This feature is in our weekly Monday Morning Report newsletter, which showcases our highest-level members. Leaders You Should Know highlights community leaders who are making a notable impact in the Nashville region.
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Tell us about yourself.
I am a native Tennessean, having grown up in a small town in West Tennessee, but I have lived in Nashville for almost 25 years. I’m a 1995 graduate of the University of Tennessee—Knoxville, and my wife, Rachel, and I have two teenage boys, ages 15 and 13. We love to travel and took that to the extreme in 2005-2006 when we quit our jobs and traveled for 15 months, visiting every continent except Antarctica. I like to joke that we peaked early in life!
Tell us about your business/industry.
Highspring is a leading global professional services organization with three integrated offerings—consulting, managed services, and talent solutions. Our expertise includes accounting and finance, business and digital transformation, risk and compliance, information technology, and more. The business launched in Nashville in 2002 and has since expanded to more than 50 markets in North America with a robust presence in India and the Philippines. We recently underwent a brand transformation, introducing Highspring as a reflection of our evolution from a legacy talent solutions firm that launched here in Nashville to a professional services organization that also specializes in consulting and managed services. The Vaco brand in Nashville is well known and will continue as the talent solutions platform within the Highspring enterprise. With more than 10,000 employees across 45+ offices worldwide, we give partners the agility to thrive, address challenges, and seize opportunities in a rapidly changing world.
What should we know about you?
I am an avid runner and love the outdoors, especially a good red trail run at Edwin Warner.
How did you get to your current position?
I have been with Highspring for the past 13 years. My role has evolved several times, which has kept the work interesting. I took a circuitous route to corporate development and acquisitions, as I spent about 10 years in the political fundraising arena, followed by a short stint in commercial real estate.
What value do you see in Chamber involvement?
I regularly say that the Nashville Chamber is a “best in class” organization. Highspring has partnered with the Chamber for more than 10 years on economic development projects in the region, providing labor market advice and education for companies looking at locating in Middle Tennessee. We appreciate the strategic lens with which the Chamber focuses on growth in the region and the meaningful economic impact it provides to businesses like Highspring.
How is your company recruiting and retaining talent?
At Highspring, we strive to provide a culture that individuals can join with the expectation that they will retire here. We back that up with employee engagement and a family atmosphere that is second to none. To that end, we have over 250 employees who have been with Highspring for 10 years or more—many of whom have been here closer to 15-20 years (and we only started the business in 2002)! It’s definitely one of our favorite “stats” of the business.
What makes Nashville a great place to do business?
The collaboration between Nashville’s business community and our local and statewide elected officials is very unique. I would argue it has been our secret sauce in terms of growth and success in the region, dating all the way back to the strategic formation of Nashville’s Metro government. We often hear from businesses outside the region and observe firsthand in other markets where Highspring operates that the same collaborative spirit is not always embraced.
What is your perspective on growth in Nashville?
I continue to be bullish on growth in Nashville. We have so many advantages over peer markets, and while challenges exist, the vision established by leaders in the community has positioned the city for continued strategic growth. Not growth for growth’s sake, but smart growth that will create opportunities for all of the region’s citizens. Stalling that momentum would mean missing a chance to shape a more inclusive and prosperous future for the Greater Nashville area.
What is your favorite local restaurant?
Answer in Sylvan Park—my favorite neighborhood restaurant by far!!!
