The Nashville Entrepreneur Center (EC) connects entrepreneurs to critical resources to start and grow businesses. Each year the EC’s NEXT Awards recognizes entrepreneurs in Nashville for their innovative and transformative work.
Seven Belmont alumni were finalists in their categories at this year’s NEXT Awards, and two were announced as winners at the event held at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center on Monday, October 24.
Four alumni were finalists in the Music, Sports and Entertainment category including:
- Luke McElroy ‘09, founder of Orange Thread Live Events
- Channing Moreland ’16 and Makenzie Stokel ‘16, founders of EVA
- Trevor Hinesley ‘12, co-founder and CTO of Soundstripe
Hinesley took home the award for Soundstripe which provides a vast library of music “by creators, for creators”.
“We were humbled to be recognized with so many other amazing Nashville businesses this year,” Hinesley said. “I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to create a business here with my best friends. It means a lot to us that others recognize the work our amazing team is doing at Soundstripe.”
Two Belmont graduates were finalists in the Products, Services and Retail category:
- Harry Allen ‘10, founder of Studio Bank
- Sam Walker ‘14, co-founder of Walker Brothers
Walker won the award for Walker Brothers, a specialty kombucha brewery that he started with his brother Luke.
Ryan Reisdorf ‘19, founder of Placemat, was a finalist in the Real Estate, Hospitality and Construction category. Reisdorf is one of Belmont’s 2022 Entrepreneurs-in- Residence.
“We are so thrilled to see how our alumni entrepreneurs are pursuing their passions, growing their ventures, and supporting the Nashville community in so many ways,” Executive Director of the Cone Center Elizabeth Gortmaker said.
The Thomas F. Cone Sr. Center for Entrepreneurship in the Jack C. Massey College of Business was an event sponsor and provided the opportunity for 15 current Belmont students to attend the celebratory evening.
