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

This episode pulls back the curtain on one of Nashville’s most disciplined and quietly influential real estate developers: John Boots, founder and CEO of Expedition Group. John has built a career around necessity-based development, long-term thinking, and a deep understanding of how capital, risk, and community needs intersect. This conversation is a masterclass in how real estate should be done: grounded in fundamentals, built on relationships, and focused on long-term value rather than short-term wins. Episode Highlights Why Necessity-Based Development Wins: A breakdown of why childcare, medical, and essential-service assets remain resilient—even as other sectors cycle. The Truth About Market Cycles: Why “history doesn’t repeat, but it rhymes,” and what today’s economic signals mean for developers, investors, and everyday buyers. Risk, Underwriting & Discipline: How John evaluates deals across development, acquisitions, and capital markets—and why disciplined underwriting beats speculation every time. The Power of Tenant Partnerships: Why strong tenant relationships can make or break a project, and how alignment creates long-term stability. Avoiding the Biggest Developer Mistakes: Overleveraging, overpromising, and chasing scale too fast — John breaks down the pitfalls he sees most often.

“Trying to grow too quickly without understanding the market is a recipe for disaster.” — John Boots

Featured Guest: John Boots John Boots is the founder and CEO of Expedition Group, a Nashville-based real estate development and advisory firm specializing in necessity-based, single-tenant, and build-to-suit assets across the Southeast. With a background in banking oversight, distressed asset resolution, and private equity, John brings a uniquely disciplined, capital-first approach to every project. His work spans development, acquisitions, and strategic capital markets advisory, with a focus on long-term value creation and community impact. Connect with John: Website: https://ExpeditionGroup.co LinkedIn: John Boots