In this episode of Gone to Texas, "Super" Dave Quinn talks with Alan Clipperton, Vice President for Global Initiatives and Industry Engagement at LeTourneau University. Alan shares how the university supports industry in East Texas through technical education, hands-on projects, and workforce development. He breaks down how LeTourneau partners with local businesses for applied learning and senior design projects, giving students practical experience while addressing real-world business challenges. The conversation also covers the process of moving university-driven intellectual property from ideas to commercial ventures, and the timelines and complexities involved.

The discussion highlights the importance of personal motivation alongside technical skills, reflecting on changes in the workforce, and the evolving role of technology and automation in education and industry. Alan outlines ways businesses can engage with LeTourneau to find solutions for their workforce or technical needs and points out how the university’s approach aligns with the diverse industries in the Kilgore area. The episode wraps up with the significance of building closer relationships between the university, the economic development corporations, and local businesses to leverage regional growth and talent development. 

Key Topics Discussed:

• LeTourneau University’s role in supporting local industry
• Partnering with businesses through education, applied learning, and senior design projects
• Managing intellectual property and entrepreneurship at the university
• The impact of work ethic and motivation in workforce development
• Adapting to rapid industry changes and new technologies
• Collaboration with Kilgore Economic Development Corporation
• Opportunities for businesses to connect with LeTourneau for workforce and technical needs

Get your free Texas business expansion or relocation resources today by visiting www.TexasEDConnection.com

In this episode of Gone to Texas, hosts Brit Blacklidge and "Super" Dave Quinn sit down with Brit Blacklidge, President of Blacklidge, a fourth-generation family-owned asphalt materials company. Brit shares the history of the company, how he stepped into a leadership role at a young age, and the challenges and rewards of running a family business. He speaks candidly about the realities of work-life balance, the importance of assembling a strong team, and how faith and resilience are crucial to his business journey.

The conversation shifts to Blackledge’s expansion into Texas, including why they chose Fairfield as their newest location. Brit breaks down the process of relocating a business to Texas, his experience partnering with the Fairfield Economic Development Corporation, and the practical challenges such as workforce and housing shortages. The episode also touches on what Always the Better Road means for Blackledge, emphasizing a commitment to quality and reliability in their products and workplace culture. Brit closes with advice for business owners considering Texas, highlighting the state’s business-friendly attitude and the supportive community he’s found in Fairfield.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The family history and background of Blackledge
• Challenges and rewards of running a family business
• The realities of work-life balance for business owners
• Why Blackledge expanded to Texas and why they chose Fairfield
• Navigating local partnerships and economic development support
• Overcoming practical challenges like workforce and housing shortages
• Company values: quality, reliability, and the meaning of "Always the Better Road"
• The importance of company culture and employee empowerment
• The Texas business environment and support for new businesses
• Recommendations for policymakers on workforce and trade education
• Local insights and what makes Fairfield stand out

Get your free Texas business expansion or relocation resources today by visiting www.TexasEDConnection.com

"Super" Dave sits down with Paula Phillips, a nationally certified occupational therapist and founder of Calibrating Lyfe, to discuss the importance of proactive health strategies for business owners and employees. Drawing on her extensive experience in hospitals and rehabilitation centers, Paula talks about the gaps in traditional rehabilitation systems and shares how her approach as a quality of life consultant helps individuals and organizations plan for wellness before illness or injury strikes.

The conversation explores practical daily habits, the value of baseline health awareness, and the unique advantages of living and operating a wellness-focused business in Fairview, Texas. Dave and Paula also talk about how quality of life consulting provides actionable strategies for managing health risks and transitions, and how businesses benefit from supporting employee wellness. Paula talks about the supportive community in Fairview, her motivation behind founding Calibrating Life, and advice for entrepreneurs considering relocation to Texas.

To find out more about Paula, visit: https://calibratinglyfe.com/

Get your free Texas business expansion or relocation resources today by visiting www.TexasEDConnection.com

In this episode, Dave sits down with Alan Pollard, Vice President of SATCOM Antenna Products at CPI, to discuss the unique success story of CPI’s Kilgore, Texas operation. The conversation traces CPI’s impressive 50-year history and global reach as the world’s largest antenna systems supplier. Alan shares how Kilgore’s available resources, skilled labor, and welcoming community made it a logical and strategic home for a world-class manufacturer in the heart of East Texas.

They also talk about community partnerships that have been key to CPI’s growth, including working with the Kilgore Economic Development Corporation and local educational institutions. Alan highlights CPI’s cutting-edge advances like AI integration and 3D printing, and reflects on how Kilgore’s supportive and collaborative culture, affordable cost of living, and diverse workforce have enabled the company—and other incoming businesses—to thrive. Alan also offers advice for any business owner considering relocation to Texas and to smaller markets like Kilgore that offer big advantages.

Key Topics Discussed:

• CPI’s evolution from RMS and Vertex to a global leader in antenna manufacturing
• Why Kilgore was selected and remains the hub for CPI’s operations
• The company’s worldwide impact, supplying both commercial and military markets
• Community partnerships: Kilgore Economic Development Corporation and Kilgore College
• Recruitment and labor strategies, from skilled labor to engineering talent
• Emphasis on community integration, support, and STEM education
• Adoption of emerging technologies: AI and 3D printing
• The appeal and value of doing business in smaller Texas communities
• Alan’s advice for businesses considering a move to Kilgore or Texas overall
• Local culture, dining, and quality of life in Kilgore

Get your free Texas business expansion or relocation resources today by visiting www.TexasEDConnection.com

Dave welcomes Dr. Neil Matkin, President of Collin College, to discuss the explosive growth and innovation taking place within both Collin County and the college itself. They talk about how Collin College has risen to the challenge of serving a rapidly developing region, not just by reacting to workforce demands, but proactively shaping them through strategic planning, partnerships, and a commitment to keeping education and training affordable. Dr. Matkin shares insights into the college’s guiding vision, grounded in big goals and a desire to be recognized as the best community college in the nation. 

They also talk about how Collin College works closely with local businesses, school districts, and communities to create a robust talent pipeline, ensuring that students are equipped with practical, job-ready skills that meet evolving economic needs. Dr. Neil Matkin highlights the importance of regional collaboration, the benefits of dual credit and affordable bachelor’s degree programs, and the value of partnerships that transcend municipal boundaries. The episode wraps with reflections on the small-town values that persist even as North Texas experiences remarkable growth, and a personal look at Dr. Neil Matkin’s favorite ways to unwind.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Collin College’s ambitious growth strategy and master planning
• The importance of serving diverse communities across Collin, Rockwall, and Denton counties
• Investments in affordable education, including low tuition and bachelor’s degrees under $15K
• Proactive, employer-driven workforce development and skills training
• Strategic partnerships with ISDs, cities, EDCs, and major employers
• Dual credit opportunities for high school students
• Regional collaboration as a force-multiplier for communities and business owners
• Current and emerging workforce demands in aerospace, IT, healthcare, and construction
• Maintaining small-town values amid rapid metropolitan growth
• Dr. Matkin’s personal reflections on leadership, community, and family

Get your free Texas business expansion or relocation resources today by visiting www.TexasEDConnection.com

In this episode, Dave continues the Texas 12 with another Fairview discussion as he welcomes Jeff Schafer. They dive deep into what it takes for businesses to not only relocate to Texas, but to truly flourish in the state’s unique entrepreneurial environment.  Jeff is a fourth-generation entrepreneur and certified EOS implementer. He shares his journey from Vancouver, Canada, to North Texas, offering insights on scaling a business, overcoming growth plateaus, and finding a supportive community. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing operational blind spots, distinguishing between leadership and management, and adopting systems that enable both personal and organizational growth.
 
They reflect on the collaborative business culture of Texas, highlighting the willingness of local professionals and organizations to support newcomers. They also explore the human side of relocation, discussing how clarity in vision and values impacts not just the company but employees and their families. 

Key Topics Discussed:

• The process and emotional realities of relocating a business to Texas
• How Texas distinguishes itself with a supportive, opportunity-focused business culture
• Challenges related to taxes, legal, and operational complexities for newcomers
• Importance of separating leadership from management, and the Visionary/Integrator dynamic
• The role of core values in team performance and organizational health
• Strategies for unlocking growth and overcoming the plateau
• Why finding the right community and connections accelerates success
• Actionable steps for overwhelmed business owners (getting help, reading the “label,” considering a system like EOS)

Get your free Texas business expansion or relocation resources today by visiting www.TexasEDConnection.com

In the first of our special series of Gone To Texas, highlighting Kilgore, TX, Dave sits down with Lisa Denton, Executive Director of the Kilgore Economic Development Corporation. The conversation opens with a look at Kilgore’s history and its transformation from an oil boomtown to a diversified industrial center. Lisa shares how Kilgore’s industrial tax base has grown 551% since the formation of the Kilgore EDC in 1990, despite setbacks from the loss of legacy energy companies.

The discussion highlights the features and advantages of Synergy Park, a Class A campus-style industrial park with amenities like nature trails and a stocked lake, designed to attract and retain skilled workers. Lisa Denton talks about Kilgore’s commitment to building relationships with businesses and helping them succeed by providing ongoing support, connecting them to resources, and facilitating access to workforce training through local colleges. The episode also covers Kilgore's approach to regional and global competition, efforts in marketing and international outreach, and ongoing projects and expansions by companies such as Skeeter Boats and Camfil.

Get your free Texas business expansion or relocation resources today by visiting www.TexasEDConnection.com

In this episode, "Super" Dave is joined by Nadim Ahmed, owner of two Venture X locations to talk about the entrepreneurial journey. Nadim shares his own story of transitioning from an engineering and corporate background to owning and operating two Venture X coworking locations in the Dalla and Fairview areas. Nadim also shares his personal story from immigrating to the U.S. as a child, to discovering his passion for how spaces influence creativity and productivity, to ultimately building thriving communities for entrepreneurs and small business owners.

They also discuss the nuances of entrepreneurship, including the often-overlooked challenges faced by small business owners, the critical importance of choosing the right environment for business growth, and the value of building intentional, supportive communities. Nadim talks about how Venture X is designed to remove operational burdens from entrepreneurs so they can focus on their core work, while also fostering connections that combat the isolation many business owners experience. The episode also touches on the benefits of doing business in Texas and Fairview’s unique position as a hidden gem for growing enterprises.

To learn more and connect with Nadim, visit: www.VentureX.com

Key Topics Discussed:

• Strategic reasons for bringing Venture X locations to Dallas and Fairview, and what sets these communities apart
• The importance of environment on productivity and mental health for entrepreneurs
• Common pitfalls for new business owners and the unique operational challenges they face
• The value of community, connection, and supportive networks in coworking spaces
• How Texas—and specifically Fairview—offers advantages like cost-effectiveness, strategic location, and an entrepreneurial ecosystem
• Advice for companies considering relocating to Texas, emphasizing the need to integrate with local communities and understand regional business nuances
• Ways in which Venture X supports small and mid-sized businesses beyond offering office space

Get your free Texas business expansion or relocation resources today by visiting www.TexasEDConnection.com

In this episode, "Super" Dave sits down with Lisa Denton, Executive Director of the Kilgore Economic Development Corporation (KEDC), to spotlight Kilgore, Texas and its impressive transformation over the past 35 years. Lisa recounts Kilgore's legacy as the "world's richest acre" due to its oil boom history and details the community’s pivot toward a diversified industrial economy following turbulent years in the oil and gas sector. With a 551% increase in Kilgore's industrial tax base from 1990 to 2025, Lisa Denton credits the unified mission of local partners, including the city, county, and higher education institutions, for shaping Kilgore into an economic powerhouse in East Texas.

The episode also highlights Synergy Park, Kilgore's Class A, campus-style industrial park, which offers not just shovel-ready sites for businesses but unique amenities like nature trails and a stocked lake for employees and residents. Lisa discusses how Kilgore's collaborative, hands-on approach and commitment to customer service make it an attractive destination for companies from around the world seeking efficient support and lower operational costs. They also discuss how Kilgore supports relocating businesses, ranging from international manufacturers to globally recognized brands like Skeeter Boats and why Kilgore stands out as a model for economic development succe.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The founding and mission of Kilgore Economic Development Corporation (KEDC)
• The significant 551% growth in Kilgore’s industrial tax base over 35 years
• Importance of business retention, expansion, and personalized support from the KEDC
• Features and amenities of Synergy Park, including its unique appeal to companies and employees
• Collaborative relationships with city, county, and higher education partners
• Success stories (e.g., Skeeter Boats, Merit Preferred Components, and other manufacturers)
• Regional teamwork in attracting global business investments
• The role of customer service and community culture in economic development
• Lisa's favorite local restaurants and tips for visiting business owners

Get your free Texas business expansion or relocation resources today by visiting www.TexasEDConnection.com

Super Dave Quinn is joined by Joe Wallace, plant manager of Saputo Foods in Sulphur Springs, Texas, for an engaging conversation on community, company culture, and business growth in a rural setting. Joe Wallace shares his personal journey from starting as a young, entry-level employee at the plant to managing over 550 employees today, reflecting on how curiosity, dedication, and a focus on people propelled both his career and the facility's success. 

They discuss the importance of holistic employee engagement, notably lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how hands-on training and environment contribute to workforce stability and satisfaction. Joe explores the unique attributes that make Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County an attractive location for business and family life. The episode touches on the value of local leadership, community involvement, and a supportive culture that extends beyond the workplace. They also talk about why business owners should consider relocating or expanding to communities like Sulphur Springs, focusing on the significance of authentic engagement and integration with the local community.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Saputo Foods’ product evolution and focus on coffee creamers
• Impact of COVID-19 on training, employee engagement, and workforce stability
• Creation of the Saputo Training Center for hands-on learning
• Strategies for attracting and retaining workers in a rural location
• Importance of company and community culture in business success
• Effects of Saputo’s acquisition and maintaining local identity
• Sulphur Springs' unique blend of small-town values and opportunities for growth
• Advice for business owners on engagement and communication with employees
• Highlights of local spots and events that build community identity

Get your free Texas business expansion or relocation resources today by visiting www.TexasEDConnection.com