Big Orange Business

117 - What Veterans Carry Long After They Come Home

Memorial Day means something different to those who served. In this episode of Big Orange Business, Haley sits down with Jerry Brice of Chow Hall in Knoxville, Tennessee for a heartfelt conversation about military life, sacrifice, family, perspective, and what veterans carry long after they come home. Jerry shares stories from his time serving in the Navy, lessons learned from seeing the world, reflections on work ethic and gratitude, and why Chow Hall became a place dedicated to honoring veterans here in East Tennessee. This episode is about service, community, perspective, and the people behind the uniform. 📍 The Chow Hall 5706 E Emory Rd #5704 Knoxville, TN 37938 Follow Chow Hall: https://www.facebook.com/chowhallknoxville/

116 - They Had Zero Experience. Then Built a Business in Knoxville.

What happens when two people with zero woodworking experience decide to bet on themselves in Knoxville? In this episode of Big Orange Business, Haley sits down with the founders of Saw and Dust Woodworking to hear how a single YouTube tutorial, a Facebook Marketplace listing, and a willingness to start before they felt “ready” turned into one of East Tennessee’s most unique custom furniture businesses. From kitchen islands and live-edge tables… to entrepreneurship, setbacks, crazy customer stories, and building something from absolutely nothing… this is a conversation for entrepreneurs, creatives, homeowners, and anyone curious about the people shaping Knoxville. Whether you're a local, thinking about relocating to East Tennessee, or dreaming about starting your own business, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical lessons. 👇 Connect with Saw and Dust Woodworking: 🌐 Saw and Dust Woodworking 📸 Instagram @sawanddustwoodworking Follow Big Orange Business for more conversations with the entrepreneurs, makers, and leaders helping shape East Tennessee.

115 - You Would NEVER Expect This at a Knoxville Cookie Shop 😳

You would NEVER expect this at a Knoxville cookie shop… 😳 Then one of the owners looked at Haley Jones and said: “I’m working on some kidneys right now.” In this episode of the Big Orange Business Podcast, Haley visits Whimsy Cookie Company—one of Knoxville’s most creative and fast-growing small businesses—offering a behind-the-scenes look at the kind of local businesses that make people fall in love with East Tennessee. What starts as a conversation about cookies quickly turns into a behind-the-scenes look at entrepreneurship, family business, custom design, and what it really takes to build a thriving boutique brand. In this episode, we discuss: * The wildest custom cookie orders they’ve ever created * Opening a retail business during the 2020 pandemic * Building and managing a family-run business * Scaling to handle 1,000+ cookie orders * Why handmade products cost more than most people realize * Seasonal demand, weddings, graduations, and custom events * What makes Whimsy Cookie Company stand out in Knoxville Whether you’re an entrepreneur, small business owner, or just love hearing how creative brands are built, this episode offers insight, humor, and real-world experience. Follow Whimsy Cookie Company: Website: https://whimsycookieco.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whimsycookieknoxville/?hl=en Subscribe to the Big Orange Business Podcast for conversations with the entrepreneurs and business owners shaping East Tennessee.

114 - The Hidden Music Culture in Knoxville You Didn’t Know About (Bagpipes & Drums)

In this episode of the Big Orange Business Podcast, Haley Jones sits down with the team behind Knoxville Pipes and Drums—a group that most people in East Tennessee have heard… but few actually know the story behind. What started with just a few people learning bagpipes around a kitchen table in 1992 has grown into a 50+ member organization representing Knoxville across the region—and now, on a global stage. 👉 Learn more, book the band, or get involved: https://www.knoxvillepipesanddrums.org/ But this episode goes way beyond music. You’ll learn how Scottish and Irish heritage shaped East Tennessee, how bagpipes influenced modern country and bluegrass, and why this group is so deeply connected to the local community. From performing at weddings and funerals to competing internationally in Scotland, Knoxville Pipes and Drums is preserving history in a way that’s both powerful and unexpected. Whether you’re local to Knoxville, thinking about relocating, or just curious about the culture behind the music, this episode will give you a whole new perspective on East Tennessee. 🎯 Topics include: • The surprising history of bagpipes and how they work • The deep Scottish influence on Appalachian culture • Why bagpipes were once considered a weapon of war • How Knoxville Pipes and Drums grew from 4 people to 50+ members • What it takes to learn and play this instrument • How the group is preparing to compete in Scotland • Why this band is more than music—it’s a community 🎵 Get Involved with Knoxville Pipes & Drums 🔗 Website: https://www.knoxvillepipesanddrums.org/ 👉 Interested in learning? They offer FREE lessons for bagpipes and drums—no experience required. 👉 Want to book them for an event? They perform at weddings, funerals, parades, festivals, and local events across East Tennessee. 👉 Business owner or organization? They are actively looking for local sponsors and community partners to support their mission and upcoming international competition in Scotland. 👉 Just curious? You can attend an open rehearsal and see the band in action. This isn’t just about music. It’s about preserving culture, building community, and creating something that lasts for generations right here in East Tennessee. If you’ve ever wondered what makes Knoxville unique—this is part of the story. 👉 Follow Big Orange Business for more stories about the people, businesses, and culture shaping Knoxville.

113 - Why You Should NEVER Put Ketchup on a Hot Dog (Chicago vs Knoxville Food Culture)

In this episode of the Big Orange Business Podcast, Haley Jones sits down with Chicago Mike, owner of Chicago Hot Dog and Sausage Company in Knoxville, Tennessee. What starts as a conversation about hot dogs quickly turns into a deeper look at food culture, relocation, and what makes different cities unique. From why ketchup is off-limits on a true Chicago dog to how authentic ingredients are sourced and brought into Knoxville, this episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look at building something truly original in East Tennessee. If you’re new to Knoxville, thinking about relocating, or just enjoy discovering local businesses, this episode offers a real perspective on how the city’s food scene is evolving. In this episode, we cover: *  The difference between Chicago and Knoxville food culture  *  Why ketchup on a hot dog is such a big deal  *  What makes a true Chicago dog  *  Building a business in Knoxville as an outsider  *  How the Knoxville food scene is changing  If you enjoy learning about local businesses and what makes Knoxville unique, be sure to follow the show for more episodes. Try it for yourself: Order online or check out the menu: https://orderchidog.com/ [https://orderchidog.com/]