PLUS:
FINDING YOUR CALLING WITH BEATRIZ HANSON
SHARING THE ROAD WITH HYPEBYKE
FRANK E. FRANKLIN III'S DAILY MEDIA DIET
How To Succeed In 2023
PROFESSIONALS FROM ACROSS THE COASTAL BEND SHARE THEIR SECRETS TO SUCCESS
Unmatched service. Sound advice. And peace of mind knowing your money is well cared for. Now, how can we help you today? Visit us at frostbank.com or call (800) 51-FROST.
22 14 20 37
ONE TO WATCH
Bobby Hyatt, an insurance agent who moved from Colorado, quickly set about improving the Coastal Bend through leadership and community involvement.
HOW TO SUCCEED IN 2023
The path to entrepreneurial success is paved with many lessons that take many forms. of Coastal Bend leaders on how they define success and how you can make the best of a new year.
FOUNDING ADVERTISERS
OF THE BEND BUSINESS
We would like to thank the below Coastal Bend businesses who help make The Bend Business possible.
• AGDA Consulting
• Allison Flooring Company
• Beauty & The Bistro
• C&C Risk
• Carlisle Insurance Agency
• Cooper Advertising
• Corpus Christi Regional Economic Development Corporation
• Diamond Point Catering
• Frost Bank
• Kleberg Bank
• Next 2 Natural Turf
• Sterling Personnel
• Straight Edge Technology
• Turner | Ramirez Architects
• United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce
Didn’t make the list? Don’t worry, we will continue to print the names of our Founding Advertisers and Premium Subscribers in every issue during our inaugural year.
For more information about becoming a Founding Advertiser or promoting your company in The Bend Business, contact Chris Knapick at 361.232.3954 or chris@thebendbusiness.com
PRESIDENT Jordan Regas jordan.regas@hilltopmediagroup.com
VICE PRESIDENT
Kaley Regas kaley@hilltopmediagroup.com
PUBLISHER
Chris Knapick chris@thebendmag.com
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Kylie Cooper kylie@thebendmag.com
EDITOR IN CHIEF
Will Leschper will@thebendmag.com
ART DIRECTOR
Jarred Schuetze jarred@thebendmag.com
MANAGING EDITOR Alexa Rodriguez alexa@thebendmag.com
PRODUCTION MANAGER Meagan Matthews meagan@hilltopmediagroup.com
DIGITAL CONTENT COORDINATOR
Tyler Schultz tyler@thebendmag.com
CLIENT COORDINATOR
Laurel Mikolajczyk production@thebendmag.com
COPY EDITOR Steve Gill
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Levi Guzman, Debbie Noble, Shoocha Photography, Lillian Reitz, Ben Zaragosa
CONTRIBUTING WRITER Jessica Dusek
309 N. Water Street, Corpus Christi, TX 78401 361.792.3606 | thebendbusiness.com
Here’s to a Successful Year
It’s hard to believe 2023 is officially here. That being said, it’s a privilege to bring you the January-February 2023 edition of The Bend Business Magazine (TB Business). TB Business is from The Bend and the Hilltop Media Group family. We are proud to now offer you six issues per year, highlighting the stories of your friends and neighbors who are leading the way forward within our business and professional communities.
This issue in particular posed a challenge to put together, in terms of one simple question: “How do you define success?” That query certainly could bring hundreds of different responses. In the case of this edition, it prompted numerous insights from prominent locals that we hope will make you think about your own personal and professional vision for 2023 … and make it your best year yet!
This issue also includes many other stories we are proud to tell. One is of an entrepreneur who spent years in the corporate retail world and decided to
come back home to follow his passion for fishing. (Pg. 37) The result is that owner Mike Morales has expanded Fin Factory Kayak & Tackle to multiple Texas locations by focusing on excellent customer service and support.
More outstanding stories are those of small business owners — the backbone of our South Texas economy — including Melanie Salinas of Hypebyke (Pg. 10) and Andrew Riojas of Milestones. (Pg. 18) They followed their dreams and passions to begin their businesses, and have helped make our community better along the way.
We also are privileged to bring you the story of the Frazier Family Foundation, which was created in 2018 by Lynn Frazier and his sons Garrett and Derrick. (Pg. 20) The initiative was born out of business success at Magnum Oil Tools International, and continues to branch out in new ways of giving to empower young innovators and creators locally.
In addition, we get to tell the story of the Westside Business Association (Pg. 46), which for more than 40 years has been a model of success in providing educational and business resources, and philanthropic initiatives focused on improving the Coastal Bend.
At TB Business, we remain committed as always to building connections within the communities we serve. I hope you enjoy spending time with this issue and wish you, your associates, friends and family nothing but the best in 2023.
Will Leschper, Editor In Chief will@thebendmag.com
A DIFFERENCE
PROVIDING A HELPING HAND
The Westside Business Association started from humble roots. Forty years later, the organization is known for its community outreach and initiatives focused on improving lives locally. Pg.46
HYPED TO MAKE
Hypebyke owner Melanie Salinas created her storefront after finding a need for a simple repair near the Corpus Christi bayfront. She also found a calling to promote cycling in the community. Pg. 10
MY DAILY MEDIA DIET
Frank Edwards Franklin, better known as K-99’s “Big Frank,” has been on the radio in the Coastal Bend for more than 25 years. He offers his takes on what, why and where he goes for content. Pg. 57
FACE VALUE
Melanie Salinas, owner of Hypebyke, Downtown Corpus Christi's newest cycling shop, brings transportation access to the community.
photo
Sharing the Road
Hypebyke’s downtown location expands cycling community’s access
by Jessica Dusek
hen I’m cycling — it’s just me, my bike and the road,” said Hypebyke owner Melanie Salinas. Hypebyke was created after Salinas stumbled upon the need for a simple bike repair near the Corpus Christi bayfront. Enjoying a new-found love for cycling at the time, she had been somewhat stranded by her road bike’s flat tire, with no bike repair shop in sight. She immediately saw a need for downtown access for others, and now Hypebyke is located three blocks from the Selena Memorial downtown. It's Salinas’ hope to expand her love of cycling to the community by focusing on an appreciation for its mental and physical health benefits.
From the boardwalk cruiser to the motivated triathlon enthusiast, cycling is a tool that can be utilized by many, Salinas notes. Hypebyke’s offerings include road bikes, folding e-bikes, e-tricycles (yes, for adults), stretch cruisers and BMX bikes, alongside higher-end adventure bikes.
Upon opening her doors, Salinas also gained a greater awareness for transportation needs for disabled individuals as well as the unhoused. “I hadn’t known about their needs with transportation,” she said. “Filling a need that they’ve [had] has been a big win.”
Hypebyke offers cycling gear, bicycles, e-bikes and bike sizing services. It also offers a free public workstation to make minor adjustments or add air to tires. Hours of operation are 1-8 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
photos by Ben Zaragosa
Hypebyke also offers five self-paced virtual training stations as well as personalized fittings. As she noted at Hypebyke’s inception, it would only be appropriate to house a free bike repair section in the shop; Salinas said it’s available for cyclists to fix their bikes and get back on the road.
Helping Corpus Christi become more of a cycling community and advocating protective measures in bike lanes for cyclist safety continue to remain priorities. “It’s about safety, getting out on a bike ride and finding the joy in it,” Salinas said.
In her downtown location, patrons include police officers on bicycles, which has helped Salinas cultivate new ways to inform the public to be more mindful of riders. One fun and safe way Hypebyke promotes cycling awareness on the road is through participation in night rides. The group CC LED leads the evening charge with brightly colored neon light wheel attachments to increase visibility of riders on the road.
Corpus Christi’s downtown businesses and the local bike community have helped Salinas and Hypebyke find a seat at the table as a new company.
“The businesses downtown have all been so helpful,” Salinas said. “Once we start sharing ideas, we are unstoppable.”
"The businesses downtown have all been so helpful,” Salinas said. “Once we start sharing ideas, we are unstoppable.”
JANUARY • FEBRUARY / 2023
A Look Ahead
Three local projects to keep on your radar
by Will Leschper
A new year brings new growth for many Coastal Bend industries and professions. On our radar this month are three projects that continue to move forward with expansion across the area.
1.
Whitecap Preserve Project Progressing
The Whitecap Preserve project, a proposed $800M master-planned community on Padre Island, continues to move forward with construction amid more support from the City of Corpus Christi.
In December, the City Council approved an ordinance extending the term for the Tax Increment
Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) #2-Island for an additional 20 years, expanding the current boundaries of the zone. The TIRZ was created to provide funding for the construction and maintenance of Packery Channel. Moving forward, it will “provide funding for infrastructure projects that will benefit North Padre Island,” city officials said. The existing boundaries were expanded to include two portions of the Whitecap Public Improvement District that were not within the TIRZ. Developer Ashlar Development said the
project at the former site of the Waves Resort Waterpark will feature more than 600 single-family residential units and five acres of commercial space, spanning 242 total acres from Aquarius Street and Commodores Drive to Whitecap Boulevard. Ashlar officials said they expect the project to reach full occupancy in seven to 10 years.
WHITECAPLIVINGNPI.COM
2.
Driscoll Neonatal Care Center Set To Open
The Driscoll Children’s Hospital Neonatal Care Center is set to open in February at CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital-South.
Driscoll Children's Hospital and CHRISTUS Health announced in 2022 the forming of a strategic relationship such that Driscoll will own and operate the two-dozenbed Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) on the campus of CHRISTUS Spohn-South. The state-ofthe-art NICU is designed to care for the most fragile infants and will be housed in one of the busiest birthing hospitals in the Coastal Bend.
The relationship between Driscoll and CHRISTUS is expected to create greater opportunity for joint investments in new programs and the expansion of services and resources to support existing and aligned NICU operations, officials said. Driscoll’s is the only NICU in South Texas to achieve Level IV (Advanced Intensive Care) designation by the Texas Department of State Health Services. Driscoll Children’s serves an area of South Texas that covers more than 30 counties and over 30,000 square miles, more than any other level IV NICU in the state. DRISCOLLCHILDRENS.ORG
3.
Cheniere LNG Eyes Expansion
Cheniere Energy, Inc. — the largest exporter of liquefied natural gas in the country — has plans to expand the footprint and resources of its 1,000-plusacre Corpus Christi Liquefaction facility in San Patricio County.
Cheniere currently operates three liquefaction units also called “trains” with each producing about 5 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of LNG.
Cheniere has filed for a review with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in its plan to add more trains, a 220,000-cubic-meter storage tank, a refrigerant storage facility and additional piping to come with an increase in production.
Cheniere officials said the added infrastructure would lead to an LNG output of 25 mtpa.
The liquefaction facility employs a workforce of about 750 and has been in service since 2019. It ties in with the Cheniere Corpus Christi Pipeline, L.P., an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Cheniere, which owns a 21.5-mile, 48-inch natural gas pipeline that connects the liquefaction facility with several interstate and intrastate natural gas pipelines. CHENIERE.COM
Meet Bobby Hyatt
by Will Leschper photo provided
obby Hyatt always enjoyed visiting the Coastal Bend on family vacations while growing up in Colorado, enough that he decided to move south after graduating college with his degree in math.
“I always figured it would be fun to live in a beach town, so I moved down here in 2013,” Hyatt said. “I started out teaching high school math for five years — at Miller and then Veterans Memorial. I really enjoyed teaching, and was thinking about trying to become a principal at one point. I also wanted to try something on my own and have my own business.
“I took some time off and ended up having a friend who’s an insurance agent reach out to me about taking over a business from an agent who was retiring. After we met, having my own business with State Farm checked all my boxes, which included staying involved in the community and having an educational piece, as well as being able to work with a good team.”
"Developing my team and seeing them grow is one of the things I enjoy most, if I can help them develop a vision for their future."
Hyatt is a graduate of the 49th Class of Leadership Corpus Christi and a member of the 2022 class of Corpus Christi Under 40. He said he enjoys being able to volunteer his time advocating for local organizations through different roles.
“I’m on the board of Agape Ranch, a nonprofit that helps provide better services for foster care agencies in the Coastal Bend, and being a member of the Westside Rotary Club allows me to do more community outreach,” Hyatt said. “It’s very rewarding to be able to help out in any way I can to better our community.”
Hyatt noted that having an educational background has helped lead to rewarding moments in his current professional career.
“Developing my team and seeing them grow is one of the things I enjoy most, if I can help them develop a vision for their future,” Hyatt said. “I also have my investment license and can help folks plan for retirement. Every once in a while, I get to have a conversation with someone who didn’t think they would be able to retire on time, but then we put a plan together and they realize they can do it. That’s a really special moment as well.”
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SWEAT EQUITY
18 SMALL BUSINESS BREAKDOWN | 20 GIVING BACK | 22 ASK A MENTOR
SMALL BUSINESS BREAKDOWN
Meet Andrew Riojas, a Navy veteran who operates Milestones, offering custom awards and one-of-a-kind artwork and displays.
photo by Levi Guzman
Locally Made Milestones
An awards supplier worth celebrating
by Will Leschper photos by Levi Guzman
ndrew Riojas served nine years in the Navy as an aircraft mechanic – stationed from coast to coast and even Nebraska, where he met his wife, Nikki. After entering civil service, Riojas found his next calling working in the oil industry in Louisiana. He was promoted to general manager of an oilfield manufacturing company, which is what later brought his family to the Coastal Bend and laid the foundation for new business endeavors.
The Riojases’ current ventures — Milestones and Made in Corpus Christi — are housed at 1526 S. Staples St. in a building they renovated mostly by themselves and with the help of family. In the case of Milestones, family also played a large role in getting the store off the ground.
“My wife’s stepfather-in-law Larry had a big awards business back in Lincoln, Nebraska, called Awards Unlimited, and he sold it about a year prior to us moving out here and he retired,” Riojas said. “When we moved
Milestones is a veteran and familyowned awards and recognition company that has been in operation since 2017. It offers trophies, plaques, medals and banners, in addition to signage, laser engraving, glass and acrylics and larger custom design work.
here, they were in the process of looking for a winter home and they liked the area and wanted to be around the kids, so they decided to buy a place here.
“He recently passed, but before that, we were driving and he said, ‘I need to talk to you about something serious.’ He said, ‘I think I retired too soon and I don’t want to sit around and play golf.’ He said, ‘Why don’t we start a business? I know the industry and I can help with everything you need to know.’"
Riojas said his father-in-law was in discussions with local athletic directors who noted they were getting items made in San Antonio and Houston because there wasn’t a local company that could fulfill their requirements. He said the opportunity to learn from someone who had been successful in the industry was the springboard he needed.
Riojas said he’s grateful for the opportunity to have learned so much and has taken a handson approach to do more custom work for events and private individuals, everything from laser engraving and woodwork to corporate awards and donor appreciation walls.
“We have continued to get more projects because others have seen what we can do around town, and we’re grateful to be here in the Coastal Bend doing what we can do for the community,” he said.
1526 S. Staples St. | 361-288-2271
Focus on the Future
The Frazier Family Foundation helps shape tomorrow’s Coastal Bend
by Will Leschper photos provided by Frazier Family Foundation
he Frazier Family Foundation was created in 2018 with the mission of empowering young innovators and creators in our Coastal Bend community through grants, scholarships and partnerships. Since then, the Foundation has expanded its reach to include environmental awareness and conservation; education and the arts; and child protection and welfare, in addition to offering new avenues to college and entrepreneurship.
Lynn Frazier and his sons — Garrett and Derrick — started the foundation “to foster onramps of excellence for future generations” by offering philanthropic support to qualified nonprofit organizations across a nine-county area: Aransas, Bee, Brooks, Jim Wells, Kenedy, Kleberg, Nueces, Refugio and San Patricio counties.
Garrett Frazier said his family wanted to find new opportunities to give back to the Coastal Bend after enjoying resounding business success with Magnum Oil Tools International, a market-leading downhole technology provider serving the global oil and gas industry.
“There is a lot of opportunity for success here in the Coastal Bend, both in business and for the future of our young people,” Frazier said. “With Magnum, we were bold and decisive, and did things no one else had done. With the foundation, we look to support people who are creative and want to push the status quo to come up with innovative new ideas.
“It’s easy to have a global view on what you want to do for the world, but I think unless you can really impact your local community, who are you to think you can change the world? That’s why it’s important for us to help empower the Coastal Bend.”
The Frazier Family Foundation has provided more than $1 million in charitable distributions since its inception in 2018. It has provided $870,000 in grant support and $110,000 in scholarship support. Applications for 2023 will be open Jan. 1 - Aug. 1 to 501(c)(3) organizations.
I do feel like there's a lot of opportunity for those looking to come in or come back home, people who have had success elsewhere and want to bring new ideas back with them.”
The diversity in the foundation’s giving and partnerships can be seen in some of its most recent assistance: supporting Majesty Outdoors, a nonprofit that offers mentoring for children without father figures through hunting and fishing; Tennis Success, which aims to provide skills to children on and off the court that they will carry past graduation; and the Art Museum of South Texas, whose Youth Arts Education programs foster creativity for children in the community.
In addition, the foundation has partnered with the Harte Research Institute through financial support as well as helping out on the water.
“We worked with the Sportfish Center and did field work with them tagging amberjacks,” said Garrett, an avid angler. “We also found a massive grouper hole and they had never tagged any, so we did some of that, too. What they’re doing is next-level and ties into our mission of conservation. The opportunities for science majors and those wanting to get into fisheries and conservation fields are endless.”
Frazier said the future is bright for Corpus Christi and the Coastal Bend, namely due to the people who call the area home.
“Many people graduate and leave as soon as they can, which probably happens in many places,” he said. “I do feel like there's a lot of opportunity for those looking to come in or come back home, people who have had success elsewhere and want to bring new ideas back with them. It goes back to having big ideas like we had with Magnum, and we like to support those endeavors.”
CONTACT frazierff.org
" Communication is so important. Keeping the lines of communication open with employees and co-workers can help with motivation, and encourage others to gain confidence."
neighbors and the generosity of the citizens of our Sparkling City by the Sea. It is second to none.
WHAT WAS ONE EXPERIENCE YOU WILL NEVER FORGET?
BH: Hurricane Harvey was a tragic time, but it brought the community together to help one another in a time of need. This is imprinted in my mind and heart; it truly embodied the Body of Christ, the name for which our city is known. People from all over the country shared their hearts and resources with our community. We are all the better because of it.
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE ACTIVITIES OUTSIDE THE OFFICE?
BH: I love exercising, walking my dogs, traveling and spending time with my daughters, grandsons and family and friends.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS YEAR?
BH: We are in the process of building a 108,000-square-foot food bank building that will serve the daily needs of families in the Coastal Bend and will be ready to respond to hurricanes and other disasters for many years to come. We expect completion by September 2023.
SUCCEED how to
The path to entrepreneurial success is paved with many lessons that take many forms. First and foremost, how does one define “success?
We asked Coastal Bend leaders across numerous professions and industries about how they measure success in their personal and professional lives, what types of traits help make a good leader and the advice they can provide to better our business community today, tomorrow and well into the future.
We are proud to showcase that insight from a variety of trailblazers on how they characterize success and how you can make the best of a new year.
SUCCEED
PROFESSIONALS FROM ACROSS THE COASTAL BEND SHARE THEIR SECRETS TO SUCCESS
by
will leschper photos by lillian reitz
HOW TO SUCCEED IN 2023
Gene Guernsey
BROKER, GENE GUERNSEY & ASSOCIATES
Gene Guernsey has seen many things come and go, and ebb and flow with the times during his 37 years in the real estate industry in Corpus Christi. Guernsey worked for multiple real estate companies during that time, including Keller Williams, Coldwell Banker, Century 21 and RE/MAX, before deciding to hang out his own shingle.
He admits that when he decided to start the business with his own name on it that continues today, it was somewhat daunting. As he also notes, fear of failure has helped him along in his successes to this day, in addition to good communication skills.
“Relationships have been the key to my success in real estate,” Guernsey said. “That includes great relationships with sellers and with buyers, but also great relationships with major employers in the region who move a lot of people into Corpus Christi and the Coastal Bend.”
Another key component to success, he added, has been to always keep learning.
“Continuing education is extremely important,” Guernsey said. “Motivational speakers and books have always been good tools, and now you can find that information on podcasts and social media. I also have had mentors who were people in all different kinds of professions who were very good at their specific job.
“Also, life should be fun. Even in business, it is important to keep a sense of humor.”
What factors have helped you be successful?
A great mentor will often be the difference between succeeding and failing. I continue to try and pick other people’s brains to get different opinions on topics that I am not familiar with in order to learn. Finding someone who is successful in their field or career can teach you a ton.
chase carlisle
Vice President, Carlisle Insurance
I think the wonderful aspect about being in the medical field is having mentors and people who have gone through it and done it before you. That helps me in helping deliver the care I need to for everyone I’m caring for.
Dr. April Hallquist Orthopaedic Surgeon
you can hold your own, you’re going to stand out. That’s especially true if you stick to your principles, you’re a good person and you follow through on what you say. I speak to young women’s groups a lot and tell them that if you’re not intimidated, the sky’s the limit.
bibiana dykema
Architect, Dykema Architects Inc. Owner, Modern Moghul
factors, the first being clearly understanding what I have been called to do for the people of the community and around the world. I also can say, without a doubt, determination. No matter what, you must remain focused and determined, and this has allowed for my own personal success.
jeremy coleman
President & Chairman, NAACP Corpus Christi Branch
What's one change I can make to help me get closer to success?
I think one thing people can change today to begin their success is to forget about yesterday and focus on today. We can’t change the past and we shouldn’t dwell in it. Thinking about yesterday only delays and puts off today’s success. Wake up each day and treat it as a new day, because it truly is. Yesterday’s failures don’t dictate today’s success.
chase carlisle Vice President, Carlisle Insurance
beyond in terms of service and making sure everyone is on the same page. It’s easy to get wrapped up in the design and construction process, but it is really important to never forget to be clear about what is needed at every level, from top to bottom.
Philip Ramirez
President & Principal Architect, Turner | Ramirez Architects
it could have been a failure, but that’s not necessarily the case, because I didn’t have to invest a lot of money and was able to have success, I think, due to effort and enthusiasm. I think you have to just go for it. Failure is not the worst thing in the world — and really in a 50-50 chance, you’re not going to fail.
bibiana dykema
Architect, Dykema Architects Inc. Owner, Modern Moghul
keep an open mindset about how they define success and how they can reach their goals. We’ve seen in recent years many businesses close because they didn’t adapt to the current trends.
JIM LEE
Regents Professor of Economics at Texas A&M UniversityCorpus Christi
Right: headshot provided
Judith Talavera
PRESIDENT & COO OF AEP TEXAS
Judith Talavera, president and COO of AEP Texas, has been with the company for 22 years. She began with the electric utility provider as manager of governmental affairs and worked her way into her current role, in which she’s responsible for the company's operations in South Texas and West Texas. That role includes direct oversight of a team of six and also more than 1,000 employees across AEP Texas’ operating units — positions in a variety of diverse specialties from customer service and human resources to communications and government affairs.
Talavera said it’s critical for any leader to build a strong team around themselves, no matter what field they’re in.
“It’s important that you invest in your people and help support them,” she said. “We certainly want someone who is going to be knowledgeable in their area of expertise that they’re going to lead.
“Culture is also very important to us at AEP Texas. It’s important to have a strategy for your organization, but culture is equally important. We want people who care about our customers and about our employees. Those are individuals who would be a good leader of a team as well.”
Brady Ballard
GENERAL MANAGER
CORPUS CHRISTI HOOKS
Brady Ballard fits the bill of what insiders deem a “baseball lifer.” The Corpus Christi Hooks general manager has spent 18 years in and around the diamond in various positions, and is in his third year in the Coastal Bend in his current role.
Ballard played collegiately at the University of Illinois, where he majored in economics before spending a year in the independent Frontier League. He said he always knew he wanted to channel his experience into a front office role.
After moving on from his playing career, Ballard had multiple stops in the minor leagues, including with the Daytona Cubs and Jacksonville Suns, and later as vice president with historic Dodgertown working for the O'Malley family.
Ballard came to the Hooks from West Palm Beach, where he was general manager of the Astros spring training facility.
“The success of the Hooks has rested with our people,” Ballard said. “The engagement we’ve had in the community through the years has always been great, and we’ve always had an exceptional staff from top to bottom. That includes everyone, especially our part-time staff — the teachers, the retirees, the young folks who come through that help us accommodate our season when things are at their busiest and help us provide the experience everyone has come to expect.”
What are your successful habits?
It’s important to keep the priorities we have to address at the forefront. I like to make a list of the things I have to address in the morning. Then at the end of the day, I can go down the list and see if there’s anything I didn’t get to or what should be the first thing to get to the next morning and start the next day with that.
Judith Talavera
President & COO AEP Texas
I try to be all in with whatever I'm doing. When I'm home, I try to be present with my family and put my work and my phone aside and be there to make that time meaningful for them. And when I’m with my patients, I put them first and try to put myself in their shoes with what their direct needs are. Empathy is important, no matter who you’re talking to.
Dr. April Hallquist Orthopaedic Surgeon
the habit of remembering that and wanting to provide superior service to our clientele. Most importantly, that’s building a level of respect and rapport with them to build long-term relationships.
Philip Ramirez
President & Principal Architect, Turner | Ramirez Architects
and improve oneself. Books and audio tapes in the early days have turned to simple podcasts today. Time away from the daily real estate business is still filled with motivational messages, whether they are on faith, health or business.
Gene Guernsey Broker, Gene Guernsey & Associates
What personality traits should every
important advice I have received is that leaders are called to serve people. My pastor Derrick Reaves shared this scripture with me years ago: "A student is not above his teacher, but when he's fully trained he will be just like his teacher." Getting wise instruction and advice is key to success because we truthfully do not have all the answers.
you do to ensure others enjoy their experience. You have to enjoy engaging with your community.
brady ballard
General Manager Corpus Christi Hooks
jeremy coleman
President & Chairman, NAACP Corpus Christi Branch
place the needs of others ahead of my own. It is not what I have but what I give to others that blesses me the most, and there is such joy in serving others.
BEAtriz HANSON
Executive Director Coastal Bend Food Bank
you have to be curious to figure out why something didn’t go as planned or why an issue came up. That’s something I really believe in.
judith talavera
President & COO AEP Texas
HOW TO SUCCEED IN 2023
Jim Lee
REGENTS PROFESSOR OF ECONOMICS AT TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY-CORPUS CHRISTI
Jim Lee is Regents Professor of Economics at Texas A&M UniversityCorpus Christi and is the director of the South Texas Economic Development Center in the College of Business. He also serves as Chief Economist at the University’s EDA University Center.
Lee’s extensive research background revolves around the application of econometrics to macroeconomic policy and regional economic development. Lee’s work has been featured in the Wall Street Journal and Business Week, in addition to other national and regional publications and media outlets.
Lee said many of the Coastal Bend’s major industries remain poised to carry over positive trends from 2022 into a new year.
“2023 is still going to be a pivotal year across the board for many industries,” Lee said. “We’re coming off the pandemic, which affected businesses across the board, and changes in the local and national economies will be something to keep a close eye on, even for our area’s large industries.
“You have to be innovative in this day and age and be able to react to changes in the online business world as well as in new and emerging industries. Small businesses owners, in particular, should keep an eye on how to leverage new developments in large local industries to their advantage. The old saying that ‘a rising tide lifts all boats’ is certainly applicable to our local economy."
HOW TO SUCCEED IN 2023
Mark Escamilla
PRESIDENT & CEO OF DEL MAR COLLEGE
Mark Escamilla is in his 15th year as president and CEO of Del Mar College, which he is proud to call his alma mater. Escamilla has helped to oversee Del Mar’s expansion at its three campuses — Heritage, Windward and Oso Creek — and three centers of operation. The Oso Creek campus, which will officially open in spring of 2023, marks the first time in more than 60 years that the College has built a new campus.
Escamilla said that local and regional partnerships with other institutions and industries have been vital to the current and future success of Del Mar students, and to helping to prepare graduates for fields across a variety of career paths. The key, he said, in developing those partnerships always rests with clear communication.
“It’s important to remain locally focused on our institution, but it’s also vital that we keep an eye on global occurrences,” Escamilla said. “As a leader, you have to know what’s happening at the classroom level all the way up to what’s happening at the state and national political levels.
“It’s also important to focus on tying your technical proficiencies — what you’re good at, no matter what your position is — with your core values. In my role, I’ve learned over the years that listening to the needs of others, especially at the community level, has been vital to the success of the College.”
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Honoring the innovators, disruptors and trailblazers driving a new vision for the Coastal Bend
The Bend Business Magazine is presenting the inaugural launch of The Innovator Awards. The program honors companies, CEOs, CIOs, CTOs, entrepreneurs and other leaders driving innovation in the Coastal Bend. The Bend Business will reveal the winners in the May/June issue of the magazine.
NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN JANUARY 13 – FEBRUARY 13, 2023
That’s why we provide unique investment levels, designed to help you right where you are.
Membership is valuable & affordable, with investment starting at less than $42 per month
The United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce is your... PARTNER IN PROMOTION
Increase your visibility, get the word out, gain access to cost-effective and often free advertising for your business.
CONNECTION BUILDER
Looking for leads, networking and business showcase opportunities? You’ve come to the right place.
BUSINESS ADVOCATE
We are your voice on issues that affect business and we maintain direct contact with leaders in all levels of government. When you need change, we make change happen.
Don’t just take our word for it. Research Shows...
Consumers are 63% more likely to buy from a business that is a Chamber member.
Companies enjoy a 49% increase in consumer favorability rating for being a member of the Chamber.
Consumers are 73% more likely to be highly aware of a business if it is a member of the Chamber, and 68% more likely to think positively of its local reputation.
7/10 consumers believe that being actively involved in the Chamber is an effective strategy for enhancing a business’ reputation and for demonstrating that it uses good business practices.
Source: Shapiro Group, Atlanta, GA
United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce 602 N Staples St., Suite 150 Corpus Christi, TX 78401 (361) 881-1800
For more information on chamber membership, contact Efrain Franco, Jr., IOM efrain@unitedccchamber.com
FIN FACTORY FLASHBACK
A PASSION FOR FISHING BRINGS SUCCESS FULL CIRCLE
by
Will Leschper photos by Ben Zaragosa
Mike Morales’ entrepreneurial journey has taken a number of different loops for a variety of reasons. These days, he’s most content flinging tight loops of fly line at tailing redfish on the shimmering flats of the Coastal Bend. Morales, a 1998 graduate of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, has always had a passion for fishing.
When Morales was in college, fishing became his favorite pastime. Upon graduating, his father gave him a small boat, which only further fueled his passion for the activity.
Morales studied criminal justice at the Island University and interned in retail loss prevention in the private sector while in school. After graduation, he sought out positions in that field
and ultimately was recruited to Lowe’s, moving his family to Dallas to work for the home improvement store. Within a few years, he was promoted to area loss prevention manager.
Morales worked in the Metroplex for more than 10 years out of college. He would find that Lowe’s wanted him to move out of state and take another position – a proposition he didn’t find appealing – and he went to work for Abercrombie & Fitch as a director of investigations for five years.
Morales said his father got sick and passed away in 2013, and as he was dealing with it, he was reminded how much time he spent traveling and being away from family. “I ultimately had an epiphany while I was sitting in traffic in
Dallas. I said, ‘Man, what am I doing?’ I added it up and I spent two years out of six in traffic or traveling. I told myself, ‘I have to get back south and get close to family. I don’t care what it takes.'"
Morales’ career path took another turn, again due in large part to family. His mother and stepfather had a brokerage business in the oil and gas industry and he moved back to Corpus Christi to work for them. He said he mostly conducted research on land titles and deeds, which left him free time on the side. A friend said he needed to try out kayak fishing and he was quickly hooked after having an epic day of catching fish on the flats.
Morales said he began learning the ropes of fishing from plastic boats and
“...I spent two years out of six in traffic or traveling. I told myself, ‘I have to get back south and get close to family. I don’t care what it takes.’”
“Back at that time, there weren’t a whole lot of people kayak fishing and I was out there killing it and thinking, ‘Man, everyone needs to be doing this.'”
soon took another gamble. “Back at that time, there weren’t a whole lot of people kayak fishing and I was out there killing it and thinking, ‘Man, everyone needs to be doing this.’ I had some money saved up from the corporate world, and ever since I was a kid I wanted to be a fishing guide, so I said, ‘I’m going to try this,’” Morales said.
Morales got connected with Austin Canoe & Kayak — which is now out of business — and the company provided him support because there weren’t all that many kayak guides on the coast at the time. He said he got a good deal on four Hobie boats and ACK put him on its pro staff, telling him to post on social media when he took clients on trips to help promote his business and to help sell more kayaks.
Morales admits he was “terrible” at guiding but then things turned quickly.
He found posting on social media brought in lots of views and more attention on his capabilities as a guide. Clients from all across the country and even anglers from England and India were soon booking trips, though Morales admits the fishing guide business and his landman job weren’t paying all the bills.
Again, Morales faced another curve in his entrepreneurial path. He went back into the retail world working for Guess Jeans as corporate loss prevention director, which meant traveling multiple days each week, cutting into his fishing time. He said the rise of online shopping coupled with a change in corporate strategy brought about a willingness to get back to work chasing his passion. Those plans included going all-in on fishing and guiding, and more social media marketing, which helped
him quickly build up a full calendar of guide trips.
Running a fishing guide business can be more than a full-time job, but Morales continued to set his sights high. Soon after, he received a phone call from Hobie officials detailing plans to close the company’s dealership in Corpus Christi and asking him if he knew of anyone who might be in the market to take over kayak distribution. He quickly pointed out that he had 17 years of corporate retail experience and he soon found himself in need of a storefront – within a month. Morales was able to find a dilapidated shop along South Padre Island heading toward Flour Bluff.
Morales said he and his family renovated the building and did all the cosmetic work inside themselves in setting up a business selling everything from kayaks and paddles to fishing line
and lures. He said Fin Factory became known because of his guide business locally, but it also brought in anglers from out of town who wanted to find the right gear for their excursions.
Morales also said fishing blessed him with another opportunity for which he’s particularly grateful.
“I met my wife, Jessica, on a kayak guide trip when she brought her young son,” Morales said. “She had been in the corporate world in accounting and HR, and it was because of her push that we decided to open our shop down in the Valley. We had a lot of customers coming from there and it made sense to open a shop in Mission.”
Morales learned last year that Austin Canoe & Kayak was going out of business in the San Antonio area, which led to another expansion into that market for Fin Factory, which is
now the No. 4 retailer for selling Hobie kayaks in the country. Looking ahead to a new year, Morales said the business he started by following his passion will also be opening a Houston location.
“Without jumping in and starting the guide business, we probably wouldn’t have the success we’ve had.”
CONTACT
4719 S Alameda St Suite A
finfactorycharters.com
Elegant. Timeless. Affordable.
Welcome to The Bay Jewel – one of the Coastal Bend’s premier event centers providing all your hospitality needs. Located in Downtown Corpus Christi, this two-level property features a 3,000 sqft. ballroom, two private suites, three individual meeting or event rooms and a 900 sqft. prep kitchen. The Bay Jewel Event Center can host your meetings, parties, or weddings. Bookings can include various luxurious amenities such as a custom built-in-bar complete with glassware, china and flatware for your dining experience, security services, bartenders, coordinators and more.
CONNECTIONS
Abundant artistry and character – we take a peek inside Dr. Cassidy Hinojosa's cosmetic and plastic surgery center.
Westside Business Association
Elevating Corpus Christi’s Westside— one business and child at a time
by Jessica Dusek photos provided by Debbie Noble
ince 1979, the Westside Business Association (WBA) has shone as a beacon for Corpus Christi’s Westside businesses and residents. The organization continues to provide community resources through educational and business resources, while its philanthropic initiatives focus on creating a ripple effect for low-income and Hispanic families in need.
The WBA is run by a passionate volunteer board of directors, and continues to thrive on guiding principles instilled over 40 years ago.
Ideas for an association percolated in the late 1970s, as a group of local business owners sought more support for their community. They began to meet on Agnes Street, which was key, as it turned
into Highway 44, which at the time had been shut down. The highway led to Laredo, covering main routes throughout the Gulf Coast. As these were not easy times on the Westside, opportunity for economic development would soon help drive many changes.
“People who were from across the tracks were treated differently,” said Noe Mendez, a founding member of the WBA. Returning from military service in Europe, he was told he wasn’t able to work in transit in Corpus Christi because he was Hispanic. This sparked a movement for Mendez and others to find resources for those encountering similar roadblocks.
An inspired group of 25 Corpus Christi business owners would travel to the state Capitol in Austin to be considered for a grant to fund economic development through the Texas Department of Transportation.
WBA hosted the Diez y Seis de Septiembre Fiesta & Mercado. The event celebrated honorees including Gabe Guerra, Linda Escobar, Mayra Zamora, Dr. Nancy Vera and Johnny Canales.
"We feel by partnering with businesses and nonprofit organizations for the common good, together, we can truly make a change in the Westside and in the community."
The effort resulted in an award of about $8 million to boost economic development, and the Port Avenue Business Association was formed. It would later be renamed the WBA.
The WBA focuses its efforts on providing informational presentations, monthly breakfasts and lunch-and-learns to new and existing business members.
“We feel by partnering with businesses and nonprofit organizations for the common good, together, we can truly make a change in the Westside and in the community,” said Liz Cantu, WBA president.
Enhancing aesthetics in and around the city also has become a part of WBA’s mission.
“We do that through helping promote Westside businesses, helping them revitalize their existing
structure and helping with landscaping, painting and just increasing their curbside appeal,” Cantu said.
In addition, the WBA provides clothing and sports equipment for children during the holidays.
“We feel that if children are happy and feeling good about the way they look and feel, they tend to do better in school,” said Carmen Arias, an active member of the WBA.
wba-cc.org
DATEBOOK
CC BLACK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MONTHLY BOARD MEETING
JANUARY 7
The Corpus Christi Black Chamber of Commerce’s monthly board meeting takes place at Katz 21 from 2 to 4 p.m. There will also be a Zoom link for those who want to attend virtually. The monthly meetings are open to board members, committee chairs and guests. BLACKCHAMBERCC.ORG
STATE
OF CORPUS CHRISTI TOURISM & REVENUE SUMMIT
JANUARY 9
Visit Corpus Christi is hosting the 2023 State of Corpus Christi Tourism & Revenue Summit at the American Bank Center. The one-day event will include sessions on hotel trends, tourism updates and a keynote presentation from the best-selling author and keynote speaker, Tom Martin. VISITCORPUSCHRISTI.COM
NAACP ANNUAL FREEDOM FUND GALA
JANUARY 14
Join the NAACP Corpus Christi Chapter for its 53rd Annual Freedom Fund Gala honoring Martin Luther King Jr. Taking place at the Solomon P. Ortiz International Center at 6 p.m., the ticketed event will include guest speakers, dinner and honorable acknowledgments. (361) 884-8541
COASTAL BEND SHRM MEETING
JANUARY 19
Attend this meeting covering the topic of employees’ privacy and company assets. The session, which takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Ortiz Center, will provide insight into the challenges of controlling and respecting employee’s use of technology while keeping employers' best interests in mind. CBSHRM.ORG
5TH ANNUAL WINTER TEXAN APPRECIATION DAY
JANUARY 19
Winter Texans are a vital component of Rockport-Fulton's economy and that’s a reason to celebrate! Head to the Fulton Convention Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a fun-filled day of live music, games, food, information booths and presentations. ROCKPORT-FULTON.ORG
2023 GOODWILL DINNER
JANUARY 19
Attend Goodwill’s 74th Annual Board Meeting & Recognition Dinner at the Omni Corpus Christi Hotel from 6 to 8:30 p.m. The annual event recognizes individuals and businesses in the community who give back.
GOODWILLSOUTHTEXAS.COM
by Debbie
photos
Noble
STATE OF THE SAN PATRICIO COUNTY LUNCHEON
JANUARY 26
Make plans to attend the annual State of the County Luncheon at the Portland Community Center beginning at 11:30 a.m. San Patricio County Judge David Krebs will report on local economic initiatives and his vision for the year ahead. (361) 777-4650
ROCKPORT FULTON YOUNG PROFESSIONALS MEETING
JANUARY 26
With a goal of attracting, retaining and engaging young professionals ages 21 to 39 in the Rockport-Fulton area, this group meets monthly to unite and inform members about various topics concerning professional development. (361) 729-6445
CHAMBER CHAT & COFFEE
JANUARY 31
Taking place every Tuesday morning at 8:30 a.m., the Portland Chamber of Commerce invites you to pull up a seat in its board room and chat about success, confidence and accomplishments achieved by working together over a cup of coffee.
PORTLANDTX.ORG
2023 CORPUS CHRISTI HEART BALL
FEBRUARY 11
Through the Heart of Corpus Christi Heart Ball campaign, the local American Heart Association chapter aims to raise funds and awareness for heart-related health issues. This year’s formal event takes place at the Solomon P. Ortiz International Center from 6 to 11 p.m. and includes guest speakers, dinner, auction items and more.
NEW.EVENT.GIVES/CORPUSCHRISTIHB
COASTAL BEND LEGISLATIVE DAY (CB TO ATX)
FEBRUARY 22
Join the Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce at the Capitol to represent the needs of the Coastal Bend on February 22. Throughout the day, participants will hear from legislators and other speakers to learn about priorities for the session, attend ceremonial resolutions in the house and senate and end with a reception. UNITEDCCCHAMBER.COM
2023 AMERICAN ADVERTISING AWARDS & BIG WIGS
FEBRUARY 24
The Addys is the advertising industry's largest competition, attracting more than 25,000 entries every year in local AAF Ad Club competitions. Join the Corpus Christi Club at The Bay Jewel for an evening celebrating local advertising across varying platforms and media.
AAFCC.CLUB
2022 STATE OF THE PORT LUNCHEON
photos by Lillian Reitz
1. Darcy Schroeder, Gloria Perez, Hope Andrade, Mayor Paulette Guajardo, Patsy Benchoff and Judge Connie Scott
2. Charles Zahn, Gloria Hicks, Linda Zahn, Rajan Ahuja, Charlie Hicks and Dr. Kelly Miller
3. Lilly Wilkinson and Mayor Cathy Skurow 4. DeeAnne Cates Heaviliin and Marisol Ramirez
5. Lucy Perez and Ashton Everett 6. Dr. Ahmed Mahdy, Stephen Pierce and Dr. Andy Benoit
7. Sam Saldivar and Donato Amaya
2022 BLACK CHAMBER ANNUAL AWARDS BANQUET
photos provided by Debbie Noble
1. Peper Tryon Williams and Sylvia Tryon Oliver 2. Renita Newton and Katina Stith 3. Malachi Flores and Justin Powell
4. Coretta Graham, Irene Burg and Victoria Vargas 5. Fred Sanford, Gaye White, Alex Garcia Jr. and Charles K. Blake Jr. 6. Melody Nixon-Bice and Kristen Jackson Ross 7. Estevan Guerra, Erica Bhakta, Emily Zertuche and Brett Oetting 8. Jessica and Hershel Shoat
Networking
IT’S ALL ABOUT WHO YOU KNOW
Have
Abundant Artistry and Character
Dr. Cassidy Hinojosa shares a glimpse inside her practice
by Will Leschper photos by Shoocha Photography
Dr. Cassidy Hinojosa takes great pride in the many places her career has taken her. Hinojosa, who grew up in San Antonio, graduated from Texas A&M University in College Station and later attended her first two years of medical school at the Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine.
She would go on to finish her training at Scott & White Hospital in Temple, including her final rotation as a medical student, which brought the opportunity to work alongside her father. After completing a residency program at the University of Missouri Hospital, Hinojosa and her husband decided to move back to Texas, choosing Corpus Christi to open her plastic surgery practice.
“My dream for the office was to create a special space that didn't feel like a typical medical office. Plastic surgery is a unique specialty, and I wanted my patients to have a special experience that would make the entire process — from start to finish — fun, engaging and noteworthy.”
“Our office is the only female owned and operated plastic surgery clinic here in Corpus Christi,” Hinojosa said. “We really take pride in making our patients feel like family, and we have tried to convey that by creating a comforting, fun office environment where patients feel pampered and special!"
“My favorite pieces of decor are definitely the artwork. I've picked out each piece myself, and I think that they bring a lot of character to the space. Plastic surgery itself is a very artistic surgical specialty, and I think our office reflects that idea.
“Most doctors' offices can be austere, sterile and frankly, kind of boring. Our office is the exact opposite — full of color, glam and a fun mix of music playing throughout the office. We want our patients to have a truly unique experience when visiting, rather than it being the standard doctor's appointment."
Allison Flooring America is a full-service flooring company centrally located in Corpus Christi, TX. Owner, Terry Allison, an expert in the commercial flooring industry for over 40 years, can guide commercial customers through the process of selecting, purchasing and installing floor coverings. From carpet to tile and wood to resilient coverings, we have the products and expertise you need to purchase the right materials for your job and your budget. With Terry and Sandi Allison, and their diverse backgrounds in the flooring industry, and their experienced installation team of over 35 years, you can be assured that you will receive the knowledge and insight that is needed as you select, purchase and schedule the installation of the right flooring materials for every project, every time
WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR NEWS FIRST?
In the mornings I check our newswire service to get a quick synopsis of the day. Then I read over the KRIS-TV and KIII-TV websites for local news. I also have an online subscription to the Wall Street Journal so I can skim over their stories. Breaking news comes in via push alerts on my phone. And on Wednesdays I get The News Of San Patricio newspaper so I can see what's happening here in my neck of the woods.
WHAT SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS SHOULD WE BE FOLLOWING?
I am @BigFrankRadio on social media. K-99 is on Instagram (@ K99CorpusChristi) and Facebook (K99Country). If you like BBQ, Daniel Vaughn is the Barbecue Editor of Texas Monthly (@ BBQsnob, @tmbbq). Also, how does one get that job?
WHAT APP DO YOU OPEN FIRST THING IN THE MORNING?
Twitter and Facebook to see what's trending, then I check AccuWeather.
Frank E. Franklin III
"Big Frank," as he is known around South Texas, is proud to say he’s lived his whole life south of the Frio River. Franklin is vice president of programming for iHeartMedia-Corpus Christi and has been talking on the radio in Corpus Christi for over 25 years. He tells The Bend Business his go-to sources for good content.
WHAT BOOKS ARE MAKING YOU THINK?
Currently I'm reading Jimmy Johnson's book, Swagger. Dang, he was tough. This year, I started the daily devotional My Utmost For His Highest by Oswald Chambers, which is really good, and I highly encourage folks to include with their Bible reading. My cousin recently recommended a book, and I downloaded it, called Ego Free Leadership: Ending the Unconscious Habits that Hijack Your Business, and I look forward to diving into it next.
WHAT PODCASTS DO WE NEED TO BE LISTENING TO?
I enjoy The Art Of Manliness. The host, Brett McKay, has a unique interview style and covers a wide array of topics. Also, a friend recently told me about Charles Beaty, known as the "Prince of Poachers." His website has links to various podcasts he has appeared on. I've downloaded episodes of the Hunters Advantage Podcast to check listen to, because his stories are apparently pretty good.
WHAT MUSIC SHOULD WE ADD TO OUR PLAYLIST RIGHT NOW?
Anything from George Strait! Ronnie Dunn's album 100 Proof Neon is my personal favorite of 2022. One newer act to check out is a duo called Neon Union. Their first song just got released, called "Bout Damn Time."
WHAT NEWSLETTER
ALWAYS GETS CLICKED OPEN?
The 1440 Daily Digest (Join1440. com) is a great source of information, linking to the day's top trending stories. The Morning Brew (morningbrew. com/daily) is another one and its focus is finance and tech. Also, the K-99 iHeart Country Daily (K99Country.com) for country music, and on Fridays, The Bend Magazine email.
Architectural Engineer by Trade, Fashion Mogul at Heart
You may be familiar with what local leaders do professionally, but what about in their spare time? Take a peek into the hobbies and interests of professionals when they’re Out of Office.
by Will Leschper
photo by Lillian Reitz
ibiana Dykema’s passion for design, dimension and detail has been a hallmark of her career in architecture spanning more than 40 years. Those creative aspects also have been handy in her passion project, Modern Moghul. Dykema, a Ray High School and University of Texas graduate, is a full-time licensed architect and licensed interior designer. She and her husband, John, worked with her father in an architectural firm for 20 years before later taking over the venture.
“By chance,” as Dykema likes to say — but more likely by determination — her jewelry business has taken off and received global attention.
“I started Modern Moghul about 10 years ago with a client I was working on a hotel project with,” Dykema said. “They had a home in India and I was working on an architectural project where I had to fly to New York to source fabrics, and they said, ‘You could do that from India,’ so I ended up going with them on a trip.”
Dykema said spending more time in India was fortuitous for many reasons.
"I had what they call gold wax beads I had bought years before in New York that I knew were Indian,” she said. “I showed them to a business associate and said I’d love to have
more of them made because no matter where I was working on a project, someone would say ‘I love those beads.’ So we hopped on a small plane to go to another town and we found someone to make those, and I brought them back to give as gifts. I kept having people ask if I could have more made and I thought, ‘There’s a real market here.’”
She soon discovered some helpful similarities with her previous field. “Jewelry design is a lot like architecture — and I didn’t know that going into it, but it’s color, form, proportion, dimensions, design. It’s a lot like what I’d been doing forever,” she said. “The funny thing about that, too, is that in our studio in India it’s mostly all men, and for most of my career in architecture in the field I’ve been in a room full of men, which has never bothered me.”
As Modern Moghul expanded its reach and offerings, it didn’t take long for many celebrities to take notice.
“We got on the cover of Oprah’s magazine when she was wearing our jewelry and that was huge, and we’ve been in a number of other magazines,” Dykema said. “We have truly been blessed.”
