Local Legends
Local Legends Spotlight: Businesses That Make a Difference
Design For Energy: Harmonizing Your Space for a Better Life
Design For Energy: Harmonizing Your Space for a Better Life
Belinda Mendoza’s path to becoming a Feng Shui Master was far from conventional. She spent 18 years as a highly successful sales leader in the medical device industry, known for her ability to turn around struggling businesses. However, after reaching a high rank, Belinda became fed up with the unethical practices and discrimination in the corporate world. She yearned for a more balanced and creative life, one where she could truly make a difference.
Apr 2, 2025
3 min
Owner-Operated
Accent American: A Legacy of Honesty and Excellence
Accent American: A Legacy of Honesty and Excellence
In 1985, Ken Jordan founded Accent American after struggling to find a decent job after college. He initially took a position with a carpet cleaning company but quickly realized it operated as a bait-and-switch operation. This experience motivated him to start his own honest and transparent carpet cleaning business. With basic equipment packed into the back of his hatchback car, Ken set out to provide quality service with integrity.
Apr 2, 2025
4 min
Small Business Ownership
Building Strength: The Story of Daniel Hood Roofing
Building Strength: The Story of Daniel Hood Roofing
Daniel Hood’s journey into the roofing industry was anything but conventional. In 2011, while playing football for the University of Tennessee, he witnessed the damage caused by major hailstorms in Knoxville. Wanting to help residents while earning extra income, he entered the roofing business. What started as a short-term endeavor quickly became a passion, leading him to establish Daniel Hood Roofing, a company built on hard work, teamwork, and a dedication to helping people rebuild after storms.
Apr 2, 2025
3 min
Independent Business
Gilbert Guzman: Building Trust, Community, and Growth with Pope Photo Records
Gilbert Guzman: Building Trust, Community, and Growth with Pope Photo Records
Gilbert Guzman’s journey to owning Pope Photo Records wasn’t a simple one. Initially working for a competitor, he had a passion for the industry but lacked the financing to make a purchase when the business went up for sale. A conversation with a friend, who had the capital to invest, changed the trajectory of his career. Together, they worked out an agreement where his friend would finance the purchase, and Gilbert would operate the business with the option to buy it at a later date.
Apr 2, 2025
3 min
Small Business Ownership
Awaken Your Senses: The Story of Spa Réveil
Awaken Your Senses: The Story of Spa Réveil
Lidya Mandala’s journey into the spa industry was inspired by her time in the high-tech world, where she saw the toll that stress took on people’s lives. She realized that in the pursuit of success, many neglect their well-being. This insight led her to create Spa Réveil, a sanctuary where people can restore balance, rejuvenate, and prioritize self-care.
Apr 2, 2025
3 min
Independent Business
Rooted in Excellence: The Story of A+ Tree & Crane
Rooted in Excellence: The Story of A+ Tree & Crane
For Kenneth Ellis, owner of A+ Tree & Crane, tree work has been a lifelong calling. His passion for the industry was solidified after assisting with Hurricane Katrina recovery efforts, where he saw firsthand the impact skilled tree service could make.
Apr 2, 2025
3 min
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