In this episode of Driven By, I sit down with JW Gibson, a Memphian whose story runs from the Dixie Homes housing project to entrepreneur. After serving in the U.S. Navy, he built businesses from the ground up—including a medical supply company launched in his mother’s garage and a printing company that now produces Tennessee’s lottery tickets. This conversation is about how JW built from scratch, took risks, and kept moving forward.
Episode Highlights
- Housing Project: Growing up in a Memphis housing project, and how that experience shaped how he sees opportunity and challenge.
- Lessons from the Navy: What he learned about leadership, discipline, and staying steady under pressure.
- Entrepreneur at Work: From cash-flow struggles to building companies today.
- Politics and Government: His thoughts on education and workforce development.
- A City in Transition: His take on Beale Street, downtown’s future, and projects like the Rock & Soul Museum move.
- The Campaign: His thoughts on City Mayor election campaign and what he was planning before dropping out of County Mayor race.
What is Driven By with Sam Coates?
Sharing experiences, insights, and the drivers behind why my guests have built what they have built and how this applies to what drives you.