Are you worried your water is full of nasty chemicals like chlorine, fluoride, and micro-organisms? Are you tired of seeing dirty water spots in your shower and sinks? Or are you concerned the limescale is shortening the lifespan of your expensive appliances?
Aqua Clear Water Systems is Tennessee’s leading provider of residential and commercial grade water filter systems and softeners. They are a locally owned, family run business with a focus on providing professional customer service, premium quality products, and expert technical support.
In this month’s edition of Mountain Views, we had the opportunity to interview David Brewster, the founder of Aqua Clear.
MV: Aqua Clear is a family business. Tell us a little about that.
David: I started Aqua Clear in my dad’s garage in 2005. Initially, I was the only employee. I had been in the industry for about 10 years at that time, and I created the company after I realized that things could be done better than I was seeing. My wife, Krista, was a dietician at the time. She started helping me expand Aqua Clear. Her involvement has been invaluable.
All three of our kids, Jonathan, Lydia, and Robert started working in the business over their high school summer vacations. Jonathan initially worked on the installation, then moved into sales, and now is VP of business development. Our daughter, Lydia, majored in Supply Chain Management at UT. She is now managing warehouse marketing, onboarding, and training. Our youngest son, Robert, got involved in his senior year of high school. He loves meeting people, testing their water, and helping change their lives with better water. He is one of the top salespeople in the nation.
In addition to our family, our team has expanded to over 50+ members, and we’re proud to have served over 10,000 residential and commercial clients.
MV: I know you have a lot of different systems available. In a nutshell, what types of systems do you offer?
David: We are a water brokerage company. We do sales, service, and installation for all makes and models of water treatment equipment. We do city water, well water, and commercial systems. In addition to homes, we are in coffee shops, restaurants, hospitals for their surgery rooms.
MV: What areas do you service?
David: We service all of East Tennessee right now. We are in the process of expanding into the Nashville area in Middle Tennessee. Right now, we have a great team of approximately 50 employees with about 20 trucks. Our goal is to expand nationwide.
MV: How does your process work?
David: We custom build each system depending on the needs of each home. We begin by having a project supervisor come out to your home. They will inspect your plumbing and your water. They do a full analysis (worth about $300) for no charge. They take into account your wants, needs, and budget to design a system just for you. We then install and service your system.
We want to go above and beyond in everything we do. We prep each installation and do the job right. Our technicians are professionals, from their education to the way they dress and present themselves. I feel they are the best in the nation. We currently have over 1,500 5-star reviews for our systems, installations, and service.
MV: What sorts of water improvements have some of your customers reported after having AquaClear install their system?
David: We have customers who reported their eczema improving, more manageable hair, plumbing, water heaters, and appliances lasting longer. We’ve also had well water customers tell us that the bad smell from their water is gone.
MV: Do you test your systems ahead of time to make sure they work well?
David: Yes! Before we carry any product, we test each one in the founding family home for close to a year to ensure we provide only the best products available to our clients.
MV: Tell us about your “Unbeatable Triple Guarantee”.
David: Glad to! The three components of our “Unbeatable Triple Guarantee” are:
1) Our “unbeatable price beat guarantee.” Have complete confidence that you are getting the best price on the market for your brand-new water system. If you find a lower price for the same system, we’ll match it or beat it.
2) Our “unbeatable water quality guarantee”. We are so confident that our systems will filter 99% of harmful contaminants and give you the best tasting water you have ever had that we will come back in 1-3 months to check your water quality and if it hasn’t removed the contaminants, we designed it to then we work for free until we achieve this result.
3) Our “unbeatable 10-year system warranty”. If for any reason the installed filtration systems are not correctly working, the team at Aqua Clear will fix or replace your entire system absolutely free of charge within 1 year, and the Kinetico® systems carry an industry leading 10-year warranty on all valves, tanks, and media.
MV: What do you think sets your company apart?
David: Always having parts in-stock, hiring honest people, having organized and clean service vehicles, providing excellent customer service, and selling quality products. These are the cornerstones which set Aqua Clear apart from the competition and contribute to more than 17 years of success.
MV: Is there anything else you’d like to add?
David: Whether you want 99.99% pure drinking water for your family… silky soft water that doesn’t dry out your skin or leave limescale build up… or you need a commercial grade water filter system to prevent equipment breakdowns and maintenance, we’d be honored to help find the right system for your needs.
It really is that simple to start living life with better water. Free of chlorine, limescale, sulfur, iron, pharmaceuticals, and other harmful contaminants that leach into our water supply and damage our home and health. We always say: “If water is life’s most essential resource, why not make it the best it can be?”
Aqua Clear Water Systems
1767 Kevin Ln, Lenoir City TN 37772
https://aquaclearws.com/
info@aquaclearws.com
865-225-6555
Looking for a healthy, new place to eat? Madisonville recently welcomed a fun new restaurant on Highway 411 – and they even do catering! It is called The Soup Kitchen. They feature desserts, sandwiches, and over 200 recipes for healthy homemade soups that have been handed down and enhanced over 45 years.
This month, we had the opportunity to speak with Vicki Hawkins, who, along with her husband, Alan, owns The Soup Kitchen in Madisonville.
Mountain Views: Tell us a little about yourself and why you started The Soup Kitchen in Madisonville.
Vicki: Actually, The Soup Kitchen started in Oak Ridge over 45 years ago. We just celebrated its anniversary on April 11! My husband and I recently opened the Madisonville location. The Soup Kitchen is sort of in my blood. My brother owns both the Knoxville and the Alcoa restaurants – Knoxville for over 20 years. It was also very special to my mom. She made a lot of good friends at that restaurant.
I grew up in Knoxville and lived in Madisonville for 25 years. My husband and I recently moved to Tellico Plains. I was the Children’s Minister at First Baptist Church Madisonville for 15 years and I felt the call to do something different where I was able to own a business, enjoy the customers and give back to the community all at the same time.
I really enjoy serving and working with people, and The Soup Kitchen gives me that opportunity. I have even been able to employ some of my former youth ministry kids. I can give them the flexibility they need to work within their school hours.
MV: What types of food do you have available?
Vicki: Because of the name, sometimes people think we only have soup – but that is not the case. Our soups are awesome! We have over 200 recipes for homemade soups. However, we also specialize in homemade breads; we carry 5 homemade rolls and sandwich breads every day (including Mexican and regular cornbread) plus specialty homemade breads. Our sandwiches receive great word-of-mouth. Our top seller is a grilled cheese sandwich with either a cup or bowl of soup, chips, and a pickle for $6.99 for the cup and $7.99 for the bowl.
For those with a sweet tooth, we also feature homemade desserts – all from original recipes. The most popular desserts are our carrot cake and our coconut pie.
MV: What are your hours?
Vicki: Monday through Friday, 11am – 7pm. We also cater.
The Soup Kitchen
3614 US-411, Suite #4
Madisonville, TN 37354
https://www.thesoupkitchen.com/madville.html
Ph: (423) 545-9510
By Diane Strever and Sarah Martin for Our PLACE
We all wrestle with important conversations around our wishes and directives in the event of serious illness or death. However, having those discussions are critical and will relieve others from the anxiety and burden of making decisions at a difficult time. Gabrielle Blake, from Elder Law in Lenoir City, recently spoke at the Our PLACE Caregiver Support group about three documents that are essential to have in place for you and your loved one.
The first document is a Last Will and Testament, so that the probate court is not sorting out your affairs in the absence of a Will. An Executor is appointed who will work with your lawyer or accountant. Each state has different requirements of a Will, so it may be more expedient to have a Will written in TN if that is your major residence. The second document that is essential is a Durable Power of Attorney for Finances and gives the appointee the ability to financially move money for long term care or conservatorship. The third document is an Advanced Directive and Appointment of a Health Care Power of Attorney, a person who knows your wishes for long term care or your “line in the sand” in terms of end-of-life options. This is probably the most difficult conversation to have with your loved one. In the case of a terminal illness, do you choose full medical treatments, limited interventions, or comfort measures, focused on your quality of life? Be sure those individuals you appoint for these roles know that they have been given those responsibilities and are comfortable with carrying out your wishes. All of these documents should be reviewed once a year, stored in a file that is easy to locate, and the executor/power of attorney designees should know where they are found. Also include passwords to your computer and any financial accounts that may be needed.
Our Moment of Joy individual this month is Ray, who has participated at Our PLACE for one year, 3 times a week. He and Kathleen moved to TN 16 years ago, after working for Dow Corning and Honeywell. Ray was President of both the HOA and POA here in Tellico Village and was instrumental in encouraging the construction of independent living options at Premiere Residence and the Neighborhood. He recognized that people were not prepared for life changes, and spoke at churches on “Aging by Design, Not by Default,” which led to the formation of the “Stay in TV” initiative. At first Ray was not sure he would be comfortable with Our PLACE, but quickly realized he would make friends there. Kathleen is able to go to appointments, read, or just be in the moment,” to do something or nothing, while she knows Ray is safe and engaged during his day. Ray always has a smile on his face and enjoys greeting and talking with his friends at Our PLACE. He is especially happy conversing with the construction supervisor while the expansion is taking place. His Moment of Joy came when he could help solve a printer glitch in the office at Our PLACE!
The Our PLACE expansion continues to move forward and is expected to be completed by the middle of May or early June. The extra square footage will enable us to add more participants to our program. Please call Sarah Martin, Director, at 865-657-7222 to discuss if your loved one would be a candidate for the program.
Please join us at the Gala for Our PLACE on Sunday, May 19th at the Yacht Club. This exciting evening will include a wonderful dinner, a silent auction, and music; all proceeds go to our Phase II Capital Campaign. See the ad on this page to make reservations!
Our PLACE is an independent, 501(c)3 nonprofit that seeks to improve quality of life by providing a day program of care, social interaction, and therapeutic activities in a safe and nurturing environment for adults living with Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related diseases.
Our PLACE TN
103 Cheeyo Way
Loudon TN 37774
865-657-7222
Boating is a such a significant part of living here in East Tennessee’s lakeside communities. There’s nothing like cruising along the sparkling water! But of course, trustworthy boat purchasing and sales, as well as service and storage, is essential. HBG Yachts is a Knoxville-based boat brokerage, storage, and service company that was founded in 2011 by owner and president, Colin Daley. Colin has been selling boats in the Knoxville area since 1996 and is known as the local expert in boat and yacht sales. He developed his experience on the rivers and lakes locally, selling both new and brokerage vessels. With 25 years’ experience in boat brokerage sales and boat service, HBG Yacht Sales is committed to exceeding your expectations in the purchase or sale of your boat or yacht by providing a seamless and professional transaction.
In this month’s edition of Mountain Views, we had the opportunity to interview Colin Daley, the owner of HBG Yachts in Knoxville. We are excited to present our interview with Colin to you.
MV: Tell our readers a little bit about yourself and HBG Yachts.
Colin: I have been selling boats in the Knoxville area since 1996 and am known as a local expert in boat and yacht sales. I developed my experience on the rivers and lakes locally selling both new and brokerage vessels.
As a yacht sales veteran, my team and I can advise clients on all aspects of boat buying, selling, services, and local cruising. Most importantly, we will assess your needs, and locate the best boat for your use and budget. For boat owners looking to sell, HBG can assess your vessel’s value and get it sold quickly. We are experts in all styles of boats, and knowledgeably guide our clients toward the best, most informed boat sales decisions.
We are a full-service operation uniquely positioned to satisfy all your boating, storage, and service needs whether for regular boating, or a convenient sales experience.
MV: Buying or selling a boat is a big deal and can be quite stressful. Tell us about your boat brokerage operation.
Colin: HBG offering boaters a combined 25 years’ experience and expertise of selling boats in all sizes and price ranges. We will give you the boat buying or selling experience of a lifetime by handling every aspect of the selling or buying process.
For boat owners, there are a variety of reasons a client decides to sell a boat. Sometimes it is out of necessity; our goal is to get the highest value for their boat, and a quick sale. Other clients want to upgrade, and we can conveniently sell their current boat and help locate their next boat as a buyer’s broker.
We take your boat from listing to sold as fast as the market allows and you won’t have to lift a finger. Our commitment is to help you eliminate the hassle of selling your boat and to bring you the best return. Selling your boat can be a frustrating and time-consuming process. From advertising and listing your boat to the closing process and test runs, there can be a lot to do! Whether this is your first boat sale or you’re an experienced boater who just wants it sold, we’re dedicated to delivering a seamless, secure transaction.
MV: Can you tell us about your team members?
Colin: Of course. Including myself, we have a team of three brokers on staff. My son, Alex Daley, joined us full time after growing up in and around the business and graduating from UT Knoxville in 2021. Robbie Casey is a seasoned 100-ton captain, boating expert, and a key member of our team.
MV: You also provide boat service and repairs. Can you tell us about that?
Colin: We recently acquired Simplified Yachting Services (SYS), a full-service marine service provider. SYS offers mobile capabilities and can come right to your vessel! Whether you keep your boat at a marina or private dock, our service crew is fully mobile. Our motto for service and repairs is, “Boat Service Simplified”. We pride ourselves in effective communications and are committed to prompt follow-through and exceptional customer service. We provide boat and engine repair, preventative maintenance, and general system repairs.
MV: Anything else you feel would be important to add or that you want readers to know?
Colin: Yes! We recently became Pursuit, Pathfinder and Cobia Boat dealers to add to our upper-tier quality boat offerings. Center console boats are becoming a very popular style in our boating community due to their versatility for family boating and fishing, ease of maintenance and comfortable ride.
At our core, HBG is about delivering trustworthy and dependable service, and treating our customers as we’d like to be treated. We believe in building long-term relationships based on prompt and effective service, and being known as the best at what we do in our community. That’s because this is where we’re from, and where we plan to be. We look forward to serving you.
Conveniently located off Lovell Road on Dutchtown Road in Knoxville, in addition to exceptional service, HBG Yacht Sales offers covered and trailered boat storage, making the sale process simpler and more accessible to potential buyers. With 24 years of experience in boat and yacht sales, HBG has a world-class network of relationships and resources to not only sell quickly, but at the highest value. If you’re looking for a broker, reach out to HBG today for the most effective and efficient sales team in the area.
A lot has changed since we first interviewed Sam and Randi about Allen Realty (way back in December of 2021 if you can believe it). That’s true both in business and in life. For one thing, Sam has a new business partner, Amy Tatro. For another, they have a full property management division now, and we’re excited to introduce you to that side of their company. But the talent and commitment Allen Realty brings to the table certainly hasn’t changed.
Sam Allen and his wife, Randi, founded Allen Realty to give their clients a satisfying experience personalized to each of their clients in the home sale, purchasing, and property management journeys. Both husband and wife love the real estate business almost as much as they love East Tennessee. And, with real estate in his blood, Sam is driven to provide top-notch services to every one of his clients.
Joining them at Allen Realty is Sam’s new partner, Amy Tatro. Like Sam, she loves what she does and wants nothing more than to provide her clients with the best real estate services on the market. She always strives to be the best agent she can be for every client she takes on.
Together, with their professional knowhow, cutting edge technology, and boundless enthusiasm, they’re sure to help both buyers and sellers have a satisfying real estate experience. More than that, their property management services and skills are second to none.
We sat down for an interview with both Sam and Amy to introduce them and give you a sense of the services they can offer.
MV: Tell us a little bit about yourselves. Why don’t you go first, Amy?
Amy: Well, I grew up in North Carolina. Then after I graduated from Liberty University, my husband and I made my way over here back in 2015. We set up in Maryville with our two pets, a cat and a dog. We love spending time together, watching the Office, hiking, you name it.
MV: What led you to become a realtor?
Amy: I always knew I wanted to serve others, but I was just as certain that I wanted to be my own boss. Real Estate is a pretty special job, because it lets me do both!
MV: What about you, Sam?
Sam: Business has been great. We’ve really been doubling down on our property management services. Of course, we still love to help buyers and sellers as well. We’re not giving up on that. But we’ve had such great success helping people buy these great investment properties and then finding the perfect renters to move into that same property. It’s such a fulfilling experience.
MV: Sam, your wife, Randi, was pregnant when you did your first feature with us. How has becoming a father changed how you do business?
Sam: Yep! We have a 2-year-old son, Tate, and he’s awesome! I think what’s changed the most for me is this overwhelming sense of responsibility now that I’m a dad. That sense of responsibility I feel for Tate carries over to my clients as well. If I do a good job by them, then I’m doing a good job for Tate. Also, I’d like to think I’m not quite as selfish!
MV: What would you say makes Allen Realty special when it comes to property management?
Amy: Sam likes to say that we’re a boutique real estate firm. That means we don’t just take a one-size-fits-all approach. We go out of our way to create a personalized experience for our clients. We’re incredibly meticulous about that. And that really factors into property management as well.
Sam: That’s right. We know the property. We know what it’ll rent for, what sort of renters it’s likely to attract, which locations will rent quickly, and which ones are best suited to bring in the most money. And we can set you up with a property that’s just right for you. It’s important for us to take the time to know you and exactly what you’re looking for, so we can find the right fit. We’re know and serve the whole area; of course, Loudon and Monroe Counties, but also Blount County and Knox County.
Amy: We’re a one-stop shop too. We don’t just help you buy the right place, but we recommend what should (or should not) be done to the property for you to get the biggest return. And we can manage it for you too! We take pride in our ability to find the best renters, keep the property in pristine condition, and help you figure out how to maximize rent and your return on investment. When you do business with us, we’ll always go the extra mile for you.
We do business in Loudon and Monroe counties as well as Blount County and Knox County.
MV: You like to mention the high-quality photos you provide your clients for the properties. Are those helpful in property management as well?
Sam: Of course. Most others tend to use cell phone pictures. If we’re being honest, that can tell you what a property looks like, but it can’t give you a sense of the place. How big it is. What it feels like to be in the space. But we get the best photographers and videographers, perfectly capturing the essence of every property. That’s not just important for buying or selling a home. If you’re buying an investment property and plan to rent it out, it’s vital that you know exactly what you’re getting, and that you know we can sell it to your future renters as well.
MV: Thanks so much for taking the time to speak with us. Anything else you’d like to add?
Amy: All of us at Allen Realty love our jobs, and we’re excited to serve you!
Sam: That love affects everything we do. This is our calling in this life. We look forward to working with you soon.
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Allen Realty Property Management services:
- Advertise on every major website, including the MLS with professional photos.
- Pay referral fees to realtors.
- Schedule and coordinate showings.
- Screen potential tenants using background and credit checks.
- Prepare the lease agreement.
- Help make sure the tenant has a smooth move in.
- Handle all repair requests and assist with any questions the tenant may have.
- Coordinate repairs and handle all vendor payments.
- Ensure cleaning crews, handymen, painters, plumbers, etc., are ready at all times.
- Handle all rental related accounting.
- Direct deposit rent to owner’s account each month.
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Allen Realty
1028 Highway 411 Vonore, TN 37885
865.770.9256
https://www.AllenRealtyTN.com
https://www.facebook.com/AllenRealtyTN
There’s a brand-new menswear shop in the heart of downtown Sweetwater, Relaxed & Refined Menswear. Local owners and sisters, Candace McGuffey and Lucretia Allen, recently opened the fashion-conscious store. “Step into the world of effortlessly stylish menswear at Relaxed & Refined Menswear, where we carry a collection of trendy and classic apparel that exudes sophistication and effortless charm. Nestled in the heart of historic downtown Sweetwater, our store invites you to discover a selection of men’s clothing, accessories, and gifts that seamlessly complement your personal style. Whether you’re seeking timeless staples or bold fashion statements, we are here to guide you towards the perfect pieces that reflect your unique personality.”
This month, we interviewed Candace and Lucretia, the owners of Relaxed & Refined Menswear to find out more about their store.
Mountain Views: Tell us a little about yourselves.
Lucretia: We grew up in a family-owned business environment and have very strong connections to our community. I spent 39 years working in the healthcare field and raising my family in Sweetwater. I also had a fun job working for Brenda at The LilyPad Boutique for a number of years.
Candace: I worked in real estate and business management for over 20 years, raising a family and traveling as a military family. When I moved back to the Sweetwater area, we began talking about the two of us opening our own business in Sweetwater.
MV: What factors led to your decision to open a menswear store?
Lucretia: There were two key factors in our decision. First, we wanted to provide a service that we could offer that was not already provided in Sweetwater. Upon meeting and speaking with members of the community, the number one request was the need for a men’s store. The second key factor was the location. We knew we had to be centrally located downtown. We waited patiently for that perfect spot to become available and in October of 2022, it happened. Not only were we able to obtain a storefront downtown, but also right next door to The LilyPad.
MV: When did you open?
Candace: We opened our store March 31, 2023.
MV: What types of men’s items do you sell?
Lucretia: We carry quite a variety of men’s items including dress pants, dress shirts, suits, sports coats, casual shirts, polos, performance pants and shorts, jeans, quarter zip, UT sports, belts, leathers, a men’s skincare line, swimwear, shoes, etc.
Candace: We offer our customers complimentary alterations on any clothing items purchased in our store. In addition, we can place special orders for our customers. If we don’t have it, we will make every effort to obtain it. We’re also excited to share we have a new service – tuxedo rentals!
MV: What is your business philosophy?
Lucretia: Our philosophy is to offer quality clothing and provide exceptional customer service. Our customers are the heart of every decision we make.
MV: What are your hours?
Candace: We are open Monday-Saturday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
MV: Is there anything you would like to add?
Lucretia: None of this would have been possible without the support of our families, the community, Sweetwater City Hall, and Brenda Bryan at LilyPad who helped us so much with her time and ideas. We are so very grateful to everyone.
Relaxed & Refined Menswear
Next door to Lily Pad
205 North Main Street
Sweetwater, TN 37874
relaxedandrefinedmenswear@gmail.com
(423) 271-6101
Hours: Mon-Sat 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
https://relaxed-refined-menswear.business.site
facebook.com/relaxedandrefinedmenswear
By Connie Ferraro – Tellico Hearing Solutions
Hearing loss can affect all our relationships. It can affect everything in your life, even making little things, like watching TV together, more difficult and stressful. If you or a spouse have a hard time hearing the TV, or other family members frequently comment on the TV’s volume, you’re not alone. In fact, there are some spouses that have reported that the blaring volume has forced them to watch TV in another room. Even with the door shut, it can be too loud. But maybe that’s the volume you or a loved one need to be able to make out what’s going on. These spouses and family members, however, often find that they miss the intimacy of watching TV together!
That’s why I want to tell you about MY favorite feature of my husband’s hearing aids.
The volume of the TV can affect everyone in the house. Because Robert could not clearly hear the dialogue in the programs we were watching, he would often decide to turn the volume up so high that it was starting to become a serious problem for me. But the perfect solution came in the form of his new hearing aids, which have an accessory device called “TV Connector”. The TV Connector uses Bluetooth technology to wirelessly transmit the TV sound directly into the hearing aids. This small device attaches behind the TV and enables the person with the hearing aids to set their personal volume preferences independently of the sound produced by the TV speakers. Best of all, the TV Connector is easy to attach and very discreet. If I want to, I can even mute the TV sound and wouldn’t even know that the TV is on because the sound is only in his ears.
But that’s not all. A lot of TV programs these days have the volume of the music up so high that you often can’t make out the dialogue. These new hearing aids, however, can help to minimize these unwanted sounds and sharpen that dialogue for greater clarity. Even in the case of actors mumbling or talking too low to make out what they’re saying, the hearing aid features can lift their voices so that mumbling becomes more clear. Or what about PBS programs with lots of accents, such as All Creatures Great and Small or Vienna Blood? Again, the hearing aid can clarify the speech frequencies, making it easier to follow what everyone is saying. We have even had some clients with only slight hearing problems that will come in to buy entry level hearing aids just to get these benefits of the TV Connector!
At Tellico Hearing Solutions, we can solve the ongoing debate about the TV volume. Remember, just because hearing loss is invisible doesn’t mean it is less real.
Don’t delay coming to see us for a free hearing test. We can even give you a demonstration of the TV Connector. It is possible to enjoy watching TV together again!
Tellico Hearing Solutions, PLLC
865-635-1887
contact@TellicoHearingSolutions.com
www.tellicohearingsolutions.com
