1. From Hay Fields to City Hall: The Journey of Mayor Mike Werner

For the Love of Gatlinburg

In this episode, we sit down with Mike Werner, the longtime Mayor of Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Mike shares his fascinating journey from first visiting Gatlinburg in 1976 to becoming its mayor and a pillar of the community.

Mike's story begins with an impulse property purchase in Walden's Creek, which led to him relocating his family to Gatlinburg in 1980 without a job or a home. He recounts building his first house from poplar logs and the community support he received, setting the tone for his deep connection to Gatlinburg.

We explore Mike's professional path, from working in land surveying and construction to selling condominiums and eventually running the Highlands condominiums until the devastating 2016 fires. Mike provides insights into Gatlinburg's unique character, describing a town with less than 4,000 residents that hosts up to 60,000 nightly visitors.

A significant portion of the conversation focuses on the 2016 wildfires that ravaged Gatlinburg. Mike shares his experiences as mayor during this crisis, including the decision to evacuate and his role in leading the community's response. He introduces the "Mountain Tough" slogan that became a symbol of the town's resilience.

Mike also pays tribute to influential community members like Bud Ogle, Jim Gerding, and Xeno Wall, emphasizing the importance of stewardship and genuine hospitality in Gatlinburg's success. He discusses ongoing initiatives to improve the downtown area, maintain the town's character through code enforcement, and plan for the future.

Throughout the episode, Mike's love for Gatlinburg and its people shines through. He shares anecdotes about international visitors, community projects like Rocky Top Sports World, and his vision for preserving Gatlinburg's unique charm while adapting to future needs.

The conversation concludes with reflections on Gatlinburg's enduring appeal and the community's spirit of hospitality and resilience. Listeners will come away with a deep appreciation for this mountain town and the dedicated leadership that has helped shape its character over the years.