Meet the 2024 Southwest honorees

Steve Burke is the CEO of Agora Data.

Agora Data, Inc. is an automotive industry FinTech revolutionizing financing for car dealers and finance companies. Car dealerships can secure affordable capital to build their own non-prime captive finance companies, obtain actionable loan performance data to improve their lending portfolios and use a wide range of solutions to grow their business safely. Powered by patent-pending artificial intelligence and machine learning technology, car dealers and finance companies can access real-time data analytics and planning resources to help optimize the performance of their portfolios. Agora Data made history by closing the first-ever crowdsourced non-prime auto securitization in 2020 and continually brings groundbreaking financing solutions to an underserved market. 

Jason Signor is the CEO & Founder of Big Sky Asset Management, LLC.

Big Sky Asset Management is an investment manager focused on commercial real estate across the United States with an overweight focus on the medical office sector. Big Sky was formed in 2020 by industry veteran Jason L. Signor to exclusively invest in health care and life science real estate. Big Sky leverages its deep relationships built over the past two decades as a sector specialist to position its platform as a flexible source of capital for developers, health care operators and investors of high-quality medical real estate without competing conflicts of interest. 

Chintan Shah is the CEO of Brainvire Infotech Inc.

Led by Chintan Shah’s unstoppable entrepreneurial and innovation-driven spirit, Brainvire aims to transform sectors hitherto untouched and provide value-added IT services digitally. The firm has a global presence across more than 11 countries and more than 1,000 resources. Specializing in digital strategy, product ideation and development, product engineering and enterprise solutions, Brainvire helps transform companies digitally and achieve growth. The company has also been named the Top Developer by Clutch and GoodFirms in various categories. Among its stellar clients are Walt Disney, Krispy Kreme, Southwest Airlines, Fox Sports and Fossil. Brainvire’s core industrial expertise lies in retail, BFSI, health care, education, real estate and logistics. Furthermore, the company has outperformed all other competitors with more than 230 customer testimonials on Clutch — the leading marketplace for finding business services and a B2B ratings and reviews site.

Romy Cheema is the Founder & CEO of CanTex Capital.

CanTex Capital is a Texas-based commercial real estate investor and operator. Its talented team is vertically integrated with acquisitions, construction management, property management and asset management in-house, and an experience base spanning a breadth of geographies, asset classes and market cycles. Over the past five years, CanTex identified the fragmented Class B industrial sector in Dallas–Fort Worth as the most compelling area to deploy capital and achieve outsized returns, and transacted on more than 8.3 million square feet. Today, CanTex recognizes the evolving landscape of commercial real estate and, with a strong belief in the Texas growth story, will leverage its investment expertise to identify attractive opportunities across the commercial real estate sector in key Texas markets. The firm’s investment philosophy is focused on basis first and foremost, and finding the best risk-adjusted returns through a disciplined and data-driven investment approach.

Srikanth Chakkilam is the CEO of Cigniti Technologies.

Cigniti Technologies Limited (NSE: CIGNITITEC; BSE: 534758) is the world’s leading AI and IP-led digital assurance and digital engineering services company. Cignitians worldwide help Fortune 500 and Global 2000 enterprises across 25 countries accelerate their digital transformation journey across various stages of digital adoption and help them achieve market leadership by providing transformation services leveraging IP and platform-led innovation with expertise across multiple verticals and domains. The company’s industry-leading digital assurance and AI-led digital engineering services are helping global customers with measurable outcomes, millions of dollars of savings and significant ROI. Cigniti is headquartered in Hyderabad, India, with global offices spread across the USA, Canada, the UK, UAE, Australia, South Africa, Czech Republic, Costa Rica and Singapore.

Edison Chen in the Founder & CEO of Clapper Media Group Inc.

Clapper stands out as a rapidly expanding social platform with its unique ability to enable users to share the unfolding moments of their lives and engage with the latest trends through short videos. Unlike other social media platforms, Clapper distinguishes itself as a space dedicated to genuine life experiences with an equal opportunity algorithm. 

J. Brooks in the Founder & CEO of Glassview.

Inventors of NeuroPowered Media™, GlassView is unlocking the subconscious to elevate its brands.

Simply having more data does not lead to better outcomes. And not all data is created equal. It’s not the data. It’s the source. And it’s what you do with it.

GlassView has invented next-generation, AI-powered tools to make better decisions, thereby empowering brands to connect with their audiences like never before.

GlassView’s mission is to drive performance through neuropowered media on every connected screen. Its higher order mission is to fuel brain health one media campaign at a time.

Through its invention of GlassView Origin, the world’s first neuromarketing activation at scale, through emotion-based targeting and optimization, high-frequency trading (GlassView SmartGamma™) and delivery across connected devices, GlassView is best known for the performance (tangible ROI) it provides its clients.

Chris Gronkowski is the CEO of Ice Shaker Inc.

Ice Shaker is a dynamic and innovative company that specializes in creating premium insulated water bottles and shakers. Established with a passion for fitness and a commitment to providing top-notch hydration solutions, Ice Shaker has quickly become a go-to brand for those who demand excellence in their workout gear.

The flagship product of Ice Shaker is its insulated stainless steel water bottle, which stands out for its durability, functionality and stylish design. These bottles are engineered to keep beverages cold for an extended period, making them ideal for use during intense workouts or outdoor activities, or simply to ensure a refreshing drink throughout the day.

Key features of Ice Shaker’s products include:

Premium insulation: Ice Shaker’s water bottles are equipped with state-of-the-art insulation technology, ensuring that beverages stay cold for an impressive duration. This feature is particularly beneficial for individuals who prioritize maintaining optimal hydration levels during physical activities.

Patented twist in agitator: breaks up powders but also works as a strainer. 

Eric Fortenberry in the Founder & CEO of JobTread Software.

JobTread provides end-to-end construction management software to help jobs-based businesses more efficiently manage all of their processes, from pre-construction through project completion. The platform creates a central location to manage jobs, teams, schedules, documents, photos, finances, customers, vendors, subcontractors and more all in one place. Its budget-first approach creates financial transparency at every stage of a project, mitigating risk and ensuring the project stays on time and on budget. Get organized, complete your projects on time and increase your profits with JobTread.

Ken Luce is the CEO of LDWW.

Founded in 2012, LDWW has grown from the largest integrated marketing agency in the Southwest to one of the largest firms in the US. Based in Dallas and Oklahoma City, LDWW offers fully integrated services across its core disciplines — PR, Digital & Social, Branding & Creative Services, Media Buying and Analytics — with a talented team of experts able to deliver on any client need.

LDWW was founded to change the way agency business is done, and the firm has revolutionized client service in the marketing industry with its unique model that puts client results ahead of profits. LDWW’s client-first mantra — “What Matters To You?” — enables a strategic focus on helping clients achieve the goals that matter most. The team listens first and works collectively with each client on the right strategy for its business. If it can be seen, heard or read, LDWW can do it, and that breadth of capabilities makes any client’s desired outcomes possible — from awareness and reputation to influence and action, and ultimately sales.

Pedro Lerma in the Founder & CEO of LERMA/ Advertising.

2022 and 2023 AdAge Small Agency of the Year, LERMA/ is a full-service advertising agency that exists for clients who want to go where others won’t. At a time of extreme societal division, LERMA/ has the desire and cross-cultural expertise to unite through thoughtful, memorable communication and experiences.

Flip Howard is the CEO of Lucid Private Offices.

Lucid Private Offices combines the no-hassle flexibility and modern energy of coworking with the privacy and professionalism of a traditional office. 

The company gives its clients the most impressive place to meet with colleagues, investors and other guests, in the most productive place to get the most work done. Lucid makes it easy, with very little commitment.

The company’s reception area and conference rooms are unbranded and project a feel of modern luxury that is professional and established, but also bright and active.  

Lucid’s unique design strikes the perfect balance of energy and privacy by blending elements of modern and traditional offices to create an atmosphere that is simultaneously stimulating and distraction free. 

Its move-in ready offices are fully furnished and equipped with a host of other amenities and are on short-term, flexible agreements.

Dr. Chris Villanueva in the Founder & CEO of MB2 Dental Solutions.

MB2 Dental was the first dental partnership organization (DPO) to be introduced nationwide. Founded in 2007 and led by dentist Dr. Chris Steven Villanueva (Dr. V), it is now the largest true partnership joint venture model. 

MB2 was born from entrepreneur Dr. V’s private practice and soon resonated with his colleagues, quickly growing through dentist referrals.

MB2 Dental was first group to introduce a DPO model that emphasizes joint venture relationships with dentists (dentist partners) who become part of the network. This model continues to preserve dentists’ role in the profession amid a rapidly consolidating market. The company empowers its dentist partners by ensuring their autonomy and providing them necessary resources and support. In addition, dentist partners in the MB2 network are afforded financial incentives and business ownership, further cementing their role and commitment to patient care and the company.

Ryan Kent is the CEO of Mizzen and Main, LLC.

Since 2012, Mizzen+Main has redefined the workplace wardrobe with clothes that feel like athletic wear and look like custom tailored fits. Built on the belief that men deserve comfortable clothes that come with confidence, Mizzen+Main combines performance fabrics with modern silhouettes to create clothes that look great and feel even better.

Mizzen+Main dress shirts are made of lightweight, breathable, sweat-wicking, wrinkle-resistant and active stretch material that can also be machine washed — making ironing and dry cleaning chores of the past. As a whole, Mizzen+Main has tapped into a movement of men, young and old, who are tired of sweat-stained and wrinkled dress shirts. And with tens of thousands of five-star reviews, that group is only growing.

Originally started as an online-only DTC brand, Mizzen+Main has now branched into the wholesale and retail markets with seven stand-alone stores (plus three on the way) and more than 600 wholesale partners. As more and more people try on their first piece of Mizzen+Main — whether it’s a dress shirt, polo, pants or a pullover — they’re creating a relationship with a brand that not only understands them, but exists to make them (and their wardrobes) a little more comfortable.

Veena Somareddy is the Co-Founder & CEO of Neuro Rehab VR.

Neuro Rehab VR offers a revolutionary approach to neurological rehabilitation, leveraging the power of virtual reality to expedite recovery and enhance patient engagement. Backed by physical therapists and powered by AI, the company’s customizable VR exercises adapt to the patient’s specific needs, ensuring they receive targeted and efficient therapy. Imagine practicing gait in immersive virtual environments, regaining dexterity through gamified challenges or improving cognitive function with interactive tasks. Data-driven and clinically validated, Neuro Rehab VR provides measurable progress tracking and personalized feedback, keeping patients motivated and on track toward their recovery goals. 

XR Therapy System, an FDA medical device, is the company’s flagship product, which consists of a virtual reality headset with controllers and a tablet for clinician control and patient management. The software includes exercises for physical, occupational, cognitive and speech therapy along with pain and anxiety alleviation, and behavioral and social skills training, 

Alexander Kunz is the CEO of OP2Labs.

OP2 Labs is an award-winning company that specializes in developing and manufacturing top-quality products under two distinguished brand names: FrogFuel and ProT GOLD. As a disabled veteran owned and operated company, OP2 Labs takes pride in its commitment to excellence and has been recognized as a four-time Inc. 5000 fastest-growing company in America and Fort Worth Inc. fastest growing company.

FrogFuel is a premier sports, active nutrition and human performance brand, while ProT GOLD caters to medical, health and adult nutrition needs. Both brands were specifically designed by Navy SEALs to meet the needs of the special operations community operating in the most adverse mental and physical conditions in the world.

OP2 Labs is an international product development, manufacturing and distribution company with a CEO and founder at the helm. As the driving force behind the company, the CEO is responsible for the development and end-to-end implementation of a complete manufacturing, distribution and retail business selling products under the FrogFuel and ProT GOLD brands.

One of the key features that set FrogFuel and ProT GOLD apart from other products in the market is their advanced proprietary hydrolyzed protein formulation.

Thomas John is the CEO & Founder of Plutus Health Inc.

Plutus Health Inc. is a 15-year-old, full-cycle, technology-driven RCM firm specializing in medical coding, medical billing, payment posting, denial management, credentialing, prior authorizations, AR follow-up and out-of-network negotiations, and revenue integrity services. The company can also offer you its billing software, a financial analytics dashboard, patient e-statements software and a patient payment portal. The company’s products include AnodynePay, ArtemisABA and Zeus.

Sanjay Jupudi is the Founder & President of Qentelli LLC.

Qentelli is a digital and cloud company that helps organizations to solve complex business problems through the use of technology. Established in 2015, the company is headquartered in US (Dallas) with offices in New Jersey, Canada (Toronto), Mexico (Guadalajara) and India (Hyderabad). Qentelli has received multiple awards such as being named to the Dallas Fast 500 three years in a row, to the Dallas 100 fastest-growing companies based in DFW, a Great Place to Work and many more.

Kendall Koff is the CEO & President of Railpros, Inc.

RailPros is headquartered in Irving, Texas, with offices and personnel across North America. The company, which was founded in 2000, is exclusively focused on providing services to freight, passenger and transit rail carriers across North America. RailPros employs more than 1,000 rail and transit engineers, construction managers, inspectors, design engineers and field support staff, enabling it to serve the full spectrum of the industry’s management, engineering construction management, planning and design needs. In addition, RailPros has a combined training and media production team, producing technical and safety training for rail carriers and rail-related industrial clients. The company has a unique understanding of the industry’s rail and transit needs, and its expertise helps its clients complete work safely, efficiently and with minimal disruption to existing rail service. Rail isn’t a part of our business, it is our business.

Mickey Leech is the CEO of Schumacher Electric Corporation.

Schumacher Electric Corporation is a power conversion company, known for aftermarket and mobility industry-leading innovation, an unwavering commitment to quality and providing feature-rich products that represent a remarkable value. With an owned, vertically integrated global supply chain, Schumacher designs and produces a full complement of power converting products, including battery chargers, testers, maintainers, jump starters, portable power, and lithium and electric vehicle chargers as well as custom transformers for the electronics industry. Since 1947, Schumacher has been powering lifestyles with a legacy centered on delivering product excellence and exceptional service to customers with a broad range of needs and experience levels.

Alfonso Montiel is the CEO of SilverStone Health.

SilverStone Health is reimagining the post-acute continuum of care in the end-of-life care sector. The company guides, empowers, treats, and supports patients and families facing a chronic or terminal illness, enabling them to make the most informed decision throughout their health care journey. SilverStone has integrated a comprehensive range of care solutions that span the initial diagnosis of chronic conditions through the final stages of care. Its integrated approach ensures that patients experience a seamless transition across various health care services, all under one roof. This holistic model of care is what the company proudly refers to as the SilverStone Care Continuum.

Joshua Curlett is the President & CEO of Sound Productions LLC.

SoundPro has been a resource for pro audio, video and lighting (AVL) equipment since providing backline gear for Elvis Presley in 1973. As a leading retailer/distributor of AVL products, the company is excited to help you create memorable live, recorded and streamed experiences using high-quality gear from brands like Allen & Heath, Blackmagic Design, Electro-Voice, Pioneer DJ, Sennheiser, Shure, Yamaha and so many more.

The company’s team members are passionate about and deeply rooted in the industry, often having personal experience with the gear it offers. Decades of professional and practical experience make the company’s team a knowledgeable resource for houses of worship, businesses, live production, contractors/integrators, DJs, content creators and more nationwide.

SoundPro is committed to providing professional gear through a buying process made fast and easy with its curated stock and fast shipping turnaround.

Daniel Powell is the CEO of Spark Biomedical.

Spark Biomedical, Inc. is a leading US-based wearable neurostimulation solutions developer devoted to the lifesaving work of helping 36.3 million people worldwide overcome withdrawal, heal from addiction and achieve the better quality of life they deserve. With opioid-related misuse and overdose deaths on the rise, the company’s mission is to eliminate opioid addiction by working to address the full opioid addiction lifecycle, including withdrawal management, opioid-sparing, relapse prevention and PTSD/trauma abatement. 

Rob Holmes is the President & CEO of Texas Capital.

Texas Capital is now the first full-service financial services firm headquartered in Texas. Its vision is centered upon providing excellent service to its clients throughout the entire cycle of their lives and businesses — from opening their first checking account to financing their business expansions, to supporting them through an acquisition or sale and assisting with their private wealth management. The company’s commitment goes beyond traditional banking; Texas Capital strives to innovate and tailor offerings to the diverse needs of its clients, ensuring they receive personalized and efficient financial solutions. The company’s success offers the opportunity to invest its time, resources and capital in Texas charities and communities through the Texas Capital Foundation.

With a keen eye on sustainable growth and technological advancement, Texas Capital is poised to guide its clients toward achieving their financial aspirations while contributing to the broader economic prosperity of its communities. The company serves clients in every industry and geography where Texas’s business standards resonate and launched an ETF that enables the world to invest in the Texas economy.

Luke Hejl is the CEO of TimelyCare, LLC.

TimelyCare is higher education’s most trusted virtual health and wellbeing provider, serving more than 2.3 million students at more than 350 campuses nationwide. Founded in 2017, TimelyCare pioneered the first telehealth solution built exclusively for higher education, with a mission to improve the health and wellbeing of college students by making virtual medical and mental health care accessible anytime, anywhere. Today its comprehensive suite of services — including mental health counseling, on-demand emotional support, medical care, psychiatric care, health coaching, student success coaching, basic needs assistance, faculty and staff care, peer support and self-guided wellness tools — expands the breadth of campus resources and empowers student success. 

TimelyCare serves as a 24/7 virtual extension of campus health and counseling center resources, with a goal of improving student success, wellbeing, engagement and retention. Through their preferred device, students, faculty and staff can select from TimelyCare’s robust menu of virtual care options from licensed physicians and counselors in all 50 states — at no cost and without the hassle of traditional insurance. 

Mark Caputo in the Chairman & CEO of U.S. Renal Care.

U.S. Renal Care partners with nephrologists to care for people living with kidney disease nationwide. For more than two decades, U.S. Renal Care has been a leader in clinical quality, innovation and operational excellence — delivering the best experience and outcomes for its patients. U.S. Renal Care operates more than 500 in-center and home dialysis programs across 33 states in the US. The company is also a leader in value-based care via Kidneylink, an innovative program helping to slow the progression of kidney disease. 

Karthik Koduru is the CEO & Founder of USMLE Galaxy, LLC (Doing Business as Archer Review).

Archer Review caters to a large number of nurses and physicians every year and provides them with educational resources to excel on their licensing exams. Archer Review has disrupted the nursing education and test prep space with affordable and innovative question banks, on-demand educational videos, computer adaptive testing, predictive assessments based on accurate data analytics, and live lectures and webinars.  The national pass rate hit its highest level at 92% (first-time US graduates) in 2023, and this also happened to be the year when the majority of nursing students switched to Archer Review as their primary resource. These innovations, as well as a very high Net Promoter Score of 92, have led to Archer quickly dominating the space and rapidly growing over the past three years. Archer Review was named in the Inc. 5000 for two consecutive years in 2022 (ranked No. 466) and 2023 (ranked No. 85), and now is on the path to ranking higher in 2024. Additionally, Archer ranked No. 33 in Deloitte’s 2023 Fast 500 technology company list and was also named the fastest-growing company in Texas.

Lorie Welch is the CEO of Woodwright.

Woodwright is a custom wood product manufacturing company that caters to architects, designers and general contractors in the high-end corporate, hospitality and entertainment industries.