Nominee Narratives: Entrepreneur of the Year
Presented by Simmons Banks and the Collierville Chamber of Commerce, the annual Excellence in Business Awards serves as an opportunity to recognize those that set a standard for excellence in their respected category and strive for innovation in local business.
With a vision for the future, entrepreneurs like Christian Brothers Automotive Collierville, Stakt, Thrive Hearing and Tinnitus Solutions, and The Skybox Grill keep our community growing for the bigger and better. We are honored to recognize them as this year’s Entrepreneur of the Year nominees.
Christian Brothers Automotive – Collierville
For eight years Jimmy Turner’s Christian Brothers Automotive has serviced the auto maintenance and repair needs of Collierville residents.
Offering nine bays in a modern facility, Turner comments that Christian Brothers provides a “nice difference” when it comes to auto service.
Christian Brothers Automotive Collierville has experienced a 40% growth in the last two years and credits their success to the “Lord’s favor” and “being a part of the community.”
As testament to the company name, Christian Brothers ministers to single moms and widows through their National Service Day, when they provide free service to this special group. This past year they assisted some 56 ladies.
Stakt
What started as a “creative agency for other advertising agencies” in downtown Memphis several years ago has grown to be part of the lifeblood of Collierville’s business community and Collierville’s Historic Town Square.
While many know Stakt as the company behind Tour Collierville Magazine, a successful and beautiful reflection of the community and its people and businesses, Stakt’s Keith Essary knows there’s so much more behind his team.
As a creative agency, the homegrown team at Stakt throw their hearts and creative minds into the world of small business marketing, branding and advertising. Essary notes their work for Collierville’s own The Original Bee’s Wax Polish and how Stakt’s creative efforts via positive and exciting branding took a small company to national prominence and expanded distribution.
Essary also loves to help brand Collierville itself. Stakt’s “Main and Mulberry” podcast brings civic leaders together for a live podcast to address community issues and public policy.
With a staff of 11 community residents, holding the fort in a very cool and historic space on Mulberry, Stakt continues to push themselves with unstoppable energy. It’s the way they do business, and it’s a model that works.
Thrive Hearing and Tinnitus Solutions
Dr. Casie Keaton, Doctor of Audiology, and her team at Thrive Hearing and Tinnitus Solutions have found a home in Collierville since 2015. An easy walk from the Town Square, the clinic has seen a 50% to 60% growth in her practice over the past few years, and she admits that is “astonishing any way you look at it.”
“We take care of people,” is a quick explanation as to the success of Thrive. And success has allowed Thrive to open an East Memphis clinic.
The Skybox Grill
Now in their seventh year, The Skybox Grill prides itself on good food in a family atmosphere, and owner John Cunningham is proud to work right alongside his three children. “We’re family-owned and family-operated.”
From their great gastropub food – like a wonderful steak sandwich – to 17 HDTVs showcasing local sports and 12 beers on tap, Skybox offers something for everyone.
Combining hard work with good people, Cunningham is proud to have witnessed growth of Skybox even through the recent pandemic. The secret to his success: good service and good food.
Cunningham loves his connection to Collierville and is proud to be in a “town that is a tight-knit community. We help each other.”
The 2021 Excellence in Business Awards, scheduled for Thursday, March 3, is sold-out. Learn more about the other nominees being recognized here.
