The Society of Entrepreneurs has elected five (5) new members to the organization; the new members are Gary Shorb, Methodist LeBonheur HealthCare; Bob McEniry, Jr.,
NexAir; Ronnie Randall, Kele, Inc.; Chip Dudley, Independent Bank and Susan Stephenson, Independent Bank. The new members will be officially inducted into The Society of Entrepreneurs at the 20th Annual Dinner and Awards Banquet, which will be held at the Holiday Inn at the University of Memphis on Saturday, April 14, 2012.

The Society of Entrepreneurs was formed in 1991 to recognize the historical importance of the contributions of individuals who have over a prolonged period, demonstrated a gift of entrepreneurship and used this gift to not only create or build a successful business but have also used their gift in service to the community.

Gary Shorb
Methodist LeBonheur HealthCare

Since October 2001, Gary Shorb has served as president & CEO of Methodist Healthcare. Shorb joined Methodist in 1990 as executive vice president. Before his tenure with Methodist, he served as president of the Regional Medical Center in Memphis for four years. His community service is extensive, serving on the boards of Memphis Tomorrow, the National Civil Rights Museum, the Memphis Regional Chamber of Commerce – where he served as 2005 Board Chairman – the Memphis Bioworks Foundation, the University of Memphis Board of Visitors, the Foundation of Evangelism, and St. John’s United Methodist Church Administrative Council.

In November 2004, Shorb received the Corporate Leadership Award from Volunteer Memphis’ Corporate Volunteer Council, and in 2005, received the Alexis de Tocqueville leadership award from United Way of the Mid-South. Under Shorb’s leadership, Methodist Healthcare was named a 2004 Corporation of the Year during Minority Enterprise Development Week, an event co-sponsored by the U.S. Department of Commerce and Small Business Administration and locally hosted by the Memphis Business Development Corporation.

On October 25, 2007 at the Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare Board meeting, Shorb was honored with the Meritorious Service Award by the Tennessee Hospital Association. The award was presented by Craig Becker, president and CEO, THA. The award recognized Shorb for his leadership, inspiration and commitment to the faith-based mission of building a culture of patient care excellence at Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare.

Prior to his health care career, Shorb was a project engineer with Exxon and a lieutenant commander in the U.S. Navy. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from Clemson University and a Master of Business Administration from Memphis State University (now the University of Memphis).

Bob McEniry, Jr.
NexAir

Bob McEniry, Sr. grew up in the industrial/medical gases and welding supply business. In 1942, McEniry purchased Standard Welders and sought to make Standard a major player in the welding and Supply industry. In 1963, “Young Bob” McEniry came to work for his father and was appointed President in 1971. Bob McEniry saw the company through tremendous growth, acquisitions, and transitions. Bob implemented an employee succession plan to ensure that all of the company’s leaders would progress through the ranks under the mentorship of a senior executive. This plan resulted in well trained and committed employees with very little turn over. In 1996, two family-owned Memphis-based companies combined operations to form nexAir. By merging Mid-South Oxygen Company and Standard Welders Supply/Standard Oxygen Service, nexAir became the second-largest privately owned distributor of gases and welding supplies in the United States. From 1996 until 2007 (when McEniry passed the reigns to his son, Kevin) McEniry was Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. Bob remains as nexAir’s Chairman. In their latest fiscal year which ended in September, nexAir had gross revenue of $101.1 million and employed 266 people.

Bob is active in the Memphis community. He is the current Chair of Christian Brothers University’s Board of Trustees, has served as Chairman of the Board of Junior Achievement, on the boards of United Way, MidSouth Minority Business Council, SCB Computer Technology, and the Memphis Chamber of Commerce Advisors. He was inducted in the Christian Brothers High School Hall of Fame in 2009.

Ronnie Randall
Kele, Inc.

Ronnie Randall is the retired president/CEO of Kele, Inc. (formerly Kele & Associates). Ronnie became a partner of Kele & Associates in 1985. Previously, Mr. Randall was a branch sales manager and Vice-President of G. H. Avery Co., where he started as an application engineer during his college years at Memphis State (now the University of Memphis). The idea for Kele was formed many years before Roger Johnson actually opened shop in the den of his house in early 1983. As principals in the G.H. Avery Company, a Mid-South temperature controls contractor, both he and business partner Ronnie Randall had personally experienced the birth of the building automation industry. Roger led the transition from a conventional temperature controls contractor to a building automation specialty firm in the Memphis, TN, area while Ronnie was doing the same in the Nashville area. The idea for a single source supplier that could offer a carefully crafted product selection, innovative product designs and convenient customized service for everything input/output grew into Kele, Inc., the first to offer an all-inclusive package. Kele’s customers embraced the concept and Kele has enjoyed nearly 30 years of continuous growth in both the domestic and international market arenas.

Ronnie is a facilitator of Steven Covey leadership and effectiveness principles. He also has served on the board of the Bartlett Chamber of Commerce, the Bartlett Arts Council, Inc., the Bartlett Performing Arts Center Fundraising Committee, the Bartlett Education Foundation and is vice chair of the Youth Villages Board of Directors and serves on numerous committees.

Chip Dudley and Susan Stephenson
Independent Bank

Chip Dudley and Susan Stephenson are the Co-Founders and Co-Chairmen of Independent Bank in Memphis, Tennessee. Established in 1998, Independent Bank now has over $800 million in total assets and over $100 million in capital. It is the second largest bank headquartered in Shelby County with 10 branches and 180 employees.

Stephenson and Dudley have forged a remarkable and unique synergistic partnership. Both strong leaders in their own right, each believes their partnership is the reason Independent Bank has been so successful. Together they designed and executed the unusual denovo strategy to build and position I-Bank as the next great Memphis based banking organization. This year, Independent Bank was recognized by SNL Financial as one of the top 100 community banks in the United States based on its growth, superior profitability, excellent asset quality and strong capital position.

Prior to starting Independent Bank, Chip Dudley was Chairman, President and CEO of Boatmen’s Bank of Arkansas, the largest bank in the state. He was named to this position after producing extraordinary performance results in the same role for the bank’s Tennessee operation. Susan Stephenson was the Chairman, President and CEO of Boatmen’s Bank of Tennessee. When named to the position in 1995, the 37-year-old Stephenson was the first female Chairman and CEO of a Tennessee bank.

Based on their lifelong commitment to improving the communities where they live and work, both Susan and Chip have served on and led numerous civic organizations in Tennessee and Arkansas. Stephenson is the current Board Chair of the Leadership Academy, a past Chair and member of the Executive Committee and Board of the Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis, Treasurer and Trustee of historic Elmwood Cemetery, a member of the Baptist Women’s Hospital Advisory Board, board member of the University of Memphis LEAD program and was recently elected to the St. Louis Federal Reserve Board. Dudley currently serves as the Board Chair of the Family Safety Center, is Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Advancement Chair of Christian Brothers University, serves on the Board of Directors of the National Civil Rights Museum and is Chairman of the Endowment Corporation for the West Tennessee Episcopal Diocese.

Dr. Scott Morris, founder and executive director of the Church Health Center, will receive the title of Master Entrepreneur from the Society of Entrepreneurs, the organization’s highest honor.

As a baseball-loving and devoutly religious kid growing up in Georgia, Dr. Scott Morris figured one day he’d either wind up as a pitcher for the Atlanta Braves or enter the ministry.

But there were a couple obstacles to those early career ambitions.

First, Morris wasn’t that talented at America’s pastime, acknowledging, “Well, Atlanta never called, which I guess says a lot about my ability and at this point, I don’t expect to be recruited.”

Second, while he was drawn to the ministry, he wasn’t entirely convinced it was the right career path.

“I always liked church, but the thought of preaching 52 sermons a year sent shivers down my spine. I knew that wasn’t my true calling.”

Fortunately for Morris and subsequently for Memphians, he discovered that calling while in seminary at Yale Divinity School.

Stumbling across a pamphlet that offered tips on how to start a health clinic, something in Morris clicked.

“That was it. I knew what I wanted to do,” Morris said. “After seminary, I went to medical school with the specific motivation of starting a clinic in an underserved area. When I finished school, I came to Memphis and that’s what I did.”

In recognition of his wide-ranging achievements and contributions to the community, Morris will be honored as a “Master Entrepreneur” at the annual Society of Entrepreneurs black-tie gala on April 9. He was inducted into the society in 1999 and this recognition is the organization’s highest honor.

These days, the multivocational Morris serves as an associate minister at St. John’s United Methodist Church in Midtown on Peabody, which is situated across the street from the Church Health Center that he founded in 1987 and where he is a general practitioner.

He’s also a columnist for The Commercial Appeal, contributes to the CHC’s website hopeandhealing.org and has just released “Health Care You Can Live With” ($19.99/Barbour). The book is available at area retailers and online.

Proceeds from book sales will benefit the CHC, and Morris will sign copies at Costco, 3775 Hacks Cross at 1 p.m. on March 5. For details, call 214-0054.

“I know of few people who have so totally redefined the industry of health care as much as Scott has,” said friend Bob Buckman, retired CEO of Buckman Laboratories. “He’s taught his ideas to others and freely shared his concepts of affordable health care, which has resulted in similar clinics being replicated across the country.”

For Morris, that’s precisely the point.

“If this type of health care is only available at the corner of Peabody and Bellevue, then it’s not that great of an idea,” Morris said. “It needs to be reproduced in clinics all over the country, and I’m glad to see that happening.”

From the first dozen patients who walked through the doors of the Church Health Center when it opened in 1987, today more than 70,000 are treated by CHC staffers and volunteers each year. The facility’s wellness center logs more than 120,000 annual visits.

With its yearly budget of $13.5 million, the CHC is sustained through income-based sliding-scale fees and by donations from individuals, organizations and businesses.

The model of providing affordable, low-cost medical care to the working poor has been adopted by other clinics and religious organizations throughout the country.

By encouraging medical personnel to donate time to treat the underprivileged and by training church members to promote wellness programs in their congregations, supporters say the CHC concept continues to improve community health and welfare.

“Scott is a remarkable human being who’s led by a passionate, heartfelt desire to heal,” said SOE member Mike Bruns. “So often, people want to protect their ideas, but Scott is concerned with protecting people, and that’s why he shares his concept with anyone who’s interested. His insistence on taking care of patients who otherwise might not receive adequate health care is as commendable as it is inspirational.”

– James Dowd: 529-2737

Dr. Scott Morris

Age: 56

Occupation: Associate minister at St. John’s United Methodist Church, founder of the Church Health Center and author of newly released “Health Care You Can Live With”

Address: CHC at 1210 Peabody; St. John’s at 1207 Peabody

Phone: 272-7170 (CHC); 726-4104 (St. John’s)

Employees: CHC has nine medical providers and 220 workers on staff, and counts more than 600 volunteer physicians throughout the area

Online: churchhealthcenter.org and healthcareyoucanlivewith.com

Honor: Morris will be celebrated as a Master Entrepreneur, along with four 2011 SOE inductees, during a black-tie gala April 9

Robert Wilson’s love of aviation led him to found Wilson Air Center, consistently rated as the nation’s top fixed-base operator.

This is the last in a four-part series on the 2011 Society of Entrepreneurs inductees, who will be honored during a black-tie gala April 9.

Growing up as the son of the man who transformed the hospitality industry, young Robert A. “Bob” Wilson learned plenty about customer service early on.

And to this day he credits his dad, Holiday Inn founder Kemmons Wilson, with instilling in him a sense of civic pride and the drive to be the best in every pursuit.

As founder and president of Memphis-based Wilson Air Center, Wilson is nationally renowned and his company is consistently ranked as the top fixed-base operator in the country.

He also serves as vice president of his family’s Kemmons Wilson Companies, where he focuses on hotel construction, warehousing and time-share operations.

In recognition of his innovations in the hospitality and aviation industries, Wilson is being honored by the Society of Entrepreneurs. He will be formally inducted into the organization April 9.

“Pop said we had a family business, and so I never really thought about doing anything else. It was always my desire to grow this venture and see it thrive in different areas,” Wilson said. “I love this city, I love this area, and it’s been great for my family. I never wanted to work anywhere else.”

After graduating from East High School, Wilson headed to Dallas to attend Southern Methodist University. While there, he studied business and finance, and after graduation returned to Memphis to work for his father.

Working primarily in construction, he took jobs as a roofer, electrician and framer on hotel projects in such far-flung sites as Monaco, Nigeria and Panama.

Along the way, he joined the Tennessee Air National Guard and entered the pilot training program. A lifelong aviation lover, Wilson had earned his pilot’s license at 16 and described the Guard program as “a paid vacation.”

It was that passion for flying that later led him to establish Wilson Air Center at the Memphis International Airport in 1996.

“It’s sort of like a big service station for airplanes, but with amenities for the customer to make the experience as positive as possible,” Wilson said. “Our policy is to never say ‘no’ to a customer and to treat them right so that they’ll keep coming back.”

The center has been rated as the top FBO in Aviation International News and received the Operational Excellence Award by AIG Aviation Insurance in 2002.

Since its early days in Memphis, the company has grown to include more than 200 employees and expanded to markets in Houston and Charlotte, N.C.

“I’ve known Bob for a long time and admired his ventures into all types of aviation,” said Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority president Larry Cox. “He revolutionized the FBO business with his attention to detail and focus on customer service. I’m a pilot myself and I’ve been in many airports, but his operation exceeds any I’ve ever seen.”

Wilson has been honored by numerous aviation organizations and was inducted into the Memphis Aviation Legends Hall of Fame in 1998. In 2006, he was inducted into the Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame.

“Memphis is rich in aviation history, and Bob Wilson has carved out a special place for himself through his leadership and innovation in establishing Wilson Air Center here,” said Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority chairman Arnold Perl. “The model he founded here has been replicated across the country, which points to Memphis as a center of aviation innovation.”

– James Dowd: 529-2737

Robert A. Wilson

Age: 66

Occupation: President of Wilson Air Center, vice president of Kemmons Wilson Companies

Address: WAC at 2930 Winchester; KWC at 8700 Lake Trail Dr. West, Suite 300

Phone: 328-5050 (WAC); 346-8800 (KWC)

Employees: More than 200 at WAC, about 3,000 at KWC

Online:wilsonair.com and kwilson.com

Charles McVean, chairman and CEO of McVean Trading and Investments, is one of this year’s inductees into the Society of Entrepreneurs.

With keen insight and unwavering determination, Charles McVean remains focused on the future, whether he’s trading commodities or envisioning a healthier landscape for the city.

As chairman and CEO of Memphis-headquartered McVean Trading & Investments, he oversees a company that manages accounts for more than 6,000 clients worldwide. And as the innovator behind the Aerobic Cruiser Hybrid Cycle, McVean promotes state-of-the-art lithium battery-powered bicycles and touts the recently opened Shelby Farms Greenline as an attraction that could help Memphis leapfrog other cities as a tourist destination.

“There’s a growing desire to promote more environmentally friendly products, and the potential is here for unparalleled recreation and exercise along the Greenline,” McVean said. “I believe we’re in a position to define our destiny and create something special.”

For his varied contributions, McVean is being honored by the Society of Entrepreneurs. He will be formally inducted into the organization April 9.

A native Memphian, McVean graduated from East High School and later studied philosophy and economics at Vanderbilt University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in 1965.

After graduation, he accepted a job as a trader in the grain industry and subsequently worked with Cook Industries in Memphis and later in New York with the Louis Dreyfus Corp.

McVean moved back to Memphis in 1974, taking a job with brokerage firm Refco, where he focused on cattle trading and eventually became a principal. As a futures trader, he relied on advice that still guides him today.

“My grandfather was an old cattle trader, and he used to say that at the end of the day, if you’re going to be in a business like this, you have to know where legitimate business ends and where gambling begins,” McVean said. “I’ve based my career on knowing the difference between the two and making the right decisions for my clients.”

In 1986, McVean branched out and established McVean Trading & Investments, which today counts 80 employees and concentrates on livestock, grains and oilseeds, and global macroeconomics.

“Memphis has a terrific commodities history and Charles is a leader in that area,” said David Waddell, president and CEO of Waddell & Associates. “He’s got a tremendous business mind and has inspired countless others, encouraging them to create an even more robust community of entrepreneurship in Memphis.”

One way McVean does that is through education.

In 2004 he founded the Peer Power Foundation, which helps guide disadvantaged students toward academic success. The program is active in nearly a dozen schools, employing more than 150 high school and college students to tutor and mentor more than 1,000 younger students every day.

In part because of that initiative, in 2007 McVean was named Humanitarian of the Year by the Memphis City Council for his efforts to improve public education.

“Through his work with clients, his presence in the community and his advocacy for students, Charles exemplifies a positive role model in our community,” said Pearson Crutcher, executive director of the SOE. “He’s a wonderful example for all of us.”

– James Dowd: 529-2737

Charles McVean

Age: 68

Occupation: Chairman and CEO of McVean Trading & Investments

Address: 850 Ridge Lake Blvd., Suite One

Employees: 80

Clients: More than 6,000 around the world

Phone: 761-8400

Online: mcvean.com

Mary McDonald, superintendent of schools for the Catholic Diocese of Memphis, had an interest in business from childhood, but made her career in education. “That I’ve ended up combining the two . . . is the best of all possible worlds for me,” she says.

In Dr. Mary McDonald’s compact office at the headquarters for the Catholic Diocese of Memphis, a framed motto offers this motivational nugget: “The person who says it cannot be done should not interrupt the person who is doing it.”

That’s a message McDonald takes literally and spiritually as she goes about the job of overseeing the educational and theological formation of thousands of young people.

As head of schools for the Catholic Diocese of Memphis, McDonald serves as chief cheerleader for parochial education and tireless fundraiser for the system that operates on a $20 million annual budget.

For her innovative approach to education and her impact on the local community, McDonald is being honored by the Society of Entrepreneurs. She will be formally inducted into the organization April 9.

“From the time I was a child I wanted to be in business, but I veered toward education at the beginning and that’s where I made my career,” McDonald said. “That I’ve ended up combining the two, education and business, is the best of all possible worlds for me.”

The Philadelphia, Pa., native grew up as the only girl in a house with four brothers, an experience she said proved useful years later. She drew strength from that foundation in her early years as a teacher and in subsequent posts as she steadily climbed the educational ladder.

“Growing up with all my brothers, I had to be persistent and I learned how to communicate in order to be heard,” McDonald said. “That served me well years later and helped me deal with leaders in Catholic schools throughout my career.”

After moving a half-dozen times with her husband to advance his career, the family eventually settled in Memphis in 1976 and opted to stay. McDonald taught at Holy Rosary Elementary School and later at St. Agnes Academy, where she taught high school religion courses before she became principal and dean of the elementary school.

From there she became principal at St. Benedict at Auburndale, which paved the way for her current career post. In 1998, McDonald was selected to run diocesan schools, a post she has held ever since.

“She’s one of the important people fighting day in and day out to improve educational opportunities for children,” said Jim Pohlman, president of Memphis Catholic High School. “She has a tremendous ability to see the big picture and to work tirelessly to help that vision unfold.”

During McDonald’s tenure, the diocese has witnessed the creation of the Jubilee Catholic Schools, which were previously closed facilities in inner-city neighborhoods that educate underprivileged children. And she instituted the “Education That Works” program at Memphis Catholic High, a work-study program that pairs students and local businesses.

In addition to numerous educational and civic honors, McDonald is an author and was the 2002 recipient of the Humanitarian of the Year Award given by the National Conference for Community and Justice, which is now Diversity Memphis.

“The future of this city rests with our young people, and she’s helping so many to reach their potential,” said Laura Fox Ingram, Diversity Memphis executive director. “It’s hard to find a better person in the world.”

– James Dowd: 529-2737

Dr. Mary C. McDonald

Age: 66

Occupation: Secretary of education, superintendent of schools, Catholic Diocese of Memphis

Address: 5825 Shelby Oaks Drive

Phone: 373-1219

Schools: 29 in the Catholic Diocese of Memphis

Students: 8,600, highest enrollment since 1976

Budget: $20 million

Online: cdom.org

Phil Coop’s passion for environmental preservation is the foundation of his company, EnSafe. He is a 2011 inductee into the Society of Entrepreneurs.

From the early years spent on his family’s farm in Bell Buckle, Tenn., through studies at The Webb School and Harvard University, Phil Coop always loved one subject above all others: science.

That fascination eventually evolved into a passion for environmental preservation, which Coop later used as the foundation for his company, EnSafe.

The Memphis-based consulting firm, which started as a one-room operation and today counts some 15 offices across the country, specializes in environmental safety procedures at sites around the world.

More than three decades after establishing his global operation, the Memphis businessman’s achievements are being recognized by the Society of Entrepreneurs. Coop will be formally inducted into the organization April 9.

“In the beginning, we were winging it because there was no business model in the industry for what we were doing,” Coop said. “It’s wonderful to have succeeded on this level, and being honored for that by the society is humbling.”

Arriving in Memphis in 1973 to attend medical school, Coop soon realized his interests were elsewhere, so he changed his career path to concentrate in environmental testing. After a few years of working for other firms, Coop branched out on his own in 1980 and founded EnSafe with Wendell Knight and James Speakman.

Because of increasing government regulations regarding environmental policies, Coop managed to get in on the ground floor of what was then a relatively nonexistent industry.

“Public policy was driving stronger environmental protection laws, but the scientific community was behind the curve and we felt there was an opportunity to step in and fill that void,” Coop said. “There was a big need for companies to adhere to increasing compliance issues and we managed to tap into that developing market.”

And that they did.

Helping companies address and resolve environmental issues proved successful, so much so that by 1994 EnSafe was named by Inc. magazine as one of the 500 fastest-growing companies in the country.

“Phil is truly a remarkable story of innovation and inspiration, from modest beginnings to overseeing a company with global outreach,” said Pearson Crutcher, executive director of SOE. “He continues to improve our community and those throughout the world, and his emphasis on education ensures that new generations will focus on environmental issues.”

Coop received the 2004 University of Memphis Herff Award for distinguished service to engineering and currently serves as chairman of The Webb School board of trustees.

In addition, he has been an integral part of advisory boards for the engineering schools at the U of M and at Christian Brothers University, and has active roles in a wide-ranging spectrum of community organizations.

“Phil is dedicated to environmental improvement and preservation, and he’s creating opportunities for others to continue in that work,” said Dr. Eric B. Welch, dean of the school of engineering at CBU. “His impact on our school, our community and our environment has been substantial and he’s incredibly deserving of this honor.”

Phil Coop

Age: 62

Occupation: President and CEO of EnSafe

Company Address: 5724 Summer Trees Dr.

Phone: 372-7962

Employees: 260 in 15 offices across the country

Online: ensafe.com

The Society of Entrepreneurs was formed in 1991 to recognize the historical importance of the contributions of individuals who have over a prolonged period, demonstrated a gift of entrepreneurship and used this gift to not only create or build a successful business but have also used their gift in service to the community.

Phil Coop, President and CEO
EnSafe Inc.

Phillip G. Coop is the co-founder and CEO of Memphis, Tennessee based EnSafe Inc., one of the nation’s largest environmental and safety consulting firms. The original founders, Phil Coop, Wendell Knight, and James Speakman were motivated by their strong desire to pursue careers (then unavailable in the commercial sector) that intersected business, science and public policy related to environmental protection and safety. EnSafe manages environmental and safety risk issues for companies throughout the United States from 15 offices nationwide. The Company also performs projects worldwide. EnSafe was founded in 1980 in Memphis, grew rapidly, and by 1994 was listed by INC Magazine as one of the 500 fastest growing companies in the country. EnSafe continues to succeed and grow from the original founders’ ethics and vision and is managed by senior staff who have been with the firm for 20-25 years.

Mr. Coop leads the Company’s scientific and compliance consulting practices, with a specialty in the management of the environmental risks. He is a frequent lecturer on environmental risk, disaster response, and hazardous substance management.
Mr. Coop is well known in Tennessee as an advocate for good environmental practices in the context of overall business and economic management and speaks frequently on the importance of a stable, scientifically sound regulatory system that encourages both environmental protection and economic expansion.

He was the 2004 recipient of the University of Memphis’ Herff Award for distinguished service to engineering and currently serves as Chairman of The Webb School Board of Trustees. Coop was inducted into The Webb School’s Distinguished Alumni Society in 2007. Mr. Coop is co-chairman of the Mid South Environmental Forum and is a charter member of the Hazardous Materials Control Institute. He serves on the board of Ballet Memphis. He has served on the Memphis-Shelby County Air Quality Board and the board of advisors for the Memphis Chamber of Commerce, and director and treasurer for the Tennessee Brownfields Association. He is a proud member of The Memphis Group – business leaders in support of St. Jude Hospital.

Mr. Coop is a native of Bell Buckle, Tennessee, where his family has resided for many generations. He received his A.B. degree, magna cum laude, from Harvard University in 1970. He is married to Memphis artist, and former Federal Express Director, Kay Coop.

Dr. Mary McDonald
Secretary of Education and Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Memphis

Dr. Mary Crowley McDonald is the Secretary of Education and Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Memphis (West Tennessee). She was appointed to this position in 1998 by Bishop J. Terry Steib, S.V.D., Bishop of the Diocese of Memphis. Prior to that, Dr. McDonald served as Principal of St. Benedict at Auburndale (pre-K -12th grade) and Principal/Dean of St. Agnes Academy elementary. As Secretary of Education/Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Memphis, Mary is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the system of Catholic Schools/ Education in the Diocese of Memphis, as well as for the creation of the Jubilee Catholic Schools, eight long-closed Catholic schools that were reopened in the inner-city of Memphis. As the architect of the Jubilee Schools, Mary’s responsibility includes the development of the infrastructure and governance model, as well as ongoing oversight, funding and accountability for the schools.

Dr. McDonald is very involved in the community, locally as well as nationally. Some of her involvements include; a consultant on education to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), a graduate of Leadership Memphis, the Regional Representative of National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA), the University of Notre Dame’s Task Force for Catholic Education, National Catholic Educational Association Strategic Planning Task Force, and the National Black Catholic Congress, Education Commission. She has been involved with The Governors’ Alliance for Regional Excellence, (TN., MS., AK); Gateway Technology Inc., National Advisory Board Member; Rotary Club of Memphis, Board Member; Facing History and Ourselves, Advisory Board Member; Diversity Memphis, Board President; Memphis 2005, Strategic Task Force; National Conference for Community and Justice, (NCCJ); Serra Club of Memphis, Past President; Shelby County Regional Health Council, Schools Advisory Board; and a member of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher. Dr. McDonald is a published author and nationally recognized speaker who has addressed attendees at the White House Summit on Urban Education, as well as numerous organizations, foundations and institutions around the country. Dr. McDonald was the 2002 recipient of the Humanitarian of the Year Award given by the National Council for Community and Justice. She has been recognized for her accomplishments by the University of Notre Dame by receiving The Notre Dame Exemplar Award for Outstanding Contributions to Education, Christian Brothers University Carroll T. Dozier Humanitarian Award for Peace and Justice, The St. Thomas University Humanitarian Award , The Knights of Peter Claver James Collins Award for Exemplary and Humanitarian Efforts for Youth, The Martin DePorres Humanitarian Award, the Immaculata College Amethyst Award for outstanding contributions in community service and education; the UNICO Humanitarian of the Year Award; and the Immaculata Medal for Creative Leadership and Sound Scholarship and Educational Courage. Dr. McDonald leads by example and works to make education a vehicle for understanding diversity, promoting unity and making the future brighter for all children.

Charles D. McVean, Chairman and CEO
McVean Trading & Investments, LLC

Charles D. McVean is Chairman and CEO of McVean Trading & Investments, LLC of Memphis, TN. McVean graduated with honors from Vanderbilt University in 1965. He began his trading career in the grain industry, first with Cook Industries of Memphis, TN,
and then with the Louis Dreyfus Corporation of New York City, both major international trading firms. Subsequently, McVean spent a number of years with Refco Inc., a large Chicago based futures trading organization. He was one of three principals of the firm.

McVean founded McVean Trading and Investments, LLC in 1986. The company conducts extensive research in three broad and interrelated areas: 1) livestock and meats, 2) grains and oilseeds, and 3) global macroeconomics. McVean is a global organization with foreign operations centering in Beijing, Osaka, and Geneva. In the U.S., McVean Trading is nationally recognized as a leading authority on the beef cattle industry. The company manages investments for over 5,000 clients.

Based on breakthroughs in lithium battery technology, a new McVean company is now introducing its Aerobic Cruiser Hybrid Cycle. The patented Cruiser is billed as “The World’s Most Sophisticated Electric Bicycle,” and “The First Truly Capable Human/Electric Hybrid Vehicle.”

McVean founded what is now The Peer Power Foundation in 2004. The organization’s mission is to prepare socioeconomically challenged youth to be professional, productive, and competitive contributors to our society. The concept is to create and implement new processes based on personal accountability, discipline, competition, and incentives, very much like that of the American Free Enterprise System. Peer Power now operates in eleven schools, employing, for pay, over 150 college and high school honor students to tutor and mentor over 1,000 students a day. The improvement shown by foundation “Scholars” is truly exciting. McVean was also instrumental in the founding of The McVean Learning Center at Christ Methodist Day School.

McVean is particularly proud of two recent developments. The Memphis City Council recognized him with its Humanitarian of the Year award in 2007 for his successful efforts to improve public education. Very recently, in September 2009, the Peer Power program in Shelby, Mississippi was awarded a $600,000 competitive grant from the 21st Century Foundation.

Bob Wilson, President, Wilson Air Center
Vice President, Kemmons Wilson Companies

Bob Wilson was born in Memphis, Tennessee, the second child of five in a world-renowned American Family. His father is the late Kemmons Wilson: The Father of Hospitality and America’s Innkeeper, Kemmons Wilson was the founder and Chairman of the Board of Holiday Inn hotels. Bob’s entire upbringing was in a home of hospitality and business.

By age 16, he had his pilot’s license, following his father’s passion for aviation. Bob graduated from Southern Methodist University and went to work for the family business, but also enlisted in the Tennessee Air National Guard. During his service, he attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel flying C-124s, C-130s and C-141s.

For the last forty years, Bob has served as Executive Vice President for the family’s privately owned business, The Kemmons Wilson Companies, with financial interests in over seventy business entities. His primary role has been in the area of construction of hotels, warehouses, time-shares FBO’s and more.

In 1996, Bob Wilson realized his long standing business dream. As founder and President of Wilson Air Center, Bob built the all new FBO at Memphis International Airport. Since opening, Wilson Air Center-MEM has been recognized by flight crews as the “Number One Rated FBO in the Americas” for nine consecutive years in Aviation International News and a “Top Ten FBO” in Professional Pilot Magazine. No other FBO s has accomplished such a tremendous feat in the last 60 years. Bob’s Memphis operation also achieved the “Operational Excellence Award” by AIG Aviation Insurance in 2002…the only FBO ever awarded this designation.

In February of 2005, Wilson Air Center was awarded the largest aviation management contract in the United States at Charlotte Douglas International Airport to manage the city’s FBO in partnership with Aviation Director, T. Jerry Orr. In August of 2005, Wilson Air Center announced the acquisition of an FBO at Houston Hobby Airport. Wilson Air Center was named #1 FBO chain in 2008 by Professional Pilot magazine.

Bob has won several awards for his career in aviation including:– Memphis Area Aviation Association placing him in the “Memphis Aviation Legends” Hall of Fame in Oct,1998. Carnival Memphis – Business & Industry Salute – Chairman’s Award – In recognition of outstanding contributions to the Aviation Industry and Mid-South community in April, 2005. The Captain Louis L. Carruthers Sierra Hotel Award for outstanding contributions to the progress of aviation in the Memphis Community in April, 2006 and was inducted into the TENNESSEE AVIATION HALL OF FAME at the TENNESSEE MUSEUM OF AVIATION in Sevierville, TN in November, 2006.

Bob has combined his love for aviation with charitable giving and is active with the VAC Mission, the Veterans Airlift Command provides free air transportation to wounded warriors, veterans and their families for medical and other compassionate purposes and providing air transportation for the Special Olympics. Bob and his wife Susan are also supporters of Christian Brothers University, recently providing a major gift that led to the construction of the Cooper-Wilson Center for Life Sciences on the CBU campus.

Entrepreneur path tougher for females
By James Dowd
Memphis Commercial Appeal

Although Denise Burnett loves her role as leader of one of the largest female-owned businesses in the region, she’s quick to note that being the boss is often a lonely job.

In addition to the inherent struggles of starting a business, female entrepreneurs often face gender-based obstacles that make running a successful company even more difficult.

Instead of becoming overwhelmed by the odds, Burnett said women should tackle challenges with integrity, professionalism and a commitment to excellence.

She speaks from experience, as the president of OR Nurses Inc., a small outfit she joined in 1988, a month after it was established by her late business partner, Carol Paterson. After Paterson’s death from ovarian cancer in 1990, Burnett assumed ownership of the company and guided it to a national presence.

Today, the company has grown to more than 300 health care professionals and corporate workers in nearly two dozen states.

“As a female in the business world, it can be difficult starting out and there may be those along the way who tell you that you can’t do it, that you won’t succeed,” Burnett said Thursday at the monthly meeting of the Society of Entrepreneurs. “There will be times when you’ll have to stand up for yourself and believe in your abilities, which can be daunting if you’re in a male-dominated industry.”

To facilitate success, Burnette said entrepreneurs must be willing to work harder than everyone else without compromising their standards.

And even though it may involve more effort at the onset, taking time to do a job right the first time will pay off both professionally and financially.

“Cutting corners for short-term gains just isn’t worth it,” Burnett warned. “Ultimately, your business rests on your reputation, and once you tarnish it you may never recover from it.”

That’s solid advice, said Karen Shea, principal of Shea Wealth Management.

“It’s not fair, but some people hold female-owned businesses to different standards from male-owned ones, so there’s an increased level of having to prove yourself,” Shea said. “It’s important to establish your reputation as top-notch from the start and prove that you can compete with the best of them.”

To balance all the hard work and sacrifice, Burnett said every entrepreneur should have at least one mentor to turn to for guidance and support. Also, making time to engage with other business owners can be the key to survival.

Toward that end, Burnett advocated joining peer groups. As a member of one of the Society of Entrepreneurs’ insight groups, Burnett regularly shares professional issues with other members at monthly meetings. It helps, she said, to get feedback from business owners facing similar issues and also to realize that she’s not alone.

“We can share our success stories as well as our failures and support each other through it all,” Burnett said.

“It’s a survival tool.”

– James Dowd: 529-2737

Apply to join an Insight group

Denise Burnett

Winston Wolfe

Spence Wilson was also awarded the 2010 Master Entrepreneur Award, jointly presented by The Society of Entrepreneurs and Junior Achievement of Memphis and the Mid-South.

But a group of local business leaders hopes to change that perception and in the process transform some great local ideas into viable, successful businesses. The first step in doing so is bridging the gap between the creatives and the capitalists.

“There’s no shortage of people with solid business proposals, and there are numerous sources where they could seek funding,” said David Waddell, president, CEO and senior investment strategist of Waddell & Associates. “But there’s a disconnect between the people with the ideas and the people with the money. We’re trying to help both sides get to know each other.”

Waddell served as moderator at a Thursday forum on funding for startups sponsored by the Society of Entrepreneurs and held at EmergeMemphis.

Serving as panelists were Andrew Forsdick of Addison Capital Advisors; Gordin McMurtry of Paragon National Bank; Andrew Seamons of Pittco; and Ken Woody of Innova. The sold-out event attracted more than 50 area entrepreneurs.

“You’re sick and demented to want to start a business in these times,” Waddell joked, “but you’re also beautiful, brave people who drive our economy. Memphis has a rich entrepreneurial history, and that spirit permeates all of you.”

But while many local banks and investors are interested in funding startups, too many would-be moguls don’t do enough research before they seek financing, the panelists said.

And that can make the difference between a done deal and no deal.

For example, research the lender or investor before seeking financing.

“Banks don’t invest in startups the same way other investors do. We look for active capital and cash flow because we have to know how we’ll be repaid,” McMurtry said. “It’s important for us to see a solid business plan, so make sure you have all that before you come in.”

In addition, it’s good practice to develop a prototype and be prepared to explain production costs if necessary, Woody said. Bootstrap as much as possible, know how much — or how little — financing is needed and don’t vary significantly at either end of the spectrum.

And by all means, temper idealism with realism.

“When people come in and say there’s nothing in the world like their business or that they don’t have any competition at all, they’re usually wrong,” Woody said. “Also, if there are any problems, be honest and don’t try to slide the idea by and hope that we won’t catch it, because when you’re starting out, your credibility is all that you’ve got.”

Seamons agreed.

“You’ve got to know more about your plan than anybody else on the planet, be passionate about it and acknowledge any issues,” Seamons said. “Connecting with venture capitalists who have had good experiences in your field is another way to increase the chances of financing.”

The bottom line, the panelists agreed, is being prepared and persistent. If the idea has merit, eventually someone will take notice.

“Comparing it to the NCAA, where very few college players make it to the pros, you have to determine what it is about your company that will set you apart,” Forsdick said. “There are a lot of awesome ideas out there, so figure out what makes you different from everyone else and sell that.”

– James Dowd: 529-2737

Society of Entrepreneurs upcoming event

What: Roundtable Lunch and Discussion

When: Noon, April 22

Where: Memphis Music Resource Center, 431 S. Main, Suite 201

Cost: $25, lunch included; must register by April 19

Details: Call 682-9920 or send an e-mail to pearson@soememphis.com

From The Commercial Appeal 3/19/10