John Albers

Founder Feature: John Albers and the Power of Persistence

Leadership Perspectives and Advice Shared with TBHF Alumni Association

Texas Business Hall of Fame Alumni recently gathered at the headquarters of Albers Aerospace in McKinney, Texas, for an exclusive networking event hosted by 2025 Veteran Award recipient John Albers. The event brought together TBHF alumni for an evening of conversation, connection, and insight into the innovative work being led by John and his team.

In addition to touring the Albers Aerospace headquarters and learning more about the company’s cutting-edge aerospace and defense initiatives, attendees heard candid reflections from John on leadership, entrepreneurship, and the realities of building a business from the ground up. John shared that he founded the company in 2018 as its sole employee, and today Albers Aerospace continues to experience remarkable growth, projecting $330–350 million in revenue this year and recently securing its largest award to date—larger than all of 2024 revenue combined.

Throughout the evening, John spoke openly about the discipline and mindset required to scale a company. He emphasized practical fundamentals: don’t overpay for a business, learn how to read a P&L, and as a CEO, know your numbers. He stressed that success is built on consistency: showing up early, working hard throughout the day, and doing what you say you’re going to do.

His message also reflected the internal evolution required of an entrepreneur. John noted the importance of humility and adaptability, sharing that over time he learned he was “not as smart as [he] thought [he] was,” and that growth requires continuous learning, reading, and studying. He spoke about the need to be willing to shift mindsets, to trust others with decision-making, and to accept mistakes as part of the learning process, even when they come at a cost.

“My favorite quote from John was, ‘Be comfortable being uncomfortable,’” said TBHF Alumni Association City Chair and SideCoach Sports Co-Founder Zach Carrell. “As an entrepreneur and leader, you are responsible for solving a broad range of challenges. That message really resonated with me as both an entrepreneur and former athlete.”

John also encouraged attendees to use every available tool to broaden their perspective, including AI, noting that he uses platforms like Claude to explore business scenarios and compare lessons across other companies’ stories. He also emphasized the importance of independently analyzing data, ensuring accuracy, and maintaining privacy. He recommended The Outsiders, a book profiling eight unconventional CEOs, reflecting his appreciation for learning through stories and lived experience. He is a voracious (mostly non-fiction) reader and gains perspective from this practice.

Attendees also connected deeply with John’s reflections on failure, leadership, and personal growth. He emphasized that business success should not be defined by comparison to others, but by personal impact, integrity, and persistence. “I built my business on hard work and merit, not on my military rank or disability,” he shared, underscoring resilience and self-determination.

Kimberly Haley-Coleman reflected that hearing John’s story “makes you rethink the word failure,” noting how setbacks and closed doors became the foundation for a company now contributing to aerospace innovation, economic prosperity, and national security.

The evening also served as a reminder of the value of community and perspective. As alumnus Jason Hendricks reflected afterward, “Sometimes being in the room is what helps you get your perspective back.”

In closing, John encouraged attendees to stay curious and intentional in their pursuits: find what inspires you, keep trying, and don’t simply ask what the world needs—ask what makes you come alive. “Make it special,” he said. “Did you have an impact?”

The evening reflected the strength of the TBHF network and the meaningful conversations that emerge when accomplished leaders come together to share both their successes and challenges. We are grateful to John Albers and the Albers Aerospace team for their hospitality and for continuing to foster connection and inspiration within the TBHF community.