Gone to Texas

Gone to Texas

Welcome to "Gone to Texas," the official podcast of the Texas Economic Development Connection. On every episode, we share the stories of business owners and CEOs who have relocated or expanded their business into Texas. Our goal is to use these stories as a guide to helps others who are ready to hang a sign on the door that says, Gone to Texas.

Episodes

August 1, 2025 22 mins
Dave welcomes Darren Schauer, General Manager and CEO of GVEC (Guadalupe Valley Electric Cooperative), to discuss the pivotal role that cooperatives like GVEC play in supporting business growth and economic development in South Central Texas. Darren shares his extensive experience in the utilities industry and offers insight into what makes the Alamo region such an attractive destination for businesses considering relocation or exp...
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In this episode of Gone to Texas, host "Super" Dave Quinn sits down with Dustin Divinia, President and CEO of Vector Systems, to discuss the company’s journey, operations, and their expansion from McKinney to Bonham, Texas.

Dustin shares insights into the distinct culture at Vector Systems, the company's evolution from a three-man operation building custom control panels to becoming a critical supplier of process equipment for energ...
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Welcome to another episode of Gone to Texas, where Dave sits down with Jason Royse, President of Renlita, a custom manufacturer of vertical folding doors, windows, and walls in Bonham, Texas. Jason shares the inspiring story of relocating his family business from North Carolina to Texas, the practical considerations behind such a big move, and why Bonham’s business-friendly environment, access to key markets, and strong local workf...
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In this episode of Gone To Texas, "Super" Dave Quinn, sits down with John Littlefield from Southwest Engineers, based in the vibrant community of Gonzales, Texas. John takes us on a journey through his family's business, which has been a cornerstone in the civil engineering industry since 1978.

As he shares the challenges and triumphs of operating in the Central Texas area, they discuss topics like rapid growth of the Austin metropo...
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Welcome back to another episode of Gone to Texas where Dave is visiting Fairfield, TX and sits down with Joe Reed, the proud owner of Te'jun, the Texas Cajun. Joe shares his journey that began in 1997 as a humble weekend venture to provide for his daughters' college education. 

They also talk about his inspiring story of growth, grit, and faith. From boiling crawfish in a food trailer to running multiple brick-and-mortar locations, ...
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In this episode of Gone to Texas, Dave welcomes Gary Dobyns, Founder of Dobyns Rods, based in Sulphur Springs, TX. Gary shares his inspiring story of moving his fishing rod company from California to Sulphur Springs over seven years ago and what made him completely pick up his life and his company.

Gary also talks about the challenges he faced with high costs and bureaucratic hurdles in California, and how the welcoming, business-fr...
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In this episode of Gone to Texas,  Dave is joined by Joey Evans, the Director of Business Support and Development at TNW Corporation. Joey shares his extensive experience in the rail industry, having worked his way up from being a conductor on the East Coast to his current role in Texas. They discuss the significant role of short-line railroads in the logistics industry, particularly in facilitating the quick relocation and expansi...
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In this episode of Gone to Texas, host "Super" Dave Quinn sits down with Amy Story, who runs the Boerne/Kendall County Economic Development Corporation (BKC EDC) in the Alamo region of Texas. Amy shares insights into the role of local economic developers in assisting businesses as they move to or expand in new communities like Boerne. She talks about the importance of having local connections and resources to navigate the nuances o...
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On this episode of Gone to Texas, Super Dave Quinn welcomes Ed Dominion, President of D6 Incorporated. Ed shares his experience first expanding to Sulphur Springs, eventually making it their headquarters. He talks about how the Sulfur Springs, Texas community welcomed and supported his company's move, offering insights into the positive impact on the local economy and the innovative recycling projects they've implemented.

Ed shares ...
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In this episode of Gone to Texas, Dave Quinn sits down with David Gillrie, President and CEO of Hoover Treated Wood Products, to discuss their expansion into Fairfield, Texas. David discusses why they chose Fairfield and why the central location was so important to their business. He also talks about the strategic importance of the Texas market and the role of economic developers in facilitating growth.

From the challenges of build...
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Welcome to another episode of Gone to Texas. In today's episode, Dave sits down with Roger Treacher, the owner of Marching USA. Marching USA specializes in designing and manufacturing top-notch instruments and frames for the music education industry.

Roger shares his journey from the United Kingdom to Texas when he was part owner of a snack food company and why he first picked the Dallas, TX area. He then talks about how his passion...
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Welcome to another exciting episode of Gone to Texas, where we welcome Courtney Radloff, Founder of Purveyors of Fragrance. Courtney shares her entrepreneurial journey and the challenges she has faced along the way. From building a business from scratch and having to navigate the complexities of the fragrance industry to suddenly having to move her business from California to Texas, Courtney's story is one of determination and resi...
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Welcome to another episode of Gone To Texas, where Dave Quinn welcomes Accasisa Martinez of Accasia’s Event Venue in Fairview, TX. Accasisa talks about what it's like running an event business and how a post-COVID world and a desire for people to connect again in person inspired her to create her own business.

They also discuss the ups and downs of running your own business and why being involved in the community has been one of Acc...
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On this episode of Gone to Texas, Dave travels to Paris, TX and talks to Besser Pro CEO, Willy Dyck. Besser is a manufacturer of axels for utility, dump, flatbed, car haulers, and live stock trailers.

Willy talks about why he loves growing his business in Paris, TX, from affordable living costs to a helpful Economic Development Corporation (EDC). Paris’ Economic Development Center has been committed to helping thrive, making new co...
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In this special episode of Gone To Texas, Super Dave Quinn is joined by powerhouse guests live from this year’s Economic Summit and Leadership Conference hosted by Marshall, TX. Dave talks to Dr. Ray Perryman, President and CEO, The Perryman Group, Carlton Schwab, President/CEO of the Texas Economic Development Council, Aaron Demerson, Commissioner Representing Employers for the Texas Workforce Commission, and Rich Froeschle, Senio...
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A thriving economy is only as good as the workforce development that a community is willing to build. Helping attract new students and work candidates to the city of Marshall, as week as preparing their current student body, are two large initiatives of the Marshall Economic Development Center.

In this episode of Gone to Texas, Dave is joined by Bart Day, Provost for Texas State Technical College, Marshall Campus, and Richele Langle...
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When they needed a more central location for their company, Texas seemed like the perfect spot. However, finding a place just anywhere in Texas wasn’t going to cut it. After Lester Thornhill, CEO of Life's Abundance, did some research, and when he thought getting closer to Oklahoma may be a better option, one of his co-workers mentioned getting an email from the EDC of Dumas, Texas.
Lester looked at the location, called the number ...
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Expanding your company to a new state can have many challenges, but imagine expanding to a whole new country.

It’s the story of Carsten Wagner, President and CEO of Wagner Tuning, and he joins Dave on this episode of Gone to Texas, to tell his story of expanding to the United States, and picking Kilgore, Texas as his location.

Carsten talks about why he chose Kilgore and what convincing his family was like when no one really knew muc...
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You may take for granted the sight of a windmill while driving. However, its an industry that's still thriving, and one of the industry leaders is right in the heart of Texas.

Aerator Windmill was started in 1883, and has been in the forefront of the windmill industry since its inception. After being moved to San Angelo in 1986, it’s been a staple in the city.

In this episode of Gone to Texas, Dave Quinn is joined by Nick Ohman the ...
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A town with just as much history as it has charm, nestled between two lakes, San Angelo has so much to offer. The beautiful thing is that not only is this a great place to raise a family, with a small-town feel, but it’s a great job to build a company too.

In this episode of Gone to Texas, Dave is joined by Wendland Manufacturing’s President and Co-Owner, Wendall Hirschfeld. Wendall talks about the incredible history of his company,...
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