Growing up, Tracy wanted to be a psychologist, but different opportunities arose and she found herself with a career in the healthcare industry. After starting and selling her business, she made her way to Chattanooga as CEO of Hospice of Chattanooga.   In this episode, Tracy dispels myths about hospice, answers how healthy Chattanooga is (or rather, how unhealthy it is), and explains which trait all good CEOs should have.   Tracy is the CEO of Journey Health Foundation. You can connect with her on LinkedIn here.   My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by Madison McCann.   If you liked this episode, we think you’ll also like: Gideon Thomas’s Morning Cup (E07) Ron Harr’s Morning Cup (E17) Tom Cupo’s Morning Cup (E32)

How many people can say they had a revelation to pursue a specific career? Not many, but Mark Reeves can, and it happened in a movie theater parking lot, of all places.   In this episode, Mark shares how teaching led him to the TSSAA, what the TSSAA *really* is, and why you always need to be yourself. Plus, why you should attend the Blue Cross Bowl later this week!   Mark is the Executive Director of the TSSAA. You can connect with him on LinkedIn here and you can find information about the upcoming Blue Cross Bowl here.   My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by Madison McCann.   If you liked this episode, we think you’ll also like: Roy Vaughn’s Morning Cup (E08) Dalya Qualls White’s Morning Cup (E14) Tim Morgan’s Morning Cup (E24)

The story of CPR Wrap is not as simple as a good idea; it’s a product of hard work and many sacrifices. In this episode, Felicia shares why not all money is good money, how she once turned down a million-dollar offer for her product, and why she includes her health as a KPI in her business.   Felicia is the Founder and CEO of CPR Wrap. You can connect with her on LinkedIn here and you can watch her TEDx talk here.   My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by Madison McCann.   If you liked this episode, we think you’ll also like: Gideon Thomas’s Morning Cup (E07) Dr. Rebecca Ashford’s Morning Cup (E16) DeJuan Jordan’s Morning Cup (E34)

Most people are lucky to have one or two mentors, but Karen Shostak has been fortunate to have five throughout her career. In this episode, we discuss the lessons she’s learned from those mentors, a traumatic event that shifted her perspective on life, and why the best opportunities come to those in the peripheral.   Karen is the Deputy Director of Parks and Outdoors with Hamilton County. You can connect with her on LinkedIn here.   My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by Madison McCann.   If you liked this episode, we think you’ll also like: Chip Baker’s Morning Cup (E04) Mitch Patel’s Morning Cup (E06) Mayor Weston Wamp’s Morning Cup (E36)

Donna McConnico has had a “circuitous” career, which started when she changed her college major five times, graduated, and then decided to go to seminary school instead. In this episode, we discuss her love of learning and helping others, why Signal Centers is so important to Chattanooga, and even how she met Elvis three times.   Donna has been the CEO of Signal Centers since 2005. You can connect with her on LinkedIn here and learn more about Signal Centers here.   My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by Madison McCann.   If you liked this episode, we think you’ll also like: Leslie Gower’s Morning Cup (E02) Dr. Ashford’s Morning Cup (E16) Tom Griscom’s Morning Cup (E23)

Jay Dale is one of the few people who chose a career after graduating college and stuck with it. In this episode, we reflect on his path through every position in banking that led him to be Market President for the bank with the #1 market share in Chattanooga.    We also discuss his impressive bourbon collection, and why he is “obnoxiously” proud of Chattanooga and a self-proclaimed UTC Super Fan.    Jay is the Market President of First Horizon Bank in Chattanooga. You can connect with him on LinkedIn here.   My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by Madison McCann.   If you liked this episode, we think you’ll also like: Brent Burks’s Morning Cup (E10) Rich Mozingo’s Morning Cup (E12) Ron Harr’s Morning Cup (E17)

Kris and Mandy Simmons join the podcast this week to be the first-ever double guest feature on My Morning Cup! In this episode, we talk about the paths that led them together professionally and personally, what it’s *really* like to work with your spouse, and how to successfully scale a company to a national level.    Plus, Kris shares what movie surprisingly inspired him to pursue a career in video production, and why Mandy went back to the same employer three times (yes, three!!).   Kris and Mandy are the husband-wife team behind 6 STRONG MEDIA, a creative video agency. You can connect with Kris on LinkedIn here and Mandy here.   My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by Madison McCann.   If you liked this episode, we think you’ll also like: Mitch Patel’s Morning Cup (E06) Tim Morgan’s Morning Cup (E24) Stephanie Stuckey’s Morning Cup (E33)

Very few people know exactly what they want to be when they grow up - but Vance Travis did. He knew he wanted to be an architect, but his plans were put on hold when he was drafted into the military. After six years in the Army, he started his architecture career, working his way up and making connections before eventually starting his own firm.   Vance was the President and Owner of THW Architects, before retiring when he sold his company in 2016. You can connect with him on LinkedIn here.   My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by Madison McCann.   If you liked this episode, we think you’ll also like: Becky Blaesing’s Morning Cup (E26) John Germ’s Morning Cup (E35) Mayor Weston Wamp’s Morning Cup (E36)

Mark McKnight always dreamed of owning an outdoor store, but dreams change, as was the case for Mark several times in his career. In this episode, we discuss how he got comfortable with those dreams changing, why simply showing up is the best thing you can do, and what the future framework of Reflection Riding holds.   He also shares about the time he “broke” Twitter, and how he took Rock/Creek’s e-commerce store from five figures to the multi-millions.   Mark is the CEO and President of Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center. You can connect with him on LinkedIn here.   My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by Madison McCann.   If you liked this episode, we think you’ll also like: Gail Loveland Barille’s Morning Cup (E22) Scott Martin’s Morning Cup (E31) Stephanie Stuckey’s Morning Cup (E33)

Tiffanie Robinson had a West Coast Dream to work for an ad agency, and yet, life’s twists and turns led her to real estate development and she now leads a $100 million asset group.   In this episode, we discuss how taking a step back can sometimes propel your career forward, what to do if you think “don’t belong” in a seat around the table, and why you should surround yourself with people who challenge you.   Tiffanie is the Managing Partner of Aslan Holdings, and the CEO, Founder, and Principal Broker of SVN Second Story. You can connect with her on LinkedIn here.   My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by Madison McCann.   If you liked this episode, we think you’ll also like: Callie Starnes’s Morning Cup (E18) Becky Blaesing’s Morning Cup (E26) Brian Elrod’s Morning Cup (E29)

With a passion for theater and an English degree, Jim Kennedy followed his brother to Chattanooga in 1974 to work at the Baylor School. He had no idea that decision would lead him to be a part of organizations like Miller Reid Advertising, River City Company, the Chattanooga Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Chamber of Commerce.    In this episode, we discuss how Jim had a seat at the table for many major developments such as the Aquarium and Chattanooga Venture’s Vision 2000.    After leaving the Chamber as CEO in 2001, he started his own consulting firm along with Ann Coulter, Christian Rushing, and Stroud Watson. Ultimately, his career has come full circle and Jim retired from the Baylor School as Director of Admission and Enrollment. You can connect with him here.   My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by Madison McCann.   If you liked this episode, we think you’ll also like: Mayor Tim Kelly’s Morning Cup (E13) Ron Harr’s Morning Cup (E17) Todd Womack’s Morning Cup (E21)

From running the halls of the Capitol building at 5 years old to being elected the youngest Mayor in Hamilton County’s history, Mayor Weston Wamp has lived an interesting life in the public eye.    In this episode, we talk about architecture running in the family bloodline and how designing and drawing alleviates the stress that comes with the mayor’s job, who his most influential mentors are, how having kids changed his aspirations, and his thoughts on millennials’ civic engagement.   Mayor Weston Wamp is the mayor of Hamilton County. You can connect with him on LinkedIn here.   My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by Madison McCann.   If you liked this episode, we think you’ll also like: Gideon Thomas’s Morning Cup (E07) Brent Burks’s Morning Cup (E10) Shawn Whitfield’s Morning Cup (E20)

If anyone knows about “Service Above Self,” it’s John Germ. He’s been a member of Rotary since 1976 and was the President of Rotary International in 2016, which governs over 46,000 clubs around the world. Not to mention he was a member of the JCs and on many board rosters.   Professionally, John was the CEO and Board Chair for Campbell & Associates, an engineering firm.   In this episode, we discuss John’s career path which included selling turnip greens and fatback, plotting Hwy153, his close brush with fate, twice, while in the Air Force, and much more.   You can connect with him on LinkedIn here.   My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by Madison McCann.

DeJuan Jordan has always had a passion for helping others, but after experiencing a life-changing moment at the age of 12, she realized how much of an impact she could truly have.   In this episode, DeJuan shares about the power of words, the importance of doing things that scare you, and how she lives her life with intentionality.   DeJuan is the Co-CEO of LAUNCH Chattanooga and Founder/CEO of The DS Firm. You can learn more about her TEDxChattanooga talk coming up in November at tedxchatt.com/2023-flagship or you can connect with her on LinkedIn here.   My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by Madison McCann.

Stephanie Stuckey is a third-generation family member of Stuckey’s stores, which dotted highways and interstates throughout the southeast. They represented a clean, safe place to fuel up, take a break and stock up on pecan log rolls. When the business was sold to outside interests, Stephanie pursued her law degree and a career in the public sector. During this time, the Stuckey’s brand and their stores fell into disarray.   In 2019, Stephanie received a phone call that led to her to change direction; buying her family’s (failing) business and resurrecting the brand, one pecan log roll at a time. She is passionate about restoring this iconic brand and celebrating the nostalgia and charm of Stuckey's.   In this week’s episode, we find out how practicing law helped Stephanie turn Stuckey’s into a profitable CPG business. Here’s a hint: Hope is not the strategy!   Stephanie is the Chair of Stuckey’s, the roadside chain that has proudly sold Pecan Log Rolls since 1937. You can connect with her here.   My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by Madison McCann.

When Tom started his career, he wasn’t sure exactly what he wanted to do, but he tried lots of things along the way. He eventually and unexpectedly found his passion in the hospitality industry. After several moves up in responsibility and moves around the country, he became the GM of the Chattanoogan Hotel.    In this episode, Tom shares why you should take every opportunity to learn something new, even if it means working until 2am or moving to another state (when you really just want to be in Chattanooga).   Tom recently retired from Benchmark Resorts and Hotels and is back in Chattanooga full-time as the Regional Director of Operations for Dynamic Group. You can connect with him here.   My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by Madison McCann.

With a passion for all things outdoors, Scott Martin’s career has taken him from Virginia to Idaho to Kentucky, and now Tennessee. In this episode, Scott shares how changing a flat tire led to a job offer, how the city of Boise had a major effect on his career, and why he believes parks are so important and can differentiate great cities from mediocre cities.   Scott also shares tips on how local residents can make small changes that lead to a positive impact on the outdoors.   Scott is the Administrator for the City of Chattanooga’s Parks and Outdoors. You can connect with him here.   My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by Madison McCann.

Jared Stehney has been pulled into the broadcast radio industry time and time again… could it be the result of falling asleep to the radio every night?   In this episode, Jared shares the ups and downs of his career, the surprising skill he learned from sports, and how sometimes to close a deal you have to get on your knees and beg for it (literally).   Jared is a respected leader and veteran of broadcast radio, and a now-retired entrepreneur.  My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by Madison McCann.

When Brian Elrod graduated from college, he wanted to work in ANY industry except for transportation and logistics, but he didn’t have much of a choice and he “couldn’t afford to be an entrepreneur.” After years of paying his dues, opportunity knocked and he started the Educational Outfitters franchise with his wife, Jamey.    He’s bootstrapped three start-ups in the franchise and tech industries, two of which have appeared in Inc's 500 Fastest Growing Private Companies list multiple times.   In this episode, we talk about Brian’s journey in starting each of his businesses, the successes and failures, how “nothing happens in a straight line,” and why bootstrapping is better than having investors.   Brian is the co-founder and CEO of Text Request, a texting software that helps you connect with your customers (est. 2014). You can connect with him here.    My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by Madison McCann.

Growing up, Chris Lytle wanted to be one of three things: a politician, a minister, or a lawyer. Instead, he accidentally became a salesman and then went on to write the book on it (literally). For the past 40+ years, he’s been traveling the world teaching others how to sell.   In this episode, we talk about how he got to where he is today. Plus, he drops in a few sales knowledge bites throughout the episode too, like: “Selling is earning the right to make a recommendation,” and “It’s not about what you want to sell, it’s about what they need to buy.”   Chris is the owner of Instant Sales Training and the author of the bestselling books The Accidental Salesman and The Accidental Sales Manager. You can connect with him here.   You can watch his free knowledge bite, “Four Minutes to a Stronger Closing” at instantsalestraining.com My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by Madison McCann.

Josh Manning has always been intrigued by how and why things work. It led him to pursue many interests including running an eBay store, earning a degree in Mechanical Engineering, and learning how to do CBD extraction. All of those interests, followed by a life-changing accident, led Josh to open Snapdragon Hemp.    His business has grown quickly over the past seven years and in this episode, we discuss the winding path that got him to where he is today. Plus, he explains the differences between THC/CBD/Delta 8 and 9, and why he believes the industry should be even more regulated than it already is.   Josh is the owner of Snapdragon Hemp. You can connect with him here.    My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by Madison McCann.

Becky Blaesing always knew she wanted to follow in her parents’ footsteps and start her own business, but after college she started a career in sales as a manufacturer’s rep. She thrived in a man’s world until she pivoted and pursued her calling of running group homes for a non-profit. She eventually dove back into the world of sales, but this time - media sales!    We talk about the ups and downs of those careers, why she had the goal of starting her own business before her 50th birthday, and how she continues to be successful despite a cancer diagnosis and bilateral mastectomy last year.    Becky is the owner of Blazing Kiss Media. You can connect with her here. My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by Madison McCann.

This week I talk with a man who has dedicated his life to his country and to serving others, retired Navy Captain, Mickey McCamish. Mickey grew up in East Chattanooga, worked his way through college at the University of Chattanooga, then joined the Navy in the midst of the Vietnam War. He rose through the ranks and retired as a Captain after 27 years.    Since retiring from the Navy, Mickey has led the Senior PGA Tour Championship in Myrtle Beach as well as several non-profits such as The Epilepsy Foundation, Wreaths Across Chattanooga, and Friends of the Festival.    In this episode, Mickey shares his Navy story, what led him to each of those organizations, and why Riverbend has changed over the past few years.   Mickey is a retired U.S. Navy Captain, a former golf industry executive, and the current President and CEO for Friends of the Festival (Riverbend).   P.S. Be sure to check out episode E04 to hear more about Chip Baker!   My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by Madison McCann.

Tim Morgan, Chief Sports Officer for Chattanooga Sports, joins the podcast this week to share what he knows about resolving issues with angry people, a hidden (yet lucrative) way to network, and the economic impact of sports tourism. Plus, we find out how the Charlotte Modern Pentathlon convinced him sports tourism was the career for him.   Tim is the Chief Sports Officer for Chattanooga Sports, a division of Chattanooga Tourism Company. You can connect with him here. My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by Madison McCann.

Have you ever gotten a job because of how tall you are, or rather how short you are? Tom Griscom has, and he joins the podcast this week to tell that story, among others, including the time he stood up against the Secretary of State and wrote the famous “Tear Down This Wall” speech given by President Ronald Reagan.    Tom also shares how he started his career as a sports writer, but was then drafted into the Army, and explains what he believes to be the seminal event that put Chattanooga on the map.   Tom is the former Executive Editor for the Times Free Press. Prior to that, Tom was the Press Secretary for Senator Howard Baker and then the Director of Communications for President Ronald Reagan. You can connect with him here. My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by Madison McCann.

Despite growing up in a very “indoors” family, Gail Loveland Barille has found herself outdoors in almost every job she’s held. In this episode, we discuss how her career path led her across the country and how she used sports to build friendships every time she moved. Plus, stepping up as a leader (even if you think you’re not ready), when to invest in yourself with professional development, and the key to (re)connecting with impactful people.   Gail is the Director of Outdoor Chattanooga. You can connect with her here. My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by Madison McCann.

Sometimes you walk through doors, sometimes you go kicking and screaming through them. For Todd Womack, it was the latter when he unexpectedly entered into a political career alongside Mayor Bob Corker.    In this episode, Todd shares how to build a peer-to-peer relationship with your boss, the time he was almost fired, and what it’s really like traveling to DC each week. He also takes us behind the scenes on a few projects, including the 21st-century Waterfront Project and the Global Fund to End Modern Slavery.   Todd is the CEO of Bridge Public Affairs. You can connect with Todd here. My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by Madison McCann.

Who knew business and NASCAR had so much in common? Shawn Whitfield joins the podcast this week to tell us about his experience growing up in the oil distribution industry and why being the youngest person in the room can be a good thing (especially in sales). After leaving the oil business, Shawn went on to start a NASCAR-centric radio show and the Chattanooga Fitness Expo, a bodybuilding and fitness competition.   Shawn owns Whitfield Media Group and hosts Racing Talk Radio, the second-longest-running specialty radio show in Chattanooga, for 22 years. You can connect with Shawn here.   My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by Madison McCann.

The military holds an important role in Chanda Chambers’s life. In this episode, we learn how she went from the Army to Human Resources to owning a Welding and Fabrication business. We also explore the hardest parts of running a business as a woman, what her superpowers are, and how a stranger at Ruby Tuesday changed her career path.   Chanda is the Owner of Chambers Welding and Fabrication, Metal Makers, and Chambers PitMasters. You can connect with Chanda here.   My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by Madison McCann.

This week we board the rocketship that is Callie Starnes’ broadcasting career! She shares how 9/11 piqued her interest in journalism and how she earned promotion after promotion (and you can too)! Plus, a few topics that are often overlooked in the media industry: staying safe in the field as a young female reporter and work/life balance.   Callie Starnes is the President and General Manager of Local 3 News. You can connect with her here. My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by Madison McCann.

Ron Harr joins the podcast this week to explain his pinball-esque career and how he “fell” into many of the jobs he held. He shares how he became known as the $2 Million Man, and why you should always eat at the company potluck (or at least pretend to).   Before retiring and becoming a boat Captain, Ron held executive-level positions at AT&T, BCBST, and the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce. You can connect with Ron here.   My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by Madison McCann.

Dr. Rebecca Ashford joins the podcast this week to talk about her journey from student to President of a community college. Plus, the superstitions that brought her to Tennessee, and why discipline, focus, and empathy are the key ingredients to success.   Dr. Ashford is the President of Chattanooga State Community College. You can connect with her here. My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by Madison McCann.

Jay Kennamer has a knack for doing what others won’t and he makes major life decisions with a coin toss. In this episode, he shares stories from the courtroom and how he cleans up Chattanooga (literally and figuratively).   Jay is a partner and attorney at the McMahon Law Firm, Chattanooga’s most prolific and largest personal injury law firm. You can learn more about Jay here.   My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by Madison McCann.

Sports, Homeland Security, and health insurance all have two things in common - communications and Dalya Qualls White. In this episode, Dalya shares how her career took her all over the East Coast, why she believes in being a mentor to others, and how to leverage LinkedIn to get recruited.   Dalya is the SVP and Chief Communications Officer at BCBST. You can connect with Dalya here. My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by Madison McCann.

In this episode, we talk about the ups and downs of Mayor Tim Kelly’s career - starting with his first job as a dishwasher at the Vine Street Market. We also discuss the influence his parents had on his career (in their own very different ways), his most successful startup, and why drummers don’t name bands.   Mayor Tim Kelly is the mayor of the city of Chattanooga and a successful business owner. You can connect with him here.   My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by Madison McCann.

My guest this week is Rich Mozingo, President of the Chattanooga Lookouts. We discuss the career moves that brought him to Chattanooga (twice) and how the minor league is more so about selling than it is about baseball. Plus the history and future of the Lookouts, including the new stadium and most importantly where Rich stands on the DH and Pete Rose in the Hall of Fame.   Rich is the President of the Chattanooga Lookouts. You can connect with Rich here or learn more about the Lookouts here. My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by Madison McCann.

Ella Livingston was born in Ghana into a family of educators, health practitioners, engineers, and cocoa farmers. In this episode, we explore Ella’s experience at Spelman College (a women-only HBCU), how her time spent studying abroad in Japan led her to start a chocolate business while teaching math full-time, and the challenges she faced when starting her business.   Ella is the founder of Cocoa Asante, a brand that handcrafts chocolates that are almost too pretty to eat. You can connect with Ella here. My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by Madison McCann.

Brent Burks joins the podcast this week to share the story of cutting his teeth in the courtroom, how family dynamics can shape a person’s career, and learning to adapt and hustle when your plans change beyond your control.   Brent is a partner and attorney at the McMahan Law Firm, Chattanooga’s most prolific and largest personal injury law firm. You can learn more about Brent here. My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by Madison McCann.

This week on the podcast, Wade Hinton shares what made him move away from (and come back to) Chattanooga, why he feels so strongly about community engagement, and how international travel has affected his business decisions. Plus, how his interest in music led him to become an attorney, which in turn led to him becoming a DEI consultant.   Wade Hinton is the founder of Hinton & Company, a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion consulting firm. You can connect with him here.   My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by Madison McCann.

Roy Vaughn joins the podcast this week to share about his diet coke obsession, the time his mentor set him up to stand on his own, why he left his role as Founding Partner at an agency to work for BCBST, and how a communications professional can excel in human resources.    Roy Vaughn is the Senior Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer at BCBST. You can connect with him here.  My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by Madison McCann.

This week on the podcast, Gideon Thomas shares how her passion for the performing arts led her to a career in HR and how a series of family health crises led her to become an entrepreneur in the healthcare industry. Plus, why she believes great business decisions happen by disaster (not by design) and why listening to your body is so important.   Gideon is the founder and owner of Serious Healthcare, an agency that focuses on placing elderly and disabled clients into the personal homes of nurses to care for their daily needs. You can learn more about Gideon here. My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by Madison McCann.

Mitch Patel joins the podcast this week to talk about the American Dream, his interlude with engineering, the culture at Vision Hospitality, and how treating employees well can drive profits for your company.   Mitch Patel is the owner of Vision Hospitality and a portfolio of hotels. He is a successful businessman, founder, philanthropist, and die-hard Tennessee fan. You can connect with him here. My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by Madison McCann.

Local celebrity chef, Kenyatta Ashford, joins the podcast this week to share how growing up in New Orleans influenced his love of food, the meaning behind Neutral Ground, his experience on the TV show Chopped (spoiler: he won), and the ups and downs along the way of becoming a successful chef.   Kenyatta Ashford is the chef and founder of Neutral Ground, a modern New Orleans style po-boy and yakamein restaurant in Chattanooga, TN. You can connect with Kenyatta here and learn more about Neutral Ground here.   My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by Madison McCann.

Chip Baker, the most positive and fun person I know, joins the podcast to reveal how someone goes from running a hospital to running a music festival. Plus, we talk about his passion for aviation, the time Samuel L. Jackson returned his phone call within three hours, and more.   Chip Baker is a management coach, County Commissioner, former Executive Director of Riverbend Music Festival, and former hospital administrator. You can connect with him here.   My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by Madison McCann.

This week on the podcast, Matt Hullander and I discuss the importance of “knowing the score” in business, investing in marketing, and being involved in your community. Plus, find out why Matt believes so heavily in having a board of advisors, joining a peer group, and staying sharp.   Matt Hullander is a successful businessman, real estate investor, founder, and philanthropist. You can connect with him here.   My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by Madison McCann.