We had the good fortune of connecting with Holly Dempsey and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Holly, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk is the basis of all decision making. Intentional or not, I believe it is human nature to weigh the risk/reward scale when making a decision. Even if we are not using that language in our internal dialogue, we view all decisions through this filter and when you can recognize it, name it, and put it to work, then you move past decisions based on fear and on to decisions based on possibilities.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Founded in 2009, Longhorn Organics is a team of builders, biologists, certified LSS operators, and veterinarians all focused on creating and delivering unique filtration solutions. With a thorough understanding of biological design and filtration efficiencies, we provide long-term sustainability of the assets invested by a client. We work primarily in the Zoo, Aquarium, and Aquaculture industries offering design, build, consult, and install services. Longhorn began with just 2 people and an idea. We quickly realized lots of people want to tell you how to do a thing and few people are willing to roll up their sleeves and actually do the thing. Within the first year, this moved our focus from consulting to manufacturing and installation of filtration systems. Longhorn continues to offer design and consulting services in addition to our construction/installation offerings. Finding your niche is not always easy but knowing when to stay in your lane and when to expand into others is even more difficult. We are excited about the future of Longhorn Organics and the new lanes we have opening up. The expertise we have in cleaning salt water is applicable to so many different industrial settings, and we look forward to the research and challenges of applying what we know in a different way.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
First stop – the #1 Zoo in the country, the Fort Worth Zoo! We are so proud to be a partner on the expansion of this local treasure. The Rustic because what says TX better than outdoor fun with music and food and friends. The Dallas World Aquarium – after visiting aquariums around the world I have a soft spot for this local gem. They offer a unique and wonderful up close glimpse into aquatic life that is my absolute favorite. Cowboys – Best stadium ever, hands down. Love the whole experience and the energy here is incredible. BIN303 – The absolute best tiny little eatery in East TX. Located on old Rockwall Town Square this husband/wife duo consistently delivers local TX vibe from the amazing food to the best seasonal cocktail list – The BEST!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My husband, business partner, and science guru and I have taken every step of this small business journey together over the past 2 decades. We compliment each other in so many ways and this business would not be possible without our combined efforts and appetite for risk. The vision he holds for the future of the company drives our success, and the honesty we share about the gaps in our combined skill set has opened the door to continually surround ourselves with better and brighter talent. We are so proud of the team we have gathered over the years. The humble beginnings of my husband and my efforts have been eclipsed by the brilliant leaders and dedicated work force that call this business home today. We are inspired every day by their abilities and enthusiasm and wish to extend a sincere thank you to all of the Longhorn Organics team members past and present who have added their talents to her story.

Website: www.longhornorganics.com
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/longhorn-organics
Twitter: @LOrganics
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LonghornOrganics/

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