Business in Blue
Welcome to “Business in Blue,” the Fogelman College of Business & Economics’ new podcast! Join us as we delve into entrepreneurial success stories, uncover expert advice and explore all things business and all things Memphis. Whether you’re launching a new career, a seasoned professional or just curious about the thriving business scene in the Bluff City, “Business in Blue” is your go-to source for inspiration and insights. Get ready for a journey through the heart of Memphis’s business world. Subscribe now and stay tuned for a front-row seat to the pulse of success!
Episodes

7 days ago
7 days ago
With an extra edge of grit and grind, we welcomed Contributor & Host of the Grizzlies and Grind City Media, Jessica Benson into the studio. As the only on-air woman in the Memphis sports market, Jessica shares how she found her voice in this highly competitive industry. Not a native Memphian, Jessica discusses the countless opportunities she discovered here and how, in turn, she aims to champion our city every day.
This episode highlights the localized passion and electricity of Memphis and the empowerment of female roles in male-dominated industries.
Proudly hosted by the Fogelman College of Business & Economics 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
LinkedIn
Facebook
YouTube

Friday Mar 07, 2025
Friday Mar 07, 2025
In celebration of Women’s History Month, give a warm Tiger welcome to UofM Alumna ’86, Dawn Graeter, CEO of Southern Security Federal Credit Union. Dawn, a highly respected industry leader and glass ceiling-shatterer, sat down in the studio with host Carley Brown and spoke wisdom to all women – collegiate and professional alike. Listen in for a heart-felt testament of how to intentionally corral your time, efforts and actions for the betterment of YOU.
Proudly hosted by the Fogelman College of Business & Economics 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
LinkedIn
Facebook
YouTube

Thursday Feb 20, 2025
Thursday Feb 20, 2025
In celebration of Black History Month, we welcomed Dr. Russell Wigginton, president of the National Civil Rights Museum to the studio. Designated as both a Smithsonian Affiliate and International Coalition Site of Conscience, the National Civil Rights Museum is widely considered to be one of the premier heritage and cultural experiential museums in the world. The museum, which was constructed on sacred ground, serves as a place of remembrance and as a catalyst for positive social change. Listen in as Dr. Russ shares the origin story of this renowned establishment and how they are committed to furthering economic empowerment for future generations.
Proudly hosted by the Fogelman College of Business & Economics 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
LinkedIn
Facebook
YouTube

Thursday Feb 06, 2025
Thursday Feb 06, 2025
With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, it is seemingly fitting to welcome CEO & Founder of Phillip Ashley Chocolates, Phillip Ashley Rix. Not only has Phillip earned two James Beard Award semi-finalist nominations, been dubbed as Forbes real-life Willy Wonka, but his chocolates have also been added to Oprah’s Favorite Things list in 2020. Listen to Phillip’s journey about how a single 3 AM thought motivated him to become a self-taught master chocolatier and to now curate gifts for Hollywood’s elite at the Emmys, Grammys and Oscars.
Proudly hosted by the Fogelman College of Business & Economics 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
LinkedIn
Facebook
YouTube

Thursday Jan 23, 2025
Thursday Jan 23, 2025
Put on your Blue Suede Shoes and tune into the Business in Blue Season 2 premiere featuring Jack Soden, CEO of Elvis Presley Enterprises. After an initial conversation with Priscilla Presley, Elvis Presley’s former wife, Jack took a leap of faith and developed a sustainable business plan to transform the “King of Rock and Roll’s” homestead into a historic museum. Listen as Jack shares first-hand experiences and insights about the legendary history of Graceland.
Graceland opened its doors to the public on June 7, 1982, four years after Elvis’s death and with the last $560,000 remaining in the estate. Now, a little more than 40 years later, Graceland has grown to a sprawling 120 acres, cultivating more than 23 million followers and offering interactive exhibits and luxury amenities such a AAA Four-Diamond resort hotel.
Tune in to learn how Jack and his team prioritized authenticity while simultaneously implementing creative business advancements, to ensure that Elvis’s legacy remains timely and timeless.
Proudly hosted by the Fogelman College of Business & Economics 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: instagram.com/uofmfogelman/
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/school/uofmfogelman
Facebook: facebook.com/uofmfogelman/
YouTube: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHWYBZKwDGi0SrcTEdwzocz-xxIP0EDjy

Thursday Sep 26, 2024
Thursday Sep 26, 2024
For the season one finale of Business in Blue, please give a warm tiger welcome to UofM alumna Shannon Briggs, founder & head trailblazer of Campfire Collective. As a former intern and full-time employee for our city’s favorite burger joint, Huey’s, listen in to hear how Shannon took am leap of faith to start her own marketing agency. In this episode, Shannon speaks to the triumphs of our Memphis community changemakers, discusses the power of community and how it’s positively impacted her business model.
This episode is sponsored by the Avron B. Fogelman Center for Professional Career Development (CPCD). As an exclusive opportunity for FCBE students, the CPCD helps prepare business students to stand out in a competitive job market and to succeed in today's dynamic global workplace by providing career readiness training, professional development workshops and networking opportunities with potential employers. To learn more or to get involved, please contact professional@memphis.edu.
The Business in Blue podcast is hosted by the Fogelman College of Business & Economics at the University of Memphis. This podcast highlights success stories, expert advice, and of course, all things business in Memphis.
Connect with us!
Instagram: instagram.com/uofmfogelman/
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/school/uofmfogelman
Facebook: facebook.com/uofmfogelman/
YouTube: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHWYBZKwDGi0SrcTEdwzocz-xxIP0EDjy

Thursday Sep 12, 2024
Thursday Sep 12, 2024
Joining us in the studio this week is Matthew Patrick, FCBE alumnus & president/founder of Patrick Accounting & Whirks. Matthew discusses the significance of goal setting and how, by implementing his suggested methods, you can achieve your personal and professional aspirations. In this episode, you will learn:
Parameters and time frames for goal setting
SMART & A1 goal setting methods
When to stop setting goals
This episode is sponsored by the Crews School of Accountancy. Our Crews School of Accountancy is proud to be nationally ranked #2 as the best online school for accounting and accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). The AACSB is the world’s most recognized professional accreditation a university's business program can earn. To learn more, please visit memphis.edu/accountancy.
The Business in Blue podcast is hosted by the Fogelman College of Business & Economics at the University of Memphis. This podcast highlights success stories, expert advice, and of course, all things business in Memphis.
Connect with us!
Instagram: instagram.com/uofmfogelman/
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/school/uofmfogelman
Facebook: facebook.com/uofmfogelman/
YouTube: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHWYBZKwDGi0SrcTEdwzocz-xxIP0EDjy

Thursday Aug 29, 2024
Thursday Aug 29, 2024
Zanderia Davidson, director of the City of Memphis Office of Business Diversity & Compliance, sat down with our host, Carley Brown to discuss how her office assists local and minority/women-owned businesses. Her office’s primary objective is to ensure that opportunities are equitable and accessible to all. Listen in to learn more about “the best kept secret” in Memphis and how Zanderia’s team supports entrepreneurial pursuits. If you are an aspiring entrepreneur who has a new idea or a small business owner who is looking to expand, you do not want to miss this episode!
This episode is sponsored by the Fogelman Women in Leadership (FWL) student track program. On Thursday, Sept. 12, FWL is hosting the first Lunch & Learn of the 2024 fall semester. Nationally-renowned speaker and Certified Positive Intelligence Coach, Dorice Horenstein will share valuable professional insight on her professional journey. In this Lunch & Learn workshop, you’ll learn:
The four most important professional relationships.
Two techniques to ensure happiness & success.
How to grow and nurture the balance between your health, career and relationships.
Lunch will be provided. To register for this event, or to learn more about all upcoming FWL events, please visit memphis.edu/fwl/events.
The Business in Blue podcast is hosted by the Fogelman College of Business & Economics at the University of Memphis. This podcast highlights success stories, expert advice, and of course, all things business in Memphis.
Connect with us!
Instagram: instagram.com/uofmfogelman/
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/school/uofmfogelman
Facebook: facebook.com/uofmfogelman/
YouTube: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHWYBZKwDGi0SrcTEdwzocz-xxIP0EDjy

Thursday Aug 15, 2024
Thursday Aug 15, 2024
Founders & owners of Oh Grate!, Amy Bingham and Courtney Jones, joined host Carley Brown in the studio to discuss their entrepreneurial journey in the food manufacturing industry. As busy moms themselves, they identified a need for ready-made, delicious, home-cooked meals. In this episode they talk about how they embraced change and pivoted accordingly; thus growing Oh Grate! From a foundling idea into a successful business model. By focusing on the needs of their target markets, they expanded their distribution strategies to ensure that their customers experiences are easy and enjoyable. Listen in to learn more!
This episode is sponsored by the Crews Center for Entrepreneurship. A vital part Memphis’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, the Crews Center for Entrepreneurship develops young aspiring entrepreneurs into the community’s business leaders of tomorrow. Through workshops and programs, students gain entrepreneurial knowledge and skills to create start-ups and begin learning the process of building social, impact-oriented ventures from the ground-up. For more information regarding the Crews Center, please visit memphis.edu/crews.
The Business in Blue podcast is hosted by the Fogelman College of Business & Economics at the University of Memphis. This podcast highlights success stories, expert advice, and of course, all things business in Memphis.
Connect with us!
Instagram: instagram.com/uofmfogelman/
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/school/uofmfogelman
Facebook: facebook.com/uofmfogelman/
YouTube: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHWYBZKwDGi0SrcTEdwzocz-xxIP0EDjy

Thursday Aug 01, 2024
Thursday Aug 01, 2024
For the first time ever, our host Carley Brown was joined in the studio by three guests Terri, Becki and Luke Brimhall. Their family’s multi-generational business, Brim’s Snack Foods prioritizes quality and fair value for consumers. Primarily sold throughout the Eastern United States, Brim’s is known for their pork rinds, potato chips, cheese puffs, popcorn, tortilla chips, churro twist, meat sticks and more. Listen in as this Tiger family discusses how selling 4/$1 Moon Pies on campus turned into a thriving snack food enterprise.
This episode is sponsored by the FCBE Master’s in Business Administration Programs. Our MBA Program is designed for ambitious full-time professionals who are driven to reach greater heights in their profession. Our Professional and Online MBA degrees are high-quality, price-competitive programs that can be earned in as little as 36 credit-hours. Our courses are taught by globally renowned faculty who combine cutting-edge curriculum with modern resources. For more information about our MBA programs, please visit, mba.memphis.edu.
The Business in Blue podcast is hosted by the Fogelman College of Business & Economics at the University of Memphis. This podcast highlights success stories, expert advice, and of course, all things business in Memphis.
Connect with us!
Instagram: instagram.com/uofmfogelman/
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/school/uofmfogelman
Facebook: facebook.com/uofmfogelman/
YouTube: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHWYBZKwDGi0SrcTEdwzocz-xxIP0EDjy