During 2013, we visited with the city’s leaders and tastemakers in our editorial special series, The Influentials. Even though their businesses and passions range broadly — from arts to philanthropy to fashion to real estate — they all share a love for Dallas.
As the city’s movers and shakers, they have a lot of opinions about Dallas’ strengths, weaknesses and the character of its citizens. Here is what they had to say about the city we call home.
On what they love most about Dallas:
“The city’s enthusiasm to do great things without territoriality.” — Maxwell L. Anderson, executive director of the Dallas Museum of Art
“The people: We are brash, bold, good-spirited and hell-bent for leather.” — Lucy Billingsley, co-founder of the Billingsley Company
“The can-do attitude. You see it in all walks of life.” — Cindy Rachofsky, philanthropist and art collector
“You can make something of yourself in this town, and people will let you do that.” — Dean Fearing, executive chef of Fearing’s
“I love the ballsiness of it all, how Dallas goes for it.” — Todd Fiscus, founder of Todd Events
“There are so many talented people sharing their gifts here. I’m really humbled to be here.” — Catherine Cuellar, executive director of the Dallas Arts District
“I adore the character of the people. They possess a natural and ingrained spirit of service and hospitality.” — Radha Arora, president of Rosewood Hotels & Resorts
“Positive, can-do attitude to accomplish any goal set forth — no matter how bold!” — Lynn McBee, philanthropist and biotech consultant for New England BioLabs
“[The people] are open, honest and supportive — proud of themselves and proud of our city, but they don’t take it too seriously.” — Brian Bolke, owner of Forty Five Ten, Five and Ten, Number One and Chapter Two
“I love the people. I’ve never met a group of people so committed to helping, whether it be animals, or the cause they’re devoted to, or their community.” — Jody Jones, manager of Dallas Animal Services
“Its sense of possibility.” — Jeremy Strick, executive director of the Nasher Sculpture Center
“The opportunity. If you’ve got an ounce of hustle, you can own this city.” — Jackson, founder of FLUENT
“Dallas is a city full of friendly, proud, hardworking people who make things happen. They are less talk and more action.” — Renee Rouleau, celebrity aesthetician and owner of Renee Rouleau spa
“I love the intimacy of this city. Everyone and everything is so connected. It’s intoxicating. It makes you want to get involved and be a part of something big.” — Dawn Neufeld, attorney and co-host on KTXD The Broadcast
On what they would change about the city:
“Eradicate any lingering inferiority complex about our potential.” — Maxwell L. Anderson
“I love change, and I love this city. I would change anything and everything to create a better place in which to live, dream, grow and work.” — Lucy Billingsley
“The humidity and the heat. I haven’t figured out how best to do that.” — Cindy Rachofsky
“I would change people complaining about the hot weather. People have lived here their whole lives, but they complain about how hot it is, every year!” — Dean Fearing
“I’d probably throw a wrench into the gossip-moving wheel. I want Dallasites to be more open and less chatty.” — Todd Fiscus
“More parks and fewer parking lots.” — Catherine Cuellar
“I would like to see the city as more of a culinary destination, with more variety from international destinations.” — Radha Arora
“Bring back some of the significant historic structures that have been demolished.” — Lynn McBee
“August.” — Brian Bolke
“As a newcomer, I'm not sure it's right to talk about what I want to change. But what I greatly appreciate is the opportunity the community has given me to create huge change for animals and people.” — Jody Jones
“Roads and highways: I’d make them better. They merge badly, a lane is always disappearing, there’s no shoulders you have to cross. From an engineering standpoint, they’re a hazard.” — Jeremy Strick
“The underground tunnels downtown. I’d shut those things down. There are thousands of people in this city, but it’s dead because people are walking those tunnels; they’re not on the streets.” — Jackson
“I would create more parks and trails for outdoor activity and enjoyment.” — Renee Rouleau
“The people who don’t dare go north of 635.” — Dawn Neufeld
On what makes a true Dallasite:
“An open-minded bon vivant with equal measures of moxie and humor. ”— Maxwell L. Anderson
“Adventurers, dreamers, creators and rugged individuals.” — Lucy Billingsley
“Bigger-than-life attitude: Think Cowboy Stadium. Incredible taste: Think Highland Park Village. Greatest cultural community: Think private funds raised for the AT&T Performing Arts Center.” — Cindy Rachofsky
“I think someone genuine; it’s what I’ve always loved about Dallas. Even people that move here get it really quick, the attitude of being courteous and genuine.” — Dean Fearing
“It’s a combination recipe: You have to be gutsy, you have to have a good sense of humor, and you have to have a little bit of good taste. ”— Todd Fiscus
“There are a lot of things: vision, humor, flexibility, grit or pluck. The accessory for a true Dallasite would be bright red lipstick.” — Catherine Cuellar
“Charisma and camaraderie. There are big personalities here, and an even bigger desire to achieve common goals for the good of the city.” — Radha Arora
“Help-your-neighbor spirit!” — Lynn McBee
“Someone who leaves in August!” — Brian Bolke
“Warmth, inclusion and commitment.” — Jeremy Strick
“Someone who wants to change the city for the better. It doesn’t have to be a money thing; it’s someone who wants to see the good in the city.” — Jackson
“A generous person who makes a mark in his or her own world, but also gives time and resources to helping others. There are so many amazing men and women doing just that.” — Renee Rouleau
“Looking good in the middle of summer without sweating.” — Dawn Neufeld
Lynn McBee
