My Morning Cup

Very few people know exactly what they want to be when they grow up - but Vance Travis did. He knew he wanted to be an architect, but his plans were put on hold when he was drafted into the military. After six years in the Army, he started his architecture career, working his way up and making connections before eventually starting his own firm.   Vance was the President and Owner of THW Architects, before retiring when he sold his company in 2016. You can connect with him on LinkedIn here.   My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by Madison McCann.   If you liked this episode, we think you’ll also like: Becky Blaesing’s Morning Cup (E26) John Germ’s Morning Cup (E35) Mayor Weston Wamp’s Morning Cup (E36)

Mark McKnight, the CEO and President of Reflection Riding, shares his journey from dreaming of owning an outdoor store to leading a nature center. He discusses the importance of adaptability in career changes and the value of simply showing up. Mark vividly recounts the time he 'broke' Twitter with a groundbreaking Black Friday campaign, plus his strategies that skyrocketed Rock/Creek's e-commerce success. Providing insights into community building and conservation, he emphasizes the pivotal role of local input in establishing sustainable initiatives.

Tiffanie Robinson had a West Coast Dream to work for an ad agency, and yet, life’s twists and turns led her to real estate development and she now leads a $100 million asset group.   In this episode, we discuss how taking a step back can sometimes propel your career forward, what to do if you think “don’t belong” in a seat around the table, and why you should surround yourself with people who challenge you.   Tiffanie is the Managing Partner of Aslan Holdings, and the CEO, Founder, and Principal Broker of SVN Second Story. You can connect with her on LinkedIn here.   My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by Madison McCann.   If you liked this episode, we think you’ll also like: Callie Starnes’s Morning Cup (E18) Becky Blaesing’s Morning Cup (E26) Brian Elrod’s Morning Cup (E29)

With a passion for theater and an English degree, Jim Kennedy followed his brother to Chattanooga in 1974 to work at the Baylor School. He had no idea that decision would lead him to be a part of organizations like Miller Reid Advertising, River City Company, the Chattanooga Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Chamber of Commerce.    In this episode, we discuss how Jim had a seat at the table for many major developments such as the Aquarium and Chattanooga Venture’s Vision 2000.    After leaving the Chamber as CEO in 2001, he started his own consulting firm along with Ann Coulter, Christian Rushing, and Stroud Watson. Ultimately, his career has come full circle and Jim retired from the Baylor School as Director of Admission and Enrollment. You can connect with him here.   My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by Madison McCann.   If you liked this episode, we think you’ll also like: Mayor Tim Kelly’s Morning Cup (E13) Ron Harr’s Morning Cup (E17) Todd Womack’s Morning Cup (E21)

From running the halls of the Capitol building at 5 years old to being elected the youngest Mayor in Hamilton County’s history, Mayor Weston Wamp has lived an interesting life in the public eye.    In this episode, we talk about architecture running in the family bloodline and how designing and drawing alleviates the stress that comes with the mayor’s job, who his most influential mentors are, how having kids changed his aspirations, and his thoughts on millennials’ civic engagement.   Mayor Weston Wamp is the mayor of Hamilton County. You can connect with him on LinkedIn here.   My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by Madison McCann.   If you liked this episode, we think you’ll also like: Gideon Thomas’s Morning Cup (E07) Brent Burks’s Morning Cup (E10) Shawn Whitfield’s Morning Cup (E20)

John Germ, a dedicated member of Rotary since 1976 and former President of Rotary International, shares his fascinating journey from selling turnip greens to leading global initiatives. He recounts his near brushes with destiny while in the Air Force and highlights the significance of genuine community engagement. Germ also discusses Rotary's successful $247 million fundraising campaign for polio eradication and the transformative power of education and civic involvement in shaping leaders. His stories inspire a legacy of service and dedication.

DeJuan Jordan has always had a passion for helping others, but after experiencing a life-changing moment at the age of 12, she realized how much of an impact she could truly have.   In this episode, DeJuan shares about the power of words, the importance of doing things that scare you, and how she lives her life with intentionality.   DeJuan is the Co-CEO of LAUNCH Chattanooga and Founder/CEO of The DS Firm. You can learn more about her TEDxChattanooga talk coming up in November at tedxchatt.com/2023-flagship or you can connect with her on LinkedIn here.   My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by Madison McCann.

Stephanie Stuckey is a third-generation family member of Stuckey’s stores, which dotted highways and interstates throughout the southeast. They represented a clean, safe place to fuel up, take a break and stock up on pecan log rolls. When the business was sold to outside interests, Stephanie pursued her law degree and a career in the public sector. During this time, the Stuckey’s brand and their stores fell into disarray.   In 2019, Stephanie received a phone call that led to her to change direction; buying her family’s (failing) business and resurrecting the brand, one pecan log roll at a time. She is passionate about restoring this iconic brand and celebrating the nostalgia and charm of Stuckey's.   In this week’s episode, we find out how practicing law helped Stephanie turn Stuckey’s into a profitable CPG business. Here’s a hint: Hope is not the strategy!   Stephanie is the Chair of Stuckey’s, the roadside chain that has proudly sold Pecan Log Rolls since 1937. You can connect with her here.   My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by Madison McCann.

When Tom started his career, he wasn’t sure exactly what he wanted to do, but he tried lots of things along the way. He eventually and unexpectedly found his passion in the hospitality industry. After several moves up in responsibility and moves around the country, he became the GM of the Chattanoogan Hotel.    In this episode, Tom shares why you should take every opportunity to learn something new, even if it means working until 2am or moving to another state (when you really just want to be in Chattanooga).   Tom recently retired from Benchmark Resorts and Hotels and is back in Chattanooga full-time as the Regional Director of Operations for Dynamic Group. You can connect with him here.   My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by Madison McCann.

With a passion for all things outdoors, Scott Martin’s career has taken him from Virginia to Idaho to Kentucky, and now Tennessee. In this episode, Scott shares how changing a flat tire led to a job offer, how the city of Boise had a major effect on his career, and why he believes parks are so important and can differentiate great cities from mediocre cities.   Scott also shares tips on how local residents can make small changes that lead to a positive impact on the outdoors.   Scott is the Administrator for the City of Chattanooga’s Parks and Outdoors. You can connect with him here.   My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by Madison McCann.