Big Orange Business

120 - Italy in Maryville? The Story Behind East Tennessee's Most Authentic Italian Marketplace

What happens when a third-generation Italian can't find an authentic Italian market in East Tennessee? She builds one. In this episode of the Big Orange Business Podcast, Haley Jones sits down with Kim Fontinell, founder and chef of The Italian Apron Marketplace in Maryville, Tennessee, to discuss family recipes, handmade pasta, entrepreneurship, farmers markets, catering, and creating a true Italian food experience in East Tennessee. Kim shares the surprising truth about Italian food, how she turned a food truck into a thriving marketplace, why authenticity matters, and what it takes to build a successful small business while staying true to your roots. Whether you're a Knoxville local, a Maryville resident, a food lover, or someone considering a move to East Tennessee, this episode offers a fascinating look at one of the region's most unique businesses. In this episode: • The biggest myths about Italian food • Why spaghetti and meatballs isn't traditionally Italian • Fresh pasta vs. store-bought pasta • Building a business from a food truck • Farmers markets and local entrepreneurship • The Italian Apron Marketplace story • Pasta classes, catering, and community building • Why East Tennessee embraced authentic Italian food Learn more about The Italian Apron: https://theitalianapron.com Connect with Haley Jones: https://haleyjoneshomes.com The Big Orange Business Podcast highlights the people, businesses, and stories that make Knoxville and East Tennessee such a special place to live, work, and visit.

119 - The Knoxville Sports Community Most Locals Don't Know Exists

Most Knoxville locals don't even know this exists. For more than 46 years, Knoxville has had a rugby club with its own field, tournaments, youth programs, and a passionate community of players. In this episode, Haley sits down with Knoxville Rugby Club President Tau to uncover one of the most surprising communities hiding in East Tennessee. From rugby culture and sportsmanship to youth programs, local tournaments, and the future of the sport in Knoxville, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at a side of Knoxville most people never see. Big Orange Business explores the people, businesses, organizations, and communities that make Knoxville one of the most interesting cities in America. If you enjoy discovering the businesses, organizations, events, and people that make Knoxville unique, make sure to subscribe. 🏉 Knoxville Rugby Club Website: https://www.knoxvillerugby.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knoxvillerugby Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KnoxvilleRugby Interested in playing? Knoxville Rugby welcomes new players, supporters, sponsors, and fans. Practice: Tuesdays & Thursdays 6:30 PM Sam Duff Park 🍊 Thinking about moving to Knoxville? Whether you're relocating to East Tennessee, buying your first home, selling your current home, or investing in the Knoxville area, Haley would love to help. 📲 Call or Text Haley Jones:  (865) 242 - 9821 Subscribe for more stories about the people, businesses, organizations, and communities that make Knoxville such a special place to live. #Knoxville #KnoxvilleTN #EastTennessee #BigOrangeBusiness #KnoxvilleRugby #Rugby #LivingInKnoxville #MovingToKnoxville

118 - Can Knoxville Survive Its Own Growth? The Future of Transportation, Traffic & Growth in Knoxville

Knoxville is growing fast—but can the city’s roads, parking, housing, and public transportation keep up? In this episode of Big Orange Business, Haley sits down with Dustin Durham, Chair of the Knoxville Transportation Authority, for an important conversation about the future of Knoxville. They discuss: • Why traffic in Knoxville feels worse than ever  • The real cost of car dependency  • Public transportation and bus service in Knoxville  • Downtown parking myths and infrastructure challenges  • Housing density, zoning, and smart growth  • Why Knoxville could eventually have airport transit, streetcars, or even expanded regional transportation  • What Knoxville could look like by 2050 Whether you already live in Knoxville, are thinking about relocating to East Tennessee, or simply care about the future of this growing city… this conversation matters. Recorded live from the historic Mabry-Hazen House—one of Knoxville’s most iconic landmarks. https://www.mabryhazen.com/

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.