The Secret to Building a Business That Gives Back | Eric Blankenship

Why would someone proudly say they "make everyone mad"? In this episode of Growing Pains, host Deanne DeWitt sits down with Sumner County Commissioner and Budget Committee Chairman Matt Shoaf for a candid conversation about leadership, local government, and why meaningful change often requires difficult conversations. What begins as a lighthearted joke quickly turns into a thoughtful discussion about public service, political disagreement, budgeting, taxes, education, and the future of Tennessee communities. Matt shares why he first entered public office, what surprised him most about serving on the County Commission, and why good leaders must be willing to talk with people they disagree with. Whether you're interested in leadership, local politics, technology, or building stronger communities, this episode offers an honest and thought-provoking look at the challenges facing Sumner County and the conversations that shape its future. ========== Hosted by Deanne DeWitt, Growing Pains is the official podcast of the Sumner County Republican Freedom Caucus, featuring candid, in-depth conversations with the leaders, movers, and shakers shaping our local government and community. From business development and public policy to education, infrastructure, and responsible growth. Each episode dives into how decisions made today impact the future of Sumner County. Guests include elected officials, policy experts, business owners, law enforcement leaders, educators, and citizens who are actively working to keep our county strong, accountable, and forward-thinking. Whether you’re a resident, business owner, or simply passionate about your community, Growing Pains offers insight into how local leadership, conservative principles, and collaborative problem-solving can help Gallatin and Sumner County grow the right way, preserving our legacy while protecting our future.

In this episode of Growing Pains, Deanne DeWitt sits down with Brian Stewart, owner of One Stop Realty & Auction, former Sumner County Commissioner, community advocate, and candidate for the Tennessee House of Representatives. Brian shares the experiences that shaped his commitment to public service, from building a successful local business to investing in nonprofits, supporting first responders, and serving his community through elected office. The conversation explores some of the biggest issues facing Sumner County and Tennessee, including housing affordability, education, infrastructure, public safety, and responsible growth. Brian discusses why communication, transparency, and keeping promises are essential qualities for public leadership, while reflecting on the lessons he learned as a county commissioner and how they have prepared him for the next step in public service. Whether you're interested in local government, community leadership, or the future of Tennessee, this episode offers an inside look at the values, priorities, and vision driving one candidate's campaign and his passion for serving others. ========== Hosted by Deanne DeWitt, Growing Pains is the official podcast of the Sumner County Republican Freedom Caucus, featuring candid, in-depth conversations with the leaders, movers, and shakers shaping our local government and community. From business development and public policy to education, infrastructure, and responsible growth. Each episode dives into how decisions made today impact the future of Sumner County. Guests include elected officials, policy experts, business owners, law enforcement leaders, educators, and citizens who are actively working to keep our county strong, accountable, and forward-thinking. Whether you’re a resident, business owner, or simply passionate about your community, Growing Pains offers insight into how local leadership, conservative principles, and collaborative problem-solving can help Gallatin and Sumner County grow the right way, preserving our legacy while protecting our future.

Lt. General (Ret.) Dennis Cavin returns to Growing Pains to discuss how the Sumner County Republican Freedom Caucus has evolved and where it hopes to lead the community in the years ahead. Rather than focusing solely on elections, this conversation explores the bigger picture of leadership, civic responsibility, long-term planning, and preparing the next generation to serve. Dennis shares why mentoring future leaders, encouraging informed voters, and thinking beyond the next election cycle are critical to preserving what makes Sumner County unique. The discussion also touches on responsible growth, education, infrastructure, and the role every resident can play in shaping the county's future. ========== Hosted by Deanne DeWitt, Growing Pains is the official podcast of the Sumner County Republican Freedom Caucus, featuring candid, in-depth conversations with the leaders, movers, and shakers shaping our local government and community. From business development and public policy to education, infrastructure, and responsible growth. Each episode dives into how decisions made today impact the future of Sumner County. Guests include elected officials, policy experts, business owners, law enforcement leaders, educators, and citizens who are actively working to keep our county strong, accountable, and forward-thinking. Whether you’re a resident, business owner, or simply passionate about your community, Growing Pains offers insight into how local leadership, conservative principles, and collaborative problem-solving can help Gallatin and Sumner County grow the right way, preserving our legacy while protecting our future.

What makes journalism trustworthy? In this episode, Deanne DeWitt sits down with veteran Fox 17 anchor Scott Couch to discuss a career spent telling the stories of Middle Tennessee. Scott reflects on the changing media landscape, the importance of credibility, and why good journalism isn't about telling people what to think but giving them the information they need to make up their own minds. The conversation also explores growth in Sumner County, the value of civil discourse, and what gives Scott hope after decades of reporting on the people and communities that call Middle Tennessee home. At its core, this episode is about character, curiosity, and the enduring belief that informed communities make stronger communities.

What does housing affordability actually look like on the ground? In this episode, Deanne DeWitt sits down with Kate Ritchie and Cierra Homan of Habitat for Humanity of Sumner County to discuss the growing challenge of affordable housing and the life-changing impact of homeownership. They share how Habitat's model works, why homeownership creates opportunities that extend far beyond a mortgage payment, and what they're seeing firsthand as rising housing costs put pressure on working families across Sumner County. Along the way, they tell stories of resilience, community support, and the families whose lives have been transformed through stable housing. The conversation also explores Habitat's newest neighborhood project, The Hudson, and what it reveals about the future of affordable housing in rapidly growing communities. At its heart, this episode is about hope, opportunity, and what becomes possible when a community decides to invest in its people.