Cooling the Texas Data Center Bonanza

Cooling the Texas Data Center Bonanza

Author: Super Dave Quinn, CECD January 6, 2026 Duration: 32:14
Dave sits down with Ronald Bekker, Managing Director for LU-VE Group North America, to discuss the company's journey expanding into the Jacksonville region of East Texas. The conversation highlights LU-VE's global expertise in industrial heat exchange and cooling solutions, their decision to build a significant manufacturing presence in Texas, and the challenges and opportunities of operating in a rapidly evolving market, especially with the explosive growth of data centers.

Ronald shares candid reflections on adapting to East Texas culture, the importance of community partnerships, and the evolving requirements of workforce development in the area. Listeners get an inside look at LU-VE ’s strategic planning, from international acquisitions to securing local support and incentives, all within the context of Texas' business-friendly environment. The episode also explores what it’s like to relocate from Europe to the United States, encompassing personal insights on local values, lifestyle adjustments, and the unique business climate of East Texas. They also talk about the region’s growing industrial hub, collaborative community engagement, and the dynamic future of manufacturing and technology innovation in Texas.

Get your free Texas business expansion or relocation resources today by visiting www.TexasEDConnection.com

There's a particular energy drawing people and their ambitions south, captured by that old phrase and now given voice in Gone to Texas. Rather than dry economic reports, this podcast lives in the lived experiences of founders and CEOs who made the decision to move or grow their operations into the state. Each conversation unpacks the real-world details behind that leap-the logistical hurdles, the cultural discoveries, and the tangible outcomes of planting a flag in Texas soil. You'll hear firsthand about navigating local regulations, understanding regional business climates, and integrating into communities that shape both life and work. The discussions naturally span from practical business insights to the broader cultural and societal shifts encountered when making such a significant transition. Recognized as one of the top business podcasts in the region, Gone to Texas serves as an essential audio companion for anyone contemplating a similar path or simply curious about the forces reshaping the modern economic landscape. It’s a collection of roadmaps, written in hindsight by those who’ve already arrived, offering not just inspiration but concrete lessons from the journey.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 48

Gone to Texas
Podcast Episodes
Episode 3 – Workforce Wins: Building Talent Pipelines [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:01
In this episode of Gone to Texas, "Super" Dave Quinn talks with Alan Clipperton, Vice President for Global Initiatives and Industry Engagement at LeTourneau University. Alan shares how the university supports industry in…
How Business Owners Benefit from Proactive Health Planning [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:51
"Super" Dave sits down with Paula Phillips, a nationally certified occupational therapist and founder of Calibrating Lyfe, to discuss the importance of proactive health strategies for business owners and employees. Drawi…
Anchored in Innovation: Industry Leaders Growing in Kilgore [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:49
In this episode, Dave sits down with Alan Pollard, Vice President of SATCOM Antenna Products at CPI, to discuss the unique success story of CPI’s Kilgore, Texas operation. The conversation traces CPI’s impressive 50-year…
Scaling Your Business in Texas [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:16
In this episode, Dave continues the Texas 12 with another Fairview discussion as he welcomes Jeff Schafer. They dive deep into what it takes for businesses to not only relocate to Texas, but to truly flourish in the stat…
Building Community and Business Success [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:32
In this episode, "Super" Dave is joined by Nadim Ahmed, owner of two Venture X locations to talk about the entrepreneurial journey. Nadim shares his own story of transitioning from an engineering and corporate background…
Why Kilgore is a Top Business Destination in East Texas [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:18
In this episode, "Super" Dave sits down with Lisa Denton, Executive Director of the Kilgore Economic Development Corporation (KEDC), to spotlight Kilgore, Texas and its impressive transformation over the past 35 years. L…
Building Community and Culture at Saputo in Sulphur Springs [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:45
Super Dave Quinn is joined by Joe Wallace, plant manager of Saputo Foods in Sulphur Springs, Texas, for an engaging conversation on community, company culture, and business growth in a rural setting. Joe Wallace shares h…