"I would honestly have to say that this was the very best experience I had ever had. I had the opportunity to explore creative ways to put my ideas forward as well as learning from highly talented and amazing advisors how to communicate my ideas in a professional way."

"I learned how to take not only a idea but my dream, and pull people I knew that felt the same as me in to believing what a few people working together can do for positive outcomes. I learned to ask for what I believe in, work as a dedicated team, take criticism and learn from it to develop something better and work hard."

"You have so many wonderfully experienced advisers, to see their credentials was so impressive. Thank you for involving these people of merit in this endeavor! The training sessions were great and I really loved the video on the T&C website and the poster in the halls; that was great marketing. I saw the poster while I was checking out the school – it convinced me to pursue enrolling!"

"I feel that this competition is very much needed in this community and at HCCS, because it helps students realize they can be successful, make a difference in the community and listen to people such as our advisors and make the most of what comes before them."

Business Advisor

Joe Dean Phipps

Joe Dean enjoyed a financial, banking, and corporate management/development career before retiring. He made private corporate investments for Prudential Insurance Co. after receiving his undergraduate and MBA degrees at the University of Texas, where he also taught corporate finance; was a senior commercial banker for a downtown Houston bank; and a CFO, Director and part owner of several energy industry companies which developed innovative and high tech products and services. He was involved in merging two of them into larger public companies. He is married, has three grown children who were educated in SBISD schools and is a member of Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church.