Bill Foley & Joe Jenson

Carousel of Dreams 2025 Volunteers of the Year

The “I Am Williamson” column features individuals in Williamson County who are known and unknown as staples of our community. They are doing good, being seen and unseen, and always, exuding Williamson County. This month, we feature two individuals who were recently honored as the 2025 Carousel of Dreams Volunteers of the Year. Bill Foley and Joe Jensen were recognized for their exceptional service and nearly 200 combined volunteer hours in support of the nonprofit at The Factory at Franklin. Bill logged 99.75 volunteer hours in 2025, while Joe contributed 98.25 hours. Both men were honored for their reliability and positive impact on guests and fellow volunteers. We interviewed them for our “I Am Williamson” spotlight to learn more about their stories and what inspires them to give back.

How long have you lived in Williamson County and what makes it feel like home to you?

BF: I have lived in Williamson County since 1995. Williamson County is a great place to live and raise a family. It offers boundless opportunities to serve.

JJ: I am originally from northern Wisconsin, and remain a lover of cold and snowy weather, and the Packers! In 1981, I moved to northern Indiana, where I met my wife in 1986, but I’ve been a resident of Williamson County for the past twenty five  years. 

What is your profession, and what led you to choose it? 

BF: I am a franchise owner of Molly Maid. I became a franchise owner after being downsized by corporate America. I decided I wanted to control my own destiny and after visiting family in Williamson County, I knew this was a place I wanted to raise a family and get involved in making a difference in the local community.

JJ: I’m an attorney, but it was not something I had always planned to do. After gluing myself to the TV during the 1967 World Series, my dream was always to be the 2nd baseman for the Boston Red Sox. But as my back up plan, I had over time entertained the thoughts of being, in order: a dentist, a minister, a civil engineer, a math teacher and finally an attorney. I had loved watching Perry Mason, and I enjoyed public speaking, so I opted for a business degree at the University of Wisconsin and then law school in northern Indiana. Initially I practiced as a trial lawyer, trying civil cases around the country, but after moving to Williamson County I transformed myself into a business/transactional attorney, and now my practice is primarily limited to representing banks and financial institutions. It is not as exciting as baseball or being a trial lawyer, but is very satisfying to me.

Three words that best describe you. 

BF: Servant heart, compassionate and kind.

JJ: Loyal, adventurous and loving of my family.

What do you like to do in your spare time (hobbies, traditions, etc.)?

BF: I enjoy cooking and grilling.

JJ: Hiking, backpacking and camping. 

Where is your favorite place to go in WC and why? 

BF: The carousel at The Factory. It is very rewarding to see the smiles and excitement of the young riders, and observing our seniors reminisce and share stories of rides during their childhood.

JJ: Timberland Park. I love the single-track trails for hiking, and I find it a very peaceful and relaxing place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

What keeps you motivated and inspired?

BF: Tzedakah is a Hebrew word that means righteousness and I truly believe that I have an opportunity through service to make our earth and community a better place.

JJ: My wife, Michele. I could do nothing and would be nothing without her.

What organization(s) are you involved with and why?

BF: One Gen Away - offering food and hope for those in need; Operation BBQ Relief - offering food assistance during Disasters; Ms. Molly Foundation- supporting victims of Domestic Violence; Franklin Noon Rotary - service above self; Circle of Giving: Carousel of Dreams- making memories while supporting local charities.

JJ: I’ve been on several boards and a part of several organizations, but the two I am most passionate about currently are: 

1. One Generation Away (“One Gen Away”), whose mission, simply stated, is to feed people; One Gen Away brings smiles to those facing hunger, and there is much more food insecurity here in middle Tennessee than most people would expect or believe. 

2. The Ken Means Carousel of Dreams at The Factory – which I refer to as “The Happiest Place in Franklin”. The Carousel, because it generates so much happiness and laughter, not just from the younger riders, but even more so from our seniors as they joyously relive days gone by.

What is the one thing you do not go a day without? 

BF: Making someone smile.

JJ: Morning coffee from the Southerner’s Coffee.

Finish this statement: I AM Williamson because...  

BF: I have the opportunity to make our community a great place to live and play.

JJ: I was intentional about embracing the community and trying to fit in, rather than trying to change it to accommodate me. I care about the history, the present and the future of the county. I stay involved in local politics to help ensure Williamson County never loses its charm or what has made it great.