Walls of Honor: The Gary Sinise Foundation YOUR CHARITABLE SELF All American: A Red, White & Blue Summer STYLING YOUR EVERYDAY
Gentlemen of Distinction: Like Father, Like Son YOUR COMMUNITY PARTNER
Wheels In Motion: Car Culture In Middle Tennessee UP THE ROAD
THIS FRANKLIN & MUSIC CITY HAVEN CATERS TO EVERY CAR ENTHUSIAST'S NEEDS UNDER ONE EXPANSIVE ROOF. SPREAD ACROSS SIX PRIVATE ACRES WITH A STUNNING 75,000 SQ FT FACILITY, WE OFFER A COMPREHENSIVE SUITE OF SERVICES:
We’ll curate premium inventory from around the country, so whether you’re looking for a safe & reliable first car or finding your dream car, we’ll make the process quick & easy! We can also help find that elusive unicorn, With 100 years of combined experience, our Broker service is second to none.
Secure climate-controlled indoor storage for most vehicles, with dedicated outdoor spots for larger options. We also facilitate seamless vehicle consignments.
Pamper your car with our Auto Spa's detailing, paint protection film (PPF), and window tinting services, and even automotive accessories.
5-star concierge service with master Factory-trained technicians taking care of every vehicle in your garage. From brakes on a Ferrari to tires on a Toyota, we’ve got you covered. Plus convenient pick-up and delivery are available with rollback/delivery trucks for hassle-free vehicle transport.
Showcase your car's brilliance in our professional photography booth or bring it to show-off at our monthly Saturday morning Cars and Caffeine event.
Relax in our luxurious lounge, featuring two bars, race and golf simulators, and a oneof-a-kind stunning event space - perfect for meetings and gatherings.
Join us for monthly live music events, fostering a vibrant automotive and social community.
One Eleven Motorcars is more than just a dealership - it’s a destination. An exclusive club offering unparalleled benefits to manage your garage, fuel your automotive passion, and make social connections.
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YOUR COMMUNITY PARTNER
Gentlemen of Distinction: Like Father, Like Son
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YOUR EVERYDAY All American: A Red, White & Blue Summer with Mary Hollis Huddleston
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YOUR CHARITABLE SELF Walls of Honor: The Gary Sinise Foundation
68 UP THE ROAD Wheels in Motion: Car Culture in Middle Tennessee
PHOTOGRAPHY BY TAUSHA
DICKINSON54 ON THE COVER: Sweet summertime memories made.
Chuck McDowell, CEO of Wesley Mortgage, his wife Jo Ellen and their two dogs Bud and Ollie
Chuck McDowell, a true Middle Tennessee native, was born and raised in Mt. Juliet, met his wife while attending college in Murfreesboro, and currently resides in Franklin. As an MTSU alumni and successful business man, Chuck wanted to make a mortgage company that is Middle Tennessee’s Hometown Lender. He started Wesley Mortgage to be in the business of supporting our community and the people that live in it. Whether we’re highlighting local heroes at Titans games, or helping local churches and non profits, Wesley Mortgage reinvests in the people and places that make Middle Tennessee great.
When you work with Wesley Mortgage, you can expect three things:
1. Great customer service from Middle Tennessee experts
2. Fast closing times
3. Invests back into the people and organizations that make Middle Tennessee great Choose Middle Tennessee’s local lender today!
22 YOUR Health & Wellness Williamson Health is Elevating Excellence in Healthcare with a New Spring Hill Location with Williamson Health
24 Let’s Get Physical A Day in the Life of Dr. Bill Andrade
26 Handsome YOU Brotox: Men & Medical Aesthetics with Grace Aesthetics
28 YOUR Best Self How R.A. Dickey Keeps his Edge with Edge Peptide
34 After A Fashion Brooches: The Rise of this Must-Have Accessory with Walton’s Jewelry
36 Fashionable YOU Men’s Summer Essentials with Franklin Road Apparel
74 Keeping Score Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Muscle Shoals
80 Eat, Drink & Be Merry A Grilling Guru’s Tips to Surefire Success
86 Read Between the Lines The Man Behind the Thrills: Meet Best-Selling Author Brad Thor
93 YOUR Kids A Summer to Remember
Ladies of Distinction: Iconic Women of Williamson
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82 It’s YOUR Business Williamson County’s First Bitcoin Hub with Bitcoin Ben
84 YOUR Business Partner How Williamson, Inc. Keeps the Community Informed and Engaged with Williamson, Inc.
Shelly Robertson Birdsong OWNER | PUBLISHER EDITOR IN CHIEF
Johnny Birdsong OWNER | PUBLISHER PARTNERSHIPS & DEVELOPMENT
Anna Robertson Ham MANAGING PUBLISHER
Christian Dian Headden CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Dominique Paul MANAGING EDITOR
Emma Chennault INTEGRATED MEDIA MANAGER
April Kiser COMMUNITY RELATIONS & SPECIAL EVENTS MANAGER
Katie Murphy DIGITAL MEDIA MANAGER
LaQuita “Q” Scaife COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT MANAGER
Gracie Comer SPECIAL EVENTS ASSISTANT
Ron Cheatham OPERATIONS
Lane Robertson DISTRIBUTION
LLC
Bridge Street | Franklin, TN | 37064 615.465.6046 | yourwilliamson.com Please send all content & coverage requests to: info@robertsonmediagroup.com
Dear Readers,
It’s summertime! My favorite time of the year; longer days, bright sunshine, blue skies, starry nights and plenty of summer fun! For me, that means: Golf, swimming, boating, grilling, fresh vegetables from the garden, road trips with the top down, lightning bugs, baseball, hot dogs and apple pie.
As I think back on the many years of my life, summertime has always been my favorite season, and I believe most of my favorite memories were made during the summer. As I reflect back on summers gone by, those memories are from different “seasons” of my life, starting in childhood — learning to swim, hit a baseball, ride a bike — to being a young kid riding a motorcycle, playing team sports, learning to water ski. Then, to being a teenager — learning to drive a car, drive a boat, girls, first dates, finding something to do — a.k.a. usually trouble. Then it was as a college kid being away from home, having that first summer job and making lifetime friends. And, of course, into young adulthood, where summer becomes less fun, just trying to figure it all out without a clue, but still, with few responsibilities and no cares.
Today, I get to watch and live those times through my kids’ “seasons” of life. With my three children of varying ages, I find myself deciding when to try and stop or correct, something and, instead, when to let it be. It’s a lesson in life you must learn for yourself. Though it’s hard. They are my kids. And I know, like me, they will learn things the hard way, for it to truly sink in. Regardless of where each one is in age and what they are going through, I feel as though “I’ve been there. I know how that feels.”
As we have just celebrated Father’s Day, I realize how blessed I truly am. My father passed when I was twenty-two years old. I miss him more today than ever. After his funeral, his best friend said to me: “You will be a father one day and, when you are, don’t think you can buy them things to make them happy. The most important thing you can ever do is give them your time and build good memories.” That message has been etched in my mind, and I try to live it with my children. I am sad my Dad never got to be a part of my children’s lives. I believe they would have each had a very special relationship, and I know they would have learned a lot from him.
I’m looking forward to some sweet summer days over the next few weeks. They are always so fleeting, and I soak them all up. Sometimes, I can truly feel like a kid again, just being a kid alongside my kids. Do the same, gentlemen — find those things you love to do and do them… And remember to make time and just show up. Hug your kids and build great memories.
"Summertime is always the best of what might be."
- Charles Bowden
Johnny Birdsong | Publisher johnny@robertsonmediagroup.com
$1,699,900
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COMMUNITY RELATIONS DIRECTOR, CITY OF BRENTWOOD
Charles Booth is the Community Relations Director for the City of Brentwood. He previously worked as a journalist for The Tennessean newspaper, and as Director of Communication for Austin Peay State University in Clarksville.
OWNER OF WALTON’S JEWELRY
Julie Walton Garland is the third-generation owner of Walton’s Jewelry in historic downtown Franklin. As a Graduate Gemologist from the GIA, she has been instrumental in continuing the legacy of the business and is a dedicated advocate for small business success. Julie lives in Williamson County with her family and is an active member of the Downtown Franklin Association.
HOLLIS HUDDLESTON
MRS. SOUTHERN SOCIAL
Southern hospitality, tradition with a twist and a bit of sarcasm. That’s what you’ll find with Mary Hollis Huddleston on Mrs. Southern Social. Mary loves entertaining and shares ideas, inspiration and contacts that will hopefully make your life a bit easier one cocktail party at a time. Learn more at mrssouthernsocial.com.
KATIE SHANDS
DAYS GONE BY
Katie Shands, local author of novel Finding Franklin, has found her home here in our community. See her interesting and history filled blog posts about Franklin and Williamson County on social media daily. Follow her on social media @katieshandsauthor.
YOUR HEALTH & WELLNESS
Williamson Health has been a healthcare pillar in our community for over sixty years. With an impressive tradition and commitment to providing exceptional healthcare service to thousands of patients, they are YOUR community hospital. For more information, visit williamsonhealth.org.
YOUR BUSINESS PARTNER
Williamson, Inc. is committed to the core values of leadership, education and community. They are laser-focused on helping our members be productive, progressive and prosperous business professionals. Visit williamsonchamber.com for more information!
JULY 4
FRANKLIN ON THE FOURTH
Downtown Franklin franklinlionsclub.com
Franklin on the Fourth will focus on family fun including great music, free games, pet resting area, quality craft and tasty food. There will also be a “Patriotic Pet Parade” for four-legged friends and their owners, with awards. Contestants are encouraged to show up in patriotic clothes and costumes to walk/ parade the six-block route through historic downtown Franklin. Unmotorized floats (decorated wagons, strollers and bicycles) are also allowed.
JULY 4
4TH OF JULY FIREWORKS CELEBRATION
The Park at Harlinsdale Farm friendsoffranklinparks.org
Friends of Franklin Parks, in conjunction with the City of Franklin and City of Franklin Parks Department, will be hosting the annual 4th of July Celebration with live music, food trucks and kids games, at the Tractor Supply Co. Arena at the Park at Harlinsdale Farm. The Tractor Supply Co. Arena will be open to the public for prime fireworks viewing.
JULY 5
DOWNTOWN FRANKLIN ART CRAWL
Downtown Franklin artscouncilwc.org
The First Friday Art Crawl, which takes place in downtown Franklin, has expanded to The Factory at Franklin. One of the most anticipated features of this expansion is the introduction of complimentary trolley rides, offering convenient transportation for attendees from various points in the city. The Factory will showcase art in the main entrance
Tap into the heartbeat of Williamson County with a quick scan! Our community calendar is your portal to the pulse of local events and activities. Stay connected, stay engaged, and never miss a beat of what makes our county extraordinary.
grand hall, as well as some of the stores including Fork of the South, each showcasing the diverse talents that call Franklin home.
JULY 18
AN EVENING WITH FRIENDS
Barn at Sycamore Farms friendsofwcac.org
Get your pet themed attire ready for the sixth annual Friends of Williamson County Animal Center (FOWCAC) “An Evening with Friends” fundraiser. The evening will include dinner and beverages as well as both live and silent auction items. All proceeds directly benefit the animals and programs at Williamson County Animal Center (WCAC).
JULY 19
BETHLEHEM UMC FISH FRY
Bethlehem United Methodist Church bethlehemumc.com
One of the county’s longest running events, the Bethlehem United Methodist Church’s Fish Fry, returns for its forty-ninth year on the grounds of the Grassland church at 2419 Bethlehem Loop Road off Hillsboro Road. The BUMC Fish Fry is a good old-fashioned social with delicious, all-you-can-eat catfish, live music, a silent auction and a free children’s area – all helping support church missions.
26 – 27
BLUEGRASS ALONG THE HARPETH
Downtown Franklin bluegrassalongtheharpeth.com
Always held the fourth weekend in July, Bluegrass Along the Harpeth festival is put on and operated by old time musicians and dancers. Friday night will have some of the best bluegrass bands around and Saturday will showcase musicians competing in the individual instruments and band contests. There will also be food and craft vendors open during the festival.
AUGUST 2 – 10
WILLIAMSON COUNTY FAIR
Williamson County AgExpo Park williamsoncountyfair.org
The Williamson County Fair celebrates twenty years with its 2024 event, which takes place from Friday, August 2nd through Saturday, August 10th. The family-fun event will have all of your fair-favorites including shows, competitions, vendors, carnival rides, games and more. Visit the website for information, tickets and tips for attending.
the moments, discover hidden gems, and bring the memories home. Scan here for event photos, both featured and exclusive.
WHO: YOUR Williamson | yourwilliamson.com WHAT: Ladies of Distinction: Iconic Women of Williamson WHERE: The Factory at Franklin WHY: The inaugural Ladies of DistinctionIconic Women of Williamson event, brought to you by YOUR Williamson Magazine, sponsored by Diamond Cellar and Williamson Health, took place May 21st at The Factory at Franklin and featured an afternoon of shopping; silent auction carefully curated for the ladies; a fashion show presented by BELK and luncheon. Of course the main event was to honor the 2024 Iconic Women of Williamson. The 2024 honorees included: Thelma Battle, Marsha Blackburn, Nancy Conway, Caroline Cross, Barbara Fleming, Jane Franks, Rudy Jordan, Daisy King, Marilyn LeHew, Marty Ligon, Mary Pearce & Lillian Stewart.
Proceeds from the event supported the Williamson Health - More for You, Close to Home Capital Campaign and will be recognized at the Turner Dugas Breast Health Center and Christina Qi, a graduate of Ravenwood High School and future Purdue University student, was awarded a $5000 YOUR Community Media scholarship.
Donna Kay Vick, Cathi Aycock, Claire Aycock & Kay Awalt Musgrove
Stacey Wallace & August James
Wendy Thomas, Colleen Hoke & Melinda Brown
Jayla Christmon & Arica Quinn
Carolyn Worthy & Barbara Fleming
Chandra Adkins & Kim Pool
Jane Franks, Barbara Fleming, Caroline Cross, Nancy Conway & Thelma Battle
Karla Landrum & Marianne Schroer
Susannah Medley & Nancy Conway
Cecilia Watson & Joyce Hanes
Vickie Manning & Bryan Doleshel
Robert Blair, Joy Morris & Carrie Drury
Kel McDowell & Corrin Hein
Tammie Osborn, Jen Nichols & Candie Westbrook
Tiffany Johns, Emery Thornton, Courtney & Madison Tate, Keeling & Shelly Birdsong
Michele Preston, Deborah Warnick & Vicki Stout
Taylon Hope
Ashley Miller, Carol Bobbitt, Isaiah Jacob, Laura Wunder & Lakeisha Doss
Torrey Barnhill, Nancy Smith & Melissa Cassidy Lynn & Linda McGill, Ann Petersen & Betty Jane Chalfant
Lillian Stewart, Mary Pearce, Marty Ligon & Marilyn LeHew
Peggy Franks, Mary Alice Felker, Leesa Mullaly & Nan Smith
2024 Iconic Women of Williamson - photo courtesy of Williamson Herald
Roy Laws
Taylon & Tara Miller
Kim Powell & Lisa McLaughlin
Jennifer Spradlin, Gini David, Amy Nolte, Cheryl Brown, Lisa Gibbs, Kimberly Calcote & Donna Choate
Maggie Brown, Bernice Andrews, Peggy Davis & Barbara Sparkman
or Sanford Kim, M.D., taking care of patients is a responsibility he doesn’t take lightly. As one of the primary care physicians at Williamson Health’s newest location in Spring Hill, he’s embracing the opportunity to practice in the community where he lives.
“It is such a blessing and a huge responsibility to help take care of people,” said Dr. Kim, who has practiced in Williamson County for more than two decades. “This area is growing, and I noticed early on that there were not enough primary care doctors in the area. These are my friends, neighbors and church members. I’m grateful that Williamson Health has expanded in this area.”
The new clinic, located at 5221 Port Royal Road in Spring Hill, opened in early May. Staffed by Williamson Medical Group physicians, Dr. Kim and Paula Dunn, M.D.; Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee physicians, Matt Anderson, M.D. and Preet Gurusamy, M.D.; along with Andrea Pierce, PT, and Angela Shipman, PTA; the clinic offers primary care (family and internal medicine), laboratory services, orthopaedic urgent care, an orthopaedic physician clinic and physical therapy.
It joins four other Williamson Health locations in Spring Hill: a primary care clinic, two EMS stations and a walk-in clinic. Williamson Medical Group and Bone and Joint Institute physicians also provide care at a clinic in Tollgate Medical Plaza, located in nearby Thompson’s Station. The expanded healthcare
Williamson County residents have access to exceptional care right where they live.
“Spring Hill just keeps expanding, so expanding Williamson Health’s offices in the Spring Hill area is an investment in the most rapid area of growth of Williamson County,” Dr. Kim said. “We all have a part to play in building this community, and I’m just glad to be contributing to this amazing town and helping to keep people healthy.”
It’s a focus Dr. Anderson shares. He and Dr. Gurusamy will work together to help meet the orthopaedic needs of Spring Hill area patients.
“Dr. Gurusamy is a joint replacement specialist, and I focus on sports medicine procedures, so together we bring a nice complement of orthopaedic services to the Spring Hill community,” Dr. Anderson said. “A lot of our patients live in Spring Hill or commute from further south, so opening our first Bone and Joint Institute clinic in Spring Hill to serve those patients is exciting.”
Set to serve as the team physician for Summit High School during the 2024-2025 school year, Dr. Anderson is eager to put down roots in the community.
“I’ll be closer to the athletes and students for whom I provide care, so it’s nice to feel like I’m a bigger part of the community and playing a role in providing more convenient care for our patients,” he said.
In addition, Dr. Kim and Dr. Anderson said the new location — with primary care, orthopaedic and physical therapy providers housed in the same building — will create greater continuity of care for patients.
“If a patient presenting for a routine checkup also has a musculoskeletal issue, for example, it is as easy as taking the elevator downstairs to get an X-ray and see an orthopaedic provider,” Dr. Anderson said. “This new clinic really serves as a comprehensive center for health maintenance for Spring Hill residents.”
For details about the new Spring Hill location or to request an appointment, visit williamsonhealth.org/spring-hill
WHO: Downtown Franklin Rotary Club WHAT: Jockeys and Juleps
WHERE: The Park at Harlinsdale Farm WHY: The Downtown Franklin Rotary Club held their 6th annual Jockeys and Juleps Kentucky Derby Party in May. The evening included a catered dinner and open bar, live music and dancing, live and silent auctions, bourbon tastings, and a viewing of the 2024 Kentucky Derby! YOUR Williamson hosted the “Best Dressed” contest. Funds raised from Jockeys & Juleps benefits local and international charities through the Downtown Franklin Rotary Charitable Foundation.
Your day begins at three in the morning with a cup of coffee and speed reading fifty to one hundred pages. Next, you go for a ten-minute jog with your Doberman. Now that you’re warmed up, it’s time to head to the YMCA for your mind and body workout. You spend the first sixty-five minutes of the workout on a Life Fitness elliptical machine at a pace traversing eight miles, which burns 750 calories. And you do this while simultaneously working on your “brain exercise,” the first of several mental challenges aided by an App on your phone.
Next, and without changing your elliptical pace, you recall the exact sequence of over 300 items from
seventeen separate Memory Palaces. This is one component of a memory enhancement technique termed The Method of Loci, used by memory experts for centuries. Next, comes practice with an app that enhances peripheral vision and aids speed reading.
After this first section is complete, you change into a dry set of workout clothes and move to the rower where you’ll row for sixty consecutive minutes while listening to music or a podcast. And finally, you’ll swim five laps in the pool as a cool down. Altogether, combining elliptical and rower, you have traveled the equivalent of over thirteen miles in about three hours and expended over 1,500 calories.
What you’re doing should be something you enjoy, and you make time to do it. It’s not a burden; it’s not something that you endure negatively. Something in the way because you feel better, you’re healthier.
This workout belongs to seventy-eight-year-old Bill Andrade, MD, the formal Medical Director of the Wellness Center in Las Vegas. While in Last Vegas, he wrote a popular health and fitness newspaper column for the Las Vegas Sun, and he served as the President of the local chapter of the American Heart Association with an office located in the luxurious Green Valley Athletic club. But Dr. Andrade’s biggest passion has been designing wellness programs.
While his workout is certainly effective, you won’t have to copy Bill’s exact routine to see results. “I wouldn’t advise anyone to copy my workout. My program has evolved over thirty consistent years. It fits my temperament and personal goals,” says Dr. Andrade. Industry statistics reveal that seventy percent of new gym members quit going within six months of starting. Bill believes there’s a disconnect between patients and physicians, and that’s where his fitness plan comes in. He also believes that fitness is to be found in both mind and body. After all, engaging your brain strengthens neural pathways, which is where our memories live, and helps form new ones.
Dr. Andrade believes that sustaining healthy habits is crucial to a happy and productive life, and says he wants to help people improve their lives by spreading the word that a mind and body workout will drastically improve their livelihood and overall health.
To learn more about how to improve your mental and physical wellbeing and read the full article, head over to yourwilliamson.com.
BY DOMINIQUE PAUL
t’s all over social media (and research supports), that men are finally dipping in to the $6.4 billion Botox market. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the number of men seeking Botox has risen by an astounding 355 percent in the last fifteen years, with the most precipitous spike occurring since 2020. We spoke to Nurse Practitioner and Aesthetics Injector Tori Crook of Grace Aesthetics in Cool Springs to get the low down on the high rise of ‘Brotox.’
“Men, like women, want to look better because when you look better, you feel better and research proves that,” says Tori. Historically, society has emphasized women’s physical appearances, especially related to the aging
with shifting societal norms, women aren’t the only ones seeking to turn back time.
“In my experience the number one treatment for men is Botox and Dysport. The crow’s feet is a great area and probably the number one seeking area for men. Also the area between the eyes and of course the forehead. Those three areas can make a huge different for males as far as softening lines, waking the eyes up, which gives them years back and overall smoothing the skin,” shares Tori.
Like Botox, Dysport is another brand of injectable neurotoxin that temporarily blocks certain nerve signals that make muscles contract. The muscles then relax, reducing unwanted wrinkles. But Tori says the procedure is not one size fits all. “With men’s facial structures being different, as an injector, I have to take a different approach so that I don’t feminize them. Males have stronger, more pronounced muscles generally and typically do not want an arched brow so everything is approached differently with my male patients.” Tori also says that, due to their thicker skin and stronger muscles, men usually need more units of neurotoxin than women. “For the face, anywhere from thirty-five to sixty-five units is typical.”
But, one of the best things about neurotoxins is the convenience.
“The whole procedure takes less than fifteen minutes and there is no down time. You can go right back to work. You’ll see results in anywhere from three to fourteen days, and results will last approximately three to four months,” says Tori, who adds that neurotoxins are not just
“Men, like women, want to look better because when you look better, you feel better”
for the face. “Botox injected into the armpits is great for men also. No more sweat stains while playing golf!”
Today, there are so many medical aesthetic options available, Tori says men are not stopping at neurotoxins. Botox, she says, is often just the “gateway drug” to other rejuvenating treatments like dermal fillers. “Men often seek a sharper jawline, and this is where I would start with chin and pre-jowl filler to create a stronger, more masculine jawline… Another treatment that is popular with my male patients is Sculptra, a bio stimulatory aesthetic injectable that helps stimulate your body’s own natural collagen production, giving back lost volume in a very subtle, natural way and also smoothing facial wrinkles and improving skin tightness yielding a younger, more refreshed look.” The results of Sculptra are not immediate, however, and it can take up to six treatments and nine months to see the full effects, which typically last two to three years.
Another treatment that is gaining traction with men is PRF Hair Regeneration. PRF stands for Protein-Rich Fibrin and uses the regenerative properties of your own blood to stimulate hair follicles, leading to improved hair and thickness. During the procedure, a blood draw is done, then the blood is centrifuged to separate the different components into a gooey, high-concentration of platelets, growth factors, and other proteins, which are then carefully injected into the scalp. “Over time, the natural growth factors stimulate the hair follicles, encouraging their transition from a dormant phase to an active growth phase. This helps revive weakened or dormant follicles, leading to increased hair density, improved hair thickness, and a reduction of hair loss,” says Tori. Patients usually start with three treatments four to six weeks apart, and then maintain every six months.
Morpheus8 is also popular with men for its ability to help tighten and sculpt areas like the jawline (such as “turkey neck”) and the abdomen. “Morpheus8 is a minimally invasive radio frequency micro-needling treatment that uses heat, and the needles go deeper than traditional micro-needling. Morpheus8 can dissolve fat and tighten skin. Treatments are done six weeks apart and then you maintain results once a year. Results are best seen at the six month mark,” explains Tori. There is approximately one week of downtime with Morpheus8 due to redness, swelling and potential bruising.
Tori tells us that while she sees men of all demographics and marital statuses, she notes that single men and recent divorcees tend to come to her office of their own volition, while married men often come at the behest of their wives. “Men, especially married men, don’t usually notice or know about the signs of facial aging. It’s usually their wives that suggest it. I see so many males that just come along with their wives and make it a date day treatment!”
As facial rejuvenation becomes more popular with both men and women, the stigma attached to these procedures also decreases. “There is definitely nothing to be ashamed of when you’re trying to maintain your skin and keep yourself
looking younger. Just like the gym is great for maintaining your body, we want to help maintain your face here at Grace Aesthetics,” adds Tori. Still, not everyone is comfortable being so extroverted about receiving aesthetic procedures, so Grace Aesthetics provides a private waiting room towards the back of the office where patients can comfortably wait until their practitioner calls them back. “We also use numbing agents for most of our procedures and have fans and other calming agents for the patients to use if needed. I try to be as gentle as possible to lesson pain and my patients tend to do great!”
In spite of all of the high-tech treatments on the market today, Tori says she cannot emphasize enough the importance of basics like a solid skincare routine and regular use of sunscreen. “We offer a wide variety of ZO skincare products and can tailor it to our male patients. Just like for women, Retinol and sunscreen is important for our male patients too and can improve their skin so much over time by helping to correct and prevent sunspots and overall skin quality. And these things can easily be used from home without downtime!”
So fellas, if you’ve been wondering what all the medical aesthetics hype is about, the time is ripe for diving in. With so many recent advances in technology and highlyskilled injectors available, you too
One of the unique things about living in Williamson County is the number of high-profile yet humble people there are in our community. We recently talked with former MLB pitcher R.A. Dickey about his career, his health, and how he stays on top of his game long after retirement.
Born and raised in Nashville, R.A. Dickey attended Montgomery Bell Academy where his talent was apparent early on. As a high school senior, Dickey was awarded Most Valuable Player in the AAA Championship and would later turn down an offer to play for the Detroit Tigers so he could fulfill his dream of pitching for the Vols. While at UT, his fast ball jumped
from 88mph to 94mph and, in 1996, Dickey was drafted by the Texas Rangers. But his road to the MLB would be a long one.
In April 2001, Dickey finally made his majorleague debut at Arlington Stadium, and by July 2003, he was in regular rotation for the Rangers. Around that time, he had begun throwing an unusual forkball he called “the thing.” In truth, it was a hard knuckleball. A “knuckler” as it is sometimes called, is a baseball pitch thrown to minimize the spin of the ball in flight, causing an erratic and unpredictable motion. At the time R.A. adopted the pitch, only seventy major league pitchers had ever regularly used the knuckleball during their careers. The knuckler is extremely difficult to learn, and it can take years of practice before being able to
throw and command it consistently.
But, by 2005, after limited success in MLB as a conventional starting pitcher, Dickey found his lane when he perfected his knuckleball, going on to play for the Seattle Mariners, Minnesota Twins, New York Mets, Toronto Blue Jays and the Atlanta Braves. In 2012, Dickey became the first knuckleballer to win the Cy Young Award -it was also the year he published his first book, Wherever I Wind Up: My Quest for Truth, Authenticity and the Perfect Knuckleball.
In 2018, R.A. Dickey retired from major league baseball. Today, there is only one knuckleballer in all of MLB: San Diego Padres’ Matt Waldren. But R.A. Dickey hopes to change that.
At almost fifty years old, R.A. is still on the field, albeit in another way. After leaving the MLB, R.A. and his family returned to middle Tennessee where Dickey is passing the torch to the next generation as Assistant Coach for Christ Presbyterian Academy’s varsity baseball program. He also coaches the Mavericks 17U team in Brentwood. “Coaching is an opportunity to be with my son and to give away to these players what I was given,” says R.A. One can only hope the kids in these programs know what a blessing it is to have a legend in their midst.
R.A. admits that coaching can be physically demanding, and says he works out regularly to stay fit. “I play basketball three mornings a week at 5am. I like doing athletic things still. I still do weight training and mobility like I did when I was a player two to three days a week as well.” While knuckleballers typically have the least strain on their arm of all pitchers, R.A. says that nearly forty years of baseball has taken its toll on his body.
But R.A. says he has discovered a unique regenerative treatment, offered by Edge Peptide Therapy in Cool Springs, that helps him feel
his best. “I’ve done regenerative injections into my knee to help alleviate some of the aches and pains that come with being active at my age,” shares R.A. These organic regenerative injections contain a cellular matrix, hyaluronic acid, collagen, and billions of growth factors, which go to pain receptor sites and decrease inflammation and promote healing. After receiving an injection, the surrounding tissue begins to repair and regenerate itself at the cellular level at around thirty days, while maximum results are seen around the sixty to ninety day mark. “After a few days, the relief was noticeable. I’d say my pain went from a level eight to a level two, and it continues to improve,” says R.A.
Founded by Joe Stanford in 2018, Edge Peptide uses a tailored blend of modern treatments and proven science to restore wellness, boost performance, and enhance appearance. Stanford said he discovered peptide therapy after he suffered a complete calf muscle tear and was told he needed surgery. “Instead, a doctor told me about an alternative treatment called peptide therapy. I tried it and it worked. In nine weeks, my calf muscle was completely healed. No surgery needed.”
In addition to peptide therapy and organic regenerative treatments, Edge Peptide offers a full menu of cutting-edge treatments designed for the high-performance individual -and those just wanting to look and feel better. One example is IGF-1 LR3, a popular peptide treatment that helps individuals build muscle by naturally increasing growth hormone while also decreasing recovery time between workouts. Edge Peptide also offers the P-Shot, Testosterone therapy, weight-loss peptides, and a plethora of regenerative therapies to help turn back the hands of time. “It’s not just women who want to look and feel better,” says Stanford. “Men too are looking to get their Edge back, to not only restore what’s been lost but to also thrive going forward.”
R.A. Dickey agrees, telling us, “The treatment that I’ve done at Edge has allowed me to do what I love –coaching and teaching- without the pain that came from years of playing.“
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Williamson County is more than just a place on a map. It’s a rich landscape of culture and history, shaped by the many remarkable people who have called it home. Last month, we honored the women who impacted this area’s history; now, we pay homage to the men whose sacrifice, determination, and hard work left a lasting mark on this community.
(1921-2006)
If ever there was a story of triumph over circumstance, it would be that of Monroe Booker. This man refused to accept the racial barriers of the segregated South and created a legacy of excellence for him and his family.
Monroe was born in Hohenwald, Tennessee, but spent his formative years studying at Franklin Training School on Natchez Street. When he was twenty years old, the United States declared war on Japan, and Monroe was drafted into the Air Force. After about three years in the South Pacific, he was discharged and sent home. In 1946, he partnered with his brother to open Booker Brothers Service Station in Franklin.
Monroe and his wife, Mary, raised twelve children in a home near the service station on West Main Street. Although Monroe’s and Mary’s formal education had ended at high school, they were determined to open new doors for their kids. Education, work ethic and faith in God were always emphasized in the Booker household.
Despite his limited material resources, Monroe poured what he could into his children’s futures. His investments, both financial and parental, paid off in the end. All twelve of the Booker kids attended college – six at Fisk, two at Vanderbilt, and one each at Harvard, Spellman, Tennessee and Concordia. They established successful careers in law, social work, civil engineering, broadcasting, teaching, coaching and banking.
The Booker children also excelled at athletics. Karen Booker played in the WNBA with the Detroit (now Tulsa) Shock, Utah Starzz and Houston
Comets. Her brother Barry was a standout basketball player with the Vanderbilt Commodores.
In honor of their exemplary parenting, Monroe and Mary received a letter of recognition from former U.S. President George W. Bush, a feature in Jet magazine and countless other accolades. Monroe even published a book of poetry, and he penned this line, a fitting closing to his story: “Our success or failure lies in our ability to endure.”
(1925-2022)
If you drive down Fifth Avenue in downtown Franklin, you will pass a bronze statue of a man sitting on a bench. This striking memorial was erected in honor of “the lost heroes of Williamson County” and depicts James “Jimmy” Gentry, one of Franklin’s most beloved and legendary figures.
Though Jimmy would grow up to be a hero both on the battlefield and home front, he came from humble origins. Born in Franklin on November 28, 1925, he was the seventh of eight children. When Jimmy was only twelve, his father died, leaving the family with no income. Jimmy and his brothers spent much of their childhood roaming the local woods, trapping, fishing, and hunting to put food on the table.
During World War II, Jimmy left his hometown to fight as a private in the Army. A bus picked him up at the rock wall at Franklin’s Five Points where the commemorative statue now sits. In Europe, Jimmy served in the 42nd Infantry Division and helped liberate the Dachau concentration camp. He was one of the first soldiers to enter the horrific death
(1951-2022)
Today, Carnton is a thriving tourist destination in Franklin–100,000 visitors every year–but it wasn’t too long ago that the antebellum-mansion-turnedmuseum wasn’t getting enough guests to stay open. Thankfully, Robert Hicks made it his personal mission to share the incredible and nearly forgotten story of Carnton.
In 1864, after the bloody Battle of Franklin, Carnton was used as a field hospital for Confederate soldiers. The mistress of the home, Carrie McGavock, went to great efforts to care for the injured, even ripping up her own linens and clothes to dress the men’s wounds. Two years later, she and her husband donated two acres of their land for the reinterment of nearly 1,500 fallen soldiers. Carrie devoted the rest of her life to tending those graves and keeping records of the dead who were buried there.
Robert believed if the public heard Carrie’s story, they would come to Carnton in droves. In 2005, he published The Widow of the South, a novel about Carrie and her selfless acts. The book went on to become a New York Times bestseller, and tourists flocked to Carnton. Robert later penned two sequels: A Separate Country and The Orphan Mother. The rest is history as they say.
A passionate preservationist, Robert also spearheaded the efforts to reclaim Franklin’s battlefields. He founded Franklin’s Charge, a nonprofit that purchases at-risk Civil War battle sites in Williamson County. Another project led by Robert was the building of a memorial to honor the enslaved people who were buried in unmarked graves in Carnton’s family cemetery.
Robert died in 2022 of complications from bladder cancer. Although the
camp and would later become a speaker for the Tennessee Holocaust Commission. He was awarded two Bronze Stars for his actions during the invasion of Germany.
After the war, Jimmy returned to Franklin where he married Rebecca Channell. The couple had three sons together. After attending Peabody College, Jimmy began teaching and coaching at Franklin High School. In the early 1960s, he was hired as a biology teacher and football coach at Battle Ground Academy. He ended his career at Brentwood Academy, teaching Tennessee history and coaching football until 1998.
Jimmy spent his retirement as a volunteer coach and a public speaker, sharing his experiences from the war. He also ran a summer camp at his home, Gentry’s Farm. Jimmy passed away on April 21, 2022 at the age of ninety-six. After his funeral, people waved flags as the procession drove down a three-mile stretch of New Highway 96 that was named in his honor.
McGavock family cemetery was considered closed, an exception was made for Robert, and he was interred just a few feet away from his muse, Carrie McGavock.
If there’s ever a question about the history of Williamson County, a likely response will be, “Ask Rick Warwick.” His mind holds onto dates and names like a sponge with water, and on the rare occasion Rick can’t pull it out of his brain, he knows exactly which book, record, or person to consult.
Rick moved to Williamson County in 1970 with his wife Elaine who is from the area. The following year, Rick began teaching civics and history at Hillsboro School in Leiper’s Fork. After working for two decades as a teacher and librarian, he retired to focus on documenting the county’s history.
By that point, Rick had been elected president of the Williamson County Historical Society. Soon after, he became editor of the WCHS annual journals. Rick spent years gathering photos of the area, eventually amassing a
(1844-1930)
One of the opening lines of a 1926 article commemorating the birthday of Allen Nevils Crutcher Williams declares, “Hereby hangs a story of more than passing interest to all citizens of Franklin.” And what a story it is.
Born into the shackles of slavery in 1844, A.N.C. Williams was the property of Dr. Sterling Crutcher of Spring Hill. At the age of six, A.N.C. was sold to D.R. Crutcher who brought him to Franklin. Even as an enslaved teenager, A.N.C. was determined to better himself. He began to teach himself to read
collection of almost 20,000 images. He also invested a great deal of time interviewing local families about their ancestry. In 2017, Rick was appointed Williamson County historian.
His decades of work have resulted in the publication of thirty-two historic journals and more than twenty-five books. Rick has also overseen the placement of more than 150 historic markers throughout the county. Additionally, he has served on the Tennessee Historical Commission and the boards of the Heritage Foundation, Carter House, Carnton Plantation, African American Heritage Society of Williamson County and Franklin’s Charge. Though not officially an employee of the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County, Rick keeps an office in their headquarters at the Old, Old Jail where he continues to volunteer untold hours toward preserving the stories of the past.
and write by tracing scraps of paper. However, he stopped because it was considered dangerous for an enslaved person to be literate.
In 1862, A.N.C. was again sold to Confederate Captain Andrew Jackson Williams. The captain taught A.N.C. to read and write formally. Also, during this time, A.N.C. married Malissa Doyle. They would go on to have sixteen children together. The following year, A.N.C. was emancipated and opened Franklin’s first Black-owned business, a shoe repair and manufacturing shop. It was located in the public square in the quadrant where City Hall now stands.
The shop was destroyed in 1864 during the Battle of Franklin, but A.N.C. didn’t let that deter him. For a brief period, he sold pies on the streets until he was able to reopen his shoe business in a shack on Fourth Avenue. He later obtained a bank loan (no small feat for a Black person during that time) and set up shop on Main Street where Avec Moi now operates. Despite segregation, A.N.C. welcomed both Black and White customers into his store. Eventually, the operation expanded into a general merchandise store, and in 1928, he retired after sixty-five years of continuous service.
Not only was A.N.C. a successful entrepreneur, he was a devoted minister. After learning to read, A.N.C. became a dedicated student of the Bible and somehow found time to pastor the Cummins Street Church of Christ. He served in that position for more than twentyfive years.
In 1930, at the age of eighty-six, A.N.C. died from liver cancer. In those days, it was rare for a Black man’s obituary to appear in the newspaper, but even in death, A.N.C. broke barriers. Franklin’s Review-Appeal remembered him as “honest and trustworthy in every phase of life.”
As summer sweeps into Williamson County, a season of sophisticated garden parties and outdoor weddings is heating up. Dressing up without adding layers can be a challenge, but one that’s easily solved – yes, even for men – with a carefully curated jewelry wardrobe that includes brooches and stick pins.
With a rich history, these accessories have been part of men’s fashion for millennia. Dating back to ancient civilizations, brooches served as practical fasteners for garments among royalty, clergy and other elites. They became a staple in men’s fashion during the Victorian period and continued to be popular through the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, adorned by notable figures like Oscar Wilde and Winston Churchill.
In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in brooches as menswear. Fashion designers and jewelry enthusiasts appreciate their versatility, further establishing their place in men’s formal wear. These accessories can be worn on lapels, collars, pockets, scarves, hats or even messenger bags, allowing for creativity and individual expression.
Whether cherished as sentimental heirlooms passed down through generations or as contemporary fashion statements, brooches and stick pins remain a timeless and trendy way to reflect your story and personal style.
With centuries of history in our Downtown Franklin showroom, we invite you to find inspiration or perhaps a new piece for your wardrobe with the help of our GIA-trained experts at our Main Street location or waltonsjewelry.com.
Gentlemen can still look suave in heat of summer. From effortlessly handsome to sophisticated - Franklin Road Apparel have styles for all men and all occasions. Summer months can still be stylish in designer swim trunks, cool button ups and comfortable shoes that make a statement. The right accessories are key as well. Visit Franklin Road Apparel in downtown Franklin to see the latest looks for men and women. Browse their collection and designer brands at franklinroad.com.
Lately I’ve been noticin’
I say the same things he used to say
And I even find myself
Actin’ the very same way
There were times I thought he was bein’ Just a little bit hard on me
But now I understand he was makin’ me
Become the man he knew that I could be
In everything he ever did, he always did with love
And I’m proud today to say I’m his son
When somebody says I hope I get to meet your dad
I just smile and say you already have
- “Song for Dad” by Keith
Urbanust like the lyrics of Keith Urban’s “Song for Dad,” these stories about father and son relationships will inspire you. From learning to ride a bike to driving a car to putting on a suit and tie and heading into work… These fathers and sons have shown what it is to learn and grow into a respected role, within their business as well as in each other’s eyes. These pride-filled duos are a testament to putting in the work both personally and professionally. Now well-established, trusted community entities, these fatherson teams prove that the well-raised apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
Here are just a handful of the amazing family businesses, comprised of fathers and sons – passing the torch and building legacies that will inspire.
The father-son team of Danny and Reid Anderson has significantly impacted the local real estate market for many years. Both brokers at Onward Real Estate, they embody how family and professionalism can blend to create lasting success.
Danny Anderson moved to Williamson County nearly fifty years ago with his wife Teresa, initially serving as the Public Relations Director for Carter’s Court under Calvin and Marilyn LeHew. He soon transitioned into real estate, carving out a career spanning over forty-one years. Today, Danny is a broker at Onward Real Estate. “I love staying active and involved,” Danny shares. “We have had the most amazing, wonderful and magnificent life here as a result of the support, love and vitality of this amazing community and the people that live here.”
His son, Reid Anderson, has followed in his father’s footsteps, having lived in Williamson County all his life. Inspired by Danny’s dedication, Reid has been a real estate agent for over twenty years. “Growing up, seeing my dad help people find their homes was incredibly inspiring,” Reid says. “It’s what drew me to this profession.”
Their working relationship spans more than two decades, blending Danny’s extensive experience with Reid’s fresh insights. “We play on each other’s strengths,” says Danny. “Reid’s professionalism and intelligence are a joy to work with.” Reid values his father’s mentorship, adding, “Dad cares deeply for his clients and always goes above and beyond to provide the best service.”
“Reid is my hero in many ways,” says Danny. “He has supported me from day one. He is dedicated, professional, smart and a true joy to work with. We have fun agreeing and disagreeing. He usually wins.”
Despite their success, they have faced significant challenges. In 2020, Danny and Teresa’s home burned down, resulting in a devastating loss. Shortly afterward, Reid suffered from health issues and required several major surgeries. Danny says Reid’s positive attitude was unwavering during it all. “His resilience and dedication, even in the hospital, were truly inspiring.”
Right in the heart of downtown Franklin, sits Sage Investment Counsel run by father and son duo Dirk and Jackson Calvin. Dirk, the Founder, Principal and CEO of their investment firm, has spent the last twenty-eight years working
in Franklin. For Dirk, June of 2024 marks forty years in the industry. While Dirk started as an Institutional Investment Consultant, Sage Investment Counsel now works exclusively with families and their investment and retirement income needs.
Dirk lives in Spring Hill with his wife, Dr. Paula Dunn, a physician with Williamson Medical Group. They enjoy a rural lifestyle on their small farm, surrounded by the University of Tennessee Agricultural Experiment Station. “Franklin, Williamson County, and Middle Tennessee all are among the most beautiful places and popular destinations in our great country. The people you meet here are some of the friendliest and happiest you will meet,” Dirk says.
Jackson, Principal, Chief Compliance Officer and Portfolio Manager, has been working in Williamson County since June 2020. He has fond memories of Franklin from his childhood, including attending Civil War reenactments with his dad. Jackson, his wife Autumn and
Looking ahead, Danny remains committed to the business, despite several attempts at retirement. “I’ve tried to retire, but I need to stay active and engaged,” he admits. Reid envisions a shift in their roles, with Danny taking on more of a managerial position while he handles more fieldwork. “I hope to build a reputation as respected as my father’s,” Reid notes. “If my son joins the business one day, I aspire to be as great a mentor as my father has been to me.”
their son Levi, are now building their own family memories here.
Joining the family business was a natural fit for Jackson, who majored in Finance. But during college, Jackson became unsure of his career choice. “It wasn’t until my last semester in college that God changed the way I viewed business and gave me a love for it,” Jackson recalls. His drive to excel is fueled by the responsibility he feels towards their clients and his desire to honor the Calvin family name. And Jackson feels inspired by Dirk’s knowledge, stating “The investment business is ego-driven. Everyone thinks they have the answer or the next great idea. One of Dad’s strengths has been to stick to the philosophy of value investing.”
Dirk and Jackson believe in the importance of patience, respect, and enjoying their work together. “Be patient, respectful, and willing to learn from each other. Most importantly, have fun and cherish every moment,” says Dirk.
Marc and Britton Headden, a father and son pair, share journeys in the world of real estate, with their roots running deep in Franklin.
Marc, a Certified General Real Estate Appraiser and Affiliate Broker, has been in the Williamson County real estate industry for thirty-three years. “The natural beauty and the vibrant business environment make Williamson County special,” says Marc, who moved to the area in 1991 with his wife, Debbie. Their connection to the community is strong; both of their children, Britt and Hope, were born at Williamson Medical Center, and their family now includes a two-year-old granddaughter named Lucy.
Growing up in nearby Marshall County, Marc was inspired by his father, who ran a brokerage and auction company in Brentwood. “I started appraising alongside my dad, who is now ninety,” Marc recalls. Over the years, he has handled various types of property appraisals, developing a particular fondness for this side of the business.
Britton, Marc’s son and the owner of Headden Home Real Estate LLC, has lived in Williamson County his entire life. “This is home for me. My family is here, and it’s a great place to live and work,” says Britton, who resides in Franklin with his wife and their daughter, Lucy Lou. Britton’s journey into real estate seemed almost destined. Marc notes, “As soon as he could hold a tape measure, he was helping me measure buildings and houses.” In 2019, after working as an agent and trainee appraiser, Britton launched his own real estate firm. His father soon joined him, placing his real estate license with Britton’s firm.
The Headdens’ partnership is built on mutual respect and a shared passion for their work. Britton’s personal touch in his firm reflects his father’s long-standing commitment to community-focused real estate. Marc advises other father-son teams to “be patient and do not be too hard on each other. Try to separate work duties so there is a clear understanding of responsibilities.”
Marc’s vision for the future includes contributing to more affordable housing and commercial options in the area. Britton echoes his father’s sentiment, saying, “I think there are plenty of opportunities to create more affordable options here without sacrificing the high standards that have made Williamson County what it is today, and I would love to be a part of that.”
The McInturff family stands as a pillar of the equine veterinary community. Monty McInturff, President of Tennessee Equine Hospital, and his son, Colton McInturff, exemplify a legacy of dedication to horse care. Their journey is a testament to passion, perseverance and family values in the world of equine veterinary medicine.
Monty’s love for horses began early, working in high school for a local equine veterinarian and at the historic Harlinsdale Farm. He has not practiced as an equine veterinarian since 1991, which is when he started his own practice serving the community, which has now grown into a comprehensive equine hospital with four locations and over twenty veterinarians. “Agriculture and the horse have always been part of our community, and this means a lot to me.” Monty reflects. His commitment to exceptional horse care and the preservation of equine heritage in Tennessee has been the driving force behind Tennessee Equine Hospital’s success.
Monty’s sons, Cason and Colton, followed in his veterinary footsteps, each finding their niche within the field. “People ask how I talked my boys into being vets, and I tell them I had nothing to do with it. It was their choice!” Monty says proudly.
Colton, a specialist in equine sports medicine, joined Tennessee Equine Hospital in 2021. Raised in Franklin, his early exposure to the veterinary field through his father greatly influenced his career choice. “It has always been my hope to work alongside my father,” Colton shares. “I feel blessed to be doing just that.” Colton’s advanced training in equine sports medicine brings a modern approach to the hospital, enhancing its capabilities in treating performance horses. His enthusiasm for the field is fueled by the impact they have on the local equine community and the satisfaction of helping both horses and their owners.
Monty and Colton share a love for outdoor activities and family gatherings, often fishing together and attending local events. Monty’s advice for families working together emphasizes balancing work and personal life: “Leave work at work and have fun together outside of work.”
Looking ahead, the McInturff family aims to expand their services to include more urgent care facilities, ensuring comprehensive equine care is available around the clock. Their commitment to growth and mentorship underscores their dedication to both the equine and local communities.
Chuck McDowell and his sons Charles and Cameron are the powerhouses behind Wesley LLC, the parent company of Wesley Financial Group, Wesley Mortgage and Medical House Calls. Chuck’s journey in the business world began with a short stint in timeshare sales, where he recognized the industry’s deceitful tactics. This realization led to the founding of Wesley Financial Group in 2011, with a mission to help families burdened by timeshare debts. “I’m proud that we’ve been able to help over 40,000 families relieve themselves of more than $525 million in timeshare debt and maintenance fees,” Chuck proudly states.
Chuck and his wife, Jo Ellen, moved to Williamson County in 2018, finding a home in the friendly and giving community of Franklin. “I’ve never lived somewhere where the people are so friendly and giving,” Chuck reflects. His early experiences, such as purchasing a lunch with Mayor Ken Moore at a charity auction, cemented his appreciation for the community’s welcoming nature.
Charles, the Chief Revenue Officer, moved to Franklin in 2014. “ Williamson County feels like home more than anywhere else,” he remarks. Growing up with a passion for sales and marketing, Charles joined his father’s venture from the start, driven by the family motto, “Touch the Line.” He recalls a challenging period in 2013 when the company was on the verge of collapse, saying, “We leaned into one another and put in the work.”
Cameron, Chief Marketing Officer, has been part of Wesley LLC since 2018. “The rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty make Williamson County truly special to me,” Cameron shares. His vision for the future involves continued growth and leveraging each family member’s strengths. “Our long-term goal is to continue growing and scaling our businesses together as a family,” he says.
Jim Moody, the heart behind Moody Brothers Tire, and his son Jimmy Moody, are not just leaders in the automotive service industry; they are pillars of the community. Their family-owned business, Moody’s Tire & Auto Service, has
In 2020, Wesley LLC was added to the esteemed Inc. 5000 list, which is an annual list published by Inc. Magazine, that ranks the 5000 fastest-growing privately held companies in the United States. The rankings are based on percentage revenue growth over a three-year period, and Wesley LLC debuted at 203rd on the list. This is a testament to the power of family in business, showing that a shared vision and abilities can leave a lasting legacy.
been a downtown Franklin staple for over eighty years.
Jim says he started working at Moody Brothers Tire on Main Street when he was a young boy. This hands-on experience during his formative years laid the foundation for a lifelong dedication to the business. “Williamson County has always been a community where people know each other, and relationships matter,” Jim says. This sense of belonging has been central to his personal and professional life.
After serving in the Navy, Jim returned to Williamson County, where he married his wife Debbie in 1973 and dove back into the family business with an unwavering dedication, fueled by the trust and respect of their customers. “Having the trust of the people that we serve every day is inspiration enough and, as a result of that, to be able to help the less fortunate,” Jim says.
Jimmy has been part of Moody’s Tire & Auto Service from a young age. “I started working at Moody’s changing oil and tires during high school summers,” Jimmy recalls. In 2008, he joined the business full-time, eventually becoming a partner in 2016. Jimmy and his wife, LeeAnn, have two sons, James and Jackson. Jimmy’s commitment to the community mirrors his father’s. “My dad’s greatest strength is his willingness to do anything for anyone,” he says. Their ability to navigate challenges together has strengthened their bond and highlighted the importance of collaboration and mutual respect.
As Moody’s Tire & Auto Service marks its eightieth anniversary, Jim and Jimmy are united in their vision for the future. Jim dreams of seeing the business reach its centennial, continuing to be a trusted name in Williamson County. Jimmy is committed to expanding their services while preserving the family-oriented values that have been the bedrock of their success.
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Melvin Spain’s journey in the accounting world began at the age of twenty-five when he purchased his practice in Franklin in 1978. The young entrepreneur chose to keep his age under wraps, focusing instead on building credibility and trust in the community. “I did not want people in Franklin to know how young I was,” Melvin recalls. Over the years, he has become a well-respected figure in Williamson County, where he has lived, worked and raised a family.
Melvin’s dedication to his clients at Spain and Higginbotham CPA Group, located in downtown Franklin, goes beyond mere accounting services; he is committed to imparting financial wisdom and stewardship principles. “Dealing with money is a challenge for clients, whether they have an abundance or a lesser amount,” he says, understanding the complexities his clients face. The firm serves hundreds of individuals, businesses and families in Williamson County with tax preparation and tax planning services.
Trey, owner of Numbers Numbers, LLC, which is located in the Berry Farms area of Franklin and provides bookkeeping and finance consultations, carries forward the family legacy with a blend of traditional values and modern business acumen. Initially, Trey explored a career outside the family business but eventually found his way back to accounting. Learning alongside his father has been both rewarding and educational. Trey values Melvin’s extensive experience and insight. “Having someone I trust to bounce questions or problems off of is fantastic,” Trey reflects, appreciating the mentorship and support from his father.
Although Melvin and Trey have separate businesses, their shared vision is to continue to deliver exceptional service to their clients. “I would hope Trey’s business or the CPA firm would be able to positively impact people’s lives now and in the future,” expresses Melvin, who hopes that future generations will uphold the principles of fairness and respect that have been the bedrock of their financial practices. Trey aspires to grow his business without losing the personal touch that sets them apart, hoping that his daughter will one day embrace the work ethic and values he has learned from his father.
Mark Street and his son, John, are business partners at Street Tuxedo. Founded on principles of family values, innovative spirit and unwavering community commitment, their journey from a single store to a thriving network of locations is a testament to their shared vision and dedication.
Mark has built his career on a foundation of community service and integrity. With a background in insurance and a lifelong residency in Franklin, Mark’s transition into the tuxedo business was guided by the values instilled by his parents. “My parents always stressed for us to treat others fairly and with respect,” explains Mark. “The fact that folks put their faith in Street Tuxedo, to provide an excellent product at a fair price, inspires us to do more each day, month and year to serve our community with integrity. God has blessed us so that we can bless others.”
John followed in his father’s footsteps, bringing innovation and a forwardthinking approach to Street Tuxedo. Growing up in Williamson County and immersed in the family business from a young age, John’s journey into expanding the company has been marked by strategic growth and resilience. He spearheaded the opening of new locations like Murfreesboro, Cool Springs, Hendersonville, Berry Hill and The Plant.
John’s dynamic partnership with his father balances innovation with tradition, ensuring Street Tuxedo evolves while maintaining its core values. “As long as you love and respect one another you can succeed. Dad and I take every major decision we make into consideration together and make sure we are in agreement with each other,” John says. “Dad is one of the kindest people you will ever meet. He is amazing with customers and loves helping people when they come in for their special events.”
As Mark approaches retirement, he entrusts the future of Street Tuxedo to John’s capable hands, confident in his son’s ability to steer the company forward. Their collective vision aims not only to sustain but also to enhance the positive impact Street Tuxedo has on their community. John envisions a future where Street Tuxedo’s legacy of trust and quality endures, leaving an indelible mark on Williamson County.
Embodying resilience, innovation, and community spirit — the Street’s story is a testament to how family values and entrepreneurial drive can create a lasting legacy. Street Tuxedo stands not just as a purveyor of formal wear, but as a cornerstone of celebration and style in Williamson County, ensuring that every milestone is marked with elegance and grace.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATIE MURPHY
WHO: Southern Events Party Rentals | southerneventsonline.com
WHAT: 20th Anniversary Ribbon Cutting WHERE: Southern Events Party Rentals WHY: On June 6 th, Southern Events Party Rentals celebrated its twentieth anniversary with a celebration and ribbon cutting. Valued clients, partners and community members enjoyed light bites and refreshments and had the chance to explore their newly renovated showroom. SOUTHERN EVENTS PARTY RENTAL COMPANY
On a cool March morning in 1821, a young Sam Houston – future Governor of Tennessee and Texas, and first president of the Republic of Texas – was dressed in a stylish dark suit to serve as best man in a wedding. Standing next to his friend, James Wilson, Houston was likely the focal point of all in attendance.
The journalist Marquis James described Houston in his Pulitzer Prize-winning Biography, The Raven, as standing “six feet six inches in his socks, was in fine contour, a remarkably well-proportioned man, and of commanding and gallant bearing.”
At age twenty-eight, Houston’s hair may still have been jet black. As a boy, he’d run away from home and lived for years with a Cherokee tribe. Noting his dark hair, Chief John Jolly nicknamed him ‘Raven.’ The name stuck, and Sam ‘Raven’ Houston left that wedding in 1821 to become one of the most intriguing figures in U.S. history. His friend James Wilson took his new bride, Emeline,
to live on several hundred acres he’d purchased in Williamson County. In 1825, construction began on a grand house combining Federal and Greek architecture. When the mansion was finished, the Wilson family moved into Ravenswood – named after James’s friend and best man.
Almost 200 years later, this home still stands at 1825 Wilson Pike. In 2010, the City of Brentwood purchased the historic mansion from the Smith Family, representing the largest single land purchase in the city’s history. Today, Ravenswood is used as an event space, hosting weddings, corporate gatherings, holiday parties and other celebratory events.
But many don’t realize it was named after the only person elected governor of two different states; the general who defeated Santa Anna in an eighteenminute battle leading to Texas independence; and the man who served as the first president of the short-lived Republic of Texas.
t’s finally summertime in middle Tennessee, which is my favorite time of year. I love the heat, and I entertain on our screened porch and in our backyard from now until about mid-November. Red, white and blue are my go-to colors for summer tables and events, and so much of what you see on the table here can be mixed and matched, providing countless styling options.
The starting point for this tablescape was the wipeable and reversible summer daisy placemats and coordinating napkins. The colors are perfect for the 4th of July, but of course they can be used throughout the spring and summer. I love that you can flip over the placemats for a new look and style them with either the Summer Daisy Printed Napkins or the Ruby Vines Printed Napkins. They are all from
Tuckernuck, which is a great source for stylish clothing and accessories, as well as chic tabletop finds. The red and white striped tablecloth is a retired linen from Julia Amory, but I found a similar option at the home décor site, Mrs. Alice. My late grandmother’s vintage quilt served as the perfect backdrop for the tablescape, and it’s a very special piece that I plan to pass down to my daughter one day.
Summertime is also when I pull out all my Crow Canyon Home enamelware. I love every colorway they offer in their collection, but the red, white and blue splatterware pieces are my favorite. I layered the splatterware salad and dinner plates on top of their solid white buffet plates so that they would stand out against the colorful placemats. In addition to dishware, Crow Canyon has a wide variety of serving pieces, which make outdoor entertaining a breeze, given you don’t have to worry about anything breaking.
One of the newest additions to the Crow Canyon enamelware collection is this Splatter Benson Basin and Folding Table Base (which can also be used with their large trays). I always
recommend offering a self-service beverage station at gatherings to make things easier for the host and the guests. This basin holds a lot and when filled with ice, it serves as a fabulous bar where your guests can easily grab-and-go.
For the flowers on this table, I used Lillian’s Floral Studio. If you’re working with a tighter budget and don’t want to hire a florist, this table would also look great with vases filled with all-white or all-blue hydrangeas. Trader Joe’s is my go-to for affordable flowers, specifically hydrangeas.
This was my first time working with Fete Papier, and I was very impressed. I personally love serving more casual, crowd pleasing food at a chic dinner table. For me that usually means pizza, barbecue or burgers. I sent Fete Papier the design board for the table, menu items, and guest list, and she created the chicest paper goods for the table. The whimsical menu cards and place cards added the perfect festive touch to the table.
I hope you find some inspiration from my first table of summer 2024!
2,648
First time on the market and located in a tranquil & private rural area.
420 CROFTON PARK LANE
2,614 SF | 3 OR 4 BED | 3 BATHS | $850,000
This home features a primary bedroom on the main level, one-owner and first time on the market, located in the highly desirable Fieldstone Farms.
4,489
Small neighborhood with one-acre lots and has a lovely outdoor living/entertaining area.
Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist BROKER, ABR, CRS, GRI, PNM o: 615.790.6107 c: 615.260.3313 dianne@daniel-christian.com
PHOTOGRAPHY BY GRACIE COMER
WHO: Bridges Domestic Violence Center | bridgesdvc.org
WHAT: Bridges Golf Scramble WHERE: Temple Hills Country Club
WHY: Bridges is the only domestic violence center in Williamson County and is dedicated to helping victims and survivors find a pathway to safety and independence. Their annual Golf Scramble raised funds for their services, including: temporary shelter, crisis intervention, community awareness, child and court advocacy, support groups and more.
t’s a beautiful spring morning in Nolensville, as throngs of people work their way up a mud and gravel path to a home still under construction. A small crowd gathers inside the house and spills out onto the front porch, waiting for the ceremony to begin. Suddenly, Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the U.S.A.” begins to play and American flags are hoisted into the air by Vietnam-era veterans as they begin their procession towards the home. Over the loud speaker, a member of the Gary Sinise Foundation’s leadership team announces the man we are here to honor.
Retired U.S. Army Sergeant Joshua Hargis, his wife, Taylor, and their two sons, walk the now flaglined path to the home’s front porch and are greeted with an eruption of applause from the crowd. They are an undeniably beautiful family, and it takes a moment to notice that Josh‘s legs are missing; to register that he just walked up to the home on a pair of prosthetics.
We are gathered here today for the Gary Sinise Foundation’s Walls of Honor ceremony, which marks the half-way point of construction on a newly-built smart home for the Hargis Family as part of the foundation’s R.I.S.E. program. It’s the third home built by GSF since they relocated their headquarters to Nashville in 2022. Sergeant Hargis was nominated for the home by a fellow Army Ranger who works with the organization, calling Josh “the most selfless individual I have ever had the privilege of working with.” Hargis was then chosen by a panel of advisors that includes other veterans.
Sergeant Josh Hargis served four deployments in Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom, after graduating the Army’s premier leadership course, Ranger School, and serving as a K9 Handler within the 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. It was during Josh’s last deployment, while conducting operations in the city of Kandahar, when tragedy struck.
On October 5, 2013, Josh, his dog, Jany, and thirty-six other rangers, were on a night raid mission to capture a High Value Target when they were drawn into an area littered with IED’s. Their targets had concealed explosive vests underneath their clothing, which they then detonated as Josh’s
team moved in. “Our unit sustained catastrophic injuries,” explained Josh. “Four members of our team died. My K9 companion was killed. Another soldier and I suffered battlefield amputations, and countless others suffered severe injuries.”
As a result of his injuries, Josh lost both his legs, one above the knee and the other below.
Just a week before his devastating injuries, Josh learned that his wife Taylor was pregnant with their first child. He was determined to live, to get back to his wife and unborn son. But he was also afraid of facing his wife in his broken state. But Taylor’s mother, Jennifer Griffith, told us, “The minute Josh was injured, Taylor went from zero to a hundred. There has not been a day since then that Taylor has not been by Josh’s side, fighting for him, advocating for him.”
During Josh’s Purple Heart ceremony at his bedside, while bandaged and connected to breathing tubes, Josh, who was believed to be unconscious, somehow gathered enough strength to salute his Commander when he entered the room. The video of Josh’s salute from the hospital bed quickly went viral, earning the title “The Salute Seen Around the World.” Of her husband’s viral moment, Taylor Hargis said, “I was overcome with pride and emotion and… I think it just brought a sense of pride to the nation.”
Instead of going through traditional physical therapy after becoming a double amputee, Josh was given the option to try sled hockey as a means
of recovery. Hargis soon realized he was excellent at the sport, and that it helped improve both his physical and mental health. He has since gone on to represent the U.S.A. in two Para Ice Hockey World Championships and joined the U.S. Men’s Sled Hockey Team in 2018.
While Josh’s strength and tenacity are apparent to all who come in contact with him, the effects of his life-altering injuries are ever-present. “These guys are cut from a different cloth,” says Josh’s father-in-law, Scott Griffith. “They don’t complain. They take the hits and just keep moving forward. But, without his prosthetics on, Josh basically can’t go from place to place without crawling. It’s been very hard.”
But through Gary Sinise Foundation’s R.I.S.E. program, eleven years after Josh was injured, the Hargis family’s life is about to change once again. Standing for Restoring Independence, Supporting Empowerment, R.I.S.E. builds brand new specially adapted, mortgage-free smart homes for our nation’s most severely wounded heroes, that allows them to regain their freedom and independence. These new smart homes feature smart technology, low tables, wide hallways and additional amenities that help make each home completely accessible. The builds are made possible through the generous monetary and in-kind donations from various national partners, subcontractors and the American public.
Approximately 430,000 veterans currently live in Tennessee, making it the state with the largest percentage
These guys are cut from a different cloth... They take the hits and just keep moving forward.
of veteran population in the nation. The mission of the Gary Sinise Foundation, founded in 2011 by Academy Award nominated actor, Gary Sinise, is to serve our country by honoring our defenders, veterans, first responders, their families and those in need. Of the organization’s move to our area, Gary Sinise says, “Our new Nashville headquarters will give us a stronger national presence and the chance to engage more easily with the communities we serve.” The foundation recently gave a $100,000 grant to Maury County Fire and Rescue after the devastating EF-3 tornado that struck the area in May, underscoring GSF’s commitment to our nation’s first responders as well as military servicemen.
While the Hargis home is scheduled for completion in November, just in time for Veteran’s Day, this past May’s Walls of Honor ceremony, is a time for friends and supporters to come together to write personal words of gratitude for Sergeant Hargis and his family on the walls of the home before the sheet rock is put up. After opening remarks and a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem by local songstress Teresa Suber, attendees dispersed around the house and wrote notes for the family on the framing. Above the front door, Sinise himself wrote, “The messages contained within these walls
are written to fill your new home with the love and appreciation of a grateful nation... Your sacrifice will never be forgotten. God Bless You!” A fellow ranger, who was with Josh on that fateful night in October 2013, wrote, “We fight together. We die together.” Now, those affirmations and blessings will forever live in the walls of the Hargis’ home, surrounding them with the peace and comfort they are so deserving of as they move forward into their next chapter.
When addressing the crowd at the ceremony, Josh told us that while being injured was terrible, it was also how he learned that he was a part of something so much bigger than himself. And that, he says, has made the journey worth it.
Throughout the construction of each specially adapted R.I.S.E. home building project, the Gary Sinise Foundation encourages participation from the local community through the foundation’s “Buy a Brick” program, where community members can purchase an actual brick that will be inscribed with their personal message to the family. The brick will then be incorporated into the home’s flagpole base. Visit donate.garysinisefoundation.org or call Jen Dicker at 615.575.3566 for more info.
$4,699,900 |
5
$2,489,900
$1,795,000
$3,999,900
5 Beds • 5/2 Baths • 6,344 SF
$200,000 Pool Allowance
$2,475,000 |
$1,989,900 | MLS# 2536396
5 Beds • 4/1 Baths • 4,763 SF Ready End of July 2024
SADDLE UP!
PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAQUITA SCAIFE
WHO: Saddle Up! | musiccountrygrandprix.com WHAT: Music Country Grand Prix WHERE: Brownland Farm WHY: The Music Country Grand Prix is a premier equestrian show jumping competition featuring top riders and horses nationwide. Since the Music Country Grand Prix’s inception in 1990, Saddle Up! has been the beneficiary of charitable dollars raised from the event. Each year of the event, they celebrate the Grand Prix’s founders, riders, hosts, sponsors and patrons who have all played a part in creating Saddle Up!’s most successful fundraiser.
Luxurious, all-in, boutique-style transportation based on your individual travel needs. Whether it’s for personal indulgence, executive requirements or entertainment ventures. All In Boutique Transportation is committed to surpassing your expectations.
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or some of us, the automobile is merely a means of transportation, a method to get from point A to point B. But for the rest of us, the automobile is a fascination-turned-love affair that can shape our lives. The good news is that ‘car culture’ is exploding in middle Tennessee, so whether you’re a true gear head or just an admirer, there are plenty of ways for autophiles to get their fix.
National Corvette Museum
Columbia, Cars & Coffee
One Eleven Motorcars
Lane Motor Museum Fairgrounds
Nashville Cars & Coffee
Nashville Superspeedway
Summer 2024 brings a brand-new country club for car enthusiasts right here in Franklin, Tennessee. More destination than dealership, One Eleven Motorcars is the brainchild of longtime Nashville luxury car expert, Jeremy Scates. This nearly 75,000 square foot facility off Columbia Avenue will do everything a car dealership does (such as sales, financing, service, body work and more) while also providing a luxury private club experience. In addition to an auto spa, rotating car photo booth, VIP cigar lounge, pool tables and private locker rooms on the six-acre site, One Eleven Motorcars will also host events such as high-stakes poker and monthly live music. Sounds like the ultimate man cave and social club in one, but we’re told women are also welcome.
It started back in 2008 when Nissan North America moved its headquarters to Franklin. Many of the Nissan employees were car enthusiasts and would gather in the Panera parking lot so they could see each other’s cars and enjoy a cup of coffee. Hence the term ‘Cars and Coffee’. As more and more gear heads found out about the Saturday morning event, the numbers continued to grow. Now, with more than 1500 people in regular attendance, the official Nashville Cars and Coffee is held at the Nashville Speedway on the first Saturday of every month from 8am - 11am.
In 2017, Mike Wolfe (of American Pickers fame) bought and restored a 1947 Chevy Dealership on the east side of Courthouse Square in downtown Columbia, Tennessee. Columbia Motor Alley as it is now called, has a gift shop for car enthusiasts and also hosts Columbia, Cars & Coffee on the third Saturday of every month from May to October. Car lovers can enjoy viewing classic cars, trucks and motorcycles alongside local vendors, food trucks, live music and of course coffee from 8am - 11am.
Automobile racing has a long history in middle Tennessee, starting with the Fairgrounds Speedway in Nashville. The track is the second-oldest continually operating track in the United States, getting its start in 1904, and holding the NASCAR Grand National/ Winston Cup (now NASCAR Cup Series) races from 1958 to 1984. With races and events happening all the time and a capacity of 15,000, you are sure to find an event your whole family will enjoy. Tickets are $10.
The Nashville Superspeedway opened in 2001 and plays host to the NASCAR Truck series, Xfinity series and Cup series. IndyCar ran at the Nashville Superspeedway from 2001 - 2008. In 2021, IndyCar came to downtown Nashville in the form of the Music City Grand Prix. For 2024, the Music City Grand Prix moved to the Nashville Superspeedway because of the construction of the new Titans Stadium downtown, and the Superspeedway just announced it will host the 2025 Big Machine Music City Grand Prix as well. This venue also offers camping packages to keep the party going! A must on any Nashville ToDo list, visit nashvillesuperspeedway.com for ticket and pricing info.
We are very lucky to have one of the top ten automobile museums in the country right here in Nashville: the Lane Motor Museum, located at 702 Murfreesboro Pike. Tickets are only $15 and the museum features 150 unique cars and motorcycles. Home to the largest European automotive collection in the United States, the vehicles date from the early 1900s all the way up to modern day and feature a varied collection of microcars, amphibious vehicles, military vehicles, one-of-a-kind prototypes and more.
The National Corvette Museum is just over the state line in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The museum’s mission is to educate worldwide audiences on the evolution of the Corvette, also known as “America’s Sports Car,” through collection, preservation, and celebration of its legacy. The National Corvette Museum also features special exhibitions, including the upcoming “Ground to Sky: The Sinkhole Re-imagined,” which opens June 14th and will showcase one-of-a-kind Corvettes recovered from a sinkhole in 2014. Tickets to the National Corvette Museum cost $25.
Currently under construction in Shelbyville, Tennessee Downs Auto Club will be a high-end automotive club for car enthusiasts. This membership-driven track club will feature garage condos (think car-storagemeets-man-cave) and a two-mile track where owners can drive their cars at speed. There will also be an event center, Sunoco Fueling station and more. With Uncle Nearest Whiskey Distillery and Music City Motorplex (the soon-to-be Karting facility) both nearby, Shelbyville is on our radar to be a true car lover’s destination!
YW SPONSORED EVENT
WHO: Cheekwood Estate & Gardens | cheekwood.org
WHAT: Exposition of Elegance: Classic Cars at Cheekwood
WHERE: Cheekwood Estate & Gardens WHY: During this weekendlong event, Cheekwood Estate & Garden welcomed guests to stroll among impeccably maintained classic cars and vintage motorcycles from the early to mid-twentieth century. The event included performances from a barbershop quartet, well-stocked bar stations and local food trucks.
The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at The Shoals is home to two eighteen-hole championship courses and sits high above Wilson Lake on the Tennessee River.
The Fighting Joe course at The Shoals was the first Trail course to break 8,000 yards, measuring some 8,092 yards from the black tees. Travel + Leisure Golf named Fighting Joe one of the top new courses in 2004 for good reason. Long-hitters here will experience a test of champions, but from the correct tee box, all players will enjoy world-class golf.
Bordered by dunes-like mounds and tall grass greens, you can easily see where you’re going (or trying to go) and expect simply good, straightforward golf.
The second course, The Schoolmaster (named for President Woodrow Wilson, who was responsible for getting Wilson Dam built and also known as “The Schoolmaster” of politics), opened in 2005. It’s hard to beat the beauty that the eighteenth hole holds on the high bluffs over the river, but the waterfall guarding the second green sure comes close. The Schoolmaster will certainly test all of your skills, but this tree-lined shot maker’s course with its narrower fairways and demanding approaches will challenge you. So, make sure you do your homework before hitting the Schoolmaster!
To schedule your tee time or learn more about the different Robert Trent Jones courses, you can visit rtjgolf.com or call 256.446.5111.
THE SHOALS. Experience world-class golf when you play the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at The Shoals. With two 18-hole, championship courses carved along the Tennessee River, come experience the beauty of The Shoals.
Experience the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail along the beautiful Singing River.
Immerse yourself in local avor at the Florence Wine Fest in Historic Downtown Florence, August 16th - 17th. Celebrate the W.C. Handy Music Festival from July 19th - 28th, with an entire week of live music honoring the Florence-born “Father of the Blues.”
Plan your summer adventure in The Shoals today!
YW SPONSORED EVENT
PHOTOGRAPHY BY APRIL KISER & DOMINIQUE PAUL
WHO: The Volunteer State Horseman’s Association | iroquoissteeplechase.org WHAT: Iroquois Steeplechase WHERE: Percy Warner Park WHY: The 83 rd Iroquois Steeplechase returned to Percy Warner Park on Saturday, May 11th. With a recordbreaking attendance of 30,000 people dressed in their finest, the energy, elegance, and excitement were palpable throughout the day. Attendees witnessed history in the making as Snap Decision won the Calvin Houghland Memorial Iroquois Steeplechase for the third time – a feat that has only happened once before in over eighty years of Steeplechase history.
Elevate your game in the heart of Florida's Emerald Coast at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. Home to four championship courses, Sandestin offers an unparalleled golfing experience tailored for those who seek prestige and perfection. Gather your group for a getaway where pristine fairways, stunning coastal views, and unmatched luxury meet. Whether it's a weekend escape or a competitive outing, Sandestin is your destination for the ultimate golf getaway.
Lisa & Steve Nix
Ben Johnson, Dylan Brown, Joey Skibbie, Brandon Epps & Sydney Palmieri
Kathryn & Matt Zelenik
Lauren Hill, Juliana Wright & Lindsey Belz
Angela Humphreys & Joe Cashia
Amber Williams & Chuck Feltner
Ben Lovelace, Melanie Tigrett, Lisa & Ty Norris
Sam able to shoulder more of the cooking responsibilities and my wife is thankful. Two, I love being outside in the summer air…grilling! If you, like me, were born to grill, then you know there is nothing better than firing up the outdoor grill with some of your best of friends. Whether it’s a few hand-patty burgers on the grill or finishing off a reverse-seared ribeye, here are some of my top tips to surefire success.
Simple as it sounds, heating up your grill is one of the most important steps in grilling. Failing to preheat could cause the meat to “stick,” and makes it less likely the meat will form those beautiful sear marks we are looking for! This process should not take more than ten to fifteen minutes on high to get the grill to temperature.
I am kind of a minimalist when it comes to seasoning. Heavy salt and pepper, that’s it for me. I usually like to salt and pepper my meat the day before, then wrap it up and let it sit in the fridge. This allows time for the seasoning to be absorbed into the meat. Some people also like various dry rubs or sauces… not me. Salt and pepper is all I need!
Let steak sit out at room temperature for around an hour before starting to cook. This allows the meat to reach room temperature, which allows a more even cook.
Always cook meat until it is five to ten degrees below desired finished temperature. This is a big one for me. Meat continues to cook even after it has been taken off the grill, (this is called “carryover” cooking) and, if you are not paying attention, it can cause the internal temps of your meat to rise another five to ten degrees.
Let your steak develop a seared crust on the grill before moving or flipping it. Moving it too much may cause your meat to lose its juices and dry out. If you try to lift the meat before it’s ready, it’ll stick to the grates. Trust the process. I usually put my meat on the grill and flip once. Learn how to time your desired cooking temps and “this will be the way”.
Once your steak is off the grill, wait at least five minutes before slicing. This gives the juices a chance to settle back into the meat.
Lastly, grilling is always better together! Make sure to have your family and best of friends around to share your grilling excellence!
ringing together community and cutting-edge technology, Todd and Janet Gatewood are reaching into the future with the very first Bitcoin education and community center in Williamson County. Picture workspaces and a social membership club combined with Bitcoin and cryptocurrency education, and you have the Bitcoin Ben Crypto Club located in Cool Springs!
Partnering with “Bitcoin Ben” Semchee and a group of investors, the Gatewoods have tailored the club’s unique business model specifically to serve the local community. Walk in the door, and you’ll be surprised at what you see, including handmade tables throughout the club, to office spaces, a conference room that seats twenty, a podcast room, educational content, a Bitcoin ATM, a small library, custom watches, eighty-five inch TVs, a coffee bar, and even a wall to wall American flag! In addition to attending classes, club members often stop by to grab a cup of coffee, charge their laptops, work between appointments, and even hold their business meetings at the club. “We want our members to enjoy the space whether for education, work or socially. They can also book private events for a discounted fee and hold trainings, receptions, parties, whatever they need in our event space,” shares Todd Gatewood.
Both native Tennesseans, the Gatewoods began this journey in 2021 when they were looking for a way to generate new streams of income, a way to grow their savings and outpace inflation, and help their community. “Just like the early days of the
internet, this new digital currency and web three space is going to revolutionize the monetary system and jobs worldwide. It’s still new and while many people have heard about it, most don’t understand it” explains Todd Gatewood. Semchee and the Gatewoods want to change that here in Williamson County and throughout the country and globally. Once the club is fully established, they will sponsor local charities monthly.
The Brentwood club is the second Bitcoin Ben Crypto Club in the US. The third opened June 8th outside of Boston, and the fourth will open in St. Louis in October. Clubs will soon open in Texas, Florida, California, Australia, and the UK. The clubs offer a place to talk with someone in person, learn about the space from a trusted source, and meet other people in the community with the same interests.
A full-time Realtor in Williamson County since 2007 with Pilkerton Realtors, Janet Gatewood sees the future changing as buyers seek to purchase homes with Bitcoin and cryptocurrency. “Everything will be on the blockchain in the future, including all property deeds. A.I. has entered the picture as well, and the club is a resource for the business and real estate community to learn about these new technologies and how to incorporate them into their businesses,” shares Janet Gatewood.
Nashville is hosting the largest Bitcoin Conference in the world, Bitcoin 2024, July 25-27. Bitcoin experts from all over the world will converge on the Music City Center. “Nashville will host this conference for the next five years,” says Todd Gatewood, “Bitcoin Ben, Janet, and I will meet with top industry leaders over the weekend. It’s thrilling to see Nashville recognized as a top Bitcoin city and we want our Williamson County community to be at the forefront of this emerging economy.”
Bitcoin & Crypto Classes
Work & Event Space
Social & Community Events
Sign up for on site classes, remote classes and one-on-one consulting.
Members can work from the club, use the podcast room, and reserve the event spaces.
Coming this Fall, Football & Bitcoin, Poker Night, and Songwriters Night!
HOW WILLIAMSON, INC. KEEPS THE COMMUNITY INFORMED AND ENGAGED
BY JENA POTTER | DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS, WILLIAMSON, INC.Williamson, Inc. (Williamson County’s Chamber of Commerce and Office of Economic Development) prides itself on its unwavering dedication to serving the community as a premier platform for information. Our commitment to fostering informed, engaged, and proactive citizens is exemplified through initiatives like the annual State of the County: Mayoral Address and our Meet the Candidates interview series. These programs underscore our mission to ensure that the business community and residents alike are well-informed about critical local developments and have direct access to their leaders and representatives.
One of the cornerstones of Williamson, Inc.’s efforts is the highly anticipated annual State of the County Address. This year, the event will take place on July 22nd, at the Franklin Marriott Cool
Springs, marking one of the largest business luncheons we host. Over 500 attendees are expected to gather for this significant occasion, where Williamson County Mayor Rogers Anderson will present his annual address.
“Partnering with the Mayor’s Office for an annual update on the county is essential for fostering collaboration within our community. This event ensures businesses stay informed and engaged, which is a key objective of our organization,” says Williamson, Inc. President and CEO Matt Largen.
The event not only features Mayor Anderson’s comprehensive overview of the county’s performance on various economic indicators — such as financial health, education, public safety, transportation, job growth, and capital investments — but also includes an exhibition of local businesses and organizations during the networking hour prior to the program. Attendees will gain insights into the county’s budget for
the 2024-2025 fiscal year and learn about the many departments that keep Williamson County thriving.
Furthermore, the program will highlight recent and upcoming projects that promise to positively impact the community. As an added feature, the event will celebrate the achievements of young leaders by announcing the Youth Leadership Franklin and Youth Leadership Brentwood scholarship awards.
In addition to the State of the County event, Williamson, Inc. is dedicated to enhancing civic engagement through our Meet the Candidates interview series. This initiative provides a platform for local candidates to present their visions and answer pressing questions.
With the leadup to the August 1 we are excited to host another series of interviews. These sessions are broadcast live on WAKM and Williamson, Inc.’s Facebook Live, ensuring broad accessibility. Recordings of past interviews are available on our Facebook page, and current editions can be found on our website at williamsonchamber. com/vote.
By facilitating direct dialogue between candidates and voters, Meet the Candidates helps demystify the electoral process and encourages greater voter participation. This series is a testament to our commitment to transparency, accountability, and informed voting.
Williamson, Inc. remains steadfast in its mission to serve as a vital information hub for the community. Through events like State of the County and the Meet the Candidates series, we aim to promote a well-informed, engaged, and cohesive community. These initiatives are just a part of our broader efforts to ensure that every member of Williamson County has the information and resources they need to actively participate in the future of this community.
hey say that everyone has at least one book in them - and almost nobody has two. But best-selling author, Brad Thor, is about to release his twenty-fourth novel on August 6th, entitled Shadow of Doubt. It’s the latest installment in his wildly popular Scot Harvath series, which follows an ex-Navy Seal and intelligence operative who protects the United States and the world through any means necessary. Often called “The Master of Thrillers” and “America’s Favorite Author,” Brad Thor’s work resonates with his audience because he walks the talk. Thor spent time in Afghanistan shadowing Black Ops while researching his book The Apostle, and was also a member of the Department of Homeland Security’s Analytic Red Cell unit - a think tank comprised of academics and creatives who helped the U.S. government envision possible terrorist scenarios and how to stop them in the wake of 9/11.
We caught up with Brad recently to discuss his new book and more. Signed copies of Shadow of Doubt are now available for pre-sale on Landmark Booksellers’ website at landmarkbooksellers.com
What do you love about living in Williamson County? How long have you lived here and what brought you to town?
BT: When I was fifteen, we were on vacation in the Bahamas and met a wonderful family from Nashville. Their daughter went to Harpeth Hall and invited me down for her spring formal. If you had told me that thirty years later, I’d be back with my own family, I never would have believed it.
But with the crime and taxes soaring in Chicago, we decided to take another look and it was amazing how much Nashville had grown. Great schools, great medical facilities, great restaurants… We have now been here ten years and are so glad we made the move.
Growing up, what (or who) influenced your desire and motivation to create?
BT: My parents were big thriller readers. The moment they finished a book and put it down, I’d snatch it up. Clancy, Ludlum, Forsyth, le Carré… I read and loved them all.
Harvath is an amalgamation of people I know in the espionage world. There is no American dream without those willing to protect it. Harvath is the epitome of those protectors.
When and how did you first know that you were a writer? Was there an “A-ha” moment?
BT: Ever since I was a little boy, I wanted to be an author. On my honeymoon, back when I was a TV producer/host, my wife asked me what I would regret on my deathbed never having done. I said, “Writing a book and getting it published.” She then encouraged me to commit to two hours, every day, of protected time to make that dream come true. That’s how it all started.
Your twenty-fourth book is being released on August 6th. What do we need to know about Shadow of Doubt?
BT: It’s a fast-paced tale of international intrigue with short, crisp, cinematic chapters. There’s lots of action and this fictional thriller is actually based on some real-life events. In it, a shadowy Russian defector, a beautiful Norwegian operative, and America’s top spy must all work together to unravel a global plot so deep, even the CIA can’t see the bottom of it.
I recently read a review that said, “Scot Harvath’s moral compass is always pointing due north despite his deadly persona.” How are you and Scot similar? And how are you different from one another?
BT: Just the way James Bond was for Ian Fleming and Jack Ryan was for Tom Clancy, Scot Harvath is my alter ego. He gets to do all of those things I can’t do (or, as I like to joke, my wife won’t let me do).
Harvath is an amalgamation of people I know in the espionage and special operations worlds. There is no American Dream without those willing to protect it. Harvath is the epitome of those protectors. I like to take readers right up to the edges of those worlds and provide them a look over the hedges; an opportunity to see what it’s really like on the other side.
I always love to hear other writers talk about their process. Incredibly, you manage to write a book a year, what’s your writing routine like?
BT: It’s all about discipline - seat of pants to seat of chair. As Jack London once said, you can’t wait for inspiration, you have to go after it with a club.
What has been the most challenging book for you to write and why?
BT: Shadow of Doubt has been the most challenging to date. In it, I tried to do things I have never done before; to stretch myself as a writer.
I liken what I do to running an amusement park. Every year, I create a new ride. My number one task is to make it super exciting and completely different than anything else in the park. That’s not an easy feat, but it keeps my job challenging. I am always striving to improve my craft and to top myself.
You’re obviously prolific, do you experience writer’s block? How do you overcome it?
BT: As a perfectionist, I absolutely do. The best medicine I ever found is to give yourself permission to write a “lousy” first draft. Just giving yourself that kind of space normally takes away any self-doubt that might be preventing you from doing your best work.
Often, I bring up Tiger Woods. He’s undoubtedly a fantastic golfer. When he struggles, it isn’t because God reached down and temporarily snatched his talent away. He’s just too much in his own head. When you realize that you, yourself, are the source of the problem, it usually helps get you back on track.
Tell us about your other creative outlets. What do you like to do for fun and/or relaxation?
BT: I love international travel. That’s my ultimate outlet.
What book is currently on your bedside table?
BT: Blackout by Simon Scarrow. It’s a fabulous WWII thriller.
It was recently announced that the Scot Harvath series is being developed for TV. How did this come about?
BT: A big Hollywood producing team, Shaun and Yvette Redick, came to us and wanted to do it. They’re terrific people. They told me that whoever I wanted to direct, they’d make it happen. That’s how Chad Stahelski came on board. I love the John Wick movies and love even more that Chad is a huge reader of my genre. I’m also a massive Howard Gordon fan (24, Homeland), so being able to pick Howard and have the Redicks also bring him in was another thrill for me.
What are you currently working on and what can we look forward to from you in the future?
BT: I just finished an original screenplay with Creighton Rothenberger (Olympus Has Fallen franchise, Expendables III), am working on the summer 2025 Scot Harvath novel, and have a top-secret project we’ll be announcing sometime next year.
What advice would you give aspiring writers?
BT: Write what you love to read. That’s where your passion is. Also, over years of reading, you have developed a mini-PhD in that genre. You know why certain books work and certain books don’t. As Tony Robbins says, success leaves clues.
Finally – never give up. The only difference between a published author and a non published author is that the published author never quit.
he “I Am Williamson” column features individuals in Williamson County who are known and unknown as staples of our community, doing good, being seen and unseen, and exuding Williamson County. This month, we feature Tom Lawrence. Tom is a well-known face as well as a well-known voice, as he is the Senior Producer and host of “The Hometown Radio Show” at WAKM Radio. Tom has been with WAKM for fifty-five years, going part-time in 2017 to also take the part-time role as Business Development Officer at Simmons National Bank. Tom is a familiar face at community events and involved in many ways with several local organizations. His commitment to bringing awareness to our county’s events, businesses and individuals has been a testament to his love for Williamson County.
Learn more about Tom in this issue’s “I Am Williamson” interview.
How long have you lived in Williamson County? What is it about WC that makes it feel like home to you?
I am Red and Maxie Lawrence’s first, born May 28, 1950, at Dan German Hospital. I am told Dr. Harry Guffee signed the birth certificate; but it was Lottie Haffner that “pulled the calf.” I am the only one to have been there that is still living. Williamson County feels like home to me because I spend more time in Williamson County than anywhere else. I spend more money in Williamson County than anywhere else. I know more people in Williamson County then anywhere else. If it’s true that “home is where the heart is,” than for me, that’s Williamson County.
What is your profession, and what led you to choose it?
I’ve had three professions: Broadcasting, banking and teaching. Broadcasting is because God blessed me with a voice and the sense to it. He gave me mentors like Jim and Judy Hayes. In banking it is because I had always served banking clients in radio. When we sold the radio station March 17, 2017, to the Carden-Jackson family. On March 18, 2017, I started as a Business Development Officer for what is now Simmons National Bank. And as for teaching – my mother was a kindergarten teacher for Inge Smith. I have always been interested in
education. I’ve taught forty years at Beech Grove Church of Christ. I took a sabbatical in 2009 to teach English and American Culture at Wuhan Language & Culture Institute in Wuhan, China – the home of the coronavirus. As a Junior Achievement Volunteer for Simmons Bank, I teach multiple third-grade financial literacy classes at Poplar Grove Elementary School in the Franklin Special School District.
Three words that best describe you.
Blessed by God
Where is your favorite place to go in Williamson County and why?
One – the Williamson County Public Library and Landmark Booksellers... That’s where the books are. Two – I people watch at The Factory at Franklin – where I’ve seen Garth Brooks, John F. Kennedy Jr., John Meacham and Taylor Swift. Three – The Williamson County Fair... What Williamson County once was.
What organizations are you involved with and why?
Leadership Franklin – for the opportunity to be around Julian Bibb, Paula Harris and many others. Junior Achievement – for the opportunity to see our future a whole generation away. Beech Grove Church of Christ – for the opportunity to know people adept at love. The Hard Bargain Association - for the opportunity of saving affordable housing in Franklin.
What is the one thing you do not go a day without?
An hour with a good book, one glass of homemade green tea (learned in China), memorizing at least one acceptable quotation, like: “As we grow older we realize that it is less important to have lots of friends and more important to have real ones.” “The meaning of life is to find your gift; the purpose of life is to give it away.” – Shakespeare. “If I refuse to nap, am I resisting arrest?”
Finish this statement: I Am Williamson because... “You told me I am; and I trust you.”
Eight decades after the liberation of the Dachau concentration camp by a local hero’s Army unit and two years after his passing at the age of ninety-six, a bronze memorial statue, sculpted by Scott Wise, honoring Coach Jimmy Gentry and the “Lost Heroes” of Williamson County, was unveiled in downtown Franklin at the end of April. Speakers and participants included Franklin Mayor Ken Moore, Williamson County Mayor Rogers Anderson, Alderman Brandy Blanton and Leadership Franklin’s team: Stacey Downs, Ondrea Johnson, Carrie Drury and Lance Jordan. Members of the Gentry family were also present for the unveiling along with the Tennessee Army National Guard Honor Guard and community veterans.
The “Lost Heroes” Memorial honors the 3,500 Williamson County men who deployed from Franklin’s Five Points to combat in World War II, of which 600 were killed in action. Jimmy Gentry’s unit discovered and liberated the Dachau concentration camp on April 29, 1945. Jimmy made it home from the war, but his brother, David, did not. Jimmy became a legendary teacher and coach, as well as the patriarch of local treasure, Gentry’s Farm.
The Leadership Franklin Project became a community-wide effort to honor World War II Soldiers with a memorial statue at Five Points in downtown Franklin. The event coincided with the seventy-ninth anniversary of the liberation of Dachau by Jimmy Gentry’s unit.
After the unveiling, Ken Carpenter’s celebrated film, “An American Adventure,” adapted from Jimmy Gentry’s book An American Life was screened at the Franklin Theatre.
You can visit the memorial statue at Five Points, at the corner of Main Street and 5th Avenue South.
Speed, plunge, race, and relax at SoundWaves water attraction! Embrace the extraordinary together here. Find thrills and adventure with our SoundWaves Experience Package. Book your stay today.
t doesn’t matter how many years pass, there’s something about summertime that hearkens us back to those long, childhood days in the sun. Time seems to slow down during these warmer months, then just like that they are gone again. So, this year, make sure to savor the sweetness of summer while it lasts. Take time to reflect on your favorite summer memories, and make some new memories with the ones you love. Because while it may seem like summer took forever to get here –it will be gone in the blink of a firefly!
Fireworks
Making Mudpies
Catching Fireflies
Climbing Trees
Playing in the Creek
Going Fishing
Riding with the Top Down
Drinking from the Hose
Slip N’ Slides
Water Balloons
Backyard Camping
Pool Days
Flashlight Tag
Hammock Swinging
Sunset Walks
Chasing Ice Cream Trucks
S’mores
Visiting Loved Ones
Eating Straight from the Garden
Picking Flowers
Boating
Riding Bicycles
Hiking
Making memories of your own this summer? Send us your Summertime Memory Making photos for inclusion online - at info@robertsonmediagroup.com.
AT LEAST ONE OF THEIR TOP THREE COLLEGE CHOICES, INCLUDING
American University
Boston University
Bowdoin College
Case Western Reserve Univ.
Clemson University
College of Charleston
Davidson College
Duke University
Emory University
Florida State University
George Washington Univ.
Howard University
Middlebury College
Northeastern University
Purdue University
Rensselaer Polytechnic Inst.
Rhodes College
Samford University
Sewanee: The Univ. of the South
Southern Methodist University
Syracuse University
Tennessee State University
Texas Christian University
University of Alabama
University of Colorado, Boulder
University of Miami
University of Mississippi
University of Richmond
Univ. of Southern California
Univ. of Tennessee, Knoxville
Univ. of Texas, Austin
Univ. of Wisconsin, Madison
Vanderbilt University
Vassar College
Washington and Lee Univ.
William & Mary Wofford College
battlegroundacademy.org
t all began in Fort Wayne, Indiana during the summer of 1973. Thirteen-year-old Tony Richards and his buddies were invited to a neighbor’s house who claimed he was running a radio station out of his bedroom. When Tony saw the two turntables and a microphone poised on the kid’s desk, and realized he could hear what was playing through his father’s car radio, his deep love of radio was born. Tony and his brother Jack went straight to RadioShack, fashioned a transmitter and purchased other equipment with money they’d earned by mowing lawns, and launched WSRM radio out of their parent’s basement.
“We told all our friends about it, and our signal got out about a mile. It wasn’t that far, but for us it was a big deal!” says Tony, who quickly invented creative ways to increase audience engagement. “We would raid my mom’s pantry and give away a bottle of pop to caller seven,” says Tony. “We’d be jamming away, you know, playing the Doobie Brothers or whatever, and the phones are ringing off the hook! Our mom would yell down the basement, ‘Are you giving out our phone number again?!’”
From these humble beginnings, Tony went on to get his first job at a country music station in Fort Wayne at age fifteen, earning a whopping $2.28 per hour. “But I got fired three months later because my voice was cracking.” After the throes of puberty were behind him, the radio station hired Tony back, and that’s when an unexpected opportunity presented itself. “There was a screaming match in the hallway between the boss and one of the boisterous, on-air jocks. The boss is screaming, and I see the DJ grabbing albums out of the studio and he’s taking them. ‘These are mine’ because he had brought some of his in. That’s what you did back then.” After the DJ quit, the General Manager offered Tony a job as Program Director. “I had to call my mom and ask her if I could stay overnight at the radio station because I was just promoted and I had no idea what I was doing.”
in Nashville but wasn’t currently on the air. Sensing the opportunity for a new chapter, Tony took a leap of faith and purchased the station. In 2011, he formed Kensington Digital Media and launched radio station WHPY-FM (Hippie Radio 94.5), in Nashville on February 10, 2012. “I don’t recommend starting a business when you’re fifty-three years old, but I did and here we are twelve years later and still alive, thank goodness.”
WHPY-FM (aka “Hippie Radio”) simulcasts a classic hits radio format with sister station WYGI 1430-AM Madison and considers itself an alternative to traditional oldies programming. “The average radio station in Nashville plays about 250 songs and that’s it. We play over 1500,” says Tony, who adds that his company conducts music tests twice a year to ensure the station plays what listeners want to hear. With songs from the 1960’s to the 1980’s, listeners can tune in to Hippie Radio 24/7 to hear everything from Alabama to Motown, Johnny Cash to KC and the Sunshine Band. The station also offers “Nashville’s Morning Show with Pam & Tony,” co-hosted by station owner Tony Richards himself.
Tony stayed up all night re-imagining the radio’s song lineup. “I scratched out all the weird songs and put in all the good songs that everybody knew. The next morning, we played them on the air and our ratings started going up.” Over the following three-month period, Tony’s direction took the radio station from a three share to an eleven share in the Nielsen Ratings, and they were one of the top stations in the market. After his local success, Tony was then hired by the parent company, WME, where he worked for
By 2010, Tony was ready for a change of pace. Having gotten his start at a country music station, Nashville had always been on his radar. Just as he was daydreaming about how to make the move to middle Tennessee, Tony received a call from a broker friend who told him about a radio station that was for sale
In 2020, Tony Richards was elected to the board of directors of the Tennessee Association of Broadcasters. In 2024, he was elected Chairman of the Board. Tony currently owns a total of twelve radio stations in Tennessee, Alabama and Indiana. When he’s not running his radio empire, Tony enjoys spending time with his wife and family, including ten grandchildren. He also is an aviation enthusiast who flies airplanes, plays golf and stays active in the community through various philanthropic efforts.
We asked Tony why he settled in Williamson County, and he said the answer really comes down to one word: Connectedness. “I wanted to be in Franklin from the moment I got here. I could just tell it felt like home immediately to me. It’s just a feeling you get. I knew when we came here and went to Dickens of a Christmas that this was the only place I would ever call home.”
To learn more visit hippieradio945.com and make sure to listen in at 94.5 on your FM dial.
There never seems to be a shortage of arts and culture events to attend in middle Tennessee. Here are just a handful of upcoming music events, plays and more!
JUNE 25-26
Schermerhorn Symphony Center nashvillesymphony.org
Experience the magic of Ben Rector and Cody Fry’s intimate acoustic music backed by the full orchestration of the Nashville Symphony. Ben Rector is best known for hits like “Brand New,” “Love Like This,” and “Living My Best Life.” Multi-talented singersongwriter and TikTok sensation Cody Fry has garnered more than one billion streams. Among his mega-hits are “Things You Said,” “I Hear a Symphony,” and a GRAMMY-nominated cover of “Eleanor Rigby.” Don’t miss these two artists in a one-of-a-kind musical experience.
JUNE 22-23
The Franklin Theatre franklintheatre.com
Gary Puckett and The Union Gap had six consecutive gold records and sold more records in 1968 than any other recording act... Including The Beatles. Mr. Puckett played a command performance at the White House for Prince Charles and Princess Anne by special invitation of the President. Gary has made more than fifty television appearances and has performed in a Made for TV movie. “Young Girl” was reissued by popular request in England where it reached number one and achieved a Silver Record Award for the second time.
JULY 2-28
Tennessee Performing Arts Center tpac.org
Two-step into the mesmerizing world of Cirque du Soleil’s newest US touring show in collaboration with UMG Nashville: An acrobatic and live musical performance showcasing the captivating artistry of Cirque du Soleil with the soulstirring melodies of beloved country legends and contemporary stars. Delivering the perfect harmony of guitar grooves and breathtaking’ moves, y’all will be heel kicking’ your way through an unforgettable night of heartfelt stories, toe-tapping rhythms, and awe-inspiring aerial performances capturing the heart and soul of country music.
JULY 7-8
Schermerhorn Symphony Center nashvillesymphony.org
A Schermerhorn Symphony Center premiere engagement –This special solo performance will feature songs and stories with twelve-time GRAMMY® winner, John Legend. Experience intimate re-imagining of his greatest hits (“All of Me,” “Ordinary People,” “Tonight”), unexpected stories from Legend’s life and career, and selections from his most recent release, Legend (“Nervous,” “Wonder Woman”).
Serving Neighbor Benefit Dinner & Auction
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATIE MURPHY
WHO: GraceWorks | graceworkstn.org WHAT: Neighbor Serving Neighbor Benefit Dinner & Auction WHERE: The Factory at Franklin WHY: GraceWorks Ministries held their annual Neighbor Serving Neighbor Benefit Dinner at the Factory at Franklin. Guests enjoyed an evening with over 600 of their neighbors and helped GraceWorks raise funds to continue their mission of Neighbor serving Neighbor, by the power of God’s grace.
Nashville
Acclaimed singer-songwriter and GRAMMY® Living Legend Award recipient Smokey Robinson returns to the Schermerhorn stage for the first time in nine years for an evening of R&B and soul classics with the Nashville Symphony. Hear unforgettable hits including “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me,” “Ooo Baby Baby,” “The Tracks of My Tears,” “Going to a Go-Go,” “More Love,” “Tears of a Clown” (co-written with Stevie Wonder), and “I Second That Emotion,” and much more.
20 & 21 | 7:30 PM
Whether you’re a gearhead, an auto enthusiast, or just love the thrill of a good puzzle, this crossword is revved up to test your knowledge. From classic muscle cars to cutting-edge electric vehicles, every clue will steer you through the fascinating world of automobiles. Buckle up and get ready to put your car smarts to the test!
1. The Ultimate Driving Machine.
2. Name of David Hasselhoff’s talking car in the 1980s TV show “Knight Rider.”
3. Car driven by Dominic Toretto in the “Fast and Furious” movie franchise.
5. Car manufacturer famous for making the largest vehicles.
6. Supercar brand founded by Christian von Koenigsegg.
7. Number of rings in the Audi logo.
12. Name of the luxury division of Toyota.
1. Animal featured in the Lamborghini logo.
4. Most popular car color worldwide.
8. Car manufacturer that produced the first hybrid car for sale in the United States.
9. First mass-produced car in the world.
10. Country where the automobile was invented.
11. Formula 1 team that has the most Constructors’ Championships.
13. Sports car featured in the “Back to the Future” trilogy.
14. Car manufacturer’s name that means “people’s car.”
YOURWILLIAMSON.COM/DIDYOUKNOW
The Ultimate Driving Machine.
Name of David Hasselhoff's talking car in
Animal featured in the Lamborghini logo.
Most popular car color worldwide. the 1980s TV show "Knight Rider.”
Car manufacturer that produced the first
Car driven by Dominic Toretto in the “Fast hybrid car for sale in the United States. and Furious” movie franchise.
Car manufacturer famous for making the
First mass-produced car in the world.
Country where the automobile was invented. largest vehicles.
Formula 1 team that has the most 6. Supercar brand founded by Christian von Constructors’ Championships. Koenigsegg.
Sports car featured in the “Back to the 7. Number of rings in the Audi logo. Future” trilogy. 12. Name of the luxury division of Toyota.
Car manufacturer’s name that means “people’s car.”
