This special feature introduces our readers to a few of the dynamic men shaping Fort Worth through grit, leadership, and heart. From a plastic surgeon with a welder's imagination to a fitness guru inspired by his son, these men share what grounds them, motivates them, and fuels their dreams—over a hypothetical meal with their younger selves or historical heroes. Through their words, explore the ideas of legacy, ambition, and purpose—and the power of choosing where and how to learn from others in a Q&A just in time for Father's Day.
Ricky Cox, Texas Total Comfort Systems
Name someone you would like to have dinner with and learn from; who is it and why?
"Sam Houston – We would talk over a steak! Leadership and risk have made many men heroes. I would enjoy speaking with him about his life, the direction it took, and how he felt after the Alamo defeat. He was a huge part of Texas history, a man of vision and courage who was a Mason and Knight Templar."
Where in Fort Worth would you want to meet and why?
"Cattlemen's Steak House. It's iconic to Fort Worth and Western Heritage." If you could have one meal with the younger version of yourself, what advice would you give them? "To not stress or worry about anything. Everything works out. Career – Family – Friends – Life itself. So, live every day like it's your last."
If you could become a go-to expert in any field outside your current profession, what would it be and why?
"A defense attorney – to help those who can't help themselves. To defend the defenseless and protect those with no voice due to funds, confidence, or lack of understanding. I am competitive, so I would have a perfect record!"
George "TAC" Matheis Jr, MCS Dog Training
Name someone you would like to have dinner with and learn from; who is it and why?
"That would be Jesus. I want to recline with him for a while with nobody else around. First, I would like to thank him for all the blessings in my life. Then, I would like to know how he kept going through 33 years of ministry with so many people wanting him dead, as well as dealing with people who hated him only for loving people."
Where in Fort Worth would you want to meet and why?
"Wilde's Cigar Shop in Burleson. I am a member and like to spend time there working and thinking in peace."
If you could have one meal with the younger version of yourself, what advice would you give them?
"Circumstances constantly change, and nothing good or bad stays the same. I would tell myself to trust in the Lord's plan and know that no matter what, everything works out in the end. Also, I would remind myself to never take relationships for granted. One day, I will see everyone I love for the last time, so I should always try to leave them in peace, grace, and love as long as it depends on me."
If you could become a go-to expert in any field outside your current profession, what would it be and why?
"That's a tough one. I'm also passionate about dogs, personal protection, and preparedness. I have always regretted not acquiring a degree and would love to be a flight medic."
Dr. Derrick, FW Plastic Surgery
Name someone you would like to have dinner with and learn from; who is it and why?
"I would have loved to have dinner with the late Ivo Pitanguy. He pioneered many facets of cosmetic plastic surgery and used his skills to reconstruct the less fortunate. He built a world-renowned clinic and was a global destination for plastic surgery! His secret sauce for innovation would be a big topic of discussion."
Where in Fort Worth would you want to meet and why?
"I would definitely take anyone from out of town to the Stockyards and the revamped Mule Alley. My family and I love going to Paloma Suerte for amazing Mexican food and frozen margaritas. We could then walk to the nearby Drover Hotel patio and get the bulk of our meeting down while watching the sunset and sampling great tequila!"
If you could have one meal with the younger version of yourself, what advice would you give them?
"1. Live life to the fullest without regrets. 2. The only things worth having in life result from hard work and perseverance. 3. Your way isn't always the best; never stop learning. 4. It would've been a tough sell because my younger self knew everything already, but I'd try to tell him to wear sunscreen!"
If you could become a go-to expert in any field outside your current profession, what would it be and why?
"I would love to be an expert team roping heeler. When everything goes right, it's like a perfectly executed symphony. It requires 360-degree expertise from horse training, riding, and roping with a dash of good luck. In my opinion, they deserve contracts equivalent to other world champions. Or—I would love to have my own fabrication shop someday. Specifically, I'd love to weld and create larger-than-life metal sculptures. The artistic hands and skills needed for plastic surgery would lend themselves well to sculpture fabrication."
Stephen Newhart, Vigor Active
Name someone you would like to have dinner with and learn from; who is it and why?
"Since I was young, I have always learned the most important information from my father, which remains true today. So, I should call him soon to schedule a dinner."
Where in Fort Worth would you want to meet and why?
"The most special place in my life downtown is my fitness center, which creates happiness in those who come across it. So, if I were to meet someone anywhere, it would be Vigor Active, as it would make for a lighthearted, healthy meeting.
If you could have one meal with the younger version of yourself, what advice would you give them?
"You've always listened to your heart, and following your heart has never steered you wrong. You are doing the right things. Keep praying, listening, and doing right by everyone you meet."
If you could become a go-to expert in any field outside your current profession, what would it be and why?
"Car design and development. My 7-year-old son has opened my eyes to the joy of cars, his passion."
Craig Berry, American National Bank
Name someone you would like to have dinner with and learn from; who is it and why?
"My late grandfather, Cleo Nipper. He was my grandfather on my mother's side of the family. Like my father, he was also a banker, serving as the Chairman and President of State National Bank in Iowa Park, TX. 'Papa Cleo' passed away in 1981, about a year before I was born, so I never had the opportunity to know him. It would mean the world to me to break bread and have an Old Fashioned or two with him."
Where in Fort Worth would you want to meet and why?
"Without a doubt, Lonesome Dove Western Bistro in Fort Worth's historic Stockyards. I've had countless dinners with family, friends, and clients at the restaurant over the years. Knowing 'Papa Cleo' was an avid outdoorsman and fellow banker, Lonesome Dove would be the perfect setting."
If you could have one meal with the younger version of yourself, what advice would you give them?
"As my father always told me, 'If it were easy, everyone would do it.' That was fantastic advice, but I would certainly take it further. Getting out of your comfort zone is key. Success comes with grit, hard work, and the willingness to try new things in business, which you will experience failure at some point. Failure builds the courage to do it again and ultimately get it right."
If you could become a go-to expert in any field outside your current profession, what would it be and why?
"I have been passionate about cooking my whole life. The jury is still out on my overall skill set in the kitchen, but I truly love it. I would want to be a culinary expert in American cuisine. There is nothing better than making people happy with fantastic food."
James Fischer, Fischer Dental
Name someone you would like to have dinner with and learn from; who is it and why?
"I'd say either author Ryan Holiday or author Bob Goff. I love great stories, and both do it so well. Ryan Holiday authored one of my favorite books, The Obstacle Is The Way. Most of his work references stoic philosophy, and he has a ton of knowledge to share in navigating the day-to-day obstacles and triumphs. Bob Goff, on the other hand, is a guy with more stories, laughs, and wisdom to share than anyone I know. I've been fortunate to talk with him on multiple occasions but still feel I'd have much to learn from him—specifically about dreaming up big ideas and letting God show up and take the lead."
Where in Fort Worth would you want to meet and why?
"My 'go-to spots' are either Cherry Coffee or Press Café. My wife and I are pretty low-key, and it really depends on the occasion. We love a great cup of coffee, plus the coffee house vibe. We lived near Cherry Coffee for a while, so this was our spot for a great Cortado. If the weather is nice and the boys (my three wild and crazy sons who I love like crazy) need to eat and be outside at the same time, we'd head to Press Café. The outdoor patio seating, open green space, and consistently great food check every box."
If you could have one meal with the younger version of yourself, what advice would you give them?
"I would look my younger self straight in the eyes and tell him not to take life or himself/myself too seriously. As I've now reached the other side of 40, with more gray hair than I thought I'd have at this point, I've grown to appreciate that hard work and building a life and business are all wonderful things, but not at the expense of missing the joy and fun that goes with it. Every moment really is a blessing, and it's right in front of you/me. Don't miss it."
If you could become a go-to expert in any field outside your current profession, what would it be and why?
"Without a doubt, I'd become an expert in the hospitality and food industry. I genuinely enjoy making people feel seen, heard, and welcomed into a space, whether my home or office. Also, I love all things food (eating it and making it). Eating great food while hanging out with new and old friends… seems like a winning combo."
JD Newton, Edward Jones
Name someone you would like to have dinner with and learn from; who is it and why?
"If I could have dinner with anyone, it would be Warren Buffett. Most people in my role would love to learn from one of the greatest investors, but his lessons are much more than financial. He has a wealth of knowledge about running multiple highly successful businesses. He has also had several spectacular failures to learn from. Warren had a 60+ year partnership with another investment titan, Charlie Munger that taught him innumerable lessons. He has given away more than $55 billion to various charities and has pledged to give away 99% of his accumulated wealth. I want to learn from someone willing to give away so much."
Where in Fort Worth would you want to meet and why?
"I would want to meet in the Fort Worth Botanic Garden. I've always felt a sense of peace there, unlike anywhere else. Time slows down, and I can reflect. Being in the Garden can make me feel like I'm in a new place where the bustle of everyday life evaporates. Any serious conversation worth having should be in the Botanic Garden."
If you could have one meal with the younger version of yourself, what advice would you give them?
"I would advise my younger self to do more things I'm passionate about and spend less time doing things that won't matter tomorrow or even in a year. When you hit the point of running a practice and taking care of children, then you will understand what it's like to be busy. Don't be afraid to take calculated risks. Sticking with something just because it is comfortable is not a good enough reason. Read everything. Don't get complacent while learning. It has served us well and will continue to do so for the rest of our lives. Lastly, don't stop exercising. Beginning again is much more difficult than maintaining momentum, especially in your forties."
If you could become a go-to expert in any field outside your current profession, what would it be and why?
"I've spent most of my time and effort in mathematics, science, computers, finance, and almost anything considered 'left-brain.' I want to give the other side some love, too, so I'd love to be an expert at playing piano. Music, like mathematics, transcends language barriers. Music can elicit emotions, recall long-dormant memories, give flashes of brilliance, or compel you to move. I would play the piano because it is so versatile and used in many music genres. I want to be able to share this gift with as many people as possible because of the joy and hope that music can bring."