STARTUP FINALISTS
Paul Oakley
Tiny Mighty Communications
After 20 years in corporate America, Paul recognized the gap in agencies equipped to serve the industrial and technical B2B sectors. Fueled by his entrepreneurial spirit, Paul founded Tiny Mighty Communications during the pandemic, right from his living room. His aim is to provide deeply integrated, data-driven marketing and communications strategies for global brands. The firm quickly surpassed $2 million in revenue while retaining its first client, and expanded to serve Fortune 500 companies. With strong growth and expansion plans, his mid-term goal is to create jobs for top local communicators. He also aims to establish a nonprofit to teach kids writing and protect the First Amendment.
Paul is deeply involved in the Nashville community, serving on boards like Friends of Warner Parks and the Hemp Alliance of Tennessee. He is currently a member of The Nashville EC, EO, PRSA, IABC, and the Rotary Club of Nashville. Under his leadership, Tiny Mighty has gone international, completing a major project in Europe, and his team has won multiple top Parthenon awards. Notably, Paul also led one of Nashville’s most successful mayoral forums in 2023, focusing on the city’s children and youth.
Jennifer Horne
Urban Campus & Core
In 2019, Jennifer launched Urban Campus & Core, a real estate development and advisory firm with a mission to optimize underutilized assets and drive equitable economic growth. Jennifer passionately stated, “There are generations of landowners in communities that have a vested interest in the growth and development of their neighborhoods, but are often unable to participate in development based on net worth. I wanted to structure opportunities for more equitable development that not only let diverse voices shape new
development but share in the returns.”
Her innovative approach to impact-driven community development has not gone unnoticed. Jennifer was spotlighted in the Nashville Business Journal for her groundbreaking work in fostering equitable investment opportunities. She is a graduate of the Urban League of Middle Tennessee’s RED Academy, sponsored by Amazon, and is a recent Braintrust Key Club Inductee. In 2023, her relentless dedication was recognized with the prestigious Pathway Lending Impact Award, a testament to her unwavering commitment to creating a more just and inclusive future.
Woody Baum
Local Infusion
Local Infusion provides specialized infusion therapy for patients with chronic autoimmune diseases in low cost near-home centers. With a keen focus on brand and technology, Local Infusion delivers faster, more affordable care with a superior experience compared to competitors. This significantly cuts costs for patients, health plans, and employers. Woody explains, “Few companies were focused on care beyond the four walls. We saw an opportunity to leverage technology to layer on care coordination and drive additional savings for these patient populations.”
By establishing Local Infusion in Middle Tennessee, Woody hopes to build a new local talent hub with a vision to foster and fund new startups in the future.
Woody’s commitment extends beyond his company. He serves on the board of his neighborhood association, volunteered for the Freddie O’Connell campaign, and mentors early-stage startups. His exceptional leadership has propelled Local Infusion to become one of the fastest-growing companies in the country, raising over $14 million and reaching a $40 million run rate in under 18 months. Woody has turned Local Infusion into the largest company of its kind in its market, earning recognition from Axios and a nomination to the Advisory Committee of the National Infusion Center Association.
GROWTH FINALISTS
Angela Lee
Blessed Beginnings
Angela started Blessed Beginnings in 2009 with a “deep passion for helping moms feel equipped and confident in feeding their babies.” What started as a heartfelt mission has now grown into a powerhouse team of 14 board-certified lactation consultants and counselors, delivering top-tier, insurance-approved in-home care to families across Middle Tennessee. Specializing in advanced lactation techniques, Blessed Beginnings is on a mission to set the gold standard in private practice lactation care. Angela shared, “I wanted to help remove the doubts that can sometimes creep in when parents are worried about feeding their baby, while allowing them to remain in the comfort of their own home.”
Angela’s efforts have caught the attention of many, leading to her feature in Nashville Voyage magazine as an emerging entrepreneur. Her expertise and leadership in the field have also earned her a spot on the Advisory Board of Directors for the Lactation Network, a national 3rd party insurance processor. Angela continues to share her knowledge as an industry expert at numerous events for new and expecting parents. In January 2024, she further expanded her impact by developing and launching an internship program designed to train the best and brightest up-and-coming lactation consultants, as a method for growing the profession.
Rachelle Reigard
Grade A Construction
Rachelle launched Grade A Construction in 2013 when she found herself at a career crossroads and discovered a booming demand for sitework in Nashville’s rapidly growing economy. She shared, “While I was looking for something different, I was lured with the dream and inspiration of a brighter Nashville. We wanted to build that Nashville for everyone!” Today, Grade A Construction is a powerhouse in sitework, handling everything from grading and site utilities to asphalt paving, blasting, concrete work, erosion control, and full project management.
Grade A Construction helps drive Middle Tennessee’s future by laying the foundation for sustainable growth, infrastructure development, and job creation. Their work supports the expansion of housing initiatives, which in turn fosters community and educational improvements across the region.
Rachelle’s leadership and impact haven’t gone unnoticed. She was selected for the prestigious EY Winning Women Class of 2024, joining 20 other remarkable women nationwide. In addition, Rachelle has been named the 2025 Chairperson of the Mt. Juliet Chamber of Commerce and elected to the 2024-2025 class for Leadership Wilson. She leads a dedicated team of over 150 men and women who are the best in their field, driving excellence in every project they undertake.
Kate Feriante
Redwood Literacy
Kate spent nearly a decade in the public school system as a passionate Special Education teacher, honing her specialized literacy intervention skills to help students unlock the power of reading. When she transitioned to her own private practice, she quickly identified a critical gap—access to these essential interventions. Determined to make a difference, Kate founded Redwood Literacy in 2018, bridging the gap between top-tier intervention techniques and real-world classrooms filled with students in the bottom 20% of standardized test scores.
Redwood Literacy isn’t just about education; it’s about creating lasting impact. The company offers well-paying, sustainable jobs for learning behavior specialists while connecting schools with high-quality instructors they’d otherwise miss out on. Kate’s vision and leadership have propelled the company to incredible heights, surpassing the $2 million revenue mark last year and expanding to four different entities in just six years.
Since relocating to Nashville in July 2022, Kate has taken on a consulting role with Vanderbilt University as they prepare to launch a specialized school for students with dyslexia in August 2024. She’s also joined BrainTrust, connecting with other female Founders & CEOs, eager to deepen her contribution to this vibrant community. And the excitement doesn’t stop there—Kate is actively scouting properties for Redwood Literacy’s first Nashville in-person location, set to open in 2025!
To see other 2024 finalists, visit our NEXT Awards page or browse news.
