From finances to athletics to spirituality to charity and all points in between, they have made a significant impact in our community. In fact, you could even call them titans in their respective fields.
Which is what the Business Press did in honoring 18 men at the publication’s inaugural Titans of Business event held at the Fort Worth Club on Wednesday, Sept. 2.
Shevoyd Hamilton, who is The Business Press publisher alongside his wife and editor Anjie, served as the master of ceremonies, praised the honorees for what they have each done for their community and “the lives they touch every day.”
TOP HONORS Rusty Reid of Higginbotham was honored as the Business Titan of the Year. As CEO, he has led the insurance and financial services firm for almost four decades (since 1989), helping grow it into one of the largest independent companies of its kind in the United States.
The Legacy Titan of the Year award went to Glenn Lewis of Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLC. Since joining the firm in 1999, he has practiced in the area of delinquent tax collection.
“I’ve come to the firm conclusion they messed up when they were doing the balloting,” Reid quipped upon taking the podium, adding, “Glenn, it’s an honor to share the stage with you.”
In 1986, Reid joined Higginbotham as its 12th employee, marking the start of a pivotal chapter that would shape his legacy as the architect of the company’s success.
Among his many accolades, Reid was honored as CEO of the Year at the inaugural Insurance Business America Awards and was an inductee into the Insurance Business America’s Hall of Fame.
“The impact Rusty and his company have had, not just in Fort Worth and in this state, but across this country is amazing,” Hamilton said.
Lewis has been licensed by the Supreme Court of Texas since 1984. He is also licensed by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas and The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.
In addition to his law practice, Lewis served 10 years in the Texas House of Representatives and is the Presiding Municipal Judge in the City of Forest Hill. He was elected Chairman of the Board for Texas Wesleyan University in 2021 and is the first person of color to hold this position in the University’s 131-year history.
“I have had a lot of help along the way,” Lewis said humbly. “I’m honored by this. Thank you.”
Hamilton offered the verbal accolade, “You truly are a pillar in this community, Glenn. We appreciate you and all you’ve done.”
Both recipients spent a few minutes thanking many folks, from actual family to work family and others.
Reid dedicated his award to a co-worker who is battling ALS, Vance Lee. Hamilton then asked the room to pray for Lee.
MEN OF IMPACT The evening also featured the honoring of 16 Men of Impact. The distinguished list included:
*Carlo Capua, Senior Principal of Rainwater Charitable Foundation.
*Chauncey Franks, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Collegiate Director at TCU, Executive Coach, Founder of Lessons From the Locker Room.
*Dr. Nicolas E. Michels, Founder/CEO of Michels Family Financial/Michels Family Corporation and author of the current bestseller “Rich By Choice.”
*Phillip Michael Smart, City of Fort Worth Economic Development Manager.
*Richard Casarez, P.E., Vice President of Customer Service, Oncor.
*Dr. Wallace L. Hall, Jr., President of Institute for Success and Leadership Training (iSALT).
*Ed Riefenstahl, Founder/Co-Founder of ROI and The Alternative Board of Greater Fort Worth.
*Lubbock D. Smith III, President-South Dallas Market of Vista Bank.
*David Cox, President & CEO of Goodwill North Central Texas.
*Aslam Khan, CEO/Chairman of Falcon Holdings.
*Ben Rosenthal, CEO/Co-President of Standard Meat.
*Ty Stimpson, Partner at Varghese Summersett boutique law firm.
*Phil Farco, Founder/Owner of Mason-Dallas, Inc.
*Ian MacLean, Founder/Owner of Highland Landscaping.
*Luke Shivers, Co-Owner of Bald Brothers Buy Homes.
*Randy White, Broker/Owner of Randy White Real Estate Services.
YOU NEVER KNOW…
One thing about these sort of events, you never know what the emcee or the recipients are going to say. This year, Hamilton asked each recipient a question prepared especially for them.
The answers ranged from inspirational to almost side-splitting.
Casarez, when asked about offering advice on young people getting ahead, suggested combining “A little bit of potential and a lot of listening. In my younger days I was terrible at that.”
Farco drew one of the biggest laughs of the evening when responding to what inspires him to success, chuckling out loud as he joked – lovingly, of course – “My wife throws me out every day. She tells me, ‘Get out, stay out, make money, come home.'”
MacLean, commenting on how people view him the first time, said, “When people see me, they think I walked off a Harley.”
To which Hamilton asked, “Do you have a Harley?” “I do not,” MacLean responded with a grin.
Shivers told the crowd something special about himself, “I’m really funny. My wife doesn’t think so, but I am.” (at which point my own wife looked at me as if to say, See, I’m not the only wife who thinks that about her husband.”)
Hamilton introduced White as “THE Randy White,” paused, then added, “Some of y’all will catch that later.” (Hint, that OTHER Randy White was just a Hall of Fame player with the Dallas Cowboys).
Hamilton got in several zingers throughout the evening, such as when he noted of one recipient – but it might just as well have been all – “You sit on 5,271 boards.”
Another time he said with a laugh, “I’m gonna repeat this question to you because I know you have a black belt in karate.”
Smart reminded the audience, “God put us here to make sure everyone is fought for and cared for.”
Michels took a moment to ask the audience to applaud the wives of the men being honored, noting that beside every great man is a GREATER woman.
Then, in what might well have summed up the entire evening, he said he is fueled by “The power of the Holy Spirit. Wake up every day and chase your dreams. Nothing can stop you.”
