Today we’d like to introduce you to Pj Barnes.
Hi Pj, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was raised right here in Crossville, and a big part of who I am comes from growing up surrounded by the community assets that make this place special — our parks, our golf courses, our local businesses, and the people who poured into me. Those experiences shaped my understanding of what community really means.
I started college at 16 and earned my bachelor’s degree by the time I was 20, which opened the door for me to begin working in small business development. That season taught me how much I love helping people grow — whether it’s a business owner trying to take the next step or a young leader finding confidence in their path.
Over time, that passion led me into roles where I could make an even broader impact. Today, I’m grateful to serve as the Director of Tourism for Crossville-Cumberland County and Executive Director of Downtown Crossville Inc., while also running a few small ventures focused on consulting, media, and leadership.
My journey hasn’t been traditional, but it’s been rooted in one thing from the beginning: a desire to serve, uplift, and make a difference in the same community that shaped me. Everything I do now is really just an extension of that — honoring where I came from while helping build what’s next for Crossville.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Early on, I had big dreams of working in the golf industry and even spent time in Nashville trying to carve out that path. I wanted to “go big,” make a name for myself, and break into an industry I loved — but it simply didn’t work out the way I thought it would. At the time, it felt like a setback. I questioned my direction, my timing, even my purpose.
But looking back, that difficult season pushed me exactly where I needed to be. Leaving Nashville and stepping away from the golf world opened the door to roles that were far more meaningful. It’s what led me into small business development, community work, and ultimately into this position serving as Director of Tourism and Executive Director of Downtown Crossville Inc.
The truth is, I found fulfillment where I didn’t originally think to look — in helping people, building community, and pouring into the place that raised me. The challenging parts of the journey ended up giving me clarity, humility, and a deeper sense of purpose.
I’ve learned that all things worthwhile are hard, and sometimes the path that feels like a detour is actually the one building you for what comes next. My story is proof that closed doors aren’t failures — they’re redirects toward something better.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
In my work, I get to blend community development, tourism, and service — three things I genuinely care about. As the Director of Tourism for Crossville-Cumberland County and Executive Director of Downtown Crossville Inc., a big part of my role is helping people discover what makes this place special. But what many don’t realize is that tourism isn’t just about attracting visitors — it’s about strengthening the people who already live here. Healthy communities create great destinations, so I focus just as much on the internal side as the external: supporting local businesses, building pride, and helping our residents feel more connected to where they live.
I’ve become known as someone who’s always willing to help — a resource people can reach out to, whether they’re starting a business, planning an event, or just trying to find the right direction. That’s something I take pride in, because serving others is at the core of everything I do.
What I’m most proud of is the progress we’ve made in such a short amount of time. From major tourism initiatives to stronger partnerships, to Crossville officially becoming a Tennessee Main Street community — it’s been incredibly rewarding to see real momentum building. None of it has happened overnight, but seeing tangible results in the community makes every bit of effort worth it.
Being so young in this field — just 22 — gives me a unique perspective. I understand what younger generations look for in a place to live, visit, or invest in, and I think that helps me showcase Crossville in fresh, creative ways. I get to be both a lifelong local and someone still close enough to the “next generation” to know how to reach them. That combination has become one of my greatest strengths.
At the end of the day, my work is about people — helping them, connecting them, and telling the story of a community I believe in. That’s what sets me apart, and that’s what drives me every day.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
Luck has played a role in my life, but not always in the way people would expect. I’ve had moments of what felt like “bad luck” — opportunities that didn’t pan out, doors that closed, seasons where plans fell apart. At the time, those moments were frustrating, especially when I was trying to break into the golf industry or build a career path I thought I wanted. But what felt like bad luck actually pushed me toward the work I’m doing now, which has brought me far more fulfillment and purpose.
I’ve also experienced moments of good luck — being surrounded by the right people, growing up in a community that invests in its young leaders, and having mentors who believed in me early. But even those moments only mattered because I was willing to work hard, stay consistent, and take advantage of the opportunities that showed up.
I’ve learned that luck can open a door, but it’s your character and effort that determine what happens once you walk through it. The “unlucky” detours have shaped my resilience, and the “lucky” breaks have reminded me to stay grateful and grounded.
In the end, I see luck as something that works together with preparation. When you show up consistently, serve people well, and stay open to new directions, even the setbacks can turn into stepping stones. My story is proof of that.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://explorecrossville.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/explorecrossville/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/explorecrossville
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExploreCrossville
