In this episode of Behind the Curtain, hosts Steve Luther and Van Hohe sit down with Joan Fleming, Senior Vice President at Citizens Savings Bank and Trust Company. Celebrating over 31 years in Nashville and 16 years with Citizens, Joan takes us on her journey from starting as a marketing assistant at SunTrust to founding her own firm, Creative Vision Mortgage, and ultimately shaping the mortgage division at Citizens.

Joan shares her passion for serving first-time homebuyers and underserved communities, describing how she views mortgage lending not just as a job, but as a true ministry that turns income into generational wealth. The conversation covers the breaking news of Citizens launching its new mortgage subsidiary, CBN Mortgage, the power of 100% financing programs without income limits, navigating fluctuating interest rates, and why financial literacy is essential for young home buyers.

• Mortgages as a Ministry: Joan shares how a conversation with her 9-year-old daughter convinced her to stay in banking rather than switching careers to nursing during a recession.
• Breaking News (CBN Mortgage): Joan announces publicly for the first time that Citizens Bank & Trust is expanding its mortgage department into a full mortgage subsidiary called CBN Mortgage to bring more programs to clients.
• The 100% Financing Game-Changer: Discover how Citizens created a 100% financing program up to conforming loan limits without location or income restrictions to help buyers walk through the door with zero down payment.
• Pivoting with Joy: From napkin-sketching loan programs with her Chief Credit Officer to adapting through economic recessions, Joan discusses the freedom and flexibility of working with a local community bank.
• Advice to First-Time Homebuyers: Joan explains why young buyers need to look past current interest rates, focus on long-term equity over "dream home" expectations, and practice sound budgeting before taking on a mortgage.

"All I do is at the end of the day to ensure that the American dream is met... My daughter basically said, 'Mommy, mortgages are your ministry. If you leave, then who's going to help all the people?'" — Joan Fleming

Joan Fleming is the Senior Vice President at Citizens Savings Bank and Trust Company and a graduate of Tennessee State University. With decades of experience in lending, management, and team building, she is a passionate advocate for homeownership and financial literacy throughout the Nashville community.

Connect with Joan:

• Website: AskJoan.net (for pre-qualification, budgeting, and inquiries)
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/joan-fleming-a47563117/

#BehindTheCurtain #JoanFleming #CitizensBankAndTrust #CBNMortgage #NashvilleRealEstate #Homeownership #FirstTimeHomebuyer #100PercentFinancing #CommunityBanking #FinancialLiteracy

In this episode of Behind the Curtain, hosts Steve Luther and Van Hohe sit down with Dr. Wendy Combs, founder and principal of Cedar + Kind. Dr. Combs shares her inspiring transition from a 20-plus-year corporate career—leading enterprise-wide talent development strategies across 142 hospitals and 2,200 care sites for major health systems like Kaiser Permanente and CommonSpirit Health—to creating a deeply personal, grief-informed estate transition service.

Dr. Combs unpacks the complex emotional and practical weight that comes with clearing out a home after losing a loved one or navigating major life transitions like downsizing or becoming an empty nester. The conversation explores the psychology of physical belongings, the power of preservation, and how Cedar + Kind acts as a "forcing function" to help families honor the past while thoughtfully clearing a path for what's next.

• Corporate Leadership to Heart-Centered Service: Dr. Combs discusses her background in clinical psychology, organizational change, and project management at tech and healthcare giants like Intel, Kaiser Permanente, and CommonSpirit Health.
• The Psychology of Belongings: Discover why over 55% of Americans feel overwhelmed by physical clutter and how everyday objects carry complex layers of both joy and sorrow during life transitions.
• "Help You Never Knew to Ask For": An inside look at how Cedar + Kind combines logistical project management with empathetic support to systematically break down overwhelming estate clear-outs into manageable, non-emotional steps.
• The Meaning Behind the Name: Dr. Combs explains how "Cedar" symbolizes preservation, storage, and strength, while "Kind" reflects the core value of leading with kindness and compassion.
• Preserving Legacy Through Technology: Learn how Dr. Combs incorporates digital story-capturing technology to record audio and video memories tied to family heirlooms, creating lasting legacy books with QR codes for future generations.

"Cedar is the idea of... preservation. It stores, saves, and preserves what's most important. And I really wanted to be myself and fully live the values that I think are important, and one of those is kindness." — Dr. Wendy Combs

Connect with Dr. Combs:

• LinkedIn: Cedar + Kind / Wendy Combs
• Website: www.cedarandkind.com

#BehindTheCurtain #CedarAndKind #EstateTransitions #GriefSupport #SeniorMoveManagement #OrganizationalPsychology #NashvilleBusiness #LegacyPreservation #Downsizing #EmpathyInBusiness

In this episode of Behind the Curtain, hosts Steve Luther and Van Hohe sit down with Kathleen Lappe — entrepreneur, technologist, four‑time founder, and CEO of DirectOffer, the AI‑powered real estate platform reshaping how buyers and agents connect. A Bay Area native turned Nashville innovator, Kathleen has spent her career at the intersection of technology, media, and property — building patented, ADA‑compliant AI tools designed to make homeownership more accessible for everyone.

From launching multiple startups to becoming an NVIDIA Inception Partner, Kathleen has emerged as a national leader in multimodal AI, multilingual communication, and digital accessibility. But behind the technology is a deeply personal story: her daughter Abigail, an autistic young adult whose early challenges with communication inspired Kathleen to create tools that remove barriers for people with disabilities.

As she shares in the conversation: “People with disabilities digest information differently… this was a problem I could solve.”

Kathleen walks us through the creation of Olivia — a patented AI assistant that speaks 107 languages, answers property questions, provides audio tours, and helps buyers engage with listings in the way that works best for them. She also breaks down the surprising truth about consumer behavior, why most people still prefer humans, and how transparency is the key to building trust with AI.

“The best AI tells the consumer right away: I am an AI system. If you want a human, I’ll get you one.”

Beyond DirectOffer, Kathleen shares the story behind AuctionLook — now the only official MLS for auctioneers in the United States — and explains why auctions are simply “multiple offers with a deadline,” not distressed sales. She also gives a candid look at global expansion, cultural nuance in AI development, and why dialects (including Irish and Southern) are far more complex than most people realize.

This conversation is a deep dive into innovation, accessibility, entrepreneurship, and the future of real estate — told through the lens of a founder who builds technology with humanity at the center.

From Sci‑Fi Kid to AI Pioneer

Kathleen shares how growing up in Marin County — surrounded by Silicon Valley and inspired by Star Trek — sparked her fascination with artificial intelligence.

“We grow up watching movies and think… could that really be?”

A Mother’s Mission — The Story Behind Olivia

Her daughter Abigail’s journey with autism became the catalyst for creating ADA‑compliant, multilingual AI tools that make homeownership more accessible.

“When you have an autistic child, you never know if they’re going to talk… this was a problem I could solve.”

How Olivia Works — 107 Languages, Audio Tours & True Multimodal AI

Kathleen explains how consumers interact with Olivia, why choice matters, and what the data reveals about how people actually want to use AI.

AuctionLook & Reinventing the Real Estate Auction MLS

From Kentucky to Texas to Alabama, Kathleen built the first and only MLS for auctioneers — now serving multiple states and powering billions in transactions.

Consumer Trust, Transparency & the Future of AI

Why people prefer honesty over hype, how voice permissions impact adoption, and why the next five years will be defined by regulation, not replacement.

Global Expansion — UK, Canada & Beyond

Kathleen shares the cultural, linguistic, and technical challenges of taking AI international — including the hilarious moment Olivia accidentally sounded like a leprechaun.

“Just because it sounds accurate to an American ear doesn’t mean it’s accurate.”

Nashville as a Tech Hub

Why she chose Nashville, how the city is evolving, and where she sees opportunity for growth in AI and accessibility.

CEO, DirectOffer

Kathleen Lappe is a four‑time founder, patented AI inventor, and accessibility‑driven technology leader. As CEO of DirectOffer and creator of Olivia — the industry’s first ADA‑compliant, multilingual AI assistant for real estate — she is pioneering tools that make homeownership more inclusive. Her work spans AI, media, global expansion, and the nation’s only MLS for auctioneers.

Connect with Kathleen:

🌐 directoffer.com

🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kathleenlappe

In this episode of Behind the Curtain, hosts Steve Luther and Van Hoy sit down with Ron Henry — music‑industry veteran, executive search pioneer, succession strategist, and a man who has spent more than five decades in what he calls “the people business.”

From working alongside legends like Tom Petty, Leon Russell, David Bowie, and Elvis, to building one of Orange County’s top executive search firms, to guiding mission‑driven organizations through leadership transitions, Ron’s life is a masterclass in relationships, calling, and the art of helping people step into who they were created to be.

Ron shares stories from the golden era of the music industry — including backstage moments with Ringo Starr and George Harrison, producing one of the first conceptual music videos ever made, and witnessing the brilliance of artists who could rearrange an entire song in minutes. He also opens up about his faith journey, the moment he met his wife in a Huntington Beach nightclub, and how discovering his identity reshaped the trajectory of his life and work.

Today, as Chief Succession Officer at Ministry Transitions, Ron walks alongside boards, pastors, and nonprofit leaders during one of the most delicate and defining moments in organizational life: leadership succession. His approach blends wisdom, discernment, and a deep belief that every person has a unique calling worth uncovering.

This conversation is rich with history, heart, and hard‑earned insight — spanning music, leadership, faith, identity, and the power of relationships to transform lives.

Ron shares how a small‑town Connecticut upbringing, an engineering degree he didn’t want, and a last‑minute pivot to Wharton shaped his early worldview. Even then, he was challenging norms — creating political parties, hosting controversial speakers, and refusing to fit inside anyone’s box.

“I never fit in a box… one foot in, one foot out.”

Ron recounts the surreal experience of bringing MLK to campus in 1966 — and the moment an autograph fell out of his dresser drawer on the day King was assassinated.

From RCA Records to Shelter Records, Ron takes us into the rooms where legends created magic.

He shares stories of:

• Elvis at Madison Square Garden
• Ringo Starr walking into a session
• George Harrison handing over a cassette demo
• Leon Russell rearranging an entire song in ten minutes
• Producing one of the first conceptual music videos
• Selling 750,000 albums with a never‑before‑done tour strategy

Ron opens up about hitting a low point in the late ’70s, rediscovering his faith, and walking into a club where — in his words — “God said, she’s the one.”

Two weeks later they were dating. Five months later they were married.

Forty‑seven years later, they still are.

Ron explains how his music‑industry instincts translated into executive search:

he could hear people, see potential, and understand what motivated them.

He shares why so many leaders fail, why succession is often mishandled, and why identity matters more than résumés.

Ron walks through the heart behind his current work — helping churches and nonprofits navigate leadership succession with clarity, care, and mission continuity.

“We were created for relationship… everything comes back to that.”

Chief Succession Officer, Ministry Transitions

Ron has spent more than 50 years helping leaders discover their calling, navigate transition, and step into roles where they can thrive. His career spans the music industry, executive search, nonprofit leadership, and faith‑based succession consulting — all anchored in one belief: people matter most.

Contact Ron:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronhenrysterlinggroup/

In this episode of Behind the Curtain, hosts Steve Luther and Van Hohe sit down with Bill Darpino — president of Superhero Sidekick, former executive director of Creation Festivals, and a leader who has spent more than 30 years building mission‑driven organizations, large‑scale events, and high‑performance teams.

From overseeing faith‑based music festivals with crowds topping 125,000, to coordinating 1,500 volunteers across 30 departments, to being invited by the King of Morocco to produce one of the largest multicultural faith events in the world — Bill’s career is a masterclass in servant leadership, operational excellence, and purpose‑driven growth.

Bill shares the lessons learned from decades of leading “an army of people,” navigating artist egos, managing multimillion‑dollar budgets, and creating environments where community, worship, and mission collide. He also opens up about his transition into nonprofit coaching, why so many organizations struggle to articulate their mission, and how clarity, structure, and story can transform a nonprofit’s ability to scale.

This conversation is a deep dive into leadership, humility, organizational health, and the future of mission‑driven work — from someone who has lived it at the highest levels.

Episode Highlights From Architecture Student to Global Event Leader: Bill recounts his unexpected path from studying architecture to spending 30+ years in nonprofit leadership — including his decades with Creation Festivals, where he helped pioneer one of the first major Christian music festival movements.

“It became a gathering place for tens of thousands… a community built around worship, music, and mission.”

The Morocco Story — A Once‑in‑a‑Lifetime Invitation: Bill shares the behind‑the‑scenes of being invited by the King of Morocco to produce Friendship Fest, a three‑day multicultural event that drew more than 175,000 attendees. Van, of course, tells the story of how he didn’t get to go — and still hasn’t let his wife forget it.

Servant Leadership in Action: Bill explains why humility is the foundation of his leadership philosophy, quoting C.S. Lewis: “Humility is not thinking less of oneself, but thinking of oneself less.” He breaks down how servant leadership builds trust, disarms conflict, and creates loyalty — even when managing artists, egos, and high‑pressure environments.

The Real Challenges Nonprofits Face Today: Bill reveals the most common issues he sees when coaching organizations — unclear messaging, lack of structure, and mission drift — and why many nonprofits struggle to articulate what they do and what they want supporters to do. “They don’t know how to convey their mission in a clear, concise way.”

Inside Superhero Sidekick: Bill walks through the coaching process he and his business partner use to help nonprofits scale — from Basecamp strategy sessions to 12‑18 month execution plans, rebranding, donor development, and organizational restructuring.

Leadership, Culture, and the Next Generation: Bill shares what future nonprofit leaders must understand to create lasting impact — and why clarity, humility, and healthy internal culture matter more than ever.

AI, Authenticity & the Future: Bill and Steve discuss the role of AI in storytelling and nonprofit communication — and why authenticity will only become more valuable. “We don’t want to lose our humanity… the value of something authentic may become the greater value.”

Featured Guest: Bill Darpino President, Superhero Sidekick Bill has spent more than three decades leading large‑scale events, developing leaders, raising capital, and helping mission‑driven organizations grow. Today, he coaches nonprofits across the country — from startups to $30M organizations — helping them clarify their mission, strengthen their structure, and scale their impact.

Connect with Bill: 🌐 superherosidekick.com 🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/billdarpino #MarketingStrategy #DigitalAdvertising #BrandBuilding #ComcastAdvertising #NashvilleBusiness #MediaBuying #AIinMarketing #SmallBusinessGrowth #BehindTheCurtain

In this episode of Behind the Curtain, hosts Steve Luther and Van Hohe sit down with Valerie Pantaleo — a 22‑year marketing veteran, account executive at Comcast Advertising, and president of VPI Media. From New York print rooms at the dawn of the internet to pioneering early digital TV ad placements, Valerie brings a rare, insider perspective on how media, data, and consumer behavior have evolved over the last two decades.

Valerie breaks down the real state of modern advertising — the rise of AI‑driven targeting, the dangers of fake data and bots, the fragmentation of consumer attention, and why so many businesses waste money on the wrong platforms. She also shares powerful stories from her career: helping small businesses scale from “one man and a truck” to local celebrities, navigating the Wild West of digital marketing, and advising brands across industries from home improvement to healthcare to luxury.

This conversation is a masterclass in how to think about marketing in 2026 — what works, what doesn’t, and how business owners can protect their budgets, build brand equity, and reach the right audience across screens.

From Print to AI‑Driven Digital:

Valerie recounts her early days in New York newspapers — including the moment she realized the internet would change everything — and how she became one of the first reps to sell digital TV ads.

“We were doing commercial insertions using AI 14 years ago… before most people even knew what AI was.”

The Wild West of Digital Marketing:

She explains why so many businesses get “sucker punched” online — from fake bots to bad data to misleading metrics — and why real‑time, first‑party household data is the new gold standard.

How Consumers Actually Watch Content Today:

From 18–34 year‑olds binging on-demand to 50+ audiences glued to live TV, Valerie breaks down the viewing habits that determine where your ads should (and shouldn’t) go.

Branding vs. Lead Gen — Why Most Businesses Get It Wrong:

Valerie reveals why companies overspend on cheap clicks, underestimate the power of video, and fail to build long‑term brand equity.

“Do you want to whisper… or do you want to shout?”

The Power of Targeted, Multi‑Screen Campaigns:

She explains how Comcast uses household data, Experian insights, and premium placements to target ultra‑affluent buyers, golf enthusiasts, college football fans, and more — all with one vendor and one invoice.

The Future of Social Media & AI:

Valerie shares her concerns about where digital content is headed — and why businesses must be more intentional than ever about their brand image.

Account Executive, Comcast Advertising

President, VPI Media, Inc.

With over 22 years of experience across print, radio, TV, and digital, Valerie is known for blending creative strategy with data‑driven insights to help businesses grow. She has advised brands across industries including home improvement, legal, financial services, healthcare, and luxury — and has helped clients scale from local unknowns to household names.

Connect with Valerie:

📧 valerie_pantaleo@comcast.com

📱 615‑427‑8018

🔗 LinkedIn: Valerie Pantaleo

#MarketingStrategy #DigitalAdvertising #BrandBuilding #ComcastAdvertising #NashvilleBusiness #MediaBuying #AIinMarketing #SmallBusinessGrowth #BehindTheCurtain

Tammie peels back the layers of the mortgage world, offering a simplified explanation of how rates are truly set, the impact of shifting political administrations on lending regulations, and the rising importance of "Non-QM" loans for today’s nontraditional workforce. From personal stories of passion and perseverance to insights on the future of AI in banking, this conversation explores what it truly takes to protect the American Dream of homeownership.

• From Receptionist to President: Tammie recounts her 40-year career trajectory, proving that through long hours, a willingness to learn, and a passion for service, anyone can reach the top of the mortgage industry.
• The Truth About Interest Rates: A deep dive into the misconception that the Fed controls everything. Tammie explains why home buyers should actually be watching the 10-year yield and the bond market to understand rate fluctuations.
• The Rise of the Nontraditional Earner: Discover why "Non-QM" (Non-Qualified Mortgage) volume is projected to hit $80 billion as more people move away from 8-to-5 jobs toward flexible, remote, and self-employed income streams.

"At the end of the day, I'm doing what I'm doing... to get someone in a home, create a job, raise a family, have a backyard... if you are not willing to serve, it’s not the business for you." — Tammie Gravlee

Tammie Gravlee is the President of Mortgage at Bank of Tennessee. She holds the prestigious Certified Mortgage Banker (CMB) designation and is a dedicated advocate for the industry, frequently spending time in Washington, D.C., to discuss lending policy with senators.

Connect with Tammie:

• LinkedIn: Tammie Gravlee
• Phone/Text: 205-296-9940
• Email: tgravlee@bankoftennessee.com

#MortgageBanking #Homeownership #NashvilleRealEstate #InterestRates #CareerJourney #FinancialLiteracy #NonQM #AmericanDream #Leadership #BehindTheCurtain

In this episode of Behind the Curtain, hosts Steve and Van sit down with Kurt McKeithan, the creative force behind McKeithan Design Studio. A Nashville-based designer and builder with a background in fine art, Kurt shares his journey from growing up in Georgia and Europe to repairing Dutch masterpieces in Beverly Hills, and finally founding his own bespoke design-build firm. Kurt discusses the delicate balance between being an artist and an entrepreneur, the importance of "never stopping learning," and why he prefers high-end, one-of-a-kind projects over mass production. From drawing kitchen layouts directly on a client’s drywall to building secret doors with interactive riddles, this conversation explores how deep craftsmanship and a "photographic memory" for detail can transform a living space into a personal sanctuary.

Episode Highlights The "Beverly Hillbillies" Move to Paris: Kurt explains how moving from Marietta, Georgia, to Paris and London during his youth provided a unique fine art education that would be impossible to find in the U.S. Repairing Masterpieces: Discover how a "fake it until you make it" moment led to a high-stakes job in Beverly Hills repairing 300-year-old Dutch still-life paintings. Design as Living Sculpture: Kurt shares the philosophy of "bespoke" design, where every project is tailored to the individual's personality rather than current trends like the "shiplap" craze. The Secret Doors of Nashville: A look into Kurt’s love for "interactive treasure," including a project featuring secret doors, dioramas, and a phone booth that responds when you pick up the receiver. The Future of Design: Kurt geeks out on the intersection of 3D printing and traditional materials, such as 3D-printing leather textures onto metal bathroom trim.

"Money is not the thing for me. It's the creativity part of it... if you can wake up and do something different every day in that same field and feel like you're doing something to make that person have a better life, that's the stuff I like." — Kurt McKeithan

Featured Guest: Kurt McKeithan Kurt McKeithan is the president and founder of McKeithan Design Studio. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting and Sculpture from Otis College of Art and Design. His firm specializes in custom furniture, high-end kitchens, and full-scale interior environments that prioritize originality and precision. Connect with Kurt: Website: mckeithendesign.com Instagram: @mckeithendesign Phone: (615) 424-5633

#BespokeDesign #NashvilleDesign #FineArt #CustomFurniture #InteriorArchitecture #McKeithanDesignStudio #BehindTheCurtain #Craftsmanship #LuxuryInteriors #3DPrintingDesign