The path to entrepreneurial success is paved with many lessons that take many forms. First and foremost, how does one define “success?”
We asked Coastal Bend professional leaders across numerous professions and industries about how they measure success in their personal and professional lives, what types of traits help make a good leader and the advice they can provide to better our business community today, tomorrow and well into the future.
We are proud to showcase that insight from a variety of trailblazers on how they characterize success and how you can make the best of a new year.
Gene Guernsey
Broker, Gene Guernsey & Associates
Gene Guernsey has seen many things come and go, and ebb and flow with the times during his 37 years in the real estate industry in Corpus Christi. Guernsey worked for multiple real estate companies during that time, including Keller Williams, Coldwell Banker, Century 21 and RE/MAX, before deciding to hang out his own shingle.
He admits that when he decided to start the business with his own name on it that continues today, it was somewhat daunting. As he also notes, fear of failure has helped him along in his successes to this day, in addition to good communication skills.
“Relationships have been the key to my success in real estate,” Guernsey said. “That includes great relationships with sellers and with buyers, but also great relationships with major employers in the region who move a lot of people into Corpus Christi and the Coastal Bend.”
Another key component to success, he added, has been to always keep learning.
“Continuing education is extremely important,” Guernsey said. “Motivational speakers and books have always been good tools, and now you can find that information on podcasts and social media. I also have had mentors who were people in all different kinds of professions who were very good at their specific job. Also, life should be fun. Even in business, it is important to keep a sense of humor.”
What factors have helped you be successful?
“A great mentor will often be the difference between succeeding and failing. I continue to try and pick other people’s brains to get different opinions on topics that I am not familiar with in order to learn. Finding someone who is successful in their field or career can teach you a ton.”
Chase Carlisle
Vice President, Carlisle Insurance
“I think the wonderful aspect about being in the medical field is having mentors and people who have gone through it and done it before you. That helps me in helping deliver the care I need to for everyone I’m caring for.”
Dr. April Hallquist
Orthopaedic Surgeon
“Being a woman in a field that’s mostly men, if you can hold your own, you’re going to stand out. That’s especially true if you stick to your principles, you’re a good person and you follow through on what you say. I speak to young women’s groups a lot and tell them that if you’re not intimidated, the sky’s the limit.”
Bibiana Dykema
Architect, Dykema Architects Inc.
Owner, Modern Moghul
“There are two factors, the first being clearly understanding what I have been called to do for the people of the community and around the world. I also can say, without a doubt, determination. No matter what, you must remain focused and determined, and this has allowed for my own personal success.”
Jeremy Coleman
President & Chairman, NAACP Corpus Christi Branch
Judith Talavera
President & COO of AEP Texas
Judith Talavera, president and COO of AEP Texas, has been with the company for 22 years. She began with the electric utility provider as manager of governmental affairs and worked her way into her current role, in which she’s responsible for the company’s operations in South Texas and West Texas. That role includes direct oversight of a team of six and also more than 1,000 employees across AEP Texas’ operating units — positions in a variety of diverse specialties from customer service and human resources to communications and government affairs.
Talavera said it’s critical for any leader to build a strong team around themselves, no matter what field they’re in.
“It’s important that you invest in your people and help support them,” she said. “We certainly want someone who is going to be knowledgeable in their area of expertise that they’re going to lead. Culture is also very important to us at AEP Texas. It’s important to have a strategy for your organization, but culture is equally important. We want people who care about our customers and about our employees. Those are individuals who would be a good leader of a team as well.”
What’s one change I can make to help me get closer to success?
“I think one thing people can change today to begin their success is to forget about yesterday and focus on today. We can’t change the past and we shouldn’t dwell in it. Thinking about yesterday only delays and puts off today’s success. Wake up each day and treat it as a new day, because it truly is. Yesterday’s failures don’t dictate today’s success.”
Chase Carlisle
Vice President, Carlisle Insurance
“It comes down to one thing: communication. No matter what industry you’re in, you have to instill in your employees and yourself that we go above and beyond in terms of service and making sure everyone is on the same page. It’s easy to get wrapped up in the design and construction process, but it is really important to never forget to be clear about what is needed at every level, from top to bottom.”
Philip Ramirez
President & Principal Architect, Turner | Ramirez Architects
“Life doesn’t have to be so scripted. I started Modern Moghul and it could have been a failure, but that’s not necessarily the case, because I didn’t have to invest a lot of money and was able to have success, I think, due to effort and enthusiasm. I think you have to just go for it. Failure is not the worst thing in the world — and really in a 50-50 chance, you’re not going to fail”
Bibiana Dykema
Architect, Dykema Architects Inc.
Owner, Modern Moghul
“I think leaders at both large and small companies should always keep an open mindset about how they define success and how they can reach their goals. We’ve seen in recent years many businesses close because they didn’t adapt to the current trends.”
Jim Lee
Regents Professor of Economics at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
Brady Ballard
General Manager of Corpus Christi Hooks
Judith Talavera, president and COO of AEP Texas, has been with the company for 22 years. She began with the electric utility provider as manager of governmental affairs and worked her way into her current role, in which she’s responsible for the company’s operations in South Texas and West Texas. That role includes direct oversight of a team of six and also more than 1,000 employees across AEP Texas’ operating units — positions in a variety of diverse specialties from customer service and human resources to communications and government affairs.
Talavera said it’s critical for any leader to build a strong team around themselves, no matter what field they’re in.
“It’s important that you invest in your people and help support them,” she said. “We certainly want someone who is going to be knowledgeable in their area of expertise that they’re going to lead. Culture is also very important to us at AEP Texas. It’s important to have a strategy for your organization, but culture is equally important. We want people who care about our customers and about our employees. Those are individuals who would be a good leader of a team as well.”
What are your successful habits?
“It’s important to keep the priorities we have to address at the forefront. I like to make a list of the things I have to address in the morning. Then at the end of the day, I can go down the list and see if there’s anything I didn’t get to or what should be the first thing to get to the next morning and start the next day with that.”
Judith Talavera
President & COO AEP Texas
” try to be all in with whatever I’m doing. When I’m home, I try to be present with my family and put my work and my phone aside and be there to make that time meaningful for them. And when I’m with my patients, I put them first and try to put myself in their shoes with what their direct needs are. Empathy is important, no matter who you’re talking to. “
Dr. April Hallquist
Orthopaedic Surgeon
“We’re architects and we’re designers, but at the end of the day, we’re still a service company. It’s really about the habit of remembering that and wanting to provide superior service to our clientele. Most importantly, that’s building a level of respect and rapport with them to build long-term relationships.”
Philip Ramirez
President & Principal Architect, Turner | Ramirez Architects
“One must always strive to educate and improve oneself. Books and audio tapes in the early days have turned to simple podcasts today. Time away from the daily real estate business is still filled with motivational messages, whether they are on faith, health or business.”
Gene Guernsey
Broker, Gene Guernsey & Associates
Jim Lee
Regents Professor of Economics at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
Jim Lee is Regents Professor of Economics at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and is the director of the South Texas Economic Development Center in the College of Business. He also serves as Chief Economist at the University’s EDA University Center.
Lee’s extensive research background revolves around the application of econometrics to macroeconomic policy and regional economic development. Lee’s work has been featured in the Wall Street Journal and Business Week, in addition to other national and regional publications and media outlets.
Lee said many of the Coastal Bend’s major industries remain poised to carry over positive trends from 2022 into a new year.
“2023 is still going to be a pivotal year across the board for many industries,” Lee said. “We’re coming off the pandemic, which affected businesses across the board, and changes in the local and national economies will be something to keep a close eye on, even for our area’s large industries. You have to be innovative in this day and age and be able to react to changes in the online business world as well as in new and emerging industries. Small businesses owners, in particular, should keep an eye on how to leverage new developments in large local industries to their advantage. The old saying that ‘a rising tide lifts all boats’ is certainly applicable to our local economy.”
What personality traits should every leader have?
“The most important advice I have received is that leaders are called to serve people. My pastor Derrick Reaves shared this scripture with me years ago: “A student is not above his teacher, but when he’s fully trained he will be just like his teacher.” Getting wise instruction and advice is key to success because we truthfully do not have all the answers.”
Jeremy Coleman
President & Chairman, NAACP Corpus Christi Branch
“In our business, we’re not 9 to 5; we’re in the entertainment hours when folks that work come to us. In that regard, I think it’s having a willingness to go the extra mile and put in the time enjoying what you do to ensure others enjoy their experience. You have to enjoy engaging with your community.”
Brady Ballard
General Manager of the Corpus Christi Hooks
“The most important message I have ever learned is that whatever I do is not about me. The sooner I take my ego out of the equation, the more effective I can be. What is most important is to place the needs of others ahead of my own. It is not what I have but what I give to others that blesses me the most, and there is such joy in serving others.”
Beatriz Hanson
Executive Director of the Coastal Bend Food Bank
Mark Escamilla
President & CEO of Del Mar College
Mark Escamilla is in his 15th year as president and CEO of Del Mar College, which he is proud to call his alma mater. Escamilla has helped to oversee Del Mar’s expansion at its three campuses — Heritage, Windward and Oso Creek — and three centers of operation. The Oso Creek campus, which will officially open in spring of 2023, marks the first time in more than 60 years that the College has built a new campus.
Escamilla said that local and regional partnerships with other institutions and industries have been vital to the current and future success of Del Mar students, and to helping to prepare graduates for fields across a variety of career paths. The key, he said, in developing those partnerships always rests with clear communication.
“It’s important to remain locally focused on our institution, but it’s also vital that we keep an eye on global occurrences,” Escamilla said. “As a leader, you have to know what’s happening at the classroom level all the way up to what’s happening at the state and national political levels. It’s also important to focus on tying your technical proficiencies — what you’re good at, no matter what your position is — with your core values. In my role, I’ve learned over the years that listening to the needs of others, especially at the community level, has been vital to the success of the College.”
