Business in Blue

Meals Made Easy. Life Made Easy: Oh Grate!

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.
 
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Multigenerational Tiger Family Finds Entrepreneurial Success: Brim’s Snack Foods

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/
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YouTube: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHWYBZKwDGi0SrcTEdwzocz-xxIP0EDjy

The Value of Public Education: David Pickler, UofM Alumnus ‘85

This week, David Pickler, president & CEO of Pickler Wealth Advisors and UofM alumnus (’85) shares his experiential wisdom as a lifelong tiger and businessman. As the executive director of the American Pillars Education Foundation, David expounds his wealth of knowledge about public education. Listen in to learn how by focusing his actions to positively impact others he, ultimately, achieved a fulfilling and successful career.
 
This episode is sponsored by Department of Finance, Insurance & Real Estate. Offered online or on-campus, the 1220 Personal Finance course introduces students to the personal side of financial activity and analysis, while providing an additional perspective on other finance/accounting coursework taken at the University of Memphis. Students will have the opportunity to preview the FCBE Certified Financial Planner (CFP) course series offered for finance majors or minors and hear from professional athletes and how they organize their income.
 
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/
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YouTube: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHWYBZKwDGi0SrcTEdwzocz-xxIP0EDjy
 

Live for the Pivot: RSPorter Consultancy

Joining Carley Brown in the studio this week, is CEO & Managing Principal of RSPorter Consultancy & EMBA Alumnus ’16, Dr. Reginald Porter, Jr. In this episode, Reginald speaks to how he intentionally diversified his skill sets to maximize his professional growth; and by doing so, he positioned himself for lifelong success. Listen to Reginald’s journey about how he took the nontraditional path to become a c-suite executive and a “unicorn leader.”
 
This episode is proudly sponsored by the newly revitalized Executive MBA Program (EMBA), which will be relaunched in Fall 2025. Structured to complete in addition to a full-time job, the new EMBA program will follow an intensive 17-month, fall-to-fall timeline. The curriculum will embody the traditional 30-hour MBA courseload but will have a significant emphasis in executive leadership. All courses will be taught in a hybrid format, with four mandatory, in-person residencies. Students will also be paired with an executive coach for 1:1 mentoring throughout their time in the program. For more information, please contact Dr. Greg Boller at gboller@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

Live the Life You Love & Love the Life You Live: Ray Rico Freelance & Focus LGBT+ Magazine

In celebration of Pride Month, special guest Ray Rico, principle & owner of Ray Rico Freelance and publisher of LGBT+ Focus Magazine joined Carley Brown in the studio. In this episode, Ray discusses the importance of advocating for justice, equality, diversity and inclusivity. He explains that by staying true his core values and principles, he was able to achieve professional and personal success. Listen in to learn how creating safe spaces where people feel valued, heard and respected leads to good business.
 
This episode is proudly sponsored by the Center for Workplace Diversity and Inclusion (CWDI). In conjunction with FCBE, the CWDI serves as a catalyst for enhancing understanding of workplace diversity and inclusion matters, and immersing evidence-based diversity and inclusion practices into organizations. The CWDI works to provide research support; educational seminars; and workshops and consulting services such as diversity audits and ally trainings meant to enhance knowledge and skill sets needed to develop and navigate healthy diverse and inclusive organizations.
 
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

A Glimpse into the World of Clinical Trials: Link Clinical

Cheryl Leon, founder & lead consultant of Link Clinical joined Carley Brown in the studio to provide insight on the inner workings of the clinical trial industry. In this episode Cheryl expands on how her company has recruited thousands of patients for novel, first-of-their-kind therapies and devices; and in turn, strategically partnered with medical/pharmaceutical companies and patient recruitment organizations to expedite the completion of landmark clinical trials. Cheryl has proudly led Link Clinical to become the first and only firm that uses a proprietary Secondary Screening processes today.
This episode is sponsored by The Methodist Le Bonheur Center for Healthcare Economics (MLCHE). MLCHE works with internal and external entities to The University of Memphis to provide a physical and administrative structure to facilitate the study of health care and its economic impact. The Center studies issues of efficiency, effectiveness, and equity in healthcare through a variety of research, internship, instruction, and public service
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

Reviving Memphis After the Death of MLK: Memphis in May Founders’ Story

May is undoubtedly one of the most festive months in Memphis, and we were delighted to host Lyman Aldrich, Co-Founder & President of Revival Memphis and Founder of Memphis in May International Festival in our studio. In this episode, Lyman explains the deep-rooted history of our beloved city and how the birth of the Memphis in May International Festival helped fortify Downtown Memphis after Dr. King’s tragic assassination. He created a committee – comprised of black and white, men and women – who worked seamlessly to create an International Festival that would bring thousands of people and jobs back to our community and become a treasured part of our culture for decades to come. He also shares insights about the debut Beale Street Music Festival and the first-ever headliner, BB King.
 
This episode is sponsored by the Black Student Association (BSA). By joining BSA, you are granted additional access to academic support, engaging events that celebrate Black culture and a platform to raise your voice on subjects that matter. Throughout the years, BSA has grown into an organization that not only represents African American students but also helps them reach overall success at the University of Memphis. For more information about the Black Student Association please contact Associate Dean of Multicultural Affairs and BSA staff advisor, Linda Hall at  lghall1@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

The South’s Grand Hotel: Peabody Hotels & Resorts

The rich history of the “South’s Grand Hotel” & story-filled traditions were recently shared in the studio by none other than Doug Browne, FCBE alumna and president of Peabody Hotels & Resorts. Doug takes a deeper dive into how the original Peabody hotel, located in right here in Memphis, has strategically positioned itself as a nationally-renowned hospitality leader of fine dining & luxury experiences. And of course, listen in for the true origin story behind the legendary ducks and how Oprah Winfrey, herself, once served as an honorary Duckmaster.
 
This episode is sponsored by the FCBE Department of Marketing & Supply Chain Management. Our marketing majors dig deep into consumer behavior and effective marketing strategies, while gaining a broad understanding of business fundamentals that apply to all industries. We offer a wide range of degree pathways with unique access to industry experts and real-world experiences. For more information regarding the Department of Marketing & Supply Chain Management, please visit memphis.edu/mscm.
 
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
 

Movement is Medicine: 901PT

Dr. Sara Michael, clinical director of 901PT, joined Carley Brown in the studio to discuss the value of personalized connections, especially in client/patient-facing business models. Listen in to learn how their unique approach of promoting holistic health habits changes lives for the better. The phrase “movement is medicine” is much more than a motto for 901PT – it is the way of life and the key to their continued success. Additionally, they will open the doors of their new, completely renovated clinic on Walker Avenue this May! Welcome neighbors! 
 
This episode is sponsored by Consumer NeuroInsights Research Lab (C-NRL). C-NRL features a wide range of technologies and methods associated with consumer neuroscience, including EEG, eye tracking, automated facial expression recognition, GSR, pupillometry, heart rate & heart rate variability (HR/HRV) and implicit testing. For more information regarding C-NRL, please contact the chair of the Department of Marketing & Supply Chain Management at enichols@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

The Power of Philanthropy: cityCURRENT

Jeremy Park, CEO of cityCURRENT, joined us in the studio to share some of the ways his organization “powers the good” through philanthropic endeavors. For 16+ years, cityCURRENT has served as a resource for Memphians who strive to make a positive difference in our community. Tune in to hear powerful, real-world stories that are sure to inspire you to get involved. Discover how this “hard-work/heart-work” lays the foundation for strong business relationships and, ultimately, changes the lives for the better.
 
This episode is sponsored by the Fogelman Student Delegate Board. This group of student leaders strive to provide quality service to current & prospective students, parents, campus partners and college administrators. Whether it means leading a college tour, hosting recruitment events or discovering new ways to connect students with one another, they’ve got you covered! Interested in learning more? Please visit memphis.edu/fcbe/resources/delegate_board.php.
 
The Business in Blue podcast is hosted by the FCBE 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