What does it take to be a Business Titan? A corner office and a big title are a good start, but they are hardly enough. The inaugural class of Business Titan honorees represents a different measure of success: men who have built businesses, strengthened organizations, mentored others, and invested their time, talent and resources in making the greater Fort Worth community better. This diverse group spans industries ranging from insurance and banking to energy, law, real estate, restaurants, and engineering. Yet their common denominator is not what they do for a living. It is how they choose to make a difference.
Rusty Reid of Higginbotham represents the insurance industry, while Lubbock Smith of Vista Bank and Dr. Nick Michels of Michels Family Financial bring leadership and expertise to banking and finance. In energy, Richard Casarez of Oncor plays a role in powering the region’s continued growth.
Education, law, and leadership intersect through Glenn Lewis of Linebarger and board chair at Texas Wesleyan University, and Ty Stimpson of Varghese Summersett. Chauncey Franks of TCU Fellowship of Christian Athletes focuses on character coaching, while Wallace Hall of iSALT helps professionals navigate careers and leadership.
The class also demonstrates the power of business to create opportunities. David Cox of Goodwill North Central Texas works in the nonprofit sector to connect people with pathways to employment. Carlo Capua of the Rainwater Charitable Foundation puts philanthropy at the center of his work. Ian MacLean of Highland Landscaping and Phil Farco of Mason Industries represent industries that literally help shape the places where North Texans live and work.
Entrepreneurial spirit runs throughout the class. Ben Rosenthal of Standard Meat Company has helped lead a major player in the meat industry. Aslam Khan of Falcon Holdings brings business leadership to the restaurant industry. In real estate, Luke Shivers of Bald Brothers Buy Homes and Randy White of Randy White Real Estate bring their own approaches to building businesses and serving clients.
Other Titans demonstrate that leadership can take many forms. Edward Riefenstahl of TAB Fort Worth helps business owners make better decisions through advisory leadership. Phillip Michael Smart represents government service through his work with the City of Fort Worth.
Here are 18 men whose professional accomplishments are only part of their stories.
The Business Titan Awards celebrates men who understand that success is not simply measured by what you build for yourself. It is measured by what you build for others.
This inaugural class proves that business leadership and community leadership are not separate pursuits. At their best, they are two sides of the same mission: creating opportunity, strengthening Fort Worth and leaving the community better than they found it.
Join us as we honor this amazing inaugural class at an awards dinner on September 2, 2026 at The Fort Worth Club.
