Ben Bryant
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.
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