Amanda Hooten is the Founder and CEO of Blaze Solutions, a strategic marketing and branding firm that helps organizations clarify who they are, how they communicate, and how they grow. She’s known for helping leaders and companies turn complex ideas into clear, compelling stories that build trust and drive momentum.

Amanda is a strategic, people-first leader with deep experience in the defense industry — guiding programs, teams, and organizations through growth, complexity, and change.
Her background blends business strategy, program execution, and financial oversight, with a strong track record of building high-performing teams and delivering results. I lead with accountability, integrity, and a focus on clarity — aligning vision with action and making sure the right people are in the right roles to thrive.
Amanda holds an MBA with a focus in Accounting from the University of Alabama in Huntsville and bring over a decade of hands-on experience in program management, contract execution, and operational leadership.
Whether it's standing up a new initiative, turning around a challenged program, or scaling what's already working — She's all in.

Learn more about Amanda and Blaze Solutions http://www.blazesolutions.com

Host/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town with Troy Bye, a brand of the Our Town Company, LLC

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP5NjTsQ72k00C5n7ghLapA

Watch on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/0JwD62zXPncMeFeQdTVomHAudio only available in all other platforms where you get your podcasts.

Follow us on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/our-town-w-troy-bye-50033a234/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourtownpodcast/

Nicole Reynolds is the Sales and Production Manager at Apparel Lab, a custom apparel, merch, and printing studio in Madison, Alabama. In her role, Nicole keeps daily operations running smoothly by coordinating sales and production workflows, managing client orders, and ensuring that custom projects are delivered with care and precision. Known for her strong organizational skills and problem-solving mindset, she helps translate customer ideas into high-quality finished products with attention to detail and excellent service.

Outside of work, Nicole fuels her energy on caffeine, creative problem solving, and local travel—especially when it involves discovering great food and craft coffee. She also enjoys spending time supporting her daughter’s activities and cheering from the sidelines

Learn more about Nicole and Apparel Lab http://www.apparellab.ink

Host/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town with Troy Bye, a brand of the Our Town Company, LLC

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP5NjTsQ72k00C5n7ghLapA

Watch on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/0JwD62zXPncMeFeQdTVomHAudio only available in all other platforms where you get your podcasts.

Follow us on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/our-town-w-troy-bye-50033a234/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourtownpodcast/

Brianna Sistrunk is the reigning Mrs. Alabama America, proudly representing women across the state of Alabama on the national stage. A passionate advocate for faith, family, and female empowerment, Brianna uses her platform to inspire women to embrace their purpose, lead with confidence, and serve their communities with heart.

Beyond the crown, Brianna is a devoted wife and mother who understands the balance of ambition and family life. She is deeply committed to community outreach, mentorship, and encouraging women to pursue their goals unapologetically. Through speaking engagements, service initiatives, and public appearances, she exemplifies grace, leadership, and authenticity.

As Mrs. Alabama America, Brianna is preparing to compete at the Mrs. America competition, where she will represent Alabama among accomplished women from across the country.On this episode, Brianna shares her journey, her heart for service, and what it truly means to wear the crown with purpose.

Learn more about Brianna and the Mrs. Alabama America crown at www.mrsalabamaamerica.com

Host/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town with Troy Bye, a brand of the Our Town Company, LLC

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP5NjTsQ72k00C5n7ghLapA

Watch on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/0JwD62zXPncMeFeQdTVomH

Audio only available in all other platforms where you get your podcasts.

Follow us on social media:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/our-town-w-troy-bye-50033a234/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourtownpodcast/

Episode Timeline:

00:00 Start

01:00 Mrs. America Pageant in Vegas

05:05 Pregnancy Loss

10:10 Search for Support Resources

14:10 Finding Scripture

17:55 Extending Empathy/Sympathy

23:10 Amazing Hospital Staff

30:20 Pageant History

37:25 Mean Girls

39:30 Focus on Family

44:00 Sister Queens

46:25 Preparing for Pageants

55:20 Doing Something the Last Time

58:19 Friendships

01:03:20 The Good Child

01:09:19 Encountering Racism

01:15:18 Heritage

01:21:30 Bahamas