Entrepreneurial Insights

Susan Stephenson is a passionate Memphian, proud mom of four, and grandmother of 12 perfect grandchildren. This is her 44th year in banking—the last 25 years at independent bank (i-bank) the company her partner and she founded in 1998. She serves on several local boards, including the Women's Foundation for a Greater Memphis, and New Memphis Institute, and is the current President of the Society of Entrepreneurs.

The Society of Entrepreneurs and Epicenter Memphis recently presented “Protecting Your Brand”, a panel on harnessing your skills to bring the best product to your customer while also knowing when to say no to protect the integrity of your brand. This panel features Susan Stephenson of Independent Bank, Shannon Briggs of Campfire Collective, Lisa Toro of City & State, Bartholomew Jones of Cxffeeblack, and our moderator Mike Bruns, retired Founder of Comtrak Logistics. We hope that you will enjoy this podcast featuring this very informative presentation. Susan Stephenson is a passionate Memphian, proud mom of four and grandmother of 12 perfect grandchildren. This is her 44th year in banking—the last 25 years at independent bank (i-bank) the company her partner and she founded in 1998.  She serves on several local boards, including the Women's Foundation for a Greater Memphis, New Memphis Institute, and is the current President of the Society of Entrepreneurs. Shannon Briggs is the founder and head trailblazer for Campfire Collective, a Memphis-based agency that specializes in igniting marketing and public relations campaigns for community-based organizations. Shannon serves on the board of the DeNeuville Learning Center for Women, Shelby County Drug Court Foundation, and East Buntyn ArtWalk. She is a graduate of Leadership Memphis and is an active member of the Greater Memphis Chamber ambassador program, The Society of Entrepreneurs Insights Group, and PRSA Memphis. Additionally, she was named the "2022 PR Executive of the Year" by PRSA Memphis and is a member of the 2023 Memphis Business Journal's 40 Under 40 class.  With over 20 years of experience and expertise in brand development and digital marketing, Lisa Toro has helped numerous organizations and businesses, including her own, craft their unique brand identities. Her expertise lies in developing comprehensive strategies that go beyond aesthetics and logos, delving deep into the essence of a brand and its authentic expression. In addition to her professional achievements, Lisa is deeply committed to giving back to her community. She actively mentors aspiring entrepreneurs, helping them develop their skills and nurturing the next generation of small businesses. Her dedication to fostering growth and empowering others has earned her respect and admiration from fellow business owners and mentees alike. Bartholomew Jones is an educator, emcee, avid coffee nerd, and native Memphian. He is also the co-founder of cxffeeblack, a renowned thought leader in matters regarding the African origins and diasporic future of coffee, and a key creative disruptor within the specialty coffee industry.  Bartholomew Jones, along with his wife Renata, intended to reinstate the origin, purpose, and integrity of cxffee through the knowledge of its Black history and being a part of its Black future, creating Cxffeeblack. As the movement, Cxffeblack, continues to press forward to educate community about the history of cxffee through the lens of Blackness; it also seeks to inspire the uniqueness, authenticity, and future of Black people. Links to items mentioned in the interview: Independent Bank Campfire Collective City and State Cxffeeblack Mike Bruns Society of Entrepreneurs  Epicenter

From his earliest recollections Chris Bird was always interested in business, commerce and sales-from operating drink stands by the neighborhood tennis court to advertising his lawn mowing business on white match book cases with a rubber stamp with his contact information. In college, Chris even started 1520 Enterprises Unlimited to loan money to friends who were short on funds pending payday or mom and dad's deposit. Although unincorporated and unlicensed that business was very similar to today's payday and title loan businesses. After college, at this grandfather's urging, Chris studied for and passed the life insurance licensing exam. With the desire to be his own boss driving him, he left that business and started a series of businesses-Microcomputer Consulting Associates, consulting and custom software design; Lido Development, LLC-buying, improving, developing and selling real property and Spec-Tech architectural consulting. (Notable local projects included Peabody Place, Target House and FedExForum) In 1999, Chris was asked to consider purchasing Delta Door and Hardware Co. by its owners and spent a year inside the company working towards that goal. In 2000, at a meeting of Memphis Rotary, John Dillard told Chris he wanted to retire. Chris formed an agreement with John Dillard, Jr that he would form a new corporation that in two years would purchase the assets of the existing Dillard Door & Specialty Co. Chris took $75K in savings and a personal note from JD to capitalize the new corporation Dillard Door & Security, Inc. At the time of purchase, the company had 12 employees and was doing about 2 million in revenue. In 5 years the company had grown to about 50 employees and 6 million in revenue. In 2008, the security portion of the business had become large enough that they started a separate company Dillard Security Services, LLC to better handle the needs of the security business. While the recession years took its toll on new construction related businesses, the security and service sector of our business continued to thrive and produce more than 8mil in revenue and both are climbing. In 2013, due to the increased amount of business done with law enforcement entities, a Federal Firearms License was procured to offer firearms, as well as other security services, to law enforcement contacts. DSS Firearms, LLC is now almost a stand-alone business. In 2018, Dillard Door acquired Tri-State Glass, a 60 year old, family owned business that had a large portion of its revenue from Dillard. This is coming full circle because when John Dillard, Sr. started his business in 1947 it was called Southern Glass and evolved from just glass to what Dillard Door & Security, Inc. is today. Chris Bird is actively involved in various church and community organizations including the Memphis Rotary Club Board, Regional One Health Foundation Board of Directors, Calvary Episcopal Church Vestry, Door and Hardware Institute, the Construction Specifications Institute, Morrison Architectural Scholarship Fund at UofM, Memphis Heritage Board, NFIB State Leadership Council and Crime Stoppers. Links to items mentioned in the interview: Dillard Door and Security, Inc. Memphis Rotary Club Mid-South Employer Resource Network Live at the Garden Auto Zone Liberty Bowl Crimestoppers Elmwood Cemetery Stax Museum-Soulsville Society of Entrepreneurs  The Rotary "4-Way Test" has become an important fixture in Rotary- guiding Rotarians in their personal lives as well as in their professional lives. It asks the following four questions: "Of the things we think, say or do: Is it the TRUTH? Is it FAIR to all concerned? Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS? Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?"

Frank J. Cianciola serves as Founder, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Banc3 Holdings, Inc. He began his financial services career at Union Planters in 1973 and from 1984-1992 he held a variety of executive positions with Commerce Union Bank (C&S Sovran). From 1992-1995, Cianciola served as CFO of The Memphis Group, Inc., a $60 million aerospace company. In 1995, he became CEO of Victory Bank and Trust, followed by his role as Founder, CEO and Chairman of Renasant Bank. Frank served on the publicly held Renasant (RNST) Bank's Board from 2004 – 2009. Most recently, he served as Chairman and Vice Chairman of Metropolitan Bank. Cianciola holds a Master of Science degree in Finance from The University of Memphis. He is a graduate of The Graduate School of International Banking (University of Virginia), The Graduate School of Commercial Lending (University of Oklahoma) and The Effective Executive Program (The Wharton School). Frank Cianciola has been Adjunct Instructor in the Department of Economics at the University of Memphis. Cianciola is a past President of the Economic Club of Memphis; Regent at the Barrett School of Banking; served on the Leadership Council for Youth Villages and was the 2015 Chairperson for the Signature Chefs Annual fundraiser for the March of Dimes. Frank Cianciola is also involved with the Wolf River Conservancy, Church of the Holy Apostles and is a graduate of Leadership Memphis. Links to items mentioned in the interview: Bank3 Economic Club of Memphis University of Memphis Leadership Memphis Society of Entrepreneurs

Phillip G. Coop is the co-founder and Chairman of Memphis, Tennessee based EnSafe Inc., one of the nation's largest environmental and safety consulting firms. The original founders, Phil Coop, Wendell Knight, and James Speakman were motivated by their strong desire to pursue careers (then unavailable in the commercial sector) that intersected business, science and public policy related to environmental protection and safety. EnSafe manages environmental and safety risk issues for companies throughout the United States from 15 offices nationwide. The Company also performs projects worldwide. EnSafe was founded in 1980 in Memphis, grew rapidly, and by 1994 was listed by INC Magazine as one of the 500 fastest growing companies in the country. EnSafe continues to succeed and grow from the original founders' ethics and vision and is managed by senior staff who have been with the firm for 20-25 years. Mr. Coop leads the Company's scientific and compliance consulting practices, with a specialty in the management of environmental risks. He is a frequent lecturer on environmental risk, disaster response, and hazardous substance management. Mr. Coop is well known in Tennessee as an advocate for good environmental practices in the context of overall business and economic management and speaks frequently on the importance of a stable, scientifically sound regulatory system that encourages both environmental protection and economic expansion.   He was the 2004 recipient of the University of Memphis' Herff Award for distinguished service to engineering and currently serves as Chairman of The Webb School Board of Trustees. Coop was inducted into The Webb School's Distinguished Alumni Society in 2007. Mr. Coop is co-chairman of the Mid South Environmental Forum and is a charter member of the Hazardous Materials Control Institute. He serves on the board of Ballet Memphis. He has served on the Memphis-Shelby County Air Quality Board and the board of advisors for the Memphis Chamber of Commerce, and director and treasurer for the Tennessee Brownfields Association. He is a proud member of The Memphis Group – business leaders in support of St. Jude Hospital. Mr. Coop is a native of Bell Buckle, Tennessee, where his family has resided for many generations. He received his A.B. degree, magna cum laude, from Harvard University in 1970. He is married to Memphis artist, and former Federal Express Director, Kay Coop.   Links to items mentioned in the interview: EnSafe The Webb School-Bell Buckle Harvard University MIFA Mid-South Food Bank Kay Coop Art Society of Entrepreneurs 

This podcast is a little different than our others because we noticed a theme in many of our interviews on the importance of mentoring.  We invited Denise Higdon, CEO of Work Site Consultants and James Kelley, Partner-Operations and Business Development at the KGR Group to join us and mentor Extraordinaire, Dr. Mary McDonald to share their thoughts on mentoring.  Both Denise and James participate in the Society of Entrepreneurs mentoring group, the Insights group.  We hope that you will enjoy hearing about this program and what it means to the participants. Links to items mentioned in the interview: Worksite Consultants KGR Group MCD Partners Society of Entrepreneurs Insights Group “A mentor is someone who allows you to know that no matter how dark the night, in the morning joy will come. A mentor is someone who allows you to see the higher part of yourself when sometimes it becomes hidden to your own view.”   Oprah Winfrey

Doug Marchant is a serial entrepreneur that was honored as the 2023 Master Entrepreneur by The Society of Entrepreneurs and Junior Achievement for his impact as an entrepreneur and in the community. Doug Marchant is the President/CEO of Unified Health Services (www.uhsweb.com). In 1997, he was one of the original founders of Unified Health Services.  Under his leadership UHS has become a leading provider of worker's compensation claim processing services nationally, handling over 400,000 patient visits annually for hospitals and medical groups in 26 states. After graduating from Mississippi State University with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Sciences and Mathematics, Doug began as an original founder of Concord EFS which grew to become a leading provider of electronic transaction authorization, processing settlement and fund transfer services, before becoming a publicly traded company which has been acquired by First Data Corporation (NYSE: FDC). In 1996, Doug founded Electronic Physician Network (EPN) to help doctors and hospitals move medical data electronically and streamline data access.  Later he sold EPN to Envoy Corporation which was acquired and expanded by WebMD. Mr. Marchant is a member of Dean's Development Council of the Bagley College of Engineering, and an advisor to the College of Engineering Entrepreneur Studies at Mississippi State University.  He is also an advisor for the Crews Center of Entrepreneurship at the University of Memphis. Links to items mentioned in the interview:   The Society of Entrepreneurs Crews Center for Entrepreneurship-University of Memphis Bagley College of Engineering-Mississippi State University Church Health Madonna Learning Center

Jay B. Myers is founder and CEO of Interactive Solutions Inc. (ISI), a Memphis-based firm that specializes in video conferencing, distance learning, telemedicine, and audio-visual sales and support. Jay started ISI in 1996 and has built it into a $25-million company with 55 employees & offices in Memphis, Nashville, Knoxville, as well as Oxford, MS, & Little Rock, AR. ISI has received numerous corporate awards and recognition in the past several years. The company was named to INC. magazine's list of the fastest growing private companies in the United States seven times in the past 11 years. ISI also was recently featured in the Small Business section of the Wall Street Journal. In addition, ISI was named the Memphis Business Journal Small Business of the Year in 2001 and in 2003 was the first recipient of the Kemmons Wilson (founder of Holiday Inn) Emerging Business Award.   In 2007, Jay published his first book, Keep Swinging: An Entrepreneur's Story of Overcoming Adversity and Achieving Small Business Success and subsequently received the 2010 Ethan Award for success as an entrepreneurial author. A natural storyteller, Jay is a sought-after speaker at CEO conferences and entrepreneurial development programs where he shares inspiring stories and practical tips based on growing ISI from $11- to $25-million during the Great Recession. Jay's message as detailed in his second book, Hitting the Curveballs: How Crisis Can Strengthen and Grow Your Business, reveals creative, practical strategies to achieve business success in difficult times. In 2018, ISI was sold to the world's largest AV Integration firm, AVI-SPL. Jay was inducted into the Christian Brothers High School Hall of Fame in 2011 and is active in numerous Memphis area community and civic organizations. Myers currently serves on the advisory board of the Chickasaw Council (Boy Scouts of America) Bancorp South and the National Foundation for Transplants. He is also past chairman and a current board member/executive committee member of the Better Business Bureau of the Mid-South. Links to items mentioned in the interview: Jay Myers- CEO, ENTREPRENEUR, AUTHOR Extra Innings Podcast with Rob Carter SCORE Better Business Bureau Christian Brothers High School Hall of Fame   “A mentor is someone who allows you to know that no matter how dark the night, in the morning joy will come. A mentor is someone who allows you to see the higher part of yourself when sometimes it becomes hidden to your own view.”   Oprah Winfrey

The Entrepreneurial Insights podcast kicked off season 4 with a live taping of a presentation on “Going to Market”.  The podcast features Kiamesha Wilson (Kaye's Pints & Scoops), Randy Stepherson (Superlo Foods - Stepherson's) and Art Seessel, formerly of Seessel's Supermarket.  These veteran entrepreneurs shared some excellent insight on the ins and outs of "going to market" with products successfully. We hope that you enjoy the show.   Links to items mentioned in the interview: Kaye's Pints and Scoops Superlo / Stepherson's Grocery Stores Junior Achievement of Memphis and the Mid-South Youth Villages   Recipe for Seessel's Chocolate Butter Pie, Reprinted from The Daily Memphian, January 22, 2023 Ingredients 1 cup granulated sugar 2 teaspoons cornstarch 1 teaspoon fine salt (see notes) 1 tablespoon nonfat dry milk powder 6 squares Ghirardelli 100% cacao unsweetened chocolate bar (see notes) 1 stick unsalted butter 2 teaspoons vanilla extract ½ cup Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk 2 tablespoons hot water 2 large eggs Pie crust pastry, store-bought, or use pie crust recipe that follows   Directions Blend the sugar, cornstarch, salt and dry milk powder; set aside. Break chocolate bar in pieces as marked, put in bowl with butter and melt in microwave on butter or chocolate setting if your microwave has them. Otherwise, use power setting 2 or 3 and microwave two to four minutes until melted. Stir well. Blend vanilla, sweetened condensed milk and hot water. Microwave to 160 degrees (use an instant-read thermometer), about 30-60 seconds. Mix eggs, but don't whip. Add sweetened condensed milk mixture to eggs. Add chocolate; blend, then add to dry ingredients and mix on low speed until fully blended. Place pie crust in a 9-inch pan and pour in mix. Bake at 360 degrees for 30-45 minutes, depending on your oven. The pie will start to form a thin chocolate film on top. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in center of pie. If it pulls out clean, the pie is baked. If it's wet, bake a little longer. Notes: The recipe is accurate as printed, but here are two tips. Jennifer Biggs uses about half the amount of salt, and Art Seessel thinks that five squares of chocolate is sufficient. These are taste preferences and won't affect the integrity of the pie. Makes one 9-inch pie. Seessel's Pie Dough Ingredients 1 ¼ cup all-purpose flour 11 tablespoons unsalted butter ½ teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon salt 3 tablespoons powdered sugar 1 teaspoon nonfat dry milk powder ½ teaspoon vanilla extract 1 medium whole egg   Directions  Mix flour and butter together until it forms pea-size balls. Mix baking powder, salt, powdered sugar and milk powder. Mix vanilla and eggs, then add everything together and mix only until dough comes together in one mass and sides of bowl are clean. Roll out pie dough into a circle (about 1/8” thick), fold dough in half, place onto half of the pie pan, fold the other half over the rest of pie pan, carefully pat the dough into the bottom and around the edges, then crimp into any form you desire. Dough should set in pan one hour before filling and is best used fresh. Note: If you refrigerate the dough (it will hold two to three days) or freeze it, store it in a Ziploc freezer bag and bring it to room temperature before using. Makes one pie crust.

On his ninth birthday, John Wilcox was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. These days, he's looking to help others with the same health condition. Wilcox is the CEO and cofounder of Diatech Diabetes, a local medical device startup that's developing a software platform to help people with diabetes obtain proper amounts of insulin. There are about 600,000 diabetes patients who use insulin pumps in the U.S. They regularly inject insulin into their body, ideally ensuring that they receive the correct amount of insulin. The margin for error is high, though, and malfunctions happen frequently. Diatech's software is set to study data in an insulin pump's system to make analyses and predictions while also providing alarms when a pump is malfunctioning and insulin dosages aren't right. The startup plans to sell the software to insulin pump manufacturers, and the company is operating on a flexible, two-year timeline. It wants to complete clinical studies and form a strong relationship with a pump manufacturer by 2023 or 2024. Already, it's scored a $300,000 grant from the National Institutes of Health. And in November 2021, Diatech won The Next Big Thing – an annual pitch competition hosted by The Society of Entrepreneurs and Epicenter – which came with a $10,000 prize. Links to items mentioned in the interview: Diatech Diabetes Epicenter Memphis UMRF Research Park Memphis Business Journal JDRF American Diabetes Association

Ron Coleman is the President of Competition Cams, a world leader in valve train technology, and under his management the company has acquired several other businesses, including TCI Automotive, LLC and Quarter Master Industries. Coleman founded the National Muscle Car Association, which is recognized as the largest national sanctioning group dedicated to street-legal vehicles. He is also the Founder, President and Chairman of Xceleration Media, LLC, which was acquired by Power Automedia. Coleman was elected to the White House Conference on Small Business twice. He served on the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Advisory Council, was a two time Delegate to the U.S. Congressional Small Business Summit, and was on the Advisory Council for the U.S. Small Business Administration. Coleman was active in issues involving government regulations and taxation of business, and testified before the Senate Small Business Committee to encourage the reduction of regulations that impact small business. Coleman was active in the U.S.-Japan Auto Parts Trade Agreement, which for the first time gave U.S. companies a fair chance to compete with product sales in Japan. Locally, Coleman is actively involved in the community and has supported such organizations as Memphis in May International Festival, Memphis Library Foundation, Catholic Charities of West Tennessee and the Greater Memphis Chamber, among others. He is also a graduate of Leadership Memphis. Links to items mentioned in the interview: COMP Cams Society of Entrepreneurs Profile National Muscle Car Association Power Automedia (formerly Xceleration Media) Small Business Administration Specialty Equipment Market Association Memphis in May International Festival Memphis Library Foundation Catholic Charities of West Tennessee Greater Memphis Chamber Leadership Memphis

Natives of Memphis, Andy and Michael began cooking as children. Their extended Italian families would gather for jovial Sunday suppers, where everyone would help make homemade meatballs and ravioli. When Andy and Michael met at Christian Brothers High School, they immediately connected over their similar ancestral backstories. After graduating from the University of Mississippi and Auburn University, respectively, Andy and Michael attended Johnson and Wales University in Charleston, SC and the Italian Institute for Advanced Culinary Studies in Calabria, Italy. Both Andy's and MIchael's first formative kitchen experience was working under Chef Jose Gutierrez at Chez Philippe in Memphis. In 2008, Andy and Michael opened Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen, which led to their first James Beard Foundation nomination. The duo followed their debut with Hog & Hominy, a wood-burning neighborhood restaurant that was recognized by Bon Appetit, GQ and Southern Living as one of the top new restaurants in the country in 2013. That year Food and Wine also selected them as Best New Chefs in the country, their cookbook Collards & Carbonara: Southern Cooking, Italian Roots was published and they were recognized as semifinalists for Best Chef Southeast by the James Beard Foundation. Two years later, Porcellio's Craft Butcher highlighted their love of traditional butcheries and heritage meats. The 2016 opening of Josephine Estelle in the Ace Hotel in New Orleans, LA, was their first foray into a hotel space. Catherine & Mary's a nod to their Italian grandmothers opened in 2016 as well. Gray Canary, located in Old Dominick Distillery in the South Main Arts District in downtown Memphis soon followed as their sixth concept. For their seventh restaurant, Bishop, Andy and Michael dug into their French cooking foundation that began right out of culinary school. Housed in the historic Central Station Hotel, this latest concept continues as the third in their stable of downtown restaurant locations and continues to underscore the renowned chefs' company culture of family and friends. They started the Andrew Michael Foundation in 2021 to help organize how the company can give back to our community. Links to items mentioned in the interview: Enjoy AM Restaurant Group Society of Entrepreneurs Profile - Andy Society of Entrepreneurs Profile - Michael Andrew Michael Foundation James Beard Foundation Mid-South Food Bank Collards & Carbonara: Southern Cooking, Italian Roots

Harry Smith's years in public accounting prepared him for his life-changing career move to the Schilling Companies, Inc. as he assumed the role of Chairman and CEO of the 1,000-person company. This is the holding company for the real estate and automotive divisions. He also owned, in partnership with Boyle Investment Company, Schilling Farms, a 448-acre planned business development in Collierville, TN. Over the past 35 years, Smith has been involved in a number of businesses which include automotive parts, industrial engines, heating and cooling distribution and over ten different automobile dealerships of all makes and models. He has served on the Ford Motor Company Governmental Affairs Committee and the Ford Consumer Appeals Board. In January 2003, he was recognized as the Time-Life Quality Award Dealer for the State of Tennessee. Smith has been involved in over 30 boards and managing committees in the area, including Baptist Memorial Hospital, Baptist Health Sciences University, University of Memphis Foundation, Board of Visitors, Union University, Church Health, and Collierville Chamber of Commerce, just to name a few. Links to items mentioned in the interview: Schilling Companies, Inc./Schilling Farms Society of Entrepreneurs Profile Ford Motor Company Baptist Memorial Hospital & Health Care Services Baptist Health Sciences University University of Memphis Foundation Union University Church Health Collierville Chamber of Commerce

When Tommy Earl and Gary Dodson purchased four of Barloworld Truck Center's dealerships in the summer of 2007, they say their $25 million bought the best Barloworld had to offer in the Freightliner business in terms of employees and customers. The service center and dealership locations are in Jackson, Tennessee; Jonesboro, Arkansas; and Tupelo, Mississippi; with headquarters in Memphis. With the purchases, Earl and Dodson formed TAG (an acronym for Tommy and Gary) Truck Enterprises LLC. Perhaps this intrinsic link between themselves and their business explains TAG's commitment to customer service and satisfaction and their personal touch with the day-to-day operations. Since 2007, revenue at TAG Truck Center has almost doubled, and they have expanded from four to 10 locations. TAG Truck Center has been ranked in the Top 25 fastest growing companies in Memphis nearly every year, and has been recognized by Freightliner as an “Elite” dealer. Links to items mentioned in the interview: Lonestar Truck Group/TAG Truck Center Society of Entrepreneurs Profile Youth Villages Church Health Leadership Memphis Leadership Collierville New Hope Christian Church Ronald McDonald House of Memphis St. George's Independent School

In 1988, Denise Burnett Stewart, RN, BSN joined her friend Carol Paterson, who had an idea to start a specialized nurse staffing company. During the first year, they worked to build their client base and nurse base, but were taken off course when Carol was diagnosed with cancer. In 1990, Carol passed away and Denise became president and owner. Known today as OR Nurses Nationwide/Travel Nurses, Inc., the company has expanded to staffing all nurse specialties and allied professionals nationwide. It has added two additional offices – now with a presence in Memphis, TN; Fort Lauderdale, FL; and Dallas, TX – with the same mindset: To provide patients with exceptional care by staffing elite healthcare professionals from all specialties in their ideal locations and facilities. OR Nurses Nationwide/Travel Nurses, Inc. has consistently ranked as the Largest Women Owned Business and has been recognized as a “Best Places to Work” by the Memphis Business Journal. Denise has been an active member of the Society of Entrepreneurs sponsored Insights Group since 2010. Links to items mentioned in the interview: OR Nurses Nationwide/Travel Nurses, Inc. Society of Entrepreneurs Profile Baptist Memorial Health Care Corporation Baptist Health Sciences University Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare St. Francis Hospital - Memphis Maryville University

From art student to artist, designer to chef to restaurateur, Karen Blockman Carrier has been creating in different mediums for more than 25 years. Her first love was painting and glasswork and that, in a roundabout way, is where she got her start in the culinary world. Apprenticing and studying under the brilliant artist, Dorothy Sturm, Carrier spent her early years at The Memphis Academy of Art gaining as much knowledge as Ms. Sturm would bestow. After graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from The Memphis Academy of Art and receiving a scholarship to Hunter College for her MFA in painting, Carrier moved to New York City in 1980. About 10 years later, she found her way back to Memphis and over the years has opened such renowned establishments as Automatic Slim's Tonga Club, Mollie Fontaine Lounge, Bar DKDC and The Beauty Shop. Carrier has also been a personal chef to such Hollywood stars as Tom Cruise, Francis Ford Coppola, Jim Jarmush and Susan Sarandon. Over the last 20 years, St. Jude Children's Hospital, Le Bonheur, March of Dimes, Friends for Life, Hope House, Share Our Strength, Ballet Memphis, Memphis College of Art, Arts Memphis and numerous other non-profit organizations have felt Carrier's generosity. Links to items mentioned in the interview: Another Roadside Attraction Catering Society of Entrepreneurs Profile Beauty Shop Restaurant Bar DKDC Mollie Fontaine Lounge Automatic Slim's The Spirit and Science of Holistic Health

Growing up in the Cleaborne Homes housing community in the Memphis area, Fred Jones worked during the day and went to school at night to earn his BBA degree from then Memphis State University in 1971. He recognized that the support of his family and friends was vital to that achievement, and he wanted others to have that same support and opportunity. Having discovered a knack for putting together entertainers with large audiences in the most attractive venues, he blended that talent with his love for education and for helping the community to which he himself was grateful. From that combination, and a wealth of experience, the Southern Heritage Classic® Cultural Celebration was born. Jones's experience includes associations with a roster of well-known, first-class talent including Isaac Hayes, The Isley Brothers, Prince, The Commodores, Stevie Wonder, Parliament-Funkadelic, Luther Vandross, LL Cool J, Count Basie, Tyler Perry, Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, The O'Jays, Usher, and hundreds more. He also assembled national blues and jazz tours for several international companies. He was also an original owner/limited partner of the Memphis Grizzlies. But Jones considers his most fulfilling business endeavor to be the Southern Heritage Classic. Links to items mentioned in the interview: Southern Heritage Classic Society of Entrepreneurs Profile Memphis Black Business Association Minority Enterprise Development Agency Memphis Grizzlies University of Memphis Leadership Memphis Memphis-Shelby County Schools

A founding member of the Society of Entrepreneurs, John Malmo has spent more than 60 years in advertising and marketing. He founded John Malmo Advertising in 1967 and built it into the largest agency in the Mid-South. He sold the agency to Ward Archer & Associates in 1991 and became a full-time marketing consultant in 1994. He currently serves as chairman emeritus of Archer Malmo, Inc. Malmo is a past president of the Memphis Advertising Federation, recipient of the American Advertising Federation Silver Medal Award and a former director of the American Association of Advertising Agencies. He has spoken and written columns for publications all over the world. He is author of the business book, “When on the Mountain There is No Tiger, Monkey Is King,” and broadcasts a business commentary on WKNO-FM every Monday morning. Links to items mentioned in the interview: Archer Malmo Society of Entrepreneurs Profile American Advertising Federation Memphis American Association of Advertising Agencies Moore Tech College Memphis Parks Memphis Symphony Orchestra Boys and Girls Club of Greater Memphis Greater Memphis Chamber Opera Memphis

In 1977, he launched Gilliam Communications, Inc. and bought the WLOK radio station. In doing so, WLOK became the first African American-owned Memphis radio station and the city's first locally owned station. As president and CEO of Gilliam Communications, Inc., Gilliam has also operated radio stations in New Orleans, Louisiana, Jacksonville, Florida, and Savannah, Georgia. He also sponsors the annual WLOK Stone Soul Picnic, which draws thousands of attendees. Gilliam's WLOK has earned the title of #1 Gospel Station in the nation by Religion & Media Quarterly for several consecutive years; and, in 1997, was recognized by the Tennessee Historical Commission as a Tennessee Historical Landmark. Gilliam has also received the Black History Men of Honor Leadership Award, the Gospel Bridge Lifetime Achievement Award, the Rainbow/PUSH Martin Luther King, Jr. Award, the Memphis Advertising Federation's Silver Medal Award, and the Downtown Memphis Commission's Visionary Award, among many other accolades. Links to items mentioned in the interview: WLOK Society of Entrepreneurs Profile Humanities Tennessee Lemoyne-Owen College Black Business Association of Memphis NAACP Tennessee Association of Broadcasters Leadership Memphis Shelby County Sheriff's Office AAF Memphis Leadership Music Nashville

Daphne Large, founding CEO of Data Facts got her start in the Consumer Reporting industry at the young age of 16 at Equifax Services while still attending Briarcrest High School. She stayed with Equifax while attending the University of Memphis and rose to the position of Assistant Regional Manager. She recognized a competitive advantage and started Data Facts in 1989 at the age of 27. She saw an opportunity to start a company that was both employee and customer focused. Today, she serves as CEO and majority shareholder in Data Facts, which has grown from 4 employees to 125 with hundreds of additional independent contractors supporting their firm. Data Facts serves customers in all 50 states and is one of only 10% of background screening firms nationally to have achieved accreditation from the Professional Background Screening Association. Links to items mentioned in the interview: Data Facts Society of Entrepreneurs Profile Professional Background Screening Association National Consumer Reporting Association Greater Memphis Chamber New Memphis University of Memphis Make-A-Wish Mid-South St. George's Independent School

Jay Martin graduated from the University of Georgia in 1968 and moved to Memphis in 1969. Jay founded National Safety Associates (Juice Plus Co.) with $500 and has served as President and CEO since its inception. Juice Plus+ has 75,000 independent distributors in all 50 states and 25 foreign countries, with system-wide sales of $425 million annually and has sales since inception of more than $12 billion. Juice Plus+ has 450 employees, primarily housed at corporate headquarters in Collierville, and a shipping facility in Memphis. The company hosts two conventions a year with an average attendance of 5,000.   Links to items mentioned in the interview: Juice Plus+ Society of Entrepreneurs Profile St. George's Episcopal School Boys & Girls Club of Greater Memphis Memphis Athletic Ministries Volunteers of America United Way of the Mid-South Direct Selling Association  

David Andrews is the Principal and Chief Executive Officer of City Enterprises, LLC. City Enterprises is the managing company of several businesses, many auto-related, including City Auto Sales, Chief Automotive Group, Pace Financial, City Auto Finance, and Dealers Auto Auction Group. Andrews launched City Auto Sales more than 35 years ago. Since then, he has grown the business to seven auction sites, multiple franchise and used car showrooms, eight City Auto Finance branches, and a nationwide forwarding company. City Enterprises, LLC managed companies employ more than 850 people. Andrews says his employees are like family and believes in rewarding employees who work hard. He points out that they take care of customers, just like they take care of their employees, and if they are doing their job right, customers should feel like buying a car is fun.   Links to items mentioned in the interview: City Enterprises/City Auto Society of Entrepreneurs Profile City Auto Finance Dealers Auto Auction Group Pace Financial Greater Memphis Chamber ALS Foundation Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation United Way

Throughout an entrepreneurial career that has spanned trade publishing, lecturing, cause-related marketing, implementing fundraising programs and seminar training, Ellen Rolfes has helped organizations of all sizes and different purposes advance financially in order to foster societal change. She often begins by finding an obscure institutional story. It becomes their guiding story that evokes a new vision to create a sustainable model for the future. Now in semi-retirement, Ellen consults with non-profits as a philanthropy strategist.   Links to items mentioned in the interview: Ellen Rolfes & Associates Society of Entrepreneurs Profile Ole Miss Women's Council for Philanthropy Women's Foundation for a Greater Memphis ACE Awareness Foundation Junior League of Memphis Leadership Memphis New Memphis Memphis Symphony Orchestra Circle of Friends

While working as Executive Director of a money management firm, Jack Soden met a client, Priscilla Presley. Upon her request, he came to Memphis and helped develop a business plan for opening Graceland. Today, Jack is the CEO of Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc., which now has more than four hundred employees. Graceland has become one of the nation's premier tourist attractions with annual visitors in excess of 600,000, bringing an estimated $200 million per year to the Memphis economy. The company also controls The Guest House at Graceland, a 4-star, 450-room resort hotel. Links to items mentioned in the interview: Graceland Society of Entrepreneurs Profile The Guest House at Graceland Greater Memphis Chamber St Jude Children's Research Hospital The University of Memphis National Civil Rights Museum

A founding member of the Society of Entrepreneurs, Don Hutson has made a name for himself in the speaking, management and sales arenas. Chairman and CEO of U.S. Learning in Memphis, Don has enjoyed many honors stemming from his ability to motivate others and to teach the secrets of success. U.S. Learning is a firm that specializes in providing innovative, high-impact sales, leadership and strategic solutions to business clients. His client list includes over one-half of the Fortune 500, and he is the author or co-author of 14 books, including Selling Value and his two Wall Street Journal and New York Times International #1 best sellers, The One Minute Entrepreneur and The One Minute Negotiator.   Links to items mentioned in the interview:   U.S. Learning Society of Entrepreneurs Profile Books National Speakers Association NSA Foundation Society of International Business Fellows Speakers Roundtable

Hilliard Crews founded Memphis Glove Company in 1974 as an importer of industrial gloves. After several years of success, he co-founded with his brothers Crews Safety Glasses and River City Rainwear. In 1984, he formed Shelby Specialty Gloves for the fire-fighting industry. Presently, all four companies – leaders in PPE, operate under the holding company Shelby Group Intl. Inc., which now operates factories in Arkansas, Mexico and China and has distribution centers in Piperton, Tennessee and California.    Hilliard and his wife Harriett were instrumental in the founding of the Crews Center for Entrepreneurship at the University of Memphis in 2012. Hilliard serves on the Board of Teach for America-Memphis, is a Charter member of the University of Memphis Tiger's Ambassador Club and still serves on various University of Memphis boards. In 2018, Hilliard and Harriett received the Crystal Award for Outstanding Philanthropy. They remain active in supporting many charities through the Crews Family Foundation.   Links to items mentioned in the interview:   Crews Center for Entrepreneurship Society of Entrepreneurs Profile MCR Safety Teach for America The University of Memphis Crews Family Foundation

Susan Stephenson is Co-Founder and Co-Chairman of Independent Bank in Memphis, Tennessee. Established in 1998, Independent Bank now has over $800 million in total assets and over $100 million in capital. It is the second largest bank headquartered in Shelby County with 10 branches and 180 employees.   Alongside her Co-Founder and Co-Chairman Chip Dudley, Susan designed and executed the unusual denovo strategy to build and position I-Bank as the next great Memphis based banking organization. Prior to launching I-Bank, Susan was the Chairman, President and CEO of Boatmen's Bank of Tennessee. When named to the position in 1995, Susan was the first female Chairman and CEO of a Tennessee bank.   Links to items mentioned in the interview:   Independent Bank   Society of Entrepreneurs Profile   New Memphis   Women's Foundation for a Greater Memphis   Elmwood Cemetery   Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women   Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

In 1977, Harold Crye and Dick Leike founded a company that they promised would make a difference – results-oriented, professional and dedicated to providing the utmost in service to the people it helped. Beginning from the ground up, the two men have built an entity that was once a small shop and is today one of the top 10 real estate companies in the nation, with more than 3,500 sales associates and 600 employees in 100 branch offices across the Southeast. In keeping with the entrepreneurial spirit, Crye-Leike has also expanded to become a full-service real-estate firm, offering everything from mortgage banking facilities to a home improvement division. Today, Harold Crye dedicates his time to numerous civic interests.   Links to items mentioned in the interview:   Crye-Leike REALTORS   Society of Entrepreneurs Profile Boy Scouts of America Arkansas State University Youth Villages The Realty Alliance

Pat Lawler is chief executive officer of Youth Villages, one of the largest private providers of services to troubled children and their families in the country. Under his leadership, Youth Villages has established an array of specialized treatment programs operated by a team of more than 3,000 employees operating in 21 states and the District of Columbia. Youth Villages' mission is to help children and families live successfully, serving and offering hope to more than 30,000 children and families each year.    Links to items mentioned in the interview:   Youth Villages Society of Entrepreneurs Profile Results for America Leap of Reason Shelby County Juvenile Court Harvard Business School

Prior to founding the KGR Group in 2005, Edith Kelly-Green worked for nearly 30 years at FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corporation, where she served in many roles including Vice President and Chief Sourcing Officer. She also served as Vice President-Internal Audit of FedEx Corporation and reported directly to the Chairman and Founder, Frederick W. Smith. She was the first black woman to receive officer status at the company. Edith devotes much of her time to Memphis's business and civic community, as an active and founding member of many local organizations. A breast cancer survivor, she believes that to whom much is given, much is expected.    Links to items mentioned in the interview: KGR Group Society of Entrepreneurs Profile Lennys Grill & Subs Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare Hattiloo Theatre Memphis Symphony Orchestra Women's Foundation for a Greater Memphis Philanthropic Black Women of Memphis Ole Miss Women's Council for Philanthropy

Craig Brewer is a multi-disciplinary artist with a knack for storytelling. His passion for filmmaking stems from his ability to captivate his audience and connect culturally relevant plots on screen. Even at a young age, Memphis, Tennessee, served as his cinematic muse. His guerrilla style approach and relentless work ethic led to his first feature film, "The Poor and Hungry." At the time, Craig was the manager of Barnes & Noble and began writing the screenplay for the film at the local P&H Café. With a small skeleton crew mixed with free rein leadership, Craig and his team made magic. Local musicians provided the soundtrack, and much of the cast and crew were volunteers. He has gone on to write, direct and produce numerous feature films, documentaries and acclaimed television series. He may work behind the scenes, but he is always promoting Memphis.   If you missed our live discussion with Craig and the Society of Entrepreneurs Roundtable, click here.   Links to items mentioned in the interview: IMDb Society of Entrepreneurs Profile Indie Memphis Coming 2 America

In 1974, Richard Gadomski bid for and was awarded his first contract – a $50 million corn processing plant for Cargill – before his company was even founded. After successfully building his company around that first job, he proceeded to buy out his original backers so that he could continue to build the company as he saw fit. PSI, an engineering and construction contracting firm, built international recognition in processing food, chemicals and package handling. In 1998, Gadomski sold PSI to the German corporation Lurgi and retired from the merged companies in 2001. Dick's vision for PSI, from inception, was to build an industry-leading company that spearheaded innovation in the food processing industry. PSI became that industry leader, engineering and constructing projects for global corporations. Links to items mentioned in the interview: PSI, Inc. Society of Entrepreneurs Profile Christian Brothers University Catholic Diocese of Memphis United Way of the Mid-South March of Dimes Greater Memphis Chamber Renewable Fuels Association

Joining Entrepreneurial Insights hosts Jay Healy and Pearson Crutcher for a bonus episode to discuss how they have navigated their business through the coronavirus pandemic are Carolyn Hardy, president of Chism Hardy Investments; Dr. Scott Morris, founder and chief executive officer of Church Health; and Jeff Webb, founder of Varsity Brands. 2020 has forced us all to deal with unprecedented challenges, and we're honored to have these established leaders with us to share how they have pivoted and continued to move their businesses forward.

Billy Orgel is CEO of Tower Ventures, a full-service telecommunications provider offering quality tower and rooftop sites, build-to-suit services, and third-party marketing and management throughout the U.S. Tower Ventures has also established Tower Ventures REIT to purchase easements and land underneath existing tower sites across the country. Over the years, Billy became interested in preserving historic buildings in Downtown Memphis, and has completed such projects as the Tennessee Brewery and the upcoming revitalization of the Snuff District. Links to items mentioned in the interview: Tower Ventures Society of Entrepreneurs Profile Shelby County Schools Memphis Grizzlies National Civil Rights Museum Le Bonheur Foundation Temple Israel 

As Chairman of Kemmons Wilson Companies, Spence Wilson knows entrepreneurship quite well, having spent a lifetime with one of the city's most well-known – his father, Kemmons Wilson the founder of Holiday Inn. Spence understands and embodies the importance of blending creative energy and vision, initiative and innovation, and has worked to develop Kemmons Wilson Companies into a leading investment, hospitality development and management company. Links to items mentioned in the interview: Kemmons Wilson Companies Society of Entrepreneurs Profile Kemmons Wilson Family Foundation Kemmons Wilson's Twenty Tips for Success Kemmons Wilson Vision, Mission & Values The Holiday Inn Story Orange Lake Resort The University of Memphis Kemmons Wilson School of Hospitality & Resort Management

Jeff Webb knows something of the entrepreneurial “spirit” – he's made a career of it. In the mid 70s, the former University of Oklahoma yell leader founded a company to conduct training camps for high school and college cheerleaders. Varsity Spirit, a division of Varsity Brands, has grown through the years to become the world's largest operator of specialty camps, competitions and uniforms. Links to items mentioned in the interview: Varsity Brands Society of Entrepreneurs Profile The New American Populist (TNAP) St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Muscular Dystrophy Association

A phrase that's often heard these days, is “Downtown Memphis sure has come a long way.” It's one for which, in large part, Memphis can thank the vision of Jack Belz. Mr. Belz and his family purchased The Peabody Hotel in 1975 rescuing it from dilapidation. He re-opened it in 1981, at the same time revealing his dream for revitalizing downtown Memphis. Links to items mentioned in the interview: Belz Enterprises Society of Entrepreneurs Profile The Peabody Memphis Belz Museum of Asian and Judaic Art

In today's world, we need more aspiring young people to pursue their dream of owning their own businesses.” That's exactly what Charles Ewing said and did. He started Ewing Moving Service Inc. with one truck and one employee in 1980. Today, Charles is president and CEO of this international, commercial and residential relocation company that has 47 employees and a fleet of trucks.  Links to items mentioned in the interview: Ewing Moving Service Inc. Society of Entrepreneurs Profile Memphis Grizzlies Greater Memphis Chamber Soulsville Foundation Boys & Girls Club of Greater Memphis

Dr. Mary McDonald has received national acclaim as an innovative educator, author, and public speaker. She has been a professional educator for 36 years as a teacher, principal and most recently, as Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Memphis. Today, Mary is CEO of MCD Partners, a national consulting company that provides a broad range of services for educational consulting and models for success. Links to items mentioned in the interview: MCD Partners Society of Entrepreneurs Profile Catholic Diocese of Memphis United Catholic Educational Association Leadership Memphis KWAM 990

The latest episode of Entrepreneurial Insights features Walker Uhlhorn. Entrepreneurship is what it's all about for Walker, as he is the visionary behind the Society of Entrepreneurs. His definition for an entrepreneur is someone who is not easily deterred and is creative enough to turn problems into opportunities. Walker has been successful in creating a unique group of individuals who all have one thing in common: they were born with the gift of creativity and inner drive, and they all knew what to do with it. Links to items mentioned in the interview: Society of Entrepreneurs Profile Cadence Bank Church of the Holy Communion St. Mary's Episcopal School Rotary Germantown U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association Boys and Girls Club of Greater Memphis Memphis in May

Dr. Scott Morris is an example that the entrepreneurial spirit is not limited solely to capitalistic ventures. Scott is the Founder and Executive Director of Church Health, which opened in 1987 to provide primary health care to low-income, uninsured working people of Memphis. The organization is supported by faith and medical communities and averages more 50,000 patient visits a year. Links to items mentioned in the interview: Church Health Society of Entrepreneurs Profile The Memphis Medical Society Memphis Academy of Health Sciences Healthy Shelby

Episode 4 of Entrepreneurial Insights features Mike Bruns, who retired in 2010 as founder and president of Comtrak Logistics, a national transportation and logistics company headquartered in Memphis. Mike's business savvy has made him successful, and he generously shares his success with worthy causes in the community. Links to items mentioned in the interview: Comtrak Logistics Society of Entrepreneurs Profile The University of Memphis Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare The Assisi Foundation of Memphis, Inc. The Campbell Foundation Youth Villages

Our third episode features Carolyn Hardy, President of Chism Hardy Investments. Listen as she discusses her path to entrepreneurship in Memphis, as well as the many businesses and organizations she has created and overseen. SOE profile: https://soememphis.com/members/carolyn-chism/ http://womenofachievement.org/determination/carolyn-chism-hardy/ https://www.amazon.com/Look-Up-Principles-Intentional-Leadership/dp/1543949207

Bill Courtney is famous for many things. You may have seen him in Oscar-winning movie –Undefeated, a 2011 documentary about his time as a volunteer coach for Manassas High School football team here in Memphis. You may have read his book –Against the Grain –in which he shares the principles that helped him be a successful coach, entrepreneur, and father, and what it takes to maintain that success for the rest of our lives.You may have seen him give a motivational speech or except a leadership award along the way.In our conversation, we focus on his business –Classic American Hardwood –a lumber producer and distributor with a global footprint, founded in 2001. You will hear from Bill that founding his own firm in the lumber business was never his original intention but instead a necessity. He will also share the impact that the trade war with China is having on his industry. Bill has a strong set of values, and a unique experience and you will hear some great advice about how to run and grow your business and live a good life

Duncan serves as the board chair of the Society of Entrepreneurs and is the President of Duncan-Williams Inc, a firm founded by his father 50 years ago a municipal bond broker, which has since grown into a nationally recognized, financial services provider serving clients across the country. Duncan will tell the story of how the firm got started, how his mother took ownership after his father passed away, and how he stepped into the leadership role in 2000 with an emphasis on maintaining a “family firm”culture and how important the Memphis spirit has been to his success.