Gene Morris – Founder & CEO

Small Business Owner – Vidalia, Georgia

Gene Morris is the founder and chief executive of Planter’s Auxiliary, a consulting firm dedicated to helping entrepreneurs transform vision into sustainable business success. With over a decade of experience in small business consulting, commercial lending, and executive management, Gene specializes in guiding startups through the critical early stages of business planning—bringing clarity, structure, and strategic foresight to every engagement.

Background – McDonough, Georgia

Gene was raised in McDonough, Georgia, the son of a farming family that has lived there for nine generations, dating back to 1821. Over time, the quiet agricultural community he grew up in became part of Atlanta’s expanding metro area. Experiencing that transformation firsthand instilled in him a deep respect for small-town values and community ties, along with a clear understanding of the importance of managing growth with intention.

That perspective continues to shape his work today—helping local businesses and communities adapt, grow, and build sustainable futures without losing the character that defines them.

Venture Capital – Charleston, South Carolina

Gene’s career began in venture capital at Industrica, Inc., a boutique firm based in Charleston, South Carolina. There, he worked closely with founders across industries including digital media, medical devices, defense and aerospace, and talent acquisition. His role extended far beyond funding—providing operational support, strategic networking, and growth guidance that gave early-stage companies a competitive edge.

While primarily focused on back-office structuring, investor presentations, Series A capital raises, and deal reviews, Gene also participated in a sell-side merger involving a lumber mill—broadening his exposure to M&A transactions.

Commercial Lending – Dulles, Virginia

Gene later served as Associate Vice President at the National Rural Utility Cooperative Finance Corporation near Washington, D.C., where he managed a $1.7 billion credit portfolio and over a four year period, underwrote $1 billion in commercial loans, gaining deep expertise in financial structuring, risk assessment, and strategic capital deployment for both nonprofit utilities and for-profit fiber internet ventures.

C-Suite Management – Lyons, Georgia

Today, Gene serves as Chief Financial Officer for Altamaha EMC and Fiber, overseeing financial operations for an electric utility monopoly serving seven counties in southeast Georgia. He also leads the rollout of a regional fiber start-up. His leadership proved critical during Hurricane Helene in 2024, helping the organization maintain solvency and stability through a high-pressure crisis.

In addition to financial oversight, Gene manages accounting, billing, and warehouse operations, conducts salary studies, advises on strategic planning, and maintains key business relationships.

Education

Gene graduated magna cum laude from The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, earning both a Bachelor’s in Finance and an MBA. He also completed the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s Management Internship Program and is a graduate and coach of the Greater Vidalia Leadership Program.

Alternative Investment Experience

Outside his professional roles, Gene is an active angel investor, real estate renovator, small business owner, and published author of The Morris System—a daily planner that distills proven productivity methods developed during his time at The Citadel and refined through real-world leadership experience.

His investment portfolio spans traditional equities, fixed income, options, and alternative assets—including the animated Christian film David by Slingshot Productions, reflecting both strategic opportunity and his personal Christian values.

From venture capital incubators to bank negotiating tables, boardrooms, and rural economic development initiatives, Gene’s career has been defined by bridging vision with execution. His breadth of experience uniquely positions him to help entrepreneurs build resilient, well-structured businesses equipped for long-term success.