Today we’d like to introduce you to Forrest Gray.
Hi Forrest, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was born just outside of D.C. in Arlington, Virginia. When I was only 9 months old, my mother, Nancy, took a position at Great Smoky National Park as an assistant to the park spokesperson. I went to elementary school in downtown Gatlinburg at Pi Beta Phi Elementary where I did grades K-8, followed by high school at Gatlinburg-Pittman High School. During these years, I spent a lot of time in the National Park. I am an Eagle Scout, which probably doesnt hold the weight it did when I was younger, but that meant almost year around I was in the outdoors from ages 10-18. My mom being a park ranger, close proximity to one of the best national parks in the country, and my affinity for the outdoors all make up the basis for where I am today. After graduating high school, I went to the University of Tennessee where I majored in history and minored in business and geography – an amalgamation of not really knowing what I wanted to do but with a thought of teaching and coaching. In 2012, I moved to Nashville for a job opportunity right out of college. I worked for a medicare advantage company called HealthSpring that was acquired by Cigna shortly after I was hired. I worked there for about 5 years and was promoted through the ranks from Network Operations to Medical Coding, Medical Economics/Analytics, and finally I was the manager of the CAHPS and HOS surveys for all of HealthSpring in my last position. During this time, I bought a historic home in East Nashville – a 1920 bungalow off of 17th Street. I decided I wanted to “flip” the property and do all of the work myself. Growing up, I spent many hours working with my father on a variety of things which gave me the basis for my understanding of construction. I had some help from my father and cousin as well that really put the project over the finish line. Once I completed the home, we sold it, and I used that money to start my business, Smoky Mountain Building. I now live on Fatherland Street in Lockeland Springs in another historic home that my wife and I renovated together. We love this neighborhood so much.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
While working at HealthSpring, I was really unmotivated even with the success of being promoted and moving up quickly. I found out that I don’t belong in a cubicle or a standard 8-5 position. Admittedly, I was depressed and feeling somewhat lost. I couldn’t figure out how people could just find a job they loved. It seemed so easy, “just go out and make money doing what you’re passionate about.” No matter how much I considered this dilemma, I couldn’t unlock it. Fortunately, fate would have me struggle my way into construction. Even during this time, I was immensely stressed and worried to be giving up a strong, steady paycheck for a gamble of starting a business. At the beginning, I was a guy with a truck and a small, enclosed trailer doing handyman work. Within 6 months, I began subcontracting which allowed me to take on more work. I had tremendous support from my friends and family that allowed me to grow quickly in that first year. Smoky Mountain Building doubled in revenue every year from 2019 to 2023 to where we are now.
We’ve been impressed with Smoky Mountain Building, PLLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We are a locally based, East Nashville building company specializing in historic renovation, additions, remodeling, and detached accessory dwelling units. While these are our specialities, there isn’t anything on a property that we can’t work on inside or outside.
I think what truly sets me apart from other builders is that I am the contractor as well as the project manager on each of my jobs. I deal directly with clients from start to finish. I think this sets me apart from other builders in this area. I also live in the heart of East Nashville, which means I see most of my clients on a regular basis regardless of if we are currently working on something together. I believe that my job is to bring to life what people dream about for their personal homes. It is not lost on me the scale and amount of money that renovating or building costs, and I do all that I can to make sure that the dream comes to fruition in the truest physical form possible. I am most proud of my East TN roots, but I am filled with gratitude for the way Nashville has accepted me and my business. I think many of the people here have fond memories of visiting Gatlinburg and GSMNP, which gives my brand exactly what I intended when I named Smoky Mountain Building.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson that I have learned along the way is that once you think you have something figured out entirely, you are going to make a mistake. This has taught me to approach each build or project without any preconceived notions or assumptions. As most contractors are aware, renovating/building comes with hidden/unforeseen surprises. The best of us are able to accept, process, and deliver cost-effective, aestheically pleasing solutions to these problems mid stride that no one will be able to see after the project is completed.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://smokymountainbuilding.com
- Instagram: @smokymountainbuilding
