Today we’d like to introduce you to Lorenzo Hawkins, III and Jacques Merrell.
Hi Lorenzo and Jacques, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Lorenzo and Jacques both worked at a telecommunications company years ago. In the midst of working together, both noticed that they were fans of the Tennessee Titans. Once noticed, this opened conversations about the team. They both realized that they were both from Nashville, TN as well. In the discussions, they became an open dialogue about the Titans as far as winning, losing, roster, operations, and etc. From these discussions, other around them became very interested in listening to our perspectives. Shortly after, the company went through some layoffs. Jacques had already taken on another job responsibility at another prior, but Lorenzo ended up being laid off with other employees. From there, from the recommendation of a former co-worker who advised Lorenzo to start a podcast about the Titans, Lorenzo immediately started a YouTube channel called “Tennessee Titans Weekly”. This started on October 7, 2018. In the conversation that Lorenzo had with the former co-worker, it was advised that he enjoyed listening to Lorenzo and Jacques daily Titans perspectives. After a few shows that Lorenzo did individually, he wanted to have a special guest on the show. He wanted to have someone that knew all about the Titans…..and thought of no other than Jacques. Jacques agreed and became a regular on the show. From those and for Jacques given different perspectives, we decided to have this a team podcast where Jacques is now a featured host along with Lorenzo. From there, we have had major success. We were rated as the #1 Titans podcast on Youtube years ago, we have interviewed former Titans legends, and was also hired as Titans podcasters for a major sports outlet, which is Bleacher Report. Since, Tennessee Titans Weekly has a Youtube page, TikTok, Apple, Spotify, and Instagram. The online presence is one of the strongest of all podcast for the Tennessee Titans.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Absolutely a smooth road. Being on the podcast is something we look forward to on each show and interaction. We both enjoy talking and discussing football and more importantly, talking about our favorite team, the Tennessee Titans.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Lorenzo Hawkins, III – aka Lorenzo, the Hawk. : Currently working in a leadership role for a major Healthcare company, located in downtown Nashville. Also the CEO of a painting company called Luxury Painters of Nashville, where specialize in interior and exterior painting. Currently a local DJ in the Nashville area with the name DJ Cold Lo.
What I am most proud of is being a father of children who are incredible individuals. They are currently in college and my youngest child is a thriving student/cheerleader at her middle school. I am also proud to be a man of faith and having a loving family and friends that support me. What sets me apart from others is my level of work ethic, time management to handle multiple things at once, being passionate on the things that I enjoy doing, and staying grateful throughout the process of success. There is no failure in anything and whatever others consider failure, I consider lessons.
Jacques Merrell, Sr – aka Jacques the Lockdown Corner: I’ve worked in information technology for the past eight years, and I’m currently a ScrumMaster for a healthcare company in Brentwood, Tennessee. Outside of work, I’m the defensive coordinator for the Blackman Youth 8U football team, and I’m co-founding Boro Blaze TC, a youth track club in Murfreesboro.
What I’m most proud of is leading my kids into the next stage of their lives. My oldest daughter, Makenly, plays soccer and tennis, and my son, JJ, runs track and plays football.
What sets me apart is that I pour into people. Whatever I’m doing, I give it everything I have. I’m also patient. I believe good things come to those who wait.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
We have learned that playing hide and seek in a world of opportunities will not give you the chances needed to expand and network. We work hard in networking with people throughout the city as well as our online presence is very vast. We post content daily. This has allowed us in spaces where we have had advantages within our podcast, careers, and our personal lives.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tennesseetitansweekly/
- Twitter: https://x.com/TitansWeekly247
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@tennesseetitansweekly
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@tennesseetitansweekly
