Building on last year’s Executive Holiday series, we continue with more memories, wish lists, and New Year’s resolutions from North Texas C-Suiters. Read on to find out which business leaders say their wish list includes a Cowboys Super Bowl appearance, ’70s albums, framed family photos for the office, and more. Be sure to check out our Dec. 19 post featuring Mimi Crume Sterling, Al Montoya, Kit Sawers, and more.
Tony Carimi
Managing Director, Park Place Dealerships
Holiday traditions: “While our daughters were growing up, we spent the holidays in Mexico, celebrating as a family on the warm beach. One of the best memories we have there was volunteering at a local animal shelter on Christmas Day and getting to support the center so that their team could spend time with their families, too. Somehow, we didn’t return back to North Texas with additional dogs.”
Favorite gift: “A pawn shop guitar in middle school. Music has always been a huge part of my life, and I would hide away for hours getting lost in the chords and visualization of dreams.”
On this year’s wish list: “Isn’t is about time that the Cowboys make it back to the Superbowl?
Down time tips: “First, view the people you work with as part of your extended family, and when you are with them, they are getting the best of you at the office. When you take time off during the holidays to be with your family, leave work behind and plan activities that allow you to experience and enjoy each other without the distractions of your job. There will never be another 2022 holiday season, so make the most of this time.”
Memorable moment from 2022: “I turned 50 this year and had the chance to experience that milestone exploring and immersing myself in the culture and beauty of the coasts of Italy and Croatia.”
My New Year’s resolution for 2023: “I want to hold myself accountable to do the daily activities necessary while leading the team members of Park Place to continue improving the North Texas communities in which we live and serve. We are blessed to live in one of the best economies in the country, and it is our responsibility to positively impact lives and make a difference.”
Ray Casas
Director of Community Impact, Texas Rangers
Holiday traditions: “My favorite holiday tradition is to sit around the fireplace and watch our family’s favorite holiday films on Christmas Eve, It’s A Wonderful Life, Love Actually, and Last Christmas.”
Favorite gift: “When I was a child, my uncle gave me a signed baseball from the 1956 New York Yankees.”
On this year’s wish list: “I’m not asking for anything this year. I have my family and my health. That’s all I want this Christmas.”
Down time tips: “I save any work that I have to do over the holidays for after when my mother and sister go to sleep. I spend the holidays with them.”
Memorable moment from 2022: “Visiting the community of Uvalde, Texas and helping to raise over $200,000.00 for a community building for their kids.”
My New Year’s resolution: “I don’t make resolutions. I just try to be a better person and have a greater impact on our community then I did in 2022.”
Brian Lowe
Chief Commercial Officer, Verdant Commercial Capital
Holiday traditions: “My favorite holiday tradition is simple: slowing down, getting together with family, and being thankful for what we have and our family. I have three children, and seeing them get excited for Christmas is truly amazing. Throw in some college football on top of all that. My favorite holiday treat is a nice glass of bourbon—neat, in a glen cairn, and hopefully a Dallas Bourbon Club barrel pick.
Favorite gift: “It’s old school: A He-Man Castle Grayskull.”
On this year’s wish list: “Framed pictures of my family for the office.”
Down time tips: “Turn off the work email. Nothing is so important that it can’t wait until the holiday is over.”
Memorable moment from 2022: “I enjoyed being part of the Dallas Bourbon Club and raising $150,000 for some great local and impactful charities.”
My New Year’s resolution for 2023: “To be a balance of humble and hungry. Also, my children are coming to the age where they have events and sports, so I want to be present for those.”
Dr. Shelley Hall and Dr. Rick Snyder
Chief of Transplant Cardiology, Baylor Scott & White Health and President, Heartplace
Holiday traditions:
Hall: “We have a week of activities, starting with our youngest’s birthday. Then, we do a carriage ride to look at lights, we watch Scrooge, Gaylord Ice, or the new Enchant, then usually a Stars and Cowboys game, and then Christmas Eve dinner.”
Snyder: “Putting up our obnoxiously over-the-top, Griswold-esque indoor and outdoor Christmas decorations, seeing Scrooge at Dallas Theater Center( 32 years running!), a Christmas light carriage ride, and our annual family Christmas card/letter.”
Favorite gift:
Hall: “Rick created a mounted display of the last ten years of our annual Christmas cards.”
Snyder: “Gift certificates for dinner and a movie from my kids. Also, media room reclining chairs.”
On this year’s wish list:
Hall: “Nothing. We are planning a house remodel so that is enough for us!”
Snyder: “A new left humerus to replace my fractured one.”
Down time tips:
Hall: “Avoid scheduling meetings at night and save that for family. Life is crazy enough the rest of the year.”
Snyder: “Wake up every morning and remind yourself that family time ultimately is all that really matters. Work exists to support the family time!”
Memorable moment from 2022:
Hall: “Getting a Porsche! My first fancy car ever, and I picked a winner.”
Snyder: “Being elected president-elect of the Texas Medical Association and Will Maddox’s article Heart to Heart.“
My New Year’s resolution for 2023:
Hall: “I want to find a way to slow it down a little bit. I’ve gotten overloaded again.”
Snyder: “Get more sleep! The number one thing to improve your health is to get enough(at least 8 hours) of sleep.”
David Tesmer
Chief Community & Public Policy Officer, Advocacy and Community Benefit, Texas Health Resources
Holiday traditions: My favorite holiday tradition is to spend Christmas Eve sipping eggnog while watching Christmas movies. Our favorites to watch are Die Hard (it really is a Christmas movie!), Elf, and Love Actually.”
Favorite gift: “My wife had a song written about us. That’s one of my the most unique and amazing gifts ever.”
On this year’s wish list: “I love 70s albums, so anything from that era is high on my wish list.”
Down time tips: “Don’t overcommit. We live a pretty fast pace throughout the year, so take time with families and friends. And, be present. If the last two years taught us anything, it’s that our friends and loved ones are precious gifts.”
Memorable moment from 2022: “In the spring, Texas Health received the coveted Foster G. McGaw Prize for Excellence in Community Service by the American Hospital Association. It’s about more than the award, but the recognition of Texas Health and our community engagement team for their efforts in responding to health disparities, eliminating root causes of chronic disease, and providing tools that instill life-long health and well-being for all North Texans. I’m so incredibly proud of everyone who worked hard for the communities we serve.”
My New Year’s resolution for 2023: “I really want to give more of my own time to others—Not money or resources, just time. It’s sometimes the hardest gift to give, but also the most meaningful.”
Beth Bowman
President and CEO, Greater Irving-Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce and the Irving Economic Development Partnership
Holiday traditions: “While I am not known for being a chef, one of my favorite holiday traditions is baking—and especially getting to do that with my kids.”
Favorite gift: “My parents would say it was my Rainbow Brite roller skates I received as a child, but as an adult, it was definitely being able to bring our son home from the hospital. He was born three months premature and spent eight weeks in the NICU, and bringing him home was one of the greatest joys and gifts for our family.”
On this year’s wish list: “I wish for physical and mental health and wellness this holiday season and in the coming year not only for my family but for individuals and families everywhere.”
Down time tips: “Carve out quiet time for yourself to help get centered. For me, that’s trying to start the day in quiet prayer. While that doesn’t always happen, when it does, I find my priorities are centered, and everything else falls into place.”
Memorable moment from 2022: “All my life, my siblings and I have enjoyed our parents, aunts, and uncles cooking our Thanksgiving dinner for us. This year, the tradition was passed to our generation, and I was able to cook dinner with my siblings and their spouses. We have a lot to live up to, but we all had the best time cooking together and with our kids.”
My New Year’s resolution: “I’d love to focus on self-care and prioritizing my physical and mental health to be the best person I can be for my family, the Chamber team, and our community.”
Danny Lovell
President and CEO, The Rainier Cos.
Favorite gift: “My wife, Amber, got me our first dog, a chocolate lab named Hershel, for Christmas, our first year together. He’s definitely the best gift I’ve ever received.”
On this year’s wish list: “Finishing the backyard project we started in May! We have both promised not to get each other gifts and focus on finishing before the New Year.”
Down time tips: “Build time for yourself, family, and friends into your schedule. You won’t feel as guilty about it, and appointments will be easier to keep.”
Memorable moment from 2022: “We spent two weeks in Italy this fall. This was the first time in a long time that I had genuinely unplugged from the office.”
My New Year’s resolution: “Get more sleep.”
Brent Christopher
President, Children’s Medical Center Foundation
Holiday traditions: “There are lots to choose from, but hands-down for me is watching It’s A Wonderful Life. My cheeks are always wet at the end. Most gratifying is that my college-aged son, who used to get bored watching each year, just told me, ‘Now I get it, Dad.’”
Favorite gift: “Well, my daughter was born during Christmas week, so it’s pretty hard to top that.”
On this year’s wish list: “A pair of boots! I’m a native Texan, but I’ve got long, narrow feet and I’ve never owned a comfortable pair of boots in my life.”
Down time tips: “Don’t just assume that time for relaxing with the family will happen on its own. It won’t. Start planning ahead in October and block off the time on everyone’s calendars.”
Memorable moment from 2022: “With a high school graduation, a college graduation pandemic do-over, and a wedding in our household this year, it’s too tough to pick among those. So, I’ll go with meeting the amazing new Santa at NorthPark Center (who’s helping kids at Children’s Health, by the way).”
My New Year’s resolution: “To focus more on personal relationships. My wife is much better than me at this. They’re the easiest things to let slip. But, they’re the most important things of all.”
Marty Turco
President, Dallas Stars Foundation
Holiday traditions: “Grapefruit in the morning. We are big on stocking stuffers, putting up the tree together and enjoying eggnog.”
Favorite gift: “Kelly got a painting made of my favorite childhood outdoor rink I skated on in Canada.”
On this year’s wish list: “A new, awesome pizza oven.”
Down time tips: “Make those plans to be together and stick to it. Make those count. When at work, turn on holiday music. And for the Stars, winning makes people happy.”
Memorable moment from 2022: “Learning my name will be used in Love Field. Turco 35 Beers and Bites is happening.”
My New Year’s resolution: “Take care to the BEST of my ability things like my health and my family. We’re fortunate to have seen banner years for both businesses- The Dallas Stars Foundation and Kingsville Brewing Company.”
Joey Grisham
Director, Anna Economic Development Corp.
Holiday traditions: “I love boiled custard! My grandmother used to make her homemade version of it every year at Christmas. Our family also enjoys driving around and looking at all the Christmas lights around the area.”
Favorite gift: “My favorite gift I’ve ever received was the Evel Knievel Stunt Cycle when I was about three or four, my brother and I played with it every day! We would crank it up and out he went. I also appreciate gifts from those that I know don’t have a lot to give.”
On this year’s wishlist: “Since my 50th birthday falls right before Christmas, my gift this year is a trip to Ireland to celebrate! I have always dreamed of going to Ireland and can’t wait to go this spring.”
Down time tips: “The holidays are supposed to be a time for relaxation and family, although they are often more hectic for all of us. I encourage people to make time for family and friends and put their cell phones down to be more present.”
Memorable moment from 2022: “It’s a tie for me! My 50th birthday and being an honoree for the D CEO Dallas 500. I was more than honored to be recognized for such a distinction.”
My New Year’s resolution: “I would love to read more and continue to help the City of Anna grow and flourish.”
Lynn Dowdle
Principle, Dowdle Real Estate
Holiday traditions: “Every year, elf hats are required (by Santa!) to be worn while diving into our stockings—no matter how young or old. The funny part is there is no pushback—everyone loves it and appreciates this as a cherished tradition.”
Favorite gift: “When I was very young—maybe 6 or 7—my parents gave all three of us kids a small suitcase. We were going on a trip to a hot spring—our very first road trip! We didn’t have a lot growing up, so this was a very special year.”
On this year’s wishlist: “Every year when asked by my kids what I want for Christmas, the answer is always love. So far, it’s working out really well. As the family grows, the love becomes bigger.”
Down time tips: “During the holidays, there isn’t balance with work. I go ‘all in’ with being fully present and embracing every fun moment. There will be plenty of time to work after the holidays.”
My New Year’s resolution: “To be the best I can be in all areas of my life and to practice kindness daily.”
Holland Harper
President, Harrison, Walker & Harper
Holiday traditions: “Christmas Eve service at Holy Cross Episcopal Church, followed by Christmas Eve Dinner with my extended family.”
Favorite gift: “A Golden Retriever puppy when I was 12.”
Down time tips: “Plan early. These are always busy times, and both sides of our lives require focused attention.”
My New Year’s resolution: “Stay focused on the changes associated with the evolving economy and how our core businesses can stay competitive in this environment.”
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