David Darnell is a serial entrepreneur who is wearing a new hat these days. Now the Director of Investor Relations for the Highlands Economic Partnership, Darnell brings his hands on experience in the business world to the ecosystem of economic development. In this episode, Darnell discusses the importance of the HEP: a nonprofit that partners with our surrounding counties to promote and strengthen economic development, workforce support, and education. We also chat about the vital nature of a Young Professionals group, what recruiting in 2020 looks like, and how culture impacts retention of local talent. This is a must listen!

In this week's episode of Connecting Cookeville, Amber and Zach sit down to recap 2019 and look forward to 2020. From the variety of guests that have been on the show, to goal-setting (and BHAGS), to leadership and what's going on in their own lives, this week's podcast offers a fun and insightful peek into what makes our hosts tick.

Growing up as the child a missionary parents, Jake Hoot grew up playing music in church. After high school, he moved to Cookeville to attend and play football at Tennessee Tech and decided to make the Upper Cumberland home for his young daughter and himself. From playing music at local venues and a myriad of small town shows, Hoot decided to get serious about his music career. On this weeks podcast, we sit down with Jake to talk about the support he has received from this community, the importance he places on a strong support team, and his journey thus far on NBC's singing competition, The Voice.

The homeless, the transient, the down and out, or even just someone needing a little extra help, Cookeville police officer Marc de Claire comes across a variety of people with extenuating circumstances on a daily basis. Through simple conversation, Officer de Claire would get to know these individuals and find out that often times there was an immediate need that could be solved by a small financial investment - a hotel room, a tank of gas, a refill on medication. This prompted de Claire to begin the Cookeville Human Fund, a nonprofit fueled by the community to meet a specific need in a short amount of time. In this week's episode, de Claire discusses where the idea came from, how he vets the recipients, and how we can help further the cause!

Born and raised right here in Putnam County, Assessor of Property, Steve Pierce, has a homegrown passion for our community. Whether watching his grandfather serve in the public arena, or just the support and mentorship he received from area athletic coaches, Steve learned from an early age that the best way to get ahead is to give back. In this episode of Connecting Cookeville, Steve explains what the Assessor of Property actually does for our community, how public service is a lot like entrepreneurship, and why he feels compelled to serve his community in this capacity.

The son of immigrant parents, Dr. Michael Casal moved to the Upper Cumberland to practice medicine as an OB-GYN. Knowing little of the "business of medicine", Dr. Casal did what so many business owners have to do - learn as they go, and he know runs one of the most respected solo practices in our region, Women's Health Services. In this podcast, Dr. Casal shares his advice about balancing his two passions in life: family and work. Full of wisdom and lots of laughs, this episode gives our audience a glimpse behind the curtain of one of our local social celebrities and the causes that are close to his heart. Between their YouTube channel and appearances on Family Fued, the Casal's know how to work hard AND play hard! You don't want to miss this one!

Jaden Flynn moved to Cookeville when he was two years old and has been here ever since, save one short stint in Hawaii. Entrepreneur and business owner, Jaden has been operating the Iron Kitchen, Cookeville's only meal prep service for the last two and half years. Having recently purchased Personal Training Studio, Jaden now has a one stop shop for Upper Cumberland residents who are serious about getting fit. In this podcast, we talk a lot about mindset, the DNA of an entrepreneur, "finding yourself", and why young people might say "I hate Cookeville". This is a must listen for anyone raised in Cookeville or anyone struggling with their identity. Mention this podcast and get one free personal training session! 💪🏼💪🏼

Patti Purdy hails from just down the road in Granville, TN. With a background in early childhood development, marketing, and event planning, Patti decided to pursue a job where her experience and her creativity could intersect. A year ago, she became the director of the Cookeville Children's Museum, a creative learning center that specializes in hands on play through their programs and community based exhibits. In this podcast, we discuss the cool happenings going on at the Children's Museum, the story behind it, fun facts about it, and it's role in our community with it's corporate partners. Whether serving special needs families or those in the foster care system or traditional families, the museum is there to be a place parents can engage and play alongside their kids. Check it out!!

Machelle Staggs was working in the medical field when a horrible injury nearly rendered her disabled. When she moved to Cookeville, she was still battling a lot of pain but had a vision of working for herself by converting her baking hobby into a business, and that's how P Dillys Cupcakes was born. In this podcast, Machelle talks candidly about the struggles of entrepreneurship, highlights the creative guerrilla marketing techniques that launched her business, and shares about how this community embraced her and her shop. This is a must listen for any budding entrepreneur or someone starting over in a second career!

This week Amber sat down with her business partners Mitch Copeland and Craig Hughes with MAC Management and Consulting to talk about real estate investing, AirBnb, property management, and maximizing one's portfolio. Check it out!!