Meet Warren Thomas | General Manager, The Morrow Center

We had the good fortune of connecting with Warren Thomas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Warren, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor behind my success and the success of the Morrow Center is an understanding of fear and bravery – and the delicate relationship that exists between them. Fears in business are natural and come from looming threats (i.e. pandemic shutdowns, data breaches, economic interruptions, etc.). Bravery, however, is not so natural for everyone but is the quintessential factor in conquering fear. People often believe that bravery is a direct, tangible action or response. While that can be true in some cases, in business the first step is having a courageous mental positioning. Be bold. Think smart. Identify and accept the reality that looming threats are possible realities and prepare accordingly. As the saying goes, “If you stay ready, you never have to get ready.”

What should our readers know about your business?
The Morrow Center is located in Morrow, GA and is the largest event center in Clayton County, GA. Owned by the City of Morrow, we host every kind of event imaginable from concerts to weddings to small meetings. If you can dream it, we can do it! I have been at the helm of this marvelous ship for three amazing years. Has it been easy? Short answer, not always. When “things are good”, they’re good. But as MLK once said, “The true measure of a man is not how he behaves in moments of comfort and convenience but how he stands at times of controversy and challenges.” Growth can be hard, and growth coupled with REBRANDING can be even harder. But having tough skin, a clear mind, focused agendas and a supportive team makes all the difference.

I am a FIRM believer in lesson-learning. Lessons can be derived from successes, failures, teachers and students alike. And as a “boss” I believe that it is important to be a more of a student than a teacher when situations require it. It is not about knowing all the answers or having all the ideas – it’s about knowing the right answers and best ideas when you hear them. It is about building the best team possible and trusting them, always.

More information about the Morrow Center and what we do can be found at www.morrowcenter.com. But what cannot be found there are the faces, stories and innate passions of the people who help make it all possible. You cannot research the smiles, the sweat, or the sleepless nights. You cannot peek behind an online curtain to meet the proverbial wizard. So if there is one thing I want to world to know, it is that the Morrow Center is truly a family. From our supportive Mayor and Council to our Ops Manager, to our cleaning crew, our bartenders, interns and vendors – we are one. We stand together in our wins and support each other in our losses. We celebrate together and we cry together. We are a family and there’s nothing stronger in the entire world than that.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
When I have guests in town there are absolutely a few MUST DO spots in the city. First up, dinner at APT 4B. They’re sea bass will make you slap your momma! Next…Sundal. There’s nothing quite like restraining yourself from licking the bowl clean after devouring the best bowl of lobster bisque you’ve ever had while dining 70 stories up in the sky. Of course, Chai Yo Modern Thai in Buckhead, The Juicy Crab in Midtown, and Two Urban Licks all make the top of the list as well. Saturday night is all about Savoy Bistro & Lounge in Morrow, GA. No matter whether they have a live band or their resident deejay, you will leave Savoy with a happy spirit from all their happy spirits!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My Mentors: Lynda Browning, Sean Pennington, Chauncey Childs, Dyana Williams My Books: The Autobiography of Quincy Jones, Before the Mayflower
My Quotes: “It is not your environment, it is you- the quality of your mind, the integrity of your soul and the determination of your will that will decide your future and shape your life.” – Molefi K. Asante

Website: www.morrowcenter.com

Instagram: @morrowcenterspecialevents

Facebook: @morrowcenterspecialevents

Image Credits
Photo: Unhindered Creations Creative Direction: Melin Michelle, LLC Styling: David Anthony Image Consulting