Ambassadors

Name: Novella Jones
Company: CBBC Bank
Title: Senior Vice President

Briefly describe your career path and how you got to your current position. “I started with the bank as a teller in 1977 and have worked my way up to my current position. I served in different capacities including HR, Branch Manager, Executive Assistant, and have been a lender for 30 years.”

What’s one interesting fact about you? “I attended Girl State when I was a senior in high school.”

Name: Jackson Blankenbeckler
Company: Senior Helpers

Title: Business Development Director

Briefly describe your career path and how you got to your current position. “I built my career through hands-on experience in senior care, working across assisted living, independent living, and in-home care. Along the way, I became an owner/operator, gaining firsthand insight into operations, leadership, and community impact. That experience, combined with a strong focus on relationships and growth, led me to my current role in business development within the senior care space.”

What’s one interesting fact about you? “I lived in Alaska for a year. Also, I have a pet parrot.”

Name: Javon Crane
Company: Northwestern Mutual
Title: Financial Representative

Briefly describe your career path and how you got to your current position. “I started my Financial Practice here in Maryville. I joined the chamber and it has been the best decision I’ve made. I have made so many connections and relationships, that are priceless. I help people plan for the future! I specialize in financial planning meaning that me and my team spend a lot of time walking through cash flow management, tax mitigation/funding strategies, and making sure that once you are prepared to exit your career on your terms. If you have a business that we have the proper amount of assets in suitable locations to alleviate any stressor the company’s might put on your financial plan.”

What’s one interesting fact about you? “I am from Memphis and played basketball at Maryville College”

Name: Rod Davis
Company: TN Real Estate & Auction, LLC
Title: Broker/Owner

Briefly describe your career path and how you got to your current position. “I have worked in Real Estate for 20 years, I am also a licensed Contractor and Paramedic. I recently retired from Sevier County as a Paramedic after 28 years of service. That job taught me how to deal with life and death situations and at the same time enjoy making a difference in peoples lives. Now that my focus is 100% real estate, I still get the opportunity to help others, just in a different environment. I enjoy working with Commercial, Residential and Investment properties. My mission is to treat others the way I would want to be treated and love your neighbor as yourself.”

What’s one interesting fact about you? “I enjoy wake surfing and snowboarding.”

Name: Susanne Davis
Company: TN Real Estate & Auction, LLC
Title: Realtor

Briefly describe your career path and how you got to your current position. “I have been in real estate for 4 years and have personally worked on over 20 investment projects. I enjoy working in the family environment at TN Real Estate & Auction. I have the privilege of helping others make dreams come true in their personal homes and with their businesses. I am also a Certified Public Accountant and have my own 19-year-old firm. I have over 30 years’ experience in the accounting profession and serve clients in the Blount, Knox, and Sevier counties.”

What’s one interesting fact about you? “I enjoy spending time with my family on the slopes snowboarding, camping on the lake while wake surfing & boarding, or any other adventure my kids let me join in on.”

Name: PJ Dieffenbach
Company: The Web Mavericks

Title: President

Briefly describe your career path and how you got to your current position. “I have been in business since 1999. I started off as a graphic artist, then I started a sign and graphics company. In 1999, I transitioned to online building websites. Over the years I mastered SEO, Social Media, Paid Ads and more. In 2022 I founded BizGrow Networking to help businesses connect and to teach small businesses marketing and networking skills for small businesses. Chamber volunteering is the next step.”

What’s one interesting fact about you? “My dad invented the Artificial Christmas tree. (You can search my name for patents – I’m a Jr., lol)”

Name: Mike Dunn
Company: Common Sense Pest Control

Title: Sales/Marketing

Briefly describe your career path and how you got to your current position. “I have widespread experience in multiple arenas, and it has helped me achieve results in every position I’ve obtained. I have adhered to this quote, ““A jack of all trades is a master of none, but often times better than a master of one.” Versatility plays a key role in everything we do, and everyone we meet. When you find a man of good character, works hard, and makes people smile, as the Common Sense Pest Control owner Heath Barberry does, those are the folks you hitch your wagon to. ”

What’s one interesting fact about you? I have been an actor in over 30+ TV shows.

Name: Shari Flynn
Company: Print FX

Title: Director of Customer Experience

Briefly describe your career path and how you got to your current position. “With a degree in Visual Communications, I started a design job in a thermography print shop in Knoxville in1995 called Business Card Express. From there I went to what was, at that time, Mercy Hospital. I was at mercy through the brand transition to Tennova after which they closed the print department. I was then at a printer in Knoxville for 13 years prior to making the decision to move to my now amazing family and team at Print FX.”

What’s one interesting fact about you? I’m a Mustang girl and started a Mustang group called Smoky Mountain Stangs in 2017. We now have over 2500 members and do cruises, events and shows throughout the year. Bonus fact, I drive a 6 speed.

Name: Max Horta
Company: Realty Executives Associates – Maryville

Title: Real Estate Agent

Briefly describe your career path and how you got to your current position. “My career began in digital marketing, where I learned the importance of communication, strategy, and building strong relationships. Over time, I transitioned into working directly with families in the homebuying process, helping them through education, planning, and closing. That experience deepened my understanding of customer care and community engagement. Those skills led me to real estate, where I now focus on serving families in Blount County and surrounding areas. Each step of my journey has centered on helping people achieve their goals while strengthening connections within the community.”

What’s one interesting fact about you? An interesting fact about me is that I moved from Mexico to Tennessee at 15, not knowing anyone besides my family or even knowing much of the language. I learned English in just 6 months of moving here and was able to start high school without the need to attend any type of ESL classes during my time there.

Name: Janet Hudson
Company: LifeWave

Title: Brand Partner

Briefly describe your career path and how you got to your current position. “My journey from nurse anesthetist to building a business in health and wellness has been rooted in the same passion—helping people feel their best. In the OR, I cared for patients in critical moments. Now, I focus on proactive wellness, supporting the body’s natural ability to heal and thrive. It’s been a shift from reactive care to preventative care, and I love empowering others to take control of their health in a whole new way.”

What’s one interesting fact about you? While I was stationed in Saudi Arabia during Desert Storm I was highlighted on Good Morning America.

Name: Adrian Jones
Company: ADJ Travel Company

Title: Owner | Travel Advisor

Briefly describe your career path and how you got to your current position. “I have been proud to call Maryville home for the last 32 years. My husband, Josh, and I have been married for 19 years and are the proud parents of three wonderful kids and two hound dogs. I’ve been working in the travel industry since 2015, and in July of 2022, I officially opened ADJ Travel Company. I’m honored to serve as the hometown travel agency for Blount County.”

What’s one interesting fact about you? “When my Dad was doing our family ancestors, he discovered that Pocahontas is a distant cousin of ours!”

Name: Joshua Jones
Company: 3 to 99 Insurance Benefits

Title: Benefits Consultant

Briefly describe your career path and how you got to your current position. “I always wanted to help businesses and become a business man myself and in 2004 I met someone who offered me an opportunity to become self-employed in insurance. I was actually interviewing for a different company and bumped into this gentleman at a store shopping after my interview. I had a suite on at the time, and I must’ve made a good first impression. This was in IL where I remained in the insurance field for 18yrs. I moved to TN in 2022 and remained in the insurance field, and I am now a benefits consultant / broker for 3 to 99 Insurance Benefits.”

What’s one interesting fact about you? “Up until 3 years ago, I had never lived in a different state other than IL. My wife and I spent our 10yr anniversary in Dandridge in 2019 and on the way back said we could our family living in East TN. A couple years later, we did just that and moved to Maryville.”

Name: Lacey King
Company: Sysco

Title: Sales Consultant

Briefly describe your career path and how you got to your current position. “I relocated to East Tennessee from Florida in 2022 to be closer to family. The majority of my professional life was spent in collegiate athletics. I am now excited to be working as a sales consultant for Sysco and to be apart of the continued success and growth of our community.”

What’s one interesting fact about you? My sister and I have the same birthday, two years apart.

Name: Mike King
Company: Martin Printing, LLC

Title: Sales Associate

Briefly describe your career path and how you got to your current position. “I majored in Graphic arts at East Tn State University, after leaving college I joined the Marine Corp to do my part in Vietnam, upon discharge from the Marines I went to work For Mutual Business Forms as an apprentice press operator, I worked my way to General manager but eventually we sold out to a larger company so I went into sales and worked for different companies until I was fortunate enough to join Martin Printing Co.”

What’s one interesting fact about you? “I have another job, I have a ministry called Light Your World Ministries, Inc and we take teams to do missions work in Romania with the Gypsy population.I have made these mission trips since 9/11 2001. I sometimes tell people, that I sell printing to support my missionary habit.”

Name: Kasi Lawson
Company: Knoxville TVA Employees Credit Union

Title: Business Development Specialist

Briefly describe your career path and how you got to your current position. “I began my career with the credit union in 2017, starting part time. That role gave me a strong foundation in member service and a firsthand understanding of how branch operations directly impact our members’ experience. In 2018, I transitioned into a full-time position, where I continued to grow my skills and deepen my knowledge of the organization. In 2019, I stepped into a Marketing Representative role, which allowed me to focus more on outreach, relationships, and telling the credit union’s story in the community. Through that experience, I discovered a passion for connecting people, building partnerships, and creating meaningful community engagement. In April of 2024, I became part of the newly formed Business Development department. In my current role as a BDS, I focus on strengthening community relationships, supporting local organizations, and helping expand the credit union’s presence and impact. Each step in my career has built on the last, leading me to a role that blends relationship-building, strategy, and service-work that I truly enjoy and find meaningful. ”

What’s one interesting fact about you? I am a mom of three amazing, beautiful daughters so life is always busy, never boring, and expensive!

Name: Chris Lee
Company: Be Aware Blount

Title: Prevention Coordinator

Briefly describe your career path and how you got to your current position. “I was a touring musician for many years. Once I stopped touring, I eventually came on staff at 1st United Methodist Church in Maryville and helped them begin their Recovery Ministry. After being on staff there for nearly a decade, I felt like if I could contribute to better prevention work in our community, perhaps there would be less people in need of recovery or struggling with a substance use disorder. That led me to join the staff at Be Aware Blount in 2022, and help this team in the work to end substance misuse and overdose in our Blount County.”

What’s one interesting fact about you? “UIn the mid-2000s, I had one of my singles play on radio in many markets across the country and in other countries like Germany and South Africa.”

Name: Elizabeth Martin
Company: Aligned Benefits
Title: Director of Client Experience

Briefly describe your career path and how you got to your current position. “20 years ago, I created and led a division for a nationwide insurance company focused on design and communication. I began to understand the vast opportunity to educate employers and employees on their benefits – and perks no one seems to know exist. After 5 years, I launched specialty services for select large clients. I truly wanted all clients to have the same resources my clients were receiving. Fortunately, I found a company with the same desire in 2021. Aligned Benefits offers the same (and even more) specialty services to ALL of our clients! As if that wasn’t exciting enough – there is NO cost for our services – and there are many resources we pay for on behalf of our clients!”

What’s one interesting fact about you? “I make my own wine – and often from very unexpected resources.”

Name: Taylor Morgan
Company: Above the Rest Balloons and Event Designs
Title: Lead Event Designer

Briefly describe your career path and how you got to your current position. “Since i was a young teenager, I have wanted a career that involved weddings and design. Here I am, living a dream career for myself and meeting the most wonderful people everyday. I did temp work for Above the Rest Balloons and Event Designs for a while, Dianna recognized my positive work ethic, ability to design, and outgoing personality in which she offered me the position of wedding design and sales.”

What’s one interesting fact about you? ” I can talk to a brick wall, and make it become my friend.”

Name: Aaron Owen
Company: CBBC Bank

Title: Senior Vice President of Commercial Banking

Briefly describe your career path and how you got to your current position. “I started off in consumer banking with U.S. Bank in 2013. I move on after 9 years to a business development position with Now CFO, and then to Pathway Lending as the VP of Lending for the Knoxville Market. I specialized in small business banking and coaching to capital there before I most recently moved to CBBC Bank to focus on commercial lending.”

What’s one interesting fact about you? “I love being outdoors, and I hike Mt Leconte on my birthday every year.”

Name: April Parks
Company: Melaleuca
Title: Marketing and Education

Briefly describe your career path and how you got to your current position. “My career path at this time is retire from a 30-year career in hair to market and educate customers on how to protect themselves, family and environment from all the chemicals being used all around us. In doing that help them shop with Melaleuca. A companies who’s future is to make product to save the environment one product at a time and help customers being financially successful.”

What’s one interesting fact about you? “I started my career path to be a surgeon. Started Pre-med at Maryville College, but God had another idea. Always loved makeup and hair so started that career in 1994.”

Name: Perry Roberts
Company: CBBC Bank
Title: Vice President

Briefly describe your career path and how you got to your current position. ” I began my banking career in 2000 working as an Assistant Branch Manager. I began working for CBBC Bank in 2016 and I’m currently Vice President and Branch Manager of the CBBC Bank Midland location. Currently, I am the Business Development Officer for the Midland Branch in Alcoa, TN and I assist clients with their Consumer and Commercial banking and lending needs.”

Name: Jack Rudolph
Company: Allevia Technology

Title: Outside Sales Rep

Briefly describe your career path and how you got to your current position. “I started out doing commercial structured cabling installation which is what landed me at Allevia where I also had the opportunity to learn the IT & troubleshooting skills to work as a technician. This role made me realize that serving and building relationships with our clients was the thing that made me excited to come to work in the morning. This led to me changing roles to Account Manager and, most recently, Outside Sales where I get the chance to meet and work with so many local business leaders.”

What’s one interesting fact about you? “I am related to Elvis.”

Name: Farrell Scott
Company: Edward Jones
Title: Financial Advisor

Briefly describe your career path and how you got to your current position. “I have always gravitated towards numbers and people. For much of my schooling, I wasn’t even aware of a career that involved both. I began part-time work with Edward Jones while completing my Finance degree at UT – Knoxville, and have been working full-time in Maryville since graduation. My career provides the opportunity to solve financial puzzles, work with people from all backgrounds, and build a meaningful relationship with the community – there is never a boring day.”

What’s one interesting fact about you? “I only eat “dinner foods” for breakfast. (Ribs w/ sweet potatoes is my favorite breakfast).”

Name: Tonya Shelton
Company: Answer Quick

Title: Director of Operations

Briefly describe your career path and how you got to your current position. “I worked as an AFLAC agent for Beth and Gary Cooper at Answer Quick. After a car accident, Beth asked me to come and run Answer Quick with her. I have been going on 13 years. I have know them for 22 years.”

What’s one interesting fact about you? “While in college, I won the McDonalds Regional French Fries Tournament in South Carolina against all other restaurants in the south.”

Name: Laura Snoderly
Company: TruYou Aesthetics Medical Spa

Title: Office Manager

Briefly describe your career path and how you got to your current position. “I was born and raised in Blount County and have built both my life and career here. I began working part-time at CBBC while raising my two sons, then transitioned into a full-time role as the Administrative Assistant in Human Resources at the Blount County Schools Central Office. In 2024, as my youngest son started college, I embraced a new chapter and joined TruYou Aesthetics as Office Manager. I truly enjoy working alongside other women in the small business community and am passionate about creating a space where people feel confident, supported, and good about themselves.”

What’s one interesting fact about you? “My husband and I are high school sweethearts and have been happily married for over 25 years. We spent much of our children’s lives traveling by RV across the country, especially enjoying visits to National Parks and exploring as much of the U.S. as possible together.”

Name: Jim Wydra
Company: ResourceMFG

Title: Business Development Manager

Briefly describe your career path and how you got to your current position. ” I specialize in building strong, strategic partnerships that drive business success. With experience in workforce planning in the manufacturing and logistics space, I bring a consultative approach to every engagement—ensuring the right fit for both clients and candidates.”

What’s one interesting fact about you? “Served in the U.S. Navy.”