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Gone to Texas

Gone to Texas

De : Super Dave Quinn CECD
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 Welcome to "Gone to Texas," the official podcast of the Texas Economic Development Connection. One of the Top 5 Business Podcasts in Texas. On every episode, we share the stories of business owners and CEOs who have relocated or expanded their business into Texas. Our goal is to use these stories as a guide to help others who are ready to hang a sign on the door that says, Gone to Texas.Day One Experts Direction Economie Management et direction Politique et gouvernement Sciences politiques Sciences sociales Écritures et commentaires de voyage
Épisodes
  • Building Legacy and Better Roads: Blackledge’s Expansion Story in Fairfield, Texas

    Building Legacy and Better Roads: Blackledge’s Expansion Story in Fairfield, Texas
    Mar 3 2026
    In this episode of Gone to Texas, hosts Brit Blacklidge and "Super" Dave Quinn sit down with Brit Blacklidge, President of Blacklidge, a fourth-generation family-owned asphalt materials company. Brit shares the history of the company, how he stepped into a leadership role at a young age, and the challenges and rewards of running a family business. He speaks candidly about the realities of work-life balance, the importance of assembling a strong team, and how faith and resilience are crucial to his business journey.

    The conversation shifts to Blackledge’s expansion into Texas, including why they chose Fairfield as their newest location. Brit breaks down the process of relocating a business to Texas, his experience partnering with the Fairfield Economic Development Corporation, and the practical challenges such as workforce and housing shortages. The episode also touches on what Always the Better Road means for Blackledge, emphasizing a commitment to quality and reliability in their products and workplace culture. Brit closes with advice for business owners considering Texas, highlighting the state’s business-friendly attitude and the supportive community he’s found in Fairfield.

    Key Topics Discussed:
    • The family history and background of Blackledge
    • Challenges and rewards of running a family business
    • The realities of work-life balance for business owners
    • Why Blackledge expanded to Texas and why they chose Fairfield
    • Navigating local partnerships and economic development support
    • Overcoming practical challenges like workforce and housing shortages
    • Company values: quality, reliability, and the meaning of "Always the Better Road"
    • The importance of company culture and employee empowerment
    • The Texas business environment and support for new businesses
    • Recommendations for policymakers on workforce and trade education
    • Local insights and what makes Fairfield stand out


    Get your free Texas business expansion or relocation resources today by visiting www.TexasEDConnection.com
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    38 min
  • How Business Owners Benefit from Proactive Health Planning

    How Business Owners Benefit from Proactive Health Planning
    Feb 27 2026
    "Super" Dave sits down with Paula Phillips, a nationally certified occupational therapist and founder of Calibrating Lyfe, to discuss the importance of proactive health strategies for business owners and employees. Drawing on her extensive experience in hospitals and rehabilitation centers, Paula talks about the gaps in traditional rehabilitation systems and shares how her approach as a quality of life consultant helps individuals and organizations plan for wellness before illness or injury strikes.

    The conversation explores practical daily habits, the value of baseline health awareness, and the unique advantages of living and operating a wellness-focused business in Fairview, Texas. Dave and Paula also talk about how quality of life consulting provides actionable strategies for managing health risks and transitions, and how businesses benefit from supporting employee wellness. Paula talks about the supportive community in Fairview, her motivation behind founding Calibrating Life, and advice for entrepreneurs considering relocation to Texas.

    To find out more about Paula, visit: https://calibratinglyfe.com/

    Get your free Texas business expansion or relocation resources today by visiting www.TexasEDConnection.com
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    36 min
  • Anchored in Innovation: Industry Leaders Growing in Kilgore

    Anchored in Innovation: Industry Leaders Growing in Kilgore
    Feb 26 2026
    In this episode, Dave sits down with Alan Pollard, Vice President of SATCOM Antenna Products at CPI, to discuss the unique success story of CPI’s Kilgore, Texas operation. The conversation traces CPI’s impressive 50-year history and global reach as the world’s largest antenna systems supplier. Alan shares how Kilgore’s available resources, skilled labor, and welcoming community made it a logical and strategic home for a world-class manufacturer in the heart of East Texas.

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

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


    Get your free Texas business expansion or relocation resources today by visiting www.TexasEDConnection.com
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    22 min
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