CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – The Better Business Bureau of Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky has announced its 2020 BBB Spark Award winners.

The Spark Awards are awarded for entrepreneurship, and recognizes business owners 35 and younger or business owners of any age operating for less than three years who demonstrate a higher level of character, generating authentic culture about its mission and connecting with the community, according to a BBB news release.

“BBB is honored to recognize these entrepreneurs who are true leaders in building an ethical marketplace now and into the future,” says Robyn Householder, president and CEO of BBB.

“We would also like to thank our partners Austin Peay State University’s College of Business, the Office of the Mayor, City of Clarksville, Tennessee Small Business Development Centers, and the Montgomery County Veterans Coalition,” Householder said.

The Class of 2020 honorees are:

  • 1st place: Hell or High Water Tattoo Shop, Jonathan Capen, Owner, Oak Grove, Kentucky
  • 2nd place: Alexis Goines-Allstate Insurance, Alexis Goines, Owner, Clarksville
  • 3rd place: Zoren Pharmacy, T’Bony Jewell, Pharmacist, Clarksville
  • Honorable Mention: Fat Shack., Guy Stanford, Jr., CEO, Clarksville

“Recognition in the BBB Spark Award program is an important milestone for entrepreneurs 35 and under and their young businesses. This means they are maintaining high levels of character, culture and community — all things that signal a great start toward sustained success. I look forward to witnessing many more great accomplishments for these young leaders,” said Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts.

Hell or High Water Tattoo Shop is veteran-owned and has been open since 2018.

“The community and military/veterans do so much for us, allowing us to continue to have business and keep our doors open, we want to do what we can to give back to them,” Kayna Capen said.

Alexis Goines, Allstate, began operating in October 2017.

“I believe in transparency and doing the right thing, whether it benefits me or not. I’ve made it a point to create a lifestyle and business model around this,” Goines said.

Zoren Pharmacy is an independently owned pharmacy that opened in February 2020.

“We live in an age where people value profits over integrity. At Zoren Pharmacy we believe healthcare is a right and that people should not have to make the decision to either pay bills or take their medication,” T’Bony Jewel said.

For more on the Better Business Bureau visit bbb.org.