Kara Brumley
Onsite Owner – the Goddard Schools in Hendersonville and Gallatin
How are you involved in the community?
“I am a member of the Hendersonville Chamber Foundation Board, the Sumner County CASA Board, the Leadership Sumner Class of 2026 and our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church. I have been married to my husband David for 22 years, and we have three children, twin boys Kolby and Kooper, and our daughter Kenzie”
What motivates you?
“What motivates me most are the people who depend on me. Knowing that others are relying on me pushes me to show up each day with purpose.”
Who was your mentor?
“My mentor was my graduate school professor, Dr. Bobbie Warash. Her guidance has had a lasting impact on my development as an educator.”
What makes Hendersonville and Sumner County so special for you?
“We intentionally chose Hendersonville 20 years ago when relocating from Maryland because it offered everything we were looking for in a place to raise a family. Over the years, the support we’ve received, both personally and as our business has grown, has been incredible.”
What is the greatest life lesson that you have learned?
“The greatest thing I’ve learned is that relationships matter most. At the end of the day, it’s the people in your life – family, friends and the community you build, that truly make everything meaningful.”
Nicole Fedorchek
Owner – Bruster’s Real Ice Cream and a Realtor
How are you involved in the community?
“I am on the boards of the Henderson Chamber Foundation and Sumner County Fire Buffs. I am also an ambassador for the Chamber, as well as a volunteer with the Hendersonville Citizen’s Police Academy.”
What motivates you?
“I am motivated by being a great role model for my two adult daughters. When they tell me that they learned something from me, it just warms my heart.”
Who was your mentor?
“My greatest mentor was my first boss in the hospitality industry, Aziz Amiri, whom I met in 2001. He truly believed in me and my abilities, and I learned so much from him. I still speak to him regularly, even though we haven’t worked together since 2006.”
What makes Hendersonville and Sumner County so special for you?
“I moved to Hendersonville six years ago, and it immediately felt like home. The sense of community and the city’s natural beauty drew me in. I truly love living here.”
What is the greatest life lesson that you have learned?
“Throughout my life, I have learned that everyone has challenges, struggles, joys and triumphs. At some point in their lives, people need support, not judgment, and even the smallest victories need to be celebrated. Always stay true to yourself, and don’t let other dictate your path or decisions.”
Lindy Gaughan
Realtor/Former founder & Co-owner RE/MAX Choice Properties
How are you involved in the community
“I am a currently a member of The Grace Place Women's Alliance and the trustees board of First United Methodist Church. Over the years, I have served on the boards of the Hendersonville Chamber of Commerce Foundation, TriStar Hendersonville Medical Center, Samaritan Center, Pope John Paul II Preparatory School, United Way of Sumner County, Jason Foundation, Community Child Care center Hendersonville Woman's club and Union University. Professionally, I served as the past president of the Sumner Board of Realtors, as a member of the Multiple Listing Service board and I was selected as realtor of the year.”
What motivates you?
“I am motivated by helping people with their real estate purchases, especially since it is likely one of the single largest expenditures they will ever make. There is great satisfaction in helping people find the right home where they can live out their dreams.”
Who was your mentor?
“My greatest mentor was my father, the late Robert (Bob) Ellis. He was a respected leader in our community and a significant figure in the real estate industry.”
What makes Hendersonville and Sumner County so special for you?
“I have lived in Hendersonville most of my life. It has the charm of a small town where everyone knows each other, yet it's just minutes from downtown Nashville. It's no wonder Hendersonville was recently ranked the number one place to live in Tennessee.”
What is the greatest life lesson that you have learned?
“I like to think that I'm still learning lessons every day. However, my greatest lesson so far is to take each day as it comes and truly live in the moments right in front of me. Throughout my life, I’ve often been told to focus on the present, and I have come to respect that wisdom. Right now, is my favorite time.”
"My favorite quote is ‘kill them with kindness.’ It may not be fancy, but it’s something my mom always told me, and it’s a mindset I’ve carried throughout my life. It’s a simple reminder that kindness and grace can go a long way, even in difficult situations."
Kara Brumley