This Thursday, tune in to Biz Talk With Josh, when host Joshua Smith has the honor of interviewing nationally-known entrepreneur and business icon Joseph R. ("Pitt") Hyde, III.  With a life that is equal parts business acumen and strategic philanthropy, Mr. Hyde is truly one of the most unique and fascinating guests ever to participate as a guest on this show.

Pitt Hyde is the founder (1979) and an active member of the board of directors of AutoZone - the largest auto parts chain in the United States with over 4,000 stores in the USA, Puerto Rico, and Mexico.  Prior to founding AutoZone, Mr. Hyde developed his grandfather's company, Malone and Hyde's specialty retailing division into drug stores, sporting good stores, supermarkets and auto parts stores.  Under his leadership, the company grew dramatically, becoming the United States' third largest wholesale food distributor.  He was the first president of Super D Drugs, and in 1968 was elected president of Malone & Hyde.  In 1972 he was elected chairman and for 10 years he was the youngest CEO on the New York Stock Exchange.

Mr. Hyde recently retired from the board of directors of FedEx Corporation, where he served for over 30 years. He is owner and president of Pittco Holdings Inc., as well as a general partner of Schaedle Worthington Hyde Properties, LP, an Atlanta-based real estate company that specializes in multi-family housing and limited service hotel development.  Mr. Hyde is also chairman of the board of GTx, Inc., a publicly-held healthcare / biotechnology company in Memphis, TN, and president of the J.R. Hyde Senior Family Foundation.