Asia Eidson with Photobyjoy
Yes, Shane Benner, that's you, dude, on the cover.
Fort Worth Inc. threw a party on Thursday night to celebrate its inaugural class of 40 Under 40 recipients. More than 300 were on hand at River Ranch Stockyards for a cocktail reception, seated dinner, an awards ceremony, and good times.
The celebrated, sharp-witted ensemble Four Day Weekend served as the masters of ceremonies. Stephen Montoya, our digital editor, served as crooner, belting out tunes while guests were pregaming dinner, and he jumped back on-stage afterward for postgame mingling.
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Asia Eidson with Photobyjoy
There they are — 40 Under 40 Class of 2025.
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Asia Eidson with Photobyjoy
40 Under 40 Jody Walker with all his people.
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Asia Eidson with Photobyjoy
The main course: chicken Marsala, with risotto hiding underneath, and fresh broccoli. Yum.
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Asia Eidson with Photobyjoy
Hunter Barker and Meghan Rosprim of Polsinelli.
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Asia Eidson with Photobyjoy
Dr. Sameer Halani.
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Asia Eidson with Photobyjoy
Camille Kelly Garcia.
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Asia Eidson with Photobyjoy
Halley Hamer.
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Asia Eidson with Photobyjoy
Sweet Caroline! Sing it, Oliver Tull, Dillon Maroney, and Jordan Warnement.
Of course, the occasion for drinks and breaking bread was to honor the 40 dynamic young leaders shaping the future of our community. These innovators, entrepreneurs, and changemakers represent the best and brightest across industries. They are also leaning into the community as givers.
Well done.
Honorees received a custom-made belt buckle by Molly’s Custom Silver in Arlington. An aside: Molly’s went viral in October when a fan of Post Malone gave the pop sensation from Grapevine a belt buckle from Molly’s. He gave the fan — described as a “superfan,” whatever that might be — his own buckle in exchange. Two months later, the same fan, with another Molly’s buckle, presented Post — I call him Post — another present. This time he gave her his entire belt as a thank you.
A video of this made its way to TikTok. I don’t need to tell you what happens if you make it to TikTok with Post Malone. They call it “going viral.”
Anyway, dinner on Thursday started with Caesar salad. Thank you, Caesar Cardini for the wonderful recipe you gave the world to eager diners. The entrée consisted of chicken marsala, risotto, and a side of broccoli. Remember when President George H.W. Bush said he didn’t like broccoli, and now that he was president, he didn’t have to eat it anymore? Well, this was not that kind of broccoli. I didn’t know broccoli could taste that good.
Thank you to Polsinelli, our Platinum sponsor. Zach Garsek, Polsinelli’s Fort Worth managing partner, delivered remarks. Also, thank to you, CrossFirst Bank, our Gold sponsor.
We couldn’t do this without you.
See you in 2026 with what promises to be another outstanding class of the sub-40s.
Here is the complete 40 Under 40 Class of 2025.
