About the Guest:

Laura Kelly is a dedicated leader in the nonprofit housing sector, currently serving as an integral part of Holston Habitat for Humanity. With a rich professional history, including eight years at the Appalachia Service Project, Laura brings deep expertise in housing development and policy advocacy. Her work focuses on creating affordable housing solutions and fostering community development. She is actively involved in civic life, contributing to Johnson City's Planning Commission, where she helps shape the city’s strategic growth plans.

Episode Summary:

In this engaging episode of the podcast, Colin Johnson sits down with Laura Kelly to delve into the inspiring world of Habitat for Humanity and her impactful role within the organization. As they navigate through the nuances of housing challenges and opportunities, Laura shares her journey and passion for serving the community. Listeners gain insight into the strategic efforts of Holston Habitat for Humanity to address housing needs in the Tri-Cities area, unveiling upcoming projects like the new residential neighborhood development.

The conversation also covers Laura's background, her career progression from ASP to Habitat, and her active role in the Johnson City Planning Commission. Discussing these roles, Laura highlights the community's involvement in urban development and the importance of proactive planning for sustainable growth. With a unique blend of personal anecdotes and professional insights, the episode sheds light on the power of collaborative efforts in addressing systemic housing issues, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of how nonprofits can lead socioeconomic change.

Key Takeaways:

• Affordable Housing Advocacy: Laura Kelly emphasizes the critical role of Habitat for Humanity in providing zero-interest mortgages to working-class families, enabling their journey to homeownership.
• Community-Centric Development: The episode highlights the importance of collaboration between public and private sectors in developing new housing areas, such as the upcoming residential neighborhood in Johnson City.
• Personal and Professional Growth: Laura shares her experiences and the influential mentors who have shaped her career in the nonprofit housing industry.
• Proactive Urban Planning: As a member of the Planning Commission, Laura discusses the Horizon 2045 plan aimed at managing Johnson City's strategic growth and preserving cultural integrity.
• Importance of Volunteering: The discussion underscores the personal and communal benefits of volunteering, showcasing how individual contributions can lead to meaningful societal impacts.

Notable Quotes:

1. "Our mission is to put God's love into action by building homes, communities, and hope."
2. "Volunteering is so personally satisfying…you think, 'I gave a kid a bedroom and that's so tangible.'"
3. "We have strong churches in this area truly walking the walk and making a difference."
4. "I'm really interested in planning and policy…we have a chance to shape our region's future."
5. "Everybody deserves a shot at having a safe place to live."

Resources:

• Holston Habitat for Humanity
• Laura Kelly's Projects and Initiatives at Holston Habitat for Humanity
• Johnson City Planning Commission and Horizon 2045 Growth Management Plan

Listeners are encouraged to explore these resources for more detailed information on topics discussed in the episode. Tune in to the full episode to experience these rich discussions and stay tuned for more insightful episodes from the podcast series.

About the Guest:

Jesus Rodriguez is the founder of Coyote Tactical Solutions, a company specializing in manufacturing tactical gear. Originally hailing from South Florida, Jesus moved to the more serene environment of Johnson City to pursue a lifestyle that supports his family's homesteading aspirations. With a professional background that spans nursing and architecture, and experience in the film and video game industry, Jesus has leveraged his diverse skills to design and produce high-quality tactical products. His unique journey includes a strong interest in medical training and preparedness, which inspired him to enter the tactical gear manufacturing sector.

Episode Summary:

In this episode, host Colin Johnson converses with Jesus Rodriguez, founder of Coyote Tactical Solutions, about his transition from a career in nursing to leading an innovative company in tactical gear manufacturing. As they delve into Jesus's multifaceted background, listeners will grasp the significant challenges and triumphs he's faced along the way. With Christmas approaching, the atmosphere is congenially festive as they discuss everything from the essentials of tactical gear to living in Johnson City.

Jesus elaborates on his journey from South Florida to Tennessee, emphasizing the importance of affordability and seasons in choosing a new home. His company, Coyote Tactical Solutions, stands out by offering durable and essential tactical accessories such as medical pouches and plate carriers. He highlights the importance of having a medical kit not just for tactical use but also for everyday emergencies, a reflection of his background in healthcare and commitment to safety and preparedness. Through their engaging dialogue, Colin and Jesus touch on broader topics like the influence of technology, market challenges over recent years, and the ethical responsibilities associated with carrying firearms.

Key Takeaways:

• From Vision to Reality: Jesus Rodriguez navigated a diverse career path, eventually founding Coyote Tactical Solutions to bring his design ideas to life.
• Strategic Relocation: The move from South Florida to Johnson City allowed Jesus's family to enjoy a more affordable and picturesque lifestyle.
• Business Challenges and Adaptations: The tactical gear industry has faced significant challenges over recent years, influenced by supply chain issues and broader economic factors.
• Importance of Preparedness: Beyond selling tactical gear, Jesus emphasizes the necessity of having a proper medical kit for emergency situations.
• Ethical Reflections on Defense: Jesus reflects on the responsibilities involved in carrying weapons and the importance of life-preserving skills.

Notable Quotes:

• "I've always been just kind of my own lone person."
• "I'd rather have and not need, than need and not have."
• "Bleeding is the number one cause of death that you can actually prevent."
• "I love designing—I wish I could just design and not have to do business."

Resources:

• Coyote Tactical Solutions Website: coyotetacticalsolutions.com

For listeners intrigued by the creative fusion of skills and industries or those interested in the practical aspects of tactical preparedness, this episode promises a wealth of insights. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of Jesus Rodriguez's journey and the enriching possibilities his products bring to those seeking a functional and prepared lifestyle. Stay connected with the podcast for more enlightening discussions and expert insights.

About the Guest:

Nathan Brand is a seasoned culinary expert and entrepreneur known for his transformative contributions to the restaurant industry. As a former chef and partner at the renowned Timber! restaurant, Nathan has established himself as a figure of innovation in modern dining. Currently, he embarks on a new business venture, launching a retail food and wine shop focusing on charcuterie, cheeses, wines, and gourmet products. His commitment to sourcing quality ingredients and offering unique gastronomic experiences underscores his reputation as a pioneer in the local culinary landscape.

Episode Summary:

Join Colin Johnson as he sits down with Nathan Brand for an engaging discussion about culinary passions, entrepreneurship, and creating a balance between work and family. In this enlightening episode, Nathan returns to the podcast to share insights about his new venture—a retail food and wine store that aims to bring gourmet experiences to Johnson City. Throughout the conversation, Nathan reveals his journey from being a partner at Timber to stepping into the world of retail with a focus on specialized, regional products like Benton's ham, unique cheeses, and natural wines, catering to discerning palates.

In exploring his motivations, Nathan speaks about his new business as a returning guest on the Colin and Carly Group show. He discusses the inspiration behind his concept, touching upon the scarcity of certain high-quality products in Johnson City and his desire to make gourmet flavors accessible to the local community. The episode dives into how Nathan's background as a chef and restaurateur fuels his pursuit of innovation in the food industry. From sourcing premium ingredients to creating a space for culinary exploration, Nathan's new endeavor reflects his passion and expertise in delivering exceptional dining experiences.

Key Takeaways:

• Shifting Career Paths: Nathan Brand moves from the restaurant industry to launching a food and wine retail venture.
• Regional Product Focus: The shop will spotlight regional gourmet products such as Benton's ham and North Carolina cheeses.
• Culinary Exploration: Nathan aims to make gourmet products and natural wines accessible and enjoyable for the local community.
• Balancing Personal and Professional Life: The discussion highlights Nathan's desire to spend more time with family while pursuing entrepreneurial dreams.
• Community Dynamics: Emphasis on the support and camaraderie of the Johnson City community in fostering business success.

Notable Quotes:

1. "I'm always looking at what's available here versus what I am looking for in my life."
2. "I am more interested in American products that just don't get the props that they deserve."
3. "Wine is always so stodgy… I'm really interested in making wine more accessible."
4. "I wanted to spend more time with my kids… that's a huge value for me."
5. "The more restaurants there are in an area, I think the better they all do."

Glean amazing insights on entrepreneurship and culinary expertise by listening to this compelling episode. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and expert discussions with the Colin and Carly Group podcast series!