Chattanooga boasts many inspiring men who lead and serve the community well through their businesses and personal lives. This month, we are spotlighting five local men who are making a difference in the community by sharing a little about their journeys, inspirations, and how each man is making his mark on society. Although they each come from a unique background, they share the common goal of making Chattanooga an amazing city.
Brandon Jones
Owner, Oxygen Health Spa
As a Master Scuba Diver, Brandon has extensive experience with the body’s acclimation to compression and decompression. This training, along with his friendly personality and the ability to put people at ease, makes him a natural fit for helping people discover the healing benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. Through HBOT technology, Brandon has seen people who feel like they are out of options experience physical healing from inflammation, injuries, and pain as well as mental healing from PTSD, anxiety, and stress.
Although Brandon has seen both men and women benefit from HBOT, he understands that men can be reluctant to try new therapies, and he wants to help. “Men typically deal more with sports injuries like head injuries, concussions, and traumatic brain injuries,” says Brandon. “So whatever we can do to make men more comfortable to come in and give it a try, we want to do that, because I’d love to be able to help men get better mentally and physically.”
For Brandon, creating positive change and continuing the momentum of improving Chattanooga means being invested in the community and making wise decisions. His advice for young men today: “Always make the right choice, even if it's not the easy choice,” encourages Brandon. “And although it sounds childish, follow the golden rule - treat people how you would want to be treated or treat people how you would want them to treat your daughter or your son.”
Donnie Rains
Owner, Don’s Meat Shop
Founded in 1982 by Donnie’s parents, Don and Sally Rains, Don’s Meat Shop has been a trusted source of high-quality meats for the Chattanooga community for over four decades. From a young age, Donnie worked alongside his family until 1991, when he branched out and gained over twenty years of experience working in other businesses, but still in the meat industry. In 2013, he returned to take the reins and pour into the family business.
“My family was in the grocery business before the meat market, so I was more or less born into this business,” says Donnie. “It is part of my DNA, and I returned to run the business because it was important to me to continue the legacy and keep the family business going and thriving.”
Today, Donnie continues the tradition by working alongside his son, Will, sharing his experience and the values that have made the shop a local favorite. With each day, Will gains the skills and knowledge to help him carry the family legacy forward.
From his experience, Donnie has learned two important keys to success. “To be successful, we all have to work together,” he shares. “It takes a community to thrive and that's why I think it's important for people to know who you are and know your values. Also, knowledge is a powerful thing, so having an inquisitive mind and knowing what is possible in your business, rather than just letting things happen, is very important.”
Genesis the Greykid
Artist, Poet, & Restaurateur
Whether in his art, poetry, or when opening his restaurant, Genesis the Greykid says each endeavor is a type of homecoming, representing a place of peace where he meets different aspects of himself and the people who surround him.
Early in his career, Genesis and his wife, Kren the Curator, traveled the country for a year and a half, staying in over 180 cities. During that time, they visited thousands of restaurants and met countless new friends, an experience they want to share with others. “We'd eat out every day and meet amazing people… people that we might not have met any other way,” says Genesis. “Some of those incredible people have become family now.”
So when the idea of opening a restaurant began to take shape, the two connected with brothers Lee and Matt Brock and developed a concept that turned into Home, an upscale bar and restaurant located here in Chattanooga. “We wanted to create a place where people can gather, celebrate, have a drink and good food while meeting some good people,” he shares.
Home, which was designed and curated by Kren to be warm and inviting, showcases various artwork by Genesis in addition to pieces from other artists the couple admires and whose art the couple enjoys collecting.
Jason Smith
Veteran, Speaker, & Wounded Veterans Advocate
After serving in the Army for three years, then losing both legs in Afghanistan in 2012, Jason sought healthy ways to overcome the challenges of his injury. Now, on an average day you’ll find Jason hanging out with his wife, Lauren, and their two children on their 60-acre farm. The couple enjoys homeschooling their kids and taking care of the farm animals which include horses, donkeys, chickens, and cows.
“I find great peace in staying active and I love animals because animals don't hide their feelings and they're very easy to read,” shares Jason. “A simple life and staying active really helps me fight off PTSD and heightened anxiety.”
Fitness has played a significant role in Jason’s journey, and he has competed in both the international Invictus Games and stateside Warrior Games, winning multiple medals in powerlifting and rowing. Jason also works with the Catch a Lift Fund which helps veterans heal holistically through mental health, community, and fitness.
Additionally, Jason carries and important message to school-aged kids when visits as a guest speaker. “Being a wounded veteran, I go and talk to schools and tell them how my worst day turned into the best thing that ever happened to me,” he explains. “I realized what mattered versus what doesn't matter… and what really mattered was family, friends, and just being a good person. I'm a better man now after my injury than I was before.”
Hannes de Wet
Owner, Tree Worx Arbor Services
From a young age, Hannes felt the pull of entrepreneurship that eventually led him to open his own business. Growing up in South Africa, he participated in weekly entrepreneurship days sponsored by his elementary school and those experiences left a lasting impression.
“With my mom’s help, I bought bulk Cokes and chocolates downtown and sold them at my booth for a profit,” he shares. “That early taste of initiative, independence, and accomplishment stuck with me.”
Although Hannes enjoys many aspects of his business, working with people and being hands-on are both highlights. “I enjoy developing potential in others and building a strong, values-driven team,” he says. “I also still get out in the field from time to time. There’s a unique satisfaction in solving real, physical problems with your hands and your mind that you just don’t get behind a desk.”
As a husband and father of two children, as well as a business leader in the community, Hannes understands the importance of pouring into young people and being a mentor for future generations. His advice for young men today - “Ask yourself not just what you want to be, but what kinds of problems you want to solve — and what kind of life you want to build,” Hannes suggests. “Seek out people and environments that stretch you. Work for someone you admire, even if the pay is low. The return is in the lessons, not the paycheck.”