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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250910T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250910T100000
DTSTAMP:20260515T141539
CREATED:20250730T045210Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250911T045216Z
UID:12413-1757491200-1757498400@www.alfhouston.com
SUMMARY:LEGACY BREAKFAST: Leadership that Lasts
DESCRIPTION:The Legacy Breakfast is a moderated discussion about successfully building a sustainable family legacy in business and community.\n\n\nJoin us for “Legacy Breakfast: Leadership that Lasts“ \nThe Legacy Breakfast will be an engaging dialogue with Stan Marek and Howard Tellepsen\, both have successfully built sustainable\, multigenerational family legacies in their businesses and in the community\, moderated by Rick Figeroa. The conversation will center Stan and Howard’s leadership journeys\, family stories and strategies for building an enduring business that carries from generation to generation. \n\n\nMEET STAN MAREK\nStan Marek is the president and chief executive officer of the Marek Family of Companies\, one of the largest interior contractors in the Southwest. A native Texan\, Stan earned a Bachelor of Science degree in finance from Texas A&M University. He began his working career in the drywall industry during summers in high school and continued part-time until completing his tour of active duty with the United States Marine Corps Reserves. \nIn 1970\, Stan worked as a journeyman carpenter on large commercial projects before joining the Marek Companies\, eventually becoming president in 1982. He was a member of the founding group of the Construction Career Collaborative and has been sponsor of the Rational Middle Immigration social media platform since its inception. Stan is the co-author with Loren Steffy of ‘Deconstructed’ an insider’s view of illegal immigration and the building trades. In 2015 he was inducted to the Texas A&M’s Constructors Hall of Fame. \n\n\n\nMEET HOWARD T. TELLEPSEN\, JR\nHoward Tellepsen is Chairman of Tellepsen\, a fourth generation\, family owned and operated business\, providing commercial\, institutional\, and industrial construction services in Houston since 1909. \nTellepsen has made a multi-generational dedication to projects of significance and to giving back to the community. Known as “builders & believers\,” Tellepsen is drawn to opportunities to be a part of something that is “larger than themselves.” Tellepsen has impacted the lives of five generations of Houstonians\, building places where they work\, play\, live\, learn\, and worship. \nHoward received his Bachelor of Civil Engineering from Georgia Tech\, where he served as Student Body President\, is a trustee emeritus of the Georgia Tech Foundation\, was elected to the Engineering Hall of Fame (2016)\, received the 2012 Alumni Distinguished Service Award\, the 2015 Dean Griffin Community Service Award\, and established the Howard T. Tellepsen Endowed Chair in the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering. \nHoward is a member of the board of directors of the YMCA of Greater Houston (Life Member\, past Chairman\, and benefactor of the Tellepsen Family Downtown YMCA); YMCA Foundation (past Chairman); Sam Houston Area Council\, Boy Scouts of America (Life Member\, past Chairman\, benefactor of the Tellepsen Scout Camp)\, and Distinguished Eagle Scout; Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors\, Treasurer; Thermal Energy Corporation (TECO) Texas Medical Center\, Executive Committee. \nPrevious board service includes: St. Luke’s Health\, Executive Committee/St. Luke’s Foundation\, past Chairman; Enterprise Bank\, past Chairman; Edith and Daniel Ripley Foundation\, past President; Petroleum Club of Houston\, past President. \nHoward is also a Senior Fellow in the American Leadership Forum (ALF)\, and is a long-standing member of Young Presidents Organization (YPO Gold). He also received the Houston Business Journal’s 2021 Lifetime Achievement Award. \nHoward and his wife of 58 years\, Carolyn\, have four married sons (all involved at Tellepsen) and 10 grandchildren. \n\n\n\nMEET RICK FIGUEROA\nRick is a revered community leader and small business owner who is actively involved in a variety of organizations\, including the Texas Association of Business\, Memorial Hermann Health System’s Board of Directors and Kingdom Advisors Champions. He graduated from Texas A&M University in 1991 with a B.B.A. in Accounting and received his Masters in Agriculture\, Land Economics & Real Estate in 1992. Rick has worked as an internal auditor at Halliburton\, Duty Free\, Texas Commerce Bank and as a real estate consultant at Arthur Andersen. \nIn 1997\, he became a financial advisor at Merrill Lynch where he was awarded the Leadership in Diversity and Inclusion Award (2007) and Greater Houston Complex Values Award (2007). In 2009 during the financial crisis\, Rick and his partner\, Stephen Caton moved their book of business to UBS Financial Services to avoid becoming retail bankers after Bank of America’s takeover of Merrill Lynch. \nIn 2020\, Rick co-founded Patron Partners\, a wealth management firm in Houston\, to better serve his clients and incorporate conservative values-based investing into portfolios. This move was expedited by two back-to-back events: (1) UBS barring Rick from using the conference room for a Bible study outside of work hours and (2) an internal memo that circulated in January 2020\, instructing UBS employees how to change their gender in their HR file. \nRick is among the pioneers of values-based-investing. He believes in the power of elevating and engaging with corporate America instead of simply eliminating stocks of companies run by wayward woke boards. His firm\, Patron Partners utilizes Bowyer Research to vote client proxies based upon conservative Christian values\, giving a voice to the silent anti-woke majority. Thanks to Bowyer Research and the Alliance for Defending Freedom\, Patron Partners’ clients are further empowered to engage with corporations by filing shareholder proposals to be voted on at publicly traded companies’ annual meetings. Patron Partners currently has shareholder proposals on file with the following companies to be voted on at their 2025 annual meetings: Starbucks\, Blackrock\, Disney\, Caterpillar\, Pfizer\, American Express\, AbbVie\, Coca-Cola\, Boeing and Morgan Stanley. In fact\, during a recent meeting with Starbucks Investor Relations\, the Starbucks representatives were unaware that their own policy excluded conservative and Christian organizations from the company’s charitable giving match; In response\, Starbucks asked if Patron Partners’ client would remove her shareholder proposal if Starbucks changed their policy to match all charitable donations to 501(c)(3) organizations. (As of December 31\, 2024\, Starbucks is currently seeking internal approval to effectuate this change.) \nIn 2016\, Texas Governor Greg Abbott appointed Rick to serve as a commissioner on the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation\, one of the largest agencies in Texas\, which oversees approximately forty state licenses. As chairman\, a position he has held since 2019\, Rick launched a probationary licensing program to enable formerly incarcerated electricians and A/C repairmen to reenter the workforce and reduce their chances of recidivism. He also reduced unnecessary barriers to becoming a barber and/or cosmetologist in Texas by reducing the hours required for licensing. Prior to serving on TDLR\, Texas Governor Rick Perry appointed him to the Texas Judicial Council\, where he was instrumental in implementing the e-filing system statewide. He is a former member of the National Rifle Association’s Board of Directors and remains active with the Outreach and Grassroots committees. \nIn all areas of life Rick endeavors to establish meaningful lifelong relationships. He is passionate about mentoring and discipling others\, recognizing that he stands on the shoulders of mentors who invested in him. Rick was raised in public housing in Bay City\, Texas by a single mother and is the youngest of eight children. Rick understands the unique calling that God has placed on his life and seeks to help others “get seats at the table.” Rick is an avid supporter of Youth for Christ; he and his family host an annual retreat at their ranch for teens\, many of whom are currently incarcerated or on probation. This fellowship gives them space to enjoy nature and feel that they are loved. He regularly speaks to business students at Rice University\, Texas A&M University & Houston Christian University and enjoys building relationships with these outstanding young leaders. \nRick and his wife live in Brenham\, Texas and have four children. He finds peace by working cattle on his ranch and entertaining family and friends.
URL:https://www.alfhouston.com/event/legacy-breakfast-leadership-that-lasts/
LOCATION:Marek Brothers Systems\, LLC\, 2115 Judiway Street\, Houston\, TX 77018\, Houston\, TX\, 77018\, US
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250924T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250924T193000
DTSTAMP:20260515T141539
CREATED:20250814T045531Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250925T045215Z
UID:12451-1758735000-1758742200@www.alfhouston.com
SUMMARY:BOOK LAUNCH: Love As A Change Strategy
DESCRIPTION:Come discover why the authors believe love and change must go together. Leave knowing how to lead the transformations that matter most.\n\n\nThe American Leadership Forum is excited to continue our partnership with our friends at Softway and Culture+ who penned 2021’s Wall Street Journal bestseller Love as a Business Strategy. Since its publishing\, all 4 authors are Senior Fellows or Fellows and wanted to celebrate the release of their second book with the ALF community. \nLeading transformation is a universal challenge\, whether you’re in a boardroom\, a government office\, or a community organization. In this new book\, Love as a Change Strategy\, Moh\, Frank\, Jeff\, and Chris reveal why love is the most powerful catalyst for lasting impact.Join us for an unforgettable launch experience where they’ll get candid about the insights\, struggles\, and triumphs that fill the pages. Through deep conversation and a few surprises\, we will explore: \n\nTheir story of growth\, reorganizing\, and navigating AI.\nActionable insights for bringing love into your transformation efforts.\nWhat you\, as a leader\, will take away from this new work.\n\n \nThis captivating evening is for anyone leading change\, embracing it\, or curious about a better way. This will be an intimate and surprising evening designed to engage all your senses. You will hear directly from the authors not just about the book’s core ideas\, but about the personal stories that brought it to life.Come discover why the team believes love and change must go together. You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of how to lead the transformations that matter most. \nBy RSVPing\, you understand and agree that photos and/or videos may be taken at the event. \nA book for each attendee is included free of cost\, but if you’d like to show support to our fellow authors\, please pre-order books here:https://www.loveasastrategy.com/bulk-orders
URL:https://www.alfhouston.com/event/book-launch-love-as-a-change-strategy/
LOCATION:Amegy Tower\, 1717 West Loop South\, Houston\, TX 77027\, Houston\, TX\, 77027\, US
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250925T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250925T193000
DTSTAMP:20260515T141539
CREATED:20250830T165303Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250926T045203Z
UID:12890-1758821400-1758828600@www.alfhouston.com
SUMMARY:BRIDGE HOUSTON Rethinking Civic Investment: Leveraging Local Assets
DESCRIPTION:Discover funding approaches that strengthen trust\, deepen community connections\, and create momentum for Houston’s future.\n\n\nThis opening session of the Bridge Houston series brings nonprofit\, philanthropic and board leaders together to reimagine how we resource our region’s’s future. We’ll examine fresh approaches to funding that go beyond filling shortfalls\, focusing instead on cultivating trust\, fostering openness\, and strengthening connections across sectors. Participants will engage in dialogue with peers from diverse fields to explore how Houston can align its financial strategies with its community’s assets and aspirations. By the end of the session\, you’ll leave with new perspectives\, actionable ideas\, and relationships that can help transform how funding flows to the places and people that need it most. \nOur conversation will balance practical insight with cross-sector discussion\, offering a space to think creatively while staying grounded in Houston’s realities. Whether you’re a funder\, nonprofit leader\, civic partner\, or business executive\, this is an opportunity to contribute to a vision of a stronger\, more connected funding ecosystem for our city. \n \nParking Information \nThe session will be held at 1801 Main Street\, Houston\, TX 77002. Parking is available in the attached garage\, with the entrance located on Fannin Street. Parking will be complimentary for all exits after 6:00 pm. We recommend arriving 5-10 minutes early to allow time for parking and check-in.
URL:https://www.alfhouston.com/event/bridge-houston-rethinking-civic-investment-leveraging-local-assets/
LOCATION:Amegy Bldg on Main | The Exchange Conference Rm | 11th Floor\, 1801 Main Street\, Houston\, TX 77002\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, US
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250926T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250926T160000
DTSTAMP:20260515T141539
CREATED:20250726T165322Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250927T045203Z
UID:12400-1758891600-1758902400@www.alfhouston.com
SUMMARY:DESIGN YOUR LIFE: A Roadmap For The Season Ahead
DESCRIPTION:An intro workshop for those facing transition\, considering a pivot\, or curious about what life could be.\n\n\nWhat if your next chapter could be your most aligned\, resilient\, and whole? \nDesign Your Life is a reflective and interactive mini-workshop for senior fellows who are anticipating or navigating change—professionally or personally—and are ready to begin aligning their time\, energy\, and purpose. \nEspecially for those who are: \n\nEntering or navigating retirement\nExperiencing a life transition\nHungry for more meaning and fulfillment\n\nParticipants will leave with: \n\nThe basics of a roadmap for the season ahead.\nRenewed confidence in the face of change.\nA renewed sense of story\, resilience\, and possibility.\n\nNote: Those interested in continuing the journey will be invited to participate in an ongoing community of practice scheduled for early 2026. \nSpace is limited — register soon to confirm your spot. \n\n\n\nMatt C. Barnes is a Houston-based storyteller\, community builder\, and social entrepreneur who has been following fulfillment and purpose wherever it leads. \nIn the last 6-years\, powered mostly by God\, Guinness\, and Gluten (not necessarily in that order)\, he has: \n\nEarned recognition as a Moth Storytelling finalist\, entertaining audiences with personal narratives that highlight resilience and purpose.\nBecome a frequent radio and online personality offering innovative and countercultural (some would call it misguided and reckless) perspectives on parents\, education\, and radical youth leadership.\nFrustrated with the slow pace of change in education\, Matt co-founded the annual Young Entrepreneur Award (YEA.education)\, which celebrates youth who break with tradition and address real-world challenges outside of school.\nInspired by Father Greg Boyle and Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles\, Matt became a baker’s apprentice\, then co-founded Rise Again Bread\, a bakery that houses\, employs\, and trains homeless men and women to make amazing bread (instagram @Rise_Again_Bread).\n\n \nMatt’s failures are too catastrophic and numerous to count (including his failed HISD school board run in 2019 — proving that some failures are blessings in disguise). But\, through it all\, Matt has slowly learned how to fail forward\, how to design a life of fulfillment\, and how to help others do the same. Matt now coaches weirdos like him who are seeking to live life on purpose. \n\n\n\nMike Marsh is a three-time Olympian\, educator\, and reinvention strategist whose journey is shaped as much by resilience as it is by achievement. He’s moved through the peaks of elite performance and the valleys of transition\, learning how to rebuild with quiet strength\, clarity\, and unwavering integrity. \nFrom the Olympic track to leadership roles behind the scenes\, Mike has spent his life in spaces where excellence is expected—but character is often tested. He’s weathered pressure\, recalibrated through change\, and emerged not diminished\, but sharpened. \nAlong the way\, he has: \n– Served as Head Men’s Relay Coach for Team USA\, where he championed athlete-first preparation and performance—even when it meant pushing against comfortable norms.– Taught as a Bible school instructor\, where teaching became a space of mutual transformation—challenging others to grow while deepening his own sense of purpose\, faith\, and voice.– Discovered that resilience isn’t forged in the spotlight\, but in the quiet\, unseen work of staying rooted—through seasons of loss\, waiting\, and reinvention. \nNow in what he calls “the second half of life\,” Mike is exploring what it means to move forward with purpose—not chasing titles\, but living in alignment. His focus is on walking with those who feel called to something more—people ready to shift\, to heal\, and to build lives that reflect who they truly are. \nHis story is a reminder that resilience isn’t about bouncing back—it’s about moving forward with deeper roots and clearer direction.
URL:https://www.alfhouston.com/event/design-your-life-a-roadmap-for-the-season-ahead/
LOCATION:Amegy Building\, 11th Floor Conference Rm\, 1801 Main Street 11th Floor\, Houston\, TX 77002\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, US
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250930T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250930T193000
DTSTAMP:20260515T141539
CREATED:20250903T045251Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251001T165330Z
UID:12901-1759253400-1759260600@www.alfhouston.com
SUMMARY:BRIDGE HOUSTON Beyond the Job: Building Systems of Opportunity
DESCRIPTION:Step beyond workforce gaps to explore how networks\, trust\, and local systems expand access to opportunity.\n\n\nWorkforce development isn’t just about placement—it’s about belonging\, access\, and navigating a shifting economy. In this session\, we’ll explore how opportunity emerges when systems are designed to reflect the realities of the people they serve. Rather than focus on short-term fixes\, we’ll hear from regional leaders who are weaving together education\, business\, and community to build more adaptive and connected opportunity ecosystems. Participants will consider how relationships\, not just programs\, create durable pathways to economic mobility. \n \nParking Information \nThe session will be held at 1801 Main Street\, Houston\, TX 77002. Parking is available in the attached garage\, with the entrance located on Fannin Street. Parking will be complimentary for all exits after 6:00 pm. We recommend arriving 5-10 minutes early to allow time for parking and check-in.
URL:https://www.alfhouston.com/event/beyond-the-job-building-systems-of-opportunity/
LOCATION:Amegy Bldg on Main | The Exchange Conference Rm | 11th Floor\, 1801 Main Street\, Houston\, TX 77002\, Houston\, TX\, 77002\, US
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