Business in Blue

This week, our host Leia Harper was joined by Cori McCleskey, founder of Remember Media, a Memphis-based social media agency that has helped more than 350 local businesses build their digital presence and bring their brands to life online.
Cori recognized a gap in the local social media landscape early on. Within just two weeks, she turned that insight into a business built to help companies navigate ever-changing algorithms, strengthen their digital presence and keep the Memphis community connected.
Cori credits much of her success to being born and bred in Memphis, a city known for staying authentic and unapologetically itself. She encourages young creatives to channel their 901-DNA and to be bold in their entrepreneurial endeavors.
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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Business in Blue: https://www.memphis.edu/fcbe/news/bib/
 

Give a big Tiger welcome to our next set of Business in Blue guests, Shayne Diaz and Christina Monje, founders and co-owners of KUYA.
Meaning “brother,” KUYA is an ode to Shayne’s late father and his dream of owning a restaurant of his own. Today, that dream lives on through a Filipino snack bar that brings the community together through live music, DJ sets, cocktails and food.
KUYA is truly a self-made establishment built through the blood, sweat and tears of Shayne and Christina. Not only did they create and design the restaurant themselves, but they’re also the masterminds behind the dishes, preparing food for their guests in the kitchen every day.
As any entrepreneur can attest, opening an establishment as young entrepreneurs is no easy feat — and building a sustainable and consistent business brings another layer of stress into the mix. But one thing is for sure: Memphis has shown up for KUYA, helping to bring Shayne’s late father’s dream of owning a restaurant to life.
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.
 
Connect with us!
Instagram: www.instagram.com/uofmfogelman
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com\school\uofmfogelman
Facebook: www.facebook.com\uofmfogelman
YouTube: www.youtube.com\playlist?list=PLHWYBZKwDGi0SrcTEdwzocz-xxIP0EDjy
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@uofmfogelman
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Business in Blue: https://www.memphis.edu/fcbe/news/bib/

This week, our host Leia Harper was joined by none other than David McKinney. As a born and raised Memphian and a shares how he navigated college and climbed the corporate ladder to become Vice President, Field Human Resources, Customer Satisfaction at AutoZone.
As the supply chain capital of the world, it’s no secret that Memphis is home to some major players — and AutoZone is one of them. And it’s not “lowkey.” 
David dives into what makes AutoZone’s culture so unique and how it’s intentionally nurtured by its employees. Rather than simply boasting vision and mission statements, AutoZone stands firmly behind four pledges that are woven into every customer interaction and service experience. David also reflects on the soul of Memphis and shares how his time at the University of Memphis helped shape his path 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.
 
Connect with us!
Instagram: www.instagram.com/uofmfogelman
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com\school\uofmfogelman
Facebook: www.facebook.com\uofmfogelman
YouTube: www.youtube.com\playlist?list=PLHWYBZKwDGi0SrcTEdwzocz-xxIP0EDjy
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@uofmfogelman
Podbean: https://fcbemktgcomm.podbean.com/
Business in Blue: www.memphis.edu/fcbe/news/bib

You’re not going to want to miss this episode of Business in Blue.
Avery Louise Amstutz, founder of Byway Coffee Co., joined Leia in the studio to discuss her entrepreneurship journey to owning (and selling) four start-ups of her own and explain why she believes her endeavors warrant so much success. She is a born and bred Memphian that ensures the focal point of her businesses impact the people and their experiences.
Byway Coffee Co. is a mobile coffee truck business operating out of two vintage airstream trailers dating back to 1973 and 1968 that Avery gutted herself. The presence of the trucks and the meaning of the Byway name itself exemplify how the road less traveled is often more exciting —truly signifying Memphis in its big city, small knit community feel.
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.
 
Connect with us!
Instagram: www.instagram.com/uofmfogelman
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com\school\uofmfogelman
Facebook: www.facebook.com\uofmfogelman
YouTube: www.youtube.com\playlist?list=PLHWYBZKwDGi0SrcTEdwzocz-xxIP0EDjy
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@uofmfogelman
Podbean: https://fcbemktgcomm.podbean.com/
Business in Blue: www.memphis.edu/fcbe/news/bib

We’re BACK!
To kick of Season 5 on Business in Blue, our host, Leia Harper welcomed Kontji Anthony — FCBE alumna; entrepreneur, founder and co-owner of Youdle; and TV Host of WREG News Channel 3 — to the FCBE Media Studio.
The soul and richness of Memphis have kept Kontji here for more than 20 years. In fact, her love for the city inspired her to create Memphis' No. 1 lifestyle television show on WREG, Live at 9. The show, Kontji’s dream project, shines a spotlight on the positive stories that make Memphis special, from business, entertainment, arts, food and more.  
As one could guess, there is so much more than the glitz, glam, lights and cameras. Listen in as Kontji shares entrepreneurial insights, personal branding advice and explains why authentic, in-person networking is still more powerful than hiding behind a keyboard. Tune into WREG Channel 3 every weekday morning to catch Kontji on Live at 9!
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.
 
Connect with us!
Instagram: www.instagram.com/uofmfogelman
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com\school\uofmfogelman
Facebook: www.facebook.com\uofmfogelman
YouTube: www.youtube.com\playlist?list=PLHWYBZKwDGi0SrcTEdwzocz-xxIP0EDjy
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@uofmfogelman
Podbean: https://fcbemktgcomm.podbean.com/
Business in Blue: www.memphis.edu/fcbe/news/bib
 
 

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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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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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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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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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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