Erica Grieder
Verified
As seen in:
Houston Chronicle,
MSN,
The New York Times,
Yahoo Life,
The Independent (UK),
The Wall Street Journal,
The Washington Post,
Yahoo Finance,
POLITICO,
Chron,
Salon
and
Business reporter, @HoustonChron.
Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Erica Grieder
Airbnb-founded nonprofit plans to raise $500 million for free emergency housing, 10 cents at a time
The Airbnb logo is displayed on soccer balls during a news conference in Houston in 2025, at which the company announced that it would invest $1.3 million in Houston ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In October 2026, Airbnb announced that it will donate 10 cents from every booking on the site to Airbnb.org, an independent nonprofit that provides free emergency housing to people displaced by disasters or otherwise in crisis.
Amazon aims to hire more than 6,000 in Houston, and 26,500 in Texas, as 2026 holiday season begins
An Amazon worker prepared orders for shipping Monday, Dec. 2, 2024, at Amazon's HOU6 facility in Richmond. The e-commerce giant is looking to hire more than 6,000 workers across the Houston region for the 2026 holiday season. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer Amazon's annual holiday hiring surge could bring more than 6,000 jobs to the Houston region.
Only 3 Houston companies have reported layoffs since July. Here's why.
Baker Hughes's new corporate headquarters in the Energy Corridor was photographed on Oct.23, 2023. In July 2026, the oil field services giant announced that it would lay off 147 workers at its manufacturing and testing site in northwest Harris County. Arnaldo Larios/ Courtesy Baker Hughes Three Houston companies laid off 356 people during the third quarter, or between July and September, according to the Texas Workforce Commission.
Can you guess how much Houston's top-performing company made in revenue last year?
The largest public companies in the Houston region are energy giants. Exxon Mobil had revenue of $324 billion in 2025, followed by Chevron, which had $185 billion, and Phillips 66, with about $132 billion. But the Chronicle 100, which ranks the region’s public companies by performance rather than size, produced a much different view of Houston’s corporate titans. A clear theme emerges from this year’s analysis.
The Chronicle 100: Houston's top-performing companies, ranked
The data center boom and buildout helped propel several Houston companies to the top of the Chronicle 100, the Houston Chronicle’s annual ranking of the region’s best-performing performing companies. Case in point: The region’s top-performing company in 2025 was Comfort Systems USA, a provider of mechanical, electrical and plumbing services and systems. Comfort Systems’s revenue jumped to $9.1 billion in 2025, up about 30% compared with 2024, and its stock price has soared in recent years.
This Houston company pays its CEO over 400 times more than a median employee
Astros fans shop for World Series championship apparel at Academy Sports & Outdoors, Sunday, Nov. 6, 2022, in Houston. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer The Academy Sports + Outdoors in Houston's Meyerland neighborhood, photographed on Dec. 20, 2022. Erica Grieder/Photo by Erica Grieder A student finds a pair of shoes she likes during a “Kicks for Class” event at Academy Sports + Outdoors in Houston on Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026.
Houston's 100 highest-paid executives, ranked: See who tops the list
Nine of the ten most highly compensated executives in Houston last year led energy companies, earning a combined $300 million, according to Securities and Exchange Commission records. The region’s highest-paid executive was Sable Offshore CEO Jim Flores, who earned $76 million in 2025, including $69 million in stock, a $3.9 million bonus and a $1.3 million salary.
Eight Houston billionaires rank among the wealthiest 400 Americans. Here's who they are.
There are 43 Texans on this year's Forbes 400 list , from Elon Musk (worth $908 billion) and Michael Dell ($263 billion) to grocery magnate Charles Butt ($11.3 billion) and private equity executive Carl Thoma of Dallas, ranked No. 380 with a net worth of $4.5 billion. Overall, Forbes said, the 400 wealthiest Americans are worth $8 trillion this year, up from $6.6 trillion a year ago.
Eight Houston billionaires rank among the wealthiest 400 Americans. Here's who they are.
; ; ; Continue reading More for You Continue reading More for You
Eight Houston billionaires rank among the wealthiest 400 Americans. Here's who they are.
Richard and Nancy Kinder in 2022 in Houston. Richard Kinder ranks No. 100 on the 2026 Forbes 400, an annual ranking of the wealthiest Americans. Elizabeth Conley/Staff photographer There are 43 Texans on this year’s Forbes 400 list, from Elon Musk (worth $908 billion) and Michael Dell ($263 billion) to grocery magnate Charles Butt ($11.3 billion) and private equity executive Carl Thoma of Dallas, ranked No. 380 with a net worth of $4.5 billion.
These Houston jobs have the most AI exposure. How does your profession stack up?
About one in six Houston workers have a high degree of exposure to generative artificial intelligence and are likely to see their jobs change significantly due to the explosion of applications such as ChatGPT and Claude, according to new research. But the region’s economy has some insulation from AI’s potentially disruptive effects, economists say, due to a heavy presence of workers rooted in the physical world, including in the energy, health care, manufacturing, and construction sectors.
Exclusive: Port of Houston drove nearly $1 trillion in economic value in 2025, study finds
Shipping containers are shown at the Port of Houston's Bayport Container Terminal in Seabrook on Friday, July 10, 2026. Jacob Lujan/Houston Chronicle Shipping containers are transported by the MSC JASPER VIII container ship at the at the Bayport Container Terminal part of Houston Port of Authority in Seabrook, Friday, July 10, 2026.
Exclusive: Port of Houston drove nearly $1 trillion in economic value in 2025, study finds
The Port of Houston has become a conduit for nearly a trillion dollars' worth of economic activity in the United States, according to a study released Tuesday. Total marine cargo along the Houston Ship Channel supported $986.9 billion in total economic value across the United States in 2025, according to an analysis by consultancy Martin Associates conducted on behalf of Port Houston, the port's governing authority.
These 5 Houston-area businesses rank among the 100 fastest-growing private companies in the U.S.
Signs by G, a sign manufacturer based in Houston, began as a side hustle in Daniel Garnier's garage.In 2026, it ranked No. 75 on the Inc. 5000, an annual list of the fastest-growing companies in the United States. (Courtesy Signs by G) Artificial intelligence. Weather-resistant signs. Menopause care. The fastest-growing private companies in the Houston region run the gamut, according to an annual ranking from Inc. magazine. More than 500 Texas companies placed in the Inc.
These 5 Houston-area businesses rank among the 100 fastest-growing private companies in the U.S.
Signs by G, a sign manufacturer based in Houston, began as a side hustle in Daniel Garnier's garage.In 2026, it ranked No. 75 on the Inc. 5000, an annual list of the fastest-growing companies in the United States. Courtesy Signs by G Signs by G, a sign manufacturer based in Houston, began as a side hustle in Daniel Garnier's garage.In 2026, it ranked No. 75 on the Inc. 5000, an annual list of the fastest-growing companies in the United States.
Big companies are leaving states like New York and Delaware for Texas. Here's why that matters.
People are shown on the campus at ExxonMobil, 22777 Springwoods Village Pkwy., Tuesday, March 28, 2023, in Spring. The oil and gas giant, which has had its headquarters in Texas since the 1980s, legally reincorporated in the state in 2026.
Big companies are leaving states like New York and Delaware for Texas. Here’s why that matters.
People are shown on the campus at ExxonMobil, 22777 Springwoods Village Pkwy., Tuesday, March 28, 2023, in Spring. The oil and gas giant, which has had its headquarters in Texas since the 1980s, legally reincorporated in the state in 2026.
Big companies are leaving states like New York and Delaware for Texas. Here’s why that matters.
People are shown on the campus at ExxonMobil, 22777 Springwoods Village Pkwy., Tuesday, March 28, 2023, in Spring. The oil and gas giant, which has had its headquarters in Texas since the 1980s, legally reincorporated in the state in 2026.
Bristol Myers Squibb to build $2.3B advanced manufacturing plant in Houston, creating 500 jobs
A rendering of Bristol Myers Squibb's proposed new campus in Houston's Generation Park. (Bristol Myers Squibb) Bristol Myers Squibb announced Monday that it will build a $2.3 billion advanced manufacturing facility in Houston's Generation Park, a coup for the region's growing biotech sector. The new facility in northeast Houston will cover 600,000 square feet and create 500 jobs, according to the New Jersey-based pharmaceutical giant.
Bristol Myers Squibb to build $2.3B advanced manufacturing plant in Houston, creating 500 jobs
A rendering of Bristol Myers Squibb's proposed new campus in Houston's Generation Park. Bristol Myers Squibb Bristol Myers Squibb announced Monday that it will build a $2.3 billion advanced manufacturing facility in Houston’s Generation Park, a coup for the region’s growing biotech sector. The new facility in northeast Houston will cover 600,000 square feet and create 500 jobs, according to the New Jersey-based pharmaceutical giant.
Bristol Myers Squibb to build $2.3B advanced manufacturing plant in Houston, creating 500 jobs
Secure transaction. Cancel anytime. Have an account? Log In Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in. Check your email for details. An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the email address listed on your account. × × Secure & Encrypted What's your email address? What's your name? Who is this gift for? Optional message for the recipient Who is this gift from? Delivery date What's your billing location?
Elon Musk's Texas empire could soon include $10B Tesla solar plant in Fort Bend. Here's what to know
Tesla is considering placing a $10 billion solar cell facility in Fort Bend County, according to state records , as Elon Musk continues to expand his operations in the Houston region. The electric automaker on Aug. 6th filed for school district property tax abatements related to the project, which it says would be located in Lamar Consolidated Independent School District, a quickly growing district in the southwest of Houston.
Elon Musk's Texas empire could soon include $10B Tesla solar plant in Fort Bend. Here’s what to know
Tesla Inc. CEO Elon Musk, left, with Texas Gov. Greg Abbott at a 2023 groundbreaking ceremony for the auto manufacturer’s Robstown lithium refining facility. As of 2026, Tesla is considering building a $10bn solar plant facility in Fort Bend County, according to state records.
Elon Musk's Texas empire could soon include $10B Tesla solar plant in Fort Bend. Here's what to know
Secure transaction. Cancel anytime. Have an account? Log In Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in. Check your email for details. An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the email address listed on your account. × × Secure & Encrypted What's your email address? What's your name? Who is this gift for? Optional message for the recipient Who is this gift from? Delivery date What's your billing location?
The 5 companies with the biggest Houston layoffs of 2026 so far
Empty kiosks and covered signage at the former Spirit Airlines check-in counter at Terminal A at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. The budget airline abruptly shuttered its operations May 2, leading to 17,000 layoffs nationwide, including 515 at IAH.
The 5 companies with the biggest Houston layoffs of 2026 so far
Empty kiosks and covered signage at the former Spirit Airlines check-in counter at Terminal A at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. The budget airline abruptly shuttered its operations May 2, leading to 17,000 layoffs nationwide, including 515 at IAH.
Why do Texas homeowners face some of the highest insurance burdens in the US? Weather.
Home insurance accounts for 14.4 percent of monthly housing expenses for Texas homeowners, among the highest burdens in the country, according to a new analysis from LendingTree, an insurance shopping website. kAm%6I2D 9@>6@H?6CD 2=D@ A2J E96 E9:C5 9:896DE AC6>:F>D[ Sbb` A6C >@?E9]k^Am kAmtIEC6>6 H62E96C 6G6?ED[ :?4=F5:?8 92:=[ 7=@@5:?8 2?5 H:?5DE@C>D DF49 2D a_acVD wFCC:42?6 q6CJ=[ 92G6 96=A65 5C:G6 FA :?DFC2?46 C2E6D 24C@DD E96 DE2E6 2=@?8 H:E9 :?7=2E:@?
Texas homeowners face some of the highest insurance burdens in the nation. Here's why.
A fallen tree on the roof of a home in Meadowcreek Village is photographed on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, in Houston, nine days after Hurricane Beryl left the community without power.
Texas homeowners face some of the highest insurance burdens in the nation. Here’s why.
A fallen tree on the roof of a home in Meadowcreek Village is photographed on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, in Houston, nine days after Hurricane Beryl left the community without power.
Nearly 150 U.S. billionaires are immigrants. Here are the richest in Texas, according to Forbes
When Forbes began making plans to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States, it was only natural that immigrants would be a major part of the story, according to the magazine's Executive Editor Luisa Kroll. kAmQ(6 H2?E65 E@ =@@< 2E :E :? 2 5:DA2DD:@?2E6 H2J[ 3FE C62==J E2=< H:E9 A6@A=6 23@FE E96:C DF446DD DE@C:6D 2?5 E96 p>6C:42? 5C62> — H96E96C :E H2D C62==J DE:== 2=:G6[ 2?5 H92E :E H2D E92E 5C6H A6@A=6[Q D96 HC@E6]k^Am kAm%96C6 H6C6 `cc 7@C6:8?\3@C? 3:==:@?2:C6D =:G:?8 :?
Nearly 150 U.S. billionaires are immigrants. Here are the richest in Texas, according to Forbes Original
Tricon Energy CEO Ignacio Torras poses for a photograph at Rocambolesc, his most recent restaurant venture, Wednesday, May 25, 2022, at Uptown in Houston. Torras, who is originally from Barcelona, is one of the richest immigrants in the United States, according to a 2026 ranking from Forbes magazine. Yi-Chin Lee / Houston Chronicle Westlake Chemical CEO Albert Chao, 73, at the company offices in Post Oak Blvd., Friday, March 25, 2022, in Houston. Marie D.
Was hosting the World Cup worth it for Houston? Here's what the data shows. Original
Mexico national team fans sit on each others shoulders and dance after Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0 during the first round of the during the FIFA World Cup 2026 which was streamed at the FIFA Fan Festival in Houston, Thursday, June 11, 2026. Jacob Lujan/Houston Chronicle Brazil fans celebrate Brazil’s 2-1 victory over Japan in the round of 32 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup which was streamed live to the Fan Festival in EaDo, Houston, June 29, 2026.
H-E-B's discount chain Joe V's Smart Shop plans to open two Houston stores in 2027
Follow H-E-B's discount chain Joe V's Smart Shop plans to open two Houston stores in 2027 Thu, July 16, 2026 at 8:03 PM UTC Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Catalina Alanis selects a red pepper as she shops during the grand opening event at Joe V's Smart Shop by H-E-B, 10241 N Fwy., in Houston Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025. H-E-B plans to open two additional locations of the cost-conscious chain in Houston in 2027.
H-E-B's discount chain Joe V's Smart Shop plans to open two Houston stores in 2027
Catalina Alanis selects a red pepper as she shops during the grand opening event at Joe V’s Smart Shop by H-E-B, 10241 N Fwy., in Houston Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025. H-E-B plans to open two additional locations of the cost-conscious chain in Houston in 2027. Melissa Phillip/Houston Chronicle Rendering of a new Joe V's Smart Shop set for Humble, near Houston, Texas. H-E-B/Courtesy of H-E-B Rendering of a new Joe V's Smart Shop set for 1227 W. Orem Drive near Highway 288 in Houston, Texas.
10 Houston companies named among U.S. News & World Report's best places to work
Sometimes, job searches are driven by urgency: you need a paycheck. Lately, job seekers in the Houston area are navigating a landscape being reshaped in real time by artificial intelligence, even as the regional economy, this year "Everything around us is changing," said Carly Chase, vice president of careers and business franchise at U.S. News & World Report.
10 Houston companies named among U.S. News & World Report's best places to work
A temporary covered walkway can be seen wrapping around part of Chevron's office headquarters at 1500 Louisiana in Houston on October 21, 2024. The oil and gas giant is one of 10 Houston companies recognized in the 2026-2027 U.S. News Best Companies to Work For ratings. Marissa Luck/ Houston Chronicle Sometimes, job searches are driven by urgency: you need a paycheck.
Texas regains crown as top state for Fortune 500 companies with Houston tied for No. 2 among metros
People are shown on the campus at ExxonMobil, 22777 Springwoods Village Pkwy., in 2023 in Spring. Exxon is one of 57 Texas companies on the 2026 edition of the Fortune 500, ranking at No. 9 overall. (Melissa Phillip/Staff Photographer) Texas has regained its standing as the nation's top state for Fortune 500 companies, taking back a crown that California claimed in 2024 and 2025, with Houston leading the state and tied for second among the nation's major metro areas.
Texas regains crown as top state for Fortune 500 companies with Houston tied for No. 2 among metros
People are shown on the campus at ExxonMobil, 22777 Springwoods Village Pkwy., in 2023 in Spring. Exxon is one of 57 Texas companies on the 2026 edition of the Fortune 500, ranking at No. 9 overall. Melissa Phillip/Staff Photographer Texas has regained its standing as the nation's top state for Fortune 500 companies, taking back a crown that California claimed in 2024 and 2025, with Houston leading the state and tied for second among the nation's major metro areas.
Texas usually booms when oil prices rise. Why this time is different
The Chevron gas pumps on 4002 Southwest Freeway shows $4.19 per gallon in May. Despite months of elevated oil prices, Texas is unlikely to experience the kind of economic boom that accompanied past energy shocks, according to a new analysis from the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. (Octavia Johnson/Houston Chronicle) Although oil prices have remained high for several months, Texans waiting for boom times will have to keep waiting, according to a new analysis from the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas.
Texas usually booms when oil prices rise. Why this time is different
The Chevron gas pumps on 4002 Southwest Freeway shows $4.19 per gallon in May. Despite months of elevated oil prices, Texas is unlikely to experience the kind of economic boom that accompanied past energy shocks, according to a new analysis from the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. Octavia Johnson/Houston Chronicle Although oil prices have remained high for several months, Texans waiting for boom times will have to keep waiting, according to a new analysis from the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas.
'Like seven Super Bowls': Houston restaurants brace for World Cup crowds
Erica Grieder Thu, June 11, 2026 at 12:00 PM UTC 4 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Crowds explore the FIFA Fan Festival Houston during a private preview event ahead of the festival's public opening in East Downtown Houston, Tuesday, June 9, 2026. (Raquel Natalicchio/Houston Chronicle) Huynh, the popular Vietnamese restaurant at 912 St. Emanuel just east of downtown Houston, isn't a sports bar.
'Like seven Super Bowls': Houston restaurants brace for World Cup crowds
Huynh, the popular Vietnamese restaurant at 912 St. Emanuel just east of downtown Houston, isn't a sports bar. In fact, it isn't any kind of bar, nor does it have TVs. Still, Huynh is expecting to see a surge in business this summer, thanks to Houston's role as one of 16 host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The restaurant is two blocks from the main entrance to the FIFA Fan Fest in EaDo — about the length of a standard professional soccer field, in other words.
A luxury hotel is offering private flights for FIFA fans flying from Houston. Here's what it costs.
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins, Houston has emerged as one of the more affordable host cities for fans hoping to take part in the experience. On the eve of the tournament, which begins today and runs through July 19, Airbnb stays in the city were running around $200 a night, and you could snag a ticket to see Cabo Verde face Saudi Arabia, June 26, for about $150. Locals can soak up the atmosphere for even less.
Houston chosen as one of four cities in Meta's $115 million workforce training program
A Garland Power and Light electrical substation, center, powers data center buildings, Dallas TX3, left, and TX2, on the NTT Data center campus in Garland in March. (Tom Fox/Dallas Morning News) Tech giant Meta is set to launch a massive new workforce training program as the data center boom continues, with Houston among four pilot cities chosen for the $115 million initiative. The program is free for participants, Meta said, and includes a job guarantee for graduates.
Houston chosen as one of four cities in Meta's $115 million workforce training program
A Garland Power and Light electrical substation, center, powers data center buildings, Dallas TX3, left, and TX2, on the NTT Data center campus in Garland in March. Tom Fox/Dallas Morning News Tech giant Meta is set to launch a massive new workforce training program as the data center boom continues, with Houston among four pilot cities chosen for the $115 million initiative.
More details emerge as Elon Musk's SpaceX readies for largest IPO in history
Elon Musk arrives at the U.S. District Court in Oakland, Calif., Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Musk's commercial space company, SpaceX, is readying for what is expected to be the largest IPO in history. (Godofredo A. Vásquez/AP) As Elon Musk's SpaceX readies for an initial public offering June 12, new details have emerged that suggest the world's richest person is aiming for the largest IPO in history. SpaceX also launched a website Thursday morning, spacexipo.com, aimed at attracting retail investors.
More details emerge as Elon Musk's SpaceX readies for largest IPO in history
Elon Musk arrives at the U.S. District Court in Oakland, Calif., Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Musk's commercial space company, SpaceX, is readying for what is expected to be the largest IPO in history. Godofredo A. Vásquez/AP As Elon Musk's SpaceX readies for an initial public offering June 12, new details have emerged that suggest the world's richest person is aiming for the largest IPO in history.
The three richest self-made women in Texas are seeing the AI boom boost their wealth, Forbes says
Gwynne Shotwell, President and Chief Operating Officer at SpaceX, is shown in an appearance in Houston in 2018. Shotwell is one of the wealthiest self-made women in the United States, according to an annual ranking from Forbes magazine. (Steve Gonzales, Staff photographer / Houston Chronicle) The richest self-made women in the United States hail from a variety of fields, ranging from technology and engineering to food services and entertainment.
The three richest self-made women in Texas are seeing the AI boom boost their wealth, Forbes says
Gwynne Shotwell, President and Chief Operating Officer at SpaceX, is shown in an appearance in Houston in 2018. Shotwell is one of the wealthiest self-made women in the United States, according to an annual ranking from Forbes magazine. Steve Gonzales, Staff photographer / Houston Chronicle Thai Lee, CEO of IT provider SHI International, is one of Austin's wealthiest residents, with a net worth of $7.5 billion.
Exclusive: Former Astros president Bob McClaren, head of 44 Farms, to launch premium beef line in Walmart
McClaren Farms, a nationwide network of farms convened by 44 Farms CEO Bob McClaren, is rolling out a new "Smokehouse" line in Walmart stores across Texas. (Courtesy of Giant Noise) During his years as president of the Astros, Bob McClaren recalled this week, he spent many nights staying up late, reading about cows. "This is what I'd do to unwind after a baseball game. You get home at 11:30 or so, and you know, if you lose, you feel bad; if you win, you feel good," McClaren said this week.
Show More
loading
Actions
Get in touch with Erica
Contact Erica, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack