The Smart Business Dealmakers Dealmaker of the Year Awards recognize exceptional individuals who are shaping the landscape of business and innovation in Dallas.
In addition, The Dallas Dealmakers Hall of Fame recognized a class of dealmakers that has made an often-groundbreaking impact on their organizations, industries and the region over the course of decades in business.
We celebrated the accomplishments of the 2026 class of winners on March 26 at the Dallas Smart Business Dealmakers Conference. Together, they provide a strong picture of the Dallas business community.
Dealmaker Of The Year Honorees
Paul Adams, Executive Chairman and Founder, Columbia Home Services. In 2025, Paul secured $160 million in acquisition financing, positioning Columbia Home Services to accelerate its aggressive expansion strategy. With executive experience spanning Fortune 1000 companies and international markets including the United Kingdom, Europe and South Africa, Paul has built a reputation for driving operational excellence, market growth and turnaround initiatives. His ability to execute complex strategies and build high-performing teams continues to strengthen Columbia Home Services’ competitive position and long-term growth trajectory.
John Block, CEO of Unity Partners LP. Last year, John led 26 direct investments for Unity Partners, which included three platform deals, for the private equity firm. The activity demonstrated John’s acumen in identifying and negotiating PE-backed deals, as well as his ability to seize upon the momentum in the deal market. Under his leadership, Unity Partners continues to drive impactful transactions and growth across its extensive portfolio of companies.
Greg Hirsch, Founder & Owner of Hirsch Ventures. Over the past decade, Greg has helped source and close more than 20 M&A deals worth more than $1 billion in combined revenue. Most recently, he led the transformation and successful exit in 2025 of Pella of DFW. After he acquired the company for $40 million, he grew the business from 90 people to more than 200 employees, while more than doubling its revenue to the mid-$90 millions before its sale.
David Lilley, Founder & CEO of Reap Capital. Since beginning his real estate career in 2013, David has built a rapidly growing portfolio, sponsoring the acquisition of 2,366 multifamily units valued at more than $278 million — with a significant number of those units being acquired and developed over the previous 24 months. A former U.S. Marine, firefighter, paramedic and security contractor, David prepared himself for real estate investing by supporting U.S. government operations.
Simon Martin, EVO & Chief Strategy Officer of ERW Site Solutions. Simon spearheaded the recent strategic ESOP transaction that led to ERW Site Solutions’ transformational employee ownership transition that place full ownership of the rapidly growing Fort Worth-based construction management firm in the hands of its team members. Since 2018, Simon and his management team have executed numerous acquisitions, scaling the company from $20 million to close to $400 million before the deal.
Social Impact Honorees
Debra Caudy and Clay Heighten, co-founders of 29 Acres. 29 Acres was founded by a group of families who share a similar need: Finding quality support services and safe housing for their young adults with autism and other neurodiversities in North Texas as they age out of the school system. With the growing support of the business community and corporate partners, Debra, President & CEO, and her co-founder, Clay, most recently have invested in more homes for residents while at the same time expanding the nonprofit’s business model to incorporate social enterprise opportunities. With a business model that empowers residents to live with independence, purpose, and connection, Debra and Clay continue to invest in the needs of families across North Texas.
Dealmakers Hall of Fame
Douglas Bartek. Doug is a pioneering technology entrepreneur whose career spans more than four decades of innovation and dealmaking. As Co-Founder, CEO and President of Tango Networks, he has built and scaled multiple high-tech companies, leading more than 20 successful transactions, including sales, acquisitions, mergers, and financings. Earlier, Doug founded Microtune and guided the company through a successful NASDAQ public offering, while holding senior leadership roles at Cirrus Logic, Motorola, Honeywell, and others. Recognized as an EY Entrepreneur of the Year finalist, Doug’s impact extends beyond business through his leadership with 29 Acres, supporting adults with autism. His career reflects sustained innovation, execution, and service.
Todd Dauphinais. Todd Dauphinais is a leader who has seamlessly combined operational excellence with disciplined investing. As Founder and Managing Partner of Clavis Capital Partners, Todd leads the firm’s investment strategy while working closely with portfolio companies to drive long-term growth and governance.
Before founding Clavis, he served as CEO of EFI Electronics, delivering four consecutive years of record profitability and earning the prestigious Shingo Prize for manufacturing excellence. His career spans leadership roles across venture capital, corporate development, and consulting with firms including Schneider Electric and Deloitte. Today, through Clavis and its Impact Fund, Todd continues building enduring value for businesses, investors, and communities.
Steve Reynolds. Steve Reynolds is an entrepreneur and innovator who has helped shape the modern travel technology industry. As Chief Strategy Officer at Emburse, Steve leads strategic initiatives advancing integrated travel and expense solutions.
Over his career, he has founded and scaled multiple companies, including TRIPBAM, later acquired by Emburse, as well as CTI, Travel Technologies Group, and TRX, which completed a successful IPO. His work has driven greater transparency and efficiency across corporate travel ecosystems. A Business Travel Hall of Fame inductee and two-time “Most Influential Executive” honoree, Steve continues to mentor founders and champion innovation across the industry.
