Meet the 2024 Honorees of the Society of Entrepreneurs

By Jon W. Sparks – Memphis Magazine

April 23, 2024

Formed in 1991, the Society of Entrepreneurs recognizes the historical importance of the contributions of individuals who have, over a prolonged period, demonstrated a gift of entrepreneurship and used this gift to not only create or build a successful business but have also used their gift in service to the community.

The organization’s newest inductees represent the entrepreneurial spirit in their approach to risk and resolution. Whether they’ve started a business or entered into a family enterprise, they’ve had to find the groove that propels them not just to making it, but to taking their endeavors above and beyond the usual metrics of success.

The society also honors one of its members with the Master Entrepreneur designation. This year, it’s Robert G. McEniry, former chairman of nexAir.

The 2024 inductees are Chris Brubaker of Progressive Technologies; Fred, Brett, and Justin Grinder of Grinder, Taber & Grinder, Inc.; and Stacy McCall of ServiceMaster by Stratos. They will be officially inducted into SOE at the 32nd Annual Dinner and Awards Banquet on April 20, 2024, at the FedEx Event Center at Shelby Farms.

Fred, Brett, and Justin Grinder

Grinder, Taber and Grinder, Inc.

As a leading construction firm, Grinder, Taber and Grinder is operating with both the second and third generations at the helm. Fred Grinder’s father and uncles got the company going and he witnessed the creation of some of the area’s most significant buildings, such as Memphis City Hall and the 100 North Main Building. Fred, like his father before him, introduced his sons, Brett and Justin, to a life in construction and they’ve been building some of the most iconic structures in Memphis.

The brothers both went to Georgia Tech, and both worked in Atlanta after college and soon after brought the experience home.

How did you get started in the business?

Fred: The company was founded in 1968, my senior year in high school, and I worked there, part-time through college and then full-time in 1973. I had the good fortune of working side by side with my Dad. I’m proud that I and my two sons are carrying the legacy on and we’re sole owners now.

Justin: We were taught that engineers were the problem-solvers, so we always wanted to get into this business. I fondly remember my grandfather would pick us up on weekends and we’d go check out job sites. We learned by observing and saw the work ethic as he talked to subcontractors. And Dad taught us the financial side of the business. We always wanted to do it.

Brett: We grew up in Memphis and both of us went to Memphis University School. Our family always had a great respect for engineers and were told we should get an engineering degree.

What’s something you do that keeps you on your toes?

Brett: I’ve had different perspectives on every problem I’ve come across watching my father and grandfather. They had different approaches and different things to offer and they gave me the freedom to grow the business. I’ve learned to be quiet in meetings and pay attention to our clients because we work with some of the greatest business minds in Memphis, from the medical to the financial to the educational fields.

What’s your advice for prospective entrepreneurs?

Fred: With a young startup, you’d better know what you’re doing and have a business plan that makes sense. Have a passion for it. Most startups have low capital and nobody in the city knows them, but that’s an obstacle you can overcome if your business plan makes sense and can be profitable. Don’t be deterred by setbacks. Keep fighting.

Brett: Work for the very best and surround yourself with these people for as long as you can. And once you’re ready, jump in with both feet.

Justin: Stick to your knitting. Be the best in your specific industry. Don’t try to expand and do a bunch of different things all at once.

What’s your corporate culture like?

Brett: We have a culture of technical competence. We look to see if a prospective employee has an engineering or design degree or expertise so when they’re working with our construction engineers they already have that mindset. Everybody wants to do continuous development themselves, so we have a culture of constant learning.

Justin: We’re open to change. We’re constantly changing our methods and becoming more efficient every day. If you’re not open to technical advances in the construction industry, then you probably won’t progress very far.

How do you find the best people?

Brett: In addition to their degrees, we look for people who can read and write really well. We can teach you how to build a building and build an estimate, but we can’t teach you good grammar or the soft skills you might need.

What’s your vision for the future of the company?

Brett: Ever since Crosstown Concourse [opened] and what’s happened in the past decade is a great trajectory. We’re a people business and I don’t think we’re going to be interrupted by artificial intelligence. We want to have all our people in one place so we can be there.

Are entrepreneurs born or taught?

Fred: You’re molded by the people around you. I’ve seen entrepreneurs whose children are not capable of carrying on a second generation. But I’m here with two individuals who are third-generation leading this company to the biggest heights it’s ever had. So, I think it’s a little bit of both.

What was your most challenging project?

Justin: My favorite is the Paul Barret Jr. Library at Rhodes College, because it was such a challenging project. It’ll be there to stand the test of time. It’s astounding when you walk in the doors. It’s a beautiful building.

Brett: The absolutely most challenging project right now is the Brooks Museum project downtown. It’s like building a Swiss watch. You couldn’t get that building built in a prior life without the technology we have today.