B.J’s career path started in sports management and flowed successfully into business management. A native of Crestview, Florida, B.J. played college basketball at Okaloosa-Walton Community College (now Northwest Florida) and Enterprise State Community College before finishing at the University of West Florida.

He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management from West Florida and a Master’s degree in Health, Physical Education and Recreation from Delta State University.

B.J. began a college coaching career at Delta State, became an assistant coach at Mississippi Valley State University, then served as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Morehead State. In 2016, Ellis was recruited to join Yellowhammer as its first Chief Business Development Officer.

B.J. became Yellowhammer’s second CEO, overseeing all operations, doubling the size of its statewide radio network and expanding its digital advertising business.