Join us for our weekly “Rock Reflections,” a series celebrating Trinity alumni. From all 50 states to countries worldwide, our graduates are making an impact, and we'll share their stories on Trinity's website and social media.
This week's profile is about Thad Bell '20
Thaddeus Bell Major, Class of 2020, got his start as an entrepreneur when he was a Trinity student. He would organize and promote large parties, attending to every detail from location to security. Thad currently owns and operates three ventures: Major Capital Construction, Major Promotions and a new film and media focus. His journey began with a simple principle: build where others hesitate.
Thad came to Trinity from the J. Graham Brown School. He was attracted to Trinity’s STEM (Science Technology Engineering Math) offerings and the Department of Theatre Arts. Thad participated in freshman football and was a varsity wrestler as a freshman. The theater, however, is where he found his passion as a member of the technical crew building sets and running audio and lighting.
“I was blessed to have Mr. Bradford [William P. Bradford III H’03] as a director during my freshman year,” Thad said. “Kate Reedy took over for my sophomore year. They made the theatre a magical place. I was on the tech crew for Rock of Ages in 2018. Hearing the entire crowd sing along and seeing how we moved the audience is one of my favorite times at Trinity.”
Thad has fond memories of high school life.
“Trinity has shaped me in a way that no other organization or person has. It had a huge impact on my life,” Thad said. “I remember block scheduling like a college schedule. We learned to think on our own and be critical thinkers.”
Two of Thad’s favorite teachers were English teacher Mich Greenwell ’05 and social studies teacher Jimmy Backes.
“Mr. Greenwell encouraged me in everything,” he said. “I talked with him about investments and living a fabulous life. One day, I went into class and Mr. Greenwell said we’d be reading a book he thought I’d like. It’s things like that that make kids want to work hard in class and pay attention – just because they have something you might be interested in. That book was The Great Gatsby, which became my favorite book.”
“Mr. Backes is one of my favorite people in the world,” Thad said. “Anything I did or had an idea about, he, and every teacher at Trinity, always took the time to talk with me about it and shine some positivity on it. They told me to think and dream big. Trinity embraced my creativity, aspirations, dreams and goals. They didn’t shy away from it. Having the right guidance and impactful teachers and mentors at Trinity has made a huge difference in my life.”
Thad caught the attention of Trinity teacher and FBLA moderator Hallie Epperson. She saw Thad featured on a local television news program promoting an investment seminar he was hosting. She emailed Thad, inviting him to speak with Trinity’s chapter of the Future Business Leaders of America club. He visited the club’s meeting after school one afternoon in September.
“Trinity taught me to be the best at everything that I do,” Thad said. “Trinity taught me to always reach to the best of my ability and to always stay hungry. I wanted to share that with current students. I loved coming into Trinity and seeing how it’s getting better, and that’s a hard thing to do. It’s incredible what’s going on there.”
Thad related to the club members that he had been a member of FBLA when he was a student. A field trip to the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville inspired him to learn as much as he could about finances and investing. At the time, in addition to organizing parties, Thad had his own landscaping business.
“I took my capital from my business and invested,” he said. “From there, I was able to get into real estate. I bought my first real estate property at age 18.”
Thad currently owns and operates three ventures: Major Capital Construction, Major Promotions and a new film and media focus.
Major Capital Construction is a real estate and construction company managing property flips, renovations and multi-unit development.
“I go to the bank and get a six-month construction loan,” Thad said. “I have a construction team that does the labor. I also use that team for clients.”
Major Promotions began as an event promotion and entertainment company and quickly became a hub for business networking, culture and brand-building. Its events have attracted high-profile talent while also creating space for entrepreneurs, investors and creatives to collaborate.
Thad recently expanded into digital media with his independently funded feature film, Uncle Tom. The comedy premiered in September at Xscape Theatres in Louisville. Several members of Trinity’s FBLA club attended to support him.
Thad will be relocating to Los Angeles within the next year.
“That’s my ultimate dream,” he said. “I will be a big Hollywood film producer. I also write screenplays and act. I can build sets thanks to my experience at Trinity. I love hiring everyone for the film, raising the capital and writing the screenplay.”
Through hard work, financial literacy and strategic partnerships, Thad has turned his vision into reality.
Share an alumni story!
Do you know a Trinity alumnus with a compelling story? Please reach out to Travis Wagoner '90, Alumni Relations & Communications Director, at 502-736-2122 or wagoner@trinityrocks.com.
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