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. 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.
Proudly hosted by the Fogelman College of Business and 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.
 
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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, 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.
Proudly hosted by the Fogelman College of Business and 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.
 
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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—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 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.
 
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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 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 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.
 
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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 or visit groovygratitude.com/events.
Proudly hosted by the Fogelman College of Business and 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.
 
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Home Made in Memphis: Brezay

SEASON FOUR!
It’s season four, and we’re so glad you’re here. To kick off 2026, our host, Leia Harper had the opportunity to sit down with artist, entertainer, fashion designer and entrepreneur of Brezerk, Brezay. Brezerk is more than just a creative label, it is a brand embodying all things Memphis and Brezay herself. Listen in as Brezay, a “Home Made” icon, shares her entrepreneurial experience of how staying authentic catapulted her brand to success.
Proudly hosted by the Fogelman College of Business and 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.
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Making A Difference: Bill Hargrave, UofM President

SEASON THREE FINALE!
We were thrilled to welcome University of Memphis (UofM) President Bill Hardgrave to our studio as our final special guest. In this candid interview with our Business in Blue host Leia Harper, he shared how higher education completely changed the trajectory of his life. As only one of two people in his family to ever graduate high school – with “hooper dreams” on the forefront – learn how he rose to each of life’s challenges to ultimately become University of Memphis’s 13th president.  
As one can imagine, leading the University is no simple task. In this episode, President Hardgrave shares some of the challenges he has faced since assuming this role and his strategies for navigating them. He also explains what he considers to be UofM’s most noteworthy accomplishments during the last few years. But, perhaps most importantly, Bill explains how he believes that his number one responsibility as president is to ensure a successful outcome for every UofM student and to make a positive difference in each of their lives. “There are 22,000 opportunities to make a difference,” Bill explained.
Proudly hosted by the Fogelman College of Business and 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.
 
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Taking the Stage with Rhythm and Resilience: L.Y.E Academy

Our host, Leia Harper had the opportunity to sit down with professional dancer, choreographer, author and owner of L.Y.E Academy, Ladia Yates. From working with celebrities like Usher, Missy Elliott and Lil Baby to large corporations like Nike and Red Bull, Ladia remains humble and encourages her students follow in her footsteps. Through her avid social media presence and talented instructors, Ladia is leading the way to put Memphis on the map as a dance city.
In Ladia’s recently published book, The Rise of Ladia Yates readers dive into her personal dance journey, the trials she’s faced and how she has become the business
 
leader that she is today.  
Proudly hosted by the Fogelman College of Business and 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.
 
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The Intersection of Imagination, Technology and Play: Baron Von Opperbean’s the River of Time

This week, UofM Alumnus and Barron Von Opperbean (BVO) CCO/Co-Founder, Marvin Stockwell, and BVO CEO, Jee Vahn Knight, joined Leia Harper in the studio to discuss the revitalization of Memphis’ historic Mud Island Museum. Coming soon, the River of Time, an “immersive playground set within a creative universe” is set to shape a story-driven realm of art, gamification and interactive discovery of the Mississippi River. BVO is honoring the legacy of Mud Island by allowing attendees to create a story for themselves within the Memphis-based multiverse.
 
BVO and the River of Time is set to open its first portals in early 2026.
 
Proudly hosted by the Fogelman College of Business and 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.
 
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Making Moves through Marketing: Michele Ehrhart

Attention! Attention! Calling all Tigers! The University is rolling out a whole new brand across campus and throughout the community. Joining us in the studio to discuss these exciting changes is SVP and Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, Michele Ehrhart. Listen in as she shares the strategy behind the university brand refresh and discusses the launch of her recently published book, Crisis Compass.
As described by Michele, Crisis Compass is the book she wishes she had on day two of her first crisis communications role at FedEx. To purchase Crisis Compass, click here.
Check out this episode to get the latest scoop about all the fun upcoming Homecoming Week celebrations—including the inaugural “Roar Fest” community block party.
Proudly hosted by the Fogelman College of Business and 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.
 
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