Annual Southern Gentleman® Issue
While every Southern gentleman walks a unique path, an underlying dedication and determination fuels each journey. A variety of people, principles, and passions come together to influence us along the way. In their own words, five local men share the experiences and values that have guided them to where they are today.
Photography by Kristina Armstrong / Shot on location at Chattanooga Whiskey Event Hall
In my opinion, being a gentleman begins with recognizing that everyone has value. That biblical concept is essential for building solid, lasting relationships. I am blessed to have had wonderful mentors in my professional and personal journeys. I began my career with Chattanooga Coca-Cola UNITED, Inc. in July of 1976. In November, I will retire as a corporate marketing manager. Gary Davis led Coca-Cola locally for many years and is well respected in the community. His business approach emphasized doing the right thing even when it was difficult. He inspired me to lead with integrity. Personally, the person who has inspired me most is my wife, Becky. Her success as head of school at Silverdale Baptist Academy is a result of relying on her faith when making difficult decisions and staying focused on the main thing, preparing each student for success in life academically, socially, and spiritually. That is inspirational!
I grew up in Elyria, Ohio, and was deeply influenced by my parents who instilled in me the value of hard work and dedication. Growing up, my family owned several small businesses, which offered me the opportunity to see entrepreneurship firsthand and gain valuable leadership qualities, such as decision-making and communication skills. Leaning upon the skill set and values I acquired as a young man enabled me to climb the corporate ladder to become the executive director of quality at Seagate Technology, where I managed the disc division in Singapore, Malaysia, and Northern Ireland. My responsibilities as an international business leader were pivotal in my ability to assume the role as president of Wingard Quality Supply, a second- and third-generation, minority-owned business. The values that I hold most important are respect, honesty, and an unwavering commitment to quality, safety, and excellence.
I began my journey in a minister’s home, where faith, service, and community were the steady rhythms of life. Those early experiences instilled in me a love for people and a conviction that leadership is ultimately about serving others. Over time, this calling drew me into ministry and then into higher education, where I discovered the unique opportunity to help students grow academically, spiritually, and personally. Today, I serve in leadership at Lee University with gratitude for the mentors, colleagues, and friends who have shaped me along the way. The values of integrity, hard work, and relationships continue to guide my decisions, while faith remains the foundation that steadies me through both challenges and opportunities. My goal is simple: to lead with vision and humility, always pointing others toward God’s greater mission.
I’m a firm believer in the adage “hardship builds character.” I was raised by modest means in rural Georgia where hard work, respect for my elders, and strict manners were strongly enforced, and my moral compass was guided by a heavy dose of Jesus in my little country church. Having spent my entire life in the South, I’ve absorbed so much from so many wonderful mentors. None as influential as my dear friend Summerfield Johnston, Jr. My strict upbringing, love, and knowledge of Jesus, and my cherished time with mentors have taught me that no matter how successful you are, stay humble, give back, and treat everyone with kindness and respect. My precious wife Michelle and I have taught our boys the importance of gentleman’s etiquette and encouraged our girls not to settle for anything less in a suitor. We are all so fortunate to be Southerners!
I am a native of Signal Mountain, and the Scenic City has been my lifelong home, providing a beautiful backdrop for my upbringing. As the son of an economics professor and grandson of an accountant, financial well-being and investing are part of my DNA. Growing up, I was heavily influenced by the Boy Scout program, specifically John Glass, who is a true institution within the scouting community. He preached “set the right example.” I was fortunate to benefit greatly from the example he set.
Through my teens and early 20s, I traveled the country with the dream of being a professional cyclist. My bike racing mentors were exceptional role models who constantly reinforced the benefits of brutally hard work, humility, and commitment to your trade.
Today, surrounded by my HHM partners, leadership, and clients, I nurture with the same concepts of hard work, humility, and unwavering commitment to your life’s vocation. I remain hopeful that by following the examples set by my mentors and investing in my professional relationships, I can have a positive and lasting impact on those around me.
