Get Involved

I feel fortunate to have made so many great friends throughout my life, and many of my longest and dearest relationships were made through organizations I am involved in. I often stump myself when trying to recall exactly where or when I originally met someone. When I follow the thread back in time, it was oftentimes through civic involvement. 

It’s incredibly rewarding and gratifying to give your time and resources to causes you believe in. Over the course of my career, I have served on committees and boards associated with the arts, business, entrepreneurship and education.

Of course, I have another favorite quote that applies perfectly to this topic! Winston Churchill said “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” Nothing could be truer! I encourage people to step up and get involved in whatever their avenue of interest is.  There are countless worthy causes and charities. I began with local arts organizations because of my interest in art, architecture and design (Shakespeare Festival of Dallas, 500, Inc., Dallas Museum of Art). As my firm grew and we enjoyed more success, I was invited to sit on several boards and committees with business and entrepreneurial focuses (Committee of 200, Commission of 125, Dallas Citizens Council, Dallas Assembly, Texas Business Hall of Fame, Dallas Chamber of Commerce, Young Presidents Organization, Governor’s Business Council). I am a fiercely loyal University of Texas Longhorn, and have been honored to serve on several UT committees over the years and in turn have been honored by them with some of my proudest awards. My robust involvement with education and wildlife conservation became my main focus when I began traveling frequently to Africa and eventually built a lodge compound there. At that time I formed the Wilson Foundation to address the needs of the underserved children in and around the town of Vaalwater, three hours north of Johannesburg, South Africa. Extreme poverty, unemployment, substandard education and a HIV/AIDS pandemic left a staggering number of orphans and other vulnerable children in the area. We helped build Waterberg Academy, a private school, and supported the students with annual scholarships and a path to college.

My greater point to you, in presenting my commitment to give back, is that these associations and new friendships also provided a wonderful opportunity for business development.  As you enlarge your circle of acquaintances, so too does the network of people who know about you and your business. I have received countless referrals and introductions for new projects and opportunities via someone I met through my civic involvement.  I advise you to consider causes that will benefit from your ideas and participation, then GET INVOLVED. I promise, you will not regret the rich friendships and gratifying work you will accomplish.