Driven By with Sam Coates

Most people think nonprofits survive on grants and goodwill. Roshun Austin thinks that's the wrong mindset. As president and CEO of The Works, Inc., she's spent the last 14 years building one of Memphis' most impactful community development organizations by treating it like a business. Today, The Works has grown from fewer than five employees and a $2 million budget to more than 30 employees, a $1...

Most universities facing enrollment challenges have responded the same way: lower the bar and hope the numbers improve. Dr. Bill Hardgrave chose a different path. As President of the University of Memphis, Hardgrave made a controversial decision to significantly raise admissions standards, knowing it would come with short-term pain. In year one, freshman enrollment dropped 25%. Headlines followed,...

Andy Kizzee didn’t set out to build a workforce model in one of Memphis’ most challenged neighborhoods. However, after moving into Binghampton and getting to know his neighbors, he began asking a different question: not just why people weren’t working, but what kind of work actually changes a life. A structural engineer by training, Andy spent six years in India before returning to Memphis with a...

In this episode of Driven By Sam Coates , Trent Williamson, head of school at Harding Academy, shares the story of a decision that defied expectations. At a time when many Memphis institutions were moving outward, Harding chose to stay rooted in the city — a move that brought short-term pain but long-term transformation. Trent offers an honest look at what that choice required: navigating family d...

Some stories don’t fit neatly into a redemption arc. Melvin Cole’s is one of them. On the latest episode of Drive By with Sam Coates , Cole, founder of PURE Academy in Memphis, shares a raw, unpolished account of growing up in extreme poverty, entering the drug trade at age 11, surviving gun violence and ultimately choosing a radically different path. Raised by a heroin-addicted grandmother in Sou...

Our next Driven By episode features Gary Stavrum , a Memphis entrepreneur whose career reflects exceptional grit, discipline and vision. A Christian Brothers alumnus, Gary built three med-device contract manufacturing companies, two of which he has sold, beginning with a startup launched in a garage in Covington, Tennessee, funded with just $20,000. His first company grew to 128 employees and $18...

In this episode of Driven By, I sit down with JW Gibson, a Memphian whose story runs from the Dixie Homes housing project to entrepreneur. After serving in the U.S. Navy, he built businesses from the ground up—including a medical supply company launched in his mother’s garage and a printing company that now produces Tennessee’s lottery tickets. This conversation is about how JW built from scratch,...

In this episode, I sit down with Coach Mike Mosby from Oakhaven High, an inner-city Memphis school, to talk about what it means to lead beyond football. When a wealthy East Memphis school stepped in to buy his team 30 new helmets, the gap was on full display. Mosby shares hard truths about the community he serves—where father figures are scarce, crime is concentrated, and football becomes a lifeli...

In this episode, I sit down with Jared from The Hospitality Hub in Memphis to talk about redesigning how they serve people experiencing homelessness. He shares what it takes to build real solutions, from private studios to trauma-informed care, and why preserving dignity should be the starting point. Episode Highlights: Why People Really Become Homeless: Jared breaks down the data and busts myths....

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Reginald Coopwood, CEO of Regional One Health, to talk about how he and his team led one of the most significant healthcare turnarounds in Memphis history. He shares what it took to step into a hospital losing $20 million a year and rebuild it—without ever losing faith in the people who showed up every day to serve. From personal tragedy to civic vision, Dr. Co...

In this episode, I sit down with Field Norris, co-founder of Chene Gear, to talk about how a frustration in the duck blind turned into a premium outdoor brand. He shares the story of what it takes to build something from the ground up, and how he and his team have scaled without losing sight of their values. From early challenges to staying customer-first, Field offers an honest look at building a...

In this episode, I sit down with Mark Goodfellow — a man who’s lived life at full speed and with no filter. We cover from the trailer park in West Memphis to the car lots and the flash people in the city know him for today. Along the way, he talks about gambling, second chances, hard lessons, and big swings. This isn’t a polished story — It’s a conversation about the price of ambition, the impact...

In this episode, I sit down with Dana Evans—missionary, adoptive mother, and advocate—to discuss her journey of faith, calling, and resilience. She shares what led her to Russia, the challenges of adoption, and the lessons she’s learned about trust, fear, and perseverance. Episode Highlights When a Calling Won’t Let Go: From childhood dreams to a leap of faith that changed her life. Life in Russia...

In this episode, I sit down with Stephen Shannon—entrepreneur, investor, and family office operator—to discuss his journey across private equity, real estate, and capital management. We explore the principles behind his investment strategy, the challenges of building credibility, and the hard lessons he’s learned about leadership, trust, and execution. Episode Highlights From Memphis to Texas: Nav...

In this episode, I sit down with Jonathan Torres, former CEO of Memphis Athletic Ministries and Frase Protection, and Danny Song, founder of Believe Memphis Academy and CEO of Give Services, to discuss everything nonprofit leadership. With years of experience serving communities in need, they share their journeys, the realities of leading nonprofit organizations, and moving to the for-profit world...

In this episode, I sit down with Daniel Shumate, CEO of Campbell Clinic, to discuss delivering patient-centered care in a country with the most expensive healthcare in the world. We explore the challenges patients face and the bold decisions that need to be made. Episode Highlights: Staying Independent: Maintaining autonomy in a landscape dominated by large hospital systems. Achieving Better Outco...

Hear my conversation with Elizabeth Rouse, the President and CEO of Arts Memphis, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting the arts in Memphis, Tennessee. With over 60 years of impact, Arts Memphis has played a pivotal role in fostering creativity and connection in the Memphis, TN community. Episode Highlights Historical Context: Learn how Arts Memphis evolved from the Memphis Arts Council to a cornerst...

Hear my conversation with Randall Swaney, the entrepreneur behind Marshall Steakhouse, named the #1 Steakhouse in Mississippi by the Food Network. Located in rural Mississippi, Randall turned what was supposed to be a feed store into a bustling restaurant. Episode Highlights From Feed Store to Steakhouse: How Randall’s idea turned into a steakhouse serving 4,000 people a week. Against All Odds: Wh...

Enjoy my conversation with Nancy Knous, Executive Partner at Benchmark Wealth Management. Nancy built her firm from the ground up, tackling the unique challenges of being a woman in a predominantly male industry. Episode Highlights Building from Scratch: How Nancy structured her business for growth and planning for the next generation. Lonely in the Industry: The unique struggles of being a woman...

My guest today is David Wedaman. David began his career as an accountant at Arthur Anderson. He then left to go into the transportation industry, and after his first stop, David was a co-founder in Mark VII, which he and his partners grew to $800 million in annual revenue. After this business was taken public and sold in the late 1990’s, David founded Retrans, which he and his team built into 32 b...

Memphis, TN is where I call home. A city that has much momentum, but also a city that has significant challenges. This episode is outside my normal focus of business and entrepreneurship, but I wanted to sit down with Mayor Paul Young to discuss his journey and these things head on. Discover his vision for transforming Memphis, a city rich in history and culture but also facing significant issues...

Hear my conversation with Rich Johnson and learn how he went from Air Force airman to CEO, building ViaQuest into a leading healthcare provider with 3,500 employees across Indiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.  Episode Highlights Care Trends: Evolution of managing disabilities, mental health, and hospice. 2008 Banking Crisis: How Rich steered ViaQuest through financial turmoil. Veteran Pride: The impac...

Our guests today are Hal and Julie Lansky. Lansky Bros. opened as an army surplus and uniform store in 1946. It then pivoted when supplies ran out after WW2. Bernard Lanksy hit the jackpot when a young man with no money, Elvis Presley, walked into his store before the one and only Ed Sullivan show. Today, 78 years later, Lansky Bros. is an international brand. Here, I sit down with second-generati...

Here is my conversation is with Steve Laffey. Steve is a politician and businessman who ran for Mayor of his hometown of Cranston, Rhode Island and won. Steve is a former executive at Morgan Keegan and Company, author, and filmmaker. After serving as Mayor of Cranston, Rhode Island, Steve ran for the Republican primary for United States Senate and the Republican Primary for the House of Representa...

Hey everybody, my guest this week is Chris Mercer. Forty-two years ago, Chris Mercer left investment Bank Morgan Keegan and launched Mercer Capital. Mercer Capital provides Business Valuation and Financial Advisory Services to clients worldwide. To date, Chris says they have served over 15,000 companies. Today, Mercer Capital has 57 associates and four offices across the United States. With the do...