July 12, 2016

On The Move/Gary L. Thompson


– The Memphis Business Journal –

Gary L. Thompson, vice president of residential development, Boyle Investment Company.

Hometown: Hot Springs, Arkansas

Education: Bachelors of Landscape Architecture (BLS)

Career advice: Learn everything you can as fast as you can, work harder than the next guy and enjoy with a passion what you do.

Thoughts/comments about your current position: As a professional and officer of one of Memphis’ oldest and most respected real estate development companies, I get to shape the future of the Memphis landscape. It’s a great privilege and one that I take very seriously. It’s a real blessing to be able to take on this challenge with such a great group of skilled and dedicated people of the highest integrity.

What most do you like about your job: The freedom to create great places and the resources and support to do it.

Personal: Wife of 16 years, Melanie; one son, Connor, 7; and one daughter, Camryn, 3

First job: My first paying job was cleaning sawdust from under the wood working equipment in my grandfather’s shop at age 10 or 11.

Personal Hero: Harry Smith, CEO of Schilling Enterprises and our partner in Schilling Farms. He is a living example of stewardship and integrity and I’m proud to count him as my friend.

Last Book read: Money Possessions and Eternity by Randy Alcorn and Home From Nowhere by James Howard Kunstler.

Person you would most like to meet: Jesus Christ

Favorite vacation spot: Summer: White sand beaches of Florida’s panhandle with my kids. Winter: Steamboat Springs, Colorado.

Favorite restaurant: Jim’s Place East

Favorite film: Toss up between Finding Nemo and Monster, Inc.

Likes about Memphis: Autozone Park, the pandas and our great trees.

Dislikes about Memphis: Our lack of self confidence as a community. We are a great city, but if we don’t believe it, then how will anybody else? I’m convinced that poverty is the root of many of the ills that threaten our future success.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time: What free time?