Memphis Honors Financial Leaders at Annual CFO of the Year Awards

Memphis Shines a Spotlight on Financial Wizards

Memphis is buzzing with excitement, and it’s not just the sound of blues coming from Beale Street! On October 22, the vibrant heart of Memphis celebrated its very own financial heroes at the annual CFO of the Year Awards ceremony held at the illustrious Theatre Memphis. Now in its 14th year, this event pays tribute to the often-overlooked champions of the financial world—those CFOs who navigate the complex waters of spreadsheets and numbers with an admirable mix of skill and humor.

A Night to Remember

As the crowd gathered, the air was thick with enthusiasm and pride, showcasing the achievements of these financial gurus who bring a splash of creativity and warmth to a field often seen as dry and monotonous. The honor isn’t just about the figures; it’s about the personalities that shine through the data, turning cold stats into stories of success and innovation. And boy, was it a night to remember!

Meet the Chief Commercial Officer of MCR Safety

Among the illustrious winners was the Chief Commercial Officer of MCR Safety, a Collierville-based company that has earned its stripes as a leading manufacturer of personal protective equipment. In fact, they’ve been at it for an impressive 50 years! MCR specializes in hand and eye protection, as well as garments and footwear that ensure workers stay safe while getting the job done.

The night shined even brighter as Steve Franklin, who joined MCR in 2019, took home the honors. Before his time at MCR, he had a solid career in the medical device industry, and now, as their chief commercial officer, he’s infused a blend of financial savvy and operational insight into the company’s sales, marketing, and product development strategies.

Business as Usual

So, how’s business going for MCR? “Overall, it continues to be moderately strong,” Franklin shared. However, he noted that there are challenges ahead, especially with issues relating to supply chains caused by port strikes and other incidents in the Red Sea. This is a particular point of concern that could impact progress.

Future Focus

What’s next for MCR? Franklin hinted that there won’t be any drastic changes on the horizon but emphasized the importance of continuing on the path of growth and operational excellence. “We’re focusing on sales growth, customer satisfaction, and employee wellness as our main measures of success,” he explained with a smile. Franklin’s drive and ambition don’t just stop there; he has his sights set on the position of CEO in the long term, while also indulging in his dream of hiking the majestic Appalachian Trail.

A Personal Touch

When it comes to what he enjoys most about his job, Franklin is not shy about it—give him a spreadsheet and let him dive into data analytics! But like most of us can relate, he does have a least favorite task: reviewing expense reports. It’s the little things that make up the bigger picture, right?

Looking Ahead

As for MCR’s five-year plan, Franklin has set ambitious goals for aggressive organic and acquisitive growth. “We’re gearing up for some exciting opportunities,” he added.

Be Part of the Growth

We encourage everyone in Memphis and beyond to stay tuned for the countless developments that local businesses are making! If you’re interested in supporting the growth of the Memphis community, consider nominating deserving construction projects for the upcoming Building Memphis Awards in 2025. Let’s all play a part in making our city a better place, one nomination at a time!

As Memphis continues to soar to new heights, one thing is for sure: these financial heroes are paving the way for a bright and prosperous future.