Who Dare Go There

The ACME Expansion | Who Dare Go There?

In this episode of Who Dare Go There, we share the story behind our family-run business, ACME Athletics and reflect on overcoming fear in entrepreneurship—likening it to “eating an elephant” one bite at a time—while drawing inspiration from a biblical reminder in Genesis: “Do not be afraid.”We discuss the evolution of Acme—from a youth training facility in 2016 to a hub for volleyball, pickleball, and adult fitness—and share our plans to expand with wellness features like saunas, cold plunges, and recovery spaces.We highlight the importance of faith, preparation, and family collaboration in building a thriving business. From creative branding to operational strategy and health-focused design, every decision has been a team effort. We also touch on the value of having a clear exit strategy in partnerships.Our hope is to inspire others to take the leap into entrepreneurship with courage, resilience, and a strong support system. Thanks for listening—we're excited to share more in future episodes!Follow us on social media!Facebook: / whodaregotherepodcast Instagram: / whodaregotherepodcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6hwVCYC...

Faith, Purpose, and Community: The Heart of Sweet Jordan's | Who Dare Go There?

Welcome back to Who Dare Go There! We were so inspired by Sweet Jordan’s during our first visit, we just had to sit down with them again. In this episode, we delve even deeper into the heart of this faith-driven business, whose mission is to provide meaningful employment and purpose for individuals with special needs—especially those often overlooked after high school. This time, we hear directly from the incredible team that makes Sweet Jordan’s so special. Tommie, owner and operator, shares her perspective on building a business rooted in faith and purpose. Jessica, her daughter and business manager, provides insight into the operational challenges and triumphs of running a mission-centered company. And Jordan, the very inspiration behind Sweet Jordan’s, reminds us why this work is so impactful. Jessica offers a behind-the-scenes look at the extraordinary support Sweet Jordan’s provides to their special team members—support that goes far beyond a paycheck. From job coaching to transportation, they prioritize creating an environment where individuals can uncover their God-given purpose and thrive. Unlike organizations bound by federal funding limitations, Sweet Jordan’s ensures their team members can work as long as they wish, fostering a culture of dignity and opportunity. The dedication and work ethic of these team members are nothing short of remarkable. Their joy, authenticity, and commitment to excellence enrich the workplace, setting an example for everyone around them. Jessica also shares touching moments, like celebrating birthdays for team members who’ve never experienced a party before—a reminder of the joy found in community and inclusion. Join us as we explore how Sweet Jordan’s combines faith, purpose, and business to create something truly transformative. This episode is a celebration of their mission and a call to action for listeners to support their inspiring work through prayers, contributions, or even just stopping by for a visit. Together, let’s be part of a story that’s changing lives and building a more inclusive world. Tune in to be inspired!

Empowering Abilities: How Sweet Jordan's is Changing Lives | Who Dare Go There?

In this episode of Who Dare Go There, I, Trent Knott, visit Sweet Jordan’s in Paris, Tennessee—a bakery and ice cream shop with a mission to provide meaningful work for individuals with special needs. Founded by Jordan’s family, this inspiring business celebrates abilities over disabilities, creating a space where everyone can thrive. The story begins with a heartfelt moment from Jordan, who has Down syndrome, sharing how he “holds God’s hand” daily. Joined by his family, we explore how Sweet Jordan’s grew from a simple idea into a community-supported mission fueled by faith, resilience, and love. It’s a testament to the power of purpose-driven entrepreneurship and the impact of a supportive community. Join us for this uplifting conversation! Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Prayer Trent Knott introduces the podcast and opens with a prayer, referencing Matthew 25. 00:02:10 - Welcome to Sweet Jordan's Trent introduces the guests and the bakery, Sweet Jordan's, located in Paris, Tennessee. 00:03:35 - The Story Behind Sweet Jordan's Jordan's mother explains the bakery's mission to provide jobs for adults with special needs. 00:06:29 - Jordan's Role and Abilities Discussion about Jordan's abilities and the diverse team of employees at Sweet Jordan's. 00:09:24 - The Impact of Love and Acceptance The importance of unconditional love and acceptance in the workplace and community. 00:10:58 - Challenges of Running a Business Trent discusses the challenges of operating a restaurant and balancing relationships and faith. 00:12:07 - Education and Awareness The need for education about individuals with special needs and the positive experiences at Sweet Jordan's. 00:14:40 - Jordan's Perspective Jordan shares his feelings about being a part of Sweet Jordan's and his role as "Papa Jordan." 00:15:36 - Expanding the Business Discussion about the food truck and the new location in McKinsey, Tennessee. 00:17:12 - Faith and Perseverance Jordan shares his favorite movie quote from "Field of Dreams" and its relevance to their journey. 00:19:01 - Obedience and Miracles The family's experiences of faith and the miracles they encountered while starting the business. 00:25:26 - Financial Support and Community Help How the bakery has relied on community support and donations to sustain operations. 00:28:21 - Celebrating Life and Community Jordan mentions celebrating his sister's birthday and the importance of community support. 00:29:14 - Conclusion and Call to Action Trent wraps up the episode, encouraging listeners to support Sweet Jordan's and recognize the value of their mission. Key Points Discussed: Founding Purpose: Sweet Jordan’s was created to provide meaningful employment for adults with special needs, particularly those who age out of high school programs with limited job opportunities. Focus on Abilities: The bakery emphasizes the unique strengths of each team member, fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment that celebrates abilities, not disabilities. Faith and Inspiration: Jordan’s personal faith—expressed in his habit of “holding God’s hand”—sets a foundational tone, with faith guiding every step of the Sweet Jordan’s journey. Community Support: The local community rallied around Sweet Jordan’s, providing donations and resources that enabled the bakery to overcome obstacles and expand its mission. Divine Intervention: The family recounts miraculous moments when help arrived just as they needed it, from financial support to donations of essential equipment, strengthening their belief in a higher purpose. Unexpected Beginnings: The idea for the bakery began when Jordan and his family discovered his love for baking through an old family recipe, leading to a new purpose for him and others. Impact on Customers and Staff: Known as "Papa Jordan," he’s beloved by staff and customers alike, creating a welcoming space that promotes unconditional love and acceptance. Entrepreneurial Challenges: The family shares the unique challenges of running a mission-driven business in the restaurant industry, balancing business demands with their focus on inclusivity and support. Responsibility to Give Back: Trent reflects on the broader mission of using one’s gifts to serve others and the role of entrepreneurs in uplifting their communities. Encouragement for Support: Listeners are encouraged to support Sweet Jordan’s through visits, donations, or sharing their story, reinforcing the impact of community-driven businesses. Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast and share your thoughts in the comments below! Social Media Links: Follow us on social media! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whodaregotherepodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whodaregotherepodcast/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6hwVCYCHJzp8OFFfEApo8E

Innovating Tradition: The Evolution of Our Family Business | Who Dare Go There?

In this dynamic episode of Who Dare Go There, host Trent Knott is joined by his wife, Dana Knott, and daughter, Luci Armitstead, to walk us through the vibrant journey of Miss Lucille's, their flagship family business. Discover how a simple kettle corn machine used for high school athletics fundraising became the cornerstone of a multifaceted enterprise, encompassing an antique market, café, and expansive event venue. The Knotts share insights into the genesis and evolution of their business, underscoring the importance of family, innovation, and resilience in entrepreneurship. From the serendipitous moments of lending out popcorn samples to becoming a massive 200-vendor marketplace, the Knotts discuss the challenges and triumphs of running a family business and detail ambitious plans for expansion, including an innovative café and catering kitchen. Join us as we delve into the making of Miss Lucille’s and explore the entrepreneurial spirit that continues to drive this growing empire in Clarksville. Key Points Discussed: How the Knotts leveraged a humble popcorn machine into various business ventures The impact of family involvement and legacy in building Miss Lucille’s Navigating initial business challenges with creativity and perseverance The significance of adapting and evolving to meet customer expectations Strategies for managing multiple interconnected businesses Insights into developing a successful café and catering operation The value of detailed planning and executing bold, innovative ideas Listen to the full episode to gain unique insights into family-driven entrepreneurship and the enduring journey of Miss Lucille’s. Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel and share your thoughts in the comments below! Follow us on social media! Facebook: /whodaregotherepodcast Instagram: /whodaregotherepodcast

The Art of Authentic Marketing: A Journey with Grant Girsky | Who Dare Go There?

Join host Trent Knott in this engaging episode of Who Dare Go There, as he sits down with marketing expert Grant Girsky to explore the dynamic world of marketing for entrepreneurs. From his early days in the health industry to founding a successful marketing company, Grant shares his journey of overcoming challenges and embracing new opportunities. This conversation covers the importance of authenticity in marketing, leveraging technology like AI, and the need for adaptability in a rapidly changing digital landscape. Grant opens up about lessons learned from past failures and emphasizes the critical role of staying connected to the human element in business through trust-building and creating real connections with clients. Key Points Discussed: 1. Grant's transition from a health career to marketing expert 2. The impact of COVID-19 on business decisions and opportunities 3. Leveraging technology and video content in local marketing 4. The importance of authenticity and trust in business communications 5. Evaluating marketing costs and tracking ROI to ensure effectiveness 6. The importance of quick decision-making and adaptability 7. Practical advice for small business owners navigating new marketing landscapes 8. Understanding and implementing AI and technological advancements for increased efficiency Follow us on social media! YouTube: youtube.com/@TrentKnott [https://www.youtube.com/@TrentKnott] Facebook: facebook.com/whodaregotherepodcast [https://www.facebook.com/whodaregotherepodcast] Instagram: @whodaregotherepodcast [https://www.instagram.com/whodaregotherepodcast?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR1rp0HjCoBuSr-W9rjRTrfNCIPdXWonj-jA-8Z7h21HcsKJrPMANLQ6P3s_aem_y5hK8gJJRx4hVj9xWHl2dg]