Charter Construction: Retirement Celebration Case Study

Charter-Retirement-Skyline
charter construction logo white

Celebrating a Legacy of Leadership

When longtime Charter Construction leader Turner Talley announced his retirement, his team knew they wanted to host a send-off that celebrated his legacy and honored the values he championed.

As Charter’s strategic marketing partner, Green Apple Strategy had the privilege of helping bring this vision to life. Together, we created an unforgettable day that reflected Turner’s leadership, honored the people behind Charter’s success, and marked a pivotal moment in the company’s history.

– Event Branding –

Celebrating the People Behind the Success

From the beginning, it was clear that this event needed to honor Turner’s retirement while celebrating the Charter family. Turner, known for his humility and people-first leadership style, would never want the spotlight solely on himself. With that in mind, we designed the event to reflect his legacy through the lens of Charter’s collective success.

The retirement celebration was held at GEODIS Park, one of Charter Construction’s most high-profile and meaningful projects in recent years. The venue not only provided a stunning backdrop but also felt deeply personal to both Turner and the Charter team. We partnered closely with the staff at GEODIS Park to offer guests exclusive behind-the-scenes tours, creating a full-circle moment that tied Turner’s leadership to one of Charter’s standout achievements.

From the branded jumbotron to digital displays and banner backdrops, the event was a celebration of Charter’s identity, intentionally crafted to showcase the people, culture, and community that made Turner’s journey so impactful. Every detail reflected Charter’s brand and the values Turner helped instill.

– Surprise Video –

A Heartfelt Tribute to a Memorable Career

One of the most moving moments of the event was a surprise retirement video carefully planned and kept under wraps until the day of the event. In the weeks leading up to the party, Green Apple worked behind the scenes to interview 28 of Turner’s closest friends and family members. 

The result was an emotional, heartfelt tribute that reflected Turner’s professional and personal impact. The surprise video played during the event and left a lasting impression on everyone in the room—including Turner, who was genuinely touched by the gesture.

In addition to the pre-recorded footage, we partnered with a video team on-site during the event to capture additional tributes and memories from attendees. These post-event recordings invited guests to share in the moment and gave Turner something personal to hold onto as he stepped into his next chapter.

– Results –

A Legacy Worth Celebrating

Turner’s retirement celebration brought together 198 guests, each representing the relationships, milestones, and achievements that shaped his career.

From start to finish, the event embodied everything Turner stood for: humility, excellence, and a deep appreciation for people.

Most importantly, the Charter team—and Turner himself—were thrilled with the outcome. The event flow was seamless, allowing everyone to fully enjoy the moment without worrying about logistics. Green Apple handled the planning, coordination, and storytelling, allowing the Charter team to focus on what mattered most: celebrating one of their own.

Client Testimonial

“Green Apple Strategy did an outstanding job coordinating Turner’s retirement party.  It felt effortless on our end because they had it under control the whole time.  They listened carefully, communicated consistently, and executed flawlessly.  It allowed me to focus on celebrating my friend, and they took care of the rest.  I still get comments to this day on how remarkable that event was.  Their creativity and vision made the event heartfelt and memorable.  I can’t recommend them highly enough.” – Richard Wilson, President & CEO of Charter Construction

– Creative –

What We Did

Event Planning and Management, Brand Design, Messaging Strategy, Video Scripting & Production, Marketing Collateral Design, PR, Email Marketing, Social Media

Charter-Retirement-Banners
Charter-Retirement-Skyline
charter construction retirement video

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Customer

Testimonials

President & Founder
Green Apple has been a helpful partner as we’ve launched our platform, learned together, and adjusted to help more patients and their families through CaringWays. It’s evident their team cares about our mission, which makes our work together easy and enjoyable.
Kristi Morrow
CaringWays
COO
Green Apple has successfully implemented various strategies and projects that have both increased our brand recognition and directly driven business to our organization. Our dedicated Green Apple team is knowledgeable in what they do, produces quality work on time, and is flexible in pivoting to our ever-changing priorities. We’ve been very happy with the results of our relationship together and would highly recommend their service.
Charlie Kunberger
ATECH
CEO
Samantha and her team at Green Apple Strategy will treat your company like their own. They will take the time to get to know who your Company is, what it stands for, and who you are, personally. I'm very grateful to work with the team, each member specializing in a different marketing and communication segment. I highly recommend partnering with Green Apple Strategy for all marketing strategy
Kathleen Maxwell
Maxwell Roofing
Marketing Manager
The Green Apple team is a trusted partner in our marketing activities and goals. Their team of experts consistently works to exceed our expectations to provide insightful solutions to engage and connect with families. We are grateful for their hard work and dedication.
Joy Haynes
The Gardner School
Practice Leader
Sam and the Green Apple team have worked hard to learn our business and help us develop a strategy to best represent our company to our clients. They are professional, responsive, and creative — the perfect combination for a marketing partner!
Mark Burnette
LBMC Advisory Services

Saffire: Crafting a Buzzworthy Comeback for a Local Favorite.

pr photos at saffire restaurant

Crafting a Culinary Comeback

Saffire Restaurant was a beloved Franklin, TN staple for 17 years, known for its innovative menu and vibrant atmosphere. After closing its doors in 2018, celebrated chef and restaurateur Tom Morales saw an exciting opportunity to revive the brand, honoring its roots while introducing fresh ideas to captivate a new generation of diners.

Drawing on its proven expertise in hospitality marketing and PR, Green Apple crafted an earned media campaign to reintroduce Saffire as a culinary leader in Nashville’s competitive dining scene.

– Strategic Event Planning –

Cooking Up Excitement for the Grand Opening

Green Apple Strategy collaborated closely with Saffire’s management to create a buzz-worthy grand opening celebration. The centerpiece of the campaign was an exclusive soft launch party designed to connect Saffire with influential media personalities and local tastemakers.

Green Apple curated a list of 30-40 priority guests, including media professionals and social influencers with strong ties to Nashville’s food and lifestyle communities. The team managed every detail, from identifying the right invitees to crafting and sending personalized invitations that reflected Saffire’s brand.

One highlight of the event was coordinating a site tour, tasting experience, and exclusive interview with Julia Masters, an entertainment business reporter for the Nashville Business Journal. This ensured high-quality media coverage while showcasing Saffire’s reinvigorated vision.

To complement the event, Green Apple developed a compelling press release that positioned Saffire as a reinvented icon. This release was distributed to key outlets, generating initial buzz and setting the stage for ongoing media interest.

– Targeted Media Pitches –

Serving Stories That Stick

Beyond the grand opening, Green Apple maintained momentum by crafting tailored pitches that highlighted Saffire’s unique offerings. From its innovative cocktail menu to its curated happy hours and exclusive menu items, every pitch emphasized what made Saffire stand out in the crowded Nashville food scene.

Targeted outreach focused on securing placements in local media outlets that resonated with Saffire’s ideal audience. Publications like StyleBlueprint, Edible Nashville, and Brentwood Lifestyles were among the campaign’s primary targets. Green Apple also coordinated interviews with media and influencer guests to keep Saffire top of mind and consistently featured in conversations about Nashville’s culinary hotspots.

– Results –

A Grand Return to the Spotlight

Green Apple’s earned media strategy delivered impressive results, reestablishing Saffire as a culinary gem in Nashville. In the two months following the grand opening:

  • Saffire received 35 mentions in prominent media outlets, including feature articles in Nashville Business Journal, The Tennessean, Brentwood Lifestyles, and The Nashville Post.
  • The campaign generated $1.01 million in AVE (Advertising Value Equivalent), demonstrating the significant impact of the PR efforts.

Saffire’s grand reopening successfully positioned the restaurant as one with a rich history and an exciting new chapter in Nashville’s food culture.

Client Testimonials

“Green Apple’s thoughtful approach and attention to detail ensured that our story not only captured the essence of Saffire’s culinary legacy but also stood out in Nashville’s vibrant food scene.”

“​​Green Apple’s expertise in hospitality PR and their relational approach to media outreach brought Saffire’s story to life in ways that made our return a celebrated moment in the community.”

– Creative –

What We Did

Messaging Strategy, Event Planning, Media Relations, PR, Email Marketing

saffire restaurant front door entrance
saffire restaurant merchandise
saffire restaurant bar
saffire restaurant in nashville

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Testimonials

President & Founder
Green Apple has been a helpful partner as we’ve launched our platform, learned together, and adjusted to help more patients and their families through CaringWays. It’s evident their team cares about our mission, which makes our work together easy and enjoyable.
Kristi Morrow
CaringWays
COO
Green Apple has successfully implemented various strategies and projects that have both increased our brand recognition and directly driven business to our organization. Our dedicated Green Apple team is knowledgeable in what they do, produces quality work on time, and is flexible in pivoting to our ever-changing priorities. We’ve been very happy with the results of our relationship together and would highly recommend their service.
Charlie Kunberger
ATECH
CEO
Samantha and her team at Green Apple Strategy will treat your company like their own. They will take the time to get to know who your Company is, what it stands for, and who you are, personally. I'm very grateful to work with the team, each member specializing in a different marketing and communication segment. I highly recommend partnering with Green Apple Strategy for all marketing strategy
Kathleen Maxwell
Maxwell Roofing
Marketing Manager
The Green Apple team is a trusted partner in our marketing activities and goals. Their team of experts consistently works to exceed our expectations to provide insightful solutions to engage and connect with families. We are grateful for their hard work and dedication.
Joy Haynes
The Gardner School
Practice Leader
Sam and the Green Apple team have worked hard to learn our business and help us develop a strategy to best represent our company to our clients. They are professional, responsive, and creative — the perfect combination for a marketing partner!
Mark Burnette
LBMC Advisory Services

Urban Sweat: Strategic Identity for Long-Term Franchise Success

urban sweat sauna ice bath

A Strategic Approach to Acquisition and Growth

Urban Sweat, an emerging wellness provider with two Nashville locations specializing in infrared sauna, red light therapy, and cold plunges, faced an exciting opportunity when Founder and CEO Kristen Nicholson was poised to acquire another group, adding nine new locations to its portfolio. The acquisition of CYL, a Green Hills sauna studio and franchise brand with nine units operating across Colorado, Kentucky, Tennessee, Texas, Michigan, Missouri, and Oklahoma, served as the largest acquisition in Urban Sweat’s history. Recognizing the need for a strategic approach that would seamlessly integrate these new franchises while preserving the brand’s identity, Nicholson turned to Green Apple Strategy. 

 

Green Apple worked closely with Urban Sweat to develop a comprehensive communication, marketing, and PR strategy. The goal was not only to make the transition smooth but also to position Urban Sweat as a national industry leader, setting a new standard for self-care and wellness.

Opportunity: Strategic Communication for Franchise Success

When Urban Sweat decided to expand, it wasn’t just about adding new locations; it was about ensuring that everyone involved in the acquisition—especially the new franchise owners—felt supported and excited about joining the Urban Sweat family. Green Apple Strategy began by partnering with Kristen Nicholson to develop a strategic communication plan that would help new franchise owners transition into the Urban Sweat brand with confidence.

The first step involved creating an Acquisition Marketing Strategy that outlined the strategic approach for all communications. All steps and assets introduced the Urban Sweat brand, outlined the benefits of being part of a growing wellness empire, and showcased the resources and support the new franchise locations would receive as members of the Urban Sweat family. It wasn’t just about welcoming them—it was about making them feel that they were joining a brand that had their long-term success in mind. This process reassured new franchise owners that Urban Sweat was not only a business opportunity but also a community of entrepreneurs empowered to succeed.

Green Apple extended this strategic communication plan to include other key stakeholders, such as existing Urban Sweat employees and the loyal members and guests at both current and new franchise locations. Clear and thoughtful communication was vital to ensure a smooth transition, building excitement about the expansion and ensuring that the Urban Sweat brand remained cohesive and unified throughout the process.

Opportunity: Positioning Urban Sweat for Long-Term Growth

Beyond the acquisition, the real opportunity was in positioning Urban Sweat as the leading brand in the recovery studio space, not just in Nashville but across the nation. The acquisition allowed Urban Sweat to step into the spotlight as an industry leader, offering a comprehensive recovery and wellness experience designed to enhance health, longevity, and social self-care.

Green Apple Strategy crafted a messaging framework that encapsulated the essence of the Urban Sweat brand and could be applied to each new franchise location. This framework emphasized Urban Sweat’s commitment to offering transformative wellness experiences and creating a vibrant community that empowers people to live life to the fullest. By aligning the messaging across all franchises, Green Apple ensured that the brand’s core values were clear, consistent, and compelling in every market and location. 

With the internal communication and messaging in place, the next step was to make the acquisition public. Green Apple developed a multi-state PR Strategy that included an in-depth media push, starting with Nashville and expanding to the markets of the new franchise locations. The PR Strategy centered around highlighting Kristen Nicholson’s leadership and Urban Sweat’s vision, showcasing the brand’s growth as a significant milestone in the wellness industry. This approach not only amplified the brand’s reputation but also positioned Urban Sweat as a trendsetter in recovery and self-care, capturing the attention of media outlets and consumers alike.

Results: Strategic Partnership and Turnkey Support

By providing strategic thinking and turnkey support across all aspects of the acquisition, Green Apple ensured that Urban Sweat and its new franchise locations were well-prepared for the transition. From internal communications with franchise owners and employees to external PR campaigns, Urban Sweat had the tools it needed to manage the acquisition with confidence and focus on continued growth.

Through Green Apple’s targeted PR efforts, the acquisition generated substantial visibility, securing 339 unique article placements and reaching a potential audience of over 201 million. This coverage spanned Nashville and multiple major business markets, positioning Urban Sweat as a rising leader in the wellness and recovery industry.

The result is that Kristen Nicholson and her team can concentrate on what they do best—leading their organization and empowering new franchise owners—while Green Apple handles the strategic PR execution. With a solid foundation of brand messaging and communication in place, Urban Sweat is now poised for continued success as a national leader in the recovery and wellness industry.

Client Testimonial

“I truly appreciate Sam and the Green Apple team for their guidance during the rollout. Their support allowed me to focus on other changes without the stress. It felt great to know I could trust them to handle their responsibilities with expertise and care.”

What We Did

Acquisition Marketing Strategy, Messaging Strategy, Public Relations, Website Audit & Recommendations, Strategic Content Development, Email Marketing, Social Media, Pitch Deck Design & Development

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The Skylight: Bringing a Community Hub to Life with Story & Strategy

Sip and Sample event at The Skylight

A Case Study in Community Engagement

The Factory at Franklin, a cornerstone of downtown Franklin and Williamson County, Tennessee, embarked on a transformative renovation. More than just a physical facelift, the project aimed to reimagine the space as a vibrant hub of hospitality and connection for the community. At the heart of this vision lay The Skylight, a brand-new bar serving as the central social gathering place of The Factory. To bring The Skylight to life, The Factory partnered with Green Apple to support the launch through brand storytelling and event planning.

– Concepting Brand Identity –

Capturing the Essence of The Skylight

The Skylight presented a unique branding challenge. It needed to capture the buzz of a new and exciting venue while simultaneously honoring the rich history and architectural beauty of The Factory. To achieve this balance, Green Apple facilitated a series of collaborative brainstorming sessions with The Factory team. Through these sessions, a clear brand narrative emerged: The Skylight was to be a haven for authentic connection, a place where the past and present intertwined to create a space for shared experiences over craft food and drinks.

From this narrative, Green Apple created a comprehensive branding and messaging package. The Skylight’s name evokes the venue’s soaring atrium, a physical manifestation of the bar’s commitment to hospitality and openness. The logo, a stylized beam structure punctuated by a radiant starburst, symbolizes the vibrant energy that The Skylight brings to the historic space. 

– Event Planning –

Orchestrating the Grand Opening Celebration

To celebrate the grand opening of The Skylight and introduce the entire Factory complex to Franklin residents, Green Apple orchestrated a special “Sip & Sample” event, granting patrons a first chance to explore and sample offerings from current and future Factory vendors. This interactive format encouraged guests to delve deeper into the space, fostering a sense of discovery and community.

Green Apple managed every aspect of the event, from securing vendor buy-in and negotiating quotes for branded swag to managing ticket sales and VIP experiences. The team’s meticulous planning paid off, and the Sip & Sample event sold out within 24 hours, prompting the addition of more tickets to accommodate overwhelming demand. A waitlist of over 350 eager patrons further underscored the community’s excitement for The Skylight.

– Results –

The Skylight's Recipe for Success

The grand opening celebration was a resounding success, solidifying The Skylight’s position as Franklin’s newest must-visit destination. The event’s impact extended far beyond a single night, however. The waitlist provided a way to capture an invested email list to bring into play for future events.  Green Apple also established The Skylight’s social media presence, helping the bar amass over 1,300 followers within weeks of launch.

A strategic PR campaign further amplified The Skylight’s reach. Green Apple secured interviews with local news outlets and prominent Nashville lifestyle publications, generating significant media coverage. Over the next three months, The Skylight was mentioned in over 80 articles, translating to an impressive $1.8 million in advertising equivalent value.

– Creative –

What We Did

Logo Design, Brand Design, Messaging Strategy, Marketing Collateral Design, Event Planning, PR, Email Marketing, Social Media

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Charter Construction: Retirement Celebration Case Study

Celebrating a Legacy of Leadership When longtime Charter Construction leader Turner Talley announced his retirement, his team knew they wanted to host a send-off
See Case Study
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United Communications: Celebrating Expansion with Strategic PR and Event Planning

united communications event

Generating Publicity with Local Connections

United Communications has been a leading telecommunications provider in Middle Tennessee for over 75 years. The company launched Project UNITE in 2021 as an initiative to provide high-speed internet access to rural areas and under-connected communities. In 2023, United Communications began $53.4 million in grant-backed expansion projects—the largest investment of its kind in state history—to expand internet service to thousands of Middle Tennessee residents and businesses. The leadership at United Communications wanted to capitalize on this landmark project as a way to celebrate the impact of Project UNITE.

– Problem –

Planning and Promoting a Marquee Event

The best way to highlight the impact of Project UNITE was to host a newsworthy event with company leadership, professional partners, and local county and state officials. But managing an event of this magnitude—from planning to promoting and executing the event—would require assistance with all of their other responsibilities. The marketing team sought support in order to maximize the success of the project. That’s when they turned to the Green Apple Strategy team. 

– Solution –

Detailed Execution and Local PR Experience

United Communications leveraged Green Apple’s event planning expertise to create a celebration that would support the company’s brand promise of providing a world-class connection with a local commitment. The Green Apple team kept this goal in mind throughout the event planning process. Every detail, including the event’s location to its catering menu, supported United Communications’ brand positioning efforts. Green Apple also played an important role in the timing of the event, coordinating efforts with government agencies to ensure Governor Bill Lee, TNECD Commissioner Stuart McWhorter, and other elected officials could attend prior to the start of Tennessee’s state legislative session.

In addition to providing planning expertise, United Communications relied on Green Apple’s public relations experience. Green Apple crafted a PR campaign that made the event a newsworthy celebration for Middle Tennesseans and positioned United Communications as a trusted local provider of regional broadband. With deep ties and experience with local and regional media, the Green Apple team was able to drive earned media coverage of the Project UNITE celebration event.

– Results –

Positioning a Local Company as an Industry Leader

The January 2023 Project UNITE Celebration was a highly successful event for United Communications. It also generated significant interest from local news outlets resulting in 24 total print and digital news articles and highlighted in broadcast TV segments by CBS, FOX, and ABC news affiliates in Nashville and Knoxville. 

 + 90 people in attendance including government officials, partners, and media 
    members 

+ 31.48 million unique monthly visits to media websites covering the event

+ $300,000 in average paid advertising value for each news segment or article 

In planning and promoting the Project UNITE celebration, Green Apple became a valuable extension of the United Communications marketing team. As a result, United Communications’ team was able to focus on its core competencies, create a marketing experience that embodied the company’s brand identity, and generate momentum for its Project UNITE initiative.

– Creative –

What We Did

Marketing and Sales Strategy, Graphic Design, Event Planning, PR, Blogging, Email Marketing, Social Media, Video Scripting and Production, Employee and Customer Spotlights, and Recruitment and Operations Strategy.

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Charter-Retirement-Skyline

Charter Construction: Retirement Celebration Case Study

Celebrating a Legacy of Leadership When longtime Charter Construction leader Turner Talley announced his retirement, his team knew they wanted to host a send-off
See Case Study
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Saffire: Crafting a Buzzworthy Comeback for a Local Favorite.

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The Gardner School: From Experiences to Reviews: Designing a Five-Star Campaign.

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