Big Orange Business

Buying land sounds simple… until you actually try to do it.

In this episode, Haley Jones sits down with Adam Jackson of Covey Construction Group (CCG) to break down what it really takes to turn raw land into something you can build on in East Tennessee.

From steep terrain and drainage issues to driveway planning, utilities, and unexpected costs, this conversation covers the realities most buyers don’t discover until they’re already committed.

If you’re considering buying land in Knoxville or anywhere in East Tennessee, this episode will give you a clearer picture of what to expect and how to avoid costly mistakes.

Knoxville locals have probably driven past The Ivey House in Seymour, but most people don’t know the story behind it.

In this episode of the Big Orange Business Podcast, Haley Jones sits down with Colleen Brackins to talk about how a historic East Tennessee home became one of the most unique wedding and event venues in the Knoxville area.

From restoring the property to hosting weddings, events, and community gatherings, Colleen shares the story of how The Ivey House has grown over the years — including the unexpected challenges that came with building something new in the community.

If you live in Knoxville, Seymour, Maryville, or anywhere in East Tennessee, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at a venue many locals recognize but may not know the full story of.

Learn more about The Ivey House:
https://theiveyhouse.com

Every March, downtown Knoxville, Tennessee turns green for one of the city’s most beloved traditions: the Knoxville St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

But what most people don’t see is everything that happens behind the scenes to make the parade possible.

In this episode of the Big Orange Business Podcast, Haley Jones sits down live at Clancy's Tavern with the organizers behind Knoxville’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade to talk about how the event started, how it has grown, and what it takes to bring thousands of people together in downtown Knoxville each year.

From creative float building (including a garage-built recreation of Ireland’s famous Cliffs of Moher) to coordinating volunteers, businesses, and city logistics, this conversation gives you a rare look at the work that goes into one of Knoxville’s biggest annual celebrations.

If you live in Knoxville, are new to East Tennessee, or are considering relocating to Knoxville, this episode offers a great look at the community spirit that makes this city special.

Learn more about the parade here:
 https://knoxstpatricksparade.com/

Thinking about moving to Knoxville or East Tennessee? Subscribe for more conversations about the businesses, events, and people shaping our community.

Downtown Knoxville hasn’t always looked the way it does today.

In this episode of the Big Orange Business Podcast, Haley Jones sits down with Natalea Cummings of Mast General Store in downtown Knoxville to talk about how the store helped shape Gay Street’s growth, why Knoxville has changed so dramatically over the past 10–20 years, and what it really takes to run a retail business that serves everyone “from cradle to casket.”

We talk about:

• The transformation of downtown Knoxville
 • How Mast General Store chose Knoxville before it was booming
 • The Nimville scavenger hunt (12 hidden bronze “nims” downtown)
 • UT game days and Knoxville tourism
 • Running a successful local retail business
 • Why community partnerships matter for small business growth

If you're interested in Knoxville business, relocating to East Tennessee, supporting local shops, or learning how iconic brands grow in changing downtown markets — this episode is for you.

📍 Mast General Store
 402 South Gay Street
 Downtown Knoxville, Tennessee
 Website: mastgeneralstore.com

The Big Orange Business Podcast highlights local Knoxville businesses, entrepreneurs, and the people helping shape East Tennessee’s future.

Moonshine Mountain Cookies has become one of Knoxville’s favorite sweet spots — but the story behind it is just as good as the cookies.

In this episode of Big Orange Business Podcast, we sit down with Mike Maddox, co-founder of Moonshine Mountain Cookies, to talk about how the business started, where the name came from, what makes their brand stand out, and the flavors customers keep coming back for.

We also dig into what it really takes to build a local business that feels special — not just another storefront.

If you love Knoxville small businesses, entrepreneurship stories, or just really good cookies, this episode is for you.

Knoxville is thriving — and that story keeps showing up in recent conversations with local business owners and community leaders.

In this special compilation episode of the Big Orange Business Podcast, we share standout moments from recent interviews across healthcare, hospitality, retail, nonprofits, and service-based businesses.

These conversations offer a snapshot of what’s working, what’s changing, and why Knoxville continues to be a place where small businesses grow and communities thrive.

If you’re a business owner, creative, or someone who cares about local impact and community, this episode brings together voices and stories shaping Knoxville right now.

What do you do when your first attempt at cooking turns into a total disaster?

In this episode of the Big Orange Business Podcast, host Haley Jones sits down with Heidi Davidson, founder of Heidi’s Bakery & Home Cooking, to talk about how a failed home-cooked meal as a newlywed eventually led to building a thriving bakery business in Knoxville.

Heidi shares her journey from taking her first cooking lessons, to starting a food blog, to opening a brick-and-mortar bakery offering pastries, custom cakes, take-and-bake meals, macro-friendly options, and a community gathering space.

This conversation covers:
 • Turning early failures into confidence
 • Why baking is more science than creativity
 • Building a business while raising a family
 • Lessons learned from opening a physical storefront
 • Advice for aspiring food and small business owners

An honest, encouraging episode for anyone navigating entrepreneurship, career changes, or creative growth.

What happens when parents realize there’s nowhere to go where their kids can play safely and they can actually relax?

In this episode of the Big Orange Business Podcast, Haley Jones sits down with Hannah and Cody, the founders of Wild Child Cafe in Knoxville, Tennessee. They share how a simple parenting frustration turned into a thriving, family-focused business built around community, screen-free play, and great coffee.

We talk about why Wild Child Cafe was created, what makes it different from traditional play spaces, and how launching a local business has been received by the Knoxville community. This episode is perfect for parents, entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in how thoughtful local ideas turn into successful businesses.

What does it take to buy a local institution — and bring it back without losing what made people love it?

On this episode of Big Orange Business, we sit down with Jake Lrander, the owner of Pete's Restaurant and Coffee Shop, a longtime Knoxville diner with deep roots in the community.

Jake purchased Pete’s from the original owner in 2024 and took on a challenge many entrepreneurs face: how do you modernize a legacy business while respecting its history?

In this conversation, we talk about:

• Why Jake decided to buy Pete’s instead of starting from scratch
• How he preserved the classic diner vibe locals love
• Bringing back weekend breakfast and lunch
• Adding new life with a beer garden
• What’s gone right since reopening — and what surprised him most

This episode is a must-listen for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and anyone who loves Knoxville’s local food scene.

🎙️ Subscribe to Big Orange Business for real stories from East Tennessee business owners.

Most people don’t realize how many mistakes they make when buying a bed — until they’ve already spent the money.

In this episode of the Big Orange Business Podcast, Haley Jones sits down with John and Linda Luther, owners of Blue Ridge Beds and My New Bedroom, a locally owned East Tennessee business specializing in custom upholstered beds and high-quality bedroom furniture.

John and Linda share what really matters when shopping for a bed, the differences between big-box furniture and custom craftsmanship, and why so many people end up buying furniture that doesn’t last. From fabric choices and custom sizing to customer service and honest pricing, this conversation pulls back the curtain on how bedroom furniture should be made and sold.

You’ll hear:

• Why most people buy the wrong bed
• What to look for in quality bedroom furniture
• How custom upholstered beds are built
• Why local craftsmanship still matters
• The story behind Blue Ridge Beds and My New Bedroom

If you’re in Knoxville, East Tennessee, or planning to buy bedroom furniture soon, this episode is worth a listen.

Learn more about the business here:
 👉 https://www.mynewbedroom.com