Monthly Archives: October 2014

I believe that one of Mississippi’s real economic opportunities is the continued expansion of the creative economy.  The state has recognized this opportunity and has been studying and finding ways to encourage its growth.  In a state commissioned report entitled Realizing the Economic Opportunity of Creativity in Mississippi, it was noted, “Mississippi’s creative people, companies, and institutions, past and present, are a vital part of what defines the state.  Their achievements and talents contribute to Mississippi’s distinct ambiance. But these same creative people, companies, and institutions collectively also add significant wealth to the state’s economy in ways that have been undercounted and under-recognized.” Many of these individuals are inspiring entrepreneurs who turn their creative skills and passions into thriving businesses. David Spurk, owner of Petal Pushers in Ridgeland, is one of those inspiring creative economy entrepreneurs.

David Spurk

Spurk is a native of Crystal Springs and from a young age knew he wanted to be in the floral business. He explained, “Ever since I was a child, I have spent countless hours growing things. Whenever I would get extra money as a kid, I would buy more material for planting it in the ground. It is just who I was, and who I am.” He was hired by a local florist when he was 14 and that’s when his career really began. By 17, he was designing on the panel for the annual state floral convention. He went on to work for a florist in Brookhaven while attending Copiah-Lincoln Community College where he also taught a continuing education class in floral design.

In 1983, Spurk moved to Jackson and worked for a local wholesale florist that gave him additional insight into the floral industry. He also waited tables at night for a fine dining establishment. He noted, “Clients that I developed working at the restaurant later became clients of Petal Pushers when I opened in 1985 and remain clients to this day.”  Spurk is passionate about his craft and shared, “I do what I do as a celebration of life. None of us will be here for long so I feel that we should try to make a positive impact on people’s lives while we can.”  He is considered a master artisan in his field and not only provides floral designs but also develops and manages every aspect of events from customized event floor plans, to the catering, food presentation, and overall visual aesthetics.”

Spurk also uses his gifts and talents to help make a difference in the community.  He is an active member of the Board of Friends of Children’s Hospital, which benefits Batson Children’s Hospital.  He noted, “I really love what I do and, and while it is rewarding in and of itself, it means the world to me that I can harness what I love to support Friends of Children’s Hospital.”  He has worked with the organization since 1999 when he began donating his time and artistry for fundraising events.  He explained his passion for working with Friends, “The families who visit Batson Children’s Hospital have such intense need, and some of them greatly need assistance to secure the health and healing of their child. If I can support life by making a room come to life, then I will always be greatly fulfilled by that.”  Learning about creative entrepreneurs who have the courage and drive to turn their dreams into reality always inspires me.  I come away encouraged by Spurk’s commitment to excellence in his craft and his passion for helping children.  I hope you will be too.

With the pace of life today and the pressures of the now, it can be challenging to take the long view. Understanding what is critically important in life and what isn’t can be difficult. I find that remarkable leaders keep a good perspective and have the ability to separate the good from the great. They can break through the tyranny of the urgent and “keep the main thing the main thing.” Dr. Patrick Tucker, owner of Physicians Urgent Care in Corinth and Booneville, is one of those leaders who understands the big picture and focuses his team on what is important.

Dr. Patrick E. Tucker

Tucker is a native of New Albany and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biology from Ole Miss before earning his medical degree at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Tucker was on a Navy scholarship in medical school, and he completed training with the Navy as an intern at the Charleston Navy Hospital in Charleston, South Carolina. After his internship, Tucker chose to be a Battalion Surgeon with the U.S. Marines at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. He took this position at the beginning of Desert Shield/Desert Storm, and he served as the physician in charge of the medical care of approximately 1,700 members of the Battalion Landing Team which included 55 corpsmen under his supervision. He noted, “I believe this was the time that I began to realize and accept the responsibilities of being a leader. I learned that being a leader means embracing the authority and responsibility that goes with it.”

Tucker shared that one of the most impactful times of his military service was when he and a group of Corpsmen were in the desert during Desert Storm and an outbreak of dysentery developed causing dehydration amongst the troops. He said, “It was 120-130 degrees during the day, and the Marines were deathly ill.  Our team worked for days around the clock with very little sleep. My corpsmen went above and beyond to meet the needs with no complaining and a great attitude. They were all self-starters and did the right thing without being asked.” Tucker continued, “It is situations like those that help you realize that your leadership and the preparation of your team really matters.”

In 1999, Tucker founded Physicians Urgent Care in Corinth, and in 2011, he opened a second location in Booneville. With a staff of 20 including three nurse practitioners, Dr. Tucker and his team treat over 100 patients a day and have continually tried to provide “no wait” service. They were the first group in their area to utilize electronic medical records, and he has strived to keep them on the cutting edge of technology and care.

A man of deep faith, Tucker’s leadership principles reflect his beliefs. He believes in treating everyone with the utmost respect regardless of their position. He leads by example and has a servant heart. He emphasizes to younger leaders, “Live a life you will not regret. Always do the right thing and try to look far into the future when making decisions. Always do the right thing. Character and reputation will grow your business, and a quick dollar goes away as quickly as it comes.” Tucker’s principled approach to life and business have allowed him to build a very successful health care business and be a leader in his community. He is active in leadership in civic and church organizations and is passionate about medical mission work.  Dr. Tucker is a great example of how one can be a skilled physician, savvy business person, and civic minded leader. I know his community, patients and family have benefited from his vision and values.

I have noticed that there is a certain drive that motivates great leaders to try harder, reach further, and persist in the face of challenges. Famed football coach Lou Holtz once said, “Show me someone who has done something worthwhile, and I’ll show you someone who has overcome adversity.”  We all have challenges in life. The question is how we handle them.  Do we press on and remain positive or do we “throw in the towel.” Author Napoleon Hill noted, “Every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries with it the seed on an equal or greater benefit.”

Michelle Phillips, Vice President of Operations with Bladder Health Network, LLC (BHN), is one of those leaders who is driven to persevere and overcome whatever obstacles life may throw her way.  Phillips grew up in Richland, Mississippi and married and started a family just out of high school.  With bills to pay and young family, she decided to pursue nursing so she earned a degree from Hinds Community College.  She spent the early years of her nursing career at the University of Mississippi Medical Center and with Dr. Ken Perry.

Michelle Phillips

In 2001, she received a call from Dr. Bob Harris whom she had met earlier in her career to come work at Women’s Specialty Center. Phillips noted, “Dr. Harris really helped me develop as a leader.  He provided me opportunities to lead in a clinical setting and took time to help me develop my long term goals.”  She also credits Dr. Harris with helping her to always take the high road as a leader and remain calm under pressure.

In 2009, Phillips had the opportunity to work full time for Bladder Health Network, LLC (BHN).  BHN works with ob/gyn and urology clinics around the country to provide cutting edge medical care for patients suffering from incontinence. Phillips shared about former BHN CEO John Spivey, “I originally was managing the clinical operations of the company, and John helped me to expand my business skills and assume broader operational responsibilities.  He is a great people person and modeled for me how to be an encouraging leader.”  Today, Phillips is a senior executive with the company and manages all day to day operations including overseeing over thirty nurses and technicians.  She shared, “I am passionate about what we are doing at BHN because we are helping patients improve the quality of their lives.”

Phillips, formerly a single mother, is now re-married with a family of five.  She noted that it has not always been easy juggling life’s responsibilities, but that she has learned from the challenges she has faced and grown personally and professionally.  She said, “I always encourage people to never let adversity stand in your way. You can achieve whatever you want if you are willing to work hard enough towards your goals.”  As a leader she believes in establishing clear objectives and allowing her team to have the freedom to act independently. She said, “I am definitely not a micro-manager! I try to treat people with respect and expect the best from my team.”

Too often as adults we abandon our dreams and simply go through the motions of life.  I am encouraged by Phillips’ drive and passion for excellence.  It is rare in life that anything worth doing is easy.  Phillips reminds us that we can courageously pursue our dreams in life and not let let’s challenges defeat us.