1 rich Libsyn https://www.libsyn.com 90 600 Join host Sam Davidson on Circle Back as he welcomes Nashville Entrepreneur Center Hall of Famer, Ron Samuels. Discover Ron's extraordinary entrepreneurial journey, from his early encounters with industry giants Kimmons Wilson (Holiday Inns) and Fred Smith (FedEx) to founding an antique store, co-founding the Mid-South School of Banking, and an innovative marketing campaign that famously mailed bricks to double market share in the building materials industry. Ron shares insights from his decades-long career in banking, navigating a landscape of constant mergers and acquisitions, and his audacious decision to start Avenue Bank at the age of 60, just before the 2008 financial crisis. Learn how Avenue Bank cultivated a unique, people-first culture, leading to rapid growth and a successful acquisition by Pinnacle. This episode also delves into Nashville's remarkable transformation, its strategic growth initiatives from Partnership 2000 to bringing professional sports, and Ron's foundational advice for entrepreneurs on character, authenticity, and empowering leadership. Episode Highlights: 0:01:03 - Meeting Kimmons Wilson (Holiday Inns) &amp;amp; Fred Smith (FedEx) 0:03:03 - Ron's First Entrepreneurial Endeavors: Paper Route &amp;amp; Mid-South School of Banking 0:05:25 - The Story Behind Starting an Antique Business (&quot;Secondhand Rows&quot;) 0:08:30 - Early Life, Family Background, and the Path to Banking 0:17:30 - Recognizing His Entrepreneurial Spirit &amp;amp; Early Banking Culture 0:19:08 - Moving to Nashville in 1975 &amp;amp; the City's Banking Landscape 0:27:59 - Doubling Market Share in the Brick Business by Mailing Bricks 0:31:57 - Returning to Banking &amp;amp; Pursuing an MBA at Vanderbilt (Owen School) 0:35:21 - Navigating Decades of Banking Mergers &amp;amp; Acquisitions 0:40:04 - The Bold Decision to Start Avenue Bank at 60 0:43:08 - The Avenue Bank Success Story: Community, Growth, and Unique Culture 0:48:59 - Why Avenue Bank Decided to Exit and Merge with Pinnacle 0:55:20 - Reflecting on Nashville's Strategic Growth and Transformation 1:00:25 - Essential Advice for Aspiring and Seasoned Entrepreneurs Listen now to uncover the wisdom from one of Nashville's most influential business leaders! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Connect with Circle Back: Circle Back Podcast Follow Sam Davidson’s LinkedIn Learn more about the Nashville Entrepreneur Center In partnership with Nashville Post #RonSamuels #AvenueBank #NashvilleEntrepreneur #Podcast #Entrepreneurship #Banking #NashvilleHistory #FedEx #HolidayInn #StartupLife #BusinessGrowth #Leadership #CommunityBuilding #CircleBackPodcast #SamDavidson #NashvillePost #BusinessAdvice #EntrepreneurJourney #NashvilleBusiness #MergersAndAcquisitions #BankFounder Circle Back https://www.ec.co/circle-back/ <iframe title="Libsyn Player" style="border: none" src="//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/40712710/height/90/theme/custom/thumbnail/yes/direction/forward/render-playlist/no/custom-color/88AA3C/" height="90" width="600" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen></iframe> https://assets.libsyn.com/secure/item/40712710