Danny Fugate is a man of many passions, deeply rooted in Knoxville, Tennessee. From the vibrant artistry of his tattoo shop, Ambition Tattoo, to the serene depths of the ocean he explores as a scuba diving instructor, Danny embodies a drive to pursue his dreams. His story, woven through the familiar streets of Knoxville and extending to underwater adventures, offers a glimpse into the life of a true entrepreneur and a dedicated member of his community.
Danny’s journey began with a spark of inspiration during a vacation in the Dominican Republic. His first scuba diving experience ignited a passion that reshaped his career aspirations. “The more I did it, the more excited I became,” Danny recalls. He envisioned a life surrounded by “warm clear water, islands, and endless visibility,” and he turned that vision into reality. He not only teaches scuba diving but also channels his entrepreneurial spirit into other ventures, most notably Ambition Tattoo.
Knoxville has always been a magnetic force in Danny’s life. “I grew up in Knoxville,” he explains, tracing a geographical loop through Massachusetts, California, and Texas. “And usually every time I moved, I’ve went from Knoxville to Massachusetts, back to Knoxville, to California, back to Knoxville, to Texas and back. So there’s something about it that keeps me coming back.” This enduring connection to his hometown is palpable, influencing both his personal and professional choices.
When it comes to local favorites, Danny immediately points to “the Taco Truck,” officially known as La Herradura Taqueria on Broadway. This unassuming spot holds a special place for him, representing authentic flavors reminiscent of his time in Southern California. “It’s probably the best authentic Mexican food Knoxville has to offer,” he states, emphasizing the high bar set by his experiences in California. His appreciation extends to the entire menu: “Everything. I’ve tried 98% of the menu. There is nothing that I wouldn’t eat again.”
The tapestry of Knoxville’s community has introduced Danny to a diverse array of interesting individuals. He mentions his connections with University of Tennessee athletes, including his friendship with Derek Barnett of the Philadelphia Eagles. These relationships highlight the intersection of local sports culture with Danny’s professional life. On the scuba diving front, he recounts meeting Dr. Shannon McAteer, the helicopter pilot involved in the Bin Laden mission, an encounter that provided “beyond interesting” stories and perspectives.
While Danny’s businesses keep him grounded in Knoxville, the allure of international travel remains. Europe, particularly the UK, tops his list of dream destinations. Having explored Central America and the Caribbean extensively, he’s ready to venture across the Atlantic. “I’d like to go over to the UK and spend a couple of weeks there and see what it is like,” he shares, expressing a desire to broaden his horizons beyond his familiar travel circuits.
Movies hold a nostalgic charm for Danny, particularly the classics and their modern adaptations. He enjoys revisiting films like “The Lion King” and fondly remembers the impact of the original “Jurassic Park” movies from his childhood. This appreciation for cinematic storytelling reveals another layer of his personality, connecting him to shared cultural experiences.
Despite his entrepreneurial drive and public-facing businesses like Ambition Tattoo, Danny admits to a surprising shyness when speaking in front of crowds. Overcoming this challenge has been a personal journey, with an unexpected catalyst: scuba diving instruction. “Training to become a scuba instructor actually helped me get over my fear of public speaking,” he explains. The need to communicate effectively underwater translated into improved confidence on land, a testament to the transferable skills gained through diverse experiences. He humorously describes the physical manifestations of his stage fright, contrasting it with his ease in smaller, familiar settings.
Skydiving occupies a prominent spot on Danny’s bucket list, representing a thrilling challenge he intends to conquer despite his fear of heights. This ambition, perhaps unsurprisingly given the name of his tattoo shop, speaks to his willingness to push personal boundaries. “You know I would be terrified,” he acknowledges, “I don’t like flying on planes very much so it would definitely be a bucket list thing.”
Danny’s musical tastes are eclectic, spanning genres from hip hop to country. He expresses admiration for artists like Kane Brown, Avicii, and Journey, showcasing a broad appreciation for musical talent. His diverse interests extend beyond his professional and adventurous pursuits, painting a picture of a well-rounded individual.
Nostalgia for Knoxville’s past is evoked by the memory of The Butcher Shop, a unique dining experience located at the World’s Fair Park. Danny fondly remembers the interactive element of grilling your own steak at the table. The restaurant’s closure was a disappointment when convention plans brought him back to the World’s Fair Park, highlighting the bittersweet nature of change in a familiar place.
If given the opportunity to have lunch with anyone, Danny chooses John Chatterton, a respected figure in the scuba diving world. He expresses a desire to learn from Chatterton’s deep-sea explorations, demonstrating a continued thirst for knowledge within his passion for diving. For the location, he would opt for his favorite Mexican restaurant, La Herradura Taqueria, further solidifying his local culinary preference.
What makes Knoxville unique for Danny is its deeply personal significance: “For me, it’s home.” He values the city’s “big little city” atmosphere, appreciating its growth while retaining a small-town charm. He illustrates this with an anecdote about his mail lady, who embodies the friendly, community-oriented spirit he cherishes. This sense of belonging is a recurring theme, underscoring his commitment to Knoxville.
Looking ahead 5 to 10 years, Danny envisions a future mirroring his present, but with a more balanced workload. He plans to continue tattooing and scuba diving, transitioning towards the business management aspects to reduce his weekly hours. This long-term vision reflects a desire for sustainability and a continued dedication to his chosen paths.
An intriguing, lesser-known fact about Danny is his intense phobia of snakes. This irrational fear contrasts with his adventurous persona and adds a relatable human element to his character. “Extremely to the point when I’m driving and I see one in the road. It startles me and I’ll lift my feet,” he describes, highlighting the visceral nature of his fear.
When asked about potential nominees for “Faces of Knoxville,” Danny immediately thinks of his dedicated employees at Ambition Tattoo. He praises their hard work and loyalty, particularly Jarvis and Weslam, recognizing their crucial role in the shop’s success, especially as he dedicates more time to other ventures. This acknowledgment underscores his appreciation for his team and their contribution to Ambition Tattoo’s reputation.
In a hypothetical movie role, Danny would choose his girlfriend as his co-star, revealing a personal touch and valuing personal connections. If he could have a fully paid staff member, a chef would be his top pick, suggesting a practical appreciation for culinary expertise.
For Danny, the word “HOME” evokes sensory and cultural touchstones: “Sweet tea, smoky mountain, and biscuits and gravy.” These three phrases encapsulate the essence of Southern comfort and Knoxville’s regional identity, reinforcing his deep connection to his roots.
Danny Fugate’s story is one of ambition realized, community engagement, and a passion for both artistic expression through Ambition Tattoo and adventurous exploration. His journey, firmly anchored in Knoxville, is a compelling narrative of a local entrepreneur making waves both above and below the surface.
