GOODLETTSVILLE BUSINESSES WITH A WORLDWIDE IMPACT
By Shelby Ruch
Goodlettsville is home to a remarkable number of companies spanning multiple industries. From delectable sweets to sophisticated logistics, these companies help our community by providing jobs, bringing in new residents, and boosting our local economy. Many of the companies that call Goodlettsville home provide products and services for customers around the world. The featured companies aren’t just contributing to Goodlettsville’s economy, they’re also making a mark on the global stage.
Willa’s Shortbread
For over 30 years, Willa’s Shortbread has been making the best shortbread cookies and cheese biscuits that you can buy. Originally from North Carolina, Willa Allen began baking traditional shortbread for special events and local markets. She soon adapted her recipe to create the Classic Shortbread – that you can still buy today. In 2006, Willa retired, and the bakery relocated to the rolling hills of Goodlettsville. Today, Willa’s Shortbread is owned and operated by the Rion family, and they continue Willa’s legacy of high-quality ingredients and delicious shortbread. They have continued to expand their offerings, now including many different varieties of shortbread like hot honey, honey lemon, blackberry jam, apple butter, chocolate, and more. Visit Willa's Mercantile at 113 W Cedar Street.
Des-Case
The Des-Case Corporation specializes in the lubricant industry, specifically offering innovative solutions to extend the life of oil and equipment. Originally founded by Jim Waller in 1983, they moved their headquarters to Goodlettsville in 2007. Des-Case celebrated their 40th anniversary last year, and they have grown and evolved over the years they’ve been in business. Des-Case has been voted one of TN Top Workplaces for the past 8 out of 9 years! Their global footprint reflects the precision and reliability their products are known for.
Richards & Southern
Richards and Southern at the 2024 CMA Touring Awards where they were nominated for CMA Service Company of the Year. Pictured left to right. Terry and Sheri Calonge, Amanda Lawler and Ryan Calonge, Scot Calonge and Jen Bass
Celebrating their 65th anniversary in 2024, Richards & Southern, Inc. is a third-generation family business specializing in merchandise design for brands and entertainers across the globe. Originally founded as the Southern Post Card Company by Bob and Betty Calonge, Richards & Southern has expanded into a full-service merchandise design, manufacturing, sales, and licensing company. From right here in Goodlettsville, they serve many A-list entertainers, including Alabama, Brad Paisley, Conway Twitty, George Strait, Jo Dee Messina, Joe Nichols, Kenny Chesney, Kenny Loggins, Luke Bryan, the Oak Ridge Boys, and many more.
Prevost
1968 Prevost Prestige (Top Left), 2023 H3-45 (Top Right), Celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2024, the Prevost family creates a reproduction of Eugène Prévost’s first coach and names the replica Clarisse, in honor of Eugène’s wife.
Celebrating their centennial anniversary in 2024, Prevost has been manufacturing premium passenger coaches and conversion coaches for 100 years. Today, they’re the leading manufacturer of these products in North America, and they have a parts and service center here in Goodlettsville. In the ever-evolving landscape of transportation, Prevost is a driving force in quality and innovation, upholding the values of “An uncompromising commitment to quality, a drive for constant innovation and improvement, and dedication to safety and sustainability in every aspect of our business.”
Brittle Brothers
Brittle Brothers Founder & CEO John Spalding holding a box of their signature Peanut Brittle
John Spalding, owner of Brittle Brothers Gourmet Brittle Company, was on the search for a peanut brittle that wouldn’t break your teeth or make you sick from the sugar. His search never yielded any results, so Spalding took matters into his own hands, digging out his great-grandmother’s old-fashioned peanut brittle recipe from the 1860s and making it himself. The signature peanut brittle reduced the amount of sugar and corn syrup while increasing the number of nuts in the brittle. “With ours, you’re biting into a peanut, pecan, or cashew. No one ever broke a tooth on a cashew,” said Spalding. It’s not just locals who love Brittle Brothers – celebrities like Justin Timberlake and Garth Brooks love the peanut brittle! Plus, the CMAs, Grammys, and Academy Awards have given out Brittle Brothers in their swag bags, too. Brittle Brothers Gourmet Brittle Company continues to grow, now offering gluten-free peanut, cashew, pecan, and bacon brittles.
Dollar General
Founded in 1939 as J.L. Turner and Son by the Turner family, Dollar General’s corporate headquarters is located right here in Goodlettsville. Dollar General started as a single store in Scottsville, Kentucky, and has grown to a multinational retail giant with over 19,000 stores in the United States and Mexico. With a simple mission of “serving others,” Dollar General provides affordable and convenient products to millions.
CWC Logistics
For over 45 years, Commercial Warehouse & Cartage, Inc., or CWC Logistics has been a key player in the logistics industry, with roots firmly planted here in Goodlettsville. A family business for three generations, they specialize in third-party logistics, warehousing, distribution, and value-added solutions. Operating an over 2,000,000 square feet facility, CWC Logistics is a local powerhouse that connects Goodlettsville with the broader world of commerce.
Tyson
Originally founded in 1931 by John W. Tyson as Tyson Feed and Hatchery, Inc., Tyson Foods is now a household name with deep roots in Goodlettsville. Tyson operates a case ready and ground beef production facility in Goodlettsville, and at 485,000 square feet, it’s one of the largest in North America.
Johnston Trucking, Inc
Johnston Trucking, Inc. is a family-owned and family-operated business located in Goodlettsville. They serve as the top contracted service provider with FedEx Ground. Operating for almost 20 years, they are a vital link in the global supply chain and an important participant in Goodlettsville’s community.