The BLC Connection

Bryan, Karen, and Micah find themselves talking about… All things 911 with Warren County 911 Director Chuck Haston. What is A.I. and how does it work? The latest on Wi-Fi Van community events, Channel 6, The Connection Magazine, and more! To give us feedback, questions, or ideas for future guests email us at blcpodcast@benlomand.net .

Rock Island Trolley Stop has become a favorite ice cream and food stop in Middle Tennessee. The menu features fun treats at affordable prices for the whole family. The business focuses on customer comfort by adding outdoor seating, games and a heated igloo for year-round operations. Hear manager Robin Henley tell the story on this podcast episode. 

The Stinson family has owned and operated a jewelry businesses for five generations. In addition to being excellent craftsmen, the family members have built a reputation of caring for customers’ jewelry needs and their precious purchases. The family’s thoughtfulness has created loyal customers who send their children and grandchildren to purchase precious jewels from the Stinsons.

BigFoot Adventure in beautiful Grundy county offers zip lining, disc golf, camping, hiking and more. Visitors of all ages are welcome to enjoy Tennessee’s natural landscape while laughing and smiling with their family and friends. Owner Andy Baggenstoss tells us why he started the park and how he keeps his clientele in mind when deciding what activities to develop.

Bryan, Karen, and Micah find themselves talking about… All things Bridgestone with Bridgestone Morrison Plant Manager Tim Painter. What is “The Wayback Machine” and what does it do?  The latest on community events, Channel 6, The Connection Magazine, and more! To give us feedback, questions, or ideas for future guests email us at blcpodcast@benlomand.net .

In our thirteenth episode Bryan, Karen, and Micah find themselves talking about… Our FIRST video podcast (which can be found at our Ben Lomand Connect YouTube Channel ) and all things FiRST National Bank of Middle Tennessee with President Pieter van Vuuren. What is multi-Gig? Micah’s Show and Tell: What is a Firewall and what does it do? The latest at Channel 6, the Connection Magazine, and more!

Buds & Blooms and Tristar Plants have greenhouses in Sparta, Tennessee, that sell plant varieties locally and nationally! Listen to Owner Allen Selby as he discusses the importance of small businesses helping one another during times of crisis and how he broadened his market when the opportunity presented itself.

Mad Cow Running Company has been a wonderful asset to the McMinnville community. The store provides all the shoes, equipment, and encouragement you need to get outside and get moving! Owner Monica Moore joined the show to tell us her vision for the store and a healthier community.

In our twelfth episode Bryan, Karen, and Micah find themselves talking about… All things White County with Sparta District Manager Ben Clark and District Customer Relations Supervisor Tammy Odom. “Tech to School”: The latest technology and app recommendations for students young and old. The latest at Channel 6 and outdoor events around our area. Micah’s Dad Jokes Reiew and more!

Joshua and Sarah Morgan own The Monroe on 415th, a modern wedding venue in Middle Tennessee. Sarah discusses how each detail of the venue — from the design to vendor recommendations — aims to make each couple's wedding day a perfect and memorable experience.

In our eleventh episode Bryan, Karen, and Micah find themselves talking about… All things Arlo with Information Systems and Managed IT Manager Chris Centracchio. Mailbag Segment: The explanation of IP addresses with Network Operations Supervisor Clent Kesey. The latest at Channel 6, the Connection magazine, and outdoor events around our area. Micah’s Trivia and more!

Julie Keel, co-host of the Housing Hub Podcast, joined the show to discuss bringing a spotlight on housing needs in the Upper Cumberland by podcasting.  Aided by a South Cumberland Community Fund grant, Keel and co-host Sophia Wickersham work to centralize information for their clients.

In our 10th episode, Bryan and Karen find themselves talking about… The past, present, and future of Ben Lomand Connect with board members Joe Roper and Gerald Sitz. Ben Lomand Connect’s help in the farming and finance sectors with Mr. Roper and Mr. Sitz. Plus, the latest at Channel 6, the Ben Lomand Connect YouTube Channel, The Connection magazine, and indoor events around our area.

In our ninth episode Bryan, Karen, and Micah find themselves talking about… Ben Lomand Security installation and layout discussion with Tim Sharpe Security Smart Home devices to enhance your home or business with Blake Thomas The latest at Channel 6, the Connection magazine and indoor events around our area Micah’s Trivia and more!

Mandy Eller, executive director of Beersheba Springs Medical Clinic, discusses the health care challenges of rural Tennessee and how the clinic addresses those challenges in Grundy County.

Carrie Huckeby, executive director of the Tennessee Broadband Association, joined the podcast to discuss the history of telecom cooperatives, broadband expansion across our state, and the importance of engaging the next generation to continue the legacy of cooperatives.

In our eighth episode Bryan, Karen, and Micah find themselves talking about… HUGE grant news for residents of Cumberland and Coffee counties and why grants are important. A behind-the-scenes look at what went on during the August partial outage. The latest at Channel 6 and the Mobile Wi-Fi Van. Micah’s Trivia and more!

In our seventh episode Bryan, Karen, and Micah find themselves talking about… Talking all things about Network Operations with Bill Jennings and Albert Frasier. What smart home technology are we using today and what are the benefits? The latest on Channel 6 and area fair schedules, plus items you and your family can grab from us there. Micah’s Trivia and more!

Larry Flatt, executive director at Motlow State Automation and Robotics Training Center, discusses how the center is preparing its students to help meet growing workforce demands in Tennessee.

In our sixth episode Bryan, Karen, and Micah find themselves back at the Main Branch and talking about… Customer service and sales with Business Development & Customer Relations Manager Gena Barry. What are GigaMesh Extenders and why might I need them? The latest in Channel 6 and area events. Micah’s Trivia and more!

Dr. Margaret Sutton, co-owner of McMinnville Drug Center, joined the show to discuss how technology has helped the pharmacy better serve its community. Technology brings faster service, helpful programs, and better care to customers.

In our fifth episode Bryan, Karen, and Micah find themselves at the BLC Plant Operations Facility and talking about… What goes into getting fiber built and run to your home, plus the latest build updates with Director of Operations Chad Dees. What are ExperienceIQ and ProtectIQ and why do I need them? The latest in The Connection Magazine, Channel 6, and area events. Micah’s Trivia and more!

Tony Lawrence from the Bybee Branch Church of Christ joined this episode to discuss how the church didn't modify its message, but how it was conveyed in a different way during COVID. The church used technology to ensure that members and visitors – whether at home, in the hospital, or around the world – could still participate in services during the pandemic.

In our “foreth” episode Bryan, Karen and Micah find themselves in “The Golf Capital of Tennessee” and talk about… -The growth of fiber throughout Cumberland County with District Office Manager Tommy Brown and Business Sales Representative Rosa Smith. -Why do I need the Ben Lomand Home App and what does it do? -The latest in the Connection Magazine and area events in May. -Phobia trivia with Micah...

Karen is joined on this episode by Tiffany Anton, Vice President of The Biz Foundry. From workshops and training programs to providing a co-worker space and business connections, The Biz Foundry helps entrepreneurs no matter where they are in their small business journey.