Texas Business Minds

He's the man behind some of the most successful restaurant concepts in Texas. In this delicious download, FB Society President & CEO Jack Gibbons chats with DBJ Reporter Alexa Reed and shares how he and his team have delivered local favorites like Whiskey Cake Kitchen Bar, Ida Claire, Haywire and his previous success with Velvet Taco.

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 in other industries.

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 with drone shows and the latest mobile technology.

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 forecasters are predicting.

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 what attracted his team, and why they're betting big on The Alamo City. 

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 entrepreneur. 

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.