KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Annie Colquitt, the daughter of former Gov. Bill Haslam and former First Lady Crissy Haslam, is paving her own way in the world of hospitality.
10News Today Anchor Abby Ham sat down with Colquitt recently. You can read part of the interview below.
Abby: Y'all have just jumped into the hospitality business, it seems.
Colquitt: So I grew up knowing about The Swag because my grandparents and my parents would go there, but it was such a special place to us. It has such a unique spirit. It's almost, it's hard to describe, but there is a sense of community and authentic mountain hospitality about The Swag that is so special.
Abby: And the newest addition to your properties—Cataloochee Ranch.
Colquitt: Cataloochee Ranch has been a guest ranch since the 30s and it has a really cool history. It originally started inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Alexandria family, who founded it, were maybe the first—but I don't know of anything else like this—where they were hosting overnight guests inside the national park when it was formed.
Abby: Let's talk a little bit about the fact that the common theme among these three properties is the Smoky Mountains. What is your connection? Why the Smokies and and why do you feel the need to own these properties that also are around the park?
Colquitt: So you know I grew up in Knoxville and I think one of the best things about Knoxville is our natural beauty. There are a lot of great things about Knoxville, but that is a real treasure of being right next to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Abby: Okay, let's talk about your family. You are the daughter of former Gov. Bill Haslam and Crissy Haslam—people who have been in Knoxville their whole lives and who've given a lot to Knoxville. Jim Haslam is your grandfather. So, just talk about what it's like growing up in such a well-known family.
Colquitt: I've been so blessed. I've lived an amazing life. And I've had so many opportunities that other people don't. I've gotten to go to the best schools and had these amazing experiences because of who my family is and that is—that's a blessing. And it's not something that I've earned, but something I'm grateful for. So there's that piece of it, for sure. But there are also a lot of other, I think, in the world, really successful, prominent families that I would not want to be a part of. The thing that makes the difference is just how my family has loved me.
You can listen and watch the whole interview between Colquitt and Abby below.