Located on the shores of Galveston Bay about 35 miles from Houston, the City of Texas City has long been known as an industrial powerhouse. Thanks to growth in Greater Houston and the Galveston Bay Area, Texas City is presently undergoing a renaissance and is poised to attract even more businesses and residents to the area.

Time and time again, franchising has proved to be a winning business model. “There is a reason that franchising has outpaced growth of the overall U.S. economy for the past five years,” says International Franchise Association (IFA) President & CEO Steve Caldeira. “It’s a time-tested and proven business model and if you follow the template correctly and you work very hard, then you are going to be successful, more often than not.”

For over 40 years, M.L. Kishigo has designed safety and high-visibility apparel built to last. As the industry leader of high-visibility apparel, the company continues to design and develop products dedicated to ensuring the safety of workers across a variety of industries. We spoke with CEO Greg Hayward to find out more about the company and its plans for the future.

An emphasis on safety and a conservative approach to growth are just two of the many reasons N.H. Bragg has been so successful since its beginnings in 1854. Focusing on excellent customer service to help provide ideas, products and services that reduce costs and streamline the purchasing process for clients means that N.H. Bragg has been able to provide businesses with the tools and equipment they need to operate successfully.

Absolute Change Management was founded in 1999 and formally incorporated in 2002, by Dave Peters who was then joined by partner Dave Muir. Much different than the typical, sometimes top heavy, change management organizations and consultancies, the company is lean, built upon a philosophy that “recognizes that people are a large part of all business processes; that good relationships make processes work well.”

ABC Imaging is pioneering the printing revolution. From what started as a small one-man company, ABC Imaging has grown into an international empire.

The function of clothing is typically in the areas of fashion or style, designed to keep one comfortable. Apparel Solutions International Inc. is a work wear clothing manufacturer with a different purpose: A company committed to safety.

If a company has been around for well over 100 years, then it is certainly doing something right. Weinbrenner Shoe Company is thriving, even as it changes with the times…

Speaking with Al DiGregorio, owner of Safety Smart Gear, you quickly get the sense that safety is not merely a buzzword, but rather it is paramount to every aspect of our work and our lives.