Spectruss Speakeasy Podcast

In this episode of Spectruss Speakeasy, Sam sits down with Austin Webster, third-generation president of The Barn Nursery, to explore how a humble $1,500 roadside fruit stand grew into one of the top nurseries in the country. Austin shares fascinating insights about the plant industry—from seven-year topiary growing processes to managing over a million plants annually—and reveals how Chattanooga's unique biodiversity creates t...

Luke, founder of Big Sky Landscapes, shares his journey from personal training to running an Inc 5000 landscaping company, exploring how taking risks and maintaining high standards drove his remarkable five-year growth.

• Found success by exceeding the industry's low expectations – simply returning calls and showing up when promised
• Began with just two part-time helpers and has grown to over 40 full-time employe...

In this episode of Spectruss Speakeasy, Sam Silvey sits down with John Wiygul, founder and president of High Point Climbing and Fitness. From explaining what rock climbing even was to skeptical bankers 12 years ago to now operating eight facilities across three states, John shares the remarkable journey of building the Southeast's premier climbing gym brand.

A lifelong climber who used to skip elementary school to hit the rocks...

In this episode of Spectruss Speakeasy, Sam Silvey sits down with Jonathan Bragdon, founder of Capacity Ventures, to explore the contrarian approach to venture capital in today's economy. Jonathan shares his journey from building and exiting companies to launching a venture fund focused on capital-efficient businesses in the Southeast.

With decades of experience as both founder and investor, Jonathan offers invaluable insights ...

In this episode of Spectruss Speakeasy, we're diving skin-deep with Emily Brewer, founder of The Derm Center in Chattanooga and host of the upcoming Derm Expert Podcast. With 17 years in dermatology, Emily shares her journey from accidental discovery to passionate provider, her patient-first philosophy, and the psychology behind skincare. We talk real skin struggles—from rosacea to melanoma—and why education, empathy, and less...

For 140 years, Fowler Brothers Home & Patio has been more than just a business—it’s been a legacy. In this episode of Spectruss Speak Easy, Carter Fowler shares what it takes to keep a fifth-generation family business thriving when less than 1% make it this far. From honoring tradition to embracing change, Carter dives into the power of consistency, branding, and building trust with customers over generations.

We’ll explore the ...

Podcast Description:

In this episode of Spectruss Speakeasy, we sit down with Genesis the Grey Kid, a multidisciplinary artist, poet, and creative entrepreneur, to explore the intersection of art, music, business, and culture. From Chattanooga’s creative scene to navigating the music industry, Genesis shares raw insights on staying authentic in a world driven by algorithms. We discuss his transition from hip-hop to fine art, his tho...

In this episode of Spectruss Speakeasy, we’re throwing superstition out the window—screw unlucky 13, we’re making it lucky! 🚀 Sam Silvey, founder of Spectruss, sits down with longtime creative director Justin Aragon to reflect on 13 years of building brands, wild pivots, and design that made waves.

From sleeping on a futon in a one-room office to crafting iconic brands like Hutton & Smith Brewing and Fowler Brothers, they break...

This episode dives into the personal journey of Sam Silvey, owner and founder of Spectruss, who transitioned from professional cycling to building an award winning, full service marketing and advertising company. Key themes include embracing change, learning from setbacks, and the importance of a strong foundation in entrepreneurship.

• The decision to drop out of school for cycling 
• The challenges faced during a pro...