"Blue-Collar Kid, $20k in a Garage, Second Mortgage, Big Exits" with Gary Stavrum

Our next Driven By episode features Gary Stavrum, a Memphis entrepreneur whose career reflects exceptional grit, discipline and vision. A Christian Brothers alumnus, Gary built three med-device contract manufacturing companies, two of which he has sold, beginning with a startup launched in a garage in Covington, Tennessee, funded with just $20,000.His first company grew to 128 employees and $18 million in revenue in under seven years, without raising outside capital. This success came despite extraordinary challenges, including the sudden incarceration of his only machinist shortly after Gary took out a second mortgage to fund the business.Gary and his team repeated this achievement twice more. He formally retired at 39 but has since remained deeply active, helping raise $38 million for Christian Brothers High School, chairing the Campbell Clinic Foundation, forging titanium orthopedic implants in New Hampshire and developing private duck hunting properties that host more than 100 guests each year.Episode Highlights:How a Covington, TN garage startup grew from $20k to $18 million in revenue in under seven years.The story behind building and selling three med-device contract manufacturing companies, all without outside capital.Why the 1990s–2000s Memphis med-device boom created a once-in-a-generation window for blue-collar entrepreneurs.Gary’s role in helping Christian Brothers High School raise $38 million, far surpassing the original $7 million goal.Gary’s unexpected “retirement” running titanium forging operations and developing private duck hunting properties hosting 100+ guests a year.