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Click to view the online version of the Blount Partnership weekly newsletter for May 11, 2026.

LeConte Wealth has announced Zachary Waterer as Chief Practice Manager, a role focused on enhancing the firm’s operational infrastructure and supporting its continued growth and commitment to client-centered service. Inspired by the timeless philosophy of “Ancora imparo”—an expression often attributed to Michelangelo meaning “Yet I am still learning”—Zachary brings a leadership approach grounded in humility, curiosity, and continuous improvement. This mindset has shaped his professional journey and continues to inform how he leads teams, develops systems, and serves both colleagues and clients.

In his role, Zachary partners closely with firm leadership to oversee the operational foundation of the practice. His responsibilities include strengthening core processes, integrating technology solutions, and building scalable systems designed to support consistency, excellence, and fiduciary care. Known for his collaborative and people-first leadership style, he balances strategic thinking with practical execution to drive meaningful results.

Zachary brings extensive experience in firm administration, operational strategy, team leadership, and organizational development across service-driven and highly regulated financial environments. Throughout his career, he has emphasized stewardship, process improvement, and accountability—creating structures that enable teams to navigate complexity while remaining focused on purpose and performance.

“Operational excellence is ultimately about people,” Zachary said. “When you build systems that support clarity, accountability, and growth, you empower teams to do their best work in service of others.”

He holds both a Bachelor of Arts in Leadership and Ministry and a Master of Business Administration from Ohio Christian University. In addition, he has completed formal studies in Lean Six Sigma and Agile Project Management and continues to deepen his expertise in process improvement and organizational leadership. Outside of his professional responsibilities, Zachary enjoys spending time with family and friends and investing in his personal and spiritual growth. Whether hiking, camping, reading, or exploring space science and astronomy, he maintains a deep curiosity about the world and a commitment to lifelong learning.

This feature is a question-and-answer session with a Blount County Chamber member. So, here we go with our 250th installment visiting with Julian Allen, owner of The Landscape Coach which provides professional lawn care and landscaping services for residential and commercial properties throughout the Maryville area. Services include lawn mowing and maintenance, mulching, shrub trimming, seasonal cleanups, planting, aeration and overseeing. We focus on reliable service, clear communication, and high-quality results that help properties stand out year-round.

Describe more about your business. We are in business to serve people the right way. At The Landscape Coach, we believe homeowners and businesses deserve reliable communication, quality work, and a company they can trust even when they are not present. As a teacher, Coach, and business owner, I’ve built this company around relationships, consistency, and taking pride in what we do. Our goal is simple: help people take stress off their plate while making their property look its best.

How did you get started? I started The Landscape Coach from a combination of hard work, passion, and wanting more ownership over my future. As a teacher and Coach, I’ve always enjoyed serving people and building relationships, and lawn care gave me the opportunity to do that in a different way. What began as a side business with a mower and a strong work ethic has grown through word of mouth, consistency, and a commitment to treating people the right way.

What is your background? I’ve built my background through years of hands-on experience, leadership, and working directly with people. As a teacher and Coach, I’ve spent 15 years developing communication, organization, problem-solving, and leadership skills that translate directly into running a business. On the lawn care side, I learned through experience-working in the field for over 2 decades, studying the industry, investing in the right equipment, and continually improving our systems and service quality. A lot of it came from being willing to learn, adapt and stay consistent.

Describe your customers. Our customers are homeowners and property owners who value reliability, communication, and quality service. Many are busy families or professionals who want their property maintained consistently by someone they can trust. We work with clients who take pride in their homes and appreciate a company that shows up, communicates clearly, and treats their property with care and attention to detail.

What factors affect your business? The lawn care and landscaping industry is heavily impacted by changes in the economy, weather, technology, and customer expectations. Economically, rising fuel, equipment, labor, and material costs directly affect pricing and operations.
Socially, customers today expect faster communication, professionalism, and convenience, which has made customer service and responsiveness more important than ever.
Environmentally, weather patterns and seasonal changes play a major role in scheduling and the health of lawns and landscapes.

Technology has also changed the industry through scheduling software, online marketing, GPS routing, and digital communication, helping business operate more efficiently and stay connected with customers. Legal and political factors such as insurance requirements, labor laws, licensing, and regulations surrounding chemicals and environmental practices also influence how businesses operate. Overall, adaptability and strong relationships are critical to staying successful in this industry.

What do you enjoy most about your business? What I enjoy most is building relationships with people and seeing the direct impact of hard work. There’s something rewarding about taking a property and making it look its best while also giving homeowners one less thing to worry about. I also enjoy the freedom and responsibility that comes with building something of your own, leading a team, and creating opportunities through hard work, consistency, and service.

I am grateful for the opportunity to serve our community through both education and now business. My goal is to continue building a company that people trust, while creating opportunities for growth, leadership, and mentorship along the way. I believe relationships, consistency, and doing things the right way still matter, and that’s the standard we try to bring every day.

This feature is a question-and-answer session with a Blount County Chamber member. So, here we go with our 249th installment visiting with Liz McNaughton, president and CPA for McNaughton Bookkeeping which provides several different types of services including monthly bookkeeping that is tailored to the needs of each business, financial clean-up for the company that needs to have several months or even years of finances organized, and advisory services to give business owners a better picture of trends in their financials to make more informed decisions about the growth of their company.

Further describe your business. Growing up, I saw firsthand how cumbersome bookkeeping could be on a small business. My dad owned his own company, so naturally, my mom picked up learning how to manage the books. This put a lot of strain on my mom as she was also a full time teacher and, of course, a mother to three children. I started McNaughton Bookkeeping to alleviate that stress and concern from the every day business owner, and my hope is that through McNaughton Bookkeeping, I can be a positive support system to business owners.

How did you get started? I began my career as a Sign Language Interpreter right out of college and quickly found that this was not for me long term. From there I decided to pursue accounting since I loved my accounting course in both high school and undergrad. I graduated from Lipscomb University with my Masters in Accounting with a focus in tax and immediately entered the public accounting industry. I’ve been doing accounting and bookkeeping in some form or fashion since then.

What is your background? I worked for several years in public accounting preparing tax returns for all types of entities including LLCs, S-corps, C-corps, non-profits, etc. Through this role, I got to see firsthand how different companies operate. Eventually I moved to working in an industry role, meaning I was an accountant for just one company. Industry accounting is great at providing exposure to the day to day operations of an entity, including maintaining the financials. Through my many years in each of these types of positions coupled with my CPA license, I have gained a skillset that is perfectly tailored for starting a bookkeeping business in this capacity.

Describe your customers. Our customers are business owners and non-profit leaders who are looking to gain some freedom by relinquishing their books over to us to maintain. When they come to me, they are typically feeling frustrated, confused or simply stressed about the state of their finances. One of the most rewarding aspects of my business is getting to experience taking the weight off of their shoulders as I start to manage their bookkeeping.

What affects your business? Social – A large part of how I gain new clients is word of mouth. Networking is huge in my industry, so without it, I would have a hard time thriving in this business.
Economic – For obvious reasons, the economy can create some added strain on both my clients and I, as business owners. If the economy is doing well, business owners do well, and in turn, I see more business flow in.
Environmental – I think the biggest shift I have seen with the environmental changes is the shift from paper to everything being digital. I personally am in favor of this due to the fact that it helps me stay organized, but I can understand why some would prefer the paper route.
Technological – With technological advances, most people would think that this would hinder or threaten my job as a bookkeeper. Instead, with the development of AI and automation processes, it can speed up the time it takes me to do my job, allowing me to take on more clients.
Legal – Since my role as bookkeeper plays into taxes and the IRS, there’s a lot of legal framework that I have to be mindful of. With tax laws ever changing, this can pose some complexities for me, but I am always up for a challenge!
Political – As we all know, the political environment can play a huge role in finances, either way it swings. Knowing what’s coming down the pipeline can be advantageous for strategizing finances with business owners. I have several instances where this has saved an owner thousands of dollars by planning ahead with politics in mind.

What do you enjoy most about your profession? I touched on this a little when I mentioned getting to see business owners physically sigh in relief knowing that they won’t have to manage their bookkeeping anymore. To them it feels like the weight of the world, and to me, bookkeeping brings me joy. It’s truly a win win for everyone.
Additionally, I thrive on being my own boss, making my own schedule and having the flexibility to live my life while simultaneously building a career.

This feature is a question-and-answer session with a Blount County Chamber member. So, here we go with our 248th installment visiting with Dee Dee Miller, CEO/Owner/President of Tennessee Drug and Alcohol which exists to promote the right of all persons to live and work in an addiction free and safe environment.

Describe what TNDAC does. Tennessee Drug & Alcohol (TNDAC) provides comprehensive drug and alcohol testing and compliance services for both DOT and non-DOT employers. The company offers pre-employment, random, post-accident, and reasonable suspicion testing, along with consortium management to ensure regulatory compliance. With in-office and 24/7 mobile collection services, TNDAC delivers convenient, reliable support to businesses while promoting safe, drug-free workplaces.

How did you get started? I was introduced into the field during my studies in nursing. I started out at the company as a part-time drug and alcohol collector while in nursing school. Over time, I worked my way up in the business and eventually took over as owner directly from the founder.

Describe your customers. We have a wide range of customers from businesses looking for pre-employment and post-accident testing, to those in need of regular testing for probation, to individuals looking for DNA and other court ordered tests. We also work with the Department of Transportation to help keep them in compliance with federal regulations pertaining to drug and alcohol testing and abuse.

What impacts your work environment? Our company serves clients regulated by court orders and the Department of Transportation, so shifts in federal policies and economic conditions directly affect our clientele, demand, and daily operations. Demand is also rising due to increased focus on mental health, workplace safety, and changing substance laws, while our mobile testing services help reduce environmental impact. Additionally, we continue investing in new technology, such as a THC breath testing unit, to improve efficiency and provide more accurate, timely results compared to traditional methods.

What are some things you wish you knew when you started? One of the most rewarding aspects of running Tennessee Drug & Alcohol is the flexibility it provides, allowing me to balance both professional responsibilities and personal commitments. I also find great fulfillment in being able to provide meaningful employment opportunities for others, supporting not only my team members but also their families. Additionally, I take pride in contributing to the community by offering essential services that promote safety, compliance, and overall well-being. Knowing that our work plays a role in protecting workplaces and supporting individuals gives purpose and value to what we do each day.

What do you most about this profession? Reflecting on my experience at Tennessee Drug & Alcohol, there are several key insights I wish I had understood more fully when I first began working in the business. First, I wish I had recognized the complexity and ever-evolving nature of DOT and non-DOT compliance regulations, particularly the importance of precise documentation, chain-of-custody procedures, and staying current with regulatory updates. Second, I wish I had implemented stronger operational systems and organizational structures earlier, as I have come to understand how essential clear processes and efficient workflows are to maintaining productivity and reducing unnecessary stress. Finally, I wish I had prioritized strategic growth and marketing from the outset; while the business has long relied on reputation and established relationships, today’s environment requires a more intentional approach to branding, outreach, and competitiveness. Collectively, these lessons have significantly shaped my leadership approach, strengthening my focus on compliance, organizational efficiency, and sustainable business growth.

Thank you for registering in advance for our event. Your pre-registration is invaluable as it aids us in planning for catering, beverages, and other logistical arrangements. Your cooperation ensures that we can deliver a seamless and enjoyable experience for all attendees. We look forward to welcoming you at the event.

UT Federal Credit Union (UTFCU) earned the Digital Marketing Innovation Award at the 2026 Marketing and Sales Innovation Conference and Awards on April 9 in Knoxville, recognized for a unique, employee-driven social media initiative that boosts authentic member engagement.

The award, presented by the University of Tennessee, Knoxville Haslam College of Business, honors organizations that use innovative digital strategies to meaningfully engage their audiences. UTFCU stood out for mobilizing employees across departments to connect with members through authentic interactions as part of a Social Media Engagement Contest. The initiative drove a 41.7% increase in engagement, reached over 60,000 people, and generated more than 5,300 direct interactions, demonstrating the impact of genuine, community-focused connections.  

While the recognition highlights digital innovation, UTFCU leaders say it reflects a broader, organization-wide commitment to member service.

“This recognition reflects a team that genuinely believes in connecting with and serving our members,” said Hanna Gomez, UTFCU’s Chief Marketing Officer. “As a not-for-profit, every effort is focused on delivering real value and care to the people and communities we serve here in Tennessee.”

The third annual conference brought together marketing and sales professionals for keynotes, workshops, and collaboration, with speakers from companies including Google and Intuit Mailchimp.

UTFCU continues to expand its community impact across East Tennessee through local engagement and member-focused service.

Pictured left to right: Amy Sturgill, AVP, Director of Digital & Content Marketing at UT Federal Credit Union; Jeff Sundheim, AI Business Strategist at Google; and Hanna Gomez, Chief Marketing Officer at UT Federal Credit Union.