Let’s Find Out About Brooke Webb and Townsend Mercantile

Hey everybody, welcome to Let’s Be Blount, a podcast about living and loving everything Blount County, Tennessee. We’re your hosts, Brad Heppner and Eric Rice, the property dads at LeConte Realty, and we’re excited to talk more about this great place we call home. All right. So we are back and better than ever, because today we are joined by the owner of Townsend Mercantile. Mercantile or mercantile? I say mercantile. OK, so do I. But I’ve heard it both. I think I mean, I’m not sure of this, but I feel like it’s a maybe more Western thing for mercantile. Are you? Okay. All right. Southern is mercantile. We’re going to stay with the Townsend pronunciation, mercantile.

 

Yes. And also the Townsend pronunciation of its owner, Brookweb.

 

Thank you so much for joining. That was an introduction.

 

Yes. Thank you for joining us. We appreciate it.

 

Yeah, thanks for having me. I think we should dive right into this because… It was super interesting, but the most recent news that I’ve heard about, Brooke Webb, is that you have joined the 50 Under 50 Club of Knoxville’s… What is the… The VIP. The VIP. Knoxville VIP Magazine. Yeah. Yes. Tell us about that. First of all, congratulations. Thank you. And also, tell us about that. It wasn’t on my bingo card. So when they reached out to me, I was like, okay, well, that’s surprising that… I mean, I think I’m very humbled to be where I’m at. So that someone would think that I deserved that nomination was… I was very appreciative of that. So, yeah. Yeah. Yeah. And glad I slid in under 50. I was going to say, Derek and I couldn’t. You know, they’re really reaching. I mean, they’re putting in 35-year-olds. I don’t know. Like, Brett and I, we would never. No, no. We could never. If they made the 554 to 55-year-olds, I might have a chance, but I don’t. You know, this is way off topic. I went and got my haircut last week and the lady gave me $2 off of what I’m like, and I look and I glance over as I’m walking out and it’s like 65 and above, like 65, I’m 61. Yeah. Come on. I mean, granted, every hair she cut was white. So maybe that contributed. But yeah. But anyway, we digress. Well, yes, we do. But congratulations on the. Thank you. That’s really. Yeah. So start us out, though, also with it’s let’s be blunt. We talk about Blount County. There apparently is no more family, but more Blount County than yours and your husband’s. So, yes. Tell us about your past and leading up to now. Okay. So I was born here in Blount County and been here my whole life. I graduated from Heritage High School. So I’m very… Another Mountaineers. Yes. Yeah. My kids go to Merrill City. So we moved. The family divided. Yeah. That’s all right. It’s fine. But yeah, so I graduated from Heritage and my parents have worked in Blount County. My mom still works at a local bank here and has my entire life. So we’re very rooted here. My husband’s family is from Townsend. He is a Webb. So if you’re familiar with Webb Road beside the Parkway Grocery, that would be his family. There are a couple of sets of Webb’s, but yeah, his grandmother, lived right across the bridge there on the river. He’s the Webb Road with the Webbs. Yes. Yes. So he is very established there in Townsend. His parents moved from Townsend probably five years ago just back to Maryville closer to us. But yeah. Did you ever live elsewhere or that your husband, did you guys ever live elsewhere?

 

No, we’ve literally been here for our entire lives.

 

Yes. That’s amazing. And it provides a different perspective of Blount County and of the people here than Brett and I, who will never be from here. But we’ve been here a good long while, but still being here all your life.

 

Yes. That provides a different perspective.

 

It does. And I mean, sometimes my sister has their military, so they’ve moved around. And I sometimes I’m like, what would that life be like, you know, to have that perspective? But also, I’m fortunate to have lived here and be very grounded, have great friends and. So, and this is, we always tell our guests that, you know, we can cut some things out. And this may be one of those questions.

 

Where did you and her husband meet?

 

We went to school together. I mean, back from sixth grade on.

 

Oh, wow. But, so we did. He’s a year older than me, but… Noted. Anyway, we dated a little bit in high school, but nothing serious. We had some of the same mutual friends, but honestly didn’t get married until we were 30. Oh, about that.

 

So did you kind of go your separate ways for a while and get back together?

 

Yeah. Yeah. Actually, we dated a few times. You know, we just had the same group of friends and it just wasn’t the right timing. I was a single mom. I had my first child at 19. So I was a little bit more like… On a career path. Not that he wasn’t, it just wasn’t the right time. I went to college, I went back to college, just life, you know?

 

Where’d you go to college, Maryville College?

 

Tusculum, actually. Way outside of Lunk County.

 

Well, they have a Knox County campus and it’s interesting because I immediately went into the workforce after I graduated high school because I became a parent, had to provide all the things. So my college kind of went a different way. So I didn’t start college until he was in kindergarten. So they have a program for adults. It’s like a cohort program. So you go from six until 10. So I actually had a full time job and would leave my job and then did that. And I graduated in three years. So that’s impressive. Wow. So that right there qualifies for 50 under 50.

 

Exactly. Yes. You’re right. If you’re looking for one qualification, that was it. And I just think that says a lot to young people who are growing up and thinking, I can’t do it. I don’t you know, I want to go right into the workforce. I don’t know if I want to get. But you can’t start your job. Go back to school. You can do both. You know, like you really that’s I think that’s impressive. I did. It’s an accomplishment. Well, yeah. When I was in high school, I wanted to be a nurse and I was going to go to nursing school. But I think my mom has worked in banking my entire life. And so I just started at a bank, you know, because I was like, I just need money. A job. Yeah. Right. Yeah. A normal job that provides. And so I did that. And then I just always wanted more, I guess. And so I left there and went to Vanderbilt Mortgage, Clayton Homes. And I was there for 10 years. And when I was there, it was like, OK, I need a degree. I need it. And so to move up. Right. So banking was your career, I guess, prior?

 

I think I was just like, that’s just what you’re supposed to do. Oh, okay. I mean, I don’t think I had any… I just knew that, you know, I needed to provide a home, and it did, and that’s kind of the path I went down and then started at Vanderbilt Mortgage, and that’s in finance. So I was like, okay, I got to get my finance degree, which I did. And… Then I was there for 10 years and went into, I was an auditor for Knox County government. Okay. So career path wise, bank, and then to Vanderbilt Mortgage, into your auditing career. And then went to finance and accounting when I left. Okay. So it’s all in the same field. Yes. That’s just what I knew. But what great experience for what was eventually to come next for you. Right. Which was the mercantile. Mercantile. It’s a mercantile. You’re struggling with it. You can say mercantile if you want. It’s not wrong. You’re not from the West. Yeah. We may be called that. Actually, you are a little more on social media. I am Midwest. I am definitely Midwest. It is kind of. Yes. So, like, I think that’s. Yeah. Yeah. Anyway, we’re going to go with that. Yeah. But does that take you up to 2020?

 

Because we’ve talked to a lot of people on this show about how 2020 affected everything. 2020 was the turning point for a lot of things. Some horrible things, but also some really, really good things. Right. And so that’s kind of what happened in 2020. They sent us home to work from home. And my kids were still small. I do have a 25-year-old from, you know, but I have a 12-year-old now and nine-year-old. So at the time, they were small. And I was like, I have worked my entire life to think that eight to five is like, that’s what you do. That’s what you do. I mean, that’s, and so I knew nothing else but that. And so I was like, okay, there’s more to this, like flexibility, being with your kids. And actually, I got a lot more done working from home, but it’s fine. Working for yourself. Yeah. Well, even from home, because I worked for the government then, so they sent us all home. And, you know, you just have more time. You’re not commuting. You’re not talking. You’re just working. And then you have that time with your kids. So my husband is the one that’s the risk taker. Okay. And the entrepreneur, it’s not me. I am the… Well, we need to work day to five. We need this, you know, just very. Follow the path. Follow the path. Although you didn’t. I didn’t technically. You really didn’t follow the path, but. Right. But I tried to like get back on the path every time I felt like. But anyway, so, you know, he kind of started a side business and he was like, you know, maybe you can help with this. I need to continue to work. And I was like, okay. What was his side business? So he had like a outdoor type store. Okay. And I was like, I don’t really like this stuff, but sure, this will provide me to be able to get my kids from school. He can continue to work. So I did that. And then I was like, you know what? I think I kind of enjoyed this. I enjoyed meeting new people. Yeah. I just, but I was like, I don’t enjoy the products. So that’s kind of what led us to Townsend Mercantile. I’m like, you know, there’s a market here of tourists and locals that there’s no place to buy that elevated shirt or gift or all those things. And so that’s kind of where it was just like an idea. And we just did it. So you get this idea, and what a great one. Because when you think of Townsend back in 2020, it’s, you know, I mean, it’s still the peaceful side. It’s still slower than maybe a lot of the rest of the, you know, area. But it was, and It was a lot slower at that point. But there’s been a lot of growth since then. Yes, and I think 2020 was a turning point for them because people came to the park because that’s how they vacationed because they didn’t go to – to get away from people. – Yes. – Yeah. – So then what you, you decide to do this, but what was the pro like, what was the thought process was like, okay, let’s do, let’s revitalize this place that has been long, long gone. How did that all come about? I just don’t know how to stop. And I just was like, okay, we’re doing this. And I just, we just, I don’t even know. I can’t even tell you like the turning point of where we’re like, I don’t know. I mean, I know that how we got the location, my husband, um, actually met with the guy that owns Peaceful Side one day for coffee. And he was like, well, that bank is for lease. And I was like, perfect location. Perfect. That is. Like, honestly, if I can give one piece of advice for anybody starting a business, it is location. Because you have to go, if you’re going to Townsend, there’s the IGA. And we honestly get a lot of traffic because of Peaceful Side. Peaceful Side, sure. Always busy it’s always busy and i think it we both complement each other on you know like there’s a weight there there’s a place to go you know walk back and forth and so yeah Now, if you talk to Eric and I, we’re very familiar with Townsend. If you’ve listened to this podcast, you know we love Townsend. Talk about it all the time. But believe it or not, there are some people out there that may not. So what is your address and how do you get there? I mean, usually we jump to this later, but it’s kind of like a good time. Yeah. So the address is 7971 East Lamar Alexander Parkway in Townsend. It’s kind of the center of Townsend, I would say. I would say that, too. Yeah. Yeah. There’s one traffic lot and that’s going to lead you towards Valley. So kind of out of Townsend. And so we’re there near the visitor center, IGA, which is a staple too. And Peaceful Hut. Yeah, Peaceful Hut. So then you’ve got this idea for a business. You’ve got a great location. And now you’ve got to stock the shelves. So how do you, and I know that you have kind of, you’re creative, but not necessarily in an artistic way. Yeah. How do you decide this is what we’re going to put in this place? Like, you know, what’s the thought process that goes into what gets shelf life?

 

Yes. Okay. So that is a learning experience as well because I did not have retail experience at all. Now, of course, I’ve always loved that, but not, there’s a science behind it, really. So when, you know, I first started out, I did want, sort of different than what we probably have today because I did not know my market. I mean, I thought I knew my market, but you don’t really know your market until you have data behind it either. So when I went in, I mean, I didn’t even know how to even contact like brands to get, you know, so that’s a thing too. Like I just pretty much had to learn. So I remember going to the Atlanta market because that’s where you buy a lot of things. And I just kind of watched people. I kind of took note and I was like, okay, well, this seems like what you’re supposed to do. I mean, I had no idea you were supposed to get appointments with sales reps. And I mean, I remember meeting the first one and she’s like, yeah, you’re supposed to have an appointment, but I don’t have anybody. And it just so happened to me in my region and she mentored me. And it’s… She was like this is what you need to do and like i will never forget that you know um and then um i mean i will say i became great friends with joy at dandelions yeah um we bounce ideas off of one another um and there are things like you said going back to like what goes into this store there are things that are not going to sell for me that would sell at a store downtown maryville right My market is tourist mainly, but there is a local presence there too that want gifts. So you have to make sure you cater to both. I was going to ask that. That ballot seems to be really key, really important that you have that local fair, I don’t know, local products, I guess, that somebody is just going to take it home across the street. And people that are passing through, they’re going to take it home to… Yeah, Ohio or wherever they come from. Yes. As a gift or, you know, memento of the area. Because at first I wanted all these pretty, like, boutique-y things. And I’m like, well, that’s not always going to attract someone on vacation that wants a T-shirt. So you just, I’ve always, like, tried to, you know, as time has went on, like, have more of an elevated look to my shirt styles or clothes. Sweatshirts or candles or things like that. But you want, my main goal is to try to find something different than somewhere else because we do have other shops up in Townsend as it’s growing. And, you know, we want to complement one another so that we give that tourist or local, you know, different things to shop from. So in that realm, I want to touch on a couple of things that I did some research for.

 

Yeah. You are not the very first Townsend mercantile. There was one. Correct. Back in the day. Yes. And so tell us about that and how that influenced you. And also, I believe it’s Bobby and Shirley. Is that right? Two ladies that… Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yeah. I was like, I had to think. Yes. Yeah. So there was an original child to mercantile, which served as the general store for the loggers from Kate’s Cove. So this wasn’t just like last year. It’s like last. I couldn’t, I don’t know dates right now offhand. I think 1950s was when it closed. Does that sound about right?

 

Yes. So my father-in-law is 87 and he still remembers, he said he remembers maybe like when he was six was like the last time he actually went into the store. I will say Little River Railroad that is up in Townsend. Great place to find history. Like she is a wealth of knowledge that works there. And, um, And she has lots of history behind all of that, including the mercantile. And it actually sat kind of near the abbey that was up there. So in that area. And I think it was torn down maybe in the 60s is what I’ve heard. And so Bobby and Shirley, their dad was the bookkeeper for Townsend Mercantile. People tend to stay around.

 

Yeah. And these two women were in their 90s when…

 

Yes. Yeah. So it’s been a while. Yeah. One of them has since passed. And it’s funny how things end up coming around. I was actually really great friends with her great granddaughter. And we didn’t even realize the connection until so just small town.

 

Yes. That’s really cool.

 

What did they give you any specific advice to or or has have any Blount County and such joy mentioned?

 

Had given you any sort of advice or help in getting your business off the ground.

 

Oh, I definitely think so. I mean, I’ve really surrounded myself with and tried to surround myself with other business people to give that advice. Carmen Sinfer from Little Arrow, she has been a great mentor to me. It’s also really great to have those friendships that are in Townsend because it’s a different market than it is anywhere else. You know, in January and February, it is… A little slope. A little slope. Yeah. It is painfully slow, actually. And so we, you know. So it’s more of a therapy group at that.

 

Yes. And, you know, I think we all know that we take that time to regroup. But, you know, we all have to account for that because to continue to open up year after year, you have to know that in January and February, you know, You’re surviving in those months. You’ve got to count on that. You’ve got to count on that. And so that can make employment hard, retaining, you know, good people, paying your good people through those months so that they’re there when, you know, October comes around because we’re fixing to really head into a big season for all of us.

 

Yeah. I thought you might, were going to ask this, but what’s a NITO? Oh, I’m getting. Oh, okay. I looked into that too. Yeah. So. Talk about a NITO. Yeah. Because I. So that’s. Whatever they are. Put us on the map. They put you on the map. Yeah. Talk about lines out the door, wrapped around. I mean, unbelievable. Yeah. So. It’s the look of a draw here. Okay. So I have had these little things since I opened. It’s just, and in the beginning, it was something very inexpensive that a kid is going to come to our store and buy, because I have a lot of toys and things like that for kids on vacation. And so I guess it was in January. I had one of my employees and she was like, think these are becoming like a thing, like a thing. And I was going to the Atlanta market and she said, I would just order more than you normally do. And I was like, okay. What great advice. Right. Senior in high school. I’ll tell you. There you go. But I mean, they watch TikTok. They know the trends. They know the trends. And so I was like, so I went to the market and I did notice that that like booth was a little bit more hopping than it normally would be. And so I doubled up and I was like, well, this will get me. And when I say this, it was like three thousand dollars. OK. And I was like, that’s going to last me all year. No. If I can go back to my day and, you know, do my reorders. But it’s just a thing that happened on TikTok. Thankfully, I got in with the trend because other retailers can’t get these things anymore. Wow. So do they sell exclusively to certain stores or just they’re not available? So now it’s exclusively exclusive to stores that had them before because they can’t keep up with production. So if you open a new store, they’re going to be like, well, sorry, sorry to luck. You didn’t get in in time. So they’re basically little squishy toys. They’re just little squishy toys. And adults, anywhere from a small child to a grown adult, like most things. Well, I’ve known about them for about 45 minutes. And I mean, stress relief is what they say for adults. And I can see that. And the thing I didn’t get is they have one that looks like a gummy bear. And I think that’s a huge mistake. Yes. People are going to be eating. Well, I think there’s been some things out there where they put them in microwave. I mean, just like crazy. I had to put new warnings on stuff. These are not. They’re not edible. For consumption. Right. Right. Do not eat them. Yeah. Do not. Yeah. But I mean, it is a marketing thing that we’ve had to figure out on our side because I can’t, you know, whereas before I would put these things back on a shelf and it’d be fine. Now, there’s no way like that doesn’t that’s not going to happen. So, you know, we’ve had to figure out a ticketing system and, you know. Wow. So you would probably get somebody to come in, some high school kid, like shoot a video. It’s like, hey, they have Nitos here. And the next thing you know, there’s people coming from all over the place. Right. If they were out on the shelf. Yeah. So now they’re not necessarily out on the shelf. Right. But people know that we have them. I mean, I would say, I mean, they come from, when I say all over, I mean, they’re driving from Knoxville to get there over an hour to get these. And, you know. Coming to Townsend. I mean, talk about serving the population, serving the people who know your market. That’s. Yeah, it’s it’s been. That’s awesome. It’s been fun. We’re having another one. Mark your calendars. Yes. You heard it here first. A drop. So that’s what we call them. Our Nito drop. Oh, there’s going to be people standing outside. Yeah. So they and, you know, I do tickets for how many ever I have of a certain kind. And then they we have, you know. Or like they can get one of each or depending on how many I have is how many I can give out. I try to make it fair. But we have people staying in line as early as 430 in the morning. Wow. I mean, that’s like camping for basketball tickets or something. Yeah. I was thinking, you know, more our generation. It’s like cabbage. Cabbage patch dolls. Tickle Me Elmo was like that. Beanie Baby. They get to be in these little. Nearly nothing. I mean, squishy little. Yeah. And they’re inexpensive. So I think that’s why, too, that it’s become so popular because, you know, it appeals to a wider range of people. I mean. We had a pet rock, too. That was great. You remember that? They used to sell rocks in a thing. Call it a pet rock. They sold them. They also have rocks. Just out on the… Yeah, that’s right. Yeah, a whole family of pet rocks. Yeah. You mentioned your staff. And I know that you’ve, I’m sure like just any, especially local business, you have a mix of, you probably have some, you know, full-time staff, high school, maybe college. Talk about your staff because I know it takes a village. You know, you can’t be there at all times. No. You’re relying on your staff and it sounds like they’re doing a heck of a job. Yeah. So, yes. And I’m trying, it’s very hard as a small business owner to find that balance because I want to be there all the time because, you know, a lot of people come up there and they’re like, I came by, but you weren’t there. And I’m like, yes, I know. Don’t live there. Yeah. And, But I want to be, but I can’t be because, you know, you need to do, I mean, things like this. And there are things that you need to get out in the community. Last year, I did leadership a lot. That takes a lot of time. I mean, there’s just time, but you have to get your name out there, too. And so trying to find that balance, which means you have to rely on your team. Which means you have to give up things too, which has been hard for me a little bit too, is just like giving some control up, but I know to grow, that’s part of the process. I have a great general manager. She’s been with me for over a year and she cares so deeply for the business. And I think that that truly is what helps our people and staff that care and want to see your business successful. So I have her and I have hired an assistant manager, which is in college. And so that has helped. And then I have part-time staff. And three that just left me that had been with me for two years and they went to college. So that is all. I’m like, are you sure you want to go to college? Like, I just feel like you need to stay with me. Crazy idea to go to college. But it is so great to see them start so young and then mature. And I feel like their mom when they leave. And so. But, yes, you have to have a great staff in order to make it.

 

So when did you officially open? 2020? 2021?

 

No, 23. 23. Okay. June of 23. Okay. Yeah. So you, how has it changed? Okay. How, because you’ve got the initial idea in 2020. Then you opened in 23. Well, and I didn’t really leave. So I left. I don’t think I left my job until 21. Right. And then, you know, my husband started his retail. Okay. So I was with him for, you know, I did that for a while. And then, you know, it took a bit. But I mean. But it certainly has had to evolve since then, especially since you’re just starting as your first experience in this business. How has it changed? Oh, man, I look back at pictures and I’m like, whoa, there was nothing in there. And now it’s like, stop to the, you can’t move in there. So evolved, gosh, I think that data is like my friend. So I’m really big on like what has sold, you know, going deeper into those things. I don’t know how anybody would do it without reports, you know. And my husband’s a tech guy. So, like, he has definitely helped. That’s a good partnership.

 

Yes. Those things are not in my wheelhouse. And so I don’t really know those. But he’s like, oh, we can get a report for that. So, like, I have so much data to go by. I know my margins. I know, like, so I think that that has really been a great partnership to know your market, know what sells. And just keep pouring into that. But with growth comes a lot of hard too. So we sure had to learn hard things. Employees are not always, it’s not an always fun thing too. So, you know, I’ve had to learn that part and just managing and yeah, so. And so I think you’ve touched on it, but I don’t know that you’ve like, you’re not a tech person. You said about your husband and you had this, but and you’re not a retail person. Right. What was the motivation that you thought this is what I want to do? I don’t know. Honestly, I think I love technology. The i love to talk to people so thinking back through all of this like my favorite job was probably the bank teller or being a bank teller but i just love the the community that that and i was always said i was like when i retire that’s what i’m gonna do um but i just love meeting new people and if you work a day in my store you’re gonna meet people from all over and that’s probably the the funnest thing about all of it i that’s where i thrive um but i also love like shopping and trends and finding the neato’s i want to find that next thing i’m like what’s the next trend and i’ve always picked up on that in life in general and so i think that when I don’t know. I just think that it was a thing that was handed to me and I’m like, okay, we’re doing this and I’m going to not stop until I do it well. And so Eric touched on the evolution of the three years. I mean, kind of like that, what have you learned other than having to track what? I mean, what has surprised you in the three years of doing it? Hmm. Um, it takes a lot more time than I ever could have imagined. Um, you know, I do pick up my kids from school every day and I’ve always kind of had a staff to allow me to do that. That was almost a non-negotiable for me, but at the same time, you know, going on vacations and things like that have not always been easy for us because wondering, am I going to have a staff, you know, to fill those needs, you know, because when I want to go on vacation is when everybody else wants to go on vacation, which means that’s when they’re going to be there. So, um, Okay, now back to your point. You said what have I learned. So that is a learning thing. It’s just like I didn’t realize how much work it was going to take and time. And there are so many great things, but there have been so many hard things to learn. But then, you know… I don’t know. So other things that I’ve learned. You have to, you certainly, and because as realtors, we are basically running our own small business. Yes. Not to the extent that you are. But I mean, you have, there’s a different way that you have to manage your time. You know, you’re not answering to anybody. Nobody’s asking you to clock in and clock out. And this is not, you know, for someone else’s. You know, bottom line or whatever. And this is like, it’s you sink or swim. Yeah. It’s like you’re working not like all the time. It never turns off. It never, you know, I’m always like on the phone or like answering an email or trying to find the next Nito or what. I mean, you know, it’s just like, you’re always, um, you’re always working and to try to like turn that off is really hard. So I have not learned boundaries yet. So we’re still trying to work on that. Yeah. That’s hard. Yeah. Yeah. But I am trying to learn that. To give up control and put people that are good in place to focus my attention on the bigger picture and what can be better. But you can’t be better if you’re like in there doing the thing all the time, which has been hard for me because I don’t want people to think that I’m not working. So that has been kind of hard. Oh, you’re not there. That means you’re not working. No, I’m actually really. You’re like, you’re just off. I’m just off. I wish, but I’m not. So that, that has been probably the hardest thing is just for people to not think that I’m just not working when I think being in the community is working. Sure. Yeah. Yeah, for sure. So that has been difficult. I don’t know if I answered your question. You did. That’s good. You, um, I was going to ask about this is about the closest thing that we come to being controversial on this on this podcast. And it’s just no, it’s just we talk about the growth of Blount County and of Townsend. And, you know, the balance that there is like really great things that come with that and really difficult things that come with that. You know, what are your what are your thoughts on that, I guess? Or how is how have you been able to manage that? The conversation. Yeah. Because that is a conversation. Because, you know, you’ll, you have people come into the store and they’re like, want to talk about the things that come to town. Sure. You know, so I try to be like, you know, well, This is hard. This is a hard question. And if we need to cut this out. No, but it’s true. It is a very truthful thing. And I think that people need to hear this because this is how we put food on our table. And this is how my staff, especially my full-time staff, put food on their table. So in order to make that work, We need visitors. We need people to support us. And I think that Townsend has done a great job. And, you know, making sure there’s growth, but also growth with intention. And I don’t think that we’re not putting a Buc-ee’s up there. We’re not, you know, putting a Weigel’s. I mean, it’s still a very… Hometown feel. I serve on a board, Explore Townsend. It’s the TCGA board there with other business owners. And we all have the same thought process. No one wants it to be Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge. Even if that made us more money, that’s not really what we see for the growth of Townsend. I think there are other small towns that Blue Ridge, Georgia, for instance, I mean, is a great place to go. And it’s very quaint, even though it is a tourist destination. And I think that we, as a community and as business leaders, want that same thing. And I don’t foresee it ever in my lifetime being like Pigeon Forge or Gallenberg, because that’s what people don’t want that on this side. And I think that Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg serve its purpose, and I’m not knocking them. And I think that Townsend provides a place to enjoy both. I love that. I love that take, and I do think it’s important. And I think it’s important that people know that there are people actually thinking about it and think and planning for the growth with intention. Yeah. As opposed to just thinking. Let’s get anybody that we can in here to open a business and get more people. That’s not what it is. I mean, I have not ran into that one time of just trying to – make it something that it’s not. I do think that there’s been growth. I mean, I’ve lived here my entire life. I remember going to the river when I was in high school and River Rat was not what River Rat is today. But I still go to River Rat and I don’t think that it has made it bad. I think that it’s easier for more people to go to. And I mean, I think it looks good. I mean, you know what I think that, but it was with intention. It doesn’t look like something over in Pigeon Point. That’s just my take on it. I mean, I know it can be very controversial, but a lot of people that move to Townsend are not always people that we’re born there so that’s right yeah we all have moved from here yes for a reason so that’s kind of why i tell people i’m like you’re here for a reason too so that’s true i mean yeah it seems like i mean like you said everybody compares it to gallenberg and pigeon forge and That is what it is. It’s very successful. But I think Townsend is what it is. And that’s why people, speaking for Eric, I guess, that’s why we love it. It’s great to go down there and it feels peaceful. Peaceful. And I think that we all, the ones that I talk to and that serve on this board that want to see Townsend, We all want the same thing. We do not want a big hotel moving in there. And I think the hotels that are up there have kept it the same feel and just, you know, updated it. Very quaint. Very quaint. Small town. Yeah. Small town. Yeah. So. So I’ll give Eric credit here because he does these and he put together a list of what he called rapid fire questions. Oh, gosh. We have a few questions. We’re going to start the timer here in just a second. OK. That last one was kind of difficult. It was. OK. These will be much lighter. Yeah. I should have brought the hankies. Wipe your brow. So these will be these are easy. I’m going to start. Somebody comes into the mercantile and they have just a few minutes and they just need something. Other than the Neato, what do you recommend? A shirt. Oh, okay. Is it a Townsend shirt? Is it a Mew T-shirt? It would be a Townsend shirt, yes. Yeah. There’s a few that sell really well, so I would probably point you to one of those. Got it. What is your favorite shape or style of Neato toy? What is your personal favorite?

 

Okay, well, I’m going to be completely honest here. I’m not any goat person. But if I were a Q, I mean, original here. Just the basic. Yeah, I’m basic. Yes. Yeah. But people will ask me in line. They’re like, this is not a rapid question, so I’m going to follow up. They’ll ask me, like, what is it made of? Because not all of them are equal. Oh. Okay, with how they feel. And I’m like, guys… I sell them. Oh, yeah. Yeah. I’m not, you know. Sure. An expert in how they squish. Yeah. You don’t make them. You didn’t make them. I don’t make them. I sell them. Yeah. Got it. Okay. So we talked about the business insurance half-day cap. Yes. Have you been there? Yes. It’s great. Great. There’s the cinnamon sugar bites, but I’m a sweet person, so that’s what I go for. But the avocado toast is good. The fruit is very fresh. I think they get it from Dancing Bear from their garden there. So everything’s pretty fresh. So it’s a great added breakfast place. It is a great added breakfast. I went. Right after it was open, we were up there at Tremont talking to Katie McCleary. Yes. On my way back, I was like, it’s open. I’m going in. What was your favorite? I got the… Bacon, I think bacon and cheese biscuit. Is that right? There’s like a, you know, okay. Yeah. I don’t know. Yeah. I think it had bacon. Yeah. It was bacon. Yes. Yes. Okay. What is the most underrated spot in Townsend that a tourist might just drive right past? You know, honestly, I’m going to, well, I don’t want to say what I, because then they’re going to be like, oh, you think they’re driving by. Okay, let me rephrase. I can rephrase. Rephrase. What do you feel like is a very underrated destination in Townsend? I honestly think the Little River Railroad. Okay. Yeah. You mentioned that earlier. I really do because there’s so much history and a lot of people want to know the history behind Townsend. And I don’t think they really know that you can find a lot of history there. I got to be honest. I would have driven right by. Yeah. I mean, there’s a lot there. Okay. So if you want to know the history. Yeah. And one more. I got a follow up. It’s the Little River Arboretum. I don’t know if I’m saying that. Arboretum? I don’t know. That’s a good one, too. I don’t know. What kind is that? It’s like… It’s trees. It’s trees, and they’ve… You know, for kids, there’s like a little mud kitchen area, but you can’t see it from the road, so you wouldn’t know. So you have to get off the path. You have to get off the path. That is a good one. You have to get off the good one to know that. So, yeah. You think about Townsend as just it’s one street and you’ve got to stick to that street. But you can get off the beaten path and find some. And we have murals now under our bridges. Or on our bridges. Will Lunsford did some murals for us. Will Lunsford. You need to talk to Will Lunsford. Yeah. We’ve heard his name multiple times. It was the Explore Townsend board that I was on. They’ve been in the works and had to get them approved and stuff. And it really has revitalized those tunnels. Not bridges, tunnels. Very cool. Yeah. Not just a plain brick facade. Right. And they’re geared towards this. Yeah. So you’ve lived in Blount County your entire life?

 

Yeah. Eric says a single word. That’s a tough one.

 

How would you describe the spirit of Blount County? What do you like best about Blount County?

 

Community. Excellent. And I think that I’ve learned that in the last three years of having a business. I really, I’m not one that likes to get out and network. It’s not really my favorite thing. I have forced myself into these situations. I’ve met some really great people. And just to bounce ideas off of and just a support system for me. So I would say community. It’s been great. That’s a great answer. And a great way to finish up a wonderful episode with Brooke Webb. Thanks for having me.

 

Townsend, Birkenthal. Yeah. Actually, one final question. Coming back to this question. We always have to go back. We mentioned where you’re located physically, but you have social media also.

 

Yes, social media. Yeah. If somebody’s looking for a Neato on October 24th, they need some information. Yeah. You just have to line up. We’ll be out there to hand out tickets. But social media presence is there. Yes. And is it Townsend Mercantile?

 

Townsend Mercantile Co. But yes. Yeah. Yeah. We have Facebook, Instagram. We don’t do TikTok that much. Meta doesn’t talk. They don’t talk to each other. So it’s just another platform to. Yeah. TikTok is tough. I think you have to be committed. You have to be committed. Yeah. All right. We’ll stick with the Instagram. And a website. You can shop online. Johnson, Wilson, Tyler, Cody. Dot com. Dot com. Yeah. Bye. Awesome. Require. Thank you. Thanks for joining. Yes. Thank you. All right. Thank you, Brooke Webb. That was awesome. I mean, yeah. The entrepreneurial spirit I find interesting. I mean, we’re technically entrepreneurs too. I don’t feel like… Yeah. I have that kind of… I mean, I loved her answer when we… Because I was like, look, you don’t like the finance part or whatever she said and the stats and the… What do you… And she said exactly what I thought… You know, it’s like she loved… She likes sales. She likes shopping. She likes being with people. It’s like, I see that. Yeah, I definitely see that. Yeah, you’re right. We’re entrepreneurs in the sense, I guess, we started something from nothing, but also we get paid nothing and don’t rely on it for anything. You know, I don’t know how much that really counts, but she definitely counts for Brooke and for her family. Because I know that was a big step, a big leap of faith. And, man, she did it and knocked it out of the park, right? Yeah. Can’t imagine. You know, when she talks about the uncertainty of starting it, it’s like, I feel it. I know what she’s talking about. Yeah. Yeah. And especially at that time, too. It just, you know, although I was thinking about this, and of course this is like, you know, the day after or whatever we’ve talked to her. Yeah. But I was thinking, you know, COVID sort of made you think differently. It just made you think differently. Like you weren’t confined necessarily to you know, what was it was like hey, what could happen? What could be you know and good or bad and you just people just I think just started thinking differently and a lot of Kind of cool stuff came out of that. It’s like hey, I’m not doing anything anyway I just want to do this. She was working from home and, you know, doing her thing and said, yeah, let’s try this. So, yeah, I mean, good, good for her. And I agree with what you mean. You know, we love towns. But I mean, if you go down there, go in the place because it’s just cool. I mean, don’t go on October 24th unless you want to stand in line. Yes, correct. Unless you go after 10 a.m., because then all the people will be gone. All the neetos will be… That is crazy. You know, it’s funny. A couple of nights ago, last night, but I was talking to… 19-year-old girl and another adult about my age, and I said something about the Nitos, and the adult’s like, what? And the girl goes, oh, yeah, I know what they are. Pulled it up on her phone, and she goes, this is what they are. I was like, there you go, that right there. Did your kids get into, I mean, like, when our age was more like cabbage patch, you know, that kind of thing. Did your kids get into the Beanie Babies or any of those type of fads? You know, I mean, I do have… Memories of searching for something but i can’t remember what it was exactly yeah um cabbage patch dolls maybe it’s always something i mean it’s always something there’s you know some that last there’s a flash in the pan but then there’s some like that just blow up and and it’s also the ones that you just think Would this blow up? What is so special about a gel-filled thing? Maybe we could have the people from Neato on here. You know what? I’ll meet you at 4.30 down at the Townsend Mercantile. That would be interesting. If we could make all of those people our guests, the average age would be about 7. Yeah, well, there’d be a parent with them, but other than that, yeah, you’re right. That’d be good. Well, you know, she had a lot of great things to say, and we appreciate Brooke being on here. Thank you so much. Made it a great episode. You know who else has a lot of great things to say? Every time. Michelle McCauley? Absolutely. Hello, this is Michelle McCauley with Movement Mortgage bringing you today’s mortgage market update. Mortgage rates remain elevated with the average 30-year fixed rate around the upper 6% range. Oil prices continue to rise and that’s a reflection of continued escalations between the US and Iran and that rise is applying some pressure to the bond market. First-time homebuyers, don’t let today’s rates stop you from exploring your options. Focus on comfortable monthly payment, ask about down payment assistance, and get pre-approved before you shop.

 

Homeowners considering a refinance? It isn’t only about lowering your rate. It could reduce your payment, shorten your loan term, or help consolidate higher interest debt. Always compare the closing costs with your monthly savings. The right move depends on your goals, so let’s review the numbers together without pressure. Call me at 865-806-6113.

 

Yay! Our studio audience is a little limited. I know, it’s a tough update from Michelle, isn’t it? Yeah, I guess that’s why there was only a smattering of applause. Like, I guess. She did a fine job. She did a great job, but… Working with Washington.

 

Well, yeah, I mean, what are you seeing out there for those who are still hanging with us after that? Well, you know, I mean, we’ve talked before about, you know, I track these. I mean, there’s nothing surprising. Um… Oh, it was you that we, you and I were talking earlier today about your daughter sending you a text like, Hey, the, it correlated it with the Iran war or whatever the interest rates are high. And it’s like, and she said, is that bad? I think that’s bad. This sounds bad. Yeah, well, only if you’re buying real estate, selling real estate, or if you’re a realtor trying to help people buy. That’s exactly right. If you’re not in the real estate market at all, don’t worry about it. Enjoy your 2.5% rate. But yeah, I mean, new listings have started to drop. I mean, they usually drop… Toward the end of the year. Really, August of this year, new listings, 234. August of last year, 228. So it’s not, new listings aren’t off pace. Sold listings are down, not surprising. I mean, but just a little. July sold listings this year, 223. Last year, 218. So it’s kind of this. But now August has taken a bit of a hit. It was 177 so far in August. There may be some updates from the MLS, but it was 216 last year. So that is down. Now, granted, September last year was 172. So maybe… We just got a little bit of a head start on the slow part of the year, but it doesn’t feel that way. It doesn’t. It doesn’t feel that way. We’ve talked a number of times where this August, September start of school, everything’s going on for families and they’re getting settled and doing all the things. And then it starts to pick back up in fall because fall generally is a pretty good time to sell in East Tennessee because it’s so beautiful. But yeah, it feels a little more like a slowdown. And part of that is the rates. Part of that is the inventory. Yeah, yeah. As Michelle said, though, I mean, inventory’s up. It’s just that it’s funny, but a couple of people that I have talked to recently are like, there’s nothing out there. It’s like, what? There is, but I don’t know what the perception of people… I think what they mean by that is, in the price range we’re looking in, there’s nothing out there. Well, there’s more… Homes there the other day i think we had it at 568 today is like 567 or 563 i think michelle said so it’s right in that number but that’s more than hello yogi i’m sorry my dog wanted a little you know guest appearance here on the show That’ll be fun. Maybe we should just leave that in.

 

Yeah, I agree. That there’s a lot of inventory out there. So there’s a lot of choices for buyers.

 

Yes, there is. But, hey. We’ll see what the fall brings us, so that’s okay. You know what we need to do? We just not only need to focus on what’s good about the world, and how about Sam Houston Elementary?

 

Sam Houston. Today was the Marable City Schools Homecoming Parade, which I drove the Sam Houston float, and it was fantastic. The kids were amazing. The principals were amazing. The mascot was amazing, and the crowd. You should have seen the crowd. I’m telling you, there was like There they are. There’s my contribution. That’s… Yeah. The kids and the… I’m telling you, there were three, five people deep along the parade route. It was really cool. That’s awesome. And then the community just kind of came out. I don’t know. There was probably… 30 or so floats. So it was really cool. A lot of fun. I’m glad you live in this community. I was going to say, bottom line, interest rates are high. The real estate is slowing down a bit, but it’s still a great place to be. It’s still a great place to be. It is. What are you waiting for? Hey, that’s right. But you know what, Eric? I think that’s probably a wrap on another episode. That’s right. Well, join us in two weeks for our next one. Who will our next guest be? And what topics will we cover? And what’s changed in the real estate market?

 

Well, let’s find out. Thanks for listening to the Let’s Be Blunt podcast. If you have questions or guest ideas, or if you’d like to sponsor a segment of our podcast, please send us an email at theletsbebluntpodcast at gmail.com. I’m Brad Heppner. And I’m Eric Rice. And we call ourselves the Property Dads. As local realtors, we want you to know and love this community as much as we do. If you have questions about real estate, don’t hesitate to call us at LeConte Realty at 865-268-4180. We’ll be happy to help.