Jeremy and Matthew Thacker-Rhodes
Owners, Pridestaff, PrideStaff Financial, Thacker-Rhodes Stables, PIF Payment Solutions; co-owners, Pontotoc Lounge
Bio:
Pronouns: He/Him
Hometowns: Jeremy: Southeast Missouri; Matthew: Florence, Alabama
Work background: With 30-plus years of combined proven successful businesses, they pride themselves on the brand they have made and the companies they’re part of. Each business has proven to be a success due to their ability to apply themselves and work until they have exceeded their expectations and goals. The key to success has been dedication, hard work, and believing in themselves and what they are involved in.
Education: Jeremy: Graduated from Arkansas State University; Matthew: Attended Mississippi State University
Civic engagement/volunteering: Host workshops that help individuals prepare for the workforce and advance their career through PrideStaff. These courses consist of resume writing, interview prep, evaluating strengths, and coaching them into new career paths. Host holiday party fundraiser for nonprofits.
Words that best describe you: Ambitious, thoughtful
Q&A
How has working in your industry helped you better advocate for the LGBTQ community? One of our companies works directly with HR managers from all different industries. Addressing workplace issues, such as diversity and how to create an accepting culture, is something we have been able to be part of. Diversity and acceptance in the workplace allows employees to fully reach their potential by being themselves, which results in overall success for the company.
Is there a story or an instance that inspired you to be more vocal on issues of LGBTQ rights? Over the past several years, so many individuals have come up to us and told us that they owed us an apology for being homophobic their entire life, that it wasn’t until meeting us that they had their eyes opened and realized they have been wrong in judging so many during their life. We believe that if you want to change someone’s perception, be open about who you are and live by example in everything you do. Unfortunately, many individuals have a mental picture of what being part of the LGBTQ community looks like, and they don’t see you as a successful business person or someone who makes a difference in the community. We try to live our life as an example for others and for future generations of LGBTQ community.
How would you characterize the connection between the business community and the LGBTQ community in the Memphis area? Over the past few years, we have seen more and more businesses creating a culture of acceptance. I feel there is still a ways to go, but it’s great to see how far it has advanced.
What can local businesses and leaders do to better support the LGBTQ community and promote an environment of inclusivity? Companies must go beyond simply expressing support for LQBTQ workers and engage in sustained efforts to eliminate entrenched biases if they want to create true inclusion. Having policies in place that promote diversity and mandate equality are only the starting point. Business leaders need to understand that promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace leads to more financially successful enterprises. A company should never see themselves as supporting “them;” it’s not about “them,” it’s about the whole staff. Creating a culture where everyone is comfortable being who they are regardless of race, religion, or sexual preference is the first step to a successful business.
Companies try too hard at times to make it known that they support a certain group of employees. But, by doing this, they make it more difficult for some employees to be themselves. As a leader, you should see the strengths in everyone and forget their personal life and who they love and who they are with. If you can learn to see individuals for who they are and what they bring to your company, you may find that your business will be more successful than ever.
How can this generation of LGBTQ business leaders make it easier or better for future generations? By living by example and always putting your best foot forward, you are preparing the future workplace for other up-and-coming LGBTQ members of the community.
What would true LGBTQ equality in the workplace in Memphis look like to you? An individual who can come to work and be themselves and not live in fear because of race, religion, or sexual preference. When a company can create this culture, they will see the best come out in all of their employees and create overall success for the company.
Professionals included in MBJ's 2022 Business of Pride