In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Milton Bartley, CEO of ImageQuest, who shares his incredible story of service, leadership, and purpose. From his early days in the military to running a successful IT company, Milton opens up about how his life experiences have shaped his commitment to both his employees and his community. We dive into the many ways ImageQuest gives back, from providing free IT services to nonprofits like High Hopes and The New Beginnings Center, to financially supporting Reboot Recovery’s life-changing trauma programs.

Milton also shares how thinking outside the box—like opening a satellite office to eliminate long commutes—has made a huge difference in his team’s lives. And of course, we couldn’t help but geek out a bit about the future of AI, cybersecurity, and the ethical challenges ahead. This episode is packed with heart, business wisdom, and practical ways anyone can make a difference right where they are.

Takeaways:

• Giving back isn't just financial—it's about hands-on involvement and long-term partnerships.
• Strong leadership starts with putting people first, whether it's employees, clients, or the community.
• ImageQuest’s donated IT services help nonprofits like High Hopes, allowing them to serve more families.
• Reboot Recovery provides trauma healing and suicide prevention for veterans and first responders through science-based group therapy.
• The New Beginnings Center empowers women to break unhealthy cycles through fitness, nutrition, and education.
• Opening a satellite office in Dixon dramatically improved work-life balance for employees facing long commutes.
• Investing in employees with $5,000 vacations every five years builds loyalty and creates lifelong memories.
• Building a thriving company culture comes from hiring people with servant hearts who find fulfillment in helping others.

ImageQuest
https://www.imagequest.com/

You Matter Nashville YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@YouMatterNashville

The Hoover Team
https://www.thehooverteam.com/

In this inspiring episode of You Matter Nashville, we sat down with Melissa Spradlin, executive director of Book’em, a nonprofit dedicated to boosting children's literacy in Nashville since 1989. Melissa shared her journey from growing up with educator parents to finding her passion for literacy and community service. She gave us a look inside Book’em’s mission of getting books into kids' hands and fostering a love of reading through volunteers who serve as reading role models.

We also talked about the challenges nonprofits face—like limited space and funding—and how the community continues to step up through book drives, donations, and even a donated bus that now acts as a mobile library. Melissa’s vision for the future is bold: more books, more volunteers, and more impact. Whether you donate, volunteer, or spread the word, every effort helps inspire the next generation of readers.

Takeaway:

• Book’em has been promoting children's literacy in Nashville for over 35 years.
• Melissa’s personal story reflects a deep-rooted love for education and community impact.
• Volunteers are at the heart of their mission, reading to classrooms and inspiring young readers.
• Book donations come from everywhere—individuals, schools, businesses, and even big publishers.
• Their mobile book bus is a creative way to bring books directly to the community!
• Fundraising and space constraints are big challenges, but the passion for literacy keeps them moving forward.
• Book’em’s annual fundraiser breakfast is coming up in September—an easy, inspiring way to get involved.
• Donating books or money (even small amounts) makes a huge difference—just $2.50 can provide a book!
• Volunteers can also help by sorting books or delivering them to schools.

Book'em
https://bookem-kids.org/

You Matter Nashville YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@YouMatterNashville

The Hoover Team
https://www.thehooverteam.com/

In this episode of You Matter Nashville, we sat down with Jenny Rustioni and Natalie Lemarbre of Eli’s House, a life-changing nonprofit based right here in Franklin. Eli’s House is a faith-based two-year residential program where moms and their children heal together after trauma. Jenny and Natalie shared their heartfelt journey of turning personal pain into purpose, equipping families to not just survive but thrive.

We talked about everything from equine therapy and emotional intelligence to the transformative power of faith and community. Hearing how Eli’s House is breaking generational cycles and restoring dignity, confidence, and hope was truly incredible. This is a story of redemption, resilience, and unwavering love—and we left this conversation more inspired than ever.

Takeaways:

• Eli’s House provides a safe, healing place for moms and kids to overcome trauma—together.
• Their unique two-year residential program includes emotional intelligence training, spiritual development, trauma-informed therapy, and vocational prep.
• Equine therapy plays a key role in helping moms and kids reconnect and heal in a powerful way.
• The organization focuses on deep, personal connections—serving just five families at a time for meaningful transformation.
• Eli’s House stays connected with families even after graduation, offering continued support and love.
• There are many ways to get involved, from volunteering with childcare and transportation to hosting luncheons or supporting their annual fundraiser.
• Eli’s House is driven by faith, compassion, and a fierce commitment to breaking cycles of trauma for generations to come.

E.L.I.'s House
https://www.elishouse.org/

You Matter Nashville YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@YouMatterNashville

The Hoover Team
https://www.thehooverteam.com/