“Downtown Memphis sure has come a long way.” It’s a phrase that’s often heard these days, and it’s one for which in large part Memphis can thank the vision of Jack Belz. It goes back to 1948, to the wedding of Jack and Marilyn Belz in the beautiful Peabody Hotel. The hotel was, of course, special to Mr. Belz, and for that reason he and hi
Learn More
Jay Martin graduated from the University of Georgia in 1968 and moved to Memphis in 1969. Jay founded National Safety Associates (Juice Plus Co.) with $500 and has served as President and CEO since its inception. Juice Plus is a direct marketing company with 75,000 independent distributors in all 50 states and 25 foreign countries. Juice Plus has c
Learn More
Jeff Webb knows something of the entrepreneurial “spirit” – he’s made a career of it. In the mid 70’s the former University of Oklahoma yell leader founded a company to conduct training camps for high school and college cheerleaders. Varsity Spirit has grown through the years to become the world’s largest
Learn More
Robert and Susan Wang are living proof of the true spirit of entrepreneurship, starting small and working to realize their dream of business success. Founded in 1976 in the back of a van, Wang’s International, was dedicated to selling crafts merchandise to wholesalers and retail stores, and grew to become a powerhouse with annual revenues globall
Learn More
Bill West is not just a physician, but also an entrepreneur. He is the founder of the nationally known West Clinic, now West Cancer Center in Memphis, Tennessee and though he no longer participates in active practice, it continues to bear his name as one of the most admired brands in the city. The West Cancer Center has grown to over 700 associates
Learn More
As Chairman of Kemmons Wilson Companies, Spence Wilson knows entrepreneurship quite well, having spent a lifetime with one of the city’s most well known – his father. He understands and embodies the importance of blending creative energy and vision, initiative and innovation, and he has worked to develop Kemmons W
Learn More
Allen Morgan’s philosophy on entrepreneurship is simple yet profound. “Unless we promote [it], we will not have an exciting business atmosphere in our country.” Throughout his career, Allen has gone a long way in creating that exciting atmosphere he talks about. In 1969, at the age of 27, he founded Morgan Keega
Learn More