Susie Greengold, a 71-year-old lifelong Gatlinburg resident, embodies the town's rich heritage and evolution. Her family's roots in the area date back to the 1700s, with ancestors like William Ogle and Jane Husky Ogle among Gatlinburg's earliest settlers. This deep connection is reflected in Susie's education, which included attending Gatlinburg Pittman High School and PI Beta Phi, a unique K-12 school funded by a sorority from Monmouth College, Illinois.

The Greengold family has played a significant role in Gatlinburg's development. Susie's great-great-grandfather owned the land where the Ober Mountain Tramway now stands. This tramway, built about 50 years ago, was instrumental in transforming Gatlinburg into a year-round destination by introducing winter activities and expanding its appeal beyond the traditional summer and fall seasons.

Today, Susie continues her family's entrepreneurial legacy through two main businesses. She operates The Maples' Tree store on Gatlinburg's main street, offering handmade quilts, custom T-shirts designed by her daughter Carrie, and engraved items. Additionally, Susie manages Far Horizon's Lodge, a unique rental property featuring two restored cabins from the national park, preserving a piece of local history.

Susie's experiences provide valuable insights into Gatlinburg's transformation from a small, seasonal tourist town to a vibrant year-round destination. Her perspective encompasses changes in local entertainment, wildlife conservation efforts, and the delicate balance between modernization and preserving cultural heritage. Through her businesses and community involvement, Susie Greengold continues to shape Gatlinburg's identity, offering visitors authentic experiences that honor the town's rich history while embracing its future.

Randy Watson, the General Manager of Gatlinburg SkyPark, was born and raised in the area. Watson's family has deep roots in the region, with his grandparents having worked for the Little River Lumber Company before the establishment of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Watson discusses beginning his career at the Gatlinburg Skylift at age 14 and eventually following in his father's footsteps to become the general manager. Throughout the conversation, he recounts witnessing the evolution of SkyPark from a single-chairlift attraction to a major tourist destination featuring the SkyBridge, the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America.

Watson also addresses the impact of the 2016 wildfires on SkyPark and the subsequent rebuilding efforts, which led to significant improvements and expansions. The fire devastated the top of the mountain where SkyPark is located, destroying the original SkyLift infrastructure. However, the rebuilding process transformed SkyPark into a reborn attraction with improved facilities.

His stories highlight the resilience of the Gatlinburg community, the importance of family in local businesses, and the ongoing commitment to preserving the natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains while enhancing visitor experiences. Watson emphasizes the focus on stewardship and creating lasting memories for visitors, all while maintaining the integrity of the environment.

Mark Adams, President and CEO of Ober Mountain, has been a transformative force in Gatlinburg's tourism landscape for over eight years. With a background in managing major venues in Atlanta, Adams brought fresh perspectives to Gatlinburg, navigating challenges like wildfires and the COVID-19 pandemic with innovative strategies. His leadership during crises fostered community unity and resilience, exemplified by increased marketing efforts and adaptive messaging.

Adams played a crucial role in rebranding Obergatlinburg to Ober Mountain, honoring its legacy while introducing new attractions. Under his guidance, Ober Mountain has expanded its offerings to include enhanced ski lifts, an observation deck, zip lines, and mountain biking trails. A wildlife rescue area has also been added, emphasizing education and conservation efforts.

His focus on authentic storytelling and preserving multi-generational experiences has been key to maintaining Gatlinburg's charm. Adams' approach balances tradition with innovation, ensuring the destination remains appealing to both long-time visitors and new generations. He encourages visitors to experience both the vibrant downtown area and the serene nature trails, highlighting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park alongside urban attractions.

Throughout his tenure, Adams has successfully integrated into the community, overcoming initial perceptions as an outsider by contributing fresh ideas and building strong relationships with local leaders and residents. His commitment to Gatlinburg was solidified during the wildfires, demonstrating the community's resilience and collaborative spirit.

Adams' vision for Gatlinburg emphasizes authenticity, sustainability, and enhanced visitor experiences. His strategic approach to tourism, focusing on genuine family stories and diverse attractions, has significantly contributed to Gatlinburg's growth as a premier family-friendly destination in the Smoky Mountains. Under his leadership, Ober Mountain continues to evolve while honoring its rich history, ensuring it remains a cherished part of Gatlinburg's tourism legacy for generations to come.