Business in Blue

Connection, Collaboration and Change: Bridges USA

To bring season 4 of Business in Blue to a close, our host Leia Harper sat down with her dear friend and UofM alum Mario Hendrix, chief program officer of Bridges USA [https://bridgesusa.org/]. Located in Uptown Memphis, Bridge Builders aims to help local youth and teachers grasp their leadership skills and improve self-confidence through various experiential education programs. Listen in as Mario talks about how the University of Memphis serves as a cornerstone in our city and how Bridges is bridging the gap in fostering the next generation of leaders. To explore Bridges USA opportunities, visit bridgesusa.org/explore [https://bridgesusa.org/explore]. Proudly hosted by the Fogelman College of Business and Economics [http://memphis.edu/fcbe] at the University of Memphis, the Business in Blue podcast aims to highlight success stories, expert advice, and of course, all things business in Memphis.   Connect with us! Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/uofmfogelman/] LinkedIn [http://LinkedIn.com/school/uofmfogelman] Facebook YouTube [?list=PLHWYBZKwDGi0SrcTEdwzocz-xxIP0EDjy] TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@uofmfogelman]

Memphis’ Vertical Urban Village: Crosstown Concourse

Our host, Leia Harper, had the opportunity to sit down with UofM alumna and Director of Marketing and Business Development at Crosstown Concourse [https://crosstownconcourse.com/], Erin Shelton. Tune in as Erin shares the story behind transforming the former 1.5 million square foot Sears distribution center into the vibrant Crosstown Concourse—Memphis’s iconic vertical urban village. From nonprofits and apartments to restaurants and creative spaces, discover how this innovative hub was designed to connect business, art and community. Hear how their mission, “life is lived better together,” comes to life every day—and why Crosstown Concourse has become the city’s largest coworking destination, where entrepreneurs collaborate, create and experience the best of Memphis all in one place. To learn more about upcoming events held at Crosstown Concourse, click here [https://crosstownconcourse.com/events/?time=1776727640]. Proudly hosted by the Fogelman College of Business and Economics [http://memphis.edu/fcbe] at the University of Memphis, the Business in Blue podcast aims to highlight success stories, expert advice, and of course, all things business in Memphis.   Connect with us! Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/uofmfogelman/] LinkedIn [http://LinkedIn.com/school/uofmfogelman] Facebook YouTube TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@uofmfogelman]

Making it Memphis: Old Dominick Distillery

This week on Business in Blue, host Leia Harper welcomed Clark Schifani—a fifth-generation FCBE alumnus and Director of Sales at Old Dominick Distillery [https://olddominick.com/special-events/?utm_term=&utm_campaign=Old+Dominick+Wins+Double+Gold&utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=ppc&hsa_acc=3313486731&hsa_cam=22555909582&hsa_grp=&hsa_ad=&hsa_src=x&hsa_tgt=&hsa_kw=&hsa_mt=&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_ver=3&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22586287168&gbraid=0AAAAA_YR-AzR-wkdr4z-Ds4vg-2lkxQZn&gclid=CjwKCAjwnN3OBhA8EiwAfpTYeploUiFoGHVhpYOqLE8nBJVV-a7C8QTdCZA3cNn4ZZx5Jw0pmp3giBoCINQQAvD_BwE]—to the FCBE Media Studio. Tune in as Clark shares valuable insights from his career in the hospitality industry, along with fun “did you know?” trivia about the origins of the iconic Old Dominick brand. A key focus of the conversation is Old Dominick’s commitment to authenticity. Through their new “Making It Memphis” initiative, the distillery is doubling down on highlighting and supporting local vendors, ensuring the city’s unique culture remains front and center in everything they do. At its core, Old Dominick strives to be hospitable to the true heartbeat of the city. Their partnerships with organizations like Welcome to Memphis, Memphis Tigers Athletics and the Blue Suede Brigade reflect that mission and their deep-rooted connection to the community. Proudly hosted by the Fogelman College of Business and Economics [http://memphis.edu/fcbe] at the University of Memphis, the Business in Blue podcast aims to highlight success stories, expert advice, and of course, all things business in Memphis.   Connect with us! Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/uofmfogelman/] TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@uofmfogelman] YouTube [?list=PLHWYBZKwDGi0SrcTEdwzocz-xxIP0EDjy]

Entrepreneurs are made in Memphis: David Rose, Crews Center for Entrepreneurship

Let’s give a roaring Business Tiger welcome to UofM alum and assistant director of the Crews Center for Entrepreneurship, David Rose. In this episode, David discusses the power of entrepreneurship and how the Crews Center serves a vital role not only on the UofM campus, but to the City of Memphis. He shares how entrepreneurship is all about failing forward, learning fast and taking action on your ideas. The Crews Center for Entrepreneurship [https://www.memphis.edu/crews/] is available to all UofM students and community partners, alike. Its mission is to provide education, training, support, mentorship and technical assistance to aspiring entrepreneurs.. Whether you’re just beginning to develop your entrepreneurial mindset or you’re well on your way to launching the next Fortune 500 company, the Crews Center provides a space to innovate and create freely.  Proudly hosted by the Fogelman College of Business and Economics [http://memphis.edu/fcbe] at the University of Memphis, the Business in Blue podcast aims to highlight success stories, expert advice, and of course, all things business in Memphis.   Connect with us! Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/uofmfogelman/]

Where Good Energy Flows: Groovy Gratitude

In this episode, Business in Blue host Leia Harper sits down with Alicia Dixon, co-owner and founder of Groovy Gratitude, a wellness café located in Uptown Memphis that blends music, mindfulness and community engagement into its brand. Groovy Gratitude is more than just a juice bar—it serves as a beacon of wellness and balanced living in a community that has historically had limited access to healthy food options. In addition to offering a varied and delicious menu, Groovy Gratitude also prioritizes social nourishment, creating a welcoming space that fosters connection and community. Listen in to learn more about Alicia’s journey launching and operating this successful entrepreneurial venture. Groovy Gratitude is part of the Dixon White Restaurant Group, co-founded by Alicia and her partner, Marquis White. To learn more about Groovy Gratitude and to stay in the know about their upcoming events, follow them on Instagram @groovy_graitutde [https://www.instagram.com/groovy_gratitude?igsh=MWR0dW40ajg5NGt5Yw==] or visit groovygratitude.com/events [https://groovygratitude.com/events]. Proudly hosted by the Fogelman College of Business and Economics [http://memphis.edu/fcbe] at the University of Memphis, the Business in Blue podcast aims to highlight success stories, expert advice, and of course, all things business in Memphis.   Connect with us! Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/uofmfogelman/] TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@uofmfogelman] Facebook LinkedIn YouTube [?list=PLHWYBZKwDGi0SrcTEdwzocz-xxIP0EDjy]