Visiting Dave Ramsey at Financial Peace Plaza in Brentwood, Tennessee

Live like no one else so later you can live like no one else.
~Dave Ramsey

It may seem a bit peculiar at first glance for a traveler to visit a place where debt is dumb and cash is king.  After all, many people run up credit card bills to take the vacation of their dreams.  We were once the same.

I was recently in Nashville for a conference and couldn’t resist making the short drive out to Brentwood to meet Dave Ramsey and see him do the radio show live.

Before you go I strongly suggest contacting Financial Peace Plaza to make sure Dave will be in when you want to visit.  The office building is very easy to get to, though I was a bit nervous before heading in.  It’s not everyday you meet someone who has impacted your life as much as Dave has impacted ours.

Walking into the building is almost like entering a coffee shop.  Tables, chairs,and even a couch are set up to make the area inviting for visitors.  You can watch Dave in his studio through a large window or on a television, which also shows the line up of callers and how much time before commercial break.

To complete the coffee shop feel enter “Martha’s Place”.  Drinks and tasty goodies made by Martha Thompson,director of guest relations, are the perfect accompaniment to Dave’s financial advice.  Or take some time to wander around the small shop.  All of Dave’s books are available here, as are his financial tools, accessories and books he recommends from other authors.

If she isn’t too busy take time to chat with Martha.  Her warm personality will instantly draw you in.  Martha is very interested in hearing your “coming to Dave” stories and your tales of debt- and, hopefully, of your freedom from debt.  In all honesty I think I may have enjoyed my time with Martha more than I enjoyed meeting Dave.  Of course I spent much more time with Martha…  She exudes southern charm and hospitality and you can feel that you are an honored guest.

The day I visited Martha had a few minutes and gave me a tour.  First stop : the control room and a quick introduction to Blake, Matt and Laura.

The timing was perfect and Dave was getting ready for a break.  Martha took me around the corner and slowly opened the door.  Getting the “ok” from Dave, she led me into the studio and I got to meet Dave Ramsey.  It was, obviously, a short meeting.  I *think* I thanked Dave for all his advice and teaching.  Before leaving Martha snapped a picture of me with Dave.

Martha then continued the behind-the-scenes tour showing me photos, employee areas, sharing perks of working at LAMPO and pointing out Dave’s new Marconi Award.

Behind the reception desk in the lobby are a selection of Dave’s favorite quotes.  If you listen to either of Dave’s shows you are sure to know a few of them.

While Financial Peace Plaza isn’t a destination on everyone’s Nashville itinerary it’s definitely a great stop for a boost of inspiration and a kick in the pants if you are working to become debt free.

For an amazing stay in Nashville I highly recommend the Opryland Hotel.  It’s in no way a “budget” hotel but it is incredible.