9. Gatlinburg's Grocer: How Junior Watson Feeds Millions Each Year
Release Date: 12/24/2024
10. Stories from the Heart and Holler, with Johnny Baker
For the Love of Gatlinburg
In this captivating episode of For the Love of Gatlinburg, host Tom Goodwin welcomes Johnny Baker of Ole Smoky Moonshine to explore the charm and history of Gatlinburg. Johnny shares his deep-rooted connection to the town, from his family's post-World War II arrival to the creation of the world's largest moonshine company. He paints a vivid picture of growing up in Gatlinburg, describing it as his playground and highlighting the strong sense of community that has shaped his life and business. Ole Smoky Moonshine, established 14 years ago, has become a cornerstone of Gatlinburg's tourism...
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9. Gatlinburg's Grocer: How Junior Watson Feeds Millions Each Year
For the Love of Gatlinburg
Episode nine of the For the Love of Gatlinburg podcast, featuring Junior Watson, Store Manager of Food City, Gatlinburg's sole full-service grocery store, offers a rich exploration of Gatlinburg's history, community spirit, and future prospects. Junior's family has deep roots in the area, dating back to the 1700s when they settled in White Oak Flats, now known as Gatlinburg. The Watson family's seven-generation legacy in the town exemplifies the enduring connection many residents feel to this charming Smoky Mountain community. Junior's personal experiences growing up in Gatlinburg, from...
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8. Gatlinburg's Living Legacy, with Susie Greengold
For the Love of Gatlinburg
Susie Greengold, a 71-year-old lifelong Gatlinburg resident, embodies the town's rich heritage and evolution. Her family's roots in the area date back to the 1700s, with ancestors like William Ogle and Jane Husky Ogle among Gatlinburg's earliest settlers. This deep connection is reflected in Susie's education, which included attending Gatlinburg Pittman High School and PI Beta Phi, a unique K-12 school funded by a sorority from Monmouth College, Illinois. The Greengold family has played a significant role in Gatlinburg's development. Susie's great-great-grandfather owned the land where the...
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7. Gatlinburg's Heritage and Evolution, with Randy Watson
For the Love of Gatlinburg
Randy Watson, the General Manager of Gatlinburg SkyPark, was born and raised in the area. Watson's family has deep roots in the region, with his grandparents having worked for the Little River Lumber Company before the establishment of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Watson discusses beginning his career at the Gatlinburg Skylift at age 14 and eventually following in his father's footsteps to become the general manager. Throughout the conversation, he recounts witnessing the evolution of SkyPark from a single-chairlift attraction to a major tourist destination featuring the SkyBridge,...
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6: Resilience and Reinvention: Mark Adams' Vision for Gatlinburg Tourism
For the Love of Gatlinburg
Mark Adams, President and CEO of Ober Mountain, has been a transformative force in Gatlinburg's tourism landscape for over eight years. With a background in managing major venues in Atlanta, Adams brought fresh perspectives to Gatlinburg, navigating challenges like wildfires and the COVID-19 pandemic with innovative strategies. His leadership during crises fostered community unity and resilience, exemplified by increased marketing efforts and adaptive messaging. Adams played a crucial role in rebranding Obergatlinburg to Ober Mountain, honoring its legacy while introducing new attractions....
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5. A Heart for Hospitality: Jackie Leatherwood's Enduring Impact on Gatlinburg
For the Love of Gatlinburg
In this podcast episode, Jackie Leatherwood, General Manager of Greystone Lodge in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, shares her deep connection to the area and insights into the local community. With 28 years at Greystone Lodge and roots in Sevier County, Jackie discusses her family history and childhood experiences that shaped her understanding of Gatlinburg. The episode also highlights Jackie's active involvement in local and state-level organizations, including her roles on the Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce board and the Tennessee Hospitality and Tourism Association board. She emphasizes the...
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4. From Tourist to Resident Influencer: Corey Wagner's Journey to Gatlinburg
For the Love of Gatlinburg
In the podcast episode featuring Corey Wagner, listeners are introduced to his remarkable journey from tourist to local influencer in Gatlinburg. Corey, originally from Lima, Ohio, first visited Gatlinburg in 2011 with his family after a long hiatus from traveling. They stayed at Zoders Hotel, a historic recommendation from his wife, and enjoyed their trip so much that they extended their stay from three to four nights. This initial visit sparked an annual tradition of returning to Gatlinburg, with Corey bringing his son back for the first time after he turned ten in 2013. Over the years, they...
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1. From Hay Fields to City Hall: The Journey of Mayor Mike Werner
For the Love of Gatlinburg
In this episode, we sit down with Mike Werner, the longtime Mayor of Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Mike shares his fascinating journey from first visiting Gatlinburg in 1976 to becoming its mayor and a pillar of the community. Mike's story begins with an impulse property purchase in Walden's Creek, which led to him relocating his family to Gatlinburg in 1980 without a job or a home. He recounts building his first house from poplar logs and the community support he received, setting the tone for his deep connection to Gatlinburg. We explore Mike's professional path, from working in land surveying and...
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2. A Beacon of Female Leadership: The Life and Legacy of Cindy Cameron Ogle
For the Love of Gatlinburg
Cindy Cameron Ogle has been a cornerstone of Gatlinburg's growth and development for nearly five decades, serving as the city's longest-tenured City Manager from 1989 to 2023. Her journey from a South Knoxville native to Gatlinburg's most influential public servant is a testament to her dedication, vision, and resilience. Ogle's career in public service began in 1974 when she worked for U.S. Congressman John Duncan, Sr. After a brief stint at the University of Tennessee's Department of Head Start Training, she joined the City of Gatlinburg in 1978 as a Grants Coordinator. Her capabilities...
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3. Balancing Progress with Tradition: Chad Netherland's Heart for Gatlinburg's Future
For the Love of Gatlinburg
Chad Netherland, the President and CEO of Visit Gatlinburg, highlights the town's unique charm and its ongoing evolution while sharing his personal connection to the area. Netherland emphasizes Gatlinburg's spectacular scenery and its rich history, having spent summers there since childhood. In his role as President and CEO of the Gatlinburg Convention Center and Visitors Bureau, Chad focuses on balancing economic growth with preserving Gatlinburg's character, noting the introduction of new restaurants and nightlife options while community groups actively work to prevent...
info_outlineEpisode nine of the For the Love of Gatlinburg podcast, featuring Junior Watson, Store Manager of Food City, Gatlinburg's sole full-service grocery store, offers a rich exploration of Gatlinburg's history, community spirit, and future prospects. Junior's family has deep roots in the area, dating back to the 1700s when they settled in White Oak Flats, now known as Gatlinburg. The Watson family's seven-generation legacy in the town exemplifies the enduring connection many residents feel to this charming Smoky Mountain community.
Junior's personal experiences growing up in Gatlinburg, from enjoying local treats at the Donut Fryer to encountering wildlife, paint a vivid picture of the town's evolution. The transformation of Gatlinburg from a quiet mountain town to a bustling tourist destination is discussed, highlighting the positive economic impacts and the nostalgic sentiments of some locals. The episode also delves into the significant role of Gatlinburg Pittman High School in shaping the community, boasting impressive academic and athletic achievements.
Food City, under Junior's management, has become a cornerstone of community support, particularly during challenging times like the 2016 fires. The store's involvement in disaster response and community aid underscores the tight-knit nature of Gatlinburg's residents. Junior's active participation in the local Rotary Club further demonstrates his commitment to service, with initiatives ranging from flag-raising events to scholarships and community projects.
This episode also touches on the resilience of Gatlinburg's community, especially in the face of tragedies like the 2016 fires. It emphasizes the unified efforts to rebuild and support affected residents, showcasing the town's strong community spirit. Looking to the future, Junior expresses hope for Gatlinburg's continued flourishing while preserving its natural beauty and community values. The episode concludes with a call to maintain pride in local heritage and community bonds, ensuring that Gatlinburg's unique charm endures for generations to come.