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Click to view the online version of the Blount Partnership weekly newsletter for June 1, 2026.

Edfinancial Services is proud to announce it has been named one of the Top 100 companies in the nation in the 2026 USA TODAY Top Workplaces awards program. This marks the first time the company has ranked within the Top 100 nationally, adding to a streak of Top Workplace

recognitions that dates back to 2019.

The 2026 Top Workplaces USA awards are based on employee feedback collected through the 2025

Energage workplace survey, an anonymous research-backed survey that measures employees’ workplace experiences and overall satisfaction. The program recognizes organizations that prioritize a people-first

culture and foster an exceptional employee experience.

In addition to its national recognition, Edfinancial Services was also recently named a 2026 Top Workplace in the Knoxville area, based on employee survey results gathered in 2026.

The rankings and awards are compiled by Energage, a leading employee engagement and workplace

culture research company. Employees complete the confidential survey anonymously, providing honest feedback about workplace culture, leadership, opportunities for growth, feeling respected and

supported, and overall happiness in the workplace.

The USA TODAY Top Workplaces program recognizes organizations with 150 or more employees that have created exceptional workplace cultures. More than 42,000 organizations were invited to participate in this year’s awards process.

Edfinancial Services continues to invest in employee growth, workplace culture, and community impact while serving millions of customers nationwide.

And for those looking to join an award-winning workplace — Edfinancial Services is hiring! Interested applicants can learn more and apply at ed.careers.

Click to view the online version of the Blount Partnership weekly newsletter for May 25, 2026.

This feature is a question-and-answer session with a Blount County Chamber member. So, here we go with our 254th installment visiting with Chris Spradley, executive director of Beloved Roots Ranch which aims to be a haven of healing and restoration for U.S. military veterans, offering them a place to heal from mental, physical, and emotional difficulties through holistic therapies and the calming influences of nature and animals.

Describe more about what Beloved Roots Ranch offers. We are veterans helping veterans heal from the physical, mental, and emotional wounds of service. Our ranch and resources will provide a sanctuary of rest, reflection, and restoration, empowering individuals to reclaim their well-being. Through activities aimed at personal healing, they are better equipped to reintegrate into society and continue serving others with strength and purpose.

What is your background? I’m an Air Force veteran who has worked in a variety of capacities that allowed me to learn the skills required to dream, plan, and execute the vision of Beloved Roots Ranch, with a lot of help from others who have caught the vision. This is 100% a leading by God to start this journey towards using my skills, experiences, and the things I’ve overcome to help others.

Describe your clients. We will primarily serve veterans through reintegration and healing, while also providing retreat and therapy activities to other groups that support veterans.

What factors affect your business? As a 501(C)(3) non-profit, we rely on donations and sponsorships. This is a challenge in any economy, and with the recent governmental cuts to veteran services, including federal grants, more veterans need help, with fewer resources to pull from to provide the help they need.

What do you enjoy most about this calling? This is a mission of passion and giving. The experience of helping others can be challenging, but it is always rewarding. I would love to partner with more business owners to accomplish the goals of helping veterans and highlighting our shared success stories at the personal business level.

This feature is a question-and-answer session with a Blount County Chamber member. So, here we go with our 253rd installment visiting with Jonathan Ellis, owner of Smoky Ridge Travel which exists to help people create lasting memories through meaningful travel experiences while making the planning process simple and stress-free.

Describe more about Smoky Ridge Travel. Smoky Ridge Travel is a local travel agency passionate about helping families and travelers create lasting memories through stress-free vacation planning. From cruises and all-inclusive getaways to Disney and family adventures, we provide personalized service with hometown care. We believe vacations should be exciting, not overwhelming, and our goal is to provide personalized service, expert guidance, and trusted support so our clients can focus on enjoying their journey.

How did you get started? Smoky Ridge Travel began from my love of travel—especially cruising—and the joy of helping others plan memorable vacations. After years of researching trips, sharing travel tips, and assisting friends and family with their vacations, I decided to turn that passion into a business where I could help more people create amazing travel experiences.

What is your background? I’ve built the skills for this business through years of customer service, hands-on problem-solving, and a genuine passion for travel. Planning trips for my own family and helping friends and family with their vacations gave me firsthand experience, while professional training through the travel industry has helped me expand my knowledge so I can better serve my clients.

Describe your customers? Smoky Ridge Travel serves individuals, couples, and families who are looking for stress-free vacation planning and personalized service. Our customers range from first-time cruisers to experienced travelers seeking cruises, all-inclusive resorts, Disney vacations, and family getaways. Many are busy professionals or families who value expert guidance, convenience, and having a trusted advisor to help them create memorable travel experiences.

What factors influence your business? The travel industry is influenced by a variety of external factors. Economic conditions, such as inflation and consumer spending, can directly impact vacation budgets and booking decisions. Social trends, including growing interest in family experiences, cruises, and convenient travel planning, shape customer demand. Technological advancements have significantly impacted the industry by making online booking tools, communication platforms, and social media marketing essential for reaching and serving clients efficiently. Legal and political factors, such as travel regulations, passport requirements, supplier policies, and international travel advisories, can affect trip planning and customer confidence. Environmental factors, including weather events and natural disasters, can also impact itineraries and travel schedules. Staying informed and adaptable in all of these areas is important to providing clients with reliable service and guidance.

What do you enjoy most about your business? What I enjoy most about running Smoky Ridge Travel is helping people create meaningful memories through travel while building something for my own future. There’s something rewarding about taking the stress out of vacation planning and helping clients turn their dream trips into reality. I also enjoy building relationships with clients, learning about new destinations, and working toward a future where I may eventually have the flexibility to travel more myself while working remotely doing something I genuinely enjoy.

This feature is a question-and-answer session with a Blount County Chamber member. So, here we go with our 252nd installment visiting with Samantha Dagestad, Owner & Principle Designer of Loudan Studio, which was created to bring thoughtful, high-quality design and a more personal experience to homeowners who want their spaces to feel both beautiful and deeply functional.

Describe more about Loudan Studio. Loudan Studio is a luxury residential design studio specializing in kitchen and bath design, high-end remodeling, new home design, and custom cabinetry sales. We provide a full-service design experience that includes photorealistic renderings, finish and material specifications, space planning, cabinetry design, lighting coordination, and product procurement.

Our studio works closely with homeowners, contractors, and trade professionals to create timeless, functional spaces tailored to each client’s lifestyle. With experience in both construction and design, we help guide clients through the entire process — from concept to completion — with a strong focus on quality, communication, and attention to detail.

We believe great design should improve the way families live every day, and that the remodeling and building process should feel collaborative, inspiring, and well-guided from start to finish. With backgrounds in both design and construction, our goal is to help clients make confident decisions, avoid costly mistakes, and create timeless spaces that reflect their lifestyle, values, and vision.

How did you get started? Loudan Studio was built from a lifelong passion for design, homes, and helping families create spaces they truly love. After spending more than a decade in construction and kitchen design, I saw a need for a more personalized, design-focused experience for homeowners navigating remodels and new construction projects.

My husband’s 30 years of experience as a contractor also gave us a unique understanding of how thoughtful design and quality craftsmanship work together. Combining our backgrounds allowed us to create a studio that bridges the gap between beautiful design and practical construction knowledge. What started as a passion for transforming spaces has grown into a business centered on creativity, collaboration, and serving clients with excellence.

What is your background? I developed the background and skills for this business through more than a decade of experience in construction and kitchen design, combined with formal education in interior design through an NKBA-accredited program. That training provided a strong foundation in space planning, kitchen and bath design, materials, and industry standards.

In addition to my design background, working alongside my husband — who has over 30 years of experience as a contractor — gave me valuable hands-on insight into the construction side of the industry. Together, those experiences shaped the approach we bring to Loudan Studio today: combining thoughtful design, practical knowledge, and a high level of client service.

Who is your largest supporter? My husband has been one of my biggest supporters and mentors throughout my career. With more than 30 years of experience as a contractor, he has shared invaluable knowledge about construction, problem-solving, and the importance of quality craftsmanship. Working alongside him has helped me better understand how great design and proper execution go hand in hand.

Beyond the technical side of the industry, he has also encouraged me to pursue my passion for design, grow the business, and continue building Loudan Studio into something that truly reflects our values and vision.

Describe your customers. Our clients are homeowners who value quality, thoughtful design, and a personalized experience. Many are families or professionals investing in remodeling or building spaces that better support the way they live day to day. They appreciate craftsmanship, attention to detail, and timeless design rather than trends that quickly fade.

We primarily work with clients seeking high-end kitchen and bath remodels, custom cabinetry, and new home design services. They are looking for a trusted guide through the design and construction process and value clear communication, collaboration, and a well-organized experience from start to finish.

What are some things you wish you new when you started? 1. I wish I had fully understood how important clear communication and setting expectations are throughout the entire design and construction process. Great communication can make all the difference in creating a smooth and enjoyable experience for clients.
2. I wish I had known how much of running a design business involves wearing many hats beyond design itself — including project coordination, business management, client education, and relationship building.
3. I wish I had realized earlier that confidence grows through experience. In the beginning, it’s easy to second-guess yourself, but over time I learned to trust both my training and hands-on experience when guiding clients through important decisions.

What do you enjoy most about this business? What I enjoy most about running Loudan Studio is the opportunity to help families create spaces that truly improve the way they live every day. Seeing a client’s vision come to life — from the initial ideas and renderings to the finished space — is incredibly rewarding.

I also enjoy the creative side of the business and the relationships we build with our clients throughout the process. Every project is unique, and I love combining beauty, function, and thoughtful details to create spaces that feel personal and timeless. Being able to work alongside my husband and build a business centered around our shared values, passion, and experience has made the journey even more meaningful.

This feature is a question-and-answer session with a Blount County Chamber member. So, here we go with our 251st installment visiting with Jess Core, physical therapist with Core Physical Therapy, who enjoys helping active adults and athletes stay healthy, recover from injuries to continue doing the activities they love.

Describe the services you offer. My business provides personalized one-on-one physical therapy care focused on helping active adults and athletes recover from injury, improve performance, and stay active. We meet individuals where they are and use a combination of manual therapy, strength training, stability work, and movement-based rehabilitation to address injury, reduce pain, and improve function. We don’t just focus on rehab, we also provide preventative care and performance training to help people stay healthy, resilient, and performing at their. I work with runners, golfers, baseball and pickleball players, along with individuals dealing with orthopedic injuries. I’m passionate about providing personalized care and a positive patient experience that helps people return stronger, move better, and perform at their best.

What is your background? Physical therapy is actually a second career for me. I first earned a business degree so I come in with a bit of a different background than most therapists. That business foundation has helped me a lot especially with communication, organization, and understanding how to build and run a practice while my physical therapy training gives me the clinical side.

What really pushed me into this field was my grandfather being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. I saw firsthand how much physical therapy helped him, especially how it improved his movement, independence, and quality of life. That experience really stuck with me and is what led me to go back to school to become a physical therapist. I wanted to be able to help people in that same way.

Who is your biggest mentor? My biggest supporter has been my wife. She has been incredibly supportive through every stage of my journey, especially through the transition into physical therapy and building my business. She’s helped me stay focused, encouraged me through the challenges, and has been there for me every step of the way. Having her support has made a huge difference in helping me stay motivated and stay positive.

Describe your customers. My customers are mostly active adults and athletes who want to stay healthy, recover from injury, and keep doing the things they enjoy. I work with runners, golfers, baseball and pickleball players, along with people dealing with different orthopedic issues.

Most of them are active but get held back by pain, injury, or things that just keep coming back. They’re usually looking for more than a quick fix. They want someone who takes the time to really understand what’s going on and gives them a plan that’s specific to them.

What they value most is one-on-one care, clear guidance, and a process that helps them feel better, get stronger, and get back to what they love doing.

What factors shape your business? Several factors shape my business, but the biggest shift is that people are placing a higher value on their health and staying active. Patients are more proactive about preventing injury, improving performance, and seeking personalized care that fits their goals. Technology also supports this by helping track progress and stay engaged. I use a lot of objective data to track progress, which helps patients clearly see their improvements over time and stay engaged in the process. Overall, these trends align well with my focus on providing individualized, one-on-one care that helps people stay healthy and active long term.

What do you enjoy most about your profession? really enjoy getting to know my patients and building relationships with them over time. I like learning what they’re trying to get back to and what matters most to them. I also really enjoy watching their progress throughout the process. It’s very rewarding when we help them reach their goals.

Five local schools received classroom grants through the Foundation for Future Building Trades—four high schools were awarded $2,000 each and one junior high received $1,000—to support hands-on construction education. In addition, seven students earned scholarships totaling $7,500 to further their education or purchase tools for careers in the construction industry.

Classroom grants were awarded to the following schools.

• Heritage High School – Instructor Jason Tipton will lead students in constructing a 10’ x 12’ storage shed, teaching framing techniques and foundational layout skills including flooring, walls, rafters, doors, and windows.
• William Blount High School – Instructor Doug Blair will oversee two projects including flag-building in a fundamentals class and Adirondack chair construction for year one students. Both projects emphasize tool safety, measurement, and hands-on craftsmanship.
• Maryville High School – Instructor Brandon McMurrary will oversee three projects including birdhouse building in a fundamentals class, wooden car building in a residential construction 1 class, and stair system building in a residential construction 2 class.
• Eagleton College and Career Academy – Instructor Steven Geiger will utilize funding in both the HVAC and Electrical programs, specifically for consumables and a HVAC line set. The remainder of the funds will be utilized to expand the tool inventory for the classroom.
• Maryville Junior High School – Instructor Jeremy Russell will utilize funding to replace equipment and provide materials for storage shelving, which will be built by students in his courses.

Scholarships were awarded to the following students.

• Cassandra Swett, William Blount High School – $1,250
• Gabriel Tucker, William Blount High School – $1,100
• James Sackermann, William Blount High School – $900
• Orin Patton, William Blount High School – $900
• Jared Roberts, William Blount High School – $850
• Colin Stringer, Maryville High School – $1,275
• Dawson Simerly, Maryville High School – $1,225

Students applied for scholarships to support either continued education or the purchase of tools and equipment needed for employment in the construction field.

These awards were made possible through the consolidation of nearly $450,000 from the former Builders & Associates of Blount County chapter into the Foundation for Future Building Trades. The Foundation funds classroom grants and scholarships with a focus on residential construction, aiming to grow the pipeline of skilled workers in the local construction industry.

The initiative is overseen by the Blount Partnership’s Construction Workforce Advisory Committee, which manages grant and scholarship disbursements.

“We are excited to provide these opportunities to local students and are committed to helping shape the future of the construction industry, particularly in residential building,” said Blount Partnership’s Director of Workforce Development Jessica Belitz. “These scholarships and grants will not only help students succeed but will also strengthen the local workforce, ensuring that our community has access to highly skilled professionals for years to come.”

The Foundation is actively seeking donations to sustain and grow this effort, which aligns with broader goals of workforce development and regional economic growth.

Photo cutlines:

William Blount High School recipients (L-R): Greg Newman (Foundation for Future Building Trades), James Sackermann, Gabe Tucker, Orin Patton, Jared Roberts, Cassandra Swett, Denver Hunt (Foundation for Future Building Trades).
Maryville High School recipients (L-R): Dawson Simerly, Brian Davis (Danny Davis Electric), Colin Stringer.