Brian White
Personal Injury Attorney
Years in Business: 16
Why did you decide to start your own business?
I decided to start my law firm representing injured people due to a hard-working, entrepreneurial spirit and identifying a market need for the type of legal services that I provide. I recognize the need for a firm that gets great results on a few flagship cases and has stable and happy staff to obtain excellent results and customer service for all cases. Our approach to handling cases is fighting for every last dollar, and our approach to providing exceptional customer service is comprehensive.
Where do you see yourself in five years? Ten?
In five years, we see ourselves as Houston's largest personal injury law firm (we are already almost there). In ten years, we will be in multiple cities and possibly multiple states.
How do you set your business apart from others in your industry?
We call it "Radical Customer Service." It is our goal to create "fans." We treat people the opposite way a doctor's office receptionist treats waiting patients. Customer service begins with a full explanation of the different ways to communicate with our office and ensuring there are no misunderstandings ahead of time. We have many situations where we have rejected cases because they don't meet our intake requirements, only to have that same person hire us or recommend us to friends and family based on the initial interaction.
Matthew Bell
CEO and Founder, The Shop Club and Derby Restaurant
Years in Business: 7
Why did you decide to start your own business?
It's a combination of my dad's influence and a crazy idea. After my father's untimely passing, I decided to move back to the States, write a business plan, and realize my dreams. I processed my grief into pushing fully toward my deeply held yet unrealized goals of creating a consumer business with a dynamic community.
How do you set your business apart from others in your industry?
A big part of The Shop Club is the community, which feels like a place where you want to belong. I have been to cool clubs worldwide, but they weren't places for automotive enthusiasts or places I wanted to spend time. I didn't want it to be stuffy or uptight, but rather a place where members can interact with cars and the people who love them. I wanted to change the model and have a place centered around food and beverage with no food and beverage minimums.
What would you change about your business journey if you could go back?
Not a darn thing! I believe you are a product of your successes and failures. My dad's passing and starting a company from scratch taught me that time is precious. Now, when I have a lightbulb moment, I am more determined to execute, no matter what it is or what it takes.
Bill Hanks
CEO/Founder, Huemn
Years in business: 8
Why did you decide to start your own business?
With an engineering background, I followed my passion for healthy living and helping others feel their best. Recognizing the gap between traditional medicine and holistic wellness, I founded Huemn. Despite my engineering roots, my heart has always been focused on promoting well-being.
How do you set your business apart from others in your industry?
What distinguishes Huemn from other wellness establishments is our unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation. Unlike franchises that often prioritize cost-cutting measures by opting for cheaper equipment, we invest in premium, state-of-the-art technology to ensure the highest quality experience for our clients.
At Huemn, we believe in staying ahead of the curve, constantly evolving, and introducing cutting-edge equipment and modalities. For instance, we take pride in being the first in Houston to offer the revolutionary Red Light and Near Infrared bed, providing our clients access to the latest advancements in holistic wellness. Our Oxygen Nano Float, exclusive to Huemn and the only one in the United States, exemplifies our commitment to pushing boundaries and offering unparalleled experiences that can't be found anywhere else.
Ultimately, what truly sets us apart is our relentless pursuit of excellence. Huemn is more than just a wellness destination—it's a testament to our commitment to empowering individuals to live their healthiest, most vibrant lives.
Navasard Hakobyan
Sarah and Ernest Butler Studio Artist, Houston Grand Opera
Years on stage: 8
Why did you decide to become a performer?
My journey as a performer began at a young age when I discovered the joy of singing. From Armenian folk songs to classical music, my love for music has always been unwavering. Choosing to pursue singing professionally was a natural decision driven by my passion.
What routines do you follow each day?
Every day brings its rhythm, and as a performer, I've learned to embrace the spontaneity that comes with it. While I have many interests beyond music, from cycling and swimming to hitting the gym and playing tennis, finding time for each is challenging.
What have been some of your most significant learning experiences as a performer?
As a performer, every moment is a learning experience, both on stage and in life. Each day offers new insights and challenges that contribute to my artistic and individual growth. Whether mastering a difficult piece or navigating the industry's complexities, I embrace every opportunity to evolve and improve.