Big Orange Business

About Big Orange Business

Knoxville and East Tennessee business podcast.

Publisher

Haley Jones

Category

business · business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

26 Apr 2023

Latest episode

29 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

140 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   29 Oct 2026

   140 - He Started a Coconut Water Business in Knoxville. Here's What Happened. | Nick Devore

   What does it take to start a coconut water company in Knoxville, Tennessee? Apparently, a trip halfway around the world, a lot of determination, and a willingness to bet on yourself. In Part 2 of our conversation with Knoxville entrepreneur Nick Devore, we explore how he turned an unexpected idea into LUSHDROP Bevco, a coconut water company based right here in East Tennessee. Nick takes us behind the scenes of his journey to Thailand, where he searched for the perfect coconut, met with suppliers who didn't believe he'd actually show up, and learned firsthand about the challenges of bringing a beverage product to market. We also talk about the realities of entrepreneurship, from financing production and navigating international logistics to building a brand, finding customers, and making sacrifices to pursue something you believe in. And through it all, Nick explains why Knoxville is the place he chose to build his business. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a Knoxville local, or someone considering a move to East Tennessee, this episode offers a fascinating look at the people and businesses making Knoxville such an interesting place to live and work. Learn more about LUSHDROP Bevco: https://lushdropbevco.com/ Subscribe to Big Orange Business with Haley Jones for more conversations with the entrepreneurs, business owners, and community leaders shaping Knoxville and East Tennessee.

2. 

   22 Oct 2026

   139 - Leaving the Family Business to Build His Own in Knoxville

   What would make you walk away from a successful family business to build something of your own? For Knoxville native Nick Devore, growing up around Litton's, one of Knoxville's most beloved restaurants, meant learning firsthand what it takes to run a business, serve a community, and build something that lasts. But Nick had ambitions of his own, and pursuing them meant leaving behind the security of the family business. In this episode of the Big Orange Business Podcast, host Haley Jones sits down with Nick to talk about growing up in Knoxville, taking his first steps into entrepreneurship, building and selling businesses, and navigating the successes, setbacks, and unexpected turns along the way. They also explore how Knoxville's restaurant and business community has evolved, the role of locally owned businesses, and what it takes to carve out your own path in East Tennessee. Whether you're a longtime Knoxville resident, a local business owner, an aspiring entrepreneur, or someone considering moving to Knoxville and bringing your business along, this conversation offers a firsthand look at the people, opportunities, and challenges that shape the city's entrepreneurial community. Today, Nick is also the founder of LUSHDROP Bevco (https://lushdropbevco.com), a coconut water company based in Knoxville. In the next episode, we'll dive into the remarkable story behind LUSHDROP, from discovering coconut water abroad to building a beverage brand right here in East Tennessee. Learn more about LUSHDROP Bevco: https://lushdropbevco.com Big Orange Business with Haley Jones introduces you to the people, businesses, neighborhoods, and stories that make Knoxville and East Tennessee such an interesting place to live, work, and call home. Subscribe for more conversations about Knoxville businesses, local entrepreneurs, community life, and moving to East Tennessee.

3. 

   15 Oct 2026

   138 - Sweet P's BBQ: An OG of Knoxville's Food Scene

   What makes Knoxville, Tennessee, such a great place to live? The local food scene is certainly part of the story, and few restaurants have been part of its evolution quite like Sweet P's BBQ. On this episode of Big Orange Business, Haley Jones sits down with Sweet P's owner Chris Ford to talk about barbecue, business, and how Knoxville has changed over the years. Before opening Sweet P's, Chris spent eight years touring the country as a musician with the band Grand Torino. Along the way, he developed a love for Southern barbecue that eventually led him from performing onstage to building one of Knoxville's longtime local favorites. Chris shares how Sweet P's got its start in South Knoxville, what makes its North Carolina–Tennessee barbecue style distinctive, and how the restaurant developed its popular smoked meatloaf, homemade sides, and signature sauces. The conversation also explores the changing restaurant scene in downtown Knoxville, the challenges facing independent restaurants, and the lessons Chris has learned from nearly two decades in the business. And for anyone thinking about moving to Knoxville, Chris shares why he loves calling East Tennessee home, from its growing food culture and lively downtown to the nearby mountains, music venues, and sense of community. Whether you're a longtime Knoxville resident, planning a visit, or researching what it's like to live in Knoxville, this episode offers a taste of the people and places that make the city special. VISIT SWEET P'S BBQ Website: https://sweetpbbq.com/ Find current locations, menus, hours, and restaurant information on their website. ABOUT BIG ORANGE BUSINESS Hosted by Knoxville real estate professional Haley Jones, Big Orange Business introduces you to the local businesses, restaurants, entrepreneurs, and personalities that make Knoxville and East Tennessee unique. Considering a move to Knoxville? Follow Big Orange Business to discover more about the neighborhoods, lifestyle, and community that make East Tennessee a wonderful place to call home.

Who has been a guest on Big Orange Business

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Dustin Durham
• Towe
• Crystal
• Amy Burritt
• Carlos Lopez

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

4 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

4 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 25 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

27

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

60

Contact Big Orange Business

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

Questions about Big Orange Business