Pfeffers inducted into 2024 Entrepreneurs’ Hall of Fame
Phil and Pam Pfeffer have made a tremendous impact in the Lipscomb community and in Nashville.
Kim Chaudoin |
Lipscomb University Board of Trustees member Phil Pfeffer and his wife, Pam, were honored for their entrepreneurial achievements and lasting contributions to the Nashville business community when they were inducted into the Nashville Entrepreneur Center’s 2024 Entrepreneurs’ Hall of Fame at the NEXT Awards on Oct. 21.
The event, held at Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center, recognized the Pfeffers for their innovation and investment across multiple industries and their profound impact on both Nashville and Lipscomb University. Lipscomb University President Candice McQueen had the honor of introducing the couple and officially inducting them into the Hall of Fame. Several College of Business students and faculty, along with members of Lipscomb’s Board of Trustees were in attendance to celebrate the significant occasion.
“Phil and Pam Pfeffer have truly impacted countless lives and are lights to those around them,” said President McQueen. “I personally am thankful for the many ways they have supported Lipscomb University. Phil has been an invaluable member of our Board of Trustees and, together, they’ve made a lasting investment in Lipscomb. Their mentorship, leadership and dedication to our students have been transformative, and their legacy will continue to shape our community for years to come.”
Lipscomb University has been the beneficiary of the Pfeffers’ generosity and guidance. In 2019, the university’s Graduate School of Business was named the Pfeffer Graduate School of Business in their honor, following their significant financial investment. Phil has served as a mentor to students and faculty, contributing as an adjunct professor, CEO-in-residence and a member of the College of Business Dean’s Board.
The Pfeffers' deep commitment to Lipscomb’s mission reflects their belief in the power of education. As Phil Pfeffer once noted, “Pam and I have been impressed by the caliber and character of Lipscomb students. There is something about them – their desire to be successful and their work ethic. Lipscomb students really stand out.”
Throughout their careers, the Pfeffers have been at the forefront of entrepreneurship, influencing industries from publishing to technology. Phil served as chairman and CEO of Ingram Distribution Group Inc., where he spearheaded the creation of several highly successful companies, including Ingram Micro Inc., now the world’s largest technology distributor. He later became president and CEO of Random House Inc., where he significantly boosted the company’s sales and profits before founding Treemont Capital Inc., a private equity investment firm. Under Treemont’s leadership, the Pfeffers have backed ventures ranging from retail to real estate development, fostering the growth of innovative companies like SeqTech Diagnostics and Healing Innovations LLC.
Pam has also left her mark through leadership and volunteerism. She was a university mathematics instructor at the former University of Tennessee-Nashville before beginning her career in the banking industry as a lending officer and branch manager at Nation’s National Bank, and an accounting instructor for the American Institute of Banking. She is the author of The Essential Home Record Book -- Ready-to-Use Forms for All Your Personal, Medical, Household, and Financial Information and has also written a variety of articles for several publications. Pam played a pivotal role in the Nashville Symphony’s $100 million campaign to build the Schermerhorn Symphony Center and was honored with the Nashville Symphony Association Ovation Award for her dedicated service. Additionally, she has supported the education sector, serving on the Southern Illinois University Foundation Board.
Nashville Entrepreneurs’ Hall of Fame honors individuals who have built long-standing and meaningful careers in Nashville. Other 2024 inductees include Michael Burcham, founder and CEO of Theraphysics and continued with his role as the founding President and CEO of Nashville Entrepreneur Center; Pat Emery, a real estate developer and community leader; and Turner Nashe, co-founder of ReCOVer-Health and Sonata Bank board member; Previous inductees include: Dolly Parton, Trisha Yearwood, Cordia Harrington, Leatrice McKissack, Phil Bredesen, Steve Turner and Amy Kurland among other influential individuals.
Earlier in the day, the Pfeffers were also honored at the 32nd annual Sage Awards through AgeWell Middle Tennessee. The Sage Awards honors older adults who have demonstrated a lifelong commitment to improving the quality of life in their communities and organizations that have made a significant difference in the lives of older adults in Middle Tennessee.