Houston Business Leaders: From Success to Significance

In this episode, serial entrepreneur and former Wolf Center director Ken Jones shares lessons from launching 100+ businesses and coaching CEOs across Houston. He breaks down why most ventures fail, why execution matters more than ideas, and how mastering hiring, capital, and long-term thinking drives real success. Ken also discusses his latest venture, The Wash Whale, and offers candid insight on...

In this episode, Darren Randle, founder and CEO of Houston Tents & Events , shares his journey from small-town Memphis to building one of the fastest-growing event infrastructure companies in Texas. He opens up about launching his business just weeks before the COVID-19 shutdown and how a moment of uncertainty became a catalyst for growth. The conversation highlights the power of resilience, s...

What if the true fountain of youth wasn’t a pill - but strength? In this episode, we sit down with  Michael Petru , founder of Petru In‑Home Fitness, a Houston fitness pioneer who’s spent decades helping people reclaim their independence through safe, consistent strength training. Equal parts motivating, practical, and inspiring, this conversation will change how you think about h...

Scott Holliday , president of Zero Downtime , reveals how hidden power surges quietly drain millions from businesses—and why most companies are still relying on century‑old tech to protect their systems. From NASA‑tested solutions to today’s AI‑driven power demands, Scott breaks down how smarter surge protection keeps organizations resilient, efficient, and truly “zero downtime.&...

In this episode  Tom Haynes, owner of CarPro, shares how he’s reshaped the car‑buying experience by helping consumers navigate dealerships with trust, transparency, and confidence. Tom reflects on his journey from Houston to the broadcast world and ultimately to building a platform grounded in relationships and integrity. He breaks down common car‑buying mistakes, what really drives dea...

What if the most valuable thing you could leave behind wasn’t money - but your story? In this episode, we sit down with Chance McClain , founder of Heritage Films , who’s helped hundreds of families preserve their legacies through powerful, cinematic storytelling. Chance shares his unconventional journey from radio and music to documenting lives, the emotional moments that changed his...

Get ready for a fast-paced chat with Dr. John Cunningham , the former musician turned concierge‑medicine trailblazer. He breaks down what really drives longevity—muscle, metabolism, sleep, and smart nutrition—while debunking myths around cholesterol, genetics, and aging. If you want practical, science-backed tips to live younger for longer, this episode delivers big. The views expresse...

This episode features Federal American Grill founder Matt Brice , who shares his journey from humble beginnings to leading one of Houston’s standout hospitality brands. He reflects on lessons in service, leadership, and growth—including his bold decision to reopen during COVID. Matt offers practical wisdom on discipline, mindset, and creating memorable experiences for both guests and e...

In this episode, travel expert Lori Darnell shares how she built Chasing More Vacations into a go‑to resource for families seeking meaningful and stress‑free travel experiences. She discusses her work as a certified autism travel professional, helping families with children on the spectrum feel supported and empowered to explore the world. Lori also reflects on navigating industry challenges like...

Inventor and environmental engineer Steve Clark joins us to share how his breakthrough “Zeroes” technology turns waste into clean energy, distilled water, and usable fuels - without a smokestack. From extinguishing massive oil‑well fires to reinventing how the world produces power, Steve breaks down the innovations that could reshape energy, emissions, and the future of clean tech. The...

Houston Business Leaders: From Success to Significance is the newest podcast from Stifel. Join hosts John Carolyn, Managing Director/Investments , and Mark Lopez, Senior Vice President/Investments , of MainStreet Wealth Management Group , as they uncover the journeys, strategies, and wisdom of Houston’s most influential leaders and visionaries—individuals who have built remarkable succ...