Great Entrepreneurs is pleased to announce The Top 50 Business Leaders of Dallas for 2022. This city is considered one of the best places to live in Texas and is popular among professionals and families looking to relocate to the state. It has a diverse economy including dominant sectors like defense, financial services, information technology, telecommunications, transportation and more. This year’s awardees play a crucial role within their community and are key players contributing to their strong economy. They are leaders at both small, large and emerging businesses.
Among this year’s awardees is Claudia Mirza, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Akorbi, the 13th fastest-growing woman-owned/led company in the U.S and the 6th fastest-growing language service provider on the Inc. 5000. Also awarded is Brittany Underwood, Founder of Akola, the premiere social impact brand in the luxury space that sells high- fashion jewelry retailing at Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Nordstrom. Awardee Glenn Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mouser Electronics, who has led the company to be one of the world's largest electronic component distributors, with more than 2,500 employees in 26 offices worldwide and nearly $2 billion in annual sales.
Please join us in celebrating the accomplishments of The Top 50 Business Leaders of Dallas for 2022.
1. Glenn Smith
President & CEO, Mouser Electronics
Glenn Smith is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Mouser Electronics. He first joined the company in 1973. Mouser Electronics is a worldwide leading authorized distributor of semiconductors and electronic components from over 1,200 manufacturer brands, with local sales and service centers located around the globe. It specializes in the rapid introduction of new products and technologies for design engineers and buyers. Mouser has a strong commitment to customer service.
Smith earned an undergraduate degree in business from Texas Christian University - M.J. Neeley School of Business. He is an experienced Chief Executive Officer with a demonstrated expertise in b2b e-commerce, marketing, and logistics, in the electronic component and semiconductor distribution industry. He is skilled in negotiation, business planning, sales operations, sales management, and strategic partnerships.
2. Claudia Mirza
CEO & Co-Founder, Akorbi
Claudia Mirza is the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Akorbi. She first joined the company in 2003. Akorbi is a women-led and minority-owned business that specializes in providing enterprise solutions that empower companies to achieve success in the global economy. It helps organizations connect with employees, vendors, and customers in over 170 languages 24/7, through any modality, from any location. Its customizable enterprise solutions include interpretation, translation, multilingual and technical staffing, multilingual contact centers with business process outsourcing capabilities, learning, and localization services.
Previously, Mirza was a project management office at Verizon, and before that, a process analyst at Genuity. Earlier in her career, she worked with Spiecapag as a health safety environment supervisor. Mirza earned an undergraduate degree in business administration from DeVry University. She is also a board member of the Women Presidents Organization and YPO as well as the chairman of the board of SHE IS Foundation.
3. Brittany Underwood
Founder & Chairman, Akola
Brittany Underwood is the Founder and Chairman of Akola. She first joined the company in 2006. Akola is a globally-inspired brand embodying striking designs that reflect the strength and femininity of women who are changing the world. It is on a mission to empower women to transform their lives and communities. Its manufacturing operations are based in Jinja, Uganda — a beautiful city right on the Nile River where nearly 200 Akola women, largely from rural communities, are given dignified employment and living wages. Its bold, layered pieces are all handcrafted by these women using local, high-quality materials.
Underwood earned a master’s degree in intercultural studies, and international development from Fuller Theological Seminary, and an undergraduate degree in communication, journalism, and related programs from Southern Methodist University. She is also a council member of U.S. President's Advisory Council on Doing Business in Africa.
4. Matt Dixon
Owner, Floor Coverings International
Matt Dixon is the Owner of Floor Coverings International, a shop-at-home floor covering retailer offering more than 3,000 flooring options from the top brands in flooring at competitive prices. Its Design Associates are instrumental in the company’s success and presentation to customer process. They are knowledgeable professionals who bring product and design leadership to consumers when considering their flooring needs, style and budget. The company’s products include carpet, hardwood, laminates, luxury vinyl, ceramic tile, area rugs, pet-friendly options, family-friendly options, and more.
Dixon has 24 years of experience. He began his career in 1998. Before joining Floor Coverings International, Dixon was a senior consultant at Ambit Energy, and before that, a Mac genius at Apple. Earlier in his career, he worked with Network Associates, Inc. as an enterprise network support. Dixon graduated from the University of Phoenix with an MBA in technology management, and an undergraduate degree in information technology.
5. John Petropoulos
President, Petrocasa Energy
John Petropoulos began his professional career 32 years ago. Today, he is the President of Petrocasa Energy, consisting of over 100 oil and gas professionals who have a range of experience of over two decades within the energy sector. Each member specializes in a distinct skill and trade within the land industry. The company can immediately provide a team of professionals who are experienced in all disciplines of land matters that are associated with the industry. Petrocasa is positioned to help companies assume the identification and negotiation of mineral leases and title clearance.
Petropoulos first got his start in 1990 as a VP of exploration at Geo Companies. From there, he went on to Harding Shelton Energy Consulting Ltd (Beijing) as partner & VP of land and development, his most recent position prior to joining Petrocasa Energy.
6. Charles Tanner
Chief Executive Officer, Select Staff
Charles Tanner is the Chief Executive Officer of Select Staff. He first joined the company in 1981. Select Staff is a leading, regional and privately held staffing firm specializing in the placement of office clerical; finance and accounting; and industrial personnel throughout Texas. Its goal is to optimize the professional lives of its customers, both clients and candidates. Whether looking for a dynamic new position or hunting for the next great team member, partnering with Select Staff means that the process is in good hands and that a company’s best interest isi at heart. Founded in 1981, the company has decades of industry experience in fields including light industrial, admin, accounting and more.
Previously, Tanner was a district sales manager at Uarco Inc. He earned an undergraduate degree in marketing from the University of North Texas.
7. Daniel Askari
President, Absolute Construction
Daniel Askari is the President of Absolute Construction, the premier storm restoration roofer in Texas. It has extensive experience working with insurance companies to ensure that customers get the maximum benefits they are entitled to. It has experienced project managers and skilled roofing crews to ensure a project is completed quickly with the highest level of quality. It also offers emergency services in residential areas which temporarily stop leaks, tarping and temporary protection from the elements. Absolute Construction offers a premium warranty on all of its roofs that customers can rely on, and it plans on serving its customers for decades to come. It offers high-quality work with a nationwide reputation. Askari earned an undergraduate degree in fine arts from Collin College.
8. Craig Johnson
President & CEO, PepWear
Craig Johnson began his professional career 38 years ago. Today, he is the President and Chief Executive Officer of PepWear. Since 1987, PepWear has been commemorating youth achievements, offering merchandise for sale at competitive events whether in music, athletics, academics, or the arts. With deep roots in the scholastic arts, PepWear serves its mission of making school memories last forever through its custom-ordered quality apparel and official event merchandise that it provides at over 700 events each year.
Johnson first got his start in 1984 as a corporate finance associate at Boettcher & Company. From there, he went on to Daniels & Associates, before eventually rising to SVP of corporate development at Nortel Networks, his most recent position prior to joining PepWear. Johnson graduated from NYU Stern School of Business with an MBA, and from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with an undergraduate degree in business administration.
9. Guillermo Garza
Founder, INMOBILIARE
Guillermo Garza is the Founder of INMOBILIARE. He founded the company in 1999. At INMOBILIARE, it has an editorial board made up of professional experts from the real estate industry, developers, financiers, directors of associations, among other professionals, who meet and recommend, from their work experience, the topics, reports and special reports that enrich the reading and knowledge of its readers. The company strengthens its presence and extensive experience recognized by the real estate community through events, congresses and international exhibitions.
Garza has 23 years of experience and has also held positions at Inbound Logistics Latam / Magazine, and Inbound Logistics where they connect individuals with leading logistics practitioners, providing educational, how-to content with actionable takeaways.
10. Glenn Yeffeth
Chief Executive Officer & Publisher, BenBella Books
Glenn Yeffeth began his professional career 37 years ago. Today, he is the Chief Executive Officer and Publisher of BenBella Books, one of a new breed of independent publishing houses that is thriving in the current turbulent publishing environment. It is a boutique book publisher that puts a big emphasis on creative marketing, building strong partnerships with authors, and publishing strategically in niche markets. It has had ten recent New York Times bestsellers, and one title exceeding one million copies sold.
Yeffeth first got his start in 1985 as a senior manager at Nolan, Norton & Co. and then a Partner at Diamond Technology Partners where he headed Internet strategy projects for Fortune 500 companies. From there, he went on to CSC Index before eventually rising to chief strategy officer at Lante Corporation, his most recent position prior to joining BenBella Books. Yeffeth graduated from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business with an MBA, and from Oberlin College with an undergraduate degree in history.
11. Trey Davis
Co-Founder & President, Western Healthcare
Trey Davis is the Co-Founder and President of Western Healthcare, a dynamic, growing healthcare staffing firm. It was established in 2008 by a group of healthcare staffing industry professionals. This medical staffing firm matches providers with hospitals and other clinics in need nationwide. It offers locum tenens and permanent staffing opportunities for a variety of healthcare specialties including emergency medicine and urgent care. Western Healthcare currently represents Emergency Medicine, Urgent Care, Anesthesia, Primary Care, Hospitalist, and Government Staffing.
Davis has 27 years of experience. He began his career in 1995. Before joining Western Healthcare, he was an EVP at Staff Care. Davis graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University with an undergraduate degree in radio and television.
12. Don Crawford
Chief Executive Officer, Delta Dallas
Don Crawford began his professional career 38 years ago. Today, he is the Chief Executive Officer of Delta Dallas, a woman-owned staffing firm that provides talent acquisition solutions for hundreds of companies ranging from start-ups to Fortune 500s. It provides supplemental and direct placement staffing solutions in the areas of accounting, administrative, professional services, IT services, commercial real estate, and human resources. Delta Dallas consistently exceeds the staffing percentages for recruiting by more than double the national average. In an industry known for high turnover rates, the company’s recruiting team’s tenure averages six years.
Crawford first got his start in 1984 as a store manager at Bridgestone. He graduated from Texas Tech University.
13. Raul Romero
Chief Executive Officer, NEXON AUTOMATION
Raul Romero is the Chief Executive Officer of NEXON AUTOMATION. The company offers an extensive range of manufacturing technology and expertise to deliver turnkey automation solutions. Its quality services allow scalability, multiple programs and the integration of vertical systems, as well as a modular assembly line or a manufacturing cell. Nexon has 20 years of experience in automated and semi-automated design, manufacturing and commissioning for the automotive industry.
Romero has 26 years of experience. He began his career in 1996. Before joining NEXON AUTOMATION, Romero was a controls engineering contractor at General Motors, and before that, an automation engineer and project leader at Industrial ProControl. Earlier in his career, he worked with Softtek as a software developer. Romero graduated from Tecnológico de Monterrey with a master’s degree in administration, and an undergraduate degree in electronics.
14. Neil Smiley
Founder & CEO, Loopback Analytics
Neil Smiley began his professional career 40 years ago. Today, he is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Loopback Analytics, a leading provider in serving health system and academic medical center specialty and ambulatory pharmacy programs through sophisticated data-driven solutions. Loopback leverages robust analytics to position its clients to effectively identify growth opportunities of high-value medications and improve patient outcomes. Loopback Analytics’ core mission is championing health systems in their effort to optimize specialty pharmacy capabilities.
Smiley first got his start in 1982 as a consulting manager at Andersen Consulting. From there, he went on to Ernst & Young, before eventually rising to founder and chairman at Phytel, Inc., his most recent position prior to joining Loopback Analytics. Smiley graduated from Dartmouth College with an undergraduate degree in computer science. He is also the President of the Charles H. Hood foundation. An organization incorporated in 1942 to improve the health and quality of life for children through grant support of New England-based pediatric researchers.
15. Shannon McLinden
Owner, FarmHouse Fresh
Shannon McLinden is the Owner of FarmHouse Fresh. The company offers skincare products, grown and crafted with delicious epicurean flair, that are either certified organic or use up to 100% naturally derived ingredients—full of fruits, vegetables, milks, and more from U.S. farms, including its own. Its first product was a sea salt exfoliation trio created in 2005. Oprah selected this kit for her O-list proclaiming "Here's a trio of foot scrubs that smell so good, I want to serve them over berries!" Over twelve years, the team combined solution skincare with wholesome raw ingredients to bring to life deliciously crafted personal care products and spa treatments.
McLinden has 18 years of experience. She began her career in 2004. McLinden graduated from Texas Christian University with a master’s degree and an undergraduate degree in journalism and business.
16. Bruce Woody
President and Chief Executive Officer, HH Architects
Bruce Woody is the President and Chief Executive Officer of HH Architects. He first joined the company in 1990. Founded in 1971, HH Architects provides architectural, interior design, strategic positioning and master planning needs of its clients. During this time, it has focused its practice on the design of religious facilities and campus planning for phased development. HH Architects’ primary objective is to mesh the professional expertise of its staff with the needs of the client. From the initial concept stage to finished construction, HH Architects approaches the project from the client’s perspective - with emphasis on quality service and design excellence. Its goal is to help its clients succeed. Woody earned an undergraduate degree in architecture from the University of Arkansas.
17. Rod Zastrow
Chief Executive Officer & President, Spartan Global Aviation Training
Rod Zastrow began his professional career 11 years ago. Today, he is a Director for Bye Aerospace, an aircraft manufacturer based in unincorporated Arapahoe County, Colorado. It specializes in the design and manufacture of electric aircraft, including unmanned aircraft for the geospatial roles and light aircraft for the flight training role. Its primary project is the all-electric “eFlyer” general aviation aircraft, which will dramatically reduce ops-cost and eliminate CO2. Zastrow is also the CEO and President of Spartan Global Aviation Training, located in Irving, Texas.
Zastrow first got his start in 2011 as an SVP for business development at Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology. From there, he went on to Spartan Global Aviation Training, before eventually rising to COO and president at Spartan Air Academy Iraq, his most recent position prior to joining Bye Aerospace. Zastrow graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with an MBA, and from the University of Arizona with an undergraduate degree in aerospace engineering. He has both military and international experience. He also specializes in leadership/operational command, leader development, policy development, force planning, strategy development and more.
18. Victor Abraham
CEO & President, Skypass Travel
Victor Abraham began his professional career 34 years ago. Today, he is the Chief Executive Officer and President of Skypass Travel, a global independent full-service retail and wholesale travel services provider. It is an authorized IATA, ARC, and CLIA provider of travel services and part of The Skypass Group. Since 1988, Skypass Travel has specialized in corporate, mission & humanitarian, and leisure travel for individuals, families, and groups worldwide.
Skypass Travel also has branch offices in Austin, TX and India as well as a network of independent sales agents throughout the U.S. Since the beginning, the company’s commitment has been to provide the best possible customer service and value. Its extensive portfolio of travel supplier contracts allow the company to offer its customers a broad range of travel options and prices not normally found online or on airline websites.
19. Patrick Arnzen
CEO & President, Thrust Flight
Patrick Arnzen is the Chief Executive Officer and President of Thrust Flight. The company offers superior programs for Sport Pilot, Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot, Aerobatic training, Multi-engine transition, Glass Panel Transition, and Certified Flight Instructor. Its professional pilot programs can take individuals from zero time to flight instructor, where they can build time and start an incredible career flying for corporations or airlines. Thrust Flight hires its instructors primarily from its world-class Flight Instructor Academy.
Arnzen has 12 years of experience. He began his career in 2010. Arnzen graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. A former airline pilot, and one of the youngest designated pilot examiners (DPE) in the country, Patrick has run several aviation businesses prior to launching an Addison, Texas, location for Thrust Flight.
20. Amy Linn
Franchise Owner, PrideStaff Financial
Amy Linn is the Franchise Owner of PrideStaff Financial. She first joined the company in 2007. PrideStaff Financial was created to meet the unique staffing challenges facing companies with accounting, financial and bookkeeping positions. Its staffing consultants spend 100% of their time focused on the accounting and finance market. Its mission is to consistently provide client experiences focused on what they value most. PrideStaff Financial is a division of PrideStaff, a national staffing service founded in 1978 with offices in multiple states.
Linn earned an undergraduate degree in psychology from Arizona State University. She started as a franchise owner of PrideStaff back in 2000 before becoming a franchise owner of PrideStaff Financial in 2007. She specializes in recruiting, contract recruitment, human capital management, executive search, hiring and more.
21. Ray Forge
Managing Owner, ServiceMaster Clean
Ray Forge is the Managing Owner of ServiceMaster Clean, a company that provides cleaning and disinfecting services in commercial, healthcare and religious facilities throughout the United States, Canada and ten other countries. Its franchises provide both commercial and residential services. ServiceMaster Clean has been in the cleaning business for more than half a century. Each day it maintains the work facilities of over 100,000 clients. It has become a leader in the cleaning industry by developing advanced cleaning technologies with state-of-the-art products, equipment and methods. Forge has 16 years of experience. He began his career in 2006.
22. Sam Woods
Owner, Dallas Luxury Realty
Sam Woods is the Owner of Dallas Luxury Realty, a real estate company that offers apartments, high rises, homes for sale, and rental home services in Dallas. Its realtors know that service and expertise form the foundation of any fruitful investment, which is why they go through continual training to become even better at what they do. Their goal is to make a rental, purchase or sale as easy and stress-free as possible, while providing customers with cutting-edge marketing techniques, excellent investment advice, and the knowledge needed to make informed decisions. Woods has 13 years of experience. He began his career in 2009.
23. Steve Woodward
Chief Executive Officer, Centrada Solutions
Steve Woodward began his professional career 31 years ago. Today, he is the Chief Executive Officer of Centrada Solutions. From IT outsourcing and project management to consulting and customer support, Centrada Solutions is a hospitality-focused technology services group. It provides a full spectrum of managed IT services for hotels, management companies, owners, and brands. It partners with its clients to understand their needs and then deliver the IT systems, services, and support they need, when they need it, all at a reasonable cost.
Woodward first got his start in 1991 as a general manager at Wyndham Garden Hotels. From there, he went on to Wyndham Hotels & Resorts as VP of distribution technology, his most recent position prior to joining Centrada Solutions. Woodward graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville with an undergraduate degree in mining engineering.
24. Richard Margolin
Chief Executive Officer, RoboKind
Richard Margolin began his professional career 23 years ago. Today, he is the Chief Executive Officer of RoboKind. The company’s comprehensive social-emotional learning curriculum is delivered by advanced, facially-expressive robots in the classroom environment. Its robots4autism program is specifically tailored to autistic learners, but all children can benefit from this program. Increased self-regulation leads to a better learning experience for students, and they are more confident in building meaningful social relationships.
Margolin first got his start in 1999 as a founder, designer and production manager at Duct Tape Things. From there, he went on to What Would Richard Do?, before eventually rising to co-founder at LRN, his most recent position prior to joining RoboKind. He has an extensive background including being a board member at Sensory Health and Orchatect. He has over 20 years of experience. Margolin graduated from Trinity College - Hartford with an undergraduate degree in cognitive and computational neuroscience, and from the University of Texas at Arlington with an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering.
25. Steven Rose
Co-Founder & Executive Chairman, Paragon Payroll
Steven Rose is the Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of Paragon Payroll. Founded in 2007 and with team members strategically located across the country, Paragon has been serving the cannabis industry since 2016 by delivering high-touch payroll, workforce management, and talent management solutions. The company’s human capital management solutions enable a more efficient HR department with digital onboarding; time and attendance; benefits administration; and robust HR and approval workflow capabilities.
Rose has 19 years of experience. He began his career in 2003. Before joining Paragon Payroll, Rose was an owner and president at Timberview Golf Club. He is also the Co-Founder of Brazos Specialty Risk, a full-service broker dedicated to the placement of property and casualty insurance risks nationwide.
26. Tiffany Mayo
Owner, Vista Taos Renewal Center
Tiffany Mayo is the Owner of Vista Taos Renewal Center. For nearly 20 years, Vista Taos has been dedicated to helping individuals and their families begin the journey of recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. It offers a unique combination of program elements that cannot be found at any other treatment facility and is the reason for its success in addiction treatment. Its 18-person capacity provides a personalized experience and creates the foundation for the fellowship, sponsorship, and trust involved in the twelve-step program's success. Its week-long family program is designed to provide education, awareness, and insight into addiction and codependency and its impact on the family.
Mayo has 19 years of experience. She began her career in 2003. Mayo graduated from Abilene Christian University with an undergraduate degree. She is also the Vice President Administration at Signet Health.
27. Chris Richey
Founder, Chairman & President, PetData
Chris Richey is the Founder, Chairman and President of PetData. He first joined the company in 1998. PetData, Inc. provides animal licensing services for municipalities and animal welfare agencies throughout the United States. It has been in business since 1994 and currently administers animal licensing programs for municipalities, animal control, and humane organizations across the country. Its primary goal is to increase animal licensing compliance.
Previously, Richey was a founder and president at SafetyNet, Inc., and before that, a 2nd VP at Continental Bank. Earlier in his career, he worked with Prudential Capital as a financial analyst. Richey earned an MBA in finance and accounting from Rice University, and an undergraduate degree in English and Spanish from The University of Georgia.
28. Tim Smith
Chief Executive Officer, Avazzia
Tim Smith began his professional career 18 years ago. Today, he is the Chief Executive Officer of Avazzia. Avazzia was founded in 2004 to engineer and manufacture advanced, innovative devices that are hand-held, easy to use and feature patented biofeedback technology and software. It is the leading developer of Reaction Technology that provides physicians and patients with non-drug, non-invasive options to manage acute, chronic and post-operative pain. Avazzia's product line includes PRO-SPORT, designed for use in clinical settings with advanced frequencies and options; BEST-RSI, for clinic use or at-home treatment; and BEST-PRO 1, perfect for patient use at home. All three require a prescription. Smith graduated from Southern Methodist University.
29. Mark Johnson
President & CEO, MedNetwoRx
Mark Johnson is the President and Chief Executive Officer of MedNetwoRx. He first joined the company in 2001. As experts of informational technology services and support for the medical industry, MedNetwoRx is focused on the success of its clients’ practice. By providing information technology solutions to improve practice performance, it takes the headache out of operational management and allows physicians and medical professionals to concentrate on what they do best: giving their patients the best care possible.
Previously, Johnson was a CIO at Physicians Resource Group, and before that, a senior technical consultant at Dun & Bradstreet Software. Earlier in his career, he worked with Gates Energy Products as a programmer analyst. Johnson earned an undergraduate degree in computer science from the University of Florida. He is skilled in healthcare consulting, clinical research, customer service, Strategic Planning, and Enterprise Architecture.
30. Alex Richert
Chief Executive Officer, CleanPlanet Chemical
Alex Richert is the Chief Executive Officer of CleanPlanet Chemical. He first joined the company in 2012. CleanPlanet Chemical is changing the way companies acquire chemicals and manage waste. It transforms chemical waste into reusable, virgin-quality, product—on-site and without buying or leasing equipment. CleanPlanet provides recycling equipment at no cost, and their customers only pay for the recovered chemicals. It also helps reduce hazardous waste by as much as 80%. With the company’s Service365 program, solvent recycling will become an invisible part of a facility’s process.
Previously, Richert was a general manager of cleaning technologies at Safety-Kleen and the CEO of ChemChamp. Richert earned an MBA from Harvard Business School, and an undergraduate degree in economics from Duke University. He has 20 years of experience.
31. Randy Healer
Founder, Sports Field Solutions
Randy Healer began his professional career 18 years ago. Today, he is the Founder of Sports Field Solutions. From its original conception in 2003, Sports Field Solutions has been a leader in sports field construction, design and maintenance. Since then, it has exponentially grown into a tried-and-true provider in the great state of Texas. Its field crews are some of the most skilled and talented individuals in the industry with years of experience on thousands of fields for all types of sports.
Here at Sports Field Solutions, they ensure that its customers never have to worry about the appearance, safety, and playability of their fields. Its contracts include great customers from Division 1 universities, Minor League baseball stadiums, all the way to community recreational centers.
32. Rick Wamre
Founder, Advocate Media
Rick Wamre began his professional career 42 years ago. Today, he is the Founder of Advocate Media Company, a digital marketing firm that specializes in helping non-profit organizations and small businesses achieve their goals. Its team has extensive experience working on Fortune 100 companies’ SEM programs. Its service is customized to each client, data-driven, totally transparent, and focused on providing as much value to its clients as possible. Advocate Media is a Google Agency Partner, and has friendly Google AdWords certified staff that can be relied on.
Wamre first got his start in 1980 as an editor at The Dallas Morning News. From there, he went on to GSC Realty as VP and asset manager, his most recent position prior to joining Advocate Media. Wamre graduated from Southern Methodist University with an MBA in commercial real estate finance, and from Northwestern University with an undergraduate degree in journalism. He is skilled in media strategy, online media, financial analysis, advertising sales, news writing, breaking news, editing, feature writing and journalism. He is the president and on the board of directors for Independent Free Paper Association. He also received awards from various chambers of commerce.
33. Sammy Mandell
Owner, Greenville Avenue Pizza Company
Sammy Mandell began his professional career 15 years ago. Today, he is the Owner of Greenville Avenue Pizza Company. Greenville Avenue Pizza Company (GAPCo) started in 2007 as a way to feed the Lowest Greenville bar scene in Dallas. Over the last 10 years GAPCo has continued to grow and expand, opening its second location in 2017. It has been ranked as one of the Top 100 pizzerias in the nation the last couple of years and it continues to climb the list. The company believes in from-scratch pizza and pays close attention to detail in everything it does.
Customer service is equally important as the best ingredients the company can buy, and it relies on its staff to give the finest experience possible at all times. GAPCo has a great family environment that starts with its pizza makers, also known as Pizza Slayers, and then continues all the way through to its drivers and kitchen staff.
34. Mark Reid
CEO & President, IDEA Construction
Mark Reid is the Chief Executive Officer and President of IDEA Construction. The company provides complete and comprehensive building solutions. It is committed to upholding a project’s needs and delivering premium quality finishes. Its team is fully accredited by a number of bodies and organizations. IDEA Construction is skilled in areas such as interior or exterior refurbishment, construction works, and more.
Before joining IDEA Construction, Reid was a county commissioner at Collin County. Earlier in his career, he worked with Texas Instruments as a facilities manager. Reid graduated from Texas Tech University with undergraduate degrees in architecture and engineering.
35. Mohammad Abbas
President & CEO, Mo-Labs Media
Mohammad Abbas is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Mo-Labs Media. He first joined the company in 2008. Mo-Labs is an advertising agency which helps promote products and services of different diversified businesses into the target market of the Southeast Asian community. It offers video production, creative writing, content writing, web design, graphic design, and IT and telecom staffing. Its existing clients are from the energy sector, shopping marts, television networks, telecommunication networks and many more. Mo-Labs Media Events operates through Concerts, Ticketing, Sponsorship and Advertising segments.
Abbas earned an undergraduate degree in economics and English from Bangladesh International Tutorial.
36. Dirk Wenzlaff
CEO & President, Reliance Warehouse
Dirk Wenzlaff is the Chief Executive Officer and President of Reliance Warehouse Systems, Inc., a 20-year proven material handling company, specializing in providing a complete array of professional turnkey rack installations, dismantles and repairs. It works with all types and manufacturers of New and Used Pallet Rack, associated Pallet Rack Systems and Material Handling Equipment Products. Reliance Warehouse is committed to providing quality installations at a competitive price.
Wenzlaff has 48 years of experience. He began his career in 1974. Before joining Reliance Warehouse, Wenzlaff was a VP of operations at Cooper Floor Services. Earlier in his career, he worked with Construction Inc. as an owner. He has experience with pallet storage racks, mezzanines, pallet rack systems, shelving and more in the food, aircraft, household goods and other industries.
37. John Miller
Chief Executive Officer, Mud Technology International
John Miller began his professional career 19 years ago. Today, he is the Chief Executive Officer of Mud Technology International. The company designs and manufactures solids control equipment solutions utilized in a number of industries. Mud Technology is trusted by independent contractors, governmental agencies and corporations around the world. Mud Technology takes great pride in providing customers with equipment that allows them to perform their jobs, save time, money and strive to protect fragile ecosystems that support life.
Miller has been with Mud Technology International his whole career. Miller graduated from Trinity Valley Community College with an undergraduate degree in chemistry and engineering.
38. Steve Latorre
President & CEO, Texakoma
Steve Latorre is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Texakoma. He first joined the company in 2010. Since 1982, the Texakoma Group has established and grown its oil and gas exploration, operation and production business around its greatest asset—its people. Behind Texakoma’s Executive Management team and its core of industry respected and veteran engineers, geologists, landmen and professional staff the company has been able to find, explore and develop numerous oil and gas fields.
Previously, Latorre was a senior counsel at Wells Fargo, and before that, an attorney at Secore & Waller, LLP. Earlier in his career, he worked with AllianceBernstein as an assistant VP and counsel. Latorre earned a JD in banking, corporate, finance, and securities law from New York Law School, and an undergraduate degree in political science and government from Penn State University.
39. Terry Hollingshead
President & CEO, netMercury
Terry Hollingshead is the President and Chief Executive Officer of netMercury, a critical parts, materials, equipment, repairs and value-added services supplier with over 30 years of experience supporting global semiconductor manufacturing and other high-technology industries. Offering a highly flexible business model, netMercury is supply chain managers, empowered sourcing agents, distributors and manufacturers’ representatives, allowing the company to provide a broad range of products and services.
Hollingshead has 44 years of experience. He began his career in 1978. Before joining netMercury, Hollingshead was a president at THT Sales Company. Earlier in his career, he worked with Mostek Corporation as a process engineer. Hollingshead graduated from Naveen Jindal School of Management, UT Dallas with an MBA, and from the University of North Texas with an undergraduate degree in biology and chemistry. He specializes in supply chain management, new company and product introductions, business development, strategic planning, and more.
40. Rob Helbing
Vice President of Operations, Trek Resources
Rob Helbing is the Vice President of Operations of Trek Resources, an independent energy company that is engaged in the exploration, development, exploitation and acquisition of on-shore oil and natural gas properties in conventional producing areas of the United States. From 1983 until 1992, the company engaged in various types of business activities, including the manufacture of oil and natural gas recovery equipment.
Helbing has 36 years of experience. He began his career in 1986. Before joining Trek Resources, Helbing was an engineer at Dowell Schlumberger Inc and the President of Eureka Gas Company. Helbing graduated from Texas Tech University with an undergraduate degree in petroleum engineering.
41. Karthikeyan Mani
Chief Executive Officer, Zenbridge
Karthikeyan Mani is the Chief Executive Officer of Zenbridge, a cloud B2B platform that enables the sending and receiving of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) using an easy-to-use Application Programming Interfaces (API). EDIs carry the baggage of pre-internet-era design principles—complex EDI specifications, compliances, and lack of time validations. API brings in speed, accuracy, transparency, and omnichannel presence. Zenbridge’s mission is to make EDI integrations easier, faster and cheaper for organizations using API.
Mani has 12 years of experience. He began his career in 2010. Mani graduated from Crescent College of Engineering with an undergraduate degree in computer science.
42. William Correa
Chief Executive Officer, Paragon Project Resources
William Correa began his professional career 33 years ago. Today, he is the Chief Executive Officer of Paragon Project Resources, a professional services firm providing development of facilities, program management, construction management, engineering design, information technology and security services to private-public sector clients. It is a team of professionals known and respected for its ability to manage complex projects and success in meeting its client's unique needs. It is a qualified DBE and MBE enterprise for public agencies.
Correa graduated from The University of Texas at El Paso with an undergraduate degree in civil engineering. He is fluent in both English and Spanish.
43. Bruce Brown
President & CEO, Rhino Steel Building
Bruce Brown is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Rhino Steel Building. He first joined the company in 1998. Rhino Steel Building Systems, Inc. provides kits for metal buildings and structural design for virtually all types of steel buildings. Headquartered in Texas, Rhino Steel Building Systems delivers metal buildings from 7 shipping locations all across the continental United States. Unlike many other prefabricated steel buildings, Rhino buildings offer superior features that are standard with all of their metal buildings.
Previously, Brown was the president of the classic steel frame homes division at NCI Building Systems. Earlier in his career, he worked with Patients Perceptions as a co-founder and president. Brown graduated from Texas Tech University with an undergraduate degree in business.
44. Tim Lightfoot
President & CEO, Radius Display Products
Tim Lightfoot is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Radius Display Products. The company manufactures a variety of items primarily consisting of custom printing on fabric for use as logoed tablecloths, trade show booths, banners and signs. It has various structures such as portable pole systems, lightweight truss, and banner stands. It also makes the Original Folding Stackable and Pole Panel units. The company has a complete cut-and-sew department in-house to create items for the professional audiovisual market.
Lightfoot has 34 years of experience. He began his career in 1988. Before joining Radius
Display Products, Lightfoot was a partner at Prime Overstock Plus, LLC, and before that, a VP at Bank of America. Earlier in his career, he worked with Accenture as a senior consultant. Lightfoot graduated from Southern Methodist University - Cox School of Business with an undergraduate degree in management information systems.
45. Erin Hooley
Chief Executive Officer, Bailey's Blossoms
Erin Hooley began her professional career 14 years ago. Today, she is the Chief Executive Officer of Bailey's Blossoms, a private company that has been in the industry for 13 years. It is a socially driven e-commerce children's clothing line that offers selections of fast-fashion clothing for infants, toddlers, and Mommy and Me. The company specializes in the fashion, apparel, footwear, and personal product areas. Bailey's Blossoms is experiencing rapid growth and achieving record sales. Its brands are well-positioned for continued growth and recognition.
"Bailey's Blossoms" was born in 2009, at a kitchen table in Arizona, and was strictly hair accessories at first, but grew quickly into clothing and accessories as well. After a 2-year hiatus, as the founder’s family moved abroad to Brazil, the company was relaunched again in 2013 upon its arrival in Texas. Hooley has no formal education, but has impressively grown her business to over six figures while taking care of six children.
46. Michael Harrell
Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Logitrac
Michael Harrell is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Logitrac, simplifying fleet management with an intuitive, hands-off platform that inspires proactive cost control, performance-enhanced internal processes, increased asset protection, and memorable customer interactions for dealerships, OEMs, and fleet operations alike. It provides dealerships and dealer groups with solutions to increase internal profitability and efficiency. By leveraging optimization and opportunity, Logitrac eliminates crippling manual work from business procedures by providing a completely digital environment tailored for performance excellence.
Harrell has 17 years of experience. He began his career in 2005. Before joining Logitrac, Harrell was a VP of sales at CATS Communication. Harrell graduated from The University of Alabama. He has a diverse portfolio of experience and works to disrupt industry landscapes with innovative solutions.
47. Tina Campbell
Chief Executive Officer, Velocity Industrial
Tina Campbell is the Chief Executive Officer of Velocity Industrial. She first joined the company in 2006. Velocity Industrial serves industries that utilize pneumatic conveying, material handling, the components within these systems such as blowers, vacuum pumps, tube/couplings, etc. It specializes in the plastics industry and target extrusion, injection molding, blow molding, and thermoforming. Velocity Industrial specializes in process equipment and services are driven by the most important product it offers—great customer service.
Previously, Campbell was an executive assistant at Perot Systems. Earlier in her career, she worked with Eicon Technology as an executive assistant. At Velocity Industrial she is responsible for finances, budgets, forecasts, hiring and training employees, assisting in ideas for growth potential, and assisting in aligning the company to be a front-runner in the industrial equipment industry.
48. Duane Tinker
Chief Executive Officer, Dental Compliance Specialists
Duane Tinker is the Chief Executive Officer of Dental Compliance Specialists. He first joined the company in 2011. Dental Compliance Specialists helps dentists manage their compliance and human resource programs. It audits and inspects dental practices to find and fix the very problems that land dentists on headline news for issues related to infection control, drug diversion, insurance/Medicaid fraud, and other nightmares. Dental Compliance Specialists partners with its clients to help make their practice/organization safer for everyone including dentists, patients and staff members.
Tinker worked as a sergeant inspector for Texas State Board of Dental Examiners before his role at Dental Compliance Specialists.
49. Joseph Stefan
President & CEO, Mechantek Corp.
Joseph Stefan is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Mechantek Corporation. Murphy Technical, the operating company of Mechantek Corp., has been designing, selling, testing and servicing fire pump systems for nearly half a century. Whether for new construction, facility upgrades, or equipment replacements, the fire protection industry relies on Mechantek from early design guidance to post-commissioning support. The company recognizes the challenges sprinkler contractors face in meeting their externally imposed deadlines. It offers fire pumps, valves, fittings, tanks, parts, flow meters, services, and much more.
Stefan has 38 years of experience. He began his career in 1984. Before joining Mechantek, Stefan was a president and CEO at AgileMesh, Inc., and before that, a principal at Cornell Capital & Consulting. Earlier in his career, he worked with Buyers Access as a president. Stefan graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with an undergraduate degree in economics and math.
50. William Stewart
Founder & President, Wizards Sports Cafe
William Stewart is the Founder and President of Wizards Sports Cafe. He first joined the company in 1995. Established in 1986, Wizard’s Sports Cafe is a restaurant company and one of the oldest iconic sports bars in Dallas. It provides 18 regulation Billiards tables, 2 private Skyboxes, live music and entertainment, great food, and a fun atmosphere—all in over 12,000 square feet property. Whether kicking back to watch a favorite sports team or wanting to throw a high-energy party, Wizard’s has the facilities and the people to make it happen.
Stewart earned an undergraduate degree in marketing from the University of North Texas. He has enjoyed sharing his job education in real estate, construction, restaurants and bars, writing, and commercial insurance.
