Gone to Texas
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.
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Recent Episodes
Aug. 24, 2026
Pivoting in a Crisis: Vari’s Journey from Dallas to Global Success
Dave sits down with Jason McCann, co-founder and CEO of Vari, for an in-depth look at how a simple idea of solving workplace back pain became a catalyst for workspace innovation on a global scale. They discuss the origins of Vari (formerly Varidesk), detailing the company’s pivot moments, including its major rebranding and its rapid adaptation during the COVID-19 pandemic, which allowed the business not only to survive but thrive. The conversation also explores the advantages of building a busin
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May 7, 2026
EP 07: Made in Kilgore: Global Manufacturing Strength
"Super" Dave continues the conversation about Kilgore, talking to Tanya Johnson, HR Manager at Camfil. They discuss the company's growth in Kilgore, Texas, and she shares her background in HR and how she was recruited to join Camfil during its expansion, emphasizing the excitement and opportunities that come with building a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility. Tanya talks about Camfil's global reach as a manufacturer of premium clean air solutions and the positive impact this work has for bo
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April 23, 2026
Ep 06 - Workforce Wins: Building Talent Pipelines
The Kilgore series continues with Brandon Balcon, Dean of Public Services and Industrial Technologies at Kilgore College, who discusses workforce development in East Texas and the role Kilgore College plays in preparing students for high-demand careers. The conversation covers a variety of training programs, including customized on-site training for local industries, continuing education certificates, and dual-credit options for high school students. Brandon explains how the college collaborates
April 9, 2026
Ep 05: The Kilgore Advantage: Community, Culture, and Collaboration
Our Kilgore Spotlight continues with "Super" Dave sitting down with Ricardo Viloria, a dynamic entrepreneur whose journey from Venezuela to East Texas illustrates the power of community, opportunity, and resilience. Ricardo shares his compelling story of relocating his business from South America to the United States, ultimately choosing Kilgore, Texas, after evaluating cities across multiple states. From navigating cultural shifts and economic shocks to building new ventures and raising a fami
March 26, 2026
EP 04: Sustainable Growth: Manufacturing for Tomorrow
"Super" Dave sits down with Tyler Esters, plant manager at CSI in Kilgore, Texas. Tyler shares the story of CSI’s growth as a global leader in bottle cap manufacturing, producing around 30 million caps daily at their Kilgore location. He explains how strategic local partnerships—including Kilgore Economic Development Corporation and Kilgore College—have played a major role in sourcing skilled talent and solving operational challenges efficiently. The conversation covers CSI’s journey from its r
March 24, 2026
Workforce Matchmaking and Texas Growth with Kori Bowen of TSTC
Kori Bowen, Vice President of Industrial Relations at Texas State Technical College (TSTC), joins "Super" Dave Quinn to explain how TSTC is fueling the Texas economy by connecting businesses with workforce-ready technicians. They discuss the college’s unique pay-for-placement funding model, emphasizing TSTC’s focus on high-demand, high-placement technical careers and direct industry engagement. The conversation illustrates how TSTC actively builds partnerships with both large and small businesse
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Recent Blog Posts
Aug. 31, 2026
Major Investment Along SH 121 Highlights Business Opportunities Near Fairview, Texas
Corporate Investment Continues Along the SH 121 Corridor Companies evaluating locations in North Texas have another major investment to watch along the State Highway 121 corridor. Omnilife USA, the U.S. division of Mexico-based nutrition compa…
Aug. 31, 2026
Big Spring- New Opportunities for Business Development
Big Spring's Crossroads Business Park Opens New Opportunities for Business Development Big Spring, Texas, is investing in infrastructure and land to prepare for future business development. The Crossroads Business Park project is opening more than…
June 29, 2026
What The Pioneer Woman's New Chocolate Collection Says About Manufacturing in Mount Pleasant, Texas
What The Pioneer Woman's New Chocolate Collection Says About Manufacturing in Mount Pleasant, Texas National brands have a choice about where they manufacture their products. When those brands choose a company in Mount Pleasant, Texas, it …
About the Host
"Super" Dave Quinn, CEcD
Managing Partner and Founder
“Super” Dave Quinn, CEcD hosts multiple podcasts, including the Gone to Texas Podcast, where he spotlights the people, places, and decisions behind business growth in Texas. He’s the founder of Day One Experts and the Texas Economic Development Connection, built to help business owners relocate or expand with less risk and more support. A professional keynote speaker and industry moderator, Dave is known for making complex economic development simple, human, and actionable. He is the author of Put The Damn Cart Up and The Human Connection.
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