Episode 3 – Workforce Wins: Building Talent Pipelines

Episode 3 – Workforce Wins: Building Talent Pipelines

Author: Super Dave Quinn, CECD March 12, 2026 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 East Texas through technical education, hands-on projects, and workforce development. He breaks down how LeTourneau partners with local businesses for applied learning and senior design projects, giving students practical experience while addressing real-world business challenges. The conversation also covers the process of moving university-driven intellectual property from ideas to commercial ventures, and the timelines and complexities involved.

The discussion highlights the importance of personal motivation alongside technical skills, reflecting on changes in the workforce, and the evolving role of technology and automation in education and industry. Alan outlines ways businesses can engage with LeTourneau to find solutions for their workforce or technical needs and points out how the university’s approach aligns with the diverse industries in the Kilgore area. The episode wraps up with the significance of building closer relationships between the university, the economic development corporations, and local businesses to leverage regional growth and talent development. 

Key Topics Discussed:
  • LeTourneau University’s role in supporting local industry
  • Partnering with businesses through education, applied learning, and senior design projects
  • Managing intellectual property and entrepreneurship at the university
  • The impact of work ethic and motivation in workforce development
  • Adapting to rapid industry changes and new technologies
  • Collaboration with Kilgore Economic Development Corporation
  • Opportunities for businesses to connect with LeTourneau for workforce and technical needs


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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
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