Visiting the company website GRIID.com, you will learn that they are an American infrastructure company that procures low-cost, renewable energy to build, manage, and operate their growing portfolio of vertically integrated bitcoin mining facilities. Hansel further explains that they are a blockchain data center, blockchains being the crypto part of cryptocurrency that verifies the transaction and keeps it secure when transferring from one entity to another. Those shipping container-looking units are full of computers crunching numbers for encryption such as crypto coin. There are currently 2 to 3 employees at the Maynardville site who are responsible for ensuring that the computers are up and running; these are very information technology centric, tech-savvy positions.

Hansel shares that GRIID is expanding the Maynardville location not by increasing the number of units but to assemble these data center units. They will need welders very shortly (the next couple of months) and will also need electricians and general construction workers to help assemble and ship units to other locations. Although GRIID just started in 2019 as a new business in Maynardville, they have already expanded to a second facility outside of Greeneville, TN; and anticipate continued growth.

Hansel shared his advice to those interested in a career in Information Technology (IT). He recommends beginning with an educational foundation such as is offered at Pellissippi State or ITT Technical Institute and gain some certifications. That will get you ready for an entry-level position but don’t worry, you will learn so much more on the job. With enthusiasm in his voice, he shares that the great thing about a career in IT is that you can do a lot from home, you can learn so much on your own and at your own pace, and there are lots of certification programs out there. Some are even free, such as found on Alison.com. The formula for success in this field: Training + Certification = Great Job Opportunities!

Hansel shared the path that led him to his current position. He started by enlisting in the military before graduating from high school so immediately after graduation he was off to boot camp. He served four years of active duty in South Carolina and overseas as an ejection-seat mechanic. After that, he was given the option to choose a field in which Uncle Sam would train and employ him, and it was then that he got his start in IT and served 20 years at McGhee-Tyson airport in Knoxville, TN. Hansel was then introduced to GRIID by a friend at church, Ed Medford, formerly KUB’s Economic Development and Government Relations Manager. Initially, Hansel started with GRIID in October 2019 part-time as an electrician, and in February 2020 accepted the role of Director of Operations. The company was still in its infancy and at that time had only 6 employees. Despite the pandemic, they have grown to 25 employees and, as stated earlier, have already added a second location.

Hansel is excited about the future for GRIID and future business prospects for Union County. Hansel states doing business here has been a very good experience with the local government and businesses, that the people are friendly, and the contractors are ready to assist and even go above and beyond to help anyone out. This community is very welcoming. One of his goals as the Director of Operations is to get businesses together to see how they can collaborate to help this community. GRIID wants to be actively involved in this community.

GRIID is located at 102 Luttrell Rd, Maynardville, TN. Remember to Keep an eye on upcoming issues of HistoricUnionCounty.com for job announcements, openings are expected soon!