What did you learn from your childhood?

I was raised by God-fearing parents in a typical country, mountain way.  You worked hard, went to school, attended church, and loved others.  My parents never accepted government assistance and often struggled to make ends meet.   I’ll never forget that my mother paid $10 a month to my doctor for services at my birth.  She did this for years until it was paid off.  In this, I learned that you keep your promises, earn your keep, and you never compromise your integrity.

 

 

What did you learn from starting a small business?

I and two friends started a local audiovisual company in 2003.  We started with nothing and 10 years later, we have employed 13 people and even more subcontractors.  We weathered a bad economy and never had to lay off a worker.  We were able to do so with great, dedicated clients and by being fiscally conservative.  Through this I learned that no one was going to help us succeed: we had to be brave and work for it!

 

What are you currently working on in the community?

I continue to work in development and serve as the executive director of the Cleveland State Community College Foundation, a 501c3 organization that funds scholarships and programs for Cleveland State Community College.  It is a privilege to help so many people find access to opportunity through higher-education.  It has also been a pleasure to be part of creating a cutting-edge workforce development program that stands to positively impact employment opportunities in our area.

I also serve on several nonprofit boards.  Currently, I work with the Museum @5Points, Keep America Beautlful, Bradley Cleveland Community Services Agency, the Ocoee Theater Guild, and the Kiwanis Club of Cleveland.

I suppose most people recognize me as vice chairman of the Bradley County Commission.  Serving in government has been an honor.

 

 

What did you learn from your education & work?

I was the first in my family to attend a university and graduated with my bachelors in psychology and human development.  While completing my bachelors, I convinced Rachel to marry me.   She was out of my league, but I got lucky.  We both worked our undergraduate years at the local Boys & Girls Clubs and built a love for community.

I worked as a crisis counselor for therapeutic foster care while I earned my master’s degree in public administration.  I saw children in need and at their lowest.  I saw good people try to help, and I saw children find a sense of home in the oddest places.  Through this I learned that a little help and heart can change lives.

After completing my masters, I began assisting nonprofits and churches in development planning and programming.  I have assisted organizations in numerous states and have helped nonprofits raise over $9 million dollars in support.  Through this, I learned that private citizens who are passionate are far more effective that government at aiding their cause.

I also practice what I preach and have continued to educate myself.  I am finishing my doctoral dissertation in education policy at the University of Tennessee Koxville where I have studied educational reform.  With education being a state-governed institution, I hope to work toward real education reform in Tennessee.

 

 

Why did you decide to run for office?

I decided to run for Bradley county commission in 2010 because people asked me to. They were hungry for leadership that would listen and would work to make things a little better.  I was proud to accept their support. 

For almost 4 years, I have worked through committees and votes to improve our town.  I have built a reputation as being studied, practical, approachable, and transparent.  I have encouraged fiscal conservatism through principles of zero-based budgeting.  I have stood for individual property rights, and I haven’t hesitated to speak for those I represent.  Each year, I travel to Nashville to meet with our representatives on local government matters and compel them to stand for our basic rights, including those granted by the second amendment.