CEOs You Should Know - Amanda Hollins - Every Car Can

CEOs You Should Know - Amanda Hollins - Every Car Can

How do you go from serving your community as a Dallas police officer to leading a nonprofit that transforms lives across Texas? In this episode of CEOs You Should Know Dallas, iHeartMedia Dallas Market President Chris Long sits down with Amanda Hollins, COO [https://www.carsforkids.org/AboutUs] of Every Car Can, to explore her remarkable journey from law enforcement to nonprofit leadership and the purpose that drives her work today. Before diving into her story, Amanda shares a glimpse of her roots through a fun rapid fire round, including her first concert, Merle Haggard, attended with her grandmother, a nod to the strong foundation and influences that shaped her early years. Amanda shares how a leap of faith led her from a 15-year career with the Dallas Police Department into an unexpected opportunity with Every Car Can, an organization that funds education and helps at-risk students graduate high school through Texans Can Academies. She reflects on the lessons she carried from policing, including discipline, empathy, and resilience, and how those experiences have shaped her leadership style. The conversation dives into Every Car Can's unique model of accepting donated vehicles, auctioning them, and turning those proceeds into life-changing educational opportunities for students who need a second chance. Amanda also gives an inside look at the organization's culture, its nationwide impact, and even demonstrates her skills as a live auctioneer. From building strong teams and leading with empathy to creating pathways for students to succeed, Amanda offers powerful insights on purpose-driven leadership and the impact of investing in the next generation. This episode is a testament to the power of service, second chances, and following a path guided by purpose. Guest: Amanda Hollins, COO, Every Car Can [https://www.carsforkids.org/] A New Name. A New Era. Introducing Every Car Can. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGuuVz54C6Q] CEOs You Should Know DFW features candid conversations with leaders shaping business in North Texas and beyond, hosted by Chris Long, Region President of iHeartMedia Dallas/Fort Worth. Follow, Rate, and Subscribe on the podcast platform you are listening on!

CEOs You Should Know - David Regn - Stream Companies

What does it take to build a business from a living room idea into a national marketing powerhouse? In this episode of CEOs You Should Know Dallas, iHeartMedia Dallas Market President Chris Long sits down with David Regn, Co-Founder and CEO of Stream Companies [https://www.streamcompanies.com/] and Co-Founder of FullThrottle.AI [https://www.fullthrottle.ai/] to share his journey from early entrepreneurship to leading a 500+ employee organization. David reflects on launching Stream out of his mom’s house with his business partner, turning small client opportunities into long-term growth, and staying ahead of industry shifts from the early days of the internet to today’s AI-driven landscape. The conversation explores how a mindset of grit, adaptability, and continuous problem-solving helped the company navigate major moments like the dot-com crash, the financial crisis, and COVID-19. He also shares insights on building strong client partnerships, developing a resilient team culture, and why embracing change is essential for long-term success. From humble beginnings to industry leadership, this episode highlights the power of persistence, innovation, and never giving up. Guest: David Regn, Co-Founder & CEO, Stream Companies [https://www.streamcompanies.com/] CEOs You Should Know DFW features candid conversations with leaders shaping business in North Texas and beyond, hosted by Chris Long, Region President of iHeartMedia Dallas/Fort Worth. Follow, Rate, and Subscribe on the podcast platform you are listening on!

CEOs You Should Know - Michael Monette - Total Office Solutions

What happens when a spontaneous decision, a bold idea, and a willingness to take risks turn into a 39-year business? In this episode of CEOs You Should Know Dallas, iHeartMedia Dallas Market President Chris Long sits down with Michael Monette, Co-Founder of Total Office Solutions, to share the story behind building a company from scratch—starting just days after losing his job. Michael reflects on his unconventional journey from Air Force veteran to entrepreneur, including the pivotal moment that led him and his wife Linda to start their business together. What began with a single project quickly grew into a company that now operates across multiple markets, serving clients nationwide. The conversation explores the resilience required to navigate uncertainty, from early cash flow challenges to leading through COVID-19—where forward-thinking decisions helped transform and expand the business. Michael also shares insights on leadership, adaptability, and the importance of culture in sustaining long-term success. From bold beginnings to national growth, this episode highlights the mindset and grit it takes to seize opportunity and build something lasting. Guest: Michael Monette, Co-Founder, Website:Total Office Solutions [https://www.tospartners.com/] CEOs You Should Know DFW features candid conversations with leaders shaping business in North Texas and beyond, hosted by Chris Long, Region President of iHeartMedia Dallas/Fort Worth. Follow, Rate, and Subscribe on the podcast platform you are listening on!

CEOs You Should Know - Mark Kundysek - NexCourt

What does it take to turn a passion for sports and construction into a 30+ year business and build more than 10,000 courts along the way?   In this episode of CEOs You Should Know Dallas, iHeartMedia Dallas Market President Chris Long sits down with Mark Kundysek, Founder and President of NexCourt, [https://www.nexcourt.com] to share how a passion for sports and construction turned into a 30+ year business. From launching with a $250 dealer kit to building more than 10,000 custom sports courts, Mark reflects on the grit, consistency, and hands-on work it takes to grow something from the ground up. He also shares how NexCourt has evolved, from early backyard basketball courts to the rise of pickleball and what’s next with the growing demand for multi-use recreational spaces. The conversation also highlights the importance of teamwork, long-standing relationships, and giving back through partnerships with organizations like the Dallas Mavericks and Nancy Lieberman Charities. Mark’s story is a testament to steady growth, adaptability, and delivering more than expected, one project at a time. Guest: Mark Kundysek, Founder & President, NexCourt CEOs You Should Know DFW features candid conversations with leaders shaping business in North Texas and beyond, hosted by Chris Long, Region President of iHeartMedia Dallas/Fort Worth. Follow, Rate, and Subscribe on the podcast platform you are listening on!

CEOs You Should Know - Yea Media Group & The Kidd Kraddick Morning Show

What does it take to stay at the top of radio for over three decades—and build a media company around it? In this episode of CEOs You Should Know Dallas, iHeartMedia Dallas Market President Chris Long sits down with the voices behind The Kidd Kraddick Morning Show [https://www.kiddnation.com/]: Kellie Rasberry, Big Al Mack, and JC Chavez—along with YEA Networks [https://yeamediagroup.com/] CEO George Laughlin, for a candid and entertaining conversation about longevity, leadership, and legacy in media. From sneaking into first concerts and landing unexpected breaks in radio to building one of the most recognizable morning shows in the country, the team shares the unconventional journeys that brought them together—and what has kept them connected for more than 20 years. They reflect on the influence of Kidd Kraddick, whose commitment to authenticity and storytelling continues to shape the show and its culture today. The conversation explores how the media landscape has evolved, from traditional radio to podcasts, social platforms, and viral fame, and what it really takes to build a lasting connection with an audience in an era of instant visibility. George offers insight into scaling YEA Media Group, balancing creative talent with business discipline, and creating a culture where people—and personalities—can thrive. At the heart of the discussion is Kidd’s Kids [https://www.kiddskids.org/], the beloved charity that has become the show’s defining legacy, providing life-changing experiences for families with children facing chronic and life-threatening illnesses. Along the way, the group shares stories of early career risks, lessons in staying relevant, and why authenticity, adaptability, and strong relationships remain the foundation of their success. Guests: Kellie Rasberry, Big Al Mack, JC Chavez (The Kidd Kraddick Morning Show), and George Laughlin (CEO, YEA Networks) CEOs You Should Know DFW features candid conversations with leaders shaping business in North Texas and beyond, hosted by Chris Long, Region President of iHeartMedia Dallas/Fort Worth. Follow, Rate, and Subscribe on the podcast platform you are listening on!