What challenges did you face in hiring and retaining talent?
How did you maintain the quality of your products and services while scaling, especially with an increase in demand?
Can you share an example of a mistake, or misstep, made during the scaling process, and how you and the company overcame it?
What role is technology and automation play in scaling your operations, and how did you choose the right tools for your business?
How do you interview potential employees?
What is the number one thing that keeps you up at night?
It’s these, and so many other questions, that were asked by budding entrepreneurs and new business owners, and answered during this year’s Seed Summit by Planters Bank.
Held Friday morning and afternoon at The Bruce Convention Center in Hopkinsville, Planters Bank’s Assistant Vice President of Marketing Ashley Jackson said registration and attendance surpassed last year’s strong showing — and further noted that entrepreneurship continues to be one of the stronger pillars not only of her financial institution, but in the region.
Jackson also said that this year’s one-on-one sessions, most of them for business plan discussions and marketing strategies, worked extremely well — in what felt like a more a la carte format for visitors, as opposed to a series of regimented schedule of speakers.
However, in the late afternoon, four local business owners — Jeff & Sherri Robinson of Blackhorse Pub & Brewery in Clarksville, Bradley Jackson of Byers & Harvey Real Estate & Property Management, Jeff Truitt of ServPro in Clarksville, and Chris McEnaney of McDonald’s — dove deep on their business mantras, in a Q&A around “Scaling Your Business.”
The Robinsons have kept their business more micro in the city’s heart, but have dealt with at least two “acts of God” incidents — a 1999 tornado in downtown Clarksville, and a fire that beset their establishment in 2021.
Each is responsible for key parts of the business: one with an eye on the people, and one with an eye on the purse. And any growth comes with own set of challenges.
Truitt said that his executive team has gone through a lot of what he calls “marriage counseling” — where different leadership and workmanship styles have all been brought to the table, and honed into one mission.
Jackson said he constantly thinks about the fact he runs a family business, and wants to keep a 147-year company history going in the right direction.
However, he added there is a bit of humor in the humility.
Discussing how much jobs have changed just in the last decade, McEnaney said he’s seen, in some ways, a complete reversal of attitudes in both customers and employees.
Life, he noted, is more mobile — and that’s cost efficient.
Among Friday’s other speakers included:
+ Talia Bateman, a sales and leadership coach for Southwestern Consulting
+ Sarah Whitaker, owner of Williams Advertising
+ Chris Wooldridge, director of Murray State University’s Center for Economic and Entrepreneurial Development
+ Eric D. Coleman, a 25-year corporate veteran and retired business executive
+ Hal McCoy, of McCoy Properties
+ And Graham & Heather Dawson, of The Mixer
After hearing five finalists and their business pitches, Planters Bank will also take some time before deciding the winner of the 2025 Seed Grant — which awards $10,000 and several other jump-start amenities for a growing small regional business.
Scaling Your Business:
