D CEO January/February 2021
Cover Story
We Are in The Golden Age of Innovation
Meet the changemakers who are disrupting business in Dallas-Fort Worth—and beyond.
Features

Business
Brint Ryan: The Tax Man Cometh
After a hardscrabble upbringing, the Ryan LLC CEO built a fortune by saving companies big bucks on their taxes. Here’s how he battled his way to the top.
By Barry Shlachter

Business
The Risk of Losing Cultural Adhesion
The need for physical human connection will be instrumental in the restabilization of DFW’s office market.

Business
Yum! Brands James Fripp Leans Into Paving The Way
He got his start working behind the counter at a Taco Bell restaurant. Now, he’s in the global C-Suite leading diversity and inclusion discussion.
By Will Maddox

Business
Meet the Dallas 500: Energy Transfer’s Thomas Long
The longtime executive has taken the reins as co-CEO of the midstream energy company co-founded by Kelcy Warren.
By D CEO

Business
Dallas-Fort Worth’s Industrial Sector is on Fire
E-commerce defined the region’s commercial real estate market in 2020. Here’s a look at what that means for the future.

Business
On Topic: How These Business Leaders Plan to Thrive in Difficult Times
Some of the top names in commercial real estate, law, and dining on how they see their industry’s outlook in 2021.
By Will Maddox

Advice
How to Develop a Succession Plan
It doesn’t have to be dramatic. The worst thing you can do is not plan for them, says business adviser G. Bradford Bulkley.
By D CEO

Business
Café Momentum’s Chad Houser is Scaling New Heights
The nonprofit restaurant’s founder, CEO, and executive chef is passionate about indoor rock climbing.

Books
7 Books Dallas Execs Think You Should Read
Ken Hersh, Melissa Reiff, Charlie Vogt, and other leaders share the one book they think everyone should read—and why.
By D CEO

Publications
Art of Style: Kellie Sirna, Studio 11 Design
The designer behind projects for Hyatt, Starwood, Thompson Hotels, and more says fashion in all its forms is inspiration.
By D CEO

Executive Travel
Unwinding With KAI Enterprise President Darren James in Cabo San Lucas
Along with plenty of opportunities for recreation and R&R, the region is becoming a hotspot for golf, with two impressive resorts opening in the last year.
By Art Stricklin

My Roots
My Roots: Ossa Fisher
The Istation president and COO credits her passion for education to her upbringing in America as a dual citizen with Swedish roots

Publications
Women Leading Tech and Innovation 2021
Though still too small in number, Dallas’ female STEM leaders are fiercely working to lay the ground for more women in the field.
By D Partner Studio

Dallas History
Royally Haunted: The Adolphus Hotel
The iconic 22-story hotel, the tallest building in Dallas for a decade, is known for its history, opulence—and paranormal activity.