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Gone to Texas

Gone to Texas

By: Super Dave Quinn CECD
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About this listen

 Welcome to "Gone to Texas," the official podcast of the Texas Economic Development Connection. On every episode, we share the stories of business owners and CEOs who have relocated or expanded their business into Texas. Our goal is to use these stories as a guide to helps others who are ready to hang a sign on the door that says, Gone to Texas.Day One Experts Economics Leadership Management & Leadership Political Science Politics & Government Social Sciences Travel Writing & Commentary
Episodes
  • Scaling Your Business in Texas

    Scaling Your Business in Texas
    Feb 18 2026
    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)
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    29 mins
  • EP01 - Kilgore Spotlight Series: The Big Picture: Kilgore’s Economic Future

    EP01 - Kilgore Spotlight Series: The Big Picture: Kilgore’s Economic Future
    Feb 12 2026
    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.
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    38 mins
  • Building Community and Business Success

    Building Community and Business Success
    Feb 3 2026
    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
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    38 mins
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