F. Norfleet Abston

President, Fleet Building & Contracting

BBA in Economics (1983)
LinkedIn Profile

Since 2015, Mr. Abston has served as President of Fleet Building & Contracting, LLC, a commercial and residential general contractor in Nashville, Tennessee. From 2001 to 2010, he served as Chief Financial Officer of Old Waverly Investments, LLC, where he managed a “family office” for the George W. Bryan, Sr. family, and following that, he served as Chief Financial Officer of RJ Young, an office technology company based in Nashville.

Mr. Abston earned a degree in Economics from the University of Mississippi in 1983 and an MBA degree in Finance in 1989 from Owen Graduate School of Management at Vanderbilt University. After graduating, he formed IPL Management, Inc., developing and managing franchises throughout Mississippi and Louisiana, and later, he founded Bronx Deli and Bagel Bar, LLC, a chain of restaurants in Memphis, Tennessee. In 1998, Mr. Abston joined, as a founding principal and as it’s Chief Financial Officer, Sovereign Wealth Management, Inc, a comprehensive financial advisory firm registered with the Securities Exchange Commission.

Mr. Abston serves on the HOA Board and two subcommittees of the Temple Hills community. He has served on the Board of Trustees of: Carnival Memphis (Founding B&I Salute Chairman, 1982), the Memphis Zoo (2006), Boys Scouts of America’s Chickasaw Council (Thunderbird District Chairman 2006-2008), Memphis Museums, Inc. (Pink Palace Family of Museums, President, 2004-2005), Vanderbilt’s Owen Graduate School of Management Alumni Board of Directors and Memphis University School Alumni Board of Directors (Class Representative, 2004-2006).

Why/when did you decide to study economics at UM?
I decided to study economics mid-way through my sophomore year in January of 1981. I did so because I felt a sound understanding of economics, both micro and macro, would be a great foundation from which to launch a career in business. But more importantly, I found I loved studying it and was good at it.

What were some significant experiences or fond memories of your time at UM?
I learned a lot at Ole Miss and made lasting friendships. The school is located on a safe, gorgeous campus that provides for a great learning environment. The students are charming and friendly in that southern traditional way. I loved my time at Ole Miss.

What is the value of studying economics in today’s world?
Just about everything in life can be explained through economics. And if not, it should be.