Texas Business Minds

When she took over as GM at Recaro USA, the company was in turmoil. In just four years, she's engineered one of the biggest turnarounds in the history of aircraft parts suppliers worldwide. In this episode with DBJ Digital Reporter Alexa Reed, Sunitha Vegerla outlines how she did it, and shares why communication and teamwork are key in any business. 

If you need a straight shot of energy and a passion for giving, listen to this podcast! HBJ Editor-in-Chief Sean McCrory welcomes Brittany Franklin, Founder & CEO of Sky High for Kids. She shares her journey from the private sector to non-profit work and her passion for making dreams come true for kids battling cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

Perhaps no one is more well-versed in the impact of North American free trade than Dr. Daniel Covarrubias. With dual Mexican-American citizenship, he serves as the Director of the Texas Center for Border Economic and Enterprise Development at the A.R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business at Texas A&M International University (TAMIU). In this episode, SABJ Editor-in-Chief Ed Arnold calls on Dr. Covarrubias for his insight and advice on how to navigate what could cripple the Texas economy, particularly at the Port of Laredo.

If you're going to disrupt the solar industry, why not do it from the Energy Capital of the World? That's what Jaiden Waggoner and his team are orchestrating from Houston, as the young entrepreneur aims to enhance the delivery model and create more demand for solar energy. He shares his vision with HBJ Reporter Naomi Klinge.

What was once a "record" is now "vinyl" and what's old is new again for the next generation to embrace. In this download, not available on vinyl, ABJ Staff Writer Sahar Chmais welcomes one of the new owners of Waterloo Records, Caren Kelleher, who also founded Gold Rush Vinyl.

The San Antonio area has been the most cost-effective option for housing and cost of living among the four major markets in Texas. But as more folks flock to the area, the economics of supply and demand factor in, driving up prices. In this episode, SABJ Reporter Ramzi Abou Ghalioum invites developer Mike Yantis, President & CEO of Yantis Land, to explain why.

We open the new year with a focus on commercial real estate. DBJ Digital Editor Alexa Reed calls on Bob Mohr, Founder & Chairman of Mohr Capital, for a market update. Mohr also shares how he build his nationwide real estate empire and delivers his outlook for 2025.

Luna Aziz found out she wasn't alone when she shared her herbal solutions to help promote breast milk production. Word quickly spread and before she could start her business, her business found her. In this episode, ABJ Staff Writer Sahar Chmais welcomes Luna to share her story, and how she's impacting women around the world.

While some developers tapped the brakes due to higher interest rates, The Signorelli Company stepped on the gas, with more that $1 Billion in infrastructure projects underway. In this conversation with HBJ Editor-in-Chief Sean McCrory, President & CEO Danny Signorelli explains why Houston is the most developer-friendly territory in Texas, and shares opportunities he's scouting statewide.

Chris Cassidy is a retired Navy SEAL, two-time recipient of the Bronze Star, and former Chief Astronaut at NASA with 377 days in space. Now, he's back on terra firma leading a new mission: The opening of the National Medal of Honor Museum this spring in Arlington. In this episode, DBJ Staff Writer Holden Wilen invites Cassidy to share this monumental moment for DFW, and why he chose a new challenge as a non-profit CEO, far from foreign battlefields and outer space.

Trinity University might just be the best kept secret in Texas higher ed. It's beautiful urban campus in the Alamo City attracts students from across Texas and around the country. In this episode, SABJ Editor-in-Chief Ed Arnold invites Trinity's new VP for Finance and Administration Mark Detterick to showcase the school, and why he chose to relocate to San Antonio.

Formula 1 racing made Austin it's American showcase in 2012. Almost a decade later, Austin FC joined Major League Soccer. The NBA's San Antonio Spurs call Austin their second home. So who's got next? Former University of Texas women's basketball star Fran Harris is leading the effort to bring the WNBA to Austin. In this episode, she shares her sports business playbook with ABJ Senior Staff Writer Justin Sayers.

Wildcatters were "entrepreneurs" long before that word became a cliche for anyone willing to risk it all to start a business. So it should come as no surprise that UH is home to the top collegiate entrepreneurial program in America. In this episode, HBJ Editor-in-Chief Sean McCrory invites David Cook, Director of the Wolff Center for Entrepreneurship, to share why the program he leads is so successful.

The countdown is on and the holiday season is officially underway! In this episode, DBJ Digital Editor Alexa Reed invites The Galleria Dallas GM Angie Freed to share new store openings, the digital difference for brick & mortar success, and why malls are no longer considered dinosaurs- as long as they continually adapt to the changing demands of consumers.

The Alamo City is counting down to hosting college basketball's Final Four in less than five months. The Valero Texas Open tees off in it's traditional spot on the calendar the week prior to The Masters. Needless to say, San Antonio will be the epicenter of sports during the first week of April. SABJ Editor-in-Chief Ed Arnold invites Executive Director Larson Segerdahl to share what makes San Antonio's PGA Tour event so special. 

As Austin and San Antonio continue growing into a powerful metroplex, decision makers in both cities are planning to expand their reach. That game plan includes one of the National Basketball Association's most successful teams, the San Antonio Spurs. ABJ Senior Staff Writer Justin Sayers invites Spurs Senior VP of Strategic Growth and Deputy General Counsel Brandon James to share the team's playbook for success in Austin.

Last year she made history as the first woman to be named Chairman of the Board at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. With a year under her belt buckle, Mann Phillips is now focused on improving what she calls the "Super Bowl" of rodeo, while remaining focused on the event's significant charitable giving. In this episode, HBJ Editor-in-Chief Sean McCrory invites Mann Phillips to share her vision.

Higher interest rates and tighter lending have certainly tapped the brakes on construction and development. But with a shortage of housing inventory and plenty of buyers in the pipeline, builders are preparing for the next wave. In this download, DBJ Digital Editor Alexa Reed welcomes Olivia Clarke Homes President & CEO Jennifer Johnson to share an update.

Whether it's a real estate development project or the future NFL careers of his clients, Bryan Ehrlich is in the business of building. In this episode with San Antonio Business Journal Editor-in-Chief Ed Arnold, Ehrlich reveals how he balances both careers, and offers his take on the impact of NIL deals on both college and pro football.

We're counting down to the 20th anniversary of popular Austin-area burger stand P. Terry's in July of 2025. And while the world has changed dramatically in the past two decades, Co-Founder Patrick Terry's goal is to stick with the same recipe for success. In this episode, ABJ Staff Reporter Sahar Chmais gets an update on the menu, expansion plans, and why P. Terry's is now sharing it's numbers with the public.

Elected as Board Chair earlier this year, Pedro Caruso is the first Hispanic business leader to direct the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston. In this episode, HBJ Editor-in-Chief Sean McCrory explores Caruso's move to America from his native Venezuela, his business acumen, and what he feels the Greater Houston and Texas business community can do to support Boys & Girls Clubs across the state.

After the controversial selection of four teams in last season's college football playoffs, the CFP expands to a 12-team format this year. It offers an opportunity for new Executive Director Rich Clark to start fresh, and lean on his distinguished 38-year career in the Air Force to lead the committee. In this episode, DBJ Digital Editor Alexa Reed delivers an insightful interview with Clark, who was a star linebacker at Air Force during his playing days.

With over 65,000 multifamily units across the country, and co-developer of the tallest building in Texas, Kairoi Residential CEO Mike Lynd is juggling a lot in the midst of what many believe is the most challenging commercial real estate market ever. In this episode, SABJ Editor-in-Chief Ed Arnold joins Lynd for an extended conversation on the market, the economic factors impacting development, and an update on Waterline in Austin, set to become the tallest building in Texas.

Most banks and financial institutions rely on fees which provide a significant revenue stream. When Kendall Garrison took over at Amplify Credit Union, he had the gumption to waive all fees, attract more customers, and grow Amplify with good old fashioned customer services. In this download, ABJ Editor Colin Pope invites Garrison to share his formula for success, and offer outlooks on the economy, AI, and his passion for craft brewing.

With peak hurricane season upon us, on the heels of Beryl in July, and the devastating derecho on Memorial Day weekend, disaster relief and charitable giving are top of mind for many Houston business leaders. In this episode, HBJ Editor-in-Chief Sean McCrory invites Greater Houston Community Foundation President Steve Maislin to share the importance and impact of Houston's business community.

It takes long-term vision, patience and persistence to be successful in commercial real estate and development. Often, the ability to see or feel what nobody else envisions leads to success. That's exactly what developer and entrepreneur Peter Brodsky saw when he purchased the struggling Red Bird Mall in 2015. Almost a decade later, like a diamond in the rough, the new RedBird is thriving, as Brodsky shares with DBJ Digital Editor Alexa Reed. 

Few have had as big of an impact on the Alamo City as Leticia Van de Putte. As a business leader, state representative and consultant, she's worked both sides of the aisle to get things done. In this episode, she spends time with SABJ Editor-in- Chief Ed Arnold, reflects on her career, and offers her advice to the next generation of leaders.

As the epicenter of energy, Houston companies will play a major role in determining the world's future fuel. In this episode, Octopus Energy CEO Michael Lee shares his vision for renewable energy with Jonathan Adams. In Part 2, HBJ Reporter Naomi Klinge sits down with Phillips 66 CEO Mark Lashier to learn what his almost century-old company is doing to innovate for the future.

With oil & gas, aerospace and a multitude of manufacturing companies based in Texas, there's no shortage of metals, minerals and e-scrap to procure and recycle. Amermin's advances in the sector have it well positioned for growth. In this episode, ABJ Senior Staff Writer Justin Sayers connects with Amermin CEO Ryan McAdams to learn more.

National restaurant chains and local franchise owners are feeling the double whammy of declining traffic and higher labor and operating costs. With closures and consolidation comes opportunity, as BRIX Holdings CEO Sherif Mityas shares with DBJ Digital Editor Alexa Reed.

Only one in ten family businesses successfully transition to the third generation, so DOCUmation's success story is unique. In this episode, SABJ Editor-in-Chief Ed Arnold welcomes brothers and Co-CEO's Hunter and Preston Woolfolk to share their story. The brothers trace their success to solid family values, hard work, and not getting too big for their britches as they expand statewide.

He's led his family's legendary Houston-area restaurants, and now Levi Goode is taking his culinary talents to another level. In this episode, he shares what's cooking, and why he's adding some flavor to what's already been a recipe for success.

He started Sweet Leaf Tea with only $14,000 and his grandmother's recipe, and has either launched or invested in a string of successful beverage brands. In this episode, ABJ Staff Writer Sahar Chmais connects with Clayton Christopher to trace his success, and tap his advice for future entrepreneurs.

Back to the office may be a struggle in other markets, but Dallas is all about business, and people dress the part. That translates to the real estate market, where companies seek upscale amenities for their teams. In this download, DBJ Digital Reporter Alexa Reed connects with B2 Architecture + Design Founder Allison Brooks to learn more, and the scoop on B2's re-brand.

San Antonio's close knit community can count on giving, and the San Antonio Area Foundation makes a big impact. In this episode, SABJ Editor Ed Arnold invites the foundation's new leader, CEO Nadege Souvenir to share her impressions of the city and her plans to make a difference in the community.

The cannabis industry in Texas is growing, pumping billions of dollars into the economy. But the industry faces potential bans on the use of psychoactive derivatives from hemp, Delta 8 and Delta 9. In this download, ABJ Staff Writer Sahar Chmais connects with Shayda Torabi, CEO of RESTART and President of the Texas Hemp Coalition to learn more.

Devoid of a major theme park since Astroworld closed almost 20 years ago, Houston is in line to land what could be a game-changer for the entire state. In this episode, HBJ Managing Editor Jonathan Adams chats with former Disney theme park analyst Lizzy McGee, who's hoping to make TexasLand a reality.

After taking over in 2021 and engineering a turnaround at Texas Capital Bank, Rob Holmes is now focused on growing business relationships across North Texas. In this episode, DBJ Associate Editor Alexa Reed invites Holmes to share his vision, and what sets his bank apart from others in the region.

The trucking industry is the backbone of the US economy, delivering $940.8 billion in goods and accounting for over 80% of the nation's freight cost (Source: American Trucking Association). In this episode, SABJ Editor-in-Chief Ed Arnold invites Nitro Founder Vikrant Asher to share his entrepreneurial journey to revolutionize this vital sector that impacts literally every American.

Lacking the incentives most states offer, Texas is often overlooked when it comes to film and television production. In spite of that, studios are eyeing Austin and other locales for upcoming opportunities. In this download, ABJ Senior Staff Writer Justin Sayers connects with TXMPA Executive Director Paul Jensen and Deputy Director Fred Poston for an update.

Since taking over as President and CEO of the Houston Association of REALTORS in 1988, Bob Hale has seen it all. As he counts down to retirement in January of 2025, Hale reflects on the past, present and future of the industry, and how real estate professionals and prospective homeowners can navigate this challenging market.

The past three years have been the most challenging for restaurant owners across the country, but they've also been the three most profitable years for popular Dallas staple Eatzi's Market & Deli. In this episode, DBJ Associate Editor Alexa Reed sits down with CEO Adam Romo, who shares Eatzi's recipe for success, and future expansion plans.

Energy demand is entering peak season across Texas, and CPS Energy CEO Rudy Garza and his team are prepared for another hot summer season. In addition to Mother Nature, the CPS Energy team is adding capacity for the Alamo City's continuing growth. In this episode, SABJ Editor-in-Chief Ed Arnold invites Garza to provide an update.

The Houston Business Journal recently awarded Kirksey Architecture Founder & Chairman Emeritus John Kirksey with a 2024 Landmark Award for Lifetime Achievement. In this episode, Kirksey President Wes Good joins HBJ Managing Editor Jonathan Adams to discuss the role of artificial intelligence in building design, and how he views the office of the future. 

Can we print our way out of a housing crunch? Alex Le Roux at Austin-based startup ICON3D thinks it's possible. In this episode, Austin Inno Editor Brent Wistrom invites Le Roux to share the technology he and his team have developed to print homes, with the goal of reducing housing costs by as much as 50 percent.

With the FIFA World Cup coming to DFW in 2026, North Texas cements the region as one of the world's premier sports destinations. In this episode, DBJ Reporter Alexa Reed welcomes Dallas Sports Commission Executive Director Monica Paul, who shares why the big events are coming to DFW, and the commission's role in attracting major events.

The countdown is officially underway for next year's men's Final Four, April 5-7, 2025 at the Alamodome. In this episode, SABJ Editor-in-Chief Ed Arnold goes 1-on-1 with San Antonio Sports President & CEO Jenny Carnes. She shares how her team executes big events, while delivering year-round after school programs that promote healthy living.

Austin's explosive growth has led to the extinction of numerous, iconic locales. But Amy's Ice Creams is growing right along with our surging population. In this download, ABJ Reporter Sahar Chmais gets the scoop from Founder Amy Simmons

He's a born & raised Texas native who  lived in all of our major cities prior to arriving in San Antonio in 2019.  That said, James Nortey knows the nuances of economic development as well as anyone. In this download, SABJ Editor-in-Chief Ed Arnold invites the CEO of San Antonio for Growth on the Eastside (SAGE) to share his vision for that Alamo City neighborhood, a target for development in the years ahead.

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.