cityCURRENT Radio Show

Dr. Melanie Lashlee Adams, Executive Director and Principal Consultant, Executive Education at Belmont University, discusses the institution's comprehensive Executive Education programs that equip learners with the tools they need to grow their careers and lead their organizations toward impactful outcomes. The conversation explores fundamental leadership concepts, emphasizing self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and the importance of building trust and team collaboration. Dr. Lashlee Adams highlights different certificate programs, along with their executive coaching and custom solutions for individuals and organizations in Middle Tennessee, as well as across the state and nation. She talks about some of the trends and highlights Belmont's shift toward whole-person leadership, and she encourages listeners to explore their Executive Education programs, which include options both in-person and online.SummaryBelmont University and Belmont University Executive Education - Dr. Melanie Lashlee Adams, Executive Director and Principal Consultant, Executive Education at Belmont University, discusses the institution's diverse offerings, including in-person and online graduate programs, a strong music business program, and a new college of medicine. She highlights Belmont's vibrant campus community and its role as a leading educational institution in Nashville, Tennessee, and beyond. Dr. Lashlee Adams then describes Belmont University Executive Education as the professional development arm that provides customized leadership and organizational development curriculum, consulting, executive coaching, certificate programs, and public workshops to support organizations and individuals in Middle Tennessee and across the country. She and her team assess organizational culture and leadership needs through questions about talent development, current challenges, and long-term goals, tailoring solutions to each client's unique requirements.Leadership Fundamentals and Emotional Intelligence - Dr. Lashlee Adams discusses the fundamentals of leadership, emphasizing that it is not solely about a position of authority but involves inspiring and engaging others effectively. She highlights the importance of self-awareness, including understanding one's communication style, stress reactions, and unproductive behaviors, as a foundation for leadership growth and impact. She also mentions the role of emotional intelligence in adapting to the needs of others and building trust, which are crucial for team collaboration and achieving leadership goals.Servant Leadership Development Programs - Dr. Lashlee Adams and Jeremy discuss the importance of leadership skills in developing a healthy team culture and their transferability to personal relationships. They explore how servant leadership can positively impact the community beyond the workplace. Dr. Lashlee Adams explains their range of leadership development programs, including certificate courses, short workshops, and industry-specific training, available both in-person and online.Whole-Person Leadership and Employee Well-being - Dr. Melanie Lashlee Adams then talks about current trends, discussing the shift towards whole-person leadership, emphasizing the importance of serving employees' holistic needs beyond job descriptions. She highlights the focus on creating safe, inclusive, and meaningful work experiences, which requires building trust and psychological safety within teams. Dr. Lashlee Adams encourages listeners to visit Belmont University's Executive Education website for more information on leadership programs, executive coaching, and upcoming workshops.Visit https://www.belmont.edu/executive-edu... to learn more and connect with Belmont University Executive Education.

Host Jeremy C. Park interviews Ann Jarvis, Executive Director of USO Fort Campbell/Nashville, to discuss the organization's extensive reach across three states and their mission to support service members and their families through various programs and initiatives. Ann explains the USO's history, core mission, and diverse offerings including care packages, family events, and community engagement activities, while emphasizing the importance of volunteer support and community involvement. The discussion highlights the USO's efforts to connect service members and their families with the broader community, with Ann encouraging listeners to learn more about volunteering and supporting the organization through their website, https://fortcampbell.uso.org.SummaryUSO's Regional Impact and Operations - Ann Jarvis, Executive Director of USO Fort Campbell/Nashville, highlights the organization's reach across three states. Ann explains that despite their name, USO Fort Campbell/Nashville covers Tennessee, Kentucky, and Arkansas, with Fort Campbell being their largest center and the second largest USO in the world. The organization relies heavily on volunteers and has three locations, with a small staff of five people.USO's Community Support Initiatives - Ann discusses the USO's mission to support service members and their families and connect them with the broader community through various programs. She explains the history of the USO and details initiatives like Coffee Connections for military spouses, a Canine Program featuring therapy dogs, and care package programs for deploying and returning service members. Ann emphasizes the importance of community support, including volunteer involvement and donations, to sustain their centers and programs, noting significant foot traffic at their facilities.Military Care Package Logistics Planning - Ann and Jeremy discuss the logistics of care package donations, with Ann suggesting a typical range of 200 to 500 packs per donation, adaptable to donor preferences and organizational needs. They also explore family-focused initiatives, including upcoming events, highlighting the importance of supporting military families through activities such as art shows, gaming, and storytelling.USO Family Connection Initiatives - The discussion focuses on USO's efforts to connect service members and their families with the community, emphasizing building relationships and providing support. Ann highlights the importance of involving community organizations in events and showcasing available resources to both service members and their families. She also describes initiatives like Warrior Summer events, which partner with local businesses to offer fun activities, and shares personal experiences as a transplant to highlight the importance of adapting and building connections in new environments. The conversation also touches on the resilience of military children, comparing them to dandelions for their ability to thrive in different settings.USO Volunteerism and Support Mission - Ann discusses the importance of volunteerism in achieving their goals. She explains that volunteers are crucial for keeping USO centers open seven days a week and providing assistance to service members and their families. Ann encouraged listeners to visit their website to learn more about volunteering and other ways to support the USO.Visit https://fortcampbell.uso.org to learn more and get involved with USO Fort Campbell/Nashville.

Host Jeremy C. Park interviews Graham Thomas, Chief Community and Government Affairs Officer for tnAchieves, a nonprofit organization focused on building Tennessee's future workforce, one student at a time. The organization has a range of programs to help students, especially first-generation college students, succeed in their post-secondary education and take first steps in their career through structured supports and mentoring. During the interview, Graham discusses the organization's mentorship programs and their impact on increasing graduation rates and workforce development. The conversation concludes with details about their new workforce mentorship program aimed at connecting students with mentors to prepare them for employment by early 2026. The organization is seeking adult mentors in various professions across Tennessee to spend a small amount of time with students to help open their eyes to new career possibilities.SummarytnAchieves: College Success Initiative - Graham Thomas, Chief Community and Government Affairs Officer at tnAchieves, discusses the organization's mission and impact. Graham explains how tnAchieves, which predates the Tennessee Promise program, focuses on helping students enroll in and succeed in post-secondary education, particularly for first-generation college students. He highlights the organization's traditional access mentorship program, which has been running for 17 years, and the program's success in increasing graduation rates from 5-6% to 41% for vulnerable populations and notes that 53,000 alumni have graduated, with 84.7% choosing to stay in Tennessee. The discussion emphasizes the economic benefits and workforce development implications of tnAchieves' work, as well as the organization's role in breaking generational cycles of educational disadvantage.tnAchieves Community Service Impact - Graham talks about the importance of community service with tnAchieves, highlighting its community service requirement where students provide 8 hours of service per semester, resulting in over 600,000 hours of community service completed by scholarship recipients since the program's inception 17 years ago. The program, which began as a privately funded initiative, now is known to be the largest community service organization in the state.Enhancing Student Career Pathways - Graham discusses their efforts to address the gap between students who want to transfer after earning their two-year degree and those who enter the workforce. He explains that while the transfer rate has improved from 15% to 50% with their transfer program, they are now focusing on supporting students who choose to enter the workforce. Graham highlights the success of job shadowing opportunities at various companies, including St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and Eastman, and announces the launch of a new workforce mentorship program to provide personalized guidance to students as they approach graduation.Rural-Urban Mentorship Program Initiative - The workforce mentorship program aims to connect students, including those in rural Tennessee, with adult mentors working in their careers of interest to offer basic guidance and support. Graham explains that while geographical proximity is not the primary focus, the program will prioritize subject matter expertise and career fields to provide valuable mentorship opportunities.Mentorship Initiative for Student Success - Graham and Jeremy discuss the need for 5,000 mentors, with over 700 needed in Memphis alone, to support local students. Graham emphasizes the importance of life advice and mentorship, promising comprehensive training and support for mentors. Jeremy highlights the value of exposing students to various career paths and the opportunity for businesses to recruit young professionals through mentorship. Graham stresses the significance of mentorship in guiding students and the availability of the staff for ongoing support. Jeremy adds that volunteering in such programs often brings unexpected personal benefits to mentors, too.tnAchieves Workforce Mentorship Initiative - Graham discusses the program's goal of pairing 5,000 students with mentors by early December 2025 so the mentorship can begin in early 2026. He provides the website (http://www.tnachieves.org) and phone number (615-604-1306) for interested participants to sign up and learn more. The program aims to prepare students for college or employment by early 2026, with the next steps involving training and matching students with mentors to help them achieve their educational and career goals.Visit https://www.tnachieves.org or call 615-604-1306 to learn more and become a mentor.

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Kris Kelso, Leadership Coach, Keynote Speaker and Author of "Overcoming the Imposter: Silence Your Inner Critic and Lead with Confidence," who shares his background as an entrepreneur and leadership coach, discussing how his experience with imposter syndrome led him to study and share insights on the topic through writing and speaking engagements. He emphasizes his opposition to the "fake it till you make it" mindset and advocates for an authentic approach to learning and growth, which he refers to as "humble confidence." Kris shares a recap with some of the takeaways from his recent keynote presentation at the cityCURRENT signature speaker series event in Nashville. The conversation concludes with Kris discussing his current projects, including learning stand-up comedy to enhance his professional speaking, while Jeremy expresses gratitude for Kris's contributions to cityCURRENT.SummaryOvercoming Imposter Syndrome as Entrepreneurs - Kris Kelso shares his background as an entrepreneur and leadership coach, highlighting his journey from running IT and healthcare technology companies to focusing on executive coaching and professional speaking. He explains how his experience with imposter syndrome, which began during his first business venture, led him to study and understand the phenomenon. Kris discovered that imposter syndrome is more prevalent among high achievers and found that his insights and techniques for addressing it were valuable to others, leading to a viral article and eventually a book and keynote speech on the topic.Humble Confidence in Learning - Kris discusses his opposition to the "fake it till you make it" mindset, advocating instead for an authentic approach to learning and growth, which he refers to as "humble confidence." He emphasizes the importance of acknowledging when one doesn't know something and using that as an opportunity to seek help and learn, rather than pretending to be an expert. Jeremy agrees with Kris's perspective, highlighting the role of authenticity and relationships in personal and professional development. Kris shares a habit to foster humble confidence: acknowledging when one doesn't know something and offering to find solutions or gather expertise, which helps maintain authenticity and invites support.Coaching for Client Self-Discovery - Kris shares his experience as an entrepreneur and coach, emphasizing the importance of asking questions and suspending judgment to help clients explore and grow. He highlights that coaching involves guiding clients to find their own answers rather than providing them directly, and this approach has been valuable in his business life. Kris stresses the importance of acknowledging that there is always more to learn and new perspectives to consider, which keeps him in an "explorer mode."Enhancing Teamwork and Personal Growth - Jeremy and Kris discuss the importance of surrounding oneself with knowledgeable people to enhance teamwork and organizational success. Kris shares his approach to writing, emphasizing that his latest book was a compelled project rather than a planned one, and he expresses a willingness to write another book only when he has a unique perspective to offer. Kris also mentions his current goal of improving his humor in speeches and content, which he has been working on with a professional stand-up comedian.Kris's Keynote Insights - Kris discusses his experience with stand-up comedy and his newfound respect for professional comedians. He mentions his popular keynotes on imposter syndrome and humble confidence, which he has adapted from a TEDx talk into a full-length presentation. Kris also shares that he offers workshops on topics such as delegation and building trust in the workplace.Book Details and Contact Exchange - Kris shares his contact information and book details with Jeremy, noting that his book "Overcoming the Imposter" can be found at major bookstores and online platforms. He highlights that the book's website offers a free sample chapter, specifically Chapter 7, which discusses the explorer mentality and contrasts it with the tour guide mindset. Jeremy expresses gratitude for Kris's contributions to cityCURRENT and the recent signature speaker series event in Nashville.Visit https://www.kriskelso.com to learn more and connect with Kris Kelso.

Jeremy C. Park interviews Chris Whitney, Founder and CEO of One Generation Away, a nonprofit organization that has grown significantly over the last ten years to become a major provider of food assistance and disaster relief across multiple states. The organization's signature mobile food pantry events on Saturday mornings serve hundreds of families through volunteer efforts, combining food distribution with prayer support in a family-friendly environment. Chris discusses the organization's response to the government shutdown, including plans for providing food boxes to furloughed workers and SNAP recipients, while emphasizing the importance of community involvement and financial contributions to address the urgent hunger needs.SummaryNonprofit's Growth and Mission Impact - Chris Whitney, Founder and CEO of One Generation Away, shares how the nonprofit organization began in 2013 with a mission to provide food and dignity to those in need. Whitney explains how the organization has grown from a $1 million operation to a $33 million enterprise over ten years, serving multiple states and providing food assistance and disaster relief. He emphasizes the importance of volunteerism and agility in their operations, with a vision to feed and pray with a million people on a Saturday morning.Mobile Food Pantry Volunteer Program - Chris explains how the organization conducts mobile food pantries on Saturday mornings, where a semi-truck delivers 20,000-30,000 pounds of food, which volunteers then bag and distribute to up to 300 families in a 3-4 hour window. The process includes offering prayer support to recipients without proselytizing, and the events are designed to be family-friendly. Chris emphasizes that the organization relies on volunteers and describes how the experience is life-changing for both recipients and volunteers alike.Government Shutdown Impact and Support - Jeremy and Chris Whitney discuss the impact of the government shutdown on federal workers and SNAP recipients. Chris explains that his organization is providing food boxes for furloughed workers and preparing to support families affected by the cutoff of SNAP benefits. He emphasizes the personal impact of the situation, highlighting how it affects individuals and families he knows personally. Both Jeremy and Chris stress the importance of community involvement and support in addressing this crisis.Addressing Hunger Amid Cuts - Chris explains that his organization, which relies on individual donors and corporations rather than federal grants, needs to use its reserves to respond to immediate hunger needs due to SNAP benefit cuts and furloughed workers. He emphasizes the urgency of the situation, comparing it to natural disasters, and committing the organization to helping feed people in 10 counties. Chris encourages the community to get involved in addressing hunger, promising recognition for those who contribute.Thanksgiving Turkey Distribution Plans - Chris discusses One Generation Away's plans for Thanksgiving, including giving away 3,000 turkeys, a decrease from last year's 6,000 due to budget constraints and increased turkey costs. He notes that there likely will be greater need due to reduced SNAP benefits, but expressed confidence that God would provide a way to make it work. He highlights the importance of volunteerism and financial contributions, and provides information on how to get involved through OneGenAway.com, including volunteering, donating, and reaching out for assistance or replication in other communities.Financial Impact and Food Distribution - Chris Whitney discusses the impact of financial contributions, explaining that a dollar can provide five meals and highlighting their efficient use of funds, with 96 cents going directly to their operations. He mentions their ability to purchase large quantities of food at wholesale prices, such as a 30,000-pound load for $22,000, and their focus on providing both fresh produce and dry goods to SNAP recipients and furloughed workers. Jeremy expresses appreciation for Chris's efforts and the work of his team in supporting the community.Visit https://onegenaway.com to learn more and get involved with One Generation Away. 

Jeremy C. Park interviews Ashley King, Education Director at Hope Clinic for Women, who discusses the clinic's mission and comprehensive support and healthcare services for women and families, particularly focusing on their Bridge Parenting Program. Hope Clinic for Women has been serving women, men, and families in Nashville, Tennessee since 1983. The organization's mission is to provide compassionate, professional care for unplanned pregnancies, women's health, counseling, and relationship education. Ashley explains that Hope Clinic is a faith-based organization that provides safe and confidential support for families from pregnancy through the child's second year.During the interview, Ashley shares insights about Project Impact, a comprehensive 9-month study that gathered client feedback to improve services and outcomes. Ashley describes the process that involved conducting 26 client interviews and an intentional survey to gather detailed feedback on client experiences and behavior changes. The team at Hope Clinic used this data to identify common themes, challenges, and potential future impacts, aiming to better understand client needs and improve their services. Ashley discusses the challenges faced by families with multiple children, highlighting the need for reliable childcare services and transportation to enable parents to participate in programs and activities. She emphasizes the importance of addressing these barriers to help parents feel more confident and supported in their parenting journey.The study also revealed that participants highly valued community and staff relationships. Based on this feedback, the team is working on enhancing their services and resources to better meet the needs of their clients and to better focus on addressing challenges faced by families with multiple children. The program will focus on creating spaces for connection and education across different parenting stages. The program will offer flexible scheduling with various time slots on Saturdays, weekdays, and evenings to accommodate working and stay-at-home parents.Ashley discusses the current state of their program, noting that they serve between 80 to 100 families, with some participating in virtual classes, counseling, or in-person classes. They plan to make the program more cohesive and anticipate a slight decrease in the number of families served initially. However, they aim to expand the program's impact in the Nashville area, providing a safe environment for children to grow and thrive.Ashley describes the impact of their program through testimonials from families who receive support through a Baby Boutique store. The program provides essential items like diapers, formula, and clothing to expecting parents, allowing them to celebrate their journey with community support. The highlight for families is the opportunity to receive these gifts and celebrate with their community, which helps them start their family on a positive footing.The discussion concludes with details about upcoming changes to the program, including new Care Coach initiatives and plans to expand community connections through a new model launching in January 2026. Hope Clinic for Women is focusing on recruiting Care Coaches to provide monthly check-ins for clients addressing their physical, emotional, social, financial, and spiritual needs. She emphasizes the importance of financial contributions to support operations and restock the store with new items for showers, while also encouraging community members to donate gently used items like car seats and strollers.Ashley expresses excitement about providing more opportunities for families to connect and support each other, and seeing these connections develop, as they have been piloting similar ideas for the past six months. Jeremy highlights the ripple effect of these connections, building both internal community and external relationships in Middle Tennessee and beyond.Visit https://hopeclinicforwomen.org to learn more about Hope Clinic for Women.

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Leighanne Soden, President of West Cancer Foundation, who highlights the nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the fight against cancer by providing patient resources to improve treatment and recovery, early detection and education to reduce critical cancer outcomes, and community-based research to improve health inequities. The Memphis-based nonprofit was founded in 2020 and is committed to developing collaborative partnerships and innovative patient-centered initiatives that remove barriers to cancer care.During the interview, Leighanne talks about the growth of the organization and their expanded programming and impact. She provides an update on one of their original programs, providing free transportation for cancer-related appointments and treatments,, and then spotlights the Sweet Wig Beauty Boutique, which is located within West Cancer Foundation’s offices and provides a private, salon-like setting where those being treated for cancer can select a wig at no charge. Since its founding in 2020, the foundation has provided free wigs but decided to create a dedicated space to accommodate the growing number of wig requests it’s receiving. The free wigs and other head coverings (hats, scarves, etc.) offered at the Sweet Wig Beauty Boutique are available to any cancer patients regardless of their hospital or treatment provider.Leighanne talks about the importance of providing wigs and how individuals can set up an appointment. She also discusses how they are working to raise more awareness in the community and increase access to screenings, provide grants and funding for research, and launch programs around providing mental health support for those impacted by cancer and their caregivers. She wraps up talking about ways to get involved and support their efforts, including their 12th Annual West Fight On, taking place Saturday, September 7, 2024 at Shelby Farms Park.Visit www.westcancerfoundation.org to learn more and get involved.

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Paul Young, bestselling author of "The Shack," "Cross Roads," "Eve," and "Lies We Believe About God," who shares his personal journey of healing and writing, discussing his upbringing as a missionary child, struggles with abuse and addiction, and eventual recovery through therapy and writing. He explains how "The Shack" began as a story for his children but became a widely popular book with a sequel scheduled for release in October 2026, emphasizing themes of healing and identity in God. Paul talks about his work and relationships with death row inmates in Tennessee, and how they have impacted him greatly. He shares his philosophy on living a spirit-induced life in the present moment, expressing gratitude for his ability to serve others and spread kindness.SummaryPaul Young's Healing Journey and Ministry - Paul Young, author of "The Shack" and other bestselling books, shares his personal journey of healing and writing, emphasizing how his experiences shaped his work. He discusses his upbringing as a missionary child, struggles with abuse and addiction, and eventual recovery through therapy and writing. Young explains that "The Shack" was initially written for his children but gained widespread popularity, leading to a sequel scheduled for release in October 2026. He highlights the book's themes of healing and the transformative power of understanding one's identity in God. Young also described his work with inmates on death row, noting their profound faith and resilience, and the community they've built through reconciliation efforts.Living Spirit-Induced, Moment-by-Moment - Paul shares his philosophy on living a moment-by-moment, spirit-induced life rather than pursuing a purpose-driven existence. He emphasizes the importance of participating in the present moment and being responsive to God's indwelling presence. Paul expresses gratitude for the opportunities that come with his platform, viewing them as "unrighteous wealth" that can be used to serve others and penetrate the world with kindness. He highlights the significance of every person as a "burning bush," inviting participation in the hands and voice of Jesus.Faith, Love, and Present Living - Paul shares his thoughts on faith, love, and living in the present moment, emphasizing the importance of recognizing God's goodness and treating others with love and respect. He encourages listeners to learn about their true identity as children of God and to relax by staying present rather than being consumed by fear and control. Paul also mentions his upcoming projects, including a sequel to "The Shack" releasing in October 2026, potential adaptations into other languages, and a musical stage production planned for 2028.Visit https://wmpaulyoung.com to learn more about Paul Young.

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Michele Herlein, Founder and CEO of CultureMax, who shares what led her to launch her company after a 25-year career working in leadership roles at major companies to now focus on helping more organizations build positive cultures, and highlights her new book "Cultural Excellence." She explains that her book provides a leader's guide for strengthening organizational culture through horizontal and vertical alignment, emphasizing the importance of executive buy-in and manager alignment. Michele shares her experiences across different companies to demonstrate how cultural transformation leads to both employee satisfaction and improved business results, and announced that her new book is now available for purchase at all major retailers.Cultural Excellence Leadership Guide - Michele Herlein, a 25-year veteran of corporate America, discusses her journey from working at companies like Bridgestone Americas, Inc. to founding CultureMax, where she now helps organizations create positive cultures. She explains that her book, "Cultural Excellence: A Leader's Guide to Strengthening the Heart of Your Organization," is a guide aimed at strengthening organizational culture, and she has created a mastermind group for HR professionals to implement the book's methodology. The book includes downloadable worksheets and is designed to be a practical resource for creating great organizational cultures.Empowering Workplaces for Better Results - Michele shares her experience of spending 25 years in corporate America, where she observed that workplaces often deplete employees rather than energize them. She expresses her mission to help create organizations that motivate and value their employees, noting that this approach not only benefits individuals but also leads to better business results and improved metrics.Transforming Organizational Culture Alignment - Michele discusses her book's approach to organizational culture transformation, focusing on horizontal and vertical alignment. She emphasizes the importance of getting executive team buy-in and aligning managers, who she refers to as "The Mighty Middle," to reinforce the company's cultural direction. The book outlines a step-by-step process for diagnosing culture, aligning leaders, and integrating cultural values into the organization's DNA through systems, processes, and behaviors.Building Strong Organizational Cultures - Michele emphasizes that building a strong culture requires consistent effort and integration from the top down and bottom up, comparing it to maintaining healthy habits. Michele shares examples from her experiences at Bandag, Bridgestone, and Barge, highlighting how different companies can implement unique cultural values and processes. She notes that aligning leaders and systems with employee needs leads to both employee satisfaction and outstanding financial results, as seen in Bridgestone's 5x and Barge's 7x profit increases.Cultural Excellence Book Launch - Michele announces that her new book "Cultural Excellence: A Leader's Guide to Strengthening the Heart of Your Organization" is now available for purchase on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. She emphasizes that the book includes downloadable files at the end of each chapter to help readers implement its concepts practically.To learn more about CultureMax, visit https://culture-max.com.

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Kenton Harvill, Commercial Property and Casualty Broker with Higginbotham Insurance, who highlights the partnership with cityCURRENT and the shared commitment to community service and engagement. Kenton shares insights about his role as an insurance broker, highlighting the advantages of being a broker with many tools to help clients and the importance of proactive risk management services provided throughout the year. The conversation concludes with discussions about Higginbotham's core values, the value of mentorship in the insurance industry, and key trends in workers' compensation insurance for business owners.SummaryHigginbotham's Partnership with cityCURRENTKenton Harvill, Commercial Property and Casualty Broker at Higginbotham Insurance and Financial Services, discusses the company's longtime title partnership with cityCURRENT. Kenton highlights Higginbotham's commitment to community service, one of their core values, and praises cityCURRENT for its role in facilitating this mission. He highlights how Higginbotham is an employee-owned and customer-inspired insurance and financial services broker that specializes in business insurance, employee benefits, personal insurance, life insurance, risk management and more.Insurance Broker Role and BenefitsKenton explains how his insurance broker role differs from direct writers by working directly with and for clients rather than for a specific insurance company, allowing him to provide custom insurance programs and more comprehensive risk management services. He emphasizes the value of being proactive throughout the year, not just at policy renewal, and highlights the advantage of having access to multiple insurance carriers to find the best fit for clients. Jeremy notes the importance of brokers' tools and negotiation power, particularly given Higginbotham's size, which enables them to secure competitive rates for clients.Higginbotham's Community Impact InitiativesKenton discusses Higginbotham's core values, particularly their commitment to being generous to their communities and support for employees. He highlights the company's impact through initiatives like the Higginbotham Community Fund and partnerships in various states, including their involvement in events like the Kids Dental Day and Shoe Distribution hosted in Nashville, Tennessee. Kenton shares a personal experience from the Kids Dental Day and Shoe Distribution where he witnessed the joy of children receiving dental care and new shoes, emphasizing the fulfillment of making a positive impact on the community.Insurance Career Mentorship OpportunitiesKenton shares his positive experience working at Higginbotham, where the company invests significantly in broker training and development. He emphasizes the importance of mentorship and guidance, particularly for young professionals entering the insurance industry, which he believes is often overlooked as a career choice but offers great opportunities for entrepreneurial and self-starting individuals. Jeremy agrees on the value of mentorship and encouraged young professionals to consider the insurance industry.Networking and Workers' Comp InsightsKenton discusses the importance of networking for young professionals, emphasizing the value of building genuine connections and being involved in community events. He highlights the often-overlooked area of workers' compensation as a key trend in the insurance industry, noting that business owners have significant control over their premiums and can benefit from expert guidance to reduce costs. Kenton encourages mid-sized business owners to review their workers' compensation coverage and offers his contact information for further discussions.Visit https://www.higginbotham.com to learn more about Higginbotham or email Kenton Harvill at kharvill@higginbotham.com.

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Misha Cummings, Foster Care Engagement Specialist Supervisor at Youth Villages, who highlights the nonprofit organization based in Memphis, Tennessee, that has been working for more than 35 years to radically improve the lives of children across the country through an array of program models and services built around preserving and restoring families. During the interview, Misha spotlights how Youth Villages provides foster care and adoption services through their work with children and families. She discusses their support services for foster and adoptive parents and how becoming a foster or adoptive parent can transform the lives of both parents and children alike. The segment highlights the importance of National Adoption Month in November while sharing success stories and emphasizing the need for more adoptive parents, along with information on how the community can get involved in foster care and adoption through Youth Villages.SummaryYouth Villages Foster Care Overview - Misha Cummings, Foster Care Engagement Specialist Supervisor at Youth Villages, explains how foster care is a temporary setting for children awaiting reunification with their biological families, while adoption involves permanent placement. Misha has been with the organization for seven years, previously working in residential facilities and crisis management before transitioning to foster care and adoption services.Stability in Foster Care Education - Misha discusses the challenges faced by children in foster care, particularly the instability caused by frequent moves and changes in schools, which hampers their social development. She explains that Youth Villages aims to address this by keeping children in their community schools to maintain stability. Jeremy highlights the significance of National Adoption Month in November, emphasizing the importance of raising awareness about foster care and adoption.Supporting Adoption and Foster Care - Misha discusses National Adoption Month, highlighting the celebration of adoptions while emphasizing the need for more adoptive parents due to approximately 8,000 children in care in Tennessee. She explains Youth Villages' support services, including training for parents, post-training classes, and a mentorship program for new foster parents. Misha also mentions ongoing support through a 24/7 staff, organized family activities, and a community of foster parents to help improve the experience.Foster Family Training Timeline Overview - Misha explains that a successful foster or adoptive family is characterized by their ability to love and provide stability for children, effective communication, and openness to learning new parenting skills. She clarifies that the timeline for the entire process, from start to finish, is typically two months for ideal candidates who meet all requirements, such as completing background checks and attending all training sessions. However, she noted that the timeline can extend to three months if unforeseen circumstances, like missed classes, arise.Foster Care Success Stories - Misha shares feedback from youth and parents regarding life-changing opportunities in foster care and adoption. She shares a story about a parent who went through the training and embraced it, celebrating the child's milestones. Misha also highlights a success story of a foster youth who was adopted and went on to pursue a career in social work and public office.Youth Villages Foster Care Success - Misha and Jeremy discuss Youth Villages' success stories and the transformative power of providing stability, love, and opportunities for both children and families involved in foster care and adoption. Misha highlights the organization's focus on children aged 0 to 17, with a particular need for placing children aged 9 and up and sibling groups. She also emphasizes the positive attributes of teenagers in care, noting their adaptability and openness to learning.Youth Villages Foster Care Support - Misha discusses the support available to foster and adoptive parents through Youth Villages, emphasizing that children in care are not responsible for their situation and clarifying that barriers such as not being married or renting a home do not prevent someone from becoming a foster parent. She provides two ways for the community to get involved: calling the toll-free number 888-MY-YV-KID or visiting the Youth Villages website to learn more about foster care and adoption and filling out an inquiry form to speak with an engagement specialist.Visit https://youthvillages.org/services/fo... to learn more about Youth Villages and their Foster Care and Adoption programs or call 1-888-My-YV-KID.

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Lauren Ready, Owner and Principal Storyteller with Forever Ready Productions and author of the new book, "Ask Like a Leader: A Method for Revealing Deeper Truth and Turning Blindspots into Breakthroughs," who highlights how her background in journalism and broadcast news taught her the importance of asking the right questions and how her current work in mission-driven storytelling led her to write the book and share The Question Lens that she developed and refined over the years. During the interview, Lauren shares her career journey from a high school job shadow to becoming a journalist and eventually founding Forever Ready Productions, a mission-driven storytelling company that has helped nonprofits raise over $18 million through film and video-driven fundraising projects and content creation. She discusses her development of "The Question Lens" framework and breaks down the process, which is shared in "Ask Like a Leader" to help leaders improve communication and connection through better questioning techniques. The book, which draws parallels between leadership challenges and documentary filmmaking, is available in multiple formats, and Lauren continues to work with nonprofits and small businesses through her production company while offering keynotes focused on sharing takeaways from her book.Journalist's Journey to Mission-Driven Storytelling - Lauren Ready discusses her journey from a high school job shadow to becoming a journalist and eventually transitioning to storytelling through Forever Ready Productions. She explained how her experiences in news reporting led her to focus on impactful, mission-driven storytelling for nonprofits and organizations, and she talks about founding Forever Ready Productions in 2014 as a side hustle. She describes how her husband's business plan for the company led her to take the leap of faith and then transition from a solo operation to hiring staff, eventually helping nonprofits raise over $18 million through film and video-driven fundraising projects and content creation. The company has won Emmys for documentary work and helped change Tennessee law, with Lauren emphasizing their mission to inspire action and transform perspectives through storytelling.Leadership Through Question-Based Framework - Lauren explains how she developed the concept for her book, "Ask Like a Leader," while hiking in the mountains, realizing that her career in storytelling, journalism, and documentary work was rooted in the ability to ask better questions. She has created a question-based framework called "The Question Lens" to help leaders improve communication, connection, and innovation. The book aims to provide a method for revealing deeper truths and turning blind spots into breakthroughs, drawing parallels between leadership challenges and the process of documentary filmmaking.OSCARS of Effective Communication Framework - Lauren and Jeremy discuss the framework of the "OSCARS" for effective communication, which includes open-ended questions, specific follow-up questions, clarifying questions, active listening, reflection questions, and sharing. Lauren emphasizes that leaders should focus on the quality of their questions rather than seeking to know everything, highlighting the importance of being present, curious, and open to learning. They agree that better questioning leads to deeper connections, understanding, and empathy, which are crucial for leadership and personal growth.Overcoming Expertise Blind Spots - Lauren discusses the concept of the Paradox of Expertise, where leaders who are experts in their field may develop blind spots due to their extensive knowledge and experience. She emphasizes the importance of shifting from certainty to curiosity and from knowing to noticing, encouraging leaders to ask questions even when they think they have the answers. Lauren shares a personal example from her experience as a founder, where she accidentally derailed a team member's creativity by providing immediate feedback instead of asking questions. She stresses the need for self-awareness and reflection in leadership roles to recognize one's own role in team issues and to help team members grow.Lauren's Book and Future Projects - Lauren discusses where individuals can purchase "Ask Like a Leader," which is available on Amazon and her website LaurenReady.com/books, where readers can purchase both paperback and ebook versions. She announced that the audiobook version will be available for free with paperback purchases and separately on Audible in December or January. Lauren encourages listeners to leave reviews and mentions that she is considering writing a follow-up book, particularly to help nonprofit professionals and fundraisers. She also shares information about ForeverReadyLLC.com, where viewers can learn more about her documentary work and services for nonprofits and small businesses.Visit https://www.laurenready.com/books to learn more.

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Sydney Ball, Founder and CEO of Ballpoint Business Solutions, who shares her entrepreneurial journey and discusses the importance of mentorship in career development. Her company provides strategy and operations consulting services to mid-sized, high-growth companies, focusing on filling C-suite gaps and developing strategic operations. The discussion concludes with insights on community service and leadership development, emphasizing its role in personal and professional growth, as well as current business trends focusing on community impact and operational enhancements for sustainable business growth.SummaryEntrepreneurial Journey and Mentorship Insights - Sydney Ball, Founder and CEO of Ballpoint Business Solutions, shares her entrepreneurial journey, which began at age 10 with a flip-flop business she ran through graduate school. She emphasizes the importance of mentorship, distinguishing between mentors who provide guidance and sponsors who advocate for career advancement. Ballpoint Business Solutions offers strategy and operations consulting, including interim executive leadership and fractional COO services.C-Suite Consulting for High-Growth Companies - Sydney explains that her team of consultants works with mid-sized, high-growth companies to fill C-suite gaps and build out strategic operations. She shares two recent projects: working with a construction company to develop systems and processes for rapid growth, and providing temporary support to The Escape Game for launching new locations. The team's approach focuses on helping organizations anticipate growth and develop strategic plans, with the ability to provide both interim executive roles and short-term project support.Consulting Strategy and Leadership Development - Sydney explains that her company helps organizations solve strategic and growth-oriented problems by matching them with the appropriate consultants, regardless of industry. She emphasizes that while they are industry-agnostic, they focus on strategy and growth, avoiding finance, accounting, and legal matters. Sydney also discusses her personal leadership development, highlighting her involvement in the Young Leaders Council program, which provided her with the skills and knowledge to effectively serve on nonprofit boards. She encourages others to engage in community service and leadership programs to build their philanthropic and leadership skills.Community Service and Business Impact - Jeremy and Sydney discuss the importance of community service and volunteerism in personal and professional development, highlighting its role in fostering leadership, empathy, and networking. Sydney shares trends in business, noting a growing focus on aligning community impact with business success and the need for sustainable operations as companies scale.Visit https://ballpointbusiness.com to learn more about Ballpoint Business Solutions or email Sydney at sydney.ball@ballpointbusiness.com to connect directly.

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Erik Houston, Executive Director of the Wolf River Conservancy, who highlights the nonprofit local land trust and the organization's mission and efforts dedicated to the protection and enhancement of the Wolf River and its watershed as a sustainable natural resource.During the interview, Erik shares how the organization was formed in 1985 and discusses their role as an accredited land trust working with landowners and the community to conserve land by accepting donations of land, purchasing land, negotiating private, voluntary conservation agreements on land, and stewarding conserved land through the generations to come. The Wolf River Conservancy works to preserve and protect the 522,000-acre Wolf River watershed, which includes the recharge zones for the Memphis Sands Aquifer, which supplies residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural water needs across the Mid-South area. The organization has protected over 20,000 acres and educates 6,000 students annually through field trips and educational programs. Erik spotlights their programs and some of the many events the organization hosts, including the Wolf River Restoration Series, Discover the Greenway 5K race, and the Greenway Soiree, a major fundraising event being held November 8, 2025, featuring live and silent auctions, signature cocktails, dinner and immersive moments that bring the organization's mission to life. Erik then discusses the Wolf River Greenway, a 14-mile trail system with plans to expand to 26 miles by 2030, and how it serves as a key asset for Memphis. The Conservancy seeks community support through donations and volunteer opportunities to continue its mission of land protection, educational programming, and water quality preservation.Visit https://www.wolfriver.org to learn more and to get involved with the Wolf River Conservancy.

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Ryan Campbell, keynote speaker, author of "Born to Fly," owner of a 1960 pink Cadillac, and the youngest pilot to fly solo around the world, who shares his journey and a recap of his recent cityCURRENT signature speaker series presentation in Nashville focused on the life changing power of prioritizing joy.During the interview, Ryan talks about saving up for flying lessons at a young age to achieving his Guinness World Record, highlighting the teamwork and support that made the achievement possible despite its solo nature. He then talks about facing tragedy with a plane crash at 21 that left him paralyzed, and his pursuit of rehabilitation to walk again and return to flying, reflecting on how these experiences shaped his understanding of purpose and identity. Ryan shares the story of visiting Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee, and how a miniature pink Cadillac from the gift store inspired what would become a life-changing symbol of prioritizing joy and something that would lead him to connect with people around the world on a much deeper level through his keynotes. Ryan wraps up by recapping his keynote in Nashville and sharing his framework and tips focused on finding joy and fulfillment, emphasizing the importance of identifying and prioritizing activities that bring genuine happiness through a JOY Audit process, which he encourages others to implement in their own lives.Visit https://ryancampbell.co to learn more about Ryan Campbell and to access his JOY Audit.

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with cityCURRENT Nashville partner, Chris White, Founder and Principal of Harvest Family Wealth, who highlights the firm he founded in 2007 that specializes in deep, technical financial planning, efficiency, and care, aiming to help clients achieve their financial goals, particularly across multiple generations. The conversation covers Chris' collaborative approach with business owners, including valuation and sale readiness, as well as current trends in the financial system and their impact on investment strategies. The discussion concludes with insights on global liquidity trends, philanthropic giving through donor-advised funds, and Chris's personal commitment to charitable giving and community service.SummaryHarvest Family Wealth's Financial PhilosophyHost Jeremy C. Park talks with cityCURRENT Nashville partner, Chris White, Founder and Principal of Harvest Family Wealth, who highlights the firm he founded in 2007 that specializes in deep, technical financial planning, efficiency, and care, aiming to help clients achieve their financial goals, particularly across multiple generations. Chris explains their collaborative approach and how it involves understanding clients' current financial situations, working with teams of experts to handle specific complexities, addressing emotions around money, and developing plans to meet their future aspirations.Business Valuation and Investment TrendsChris discusses his collaborative approach with business owners, emphasizing the importance of a specialized team for business valuation and sale readiness. He highlights the complexity and diversity of business value assessments, noting that overestimation is common. Chris also addresses current trends in the financial system, including the impact of AI, blockchain, and cryptocurrency, while emphasizing the growing demand for diversified investment portfolios incorporating private equity, real estate, and M&A opportunities.Global Liquidity and Philanthropy TrendsChris discusses the current state of global liquidity, highlighting trends such as quantitative easing, dropping interest rates, and government money printing, which generally benefit equity markets. He emphasizes the importance of addressing the U.S. debt and deficit problem. Chris and Jeremy also talk about philanthropic giving, with Chris explaining how donor-advised funds are increasingly popular and effective for charitable contributions. Chris shares a client example where using a donor-advised fund helped reduce tax implications from a Roth IRA conversion.Donor-Advised Funds: Tax-Efficient GivingChris discusses the benefits of donor-advised funds for tax-efficient charitable giving, emphasizing their impact on nonprofits and the importance of long-term tax planning. He shares his personal commitment to philanthropy, driven by a sense of gratitude and a biblical principle of stewardship. Chris highlights the significance of giving back through time, talents, and treasures, and encourages others to engage in community service. He provides contact information for further conversation, including his email, chris@harvestfamilywealth.com, and website, www.harvestfamilywealth.com.To learn more about Harvest Family Wealth visit https://www.harvestfamilywealth.com

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Antonio Taylor, an author, speaker, and IT executive with extensive experience in leadership and philanthropy, who shares his journey from starting his career with the Y2K project to leading technology teams and now becoming an author and keynote speaker. Antonio discusses his book, "Stop Trying to Be a Leader: How Real Leaders Break Free," and emphasizes the importance of authenticity in leadership, drawing from his personal experiences of job loss and self-discovery. The conversation explores how to maintain authenticity in different contexts, the challenges of imposter syndrome, the value of building genuine connections in the workplace, and the importance of not waiting for a title to start getting involved in the community, with Antonio highlighting his mission to empower others through his speaking and writing.SummaryAntonio Taylor's IT Leadership JourneyJeremy welcomes Antonio Taylor, a speaker, author, and IT executive with over 25 years of experience, to discuss his background and insights on leadership. Antonio shares his journey in the IT industry, starting with his first role at age 22 on the Y2K project and his rapid progression into leadership roles. He emphasizes the influence of a mentor who recognized his potential early in his career.Authentic Leadership JourneyAntonio shares his background in philanthropy and community engagement, highlighting his passion for empowering young people and his personal experience growing up in a community-oriented household. He discusses his new book, "Stop Trying to Be a Leader: How Real Leaders Break Free," which was inspired by his experience losing a job after moving from Memphis to Phoenix and his subsequent self-discovery journey. Through this experience, Antonio realized the importance of authenticity and stopped following a prescribed leadership model that wasn't working for him.Authentic Leadership and Personal GrowthAntonio discusses his book's themes of authentic leadership and personal growth, emphasizing the importance of embracing one's natural abilities and avoiding the need to perform. He shares his personal experience of losing a job and how it led him to reflect on his true self and leadership style. Jeremy and Antonio discuss how vulnerability and difficult times can lead to personal and professional growth, and they talk about the challenges of maintaining authenticity in different contexts while acknowledging that authenticity means different things for everyone.Authenticity in the Workplace DiscussionAntonio and Jeremy discuss the importance of authenticity in the workplace and how to create an environment where people feel comfortable being their true selves. Antonio emphasizes the value of curiosity, building relationships, and having open conversations to break down barriers and foster a sense of community. The discussion also touches on imposter syndrome, highlighting it as a common challenge that can hinder personal growth and authenticity in the workplace.Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and AuthenticityAntonio and Jeremy discuss the challenges of imposter syndrome and the importance of understanding one's true identity and capabilities. They emphasize that titles do not define a person's leadership or value, and encourage individuals to focus on being their authentic selves and contributing to their communities without waiting for a specific title or position. Antonio shares his personal experiences as a speaker and mentor, highlighting the impact of his work outside formal roles, and encourages his son to use his knowledge to help others, regardless of titles.Empowering Keynote Speakers JourneyAntonio shares his journey from being a coach and mentor to becoming a keynote speaker and author, emphasizing his mission to empower others to overcome imposter syndrome and lead with purpose. He shares that individuals can purchase his book, "Stop Trying to Be a Leader," on Amazon, and highlights his presence on LinkedIn, where he is actively building his brand. Antonio expresses gratitude for the opportunity to spread his message and is working on a website to provide more information about his speaking engagements.Connect with Antonio Taylor on LinkedIn via  / antoniodtaylor   and purchase "Stop Trying to Be a Leader: How Real Leaders Break Free" on Amazon.

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Sean Lee, President of Porter-Leath, who highlights the nonprofit organization's 175-year history as a children's services provider in Memphis, Tennessee, including their evolution from an orphanage to early childhood education, early literacy, foster care, caregiver services, and other programs that have evolved to meet today's needs. The conversation covers various initiatives such as home visitation services, early Head Start programs, and their Books from Birth program, while highlighting the importance of third-grade reading proficiency and community support. Sean shares Porter-Leath's expansion plans, foster care program details, and opportunities for community involvement, emphasizing their commitment to quality education and data-driven decision-making for future growth.SummaryPorter-Leath's 175-Year HistorySean Lee, President of Porter-Leath discusses the organization's 175-year history of serving children in Memphis. Sean explains that Porter-Leath began as an orphanage in 1850, founded by Sarah Leath, and has since evolved to focus on early childhood education and development. The organization now provides various programs including home visitation, early Head Start, and Head Start services to promote school readiness and reduce infant mortality rates in the community.Early Childhood Education Improvement InitiativesSean and Jeremy discuss the importance of third-grade reading proficiency, highlighting that only 26% of children meet this target, and emphasizing the need for community support to improve this statistic. They also talk about the Books from Birth program, which has been mailing age-appropriate books to children since its inception 20 years ago, and its positive impact on early learning and parental engagement. Additionally, they discussed the Teacher Excellence Program, which aims to professionalize preschool educators by providing them with training and development opportunities, ultimately improving the quality of early childhood education in Shelby County.Porter-Leath's Early Childhood ExpansionSean discusses Porter-Leath's collaborative approach to early childhood education, highlighting their work with nonprofit partners, foundations, and board members to provide kindergarten readiness programs. He explains that the organization has expanded significantly in recent months, growing from 6 sites with 300 employees to an expected 20 sites with 650 employees across Shelby County, including 40 childcare partners. Sean also describes their foster care program, which provides training and support for 50 foster homes in Shelby County, caring for children from infancy to age 17.Becoming a Foster Family ProcessSean explains the process for becoming a foster family through Porter-Leath, emphasizing that interested individuals can contact them through their website or by phone to learn more without any initial commitment. He highlights the importance of volunteerism, mentioning various opportunities such as reading with children in the Books from Birth and Head Start programs, assisting with maintenance, or working in the office, and noted that they welcome help from youth groups with adult supervision.Porter-Leath's Vision for QualitySean, reflecting on his 27-year tenure as president of Porter-Leath, emphasizes the importance of a culture of quality and data-driven decision-making. He outlines his vision for the future, focusing on improving community outcomes through the Head Start grant and enhancing kindergarten readiness rates from 30% to 60%. Sean also highlights the value of transparency, even in failures, and encourages organizations to prove their worth through data and storytelling.Porter-Leath's Community Support UpdateSean discusses Porter-Leath's major events, including the Raging Cajun Crawfish Festival in April and a holiday campaign after Thanksgiving. He highlights that they now support 2,920 more children than last year and encourages community involvement through their website, porterleath.org. Sean also mentions that you can find volunteer opportunities and make financial contributions through their website.Visit https://www.porterleath.org to learn more and get involved with Porter-Leath.

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Pam Reynolds, CEO of TASC, which is the flagship entity of TCB Enterprise and celebrating it's 50th anniversary this year, along with Abby Schulz, Community Investment Administrator for the Family Office within TCB Enterprise, who both highlight the importance of corporate philanthropy and making individual charitable giving as easy as possible to support nonprofits and communities.During the interview, Pam explains that TASC was founded by Don Rashke in 1975 to provide tax advantages for small employers, and has since grown to serve over 1 million individuals nationwide through a wide range of employee benefits and third-party administration services. Abby discusses TCB Enterprise, the family-owned business ecosystem that includes TASC, as well as other operations in financial technology and payroll services. Pam discusses TASC's mission to improve health, wealth, and well-being through innovative financial services, including employee benefit offerings that enable charitable giving. She highlights trends in employee benefits, such as rising healthcare costs and the importance of attracting top talent through philanthropic programs. Abby emphasized the strategic value of philanthropy for TCB Enterprises, including their 10-year $15 million commitment to United Way Dane County. Both encourage employers to start small and integrate giving opportunities into the workplace, noting the positive impact on employee engagement and company culture.Visit www.tasconline.com to learn more about TASC.

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Bree DeMoss, Marketing and Events Manager with Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury, who discusses the nonprofit organization's mission to provide affordable homeownership opportunities through mortgage loans and home construction, while offering financial education and support services to help families succeed. The organization serves working families who earn too much for government assistance but not enough for traditional mortgages, with programs including volunteer-built homes, budget coaching, and credit improvement services. Through various initiatives like the ReStore, critical repair program, and community partnerships, Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury aims to address affordable housing needs while creating stable neighborhoods and empowering families through homeownership.A Mission to Empower FamiliesBree DeMoss, Marketing and Events Manager with Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury discusses their mission and efforts to build affordable homes and support local families. Bree explains that Habitat homes are purchased by families through affordable mortgages, and the organization provides financial literacy training, budget coaching, and credit improvement services to ensure long-term success. She highlights the Get Ready Program, which prepares potential homebuyers before they apply, and emphasizes Habitat's focus on empowering families to thrive in their new homes.Energy-Efficient Housing for Working FamiliesBree explains that their organization serves as both mortgage lender and general contractor, building energy-efficient homes with the help of volunteers and local sponsors. They focus on helping working families who earn too much for government assistance but not enough to qualify for traditional mortgages, offering a tailored budget coaching process and unique loan structures with the help of government and other partners. The program's impact extends beyond housing, as families experience improved educational outcomes, better health, and increased confidence after moving into their new homes.Homeownership's Role in Community StabilityBree discusses the positive impact of homeownership on communities, explaining how it helps families stay in their neighborhoods, spend money locally, and build long-term stability. She highlights how this stability enables families to advance in their careers and maintain connections to schools and local activities.Home Dedication Emotional CelebrationsBree describes the emotional experience of home dedication ceremonies, where she and other volunteers celebrate with families who have completed the home-building process. She explains that these ceremonies, which include sponsors, volunteers, and budget coaches, create a magical atmosphere as families receive their keys, and she has found the experience to be deeply moving over her four years of involvement.Habitat Volunteer Program OverviewBree discusses Habitat for Humanity's volunteer program, explaining that corporate and church sponsors typically provide groups of 20-25 volunteers for building projects. She notes that volunteers of all ages and skill levels are welcome, with age 16 for general participation and 18 for power tool use, and emphasizes that safety equipment and training are provided. She highlights the emotional impact of volunteering, noting that participants feel empowered by learning new skills and knowing they are helping families in need.House Building Financial StrategiesBree discusses the financial aspects of building houses, highlighting the significant costs involved, including lumber, contractors, and land development. She explains that they have various sponsorship levels, ranging from churches on the lower end to organizations willing to invest up to $70,000 for an entire house, with the actual cost closer to $200,000. They also seek in-kind donations from construction companies to offset expenses, emphasizing the importance of diverse support to address the challenges of building new homes in the current market.ReStore: Supporting Home BuildsBree highlights their ReStore, a home store in Franklin, Tennessee, that sells new and gently used appliances, furniture, and building materials. The store's profits help offset administrative costs and cover expenses not covered by donations and sponsorships, ensuring that donations go directly to home builds. She also mentions a Deconstruction program where they remove and transport kitchen materials from remodeling projects for free, supporting their home builds.Habitat's Critical Repair Program OverviewBree discusses their critical repair program, which provides major repairs for low-income homeowners in the community, regardless of whether they are Habitat homeowners. She emphasizes the need for community support through volunteerism, sponsorships, donations, and advocacy to raise awareness about affordable housing needs.Visit https://www.hfhwm.org to learn more.