Faith, Family, and 45 Years: A Christmas Special with Jeff and Gayle WellsIn this heartwarming Christmas special, we welcome back Pastor Jeff Wells, along with a very special first-time guest: Jeff’s wife, Gayle. While Gayle usually prefers to stay behind the scenes, she joins the show to share insights into their 45-year marriage, their growing family of ten grandchildren, and the faith that anchors them.The conversation dives into the couple’s "rough start" in 1980 and how they navigated the early tests of marriage to reach nearly half a century together. They reflect on their contrasting personalities—Jeff the "hyper-serious" runner and introvert, and Gayle the fun-loving "jokester" and extrovert—and how learning to value those differences saved their relationship. From their prophetic first date at a screening of Rocky to the joy of bringing home a "Christmas baby" in 1990, the couple shares the milestones that shaped their lives.Though this may be our third time with Pastor Jeff, this interview is nothing last the past two we have done. This episode is one you won't want to miss.
Join us as we talk with Philip John, a revered retired trial lawyer who spent 41 years with Houston's oldest and most prestigious law firm, Baker Botts.Phil shares his unique upbringing as an Air Force dependent, including a memorable time in Tripoli, Libya, before graduating from the University of Texas for both his undergraduate and law degrees.He explains that he became a lawyer after a fateful conversation at age 12 with former Texas Governor John Connally. As a career trial lawyer (one who argues before a jury), he handled top-tier cases, including litigation for T. Boone Pickens. Phil recounts lessons learned from his first court loss in Galveston, where a surprise witness taught him more than any victory.Reflecting on the changing nature of the profession, Phil stresses the importance of stepping outside one's professional "bubble" to interact with the broader community. He concludes by discussing the rewarding moral obligation of one-on-one mentorship, inspired by a philosophy of giving back what he's been blessed with.This is an episode that you will agree is worth the watch.
In the second half of the interview, Chef Giancarlo’s wife, Lisa (a Cuban-American who grew up in Texas), joins the conversation to reveal their incredible origin story of how they met, and how Giancarlo’s journey led him to start a successful Italian Restaurant in Houston, Texas. You also will want to give your undivided attention to the incredible food showcased towards the end.Don't miss the full story of passion, food, and fate!
You don’t want to miss this episode as we sit down with Giancarlo Ferrara, the owner and Executive Chef of Amalfi Ristorante Italiano in Houston, to hear his inspiring story.
From growing up in Salerno on the Amalfi Coast, to traininghands-on from age 15, Giancarlo loved finding inspiration for his cooking taking him to a two-Michelin-star restaurant in Ireland, and eventually to Houston.
He opened Amalfi Ristorante Italiano 11 years ago, naming it after his home region and has been entertaining costumers with his incredible dishes and warm atmosphere. After this show, we guaranteed you’ll want to plan a trip to his restaurant where he is executive chef.
Join us to meet Orlando Sanchez, a fellow Cuban immigrant, U.S. Air Force veteran, and seasoned Houston public servant running for Harris County Judge.Sanchez shares his unique journey, from fleeing Communist Cuba to dedicating years on the Houston City Council and 12 years as Harris County Treasurer. He draws on his financial expertise—including serving as Chairman of the University of Houston Foundation Board and as a Certified County Investment Officer—to address the county's $300 million deficit.As a vocal proponent of capitalism and an opponent of socialism, Orlando outlines his plan to bring fiscal conservatism and public safety back to Harris County.
We are thrilled to welcome Jack Hollis, an automotive industry titan, Partner at Accrual Equity Partners, and the former Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President at Toyota. Join us as we explore the incredible career trajectory of one of the industry's most successful leaders.Jack's journey began with a baseball scholarship to Stanford University, which led to playing professional baseball for the Cincinnati Reds. At the age of 25, he traded his bat for the corporate world, launching what would become a remarkable 33-year career at Toyota corporate headquarters.He spent over three decades climbing the ranks, starting as a management trainee and culminating in the executive leadership role of Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President. This tenure is a testament to his dedication, having successfully steered one of the world's largest automakers through major industry cycles. Beyond his tenure at Toyota, Jack has leveraged his decades of experience and market knowledge as a leader in private equity at Accrual Equity Partners.
Join us for a truly special episode as we welcome Robert Sakowitz, the man who led the legendary Sakowitz high-fashion specialty store and now heads the Hazak Corp. as a global business consultant.
Robert shares the incredible four-generation history of his family's business, which began in 1902 when his great-grandfather, an immigrant peddler, settled in Galveston. After the 1915 hurricane, the family moved the business to Houston, where it flourished alongside the city.
The store's destiny was cemented in 1929 when banker Jesse Jones offered the Sakowitz brothers the first five floors of his new skyscraper. This favorable deal allowed the store to survive the Great Depression, building a reputation not just for high fashion but for community integrity—famously giving credit to men who needed a suit for a job interview.
Robert details his own journey: from an internship in Paris and training at Macy's Herald Square to becoming President and CEO, growing Sakowitz to a $155 million international retail brand. He emphasizes that a brand is something earned through confidence and loyalty, a principle he carries into his current work as a multi-national strategic consultant.
Don't miss this fascinating story of entrepreneurship, resilience, and the power of building a business on trust and community.
This episode continues our successful part 1 of some of our favorite moments from the show. Join us for inspiring stories on food, football, business, and medicine!Al Deshon | A Culinary Journey to ChurrascosWe sit down with the owner of the Houston restaurant Churrascos and hear his personal story of moving from Miami to Houston with no job and no business experience, and how he turned his family's leap of faith into a thriving restaurant empire. From his love for Nicaraguan and Italian food to the surprising journey that led him to open a successful business, Al's story is a testament to the power of family and taking a chance.Merril Hoge | From NFL to Unwavering PurposeFormer NFL player and broadcaster Merril Hoge shares his incredible journey from a sheltered life in Pocatello, Idaho, to being drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers and Chicago Bears. Merril opens up about the career-ending concussion that sent him on an emotional journey of depression and self-discovery. But his powerful message about finding purpose and taking ownership of your life is a testament to his indomitable spirit.Mike Terry | The Dreamer, The Doer, The DealerMike Terry is a powerhouse in the automotive industry, and he explains how he went from working at Sonic to owning seven dealerships and the exhilarating yet sometimes overwhelming experience of growing his business rapidly, and the importance of culture and consistency in achieving success. Dr. Alex Milan | A Doctor's CallingWe get a rare glimpse into the world of emergency medicine with Dr. Alex Milan. With 40 years of experience, Dr. Milan shares humorous and unforgettable stories, like the time he fixed a dislocated elbow in seconds and the creative way he helped a patient remove a bug from her ear. Is the ER like it is in the TV show? We will see what he has to say about that.
This September, we're bringing you a special series of highlight reels, featuring some of our most amazing and inspiring guests. This episode is a compilation of our best moments with Dean Gladden, the managing director of Houston's iconic Alley Theatre; Anthony Robles, a National Champion and unstoppable force in wrestling; and the honorable Judge Eric Andell.
Dean Gladden | The Heart of The Alley TheatreDean Gladden shares the incredible story of the Alley Theatre's resilience after being devastated by Hurricane Harvey, restoring the iconic theatre in time for "A Christmas Carol," in addition to giving us a glimpse of a rare, behind-the-scenes craftsmanship of the theater, from the custom-made costumes and wigs to the meticulously built sets and props.
Anthony Robles | Unstoppable SpiritAnthony Robles, a wrestler born without his right leg, shares his journey from a young boy with a "disability" to a high school and college national champion. Anthony discusses the emotional journey of turning his life story into the movie "Unstoppable" and offers a message of inspiration for anyone facing adversity.
Judge Eric Andell | The People's JudgeJudge Eric Andell takes us on a captivating ride through his life and career, and his journey into the judicial system, which led him to an appointment with President Bush in Washington, D.C. Judge Andell reflects on the profound impact of the 9/11 attacks on him and the teachers who became heroes and why he feels he has come "home," finding fulfillment in the work he's most passionate about.
Join us for a truly special episode of Wheels, Deals, and Meals as we welcome the legendary Giuseppe Risi, founder of Risi Competizione, the most successful Ferrari GT racing team in American history.
With over five decades of experience in international competition, from F1 cars to sports prototypes, Giuseppe Risi is a name synonymous with excellence. In this exclusive interview, he shares the core philosophy that has driven his success: "doing things the right way, all the time." This unyielding commitment to perfection has not only led his team to victory but also built one of the world's most esteemed Ferrari dealerships.
Hear about his past, his career with Ferrari, and his relationship with Enzo Ferrari himself. Giuseppe isn't only a man who can speak 4 languages fluently, but also is a successful businessman who has a passion to share his knowledge in the racing world with the upcoming generation.
This is more than just a conversation about racing; it's a deep dive into the mindset of a true visionary. Don't miss this incredible opportunity to hear from a man who has dedicated his life to the pursuit of perfection, creating a legacy that is unmatched in the world of high-performance automobiles, and the journey that it took to get there.
You will love this special episode of Wheels, Deals, and Meals, as we sit down in Maryland, with two titans of the automotive industry: Ken Shreve, a retired dealer principal, and Chip Doetsch, the current owner of Apple Ford Lincoln and Apple Mitsubishi. They share a combined wisdom of decades in the business, offering insights that are both nostalgic and forward-thinking.From their first cars, to their favorite travel destinations the conversation reveals a deep passion for life both inside and outside the dealership.Ken and Chip discuss their unique paths, from working at Ford Motor Company to becoming dealers themselves, and how the industry has changed, emphasizing that despite technological advancements, the core of the business remains about one thing...people.Learn from their groundbreaking customer retention program, which was developed more than 20 years and resulted in an impressive 80% customer retention rate. This is a must-watch interview for car enthusiasts, business leaders, and anyone interested in the secrets to building a lasting legacy.
Join us in beautiful Baltimore, Maryland, for a candid conversation with Paul Healy, the visionary behind Dealership For Life! In this episode, Paul shares his incredible journey through the automotive industry, from growing up in a car dealership family to creating a groundbreaking customer retention program.Despite his grandfather's advice to avoid the car business, Paul's path led him to Saturn, where he learned the ropes of customer-centric sales and experienced the unique "one price" model. Discover how these early lessons shaped his commitment to customer service.Paul then delves into the origins of Dealership For Life, detailing how he collaborated with industry mentors to build a customizable, dealer-branded customer retention and marketing program. Learn how Dealership For Life helps dealerships not only boost retention rates but also foster a loyal customer base by offering tailored programs and consistent reminders through a sophisticated app and communication system. Hear how their clients, some giving away "lifetime oil changes," achieve astonishing profitability and customer loyalty.This interview is a must-watch for anyone in the automotive industry, entrepreneurs, or simply those who appreciate a story of passion, innovation, and a deep connection to roots. Oh, and don't forget a lobster roll, Connecticut style.
This episode has a plethora of exciting topics; provided by our special guest, Hector Villarreal; an episode you won't want to miss.Step into the sophisticated world of Lucho Menswear in Houston as we sit down with co-owner Hector Villarreal! In this episode, Hector shares his captivating journey from being a familiar face on television to becoming a driving force behind one of Houston's most esteemed custom men's stores.Discover the legacy of Lucho, founded in 1988, and how it has become a destination for meticulously crafted suits, shirts, and sports coats in Houston. Hector, alongside his Brazilian business partner and lead designer Patricia Sturion, emphasizes their unwavering commitment to quality fabrics and a personalized customer experience that makes every client feel like family.But Hector's story is full of unexpected turns! Hear how a budget cut at Univision led him to a surprising stint in car sales before returning to television as a news anchor and eventually, a popular weatherman for 10 years. Beyond fashion and forecasting, Lucho actively contributes to the community by partnering with the University of Houston to mentor graduating students on professional presentation and confidence.Join us for a candid conversation that blends entrepreneurship, resilience, and a passion for life's unique flavors – from his favorite travel spots business ventures, to how to succeed in life.
Get ready for the most delicious part of our interview with Amberly Allen! In this segment of Wheels, Deals, and Meals, we're joined by Alejandro from Mesero in Dallas, as we dive into a culinary adventure at one of Arnold Garcia's family's favorite Tex-Mex spots.Discover why "Mesero" means "waiter" and how this restaurant truly embodies a spirit of service through its incredible food. Watch as we sample a mouth-watering 21-day aged ribeye with garlic butter, a rich pork stew with chili sauce and white rice, and perfectly blackened salmon with jalapeño sauce. Alejandro, a manager and even a cook at Mesero, walks us through these delectable dishes!But the tasting doesn't stop there! We also explore Mesero's famous Cinco Leches cake, a unique twist on the traditional Tres Leches, praised for its incredible moistness and balanced sweetness. Plus, get a glimpse into Mesero's expansion, including new booming locations in Nashville and Oklahoma City.If you love Tex-Mex, great food, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of top restaurants, you won't want to miss this episode!
Revolutionizing Auto Finance & Defying Odds: Amberly Allen's Inspiring Story
In this episode of Wheels, Deals, and Meals, we're joined by Amberly Allen, the dynamic CEO and Founder of Dealer Merchant Services. Learn about her fascinating journey through the automotive world, from her early days in marketing to leading a company that has saved dealers over $60 million!
Amberly shares the challenges and triumphs of launching a business right before a global pandemic and how her company quickly scaled to serve 1,000 dealerships. More than just a business success story, Amberly opens up about her personal battle with a brain tumor and how this experience gave her a renewed perspective on life, health, and purpose.
Get ready for profound insights on:
Tune in for an unforgettable conversation that blends sharp business acumen with deep personal wisdom.
Get ready for some genuine talk and great advice! We're thrilled to have Mark Cortez on the show as he shares personal stories, from his childhood working at his dad's service stations to his college football career at TCU. Discover how his upbringing instilled a fierce work ethic, and how that's propelled him through a successful career in the car business. Mark also opens up about his love for Tex-Mex, classic cars, and the profound impact of attitude on achieving your goals. This is a must-watch for anyone seeking motivation! You're going to love it!
Check out his profile here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-cortez-0092b611/
#MarkCortez #Automotive #LifeLessons #Motivation #CareerGrowth #TCUFootball #TexMex #PersonalJourney
Born with one leg, told he couldn't, but absolutely unstoppable! Join us as we dive into the incredible life of Anthony Robles, the NCAA National Wrestling Champion whose story defies all odds. From his early days refusing a prosthetic, to becoming a high school state champion (96-0!), and ultimately achieving All-American status and an undefeated 36-0 season at Arizona State. Learn how Anthony's unyielding spirit, unique wrestling technique, and relentless dedication led him to conquer the mat and inspire millions. His incredible story of grit, determination, and success is now the subject of a major film. Learn about his journey, his powerful message, and how he continues to inspire. A true testament to the human spirit! Get ready for a powerful message of perseverance!
#AnthonyRobles #Unstoppable #Wrestling #Inspiration #LifeStory #Motivation #NCAAWrestling
Meet Mike Terry, the Dealer Principal with a story you won't expect! Mike's journey includes working at a Sonic, and then working 15 years with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice before finding his passion in the automotive industry. Learn how he climbed the industry ladder, setting records along the way, and his secrets to successful dealership management and customer satisfaction. Tune in for valuable insights from an industry leader!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-terry-13860976/
#automotiveleadership #SubaruGM #careergrowth #dealershipmanagement #successstory #interview
From selling ice to launching a successful media group – Steve Tomanchek's story is one of drive and passion. In this episode, we explore Steve's entrepreneurial journey, from his early days with General Mills and Big Sky Ice Company to founding The Media Hawk Group. Discover the lessons he's learned along the way, his dedication to helping clients, and the influences that have shaped his career. You'll love every second!
#entrepreneurship #businessjourney #mediagroup #advertising #success #inspiration #interview
This week's guest went from From Navy SEAL to FBI Special Agent to leadership expert! Join us for an incredible conversation with Errol Doebler, a 1991 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and the Founder and CEO of Ice Cold Leader. Errol shares his experiences as a Platoon Commander at SEAL Team ONE and his time investigating International Terrorist Organizations in the FBI's New York office. We delve into his combat deployment with the 75th Ranger Regiment in Afghanistan (where he received the Shield of Bravery!) and how he now uses his unique background to coach executives and teams at Fortune 100 companies and beyond. Get ready for powerful insights on leadership, resilience, and achieving peak performance. You won't want to miss this!Visit his website at https://icecoldleader.com/#leadership #NavySEAL #FBI #business #motivation #inspiration #interview