Big Orange Business

Hosted by Haley Jones

Business Entrepreneurship

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119

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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About the show

Knoxville and East Tennessee business podcast.

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June 11, 2026Episode 12047 min

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 foodLearn more about The Italian Apron:https://theitalianapron.comConnect with Haley Jones:https://haleyjoneshomes.comThe 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.

June 4, 2026Episode 11930 min

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 ClubWebsite:https://www.knoxvillerugby.comInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/knoxvillerugbyFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/KnoxvilleRugbyInterested in playing?Knoxville Rugby welcomes new players, supporters, sponsors, and fans.Practice:Tuesdays & Thursdays6:30 PMSam 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 - 9821Subscribe 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

May 28, 2026Episode 11743 min

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 2050Whether 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/

May 21, 2026Episode 11837 min

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 Hall5706 E Emory Rd #5704Knoxville, TN 37938Follow Chow Hall:https://www.facebook.com/chowhallknoxville/

May 14, 2026Episode 11626 min

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 @sawanddustwoodworkingFollow Big Orange Business for more conversations with the entrepreneurs, makers, and leaders helping shape East Tennessee.

May 7, 2026Episode 11528 min

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 createdOpening a retail business during the 2020 pandemicBuilding and managing a family-run businessScaling to handle 1,000+ cookie ordersWhy handmade products cost more than most people realizeSeasonal demand, weddings, graduations, and custom eventsWhat makes Whimsy Cookie Company stand out in KnoxvilleWhether 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=enSubscribe to the Big Orange Business Podcast for conversations with the entrepreneurs and business owners shaping East Tennessee.

April 30, 2026Episode 11439 min

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.

April 24, 2026Episode 11339 min

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/

April 16, 2026Episode 11238 min

112 - You Would Never Expect This in Knoxville

When people think about Knoxville, this is NOT what they expect.In this episode, Haley Jones sits down with the owner of one of the most unique experiences in Knoxville—a place built around connection, creativity, and doing something completely different.This isn’t just a business. It’s a destination.From building something that didn’t exist, to creating a space designed to slow people down and bring them together, this conversation is a look at what makes Knoxville special—and why more people are choosing to call it home.If you’re thinking about moving to Knoxville, or you already live here and want to discover something new, this is one you don’t want to miss.

April 9, 2026Episode 11131 min

111 - Seafood in Knoxville? How Fresh Seafood Actually Works (and Why It Costs More)

Can you really get fresh seafood in a place like Knoxville, Tennessee?In this episode of the Big Orange Business Podcast, Haley Jones sits down with Lucia Deen from The Shrimp Dock to break down how seafood actually makes its way to East Tennessee — and why it’s not as simple (or as cheap) as most people think.They cover:• how fresh seafood gets to Knoxville• why quality seafood costs more• the biggest mistakes people make when cooking seafood• what locals are ordering and whyWhether you’re a Knoxville local, a business owner, or someone considering moving to East Tennessee, this episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look at one of Knoxville’s most unique food businesses.📍 The Shrimp Dock – Knoxville, TN https://www.shrimpdock.com/