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*Time stamps are not exact... [0:04] Speaker A (Tom): Well, I am so excited to introduce you today to Jackie Leatherwood. Jackie serves as the general manager of Greystone Lodge and has been working there for 28 years. But her story goes way back, even before that, and she has a lot to share about her love for Gatlinburg. So, Jackie, welcome to the podcast. We're so glad you could join us this morning. [0:26] Speaker B (Jackie): Oh, thank you for having me. I'm so excited. And this is such a beautiful view to be looking at this morning and be overlooking Gatlinburg. I mean, there's nothing more beautiful than your own hometown sometimes. But, yes, I love Gatlinburg. I was born and raised below the tunnel, which us locals are always like to say. I was born in Sevier county and raised in Sevierville. My husband is from gatlinburg. So in 1987, I moved to. My husband and I were married and we moved to Gatlinburg. I moved to Gatlinburg. So I have been a gatlinburg resident since 87. [0:56] Speaker A: But you're a Sevier county girl. [0:57] Speaker B: I am. I am born and raised. Born and raised, yes. [1:02] Speaker A: So in 87. So that's quite a while ago that you moved to Gatlinburg. You've raised your family here, but your connection to Sevier county and to Gatlinburg goes well before even you were born. [1:14] Speaker B: It does. [1:14] Speaker A: So tell us a little bit more about your heritage and your ancestors and how they found their way to Gatlinburg. [1:21] Speaker B: My dad's family is from Sevierville. They're actually most of them are from the Jones Cove area and moved to Sevierville, to downtown Sevierville. My grandmother actually lived downtown Sevierville and that's where my dad was born and raised. And growing up, we always went to my grandmother's house in downtown Sevierville. What is known she lived one block from the courthouse. So that was always a neat thing as a little child as being in downtown Sevierville with back in the day it was called dime stores and department stores and right across the street from the courthouse. And the bell chimed every day and it was just great memories as a child being raised in Sevierville. My mom's family was from Pigeon Forge. My grandfather owned the dry cleaner, the only dry cleaners in Gatlinburg. My grandmother worked at Pigeon Forge pottery for over 40 years, which is a love that I have. I always love finding Pigeon Forge pottery and I flip it over to see if it's her signature on the bottom. And that is such something that I am so honored to be able to do, because, you know, that is a lost art is that type of thing. And so when. When people laugh at me because they'll see me grab a piece of pottery and the first thing I do is like, flip it over. And if it's her signature, I just get so excited because that just has such a special place in my heart. I have a ton of it at my house. And I tell my kids the story, and I want them to know that that's something that was important to her and to me. And then, of course, my grandfather being the only dry cleaners in Gatlinburg as a little girl, that's where I learned to count change back to people. And I learned to run a cash register. And it was the old timey crank handle cash register that a kid today would have absolutely no idea what it. What it is about. [2:54] Speaker A: And where was that dry cleaner located? [2:56] Speaker B: It was located right when you come into town. There used to be a gas station right down from it. It's actually the little strip mall. It's. And there's a real estate office in it. Right now. It's right there by the. A frame building. When you come into town. It was right there on the corner, but it was called Rush Cleaners. [3:13] Speaker A: I don't think there's a dry cleaner in Gatlinburg now. [3:15] Speaker B: There is not. There is not. And you know, as a young little girl, you know, seeing all the local business people bringing in their clothes and talking to them. I mean, the stories that people tell, you know, now it's funny, you know, you go to dry cleaners. My grandfather delivered, like he would bring your clothes to your house and your door would be unlocked and he would hang on in your closet. [3:36] Speaker A: Wow. [3:36] Speaker B: So, like, that is how times have changed. He had a little bitty station wagon car, and he had a rod in the back, and everyone's dry cleaners would be hanging on the rod. And he would pull up to the door, go in the house and hang your clothes in your closet. And you would pay him whenever you came by to pay him. So it was. It was a lost treasure, I think, you know, to have that. And. And it's great memories for me riding around with him and coming into town on Saturdays to work with him. [4:02] Speaker A: So what was downtown Gatlinburg like when you were a child? [4:05] Speaker B: Oh, wow. Not the picture it is today by any means, but the memories are still the same because it is the same town, the same people, the same love for our community and our industry. When I Would come to work with him on a Saturday when I didn't have school. I would play downtown Gatlinburg. I could walk from one end of town to the other. He would just let me take off and, you know, we'd walk by the Wish and well, where they used to have all the coonskin hats and all that hanging outside and could go all the way to the end of town where Mr. Foster's fine china things and all that were. And of course, Rebel Corner. And I knew the workers that worked in those places. And I would walk in and they would. They would talk to me and, you know, knew my name, knew who I was, knew my grandfather. And one of the ladies that worked at Mr. Foster's store, she used to call my grandfather's cleaners and say, she was just here, she's headed back your way. It was just, you know, it was my playground. [4:59] Speaker A: That's. And now it's a playground to millions of people every year. And you, Your heart for Gatlinburg has only grown. But I love that it comes from a deep place of history and of your family and of your legacy. You're not a transplant, you're a local. [5:14] Speaker B: Yes. [5:14] Speaker A: And so you have committed and given so much back to this community in so many ways. Not only are you a general manager of a legacy, family owned, locally owned and operated hotel downtown, you have guests that have been coming back for 30, 40, and 50 years. [5:32] Speaker B: Yes. [5:33] Speaker A: Repeat guests. [5:34] Speaker B: Yes. [5:34] Speaker A: Which means a lot. And so when you think of those repeat guests and those legacy guests that we like to talk about that come back to Gatlinburg, what is something you like to share with them about Gatlinburg that's unique? [5:49] Speaker B: I always tell them it's the people, you know, so many people come back, you know. Yes. They come back to see our beautiful mountains. They come back to experience the atmosphere of downtown. But when I have conversations with people, whether they're old or new guests to our hotel, it's always the people that they meet and the people that are in our shops, that are in our restaurants, that are in our hotels that make this town special, you know, yes. Our advertising shows, you know, the fall colors, but I can guarantee you that I have guests that know my front desk clerks names. And those people are the reason that I think Gatlinburg is what it is today. And I'm not taking anything from development or any of that, but you can develop and develop and develop. But if you don't have the people to put in those development that make this Town special, it would lose its charm. And so, you know, Gatlinburg's biggest asset is its people. Whether you're a resident, you're a worker, whatever your role is in our community, that is. That is the most valuable asset we have are our people. [6:47] Speaker A: And really, those legacy guests are a part of the Gatlinburg community. And so many of them would call the Greystone Lodge or whatever cabin they may rent and stay in their second home. [6:57] Speaker B: They do, they do. [6:58] Speaker A: They share so many memories and so many celebrations and anniversaries. As you think about the thousands of guests that come to Greystone Lodge, are there any specific stories that really stand out to you as a special experience that a guest had that stands out to you? [7:16] Speaker B: We have a lot of people that are generational now. We're into fourth and fifth generation staying with us at the hotel. We have a lady that got married here in the 40s. She actually stayed at the original Greystone Hotel, and when she was 94 years old, she brought in her receipts that she received when they were planning their honeymoon, and we had them framed in the lobby. And some of it is comical. Like it's, you know, not staying. A meal is like $4.75, you know, you don't get that value today, you know, by any means, and that included a meal. So just looking back at that history and that, you know, that shows that people, you know, came here a long time ago, they're still coming today. They love. You know, we have people all the time, like you said, that says grace, their home away from home. We have a little couple from Kentucky that comes down two or three times a year, and they have a specific room they stay in. They only want to stay in that one room. And they come down on Thursday, which is when they stock our rivers with fish, and they fish from the bridge on Friday and Saturday morning. And we have pictures of them out on our bridge fishing, because that's what they love to do. I just think people have their own different kind of love for our town. You know, Gatlinburg has something for everyone. You know, if you want to be in the middle of all the busy and all the stuff, it's there. If you want to sit on the balcony or sit on your, you know, in a rocking chair at your cabin, you can do that, too, and be. Have the serenity of it all. I think you just choose what you want to do, and Gatlinburg can provide it. And I think that is one of our biggest blessings, is that we have a Little bit of something for everyone, and that when they walk away, they take a memory with them. And I think that, to me, is we get to play a part in everyone's memories. And I think as I'm getting older, I didn't realize what memories I was making as a young child, but as I get older and I start recounting the stories to my kids or my grandchildren, the smile on my face and the. And the feel that I have in my heart for those memories that I had created here in town, you can't get those back. You can't replace them. So to have those, I think not only do we have those as locals, but I think we have those with so many people that have come through our town through the years. [9:23] Speaker A: That's. That's a really unique thing about this community. And I do agree with you that the backbone of that is its people, and that we welcome in so many hundreds and thousands and millions of guests, and so many of them have become a part of the community, which is. Which is a blessing to us. And we hope and we pray that those are listening, that they would resonate with that and feel like it's a blessing to us as well to come to Gatlinburg and consider it a second home. [9:52] Speaker B: Yes. [9:52] Speaker A: And as we think about telling the story of Gatlinburg and, you know, going down River Road as a child and, you know, all the different stores and the different things that you did, you tell these stories to preserve the history, to preserve the legacy of the uniqueness of Gatlinburg. And it's unlike many other communities. [10:17] Speaker B: Yes. [10:18] Speaker A: And you have a unique perspective because you've been very involved, not only the local chamber of commerce, but on a statewide scale, with this Tennessee tourism department of tourism. In fact, you were just on the phone with Mark Ezell last night and giving a kind of a pulse of how things are going in Gatlinburg. Help me understand a little bit more about how you got in more involved in local and state organizations that really promote tourism. [10:50] Speaker B: One of the things that I realized, you know, is we all have a voice, and you have to use them for what you believe in. And I believe in our community, I believe in our town, and I believe in our industry. And if we don't stand up and be a voice and to help promote what we believe in, you know, who's going to do it? And, you know, we can sit in our chairs and wait for the next person to do it. But you know, what I always realized? You know, God gave me a voice for a reason. And he gave me a passion, and I want to use that passion. And so I have served locally on the Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce board for several years. Actually, before I was at the hotel, I actually worked for the Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce for five years. And that helped instill a lot of information into me as a person about the role that those organizations play. So when I went in as a role as the GM for the Miller family at the Greystone, I was very blessed that they are community driven and allowed me the opportunity to continue to serve and to be a part of those boards where I'm on the Gatlinburg Visitors and Convention Bureau right now. And I've served several terms on that. And, you know, the work that they do for our city is astronomical, from the marketing to the promotion, and they play such a vital part. And I'm just honored that I have a seat at the table where I can have a voice and I may have information that they need. And I think that is so important from a state level. I have served on the Tennessee Hospitality and Tourism association board for over 18 years, off and on. I'm a past chair. I was chair three years ago for the. For the organization. And their role for us is a little bit different than like, what a CVB does. They are our lobbying arm, our advocacy that we use. So, like, when we have issues that affect our industry that would affect our customers or affect our ability to do business, they're the ones that take it to Capitol Hill for us, whether it's at the state level or at the federal level. And so being able to work with them and to be able to keep Gatlinburg top of mind and our issues that we have and anything that the state is doing that would affect us, it's always so important to be aware and to have an open mind and be able to have those calls that you can make and the people that you can reach out to that can give you the right information or that you can give them information that will help them carry whatever it is they're carrying to be able to help our industry. And I think when. When you are in hospitality, it. It is in you. You want to do everything you can do to see it succeed. And I think that that is where having that voice and having the knowledge and being willing to share your knowledge, I think, you know, knowledge doesn't do you a whole lot of good if you just keep it to yourself, because everybody grows helping each other. And you know, that that's one thing I can say about Gatlinburg is that we. We are sharers of information. We don't keep it in our closet so that no one else knows what we're doing. We want to see our neighbors succeed. And I think that is so important. I think that is always one thing that serving on the state board. People used to always say, you guys in Sevier county are just unique. And I was always. I'm like, what do you mean? And they're like, you're so supportive of each other. Like, restaurateurs support restaurateurs. Hoteliers support hoteliers. Attractions. Support attractions. And I'm, you know, I'm looking at them like, okay, I don't really understand why you think that's different. But in some communities, that joint venture of we're all one is not there. [14:08] Speaker A: I love that perspective, and I've experienced that as a business owner as well, that this community emanates an abundance mentality as opposed to a scarcity mentality. [14:19] Speaker B: Yes. [14:20] Speaker A: And a scarcity mentality is look out for yourself. [14:22] Speaker B: Yes. [14:23] Speaker A: And everyone is your competition. But the abundance mentality that I experience in Gatlinburg is we want everyone to win. [14:30] Speaker B: Yes. [14:30] Speaker A: And when you win, we win. And the high tide raises all boats. [14:35] Speaker B: Exactly. [14:36] Speaker A: And I think I appreciate and I thank you for your years of volunteer service to not only our community, but this. The representation of Gatlinburg throughout the state. And I think our listeners who come to Gatlinburg don't necessarily understand all of that is involved in making sure Gatlinburg has a voice and a seat at the table and can influence other parts of the state and even the nation in light of what does it look like to have an abundance mentality and reach out for others? And I think there's been a few times in our history as a community that we've been able to demonstrate and be a national voice for what it means to be mountain strong. [15:21] Speaker B: Yes. [15:22] Speaker A: To be for one another. And unfortunately, we had the fires in 2016. What was your experience in light of this abundance mentality and the heart of Gatlinburg really showing through? [15:34] Speaker B: At that time, I was at this. I went to. I actually live in Gatlinburg, so we were evacuated. My husband works for the city of Gatlinburg. He is the chief water plant operator for the city. And so that evening when everything had been going on, we had gone to Pigeon Forge to have dinner. And as we were coming back up this road, I was like, something's not right. It was Just there was a lot and my car was at the hotel and I said, just drop me back at the hotel. And he said, well, I'm going to go here at the water plant, check to see what's going on. And then honestly, within an hour, it was just different. And so I stayed at the hotel because my job as the GM is you're the captain of the ship and you make sure that the guests taken care of, the staff's taken care of, and that everything is good. And so that night, I was the last person off the property, checked 241 rooms to make sure no one was in a room, and went to Rocky Top Sports World where they were routing the thing. And I actually at the time, and I still do serve on the Rocky Top Sports World advisory board. And so when I got there, again, the thing was, what can I do to help? These people were hurting. I was fine. What can I do to help? And so I started helping set up like a triage thing until they got there and just, we just kind of all started working together. And again, it's that mentality of the people just stepped up. And as this evolved and, you know, I can remember getting phone calls because no cell service, no communication. I didn't know where my husband was. He didn't know where I was. Because our last words to each other were, I'll see you at home. Because we had no idea the evacuation was happening, so we didn't know where each other were. So we were trying to. That all of that was navigating it too. So that's in the back of your mind. But again, at that moment, there are people here hurting. I'm okay. There's people hurting, and we need to help take care of these people. So as the days progressed and everything started falling into place and, you know, cleanup started, everybody was helping everybody. We formed a group called Mountain Tough Recovery Team and I served as their secretary while it was going on and the devastation that people saw. But the one thing that I remember serving through Mountain Tough was that even people that lost everything, they still had hope and a smile. And I think that's because they were from Gatlinburg and they knew that no matter what, it was going to be okay and that their people would help them. And they. And we did. I mean, heavens knows we were blessed that Dolly Parton was from Sevier county because she changed our whole trajectory of that incident by helping the people. But again, the key word there is people, you know, is our people help people. Our people helped our Own people. And I think that when we get to the recovery part going, you know, people were back on their feet and going in. The one thing that sticks out to me, we had a. We had five people that worked for me that lost their homes. We had phone calls coming in instantly, like on my cell phone getting blown up. Do you have staff that need anything? Do your people? Are your people? Okay? This was from our customers. These were people that had stayed with us through the years. We had a guy who drove from Memphis, Tennessee, pulling a trailer. He pulled into my hotel. He had brand new clothes, brand new towels, brand new stuff for bathrooms, supplies. He had over $1,000 worth of gift cards that he had collected in his town down near Memphis. And he wanted my staff to have it because Gatlinburg was his home away from home. And that impact, I will never forget standing. I'll probably cry, y'all. I'm sorry. Standing there and knowing that this guy drove seven hours because he cared about our people. [19:17] Speaker A: And I don't want it to be missed that this is emotional. [19:22] Speaker B: It is very. [19:23] Speaker A: And our love for this community is. Runs deep. And I think it. It goes without saying that people are the central element, and that's what really matters. In times of difficulty, in times of celebration, in times of beauty, in times of awe, times of sadness, we're there to embrace other people and to have a human experience with them. And I think there's something about the majesty of these Smoky Mountains. We're looking out the window here, and the clouds are just, you know, just resting on Mount LeConte. And there's a sense of comfort that comes from that in those difficult times and in those wonderful celebratory times. And you and I both, we're in hospitality. We love to see people experience the deep richness of meaning and purpose in life. And it's hard to separate a spiritual component from that. It's ingrained in who we are, and it really predates us. [20:29] Speaker B: It does. [20:30] Speaker A: And the sense of dependency, the sense of faith, the sense of hope, the sense of wonder and awe that we have experienced in Gatlinburg, we hope and we pray that when people come here, they have that touch with God as well. And I think it's a matter of stewarding those experiences. And the privilege that we have in hospitality is not heads on beds. It's really the hearts connected, you know, to a community. So I love your example there, and I think there's. There's multiple podcast additions we could have. Just talking about the spirit of Gatlinburg and I. But I love how you, you've captured that with people. This episode of for the Love of Gatlinburg is sponsored by Mountain Laurel Chalets, the family owned company of choice for your cabin rentals in the smoky Mountains. Since 1972, Mountain Laurel Chalets has served thousands of visitors to the Smokies with excellent accommodations. They love treating you like family and they look forward to hosting your next trip to Gatlinburg. [21:38] Speaker B: I think when you know every city has a heartbeat and I think in some big cities, you know, it's an attraction or it's the one thing that draws people to that community or that destination. But I will truly believe, no matter how many years I'm privileged to walk this earth, that the heart of Gatlinburg is the people. It doesn't matter. I have a lady that has been a housekeeper at our hotel for over 30 years. That is dedication to our industry and. [22:07] Speaker A: That is one of the most difficult jobs in this community. So we can give a shout out to all the cleaners and the housekeepers that tirelessly make sure that our properties are in tip top condition. And what a sacrifice of a job. But if you connect that cleaning a bed, cleaning a toilet to person and experience like we're talking about here, it gives those cleaners a little bit more of a purpose and a meaning behind what they're doing. [22:37] Speaker B: Well, I always say if, if I don't have a housekeeper, I don't have a job. Because it takes every single person to make any business go round. There is no one more important than anyone else in that business. Because if one person steps away, it can halt. And it doesn't matter what your title is or what your role is, if you step away, you will have an impact on that business. And so I think when you have people that are embedded, embedded in our industry, they do it because they love it. You know, they love being in the hospitality industry. You know, yes, we get tired. Yes, that. Who doesn't get tired in the job as they do, but they come back every day because they love making the difference in the lives of people and I think that's what they do. [23:18] Speaker A: And you as a leader, identify that we all need each other. [23:21] Speaker B: We do. [23:22] Speaker A: And every part of the body is important. You know, the what? You know, I think there's a biblical illustration here. The hand can't say to the foot. I don't need you. The ear to the eyes. [23:30] Speaker B: Exactly. [23:31] Speaker A: We all need each other. And I love that. On this podcast we're talking to kind of stateswomen and statesmen of the community that have a great impact. But I think you're connected to the real people of Gatlinburg and those that are the employees that service our community, which is a. A privilege to really engender more of a sense of we attitude as opposed to a me attitude. And I think that permeates throughout our community, which is exciting. [24:04] Speaker B: And I think, as you said, you know, being at the head of your business too, it's like, you know, when we speak or we receive an award or we thank someone, it's not anything that we did. None of the success that my property has seen, none of the awards, the accolades that I get have been done alone. And I think that when, you know, I won an award several years ago and in my role as a gm, I won a state hotelier of the Year award. And I'll never forget the video they played. One of the last pictures in that video was of my entire staff saying, we love you. That is when they can keep the Eagle Award, they can keep that big trophy. To know that those people want to be a part of that video and had those words to say to me and the things that some of my employees said to me, like, I'm good, that is what I'm there for, is to make sure that they have what they need to take care of my customers. And I want them to always feel that no matter what, they are important to this journey. Because when you look at what we do as hospitality, it's a mission field. It is. I've always believed that. I will always believe that we have the ability to be in the mission field to our co workers, to our visitor, to our vendors. You know, it's our chance to show goodness and kindness and be open, to listen and to, you know, no one's always right. No one's going to always know the right answers. We may think we do, but sometimes if you stop and listen to, like I tell people all the time, I have vendors call me. They want to come in and they're like, oh, you need this product? And I'm like, see my head housekeeper? If her people like it, we'll talk about it. But I don't clean the rooms. I'm not going to buy a product for them because that's not the role I play. And I think that it's very important to realize that all of those people, day in and day out, make a difference, and this is their mission field, too. And I think that if we keep that at the top of Mind is that, you know, as Christians and as people that have the opportunity to interact with millions of people a year, we are to set an example. [26:22] Speaker A: Well, this is. This is amazing. We talk about the love of Gatlinburg, but it comes from a heart of yours. And when you consider it's not just a business, it's a mission. It is. And if there's a deeper why and there's a deeper purpose. And I imagine there's people listening to this podcast that have never been to Gatlinburg. In fact, even this year, we're experiencing so many people saying, I've never been to Gatlinburg, I've never been to Tennessee. And we almost want to respond and say, oh, my goodness, you have no idea what you're in for. This is going to be so exciting. And we're so glad that we can host you in our lovely town and our lovely hotels or cabins. And what a privilege we have to steward that experience for that first time guest that's considering coming to Gatlinburg. They're hearing these backstories and they're like, oh, my goodness, I didn't know there was so much behind this. It's more than just the attractions. [27:15] Speaker B: Yes. [27:15] Speaker A: What do you hope that that first time guest experiences when they come to Gatlinburg? [27:21] Speaker B: I want them to experience the town and the mountains, because that's where we came from was the mountains. The mountains were here first, the town was second. So I want them to experience a little piece of it all. I want them to experience the hospitality first. I want them to experience the beauty of our mountains, and I want them to experience the investments that people have made in our community. I think all of those things are stuff that they will be able to take away and tell stories about. I think if they have the opportunity. You know, we have Aramont, we have an arts and crafts community. We have so many things that appeal to so many people. And, you know, in our arts and crafts community, I mean, you can go there and make pottery. Like that is such a unique opportunity for people. And so I always tell people, find something to take a piece of the Smokies back home with you. And, you know, it's. There's so many things that people can do when they're here. There's just stuff, you know, people can do it in a day, they can do it in a week. It just depends on what you're looking for. But I just tell people to keep your eyes open, look around and see what you're drawn to. Because There is something in our town that you will be drawn to. Whether it's an attraction, a restaurant, or the mountains, there's something here for every single person in the world to do that is exciting. [28:40] Speaker A: We asked our guests this one question. What is your favorite month of the year in Gatlinburg, and why? So think about that. And as you. Every month, every. There's all something different about every month. But which one stands out to you? [28:56] Speaker B: My. Mine is a season, and it's the season that goes between October and November. I don't like the heat, so I'm not a fan of the summer. So the fall and spring are my favorite times of year. But honestly, going. When we are transitioning here in our town from the fall colors going into the holiday season, through the fall harvest of Thanksgiving. And I think to. Just for me personally, you know, transitioning from fall into the holidays, to know that people are coming here to spend their holidays with us, that they love Gatlinburg enough to want to be here to have Thanksgiving to celebrate Christmas, I will tell you, that's one thing that has changed. And you being in the cabinet industry, you probably saw it quicker than I did as a hotelier. But back in 90, you know, 97, when I was first at the hotel, we were lucky if we had 10 rooms rented on Christmas Eve. I mean, that was just. If you had someone in your hotel on Christmas Eve, it was rare. And from my heart, from a compassion standpoint, I was thinking, what's going on in their life that they don't want to be home? You don't know the stories, but back then, that was such a small amount. And now you're up to where we have 80, 85, 90 rooms on Christmas Eve now. So I think that people love this place enough to want to spend their holidays here. But for me, it's that transition from October into the holiday season, because I think you see a lot of. That's when a lot of our repeat guests come through because they have that memory and they're creating more memories with their families. We have. We have a group that comes every year, and they come for Thanksgiving and they have their reservation for their Thanksgiving dinner. They have four rooms rented. They bring the sons, the daughters, the grandkids, and they're here for four days. And sometimes they just sit in the lobby for hours and hours and hours, but they're here in their home, away from home for the holidays. So that season, for me, is my favorite season. It's not really a month, but that's the Season. And of course, you know, seeing our town transform from vibrant oranges and yellows and colors of our mountains into holiday lights and the coziness of a, of a Smoky mountain Christmas in a town, a small town at the foot of the mountain, there's just so memories that can be made. So that's my, mine. My part of the season would be October to. [31:08] Speaker A: Well, I think many, many would agree with you. And you never can predict when the colors are going to change, but every day is beautiful and it's a. The mountains always look different when you look at them as well. So even from different angles, different times of the day, the sun, the way it casts on there, and that's, that's a. I think you're, you're in the top 5% of people that that's one of their favorite seasons, so. Or their favorite months. I know John Muir said my favorite color is October. [31:40] Speaker B: Yes, yes. [31:41] Speaker A: And there's no better place to experience the color of October than in Gatlinburg. [31:46] Speaker B: There is not as well. This morning when we were standing here looking at the view, I was like, oh, that tree is red already. It's beautiful and the leaves are so pretty. And you just. And then sometimes I think as being here and getting entrenched in what we do on a daily basis, I always try to remember, to tell myself, take the time and look up and don't get so involved in my day to day life that I forget that I am surrounded by beauty. And I think that's important to anyone, you know, not just traveling here, but that lives here too, is don't forget that you were placed here for a reason. So look up and enjoy what you've been blessed with. [32:18] Speaker A: What a great motto. Don't forget to take the time to look up. And I couldn't agree with you more. So that is so, so thrilling to hear. So you've, you've chose, chosen to raise your family here. Yes. And continue, you know, really plant roots. So you didn't have a choice to where you were born, but you chose. I'm going to stay here and invest my life here in Gatlinburg. So tell us about your family and their experience of your kids growing up in Gatlinburg as well. [32:51] Speaker B: As I said earlier, my husband Mike and I have lived here in gatlinburg married since 87 and then I have two children. My daughter Micah is. She is married and has two children and her husband and her family are invested in our community. And my son is my youngest son. He works here in town. So they're here. They went to PI Beta Phi elementary from kindergarten through eighth, and then they graduated from Gatlinburg Pittman High School, and then both chose to go away to college, but they both came back. And I think that, you know, you see that a lot in people that are raised here. They want to. They want to come back and be a part of this. And family is huge. You know, we want the best. We all want the best for our family. And I think raising my children in Gatlinburg, my kids could walk to the hotel from school. They could walk to the donut farm, get a donut after school, and, you know, they got to watch taffy being made. So there's so many childhood memories for them that living somewhere else, they would never have. And I think that living in Gatlinburg and being raised in, you know, the small school of PI Phi and the smaller school of Gatlinburg Pittman, I think molded them into having a sense of community and understanding that importance. And I think that, you know, they can. Your children can see your example, and they can. They can follow you, and you are the guidepost. But it's who they surround themselves with and where you place them that molds them a lot. And I think I was very blessed to be able to have my children at PI Beta Phi elementary School and Gatlinburg Pittman High School to form them in those earlier years of their lives, to make them the people that they are today. [34:29] Speaker A: That's great. I think so many people listening think, oh, there's people that actually live in Gatlinburg. So there's a community here. There's grade schools, there's the high school, and has quite a legacy. Some of our other guests have all mentioned PI Beta Phi elementary and GP And. And the importance of the local education. And it's really exceptional, actually, for this small of a community to give back. So to know that there are families here that have chosen to live here, to raise their families, and that as guests come in and they experience the family of Gatlinburg, there's a connection that I think that we have. So many of our guests refer to us as their family. [35:09] Speaker B: Yes. [35:09] Speaker A: You know, you're. We're a part of the Mountain Laurel Chalet's family. I'm sure they do the same thing with the Greystone Lodge family. And I think that that doesn't happen by mistake that so many people use that word, family. And as you refer to so many times in this conversation, it's the people that are the heart of Gatlinburg. Well, Jackie, thanks so much for joining us and for sharing your heart and not only your skill and your expertise and your leadership to this community, but to the greater state of Tennessee. That benefits myself as a business owner in Gatlinburg, but also benefits the millions of guests that come here. Because as we establish a strong, rooted, ethical, hospitality driven culture within our businesses, it has an impact. And I want you to know that you are having an impact on people's lives. And we look forward to hearing the comments from this podcast of other people that have stayed at the Greystone Lodge or are experiencing and resonating with the same things that you shared with us today. So thanks so much for joining us. [36:15] Speaker B: Thank you. I was honored that you asked and again, I'm thankful and blessed. But you know, the one thing that I want to say going before we sign off is that, you know, we all have a reason for doing what we do. And I said, people always ask, you know, what do you want to be remembered as? And I said, I just want people to remember that I showed kindness and love for something that I believe in. And I think that that is what we do here in Gatlinburg. And you will see kindness on every corner. [36:39] Speaker A: I love that. Thanks so much for joining us. [36:41] Speaker B: Thank you. [36:43] Speaker A: Thank you for joining me on this episode of for the Love of Gatlinburg. I hope you enjoyed exploring the stories that weave together the rich tapestry of our mountain town. Whether you're reminiscing about pastor visits or dreaming of your next adventure, remember that every corner of Gatlinburg has a story waiting to be discovered. If you loved what you heard today, please take a moment to subscribe, rate and review our podcast. Your support helps us share the charm and history of Gatlinburg with even more listeners. And don't forget to connect with us on social media. Until next time, keep the spirit of Gatlinburg alive in your hearts. Safe travels and see you soon.