
Jason McCann
Founder and CEO of Vari
1996 TBHF Future Texas Business Legend Award Recipient
Founder Feature: Jason McCann
Built to Adapt: The Entrepreneurial Journey of Jason McCann
To be the best, you have to learn from the best—and few entrepreneurs embody that philosophy more fully than Jason McCann.
During a recent conversation with Texas Business Hall of Fame Alumni, Jason shared the influences that helped shape his journey, including renowned business leaders like TBHF Legends Mort Meyerson, John Goff, and Houston icon Jim McIngvale. Yet perhaps his earliest and most lasting inspiration came from much closer to home—his mother, the first CEO he ever observed, who sparked a lifelong curiosity about leadership and business.
Jason’s career path is anything but linear. From his early days in Houston’s vibrant hospitality scene along the legendary Richmond Strip, to ventures in the toy industry, and ultimately to transforming the modern workplace through ergonomic design, he has consistently followed one guiding principle: build, learn, and evolve.
That mindset has carried him through decades of economic turbulence—from the dot-com bubble to the 2008 financial crisis to the COVID-19 pandemic. Each challenge became an opportunity to adapt. Grounded in his grandmother’s advice to “brush yourself off and keep on going,” Jason has developed a resilience that defines both his leadership and his company.
At Vari, Jason blends innovation with intentional connection. He leverages technology across the business—from product ideation to visualization—while remaining steadfast in his belief that relationships are irreplaceable. In fact, he makes it a point to know every employee by name, reflecting a deep commitment to people and culture.
That commitment extends beyond the workplace. Jason is passionate about developing the next generation of entrepreneurs, creating environments where others can grow and thrive. Through VariSpace coworking locations in Coppell and Southlake, he has built communities designed not just for productivity, but for connection.
Outside of business, Jason channels his creativity into painting—an unexpected but meaningful outlet. His artwork is often auctioned for charity and displayed throughout Vari spaces, reinforcing his belief that business success should be paired with giving back.
Throughout his journey, Jason has remained focused on solving real problems. Whether addressing workplace health—championing the idea that “sitting is the new smoking”—or encouraging leaders to stay engaged through practices like “management by walking around,” he emphasizes awareness, accessibility, and action.
He also points to thought leaders like Patrick Lencioni for guidance, and encourages entrepreneurs to stay open, stay curious, and stay connected.
In the end, Jason McCann’s story is one of persistence, humility, and intentional growth. His career proves that success is not about a single path, but about continuously learning, adapting, and—above all—building meaningful connections along the way.