Texas Tech University
Faculty Building

Alderson & Griffin Center for Family Business & Entrepreneurship

Connecting family business leaders and entrepreneurs to the Texas Tech community.

The Alderson and Griffin Center for Family Business and Entrepreneurship (Alderson Griffin Center), is a hub for driving entrepreneurial innovation, supporting family businesses, and fostering community engagement with cutting-edge tools and actionable insights. Positioned at the intersection of corporate enterprise, startup innovation, and academic excellence, the Center is dedicated to championing bold ideas and collaborative efforts that push the boundaries of modern business creation and entrepreneurial ecosystems.

Made possible by an endowment from two prominent entrepreneurial families, David and Lisa Alderson, and Texas Tech Regent Mark Griffin and his wife Claudia, the Center for Family Business & Entrepreneurship provides innovative networking opportunities, insightful educational forums and discussions, and relevant academic programs and applied research. The Center's community is made up of a wide range of entrepreneurs including emerging leaders, successors, senior generations, students, and key nonfamily executives. By creating partnerships with Texas Tech entrepreneurship programs including think tanks and incubators, the Center plays a vital role in engineering a new class of entrepreneurs who will form the family businesses of the future.

Shaking Hands
Inspiring Innovation. Supporting Growth. Elevating Communities.

Vision

Building Together for the Future

We believe in the power of doing—our philosophy is rooted in the principle that innovation thrives when we “create, test, and iterate.” In today’s fast-paced world, the adage "If you build it, they will come" has evolved. Now, we know: "If you build it, you'll quickly see if they will come." We embrace this dynamic approach, fostering a creative and entrepreneurial environment where ideas are brought to life and tested in real-time.

Mission

Innovation with Impact

The Alderson Griffin Center is committed to helping businesses, entrepreneurs, and the broader community succeed. Whether you are building the next generation of a family-owned enterprise or launching a cutting-edge startup, the Alderson and Griffin Center is here to provide resources, mentorship, and a network of like-minded innovators. We are creating something truly special in Lubbock, Texas, the heart of Texas Tech University—that we believe will become a beacon of innovation for the region and beyond.

Join Our Network

Join us if you’re passionate about building the future and shaping the next wave of entrepreneurial success.

Partner with the Alderson & Griffin Center for exclusive access to:

  • Meaningful Events
  • Community Engagement
  • Business-Assist Programs
  • Regional Defining Initiatives

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Initiatives

McCoy Speaker Series Matt Allen DignitariesEstablished through a generous $1 Million gift from McCoy’s Building Supply, the McCoy Family Speaker Series aims to enhance the success and impact of family businesses, and entrepreneurs in the region and beyond.


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The Networking Pass (TNP)The Networking Pass (TNP), is a structured community, designed to connect family business owners, stakeholders, and associated allies.


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Gain specialized skills in family business and entrepreneurship with our microcredentials, designed to enhance your expertise in managing and growing enterprises.

Explore the fundamentals of family business and entrepreneurship with our undergraduate certificates, equipping you with practical skills to manage, innovate, and lead within enterprises.

Families In Ranching Succession Toolkit DinnerPreparing generational ranching leaders with our FIRST program, by focusing on sustainable practices, leadership development, and seamless transitions in family-owned ranch operations.

Rawls Pop-Up MarketsPromoting student and campus entrepreneurship at the university pop-up market, by offering hands-on experience in marketing sales, and business management in a dynamic, real-world setting.


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Celebrating and elevating service and business in West Texas by bringing together community and leaders to celebrate the legacy of impactful community partnerships.

Improving business through cultural awareness and understanding, through evidence-based research and academic offerings.

The Family Business Student Organization (FBSO) at Texas Tech University is dedicated to supporting students that have a passion for family-owned businesses.

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Our Leadership

David Alderson

David Alderson 
Former President and CEO, Alderson Enterprises

David Alderson served for years as President and CEO of Alderson Enterprises, one of the region’s most respected automotive groups. With deep roots in the Lubbock business community and a reputation for visionary leadership, David has served as a mentor and advocate for countless entrepreneurs and family businesses. As a Distinguished Alumni of Texas Tech’s Rawls College of Business, his dedication to fostering the next generation of business leaders is at the core of the Center’s mission. David's leadership exemplifies the principles of innovation, family business sustainability, and community engagement.

Mark Griffin

Mark Griffin 
President, The Griffin Companies

Mark Griffin is a Lubbock native and the President of The Griffin Companies, a diversified group involved in industries ranging from healthcare to petroleum and real estate. His business acumen and commitment to service have made him a prominent figure in both the corporate and non-profit sectors. Mark’s dedication to education, including his ongoing involvement with the Texas Tech University System as the Chairman of the Board of Regents, underscores his belief in the power of entrepreneurship to drive economic and community growth. His efforts have been instrumental in shaping the vision and future of the Center.

Steve Lipscomb

Steve Lipscomb 
Executive Director, Alderson Griffin Center

Steve Lipscomb is a pioneering entrepreneur and media executive, best known as the founder of the World Poker Tour, which revolutionized televised sports entertainment and became a global phenomenon. Now, as the Executive Director of the Alderson Griffin Center, Steve brings his passion for innovation and entrepreneurship to Texas Tech University. With a track record of building successful ventures and fostering innovation, Steve is committed to transforming the Center into a vibrant hub for business growth, mentorship, and community collaboration.

Anish Quenim

Anish Quenim 
Associate Director and Faculty, Alderson Griffin Center

Anish Quenim is an accomplished leader with tangible experience in family business, as an academic, educator, and a generational successor. As Associate Director, Anish brings his expertise in building collaborative programs and creating impactful initiatives that support both the academic and entrepreneurial communities. His dedication to connecting businesses, students, and community leaders is helping shape the Center’s success.

Rawls College of Business

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