James Coats

Writer, Speaker, & Consultant. Client Experience Coach. Entrepreneur. Chauffeur. Aviator. Historian. Musician. Equestrian. Cook. Car nut.

02/23/2026

Singing with 10 fine men for a service of Compline at

02/18/2026

What do you get when you combine:

a Southern Baptist Director of Music,
a Methodist Jazz musician,
two grand pianos,
a keyboard set up for Hammond B3,
old-time hymns,
pancakes, beer and wine,
and 107 people (many from the choir) in an Episcopal parish hall on Shrove Tuesday?

An absolute BLAST.

Forever grateful to all who came out, cooked, sang, and supported this fantastic fundraiser for our choir’s July residency at Wells Cathedral, UK.

It was my first public piano performance since before COVID (God, am I out of shape) - and an honor to duel with Dr. John Lowe. Can't wait for the next installment!

Here are clips of a few favorites. Link to the full, 9-minute Highlight Reel:
https://youtu.be/p_sinsGkBgE?si=qk-XUKF95bT_FCQS

12/03/2025

About last night:

After 11 wonderful years serving as president of , I passed the torch to my good friend — the ever-dedicated, hardworking Bill Facella, Director of Private Events at .

I’ve served alongside Bill for the last four years, and I cannot wait to see what he brings to ALWEP. I’ll be in Bill’s boardroom as Past President, and I remain committed to advancing ALWEP’s core goals: Networking, Collective Marketing, and Continuing Education.

Our evening’s program was a blockbuster from on Demystifying AI for Wedding Pros — and I can’t imagine a more timely topic to go out on. AI is changing our industry and our world… and it’s time to adapt or be left behind.

Meanwhile, yesterday also marked the 27th birthday of . Hard to believe it’s been twenty-seven years.

I can’t say “thank you” enough to the members, clients, friends, and colleagues who have supported me — and who helped shape both ALWEP and Coats Classic Cars into what they are today. You’ve blessed me beyond measure.

📷:

11/30/2025

Doesn’t matter how good you are.
The real question is -- how well can you teach it?

Case in point:
Do Coats Classic Cars ' clients perceive a difference when I’m behind the wheel versus when one of our chauffeurs is?

If so, I’ve failed as a trainer.

Because mastery isn’t just about performing at a high level -- it’s about creating systems, standards, and shared understanding that allow excellence to repeat itself.

Our clients should feel the same sense of care, calm, and confidence no matter who greets them at the door, opens the car, or drives them to their wedding.
That’s what I mean when I say the *experience* is the product.

When you train your team to carry your values forward, your legacy scales beyond your own hands.
That’s leadership.
That’s showbusiness.
That’s the art of unforgettable client experience.

Let's talk about how to teach YOUR team the same.

11/28/2025

Engagement season is officially here -- and while I'm not a wedding planner, I can tell you exactly why you NEED one.

When my wife and I got married 2-1/2 years ago, we wouldn't have dreamed of doing it all ourselves...and we've been in the wedding industry for decades.

A great planner protects your vision, your sanity, and your experience. At , we even offer special pricing for couples working with our Preferred Planners -- because they make our job easier... and your day unforgettable.

11/27/2025

What are your favorite Thanksgiving traditions? For me, it's the gumbo that we make a couple days after smoking these turkeys. 🦃

Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours!

11/25/2025

✈️🌅 Let me tell you about my friend Andy.

That’s him in his airplane, “Norma,” just off my right wing — flying off into the sunset.

Twenty years ago, Andy started a little company called Design Productions.
They quickly became industry leaders in event design and A/V, introduced theatrical drapery to our market, trained countless talented technicians, and became part of more than 4,000 special events.
Along the way, he built friendships and relationships that will last a lifetime.

And just last week… he hung it all up.

Now, I know what some people might assume:
That business wasn’t good? Nope.
Trouble behind the scenes? Nope again.

The truth is — Andy’s had one of his best years.
And, in my opinion, his best team.

After much thought, prayer, and consideration, it was simply time for Andy to do something else.

Earlier this week, I said,

“Maybe the thing you’re holding onto — even if it’s a good thing —
is getting in the way of other opportunities.
Maybe it’s time to loosen your grip, take a breath, and see what comes next.”
Andy did exactly that.

I don’t know what’s next for him, but I know whatever it is will be a screaming success.

We can all learn something from Andy.

11/23/2025

Maybe the thing you’re furiously holding onto
is standing in your way.

Wait—maybe I shouldn’t say it like that.
That almost implies it’s a bad thing.
It probably isn’t.

Maybe the thing you’re holding onto — even if it’s a good thing —
is getting in the way of other opportunities.

Maybe it’s time to loosen your grip,
take a breath,
and see what comes next.

11/21/2025

Where has 2025 gone?
I flipped the page on the calendar and suddenly… it’s Christmas Parade season again. 🎅🎁

Throwing it back to chauffeuring my good friend — author and speaker Sanchez Tanniehill — when he served as Grand Marshal!

Here’s to community, connection, and moments that remind us why we do what we do.

🚘: 1963 Lincoln "Elwood" from Coats Classic Cars

11/18/2025

Let’s Go For a Ride | Smokey Que’s BBQ – Marion, NC

On today’s episode, we hop into ’ 1966 Imperial convertible “Donald” and head over to Smokey Que’s BBQ in Marion, NC — just up the road from our friends at .

Owner Caleb Parker knows food, knows Client Experience, and just launched a new dish… it’s a winner. 👏🔥

This isn’t Donald’s first time in front of the camera either — he was also featured in *Pawn Stars: On The Road*, filmed right here in North Carolina!

Know a **unique, experience-driven business** we should visit next? DM me to talk upcoming dates — we just might pull up in style. 🚘✨

Address

Post Office Box 130466
Birmingham, AL
35213

Website

http://www.jamespcoats.com/

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