When Victoria Whitehead was just eleven years old, her father had a heart attack that changed their family's trajectory. Recognizing the precariousness of their situation, he established a forward-thinking estate plan that gave each child ownership of semi-trucks and trailers leased back to the family business. This early entrepreneurial education would shape Victoria's approach to both business and family planning for decades to come.

Now an attorney, policymaker, and CEO of the West Texas Home Builders Association, Victoria brings a wealth of experience from working at both the Texas Legislature and in Washington DC. Her journey reveals the stark differences between policy-making in these environments and why the Texas approach tends to foster more collaboration and practical solutions.

What makes West Texas special? It's a question that weaves throughout this conversation. Victoria articulates how Lubbock's growth stems from more than just business-friendly policies and tax advantages. The region offers a unique combination of economic resilience, affordable housing, strong infrastructure, and most importantly, a community that genuinely cares about its future. Unlike larger metropolitan areas where posturing often replaces action, Victoria describes how West Texas maintains its "cowboy spirit" – a commitment to hard work, integrity, and reinvesting in the community.

The discussion also explores Victoria's innovative approach to estate planning for her own children, her leadership philosophy centered on purpose rather than accomplishments, and how she manages the delicate balance between professional ambition and family life. For anyone interested in community development, family wealth planning, or understanding what makes certain regions thrive while others struggle, this conversation offers valuable insights from someone who's both shaping policy and living its results firsthand.