Success Supper Club - Delta Business Journal
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October 5, 2026
Scott Nelson
Success Supper Club
Drew native Stafford Shurden is bringing entrepreneurs together to exchange ideas
America was built on the backbone of entrepreneurs. Through the centuries, visionary men and women in this country saw opportunities not only to develop and grow a business but also to forge a path to encourage and inspire others.
Drew native, Stafford Shurden, has had a long career in the farming, restaurant, and judicial worlds. A strong advocate for the Delta, Shurden became aware that a significant need existed for entrepreneurs in rural areas to have a place to exchange ideas and establish relationships to make their dreams come true.
“Not too long ago, I was in Nashville. I heard of a place called The Greatness Factory that met quarterly and hosted informal business and success-oriented programs,” said Shurden. “I have always been someone who is a continual learner and one who is eager to hear about new things so I started going there.” Shurden met the event organizer, Micheal Burt, who is a former basketball coach and successful Nashville development entrepreneur. He was impressed by Burt and the “Whiskey and Wisdom” sessions, which basically were two chairs for the host and featured guests in front of the audience. Shurden said, "While driving back from Nashville one day, I started thinking an event like this would be great in the Delta. I own a restaurant that is not open in the evening so I already had the perfect spot. That is how Success Supper Club started.”
Shurden said the initial events have had several hundred attendees and the informal, Q&A style event with a featured guest has been well received. He said, "These events are free for business persons as well as current or would-be entrepreneurs. There is a reception and happy hour with a cash bar before the program, and the meal during the program is provided free.”
The Success Supper Club is now expanding to additional locations in the area. Shurden said the September 24 event at the Cotton House in Cleveland featured Billy Cox, a Dallas entrepreneur who has been a successful two billion dollar sales professional. He has also been a member of Zig Ziglar’s advisory board. On October 14 in Oxford, Micheal Burt will be the featured guest at the supper club’s program at the Powerhouse just off the Square on University Avenue.
Shurden said the particular need for events like the supper club in the Delta stems, in part, from him seeing so many young people with great ideas and dreams who just needed a chance to meet and network with others. Though these meetings, they can be inspired to action by the stories and guidance of those who have made their dreams come true.
The Success Supper Club meets monthly at various locations in the Delta and North Mississippi. There is no fee to register, and meals are provided free of charge. Those interested in further details about the organization as well as attending upcoming events can register at staffordshurden.com and scroll down to Success Supper Club.
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