Back to Entrepreneur Of The Year

Meet the 2025 Southwest winners

Congratulations to the Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2025 Southwest winners, the shapers of our future! These innovators are boldly disrupting markets, revolutionizing industries, and transforming lives, paving the way for a brighter tomorrow! 

Learn more about our winners

Gordon Huddleston | Aethon Energy Management LLC | Dallas, Texas

Gordon Huddleston is the President & Partner of Aethon Energy Management LLC. Aethon Energy is a private investment firm focused on asymmetric opportunities in onshore energy assets in North America. We aim to create exceptional value through Principled Private Equity, which guides how we invest in and operate sustainable energy solutions that improve the world. Today, Aethon’s investments constitute the largest private natural gas business in North America, boasting industry-leading margins and the lowest GHG emissions intensity among peers. We evaluate opportunities in various basins where we can favorably enhance the risk-reward profile of upstream, midstream, carbon capture, and other energy assets.

back to the top

Ray Waddell | CEC Facilities Group | Irving, Texas

Ray Waddell is the Founder & Chairman of CEC Facilities Group. CEC Facilities Group (CEC) is a leader in electrical infrastructure and specialty trade solutions. We provide comprehensive design, engineering, installation, and maintenance for complex electrical systems, serving key sectors such as semiconductors, data centers, high-tech manufacturing, and commercial industries. We also offer complementary mechanical, technology, and telecom solutions, enabling turnkey services for critical infrastructure, industrial facilities, and corporate interiors.

With a strategic national presence in high-growth U.S. regions, CEC is at the forefront of powering the evolving landscape of electrification and digital infrastructure.

back to the top

 

Kyle Gordon and Maggie Gordon | Dillas Quesadillas | Dallas, Texas

Kyle Gordon is the CEO & Co-Founder and Maggie Gordon is the President & Co-Founder of Dillas Quesadillas. Dillas Quesadillas is a focused, fast-casual restaurant with locations in Texas and Louisiana, offering our communities fresh and flavorful Primo Quesadilla Meals.

back to the top

 

Dani Austin and Jordan Ramirez | Divi | Dallas, Texas

Dani Austin is the Co-Founder and Jordan Ramirez is the Co-Founder & Chairman of Divi. Founded in 2021 by creator and entrepreneur Dani Austin after her own personal hair loss journey, Divi is a scalp and hair health brand that champions a holistic approach to hair wellness. The brand is driven by its mission to create innovative and clean products that promote hair wellness with ingredients that are effective and backed by science. Divi's clean lineup includes its flagship Scalp Serum, Dry Shampoo, and two lines of Shampoo and Conditioner. Beyond hair care, Divi offers a welcoming community for individuals navigating hair loss or thinning, or simply seeking to learn about and implement a healthy scalp and hair care routine.

back to the top

David Iliff | DuraServ LLC | Carrollton, Texas

David Iliff is the CEO of DuraServ LLC. As a leading provider of commercial, industrial, and residential overhead door and loading dock solutions, DuraServ is a trusted partner for over 12,000 local and national customers. Strengthened by financial partner Leonard Green & Partners (LGP), based in Los Angeles, California, the company serves a diverse range of industries, from big-box retail and food and beverage to manufacturing, transportation, and logistics. Headquartered in Carrollton, Texas, the company operates over 40 branches throughout the United States and Canada and employs approximately 1,200 team members.

back to the top

James Showalter | EG4 Electronics, LLC. | Sulphur Springs, Texas

James Showalter is the Founder & CEO of EG4 Electronics, LLC. EG4 Electronics is a premier solar manufacturer based in Texas, dedicated to delivering high-quality, affordable, and reliable energy solutions. Specializing in advanced LiFePO4 batteries, hybrid and off-grid inverters, and fully integrated energy storage systems (ESS), EG4 is committed to empowering homes and businesses with energy independence. Our UL-listed products are designed with cutting-edge technology to maximize efficiency, simplify installation, and provide long-term performance. With a focus on innovation, customer support, and industry-leading value, EG4 is shaping the future of sustainable energy solutions for both professionals and end-users alike.

back to the top

Drake Gordon | Executive Exteriors | Dallas, Texas

Drake Gordon is the CEO of Executive Exteriors. We are a full-service exterior general contractor focused on the insurance restoration sector, assisting high-end historical residential properties and commercial establishments such as universities, industrial/manufacturing facilities, churches, retail spaces, and warehouses. We help our clients reconcile losses caused by catastrophes and advocate on their behalf.

back to the top

 

Kyle Noonan and Josh Sepkowitz | FreeRange Concepts, LLC | Dallas, Texas

Kyle Noonan is the Co-Founder & Co-CEO and Josh Sepkowitz is the Co-Founder & Co-CEO of FreeRange Concepts, LLC. FreeRange Concepts is an innovative hospitality group specializing in creating unique dining and entertainment experiences. Known for iconic brands like The Rustic, Mutts Canine Cantina, Bowl & Barrel, Joe Leo Fine Tex-Mex, and The General Public, FreeRange Concepts combines exceptional food, dynamic entertainment, and vibrant atmospheres to craft unforgettable moments. With a commitment to high-quality service and community engagement, the company continues to expand its footprint while redefining the hospitality industry.

back to the top

Curtis Hite | Improving | Plano, Texas

Curtis Hite is the CEO of Improving. Improving is a technology management and consulting services firm dedicated to building trust with clients, partners, stakeholders, and communities. The company offers a variety of services, including consulting, application development, training and coaching, and recruiting. Improving focuses on creating transparency, delivering results, continuously improving, clarifying expectations, and keeping commitments. With expertise in various industries such as transportation, leisure, energy, and financial services, Improving provides innovative solutions that offer sustained and meaningful value to its customers.

back to the top

 

Dan Amiga and Mike Fey | Island.io | Coppell, Texas

Dan Amiga is the Co-Founder & CTO and Mike Fey is the Co-Founder & CEO of Island.io. Island created the Enterprise Browser, inventing and defining a new category of B2B software. The Island Enterprise Browser is a simplified workspace that delights CIOs, CISOs, and end users. It makes application delivery simple, data fundamentally secure, and work smooth and natural.

Island embeds core IT, security, and productivity needs into the browser itself, giving organizations unprecedented last-mile control and visibility over all browser actions. IT teams can log and audit work activity while keeping personal browsing private. Security teams protect sensitive data from the most sophisticated attacks with security by design. Users increase productivity while working in the familiar Chromium-based browser experience.

More than 400 organizations in defense, finance, government, higher education, hospitality, manufacturing, and retail modernize security and jumpstart productivity with Island. Customers include 8 of the 10 largest banks, 4 of the largest global travel brands, and dozens of well-known retailers and manufacturers.

Investors include Canapi Ventures, Coatue Management, Cyberstarts, Georgian, Insight Partners, Prysm Capital, Sequoia Capital, Stripes, and several strategic investors.

back to the top

Tom Currier | Maverick Power | McKinney, Texas

Tom Currier is the CEO & President of Maverick Power. Maverick Power, based in McKinney, Texas, is a leader in tailored power distribution solutions. With four advanced manufacturing facilities in North Texas and Phoenix, we design and produce custom-engineered products for critical sectors, including data centers, healthcare, industrial, oil and gas, and commercial markets.

Founded with a rebellious spirit, Maverick Power challenges the status quo in an industry that is long overdue for innovation. By integrating cutting-edge technology with deep expertise, we ensure seamless and reliable operation for mission-critical systems.

We pride ourselves on rapid execution, precision engineering, and customer-centric innovation—delivering solutions that redefine industry standards. More than just a manufacturer, Maverick Power is a driving force for change, continuously expanding our capabilities, investing in talent, and setting new benchmarks for reliability, efficiency, and innovation.

back to the top

Brett Davis | National Indoor RV Centers | Lewisville, Texas

Brett Davis is the CEO of National Indoor RV Centers. National Indoor RV Centers (NIRVC) is a full-service, one-stop shop for everything any RV enthusiast could ever need. With six locations nationwide, NIRVC is much more than the average RV dealership, providing new and pre-owned sales (including consignments), indoor climate-controlled storage, service, paint and body, and wash and detail services. Two of the six locations are open seven days a week for service, making NIRVC a leader in the RV service industry.

back to the top

Prasad Reddy | Twisted X Global Brands | Decatur, Texas

Prasad Reddy is the CEO of Twisted X Global Brands. Since 2005, Twisted X Global Brands has dedicated its business to creating comfortable, quality footwear across western, lifestyle, work and outdoor categories. No matter the style of footwear, the goal is always to focus on comfort and pay homage to its heritage. With an unparalleled desire for design and product development, an environmentally friendly mindset, and cutting-edge technologies, Twisted X has set itself apart as an innovator in the footwear industry. As an independent company, Twisted X consistently challenges traditional norms, as demonstrated by its lack of direct-to-consumer sales. Products are distributed through a network of retail partners. The footwear leader has been recognized with more than 100 prestigious awards for corporate excellence, marketing and creative innovation. Based in Decatur, Texas, the global family of brands includes Twisted X, Twisted X Work, Black Star Boots, Wrangler Footwear, and CellSole®.

back to the top

Rick Hall | US Oral Surgery Management | Irving, Texas

Rick Hall is the President & CEO of US Oral Surgery Management. Headquartered in Irving, Texas, U.S. Oral Surgery Management (USOSM) sets the standard for oral and maxillofacial surgery management. As a management services organization spanning 29 states, USOSM is the first company of its kind and the largest in the industry, with an expansive, best-in-class network of premier oral and maxillofacial surgeon partners. USOSM provides operational, financial, and administrative support services to fuel clinical excellence, innovation, and wealth creation.

back to the top