Category Archives: Publications

I recently read an article advising foreigners on how to adapt to life in the United States.  It noted, “Life in the U.S. is generally fast paced and busy.  People don’t want to waste time on anything, even food. That is why the U.S. invented fast food and is the largest consumer of fast food.”  We are a culture that wants what we want, and we want it now!  For example, in order to provide more speed to consumers, Amazon recently partnered with the U.S. Postal service for Sunday deliveries.  Companies that will succeed in this new era will find ways to deliver an outstanding customer experience with the speed consumers are demanding.

Bernard T. (Bernie) Reed

My interviewee this week, Bernard T. (Bernie) Reed, understands the mindset of today’s consumer, and he has built a thriving business based on meeting his customers’ needs.  Reed is the owner of Reed’s Metals, Inc. based in Brookhaven, Mississippi which provides metal roofing and metal buildings direct to consumers.  Reed is originally from Florida, but he grew up around the country as his family worked in a seasonal agricultural business.  As an adult, Reed planted his roots in Monticello and started a pine tree reforestation business; however, the business was seasonal so he wanted to find something else to do in the off season.  In 1998, at the age of 28 he decided to start Reed’s metals with a pair of hand shears and a forklift.

From that humble beginning, the company quickly grew and today Reed’s Metals has over 160 employees in five locations: Brookhaven, MS, Tupelo, MS, Benton, AR, Lake Charles, LA, and Jackson, TN.  I have found that success leaves clues, and so I was curious about the secrets to Reed’s rapid growth.  Reed shared that he learned early on the value of hard work.   He was homeschooled and worked in his family business from a young age.  As a business owner, he models a strong work ethic for his employees.  He also has a passion for customer service.  He shared, “From day one we have strived to provide fast service for our customers. Even today, a customer can come to our store, choose what they want, and leave with their metals 30 minutes later.”

Reed also emphasizes the importance of creating a positive customer experience with every encounter.  He noted, “I emphasize the appearance of both our stores and our people.  We also greet our customers at the door and try to provide remarkable customer service.”  Scaling that kind of customer service is never easy.  Many people can talk the talk of customer service, but I have found it is much harder to walk the walk and continue to deliver outstanding customer service as organizations grow. While his business has grown to multiple locations, he regularly visits every store and has frequent huddles with his employees to emphasize the values on which the company was built.

Reed also shared that he has surrounded himself with great leaders in his organization.  Like other successful entrepreneurs, Reed understands the importance of hiring very talented people and letting them do their jobs.  Savvy leaders understand their own strengths and limitations and hire talented people to shore up their weaknesses.  Reed is a great Mississippi success story.  His focus and passion are contagious.  With a solid business model and plans for further growth, I know Bernie Reed and Reed’s Metals will be having an impact for years to come.

Garrick Combs

As regular readers of this column know, one of the things I like to do is spotlight up and coming leaders from around the state.  These are the men and women who are on the fast track to success and are actively building Mississippi’s future.  This week I had the opportunity to interview one of those leaders, Garrick Combs, who serves as Executive Director of the Brookhaven-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce and Industrial Development Foundation.  The foundation serves over 300 members and includes six distinct organizations including the Brookhaven-Lincoln County Economic Development Alliance and the Brookhaven Tourism Council.

Combs, a Roxie native, received his undergraduate degree in history from USM as well as a Master’s in Economic Development. He began his career by serving as Director of the Economic Development Department and Chamber of Commerce in Franklin County from 2002 to 2006.  He then moved on to hold several positions at the Mississippi Development Authority including Manger of the Southwest Regional Office and Project Manager in both the Global Business and Existing Industry Divisions.  Combs has served as the local developer or lead project manager of new locations and expansions that have announced over $500 million in new capital and 2500 new jobs. Among the Lincoln County companies Garrick has worked with includes Rex Lumber, Delphi and American Railcar.

Combs shared that his father was a big influence on his leadership style. He explained, “My father never felt the need to overpower a room or demand attention.  He tended to facilitate and make sure that each person had the opportunity to voice opinions if they chose to do so.  But, he had the ability to distill the discussion into key items at the appropriate time and make sure the group came away with specific tasks that they could work together on to accomplish a common goal.”  Combs later noted these same traits in Jimmy Jones, the former Chancery Clerk of Franklin County.   Combs shared, “Jimmy had numerous employees but when key issues needed to be addressed, instead of dictating a solution he was able to seek input and allow his employees to learn from the discussion and decision making process. Instead of having an employee blindly follow direction, he made his employees better—and thus a better local government—by allowing them input into the process.”

One of the key traits of leaders that Combs has incorporated into his leadership style is adaptability.  He said, “No matter what the task, leaders should be prepared to accomplish the task at hand, changing course if needed, and be able to do what is required that day in order to ensure that the long term goals are met.  I’ve learned that the ability to adapt and respond to the unexpected in the short term allows a leader to achieve long term goals.”   Combs also strives to elevate those around him to reach their full potential.  He noted, “I believe that leadership is defined by the ability to create an upward pull. Being a leader isn’t the same as being a boss or commanding a room.  It’s about the ability to create a shared sense of what needs to be accomplished and creating a shared sense of accomplishment when goals are achieved.”

Combs’ early influences have helped him develop into a strong leader who is actively partnering with local and state leaders to drive economic development in his area of the state.  I was inspired by his passion for elevating others and making a difference. He understands that great leaders aren’t tyrants barking orders, but people who inspire others to be their best and align to accomplish great things. I believe leaders like Combs will be key to Mississippi’s future.

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.