Presentations - The Society of Entrepreneurs

How to identify and manage the Top 10 Employment risks to your business

Thursday, July 21, 2009

Entrepreneurs typically start a business because of a great idea, a passion for a certain process, or a desire to be the master of their own destiny. But most entrepreneurs overlook the fact that starting a business often means becoming an employer, and they aren’t always ready for that challenge. Even established businesses can easily lose sight of the changing landscape of employment laws that can jeopardize their profitability and even their existence. Managing your employment duties and risks in these changing times is becoming more and more important to your company’s survival.

Fundamentals of Franchising - Presented by Reggie Wright, Franchising Director with Dunkin Donuts

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Reggie discussed the advantages and disadvantages of franchising, evaluating franchise opportunities and the keys to franchising success.

Entrepreneurs Roundtable Lunch & Discussion with Bayard Boyle, Chairman, and Henry Morgan, President, Boyle Investment Company

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Bayard Boyle, Jr. Boyle Investment Company , Chairman As a third generation real estate developer, Bayard Boyle knows something about entrepreneurship – he’s learned from the best. Mr. Boyle’s business success is based largely on his determination to pick the best people. Mr. Boyle currently serves as Chairman of Boyle Investment Company, an organization started by his father. Alongside President Henry Morgan, Mr. Boyle has led the company to become a leader in the real estate arena, developing prime properties in Tennessee, Florida, Mississippi, Missouri, Texas and Arkansas. Mr. Boyle has served on the boards of Rhodes College, St George’s School, Pathfinder International and is a board member and former chairman of Intercollegiate Studies Institute in Wilmington, DE. He and his wife are members of Woodland Presbyterian Church. Henry W. Morgan Boyle Investment Company, President A 2001 inductee into the Society of Entrepreneurs, Henry W. Morgan is a man who has learned that hard work, innovation and dedication are what bring success. He currently serves as President of the Boyle Investment Company, a position he holds after working his way up from when he joined the company in 1965. Alongside Boyle’s Chairman, Bayard Boyle, Mr. Morgan has led the company to becoming a leader in the real estate arena, developing prime properties in Tennessee, Florida, Mississippi, Missouri, Texas, Illinois, Kentucky and Arkansas. Their projects include office properties, retail holdings and large build-to-suit headquarters for major corporations. Mr. Morgan’s community interest involvements are numerous, including the Boy Scouts of America, the Boys’ Club of Memphis, the Memphis Arts Council, Baptist Healthcare Foundation, The Trezevant Manor and the Allen Morgan Nursing Center.

The Business Case for Sustainability with Catherine Elliott McAndrews, President of GoGo Green, LLC

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Catherine Elliott McAndrews, President of GoGo Green, LLC, presented a compelling message about environmental stewardship and how it has fast become central to business strategies. Sustainability is increasingly becoming an important driver of business growth and success. With Earth Day around the corner this presentation was very timely. All attendees gained a greater understanding of the relevance and importance of this subject.

Entrepreneurs Roundtable Lunch and Discussion with Ben and Phil Bryant

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Society of Entrepreneurs member Ben Bryant shared his entrepreneurial story, and was joined by his son Phil, who discussed his research on four characteristics all emerging organizations must develop to survive. Ben C. Bryant, Jr. Cook Systems International, Inc., President “There’s always room for another good idea.” Ben Bryant has proven this to be true, immersing himself in the world of Information Technology, where he brought forth his ideas in every arena from application programming to management consulting. For 24 years, Ben dedicated himself to SCB Computer Technology, Inc. (founded as Seltmann, Cobb, and Bryant), working to build the firm from a small, three-person operation in 1976 to a company comprised of over 1,200 in 2000. In 1998, SCB was named to Forbes’ list of the 200 Best Small Public Companies. Ben Bryant is currently President and an owner of Cook Systems International, another Memphis-based IT solutions leader. As President, Ben is again bringing innovative cost-effective IT service models to our region of the country. Ben is a member of the University of Memphis Board of Visitors; Co-Chairman of the Information Technology committee, and a member of The University of Memphis Research Foundation Board. He is also on the Fogelman College of Business and Economics Advisory Board and its MIS Advisory Council. In 1999, he was a recipient of the University of Memphis Distinguished Alumni Award for Achievement. Ben also serves on the Board of Trustees of Christian Brothers University and the School of Business Dean's Advisory Board. Phil Bryant Phil Bryant earned an MBA from Belhaven College in 2000 and has been an adjunct instructor for Belhaven ever since. He is currently completing the requirements for a Ph.D. in Business Management at the University of Memphis where he is concentrating in Human Resources and Organizational Behavior as they apply in the context of entrepreneurship and family businesses. His publications range from academic journal articles to a less academic, but fun and inspirational book. Mr. Bryant is a faculty member in the School of Business at Christian Brothers University and serves as the Executive Director for their Family Business Forum. He has consulting experience on both sides of the small business growth and capitalization equation – small businesses seeking strategic growth advice and capital and individuals seeking investment advice and opportunities in entrepreneurial enterprises.

Roundtable Discussion on Annoying and Unproductive Habits in the Workplace, with Kimberly Medlock, CPO

Thursday, February 12, 2009

If it drives you crazy when a caller does not leave a call back number, someone uses “reply all” when responding to an email message, or when co-workers hover over your desk while you are on the phone…and you want to know what to do about it…then this was the meeting for you! Kimberly Medlock, CPO, discussed her new book, “What Not to do at the Office: 44 Annoying and Unproductive Habits in the Workplace". Kimberly also shared ways to change those undesirable habits. This meeting of the Entrepreneurs Roundtable was sponsored by The Society of Entrepreneurs and Dunkin’ Donuts.

Evaluating Charitable Giving Opportunities

Thursday, January 22, 2009

As business owners and community leaders, many of us believe that it is important to give back to the community that gives so much to us; but, in these tough economic times, we need to be very careful with our resources. In this panel presentation, members of The Society of Entrepreneurs, Dick Barnhart, Mike Bruns, Charles Ewing and Buzzy Hussey, shared ways to evaluate the many opportunities for charitable involvement to ensure that your contributions are utilized as efficiently and effectively as possible.

Entrepreneurs Roundtable Networking Breakfast

Thursday, December 11, 2008

We decided to take this popular event to one of our member companies, Natural Body Spa and Shoppe in The Shops of Saddle Creek. This meeting of the Entrepreneurs Roundtable was sponsored by The Society of Entrepreneurs and Dunkin’ Donuts.

3rd Annual Small Business Seminar with Ed Horrell, Author & Founder of The Kindness Revolution

Thursday, November 6, 2008 08:40:10 -0500

The 3rd Annual Small Business Seminar featured results of Memphis Customer Service Survey. The Kindness Revolution is pleased to be working with Paragon National Bank and The Society of Entrepreneurs on this first Memphis customer service survey. Ed Horrell shared the results of this survey of candid opinions and thoughts of Memphis-area consumers of products and services at the 3rd Annual Small Business Seminar at the Holiday Inn at the University of Memphis on Thursday, November 6th, 2008 sponsored by Dunkin Donuts, Paragon National Bank and The Society of Entrepreneurs.

Lunch and Discussion with Douglas J. Marchant, President/CEO, Unified Health Services

Thursday, October 16, 2008 08:40:10 -0500

Doug Marchant graduated from Mississippi State University and then began his working career with EFS. Concord/EFS grew to become a leading provider of electronic transaction authorization, processing, settlement, and fund transfer services. Eventually Concord became a publicly traded company which has since been acquired by First Data Corporation (NYSE: FDC). In 1996, Doug founded Electronic Physician Network (EPN) to help doctors and hospitals move medical data electronically and streamline data access. After several years of success he sold EPN to Envoy Corporation which was later acquired by WebMD who expanded their operations through the EPN business model. In 1997 entrepreneur Marchant became one of the original founders of Unified Health Services (UHS). Under his leadership UHS has become a leading provider of worker’s compensation claim processing services nationally handling nearly 300,000 patient visits annually for hospitals and medical groups in 25 states.

Entrepreneurs Roundtable Meeting with author Larry Farrell on The Spirit of Enterprise

September 18, 2008 08:40:10 -0500

The Society of Entrepreneurs and Junior Achievement of the Mid-South partnered to bring an outstanding speaker, Mr. Larry Farrell, to the Entrepreneurs Roundtable at noon on Thursday, September 18th at Exchange City, 307 Madison Ave.

Larry Farrell's first book, Searching For The Spirit Of Enterprise, established him as an international authority on entrepreneurship and high growth companies. His next book, The Entrepreneurial Age, broadened that original theme to examine how the power of entrepreneurship can be harnessed by companies, and entire countries to compete and prosper in the 21st century. Getting Entrepreneurial!, his latest book, is an application driven guide for "the 70% of the workforce who dream of someday creating and running their own business."

Entrepreneurs Roundtable Meeting with J. Waldrup Brown of SEACAP Financial, Inc.

August 21, 2008 08:40:10 -0500

Every business needs a trusted advisor to help manage these challenges, plan for the future and find the financing, if needed, to support your plan. With over 20 years in commercial, retail and community banking, Brown now uses his financial expertise to help family-owned, small and mid-size businesses make informed, strategic decisions for their organization.

Entrepreneurs Roundtable Meeting with Debbie Neal, School of Protocol - Thursday, July 10, 2008; Paulette's

July 10, 2008 08:40:10 -0500

According to Debbie Neal, the relaxing of dress codes and formality in today's business environment gives the false impression that protocol and etiquette are not as important as in the past. Don't be deceived. The "fast food" generation is held to the same high standards of decorum by corporate America as their predecessors - perhaps even more so. Companies actively seek and recruit people that are not only business savvy but also represent the company well, both professionally and socially. Debbie joined us for lunch at Paulette's with some tips from her very informative Utensil University Course.

Lunch and Discussion with Dan Poag, Poag & McEwen Lifestyle Centers - Tuesday, June 10, 2008

May 8, 2008 08:40:10 -0500

Once in awhile an idea comes along that changes America's lifestyle. In the mid-1980's, native Memphian Dan Poag had such an idea. He and a previous partner had a vision to create a concept in shopping centers by combining top specialty stores and restaurants in an architecturally upscale, open-air setting that was convenient and safe for the customer. His idea culminated in what is now The Shops of Saddle Creek in Germantown the first phase of which opened in 1987...recognized as the first "lifestyle center" developed in the country. Dan's company has since developed Lifestyle Centers in Omaha, Kansas City, Chicago, Denver, Colorado Springs, Loveland, CO, Hartford, Corona, CA, Lehigh Valley, PA and is now developing centers in Houston, Chicago, Boise, Manteca, CA, and Clifton, NJ. Today Poag & McEwen is widely recognized as the "Father of Lifestyle Centers" and is the leading developer of this concept around the country. Recently, Poag and McEwen was highlighted in feature stories on "lifestyle centers" in the Wall Street Journal and the industry-trade publication Shopping Centers Today. Dan is a member of Leadership Memphis and the Memphis Rotary Club. He is active in outreach programs at the Church of the Holy Communion, the District Council of the Urban Land Institute, Memphis Symphony, and with the Princeton Alumni program.

Lunch and Discussion with Dr. Rajiv Grover, Dean of the Fogelman College of Business and Economics - Thursday, May 8, 2008

May 8, 2008 08:40:10 -0500

Dr. Rajiv Grover talked about his new initiatives at the Fogelman College of Business and Economics that will help build bridges between the business community and the College. As the Dean, he is committed to satisfying the needs of the business community, who he considers to be his customers, by supplying excellent students, who he considers to be his products. As a sample of what the Fogelman College of Business and Economics can do for the entrepreneurs in the area, he gave a mini-talk on "Marketing" for entrepreneurial organizations. Dr. Rajiv Grover is the Dean of the Fogelman College of Business and Economics and the holder of the Sales and Marketing Chair of Excellence at the University of Memphis. Prior to his appointment as the Dean, he was the holder of the Terry Chair of Excellence and the Head of the Marketing Department at the University of Georgia. Dr. Grover has held academic positions at Penn State, University of Pittsburgh, and the University of Georgia. He has been a visiting professor at Johns Hopkins, Duke and Stanford. He has also held corporate positions including the one of being a Senior VP at a Silicon Valley start-up that was engaged in software development in the e-commerce area. Dr. Grover's area of expertise is marketing with specific capabilities in the interface of marketing research and marketing strategy.

Lunch and Discussion with Alan Crone, Co-Founder of Crone & Mason, PLC - Thursday, April 10, 2008

April 10, 2008 08:40:10 -0500

Attorney Alan Crone educated attendees on how non-competes apply to employers and employees, and in what situations they are enforceable. In this presentation, Alan Crone covered issues such as the appropriate scope of a non-compete, when and how non-competes are enforced, the risks associated with not adhering to non-competes, and whether you can or should be required to sign one in order to be hired for employment. Attendees also learned about trade secret protection and intellectual property. What qualifies as a trade secret, and how is one protected? What can be considered intellectual property? If a person is on staff or a salaried employee who was involved in a creation or invention, do they have any rights to the revenue generated by that idea? Alan Crone defined and provided a clear perspective on these three important areas of law with which any entrepreneur or business leader should be familiar. Alan Crone is Co-Founder of Crone & Mason, PLC and leads the firms Executive Employment Law Practice Group.

Lunch and Discussion with Hilliard Crews, CEO of Shelby Group Intl., Inc

Thursday, March 20, 2008 08:40:10 -0500

Hilliard Crews founded Memphis Glove Company in 1974 as an importer of industrial gloves. After several years of successful growth he co-founded Crews Safety glasses, River City Rainwear and Shelby Specialty Gloves. All 4 companies became leaders in their product specialty and were recently merged into Shelby Group Intl., Inc. Hilliard formed Crews Realty in 1990 and has also been active as a venture capital investor since 2000 and serves on several company boards.

Social Networking with Dave Barger

Thursday, February 14, 2008 08:40:10 -0500

Dave Barger, President and CEO of LunaWeb, spoke to attendees on the sweeping trend in web technology of social media; including: social networking Facebook, LinkedIn, RSS and MicroMedia in terms that every business owner should know - now.

Bob Furniss-2nd Annual Small Business Seminar

Thursday, November 8, 2007 08:40:10 -0500

Paragon National Bank and The Society of Entrepreneurs co-sponsored this informative seminar presented by Bob Furniss.

Shali Atkinson-Contagious Networking with Shali Atkinson

Thursday, December 6, 2007 08:40:10 -0500

Shali Atkinson believes that, “where much is given, much is required,�? and that everyone can reach their full potential both – personally and professionally – by getting to know the people around them. To live out that adage, Shali has developed a seminar based on her Contagious Networking concept.

Art Gilliam- Entrepreneurs Roundtable -Experience as a Business Owner

Thu, 17 Jan 2008 08:40:10 -0500

Art Gilliam spoke to the Entrepreneurs Roundtable about his experience as a business owner. Art returned to Memphis as a young, progressive-minded, Yale-educated businessman and bought WLOK in 1977, making it the first black-owned (and the first locally owned) radio station in the city of Memphis. Under Art Gilliam’s leadership, the WLOK Stone Soul Picnic was organized and professionally managed, drawing tens of thousands of people to the Martin Luther King Park each year. By the mid-eighties, the station had changed its R&B format to a full-gospel format, and by the late nineties, WLOK had won honors and acclaim from every major gospel association in the country, earning for several consecutive years the title of #1 Gospel Station in the nation by Religion & Media Quarterly.

Keep Swinging- An Entrepreneurs Story of Overcoming Adversity and Achieving Small Business Success

Thu, 18 Oct 2007 13:34:08 -0500

Jay B. Myers, President/CEO of Interactive Solutions, Inc. spoke about his new book “Keep Swinging- An Entrepreneurs Story of Overcoming Adversity and Achieving Small Business Success�? at the Entrepreneurs Roundtable on Thursday, October 18, 2007. In his captivating new book KEEP SWINGING: An Entrepreneur’s Story of Overcoming Adversity and Achieving Small Business Success (Morgan James Publishing, Oct. ’07), Myers details what led him to start his own company after nearly 20 years of success working sales for corporate giants like Eastman Kodak and Hewlett-Packard, how he was able to sow the seeds of his business while the technological aspects of their operations were still developing during the mid-90’s, and how he was able to keep ISI from falling apart at the seams following an embezzlement crisis.

George Cates, retired CEO and Chairman of the Board. Mid-America Apartment Communitiesur Personal and Professional Life

Thu, 13 Sep 2007 13:34:08 -0500

George Cates’ philosophy of entrepreneurial leadership is to “encourage and trust your colleagues; it’s right, and your prospects are joined.�? His success has stemmed from recognizing the talents of those around him and working as a team to make a vision a reality. George has made a name for himself in the real estate world, beginning with the creation of the Cates Company in 1977. In 1994, the Cates Company became a publicly traded company, changing its name to Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc. with George at the helm as CEO and Chairman of the Board. Mid-America Apartment Communities owns and operates 40,000 apartment homes in 13 states, primarily located in the Southeast and in Texas.

What is your Business Really Worth?: When and Why It Matters Most

Thu, 23 Aug 2007 08:40:10 -0500

Businesses need to be valuated at a number of different junctures in their lifecycles and for a variety of reasons. Your business may need a valuation for a transfer of ownership due to sale, death, merging, or succession of ownership. Businesses may need valuation to determine assets in a divorce, taxation issues, or for implementation of an employee stock ownership plan. Different methodologies are implemented depending on the purpose of the valuation. One thing is certain: when it matters most, you need to know what your business is really worth! You can not leave that to chance. Bob King and Mackie Gober of SEACAP Financial will present key reasons and methodologies for successfully valuating your business for each different situation. They will also speak to how proper valuation practices can ease transitions such as business ownership transfers and other exit strategies.

Lunch and Discussion with Rudi Scheidt, Retired Chairman, Hohenberg Brothers Co.

Mon, 20 Aug 2007 11:18:27 -0500

The name Rudi Scheidt is music to the ears of many at the University of Memphis – literally. In June 2000, Rudi and Honey Scheidt gave the largest gift ever in the history of the College of Communication and Fine Arts. Accordingly, the music department was re-named the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music, and the gift elevated the department to a new level, reviving the opera program and allowing the school to recruit and retain top faculty for its more than 500 music students from around the world. However, June 2000 was not the first time Memphis heard the Scheidt name. A retired cotton industry executive, Rudi and Honey have long been known for their major contributions to the arts. In 1985, they were instrumental in bringing the "Ramses the Great" exhibition to Memphis, kicking off the city's continued interest in such grand-scale art events. The Scheidts are constantly involved in the arts, helping to produce local films, serving on committees and boards of such organizations as the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, the Memphis College of Art, Opera Memphis and the Memphis Arts Festival. In May 2001, the State of Tennessee stepped forward to award them the highest honor given to arts supporters – the Governor’s Award for Arts Leadership.

Envisioning the Future: Succession versus Redemption Business Planning Strategies for Business Owners

Mon, 20 Aug 2007 13:27:01 -0500

It is never too early to start planning for the future…if your plan is to grow, merge or sell your business one day than you didn’t want to miss this very important meeting with Annetta Story of The Marston Group. At the meeting we explored ways of operating your business, even from the very beginning, to ensure a successful transition of your business for future generations.

Protect Your Business From Suffering a Prolonged Service Interruption

Mon, 20 Aug 2007 13:31:04 -0500

Mark Giannini, President and CEO of Service Assurance and PackRat, discussed how one needs both careful planning and the right tools in order to protect your business from suffering a prolonged service interruption due to things like natural disaster, a mechanical failure, computer virus or even simple human error. Luckily, when only a few key steps are taken, your business can be protected against virtually any disaster. A business continuity plan is the first step in protecting your businesses assets and ensuring extraordinary circumstances don’t lead to its downfall. It was a very informative, thought provoking meeting.

Balancing your Personal and Professional Life

Mon, 20 Aug 2007 13:34:08 -0500

Karen Blockman Carrier, Ellen Rolfes and Susie Wang shared their tips for success in operating a thriving business and at the same time juggling an active family life. The meeting took place at Karen’s fabulous restaurant, Cielo, located in historic Victorian Village. It was an amazing presentation with great information!

Bob Levey, Hardin Chair of Excellence in the Department of Journalism at The University of Memphis

Mon, 20 Aug 2007 13:36:54 -0500

Journalism has undergone as much change in the last ten years as any profession on earth. The Internet changed all the rules, but cable TV, satellite radio and longer work weeks have played significant roles as well. Where will it all end up? Journalist and commentator Bob Levey has some answers that may surprise you. Levey is Hardin Chair of Excellence in the Department of Journalism at The University of Memphis. He comes to Memphis after a 36-year career as an editor, reporter and daily columnist at The Washington Post. While at The Post, Levey was chosen seven times as one of the most influential columnists in the nation’s capital. He was also chosen Washingtonian of the Year in 1999 for his community service. Levey raised more than $17 million for charity through his columns, more than any journalist in history. Levey has also had long, parallel careers in radio and television. In 1994, he was chosen one of the most important radio talk show hosts in the country by Talkers Magazine. He is a weekend host for Washington Post Radio, a worldwide venture of The Washington Post, and he is about to take over as the host of “It’s Academic,�? the longest-running quiz show on American television.

Fred Jones, Jr. CEO of Summitt Management Corporation, the Southern Heritage Classic and owner/limited partner of the Memphis Grizzlies

Mon, 20 Aug 2007 13:41:55 -0500

As CEO of Summitt Management Corporation, the Southern Heritage Classic, and owner/limited partner of the Memphis Grizzlies, Fred Jones Jr. has created a successful combination of sporting-entertainment events for the city of Memphis.

Gwin Scott, "Five Things Every Start-Up (and Existing Business) Needs to Know."

Mon, 20 Aug 2007 13:44:53 -0500

Gwin Scott has served as President/Founder of Uvision Media, a roll-up entity of Uvision, Inc, which is a full service technology solutions provider that focuses on streaming video and audio, web casting for internal communications, interactive dvd production, development of group collaboration tools, and hardware/software consulting to Fortune 500 and media companies.

Harry Smith, Chairman of Schilling Enterprises spoke to the Entrepreneurs Roundtable

Mon, 20 Aug 2007 13:47:32 -0500

Harry Smith started a paper route at the age of 9 that continued into his early college years. He became a CPA in 1967. His years in public accounting prepared him for his life changing career move to the Schilling Companies, Inc. as he assumed the role of Chairman and CEO of the 1000 person company. This is the holding company for the real estate and automotive divisions (which have since been sold). He also owns and manages, in partnership with Boyle Investment Company, Schilling Farms, a 448-acre planned business development in Collierville, TN. Additionally, in partnership with Steve Tucker, he owns and operates a Western saddle manufacturing company. Over the past 25 years, Harry has been involved in a number of businesses which include automotive parts, industrial engines, heating and cooling distribution, and over ten different automobile dealerships of all makes and models. He has served on the Ford Motor Company Governmental Affairs Committee and the Ford Consumer Appeals Board. In January, 2003, he was recognized as the Time-Life Quality Award Dealer for the State of Tennessee.

The Kindness Revolution: The Company-wide Culture Shift That Inspires Phenomenal Customer Service

Mon, 20 Aug 2007 13:50:40 -0500

Ed Horrell, well known author, speaker and radio host, discussed re-energizing a company’s customer service—and inspiring greater customer loyalty —using the power of kindness.

The Creative Co-op

Mon, 20 Aug 2007 13:54:09 -0500

The entrepreneurial spirit that Robert and Susan Wang embody is something that they are constantly working to recognize and ignite in others. In 1989, they endowed at the University of Memphis the Robert Wang Center for International Business. The Center serves as a catalyst and a forum for ongoing analysis, training and discourse on the global economy and the challenges of global competition for American business and higher education.

Aligning Sales and Marketing for Dynamic Growth Presentation

Mon, 20 Aug 2007 13:57:00 -0500

This is the third key in what makes companies consistently grow their top and bottom lines. Yet, our experience has shown aligning sales & marketing is one of the most misunderstood factors of success. Yes, companies understand that they need to sell their product or service to be successful.

The World Is Flat Presentation

Mon, 20 Aug 2007 13:59:27 -0500

According to author Thomas Friedman "What I mean when I say that the world is flat is that sometime in the late 1990s a whole set of technologies and political events converged--including the fall of the Berlin Wall, the rise of the Internet, the diffusion of the Windows operating system, the creation of a global fiber-optic network, and the creation of interoperable software applications, which made it very easy for people all over the world to work together--that leveled the playing field. It created a global platform that allowed more people to plug and play, collaborate and compete, share knowledge and share work, than anything we have ever seen in the history of the world. My book traces how that platform evolved and what it means for companies, countries, and individuals."