Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin Martinez
Justin, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Justin, a former Sergeant in the United States Army, brings a wealth of experience and dedication from his military service, marked by numerous awards and commendations. He completed the rigorous U.S. Army Ranger Leadership Course, deployed to Afghanistan for nine months as part of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), and received an honorable discharge in 2015.
Following his military service, Justin pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Business Entrepreneurship and a Master’s in Real Estate Development. During his college years, he successfully managed door-to-door sales teams and launched a thriving healthy vending machine business. In 2021, he moved to Tennessee to settle in the place he always envisioned as home, stating:
“I always felt like I was meant to live in Tennessee; it’s where I want my future children to grow up.”
Upon arriving in Tennessee, Justin built a successful real estate portfolio, investing in both Airbnb rentals and single-family homes. However, he noticed a gap in resources for connecting with local businesses and communities. This challenge inspired his vision for a platform that could streamline access to Knoxville’s services and communities. With this goal in mind, Justin partnered with Patrick Miley Jr. (Miley), and together they founded Connecting Knox, LLC., aiming to develop a must-have app for everything Knoxville.
The concept for Connecting Knox was rooted in a simple but impactful idea: to foster stronger community connections. In today’s digital age, we have access to endless information, but it’s often dispersed across multiple sources, making it challenging to locate exactly what we need. For people frequently relocating, like myself, finding local organizations, clubs, and activities can be particularly difficult.
For newcomers, one of the first things they look for are popular spots to eat, whether that’s the best pizza place, a great burger joint, or somewhere to enjoy a healthy salad. Often, though, this simple search becomes overwhelming, as they sift through numerous blogs and reviews, leading to “paralysis by analysis” with too many choices.
Additionally, when settling into a new city, finding reliable home service providers—be it a painter, roofer, carpenter, or landscaper—can be daunting due to the sheer number of options.
I envisioned a platform to connect homeowners with trusted local providers, bridging the gap between people and local businesses. After hiring Miley as operations manager, we collaborated extensively, refining the concept through countless whiteboard sessions and late nights. With a talented development team, Connecting Knox began to take shape, designed to help Knoxville residents connect effortlessly and navigate the city with confidence. I’m as excited to use the app myself as I am to share it with the community!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The journey has been mostly smooth, though we’ve faced some challenges along the way, particularly with our initial product pitch. For instance, some business owners, especially those in home services, have shown reluctance toward digital marketing. Many compare our app to platforms like Angi’s List, with which they’ve had negative experiences, and this comparison has created some hesitancy. Additionally, as newcomers to the market, we lack the established credibility of other major players, which can affect trust early on.
On the restaurant side, several owners have voiced concerns that their industry still hasn’t fully bounced back from inflation and COVID-19, making them cautious about investing in a new product at this time.
In response, we’ve shifted our approach to ensure Connecting Knox delivers value tailored to Knoxville. We’re expanding our platform to include a robust Events & Community section that serves residents, students, and tourists alike. This addition fosters a sense of connection within Knoxville, attracting users who in turn benefit local businesses, enhancing visibility for restaurants and home services listed on our app.
Our strategic, gradual rollout allows the Knoxville community to adopt the app organically, ensuring sustainable growth and long-term success for Connecting Knox.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Connecting Knox is designed to become Knoxville’s go-to app for all things local. Whether it’s events, organizations, restaurants, or home services, the goal is for Connecting Knox to be the first resource that comes to mind. With multiple versions planned, each update will enhance the user experience while capturing the essence and culture of Knoxville.
Having personally experienced the challenge of finding reliable local services, businesses, and events, the founders set out to create an app that would centralize Knoxville’s best. Connecting Knox is set to launch with three main sections:
Top-Rated Local Services – This section will feature a curated list of the top five providers in essential service areas like roofing, plumbing, and electrical work, chosen based on local recommendations and reviews to ensure quality and trust.
Food, Drink, and Entertainment – From cozy coffee spots to authentic Italian eateries, this section highlights top-rated dining and entertainment venues, making it easier for users to discover Knoxville’s culinary and social scene.
Community Events and Clubs – A comprehensive calendar of events, groups, and clubs will help residents and newcomers alike engage with Knoxville’s vibrant community.
Driven by a mission to make Knoxville more accessible and connected, Connecting Knox aspires to be a trusted local guide for both new arrivals and long-time residents. Currently in development, the app’s beta version is anticipated soon. The founders are dedicated to building a tool that strengthens Knoxville’s sense of community and fosters authentic connections.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Connecting Knox is committed to partnering with top-rated local businesses, fostering prosperity within the Knoxville community, and delivering a seamless, user-centered experience. Our vision includes the CK Guarantee, assuring users that every business featured on the app is reputable, highly rated, and professional.
We are dedicated to upholding the highest standards and prioritizing our users’ needs by providing reliable, up-to-date information and resources. Whether it’s finding trusted home services, discovering local businesses, or exploring entertainment options, Connecting Knox aims to be the definitive, trusted source for all things Knoxville.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.connectingknox.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/thecompoundercoach
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566245364223&mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CompoundEffectCoaching
