Houston, Texas is a vibrant and diverse city with a thriving economy, rich cultural heritage, and a bustling energy sector. The city is home to some of the most successful entrepreneurs in the world, who have built their businesses from the ground up and contributed to the growth and development of the region. Here are the top 20 entrepreneurs in Houston who have made a significant impact on the city’s economy and society.
- Tilman Fertitta – Tilman is a billionaire businessman and the owner of the Landry’s restaurant empire, which includes popular brands such as Rainforest Cafe, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., and Morton’s Steakhouse. He also owns the Houston Rockets basketball team and is a prominent figure in the city’s hospitality industry.
- Jim McIngvale – Jim, also known as “Mattress Mack,” is the founder and owner of Gallery Furniture, a Houston-based furniture store that has become a local icon. He is known for his philanthropy and his willingness to go the extra mile for his customers.
- Tracye McDaniel – Tracye is the founder and CEO of McDaniel Partners, a consulting firm that specializes in economic development and public-private partnerships. She is a respected leader in the business community and has played a key role in attracting new businesses to the Houston area.
- Janice Jucker – Janice is the co-owner of Three Brothers Bakery, a Houston institution that has been around since 1949. She has been recognized for her contributions to the city’s business community and her commitment to helping others.
- John Arnold – John is a billionaire hedge fund manager and philanthropist who has made significant contributions to the city of Houston. He is the founder of the Laura and John Arnold Foundation, which focuses on a wide range of social and economic issues.
- David Weekley – David is the founder and chairman of David Weekley Homes, one of the largest homebuilders in the United States. He is also a prominent philanthropist and has been recognized for his contributions to the Houston community.
- Bill McDermott – Bill is the CEO of ServiceNow, a cloud computing company that has become one of the fastest-growing companies in the world. He is a respected leader in the tech industry and has been recognized for his contributions to the Houston community.
- Houston Rockets – The Houston Rockets are one of the most successful basketball teams in the NBA, with a passionate fan base and a long history of success. The team is owned by Tilman Fertitta and has played a significant role in the city’s sports culture.
- James Prince – James is the founder and CEO of Rap-A-Lot Records, a record label that has been instrumental in the development of Houston’s hip-hop scene. He is also a prominent philanthropist and has been recognized for his contributions to the city’s music community.
- Debra Lerner Cohen – Debra is the founder and CEO of Illumination Dynamics, a lighting and electrical equipment rental company that has worked on some of the biggest movie and television productions in the world. She is a respected leader in the entertainment industry and has been recognized for her contributions to the Houston community.
- Leslie Doggett – Leslie is the CEO of Doggett Industries, a heavy equipment dealership that has become one of the largest in the world. He is also a prominent philanthropist and has been recognized for his contributions to the Houston community.
- Laura Murillo – Laura is the president and CEO of the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, a non-profit organization that supports Hispanic-owned businesses in the Houston area. She is a respected leader in the business community and has been recognized for her contributions to the city’s economy.