Southern Methodist University isn’t trying to become Wall Street—and Dean Todd Milbourn is clear about that. What SMU Cox is doing is building a modern business school designed for a fast-shifting economy where talent, adaptability, and real-world engagement matter more than tradition alone.In this episode, Milbourn breaks down how SMU Cox is operating more like a holding company than a legacy institution, with professional schools serving as economic engines that fund long-term academic investment. He explains why the move to the ACC has been a major academic accelerant, how AI is reshaping both jobs and curriculum, and why entrepreneurial thinking—not just entrepreneurship—is becoming a core skill for every graduate.

The conversation spans the business of higher education, the role of athletics in institutional momentum, and SMU Cox’s position as a talent pipeline for Dallas as finance, energy, and technology continue to converge. This is a candid look at how a business school competes, adapts, and grows in a world where standing still is not an option.

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WHAT WE COVER

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• The Institutional Risk of Higher Education

• University as a Holding Company

• Athletics as a Strategic Accelerant

• AI Disruption and Talent Resiliency

• The CEO-Partnership Model

• Y'all Street and Global Capital Relocation

• The Net IQ Importer

• Scaling the Venture Ecosystem

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📱CONNECT WITH US

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The Deal Table is Produced by Harper Belmont Media

Sponsored by:

Capital Southwest | https://capitalsouthwest.com

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#highereducation #capitalstructure #corporategovernance #assetmanagement #venturecapital #economicgrowth

Texas is growing faster than almost anywhere in the U.S.—1,200 new residents every day, three new subdivisions on average, and booming demand for homes, offices, and data centers. Land strategy, phased development, and infrastructure planning drive long-term value, while energy supply and city regulations set critical limits.

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WHAT WE COVER

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• The Texas Triangle Economy: Why this region is the 5th strongest economy in the U.S. and why its "sticky" population ensures long-term growth.

• The Entitlement Machine: A masterclass on how to navigate zoning, engineering, and city council politics to unlock land value.

• AI & Data Center Infrastructure: The massive power demands of modern data centers and the $20M+ investment required for "powered sites."

• The Case for Nuclear: Why current energy sources can't keep up with Texas’s 2030 population projections.

• Solving Chronic Homelessness: An empathetic look at the legislative gaps in mental health stabilization and the reality of addiction on our streets.• The "Flight to Quality": How the office and retail markets are shifting toward high-end, experiential spaces.

• Building Generational Wealth: How Scott’s team sources off-market deals to turn multi-generational family farms into multi-million dollar legacies.

• Developing Resilience: Lessons from "Cold Call Cowboys" and why the younger generation needs to embrace the "muscle" of rejection.

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📱 CONNECT WITH US

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The Deal Table is Produced by Harper Belmont Media

Sponsored by: Capital Southwest | https://capitalsouthwest.com

Follow The Deal Table:

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#thedealtable #realestateinvesting #privateequity #texasrealestate #landdevelopment #housingmarket #datacenters #infrastructure #investmentstrategy #mergersandacquisitions

JJ Barto of Broadwing Capital explains how lower middle market private equity actually works—partnering with founder-owned businesses, navigating first-time institutional capital, and creating value through disciplined execution rather than financial engineering.A grounded look at how durable lower middle market businesses are built, transitioned, and scaled—without relying on leverage-driven shortcuts or headline risk.

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WHAT WE COVER

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• Defining the LMM: Broadwing Capital’s $5M–$50M EBITDA investment thesis.

• The Founder Identity Crisis: Navigating the shift from sole owner to institutional partner.

• The "Soft Elbows" Philosophy: Balancing high financial IQ with operator-level humility.

• Deal Mechanics: Structuring equity rolls and the "second bite at the apple."

• Due Diligence Stress Tests: Surviving the 90-day Quality of Earnings (QofE) process.

• Value Creation Roadmaps: Aligning strategy and "exit states" before the deal closes.

• PE vs. Family Offices: Comparing capital structures and investor time horizons.

• The 70/30 Rubric: Why 30% industry nuance drives "rocket ship" growth.

• Macro Risk & Tariffs: How economic uncertainty suppresses buyer and seller expectations.

• The Human Capital Challenge: CEO cultivation and aligning Type A management teams.

• The Liberal Arts Edge: Why critical thinking and history outperform technical finance degrees.

• Platform vs. Add-on Strategy: When to pool regional firms into a "super-provider."

• LMM Evolution: The transition from the "Wild West" to a sophisticated asset class.

• Operational Discipline: Why consistent execution separates great investments from average ones.

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📱 CONNECT WITH US

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The Deal Table is Produced by Harper Belmont Media

Sponsored by: Capital Southwest | https://capitalsouthwest.com

Follow The Deal Table:

https://www.instagram.com/thedealtablepodcast/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-deal-table/

Follow Ryan Harper:

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#TheDealTable #privateequity #businessexitstrategy #valuecreation #capitalmarkets #mergersandacquisitions

Dan Hunt outlines the business logic behind FC Dallas, continuous stadium reinvestment, and North Texas’ World Cup 2026 strategy. He explains how capital allocation, infrastructure upgrades, and market integrity translate into durable economic impact.

WHAT WE COVER

• The Hunt family’s long-term investment thesis in American soccer

• Dan Hunt’s role running the business side of FC Dallas vs. on-field decision-making

• How MLS nearly collapsed in 2001—and the ownership intervention that saved the league

• Stadium reinvestment as a value-creation strategy and economic engine

• Capital planning behind Toyota Stadium’s $200M redevelopment and new Mansfield stadium

• World Cup 2026 strategy and why North Texas expects the largest economic impact

• How global sporting events function as long-term commercials for cities

• The role of legacy ownership and family governance in professional sports

• Risks to sports integrity from gambling and the impact on fandom

• Youth development systems and why North Texas produces sustained soccer talent

• Diversification across sports, real estate, and operating businesses

• Balancing entrepreneurship, professional management teams, and family culture

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📱 CONNECT WITH US

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The Deal Table is Produced by Harper Belmont Media

Sponsored by: Capital Southwest | https://capitalsouthwest.com

Follow The Deal Table:

https://www.instagram.com/thedealtablepodcast/

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Follow Ryan Harper:

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Navigating a founder-led exit is more than just a transaction—it’s a pivotal moment for a business and its owners. John Willding breaks down how private equity and strategic buyers differ, why early planning and quality-of-earnings analysis matter, and how thoughtful deal structuring drives long-term value.

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WHAT WE COVER

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• How founder-operators should approach life-altering M&A transactions

• Differences between private equity and strategic buyers and implications for deal structure

• Planning for M&A well in advance, including quality-of-earnings analysis and due diligence

• Asset vs. equity sales, tax considerations, and partnership agreements

• Structuring deals to retain employees and maximize transaction value

• Navigating regulatory frameworks, including securities and fund formation rules

• The role of specialized legal expertise in unlocking complex transactions

• Long-term relationship-building and strategic positioning to create value in the mid-market

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📱 CONNECT WITH US

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The Deal Table is Produced by Harper Belmont Media

Sponsored by: Capital Southwest | https://capitalsouthwest.com

Follow The Deal Table:

https://www.instagram.com/thedealtablepodcast/

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#TheDealTable #PrivateEquity #MiddleMarketMergers #FundFormation #CorporateLaw #MergersAndAcquisitions #DealStructuring #FounderCompanies #BusinessTransactions #InvestmentLaw

Buddy Ozanne, founder of Property Advisors Inc., discusses the evolution of wealth management and the critical components of long-term estate preservation. The conversation covers his transition from a transactional insurance model in the 1970s to becoming a pioneer in the fee-only RIA space.

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Key Takeaways

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-The transition from transactional sales to fee-based fiduciary advice.

-How to transfer "Intellectual Capital" to heirs who haven't met you yet.

-The "Moneyball" approach to investing: Why you don't need home runs to win.

-The origin story of the SMU "Boulevard".

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📱 CONNECT WITH US

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The Deal Table is Produced by Harper Belmont Media & proudly sponsored by:

Vela Wood | https://velawood.com

Capital Southwest | https://capitalsouthwest.com

Follow The Deal Table:

https://www.instagram.com/thedealtablepodcast/

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Follow Ryan Harper:

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#TheDealTable #WealthManagement #EstatePlanning #FeeOnlyAdvisor #CapitalPreservation #LongTermInvesting #PortfolioStrategy #GenerationalWealth

Tailwater Capital’s Jason Downie and Edward Herring examine today’s U.S. energy crunch driven by AI demand, population growth, and infrastructure constraints. They discuss nuclear’s comeback and how disciplined investors are positioning for long-term value in a market defined by reliability and capital scarcity.

WHAT WE COVER

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• U.S. energy shortfall and the need for reliable baseload power

• The role of nuclear energy in meeting future energy demand

• AI-driven energy demand and infrastructure implications

• Impact of the shale revolution on U.S. oil and gas production

• Tailwater Capital’s investment strategy across midstream, upstream, and royalties

• Private capital solving energy infrastructure bottlenecks

• Differences between renewable energy and reliable conventional energy

• Evolution and growth of Tailwater Capital since 2013

• Culture, decision-making, and partnership dynamics at Tailwater

• Target returns, risk discipline, and avoiding hyper-leverage

• Decline of institutional energy investment and rise of family office capital

• Competition and consolidation in energy-focused private equity

• Government policy, ESG considerations, and global energy perspectives

CONNECT WITH US

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The Deal Table is Produced by Harper Belmont Media & proudly sponsored by:

Vela Wood | https://velawood.com

Capital Southwest | https://capitalsouthwest.com

Follow The Deal Table:

https://www.instagram.com/thedealtablepodcast/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-deal-table/

Follow Ryan Harper:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryansharper/

https://www.instagram.com/ryansharper/

Follow Lane Carrick:

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Tracy “DOC” Curry transformed a career setback into a platform for measurable impact. Through DOC CARES, the Dreams Experience Academy, and global minority ownership ventures, he links music, AI, and mentorship to educational outcomes and sustainable social growth.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

• Lessons from 40+ years of personal and professional growth

• Faith, perseverance, and using life’s challenges to reinvent yourself

• Hip hop roots: artistry, protest, and cultural impact

• Mentorship and supporting young artists in South Dallas

• Preserving musical legacy through AI and innovation

• Community building: music infrastructure, education, and commerce

• Reflections on working with iconic artists like Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg

• Navigating the evolving music, film, and streaming industries

• Sports ownership and cultural exchange: Dallas Cowboys and Manchester football

• Life philosophy: family, wealth, happiness, and purpose-driven success

Guest: Tracy 'The D.O.C.' Curry

American Rapper and Songwriter

FOLLOW THE DEAL TABLE

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HOSTS

Ryan Harper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryansharper/

Lane Carrick: https://www.linkedin.com/in/b-lane-carrick-65a728/

Newsletter: https://share.hsforms.com/1Tfx_WobCTPuXWenG1-69EQoavsd

Sponsored by Vela Wood & Capital Southwest

The Texas Stock Exchange (TXSE) is reshaping America’s capital markets. Nicole Chambers, Global Managing Director and former NASDAQ executive, explains why the U.S. has fallen from 9,000 to 4,400 public companies, how exchange regulation pushed issuers away, and why Texas is becoming a new financial power center.

Nicole breaks down the decline of public listings, the shift of financial talent from New York to Texas, and how TXSE—backed by BlackRock, Citadel, and Charles Schwab—plans to launch in 2026 with a pro-issuer model built for modern companies.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

• Why U.S. public companies fell from 9,000 to 4,400

• How TXSE plans to challenge the NYSE and NASDAQ

• Why Dallas is emerging as a global financial hub

• Texas vs. Delaware corporate law advantages

• Why major investors like Citadel, Schwab, and BlackRock back TXSE

• TXSE’s launch timeline for 2026

• What “Wall Street to Y’all Street” really means

Guest: Nicole Chambers

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-chambers-55a86113/

TXSE: https://www.txse.com

TXSE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/txse

FOLLOW THE DEAL TABLE

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedealtablepodcast/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-deal-table/

HOSTS

Ryan Harper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryansharper/

Lane Carrick: https://www.linkedin.com/in/b-lane-carrick-65a728/

Newsletter: https://share.hsforms.com/1Tfx_WobCTPuXWenG1-69EQoavsd

Topics: Finance, Capital Markets, Investing, Public Companies, Economic Policy, Texas Business, Stock Exchanges, Wall Street, NASDAQ, Market Regulation.

Energy investing, private equity strategy, and the career mindset behind “The Fastest Tortoise.” Ken Hersh breaks down risk, resilience, decision-making, and the leadership principles that shaped modern energy finance. He explains operators vs. assets, probabilistic thinking, market cycles, and why “yellow lights don’t turn green.”Ken served as President & CEO of the George W. Bush Presidential Center from 2016–2025, overseeing the Bush Library, Museum, and Institute. Before that, he co-founded NGP Energy Capital Management in 1988 and built it into one of the nation’s leading natural resources private equity firms—investing over $12B and generating a 27-year, 30% annualized return.A longtime philanthropist and board leader, Ken shares why meaningful progress comes from embracing discomfort, betting on yourself, and staying focused through cycles rather than chasing perfect conditions or quick wins.

Get his book - The Fastest Tortoise: Winning in Industries I Knew Nothing About: https://amzn.to/4i9ZU5H

Season 2 of The Deal Table is brought to you by our partners, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Vela Wood⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠Capital Southwest⁠⁠⁠⁠- supporting the conversations that move deals forward.

Follow The Deal Table:https://www.instagram.com/thedealtablepodcast/https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-deal-table/Follow Ryan Harper:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryansharper/https://www.instagram.com/ryansharper/Follow Lane Carrick:https://www.linkedin.com/in/b-lane-carrick-65a728/Sign up for the Deal Table Newsletter: https://share.hsforms.com/1Tfx_WobCTPuXWenG1-69EQoavsd