Name: Stephen Scates
Family: Beth Scates (wife) Bruger and Bogey (my dawgs) Laura and Dennis Scates (my parents), Ryan (brother), Kiel (sister-in-law), Andy and Charlie Scates (nephews), and finally Dr. Edward and Christina Galaid (in-laws)
Hometown: Kennesaw, Georgia, though they are all full-time on St. Simons Island these days!
Current Town: Charleston, South Carolina
What Years at UGA: 2013-2014
School/Degree: BBA Finance at Terry School of Business
Profession: Business Founder, Owner, CEO at Tradd Advisory Company – Freight/Logistics Brokerage and Supply Chain Consulting.
Accolades: President, Charleston Chapter of the UGA Alumni Association 2017-2021, Founder of “Back to the Bar”, a charity built to support Food and Beverage workers who were put out of work for prolonged periods during COVID-19, Hibernian Society Member in Waiting, Winner of “Best Chest Hair in Charleston, 2017” by the River Dogs, our local Minor-League baseball team.
What life lessons did you learn while at UGA? I was a late transfer student, so I had to make a lot of adjustments on the fly. Classes were tougher, the social pool was deeper. I learned never to count yourself out, and don’t assume something is impossible because it seems so at first. Avoid 8 a.m. classes when possible. Most importantly, if you’re going to be dumb, you gotta be tough.
What professor did you most admire? I won’t say his name, but he failed me and made me re-take his class. Luckily that only happened once in college. The question wasn’t “favorite” professor … what was the question again?
What do you consider your greatest achievement? I hope the greatest is still ahead of me, but graduating was big. Convincing my wife to marry me. Currently, working with a start-up team and watching my company grow. That’s a living achievement that reminds me daily – hard work pays off. It will be a great day when I pass the company (or its proceeds), down to the next generation.
Which historical figure do you most identify with? Napoleon. I used to be a pretty small guy, I’ve always had big plans.
Who are your heroes in real life? Not to be TOO cheesy but I manage my sales team like a football team, Kirby Smart and Nick Saban are guys I look to for advice, constantly. They are relentless leaders who truly know how to bring out the best. People close to me might roll their eyes because they know I’m not a very technical football fan (that talent went to other family members). But, when they talk about investing versus spending on yourself, your team, your time, and what it truly means to be the best, they know a thing or two. These lessons apply to family, school, hobbies, relationships, business, anything.
Quote to live by: Them Dawgs is Hell
What is your idea of perfect happiness? This is another profound one. I’d love to say on the beach with a beer or something, but it’s a lot harder than that. I’ve been in California with friends and family in my arms watching the Dawgs win the Rose Bowl or the National Championship. It’s hard to think of a more perfect happiness than that. But I’ve been just as happy sitting on the couch watching old James Bond movies with Beth and my two dogs. I think “perfect happiness” is when you can take it all in at any given time and appreciate what God has given you. I’ve realized there’s not some kind of retirement down the road where it will be perfect and happy all the time, but, if I can take a look around, handle the ever-present problems, take inventory of the blessings and memories whether it’s from the White House or the Poor House, I think that’s what happiness is all about.
What do you consider your greatest achievement? I wrote a great article about the Futurebirds that was published in the Red and Black! My premier and conclusion to journalism. Either that or winning “Best Chest Hair – 2017” at the River Dogs Game.
What is your most marked characteristic? I’ve been called a chameleon, but I’d rather it be referred to as emotional intelligence.
What do you most value in your friends? Humor. It’s great when comedic relief is the first step to solving a problem. If you have friends who can cut through the tension, they can usually help find the solution (and have a good time while at it).
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I’d make myself a foot shorter so I’d have to work twice as hard in life.
Who are your favorite writers? The guys at Poor Man’s Game Notes! (pictured) and Bulldawg Illustrated of course. And Lewis Grizzard. Or Ayn Rand.
Fave social media and who to follow? This is where it ends, Caroline?? I’m severely addicted to Instagram. Mostly my own page. Follow me!