Pivoting, Persevering…Producing: One man’s quest for bettering self, community By Jack Criss  •  Photography by Timothy Ivy Arestless energy drives Quentin Whitwell; but that energy is not chaotic—it is laser focused. It’s a dedicated, purposeful vision that is fueled by his desire to be a better person, a better businessman and a better citizen.  Whitwell’s energy has led him to the political world, the practice of law, the writing of a book, health care ownership and other ventures which he is just now embarking on. Not one to sit still or be content, Whitwell is always looking for something new and productive just around life’s corner—and his life bears that fact out. Turning fifty this year, he is poised to be pushed forward by a second wind in his life and entrepreneurial ventures. Born in Memphis, Tennessee, his family lived in Southaven at the time before moving to Oxford five days before he turned thirteen. That is when Quentin’s father, Robert (or “Bob”), became the United States Attorney for the North District of Mississippi. His mother, Martha, was a longtime high school physics and chemistry teacher before ending her career at Ole Miss teaching students who in like-kind wished to be science instructors.  “Mom and Dad have been in Oxford since 1985,” says Whitwell. “And, currently we live close to each other in Oxford on opposite ends of the Square.”  The elder Whitwell at seventy-six years old is still active in his career currently serving his third term as a Chancery Judge for several North Mississippi counties. Whitwell also has a younger brother, Fletcher. Whitwell was student Body President at Oxford High School and played quarterback for the football team, already demonstrating his leadership abilities at an early age.  “I went on to Ole Miss in 1991 where I was also Student Body President,” says Whitwell.  “And before graduating with a B.A. in History I served as then-Representative Roger Wicker’s first intern. I also went to Iowa driving the press van and providing advance team support for former Republican Tennessee governor (and later Senator), Lamar Alexander, when he had thrown his hat in the presidential primary.” After graduating law school