From the Mediterranean to Kentucky: How Red Haven Farm Became a Destination for Family, Food, and Community with Martin Caruana

From the Mediterranean to Kentucky: How Red Haven Farm Became a Destination for Family, Food, and Community with Martin Caruana

On this episode of Spilling the Title Tea, Ashley sits down with Martin Caruana, co-owner of Red Haven Farm in Madison County, Kentucky. What started as a dream of owning land quickly turned into something much bigger—a thriving farm, a destination for families, and a place built around community. Martin shares his incredible journey from the Mediterranean to Canada, Michigan, and ultimately Kentucky, where he and his wife fell in love with the land and the people. With no farming experience, they embraced the challenge, learning everything from raising Scottish Highland cattle and pasture-raised pigs to operating short-term rentals and creating memorable experiences for visitors. Martin also gives listeners a first look at Red Haven Farm’s newest venture—a country store featuring local products, fresh food, ice cream, animal feed, and a gathering place designed to bring the community together. Plus, hear why caring for animals has become one of the greatest joys of his life and why he believes we are simply stewards of the land we’ve been entrusted with. If you love Kentucky, farming, small businesses, or stories about following unexpected opportunities, this episode is one you won’t want to miss. HIGHLIGHTS * Martin shares his unique journey from a small Mediterranean island to Canada, Michigan, and eventually Madison County, Kentucky.  * Why he and his wife purchased Red Haven Farm with no farming experience and how they learned everything along the way.  * The promise they made to preserve the property as a farm rather than turning it into an off-road park.  * How the local community embraced them and helped transform strangers into lifelong friends.  * A behind-the-scenes look at raising Scottish Highland cattle, pasture-raised pigs, goats, chickens, and other animals naturally and humanely.  * The story behind Red Haven Farm’s three unique short-term rentals, including a farmhouse rumored to have hosted Daniel Boone.  * Martin reveals plans for the new Red Haven Country Store featuring local products, fresh meat, groceries, ice cream, and eventually daily meals.  * Exciting future additions include a petting farm, fishing pond, event space, classes, and family-friendly experiences designed to make Red Haven Farm a true destination.  * Martin explains why animals are therapeutic and shares how volunteering with equine therapy programs deepened his appreciation for their impact on people.  * Why Martin believes we are merely stewards of the land, entrusted with caring for it and leaving it better for the next generation.  LINKS Sringdale Title Links: sprindaletitle.com [http://sprindaletitle.com/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/SpringdaleTitleLLC] https://www.linkedin.com/company/73182038 [https://www.linkedin.com/company/73182038] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/springdaletitle/] Red Haven Farm: RED HAVEN FARM [https://www.redhavenky.com/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/redhavenky]

From Restaurant Management to Real Estate: Tammy Mounsey’s Leap of Faith into Title

In this episode of Spilling the Title Tea, Ashley sits down with Springdale Title’s Knoxville closing agent, Tammy Mounsey, to discuss her inspiring career transition from restaurant management to the title industry. After spending more than 20 years working nights, weekends, and holidays in the restaurant business, Tammy made the bold decision to start over in a completely new field. Tammy shares what it was like to leave a career she had known for decades, why family and grandchildren became her motivation for change, and how the title industry has provided a better work-life balance while still allowing her to serve people every day. The conversation explores the importance of customer service across industries, the rewards of helping buyers achieve homeownership, and the courage it takes to reinvent yourself later in life. Tammy’s story is a reminder that it’s never too late to pursue a better path and that sometimes the biggest opportunities come when you're willing to step outside your comfort zone. Whether you're considering a career change, working toward better work-life balance, or simply love hearing stories about personal growth, this episode is packed with encouragement and practical wisdom. HIGHLIGHTS * Tammy shares her journey from 20 years in restaurant management to becoming a closing agent in the title industry.  * Why spending more time with her grandchildren became the driving force behind her career change.  * The surprising experience of having her first Christmas off after two decades of working holidays.  * How customer service skills developed in the restaurant industry translated directly into helping title clients.  * Tammy discusses one of her most rewarding closings, where grateful buyers thanked her for going above and beyond to help them.  * Ashley and Tammy talk about why real estate transactions are often more joyful than many other areas of the legal profession.  * How working in title has given Tammy a deeper understanding of her family’s own real estate investments and rental properties.  * The challenges and fears that come with leaving a career you've known for decades and starting over in a new industry.  * Tammy shares advice for anyone considering a major career change: trust yourself when you know it's time for something different.  * A candid conversation about confidence, lifelong learning, and why nobody in the title industry ever truly knows everything.  LINKS Sringdale Title Links: sprindaletitle.com [http://sprindaletitle.com/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/SpringdaleTitleLLC] https://www.linkedin.com/company/73182038 [https://www.linkedin.com/company/73182038] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/springdaletitle/]

Faith, Real Estate & Property Management: Building Forge Property Group with Derrick Simpson

In this episode of Spilling the Title Tea, Ashley sits down with Derrick Simpson, founder of Forge Property Group, to talk about entrepreneurship, real estate investing, property management, and building a business rooted in faith and stewardship. Derrick shares how his background in federal service and private security unexpectedly led him into real estate, where he recognized a major problem investors and homeowners were facing: juggling multiple vendors, contractors, agents, and managers with no streamlined system in place. That realization became the foundation for Forge Property Group — a one-stop-shop real estate company designed to simplify the process for property owners, investors, landlords, and sellers. The conversation dives into property management systems, scaling a business without sacrificing quality, the role investors play in creating affordable housing inventory, and how biblical principles shaped the vision behind the company. Derrick also shares a powerful story about how treating tenants with compassion during COVID led to unexpected blessings. This episode is packed with practical real estate insight, entrepreneurship advice, and reminders about leading with integrity, diligence, and service. HIGHLIGHTS * Derrick shares how his background in federal service and private security unexpectedly led him into real estate investing.  * The inspiration behind Forge Property Group came from solving a major problem for landlords and investors: too many vendors and not enough coordination.  * How Forge Property Group became a “one-stop shop” offering acquisitions, sales, renovations, market prep, and property management services under one roof.  * Derrick explains the biblical meaning behind the name “Forge” and how hardship, refinement, and character-building inspired the company’s foundation.  * Why scaling a property management company without losing quality control is one of the biggest challenges in the industry.  * How Forge uses systems, inspections, software portals, and tenant communication to keep investors informed and properties protected.  * Derrick discusses why some rental properties are declined for management if owners are unwilling to properly maintain them.  * The surprising reality about real estate investors and how many are actually helping create affordable housing inventory for first-time homebuyers.  * Ashley and Derrick discuss stewardship, diligence, and why serving people well means refusing to take shortcuts in business.  * Derrick shares a powerful story about how showing compassion to tenants during COVID resulted in every tenant paying rent on time throughout the pandemic.  LINKS Forge Property Group | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/people/Forge-Property-Group/61566662982389/] Forge Property Group: Your Full-Service Real Estate Partner [https://forge.netsimpson.com/] Sringdale Title Links: sprindaletitle.com [http://sprindaletitle.com/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/SpringdaleTitleLLC] https://www.linkedin.com/company/73182038 [https://www.linkedin.com/company/73182038] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/springdaletitle/]

Cybersecurity, Smart Buildings & Business Tech: What Every Business Owner Needs to Know with Drew Meaux

In this episode of Spilling the Title Tea, Ashley sits down with Drew Meaux of ProTech IT Solutions to talk about the growing role technology plays in modern business and why ignoring cybersecurity can cost you far more than just downtime. From buying commercial real estate to protecting sensitive customer data, Drew explains how outdated systems, weak passwords, unsecured Wi-Fi, and lack of planning leave businesses vulnerable every single day. The conversation covers everything from cyber threats and phishing scams to VPNs, building security systems, cloud backups, and smart technology upgrades for growing businesses. Whether you’re a small business owner, property investor, medical office, law firm, or just someone trying to better protect your personal information, this episode is packed with practical advice on how to stay secure and avoid costly mistakes in today’s digital world. HIGHLIGHTS * Why buying or renovating a commercial building is the perfect time to upgrade your technology systems.  * How outdated wiring, networking, and tech layouts in older buildings can slow down business operations.  * The hidden dangers of sharing one Wi-Fi network between employees, tenants, and public guests.  * Why weak passwords and reusing the same password across multiple accounts creates major security risks.  * Phishing scams explained: fake toll texts, fake invoices, urgent emails, and how scammers trick people into clicking.  * The importance of keeping systems updated—and why ignoring software updates can leave businesses vulnerable.  * How VPNs add protection when working remotely or using public Wi-Fi networks.  * Why small businesses are often bigger cyberattack targets than people realize.  * Smart business security upgrades: camera systems, remote door access, cloud backups, and mobile monitoring.  * Drew explains why proactive IT planning is always cheaper and easier than dealing with a cyber disaster after it happens.  LINKS Protech IT Solutions | information technology management company [https://www.protechky.com/] (859) 516-4045 Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090133386150] Sringdale Title Links: sprindaletitle.com [http://sprindaletitle.com/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/SpringdaleTitleLLC] https://www.linkedin.com/company/73182038 [https://www.linkedin.com/company/73182038] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/springdaletitle/]

Newly Married & Building a Future: Insurance, Money, and Real Talk for Young Couples with Joshua Williams

In this episode of Spilling the Title Tea, Ashley welcomes back Joshua Williams, insurance agent with Kentucky Farm Bureau, for a conversation packed with real-life updates and practical advice. Now newly married, Joshua shares what’s changed—from merging finances and planning for the future to navigating today’s challenging housing market. He breaks down why insurance becomes even more important after marriage, how to think about life insurance in a practical way, and what young couples should be doing right now to protect each other and build stability. Ashley and Joshua also dive into the realities of buying a home in today’s market, offering honest insight into affordability, patience, and making smart financial decisions without unnecessary stress. If you’re newly married (or heading that direction), this episode is full of grounded, real-world advice on how to plan wisely, communicate effectively, and build a strong financial foundation together. Highlights * Joshua shares his biggest life update: getting married and building a new life with his wife.  * Why keeping a wedding simple and stress-free can make the experience more meaningful.  * Key insurance changes after marriage—combining policies and updating coverage.  * The importance of life insurance when you now have a spouse depending on your income.  * How to calculate coverage: replacing income, covering debts, and protecting long-term stability.  * Why term life insurance often makes sense for young couples on a budget.  * The harsh reality of today’s housing market—high prices, high rates, and limited inventory.  * Smart strategy: delaying homeownership to improve finances, save for a down payment, and reduce stress.  * Financial planning tip: live below your means now to prepare for future goals like children and homeownership.  * Relationship advice: sit down together, align goals, communicate openly, and build your future as a team.  Links Joshua Williams - Kentucky Farm Bureau (kyfb.com) [https://www.kyfb.com/madison/north/joshua-williams/] 859-626-7725 Sringdale Title Links: sprindaletitle.com [http://sprindaletitle.com/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/SpringdaleTitleLLC] https://www.linkedin.com/company/73182038 [https://www.linkedin.com/company/73182038] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/springdaletitle/]