Newsletter of the College of Architecture at Texas A&M University
Two of the top 10 businesses in the 2009 Aggie 100 list of the fastest-growing Aggie-owned or Aggie-led ventures, are among the nine companies led by former students from Texas A&M's College of Architecture.
The college former students who made the list, their businesses and their 2009 Aggie 100 rank: James P. (Bo) Miles, president, owner, founder of J.P. Miles Construction Corporation (6); Michael Schuerich, president and founder of Arch-Con Corporation (10); Brian Cole and Jesse Sandifer, co-founders, owners of Green Grass Studios (23); William P. Huddleston, director and owner of CIMA ENERGY, LTD. (25); Jay B. Carlton, president and owner of Sterling Structures (27); Kyle Biagioli, president, owner and founder of Southern Land Design Group (61); Brad Birdwell, president and owner of GR Birdwell Construction (70); Jennifer Carney, partner, owner, founder of Carney Ranker Architects, Ltd. (77) and Bob Albers, managing director of Project Solutions International Co., Ltd., (100).
The honorees were feted at a luncheon Nov. 6 in the Zone Club at Kyle Field.
Bo Miles, president, owner and founder of J.P. Miles Construction, number six on the list, said faith is an important part of his business strategy.
"Reject passivity, accept responsibility, lead courageously and expect a greater reward—not the kind in a bank account," said Miles, who earned a Bachelor of Building Construction degree in 1981. "I used to try to run my company my way. Today, I lean on the Holy Spirit to guide me and I list Jesus Christ as my CEO on my organizational chart."
Miles' comments were included in "Nuggets of Wisdom," a collection of lessons learned by Aggie 100 members compiled by the Mays school.
"When times are difficult and hope begins to fade, set your sights on progress," said Michael G. Scheurich '92, president and founder of Arch-Con Corporation, number 10 on the list. Scheurich earned a Bachelor of Construction Science degree in 1992. "If you make progress, both in business and personally, then you will be one step closer to success."
Kyle Biagioli, president, owner and founder of Southern Land Design Group, number 61 on the list, said an entrepreneur needs to take pride in his or her work. Biagioli earned a bachelor of landscape architecture degree in 2000. "Build strong, positive relationships with clients, vendors and employees," he said.
"Honesty and integrity are the most important traits you can bring to your business," said Jennifer Carney, partner, owner and founder of Carney Ranker Architects, number 77 on the list. Carney earned a Bachelor of Environmental Design degree in 1987. "They help you gain respect from your employees, and keep your customers coming back."
"Never give up," said Bob Albers, who earned a Bachelor of Building Construction degree in 1987. His company, Project Solutions International, rounded out the list.
Carney, Miles, and Biagioli attended a reception for College of Architecture members of the Aggie 100 hosted by Jorge Vanegas, college dean.
A complete list of the 2009 Aggie 100 honrees is available online at http://aggie100.com
- Posted: Nov. 20, 2009-
