OUR FLAGSHIP PROGRAMCURRENT CLASS
Ryan Connor
Mollenhour Gross, LLC
President
Hometown: Knoxville, TN
What is your vision for Knoxville 10 years from now?
We're fortunate to live in a special place. I would like to see Knoxville continue its thoughtful and sustainable growth trajectory, while strengthening its status as a great place to raise a family, pursue learning, grow a business, and explore nature's wonder.
What is Knoxville's Best Kept Secret?
House Mountain or Urban Wilderness, followed by a stop at UT Creamery or Albright Grove.
What would you do to strengthen Knoxville?
Continue to prioritize early childhood education; strengthen our already-strong public school system; and cultivate a community that encourages, supports, and attracts entrepreneurship.
What is your favorite Knoxville memory?
Too many to count. I was born here, raised here, married here - became a father here.
What is your favorite book or what book is currently on your nightstand?
Currently on nightstand - Coup: The Day the Democrats Ousted Their Governor, by Keel Hunt. It's an interesting glimpse into an episode of Tennessee history of which I was previously ignorant.
What is the best advice you have received from a mentor, and who was that mentor?
Don't be afraid to bet on yourself. - Anonymous.
What advice would you give to your 16 year old self?
A lot - Study abroad, take a computer science course, fail more frequently, go to the mountains, buy Bitcoin the first time you hear about it.