There are a few things that might surprise people about Tyrone Burroughs, chairman at First Choice Global Inc., such as his passion for cycling. Several times a week, you can find him riding the Green Line or exploring various parts of the city, savoring freedom and fresh air. Outside of cycling, Tyrone finds joy in traveling, spending quality time with family and mentoring others. He is deeply fulfilled by working on initiatives that create meaningful change, whether in business, the church or the community. Sometimes, a quiet moment of reflection or an enriching conversation with loved ones is his perfect way to unwind. While he enjoys relaxing getaways, he is also drawn to destinations steeped in history and culture. Whether it’s a peaceful tropical retreat or a city with a rich heritage, Tyrone values experiences that offer both rest and inspiration.

Tyrone shared these details and more for this profile:

Early life

Born and raised in Lane, S.C., Tyrone earned a Bachelor of Arts in history and political science from Benedict College. He pursued graduate studies at the University of South Carolina, where he met his future wife, Nelda. The couple married in 1981 and moved to Memphis in 1985.

Business Career

As chairman of First Choice Global, Tyrone leads a diversified portfolio of companies spanning consumer goods, real estate, finance, hospitality and community impact initiatives. Recognized for his ability to identify growth opportunities, drive innovation and build strategic partnerships, he has established himself as a catalyst for market expansion and business transformation.

In 1987, Tyrone founded First Choice Global Sales & Merchandising Company, pioneering innovative retail distribution strategies that have positioned the company as a leader in the $1.7 trillion multicultural personal care market. Headquartered in Memphis, First Choice employs more than 100 professionals and has been recognized for its strategic growth solutions, helping global consumer goods manufacturers, retailers and distributors drive revenue and market expansion.

In addition to First Choice, he oversees a portfolio of business ventures and investments including First Choice Opportunity Fund, South City LP, BeauVentures LLC, MG Capital Holdings Inc., 115 Union Ave LLC, The Pocket Bistro and R.S. Lewis & Sons Funeral Home. In 2019 he expanded his business holdings with the launch of Burroughs Restaurant Group Inc., securing U.S. Mid-South franchise rights for Guthrie’s Chicken Restaurants.

Community Involvement

Tyrone serves on numerous corporate, civic and nonprofit boards where he provides strategic guidance on economic development, financial oversight and community engagement. He currently holds board positions with the Guaranty Bank & Trust Company, Benedict College board of trustees, Greater Memphis Chamber – Chairman’s Circle, Tennessee Lottery Commission, St. Jude Memphis African American Engagement Council, Memphis Theological Seminary, WKNO board of trustees, Faith-based & Community Initiative Foundation, Memphis NAACP Branch board of directors and the Global Beauty Alliance board. His past board service includes the Federal Reserve Bank – Memphis branch, Ronald McDonald House, Regional One Health hospital board and the Shelby County Convention Center board.

Burroughs Foundation

In 2010, Tyrone and his wife, Nelda Burroughs, established The Burroughs Foundation, a philanthropic organization focused on financial literacy, workforce development and higher education access. The foundation has provided scholarships, mentorship and funding for students across the country, supported faith-based and social initiatives and led community investment efforts both domestically and internationally. His philanthropic contributions also include mission work in China, local food distribution programs and healthcare support for underserved communities.

Special Recognition

In 2017, Benedict College recognized Tyrone for his contributions to business, education and philanthropy by renaming its School of Business and Economics to the Tyrone Adam Burroughs School of Business and Entrepreneurship. That same year, Benedict College awarded him an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters. He is a 2021 inductee of The Society of Entrepreneurs and a recipient of the Distinguished Citizen Award from the Boy Scouts of America. He was also placed on the prestigious Memphis Business Journal Power 100, recognizing the most influential business leaders in the region.

Commitment to Memphis

Memphis is a city brimming with potential, and his company is dedicated to contributing to its continued growth and success.

The company is unwavering in its commitment to advancing Memphis by fostering economic growth, creating meaningful jobs and empowering local businesses. Through First Choice Global Sales and Merchandising, the company supports brands to thrive in the retail sector, driving significant economic impact in Memphis and beyond.  Broader initiatives, including real estate development and job creation, are built on the core belief that a stronger Memphis benefits all its residents.

The company proudly joined the Chairman’s Circle, recognizing the power of collective leadership in shaping the future of the city. By collaborating with fellow business and civic leaders, he aims to drive transformative changes – whether in workforce development, entrepreneurship or community investment.

Memphis is a city defined by resilience, rich culture and boundless opportunity. Tyrone said what truly excites him is its vibrant entrepreneurial spirit and the continuous evolution that drives it forward. The city’s deep-rooted history, from its musical legacy to its pivotal role in the civil rights movement, instills a profound sense of purpose. “I am proud to be part of initiatives that not only honor this legacy, but also foster economic empowerment and create lasting opportunities for others,” he said.

Family

Tyrone is a man of unwavering faith, and he said that the best advice he’s ever received is to cultivate a strong spiritual foundation and to find a life partner who shares your determination and work ethic. For him, family is everything. He feels blessed with a supportive, loving family that believes in lifting one another up. His brother, Bryant, has displayed incredible resilience in his health journey, and his sister, Ruth, possesses a heart full of compassion and generosity. Together with his wife Nelda, Tyrone is committed to giving back to the community, striving to build a lasting legacy that will positively impact future generations.

Despite his numerous achievements, he considers his greatest success to be the educational and professional accomplishments of his children, all of whom have earned college degrees and postgraduate credentials and built successful careers.

Most Influential Person

One of the most influential figures in Tyrone’s life was his best friend, David Cooper. David’s unwavering loyalty, profound wisdom and invaluable partnership in both business and life had a lasting impact. One of the most impactful pieces of advice Tyron received was: “Always add value wherever you go. If you help enough people achieve their goals, your own success will naturally follow.”

Favorite book or move

Tyrone has a deep appreciation for books and movies that inspire and challenge our way of thinking. Whether it’s a biography of a remarkable leader or a film that portrays a powerful story of perseverance, he is drawn to narratives that emphasize resilience, faith and purpose. These stories resonate with him, offering both insight and inspiration to navigate life’s challenges.