THE PRIVILEGE OF BEING ABLE TO HAVE DREAMS, IDEAS AND GOALS COME TO FRUITION, IS THE CORE OF WHAT WE ARE ABLE TO EXPERIENCE BECAUSE OF THE FREEDOMS THAT ARE OURS IN AMERICA.

- Denise Burnett Stewart

SMALL BUSINESS DRIVES THE AMERICAN ECONOMY. IT THRIVES AND SURVIVES NO MATTER WHAT MAY BE GOING ON IN THE MAIN ECONOMY.

- Dick Gadomski

UNLESS WE PROMOTE ENTREPRENEURSHIP, WE WILL NOT HAVE AN EXCITING BUSINESS ATMOSPHERE IN OUR COUNTRY.

- Allen B. Morgan, Jr.

Harry L. SMITH

Schilling Enterprises
Chairman
Entrepreneur

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. He also owned, in partnership with Boyle Investment Company, Schilling Farms, a 448-acre planned business development in Collierville, TN. Over the past 35 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 has been involved in over 30 boards and managing committees in the area, including Baptist Healthcare Systems, Baptist College of Health Sciences Board, University of Memphis Foundation, Board of Visitors, Union University, Church Health, and Collierville Chamber of Commerce, just to name a few.

Year Inducted:

2004

Thoughts on Entrepreneurship:

“‘An entrepreneur should have the goal of living a balanced life involving his faith, his family and his business. He should be willing to be transparent (be himself) and to admit that he doesn’t know everything. He should assemble a team that will share his vision and accomplish his goals with focus, determination and humility. He should respect and involve all members of the team. The team should be part of all of the challenges and victories experienced along the way.”