Shows
Benchmark HappeningsRates, Confidence, And The 2026 Housing OutlookMortgage headlines are loud, but the real story is quieter: confidence. We dig into why builder confidence is rising while buyer confidence stalls, how the Fed’s long “sugar high” of quantitative easing set us up for today’s rates, and what a softer jobs market—amplified by AI hiring freezes—means for mortgages over the next 6 to 12 months. No fluff, just a grounded look at the forces moving your payment and your plan.Steve Reed joins us to unpack the data behind rate direction, explain why 3 percent mortgages aren’t coming back, and outline a realistic path from the...
2025-10-2931 minBenchmark HappeningsAffordable Housing Solutions in Northeast TennesseeThe affordable housing crisis looms large across America, but innovative solutions are emerging right here in Northeast Tennessee. Jonathan Tipton and Steve Reed, mortgage professionals at Benchmark Home Loans, have launched Land to Homes—a groundbreaking venture transforming manufactured housing into a viable pathway to homeownership for first-time buyers.Gone are the stigmas of yesterday's mobile homes. Today's manufactured housing is built to strict HUD standards in controlled environments, resulting in sturdy, high-quality homes that often exceed local building codes. For families struggling to find traditional homes under $250,000 that don't require extensive renovation, Land to Homes offers a...
2025-10-1529 minBenchmark HappeningsRemembering Charlie Kirk: A Legacy of Faith and FreedomA somber yet inspiring tribute to Charlie Kirk fills our latest episode as we reflect on the shocking loss of a Christian leader whose impact reached far beyond political spheres. Charlie's assassination on September 10th—what many are calling the first Christian martyrdom in America in decades—has left a void that cannot be filled by any single voice.Charlie Kirk began his journey at just 18 years old, founding Turning Point USA in 2012 after being rejected from West Point. What started with a simple card table on college campuses grew into a global movement. Known for his tagl...
2025-10-0124 minBenchmark HappeningsThe Art of Color: Elevating Your Natural BeautyDiscovering your authentic style isn't just about looking good—it's about reconnecting with your natural beauty and finding confidence that radiates from within. In this enlightening conversation, Christine Reed welcomes Shelli Holechek, owner of House of Colour in Johnson City and Bristol, who reveals how color analysis is transforming lives across East Tennessee.Shelli shares her fascinating journey from 24 years in education to becoming an image consultant who has served over 600 clients since opening in May 2023. As a Midwest transplant who fell in love with East Tennessee's beauty and people, she brings a fresh perspective to personal st...
2025-09-1727 minBenchmark HappeningsFrom Passion to Profession: Suzanne McKinney's Jewelry JourneyWhat happens when creative passion meets entrepreneurial spirit? Suzanne McKinney's journey with Beauty in Stone Jewelry provides a masterclass in turning artistic talent into a thriving business.Suzanne believes jewelry is the essential finishing touch that completes any outfit. "Even if you're wearing just a T-shirt and jeans, when you add beautiful jewelry, you've put the icing on the cake and expressed your personal style," she shares. This philosophy has guided her from hobbyist to professional jewelry designer, creating pieces that help women feel polished and beautiful.Working primarily with freshwater pearls, leather, and gemstones...
2025-09-0324 minBenchmark HappeningsBehind the Lens: Tina Wilson's Journey from Photographer to Business MavenEver wonder what happens when you release your white-knuckle grip on what seems "too good to let go"? Tina Wilson's remarkable journey from portrait photographer to business maven reveals the surprising gifts that come from open hands and divine timing.From finding her cordless phone in the freezer as an identity-starved new mom to hearing a mysterious voice on a drive home from Chattanooga, Tina's path to founding Reclaimed Home unfolds with raw honesty and unexpected turns. Her story resonates with anyone who's ever questioned their purpose or wondered if they've taken a wrong career turn.
2025-08-2027 minBenchmark HappeningsBeyond The Hype: A Professional's Guide To Skincare That Actually WorksThe quest for healthier, more youthful skin can be overwhelming with contradictory advice and miracle promises flooding social media. Kelli Rogers from Performance Medicine cuts through the noise in this enlightening conversation about what truly works in skincare.Kelli reveals why your daily skincare routine forms the essential foundation upon which all other treatments build—comparing skincare neglect to only flossing right before a dentist appointment. She expertly breaks down the science behind the two non-negotiable skincare ingredients everyone needs: Vitamin C for morning application and Vitamin A (retinol or tretinoin) for nighttime use. Far from just an...
2025-08-0622 min
See Her Outside: Stories From Women Who AdventureHiking with POTS, Book Publishing, and Self-Discovery on the Trail: Grit Lit Featured Author Christine ReedHow do you juggle chronic illness, unconventional work, and personal adventure challenges?Christine Reed, author of Alone in Wonderland, joined us to talk about body challenges on trail, behind the scenes of writing and sharing books, and her company, Rugged Outdoorswoman Publishing.We talk about:Adventuring with POTS, a form of dysautonomiaSelf-publishing and the journey to writing a bookBalancing adventure with businessPublishing an anthology of stories: BLOOD SWEAT TEARSRealities of menstrual periods when on big adventures
2025-07-3121 minBenchmark HappeningsFrom Renting to Owning: How Land to Homes Makes It PossibleLooking for an affordable path to homeownership in today's challenging market? Steve Reed returns to Benchmark Happenings to dive deeper into Land to Homes, a pioneering solution for would-be homeowners struggling with sky-high housing costs and limited options.While apartment renters face $1,200-$2,000 monthly payments with nothing to show for it, Land to Homes is creating a genuinely accessible alternative. Their turnkey manufactured housing service handles everything from permits and site preparation to landscaping and final touches, delivering beautiful, move-in ready homes on acre-sized lots for $220,000-$300,000. Unlike traditional dealers who leave buyers to navigate complex permitting...
2025-07-2326 min
Tough Girl PodcastChristine Reed – Long-Distance Backpacker & Author of Blood Sweat Tears | Stories of Healing, Womanhood & the TrailIn this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we’re joined by Christine Reed—an American long-distance backpacker and award-winning author—whose life changed when she took her first steps on the Appalachian Trail in 2015. With no prior backpacking experience, Christine dove headfirst into the unknown, seeking healing, purpose, and a sense of identity. Since then, Christine has hiked thousands of miles, lived out of a van, and carved a creative path through storytelling. Her debut memoir, Alone in Wonderland, captured her raw and powerful journey of self-discovery, while her latest anthology Blood Sweat Tears amplifies the voices o...
2025-07-2254 minBenchmark HappeningsLand2Homes: Creating Affordable Housing Solutions in Northeast TennesseeSteve Reed, Co-owner of Benchmark Home Loans, shares the story behind his new venture Land2Homes, which provides affordable turnkey manufactured housing solutions for buyers priced out of the traditional market.• Land2Homes developed after seeing first-time homebuyers priced out by high interest rates and rising home prices• The company purchases land, handles permitting, orders homes directly from factories, and delivers complete turnkey properties• Modern manufactured homes feature quality construction with 2x6 framing, energy efficiency, and durability• Homes typically range from 1,500-1,800 square feet on approximately one-acre lots for $250,000-$270,000• Properties include extras like lands...
2025-07-0921 minBenchmark HappeningsA Trip of a Lifetime: How the Honor Flight Program Changes Veterans' LivesFreedom isn't free—a truth Michelle Stewart and the Honor Flight program understand deeply. As president of Honor Flight of the Appalachian Highlands, Michelle has dedicated herself to giving veterans the recognition they earned through their service and sacrifice.What began as a Facebook message from a high school friend in 2021 has transformed into a mission that's touched hundreds of veterans' lives throughout Northeast Tennessee. Michelle reveals the powerful journey these veterans experience during their three-day Honor Flight trips to Washington DC. From the moment they board the bus amid motorcycle escorts and flag-waving supporters, these veterans—many...
2025-06-2523 minBenchmark HappeningsWhat Makes Every Woman's Beauty Uniquely Worth Celebrating?What does it take to transform a childhood passion into a thriving beauty business? Shamail McKenzie's journey from practicing on Barbie styling heads to becoming an award-winning hair and makeup artist reveals the perfect blend of artistic talent, business savvy, and genuine care for clients.Shamail opens up about her 15+ years in the beauty industry, sharing how she built her business from the ground up without any entrepreneurial role models in her family. Her mother's unwavering support—encouraging her daughter to pursue her passion and even ensuring she had Brown Barbies that reflected her own appearance—laid the...
2025-06-1125 minBenchmark HappeningsBeyond the Gavel: A Judge's Mission to Transform LivesJudge Jim Goodwin lifts the veil on what recovery courts really are—not programs for first-time offenders as commonly misunderstood, but rather the last line of defense before long-term incarceration for those caught in addiction's grip. As Criminal Court Judge for the Second Judicial District in Sullivan County, Goodwin has transformed the landscape of rehabilitation in East Tennessee through innovative court programs that break the cycle of addiction and crime.Goodwin's journey began during his 15 years as a prosecutor, including work with child abuse cases that left him seeking something positive to balance the emotional weight. This ex...
2025-05-2825 minBenchmark HappeningsYour Brand Deserves More Than a SelfieWhat happens when tourism expertise meets a passion for pageants and photography? Something magical, as Krishna Goodwin demonstrates in this captivating conversation about professional imagery, personal branding, and finding your true path.Krishna pulls back the curtain on her journey from Sullivan County Tourism Director to sought-after photographer, revealing how her husband's hobby unexpectedly launched her into a specialized career capturing stunning headshots for pageant contestants and professionals alike. With remarkable emotional intelligence and 30 years of pageant experience, Krishna has developed an uncanny ability to identify and minimize insecurities, helping clients present their best, authentic selves to...
2025-05-1433 minBenchmark HappeningsThe Great Rate Debate: Navigating Today's Mortgage MarketNavigating today's mortgage market doesn't have to be overwhelming. Steve Reed of Benchmark Home Loans joins us to cut through the confusion with straightforward talk about what's really happening with housing inventory, interest rates, and smart loan shopping in 2024.The real estate landscape has noticeably shifted from the frenzy of 2021-2022. We're seeing about 20% more inventory compared to last year, with homes typically staying on market for 30-90 days instead of hours or days. While this feels dramatically different after the pandemic market, Steve explains it's actually a return to historical norms. Properties priced right and in...
2025-05-0324 minBenchmark HappeningsFast-Pitch Revolution: Tina Gale's Impact on Northeast TennesseeJoin us for a dynamic episode where we explore the incredible impact of youth fast-pitch softball on the Northeast Tennessee community, featuring special guest Tina Gale. With nearly two decades of experience, Tina has transformed local sports by creating the Diamond Classic tournaments, bringing together families and young athletes in exhilarating competition each year.Dive into the story of how Tina began her journey, fueled by a passion for empowering young girls through sports. She shares valuable insights into the economic benefits of these tournaments, highlighting how they attract hundreds of families and generate substantial revenue for...
2025-04-0233 minBenchmark HappeningsThe Journey to Wellness: Kevin Corbett's VisionDiscover how Thermodynamic Health, led by Kevin Corbett, is revolutionizing wellness in Northeast Tennessee. In this engaging episode, Kevin candidly shares his battle with chronic pain, revealing how it motivated him to create a holistic health center that emphasizes natural therapies over conventional medication.From innovative modalities like cryotherapy and contrast therapy to essential discussions on the role of community in health, this episode delivers compelling insights into reclaiming wellness intertwined with personal experience. Explore the science behind therapies designed to reduce inflammation and boost cellular health.Thermodynamic Health aims to be a sanctuary for...
2025-03-1930 minBenchmark HappeningsChasing Dreams and Wellness: Karen Hubbs on Transforming East Tennessee's Fitness CommunityJoin us as we sit down with the inspiring Karen Hubs from Goose Chase, a visionary who is turning a wild idea into a transformative movement for the fitness community in East Tennessee. Discover how Karen, inspired by the metaphor of a 'wild goose chase' from Mark Batterson's "The Circle Maker," left a 15-year career at the Chamber of Commerce to create her own path in the world of health and wellness. Learn how she spearheaded Fit Fest, a vibrant festival encouraging everyone to find joy in physical activity, from pickleball to taekwondo, and the overwhelming success of her...
2025-03-0529 minBenchmark HappeningsAI's Promise and Peril: Austin Ramsey on Revolutionizing Industries, Privacy Challenges, and Empowering BusinessesCould AI be the hammer that builds or the hammer that breaks? Join us as we venture into the transformative world of AI with Austin Ramsey, the innovative CEO of Point Tech. We explore the promise and peril of artificial intelligence, from its potential to revolutionize industries like real estate to its role in medical breakthroughs and the ever-present threat to privacy and data security. Austin shares his insights from recent trips and collaborations, painting a vivid picture of how AI is reshaping the business landscape.Dive into the heart of Northeast Tennessee's vibrant business climate under...
2025-02-1931 minBenchmark HappeningsTransforming Spaces and Lives: Kylie Wade on Visual Victories and the Future of Home OrganizationKylie Wade from Organizing for Life joins us to share her incredible journey from project management and marketing to transforming cluttered spaces into serene havens. Discover how her unique concept of "visual victories" empowers her clients to achieve remarkable organizational results in just six hours. Whether you're a busy parent or feeling overwhelmed by clutter, Kylie's insights will inspire you to rethink your approach to home organization and tap into the potential for immediate change.The conversation takes an intriguing turn as we explore the influence of Amazon's delivery services on modern organization practices. Kylie provides a...
2025-02-0533 minBenchmark HappeningsEmpowering First-Time Homebuyers: Steve Reed on Navigating the 2025 Housing Market and Avoiding Common PitfallsDiscover the essential strategies for first-time homebuyers with our guest, Steve Reed, owner-proprietor of Benchmark Home Loans. We promise to equip you with the knowledge to navigate the tricky terrain of the 2025 housing market with confidence. Steve and I discuss the vital importance of selecting the right realtor and lender, steering clear of the common pitfall of relying solely on advertised interest rates or limited research. Rising interest rates have many potential buyers on edge, but with our insights, you can make informed decisions that work in your favor.As we look ahead to the broader housing...
2025-01-2229 minBenchmark HappeningsRevitalizing Health: Dr. Tom Rogers on Transformative Nutrition and U.S. Healthcare ReformTransform your understanding of modern healthcare and nutrition as we welcome the esteemed Dr. Tom Rogers from Performance Medicine. Dr. Rogers brings his wealth of knowledge in functional and integrative medicine to our discussion, emphasizing how lifestyle choices like nutrition, exposure to toxins, stress, and inadequate sleep play a critical role in our overall health. Prepare to rethink what you know about chronic diseases and health expectancy in the U.S., as we explore possible healthcare system reforms with inspiration from progressive leaders such as RFK, Dr. Oz, and Dr. Macari.Our conversation sheds light on the...
2025-01-0835 minBenchmark HappeningsEmbracing Faith and Hope: Cindy Ketron on the Deeper Meaning of Christmas and the Journey to SalvationCindy Ketron joins us on this special Christmas Day episode of Benchmark Happenings to reveal the deeper meanings of the holiday, going far beyond the usual trappings of gifts and decorations. Together, we explore the roots of Christmas in the biblical narrative, tracing back to Genesis and the original sin of Adam and Eve. This sets the stage for a larger discussion on the need for redemption, a theme that resonates strongly with believers in Jesus Christ. Christmas, we assert, is a beacon of hope, reminding us of the promise of salvation and a return to a state of...
2024-12-2534 minBenchmark HappeningsSafeguarding Communities and Values: Adam Momberger on Firefighting Excellence and Home Safety in Johnson CityDiscover the compelling journey of Adam Momberger, the Administrative District Chief of the Johnson City Fire Department, as he reveals what drew him from Ohio to the vibrant community of Johnson City. Learn about the department's unwavering commitment to their core values—Honesty, Empathy, Loyalty, and Professionalism—through the HELP acronym, setting the tone for their mission as an all-hazards provider. Adam also shares the thrill of firefighting, from the physical challenges to the strategic partnership with the city's water department, which has helped secure an impressive ISO 1 rating, potentially benefiting local homeowners with lower insurance premiums.In a...
2024-12-1127 minBenchmark HappeningsKelly Rogers on Aesthetic Mastery and Holistic Skincare at Performance MedicineUnlock the secrets to maintaining a youthful appearance as Kelly Rogers from Performance Medicine shares her transformative journey from marketing to mastering aesthetics. Discover how Botox can serve as a preventative ally rather than a quick fix, and why a consistent skincare routine is essential. Kelly passionately discusses the increasing interest from men and the vital role of continuous education to stay updated on the ever-evolving fads and technologies in the aesthetics world. Get a glimpse into the complex landscape of skincare, where lifestyle choices like diet, hydration, and exercise play a crucial role in enhancing the effects of...
2024-11-2732 minBenchmark HappeningsDreaming Big and Embracing Growth: Jenny Rogers' Journey from Music Teacher to Empowerment CoachJenny Rogers, a certified life elite coach and dynamic creator, joins us for an episode brimming with inspiration and authenticity. Known for her vibrant journey of dreaming big, Jenny shares how the steadfast support of her family fueled her ambition to live a life untethered by fear. Her engaging storytelling reveals how experiences as a music teacher, author, and speaker have shaped her into a formidable force for creativity and empowerment. Jenny opens up about her book, "Mama Bear Meditations," which offers poignant messages of strength and courage, resonating deeply with communities facing collective challenges. Through her outreach work...
2024-11-1335 min