In the shadow of the Smokies - East Tennessee's tech industry is growing.
"Companies that are founded by software developers and entrepreneurs that are serving broad markets from across the country but are right here in Knoxville,” said Jonathan Sexton COO Knoxville Entrepreneurs Center.
Review Box aggregates Amazon reviews for large online companies, Mom Source Network connects professional moms with contract work, and Cirrus Insight provides tools to manage sales calls and they're all based right here in Knoxville.
There's also a growing platform for craft makers using Etsy.
"Because with a platform like Etsy you can sell all across the country from right here in Knoxville you don't have to have a brick and mortar store,” Sexton said.
In just three years, Pretentious Glass Company has grown from a glass blowing store, to a bar, with hope to open a brewery in 2018.
"You can come in get beer made in house, out of glasses made in house and watch everything being produced. So as far as I know, we're the only place in the world that can offer that,” company owner Matthew Cummings said.
They also benefit from having a strong online presence thanks to Etsy which translates into big sales this time of year.
"We've always done really well in the holiday season, this year we did three times as much as we typically do,” said Cummings.
Knoxville's Maker's Summit has provided support and encouragement to people looking to start a business. That support for craft and community is why so many think these industries will continue to grow in 2018.
"People are really interested in knowing what's from here, what's specifically Knoxville made and how do I support that,” Sexton explained.