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.

Wayne W. Pyeatt

National Bank of Commerce
Former CEO

“Regardless of how successful a nation or city becomes, it will never carry the good will of its citizens unless it understands its responsibility to those who cannot help themselves, the arts and the environment.” Wayne Pyeatt’s brand of entrepreneurship goes a lot further than his professional successes, although he has proven himself a strong leader in the business community.

Mr. Pyeatt has been affiliated with several banks and financial institutions; they included his serving as CEO of National Bank of Commerce, his family owned First National Bank of Searcy, AR, which he sold in 1997 to Regions Bank and he was a founder of Enterprise National Bank. Mr. Pyeatt’s entrepreneurial philosophy of extending himself to others around him is evident in his willingness to devote himself to many civic interests. He currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Trezevant Manor and is involved with the Economic Club of Memphis, the Rotary Club of Memphis, Family Services, the Memphis Area Chamber of Commerce, the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis, and the Memphis Museum System.

Description of Business:

Former CEO of National Bank of Commerce and Home Federal Savings and Loan, primary founder of Enterprise National Bank

Year Inducted:

1996

Thoughts on Entrepreneurship:

“Entrepreneurship is the answer to the prosperity of Memphis and the country. In order for it to be successful; however, it must be joined by an understanding of the responsibilities it carries. Regardless of how successful the business climate of a city or national becomes, it will never carry the good will of its citizens unless it understands its responsibility to those who cannot help themselves, to the arts and to the environment.”