Benchmark Happenings

Freedom isn't free—a truth Michelle Stewart and the Honor Flight program understand deeply. As president of Honor Flight of the Appalachian Highlands, Michelle has dedicated herself to giving veterans the recognition they earned through their service and sacrifice. What began as a Facebook message from a high school friend in 2021 has transformed into a mission that's touched hundreds of...

What does it take to transform a childhood passion into a thriving beauty business? Shamail McKenzie's journey from practicing on Barbie styling heads to becoming an award-winning hair and makeup artist reveals the perfect blend of artistic talent, business savvy, and genuine care for clients. Shamail opens up about her 15+ years in the beauty industry, sharing how she built her business from...

Judge Jim Goodwin lifts the veil on what recovery courts really are—not programs for first-time offenders as commonly misunderstood, but rather the last line of defense before long-term incarceration for those caught in addiction's grip. As Criminal Court Judge for the Second Judicial District in Sullivan County, Goodwin has transformed the landscape of rehabilitation in East Tennessee throug...

What happens when tourism expertise meets a passion for pageants and photography? Something magical, as Krishna Goodwin demonstrates in this captivating conversation about professional imagery, personal branding, and finding your true path. Krishna pulls back the curtain on her journey from Sullivan County Tourism Director to sought-after photographer, revealing how her husband's hobby unexpe...

Navigating today's mortgage market doesn't have to be overwhelming. Steve Reed of Benchmark Home Loans joins us to cut through the confusion with straightforward talk about what's really happening with housing inventory, interest rates, and smart loan shopping in 2024. The real estate landscape has noticeably shifted from the frenzy of 2021-2022. We're seeing about 20% more inv...

Join us for a dynamic episode where we explore the incredible impact of youth fast-pitch softball on the Northeast Tennessee community, featuring special guest Tina Gale. With nearly two decades of experience, Tina has transformed local sports by creating the Diamond Classic tournaments, bringing together families and young athletes in exhilarating competition each year. Dive into the story of how...

Discover how Thermodynamic Health, led by Kevin Corbett, is revolutionizing wellness in Northeast Tennessee. In this engaging episode, Kevin candidly shares his battle with chronic pain, revealing how it motivated him to create a holistic health center that emphasizes natural therapies over conventional medication. From innovative modalities like cryotherapy and contrast therapy to essential discu...

Join us as we sit down with the inspiring Karen Hubs from Goose Chase, a visionary who is turning a wild idea into a transformative movement for the fitness community in East Tennessee. Discover how Karen, inspired by the metaphor of a 'wild goose chase' from Mark Batterson's "The Circle Maker," left a 15-year career at the Chamber of Commerce to create her own path in the...

Could AI be the hammer that builds or the hammer that breaks? Join us as we venture into the transformative world of AI with Austin Ramsey, the innovative CEO of Point Tech. We explore the promise and peril of artificial intelligence, from its potential to revolutionize industries like real estate to its role in medical breakthroughs and the ever-present threat to privacy and data security. Austin...

Kylie Wade from Organizing for Life joins us to share her incredible journey from project management and marketing to transforming cluttered spaces into serene havens. Discover how her unique concept of "visual victories" empowers her clients to achieve remarkable organizational results in just six hours. Whether you're a busy parent or feeling overwhelmed by clutter, Kylie's i...

Discover the essential strategies for first-time homebuyers with our guest, Steve Reed, owner-proprietor of Benchmark Home Loans. We promise to equip you with the knowledge to navigate the tricky terrain of the 2025 housing market with confidence. Steve and I discuss the vital importance of selecting the right realtor and lender, steering clear of the common pitfall of relying solely on advertised...

Transform your understanding of modern healthcare and nutrition as we welcome the esteemed Dr. Tom Rogers from Performance Medicine. Dr. Rogers brings his wealth of knowledge in functional and integrative medicine to our discussion, emphasizing how lifestyle choices like nutrition, exposure to toxins, stress, and inadequate sleep play a critical role in our overall health. Prepare to rethink what...

Cindy Ketron joins us on this special Christmas Day episode of Benchmark Happenings to reveal the deeper meanings of the holiday, going far beyond the usual trappings of gifts and decorations. Together, we explore the roots of Christmas in the biblical narrative, tracing back to Genesis and the original sin of Adam and Eve. This sets the stage for a larger discussion on the need for redemption, a...

Discover the compelling journey of Adam Momberger, the Administrative District Chief of the Johnson City Fire Department, as he reveals what drew him from Ohio to the vibrant community of Johnson City. Learn about the department's unwavering commitment to their core values—Honesty, Empathy, Loyalty, and Professionalism—through the HELP acronym, setting the tone for their mission as an all-haz...

Unlock the secrets to maintaining a youthful appearance as Kelly Rogers from Performance Medicine shares her transformative journey from marketing to mastering aesthetics. Discover how Botox can serve as a preventative ally rather than a quick fix, and why a consistent skincare routine is essential. Kelly passionately discusses the increasing interest from men and the vital role of continuous educ...

Jenny Rogers, a certified life elite coach and dynamic creator, joins us for an episode brimming with inspiration and authenticity. Known for her vibrant journey of dreaming big, Jenny shares how the steadfast support of her family fueled her ambition to live a life untethered by fear. Her engaging storytelling reveals how experiences as a music teacher, author, and speaker have shaped her into a...

What if you could turn your passion for fashion into a powerhouse boutique that doubles as a force for good? Join us as we catch up with Carlina Alder and Azlinn Edwards, the mother-daughter duo behind Tennessee’s beloved fashion haven, Aslan Hope. Fresh off a dazzling fashion show that not only showcased the latest trends but also raised over $5,000 for breast cancer awareness, Carlina and Azlinn...

Join us as Sam Taylor, visionary entrepreneur and owner of Property Experts, takes us on a journey from his beginnings at Cheers Restaurant to his successful transition into the tech world and finally, to his thriving career in real estate. Alongside Steve Reed of Benchmark Home Loans, Sam shares invaluable insights into how adaptability and innovation have been key to his success. Together, we na...

How do you keep a family pharmacy thriving in today’s fast-paced world? Discover the secrets behind Penny’s Prescription Shop as we chat with Gina Pinney and her son Spencer, the dynamic duo carrying forward a legacy of personalized, community-focused service in Northeast Tennessee. Gina shares her heartfelt journey of following in her father Carl Markham's footsteps, acquiring Moore's P...

Ever wondered what sets a local, family-owned pharmacy apart from the big chains? Join us as we sit down with Colton Marcum, the passionate owner and pharmacist of Marcum's Pharmacy in Kingsport, Tennessee. From heartwarming stories about his grandfather, Carl, who founded the pharmacy in 1962, to the challenges faced by small business owners today, Colton, alongside his wife Catherine, offer...

Are seller-paid commissions affecting your closing costs? Not at all! Tune in to Benchmark Happenings for an eye-opening conversation with Jonathan Tipton and Steve Reed from Benchmark Home Loans. They unravel the complexities of the National Association of Realtors Settlement and clarify its impact on real estate transactions. Discover the recent changes in VA loan regulations that now allow buye...

Prepare to have your perspective on artificial intelligence turned upside down by Austin Ramsey, the trailblazing entrepreneur who challenges us all to "crush the box." We uncover how AI is already shaping our daily lives, from the unseen algorithms on social media to the geospatial mapping that guides our commute. Austin also gives us a sneak peek into the upcoming iOS 18 update, which...

Ever wondered how fitness could be the key to reclaiming life after a cancer diagnosis? Meet Aaron Grunke, the founder of Survivor Fitness, who transformed his harrowing battle with cancer into a beacon of hope for other survivors. Aaron shares the raw and emotional journey from being a 21-year-old college student facing the stark realities of cancer treatment to enduring multiple surgeries and ch...

What happens when a young woman from the Tri-Cities area channels her marital bliss into a full-fledged career? Meet Jamie Jackson, the dynamic founder of Jamie Events, who turned her post-wedding enthusiasm into a thriving business. Jamie's story is one of passion and perseverance, starting from her humble beginnings to becoming a sought-after wedding and event planner. Along the way, she ha...

Discover the incredible journey of Terry Kazmaier and Shanoa Pruitt as they share their entrepreneurial story in the beauty industry. From launching Sugar Mama amidst the economic downturn of 2008 to forming a transformative partnership in 2014, their narrative is a testament to resilience and innovation. Terry's need for beauty services beyond standard hours sparked the creation of Sugar Mam...