Meet Ian Maltz | Vice President of Corporate Development

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

Hi Ian, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
My thinking around work-life balance has evolved, but the core belief I keep coming back to is this: people don’t get paid for being balanced, and no one wins awards for keeping strict 9-to-5 boundaries. I’m not chasing balance for its own sake, I’m focused on impact.

The work I’m doing is about changing the way an entire industry operates. That’s not something you accomplish by treating it like a regular job. It takes more than just being present, it takes full commitment. I’ve come to accept that meaningful results often require being out of balance in the short term in order to build something lasting in the long term.

I try to be thoughtful about rest and recovery when I can, but I’m not aiming for evenness day-to-day. I’m aiming for excellence, and that means being relentlessly committed to the goals I’ve been trusted with. I’ve made peace with the idea that this pursuit demands more from me than it would from someone just looking to “maintain balance.” I’m here to win, not to coast.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m a third-generation leader in my industry, and while that comes with a lot of pride, it also brings pressure. There’s a legacy to live up to, and that’s not always easy. Expectations are high when you come from a family with a long history in the business, and I’ve had to earn my place through hard work, not just heritage.

One of the moments I’m most proud of was being named to Dallas Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 at age 31. That recognition meant a lot because it validated the effort, the long hours, and the commitment I’ve poured into this work.

Getting to where I am today hasn’t been easy. But nothing worthwhile is. I’ve learned that if you want something, no one is going to hand it to you. It’s on you to go out and get it. That mindset has shaped how I lead, how I build relationships, and how I approach challenges.

What I want people to know about me is that I’m here to do the work. I don’t rely on a last name or a title. I believe in showing up, pushing forward, and building something I can be proud of.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting for a week, I’d want to give them the full Dallas-Fort Worth experience — a mix of good food, real Texas culture, and a little bit of everything in between.

We’d definitely kick things off with a Cowboys game. Doesn’t matter if you’re a fan or not, AT&T Stadium is something to see. It’s a full event in itself and a must if you’re here during the season.

One of the days we’d head over to the Stockyards in Fort Worth. It’s touristy, but in the best way. Watching the cattle drive, checking out the saloons, maybe catching a rodeo if the timing works, it’s one of those spots that really gives you a feel for Texas history and attitude.

For food, I’ve got a few non-negotiables. S&D Oyster Company is one of my all-time favorites. It’s casual, classic, and always hits the spot. Carbone is a great contrast, more upscale, but worth it for the pasta and the whole vibe. And of course, no trip here is complete without some proper barbecue, so we’d head to Terry Black’s for brisket and sides that’ll ruin you for anything else.

We’d mix in some time around Deep Ellum or Bishop Arts for drinks, live music, and local spots to just hang out.

Basically, the goal would be to give them a week that shows off everything I love about this place: the people, the food, the energy, and that mix of grit and polish that makes Dallas-Fort Worth special.

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?
If I’m giving credit where it’s due, I have to start with my dad and my uncle Howie. They were both leaders in the same industry I’m in now, and their influence on me runs deep.

What made their impact unique is that they each had their own distinct style. My dad approached business one way, Howie had a different philosophy, and I got to learn from both. Watching them navigate challenges, build relationships, and lead teams gave me a firsthand education in what it means to work hard and lead well. More importantly, they both instilled in me a serious work ethic that’s stuck with me ever since.

Over time, I’ve taken pieces of what I learned from each of them and blended those approaches into something that feels like my own. They laid the foundation, and I’ve tried to carry that forward in a way that honors both their examples. They absolutely deserve a shoutout.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-maltz/