The staff at Evins Mill is a diverse lot.
Some are quite young, while others are reaching that Medicare age. Some were born right here in good ol' DeKalb County, while others hail from as far away as Long Island. Some can prepare a most delicious meal, while others can build a deck or fix a dryer.
We may be an eclectic set of folks, but we're united by an affection for Evins Mill and by a shared purpose – a mission embodied in our service ethic: "invisible service that anticipates every guest need." We all hope you'll have a chance to experience our hospitality in the very near future.
Dining Staff |
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Jason Evans, Executive Chef & Operations Manager
Born and raised in Smithville, Jason graduated from the National Center for Hospitality Studies at Sullivan College in Louisville, Kentucky. He spent the following six years as an executive chef for Clipper Cruise Line. In September 2002, Jason joined Evins Mill as our Executive Chef. Guests appreciate his cuisine, professionalism and pride. He enjoys working in a setting that allows him to treat "every guest as a special individual." Jason notes he is "excited to be at 'The Mill,' preparing fulfilling meals to make your experience with us even more memorable." |
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Dorothy Knipfer, Guest Attendant
Dorothy was born and raised in Smithville, Tennessee. After graduating from Sullivan University in with a degree in Hotel & Restaurant Management, Dorothy served as Food & Beverage Director at the Whitestone Inn. Dorothy loves the peaceful surroundings of Evins Mill as well its âsweet and spiritedâ staff. Sheâs been blessed with three wonderful sons, one of whom she has the opportunity of working with at Evins Mill â Executive Chef Jason Evans. Her husband and best friend Steve also works in the hospitality and restaurant industry.
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Darla Guess, Guest Attendant
Darla grew up in Old Zion, a small town just east of Smithville. She joined Evins Mill in July 2002 as a Guest Attendant. Guests will note Darla's kind disposition as she serves them breakfast, lunch and dinner. She comments that staff members at Evins Mill are "more like family than co-workers" to her. She enjoys meeting guests, who seem to come from all walks of life, and "helping them with their needs and requests."
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Diane Jones, Guest Attendant
Diane is originally from Kansas City, Missouri. She has traveled most of the continental United States and has lived in Colorado, East Tennessee and Florida. After a hiatus of several years, Diane returned to Evins Mill in June 2002. Guests will observe that Diane is the consummate professional when it comes to anticipating guest needs. She "loves the atmosphere of the Main Lodge with its old logs and stone fireplaces," noting that "it lends itself to both romance and camaraderie." Like Darla, Diane enjoys working with her fellow staff members – "everyone pitches in to get the job done, and we do it right!" |
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Christopher Dotson, Guest Attendant
Chris was born and raised in Middle Tennessee and has lived in Smithville since he was a child. He has worked in the hospitality industry for over eleven years. In fact, his first job was at Evins Mill in 1996. After leaving Evins Mill, Chris continued to help out from time to time. As the son of a former Housekeeping Manager at Evins Mill, who is married to Gary Wince our Plant Manager, Chris was never too far away. We're glad to have him back in a more permanent capacity. He enjoys working with guests to make their stay and refreshing and enjoyable experience. |
| Lodging Staff |
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Tina Clark, Innkeeper & Housekeeping Manager
Tina grew up in Overton County. Before coming to Evins Mill, she worked for her family's construction company. She joined Evins Mill in September 2000. Guests will notice that Tina wears a lot of hats. As housekeeping manager, she is responsible for the cleanliness of our rooms and other facilities. As innkeeper, she prepares breakfast, serves lunch, welcomes and checks-in guests, takes care of special requests, and helps answer the phone – just to name a few of many jobs she has. Guests will also notice in Tina that rare combination of professionalism and sweetness. It's no surprise – the reason she enjoys working at Evins Mill is "being able to meet and take care of all the new and returning guests." |
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Connie Holmes, Head Housekeeper
Connie originally hails from Long Island, New York. She's been with Evins Mill since August 1998. Once again, guests don't always see a lot of Connie – she works mostly behind the scenes. But guests do see her work – from a well-made bed to a well-swept deck. |
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Janet Ashford, Lodging Attendant
Janet was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee but now lives in Smithville. Keeping with an Evins Mill tradition, Janet's daughter, Melissa, works beside her as a lodging attendant (see below). Janet loves the beautiful work environment and the peaceful and quiet setting. In her words, "it's a place I would love to go to get away from the busy life of home and city." |
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Melissa Edmunds, Lodging Attendant
Melissa is originally from Jackson, Mississippi and now resides in Smithville. Melissa found out about Evins Mill from her mother Janet. Even though it's work, she finds the setting at Evins Mill relaxing, where "everyone is friendly." Like her mother, she would not mind getting away to Evins Mill for a long weekend vacation. |
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Rachel Church, Lodging Attendant
Rachel was born in New Jersey but was raised in Tennessee. One day after praying for the perfect job, Rachel found out about a position at Evins Mill. Rachel "loves working in such a beautiful place with such friendly people." Like many of her colleagues, she thinks it's a wonderful place to get away from the stresses of everyday living. |
| Grounds & Physical Plant |
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Gary Wince, Plant Manager
Gary, our furry-faced plant manager, has been with Evins Mill since 1996, making him our most veteran employee. In this capacity, Gary oversees the upkeep of our grounds and is responsible for improvement projects at the inn. As Plant Manager, he also ensures the repair and maintenance of our equipment and fixtures. In his words, "this means that I have to unstop commodes when needed, etc., etc. Please take this into consideration if you plan to visit." Even so, Gary contends "I love my job!"
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James Warner, Groundskeeper & Caretaker
James was born in Antioch, Tennessee, just outside Nashville proper. He moved to Smithville in 1980 with his mother. He enjoys the country life. A fan of hiking and camping, he finds this area outstanding for both. As chief groundskeeper, James is responsible for keeping our grounds well tended (though not manicured). As caretaker, James is on-call after hours and on weekends to fix what needs to be fixed or help with any other guest need. He also conducts our gristmill demonstrations. |
| Sales & Reservations |
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William Cochran, Jr., General Manager
& Co-Owner
William is a native of Nashville, Tennessee. With no formal business training and less business sense, William joined forces with his father Bill Cochran, Sr. in October 1994 to open Evins Mill. For all but the two years he spent at Vanderbilt's Graduate Business School, where he concentrated in entrepreneurship, William has been actively involved with Evins Mill. Today, he oversees marketing, group sales & reservations, accounting and overall operations. |
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Laurie Cooper, Director of Leisure Travel
Laurie manages leisure travel reservations. She grew up in Birmingham, graduated from the University of Alabama, and thereafter joined the Xerox Corporation. Living in Nashville since 1977, she more recently worked as administrator for the Visual Arts Alliance of Nashville. Her husband Jim teaches American History at The Harpeth Hall School. Laurie & Jim celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary at Evins Mill. In fact, that's how she found out about this position! |
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