In 1993 Rick Kloete, now CEO of The Kloete Group, was a member of a Toastmasters Club located in Metairie, LA just outside of New Orleans, called “Metro Leaders.”  This vibrant club consisted mainly of sales professionals, business owners, managers, and entrepreneurs who had a common goal of growing personally and professionally while having fun.  The group spent time each meeting sharing business leads with one another while improving their communications skills through Toastmasters.  Some of Rick’s best friends, memories, and business relationships came out of his experience with this group – an experience which became the inspiration for the formation of our club. 

Following a move to Middle Tennessee in 1997 Rick became involved in several professional organizations including the Nashville Association of Sales Professionals (NASP).  During a NASP meeting, Rick mentioned his desire to start a Toastmasters Club similar to the one he had left to Cindy Houston Hazen, President and CEO of Sales Executives, Inc. and also an experienced Toastmaster herself.  Cindy encouraged Rick to take action and put some legs on his dream and desire and with lots of encouragement from Cindy he got the club off the drawing board and into reality.  

After spending some time thinking about it, Rick contacted Dr. John Lloyd, DTM and Immediate Past District Governor of District 63.  Dr. Lloyd, who was the Lt. Governor of Marketing at that time, agreed to become our official Club Sponsor and Mentor.  

As the dream became a reality, Rick became the founding President & led a brave group of charter members of the new Metro Leaders Chapter as we filed our charter in July, 2003.  

We attained Distinguished Toastmasters Club in our first year and have consistently maintained a membership of over twenty.  We’ve had many club members come and go with more than sixty members since our inception.  Club presidents have included Rick Kloete,  Cindy Houston Hazen, Dave Robinson, Chester Butler of The Butler Company, Jayson Campbell and currently Kristopher Fisher.   

Our members have gained confidence as well as receiving numerous certifications and promotions such as John Smitherman who was promoted to Director of Sales, he says in large part to his Toastmasters training.  They have shared business leads, improved Leadership and Communications skills, and in keeping with the club which inspired it all – they’ve had fun while growing personally and professionally.  We invite you to join us on our Journey together.