Circle Back

Nashville Entrepreneur Center
  • 5.0 (23)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Circle Back features Nashville's most exceptional entrepreneurs as they revisit the moments that defined their paths. Hosted by Sam Davidson, these founders offer inspiration and practical insights to those navigating their own entrepreneurial journeys.

  1. 09/02/2025

    Legacy of Service: Cal Turner on Family, Faith, and Building Dollar General

    Nashville Entrepreneur Hall of Famer Cal Turner shares the remarkable story of his family's legacy in founding Dollar General, tracing its roots back to his grandfather Luther Turner—a self-taught entrepreneur with only a third-grade education. Cal reflects on his unexpected path from ministry to business leadership, highlighting the values of humility, hard work, and the importance of surrounding yourself with smarter people. As CEO, he guided Dollar General's growth into a thriving public company by keeping customers and frontline employees at the heart of its mission. Now devoted to philanthropy, Cal channels his family's story into efforts to improve literacy and education, proving that true success lies in lifting others up.

    49 min

  2. 08/04/2025

    A Mission with a Business: Justice Entrepreneurship with Rev. Becca Stevens

    The Rev. Becca Stevens shares her journey becoming the founder of Thistle Farms, a powerful social enterprise that helps women heal from trauma, addiction, and trafficking. What began as a small venture making bath and body products has blossomed into a nationwide movement, complete with a cafe, global partnerships, and over 70 sister communities across the U.S. Rev. Stevens offers a fresh take on "justice entrepreneurship," prioritizing dignity and empowerment over profit and explains the importance of tackling big challenges, staying open to new paths, and building a strong circle of support. Rev. Stevens was the 2000 Nashvillian of the Year and in 2013 was inducted into the Tennessee Women's Hall of Fame.

    45 min

  3. 07/07/2025

    Leading Through the Turn: How Elise Mitchell's Motorcycle Mindset Led Her to Success

    Elise Mitchell, author, executive coach, and motorcycle riding mother, shares her entrepreneurial journey that began when she started her own public relations agency, Mitchell Communications Group, which she grew to over 500% in just 5 years. After 18 years, she sold the company and took on a global role focused on mergers and acquisitions. Reflecting on her career, Elise decided her greatest contribution now would be as an executive coach and business consultant, helping other founders navigate growth, scale, and eventual sale of their companies. Mitchell's story illustrates the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, the importance of work-life balance, and the value of mentorship and personal growth in building a successful business.

    1h 3m

  4. 06/02/2025

    A Tour of Nashville's Entrepreneurial History by Historian David Ewing

    As a ninth-generation Nashvillian and CEO of Nashville History on Tour, David Ewing takes us on a deep dive into the city's rich entrepreneurial history, weaving together stories of innovation, resilience, and transformation. With roots in the city dating back to the late 1700s, Ewing shares his own family's long-standing connection to Nashville and highlights the thriving African-American business community that flourished in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He also explores the rise of key industries—religious publishing, medicine, and sports—while shedding light on the profound impact of urban renewal on these communities. Looking ahead to the future revitalization of downtown Nashville, Ewing addresses the opportunities and challenges that today's entrepreneurs and creatives face in a rapidly evolving city.

    48 min

  5. 05/05/2025

    No Elevator to Everest: Will Acuff's Climb to Success

    Will Acuff's entrepreneurial journey is a powerful testament to purpose-driven innovation and resilience. His path began with a college band and evolved into a mission to create a meaningful impact through community empowerment. After a life-changing trip to Nairobi and years in a low-income Nashville neighborhood, Will and his wife, Tiffany, co-founded Corner to Corner, a nonprofit that equips underserved individuals to launch their own businesses. As the organization grew, Will stepped back from leadership to focus on expansion and fundraising. Inspired by personal challenges, including parenting a child with disabilities, Will then authored No Elevator to Everest, a heartfelt book about resilience, purpose, and finding joy in the face of life's steepest climbs.

    54 min

  6. 04/07/2025

    From Jolly Ranchers to Job Growth: Stuart McWhorter Views on Entrepreneurship

    Stuart McWhorter shares his entrepreneurial journey from selling Jolly Ranchers out of his high school locker to becoming Tennessee's Commissioner of Economic Development. He reflects on his early interest in healthcare administration, his time at Clayton Associates alongside his father, navigating venture capital and stepping into leadership roles, and his transition to spearheading Nashville Entrepreneur Center. McWhorter shares his view on the entrepreneurial spirit in Tennessee, the importance of fostering business growth, and how his experiences shape his approach to business development. He also touches on his own family legacy, expressing hopes of working with his own children in the future.

    42 min

  7. 03/03/2025

    Tod Fetherling's Entrepreneurial Journey from the Early Internet to Healthcare Innovation

    A serial entrepreneur, EC Hall of Famer and inaugural board director of the EC, J. Tod Fetherling joins CEO Sam Davidson to discuss his epic journey from the early days of the internet to building multiple successful companies. Being tasked with developing HCA's first internet strategy in 1995 fueled Fetherling's passion for technology, data, and healthcare innovation. Over the years, he's played a key role in various ventures, launching health-focused digital platforms and emphasizes the importance of partnerships, research-driven decision-making, and adaptability in business. His entrepreneurial journey is marked by strategic pivots, impactful transactions, and a dedication to improving healthcare outcomes for all through technology.

    56 min

  8. 02/03/2025

    Reimagining Business: Mark Montgomery's Guide to Impactful Leadership

    Mark Montgomery shares his entrepreneurial journey, from his first lawn care business as a teenager to building and selling companies in the music and technology industries. Montgomery sits down with EC CEO Sam Davidson to share how he pivoted from pursuing music to entrepreneurship, co-founding Echo, a digital music distribution company, which he sold in 2007. Personal challenges, including his wife's cancer diagnosis, led him to reassess his path, eventually exploring the cannabis industry and launching the non-alcoholic beverage brand Better Than Booze. Reflecting on his successes and setbacks, Montgomery discusses perseverance, work-life balance, and the deeper purpose behind entrepreneurship.

    1h 17m
See All (41)

Trailers

5
out of 5
23 Ratings

About

Circle Back features Nashville's most exceptional entrepreneurs as they revisit the moments that defined their paths. Hosted by Sam Davidson, these founders offer inspiration and practical insights to those navigating their own entrepreneurial journeys.

Information

  • Creator
    Nashville Entrepreneur Center
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    41
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Nashville Entrepreneur Center. All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Circle Back