Though this company began by selling butter, it quickly evolved into the beloved Texas staple it is today. The Kruse family has helped Blue Bell deliver into stores and homes across the state for over a century, bringing homemade goodness to all. They have led the company through hardship and much success and Blue Bell continues to thrive in the Lone Star State.

Born in Refugio, Texas, in 1947 as the youngest of six children, Lynn Nolan Ryan was no stranger to hard work and hand-me-downs. At six months old, his father, Lynn Nolan Ryan, Sr., who worked for Hastings Oil Field was transferred to Alvin, Texas, where Ryan spent the rest of his childhood and much of his adult life.

There is something called salesmanship, that when done really well, is a bit more like showmanship; it is the difference between convincing someone to buy something and allowing them to experience something. There is a broad contrast between having a press pass, which allows someone to view a special celebrity from behind the curtain, and being allowed the experience of feeling important in one’s own right.

A venture mostly ignored before her involvement, the plight of the illegitimate, the orphaned, and the homeless child became Edna Gladney’s lifelong pursuit—a pursuit that would eventually change the face of Texas and America as well.

Working in the music industry, many would find it easy to get caught up in the glamorous charm of fame, favor, and fascination. In pursuit of that neon dream, some would even risk it all in exchange for a small taste of stardom. However, in eyes of Texas country music artist Aaron Watson, the life that glittered hardly seemed made of gold.