McCombs Graduates Pack Longhorn 100

Their businesses filled the most slots at Texas Exes awards gala

Businesses run by alumni of the McCombs School of Business took four of the top 10 places at the Texas Exes Longhorn 100 Gala on April 24. Overall, McCombs graduates were involved in 45 of the 100 companies, making it the most represented school at The University of Texas at Austin.

“Every year, this event highlights the many ways UT alumni are shaping industries. It’s incredibly gratifying to see nearly half of this distinguished list of companies represented by McCombs alumni,” Dean Lillian Mills said. “This year’s showing is a clear testament to our leadership, innovation, and grit.”

The No. 1 company on the 2026 list was Zellie’s, the maker of gum and mints sweetened with xylitol, and the President’s Impact Award went to Ranger Excavating, an excavation and site development contractor.

“The Longhorn 100 always brings incredible energy, but this year felt especially meaningful as we celebrated our fourth cohort,” said Texas Exes CEO Robert W. Jones, BBA ’87. “Watching connections form in real time among our alumni speaks to the strength of our alumni network and is deeply gratifying for all of us at the Texas Exes.”

Of the McCombs businesses in the top 10, Tour-Rific of Texas, with owner and president Jay Kalra, BBA ’93, was No. 3. Prosper CFO, led by CEO Cameron Deike, MPA ’19, was No. 6. Teakwood Global Services, with co-founder and partner Manish Seth, BBA/MPA ’96, was No. 9. And MALK Organics, led by CEO Jason Bronstad, BBA ’02, and CFO Jason Stone, BBA/MPA ’08, was No. 10.

Of the 45 McCombs companies in the Longhorn 100, 24 had been winners in previous years.

The alumni association presents the awards, now in their fourth year, to recognize the fastest-growing businesses founded, led, or owned by Longhorns. Chet Garner, B.S. ’03, host of “The Daytripper” TV show, was the master of ceremonies at the festivities.

The full list of winners can be found on the Texas Exes website at www.texasexes.org/longhorn100/2026.

Story by Mark Barron