In this episode, we sit down with Mike Werner, the longtime Mayor of Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Mike shares his fascinating journey from first visiting Gatlinburg in 1976 to becoming its mayor and a pillar of the community.

Mike's story begins with an impulse property purchase in Walden's Creek, which led to him relocating his family to Gatlinburg in 1980 without a job or a home. He recounts building his first house from poplar logs and the community support he received, setting the tone for his deep connection to Gatlinburg.

We explore Mike's professional path, from working in land surveying and construction to selling condominiums and eventually running the Highlands condominiums until the devastating 2016 fires. Mike provides insights into Gatlinburg's unique character, describing a town with less than 4,000 residents that hosts up to 60,000 nightly visitors.

A significant portion of the conversation focuses on the 2016 wildfires that ravaged Gatlinburg. Mike shares his experiences as mayor during this crisis, including the decision to evacuate and his role in leading the community's response. He introduces the "Mountain Tough" slogan that became a symbol of the town's resilience.

Mike also pays tribute to influential community members like Bud Ogle, Jim Gerding, and Xeno Wall, emphasizing the importance of stewardship and genuine hospitality in Gatlinburg's success. He discusses ongoing initiatives to improve the downtown area, maintain the town's character through code enforcement, and plan for the future.

Throughout the episode, Mike's love for Gatlinburg and its people shines through. He shares anecdotes about international visitors, community projects like Rocky Top Sports World, and his vision for preserving Gatlinburg's unique charm while adapting to future needs.

The conversation concludes with reflections on Gatlinburg's enduring appeal and the community's spirit of hospitality and resilience. Listeners will come away with a deep appreciation for this mountain town and the dedicated leadership that has helped shape its character over the years.

Cindy Cameron Ogle has been a cornerstone of Gatlinburg's growth and development for nearly five decades, serving as the city's longest-tenured City Manager from 1989 to 2023. Her journey from a South Knoxville native to Gatlinburg's most influential public servant is a testament to her dedication, vision, and resilience. Ogle's career in public service began in 1974 when she worked for U.S. Congressman John Duncan, Sr. After a brief stint at the University of Tennessee's Department of Head Start Training, she joined the City of Gatlinburg in 1978 as a Grants Coordinator. Her capabilities quickly propelled her to the position of Assistant City Manager that same year.

During her 35-year tenure as City Manager, Ogle spearheaded numerous initiatives that shaped modern Gatlinburg. She drove annual revenue growth from $19.7 million in 1988 to over $100 million in 2023, established various green initiatives, developed Rocky Top Sports World—a flagship venue for youth sports tourism—and played a crucial role in projects like the Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies and the development of a convention center. Ogle's leadership was particularly evident during times of crisis, as she guided the community through economic downturns, the COVID-19 pandemic, and most notably, the devastating wildfires of 2016. Her unwavering commitment to the city during these challenging times earned her widespread respect and admiration.

Ogle's contributions to Gatlinburg have been widely recognized; she received the Zeno Wall Jr. Tourism Award in 2022 for her contributions to tourism growth and promotion and was appointed to the University of Tennessee's Baker School of Public Policy and Public Affairs Graduate Advisory Board. Additionally, she served on various boards, including the Gatlinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors and the Safe Harbor Child Advocacy Center Board of Directors. Throughout her career, Ogle has been driven by a deep faith and an unwavering commitment to Gatlinburg. Her vision for the city has always been to maintain its unique charm while fostering economic growth. As she puts it, "I think that God intended for me to stay in Gatlinburg and to ultimately do what I have been blessed to do all these years."

Cindy Cameron Ogle's legacy in Gatlinburg is one of transformative leadership, community dedication, and resilient spirit. Her nearly half-century of service has not only shaped the city's physical landscape but also strengthened its community bonds, setting a high standard for public service and civic leadership.

Chad Netherland, the President and CEO of Visit Gatlinburg, highlights the town's unique charm and its ongoing evolution while sharing his personal connection to the area. Netherland emphasizes Gatlinburg's spectacular scenery and its rich history, having spent summers there since childhood.

In his role as President and CEO of the Gatlinburg Convention Center and Visitors Bureau, Chad focuses on balancing economic growth with preserving Gatlinburg's character, noting the introduction of new restaurants and nightlife options while community groups actively work to prevent over-commercialization. The town is surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and features over 50 attractions, including the Ober Mountain Aerial Tram and Tennessee's only ski resort. Key events like the 50th anniversary of the Fantasy Lights Christmas Parade and the unique midnight Fourth of July Parade reflect Gatlinburg's vibrant community spirit.

Netherland discusses marketing strategies aimed at attracting diverse visitors, particularly from international markets, while enhancing safety and accessibility. He highlights the importance of preserving Gatlinburg’s arts and crafts community and musical heritage, encouraging new businesses to incorporate local history into their branding. The podcast underscores ongoing efforts to maintain Gatlinburg’s unique character amidst growth, with plans for infrastructure improvements and enhanced visitor experiences.

Overall, Netherland's insights reveal a commitment to ensuring that Gatlinburg remains a cherished destination that embraces both its rich heritage and opportunities for future development.

In the official trailer for the For the Love of Gatlinburg podcast, host Tom Goodwin shares about his first encounter with Gatlinburg and how that visit significantly altered the course of his life. He reflects on the unique charm and experiences that Gatlinburg offers, setting the stage for what listeners can expect in the upcoming first season of the podcast.