Stories of Technology, Innovation, & Entrepreneurship in the Southeast

All who know me well know that I love live music. And I love to be close to the stage…to experience the excellent musicianship…in virtually all genres. To see and hear a musician display their talent inspires me. I literally become joyful.

And the same is true when I witness excellence in one’s career…it is also joyfully inspiring to me. I have had the privilege of observing a harmony of excellence from a “front row seat” these last 14 years…without paying the exorbitant fees to a ticket reseller.

I have observed career No. 3 of Tom Ballard…as he imagined, created, evolved, connected, and conducted Teknovation in the Tennessee business community and beyond.

Tom has worked tirelessly to tell stories of

risk-taking,

bet-making,

sweat-breaking,

innovating

founders, leaders, investors, and creators. For some, his feature stories are a solo act…the one bit of press they may ever receive. For others, his words become part of a symphony of stories, with Tom’s “accompanying guitar,” noticeable by its endearing twang and distinctive rhythm, standing out to the audience.

For business owners, especially those in start-up mode, Tom has become their confidant…their microphone…their mentor. At any one of the thousands of receptions he has attended, he can sneak up on someone he interviewed years before and recall where he left off with their story, turning many an introverted, wall-hugging founder into a party-sparkler, simply by plugging in and amplifying their passions.

Tom’s extraordinary effort to write, edit, and publish 16-thousand fact-based and inspiring business stories is “standing O” worthy…and definitely deserving of an encore.

But alas, just like my favorite band, when the lead singer says, “Thank y’all for showing up and letting us do what we do” (I have heard one version of that sentiment from Dave Matthews Band 17 times), I know the concert is over.

So, when Tom said, “I think it is time,” I felt fortunate to have been at “his concert” for so many years, listening to his twangy riffs, enjoying his sense of humor, and loving his steady drumbeat presence in our community…our state…our firm…and in my life.

Tom is retiring…after serving the University of Tennessee, Oak Ridge National Lab, and for the last 14 years, PYA. For those of you who know Tom well, you will recognize that he may not be what some would label “warm and fuzzy,” but Tom shows his love often…

By his steadfastness

By his ever-presence

By his dependability

By his devotion to friends and family

By his excellence!

I have been inspired by Tom, and I have admired his talent…his devotion…his musicianship. He is a true founder of East Tennessee’s entrepreneurial community…a hall of famer…for sure.

Tom, I will miss you inside PYA, but know that I love you, and speaking on behalf of devoted subscribers, readers, followers, colleagues, entrepreneurs, and your true friends…you are beloved. We are honored to have had a front row seat at your concert.

Congratulations on a remarkable career, and thanks for all you have done for PYA.

–Marty Brown, CEO and President of PYA.

NOTE: Tom Ballard will remain with the firm as the Chief Alliance Officer and Editor of Teknovation until the end of 2025. PYA is hosting a retirement celebration at PYA’s headquarters on October 21, 2025, from 4-6 p.m.

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