Texas business feels strong right now.
It also feels cautious.
Both things can be true.
The latest forecast from the Dallas Fed says Texas could add roughly 286,000 jobs this year. Service businesses are reporting stronger activity, companies are still investing, and the outlook has improved.
At the same time, manufacturers are seeing slower growth, orders are not exactly flying through the door, and the cost of materials, labor and just about everything else continues to climb.
That sounds a lot like the conversations I am hearing from business owners.
There is work out there. There are opportunities. Texas is still growing.
But nobody is taking that growth for granted.
Good companies are watching expenses closer, protecting their people, taking better care of customers and making sure the business is prepared before making the next big move.
Maybe that is not a bad thing.
The strongest businesses are rarely built when everything is easy. They are built when opportunity is there, but discipline is still required.
For the business owners and leaders in my network, what are you seeing right now?
Does Texas feel like it is gaining momentum, slowing down, or simply becoming more selective?