Circle Back

Will Acuff's entrepreneurial journey is a powerful testament to purpose-driven innovation and resilience. His path began with a college band and evolved into a mission to create a meaningful impact through community empowerment. After a life-changing trip to Nairobi and years in a low-income Nashville neighborhood, Will and his wife, Tiffany, co-founded Corner to Corner, a nonprofit that equips underserved individuals to launch their own businesses. As the organization grew, Will stepped back from leadership to focus on expansion and fundraising. Inspired by personal challenges, including parenting a child with disabilities, Will then authored No Elevator to Everest, a heartfelt book about resilience, purpose, and finding joy in the face of life's steepest climbs.

Stuart McWhorter shares his entrepreneurial journey from selling Jolly Ranchers out of his high school locker to becoming Tennessee's Commissioner of Economic Development. He reflects on his early interest in healthcare administration, his time at Clayton Associates alongside his father, navigating venture capital and stepping into leadership roles, and his transition to spearheading Nashville Entrepreneur Center. McWhorter shares his view on the entrepreneurial spirit in Tennessee, the importance of fostering business growth, and how his experiences shape his approach to business development. He also touches on his own family legacy, expressing hopes of working with his own children in the future.

A serial entrepreneur, EC Hall of Famer and inaugural board director of the EC, J. Tod Fetherling joins CEO Sam Davidson to discuss his epic journey from the early days of the internet to building multiple successful companies. Being tasked with developing HCA's first internet strategy in 1995 fueled Fetherling's passion for technology, data, and healthcare innovation. Over the years, he's played a key role in various ventures, launching health-focused digital platforms and emphasizes the importance of partnerships, research-driven decision-making, and adaptability in business. His entrepreneurial journey is marked by strategic pivots, impactful transactions, and a dedication to improving healthcare outcomes for all through technology.

Mark Montgomery shares his entrepreneurial journey, from his first lawn care business as a teenager to building and selling companies in the music and technology industries. Montgomery sits down with EC CEO Sam Davidson to share how he pivoted from pursuing music to entrepreneurship, co-founding Echo, a digital music distribution company, which he sold in 2007. Personal challenges, including his wife's cancer diagnosis, led him to reassess his path, eventually exploring the cannabis industry and launching the non-alcoholic beverage brand Better Than Booze. Reflecting on his successes and setbacks, Montgomery discusses perseverance, work-life balance, and the deeper purpose behind entrepreneurship.

Known for his football career and current head coach at Tennessee State University, Eddie George takes us back to his upbringing with a mother who instilled an entrepreneurial spirit that led him to successful ventures in landscape architecture and wealth management before partaking in a nine-season career in football. Eddie's story is one of determination and growth, highlighting the importance of his faith, vision, and desire to serve others. Listen as Eddie discusses the impact of mentors, the value of financial literacy for athletes, and the significance of pursuing God-sized dreams with guts.

What happens when a tech-savvy entrepreneur becomes the mayor of one of America's fastest-growing cities? In this special episode, Sam Davidson sits down with Nashville's 10th mayor, Freddie O'Connell, to explore his journey from startup founder to civic leader. Discover how his entrepreneurial spirit is shaping the future of Nashville, and why his bold vision for transportation and local business could transform the city for generations to come. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on leadership, innovation, and building a better Nashville!

There's nothing sweeter than success, especially for Mignon Francois, founder of The Cupcake Collection. Mignon sits down with the EC's CEO Sam Davidson to share her amazing path from lacking direction to building a legacy, emphasizing the importance of investing in community and building relationships along the way. They'll discuss the challenges she faced as a scaling small business and Mignon's personal coaching philosophy behind her desire to help other women start their own businesses.

As a seasoned entrepreneur and business leader with a passion for innovation and growth, Jason Moore shares his incredible journey from humble beginnings in rural Kentucky to founding Stratasan, a successful healthcare data analytics software company. Jason shares some of the ups and downs, the challenges he faced, and the pivotal moments that led him to find success, including the importance of mentorship. Jason Moore's story is a testament to the power of perseverance, community, and the willingness to seek help and learn from others.

CEO of the Nashville Entrepreneur Center, Sam Davidson, joins Clark Buckner to reflect on his past year as CEO. Sam emphasizes the importance of a "connection engine" in achieving entrepreneurial success, illustrating his core belief: "The height of my success is directly related to the depth of my community." In this special episode announcing the show's new format, they discuss the role storytelling plays in inspiring future entrepreneurs and the impact of the EC and its supporters in making it all possible.

Phil and Pam Pfeffer share their remarkable journey from a chance encounter in a college physics class to building a multi-million dollar fortune. Hear how Phil's career in finance and business led to the creation of Ingram Micro Inc. and Treemont Capital, all while Pam's expertise in banking and accounting played a crucial role in their success. Discover how they navigated challenges, made impactful investments, and found joy in giving back to causes like Habitat for Humanity and the Boys and Girls Scouts of America. From their humble beginnings to extraordinary achievements, the Pfeffers' story is a testament to hard work, resilience, and the power of love.

Dive into the compelling journey of Saurabh Sinha, from his initial dreams of a sports career to establishing eMids, a groundbreaking technology company transforming the healthcare industry. This episode explores how Sinha's athletic pursuits instilled in him a resilience and strategic thinking that became the cornerstone of his entrepreneurial venture. Listen to Sinha recount the shift from sports to engineering, leading to the inception of eMids amidst the digital healthcare revolution. Sinha's narrative is filled with moments of adversity, learning, and ultimately, triumph, showcasing how a focused vision and adaptability can catalyze significant success. His story is not just about the ascent of eMids but also reflects the profound impact of aligning passion with purpose, offering listeners a deep dive into the essence of true entrepreneurship.

Dive into the inspiring journey of Shirley Zeitlin, a name synonymous with resilience, innovation, and success in Nashville's real estate landscape. In this episode, Shirley shares her incredible story of lifelong learning, overcoming societal barriers, and building a legacy in an industry once dominated by men. From her early days of high academic achievement without a college degree to becoming one of Nashville's most successful entrepreneurs, Shirley's narrative is a testament to the power of perseverance, family support, and ethical business practices. Discover how she navigated challenges, the importance of mentorship, and her impactful contributions to the Nashville community and beyond. This episode is a compelling glimpse into the life of a woman who not only sold houses but built a new landscape for Nashville.

Jim Ayers shares his inspiring entrepreneurial journey from a young boy in a small Tennessee town with a desire to find success like his father to building a profitable nursing home business and becoming a prominent figure in the banking industry. In 1984, Ayers acquired Farmers State Bank which marked the inception of what would eventually become FirstBank. Through strategic acquisitions and a steadfast commitment to personalized service, FirstBank's assets skyrocketed from a modest $14 million to a staggering $13 billion, becoming Tennessee's third-largest bank. Despite facing challenges and doubters along the way, Ayers shares how he persevered and achieved his goals, eventually expanding his business ventures to include car dealerships, shoe manufacturing, and insurance. The Ayers' commitment to community involvement and social responsibility remains evident through the establishment of The Ayers Foundation, providing scholarships and educational support for students in high schools and two community colleges in rural West, Middle, and East Tennessee.

Step into the world of Jane Allen, a pivotal figure in reshaping the landscape of the legal profession. From her early days navigating law school to her groundbreaking venture in legal services, Jane's life offers a rich tapestry of challenges, pivotal moments, and courageous choices. This podcast delves into Jane's formative years within a divorced family, her journey to carve her niche in the legal realm, and her innovative approach that reimagines the practice of law. Tune in to explore how Jane Allen's distinct vision and resolute determination have left a lasting imprint on legal service delivery, igniting empowerment and motivation for aspiring entrepreneurs. Get ready for a story that proves that even in the most traditional of fields, a trailblazer can emerge and pave the way for change.

Join us for the latest episode of Circle Back, where we explore the captivating journey of entrepreneurial visionary Jimmy Spradley. Discover how he transformed a renowned candy company into a thriving powerhouse in the realm of functional foods. From audacious acquisitions to strategic pivots, delve into the world of innovation, adaptation, and family legacy that paved the way for this remarkable success story. Tune in as we unravel the essence of entrepreneurial resilience and ingenuity on the road from candy to functional foods. Welcome to Circle Back, your gateway to the exhilarating path from startup inception to triumphant achievement. 

André Prince is the longtime matriarch behind the legendary Nashville staple, Prince Hot Chicken Shack. From the fiery origins of her family's spicy chicken recipe to the heights of becoming a culinary icon in Nashville, Andre's entrepreneurial journey is a testament to resilience, family heritage, and the influential force of word-of-mouth marketing. Discover how André overcame challenges, refined her culinary skills, and built a legacy that continues to tantalize taste buds. This episode is a celebration of André's pursuit of excellence and her unwavering commitment to providing quality cuisine that has made Prince Hot Chicken Shack a beloved institution in Nashville's vibrant food scene.

Mark Deutschmann is no stranger to Nashville's real estate scene, standing out for his unique approach to realty and a knack for juggling challenges. His journey from being voted Nashville's best realtor for nearly a decade to pioneering urban redevelopment tells a compelling story of grit, vision, and creativity. In this episode, Mark shares the role entrepreneurship has played in his real estate and community development endeavors, a passion he continues to pursue as he transforms Nashville's landscape, embodying balance, adaptability, and thriving amidst the chaos, lessons we can all take away from his story.

In this compelling episode, we explore the diverse entrepreneurial journey of Michael Shmerling, a seasoned businessman who navigated a wide range of industries, from background checks to real estate and healthcare. Michael shares his business instincts, strategies for mitigating risk, and his drive to create impactful projects. Notably, he discusses the creation of Abe's Garden, a memory care facility born from his father's Alzheimer's diagnosis. Throughout the conversation, Michael emphasizes the importance of balancing success with purpose, giving back to the community, and nurturing strong family ties. Join us as we delve into the life and accomplishments of this remarkable entrepreneur.

Amy Kurland is the founder of the Bluebird Cafe, one of Nashville's most iconic music venues and birthplace of “in the round” performances, complete with food and drink services. In this episode, Amy shares how this beloved spot came to be with the help of her family's support and a marketing class that changed the way she approached business. By focusing on marketing to musicians and listening to audience feedback, Kurland was able to create a space that helped catapult songwriters into the spotlight. While the Bluebird Cafe has evolved over the years, it has stayed true to its purpose of capturing the power of music in and from the community. 

Different childhoods, yet a serendipitous career path, Rob McCabe and Terry Turner brought a people-first approach to banking and founded Pinnacle Financial Partners in Nashville, Tennessee.

Three generations of hard work and family dedication put the state of Tennessee on the map for making sausages. The Odom family saw a bigger vision for Odom Sausages and wanted residents to have pride in what they put on their plate. Fast-forward 70+ years, Tennessee Pride sausages remain a staple for many.

With a natural knack for entrepreneurship and a persistent interest in video, Marty Renkis found a way to merge two passions into a successful business when creating the first cloud surveillance footage company that would make an impact across America.

Teetering back and forth between the projects and the suburbs, Dr. Turner Nashe had a series of experiences that shaped his entrepreneurial efforts that started with learning about entrepreneurship and business to a faith-driven voice showing him he can focus on making a difference. Prison reform, education, tech, insurance, real estate and more - follow along on this episode of Circle Back to learn about Dr. Turner Nashe's six businesses and counting.

Born into a successful family, John Ingram had entrepreneurship in his blood. However, it was with his unique ingenuity and thought leadership that he prepared a supply chain framework that would support the shift to online shopping for books, growing the family company to a record breaking $2.5B in revenue.

For more than 30 years, Lucious Burch flourished in the venture capital business where he helped take 17 businesses to the New York Stock exchange. As a self-proclaimed people investor, Burch learned his skills on the job in New York, but made his way back to his roots in Nashville to continue to invest in great people and businesses.

Sherry Deutschmann was raised in North Carolina with a strict upbringing, but chose Nashville as home to develop her career. Now she's a serial entrepreneur, the founder of LetterLogic and BrainTrust. Learn how her drive and empathetic character led her to become one of the strongest women in entrepreneurship in Nashville.  

Brian Fox was far ahead of his time when he founded his company to minimize financial fraud and bring efficient results to the confirmation process. President and founder of Confirmation.com, Fox shares his 20 year story to success in the newest episode of Circle Back season 2. 

From The Chase Studio at the Nashville Entrepreneur Center, Circle Back Season 2 is here! We're returning with even more of Nashville's most exceptional entrepreneurs revisiting the moments that defined their path. Hosted by Clark Buckner, these founders offer inspiration and practical insights to those navigating their own entrepreneurial journeys.

Growing up in New Orleans as the son of Saints legend Archie Manning, football ran in the family for Eli Manning and his brothers, and was a thread that ran through most of Eli's life: He was on the high school team, was a star during his time at Ole Miss and retired in 2020 after 16 years of quarterbacking for the New York Giants. The hardest part of retirement? Finding a new stage that he loved as much as football. Learn more about the crucial lessons he's learned as he launches his next venture with the support of his family in this week's A New Stage.

For Grammy-award winning songwriter Cliff Goldmacher, music is more than just entertainment; it's a powerful force to connect the world - and to start a business. Every skill that's needed to write a song is also a skill necessary to being an innovator, Goldmacher posits, and that's the draw of The Reason for the Rhymes. In his sessions, Cliff channels his music business savvy and entrepreneurial spirit to help executives build skills in lateral thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, empathy, risk-taking, and idea diffusion, by writing a song.

From performing his first song, which he wrote when he was only five years old, to writing songs for fellow musician Amy Grant in 1982, to launching Rocketown in the heart of downtown Nashville, Michael W. Smith has leaned into faith and creativity to become an award-winning musician and entrepreneur that's changing the world one person at a time.

The son of a guitar-wielding Texan preacher, musician and entrepreneur John Rich witnessed the “magic” of breathing life into a new song from scratch and performing it live. In this second episode of Circle Back mini-series A New Stage, he sits down with NFL legend Eddie George to share his journey through the highs and lows of the music industry, pursuing the perfect blended whiskey, and redefining success in music and business for the next generation.

In the first episode of Circle Back mini series A New Stage, entrepreneur and Heisman winner Eddie George sat down with Arrington Vineyards founder and musician Kix Brooks. A lifelong entrepreneur at heart, Kix traces his journey from working pipeline jobs with his father in Louisiana, to writing his first No. 1 songs with partner Ronnie Dunn to starting a first-of-its-kind vineyard in the heart of Tennessee. Along the way, he shares his journey to being joyful, his thoughts on leadership, and touching words about love and loss.  

We are honored to have shared the stories of some of Nashville's most influential entrepreneurs on this season of Circle Back. In this”bridge” episode, our CEO Jane Allen is looking back on the highlights of each entrepreneur's story, how they're giving back to the entrepreneurial community, and their plans for the future!

Clint Smith may have come to Nashville for the songwriting, but he stayed for the community. By placing value on people first, he not only gave his all in founding a successful tech company, Emma, but also gave back to his community, his employees and his clients. In this episode of Circle Back, we hear about how Clint Smith found ways to build up his company and build up his community all at once -- and the lessons along the way.

Shannon Terry's gift is knowing what works. By following his gut instinct and strategic vision, Terry has founded 247 Sports, AllianceSports and more -- paving the way for digital sports news. Where others saw failure, Terry saw potential -- with an eye always to the future. In this episode of Circle Back, we hear Terry's journey to finding the place where he belonged -- and the many not-so-right places along the way.

Dan Crockett grew up playing baseball with his family of five brothers. So, when he set his sights on running a mortgage bank, he knew he had to keep his eye on the ball. Through the discipline, grit and focus of an athlete, Crockett built up Franklin American Mortgage, a company he sold for $511 million.

Beth Chase, savvy businesswoman and founder of c3/consulting has always pushed herself up to greater and greater heights. When her job at IBM became tedious, she used her computer skills to automate it. When she had perfected her sales techniques, she became a consultant. When she wanted to create more time for her twins, she started a business in her living room. But, Chase doesn't stop at building herself up. At the core of her journey has been a drive for connecting with people -- from clients, to business partners, to family.

No challenge has ever been unconquerable for CEO and founder of The Bakery Companies, Cordia Harrington. With a little bit of sass, some built-in charisma, and a lot of hard work, Harrington rose from the owner and operator of a McDonald's in Effingham, Illinois to creating a company that oversees baking for international brands like McDonald's, KFC, Trader Joes, and more.

Learn how Zycron founder Darrell Freeman turned his hunger for new opportunities into a wildly successful IT solutions business, and how he's been giving back to his community since selling the company.

Governor Phil Bredesen has always been a problem-solver, from his time as a physics student to his leadership at Health America, to his term in office and now as the leader of two sustainable energy companies. But it hasn't always been an easy road. Listen to the first episode of Circle Back to hear his story.

The Circle Back podcast, the premiere production of The Chase Studio at the Nashville Entrepreneur Center, features an array of the city's most exceptional entrepreneurs as they revisit the moments that defined their paths. In candid conversation with host Clark Buckner, founders in this first season offer inspiration and practical insights to those navigating their own entrepreneurial journeys.