In this conversation with host Rob Howard, Ryan traces the path from that stage life into helping develop and grow Maple Hall, the bowling alley and entertainment anchor that turned a roofless, derelict J.C. Penney building on Gay Street into one of downtown's most-loved spaces, and the relaunch of Babalu next door. Now the founder of Cottonwood Concepts, Ryan talks about what it actually takes to build something that lasts, whether that's a marriage, a business culture, or some of the city's hundred-year-old buildings that others would have demolished.

Along the way: how his father brought Wendy's to East Tennessee in the early '70s, buying and turning around an auto repair shop that went on to win a Carfax Top Shop award, the "one thing doctrine" for hiring and retaining the right employees, the Charley Crockett lyric that gave Cottonwood Concepts its name, and how his team is bringing new energy to Tellico Plains and the Cherohala Skyway corridor with Red Chimney Pizza. Expect detours into Hemingway, Simon Sinek, and hanging out in a Key West bar with a NASCAR legend.

Casey Irwin and Lisa Dockery join host Rob Howard (@KnoxvilleRob) for their first-ever podcast appearance as candidates for the East Tennessee Realtors Board of Directors. What starts as a candidate conversation turns into something better: two honest Knoxville stories about how a career gets built.

Casey is a multi-generational East Tennessean whose family came from Loyston Point, land now under Norris Lake. He grew up in Norris, studied psychology and public health, and never planned on real estate. An executive assistant role with a commercial developer changed that. From putting out signs and lock boxes for Lucas Ho and Sharon Lang, he went on to open Keller Williams franchises, serve as a team leader in Washington DC, lead an office through COVID, and co-found Keller Williams Young Professionals, which grew into one of the largest chapters in the nation.

Lisa is a Knoxville native, a Karns High School graduate, and an interior designer by training. She has moved 18 times in 33 years, which means she has lived the buyer and seller experience from nearly every angle. She is also 20 years strong with Fantasy of Trees, the holiday event that has raised more than a million dollars in each of the past two years for East Tennessee Children's Hospital.

What we talk about:

• Growing up in Norris, Karns, and Polk County, and why deep local roots still matter in real estate
• How a psychology degree and an interior design background both turn into daily tools in this business
• Why volunteering and showing up generates real business (including a referral Rob traced back to a Keller Williams RED Day project)
• The reality of an industry where agents quietly disappear, and why a phone call can change that
• What the Realtor Party did to get real estate declared essential in Tennessee during the shutdown
• Knoxville's growth, the traffic complaints, and the Nashville commute that cures them
• Standard Nuclear in Oak Ridge, small modular reactors, data centers, and where East Tennessee is headed
• Why the Market Pulse report is required reading for investors and developers

Rob also shares the principle behind 23 years in the business: be out amongst 'em. Not cold calls. Not expireds. Showing up, staying in touch, and caring about people long enough that they call you when life changes.

Realtor members: voting for the East Tennessee Realtors Board of Directors runs September 16 through 18. Watch your inbox for the association email. If you unsubscribed, call the association and ask to be added back, and subscribe to the Market Pulse while you are at it.

About the host: Rob Howard is a Knoxville real estate broker with Keller Williams, host of A Knoxville Podcast, and author of Seller Secrets and the Frank Merchant mystery series. He has been helping people find their place in East Tennessee for more than 23 years, with about 90 percent of his business coming from past clients and referrals.

Thinking about buying, selling, or investing in Knoxville? Start at KnoxvilleRob.com or call 865.385.9070.

More episodes at RealKnoxville.com

#KnoxvillePodcast #KnoxvilleRealEstate #EastTennessee #EastTennesseeRealtors #KnoxvilleTN #RealKnoxville #KnoxvilleRob #FantasyOfTrees #KellerWilliams

We sat down at the Downtown Grill & Brewery and wandered all over the East Tennessee map and into North Carolina! Addie just wrapped her bachelor's in agricultural resources, economics and starts her master's this fall, which means she thinks about land the way most of us think about traffic. Farmland is finite. Once you build on it, it's gone. That's the work she's headed into, and she'd rather do it here than in Nashville, thank you very much.

We covered a lot of ground:

Gay Street then & now, Loretta chasing down strangers on the back side of it, and a brother Lenox doing push-ups on the concrete while the Masons walked by. Gentrification from North Hills to Park Ridge to Fountain City, and the Linden Avenue house I sold for $12,000 that's worth over $500k. Dysfunction Junction, the World's Fair, and what happens when twenty to thirty people a day move into Knox County but the lanes stay the same.

Campus growth and new mega high rises over the caverns, the Thompson-Boling collapse rumors, and whether the university can actually seat everybody it admits. Market Square when it was tumbleweeds and TVA quitting time, the Mercury Theatre where Preservation Pub sits now, Tomato Head, Cafe 4, Chesapeake's, Pete's, Cappuccino's, Barley's, Sunspot, Cumberland Grill, Kazzy's, Stir, Stefano's, and why you owe yourself a night at A Dopo. Xül and the food trucks, Yee-Haw and Ole Smoky and the Jackson Hole ski run that gave Yee-Haw its name.

East Knox, Magnolia Ave., Pizza Palace and the Bel Airs, the Kern's bakery smell in '99, Fourth & Gill, Mechanicsville, Emerald Youth, and the question Addie put straight to Randy Boyd about bridging South Knoxville. James White Parkway and the Baker Creek Preserve. The closed Gay Street Bridge, Henley Street, Chapman Highway, the kudzu hill, Checkers, Disc Exchange, Shoney's, Aretha Frankenstein's, and getting stuck in a Krystals highchair at ten years old.

Old City ghosts, Long Branch, the Half Barrel turned Leaderboard, Sassy Ann's rattling the windows next door, Maple Hall, Studio 16, the Mill and Mine, Pilot Light, the Southern Railway station, the Civic Coliseum where Kiss played, Alumni Gym where I saw the Spin Doctors, and Hodges Library back when the World's Fair exhibit was still up. Billy Graham and Richard Nixon in Neyland, the Jacksons, Garth Brooks and Morgan Wallen.

Oak Ridge and John Hendrix, the prophet who saw the whole thing coming. Bearden Hill and Thunder Road. Hardin Valley Mcmansions, Seymour, Strawberry Plains, Farragut, Lovell Road Costco, Royal Oaks and Shaq flying into McGhee Tyson, Harrison Ford in Morristown. Fort Sanders and Ball Hall sitting on the bloodiest ground of the battle. Reese, Humes, Carrick, Hess, Melrose, Shelbourne, Church Row, Gus's, Tyson Park, McClung.

Then out of town: Kodak and the old Smokies stadium, Covenant Health Park, Ober Gatlinburg where she learned to ski, Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, Tanger, Clingmans Dome, Townsend, the Dragon, the Sinks, the Ocoee, Polk County, Cleveland, Murphy and Bear Paw where a 99 year old great grndma cuts raw tobacco and keeps a revolver over the door for poachers. Grainger County tomatoes. Beans and rice, every night, and never got tired of them.

Battered Vol Syndrome. Burning couches after Bama. Ghost hunting in Old Gray Cemetery, which I do not recommend.

We're bringing her back for the Halloween episode.

Real Estate is More Than Just a Transaction

If you think real estate agents are just chasing the next commission check, you haven't met the team at Hutch & Howard. In this latest episode of A Knoxville Podcast, Rob Howard sits down with team member Chad Chappelow to peel back the curtain on what it really looks like to help families find their way home in East Tennessee.

From Chad’s transition from restaurant management to real estate  to the philosophy that guides their practice, this conversation is a must-watch for anyone looking to buy or sell in the Scruffy City.

In This Episode, We Cover:

• The "One Conversation at a Time" Philosophy Chad shares his favorite approach to the business: "Finding the dream home, one conversation at a time.". Learn why your first conversation with an agent might look completely different than the home you actually buy, and why patience wins over pressure every time.
  
  
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• The Shocking Truth About Knoxville Home Prices Remember when you could buy a house in South Knoxville for $32,000? Rob Howard does—because he lived in one. Rob and Chad break down the incredible appreciation of the Knoxville market, comparing the "late 1900s" prices to today's market where starter homes are harder to find.
  
  
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• The South Knoxville Transformation Rob recounts a nostalgic visit to his old neighborhood off Sevier Avenue. What used to be a quiet street across from a laundromat is now the bustling home of Alliance Brewing, illustrating exactly how rapid development raises property values and changes communities.
  
  
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• Work-Life Balance in a 24/7 Industry How do successful agents juggle family life with client needs? Chad opens up about being a dad to his daughters (and soon-to-be soccer player) while maintaining a high-level real estate career. Spoiler: It’s about boundaries and mutual respect.
  
  
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Why This Matters for Knoxville Buyers & Sellers

As Rob mentions, the internet might tell you to be scared of the economy, but it also lists Knoxville as a #1 destination for relocation. Whether you are looking for a luxury estate or a starter home, you need an agent who is focused on the relationship, not just the transaction.

In this episode of A Knoxville Podcast, host Rob Howard (@KnoxvilleRob) sits down with Justin "Doc" Brown—factory worker, podcaster, author, and fellow East Tennessee native—to explore one of the most fascinating theories you've never heard in Sunday school: that Esau, the "hairy man" from Genesis, might be the biblical archetype for Bigfoot and the ancient feral giants found in cultures worldwide.

Justin, host of Prometheus Lens and author of "The Epic of Esau: The Birthright and Seed War," wasn't a Bigfoot enthusiast until he started connecting dots between Scripture, the Book of Jasher, the Epic of Gilgamesh, and Appalachian folklore. What he discovered turned his understanding of both the Bible and cryptozoology upside down.

This isn't your typical "monster hunter" conversation. It's about faith, evidence, apologetics, and why the Bible's supernatural elements matter more than ever in a skeptical age. It's also about East Tennessee—our storytelling traditions, our dialect, our mountains, and why this region is ground zero for both Bigfoot sightings and honest, accessible conversations about deep theological truths.

If you've ever wondered why your grandparents told stories about "boogers" in the woods, or if you're tired of blind faith with no backbone—this episode is for you.

ABOUT JUSTIN "DOC" BROWN:

Justin Brown is the host of Prometheus Lens, a podcast exploring biblical giants, Nephilim, apologetics, and the supernatural dimensions of Scripture. A lifelong East Tennessee resident and factory worker, Justin's journey from "never reading a book he wasn't forced to" to published author began in 2012 when he discovered Dr. Michael Heiser's The Unseen Realm. His work bridges scholarly research and Appalachian "good old boy" storytelling, making complex theological topics accessible to everyday listeners.

His debut book, "The Epic of Esau: The Birthright and Seed War," examines the biblical and extra-biblical evidence linking Esau to global Bigfoot legends and ancient feral giants.

Find Justin: ️ Prometheus Lens Podcast (Apple, Spotify, YouTube, all platforms) "The Epic of Esau" – Available in hardcover ($20), Kindle ($10), and audiobook (narrated by Justin) Order signed copies with sticker packs & bookmarks: PrometheusLensPodcast.com Or grab it on Amazon Follow on all social media: Search "Prometheus Lens"


ABOUT A KNOXVILLE PODCAST:

Hosted by Rob Howard, a 22+ year Knoxville real estate broker, author, and UT grad, A Knoxville Podcast has been exploring East Tennessee life since 2007. From real estate market insights to conversations about Horses, Hiking, Bigfoot, and everything in between—this show proves Knoxville is more than just a "well-kept secret." It's home.

Connect with Rob:
Relocating to East Tennessee? RobHowardKW@gmail.com
865.385.9070 Keller Williams: 865-966-5005
KnoxvilleRob.com | RealKnoxville.com | HowardsPond.com | RealEstateMurderMystery.com
Author: "Principles of Real Estate and Murder" (Frank Merchant series) & "Seller Secrets"
️ Howard's Pond STR properties: The Cottage & The Loft (Ocoee, TN)

Tune in for lively conversation, a few laughs, and a front-row seat to one of our area’s soon-to-be most anticipated events. Whether you’re a horse enthusiast or just love a good local story, this episode captures the heart, history and energy of our region.

Don’t forget to subscribe for more East Tennessee stories every week!
RealKnoxville.com
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/a-knoxville-podcast-with-hutch-howard/id271483635
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/41XtHybV1X8EeG51g6dsxf?si=abf9bbe6e6094771

Rob Howard is a Knoxville-based real estate agent, author, and community connector with Keller Williams West Knoxville. With over 20 years of experience helping clients buy and sell homes throughout East Tennessee, Rob is known for his market expertise, personalized service, and caring approach.

A graduate of the University of Tennessee and an East Tennessee native, Rob brings local insight to every transaction. He’s also the author of the cozy mystery novel "Principles of Real Estate & Murder" and the host of "A Knoxville Podcast", sharing stories and insights from the region.

Rob is passionate about local living, short-term rentals (find his pondside Airbnb at @ocoeetinyhouse), and even features his real estate sidekick, Dickens the Havanese (@havadickens), in his adventures around Knoxville.

Whether you’re buying, selling, investing, or just want to connect with Knoxville’s vibrant community, Rob Howard is your go-to guide.

Contact:
Cell: 865-385-9070
KnoxvilleRob.com | RobSellsKnoxville.com
✉️ robhowardkw@gmail.com
Social: @knoxvillerob on all platforms

Key topics covered:

• His transition from WWE entertainment to Knox County governance
• How East Tennessee has changed since the 1990s
• Why population growth is actually a compliment to our region
• Nuclear energy and Oak Ridge's role in America's future
• Housing challenges facing young East Tennesseans
• His travels around the world and favorite destinations
• The teamwork skills that translate from wrestling to politics

For more information on Glenn Jacobs: https://x.com/GlennJacobsTN or https://jacobsformayor.com/

Unlike most of the country – where real estate values have given back most of what was gained during the pandemic – Knoxville and most of East Tennessee have continued to either maintain or increase a bit as memories of lockdowns are fresh, the cost of living and tax rates in “marquee areas” continue to skyrocket and the threat of economic crash looms with each meeting of the Federal Reserve. The rate of relocations to the area has decreased but it still persists. Sure, we’ve had reductions in some of the higher price points – but buyers I’ve worked with are still finding it a real challenge to actually find housing in our “bread and butter” price point – between $300,000-$425,000. It’s really not that there’s a lack of homes in that range – it’s that the homes that are selling there now were on the market two years ago for 30% less and the mortgage interest rate was half what it is now. 

While all this is true – this dismal industry snapshot is a cloud with a silver lining! In the past few years with the growth of the Minimalist movement coming from the west and the growth in interest for Millennial generation buyers – people are getting smarter and more ambitious! Only recently the concerns about the price point has shifted to more and more interest in “House Hacking” as popularized by the Bigger Pockets podcast and other outlets that teach their listeners how to monetize their lifestyles. 

You’ve probably noticed the booming “Influencer” culture where people are paid in the high six-figures or even much more for attractive young people to film videos of themselves applying make-up or even less attractive dad-types fixing your dishwasher on YouTube. I’ve noticed that the House Hacking trend has spawned a new attitude from the more savvy, young homebuyer. Many of them want the most house they can purchase (finding work-arounds for the limits of credit, down-payments by finding what help might be available from other sources) with the caveat that the place they purchase HAS to be hackable. 

What does this have to do with being an Influencer? The common way to monetize one’s Influencing potential has been in the Macro-Influencer efforts to get as many eyes on your productions as possible. The new buyers are looking for a more realistic, yet still very lucrative Micro-Influencer plans involving getting someone else to pay for their “Super Nice house.”

“I don’t care what it costs,” one extremely smart young buyer told me this week. “I just have to figure out how to live there for free.” I was a little taken aback from the comment – then he explained. 

The Micro-Influencer home has to have hackable spaces: A garage (ideally with a loft) that can be converted to an apartment, an outbuilding or space that can be turned into living space, an old tool shed that can be turned over in the same way or even an attic with a floor and exterior access. There are many other ways that someone can add living space without changing the current footprint of your home. In the past few months – Knoxville and other local municipalities have changed the laws to allow one ADU (Additional Dwelling Unit) inside the current home footprint. 

If you do this right, choose the correct home or find an area where the rules are even more flexible this can allow for 2 or more ADUs and while you still get to enjoy the better living spaces – while having friends, folks you know or others that are looking for a space to live – paying rent to you – as Knoxville area rents are outstripping the costs of homeownership by large amounts. 

If you are hankering to get the income from the internet – a great way is to feature your space on Airbnb, VRBO or other short-term rental sites where (for a small portion of your nightly rental rate) you can double or triple the return on your lifestyle home choice!