The path of success for Greg Hudgison has not been a straight line, but there are common threads leading from one career to another. Keen observation of his surroundings, communication and marketing skills, and understanding that one career prepares you for the next have taken him from public service to positions in higher education, and most recently, to working in retail.
Born and raised in Columbus, Hudgison is a 1977 graduate of Kendrick High School. He then graduated from Columbus State and Valdosta State University, where he obtained a master’s degree in communication.
Always asking questions
“I was in school at CSU and a friend said he had applied to work for the Columbus Fire Department (CFD). I thought that was interesting and it would be an honorable way to serve our community,” explained Hudgison.
He took the physical on a Thursday and by Monday started the fire academy training program. He spent five years with the CFD. He also remembers the time when he and his fellow firefighters responded to a dangerous fire.
“I thought this could be the end of it for me. During the fire response, I saw a photographer for WTVM. He was doing interviews. I thought that looked interesting.”
Hudgison went to the station and applied for a job. He still had a passion for photography, and it was a good fit to transition into videography. Eventually, he became an assignment editor and worked at Channel 9 for 12 years.
His education in communications and marketing led him to his next career step in the corporate world.
A master of communicating
“I never ceased to be amazed by the power of communication and marketing,” said Hudgison.
His skills led him to positions with many familiar local companies, including Swift Textiles, Coca Cola Bottling, and finally Synovus, where he worked for ten years in that capacity.
Eventually, Greg returned to Columbus State as the Director of University Relations, where he served for seven years. He then worked at the University of North Georgia in Gainesville. After retiring from that position after three years, he came home to Columbus.
He has served as an Adjunct Professor at CSU and continues to participate occasionally in education as a substitute teacher for kindergarten through 12th grade for the Muscogee County School District.
During all those years of building his own success, Hudgison was proud of the accomplishments of his three sons. The apple never falls from the tree. His youngest, Ross, is a business analyst in Atlanta. Christopher, his middle son, is the Sports Director at a TV station in Jonesboro, Arkansas. His oldest, John, is the Construction Services Manager and Chief Building Official for the city of Tampa, Florida.
Dressing for success
Perhaps retirement didn’t suit Greg. In November 2025, he took on a new adventure as a men’s clothing consultant at Dillard’s in Peachtree Mall in Columbus.
“I had never worked in retail, but I have a good understanding of how people perceive you and how to present yourself. This time in my life is about enjoyment, and I love helping men buy their first suit for an interview or special occasion.”
His friends and social media followers believe this is the perfect role for a dapper role model. Greg encourages gentlemen to elevate their look and presentation. “Send me a message to schedule an appointment at 706-365-7645, or come by Dillard’s, Suit Yourself!”
ZZ Top described that first impression of a well-dressed man in a slightly different but convincing way.
Clean shirt, new shoes
Silk suit, black tie
I don’t need a reason why
They come runnin’ just as fast as they can
‘Cause every girl crazy ’bout a sharp dressed man.
