A former student whose business topped the 2008 Aggie 100 list reflects on his Aggie heritage and the university that molded him into a successful entrepreneur.

By Clay Schlinke ’94, Tesoro Homes and Development Ltd.

Growing up on a ranch in the hot desert of West Texas, I dreamt of being under those cool oak trees that blanket the campus. We lived almost an hour from the town of Sanderson, but we always made the trip for Aggie Muster. There was never any question whether I would attend college, and there was no other place for me than Texas A&M.

When I came to A&M, I felt as if I were living a dream. It was all just as Dad, Dr. James Schlinke ’67, described.

During my first two years at A&M, my experiences strengthened my integrity. I watched upperclassmen commit to the university’s traditions and learned from them. I stood shoulder to shoulder with other Aggies at yell practice. I felt the heat of bonfire that represented all of the sacrifices made by Aggies. I walked the campus and exchanged a "howdy" with passersby, feeling the sense of solidarity lift me up.

As a result, I made up my mind that I would maintain the high standards of strength, honor and character instilled in me by fellow Aggies as I pursued my goals of becoming an entrepreneur and making money. In addition to hard work, doing right by people has become a basic tenet of my business. I credit Texas A&M with helping to shape my thinking in this area.

Of course, being a good businessman requires more than character and a good work ethic. Just as my first classes taught me how to be a responsible person and strengthened my integrity, my junior and senior classes gave me the skills and tools that I use today as a successful businessman. Those classes specialized in entrepreneurship and gave me the knowledge and confidence to start and run my own companies.

The economic theories that these classes so effectively covered have stimulated my business sense. The concepts on diversification have enabled my 6-year-old business, Tesoro Homes and Development Ltd. in San Antonio, to grow every year. Even during the current economic hardship, I have remained aggressive by starting new businesses that complement our company’s mission. Without Texas A&M, I would not have enjoyed this level of business success.

The final component to my accomplishments is the bond forged by all graduates of Texas A&M University. This bond goes beyond the meaning implied by the term "networking."

When I see a fellow Aggie, I know that trust and character accompany his or her word. I can’t tell you how often Aggie bankers have approved financing before I have had time to show them any documentation. When the banker and I take note of each other’s Aggie rings, we both smile, knowing that each is as good as his word. Of course, in this day and age, deals are no longer done on a handshake, but I wouldn’t hesitate to do such a deal as long as my business partner was a fellow Aggie.

As you can see, Texas A&M is more to me than a university. This institution has permeated nearly every aspect of my life. I credit Texas A&M with nurturing and shaping my world view, for imparting a strong work ethic, for preparing me to succeed in business and for providing a system of lifelong support.

In short, I am extremely proud to be an Aggie!

This is an excerpt from the "One Voice" article in the summer 2009 issue of Spirit magazine. Read the full issue of Spirit.