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Brandon shares how Surely became a leader in non-alcoholic wine and why nearly 90 percent of its customers still drink alcohol. Rather than targeting only those who are sober, the brand connects with people who want to enjoy wine on their own terms. He also introduces Arlow, the first legally recognized low-alcohol wine brand in the United States, offering half the calories and zero sugar while maintaining the full-bodied experience wine lovers expect. Listeners will learn how Arlow’s concept grew from Brandon’s deep understanding of consumer behavior and his curiosity about where the market was heading. He explains the technical challenges of dealcoholization, how his California-based team perfected the process, and what it takes to create a wine that meets both taste and quality standards in this emerging space. Beyond product development, Brandon discusses how Surely and Arlow have scaled from direct-to-consumer beginnings to major retail success. Today, Surely can be found in Target, Sprouts, Total Wine & More, and Spec’s. He explains how the company’s focus on profitability and sustainable growth has allowed it to thrive in a changing industry where investors now value lean operations over rapid expansion. As the conversation continues, Brandon shares leadership lessons from two distinct growth phases: one centered on fast-paced scaling and another built around operational discipline. He offers insights into the importance of communication, team alignment, and company culture, noting that even high-performing employees can hold a business back if they are not the right cultural fit. Brandon also reflects on his journey as a leader, emphasizing the need for transparency and collaboration, both with his team and with his investors. His approach to management highlights how curiosity, accountability, and clear communication can drive consistent results without compromising values. Now rooted in Austin with his family, Brandon talks about what makes Texas the perfect home for entrepreneurs like him. From the state’s unique energy to its strong business community and culinary culture, he shares why Texas has become the ideal place to grow both personally and professionally. Whether you are interested in brand strategy, leadership, or the evolving world of consumer products, this episode offers a thoughtful look at how clarity of purpose and innovative thinking can build a business that lasts. LINKS Show Notes Previous Episodes About BoyarMiller About Surely Wine About Arlow Wine

In this episode of Building Texas Business, Chris Hanslik talks with Nubia Pérez, CEO and part-owner of Gretna Machine Shop, a Houston-based precision manufacturer serving the energy, aerospace, and defense industries. Nubia shares the remarkable story of how her family built Gretna from a single-garage operation in 1980 into a certified lean manufacturing company, and how she later transformed it through leadership, culture, and purpose. After her father’s passing in 2012, Nubia faced a decade of uncertainty before realizing that the company’s future depended on her stepping forward. She reveals how she rebuilt Gretna from within by creating accountability, redefining its culture, and leading with empathy and transparency. From embracing EOS to driving diversification from oil and gas to aerospace, Nubia explains what it takes to modernize a second-generation family business while honoring its legacy. She also shares her perspective on automation, AI, and making manufacturing “mindful” again. If you are interested in leadership, culture change, and the evolution of Texas manufacturing, this episode offers a powerful look at resilience, renewal, and what it means to lead with heart and purpose. LINKS Show Notes Previous Episodes About BoyarMiller About Gretna Machine Shop

In this special live 100th episode of Building Texas Business, Chris Hanslik talks with Dean Reynaldo Valencia, President and Dean of South Texas College of Law Houston, and Billy Murphy, CEO of University Lands, about the intersection of law, leadership, and innovation in shaping Texas’ future. From higher education to resource management, both guests share how Texas institutions are adapting to a rapidly changing world while balancing tradition and transformation. Dean Valencia discusses the law school’s century-long commitment to access and opportunity, its pioneering online programs, and how artificial intelligence is reshaping legal education. Murphy offers a look inside University Lands, where a small team manages 2.1 million acres and billions in annual revenue to fund public universities, while navigating emerging challenges such as renewable energy, AI, and sustainability. Together, they explore how legal training builds critical thinking and leadership skills that extend far beyond the courtroom, and why innovation, ethics, and stewardship remain central to Texas’ continued growth. If you’re interested in leadership, education, and the forces shaping the future of business in Texas, this milestone episode offers a thoughtful, forward-looking conversation about progress built on purpose. LINKS Show Notes Previous Episodes About BoyarMiller About South Texas College of Law About University Lands

In this episode of Building Texas Business, Chris Hanslik talks with Bobby and Janice Jucker, co-owners of Three Brothers Bakery, about what it takes to build and sustain a family business through two centuries of change, challenge, and perseverance. From their family’s remarkable story of survival and entrepreneurship to leading one of Houston’s most beloved bakeries today, Bobby and Janice share how resilience, culture, and community have guided every decision along the way. They explain how they turned hardship into strength, rebuilding again and again after floods, fires, hurricanes, and even a pandemic, while staying true to their roots and their people. Janice discusses lessons learned from the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program and how they transformed a toxic workplace into a culture grounded in care, communication, and accountability. Bobby reflects on the balance between preserving tradition and embracing innovation, from hand-rolled bread to digital recipe systems and modern production technology. Together, they offer practical insights on leadership, disaster recovery, and the power of people, proving that success is not about avoiding challenges but about how you rise after them. If you are interested in entrepreneurship, legacy, and leading with heart, this episode is a masterclass in perseverance and purpose from one of Texas’s most enduring family businesses. LINKS Show Notes Previous Episodes About BoyarMiller About Three Brothers Bakery

In this episode of Building Texas Business Podcast, Chris Hanslik talks with Jeff Ludy, Founder of The Window Experts, about what it takes to build a purpose-driven, disruptive business in the home improvement industry.Jeff shares how he turned a small garage startup into one of the most trusted window companies in the country, with a national footprint and the most-watched YouTube channel in the industry. He explains how his faith, integrity, and commitment to treating people with honesty, dignity, and respect have guided every decision along the way.From early lessons in sales and leadership to creating a “no-haggle” model that broke the mold for his industry, Jeff reveals how character and culture drive lasting success. He also shares the systems behind his hiring process, his four “C’s” of talent, and how he navigated growing pains—including scaling too fast and learning to lead through crisis.If you’re interested in leadership, entrepreneurship, and building a company that stands out by doing things differently, Jeff’s story is a masterclass in vision, integrity, and resilience. LINKS Show Notes Previous Episodes About BoyarMiller About The Window Experts

Building a business that lasts starts with building a culture that matters.In this episode of Building Texas Business, I sit down with Andy Weiner, CEO and Founder of RockStep Capital, to talk about what it takes to create and sustain a truly fierce company culture. From his family’s early retail ventures to leading a national real estate investment firm with more than 9.7 million square feet under management, Andy has learned that success depends not just on smart deals but on shared values and disciplined behaviors.Andy reveals how his team lives by 25 guiding principles called “RockSteps,” specific behaviors that define how they respond, collaborate, and lead every day. With rituals like their weekly “RockStep of the Week” call and a focus on accountability, responsiveness, and family-first priorities, he has built an organization where integrity and energy drive performance.We also discuss how RockStep’s “Hometown America” investment strategy and vertically integrated structure have helped them thrive through changing markets, and why the company’s success begins with hiring for cultural alignment rather than skill alone.If you are passionate about leadership, culture, and the values that fuel great Texas businesses, this episode offers powerful lessons on how intentional leadership can transform an organization from the inside out. LINKS Show Notes Previous Episodes About BoyarMiller About RockStep Capital

Building successful businesses often requires embracing opportunities that find you rather than forcing predetermined plans.In this episode of Building Texas Business, I sit down with Gregg Thompson, who runs multiple ventures with his brothers including landscape operations, nurseries, and the beloved Tiny Boxwoods and Milk & Cookies restaurants. We talk about how their family business evolved from a high school lawn mowing operation into a diversified enterprise spanning Houston and Austin.Gregg shares how their restaurant concept emerged accidentally when customers kept lingering at their West Alabama nursery, leading to an "accidental" expansion into hospitality. He explains their approach to hiring entrepreneurial people and giving them autonomy, plus how they've built robust back-office systems that support everything from landscape project management to baking croissants. The conversation reveals how measuring margins and sharing financial data across divisions creates a culture where creative people start thinking about gross margins.His philosophy centers on being in the "yes business" rather than automatically rejecting new ideas, combined with the belief that there's no limit to what you can accomplish when you don't know what you're doing. This mindset helped them navigate from municipal bonds to nurseries to restaurants without getting paralyzed by industry expertise they didn't possess. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS Sometimes the best business opportunities come from customers eating sandwiches in your nursery at lunchtime, leading to "accidental" restaurant concepts that nobody planned.Giving employees autonomy to try new things without permission first creates innovation - even when it occasionally surprises leadership with what they're attempting.The difference between a good business and a bad business is the back office - if you can't measure it, you can't fix it.Being in the "yes business" means not automatically saying no to employee ideas, since people bringing suggestions are stepping outside their comfort zones.There's no limit to what you can do when you don't know what you're doing, because you don't see the barriers that "experts" assume exist.Family businesses work when siblings have completely different skill sets that complement rather than compete - finance, construction, and wholesale trading each requiring distinct talents.LINKS Show Notes Previous Episodes About BoyarMiller About Thompson+Hanson GUESTS  | Gregg Thompson About Gregg

Unity isn't just a buzzword. It's the foundation for business growth and community impact.In this episode of Building Texas Business, I sit down with Jeff Williams, president of Graham Associates, to talk about how bringing people together drives both engineering success and civic transformation. Working with his firm who design iconic Texas projects including AT&T Stadium and Southlake Town Square, and during his three terms as Arlington mayor, he demonstrats how unity principles scale from boardroom to city hall.Jeff shares his approach to bridging generational divides through Friday "High Five" meetings that transformed skeptical baby boomers and millennials into collaborative teammates. His engineering firm rebuilt their office culture post-COVID by creating collaboration spaces and displaying core values throughout their workspace, showing employees they're not just designing roads but contributing to state-of-the-art hospitals. When people understand their larger purpose, engagement naturally follows.His upcoming book "The Unity Blueprint" captures lessons from leading Arlington through the pandemic faster than any other U.S. city, according to NYU research, and emphasizes that modern leadership requires teaching over commanding, with trust and value as non-negotiables for today's workforce. Success comes from transforming "my plan" into "our plan" through genuine input and buy-in, whether you're managing engineers or running a city.This conversation reveals how Texas businesses thrive by embracing partnerships over politics, with Jeff's $8 million citywide rideshare solution versus $50 million per mile for light rail proving that innovation beats tradition when unity guides decisions. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS Discover how weekly "High Five" meetings turned skeptical senior engineers into collaboration champions, bridging baby boomers and millennialsJeff details how Arlington saved millions by implementing $8 million annual autonomous rideshare instead of $50 million per mile light railLearn why being the first U.S. city to run autonomous shuttles attracted Uber, Lyft, and Via to compete for Arlington's contractHear how post-COVID office renovations with collaboration spaces and visible core values brought remote workers back to rebuild cultureJeff shares how a devastating referendum loss taught him that expertise means nothing if political consultants silence your voiceUnderstand why the Medal of Honor Museum chose Arlington over Washington D.C.—Texas builds in years what takes decades elsewhereLINKS Show Notes Previous Episodes About BoyarMiller About Graham Associates GUESTS  | Jeff Williams About Jeff

Building a successful business often means solving problems nobody else sees coming.In this episode of Building Texas Business, I sit down with Merrilee Kick, founder of BuzzBallz, to talk about how she transformed a poolside idea into a ready-to-drink cocktail empire she sold to Sazerac in 2024. Merrilee shares her journey from high school teacher to manufacturing pioneer who bootstrapped through engineering challenges and suppliers who refused to sell her essential components. Her approach demonstrates that when traditional paths close, entrepreneurs must forge their own.We explore how Merrilee built a family-like culture with minimal turnover through practical benefits like daily cooked meals and extended holiday breaks. She discusses why fairness matters more than equality in building loyal teams. During COVID, she created an on-site school for employees' children and manufactured hand sanitizer for hospitals, showing how adaptability serves both business continuity and community needs.Merrilee reflects on mistakes that shaped her success, from coconut cream that solidified at room temperature to trusting the wrong people. She emphasizes that entrepreneurs must trust their gut instincts and move quickly when something isn't working. Her discussion about selling to Sazerac reveals the cultural shifts that come with acquisition and why selecting the right buyer matters as much as the price.The conversation reveals how a teacher's frustration with glass by the pool became a multi-million dollar business through relentless problem-solving and genuine employee care. Listen to discover why sometimes the best business education comes from cleaning your own warehouse bathrooms. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS "S#@t doesn't smell any better with age" - why firing fast is critical to maintaining culture and performanceWhen suppliers demand hundreds of thousands for R&D, sometimes you have to source from Canada and figure it out yourselfA $10 daily lunch investment eliminated production delays and built the family culture that kept turnover near zeroCreating an on-site school during COVID kept the production lines running when competitors shut downPeople quit managers, not companies - know your employees' kids' names and eat lunch with themTrust your gut over resumes - the West Point MIT grad who couldn't deliver taught her that credentials don't guarantee performanceLINKS Show Notes Previous Episodes About BoyarMiller About BuzzBallz GUESTS  | Merrilee Kick About Merrilee

In this episode of "Building Texas Business," I sit down with Molly Voorhees, the president of Beck's Prime, Winfield's Chocolate Bar, and Agnes Cafe. Molly shares her journey from Silicon Valley back to her roots in Houston's culinary scene. She talks about how her passion for food and community has shaped her approach to running family-run businesses and the importance of customer service.We explore the challenges of maintaining a successful family business, emphasizing the importance of respecting individual expertise and fostering a collaborative environment. Molly discusses how she integrates technology into operations, which can be challenging for mid-sized companies. Her experiences provide insight into the practical hurdles of implementing new systems while maintaining efficiency.Molly also reflects on the entrepreneurial spirit in Texas, particularly in Houston, where local businesses benefit from a supportive community. She shares how this environment has been beneficial, despite the uncertainties and challenges in the business world. Her approach to leadership involves patience and listening to her team, allowing them to voice their opinions and ideas.The conversation also touches on the importance of authenticity and resilience in business. Molly shares how facing challenges early on, like financial struggles and an empty restaurant, taught her valuable lessons. She emphasizes the importance of mental health awareness in corporate culture and maintaining open dialogue about success and failure. As Molly looks forward to upcoming projects, she invites listeners to experience the culinary adventures that celebrate innovation and community. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS     Molly shares her journey from Silicon Valley back to Houston, taking on leadership roles in Beck's Prime, Winfield's Chocolate Bar, and Agnes Cafe, emphasizing her passion for food and community. The episode explores her innovative approach to maintaining high standards in Beck's Prime while expanding into the chocolate business, highlighting the importance of customer service and community connection. Listeners gain insights into managing a family-run business, where respecting individual expertise and fostering collaboration are essential for effective decision-making and business success. We discuss the integration of technology in operations, acknowledging the challenges faced by mid-sized companies and the potential for improved efficiency through technological advancements. The supportive entrepreneurial spirit in Houston is highlighted, showcasing how local businesses benefit from a community eager to see them succeed, even amidst ongoing challenges and uncertainties. Her reflections on entrepreneurship emphasize authenticity, resilience, and mental health awareness in corporate culture, encouraging open dialogue about success and failure. Excitement for upcoming projects is shared, inviting listeners to join in a culinary adventure that celebrates innovation and community in Houston's vibrant food scene. LINKS Show Notes Previous Episodes About BoyarMiller About  Beck's Prime

In this episode of Building Texas Business, I sit down with Pete Mora, founder of Fajita Pete’s, to talk about his journey from running a full-service restaurant to building a scalable, off-premise food concept focused on delivery and catering.Pete shares how starting small and keeping the menu focused allowed him to maintain quality and simplify operations. He explains that by limiting the menu and designing the kitchen accordingly, they were able to keep costs low while serving large groups efficiently. His approach helped transition from dine-in service to a streamlined catering and delivery model.We also discuss the importance of hiring well and establishing effective systems. Pete admits he learned the hard way about managing people and the value of setting expectations early. As the company grew, building a culture based on respect, structure, and direct communication became essential to maintaining consistency across locations.Finally, Pete reflects on what it takes to be an entrepreneur. He emphasizes being prepared for challenges, not romanticizing the journey, and staying committed to the long haul. His advice is to set small, achievable goals and surround yourself with people who complement your weaknesses. It's not about doing everything yourself, but about building a structure that supports the growth of your business and your team. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS I delve into the entrepreneurial journey of Pete Mora, founder of Fajita Pete's, exploring his evolution from waiting tables in college to establishing a successful restaurant chain. We discuss Pete's strategic business model, which emphasizes a small footprint and limited menu to enhance operational efficiency and specialize in off-premise services like delivery and catering. Pete shares insights on effective team management, highlighting the importance of hiring the right people, setting clear expectations, and fostering a supportive work environment. The episode explores how Pete's innovative approach and adaptation of technology, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, contributed to the growth and success of Fajita Pete's. I examine the significance of maintaining quality and consistency across locations, with a focus on centralizing production processes and collaborating with partners who possess operational expertise. We discuss the advantages of being based in Houston, a competitive environment that offers access to resources and professionals, and how this has influenced the scalability of the business. Pete provides practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing the value of setting achievable goals and understanding that success can also come from significant contributions within a company. LINKS Show Notes Previous Episodes About BoyarMiller About  Fajita Pete's  GUESTS  | Pete Mora

A thriving business is built on people, not just product.This week on Building Texas Business, I spoke with Lynne Doherty and Clarissa O’Connell of Sonar, a developer-first software company founded in Geneva and growing fast in Austin, Texas. Lynne leads their go-to-market team, and Clarissa heads up people and culture: together, they’re shaping Sonar’s growth story in the U.S.We discuss Sonar’s journey from its open-source roots to serving over 28,000 organizations. Lynne shares how Austin’s tech ecosystem and talent pool have been key to expanding their operations, including the rollout of their latest product, SonarQube Advanced Security, an integrated solution that combines code quality with security. Clarissa highlights the cultural strategies that keep Sonar’s fast-scaling team engaged and committed, including an acronym-based value system (CODE) and a balanced hybrid work model.Over the conversation, we see how Sonar’s approach to innovation and people has evolved. From whiteboarding solutions on-site to building confidence in AI-generated code, their focus is on helping developers build better, faster, while maintaining a human connection.What stood out to me most was how Clarissa and Lynne use leadership not just to grow a company, but to create a space where culture and innovation reinforce each other. It’s a reminder that whether you're writing code or growing a team, trust and clarity go a long way. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS I explore the transformative journey of Sonar, from its developer-focused beginnings in Geneva to its dynamic growth in Austin, Texas, a key hub in the U.S. tech scene. Lynne Doherty and Clarissa O'Connell share insights into how Austin's vibrant tech ecosystem and business-friendly environment have accelerated Sonar's expansion and shaped its innovative culture. We delve into SonarQube Advanced Security, a new integrated solution enhancing application security by addressing threats during development, demonstrating Sonar's commitment to code quality and security. The conversation highlights Sonar's strategic partnerships with Austin universities and robust internship programs aimed at nurturing the next generation of tech innovators. Lynne and Clarissa discuss the significance of creating a positive company culture, underscored by their CODE acronym, and how it fosters a collaborative and inclusive environment at Sonar. We address the challenges of rapid technological change and the importance of continuous team enablement and customer education to adapt and thrive in a fast-evolving industry. Through personal insights, Lynne and Clarissa emphasize the importance of work-life integration, adaptability, and maintaining well-being amidst the demands of leadership and a growing company. LINKS Show Notes Previous Episodes About BoyarMiller About  Sonar GUESTS  |  Clarissa O'Connell

In this episode of Building Texas Business, I speak with Brian Birdy, the CEO of PMI Birdy Properties and a regional developer for Dill Dinkers. Brian shares insights about managing his family business, which his father started in 1979. He discusses the complexities of succession planning and how involving family members can strengthen the business for future generations. Brian's latest venture, an indoor pickleball facility, highlights his ability to identify emerging trends and foster a unique business culture.We explore effective strategies for business growth as Brian emphasizes the importance of a solid foundation. He talks about the need for a strong team, comprehensive training, and well-documented processes to navigate unexpected challenges. Additionally, we discuss the hiring landscape post-COVID, where Brian advocates for a proactive approach to recruitment and the importance of adapting to new employment trends.As we move into the topic of franchising, Brian shares his experiences with Dill Dinkers and the potential of using repurposed industrial spaces for pickleball courts. He reflects on the benefits and challenges of setting up a franchise in this fast-growing market. His connection to San Antonio adds a personal touch, as he expresses his passion for the local community and its cultural vibrancy. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS I discussed with Brian Birdy, CEO of PMI Birdy Properties, about managing a family business founded by his father in 1979 and his strategies for succession planning and family involvement. Brian shared insights on the importance of building a resilient business foundation through strategic planning, comprehensive training, and process documentation, emphasizing adaptability to technological advancements. We explored the post-COVID hiring landscape, where Brian highlighted the significance of a proactive hiring approach, prioritizing candidates with a positive attitude and aligning with changing employment trends. The conversation delved into the burgeoning pickleball market, with Brian expressing enthusiasm for his new venture in opening an indoor pickleball facility and the potential of franchising with Dill Dinkers. Brian revealed the challenges and opportunities in the residential property management industry, particularly in differentiating oneself in a competitive market and adapting to shifts in housing demand. We examined the process of opening a pickleball franchise, discussing the benefits of franchising for newcomers, the importance of choosing the right franchise, and the potential for repurposing industrial spaces for pickleball courts. Brian emphasized the value of surrounding oneself with capable people, investing in staff, and being open to new ideas and changes to drive business success, while reflecting on his connection to San Antonio and the local community. LINKS Show Notes Previous Episodes About BoyarMiller About  PMI Birdy Properties GUESTS  | Brian Birdy

In this episode of the Building Texas Business Podcast, I sit down with Jacob Robinson, the founder of Dig World, a construction-themed amusement park. Jacob's journey from owning a commercial cleaning business to launching a theme park was inspired by his son Pierce's courage in overcoming a severe illness. Jacob shares how this personal experience drove him to create a space where families can make lasting memories by operating real construction equipment.We also explore Jacob's unexpected invitation to appear on Shark Tank, which initially seemed too good to be true. Jacob describes the rigorous preparation process for the show and how securing a deal with Robert Herjavec provided significant exposure and credibility for Dig World. This experience sparked interest in franchise opportunities nationwide, propelling the business forward.However, Jacob's path has not been without challenges. He reflects on the operational setbacks faced during Dig World's grand opening and the importance of resilience in entrepreneurship. Jacob emphasizes learning from these failures and the need to be patient and ready for success.Throughout the episode, Jacob discusses his leadership evolution, focusing on servant leadership and building a passionate, customer-focused team. He highlights the importance of creating a culture of trust and creativity to ensure a safe and memorable experience for all visitors. Jacob remains committed to expanding DigWorld while offering an affordable alternative to traditional family outings. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS I discussed Jacob Robinson's inspiring journey from running a commercial cleaning company to founding Dig World, a construction-themed amusement park inspired by his son Pierce's battle with a severe illness. Jacob shared the story of how an unexpected email invitation led to his appearance on Shark Tank, which resulted in a significant deal with Robert Herjavec and propelled Dig World into the national spotlight. We explored the challenges faced during Dig World's opening day, highlighting the operational setbacks that resulted in temporary closure and how these experiences taught valuable lessons about patience and readiness. Jacob explained the development of custom technology to enhance safety and functionality in the park's machinery, ensuring a secure and manageable experience for visitors operating real construction equipment. We discussed the importance of building a passionate and customer-focused team, emphasizing a culture of creativity and care that enhances the visitor experience and supports the company's mission. Jacob described his evolution from a fear-driven leadership style to one centered on servant leadership, focusing on resilience and motivating his team positively through setbacks. As Dig World plans for expansion, Jacob remains committed to offering an affordable, enriching alternative to traditional family outings, while also contemplating new mascots and improvements to machinery safety. LINKS Show Notes Previous Episodes About BoyarMiller About  Dig World

In this episode of Building Texas Business, I spoke with Mason Brady, founder and president of Brady CFO, about his entrepreneurial journey and the growth of his fractional CFO services firm.Mason shares how he transitioned from corporate CFO to entrepreneur after realizing the strong market demand for part-time CFO support among construction and agriculture businesses. Starting the business while supporting a family of five tested his comfort with risk and uncertainty.His firm now includes five CFOs who help businesses with revenues up to $75 million navigate financial decisions, capital access, and growth strategies. Brady CFO uses a unique team approach, pairing CFOs with analysts to deliver cost-effective services tailored to clients' needs.Recently relocated from California, Mason appreciates Texas's business-friendly environment and central location for serving clients nationwide. He focuses on helping entrepreneurs evolve as leaders while managing their growing companies, particularly in construction and agriculture where many face similar challenges around financial reporting and bonding requirements. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS I introduced Mason Brady, founder and president of Brady CFO, who shared his transition from a corporate CFO to an entrepreneur in the agriculture and construction sectors. Mason discussed the emotional and mental challenges of leaving a stable job, emphasizing the role of faith and family support in his decision-making process. We explored the importance of consistent sales activities for sustaining and growing a business, with Mason recommending that a significant portion of time be dedicated to new business development. Mason detailed Brady CFO's innovative business model, which pairs CFOs with South American financial analysts to optimize client service and provide cost-effective strategic financial services. The conversation included insights into the challenges faced by entrepreneurs in the construction industry, focusing on the transition from skilled professionals to business leaders and the importance of solid financial systems. Mason highlighted the need for effective delegation and trust in leadership roles within agribusiness, discussing the development of middle management and his experiences in Texas. We also talked about the advantages of operating a business in Texas, emphasizing its central location, economic activity, and more minimized regulations compared to other states. LINKS Show Notes Previous Episodes About BoyarMiller About  Brady CFO GUESTS  | Mason Brady About Mason