Tag: Chamber of Commerce

This feature is a question-and-answer session with a new Blount County Chamber member. So, here we go with our 228th installment visiting with Nicole Pavlik, attorney with Maryville Estate Planning which helps individuals and families gain peace of mind by creating clear, customized estate plans. Too often, people delay planning until it’s too late—or they use generic documents that don’t reflect their actual wishes.

Describe your business: We’re in business to make estate planning more accessible, understandable, and tailored to each person’s life, family, and goals. We help clients plan for the future through customized estate planning services, including wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. In addition to estate planning, we also assist small business owners with services like reviewing and preparing business contracts, partnership agreements, and commercial lease reviews. Our firm offers both virtual and in-person appointments to make quality legal services accessible and convenient throughout Tennessee.

How did you get started? I’ve been practicing law in Arizona for over 13 years. I still maintain my Arizona practice, but after living in Maryville for four years, I realized how strong and connected this community is. I wanted to bring accessible, client-centered estate planning services to this area—especially for families who value personal relationships and trusted local professionals. That’s what inspired me to establish Maryville Estate Planning, PLLC.

What is your background? Of course, I went to law school and became a licensed attorney—but even before that, I worked as a paralegal for eight years. Altogether, I’ve spent over 20 years in the legal field. That experience has given me a deep understanding of both the educational and practical sides of the law. I’ve seen firsthand how important clear communication, organization, and empathy are when working with clients—especially in estate planning and business matters. Running my own practice has allowed me to bring all of that experience together in a way that truly serves my clients.

Who is your biggest supporter? My biggest supporters have been my mom and my sister, who both work with me in my Arizona firm. They’ve cared deeply about the growth of my practice and the importance of providing exceptional service to every client. Their encouragement, hard work, and belief in what we’re building have been instrumental—I truly couldn’t have done it without them. They’ve been there every step of the way, helping to shape both the business and the heart behind it.

Describe your customers. My clients are everyday people—parents, retirees, small business owners, and caregivers—who want to protect their loved ones and ensure their wishes are honored. Some are navigating the probate process after losing a family member; others are planning ahead to avoid that burden for their own families. Most of my clients appreciate plain-language advice, flexibility in how we meet, and a lawyer who truly listens.

What are three things you wish you knew at the start? Most people feel intimidated by estate planning until you create a space for honest, comfortable conversations.

Running a solo practice means being both a lawyer and a business owner—marketing, technology, client service, and administration are all part of the job.

That flexibility and clear communication are more important than having a fancy office or legal jargon

What do you enjoy most about your profession? I love helping clients feel a sense of relief and control once they’ve completed their plan. It’s rewarding to know I’ve made a difficult process easier or helped someone protect their family’s future. I also enjoy the flexibility of running my own practice—I can be responsive to clients while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Click to view the online version of the Blount Partnership weekly newsletter for July 28, 2025.

Click to view the online version of the Blount Partnership weekly newsletter for July 21, 2025.

We are delighted to welcome the newest members of the Blount County Chamber of Commerce who joined us during the Membership Event held from July 15-17, with special assistance from Your Chamber Connection. Your commitment to our community’s growth and success is truly appreciated, and we look forward to supporting your business endeavors. Together, we will continue to foster a vibrant, thriving business environment in Blount County. Thank you for choosing to be part of our Chamber family!

502 Equipment
865 Anglers
865 Equity Group
A Secret Safe Place for Newborns of TN
Aces Electric
Aethon Metal Fabrication, LLC
AFLAC
All American Insurance
All Dry Roofing, Inc.
Allcor Staffing Services, Inc.
Andrea Jones – Realty Executives
Angela Kowalski
Asphalt Maintenance of TN
Athens Insurance – Jackson Guy
Athens Insurance – Landon Wilson
Avona Technologies
Baileys Hardscaping & Landscaping
Bates Land Service, LLC
Berkel & Company Contractors, Inc.
Blackstock
Blount Electric Inc
BRC Brent Randall Curbing and Landscaping
Burchfield Construction
C&C Beef
CalvinBlevins
Carico Construction, Inc.
Cassios Tattoo Gallery
CEN – Clean Energy Now
CFI Insulation
Cherry Blossom Lodge
Chick-Fil-A at Northshore Town Center
Chilhowee Baptist Association
Cinnaholic Knoxville
Clendenin & Lockwood Construction, LLC
Consolidated Pipe & Supply
Cook Bros Homes
Cooper Electrical Systems
D & L Fulfillment
Devoted Home Group
Dogwood Realty
East Tennessee Junk Away
EK Auctioneers
Elliott’s Boots
Enrichment Federal Credit Union
Farm Bureau Insurance – West Maryville
Farmers Insurance, Kevin Edmonds
Fastest Labs
Ferry Furnishing Concepts
Finishing Touch Lawn & Landscaping
Firehouse Subs
First Bank
Fleetwood Salon
Foothills Medical Consultants, LLC
Foothills Strategies
ForeverLawn Rocktop
Forrest Hill Investments, LLC
Franklin Financial CPAs
Gemini Hospitality
George Hamby Painting
Glenstone Galleries
Globe Life Liberty National – Shelton
Haley Julian Dental Arts
Holly’s Home Staging
Home CPR
Hoo La La Vintage
HUB International
Hyperion Networks Inc
I.N.K.
Inter-Agency Insurance Service
Into Eden Bookkeeping
Itty Bitty Bling
J.C. Construction and Development, Inc.
Jordan Henderson for State House
K & M Marketing
Kinetix
Kingsview Partners
Knox County Government
Knox Hydrovac
Kooky Cookies
Landsculptures, Inc.
LaRue & Co.
Launch Hospitality
LeConte Realty – Melissa Stuart
Legacy Parks
Lemony Squeeze
Levure Baking
Lighting Trends
Managing Results
Marsh Made Designs
Martin Contracting, Inc.
Martin Mill Partnership, LLC
Maryville Counseling
Maryville Fence
Massey Mechanical Company
Matt Albert
MC Painting
McCoy Construction & Forestry
McGaha Electric
McPherson Home Inspections
Merkel Media
Miller Concrete & Landscaping
Millsaps and Bennett CPAs
MLK9-Knoxville
Mortgage Investors Group – Christopher Langston
Mortgage Investors Group – Kristin Blackberg
Mortgage Investors Group – Natalie Abouelata
Moss Bros. Builders
Nick Bright
Nina Abbott Schultz, MAMFT
Ogle Brothers General Store
Optimal Joy Wellness & Aesthetics
Patterson Appraisal
PC2 Professional Construction Consulting
Pearly Haze
Pinnacle Business Guides
Pioneer Industrial Sales
Pleasant Grove Baptist Church
Poised & Plumb
Premier Kitchens & Baths
Project Tennessee Builders, LLC
Quick Fitness 24/7
R2 and Associates
Realty Executives Associates – Chris Cook
Realty Executives Associates – Susan Stout
Realty Executives Associates – The Tilley Home Team
Regan McCarter – Aflac Inc
Rentique Property Management
Ridgepath Capital Mangement
Risher Roofing Kingston
Robinson Homes
Rock Solid Maintenance and Repairs
Rockford Valley Landworks
Roof Rejuvenate of East TN
Sanctum Recover
Senior Citizens Home Assistance
SESCO Lighting
Southeast Excavating
Southern Casting Company
Southern Cross Real Estate
Stay Cool Pools and Spas
Stockton Mortgage Corporation
Street Hope TN
Strick Electric
Sudman Foundation
Swearingen Collins Orthodontics
Teffeteller Plumbing
Tennessee Aquatics
Tennessee Mountain Real Estate – Michelle Newman
The Architecture Collaborative
The Mains
The Shrimp Dock
The Travel Saver
Tim Ivens Real Estate & Development
Topside Studios, LLC
Total Maintenance
Tri-County Crushed Stone, LLC
Tri-Star Property Maintenance
Van Edom Enterprises
VanArsdale Transportation
Vision Pool & Spa LLC
Wakeland Manufacturing
Waterwheel Initiative
Waterworks Irrigation Svcs, Inc
Wellington Place Construction
Wells Tavern
Westgate Entertainment
Wildtree Productions
Wildwood Baptist Church
World Travel Service, Inc.
Yachts360
Zerambo Landscaping

This feature is a question-and-answer session with a new Blount County Chamber member. So, here we go with our 227th installment visiting with Kim Dudash, founder and CEO of Dudash Executive Coaching which helps leaders gain clarity, build emotional intelligence, and lead with courageous authenticity.

Describe what you do. We partner with executives, high-potential leaders, and teams to unlock growth through professional coaching and powerful leadership development tools. Our services include one-on-one executive coaching, leadership assessments (such as the Leadership Circle Profile 360°, iEQ9 Integrative Enneagram, and Hogan Assessments), team workshops, and strategic facilitation. We also support organizations in transforming culture through clarity of purpose, mindset shifts, and emotionally intelligent leadership. As a Certified Trainer with the Center for The Empowerment Dynamic and a 3 Vital Questions (3VQ) Certified Coach and Trainer, I help clients shift from reactive to creative leadership in complex environments.

How did you get started in this business? After more than 30 years of leadership experience across multiple industries, I found my greatest fulfillment in helping other leaders grow. I launched Dudash Executive Coaching to combine that experience with my passion for personal transformation, neuroscience, and human potential. Coaching allows me to support others in discovering who they are and how they lead—and I consider that an incredible privilege.

What is your background? My path has included hands-on leadership roles, formal coach training, and deep work in personal development. I’m a certified Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with the International Coaching Federation and hold certifications in the Leadership Circle Profile, iEQ9 Enneagram, and Hogan Assessments. I’m also a Certified Trainer with the Center for The Empowerment Dynamic and a 3 Vital Questions (3VQ) Certified Coach and Trainer. These frameworks are central to how I support leaders in transforming their mindset, communication, and impact.

Describe your customers? My clients are mission-driven leaders—executives, entrepreneurs, and rising stars—who want to grow not just for career success, but to lead with greater purpose, presence, and impact. Many are navigating complex change, managing teams, or striving to align their work with who they truly are.

What do you enjoy most about this profession? I love witnessing transformation—those moments when a client gains a new insight, takes a brave step, or leads differently because of our work together. It’s incredibly rewarding to help others lead from a place of truth, compassion, and courage. At Dudash Executive Coaching, we believe the best leaders never stop growing. Whether you’re an executive seeking clarity, a team navigating change, or an organization looking to elevate culture, we’re here to walk alongside you. Leadership is a journey—and you don’t have to walk it alone.

Click to view the online version of the Blount Partnership weekly newsletter for July 14, 2025.

Ben Spina, executive vice president at Hickory Construction, Inc., has been selected to be a member of a senior executive peer advisory board in Knoxville by Vistage Worldwide, Inc. He joins over 375 senior executives, business owners, and CEOs across the state of Tennessee who are Vistage members. Spina has 16 years of engineering leadership in submarine maintenance and modernization, along with seven years in light commercial development. His background in coordinating large technical teams, driving operational excellence, and delivering mission-critical work translates directly to the demands of custom residential and commercial construction.

Board Master Chair Kurt Greene said, “We are so pleased to welcome Ben to this group. My mission as a Vistage Chair is to help business leaders go from good to great and stay there, and Ben brings a unique and important perspective. The senior executive’s job is everchanging, so the value of bringing successful decision makers together like we do is immeasurable.” Greene is Chair of the two Vistage advisory boards in the greater Knoxville area.

Vistage members meet monthly with peers from local non-competing businesses to help one another improve their companies and themselves. Membership is by invitation only and requires a nomination and a selection process.

UT Federal Credit Union CEO Kenyon Warren announced key appointments to the credit union’s leadership team, naming dedicated professionals who will drive the organization’s member-first mission.

“We are in the midst of a purposeful and positive transformation at UT Federal Credit Union. Every step we take is guided by a clear strategy to improve lives—delivering greater value for our employees, members, and communities. What inspires me the most is our team’s incredible dedication, can-do attitude, and heart. I couldn’t be more excited for what lies ahead,” says Warren.

Key senior staff appointments include:

Promotions:

Ron Arms, Assistant Vice President, Director of Loss Mitigation

Elizabeth DeBusk, Assistant Vice President, Director of Lending Systems & Risk Management

Jennifer Shepherd, Assistant Vice President, Director of Indirect Lending

Anne Hewitt, Senior Vice President, Chief Retail Officer

Michael Jones, Senior Vice President, Chief Risk & Information Officer

New Staff Appointment:

Heath Dawson, Senior Vice President, Chief Lending Officer (CLO)

Ron Arms, Assistant Vice President, Director of Loss Mitigation
With over two decades of experience in credit union lending services and seven years at UTFCU, Ron Arms’ leadership is marked by strong team development, exceptional service, and a commitment to helping members through financial challenges.

Elizabeth DeBusk, Assistant Vice President, Director of Lending Systems & Risk Management
Elizabeth DeBusk has developed her career at UTFCU for 24 years. With experience in operations throughout the credit union, DeBusk brings a unique, holistic perspective to her consumer and indirect lending roles.

Jennifer Shepherd, Assistant Vice President, Director of Indirect Lending
Jennifer Shepherd has over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry and six years at UTFCU. Her extensive background in loans, leadership, and branch operations positions her well to lead UTFCU’s growing indirect lending portfolio.

Anne Hewitt, Senior Vice President, Chief Retail Officer
With nearly eight years at UTFCU, Anne Hewitt has demonstrated exceptional operations and sales management leadership. She is known for her ability to streamline processes, foster high-performing teams, and drive year-over-year growth.

Michael Jones, Senior Vice President, Chief Risk & Information Officer
Michael Jones joined UTFCU eight months ago and quickly became a driving force in risk, compliance, and governance. With a talent for creative problem-solving, Jones brings a unique blend of technical acumen and strategic thinking.

Heath Dawson, Senior Vice President, Chief Lending Officer (CLO)
UTFCU welcomes Heath Dawson as its new Chief Lending Officer. With 25 years of experience in financial services and executive management, Dawson deeply understands consumer and business lending, mortgage, and retail banking. His strategic leadership and results-driven approach will be instrumental in advancing UTFCU’s lending strategies.

These strategic appointments reflect UT Federal Credit Union’s continued commitment to excellence, innovation, and member service. These leaders bring a unique blend of experience, vision, and dedication that will help drive the credit union forward. As UTFCU grows, these individuals will play a vital role in shaping the organization’s future and ensuring we remain a trusted financial partner for our members and community.

Click to view the online version of the Blount Partnership weekly newsletter for July 7, 2025.