Episodes

"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...

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...

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...

"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...

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...

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 challenge...

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 h...

"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 stri...

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 c...

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 guidi...

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. H...

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 ...

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 thrivi...

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 t...

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 empl...

In this episode of Gone to Texas, "Super" Dave sits down with Eric Voyles, Executive Vice President and Chief Economic Development Officer of TexAmerica Center, to explore the transformation of a former military base into one of the largest mixed-use industrial parks in North America. Eric dives into the history, unique governance model, and strategic advantages of TexAmerica Center, including its impressive infrastructure investments and regional workforce. The conversation highlights how TexAm...

Dave sits down with Ronald Bekker, Managing Director for LU-VE Group North America, to discuss the company's journey expanding into the Jacksonville region of East Texas. The conversation highlights LU-VE's global expertise in industrial heat exchange and cooling solutions, their decision to build a significant manufacturing presence in Texas, and the challenges and opportunities of operating in a rapidly evolving market, especially with the explosive growth of data centers. Ronald shares candi...

In this episode, Dave welcomes Josh Hanna, President and General Manager of SCP Polymers and MYCO Plastics Inc, a custom injection molding company with operations in both Mississippi and Texas. Joshua shares his professional journey from studying polymer chemistry to joining his family’s business and expanding its footprint into Jacksonville, Texas. He discusses the decision-making process behind relocating the business, highlighting the advantages of operating in smaller Texas communities, incl...

Dave welcomes Darren Schauer, General Manager and CEO of GVEC (Guadalupe Valley Electric Cooperative), to discuss the pivotal role that cooperatives like GVEC play in supporting business growth and economic development in South Central Texas. Darren shares his extensive experience in the utilities industry and offers insight into what makes the Alamo region such an attractive destination for businesses considering relocation or expansion. From robust infrastructure and broadband services to a de...

In this episode of Gone to Texas, host "Super" Dave Quinn sits down with Dustin Divinia, President and CEO of Vector Systems, to discuss the company’s journey, operations, and their expansion from McKinney to Bonham, Texas. Dustin shares insights into the distinct culture at Vector Systems, the company's evolution from a three-man operation building custom control panels to becoming a critical supplier of process equipment for energy, refining, and manufacturing industries nationwide and intern...

Welcome to another episode of Gone to Texas, where Dave sits down with Jason Royse, President of Renlita, a custom manufacturer of vertical folding doors, windows, and walls in Bonham, Texas. Jason shares the inspiring story of relocating his family business from North Carolina to Texas, the practical considerations behind such a big move, and why Bonham's business-friendly environment, access to key markets, and strong local workforce made it the perfect new home for Renlita. You'll hear how Jason's team navigated the challenges of starting fresh in a new state, tapped into Bonham's rich manufacturing talent pool, and connected with the local community to help fuel their growth. Plus, get an inside look at what life is like in a fast-growing North Texas town, how the local business infrastructure supports success, and Jason's advice for business owners considering making the move to the Lone Star State.

In this episode of Gone To Texas, "Super" Dave Quinn, sits down with John Littlefield from Southwest Engineers, based in the vibrant community of Gonzales, Texas. John takes us on a journey through his family's business, which has been a cornerstone...

Welcome back to another episode of Gone to Texas, where Dave is visiting Fairfield, TX, and sits down with Joe Reed, the proud owner of Te'jun, the Texas Cajun. Joe shares his journey that began in 1997 as a humble weekend venture to provide for his daughters' college education. They also talk about his inspiring story of growth, grit, and faith. From boiling crawfish in a food trailer to running multiple brick-and-mortar locations, Joe's path is a testament to the power of perseverance and community support. Join Super Dave Quinn as he chats with Joe about the challenges and blessings of expanding a business, the invaluable role of the Economic Development Corporation (EDC), and the unwavering belief in serving others and following where faith leads.

In this episode of Gone to Texas, Dave welcomes Gary Dobyns, Founder of Dobyns Rods, based in Sulphur Springs, TX. Gary shares his inspiring story of moving his fishing rod company from California to Sulphur Springs over seven years ago and what made...