In this episode of SMU Stories, we sit down with Andy Patel, co-founder of Journey Capital and proud SMU alumnus. Andy earned his BBA from SMU in 2012 and later returned to complete his MBA in 2016. As the driving force behind Journey Capital, a Dallas-based real estate investment, development, and acquisition firm specializing in senior living, Andy has built a career rooted in his family’s rich legacy in hospitality, which began with a single motel acquisition in 1977. Since 2016, he and his co-founder Narayan have been passionately dedicated to creating engaged senior communities, using their hospitality expertise to make a meaningful impact.

Andy credits his SMU education with playing a vital role in shaping his entrepreneurial journey and business acumen. From valuable mentorships to the strong network of fellow Mustangs, SMU has been a cornerstone of his success, providing the skills and connections that helped launch Journey Capital. Join us as we explore Andy's journey from SMU to senior living, his insights on entrepreneurship, and how SMU continues to influence his mission to transform the senior living experience.

In this SMU Stories interview, we sit down with Heather Gilker, founder and principal of Tokalon Advisors LLC and Managing Director of Pickwick Capital, to discuss her influential career and the pivotal role SMU has played in her journey. Heather brings over 25 years of experience in investing, community engagement, and strategy, with a distinct focus on sustainability and impact investing. As Executive Director of the North Texas Chapter of the SWAN Impact Network, she dedicates her efforts to advancing early-stage investments that create meaningful social impact. Her work through Tokalon Advisors exemplifies her mission of fostering a robust impact investment ecosystem in DFW and Texas.

Heather's time at SMU’s Cox School of Business, where she now serves on the Advisory Board of the Alternative Asset Management Center, equipped her with the skills and network that have driven her successful career in finance and impact investing. From leading the Southwest development for Fidelity Family Office Services to serving as a judge for Lyda Hill Philanthropies’ Lone Star Prize, Heather continues to contribute to innovative initiatives and sustainability-focused strategies. In this conversation, we explore how her experiences at SMU shaped her path and continue to influence her work in building a better, more sustainable community.

In this episode of SMU Stories, we sit down with Suresh Narayanan, a visionary leader whose career spans entrepreneurship, investment, and deep-rooted dedication to the aviation industry. A pilot himself, Suresh’s aviation journey began as a child in his parents’ repair station, inspired by his father’s work as a former Concorde mechanic. With a bachelor’s from Florida State and an MBA from SMU, Suresh’s impressive path includes building the aerospace engineering powerhouse, AQRD, alongside his brother, and serving as COO of JSX, where he honed his expertise in mergers, acquisitions, and innovative operations.

Now the founder of Jets MRO, Suresh is redefining industry standards with a people-first approach, an ethos that has garnered him respect and admiration across the aviation world. Beyond his professional achievements, he remains an active contributor to the aviation community as a YPO-North Texas member and board member at the Frontiers of Flight Museum. Join us as Suresh shares insights into his career journey, his passion for aviation, and his commitment to elevating how the industry treats its people.

Welcome to The QB Chronicles: An SMU Football Podcast with Garrett Gilbert and Kyle Padron! Join former SMU quarterbacks Garrett and Kyle as they break down each week's game, offering insights from their own experiences on the field. In addition to game analysis, we’ll also bring you special episodes featuring interviews with past and present SMU players, sharing their stories and perspectives. Whether you’re a die-hard Mustang fan or just love football, this podcast is your go-to source for all things SMU football. Pony Up!

Welcome to The QB Chronicles: An SMU Football Podcast with Garrett Gilbert and Kyle Padron! Join former SMU quarterbacks Garrett and Kyle as they break down each week's game, offering insights from their own experiences on the field. In addition to game analysis, we’ll also bring you special episodes featuring interviews with past and present SMU players, sharing their stories and perspectives. Whether you’re a die-hard Mustang fan or just love football, this podcast is your go-to source for all things SMU football. Pony Up!

In this episode of SMU Stories, we sit down with Jeff Ordner, CEO Ordner Construction. 

Join us as Jeff reflects on his journey from SMU to becoming a leader of his family-owned construction company, sharing valuable insights on leadership, construction, and the power of relationships. With wealth of construction experience and a strong connection to the SMU community, Jeff offers a unique perspective on how his time at the university shaped his career.

Whether you're an aspiring business leader, an SMU alum, or someone interested in the banking world, this conversation is filled with wisdom and inspiration.

Subscribe to the channel for more stories from SMU alumni and business leaders who are making an impact!

#SMU #Realestate  #BusinessLeadership #SMUAlumni #SMUStories #Construction  #Leadership #SMUBusiness #1911Group

Welcome to The QB Chronicles: An SMU Football Podcast with Garrett Gilbert and Kyle Padron! Join former SMU quarterbacks Garrett and Kyle as they break down each week's game, offering insights from their own experiences on the field. In addition to game analysis, we’ll also bring you special episodes featuring interviews with past and present SMU players, sharing their stories and perspectives. Whether you’re a die-hard Mustang fan or just love football, this podcast is your go-to source for all things SMU football. Pony Up!

Welcome to The QB Chronicles: An SMU Football Podcast with Garrett Gilbert and Kyle Padron! Join former SMU quarterbacks Garrett and Kyle as they break down each week's game, offering insights from their own experiences on the field. In addition to game analysis, we’ll also bring you special episodes featuring interviews with past and present SMU players, sharing their stories and perspectives. Whether you’re a die-hard Mustang fan or just love football, this podcast is your go-to source for all things SMU football. Pony Up!

SMU Stories - Interview with Melissa Kalka: Navigating Law, Life, and Leadership

In this episode of SMU Stories, we sit down with Melissa Kalka, a prominent attorney and SMU alumna, to discuss her journey from law school to partner at Kirkland & Ellis. Melissa shares her insights on the challenges and rewards of a career in big law, balancing work with family life, and staying connected to the SMU community.

She also talks about her time at Southern Methodist University, how it shaped her career, and the role mentorship played in her success. This conversation is filled with valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, especially those looking to make their mark in the legal world.

Tune in to hear Melissa’s inspiring story and learn from her experiences!

In this SMU Stories podcast conversation, we sit down with Alex Linn and Ryan Dalton, co-founders of Shipshape.ai, a company that uses artificial intelligence to help homeowners manage and maintain their homes more efficiently. Both Alex and Ryan, with backgrounds rooted in technology and innovation, share the vision behind Shipshape.ai, explaining how their platform optimizes home maintenance through AI-driven insights.

They discuss the challenges of founding a startup, their entrepreneurial journey, and how their time at SMU contributed to shaping their careers. Alex and Ryan delve into the company’s mission to simplify homeownership, touching on the technological solutions they’ve created to monitor systems like HVAC, plumbing, and electrical infrastructure, providing homeowners with real-time diagnostics and action plans.

The conversation highlights the importance of sustainable, proactive home management, and how Shipshape.ai aims to improve the lives of homeowners by reducing unexpected repairs and extending the life of home systems. Alex and Ryan also reflect on the lessons learned from their SMU experience and how those have influenced their approach to business and leadership.