2024-25 Bartlett Insights Magazine by TheBartlettAreaChamberofCommerce

Reproduction in whole or part without the publisher’s consent is strictly prohibited. Opinions and perspectives expressed in BARTLETT INSIGHTS are those of the writers who graciously contributed to this publication and do not necessarily represent that of the Bartlett Area Chamber of Commerce (BACC) or its members. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, BARTLETT INSIGHTS and the Bartlett Area Chamber of Commerce (BACC) assume no liability for errors and omissions.

The Man Behind the Curtain

Strategic Partners are engaged leaders of the community who fund the Bartlett Area Chamber’s Economic Development program, which ensures the long-term prosperity for all citizens in Bartlett and Northeast Shelby County.

Bartlett is a great place to advance your career, raise a family or enjoy your retirement. Join a community that cares, and discover the best housing, schools, safety and cost of living in Tennessee.

• Top 10 Places to Live in TN – HomeSnacks

• Best Place in Tennessee for Job Seekers – Nerd Wallet

• Best Small Cities for Families – Nerd Wallet

• #3 Healthiest Housing Market in TN – SmartAsset

• Best Small Cities to Move to in the USA – Movoto

• Top 10 Safest Cities in TN – National Council for Home Safety & Security

• Safest Places In Tennessee – Movoto

• Best Affordable Suburbs – Business Week

• Tree City USA Community – Arbor Day Foundation Learn more at CityofBartlett.org.

“We exceed our clients’ expectations through quality construction in a cost-effective and timely manner”

Mayor David Parsons

Olympus First United Methodist Church Arlington High School Indoor Training TAG Truck Center

Proudly serving our community

Meeting the behavioral health needs of your entire family

Lakeside Behavioral Health System offers specialty mental health and substance use programs designed to meet the individual needs of children, adolescents, adults and older adults. Our smaller settings and individualized care set us apart from other providers in the region. We offer specialty TMS* treatments to help individuals improve their functioning for a healthier future.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, depression, anxiety or another behavioral health issue, we can help. Call us today at 901-377-4733 or visit lakesidebhs.com to find out more. We are here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for a no-cost assessment.

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* There are risks associated with any medical procedure. Talk with your doctor about these risks to find out if Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is right for you. Universal Health Services, Inc. (UHS) is a holding company that operates through its subsidiaries. This document has been prepared by UHS of Delaware, Inc. Any reference to “UHS” or “UHS facilities” refers to UHS’ subsidiaries. Further, the terms “we,” “us,” “our” or “the company” refer to the operations of the subsidiaries of UHS. Any reference to employees refers to employment with a subsidiary of UHS. Physicians are on the medical staff of Lakeside Behavioral Health System, but, with limited exceptions, are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Lakeside Behavioral Health System. The facility shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. Model representations of real patients are shown. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the nondiscrimination notice, visit our website. U 230002-2926 10/23

THE SPIRIT OF BARTLETT

NURTURING OUR HOMEGROWN HERITAGE EMBRACING THE SPIRIT OF BARTLETT

is proud to have its roots firmly planted in the vibrant city of Bartlett, where our journey began with our first branch office. Since 1979, we have been committed to serving as a trusted market leader within the Bartlett community. Our dedicated team of REALTORS® has provided unparalleled service for over four decades, making Crye-Leike the number one real estate company in Bartlett.

As the leading real estate company in Bartlett, we understand the essence of this remarkable city. Bartlett embodies a small-town spirit while embracing growth and innovation, attracting countless individuals and families to our flourishing community. With our award-winning schools, exceptional police and fire departments, and businesses that actively contribute to the community, Bartlett is undeniably one of the greatest places to call “home.”

At Crye-Leike, our REALTORS® have sold over 16,000 homes in Bartlett over the past 44 years. We believe that homeownership is a powerful part of life, and every day, our experienced team assists individuals and families in finding the place where their heart truly resides. With our commitment

to providing the most advanced technology, tools, and training, Crye-Leike ensures that our REALTORS® deliver an exceptional one-stop shopping experience for our valued customers.

We are grateful to be part of Bartlett’s history and eagerly anticipate the future as we work together to achieve great things. As your first choice for real estate services, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the residents of Bartlett for their continued trust and support. Whether you’re buying or selling, Crye-Leike is here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring a smooth and successful real estate journey in the place we proudly call home—Bartlett, Tennessee.

If you are considering a career in real estate, contact me for an interview.

Laura Gaither Managing Broker

The Man Behind the Curtain

There are numerous ways performing arts theaters impact communities. Serving as vibrant hubs of artistic expression and cultural exchange, their significance extends far beyond entertainment. Local theaters play a vital role in our society by nurturing creativity, strengthening community bonds, and providing valuable educational opportunities.

Michael Bollinger, who has served as executive artistic director for the Bartlett Performing Arts Center and Conference Center (BPACC) since 2016, is well acquainted with the tangible and intangible benefits of a professional theater in one’s community.

“We touch lives,” says Bollinger. “Our summer youth theater camps, for instance, gives young people the opportunity to express themselves, to build confidence and self-esteem and to learn about teamwork and problem-solving. These are valuable life skills they’ll use the rest of their lives.”

In addition, BPACC’s youth programs offer a safe, nurturing environment for participants to explore their talents and discover their passions. It’s a space, Bollinger says, where personal growth and self-discovery can flourish.

While fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose, the collaborative nature of theater work also encourages synergy, communication, and cooperation among cast and crew members. These alliances and joint efforts are also returned back into the community.

“Another benefit not always recognized is the economic impact BPACC has on our community,” adds Bollinger. “We try to spend as many production dollars as possible right here in Bartlett. When we build sets, we always go first to local retailers to buy things like paint, lumber and other items.”

Since productions often draw attendees from the wider Tri-State area, restaurants, hotels, gas stations and other retailers also become beneficiaries. “It’s a very positive thing for a city to have its own performing arts center,” explains Bollinger. “When you read articles about quality of life ratings, having a performing arts center always appears in those cities with the highest ratings. Here in Bartlett, we’ve got a top-notch center that possibly factors into peoples’ decisions to live here.”

Writing for the National League of Cities, Carl Gerlach, former mayor of Overland Park, Kansas, wrote, “Young professionals looking for a place to live want cities with exciting development activities, job opportunities with competitive pay, and ones with wellplaced arts venues which can be a magnet for economic growth.”

When Bollinger joined BPACC in 2016 he’d been serving in the same capacity at Louisa Arts Center in Charlottesville, Virginia since 2012. Before that, he was artistic executive director of the South Orange Performing Arts Center in the greater New York City area.

A graduate of Webster University in St. Louis, with a B.F.A in theater arts, directing and acting,

Bank of Bartlett was incorporated in the City of Bartlett by local investors and opened for business in 1980. Bank of Bartlett is proud of and attributes much of its success to its involvement in area churches, schools, and charitable organizations.

Bank of Bartlett has grown rapidly to become one of the largest community banks in the Memphis market and top 30 banks in Tennessee. Bartlett Mortgage, a subsidiary opened in 1983, has made home dreams come true financing tens of thousands of homes in the metro area and consistently ranks in the top mortgage companies yearly in home loans originated. Bartlett Travel opened in 1987 as a subsidiary of Bank of Bartlett and provides quality travel arrangements for its clients in the metro area to get them where they want to go in the best possible manner!

Quality, friendly, and responsive customer service makes our customers feel at home. That, along with the way we help our customers ignite their goals, has been the key driving force for the bank’s growth and expansion to seven strategic locations within the adjacent metropolitan area. To maintain and improve that service level, a growing distribution network for Bank of Bartlett customers has been developed with 55,000 surcharge free Allpoint

ATMs worldwide. Bank of Bartlett branches serve the public from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, and 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays.

The City of Bartlett, founded in 1865, is an historic city. Once a mainly rural and quiet town, the City of Bartlett has grown to be the 10th largest city in the State of Tennessee with over 50,000 citizens. Bank of Bartlett branches are also located in the cities of Germantown, Collierville, Lakeland, Arlington and Memphis.

Bank of Bartlett offers full banking services, access to account information through FastCheck (our voice activated telephonic banking system), and transaction opportunities 24 hours daily through its extensive ATM network, Online Banking and Mobile App. Commercial and consumer banking, mortgage services, and travel services are all conveniently available.

Our motto is “ignite your life goals” and we do not take that charge lightly. Our team works purposefully every day to help our customers put fuel to whatever they want to achieve in their lives.

Bollinger has spent his entire career working in the performing arts. He originally set out to be a veterinarian, and was enrolled in a pre-veterinarian program at the University of Missouri in Columbia.

“But in life, there are forks in the road,” laughs Bollinger. “What seems like a small thing becomes huge later on.”

At some point in that road a friend goaded him into auditioning for a role in the play Ten Little Indians. He was selected for a part and from that time on it seemed he was destined toward a career in theater or acting. “If she hadn’t persuaded me to try out for that show I might have become a veterinarian.”

In every venue where Bollinger has worked he’s increased attendance up to 400% and more, and has

Citizens Award, and locally was recognized by Memphis Magazine as a “Mover, Shaker and Difference Maker” consecutively from 2017-2023.

This year he’s excited to help BPACC celebrate its 25th Anniversary.

From the time BPACC opened its doors to an evening with Art Garfunkel in December of 1999, the center has presented such luminaries as Judy Collins, Wynton Marsalis, Rodney Crowell, Randy Newman, Crystal Gale, and many others.

boosted budgets by as much as 650%. His work at the Lyceum Theatre in Missouri earned two Missouri Arts Awards, a Governor’s Proclamation and a commendation from President Clinton. He also built and opened two theaters including managing the restoration of the 63,000 square foot, multimillion dollar Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts in Hampton Roads, Virginia.

Additionally, Bollinger has produced and/or directed over two hundred theatrical productions, including the American regional theatre premiere of Elton John’s AIDA, and The Buck Stops Here, which played at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. His honors include the 2015 People’s Choice Award (Best Place for Entertainment), Most Influential Citizens Award, and locally was recognized by Memphis Magazine as a “Mover,

His honors include the 2015 People’s Choice Award (Best Place for Entertainment), Most Influential

This season is no less spectacular. The 2024 lineup includes Chapel Hart, Hotel California: A Salute to the Eagles, The Dinosaur Quest of Dr. T-Rex, the Tony Award-winning musical Peter Pan, the Bartlett Community Concert Band, and more. For ticket information visit https://bpacc.org/248/Upcoming-Shows.

Bartlett is lucky to have Michael Bollinger at the helm of what many call “Bartlett’s Crown Jewel.” Not only does BPACC feature world class entertainment, but the facility also offers a variety of spaces used for meetings, training, luncheons, and other uses.

We’re glad Michael took that dare and made it into the cast of Ten Little Indians. And fortunately he feels at home and welcomed by our community.

“I like it here. I enjoy the people—our patrons, supporters and attendees. I don’t see myself going anywhere any time soon.

A Banker With a Community Spirit

Be the Best Possible Neighbor and the Best Possible Citizen

When you enter the office of the Bank of Bartlett’s president there’s no doubt which college sports teams he’s rooting for. Harold Byrd’s walls and desk When you enter the office of the Bank of Bartlett’s president there’s no doubt which college sports teams he’s rooting for. Harold Byrd’s walls and desk bear the markings of a true blue University of Memphis fan. Check out his X account and you’ll find it filled with shout-outs to the women’s basketball team, cheers to Coach Hardaway, and praise for the U. of M. football team.

“I love the University of Memphis,” said Byrd, an active member of its Alumni Association and the Highland Hundred, an organization devoted to raising the profile of the university’s football team. His support for his alma mater has been recognized with the Distinguished University of Memphis Alumni Award

as well as the Silver M Athletic Award. In 2020 Byrd was tapped to serve on the Board of Directors for the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame.

Byrd’s enthusiasm for the University of Memphis athletics is matched by his overall enthusiasm for life and his keen interest in the world around him. This he attributes to his upbringing in rural McNairy County, Tennessee and to parents who insisted that he and his sibling get a college education. He was also raised with an edict to serve others. Said Byrd, “My mother would frequently quote Matthew 25: ‘Whatever you did for one of the least of my brothers you did for me.’”

As a banker and community leader these words helped ingrain a life-long philosophy he said made him strive to be “the best possible neighbor, the best

possible citizen, and to help my clients attain their own educational, financial, or health goals.”

The youngest of seven siblings, his family moved to Memphis in 1961 leaving behind a rural home without indoor plumbing, air conditioning or a telephone. He played football and basketball at Bartlett High School and graduated at age 16 in 1967. From there he attended the University of Memphis, earning a BBA and later a Master’s Degree in Marketing.

His brother Robert was already an investment banker when he, Harold, their brother Dan along with some other local investors formed the Bank of Bartlett in 1980. This was the same year Congress passed the Depository Institutions Deregulation and Monetary Control Act which served to deregulate the banking industry. And it was the beginning of an historical banking crisis that produced the highest number of banking failures since the 1930s.

“It was a challenging time for our industry,” admitted Byrd, “but we were anxious to serve our community, which was then around 11,000 citizens. It was a tough time for everyone, but we were determined to help people get through it, together.”

In 1983 they opened Bartlett Mortgage—an almost counterintuitive move since mortgage interest rates had only recently dropped from some of the highest rates in history. “We wanted to provide opportunities for people to buy homes—and we wanted to provide them the best possible buying experience.”

Over the years Bank of Bartlett has become the oldest and largest “community bank” in the Memphis market, and the 17th largest bank in Tennessee. The bank has eight branches in key Memphis submarkets and Bartlett Mortgage has consistently ranked from 3rd to 5th in the dollar volume of mortgages originated annually.

Byrd’s interest in public service led him to serving in the Tennessee House of Representatives from 1976 to 1982. Since then he’s also lent his time and energy to such organizations as the North East Mental Health Center, the University of Memphis Alumni Association, the Assistant Coaches Club and others. He currently serves as chairman of the Shelby County Chambers Alliance.

Where does he find time to be involved in so many activities outside of his banking business?

“I really love this city—and it’s people,” laughed Byrd. “I find the time. I want to be committed, and to make a difference. I gotta live up to what my mama preached to me!”

Just as Byrd was one of the earliest to advance the idea for Bartlett’s industrial park years ago, today he is one of many cheerleaders for Ford’s Blue Oval City. In 2022 he brought together area business and community leaders for a “crash course” on the roughly $6 billion development. At a luncheon hosted by the bank he invited Mark Herbison, CEO of the economic development group HTL Advantage, to explain what will be required of the leaders in order for them to see some of the benefits.

“Gosh! The opportunities—they’re everywhere!” exclaimed Byrd. “It was important to share our enthusiasm and reiterate that for us to really take advantage we have to get our ducks in a row.

“We were told that in the next seven to ten years we may need as many of 50,000 new houses. Plus, we’ve got to be ready to provide the education, the workforce and healthcare.”

Harold Byrd’s biggest project has been much closer

to home. July of 2023 the bank hosted its grand opening and ribbon cutting on the multi-phase, nearly $2 million renovation of its headquarters at 6281 Stage Road. The two-story building, which was built in 1980 and expanded to 15,000 square feet in 1985, underwent extensive interior and exterior improvements.

The finished renovation boasts a facade update, giving the building a more inviting look. Inside there are enhancements including new flex office spaces, cosmetic improvements and a new employee break room. It also reworked spaces that made substantial investments in technology and digital offerings for its customers and provided new technology for the executive boardroom.

“I see these improvements as a way to serve our clients in the community and our employees better,” stated Byrd.

13 time consecutive recipient of the “Award of

The highest honor bestowed by the Drycleaning & Laundry Institute for quality, professionalism & community service in the drycleaning industry.

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Mayor DAVID Parsons: A New Era of Leadership

There’s something that might surprise you when visiting Mayor David Parsons’s office.

Nowhere on the walls, shelves or his desk will you find the first congratulatory plaque, accolade, or “attaboy,” as he calls them. In fact, there are no sofas or extraneous decor—just the mayor’s desk, two chairs facing it, and a large, well-appointed conference table.

“I could fill those walls with plaques and honors I’ve won over the years,” he says, waving dismissively to the walls around his office. “Nobody gives two hoots about that kind of stuff.”

Instead his working space is adorned with symbols and tributes to the community he serves, the country he lives in and to his faith. “I want these walls to reflect my values—and I want to make it all about Bartlett, not me as an individual whose collected a lot of attaboys.”

On Mayor Parsons’s desk there are photos of his family and stacks of books. “All you have to do is look at a man’s desk to tell who he is.” A cursory look suggests the mayor’s interest in leadership, spiritual topics and in self-improvement. Titles such as Conquering an Enemy Called Average, Prayers on Fire, two Bibles and several books by motivational writer John C. Maxwell are stacked up on the credenza behind him.

It’s undeniable Parsons’s interests play an important role as he serves his first term as Bartlett’s first mayor in twenty years. When asked about what kind of leadership he brings to his position Parsons replies, “First of all, everything rises and falls on leadership.”

He says he was motivated to run for mayor for the same reason he served as an alderman for two decades. “I wanted to give back to the community that’s been so good to me. I was born and raised in Bartlett. My business is here. I go to church here—I have a lot

invested in this community, and I felt I could be an effective leader.”

One of the first things Parsons did in office was to bring in other business leaders. “I asked them what impediments are keeping you from growing? Is your business where you want it to be? What do we need to be doing to grow business in our community, to make us more competitive?”

Feedback was quick and decisive. Sewer issues needed to be addressed as well as the workforce.

Within in his first 100 days Parsons met with Memphis Mayor Strickland on the “bottleneck” sewer issues. “Our meetings were productive. He was flexible—and we were able to move the mile marker from things previously set in stone.”

Along with tackling long-festering sewer problems was the issue of workforce development. Parsons also spent his early days in office corralling forces to see what could be done to help increase the enrollment at the Tennessee College of Applied Technology. “We want businesses to get involved to help create opportunities for students to work in apprentice programs and attend TCAT classes simultaneously.”

Mayor Parsons has also been intent on developing a meaningful team atmosphere. “As a leader, everything I do affects them—and vice versa,” he states. “What I wanted to create was a collaborative effort across the board. One where people from planning, codes, engineering, and other departments can meet and not say ‘hey, I’ve finished this—it’s in your hands now’ but stay connected to make sure every problem is solved or project is finished. Everyone can share the sense of pride in getting things done.”

Parsons began his mission for team building by bringing together his directors during March Madness. “We did nothing but just spend time getting to know each other. Eating barbecue and watching some basketball.”

After approving the third budget reading he held a hamburger cook-out for his employees. “I told them to come out, relax, and have a good time. We played cornhole games, and I began to notice people were informally networking between departments—police, fire, public works. It was a great

sense of community. I want to do whatever I can to help them succeed.”

Another characteristic of Parsons’s leadership can be found in his insistence on hiring within. When he came into office he was met with at least four major positions to fill—all held by long-serving people who were retiring. “I didn’t want to hire some public works guy from Baltimore coming in and saying ‘what’s the Four Way?’,” says Parsons. “He’d already be three years behind.”

Parsons enjoys relating stories of how he promoted employees from assistant director positions to directors, and how several of them started their careers in Bartlett City Government cutting grass or working at the jail.

He’s especially proud of how he found his CAO, Steve Sones. “Steve’s another homegrown success story!” exclaims Parsons, who relishes in reliving the story.

Before Parsons was elected he was already proactively examining the landscape for possible positions should he become mayor. One day he got a call from the Police Chief.

“He said he’s probably cutting off his own nose to spite his face but . . . he’s got this young man, his assistant, who was ‘bigger than his role at the Police Department.’ He said, ‘David, Steve Sones would make you a great CAO’.”

Parsons marinated on the idea a few weeks, and then sat down with Sones to find out why he wanted the position. After giving it more thought Parsons brought in his heavy artillery—his wife Becky—to see if Sones met the “smell test.” He did.

After their meeting he sent Sones home with the admonition to pray about it with his wife. Two weeks later Parsons and Sones met again and Parsons told him, “If I’m elected, you’ll get the job.”

Parsons recalled the second mayoral debate and the podium question: “Who would you replace the current CAO, Mark Brown, with?”

Parsons didn’t want to put Sones on the spot, so he replied: “You’ll never replace a Mark Brown. But I do have an individual in mind who’s agreed to take the position if I’m elected. I can’t disclose his name due to his job security.”

Presumably this question caught a few of the candidates flatfooted. Parsons recalled that one or two said they would mount a nationwide search, and another said he’d need to figure it out. “I wanted the public to know I already had figured it out and had someone ready and willing to serve.”

Following the election Parsons and his wife took a well deserved week-long vacation. Upon his return he hit the ground running. Taking up former Mayor McDonald’s offer to use his conference room until he was installed, Parsons embarked upon six weeks of ten to twelve hour days.

“Honestly, we haven’t slowed down that much since the election!” laughs Parsons. “We work really hard around here.”

I asked the mayor what he does in the spare time that he has. Besides spending it with his family, and reading, Parsons says he enjoys trout fishing in Arkansas. “There’s something about clear water running over rocks,” he says with a smile.

It turns out Parsons has been leading a group of men for twenty-two years—taking them annually to Gaston, Arkansas on the White River for fishing and fellowship.

Bartlett can be proud to have a mayor whose leadership qualities are as well-rounded as those of David Parsons. As he says in his own words, “Leadership is about responsibility, not power. It’s about loving the people you lead.”

Life is Good at Brim’s Snack Food What’s Your Crunch?

If there’s one thing snack food lovers everywhere can agree on it’s, “the crunchier, the better.”

Whether it’s popcorn, pork rinds, potato chips, cheese puffs, onion rings or hot and bacon cheddar fries, this is the wisdom that has grown Brim’s Snack Foods into a beloved family business spanning more than forty years in Bartlett.

It all started in the late seventies when Brimhall Foods was created as a snack food distribution company. “There was a fella in Little Rock selling pork rinds,” recalls Terry Brimhall. “And all of Terry’s and my first dates were focused on delivering his product,” interjects his wife Becki, finishing his sentence with laughter.

The three owners— Terry Brimhall, Becki, and Michael Patrick reflect fondly on their early days. “We were just young kids starting out,” says Becki. “And I was a student working to finish my degree at the University of Memphis—and to make a living,” adds Terry.

“When Terry’s dad talked about retiring, Terry approached me about us buying out his company,” says Patrick, who oversees the company’s facilities and estimated 200 employees. “From there, our relationship as partners and friends has grown even deeper over the years.”

“Michael would probably say I’m the idea guy,” laughs Terry. “He’s the one who’s more detail oriented—the bill-payer. We complement each other’s strengths and fill in each other’s gaps.”

Becki came into the company in the early eighties, when Brim’s was growing and the cost of shipping was rising. They had opened a plant in a converted smokehouse in Ellendale, and her help was needed. Soon afterward, she left her job at Kroger to serve as VP and secretary.

The couple’s two sons—Nick and Luke—are also part of the business.

The camaraderie and closeness of the owners is palpable. While Terry and Becki knew each other through their parents and through church, Michael Patrick—who was also connected through friends and church—came into the business when Terry’s father retired. He initially worked with Brim’s as an independent distributor over twenty years ago.

Nick works inside the plant and Luke is in sales. In a YouTube video titled “Brim’s: A Family Business,” the sons recall growing up in the company, playing hideand-seek in the warehouses, and learning the trade from the ground ups.

Over the years Brim’s has continued to grow its physical space with increased modernization of equipment. And its product lines have expanded as well. The Brimhall family constantly monitors the popularity of their snack foods. Over the years the demand for hot and spicy snacks has increased. “People tell us they love

our white cheddar popcorn,” states Terry Brimhall, “but our pork rinds remain our bread and butter.”

Currently, Brim’s owns ten acres in the Bartlett Industrial Park, with over 200,000 square feet of manufacturing and distribution space, and leases another 70,000 square feet. It also operates a manufacturing plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, as well as distribution centers in Houston, Montgomery, and in the Fayetteville, North Carolina area.

In 2022 Brim’s became the successful bidder for the assets of the former Pure Foods plant in Kingsport, Tennessee, purchasing their equipment, product lines and intellectual property.

Brim’s continued success says Becki is their unwavering faith. “It’s a God thing,” she states. The company’s Christian values are unapologetically on display. They often hear from customers who are pleasantly

surprised by their product packaging. On the back of each bag of chips is an encouraging Bible verse.

From a company that started with one distribution truck Brim’s is now a household name in snack foods. Today they distribute its signature pork rinds and other snacks through grocery, convenience, and dollar stores nationwide.

Michael Patrick sums it up: “We’ve been blessed. We try to do the right things, to be conservative in our approach, and take opportunities when they present themselves.” Adds Terry, “And because we’ve been frugal, we’ve experienced incremental growth each year.”

Obviously, this is a winning ticket for the snack food company whose slogan is “Life is so delicious.” Once you’ve crunched a mouthful of Brim’s Sweet & Mild Barbecue Fried Pork Rinds, you’ll say the same.

Agilix Solutions Boosts Customer Productivity with Sales Counters

In an age increasingly dominated by digital transactions, the human element in everyday experiences has dwindled. From fast-food orders to grocery checkouts, personal interactions are on the decline. While this digital shift has brought efficiency and convenience, it often falls short of the promise.

Agilix Solutions, however, remains an exception. Unlike many in their industry, Agilix Solutions continues to operate sales counters at all their branches – offering substantial advantages.

Expertise at Your Fingertips

Agilix Solutions' sales counters are manned by friendly and knowledgeable personnel, ready to address your Automation, Electrical, Industrial, Datacom, Mechanical Power Transmission, Process, Safety, Lighting and Solar needs. Moreover, the sales counter team is linked to Agilix Solutions' pool of specialists, offering diverse expertise in various industries, brands, and products. The sales counter serves as your gateway to the full spectrum of Agilix Solutions' offerings.

Prompt Access: Same-Day Pickup and Next-Day Transfers

Maintaining productivity hinges on immediate access to necessary parts, tools, or material. Agilix Solutions has designed its sales counters to ensure that you're never far from a solution. Each branch maintains an extensive inventory, significantly improving the odds of finding what you need when you need it. For added convenience, Agilix Solutions offers expedited "will call" pick-up when you pre-order, or you can visit the sales counter staff in person.

Your Reliable Resource On-the-Go

For customers frequently on the road, commuting to job sites or working in the field, Agilix Solutions' sales counters offer a dependable source for products and services from more than 70 categories. With 13 locations across six states, they ensure that you're never too far from a face-to-face interaction with a specialist and the products required to sustain your productivity.

Service You Can Count On

Agilix Solutions' sales counters offer a convenient way to purchase and collect materials on your schedule. When an urgent need arises for a part, the sales counter provides an immediate solution, negating the need to wait for a delivery. This in-person experience also enables you to physically examine the products you're purchasing, minimizing the chances of ordering the wrong item. It's not uncommon for customers to bring in peculiar or challenging-to-describe parts and receive valuable assistance from the sales counter personnel in locating the exact item they require.

In an era where personal customer experiences are fading, Agilix Solutions remains committed to providing local expertise and inventory to bolster your productivity. Visit your local branch's sales counter to encounter the distinct Agilix Solutions difference. For a list of branches and their hours, visit goAgilix.com/locations.

Bartlett, Tennessee Branch

Bartlett Sales Counter

THE JEFFERS FAMILY LEGACY Building a McEmpire in Bartlett and the Memphis Area

“Our company philosophy is to provide opportunities for people to grow,” says Steve Jeffers, who owns nine McDonald’s franchises along with his wife Karen and two of their children and spouses. “I was fortunate enough to work under other operators who taught me and gave me opportunities, and I want to keep that tradition going.”

The three families moved to Memphis from Springfield, Illinois in 2018 in order to expand their franchise operations. After owning and operating three Springfield McDonald’s for more than twenty years they wanted to purchase more stores, but unfortunately no one was selling and the market was too saturated to build new locations.

“Moving here was the best thing we ever did,” says Jeffers. “The people we’ve met have been incredible. Everyone from our employees, neighbors, customers and new friends—we couldn’t be happier with our decision.”

The Jeffers are also involved with the local Ronald McDonald’s House, a charity that assists St. Jude patients and their families with short-term housing, and with Youth Villages, a private nonprofit organization dedicated to helping emotionally and behaviorally troubled children.

Another aspect of their company philosophy is that success should extend beyond their restaurants and into the communities they serve. From serving on local chamber of commerce boards to sponsoring events for school sports, and partnering with Bartlett High School, the Jeffers have become an integral part of their community—fostering goodwill and trust along the way.

“We’re strong believers in giving back to the community,” says Jeffers. “I’ve worked over fifty years for McDonald’s and I’m very thankful for how good the community has been to us. It’s important to me—and to Karen and our kids and their families—that we do our part to serve when and where we can.”

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Jeffers’ story is the active involvement of their children and spouses. All are co-owners and each plays a vital role in the company. This unique multigenerational approach has not only strengthened their family bonds but also contributes to their

In the realm of technological advances, all of their stores have embraced digital growth. In addition to kiosk options and using delivery services such as Door Dash and Uber, they also offer mobile order and pay.

Owning and operating nine McDonald’s restaurants in a competitive market like Memphis has not been

without challenges. During the pandemic and shortly thereafter, there were staffing shortages. “Like everyone else, we were affected by COVID,” Jeffers recalls. “It was hard to attract and retain employees during the pandemic.”

But in more recent times things have turned around successfully. Their business maintains an aggressive hiring campaign fueled by attractive employment packages that offer 40% more in wages than what was offered in pre-pandemic days.

The Jeffers continue to prioritize customer satisfaction, invest in employee training, and adapt to changing market trends. Their dedication to excellence has not only attracted loyal customers but has also earned them

respect within the fast food community. As they continue to evolve and grow, the Jeffers and their children serve as an example of how a family business can make a lasting and positive impact in the community around them, one golden arch at a time.

It WAS a Once-in-a-Lifetime Spectacle

American Paper Optics

MaDe it Memorable – and Safe

On April 8, 2024, millions of people witnessed the “The Great North American Eclipse.” On that day the total solar eclipse crossed North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. The path of totality swept through the southern states of Texas, Tennessee, Arkansas and Kentucky before it continued its path northward.

and ones that create special effects. Last year they manufactured whimsical glasses that allowed wearers to sees fireworks or Christmas lights.

This rare cosmic event was on the radar of American Paper Optics for years. As one of America’s major manufacturers of NASA-approved eclipse glasses, the Bartlett-based company sold millions of their specialty glasses, with sales that reached well over $75 million.

For over three decades, American Paper Optics has been at the forefront of producing high-quality eclipse viewing glasses. The company’s mission is to make eclipse viewing safe, affordable, and accessible to everyone. The company not only supplies eclipse viewing glasses, but they also produce other kinds of specialty glasses— including 3-D glasses, decoders that reveal hidden product promotion messages, glasses with custom frames,

As the total eclipse drew closer, the major concern was for the safety of their customers. The company used specifically designed lenses made from high-quality optical material; lenses are coated with a metallic layer that filters out harmful ultraviolet and infrared rays, allowing only safe light to pass through. This makes the lenses suitable for viewing the eclipse without risking eye damage.

“There just isn’t any substitute for wearing the proper kind of eye protection,” said Paulo Aur, the company’s COO.

Aur recalled issues that surrounded counterfeit eclipse viewing glasses that preceded the total solar eclipse in 2017. “Ordinary sunglasses—mostly coming from competitors in China—were being sold on the internet as solar viewers,” he said. “Even worse, they were produced to look like they were ours.”

Astronomer and press officer Rick Feinberg with the American Astronomical Society recalled in an NPR interview that he had received anxious inquiries from people who claimed the glasses they purchased “didn’t seem right.” Feinberg also noted the fraudulent products were made to look just like the legitimate ones manufactured by reputable companies like American Paper Optics.

Ultimately Amazon canceled vendors and refunded millions of dollars to people who were scammed by the Chinese counterfeits. The American Astronomical Society has since compiled a vendor list and roster of legitimate sellers so the public can buy eye protection that’s been independently vetted.

Aur also cautioned that it’s not safe to view the sun through binoculars or a telescope while wearing eclipse glasses since those optical devices require their own

special filters. It’s also unsafe to create your own makeshift filter with items like old exposed film negatives or the silvery wrappers of candy bars or potato chips.

Although the counterfeit issue was unfortunate, it created an almost overnight boon for American Paper Optics. After the news broke about the online sales of unsafe eclipse glasses, the company received thousands of orders—reportedly selling over $2 million of eyeware in a single day.

The 2024 total solar eclipse was one of the most significant astronomical events in this decade. People traveled from different parts of the country to get a better view. In Shelby County, just east of the path of totality, residents and tourists were able to see it almost 97%.

There will be two partial eclipses next year. One will appear on March 29, 2025 and will be visible in regions of North and South America, as well as other parts of the world. On September 21st another partial eclipse will occur, visible in Australia, Antarctica and over the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.

The next total eclipse won’t come around until August 23, 2044, and will only shadow three states in its path, Montana and North and South Dakota, according to NASA.

“Eclipses are sort of like potato chips--once you eat one, you want another,” said Fred Espenak, former NASA astrophysicist and author of “Road Atlas for the Total Solar Eclipse of 2024.”

If the April 8 eclipse made you hungry for more celestial spectacles, you might want to make plans for next year’s partial eclipses.

People can buy their eclipse glasses directly from American Paper Optics on their website www. eclipseglasses.com. There you’ll find videos and a 32-page guide on how to prepare for and watch eclipses.

40 Years of Excellence in Chiropractic Care: Cole Pain Therapy Group’s Commitment to Bartlett

For four decades, Cole Pain Therapy Group has stood as a pillar of healthcare in Bartlett, TN, delivering unparalleled chiropractic care to our community. Since September 21, 1981, our dedicated team, led by Dr. Richard Cole, has been on a mission to relieve pain, restore lives, and foster a healthier Bartlett.

A Welcome Move to Bartlett

In 1981, Dr. Richard Cole and his wife, Lisa, made a significant decision. They relocated their practice from Memphis to Bartlett, drawn by the warm embrace of a community in need of chiropractic care. This move marked the beginning of a remarkable journey dedicated to the well-being of Bartlett’s residents.

paved the way for our current practice. In 2008, the tradition continued when Dr. Brad Cole, Dr. Richard’s son, joined the team.

From Humble Beginnings to Statewide Recognition

Over the years, our practice has blossomed into one of the largest chiropractic groups in Tennessee. Dr. Jeff Luebbe and Dr. Steven Vollmer joined our ranks, contributing to the excellent care offered to our community. Their dedication has been instrumental in our growth.

Beyond Our Clinic Walls

Our commitment to Bartlett extends beyond the confines of our clinic. Dr. Richard Cole’s active involvement in state, national, and international chiropractic governing bodies has advanced public access to high-quality chiropractic care. This not only benefits our community but also elevates chiropractic healthcare standards globally.

A Legacy of Healing

A unique aspect of our practice is the three generations of patient care. Nurse Melba, lending her joyful smile, assists Dr. Brad and Dr. Richard in the clinical area on Friday mornings. This continuity of care is a testament to our commitment to our patients’ well-being.

Growing Together for a Healthier Community

Today, our community benefits from the clinical excellence of Dr. Jared Worthington and Dr. Colby Poston, who have become integral parts of Cole Pain Therapy Group. We believe in working collaboratively with the wider healthcare community in Bartlett and Memphis to coordinate care for the benefit of our patients.

A Bright Future Ahead

As we celebrate our 40th anniversary in Bartlett, we look forward to the next 40 years of serving our community. Our commitment to advancing health and wellness remains unwavering. Cole Pain Therapy Group will continue to relieve pain, restore lives, and provide customized chiropractic solutions to free people from pain’s limitations, allowing them to move well and feel healthier for life.

The Cole family’s chiropractic legacy began in 1958 when Dr. James Richard Cole and nurse Melba Cole started practicing in Memphis. Their passion for healing

In conclusion, Cole Pain Therapy Group’s remarkable journey in Bartlett is a testament to our dedication to the well-being of our community. We are proud to have been part of Bartlett’s growth and look forward to a future of continued service and excellence in chiropractic care. Thank you, Bartlett, for four decades of trust and support. Together, we will build a healthier, pain-free future.

YEARS as CEO at First South Financial Credit Union

An Inspiring Journey from Poverty toProsperity

Over the years much has been written about the universal laws of success. From Napoleon Hill to Dale Carnegie and others, writers have mined the ancient wisdom of Plato and Socrates to affirm the primary reason for success springs from the law of cause and effect. It tells us that in our orderly universe everything happens for a reason and for every effect there’s a set of causes.

When examining the career trajectory of Craig Esrael—First South Financial Credit Union’s CEO and president—one can see how this universal law propelled a young overweight boy raised in near poverty by his single mother to the successful and athletic executive he is today.

In Memphis the image of Esrael is ubiquitous. Driving around the city you may have spotted him beaming down from a billboard or a bus stand advertising First South Financial Credit Union.

This personal, “down home” association gives the credit union a reputation of being friendly and accessible—one where you “bank with friends,” as one of its advertising campaigns stated.

In March of 2023 Esrael marked his 40th year at the helm of First South, becoming the longest tenured CEO of a top ten banking institution in the region. How he wound up at the credit union is in itself an example of how the law of cause and effect works.

He’d accepted a position at a company just as he was finishing up some courses at the University of Wisconsin to complete an undergraduate marketing degree. Since all things happen for a reason, those final classes were in finance—an area of study he wasn’t yet familiar with but was intrigued by.

From that moment his life pivoted into a different

direction. He went on to finish an MBA with an emphasis in finance and afterward began a career in retail banking, a profession he describes as “a calling—almost like mission work.”

Says Esrael, “Banking touches all aspects of a person’s life, and over my forty years with First South Financial, I’ve had the opportunity to better the financial lives of those in our community. I never tire of hearing the stories about how we helped people get their first account, first car loan, and first mortgage.”

When Esrael came on board with First South as executive VP in 1983, some thought he’d made a mistake. Not only was he hired in the middle of the deepest recession since WWII, but the credit union had already chewed up six CEOs in seven years. “The organization was in trouble,” he recalls. “Morale was poor, there were six straight quarters of losses, and it was close to being put into regulatory conservatorship.” While others had their doubts, Esrael sensed this was his big chance to make a difference. He saw an aura of success that others didn’t. “To take a failing organization, pull it back from the brink, and turn it into something better and stronger than it was before—I knew it could be done.”

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In 1984 he was promoted to president and CEO. There still lingered numerous challenges and obstacles, such as entrenched silos. “Over time, I broke down those silos and showed our staff that we’re stronger together than apart,” he recalls. He also wanted his people to know that promotions would be based on merit alone. No more legacy positions. “If you were the best person for the job, you were the one who got the job—not someone who’d been waiting in a queue.”

This required having the leadership to change personnel as the organization’s needs changed. “I have one simple rule when it comes to leadership—surround yourself with good people and let them do what they do best,” he explains. “While it sounds easy, it can be

difficult in practice because you must be certain your team is comprised of the right people in the right roles. You can’t put them in a box or define them in a certain way; you must recognize people grow and change, and then see how you can deploy their evolving strengths to benefit the organization.”

Strategic planning is another area Esrael refined by flipping the traditional top-down method on its head. “In most organizations strategic plans are formulated by the board and then delivered to management to execute,” explains Esrael. “We do the exact opposite.

Our yearly plan starts with ideas and suggestions from staff who work directly with our members. Their managers take what they’ve garnered from their employees and form goals which are then reviewed and edited by senior management. A formal plan is created and presented to our board for their review and feedback.” While this process may not be typical or feasible for all organizations, at First South it has ensured buy-in at all levels.

Under Esrael’s leadership First South Financial is now among the top 1% of financial institutions nationwide for fiscal strength and stability, a ranking which has been consistent the past thirty years. When ranked with local banks it’s the 6th largest based on deposits and is the largest credit union ranked by capital.

IDC Financial Publishing, an independent rating organization, has awarded First South Financial a perfect 300 point rating twenty-eight out of the last thirty years—the longest consecutive perfect score in IDC history. An IDC representative recently stated, “First South Financial’s net worth is incredible. Any credit union with a net worth ratio of 7% is considered well capitalized by the National

Credit Union Administration. First South Financial is four times what is required (28.57%) and is one of the highest in the nation.”

Awards and honors have been a part of Esrael’s journey ever since he set life changing goals for himself as a young man. He has served on dozens of boards of directors over the years and has led countless committees and task forces aimed at community improvements. To name a few, he’s garnered accolades from Memphis Business Journal’s Executive of the Year, Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Wisconsin, first CEO ever inducted into Tennessee Credit Union Hall of Fame, named Man of the Year by Bartlett Express, and was recipient of the Governor’s Tennessee Volunteer Commendation Award.

His current community service includes the University of Memphis’s Advisory Board, Chairman of the Bartlett Area Chamber of Commerce board, Chairman of St. Francis Hospital-Bartlett board, and executive committee member for WKNO’s board of directors. He also serves on the board of the Orpheum Theatre.

Esrael is particularly proud of being profiled in Fortune Magazine in 2015 as one of the fittest CEOs in America alongside Richard Branson of Virgin, T. Boone Pickens of BP Capital and Dick Costola of X (formerly

Twitter). In 2017 he was included in a Forbes Magazine article titled “Sweat Equity: Inside the Daily Fitness Routines of CEOs.”

This recognition is particularly meaningful to Esrael because it harkens back to his earlier days which were not harbingers of success. He was an overweight and mediocre student. There was little in those years suggesting he would eventually shed 65 pounds, work his way through college as a fashion model, and earn four university degrees — including a PhD from Vanderbilt — with a near 4.0 average.

These tangible reminders of achievement, such as the Fortune and Forbes articles, reinforce how Esrael applied the universal laws of success to achieve the physical and financial goals he set out to attain. In creating these goals he understood that commensurate rewards could be accomplished only through deliberate and positive actions. For every effect there’s a cause— for every action, a reaction.

“My mother never stopped encouraging me,” says Esrael. “Although we were broke, she instilled the notion I could do anything I wanted in life. She was a philanthropist without money—and would literally do anything for anyone in need.”

Although she was an inspiration to Esrael, he’s convinced any young person can motivate themselves into becoming successful. “I’ve always had endless curiosity—which is a must. You should never be afraid to consider all of life’s possibilities, and to examine them from every angle. Obvious choices may not always be the best ones. If you try something and fail, learn from it and move on.”

These days Esrael still takes his physical fitness seriously. He rises daily at 4:00 AM, works out, and arrives at his desk by 6:30 AM or earlier. On the credenza behind him sits a large bronze bust of Teddy Roosevelt—a figure he admires for sharing similar attitudes about courage, leadership and life in general.

When you look at Craig Esrael’s career—with its humble beginnings that eventually unfurled into a profession marked by success after success—you might be reminded of one of the “Roughriders” famous quotes: “Believe you can and you’re halfway there.”

Jaime L. Deal Senior Vice President

Stax

Records Little Known History

Who Knew Brunswick Played a Part?

Stax Records, originally known as Satellite, was founded in 1957 by siblings Jim Stewart and Estelle Axton. It remains one of the most influential and wellknown recording labels in American history. Almost everyone is familiar with the music luminaries associated with Stax—Sam and Dave, Johnnie Taylor, Otis Redding, Rufus Thomas, Isaac Hayes, and many others.

But it’s unlikely most people know its first actual recording studio—other than the garage it originally operated in—was located in the unincorporated community of Brunswick.

The company’s founder, Jim Stewart, worked as a banker with First Tennessee Bank (now first Horizon) by day, and by night recorded rockabilly records under a label he co-owned with a partner. He performed on week-ends with a house band at a Memphis joint called the Eagles Nest. In those days Elvis Presley played during the intermissions at the club.

Most of the duo’s records sold few to no copies and the only airplay they received was on the radio station where Byler worked.

Ever the entrepreneur, Jim Stewart pressed on. In 1958 he brought his sister Estelle Axton into the business. Earning just eighteen dollars a week, she mortgaged her home for $9,000. She bought out Jim’s other partners and financed the purchase of then state-of-the-art recording equipment. Their business venture eventually became Stax—ST for Stewart and AX for Axton.

With new equipment, Stewart and Axton needed a permanent place to record. A friend of Stewart’s owned an empty building in a tiny rural enclave known as Brunswick. It was thirty miles outside of Memphis but he allowed them to use it for free until they started making a profit.

By 1957 Elvis’s career took off, dominating the pop music charts, while Jim Stewart’s dabbling in country music was inauspicious at best. Still recording in a twocar garage using a portable reel-to-reel tape recorder, he and his partner Fred Byler recorded songs that sounded like “weak and weepy imitations of the Anita Kerr Singers” according to Rob Bowman, author of Soulsville U.S.A.

In an interview with Rob Grayson—owner of Wilkerson Sound Studio and host of WKNO’s AM show, “Morning Edition”—I learned Stewart and Axton obtained the Brunswick building for “literally a song.” Grayson, a collector of music stories, has been a fixture in the Memphis music scene as a DJ and recording engineer.

“Half a century ago, if you asked a local where Brunswick was, they’d say it’s ‘eight miles from the fourway,’ and that answer would suffice,” said Grayson.

Jim Stewart c. 1960

No matter where you live or work or whatever your financial need, Bank of Bartlett has a bank or ATM in your neighborhood.

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in 1980. Locally owned and proud to be headquartered in Bartlett

The brother-sister team immediately aroused suspicion in the tiny tight-knit community Grayson explained. The rural townsfolk didn’t quite know what to make of this recording studio business. They wondered if it was legal. Was it really a business—if so, what kind of business?

“Jim and Estelle were summoned to a town hall meeting at a local church, where fortunately they passed muster,” Grayson laughed. “People just couldn’t understand why a recording studio wanted to open up in Brunswick.”

Still operating as Satellite Records, Stewart and Axton remained in Brunswick for almost two years. During that time they recorded a rhythm and blues

group called the Veltones. The all-Black group’s record “Fool in Love” gained national distribution by Mercury Records, and the studio tasted its first blush of success.

Eventually artists began complaining of the long commute back and forth to Memphis. And there was also the matter of the L&N Railroad. Said Grayson, “Just about every time they started recording, another train would roll through and bust the take.”

So the decision was made to relocate again. This time to a building on E. McLemore, where the Stax recording name eventually became enshrined in musical history.

In the following years, some of the most powerful and groundbreaking records of the era were recorded, including Otis Redding’s “Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay,” Sam & Dave’s “Soul Man,” Isaac Hayes’ “Shaft,” and the Staple Singers’ “I’ll Take You There.”

According to Grayson, Stax wouldn’t have been the legend it is today if they hadn’t spent two years doing “hard time” in Brunswick. “Their experiences out there—with the hardships of having to make do in that old building with horrible acoustics next to the

Estelle Axton, Jim Stewart c. 1960

train tracks, and them constantly having to raise more cash—all that toughened them up as entrepreneurs,” said Grayson.

For twenty years Stax churned out hit after hit. It placed more than 167 songs in the Top 100 on the pop charts and over 240 hits in the Top 100 R&B charts. But in 1977 it all came to an end when Stax filed for bankruptcy, ending an historic chapter in Memphis music.

“Most people don’t ‘make it’ in the music business,” said Grayson, “but Stax was a company that knew how to convert real trials and tribulations into music that today is referred to as soul.”

Rob Grayson

Welcoming Dr. Sherwin Stewart

New CEO of Saint Francis Hospital-Bartlett as the

The Bartlett Area Chamber of Commerce extends a warm welcome to Dr. Sherwin Stewart as he assumes the role of CEO at Saint Francis Hospital-Bartlett. Dr. Stewart brings with him a wealth of experience and a passion for healthcare that aligns with the values of our membership and the Bartlett community.

With his proven track record of leadership and dedication to excellence, we are confident that Dr. Stewart will lead Saint Francis to new heights of success in providing top-notch healthcare services to the residents of our region.

As a chamber of commerce, we recognize the pivotal role Saint Francis plays in the well-being and vitality of our community. Dr. Stewart’s vision and expertise will undoubtedly contribute to the continued growth and advancement of healthcare services in Bartlett and beyond.

We look forward to working closely with Dr. Stewart and his team at Saint Francis as we strive to foster a healthier and more vibrant community together.

We are excited about the positive impact his leadership will bring to our community’s healthcare landscape.

Photography Reveals Talent of Bartlett Students

But it Also Teaches Life Skills

When Bartlett school teacher Amanda Tutor created a photography club in 2017 she didn’t envision the popularity and success of her new endeavor.

The teacher—whose credits among others include Tennessee Teacher of the Year (Grand Division West, 2020) and 2018 NAEA School for Art Leaders—is herself a talented photographer. Her aim was to share

her passion and experience with students who were interested in how to use a camera.

“Photography is near and dear to my heart,” explains Tutor. “It was my first love as a visual arts student, way back when we used film. I was trained in a darkroom, and I found photography to be empowering.”

Jones Hayveen - Before the Cyclone

When Tudor asked her principal if she could start a photography club, he gave her an enthusiastic green light.

The club is student-run, and is open to youngsters in grades nine through twelve. “Most of these kids came into the club with no background in photography. And it quickly became a safe environment for kids who felt lost, or felt they didn’t really have a ‘place’ at all,” she says.

The club soon became so wildly successful students approached her about the possibility of creating a photography class. Tutor took their idea to the school’s administration and photography was added to its curriculum as an Advanced Class at Bartlett High School.

“We didn’t need thousands of dollars to get it started,” recalls Tutor. “We had so much support from everyone, and most of the kids were just using the cameras in their smart phones.”

By the next year the class was so much in demand it replaced all the other art classes Tutor taught. She began seeing her students “specialize.” Some gravitated toward sports photography while others preferred nature shots or portrait photos.

It wasn’t long before her students were giving volunteer presentations and entering every photo contest they could find. One was a competition sponsored by the Memphis Airport Authority, where today some of her students’ pictures are hanging in the baggage claim area. Others can be found at St. Francis Hospital-Bartlett, which has a gallery in the halls of its ER area.

In 2022 her students had sixteen photographs that won Scholastic Art Awards in the Mid-South Region for students in grades seven through twelve. “The Scholastic Art competition is a big deal,” says Tutor. “They are very prestigious and student submissions are judged by some of the biggest luminaries in the visual and literary arts.”

Last year Tutor’s class provided all of the photographs used to illustrate the 2023 calendar the Bartlett Area Chamber of Commerce produced with the sponsorship of First South Financial Credit Union. The theme was wildlife and nature, and her students submitted stunning photographs that could have easily graced similar calendars produced by the Wildlife Federation or The Nature Conservancy.

The calendar photos were so impressive it garnered the students the TechEd2Go Award of Excellence. “My students were so honored and thrilled by this award,” says Tutor.

As a result of the training they’ve

received, some of her students have started their own small—but successful—photography businesses.

“I have one student who earned so much taking photos he was able to buy his own car in his senior year,” recalls Tutor. “Another one has been hired to shoot photos all over the world—this student earns twice what I make as a teacher!”

While some teachers might have been a bit resentful of these youngster’s entrepreneurial success, Tutor has nothing but pride for what they’ve accomplished. “Today’s visual culture makes photography a great course for our students,”

she says. “It provides a creative outlet for those who may not be interested in traditional visual art.”

And, she reiterates, photography is much more than just learning to use a camera and turning it into a hobby or even a business. It also provides an opportunity to learn new life skills.

“Students can grow through photography,” she says. “They learn new thinking skills—new ways to look at their environment. It teaches confidence and builds self-esteem. When they enter competitions it teaches them about winning and losing, and about gaining fresh insights and perspectives.”

Tutor believes she has the best job in the world.

“I love my students—they inspire me every day,” she says. “This is truly the best job. I wouldn’t do anything else!”

Woody Andaiyn - His Light Lives On

Mikaylee Climer - Home Coming Ball Game

Russell Zach - Crooked

“My biggest challenge is getting people who’ve never been to our farmer’s market to come out and experience it,” says Market Manager Lyn Whitson. “Once they see how great it is, they usually come back again and again.”

The Bartlett Station Farmer’s Market first began operation in the spring of 2011. It’s open every Saturday from 8:00 AM until noon— May through September—at the WJ Freeman Park. Vendor booths are set up under the A. Keith McDonald Pavilion and the surrounding area.

The nonprofit, farmer’s market has grown into an event that draws visitors throughout Shelby County and beyond. It’s ranked number seven in the top ten farmer’s markets by the State of Tennessee, with special accolades for Best Produce and Best Catering.

“People always tell us this is the friendliest farmer’s market they’ve ever seen,” says Whitson. “They come out to shop, walk the trails, and enjoy the weekly events. There are always things going on for children and their parents —and some folks just like to come out, grab some coffee and celebrate Saturday morning.”

Although the fresh produce is the number one reason most people visit the farmer’s market, the variety of activities and the non-food vendors are also big draws.

“We typically have seven full-time produce vendors who sell items like heirloom tomatoes, honey, eggs, meat, baked goods and other fruits and vegetables, in season” says Whitson. “And we also have jellies, flowers, kettle corn, artisan coffee, fresh squeezed lemonade, soap, crafts and woodcraft items including art and jewelry.”

One of the major attractions is the uniqueness of its offerings. Everything sold must be homemade and homegrown. There are no mass-produced items—nothing that is resold.

“Our vendors are pleased with how we operate. We try not to duplicate any type items. We put a premium on exclusivity. If someone is a lemonade vendor, and we already have one, we must regretfully turn them down.”

We love our volunteers, especially when we arrive at the ‘dog days’ of summer when the heat becomes a challenge,” laughs Whitson. “In July and August, it can get up to a whopping 100 degrees by 12:00, and by that time vendors, volunteers and guests are ready to wrap it up.”

The farmer’s market is especially grateful for its sponsors: Bartlett Station Commission, First Horizon Bank, Wiemar’s Jewelry, The Bartlett Education Foundation and First Citizen’s National Bank.

Whitson says she’s always open to new vendors. The Bartlett Station management requires that 80% of everything sold is edible—leaving 20% for craft and non-food items. She encourages anyone with new ideas to contact her.

The only restrictions regarding food vendors is that they are licensed to sell, and that they carry liability insurance. They must also pledge to have their booth open and operational by 8:00 AM and they remain open until closing time at noon.

The farmer’s market offers much more than food, produce and crafts. There’s live music every Saturday, and each month there’s kid’s crafts, scavenger hunts, and a monthly car show. Throughout the season there are special activities including Grand Opening Weekend, the Freedom Parade around the 4th of July, the National Farmer’s Market Week in August, First Responders Appreciation Day and other family-oriented events.

Whitson says she’s always open to volunteers, young and old, students who need community service hours or just someone who wants to meet new people and have a good time.

For the 2024 season Whitson is seeking a teeshirt sponsor, additional sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information contact Lyn at bartlettstationfarmersmarket@gmail.com or call the Bartlett Area Chamber of Commerce at 901-372-9457.

“The 2024 season has started out great!” exclaims Whitson. “Every time I bump into someone who’s a ‘regular’ they say they wish we’d open sooner. But we’re restrained by the growing season, and that’s why we start in late May.

“But when we do open again this year it will be bigger and better than ever, with more ways to celebrate Saturday morning.”

The Ear, Nose and Throat industry was born in Memphis, TN more than 50 years ago.

Grace Medical is proud to represent our hometown and carry on this rich tradition.

“Pain slows people down and places limits on their life.”

At Cole Pain Therapy Group, our team has been relieving pain and restoring lives for over 40 years. We provide customized chiropractic solutions to free people from pain’s limitations, to move well, and to feel healthier for life.

A Unique Boutique

When Susan Tanner and her sister Lynn Barcroft opened Pink Ribbons in November of 2011 it was the fulfillment of a long-time dream. And it also achieved their goal of bridging the gap for services within the mastectomy and lymphedema community of West Tennessee.

“The need was definitely there,” said Tanner. “Most orthotics and prosthetics businesses are run by men and most of them have limited mastectomy products. There are women stuffing their bras with socks to accommodate the changes brought on by their breast cancer treatment, and we knew we could help them.”

Tanner had worked as a nurse for thirty years and Barcroft’s entire career was that of an orthotist—so the duo already had an ideal combination of experience and skills. “We spent a year perfecting our business plan,” explained Tanner.

They also waited patiently for a man to close his prosthetics practice on North White Station Road. Tanner and Barcroft bought out his stock, took up his lease and purchased his customer base, which provided instant clients. (Several years later Pink Ribbons relocated to their current address at 6295 Summer Avenue).

While waiting to get their Medicare approval, there were women already lined up to do business with them. As word of mouth spread they began serving clients from Mississippi, Arkansas and middle Tennessee. Others learned about them from cancer support groups—and these days they’re regulars at expos and health fairs.

The products Pink Ribbons sells and the services they offer are unique. It’s little wonder women come from far and wide to gain access to them. “Every woman reacts differently to breast cancer,” advised Tanner. “Some want breast reconstruction while others don’t. We offer a variety of items and prostheses appropriate to individual wants and needs.”

A major goal of Pink Ribbons is to make women feel comfortable and to help them regain or maintain self-esteem. And for many, that means dealing with their post-operative body image. Not only is their silhouette altered but often the post-operative changes leave them feeling lopsided or imbalanced.

Typically women visit the boutique for a consultation after their surgery date is set. Their care and services then begin from that time into the days and weeks following their surgery. At the consultation they discuss what items she may want—ranging from reconstruction or custom prostheses, to balance or exercise prostheses, and other post-surgical items.

Working with their surgeon, a representative from Pink Ribbons arrives at the clients’ hospital room following their surgery. She’ll bring a soft post-surgery camisole that’s not only feminine looking but also has a removable drainage pouch.

Later the client may opt for special post-mastectomy bras. These can range from sporty types or ones with smooth, molded cups. They can choose soft and frilly bras and ones in different colors and materials. A Certified Mastectomy fitter with specialized training and testing will be on hand to measure her.

Tanner says it’s important for women on Medicare to know it covers as many mastectomy bras as deemed medically necessary by their doctor. It also covers one silicone breast form (or two for bilateral surgeries) every two years or one foam form (two for bilateral surgeries) every six months.

The sisters were pleased by the passage of the Lymphedema Treatment Act, a federal law passed last December. “It went into effect January first of 2024,” said Tanner. “This improves insurance coverage for the medically necessary, doctor-prescribed compression supplies that are critical for lymphedema treatment.”

Unfortunately, some breast cancer patients develop lymphedema—a condition that can occur following their surgery. It’s caused by a blockage in the lymphatic system and is most commonly caused by lymph node removal or damage due to radiation treatment.

“There is no cure for lymphedema, only management,” explained Tanner. Pink Ribbons offers compression garments from leading manufacturers, including compression wraps, arm sleeves, stockings and gloves. The company is also an exclusive distributor of LymphaPress pneumatic compression pumps.

To the delight of her clients, Pink Ribbons has gotten into the wig business. “As a durable medical supply company we try to offer everything a breast cancer patient needs,” said Tanner. “For women who’ve lost their hair, having a good wig is essential to their emotional health and self-esteem.”

Although wigs aren’t typically covered by original Medicare—which doesn’t consider them medically necessary—some Medicare Advantage plans and some private insurers will cover their costs.

Tanner and Barcroft are pleased with the success of their business. “This has been my sister’s and my dream. It’s not a business we’ll ever get rich with but it’s one that’s intensely satisfying.”

Tanner is well-known in the Bartlett community and beyond for her community spirit and volunteerism. She currently serves as president of the Bartlett Chamber’s Ambassador Club, and for twelve years she’s been active with Camp Conquest, an organization for special needs children.

“Service is what I love to do,” she said. “When you can help someone else, it always comes back to you.”

Proudly Servi ng Our Community MEETING

THE BE HAVI OR AL HEALTH NEEDS OF YOUR EN TIRE FAMILY

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A Taste of Tradition: Lenny’s Sub Shop Celebrates 25 Years in Bartlett

Nestled in the vibrant community of Bartlett, Tennessee, Lenny’s Sub Shop stands as a culinary landmark, having recently celebrated its 25th anniversary. The festivities marked a quarter-century since Len and Sheila Moore introduced their vision of the Philly cheesesteak and Italian sub to the Memphis area, a taste they missed from their Northeastern roots.

I recently sat down with Don Bomar, co-owner of the original Lenny’s location, to talk about the brand’s journey from its inception to becoming a beloved local institution. Bomar, along with his brother, brought their two decades of experience in the food service industry to support the Moore’s in expanding Lenny’s Sub Shop’s presence in the area.

In 2003, the Bomar brothers purchased two Lenny’s franchises, and their involvement was crucial to the brand’s rapid growth in Memphis. While the landscape of local eateries has shifted over the years, the Bomar

brothers made the decision in 2015 to sell their interests in the additional locations but kept the original Bartlett store, ensuring that the founding shop’s legacy continued.

The recent 25th-anniversary event was a testament to the community’s love for Lenny’s, featuring live music and a speech by Mayor David Parsons, who highlighted the establishment’s role in the local economy and its contribution to the city’s culture.

Lenny’s Sub Shop’s success is not just in its food but also in its role as a community hub, an achievement that Don Bomar takes pride in. The Corporate Headquarters, also based in the Memphis area, ensures that franchises receive the support and training needed to maintain the high standards that Lenny’s is known for.