

POWERS
Chris Powers
POWERS brings you inside the minds of world-class leaders who have built, battled, and succeeded at the highest levels.POWERS digs beyond the surface with questions driven by curiosity, uncovering stories and insights rarely shared publicly. Each episode delivers timeless wisdom and hard-earned lessons that apply across business and life.The show has earned a reputation for asking the right questions at the right moment. The focus is on timeless principles, proven through years of discipline and risk, not on shortcuts. Each conversation is direct, deliberate, and designed to leave listeners sharper than when they arrived. The aim is simple: to deliver insights that matter and can be carried into business and life.Since its launch, POWERS has drawn a high-caliber audience of builders, investors, and decision makers. Past guests have represented companies such as Starwood Capital, JLL, Hillwood Capital, Chick-fil-A, Morning Brew, Founders Podcast, Tiny Capital, Permanent Equity, Fort, Matthews REIS, Bonobos, and ConvertKit.At its core, POWERS is a celebration of leadership, of work that matters, and of the American spirit that makes it possible.
Episodes
Mentioned books

4 snips
Dec 3, 2024 • 1h 8min
#372 - Pete Ochs - Founder @ Enterprise Stewardship - Stewardship Vs Ownership in Business
Pete Ochs, founder of Capital III, shares his journey in impact investing and enterprise stewardship. He recounts moving a business into a maximum-security prison, transforming the lives of inmates through meaningful work. Ochs emphasizes the shift from ownership to stewardship, advocating for economic, social, and spiritual capital. He discusses the importance of generosity and the creation of purpose-driven companies that prioritize community well-being over profit. His passion lies in equipping leaders to live for something greater than themselves.

16 snips
Nov 19, 2024 • 1h 3min
#371 - Jack Fraker - President, Global Head of Industrial & Logistics @ Newmark - Macro Overview of Industrial Real Estate
Jack Fraker, President and Global Head of Industrial & Logistics at Newmark, shares his extensive experience in industrial real estate. He discusses the current global landscape and trends in development, leasing, and sales. The conversation highlights how rising interest rates impact U.S. industrial markets and the increasing demand for warehouse space driven by e-commerce. Fraker also explores the future of industrial real estate in Texas and Mexico, along with challenges faced during tenant relocations due to local opposition.

Oct 29, 2024 • 1h 11min
#370 - Paul Renner - Speaker, Florida House of Representatives - Make America Courageous Again
Paul Renner, a former U.S. Navy Commander and Speaker of the Florida House, dives into pressing political issues. He discusses the need to reclaim American institutions and the current state of the U.S. military. Renner addresses complex international relations, touching on the rivalries with China, Iran, and Russia, along with the military-industrial complex's influence. He also shares insights on immigration, election integrity, and the future of America, advocating for proactive public engagement and the importance of community involvement.

Oct 22, 2024 • 50min
#369 - Craig Hall - Founder & Chairman @ Hall Group
Craig Hall, a seasoned entrepreneur and bestselling author, shares his remarkable journey of founding HALL Group at just 18. He discusses surviving the financial crisis of the 80s and the strategic growth of Frisco, TX, transforming it into a thriving city. Craig also delves into building a successful wine business and emphasizes the importance of resilience in the real estate market. With insights on adapting to post-pandemic changes and the need for community engagement, he highlights the blend of innovation and tradition in entrepreneurship.

Oct 14, 2024 • 1h 30min
#368 - Roe Patterson - Co-Founder @ Marauder Capital / Frmr CEO @ Basic Energy Services - Building & Investing in Oilfield Service Companies
Roe Patterson, a 29-year veteran in the energy sector and co-founder of Marauder Capital, shares his wealth of experience navigating the oilfield services industry. He discusses the critical need for risk mitigation and the strategies for acquiring and integrating companies effectively. Roe highlights the alarming loss of knowledge in the industry and the cyclical challenges of oilfield downturns. He emphasizes enhancing efficiency through technology while reflecting on personal experiences in driving business transformations amidst financial volatility.

Oct 8, 2024 • 1h 29min
#367 - Robert Allen - CEO @ Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership - Fort Worth, TX Is About to Explode With Growth
In this engaging discussion, Robert Allen, CEO of the Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership, shares insights from his impressive career, including his time as Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Greg Abbott. He dives into the booming economic landscape of Fort Worth and reveals strategies behind successful corporate relocations. The conversation highlights how local identity shapes growth, the importance of collaboration between businesses and government, and the role of job creation in fostering community prosperity.

5 snips
Sep 24, 2024 • 1h 23min
#366 - Walt Reynolds - Former CEO @ The Reynolds Company - From Family Business to Industry Giant
Walt Reynolds, a seasoned leader with over 30 years in the electrical supply industry, shares the journey of transforming The Reynolds Company into an industry giant. He discusses the intricacies of managing a family business and strategic growth through acquisitions, even turning bankrupt companies into opportunities. Walt emphasizes the importance of authenticity in leadership and the challenges of balancing personal relationships with business. His insights on teamwork and resilience provide a fascinating look at the dynamics of expansion in a competitive landscape.

15 snips
Sep 17, 2024 • 1h 16min
#365 - Mark Gibson - CEO @ JLL Capital Markets - In-Depth Analysis of Current Real Estate Market (2H 2024 - 2025)
Mark Gibson, the CEO of JLL Capital Markets, shares insights on the current real estate landscape. He discusses the impact of Federal Reserve policies and recent rate cut possibilities. The conversation explores intriguing concepts like the 'Detroit effect' on entrepreneurship and the migration trends influencing the housing market. He also highlights emerging investor strategies, the contrasting dynamics between foreign and domestic capital, and the role of AI in commercial real estate, providing a comprehensive perspective on navigating today's capital markets.

Aug 29, 2024 • 1h 5min
#364 - Chico West - Getting Sober, Overcoming Trauma, & Winning
Chico West, a licensed professional counselor with over 34 years of sobriety, shares his powerful journey through addiction and recovery. He discusses the complexities of addiction and how societal pressures affect relationships. Chico emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and personal growth, while exploring the nature versus nurture debate in addiction. He also highlights a revival of spirituality among youth, contrasting it with substance use trends, and stresses the need for supportive environments in both personal and corporate settings.

Aug 27, 2024 • 1h 8min
#363 - Jason Illian - GP & Co-Founder @ Highmount Capital - Growth Equity, Investing in Dude Perfect, Launching Koch Disruptive Technologies
Jason Illian, General Partner and Co-Founder of Highmount Capital, shares insights from his journey in venture capital. He discusses what makes an effective venture partner and the characteristics that attract investment in late-stage companies. Jason reveals the strategic process behind a $100 million investment in Dude Perfect, emphasizing the importance of family-friendly brands. He also explores innovative ways to monetize within the creator economy, showcasing how strong community values can drive successful growth strategies.


