Abhijit Verekar (AV) is the President and CEO of Avèro Advisors and the guest on this week’s episode of Big Ideas Welcome! AV was born in India and moved to the states for grad school. He started Avèro in 2016, by himself but has grown to over 30 employees.

Avèro is a company that helps develop technology strategies for local governments with the goal of helping them transition into a modernized system that benefits them and their clients.

In this episode, Chris and AV discuss how AV and his team work to understand complex systems, how the work Avèro does benefits not just their clients but the communities their clients serve, his passion for keeping “his soul” and being focused on what matters to him, how to ask better questions, get better answers, and how to make better decisions. 

In This Episode:

Abhijit Verekar YouTube | LinkedIn | Website
📸: ​​Saray Taylor-Roman | Not Your Office Headshot

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KEC: Instagram | Facebook | Website I Twitter | Linkedin
#MadeforKnoxville: https://www.madeforknoxville.com/
Chris McAdoo: Instagram | LinkedIn | Website

Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Spotify
Check Us Out: Website

If you have any questions, comments, or big ideas of your own, email us at [email protected] 

The show is Produced and Edited by Palm Tree Pod Co. 

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Listen to all episodes of the Big Ideas Welcome podcast, available now on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube,  and at bigideaswelcome.com.

This Big Ideas Welcome podcast is brought to you by Knoxville Entrepreneur Center, hosted and curated by KEC Chief Experience Officer  Chris McAdoo, and produced and edited by Palm Tree Pod Co.

A special thanks to K BREW for making this episode possible. 

Original theme music “Thinking of You” courtesy of and copyright Kelsi Walker. 

“Entrepreneurship, is the unrelenting pursuit of credibility”."

Eric Dobson, Managing Partner at Sheltowee Angel Network, joins Chris McAdoo this week on the Big Ideas Welcome podcast. Eric works directly with successful business people and exciting high tech startup companies in order to unite both and create incredible companies that will someday be household names and create wealth. 

In this episode Eric and Chris talk money, venture capital, angel investments, what money and capital mean to individuals, businesses and communites but they discuss it through the lens of stories of people investing in people. 

Thanks to the decades of experience Eric has, he is able to share strategies and important tips to consider when looking for investments and capital as an entrepreneur. 

In This Episode:

Eric Dobson LinkedIn
Sheltowee Network Website

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KEC: Instagram | Facebook | Website I Twitter | Linkedin
#MadeforKnoxville: https://www.madeforknoxville.com/
Chris McAdoo: Instagram | LinkedIn | Website

Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Spotify
Check Us Out: Website

If you have any questions, comments, or big ideas of your own, email us at [email protected] 

The show is Produced and Edited by Palm Tree Pod Co. 

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Listen to all episodes of the Big Ideas Welcome podcast, available now on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube,  and at bigideaswelcome.com.

This Big Ideas Welcome podcast is brought to you by Knoxville Entrepreneur Center, hosted and curated by KEC Chief Experience Officer  Chris McAdoo, and produced and edited by Palm Tree Pod Co.

A special thanks to K BREW for making this episode possible. 

Original theme music “Thinking of You” courtesy of and copyright Kelsi Walker. 

This week on Big Ideas Welcome, Chris talks about scale. As an artist, strategist, Director of Strategy & Engagement for the KEC, and a guy who has 100 ideas a day - Chris is constantly having to think about the next steps and the process to get there.

Scale is about taking advantage of market conditions - at the right time, with the right people, and most importantly - for the right people. With that in mind…is getting bigger always getting better?

Chris dives into the misconceptions about efficient, effective scaling and offers up tactical recommendations to combat the common enemy of all of us out there doing big things…the word “just”.

With shoutouts to Open Door Architecture, Origami Day, “Profit First” by Mike Michalowicz, and more. 

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KEC: Instagram | Facebook | Website I Twitter | Linkedin
#MadeforKnoxville: https://www.madeforknoxville.com/
Chris McAdoo: Instagram | LinkedIn | Website

Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Spotify
Check Us Out: Website

If you have any questions, comments, or big ideas of your own, email us at [email protected] 

The show is Produced and Edited by Palm Tree Pod Co. 

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Listen to all episodes of the Big Ideas Welcome podcast, available now on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube,  and at bigideaswelcome.com.

This Big Ideas Welcome podcast is brought to you by Knoxville Entrepreneur Center, hosted and curated by KEC Chief Experience Officer  Chris McAdoo, and produced and edited by Palm Tree Pod Co.

A special thanks to K BREW for making this episode possible. 

Original theme music “Thinking of You” courtesy of and copyright Kelsi Walker. 

Bailey Foster is the founder of Real Good Kitchen.  Her goal in creating Real Good Kitchen was to create a facility and a community that would make it possible for more people to share their food stories, that would foster greater equity and opportunity in the local food economy and that would help us all eat well.

In this episode, Chris and Bailey discuss:

-what created Bailey's desire to serve her community
-how she identified the opportunities needed in the food space
-creating equity and opportunity
-the power of effective and intentional mentorship
-the importance of staying focused on the core ideas of your business while still dreaming big
-and much more!

In This Episode:
Bailey Foster LinkedIn
Real Good Kitchen Instagram | Facebook

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KEC: Instagram | Facebook | Website I Twitter | Linkedin
#MadeforKnoxville: https://www.madeforknoxville.com/
Chris McAdoo: Instagram | LinkedIn | Website

Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Spotify
Check Us Out: Website

If you have any questions, comments, or big ideas of your own, email us at [email protected] 

The show is Produced and Edited by Palm Tree Pod Co. 

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Listen to all episodes of the Big Ideas Welcome podcast, available now on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube,  and at bigideaswelcome.com.

This Big Ideas Welcome podcast is brought to you by Knoxville Entrepreneur Center, hosted and curated by KEC Chief Experience Officer  Chris McAdoo, and produced and edited by Palm Tree Pod Co.

A special thanks to K BREW for making this episode possible. 

Original theme music “Thinking of You” courtesy of and copyright Kelsi Walker. 

“There’s a whole demographic of people who haven’t even been counted into this field who could actually do really great work and provide a great service. That’s what we set out to do.”

This week's 100Knoxville episode features a conversation with Nicolsha Scott & C'erise Wright of Scott and Wright Construction.
 
In this episode, Jalynn, Nicolsha, and C'erise discuss:
-the community support that built Scott & Wright Construction
-how they maintain their various businesses as serial entrepreneurs
-handling compromises between business partners
-how Nicolsha & C’erise’s past careers in county corrections inform their approach to the construction industry
-how Kandis Troutman changed the way they do business in 5 weeks

In This Episode:
Nicolsha Scott & C'erise Wright
Jalynn Baker Instagram| Website | LinkedIn
100Knoxville Website | Instagram | LinkedIn
FirstBank Website
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KEC: Instagram | Facebook | Website I Twitter | Linkedin
#MadeforKnoxville: https://www.madeforknoxville.com/
Chris McAdoo: Instagram | LinkedIn | Website

Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Spotify
Check Us Out: Website

If you have any questions, comments, or big ideas of your own, email us at [email protected] 

The show is Produced and Edited by Palm Tree Pod Co. 

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Listen to all episodes of the Big Ideas Welcome podcast, available now on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube,  and at bigideaswelcome.com.

This Big Ideas Welcome podcast is brought to you by Knoxville Entrepreneur Center, hosted and curated by KEC Chief Experience Officer  Chris McAdoo, and produced and edited by Palm Tree Pod Co.

A special thanks to K BREW for making this episode possible. 

Original theme music “Thinking of You” courtesy of and copyright Kelsi Walker. 

Alex Lavidge is a Sales Manager at Sunrun, the largest residential solar installer in US, the CEO of Startup Champs, a prelaunch growth consultancy helping startups get sales and preorders, and the Former Director at CO.LAB of startup accelerator programs.  

In this episode, Chris and Alex discuss:

-why Alex believes we should be redefining entrepeurnship
-what it means to build wealth outside a paycheck
-how Alex has learned to define wealth for himself
-tech entrepreneurship
-understanding "the ask" and learning to close the deal
-and much more!

In This Episode:
Alex Lavidge Instagram | LinkedIn
Chris McAdoo Instagram | LinkedIn | Website

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KEC: Instagram | Facebook | Website I Twitter | Linkedin
#MadeforKnoxville: https://www.madeforknoxville.com/
Chris McAdoo: Instagram | LinkedIn | Website

Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Spotify
Check Us Out: Website

If you have any questions, comments, or big ideas of your own, email us at [email protected] 

The show is Produced and Edited by Palm Tree Pod Co. 

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Listen to all episodes of the Big Ideas Welcome podcast, available now on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube,  and at bigideaswelcome.com.

This Big Ideas Welcome podcast is brought to you by Knoxville Entrepreneur Center, hosted and curated by KEC Chief Experience Officer  Chris McAdoo, and produced and edited by Palm Tree Pod Co.

A special thanks to K BREW for making this episode possible. 

Original theme music “Thinking of You” courtesy of and copyright Kelsi Walker. 

“Ambiguity is the enemy of remote work. That is not the remote worker’s problem; it’s management’s problem.”

This week's 100Knoxville episode features a conversation with the founder of Omega Digital Solutions, Marcus Blair. 

In this episode, Jalynn and Marcus discuss:
-how Marcus has learned to step out of his own way as a leader
-Marcus’ two rules when hiring people
-why Marcus focuses on relationships in every aspect of business
-the practical rewards of automation in everyday life
-the impact that comes from advocating for small businesses
-what does work/life balance look like for Marcus

In This Episode:
Marcus Blair  LinkedIn
Omega Digital Solutions Website
Jalynn Baker Instagram| Website | LinkedIn
100Knoxville Website | Instagram | LinkedIn
FirstBank Website
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KEC: Instagram | Facebook | Website I Twitter | Linkedin
#MadeforKnoxville: https://www.madeforknoxville.com/
Chris McAdoo: Instagram | LinkedIn | Website

Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Spotify
Check Us Out: Website

If you have any questions, comments, or big ideas of your own, email us at [email protected] 

The show is Produced and Edited by Palm Tree Pod Co. 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Listen to all episodes of the Big Ideas Welcome podcast, available now on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube,  and at bigideaswelcome.com.

This Big Ideas Welcome podcast is brought to you by Knoxville Entrepreneur Center, hosted and curated by KEC Chief Experience Officer  Chris McAdoo, and produced and edited by Palm Tree Pod Co.

A special thanks to K BREW for making this episode possible. 

Original theme music “Thinking of You” courtesy of and copyright Kelsi Walker. 

Mark Schaefer is the first guest of 2023 on the Big Ideas Welcome podcast! Mark is a best-selling author whose 10th book, Belonging to the Brand, has just hit shelves. Beyond writing, Mark is a globally recognized keynote speaker, educator, and business consultant,  who has taken the stage at some of the largest industry and corporate conferences, including SXSW, Dell World, the American Bar Association Annual Conference, and many others.

In this episode, Chris and Mark discuss:

-Mark's new book, Belonging to the Brand
-Why Mark is an "encourager of being a better listener"
-The power of the personal brand and how it helps to build community
-The relationship between marketing and community
-The value of understanding “experience at scale”
-Mark’s suggestion of a new way to measure marketing value

Join us for the Mark Schaefer, "Belonging to the Brand", LIVESTREAM presented by the Knoxville Entrepreneur Center on January 25th at 6pm. Learn more. 

In This Episode:
Mark Schaefer Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube | Podcast
Chris McAdoo: Instagram | LinkedIn | Website

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KEC: Instagram | Facebook | Website I Twitter | Linkedin
#MadeforKnoxville: https://www.madeforknoxville.com/
Chris McAdoo: Instagram | LinkedIn | Website

Subscribe: Apple Podcast |

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Listen to all episodes of the Big Ideas Welcome podcast, available now on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube,  and at bigideaswelcome.com.

This Big Ideas Welcome podcast is brought to you by Knoxville Entrepreneur Center, hosted and curated by KEC Chief Experience Officer  Chris McAdoo, and produced and edited by Palm Tree Pod Co.

A special thanks to K BREW for making this episode possible. 

Original theme music “Thinking of You” courtesy of and copyright Kelsi Walker. 

This week on the pod, we share a recording from a #MadeforKnoxville LIVE!

This #MadeforKnoxville storytelling event, hosted by KEC’s Chris McAdoo,  is an exclusive evening of conversation with  Knoxville’s finest entrepreneurs, who speak about their biggest “big pivot moments” that led them to start their own thing – or led them to make a big change as an entrepreneur, artist, and founder.

Featuring:
“Now that the Kids are Grown”
Courtney Jones, Chief Revenue Officer of Boulo Solutions

“15 Years”
Reico Hopewell, Executive Director of Hopewell Helping Hands

“No Turning Back”
Paris Woodhull, Owner of Paris Woodhull Illustrations

“Doing Things the Hard Way”
Abhishek Sastri, Co-founder + CEO of FLUIX Inc.

#MadeforKnoxville is the most ambitious, entrepreneur-focused storytelling initiative ever launched in our region. Knoxville Entrepreneur Center is collecting stories from hundreds of founders, with a goal of connecting and amplifying the diverse entrepreneurial community in the Knoxville region — ranging from “solo-preneurs,” makers, growth stage tech companies, investors, and established institutions.

Submit your own story at madeforknoxville.com.

Sponsors:
Egerton mcafee
Firstbank
Innov865
Oak hill audio
Reel division

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In This Episode:
Courtney Jones Made For Knoxville Profile
Paris Woodhull Made For Knoxville Profile
Reico Hopewell Made For Knoxville Profile
Abhi Sastri Made For Knoxville Profile

KEC: Instagram | Facebook | Website I Twitter | Linkedin
#MadeforKnoxville: https://www.madeforknoxville.com/
Chris McAdoo: Instagram | LinkedIn | Website

Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Spotify
C

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Listen to all episodes of the Big Ideas Welcome podcast, available now on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube,  and at bigideaswelcome.com.

This Big Ideas Welcome podcast is brought to you by Knoxville Entrepreneur Center, hosted and curated by KEC Chief Experience Officer  Chris McAdoo, and produced and edited by Palm Tree Pod Co.

A special thanks to K BREW for making this episode possible. 

Original theme music “Thinking of You” courtesy of and copyright Kelsi Walker. 

As we wrap up the podcast for 2022, Chris and Jaylnn Baker sit down to talk about the last 28 episodes, some lessons learned, things to come in 2023, and to share a few thoughts from their own entrepreneurship journies. 
 
We hope you have a great holiday season and start to 2023 and will be back with a brand new episode on Tuesday, January 10th!

In This Episode:
Chris McAdoo: Instagram | LinkedIn | Website
Jalynn Baker Instagram| Website | LinkedIn
100Knoxville Website | Instagram | LinkedIn
FirstBank Website
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KEC: Instagram | Facebook | Website I Twitter | Linkedin
#MadeforKnoxville: https://www.madeforknoxville.com/
Chris McAdoo: Instagram | LinkedIn | Website

Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Spotify
Check Us Out: Website

If you have any questions, comments, or big ideas of your own, email us at [email protected] 

The show is Produced and Edited by Palm Tree Pod Co. 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Listen to all episodes of the Big Ideas Welcome podcast, available now on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube,  and at bigideaswelcome.com.

This Big Ideas Welcome podcast is brought to you by Knoxville Entrepreneur Center, hosted and curated by KEC Chief Experience Officer  Chris McAdoo, and produced and edited by Palm Tree Pod Co.

A special thanks to K BREW for making this episode possible. 

Original theme music “Thinking of You” courtesy of and copyright Kelsi Walker.