My Morning Cup

Allen Clare’s career has come full circle, from working in coal bunkers as a teenager to becoming GM of Eastern Coal and Gas for TVA. Now he’s the Senior Vice President of Power Operations, responsible for all non-nuclear power generation. In this episode, Allen shares his “North Star” that guided many decisions, what it was like living at sea while in Navy, and the three skills he believes are essential for great leadership. We also discuss how the energy industry has evolved over the past 8 years and TVA’s focus for the future. Allen Clare is the SVP of Power Operations for TVA. You can connect with him on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/allen-clare-74709a62). If you liked this episode, we think you’ll also like: Matt Rasmussen’s Morning Cup (E57)Jacinda Woodward’s Morning Cup (E70)Jeff Lyash’s Morning Cup (E79) My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by SpeakEasy Productions.  Subscribe to the weekly newsletter here and be the first to know who upcoming guests are!

Michael and Angela Ballard have used their careers as a tool to do what they love the most: travel. In this episode, we talk about what it was like for both of them to grow up on cattle and dairy farms, why Michael moved to Saudi Arabia at the age of 12, and how Angela gave a stipulation when Michael proposed… which lit the travel flame for them. They also share stories from all around the world and explain how they now help other people travel. Angela and Michael Ballard are the owners of We Married Adventure. You can learn more about them on their website, wemarriedadventure.com, and you can connect with them on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/aesballard & linkedin.com/in/mike-ballard-2bb0587   You can also check out the websites they mentioned, nomadmania.com & secretflying.com    My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by SpeakEasy Productions.    Subscribe to the weekly newsletter here and be the first to know who upcoming guests are!

Charlie has made his mark supporting the entrepreneurial ecosystem, not only in Chattanooga, but all across Tennessee. In this episode, Charlie shares what it was like growing up in the Brock Candy family business, how he first got involved in the startup ecosystem as CEO of The Company Lab and then LaunchTN, and why he creates “intentional serendipitous collisions” for entrepreneurs. We also discuss quantum computing and and how Chattanooga will benefit from the technology. Charlie Brock is the Founder of Chattanooga Quantum Collaborative. You can connect with him on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/charliebrock) and learn more about the CQC on their website (chattanoogaquantum.com) If you liked this episode, we think you’ll also like: Hal Bowling’s Morning Cup (E75)Keith Sanford’s Morning Cup (E86)Tasia Malakasis’s Morning Cup (E92) My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by SpeakEasy Productions.  Subscribe to the weekly newsletter here and be the first to know who upcoming guests are!

Darren Hodges (AKA Mr. Coca-Cola of Chattanooga) began his career at Coca-Cola United in 1986 and has worked a variety of positions, all the way up to Division Vice President. In this episode, Darren shares a behind-the-scenes look at Coke’s operations and positions, its important history in Chattanooga as the first franchised bottler of Coca-Cola products, and how “divine intervention” kept him from pursuing another career path. You can connect with Darren Hodges on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/darren-hodges-724a4811) and you can learn more about Coca-Cola Bottling Company United on their website (cocacolaunited.com/locations/chattanooga). If you liked this episode, we think you’ll also like: Roy Vaughn’s Morning Cup (E08)Mark Reeves’s Morning Cup (E46)Paul Leath’s Morning Cup (E90) My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by SpeakEasy Productions.  Subscribe to the weekly newsletter here and be the first to know who upcoming guests are!

A month-long trip to Costa Rica completely changed the trajectory of Stacy Johnson’s career. In this episode, Stacy shares how a series of career disruptions led her to pivot from graphic design to nonprofits and why a trip to Costa Rica to learn Spanish led her to pursue new passions. Plus, we also discuss how the Latinx community in Chattanooga has changed over the past twenty years and why La Paz has shifted their focus as a result. Stacy Johnson is the President and CEO of La Paz, an organization whose mission is to empower and engage Chattanooga’s Latino population. You can connect with Stacy on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/stacy-johnson-7bba232b) and you can learn more about La Paz on their website (lapazchattanooga.org). If you liked this episode, we think you’ll also like: Candy Johnson’s Morning Cup (E48)Emily Mack’s Morning Cup (E83)Keith Sanford’s Morning Cup (E86) My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by SpeakEasy Productions.  Subscribe to the weekly newsletter here and be the first to know who upcoming guests are!

Tasia Malakasis’s career can be classified as a series of “happy accidents.” In this episode, she shares how she started in sales (as all CEOs should), then pursued her love of food by acquiring Belle Chevre and taking it to the next level. We also discuss how she landed at The Company Lab, and why the organization has pivoted their focus to sustainable mobility. Tasia Malakasis is the CEO of The Company Lab, a nonprofit that accelerates early-stage startups in the sustainable mobility space. You can connect with Tasia on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/tasia-malakasis-4829a45) If you liked this episode, we think you’ll also like: Craig Fuller’s Morning Cup (E58)Susan Vandergriff’s Morning Cup (E72)Emily Mack’s Morning Cup (E83) My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by SpeakEasy Productions.  Subscribe to the weekly newsletter here and be the first to know who upcoming guests are!

Joe Jacobi is an Olympic Gold Medalist, Performance Coach, and Author. After winning the gold in the 1992 canoe slalom event, he’s dedicated his life to teaching others how to perform well in their own lives. In this episode, Joe shares what it’s *really* like to win a gold medal, how he got started canoeing at the age of 8 years old, and why he moved to La Seu d’Urgell, Spain. We also talk about the idea of living well so you can compete well, why he believes in process over results, and how he must learn every single day in order to survive and thrive. You can subscribe to the Thinking in Waves newsletter (joejacobi.ck.page/921d235cfe) and you can connect with Joe on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/jacobijoe). If you liked this episode, we think you’ll also like: Gail Loveland Barille’s Morning Cup (E22)Scott Martin’s Morning Cup (E31)Mark McKnight’s Morning Cup (E39) My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by SpeakEasy Productions.  Subscribe to the weekly newsletter here and be the first to know who upcoming guests are!

The military is heavily engrained in Paul Leath’s DNA. Following in his dad’s footsteps, he joined the army and served nine years active duty. In this episode, Paul shares how veterans, nuns, and scouts have been great influences in his life, how he was stationed in Fort Bragg “for love,” what happened after getting the Red Ball Express phone call, and then switching to the private sector and loving the natural gas industry. Paul Leath is the Regional Director of Operations at Chattanooga Gas, a subsidiary of Southern Company. You can connect with Paul on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/paul-leath-73571413). If you liked this episode, we think you’ll also like: Chip Baker’s Morning Cup (E04)Vance Travis’s Morning Cup (E40)Sheriff Austin Garrett’s Morning Cup (E71) My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by SpeakEasy Productions.  Subscribe to the weekly newsletter here and be the first to know who upcoming guests are!

Bruce Weiss is an artist. Most people know him as a sandwich artist because of his deli, but he was a visual artist first. In this episode, Bruce shares how growing up in the melting pot of New York led to his love of food and cooking, why having chutzpah is important for success, and the events that led to him opening River Street Deli in 1998, including working in sales, owning a graphic design business, and shadowing Chef Neville Forsythe. Bruce Weiss is the owner of River Street Deli. You can learn more about the deli at riverstreetdeli.com. If you liked this episode, we think you’ll also like: Kenyatta Ashford’s Morning Cup (E05)Chris Lytle’s Morning Cup (E28)Chris Hopkins’s Morning Cup (E84) My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by SpeakEasy Productions.  Subscribe to the weekly newsletter here and be the first to know who upcoming guests are!

Linda Moss Mines is Chattanooga’s Historian, dedicated to reminding others about the blessings of liberty. In this episode, Linda shares what it was like growing up on the plateau with her favorite person (her Pa), how bedtime stories sparked her love of history, and her motivations for teaching at GPS for 27 years (aside from her love of teaching history).  Plus, we also discuss being a lifelong learner, the changing political climate, and the importance of the Medal of Honor. If you liked this episode, we think you’ll also like: John Germ’s Morning Cup (E35)Jim Kennedy’s Morning Cup (E37)Dr. Elaine Swafford’s Morning Cup (E64) My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by SpeakEasy Productions.  Subscribe to the weekly newsletter here and be the first to know who upcoming guests are!

Captain Richard Simms has an eclectic career path, from Game Warden to Videographer to Executive Producer, and ultimately back to the outdoors.  In this episode, Richard shares how a coin toss influenced where he landed as a Game Warden, why family drives every decision he makes, and how he left his 9-5 to pursue his “weekend gig” - Scenic City Fishing Charters - and is now affiliated with nine additional guides. Richard Simms is the owner of Scenic City Fishing Charters. You can connect with him on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/sceniccityfishing) and you can learn more about his fishing charters on his website (sceniccityfishing.com). If you liked this episode, we think you’ll also like: Mark McKnight’s Morning Cup (E39)Calvin Sneed’s Morning Cup (E77)Tom Henderson’s Morning Cup (E82) My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by SpeakEasy Productions.  Subscribe to the weekly newsletter here and be the first to know who upcoming guests are!

Keith Sanford’s community involvement and love of Chattanooga makes everyone feel as though they’ve worked with him in some form or fashion, despite only working at three places during his 44-year career.   In this episode, Keith shares what it was like working his way up to Market President at First Tennessee (now First Horizon), being expected to be involved in the community (and ending up loving it), and what penguins are really like… hint: they’re not all cuddly!   Plus, we talk about what Keith will be doing once he retires later this year.   Keith Sanford is the President and CEO of the Tennessee Aquarium. You can connect with him on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/keith-sanford-9718981a) and you can learn more about the aquarium on their website (tnaqua.org). If you liked this episode, we think you’ll also like: Tom Griscom’s Morning Cup (E23)Jay Dale’s Morning Cup (E42)Virginia Anne Sharber’s Morning Cup (E59) — My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by SpeakEasy Productions.    Subscribe to the weekly newsletter here and be the first to know who upcoming guests are!

Most people know Gerald McCormick from his time with the Tennessee General Assembly… but he didn’t start there! In this episode, we discuss his early career in the billboard and commercial real estate industries, joining the National Guard, and running for office when he returned from deployment.   Gerald also shares about his infatuation with Elvis when he was a child, why he switched from Democrat to Republican when running for office, and his recent diagnosis of ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease).   Gerald McCormick is a Consultant with The Ingram Group. Previously he was a State Representative from 2004-2018 and held several leadership positions, including House Majority Leader and Chairman of the Budget Subcommittee of House Finance, Ways and Means. You can learn more about Gerald on The Ingram Group website (ingramgroup.com/gerald-mccormick) and you can connect with him on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/gerald-mccormick-733b764b/).   If you liked this episode, we think you’ll also like: Leslie Gower’s Morning Cup (E02)Tom Griscom’s Morning Cup (E23)Bob Corker’s Morning Cup (E52)  — My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by SpeakEasy Productions.    Subscribe to the weekly newsletter here and be the first to know who upcoming guests are!

Chris Hopkins is a lifelong learner, committed to helping others and keeping an optimistic view on life.   In this episode, Chris shares his career highlights - all the way back to age 6 when he was selling vacuums with his grandmother, to being a plant superintendent right out of college, and selling his business and getting into the finance industry. We also discuss his passion for music and reading… including his western swing band that played at Riverbend a few times, and how he reads two or three books a week.   Chris also opens up about the massive heart attack he had at the age of 39, how he recovered from it, and what it was like to receive a heart transplant and meet the donor’s family.   Chris Hopkins is the Co-Founder and Principal of Apogee Wealth Partners. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst and has been in the finance industry since 1998. You can learn more about Chris and Apogee on his website (apogeewp.com/team) and you can connect with him on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/chris-hopkins-cfa-7751745).   If you liked this episode, we think you’ll also like: Chip Baker’s Morning Cup (E04)Becky Blaesing’s Morning Cup (E26)Matt Hullander’s Morning Cup (E68) _____________ My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by SpeakEasy Productions.    Subscribe to the weekly newsletter here and be the first to know who upcoming guests are!

From Preservation Planner to Mayor’s Liason in Indianapolis, and now President and CEO of River City Company in Chattanooga, Emily Mack’s contributions have been instrumental in shaping downtown developments in both cities.   In this episode, Emily shares how volunteering at the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio ignited her passion for architecture and historic preservation, why you should say yes to roles you might feel a little unprepared for, and how she draws inspiration from powerful role models like Wonder Woman and Princess Diana.    Plus, she shares what happens behind the scenes with major redevelopment projects like Hawk Hill and the ONE Riverfront Plan.   Emily Mack is the President and CEO of River City Company, the economic development engine for Downtown Chattanooga. You can connect with Emily on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/emilymack/) and learn more about River City Company on their website (rivercitycompany.com).   My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by SpeakEasy Productions. Subscribe to our new weekly newsletter here.   If you liked this episode, we think you’ll also like: Todd Womack’s Morning Cup (E21)Bo Drake’s Morning Cup (E65)Bridgett Massengill’s Morning Cup (E80)

Tom Henderson is a longtime broadcast journalist who now spends his days as a gentleman farmer, where the most stressful part of his day now is tending to tomatoes.   Tom shares why journalists and reporters should want the right people to be mad for the right reasons, how he switched from radio to TV and then left his dream job to come back to Chattanooga, and how he brought the Channel 9 team together after a major loss.   Tom Henderson retired in 2021 from his role as News Director of Channel 9. You can connect with Tom on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/tom-henderson-9789356).   You can read about the Medellin cartel airport bust we discussed here: upi.com/Archives/1982/10/26/Smugglers-fire-at-police/1679404452800   My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by SpeakEasy Productions. Subscribe to our new weekly newsletter here.   If you liked this episode, we think you’ll also like: Jared Stehney’s Morning Cup (E30)Mike Costa’s Morning Cup (E51)Jed Mescon’s Morning Cup (E66)

Peppo Biscarini broke a swimming world record at just 15 years old and felt invincible, but his world came crashing down when he suffered a literal back-breaking accident.   In this episode, Peppo shares how the devastating loss of his swimming career led him to start several businesses, including a shoe-import business and a fin manufacturing company. We also talk about living in some of the most beautiful places in the world: Milan, San Diego, Lake Como, Palm Beach, and finally Chattanooga. Plus, his 3-year involvement with black magic and his religious awakening when he realized greed only leads to melancholy.   Peppo Biscarini is an “elite athlete, turned entrepreneur, morphed into fisher of souls.” He is also the host of the Equipaggiati podcast, a religious podcast that releases episodes daily. The English version of his podcast will be released next year, but in the meantime you can subscribe to the Italian version here: buzzsprout.com/2100258   You can also connect with Peppo on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/peppo-biscarini-061b1b6b)   My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by SpeakEasy Productions. Subscribe to our new weekly newsletter here.   If you liked this episode, we think you’ll also like: Mike Costa’s Morning Cup (E51)Patrick Wells’s Morning Cup (E61)Christian Höferle’s Morning Cup (E76)

Bridgett Massengill has many roots across East Tennessee, which has played a major role in her community development career.   In this episode, Bridgett shares her professional zigs and zags, including the time she was promoted from intern to Executive Director. We also talk about the challenges she faced as a young woman in leadership positions, how a calendar quote put her on a new life path, and why change should always be a choice.   Bridgett Massengill is the President and CEO of Thrive Regional Partnership. You can learn more about Thrive on their website (thriveregionalpartnership.org) and you can connect with Bridgett on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/bridgettmassengill).   My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by SpeakEasy Productions. Subscribe to our new weekly newsletter here.   If you liked this episode, we think you’ll also like: Dr. Rebecca Ashford’s Morning Cup (E16)Todd Womack’s Morning Cup (E21)Bob Corker’s Morning Cup (E52)

Jeff Lyash grew up in a small coal mining town and decided to follow in his grandfathers’ footsteps, never imagining that his path would lead him to become CEO of the largest public power company in the United States.   In this episode, Jeff shares which three qualities he implements every day for success, why everyone should be fearless about change, and how if you identify the biggest problems and make a contribution… things will generally work out.    Jeff Lyash is the President and CEO of the Tennessee Valley Authority. You can learn more about Jeff on the TVA website (tva.com/about-tva/our-leadership/our-executive-leadership/jeffrey-(jeff)-j.-lyash)   My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by SpeakEasy Productions. Subscribe to our new weekly newsletter here.   If you liked this episode, we think you’ll also like: Matt Rasmussen’s Morning Cup (E57)Jacinda Woodward’s Morning Cup (E70)Christian Höferle’s Morning Cup (E76)

Jay Shaffer has had a dynamic career path, from starting in oil rigging and pivoting to lending, then tech and startups, and now angel investing…    In this episode, Jay shares why he’s always prepared to play the cards he’s dealth, how a 4am realization changed the trajectory of his career, and how connections play a big part in finding new opportunities (but sometimes it’s a whole lot of luck too).   Plus, he shares a few tips for all startup founders, especially those who are looking for investors.   Jay Shaffer is the Market Director for Venture South, an early stage angel investor firm. You can learn more about Venture South on their website (venturesouth.vc) and you can connect with Jay on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/jaydshaffer).   My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by SpeakEasy Productions. Subscribe to our new weekly newsletter here.   If you liked this episode, we think you’ll also like: Josh Manning’s Morning Cup (E27)Cam Doody’s Morning Cup (E63)Barry Large’s Morning Cup (E73)