William B. Courtney (Bill), a native Memphian, founded Classic American Hardwoods, Inc. in 2001. Today, it employs 120 people with a 45 acre manufacturing facility and domestic sales offices in Memphis, TN and international sales offices in Shanghai, China and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. In 2007, Classic American Hardwoods, Inc. won the Memphis Business Journal’s Small Business of the Year Award based on its growth and commitment to community service.
In 2003, Bill began volunteering at Memphis’ inner city Manassas High School in an effort to turn its underperforming football team around. In 2003, the team had 19 players with a dismal 4-95, 10-year record. In the 2008 & 2009 seasons, the team’s record improved to 18-2, with 75 players. The story inspired a Hollywood film—Undefeated—which won the 2012 Academy Award for Best Feature Length Documentary.
“SERVICE IS AN ONGOING RESPONSIBILITY, NOT A CHARITABLE ACT THAT WE MIGHT DO ON OCCASION IN OUR COMMUNITY, FAMILY, OR WORKPLACE. WE HAVE A DUTY TO STRENGTHEN THE WEAKEST IN OUR SOCIETY, TO SERVE OUR COWORKERS, AND TO HELP THOSE WE LOVE GROW STRONGER BY SHARING WISDOM AND GIFTS.”
-BILL COURTNEY, 2020
Throughout Bill’s life, there were many people along the way that were willing to invest time and resources to help him achieve his goals. Because of those who served Bill, giving back by serving others has been a central part of his life.
As stated above, it is Bill’s belief that those who are able to help have a duty to do just that. As such, please consider donating to one or all of the charities below. These are charities that Bill has been in service of in various ways and continues to support today. Thank you for your donation.
