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Business

Monster Tree Service puts down new roots

September 23, 2026 by Tammy Cheek

Monster Tree Service of Knoxville, 209 Hayfield Road, off Parkside Drive, has a new face at the helm with plans to expand.

Jeff Helie and his wife, Cheryl, purchased the company Monday, Aug. 31, after Jeff worked for the previous owner, Don Elliott, since February. Then Elliott offered to sell the company to the Helies. Prior to that, Elliott owned the company since 2019.

Helie plans to move the company to 6245 Primus Road, between Callahan Drive and Merchant Drive off Interstate 75 North, in November to accommodate its growth.

“For a long time, I’ve wanted to be an entrepreneur and business owner,” Jeff Helie said. “I just needed the right fit.”

“The owner actually reached out to me … to come over, and you know, run my business and see how we can make it better,” he recalled. “I really wasn’t really looking for a job.”

Then Elliott offered the ownership. Helie discussed the purchase with Cheryl, and made the move on Sept. 1.

“I knew what this business was capable of, but it’s just more than tree service; it’s making properties safe and looking good,” he said.

He explained Monster Tree Service, a full-service company that does tree removals, pruning, trimming, stump grinding, land clearing and excavation.

Pilot honors drivers with special event

September 23, 2026 by Jake Nichols

On Thursday, Sept. 17, Pilot celebrated Driver Appreciation Month by handing out goodies to drivers at the Pilot Travel Center No. 270 located at 314 Lovell Road.

Sunglasses, koozies, pens, Pilot hats, blankets, lunchboxes, gas cards and energy drinks were just a few of the items available, as this event was one of several the Pilot organization is holding across the country in recognition of this month.

The travel center also is recognizing Driver Appreciation Month through its annual Road Warrior contest. Nominations for this year’s Road Warrior contest are now open, as one outstanding professional driver will be recognized with a Kenworth W990 truck customized by the Diesel Brothers and a $50,000 cash prize, according to a release from Pilot Travel Center.

The Kenworth W990 truck embodies everything expected from “the driver’s truck,” per the release, with a 52-inch flat top sleeper equipped with a Diamond VIT interior, powered by a PACCAR MX-13 engine that delivers 510 horsepower and 1,850 lb-ft of torque via a PACCAR TX-18 transmission.

“Professional drivers do much more than deliver freight. They connect communities, support businesses and help power everyday life,” said Rusty Kirby, vice president of transportation and logistics at Pilot. “We’re honored to recognize one exceptional driver and celebrate the hardworking people who make this industry possible.”

business briefs

September 23, 2026 by

• Rather & Kittrell Private Wealth & Retirement Plan Advisory has announced Courtney Narkoff has joined the firm as marketing associate and Dylan Souther has joined as associate advisor.

Narkoff will support RK’s marketing and communication efforts, including content development, digital marketing, community outreach, events and other initiatives, which help the firm connect with clients and prospective clients.

Souther will be working with existing RK advisors to help clients make informed decisions with their money.

• Y-12 Credit Union recently announced plans to open its 25th branch location in the Rocky Hill area of West Knoxville in the fourth quarter of 2026.

Located at 7709 S. Northshore Drive, the renovated facility will expand access to Y-12 Credit Union’s financial services and reinforce its commitment to serving the growing Knoxville community. The Rocky Hill branch will offer a full range of financial services, including personal and business banking, mortgages, consumer loans, investment services and Y-12 Credit Union’s award-winning digital banking solutions.

• Marble City Opera recently announced the appointment of Lisa Muci Eckhoff as the company’s new managing director. Working in partnership with founding artistic director Kathryn Frady and the Marble City Opera board of directors, Eckhoff will oversee the organization’s administrative operations, fundraising, community partnerships, marketing and strategic development as Marble City Opera continues to expand its impact throughout East Tennessee.