When I look back over the course of my career, one theme keeps showing up again and again: growth. Sometimes it was growth in real estate developments, sometimes it was growth in the number of restaurants we opened, and sometimes it was growth in myself as a leader. What ties it all together is that growth never comes by accident—it comes from vision, persistence, and the ability to adapt.
As the CEO and President of Big Easy Entertainment, I’ve had the chance to lead companies that touch all kinds of industries—real estate, restaurants, bars, live music, television, radio, and even technology. Each one has its own challenges, but what I’ve learned is that leadership is the common thread that makes them work together. In this blog, I want to share a little about what it means to guide a diversified group of businesses and why leadership has to evolve along the way.
From Real Estate to Entertainment
My professional roots are in real estate. For decades, I built and developed residential and commercial properties across Texas. It was rewarding work because real estate shapes communities in a lasting way. But about ten years ago, I decided to make a shift.
I moved into the world of entertainment and hospitality. It started with restaurants and bars, then expanded into music and media. For many people, that may sound like a huge leap. But to me, it felt natural. At the heart of both industries is the same idea: creating spaces where people can gather, connect, and experience life. Real estate taught me how to think big and plan long term. Entertainment taught me how to bring energy, creativity, and joy into those spaces. Together, they’ve shaped my approach to leadership.
The Art of Leading Different Teams
One of the biggest challenges in running a family of companies is understanding that every business has its own rhythm. A restaurant operates differently than a recording studio. A live music venue has different needs than a real estate development. And a technology company requires a completely different kind of planning.
As a leader, I don’t need to know every detail about how to cook a meal, produce a song, or design software. What I do need to know is how to support the people who do. Leadership, in my view, is about surrounding yourself with talented individuals and giving them the tools and confidence to succeed. It’s about knowing when to step in and when to step back.
The truth is, you can’t micromanage a diversified group of businesses. If you try, you’ll burn yourself out and hold back the growth of your team. Instead, you have to trust your people, set clear expectations, and keep everyone aligned with the bigger vision.
Staying True to Core Values
No matter what industry we’re in, I’ve learned that our companies succeed when we stick to a few simple values: integrity, excellence, and community.
Integrity means we do what we say we’ll do. It sounds simple, but in business, trust is everything. Excellence means we never settle—we always look for ways to make the product, the service, or the experience better. And community means we don’t just operate businesses, we build relationships. Whether it’s with our employees, our customers, or the neighborhoods where we open doors, we’re committed to making a positive impact.
Those values don’t change when you move from real estate to entertainment or from hospitality to tech. They’re the foundation that keeps everything steady as the businesses grow.
The Importance of Adaptability
One thing you can count on in business is change. Markets shift, customer tastes evolve, and technology keeps moving forward. If you’re not willing to adapt, you’ll be left behind.
I’ve seen this firsthand in hospitality. Ten years ago, a restaurant could survive on good food and friendly service. Today, guests expect more—they want an experience. They want music, atmosphere, and even digital engagement. The same is true in media and technology. What worked yesterday won’t necessarily work tomorrow.
For me, adaptability has meant listening closely to my teams, paying attention to trends, and not being afraid to take risks. Some risks don’t pan out, but the bigger risk is standing still.
Giving Back as a Leader
Leadership isn’t just about growing businesses—it’s about giving back. I’ve always believed that success comes with responsibility. The companies I lead don’t exist in a vacuum; they’re part of communities across Texas. That’s why I’ve made it a priority to support charities, local initiatives, and causes that matter.
When you give back, you’re not only strengthening your community, you’re also strengthening your business. Employees feel proud to work for a company that cares. Customers notice when you invest in more than just profits. And personally, it’s one of the most rewarding parts of the journey.
As I think about the future, I know the world will keep changing. New opportunities will come along, new challenges will arise, and new industries may even catch my attention. But the lessons I’ve learned about leadership will stay the same: trust your people, stay true to your values, adapt when needed, and give back along the way.
Leading a diversified family of businesses isn’t easy, but it’s one of the greatest privileges of my life. Each day brings a new challenge, but it also brings a new chance to grow. And in the end, that’s what leadership is all about—helping people, businesses, and communities grow together.