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

San Antonio: Community House Sparks Growth and Innovation at VelocityTX Campus

Texas Research & Technology Foundation CEO Randy Harig joins SABJ Editor in Chief Ed Arnold to share how TRTF is funding growth of its VelocityTX campus with acquisitions through subsidiary TRTF Community House. The arrangement also benefits closely-held businesses looking to transition ownership.

May 30, 202326 min

Houston: Curate Capital's Carrie Colbert and Her Unique Influencer Investing Model

Curate Capital has created a community of CEOs who actively engage together, bringing ideas and support to the table from women who understand the ins and outs of scaling a business. In this episode, HBJ's Jonathan Adams welcomes Founder and Managing Partner Carrie Colbert to share why she started the investment fund, and what separates it from others.

May 21, 202327 min

Austin: Exploring the City's Future Skyline and Sustainability with Kirksey's David Dalton

After a decade of exponential growth, it's time to take a breather and reflect on the past, present and future of the Austin skyline with Kirksey Architecture's EVP and Director of Central Texas David Dalton. In this download, ABJ Managing Editor Will Anderson profiles Dalton, who offers his outlook and shares why sustainable architecture and development is so critical to our future energy needs.

May 16, 202327 min

Houston: Agility Bank's Lauren Sparks on Navigating and Growing In Challenging Times

She founded Agility Bank during the pandemic, then came a looming recession and banking crisis at regional institutions. So why is CEO Lauren Sparks so optimistic? In this episode, HBJ Managing Editor Jonathan Adams invites Sparks to share what sets Agility Bank apart, and why now is a time of opportunity for most institutions.

May 09, 202323 min

San Antonio: A Growing City, Yet Still a Connected Community With Opportunities for All

South Texas is proud of its heritage, going back over two centuries for some families. That sense of community is strong- even as San Antonio experiences significant growth like the rest of the state. In this impactful download, SABJ Editor in Chief Ed Arnold connects with Patricia Mejia, VP of Community Engagement and Impact at the San Antonio Area Foundation. Patricia shares how she and her team, thanks to foundation supporters, are working to provide opportunities for all families across the ...

May 02, 202316 min

Austin: MaieB Hospitality's Recipe for Success with CEO Ben Fordham

The restaurant scene in Austin is on the national radar. Three-time James Beard Award finalist Michael Fojtasek is taking his MaieB Hospitality to the next level with the hiring of experienced restaurateur and cookbook author Ben Fordham. In this episode, ABJ Reporter Sahar Chmais sits down with Fordham to learn how his British-Texas background will set this group apart in a competitive business.

Apr 18, 202329 min

Dallas: How Autistic Tech Consultants are Delivering a Different Approach in the Workplace

The shortage of talent is well documented, yet only 22% of autistic adults find meaningful employment that aligns with their educational skills. In this episode, DBJ Associate Editor Alexa Reed invites auticon CEO David Aspinall to share how his company is successfully implementing neurodiversity in the workplace, delivering a fresh approach for companies seeking talent.

Apr 11, 202332 min

San Antonio: Rebecca Viagran's 200 Year Legacy in The Alamo City Leads Business Growth

At a critical time, when San Antonio business leaders are looking for a driving force to unite and grow the city's profile, Rebecca Viagran is ready for the challenge. In this episode, SABJ Editor Ed Arnold invites the native San Antonian to share her passion and vision in her role as President & CEO of the South Texas Business Partnership.

Apr 04, 202322 min

Austin: Kim on a Whim - Hospitality & Events Expert Kim Hanks Shares Her Passion for People

Everything's bigger in Texas and that includes weddings and special events. As a wedding planner, Kim Hanks was forced to coordinate with a variety of vendors to deliver a unique experience. Sensing an opportunity, she and husband Whit founded Whim (Whit + Kim) Hospitality, Whim Rentals, Whim Florals and Camp Lucy and hired the best in the business to deliver unique experiences. ABJ Managing Editor Will Anderson welcomes Kim to share how she achieved success.

Mar 28, 202330 min

Dallas: Exploring Arlington's Explosive Growth with the City Leader Driving the Effort

Texas is all about business. Arlington is taking it to another level as the state's entertainment capital: Two pro sports teams... Two Six Flags Theme Parks, plus Texas Live! In this download, DBJ Associate Editor Alexa Reed welcomes City of Arlington Director of Planning & Development Gincy Thoppil, who's driving the growth.

Mar 14, 202326 min

Houston: Behind the Scenes at Lone Star Sports and Entertainment with GM David Fletcher

March Madness is just days away, and Houston will be the epicenter for college basketball's main event, The Final Four in early April. In this episode, HBJ Money & Sports Reporter Chandler France gets an inside look at Lone Star Sports and Entertainment's operation, as GM David Fletcher and his team prepare for yet another major event in the Bayou City.

Mar 01, 202318 min

Austin: Diana Skellenger and Her Team Are Breaking Barriers in Construction

A degree in PR led to real estate industry opportunities, and that's where Diana Skellenger found her true passion: Renovation projects focused on teamwork, communication and integrity. She founded Skelly Build in 2017, and joins ABJ Managing Editor Will Anderson to share how she's turned her dream into a successful reality.

Feb 22, 202329 min

Dallas: The Rock Leads An Experienced Executive Team in the Texas-Focused XFL Reboot

With the Super Bowl in the rear view mirror, football fans are turning their attention to the much anticipated reboot of the XFL. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson led a group of investors bailing the league out of bankruptcy. All the pieces are in place now for what should be a successful season. In this download, DBJ Associate Editor Alexa Reed invites former NFL veteran executive and XFL President Russ Brandon to preview the season and share why this edition of the league will be different.

Feb 14, 202322 min

San Antonio: The Emerging Irish-Texan Technology Player Doing Deals That Pencil

There's venture capital, mergers & acquisitions, and then... a void. That's where Paul Lynch and his team enter, looking for and acquiring companies that are under the radar, but trending upward. In this episode, SABJ Editor in Chief Ed Arnold invites Import.io CEO Paul Lynch to share his strategy and opportunities in San Antonio and beyond.

Feb 07, 202324 min

Austin: Mike Nefkens' Big Bet to Save Drought Stricken Texas and the West

From Lake Travis to Lake Powell, and across the intermountain west, the epic drought is impacting literally all aspects of our lives. Texas native and former HP executive Mike Nefkens is going all-in on ionization technology to supercharge cloud moisture. In this download, ABJ Assistant Managing Editor Paul Thompson explores the technology and Nefkens' game plan to make a positive impact with negative ions.

Jan 31, 202325 min

Houston: While Layoffs Grab Headlines, Talented Execs and Leaders Remain In Demand

While tech companies slash their headcounts, other sectors are seeking talent to fill key roles. In this episode, HBJ Managing Editor Jonathan Adams invites executive search veteran Jen Sudduth to share what she's seeing in the sectors she recruits. Plus, Sudduth shares how she built her business, and the key role entrepreneurs play in the growth of businesses.

Jan 25, 202321 min

Dallas: Taylor Shead Gamifies the Learning Metaverse and Headlines Our Texas 100

We open the year with a profile from our Texas 100, a list of the top executives, business leaders and entrepreneurs from across the state who are moving the needle. DBJ Managing Editor Rob Schneider profiles Taylor Shead, CEO of STEMuli Studios, the first company in the world to launch a game-based learning metaverse with a large public school, Dallas ISD.

Jan 10, 202333 min

Houston: Jessica O'Neill Juggles Dual Roles and Eyes Bright Futures for the Dynamo and Dash

On the heels of worldwide World Cup mania, soccer fans across Texas are already counting down to the 2023 season openers. In Houston, the MLS Dynamo FC and NWSL Dash are both expected to up their game in the year ahead. In this episode, HBJ Sports & Business Reporter Chandler France connects with Dynamo COO Jessica O'Neil, who also calls the shots as President of the Dash.

Dec 27, 202229 min

Dallas: Texas Trailblazer Kim Askew Reflects on the Past, Present and Future of the Legal Profession

She's one of the most respected legal professionals in Texas, and nationally. Yet Kim Askew is also one of the most modest, sharing her insight with younger peers while handling matters involving claims of race, disability, gender and age discrimination, as well as high profile business litigation. In this episode, DBJ Managing Editor Rob Schneider profiles one of our 2022 Women in Business honorees.

Dec 20, 202242 min

San Antonio: C. LeRoy Cavazos-Reyna Returns to The Alamo City to Make An Impact

One of the nation's leading advocates for Hispanic-owned businesses, C. LeRoy Cavazos-Reyna is back with a new venture making a major impact for Hispanic, LGBTQ+, and disabled-owned businesses in San Antonio. In this download, SABJ Editor in Chief Ed Arnold reconnects with Cavazos-Reyna to learn more about his new venture called Localism.

Dec 13, 202218 min

Austin: Former NFL Star Kenny Vaccaro Returns Home to Pursue Gaming, Fitness and Fashion

After an eight year NFL career, hometown hero Kenny Vaccaro is back in Austin and the word "retirement" is not in his vocabulary. Kenny's turned his attention to business interests that feed his passion for gaming, fitness and fashion. In this episode, ABJ Managing Editor Will Anderson connects with Kenny, the Founder/CEO of Gamers First, among other ventures.

Dec 06, 202228 min

Houston: Rockets Director of Business Ops Gretchen Sheirr is a Hometown Success Story

She grew up in Spring, went away to college at LSU, and returned home to Houston, working her way to the top of the Rockets business operations. In this episode, HBJ Money and Sports Reporter Chandler France joins Gretchen Sheirr to reflect on her journey, the role of women executives in the male-dominated pro sports world, and the organization's outlook for the future.

Nov 30, 202231 min

Dallas: One of the Best Dressed Men in Texas Explains Why He's Not Selling Clothing

For over 30 years, Bob Baumann has tailored success for North Texas execs. In this episode, DBJ Managing Editor Rob Schneider invites Baumann to share his inspirational story: His tragic loss as a young trucker, to the man who helped turn his life around, and why he keeps reinventing himself and his bespoke business, Edward Baumann Clothiers.

Nov 22, 202240 min

San Antonio: Lifetime Achievement Honorees for Non-Profit and Corporate Philanthropy

In a unique and engaging format, SABJ Editor Ed Arnold reflects on the past, present and future of the Alamo City's strong non-profit and corporate philanthropic community. First, he welcomes the honorees and then turns to their next generation leaders for their vision. Honorees featured: Russ Bookbinder, San Antonio Sports Mike Gilliam, Lighthouse for the Blind Harvey Najim, The Najim Charitable Foundation Next Generation Leaders featured: Jenny Carnes, San Antonio Sports Cindy Watson, Lighthou...

Nov 16, 202232 min

Houston: Navy Officer, Energy Trader & Entrepreneur Craig Taylor Leads Iapetus Holdings

HBJ Managing Editor Jonathan Adams launches this episode with his trademark opening phrase: "So tell us a little bit about yourself". For Craig Taylor, there's more than just a little bit to share on his journey from the Navy, to the energy pits, to launching and leading his own company. In this honest and transparent interview, Taylor shares his journey and offers his insight.

Nov 08, 202226 min
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