When College of Communication and Information alumna Sharon Oldham (‘82) graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, she was not thinking about becoming an entrepreneur.
The thought only crossed her mind after working several entry level jobs and marrying her husband Mark Oldham (‘82). However, she feels fortunate for the success they have enjoyed for nearly 40 years in the hospitality industry.
Their hospitality industry success was recognized for a second time with a 2025 Rocky Top Business Award from the University of Tennessee’s Alumni Association. The Oldhams were among the inaugural recipients of the award in 2023. The award recognizes the fastest-growing businesses owned or led by UT alumni.
Sixty-four companies were recognized with Rocky Top Business Awards this year, with Oldham Hospitality, co-founded by Sharon and Mark, placing 26th.
“It’s very much an honor to be recognized as a Rocky Top Business Award winner (twice now),” Oldham said. “When we moved to Townsend from Nashville in 2015 we never dreamed our business would grow the way it has.”
The couple’s entrepreneurial journey started in 1986 when they co-founded U.S. Hospitality Corp., which published in-room guest directories across the US, Canada, and the Caribbean. They would later focus on hotel lobby services such as business centers and boarding pass stations as part of their next entrepreneurial venture called Uniguest Inc.
Then in 2013, after selling Uniguest, they turned their attention to boutique hotels and farm-to-table dining, which has grown to include several properties such as the Dancing Bear Lodge and Appalachian Bistro and Apple Valley Mountain Village as part of Oldham Hospitality. She said they are very satisfied with the growth of Oldham Hospitality the past decade and now their son, Houston, is taking the business even further with his ideas and energy.
Oldham advised CCI students interested in becoming entrepreneurs such as her to get a degree in something they are interested in and to explore their options.
“Attending UT (or any other place of higher learning) gives you the opportunity to explore ideas and careers and gets you started in your adult life,” Oldham said.
The Oldhams continue to be involved with activities on campus through their relationship with the Alumni Association and Peaceful Side Brewery, which supplies beer to alumni gatherings. They are also football, basketball, and baseball season ticket holders.
“I loved my time at UT,” Oldham said. “I am very proud of my degree and thankful that I met Mark and that we built Oldham Hospitality together.”