How This Billboard Family Built Dallas from the Ground Up

Discover the untold story of Dallas's iconic billboards and how one family's legacy helped shape the city's skyline and culture. In this episode of Building Dallas, we sit down with Ben Ralston of Ralston Outdoor, the largest independent billboard company in North Texas.

In this episode of Building Dallas, we sit down with Buddy Kramer — co-founder of the iconic Katy Trail Ice House — to uncover the wild origin story of one of Dallas' most beloved social landmarks. From nearly giving up on a risky 5-year lease to serving over 800 guests on day one, Buddy shares how a few picnic tables and an idea turned into a $350,000/week hospitality powerhouse. We dive into the expansion of the original Uptown Dallas location, the vision behind its tree-filled atmosphere, and what's next — including a massive mixed-use project in Allen, the Lucky Dog Saloon, and the upcoming Detroit-style pizza launch. Learn how real estate savvy, community focus, and atmosphere-first thinking turned a beer garden into a cultural cornerstone of North Texas.

Join us on 'Building Dallas' presented by Arrington Roofing as we explore the rich history and revival of the Longhorn Ballroom with Diana Cox, Vice President of Kessler Presents.

Join us on 'Building Dallas' presented by Arrington Roofing, as we dive into the world of landscape architecture with legendary landscape architect Chuck McDaniel from SWA. Discover the transformative projects that have reshaped the Dallas landscape including Kessler Park, the Katy Trail, and the new Southern Gateway Park. Learn about how innovative designs contribute to urban connectivity, environmental sustainability, and community building. Perfect for anyone interested in Dallas real estate, urban planning, and local entrepreneurship. Don't miss this in-depth conversation about the evolution of Dallas' green spaces and their impact on the city's future.