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…
"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…
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…
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…
In this episode of Gone to Texas, hosts Brit Blacklidge and "Super" Dave Quinn sit down with Brit Blacklidge, President of Blackledge, 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…
"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…
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…
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,…
If you’re a business owner sitting in a high-cost state wondering how much longer you can carry the weight… this one’s for you. The Metroplex isn’t just Dallas. It isn’t just Fort Worth. It’s a 16-county engine that never learned how to idle. This month on the Gone to Texas…
The Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex isn’t just expanding — it’s redefining what regional power looks like. In this episode of the Texas 12 Series on the Gone to Texas Podcast, Super Dave Quinn takes you inside the 16-county engine driving business relocation in North Texas. From the rise of the Texas…
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…
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…
Day One Camouflage is the Official Wardrobe & Fieldwear Sponsor of the Gone to Texas Podcast and the Texas 12 Regional Spotlight Series. Day One Camouflage is a Texas-based, veteran-owned outdoor apparel brand that actually manufactures its shirts in Texas—not just headquartered here. Their fieldwear is built for men who…
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 Dallas and Fairview areas.…
Moving to Upper East Texas and wondering what the real estate market is actually like? In this Texas 12 Spotlight episode of the Gone to Texas Podcast, host Super Dave Quinn sits down with Carrie, a REALTOR® who has been helping people buy homes and land since 2003. This conversation…
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…
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…
Texas isn't one economy — it's 12 distinct regional economies, each with its own strengths, workforce, and opportunities. In this kickoff episode of the Texas 12 Campaign, host Super Dave Quinn hits the road to explore Upper East Texas, sharing real stories of business growth, expansion, and community-driven success across…
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,…
Upper East Texas | Texas 12 Campaign | Gone to Texas Podcast Texas isn't one economy—it’s twelve. And this episode kicks off the Upper East Texas Region Spotlight as part of the Gone to Texas Podcast: Texas 12 Campaign. Hosted by Super Dave Quinn, this journey takes you inside the…
Dave sits down with Ronald Bekker, Managing Director for LU-VE Group North America, to discuss the company's journey as it expands into the Jacksonville region of Upper East Texas. The conversation highlights LU-VE's global expertise in industrial heat exchange and cooling solutions, its decision to build a significant manufacturing presence…
The Kilgore Spotlight Series on the Gone to Texas podcast shines a light on an East Texas community where precision, reliability, and long-term partnership aren't marketing buzzwords—they're how business gets done every day. Presented by Day One Experts and hosted by Super Dave Quinn, this special series was invited and…
Silver spoons, plastic spoons, either one doesn't guarantee you a successful business or life. We loved this story about getting involved in the family business and how it all worked out with an expansion into Texas. #business #texaspodcast
You gotta love it when life gives you a plot twist, and Texas is the perfect place to help make that happen. Loved this story of expanding their business to Texas. #texasconnections #economicdevelopment
