"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."

"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 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."

"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!"

Business Advisor

Tony Ponce de Leon

Tony has been an Insurance Agency owner through Farmers Insurance since 2002. His agency of five licensed staff members currently serves over 2000 clients throughout Texas. His agency has ranked in the top 15 percent of Farmers Agencies in the country each of the past 10 years. He graduated from the UH Bauer College of Business in 1998. He owned three Pizza Patron franchise locations in the Houston area until selling the restaurants at the end of 2011. Tony recently completed the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Houston Hispanic Forum and the Texas Farmers Employees and Agents Political Action Committee. He has completed the Chevron Houston Marathon twice. Tony and his wife Lucy have four children.