CEOs You Should Know - Mark Kundysek - NexCourt

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!

CEOs You Should Know - Ben Spell - Good Ranchers

What happens when a worship leader with no business background decides to challenge an entire industry? In this episode of CEOs You Should Know Dallas, iHeartMedia Dallas Market President Chris Long sits down with Ben Spell, Founder and CEO of Good Ranchers, [https://www.goodranchers.com/] to explore his unlikely journey from church music ministry to building one of the fastest-growing direct-to-consumer meat companies in the country. Ben shares how a moment in a church parking lot sparked a deeper calling to create something meaningful, leading him to launch a business with no formal plan, no industry experience, and a strong commitment to integrity. What began as a side hustle selling meat out of a truck quickly evolved into a mission-driven company focused on transparency, American-sourced products, and customer trust. The conversation dives into the realities of entrepreneurship, including navigating rapid growth, embracing imperfection, and building a company culture rooted in purpose. Ben also reflects on the challenges of scaling during COVID-19, transitioning to e-commerce, and leading a team while growing a young family alongside the business. Along the way, he shares insights on hiring for heart over resume, recognizing opportunity in uncertainty, and why giving back remains central to the company’s mission. Guest: Ben Spell, Founder and CEO, Good Ranchers Website: www.GoodRanchers.com [https://www.goodranchers.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 - Shani Raviv - SportsPredict.com

What if sports predictions were not about betting, but about skill? In this episode of CEOs You Should Know Dallas, iHeartMedia Dallas Market President Chris Long sits down with Shani Raviv, Founder and CEO of SportsPredict.com [https://www.sportspredict.com/], to explore how she is building a new category at the intersection of sports, data, and competition. Shani shares her unconventional path, from growing up in Israel to serving nearly eight years in an elite Israeli intelligence unit, where she developed her expertise in data and decision-making under pressure. After earning a law degree and MBA, she went on to launch a tech startup grounded in those same principles. She also reflects on early influences, including tagging along to business meetings as a child and attending her first concert, the Backstreet Boys. The conversation dives into the vision behind SportsPredict, a free to play platform where fans compete by making sports predictions and proving their ability to read data, not risk money. Shani explains why predictive thinking is becoming a critical skill in an AI driven world and how her platform could uncover talent far beyond sports.  Along the way, she shares insights on building a global team, leading with openness, moving fast without chasing perfection, and staying connected to users while scaling a business.   Guest: Shani Raviv, Founder and CEO, SportsPredict Website: www.SportsPredict.com [https://www.sportspredict.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 - Enrique Ramirez - Buff City Soap

What does it take to turn a small, handmade soap shop into one of the fastest‑growing retail franchises in the country? In this episode of CEOs You Should Know Dallas, iHeartMedia Dallas Market President Chris Long sits down with Enrique Ramirez, CEO of Buff City Soap, to explore the rapid rise of a brand built on fresh ingredients, customer experience, and scalable growth. Enrique shares how Buff City Soap evolved from a niche concept into a nationwide franchise, while staying true to its roots of handcrafted, plant‑based products made daily in-store. He breaks down the realities of hyper-growth, what it takes to build and support a successful franchise system, and how strong culture and operational discipline drive long-term success. Along the way, the conversation covers leadership lessons, navigating change, retail innovation, and why creating a memorable in-store experience is more important than ever. Enrique also gives insight into the future of Buff City Soap and the strategy behind its continued expansion.   Guest: Enrique Ramirez, CEO, Buff City Soap Website: www.BuffCitySoap.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!