Fort Worth Inc. - Fall 2026 by fwtx

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WESTSIDE STORY Fort Worth's next great neighborhood is taking shape. Inside the bold plans for Westside Village, the $1.7 billion project redefining the city's West Side.

Carl Anderson Larkspur Capital

50 BEST COMPANIES TO WORK FOR BLACK LABEL INGREDIENTS’

Secret Sauce for Scaling Quickly

CHOCOLATE AND GUNS

The Store No One Would Have Invented — Except They Did

Pictured: Mike Brown, Platform Director

Stephen Jimenez, GM, Spur Chevrolet Stephen Gilchrist, Dealer Operator

Justin Rudd, GM Platinum Chevrolet

We Drive the Difference The Gilchrist Valet Service:

• Online or over-the-phone sales purchase and delivery • Service pick-up and delivery Experience the Gilchrist Difference: • Family owned and operated • Purchase process tailored to your needs • Three stores to choose from where each General Manager personally assists you • Customer relationships do not end with the sale • Each experience is special when you work with Gilchrist Automotive

Contents/Best Companies Features

Inside the C-Suite

Next 66The Frontier

28 Real Estate: A real estate company on the West Side has designed a program to make it easier for cops to buy houses.

Westside Village isn't just another mixed-use development. It's a $1.7 billion bet that Fort Worth's future here will be a great neighborhood that looks as if it’s belonged since no one knows when.

46 The People Principle These 50 Best Companies To Work For all have a common denominator: They know good business is about taking care of their own people.

32 Entrepreneurs:

Circumstances lead two entrepreneurs to open a company supplying specialty ingredients for cosmetics, personal care products, and nutritional supplements. Black Label Ingredients is now one of the fastest-growing companies in the U.S.

Bizz Buzz

38 Food & Drink: An unlikely retail concept in Graham is drawing weekend road-trippers from Fort Worth and Dallas and proving that sometimes the strangest ideas are the sweetest.

10 “Duck Dynasty”

Bizz Wrap-UP

4 Publisher’s note

invades Mingus: The scion of the famed Robertson brood of Louisiana has a plan for the common man to invest in land.

20 EO Spotlight: A knock on the wrong door convinced Don Lamont, owner of three businesses focused on disaster recovery, he was at the right place.

96 Analyze This/

Banking: From compliance to employee education, retirement plan advisers help businesses navigate a complex landscape.

98 Analyze This/ Economic Development: The city's economic development pipeline is producing major corporate wins and propelling Fort Worth’s economic momentum. 100 Analyze This/ Wealth Management: An $80,000 scam offers a stark reminder of how quickly panic can override common sense. 104 1 in 500: Dickies Arena President Matt Homan reflects on building Fort Worth's premier entertainment venue from the ground up and preparing it for its next act.

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66 22 From the Mayor: Beyond the social media

fearmongering, headline-seeking video, and general cynicism, Fort Worth's real story is one of neighbors, partnerships, and progress.

Fall 2026

Ready for Tomorrow. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS I PROPERTY & CASUALTY PERSONAL LINES I RETIREMENT & WEALTH SOLUTIONS

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Publisher’s Letter

Investing in Fort Worth’s Future VO L U M E 12 , N U M B E R 3 , FA L L 2 02 6

owner/publisher hal a. brown president mike waldum

aving spent my life in Fort Worth, I have watched the city grow in remarkable

ways. For 27 years as owner and publisher of Fort Worth Magazine and 10 years with Fort Worth Inc., we have told the stories of the people, businesses, and ideas shaping that growth. In this issue, we share our interview with Carl Anderson, founder of Larkspur Capital, about the 37-acre, $1.7 billion Westside Village development taking shape just west of downtown. The site is generally bounded by University Drive; Westside Drive, formerly White Settlement Road; Foch Street; and the West Fork of the Trinity River. Rather than treating the river as the back of the property, the Phase 1 plan connects the neighborhood to the river and its trails, making them integral to the project. The partnership behind Westside Village is particularly interesting, with Fort Worth-based Keystone Group, led by Bob Bass, serving as the land partner providing property assembled through affiliated ownership entities, patient capital, extensive local knowledge, and a long-term commitment to the city. Anderson and Larkspur bring the development experience and day-to-day capacity to plan, design, lease, and build a district of this complexity. Growth is inevitable in a city with Fort Worth’s momentum, and how we grow will determine the city we become. Anderson says Keystone has encouraged the team to consider not simply what is most efficient, but what will serve Fort Worth best over time. Westside Village represents thoughtful expansion: ambitious in scale, connected to its sur-

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roundings, and respectful of Fort Worth’s character. At full build-out, the district will encompass roughly 3 million square feet of offices, residences, retail, restaurants, and hospitality. Plans include 1,785 residential units, 880,000 square feet of office space, 238,000 square feet of retail, and a luxury hotel. Four phases are planned through 2035. Anderson hopes people will stop thinking of Westside Village as a development and consider it part of Fort Worth — a place to work, meet for dinner, or walk to the river. I share his enthusiasm for that vision and what it could add to our city. Also in this issue, we celebrate our annual Best Companies to Work for in Fort Worth. This year’s honorees recognize that strong organizations begin with people. By building healthy cultures, developing talented employees, and creating workplaces where people can succeed, these companies strengthen both our economy and our community. We congratulate all of this year’s winners.

HAL A. BROWN OWNER/PUBLISHER

editorial executive editor john henry creative director craig sylva senior art director spray gleaves contributing editor brian kendall photographers olaf growald, richard w. rodriguez copy editor sharon casseday advertising main line 817.560.6111 territory manager, fort worth inc. rita hale x133 advertising account supervisor gina burns-wigginton x150 advertising account supervisor marion c. knight x135 account executive tammy denapoli x141 account executive patrick mccune x158 senior production manager michelle mcghee x 116 contributing ad designer jonathon won marketing director of digital robby kyser marketing manager corinn crippin audience development manager mackenzie marler events and promotions consultant victoria albrecht corporate cfo charles newton operations manager kaitlyn lisenby To subscribe to Fort Worth Inc. magazine, or to ask questions regarding your subscription email customerservice@fwtexas.com. Fort Worth Inc. is published quarterly by Panther City Media Group LP, 6777 Camp Bowie Blvd, Suite 130, Fort Worth, TX 76116. Postage Paid at Fort Worth, Texas. POSTMASTER: Send change of address notices and undeliverable copies to Panther City Media Group, 6777 Camp Bowie Blvd, Suite 130, Fort Worth, TX 76116. Volume 12, Number 3, Fall 2026. Basic Subscription price: $19.95 per year. Single copy price: $6.99 ©2026 Panther City Media Group. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. how to contact us For questions or comments, contact John Henry, executive editor, via email at jhenry@fwtexas.com.

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Texas Real Estate. National Reach. Built for Builders With a growing presence in Fort Worth and one of the largest real estate practices in the Southwest, Munsch Hardt advises developers, investors, lenders, and institutions on projects shaping Fort Worth, North Texas, and markets nationwide. From acquisitions and financing to development and leasing, we help clients navigate complexity, seize opportunities, and move projects forward.

Attorneys + Counselors Austin / Dallas / Fort Worth / Houston

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Connect with our team today.

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Bizz Buzz From duck calls to Texas dirt, the youngest Robertson brother of “Duck Dynasty” fame is launching a new business venture west of Fort Worth.

FALL 2026 | fortworthinc.com 9

Bizz Buzz

Trading Bayous for Brazos

Two former ‘Duck Dynasty’ stars have planted roots near Mingus, where they're helping transform a 2,400acre ranch into a community — and TV show. WORDS BY JOHN HENRY

ouisiana’s most famous duck-call family is making an entrepreneurial move in a historic North Texas town.

The youngest son and brother of the Robertson family, best known — after the long beards, that is — for their duck-call empire Duck Commander and the basis for a hit A&E television series “Duck Dynasty,” is bringing a real estate venture near Mingus, an hour’s drive to the west.

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It will, naturally, have a television show surrounding it. The venture of Jep Robertson and his wife, Jessica, centers on Comanche Moon Ranch, a 2,400-acre property near Mingus that is being divided into smaller "ranchettes" by developer Lance Autrey. Autry's business model is to acquire large ranches that have often remained in the same families for generations, then subdivide them into more affordable

parcels, giving buyers an opportunity to own rural Texas land without purchasing an entire ranch. Jep and Jessica Robertson are expanding beyond land ownership with Mirador, a hospitality venture that will feature distinctive short-term rental accommodations on the ranch. The couple said the project begins with themed cabins but ultimately could grow to include gathering spaces, gardens, a church, and other amenities designed to create a community where families can vacation, reconnect, and spend time outdoors. The Robertsons said they view the project as both a lifestyle destination and a long-term investment. They noted that their own property has already appreciated in value and said the concept is intended to make ranch ownership attainable for more buyers while creating opportunities for vacation rentals and other community-based businesses. “It's such an amazing concept,” says Jessica Robertson. “Used to, you'd have to have millions and millions of dollars to have a ranch. And then you have this opportunity to own a ranch, 10 or plus acres, which is a lot in Dallas-Fort Worth area, for $250,000. “You're opening doors to where it's actually realistic to own a piece of property out there and to get, whether it's your home base or whether it's an investment property where you can get out, spend time with your family, get your kids out of the city or get yourself out of the city, and just have some peace and quiet and fishing and hunting and whatever, hiking, all these opportunities out there out west.” Comanche Moon is Autrey’s fifth ranch development. “It was so pretty up there,” says Jep of the first time he saw the property. “It’s really pretty much right on the Brazos. It's only about 30 miles north of Mingus. And I loved the way he thought and was kind of like, he likes to buy these tracks of land that are super hard to get because they've just kind of been in families forever. And I

It Starts with People.

The best insurance advice in the world means nothing without the people behind it. At Higginbotham, we invest in our people so they can invest in each other and in every client who walks through our door. Proud to be named a Best Place to Work — and even prouder that it's our hometown saying so.

FALL 2026 | fortworthinc.com 11

Bizz Buzz

thought, man, what a cool thing he's doing where it's kind of giving the average Joe a chance to get some property.” The couple's new television series, "Jep & Jess: Beyond the Bayou," follows their move from Louisiana to North Texas as they develop Comanche Moon Ranch and build a community centered on ranch life, family, faith, and hospitality. The unscripted lifestyle series also chronicles the couple's business ventures, family life, and efforts to create a destination where neighbors become friends and families can gather. The series premieres Aug. 13 on the streaming service Great American Pure Flix before making its broadcast debut Aug. 15 on Great American Family and the GFAM+ streaming platform. “Duck Dynasty” was a reality television series that aired on A&E from 201217. The show followed the Robertson family of West Monroe, Louisiana, whose family business, Duck Commander, manufactures duck calls and other hunting products. While the business served as the backdrop, the show focused primarily on the Robertson family's personalities and relationships. It featured patriarch and Duck Commander founder Phil Robertson; his sons Willie, Jase, and Jep; Phil's brother, Si; and their extended families, mixing scenes from the Duck Commander warehouse with hunting trips, family gatherings, and comedic adventures. At its peak, “Duck Dynasty” became one of the most-watched nonfiction cable television series in the United States, helping turn Duck Commander into a nationally recognized brand. Jep and Jessica Robertson recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. They are the parents of five children. "‘Duck Dynasty’ was centered around the family business,” says Jep. “This is just primarily our little family with our new business adventure. The beauty of it is friendships. Your friends, your neighbors become family."

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Passing the Torch

After six years as president and CEO, Sasha Bass hands the reins of Sundance Square to Ed Kraus as the 37-block district looks to write its next chapter. WORDS BY JOHN HENRY

asha Bass is stepping down as president and CEO of Sundance Square, handing leadership of the

37-block downtown Fort Worth district to former Fort Worth Police Chief Ed Kraus as the development enters a new phase focused on revitalizing its retail core. Kraus, who joined Sundance Square in 2021 after a 29-year career with the Fort Worth Police Department, will become president and CEO on Sept. 1. Bass will shift her attention to leading the Sasha and Edward P. Bass Family Foundation.. The transition comes just months after Sundance Square hired global commercial real estate firm JLL to oversee retail leasing for more than 105,000 square feet of storefront space. The move marked a departure from Sundance Square's in-house leasing strategy and signaled a renewed effort to recruit restaurants, retailers, and entertainment venues to fill vacancies that have become a focal point of downtown's recovery.

Bass became president and CEO in 2019 after she and Ed Bass assumed full ownership of Sundance Square. Her tenure included the departure of several longtime tenants, including Reata Restaurant, Four Day Weekend, and Haltom's Jewelers, following public disagreements with management. The vacancies became one of downtown Fort Worth's most visible challenges. Fort Worth Magazine examined the district's struggles in 2021, documenting friction between Sundance Square management and longtime tenants after Ed and Sasha Bass consolidated ownership. Merchants cited poor communication, management turnover, COVID-era policies, rising vacancies, and uncertainty about the district's future, while the Basses maintained Sundance Square was undergoing a necessary evolution. "We're reimagining what the next 10 years will look like," Sasha Bass said at the time.

The Foundation for the Future For 45 years, North Texas Community Foundation has driven meaningful change through charitable investment. We work hand-in-hand with donors, professional advisors and nonprofits to create giving strategies that shape the future of North Texas for the better. Honored as one of the “Best Companies to Work For,” our team is united by our passion for making an impact in the community we call home.

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Bizz Buzz

Coming Full Circle Decades after helping Stewart Title expand across Texas, the Rattikin name returns to the company through a landmark acquisition. WORDS BY JOHN HENRY

tewart Title has acquired a majority interest in Fort Worthbased Rattikin Title Company,

bringing together two of Texas' best-known title insurance brands and ending more than eight decades of independent family ownership for one of Fort Worth's oldest real estate companies. Houston-based Stewart announced the acquisition recently, saying the deal strengthens its presence in the fast-growing North Texas market while preserving the Rattikin brand, which has served commercial and residential customers across Texas for more than 80 years. "The addition of Rattikin Title to our family of companies brings strength to the Stewart operations in the fast-growing North Texas region," Stewart CEO Fred Eppinger said in a statement. "The team's exceptional group of highly experienced title professionals reflects its reputation for integrity and trust cultivated over many decades." Nathan Preuit, Stewart's senior division president for North Texas and Oklahoma, said the companies expect the combination to expand title and escrow services throughout Fort Worth and North Texas. "We are proud of the legacy that our family has built in title insurance over the past 82 years," siblings Alicia Lindsey, Allyson Grona, Jeff Rattikin, and sister-in-law Laura Rattikin said in a joint statement.

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"Since the company's founding, Rattikin has served as an industry leader throughout the state and nation, widely known and admired for our tradition of excellence.” The acquisition also reunites companies whose histories have long been intertwined. After a brief stint practicing law in West Texas, founder William Jackson "Jack" Rattikin Sr. returned to Fort Worth and was recruited by Maco Stewart to join the thenemerging Galveston-based Stewart Title. As title insurance was gaining traction in Texas, Rattikin — a native of Tennessee who moved to Texas in 1892 and was a naval aviator in World War I — traveled the state recruiting agents and teaching them the business of abstracts and title insurance. He later oversaw Stewart's network of Texas agents while also operating his own law firm, Rattikin and Spiller. After helping build Stewart's presence across Texas, Rattikin set out to launch his own title company. According to the family's history, that opportunity arrived unexpectedly in 1943, when a friend offered him a title plant on one condition: It had to be removed from its downtown Fort Worth building by 5 p.m. that day. Rattikin quickly hired a trucking company and, with workers tossing thousands of title records from a second-story window into waiting trucks, rescued the operation. The following year, in 1944, Rattikin Title officially opened its doors.

Rattikin Title traces its roots to 1944, when William Jackson "Jack" Rattikin Sr. founded the company. Before establishing his own company, Rattikin Sr. had actually helped Stewart Title open title insurance operations across Texas, according to his obituary. Over the following decades, he became one of the industry's most influential figures, serving as president of both the Texas Title Association and the American Title Association. He was named the Texas Title Association's "Title Man of the Year" in 1962 and was recognized for helping secure adoption of the original Texas Title Insurance Act in 1929. By the time of his death in 1968, Rattikin Title had expanded to multiple offices in Fort Worth, Hurst, and Arlington. His son, Jack Rattikin Jr., continued that tradition after joining the company following military service, law school, and a brief legal career. He eventually led Rattikin Title and also served as president of both the Texas and American land title associations, earning widespread recognition for his leadership within the industry. That legacy continued under Jack Rattikin III, who became president of Rattikin Title in 1999 and CEO in 2004. Like his father and grandfather, he served as president of both the Texas Land Title Association and the American Land Title Association and was named "Title Person of the Year" in 2005. Jack Rattikin III died earlier this year. “Together, we believe this strategic alignment will complement and enhance the Rattikin Title brand,” said Preuit. “We're excited to support the Rattikin team in expanding our offering of quality title and escrow services to the Fort Worth and North Texas region.” Added the Rattikin family on Thursday: “We are confident that the combination with the Stewart family of companies will greatly benefit our employees, customers, and local partners, and build upon the local tradition that has long defined our company."

Bizz Buzz

Betting on American Mahjong Fort Worth startup hopes its new platform does for American Mahjong what ranking systems have long done for tennis and pickleball. WORDS BY JOHN HENRY

visit to the neighborhood tavern this spring awakened my curiosity.

Two ladies, sipping adult beverages, sat at a patio table, studying a board game I didn’t recognize as they pondered their next move. What, pray tell, had I walked in on? Mahjong, that’s what. I try to stay out of the loop where I can — it’s safer there. However, in this safe place, one will miss things, like, for example, this tile-based game that originated in China in the 19th century and is enjoying an American cultural moment. Two Fort Worth entrepreneurs — and serious Mahjong aficionados — are taking steps to grow the American Mahjong community further. The American Mahjong Ranking (AMR) Authority, founded by Bethany Factor and Amanda Wolsey, is the organization behind the first official worldwide ranking system for American Mahjong. Through a mobile app for iOS, the platform provides a standardized framework for ranked play, connecting players, clubs, leagues, instructors, and facilities within a unified competitive system. Factor and Wolsey are trying to do for American Mahjong what organizations such as the USTA have done for tennis or the DUPR system has done for pickleball: create a common language for competition that encourages participation, improves matchmaking, and helps the game grow. “You want to play with the people that you're most competitive with and that aren't going to just kill you and then aren't going to slow you down,” Factor says. “Everyone wants to play with their level, and also it just brings out the competitiveness. You want to learn and have a new

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strategy to kind of move up the ranking.” Factor and Wolsey co-own The Mahj Clubhouse, 5220 Pershing Ave. If you’re a golfer, tennis player, or pickleballer, you understand the concept. One wants to play with people who are on their competitive level. That’s the design of the rankings. You can see who you match up with best. “In our facility we saw the frustration of a seasoned player sitting down with a table of new players or, kind of the reverse, the anxiety that was produced from someone sitting down as a new player with a table of advanced players,” Wolsey says. “And we just thought that there needed to be a fair and consistent way to rank players to alleviate some of that frustration for the game.” American Mahjong has experienced a resurgence in recent years, fueled as much by organized competition as by its growing appeal as a social activity. The game has attracted younger players through social media and boutique brands, gained momentum during the pandemic, and expanded through beginner classes, leagues, and online learning tools. In DFW, Mahjong groups have multiplied at country clubs, community centers, libraries, coffee shops, and private homes, reflecting the game's evolution into a recurring social pastime with an increasingly diverse player base. “The game itself excites all your senses,” Wolsey says. “You play with beautiful sets and beautiful materials, and then the way that the tiles feel, the way that they sound while you're mixing them up, just the whole experience is very tactile. And then the game itself is community building. There's a whole community that revolves around this game,

and you have to play with people in person." The AMR Authority app serves as the backbone of the ranking system. After an in-person game, one player enters the results into the app, where they must be verified by two other players at the table. The verified scores are then processed through an Elo-style algorithm — similar to rating systems used in tennis and pickleball — to generate real-time player rankings and leaderboards. The app also allows users to track performance, discover clubs and tournaments, and connect with instructors and other players. With the new rankings, Factor and Wolsey believe they are building the lasting framework Mahjong needs “to evolve into a modern competitive powerhouse while staying true to its roots.” Founded in New York City in 1937, the National Mah Jongg League standardized the rules of American Mahjong and publishes the official annual card of winning hands used by most players, clubs, and tournaments today. Before the league's formation, groups across the country often played by different rules and scoring systems. The NMJL created a single, standardized version of American Mahjong that remains the dominant format in the United States today. Its biggest responsibility is publishing the official annual National Mah Jongg League card, commonly known simply as "the card." Each year, the league releases a new card containing the legal winning hands for that season. Today, the NMJL has hundreds of thousands of members, and its annual card is considered the authoritative standard for American Mahjong. This year, the league printed in the neighborhood of 750,000 cards, Factor and Wolsey say. “We already have competition,” Factor says — but want AMR Authority to become the sport's leading authority with the largest player base. Says Wolsey: “We really want to see [the rankings] taken worldwide. That's a constant conversation and plan to do so, starting with introducing it in English-speaking countries and moving from there.”

Bizz Buzz

Titans Among Us

A diverse group of Fort Worth-area CEOs and executives has been named to the inaugural DallasFort Worth Titan 100 for leadership and business impact. WORDS BY JOHN HENRY

ixteen executives from Greater Fort Worth, including TCU Chancellor Daniel Pullin, are among the inaugural Dallas-Fort Worth Titan 100, a new recognition program honoring the region's top CEOs and C-suite leaders for their leadership, innovation, and business impact. The inaugural class, announced by Titan CEO and headline sponsor Oasis Amenities, recognizes 100 executives from across North Texas whose organizations collectively generate more than $53 billion in annual revenue and employ more than 163,000 people. Nearly half of the honorees lead companies with more than $60 million in annual revenue. The Greater Fort Worth honorees, representing a broad section of the economy, are: • Barclay Berdan, Texas Health Resources • Julie Butner, Tarrant Area Food Bank

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• Brent DeRaad, Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau • Joseph DeWoody, Valor • David Gonzales, Open Integration Consulting • Sloan Harris, VLK • Nathan A. Henderson, BILT Incorporated • Kathleen Hunt, Personalized Payroll Services • Rick Ivey, SeatonHill • Alexander Kunz, OP2 Labs • Sarah LanCarte, LanCarte Commercial • Danny Leverett, Tarrant Roofing • Carlos M. Llanes Jr., Spartan Carrier Group • Daniel W. Pullin, TCU • Kush Rao, Southlake Foundation • James Sellers, Sellmark Corp. "The inaugural class of Dallas-Fort Worth Titan 100 honorees represents more than success; they embody resilience, purpose, and transformation," Jaime Zawmon, president of Titan CEO, said in a statement. "Being a Titan is not just a title; it is a mindset, a way of leading with courage, serving with integrity, and creating something that outlasts you." Michael Browning Jr. of Unleashed Brands and Carl Cravens, an Arlington native who serves as president of Dallas-based Susser Bank, which has a presence in Fort Worth, were also on the list. The Titan 100 program recognizes CEOs and C-level executives from public, private, and nonprofit organizations across a range of industries, including technology, manufacturing, financial services, healthcare, and nonprofit leadership. According to the organization, honorees are selected based on their leadership, vision, passion, and influence within their fields. Christopher Souza, president and CEO of Oasis Amenities, said Dallas-Fort Worth is "one of the best markets in the U.S. with some of the best talent to back it up." The inaugural Dallas-Fort Worth Titan 100 Awards will be held Oct. 7 at The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory in Irving, where the 100 honorees will be recognized during a cocktailstyle awards ceremony. The national Titan 100 program operates in 12 U.S. markets and annually recognizes the top CEOs and C-suite executives in each region. Honorees are eligible to become Hall of Fame members after earning the distinction three times.

Office Memos Strait-ening Out Hormuz? Fort Worth energy development company MWG Enterprises has joined two international partners to launch a private consortium planning a $5 billion refinery and energy export project in the Gulf region designed to provide a route-resilient export platform. Worker A’s: Texas Wesleyan University has launched a new bachelor's degree program aimed at helping working adults earn a four-year degree by receiving credit for prior learning, work experience, and professional certifications. Honored Exec: Beth Lamb, executive director of Key School and Training Center in Fort Worth, has been elected to the Public Relations Society of America's College of Fellows, one of the profession's highest honors. AI You Can Trust: The University of Texas at Arlington will lead a U.S. Department of Energy-funded project to make artificial intelligence systems more trustworthy and resilient as they become increasingly integrated into the nation's most advanced scientific research facilities. Blueprint for Growth: Parkhill and Komatsu Architecture have joined forces, combining decades of architectural, engineering, and design expertise to expand their reach across Texas. The New Industrial Frontier: AllianceTexas added two major milestones this summer as Wistron and MTU Maintenance opened facilities that further cement Fort Worth's place in America's advanced manufacturing economy. Clearly Built to Last: D&M Leasing marked its 50th anniversary by earning Cars.com's United States Leasing Company of the Year award for the 12th consecutive year. Off to the Good Washington: Fort Worth-based Escalante Golf has expanded into Washington with the acquisition of Tumble Creek, a private golf and residential community that becomes the company's 27th property and first in the state.

Unity Is The Secret!

HUB Fort Worth — Employer of Choice, Year After Year

Kip Adams, Kendall Barr, Juli Willmott, Matt Morris, Justin Phipps Mackenzie Wiatrek, Susan Blassingame, Tara Daniels, Kristi Brhlik Not pictured: Russ Morris and David Rascoe

At HUB Fort Worth, we've never believed expertise means much without heart. Our mantra has always been simple: don't tell me how much you know, just show me how much you care. That care shows up through our “Wearing the H.A.T.” daily focus — Hustle, Attitude, Teamwork — an expectation built on three things we individually control, felt by the great clients we serve each day. Unity in action — not a slogan, but a standard we hold each other to. We’re blessed and honored Fort Worth Inc. continues naming us one of the Best Companies to Work For in Fort Worth, year after year.

EO Spotlight

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on Lamont recalls the day he knocked on the wrong door while on his way to meet a new client after one of Oklahoma's all-too-familiar tornadoes.

It didn't take long to realize he had the wrong house. As it turned out, though, that family also needed his help. Their home had suffered storm damage, and they were getting nowhere with the insurance company. The memory still moves him. "Weeks later, I brought a check for $100,000 to their house that the insurance company had paid. They had been struggling and didn't know if they could ever fix the house," he says, his eyes welling with tears. "She started crying and said, 'The day you came to my house, it was like an angel showed up.' "That's when I knew I was in the right business." Lamont oversees three businesses focused on disaster recovery. D.A. Lamont Public Adjusters, founded in 2010, represents commercial and residential policyholders after storms and other disasters. D.A. Lamont Consulting Services, headquartered in Baton Rouge, helps schools, cities, churches, and other public entities navigate FEMA reimbursement after disasters. He also co-owns Core Forensics, a licensed engineering firm specializing in roofing inspections, materials testing, and forensic analysis. Together, the companies employ about 40 people and serve clients nationwide. The path wasn't easy. The 2008 financial crisis wiped out Lamont's homebuilding and development business, leaving him, by his own account, "50 years old and broke." Rather than return to construction, he taught himself the public-adjusting business by studying insurance policies, attending classes, and learning the industry from the ground up.

The Business of Recovery

After losing everything in 2008, Don Lamont rebuilt his life by helping others rebuild theirs — one insurance claim at a time. WORDS BY JOHN HENRY PHOTOS BY OLAF GROWALD

Your journey is about more than entrepreneurship. It's also about resilience, family, and giving back. Tell us about your Cowtown Showdown ranch-sorting event at the Fort Worth Stockyards. We raised $86,000 for Cook Children's Medical Center last year. [The cause was inspired in part by the loss of his first wife to breast cancer.] When I got into ranch sorting, I wanted to do something special. We created the Cowtown Showdown, with all proceeds benefiting Cook Children's. Last year, we awarded $100,000 in prize money, and this year it's $200,000 thanks to our sponsors. The next event is Jan. 18. What sparked your entrepreneurial spirit? I caught the entrepreneurial bug when I was 6 or 7. My dad sold Electrolux vacuum cleaners and was one of the best salesmen I've ever known. I was mesmerized by his presentations. One day, I asked if I could have a box of little shampoo bottles that weren't for sale but were used as giveaways. I grabbed my little brother, went door to door, and sold every one of them for a dollar apiece. I came home with a fistful of money, and that was it for me. What's the worst business advice you've ever received? To keep buying companies so I could eventually roll them up and sell them. I never bought into that idea. Some people are smart enough to make it work, but I've seen too many others fail. They take on investors, overextend themselves, and lose control. I've never had investors and don't want them. My bankers are my investors. I try not to get over my skis because debt is one of the biggest dangers in business. The key is making a profit. Whether you're the only employee or have three employees, you have to be profitable. And until you are, you need to stay in the seat and do the work yourself.

“I try not to get over my skis because debt is one of the biggest dangers in business.” FALL 2026 | fortworthinc.com 21

From the Mayor

Beyond the Algorithm, Fort Worth’s People Instilling Hope, Action WORDS BY MATTIE PARKER PHOTO BY OLAF GROWALD

f you spend enough time scrolling social media, it’s easy to feel anxious and negative about the state of our country. And the algorithms

don’t help — watch one fearmongering, headline-seeking video, and suddenly you’re in what seems like a never-ending cycle of cynicism, conflict, and gloom. But when we put down our phones and look around our own community, we can find a very different story. Across

22 fortworthinc.com | FALL 2026

Fort Worth, countless people are doing the hard work of turning challenges into opportunities, solving problems, and building a stronger city for the next generation. People like our exceptional city management and staff — dedicated professionals who bring expertise, integrity, and a deep commitment to public service every day. We are fortunate to have them guiding Fort Worth through this pivotal moment of growth. Their work is reflected in initiatives like the 2026 Bond program and the City's Nuisance Enforcement Task Force, which is producing real results by addressing our most persistent nuisance properties and making neighborhoods safer, stronger, and more vibrant for the families who call them home. People like Dr. Stewart Flynn at the TCU Anne Burnett Marion School of Medicine, Rose Bradshaw at North Texas Community Foundation, Sadie Funk and Sara Redington at Best Place, and Cameron Combs at Child Poverty Action Lab who have all said “yes” to working with me and many others to address Fort Worth’s alarming maternal morbidity rate. That leadership has led to the North Texas Maternal Health Accelerator, a remarkable regional collaboration among the Burnett School of Medicine, leaders at area hospitals, and dozens of partners across Tarrant County and North Texas. Together, they inspired the philanthropic community to commit nearly $25 million in improving outcomes for our region’s most vulnerable mothers and babies. It’s a powerful reminder of what is possible in our community when people unite around a shared purpose. It’s our educators, nonprofits, foundations, and advocates who believe every child deserves the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their ZIP code. That commitment is creating meaningful pathways to brighter futures through dozens of initiatives — from the City of Fort Worth’s Literacy Roundup, a partnership with the Sid W. Richardson Foundation, Go Beyond Grades, and Rainwater Charitable Foundation, to the addition of multiple early-college high school programs throughout our school districts.

It’s our chambers of commerce and the Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership, working alongside business leaders, investing in Fort Worth’s economy. Their efforts are helping businesses of every size start, grow, and thrive here. The results speak for themselves: Fiscal Year 2025 brought $6.7 billion in new capital investment and nearly 7,000 new jobs. Those aren't just impressive numbers; they represent opportunity and confidence that Fort Worth's approach to economic growth is delivering lasting results. It’s every healthcare professional, teacher, first responder, civil servant, nonprofit leader, and generous neighbor looking out for one another and striving to make our community a better place for all. And it’s why I'm so proud of this great city. Not because we're perfect — we're not. Every community faces real challenges, and as the 10th-largest city in the United States, Fort Worth will continue to face many. But we have the choice every day to be part of a solution. Not long ago, I spoke with a woman visiting Fort Worth for a conference. She told me about a conversation with her Uber driver, who shared how much he and his family love living here. They recently moved to Fort Worth and quickly discovered what so many of us already know: This is a wonderful place to live and raise a family. When I hear stories like that, I think about the countless people, programs, and partnerships across every corner of our city that make those experiences possible. Because of these people and this work, we continue to be an example of a city that is growing rapidly while also maintaining the highest level of quality of life for our residents. In a world that often rewards outrage over optimism, I urge you to take a moment to recognize what's going right — and the people making it happen. It’s why I'm proud to call Fort Worth home. I hope you are, too. Mattie Parker is the mayor of Fort Worth.

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transforminglives.org 26 fortworthinc.com | FALL 2026

Inside the C-Suite

28 Real Estate / 32 Entrepreneurs / 38 Food & Drink Across from the Young County Courthouse, a retired athletic trainer has turned his self-admitted vices into a business.

FALL 2026 | fortworthinc.com 27

Inside the C-Suite / Real Estate

Jake Little, left, and Jake White

The Backyard Badge Discounts may open the door, but education and trust have turned Heroes Home Award into Fort Worth police officers' go-to resource for buying a home. WORDS BY JOHN HENRY

IMAGE BY OLAF GROWALD

28 fortworthinc.com | FALL 2026

he first phone call has become typical.

It goes something like this: "Seven other officers told me you’re the guys to call. I want to buy a house, and I want to do the thing where I don’t have to bring a bunch of money to closing." The thing. It’s actually all the things. Three years after launching Heroes Home Award, that kind of referral has become routine for retired Fort Worth police Sgt. Jake White and his business partner, former industrial engineer turned mortgage professional Jake Little. What began in 2023 as an idea to help first responders compete in one of North Texas’ hottest housing markets has evolved into something bigger, albeit leaner. Today, the Fort Worth-based program has helped more than 125 Fort Worth police officers buy or refinance homes while guiding many through the financial decisions that make homeownership possible. "The discount component is part of what we do," Little says. "But it’s really become a trust and education thing." The idea was born during the height of the post-pandemic housing frenzy when homes routinely attracted multiple offers and many buyers struggled to compete. White, who spent more than two decades with the Fort Worth Police Department before retiring from the narcotics division in 2022, and Little began asking themselves a simple question: How could they help police officers become homeowners? About six weeks later, they got an unexpected phone call. The Fort Worth Police Officers Association had office space available and asked whether the pair wanted it. They immediately said yes. "Overnight it took off," says White, who buys and sells through the LEAGUE Real Estate brokerage. Today, Heroes Home Award operates out of the POA offices and focuses almost exclusively on Fort Worth police officers. White says the association has been instrumental by connecting members with services that extend beyond their professional lives. "They do a good job finding

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Inside the C-Suite / Real Estate

partnerships that benefit their members," he says. White and Little see the Fort Worth program as kind-of a pilot they hope to replicate in other first-responder communities. The program's mission is straightforward: Reduce the amount of cash officers need to bring to the closing table. Rather than discounting the purchase price of a home, White and Little assemble financing strategies that help offset buyer’s upfront expenses, allowing officers to preserve more of their savings. On average, they estimate participants save about $12,000 in cash they otherwise would have needed to complete a typical home purchase. But the founders insist the financial savings are only part of the story. For many clients, that education begins long before they're ready to buy. Little says officers often come to them with damaged credit, little savings, or major life changes that have disrupted their finances. "We may be the only people that ever give them financial advice in life," he says.

30 fortworthinc.com | FALL 2026

Sometimes that means rebuilding a credit score over several months. Other times, it means helping someone recover financially after a divorce or another personal setback. "We'll show them how to save, where to save, and what the benefits of homeownership are," Little says. "Then we'll tell them, 'Over the next year, do this, this, this, and this.'" That's become the most rewarding part of the business, he says. "Yes, they save money at closing," Little says. "But the meaningful part is helping the people who really need it." White says one of the biggest misconceptions they encounter is the belief that buyers must save a 20% down payment before purchasing a home. Many officers, he says, are paying $2,000 to $2,300 a month in rent while postponing homeownership because they believe they need tens of thousands of dollars in cash before they can buy. Instead, White spends much of his time explaining financing options, down-payment assistance programs, and realistic pathways into homeownership. "The education piece comes in because

it's that misnomer that you always hear," he says. "Half the people we talk to think they have to save 20%." The partnership itself is an unlikely one. White began selling real estate while he was still a Fort Worth police officer, viewing it as a career he could transition into after retirement. He discovered he enjoyed helping families navigate one of the largest financial decisions of their lives. Little followed a very different path. A graduate of Texas A&M University with a degree in industrial engineering, he spent time in Houston's oil and gas industry before returning to Fort Worth to join Service First Mortgage. Looking to grow his mortgage business, he cold-called White after finding his name on a real estate website. The two met for breakfast at West Side Cafe. As they were leaving, several police officers walked out together. The conversation quickly shifted from mortgages to a bigger idea. "What if we did something for the cops?" Little recalls asking. White had been thinking the same thing. Years later, that breakfast meeting has grown into a program built largely through word of mouth. Officers recommend it to fellow officers, who recommend it to the next generation of recruits. The officers want to do “the thing.” They've helped more than 125 Fort Worth officers purchase or refinance homes since 2023. Yet they believe the numbers tell only part of the story. For them, the real accomplishment isn't simply reducing closing costs. It's giving officers the confidence, knowledge, and financial footing to become homeowners in a market that shuts out many would-be buyers. "We don't want buyers just signing papers," White says. "We want them to be educated, know what they're signing, know what the process looks like, and understand the process."

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FALL 2026 | fortworthinc.com 31

Inside the C-Suite / Entrepreneurs

The Accidental Rocket Ship A golf pro who couldn't pronounce cocamidopropyl betaine helped build one of America's fastest-growing companies by mastering something far more valuable than chemistry: relationships. WORDS BY JOHN HENRY

IMAGES BY OLAF GROWALD

he story of one of America's fastest-growing companies began two decades ago on a golf course overlooking Lake Whitney.

Jason Blackerby was a PGA teaching professional when one of his regular members introduced him to an industry he knew nothing about: specialty ingredients for

32 fortworthinc.com | FALL 2026

cosmetics and nutritional supplements. Dien Stout, who had a daily tee time, owned a company that sold these ingredients. She wanted Blackerby, looking for a new career direction, to come work for her. “She brought out a swab bottle and handed it to me and turned it over,” Blackerby says. “I had never in my life paid attention to an ingredient deck. And she's like, ‘This is what we do. We sell the ingredients that are listed right here. And she goes, ‘Don't feel bad. You're not going to be able to say any of them.’ I'll never forget it. It took me six months to figure out how to say cocamidopropyl betaine.” That’s easy for him to say, but 20 years later he’s quite fluent in this stuff. Blackerby and his partner Clayton Reeves today head Black Label Ingredients, one of the fastest-growing companies in the country. It’s a destination the founders never dreamed of. Black Label is, you might say, the accidental rocket ship. “When we started this, I thought I’d give it a year, see what happens. Work for free for a year, maybe sell it out to Jason, and maybe we don't need two partners. Maybe he doesn't really need this kind of expertise or whatever. We got through our first year, and it's like, ‘Well, wait a minute, this might have some legs.’ And then after the second year, it definitely had legs. "I was talking to my financial adviser about it, and I said, 'This is probably a one-in-a-hundred, maybe one-in-athousand kind of thing.' He said, 'No. This is more like one in 10,000. I meet with people every day, and what you guys have built is pretty rare.'" Blackerby serves as president and Reeves, CFO. Their director of operations is Mike Schwenk. Their visibility as a company rose dramatically this spring when the Inc. 5000 released its list of fastest-growing privately held companies in the Southwest in 2026. A group of nine Fort Worth-area companies were on it, including HTeaO, Higginbotham, and eosera. At the very top of that list? Black Label Ingredients, which came in at No. 12 overall after reporting an astounding

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Inside the C-Suite / Entrepreneurs

Black Label Ingredients' fast-growing business is reflected in its new 40,000-square-foot warehouse in the Carter Industrial Park.

Jason Blackerby, left, and Clayton Reeves

two-year growth rate of 406%. “We [entered] almost as an afterthought,” says Reeves, who grew up not far from where we’re sitting in Everman. He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees at TCU. “We thought, 'Let's see what happens.' We really didn't expect much of it.” No one will be surprised if Black Label next appears on the Inc. 5000 national list, which will be released in August. As an aside: Black Label is also an applicant for the 2026 Fort Worth Inc. Entrepreneur of Excellence Program. The company operates out of the old Star-Telegram printing press building, which has an Edgecliff Village address. To support its upward trajectory, Black Label

34 fortworthinc.com | FALL 2026

has leased a new 40,000-square-foot warehouse in the Carter Industrial Park in south Fort Worth. Black Label Ingredients serves as the middleman between ingredient manufacturers and the companies that make everyday consumer products, supplying specialty ingredients for cosmetics, personal care products, and nutritional supplements. The company does not manufacture ingredients. Blackerby and Reeves describe their business as a "non-rework distributor," meaning it never opens, blends, or reformulates products. Rather, it buys ingredients in bulk from manufacturers and supplies customers in the package sizes they need, from 5-gallon pails to 1,000-liter totes, handling liquids, powders, and gels. It purchases products from more than 100 suppliers overall, giving customers access to thousands of ingredients through a single source. Black Label employs 27. No one likes getting any credit over there. In a conversation with Blackerby, Reeves, and Schwenk, they all pointed to the essential contribution of the others over their own. In fact, in our original story on Black Label’s place on the Inc. 5000 list, only Blackerby’s name was mentioned in the source listing. That’s what I wrote. Blackerby sent me an email asking me to add Reeves to the story. Of course, it was Reeves, who filled out and

submitted the application, who left his name off. From Blackerby’s perspective, he jokes that in starting the company he “was blessed with a large amount of being naïve.” “I had confidence in what I knew, which is relationships,” he says. “I had confidence in how I learned how to grow in this industry. And the concept had been proven. We grew the last company from $6 million to $75 million. So, I knew how or I knew my part of that. I wasn't nervous when we started this. In five years, I can tell you I should have been nervous.” Reeves went on to explain that Blackerby's relationships gave Black Label immediate credibility that most startups spend years trying to earn. Instead of cold-calling suppliers and customers, the company began with years of trust already in place. As Reeves put it, those relationships "opened doors" and allowed the business to gain traction much faster than a typical startup. Reeves said Blackerby's reputation eliminated the biggest hurdle facing most startups: convincing suppliers to trust a new company. "People knew him. They trusted him,” says Reeves. “That's why manufacturers were willing to do business with a brandnew company." Blackerby was as happy as a golfer with a tap-in birdie working for Dien Inc. Changing circumstances led to Black Label. Blackerby, who grew up in Breckenridge, went to Lamar University in Beaumont. He played a little golf there. He wasn’t any kind of standout, and the PGA Tour was not on the horizon, but there are opportunities still to work in the industry. Golf was in the family; his father ran the pro shop in Breckenridge. And it was the pro shop and teaching golf that Blackerby set his sights on. He went to work for the Double Diamond Resorts’ The Cliffs at Possum Kingdom and was transferred to White Bluff in Whitney. That’s where he met Dien Stout, a meeting that coincided with his desire to do something different in his professional life.

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Inside the C-Suite / Entrepreneurs

Black Label Ingredients doesn't manufacture ingredients. Blackerby and Reeves describe their business as a "nonrework distributor," meaning it never opens, blends, or reformulates products. Rather, it buys ingredients in bulk from manufacturers and supplies customers in the package sizes they need, from 5-gallon pails to 1,000-liter totes, handling liquids, powders, and gels.

36 fortworthinc.com | FALL 2026

In the golf teaching business, the hours aren’t great and the pay matches the nongreatness, if you’ll permit me to say it that way. “There was an opportunity to go to — I always called it a real job — work with Dien,” Blackerby says. “And, gosh, I fell in love with it. It was the same thing for me. I used to work behind the counter [in the pro shop] talking to people, getting to know people. Well, when I jumped into sales at Dien, it was the same thing. I got to know people. It's just a relationship build, and that's what it is today. “Everything you do, for me, is building a relationship, listening and building a relationship. So, they can hit 30 balls, and we can be talking about how to fix something. But at the end of the day, I knew about their daughter, or I knew about their dog, or I knew about something. Somebody wants to talk about something, so it's just listening.” He learned the business and worked for her for 15 years. He says by 2020, he was No. 2 or 3 on her organizational chart. The day Stout told Blackerby that she needed “to take a step back” was a gut punch. “She was a mom to many of us and ran a wonderful company,” he says. However, having a serious family matter to attend to, she sold to a private equity group, which can take the buzz right off a good Jameson. “Between her son, myself, and another gentleman, we kind of ran the company for her in those last couple years,” he says. “So when she sold it, it came as a shock.” He stayed on for a year, but he says the new firm started to manage commissions. “It kind of took some of the entrepreneurism out of it,” Blackerby says from the spacious new warehouse. “I looked at a lot of different things. Going to work for other companies, doing joint ventures with friends of mine in other industries. Ultimately, this all came together.” He pauses briefly, looking for the right words of gratitude. “This, knock on wood, this became … I don't know. I'm just really lucky.”

Our culture starts with people. A strong culture is built on trust, collaboration, and a shared commitment to serving others. We are proud to be named a Fort Worth Best Company to Work For.

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FALL 2026 | fortworthinc.com 37

Inside the C-Suite / Food & Drink

Salt Creek Chocolate & Guns was built on a unique model of, well, chocolate and guns.

Bullets and Bonbons

A retired athletic trainer, self-described chocolate snob, and lifelong gun enthusiast proves passion — and a sense of humor — can be a profitable combination. WORDS BY JOHN HENRY

im Lewis says he’s pleasantly surprised by how many people are making the 88-mile trek from Fort Worth and Dallas on Saturdays to do business with him in what is surely one of America’s most unlikely retail concepts. 38 fortworthinc.com | FALL 2026

“It’s crazy. I never expected it,” he says by a virtual meetup. “It's a crazy deal.” Only in Texas? Maybe. At Salt Creek Chocolate & Guns in Graham, customers come for handcrafted chocolates, firearms, or the novelty of finding both in the same store.

What a country! “And I love what we do,” Lewis says. “I don't get to deal with the guns much anymore. I've let my partners deal with most of that. I just mainly do the chocolate.” And that’s where this story gets interesting. While his partners Dan Ferris and Robert Sides take care of the firearms business, Lewis, whose nickname is “Doc,” is the town’s chocolatier, the guy who works with chocolate — good chocolate — to make finished confections. “It's been quite a story,” says Lewis, whose sense of humor stands out as much as his chocolate creations. “And so, our general rule of thumb, it's all my bad habits basically. It's what my wife will tell you. Everything in this building is my bad habit. The guns and the chocolate, that's

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Inside the C-Suite / Food & Drink

kind of how it's come about.” Lewis says he founded the gun shop after retiring — “My wife said, ‘You need to go find something’” — in 2017 after 40 years as the Graham High School athletics trainer. Lewis says he has never been good at sitting still anyway. It might be a perpetual sugar high. He says he’s always been into firearms since as long as he can remember growing up in Indiana. “I've only got one deer on the wall, and I had to bring it down here because my wife wouldn't let me put it in the house,” Lewis says. “I had a Labrador, and it drove my Lab crazy. She kept trying to attack it. I'm not a hunter. I love guns. I like to

40 fortworthinc.com | FALL 2026

shoot guns. I'm a pistol guy, always been a pistol guy. I do a lot of pistol trainings. My business partner, Robert, he's the rifle guy. He shoots .50-caliber. I don't want any part of that. It hurts my arm. “I'm a sissy. I'm a sissy wine drinker. I drink white wine. My wife likes red, and my nephew owns a wine store. They go, ‘How can you like this dark chocolate, and you don't like red wine?’ I just don't like it.” He jokes — I think — that he was using the shop as a business expense write-off on his taxes. As the story goes, the IRS told him he needed to become a legitimate, profit-making business and not merely something that generated tax deductions.

To that end, he expanded into a larger location, and both the gun and, later, the chocolate business took off. Sides is a teacher at Graham, while Ferris is a Navy veteran, who “just kind of hung out here.” Lewis calls the two great salesmen, so good, in fact, they could talk a cat off a fish wagon. “[Ferris] showed up and never left. I told Robert when we opened up the chocolate shop that I wanted to offer Dan a part of the partnership because he’s a character. We do a lot of business with the Wildcatter Ranch, which caters to a lot of Europeans. They're from London, and they're from all over the world. We finally put up a map so we can see where all they're from.” Not all those international visitors speak English, of course. The partners rely on smartphone translation apps to explain range safety to customers who don’t speak English. “Robert holds his Google Translate up and talks to them, and then they talk to him.” Lewis was born and raised in Indiana. He earned a degree in sports medicine from Indiana University. He came to Texas, lured by a job with the Houston Oilers, then under Jack Pardee. “I was summer staff,” Lewis says. “We were nobodies. We just go in and help. Now those guys all make millions of dollars, and we all got fired.” As is customary in professional sports, the shelf life of a coach and his staff, including the trainers, is that of a fruit fly. An acquaintance mentioned a job in Graham. He stayed for 40 years and picked up a wife along the way. “It was a great profession, but I don't miss it a bit,” he says. “I really have a passion for what I'm doing here. And that's the coaching profession, the athletic training profession is being passionate about what you do. We were very passionate about our kids, still are.” Lewis never set out to become a chocolatier. Over the years, he and his wife routinely stopped at chocolatier Kevin Wenzel's shop in Hico on trips to Austin and Texas A&M. His wife is an Aggie. Impressed by Wenzel's handcrafted

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When it comes to serving North Texas, we know the ropes. It seems like some banks haven’t even been here eight seconds. For 150 years, American National Bank of Texas has been riding alongside the people who build North Texas every day. Through the ups, the turns, and the occasional wild ride, we’ve stayed steady—supporting growth, backing bold ideas, and helping North Texans move forward. Because when you’ve been at it this long, you know how to ride through whatever comes out of the chute next.

Inside the C-Suite / Food & Drink Tim "Doc" Lewis often gets lost in thought in his chocolate factory.

chocolates, Lewis eventually enrolled in his classes, despite a long wait to get in because of their popularity. At the end of one class, Lewis told Wenzel he wanted to open a chocolate shop, thinking it would likely be in Weatherford or Mineral Wells, which has more traffic. Wenzel instead encouraged him to do it in Graham. “I was like, ‘I don’t know,’” Lewis says. He credits Wenzel, “a great artist,” as both his mentor and a close friend, saying he still turns to him for guidance on recipes, techniques, and business challenges. “Kevin gave me his recipes,” Lewis says. “He's been gracious. He does a sipping chocolate that's phenomenal.” Lewis' best-selling chocolate is "Crazy

42 fortworthinc.com | FALL 2026

Lady," a Belgian chocolate blend named after his wife — that’s apparently an inside joke involving her life as a kindergarten teacher — followed by Texas Pecan, made with local pecans. Other popular flavors include Two Hot, Coconut and Mocha Crunch, which features coffee from a Fort Worth roaster. Lewis says he goes through 150-300 pounds of chocolate a week. Conversely, Wenzel “buys it at 30,000 pounds at a time.” “He sent me a message that said, ‘Well, you ready to go big time?’ I'm like, ‘I'm close.’ But my first year, I'm learning that there's a lot of expenses. I'm not a businessman.” He’s outsourced his books after struggling

to remember to pay his quarterly taxes. “It's a nightmare,” he says. “I didn't realize all that. I got to hire somebody to pay the taxes because I was late on my taxes. I just hired a company, and said, ‘Look, you pay for it,’ and they take it out of my bank account and I don’t mess with it.” He also outsources his public relations, though that firm clearly has an all-star as a client. After all, he’s got “25 other things to do.” This chocolatiering is time-consuming. “We still do things the old-fashioned way. We hand make everything. I think that's what made us so unique — Kevin as well. We're old-fashioned chocolatiers. We pride ourselves on great flavor.”

FALL 2026 | fortworthinc.com 43

ClearWater Plumbers

46 fortworthinc.com | FALL 2026

the

PEOPLE principle The companies on our 2026 Best Companies To Work For in Fort Worth list understand a simple truth: When employees thrive, businesses do, too.

BY JOHN HENRY / PHOTOGRAPHY BY OLAF GROWALD

ill Rogers was an American cowboy, vaudeville performer, actor, newspaper columnist, radio personality, and one of the country's most beloved humorists. He became famous not just for his rope tricks, but for his ability to make sharp observations about politics, business, and everyday life sound like friendly conversation. He was folksy, self-deprecating, observant — boy, howdy, was he ever — kind rather than cruel, a common-sense philosopher, and an equal-opportunity satirist. He didn’t play favorites. In other words, he'd have been the kind of boss folks would've been glad to work for. “A workplace gets along a lot better when everybody spends more time carrying the load than measuring it,” is one way I can see Will Rogers talking about his preferred workplace culture. It’s that time again for our annual BC2W4 list — Best Companies To Work For in Fort Worth.

These are the companies throwing parties, making trips for team members, offering unlimited PTO, paving the way for Santa Claus, and, most importantly, creating pathways for employees to stay, grow, and share in the profits. You’ll see familiar names back on the list with good reason. They’re consistent not just in performance, but in creating workplaces where people stick around and excel. You’ll also find fresh faces. There is a clear sense of purpose with all of them: Good business is putting people first. What does it take to make our annual honor roll, which the magazine began producing in 2016? First, this contest is run and judged independently of the magazine’s ownership and staff by the Workforce Research Group, a Humble, Texas, research firm that’s behind some 25 Best Places To Work programs across North America and drills deep daily on what engages people in the workplace. Companies and other organizations that enter our contest submit answers to Workforce on questions ranging from employee benefits

to work from home and vacation policies, communication from the top, wellness initiatives, opportunities for advancement, training and mentorship, diversity, and fun stuff like office happy hours and pickleball. Entering companies also agree to allow their employees to be surveyed anonymously by the Workforce Research Group to really explore how they perceive their employer. Workforce analyzes this information and produces our annual Best Companies To Work For in Fort Worth. Workforce ranked employers in the small, medium, and large company categories, with large companies having 250 employees or more. It is also worth noting that the magazine’s ownership and staff have no say in who wins this contest and how employers rank. The 2026 issue of the magazine and Workforce Research Group’s rankings were released Aug. 13 at a luncheon at River Ranch Stockyards. What follows are the standard-bearers of what a great workplace looks like, and some other things Will Rogers might have said about a healthy work environment.

FALL 2026 | fortworthinc.com

SMALL (15-49 employees) ClearWater Plumbers

and massage therapy, guided

2. Bonds Ellis Eppich Schafer Jones

social service programs, the

wellness programming, and

foundation serves as a philan-

resources that support employ-

What they do: Legal Employees: 28

thropic partner, helping donors

ees physically, mentally, and

establish and manage charitable

financially.

less glamorous side of life than

Employees praised Bonds Ellis

nonprofit organizations across

a “Recharge Room” where team

the employees of ClearWater

Eppich Schafer Jones for foster-

North Texas.

members may take a break from

Plumbers, founded in 2003 and

ing a respectful, collegial culture

first-time participants in our Best

where flexibility, professional

Companies To Work For program.

growth, and work-life balance

The company earned high marks

are more than talking points.

What they do: Utilities Employees: 29

No one is happier shoveling the

for its authentically family-orient-

Since opening in 2016, the firm

ed culture, one built on investing

has grown from six attorneys to

in its people, their families, and

25, with most new hires coming

their long-term careers.

through employee referrals — a

The company pairs competitive

reflection of its strong workplace

benefits with thoughtful personal

culture and exceptionally low

touches, including birthday PTO,

turnover.

annual work boots, recognition

Why the low turnover?

of spouses' birthdays and wed-

Well, for one, attorneys enjoy

ding anniversaries. (That saves

significant autonomy over their

you from a lonely weekend after

schedules, with an emphasis

forgetting both.)

on delivering exceptional client

Employees are recognized year-round through cash re-

service rather than tracking hours in the office.

wards tied to customer reviews,

While support staff’s respon-

performance-based bonuses, and

sibilities require more structured

annual incentives celebrating

office hours, “we try to make it

individual achievement.

fun for our people by having a

The company also demon-

game room with darts, shuffle-

strates a strong commitment to

board, and a large TV.” The firm

developing the next generation of

has outings quarterly. Pickleball

skilled tradespeople by partner-

is still hot.

ing with local schools, pairing ex-

The firm’s benefits include fully

perienced plumbers with younger

paid maternity and paternity

employees for mentorship, and

leave and employer-paid health

covering the costs of licensing

coverage for employees.

exams, continuing education, and specialized certifications. Practical benefits — includ-

Bonds Ellis also invests heavily in professional development, covering advanced legal educa-

ing company-provided take-

tion, trial advocacy programs,

home vehicles with fuel and

Leadership Fort Worth, and other

maintenance covered, uniform

career-building opportunities.

dry cleaning, and paid train-

A relaxed dress code is the rule

ing — help reduce employees'

— unless, of course, you’re going

out-of-pocket expenses while

before the judge.

supporting professional growth. Employee feedback, they say, results in improved processes,

3. North Texas Community Foundation

funds while directing grants to

“At NTCF, we are not just colleagues, but allies, united by

The office is also equipped with

their day. The room is built using

a shared passion for

neurodesign principles

making a difference in the community we serve,” reads the foundation’s application. “Our joint sense of purpose lends itself to an environment of

to create a multisen-

The best office policy is treating people like they'll still be there tomorrow.

collaboration and

work environment. NTCF has

experience to reduce stress and anxiety levels and promote relaxation and resetting of the brain. Who couldn’t use a reset brain

camaraderie.” In other words, a great

sory, immersive

every now and then, or more often than not? The room brings the outside

created a workplace where doing

in with calming soundscapes,

good for the community begins

textures, and scents and includes

with doing right by its employees.

a vibroacoustic therapy bed

Employees enjoy exceptional work-life balance, generous paid leave, hybrid schedules, strong

that delivers healing frequencies throughout the entire body. “We also provide massages to

retirement benefits, and mean-

employees during work-related

ingful volunteer opportunities.

travel and a Building Biology

A collaborative, purpose-driven

Assessment of the health of your

environment, backed by family-

home.”

friendly policies and employee

All of this designed help en-

involvement in community giving,

sures its core values of creating

reinforces high engagement, and

extraordinary outcomes, never

satisfaction.

stop learning, enjoying the jour-

“Our management team promotes a culture of trust, integrity,

ney, and building lasting impact are met.

and transparency, where open communication is the standard

5. BODYBAR Pilates

default.”

What they do: Fitness Employees: 30

4. Satori Capital

BODYBAR Pilates has answers

and a hybrid work schedule is the

What they do: Finance Employees: 31

for the some of us trying to “fit in this.” Pilates is a low-impact exercise system that focuses on

What they do: Nonprofit Employees: 22

Satori Capital has built its work-

core strength, posture, flexibility,

place culture around a clearly

balance, and controlled move-

defined set of core values and

ment. Thank you, Joseph Pilates,

strongest, ahem, pipeline to long-

The North Texas Community

a philosophy it calls Optimal

inventor.

term success.

Foundation is a Fort Worth-

operations, and amenities, and thereby creating a culture where investing in people remains the

based public charity that helps individuals, families, businesses, and professional advisers turn charitable giving into long-term community impact. Rather than operating its own

48 fortworthinc.com | FALL 2026

Living, which extends beyond traditional benefits. The comprehensive program

BODYBAR has also built a high-performance culture where employees are treated like own-

offers executive health screen-

ers, developed like future leaders,

ings, a $1,000 annual wellness

and recognized as individuals

allowance, chef-prepared healthy

— not merely instructors or staff

lunches, on-site chiropractic care

members.

SMALL (15-49 employees) viding or subsidizing memberships

The company's guiding principles are backed by action.

beans to match the flavor profile

is probably the 2% voluntary turn-

at The Fort Worth Club and coun-

Employees can share in BODY-

our employees love.”

over rate, which is exceptionally

try clubs reinforces both wellness

low and reinforces nearly every

and networking.

BAR's long-term success through

Have you seen an office — any

a phantom equity program based

office — without its coffee? Dys-

on tenure and contribution, while

function 101.

leadership retreats, Kaizen and Six Sigma training, mentoring, career planning, and ongoing professional development reinforce a culture of continuous growth and

7. Joe Hall Roofing & Contracting

What they do: Construction Employees: 19

tional. Retention rates validate the

want to. This past year, the firm conducted an attorney retreat in Las Vegas, demonstrating that the firm invests meaningful resources

Joe Hall Roofing & Contracting,

professional development and

founded in 1989, hosts a “Thank-

team building. Likewise, its pro-

ful Luncheon” each December.

culture. The company says its

Last year, every attendee received

voluntary turnover rate of just 4%

a custom LEGO figure.

suggests the company's people-

McDonald Sanders says it is

Employees stay because they

in bringing people together for

improvement. Growth is expected, not op-

cultural claim they make.

Nifty. Don’t let that thing

first philosophy translates into

come apart. The bottom of

employees staying.

your foot will find a piece of it at 3 in the morning.

6. Wier & Associates

What they do: Engineering Employees: 39

It’s part of a culture of celebration woven into every day. The company also hosts a “Trashket Ball,” which kicks

Research on organizational

off each summer. This annual

transparency shows that clarify-

game of skill and competition

ing decisions and maintaining

involves dodgeballs and

accessible communication reduce

full-size trash cans.

conflict and increase employee

Joe Hall also offers a

commitment, but only when

unique benefit, provid-

leaders respond constructively to

ing employees with paid

employee concerns.

sessions with a certified

It’s the proverbial “open-door policy.”

therapist and Enneagram coach, using it as a tool to

That is Wier & Associates, a

emphasize self-awareness,

perennial winner in Fort Worth

communication, and team

Inc.’s BC2W4.

dynamics.

“No question is off the table,” Wier & Associates say. The firm also covers profession-

Enneagram is the personality framework that classifies people into nine personality types,

al registration fees, membership

each with its own core motiva-

dues, and other expenses for up to

tions, fears, strengths, and blind

two professional organizations in

spots: the reformer, the helper,

which employees participate. The

the achiever, the individualist,

firm also hosts a monthly wellness

the investigator, the loyalist, the

program featuring guest speakers

enthusiast, the challenger, and

and educational presentations on

the peacemaker.

a variety of health and wellness topics. And lastly, but far from least(ly), Wier very capably enables its coffee addicts. “Through the requests and feedback of employees, we have

BUILT to GROW.

The company also offers retirement planning and communication planning.

8. McDonald Sanders What they do: Legal Employees 37

also invested in an espresso coffee machine, capable of many

Founded in 1951, McDonald Sand-

more coffee options than our pre-

ers is today one of the oldest

vious coffeepot brewer. Included

firms in Fort Worth. It has built a

in this, we also have started to

reputation as a place to build a

purchase higher quality coffee

career. The strongest data point

BODYBAR Pilates

FALL 2026 | fortworthinc.com

SMALL (15-49 employees) committed to building a work-

regular social events, annual en-

force that reflects a broad range

relationships with law schools,

Once employees join the firm,

gagement surveys, and frequent

of backgrounds, perspectives, and

professional associations, and

they are supported through men-

performance reviews reinforce

experiences.

community organizations while

torship, collaboration, and equal

a collaborative culture focused

participating in initiatives that

opportunities for professional

on continuous improvement and

expand opportunities within the

growth and advancement.

long-term employee engagement.

The firm recruits through

legal profession.

"McDonald Sanders takes a thoughtful approach to recruiting and retaining employees across multiple generations by creating opportunities for mentorship, pro-

10. M2G Ventures

What they do: Real Estate/ Renting/Leasing Employees: 27

fessional development, and longterm career growth. Our clerkship

Mental health isn't simply an em-

program serves as a key pipeline

ployee benefit at M2G Ventures

for emerging talent, helping law

— it's laced into the company's

students transition into full-time

culture and community mission.

roles within the firm.”

The Fort Worth real estate firm

9. Trinity Real Estate Investment Services

What they do: Real Estate/ Renting/Leasing Employees: 15

places employee well-being at the center of its workplace, providing access to therapy through a contracted provider when team members need support while encouraging leaders to step in when colleagues are struggling.

Trinity Real Estate Invest-

and understands if our team is

its workplace culture

feeling well and treated well, the

around flexibility,

outcomes for the business will be

connection, and giving

better," the company says.

back. Founded in 2017,

RELA TION SHIP C S

O the MUNT

OST .

"M2G is a people-first company

ment Services has built

That commitment extends

the commercial real

beyond the office through Soar,

estate firm says its goal

M2G's nonprofit mental health ini-

has always been to cre-

tiative, which focuses on research,

ate “a workplace where

advocacy, and community educa-

people feel valued,

tion while hosting public events

invested in, and enjoy

including Muse at the Modern and

their colleagues,” adding:

Art of the Mind. Employees are en-

“After all, we spend over eight hours a day at work, so we might as well make the most

couraged to participate alongside their families. Internally, managers and

of it!”

employees receive QPR — ques-

That’s right. You’re practically

tion, persuade, report — suicide

married to these people. The firm's signature event is

prevention training through The Jordan Elizabeth Harris Founda-

its annual charity golf tourna-

tion, and the company offers

ment benefiting One Safe Place,

biweekly mindfulness sessions to

which brings together employees,

help employees manage stress,

clients, vendors, friends, and fam-

reset, and maintain balance.

ily for golf, lunch, awards, and a

Combined with flexible work

presentation from the nonprofit.

policies and streamlined work-

Trinity also celebrates mile-

flows designed to reduce unnec-

stones in memorable ways, from

essary burdens, M2G has made

custom boots for employees

mental wellness a defining part of

reaching two years of service to

its workplace culture.

airline gift cards at five years, while birthdays, anniversaries, and life events are recognized

PSK

50 fortworthinc.com | FALL 2026

during weekly company meetings.

11. PSK

What they do: Accounting Employees: 47

Cloud-based technology gives employees flexibility to work

PSK, a full-service accounting

remotely when needed, while

firm based in Arlington for more

SMALL (15-49 employees) sistance for graduate degrees,

than 60 years, has become an annual member of this list. PSK’s

G.L. Hunt Foundation Repair

for all the wrecked backs and

professional certifications, busi-

twisted necks.

ness workshops, and work-related

continued focus on relationships,

balances hard work with a

internally and externally, helps

healthy work-life culture. Employ-

provide opportunities for per-

ees receive seven paid holidays,

of 14 paid holidays the firm gives

The answer to that question:

sonal, professional, and organiza-

a paid birthday off, and PTO that

to employees. Surprisingly, they all

Theodore Roosevelt. The bullet

tional growth.

increases with tenure at two, five,

have to work on Be Kind to Law-

was slowed by his eyeglass case

yers Day, National Hug-a-Lawyer

and a folded copy of his speech in

Day, and Love Your Lawyer Day.

his pocket. He told the crowd, "It takes more than that to kill a Bull

The team, the firm says, is

and 10 years.

Christmas Day, of course, is one

stable — 42% remaining

Flexible schedul-

for over five years

ing, no mandatory

Founded in 2014, Varghese

overtime, and a

Summersett has a strong work-

— and growing — 13% have joined in the last year. It’s also multigenerational, consisting of everything from baby boomers to

The quickest way to improve morale is to quit giving speeches about morale.

policy requiring

The mechanical bull might be

take time off

the wildest ride, but the firm's real

encourage staff

balancing act is making employ-

15. Semmelmann Interiors What they do: Retail Employees: 22

to recharge. The

ees feel recognized, supported,

company also

and eager to stick around. Judg-

Semmelmann Interiors, founded

invests in com-

ing by its culture, it seems to have

in 2019, designs interiors for

found its footing.

homes while intentionally

How did Gen Z sneak

quarterly meetings

up on us into the work-

and training shaped by

place?

Moose."

place culture.

employees to

munication through

Gen Z.

courses.

employee feedback, while annual

14. Con-Real

What they do: Construction Employees: 45

designing a workplace for its employees — one built on faith, relationships, generous time

As a CPA firm, PSK encourages

performance reviews, cross-train-

employees to pursue professional

ing, and job shadowing help em-

certifications and licenses by

ployees build new skills. Beyond

Question: Which U.S. president

they're rested, recognized, and

helping cover the cost of educa-

the workplace, G.L. Hunt supports

delivered a 90-minute speech

genuinely cared for.

tion, study materials, and exam

community service during work

after being shot?

fees. Employees who earn their

hours, provides free foundation

That could be one of the many

holidays, including the entire

CPA or Enrolled Agent (EA) cre-

services to homeowners through-

questions that arise during quar-

week of Christmas, plus extra

dential receive a bonus, a framing

out the year, invites families to

terly team-based trivia games at

days around New Year’s, Good

stipend for their certificate, and

company events, and rewards

Con-Real, the Arlington construc-

Friday, Memorial Day, July 4, and

firm-wide recognition celebrating

employees with tickets to sporting

tion firm founded by Gerald and

Labor Day.

their achievement.

events and other entertainment.

Troy Alley Jr. in 1979.

At birthday time, team members spin a prize wheel with gifts varying from gift cards to paid time off to sports tickets.

13. Varghese Summersett What they do: Legal Employees: 46

produce their best work when

The games pop up during quar-

Moreover, employees are required to unplug, starting with

construction facts.

the mandate to take time off. And

Varghese Summersett’s most re-

ages collaboration, and creates a

us a story.

cent quarterly firm field trip was

fun, competitive atmosphere with

to Terry Black’s for lunch and bar-

prizes,” the company says.

becue followed by a trip to Casa

outdo everyone with lavish perks.

What they do: Construction Employees: 36

out the Reid Cabaret for private

Instead, it focuses on giving

karaoke and an open bar.

employees more of what they

G.L. Hunt Foundation Repair was

lieving” made an appearance.

founded in 1987 by Gary Hunt in

The firm field trips have also

Fort Worth. Hunt started the busi-

included trips to Joe T.’s, Andretti

ness with a focus on affordable

Indoor Karting, bowling, and

including 15 days a year to new

foundation repair and built its

pickleball.

employees. That moves to four

reputation by serving homeowners throughout North Texas. More than three decades

That singing, though, is not the

actually want: time off, flexibility, professional growth, and consistent recognition. The PTO policy is exceptional,

weeks after three years, five

most perilous thing the firm has

weeks after six years, and six

been up to.

weeks after nine years.

later, the company still empha-

The Christmas Party included

The company also has a unique

sizes its roots as a family-owned

a mechanical bull. I’d like to see

healthcare benefit, covering $545

operation and its commitment to

Santa take a turn on Electric

per month per employee rather

residential foundation repair.

Bodacious. Well, included in the

than paying a percentage of pre-

parting gifts at this Christmas

miums, regardless of which health

the lookout for cracks or uneven

soirée were take-home “high-

plan is selected.

floors in its workplace culture.

end rocking chairs,” undoubtedly

The company is also always on

work is not part of any vacation.

Con-Real doesn't try to

Mañana, where the firm rented

Here’s betting “Don’t Stop Be-

That seems extraordinary for a company with about 20 employees.

milestones, project highlights, and

appearances. If he does, we got

12. G.L. Hunt Foundation Repair

The company offers 20 paid

terly meetings featuring company

“It builds knowledge, encour-

Bob Barker does not make any

off, and the belief that people

You can print all the company values you want. Folks will still learn 'em by watching the boss on Tuesday afternoon.

The company also offers as-

FALL 2026 | fortworthinc.com

SMALL (15-49 employees) ing what motivates individual

The strongest company I ever saw wasn't the one with the fanciest office. It was the one where folks looked out for each other.

culture and policies. Call it the

ibility. (Show me the money!)

employees and recognizing signs

“No Two Employees Are Alike

Curnyn Physical Therapy

of stress and burnout. The survey

also builds flexibility into the

data helps leadership make more

“At Valor, we understand that

workweek. Team members enjoy

informed decisions about hiring,

no two employees are the same,”

Wednesday and Friday half-day

coaching, and promotions while

company officials say. “We take a

schedules. Also, professional

tailoring support to the needs of

flexible, individualized approach

development extends well be-

each team member.

to benefits and support, working

yond continuing education. The

with team members to accom-

practice provides therapists with

modate their specific needs and

education budgets for courses,

circumstances.”

certifications, and training, while

Philosophy.”

The benefits punch above the

dustry conferences to stay current

employer-paid medical, dental, vi-

on workplace trends and clinical

The workforce at RDS Investments

sion, life, disability, and long-term

best practices.

spans a remarkable four genera-

care insurance for employees.

Generation, the youngest being 24

of the next month after hire.

PT or PTA school, helping develop

and the senior statesman age 86.

What’s not different among employees — PTO. Instead of se-

performance, as well as surprise long weekends around holidays. Team members are also encour-

cals designed to rest, travel, study, or pursue other interests outside the office.

tions — from Gen Z to the Silent

also mentor technicians pursuing

holidays, and extra PTO tied to

they also have access to sabbati-

Experienced physical therapists

Health benefits begin the first day

starts with 17 PTO days, nine paid

they have flexible schedules, and

What they do: Arts/Entertainment/Media Employees: 17

company’s size, including 100%

niority-based vacation, everyone

aged to turn off email after hours,

leadership regularly attends in-

19. RDS Investments

17. Curnyn Physical Therapy

What they do: Healthcare Provider/Social Care Employees: 20

the next generation of clinicians from within the organization.

18. HF Custom Solutions

What they do: Advertising/ Marketing/PR Employees: 16

“Ron Sturgeon Real Estate LP is truly the best place to work!” Ron Sturgeon declares. It certainly does have one unique asset. Employees enjoy after-hours access to the company's collection of more than 200 classic cars and 3,000 toys, with opportunities to

The HF in HF Custom Solutions

occasionally get behind the wheel

famously stands for “Have Fun.”

of vehicles from the collection.

It’s the juice in meeting its mission

However, beyond the unique set-

of making great ideas happen,

ting, the company emphasizes flex-

the company says.

ible scheduling, continuous learn-

“What sets us apart is how we

ing, and support for professional

The firm also invests in keeping

A first-time entrant in the Best

deliver that experience — through

the team immersed in the industry

development through classes and

Companies program, Curnyn

our core values of Joy, People

by sending them to trade shows,

educational opportunities. Regular

Physical Therapy,

conventions, designer events,

opened in 1991,

instructor-led training, and inter-

stands out with

nal design sessions.

a clinic-first

"We offer professional develop-

culture built

ment [and] exposure to major

around

markets to advance experience

therapist

and skill sets.”

autonomy, a

16. Valor

What they do: Business Services Employees: 35

fun workplace, and flexibility. Its application makes clear a

First, Excellence, and

Nothing slows down good work quite like too many people explaining how it ought to be done.

philosophy that taking care of patients starts with

The combination of AI adoption, fully paid employee healthcare,

taking care of therapists. Laughter and play are part of

Creativity,” the company adds. The com-

and, yes, that multigenerational workforce help create a “vibrant environment” with a “unique blend

pany also offers

of passion, perks, and people that

unlimited PTO.

makes us an award-winning work-

Team members

place where everyone thrives."

average 22

Vacation is available to use as

days of PTO

accrued, meaning you do not have

annually. Even

to wait till the end of the year.

more unusual, if an employee leaves

without taking at least three weeks of vacation, the company still pays out that

Moreover, employees are registered for management seminars and training. Team members may have paid time off to take educational classes of their choosing.

unused time. They also encour-

personalized benefits, and

its culture … and you had me at

age employees to take a day off

continual investment in technol-

Taco Fridays. (Tacos are like dogs

around their birthday.

ogy gives Valor a much more

and squirrels. They always get my

contemporary feel than the

attention.)

stereotypical, staid back-office

celebrations, bonus programs,

And then there’s this: HF

20. Franz Architects Inc. What they do: Architecture Employees: 19

Custom Solutions also takes a data-driven approach to

Franz Architects was founded

out: As physical therapists move

employee development. Through

That contrast is what makes

in 1983, about the same time

up the company's career ladder,

its partnership with behavioral

Valor's application memorable.

society was introduced to Ms.

they can choose either higher

analytics firm Culture Index, man-

The company is also innova-

Pac-Man, an arcade hit in its day,

compensation or additional PTO.

agers participate in a two-day

tive when it comes to workplace

no matter how you measure it.

That's an uncommon level of flex-

workshop focused on understand-

energy services firm.

52 fortworthinc.com | FALL 2026

One benefit genuinely stands

She immediately came to mind

SMALL (15-49 employees) after reading about Franz Archi-

Star Retina, a specialty ophthal-

tects’ annual Arcade Day. Beware

mology practice focused exclu-

of Blinky, Pinky, Inky, and Sue.

sively on diseases and surgery of

Franz Architects takes a

the retina and vitreous, founded

traditional approach to

by Dr. Courtney Crawford in 2021,

workplace culture,

stands out in this survey through

emphasizing stabil-

low turnover in a challenging

ity in a workplace

industry, meaningful

where people tend

investment in em-

to stay for the long

ployee education,

haul. Team members

and generous PTO

benefit from fully paid

growth.

health coverage and flex-

Healthcare is

ible schedules.

notorious for high

Franz pays for 100%

turnover, par-

Better CARE.

of employee medical premiums; 100% of dental premiums; 100% of vision premiums; and 50% of dependent coverage. Employees can also upgrade to a richer health

ticularly among clinical staff. Yet, Star Retina boasts just 5% voluntary turnover, considered exceptionally low for a medical practice.

plan by paying only the dif-

The PTO progression is an

ference in premium, typically

exceptionally strong part of the

$100.

company’s application. Twelve

A big differentiator: retire-

days in year one; 17 days after

ment benefits.

one year; 22 days after two years;

Franz matches up to 6% of an

and 27 days after five years.

employee's salary in its 401(k). It

Not sure I’d know what to do

also has a profit-sharing plan that

with myself for 27 days.

is deposited directly into employ-

And, finally, another strong

ees' retirement accounts.

differentiator is investment in

“Our goal is to make sure that

employees' continuing education.

everyone has the opportunity to

The practice says it sends em-

retire at some point in their lives,"

ployees to professional develop-

founder John Franz says.

ment courses at least quarterly, conducts annual CPR and patient

21. Mason-Dallas Inc.

What they do: Construction Employees: 16

safety training, and recently paid for six employees to complete

Curnyn Physical Therapy

phlebotomy certification. That's a tangible investment in

"Let's face it,” says Steve Farco,

career advancement, not merely

president of Mason-Dallas Inc.,

checking a box.

“creating vibration and acoustic solutions does not sound like the most exciting profession, but we find joy in it.” Mason-Dallas specializes in solving problems most people never think about. Its vibration isolation and acoustic systems keep heavy mechanical equipment from shaking hospital operating rooms, disrupting performances in concert halls, or sending unwanted noise and vibration through office towers. It ain’t glamorous. Mason-Dallas' workplace culture begins with a statistic few companies can claim: zero voluntary turn-

over. That’s the business equivalent

Dallas pays 100% of employee

of a college football program that

premiums for medical, dental, vi-

doesn't lose a single player to the

sion, life insurance. It contributes

transfer portal.

an additional $100 per month to

The Euless-based engineering

each employee's FSA, offers a 5%

firm says employees simply don't

401(k) match, and shares com-

leave, a testament to a family-

pany success through quarterly

first philosophy that extends well

bonuses.

beyond those related by blood. (Six of the company's 15 employees are family members.) The culture is reinforced by benefits and flexibility uncommon

22. Star Retina

What they do: Healthcare Provider/Social Care Employees: 29

If your best idea can't survive a question, it wasn't much of an idea.

for a company its size. Mason-

FALL 2026 | fortworthinc.com

Wick Phillips

What they do: Legal Employees: 145

Wick Phillips makes its perennial appearance on the roster of Best Companies To Work For. There seems to be little argument about why it continually places so high. One strength that continues to stand out is its strong emphasis on developing the next generation of legal talent. The firm offers monthly continuing legal education courses, mentoring, one-on-one coaching with senior partners, job shadowing, and cross-training. It also partners with law schools on internships that often lead to full-time

MEDIUM (50-249 employees) The Firm Culture Committee, which That recognition includes the

employer-paid medical insurance,

organizes events throughout the

ZDM Impact Award, tied to the

along with dental and vision cover-

year that celebrate employees and

values and character of the late

age. To help employees maximize

strengthen relationships across

Zach Muckleroy.

these benefits and plan for their

the office, including the Great Day

"M&F is a people-first construc-

financial future, the firm offers

of Service, Paralegal Day — can’t

tion firm built on intentional hiring,

financial wellness and retirement

live without them — Administrative

strong values, and a commitment to

education through its 401(k) pro-

Professionals Day — them either

delivering excellence for our clients,”

vider, as well as weekly Wellness

— birthday and work anniversary

the company says. “We hire for both

Wednesday communications fea-

celebrations, Fun Fridays, and a

skill and cultural alignment, result-

turing resources, tips, and benefits

year-end celebration.

ing in a highly engaged team.”

information.

Muckleroy & Falls isn’t only building edifices but also “people

3. Goranson Bain Ausley What they do: Legal Employees: 112

and lasting careers.” The investment in its team members includes leadership

medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, paid parental

career paths.

unit at Goranson Bain Ausley, a

leave, and retirement contributions

family-law firm begun in 1987, is

totaling 5% of gross pay regardless

The company provides fully

in professional organizations by covering membership fees. Says the firm: "We are committed to fostering the leadership of the future and give our lawyers practical experience early in their careers to build their knowledge, confidence, and ultimately make them better lawyers.” The firm also promotes work-life balance through a combination of flexible scheduling and generous benefits, including unlimited PTO. Employee wellness is another recurring theme throughout the

Grow GREAT Lawyers.

application. Wick Phillips offers wellness rooms, sound bath sessions, chair massages, nutrition and stressreduction education, and periodic lunch-and-learn programs focused on recognizing and reducing stress.

2. Muckleroy & Falls

What they do: Construction Employees: 83 Muckleroy & Falls, founded in 1979, writes a narrative on workplace culture that extends beyond “we have great benefits." Employees at the construction firm routinely cite a culture that nourishes a sense of belonging and offers supportive leadership, au-

recognition.

54 fortworthinc.com | FALL 2026

spreading. Fully paid employee

Perhaps the most important

ing employees to take active roles

work, growth opportunities, and

Unlimited PTO shows up at the firm, too. That feature appears to

cohorts, coaching, and structured

attorney positions, while encourag-

tonomy to do their jobs, meaningful

Who doesn’t celebrate the end of the year?

Wick Phillips

MEDIUM (50-249 employees) of employee participation. The firm encourages altruism by allowing team members to partici-

nonprofit's approach to employee well-being.

The company boasts a 2% voluntary turnover annually. In construc-

pate in community service during

Staff members receive com-

business hours without losing pay

prehensive wellness benefits that

do it? Simple.

or vacation time. Moreover, the firm

include premium reimbursement

Beer.

matches employees’ charitable

incentives, nutrition coaching, men-

donations.

tal health support, and quarterly wellness activities, while working

4. Imperial Construction Inc.

What they do: Construction Employees: 51

parents can take advantage of

tion, that is striking. How do they

7. The Baker Firm

What they do: Title Insurance Employees: 79

discounted childcare at the organization's nationally accredited early

The Baker Firm is the company

learning centers.

that throws vacations. Yes, they

Professional growth is equally in-

have a Christmas party, but they

Parker County-based Imperial

tentional, with succession planning,

also take employees on trips to

Construction is a commercial gen-

leadership development, mentor-

Mexico, Nashville, Biloxi, and, most

eral contractor founded in 2000.

ing, and free clinical supervision for

recently, Possum Kingdom.

The company primarily builds proj-

employees pursuing licensure.

ects across the Fort Worth-Dallas

Recognition goes beyond annual

“They are great for team building and cultivating mutual respect

area and attributes its longevity to

awards through a point-based

amongst our team,” the firm says.

hands-on leadership from its execu-

incentive program that rewards

“We also do yearly retreats.”

tive team, including its founders,

accomplishments, teamwork, and

who remain actively involved with

acts of kindness.

employees and projects. In addition to a 401(k), the company has an ESOP program that stands out because it makes employees beneficiaries of the

6. Byrne Construction Services

What they do: Construction Employees: 90

Founded in 2011, The Baker Firm is a title and escrow company that handles the legal side of real estate transactions. It operates as a fee attorney office of Fidelity National Title. They also mention an annual Awards Night recognizing top pro-

company's growth. Eligible employees become owners through

Hard hats and happy hour aren't

ducers, milestones, and superlatives.

a retirement benefit that is fully

usually part of the same sentence.

The Dundees come to Fort Worth.

funded by the firm.

Bad combo, typically. At Byrne

So, your quarters at the firm in-

Construction, however, they're part

clude wrapping Christmas presents

recognizes tenure. It sounds fancy.

of the same campus. We learned

one month, eating crawfish the

Those honored employees get their

a few years ago about the Byrne

next, going to Nashville in March,

photo taken and placed in the

Biergarten.

Awards Night in April, happy hour,

A Wall of Fame in the lobby area

brightly lit display that is suspended from the ceiling. Is it as fancy as Salon Day for the Imperial Ladies? The ladies start the day

And we still haven’t been invited.

happy hour, happy hour, crawfish,

But this Byrne Biergarten for em-

catered lunch, and barbecue with

ployees stands out, doubling as a

live music to start the summer.

picnic area, happy hour venue, and

That rhythm says something

gathering place for charity events

about their culture. Oh, and they also offer semian-

with pedicures, manicures, and

and concerts. Pair that with an

mimosas and finish with lunch in

on-site gym, basketball court, and

nual profit share amongst everyone

Clearfork before taking the rest of

ping-pong, and you've got a work-

in the company.

the day off.

place that feels more like a campus

We noticed this last year. It bears repeating.

than a contractor's headquarters. The company was founded in 1923 by Thomas Sneed Byrne in Fort

5. Lena Pope

What they do: Nonprofit Employees: 140

8. Steele & Freeman Inc.

What they do: Construction Employees: 90

Worth after he left the Invincible Oil Company. (Invincible Oil Company

The Can-Do Crew at Steele &

is out of business, making it more

Freeman is back. The company

vincible than invincible.)

founded by Bill Steele and David

Lena Pope has built a workplace

In 1995, John Avila Jr. pur-

Freeman in 1979 is today under

where caring for employees isn't

chased the company from the

the third generation of Freeman

separate from the mission — it is

Byrne family, keeping it family

leadership, though it continues to

the mission. And it’s reflected in

owned while expanding through-

operate around the philosophy of

benefits, leadership, and a culture

out Texas. Brothers Matthew Avila

its “23 Fundamentals,” mentioned

designed to help people thrive

and Paul Avila assumed leader-

repeatedly throughout its ap-

while they help others.

ship in 2015, representing the fifth

plication as the backbone of its

generation of family ownership

company culture.

That philosophy is evident throughout the nearly century-old

and management.

Every company says its people are its greatest asset. The ones who really mean it are the ones where the boss remembers your name before he remembers your job title.

The ninth fundamental is “Fam-

ily Is Everything.” “With our 23 Fundamentals, which emphasize respect, communication, and collaboration, we foster a culture where every team member feels valued and supported." says Reilly Freeman, president of Steele & Freeman. They also have a poker night in which every employee gives back some of their paychecks. No, I’m kidding. I made that up. Once a month, the office cuts out early for a poker game. All are invited to participate for, ahem, prizes. The annual fishing retreat is another event that has always gotten our attention. Adult beverages, corn hole, and card games. A hotel stay and then a wakeup call before dawn to go fishing.

9. Anderson Injury Lawyers What they do: Legal Employees: 111

Anderson Injury Lawyers is the law firm that tells employees to unplug or face legal action. No, actually, they won’t go to that length — I don’t think — but

FALL 2026 | fortworthinc.com

MEDIUM (50-249 employees) panding its offerings and potential counseling, court costs, and travel

to impact more women and their

expenses. Parents also have access

children.

to lactation facilities and support programs, while employees receive schedule flexibility to attend their

The Baker Firm

children's school events and time off to take family members to

12. United Way of Tarrant County

What they do: Nonprofit Employees: 64

medical appointments. The bank also invites

Another Fort Worth institution,

employees' families to

founded in 1922, is the United Way

workplace celebrations and

of Tarrant County, which knows

holiday events, offers mar-

how to compete after hours.

riage and family counseling, and provides tickets to sporting

GREAT TEAMS go PLACES.

Its employee good-time schedule includes a Halloween costume

events, museums, amusement

party complete with trivia and

parks, and other entertainment.

games; a holiday party at Chicken

11. Center for Transforming Lives

What they do: Nonprofit Employees: 173

N Pickle featuring a pickleball tournament with medals awarded to the winning teams; and another trash-talking opportunity, a fantasy football league. The champion gets a traveling trophy and, according

One of the most colorful details

to the organization, plenty of year-

of Center for Transforming Lives

round "smack talk."

is the Butterfly Award presented every month to three employees who exemplify the organization's values. It’s notable, of

Some other things are noteworthy. The organization surveys employees twice a year

course, because the butterfly symbolizes transformation, tying directly into

employees are not permitted to work while on vacation, even though cases don’t stop while they’re away. Moreover, the team is required to take its time off accrued. Nearly half of Anderson Injury Lawyers' workforce operates remotely. The firm says it works to keep those employees connected through regular virtual meetings, one-on-one check-ins, online training, team-building activities, and recognition programs. The approach reflects an effort to preserve the firm's culture even though 42% of employees work outside the office. The firm also says its workplace culture centers on employee growth. The firm highlights a commitment to promoting from within, offering clear advancement opportunities, investing in leadership development, and conducting performance reviews three or more

56 fortworthinc.com | FALL 2026

times a year to help employ-

the nonprofit's

ees build their careers.

mission. Center for

10. Worthington Bank

Transforming Lives

and points to concrete

Common sense is still the cheapest consultant a business can hire.

What they do: Banking Employees: 76

is dedicated to

Worthington Bank isn’t some

applies the same philosophy

stuffy institution with Milburn Drysdale at the helm, but rather a

helping families thrive outside its walls, but it inside the organization. From CEO-led leadership train-

changes that resulted, including adding Good Friday as a paid holiday, maintaining hybrid work, and purchasing equipment employees requested. That’s a strong ex-

ample of feedback loop. A generous retirement plan that goes beyond a 100% match up to

place that mixes traditional bank-

ing and transparent employee

4%, includes employees receiv-

ing with a social office culture.

feedback to weekly yoga, dis-

ing an additional 4% employer

counted childcare, and recognition

contribution whether or not they

employee receptions, and an an-

programs like, yes, the Butterfly

contribute to the plan, once eligible.

nual holiday party are featured

Award, the nonprofit has built a

with milestone celebrations for

workplace centered on caring for

in human services, supervisors

birthdays, promotions, work an-

the people who devote their lives to

receive annual training to recognize

niversaries, and Employee of the

caring for others.

burnout and compassion fatigue.

Monthly morale boosters,

Year awards.

Because many employees work

Connect & Grow is a monthly

The place is family friendly, too,

gathering where the entire staff

employing a philosophy beyond the

shares a meal while connecting,

workplace with benefits designed

collaborating, and learning. Rather

to support employees through

than another meeting, it's designed

every stage of life.

as a culture-building event.

13. Radiology Associates of North Texas What they do: Healthcare Provider/Social Care Employees: 193

The bank offers adoption

The organization, founded in

assistance that can include paid

1907 as the YWCA, has undergone

All righty then. Founded in 1937, Ra-

time off, legal and agency fees,

a transformation itself, moving into

diology Associates of North Texas

spacious new digs on Riverside, ex-

doesn’t merely hang core values

MEDIUM (50-249 employees) tive. College students enter as

on the wall. Rather, they build company events and even competition

through monthly virtual gatherings

around them.

that connect all offices, while local

And some of them taste good.

offices host breakfasts, cakes, and

For example, "Servant's Heart"

other celebrations.

becomes a community service day.

“By creating shared and local

"Radical Attitude" becomes a spicy

opportunities to celebrate, we that

chili cook-off. "Fighter's Spirit" be-

employees feel valued and con-

comes a tailgating competition.

nected, no matter where they are.”

That's a creative way to reinforce culture and the value of antacids. Financially, the company has a strong package. Employees receive a dollar-for-dollar 4% match plus about 7.5% in profit sharing, mean-

15. Key School and Training Center

What they do: Education Services Employees: 56

ing the employer can contribute roughly 12.5% of compensation if

Founded in 1966, Key School

the employee contributes 4%.

and Training Center has a clear

Moreover, the company pairs

mission: It exists to help students

workplace flexibility with a culture

with learning differences suc-

that encourages employees to

ceed, and it applies that same

put down roots. A hybrid sched-

philosophy to its employees.

ule, a 9/80 workweek that gives

Nearly every benefit is designed

employees every other Friday off,

to help educators avoid

paid volunteer hours, and generous

burnout and do their

tuition reimbursement help attract

best work.

talent, while long-term employees

"Teachers are at

are rewarded with up to 30 days of

the highest risk level of

paid time off.

burnout, and our stu-

16. LanCarte Commercial Real Estate What they do: Real Estate/ Renting/Leasing Employees: 51

LanCarte Commercial Real Estate,

paid interns, transition into a paid analyst role after graduation, and ultimately become commercial real estate brokers. More than five current agents came through the program. “The intern program that has

founded in 2018, has a Summer

proven to be highly successful over

Wellness Program that reflects

the past several years,” the firm

its commitment to work-life bal-

says.

ance. Every other Friday during the

LanCarte Commercial is a Fort

summer, employees leave at 1 p.m.,

Worth-based commercial real

with pay, to spend time with family,

estate brokerage specializing in

pursue wellness, simply enjoy being

office, industrial, retail, land, and

outdoors, or an attitude adjust-

investment properties.

ment at the local tavern.

Perks include birthday flex days

The firm has also built a reputa-

and a steady calendar of culture

tion around developing young tal-

events — from paint-and-sips to

ent while maintaining a close-knit,

Christmas karaoke.

entrepreneurial environment. The firm's internship-to-agent pipeline is particularly distinc-

Go ahead, give me a little “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer.”

Worthington Bank

dent population requires

14. The Blum Firm

What they do: Legal Employees: 56

a great deal of a teacher's time. Therefore, we offer teachers

The Blum Firm’s application em-

one hour per

phasized mentorship, collabora-

day when they

tion, open communication, and

are not teach-

making sure employees feel heard.

ing to provide

And where long careers are

for a mental

encouraged.

break or plan.”

The firm recruits both young

Called WIN

professionals and seasoned at-

— What I Need

torneys, intentionally creating a

— the hour break

multigenerational workplace where

also encourages

experienced lawyers mentor newer

team collaboration.

employees.

“We also provide

“It is not uncommon for our

monthly trainings to

workforce to include individuals

help all employees un-

at every stage of their careers,

derstand our special stu-

including attorneys who have been

dent population and how we

practicing for decades. By creating

respond to their high needs.

opportunities for growth, flexibility,

Mental health is prioritized at

and collaboration, we foster an

Key School."

environment where employees can build long, fulfilling careers”

Today, the Fort Worth institution also trains dyslexia thera-

PTO also grows substantially

pists and educators, expanding

with tenure and key milestones —

its impact beyond the classroom.

from 17 days in the first year to 28 days after 20 years. The firm celebrates birthdays,

K BANn o ING. NG O L BE

The school reports just 5% voluntary turnover, an average employee tenure of nearly 10 years.

anniversaries, and milestones

FALL 2026 | fortworthinc.com

LARGE (250-plus employees) HUB Fort Worth

dent brokerages, all while remaining

What they do: Business Services Employees: 22,000 (97 in Fort Worth)

2. USI Insurance

Long before the HUB Interna-

USI Insurance, founded in 1994

tional name appeared on the

backs its emphasis on career

building, business owners knew

growth with structured career-

this deeply rooted Fort Worth

track programs, mentoring, lead-

institution as Gus Bates.

ership training, and a proprietary

What they do: Insurance Employees: 10,500 (45 in Fort Worth)

Founded in 1966 from a one-

system that supports employee

man life insurance practice, the

development alongside client

firm grew into one of North Texas'

service.

largest independent insurance

“We currently have four

and retirement advisory compa-

career-track programs and invest

nies before joining HUB in 2020.

heavily in our early talent as-

Even after the acquisition, the

sociates through these one-of-a

company still embraces founder

kind personal and professional

Gus Bates' enduring philosophy:

development programs, along

"Don't tell me how much you know,

with best-in-class rewards and

show me how much you care."

recognition.”

And if you ever played basketball

The firm also has a strong PTO

with him, you’d understand this HAT

game, including 18 days in the first

Award, presented to the employee

year and a steady increase up to

who displays hustle, attitude, and

28 days after 10 years.

teamwork. The HAT is said to be

USI also still embraces a

“highly valued,” a peer-nominated

philosophy of diversity. To some

honor presented annually. The win-

a dirty word, it’s simply good

ner receives a significant prize.

business to ensure that employees

Awards are actually woven into

represent the diversity “of our

the culture. The Rockstar Award

prospects, clients, and communi-

is leadership-nominated and

ties by upholding a professional

awarded twice a year to top per-

environment that is inclusive and

formers. SHARP is a nationwide

seeks out diversity of thought and

sales competition with high-per-

background.”

formance benchmarks. Winners

In June 2020, USI formalized its

earn an exclusive trip for them-

I’m With U, USI’s official diversity,

selves and a guest to destinations

equity, and inclusion program.

like Las Vegas or Orlando.

“We firmly believe that this is a

The firm invests in employee

movement toward a better world

improvement through Texas Lead-

— not just a moment in time,” says

ership Academy, certifications

Cesar Castaneda, the firm’s em-

and continuing education, and

ployee benefits practice leader.

partnership with TCU. The firm also has long-standing traditions, such as Christmas lunch at Joe T. Garcia's with a party bus and the Colonial "Par-Tee," featur-

3. Lochmueller Group Inc.

Team members share in the

than 70 infrastructure projects in

company's success through em-

Fort Worth, and the resources of a

ployee-ownership opportunities,

larger regional engineering firm.

robust professional development,

The acquisition also gave its

and a workplace that celebrates

new Fort Worth team members

both career achievements and

ownership in the company.

life's milestones.

Lochmueller Group is a 100%

Professional development

employee-owned firm. Employees

includes a learning management

become eligible for the Employee

system with online courses added

Stock Ownership Plan

every month for technol-

after meeting service

ogy, sales, and soft

requirements, receive annual share allocations, and become fully vested over time. Company CEO Douglas Shatto says ownership

A meeting ought to leave folks with more work done than coffee drank.

skills development; Higginbotham University (HIGG U), with curriculum for insurance licensing and training; and New Producer Program for sales

creates transpar-

training.

ency, accountability,

Employees are encour-

pride, and a long-term mindset

aged to live Higginbotham's

because everyone has a stake in

core values through their work,

the firm's success. The Fort Worth

while town halls and engagement

office also emphasizes that em-

groups celebrate achievements,

ployees are empowered through

strengthen relationships, and

mentorship, collaboration, and

foster a connected workplace.

servant leadership. Adds Shatto: Lochmueller's Pulse Point Committee promotes

"Our workplace culture is a key factor that sets Higginbotham apart.”

belonging by encouraging respectful conversations, strengthening relationships, and fostering an inclusive workplace where employees feel valued, connected,

5. ID Technology

What they do: Manufacturing Employees: 555 (113 in Fort Worth)

and appreciated for their unique perspectives.

4. Higginbotham

What they do: Insurance Employees: 3,984 (595 in Fort Worth)

You probably had no idea, but you’ve almost certainly interacted with ID Technology before breakfast. Whether it's the barcode on a carton of milk, a shipping label on

Every Christmas season, Higg

on packaged food, the Fort Worth

rents out Six Flags Over Texas in

company helps manufacturers

Arlington for a private holiday

identify, track, and label millions

Lochmueller, a relative newcomer

party for the team members and

of products every day.

compared to some of the big oak trees in the program, entered Texas by acquiring Multatech Engineering, which isn’t exactly a sapling. The Fort Worth-based engineering firm was founded in 1980, and it kept its local management after the acquisition in 2024. The company says the acquisi-

58 fortworthinc.com | FALL 2026

headquartered in Fort Worth.

deep local relationships, more

What they do: Engineering Employees: 439 (29 in Fort Worth)

ing live music, food, and a golf simulator. Fore!

tion gave its Fort Worth office

an online order, or the date code

their families. It's the very thing Clark Griswold would do.

Behind that behind-the-scenes role is a workplace where employ-

“Sorry folks, park's closed. The

ees tend to stay — its voluntary

moose out front should have told

turnover was just 2% — thanks

you.”

to a culture that emphasizes

But speaking of giant oaks. Higginbotham was founded by Paul Higginbotham as a local insurance

personal recognition, accessible leadership, and long-term careers. Founded in 1995, ID Technol-

agency in 1948 to become today

ogy has grown from a labeling

one of the nation’s largest indepen-

systems provider into a leader in

LARGE (250-plus employees) product identification, supplying labeling, coding, and barcode solutions to manufacturers across multiple industries. Now part of the ProMach family, the company pairs global resources with a close-knit culture. Employees are recognized for life's milestones with personal gifts and extra time off, while leadership stays connected through regular communications and quarterly gatherings that reinforce the company's small-team atmosphere despite its place in a global organization.

6. Weaver

What they do: Accounting Employees: 1,380 (133 in Fort Worth) Community service is more than an annual initiative at Weaver. It’s woven into the firm's culture. Through its Private Foundation, the accounting firm provides approximately $400,000 each year to nonprofits while encouraging employees to give back through paid volunteer time, dollar-fordollar charitable matches, grants of up to $2,500 for organizations where employees serve, and service projects. This year, 30 employees will travel to California to partner with All Hands and Hearts to restore a fire-damaged charter school, rebuilding outdoor spaces and creating safe, engaging areas for students. That’s an item on Weaver’s balance sheet that stands out. So, too, is treating professional

SHO muchW how YOU CAR E.

development as a firmwide mission, particularly those pursuing the CPA credential. Every employee receives Becker CPA Review at no cost, along with multiple support pathways and bonuses of up to $5,000 for pass-

HUB Fort Worth

ing the exam. The commitment continues with structured programs such as Weaver LAUNCH for new professionals, Weaver LIFT for emerging leaders, and Weaver LEAD, an internal coaching program that prepares employees to mentor and develop others.

FALL 2026 | fortworthinc.com

LARGE (250-plus employees) 7. Southside Bank

managers on "Enriching Relation-

What they do: Finance Employees 834 (164 in Fort Worth)

Fort Worth market. The bank has

Everyday Dollar” podcast and

ships," with those conversations

spent the past year intention-

expanded “The Relationship

shared bankwide.

ally strengthening relationships

Culture Series,” where leaders

within its own workforce through

share lessons on building stronger

mentoring, leadership develop-

At Southside Bank, relationship

initiatives designed to connect

relationships with colleagues,

ment, and a deliberate effort to

employees across departments

clients, and the community. New

break down organizational silos,

and markets.

York Times bestselling author

the initiatives reinforce a culture

Andy Andrews also addressed

built around connection. The

banking begins long before employees meet a customer, says Justin Holt, president of the

In 2025, it launched “The

Combined with executive

philosophy is summed up in the company's internal rallying cry, #InThisTogether. The bank fosters a culture of long-term commitment, with just a 5% voluntary turnover rate. Employees are recognized throughout their careers, rewarded for longevity, and become company owners through an employee stock ownership plan after one year of service. Relationships, you could say, earn, ahem, dividends.

8. Crossland Construction Company Inc.

What they do: Construction Employees: 1,367 (54 in Fort Worth) Founded in 1977, Crossland Construction has grown from a regional contractor into one of the nation's largest construction companies, ranking among the top 50 contractors in the U.S. The employee-owned company has built its reputation on selfperforming much of its work, al-

R E H T E G TO uilds . b ER T T E B

lowing it to maintain greater control over quality, schedules, and costs. Today, Crossland delivers commercial, industrial, educational, healthcare, and infrastructure projects across multiple states while continuing to expand from its Fort Worth operations. Crossland has been the way to a livelihood from a number of entryways. The company has created multiple pathways for employees to grow from entry-level positions into leadership. High school graduates can begin through apprenticeship programs, college students gain real-world experience as interns,

Southside Bank

and recent graduates enter the Emerging Leader Program. Employees can continue advancing through Crossland Acad-

60 fortworthinc.com | FALL 2026

LARGE (250-plus employees) emy, which offers superintendent, project management, leadership,

for professional growth, internal

10. Elevate

single program or perk, but a

advancement, and long-term

people-first mindset rooted in

career success.

What they do: Finance Employees: 300 (204 in Fort Worth)

ton, TTI CEO, while adding that

mantra. The company makes note

team members are empowered to

of its March Madness free-throw

the annual crawfish boil at the

New to the dais isElevate, a

grow and supported throughout

contests, ping-pong tournaments,

office? A team organizes this

financial technology company

their careers, “which is reflected in

food trucks, and a cookout with

330-pound festival and break

that develops online credit and

our exceptional tenure and strong

the Captain, the Texas Rangers

from the hustle.

financial products for consum-

mascot. (If Captain goes missing,

ers. The company is guided by its

layoff the cheeseburgers.)

and craft training, while apprentices earn industry-recognized certifications on the job. How do we find our way into

9. CLA

What they do: Accounting Employees: 8,077 (49 in Fort Worth)

The company’s annual Santa

Bar, Do the Right Thing, and Win

Day is described as a “cherished

Together.

tradition.”

Elevate literally invests in employee loyalty, building generous service recognition programs by

career ladders. CLA intention-

rewarding employees every five

ally rejects that model. Instead

years with a $5,000 bonus.

of expecting every accountant to

At the 10-year mark, that

climb the same corporate ladder,

recognition expands to include a

the firm encourages employees

fully paid month-long sabbatical,

to build what it calls an "inspired

giving employees the opportunity

career" — one shaped by indi-

to recharge after a decade of

vidual strengths, interests, and

service. Since its founding in 2014, more

Each employee is paired with

than 20% of Elevate's workforce

a career coach who helps identify

has already reached the 10-year

meaningful experiences, explore

milestone.

different industries and service ar-

"We have a clear approach to

eas, and make intentional career

supporting employees at every

choices over time. Professional

stage of their careers,” says

development extends beyond

April Sealy, Elevate’s chief hu-

technical accounting skills to

man resource officer. “We offer

include emotional intelligence and

programs and benefits designed

leadership, giving employees the

to meet a wide range of needs.

flexibility to pursue careers that

We regularly review engagement

fit their personal goals rather than

survey feedback, benefits utiliza-

a one-size-fits-all model.

tion, and workforce data across

The philosophy reflects a

generations and use that insight

broader belief that employees are

to ensure our programs continue

more engaged, better equipped

to support a positive employee

to serve clients, and more likely to

experience."

build long-term careers when they have ownership over their professional journey. “This strategy of career choice is uncommon. Our learning curriculum includes both technical

“Work is more fun at TTI” is a

core values — Think Big, Raise the

Most accounting firms have rigid

aspirations.

trust and respect,” says Mike Mor-

11. TTI Inc.

What they do: Technology Employees: 1,791 (1,232 in Fort Worth)

I've found that most companies don't lose good people all at once. They lose 'em one little disappointment at a time, until one day somebody who never planned on leaving decides they'd rather work someplace they're appreciated.

12. Forvis Mazars

What they do: Accounting Employees: 7,542 (83 in Fort Worth) Forvis Mazars positions flexibility as a cornerstone of its culture, starting with this seeming increasingly popular concept of unlimited PTO, flexible work hours, fully paid parental leave, concierge services, and sabbaticals, all designed to reinforce the message that employees can pursue ambitious careers while maintaining healthy lives outside the office. “Employees consistently point to the firm’s inclusive environment, meaningful client work, and supportive leadership as reasons they choose to build lasting careers at Forvis Mazars,” says Rob Optiz, assistant managing partner. The firm offers tuition reimbursement on business education workshops or conferences, professional certifications, and CPA prep. It also boasts of a “Lifestyle Spending Account,” which is the reimbursement up to $1,000 annually ($250 per quarter) for eligible well-being expenses in the following categories: emotional,

and emotional intelligence learn-

At TTI, the most important

physical, financial, tech, conve-

ing, which distinguishes the firm in

component isn't electronic — it's

nience, and family support.

the marketplace.”

human.

CLA supports employees with

For more than 50 years, the Fort

a comprehensive suite of mental

Worth-based distributor founded

health, wellness, family planning,

by Paul Andrews Jr. in 1971 has

counseling, and medical resourc-

built its culture around the belief

es, available both virtually and

that long-term business success

in-person.

begins with long-term employee relationships. "Our ‘secret sauce’ is not a

Employees are recognized sense of loyalty.” TTI invests in employees at

through the firm’s BRAVO recognition platform and the Key

every career stage through

Award, the highest honor at Forvis

structured onboarding, leader-

Mazars, presented annually to the

ship development, mentoring,

partner and team member who

manager training, and ongoing

have exemplified “our DNA.”

learning programs. From new hires to high-potential leaders, the company provides clear pathways

FALL 2026 | fortworthinc.com

Small Companies (15-49 employees) Rank

Company

Employees

Business

What It’s Like to Work There

ClearWater Plumbers

Utilities

A family-first workplace that invests heavily in employee growth and long-term careers.

Bonds Ellis Eppich Schafer Jones LLP

Legal

A collegial law firm where flexibility and trust outweigh micromanagement.

North Texas Community Foundation

Nonprofit

A purpose-driven culture where collaboration and community service go hand in hand.

Satori Capital

Finance

A wellness-centered workplace designed to help employees thrive personally and professionally.

BODYBAR Pilates

Fitness

A high-performance culture that develops leaders and rewards long-term commitment.

Wier & Associates, Inc.

Engineering

An open-door environment where transparency and employee feedback shape the workplace.

Joe Hall Roofing & Contracting

Construction

A team that blends celebration, personal development, and genuine care for employees.

McDonald Sanders

Legal

A multigenerational firm built around mentorship, stability, and lasting careers.

Trinity Real Estate Investment Services

Real Estate/Renting/Leasing

A close-knit workplace that values flexibility, relationships, and giving back.

M2G Ventures

Real Estate/Renting/Leasing

A people-first culture where mental wellness is treated as a business priority.

11 12

PSK LLP

Accounting

A relationship-focused accounting firm that celebrates achievement and lifelong learning.

G.L. Hunt Foundation Repair

Construction

A family-oriented company that encourages balance, growth, and time to recharge.

Varghese Summersett

Legal

A spirited workplace where recognition, camaraderie, and fun are part of the job.

14 15

Con-Real

Construction

A practical culture that rewards employees with time, trust, and opportunities to grow.

Semmelmann Interiors

Retail

A faith-based workplace that encourages employees to unplug and bring their best selves to work.

16 17

Valor

Business Services

A flexible, personalized culture that recognizes every employee’s needs are different.

Curnyn Physical Therapy

Healthcare Provider/Social Care

A therapist-first environment built on flexibility, autonomy, and professional development.

HF Custom Solutions

Advertising/Marketing/PR

A creative culture where fun and individualized employee support go hand in hand.

RDS INVESTMENTS

Arts/Entertainment/Media

A multigenerational workplace that pairs unique perks with continuous learning.

Franz Architects, Inc.

Architecture

A stable, long-term workplace focused on financial security and employee well-being.

Mason-Dallas, Inc.

Construction

A family-first company where loyalty and flexibility inspire employees to stay.

Star Retina

Healthcare Provider/Social Care

A healthcare workplace that prioritizes education, retention, and career advancement.

Medium Companies (50-249 employees) Rank Company

Employees

Business

What It’s Like to Work There

Wick Phillips

145 (28 in FW)

Legal

A legal culture centered on mentoring, wellness, and developing future leaders.

Muckleroy & Falls

83 (75 in FW)

Construction

A values-driven construction firm that builds careers as intentionally as it builds projects.

62 fortworthinc.com | FALL 2026

Goranson Bain Ausley

112 (16 in FW)

Imperial Construction, Inc.

Lena Pope

Legal

A relationship-focused law firm where employees are celebrated throughout the year.

Construction

An employee-owned company that combines hands-on leadership with memorable traditions.

140 (139 in FW)

Nonprofit

A mission-driven nonprofit that cares for employees so they can better care for others.

Byrne Construction Services

90 (70 in FW)

Construction

A campus-style workplace where connection and community are built into daily life.

The Baker Firm

79 (67 in FW)

Title Insurance

A company that strengthens its culture through shared experiences and generous profit sharing.

Steele & Freeman, Inc.

Construction

A family-minded culture rooted in respect, teamwork, and long-standing traditions.

Anderson Injury Lawyers

111 (70 in FW)

Legal

A workplace that protects work-life balance while investing in employee advancement.

Worthington Bank

Banking

A family-friendly bank that supports employees through every stage of life.

Center for Transforming Lives

173

Nonprofit

A compassionate culture that nurtures the people serving the community.

United Way of Tarrant County

Nonprofit

An employee-focused nonprofit that listens, adapts, and celebrates together.

Radiology Associates of North Texas

193

Healthcare Provider/Social Care

A values-driven organization that rewards loyalty with flexibility and exceptional benefits.

The Blum Firm

56 (39 in FW)

Legal

A collaborative, multigenerational workplace where careers are built for the long term.

Key School and Training Center

Education Services

An educator-first culture designed to reduce burnout and promote well-being.

LanCarte Commercial Real Estate

Real Estate

An entrepreneurial firm that develops talent while keeping work enjoyable.

Large Companies (250 or more employees) Rank Company

Employees

Business

What It’s Like to Work There

HUB Fort Worth

22,000 (97 in FW)

Business Services

A tradition-rich workplace that celebrates hustle, teamwork, and continuous growth.

USI Insurance

10,500 (45 in FW)

Insurance (healthcare)

A career-focused organization that pairs structured development with inclusive leadership.

Lochmueller Group, Inc.

439 (29 in FW)

Engineering

An employee-owned engineering firm where ownership fosters accountability and collaboration.

Higginbotham

3,984 (595 in FW)

Insurance

An employee-owned company that celebrates success while investing deeply in professional growth.

ID Technology

555 (113 in FW)

Manufacturing

A close-knit culture where recognition and accessible leadership encourage long careers.

Weaver

1,380 (133 in FW)

Accounting

A service-oriented firm that combines community impact with exceptional professional development.

Southside Bank

834 (164 in FW)

Finance

A relationship-driven workplace built on connection, mentorship, and shared ownership.

Crossland Construction Company, Inc

1,367 (54 in FW)

Construction

An employee-owned company creating multiple pathways from entry-level jobs to leadership.

CLA

8,077 (49 in FW)

Accounting

A flexible workplace where employees shape careers around their own strengths and aspirations.

Elevate

300 (204 in FW)

Finance

A fintech culture that rewards loyalty while supporting employees at every career stage.

TTI, Inc.

1,791 (1,232 in FW)

Technology

A people-first company that combines career development with a fun, high-energy workplace.

Forvis Mazars

7,542 (83 in FW)

Accounting

A flexible, supportive environment where ambitious careers and healthy lives coexist.

FALL 2026 | fortworthinc.com

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66 fortworthinc.com | FALL 2026

The Next

FRONTIER Westside Village aims to reconnect Fort Worth with the West Fork of the Trinity River, transforming a long-overlooked corridor west of downtown into the city's next great neighborhood. By John Henry Images by Richard W. Rodriguez

FALL 2026 | fortworthinc.com 67

he ultimate compliment Carl Anderson hopes to receive about his $1.7 billion Westside Village development is that no one remembers he built it. • Not because it failed, but because it succeeded so completely that, one ordinary Tuesday afternoon a generation from now, Fort Worth residents will simply meet for lunch, walk along the Trinity River, or grab a beer without giving a second thought to the people who transformed an industrial corridor into a neighborhood. • That's the paradox driving one of the city's most ambitious developments: The builder hoping history forgets the building.

“Nobody stands in a great neighborhood and says, ‘What a well-executed mixed-use project.’ They say, ‘Let’s meet on that block.’ We’d like people to bring their kids to the river, go on first dates here, walk to work, and have no idea that any of it was once a debate about parking ratios and utility lines. “If, in 2046, someone under 30 assumes this part of town has always looked this way, then we’ll know we did our job.” Anderson is the president of Larkspur, the company developing the ambitious Westside Village, whose beginnings are on the corner of University Drive and Westside Drive — that’s Westside Drive now, old-schoolers. When it’s all said and done, 37 acres beginning at that spot, going to the north and east along the Trinity River, back to the south across Westside Drive, and back east consuming what are now car dealerships will be transformed into a destination for living, working, and playing — a dynamic hub of offices, retail, hospitality, and housing. In total, it’s a bold $1.7 billion mixed-use development on the edge of the Cultural District that will be built out in four phases and ultimately planned for completion in 2035. That immense hole in the ground at University and Westside Drive, on the site of the former Fort Worth ISD administration building is Phase 1. It is slated to be open by the end of 2030. Believe it or not, the office portion will be ready for tenant build-outs beginning next fall. The apartments will take another year to complete. Westside Village arrives at a moment when Fort Worth is redefining itself as a major American city. This year, the city moved into the top 10 most populous cities in the country. For decades, the city's growth largely

68 fortworthinc.com | FALL 2026

spread outward. Today, as corporations, professional firms, and new residents continue pouring into North Texas by the thousands each month, the conversation has shifted to the quality of the urban experience. The $1.7 billion project isn't simply adding offices, apartments, and restaurants near downtown. It's testing whether Fort Worth is ready for the kind of dense, walkable riverfront neighborhood more commonly associated with cities that have long competed on a national stage. Anderson and city leaders believe that moment has arrived. “This project is catalytic in so many different ways,” Mayor Mattie Parker says. “You are situated in a very important place in the city of Fort Worth: just a mile or so from the Central Business District; just a mile or so from the Fort Worth Stockyards; and a beautiful Cultural District. This development really will bring all of those things together.” Westside Village, make no mistake about it, is a new “neighborhood,” Anderson insists, along the Trinity River just west of downtown. “It is designed and will be built as a true urban neighborhood rather than simply a collection of buildings,” he says. It's another public-private partnership the city has become renowned for, providing incentives in exchange for capital and development. To support the project, the city of Fort Worth has agreed to provide up to $80 million in performance-based grants over 15 years, reimbursing up to 85% of new city property taxes generated — excluding multifamily components. Additionally, the city has established a new tax increment financing (TIF) district to contribute up to $45 million toward

public infrastructure like roads, utilities, and streetscaping. The most pressing infrastructure issue in the corridor is stormwater flooding. FW Westside RE Investors is a partnership between Keystone Group, a Fort Worth-based private investment firm chaired by Robert Bass, and Larkspur Capital. “Fort Worth makes decisions,” Anderson says. “There is a level of alignment among the mayor’s office, City Council, city manager, city staff, and the private sector that is genuinely rare. That doesn’t mean everything is easy. It means that when you bring a thoughtful, serious proposal, you receive a thoughtful, serious response in a reasonable amount of time. “For a project with this much capital at risk, that level of predictability is every bit as valuable as any incentive a market can offer.”

Carl Anderson didn't set out to build neighborhoods. Growing up in Oklahoma City, he figured his future would look much like that of many ambitious students headed to Southern Methodist University in Dallas: a career in oil and gas. Real estate wasn't on the radar. But something happened that altered his trajectory. Living in Dallas, Anderson found himself surrounded by an industry that had shaped the region for generations through leaders such as Trammell Crow and Roger Staubach and institutions like the Resolution Trust Corp. While attending SMU, he interned with several real estate firms, expecting little more than an introduction to the business. Instead, he discovered an industry that demanded an uncommon combination of skills. "What pulled me in," he says, "was realizing that development is one of the few businesses where the financial, design, political, and operational pieces all have to come together at the same time, or the project simply doesn't happen." That realization still shapes Anderson's thinking today. Successful development, he believes, isn't simply about designing an attractive office tower or finding the right piece of land. It's about bringing together capital, architecture, engineering, infrastruc-

ture, and public policy so seamlessly that the finished product feels effortless. He points to the least glamorous aspects of Westside Village as an example. "The infrastructure and utility work are genuinely the hardest and least glamorous part of the project," he says. "Nobody asks about stormwater detention, utility relocation, rail right-of-way coordination, or street construction sequencing. But those decisions are being made now, they'll last for decades, and they require significant investment years before a single tenant pays rent. Getting them wrong doesn't result in a slightly worse project. It results in a project that can't be built as intended." After spending several years working in New York, Anderson earned a master's degree in real estate finance from New York University, graduating with distinction in the top 10% of his class. He went on to work in real estate private equity, participating in acquisitions and development projects totaling more than $3 billion before holding acquisitions and portfolio management roles

across multiple property types nationwide, most recently with Fortress Investment Group. Eventually, he founded Larkspur, where today he oversees the firm's development strategy from site selection and acquisitions through design, entitlements, and construction. Since launching the company, Anderson has led projects spanning land, office, retail, multifamily, and condominium development. The firm's strategy has remained remarkably consistent. "From the beginning, we've focused on overlooked urban micro-markets or areas not yet considered markets," Anderson says. "We've consistently found better value in land in these locations, while avoiding the competition for picked-over sites. That approach has remained the foundation of our strategy as we've grown organically over the past 16 years." Westside Village fits that philosophy. For decades, the site was an overlooked corridor of warehouses and car dealerships tucked between downtown and the Trinity River.

(We can’t forget Paris Reece’s Super Appliance World, which sat at 100 N. University.) Anderson saw something different: the ingredients for what he calls a future "Main & Main." Ask Anderson about Westside Village, and he rarely talks about square footage or projected returns. Instead, he talks about streets. Trees. The river. And what it should feel like to spend an afternoon there. When asked whether Westside Village is primarily an office development with supporting amenities or something else entirely, his answer is immediate. "Certainly, a neighborhood." That distinction shapes nearly every decision behind the 37-acre development. Office buildings may command the headlines, particularly at a time when workplace demand remains one of commercial real estate's biggest questions, but Anderson insists they are only one piece of a larger urban environment. Design a district around

FALL 2026 | fortworthinc.com 69

70 fortworthinc.com | FALL 2026

office space alone, he argues, and it risks becoming lifeless after business hours and on weekends. Residential, hospitality, and retail aren't there to support the office buildings. They're the reason people want to be there in the first place. The same philosophy extends to the public realm. When Anderson describes what he hopes an afternoon at Westside Village will feel like years from now, he begins with a single word. "Shaded." It's not a throwaway answer. In Texas, he argues, mature tree canopies, buildings positioned to cast shade across sidewalks, and constant visual connections to the Trinity River are fundamental to creating a place where people choose to linger rather than simply pass through. From there, the vision becomes less about destinations than movement. People should be able to park once — if they drive at all — and spend the rest of the day on foot. A morning coffee turns into lunch, a walk along the river, or an afternoon working from a hotel lobby or café without ever returning to the car. The experience, he says, should feel walkable, lively, and unhurried. That philosophy also explains how Westside Village is being built. Rather than designing buildings first and figuring out what public space remains afterward, Anderson says the team planned the streets, open spaces, and river connections before shaping the buildings around them. He describes the public realm as infrastructure rather than landscaping — something that determines how people experience a place long before they notice the architecture. The rollout follows the same logic. Many mixed-use developments ask early residents and office tenants to endure years

of construction while waiting for restaurants, retail, and other amenities to arrive. Anderson says Westside Village is sequencing those elements differently, introducing hospitality, retail, and groundfloor activity early so that Phase 1 feels like a functioning district instead of an isolated construction site. For Anderson, however, the real test won't come during a ribbon cutting or a festival. It will come on that ordinary Tuesday afternoon. That's when a place reveals itself. If people fill the sidewalks at 3 o'clock on a weekday, he says, the project is working. If it feels empty except during special events, it isn't. Ultimately, Anderson isn't measuring success by the number of buildings completed

or square feet delivered. He's measuring something far less tangible: whether people choose to spend time there for reasons that have nothing to do with work. At full build-out, Westside Village will encompass approximately 3 million square feet of office, hotel, residential, retail, and restaurant space connected by walkable streets and public spaces that lead naturally to the Trinity River. The first phase includes the boutique office building at 3000 Westside Drive and a 319-unit residential building with a shared below-grade parking garage. "The thesis is simple," Anderson says.

"Fort Worth has world-class demand but a shortage of world-class urban product. We're building the kind of place that demand has been waiting for, alongside a trusted Fort Worth partner with a long-term perspective measured in decades rather than exit cycles."

Larkspur is making one of the largest bets of its history in Fort Worth because of, well, Fort Worth. “Fort Worth is a city of great culture, pride, and authenticity,” Anderson says. “There are few cities in the country with this unique blend.” Westside Village is the result of several forces converging at the same time. The first is demand. For years, Fort Worth has attracted companies and professionals who wanted to be in the city but often found themselves with limited options for high-end urban office space. Anderson believes that imbalance created an opening. “When we first started, the honest question was whether Fort Worth could support a project at this scale,” Anderson says. “Today, that’s no longer a question. "Fort Worth has extraordinary demand from companies and people who want to be here, yet it has had very little institutional-quality office space to accommodate them. National law firms, financial services firms, and other professional services companies with a national footprint need offices here, and they expect those spaces to reflect the same quality and experience they have in every other major market." That observation reflects a broader shift Anderson believes is underway. When planning for Westside Village began, one question hovered over the project: Could Fort Worth support a development of this scale? Today, he says, that question has largely disappeared.

FALL 2026 | fortworthinc.com 71

"The city's growth has been broad-based rather than driven by any single industry or relocation," Anderson says. "Population growth, corporate investment, professional services, hospitality, and cultural and educational institutions have all moved in the same direction, reinforcing one another. That gives us even greater confidence in the long-term vision for the project." The second reason surprised Anderson even more. It wasn't an incentive package or a financial model. It was City Hall. Fort Worth, he says, has developed a civic culture where major projects receive serious consideration without endless paralysis. For developers investing hundreds of millions of dollars over many years, predictability matters. "For a project with this much capital at risk," Anderson says, "that level of predictability is every bit as valuable as any incentive a market can offer." Anderson's observation echoes a broader debate playing out across Texas. Austin, for example, has spent years overhauling a permitting system that city officials acknowledged could take one to three years for some development approvals. In a city memorandum, Habitat for Humanity warned that prolonged reviews could push projects to Dallas, Houston, or San Antonio instead. More recently, Austin reported average siteplan review times approaching a year, with developers consistently identifying permitting delays as a significant driver of project costs. The third reason lies just west of downtown. Many cities have rivers. Few build around them. The Trinity River isn't becoming important to Fort Worth. It’s returning to the role it played at the city's founding. The Army chose the site in 1849 because of the river's strategic location, high bluffs, and natural resources.

72 fortworthinc.com | FALL 2026

More than 175 years later, developers are once again treating the Trinity not as the edge of the city but as one of its defining assets. Anderson believes the Trinity River represents one of Fort Worth's greatest underused assets. "This is a rare opportunity to shape a riv-

erfront site with immediate proximity to the urban core, but without an established urban fabric," he says. "The Trinity River and its trail system are tremendous civic assets and will be integral to the identity and long-term success of the project." Rather than treating the river as the edge of a development, Anderson wants it to become its backbone. "Our site presents a rare opportunity to make the river a destination and the backbone of the neighborhood rather than its edge," he says. That philosophy extends to pedestrian connections, a planned kayak launch, and

even the way stormwater infrastructure is incorporated into public spaces. Practically, he says, that means orienting the district toward the water instead of “turning our backs on it,” creating strong pedestrian connections to the trail system, and incorporating a kayak launch. (The kayak launch, he says, was the idea of Councilmember Elizabeth Beck.) Westside Village’s first tenants will add two interconnected concepts along the West Fork of the Trinity River: Levee Porch, a new restaurant and beer garden concept created by Chimy’s owner and operator Kyle Wright and Jason Finley, and a Fort Worth outpost of Tailwaters Fly Fishing Co. Both are expected to open in the first quarter of 2027. The project combines a fly-fishing retail operation with a food-andbeverage venue designed to serve visitors along the Trinity River corridor. Tailwaters will occupy nearly 1,500 square feet of retail space, while Levee Porch will feature an approximately 400-square-foot bar area, a 500-square-foot covered porch with a walk-up bar window, and a beer garden below. Levee Porch’s menu will include burgers, hot dogs, cheesesteak sandwiches, and Cubans, along with beer, mojitos, and margaritas. The venue is intended to accommodate both casual dining and outdoor recreation users visiting the river area. “The Levee Porch will be a laidback, fast casual hideaway that will be a ton of fun for the family and a perfect place for a biker or kayaker to come down the trail and find an oasis on the West Fork of the Trinity,” Wright says. “Handheld bites will be paired by craft cocktails and ice-cold beer.” Plans for the site also include communityoriented programming such as fly-fishing film tours, fun runs, and casting competitions. Ground-level amenities will include covered porch seating and a beer garden shaded by live oak trees. Tailwaters Fly Fishing Co., founded in Dallas in 2007, operates as a fly-fishing outfitter,

retail shop, and travel agency specializing in angling trips. The company’s Fort Worth location marks its second store. “We have often thought about opening a second store but could never find the right location, synergy, or deal that made sense,” says Tailwaters Fly Fishing Co. co-owner David Leake. “It is only fitting that we enter our 20th year in business with a new location in Fort Worth, on the West Fork of the Trinity.” These concepts align perfectly with Larkspur’s vision of creating an authentic Fort Worth gathering place that embraces “one of the city's great civic assets — the West Fork of the Trinity River," says Schafer Smartt, vice president of development for Larkspur Capital. That part of the river has been a quiet place for as long as anybody can remember. The river, Anderson says, is a “huge part of why the project is what it is.” Fort Worth’s relationship with the Trinity River has been an evolution seemingly on the same time frame as Evolution. There are still long stretches where the river is something you cross rather than somewhere you go. “Every great city has a defining relationship with its water, and Fort Worth has invested enormously in strengthening that connection,” Anderson says. “We want Westside Village to be one of the places where people experience that investment firsthand.” As it concerns this aspiration, Larkspur has friends in the community. Developments such as this one is invaluable to stakeholders of the river and trails. “Any development that helps people discover, access, and enjoy the Trinity River is a positive opportunity,” says Lauren Deen, executive director of Streams & Valleys, the Fort Worth-based nonprofit dedicated to protecting, enhancing, and promoting the Trinity River and its trail system so they remain a lasting community resource for recreation, natural beauty, and public enjoyment. “The Trinity River is Fort Worth's largest natural amenity, and the more reasons people have to visit it, the more likely they are to value and care for it.”

As with any project along the river and trails, Deen adds, the nonprofit hopes developers become partners in enhancing and stewarding the river and trail system. “Organizations like Streams & Valleys and Tarrant Regional Water District invest significant time and resources into maintaining

and improving this incredible asset. We hope projects like this inspire greater community appreciation for the river and lead to increased support and investment in preserving it for future generations.”

Anderson doesn't think Fort Worth needs reinventing. That's a notable answer at a time when cities often chase the next trend or compare themselves to somewhere else. Changing Fort Worth’s identity? Poppycock, Anderson says. "I don't think Fort Worth's identity needs changing," he says. "What I hope we do is add another chapter to the story. Fort Worth's identity is authentic, unpretentious, culturally

rich, and quietly confident. Our goal is to build a place that reflects those qualities through its architecture, public spaces, and overall sense of place." That restraint surfaces repeatedly throughout his answers. He rarely talks about creating an iconic destination or redefining the city. Instead, he returns to a simpler ambition: build something that feels as though it belongs. Ideally, he says, people won't think about Westside Village as a development at all. "Fort Worth is experiencing tremendous growth, attracting new residents, employers, and investment," Anderson says. "We hope Westside Village becomes a meaningful part of that story by creating a place that adds to the city's momentum while staying true to its character." That long view also shapes his expectations for Fort Worth itself. "For a long time, the comparison set was regional," Anderson says. "Today, it's compared to cities like Nashville, Austin, Denver, and Charlotte. The capital looking at Fort Worth is national and increasingly institutional. That comes with a different set of expectations." Those expectations, he argues, are no longer simply about growth. They're about quality. "The next generation of development in Fort Worth won't be judged simply on whether it gets built, but on whether it meaningfully contributes to the city over the long term." If that happens, Anderson doesn't expect the headlines to celebrate the developer. In fact, he'd prefer they didn't. Asked what headline he hopes to read in 2035, he offers an answer that neatly captures his philosophy. "Something with no adjectives in it," he says. "If the story is still about ambition and vision in 2035, then we're behind. By then, it should be about people." In the end, that's his definition of success. "If we get Westside Village right," Anderson says, "it stops being ours. It becomes a part of Fort Worth that people use without thinking about who built it."

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2026

Pioneers in their fields, the businesses featured on the following pages represent some of Fort Worth’s most accomplished and dynamic leaders. “Faces of B2B” highlights their professional achievements, personal passions, and the stories that set them apart—both in business and beyond.

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Faces of B2B Commercial Design

Irsaneous Interiors SPECIALTY: More than interior designers, at Irsaneous Interiors, we are strategic partners who guide clients through every stage of the design process. We are thinkers, visionaries, problem-solvers, and collaborators dedicated to bringing ideas to life with purpose and creativity. By taking the time to understand your brand, culture, and goals, we create environments that reflect your identity and support your long-term success. Our passion for design, combined with meticulous attention to detail, ensures every project is both meaningful and memorable. WHAT SETS THEM APART: Exceptional design is about more than aesthetics — it is about performance. We understand that every project is unique, which is why we take a tailored approach to creating commercial environ-

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ments that enhance the user experience, strengthen brand identity, and deliver lasting value. By balancing creativity, functionality, and business objectives, we design spaces that inspire people, support productivity, and stand the test of time. WOW FACTOR: We have perfected the art of resimercial design, blending the comfort and warmth of residential interiors with the durability and functionality of commercial spaces. This distinctive approach creates environments that feel welcoming, engaging, and highly functional. From multifamily communities and amenity spaces to corporate offices and mixed-use developments, each project is thoughtfully designed around the people who use it every day. By creating spaces that foster connection, well-being, and productivity, we help maximize the value

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of your investment from the very beginning. PICTURED: Jocelyn Valles, VP, Architectural Design; Erica Williams, VP, Interior Design; Katie Irsaneous, Founder & Principal Designer; Hannah Davis Ryon, VP, Art Curation. IRSANEOUS INTERIORS 2405 Forest Park Blvd. Fort Worth 76110 817.953.6740 irsaneousinteriors.com info@irsaneousinteriors.com

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Faces of B2B Pharmacy Compounding

Perrone Pharmacy, Inc./PerroneRX, LLC SPECIALTY: Established in 1952, we proudly hold the distinction of being the oldest family-owned pharmacy in Tarrant County. For more than seven decades, our commitment to innovation and personalized care has allowed us to serve a diverse range of patients and health care institutions across the region. We compound sterile medications for investigational drug studies, for patients of local hospitals and clinics, and for individual patients with unique medical conditions. In addition, we provide mobile immunization services to employers, assisted living communities, local churches, and charitable organiza-

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tions. We also dispense and deliver medications for patients admitted to more than 60 hospices throughout DFW. WHAT SETS THEM APART: Institutions and patients should choose us because of our breadth of service offerings, our accessibility, and the depth of pharmacist clinical knowledge (over 220 years of combined pharmacist team experience). The contract services division, PerroneRX, LLC, is open 24/7, and our retail division, Perrone Pharmacy, Inc., is open seven days a week. We maintain our own fleet, covering the DFW area, making over 300 deliveries a day. STAYING CURRENT: We stay current with promotion

industry trends and innovations through memberships in professional trade organizations, sending our leadership to seminars and conferences. We utilize third parties to test our labs, our processes, and our compounded products. PICTURED: (seated) Gabretta Guerin, RPh; Paula Perrone, J.D., Owner Perrone Pharmacy, Inc./PerroneRX,LLC; (standing) Paloma Garza, PharmD; Heather Wessner, PharmD, Pharmacist-in-Charge, Perrone Pharmacy, Inc.; Marcus Zavala, PharmD, Chief Pharmacist Officer, Perrone Pharmacy, Inc./PerroneRX, LLC, Pharmacist-in-Charge, PerroneRX, LLC; Russel Whisenhunt, RPh; promotion

Stephen Sibley, RPh; and Megan Lee, PharmD. NOT PICTURED: Patricia Diaz, RPh; Wendy Fleig, RPh; Jacob Johnson, PharmD; Mi Lam, PharmD; and Haley McKeefer, PharmD. PERRONE PHARMACY, INC./PERRONERX, LLC

3921 Benbrook Highway, Fort Worth 76116 Perrone Pharmacy, Inc. 817.738.2135 PerroneRX, LLC - Contract Services 817.731.5899 perronepharmacy.com, info@perronerx.com FALL 2026 | fortworthinc.com 81

Faces of B2B Architectural Design

Schwarz Hanson Architects SPECIALTY: At Schwarz Hanson Architects, we believe that being the face of architecture in Fort Worth means setting the standard—not only through design excellence but also through enduring community impact, trusted relationships, and a deep understanding of the city’s unique character. Our portfolio tells the story of a city evolving — blending Fort Worth’s rich history with forward-thinking innovation. Guided by design integrity and a client-centered approach, we deliver awardwinning solutions across a diverse range of industries. Our areas of specialization include historic renovation, commercial and office spaces, health care facilities, industrial and manufacturing, religious and community structures, hospitality and

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retail, educational and financial institutions, and master planning. Our multidisciplinary team is committed to delivering innovative designs that align with our clients’ visions and the unique character of Fort Worth. WHAT SETS US APART: We listen. We are genuine in our relationships. We lose sleep, so our clients don’t have to! We punch above our weight in competency and efficiency. We bring order to project chaos. STAYING CURRENT: At Schwarz Hanson Architects, we recognize that architecture today is inseparable from technological innovation. Our approach is grounded in leveraging cutting-edge tools and digital intelligence to enhance design quality, project efficiency, and client experience. By weaving advanced technolo-

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gies and AI into our practice, Schwarz Hanson Architects continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in design and delivery — making our process more intelligent, efficient, and responsive to the complexity of contemporary architecture. PICTURED: Tod Hanson, John Pathak, Brad Naeher, and Gerry Schwarz. SCHWARZ HANSON ARCHITECTS 2627 Tillar St., Ste. 131, Fort Worth 76107 817.377.3600, schwarz-hanson.com info@schwarz-hanson.com

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Faces of B2B IT

Aeko Technologies SPECIALTY: CEO Brian Rodgers spent 20 years as an IT executive for an S&P 500 company, overseeing large teams through complex mergers, acquisitions, and enterprise-level compliance. He brought that expertise to Aeko speciﬁcally to help small-to-mid-size businesses plan and scale their technology the way large companies do. WHAT SETS THEM APART: Brian and VP Information Security Oﬃcer Hank Brown both came from S&P 500 environments — Brian from oil and gas, Hank as CISO for a health insurance company managing HIPAA, government audits, and executive-level contract compliance. That’s experience most MSPs never develop. WOW FACTOR: Our people. We’re engineers and technologists who are also skydivers, ranchers, storm chasers, and racers — people who solve complex problems under pressure and bring that same problem-solving mindset to client relationships. You’re not only hiring a help desk; you’re partnering

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with experts who think like business owners. Plus, we’re a lot of fun to work with. PICTURED: Brian Rodgers and Hank Brown. AEKO TECHNOLOGIES 425 Cartwright Drive , Fort Worth 76126 817.923.2419, info@aekotech.com aekotech.com

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Faces of B2B Staffing and Recruiting

Burnett’s Staffing SPECIALTY: Burnett’s Staffing has been a trusted name in the Dallas-Fort Worth staffing industry since 1966. They’ve built a reputation as the go-to experts for connecting top talent with leading employers in the region. Their deep roots in the community and unmatched understanding of the local job market make them the face of staffing in the DFW area. WHAT SETS THEM APART: What sets Burnett’s apart is their personalized approach, deep talent pool built over decades, and a mission to make a difference every day — for their clients, candidates, and the community. WOW FACTOR: Listening to employers’ and job seekers’ requirements provides real-time insights into pay rates, job openings, and skill trends. They combine these local insights with recruiting technology and data tools to track hiring patterns, improve efficiency, and deliver fast, targeted solutions. Experience, relationships, and results. That’s the Burnett’s Staffing difference.

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PICTURED: Scott Clutter, Paul Burnett, Brayden Burnett, Gabby Rojo, Casey Kelley, Danielle Adams, and Shelley Caldwell. BURNETT’S STAFFING 2710 Avenue E East Arlington 76011 817.640.5255 burnetts.com

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Faces of B2B Executive Transportation

Fort Worth Executive Transportation SPECIALTY: Fort Worth Executive Transportation is a premier provider of luxury transportation services. Whether transporting corporate executives, business travelers, airport clients, or special-event guests, they ensure a smooth, stress-free travel experience from start to finish. Their team of experienced professionals is committed to providing transportation that reflects the high standards clients expect, with every detail handled thoughtfully and efficiently. WHAT SETS THEM APART: Fort Worth Executive Transportation offers more than transportation — it provides peace of mind. With professionally trained chauffeurs, luxury vehicles, and a focus on precision, every ride is comfortable, safe, punctual, and personalized. Their commitment to long-term relationships allows them to tailor each trip to individual needs. WOW FACTOR: Clients return because they know they can rely on them. With immaculate vehicles, courteous chauffeurs, and personalized assistance, every passenger is treated like a VIP. Fort Worth Executive Transportation’s

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dedication to reliability, professionalism, and genuine hospitality makes every ride memorable and worry-free. PICTURED: Bryan Manning. FORT WORTH EXECUTIVE TRANSPORTATION 817.807.6393 reservations@fortworthexecutive.com fortworthexecutive.com

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Faces of B2B Logistics

ITS Logistics LLC, an Echo Company SPECIALTY: ITS Logistics is a premier North American asset-based 3PL, providing solutions for the region’s most complicated supply chain challenges. The ITS suite of services includes an extensive network of drayage and heavy haul carriers serving local ports, distribution and fulfillment operations, asset-lite freight brokerage, and an asset-based fleet. Based in Fort Worth’s Cultural District, we hire and develop talent for the region’s growing logistics industry. WHAT SETS THEM APART: Our team combines local expertise with nationwide reach to deliver strategic supply chain solutions. As part of Echo Global Logistics, our capabilities have expanded to support specialized regional needs, including cross-border solutions, intermodal, and a nationwide network of temperature-controlled warehousing. WOW FACTOR: ITS Logistics is committed to excellence, delivering exceptional service, expertise, and innovation. Our culture empowers team

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members to excel, driving stronger partnerships and better customer outcomes. PICTURED: Manny McElroy, Derrick Wells, Corey Keys, Kyle Adams, Mary Sexton, Hope Baker, Alessondra Lujan. ITS LOGISTICS LLC 2821 W. Seventh St., Ste. 300 Fort Worth 76107 855.562.3487 its4logistics.com

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Faces of B2B European Auto Repair & Service Specialists

Lone Star Bavarian SPECIALTY: Lone Star Bavarian has earned a trusted reputation for servicing and repairing European vehicles throughout Fort Worth. With factory-trained technicians, advanced diagnostic technology, and a commitment to honest, transparent service, the team helps owners keep BMW, MINI, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Porsche, Volkswagen, and other European brands running at peak performance. WHAT SETS THEM APART: What sets Lone Star Bavarian apart is its combination of dealership-level expertise and the personalized attention of a locally owned independent shop. Because the technicians specialize exclusively in European vehicles, they can accurately diagnose and repair even the most complex issues while delivering exceptional value and customer care. WOW FACTOR: Customers rely on Lone Star Bavarian for straightforward recommendations, quality workmanship, and clear communication. Whether performing routine maintenance or major repairs, the team treats every vehicle as if it were their own. This

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dedication to excellence and long-term customer relationships has earned the trust of generations of European car owners across the Fort Worth area. LONE STAR BAVARIAN 3800 W. Vickery Blvd. Fort Worth 76107 817.732.4888 lonestarbavarian.com

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Faces of B2B Talent Management and Business Development

MECCA Management Group SPECIALTY: Mecca Management Group helps organizations build stronger teams and achieve sustainable success through strategic HR consulting. By aligning people strategies with business goals, connecting the right talent to the right roles, and creating high-performing workplace cultures, Mecca provides practical HR solutions that drive measurable business results. WHAT SETS THEM APART: Mecca Management Group offers a comprehensive, endto-end approach to talent management. Rather than focusing on a single HR service, the company partners with organizations across every stage of the employee lifecycle. WOW FACTOR: Mecca Management Group serves as a strategic partner, helping organizations build, lead, and sustain exceptional teams. Their ability to combine talent strategy, leadership support, culture development, compliance expertise, and performance management into customized HR solutions allows clients to strengthen their organizations while driving long-term success. Their commitment to creating cultures that engage, retain, and grow employees makes them a trusted resource for businesses seeking lasting results. PICTURED: Morgan Mosley, President. MECCA MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS, LLC

1201 E. Terrell Ave. Fort Worth 76104 817.939.2621 meccams.com melder@meccams.com

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Faces of B2B Wealth Management

mFORCE Capital SPECIALTY: At mFORCE Capital, we lead with expertise and discipline to empower our clients to achieve their financial aspirations. We serve entrepreneurs, business owners in transition, and multi-generational families, tailoring our approach to meet each client exactly where they are. WHAT SETS THEM APART: Clients come to us for our depth of knowledge and outside-the-box solutions, and they stay because they become part of the mFORCE family. We pride ourselves on genuine relationships and on delivering an exceptional client experience at every step. WOW FACTOR: With every family we serve, we believe it’s essential to involve the next generation. True to our theme, “Where wealth works harder,” we’re committed to building relationships with the entire family, including parents, children, and grandchildren. This approach ensures that each client’s

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legacy endures and that their wealth continues working for those who matter most. PICTURED: DJ Springer, Bobby Brown, and Matt Magee. MFORCE CAPITAL 1415 Ballinger St. Fort Worth 76102 817.710.1840 mforcecapital.com

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Faces of B2B Design-Build/General Contractors

Speed Fab-Crete Corporation SPECIALTY: Since the early 1960s, Speed Fab-Crete has practiced DesignBuild decades before the industry gave it a name. Today, we’ve completed more than 400 Design-Build projects and 1,000 general contracting projects, serving businesses, municipalities, developers, and institutional owners throughout Texas. WHAT SETS THEM APART: Our integrated approach brings architecture, preconstruction, engineering coordination, and construction together under one team, helping owners save time, control costs, and simplify the building process. This commitment to leadership and excellence is reflected in the recognition of David Bloxom, Jr., as one of Fort Worth Inc.’s 500 Most Influential Leaders in Fort Worth for 2026. WOW FACTOR: We’ve been building Texas for 75 years. Our experienced team delivers quality projects built to last, and we’re proud to be recognized among the Dallas Business Journal’s Largest General Contractors in

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North Texas. PICTURED: Carl Hall, Vice President & Director of Precast; Ronald A. Hamm, President & Co-Owner; David Bloxom, Jr., Chairman of the Board & Co-Owner. SPEED FAB-CRETE CORPORATION 1115 E. Kennedale Parkway Kennedale 76060 817.478.1137 speedfabcrete.com info@speedfabcrete.com

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Faces of B2B Legal Counsel

Underwood Law SPECIALTY: For 114 years, Underwood has delivered trusted legal counsel and successful results to clients across Texas. WHAT SETS THEM APART: Deeply rooted in Texas and experienced across a wide range of practice areas, our attorneys understand the unique challenges facing our clients and deliver responsive service, personalized attention, and trusted guidance. WOW FACTOR: We are committed to investing in our community, serving our clients with integrity, and fostering a welcoming environment where collaboration drives results. PICTURED: Angelica Farinacci, Austin Estelle, Richard Shellhammer, Cara Kennemer, Clint Davis, and Stephanie Kaiser. NOT PICTURED: Janet Bubert.

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UNDERWOOD LAW 600 Bailey Ave., Ste. 200 Fort Worth 76107 817.885.7529 uwlaw.com

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Faces of B2B Marketing Services

Xpressdocs SPECIALTY: Since 2001, Xpressdocs has helped real estate, home services, insurance, healthcare, and franchise clients create, manage, and distribute personalized, on-brand direct mail and marketing materials nationwide. WHAT SETS THEM APART: Unlike most print companies, we built technology into the product from the start, integrating listing feeds, CRM systems, brand compliance tools, co-op tracking, and real-time campaign reporting. We don’t add technology to print. We make print technology, backed by production quality that keeps clients coming back. WOW FACTOR: Our contact center has remained 100% U.S.-based since 2001, and we’ve grown from a single garage operation into a 245,000-square-foot production facility. We measure our success by the longterm loyalty of our employees, clients, and partners, many of whom have stayed

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with us for 20 years or more. PICTURED: Darrin Rayner, Moqtadir Mohammed, Rachel Mathews, Chasity Torti. XPRESSDOCS 1301 Northeast Loop 820 Fort Worth 76131 866.977.3627 xpressdocs.com sales@xpressdocs.com

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BIZZ Wrap-Up / Analyze This Banking

A Smarter Approach to Retirement Plans WORDS BY ANA AKE

or many business owners, offering a 401(k) or 403(b) plan is part of the benefits package — a necessary tool to attract and retain talent. What often gets overlooked is

monitor, and replace investments. Understanding what level of fiduciary support the company has is one of the most important questions plan sponsors should ask.

that sponsoring a retirement plan comes with significant fiduciary and regulatory responsibility. In today’s environment, that responsibility carries real risk. But it can also be an opportunity. Dedicated retirement plan advisers offer services designed to help owners navigate these complexities. At their core, retirement plan advisers support company-sponsored plans, like 401(k) plans in the for-profit space and 403(b) plans for nonprofits, by helping employers meet their obligations under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), the federal law governing retirement plans. Companies that offer retirement plans have a duty to act in the best interest of their participants, including selecting and monitoring investments, reviewing service providers, managing fees, and ensuring the plan’s design aligns with regulatory requirements and company goals. These responsibilities are ongoing and required by law — and hiring a recordkeeper does not necessarily eliminate the employer’s fiduciary liability. That’s where a dedicated retirement plan adviser that includes ERISA 3(38) investment fiduciary oversight can make a meaningful difference.

Three reasons to hire a retirement plan adviser with 3(38) investment fiduciary oversight services 1. Leverage expertise and minimize risk In practice, few employers have the expertise to manage all fiduciary responsibilities internally. Recognizing their responsibility to act prudently in fulfilling these duties, many plan sponsors will hire a dedicated retirement plan adviser to fill the gap. Specialized advisers can do things like evaluate investments and document every step, acting as a “quarterback,” coordinating among recordkeepers, third-party administrators, and other service providers. They review the plan document for red flags, identify excessive fees, assess whether appropriate oversight is in place, and help reduce overall plan risk. Plan risk is not theoretical. Litigation related to poor oversight has increased, affecting companies of all sizes. Employers that assume their plan is “fine” because it has been in place for years may be exposing themselves to unnecessary liability. 2. Customize plan design to align with business needs Beyond investments, thoughtful plan design is critical and another reason to consider outside professionals. Retirement plans are not one-size-fits-all. The provisions inside a 100-plus-page plan document can dramatically affect compliance outcomes and employee experience. Plans should align with business goals. Whether it’s aimed at enhancing employee retention, managing costs, or supporting a diverse workforce, the plan should reflect a company’s objectives. It should also promote employee engagement, through

Key differences between a 3(38) and a 3(21) Under a 3(38) arrangement, the adviser assumes full fiduciary responsibility for investment oversight. Unlike a 3(21) adviser, who acts as a co-fiduciary sharing responsibility and providing recommendations the employer must approve, a 3(38) investment manager is delegated the authority to select,

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features like automatic enrollment and escalation that encourage employees to take proactive steps toward their financial future. A thoughtful plan design should help ensure compliance by staying ahead of regulatory changes. It should also adjust to changing needs to ensure it grows with the company and its employees. 3. Increase employee education and adoption Even the best-designed plan won’t drive strong outcomes if employees don’t understand how to use it. Many smaller and mid-sized companies lack the internal HR resources to provide meaningful financial education. Retirement advisers can bridge that gap with customized tools, educational videos, enrollment support, and one-on-one sessions that address financial wellness. They also coordinate with recordkeepers to ensure employers are fully leveraging available participant resources. Perhaps most importantly, retirement plans are not “set it and forget it.” As companies grow, hire, downsize, or restructure, their plans must evolve. Who needs this service? Everyone. While larger employers, often those with $10 million or more in plan assets, are more likely to have a dedicated adviser, smaller and mid-sized businesses should also consider this safeguard. Smaller businesses may assume they don’t need help or that the cost outweighs the benefit, not realizing the liability they are carrying. The reality is simple: Businesses, big and small, don’t know what they don’t know. An experienced retirement plan adviser can scrutinize plans, identify gaps, and help ensure it is working hard for employees while remaining compliant with the law. As companies grow, the stakes only increase. Leaving a retirement plan to chance isn’t just risky, it’s a missed opportunity to strengthen businesses’ and employees’ financial futures. Ana Ake is a Retirement Client Advisor with UMB Bank n.a. Retirement Plan Services. She holds multiple industry-recognized credentials including Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF®), Certified Plan Fiduciary Adviser (CPFA®), Qualified 401(k) Administrator (QKA®), and Qualified 401(k) Specialist (QKS®).

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BIZZ Wrap-Up / Analyze This Economic Development

Fort Worth's Economic Momentum Is Accelerating WORDS BY ROBERT ALLEN

he first half of 2026 has reinforced something we have been building toward for several years: Fort Worth is earning its seat at the table in the discussion about where sophisticated corporations choose to invest. The project pipeline

activity, the quality of companies we are engaging, and the wins we have closed are not coincidences — they reflect a deliberate, community-backed strategy that is producing measurable results. This midyear update is an opportunity to share what that looks like in practice and share some projections about Fort Worth’s trajectory. A Pipeline Built on Quality In the first half of 2026, the Fort Worth EDP pipeline has worked about 125 leads, inquiries, and projects, about 80% of which first crossed our desks in 2026. Each year, we carry over active projects from the end of one year to the next, as many economic development deals take well over a year to work from initial inquiry to final site selection. Approximately 30% of 2026 inquiries have come from companies in electronics manufacturing or aerospace and defense companies — two industries with strong macroeconomic significance this year and unique relationship to Fort Worth’s legacy industries and economic strengths. And just as Fort Worth’s industrial strengths continue to be an asset in today’s economic environment, we have also seen a notable increase in direct outreach from site selection consultants and companies evaluating headquarters and office-based relocations that are interested in Fort Worth. While several of these projects originate from companies in the manufacturing and products sector, they represent

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a wide range of industries — that tells you our talent base is winning. A Robust Pipeline Leads to Organic Growth in Strategic Industries One recent win shows what this kind of pipeline can produce. In 2025, Wistron chose Fort Worth as the home of its first North American electronic component manufacturing operation, in partnership with NVIDIA. And we didn’t have to wait long to see the payoff: In just the last few months, the decision has netted billions of dollars in follow-on capital investment for the Fort Worth region, and even before its official opening this summer, the company has already signed another lease to expand operations. Fort Worth’s sophisticated manufacturing environment, central U.S. location, and strong workforce continue to drive this kind of investment from companies in strategic industries — and the economic opportunity that comes with it for Fort Worth residents. Looking Ahead: Strong Closing Opportunities in Q3 and Q4 In the latter half of 2026, expect to see headline wins for Fort Worth. In my opinion, the segment of active projects we are working right now is one of the strongest I have seen in my time here: high-scoring projects with great job creation and investment figures in target industries that will really move the ball for Fort Worth. Top drivers of projects continue to be real estate and talent availability, and with one of the strongest metro talent bases in the country. The strength of interest in Fort Worth is promising, and the on-the-ground operation to continue that momentum is in full force.

Three Wins That Tell a Broader Story While that pipeline builds toward future wins, several have already crossed the finish line in 2026 — and together, they say something important about Fort Worth’s positioning across industries, geographies, and workforce profiles. Celestica is an advanced manufacturer of products critical to the electronics and energy sectors. Its decision to grow in Fort Worth will create more than 1,000 jobs, directly strengthening the workforce pipeline in one of our most-targeted industries, and an investment nearing $1B. This is exactly the kind of project that future-proofs Fort Worth’s industrial base for advancements in the manufacturing industry. Mercedes-Benz Financial Services chose Fort Worth as the national headquarters. That decision reflects organic, earned confidence in Fort Worth as a home for corporate operations and talent — and it is a meaningful signal of our city’s competitive standing in the financial and corporate services sector. Weir is a retention win with significant strategic weight. Its decision to invest in a divisional headquarters in downtown Fort Worth in the energy sector is a vote of confidence in both our urban core and our long-term business environment. It reflects the dual strength of Fort Worth as a market: compelling for manufacturing and industrial growth and equally compelling for office and headquarters investment. Add it up, and that’s three wins in our target industries, in two of Fort Worth’s key office nodes. They represent an advanced manufacturing story and two distinct corporate office stories, making a compelling case for the depth and versatility of the Fort Worth economy. And winning the Mac Conway Award for Excellence in Economic Development for the second year in a row gives measurable validation to the strategy and the successes that we’re seeing on the ground. What This Means for Fort Worth The project pipeline and record of wins in 2026 are a teaser of the growth and momentum building in this city. It is difficult to fully measure how much Fort Worth’s national position has improved

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over the last three years, but the evidence is clear: Fort Worth is increasingly better positioned for consideration by corporate decision-makers today across a variety of industries, sizes, and asset types. That improved positioning is the product of deepened relationships with economic development professionals and site selectors who influence which cities make the short list, increased visibility with commercial real estate experts who shape where companies look first, and meaningful national press attention that elevates the Fort Worth business case with audiences who previously had limited exposure to what this city offers. This spring, the Fort Worth EDP launched a targeted marketing campaign designed to put Fort Worth directly in front of corporate decision-makers. The campaign does not shy away from the gaps in Fort Worth’s national brand. Instead, it addresses them directly — making the case for why Fort Worth deserves serious consideration and engaging the decision-makers who have the authority to act on it. While our project management work closes deals with companies already in the market for a new location, this marketing campaign really explores the art of the possible: putting Fort Worth top of mind before companies even reach that stage to proactively enrich our pipeline with strategic business interest. That two-track approach of active project management paired with proactive market positioning is what makes the growth trajectory we are building both durable and scalable. We are not done for 2026. The strategic, community-backed effort is bearing fruit, but the growth trajectory we are aiming for will require even more expertise, involvement, and support from the Fort Worth corporate community as we continue to build. The momentum is real. The foundation is strong. And I am confident that the second half of 2026 will demonstrate just how far Fort Worth has come. Robert Allen is president and CEO of the Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership.

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The Cost of Panic: How an $80K Scam Unfolded WORDS BY JOHN LOYD

few weeks ago, I received a message from a long-term client (a retired Lockheed engineer). The message basically said, "John, please call me ASAP. It's an emergency."

Often those calls are related to a person passing away or a serious health issue, but I could tell by the message this one seemed different. I called the client (someone I consider to be of above-average intelligence and someone with considerable "street smarts" as well), and he immediately stated, "John, I did something stupid. I did something you told me NOT to do." Long story short, the client received a pop-up message on his iPhone that he had been hacked. Calling the phone number on the pop-up, he was informed his information had been compromised and led to believe that his bank accounts were at risk. He was informed his bank was also being investigated and told "don't tell anyone" or he would risk the whole operation being jeopardized. The client was informed to pull pretty much all of his money from his various bank accounts and put the money in an ATM bitcoin machine. He withdrew approximately $80,000 in cash. To the bank's credit, employees questioned the unusual withdrawal, but the scammers had anticipated that. He was instructed to tell the bank he was “buying a car and paying cash” so the

transaction wouldn't raise additional concerns. Per instructions, he deposited the $80,000 at various ATM bitcoin machines, thinking he was “protecting” his assets. Unfortunately, he was depositing money directly into the scammer’s digital wallet. In a matter of hours, $80,000 of his hard-earned savings had vanished. Later, police informed him his chance of recovery was “zero.” What we both agreed was that had he called me and provided details, there was no chance I would have let him proceed with this. A five-minute conversation could have saved $80,000. Almost all scams involve a sense of urgency and a "hush-hush" tactic. Think about over the course of your life, how many times has something truly been that urgent? Most everything can wait until tomorrow or even the following week. Hit the pause button, breathe, and call a disinterested third party and run the details by them before doing anything. That's why I now encourage every client to establish a simple personal rule. Choose a dollar amount that makes sense for your situation, perhaps $5,000 or $10,000, and commit that anytime you're asked to move more than that amount for something other than a tangible purchase like a home or vehicle, you have a hard-and-fast rule that you call a trusted friend or adviser first. That person might be your spouse, an adult child, close friend, your CPA, attorney, or financial adviser. An outside observer can often easily spot numerous red flags that are easy to miss when you're in the heat of the moment of being scammed. Unfortunately, the financial damage didn't end with the scam itself. To replace the $80,000 that had been stolen, the client had to withdraw money from his Traditional IRA, which had been rolled over from his Lockheed 401(k) after retirement. Because Traditional IRA withdrawals are generally taxable, the scam will also create a huge tax bill. To make matters worse, the victim of a scam often carries more than just a major financial sting. I met with the husband and wife in my office after this

happened. The husband was clearly hurting and very remorseful by the error in judgment, and he stated, "We have been married for over 50 years. This has tested that, and it's all my fault." With his permission, I have provided the details of his encounter and like me, he, too, never wishes this nightmare on anyone. How to Protect Yourself from Scams: • Slow down. Scammers rely on panic and urgency. If anyone is pressuring you to speed up, it’s time to slow down. • Don’t answer your phone. Unless you are 100% positive you know the caller, just let it go to voicemail. Scammers rarely leave messages. • Never call the “your computer/ iPhone has been hacked” pop-up. Simply close your browser and turn off/restart your device. • Create a personal rule. For example: "If I'm moving more than $5,000 and

not buying something tangible like a home or car, I will call someone I trust first." • Freeze your credit. A free credit freeze with the major credit bureaus can help prevent criminals from opening accounts in your name. • Be skeptical of unusual payment methods. Requests to pay with bitcoin, gift cards, wire transfers, or cash are major red flags. The bottom line? The biggest threat to your retirement may not be a bear market, inflation, or higher taxes; it may be one moment of fear, one convincing phone call, or one decision made under pressure. Don't let urgency override common sense. No legitimate financial institution or government agency will ever pressure you to act immediately, keep secrets, or move your money to "protect" it. When in doubt, stop. Sleep on it. Talk with

someone you trust. And if you ever find yourself wondering whether something sounds suspicious, pick up the phone and call a trusted friend or adviser. That simple call could help keep your retirement plan as well as your relationships with loved ones on track.

John Loyd, CFP®, MBA, EA, is founder of The Wealth Planner™. For over two decades he has been providing wealth management advice to small business owners and highincome professionals. Contact him at john@ thewealthplanner.com. Securities & Advisory Services offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC.

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The Man in the Arena Employee No. 1 at Dickies Arena reflects on building one of the world's top entertainment venues from the ground up — and preparing it for its next chapter. WORDS BY JOHN HENRY

rom this summer’s vacation spot in New Jersey, Matt Homan reminisces with me by phone

about his journey from college graduate of the University of South Carolina to president of Fort Worth’s Dickies Arena, the now world-renowned entertainment venue perched handsomely on Montgomery Street. It started with an internship at Philadelphia's legendary Spectrum — where Dr. J once roamed — to ticket sales and event management. “I was the youngest person to join the Ticket Sellers Union in Philadelphia,” he says quite proudly. Then it was off to do arena leadership in Trenton, New Jersey — beautiful Trenton, I think to myself — South Carolina, Iowa, and back to his boyhood home of Philadelphia for what he believed was his dream job of overseeing the Wells Fargo Center. Then one day, his phone rang. A recruiter wanted to speak with Homan about a new arena being planned for Fort Worth, Texas. His wife, tired of packing U-Hauls, threw down some spike strips to deflate the tires, adding for emphasis: “I’m not moving.” “I fell in love with the people who were involved, the public-private financing mechanism that Mr. [Ed] Bass created, and what this building was going to be,” Homan says. “And I saw a huge amount of potential here from the market.”

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So, his wife dialed up U-Haul again. Homan is a member of “The 500,” Fort Worth Inc.’s list of the most influential leaders in the city and Greater Fort Worth. Dickies, which is doing close to 195 events a year, consistently ranks among Billboard Magazine’s Boxscore charts for mid-sized venues (10,001–15,000 seating capacity), earning high global and regional placements for gross revenues and ticket sales since opening in 2019, mere months before the COVID-19 shutdown. Checking in at the midyear point of 2026, it ranked No. 1 in North America and No. 5 worldwide. Homan was Employee No. 1 at Dickies. Shovels hadn’t even been put in the ground when he and his family arrived in 2016. Coming in to build an arena and the experience around it was too good an opportunity to pass up. He was involved with the architects, setting the building up for operational efficiencies, and “really putting the pieces into the building that I felt like we needed.” Moreover, unlike many other arena and stadium experiences, Dickies doesn’t contract things like security and parking, among all the other things. All of that goes

into controlling the customer experience as best as possible. “The best thing someone can ever say to me is not how great the show was,” Homan says. “Obviously, that's always good, but I can't control the artist. But when they say how friendly the staff is and how welcoming everyone is in the arena, from the parking lot attendant, to the concession worker, to the guest services worker, to the operations staff and the cleaning staff, that's what really makes me feel good about my job.” The arena’s management arm, Trail Drive Management Corp., has encountered a hurdle in recent months. Bluestar Alliance, which bought the Dickies brand from VF Corp. in 2025, has indicated that it wants out of the naming rights agreement. Dickies Arena will be rebranded. And, it appears, sooner rather than later. “We're hoping that we can finalize [a new] deal in the coming weeks and that we can hopefully have a new partner on board here sometime in the fall,” Homan says. It’ll mark the end of a great era. Not the end of a great arena.

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