First and foremost, thank you for choosing Mt. Juliet, TN to plant your roots and continue your farming heritage. Can you explain to our readers how you found Mt. Juliet and what made you decide to stay? I found this place on Facebook marketplace in 2021, and it was up for rent; it looked like something that would suit my needs perfectly and [was] truly a lifelong dream, especially since my grandfather had a farm. I rented it for two years and then bought it this past year, as the good Lord blessed me with perfect timing.
Share with us a little background from growing up on a farm and how that has propelled you to start your own. I grew up on a small quarter-horse farm, just outside Knoxville. I always dreamt of having a larger farm. I studied agriculture leadership at the University of Tennessee, where I found my outdoor niche – hunting and gathering, and cultivating the land for a better tomorrow.
You're from the Knoxville area – share with us your experience living there, your family roots, and how that shaped you. Born and raised a Tennessee boy, my grandfather and father played football at the University of Tennessee. We've had the same season tickets since 1956 on the 50-yard line. My grandfather played with Johnny Majors and was a part of the 1956 SEC championship team. I know growing up here has had a lasting impact on me and I'm so thankful for those around me and this beautiful land I get to call home.
You’re well known now because of the show, "Farmer Wants A Wife." Can you share your experience? Would you do it again? It was an experience unlike any other. I was able to purchase my dream farm and have five beautiful women come live in my 1890 Log Cabin – sounds like a true TV show if you ask me. All jokes aside, it was a great experience. All the girls say they left the farm better than they came in, and as a man, that's all you can ask for. It gave me good insight into a woman's mind and heart. It taught me patience and solidified my need for the true love of a woman on the farm. I'm so thankful to Fox for allowing me to be part of this amazing journey and I can't wait to see what’s ahead. Maybe some outdoor hunting shows or cultivating a farm.
5 Quick Questions...
- What's your favorite thing to do outside the farm?
University of Tennessee football games.
- What's your drink of choice?
Cowboy coffee – straight, black, and strong enough to float a horseshoe.
- What's your favorite thing to hunt?
Ducks for sure.
- Favorite Sports Team?
Tennessee Volunteers and whichever team Jauan Jennings is on.
- If you had to be anything else besides a farmer what would you be?
I'd like to be in secret operations.
Anything else you'd like our readers to know about you? I'd love to also share my business, Kolo Creations; We specialize in tree care and removal and outdoor landscapes. Specifically, dirt excavation, hardscapes and drainage systems, and plant installations. I also have a pick-your-own garden coming to Mount Juliet mid-July. I encourage the community to come out and talk about agriculture and how important it is in growing harvest and community! I also love to sing, play guitar, and write.
I know growing up here has had a lasting impact on me and I'm so thankful.