Texas Business Minds

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.

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.

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.