In this episode of Spectruss Speakeasy, Sam sits down with Austin Webster, third-generation president of The Barn Nursery, to explore how a humble $1,500 roadside fruit stand grew into one of the top nurseries in the country. Austin shares fascinating insights about the plant industry—from seven-year topiary growing processes to managing over a million plants annually—and reveals how Chattanooga's unique biodiversity creates the perfect environment for their business to thrive.

Austin takes us behind the scenes of running a 60-year family business, including how they pivoted during COVID (turning challenges into unexpected efficiencies), their approach to customer service, and why small businesses can outmaneuver corporate giants. He also discusses The Barn's deep community roots through their nonprofit work with Lana's Love, supporting families affected by childhood cancer.

Whether you're a plant enthusiast, business owner, or Chattanooga local, this conversation offers valuable lessons on growth, adaptation, and the power of staying true to your roots while embracing change.

Luke, founder of Big Sky Landscapes, shares his journey from personal training to running an Inc 5000 landscaping company, exploring how taking risks and maintaining high standards drove his remarkable five-year growth.

• Found success by exceeding the industry's low expectations – simply returning calls and showing up when promised
• Began with just two part-time helpers and has grown to over 40 full-time employees
• Implemented a performance review system giving employees multiple opportunities per year to earn raises
• Secured a major client through extraordinary persistence – following up 12-15 times over a full year
• Learned to expect challenges and embrace conflict as evidence of having high standards
• Created a culture that rewards effort – even celebrating employees who "face plant" trying to carry extra mulch
• Transitioned from residential lawn maintenance to commercial contracts and installation projects
• Made the Inc 5000 list by refusing to "pull off the throttle" at convenient stopping points
• Values people over financial gain, a lesson learned from previous mentors and bosses
• Only regret is not taking bigger risks sooner – "once you take that risk, just freaking swing"

In this episode of Spectruss Speakeasy, Sam Silvey sits down with John Wiygul, founder and president of High Point Climbing and Fitness. From explaining what rock climbing even was to skeptical bankers 12 years ago to now operating eight facilities across three states, John shares the remarkable journey of building the Southeast's premier climbing gym brand.

A lifelong climber who used to skip elementary school to hit the rocks with his older brother, John discusses how he transformed his passion into a thriving business while maintaining an authentic, non-corporate culture with over 150 employees. He reveals the challenges of the early days, the strategic partnerships that fueled growth, and his vision for High Point's continued expansion.

Beyond business, John opens up about his competitive triathlon career, training alongside Olympians, and how he balances intense athletic pursuits with running a growing company. Whether you're an entrepreneur, climber, outdoor enthusiast, or simply curious about building a lifestyle business around your passion, this conversation offers valuable insights into turning what you love into what you do.

#RockClimbing #Entrepreneurship #OutdoorBusiness #Triathlon #ChattanoogaBusiness

In this episode of Spectruss Speakeasy, Sam Silvey sits down with Jonathan Bragdon, founder of Capacity Ventures, to explore the contrarian approach to venture capital in today's economy. Jonathan shares his journey from building and exiting companies to launching a venture fund focused on capital-efficient businesses in the Southeast.

With decades of experience as both founder and investor, Jonathan offers invaluable insights on the relationship between founders and capital. He challenges conventional wisdom with his "hiring money" philosophy—the idea that founders should view fundraising as bringing on a partner rather than chasing validation.

The conversation covers the psychology of entrepreneurship, the importance of T-shaped team members, and why economic downturns create the perfect environment for startups. Jonathan also explains why raising less money and maintaining optionality often leads to better outcomes for founders.

Whether you're a founder looking to raise capital, an investor seeking better returns, or simply curious about the venture world, this episode provides a refreshing perspective on building successful companies in today's rapidly changing landscape.

#VentureCapital #Entrepreneurship #Startups #BusinessGrowth #Investing

In this episode of Spectruss Speakeasy, we're diving skin-deep with Emily Brewer, founder of The Derm Center in Chattanooga and host of the upcoming Derm Expert Podcast. With 17 years in dermatology, Emily shares her journey from accidental discovery to passionate provider, her patient-first philosophy, and the psychology behind skincare. We talk real skin struggles—from rosacea to melanoma—and why education, empathy, and less-is-more treatment approaches matter. Plus, get a sneak peek at her new podcast and hear practical springtime skin tips that go beyond SPF.

Visit: thedermcentertn.com
Coming soon: The Derm Expert Podcast (Launching June 1st)

For 140 years, Fowler Brothers Home & Patio has been more than just a business—it’s been a legacy. In this episode of Spectruss Speak Easy, Carter Fowler shares what it takes to keep a fifth-generation family business thriving when less than 1% make it this far. From honoring tradition to embracing change, Carter dives into the power of consistency, branding, and building trust with customers over generations.

We’ll explore the evolution of Fowler Brothers, from hand-drawn newspaper ads to cutting-edge marketing, and how staying dynamic in a shifting industry has been the key to success. Plus, Carter shares some behind-the-scenes stories, including a moment of childhood mischief that once shut down an entire store!

If you’re passionate about business, legacy, and the art of making things happen, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Tune in now!

Podcast Description:

In this episode of Spectruss Speakeasy, we sit down with Genesis the Grey Kid, a multidisciplinary artist, poet, and creative entrepreneur, to explore the intersection of art, music, business, and culture. From Chattanooga’s creative scene to navigating the music industry, Genesis shares raw insights on staying authentic in a world driven by algorithms. We discuss his transition from hip-hop to fine art, his thoughts on competition in the creative space, and the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people. Plus, we dive into Chattanooga’s evolving art and business landscape, the realities of monetizing creativity, and what’s next for Genesis.

Tune in for an inspiring, unfiltered conversation about creativity, entrepreneurship, and breaking industry molds.

🎨 Follow Genesis the Grey Kid: @genesisthegreykid
📍 Learn more about Spectruss: www.spectruss.com

In this episode of Spectruss Speakeasy, we’re throwing superstition out the window—screw unlucky 13, we’re making it lucky! 🚀 Sam Silvey, founder of Spectruss, sits down with longtime creative director Justin Aragon to reflect on 13 years of building brands, wild pivots, and design that made waves.

From sleeping on a futon in a one-room office to crafting iconic brands like Hutton & Smith Brewing and Fowler Brothers, they break down the Mad Men moments, creative risks, and unexpected wins that shaped Spectruss.

🔥 Did Justin really ditch his job after just two days?
🔥 What Chattanooga brand still owes them money?
🔥 How do you go from free projects to award-winning work?

Grab a drink, hit play, and get ready for part one of this deep dive into Spectruss history. 🥃✨