6:07 a.m. Alarm goes off – 6 is way too early, so 6:07 is my start time! The sixth member of the family, Poppy, eagerly knows it is time for our run. This is when I clear my head and prioritize my day.
7:05 a.m. Back from my run. Greet my wife, Paige, and three children, Caroline, Jack and Harrison, at breakfast and discuss their school day and after-school activities.
7:45 a.m. Out the door to drop the kids off at school. This is the most important and best part of my day. The kids and I talk, listen or sing music and joke with each other. My next stop is at Starbucks for a venti cold brew.
8:05 a.m. First call of the day almost always goes to my first key hire, Bill Shaw, director of operations. He and I may have already texted about hot items. I catch up with him on what's upcoming, what needs attention and how construction is progressing.
8:20 a.m. A call with Brad Barnes, president of the FWSSR. When I moved here three years ago and told people what I would be doing, the response was, "Oh, you are going to run the Stock Show's new arena." I would think to myself, just wait and see what we bring to Fort Worth! Brad has been an incredible partner – whether we discuss the rodeo performances at Dickies Arena, sponsorship packages, premium seating or concerts and family shows, we see the same vision.
8:30 a.m. I start at the Sundance Square office, trying to get caught up on what happened overnight in the industry. Sports Business Journal, Pollstar, Billboard, Venues Today and Amplify are important reads to make sure we're staying on top.
10 a.m. Spend at least an hour a day connecting with promoters – relationships are so important in our industry, and I want them to understand the opportunities available in Fort Worth. I want them to understand this great city. We know Fort Worth and Dallas are completely different markets, and that continues to be part of the education process with agents, artists and promoters.
12:15 p.m. Generally, I have a work lunch before going out to the Dickies Arena Preview Center or construction trailer. I try to eat healthy; but I am a foodie at heart, and I love the restaurants. This is where I get ideas for my F&B Director, Julie Margolin.
1 p.m. Meet with potential venue partners and future premium seat holders at the Preview Center, which offers a full mock-up of our suite, rodeo box and loge box products. What a fantastic sales tool to have, especially with the beautiful view of downtown Fort Worth.
3:30 p.m. Marketing hour. Meet with my creative team, led by Alissa Cunningham, my director of marketing. These are the people who make our concepts happen as we continue to progress; it's important to look at the venue from our future guests" perspectives. We want them to have a first-class experience.
5:30 p.m. Depending on the day, I'll leave work and go straight to one of my kids" hockey, soccer or field hockey games or practices. Being able to see them participate in all of their events is a great way to unwind for me.
7:30 p.m. While the kids continue homework, I start reviewing financials. Nicole Epps, my director of finance, is always online and answering questions I may have. I have an amazing team of directors, and each one of us feels Dickies Arena is an opportunity to create something special for Fort Worth.