William B Courtney, also known as Bill, is a native Memphian who founded Classic American Hardwoods, Inc. in 2001. Today, the company employs 120 people and operates from a 45-acre manufacturing facility in Memphis, Tennessee, as well as domestic and international sales offices in Shanghai, China, and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
In 2007, Classic American Hardwoods, Inc. received the Memphis Business Journal's Small Business of the Year Award, recognizing its impressive growth and commitment to community service.
Bill's passion for giving back to the community is evident in his volunteer work at Memphis' inner city Manassas High School. In 2003, he began working with the school's under-performing football team, which had a dismal 4-95, 10-year record. Through his efforts, the team's record improved significantly, and the story of their transformation was so compelling that it was featured in a Hollywood film, Undefeated, which won the 2012 Academy Award for Best Feature Length Documentary.
Bill's leadership and commitment to diversity, community, and justice have been recognized through his induction into Bridge Builders in 2011. He has also received numerous awards for his distinguished citizenship, including the Liberty Bowl's Harry Zinn Spirit of 1776 award, the Carnival Memphis' King's award, and the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame Memphis chapter's award.
In 2013, Bill was inducted into the prestigious Society of Entrepreneurs, a testament to his success in both business and community service. Today, he continues to serve as the President and CEO of Classic American Hardwoods, Inc.
As a public speaker, Bill has addressed a variety of audiences, from the ParaOlympics in Colorado Springs to Nike, PepsiCo, FedEx, and other nationally recognized companies, as well as churches, schools, and hospitals. He has also written his first book, Against the Grain, which is set to be released in May 2014.
Bill lives with his wife and four children in Memphis, Tennessee.
