I CHOOSE MEMPHIS
I was born in Boise, Idaho and lived in five other states before coming to Memphis in 2004. As a result, my nine years in Memphis have now been the longest I have lived anywhere. It’s now safe to say I call Memphis home and am vested in its success. Before my arrival, I had little interest in the NBA. I can now enjoy watching or attending nearly all Grizzlies related functions and have even been spotted wearing my Tony Allen signed tie around the office during the playoffs (glad we resigned him!)
Q: What can you find in Memphis that you can’t find anywhere else?
A: Raiford’s. It can’t be explained, it just has to be experienced. One of the first subjects to come up when I see out-of-town friends again is Paula & Raiford’s Disco. “Is it still there?” they ask. “Do they still have fog/ bright lights/40s/disco/a deejay wearing a purple jumpsuit, etc. ...?” To which I reply “Yes, but it’s moved and is now bigger.” “Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes ...” Unique experiences are memorable, and it’s hard to forget your first Raiford’s experience. I’ve found the potential for diversity of experience to be increasingly important to younger generations. While you will not likely find a place like Raiford’s in a new employee orientation packet, having these opportunities in our community can make a difference when it comes to attracting and retaining the leaders of tomorrow. Q: What brought you to Memphis? A: I finished my undergraduate degree at Tulane University in the spring of 2004 and shortly thereafter moved to Memphis to begin my career at First Tennessee Bank. Although Memphis was not my first choice, I was fortunate enough to be introduced to Downtown shortly before making the decision to relocate. I was encouraged by the recent developments, which at the time included AutoZone Park and FedEx Forum. I remember finding the ability to live, work, and play within walking distance of these venues, quite impressive. Combined with the professional development opportunities First Tennessee offered, it was all enough to push me over the edge and take a chance. I’ve now been a proud Memphian for nine years.
Q: What current local initiative excites you most?
A: Being a longtime downtown citizen, the redevelopment of the Chisca Hotel and completion of the Beale Street Landing are both very exciting initiatives. Together I see their potential to solidify Beale Street’s connection with the river parks and the South Main Arts District. Allow me to share an experience: Stand outside the Orpheum theater for a just few minutes on a weekend after a show. In your time there, you’ll notice a handful or more of tourists (and perhaps locals) walk into to that intersection of Beale and Main Street and perform what can best be described as a meandering, hesitant U-turn. I can’t help but wonder if they are aware of everything else that lies just another block away. I believe the Chisca Hotel and Beale Street Landing investments can broaden that experience for the better. Q: Favorite building in Memphis? A: The Sterick Building. Architecture in general fascinates me, and I find this building unlike any other I have seen. It is beautiful, has an incredible history, sits alone, and seems to proudly watch over our city. I have literally dreamed about what the inside could look like. So if anyone has the keys and is offering tours, I know a guy who’s interested. I look forward to one day seeing its function return to match its form.
Q: What do you find surprising about Memphis?
A: Memphis Pride. It’s unique. The analogy I like to use is that of a little sibling. It’s OK for us (locals) to beat-up on the city, but no one else. It always surprises me to find some of those with the longest tenure the quickest to put the city down, while new residents can sometimes see the brightest future. We’re all here to do great things and together we will do great things. All Heart. Grit. Grind.