Publisher and Market President of the Nashville Business Journal. A Kentucky girl, I believe in Southern hospitality, the First Amendment and good bourbon.
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Articles by Lori Becker
Welcome to the Business Journal's next chapter - Nashville Business Journal
When you pick up this week's print edition, you might notice something new. We’ve been working behind the scenes for months, and we’re excited to finally share this with you — our first new look in a decade. Nashville has changed so much in the past 10 years, but our mission hasn’t. We still exist to connect business leaders and bring you exclusive market intelligence to help grow your business, accelerate your career and simply your professional life.
From the publisher: a surprising first week at camp
My 11-year-old son went to his first sleepaway camp last week. It's a rite of passage that I knew he would love, relishing the independence of a week without mom and dad (and baby sister). I also knew it was another parenting milestone, another step toward letting go. I knew it would be a tough week of wondering and worrying for me. What I hadn't accounted for was just how hard it would be for him.
NBJ announces Leaders in Diversity awards
It's been nearly three years since companies across the country committed to double down on their inclusion efforts in the wake of George Floyd's death. The tragedy sparked national conversations about the need to advance diversity, equity and inclusion practices everywhere, including - and especially - in the business community. While DEI was already a priority for many, those companies knew more work needed to be done.
From the Publisher: Thanks, mentors, for helping find the answers within
For every time in my career when I grew the most, I can point to a mentor who pushed me to think differently. They might have been a boss, or a colleague or a peer. But in all cases, they listened closely to how I approached my work, from the challenges I was facing to my strategies for success. But they didn't tell me what to do; rather, they encouraged me to think about situations differently or to consider other points of view.
NBJ releases 2022-23 Book of Lists
It's time to unveil the Nashville Business Journal's 2022-23 Book of Lists! This is your guide for doing business in Greater Nashville. It's a book of leaders, a book of data, contacts and market intelligence - all aimed at giving you an insider's edge to navigating the region's fast-growing business landscape and connecting you with the people driving growth and innovation in our community. This year's book highlights the people that make Nashville work.
From the publisher: Want to get away? Keep it simple
Earlier this month, my husband and I took our two kids up to the Cumberland Plateau for a few days. It was a pretty no-frills trip, and it might have been the most relaxing vacation we've ever taken. Spring is always such a busy time with end-of-school activities, so again, we were late in making any summer vacation plans. When we finally sat down to scout some options, we found what you already know: Availability is limited, and prices are sky high. So, we went with simple.
From the Publisher: We have to blaze trails for others
I always try to start my day with a little inspiration. That could be a song I listen to on my commute (I'm really enjoying the "Hamilton" soundtrack right now), a conversation with my 7-year-old daughter as I fix her hair before school or a coffee meeting with a leader I admire. This week, I got to have breakfast with some of the most impressive women in Nashville, which absolutely left me inspired and encouraged.
From the publisher: Look for your silver linings
It's hard not to let the gravity and uncertainty of the coronavirus pandemic overwhelm me. But that feeling mostly comes from watching events unfold in other places, other homes, other families. Thousands have lost their lives. Millions have lost their jobs. Many continue to go to work every day, risking their own health on the front lines of this crisis, from hospitals to grocery stores. Meanwhile, I'm healthy. My family is healthy. My employees are healthy.
Tennessee state business is your business
Tennessee likes to tout itself as business friendly. But that's only until companies speak up about state policy. This week, one of our top elected officials told businesses to back off after a flurry of companies pushed back on a series of bills that target the state's LGBT community.
Greater Nashville's booming tourism scene forgets families
My first-grader was on spring break a couple of weeks ago. We wanted to do something fun as a family, but we have a big summer trip planned and we're trying to save money. We're taking the kids to Disney World for the first time - shhhh, they don't know yet! - so my husband and I decided to stay close to home for spring break. (Mickey knows how to pry a lot of your money away in one week.) It'll be great, I said. Nashville's tourism scene is booming, so let's go be tourists in our own town.
Businesses must speak out on discrimination
Jim Gingrich must be feeling lonely. So far, the COO for money manager AllianceBernstein stands alone in speaking out against discriminatory bills working their way through the state Legislature. AllianceBernstein is Nashville's newest corporate giant, yet it was the first - and so far, only - major player to publicly push back on a series of state bills that target the LGBT community.
Up Close with Jim Gingrich, AllianceBernstein's COO
Jim Gingrich moved to Nashville last fall. Next year, he's bringing his Wall Street money manager with him. Gingrich is the chief operating officer for AllianceBernstein, shepherding the transition as the company moves its headquarters from New York City to Nashville. AllianceBernstein is an investment management firm, with more than 50 offices in 25 countries, about 3,600 employees around the world, $3 billion in annual revenue and more than $500 billion of assets under management.
NBJ wins big at SABEW business journalism awards
Every day, our team of journalists is out in the community, talking with sources, visiting businesses and chasing stories that matter to make sure we remain the leading voice for business news in Greater Nashville. This week, we received national recognition for our efforts. If you'll indulge me, I'd like to share some of that praise with you.
From the Editor: No end in sight for Nashville's growth
When will Nashville's record-setting growth stop, or at least slow down? I've heard a lot of business executives and city leaders make their own predictions lately, with their answers ranging from this year to a couple of years to at least a decade from now. Economies are cyclical, and Nashville's plateau will come. Cities can't grow forever, right? That may be true, but there's no immediate signs of a slowdown in the city's business scene.
Richard Herrington retires as CEO of Franklin Synergy Bank
Richard Herrington, CEO of Franklin Synergy Bank, is leaving the bank he has led since its launch in 2007. The bank (NYSE: FSB) announced late Friday afternoon that Herrington is retiring. In addition, his son Kevin Herrington is resigning as the bank's chief operating officer. Both departures are effective immediately. A news release about the leadership changes did not elaborate on the sudden nature of the departures or why the executives were leaving in tandem.
AllianceBernstein dives into Tennessee politics
AllianceBernstein didn't waste any time wading into Tennessee politics. The New York powerhouse has jumped right in with a clear message of what kind of voice the company will bring to Nashville - and how it hopes to use that voice to influence lawmakers. AllianceBernstein, which is moving its headquarters here from New York City, is a strong proponent of diversity and inclusion.
CEO out at Franklin Synergy Bank
CEO out at Franklin Synergy Bank More Franklin Synergy Bank announced late Friday afternoon that CEO Richard Herrington is retiring. In addition, his son Kevin Herrington is resigning as the bank's chief operating officer. Both departures are effective immediately.
From the Editor: Your biggest advocate is you
I had the opportunity this week to interview Nancy Chastain as part of our annual Mentoring Monday event. A commercial bank executive with Bank of America, Chastain has worked at the bank, or its predecessors, for more than four decades, launching her career with the storied Nashville lender Commerce Union Bank. More than once in her career, the Tennessee native has taken on different roles and even created new roles in her company - moves that challenged her and helped her grow.
From the Editor: Working moms, drop the guilt
One of my favorite TV shows is "Shark Tank," but my blood pressure goes up nearly every time a female entrepreneur enters the tank. Regardless of how innovative her idea is, if she mentions that she has children, serial shark Mark Cuban will undoubtedly ask how she plans to build her business and take care of her children - as if she can't do both. He never asks men this question. Women often carry the burden of balancing career with family.
On inclusion, businesses caught between Metro, Tennessee lawmakers
Nashville is frequently at odds with Tennessee when it comes to politics. And that often leaves businesses caught in the middle, trying to navigate the divide between city leaders and state lawmakers. The contrast between the city and state could not have been more stark than in the past week. This time the issue was inclusion. While city leaders expanded LGBT opportunities, state legislators pushed to limit their rights.
Nashville, don't expect a slowdown in 2019 as major commercial real estate projects move forward
We are often asked, "When is the city's building boom going to slow down?" The answer is clearly not this year. A host of new cranes are expected to join the skyline in the coming months, as some of the region's biggest projects yet take shape. That includes the $1 billion Nashville Yards development, which will be the home for Amazon's new operations hub and 5,000 jobs, and the rebirth of a long-awaited project in the giant hole at Broadway and West End Avenue.
From the Editor: Find inspiration in the small things
Where do you find inspiration? What brings out your creativity? I've always been inspired by great writing, powerful women, courageous journalism and the beauty of nature. But a newer source of inspiration is my children, ages 7 and 4. Their boundless enthusiasm over the littlest things. Their curious minds. Their growing independence. These are all traits I aspire to emulate.
2019's changing of the guard in Nashville's business community
A long list of experienced, influential business leaders left their posts last year, or at least made plans to do so. We recently compiled a list of notable CEO exits in 2018, a list that had more than two dozen executives. That included health care giants Joey Jacobs and Milton Johnson, longtime nonprofit leaders Jaynee Day and Jerry Williams, and veteran banking chiefs Rick Hart and Jim Schmitz. Some retired; some were forced out; some will resurface in new roles.
Tennessee moves to keep you in the dark
What was Tennessee willing to give Amazon for its coveted HQ2? You'll have to wait five years to find out. We learned last week that Attorney General Herbert Slatery has sealed records until the end of 2023 related to how much the state offered the tech giant to woo its second headquarters - a bid that eventually landed Nashville a third-place finish in the form of a 5,000-job operations hub. It's alarming that state leaders don't want you to know how they were willing to spend your tax dollars.
Prince's Hot Chicken Shack closes after fire
The famed Prince's Hot Chicken Shack will be closed "indefinitely" after an SUV crashed into a neighboring business in a North Nashville strip mall. The vehicle careened into the strip mall at 123 Ewing Drive early Friday morning, causing a fire and damaging several businesses, The Tennessean reports. No one was injured, but a family member told the newspaper that the popular eatery would have to close for repairs.
Tennessee Titans end regular season with loss to Indianapolis Colts, denied spot in playoffs
The Titans' season came to an end Sunday night, with a 33-17 loss to the Indianapolis Colts at Nissan Stadium. It was the last game of the regular season, and the loss denies the Titans an appearance in the NFL Playoffs. Instead, the Colts clinched the wild card spot as the AFC's No. 6 seed with their decisive victory. Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota did not play Sunday, after a neck injury last week.
NBJ names Amazon executive Hollly Sullivan as 2018 Newsmaker of the Year
Amazon changed the trajectory of Nashville on Nov. 13, when it revealed plans to open a logistics hub here with 5,000 jobs. At the center of that decision was Nashville native Holly Sullivan. Sullivan is the Amazon.com Inc. executive who led the tech giant's nationwide search for a second corporate headquarters and, as we later found out, that new operations center. Nashville's third-place finish in the HQ2 race is the largest economic development deal in state history.
NBJ's 2018 Newsmaker of the Year is...
NBJ's 2018 Newsmaker of the Year is... More Amazon's HQ2 search was the biggest business story of 2018, both here and nationally, and Nashville native Holly Sullivan was at the helm. She led the selection process, which led Amazon to Nashville with a new 5,000-job operations hub. That’s why the Nashville Business Journal newsroom chose Sullivan as our 2018 Newsmaker of the Year.
How Lori Becker will remember 2018
I always get nostalgic this time of year, reminiscing on Christmases past. I also like to reflect on the year that was, noting family vacations, milestones such as a new home or a new job, and our achievements at work and my children's at school. I am usually not one who looks forward to the flip of the calendar. I try to squeeze every drop out of the year-end celebrations before I'm ready to start anew. This year, however, I'm feeling a bit melancholy.
NBJ investigates: Inside our story on T.C. Restaurant Group, the company that's teamed with names like Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean and Florida Georgia Line - Nashville Business Journal
It all started this summer. An unknown restaurant group out of Ohio was making a big splash in the heart of Nashville's entertainment district, driving the onslaught of celebrity-branded bars downtown. Two more opened in June and July, bringing the total to eight downtown concepts for T.C. Restaurant Group. Other than a few news releases - including one that made mention of a family business stretching back 40 years - we had little information on T.C. Restaurant Group.
Stolen: Our small-town feel
I'm pissed. Probably will be for a long time. Last week, someone stole two bags out of my vehicle, including my purse. I was parked at my daughter's preschool, dropping her off for the day. It was broad daylight. I was in and out of the school in less than 10 minutes. It was that quick. But the knot in the pit in my stomach will linger for a while. Welcome to the new Nashville. We're a bigger city now, and unfortunately, that can mean more crime.
Amazon's new Nashville operationsn center will accelerate our growth, and our growing pains
Hold on to your seats, Nashville. We just went into overdrive. If you think the city's breakneck growth of the past five years has been jolting, just wait for what comes next. Amazon announced the results of its HQ2 search this week, with a Washington, D.C., suburb and New York City getting new corporate hubs for the online giant, splitting the coveted top prize.
Shirley Zeitlin, of Zeitlin Sotheby's International Realty, knows you can't lead if you're afraid of making mistakes
Shirley Zeitlin didn't have a blueprint when she launched her company. But she knew what was important to her. She had been selling real estate for 12 years when she decided to go out on her own. She wanted to create a firm that offered better training for agents and focused on building integrity in the industry. That was 1979, and at the time in Nashville, Zeitlin said no women were running their own real estate companies. She knew real estate, but she didn't have any management experience.
Nashville employers fight to to retain workers as soaring housing costs fuel traffic jams
Dee Patel has increased wages at her downtown hotel. She's offered more perks, such as subsidized parking and flexible schedules. That's still not always enough to take on her newest competitor: traffic. The city's soaring housing costs are pushing more people farther from their jobs. That means they're spending more time commuting to work, fueling the region's increasing traffic congestion. Others are giving up on the commute and finding new jobs closer to their homes.
Mayor David Briley can't wait five years to develop new transit plan
It's been one year since former Mayor Megan Barry announced her massive transit overhaul, a plan that voters overwhelmingly rejected six months later. Last week, Mayor David Briley made his position very clear: If he is re-elected next year, he will not pursue a public vote for transit funding during his first full-term in office. lt's a stark change from the highest office in Nashville on one of the biggest challenges facing the city.
Introducing the 100 most powerful people in Nashville business with Power 100: Trendsetters
Nashville's success is built on creativity, from music to health care to technology. The brand of the city has never been more essential than the recent rise of It City. These power players are the ones shaping that brand, drawing droves of young professionals and tourists to town. Meet the Trendsetters. They're among the city's most creative, driving new ideas and tastes in the city's business scene.
Introducing the 100 most powerful people in Nashville business with Power 100: Heavy Hitters
Some might call these power players the old guard. But our Power 100 Heavy Hitters are anything but has-beens. The Heavy Hitters are Nashville's legacy power players. Their family name opens doors. They have lots, and lots of money. They're long-standing members of Nashville's elite who are still wielding influence across the city. Welcome back to the 2018 Power 100, the Nashville Business Journal's list of the 100 most influential people in the city's business scene.
Introducing the 100 most powerful people in Nashville business with Power 100: Industry Giants
They lead the largest employers, the biggest brand names or the industry heavyweights. Meet the Industry Giants. These are the power players in today's reveal of the NBJ's 2018 Power 100. These executives are influential because the heft of their companies are driving Nashville's economy. They lead some of the most powerful companies in town, noted for their high-profile reputation or top-of-the-market success.
Introducing the 100 most powerful people in Nashville business with Power 100: Connectors
It's week two for the NBJ's Power 100, and today we bring you the Connectors. These are the power players who know everyone. Their Rolodex is packed with big names, across multiple industries. They specialize in bringing together powerful people to get things done, often driving decisions under the radar. In short, when you need to connect with someone, these are the power players you call. Meet this year's Connectors in the slideshow with this story.
J. Kyle Keener joins Nashville Business Journal newsroom as senior photographer
I first met J. Kyle Keener 15 years ago in Kentucky. He was the chief photographer at the Detroit Free Press and volunteered a week of his time to coach aspiring photojournalists at an annual workshop hosted by my alma mater. I, too, was on the workshop staff as a writing coach that year. It was a brief encounter, but Kyle makes an impression. I knew then that he was a rock star. Last month, I had the opportunity to hire him.
Introducing the 100 most powerful people in Nashville business with Power 100: Dealmakers
Nashville's growth is most evident in its big deals, from the $1 billion downtown project to the mega mergers for corporate giants to highly negotiated Metro legislation. That's where this group of power players comes in. Welcome to the 2018 Power 100, the Nashville Business Journal's list of the 100 most influential people driving the city's business community. Today, we're revealing the Dealmakers. These developers, executives and lobbyists are prolific.
Introducing the 100 most powerful people in Nashville business with Power 100: Disruptors
Welcome to the 2018 Power 100, the Nashville Business Journal's list of the 100 most influential people in the city's business scene. Today, we're kicking off this year's reveal with a new category: Disruptors. These are the power players who are changing the way we do business in Greater Nashville. They're pushing the region or their industry to embrace new technology. Or they're taking aim at the old guard and shifting the city's power structure. This is our fourth year of Power 100.
NBJ set to reveal 2018 Power 100, Greater Nashville's most influential people in business
How do you define power? What does influence look like to you? For the fourth year in row, the Nashville Business Journal newsroom will answer that question from our perspective covering the city's booming business community. It's our job to know who's driving the conversation, who's making the decisions and who's disrupting the status quo. That often means those with deep pockets, high-profile platforms or wide reach.
NBJ 100 companies provide solid foundation for region's growth
The biggest storyline in Nashville is growth. That's been the region's calling card for several years now, as we continue to boast one of the hottest economies in the nation. You can't help but see it in the hordes of tourists downtown and the number of cranes in the skyline and the rush-hour traffic jams. But if you need more evidence of our white-hot growth, pay attention to our largest companies. These companies are key drivers of our economy, and they're not slowing down.
'Higher Ground' series aims to help you cope with Nashville's competition for employees
A question that we often ask business leaders is, "What keeps you up at night?" In other words, what's the most pressing challenge facing your business right now? The answers used to be a wide range of responses, depending on the person's company or industry. But recently, nearly everyone is sounding the same note: finding, and keeping, good people. The city's talent wars continue to intensify, as hiring managers from companies of all sizes report steep competition for employees.
NBJ's Expand series focuses on the power of listening
For the past six months, a group of business leaders met for lunch every few weeks to talk about diversity and inclusion in Nashville. They didn't try to solve a problem. They didn't try to prove a point. They didn't tell anyone they were wrong. They simply listened to one another. They shared stories about their own experiences regarding race - some shocking, some frustrating, some inspiring and some intriguing. Some knew each other before participating. Others were meeting for the first time.
From the editor: When Nashville's rising costs collide with its traffic
The "new Nashville" caught up with my 4-year-old this week. My daughter's preschool teacher is taking a new job - a close-to-home reality that employers across the city are dealing with. My daughter just moved into the pre-K class at her school. It's going to be a big year as she prepares for kindergarten - which, by the way, is not just naps and snacks anymore. She has a lot of learning and growing to do to get ready, but I wasn't worried.
Up Close: We get personal with Asurion CEO Tony Detter
His first job, his biggest pet peeve and his greatest fear. We get up close and personal with Asurion CEO Tony Detter When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? I got in a lot of trouble in school because on Career Day, I wanted to be an astronaut or a professional baseball player and my teachers said, "Don't pick a job that you can't really have." What was your first job? My first job was a paper boy. I delivered the San Gabriel Valley News in Los Angeles.
Up Close with Asurion CEO Tony Detter
Q. Asurion is building a new headquarters in a high-profile location on Broadway. For a company that has had a relatively low profile in Greater Nashville in recent years, what was driving that decision for the new HQ? There are really two aspects of it. One is driving collaboration within our workforce. ... We have about 1,600 employees that will occupy that building.
Google Fiber's Nashville city manager Martha Ivester leaving position
By Lori Becker Google Fiber is losing its Nashville chief. Martha Ivester is leaving her position as the internet giant's Nashville city manager. She and her husband, fellow tech executive Gavin Ivester, are moving to Denmark, according to The Tennessean. Gavin Ivester is a founding partner of Flo Co., one of Nashville's most high-profile and multifaceted creative companies.
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