A Caring Heart, A Helping Start: Pat Powell’s Thomasville Story

DeShay Williams

Tuesday, March 18

7:00 a.m.

Spark Thomasville Executive Director

When Pat Powell first drove into Thomasville, she experienced what our Spark giving community understands - that special feeling of finding a place worth investing in, serving, and loving.

“I loved Thomasville the minute I drove in! It was such a fantastic place,” she shares with genuine warmth.

Pat Powell shares an embrace with a hardworking entrepreneur at the 2024 Spark Tank Pitch Competition.

There was something special about Thomasville that captured her heart from day one.

That love affair with Thomasville led her to say “yes” when asked to spearhead the MainStreet program in 1982.

While others might have seen empty storefronts, Pat, the City of Thomasville and the Main Street board members saw the vibrant potential of our historic downtown.

Her hardworking spirit helped preserve our architectural heritage while building a community where local businesses could thrive.

So when she spotted Spark Thomasville’s call for volunteers in her church bulletin years later, she did what she’s always done - she raised her hand to help. 

“I honestly didn’t know if I was the right kind of person,” Pat shares with a friendly laugh, “but the church said Spark needed volunteers, so I threw my hat in the ring!”

After connecting with business coach Mike Bixler and completing an interview with Doug Shierling, she began mentoring entrepreneur Angela Murphy. 

Despite her initial doubts, Pat’s guidance proved invaluable - Angela won first place in the 2024 Spark Tank Pitch Competition! "She is an amazing woman," Pat beams with pride.

Pat Powell shares a moment of joy with her hardworking mentee Angela Murphy at the 2024 Spark Tank Pitch Competition.

"She deserved to win! I am so impressed with what she is doing. Her business could go international.”

Pat’s journey from Main Street pioneer to Spark mentor shows how a love for Thomasville inspires generous service.

Through generous supporters like her, Spark Thomasville continues to provide the essential education, coaching, and access to resources that help underestimated entrepreneurs build generational wealth right here in our beautiful community.

Her story reminds us that when we love where we live, we invest in its future.

And sometimes, that investment starts with simply raising our hand and saying, “I’m here to help.”

Thank you for serving Pat!

Celebrating community support at Spark Tank 2024: (L-R) Esther Marie Lawrence of Thomas County Chamber of Commerce, first-place winner Angela Murphy, business coach Patricia Powell, TNB banking partner Melvin Hugans, and Spark Thomasville Executive Director DeShay Williams unite to empower underestimated entrepreneurs through education, coaching, and access to capital.