Texas Business Minds

Houston's rapidly changing energy industry continues to evolve, and Phillips 66 CEO Mark Lashier is leading the effort. In this exclusive interview with HBJ Reporter Naomi Klinge, Lashier highlights his company's focus on petrochemicals and renewable fuels, while continuing to bolster refining capacity.

One of America's greatest entrepreneurs and rags to riches success stories, John Paul DeJoria is still going full tilt as he approaches his 80th birthday this spring. Known worldwide for launching Paul Mitchell hair products and The Patron Spirits Company, DeJoria and tech entrepreneur Gary Stephens have launched Vendidit, leveraging AI technology to eliminate retail waste, with applications...

Everything's bigger in Texas, and that goes for the rodeo as well. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is set for another epic 20-day run. In this download, HBJ Managing Editor Jonathan Adams invites HLSR President & CEO Dr. Chris Boleman to preview the event.  We go behind-the-scenes to learn how Boleman and his team attract the biggest names in music, while enhancing the experience wit...

Aerobics, jogging and preventative medicine as a science all started at Cooper Aerobics back in 1968. Today, the company that launched the fitness boom is embarking on a new journey. DBJ Associate Editor Alexa Reed invites CEO Dr. Tyler Cooper to share his vision for the future of health & wellness worldwide.

Like many urban environments, San Antonio's core took a hit during the pandemic. Now, with numerous construction projects, including the Alamo redevelopment underway, the city's downtown core is poised for a comeback. In this episode, SABJ Editor-in-Chief Ed Arnold visits with Centro San Antonio President and CEO Trish DeBerry who shares the vision for economic success.

He's the Dallas market leader for UMB Bank, but Todd Burns is no newbie in DFW. Born & raised here, and with over 30 years experience in the banking industry, Burns and  the Kansas City-based UMB are betting on big growth in North Texas. In this episode, DBJ Associate Editor Alexa Reed connects with Burns to learn more about his new role, and why 2024 may be more challenging that many for...

Global energy retailer Octopus Energy has planted their US flag in the energy capital of the world. CEO Michael Lee is leading the charge for the renewable energy retailer focusing on enhanced customer service. In this download, HBJ Managing Editor Jonathan Adams explores this sector and Lee offers his takes on what sets Octopus apart.

It's not just a cookie, it's an experience. Tiff's Treats are one of the top business development weapons in Texas, building new relationships and gifting goodness for special occasions. In this episode ABJ Editor Colin Pope connects with Co-Founder Leon Chen to relive the past 25 years of growth, and look ahead to the future for this Austin-based and now interstate icon.

Already home to Hotel Emma, Texas' only AAA Five Diamond hotel, San Antonio's Pearl features a delicious array of cuisine, shopping and scenery along North River Walk. Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group plans to up the ante with Pullman Market, the largest development of its kind in the Southwest. In this episode, SABJ Editor-in-Chief Ed Arnold welcomes Chef and CEO Kevin Fink to share wh...

We open the new year with exciting advances in blood testing technology for consumers. Austin Inno Editor Brent Wistrom explores the BetterWay blood testing technology and delivery with Founder Eric Olson. The Austin-based healthcare tech company plans to roll out BetterWay in Austin and San Antonio, then statewide, and beyond.

Born & raised in the Houston-area, Steve Lufburrow knew his calling was to give back to his community. After 43 years of service, 37 as President & CEO of Goodwill Industries of Houston, Lufburrow is retiring. In this sendoff, HBJ Reporter Chandler France offers Lufborrow the opportunity to reflect on the impact he and his team have made over the past four decades. 

He started as an intern at Launch SA in 2015, and now Matthew Espinoza returns as Director of the organization that promotes and supports entrepreneurs. In this download, SABJ Reporter Zoe Gottlieb chat with Espinoza, who has a number of goals on his agenda.

In this download Citadel Partners commercial real estate veterans Scott Morse and Scott Jessen join DBJ Reporter Alexa Reed to share why the DFW market is fairing better than most. Plus, how companies can make return-to-office more appealing for their clients.

As the President and CEO of the Austin Chamber, Jeremy Martin is advocating for what businesses need to survive and thrive in the 10th largest city in the U.S.  In this episode, ABJ Managing Editor Kathryn Hardison connects with Martin to cover a wide range of concerns.

The travel industry is showing no signs of slowing down, and United Airlines is betting big on its future, with aggressive growth plans. In this download, HBJ Reporter Sofia Gonzalez welcomes United's VP of Global Learning, People & Community Helon Hammond to share why the airline is investing so heavily in its Houston home base.

You can rent pretty much anything, but when it comes to furniture, it's expensive and most folks only rent a few pieces. Why not rent an entire house full of furniture, right down to the laundry hamper? That's what serial mover Cameron Johnson wondered, and why he start his company, Nickson, to address that need. In this episode DBJ Associate Editor Alexa Reed profiles this DFW-area entr...

Boerne native Justin McKenzie traveled the world, returning home with a dream that's now a reality. As leader of the Boerne Kendall County Angel Network (BKCAN), he's attracting entrepreneurs to hill country. In this episode, SABJ Editor-in-Chief Ed Arnold connects with McKenzie to learn more about his vision, and Das GreenHous, a launching pad for innovation.

While colleges and universities across the country deal with declining enrollment and financial issues, Texas universities are grappling with growth. In this episode, Will Anderson welcomes University of Texas System Chancellor James Milliken to learn how our universities are handling demand, while transforming to serve the needs of students throughout their careers. 

One of the things San Antonians enjoy most about our airport is convenience. But the Alamo City's growth and a desire for a transcontinental option are forcing leaders to expand and improve options without disrupting easy access. In this download, SABJ Editor-in-Chief Ed Arnold gets an update from Director of Airports Jesus Saenz.

When Grant Pruitt was a kid, his dad made him suit up and tag along on real estate meetings. Turns out, he loved tagging along and has made a successful career for himself, founding Whitebox Commercial Real Estate. In this episode, DBJ Associate Editor Alexa Reed invites Grant to share his expertise on the DFW commercial real estate market- specifically, why vacancy rates aren't as bad as the...

As University of Houston System Chancellor and University of Houston President, Renu Khator has transformed UH into a nationally recognized institution. In this episode, HBJ Reporter Sofia Gonzalez profiles Khator, the Lifetime Achievement Award Winner in our 2023 Women Who Mean Business Awards.

The advertising world was an old boys club until the late-1980's when Gay Gaddis struck out on her own, founding T3, which she grew into one of the largest independent woman-owned advertising agencies in the country. In this download, ABJ Managing Editor Will Anderson welcomes Gay, who shares her journey, tips on entrepreneurship, and the future of the workplace she helped innovate.

Every big business stared as a small business, and Rangel Renewables is on a growth trajectory in the expanding wind energy sector. In this episode, company founder Josh Rangel connects with HBJ Managing Editor Jonathan Adams to share what he's doing to attract and retain talent, including cookouts and creating a family-friendly atmosphere.

Many country clubs were considered dinosaurs prior to the pandemic. But in a post-covid world,  families are investing in meaningful experiences closer to home. That's where Dallas-based Invited is seizing the opportunity, transforming the tired clubs of yesterday into thriving social and activity hubs across the country. In this episode, DBJ Associate Editor Alexa Reed welcomes Invited CEO D...

The Alamo City's growing tech scene is the focus in this download as SABJ Reporter Zoe Gottlieb welcomes Geekdom CEO Charles Woodin. Austin may get most of the publicity when it comes to Texas tech growth, and deservedly so, but San Antonio's tech community is growing, thanks to a grass roots effort to fund home grown startups. San Antonio Startup Week (SASW) October 16-21 is the focal p...