Tested in Tennessee

A six-year-old boy stands in the yard of a small house in Elizabethton, Tennessee, throwing a baseball against a brick wall — over and over, alone — because his dad is on the road and his mom is lost in the glow of a CB radio. Nobody is coming to play catch.

That boy grew up to become the largest hot tub manufacturer on American soil. No investors. No trust fund. No blueprint. Just stubbornness baked into the red clay of Carter County and a refusal to stay down.

Tested in Tennessee is the story of David Hatley, a self-made entrepreneur who clawed his way from a childhood defined by his father's infidelity, his mother's alcoholism, and his own brushes with the law to building a manufacturing empire that ships products all over the world.

Tested in Tennessee is also the story of a mother who died trying to get sober. Of two marriages that didn't make it and a third that changed everything. Of a man who still lives just a few miles from the hollow where he grew up. Because no matter how far you climb, your roots come with you.

For listeners who loved Shoe Dog, Hillbilly Elegy, and Sam Walton: Made in America, this is the next great American business memoir: raw, funny, deeply personal, and unmistakably Southern. It's a story about what happens when you stop waiting for someone to throw you the ball and start building the whole damn field yourself.

David Hatley has been tested by life, by loss, and by business. Tennessee is better for it.

And he's not done yet.

©2026 Phoenix Flying LLC (P)2026 Phoenix Flying LLC

one of the good guyes.

I loved the story. It is very inspiring. David's strengths are very well expressed in this book. Something we all can take away from his example is owning up to our mistakes being greatful for our blessings and sharing our success with those we love. I think I'll vote for him when he runs for president in a few years once he's done being Governor.

A Great American Story

I have been lucky enough to attend America’s Bash and work in sales for 15 years for Dave in his growing companies. A great story of overcoming and success in America AND giving back!

Best business book I’ve ever read.

David’s blunt honest and deep storytelling of his experience often left me speechless, shocked, and especially inspired when we talk about entrepreneurs. You’re often hearing the stories of million dollar investment tech operations and almost certainly in a large city or Silicon Valley yet. Dave clearly is the proof that entrepreneurship can happen anywhere and that are our best and most capable founders. Are often in the places we least expect. Everyone with an existing business or thinking of starting one to listen to Dave story I know I’ll be sharing it with everyone I know.

Great Story, Inspiring

Tested in Tennessee is a good, inspiring story. David Hatley grew up with tough times in East TN but didn’t let that stop him. He worked hard and built his own success. It’s full of simple lessons about sticking with it and chasing your dreams. Easy to read and really encouraging. I liked it a lot. 5 Stars!