Circle Back

Will Acuff's entrepreneurial journey is a powerful testament to purpose-driven innovation and resilience. His path began with a college band and evolved into a mission to create a meaningful impact through community empowerment. After a life-changing trip to Nairobi and years in a low-income Nashville neighborhood, Will and his wife, Tiffany, co-founded Corner to Corner, a nonprofit that equips underserved individuals to launch their own businesses. As the organization grew, Will stepped back from leadership to focus on expansion and fundraising. Inspired by personal challenges, including parenting a child with disabilities, Will then authored No Elevator to Everest, a heartfelt book about resilience, purpose, and finding joy in the face of life's steepest climbs.

Stuart McWhorter shares his entrepreneurial journey from selling Jolly Ranchers out of his high school locker to becoming Tennessee's Commissioner of Economic Development. He reflects on his early interest in healthcare administration, his time at Clayton Associates alongside his father, navigating venture capital and stepping into leadership roles, and his transition to spearheading Nashville Entrepreneur Center. McWhorter shares his view on the entrepreneurial spirit in Tennessee, the importance of fostering business growth, and how his experiences shape his approach to business development. He also touches on his own family legacy, expressing hopes of working with his own children in the future.

A serial entrepreneur, EC Hall of Famer and inaugural board director of the EC, J. Tod Fetherling joins CEO Sam Davidson to discuss his epic journey from the early days of the internet to building multiple successful companies. Being tasked with developing HCA's first internet strategy in 1995 fueled Fetherling's passion for technology, data, and healthcare innovation. Over the years, he's played a key role in various ventures, launching health-focused digital platforms and emphasizes the importance of partnerships, research-driven decision-making, and adaptability in business. His entrepreneurial journey is marked by strategic pivots, impactful transactions, and a dedication to improving healthcare outcomes for all through technology.

Mark Montgomery shares his entrepreneurial journey, from his first lawn care business as a teenager to building and selling companies in the music and technology industries. Montgomery sits down with EC CEO Sam Davidson to share how he pivoted from pursuing music to entrepreneurship, co-founding Echo, a digital music distribution company, which he sold in 2007. Personal challenges, including his wife's cancer diagnosis, led him to reassess his path, eventually exploring the cannabis industry and launching the non-alcoholic beverage brand Better Than Booze. Reflecting on his successes and setbacks, Montgomery discusses perseverance, work-life balance, and the deeper purpose behind entrepreneurship.

Known for his football career and current head coach at Tennessee State University, Eddie George takes us back to his upbringing with a mother who instilled an entrepreneurial spirit that led him to successful ventures in landscape architecture and wealth management before partaking in a nine-season career in football. Eddie's story is one of determination and growth, highlighting the importance of his faith, vision, and desire to serve others. Listen as Eddie discusses the impact of mentors, the value of financial literacy for athletes, and the significance of pursuing God-sized dreams with guts.

What happens when a tech-savvy entrepreneur becomes the mayor of one of America’s fastest-growing cities? In this special episode, Sam Davidson sits down with Nashville’s 10th mayor, Freddie O’Connell, to explore his journey from startup founder to civic leader. Discover how his entrepreneurial spirit is shaping the future of Nashville, and why his bold vision for transportation and local business could transform the city for generations to come. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on leadership, innovation, and building a better Nashville!

There's nothing sweeter than success, especially for Mignon Francois, founder of The Cupcake Collection. Mignon sits down with the EC's CEO Sam Davidson to share her amazing path from lacking direction to building a legacy, emphasizing the importance of investing in community and building relationships along the way. They'll discuss the challenges she faced as a scaling small business and Mignon's personal coaching philosophy behind her desire to help other women start their own businesses.

As a seasoned entrepreneur and business leader with a passion for innovation and growth, Jason Moore shares his incredible journey from humble beginnings in rural Kentucky to founding Stratasan, a successful healthcare data analytics software company. Jason shares some of the ups and downs, the challenges he faced, and the pivotal moments that led him to find success, including the importance of mentorship. Jason Moore's story is a testament to the power of perseverance, community, and the willingness to seek help and learn from others.

CEO of the Nashville Entrepreneur Center, Sam Davidson, joins Clark Buckner to reflect on his past year as CEO. Sam emphasizes the importance of a "connection engine" in achieving entrepreneurial success, illustrating his core belief: "The height of my success is directly related to the depth of my community." In this special episode announcing the show's new format, they discuss the role storytelling plays in inspiring future entrepreneurs and the impact of the EC and its supporters in making it all possible.

Phil and Pam Pfeffer share their remarkable journey from a chance encounter in a college physics class to building a multi-million dollar fortune. Hear how Phil's career in finance and business led to the creation of Ingram Micro Inc. and Treemont Capital, all while Pam's expertise in banking and accounting played a crucial role in their success. Discover how they navigated challenges, made impactful investments, and found joy in giving back to causes like Habitat for Humanity and the Boys and Girls Scouts of America. From their humble beginnings to extraordinary achievements, the Pfeffers' story is a testament to hard work, resilience, and the power of love.

Dive into the compelling journey of Saurabh Sinha, from his initial dreams of a sports career to establishing eMids, a groundbreaking technology company transforming the healthcare industry. This episode explores how Sinha's athletic pursuits instilled in him a resilience and strategic thinking that became the cornerstone of his entrepreneurial venture. Listen to Sinha recount the shift from sports to engineering, leading to the inception of eMids amidst the digital healthcare revolution. Sinha's narrative is filled with moments of adversity, learning, and ultimately, triumph, showcasing how a focused vision and adaptability can catalyze significant success. His story is not just about the ascent of eMids but also reflects the profound impact of aligning passion with purpose, offering listeners a deep dive into the essence of true entrepreneurship.

Dive into the inspiring journey of Shirley Zeitlin, a name synonymous with resilience, innovation, and success in Nashville's real estate landscape. In this episode, Shirley shares her incredible story of lifelong learning, overcoming societal barriers, and building a legacy in an industry once dominated by men. From her early days of high academic achievement without a college degree to becoming one of Nashville's most successful entrepreneurs, Shirley's narrative is a testament to the power of perseverance, family support, and ethical business practices. Discover how she navigated challenges, the importance of mentorship, and her impactful contributions to the Nashville community and beyond. This episode is a compelling glimpse into the life of a woman who not only sold houses but built a new landscape for Nashville.

Jim Ayers shares his inspiring entrepreneurial journey from a young boy in a small Tennessee town with a desire to find success like his father to building a profitable nursing home business and becoming a prominent figure in the banking industry. In 1984, Ayers acquired Farmers State Bank which marked the inception of what would eventually become FirstBank. Through strategic acquisitions and a steadfast commitment to personalized service, FirstBank’s assets skyrocketed from a modest $14 million to a staggering $13 billion, becoming Tennessee’s third-largest bank. Despite facing challenges and doubters along the way, Ayers shares how he persevered and achieved his goals, eventually expanding his business ventures to include car dealerships, shoe manufacturing, and insurance. The Ayers’ commitment to community involvement and social responsibility remains evident through the establishment of The Ayers Foundation, providing scholarships and educational support for students in high schools and two community colleges in rural West, Middle, and East Tennessee.

Step into the world of Jane Allen, a pivotal figure in reshaping the landscape of the legal profession. From her early days navigating law school to her groundbreaking venture in legal services, Jane's life offers a rich tapestry of challenges, pivotal moments, and courageous choices. This podcast delves into Jane's formative years within a divorced family, her journey to carve her niche in the legal realm, and her innovative approach that reimagines the practice of law. Tune in to explore how Jane Allen's distinct vision and resolute determination have left a lasting imprint on legal service delivery, igniting empowerment and motivation for aspiring entrepreneurs. Get ready for a story that proves that even in the most traditional of fields, a trailblazer can emerge and pave the way for change.

Join us for the latest episode of Circle Back, where we explore the captivating journey of entrepreneurial visionary Jimmy Spradley. Discover how he transformed a renowned candy company into a thriving powerhouse in the realm of functional foods. From audacious acquisitions to strategic pivots, delve into the world of innovation, adaptation, and family legacy that paved the way for this remarkable success story. Tune in as we unravel the essence of entrepreneurial resilience and ingenuity on the road from candy to functional foods. Welcome to Circle Back, your gateway to the exhilarating path from startup inception to triumphant achievement.

André Prince is the longtime matriarch behind the legendary Nashville staple, Prince Hot Chicken Shack. From the fiery origins of her family's spicy chicken recipe to the heights of becoming a culinary icon in Nashville, Andre's entrepreneurial journey is a testament to resilience, family heritage, and the influential force of word-of-mouth marketing. Discover how André overcame challenges, refined her culinary skills, and built a legacy that continues to tantalize taste buds. This episode is a celebration of André's pursuit of excellence and her unwavering commitment to providing quality cuisine that has made Prince Hot Chicken Shack a beloved institution in Nashville's vibrant food scene.

Mark Deutschmann is no stranger to Nashville's real estate scene, standing out for his unique approach to realty and a knack for juggling challenges. His journey from being voted Nashville's best realtor for nearly a decade to pioneering urban redevelopment tells a compelling story of grit, vision, and creativity. In this episode, Mark shares the role entrepreneurship has played in his real estate and community development endeavors, a passion he continues to pursue as he transforms Nashville's landscape, embodying balance, adaptability, and thriving amidst the chaos, lessons we can all take away from his story.

In this compelling episode, we explore the diverse entrepreneurial journey of Michael Shmerling, a seasoned businessman who navigated a wide range of industries, from background checks to real estate and healthcare. Michael shares his business instincts, strategies for mitigating risk, and his drive to create impactful projects. Notably, he discusses the creation of Abe's Garden, a memory care facility born from his father's Alzheimer's diagnosis. Throughout the conversation, Michael emphasizes the importance of balancing success with purpose, giving back to the community, and nurturing strong family ties. Join us as we delve into the life and accomplishments of this remarkable entrepreneur.

Amy Kurland is the founder of the Bluebird Cafe, one of Nashville’s most iconic music venues and birthplace of “in the round” performances, complete with food and drink services. In this episode, Amy shares how this beloved spot came to be with the help of her family's support and a marketing class that changed the way she approached business. By focusing on marketing to musicians and listening to audience feedback, Kurland was able to create a space that helped catapult songwriters into the spotlight. While the Bluebird Cafe has evolved over the years, it has stayed true to its purpose of capturing the power of music in and from the community.

Different childhoods, yet a serendipitous career path, Rob McCabe and Terry Turner brought a people-first approach to banking and founded Pinnacle Financial Partners in Nashville, Tennessee.