Anything Goes | Ron Samuels

What characteristic do you most like about yourself?

I have a lot of energy and enthusiasm. I make things happen.

And what do you like least?

I just can’t say no. I over commit.

What was the last book you read?

Rome 1960: the Olympics that Changed the World by David Maraniss

Who would you most like to meet?

Warren Buffett and Sarah Palin. Both are interesting people but for very different reasons.

What about you would most surprise people?

That I play the guitar and I started the Hummingbird band.

Who has most inspired you?

James A. Webb Jr., whom I worked for at Nashville City Bank. A true leader.

Who is your favorite artist?

My wife. I love the way she sees things and interprets them in her paintings. I also like Monet.

What are you most proud of?

Raising two wonderful kids, and my Avenue Bank family. I’m also proud of the fact that I was 60 years old when we started Avenue Bank. It is never too late to dream big!

Why Nashville?

I love the creative spirit of Nashville. It’s a place where those big dreams really do come true.

What do you like most about the city?

It’s a friendly place to live and an exciting place to work. Can it get any better?

What do you like least?

I hope we can figure out public education and reinvent our schools. And we need to do it soon.

Are you happy with where you’re heading?

Absolutely. I’m in the right place, doing the right thing at the right time.

What’s your mantra?

Show up. Be prepared, be dressed to play, and never forget that attitude is everything.

What’s it like being you these days?

My life is a mix of interesting people, interesting projects with a big dash of comedy.

What talent would you most like to have?

I always wanted to be an artist.

What is your most treasured possession?

My team-autographed 1956 New York Yankees baseball that includes Mickey Mantle, and my 1970 Mercedes 280SL.

What is your greatest regret?

That I waited too long to become an entrepreneur. Don’t wait! Find something you love and stick with it.

What would you most like to be remembered for?

Founding Avenue Bank and my love for the game of golf.

Who do you like to listen to?

Norah Jones, Rod Stewart, Taylor Swift, Amy Grant. The Beatles were good then, and they’re still good and, of course, the Hummingbirds.

You have five minutes left to live; what are you going to do?

Gather my whole family, go to the golf course, kiss them all, and drive that ball as far as I can.

Ronald L. Samuels is President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors for Avenue Bank. Samuels is presently Chairman of the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and a board member of the Country Music Association. He played an active role in recruiting the Houston Oilers (Tennessee Titans) to Nashville. In addition, he served on the board of the BellSouth Senior Classic for several years, an event that brought professional golf to Middle Tennessee. Samuels received an M.B.A. from Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Management and is a graduate of the University of Mississippi where he earned a B.B.A. in banking and finance.