Circle Back

Circle Back features Nashville’s most exceptional entrepreneurs as they revisit the moments that defined their paths. Hosted by Sam Davidson, these founders offer inspiration and practical insights to those navigating their own entrepreneurial journeys.

Don & Tracy Hardin: No Backup Plan — How a Nashville Native and His COO Built a 26-Year Construction Legacy from Scratch | Circle Back 08/03/2026

Don & Tracy Hardin: No Backup Plan — How a Nashville Native and His COO Built a 26-Year Construction Legacy from Scratch | Circle Back Join host Sam Davidson as he sits down with Don and Tracy Hardin, founders of the Don Hardin Group and two of the newest announced members of the Nashville Entrepreneurs' Hall of Fame 15th class, to be honored at the NEXT Awards on October 19th, 2026. Neither of them set out to build a company. Don wanted to work 30 years, get a watch, and retire. Tracy watched her father do payroll by hand at 11 PM and wanted absolutely nothing to do with entrepreneurship. Then life had other plans. Over 26 years, through a decade of moves across the country, two recessions, a pandemic, and a deeply held belief that their employees would always get paid — they built one of Nashville's most respected construction management firms. Their portfolio includes the National Museum of African American Music, Music City Center, and a reputation built on relationships, consistency, and refusing to have a backup plan. This conversation covers all of it: how they met (at a Houston's hostess stand on May 13, 1989), how the company started (a church project, a Nissan plant, and a whiteboard at HCA), how Tracy went from swearing off entrepreneurship to running the entire back office, and what they're focused on now — building something worth handing down. Episode Highlights: 0:39 — Don and Tracy introduce themselves: 26 and 23 years respectively in this work 1:18 — Tracy's first entrepreneur: her father, UT's first Black tenured professor in 1966 — who also ran a convenience store to pay for her education 2:02 — Why Tracy grew up watching entrepreneurship and decided she wanted a nine-to-five 2:37 — Don's first: Mr. Jimmy and Ms. Kitty, the neighborhood market over the hill in Trinity Hills 4:59 — The math teacher Don dodged for an entire semester — by taking alternate stairs — who ultimately pointed him toward engineering 6:02 — Tracy: pre-med until the morgue, then public administration and nonprofit work 7:02 — How they met: a "shaggy apartment," a UPS lunch at Houston's, and a phone number he wasn't sure he'd get 9:07 — May 13, 1989: Don calls the same day, they go out the same night 9:41 — The decade of moves: Oswego to Bowling Green to Greenville to Chicago to Birmingham to Reading, PA — and finally back to Nashville 11:35 — The church project that pulled them home — and the promises Don made to get Tracy back 14:41 — Don's decision to go independent: unplanned, organic, just the next logical step 20:00 — First contract: Nissan North America in Canton, Mississippi, via a PMI lunch and an automotive credential from the Mercedes-Benz plant 22:29 — How Tracy joined: Don doing everything himself, Tracy saying "why don't I help?" and immediately professionalizing the whole operation 24:08 — Tracy's first decision: payroll service, day one. "I am not going to be my father with that notebook." 28:12 — Planning in a volatile industry: what happens when you come back from the mountains with a plan and the phone rings for something else entirely 31:13 — The legacy question: why selling shares to the next generation matters, and why passing a Black-owned business down is rare 33:24 — Running a business with your spouse: clear lane separation, and the same accountant, attorney, and insurance agent for 25+ years 35:00 — The National Museum of African American Music: "Don, go build a museum" — and how he spread opportunity to every contractor involved 35:50 — Music City Center: the "Leave it to Beaver" conversation that got the two larger firms to hear him out 37:57 — Tracy on Music City Center: managing the build, and now serving on the board 38:53 — Don's philosophy: no backup plan. One plan. Make it work. 39:33 — COVID: kept everyone on payroll the whole time. "Last year's profit's gone, but you're going to keep getting your paychecks." 40:51 — Closing: Hall of Fame, October 19th NEXT Awards, and what staying the course actually looks like Subscribe to Circle Back for more stories from Nashville's most interesting builders. Share this with someone who needs to hear what staying the course looks like in practice. Relevant Links: #CircleBackPodcast #DonHardinGroup #NashvilleEntrepreneur #NashvilleEC #HallOfFame #ConstructionManagement #FamilyBusiness #BlackBusiness #NMAAM #Nashville #Entrepreneurship #LegacyBuilding /episode/index/show/circle-back/id/42229310

Max & Benjamin Goldberg: The Brothers Who Built Nashville's Hospitality Scene — Gumball Machines, Michelin Stars, and 19 Years of Partnership 07/06/2026

Max & Benjamin Goldberg: The Brothers Who Built Nashville's Hospitality Scene — Gumball Machines, Michelin Stars, and 19 Years of Partnership Join host Sam Davidson as he sits down with Max and Benjamin Goldberg, co-founders of Strategic Hospitality and two of the newest announced members of the Nashville Entrepreneurs' Hall of Fame 15th class, to be honored at the NEXT Awards on October 19th, 2026. Over 19 years, the brothers have built one of Nashville's most celebrated hospitality companies — earning Michelin Stars and James Beard Awards for their chef partners, opening concepts that helped define entire neighborhoods, and doing it all without losing either the partnership or the perspective on why any of it matters. This conversation covers the full arc: from a 16-year-old's gumball machine business and a bar nobody crossed the street to visit, to partnerships with Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, and some of the most talented chefs in the country. Along the way, Max and Benjamin talk about what Nashville's hospitality culture actually is and why it's rare, the pivot from "selfish" opening to chef partnerships that changed everything, the bets that scared them, the ones that didn't work, and why Benjamin still believes the restaurant business is fundamentally insane. The episode also gets at something harder to quantify: why they keep doing this, what a regular customer asking for a table actually means, and why giving back has never been a separate line item for either of them. Episode Highlights: 0:23 — The first entrepreneurs they remember: father, grandfather, and each other 1:43 — "The Man in the Arena" sign: three generations, one office wall 2:28 — Max's revelation: the first real entrepreneur he ever saw in action was his older brother 3:15 — Benjamin's first business: one gumball machine in a batting cage to buy a car at 16 4:20 — 18 months of convincing Max to leave New York — and what the actual argument finally was 5:18 — Bar 23 in the Gulch: Benjamin with a flashlight outside, 23 shades of white inside, and one of the world's top nightlife spots 7:02 — Max's college years: promotions company, a TV show, student body president, and Lady Gaga (who opened for them, he'll have you know) 9:28 — Their father's linen tablecloth intervention: a Sharpie list of every reason this partnership was a bad idea 11:05 — August 1, 2007: Max moves back. Their wife took the photo of them signing the contract. 11:28 — What Nashville's food and hospitality scene looked like when Benjamin opened his first bar in 2003 15:54 — Why Nashville's culture of mutual support is genuinely different from every other city they know 17:13 — Arnold's Country Kitchen as the secret weapon for recruiting world-class chefs 18:12 — Locus named 20th Best Restaurant in North America, and what Pat Martin did while the team was in Vegas 20:35 — The two chapters: the first 10 years of "selfish" openings vs. the last decade of chef equity partnerships 21:17 — Why every single chef partnership they've entered has earned a Michelin Star or James Beard Award 23:48 — Company scope today: ~12 concepts, Garth & Trisha, airport, stadiums, hotel under construction 26:32 — The first restaurant: Paradise Park Trailer Resort and why quality was non-negotiable from day one 28:18 — CMA Fan Fest, hundreds of thousands of guests, and a pricing policy they've never broken 29:48 — The Patterson House: 78 seats, no bar standing, $12 cocktails, and zero industry support — until it changed Nashville's entire cocktail culture 31:48 — "The restaurant business is so dumb." Benjamin on what hospitality actually is at its core. 32:22 — Why they keep doing it: a customer, a question, and a woman meeting her father for the first time 33:55 — Placemaking: the Gulch before there were streetlights, Wedgewood Houston before Josh Habiger named it, 12 South, and what comes next 37:20 — Burt Matthews and Jodi Moody: the mentors and partners who changed every big bet 38:08 — Is Nashville growing past the point where the next Max and Benjamin can get started? 41:17 — Why giving back isn't scheduled for "after the exit" — it's built into how they operate every day 43:12 — Max's framework: earning, learning, returning — and why they're in all three phases simultaneously 44:09 — Imposter syndrome at the table, and what they want their kids to witness 46:12 — Closing: Hall of Fame, October 2026, and what showing up actually costs Subscribe to Circle Back for more conversations with Nashville's most interesting builders. Leave a review and share this episode with someone who's building something worth caring about. Relevant Links: #CircleBackPodcast #StrategicHospitality #MaxGoldberg #BenjaminGoldberg #NashvilleRestaurants #MichelinStar #JamesBeard #NashvilleEntrepreneur #Hospitality #Placemaking #FamilyBusiness #HallOfFame /episode/index/show/circle-back/id/41923585

Ron Samuels' Entrepreneurial Odyssey: From Mailing Bricks to Building Avenue Bank and Shaping Nashville 04/06/2026

Ron Samuels' Entrepreneurial Odyssey: From Mailing Bricks to Building Avenue Bank and Shaping Nashville Join host Sam Davidson on Circle Back as he welcomes Nashville Entrepreneur Center Hall of Famer, Ron Samuels. Discover Ron's extraordinary entrepreneurial journey, from his early encounters with industry giants Kimmons Wilson (Holiday Inns) and Fred Smith (FedEx) to founding an antique store, co-founding the Mid-South School of Banking, and an innovative marketing campaign that famously mailed bricks to double market share in the building materials industry. Ron shares insights from his decades-long career in banking, navigating a landscape of constant mergers and acquisitions, and his audacious decision to start Avenue Bank at the age of 60, just before the 2008 financial crisis. Learn how Avenue Bank cultivated a unique, people-first culture, leading to rapid growth and a successful acquisition by Pinnacle. This episode also delves into Nashville's remarkable transformation, its strategic growth initiatives from Partnership 2000 to bringing professional sports, and Ron's foundational advice for entrepreneurs on character, authenticity, and empowering leadership. Episode Highlights: 0:01:03 - Meeting Kimmons Wilson (Holiday Inns) & Fred Smith (FedEx) 0:03:03 - Ron's First Entrepreneurial Endeavors: Paper Route & Mid-South School of Banking 0:05:25 - The Story Behind Starting an Antique Business ("Secondhand Rows") 0:08:30 - Early Life, Family Background, and the Path to Banking 0:17:30 - Recognizing His Entrepreneurial Spirit & Early Banking Culture 0:19:08 - Moving to Nashville in 1975 & the City's Banking Landscape 0:27:59 - Doubling Market Share in the Brick Business by Mailing Bricks 0:31:57 - Returning to Banking & Pursuing an MBA at Vanderbilt (Owen School) 0:35:21 - Navigating Decades of Banking Mergers & Acquisitions 0:40:04 - The Bold Decision to Start Avenue Bank at 60 0:43:08 - The Avenue Bank Success Story: Community, Growth, and Unique Culture 0:48:59 - Why Avenue Bank Decided to Exit and Merge with Pinnacle 0:55:20 - Reflecting on Nashville's Strategic Growth and Transformation 1:00:25 - Essential Advice for Aspiring and Seasoned Entrepreneurs Listen now to uncover the wisdom from one of Nashville's most influential business leaders! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Connect with Circle Back: Follow Learn more about the In partnership with #RonSamuels #AvenueBank #NashvilleEntrepreneur #Podcast #Entrepreneurship #Banking #NashvilleHistory #FedEx #HolidayInn #StartupLife #BusinessGrowth #Leadership #CommunityBuilding #CircleBackPodcast #SamDavidson #NashvillePost #BusinessAdvice #EntrepreneurJourney #NashvilleBusiness #MergersAndAcquisitions #BankFounder /episode/index/show/circle-back/id/40712710

Manuel Cuevas: The 92-Year-Old Fashion Legend Who Dressed Johnny Cash & Hollywood 03/02/2026

Manuel Cuevas: The 92-Year-Old Fashion Legend Who Dressed Johnny Cash & Hollywood Join us for an incredible conversation with Manuel Cuevas, a true legend in the world of fashion. Manuel shares his remarkable journey, starting to sew at just seven years old in Mexico and building an empire that has dressed some of the biggest names in Hollywood and the music industry. From crafting iconic looks for Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton to creating wardrobes for classic Westerns like Bonanza and The Lone Ranger, Manuel's "one-of-a-kind" designs have shaped celebrity style for decades. Now 92, Manuel reveals his secrets to a lifelong passion for creativity, the importance of hard work, and why he'll never retire. Discover his unique philosophy on business, the deep friendships he built with his famous clients, and the magic of Nashville that eventually drew him from Los Angeles. This episode is a masterclass in entrepreneurship, dedication, and the art of staying true to your craft. Episode Highlights: [00:49] The surprising origin of Manuel's sewing journey, starting at age seven in Mexico. [03:12] Manuel's early life lessons from his philosophical uncle and unique schooling. [08:00] Developing a professional clothing business as a teenager, defying fashion norms. [13:59] Moving to Hollywood at 20 and designing for the motion picture industry. [18:08] Crafting wardrobes for Hollywood stars, including Ronald Reagan, and creating iconic Western looks. [21:51] The move from Los Angeles to Nashville and designing for country music legends. [24:16] The story behind dressing Johnny Cash and the decision for his signature black attire. [25:55] Manuel's business philosophy: "It was a business, never a dream." [31:41] What truly makes Manuel happy in his work and why he loves to "please." [32:21] Why Manuel, at 92, insists he will never retire. [33:36] Manuel's powerful advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and creatives. [37:26] The unique hospitality and community he found in Nashville. Support Our Sponsors: Learn more about the Beth and Randy Chase Family Check out Connect & Share: Listen to Manuel's full story to get inspired by his entrepreneurial spirit and lifelong dedication. Follow for more inspiring conversations with industry leaders. Share this episode with someone who needs a dose of motivation and a peek into fashion history! #ManuelCuevas #FashionLegend #CelebrityFashion #CustomDesign #BespokeTailoring #HollywoodCostumes #NashvilleStyle #JohnnyCash #DollyParton #EntrepreneurLife #PodcastInterview #CircleBackPodcast #FashionHistory #WesternWear #Inspiration #BusinessAdvice #MadeInAmerica #SewingLife #NeverRetire #IconicStyle /episode/index/show/circle-back/id/40220915

Michael Burcham: Build, Grow, and Give Back – From Healthcare Startups to the Nashville Entrepreneur Center's Enduring Legacy 02/02/2026

Michael Burcham: Build, Grow, and Give Back – From Healthcare Startups to the Nashville Entrepreneur Center's Enduring Legacy Join host Sam Davidson as he unpacks the extraordinary journey of Michael Burcham, the founding CEO of the Nashville Entrepreneur Center. From his humble beginnings in rural Mississippi, Michael shares how a dream to escape his small-town bubble led him to the Army National Guard for college, a dynamic career in healthcare, and ultimately, to becoming a prolific founder, investor, professor, and four-time author. This episode is a masterclass in resilience, strategic thinking, and the power of giving back. Michael details the challenges and triumphs of founding two successful healthcare companies, Teraphysics and Paradigm Health, including how he overcame dozens of rejections to secure his first investor, strategically pivoted business models for explosive growth, and navigated lucrative exits. He then recounts the inspiring story behind the Nashville Entrepreneur Center, from its audacious vision of a physical hub for entrepreneurs to the monumental task of renovating its historic Hillyard home with no debt. Dive into Michael's profound insights on the entrepreneurial mindset, including lessons from his books, "The Art of Startup Failure" and "The Seven Deadly Emotions of Entrepreneurship." Discover his three critical guideposts for discerning when to pivot versus persevere, and learn why fostering relationships is the bedrock of lasting success. Michael also shares his current focus at Shore Capital and his mission to empower entrepreneurs who are driven not just by profit, but by a desire to scale for impact and "send the elevator back down" for the next generation. Episode Highlights: 0:06 - Meet Michael Burcham: Founder, Author, Investor, Professor 1:07 - Michael's first glimpse of entrepreneurship in rural Mississippi 1:38 - Starting his first business at 14: The lawnmower venture 2:44 - The deep-seated drive to expand beyond his small-town upbringing 3:41 - How the Army National Guard paved Michael's path to college 4:34 - Launching a career in healthcare and earning an MBA at HCA 8:04 - Founding Teraphysics: Overcoming 30 rejections to raise crucial capital 10:59 - The strategic business model pivots that propelled Teraphysics' success 19:07 - Co-founding and scaling his second impactful company, Paradigm Health 23:38 - The ambitious vision behind establishing the Nashville Entrepreneur Center (EC) 31:00 - The monumental challenge and triumph of renovating the EC's historic Hillyard building 34:40 - Why strong relationships are non-negotiable for entrepreneurial success 37:40 - Transitioning from the EC to Shore Capital and embarking on an authorship journey 41:35 - Key takeaways and wisdom from "The Art of Startup Failure" 44:27 - Exploring "The Seven Deadly Emotions of Entrepreneurship" and navigating internal struggles 49:01 - Michael's three essential guideposts for deciding when to pivot 54:23 - Michael's current mission: Coaching entrepreneurs to scale for impact, not just profit, and his upcoming book, "Blood, Sweat, and Equity" Listen now to gain Michael's unique perspective on entrepreneurship. Subscribe to Circle Back for more inspiring stories. Share this episode with aspiring founders and business leaders, and leave us a review to help others discover valuable content. Relevant Links: /episode/index/show/circle-back/id/39718890