A Tour of Nashville's Entrepreneurial History by Historian David Ewing
Release Date: 06/02/2025
Leading Through the Turn: How Elise Mitchell's Motorcycle Mindset Led Her to Success
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Elise Mitchell, author, executive coach, and motorcycle riding mother, shares her entrepreneurial journey that began when she started her own public relations agency, Mitchell Communications Group, which she grew to over 500% in just 5 years. After 18 years, she sold the company and took on a global role focused on mergers and acquisitions. Reflecting on her career, Elise decided her greatest contribution now would be as an executive coach and business consultant, helping other founders navigate growth, scale, and eventual sale of their companies. Mitchell's story illustrates the highs and...
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A Tour of Nashville's Entrepreneurial History by Historian David Ewing
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As a ninth-generation Nashvillian and CEO of Nashville History on Tour, David Ewing takes us on a deep dive into the city's rich entrepreneurial history, weaving together stories of innovation, resilience, and transformation. With roots in the city dating back to the late 1700s, Ewing shares his own family's long-standing connection to Nashville and highlights the thriving African-American business community that flourished in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He also explores the rise of key industries—religious publishing, medicine, and sports—while shedding light on the profound...
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No Elevator to Everest: Will Acuff's Climb to Success
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Will Acuff's entrepreneurial journey is a powerful testament to purpose-driven innovation and resilience. His path began with a college band and evolved into a mission to create a meaningful impact through community empowerment. After a life-changing trip to Nairobi and years in a low-income Nashville neighborhood, Will and his wife, Tiffany, co-founded Corner to Corner, a nonprofit that equips underserved individuals to launch their own businesses. As the organization grew, Will stepped back from leadership to focus on expansion and fundraising. Inspired by personal challenges, including...
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From Jolly Ranchers to Job Growth: Stuart McWhorter Views on Entrepreneurship
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Stuart McWhorter shares his entrepreneurial journey from selling Jolly Ranchers out of his high school locker to becoming Tennessee's Commissioner of Economic Development. He reflects on his early interest in healthcare administration, his time at Clayton Associates alongside his father, navigating venture capital and stepping into leadership roles, and his transition to spearheading Nashville Entrepreneur Center. McWhorter shares his view on the entrepreneurial spirit in Tennessee, the importance of fostering business growth, and how his experiences shape his approach to business development....
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Tod Fetherling’s Entrepreneurial Journey from the Early Internet to Healthcare Innovation
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A serial entrepreneur, EC Hall of Famer and inaugural board director of the EC, J. Tod Fetherling joins CEO Sam Davidson to discuss his epic journey from the early days of the internet to building multiple successful companies. Being tasked with developing HCA's first internet strategy in 1995 fueled Fetherling's passion for technology, data, and healthcare innovation. Over the years, he's played a key role in various ventures, launching health-focused digital platforms and emphasizes the importance of partnerships, research-driven decision-making, and adaptability in business. His...
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Reimagining Business: Mark Montgomery’s Guide to Impactful Leadership
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Mark Montgomery shares his entrepreneurial journey, from his first lawn care business as a teenager to building and selling companies in the music and technology industries. Montgomery sits down with EC CEO Sam Davidson to share how he pivoted from pursuing music to entrepreneurship, co-founding Echo, a digital music distribution company, which he sold in 2007. Personal challenges, including his wife's cancer diagnosis, led him to reassess his path, eventually exploring the cannabis industry and launching the non-alcoholic beverage brand Better Than Booze. Reflecting on his successes and...
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Pursuing God-sized Dreams with Guts: Beyond the NFL with Coach Eddie George
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Known for his football career and current head coach at Tennessee State University, Eddie George takes us back to his upbringing with a mother who instilled an entrepreneurial spirit that led him to successful ventures in landscape architecture and wealth management before partaking in a nine-season career in football. Eddie's story is one of determination and growth, highlighting the importance of his faith, vision, and desire to serve others. Listen as Eddie discusses the impact of mentors, the value of financial literacy for athletes, and the significance of pursuing God-sized dreams with...
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The Entrepreneurial Mayor: Freddie O'Connell’s Vision for Nashville
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What happens when a tech-savvy entrepreneur becomes the mayor of one of America’s fastest-growing cities? In this special episode, Sam Davidson sits down with Nashville’s 10th mayor, Freddie O’Connell, to explore his journey from startup founder to civic leader. Discover how his entrepreneurial spirit is shaping the future of Nashville, and why his bold vision for transportation and local business could transform the city for generations to come. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on leadership, innovation, and building a better Nashville!
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Made From Scratch: Mignon Francois' Inspiring Entrepreneurial Journey
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There's nothing sweeter than success, especially for Mignon Francois, founder of The Cupcake Collection. Mignon sits down with the EC's CEO Sam Davidson to share her amazing path from lacking direction to building a legacy, emphasizing the importance of investing in community and building relationships along the way. They'll discuss the challenges she faced as a scaling small business and Mignon's personal coaching philosophy behind her desire to help other women start their own businesses.
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The Power of Perseverance with Jason Moore
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As a seasoned entrepreneur and business leader with a passion for innovation and growth, Jason Moore shares his incredible journey from humble beginnings in rural Kentucky to founding Stratasan, a successful healthcare data analytics software company. Jason shares some of the ups and downs, the challenges he faced, and the pivotal moments that led him to find success, including the importance of mentorship. Jason Moore's story is a testament to the power of perseverance, community, and the willingness to seek help and learn from others.
info_outlineAs a ninth-generation Nashvillian and CEO of Nashville History on Tour, David Ewing takes us on a deep dive into the city's rich entrepreneurial history, weaving together stories of innovation, resilience, and transformation. With roots in the city dating back to the late 1700s, Ewing shares his own family's long-standing connection to Nashville and highlights the thriving African-American business community that flourished in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He also explores the rise of key industries—religious publishing, medicine, and sports—while shedding light on the profound impact of urban renewal on these communities. Looking ahead to the future revitalization of downtown Nashville, Ewing addresses the opportunities and challenges that today's entrepreneurs and creatives face in a rapidly evolving city.