working as an Assistant Branch Manager. I began working for CBBC Bank in 2016 and I’m currently Vice President and Branch Manager of the CBBC Bank Midland location. Currently, I am the Business Development Officer for the Midland Branch in Alcoa, TN and I assist clients with their Consumer and Commercial banking and lending needs.”

Name: Lisa Serpas
Company: QEV Charge
Title: Account Executive

Briefly describe your career path and how you got to your current position. “My journey in the signage and branding industry commenced slightly over two decades ago. In the year 2000, I embarked on my career as an administrative assistant in the Engineering department, where I swiftly transitioned into a project manager role. Over the years, I had the privilege of overseeing a diverse portfolio of accounts, including esteemed names such as General Motors, YUM! Brands, Walgreens, Enterprise RAC, Hertz, and AIO Wireless.

In 2014, I achieved a significant milestone in my career by earning a promotion to the position of Team Manager. In this capacity, I took charge of managing the sign programs for what we now recognize as Stellantis (comprising Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, RAM, FIAT, and Alfa Romeo), Bridgestone Americas, Yokohama, and Cadillac Pinnacle Desks. It’s worth noting that the accounts under my stewardship consistently averaged $13 million annually throughout my tenure.

The rise of electric vehicles has undeniably marked the automotive industry’s next significant evolution. In 2021, I transitioned into a sales role at QEV Charge, focusing on promoting their branded electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. Since then, we have expanded our offerings significantly. In addition to our cutting-edge charging stations, we now provide an array of innovative features, including Samsung digital displays featuring engaging advertising content, printed advertising panels, DCFC (Direct Current Fast Charging) options, Charging as a Service solutions, and optional Smart Cities/Smart Campus add-ons. Our charging stations represent just the beginning of our commitment to anticipating and preparing our clients for the future of sustainable mobility.”

What’s one interesting fact about you? “I can crochet in the dark.”

Name: Jordan Simmons
Company: First Light Insurance Group, LLC
Title: President/Principal

Briefly describe your career path and how you got to your current position. “I realized that service relationships and business ownership are two things that are very important to me. Integrating our business into our communities can be integral in making our world a better place. This is my mission when I decided it was time to start my own independent insurance agency and so far, it has been one of the most rewarding decisions I have ever made.”

What’s one interesting fact about you? “I was in a commercial as a baby, so I am a recovering infant celebrity that peaked all too soon.”

Name: Yvonne Smith
Company: Creative Spark Studio
Title: Director

Briefly describe your career path and how you got to your current position. “I have lived in Blount County for 44 years and love this community. My background is in Nursing and Art Education. My passion has always been people, our community, and education. When my husband and I decided to open an art studio this was the only place we wanted to be. We have created our business, Creative Spark Studio from the ground up and offer people of all abilities a safe and clean environment to spark their imagination and create. There are two portions of our studio space; one is for walk-ins and the other is teacher-led classes. We truly feel we offer something for everyone.”

What’s one interesting fact about you? ” I consider myself a jill-of-all-trades within art, and truly a master of none. But as the quote says with Jack, “Jack of all trades master of none, though oftentimes better than master of one.”

Name: Sam Springer
Company: The Trust Company of Tennessee
Title: Client Specialist

Briefly describe your career path and how you got to your current position. “Upon obtaining my Master’s in Accounting (MAcc) from the University of Tennessee, I entered the field of public accounting with Ernst and Young. It was at Ernst and Young where I discovered I have a passion for helping people and positively impacting their lives. I joined The Trust Company of Tennessee in the fall of 2022 as a Client Specialist because I was looking for a change in my career path. The Trust Company aligns with my personal values through the unwavering commitment to client service and assisting clients in achieving their financial goals on their own terms. My background as a CPA and CExP™ (Certified Exit Planner) allows me not only to serve our clients through wealth management and personal trust planning, but also provide business advisory services to owners of privately held businesses.”

What’s one interesting fact about you? “During my time in college, I was a member of the University of Tennessee’s baseball team as a pitcher. Additionally, I currently serve on the Executive Committee of the Haslam Young Alumni Board where I have a passion to give back to the University who gave me so much.”

Name: Mary Vosika
Company: True Voice Marketing Solutions
Title: Creative Director

Briefly describe your career path and how you got to your current position. “I am retired from the Financial Services Industry where I spent 35 years as a Financial Advisor, Accredited Pension Administrator, Qualified 401(k) Administrator, and Retirement Income Certified Professional. I sold my practice in 2019 when my husband decided to retire from law enforcement. We sold our home in California and set out for new adventures here in Maryville, Tennessee. Best thing we ever did!

For my entire life I’ve been writing mysteries – murder mysteries to be exact. My mom always said I was born with paper in one hand and a pencil in the other. I’ve written two novels and numerous short stories. I love writing mysteries and I’m always looking for new ways to kill people! I knew that when I retired I could make writing a hobby but it quickly turned into a profitable business. I became a Certified StoryBrand Guide through Donald Miller’s Story Brand Program, and I’m also certified through American Writers and Artists, Inc. I’m certified to write business copy and other marketing materials and collateral.

I love being a writer. I love the people I help and work with. Writing just makes me happy.”

What’s one interesting fact about you? “I am fluent in French! I know you asked for only one, but I have one other interesting fact. I have a Boston Terrier named Maximillian Von Snausage, and I trained him in English and French. Now I have a dog who’s disobedient in TWO languages! “

Name: Martin Ward
Company: Madison Insurance Group
Title: Managing Producer

Briefly describe your career path and how you got to your current position. “Currently with Madison Insurance Group as a Managing Producer for the Maryville, TN location, I’ve been with MIG since 2010.
US Navy Veteran awarded the Navy Expeditionary Medal for service in Beirut Lebanon.
Retired Law Enforcement from Loudon County Sheriff’s Office and Loudon Police Department as a FTO (field training officer)
Licensed Private Investigator & Certified Professional Trainer
Married to wife Nancy Ward for 31 years and 4 children and 2 wonderful grandchildren!
Loves golf & fishing and has a passion for helping others find success!”

What’s one interesting fact about you? “I shoot more accurately in the dark than I do in the light.”

Name: Erin Yap
Company: Replenish Women’s Health
Title: Owner

Briefly describe your career path and how you got to your current position. “My career in nursing began over a decade ago, where I knew from the time I graduated my nursing program that I wanted to focus on caring for women in some capacity. I was lucky to spend a large portion of my career as a Labor & Delivery nurse, serving high-risk obstetric patients and their families, which eventually lead me to further my education and become a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner.

Becoming a business owner wasn’t ever on my radar, but through my experience in the U.S. healthcare system and witnessing firsthand how women are so often overlooked, under-served, and frankly dismissed when seeking medical care, I made it a personal goal to help women feel more valued and heard when it comes to their health. This is what lead me down the entrepreneurial path to create what is now Replenish Women’s Health. I love what I’m able to bring to my patients and community and can’t imagine my career on any other path.”

What’s one interesting fact about you? “I’m a mom of 4 girls from teens to toddlers! Life is busy!”