About the Guest:

Greg Turner is the founder and owner of "Get Bricked," a premier Lego store located in Johnson City. With a deep-rooted passion for Lego that began in his childhood, Greg reignited his interest during the COVID-19 pandemic and turned it into a thriving business. Beyond Legos, Greg has extensive experience in retail, having owned multiple brick-and-mortar stores specializing in minerals and fossils. His wife, too, is an entrepreneur, owning the West Main Antique Store in Johnson City. Together, they are deeply integrated into the local business community.

Episode Summary:

In this engaging episode of the podcast, host Colin Johnson welcomes Greg Turner, owner of the popular "Get Bricked" Lego store in Johnson City. As summer lingers and the town buzzes with activities, Colin and Greg delve into the world of Legos, discussing everything from the origins of Greg's passion for these iconic building blocks to the thriving business he has created. They explore the intricacies of the Lego market, the community involvement, and the excitement of upcoming projects.

Throughout the conversation, Greg shares fascinating insights about the Lego industry, including investment tips and the immense popularity of certain sets like Star Wars and Harry Potter. The episode covers nostalgic memories, entrepreneurship lessons, and the joys of bringing a childhood passion back to life. Essential themes such as community growth, family bonding, and the enduring appeal of Lego are skillfully woven into this informative and entertaining discussion.

Key Takeaways:

• From Passion to Business: Greg Turner's rekindled love for Lego during the pandemic led to the creation of "Get Bricked," a booming business in Johnson City.
• Community Involvement: The store is not just a retail space but a community hub offering events like build sessions and the upcoming birthday party room.
• Lego Investment Insights: Lego sets, especially Star Wars and Harry Potter, can be significant investment vehicles, with sealed sets increasing in value over time.
• Family Bonding: Legos provide an excellent opportunity for family bonding and creativity, appealing to both kids and adults.
• Downtown Growth: Greg talks about the growth and charm of downtown Johnson City, highlighting the benefits of living and owning a business in a smaller, bustling town.

Notable Quotes:

1. "The amount and variety of parts now compared to 20, 30 years ago has definitely expanded greatly." - Greg Turner
2. "We wanted to get back to a small town. Cost of living in Asheville skyrocketed. The traffic, crime, etc." - Greg Turner
3. "Lego Forbes named it two years in a row the number one investment vehicle on the planet." - Greg Turner
4. "I've been an entrepreneur my entire life. I remember selling dum dum lollipops in the first grade for 10 cents." - Greg Turner
5. "With Legos, you can just take the bricks and build whatever you want and use your imagination. What's better than that?" - Greg Turner

Resources:

• Get Bricked Instagram: @get_bricked_jc
• West Main Antiques: Owned by Greg Turner’s wife, also located in downtown Johnson City.

For more captivating insights and to learn about the expanding world of Legos and community events in Johnson City, be sure to listen to the full episode. Don’t miss out on the upcoming birthday party room at "Get Bricked" and other exciting projects! Stay tuned for more enriching content from the podcast, bringing you closer to the heart of Johnson City's vibrant community.

About the Guest:

Erica Turner

Erica Turner is a seasoned business owner and the driving force behind Green Meadow Cleaning, a well-respected residential and commercial cleaning service based in Johnson City. With a commitment to quality, simplicity, and community, Erica has built her company from the ground up, starting with lawn care and expanding into full-fledged cleaning services. Having founded Green Meadow Cleaning in 2013, Erica has been a cornerstone in the community, not only through her business but also by supporting those in need, especially cancer patients through the nonprofit Cleaning for a Reason.

Episode Summary:

In this heartfelt episode, Colin Johnson of the Colin and Carter Group and Keller Williams Realty sits down with Erica Turner from Green Meadow Cleaning to discuss the journey from a life-altering move to Johnson City and the establishment of her thriving cleaning business. A journey marked by resilience, community support, and an unwavering commitment to giving back, Erica’s story is both inspirational and practical for anyone looking to dive into the world of small business.

Erica shares the story of Green Meadow Cleaning's origins, detailing how personal losses and a yearning for simplicity brought her and her husband to Johnson City from Richmond, Virginia. Initially providing lawn care services, they transitioned into the cleaning industry, guided by the community's welcoming spirit and Erica's own experiences with her mother's battle with cancer. The episode delves into the logistics of running a successful cleaning business, the importance of work-life balance, and Erica’s passion for helping those undergoing cancer treatment through Cleaning for a Reason.

Key Takeaways:

• Personal Journey: Erica Turner's move from Richmond to Johnson City was driven by a desire for simplicity and healing, leading to the founding of Green Meadow Cleaning.
• Building a Business: The transition from lawn care to cleaning services highlighted the importance of adaptability and community support in business growth.
• Community Support: Donations to Cleaning for a Reason demonstrate the company's commitment to supporting cancer patients by providing complimentary cleanings.
• Operational Insights: Emphasizing leadership development, process building, and employee well-being are key to running a successful cleaning business.
• Future Goals: Erica aims to grow Green Meadow Cleaning sustainably, focusing on quality service and greater community contributions.

Notable Quotes:

1. “Johnson City is a place where you can hike, look at the mountains, and feel embraced by the community, which is why we fell in love with it and decided to stay.”
2. “We started cleaning for a reason because of my personal experience with my mom's cancer battle… it allows patients to focus on their health in a clean environment.”
3. “What fires me up is helping other people, whether it’s my children, grandchildren, or members of our community.”
4. “We grew our business with the community’s support, and now our goal is to grow big enough to give even more back.”
5. “One of the big tips I’d offer to anyone starting a small business: get a mentor or coach and build your leadership skills.”

Resources:

• Green Meadow Cleaning: greenmeadowcleaning.com
• Phone: 423-207-0268
• Nonprofit: Cleaning for a Reason

For a more in-depth look at Erica Turner's inspirational journey, her commitment to her community, and practical insights into running a successful small business, listen to the full episode. Stay tuned for more engaging and enlightening content from our podcast series!

About the Guests:

Julianne Hurst: Julianne Hurst serves as the Director of Enrollment and Advancement at Ashley Academy. Before joining the academy, Julianne spent 17 years in real estate transaction and marketing. She moved to Johnson City 11 years ago and has been heavily involved with the school, both as a parent and a team member, enhancing the school's enrollment strategies and spearheading fundraising initiatives.

Ramona Harr: Ramona Harr is the Head of School at Ashley Academy, playing a key leadership role similar to that of a principal in a public school. With over 30 years of experience in education, Ramona has a background in math, having taught and coached basketball at various educational levels. She hails from West Virginia and joined Ashley Academy after a long tenure in the independent school sector in Bristol, focusing on developing critical thinkers and leaders.

Episode Summary:

On this episode of the podcast, Colin Johnson welcomes Julianne Hurst and Ramona Harr from Ashley Academy to discuss the academy's impactful educational approach and community involvement. As they celebrate 46 years in operation, Julianne and Ramona share insights into the academy's rich history, their innovative teaching methods, and their plans for future expansion.

Julianne Hurst and Ramona Harr delve into the specifics of their roles at Ashley Academy, highlighting how they cultivate a collaborative and supportive environment for both students and faculty. They emphasize the unique aspects of their education model, including their hands-on learning approach and the initiation of a high school program that will eventually cover grades 9 through 12. The conversation provides valuable insights into Ashley Academy's commitment to developing critical thinkers and leaders, making it a compelling episode for parents and educators alike.

Key Takeaways:

• Longevity and History: Ashley Academy has been a cornerstone of education in Johnson City for 46 years, founded by Dr. Dean and Janine Wilson.
• Innovative Learning: The academy emphasizes hands-on, applied learning methodologies that go beyond traditional test-taking to encourage critical thinking and problem-solving.
• Community and Collaboration: Strong community ties and collaborative efforts among staff, students, and parents are central to the academy's success.
• Comprehensive Education: With offerings starting at two years old, going up to the newly added high school grades, the academy provides a full spectrum of education.
• Leadership Development: The institution focuses on nurturing leadership skills and emotional intelligence, preparing students not just academically but also as proactive contributors to society.

Notable Quotes:

• "We want to develop those innovative individuals who are willing to critically think." - Ramona Harr
• "It's important for us, our families to be involved in the school. I mean, we couldn't thrive without them." - Julianne Hurst
• "Our goal is always to remind the students, make sure that you have vision, you're looking wide and long and it's going to take a lot of courage to take that on and make sure it gets completed." - Ramona Harr
• "Seeing their excitement and just, they give you energy and so that's always been the reason why I'm in education." - Ramona Harr
• "I think for me, I just really love all the different ideas that kind of come in, but for some reason, it all works with us together." - Julianne Hurst

Resources:

• Ashley Academy Website: Ashley Academy
• Phone: 423-92-9788

For more insights into Ashley Academy's innovative educational practices and community-focused initiatives, tune into this enriching episode. Keep following the podcast for more discussions on the people and places that make Johnson City a wonderful community.