The Sideline’s Smith a ‘Rising Star’ winner
The Sideline’s Smith a ‘Rising Star’ winner Posted: Wednesday, December 12, 2012 12:00 am
The Rising Star award is given annually by the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to a business that best exemplifies not only business success, but an outstanding working relationship with the local SBDC and the use of the services it provides. In giving the award, the local SBDC is also recognizing the entrepreneurial spirit of the business owners and their contribution to the local business and economic environment. In 2003, Smith recognized the community’s need for a physical therapy clinic to serve residents in need of physical therapy and made the decision to create a business that would provide physical therapy services. Within a year, the growth in patients and services exceeded the capacity of the original leased space in downtown Martin, and the search for facilities found an unlikely location also in downtown Martin, the former Varsity movie theater, which was originally built in 1947 and had been unused for several years. After renovations, the relocation and resultant change in scope of services was a critical factor in the future success of the business and improved services for clients. The new facilities allowed the expansion of physical therapy services and the creation of a fitness center to meet a growing community need. Thousands of area residents have benefited from the physical therapy and fitness services from The Sideline in its nine-year history. “Brian is extremely deserving of this award, and we at the TSBDC are very proud of his success,” said Landy Fuqua, director of the Tennessee SBDC at the UT Martin REED Center. “It is more important than ever to support our independent locally owned businesses. Brian not only contributes to the local economy, he and his staff also give back to their community. Independent locally owned businesses are the backbone of our local economy, and they support our civic organizations, local charities and are a training ground for future generations of entrepreneurs.” Earlier this year Smith also received the 2012 Entrepreneur of the Year award at the West Tennessee Regional Entrepreneur Conference held in Jackson. He was nominated by the Tennessee Small Business Development Center at the UT Martin REED Center for the award. For more information about The Sideline, call 587-3422. For more information on the Tennessee Small Business Development Center at UT Martin’s REED Center, visit www.utm.edu/reed, or to make an appointment for a free consultation, contact their office at (731) 587-7333. Published in The WCP 12.11.12
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