Matt Shook named one of JuiceLand’s smoothies “Cosmic Charlie” after a Grateful Dead song, and his own path has been just as unconventional. It runs from moving to Austin for music and Barton Springs Pool to rescuing blenders from an evicted juice bar, starting a business with $15,000 and building JuiceLand into 60 locations across Texas.

In this episode of *CEOs You Should Know Dallas-Fort Worth*, iHeartMedia DFW & Central Texas Region President Chris Long sits down with Matt Shook, Founder and CEO of JuiceLand, to talk about entrepreneurship, culture and building a homegrown Texas brand around fresh ingredients, good music and good vibes.

Matt shares why he chose quality of life over ambition, how a little competitive fire eventually pushed JuiceLand to grow and why his advice to young entrepreneurs is “do less deals.” He talks about building a leadership team where five of nine members started out making smoothies, why JuiceLand is staying focused on Texas instead of “hopping fences and picking someone else’s fruit,” and why the CEO himself still answers customers on Instagram. Plus, secret-menu smoothies, a banana car and the philosophy behind a company Matt describes as “a bar for healthy people.”

Matt Shook named one of JuiceLand&rsquo;s smoothies &ldquo;Cosmic Charlie&rdquo; after a Grateful Dead song, and his own path has been just as unconventional. It runs from moving to Austin for music and Barton Springs Pool to rescuing blenders from an evicted juice bar, starting a business with $15,000 and building JuiceLand into 60 locations across Texas. In this episode of *CEOs You Should Know Dallas-Fort Worth*, iHeartMedia DFW &amp; Central Texas Region President Chris Long sits down with Matt Shook, Founder and CEO of JuiceLand, to talk about entrepreneurship, culture and building a homegrown Texas brand around fresh ingredients, good music and good vibes. Matt shares why he chose quality of life over ambition, how a little competitive fire eventually pushed JuiceLand to grow and why his advice to young entrepreneurs is &ldquo;do less deals.&rdquo; He talks about building a leadership team where five of nine members started out making smoothies, why JuiceLand is staying focused on Texas instead of &ldquo;hopping fences and picking someone else&rsquo;s fruit,&rdquo; and why the CEO himself still answers customers on Instagram. Plus, secret-menu smoothies, a banana car and the philosophy behind a company Matt describes as &ldquo;a bar for healthy people.&rdquo;

Matt Shook, CEO of JuiceLand

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/98a2599f-cd9b-4f2a-9be4-b22c00e585f2/clips/c85e6332-cba2-450c-b23c-b4e201177579/transcript

If Jim Mazany's career had a soundtrack, it would open with Prince. His first concert was the Purple Rain tour at Nassau Coliseum. Since then, his path has run from washing dishes on Long Island to culinary school in Hyde Park to leading brands like TGI Fridays, Logan's Roadhouse and Joe's Crab Shack, and now to the CEO role at P.F. Chang's.

In this episode of CEOs You Should Know, iHeartMedia Region President Chris Long sits down with Jim Mazany, CEO of P.F. Chang's, to talk about hospitality, culinary craft and leading an iconic brand through a turnaround.

Jim traces the influences that shaped him, from a Marine father who taught him work ethic to a mother who made hospitality the center of their home. He shares how a chef's mindset still guides the way he leads, why "the speed of trust" matters when building a leadership team and how P.F. Chang's is working to turn "I like P.F. Chang's, but I haven't been there in a while" into "I love P.F. Chang's, and I was there last night." He also takes Chris inside the brand's turnaround, from renewed focus on the in-restaurant experience and culinary innovation to double-digit sales growth, rising guest traffic and plans to expand P.F. Chang's footprint in the U.S. and around the world.

Guest: Jim Mazany, CEO, P.F. Chang's

Host: Chris Long, Region President, iHeartMedia Dallas-Fort Worth & Central Texas

If Jim Mazany's career had a soundtrack, it would open with Prince. His first concert was the Purple Rain tour at Nassau Coliseum. Since then, his path has run from washing dishes on Long Island to culinary school in Hyde Park to leading brands like TGI Fridays, Logan's Roadhouse and Joe's Crab Shack, and now to the CEO role at P.F. Chang's.
In this episode of CEOs You Should Know, iHeartMedia Region President Chris Long sits down with Jim Mazany, CEO of P.F. Chang's, to talk about hospitality, culinary craft and leading an iconic brand through a turnaround.
Jim traces the influences that shaped him, from a Marine father who taught him work ethic to a mother who made hospitality the center of their home. He shares how a chef's mindset still guides the way he leads, why "the speed of trust" matters when building a leadership team and how P.F. Chang's is working to turn "I like P.F. Chang's, but I haven't been there in a while" into "I love P.F. Chang's, and I was there last night." He also takes Chris inside the brand's turnaround, from renewed focus on the in-restaurant experience and culinary innovation to double-digit sales growth, rising guest traffic and plans to expand P.F. Chang's footprint in the U.S. and around the world.
Guest: Jim Mazany, CEO, P.F. Chang's
Host: Chris Long, Region President, iHeartMedia Dallas-Fort Worth &amp; Central Texas

Jim Mazany, CEO of P.F. Chang's

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/98a2599f-cd9b-4f2a-9be4-b22c00e585f2/clips/93069e46-d59b-4da7-84b2-b4d400f41911/transcript

In this episode, we sat down with Michael Crowl, CEO of University Federal Credit Union (UFCU), to talk about his leadership journey, the organization’s deep Austin roots, and how UFCU continues to deliver a people-first banking experience in a modern world.

In this episode, we sat down with Michael Crowl, CEO of University Federal Credit Union (UFCU), to talk about his leadership journey, the organization’s deep Austin roots, and how UFCU continues to deliver a people-first banking experience in a modern world.

In this episode, we sat down with Michael Crowl, CEO of University Federal Credit Union (UFCU), to talk about his leadership journey, the organization’s deep Austin roots, and how UFCU continues to deliver a people-first banking experience in a modern...

Michael Crowl, CEO and President of UFCU

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/98a2599f-cd9b-4f2a-9be4-b22c00e585f2/clips/99de027e-ec2a-4782-8238-b4600152960b/transcript

Central Texas businees Plumbing Outfitters celebrates it's 10th  anniversary next year. Founders and owners Warren and Ashley Stroud talk about the history of Plumbing Outiftters, it's creation and it's philosophy for it's mission statement "Plumbing Outfitters, your guide for all things plubming"

Central Texas businees Plumbing Outfitters celebrates it's 10th  anniversary next year. Founders and owners Warren and Ashley Stroud talk about the history of Plumbing Outiftters, it's creation and it's philosophy for it's mission statement "Plumbing...

Warren and Ashley Stroud of Plumbing Outfitters

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/98a2599f-cd9b-4f2a-9be4-b22c00e585f2/clips/3bc7e519-5ef0-4cb1-8028-b4600152e360/transcript

In this episode of CEOs You Should Know, Austin Market President, Christine Escobar speaks with Kyndel Bennett, CEO of Cayetano Development, about his journey into real estate development and the mission behind building thoughtful, community-driven projects. Bennett shares insights on leadership, navigating market shifts, and building trust across investors, municipalities, and communities. The conversation also explores redefining success as a CEO and what’s next for Cayetano Development’s growing impact.

In this episode of CEOs You Should Know, Austin Market President, Christine Escobar speaks with Kyndel Bennett, CEO of Cayetano Development, about his journey into real estate development and the mission behind building thoughtful, community-driven projects. Bennett shares insights on leadership, navigating market shifts, and building trust across investors, municipalities, and communities. The conversation also explores redefining success as a CEO and what’s next for Cayetano Development’s growing impact.

In this episode of CEOs You Should Know, Austin Market President, Christine Escobar speaks with Kyndel Bennett, CEO of Cayetano Development, about his journey into real estate development and the mission behind building thoughtful, community-driven...

Kyndel Bennett, CEO of Cayetano Development

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/98a2599f-cd9b-4f2a-9be4-b22c00e585f2/clips/d116258b-cd3b-4ed1-b348-b4600152e2cf/transcript

Kalyn Asher is an award-winning advertising agency founder and media strategist with more than three decades of experience building brands and partnerships that last. She is the founder of Asher Media in Dallas (est. 1999) and Avalanche Media Group in Austin (est. 2012). A University of Texas advertising graduate, Kalyn is also an alumna of the Dartmouth Tuck Executive Program and the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program. She has led media strategy across many brands in Retail, Restaurant, Healthcare, Education, Sports, Technology, CPG, Entertainment and more. Kalyn remains focused on staying at the forefront of innovation across all media channels. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends.

Kalyn Asher is an award-winning advertising agency founder and media strategist with more than three decades of experience building brands and partnerships that last. She is the founder of Asher Media in Dallas (est. 1999) and Avalanche Media Group in...

KALYN ASHER, FOUNDER OF ASHER MEDIA & AVALANCHE MEDIA

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/98a2599f-cd9b-4f2a-9be4-b22c00e585f2/clips/bcee7c49-cba5-49e3-ac06-b4600152e7fe/transcript

In this episode, we sit down with Morgan Roberts, Vice President of KM Builders, to explore her path into leadership and the values that drive her work. Morgan shares how she helps keep KM Builders innovative, community‑focused, and trusted across San Antonio. In honor of Women’s History Month, Morgan reflects on the women who shaped her career and offers heartfelt advice for young women pursuing leadership roles—especially in male‑dominated industries. She also looks ahead at how women’s roles in business are evolving. From personal values to community impact, Morgan brings insight, authenticity, and inspiration to the conversation.

In this episode, we sit down with Morgan Roberts, Vice President of KM Builders, to explore her path into leadership and the values that drive her work. Morgan shares how she helps keep KM Builders innovative, community‑focused, and trusted across San Antonio. In honor of Women’s History Month, Morgan reflects on the women who shaped her career and offers heartfelt advice for young women pursuing leadership roles—especially in male‑dominated industries. She also looks ahead at how women’s roles in business are evolving. From personal values to community impact, Morgan brings insight, authenticity, and inspiration to the conversation.

In this episode, we sit down with Morgan Roberts, Vice President of KM Builders, to explore her path into leadership and the values that drive her work. Morgan shares how she helps keep KM Builders innovative, community‑focused, and trusted across San...

Morgan Roberts, Vice President of KM Builders

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/98a2599f-cd9b-4f2a-9be4-b22c00e585f2/clips/af63a338-a400-42b0-b3b7-b4600152e3cf/transcript

In this episode of CEOs You Should Know, we highlight Kortney Chase, Founder of Pecana and a third‑generation pecan farmer transforming the plant‑based beverage world. After seeing a gap in the market for clean, great‑tasting pecan milk, Kortney created Pecana—the world’s first fully organic, plant‑based milk made with 100% American pecans. Kortney shares the story behind Pecana, the personal mission that drives her, the early challenges of launching a first‑of‑its‑kind product, and how she’s innovating in a rapidly growing industry. She also reflects on key milestones, leadership lessons, and what’s next for Pecana.

In this episode of CEOs You Should Know, we highlight Kortney Chase, Founder of Pecana and a third‑generation pecan farmer transforming the plant‑based beverage world. After seeing a gap in the market for clean, great‑tasting pecan milk, Kortney created Pecana—the world’s first fully organic, plant‑based milk made with 100% American pecans. Kortney shares the story behind Pecana, the personal mission that drives her, the early challenges of launching a first‑of‑its‑kind product, and how she’s innovating in a rapidly growing industry. She also reflects on key milestones, leadership lessons, and what’s next for Pecana.

In this episode of CEOs You Should Know, we highlight Kortney Chase, Founder of Pecana and a third‑generation pecan farmer transforming the plant‑based beverage world. After seeing a gap in the market for clean, great‑tasting pecan milk, Kortney...

Kortney Chase, Founder of Pecana

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/98a2599f-cd9b-4f2a-9be4-b22c00e585f2/clips/1ba34f28-92e9-41d4-8582-b4600152e429/transcript

In this Women’s History Month edition of CEOs You Should Know, Rosie Perez sits down with Vanessa Van de Putte, President and CEO of Dixie Flag and Banner Company—a 68‑year‑old, family‑owned San Antonio manufacturer known for its craftsmanship in flags, banners, signage, and event décor. Vanessa shares how her background in film and event production shaped her leadership approach, what it means to carry forward a multigenerational legacy, and how American manufacturing is evolving.
As a statewide and national leader in the events industry, she offers insight on the future of suppliers, community leadership, and the women who’ve inspired her journey. Tune in for an inspiring conversation with a CEO blending creativity, tradition, and innovation to move a Texas legacy into the future.

In this Women’s History Month edition of CEOs You Should Know, Rosie Perez sits down with Vanessa Van de Putte, President and CEO of Dixie Flag and Banner Company—a 68‑year‑old, family‑owned San Antonio manufacturer known for its craftsmanship in flags, banners, signage, and event décor. Vanessa shares how her background in film and event production shaped her leadership approach, what it means to carry forward a multigenerational legacy, and how American manufacturing is evolving. As a statewide and national leader in the events industry, she offers insight on the future of suppliers, community leadership, and the women who’ve inspired her journey. Tune in for an inspiring conversation with a CEO blending creativity, tradition, and innovation to move a Texas legacy into the future.

In this Women’s History Month edition of CEOs You Should Know, Rosie Perez sits down with Vanessa Van de Putte, President and CEO of Dixie Flag and Banner Company—a 68‑year‑old, family‑owned San Antonio manufacturer known for its craftsmanship in...

Vanessa Van De Putte, President & CEO of Dixie Flag & Banner Company

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/98a2599f-cd9b-4f2a-9be4-b22c00e585f2/clips/523355f5-fa2f-4a87-bbeb-b46001531ec3/transcript

Former Texas journalists, Jerome Grey,  shares the news about seamless travel benefits for those with a Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA) account. 
Drivers with an EZ TAG or those who still have their TxTag now enjoy the same convenience when utilizing toll roads across the state thanks to the successful partnership between the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and HCTRA which began in December 2024.  For toll road users it means:


Tags that work throughout Texas, Kansas, Oklahoma, Florida and Colorado.
Adding multiple vehicles on one account.
More options to pay in person at retail locations.
A more regional approach with HCTRA managing billing and customer service operations.
Avoiding fees from multiple toll operators in the same region.
A 10 percent discount on Harris County toll roads.
Another important reminder is there are no fees to get tags."The message is simple. Whether it's convenience or savings, toll roads make life easier for everyone," said Jerome Gray, deputy director, Communications at HCTRA.   The explosive population growth across Texas means drivers need options.  Toll roads not only provide those options, they also provide a revenue source to maintain the roads and invest in other mobility projects. 

Former Texas journalists, Jerome Grey,  shares the news about seamless travel benefits for those with a Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA) account.  Drivers with an EZ TAG or those who still have their TxTag now enjoy the same convenience when utilizing toll roads across the state thanks to the successful partnership between the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and HCTRA which began in December 2024.  For toll road users it means: <ol><li><ul><li>Tags that work throughout Texas, Kansas, Oklahoma, Florida and Colorado.</li><li>Adding multiple vehicles on one account.</li><li>More options to pay in person at retail locations.</li><li>A more regional approach with HCTRA managing billing and customer service operations.</li><li>Avoiding fees from multiple toll operators in the same region.</li><li>A 10 percent discount on Harris County toll roads.</li><li>Another important reminder is there are no fees to get tags."The message is simple. Whether it's convenience or savings, toll roads make life easier for everyone," said Jerome Gray, deputy director, Communications at HCTRA.   The explosive population growth across Texas means drivers need options.  Toll roads not only provide those options, they also provide a revenue source to maintain the roads and invest in other mobility projects. </li></ul></li></ol>

Former Texas journalists, Jerome Grey,  shares the news about seamless travel benefits for those with a Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA) account. 
Drivers with an EZ TAG or those who still have their TxTag now enjoy the same convenience when...

HCTRA - Jerome Grey - Deputy Director Of Communications For Harris County Toll Road Authority

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/98a2599f-cd9b-4f2a-9be4-b22c00e585f2/clips/2b82213f-2ce4-49fb-b715-b46001531dfd/transcript

CEO's You Should Know is a podcast that spotlights CEOs from area businesses and introduces you to the person behind the success of these businesses in our communities.

CEOs You Should Know - San Antonio

Social links:

Follow the podcast:

35 clip(s)