To enter the 2025 Dallas Business Hall of Fame event benefiting Junior Achievement of Dallas on Saturday, February 22, at the Omni Dallas Hotel, you walked beneath a sort of enclosed trellis structure decorated inside with photos of all the past Hall of Fame laureates stretching back to 1999.
Recalling those who’ve left us was a trip down memory lane, for sure. There were giants like Ebby Halliday, Herb Kelleher, Norman Brinker, Stanley Marcus, Ross Perot Sr. and Mary Kay Ash. (There was also one photo oddly labeled, “Templeton Rich.”)
Then you left the trellis and emerged into the reception area by the open bar, only to realize there were quite a few living Laureates in the house. Besides, of course, the three who would be inducted tonight into the Hall of Fame as the class of 2025: Allie Beth Allman and Associates founder Allie Beth Allman; Comerica Bank Chairman, President and CEO Curtis C. Farmer; and Dallas Regional Chamber President and CEO Dale Petroskey.
Jim Keyes (class of 2006) was in the middle of all the action, jawboning with Bobby B. Lyle (2013). G. Brint Ryan (2023) was en route to a mic check in the ballroom. Brint, whose Ryan company was the event’s presenting sponsor, was on the formal program and would be giving the toast.
Also in the throng were Valerie Freeman (2021) as well as Cynt Marshall and Anne Chow (both from the class of 2024). Others in the crowd included Nina Vaca and Megha and Nirav Tolia.
Alina and Reuben Esquivel were popular, attracting chats from Michael Hinojosa and Mike Rosa. Hinojosa, the former DISD superintendant, said he’s been doing a lot of consulting lately and is thinking about running for Dallas mayor. Rosa, SVP of economic development at the Dallas Regional Chamber, said there’s been an “uptick in interest” in Dallas recently by financial services and life sciences companies.
Eventually, the reception ended and it was time to summon the 650 guests to the massive ballroom, where WFAA-TV anchor/reporter Dia Wall welcomed everyone to the signature fundraising dinner for JA Dallas.
Under President and CEO Chris LaTurno, attendees would learn, the nonprofit group prepares students for “the business of life” by providing them with experience in money management, workplace readiness and entrepreneurship. In 2023-24 JA served 106,177 students locally, with 410,858 hours of volunteer time by 2,530 volunteers.
Before guests dug into their meals — roasted red beet and goat cheese salad, braised short rib with shrimp blue crab roulade and a selection of desserts — JA’s Student of the Year, Palak Patel of Plano East Senior High School, was recognized for her accomplishments. She was awarded the Sandi Smith Scholarship, providing $10,000 toward her college education.
“Junior Achievement has been a cornerstone in both my personal and professional growth,” Palak said, after accepting the award from JA Board Chair Stephen Tigh. “One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is that challenges and obstacles aren’t roadblocks — they are stepping stones to growth. Now, I see obstacles as opportunities.”
As dinner wound up — but before the 2025 Hall of Fame honorees would take the stage — Matt Newsom conducted a live auction of five items. The items, which included a night in the Joule Dallas Hotel penthouse, a Dallas Mavericks experience and a trip to Siena, Italy, pulled in a total of $112,500.
The icing on the cake was a surprise gift from 2021 HOF Laureate Mark Cuban, who tossed another $250,000 into the fundraising kitty.
Then came a figurative drumroll and, finally, the induction into the Hall of Allie Beth, Curt and Dale.
Allie Beth, who was introduced by JA student Myles Davis, told the crowd that three things have made her career possible: being positive, hard work and respect.
“I hope we can inspire young people to embrace these principles, so that they can be as successful in their lives,” she said.
Next, Curt was introduced by JA student Mason Gutierrez. The banking leader proceeded to thank Junior Achievement; his wife, children and parents; and his colleagues at Comerica.
“To our next generation of leaders, I would say, there is no better time than today to begin your leadership journey,” Curt said. “Be bold, be curious, and be relentless about your passions. The world needs trailblazers and change-makers just like you.”
Then Dale, who was introduced by JA students Samara and Samone Anderson, paid homage to his late entrepreneur father — “he’s the real business hall of famer” — and to his 93-year-old mother, who was in the crowd.
He also praised Chris, JA’s top executive. “He’s the perfect fit. Understanding how to make, save and invest money would be a life-changer for so many Americans,” Dale said. “I deeply admire what JA is doing, and I hope we can find ways to reach and teach even more young people.”
* Photo credit: Brad Newton/Grant Miller Photography
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