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.

In this podcast episode, Jackie Leatherwood, General Manager of Greystone Lodge in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, shares her deep connection to the area and insights into the local community. With 28 years at Greystone Lodge and roots in Sevier County, Jackie discusses her family history and childhood experiences that shaped her understanding of Gatlinburg.

The episode also highlights Jackie's active involvement in local and state-level organizations, including her roles on the Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce board and the Tennessee Hospitality and Tourism Association board. She emphasizes the importance of advocating for the community's interests.

Jackie recounts the community's resilience during the 2016 Gatlinburg fires and the formation of the Mountain Tough Recovery Team. She shares her passion for hospitality, focusing on building personal connections with guests and creating lasting memories.

The podcast concludes with Jackie's reflections on raising her family in Gatlinburg and her hope to be remembered for her kindness and love for the community. She encourages others to appreciate and contribute to Gatlinburg's supportive, community-driven spirit.

In the podcast episode featuring Corey Wagner, listeners are introduced to his remarkable journey from tourist to local influencer in Gatlinburg. Corey, originally from Lima, Ohio, first visited Gatlinburg in 2011 with his family after a long hiatus from traveling. They stayed at Zoders Hotel, a historic recommendation from his wife, and enjoyed their trip so much that they extended their stay from three to four nights. This initial visit sparked an annual tradition of returning to Gatlinburg, with Corey bringing his son back for the first time after he turned ten in 2013. Over the years, they continued to explore the area, often visiting multiple times each year.

Around 2015-2016, Corey launched the Facebook group Gatlinburg Now, which has grown to 159,000 members. Initially starting with a WordPress blog, he transitioned to Substack to share his insights on local attractions, restaurant reviews, and community news. His content is characterized by authenticity and honesty, as he avoids sponsored posts and focuses on providing genuine recommendations.

In August 2023, Corey made the decision to move to Gatlinburg after an unsuccessful attempt to relocate to Knoxville. He faced challenges such as housing scarcity and affordability issues due to high demand for vacation rentals. Currently, he lives within walking distance of his job at Anakeesta's Great Outdoors Trading Company, where he interacts with thousands of visitors daily, providing them with valuable information about local attractions.

Living in Gatlinburg presents its own set of challenges for Corey. He has had to learn how to navigate heavy tourist traffic and adjust his daily routines around peak times. Housing shortages have led many employees to commute from distant areas, making affordable living a significant concern.

Corey's content creation strategy emphasizes providing useful and honest information for visitors. He engages with his followers both online and in person while maintaining authenticity in his interactions. He shares insights on how visitors can make the most of their time in Gatlinburg, recommending early morning activities for fewer crowds and encouraging exploration beyond typical tourist spots.

Throughout the episode, Corey shares unique stories and memorable posts about local wildlife and community interactions while maintaining integrity in his reviews. The host expresses appreciation for Corey's contributions to the Gatlinburg community, while Corey conveys gratitude for the support he receives from locals and visitors alike. Overall, Corey's transition from frequent visitor to dedicated resident and influencer embodies the vibrant spirit of Gatlinburg, showcasing its charm and welcoming nature.

In this episode, we sit down with Mike Werner, the longtime Mayor of Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Mike shares his fascinating journey from first visiting Gatlinburg in 1976 to becoming its mayor and a pillar of the community.

Mike's story begins with an impulse property purchase in Walden's Creek, which led to him relocating his family to Gatlinburg in 1980 without a job or a home. He recounts building his first house from poplar logs and the community support he received, setting the tone for his deep connection to Gatlinburg.

We explore Mike's professional path, from working in land surveying and construction to selling condominiums and eventually running the Highlands condominiums until the devastating 2016 fires. Mike provides insights into Gatlinburg's unique character, describing a town with less than 4,000 residents that hosts up to 60,000 nightly visitors.

A significant portion of the conversation focuses on the 2016 wildfires that ravaged Gatlinburg. Mike shares his experiences as mayor during this crisis, including the decision to evacuate and his role in leading the community's response. He introduces the "Mountain Tough" slogan that became a symbol of the town's resilience.

Mike also pays tribute to influential community members like Bud Ogle, Jim Gerding, and Xeno Wall, emphasizing the importance of stewardship and genuine hospitality in Gatlinburg's success. He discusses ongoing initiatives to improve the downtown area, maintain the town's character through code enforcement, and plan for the future.

Throughout the episode, Mike's love for Gatlinburg and its people shines through. He shares anecdotes about international visitors, community projects like Rocky Top Sports World, and his vision for preserving Gatlinburg's unique charm while adapting to future needs.

The conversation concludes with reflections on Gatlinburg's enduring appeal and the community's spirit of hospitality and resilience. Listeners will come away with a deep appreciation for this mountain town and the dedicated leadership that has helped shape its character over the years.

Cindy Cameron Ogle has been a cornerstone of Gatlinburg's growth and development for nearly five decades, serving as the city's longest-tenured City Manager from 1989 to 2023. Her journey from a South Knoxville native to Gatlinburg's most influential public servant is a testament to her dedication, vision, and resilience. Ogle's career in public service began in 1974 when she worked for U.S. Congressman John Duncan, Sr. After a brief stint at the University of Tennessee's Department of Head Start Training, she joined the City of Gatlinburg in 1978 as a Grants Coordinator. Her capabilities quickly propelled her to the position of Assistant City Manager that same year.

During her 35-year tenure as City Manager, Ogle spearheaded numerous initiatives that shaped modern Gatlinburg. She drove annual revenue growth from $19.7 million in 1988 to over $100 million in 2023, established various green initiatives, developed Rocky Top Sports World—a flagship venue for youth sports tourism—and played a crucial role in projects like the Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies and the development of a convention center. Ogle's leadership was particularly evident during times of crisis, as she guided the community through economic downturns, the COVID-19 pandemic, and most notably, the devastating wildfires of 2016. Her unwavering commitment to the city during these challenging times earned her widespread respect and admiration.

Ogle's contributions to Gatlinburg have been widely recognized; she received the Zeno Wall Jr. Tourism Award in 2022 for her contributions to tourism growth and promotion and was appointed to the University of Tennessee's Baker School of Public Policy and Public Affairs Graduate Advisory Board. Additionally, she served on various boards, including the Gatlinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors and the Safe Harbor Child Advocacy Center Board of Directors. Throughout her career, Ogle has been driven by a deep faith and an unwavering commitment to Gatlinburg. Her vision for the city has always been to maintain its unique charm while fostering economic growth. As she puts it, "I think that God intended for me to stay in Gatlinburg and to ultimately do what I have been blessed to do all these years."

Cindy Cameron Ogle's legacy in Gatlinburg is one of transformative leadership, community dedication, and resilient spirit. Her nearly half-century of service has not only shaped the city's physical landscape but also strengthened its community bonds, setting a high standard for public service and civic leadership.

Chad Netherland, the President and CEO of Visit Gatlinburg, highlights the town's unique charm and its ongoing evolution while sharing his personal connection to the area. Netherland emphasizes Gatlinburg's spectacular scenery and its rich history, having spent summers there since childhood.

In his role as President and CEO of the Gatlinburg Convention Center and Visitors Bureau, Chad focuses on balancing economic growth with preserving Gatlinburg's character, noting the introduction of new restaurants and nightlife options while community groups actively work to prevent over-commercialization. The town is surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and features over 50 attractions, including the Ober Mountain Aerial Tram and Tennessee's only ski resort. Key events like the 50th anniversary of the Fantasy Lights Christmas Parade and the unique midnight Fourth of July Parade reflect Gatlinburg's vibrant community spirit.

Netherland discusses marketing strategies aimed at attracting diverse visitors, particularly from international markets, while enhancing safety and accessibility. He highlights the importance of preserving Gatlinburg’s arts and crafts community and musical heritage, encouraging new businesses to incorporate local history into their branding. The podcast underscores ongoing efforts to maintain Gatlinburg’s unique character amidst growth, with plans for infrastructure improvements and enhanced visitor experiences.

Overall, Netherland's insights reveal a commitment to ensuring that Gatlinburg remains a cherished destination that embraces both its rich heritage and opportunities for future development.