Ian Dovan Recognized as Young Entrepreneur Recipient at Pinnacle Business Awards

The Knoxville Chamber is pleased to announce Ian Dovan as the recipient of the Pinnacle Business Award in  the Young Entrepreneur category. Dovan is the founder of Seeds of Change. Seeds of Change is East Tennessee’s Dream Backyard Company with a mission, partnering with many local nonprofits to provide meaningful work . The Young Entrepreneur award, sponsored by Axle Logistics, is presented to a young professional who lives and  works in East Tennessee and has achieved success while overcoming obstacles, to become one of tomorrow’s top business leaders.

“The mission of Seeds of Change is transforming landscapes and lives,” said Dovan. “We do that by hiring folks coming out of incarceration, and who are in recovery. We provide a safe working environment and a stable community as they realize their dreams.”

This month, Seeds of Change will surpass $10 million in revenue since its inception nine years ago, evolving from a lawn care maintenance service to a full-service design and build firm specializing in pools, hardscaping, and custom outdoor living projects. In addition to expanding its services, they also launched an Entrepreneur Incubator Program for other young entrepreneurs to seed and jumpstart their own businesses. Sharing lawns to mow and providing business oversight and connections, Dovan is on track to help seed 50 businesses in ten years in the Knoxville area.

“We love to see examples of our community working together for the greater good,” said Mike Odom, Knoxville Chamber president and CEO. “Seeds of Change is not only offering second chance employment, but they are also raising up the next generation of entrepreneurs.”

The annual Pinnacle Business Awards, presented by Pinnacle Financial Partners, celebrate regional business excellence, honoring outstanding professionals in nine categories for their contributions to the greater Knoxville economy. Winners are selected by the Knoxville Chamber Board of Directors. Nearly 200 companies were nominated for 2024 recognition.

“Congratulations to all Pinnacle Business Award winners. Local businesses are essential to the communities they help grow,” said Mike DiStefano, Pinnacle’s Knoxville president. “Pinnacle Financial Partners is a founder led firm that was built as a small business bank, so we know how difficult it can be to run a successful business. More than two decades of growth have allowed us to serve clients of increasing size, but small businesses remain essential both to Pinnacle and the Knoxville communities they help grow. It’s an honor to be part of this program and help recognize the home-grown players in Knoxville’s economy.” 

For in-depth video interviews and more information on the 2024 Pinnacle Business Award recipients, visit  www.knoxvillechamber.com/pinnacle.