Jonathan Halley Recognized as Young Entrepreneur Recipient at Pinnacle Business Awards

The Knoxville Chamber is pleased to announce Jonathan Halley as the recipient of the Pinnacle Business Award in the Young Entrepreneur category. Halley is the founder of Big Slate Media. 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.

“Knoxville has shaped a lot of who I am personally and as a result has shaped the business,” Halley explains. “The biggest testament to that is how this community shows up and supports entrepreneurs. Everybody seems to be pouring in for the good of each other, but as a result, the good of the city as well.”

Since starting in 2015 with a single drone and a vision, Big Slate Media has expanded to a team of 31, blending production and agency services to serve a broad range of industries, from manufacturing and tourism to technology and economic development. The company has invested in unique capabilities, including an in-house VFX studio, a composer for original music, and proprietary software called B-Roll Bank that allows clients to access and utilize raw footage.

“Jonathan Halley’s recognition as the Young Entrepreneur Award recipient reflects both his creative vision and his drive to build something meaningful in the Knoxville area,” said Mike Odom, president and CEO of the Knoxville Chamber. “Through Big Slate Media, he has demonstrated how bold leadership and fresh perspective can fuel growth and elevate the business he serves.”

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. Approximately 200 companies are nominated annually for recognition.

“Congratulations to this year’s Pinnacle Business Award winners,” said Mike DiStefano, Pinnacle’s Knoxville president. “At Pinnacle Financial Partners, we are guided by strong values, and those same principles are clearly reflected in this year’s honorees. Building a successful business takes vision and resilience, along with steady leadership. We are proud to celebrate these Knoxville-area companies and individuals for their excellence and look forward to supporting their continued growth as we work together to strengthen the Knoxville region’s economy.”

For in-depth video interviews and more information on the Pinnacle 2026 Business Awards, presented by Pinnacle Financial Partners, visit www.knoxvillechamber.com/pinnacle.