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Gone to Texas

Gone to Texas

Written by: Super Dave Quinn CECD
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About this listen

 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 Economics Leadership Management & Leadership Political Science Politics & Government Social Sciences Travel Writing & Commentary
Episodes
  • Episode 3 – Workforce Wins: Building Talent Pipelines

    Episode 3 – Workforce Wins: Building Talent Pipelines
    Mar 12 2026
    In this episode of Gone to Texas, "Super" Dave Quinn talks with Alan Clipperton, Vice President for Global Initiatives and Industry Engagement at LeTourneau University. Alan shares how the university supports industry in East Texas through technical education, hands-on projects, and workforce development. He breaks down how LeTourneau partners with local businesses for applied learning and senior design projects, giving students practical experience while addressing real-world business challenges. The conversation also covers the process of moving university-driven intellectual property from ideas to commercial ventures, and the timelines and complexities involved.

    The discussion highlights the importance of personal motivation alongside technical skills, reflecting on changes in the workforce, and the evolving role of technology and automation in education and industry. Alan outlines ways businesses can engage with LeTourneau to find solutions for their workforce or technical needs and points out how the university’s approach aligns with the diverse industries in the Kilgore area. The episode wraps up with the significance of building closer relationships between the university, the economic development corporations, and local businesses to leverage regional growth and talent development.

    Key Topics Discussed:
    • LeTourneau University’s role in supporting local industry
    • Partnering with businesses through education, applied learning, and senior design projects
    • Managing intellectual property and entrepreneurship at the university
    • The impact of work ethic and motivation in workforce development
    • Adapting to rapid industry changes and new technologies
    • Collaboration with Kilgore Economic Development Corporation
    • Opportunities for businesses to connect with LeTourneau for workforce and technical needs


    Get your free Texas business expansion or relocation resources today by visiting www.TexasEDConnection.com
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    44 mins
  • 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 mins
  • 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 mins
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