Francis Saunders is ecommerce business director for GreatNeckTools, the original manufacturer of hacksaw blades. Before returning to Memphis, she lived in Tanzania.  This is her story:

I was born and raised in Memphis and spent a decade in Colorado pursuing my education, exploring the West and building my early career before returning home. I earned a BA in ecology and evolutionary biology with a minor in business innovation from the University of Colorado Boulder and later completed an MBA in global social and sustainable enterprise from Colorado State University. I was also fortunate to spend half a year living and studying in Tanzania, an experience that deepened my appreciation for different cultures, conservation and the interconnectedness of people, communities, businesses, governments and the natural world.

My career has taken me through clean technology, electric vehicles, sustainability, communications, partnerships, entrepreneurship and business development. Before joining GreatNeckTools as ecommerce business director, I worked with EVgo, one of the nation’s largest EV charging networks, and Out of Spec Studios, where I hosted conversations about innovation, electrification and the future of transportation. I have also supported both nonprofit and for-profit organizations through consulting work focused on strategy, communications and growth.

Today, I am proud to be part of GreatNeckTools, a family-owned company with more than a century of history. Founded in 1919 as the original hacksaw blade manufacturer, GreatNeck has grown into a leading supplier of hand tools and automotive specialty tools. Now headquartered in Memphis, the company continues to build on its legacy of quality, value and long-term investment in the communities it serves, employing more than 200 people across offices in Memphis, Johnson City, Bentonville and Taiwan.

Outside of work, I am a self-taught artist and lifelong learner. My background in science taught me that curiosity is one of the most valuable tools we have. One of my favorite quotes is, “A mind once stretched by a new idea never regains its original dimensions.” To me, that idea reflects the importance of remaining open to new perspectives and recognizing how much there is still to learn about the world around us.

One person who has had a particularly strong influence on me is the late Dr. Jane Goodall. I was fortunate to hear her speak twice, once at Christian Brothers University when I was a young girl and again at the University of Colorado Boulder during my undergraduate years. Her curiosity, perseverance and optimism continue to inspire me, and her example reminds me that meaningful change begins with paying attention, asking questions and maintaining hope.

After years away, I returned to Memphis because I wanted to invest my energy and experience in the city that helped shape me. My family is here, my community is here and I believe Memphis has extraordinary potential. My parents have been strong examples of what it means to invest in a community. My mother, Kim Caldwell, has spent decades supporting the arts and nonprofit organizations through her development consulting work. My father, Jake Saunders, is in his 31st year with GreatNeckTools and now serves as CEO. Together with my stepmother, Terry Saunders, he also helped preserve one of Memphis’ most iconic landmarks, A. Schwab on Beale Street. Through their example, I learned the importance of investing in the place you call home.

What excites me most about Memphis is its authenticity. It is a city rich in culture, creativity, music, history and entrepreneurial spirit. I am passionate about how Memphis can continue to strengthen its economy, support artists and entrepreneurs, protect its natural resources, invest in public spaces, embrace innovation and create opportunities for future generations.

When I am not working I enjoy road trips, riding bikes and motorcycles, listening to live music, walking along the Mississippi River, building community and traveling to places I have never been before. One of my favorite books is The Invention of Nature by Andrea Wulf, which tells the story of Alexander von Humboldt and his revolutionary view of the interconnectedness of nature, science and society.

I believe Memphis has extraordinary potential, and I am excited to spend the next chapter of my life contributing to the people, organizations and ideas that will help shape its future.