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Articles by Payton Parker
How Leo Corrigan Helped Shape the Dallas Skyline
Leo Francis Corrigan was just 16 years old when he stepped off a train and hit the streets of Dallas in 1910. With just a fifth-grade education and $10 in his pocket, the ambitious newspaper boy from St. Louis had decided to seek his fortune by following in the footsteps of one of his role models, American beer baron Adolphus Busch. Corrigan learned that Busch had seen so much promise in Dallas, he had invested more in the Texas city than in his brewery and other holdings in Missouri.
AMN CEO Susan Salka on Leadership Lessons From the Pandemic
The pandemic has been a life-changing event. for leaders, it brings a heightened responsibility to double down on compassion, sensitivity, caring, and service to our team members, clients, and communities. Leading in precarious times requires us to be optimists and create a clear, positive vision for the team. This is vital during a crisis. I’ve been fortunate to be part of the team at AMN Healthcare for more than three decades.
Deep Ellum’s Warstic Sports is Swinging for the Fences
In 2016, Warstic Sports majority owner and founder Ben Jenkins scored a $1 million investment in his baseball bat company from Grammy Award-winning musician Jack White and four-time MLB All-Star and Texas Rangers great Ian Kinsler. At the time, the company, which Jenkins launched in his home in 2011, was generating annual revenue of $150,000 to $200,000. This year, Jenkins expects it to earn between $12 million and $16 million.
Santander Bank's Joanna Ridgway Fiddles in a DFW Bluegrass Band
Joanna Ridgway, managing director and head of the southwest region for Santander Bank, began playing classical violin at the age of 3. But after graduating from Rhodes College with a business administration degree and as her finance career began to flourish, she found herself with less time to dedicate to her musical craft.
Meet the Dallas 500: Dr. Kenneth H. Cooper
When Dr. Kenneth Cooper was a young man, his father told him he was not OK with him going to medical school just to treat diseases or give shots. “He wanted me to change lives,” Cooper says. The 90-year-old has certainly lived up to his father’s hopes. Cooper coined the term “aerobics” in his landmark 1968 book on cardiovascular health and has been a transformative force in the fields of preventive medicine and wellness. In 1970, Cooper founded Cooper Clinic in North Dallas.
Dallas Stars Executive Alvaro Montoya Reveals how his Cuban Family Came to America in a Government Trade
Alvaro Montoya, the first Cuban American to play in the National Hockey League, didn’t unearth his roots until he hung up his blades in 2019. During a visit to his mother’s home in Chicago, he opened up a box filled with photos and documents that revealed his heritage.
My Possibilities and Michael Thomas Are Reinventing Dallas’ Special Needs Community
It didn’t take long for Michael Thomas and I to connect over soccer during our lunch at Blue Sushi Sake Grill in North Dallas. We both grew up playing the game and came close to doing so at the same college. We met to talk about My Possibilities, the nonprofit for which he serves as executive director. It offers academic and vocational training, socialization, independent living skills, therapy, and more for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Dinner Party: Reservations for Three
Part of what makes D CEO so unique is its access to some of the biggest names in Dallas business. As a part of our 2022 Dallas 500 publication, we asked North Texas’ most influential business leaders with whom they would like to have dinner. Many of the answers were expected names, but others were more under-the-radar leaders and some were completely unknown strangers. Reach on to learn who is on the invite list for what would surely prove to an interesting meal.
Dallas’ First Football Champ: The Dallas Texans
In 1959, 26-year-old Lamar Hunt dreamed of owning a professional football team. So, he tried his hand with the National Football League, pitching the Dallas Texans as the league’s 13th team. But because Dallas was home to the annual Cotton Bowl Classic and burgeoning colleges like Southern Methodist University and North Texas State College (now the University of North Texas), the NFL blacklisted the city, dubbing it a college town.
AT&T's Anne Chow Is Boxing Her Way to Balance
When CEO of AT&T business Anne Chow moved to DFW in 2015, she needed an emotional outlet. “I had all of the life stressors happening all at once—a geographic move, new job, new house,” she says. “And I was also rolling up to a milestone birthday.” Chow had hoped when she reached that birthday, she’d be fit and healthy. “It was the exact opposite,” she says. So, she went searching for a means of re-grounding herself, discovering it at the grand opening of a Title Boxing Club near her home.
Need a Lawyer? - D Magazine
This article is sponsored content. Interested in advertising with us? Click here. These go-to, trailblazing Women Leaders in Law are well-respected and sought after in the Dallas area. Assisting a wide range of individuals and commercial clients, they are considered foremost experts in their specialties and held in high regard as valuable resources and counsel by their firms, legal peers, and the clients they zealously represent.
DFW Healthcare’s Retail Revolution
Easy Access Texas Health’s newer, smaller facilities are more consumer-friendly than large hospitals. Nearly every major health system in the region has built a large, acute care hospital in Frisco to serve the growing population in Collin County. Texas Health Hospital Frisco was built in partnership with UT Southwestern in 2019—a comprehensive, 325,000-square-foot facility with 63 beds. The partners are expanding this facility, but in other areas, tactics are changing.
For Arcilia Acosta, It’s All About Embracing Opportunities
Acosta was named to the board of Energy Future Holdings in May of 2008, not long after the entity was created by a $45 billion leveraged buyout of TXU Energy. With fellow board members such as former U.S. Secretary of State James Baker III and former Commerce Secretary Don Evans, and discussing complicated issues like kilowatt-hours and nuclear power, Acosta admits to initially being a bit intimidated. She threw herself into learning as much as she could about the company and the industry.
DFW Executives Share How They Overcame Their Toughest Challenge
There are countless resilience stories in sport, but one that I particularly enjoy occurred in the mid 1960s when Ford set out to build a car that could rival Ferrari at the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race in France. Employed by Henry Ford II, automotive designer Carroll Shelby and driver Ken Miles set out to build the Ford GT40. Chronicled in the 2019 blockbuster Ford v. Ferrari, Ford spent multiple years perfecting the car.
Meet the Dallas 500: Virginia Drosos
As CEO of Signet Jewelers, Gina Drosos runs the world’s largest retailer of diamond jewelry and the company behind giants such as Jared, Kay, and Zales, which it acquired for $1.4 billion in 2014. She took the helm in 2017 after leading genetic testing company Assurex Health and overseeing Procter & Gamble’s global beauty brands business, a $6 billion unit whose portfolio at the time included CoverGirl, Old Spice, and Olay.
Entrepreneur Trey Bowles on How to Drive Innovation in Dallas
I have been involved in the startup space for about two decades as a serial entrepreneur of both for-profit and nonprofit ventures. I launched Southern Methodist University’s entrepreneurship program and co-founded the Dallas Innovation Alliance, the Dallas Entrepreneur Center, and, most recently, InnoCity Partners.
Rosie and Ian Caruth Are Bringing Back the Laughs in Deep Ellum
After the Dallas Comedy House closed in August 2020, Ian and Rosie Caruth would drive by the vacant club in Deep Ellum and think, “Somebody has to do something.” The Caruths, who were students and interns at the venue, ultimately decided that “somebody” would be them. The couple met in New York City, where they taught and performed at the Magnet Theater. They worked jobs in video editing and PR to support themselves while living in East Village.
Scottish Rite for Children: A Century of Healing
Oct. 10, 1921- Present Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children was founded in 1921 when a group of local Masons approached one of Dallas’ first orthopedic surgeons, Dr. W.B. Carrell, about the need to provide better care for those suffering from polio regardless of their ability to pay. The one-room clinic quickly drew more patients than the space could handle, and the Masons raised $120,000 to purchase the land and build the hospital in 1922 on the corner of Oak Lawn and Maple Avenues.
How John Clay Wolfe Overcame Bankruptcy and Paralysis to Build One of the Largest Car Wholesalers in the Country
Seventeen years ago, John Clay Wolfe lay in a hospital bed, trying to absorb the news that he would never walk again. Down the hall, between monitors and other equipment, a fax machine buzzed with divorce papers from his soon-to-be ex-wife, who was leaving him after learning that she’d have to be his caretaker. Just days later, on Christmas Eve, Wolfe says his ex-wife brought a .45 pistol to his room at Baylor University Medical Center as he recovered.
Women Leading Tech and Innovation
This article is sponsored content. Interested in advertising with us? Click here. AT&T Capital One Hilti North America Thomson Reuters DFW Alliance of Technology and Women DFW*ATW Advisory Council Slalom When it comes to women in STEM careers, the numbers tell the story. Tech jobs—AI, machine learning, data science, cyber security, software programming, and technology consulting to name a few—continue to outpace other occupations nationwide.
Zirtue's Dennis Cail Talks New Debit Card and Recent Growth
Colorful murals on the walls at Doc B’s in Uptown catch my attention as I sit down to lunch with Zirtue Founder and CEO Dennis Cail. Perusing the menu, he suggests the California Salad but opts for the Brussel Sprout Salad himself. “I’ve been wearing that California Salad out,” he explains with a laugh. His office is across the street, making him a frequent diner at the eatery.
Hawai'i - D Magazine
While touring the youngest of hawaii’s eight main islands, I sometimes felt as if I were on another planet. That certainly was the case when hot volcanic smog from one of the world’s most active volcanos brushed against my face—and even more so when I peered inside. Known as The Big Island, Hawai’i offers diverse natural features, from lava-carved tunnels in the middle of a rainforest to snow-capped mountains. But what truly sets it apart is its black lava terrain and black-sand beaches.
EdTech Trendsetter Taylor Shead Bounces Between Technology and the Board Room
Taylor Shead founded STEMuli in 2016 with her former Apple Inc. coworker Wade Auston with the goal of connecting students to virtual mentoring and internships. In 2020, the company partnered with Dallas ISD to launch a virtual learning platform to help students connect with teachers throughout the pandemic. The fashionable CEO spends time in schools and meeting with corporate partners while working in a tech space, and her fashion choices reflect that diversity.
How Restaurateur Miriam Jimenez Connects People Through Food
Alfrida “Miriam” Jimenez brings a taste of her native Dominican Republic to Dallas through Miriam Cocina Latina, an eatery near Klyde Warren Park that she opened with restaurateur Shannon Wynne in 2019. She moved to New York in 2004 after studying business in her homeland and made her way to Dallas three months later. Here, Jimenez shares lessons from her journey. Party Time Jimenez (back) celebrating her birthday with her sister Nere and a good friend.
Mike Ablon Details His Plans for Oak Lawn—His Most Ambitious Project Yet - D Magazine
When real estate developers talk about their projects, they often focus on size, location, amenities, and other physical details. Mike Ablon, principal of PegasusAblon, talks about connection points.
Former Dallas Mavericks Head Coach Avery Johnson Finds a New Team to Lead
Whether it was accruing the NCAA record for assists per game with Southern University in the ‘80s, sinking game winners in the NBA Finals for the San Antonio Spurs in the ‘90s, earning NBA Coach of the Year honors with the Dallas Mavericks in the early 2000s, or taking the Alabama Crimson Tide to March Madness appearances just a few short years ago, basketball, for Avery Johnson, became like breath in his lungs.
On Topic: Area Executives Share What Has Been Driving Growth at Their Companies
“If you aren’t getting better each day, you’re getting worse,” almost every coach I ever had growing up told me. The days I spent relaxing and stagnant I failed to recognize the sentiment of the statement, but today I comprehend it more than ever. Each day is an opportunity for growth and a chance to realize potential. And in 2021, businesses across DFW continued to prosper and tap into new realms of possibilities.
John Courier Built a Field and a Legacy
Special to the Herald By Payton Parker Payton Parker is a freshman ... PLEASE LOG IN FOR PREMIUM CONTENT. Our website requires visitors to log in to view the best local news. Not yet a subscriber? Subscribe today!
Photo Recap: D CEO Women's Breakfast Panel
D CEO hosted its quarterly series of breakfast panel discussions on July 18, with three outstanding women business leaders featured in the last three issues of the magazine. Our panelists included Arcilia Acosta of CARCON Industries and STL Engineers, Adrienne Faulkner of Faulkner Design Group, and Guwan Jones of Baylor Scott & White Health. We all have our own definitions of success—and our own paths toward achieving it.
Photo Recap: D CEO Womens Leadership Symposium 2019
The half-day event is designed to inform, connect, and inspire, through a combination of keynote speakers, panel discussions, and dedicated networking sessions.
Finalists Announced:
After four long judging sessions, wading through nearly 400 nomination forms, and spirited discussions among D CEO editors, we have named finalists in our 2019 Nonprofit and Corporate Citizenship Awards program, presented in partnership with the Communities Foundation of Texas. The North Texas nonprofit and philanthropic scene is one of the broadest, deepest, and most active in the country. With so many worthy contenders, selecting the finalists was no easy task.
Photo Recap: D CEO Real Estate’s Anniversary Networking Event
Real estate executives and editors of D CEO toasted the eighth anniversary of D CEO Real Estate on a windy Thursday afternoon atop Cawley Partners’ FOURTEEN5. Top local brokers got a sneak peek at phase two of the development, which will break ground later this year. D CEO counted down its top contributing editors of the year, with the top prize being awarded to the Altschuler Cos.’ Jon Altschuler.
D CEO’s Women’s Leadership Symposium 2019 Speakers Announced
Don’t wait, reserve your seat today for D CEO magazine’s fourth annual Women’s Leadership Symposium from 7:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. on May 30, 2019 at the Renaissance Hotel Dallas. This half-day symposium is a great opportunity to network with some of the leading women business leaders in North Texas. This half-day event will present dynamic speakers who will dive into topics such as Building Your Brand, Developing Talent, and Growing Your Business.
Photo Recap: D CEO's Financial Executives Awards 2019
Congratulations to all the 2019 finalists and winners.
Photo Recap: D CEO's Commercial Real Estate Awards 2019
Winners included AT&T Discovery District Community Impact Deal and PGA of America Best Relocation.
Photo Recap: D CEO's 2019 Power Brokers
This year's attendees included a diverse group of office, industrial, retail, data center, and investment sales pros.
Finalists Announced:
D CEO is pleased to announce the finalists for the 2019 Financial Executives Awards, held in partnership with the Dallas CPA Society, Financial Executives International, and the Association for Corporate Growth. All finalists will be recognized at an exclusive awards event on May 1, where winners will be announced across all categories. The winners will also be profiled in the May issue of D CEO.
Finalists Announced: D CEO’s 2019 Mergers and Acquisitions Awards
D CEO and the Association for Corporate Growth are proud to announce the top mergers and acquisitions in North Texas—and the dealmakers who made them happen. The program has been expanded this year to recognize more outstanding professionals playing key roles in M&A deals. All finalists will be featured in the May issue of D CEO Magazine and honored at a private awards ceremony on May 2, where winners will be revealed.
Nominate: D CEO’s 2019 Mergers and Acquisitions Awards
D CEO and the Association for Corporate Growth Dallas/Fort Worth are recognizing the top North Texas M&A deals—and the dealmakers who made them happen. This year, as part of our Mergers & Acquisitions Awards, we’re honoring private equity and other investment professionals, investment bankers, attorneys, due diligence professionals, capital providers, and more. If you know of an outstanding M&A deal or dealmaker deserving recognition, please let us know by submitting a brief nomination form here.
Photo Recap: D CEO CIO/CTO Awards + Tech Reception
Jamba Juice, Baylor Scott & White Health, and NTT Data were among some of the companies honored.
Photo Recap: D CEO's Excellence in Healthcare Awards 2018
Congratulations to the 2018 finalists and honorees.
Finalists Announced:
D CEO is proud to announce finalists in its third annual CIO/CTO Awards. This program honors outstanding chief information officers, chief technology officers, and others excelling in IT posts across Dallas-Fort Worth. Here is the complete list of finalists for 2019: Outstanding CIO/CTO – Emerging Scott Gowdish, Door Inc.
Photo Recap: D CEO's Corporate Counsel Awards 2018
Congratulations to all finalists and honorees
Finalists Announced:
D CEO magazine and its online news site, D CEO Healthcare, are pleased to recognize outstanding industry CEOs, practitioners, and other innovative industry leaders with its fifth annual Excellence in Healthcare Awards program. All finalists will be recognized in the December issue of D CEO and at an exclusive event on Nov. 29, where the winners will be revealed. Click here to register for the event and view more details. Here are the finalists in all 10 categories.
Photo Recap: D CEO's 2018 Latino Business Awards
D CEO’s third annual Latino Business Awards honored outstanding Latino leaders, companies, and organizations in North Texas. The exclusive event, held on Sept. 6 at the Westin Hotel, attracted more than 250 people. Click through the slideshow to see the executives who joined us.
Photo Recap: D CEO's 2018 Nonprofit and Corporate Citizenship Awards
D CEO and Communities Foundation of Texas were honored to recognize 64 finalists across 11 award categories at our inaugural Nonprofit and Corporate Citizenship Awards. The exclusive event was held on Aug. 1, 2018 at The Hall on Dragon in the Dallas Design District, Dallas. Congratulations to all of our 2018 finalists and honorees and thank you for all your hard work!
Finalists Announced:
D CEO is proud to announce the 2018 Corporate Counsel Awards finalists. The Corporate Counsel Awards program, now in its ninth year, honors outstanding in-house attorneys in the North Texas region. All 34 finalists will be featured in D CEO’s October issue and recognized at our exclusive awards event in September where the winners in each category will be revealed. To learn more and to purchase tickets to the awards event, click here.
Nominate: D CEO's 2018 North Texas Oil & Gas Awards
For the first time, D CEO is honoring the CEOs, CFOs, and innovators who’ve made the North Texas region a national and international center for energy activity and finance. The 2018 awards will celebrate leaders in the upstream, midstream, services (including technology companies), and finance sectors. There also will be rising star and lifetime achievement honorees. All finalists will be recognized in the November issue of D CEO and at a special awards presentation in the fall.
Nominate: D CEO's Excellence in Healthcare Awards 2018
D CEO magazine and D CEO Healthcare are pleased to recognize outstanding healthcare CEOs, practitioners, and other innovative industry leaders and projects with our fifth annual Excellence in Healthcare Awards program. All finalists will be featured in the December issue of D CEO and on D CEO Healthcare. We are recognizing the critical role this industry and its leaders play in Dallas-Fort Worth.
Nominate: D CEO ’s 2018 CIO/CTO Awards
Nominations are now open for D CEO’s 2018 CIO/CTO Awards program. Now in its third year, the program honors outstanding chief information officers, chief technology officers, and others excelling in IT posts across Dallas-Fort Worth. All finalists will be featured in a D CEO issue and recognized at an exclusive event. Click here to be taken to the CIO/CTO Awards site, which provides links to nomination forms, answers to FAQs, a report on last year’s winners, and photos from the 2017 awards event.
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