Lunch and Discussion with Dr. Rajiv Grover, Dean of the Fogelman College of Business and Economics - Thursday, May 8, 2008 Speaker: Dr. Rajiv Grover, Dean of the Fogelman College of Business and Economics at the University of Memphis Listen to the speech (.mp3) (click here to download) Watch Video 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. Dr. Grover's complete bio is available here: http://fcbe.memphis.edu/modules/general/fc_facdetails.php?id=178&topic=bio
	Lunch and Discussion with Alan Crone, Co-Founder of Crone & Mason, PLC - Thursday, April 10, 2008 Speaker: Alan Crone of Crone & Mason, PLC Listen to the speech (.mp3) (click here to download) Watch Video View pictures from the Presentation. 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 firm’s Executive Employment Law Practice Group.
	Lunch and Discussion with Hilliard Crews, CEO of Shelby Group Intl., Inc - Thursday, March 20, 2008 Speaker: Hilliard Crews of Memphis Glove Company Listen to the speech (.mp3) (click here to download) Watch Video View pictures from the Presentation. 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 Speaker: Dave Barger of LunaWeb, Inc. Listen to the speech (.mp3) (click here to download) View pictures from the Presentation. Watch Video 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.
	Art Gilliam- Entrepreneurs Roundtable -Experience as a Business Owner - Thursday, January 17, 2008 Speaker: Art Gilliam, Owner of WLOK Listen to the speech (.mp3) (click here to download) Watch Video View pictures from the Presentation. 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. In February 1997, twenty years after WLOK became the first African-American owned electronic media outlet in Memphis, the station was recognized by the Tennessee Historical Commission as a Tennessee Historical Landmark. Most recently, WLOK has worked with the Shelby County Sheriff's Office to reduce drug use among young people. The station presents numerous on-air programs that help youngsters. Info on the Small Business Seminar The 2nd Annual Small Business Seminar, co-sponsored by Paragon National Bank and The Society of Entrepreneurs was held on Thursday, November 8, 2007.  The presenter was Bob Furniss, founder and President of Touchpoint Associates, Inc.  Bob Furniss has more than 25 years of experience in the customer service field - assisting organizations to increase productivity and profits by bringing out the best in their people. He has shared his experience in the areas of leadership and service with some of the top companies in America - companies like FedEx, Corporate Express, DePaul University, Delta Airlines, and more.  This was a very interesting and informative session.
	Contagious Networking with Shali Atkinson - Thursday, December 6, 2007 Speaker: Shali Atkinson Listen to the speech (.mp3) (click here to download) Watch Video View pictures from the Presentation. 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.
	2nd Annual Small Business Seminar - Thursday, November 8, 2007 Speaker: Bob Furniss Listen to the speech (.mp3) (click here to download) Watch Video View pictures from the Presentation. Paragon National Bank and The Society of Entrepreneurs co-sponsored this informative seminar presented by Bob Furniss. As founder and President of Touchpoint Associates, Inc., Bob Furniss has more than 25 years of experience in the customer service field - assisting organizations to increase productivity and profits by bringing out the best in their people. He has shared his experience in the areas of leadership and service with some of the top companies in America - companies like FedEx, Corporate Express, DePaul University, Delta Airlines, and more.
	Keep Swinging- An Entrepreneurs Story of Overcoming Adversity and Achieving Small Business Success - Thursday, October 18, 2007 Speakers: Jay B. Myers, President/CEO of Interactive Solutions, Inc Listen to the speech (.mp3) (click here to download) View pictures from the Presentation. 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 Communities - Thursday, September 13, 2007 Speakers: George Cates, CEO and Chairman of the Board. Mid-America Apartment Communities Listen to the speech (.mp3) (click here to download) View pictures from the Presentation. George Cates, retired CEO and Chairman of the Board. Mid-America Apartment Communities, spoke to the Entrepreneurs Roundtable on September 13, 2007,   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. George Cates is also dedicated to civic and other professional interests. He formerly sat on the boards of First Horizon, Alpha Omega Veterans Services, the Memphis & Shelby County Airport Authority, and others. He has also Chaired the Mid-South Minority Business Council, Community Foundation of Greater Memphis, Memphis Light Gas & Water Division, Memphis Orchestral Society and the Memphis Rotary Club. He presently chairs 930 Friends, the support group for the Hamilton Eye Institute.
	What is your Business Really Worth?: When and Why It Matters Most - Thursday, August 23, 2007 Speakers: Mackie Gober and Bob King of SEACAP Financial, Inc. Listen to the speech (.mp3) (click here to download) Valuing Your Business (.ppt) 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. Mackie Gober: Mackie Gober's 30-year career at National Bank of Commerce included serving as both Executive Vice President and President. Over 5 years ago, Mackie formed SEACAP, Financial, Inc. with Bob King and Waldrup Brown. SEACAP serves as investment bankers for privately-held businesses. Bob King: Bob King utilizes his 20+ years of experience in mergers and acquisitions, small business ownership, business valuation, and the corporate world to help privately-held businesses with a wide variety of investment and advisory needs. Bob is a founding partner of SEACAP Financial, Inc.
	Lunch and Discussion with Rudi Scheidt, Retired Chairman, Hohenberg Brothers Co. - Thursday, July 19, 2007 Speaker: Rudi Scheidt Click to hear their dynamic speech. Listen to the speech (.mp3) (click here to download) 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 - Thursday, June 7, 2007 Speaker: The Marston Group Click to hear their dynamic speech. Listen to the speech (.mp3) (click here to download) Watch the Video 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 - May 10, 2007 Speaker: Mark Giannini Click to hear their dynamic speech. Listen to the speech (.mp3) (click here to download) Watch the Video s View pictures from the Presentation. 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 - April 12, 2007 Speakers: Karen Blockman Carrier, Ellen Rolfes and Susie Wang Click to hear their dynamic speech. Listen to the speech (.mp3) (click here to download) Watch the Video View pictures from the Presentation. 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 - March 22 , 2007 Speaker: Bob Levey Click to hear the dynamic speech by Bob Levey. Listen to the speech (.mp3) (click here to download) Watch the Video View pictures from the Presentation. 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, spoke at the monthly meeting of the Entrepreneurs Roundtable. - February 8, 2007 Speaker: Fred Jones, Jr. Click to hear the dynamic speech by Fred Jones, Jr. Listen to the speech (.mp3) - Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 (click here to download) View pictures from the Presentation. 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. Fred Jones began his career in entertainment as road manager with Isaac Hayes. Returning to Memphis, Jones began booking acts such as Lou Rawls, Nancy Wilson, Ray Charles, Count Basie, B.B. King, Sarah Vaughan, John Davidson, Tina Turner and Bill Cosby. In 1977, Jones was named national tour manager for the Isley Brothers. He spent two years with the Isleys, while continuing to bring shows to Memphis. Jones utilized only his own money and absorbed all of the financial risk personally. During the 1980’s Jones came across the beginning of a trend that would shake up the entertainment world: corporate sponsorship. While working with pro golfer Charlie Owens, Jones noticed House of Seagram promoting a Legends of Sports event. “That was it. It opened my eyes to a new way to go.” said Jones. “With a corporate partner all the risk wasn’t on my shoulders.” Jones created Summitt Management Corporation. “Two T’s for emphasis on reaching higher than the usual summit.” Jones explained for the unique spelling. The Southern Heritage Classic grew from a call asking Jones to promote an upcoming Tennessee State University football game. The Southern Heritage Classic annually pitches Tennessee State University of Nashville, Tennessee against Jackson State University of Jackson, Mississippi. Now in its 16th year, this game is a highlight of the Memphis fall sports season. Corporate sponsorship has exploded to include FedEx, AutoZone, Nike, Ford, First Tennessee, Allstate Insurance and Coca-Cola. Jones is also an owner/limited partner in the NBA-franchised Memphis Grizzlies. “I knew I would lose money for awhile, but I also knew the NBA would look at whether the team had minority partners as owners,” said Jones. “This was important for Memphis, and I wanted to see that we got it.” Jones spends time with school children in the community who have a lot going against them. “If people say you can’t make it, you tell them, well, Fred Jones did.”.
	Gwin Scott, President, EmergeMemphis spoke to the Entrepreneurs Roundtable on “Five Things Every Start-Up (and Existing Business) Needs to Know.” - January 11, 2007 Speaker: Gwin Scott Click to hear the dynamic speech by Gwin Scott. Listen to the speech (.mp3) (click here to download) View pictures from the Presentation. 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. Mr. Scott’s experience and background has been heavily weighted in Sales & Marketing and Business & Strategic Development within the media, high-tech, and international sectors over the last 17 years. Before joining Uvision Media, Mr. Scott was Director of Sales for Williams Communications/Wiltel. His product sales portfolio included streaming video and audio, online subscription, PPV, and DRM solutions, classic Vyvx video transmission services, dedicated internet access, digital media management, and teleport/satellite/IP services; all targeting the telecommunications, cable and broadcast industries. Prior to this, Williams bought iBeam Broadcasting. Here Mr. Scott headed up Sales in the Eastern Region, as one of the first members of the sales team, responsible for the distribution of all streaming applications, such as online ad insertion, interactive webcasting, encoding, and corporate communications. He was responsible for acquiring such high-profile customers as MTVi, VH1, The Golf Channel, Bellsouth, Cartoon Network, Warner Music, Bravo Networks, and Sportvision with sales revenues totaling $3,000,000.
	Harry Smith, Chairman of Schilling Enterprises spoke to the Entrepreneurs Roundtable - November 16, 2006 Speaker: Harry Smith Click to hear the dynamic speech by Harry Smith. Listen to the speech (.mp3) (click here to download) View pictures from the Presentation. 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 real measurement of Mr. Smith lies in his involvement in the non-profit community of the Memphis area. He is involved in over 15 boards and managing committees in the area, including Baptist Healthcare Systems, Baptist College of Health Sciences Board, University of Memphis Foundation, Board of Visitors, and Union University, just to name a few.
	The Kindness Revolution: The Company-wide Culture Shift That Inspires Phenomenal Customer Service - October 19, 2006 Speaker: Ed Horrell Click to hear the dynamic speech by Ed Horrell. Listen to the speech (.mp3) (click here to download) Watch the Video View pictures from the Presentation. 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. Combining extensive research with inspiring real-life examples from companies known for their outstanding customer service—such as L.L.Bean, Chick-fil-A, Nordstrom, Mrs. Fields, St. Jude Children’s Research Center, The Ritz-Carlton, FedEx, and more—Horrell explained in the presentation on The Kindness Revolution that providing exceptional, compassionate customer service can only happen when you build a deep and lasting relationship with your employees. And it is kindness, says Horrell, that most characterizes that relationship. The way you treat your employees will be the way they treat your customers. Follow the wise advice and insightful examples in The Kindness Revolution, and experience the enormous payback in loyal customers, a more prosperous company—and a better way of life.
	The Creative Co-op - September 19, 2006 Speaker: Robert Wang Click to hear the dynamic speech by Robert Wang. Listen to the speech (.mp3) (click here to download) Read the transcript of the speech (.pdf) View pictures from the Presentation. 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. In addition to a 1995 induction into the Society of Entrepreneurs, the Wangs have enjoyed much accolade throughout their career. Mr. Wang received the Memphis Business Journal's first ever Executive of the Year Award. In 1992, he was awarded by Junior Achievement of Greater Memphis, with the Master of Free Enterprise Award.
	Aligning Sales and Marketing for Dynamic Growth Presentation - August 24, 2006 Speaker: Voss Graham, CEO and Senior Business Advisor of InnerActive Consulting Group Click to hear the dynamic speech by Voss Graham. Listen to the speech (.mp3) (click here to download) View pictures from the Presentation. 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. It's the "How" they sell that can create dynamic growth or frequent ups and downs on the old sales chart. This presentation is designed to share with you the secrets of consistent and dynamic growth for your company. Aligning the sales function with the marketing function creates a functional organization capable of exceeding its sales plan every year. Learn "why" it is more important to align your marketing and sales efforts than ever before during this presentation. Discover the Real Power of a Customer Database; how to have a sales life after Voice Mail; and what business acumen can and will do for a sales team. Your goal is to have everyone become a Business Person who sells - especially your sales and marketing people. Voss Graham, CEO and Senior Business Advisor of InnerActive Consulting Group, is a certified instructor and the president-elect of the Tennessee chapter of the National Speakers Association. He has addressed hundreds of groups of all sizes across the nation. His specialties are boosting sales, improving sales leadership, and organizational development.
	The World Is Flat Presentation - June 15, 2006 Speaker: David Wadell Click to hear the interactive discussion, led by David Waddell, President and CEO of Waddell & Associates, about the book and what "the flattening of the world" means to you, your company and all of our future. Listen to the speech (.mp3) (click here to download) View pictures from the Presentation. 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."