Gone to Texas copertina

Gone to Texas

Gone to Texas

Di: Super Dave Quinn CECD
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A proposito di questo titolo

 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 Economia Gestione e leadership Leadership Politica e governo Scienze politiche Scienze sociali Scrittura e commenti di viaggio
Episodi
  • Anchored in Innovation: Industry Leaders Growing in Kilgore

    Anchored in Innovation: Industry Leaders Growing in Kilgore
    Feb 26 2026
    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 community partnerships that have been key to CPI’s growth, including working with the Kilgore Economic Development Corporation and local educational institutions. Alan highlights CPI’s cutting-edge advances like AI integration and 3D printing, and reflects on how Kilgore’s supportive and collaborative culture, affordable cost of living, and diverse workforce have enabled the company—and other incoming businesses—to thrive. Alan also offers advice for any business owner considering relocation to Texas and to smaller markets like Kilgore that offer big advantages.

    Key Topics Discussed:
    • CPI’s evolution from RMS and Vertex to a global leader in antenna manufacturing
    • Why Kilgore was selected and remains the hub for CPI’s operations
    • The company’s worldwide impact, supplying both commercial and military markets
    • Community partnerships: Kilgore Economic Development Corporation and Kilgore College
    • Recruitment and labor strategies, from skilled labor to engineering talent
    • Emphasis on community integration, support, and STEM education
    • Adoption of emerging technologies: AI and 3D printing
    • The appeal and value of doing business in smaller Texas communities
    • Alan’s advice for businesses considering a move to Kilgore or Texas overall
    • Local culture, dining, and quality of life in Kilgore
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    22 min
  • Master Planning for Growth: How Collin College Powers Workforce Innovation

    Master Planning for Growth: How Collin College Powers Workforce Innovation
    Feb 24 2026
    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 guiding vision, grounded in big goals and a desire to be recognized as the best community college in the nation.

    They also talk about how Collin College works closely with local businesses, school districts, and communities to create a robust talent pipeline, ensuring that students are equipped with practical, job-ready skills that meet evolving economic needs. Dr. Neil Matkin highlights the importance of regional collaboration, the benefits of dual credit and affordable bachelor’s degree programs, and the value of partnerships that transcend municipal boundaries. The episode wraps with reflections on the small-town values that persist even as North Texas experiences remarkable growth, and a personal look at Dr. Neil Matkin’s favorite ways to unwind.

    Key Topics Discussed:
    • Collin College’s ambitious growth strategy and master planning
    • The importance of serving diverse communities across Collin, Rockwall, and Denton counties
    • Investments in affordable education, including low tuition and bachelor’s degrees under $15K
    • Proactive, employer-driven workforce development and skills training
    • Strategic partnerships with ISDs, cities, EDCs, and major employers
    • Dual credit opportunities for high school students
    • Regional collaboration as a force-multiplier for communities and business owners
    • Current and emerging workforce demands in aerospace, IT, healthcare, and construction
    • Maintaining small-town values amid rapid metropolitan growth
    • Dr. Matkin’s personal reflections on leadership, community, and family
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    38 min
  • 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 min
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