Chris McAdoo, well-known professional artist, designer, and nationally-booked corporate speaker, has been named Director of Strategy and Engagement at Knoxville Entrepreneur Center (KEC).
A self-professed “recovering advertising agency creative director,” the Sevier County native and Carson-Newman University graduate said his first year priorities include directing a new KEC brand rollout, “and drawing attention to our area’s innovators and makers who dream big, launch businesses, and bring ideas to life” through initiatives such as the recently launched “Made for Knoxville” campaign.
Jim Biggs, KEC Executive Director, said McAdoo’s two decades of experience in diverse industries adds valuable resources to the mentoring/teaching capacities at the eight-year-old entrepreneur center.
“Chris knows the soul of the creative entrepreneur, because as a maker, business owner, and an artist, he’s lived that reality for over twenty years. He’s launched his own businesses, spoken all over the country about creative thinking and clear communication, and understands the worlds of technology and advanced manufacturing as well. His diverse experience will be invaluable to us.”
McAdoo, 42, said he draws inspiration from creative visionaries, dreamers, and inventors whose companies are part of the often-overlooked small business community (which actually powers more than 40% of the world’s economy.)
“Our region has a vibrant ecosystem of entrepreneurs and startup champions…”
“I’m spreading the word about KEC’s abundant resources for small businesses and startups… the survival tactics needed to “ease their way” through their first important years,” McAdoo said. “Our region has a vibrant ecosystem of entrepreneurs and startup champions, and KEC has the programs, assistance and mentoring to help them make that leap to successful entrepreneurship.”
“My passion is in telling their stories, woven into the fabric of our region’s community of entrepreneurs… from the makers to the coders to the mom-and-pop shops, I’m excited to be part of an organization and a community that supports and champions them all,” McAdoo said.
To get in touch, email Chris at chris@knoxec.net or you can find him on Instagram and LinkedIn.
