Hunter Beaton
CEO
BS 2022, Moody College of Communication

Day 1 Bags provides brand new, high-quality bags to youth in foster care instead of trash bags as luggage when they are moving from home to home. They have given over 150,000 bags to youth in need across 47 states. They run intentional campaigns focused on improving the lives of youth experiencing foster care.
2023 & 2024 Returning Winner

Gerardo Castillo
President
BA 2002, College of Liberal Arts;
MPAff 2017, LBJ School of Public Affairs, Life Member

ABML works closely with government agencies, municipalities, and private sector partners to deliver essential services in times of crisis. ABML projects include base camps/ temporary housing, border security, medical field operations, temporary power distribution, and rapid repair and construction of public and private infrastructure. From the front lines against the COVID-19 pandemic to setting up 100% self-sustaining first responder base camp villages, ABML offers national, turnkey management and logistics solutions. 

Jim Sheahan
Franchisee
BS 1990, College of Communication, Life Member

Jim Sheahan, owner of Jimmy Cakes LLC, currently owns and operates 12 Nothing Bundt Cakes bakeries in Texas and Oklahoma and holds development rights to build another six. Sheahan prides himself on building great culture in his bakeries and providing an outstanding work environment for his team members, while serving top-tier products and service to his guests.
2023 & 2024 Returning Winner

Christopher Seals
Co-Founder & CEO
BA 1996, College of Liberal Arts, Life Member

Still Austin Whiskey Co. is the first grain-to-glass distillery to open in Austin, Texas since the end of Prohibition. Their premium, award-winning whiskey can be purchased in more than 30 states or sipped at their tasting room and live entertainment venue, which connects artists, creatives, and musicians who embody Texas culture to a community of whiskey aficionados. All spirits are hand-crafted using grains grown by Texas farmers.
2024 Returning Winner

Keith Housholder
Co-Owner
BA 1993, College of Liberal Arts, Life Member

OMNI Manufacturing Services, aka Omnicase sells industrial cases and accessories made by Pelican, SKB, Flambeau, PFC, and Hafer as well as other cases made by smaller companies. Omnicase is an industry leader in custom fit foam inserts, modifications of cases for industrial purposes and laser engraving. They are the one-stop shop for all of your protective case needs.

Cole Feinberg 
Founder & CEO
BA 2002, College of Liberal Arts, Life Member

FeinWines likes to say they aren't Master Somms, rather master consumers. Their passion for wine extends through discovering up and coming boutique wineries and finding awesome values. They bring these delights to the masses via weekly newsletters, social media, a killer holiday and corporate gift-giving program, and a world class custom-curated wine club.

Brendan Crouch
Co-Founder & President
MSTC 2024, McCombs School of Business, Life Member

Logan Stansell
Vice President of Operations
BS 2015, College of Natural Sciences, Life Member

TempJacket specializes in advanced textile solutions for high-risk and extreme environments. They provide in-house design and contract manufacturing for insulating solutions in fabrication facilities, ballistic Kevlar protection, lithium battery fire containment covers, large-scale Faraday enclosures, and aerospace-grade heat shields. All products are proudly designed and manufactured in the USA.

Hudson Henley
President & CEO
JD 1991, School of Law

Henley Properties uses a vertically integrated business model to optimize every facet of their investment strategy. Henley Properties manages, renovates, and operates multifamily properties in-house, enabling them to act swiftly and decisively while maintaining strict control over operations and costs. Above all, this approach allows Henley Properties to synthesize operational interest with their investment strategy, eliminating any conflict of interest. 

Sam Loughlin
Founding Partner & CEO
JD 1998, School of Law

Paceline Equity Partners is a Dallas-based investment manager focused on value-oriented investments in special situations private equity, corporate debt, and real assets.

Michelle Davis
Director of Operations
BS 1998, College of Education, Life Member

Quality Research is an independent clinical research center founded in 1996. They conduct Phase 2, 3, and 4 clinical trials in a variety of therapeutic areas.