Govenor

David Hatley

David Hatley

Independent

Tell us about your campaign.

David Hatley grew up in Elizabethton, Tennessee — Carter County — with no inheritance, no industry connections, and no one handing him a roadmap. Two parents who weren’t always present. Moving when the rent ran out. What he had was a ZIP code that taught him early that nobody was coming to save him — and a mind that refused to accept that as a ceiling. He started his first business at twelve. At eighteen, he opened his first retail store. By the time most politicians were giving their first press conference, David had already built and rebuilt — nine companies, seven patents, 740,000 square feet of Tennessee manufacturing, and the #1 hot tub manufacturer on US soil. Not one job moved overseas. When the financial crisis hit in 2008 and the walls closed in, David didn’t walk away. He bought his factory equipment back at auction, placed an ad in the paper, and rehired every employee who wanted to come back. Every single one came back on Day One. He rebuilt from nothing — and the people who built alongside him became owners alongside him through an ESOP that will make them millionaires. Woven through all of it: honoring veterans through America’s Bash with nothing asked in return. Coaching a kid at eight who became his COO twenty-five years later. Never once forgetting where it started — rural East Tennessee. David Hatley is not running for Governor because he has all the answers. He is running because he has spent thirty years finding answers in the real world — and he believes those same instincts could mean something for every family in this state.

In your own words, describe the responsibilities of the office you are seeking.

No response provided

What are your priorities for this office?

No response provided

Describe your qualifications for this office.

WHY HE’S RUNNING Politicians Promise. Hatley Delivers. There is a difference between studying economic development and creating it. David has created it — for thirty years, in Tennessee, while others were still talking about it. Built, Not Bought No party. No donors. No one to answer to but Tennessee. David is running as an independent because he has no interest in owing anything to anyone except the people of Tennessee. The track record speaks. It doesn’t need a party label. The Hardest Working Person in the Room Tennessee deserves a Governor who outworks the job. He showed up first and left last for thirty years. He rebuilt from nothing after 2008. He will bring that same relentless work ethic to the Governor’s office every single day.