Captain Richard Simms has an eclectic career path, from Game Warden to Videographer to Executive Producer, and ultimately back to the outdoors.  In this episode, Richard shares how a coin toss influenced where he landed as a Game Warden, why family drives every decision he makes, and how he left his 9-5 to pursue his “weekend gig” - Scenic City Fishing Charters - and is now affiliated with nine additional guides. Richard Simms is the owner of Scenic City Fishing Charters. You can connect with him on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/sceniccityfishing) and you can learn more about his fishing charters on his website (sceniccityfishing.com). If you liked this episode, we think you’ll also like: Mark McKnight’s Morning Cup (E39) Calvin Sneed’s Morning Cup (E77) Tom Henderson’s Morning Cup (E82) My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by SpeakEasy Productions.  Subscribe to the weekly newsletter here and be the first to know who upcoming guests are!

Keith Sanford, a dedicated community member and former Market President, shares his insightful journey from banking to leading the Tennessee Aquarium. He dives into his love for Chattanooga and the impact of community engagement on personal growth. Listen for his humorous take on penguins, reflections on revitalizing downtown Chattanooga, and thoughts on navigating challenges during the pandemic. As he prepares for retirement, Sanford reveals his aspirations for the future, all while emphasizing the joy of family ties and civic involvement.

Gerald McCormick, a former Tennessee State Representative and consultant at The Ingram Group, reflects on his diverse journey from billboard advertising to politics. He shares nostalgic memories of Elvis Presley and his transition from Democratic to Republican ideologies. The conversation delves into his impactful National Guard service and his recent battle with ALS, emphasizing resilience and gratitude. Gerald's insights on mentorship, networking, and family values offer a profound perspective on overcoming challenges in life.

Chris Hopkins, a lifelong learner and co-founder of Apogee Wealth Partners, shares his inspiring journey from selling vacuums at age 6 to navigating the finance world. He discusses his passion for music and reading, revealing that he devours 2-3 books a week. Chris opens up about his life-changing heart attack at 39, the emotional rollercoaster of receiving a heart transplant, and the importance of relationships and resilience through adversity. His optimistic outlook serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of personal growth and connections.

Emily Mack, former Preservation Planner and now the President and CEO of River City Company, discusses her journey in shaping urban development in Chattanooga. She shares how her early experiences with historic preservation ignited her passion for architecture. Emily emphasizes the importance of saying yes to new opportunities, even when feeling unprepared. She recounts behind-the-scenes insights into major projects like Hawk Hill and the ONE Riverfront Plan, and advocates for community involvement in creating inclusive public spaces.

Tom Henderson, a retired broadcast journalist turned gentleman farmer, shares his journey from reporting on national news to enjoying farm life. He reflects on the importance of having the right people upset for the right reasons in journalism. Tom recounts harrowing moments from a tragic plane crash and how it impacted news coverage. He discusses challenges in news leadership, the struggles of field producers, and the evolution of broadcasting in the digital era. With a light-hearted tone, he emphasizes the vital balance between career and personal life.

Peppo Biscarini, a former swimming world record holder turned entrepreneur, shares his incredible journey after a life-changing back injury. He talks about his transition from elite athlete to starting various businesses, including a shoe-import venture and innovative swim tools. Peppo reflects on living in stunning places like Milan and Lake Como, discusses his spiritual awakening, and the deep lessons learned from wealth versus fulfillment. With insights on community and values, his story inspires a search for deeper meaning amidst life's challenges.

Bridgett Massengill, the President and CEO of Thrive Regional Partnership, shares her inspiring journey through community development in East Tennessee. She discusses her rise from intern to Executive Director and the challenges she faced as a young woman in leadership. Bridgett reveals how a simple calendar quote redirected her life and emphasizes that change should be a choice. Her reflections on personal values over rigid career plans spotlight the importance of authenticity and resilience in achieving fulfillment.

Jeff Lyash, the President and CEO of the Tennessee Valley Authority, shares his remarkable journey from a small coal mining town to corporate leadership. He emphasizes three key qualities for success and encourages embracing change fearlessly. Jeff discusses the transition from coal to renewable energy sources, highlighting the importance of a diverse energy mix. He also reflects on the impact of informal mentorship and the TVA's unique mission in the energy sector, advocating for community engagement and collaboration in shaping the future of energy.

Jay Shaffer, an angel investor and former oil rig worker, shares insights from his versatile career, highlighting how a 4am realization propelled him towards success. He emphasizes the crucial role of networking and a bit of luck in seizing opportunities. Jay provides valuable tips for startup founders seeking investors and discusses navigating the challenges in the startup ecosystem, especially during the pandemic. He advocates for work-life balance and mental health to prevent burnout among entrepreneurs, encouraging proactive risk-taking and learning from experiences.