About the Hosts
Two Tennesseans. Different experiences. One shared curiosity about the people, ideas and stories shaping the Volunteer State.
From the Volunteer State is hosted by Matt Herriman and Ross Bradley. The show grew out of a shared interest in thoughtful conversations with the leaders, entrepreneurs, public servants, educators and other interesting Tennesseans who shape life across our state.
Their different experiences bring different angles to each conversation — and that’s the point. Together, they keep every episode substantive, conversational and accessible.
Ross Bradley
Co-Host · Chief Development Officer, TDK Companies
Ross is a Tennessee native whose career has centered on real estate development, business, education, and community leadership.
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He serves as Chief Development Officer at TDK Companies, where he leads the company’s Development division across market analysis, site selection, product evaluation, design, and long-range planning. Since joining TDK in 2008, Ross has helped guide the company’s development strategy and has been part of delivering nearly $3 billion in real estate assets across the Southeastern United States.
His work is rooted in taking ideas from concept to execution, bringing together market research, thoughtful design, and strategic planning to create communities that respond to real needs and enhance quality of life.
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That passion for building extends beyond real estate. In 2013, Ross and his family co-founded Clayton Bradley Academy in Maryville, Tennessee, a private STEM school built around problem-solving, critical thinking, and real-world application. The experience gave him a firsthand perspective on education, innovation, and what it takes to turn an ambitious idea into a lasting institution.
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A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Ross also remains deeply involved in community leadership. He serves on the Boards of Directors for Middle Tennessee Electric and World Outreach Church and as Vice Chairman of United Communications.
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At the microphone, Ross brings nearly two decades of experience in development, business, education, and community leadership, along with a practical curiosity about how good ideas become successful projects, strong institutions, and better communities across Tennessee.
Matt Herriman
Co-Host · Director of Land Acquisitions, LGI Homes
Matt is a Tennessee native whose career spans state government, politics, education, real estate, land development, and public policy.
Today, he serves as Director of Land Acquisitions for Tennessee at LGI Homes, leading land acquisition across the state. He is also a licensed Tennessee real estate broker with experience in residential and commercial real estate, entitlements, development, and government relations.
Earlier, Matt served on Governor Bill Lee’s legislative team and as Political Director for Lieutenant Governor Randy McNally and the Tennessee Senate Republican Caucus. He managed campaigns across Tennessee and worked in government affairs and political strategy across Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana.
He later served as Director of External Affairs and Development for Noble Education Initiative, helping establish Rutherford Collegiate Prep and expand Nashville Collegiate Prep. He also serves on the Tennessee Board of Regents, represents Tennessee’s 4th Congressional District, and chairs the Workforce Development Committee.
At the microphone, Matt brings that mix of business, public service, politics, education, and community involvement to the conversation, along with a genuine curiosity about the people doing the work and the ideas shaping communities across Tennessee.
Two Perspectives. One Conversation.
Matt and Ross bring different professional backgrounds and perspectives to the microphone, but they share a genuine curiosity about Tennessee and the people shaping its future. Their goal is simple: give guests room to tell their stories, and have conversations that go beyond talking points.