Olive Branch Chamber of Commerce Business Celebration/Awards Ceremony  

Photo: Business leaders enjoyed breakfast ahead of the awards ceremony and program Wednesday morning at the Olive Branch Hilton Garden Inn. (Bob Bakken/desotocountynews.com)

March 19, 2025 – Quintavius Burdette has played football and ran track for the Rebels at Ole Miss, but the Senatobia native has gone on to a successful career in real estate as a broker for RE/MAX in the Mid-South.  

Wednesday morning, Burdette shared his story and some keys to his success during the Olive Branch Chamber of Commerce annual Awards Presentation and breakfast at the Olive Branch Hilton Garden Inn.  

Burdette played defensive back and was a reserve wide receiver for the Rebels between 2012-2015. In track, he ran the 60, 100, and 200 meter dash events. 

You might have also seen Burdette recently as one of those competing for prizes in the television series “Survivor,” getting through until he was voted off last May.  

There is no voting Burdette off his success as a real estate broker, but he told his Olive Branch audience the success didn’t come without a lot of work. 

After graduation, Burdette went to work for an Atlanta, Georgia accounting firm, but left it with $6,000 in hand to come back to Mississippi and start his real estate career.  He sold 106 homes his first year, stressing the importance of hosting events and giving back. Those events included giving away free cheesecake and pizza to build relationships and community engagement.  

Burdette said successful people put in the time and the work.  

“We want to go harder than anybody else in the economy,” Burdette said. “We have to start being proud of that. Just because Mississippi is a small place, we can make noise on a national stage. We have to just start having that confidence and we’ve got to start pushing it.”  

Burdette also explained what he called a 168-hour a week time management method. It involves incorporating time to include personal growth and family, while focusing on productive activities. 

“When you come from nothing, you will stop at nothing,” Burdette said about his life and career approach.  

The awards portion of the program honored large and small businesses, nonprofits, a Chamber Connector of the Year, and the The Jack McCauley Award.

The McCauley Award is an honor presented by the Chamber to recognize those who have significantly contributed to the economic growth and overall betterment of Olive Branch, Mississippi. Named after Jack McCauley, who played a pivotal role in establishing the Chamber, this award acknowledges outstanding community service and leadership.

Here are the winners of the Chamber awards for 2025: 

• Large Business of the Year: Chick-fil-A
• Small Business of the Year: Mike’s Pharmacy
• Nonprofit of the Year: DeSoto County Dream Center
• Connector of the Year: Lisa Davis
• McCauley Award – Economic Growth: David Taylor, Olive Branch Airport