In its most recent webinar, the Society of International Business Fellows (SIBF) featured John Ingram, founder and head of Nashville Soccer Club (SC), Chairman of Ingram Industries, and a member of the SIBF Class of 2003. Ingram Industries encompasses Inland Barge Company, Ingram Content Group, and Nashville SC, which Ingram launched in 2017. The webinar was moderated by Karl Dean (TN, ’19), former Mayor of Nashville and current Professor of Law at Vanderbilt University. This session dove into the intersections of business leadership, sports management, and philanthropy. Ingram recounted his entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing intentionality and seizing opportunities. Growing up in a business-oriented environment, he developed a passion for new ventures. His innovative mindset and willingness to take risks led him to establish Nashville SC, even though it didn’t naturally evolve from his work in publishing and marine transportation.
He discussed the process of assembling the Nashville MLS Soccer team, forming an ownership group, and garnering city and business support. A significant victory was securing stadium design approval with a 40-person metro council, showcasing a rare public-private collaboration. Nashville SC also secured a $225 million financing plan with the city, a unique responsibility for a major league sports team.
“That doesn’t happen without the public sector coming alongside and working with purpose and intention to succeed things positively with the private sector,” said Ingram. “In Nashville, there is a history of public-private partnerships and people working together in a very responsible business community that puts the community first.” Reflecting on the team’s performance, Ingram noted the team’s early and impressive achievements: “We’re maybe the third team in league history to have made the playoffs all four of the first four years…That matches my goal of trying to punch above our weight.” They have brought in new players to improve offensively and made coaching changes for better offense-defense balance. Ongoing challenges include obtaining visas for international players and overcoming language barriers. “Soccer is a world sport,” remarked Ingram. “If you limit yourself too much to English only, you’re limiting your talent.” He understands the priority of needing to attract elite players from all around the world.
He also discussed the complexities of starting a new sports franchise, such as building a brand, creating a loyal fanbase, and ensuring long-term sustainability. “I wanted to build something that’s successful and sustainable over the long term,” Ingram expressed. “I want to punch above our weight, be a good partner, and be a team that other cities are happy to have in the league.” His strategic approach was evident in his decision to hire Ian Ayre, former CEO of Liverpool Football Club, to bring expertise and credibility to his team. Looking ahead, Ingram discussed the 2026 World Cup, where Nashville will host practice sessions and attract fans. He highlighted Nashville’s vibrant appeal and the significant opportunity the World Cup presents for the local business community.
Ingram’s commitment to philanthropy, deeply rooted in his upbringing, led to the Limitless Libraries program, which made library collections available to all Nashville schools. “It was creating leverage,” said Ingram, “which is what happens every day in the for-profit world but is a complete rarity in the public sector.” The success of this program underscores the importance of public-private collaboration. He also discussed corporate philanthropy, particularly in supporting higher education and fostering future business leaders. The webinar concluded with Ingram’s philosophy of living life with intention and his involvement with the political action committee, “A Better Nashville.” As Ingram explains, “The whole purpose is to try to identify, recruit, and elect business-friendly citizens to our metropolitan council.”
Watch the webinar here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFQYVCbHmnU