Texas Business Minds - podcast cover

Texas Business Minds

The Business Journalswww.buzzsprout.com

Presented by the The Business Journals of Texas and sponsored by Texas Mutual Insurance Company, this series features in-depth conversations with Texas business leaders each week. We rotate through Austin, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio to deliver insight from across the state.

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Episodes

Dallas: Sunitha Vegerla Leads a Remarkable Turnaround at Aircraft Seat Supplier Recaro

When she took over as GM at Recaro USA, the company was in turmoil. In just four years, she's engineered one of the biggest turnarounds in the history of aircraft parts suppliers worldwide. In this episode with DBJ Digital Reporter Alexa Reed, Sunitha Vegerla outlines how she did it, and shares why communication and teamwork are key in any business.

Feb 18, 202528 min

Houston: Brittany Franklin's Sky High for Kids Makes Dreams a Reality

If you need a straight shot of energy and a passion for giving, listen to this podcast! HBJ Editor-in-Chief Sean McCrory welcomes Brittany Franklin, Founder & CEO of Sky High for Kids. She shares her journey from the private sector to non-profit work and her passion for making dreams come true for kids battling cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

Feb 11, 202525 min

San Antonio: Tariffs Threaten the Texas Economy and One Expert Assesses the Impact

Perhaps no one is more well-versed in the impact of North American free trade than Dr. Daniel Covarrubias. With dual Mexican-American citizenship, he serves as the Director of the Texas Center for Border Economic and Enterprise Development at the A.R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business at Texas A&M International University (TAMIU). In this episode, SABJ Editor-in-Chief Ed Arnold calls on Dr. Covarrubias for his insight and advice on how to navigate what could cripple the Texas economy, particul...

Feb 04, 202525 min

Houston: Luminate Energy Founder & CEO Jaiden Waggoner Brings a Solar Focus to Texas

If you're going to disrupt the solar industry, why not do it from the Energy Capital of the World? That's what Jaiden Waggoner and his team are orchestrating from Houston, as the young entrepreneur aims to enhance the delivery model and create more demand for solar energy. He shares his vision with HBJ Reporter Naomi Klinge.

Jan 28, 202516 min

San Antonio: Developer Mike Yantis Explains Why the Alamo City is Struggling to Stay Affordable

The San Antonio area has been the most cost-effective option for housing and cost of living among the four major markets in Texas. But as more folks flock to the area, the economics of supply and demand factor in, driving up prices. In this episode, SABJ Reporter Ramzi Abou Ghalioum invites developer Mike Yantis, President & CEO of Yantis Land, to explain why.

Jan 14, 202512 min

Austin: Legendairy Milk Founder & CEO Luna Aziz Solves the #1 Concern for New Moms

Luna Aziz found out she wasn't alone when she shared her herbal solutions to help promote breast milk production. Word quickly spread and before she could start her business, her business found her. In this episode, ABJ Staff Writer Sahar Chmais welcomes Luna to share her story, and how she's impacting women around the world.

Dec 31, 202421 min

Houston: Developer Danny Signorelli is Bullish on Texas and Looks to Expand Statewide

While some developers tapped the brakes due to higher interest rates, The Signorelli Company stepped on the gas, with more that $1 Billion in infrastructure projects underway. In this conversation with HBJ Editor-in-Chief Sean McCrory, President & CEO Danny Signorelli explains why Houston is the most developer-friendly territory in Texas, and shares opportunities he's scouting statewide.

Dec 24, 202420 min

Dallas: American Hero Chris Cassidy Guides the National Medal of Honor Museum to a March Opening

Chris Cassidy is a retired Navy SEAL, two-time recipient of the Bronze Star, and former Chief Astronaut at NASA with 377 days in space. Now, he's back on terra firma leading a new mission: The opening of the National Medal of Honor Museum this spring in Arlington. In this episode, DBJ Staff Writer Holden Wilen invites Cassidy to share this monumental moment for DFW, and why he chose a new challenge as a non-profit CEO, far from foreign battlefields and outer space.

Dec 17, 202427 min

Austin: Hoops Hero and Lifelong Entrepreneur Fran Harris Leads the Effort to Attract the WNBA

Formula 1 racing made Austin it's American showcase in 2012. Almost a decade later, Austin FC joined Major League Soccer. The NBA's San Antonio Spurs call Austin their second home. So who's got next? Former University of Texas women's basketball star Fran Harris is leading the effort to bring the WNBA to Austin. In this episode, she shares her sports business playbook with ABJ Senior Staff Writer Justin Sayers.

Dec 03, 202419 min

Houston: Diversity and DNA Fuel the Entrepreneurial Program at University of Houston

Wildcatters were "entrepreneurs" long before that word became a cliche for anyone willing to risk it all to start a business. So it should come as no surprise that UH is home to the top collegiate entrepreneurial program in America. In this episode, HBJ Editor-in-Chief Sean McCrory invites David Cook, Director of the Wolff Center for Entrepreneurship, to share why the program he leads is so successful.

Nov 26, 202428 min

Dallas: Galleria Mall GM Angie Freed Preps for Another Memorable Holiday Season

The countdown is on and the holiday season is officially underway! In this episode, DBJ Digital Editor Alexa Reed invites The Galleria Dallas GM Angie Freed to share new store openings, the digital difference for brick & mortar success, and why malls are no longer considered dinosaurs- as long as they continually adapt to the changing demands of consumers.

Nov 19, 202424 min

San Antonio: The Business of Sports with Larson Segerdahl, Executive Director, Valero Texas Open

The Alamo City is counting down to hosting college basketball's Final Four in less than five months. The Valero Texas Open tees off in it's traditional spot on the calendar the week prior to The Masters. Needless to say, San Antonio will be the epicenter of sports during the first week of April. SABJ Editor-in-Chief Ed Arnold invites Executive Director Larson Segerdahl to share what makes San Antonio's PGA Tour event so special.

Nov 12, 202413 min

Austin: GO SPURS GO! San Antonio's NBA Team Courts Austin Businesses and Fan Base

As Austin and San Antonio continue growing into a powerful metroplex, decision makers in both cities are planning to expand their reach. That game plan includes one of the National Basketball Association's most successful teams, the San Antonio Spurs. ABJ Senior Staff Writer Justin Sayers invites Spurs Senior VP of Strategic Growth and Deputy General Counsel Brandon James to share the team's playbook for success in Austin.

Nov 05, 202415 min

Houston: Pat Mann Phillips Leads Board of Directors at the Super Bowl of Rodeo

Last year she made history as the first woman to be named Chairman of the Board at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. With a year under her belt buckle, Mann Phillips is now focused on improving what she calls the "Super Bowl" of rodeo, while remaining focused on the event's significant charitable giving. In this episode, HBJ Editor-in-Chief Sean McCrory invites Mann Phillips to share her vision.

Oct 29, 202426 min

Dallas: In Spite of Challenges, the Building Boom Continues Across North Texas

Higher interest rates and tighter lending have certainly tapped the brakes on construction and development. But with a shortage of housing inventory and plenty of buyers in the pipeline, builders are preparing for the next wave. In this download, DBJ Digital Editor Alexa Reed welcomes Olivia Clarke Homes President & CEO Jennifer Johnson to share an update.

Oct 22, 202422 min

San Antonio: Dual Threat Exec Bryan Ehrlich Builds Real Estate and Pro Football Careers

Whether it's a real estate development project or the future NFL careers of his clients, Bryan Ehrlich is in the business of building. In this episode with San Antonio Business Journal Editor-in-Chief Ed Arnold, Ehrlich reveals how he balances both careers, and offers his take on the impact of NIL deals on both college and pro football.

Oct 15, 202417 min

Austin: Patrick Terry is Back! Why the P. Terry's Boss is Opening His Books

We're counting down to the 20th anniversary of popular Austin-area burger stand P. Terry's in July of 2025. And while the world has changed dramatically in the past two decades, Co-Founder Patrick Terry's goal is to stick with the same recipe for success. In this episode, ABJ Staff Reporter Sahar Chmais gets an update on the menu, expansion plans, and why P. Terry's is now sharing it's numbers with the public.

Oct 08, 202429 min

Houston: Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with Boys & Girls Clubs Chairman Pedro Caruso

Elected as Board Chair earlier this year, Pedro Caruso is the first Hispanic business leader to direct the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston. In this episode, HBJ Editor-in-Chief Sean McCrory explores Caruso's move to America from his native Venezuela, his business acumen, and what he feels the Greater Houston and Texas business community can do to support Boys & Girls Clubs across the state.

Oct 01, 202421 min

Dallas: Rich Clark Brings His Military Experience to Lead the College Football Playoffs

After the controversial selection of four teams in last season's college football playoffs, the CFP expands to a 12-team format this year. It offers an opportunity for new Executive Director Rich Clark to start fresh, and lean on his distinguished 38-year career in the Air Force to lead the committee. In this episode, DBJ Digital Editor Alexa Reed delivers an insightful interview with Clark, who was a star linebacker at Air Force during his playing days.

Sep 24, 202424 min

San Antonio: Kairoi Residential CEO Mike Lynd Finds Opportunities in a Challenging Market

With over 65,000 multifamily units across the country, and co-developer of the tallest building in Texas, Kairoi Residential CEO Mike Lynd is juggling a lot in the midst of what many believe is the most challenging commercial real estate market ever. In this episode, SABJ Editor-in-Chief Ed Arnold joins Lynd for an extended conversation on the market, the economic factors impacting development, and an update on Waterline in Austin, set to become the tallest building in Texas.

Sep 17, 202432 min

Austin: Amplify Credit Union CEO Kendall Garrison Waives Fees and Grows Business 3X

Most banks and financial institutions rely on fees which provide a significant revenue stream. When Kendall Garrison took over at Amplify Credit Union, he had the gumption to waive all fees, attract more customers, and grow Amplify with good old fashioned customer services. In this download, ABJ Editor Colin Pope invites Garrison to share his formula for success, and offer outlooks on the economy, AI, and his passion for craft brewing.

Sep 10, 202424 min

Houston: The Business Community's Impact on Charitable Giving and Disaster Relief Efforts

With peak hurricane season upon us, on the heels of Beryl in July, and the devastating derecho on Memorial Day weekend, disaster relief and charitable giving are top of mind for many Houston business leaders. In this episode, HBJ Editor-in-Chief Sean McCrory invites Greater Houston Community Foundation President Steve Maislin to share the importance and impact of Houston's business community.

Sep 03, 202416 min

Dallas: Developer Peter Brodsky Brings Red Bird Mall Back to Life

It takes long-term vision, patience and persistence to be successful in commercial real estate and development. Often, the ability to see or feel what nobody else envisions leads to success. That's exactly what developer and entrepreneur Peter Brodsky saw when he purchased the struggling Red Bird Mall in 2015. Almost a decade later, like a diamond in the rough, the new RedBird is thriving, as Brodsky shares with DBJ Digital Editor Alexa Reed.

Aug 27, 202423 min

San Antonio: Women's Lifetime Achievement Award Honoree Leticia Van de Putte

Few have had as big of an impact on the Alamo City as Leticia Van de Putte. As a business leader, state representative and consultant, she's worked both sides of the aisle to get things done. In this episode, she spends time with SABJ Editor-in- Chief Ed Arnold, reflects on her career, and offers her advice to the next generation of leaders.

Aug 20, 202421 min

Houston: The Energy Capital of the World Prepares to Fuel the Next Generation

As the epicenter of energy, Houston companies will play a major role in determining the world's future fuel. In this episode, Octopus Energy CEO Michael Lee shares his vision for renewable energy with Jonathan Adams. In Part 2, HBJ Reporter Naomi Klinge sits down with Phillips 66 CEO Mark Lashier to learn what his almost century-old company is doing to innovate for the future.

Aug 13, 202430 min

Austin: Amermin CEO Ryan McAdams Eyes Growth in E-Scrap and Sustainability

With oil & gas, aerospace and a multitude of manufacturing companies based in Texas, there's no shortage of metals, minerals and e-scrap to procure and recycle. Amermin's advances in the sector have it well positioned for growth. In this episode, ABJ Senior Staff Writer Justin Sayers connects with Amermin CEO Ryan McAdams to learn more.

Aug 06, 202410 min
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