In this episode of Building Texas Business, Chris Hanslik sits down with Joey Evans, head of business development, government relations, and transportation technology at TNW Corporation, for a conversation about an industry that quietly keeps Texas - and the rest of America - running. Joey introduces listeners to the world of short-line railroading and explains how TNW’s four Texas railroads, located in Gonzales, Dumas, Brownwood, and at the Port of Victoria, serve as the critical first and last mile of freight movement across the state.Joey breaks down how short-line railroads fit into the national transportation network, why one rail car effectively removes four trucks from the highway, and what makes TNW’s operation distinctive - including its flagship Dumas facility, which has grown into the largest privately owned rail car storage facility in North America. He also shares how the company built its proprietary technology platform, MyTNW, to give customers real-time visibility into their entire fleet, and how TNW has continued to push innovation in an industry that has historically lagged behind when it comes to technology adoption.The conversation covers TNW’s approach to customer relationships, strategic planning, and staying nimble in the face of shifting market conditions and geopolitical uncertainty. Joey also discusses his work as president of the Texas Shortline Railroad Association and the significance of newly passed state legislation that lays the groundwork for dedicated state funding to complement federal infrastructure grants - funding that could accelerate rail upgrades across Texas by years and help the state compete with neighboring states that already have these programs in place.Joey also speaks candidly about his own leadership journey, from starting as a railroad conductor with no college degree to growing into a strategic role, and how mentorship, faith, and a shift away from purely transactional thinking have shaped the leader he is today. He talks about the importance of building a personal brand early in a career, the value of servant leadership, and why asking for help is a sign of courage rather than weakness.For business owners, entrepreneurs, and leaders interested in Texas infrastructure, economic growth, logistics, and what it takes to build a service-driven company with deep roots and long-term vision, this episode offers a compelling and eye-opening look at an industry that touches nearly everything - even if most people never think about it. LINKS<a href='https://www.boyarmiller.com/podcast/'>Show Notes</a><a href='https://www.boyarmiller.com/business-podcast/ep-109-bringing-the-fifa-world-cup-to-houston-with-ryan-walsh/'>Previous Episodes</a><a href='https://www.boyarmiller.com/'>About BoyarMiller</a><a href='https://www.tnwcorporation.com'>About TNW Corporation</a>

<description>&lt;p&gt;In this episode of Building Texas Business, Chris Hanslik sits down with Joey Evans, head of business development, government relations, and transportation technology at TNW Corporation, for a conversation about an industry that quietly keeps Texas - and the rest of America - running. Joey introduces listeners to the world of short-line railroading and explains how TNW’s four Texas railroads, located in Gonzales, Dumas, Brownwood, and at the Port of Victoria, serve as the critical first and last mile of freight movement across the state.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Joey breaks down how short-line railroads fit into the national transportation network, why one rail car effectively removes four trucks from the highway, and what makes TNW’s operation distinctive - including its flagship Dumas facility, which has grown into the largest privately owned rail car storage facility in North America. He also shares how the company built its proprietary technology platform, MyTNW, to give customers real-time visibility into their entire fleet, and how TNW has continued to push innovation in an industry that has historically lagged behind when it comes to technology adoption.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The conversation covers TNW’s approach to customer relationships, strategic planning, and staying nimble in the face of shifting market conditions and geopolitical uncertainty. Joey also discusses his work as president of the Texas Shortline Railroad Association and the significance of newly passed state legislation that lays the groundwork for dedicated state funding to complement federal infrastructure grants - funding that could accelerate rail upgrades across Texas by years and help the state compete with neighboring states that already have these programs in place.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Joey also speaks candidly about his own leadership journey, from starting as a railroad conductor with no college degree to growing into a strategic role, and how mentorship, faith, and a shift away from purely transactional thinking have shaped the leader he is today. He talks about the importance of building a personal brand early in a career, the value of servant leadership, and why asking for help is a sign of courage rather than weakness.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;For business owners, entrepreneurs, and leaders interested in Texas infrastructure, economic growth, logistics, and what it takes to build a service-driven company with deep roots and long-term vision, this episode offers a compelling and eye-opening look at an industry that touches nearly everything - even if most people never think about it.&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-109-bringing-the-fifa-world-cup-to-houston-with-ryan-walsh/'&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.tnwcorporation.com'&gt;About TNW Corporation&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

In this episode of Building Texas Business, Chris Hanslik sits down with Joey Evans, head of business development, government relations, and transportation technology at TNW Corporation, for a conversation about an industry that quietly keeps Texas - and the rest of America - running. Joey introduces listeners to the world of short-line railroading and explains how TNW’s four Texas railroads, located in Gonzales, Dumas, Brownwood, and at the Port of Victoria, serve as the critical first and l...

Ep110: The First and Last Mile: How Short Line Rail Powers Texas with Joey Evans

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

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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