Jay Clingman

The Texas Business Hall of Fame would like to thank Texas Capital for their continued partnership and support. For the ninth consecutive year, Texas Capital is the presenting sponsor for the Annual Induction Dinner and Ceremony. We look forward to celebrating the 2023 Inductees on November 2nd in San Antonio.

You joined Texas Capital Bank in 2021 as the Head of Commercial Banking. What excited you about the role and opportunity?

Texas Capital is a premier full-service financial institution headquartered in Texas that is proud to serve the best clients throughout our markets with robust product capabilities. Our credit, treasury and investment banking services were, and are, far beyond those of our competitors. These capabilities, combined with local decision making, enable us to support businesses regardless of their size throughout their corporate and individual life cycles. Joining Texas Capital as a member of the Operating Committee was a great opportunity to help lead an organization dedicated to Texas and to leverage our premier product offerings to bank some of the best management teams and companies in the state.

You have a long history of serving on many non-profit boards in the Dallas and San Antonio areas and currently serve as a member of the Klyde Warren Park Board in Dallas and the Briscoe Western Art Museum in San Antonio. Why do you think it is important for business leaders and entrepreneurs to be actively engaged in their local communities?

Having rich programs in healthcare, education, economic development and the arts are mutually beneficial to our communities and our businesses. It is my view that it is in every leader’s best interest to get involved in their community. Leaders are in a unique position to serve because we can use our professional expertise to support a nonprofit’s goals. In my experience, I have been able to share my lessons from banking to help organizations grow and thrive.

How do you define “excellence” in business? 

I believe excellence means different things to different people. When it comes to business, excellence is being consistently successful in innovation, operations, marketing and service. The best companies are consistent in each of these areas every day.

What is a piece of advice you would offer to early-stage entrepreneurs looking to start or grow a business in Texas?

It is especially important that anyone looking to start or grow a business here in the Lone Star State build relationships with trusted advisors. I highly encourage others to seek counsel from experienced business operators and other entrepreneurs. Surround yourself with people who will give you transparent feedback, both good and bad. In addition, you will likely require more capital than you initially project. Build capital cushions into your plan so that you can launch successfully.