Episode Overview: In this episode of Entrepreneurs, Business, and Finance, host Henry Harrison sits down with bestselling author Harry Hunsicker, a Dallas native with a fascinating journey from commercial real estate appraiser to full-time novelist. With nine published crime thrillers—including the gripping The Life and Death of Rose Doucette—Harry shares insights into the business of fiction, the craft of storytelling, and the perseverance required to break into the publishing world.

Whether you’re a budding author, a lover of mysteries, or just someone chasing a lifelong dream, this episode offers practical lessons and real-world wisdom on turning passion into a profession.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Second Career Success: How Harry transitioned from real estate to writing while managing both for nearly two decades.
• The Business Side of Writing: Finding an agent, getting published, and why he opted not to self-publish.
• Childhood Dreams Realized: Harry’s lifelong desire to write fiction and his very first story written on a typewriter at age 10.
• Craft vs. Creativity: The importance of outlining, revising, and writing books he would personally want to read.
• Research and Realism: How Harry blends deep research, Texas history, and real-world details into thrilling crime fiction.
• Facing Rejection: The truth about sending out 117 query letters and learning to embrace persistence.
• The Power of Place: Why all of Harry’s books are set in Dallas and how that adds authenticity to his storytelling.
• AI and the Writing World: His perspective on using ChatGPT as a research tool but not for writing fiction.
• Legacy and Lineage: As a 6th-generation Texan, Harry’s roots run deep—and they often show up in his work.
• Advice for Aspiring Authors: Practical encouragement and life lessons on following your dream no matter your age.

Notable Quotes from the Episode:

“You’ve only got so much runway left in life. If you’ve got a dream, go for it.” — Harry Hunsicker

“Writing is rewriting. It’s a craft. You don’t write anything perfect the first time.” — Harry Hunsicker

“I wanted to write a book I would want to read.” — Harry Hunsicker

About the Guest – Harry Hunsicker: Harry is the bestselling author of nine crime thrillers and a lifelong Dallas resident. His latest book, The Life and Death of Rose Doucette, has been praised for its realism, twisty plots, and vivid Texas settings. Formerly a commercial real estate appraiser, Harry is now a full-time writer, speaker, and literary force in the crime thriller genre.

Explore his books and sign up for his newsletter at HarryHunsicker.com

Connect with Henry Harrison and the Show: Host Henry Harrison brings deep business insight and real-world experience to every episode. Tune in weekly for engaging conversations with authors, founders, financial experts, and entrepreneurs from all walks of life. HenryHarrison.com

Episode: https://henryharrison.com/chris-brown-rj-byrd-search-group/

In this engaging episode of Entrepreneurs, Business, and Finance, host Henry Harrison sits down with Chris Brown, founder of RJ Byrd Search Group (https://rjbyrd.com/) and a longtime friend. Together, they explore Chris's fascinating journey from Washington, D.C., to Texas, building a career in staffing and recruiting and his inspiring mountain-climbing adventures.

Chris shares insights from his upbringing in Arlington, Virginia, his family’s ties to politics, and the pivotal moments that shaped his professional journey. The conversation covers everything from lessons learned on Capitol Hill to starting his own business in the competitive world of staffing. Plus, Chris opens up about the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship, his commitment to delivering quality over quantity, and how his company has weathered economic storms and industry changes.

As a bonus, Chris shares stories about his adventures climbing mountains like Kilimanjaro and Aconcagua, how those experiences translate into business lessons, and the importance of resilience and determination in both life and entrepreneurship.

Key Highlights:

- Early Influences: Growing up in a politically connected family (grandfather Jim Wright was the 48th Speaker of the United States House of Representatives) and it impacted Chris’s values and career decisions.

- The Journey to Entrepreneurship: How Chris founded RJ Byrd Search Group in 2007 and his mission to focus on quality staffing services for small to medium-sized businesses.

- Overcoming Challenges: Navigating the 2008 financial crisis as a new business owner and adapting to industry changes, including the rise of AI and digital tools.

- Leadership and Integrity: The importance of building trust with clients and maintaining ethical standards in business.

- Adventures in Mountain Climbing: How climbing peaks like Everest and Kilimanjaro with his daughter taught him invaluable lessons about perseverance, mental strength, and teamwork.

- Board Memberships: Chris’s role in various boards, including Catapult Partners, and his passion for helping others succeed through mentorship and collaboration.

Memorable Quotes:

“Every new technology claims it will replace the recruiting industry, but nothing can replace the human connection.”

“Entrepreneurship isn’t just about building a business; it’s about creating something better, more efficient, and impactful.”

“Climbing mountains isn’t just a physical challenge—it’s a mental game. That same grit applies to running a business.”

Henry Harrison Dallas Texas: Navigating Business, Politics, and Purpose with James Dickey

In this episode of the Entrepreneurs, Business, and Finance Podcast, host Henry Harrison is joined by long-time friend and dynamic leader James Dickey.

James shares the incredible journey of his multifaceted career, from entrepreneurial ventures to political advocacy, highlighting his roles as an entrepreneur, nonprofit director, and former Chairman of the Texas Republican Party.

Epidsode: https://henryharrison.com/james-dickey/

Connect with James:

Learn more about Liberty for the Kids at https://libertyforthekids.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesdickey/

Key Topics Discussed:

• The Power of School Choice: James discusses his grassroots efforts with Liberty for the Kids, advocating for universal school choice in Texas.

• Lessons from Entrepreneurship: From founding a tech startup to selling to Oracle, James reflects on the struggles and successes of launching a business.

• Navigating Career Changes: How James transitioned between corporate roles, startups, and nonprofit leadership, always driven by purpose.

• The Role of Integrity in Business: Building trust and maintaining integrity as key factors for long-term success.

• Impact Through Advocacy: James shares how grassroots activism can drive meaningful legislative change.

Fun Facts:

• James started his career in insurance but quickly transitioned into entrepreneurial ventures.

• He co-founded a tech startup that became part of Oracle.

• James is proficient in sign language, a skill he developed to communicate with his brother.

Quotable Moments:

• “Integrity compounds in business. People know whether they can trust you, and that trust creates long-term success.”

• “Find something you love or at least like to do for your profession because you'll spend a large portion of your life doing it.”

• “Legislators listen to their constituents. If you want to make a change, speak up—it matters.”

Actionable Takeaways:

1 - Pursue What Matters: Align your career with your passions and values to create a meaningful impact.

2 - Build Relationships: Trust and integrity are essential for building lasting connections in business and advocacy.

3 - Get Involved: Grassroots activism can influence policy—reach out to your legislators and make your voice heard.