Executive Profile

The Builders Reshaping the Southern Economy

From Atlanta to Austin, a new generation of founders and executives is redefining what Southern business looks like — and the world is paying attention.

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BySouthern CEO Editorial·July 2026

Founder Spotlight

How This Nashville Founder Built a $50M Company Without Venture Capital

Marcus Webb · July 28, 2026

Women in Business

The Atlanta Executive Transforming Healthcare Access Across the South

Priya Nair · July 25, 2026

Innovation

Charlotte's Tech Corridor Is Quietly Becoming One of America's Most Important

James Holloway · July 22, 2026

Featured

CEO Interview

Marcus Tillman Has Built Three Companies in Ten Years. He's Just Getting Started.

The Birmingham-based entrepreneur on scaling without losing your culture, the myth of the overnight success, and why the South is the best place in America to build a business right now.

Southern CEO Staff·July 30, 2026·8 min read

Family Enterprise

Three Generations, One Vision: The Story Behind the South's Most Enduring Family Business

July 29, 2026 · 5 min read

Economic Impact

Why Investors Are Finally Paying Attention to the Mississippi Delta

July 27, 2026 · 6 min read

Emerging Founder

At 29, She's Running One of Georgia's Fastest-Growing Logistics Companies

July 24, 2026 · 4 min read

Recognition

Honoring the Leaders Defining Southern Business

Our annual recognition programs celebrate the founders, executives, and innovators shaping the South's economic future.

Southern CEO 50

The 50 most influential business leaders across the South

Women in Business

Celebrating women-led companies and executive leadership

Ones to Watch

Emerging founders and rising executives to know now

Family Enterprises

Multi-generational businesses building lasting legacies

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Latest

Leadership

The Management Philosophy That Helped This CEO Scale to 500 Employees

Darnell Washington on building culture, retaining talent in a competitive market, and the leadership lessons he learned the hard way.

Southern CEO Staff·July 31, 2026·7 min read

Business Growth

From Side Hustle to Seven Figures: The Playbook for Scaling a Service Business

Three Southern founders share the exact strategies they used to cross the million-dollar threshold — and what they wish they'd known sooner.

Rachel Kim·July 30, 2026·9 min read

Industry Insight

The Quiet Revolution Happening in Southern Manufacturing

Advanced manufacturing is reshaping the economic landscape of the South, and a new class of entrepreneurs is leading the charge.

James Holloway·July 28, 2026·6 min read

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"Southern CEO is where Southern business leaders are introduced, recognized, and positioned for greater visibility."

We cover the founders, executives, professionals, companies, and innovators shaping business throughout the South — with the depth, authority, and editorial standards the story deserves.

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