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Life Lessons

Cypress Businessmen Share Words of Wisdom

Article by Erica Hernandez

Photography by Josh Olalde

Originally published in Cypress Lifestyle

NAME: Duane Horne

TITLE: Financial Adviser

COMPANY: Prudential

What’s the greatest life lesson you’ve learned?

My greatest life lesson learned, so far, is that we are not in control of our lives; God is. Once we learn to let go of the steering wheel and let him guide us, then life becomes much more meaningful and easier to manage. Each day I learn more about his plan for my life and how I can help others with the talents he has given me.

What advice would you give a young person who wants to enter your industry?

For a young person wanting to enter my industry, I would encourage them to discover why they chose the profession. Your passion for doing what you do helps you persist when difficult times emerge. Whether it’s helping others plan for their retirement or putting bread on your family’s table, your passion will be your lifelong motivator.

To what do you attribute your success in business?

I would attribute my success to God and the talents he has given me. Also, my family and business partner have been an integral part of my drive and determination to thrive as a business owner.

What is your favorite thing to do in Cypress?  

My favorite thing to do in Cypress is eat and play golf. I know that’s two things but they are tied for No. 1 with me. The Cypress restaurants are growing in number, and my golf game is … staying consistent let’s say. Spending time with my family and friends is what it’s all about!

Words to Live By: "Keep your priorities of God, family, country and friends for life balance."

10613 W. Sam Houston Parkway N, Suite 125, Houston

713.863.9900, GuidanceFncl.com

NAME: Thomas Lemke

TITLE: Brewmaster

COMPANY: Klaus Brewing Company

What’s the greatest life lesson you’ve learned?

So far, the greatest life lesson I've learned is to be patient but vigilant when trying to attain your goals. I believe you can't rush the natural progression of how events will be played out and how progress toward your goals will be accomplished.

What advice would you give a young person who wants to enter your industry?

The advice I would give is to enter a formal beer education program that includes internships. If possible, intern or volunteer before making that leap because most don't understand the amount of work that goes into running a brewery, and that it's not as glorious as they may have thought.

To what do you attribute your success in business?

I attribute my success in business to past experience, especially learning from failures. Also, and probably more importantly, is who I surround myself with and the support of those around me.

How do you define success?

I define success as achieving goals while maintaining balance. Success isn't a goal; it's a journey of wins outweighing losses.

10142 Jones Road, Houston

713.498.5004

NAME: Dr. Huy Lam, D.D.S.

TITLE: Owner/Dentist

COMPANY: HDentaL

 What’s the greatest life lesson you’ve learned?

One of the greatest lessons I have learned is nothing is impossible nor too late. I was a research and development mechanical engineer for six and a half years before returning to dental school. The journey from the decision to switch to graduation spanned seven years. It was not an easy route and was filled with challenges, but I would like to think I am proof to anyone who wants to pursue their field of passion to just do it.

What advice would you give a young person who wants to enter your industry?

I absolutely love my field of practice. If you are interested in dentistry and are in high school or college, I strongly suggest doing some shadowing in a dental office to see what we do day-to-day. I welcome young students to my office if you're inclined. Just shoot us an email at info@myhdental.com. Of course, keep your grades high!

To what do you attribute your success in business?

People want to be heard whether it's at the dentist or doctor. I schedule dedicated time for my patients so they do not feel rushed and are allowed time to ask questions and fully understand their diagnosis and recommended treatment. I want my patients to be comfortable and feel HDentaL is their dental home. I grew up with a neighborhood dentist, and that is my vision for HDentaL.

What is your favorite thing to do in Cypress?

My wife and I really enjoy the trails within Coles Crossing. We frequently bike and run on the trails and are immersed in the community. Being outdoors and not having to depart far from home is wonderful. Also, we are both originally from Austin, so outside of Coles Crossing, you'll find us eating Torchy's Tacos, an Austin original, over in Towne Lake.

Words to Live By: "Find your purpose and embody it in all that you do."

13119 Louetta Road, Cypress

832.698.4648, MyHDentaL.com

NAME: Randall Benzel

TITLE: President/Principal

COMPANY: All Insured Group

What’s the greatest life lesson you’ve learned?

The greatest life lesson I’ve learned is to always give back to others when you can, as it comes back tenfold down the road. The more you can help others in life, the better your life will become.

What advice would you give a young person who wants to enter your industry?

So many people think that all insurance agents make huge incomes. While many do, it is only after hard work and many years of building a client base and being consistent in your daily prospecting activities that one enjoys success. Work hard, develop good work habits, improve your knowledge of your industry at all times, treat people as you wish to be treated and never give up on your dreams.

To what do you attribute your success in business?

People skills are a big reason for my success. When you are an agent, you are dealing with people who have vast education differences. One minute you are speaking to someone with a Ph.D., and the next minute you are speaking to someone who didn’t finish high school. You must be able to communicate your message on the level of your client or prospect at all times.

What is your favorite thing to do in Cypress?

We love Cypress because it still has the small-town feel. We enjoy the people of Cypress, and getting together with our friends and family is something we do a lot of. We believe in supporting our community, so we participate in many social events throughout Cypress as well as sponsoring events for our clientele and referral partners. Cypress living: it’s a way of life!

"If you do everything in your power to help those around you reach their full potential, you never have to worry about your level of success."

14550 Spring Cypress Road, Suite B, Cypress

713.636.2253

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