By Tom Irmen

This economic recovery has produced a wide array of emotions in all of us, both highs and lows, on almost a daily basis. Employment numbers drop one week and then unexpectedly spike the following week. The housing market shows signs of a recovery and then experiences a sharp reversal a month later. And just as we’ve come to believe that recent changes in Washington might precipitate a desire on the part of politicians to reign in our out of control deficits, we witness little fundamental change and mostly political posturing.

I recently had a fellow self-employed friend describe this phenomenon by saying that he can experience euphoria one moment, and in the next, feel like throwing himself from his upper floor balcony.

So how should small business owners react to such uncertainty? With a well thought-out and carefully implemented strategy that will take advantage of this uncertainty to create opportunities for future success.

But just how does small business set a future course for success when so much uncertainty exists? And coupled with the instability in the Middle East, which threatens our already fragile recovery, doesn’t this task appear even more challenging? Is it even possible to implement a strategic plan for the future? Absolutely!

So where do you start?

Uncertainty is the common denominator, and every business, including your competitors, is immersed in it up to their necks. But what you’re likely to find is that others, and that includes your competition, may ignore the need to plan, electing to do what’s always worked in the past or, better yet, fly by the seat of their pants rather than to deal with an uncertain future which is admittedly difficult to predict. And while uncertainty will make your planning efforts all that more difficult, any plan will certainly outperform no plan at all.

Try to predict what the future will look like. Will unemployment remain high? Will incomes remain stagnant? Will inflation and higher prices become part of our futures? If the answer to any or all of these questions is yes, then your clients will likely respond more favorably to your message if it conveys greater value for them. Added features such as greater cost effectiveness, improved efficiency, reduced waste and any number of important characteristics unique to your product or service will likely be responded to favorably by your customers, providing you with a clear competitive advantage.

It’s important to anticipate the future and then meet it head on with solutions that will demonstrate to both your existing clients and potential new customers that your business is prepared to meet the uncertainties of the future with bold, new and innovative ideas designed to help them and you to succeed. The future of tomorrow’s successful small business belongs to the entrepreneur who embraces uncertainty and develops a winning strategy for both their business and their clients. I’ve never been more certain of it.

Unique Company, Unique Product

With offices and showrooms around the world, Granite Transformations offers new and exciting alternatives to traditional countertops. Their core product, Trend Stone, is formulated from 95% natural stone from the finest quarries throughout the world creating an engineered surface that is heat, stain and scratch resistant. Essentially maintenance free, that provides greater strength and durability than ordinary granite. And all backed with Granite Transformations’ Limited Lifetime Warranty.

Husband and wife team, Buddy and Patti Baker, combine years of retail experience and Granite Transformations’ cutting-edge technology to offer East Tennessee and Knoxville area homeowners a far superior alternative to ordinary slab granite. Overwhelming homeowner response has resulted in annual growth of over 30% since 2007 and the launching of Granite Transformations’ new, state-of-the-art, 3,500 square foot Design Center in Knoxville.

Everything Knoxville: Provide our readers with some insights into Granite Transformations.

Buddy: Our core product line, Trend Stone (Engineered Granite), was developed in Italy in the mid 70′s. It was originally used as a flooring material to cover cracked, sagging, and chipped granite floors.

EK: Are there other Granite Transformations locations?

Buddy: Yes. We are part of an international franchise system. There are about 80 locations in the U.S. and Canada, and more around the world. Granite Transformations has become the largest factory direct countertop company in the world.

EK: Both you and business partner and wife, Patti, left your retail careers to pursue your dream of being self employed

Buddy: After conducting a thorough investigation of available business opportunities, and possible locations, we opened Granite Transformations of Knoxville in January 2006. Both the product and community provided a perfect opportunity for success. Granite Transformations was clearly an innovation driven company that produced both unique and superior products that are preferred by most homeowners.

EK: How are Granite Transformations’ products used in the home?

Patti: Our products have so many more applications than just countertops. They can be used on fireplaces, bars, showers, baths, floors, furniture and backsplashes. That’s why we opened our new Design Center. We can now showcase the versatility and beauty of our products.

EK: Consumer reports rates engineered stone their top choice for countertops. Why is that significant to homeowners?

Buddy: It’s simple. It outperforms all other countertop options in key categories. It is heat, stain and scratch resistant. It is the cleanest and safest option.

EK: Granite Transformations’ engineered granite, unlike ordinary slab granite, is the only granite countertop approved by the National Sanitation Foundation. Explain.

Patti: The National Sanitation Foundation has put its name on our product because it exceeds all standards for safe food preparation. Unlike natural stone, our product is non-porous and won’t absorb bacteria.

EK: In addition to being the innovation leader in engineered granite countertops, Granite Transformations is also an innovative leader in installation as well.

Buddy: That’s correct. Granite Transformations, in addition to offering superior countertops, also offers a totally innovative approach to fabrication and installation. Most countertop installations are completed in a single day.

EK: Granite Transformations is also a recognized leader today in Green Technology. Explain.

Patti: Granite Transformations is approved by the U.S. Green Building Council and is a recognized leader in both Green and renewable resource technologies.

EK: With the wide variety of surfaces available from Granite Transformations, do you offer homeowners design consultation?

Buddy: Yes. We have fully certified Design Consultants. This service is a very important component of our fully turn-key approach and is offered in your home or at our “new” Design Center absolutely free.

EK: How has Granite Transformations’ innovative approach to the marketplace impacted you?

Patti: That’s easy. We have experienced a 133% increase in sales volume for the last four years. In fact, due to the overwhelming response of East Tennessee area homeowners, we’ve just completed a new 3,500 square foot Design Center to replace our original center which we outgrew in less than five years. We believe that showcasing our products helps our customers to visualize their own unique project that will create a showcase quality room in their home.

EK: Anything else you would like to tell our readers?

Buddy: Most important is a very sincere thank you to homeowners in East Tennessee and Knoxville for their support. To them, and our future customers, we owe our success.

We’d also like to extend a special invitation to all of your readers to visit our new Design Center. They too can create their own dream kitchen or bath without the demolition and the inconvenience of weeks or even months of construction.

Welcome to the fastest growing membership-based professional women’s networking organization in North America covering the United States and Canada. This organization is recognized as the #1 resource for connecting and promoting women and their businesses and it has become a loyal, dedicated community of women-owned businesses, corporate professionals and entrepreneurs who want to support and network with other dynamic women. The members of the organization share information, leads, contacts and business. It is an organization that is committed to helping women and their businesses achieve, succeed and thrive in this new economy.

Everything Knoxville: For several years now, you have been a small business owner in Knoxville. Can you tell us a little about your business, Elegant Essentials?

Linda: Actually, it has been a little over three years now and I am still overwhelmed with the response from Knoxville. Three years have flown by and I have met and learned so much in such a short time. Elegant Essentials Home Décor and Gifts is a gift shop with a twist. I am a master florist and a certified interior designer, so my shop is not just shelves and product. It has an ambiance all its own, with a personality. We have jewelry, handbags, candles, diffusers, home décor and custom floral arrangements. I also am the first and largest Chamilia dealer in Knoxville.

EK: As a big advocate of small business networking, can you tell us how this has fit into your business plan and how successful it has been for you?

Linda: It was really hard initially to get started. It took a lot of prompting from fellow business owners to get me out there. I found that with networking with the right organization I was actually bringing clients to my store. It has been very successful. Customers recognize me through advertising and then meet me in person; they now have a connection to me. It has paid off several times over. I have built an army of networkers that network Elegant Essentials for me all over Knoxville and the surrounding areas.

EK: You’ve participated in a variety of networking organizations. How have they differed?

Linda: All networking is good. I think you have to find the right fit, and once you do stick to it. You can’t be part time; it takes time to build relationships. You didn’t build your business overnight and you can’t build your networking relationships overnight either. People have to trust you, like you and then they will do business with you. Build the relationship first and the business will come.

EK: Recently you have become the Executive Director of eWomenNetwork. Can you tell us a little bit about eWomen?

Linda: eWomenNetwork is the #1 Networking Resource for Women in Business in all of North America. They support women in small business with Accelerated Networking Events all across the country. We have over 113 chapters and over 30,000 members. Their motto is to give first share always, and to raise as we climb. There are resources available to our members, including publishing network, premiere coaching sessions, events, posting your business profile on the website, which are only a few advantages to membership. The eWomenNetwork Foundation supports local non-profits in each chapter to help women and children. Eighty-five non-profits have been awarded cash grants and 110 conference scholarships have been awarded to emerging leaders. This year Knoxville had the 2010 Emerging Leader Young Entrepreneurial award, which went to Julie Fincher with Babysitter Express.

EK: Why do you feel it is important for women-owned small businesses to join eWomenNetwork?

Linda: I feel it is an absolute must. I am connected with more women business owners and resources than I ever would have been able in one organization. I believe it is the only game in town and no other comes close to having all the resources that are now available to me. Through my contacts at eWomenNetwork I am a contributing author in a book that will be available in February, “Networking for Novices,” along with Sandra Yancey, the CEO of eWomenNetwork, and 12 other authors across the country.

Positive Economic Indicators to Be Thankful For

By Tom Irmen

It’s difficult to determine what has been more challenging over the last three years, the recession itself or the uncertainty surrounding this financial chaos that often appears to have no end in sight. Hardly a newscast passes without conflicting data supporting either a potential end to our financial woes or data supporting continuation of one of the longest recessions in U.S. history. Add to this the political infighting, posturing and one-ups-manship in Washington and you have a formula for continued uncertainty.

That was, until just recently.

Financial news as of late seems to support the belief that the light at the end of the tunnel is not another oncoming train as many might have feared. Here are some of the indicators I am referring to:

• Unemployment has dropped .4 of 1% to 8.6%.
• Black Friday sales skyrocketed 16% over same day sales in 2010.
• Cyber Monday sales increased 18%.
• Sales of existing homes have unexpectedly risen.
• GDP has grown, albeit modestly, every quarter this year, with economists forecasting growth of 3.2% in the fourth quarter.

So just what does all of this mean to your small business?

Many, perhaps most, small business owners are beyond overwhelmed with the whipsaw effect of conflicting data. Yet this is undeniably the most compelling positive data we have received since this stubborn, and seemingly endless, recession began.

So what should you do with this information?

Well, you don’t want to sit on your hands. Many small business owners elected to hunker down over the last several years rather than attempt to outguess this sea of uncertainty that has overwhelmed our best instincts and predictions for the future.


One thing most of us can agree on is that the future will likely look much different than we might have imagined. It’s doubtful that any of us will return to business as usual anytime soon.


With deteriorating home prices, declining retirement account values, and future economic uncertainty, it is likely that the consumer will continue to focus on both value and higher levels of service. Small businesses that meet the challenging future needs of this very different consumer demographic will benefit greatly. Those who ignore these changes, returning to the status quo, will experience erosion in both their consumer base and future revenue growth.

This new year represents the best opportunity for success for your small business that has existed since 2008. But only if your marketing strategy going into 2012 reflects recent changes in consumer spending habits. Small businesses that continue to hunker down will lose irreplaceable market share to their competitors who act boldly and decisively, taking advantage of this surge in consumer confidence.

Jennifer Connelly

“Hey Jennifer… I’m cured!  You rock; thanks for all your patience.”  Emily, age 17

“Ms. Connelly, I don’t know what I would have done if you hadn’t helped me.  I’ve been working on this sound for SOOOO long – you were the only therapist that helped me finally get it!”  Conner, age 14

“How can one therapist demonstrate consistent discipline, establish fair expectations, motivate, and still make us laugh and want to come to therapy?  Thank you so much for helping both of my kids and seeing their individuality.”  Parent

These are typical letters from individuals seen at Verbal Design Services, Inc.  Jennifer Connelly is a dedicated speech pathologist who specializes in articulation (speech), stuttering, tongue thrusting and prolonged thumb & finger sucking, as well as presentation skills.  Children and adults are seen at our beautiful Franklin Square office.

Our typical patient has a strong desire to improve in the least amount of time!  Therapy is individualized and goal oriented.  No matter the age, every individual is well aware of what they are doing, why they are doing it, and how a particular exercise will help them improve in a timely manner.  Parents participate in all sessions making it easier to help at home between visits.

No need to miss school or work as therapy can be scheduled in the evenings or on Saturdays.  Many insurance plans cover treatment, but if yours doesn’t, a no-interest payment plan is available.

Isn’t it time to gain clearer speech and feel more confident at work?  Wouldn’t it be nice to see your child less frustrated?  Fall is a great time to address these goals.  Discuss your concerns with Jennifer personally by calling 865-357-6550.  Let’s start talking!

Verbal Design Services, Inc.
9724 Kingston Pike #1102
Knoxville, TN 37922
865.357.6550

A great vacation begins with the careful selection of your hotel.  And to ensure you enjoy your vacation, be certain Fido enjoys his.
How do you select a great vacation kennel?  Here’s a helpful checklist:

• Tour the kennel.  If tours are not permitted, cross them off your list.
• How does the kennel smell?  If the lobby smells, cross them off your list.
• Are water and food bowls clean?
• Does the kennel have a state-of-the-art ventilation and sanitation system?
• Clean outdoor play yard?
• 24/7 surveillance and on-site supervision?
• Caring, loving and detail-orientated staff?

Ms C’s Bed & Biscuits offers all these basics, plus many additional amenities including:

• Free bath after five-night stay
• Indoor & outdoor play areas
• Sunday pick-up
• Special handling of elderly dogs
• Nightly “tuck in” with homemade biscuits, doggy ice cream on Wednesdays, all-meat hot dogs on Fridays, special treats such as almond biscotti’s on holidays
• Room in suites to accommodate dog’s own beds, or Kuranda beds and plush cushions are available
• Surround sound music

Call Ms C’s Bed & Biscuits at 865-986-6325 for your tour and arrange your dog’s special vacation so you can enjoy yours.  Daycare is also available.

Ms C’s Bed & Biscuits
2145 Beals Chapel Rd.
Lenoir City, TN 37772
865.986.6325

Tonya ready to brighten days at Parkwest Medical

What does it mean to be a Tennessee Volunteer?  Well, yes, it is “football time in Tennessee,” but the origins of being a Tennessee Volunteer reach far beyond kickoff.  Tennessee first earned the nickname “Volunteer State” during the War of 1812 when 2,000 Tennesseans volunteered to fight under the command of Andrew Jackson and defeated the British at the Battle of New Orleans.

Trying to live up to this kind of a legacy may seem daunting, but really it can be as simple as delivering a bouquet of flowers.  Just ask Mary Jane Keating.  She arranges flowers every Monday after picking up “sad” plants from her local grocery store.  Mary Jane freshens them up and makes a delivery on behalf of Random Acts of Flowers to UT Medical Center.

“It is gratifying to see how a simple gesture of kindness is so appreciated by someone going through a difficult time in life,” Keating said.

Random Acts of Flowers is a 100 percent recycling program.  The beautiful centerpieces of a romantic wedding, sentimental bouquets from a funeral, and decorative Sunday alter arrangements can be repurposed to bring someone a smile.

“When I started the charity, I had no idea how quickly it would grow or how it would evolve into such an active part of our community. Certainly, it’s an organization the entire community can be proud of,” said Larsen Jay, Random Acts of Flowers founder.

“It’s only because of our hard working volunteers that we can function on a weekly basis,” said Sage Morgan, Director of Operations for Random Acts of Flowers. “They continue to amaze me with their generosity, great ideas and hard work. The volunteer spirit is definitely alive and well in our city.”

There are a number of ways to get involved as a volunteer for Random Acts of Flowers: making deliveries, creating floral arrangements, or collecting vases like Mary Ann Salsman, one of RAF’s original volunteers.  After reading an article and learning Random Acts of Flowers was in need of vases, Salsman promptly placed a listing on craigslist and in her husband’s work newsletter requesting donations.

Volunteering can also be about putting your natural talents to work.  Nancy Guertin is a graphic designer by trade who uses her talents to create marketing and promotional materials for Random Acts of Flowers.

“I think Random Acts of Flowers is a great, simple charity that contributes an amazing amount of good will to patients who would otherwise be forgotten. It’s easy to dedicate my time to an organization that makes the world a little better place,” Guertin said.

So why volunteer?  Just read a few of the testimonials and see how a simple gesture can make a difference in a person’s life.

“My grandmother is in the hospital and she wanted to thank all of you for the flowers that were given to her out of the kindness of your hearts!  I thank you also.  It really made her happy!  All I wanted to see was a smile on her face and she smiled like a ray of sunshine!  Thanks again.” – Julie & Dorothy H., Recipient Family Member

“My mother is a resident at Williamsburg Villas and received a bouquet of flowers from your organization. What a wonderful surprise for her.  She was thrilled and is still enjoying them more than a week later.  She felt very special and that doesn’t happen very often.  Thank you very much for your kindness and thoughtfulness.” – Denise A., Recipient Family Member

“Honestly, receiving bouquets from Random Acts of Flowers cheers up our patient’s day.  We see it often, that for whatever reason, some patients just have fewer guests that visit them in the hospital and it can bring down their spirit.  When we see a patient ‘randomly’ receive a special delivery of flowers, it truly cheers them up.  The positive reinforcement flowers provide a patient during their hospital stay really does make a big difference.” – Pam S., Parkwest Medical Center Nurse

Random Acts of Flowers was founded in March of 2009.  The organization is approaching its 5,000 delivery.  To get involved, learn more or financially support the charity, visit www.RandomActsofFlowers.org.

With the lines blurring between indoor and outdoor living spaces, today’s homeowners regard these outdoor living spaces as an addition to their home’s interior.  The available options for creating these spaces are virtually unlimited and frequently begin with your home’s deck, considered by many homeowners as the centerpiece of your home’s outdoor living area.

A beautiful and functional deck begins with a great design.  And a great design begins with TimberTech.  Available in 10 designer colors, TimberTech decks also feature complimentary components including posts, railings and lighting.  Both affordable and low maintenance, TimberTech decking eliminates splintering, rotting, sealing and staining.  

Another great idea for expanding your outdoor living areas is converting that dull, wet space under existing second story decks into bright, dry, outdoor family living space with a Magnolia underdecking system.  

Many homeowners who choose to enjoy their out-of-door living spaces year-round are opting for sunrooms that are fully enclosed, permitting multiple windows to be either opened or closed depending on conditions.
Another great innovation for screened porches is a new vertical window system that combines the open feeling of a screen room with the comfort and convenience of a fully enclosed patio room.

Combining these various options with a design that complements your home’s existing style and design will not only greatly expand your home’s living areas, but will also greatly enhance the enjoyment of your home with friends, family and loved ones, creating a lifetime of memories.
But just like a great outdoor living space begins with a great design, a great design begins with an experienced and reputable licensed contractor.  A contractor with years of experience and hundreds of satisfied customers.
Knoxville Deck & More, a member of the Better Business Bureau, combines experience, the best building systems from many of the nation’s premier manufacturers and special financing packages to offer area homeowners the perfect turn-key package that will result in an outdoor living area that will complement your existing home.
To learn more, visit Knoxville Deck & More’s design center and discover how you can begin to create a lifetime of memories for your family and friends.

Knoxville Deck & More
127 Perimeter Park Road, Suite 127D
Knoxville, TN 37922
865.531.1988

With some experts predicting that home energy prices could double in the next 10 years, homeowners are determined to reduce home energy consumption.
Two sure-fire energy savings tips that can significantly reduce costs include:

Tip #1: Replace existing conventional light bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps (CPL’s).  A $2 CPL can save $30 over their extended lifetime.

Tip #2: Replace existing window treatments with new energy conserving blinds, shades and shutters.

The proper installation of new energy conserving blinds, shades and shutters can significantly reduce heating and air conditioning costs, not to mention wear-and-tear on your home’s HVAC system and the reduction of powerful UV rays that can fade and damage flooring surfaces, furniture, artwork and priceless photos.

And the best news is that you don’t have to compromise on style.  Energy conserving blinds, shades and shutters are available in a huge assortment of colors, textures and materials that will permit you to perfectly complement your home’s décor.

Not sure which energy conserving blinds, shades or shutters is the correct choice for your home?
Why not contact the professionals at Budget Blinds.  Their experienced consultants can help you to make just the right choice from their extensive selection of affordable energy saving blinds, shades and shutters.

Beauty, elegance, and energy saving.
Discover the Budget Blinds difference today and stop wasting precious money you’re now paying to cool and heat your home.
Call today!

Budget Blinds
865.909.9900
www.budgetblinds.com

It has been 17 years since Lisa Grugin lost her father, Walton Pile, to cancer. But the co-owner of Meadow View Greenhouse & Garden Center in Lenoir City continues to carry his influences with her to this day, especially when it comes to running the family business.

Although their livelihoods were in different industries—Walton was a dairy farmer, Lisa works with plants and flowers—their jobs have one important aspect in common—taking care of living things. And in that respect, Lisa learned from her father, especially in the course of helping out on the dairy farm as a child, that one must work according to nature’s schedule.

“One thing you learn as the child of a farmer is that things have to be done, and it doesn’t matter whether you feel like doing them or not,” Grugin says. “Cows had to be milked, hay had to be hauled, things had to be done.”

These days, she applies that same work ethic to her own business, which she runs with her husband, Rodney.

“I learned from my father that there are no excuses,” she adds. “If you’re going to do something, you do it right, to the best of your ability and until it’s done.”

Another lesson she learned from her father was the value of determination and perseverance. Despite having lost an arm and the use of an eye and nearly losing a leg, Walton Pile was, as his daughter describes, “tough as nails.”

“Nothing ever handicapped him,” she says. “He was never affected by that, and until he got sick with cancer, I never remember seeing him sick a day in his life.”

The Grugins—both U.S. army veterans—operate the retail end of a business that also includes Lisa’s mother, brother, sister, brother-in-law and sister-in-law. Meadow View Greenhouse & Garden Center offers a full line of plantings and gift items for the home, including annuals, perennials, tropicals, shrubs and trees.

All of the annuals and most of the perennials are grown on the site of her father’s Fentress County farm, which today accommodates the garden center’s wholesale operation. Lisa’s brother started the wholesale side in the 1980s, and when Rodney left the Army after Desert Storm, the Grugins started running the retail end at Meadow View, which is located between Lenoir City and Dixie Lee Junction.