Lookout BNI

09/15/2026

🎤 Our Latest BNI Speaker Spotlight 🎤

Our first speaker was Ted Hayes with Chattanooga Roofing Company. 🏠🔨

Ted introduced us to a newer roofing product designed to provide a 25–30 year service life, with upgraded materials and an added strip that helps the shingles hold more securely to the roof. Beyond roofing, Ted’s team also handles gutters, siding, replacement windows, and other exterior improvements. Their company emphasizes licensed, insured & bonded work along with clear communication and guaranteed workmanship.

If your roof is getting old enough to have its own driver's license, it may be time to let Ted take a look. 😄 Whether you need a new roof or want to improve your home’s exterior, set up a time with Ted to discuss your options.

Our second speaker was Don Oakes with Highlands Residential Mortgage. 🏡🔑

Don talked about the opportunities available in today’s housing market and the number of homes buyers currently have to choose from around Chattanooga. Don brings a particularly interesting perspective because he’s been involved in real estate financing since just out of college, started his own company in 1986, and has personally owned, built, and managed rental properties.

Whether you’re buying your first home, looking at an investment property, or working toward building long-term wealth through real estate, Don can help you understand your financing options. His specialties include first-time homebuyers, investment properties, conventional, FHA & VA loans, and more.

Highlands Residential Mortgage

This week’s theme could be “building from the top down.” Ted can help protect the roof over your head, while Don can help you figure out how to get the house underneath it!

Let’s keep our eyes and ears open this week for great referrals for Ted & Don!

08/21/2026

🎤 **Yesterday's BNI Speaker Spotlight**

Today we had one featured speaker –

**Andy Smith with Five Star Painting of Chattanooga!** 🎨🏠

Andy reminded us that Five Star Painting does quite a bit more than simply put a fresh coat of paint on the walls. His team handles **residential & commercial painting**, including interior and exterior projects, cabinet refinishing, drywall repair, stucco repair, deck staining, and even light carpentry when rotted wood, fascia, or soffit needs attention. They can also help with color selection when you’ve stared at 37 nearly identical shades of gray and officially lost the ability to tell them apart. 😄

Their focus is on delivering a professional experience from beginning to end and keeping projects on time, on budget, and the work area clean. Their team also backs residential and commercial painting projects with a two-year warranty.

A great referral for Andy is a homeowner ready to freshen up their house, a business needing a more professional appearance, or anyone with a painting project that’s been sitting on the “I’ll get to it eventually” list for a little too long.

Learn more about Andy & his team at [Five Star Painting of Chattanooga](https://www.fivestarpainting.com/chattanooga/).

Let’s keep our eyes and ears open for referrals for Andy 🎨

08/13/2026

🎤 Today’s BNI Speaker Spotlight

Our first speaker was Frank “Frankie Baby” Holcombe with Plaza Tire Service – Sun Auto! 🚗🔧

Frank filled us in on the transition from Sentry Station to Plaza Tire Service. While the name has changed, Frank and the same great service haven’t. The transition also brings more options, including a larger tire selection at different price points and an updated lobby.

From oil changes and brakes to tune-ups, tires, A/C repair, and general vehicle maintenance, Frank and his team can handle just about anything vehicle related. And if your car starts making a noise that requires turning the radio up to ignore it…it might be time to call Frankie Baby. 😄

Our second speaker was David “Mattooooney” Mattoon with Forward Home Inspections. 🏠🔎

David’s experience with property inspections and handyman-type work gives him a unique eye for spotting potential problems. Considering a home is one of the largest purchases you’ll make, you want to know what you’re getting into before signing on the dotted line.

From the attic to the crawlspace and everything in between, David helps buyers understand the condition of a home and move forward with greater peace of mind. A great referral is anyone needing a home inspection within roughly a 75-mile radius of Chattanooga.

This week’s theme: know what you’re getting into before it costs you. Whether it’s the car in your driveway or the house at the end of it, Frank and David can help catch problems before they become expensive surprises.

Let’s keep Frankie Baby & Mattooooney in mind for referrals this week! 🚗🏠

08/06/2026

🎤 Today's BNI Speaker Spotlight

Today we had one featured speaker, Jim Steed with Cornerstone Insurance Group.

Jim shared an important reminder that not all insurance agents work the same way. As an independent insurance agent, Jim represents multiple insurance carriers instead of just one, allowing him to compare coverage options, pricing, and policies to find what best fits each client's needs. Rather than working for one insurance company, he works for you serving as your advocate before, during, and even after a claim.

Another advantage Jim highlighted is flexibility. If rates increase at renewal, an independent agent can often shop other carriers without you having to start over from scratch. Whether it's home, auto, business, boat, or other personal insurance, having one trusted advisor can simplify the process while making sure you're properly protected.

Let's be honest, shopping for insurance probably ranks somewhere between going to the DMV and going to IKEA and assembling furniture with "extra" parts. 😄 That's why having someone like Jim who can do the comparison shopping for you is worth its weight in gold.

A great referral for Jim is anyone buying a home, starting a business, adding a teenage driver, or anyone who hasn't reviewed their insurance policies in a few years. A quick review today could save money and headaches tomorrow.

Let's keep our eyes and ears open this week for referrals for Jim!

08/03/2026

🎤 BNI Speaker Spotlight 🎤

Our first speaker was Trey Burstrom with The Miliare Group. 🩺

Trey gave us valuable insight into the world of health insurance and how important it is to have someone who works for you, not just one insurance carrier. Unlike captive agents who can only offer one company's products, Trey takes the time to understand your needs and compares multiple options to find the best fit. From traditional health insurance to the growing popularity of health sharing alternatives, he helps individuals and businesses find coverage that makes financial sense.

Several BNI members shared how working with Trey has not only saved them money but also allowed them to offer health benefits as an employee perk—helping attract and retain great team members. A great referral for Trey is any business owner looking to improve employee benefits or anyone wanting a second opinion on their current health coverage.

Our second speaker was Nathan Neal with Neal's Heating & Air. ❄️🔥

With more than 600 five-star Google reviews, Nathan and his team have built a reputation for putting customers first. One of the biggest takeaways from today's presentation was the importance of preventative maintenance. Having your HVAC system inspected and cleaned twice a year can improve efficiency, help prevent costly breakdowns, and extend the life of your equipment.

Nathan also highlighted Mitsubishi mini-splits as an excellent solution for home additions, garages, bonus rooms, or any area where extending existing ductwork isn't practical. A great referral for Nathan is anyone experiencing HVAC issues, planning an addition, or simply wanting to keep their heating and cooling system running at its best.

This week's common theme was planning ahead pays off. Trey helps families and businesses avoid surprises when it comes to healthcare costs, while Nathan helps homeowners avoid unexpected HVAC repairs through routine maintenance. Whether you're protecting your health or your home's comfort, a little planning today can save a lot of headaches tomorrow.

Let's keep our eyes and ears open this week for referrals for Trey and Nathan!

07/16/2026

🎤 Today's BNI Speaker Spotlight 🎤

Our first speaker was Austin Schlangen with Riverbend Renovations.

Austin shared that Riverbend Renovations is built on one simple principle: treat every customer with respect. His team specializes in full-scale home remodeling, with a strong focus on beautiful bathroom renovations that elevate both the look and value of a home.

What sets Riverbend apart is their attention to detail. From using laser levels for precision to properly setting every tile and installing custom showers, Austin believes it's the little things that separate a good remodel from a great one.

A great referral for Austin is anyone considering a kitchen or bathroom remodel or looking to update an older home with quality craftsmanship.

Our second speaker was Mona with The Grout Medic.

Mona shared that before joining The Grout Medic she worked as a control engineer, so it's no surprise she has an eye for details. Her team specializes in repairing cracked grout, replacing damaged caulk, restoring tile, steam cleaning, and even replacing subflooring and installing new tile when needed.

One tip she shared was that caulk should be inspected and replaced periodically to help prevent water damage before it becomes a much bigger repair.

A great referral for Mona is anyone whose shower has cracked grout, discolored caulk, loose tile, or a bathroom that's beginning to show its age.

This week's theme couldn't have been planned any better. Austin builds beautiful bathrooms, and Mona helps keep them looking that way for years to come. One creates the dream bathroom, while the other helps protect the investment after it's finished.

And let's be honest... if your grout is changing colors on its own, it's probably trying to tell you something. 😄

Let's keep our eyes and ears open this week for referrals for Austin and Mona!

07/13/2026

Morning all. Ben Robison, Scenic City Handyman, https://www.thesceniccityhandyman.com/, is hiring. His company is growing and needs our help. If you know of someone who is dependable, handy with tools, knows how to do home repairs and looking to work with a great company, please have them reach out to Ben. Have them call Ben, Scenic City Handyman, (423) 401-0523.

Serving the Chattanooga, TN areaFast, Reliable Handyman Services You Can Count OnFrom small repairs to big projects, we’re your trusted teamRequest a Quote Our Handyman Services RepairsWe repair wear and damage with fast, dependable repairs to restore normal life for you or your tenants. Maintenan...

07/09/2026

🎤 Today's BNI Speaker Spotlight: Aaron Nunley and Brandon Tankersley.

🌳Our first speaker was Aaron Nunley with On Call Tree Service. 🌳

Aaron shared that one of the things he enjoys most about the tree industry is helping people during stressful situations. Whether it's storm damage, a hazardous tree, or routine maintenance, his team is there to protect homes, businesses, and the people around them.

He also shared a few signs that a tree may need professional attention. Dead branches, mushrooms or fungus around the base, excessive vines, and dead limbs can all point to a tree that may no longer be healthy. One important reminder—if a dead tree on your property falls onto your neighbor's house, it could become your responsibility.

A great referral for Aaron is any homeowner, property manager, or business owner with trees that haven't been inspected in a while. Trees don't usually cause problems overnight. They give warning signs first—the trick is calling Aaron before one of those warning signs becomes a very expensive landscaping decision.

🚚📦Our second speaker was Brandon Tankersley with Southeast Moving & Storage. 🚚📦

Brandon shared that Southeast Moving & Storage has been helping families and businesses relocate for over 20 years. Their company has built a strong reputation by providing reliable service, experienced crews, and transparent pricing.

One thing that stood out was the difference between binding and non-binding estimates. A binding estimate provides a guaranteed price before moving day, while a non-binding estimate can change based on the actual time or services required. Understanding the difference helps eliminate surprises when it's time to settle the bill.

Whether someone is moving across town or across the country, Brandon and his team help make the process as smooth as possible. A great referral is anyone planning a residential move, relocating a business, or needing secure storage during a transition.

This week's theme seemed to be protecting what you've worked hard to build. Aaron helps protect homes by preventing tree problems before they become expensive emergencies. Brandon helps protect families' belongings by making one of life's biggest transitions less stressful. Whether it's a towering oak or a house full of boxes, having the right professional on your side can make all the difference.

Also, congratulations to Austin and Zach on the birth of the baby boy and girl. Congratulations guys!

As always, let's keep our eyes and ears open for referrals for Aaron and Brandon this week!

07/04/2026

Here's to liberty, opportunity and the enduring American spirit. Have a safe and memorable Fourth of July. Happy 4th of July 🙏🇺🇸

06/26/2026

🎤 Today's BNI Speaker Spotlight🎤

Our first speaker today was Michele Coffman with Coffman & McColpin.

Michele shared a powerful story that reminded us why estate planning isn't just about paperwork, it's about protecting the people we love. She told of a husband who developed Alzheimer's later in life, only to have circumstances leave his family in a difficult legal and financial situation that proper planning could have helped prevent.

While every family's story is different, the takeaway was the same: don't wait until it's too late. Whether it's creating a will, establishing a trust, assigning powers of attorney, or putting the right documents in place, planning today can spare your loved ones unnecessary stress tomorrow.

A great referral for Michele is anyone who has recently had children, purchased a home, started a business, retired, or simply hasn't updated their estate plan in years. If you've been saying, "I really need to get around to that," now is the time.

🎤Our second speaker was our very own Lynn Hubbard with Mary Kay! 🎤

Lynn is one of the founding members of our Lookout BNI Chapter and has been part of our group for 30 years! She shared valuable reminders about protecting our skin, especially during these hot summer months.

The biggest takeaway? Don't skimp on sunscreen. An SPF of at least 30 (or even 50), combined with hats, sunglasses, protective clothing, and reapplying sunscreen throughout the day, can go a long way toward reducing the risk of sun damage and skin cancer.

Anyone who knows Lynn knows she genuinely enjoys helping people feel confident in their own skin. Whether you're looking for skincare advice, quality products, or just someone who truly cares, she's a wonderful resource.

This week's theme seemed to be protecting what matters most. Michele reminded us to protect our families, our homes, and our futures through thoughtful planning. Lynn reminded us that one of our greatest assets is our own health, and sometimes the simplest habits today can make the biggest difference years from now. Whether it's protecting your legacy or protecting your skin, a little preparation today can prevent a lot of heartache tomorrow.

🇺🇸 A quick reminder: There will be no BNI meeting next week as we celebrate Independence Day!

I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July with family and friends. Enjoy the cookouts, make some memories, and if you're lighting fireworks... remember to let go before they go! 🎆😂

Happy Independence Day BNI Lookout family! 🇺🇸🎇