I came to Houston 25 years ago with a builder’s mindset—a vision to create, grow, and make something that lasts. Back then, the American Dream was my blueprint: a stable job, a home to call my own, and the chance to leave a mark. Houston, with its open doors and boundless opportunities, was the perfect foundation. It wasn’t just a city; it was a proving ground for anyone willing to roll up their sleeves and build.
Over the years, I’ve seen this city evolve, and I’ve evolved with it. My time in the energy industry introduced me to the Center for Houston’s Future Civic Forum, a pivotal moment in my journey. That course didn’t just teach me about Houston’s challenges and opportunities—it rewired my thinking. It gave me the tools to see the bigger picture, connect the dots between climate, energy, and workforce, and understand what it truly means to be a builder in this city. The Center’s program was part of my outplacement when I voluntarily left BP, and it gave me the courage to step out on my own a decade ago to tackle the critical intersections of climate and energy. It’s where I learned that building isn’t just about structures—it’s about people, ideas, and the future.
Today, Houston stands at a crossroads. The corporate landscape is shifting—layoffs, economic uncertainty, and rapid technological change are reshaping industries. But here’s the thing about builders: we don’t see obstacles; we see opportunities. And Houston? Houston is the ultimate builder’s city. This is where the future is being built, brick by brick, idea by idea.
The Center for Houston’s Future Vision 2050 plan captures this moment perfectly. It’s not just about what Houston is today—it’s about what we can become. The Center’s groundbreaking research into the brain economy shows how Houston can lead industries that rely on creativity, innovation, and human potential. This isn’t just about jobs—it’s about building a future where everyone has a role to play. The Center’s recent trips to Davos have put Houston on the world stage, showcasing the city as a global leader in innovation, resilience, and cultural dynamism. Houston isn’t just a city—it’s a cultural mecca, a place where diverse perspectives fuel progress and where the American Dream is constantly redefined.
Take climate resilience.
Rising temperatures and extreme weather aren’t just challenges—they’re calls to action. Houston has the expertise in energy and carbon technology to lead the world in climate adaptation. AI is another game-changer, reshaping everything from energy systems to healthcare. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build sustainable and scalable solutions. And Houston’s diversity—of cultures, perspectives, and ideas—fuels the creativity we need to turn these challenges into breakthroughs. Unlike other cities stuck in gridlock, Houston gets things done. That’s what builders do.
The platforms and institutions driving this transformation are remarkable. The Center for Houston’s Future continues to push boundaries with its Vision 2050, showing us what’s possible when we think big. The UH Technology Bridge is a launchpad for cutting-edge research and entrepreneurship. Houston Community College’s AI program is setting a national standard, while Rice University’s Nexus innovation factory is shaping the future of artificial intelligence. Organizations like Tex E and Houston AI are connecting the dots between startups, researchers, and industry leaders, creating a thriving ecosystem for innovation. These aren’t just initiatives—they’re the scaffolding for Houston’s future.
But here’s the thing: building the future isn’t just about waiting for the next big idea or investment. It’s about asking the right questions and taking action. It’s about stopping the cycle of waiting and starting the work of creating a future for everyone. That’s the heart of the Vision 2050 plan, a call to action for all of us to step up, ask what’s next, and build it together. Whether it’s climate resilience, the brain economy, or the next wave of innovation, Houston’s future isn’t something we wait for—it’s something we create.
Houston’s story has always been about building. We’re not bound by tradition; we’re empowered by it. We stand on the shoulders of those who turned this city into an energy powerhouse, an artistic hub, and a leader in space exploration. And now, it’s our turn. The American Dream isn’t just alive in Houston—it’s being redefined. This is where bold ideas meet hard work, where resilience turns vision into reality.
As a builder, I know this: Houston’s future is in our hands. Together, we can continue to write the story of a city that doesn’t just dream, but delivers. Let’s build the future, Houston. It’s what we do best.