The Penultimate Group
The Penultimate Group, Penultimate Development, Penultimate Woodworks, and Penult Place are strategically linked together with the purpose of helping individuals and businesses reach new heights. Penultimate Development impacts the lives of at risk men from inner city Knoxville. Penult Place is a coworking space located in the heart of downtown Jefferson City impacting freelancers and entrepreneurs serving as the hub for downtown revitalization efforts in Jefferson City. Penultimate Woodworks was founded from a love for seeing others create something special from wood and provides an opportunity for young men to develop the skills needed to establish financial security . The Penultimate Group LLC works with entreprenuer’s, non profits, and businesses in strategic planning, leadership, and business development.
About the Founder
Diondre is the founder and Chief Servant Officer (CSO) of Penultimate Development, a 10-month residency leadership program targeting at risk young men between the ages of 18-24. He also owns and operates Penult Place Co-Working and Penultimate Woodworks in downtown Jefferson City, TN. In 2021-22 he oversaw the Economic Development efforts for Jefferson County resulting 120+ new jobs and $12 million in capital investments. From 2005 to 2017 he served as the CEO of Williams Creek Youth Foundation overseeing The First Tee of Greater Knoxville, Williams Creek Golf Course and The Wee Course Academic Learning Center. In 2022 he received the Beta Theta Boule' Foundation Fatherhood Excellence Award, in 2016 he was the recipient of MLK Chairs Award for Community Service and graduate of the Consortium for Social Enterprise Effectiveness program at the University of Tennessee. He was a featured guest on the prestigious Hallerin Hill Show, Anything is Possible. In 2013 he received the Community Service Award from the 100 Black Men of Knoxville, in 2011 was a member of Knoxville Leadership, and in 2008 a member of the Greater Knoxville Business Journal 40 Under 40. He currently serves as the board chairman for the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce, and a board member for the East Tennessee Foundation, Mossy Creek Foundation, Tennova Jefferson Memorial Board of Trustee, and Thrive Knoxville. He obtained an MBA from Carson Newman University and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in Urban Studies where he was a captain on the Track and Field Team. He has been married to his wife Adia for 20+ years and they have three children Delaney, Diondre, and Denver.
If you are interested in consulting services, speaking, or training please contact us at diondrej@penultimatedevelopment.org or 865.405.6716.