Texas Business Minds

The statistics are shocking, but the reality is that the pandemic had a massive, negative impact on learning across Texas. In this episode, HBJ Managing Editor Jonathan Adams takes an in-depth look at the issue with Jacque Daughtry, CEO of Literacy Now.

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.

Our 2018 40 Under 40 Man of the Year is back with us, this time as the keynote speaker for this year's March 23rd event. In this download, SABJ Editor in Chief Ed Arnold welcomes back Scott, who's infectious energy and passion for service has impacted thousands- in our community, and around the world.

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.

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.

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 Pres...

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.

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...

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.

She's uniquely qualified to lead the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (SAHCC) and Marina Gonzales' energy is contagious. In this episode, SABJ Editor in Chief Ed Arnold invites Gonzales to share her vision for Hispanic small business leaders to access more opportunities and grown their businesses. 

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.

Some would argue that all golfers look pretty much the same. That said, it's easy to spot the duffer who's willing to shake it up in William Murray Golf Attire. In this episode, ABJ Managing Editor Will Anderson goes behind-the-scenes with Kerry Michaels, Co-Founder & CEO of this iconic and unique brand.

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.

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 h...

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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 Charit...

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.

You've probably seen them, and you might even own a few of the iconic Texas-themed apparel items produced by Tumbleweed TexStyles. But did you know the company was founded by two teachers who transformed a $700 investment into millions in revenue? In this episode, DBJ Managing Editor Rob Schneider welcomes Co-Founder & CEO Brian Wysong to share his inspirational story.

What was once a dream is now a decade of reality for Tavo Hellmund and racing fans across America. With this year's United States Grand Prix in the books, ABJ Managing Editor Will Anderson connects with Hellmund to reflect on his journey, bringing F1 to Austin. The overwhelming success of our event has led to a race in Miami and next year's inaugural event under the lights on the Vegas S...

With lessons learned from exponential growth in other Texas markets, San Antonio's leaders are carefully guiding thoughtful growth around the city. In this episode, SABJ Managing Editor Ed Arnold invites South Texas Business Partnership President & CEO Al Arreola Junior to share his vision.

Rani Puranik wears several hats- as EVP, CFO and future CEO of Worldwide Oilfield Machine, she leads over 4,000 employees worldwide. She's also a mother, daughter and author, and in all of those roles she's an inspirational leader. In this episode with HBJ Managing Editor Jonathan Adams, Rani offers insight on her family's successful energy business and shares tips from her upcoming...

How did a kid from Canada who wanted to be a police officer find his way to Texas, leading one of America's top Hispanic institutions? It's the story of a girl, George Strait's "Amarillo By Morning", and a belief that higher education is the ticket to a better life. In this episode, ABJ Managing Editor Will Anderson welcomes Texas State University President Kelly Damphouss...