8 questions with The Ashton Real Estate Group Founder Gary Ashton

Table of Contents

This piece is part of our NASHtoday Q+A series. Do you know someone we should interview? Nominate them here.

We’re partnering with Trainual, an onboarding and training software for small businesses, to highlight a local business here in Nashville that has found success using the platform. Read on to see how Trainual is changing the game when it comes to leveling up the people + the processes that keep these businesses running smoothly (every single day).

Profile: Gary Ashton is the founder of The Ashton Real Estate Group of RE/MAX Advantage. Although he’s semi-retired, Gary still supports the team and focuses primarily on marketing. We asked Gary what advice he has for other business owners, what makes the Nashville business community special + what he thinks a perfect day in Nashville looks like.

Q: What makes NASH’s business community special?

A: I’ve seen that in Nashville the business community and local Government all work closely together for the good of the city, in terms of projects for development and attracting new businesses.

Q: What are some of the most important characteristics a leader can have?

A: The ability to delegate to people more qualified for that job.

Q: Describe your perfect day in NASH.

A: Hanging at home with the pups.

Q: What is your biggest challenge? Reward?

A: Staying ahead of the market and identifying which new shiny object will enable us to stay ahead of the pack. The biggest reward is seeing the number of lives that we have personally affected for the better, allowing people to develop a career that also impacts others around them.

Q: How does Trainual make your team feel more connected?

A: They can stay up-to-date with all our new classes and procedures, as well as help create topics that need training modules.

Q: What is the best career advice you’ve received?

A: Get into sales.

Q: Who are some local movers + shakers you’re watching?

A: I’m a bit insulated, but I do see Dean LaGrange really leading the way with digital marketing.

Q: What’s your go-to coffee order?

A: Regular with 2% milk.

Poll

What type of training platform does your company or small business use? Tell us here.*

More from NASHtoday
This Danish trend emphasizes all things comfortable and cozy.
If you don’t have coffee already in hand, consider this your sign to grab some.
As 2026 gets underway, Launch Tennessee highlighted a few Nashville startups across technology, music, and more that are worth watching this year.
Airbnb’s travel predictions for the year + how you can take part starting in Music City.
We compiled all of the feedback from our Giving Campaign to learn what readers love most and want to see more of in our newsletters. Here’s a peek at what they said.
These local picks offer ways to save money, stay active, and spend more time with the people who matter most.
We’re asking our readers to submit their top questions about Nashville. We’ll do our best to answer them in 2026.
These city gifts are way better than a Jelly of the Month Club membership.
Whether you’re looking forward to Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or Christmas, here are some ways you can celebrate around town this year.
It may not change for you, but if it does, expect a new pickup day starting in early February.