Tour Guide Winner: Marius Scott, Blue Suede Brigade

Marius Scott

2024 Annual Pick Awards

Tour Guide Winner: Blue Suede Brigade

As a public safety officer with the Downtown Memphis Commission’s Blue Suede Brigade, Marius Scott ensures that visitors and locals alike have a safe and enjoyable experience in downtown Memphis. One nominator gave this example of Marius’ outstanding hospitality: “I was on Beale Street and I misplaced my phone. Marius went above and beyond while he was on his lunch break to help me search. He appeared out of nowhere and came to the rescue. Mr. Scott asked me if I needed help. I was so embarrassed to tell him that I had lost my phone, and for some reason my locator was not working! So many people were on Beale Street, but he managed to find it. His kindness will never be forgotten.”

How did you get into the hospitality industry? 

I’ve been a part of the Blue Suede Brigade for the past seven years, but I come from a longer career in customer service. I’ve worked in restaurants and held positions at the National Civil Rights Museum and Macy’s. 

What is your favorite part of your job as a public safety officer? 

Getting to meet and help people from all over the world. This job is a great opportunity to show who I am and what we do in the Blue Suede Brigade, in addition to showing guests around downtown, letting them get more familiar and feel comfortable with our city. We make our guests feel welcome, and they never forget that.

What is something you've learned in this position that's changed your life for the better?

This job has helped me stay rooted, grounded, and humble. I like to say, you see people's glory, but you don't know their story. Everybody has a story, not just me. It is amazing to take the time to get to know a person. Learning about them and knowing their story is amazing, and it helps me to become a better person. 

What advice would you give to someone who’s new to the hospitality industry? 

There's always somebody out there that needs help, and you can grow from helping other people. When I was graduating from Central High School, my grandmother said, “Your name is like credit. Your name can get you into places where cash can't get you.” She taught me to always treat people right and with the utmost respect. That helped to mold me to be the person that I am today.

Marius’ commitment to hospitality made him an outstanding choice for the 2024 Annual Pick Awards. Thank you, Marius, for being such a great ambassador for downtown Memphis!