For our Gentleman’s Issue, Rockwall City Lifestyle sat down with eight men who are leaders in the community to talk about what it truly means to lead with purpose and integrity. Through candid reflections, they explore how they define influence, the daily habits and guiding principles that shape their decisions, the legacy they hope to leave, and the men who helped mold their character (to all the dads out there, your impact on the next generation is unparalleled!).
Beyond titles and accomplishments, these leaders reveal the personal values that anchor them and the impact they hope to make. Together, their insights form a compelling portrait of modern leadership—and the legacies they are intentionally building for future generations to inherit.
John Adams, President, Snooze Mattress + Wellness
Who has been the most influential man in your life, and how did he shape the leader you are today?
My father. From a very rough relationship in my younger years to understanding in my young adulthood, he demonstrated adherence to principled decisions.
What does being a man of influence mean to you?
It means doing the right thing in all things and taking the long way around if necessary. This gives others permission to take a stand for good things in the face of adversity.
What habits or principles have been key to earning trust and respect in your industry?
Showing up, being consistent, and doing what I state that I will do. Reputation is earned and the pinnacle of importance.
Lionel Carrion, Owner, Premier Elite Transport
What does being a man of influence mean to you?
Being a man of influence means leading by example and practicing what you preach. It’s about striving to be your best, paying it forward, and never forgetting where you came from. True influence comes from the impact you have on others.
How do you define leadership?
Leadership is about service, accountability, and setting the standard.
What legacy do you hope to leave?
I hope to leave a legacy of service, integrity, and impact. I want to create opportunities for others and support those in need through both business and community efforts. Being remembered as someone who gave back and made a difference is what matters most to me.
Roy Cook, Co-Owner, No Sweat Experts
Who has been the most influential man in your life, and how did he shape the leader you are today?
Without question, my father. He was the calmest man I've ever known—steady in every situation, kind to everyone he met, and he never judged a person regardless of their circumstances. He just quietly did the right thing, every time.
What does being a man of influence mean to you?
To me, influence isn't a title—it's what people say about you when you're not in the room. In business, it means being the guy who tells a customer they don't need a new system when they don't, even if selling one would be easier. In the community, it means showing up for people who can't repay you.
Wesley Davis, Founder/Managing Attorney, Faithful Stewardship Law Firm, PLLC
How do you define leadership, and how has your definition evolved over time? Early on, I viewed leadership as a position of authority. Over time, that perspective has shifted to one of stewardship. Today, leadership means walking alongside people through complex and often emotional decisions with a servant’s heart, offering guidance, stability, and care.
What legacy do you hope to leave? I hope my legacy is reflected in the families who felt protected, seen, and supported during some of life’s most important moments. I want to be remembered as a man who used his legal talents to strengthen the foundations of the Fate community for generations to come.
Dr. Michael Fisher, Fisher & Zitterich Dentistry
Who has been the most influential man in your life, and how did he shape the leader you are today?
The most influential man in my life is unquestionably my father. Among so many other things, he taught me to take care of my family, to work hard, to work with excellence, and most importantly work and live with integrity.
How do you define leadership?
I think leadership is more about serving than leading. A servant leader should strive to put the needs of others before himself, in both his family and at work.
What habits or principles have been key to earning trust and respect in your industry?
While I often falter, the principles I try to follow are working and living with honesty, integrity, humility, compassion, and generosity.
Bobby Gladu, President/Founder, Artisan Masonry & Granite
What does being a man of influence mean to you?
It means putting people ahead of profit and making a lasting impact.
What habits or principles have been key to earning trust and respect in your industry?
Do what you say you’re going to do. Consistency, integrity and loyalty have been the foundation of everything we’ve built. When people know they can count on you, business will come naturally.
What legacy do you hope to leave?
If I’ve made a positive impact on my team, my family, my friends and my community, that’s what matters most to me.
Spencer Godoy, S. Godoy & Associates LLC
What does being a man of influence mean to you?
To me, being a man of influence means being the kind of person who makes a real difference through how you live, how you lead, and how you treat people. Real influence is not about status or being known. It is about having an impact people can feel.
How do you define leadership, and how has your definition evolved over time?
I define leadership as taking responsibility, giving direction, and helping others move forward. I have learned that real leadership is more about being steady, making sound decisions, staying calm under pressure, and being willing to serve. It is about setting the tone, earning trust, and carrying responsibility well.
Bradley Tiegs, Broker/Owner of VBRG Realty and Chairman of the Undaunted Warhorse Initiative
Who has been the most influential man in your life, and how did he shape the leader you are today?
Gen. James Mattis's style, intelligence, and quiet but imposing demeanor had the greatest impact on me. He led and taught discipline, accountability, and the understanding that leadership is about taking care of your people first.
What habits or principles have been key to earning trust and respect in your industry?
Consistency, transparency, and doing what you say you’re going to do—every time. I also believe in being honest even when it’s uncomfortable and putting long-term relationships over short-term gains.
How do you define leadership?
Leadership is the ability to inspire action through example, not authority.