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Employee Recognition Dinner Leigh Ann Unkenholz, Allen High School Teacher of the Year and Christy Wilson, Bolin Elementary Teacher of the Year.

Park Place Lexus recognized two outstanding educators from Allen Independent School District, honoring Christy Wilson of Bolin Elementary and Leigh Ann Unkenholz of Allen High School as the district’s 2026 Teachers of the Year.

Selected for their leadership, unwavering dedication and lasting impact on students, Wilson and Unkenholz exemplify the highest standard of excellence in education. In recognition of their achievements, Park Place Lexus is providing each teacher with the use of a new Lexus throughout the summer, along with a complimentary tank of gas, two tickets to a Texas Rangers game complete with parking and access to an all-inclusive buffet and cocktails, four passes to the Dallas Arboretum, and a curated selection of Park Place-branded gifts.

“Christy Wilson and Leigh Ann Unkenholz exemplify the extraordinary dedication, leadership, and heart that define exceptional educators,” said Chris Brunner, General Manager of Park Place Lexus “The impact Wilson and Unkenholz have made on students, families and the Allen ISD community is truly inspiring. Their commitment to excellence reaches far beyond the classroom, helping shape future generations and strengthen the community for years to come.”

Park Place Dealerships was founded in 1987 and employs nearly 1,400 Members. Park Place Dealership operates three collision centers, an auto auction, and nine full-service dealerships representing luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Land Rover, Acura, and Sprinter Vans. For more information, visit parkplace.com.

Kathy Beazley
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Photo credit Maria Llano Photography L to R: Marc Blackson (president of Blackson Brick), Briar Glenn (partner and president of Glenn Partners; Form Follows Fitness 5K co-founder), Patrick Glenn (partner and managing principal of Glenn Partners, Form Follows Fitness 5K co-founder), Norman Alston (president-elect, The Architecture and Design Foundation), Bronson Blackson (vice president of Blackson Brick)

On Saturday, May 16, Dallas’ signature architecture-themed race celebrated another milestone year as the Form Follows Fitness 5K, presented by Blackson Brick, gathered more than 60 runners, walkers, architects, designers, civic leaders and community supporters at Community Beer Company for a ceremonial check presentation benefiting The Architecture and Design Foundation. The brewery hosted four social runs leading up to the 2026 race and will host monthly runs on the third Saturday of each month through January 2027.

The 2026 race season generated $221,358.07, the third-highest fundraising total in event history, helping bring the race’s lifetime charitable impact to more than $2 million raised. The event also celebrated its 15th anniversary year, setting records with 3,973 registrations, $308,000 in sponsorship revenue and 184 industry teams participating. Throughout its 15-year history, 44,588 participants have taken part in the 5K.

The ceremonial presentation recognized the impact of a community event that has evolved far beyond a race. Form Follows Fitness has united the architecture, engineering, construction, planning and fitness communities to raise funds that create opportunities for students, support research, expand public education and connect residents to the beauty and importance of the built environment.

The morning also spotlighted the future of architecture, design and civic innovation. Following the presentation, an air horn sounded as runners and walkers began the first official monthly social run leading into the 2027 race season.

“The AD EX Form Follows Fitness 5K really began from a simple moment of inspiration during a Saturday morning AD EX Arts District Walking Tour in 2010,” said Patrick Glenn, AIA, LEED AP, ALEP, LE Fellow, Form Follows Fitness 5K founder. “As Briar Glenn and I were experiencing the energy of the Dallas Arts District, we started talking about how incredible it would be to create an event that connected health, community and architecture in a more visible and engaging way. What started as a meaningful idea has grown into a Dallas tradition that celebrates architecture, promotes public engagement and supports educational programs and scholarships for future generations of designers and architects.”

Glenn said one of the event’s greatest achievements has been strengthening the connection between the public and the architecture and design community while supporting educational initiatives and scholarships.

“Seeing the lasting impact this event has had on both our profession and the broader Dallas community is something I am incredibly proud of,” Glenn said. “I am excited to see how we can continue to grow that message and impact for the next 15 years.”

For Briar Glenn, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, Form Follows Fitness 5K co-founder, the race’s continued growth reflects the power of community collaboration.

“Celebrating the Form Follows Fitness 5K’s 15th anniversary is a tremendous milestone,” Glenn said. “What began as an idea to bring our industry colleagues, partners and the community together around a shared commitment to wellness and the celebration of Dallas’ iconic architecture has grown into something far greater than Patrick and I ever imagined.”

She said the race has become the Foundation’s largest single fundraising effort while helping expand programs such as Build Your City!, the Exhibition Series, Architecture and Design Exchange programming and Designing My Future Camps.

“Beyond race day, the 5K has become a catalyst for deeper community engagement, meaningful industry partnerships and new opportunities to inspire the next generation through the power of architecture and design,” Glenn said.

Norman Alston, FAIA, president-elect of The Architecture and Design Foundation, believes the race perfectly reflects Dallas’ architectural spirit.

“I love that the Form Follows Fitness 5K was born out of walking through our city and looking at the architecture,” Alston said. “It’s testimony to the quality of Dallas architecture that, besides being beautiful, it can inspire people in other important aspects of their lives.”

The race’s unique atmosphere and citywide appeal continue to resonate with participants and organizers alike, according to Eric Lindberg, race director for the Form Follows Fitness 5K.

“Every year, the commitment and support from the architecture industry for the race blows me away,” Lindberg said. “It’s the largest industry gathering in North Texas and I pause when I call it a race because it’s truly an event for all, including architecture, the running and walking community, families, friends and coworkers.”

Lindberg added that the course remains one of the event’s signature experiences as participants travel through the West End, Downtown, the Arts District and Uptown before finishing at Klyde Warren Park.

Marc Blackson, president of Blackson Brick, said supporting the event aligns naturally with the company’s mission and values.

“Supporting Form Follows Fitness is not only a commitment to giving back, it’s a strategic alignment of business objectives with meaningful impact, strengthening both the Foundation and the architecture community it serves,” Blackson said.

About The Architecture and Design Foundation

The Architecture and Design Foundation is North Texas’ public gateway to architecture, design and the built environment. Through education, public programming and community access, the Foundation helps residents better understand how thoughtful design shapes where people live, work, learn and gather.

A cornerstone of its mission is Designing My Future, an expanding camp series for students ages 6 through 18 that introduces architecture, engineering and construction through hands-on learning led by architects, designers and educators. Students gain exposure to STEM learning, creative problem solving and career pathways while building confidence and leadership skills.

The Foundation also offers family-friendly programming such as Build Your City!, LEGO build days, workshops, guided architecture tours, gallery exhibitions and public discussions exploring sustainability, preservation, urban planning and the future of cities.

Each year, the organization awards between $40,000 and $60,000 in scholarships, fellowships and research grants to high school students, university students and emerging professionals. Funds raised through Form Follows Fitness help keep public programs accessible, support underserved youth and first-generation college students, preserve Dallas’ architectural legacy and cultivate the next generation of designers, planners and civic leaders.

Sponsors

Master Builder Sponsor

• Blackson Brick

Tradesman Level Sponsors

• C1S Group
 • Corgan
 • Curtainwall Design & Consulting
 • Glenn Partners
 • LA Fuess Structural Engineers
 • Merriman MAA
 • Stantec
 • Whiting-Turner

ABOUT FORM FOLLOWS FITNESS 5K

The Form Follows Fitness 5K, presented by Blackson Brick and benefiting The Architecture and Design Foundation, celebrates Dallas architecture through a scenic race experience showcasing the city’s skyline and iconic urban design. Participants travel through the West End, Downtown, the Arts District and Uptown while supporting education, public engagement and community programming connected to the built environment.

Registration is now open for the 2027 Form Follows Fitness 5K, scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 20, 2027, at Klyde Warren Park. More information, including details on upcoming social runs, is available at formfollowsfitness.com.

ABOUT THE BENEFICIARY

The Architecture and Design Foundation is North Texas’ public gateway to architecture, design and the built environment. The organization exists to help residents understand how thoughtful design influences where we live, work, learn and gather, and why great cities do not happen by accident.

Through education, access and public programming, the Foundation helps transform architecture from something people simply look at into something they actively experience and appreciate.

A cornerstone of its mission is Designing My Future, an expanding camp series for students ages 6 through 18 that introduces architecture, engineering and construction through hands-on learning led by architects, designers and educators. Students gain exposure to career pathways, STEM learning, creative problem solving and confidence-building experiences.

The Foundation also offers family-friendly programs such as Build Your City!, LEGO build days, workshops and community events that make architecture approachable for children and adults alike. Many are free or low-cost so families across income levels can participate.

Each year, thousands of residents and visitors engage through guided architecture walking tours and tram tours that showcase Dallas neighborhoods, landmarks and the stories behind them. These experiences build civic pride while increasing appreciation for preservation and smart urban growth.

Its gallery exhibitions and public dialogues explore innovation, sustainability, historic preservation, planning and the future of cities. The Foundation regularly partners with schools, universities, nonprofits and professional organizations to ensure design voices are part of broader civic conversations.

The organization also awards $40,000 to $60,000 annually in scholarships, fellowships and research grants for high school students, university students and emerging professionals. These opportunities help young talent study, travel, research and bring new ideas back to Dallas.

Funds raised through Form Follows Fitness also helps keep public programs accessible, reach underserved youth and first-generation college students, preserve Dallas’ architectural legacy and cultivate the next generation of designers, planners and civic leaders.

 

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North Texas BBQ Favorite Honors the Woman Behind Many of Soulman’s Original Family Recipes

 

Soulman’s Bar-B-Que will once again honor the life and culinary legacy of beloved family matriarch Mary Alice “Memer” Hallett on May 20, 2026, with a special pie giveaway celebrating what would have been her 105th birthday.

As part of the annual tradition, the first 101 guests at each Soulman’s Bar-B-Que location who purchase a dine-in meal will receive a complimentary slice of Memer’s signature buttermilk pie while supplies last.

For more than five decades, Soulman’s Bar-B-Que has built its reputation around recipes rooted in family traditions, many of which trace back to Memer herself. Known for her warmth, hospitality, and home cooking, Mary Alice Hallett played an important role in shaping the flavors and spirit that continue to define the Soulman’s experience today

“Memer represented everything Soulman’s stands for: family, comfort, tradition, and bringing people together around great food,” said Brett Randle, CEO of Soulman’s Bar-B-Que. “Her buttermilk pie has become more than a menu item over the years. For many guests, it’s part of their own family memories and traditions.”

Originally opened in Pleasant Grove in 1974, Soulman’s Bar-B-Que has remained family-owned while expanding throughout North and East Texas. Memer’s influence can still be found across the menu, from classic Southern side dishes to the desserts that have become customer favorites for generations.

In celebration of the occasion, Soulman’s will also share vintage family photos, guest memories, and special tribute content across its social media channels throughout the day. Guests are encouraged to join the celebration online by sharing favorite Soulman’s traditions and family moments using #SliceOfMemer.

“Food has a unique way of connecting generations,” added Randle. “This celebration gives us the opportunity to honor someone who helped shape our company while also thanking the loyal guests who have supported Soulman’s through the years.”

 

About Soulman’s Bar-B-Que

For more than 50 years, Soulman’s Bar-B-Que has satisfied the hardest to please bar-b-que lovers….Texans!  Founded in Pleasant Grove, Texas, in 1974, Soulman’s had only a few simple goals—serve great Texas-style BBQ and offer friendly, sincere service.  With a focus on Faith, Food, and Family, Soulman’s passed-down recipes are still the foundation for the company’s success from their 8 different types of meat that are smoked “low & slow” over only hickory wood to their famous homemade sides, including Ranch house beans and Texas style cream corn! Throughout the years, this family-owned and operated company has remained true to its original strive for success and customer satisfaction and is honored to be considered one of the Best Regional Barbecue Chains to Try at Least Once (2025), Best Roadside Restaurants in America (2024), Top Bar-B-Que Chains in America (2024), the Best Bar-B-Que in Dallas for Takeout  & Delivery (2020), and one of the Best Bar-B-Que Chains in America (2018).

 

Soulman’s currently owns and operates 21 North and East Texas locations in Allen, Cedar Hill, Fort Worth, Forney, Garland, Greenville, Hurst Grapevine Highway, Lancaster, Lewisville, Mabank, Mansfield, Mesquite, Quinlan, Red Oak, Rockwall I-30, Rockwall Goliad, Royse City, Sulphur Springs, Terrell, and Van. To learn more about Soulman’s Bar-B-Que, visit them online at https://www.soulmans.com or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/soulmansbbq.

 

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Park Place Volvo has opened its newly redesigned Dallas showroom and sales offices, a modern, light-filled space that reflects Volvo’s Scandinavian design heritage while reinforcing Park Place Dealerships’ commitment to offering a more personal, comfortable client experience.

Park Place Volvo has opened its newly redesigned Dallas showroom and sales offices, a modern, light-filled space that reflects Volvo’s Scandinavian design heritage while reinforcing Park Place Dealerships’ commitment to offering a more personal, comfortable client experience.

The redesigned facility features a striking glass exterior, Volvo’s signature blue accent panels, a warm wood-framed entrance and an open showroom filled with natural light. Inside, clients will find a hospitality-inspired environment with light wood flooring, slatted wood ceiling details, glass-walled offices, pendant lighting, contemporary seating areas, and clean architectural lines.

The result is a space that feels less like a traditional automotive showroom and more like a modern Scandinavian living room, one designed to make clients feel comfortable as they explore Volvo’s lineup, meet with sales consultants and take delivery of their vehicles.

“Volvo has always represented thoughtful design, innovation, safety and an understanding of how people live,” said Donny Lambrecht, General Manager of Park Place Volvo. “This redesigned showroom gives our clients a space that feels open, welcoming and true to the Volvo brand, while allowing our team to deliver the personal attention Park Place is known for in Dallas.”

The updated showroom and sales offices are part of a broader investment in Park Place Volvo’s Dallas presence. Park Place Volvo is expected to open a new service center in 2027 to accommodate all Volvo vehicles, creating a more convenient and efficient ownership experience beyond the showroom.

Volvo continues to advance a vehicle lineup shaped by safety, technology, sustainability and Scandinavian design. Today’s Volvo portfolio includes fully electric models, plug-in hybrid options and mild hybrid vehicles designed to give clients a range of choices based on how they live and drive. From the family-focused XC90 and versatile XC60 to the fully electric EX90 and EX30, Volvo pairs refined design and everyday functionality with advanced driver-assistance technology and a long-standing commitment to safety.

Located at 3515 Inwood Road on Lemmon Avenue, Park Place Volvo has served Dallas-area clients for decades with a focus on premium vehicles, thoughtful service and long-term client relationships. The redesigned facility continues Park Place Dealerships’ “Experts in Excellence” approach by combining modern automotive retail design with hospitality, expertise and attention to detail.

Park Place Dealerships was founded in 1987 and employs more than 1,400 members. Park Place Dealerships operates three collision centers, an auto auction, and nine full-service dealerships representing luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Land Rover, Acura, and Sprinter Vans. Park Place is a part of Asbury Automotive Group, Inc., a Fortune 500 company headquartered in Atlanta, GA. Asbury is one of the largest automotive retailers in the U.S. For more information, visit parkplace.com.

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Sheraton Dallas welcomes the summer season with new guest experiences, refreshed programming, and special offerings designed for weekend getaways or mid-week escapes. Located in the heart of Downtown Dallas, the hotel offers a central destination for locals and travelers seeking dining, entertainment, and easy access to the city.

“We’re excited to welcome guests to Sheraton Dallas this summer, especially as the energy of global soccer comes to the city,” said Chandana Weerasekara, Hotel Manager. “From curated packages to elevated amenities and dining throughout the hotel, we’ve created a vibrant, welcoming environment that makes every stay this season feel dynamic, seamless, and memorable.”

Introducing Curated Soccer Fan Packages

This summer, the hotel will introduce a collection of curated packages designed for fans looking to make the most of their stay, combining added value, on-property experiences, and thoughtful amenities.

Guests can book their stay for June 1–July 20, 2026, at the best available rates. Three stay packages will be available for guests booking during this period:

  • The Goal Getter Package offers a three-night stay during major tournaments and includes a $100 food and beverage credit, perfect for guests looking to elevate their match-day experience.

  • Ideal for those who want to immerse themselves fully in the excitement, the Match Day Getaway offers a three-night stay crafted around the hotel’s energetic soccer atmosphere.

  • Travelers planning extended visits can take advantage of the Kick-Off to Victory Package, a 10-night stay available at special rates and ideal for long-term guests or families following multiple matches.

Seasonal Dining: Fresh, Local & Inspired

Discover the flavors of the season at Sheraton Dallas’ four unique dining outlets, where fresh ingredients, creative menus, and welcoming spaces make every meal a moment to savor.

The hotel’s signature restaurant, Open Palette, serves up American classics, including house-smoked Texas barbecue that debuted last year. Paying homage to the hotel’s Texas roots, the barbecue menu offers a taste of Southern Hospitality.

The 4,000-square-foot Draft Sports Bar and Lounge is a sports haven, featuring dozens of TVs broadcasting continuous match coverage, outstanding sports-centric eats, craft cocktails, and local beers on tap, including the House Honey Lager made in partnership with Dallas brewing legends, Manhattan Project Beer Co. The House Honey Lager uses honey harvested from the rooftop Herb N’ Jungle garden. For groups, the private Karaoke Room offers a fun space to gather, while the new gaming area with video games and multiplayer setups extends the experience into the evening.

For a relaxed nightcap, guests can slip into The Parlor, the hotel’s upscale lounge, where dim lighting, curated cocktails, and an intimate, speakeasy atmosphere offer the perfect wind-down after a day of matches. The Parlor also hosts Mixology Mondays, a hands-on cocktail experience that brings a refreshing twist to weekday plans every Monday from 5 to 6 PM, inviting guests to learn from the hotel’s mixologists in an engaging, interactive setting.

Open Mkt. Grab ‘n Go offers a wide selection of healthy, convenient options for guests on the move, making it easy to fuel up before heading to a match or exploring the city. Stocked with game-day essentials, from prepared snacks and beverages to travel necessities, the market also partners with local brands and artisans, giving guests the opportunity to take home a taste of Texas through thoughtfully sourced gifts, treats, and regional specialties.

Dare to Discover Our Dallas

At Sheraton Dallas, world-class hospitality is at the heart of every stay, and the concierge team is here to help make each Dallas visit seamless. From personalized recommendations and insider tips to coordinating transportation, tickets, and reservations, the hotel’s experts ensure travelers can explore the city with confidence and ease.

Just steps from the DART rail line, fans can take a short ride to Fair Park and experience Fan Festival or head out to discover some of the city’s most notable restaurants and attractions, including the nationally acclaimed Dallas Arts District, Klyde Warren Park, the Dallas Museum of Art, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, and more.

Whether travelers are seeking culture, dining, sports, or nightlife, the Sheraton Dallas concierge team will help them make the most of every moment in our beautiful city.

Sheraton Dallas stands as the state’s largest hotel and the second-largest Sheraton in the world. The hotel boasts 1,841 guest rooms, more than 230,000 square feet of flexible meeting and convention space, a rooftop pool, fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment and Peloton bikes, and four dining outlets: Draft Sports Bar & Lounge, Open Palette, Open Mkt. Grab ‘n Go, and The Parlor.

 

Sheraton Dallas Hotel is located at 400 North Olive Street, Dallas, Texas 75201. For more information or to book a stay, visit www.SheratonDallas.com. For more information about events, contact the sales team at DALDHOutletmanagers@marriott.com or call 469-371-1486.

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Imagine the thrill of Top Gun: Maverick, the high-flying, adrenaline-charged blockbuster nominated for six Academy Awards®, combined with the power of Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s full live orchestra. That’s exactly what audiences will experience with Top Gun: Maverick in Concert, coming to the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center May 22-24, 2026.

This one-of-a-kind cinematic concert event features the film projected in high definition on the big screen, while the DSO performs the iconic score live, including compositions by Harold Faltermeyer, Lady Gaga, and Hans Zimmer with score production by Lorne Balfe. It’s a powerful sensory experience that transforms blockbuster film music into a living, breathing orchestral performance.

Under the baton of acclaimed conductor Sarah Hicks, the orchestra elevates the emotional journey in Top Gun: Maverick in a way only live performance can, making music a central character in the storytelling.

Tickets start at $78. Secure your spots now at dallassymphony.org.

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Dream Center Dallas is inviting the Oak Cliff community to come together for “Good Neighbor Day” on Saturday, May 16, a family-friendly event focused on serving and supporting local families through food, resources, activities and connection.

Hosted from 12–2 p.m. at Dream Center Dallas, the afternoon is designed to bring neighbors together while helping meet practical needs and reminding community members they are seen, valued and cared for.

Guests can expect community resources, family-friendly activities and opportunities to connect with local organizations and volunteers throughout the event.

Good Neighbor Day

  • Saturday, May 16
  • 12–2 p.m.
  • Dream Center Dallas
  • 1900 S Ewing Ave, Dallas, TX 75216

Volunteer programming will begin earlier in the day with check-in and rally activities ahead of the event kickoff. Those interested in volunteering can find additional information, here.

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The Dallas Symphony Orchestra is kicking off summer with three free outdoor concerts in Downtown Dallas, inviting families, neighbors, and music lovers to enjoy an evening of live symphonic music in the heart of their own communities. The month’s line-up includes:

  • Bill & Shirley McIntyre Park Instrument Petting Zoo (May 17). Bring the whole family to this hands-on educational experience featuring an instrument petting zoo and other live musical demonstrations. Plus, learn more about the DSO’s youth programs, including Young Strings, Young Musicians, and more! Location: Bill & Shirley McIntyre Park on Flora and Pearl Streets, Dallas, TX 75201.

  • Bill & Shirley McIntyre Park Chamber Concert (May 21). Rounding out the 2025/26 season with the last Bill & Shirley McIntyre Park Concert, guests are invited to a fun, intimate one-hour performance featuring the DSO ensemble. Location: Bill & Shirley McIntyre Park on Flora and Pearl Streets, Dallas, TX 75201

  • Memorial Day Parks Concert at Flag Pole Hill (May 25). This annual Dallas tradition honors the holiday with an uplifting, patriotic program performed under the open sky and a vibrant fireworks show. The concert will begin at 8:15 PM, with fireworks to follow at 9:15 PM. Location: Flag Pole Hill at 8015 Doran Circle, Dallas, TX 75238.

Each performance features a DSO ensemble, bringing beloved orchestral works, family-friendly favorites, and a celebratory program to audiences of all ages. Guests can unwind in a relaxed outdoor experience that highlights the DSO’s commitment to community engagement and accessible live music.

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There was no shortage of competition, camaraderie, and meaningful moments at this year’s North Texas Golf Classic, but what mattered most was the impact made together.

From the first tee shot to the final conversations, supporters from across North Texas came together with one shared purpose: honoring the sacrifice of America’s fallen or disabled military service members and first responders by investing in the futures of their families.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our golfers, sponsors, volunteers, donors, and community partners, this year’s tournament raised more than $268,000, funding 53.5 educational scholarships for deserving families. Every team that signed up, every sponsorship, every auction item, and every contribution helped create new opportunities for spouses and children pursuing their educational goals.

We were proud to welcome 160 golfers, 16 dedicated volunteers, board members, scholarship recipients, and supporters who helped make the event feel both impactful and deeply personal. Hearing directly from those affected by these scholarships served as a powerful reminder of why this mission matters so much.

A special thank you goes to Suntex Marinas, La Pulga, Eataly Dallas, and Budweiser for helping make the day even more memorable through silent auction donations and on-course activations that kept the energy high throughout the tournament.

Events like the North Texas Golf Classic are about far more than a day on the course. They are about community, gratitude, and ensuring the families of those who have sacrificed so much know they are not carrying that sacrifice alone.

Thank you to everyone who stood with us and helped make a lasting difference.

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Leap Distributors CEO Allen Mason says he's honored to be included on Becker's 2026 list of Great Leaders in Healthcare.

Becker’s has named Leap Distributors Co-founder and CEO Allen Mason to the 2026 list of Great Leaders in Healthcare. Mason, a Dallas resident, is included in the Companies section, under CEOs and Founders.

“Becker’s is highly respected throughout our industry and its Great Leaders in Healthcare List includes many of our industry’s top professionals,” said Mason. “I’m honored to be included.”

Becker’s Healthcare has more than 1.1 million e-newsletter subscribers and more than 68,000 print subscribers.

According to Becker’s, its 2026 Great Leaders in Healthcare list is developed from nominations and editorial research. It recognizes healthcare leaders, “whose influence reaches far beyond their individual organizations,” and who “set the tone from the top by defining the strategic direction, shaping the culture and embodying the mission that flows through every department, every decision, and every patient or client interaction.”

Mason has more than 25 years of experience in the medical device industry and more than a decade of executive-level healthcare leadership expertise. Mason co-founded Leap Distributors with a mission to transform the healthcare landscape by prioritizing cost reduction, increasing patient choice, and improving overall quality of care.

Headquartered in Dallas, Leap Distributors continues that mission today as a national medical device distribution partner that provides sales coverage, contracting and GPO strategy, and end-to-end logistics for manufacturers and healthcare facilities. Today, Leap Distributors supports more than 10,000 surgeries annually, partnering with over 750 surgeons and 350 facilities, GPOs, and IDNs across the country.

A seasoned entrepreneur, Mason has built nine successful businesses. Mason co-founded Leap Surgical (which was acquired by Leap Distributors in 2024) and served as its CEO for more than a decade. He also is a co-founder of MindSight Medical LLC, an FDA registered and licensed tissue bank in Dallas, and he is a board member of Total Ancillary, Axis Datalytics, MedTechIntel, MedTech Incubator, Staysis Medical and other notable startups.

Mason is actively involved in the community. In particular, with the non-profit Leap Six – a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business that Mason helped create, which specializes in connecting niche medical suppliers with hospitals, distributors and the VA health system. He also serves as a mentor to numerous professionals and participates in a variety of educational and health outreach programs.