Knoxville is growing fast—but can the city’s roads, parking, housing, and public transportation keep up?In this episode of Big Orange Business, Haley sits down with Dustin Durham, Chair of the Knoxville Transportation Authority, for an important conversation about the future of Knoxville.They discuss:• Why traffic in Knoxville feels worse than ever • The real cost of car dependency • Public transportation and bus service in Knoxville • Downtown parking myths and infrastructure challenges • Housing density, zoning, and smart growth • Why Knoxville could eventually have airport transit, streetcars, or even expanded regional transportation • What Knoxville could look like by 2050Whether you already live in Knoxville, are thinking about relocating to East Tennessee, or simply care about the future of this growing city… this conversation matters.Recorded live from the historic Mabry-Hazen House—one of Knoxville’s most iconic landmarks. https://www.mabryhazen.com/

Memorial Day means something different to those who served.In this episode of Big Orange Business, Haley sits down with Jerry Brice of Chow Hall in Knoxville, Tennessee for a heartfelt conversation about military life, sacrifice, family, perspective, and what veterans carry long after they come home.Jerry shares stories from his time serving in the Navy, lessons learned from seeing the world, reflections on work ethic and gratitude, and why Chow Hall became a place dedicated to honoring veterans here in East Tennessee.This episode is about service, community, perspective, and the people behind the uniform.📍 The Chow Hall5706 E Emory Rd #5704Knoxville, TN 37938Follow Chow Hall:https://www.facebook.com/chowhallknoxville/

What happens when two people with zero woodworking experience decide to bet on themselves in Knoxville?In this episode of Big Orange Business, Haley sits down with the founders of Saw and Dust Woodworking to hear how a single YouTube tutorial, a Facebook Marketplace listing, and a willingness to start before they felt “ready” turned into one of East Tennessee’s most unique custom furniture businesses.From kitchen islands and live-edge tables… to entrepreneurship, setbacks, crazy customer stories, and building something from absolutely nothing… this is a conversation for entrepreneurs, creatives, homeowners, and anyone curious about the people shaping Knoxville.Whether you're a local, thinking about relocating to East Tennessee, or dreaming about starting your own business, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical lessons.👇 Connect with Saw and Dust Woodworking:🌐 Saw and Dust Woodworking📸 Instagram @sawanddustwoodworkingFollow Big Orange Business for more conversations with the entrepreneurs, makers, and leaders helping shape East Tennessee.

You would NEVER expect this at a Knoxville cookie shop… 😳Then one of the owners looked at Haley Jones and said:“I’m working on some kidneys right now.”In this episode of the Big Orange Business Podcast, Haley visits Whimsy Cookie Company—one of Knoxville’s most creative and fast-growing small businesses—offering a behind-the-scenes look at the kind of local businesses that make people fall in love with East Tennessee.What starts as a conversation about cookies quickly turns into a behind-the-scenes look at entrepreneurship, family business, custom design, and what it really takes to build a thriving boutique brand.In this episode, we discuss:The wildest custom cookie orders they’ve ever createdOpening a retail business during the 2020 pandemicBuilding and managing a family-run businessScaling to handle 1,000+ cookie ordersWhy handmade products cost more than most people realizeSeasonal demand, weddings, graduations, and custom eventsWhat makes Whimsy Cookie Company stand out in KnoxvilleWhether you’re an entrepreneur, small business owner, or just love hearing how creative brands are built, this episode offers insight, humor, and real-world experience.Follow Whimsy Cookie Company:Website: https://whimsycookieco.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whimsycookieknoxville/?hl=enSubscribe to the Big Orange Business Podcast for conversations with the entrepreneurs and business owners shaping East Tennessee.

In this episode of the Big Orange Business Podcast, Haley Jones sits down with the team behind Knoxville Pipes and Drums—a group that most people in East Tennessee have heard… but few actually know the story behind.What started with just a few people learning bagpipes around a kitchen table in 1992 has grown into a 50+ member organization representing Knoxville across the region—and now, on a global stage.👉 Learn more, book the band, or get involved: https://www.knoxvillepipesanddrums.org/But this episode goes way beyond music.You’ll learn how Scottish and Irish heritage shaped East Tennessee, how bagpipes influenced modern country and bluegrass, and why this group is so deeply connected to the local community. From performing at weddings and funerals to competing internationally in Scotland, Knoxville Pipes and Drums is preserving history in a way that’s both powerful and unexpected.Whether you’re local to Knoxville, thinking about relocating, or just curious about the culture behind the music, this episode will give you a whole new perspective on East Tennessee.🎯 Topics include:• The surprising history of bagpipes and how they work• The deep Scottish influence on Appalachian culture• Why bagpipes were once considered a weapon of war• How Knoxville Pipes and Drums grew from 4 people to 50+ members• What it takes to learn and play this instrument• How the group is preparing to compete in Scotland• Why this band is more than music—it’s a community🎵 Get Involved with Knoxville Pipes & Drums🔗 Website: https://www.knoxvillepipesanddrums.org/👉 Interested in learning?They offer FREE lessons for bagpipes and drums—no experience required.👉 Want to book them for an event?They perform at weddings, funerals, parades, festivals, and local events across East Tennessee.👉 Business owner or organization?They are actively looking for local sponsors and community partners to support their mission and upcoming international competition in Scotland.👉 Just curious?You can attend an open rehearsal and see the band in action.This isn’t just about music.It’s about preserving culture, building community, and creating something that lasts for generations right here in East Tennessee.If you’ve ever wondered what makes Knoxville unique—this is part of the story.👉 Follow Big Orange Business for more stories about the people, businesses, and culture shaping Knoxville.

In this episode of the Big Orange Business Podcast, Haley Jones sits down with Chicago Mike, owner of Chicago Hot Dog and Sausage Company in Knoxville, Tennessee.What starts as a conversation about hot dogs quickly turns into a deeper look at food culture, relocation, and what makes different cities unique. From why ketchup is off-limits on a true Chicago dog to how authentic ingredients are sourced and brought into Knoxville, this episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look at building something truly original in East Tennessee.If you’re new to Knoxville, thinking about relocating, or just enjoy discovering local businesses, this episode offers a real perspective on how the city’s food scene is evolving.In this episode, we cover: The difference between Chicago and Knoxville food culture  Why ketchup on a hot dog is such a big deal  What makes a true Chicago dog  Building a business in Knoxville as an outsider  How the Knoxville food scene is changing If you enjoy learning about local businesses and what makes Knoxville unique, be sure to follow the show for more episodes.Try it for yourself: Order online or check out the menu: https://orderchidog.com/

When people think about Knoxville, this is NOT what they expect.In this episode, Haley Jones sits down with the owner of one of the most unique experiences in Knoxville—a place built around connection, creativity, and doing something completely different.This isn’t just a business. It’s a destination.From building something that didn’t exist, to creating a space designed to slow people down and bring them together, this conversation is a look at what makes Knoxville special—and why more people are choosing to call it home.If you’re thinking about moving to Knoxville, or you already live here and want to discover something new, this is one you don’t want to miss.

Can you really get fresh seafood in a place like Knoxville, Tennessee?In this episode of the Big Orange Business Podcast, Haley Jones sits down with Lucia Deen from The Shrimp Dock to break down how seafood actually makes its way to East Tennessee — and why it’s not as simple (or as cheap) as most people think.They cover:• how fresh seafood gets to Knoxville• why quality seafood costs more• the biggest mistakes people make when cooking seafood• what locals are ordering and whyWhether you’re a Knoxville local, a business owner, or someone considering moving to East Tennessee, this episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look at one of Knoxville’s most unique food businesses.📍 The Shrimp Dock – Knoxville, TN https://www.shrimpdock.com/

Most homeowners are making the same landscaping mistake—and it’s one of the biggest reasons their yard never looks the way they want it to.In this episode of the Big Orange Business Podcast, Haley Jones sits down with Jose from JJP Landscaping, a Knoxville-based landscaping company, to talk through what actually goes wrong in most yards—and how to fix it.From poor soil prep and grading issues to choosing the wrong plants or timing projects incorrectly, this conversation breaks down real-world problems homeowners face across East Tennessee.If you live in Knoxville or are planning a move to the area, this episode will give you a better understanding of how to approach your yard the right way—and avoid costly mistakes.In this episode, we cover: The most common landscaping mistakes homeowners make  Why some yards struggle to grow healthy grass  When to plant (and when not to)  Low-maintenance landscaping strategies  How to think about your yard from a long-term perspectiveJJP Landscaping is a locally owned Knoxville business specializing in residential and commercial landscaping, hardscapes, maintenance, and design services. If you’re in the Knoxville area and need help with your yard, check out JJP Landscaping or reach out to learn more. https://www.jjplandscaping.com/Follow the Big Orange Business Podcast for more conversations with local Knoxville business owners and experts.

What kind of business shouldn’t work… but somehow thrives?In this episode, we sit down with the owner of one of Knoxville’s most unique local businesses—a cat café that has built a loyal following, created a strong sense of community, and helped facilitate over 1,000 cat adoptions.We talk about:• How the idea started (and why it almost didn’t make sense)• What makes Knoxville such a powerful place for small businesses• The role community plays in long-term success• What most people misunderstand about building something unconventionalIf you’re local, visiting, or thinking about moving to Knoxville, this is the kind of place you need to know about.📍 Visit Scruffy’s Cat Café:https://scruffyscafeknox.com/📲 Follow them on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/scruffyscafeknox/