Inside Memphis Business, June/July 2016

J U N E /J U LY 2 0 1 6†| V O L U M E X | N U M B E R 5

Clocking Out! The New Face of Shelby Farms

the leisure issue

Time Out: VIPs on Vacation Cleared for Takeoff: MEM Get Outdoors, Inc.

Supplement to Memphis magazine

C01_2016_IMB06-07_CoverComp_v3.indd 1

Jen Andrews

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SHELBY FARMS

5/9/16 1:40 PM

MM_DoublePageSpread_18x25_11x125.indd 2

5/5/16 10:19 AM

MM_DoublePageSpread_18x25_11x125.indd 3

5/5/16 10:19 AM

OF TENNESSEE, FOR Building Healthier Communities

BlueCross supports over 270 organizations dedicated to creating a better, healthier state. Investing nearly $15 million in 2015 and impacting hundreds of thousands of Tennesseans, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee is for Tennessee. Read about how we’re helping change lives at BetterTennessee.com. ŠBlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, Inc., an Independent Licensee of the BlueCross BlueShield Association.

MM_FullPage_TrimSize_9x25_11x125.indd 1

5/6/16 9:55 AM

JUNE / JULY 2016 VOLUME X | NUMBER 5

Clocking Out! ON THE COVER: Jen Andrews, Executive Director, Shelby Farms.

PHOTOGRAPH BY JUSTIN FOX BURKS

4

FROM THE EDITOR ••• B Y

8

R I C H A R D

J .

A L L E Y

SCA RBORO FA RE ••• B Y

D R .

D O U G L A S

S C A R B O R O

10 W O R K F O R C E ••• B Y

M E G

A N D R E A

25 L E A D E R S O F L E I S U R E

Local leaders share how they shake off the long hours, whether by vacation or a quick break, to keep things fresh.

••• BY JON W. SPARKS

C R O S B Y

12 C R E A T I V E C O M M U N I C A T I O N ••• B Y

25

f e a t u r e s

COLUMNS

W I L E Y

DEPARTMENTS 14 T H E H O T S H E E T 22 L E A D E R S H I P

Jen Andrews 32 S M A L L B U S I N E S S C E N T R A L

Outdoors, Inc. Greenfield Arena 35 M E D I A

St. Jude, Baker Donelson, and Fortune magazine 62 M A D E I N M E M P H I S

EgglestonWorks 64 I N S I D E T H E A R C H I V E S

Arrow Glass Boats

28 C L E A R E D F O R T A K E O F F

A fresh view of MEM: Where it’s been and where it’s going.

••• BY TOBY SELLS

36 W O R K P L A C E T R E N D S

A look at how we do and don’t use PTO. ••• BY LANCE WIEDOWER

60 T H E O F F I C E

Barbara Newman, The Blues Foundation ••• BY SAM CICCI

19 D E V E L O P M E N T ••• B Y

D O U G

C A R P E N T E R

20 S E C U R I T Y ••• B Y

C R A IG

W R IG H T

21 S P O R T S ••• B Y

F R A N K

28

M U R TA U G H

60 J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 6 | I N S I D E M E M P H I S B U S I N E S S . C O M |

003_2016_IMB6-07_TOC-Columns.indd 3

3

5/9/16 3:54 PM

F R O M

T H E

E D I T O R

• • •

B Y

R IC H A R D

J.

A L L E Y

Relax!

INSIDEMEMPHISBUSINESS.COM EDITOR CREATIVE DIRECTOR MANAGING EDITOR EDITORIAL ASSISTANT COPY EDITOR EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS

ADVERTISING ART DIRECTOR

Richard J. Alley Brian Groppe Frank Murtaugh Sam Cicci Michael Finger Doug Carpenter, Meg Crosby, Katherine Barnett Jones, Vance Lauderdale, Douglas Scarboro, Toby Sells, Jon W. Sparks, Lance Wiedower, Andrea Wiley, Craig Wright Christopher Myers

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Bryan Rollins, Jeremiah Matthews

PHOTOGRAPHY

Justin Fox Burks, Larry Kuzniewski

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR ADVERTISING OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

Jeffrey A. Goldberg Margie Neal

PUBLISHED BY CONTEMPOR ARY MEDIA , INC .

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Kenneth Neill

CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER

Molly Willmott

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR CONTROLLER EDITORIAL DIRECTOR EVENTS MANAGER

Jeffrey A. Goldberg Ashley Haeger Bruce VanWyngarden Jackie Sparks-Davila

MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

Kendrea Collins

EMAIL MARKETING MANAGER

Britt Ervin

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER

Lynn Sparagowski

IT DIRECTOR

Joseph Carey

RECEPTIONIST

Celeste Dixon

I stand in the goal and sweat bullets as a dozen people run towards me.

The sound of feet and guttural shouts is deafening, and my heart pounds in my ears as I ready myself knowing that one of these amateur athletes will take the shot. As keeper, it’s my job to stop that speeding soccer ball from getting past. Or, at least to keep from getting injured.

This is relaxation for me, this is how I decompress from work and responsibility. And granted, this is an over-35, coed league, so perhaps they’re not running as fast as they seem, but I’m also 10 years past that cut-off age, so my chances of stopping the ball are greatly diminished.

Some of those angling to score on me include doctors, business owners, salespeople, logistics managers, nurses, and hospitality executives. It is a cross-section of Memphis industry that shows up at Greenfield Arena — the indoor soccer facility in Midtown — every Tuesday night for exercise, camaraderie, and fun.

In this summer issue of Inside Memphis Business, we look at what happens once the workforce clocks out, how it spends its downtime. There are CEOs who eat their way through New Orleans, fish for trout, ski in Montana, take a day trip to Hot Springs, or simply drive down to the white-sand beaches of Destin.

Despite the travel anecdotes, Americans typically leave four days of vacation on the books, so we also look at what it might take to get us to take all of our paid time off (spoiler: you first, CEO).

If you do take that time, and plan to

travel, odds are you’ll be doing so from Memphis International Airport. A year ago we looked into the changes happening after the de-hub by Delta Airlines. There was hope in the air then, and we find that the hope has come in for a landing as reporter Toby Sells revisits the airport.

Some might prefer to stay closer to home for what is known as a “staycation.” And for more than four decades those homebodies have shopped for fun at Outdoors Inc. (it truly is Memphis’ toy box). I recommend taking that new bike or hiking equipment out to the 4,500-acre Shelby Farms Park whose conservancy is now under the direction of Jen Andrews, profiled in our pages.

But maybe you’re the indoorsy type. If you prefer sitting in your living room to the poison ivy and insects found without, I suggest listening to your favorite tunes through a new set of EgglestonWorks speakers; we’ll show you how they’re made and what goes into them.

Near or far, we all need to clock out from time to time. I wish you all a safe and happy vacation this summer.

And if you’re in the neighborhood and looking for some excitement, stop in at Greenfield and take your best shot.

The annual Innovation Awards call for nominations Inside Memphis Business is published six times a year

by Contemporary Media, Inc., 460 Tennessee Street, P.O. Box 1738, Memphis, TN 38101 © 2016, telephone: 901-521-9000. For subscription information, call 901-575-9470. All rights reserved.

Periodicals postage paid at Memphis, TN. Postmaster: send address changes to Inside Memphis Business, P.O. Box 1738, Memphis, TN 38101. Opinions and perspectives expressed in the magazine are those of the authors, and do not necessarily represent the views of the ownership or management.

4|

As an Inside Memphis Business reader, you are in touch with the Memphis business, philanthropic, and cultural communities. Because of your unique perspective and knowledge of the city’s cutting edge, we ask for your help in seeking nominees for our Fourth Annual Innovation Awards.

Remember that, as much as we all value business acumen and financial success, this celebration is not necessarily about entrepreneurship and profitability.

The Innovation Awards salute vision and endurance and, most of all, they celebrate real breakthroughs.

If you have an Innovation Awards candidate in mind, please take a moment to include the information below and send it to me at richard@ insidememphisbusiness.com with the following information:

◗◗ Name of individual or company ◗◗ Innovation ◗◗ Please explain why this person/ organization should be considered Deadline for nomination is July 15th.

Stay tuned for the announcement of winners in our October/November 2016 issue, and for information on attending the awards breakfast.

— Richard J. Alley

I N S I D E M E M P H I S B U S I N E S S . C O M | J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 6

003_2016_IMB6-07_TOC-Columns.indd 4

5/4/16 2:42 PM

UNRIVALED TALENT. UNMATCHED RESULTS. With a passion for everything that makes our city so special, our firm is the unrivaled leader in commercial real estate services in Memphis.

Strategic, forward-thinking and results-driven, our professionals are committed to delivering the best of Memphis to our clients and the community we serve.

For more information on how CBRE can assist you with your real estate needs in the Mid-South, please contact: +1 901 528 1000

cbre.com/memphis

MarketLeadership_UnrivaledTalent_Memphis_JuneJuly2016.indd 1 MM_FullPage_TrimSize_9x25_11x125.indd 1

5/2/2016 4:29:35 PM 5/4/16 9:06 AM

• • •

P O W E R

B Y

D R .

D O U G L A S

S C A R B O R O

P L A Y E R S

Corrections The annual Power Players issue, meant as a resource kept within easy reach on your desk or to be carried in the car as you navigate the local business landscape, is quickly becoming one of our most popular. But with 32 categories and more than 500 names, bios, and photographs, the task of getting information 100 percent correct can be daunting. Listed below are this year’s corrections and additions.

These changes are also included in the digital version of IMB online at insidememphisbusiness.com.

As always, we thank you for reading and value your input and feedback, so crucial to our success.

Financial Planning

Banking: Administration

Commercial Real Estate

Higher Education

DANIEL WEICKENAND President and CEO, Orion Federal Credit Union. M.B.A, University of Texas at San Antonio. Orion FCU is the largest credit union in West Tennessee with more than 60,000 members and $595 million in assets. Former Chief Financial Officer, FedEx Employees Credit Association. Board Member, National Association of Federal Credit Unions.

Board Member, Regional One Foundation and Levitt Shell. Advisory Board Member, Corelation Software Company.

JOSEPH L. STEFFNER Senior Vice President, Regional Managing Director, Newmark Grubb Knight Frank Memphis operations.

Recipient, multiple MAAR Commercial Pinnacle Awards and 2005, 2015 Broker of the Year, Office Sales. President-Elect, Memphis Area Association of Realtors. Chairman, Children’s Museum of Memphis. President, Carnival Memphis.

B.A., University of Tennessee; M.S. and M.B.A., University of Memphis.

Certified Public Accountants

Employee Benefits

DR. TRACY D. HALL President of Southwest Tennessee Community College. Earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri-St. Louis, master’s degree from Wichita State University, and a doctoral degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis. Previously served as Vice President of Academic Affairs at St. Louis Community College-Forest Park. A member of the Higher Learning Commission Peer Review Corp, the American Association of Women in Community Colleges, the Missouri Community College Association, and the National Council of Instructional Administrators.

MIKE SKINNER Lead Partner, HORNE Cyber Solutions.

B.A., M.A., University of Mississippi. In his role, provides information technology audit, regulatory compliance, information security consulting, internal control consulting and business solution implementation. Over five years with the firm and over ten with regional and local firms. Professional affiliations include American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists, Institute of Internal Auditors, Information Systems Audit and Control Association, Mississippi Society of Certified Public Accountants, and Tennessee Society of Certified Public Accountants.

SHANNON DYSON Vice President, Shoemaker Benefits Corporation. Graduate of the University of Tennessee. Responsible for Group Benefit operations in Memphis and Nashville with a focus on Group Health, Life, and Disability benefits plans. Specializes in creative plan design and long-term benefits planning to help employers provide value to their employees by using sometimes unconventional products and services. National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, Mid-South Association of Health Underwriters.

6|

JIM SHOEMAKER President, Shoemaker Financial.

Certified Financial Planner, Chartered Life Underwriter, Chartered Financial Consultant, and Certified Fund Specialist. Registered Representative of Securian Financial Services. Member and former Chairman, Kingdom Advisors. Member, National Association of Family Wealth Counselors, Institute of Certified Financial Planners, and Society of Financial Service Professionals. Board Member, Premier Resource Group. Named Volunteer of the Year, GAMA International.

LEWIS REICH President, Southern College of Optometry. Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, on the Maintenance of Fellowship Committee and the Optometric Education Section’s Diplomate Program Committee. Past inaugural Chair of the OptomCAS and Committee Chair of the Optometry Admissions Test Committee for Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry. His research has been funded by the National Eye Institute and the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research. Previously taught at Pennsylvania College of Optometry and Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry.

I N S I D E M E M P H I S B U S I N E S S . C O M | J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 6

003_2016_IMB6-07_TOC-Columns.indd 6

5/11/16 1:21 PM

9:00am 9:05am 9:10am 9:12am 9:15am

Took an order for 100,000 extra units.

Jumped up and down in celebration.

Stopped celebrating.

Started freaking out.

Called Phil at First Tennessee.

Sometimes your best days turn out to be more complicated than they seem. When that’s the case, turn to First Tennessee.

We study your cash flow, offering practical guidance on how to optimize it and a wide range of solutions to keep your business running smoothly. And that’s something worth celebrating.

FOR SOLUTIONS THAT SERVE YOUR INDIVIDUAL BUSINESS NEEDS, VISIT FTB.COM/SOLUTIONS.

©2016 First Tennessee Bank National Association. Member FDIC.

MM_FullPage_TrimSize_9x25_11x125.indd 1 FTB_B2B_0336_06616_2016Print_9x10.875_4c_CashFlow_v3.indd 2

5/10/16 7:44 AM 5/9/16 10:47 AM

S C A R B O R O

F A R E

• • •

B Y

D R .

D O U G L A S

S C A R B O R O

The Exchange of Information Powered by TEAMwork

Join with us

IN IGNITING A SPARK FOR MEMPHIS AND THE MID-SOUTH!

From corporate and free community events...

to volunteer and giveback opportunities...

and an array of media: TV show, radio show, newspaper column, and book,

The LPBC works to foster collaboration between government, education, nonprofit and business.

Visit theLPBC.com to learn more and sign up for our newsletter. Tell us about your efforts, join us for events, and let’s work together to make a difference! /thelpbc

8|

@thelpbc

An important part of my role as the regional executive for the Memphis Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis is the exchange of economic information. For instance, one of my top priorities is to gather information on the economy in the Memphis region and pass it on to thoe in our St. Louis office who are involved in monetary policymaking and related research, including St. Louis Fed President James Bullard.

With the Fed, the sharing of economic information isn’t a one-way street. What President Bullard and his staff of economists learn about the economy, we share whenever possible to business and civic leaders, and the general public across the Memphis region. This happens via a variety of channels — through one-on-one meetings and speeches open to all, and through the wide variety of resources we make available for free to the generI HAVE FOUND al public. One of our THAT SOME OF THE most popular online resources is called BEST INSIGHTS FRED (Federal COME FROM Reserve Economic CONVERSATIONS Data,) where you can track widely WITH EVERYDAY followed data-based PEOPLE. economic indicators that reflect the state of the health of the economy. These include reports like the unemployment rate, inflation, housing starts, and crude oil prices, just to name a few.

While these reports and data contribute a great deal to the picture of the health of the economy, the Fed also gathers and shares valuable anecdotal information on current economic conditions via publications like the Beige Book, and in the St. Louis Fed’s region, the Burgundy Books, also available free online.

While official reports and data, along with the anecdotal information provided by sources like the Beige Book and the Burgundy Books, are extremely valuable, I have found that some of the best insights come from conversations with everyday people, from farmers in rural Arkansas to bankers in downtown Memphis.

One of my favorite things is hearing the unique anecdotal economic indicators used by people to gauge how things are going in their respective industries and regions. Some examples include:

WAL-MART PARKING

A contact of mine was discussing the rural economy and noted that he can gauge how well things are going by how full the WalMart parking lot is on Saturdays at 2 p.m.

DINING OUT

Earlier this year, a popular restaurateur in New Orleans noticed that while people were still coming into his restaurants, they were not ordering higher ticket entrees.

However, they still continued to order lower tickets items like dessert. This occurred during the recent downturn in this region’s employment rate due to lower oil prices.

CORRUGATED BOXES

A larger local manufacturer noted how much more cardboard box purchases rise when businesses are increasing their shipments of goods. Since most companies do not over-order supplies, it is easy to tell when orders are down since cardboard box purchases decline. He is in good company on this one: Former Fed Chairman Alan Greenspan was reportedly fond of tracking unconventional indicators like the corrugated box shipments and prices of liner board, the main component of cardboard boxes.

SHIPPING WEIGHT

A large logistics company measures the weight of items and uses it as a determinant of shipping demand.

I’m interested in hearing about the types of economic indicators that you use to assess the health of the economy and invite you to email me at douglas.g.scarboro@stls.frb.org.

Dr. Douglas Scarboro is regional executive/VP of the Memphis branch of the St. Louis Federal Reserve Bank.

lpbreakfastclubtv

I N S I D E M E M P H I S B U S I N E S S . C O M | J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 6

003_2016_IMB6-07_TOC-Columns.indd 8

5/4/16 11:22 AM

More flights.

More destinations.

More airlines.

More ways to save.

A better airport.

MORE. BETTER. Come see what’s in store, Memphis.

flymemphis.com

MM_FullPage_TrimSize_9x25_11x125.indd 1

5/4/16 9:16 AM

W O R K F O R C E

bianca p

n I k Coounk cR n ega in’ V

tH

Sou

iN th

Eat

These family classics, minus the meat, eggs, and dairy products, help keep Southern food-ways alive while allowing vegans, vegetarians, and anyone who cares about good eatin' to enjoy this finger-lickin' downhome fare.

The book is available at: • Amazon • The Booksellers at Laurelwood • Five In One Social Club

For more info or to order a copy, go to vegancrunk.blogspot.com 10 |

B Y

M E G

C R O S B Y

Loosen up on your PTO!

hillips

Ty E diR

• • •

Millennials are a hot commodity as cities across the country, including Memphis, compete to attract lifeblood in the form of bright young talent.

Local business leaders frequently ask me what they can do to entice young employees. My response: Loosen up on your paid time off policy.

Here’s the deal. According to Maude Standish of Tarot, a Millennial trend insight company, the ultimate luxury for this generation is having a unique experience. Travel, technology, and the sharing economy have removed barriers to access the farthest reaches of the globe. If they can dream it, they can do it. No longer will piling in the station wagon and driving to the nearest Gulf Coast beach suffice for these intellectually curious, connected, and socially conscious young adults. They are much more interested in hiking Machu Picchu, taking an eco-tour of the Amazon rain forest via zip line, or building water wells in sub-Saharan EMPLOYEES Africa.

WHO TOOK It is very difficult for some of us MORE VACATION GenXers and HAD HIGHER Boomers to see beyond the tradiPERFORMANCE tional two-week RANKINGS. vacation policy that has existed since the beginning of time.

But see beyond it, we must. For companies who are squarely in the knowledge economy — meaning that their employees’ brains are their greatest assets — winning the war on talent is a huge competitive advantage. It might sound strange, but re-thinking your PTO policy might lead to dramatic improvements in employee productivity, innovation, and retention.

First, our brains are overloaded and need a break. Never before in history have humans processed so much information on a daily basis. According to Tom Schwartz, CEO of The Energy Project, “People are working so many hours that not only in most cases do they not have more hours they could work, but there’s also strong evidence to suggest that when they work for too long they get diminishing returns.”

Scientific American reports, “Downtime replenishes the brain’s stores of attention and motivation, encourages productivity and creativity, and is essential to achieve

our highest levels of performance.”

And I don’t know about you, but I see a spike in my productivity in preparation for leaving for vacation — finishing projects, clearing off my desk, tying up loose ends, and completing tasks before I leave.

Time out from the daily grind is also important for reflection and insight. It is no coincidence that January and August are the months our company sees the highest number of inbound calls for consulting services. Our clients that take vacation over the summer or over the holidays have the time away from the day-to-day issues in the business to step back and reflect on the business as a whole and come back refreshed and ready to engage on meaty strategic issues. Tim Krieder writes in The New York Times, “The space and quiet that idleness provides is a necessary condition for standing back from life and seeing it whole, for making unexpected connections.” These unexpected connections lead to learning and innovation.

And finally, and perhaps most compelling, employees know it when they have a good thing. The Times reported on a study by Ernst & Young of its employees. They found that employees who took more vacation had higher performance rankings and were more likely to stay with the firm longer.

If you are still not convinced, consider this: Millennials lead what researchers call a “blended life.” Or, stated another way, these digital natives sleep with their phones.

Where the GenXers once pleaded for work/ life balance, the Millennials are content to blur the lines between work and life 24/7.

This means that even while hiking Machu Picchu, your Millennial employee will take time out to answer your important work question and post a selfie. Everybody wins!

Meg Crosby is a principal with PeopleCap Advisors.

I N S I D E M E M P H I S B U S I N E S S . C O M | J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 6

003_2016_IMB6-07_TOC-Columns.indd 10

5/10/16 7:42 AM

Teams

CLIMB higher.

Utilizing “challenge by choice” experiences—from on-the-ground icebreakers to exhilarating physical and mental challenges 30 feet up in the air on our indoor and outdoor rock walls and ropes courses—our expert Team BRIDGES facilitators help groups of all kinds focus on communication, critical thinking, trust building, problem solving, goal setting, and teamwork. Whether you’re looking for a two-hour introductory workshop or a multi-day experience to advance your team through a powerful bonding and growth process, Team BRIDGES can craft a fully customized curriculum of activities to fit your group’s specific needs and goals. Visit TeamBridges.org today to begin designing your unique Team BRIDGES experience.

teambridges@bridgesusa.org 901.260.3794

MEMPHIS

THIS PAGE DONATED BY CBRE|MEMPHIS AND CONTEMPORARY MEDIA, INC. AS PART OF THE INSIDE MEMPHIS BUSINESS “DIG DEEP FOR MEMPHIS” PROGRAM.

MM_FullPage_TrimSize_9x25_11x125.indd 1

5/9/16 11:52 AM

CREATI V E COMMUNICATION

• • •

B Y

A N D R E A

W I L E Y

Keep it simple I hope you are lying beachside as you read this, but something tells me you are wishing the same thing as you sit at your desk scarfing down a so-so sandwich between meetings.

We are busier than ever, taking less and less time for ourselves, let alone our brand. Distractions pop up everywhere and divert our attention from where it really needs to be focused.

the

I N N O V A Ta wI aOr dNs

NOW ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS

B

usiness is pushed forward by change and evolution, and it is those in the forefront of that evolution — the tinkerers, the questioners, the visionaries — who keep the machine of commerce oiled.

But who are these people? We want to know. Send us your best and brightest nominations for our fourth annual Innovation Awards issue coming in October. Please include any pertinent biog raphical or business information, and why the person, business , or o r g a n i z at i o n s h o u l d b e re c og n i z e d a s a le a der among innovators.

Email your nomination to richard@insidememphisbusiness.com Deadline for nominations is July 15, 2016.

12 |

Remember that young Millennial, fresh out of college, you interviewed 18 months ago that you didn’t hire, but who recommended you could use an updated logo and website, and by the way, she had a hard time Googling you? You were annoyed, maybe even slightly offended, but ultimately you knew she was right. Then you did nothing about it. Your problem grew, but you continue to ignore it because there are so many other things that seem more pressing.

Is it still a YOUR BRAND IS problem if it is DELICATE AND out-of-sight, outof-mind? Yes. It is.

DESERVES THE And it is getting BEST CARE THAT bigger every day.

Your brand ONLY EXPERTS CAN is more than PROVIDE. just a logo. Your brand is made up of many things: the interior design aesthetic of your office, your fashion sense, the kinds of cars in your parking lot or bikes in your hallway, the holiday gift you gave (or didn’t give) your clients last year, even how the receptionist greets visitors when they walk in the front door. Some of this probably sounds pretty superficial, but let’s face it, first impressions are everything.

But before you can even make a good impression, you must identify whom you are trying to impress. Understand where they are — physically, emotionally, socially, financially — what their daily online activity looks like, what their story is, and how your brand can fit in organically (or seemingly so).

Should you snap it, tweet it, post it, gram it, pin it, video it, email it, text it, print it? Just as easy as it is to fall into the trap of doing something “because that’s the way we’ve always done it,” it can be equally misguided to do something because it is the new cool thing to do. But whether it is the hottest trend or the old standby, it doesn’t mean that’s the best way to engage your target audience.

Today, all the lines are blurred: the separation of church and state, the difference between politics and pop culture

— what the heck is a Labradoodle anyway? Marketing, advertising, and public relations are no different thanks to the daily evolution of technology. When I was in journalism school, there were rules. Not so much anymore, and no one seems to mind. The delivery mechanisms appear to be endless; you don’t know where to start, so you are paralyzed into doing nothing. Bad idea. Because your competitor isn’t doing nothing, and they are about to knock you out.

I’m a believer in keeping it simple.

And at this complicated time that is the hardest thing to do. Which is why you need to rely on expert marketers to guide you in the right direction. You already have all the answers; you just need a third party to eliminate the daily distractions to reveal what matters most.

Be confident in your area of expertise and recognize that if it isn’t in a creative field, you need to find some super smart folks to get in your corner so you can start throwing some punches at your competition.

Memphis has over 40 firms and countless freelancers that specialize in marketing, branding, advertising, public relations, web development, creative consulting, and so on. It just depends on your needs, your budget, and frankly, who fits you best.

Don’t default to getting your nephew on the case even though he’s a Millennial who has taken a few design classes. You wouldn’t hire him to take out your appendix if he had taken a few courses in medical school.

Your brand is delicate and deserves the best care that only experts can provide.

Be bold. Do something great. Partner with a talented and experienced marketing team that not only understands where your brand is today, but also can help you visualize where it needs to go.

Andrea Wiley is an adjunct professor of advertising in the University of Memphis Journalism Department and the 2015-2016 president of the American Advertising Federation (Memphis Chapter).

I N S I D E M E M P H I S B U S I N E S S . C O M | J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 6

003_2016_IMB6-07_TOC-Columns.indd 12

5/10/16 7:40 AM

sPeciAliziNG iN

eMPlOYee BeNeFiTs &FiNANciAl seRVices FiNDiNG cUsTOMizeD seRVice sOlUTiONs At the Barnett Group, we have the expertise, experience and flexibility to meet all of your benefit needs, including financial services. Allow our team of professionals to work with you to create a plan that maximizes benefits and minimizes costs. Whether you’re an individual, small company or large corporation, The Barnett Group can tailor a solution that’s right for you. www.gobarnett.com www.barnettfg.com

7906 Players Forest Drive • Memphis, TN 38119 Phone: 901.365.3447 • Fax: 901.205.1021

You’ve come to the right place. ®

MM_FullPage_TrimSize_9x25_11x125.indd 1

5/4/16 9:18 AM

The HOT Sheet Advancement The Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau has promoted Allison Tribo to the position of membership sales manager.

Law firm Harris Shelton Hanover Walsh has named Brett Hughes as a managing member; and Abigail Webb, Laura Martin, William “Cad” Roberts, Tricia Tweel, and William Wyatt as equity members.

Audrey Wrenn has joined DCA as account manager.

ULI Memphis has announced the additions of Logan E. Meeks, Bryan Koch, and Brown Gill to its management committee.

Molly O’Malley has joined Adams Keegan as a recruiter.

Oscar L. Thomas has joined Bass, Berry & Sims PLC’s Memphis office.

Professional Service Industries, Inc. (PSI) has announced the promotion of Bryan Dorsey to project manager.

Group Benefits LLC has hired Taylor Sanborn as client services coordinator.

Travelennium Inc. has hired Cheryl M. Keating as senior leisure travel consultant.

Barge, Waggoner, Sumner, and Cannon, Inc. has announced two new hires: Keafur Grimes, transportation project manager; and John Hunter, client service leader.

Paragon Bank has hired Thomas “Tee” Shipmon to act as senior vice president of Specialty Lending.

Stites & Harbison, PLLC, has announced that Steven L. Beshear has rejoined the firm.

Southern Growth Studio announced additions of Chris Schmied, digital marketing and design specialist; Sarah Donovan, applied anthropologist; and Evan Katz, studio projects leader.

Taylor McCormick has joined Obsidian Public Relations as an account assistant.

R. Kent Francis has joined the Memphis offices of Wiseman Ashworth Law Group as an associate.

Financial Federal has added two new employees: Christy Edney, loan administrator; and Gideon Scoggin, senior vice president in the commercial banking division.

Red Deluxe has promoted Zach Smith to account manager, and hired Ben Powers, associate creative director; and Reina Christian, account executive.

David Carlson has become the newest chief financial officer of State Systems Inc. Crone Law Firm attorney Bailey Hill has been admitted to the Mississippi State Courts, the Northern and Southern Districts of Mississippi, and the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.

14 |

Public Financial Management, Inc. has promoted Lauren Lowe to managing director.

Ronald Murphy has been named vice president, Aircraft Lending, at Paragon Bank.

Vaco has named Jennifer Nobile as their newest recruiter.

Cushman & Wakefield has announced the recent appointment of Patrick Walton as principal.

Joann Massey will serve the City of Memphis as director of Minority and Women-Owned Business Development.

Mark Nance has been named Paragon Bank’s first vice president, Treasury Management.

The 2016-2017 Allen & Hoshall board of directors elected Harry Pratt as president, and Jimmy Nelson as corporate secretary.

Awards Joe Steffner, senior vice president and regional managing director of Newmark Grubb Knight Frank, was awarded the top Pinnacle Award of Commercial Broker of the Year by the Memphis Area Association of Realtors. Steffner was previously awarded the same in 2005.

Keith Grant of Grant & Co. New Homes has been named “Builder of the Year” by the Home Builders Association of Tennessee.

Appointments

Averitt Express has honored associate Bruce Beyersdorf for his 20 years of service, and Mike Reed for 35 years.

Chris Seaman, managing director with KPMG, has been appointed as a board member of Junior Achievement of Memphis and the Mid-South.

Bass Pro Shop at the Pyramid’s Big Cypress Lodge was named one of the nation’s 10 best hotels opened in 2015 by Forbes magazine.

Eileen Kuo and Pamela Irons of Jackson Lewis P.C. have been elected to the board of the Memphis Chapter of the Association for Women Attorneys (AWA).

Rip Haney, affiliate broker with Marx-Bensdorf, has been elected as the incoming president for the Multi Million Dollar Club of the Memphis Area Association of Realtors.

Trezevant has named Bruce B. Hopkins, Merilyn G. Mangum, David L. Bowlin, Scott J. Crosby, and John D. Ivy as officers of the board of directors. Frankie Wade and Beverly Williams have been appointed as members.

Eric Robertson, president of Community LIFT and River City Capital Investment Corp., has been appointed to the board of directors for the Memphis Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.

Jack Shelton, Harris Shelton Hanover Walsh, PLLC, has been named to the West Tennessee District Export Council by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce.

S. Newton Anderson, managing partner at Spicer Rudstrom, has been invited to join the Claims and Litigation Management Alliance.

SECO International has appointed local optometry professor Dr. Glen Steele as the international ambassador on the SECO International Education Committee.

Hal Williford, president/CEO of Memphis Stone & Gravel, has been named chairman of the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA) board of directors.

Orthapaedic surgeon S. Terry Canale has received the William W. Tipton, Jr. MD Leadership Award.

Averitt Express has received the overall Mastio Quality Award, and is winner of the Inter-Regional Carrier Award.

The 2016 Engineering Excellence Awards competition, presented by the American Council of Engineering Companies of Tennessee, has recognized Bass Pro at the Pyramid as its winner.

SRVS has been selected by Fund for Shared Insight as part of the inaugural cohort of Listen for Good grantees.

The Memphis Bioworks Foundation Workforce Development Team was selected as one of 11 teams out of 80 nationwide to participate in a Customer Centered Design (CCD) White House Learning Exchange & Celebration.

Great Place to Work and Fortune have recognized Pinnacle Financial Partners as one of the 50 Best Workplaces for Camaraderie.

Harris Shelton Hanover Walsh PLLC has been certified for ALTA Best Practices after passing assessment procedures performed by the Memphis Consumer Credit Association Inc. William B. Howard, Jr., ChFC, CFP was included in the Medical Economics 2015 list of Best Financial Advisors for Doctors.

AutoZone’s Striders team has ranked 19th on the American Cancer Society’s National Top 20 Pacesetter Teams list for the 2015 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer season.

Cisco has recognized ProTech Systems Group, Inc. as Commercial Territory Partner of the Year.

The Tennessee Veterinary Medical Association (TVMA) has named Susan Moon of Brooks Road Animal Hospital as president of its 2016 Executive Board.

Southern Custom Equestrian Products has been selected as a winner of The American Small Business Championship, hosted by SCORE.

Junior Achievement of Memphis and the MidSouth has appointed Alexis Johnson of SunTrust Bank to its board of directors.

Barge, Waggoner, Sumner and Cannon, Inc. has received the Outstanding Sports Facilities Award for the University of Tennessee RecSports Complex.

I N S I D E M E M P H I S B U S I N E S S . C O M | J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 6

014_2016_IMB6-07_HotSheeet.indd 14

5/9/16 12:14 PM

T H E I R R ES UM ES R EA D L I K E N OV E L S. T H E Y H AV E N O LOV E F O R T H E S T AT U S Q U O .

They were brought to Memphis to build a better school of medicine. But rest assured, these legends, explorers and rebel geniuses will not be content until they change everything‌ for the better.

Changing Medicine. Changing Memphis.

myUTdoc.com

Top Row (l to r): Dr. Robert Davis, Dr. Matthew Ballo, Dr. Mary Gupta, Dr. Shekhar Gangaraju, Dr. Lebron Cooper, Dr. Guy Reed, Dr. Darryl Quarles Middle Row (l to r): Dr. Chris Fleming, Dr. Catherine Kaczorowski, Dr. Harris Cohen, Dr. Kathy Schwarzenberger, Dr. Christoper Knott-Craig, Dr. Benny Weksler, Dr. Gabor Tigyi Bottom Row (l to r): Dr. Teresa Waters, Dr. James Eason, Dr. Ade Adebiyi, Dr. Aaron Waite, Dr. Jennifer Sullivan, Dr. Mark Bugnitz

MM_FullPage_TrimSize_9x25_11x125.indd 1

5/4/16 1:07 PM

BNSF Railway Company has honored Kevin Beville as Intermodal Safety Employee of the Year.

Trying to find the right person for a job can be difficult.

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) has announced the following awards: Vanessa Morales-Tirado has received a $50,000 grant from the Alcon Research Institute Young Investigator Grant program for investigating eye diseases that lead to loss of vision.

Lynda Wilmott has received a $52,500 grant from the Glenn/AFAR Postdoctoral Fellowship Program for Translational Research on Aging.

John Boughter, Ph.D., and Max Fletcher, Ph.D., both of the Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology in the College of Medicine, have received a $418,000 grant from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders for the project, “Taste Responses in Defined Cell Types in Gustatory Cortex.”

Who would you most like to meet in the world, living or dead?

Jim Bailey, MD, MPH, professor of Internal Medicine and Preventive Medicine in the College of Medicine and Director of the Center for Health System Improvement, has been approved for a $5.2 million grant from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute.

The UTHSC College of Dentistry Alumni Association has given its 2016 Outstanding Alumnus Awards to Philip Wenk, president and CEO of Delta Dental of Tennessee, and Justin D. Towner III.

Oh, that’s a tough one.

Um...Living?

Samuel Dagogo-Jack, MD, FRCP., has received a $1.1 million grant from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

Radhakrishna Rao, PHD, professor in the Department of Physiology in the College of Medicine, has received a grant renewal from the National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases worth $1.68 million.

Inked

Free yourself from the burden with Vaco.

The law firm of Butler Snow will have its first presence in Asia with offices in Singapore and Hong Kong.

J. Alexander’s Holdings, Inc. opened Stone River Steakhouse and Grill at the Saddle Creek in Germantown.

MEMPHIS VA C O M E M P H I S. C O M

www.vacomemphis.com | (901) 333-2250 VacoMem-IMB_5.1875x7.3125_Mar2016-FINAL.indd 1

REAL PEOPLE REAL NEEDS REAL SOLUTIONS Visit mifa.org to volunteer.

2/23/16 9:33 AM

Resurrection Health, a primary healthcare provider for underserved citizens, opened its fourth location on Frayser Boulevard.

LYFE Kitchen has opened a second Memphis location downtown at The Chisca on Main.

Tennessee Health Management (THM) has opened Behavioral Healthcare Center at Memphis, a 16-bed geriatric psychiatric facility that specializes in the care of those aged 65 and older.

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine has unveiled its new Mobile Stroke Unit.

The Memphis Rock ’n’ Soul Museum and Memphis Music Hall of Fame have together launched the Memphis Music app, the first app dedicated only to the current and past Memphis music scene.

Monogram Foods has acquired Progressive Gourmet in Wilmington, Massachusetts.

KQ Communications has opened a second office in the Buckhead area of Atlanta, Georgia.

16 |

I N S I D E M E M P H I S B U S I N E S S . C O M | J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 6

014_2016_IMB6-07_HotSheeet.indd 16

5/11/16 1:24 PM

Even after ten years, talking growth doesn’t get old.

We started with the idea that money is the same, but people aren’t. We wanted to make an impact. Not for ourselves, but for everyday people who wanted to buy a home or start a savings account or launch a small business. Ten years later, we see that impact with every customer we meet.

Thanks for believing in Triumph.

Let’s talk growth for another ten years.

triumphbank.com triumphmortgage.com (901) 333-8800

MBQ_FullPage_TrimSize_9x25_11x125.indd 1

5/5/16 8:13 AM

10

2015

project location size project type

Charles Retina Institute Germantown, TN 11,998 sf Healthcare

100 Peabody Place, 100Memphis, Peabody Place, TN 38103 Memphis, • 901.260.7370 TN 38103 ••901.260.7370 www.belzconstruction.com • www.belzconstruction.com

ARCHITE CTURE

©Jeffrey Jacobs Photography

MM_FullPage_TrimSize_9x25_11x125.indd 1

5/4/16 9:21 AM

PHOTO COLLAGE BY BG

D E V E L O P M E N T

Developing Memphis’ Brand

• • •

B Y

D O U G

C A R P E N T E R

My desk at DCA overlooks South Main Street, directly across the street from the National Civil Rights Museum and the revitalized district that surrounds it. Every morning I sit in this space and I feel the pulse of Downtown development.

The momentum and energy and volume of activity Downtown increases almost on a daily basis, not just through tourism, but through activation of our own residents who flock here for sporting events, trolley nights, farmers markets, festivals, and more.

Downtowns nationwide are collectively experiencing a renaissance. Their relatively small, walkable areas concentrate commercial, cultural, and civic assets.

Downtowns are the intersections of business, tourism, and cultural exchanges, creating a vibrant identity for the greater city.

Downtown development

is about reimagining. It’s about a new perspective and asking questions. Who are we?

How do we tell our story?

People often talk about the brand of Memphis. Famed marketer David Ogilvy defines a brand as “the intangible sum of a product’s attributes: its name, packaging, and price, its history, its reputation, and the way it’s advertised.”

I believe Memphis’ brand is defined daily in Downtown.

Our spaces are evolving from a historically iconic Peabody and Rendezvous to a newly reimagined Tom Lee Park and visionary

adaptation of Central Station.

The Chisca and the Tennessee Brewery, both left to waste away on the Bluff, are reactivating into top-tier urban residential and commercial developments, injecting life and momentum and density into the South Main landscape.

The daunting Pyramid’s empty center is now converted into a national destination.

Downtown areas generally sit central in a city’s landscape, but Memphis’ Downtown has a limited geographic footprint.

Its position on the Mississippi poses interesting barriers but provides great opportunities. You can’t develop west because of a river … or can you? Thanks to a focused and driven public-private partnership, an inactive old wagonway on the Harahan Bridge will now draw millions of tourists and residents to the Big River Crossing to witness the power of the Mississippi and the ever-evolving skyline

of Downtown Memphis.

And the efforts continue: Mud Island, the Medical District, and St. Jude’s expansion are following suit on the drawing board. I am confident they, too, will yield creativity, ingenuity, and collaboration. The combination of new perspectives and focused innovators will continue to write new chapters.

All of these pieces are our packaging, our history, and reputation. We don’t need to redefine our brand. We simply need to continue to reimagine its elements. Memphis will always have a rich history, but our identity is about our present and our future.

I look forward to continuing to watch the story unfold from my seat in the middle of it all. What’s next can only be imagined by people with a commitment to the city. Are you one of them? • Doug Carpenter is principal of DCA, creative communications consulting firm.

J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 6 | I N S I D E M E M P H I S B U S I N E S S . C O M |

019_2016_IMB06-07_Inside.indd 19

19

5/3/16 2:35 PM

PHOTOGRAPH BY DREAMSTIME

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY KOPITINPHOTO | DREAMSTIME

S E C U R I T Y

Technology’s Integral Role in Business Security • • •

B Y

C R A I G

W R I G H T

Alongside daily operations, business owners are tasked with asset protection, including their property, information, employees, and customers. But even if your physical entryways are protected, hackers can break into your business through an unsecured network. Your network houses your company’s information, which may be worth as much or more than a business’ physical assets. Apple has demonstrated the importance of data security by being unwilling to cooperate with an FBI investigation. The tech company refused to create a “backdoor” into the iPhone operating system because doing so would jeopardize the cybersecurity of all iOS users.

Fortunately, advancements in technology have helped prevent business losses of all kinds, including physical assets, information, and productivity at very affordable costs. Unfortunately, tragedies in public spaces and cases of leaked intelligence continue to put pressure on business owners to invest in more advanced preventative safety measures.

It is crucial for businesses to operate under a network that is secure, but creating such 20 |

a network can be expensive.

However, the cost of handling the fallout after a data breech far outweighs the cost of preventing one. Gartner Inc., a Connecticutbased information technology research and advisory company, estimates that every $5.62 a company spends after a breech could have been prevented with a $1 investment in data encryption and network security.

State Systems Inc. has seen more interest from business owners seeking security solutions in

the last nine months than in the entire year prior, and physical security remains a top priority.

A common misconception is that video surveillance is too expensive to implement, but it is actually much more affordable than most business owners realize. Many existing surveillance systems can be retrofitted using cameras with exponentially better resolution and updated features like cloud compatibility.

While security cameras are great for recording activity and deterring crime, the devices become more beneficial when paired with a controlled-access system. For many businesses like daycares, schools, medical facilities, and financial institutions, it is important to manage the access of those allowed on the premises, and controlled-access systems offer an easy and affective option to screen individuals before they enter a facility.

Data isn’t only transmitted digitally; it is also passed verbally from employee to employee.

As open-air offices become more prevalent, companies are seeking out ways to maintain employee productivity and protect private conversations.

Rightfully so, as global market research company Ipsos found

EVERY $5.62 A COMPANY SPENDS AFTER A BREECH COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED WITH A $1 INVESTMENT IN DATA ENCRYPTION AND NETWORK SECURITY. that employees can lose as much as 86 minutes per day because of noise distractions. Noise canceling devices serve as a popular solution for businesses with open office spaces and can help mask conversations.

Security technology can seem costly and intimidating, but there are options for every business size and situation. It is important to choose a partner vendor that understands your security needs and can provide the products and services you need. When debating whether to invest in a security technology, make sure to ask yourself if your business could afford to lose life or property as a result of not having it. That conclusion should be your answer.• Craig Wright is the general manager of the Technology Division at State Systems Inc., a local leader in personal property protection.

I N S I D E M E M P H I S B U S I N E S S . C O M | J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 6

019_2016_IMB06-07_Inside.indd 20

5/3/16 2:35 PM

PHOTOGRAPH BY DREAMSTIME

PHOTOGRAPH BY DREAMSTIME

S P O R T S

Darrell Smith

Meet the new FESJC tournament director.

• • •

B Y

F R A N K

M U R TA U G H

The FedEx St. Jude Classic returns to Memphis (June 6-12), again bringing the PGA Tour’s best to the Bluff City. This will be the first tournament under the direction of 33-year-old Darrell Smith, who assumed his new duties when longtime director Phil Cannon moved into an advisory role last fall.

What has been your biggest adjustment since taking over as tournament director?

I’ve been fortunate. Phil Cannon gave me my start here in 2005 [as an intern], and I’ve been able to be involved with a lot in the production of a PGA Tour event. The biggest adjustment has been the reality that, hey, I’m the tournament director now. It’s just assuming that role. I feel like I’m prepared for a lot of what I’m doing, and I’m sure I’ll learn more as we get closer to the tournament.

We’re trying to recruit the best players in the world to come

play Memphis. I’ve been more involved in player relations than I have in the past.

You left to work for a tournament in Dallas briefly (2010), only to return to Memphis. What brought you back?

Memphis is home for me and my wife. We enjoyed our time in Texas; it was during a time of transition for the [FESJC].

We were going to make ourselves better professionally and personally. There was an opportunity in Texas, so we took it. But when Phil and Jack Sammons called me and

said they had good news to share, that FedEx was coming back as a title sponsor, it was a no-brainer for us. I had been on the operations side of things until then. The opportunity in Memphis was more on the sales side, revenue-generating. It was the next step in my professional development.

Memphis has hosted a PGA tournament almost 50 years (since 1958).

What must the FESJC do to get even better?

We want to become one of the Mid-South’s biggest events. In the past, it’s been a golf event.

But we’ve decided this is more than just golf. It’s the largest outdoor festival in the city of Memphis, and that means music. It means food. There’s fun for everybody. It can be a family, a corporate customer, or a single ticket-holder. We want to provide an environment where there are a lot of things to do besides watching golf.

Do you play golf? What’s your dream foursome?

I am a golfer. My dream foursome would include my father, Tiger Woods, and my uncle,

Darrell Smith

who introduced me to the game of golf.

What’s the best hole for a fan to watch at the FESJC? I think the 11th hole will be the place to be at the FedEx St. Jude Classic. That’s the island green. It’s the signature hole at TPC Southwind, a par 3, lots of action. We’ve constructed a new venue called the Island Club that should create a lot of excitement. Hopefully we’ll see some holes-in-one. A lot of fans like to see every shot on a hole, and at 11 they can see all three.

We’re looking forward to building some momentum there. • Frank Murtaugh is managing editor of inside memphis business and memphis, and a lifelong sports fan.

J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 6 | I N S I D E M E M P H I S B U S I N E S S . C O M |

019_2016_IMB06-07_Inside.indd 21

21

5/3/16 2:35 PM

L E A D E R S H I P

Jen Andrews

Shelby Farms Park Conservancy • • •

B Y

F R A N K

M U R TA U G H

There aren’t many guarantees in life, but you can take this to the betting window: Jen Andrews knows more about the Shelby Farms Park Conservancy (SFPC) than you or anyone else. The 32-year-old Andrews is the newly named executive director for the nonprofit that manages — and is currently transforming — the 4,500-acre park. She was also, you see, the SFPC’s first employee.

Upon graduating from Rhodes College with a degree in English literature in 2006, Andrews set her sights on a graduate program at the University of Arkansas. But she needed a year to raise money, so she applied for a new position with what was then called the Shelby Farms Park Alliance. “When I took the job, we didn’t have office space or computers,” says Andrews. “No phones. It was just the two of us. [Laura Morris was the founding director.] Some of my first duties were calling FedEx and First Tennessee to see if I could go into their warehouses and

take some of their old furniture.”

Andrews grew up in the tiny (pop. 4,000) town of Marianna, Arkansas. (“You grow up and either become a Little Rock person or a Memphis person,” she explains. “We were always Memphis people.”) She developed a love for lakes and green space by visiting her grandparents, whose property sat on a former junkyard on the edge of town. “I grew up scraping my knee,” explains Andrews, “getting dirty, climbing trees, making mud pies.

I spent a lot of time alone out there. I’m very comfortable being alone. I’m independent,

introverted. I feel like I developed my imagination out there, learned how to dream. It was really a magical place.”

Andrews took to sports, first as a gymnast, then as a basketball player who led Lee Academy to a runner-up finish in the 2002 state tournament. “Basketball is my true love, but unfortunately I’m 5’2”,” she says with a smile.

As a sprinter (100 meters and 200 meters) for Lee’s track team, she caught the eyes of Rhodes recruiters and became the first member of her family to attend college.

In addition to taking on the pole vault at Rhodes, Andrews discovered a passion for post-colonial literature. “I was studying literature from places that had been colonized and then decolonized,” she says. “African, Pacific rim, Caribbean, some Irish. Growing up in a small town, there are things you don’t get access to. I was really interested in broad-

Jen Andrews

22 |

PHOTOGRAPH BY JUSTIN FOX BURKS

“I ENJOY BUILDING A TEAM AND FOSTERING TALENT. I’VE HIRED A LOT OF YOUNG AND HUNGRY PEOPLE. I ALWAYS LOOK FOR CRITICAL THINKING; THEY’RE LIKELY TO HAVE GOOD JUDGMENT AND BE RESOURCEFUL. AT A SMALL NONPROFIT, RESOURCEFUL PEOPLE TEND TO DO VERY WELL.”

I N S I D E M E M P H I S B U S I N E S S . C O M | J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 6

022_2016_IMB06-07_Leadership.indd 22

5/3/16 2:44 PM

ening my horizons. I hadn’t really considered literature from places other than England and America. I knew it existed, but I hadn’t given it credibility. I was moved, and got excited; there was so much I could still learn.”

That yearning to grow — in mind and spirit — fueled Andrews’ early days in support of Shelby Farms, her initial mission simply to secure the land from the threat of development.

“What we were trying to do in those early days,” she reflects, “was get a conservation easement [a legal designation that protects the land as a park], so we could stop fighting.

Once we protected the park, which meant the county couldn’t sell it to developers, we transitioned from a defensive posture to an optimistic, future-focused organization. What could the park be?”

Fast-forward to 2016 and the SFPC is nearing completion on its $52 million “Heart of the Park” project, its largest component being an expansion of Patriot Lake from 52 to 80 acres. There will also be a new visitors center, an events center (with a restaurant), lakeside pavilions, and a pedestrian promenade adjacent to the lake. Taken together, the massive transformation has further reinforced the art of the possible.

“I think I was the first true believer,” says Andrews, “other than the people who had been involved [before SFPC]. When I was at Rhodes, I didn’t even know the park existed. I was part of a first wave of people who were willing to dig in, see the potential, and do something about it. It was hard in the early days because there was no job security. There was no guarantee we could raise enough money to pay salaries. The county budget for the park at the time was $575,000. We were creating an organization that didn’t exist.”

Now overseeing a staff of 30, Andrews hasn’t had to look far for leadership standards. “Linda Brashear, our director of park operations, has been a great mentor and a great example,” says Andrews. “We have very different personalities. I’m an introvert, logical. She’s one of the kindest people you’ll ever meet; extroverted, loves people. She shows me a different path.

I’m interested in things that are different from my experience. Tina Sullivan at the Overton Park Conservancy is another great leader, the ultimate diplomat and highly principled.”

Andrews’ parents were teenagers when Jen was born, so there’s a form of leadership in their simply keeping a family together, and growing. “My dad [Mark Andrews] may be the only person even more introverted than I am,” she says. “He’s brilliant and totally independent, completely nonjudgmental. He taught me from a really young age to think for myself and question assumptions, my own and others.”

A military contractor in Afghanistan for 10 years, Mark now teaches work-skills to inmates as part of a rehabilitation program while Andrews’ mom, Lori, is a preschool teacher.

Finding office solutions is the nature of our game.

In fact, if youʼre as experienced at it as we are, itʼs almost elementary.

901.737.8910 xmcinc.com

Multifunction Machines Scanners | Copiers | Printers Electronic Document Management Systems Managed Print Services Production Equipment Mailing & Postage Solutions

J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 6 | I N S I D E M E M P H I S B U S I N E S S . C O M |

022_2016_IMB06-07_Leadership.indd 23

23

5/6/16 12:53 PM

Andrews’ only sibling — a younger sister — is a middle-school teacher. “I’m the only non-teacher in the family,” notes Andrews.

“Leadership and service are big deals in my family. My parents really focused on integrity because it’s something that can’t be taken away. You can always tell the truth. You can always be generous, even when you’re poor.”

Now in a position where her hiring skills are important, Andrews has paid special attention to a few qualities she considers seeds of leadership. “I enjoy building a team and fostering talent,” she says. “I’ve hired a lot of young and hungry people. I always look for critical thinking; they’re likely to have

“LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE ARE BIG DEALS IN MY FAMILY. MY PARENTS REALLY FOCUSED ON INTEGRITY BECAUSE IT’S SOMETHING THAT CAN’T BE TAKEN AWAY. YOU CAN ALWAYS TELL THE TRUTH. YOU CAN ALWAYS BE GENEROUS, EVEN WHEN YOU’RE POOR.”

© 2016 , Inc. All rights reserved.

All marks are trademarks of their respective owners.

THE NEW INTERNATIONAL® HX™ SERIES IS HERE. FINALLY A TRUCK THAT WORKS AS HARD AS YOU.

MEMPHIS DEALERSHIP 1750 E Brooks Road (901) 345-6275

MEMPHIS BODY SHOP 700 S BB King Blvd (901) 527-5654

MEMPHIS IDEALEASE 1850 E Brooks Road (901) 348-2722

www.summittruckgroup.com

us at } Visit

www.memphismagazine.com 24 |

good judgment and be resourceful. At a small nonprofit, resourceful people tend to do very well. And accountability, someone who can demonstrate they’re willing to take ownership of something. I can’t think of any leaders who aren’t highly accountable.”

Andrews is convinced opportunities for talented young people will bring new leaders, and help Memphis grow as a city. “When I graduated from Rhodes, there were two people in my class who planned to stay in Memphis,” she says. “It was unusual. At last year’s graduation, they polled the students and something like 60 percent said they would be staying in Memphis. I didn’t plan on staying until I got involved with building something that would make Memphis a better place, and that was addictive.”

Andrews’ appreciation for good leaders extends into the realm of science fiction. An avowed Trekkie, she lights up at the chance to distinguish her preferred Starfleet captain. “Jean-Luc Picard is a great model of leadership,” she says. “James Kirk was impulsive, where Picard is logical and rational.

He’s highly intelligent. He was an amateur archaeologist, very interested in people and cultures.” A life-sized Spock stand-up poster greets visitors to her office. The universe’s most famous Vulcan is wearing a Memphis Grizzlies headband. Stoicism with a little grit-and-grind. Let’s call it a Jen Andrews recipe for progress.

For more information on the Shelby Farms Park Conservancy, visit shelbyfarmspark.org.

I N S I D E M E M P H I S B U S I N E S S . C O M | J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 6

022_2016_IMB06-07_Leadership.indd 24

5/6/16 12:54 PM

D or o

Ka re

n

C Ned a nd

thy

t he r G un

P u gh c ho ie Ni Jack

ls

anty

• • •

BY

J O N

W.

S PA R K S

Successful executives give 100 percent to their jobs, but the great ones don’t do it 100 percent of the time. They know how to decompress and recharge away from meetings and pesky chirping devices. We asked several local organization runners how they shake it off, whether by vacation (like to The Galapagos) or by taking a quick break (a Grizz game) to keep things fresh. Find out who is winging it and who has a spreadsheet in their luggage (or both), who in history would be fun to hang out with (Keith Richards — really!), and favorite escape reading (Benedict de Spinoza’s Ethics in Portuguese). Like Sly Stone said: Different strokes for different folks.

Ke v i

A

lliam rt G i

& fri

n De

an

e nd s

C aro

lyn a

n

rin d Ma

o Ha

rdy

J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 6 | I N S I D E M E M P H I S B U S I N E S S . C O M |

025_2016_IMB6-07_CEOsAtPlay.indd 25

25

5/9/16 1:05 PM

When you need to get away from work and recharge, what do you do?

—•— Charles L. Ewing, Sr.

Planned or spontaneous?

—•—

When I need to get away and recharge, I love to play golf in my spare time.

Spontaneous

CEO, Ewing Moving & Storage, Inc.

W. Scott Stafford

Travel

Spontaneous

Travel where there is lovely scenery or great art museums, mountain hiking, and botanic gardens. Whenever my husband and I get to a city, it is the art museums that are at the top of our list to experience.

Planned

CEO and Founding Artistic Director, Ballet Memphis

Brett Norman

Walk the fields of Agricenter International

Spontaneous

Walk in the neighborhood or the Greenline, Elmwood, or at Shelby Farms; I practice mindfulness so I enjoy silence and reflection. I also love to go to Memphis Symphony concerts and Grizzlies basketball games.

Planned

Mental health days are essential for any leader.

It’s how I have survived being a boss.

Spontaneous

Executive director, Literacy Mid-South

Richard Shadyac Jr.

Run or bike

Both

Afternoon beers, or a book and nap in a hammock in a tropical location.

Spontaneous

My first love is being at a Grizzlies game with friends, it's energizing to see their grit and grind.

Also love great music at a lively concert, and Memphis’ fine restaurants.

Both

Today the “heavy lifting” falls on the shoulders of [sons] Bruce and Gregg and our management group. At this point, I do not have the need to get away and recharge.

Spontaneous

Spending time poolside in Scottsdale, Arizona

Planned

Travel abroad. I need to physically get out of town and immerse in a new place, culture, language. If leaving the country is not possible, a road trip somewhere in the U.S. helps.

Planned

Playing video games, gardening, or watching TV on the sofa with the wife and dogs.

Planned

General director, Opera Memphis

Kevin McEniry

Travel

Planned

Sleep; and head out of town.

Planned

A short weekend trip or seeing a good movie

Planned

The beach; backpacking and hiking with friends like Chris Blank who is also an Eagle Scout.

Planned

Swimming, biking, trying out new restaurants with my girlfriend, and hanging out with my grandsons, Cooper and Luke.

Both

I spend time with my wife and two children, whether it be when I get home late on a weeknight or longer on the weekends.

Planned

President and CEO, Evolve Bank & Trust

Dorothy Gunther Pugh

CEO, AgSmarts Inc.

Gayle Rose Founder and CEO, EVS Corp.; Memphis Symphony Board Chair

Kevin Dean

President and CEO, ALSAC

Chuck Dunn President and CEO, TRU-D SmartUVC

Carolyn Hardy President and CEO, Chism Hardy Investments; Chairman of the Board of the Greater Memphis Chamber

Nat Landau CEO, Landau Uniforms

Erich Mounce CEO, The West Clinic

Maria Gomes-Solecki Associate professor, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry, UTHSC

Ned Canty

CEO, nexAir

James Holt President and CEO, Memphis in May International Festival

Art Gilliam President, Gilliam Communications

Jackie Nichols Founder and executive producer, Circuit Playhouse Inc.

Pat Lawler CEO, Youth Villages

Jim Strickland Mayor, City of Memphis

26 |

I N S I D E M E M P H I S B U S I N E S S . C O M | J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 6

025_2016_IMB6-07_CEOsAtPlay.indd 26

5/9/16 12:12 PM

If you could chill out with anyone in history, who would it be?

—•—

(Bonus): What’s your favorite escape reading?

—•—

New Orleans — guaranteed good food and a good time.

I would chill with Angela Bassett.

A motivational read.

Trout fishing in the Rocky Mountains

Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant

Biographies

Mountains, in a really nice, secluded place such as the Canadian Rockies; a laid-back beach in South Carolina

President Obama, Jane Austen, and New York Times columnist Gail Collins

Well-written novels

Skiing in Montana

Carl Sagan

Dystopias

A spa like Miraval (Arizona) helps me tend to my mind, body, and spirit. I need time to disconnect from technology.

My late son, Max , Martin Luther King Jr., or Angela Grimke.

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr, and When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi

I love a day trip to Little Rock or Hot Springs.

Marie Antionette knew how to party.

Humorous memoirs, mostly to get ideas for my own future humorous memoirs.

Napa

Martin Luther King Jr.

Newspapers

A 10-day vacation with my family

Keith Richards

Author Stuart Woods

Italy with my husband and friends. We started with a cruise and finished by hopping a train around Italy. I would do it again very soon.

Warren Buffet to learn how his mind works.

Business or entrepreneurship books.

My wife and I join my college roommate in Camden, Maine, sailing Penobscot Bay on his old, wooden sailboat.

Winston Churchill

History — World War II and political biography

Anywhere with my best friend and wife, Marla!

Leonardo DaVinci

Anything spy and anything by Michael Connolly

Family trip to Italy, Portugal to travel around Alentejo and lounge in the Costa Vicentina Beaches, and Madeira Island to visit my family.

Aristides de Sousa Mendes or Michelle Obama

Spinoza’s Ethics (in Portuguese).

New Year’s Eve at Colonial Williamsburg in 2010

Teddy Roosevelt

Magazines — Wired, This Old House, and Entertainment Weekly

South Africa and The Galapagos Islands

Eddie Vedder

All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

Two weeks in Turks and Caicos

Jesus Christ

The stack of magazines that accumulate in March, April, and May

Destin and walking the beach . . . for that matter, any nice sand beach

Robert Frost, Barack Obama, or John Kennedy

Books of inspirational sayings and books of idioms

Italy with good food, wine, and friends. Did I say good wine!

Joe Papp

Biographies of show people

Tent camping as a child for two weeks in the Rocky Mountains with my brothers.

David Letterman

Walk to Beautiful by Jimmy Wayne, and Steven Tyler’s Does the Noise in My Head Bother You?

Our family went to Chicago two years ago, it was the best vacation in a long time.

John F. Kennedy

I’m a big reader of all kinds of books on American history

Best getaway experience?

—•—

J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 6 | I N S I D E M E M P H I S B U S I N E S S . C O M |

025_2016_IMB6-07_CEOsAtPlay.indd 27

27

5/11/16 1:25 PM

Cleared for Takeoff 28 |

I N S I D E M E M P H I S B U S I N E S S . C O M | J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 6

028_2016_IMB6-07_Airport.indd 28

5/10/16 9:48 AM

> > >

BY

TO BY

• • •

S E L L S

BY

TO BY

S E L L S

Like it or not, a new day has dawned at Memphis International Airport.

In the simplest terms, here’s what that new day looks like: “We’re not going to be a hub again,” John Greaud, the now-retired vice president of operations for the Memphis and Shelby County Airport Authority (MSCAA), says emphatically. “We’re going to be a local passenger airport. The people

The

Delta Blues

PHOTO-COLLAGE BY B. GROPPE

who live in Memphis, or people who come to visit Memphis — those are the people who are going to be our users.”

Aerotropolis at the Crossroads.

Ripples are still flowing from Delta Airlines’ June 2013 announcement that it would end its hub operation at the airport. Those ripples have touched nearly every aspect of life around the airport, from the psyches of Memphis air travelers to the physical shape and size of the airport itself.

Gone are the days when a full menu of nonstop flights took us to a hundred points domestic and abroad. Gone are the days of three big terminals streaming with air passengers looking for connecting flights. Gone are the days of big revenues and big-ticket sales. And gone are the days of all those passengers jamming the numerous restaurants, newsstands, and coffee shops, and leaving piles of profits and tax dollars behind them.

But gone, too, are the days of a single air carrier dictating ticket prices and some airport policies. Gone are the days of shuttling to Democrat Road to pick up or return a rental car, of shuttling miles away from the terminal or walking from a parking lot in the distance. Soon to be gone as well are the days of fluorescently lit and low-ceilinged concourses.

It’s difficult to believe that just four years ago, the MSCAA hosted the 2011 Airport Cities World Conference, with hundreds of airport executives attending from around the globe and a keynote speech given by Richard Anderson, CEO of Delta Air Lines. The event signaled Memphis’ coming-out as a genuine “aerotropolis,” a phrase coined by futurist John D. Kasarda (who also spoke at the Memphis conference) to describe how major airports were now not just airports, but “magnets for businesses, trade, information exchanges, and leisure activities.” According to Kasarda, such mega-hubs would become “urban realms in their own right, driving and shaping the very fabric of the new cities they are creating.”

Somehow, in its eager march to a brighter future, Memphis got kicked off the bus.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY DREAMSTIME

F EB/M A R 20 15 | INSIDE MEMPHIS BUSINES S.COM |

39

A fresh look at

MEM

Where it’s been and where it’s going.

A year ago, right here in these pages, we said that — like it or not — a new day had dawned at Memphis International Airport (MEM) and, so far, that day has proved a bit brighter, quieting the once-loud chorus of critics.

Our story last year painted a drab portrait of an airport in decline, working to re-invent itself in the terrible aftermath of its breakup with Delta Airlines. Heads were low. Hands were wrung. [See Inside Memphis Business, February 2015.]

At the time — even after nearly two years since the de-hub — airport officials continued to deflect criticism that they could have done more to keep Delta’s hub (and its 91 daily flights) here.

Business leaders pointed to the ensuing lack of flights to and from Memphis as a major headwind to profit in quarterly earnings reports. Blistering criticism of all involved issued daily from the “Delta Does Memphis” Facebook page, which boasted some 5,000 members.

An airport official served the truth up cold: “We’re not going to be a hub again,” said John Greaud, the now-retired vice president of operations for the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority (MSCAA).

Instead, airport officials preached that Memphis flight service would be a “mosaic” in the future, many different (and certainly smaller) pieces that made up the overall flight service picture here, not the grand, red-and-blue monolith of Delta Airlines.

Many weren’t sure what that would really look like. Others wondered if it would work. Still others wondered if they could keep their businesses in Memphis even if it did work. Uncertainty, the great bogeyman of business, lurked in every Memphis marketplace when it came to the airport.

But in the last 12 months, the airport has put some points on the board. Those points are real, not intangible or ethereal, but solid facts. And those facts are slowly removing uncertainty’s grip from the airport and Memphis business.

“There’s a recognition that it’s getting better,” says Phil Trenary, a one-time airline executive and now president of the Greater Memphis Chamber.

“When we talk about the overall environment in business, and I’m talking primarily about businesses looking to come to Memphis, the No. 1 concern remains workforce, and we’re aggressively addressing that. No. 2 is high taxes, and No. 3 is the airport.”

That’s movement, Trenary says, because back after the Delta de-hub in 2013, the airport was undoubtedly at the top of that list. Those two spots down Trenary’s list are an example of some of the numbers that have shaped the airport in the last year.

Here’s a look at some of the others:

THE NUMBERS

16

That’s the number of new flights that have been added at MEM in the last year.

Jacksonville, Destin, Los Angeles, Phoenix, New York, Austin, Orlando, Denver, Tampa Bay: these are just some of the destinations for some of those new flights offered.

But flights to one city raised more eyebrows in the past year, not because it is a new destination, but that the flights are on carriers that aren’t Delta. In January, Frontier Airlines announced it would begin non-stop service between Memphis and Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, running three times per week.

Atlanta is considered the top destination for Memphis flyers and Delta still runs 11 flights there every day. But that also means that Delta can set the price on those flights, which start at about $300.

But with the new competition, it’s hoped that those ticket prices overall will drop. Frontier’s Atlanta flights recently listed for $45. Though not a discount airline, Memphis-based Southern Airways Express runs a f light to the smaller DeKalb-Peachtree Airport for about $200.

Trenary calls it all a “very big deal.”

“One of our highest-priced flights is one of the 11 flights per day on Delta to Atlanta,” says MEM president and CEO Scott Brockman. “If you’re only flying to Atlanta, it’s pricey. If you’re flying through Atlanta [fares aren’t so pricey], because that’s what Delta wants you to do. It’s their bread and butter, like cargo in Memphis.”

J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 6 | I N S I D E M E M P H I S B U S I N E S S . C O M |

028_2016_IMB6-07_Airport.indd 29

29

5/10/16 9:48 AM

37

That’s where MEM ranked (as of fourth-quarter 2015) among the top 100 airports in the country when it comes to average ticket prices.

It’s a major move considering the airport was 7th on that list in 2012. Average ticket prices back then were $540. That fact earned the airport a mention in a New York Times story headlined “Which Airports Have the Most Unfair Fares?”.

Since then, average ticket prices at MEM have slid $150, according to statistics from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Airport officials say the decrease is due, in part, to simply having more passengers.

Nine percent more people f lew from MEM in fourth-quarter 2015 than in the same period from the previous year.

Brockman says to consider that the new ranking was given even before the Frontier f light to Atlanta was on the books.

So, keep an eye on this metric as prices are likely to fall further and so, too, will the airport’s ticket-price ranking.

If there is a mantra that guided the airport to both numbers above, it’s this: “The  relentless pursuit of frequent and afford able air service.” It’s a mantra Brockman   knows by heart and repeats often.

“We want to garner the schedule and we want to garner the price,” he says.

There are 5,196 nonprofits  “We want to be more affordable for this in the Mid-South outside of community.”  The airport isn’t building its new air ser churches, with more than vice lineup in the dark. Will Livsey was  hired in March 2015 as the airport’s first 1,000 in Shelby County senior manager of air service research and development. Once an analyst with American Airlines, he now works with the local Nonprofits in the Mid-South business community (including the Chamemploy more than ber) to see what fights are actually needed at MEM. 43,000 people

Get Connected Today!



Did you know…

You’re Not Alone—The Alliance is here to help!

Learn more about the Mid-South’s premier resource for nonprofit organizations.

Visit us at: www.npexcellence.org 30 |

2,600

percent — That’s the increase in the number of visitors to the airport website from April 2015 to April 2016.

The site had an average of 55 users per day back in 2015. Today it attracts about 1,500, according to numbers from Glen Thomas, the airport’s manager of strategic communications. Now, the actual numbers might not sound huge, but they show a promise that could be a driving force for the airport.

The airport’s new website gives consumers access to every f light leaving from the Memphis airf ield every single day.

That’s a major change from its former site and from the sites of many major-city airports.

While many use travel sites like Expedia or Kayak to book f lights, discount airlines like Southwest, Allegiant, and Frontier don’t list f lights there.

THE INTANGIBLES

O

n the phone, it sounds like David Williams almost can’t believe it himself.

“I don’t have a lot of negative things to say,” Williams says with a chuckle.

Williams was once one of the loudest voices on the “Delta Does Memphis” Facebook group, a group that excoriated the airline, Memphis airport officials for losing the Delta hub and, really, almost anything else happening at MEM. The “Delta Does Memphis” group went offline late last year, though. In its place, Williams and Deacon Bob Skinner built a new group called “Memphis Airport Watchdog.” The tone of that page is much lighter with stories of flights, experiences, airports across the country and the world, and 1,200 members.

Pace Cooper replaced Jack Sammons as MSCAA board chairman when Sammons went to work for then-Memphis Mayor A C Wharton last year. Cooper says he’s not hearing as much grumbling about the Delta dehub or the direction of the airport.

“I think some of our turn-around victories are starting to ring true,” Cooper says. “We’re at that stage where the good news is replacing some of that grumbling and we have to continue … it’s our mission and challenge to keep that good news coming and to make that grumbling a distant memory.”

Williams says toning down the rhetoric was a goal for the new Memphis Airport Watchdog group, though he won’t censor members and won’t be a “cheerleader for the airport.”

But he can’t help being impressed with progress there and with the responsiveness he’s seen to his “consumer movement.”

“We got the attention of the airport and one of the best things that happened was the airport started listening to the citizens of Memphis,” Williams says. “They came out with an openness that said, ‘Maybe the people that use our airport are important people and maybe we should listen to what they have to say.’”

In December, the group made a Christmas list for the airport. They wished for new flights to Atlanta, better signage in the baggage claim area, an improved website, new (non-Delta) flight monitors in the terminal and concourses, and new monitors and free wi-fi in the cell phone lot.

They got all of it.

“Was that us?” Williams asks. “I don’t know.

But you get a sense that they’re listening.”

Brockman says transparency was one of his key goals when he took the reins at the airport and Thomas, the communications director, was hired. Williams says that was a big move in the right direction, noting that Thomas is a frequent presence on the Watchdog group, listening to concerns and answering questions.

I N S I D E M E M P H I S B U S I N E S S . C O M | J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 6

028_2016_IMB6-07_Airport.indd 30

5/5/16 8:11 AM

Brockman wants to start hearing two words around the airport: “my pleasure.”

It’s a small intangible in the customer service culture that Brockman says will change the airport and make it “an airport of choice” for consumers.

“I want it to be a ‘Chik-fil-A moment,’” Brockman says. “If every person in this place answers someone that says ‘thank you’ with those two, simple words — ‘my pleasure’ — we’re going to change the dial. We’re going to change the perception of the culture of this airport.”

CONCOURSE MODERNIZATION

N

ot much has changed with the massive, $114 million concourse modernization since we reported on it last year. Final plans for its design are scheduled to get an up or down vote from the MSCAA later this year.

Those plans would consolidate all airline gates, food, retail, and more into the B concourse. The plan would also demolish the ends of the A and C concourses to give airplanes more room to maneuver in and out of B, therefore allowing more airplanes (and more f lights and more people) through the airport.

Large windows will f lood the B concourse with natural light. High ceilings and moving walks will give the space a more airy feel present at nearly every modern airport in the country. The plan also includes less-f lashy elements like bringing the terminal and the concourses up to modern seismic standards — a $60 million project.

A CLYDESDALE

W

hen talking about the cha nge s , and even the past, Brockman’s voice carries a bit of bright, eternal optimism that has to be present in a leader weathering a storm. Cooper, of course, shares that optimism. So does Trenary when he talks about the real issues facing the Memphis business community. But so does Williams of the Watchdog group who has a journalist’s skepticism and an unapologetically un-cheerleader-like approach to the airport.

Brockman can lay out all of the successes over the last year and all of the changes that helped them along — moving to transparency, researching the needs of the Memphis market, focusing on discount carriers, adding competition at the gates, raising the customer experience, and more. But he admits it hasn’t all been f lashy.

“We’re a Clydesdale,” Brockman says. “It may not be pretty, but it’s effective.”

With ten locations across the Memphis area, Healthcare Realty is the go-to source for on Baptist Memorial Hospital campuses.

A variety of locations and levels of build-out provide move-in ready suites, time-share space and the ability to build to suit.

It’s your move.

J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 6 | I N S I D E M E M P H I S B U S I N E S S . C O M |

028_2016_IMB6-07_Airport.indd 31

31

5/4/16 9:23 AM

S M A L L

B U S I N E S S

C E N T R A L

Outdoors Inc.: Memphis’ Toy Box For four decades, the outfitter has outfitted the adventure-minded.

• • •

B Y

K AT H E R I N E

B A R N E T T

J O N E S

“The Mississippi River towns are comely, clean, well built, and pleasing to the eye, and cheering to the spirit.

The Mississippi Valley is as reposeful as a dreamland, nothing worldly about it . . . nothing to hang a fret or a worry upon.” — Mark Twain, Life on the Mississippi With a prime spot on Mark Twain’s mighty river and an arm’s reach to the hills of the Ozarks and the Smoky Mountains, Memphians have an ever-growing number of opportunities to get their fill of climbing, cycling, camping, and boating within driving distance. Whether choosing to take a drive or stay closer to home, one store has led the way to equip the Bluff City for adventure since 1974.

“We sell carbon-fiber kayaks, we sell titanium, carbon-fiber bicycles . . . for 41 years, we’ve been offering a really premium product, and Memphians have responded,” says Joe Royer, president and co-founder of Outdoors Inc. “I really think our best business trait is not underestimat-

ing the city and believing in the people.”

A West Tennessee native, Royer graduated from the University of Memphis (then Memphis State) with a degree in civil engineering. When he left his New York engineering firm after a promotion to vice president in his

early twenties to go into outdoor recreation, his boss thought he was crazy. Outdoors Inc., though, has become an essential element of the Memphis recreation community.

Today’s Outdoors Inc. was founded as “The Great Outdoors” when Royer and co-founder Lawrence Migliara, both avid canoe and kayak racers, combined their performance equipment stores.

Over time, they added camping and climbing equipment, ski gear, bikes, and more.

Today, customers at any of the company’s four locations — Midtown, East Memphis, Cordova, and Jackson, Tennessee — can seek high-quality equipment and information on nearly any outdoor sport, in addition to in-demand brands like Chaco, Patagonia, and Yeti.

Learning from the expertise

offered by Outdoors Inc. employees is one of the best things about visiting the stores, says Midtown sales associate Eric Bleier.

“All of us do have a lot of expertise in these areas, whether it be boating, cycling, rock climbing, backpacking, spelunking,” Bleier says. “We know what we’re talking about. We’ve been to Rocky Mountain National Park or Yellowstone; Yosemite.”

Each of the three Memphis Outdoors Inc. locations offers a little of everything, plus its own unique niche. A rock climbing wall is part of the Cordova store, while the Midtown location holds extra storage for canoes and kayaks behind its Union Avenue building. In East Memphis, a full-service bike shop is part of the Poplar Avenue store, which also becomes the primary ski and snowboard location in the winter.

“SOME YEARS, IT’S EASIER TO MAKE THE U.S. OLYMPIC TEAM THAN TO WIN THE OUTDOORS INC. RACE. THAT’S HOW GOOD THE COMPETITION IS.” — JOE ROYER, PRESIDENT

More than 500 participants took part in the 2015 Outdoors Inc. Canoe and Kayak Race.

32 |

The canoes, bikes, and other equipment sold are used all over the world, from the Rockies to Mount Kilamanjaro. One of Royer’s biggest goals, though, is to help Memphians embrace the natural beauty right here in Shelby County.

“We’ve got this beautiful oak forest we live in, we’ve got the Mississippi, we’ve got this gently rolling flatter terrain; it’s perfect for a bicycle,” Royer says.

The cycling community in Memphis has known that for decades, but the expansion of

PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY TERESA FAULK

AND CO-FOUNDER

I N S I D E M E M P H I S B U S I N E S S . C O M | J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 6

032_2016_IMB06-07_Outdoors-Greenfield.indd 32

5/3/16 1:50 PM

the Shelby Farms Greenline and extra bike lanes throughout the city have led to huge growth in the sport in recent years. The Harahan Bridge Project is set to connect Tennessee pedestrians and cyclists to our Arkansas neighbors across the river in fall 2016, and the 4,500 acres of outdoor opportunity just miles from downtown at Shelby Farms Park is the largest example of the many parks and recreation areas thriving in Memphis today.

A LOT HAS CHANGED IN MEMPHIS SINCE 1974, BUT OUTDOORS INC. HAS BEEN THERE ALONG THE WAY, “OUTFITTING HUMANPOWERED RECREATION,” AS THEIR MOTTO STATES. O utdo or s I nc . sp onsor s events throughout the year to encourage Memphians to get out and enjoy the city, including paddling classes on the Mississippi and the Winter Off-Road Race Series for trail runners.

The annual Cyclocross Race is the longest-running event of its kind in the United States, bringing world-class athletes to Memphis every fall, and summer brings the Canoe and Kayak Race on the Mississippi — an event close to Royer’s heart.

Still an avid paddler, Royer often starts his day with a 10K on the Mississippi. He tracks the weather upstream regularly and has learned the details of the river’s tides, eddys, currents, and frequent travelers, big and small.

Royer’s view of the river isn’t fear, it’s respect — a view he’s made it his life’s mission to share.

“It is dangerous, but so is St. Moritz, so are the Rockies,” Royer says. “It doesn’t take a super athlete … you need skill

The annual Cyclocross Race is the longest-running event of its kind in the United States.

and knowledge. You don’t need bravery. Bravery will get you killed — you don’t need to prove to anyone that you’re not scared of the Mississippi.”

With this expertise, it was Royer who recognized that the water in the Wolf River at the far north end of Mud Island might just make a stable starting point for a few hundred canoes and kayaks. He mapped out a 5K route for a race, ending at Mississippi River Park — and the rest is history. The Outdoors Inc. Canoe and Kayak Race will take place on the Mississippi for the 35th year this June, with more than 500 participants taking part in last year’s event.

Royer and his wife spend their vacations taking part in bike and canoe races all over the world.

Being a part of the greater community gives Royer a voice to spread the word about the canoe race and other events in Memphis, bringing world-class athletes like Olympic gold medalist

Greg Barton, Pan Am Champion Michael Herbert, and others to race on the Mississippi.

While it’s a great competition for these elite athletes, the majority of participants are locals with no canoe expertise who are just able to enjoy a beautiful day with a few more minutes to sit back and enjoy the river than those first few finishers.

“Some years, it’s easier to make the U.S. Olympic Team than to win the Outdoors Inc. race,” Royer says. “That’s how good the competition is. Most people just see it as fun, and that’s what I want it to be. I want it to be for the young couple that just wants something fun to do, to hear some music and go home.”

Coordination with Ghost River Outfitters allows participants who don’t own equipment to rent canoes and have them ready to go on race day. The fun continues with music, food, and vendors along Mud Island after the event, highlighting another part of the

city that has developed into a major recreational outlet for Memphians since the race began more than three decades ago.

Most importantly, Royer has trekked to the Corps of Engineers office every January for 35 years to file a permit that holds barges along that part of the river during race day in order for the smaller boats to go by safely.

A lot has changed in Memphis since 1974, but Outdoors Inc. has been there along the way, “outfitting human-powered recreation,” as their motto states, and reminding Memphians of just how much they have to work with.

“Denver was a cowtown until they embraced the mountains and snow,” Royer says. “You can’t wish you had something else. We’ve had this long-term approach to embrace what we’ve got. You look out at this river, and it is just magnificent.

What we’ve got is amazing.”

Visit outdoorsinc.com.

J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 6 | I N S I D E M E M P H I S B U S I N E S S . C O M |

032_2016_IMB06-07_Outdoors-Greenfield.indd 33

33

5/3/16 1:50 PM

S M A L L

B U S I N E S S

Goal!

C E N T R A L

A husband and wife team made the perfect pitch for Memphis recreation.

• • •

B Y

R I C H A R D

J .

A L L E Y

At the same time, Alfredo was organizing and running a variety of soccer leagues around town.

Originally from Chile, he’d been a member of that country’s national gymnastics team before switching over to soccer and playing in a second-tier division with a professional organization.

An injury sidelined his career, and he came to the University of Memphis in 2001 to learn the English language, staying for work as an IT consultant and, eventually, his new family.

They looked into building a new facility but quickly realized that wasn’t economically feasible. The search for an existing structure — one with enough wide- open space for a regulation field (pitch, as it’s called in soccer), viewing section, bathrooms, concession stand, office, etc., but with no obstructing columns — led them to a compound of pre-fab buildings housing a tennis facility and former soccer and field hockey field in Midtown, nestled beside a railroad overpass on South Willett Street just off of Central Avenue.

The team signed a two-year lease (optioned twice again since), and put a six-figure sum into clean-up and renovation.

34 |

“When we walked in, it was full of antiques, [the landlord] used it as storage,” Natalie says. “Basically the shell was here and we had to get everything out. Everything you see on the inside, we did.”

Greenfield was opened for business in 2011. Natalie and Alfredo were married a year later.

They kicked off with four leagues playing two seasons.

Where adult soccer was the focus in the beginning, now the kids’ leagues and skills training

Natalie, Alfredo, and Alexander Cerpa

programs have become part of the mix.

“We felt like the kids would only come inside in the winter, but the business has changed and we’ve been able to establish a brand, and now I think people see that this is a soccer place and want their kids to learn, and want them to come here,”

PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY GREENFIELD ARENA

Marriage, like soccer, is a team sport, and Natalie and Alfredo Cerpa — owners of Greenfield Arena — appear to have the fancy footwork for both.

Avid soccer players, the Cerpas met in 2010 as their leagues and worlds overlapped. The Cordova facility where they both played indoor soccer was busy, yet poorly run, and Natalie knew it could be done better.

With a background in her family’s longtime, Memphis-based business, Hill Services, she drew up a plan and began talking with people in the business community who, as she says, “were committed to the city.”

Greenfield East opened in 2014 and offers a centralized location for players and spectators.

Natalie says. She adds with a laugh, “And it’s kind of nice to sit inside as a parent.”

The leagues are the mainstay, the meat of the business, and the gaps are filled with open play, skills training, and the like.

But the key to success is in filling up an entire day with play at Greenfield, so another aspect to their business is late-night leagues accommodating the second-shift workforce and restaurant employees just clocking out. These are matches that can go until one or two in the morning.

The soccer community has grown over the years. Natalie grew up playing in competitive leagues, with her church, at the Hutchison School, and in college. Now there are more and more local leagues and clubs every season, with heavy growth in the youth arena. The Cerpas have tapped into that community and at the end of 2014 (the same week t hei r son , A lexa nder, was born), the couple opened Greenfield East off of Sycamore View

near Summer Avenue.

Today, there are about 10 recreational leagues that run the gamut — men’s and women’s over 35 (years old), laid back, co-ed pick-up, etc. — at each location. Leagues vary in size for each of two seasons with 50 to 70 teams in the spring, and up to 100 teams for the winter.

That puts anywhere from 1,000 to 1,500 players on the pitch during a given season.

With two full-time employees, and one part-time between the two locations — and their own hands full with family and careers — Alfredo works overseeing the facilities and developing new leagues to broaden the reach and continuing to fill in the gaps.

“I’m always looking to see, ‘What is the market?’” he says.

“All these people who played high school soccer, but they’re not as skilled and didn’t make college, but they want to play, what is out there for them? For these people who want to come and run, get some exercise, safe and not get injured; that’s where our focus has been.”

For more on Greenfield Arena and indoor soccer, visit greenfieldarena.com.

I N S I D E M E M P H I S B U S I N E S S . C O M | J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 6

032_2016_IMB06-07_Outdoors-Greenfield.indd 34

5/3/16 1:50 PM

M E D I A

Fortunate

Memphis is represented by two on the Fortune magazine list of 100 Best Companies to Work For. • • •

B Y

R I C H A R D

J .

A L L E Y

In Memphis, everyone knows someone who works in the healthcare industry. Likewise, everyone knows a lawyer. In March, Fortune magazine named two of the largest Memphis employers of medical staff and attorneys to its list of The 100 Best Companies To Work For. Those two companies sit side-by-side on page 152 of the magazine — St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz.

Fortune partnered with Great Places to Work to come up with the best workplaces in the country. Scores were based on the results of the Trust Index Employee Survey, sent to a random sampling of employees from St. Jude and Baker Donelson. “This survey asks questions related to employees’ attitudes about management’s credibility, overall job satisfaction, and camaraderie.”

Another part of the score is from responses to the Culture Audit, and its focus on pay and benefit programs, and a series of open-ended questions about hiring practices, methods of internal communication, recognition programs, and diversity efforts.

ST. JUDE CHILDREN’S RESEARCH HOSPITAL

T

hough it took St. Jude a couple of tries to find its place on the notable list, this marks the sixth year the hospital has made it. “What we did was we listened to our employees and what they valued and what they were looking for, and over time we were able to make changes,” says

Dana Bottenfield, vice president of human resources for St. Jude.

“At the end of the day, the reward and the recognition of that is getting on the list. It’s recognizing the efforts the organization has made to truly make it a great place to work and listen to our employees and understand what they value.”

Specifically, the hospital has recognized the high-stress environment many of its employees work in and created ways to relax and celebrate their accomplishments through programs such as employee appreciation days throughout the year.

Another item of importance was a way to increase communication between employees and administration. “We’re constantly trying to come up with new ways for our leaders to get information to our employees,” Bottenfield says, “but one of the things we’re focusing on right now is having more vehicles for our employees to speak to our leadership.” Topics of concern are gathered and voted on with the most prevalent and important being presented at a town hall event with the CEO and supporting groups on hand to field questions.

St. Jude is below the national average when it comes to employee turnover, especially where the healthcare industry is concerned.

“Healthcare runs somewhere between 15 and 20 percent, and since right before the economic downturn in 2008, we’ve remained

under 10 percent,” Bottenfield says.

“The last couple of years we’ve hovered around 7 or 8 percent turnover, which is very low.”

The Fortune list remains a strong recruitment tool as St. Jude searches globally to boost its roster that now stands at 4,300 strong, with plans to grow by 1,000 over the next six years.

“Knowing you have an atmosphere that is full of pride, of camaraderie, of communication, and fairness, those are things that appeal to every person, and so us getting on that list is definitely one of the main things we try to leverage in recruitment.”

BAKER, DONELSON, BEARMAN, CALDWELL & BERKOWITZ

T

he law firm of Memphisbased Baker Donelson includes a massive workforce of more than 1,300 spread out across 20 cities, yet the culture of the firm remains consistent from office to office. And it’s this culture that has seen Baker Donelson on the Fortune list for seven years. “In a nutshell, we’re committed to the development and the morale of our people, which empowers them and motivates them to serve our clients, our communities, and each other,” says CEO and chairman Ben Adams.

A lot goes into that. At the top of Adams’ list is strong communication to help everyone understand their role in the mission of the firm so they know that they matter. “We have a number of ways where

people can communicate directly,” Adams says. “Every day we have what we call our ‘Daily Docket,’ where groups of folks throughout the firm spend 10 minutes talking about different things going on in the firm, talking about various client service standards that we’d like to highlight, different things going on with our clients. That’s an ideal vehicle where people are together and you get a lot of feedback from that.”

The firm hosts gumbo and chili cook-offs, and a birthday beer car. But there are also programs and initiatives such as eight hours of paid time off to spend in community service, and the firm’s ongoing commitment to pro bono work. These are programs, Adams says, “that let nice people be nice.”

When traveling from office to office, Adams speaks with lawyers and staff about what’s going on in the firm and to learn what questions they may have. This is done at all levels throughout the company. “One of the things I think we’ve done a really good job of is bridging the stratification that occurs in most law firms between lawyers and non-lawyers, between partners and everybody else,” he says. “That is something that is a typical problem in a law firm, sort of a caste system, and I think we’ve done a really good job of blurring those lines and making every person feel like they have a role to play.”

Knowing the importance of that role, and holding its place on the Fortune list, goes a long way to retaining its great people. Being on the list, Adams says, “is an objective outside measurement that we have a great culture.”

View the full list at fortune. com/best-companies.

J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 6 | I N S I D E M E M P H I S B U S I N E S S . C O M |

035_IMB6-07_Feature_Fortune100.indd 35

35

5/3/16 1:51 PM

W O R K P L A C E

T R E N D S

Clocking Out

Corporate America rethinks its approach to vacation time.

• • •

B Y

L A N C E

W I E D O W E R

On average, Americans leave nearly four days of vacation time unused every year, something the U.S. Travel Association has noticed. Katie Denis is a senior program director for the Association’s “Project: Time Off,” an effort to convince Americans to use more of their vacation time. She’s heard the argument that America doesn’t need to be France in terms of doling out vacation days. France, in fact, might have a reputation for liberal vacation policies, but all European Union countries require employers to give at least four paid vacation weeks per year.

PHOTOGRAPH BY SERGEY KHAKIMULLIN | DREAMSTIME

Denis, by the way, laughs at the notion Americans are pushing to be more like France. She says a better comparison is an America from 15 years ago when U.S. workers used four more vacation days per year on average than today.

The U.S. Travel Association certainly believes there is a problem, and it’s one that starts at the top. While many managers polled say they understand the importance of taking vacations, they don’t always set a good example.

“The ability to demonstrate leadership is important,” Denis says. “Managers can be some of the worst modelers. It’s a ‘do as I say not as I do’ model. And people err on the side

Denis says her team at first thought the data would show a decrease beginning around 2008 with the Great Recession. But the earlier decline came at a time when technology began making it harder for employees to unplug at night, on the weekend, and, possibly worse, during vacations.

“You don’t leave the office when you leave the office anymore,” she says. “Technology has made us feel we can’t disconnect even of caution and do what the person ahead of when we try to. It’s the idea that work will them will do.” pile up while I’m away.”

And if that means management only uses Bruce Elliott is a manager of compensation one week of an allotted three weeks off, well, and benefits for the Society for Human Reemployees are more apt to follow that lead. source Management who focuses on employProject: Time Off has ee benefits such as wellness, tracked the amount of vacafinancial, and retirement programs; health insurance; and tion time Americans use dat“YOU DON’T LEAVE THE ing back to 1970. And for 30 paid time off. While technolOFFICE WHEN YOU LEAVE ogy is a first-world concern, years, the amount remained roughly the same at an averElliott has lived in Europe and THE OFFICE ANYMORE.” age of 20 days of vacation time the Middle East, and he says used each year. But then in 2000 that trend by far Americans are the worst at taking vacation time in his observation. began to drop, and over the ensuing 15 years hit an average of 16 days used per year.

He says it’s time that companies get creSo what happened? ative to encourage employees to use allotted

36 |

I N S I D E M E M P H I S B U S I N E S S . C O M | J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 6

036_2016_IMB6-07_Feature_VacationDays.indd 36

5/3/16 1:52 PM

time off. One of those ways is the unlimited vacation model, something Elliott said only about 2 percent of American employers use. Those companies are usually involved in technology, such as Netflix. Companies that employ young creatives find it attractive, too.

And in Memphis, agencies such as Archer Malmo, which employs some 200 here and in Austin, Texas, are finding creative ways to encourage employees to take time off.

Russ Williams, CEO of Archer Malmo, pays attention to what his current employees want in a workplace, and that includes vacation time. He observed the trends and what he heard from employees and, at the end of 2015 decided to shift Archer Malmo to a flexible PTO model. That means no more separate vacation days, sick days, or personal time for things such as doctors’ appointments. There is no maximum for days taken in a year, although there is a cap on the amount of consecutive days taken without manager approval. In addition to the flexible PTO model, the offices now close during the last week of the year, a naturally slow time for business over the holidays.

“It all has to do with promoting work-life balance, treating employees like they’re trusted adults, and recognizing the real world,” Williams says. “So, for example, in your life there are some years you need a lot of time off and some years you don’t need any. … If you’re promoting work-life balance and people being accountable to their responsibilities versus the clock, it becomes natural to go to a flexible situation versus a rigid standard.”

There must be a culture of trust for anything like endless vacation or flexible PTO to work, Elliott cautions. If an employee doesn’t really believe he can take a week here, a week there, and a couple days at other times, he won’t do it. Elliott says the move to a PTO model of one bucket for all days off has been steady over the past 10 years. But he cautioned that it doesn’t work for everyone. It’s important that a company culture fit the concept.

“It’s an interesting phenomenon,” he says.

“The younger employees get it immediately.

They’re like, ‘OK, I’ve got two weeks between projects so I’ll take a week off.’ What we see with older employees is that they have a little bit of a challenge adapting to the paradigm.

The first question they ask after this is announced is, ‘This is wonderful and great, but how much time can I really take?’”

At the end of the day, vacations are good to help employees come back to work refreshed, Elliott says. “We need time to reconnect with families. Research shows when you come back you’re more productive rather than just soldiering on. You might look like a hero with the organization (to not take days off) but what are you doing to your health, and are you reinforcing a culture that could be problematic in retaining employees?”

Is health care reform causing you heartburn and indigestion?

We can help.

Developing an employee benefits solution in the current U.S. health care system is complicated. The Lipscomb & Pitts Employee Benefits Division is equipped to help you stay in compliance while understanding the new legislation and how it will affect

J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 6 | I N S I D E M E M P H I S B U S I N E S S . C O M |

036_2016_IMB6-07_Feature_VacationDays.indd 37

37

5/4/16 9:25 AM

2016

FACES OF THE

MID-SOUTH

THE FACE OF

ACCOUNTING

WATKINS UIBERALL >>> Serving Memphis for 45 years, Watkins Uiberall attributes its success as a full-service public accounting firm to its core philosophy of “exceeding client expectations.� The firm employs more than 70 individuals including an office in Tupelo, Mississippi.

Through its qualified and responsive team

of professionals, the firm continues to grow while maintaining its local identity and client relationships which are the driving force behind its mission as an organization.

We look forward to providing the same exceptional service with quality and integrity for years to come.

1661 Aaron Brenner Dr., Ste. 300, Memphis 38120 | 901.761.2720 417 West Main, Ste. 100, Tupelo 38804 | 662.269.4014 SPECIAL PROMOTION

MM_FOTMS16_WatkinsUiberall_fp.indd 1

5/5/16 10:31 AM

2016

FACES OF THE

MID-SOUTH

THE FACE OF

ANIMAL CARE

WALNUT GROVE ANIMAL CLINIC >>> With every patient and client, we are guided by our core values: Integrity, Excellence, and Compassion. Our professional staff is highly trained and well educated. All employees participate in regular training and development

programs. Walnut Grove Animal Clinic is a fullservice, state-of-the-art, small animal hospital located in the center of Memphis at the corner of Walnut Grove Avenue and Tillman. New clients are always welcome.

2959 Walnut Grove Road, Memphis, TN 38111 | 901.323.1177 | MyMemphisVet.com SPECIAL PROMOTION

MM_FOTMS16_WalnutGroveAnimalClinic_fp.indd 1

5/5/16 10:32 AM

2016

FACES OF THE

MID-SOUTH

THE FACE OF

ARCHITECTURE

LOONEY RICKS KISS>>> Left to right: Carson Looney, Jim Constantine, Rebecca Courtney, Tony Pellicciotti, Frank Ricks, Rob Norcross, Elaine Covin, Mark Jones, Victor Buchholz, and Mike Sullivan

For over 30 years, LRK has worked to renew and improve Memphis and the region. We are intent on creating projects, places, and spaces that make a difference in people’s lives. Our collaborative and multidisciplinary approach has evolved naturally from a growing diversity of project types ranging from private homes to corporate offices and community planning to urban design.

175 Toyota Plaza, Suite 500, Memphis, TN 38103 | 901.521.1440 | LRK.com SPECIAL PROMOTION

MM_FullPage_TrimSize_9x25_11x125.indd 1

5/5/16 10:34 AM

2016

FACES OF THE

MID-SOUTH

THE FACE OF

BRANDING

TACTICAL MAGIC >>> Trace Hallowell is a brand visionary who understands the power of words and design — and how the world responds to them. Trace has spent more than 30 years in the creative-branding business and his success is evident by the numerous national and international honors he has received from advertising and creative

competitions. All the while his work has been published in books, magazines, and college textbooks as examples of branding excellence. Trace founded Tactical Magic in 2001. The firm’s diverse clientele includes Leadership Memphis, Progressive Technologies, Sterling National Bank (New York) and Trousseau.

1460 Madison Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104 | 901.722.3001 | TacticalMagic.com SPECIAL PROMOTION

MM_FOTMS16_TacticalMagic_fp.indd 1

5/5/16 10:36 AM

2016

FACES OF THE

MID-SOUTH

THE FACE OF

CATASTROPHIC INJURY & WRONGFUL DEATH LAW PEEL LAW FIRM >>> David B. Peel, injury attorney

Injury lawyer David B. Peel chooses to maintain a small law practice. "I work closely with my clients.

People don't like feeling like a number."

For 20 years, Peel has focused on helping those with serious injuries, deaths and disability from auto accidents, malpractice, and tractor-trailer crashes.

His articles appear regularly in several local publications, and he is a frequent speaker.

Attorney Peel has been recognized as a Super Lawyer for several years, as well as being named a life member of both the Million Dollar and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum and was

inducted into the “Top 100 Trial Lawyers."He has been recognized by his peers as "AV-Preeminent" which is the highest rating possible. Peel has been named “Best of the Best Attorney” in local Readers Choice Awards for the last several years.

Peel serves on boards including that of Love Worth Finding Ministries and is a deacon officer at Bellevue Baptist Church.

"Keeping my practice small allows me to personally serve my clients, while still being an involved father and husband. I have been blessed."

8582 U.S. Highway 51 North, Millington, TN 38053 | 901.872.4229 | DavidPeel@PeelLawFirm.com | PeelLawFirm.com SPECIAL PROMOTION

MM_FOTMS16_PeelLawFirm.indd 1

5/5/16 10:37 AM

2016

FACES OF THE

MID-SOUTH

THE FACE OF

DIVORCE LAW THE RICES >>>

Need a divorce? Consider yourself fortunate if you can hire the Rices. Their credentials show that they represent more than simply their three generations of family law experience. The ABA publishes the Rices’ Complete Guide to Divorce Practice. Fellow lawyers designated Larry as a Super Lawyer and Nick as a Super Lawyer Rising Star. NAFLA awarded Larry with its National Top Ten Ranking, while the AIOFLA placed Nick in the Tennessee Top Ten Under Forty in granting the Client Satisfaction Award. Avvo. com rates both with its highest ranking possible. Their divorce guide can be found at AboutDivorce.com.

SPECIAL PROMOTION

MM_FullPage_TrimSize_9x25_11x125.indd 1

5/5/16 10:40 AM

2016

FACES OF THE

MID-SOUTH

THE FACE OF

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

GROUP BENEFITS LLC >>> Tim Finnell, President and Founder

A Certified Healthcare Reform Specialist with 30 years of expertise, Tim Finnell and the team at Group Benefits LLC can customize employee benefits solutions to help your business succeed. Providing healthcare coverage is increasingly complex. From ever-changing regulations and reporting requirements to changes in benefits offerings, the details can overwhelm

businesses and detract from their focus. Let us guide you in choosing solutions that will reduce cost and streamline your processes with innovative benefits administration systems. With national resources and the buying power of one of the world’s largest brokers, we will help you make informed, cost-effective decisions that enable your company to thrive.

855 Ridge Lake Blvd., Suite 410, Memphis, TN 38120 | 901.259.7999 | GroupBenefitsLLC.com SPECIAL PROMOTION

MM_FOTMS16_GroupBenefits_fp.indd 1

5/5/16 10:41 AM

2016

FACES OF THE

MID-SOUTH

THE FACE OF

EMPLOYMENT & LABOR LAW

THE CRONE LAW FIRM, PLC >>> Attorney Alan Crone, Founder There may be two sides to every dispute, but there are an endless number of angles.

For business people who find themselves in the middle of an uncomfortable employment disagreement, having attorney Alan Crone on their side could prove to be the best hiring decision that person will ever make. His areas of expertise include business formation and litigation; human resources compliance, wrongful termination, shareholder/partner disputes, overtime, wage and hour disputes; intellectual property, noncompetes, trademarks, trade secrets and more. Alan helps his clients find solutions to complex legal challenges that go beyond just winning a lawsuit.

88 Union Avenue, 14th Floor Memphis, TN 38103 901.737.7740 CroneLawFirmPLC.com SPECIAL PROMOTION

MM_FOTMS16_CroneAndMcEvoyPLC_fp.indd 1

5/5/16 10:42 AM

2016

FACES OF THE

MID-SOUTH

THE FACE OF

FASHION OAK HALL >>>

Paul Kauerz considers himself privileged to have the opportunity to work with his customers, the friends of Oak Hall. Over the course of his career with family-owned Oak Hall, he has learned from the best in the business, and been honored to work side by side with 6 generations of ownership, currently including Bill & Will Levy. Kauerz’s

focus is personally getting to know his customers, so he can serve them at the level they desire. Trends come and go, technology enhances the way business is conducted, but his customer relationships and the way he takes care of them stays the same. Oak Hall is a 157 year old Memphis provider of exceptional apparel for men and women.

Memphis: 901.761.3580 | Nashville: 615.454.6497 | OakHall.com SPECIAL PROMOTION

MM_FullPage_TrimSize_9x25_11x125.indd 1

5/10/16 7:45 AM

2016

FACES OF THE

MID-SOUTH

THE FACE OF

FRIED CHICKEN JACK PIRTLE'S CHICKEN >>> Cordell and Tawanda Pirtle

2014 Memphis Distinguished Restaurateur of the Year. Since 1957, Jack Pirtle's Chicken has been serving the “Best Fried Chicken, Homemade Gravy, and Delicious Old Fashion Steak Sandwiches in the Mid South Market.” Founders Jack and Orva Pirtle turned the operation over to their only child, Cordell Pirtle, in 1979. At that time Cordell had been the manager of their Jack Pirtle Highland Store for 17 years. Today, Cordell and his wife, Tawanda, together with devoted team employees, enjoy the business of making people

happy by serving them great southern food at a reasonable price. Over the years, the Pirtles have loved sharing laughs, stories, and great food, with their customers. Jack Pirtle’s has eight Memphis Locations and is proud to say “Business is GREAT in MEMPHIS.” The Pirtles are very thankful for growing sales year after year and are also very proud to call Memphis home. The owners of Jack Pirtle’s believe in treating customers with loving care. Being active and giving back to community is one of the major keys to success.

901.372.9897 | Visit the Web...JackPirtlesChicken.com | See us on Facebook…Jack Pirtles Chicken SPECIAL PROMOTION

MM_FOTMS16_JackPirtles_fp.indd 1

5/5/16 12:27 PM

MM_FOTMS16_SouthlandParkGamingAndRacing_spread.indd 2

5/5/16 12:28 PM

2016

FACES OF THE

MID-SOUTH

THE FACE OF

GAMING

SOUTHLAND PARK GAMING & RACING >>> Troy Keeping, President and General Manager Along with a massive $38 million expansion in 2015 came a lot of credibility for the area’s fastest-growing gaming destination. Southland Park’s great success brought about renovations of 41,000 more square feet of gaming space, “A Sports Bar that Rocks,” a new façade with eye-catching active LED lighting, a new grand entrance, expanded free valet services, a new High Limit Room, and of course, more parking to accommodate all the new guests Southland is continuously attracting. The West Memphis attraction’s parent company, Delaware North, also celebrated its 100-year anniversary in 2015, bringing many fun and interactive promotions and events to mid-southerners, including the very successful 100K Cans of Care initiative which saw the company

collect more than 120,000 cans of food for local food missions across its gaming and entertainment destinations throughout the nation. Sammy Hagar’s Red Rocker Bar & Grill has also proven to be a great success which has led to an expansion of its weekly entertainment lineup, which now includes the region’s best rock bands every weekend, Live Band Karaoke on Wednesday nights and multiple nights of live trivia and fantasy sports competitions. All of Southland Park’s success has now led to even further discussions of expansion of services including gaming, parking and other amenities. Southland Park Gaming & Racing is an ever-growing staple in the community and is still the closest (just 7 miles from downtown) and favorite gaming destination in the Mid-South.

1550 North Ingram Blvd., West Memphis, AR 72301 | 870.735.3670 | SouthlandPark.com SPECIAL PROMOTION

MM_FOTMS16_SouthlandParkGamingAndRacing_spread.indd 3

5/5/16 12:29 PM

2016

FACES OF THE

MID-SOUTH

THE FACE OF

HVAC

S.M. LAWRENCE >>> Jimmy Vetetro, LEED AP From humble beginnings as an apprentice to the vice president, Jimmy Veteto has worked in all aspects of the commercial HVAC business over the last 20 years.

Presently he oversees the service division of S.M. Lawrence, a CSUSA company, with offices in Collierville, Jackson and Nashville.

When asked about success he had this to say: “Understanding that building comfort is more than just a desired thermostat setting, we strive to become a trusted advisor to our clients who truly care about their building, business and bottom line. The people and resources we have allow us that privilege.�

MEMPHIS | JACKSON | NASHVILLE | 800.627.0775 | smlawrence.com SPECIAL PROMOTION

IMB_FOTMS16_SMLawrenceCoInc_fp.indd 1

5/9/16 11:49 AM

2016

FACES OF THE

MID-SOUTH

THE FACE OF

LASALLIAN HIGHER EDUCATION CHRISTIAN BROTHERS UNIVERSITY >>> Dr. John Smarrelli Jr.

As president of Christian Brothers University, Dr. John Smarrelli Jr. leads the city's oldest baccalaureate-granting institution. Deeply rooted in the Lasallian educational tradition, CBU's faculty invest their time in fostering the growth of our students as whole persons, preparing them for life, work, and service to society.

By combining its historical emphasis on providing practical, real-world experience

with student-centered teaching, inventive technology, and creative scholarship, CBU is uniquely positioned to be an agent of change within the Mid-South of the 21stcentury. Under Dr. Smarrelli’s leadership, CBU is partnering with Memphis educational institutions and the nonprofit and business communities, especially in the STEM and healthcare industries, to build a more innovative, just, and prosperous Memphis.

CBU.edu SPECIAL PROMOTION

IMB_FOTMS16_ChristianBrothersUniversity_fp.indd 1

5/10/16 8:36 AM

2016

FACES OF THE

MID-SOUTH

THE FACE OF

PAIN MANAGEMENT

MAYS AND SCHNAPP PAIN CLINIC AND REHABILITATION CENTER >>> Left to right: Moacir Schnapp, MD and Kit S. Mays, MD Kit S. Mays, MD, and Moacir Schnapp, MD, have been pioneers in the management of chronic pain for over 30 years. The physicians at Mays and Schnapp Pain Clinic and Rehabilitation Center are dedicated to providing state-of-the-art care for patients suffering from chronic pain.

Continually certified by the Commission for Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities since its inception, it is still the only certified pain clinic within 500 miles of Memphis.

The physicians' philosophy of care is to treat the whole patient by relieving

pain, restoring function and improving quality of life. That approach starts with taking a comprehensive and fresh look at each suffering individual. This unique multidisciplinary approach may include nerve blocks, physical therapy, and medical management, as well as psychological support when needed. Every patient is evaluated personally by a physician during each office visit.

"When the problem is pain, we're here to help, offering world-class care in the heart of the Mid-South."

55 Humphreys Drive, Suite 200, Memphis, TN 38120 | 901.747.0040 | MaysAndSchnapp.com SPECIAL PROMOTION

MM_FullPage_TrimSize_9x25_11x125.indd 1

5/5/16 12:25 PM

2016

FACES OF THE

MID-SOUTH

THE FACE OF

PIZZA

BROADWAY PIZZA >>> Legendary Broadway Pizza, one of Memphis’ favorite family-owned-and-operated restaurants, was opened by Lana Jeanette Cox in 1977 at 2581 Broad. Third-generation family members now offer Broadway East at 629 S. Mendenhall.

Elder family members raised in extreme poverty

find it important that faithful friends “get their money’s worth and don't leave hungry.” Not just a pizzeria, Broadway offers salads, whole wings, fish, spaghetti, chicken parmesan, burgers; homestyle plate-lunch specials. Cakes made in-house daily.

Call-in orders welcomed.

2581 Broad Ave., Memphis, TN 38112 | 901.454.7930 629 S. Mendenhall, Memphis, TN 38117 | 901.207.1546 BroadwayPizzaMemphis.com SPECIAL PROMOTION

MM_FOTMS16_BroadwayPizzaHouse_fp.indd 1

5/5/16 12:30 PM

2016

FACES OF THE

MID-SOUTH

THE FACE OF

REHEARSAL DINNER

FLIGHT RESTAURANT AND WINE BAR >>> Flight Restaurant & Wine Bar has established itself as the premier venue in town for rehearsal dinners. The team at Flight, led by Jack Mahoney and banquet coordinator, Kristen Everson, ensures that your event will become a special memory.

The beautifully designed Wine Cellar

sits below Main Street, offering private space for up to 100 guests. It's the ideal setting to host parties, corporate events and rehearsal dinners. High above the restaurant, the Loft accommodates 65 guests and features gorgeous views of downtown Memphis.

39 South Main, Memphis, TN | 901.521.8005 | FlightMemphis.com SPECIAL PROMOTION

MM_FullPage_TrimSize_9x25_11x125.indd 1

5/5/16 12:23 PM

2016

FACES OF THE

MID-SOUTH

THE FACE OF

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE JOSHUA SPOTTS >>>

Joshua Spotts, a premier Memphis real estate specialist ranked as a top producing Realtor® with Crye-Leike, Realtors specializes in residential real estate. Spotts uses his high-touch, personalservice style by keeping a maximum of 10 listings at any given time. Spotts uses years of market knowledge, the latest technology, a well-defined marketing plan, a cohesive network, energy, enthusiasm, and the excitement of a job well done to achieve great results.

Crye-Leike, Realtors 6525 N. Quail Hollow Road Memphis, TN 38120 Josh@JoshuaSpotts.com (E) JoshuaSpotts.com (W) 901.361.4211 (C) 901.756.8900 (O)

SPECIAL PROMOTION

MM_FullPage_TrimSize_9x25_11x125.indd 1

5/5/16 12:24 PM

2016

FACES OF THE

MID-SOUTH

THE FACE OF

RETIREMENT LIVING

VILLAGE AT GERMANTOWN>>> Left to right: Melissa Rukstad, Julie Repking, Don Selheimer, Ron Rukstad, Jesse Crittendon, Pam Leet, and Susan Edwards The Village is a Life Plan community offering independent living and a full continuum of care.

The Village’s affiliation with Methodist Healthcare offers unparalleled health-related benefits. The lushly landscaped gated community is convenient to shopping, dining, doctors, hospitals and entertainment, making it the premier retirement address in Germantown.

On April 6, 2016, The Village broke ground on

32 new independent apartment residences that feature crown molding, washers and dryers, walkin closets, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and the option to choose individual finishes and customized upgrades.

The Village now offers assisted living, memory care, rehabilitation services and adult day care to the outside community, a wonderful new opportunity for people looking for excellence in care.

7820 Walking Horse Circle, Germantown, TN 38138 | 901.737.4242 | www.village-germantown.com SPECIAL PROMOTION

IMB_FOTMS16_VillageAtGermantown_fp.indd 1

5/5/16 11:31 AM

2016

FACES OF THE

MID-SOUTH

THE FACE OF

SECURITY

AVISION INC. >>> Stanley Zitron, CFO Entrepreneur Stanley Zitron, CFO of AVISION Inc., is quoted as saying, “The secret to AVISION’s success in corporate SURVEILLANCE & SECURITY is our partnerships with the very best in the industry.” We chose AVIGILON, the most advanced security manufacturer in the world featuring a system of high density, megapixel surveillance cameras that see everything day or night including faces, license tags, and critical markings. One camera today can now see the same area that ten covered. Avigilon’s system excels in video management of limited bandwidth, and video ANALYTICS, providing security personnel the ability to watch (even in total darkness), track, and remove perpetrators.

The system features PERIMETER PROTECTION

for property and valuable assets. Avigilon’s ACCESS CONTROL solutions are browserbased so systems can be accessed anytime, from anywhere. The simple interface allows management of multiple sights from one location, even if they’re spread across the globe. Assigning door privileges and managing employee or visitor credentials never need to be tied to a specific workspace. Avigilon provides the interconnection of access control with the camera system. Today companies are converting or incorporating their older systems to this easy to manage Avigilon System. Avigilon and AVISION take surveillance implementation to the next level. For DEMO see: Avisionsecurity.com & Avigilon.com. Call for free estimates 901.682.0202.

SPECIAL PROMOTION

MM_FOTMS16_AvisionSecurity_fp.indd 1

5/5/16 12:31 PM

2016

FACES OF THE

MID-SOUTH

THE FACE OF

BIOTECHNOLOGY BIOD, LLC >>>

Tim Brahm, founder and Chairman of the Board of BioD, LLC, has over 25 years of experience in tissue banking. Mr. Brahm is also a co-founder and CEO of both Tritium Biosciences and Vail Biologics. In addition, he has three issued patents with 42 additional patents pending, as well as being an Associate Professor at the University of Florida. He was

a founder and President of the Mid-South Tissue Bank of Memphis, and also founded United Tissue Services (dba Spinal Graft Technologies), a tissue-based company that sold its assets to Medtronic Sofamor Danek.

He also founded and managed United Donor Services, Southeastern Donor Services, and Louisiana Donor Services.

7740A Trinity Rd., Suite 107, Cordova, TN 38018 | 901.417.7868 | biodlogics.com SPECIAL PROMOTION

IMB_FOTMS16_BioDLLC_fp.indd 1

5/9/16 11:48 AM

2016

FACES OF THE

MID-SOUTH

THE FACE OF

WEALTH MANAGEMENT

>> >> >>> WADDELL & ASSOCIATES, INC. >>>

The mission of Waddell and Associates is to improve the quality of life for their clients by providing financial clarity and confidence. W&A's 20 associates are highly qualified with 11 masters degrees and 30 professional designations across the firm. Each client's unique financial situation, combined with W&A's experience, leads to the construction of a personalized financial strategy and a targeted rate of investment return. This process is dynamic and supported by a deliberate communication

strategy to keep efforts synchronized. And W&A's associates' interests are aligned with their clients’ interests, investing their own personal assets in the same investment models recommended to clients. They use the same financial planning systems to plan for their own families, and the same investment vehicles to achieve their goals.

In today’s treacherous and chaotic financial environment, W&A strives to provide a safe harbor of integrity, experience and clarity.

WaddellAndAssociates.com | 901.767.9187 | Locations in Memphis and Nashville SPECIAL PROMOTION

MM_FullPage_TrimSize_9x25_11x125.indd 1

5/5/16 12:25 PM

The Office Barbara Newman The Blues Foundation

1

• • •

B Y

S A M

C I C C I

• • • PHOTOGRAPHS BY LARRY KUZNIEWSKI

The president’s office at the Blues Foundation, despite coming under new stewardship only a few months ago, already displays a passion for music and the blues.

With big shoes to fill following last year’s departure of Jay Sieleman, Barbara Newman has stepped into her new role with aplomb. The organization, responsible for !1 THANKS TO THE SPONSOR OF

T H E

O F F I C E

XMCINC.COM

!1 60 |

crafting an extensive Hall of Fame with some of the most talented blues performers in history, is recognized as the world’s leading international blues organization with over 200 affiliates worldwide. Located on South Main Street, and with a recent renovation under its belt,

the Blues Foundation is poised to continue its excellent work.

When she speaks on the organization, Newman is energetic and enthusiastic about her work, recalling recent names and performances that have left an impression. Quite a catalogue of notable artists is listed, and it’s clear she holds a deep appreciation for the blues.

Newman’s career, however, did not start in music. She earned a B.A. in political science from Brown University before adding advanced training in accounting,

banking, and corporate finance to her repertoire while working at the New York-based National Westminster Bank. That job ended up creating her first professional music connection.

“I had my first music industry client which I brought in, it was the Power Station, a very well-renowned recording studio back in the Eighties,” she says. “That was fun, I got to meet David Bowie and watch some recording sessions.”

As a native Memphian, she returned home and joined the nonprofit sector, serving on the Bornblum Solomon Schechter School board of directors as treasurer, vice president of administration and fundraising, and president. From 2007 onward, she served as executive director of Beth Sholom Synagogue, taking charge of financial administration, communications, human resources, and facility management. More recently, Newman has become engaged with board development, fundraising, and strategic planning for Planned Parenthood, Greater Memphis Region.

Despite a heavy workload, she has been able to keep up with her interest in music. “On the side, we have for about 15 years now produced concerts and fundraising events for nonprofits around the city,” she says. The financial and musical aspects of both sides of work prepared her to step into her role at the Blues Foundation.

Newman’s love for music, indicated by the possessions hanging

I N S I D E M E M P H I S B U S I N E S S . C O M | J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 6

060_2016_IMB06-07_TheOffice.indd 60

5/3/16 2:37 PM

2

around her office, stretches back to her childhood. As a 7th grader, she was treated to a performance

by Blues Hall of Famer Furry Lewis and knew she’d witnessed something unique. “I was probably 11,” she says. “He came to my school with some other blues musicians and performed and explained to us the structure of blues music. We got to say hello,

4 1. Hangtags: “These are the beginnings of hangtags from different events. I’ve got a bunch at home and just a few hanging here. This was the one from my first IBC [International Blues Competition], which was this past January. We had 257 acts. We had 900 musicians, and thousands of people on Beale Street for five days with finals at The Orpheum.”

2. W.C. Handy Sheet Music: “That is an original piece of W.C. Handy ‘Beale Street Blues’ sheet music. It’s got a wonderful color illustration of what I think is Beale Street, this is 1917.

Somebody found it in a garage sale; it was one of my husband’s clients. He came in and said, ‘I want you and your wife to have it.’ That’s

3

and you knew he was somebody special. The name meant something, the history was important, and he was pretty amazing, just sitting with his guitar and singing for us.”

The experience seems to have had a profound effect.

Complementing her role as the Foundation’s president are memberships in both the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, and Folk Alliance International. It’s safe to say the organization is in a good set of musical hands.

•

5

probably my favorite thing in the office.”

3. Johnny Winter Signature: “This was gifted to my office upon my arrival, Jay [Sieleman] left this for me. It’s signed on Blues Foundation stationery.”

4. John Lee Hooker Guitar: “I think he signed it twice, and I don’t know why, and I don’t know a lot about the history of when the guitar was signed. The Blues Foundation has so many great guitars from wonderful musicians.

Prior to this, there was a Luther Allison guitar up there for a while. We’re getting ready to put that one up for auction at our Blues Music Awards, so they took it down to get it ready. I told them ‘I need another guitar. I’ve got a stand, so go find me somebody really great that I love. You guys know my style,’ and they found this one down in our archives. So I’ve got John Lee Hooker up on my wall.”

5. Photograph: “I figured, magnolias in Memphis, it’s my hometown, and I wanted to have a piece of where I was from. It’s from a very dear friend of mine who’s the photographer, Bruce Meisterman, so that’s why that is there.”

J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 6 | I N S I D E M E M P H I S B U S I N E S S . C O M |

060_2016_IMB06-07_TheOffice.indd 61

61

5/3/16 2:37 PM

M A D E

I N

M E M P H I S

Ear Candy

EgglestonWorks keeps its global speaker-making business turned up to 11.

B Y

R I C H A R D

J .

A L L E Y

In a 10,000-square-foot warehouse just off of Broad Avenue in the Binghampton neighborhood, there is an assault on the ears. An autoCAD machine grinds its way through wood panelling as a table saw growls nearby; a bundle of lumber falls to the concrete floor.

Everywhere there is dust and splinters, a hive of activity.

But escape through a couple of doors and down a hallway, and find bliss. Among bookshelves and in low lighting, I sit on a leather couch surrounded by silence until Jim Thompson, co-owner of EgglestonWorks, touches the face of his smartphone and music f loods the room. It’s a drum and bass riff that brings the speakers Thompson and partner John Callery produce to life. And there is so

much life in those woofers and tweeters. As I listen, oddly, it’s difficult to know where to look as every snare lick, every hi-hat sizzle, every run up the fretboard appears to come from a different part of the room. Instead, I close my eyes and let the music wash over me.

The speakers — and they look more sculpture than speaker — at the front of the room retail for $155,000 a pair. It’s not your

In the paint room, multiple layers of automobile-quality paint are applied to speaker cabinets before the electronic components are installed.

62 |

everyday sound system but then, they were never intended for any everyday customer. The speakers were designed for sound engineer Bob Ludwig of Gateway Mastering who has worked with such notables as Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, and KISS, among many others. “Bob fidgets,” Thompson explains, “and he likes to stand up and walk around, so anything shorter and he loses the sound.” The Ivy Signature speakers stand six feet tall, putting the backbeat and vocals at the master’s ear level.

Ludwig and The Ivy are the exception to the rule as Thompson insists the recording studios are not why their company ex-

ists. Still, he says, there is not another brand of speaker in as many studios. “Engineers have just adopted us,” he says. “This is not a professional product.

We don’t make speakers for mastering studios, we make speakers for people’s homes.

However, what a mastering engineer wants out of the speaker is exactly what you do, you just don’t know it. You want to be able to listen to the speaker for a long period of time without getting tired, you want it to sound accurate to what you think that piece of music should sound like, and you don’t want to have to turn your speakers down every couple of hours because it’s bothering you. These goals that

PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF EGGLESTONWORKS

• • •

I N S I D E M E M P H I S B U S I N E S S . C O M | J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 6

062_2016_IMB06-07_MadeInMemphis.indd 62

5/3/16 2:43 PM

The Ivy Signature speaker was developed for master engineer Bob Ludwig, stands six-feet tall, and retails for $155,000.

we approach towards a mastering engineer are exactly what somebody at home would want.”

There are other catalogue options for those of us with holes in our bookcase and a smaller sum in our checking account.

Products start at $3,500 for a pair and go up to, well, you’ve just read where they top out.

Still, though, 10 pairs of The Ivy sold last year.

But what makes a great speaker, one that is worthy of listening to the playback of Keith Richards’ guitar or Bruce Springsteen’s vocals? “The cabinet,” Thompson says. “The care and the thickness of that cabinet and all that goes into making that piece is unusual.” With other, lesser-quality speakers, he explains, the cabinet itself is going to participate in the sound, meaning the vibrations will make a noise that can then color what is happening with the speaker component itself, known as a “driver.” You don’t want that.

“The cabinet is our highest value piece.”

After the cabinet, the quality of the electronics — the tweeters and woofers — make all the dif-

timistic that they’re on pace to ference. These are sourced from places like Israel and Denmark. surpass that this year. “We’ve got While the resistors and capacigood momentum,” he says. tors are built in-house, ThompThe company was founded in 1993 as a furniture maker son says,“Building a driver is building speakers that looked like a laboratory-condition type of thing, you couldn’t do that in like furniture. Thompson began our factory.” working part-time in 1996 and To put it simbecame general ply, Thompson manager in 1998. says, “You get “I fell in love with “ENGINEERS HAVE JUST what you pay for.” the business,” he ADOPTED US. THIS IS The majority of says, and about EgglestonWorks’ that time the NOT A PROFESSIONAL business is not in original invesPRODUCT. WE DON’T the U.S., but with tors fell out of love. Thompson 37 distributors in MAKE SPEAKERS FOR purchased the 42 countries, and MASTERING STUDIOS, business shortly over 100 retail WE MAKE SPEAKERS FOR after. stores around the world. While He’d g row n PEOPLE’S HOMES.” market sizes flucup in his father’s tuate depending on the economy music instrument store where he of a country at any given time, became interested in the repair Asia remains one of the strongest and technical side of the operaand earlier this year Thompson tion. When it came time to buy and Callery opened a distributhe speaker business, he called torship in Shanghai. in longtime friend Callery, a true With 10 employees, the Memaudiophile whose passion for phis-based company sells about music would be key. In 1998, the 450 pairs of speakers per year company had one product; today with annual revenue around $1 they offer 14. million, though Thompson is opThose products are lovingly

made with pieces fitted together by hand. The colors are automobile-quality and applied in much the same way as an auto — sprayed, sanded, polished, and buffed — before the electronic components are put in and the whole thing quality checked, boxed, and packed in a shipping container to be sent overseas. If you were to follow one speaker from raw piece of wood to packaging, the process would take a week and a half, and it would be touched by human hands more than 100 times.

It’s that quality that resonates with customers across the city and halfway around the world.

“My favorite emails are when people get their speakers and they send us pictures of them still in the box,” Thompson says, “and they say, ‘I spent six hours going through all of my music.’ That’s the biggest compliment, that you want to listen and to keep listening.”

For more on EgglestonWorks, visit egglestonworks.com, and their instagram at egglestonworks.

J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 6 | I N S I D E M E M P H I S B U S I N E S S . C O M |

062_2016_IMB06-07_MadeInMemphis.indd 63

63

5/3/16 2:43 PM

I N S I D E

T H E

A R C H I V E S

Making Waves

Arrow Glass quickly became a respected name in the American boating industry.

B Y

VA N C E

L A U D E R D A L E

In the late 1950s, Memphis made a splash into the pleasure boating craze that swept the country. Many of the boats built in garages and little shops in other cities in those days weren’t worth remembering, but three entrepreneurs here established a company building boats that are still on the water today.

In 1959, entrepreneurs Michael Ossorio, Harry Schmeisser Jr., and P.O. Tipton opened a factory at 1764 Chelsea and began producing a fleet of fiberglass boats under the name Arrow Glass.

“Arrow” paid tribute to this area’s Native-American heritage, and

so, to meet the growing demand for their products, Arrow Glass moved to larger facilities next to the old Firestone plant in North Memphis. At the time, Ossorio told reporters, “The boating business in this area is growing fantastically. Lack of good boat-

The Polaris

“glass” reflected the fiberglass hulls that shaped most of the boats made at that time — a process that was more efficient than using steel, aluminum, or wood since it allowed for sleek curves, one-piece hulls, molded-in colors, and low on maintenance.

The firm began producing fairly basic models. A 1959 catalog shows just four boats, called the Sebring, Empress, Olympus, and Daytona, ranging in length from 14 to 19 feet, but available in six bright colors: Meridian Blue, Dragon Red, Sahara Beige, Foam Green, Sail White, and Onyx Black.

After a few years, Ossorio and Schmeisser bought out Tipton’s interest in the company and became co-owners. By all accounts, their products were high-quality boats, winning numerous competitions, and after just a year or 64 |

i n g w ate r is the only thing that could hold the business back.”

Arrow Glass started out building just one boat a day, and by the mid-1970s the company was cranking out more than 5,000 hulls a year, with more than 270 employees running four production lines. Advertisements told buyers that the boats had “the design with you in mind” and stressed the quality and performance of the entire line. A 1972 catalog showed a dramatic increase in the selection available for customers. Even the most basic fishing craft came in beautifully contoured shapes and colors, with features such as locking

rod storage, padded seats, highback chairs, running lights, foam flotation built under the floor, insulated ice boxes, carpeting.

The company now offered more than two dozen boats, in every color of the rainbow. That year, the top-of-the-line model was the Polaris, a 20-foot cabin cruiser with a 270-horsepower inboard engine, multi-level seating, aluminum railings, tempered-glass windshield, a full complement of instruments and controls, and genuine wood paneling.

ADVERTISEMENTS TOLD BUYERS THAT THE BOATS HAD “THE DESIGN WITH YOU IN MIND” AND STRESSED THE QUALITY AND PERFORMANCE OF THE ENTIRE LINE. James Cochran, today an engineer with the Crump Firm, was the compliance officer for Arrow Glass in the 1970s, making sure the boats met boating indus-

The Cheetah

Despite the popularity of the boats, the company filed for bankruptcy in 1979, and Memphis businessman Clarence Day purchased the business, changing its name to Day Marine. Other changes of ownership and name followed — Eldocraft and later General Marine Industries — and the plant moved to Waynesboro, Mississippi, but nothing, it seems, could keep the floundering company afloat. Arrow Glass closed for good in the early 1990s, though the boats were so well-designed and constructed that plenty of them — still sporting their distinctive arrowhead logos — can be found on lakes and rivers here.

try and federal regulations. He recalls that their most popular model during that period was the Cheetah, a 17-foot inboard-outboard. “It had a tri-hull design, and it was very responsive, very stable, and very quick,” he says.

“It was probably the best boat we ever built, and in our day we were considered a top-notch builder.”

On a website devoted to American boat manufacturers (proboards.com), Cochran is the site moderator for Arrow Glass, and notes, “Arrow Glass became internationally famous for being ‘Customer Designed’ and was one of the top recreational boat manufacturers, noted for its dedication to safety and quality. Mike [Ossorio] and Harry [Schmeisser] are no longer with us, but their dream can be found worldwide in every Arrow Glass boat, and their memory lives on.”

PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY JAMES COCHRAN

• • •

I N S I D E M E M P H I S B U S I N E S S . C O M | J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 6

064_2016_IMB06-07_BeforeIMB.indd 64

5/3/16 2:43 PM

Advance Memphis was founded in 1999 to bring about economic revitalization in Memphis, Tennessee. Specifically, we focus on the 38126 zip code area of South Memphis, which includes and surrounds the Cleaborn/Foote public housing developments. We believe that adults can be empowered to change their lives and their community. Advance Memphis provides Biblically based programs that bring HOPE, KNOWLEDGE, RESOURCES, and SKILLS to the neighborhood. The residents of the neighborhood then have the tools they need to affect change. www.advancememphis.org • 901.543.8525 THIS PAGE DONATED BY TRIUMPH BANK AND CONTEMPORARY MEDIA, INC. AS PART OF THE INSIDE MEMPHIS BUSINESS “DIG DEEP FOR MEMPHIS” PROGRAM.

MM_FullPage_TrimSize_9x25_11x125.indd 1

5/9/16 11:51 AM

Only a tailored e-commerce solution could fit Oak Hall.

Since 1859, famed Memphis clothier Oak Hall has been known for its impeccable southern style and service. Now, thanks to integrated e-commerce solutions from FedEx, Oak Hall can deliver their unique customer experience online. See how you can have tailored e-commerce solutions woven into the fabric of your brand. Go to fedex.com/smallbusiness. #SolutionsThatMatter

MM_FullPage_TrimSize_9x25_11x125.indd 1

Š2015 FedEx. All rights reserved.

5/10/16 7:47 AM