Amanda Johnson Blends Vision, Family & Community to Shape Center Grove’s Growth
Photography / Amy Counts Photography; Yellow Line Productions
For Amanda Johnson, entrepreneurship has always been more than just a career — it’s a way of life. It’s been a calling.
From her first days working alongside her mother in real estate to developing one of Johnson County’s most recognized event venues, Johnson has spent the past two decades shaping spaces, supporting her family and giving back to her community. Her story is one of vision, persistence and a steadfast commitment to leaving each endeavor better than she found it.
Johnson’s entrepreneurial journey began in 1999, fresh out of college, when she joined her mother, Debbie Cottingham, at Cottingham Realty/Appraisal. This early exposure to the real estate industry, where she was licensed as both an appraiser and broker, provided her with a solid understanding of property value, development and the complexities of land use. She started from the ground up, learning the ropes of the industry and gaining valuable experience that would shape her future ventures.
That knowledge served her well.
A decade later, she envisioned transforming a parcel of her own property into something extraordinary. In 2016, Johnson opened The Barn at Bay Horse Inn, a rustic yet modern event venue unlike anything else in the area at the time. What began as an ambitious idea — one requiring zoning changes, countless approvals and overcoming various obstacles — quickly became a sought-after destination for weddings, fundraisers and community events.
“The Barn was really about creating something special with the property I had,” Johnson says. “I knew if I could get it approved, it would bring people together in a meaningful way.”
If The Barn highlighted Johnson’s entrepreneurial creativity, The Stables of Bay Horse Inn showcased her ability to blend business with family passion. Two years ago, she purchased and transformed the stables after years of being immersed in the equestrian world through her daughter, Emma.
Emma, now 19, has been riding since she was 4 years old. Her talent earned her a scholarship to compete on the NCAA equestrian team at the University of Georgia, where she helped her team capture a national championship. Inspired by Emma’s dedication, Johnson turned the stables into a thriving hub that today houses 32 horse stalls, hosts camps, offers riding lessons and provides boarding services.
“The Stables would not exist without Emma’s love for the sport,” Johnson says. “It’s a direct reflection of her journey.”
In 2021, she launched her next major project: Shiloh’s Corner, a mixed-use development named after her beloved horse, Shiloh. Located on six and a half acres, the site now features Stone Creek Dining Company, Bru Burger Bar, Hoover Dental and Total Body Wellness, with more coming soon.
The project was a collaboration with Cunningham Restaurant Group and stemmed from Johnson’s vision of creating a gathering space for the growing Center Grove community.
“I always had a vision for that area,” she says. “I knew it could become something people would want to be part of.”
Johnson’s entrepreneurial story doesn’t stop with event venues and development projects. Through her marriage to Dallas Johnson, she became co-owner of Johnson’s Hauling & Excavating, a company initially founded by Dallas’s father. Together, Amanda and Dallas continue to operate the family business, blending tradition with modern operations.
Their personal life mirrors the blended nature of their business.
Amanda and Dallas are raising four children — Emma and Eli from Amanda’s side, and Dallas and Ellie from his. The family is actively involved in local schools and 4-H programs, with both daughters showing livestock and participating in agricultural clubs.
While Johnson has proven herself a sharp businesswoman with an eye for opportunity, she is equally known for her generosity. Her venues frequently host fundraisers and community events, and she actively sponsors school athletics, FFA banquets and local sports teams.
Her dedication to community causes is a testament to her values. She actively supports initiatives like KIC-IT, a Johnson County program for homeless teens, and Blessings in a Backpack, which provides food to children in need over the weekends. Her partnership with local groups such as The Social of Greenwood, where she regularly donates event space for their popular bingo fundraisers, further demonstrates her unwavering commitment to community support.
“For me, it’s about using what I’ve built to support others,” Johnson says. “I feel a responsibility to give back to the community that has supported me.”
When asked about her driving force, she attributes it to a potent blend of vision and determination. From her early 20s, she began acquiring land — often with nothing more than faith in her long-term vision for development. Despite the area’s growth being slower than she anticipated, Johnson remained steadfast. She held on, knowing that at some point, development would flourish. She had a clear vision of what it could become and wasn’t ready to let it go.
“I always just hung in there,” she says. “I knew at some point the area would take off. I had a vision for what it could become, and I wasn’t willing to let it go.”
Even as she celebrates the success of her current ventures, Johnson’s eyes remain on the horizon. She still owns undeveloped land near Shiloh’s Corner and plans to continue shaping the area with projects that serve both residents and businesses.
Her story is not just about building a business empire, but about cultivating community. Whether it’s hosting a wedding at The Barn, teaching a child to ride at The Stables or supporting a local fundraiser, Johnson has woven her entrepreneurial spirit into the fabric of Center Grove’s life.
“Business is about more than just profits,” she says. “It’s about people, family and community. That’s what drives me every day.”
