Grace Media Group visited with Jackson businessman R.E. Butts for a question and answer session.

A graduate of the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, R.E. has grown several successful companies, while seeing the need for an insurance company – Haven Insurance Partners – that can handle a diverse set of risks.

He has also purchased commercial real estate property in downtown Jackson.

Question: First, a little background information – family, career?

Answer: My wife, Natalie, and I are both from Jackson and we very much enjoy raising our two young children in our hometown. 
 
After returning from college in East Tennessee, Natalie earned a Doctorate in Audiology and practiced for many years. After we had our first child, she became an entrepreneur and owns a successful children’s boutique located at the Jackson Walk in downtown, the Yellow Canary.

My great grandparents started a family business in the 1930’s on Royal Street, which I have spent the majority of my professional career growing alongside my Father. This has been my inspiration for creating new businesses and developing my own family legacy in my hometown.

Question: You started a new insurance agency – Haven Insurance Partners. This is totally different from your background in the protein distribution and logistics business.

Why insurance?

Answer: I partnered with some close friends of mine to combine our knowledge of law and business to meet changing demands of companies when it comes to risk mitigation and planning and hopefully change the game a little bit.

The growth of the agency has been tremendous.

The other partners drive the bus, but it has been amazing to sit back and watch them succeed at a level and speed that none of us expected.

Question: When your organization purchased the former home of the Rockabilly Hall of Fame what ideas did you have in mind for the property?

Answer: We first plan on doing work immediately to preserve the building structurally. Long term the vision is to ensure the property is improved in a way that will fit our plan for improving the overall quality of downtown.

Early days yet, but we desire to attract a high-quality retail or restaurant tenant in the building while preserving the Rockabilly and fire station heritage of the site.

Question: The building that housed the Rockabilly Hall of Fame is not the only facility you purchased in downtown Jackson. What ideas do you have for the property that was once Regions Bank, and what factors encouraged you to invest in downtown?

Answer: We are working with a few local banks to bring a bank back to the downstairs. Haven Insurance Partners and High Point logistics are utilizing the rest of the space.

Both companies are actively seeking new talent. In addition to Haven and HPL, there is a constant influx of people moving to the area and investing money into improving housing and property. I think downtown Jackson has a great potential for the immediate and long-term future.

It is also a great feeling knowing that these investments will positively impact the area we live in and the quality of life for everyone here. To support this growth, I see downtown adding multiple restaurants, businesses, and even a hotel at some point in the near future.

Also, the leadership from the City of Jackson and the Jackson Chamber have made me feel very comfortable. I believe everyone is on the same page with the vision to make downtown Jackson a walkable, livable, enjoyable true destination.

Ultimately, we believe that small business and the downtown of any city is the heart and soul of a community. We live, work and play in downtown/midtown Jackson and want to support the revitalization that is happening in our community.

Question: Has the pandemic slowed any plans you have for your property?

Answer: Luckily, it has not. It has allowed us the time to lay the groundwork on some projects and frankly accelerate plans on other investments. I think the rest of 2021 and 2022 will be huge for the retail, logistics and foodservice businesses due to pent up demand.

Our downtown has a wonderful opportunity to capitalize on that.

(PHOTO: R E Butts and wife Natalie)