The AI market is booming. Experts say it’ll hit $243.70 billion by the end of 2025. By 2030, it could grow to $826.70 billion.
That’s huge.
But here’s the thing most people miss—this boom isn’t just for tech giants in Silicon Valley. Towns like Franklin, Tennessee have something even more powerful: roots.
Hi, I’m Colin Rowe. I live in Franklin and work in digital marketing and social media. I’ve seen a lot of buzz about AI lately. It’s exciting. But I’ve also seen how easy it is to get lost in the hype.
So let’s slow down for a second.
Franklin’s Secret Power
Franklin isn’t trying to be the next tech capital. And that’s a good thing. While others race to build billion-dollar startups, Franklin focuses on what matters: people, relationships, and long-term thinking.
We’re not in a rush to automate everything. We still believe in handshakes, good service, and showing up on time. That mindset is rare these days—and valuable.
Some say AI will replace workers. I don’t see it that way. Here in Franklin, I see a future where AI assists people, not replaces them.
AI isn’t going to mow your lawn, install your HVAC system, or teach your kid how to throw a football. But it can help a local business run smoother, reach more customers, and spend less time buried in paperwork.
Small Towns, Big Opportunity
There’s a myth that innovation only happens in big cities. I don’t buy it. Franklin proves that smaller towns can think big.
We’ve got local shops using AI-powered inventory tools. We’ve got real estate agents using smart algorithms to match families with the right homes. Even local artists are using AI to brainstorm ideas.
It’s not about replacing creativity. It’s about giving creativity more room to grow.
Why I’m Not Worried About AI Taking Over
I know there’s fear around AI. But I don’t think it’s helpful to panic.
AI doesn’t have a soul. It doesn’t have small-town values. It can’t volunteer at your kid’s school or drop off soup when someone’s sick.
And that’s where Franklin shines.
Our values keep us grounded. In a world that’s getting faster and noisier, Franklin feels steady. AI can do a lot, but it can’t replace kindness, trust, or community spirit.
Those things don’t show up on spreadsheets, but they make all the difference.
Where I See AI Helping Franklin
Here are a few real ways I think AI will help, not hurt, towns like Franklin:
- Healthcare: Imagine AI helping doctors with faster diagnoses. That’s already happening in small clinics.
- Tourism: Franklin is a beautiful place. AI can help promote it more efficiently to tourists looking for weekend getaways.
- Education: Teachers can use AI to tailor learning plans to students. More time teaching, less time grading.
- Local Business: Small businesses can use AI tools for customer support, scheduling, and even marketing. I use some of these tools myself.
It’s not about replacing people. It’s about freeing them up to do the work that only people can do.
What I Tell My Clients
As a social media manager, I get this question all the time: “Colin, should I be worried about AI taking my job?”
My answer? Not if you focus on what makes you human.
You can’t out-AI the AI. But you can be more empathetic, more creative, more curious. AI is a tool—not a personality.
Use it to take care of the busywork. Then put your energy into the stuff that actually builds trust and connection. That’s how I work. And that’s what I teach.
Franklin’s Future Is Strong
Here’s the twist: Franklin’s not behind in the AI race—we’re ahead.
Why? Because we aren’t chasing trends. We’re building strong foundations.
We’ve got smart people, good schools, and businesses that care about customers. We’ve got history, charm, and a sense of belonging.
And we’ve got a future where technology supports community, not the other way around.
Final Thoughts from Colin Rowe
AI will change things. But so will towns like Franklin.
This isn’t about who builds the biggest machine. It’s about who remembers why we build things in the first place.
I’m Colin Rowe, and I believe Franklin has something the AI market can’t copy—heart.
That’s why I’m optimistic. That’s why I’m staying here.
And that’s why I think Franklin, Tennessee will thrive in the AI age—because we never forget what really matters.