In this episode of Building Texas Business, Chris Hanslik sits down with Ryan Walsh, CEO of the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority, for a conversation about Houston’s growing role as one of the country’s premier destinations for major sporting events.Ryan explains the mission of the Sports Authority, how the organization helps attract and support events like the Super Bowl, Final Four, World Baseball Classic, and FIFA World Cup, and why those events create meaningful economic impact across the region. He also shares how Houston’s venues, hospitality industry, public partners, and business community work together to deliver large-scale events that showcase the city on a national and global stage.The conversation takes a deep look at the upcoming FIFA World Cup in Houston, including what residents and visitors can expect from Houston Stadium, the Fan Fest in EaDo, international fan culture, and the once-in-a-generation opportunity for Houston to welcome the world. Ryan also discusses why 2026 may become the biggest sports year in Houston’s history and how the city is preparing for a summer that will put its food, culture, diversity, and collaborative spirit on full display.Chris and Ryan also talk about leadership, building the right team, creating a culture of accountability, transparency, and collaboration, and preparing an organization for high-pressure moments where execution matters.If you are interested in Houston business, sports tourism, leadership, and the impact major events can have on a city’s economy and identity, this episode offers a timely and insightful look at how Houston is getting ready for the world stage.LINKS<a href='https://www.boyarmiller.com/podcast/'>Show Notes</a><a href='https://www.boyarmiller.com/business-podcast/ep-108-from-nascar-to-ceo-a-small-business-growth-story-with-brad-coleman/'>Previous Episodes</a><a href='https://www.boyarmiller.com/'>About BoyarMiller</a><a href='https://www.houstonsports.org'>About Harris County-Houston Sports Authority</a>

<description>&lt;p&gt;In this episode of Building Texas Business, Chris Hanslik sits down with Ryan Walsh, CEO of the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority, for a conversation about Houston’s growing role as one of the country’s premier destinations for major sporting events.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Ryan explains the mission of the Sports Authority, how the organization helps attract and support events like the Super Bowl, Final Four, World Baseball Classic, and FIFA World Cup, and why those events create meaningful economic impact across the region. He also shares how Houston’s venues, hospitality industry, public partners, and business community work together to deliver large-scale events that showcase the city on a national and global stage.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The conversation takes a deep look at the upcoming FIFA World Cup in Houston, including what residents and visitors can expect from Houston Stadium, the Fan Fest in EaDo, international fan culture, and the once-in-a-generation opportunity for Houston to welcome the world. Ryan also discusses why 2026 may become the biggest sports year in Houston’s history and how the city is preparing for a summer that will put its food, culture, diversity, and collaborative spirit on full display.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Chris and Ryan also talk about leadership, building the right team, creating a culture of accountability, transparency, and collaboration, and preparing an organization for high-pressure moments where execution matters.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you are interested in Houston business, sports tourism, leadership, and the impact major events can have on a city’s economy and identity, this episode offers a timely and insightful look at how Houston is getting ready for the world stage.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;LINKS&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.boyarmiller.com/podcast/'&gt;Show Notes&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.boyarmiller.com/business-podcast/ep-108-from-nascar-to-ceo-a-small-business-growth-story-with-brad-coleman/'&gt;Previous Episodes&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.boyarmiller.com/'&gt;About BoyarMiller&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.houstonsports.org'&gt;About Harris County-Houston Sports Authority&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

In this episode of Building Texas Business, Chris Hanslik sits down with Ryan Walsh, CEO of the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority, for a conversation about Houston’s growing role as one of the country’s premier destinations for major sporting events. Ryan explains the mission of the Sports Authority, how the organization helps attract and support events like the Super Bowl, Final Four, World Baseball Classic, and FIFA World Cup, and why those events create meaningful economic impact acro...

Ep109: Bringing the FIFA World Cup to Houston with Ryan Walsh

In this episode of Building Texas Business, Chris Hanslik sits down with Brad Coleman, Owner and CEO of Safeway Driving, for a conversation that goes far beyond driver’s education. Brad shares his remarkable journey from racing professionally in NASCAR to leading one of Texas’s most established driving schools, and how that transition became the foundation for a purpose-driven business.Brad talks about how his passion for cars and driver safety first took shape, what he learned competing at the highest levels of motorsports, and how those lessons carried into entrepreneurship, leadership, and business growth. He also explains how Safeway Driving has evolved from a traditional local driving school into a modern franchise operation with a strong reputation, innovative curriculum, and a measurable impact on driver safety across Texas.Along the way, the conversation explores topics like overcoming adversity, building the right team, protecting company culture, balancing accountability with empathy, and growing a business without compromising quality. Brad also offers candid insight into the pressure of racing, the mindset required to get back behind the wheel after a serious crash, and how confidence and preparation can make all the difference, both in business and on the road.It’s a compelling episode about resilience, reinvention, and what it looks like to build a business that is both scalable and deeply meaningful. For business owners, entrepreneurs, and leaders looking for lessons in growth, culture, and long-term vision, this conversation delivers plenty to take away. LINKS<a href='https://www.boyarmiller.com/podcast/'>Show Notes</a><a href='https://www.boyarmiller.com/business-podcast/ep-107-lessons-from-building-a-global-technology-business-with-chris-howard/'>Previous Episodes</a><a href='https://www.boyarmiller.com/'>About BoyarMiller</a><a href='https://www.safewaydriving.com'>About Safeway Driving</a>

<description>&lt;p&gt;In this episode of &lt;em&gt;Building Texas Business&lt;/em&gt;, Chris Hanslik sits down with Brad Coleman, Owner and CEO of Safeway Driving, for a conversation that goes far beyond driver’s education. Brad shares his remarkable journey from racing professionally in NASCAR to leading one of Texas’s most established driving schools, and how that transition became the foundation for a purpose-driven business.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Brad talks about how his passion for cars and driver safety first took shape, what he learned competing at the highest levels of motorsports, and how those lessons carried into entrepreneurship, leadership, and business growth. He also explains how Safeway Driving has evolved from a traditional local driving school into a modern franchise operation with a strong reputation, innovative curriculum, and a measurable impact on driver safety across Texas.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Along the way, the conversation explores topics like overcoming adversity, building the right team, protecting company culture, balancing accountability with empathy, and growing a business without compromising quality. Brad also offers candid insight into the pressure of racing, the mindset required to get back behind the wheel after a serious crash, and how confidence and preparation can make all the difference, both in business and on the road.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It’s a compelling episode about resilience, reinvention, and what it looks like to build a business that is both scalable and deeply meaningful. For business owners, entrepreneurs, and leaders looking for lessons in growth, culture, and long-term vision, this conversation delivers plenty to take away.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;b&gt;LINKS&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.boyarmiller.com/podcast/'&gt;Show Notes&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.boyarmiller.com/business-podcast/ep-107-lessons-from-building-a-global-technology-business-with-chris-howard/'&gt;Previous Episodes&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.boyarmiller.com/'&gt;About BoyarMiller&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.safewaydriving.com'&gt;About Safeway Driving&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

In this episode of Building Texas Business, Chris Hanslik sits down with Brad Coleman, Owner and CEO of Safeway Driving, for a conversation that goes far beyond driver’s education. Brad shares his remarkable journey from racing professionally in NASCAR to leading one of Texas’s most established driving schools, and how that transition became the foundation for a purpose-driven business. Brad talks about how his passion for cars and driver safety first took shape, what he learned competing at ...

Ep108: From NASCAR to CEO: A Small Business Growth Story with Brad Coleman

In this episode of Building Texas Business, Chris Hanslik sits down with Chris Howard, founder and CEO of Softeq Development, for a conversation about entrepreneurship, innovation, and building a technology company over nearly three decades.Chris shares how he started his business after leaving IBM, the early risks he took, and the lessons he learned while growing Softeq into a full-stack engineering firm working across hardware, software, and emerging technologies. He explains how a mindset of constant learning has been critical to staying relevant in an industry that continues to evolve at a rapid pace.  Chris and Chris discuss what innovation looks like in practice, how business owners can think about adopting new technologies, and why curiosity and adaptability are essential traits for long-term success. The conversation also explores how artificial intelligence is changing the way companies operate and what leaders should be doing today to prepare for what comes next.The discussion also highlights lessons in hiring, culture, and leadership, including how to build teams that can grow with the business and deliver consistent results over time.If you are interested in entrepreneurship, technology, and leading a business through constant change, this episode offers practical insight from a founder who has done it for nearly 30 years.LINKS<a href='https://www.boyarmiller.com/podcast/'>Show Notes</a><a href='https://www.boyarmiller.com/business-podcast/ep-106-leading-through-company-transformation-with-erin-gajdalo/'>Previous Episodes</a><a href='https://www.boyarmiller.com'>About BoyarMiller</a><a href='https://www.softeq.com'>About Softeq</a>

<description>&lt;p&gt;In this episode of Building Texas Business, Chris Hanslik sits down with Chris Howard, founder and CEO of Softeq Development, for a conversation about entrepreneurship, innovation, and building a technology company over nearly three decades.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Chris shares how he started his business after leaving IBM, the early risks he took, and the lessons he learned while growing Softeq into a full-stack engineering firm working across hardware, software, and emerging technologies. He explains how a mindset of constant learning has been critical to staying relevant in an industry that continues to evolve at a rapid pace.  &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Chris and Chris discuss what innovation looks like in practice, how business owners can think about adopting new technologies, and why curiosity and adaptability are essential traits for long-term success. The conversation also explores how artificial intelligence is changing the way companies operate and what leaders should be doing today to prepare for what comes next.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The discussion also highlights lessons in hiring, culture, and leadership, including how to build teams that can grow with the business and deliver consistent results over time.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you are interested in entrepreneurship, technology, and leading a business through constant change, this episode offers practical insight from a founder who has done it for nearly 30 years.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;LINKS&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.boyarmiller.com/podcast/'&gt;Show Notes&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.boyarmiller.com/business-podcast/ep-106-leading-through-company-transformation-with-erin-gajdalo/'&gt;Previous Episodes&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.boyarmiller.com'&gt;About BoyarMiller&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.softeq.com'&gt;About Softeq&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

In this episode of Building Texas Business, Chris Hanslik sits down with Chris Howard, founder and CEO of Softeq Development, for a conversation about entrepreneurship, innovation, and building a technology company over nearly three decades. Chris shares how he started his business after leaving IBM, the early risks he took, and the lessons he learned while growing Softeq into a full-stack engineering firm working across hardware, software, and emerging technologies. He explains how a mindset...

Ep107: Lessons from Building a Global Technology Business with Chris Howard

In this episode of Building Texas Business, Chris Hanslik sits down with Erin Gajdalo, CEO of Pluralsight, for a conversation about leadership, company transformation, and the challenges of scaling technology businesses.Erin shares the story of her first year leading Pluralsight and the dramatic changes the company has undergone. After stepping into the role, she faced a lender takeover, the need to rebuild the executive team, and the challenge of resetting the organization’s culture and go-to-market structure to return the business to growth.Chris and Erin discuss the realities many startups and SaaS companies face after periods of rapid expansion, including how leaders must align teams around clear priorities, understand where to invest resources, and make difficult decisions during a turnaround. Erin also explains how her leadership style evolved as the company worked through its transformation.The conversation also explores how organizations are responding to the rapid rise of artificial intelligence. Erin explains how Pluralsight helps companies develop technology skills, build AI literacy across their workforce, and ensure employees understand how to effectively use emerging tools.This episode offers insight into leadership, culture, and the decisions required to guide organizations through periods of change and transformation.LINKS<a href='https://www.boyarmiller.com/podcast/'>Show Notes</a><a href='https://www.boyarmiller.com/business-podcast/ep-105-entrepreneurship-leadership-and-the-texas-business-advantage-with-steve-montgomery/'>Previous Episodes</a><a href='https://www.boyarmiller.com/'>About BoyarMiller</a><a href='https://www.pluralsight.com'>About Pluralsight</a>

<description>&lt;p&gt;In this episode of &lt;em&gt;Building Texas Business&lt;/em&gt;, Chris Hanslik sits down with Erin Gajdalo, CEO of Pluralsight, for a conversation about leadership, company transformation, and the challenges of scaling technology businesses.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Erin shares the story of her first year leading Pluralsight and the dramatic changes the company has undergone. After stepping into the role, she faced a lender takeover, the need to rebuild the executive team, and the challenge of resetting the organization’s culture and go-to-market structure to return the business to growth.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Chris and Erin discuss the realities many startups and SaaS companies face after periods of rapid expansion, including how leaders must align teams around clear priorities, understand where to invest resources, and make difficult decisions during a turnaround. Erin also explains how her leadership style evolved as the company worked through its transformation.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The conversation also explores how organizations are responding to the rapid rise of artificial intelligence. Erin explains how Pluralsight helps companies develop technology skills, build AI literacy across their workforce, and ensure employees understand how to effectively use emerging tools.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This episode offers insight into leadership, culture, and the decisions required to guide organizations through periods of change and transformation.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;LINKS&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.boyarmiller.com/podcast/'&gt;Show Notes&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.boyarmiller.com/business-podcast/ep-105-entrepreneurship-leadership-and-the-texas-business-advantage-with-steve-montgomery/'&gt;Previous Episodes&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.boyarmiller.com/'&gt;About BoyarMiller&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.pluralsight.com'&gt;About Pluralsight&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

In this episode of Building Texas Business, Chris Hanslik sits down with Erin Gajdalo, CEO of Pluralsight, for a conversation about leadership, company transformation, and the challenges of scaling technology businesses. Erin shares the story of her first year leading Pluralsight and the dramatic changes the company has undergone. After stepping into the role, she faced a lender takeover, the need to rebuild the executive team, and the challenge of resetting the organization’s culture and go-...

Ep106: Leading Through Company Transformation with Erin Gajdalo

In this episode of Building Texas Business, Chris Hanslik sits down with Steve Montgomery, President and CEO of the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, for a conversation about leadership, entrepreneurship, and the growth of one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States.Steve brings more than three decades of experience in both the private and public sectors. Before leading the Fort Worth Chamber, he helped build and grow a healthcare information technology company, joining as the fourth employee and helping scale the business before its eventual sale. That experience shaped his perspective on entrepreneurship, small business challenges, and the importance of building strong teams.Chris and Steve discuss the mission of the Fort Worth Chamber and its role in advocating for businesses, connecting companies with opportunities, and helping create an environment where businesses can grow and thrive. Steve explains why Fort Worth is experiencing significant growth, pointing to the city’s expanding population, available land for development, and its strategic location within the Texas economy.The conversation also explores leadership lessons from building startups, including hiring philosophy, the importance of culture, and the value of adaptability in growing organizations. Steve shares insights from his work with businesses across Fort Worth, along with trends he’s hearing from local leaders as they navigate economic uncertainty and global market pressures.If you are interested in entrepreneurship, leadership development, and the factors driving business growth across Texas, this episode offers valuable perspective from someone working directly with companies every day.LINKS<a href='https://www.boyarmiller.com/podcast/'>Show Notes</a><a href='https://www.boyarmiller.com/business-podcast/ep-104-capital-discipline-culture-and-leadership-in-texas-with-roe-patterson/'>Previous Episodes</a><a href='https://www.boyarmiller.com/'>About BoyarMiller</a><a href='https://www.fortworthchamber.com'>About The Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce</a>

<description>&lt;p&gt;In this episode of &lt;em&gt;Building Texas Business&lt;/em&gt;, Chris Hanslik sits down with Steve Montgomery, President and CEO of the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, for a conversation about leadership, entrepreneurship, and the growth of one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Steve brings more than three decades of experience in both the private and public sectors. Before leading the Fort Worth Chamber, he helped build and grow a healthcare information technology company, joining as the fourth employee and helping scale the business before its eventual sale. That experience shaped his perspective on entrepreneurship, small business challenges, and the importance of building strong teams.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Chris and Steve discuss the mission of the Fort Worth Chamber and its role in advocating for businesses, connecting companies with opportunities, and helping create an environment where businesses can grow and thrive. Steve explains why Fort Worth is experiencing significant growth, pointing to the city’s expanding population, available land for development, and its strategic location within the Texas economy.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The conversation also explores leadership lessons from building startups, including hiring philosophy, the importance of culture, and the value of adaptability in growing organizations. Steve shares insights from his work with businesses across Fort Worth, along with trends he’s hearing from local leaders as they navigate economic uncertainty and global market pressures.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you are interested in entrepreneurship, leadership development, and the factors driving business growth across Texas, this episode offers valuable perspective from someone working directly with companies every day.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;LINKS&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.boyarmiller.com/podcast/'&gt;Show Notes&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.boyarmiller.com/business-podcast/ep-104-capital-discipline-culture-and-leadership-in-texas-with-roe-patterson/'&gt;Previous Episodes&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.boyarmiller.com/'&gt;About BoyarMiller&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.fortworthchamber.com'&gt;About The Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

In this episode of Building Texas Business, Chris Hanslik sits down with Steve Montgomery, President and CEO of the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, for a conversation about leadership, entrepreneurship, and the growth of one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States. Steve brings more than three decades of experience in both the private and public sectors. Before leading the Fort Worth Chamber, he helped build and grow a healthcare information technology company, joining as the fourt...

Ep105: Entrepreneurship, Leadership and the Texas Business Advantage with Steve Montgomery

BoyarMiller Chairman Chris Hanslik interviews industry thought leaders and organizational visionaries in a discussion rife with leading edge information, the latest trends, case studies, and news. Business inspiration, growth, challenges, corporate culture and mentorship will be on the agenda. Enjoy the banter and glean valuable insight as the conversation unfolds. 

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