Finding Your People: Marcus “Suge” Henderson

Marcus “Suge” Henderson

Owner and Operator, Opulent Concierge Car Service

Marcus “Suge” Henderson started out working security for Three 6 Mafia, and is now the owner and operator of his own concierge service. His depth of experience, passion for customer service, and deep knowledge of Memphis make him the perfect guide for newcomers and locals alike. 

Tell us about your background and the work you do now. 

I started around 1998 working in the entertainment circuit with a security and bodyguard background. I started with security for Three 6 Mafia and then I ventured into contracts with other celebrities and executives in Memphis. In 2009, I started my first company. I launched Opulent Concierge Car Service in 2022 and we are expanding, growing, and flourishing. We provide black car service and limousine service but our concierge service goes far beyond typical weddings or proms. We can take flowers to people, pick up kids from cheerleading or horse riding practice. You get the same quality and the same luxury with us that you’d get with any limousine company but with more service options and opportunities. 

What advice would you give to someone looking to enter into the industry? 

I would suggest people start out in an existing brick and mortar business and learn the layout of the industry. A lot of people may like to drive. Some people may like meeting new people. But those things have to come together. You could be a great driver but not so friendly, or you could be a friendly person but not a great driver. 

You also have to be knowledgeable of Memphis because understanding the dynamics of the city solidifies your clientele and develops your customer base. Your knowledge will also help your bottom line. So I suggest that you learn as much as you can. Take a couple of tours of the city. You’ll want to have some literature on hand and topics to discuss in order to engage and maintain your customers. 

You have to know that all customers are different: some want to talk and some don’t. You’re dealing with people in every aspect of life: weddings, funerals, proms, game nights. So you’re dealing with people at some of their highest moments and some of their lowest moments. There are tears of sadness and tears of joy. 

You have to learn how to ask questions without prying. You have to understand how to forward engagement with each individual customer. You don’t assume that everyone is the same, but you want to ensure that everyone has the same quality experience. 

What’s one memory or moment that sticks out to you when you were able to create an exceptional experience for a guest? 

I had some guests fly in on a private jet. I had no details about the nature of their visit, whether it was business or personal. So they got off the plane and I told them I’d not been given a lot of details about their trip and asked where they wanted to go. And they said they were hoping I could tell them! It turned out they had been flying their daughter for college visits and decided to stop by Memphis. So immediately I had to customize a tour for them based on their time frame and what they were interested in seeing.

They got a taste of Memphis culture from everything they did: museums, food, learning the heritage of the city. I was able to recommend a shorter version of a tour of Memphis and a longer tour. I took them to Graceland, and I could tell them a lot of stories, because I used to drive for Priscilla and Lisa Marie Presley. They went out to eat, toured the Stax Museum, and visited Beale Street and the Mississippi River. And because I’ve tried to make myself knowledgeable about our area, I could facilitate any questions they had about the history and heritage of our city. 

What places and experiences do you tend to recommend to people visiting Memphis? 

For people looking to try barbecue I tend to recommend places like Blues City Cafe, Cozy Corner, and Rendezvous. For soul food, I suggest people go to Sugar Shack and M. Girlee’s. 

Thank you, Marcus, for providing guests with such individualized care and exceptional service!