To say they’re a power couple is an understatement. Cedric Bush serves as a Washington County Justice Court Judge. His wife, Lisa, is the City of Leland’s Vice Mayor. They’ve been married for almost 28 years and Sunday when the doors to Judge’s Sports Corner officially open, they will be running two businesses in their hometown of Leland.
Their latest business venture came about when ArkLaMiss Sports shut down in the fall. ArkLaMiss was a business that many Delta residents went to for trophies, plaques, engraving, and uniforms.
“The opportunity presented itself as far as not having a trophy or plaque business anywhere in (Leland),” said Judge Bush.
That’s when a guy named Willie Preston, having nearly four decades of experience in that industry, played a pivotal role in helping fill that void.
“He told me, ‘we’re getting ready to close up, but I’m not ready to go home,’” Bush recalled. “I used to coach and did a lot of business with Mr. Willie and we had a chance to converse a lot. So when he said that, I told him that I would take a look and talk to my wife about it.”
The couple already had a building. They purchased it three years ago. Lisa Bush previously had other plans for it.
“Initially it was my desire to use the building as an event center or repast center because it would tie in with our funeral service business,” she laughed. “My husband never was in total agreement with that. So this trophy business kind of just fell in our lap and when he mentioned it to me, I immediately agreed with him. I said this would be perfect because you’re a former football coach and athlete. I just got on board right away. I don’t know who is more excited, me or him, at this point.”
The Bush’s talked to the owners of ArkLaMiss, bought the inventory and secured the most valuable possession of the deal, Willie Preston.
“To do what Mr. Willie does with the trophies and the plaques, that gift is one that can’t be replaced,” Cedric Bush said. “If anything happens to Mr. Willie, that craft is pretty much gone.”
The duo teamed up with Preston and will open the doors this weekend. They believe their blueprint for success starts and ends with service — to each other and the community.
“You have your ups and downs,” Cedric Bush said. “You have your agreements and disagreements but for the most part, we always want to do what is best for the business and the people.”
“I love working with my husband,” Lisa Bush added. “We have been married for almost 28 years and I know him. If we don’t have peace about it, we’re not going to do it.”
Judge Bush has coached football, powerlifting, and track at several schools in the area including T.L. Weston, Greenville High, Simmons and Indianola Gentry. He’s now using the same coaching approach that brought him success in the athletic arena, to the bench and in business.
“If better is possible, then good is not enough,” he said. “That separates the Michael Jordans from the Charles Barkleys. There’s a lot to be done. We can’t take vacations sometimes. Holidays are not available for us all the time. We have to always stay moving to make sure the business is moving forward. If we don’t, then we’re out of business. It sets the tone for the company and for the rest of the workers.”
“Everything that we do and everything about our lives is tied to service,” said Lisa Bush. “We just know that this is what God has ordained for us to do — serve people. This new business is another way for us to serve our community.”
The doors of the business haven’t officially opened but there is already talk of expanding due to customer demand.
“We’ve had several inquiries about doing T-shirts and uniforms,” Lisa said. “That was not the initial plan but it looks as if an expansion is imminent.”
The soft opening is slated from 3-5 p.m. Sunday, April 4 , 301 N. Main St., Leland.
