Episodes

  • Styling Success and Empowering Communities: Carlina Alder and Azlinn Edwards on Running Azlinn Hope Boutique and Raising Breast Cancer Awareness
    Oct 30 2024

    What if you could turn your passion for fashion into a powerhouse boutique that doubles as a force for good? Join us as we catch up with Carlina Alder and Azlinn Edwards, the mother-daughter duo behind Tennessee’s beloved fashion haven, Aslan Hope. Fresh off a dazzling fashion show that not only showcased the latest trends but also raised over $5,000 for breast cancer awareness, Carlina and Azlinn offer a wealth of insights into the fall and holiday fashion scene. They discuss their unique collaboration with Rick Hill's Porsche, which brings an extra touch of elegance to their events, and the incredible support they've garnered from local businesses and volunteers in downtown Johnson City.

    But it's not all glitz and glamour—Carlina and Azlinn delve into the realities of running a boutique, from the art of market purchasing and trend forecasting to the emotional nuances of personalized customer service. They share heartfelt stories of making women feel truly seen and confident, emphasizing the importance of genuine relationships in their business model. Discover their commitment to curating stylish, comfortable, and versatile clothing that resonates not just with the trends but with the heart. Whether you're a fashion enthusiast or an aspiring entrepreneur, this episode is packed with inspiring stories and practical advice on building a business that's both stylish and socially impactful.

    To help you to navigate the home buying and mortgage process, Jonathan & Steve are currently licensed in Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia, contact us today at 423-491-5405 or visit www.jonathanandsteve.com.

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    30 mins
  • Sam Taylor and Steve Reed on Building Trust and Lasting Relationships
    Oct 16 2024

    Join us as Sam Taylor, visionary entrepreneur and owner of Property Experts, takes us on a journey from his beginnings at Cheers Restaurant to his successful transition into the tech world and finally, to his thriving career in real estate. Alongside Steve Reed of Benchmark Home Loans, Sam shares invaluable insights into how adaptability and innovation have been key to his success. Together, we navigate the challenges faced by smaller businesses when big corporations take the helm and the critical role that strong partnerships play in the real estate and lending sectors.

    Get ready to uncover the essence of building trust and nurturing relationships in real estate. Our conversation underscores the profound impact personal interactions can have, as we move beyond impersonal communication to forge connections that matter. Sam and Steve share touching anecdotes on viewing clients as families, not just transactions, emphasizing the significant responsibility real estate professionals hold in guiding clients through major life decisions. With a focus on trust, service, and the emotional weight of the profession, this episode promises to leave you with a deeper understanding of the power of relationships in achieving real estate success.

    To help you to navigate the home buying and mortgage process, Jonathan & Steve are currently licensed in Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia, contact us today at 423-491-5405 or visit www.jonathanandsteve.com.

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    35 mins
  • Legacy and Innovation in Family Pharmacy: Gina and Spencer Pinney's Story at Pinney’s Prescription Shop
    Oct 2 2024

    How do you keep a family pharmacy thriving in today’s fast-paced world? Discover the secrets behind Penny’s Prescription Shop as we chat with Gina Pinney and her son Spencer, the dynamic duo carrying forward a legacy of personalized, community-focused service in Northeast Tennessee. Gina shares her heartfelt journey of following in her father Carl Markham's footsteps, acquiring Moore's Pharmacy, and rebranding it to Pinney's Prescription Shop. Meanwhile, Spencer takes us down memory lane, recounting his early days of working in the pharmacy at just 16 and his evolution into a passionate pharmacist dedicated to upholding the family's high standards. Together, they exemplify the importance of family, tradition, and a deep-rooted commitment to their community.

    Ever wondered what goes into compounding effective skincare creams? Gina and Spencer open up about their specialized line of day and night creams, rich in essential vitamins and antioxidants. They also share insights into running a family-owned business and Spencer’s innovative marketing strategies, including creative social media campaigns that have won hearts and minds. From a spirited “vaccinator vs. the flu” campaign to a fun-filled caveman-themed promotion, get a glimpse of the passion and dedication that drives Penny’s Prescription Shop. This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom on maintaining family traditions, growing a community business, and the art of compounding skincare.

    To help you to navigate the home buying and mortgage process, Jonathan & Steve are currently licensed in Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia, contact us today at 423-491-5405 or visit www.jonathanandsteve.com.

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    33 mins
  • Community Care and Legacy: Colton and Catherine Marcum's Journey with Marcum’s Pharmacy in Kingsport
    Sep 18 2024

    Ever wondered what sets a local, family-owned pharmacy apart from the big chains? Join us as we sit down with Colton Marcum, the passionate owner and pharmacist of Marcum's Pharmacy in Kingsport, Tennessee. From heartwarming stories about his grandfather, Carl, who founded the pharmacy in 1962, to the challenges faced by small business owners today, Colton, alongside his wife Catherine, offers a rich tapestry of insights. You’ll learn about the unique personalized services they provide, from customized packaging solutions to knowing their customers by name and going the extra mile even after hours.

    Explore the importance of a strong team culture and community support in running a successful independent pharmacy. Colton shares how he and Catherine have cultivated a dedicated team and created a work environment that feels more like family. Discover the charm of the Tri-Cities area, which boasts a thriving community spirit and a surprising number of independent pharmacies. This episode is a treasure trove of inspiration for anyone captivated by stories of perseverance, community involvement, and the enduring legacy of family businesses. Tune in for an intimate look at what it takes to navigate the world of independent pharmacies and the timeless value of community relationships.

    To help you to navigate the home buying and mortgage process, Jonathan & Steve are currently licensed in Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia, contact us today at 423-491-5405 or visit www.jonathanandsteve.com.

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    34 mins
  • Navigating Realtor Commissions: Jonathan Tipton and Steve Reed discuss the NAR Settlement
    Sep 4 2024

    Are seller-paid commissions affecting your closing costs? Not at all! Tune in to Benchmark Happenings for an eye-opening conversation with Jonathan Tipton and Steve Reed from Benchmark Home Loans. They unravel the complexities of the National Association of Realtors Settlement and clarify its impact on real estate transactions. Discover the recent changes in VA loan regulations that now allow buyers to pay commissions, and why it's crucial to negotiate these commissions into the purchase price rather than adding them to the loan amount. You'll gain invaluable insights on how to ensure smooth transactions and proper compensation for agents by working closely with loan officers.

    We also dive deep into the importance of a buyer's representation agreement for loan processing and approval, especially for VA loans, with a look toward its future application to other loan types. Learn why early communication between agents, lenders, and buyers is pivotal to preventing discrepancies and avoiding delays. With a special focus on customer service, Jonathan and Steve advocate for a concierge approach—ensuring constant communication and availability to create a seamless experience for all involved. Don't miss out on these essential tips for ensuring accurate loan estimates and achieving a hassle-free closing process.

    To help you to navigate the home buying and mortgage process, Jonathan & Steve are currently licensed in Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia, contact us today at 423-491-5405 or visit www.jonathanandsteve.com.

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    16 mins
  • Harnessing the Future: Austin Ramsey's Insights on AI Integration and Data Privacy in Today's Digital Landscape
    Aug 21 2024
    Prepare to have your perspective on artificial intelligence turned upside down by Austin Ramsey, the trailblazing entrepreneur who challenges us all to "crush the box." We uncover how AI is already shaping our daily lives, from the unseen algorithms on social media to the geospatial mapping that guides our commute. Austin also gives us a sneak peek into the upcoming iOS 18 update, which heralds a new wave of AI integration in Apple devices. The discussion underscores the pressing need for safeguarding personal data in this rapidly evolving landscape.

    Our conversation doesn’t stop at awareness; it dives into actionable insights. We tackle the critical issue of data privacy, especially in the context of popular platforms like ChatGPT and Facebook. Learn how you can take control of your personal information by fine-tuning your privacy settings and understand the trade-offs between convenience and security. The episode provides practical tips for protecting your digital footprint while highlighting how AI services, like Google Maps and Waze, balance user experience with data utilization.

    As we navigate the ethical maze of AI, we scrutinize its impact on sectors like educational publishing. With McGraw using AI tools like ChatGPT to craft textbooks, we raise essential questions about the accuracy and control of AI-generated content. Drawing parallels to the early days of the internet, we advocate for consumer education and legislative action to ensure responsible AI development. To end on a high note, we celebrate the positive possibilities of AI, exemplified by the creation of a new Randy Travis song, showcasing the harmonious blend of technology and creativity.

    To help you to navigate the home buying and mortgage process, Jonathan & Steve are currently licensed in Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia, contact us today at 423-491-5405 or visit www.jonathanandsteve.com.

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    35 mins
  • Reclaiming Life Through Fitness: Aaron Grunke's Journey from Cancer Survivor to Founder of Survivor Fitness
    Aug 7 2024
    Ever wondered how fitness could be the key to reclaiming life after a cancer diagnosis? Meet Aaron Grunke, the founder of Survivor Fitness, who transformed his harrowing battle with cancer into a beacon of hope for other survivors. Aaron shares the raw and emotional journey from being a 21-year-old college student facing the stark realities of cancer treatment to enduring multiple surgeries and chemotherapy. He doesn’t hold back on the profound challenges, from grappling with depression and anxiety to the crucial moment he decided to pave a new path for recovery through fitness. Discover how Aaron's personal struggles sparked the creation of Survivor Fitness, a lifeline offering personalized fitness programs to rebuild strength and confidence for cancer survivors.

    Join us as we follow Aaron and his wife on their inspiring mission to empower survivors across Tennessee. Initially starting with one hesitant participant, their supportive fitness program blossomed into a 501c3 organization, now available at 19 locations, providing 24 personal training sessions over 12-14 weeks, completely free of charge. Learn how you can make a difference by supporting this transformative foundation through donations, participating in events like the Soiree and Rock the Row, or simply spreading the word. Aaron’s heartfelt words of encouragement remind us of the power of community and support, emphasizing the significant, positive impact their programs have on mental and physical health. Don’t miss Aaron’s incredible story and the chance to be part of this life-changing initiative—visit survivorfitness.org for more information and upcoming events.

    To help you to navigate the home buying and mortgage process, Jonathan & Steve are currently licensed in Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia, contact us today at 423-491-5405 or visit www.jonathanandsteve.com.

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    31 mins
  • From Love to Legacy: Jamie Jackson's Journey in Wedding Planning and Community Service
    Jul 24 2024
    What happens when a young woman from the Tri-Cities area channels her marital bliss into a full-fledged career? Meet Jamie Jackson, the dynamic founder of Jamie Events, who turned her post-wedding enthusiasm into a thriving business. Jamie's story is one of passion and perseverance, starting from her humble beginnings to becoming a sought-after wedding and event planner. Along the way, she has juggled the roles of a mother of three and a school board candidate, advocating for students pursuing non-traditional careers. Jamie's journey is a testament to her dedication to creating personalized experiences and her commitment to community service.

    Tune in to uncover Jamie's unique approach to wedding planning, where she likens her role to that of a coach, organizing a team of professional vendors to bring dream weddings to life. From amusing anecdotes like managing butterflies for a bride's special request to orchestrating grand entrances via helicopter, Jamie’s tales are both entertaining and enlightening. She shares the importance of wedding planner certifications, insights into cultural wedding traditions, and the joys of mentoring budding event planners. Whether you’re an aspiring wedding planner or simply intrigued by entrepreneurial journeys, Jamie’s experiences offer a wealth of inspiration and practical wisdom.

    To help you to navigate the home buying and mortgage process, Jonathan & Steve are currently licensed in Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia, contact us today at 423-491-5405 or visit www.jonathanandsteve.com.

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    32 mins