Ken Thwaits has created a one stop shop for the men of Franklin. Named for the gateway between Nashville and Franklin, Franklin Road Apparel Company is a menswear boutique offering everything from well-made denim and flannels to shaving supplies and sunglasses. “Franklin Road Apparel Company is just an idea I had,” said Ken Thwaits, owner of Franklin Road Apparel. “It just seemed like there was a need for it here in Franklin. I wanted to be able to offer everything that a guy needs in casual men’s wear – I hope that guys come in here and think of it as their own personal man cave. I want them to browse, sit down and stay a while.” With roots in the automotive business, Ken had no previous retail experience before imagining Franklin … [Read more...]
Mantra Artisan Ales: Derrick Morse
Born and raised in Colorado, Derrick Morse was exposed to the craft beer scene for as long as he can remember. After graduating from the University of Colorado at Boulder and working in marketing for several years, Derrick decided to pursue his passion for home brewing full time. “Living in the mecca of Denver and Boulder, I was raised around breweries and was continuously inspired by the industry around me,” says Derrick. “It wasn’t until I left my white collar marketing job though that I started seeking out brewing as more than a hobby.” Starting out in beer sales with Westminster Total Beverage, Derrick quickly moved up in the industry, landing a job as the lead brewer at Twisted Pine Brewing Company in Boulder. In 2013, the … [Read more...]