Sigma Chi - Auburn University

2 THE AUBURN SIG F or Steve Cates '85, Sigma Chi gave him a sense of belonging and community. "You don't always get that through a larger university," Steve said. "It gave me guys I could socialize with, get advice from, and ultimately gave me long-term connections, even outside of college." Sigma Chi prepared Steve for life after college by exposing him to many different views and types of people. "Part of your success in the business world is learning that everyone sees things differently," Steve said. "It's how you share ideas and listen to each other that leads to success." He took that same mentality into his first job after college as a project engineer. "I was given a lot of responsibilities early on, and it gave me the ability to take on many challenges." Meeting those initial challenges within his first job sparked a desire to take on more. Steve's father could sense that his passion lie in owning a business and encouraged him to move forward. At 25, Steve took the plunge and started his own land development and construction company, which is now Cates Builders. Owning a business has given him a great deal of meaning. "I really enjoy building unique homes with creative people," Steve said. "Helping people meet their dream of having a home and to develop a neighborhood where people have a place to raise their family is very satisfying." Steve's business savvy spans many industries, and from 2011-14 he served as Commissioner of General Services for Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam. "It was rewarding being able to save taxpayers millions of dollars and putting that money back into the hands of Tennesseans." he said. "It's always good when people have the resources to support their own family." In his spare time, he enjoys boating, golfing, keeping up with politics, traveling, and trying new wines. He is married to Lyn and they reside in Nashville, Tenn. Steve has two children, Wesley and Hannah. Email: scates@ catesbuilders.com Construction Entrepreneur, Steve Cates '85, Credits Sigma Chi for Business Success W hen Michael Sellers '94 joined Sigma Chi, he knew it would be a great place to form friendships and gain connections. However, he didn't realize then that a brother would also become a future business partner. In Sigma Chi, Michael had an instant sense of camaraderie with his brothers. Following graduation, he felt the chapter gave him even deeper connections, especially when he moved back to his hometown of Birmingham. "Coming back, you have a network of friends and business associates." In 2008, Michael and brother Jason Malone '96 reconnected over their love of home brewing, and in July of that year decided to open Good People Brewing Co.—Birmingham's first brewery. "It was a good hobby gone wrong," Michael laughs. Since the brewery's opening, Michael has been overwhelmed by the feedback from customers. "I love the experience of creating a product from start to finish," Michael said. However, with creating a business, there's bound to be curves, such as learning on the job, making mistakes, and long hours. In the end, he wouldn't change a thing. "Having a little bit of success is worth it all." For Michael, the key to success is simple: hard work and perseverance. "It's the daily grind over and over," he said. "Timing has a lot to do with it and sometimes you can take advantage of that." Staying connected to fellow Sigma Chi alumni has remained important to Michael. He recently came back from a quail hunting trip with Brad Young '96, Brian Murdock '98, and Todd Brandon '97. "As you grow, it's really fun to connect back with brothers," he says. "It's life enrichment to have these friends forever." He and his wife, Melinda, have two daughters, Audrey and Cassidy. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family and going camping. Email: michael@goodpeoplebrewing.com Sigma Chi Brothers Open Birmingham's First, Largest Brewery, Good People Brewing Co. [Sigma Chi] gave me guys I could socialize with, get advice from, and ultimately gave me long-term connections, even outside of college.

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