VOL. 130 | NO. 244 | Wednesday, December 16, 2015
NEWSMAKERS
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Collison Joins Kemmons Wilson Insurance
By Kate Simone
Eric Collison has joined Kemmons Wilson Insurance Group as insurance sales manager. In his new role, Collison’s duties will include development and mentoring of the current and new sales force, marketing campaigns and initiatives, developing and fostering carrier relationships, and identifying new profitable areas for growth within the agency.
Hometown: Starkville, Miss.
Experience: Prior to coming to Kemmons Wilson Insurance Group, I was employed with Galloway Chandler McKinney and previously spent 8 years at Liberty Mutual Insurance throughout the Southeast in commercial sales and personal lines management.
Family: Married to Rivers and we have three daughters, Keagan, Avery, and Reese
Favorite quote: “Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence.” – Vince Lombardi
Favorite movie: “Caddyshack”
The sports team(s) you root for: Mississippi State, Grizzlies and Titans
What’s playing on your stereo right now? With three daughters it is usually Taylor Swift
Activities you enjoy outside of work: Spending time with my family, sporting events and snow skiing
What talent do you wish you had? I have always wanted to become a pilot.
Who has had the greatest influence on you and why? My father has always had the greatest influence on me through his hard work and his ability to lead others. Also, he is one of the most selfless people I have ever met. He is a big reason why I am the person I am today.
What attracted you to your company? Kemmons Wilson Cos. have a legacy throughout the Mid-South for their success in their many businesses, including their insurance group, and their passion for community involvement and support.
What are your goals in your new position? My goals are to grow our insurance agency through development of new revenue sources and expanding our team of insurance professionals.
What do you consider your greatest accomplishment? Marrying my wife 13 years ago, and becoming the parents to our three beautiful daughters.
What do you most enjoy about your work? I am passionate about the insurance industry as our products and services are there to help protect, restore, or aid people and businesses during times of need or even disasters.
If you could give one piece of advice to young people, what would it be? Outwork your competition and success will follow.
Cary Cheston has joined Kemmons Wilson Insurance Group as account executive. Cheston has more than 11 years’ experience in insurance and outside sales, most recently at State Farm Insurance, where he spent the last four years building out an agency.
Central Defense Security has appointed Terry Foster as regional manager and promoted Pat Brown to operations manager. Foster has worked at CDS for seven years and previously served as training manager. Brown has been at CDS for nine years and has served as field supervisor, area manager, security director and account manager.
Curt Crocker was recently hired as an art director at Signature Advertising. He held similar positions at Zulu Creative and Landry’s Inc. in Houston, Texas.
Gabbi Sehar has been promoted to retail manager of Eclectic Eye’s Collierville store. Previously an eyewear architect, Sehar is now responsible for managing and running daily operations at the Collierville boutique.
William B. Howard Jr. has been named one of the 2015 Memphis Five Star Wealth Manager Award recipients. He is president of William Howard & Co. Financial Advisors Inc. and has provided financial advice for 35 years.
Southwest Tennessee Community College’s communications and marketing department has received five MarCom Awards and five National Conference for Marketing and Public Relations Medallion Awards in the 2015 competitions. MarCom recognizes outstanding creative achievement by marketing and communication professionals, while the NCMPR District 2 Medallion Awards recognize outstanding achievement in communications at community and technical colleges.