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A tale of two Aggies who came together to disrupt the candy industry. Seasoned CPG entrepreneur Tyler Merrick ’00 and one of YouTube’s most creative minds Ryan Trahan join host Ben Wiggins ’07 ’18 on this episode of Aggie Legends to discuss their journeys to co-founding Joyride and how they took the “better for you” candy company to become No. 1 at Target. Tyler, a Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences graduate and seasoned entrepreneur built his pedigree with Merrick Pet Care and Project 7 before setting his sights on candy and a partnership with a content creator. Ryan, a former Texas A&M cross-country athlete who built a 24M+ subscriber YouTube community, proved to be the perfect partner. The two tell us about their entrepreneurial failures, their creative approach to marketing, and what makes a cross-generational partnership a match made in heaven.  00:00 Intro: Meet Tyler Merrick & Ryan Trahan 01:16 Tyler’s Path: Growing Up in a Family Business 02:07 The Texas A&M Journey & Facing Adversity 03:56 Developing Entrepreneurial Intuition 08:05 Timing the Market & Lessons from Project 7 13:07 Ryan’s Path: Running, Grit & Texas A&M 15:07 Student Athlete Schedule & Culture of Excellence 15:59 First Businesses & The Shark Tank Spark 18:22 Betting on YouTube & Leaving College 20:54 Audacious Goals & The Power of Building in Public 22:36 Purpose-Driven Giving & The Penny Series 25:50 Selecting Causes & Nonprofit Partnerships 27:19 The Beginning of Joyride 30:26 Why Ryan Said Yes to Candy 33:04 Front of House vs. Back of House: Co-Founder Dynamics 38:50 The Target Launch: From Bottom Shelf to #1 42:02 Top Leadership Lessons: The In-Betweens & Contentment ➡️ Subscribe to Aggie Legends on your favorite podcast platform or the Mays Business School channel for more business and leadership insights from successful Aggies!#AggieLegends #MaysBusinessSchool #TAMU #Joyride #RyanTrahan #TylerMerrick #Entrepreneurship #CreatorEconomy #CPG #LeadershipDevelopment

In this episode of Aggie Legends, Ben Wiggins ’07 ’18 sits down with Troy Cormier ’08, CEO of Jason’s Deli, for a conversation about luck, humility, and learning to lead. Troy, the first in his family to earn a four-year degree, went from refinery-town roots in Southeast Texas and a rejection letter from Jason’s Deli (now framed on his bookshelf) to more than 30 years at the restaurant and, eventually, the CEO’s chair. He shares how the Mays Executive MBA program and his team of classmates taught him the limits of expert power, how the leadership culture at Jason’s Deli shifted from command-and-control to servant leadership, and how eight principles guide both his business and family life. Troy also reflects on leading through Hurricane Rita, COVID, and the loss of the company’s founder, Joe Tortorice ’70, and on what it means to lead as an introvert. Whether you’re a student, an aspiring executive, or an Aggie who loves a good salad bar, this episode is full of practical lessons on leading with character. [00:00] Intro: Meet Troy Cormier of Jason’s Deli [00:59] Refinery Roots and a Lucky Start [02:27] Becoming the Expert: Early Leadership [03:08] Choosing Accounting Over the Refinery [03:45] First in the Family: Lamar, Arthur Andersen, and a Detour [04:40] The Rejection Letter That Became a Career [07:19] Taking Everything to the Extreme: Golf, Taekwondo, and Ironman [09:23] The Peter Principle and Learning to Let Others Lead [11:14] The Mays Executive MBA: Hurricane Rita and the Traveling Team [13:55] Becoming CEO in 2016 [14:35] Leading as an Introvert [17:29] From Command and Control to Servant Leadership [19:32] The Eight Principles and What Makes Them Different [21:05] Leading Through COVID and Losing Joe [23:04] Top Leadership Lessons: Disciplined People, Thought, and Action [24:30] Family, Work, and Patient Capital

What does it take to rise from an entry-level store management trainee to become the first female president in H-E-B’s 120-year history? In this episode of Aggie Legends, host Ben Wiggins sits down with Roxanne Orsak ’88, president and chief operating officer of H-E-B. Roxanne shares the defining moments of her 37-year journey with the beloved Texas grocery brand — from growing up on a family farm and finding her calling at Texas A&M to steering major retail innovations like Meal Simple, H-E-B Plus!, and Joe V’s Smart Shop. Roxanne pulls back the curtain on H-E-B’s unique culture of “relentless dissatisfaction,” the power of remaining privately held, and how frontline partners drive the company’s biggest breakthroughs. She also opens up about transformative career lessons, including the candid feedback that taught her to lead from the heart rather than trying to fit into a mold and why putting your personal health and well-being first is essential for long-term leadership success. 00:00 Intro & Small-Town Roots 01:52 The Defining Moment: “Sounds Like Can’t” 04:49 Finding Direction at Texas A&M 06:41 The Overnight Stocker Test & Choosing H-E-B 10:30 The Power of Staying Privately Held 12:02 Rising Through the Ranks & Overcoming Early Hurdles 17:07 Reframing Work-Life Balance: Putting Yourself First 20:11 Actionable Changes: Family, Fitness, & Boundaries 23:01 Staying Committed & Triathlon Training 24:17 Expanding Horizons: USC & Harvard Business School 26:26 Evolving H-E-B & “Relentless Dissatisfaction” 28:51 Partner-Led Innovation & The Birth of Meal Simple 31:47 H-E-B Fandom & Flying Tortillas 32:58 Reverse Mentorship: Learning from Gen Z 34:31 Texans Serving Texans: Organic Disaster Relief 38:39 Career Advice for Grads: Go Beyond the Data 41:24 Core Lessons in Leadership & Closing

In this episode of Aggie Legends, host Ben Wiggins sits down with John Sherman, dean of Texas A&M’s Bush School of Government and Public Service and former chief information officer for both the U.S. Department of Defense and the U.S. Intelligence Community. A 1992 history graduate and former Corps of Cadets commander, Dean Sherman takes us from a campus crisis that made national headlines to the White House Situation Room on 9/11 to canceling multi-billion-dollar federal contracts — and back home to Aggieland as dean. Along the way, hear how he met his wife amid a controversy that nearly divided the Corps, what three decades in national security taught him about crisis leadership, and why he believes every leader needs the courage to say “I don’t know.” Whether you’re a student, a public servant, or a business leader, this conversation offers hard-won lessons on integrity, resilience, and lifelong learning.00:00 Intro: Meet Dean John Sherman 01:05 Corps of Cadets and the Call to Serve 02:08 A Rocky Start and a Turning Point 03:41 Crisis Command: Leading the Corps Through Scandal 05:58 A Love Story Born in Controversy 09:41 From History Major to Intelligence Officer 11:30 September 11th at the White House 15:39 9/11's Ripple Effect on Family 18:15 A Non-Linear Path to the Top 21:26 Learning From a Leadership Falling-Out 23:50 The Courage to Cancel Billion-Dollar Contracts 26:55 Serving Under Both Parties 29:54 Culture Across the Pentagon, White House, and CIA 33:10 The Pivot to Leading the Bush School 35:52 Becoming a Lifelong Learner 41:24 Advice for the Next Generation 42:40 Top Lessons in Leadership

Season 2 of Aggie Legends kicks off from Dude Perfect HQ3, where host Ben Wiggins ’07 ’18 sits down with founding members Garrett Hilbert ’10 and Cody Jones ’10 to unpack nearly 18 years of building one of the biggest sports and entertainment brands on the internet. Garrett and Cody take listeners back to the backyard basketball hoop that started it all, the surreal Good Morning America call two days after their first video went up, and the leap of faith that turned a hobby into five full-time careers. They get candid about the advice they were given early on — that a company built on best friends and family was doomed to fail — and how they’ve worked, fought, and grown to prove that wrong. From navigating a five-owner “Senate” style vote on major decisions, to the hard call to part ways with a family manager, to scaling a tight-knit culture from 20 employees to 75, this conversation is a masterclass in team dynamics, humility, and staying mission-driven in an industry built on chasing the algorithm. Whether you’re an Aggie with a passion project, a young professional trying to navigate conflict on a team, or just a longtime Dude Perfect fan, this episode is full of hard-won lessons on friendship, faith, and building something built to last. [00:00] Intro: Meet Garrett Hilbert and Cody Jones [01:37] The Backyard Bet and the Call from Good Morning America [03:13] Quitting Their Jobs: The Leap to Full-Time Dude Perfect [06:46] Finding Their Lanes: How Five Friends Divided the Business [08:27] The Pivot That Changed Everything: From Trick Shots to Personalities [12:59] Voting Like a Senate: Making Decisions as Five Equal Owners [14:41] "You Will Fail": Defying the Advice on Family and Business [20:17] Scaling Culture from 20 Employees to 75[27:39] Faith, Integrity, and Staying Aggie at the Core [33:15] Advice for Young Entrepreneurs: Have a Plan, Then Be Patient [38:37] Top Lessons in Leadership: Routine, Humility, and Self-Awareness

In this inspiring episode of Aggie Legends, Ben Wiggins sits down with Flip and Susan Flippen, founders of the Flippen Group and namesakes of the Flippen Leadership Institute at Texas A&M. United by a shared belief in the transformative power of character, education, and authentic connection, the Flippens recount their journeys from overcoming childhood challenges through building world-changing programs to creating a leadership legacy at Texas A&M. Discover the hidden assets that matter most in business and life, learn how to build trust and relationships intentionally, and hear how gratitude, honor, and living with purpose shape both the next generation and the leaders of today. Whether you’re a student, educator, or business builder, their insights into resilience, ethics, and valuing others illuminate what it means to lead with integrity and make a lasting impact.00:00 Intro: Meet Flip & Susan Flippen 01:15 Bringing Leadership Development Home to Texas A&M 02:27 Why Kids Matter: The Power of Shaping Young Lives 02:53 Adversity and Compassion: Childhood Challenges 05:03 Foster Care, Brokenness, and Potential 06:21 Bringing Out the Best: Unique Approach to Leadership & Marriage 07:56 Building High-Trust Teams: Relationships and Retention 09:25 Impact at Scale: Worldwide Reach 11:49 The Science of Connection: Neuroscience & Emotional Resonance 14:42 Good Things, Gratitude, and Reframing Hardship 16:26 The Assets That Matter Most: Character, Purpose, and Living Well 18:26 From Transactional to Transformational: Trust in Business 23:05 Ethical Dilemmas and Values in Action 24:25 Leadership Lessons: Honor, Alignment, and Accountability 25:58 Values in Practice: Building Team Culture 26:45 Closing Wisdom: Education, Character, and Purpose

In this episode of Aggie Legends, Ben Wiggins ’07 ’18 welcomes David Cordani ’88, chairman and CEO of The Cigna Group, back to Aggieland. From his blue-collar roots in Connecticut to the Fortune 500 C-suite, Cordani’s journey embodies hard work, service, entrepreneurial grit, and unyielding integrity. Discover how his formative years and A&M experience shaped a philosophy that leadership is a sacred privilege, not a right. Cordani shares stories from the boardroom and the race course, reflects on leading through crisis, and champions the power of micro-communities, inclusion, and perpetual personal growth. Whether you’re an aspiring leader, seasoned executive, or purpose-driven Aggie, this conversation is packed with actionable insights on authentic, resilient, sustainable leadership. 00:00 Intro: Meet David Cordani of Cigna 01:02 Blue-Collar Beginnings & Family Lessons 04:28 Choosing Texas A&M & A Values-Based Path 10:33 Purpose & Progress: Entering Health Care Leadership 12:21 Leading Health Forward: Innovation, Challenge & Choice 16:29 The New Frontiers: AI, Personalization & Inclusion in Leadership 30:32 Tested Values & Turning Points in Crisis 34:17 Endurance, Service & the Art of the Possible 43:56 Inclusion & Micro-Communities 50:41 Top Lessons in Leadership

In this episode of Aggie Legends, host Ben Wiggins sits down with Texas A&M University System Chancellor Glenn Hegar ’93. From his humble roots on a family farm to holding one of the most influential roles in Texas higher education, Chancellor Hegar shares the lessons and leadership principles that shaped his path. He discusses the importance of community, staying grounded, the value of curiosity, and leading with character and humility. Through stories of balancing public service and family life and building teams with diverse strengths, he reveals what it truly means to be an Aggie leader. Whether you’re a student, young professional, or seasoned executive, this episode offers insightful, actionable advice on authentic leadership, overcoming adversity, and building a legacy that lasts. 00:00 Intro: Meet Glenn Hegar 00:48 Rural Roots to Texas A&M 03:09 The Aggie Network: Lasting Community & Values 04:26 Curiosity & Questioning: Foundations for Leadership 06:22 Balancing Family and Public Service 08:08 Leading with Character and Humility 10:51 Stepping into the Chancellor Role 16:04 Building Teams and Listening 20:50 Leadership in Action 23:26 Perspective & Life Hacks: Resetting During Crisis 24:31 The Highest Purpose of Higher Education 25:47 Closing Wisdom: Advice for Students and Young Professionals

How do you build a legacy of leadership that blends kindness, hard work, and gratitude? In this powerful episode, Ben Wiggins ’07 ’18 sits down with Devina Rankin ’98 — Mays accounting graduate, former CFO of WM (Waste Management), cancer survivor, philanthropist, and visiting lecturer at Mays Business School — to explore her extraordinary journey. From her military family roots and her first job at Arthur Andersen in the age of the Enron scandal to becoming WM’s first female CFO, overcoming personal adversity, and giving back to the next generation, Devina shares career-shaping moments and the core values that have defined her life. Tune in for actionable lessons on integrity, resilience, and what it truly means to “bloom where you’re planted.” 00:00 Intro: Meet Devina Rankin 01:00 Finding Home at Texas A&M University 03:16 Academic Foundations & Early Influences 05:56 Integrity Under Fire: Lessons from Arthur Andersen & Enron 11:37 Transitioning from Workhorse to a Leader in Training 17:03 Bloom Where You’re Planted: Thriving in the Face of Adversity 18:18 Cancer, Resilience, and the Power of Positive Energy 23:38 Giving Back: Teaching, Philanthropy & the Next Generation 26:34 Leadership Lessons for Life

From first-generation college student to CEO of Humana and now interim CEO of HP, Bruce Broussard’s path was shaped by challenge, growth, and an unyielding commitment to doing the right thing. In this episode, Bruce sits down with host Ben Wiggins ’07 ’18 to share candid lessons from his Aggie journey and executive leadership — highlighting how mistakes, values, and mentors sparked his transformation as both a person and a leader. Get actionable insights on cultivating a growth mindset, building purposeful teams, learning from failure, and thriving through change. 00:00 Host’s Note 00:10 Intro: Meet Bruce Broussard 02:54 Texas A&M: Values, Friends, and and “Comfortable Pushes” 05:03 Early Career and Building Foundations for Growth 07:26 Servant Leadership: Doing the Right Thing in Business and Life 08:29 Lessons from Hurricanes: Purpose Over Practicality 13:10 The Role of Mentorship: What to Embrace and What to Leave Behind 16:26 Leadership Evolution: From Command and Control to Purpose and Ownership 22:09 Why Great Leaders Make Fewer Decisions 26:03 The Value of Mistakes: Owning Failures, Finding Strengths 32:11 Redefining Yourself: Transitions, Passions, and Lifelong Discovery ➡️ Subscribe to Aggie Legends on your favorite podcast platform or the Mays Business School channel for more business and leadership insights from successful Aggies!

In this episode, Dan Tinker, CEO of SRS Distribution, reveals how he built a multi-billion dollar company centered on people-first leadership. He shares his philosophy of respect, humility, and empowering and rewarding every employee, which led to a thriving culture and unprecedented success, including creating over 500 employee millionaires when the company was acquired by Home Depot. Discover his unique approach to business where everyone wins. 00:00 Intro: Meet Dan Tinker 00:56 Finding His Way (and Motivation) at Texas A&M 02:50 Early Career: Turning the Worst Branch into No. 1 05:06 Leadership: Vision and Servant Culture 09:24 Scaling: Tough Calls and Less Meetings 13:10 Evolving: Patience and Failing Forward 15:00 Risk: Small Bets, Big Learning 16:34 Career Pivot: Staying True to Values 19:12 Private Equity: the Pros and Cons 21:16 SRS: Culture as the North Star 25:13 “Have Fun”: Relationships and Tailgating 27:05 Culture Lesson: People Win 34:35 Leadership Lessons and Episode Wrap-Up ➡️ Subscribe to Aggie Legends on your favorite podcast platform or the Mays Business School channel for more business and leadership insights from successful Aggies!

Retired Abrigo CEO and former Dell and Rackspace executive Wayne Roberts ’85 joins host Ben Wiggins in an inspiring, wide-ranging conversation on discovering your strengths, leading by example, building a values-driven business, and living life with intention. Recorded in the Wayne Roberts ’85 Building at Mays Business School, this episode traces Wayne’s unexpected path to Texas A&M, his philosophy on company culture, lessons learned through personal adversity, and his vision for a meaningful legacy. Discover actionable lessons in leadership, the critical role of organizational culture, and practical wisdom for finding fulfillment in work and life. 00:00 Intro: Meet Retired CEO Wayne Roberts  01:09 From Austin to Aggieland 03:57 Early Career: Listening to Others vs. Finding Purpose 05:04 Personal Crisis: Resilience through Adversity 09:41 Discovering Strengths: Dell, Rackspace, and the Builder Mindset 12:40 Culture & Values: Beyond Buzzwords  16:50 Leading through Personal Trials & Transitioning Leadership 20:13 Philanthropy and Legacy Building 21:19 Essential Leadership Lessons for Future Generations 28:27 Episode Wrap-up 🔔 Subscribe for insightful conversations with Aggie Legends shaping the future of business. #AggieLegends #WayneRoberts #tamu #Leadership #CompanyCulture #MaysBusinessSchool #Legacy #StrengthsFinder #CEO #ExecutiveInsights #AggieNetwork

Unlock insights into leadership, career growth, and global impact with the premiere episode of Aggie Legends from Mays Business School at Texas A&M University. Host Ben Wiggins sits down with Darren Woods, chairman and CEO of ExxonMobil to learn about his journey to the C-suite and what it’s like leading one of the world’s largest companies. 00:00 Intro: Meet CEO Darren Woods 00:50 Texas A&M: Values & Leadership Roots 02:26 Engineering to MBA: Business Acumen 04:31 Continuous Learning: Grow Your Career 07:31 Global Leadership: Adapting to Change 11:07 Ethical Leadership: Do the Right Thing 15:04 The CEO’s Burden: Embracing Responsibility 21:07 ExxonMobil: A Molecule Tech Company 25:10 Energy Transition: Strategic Insights 31:31 True Leadership: Serve & Know Yourself 33:05 Family’s Influence on a CEO’s Journey 34:50 Episode Wrap-up ➡️ Subscribe to Aggie Legends on your favorite podcast platform or the Mays Business School channel for more business and leadership insights from successful Aggies! #AggieLegends #DarrenWoods #ExxonMobil #tamu #MaysBusinessSchool #LeadershipDevelopment #CEO #EnergyTransition #CareerGrowth #Innovation #AggieNetwork #BusinessLeadership #GlobalImpact #ExecutiveInsights

Aggie Legends is a podcast that showcases the extraordinary leadership journeys of former Texas A&M students who are making a global impact across business, government, military, entertainment, athletics, and beyond. Each episode features an in-depth conversation with a distinguished Aggie leader, exploring how Texas A&M shaped their path, the defining leadership lessons they’ve learned, and the ways they are transforming the world through their talents.