Tag: Spectruss Speakeasy

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How The Barn Nursery Bloomed into a Third-Generation Success Story

Cole Webster on Spectruss Speakeasy Podcast discussing the growth of The Barn Nursery in Chattanooga
Cole Webster joins the Spectruss Speakeasy to talk about how The Barn Nursery became one of Chattanooga’s most recognized family businesses.

Most businesses don’t last. You know it, I know it. The stats aren’t great, and yet, some manage to not just hang on, but keep growing.

The Barn Nursery in Chattanooga is one of those stories. What started in the late ‘60s as a $1,500 roadside fruit stand is now an eight-figure business moving over a million plants a year. Yep, million with an “M.”

So how’d they pull it off? And more importantly, what can you take from their playbook and apply to your own business?

Pink Supreme Roses on sale at The Barn Nursery Chattanooga
Flower Carpet ‘Pink Supreme’ Roses on Buy One Get One Free offer at The Barn Nursery.

From Selling Produce to Building a Brand

The Barn didn’t just pop up overnight. Cole Webster, who runs it now, comes from a family that built this thing brick by brick. His grandparents got it started, his parents took it further, and now Cole’s leading it into something even bigger.

What stands out isn’t just the scale, it’s the heart. This is a business that kept showing up for the community, year after year. That’s something I think we all want to build.

You don’t have to sell ferns to learn something here. These three things apply no matter what business you’re in:

1. Have a clear story

The Barn didn’t try to be something it wasn’t. It’s always been family-run, service-first, and plant-loving. People know exactly what to expect.

Pro tip: If your brand is all over the place, different fonts, different messages, different vibes, that’s where to start. We help clients clean that up all the time.

2. Keep showing up

Back in the day, The Barn ran radio ads. Now it’s all over social media. Different tools, same mindset: stay in front of people.

Our  advice: Ads aren’t optional if you want to grow. And when you run them the right way, they pay for themselves.

3. Talk like a human

Automated systems might be efficient, but they’re also annoying. One thing The Barn does well, and we try to do too, is keep things personal. Real conversations, fast help.

Here’s what we hear all the time from small and mid-sized businesses:

  • “Our website’s outdated.”

  • “We’ve run ads but didn’t get results.”

  • “We’re not tracking where leads come from.”

  • “Our brand looks different everywhere.”

Any of those sound like your business? You’re not alone, and you don’t have to fix it by yourself.

What We Do at Spectruss

I built Spectruss to help businesses like yours. We’re not here for one-time jobs. We’re your crew for the long haul.

Here’s how we help:

  • Custom websites that don’t just look good, they perform

  • SEO that helps people actually find you

  • Ad campaigns on Google, Facebook, and Instagram

  • CRM systems that organize your leads and automate follow-ups

  • Branding and messaging that connects with your audience

  • Photos and video that tell your story

Spectruss location marker icon on sky background for The Barn Nursery blog feature
Spectruss provides digital marketing and location-based growth strategies for businesses like The Barn Nursery.

We’re based in Chattanooga, but we’ve helped brands across the U.S. get real results. And we’re not about fluff. We care about leads, conversions, and building something that lasts.

Let’s talk, get a free call or get to know more about our services.

What I admire most about The Barn Nursery is how they’ve held on to what matters: good people, good service, and showing up when it counts. That’s what we try to do at Spectruss too.

You don’t need to be the biggest business in town, you just need to show up smart and stay consistent.

Here are my thoughts

If a roadside stand in Rossville can grow into one of the most recognized businesses in Chattanooga, so can you. You’ve got a story. Let’s make sure people see it.

Want help making that happen?

Book a free consultation or call us and we’ll figure out what your next step looks like, no pressure.

FAQ: For Local Businesses Ready to Grow

How do I know if working with Spectruss is the right move?

If you’re ready to grow but not sure what to do next, that’s where we come in. If your brand is scattered or your ads aren’t working, you’ll benefit from having a team on your side.

Do I need to spend a lot to get started?

No. We work with businesses at all levels. We’ll help you figure out what matters most and start there. No fluff, no upsells.

What makes Spectruss different?

We act like a partner, not a vendor. Our team works in-house and we’re all local. We treat your business like it’s ours, with care, clarity, and accountability.

I’ve never done ads before. Can you help?

Absolutely. We’ll explain how it works, set them up, track results, and adjust as needed. You’ll always know what you’re paying for, and what it’s bringing in.

Can you help me rebrand or refresh my business?

Yes, whether you need a new logo, better messaging, or a full revamp, we’ll make sure it still feels like you, just sharper and more focused.

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Spectruss Speakeasy with John Wiygul: From Climbing Walls to Building Business Grit

John Wiygul and Sam Silvey during Spectruss Speakeasy podcast episode 8
John Wiygul joins Sam Silvey on Spectruss Speakeasy to talk about building High Point Climbing, entrepreneurship, and staying true to your roots.

When a business and a lifestyle merge, it creates something unforgettable. That’s exactly what happened when John Wiygul, founder and CEO of High Point Climbing and Fitness, sat down with Sam Silvey on the latest episode of Spectruss Speakeasy. It wasn’t just a chat about climbing or fitness, it was about real ambition, smart risk-taking, and building something that reflects what you believe in.

Chattanooga roots, national reach John grew up in Chattanooga and built something local that now spans eight climbing gyms across three states. He started with a love for climbing, skipping elementary school to hit the rocks with his brother, and turned that into a brand that’s now one of the most respected climbing names in the Southeast.

The gyms are more than places to work out, they’re hubs for people who want a better way to move, connect, and grow. From digging a pit under a parking garage for their first downtown gym to developing a massive 49,000-square-foot facility in Orlando, John’s story is built on commitment, smart thinking, and relentless consistency.

Coffee, culture, and community John didn’t stop with gyms. He and his team launched Trail Town Coffee, a café right next to High Point’s downtown Chattanooga gym. It wasn’t just about caffeine. It was about creating an experience that matched the energy of the community. Sandwiches, specialty drinks, and a direct pass-through to the gym turned it into a local favorite.

This episode wasn’t only about climbing walls and workout routines. Sam and John talked about burnout, discipline, and what it takes to stay grounded while growing fast. From hard races in Puerto Rico to the grind of managing over 150 employees, the theme stayed the same, you can grow a strong business without losing your identity.

For small businesses: lessons from the wall John’s story hits close for any small to mid-sized business owner. Why? Because he started with a niche, went all in, and built it brick by brick, literally. And he did it while keeping his team close and his mission clear.

If you’re building something that matters, this episode is a reminder that you don’t have to play by outdated rules. You can shape something new, something exciting, and something that really reflects your values.

Want to hear how he did it, mistakes, milestones, and all? Listen to the full episode of Spectruss Speakeasy on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform. And check out more about what we do at Spectruss.com.

FAQ: What You Might Still Be Wondering

  1. What is Spectruss Speakeasy?
    It’s a podcast from Chattanooga-based agency Spectruss, hosted by Sam Silvey. Each episode brings real conversations with business owners, creatives, and people shaping their industries.
  2. Who is John Wiygul and why is his story helpful?
    He’s the founder of High Point Climbing and Fitness. He’s grown a small local idea into a multi-location brand without losing its soul. His experience is relatable for any business trying to scale while staying true to their values.
  3. What can other industries take from this episode?
    Whether you run a coffee shop, creative agency, or retail space, John’s focus on clear branding, smart expansion, and customer connection applies across the board.
  4. How does Spectruss help brands like High Point?
    We help businesses build websites, create brand strategy, manage digital marketing, and deliver results through paid ads, content, and design. Learn more at spectruss.com.
  5. What’s the biggest message from the episode?
    You don’t have to be corporate to be successful. Being involved, staying consistent, and doing things differently still works, and it’s working for High Point.
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Dermatology Meets Digital: Skincare and Strategy with Dr. Emily Brewer

Sam Silvey and Dr. Emily Brewer on set at Spectruss Speakeasy podcast discussing modern dermatology and marketing
Sam Silvey and Dr. Emily Brewer dive into the challenges of running a dermatology practice in the digital age on the latest episode of Spectruss Speakeasy

Running a business is hard. Running a dermatology clinic in the age of TikTok trends and “I saw this on Instagram” diagnosis? Next level.

That’s why we kicked back with Dr. Emily Brewer, Founder and CEO of https://thedermcentertn.com/ (and honestly, one of the sharpest minds in skincare) in our latest Spectruss Speakeasy episode. This one? It’s part real-world medicine, part marketing therapy, and 100% no fluff.

Listen to the episode here!

Welcome to Modern Dermatology

Dr. Emily Brewer didn’t build a brand on hashtags and hope. Her clinic The DERM Center is a go-to spot in Chattanooga because she knows her practice, and knows how to talk about it online without sounding like a robot.

Dr. Brewer’s story hits home for any small to mid-sized business in Chattanooga trying to grow in a competitive field. Her clinic was built on the idea of simplicity and accessibility, no insurance, no rushed appointments, just real results. But with that kind of shift comes its own set of hurdles.

So What’s the Real Issue?

  1. Trust Isn’t Clickable
    Marketing healthcare is like building a relationship, except you have about 0.2 seconds before someone scrolls past you for a dog reel. Dr. Brewer chats about how hard it can be to show expertise and warmth… all in a square image.

  2. Content That Doesn’t Feel Cringe
    She is showing up on socials with smart, honest, helpful posts. Working with the Spectruss team, she’s figured out how to balance her brand tone with engaging social content that doesn’t scream “We paid someone $2K for this Canva post.”

  3. The Tech Stress is Real
    Ads? Meta? Pixel tracking? For a doctor trying to help people, learning the Facebook Business Manager is like the last thing in her priority list. That’s where our Spectruss crew comes in. From Instagram ad specs to targeting the right audience, we’ve helped bring Dr. Brewer’s message to the right audience.

From the Exam Room to Entrepreneurship

Opening her own dermatology clinic wasn’t just a business decision, it was personal. Dr. Brewer was tired of the red tape and five-minute patient visits, so she created a direct-pay model that puts patient experience first. That meant building a brand from scratch. No hospital support, no referral pipeline—just her name and a belief that people deserve better care.

That’s where smart marketing steps in.

Why Dermatologists (and All Businesses) Need a Clear Brand

Your services might be top-tier, but if your online presence looks outdated, potential patients (or customers) might scroll right past. Dr. Brewer talked about the effort it took to get her website, social media, and messaging to reflect what actually makes her clinic different. Her success reminds local business owners that having the right digital marketing strategy really matters.

What Other Business Owners Can Learn

Whether you’re running a med spa, fitness studio, or your grandma’s biscuit empire, authenticity + smart content + actual strategy still wins. Don’t just chase trends. Build trust. Talk like a real person. And find a marketing agency that actually gets you.

Got Questions? Pull Up to Our Open Mic

Dr. Brewer did. You can too. Every Wednesday at 1PM EST, our Open Mic Sessions let business owners bring their challenges, questions, or just hang with Sam (our CEO, marketing madman, and podcast host).

Ready to Build Your Brand with a Real Strategy?

No buzzwords. No BS. Just smart moves, good people, and marketing that works.

Check out the full podcast, and let us know what you think. And, if your ads are stressing you out? Let’s fix them.

FAQ: Marketing for Dermatology Clinics & Local Businesses

  1. What is Spectruss Speakeasy?
    Spectruss Speakeasy is a podcast hosted by Spectruss, a Chattanooga-based agency helping small and mid-sized businesses grow through smarter digital marketing. Each episode features business owners and creatives who share their stories and what’s working for them.
  2. Who is Dr. Emily Brewer?
    Dr. Emily Brewer is the founder of The Derm Center, a clinic offering personalized dermatology care without insurance hassle. Her model focuses on quality care and patient connection.
  3. How does Spectruss help clinics like hers?
    We help clinics design clean websites, improve their SEO, and run smart, targeted ad campaigns on platforms like Google and Instagram. It’s not about spending more, it’s about using your budget wisely.
  4. I’ve never run paid ads. Can Spectruss help me start?
    Absolutely. We’ll help you set up Instagram ads, track results through Ads Manager, and make sure your campaign fits your goals and budget.
  5. Can this approach work for businesses outside of healthcare?
    Yes. Whether you’re in landscaping, tech, or food service, these same marketing and advertising strategies apply. If you want to grow your audience and increase sales, we’re here to help.

Check out more resources and updates from our team at spectruss.com, or follow us on Instagram @spectrussllc.

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Art, Business & Authenticity | Genesis the Grey Kid Ep. 4

What happens when creativity meets business, art blends with entrepreneurship, and staying true to yourself is the foundation for success? You get Genesis the Grey Kid an artist who walked away from the music industry’s formula-driven approach to pursue a career in fine art on his own terms.

In Episode 4 of Spectruss Speakeasy, we spoke with Genesis about his path from writing for Atlantic Records to becoming a full-time painter, the lessons he picked up along the way, and why staying genuine is everything, whether in art or branding.

From Music Industry Pressure to Independence

Before dedicating himself to painting, Genesis was immersed in the music business. He wrote songs in Kid Cudi’s studio, worked on major-label projects, and had opportunities most musicians dream about. But behind the scenes, the industry pushed a specific approach that left little room for originality.

One moment made him rethink everything:

“I was writing a song, and they told me, ‘We need to put some gunshots in this.’ I was like, what are you talking about? That’s not even my style.”

Music had become less about creativity and more about hitting a predetermined formula. Instead of following along, Genesis took a different route, he left.

Turning Art Into a Business

Walking away from music meant starting from scratch financially. There were no steady paychecks or record deals, just a decision to pursue something more meaningful.

“At first, I was just around artists all the time. But then I started spending time with tech founders and business owners. They’re the ones buying the art.”

By changing his environment, Genesis learned how to turn his creativity into something financially sustainable. A residency at Lamp Post Group, a venture capital firm in Chattanooga, introduced him to collectors and investors who appreciated his work.

That experience reinforced an important idea, art and business are connected. The same applies to any small or mid-sized business:

  • Find the right audience.
  • Market yourself with confidence.
  • Being yourself is what makes people invest in you.

Competition, Growth & Pushing Limits

During the conversation, Genesis and Spectruss CEO Sam Silvey discussed an interesting topic, does competition help people improve?

“You don’t know how far you can go until you find someone pushing you.”

Genesis pointed out that while art isn’t a sport, having something that drives you forward is valuable. Whether it’s in business, music, or racing motorcycles (which Sam is passionate about), competition helps refine skills.

Learn more about Spectruss Racing here.

That same idea is what drives Spectruss, your brand shouldn’t just exist. It should stand out, improve, and make an impression. Blending in with the crowd is never a winning strategy.

Chattanooga’s Role in Creative Growth

One key takeaway from this episode is how Chattanooga’s business and creative scene helped shape Genesis’ career. From his early days at Sylvie Huffaker Creative to the connections he made at Lamp Post Group, the city gave him opportunities to build relationships with people who appreciate and invest in art.

For local businesses, this is a reminder that community matters. Partnering with local creatives, marketing professionals, and entrepreneurs can help businesses grow in unexpected ways.

That’s where Spectruss comes in. Our team helps businesses build their brand, digital presence, and marketing strategies, so they don’t just exist, but thrive.

What’s Next for Genesis the Grey Kid?

Genesis has several upcoming projects:

  • A new art series where he paints live portraits of creatives, capturing their energy and personality rather than just their appearance.
  • The launch of Culture and Code Museum, led by his wife, Karen, which will focus on artistic and cultural storytelling.
  • Continuing to expand his artistic reach beyond galleries and into conversations that matter.

The Main Lesson: Art and Business Work Together

This episode of Spectruss Speakeasy highlights that art and business don’t have to be separate worlds. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, artist, or business owner, growth comes down to a few core ideas:

  • Stay true to your vision. Don’t chase trends, be original.
  • Understand the business side. No matter how talented you are, people need to know about your work.
  • Surround yourself with the right people. Your network can be the difference between struggling and succeeding.

If you’re ready to make your business stand out, let’s connect. Spectruss helps businesses establish their brand with marketing and digital strategies that work.

And if you haven’t yet, listen to the full episode with Genesis the Grey Kid, you won’t want to miss this one.

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Lucky Number 13: The Beginning of Spectruss

The Beginning of Spectruss - Episode 2 of the Spectruss Speakeasy podcast featuring a conversation about business, branding, and entrepreneurship
Episode 2 of Spectruss Speakeasy: The Beginning of Spectruss. A deep conversation about how Spectruss started, the challenges faced, and the lessons learned in building a creative agency

What does it take to build a business from scratch? Hard work, long nights, a little luck, and maybe even cutting down a few hundred trees (literally).

In this episode of Spectruss Speakeasy, Sam Silvey, founder of Spectruss, shares his experience from racing bicycles to launching a creative agency in Chattanooga, TN.

If you’re a small to mid-sized business owner or entrepreneur looking for insights on business, marketing, and creative problem-solving, this episode is for you.

From Racing Bikes to Building Brands

Sam’s story doesn’t start in an office, it starts on a bike.

Long before Spectruss, Sam was a competitive cyclist, pushing himself to the limit. But after dropping out of college to focus on racing, reality hit hard when he got his ass handed to him in his first pro race.

So, what do you do when your plan doesn’t work out? You adapt.

His background in computer science (the one subject in college he actually liked) led him to building websites for small businesses. His first gig? A local coffee shop website, paid partly in coffee and a few hundred bucks.

That’s when he realized businesses didn’t just need websites, they needed branding, marketing, and a plan to grow.

The Start of Spectruss

Before Spectruss, there was Silvey Development, a scrappy operation where Sam juggled coding, photography, and design to help businesses build their online presence.

But if you’ve ever started a business, you know money is tight in the early days. So, when an opportunity arose to clear a tornado-hit property (225 trees, to be exact), he took it.

With zero tree-cutting experience and a couple of chainsaws, he and his crew completed the job for $75,000, enough to fund Spectruss’ first office, new equipment, and a proper start.

From living in the back of his office on a futon to growing a creative agency, Sam built Spectruss with hard work, adaptability, and a vision to help businesses succeed.

Why Spectruss?

The name Spectruss is more than just a brand.

  • “Spectr-“ comes from spectrum, representing the wide range of creative and digital solutions they offer.
  • “-Truss” refers to a strong structural beam, symbolizing the solid foundation businesses need for growth.

At its core, Spectruss helps companies stand out through branding, marketing, and digital strategy.

Learn more about Spectruss here.

Lessons for Business Owners

Entrepreneurs, take notes. Here’s what Sam’s experience teaches about starting and growing a business:

Adaptability matters – Your first idea might not work, and that’s okay. Shift, learn, and find the right opportunity.
Success takes time – It took years of effort for Spectruss to become what it is today.
Solve real problems – Whether it’s a website, brand strategy, or marketing campaign, helping businesses grow is what makes the difference.
Work with the right people – Business is tough. Surround yourself with a team that shares your vision and values.

Where Spectruss is Today

From coffee shop websites to full-scale brand strategy, Spectruss has grown into a well-established digital marketing agency in Chattanooga.

They now help businesses with:

  • Brand Strategy & Creative Design
  • Website Development & SEO
  • Social Media & Digital Advertising
  • Marketing Campaigns & Business Growth Strategy

And they’re not slowing down. Spectruss continues to help brands grow and create real impact through digital marketing.

Listen to the Full Episode

If you’re an entrepreneur, business owner, or just love real stories about starting a business from the ground up, this episode is a must-listen.

🎧 Catch the full episode on:

Need a Marketing Partner? Let’s Talk.

If you’re a small business in Chattanooga or beyond looking for:
✅ Branding that makes an impact
✅ Websites that actually convert
✅ Digital marketing strategies that work

Spectruss can help. 

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