Our monthly gatherings aim to offer an informational and positional advantage for attendees, whether de-risking investments or servicing deals. Our events are free, thanks to our strategic partners. We invite you to the next topical session.
February 18th, 2026 | 2 PM - 3:30 PM CST
The Fort Worth Club, 12th Floor - Top of the Town Room
306 W 7th St, Fort Worth, TX 76102
Free to attend, thanks to our strategic partners.
Comped parking in the Fort Worth Club building.
Overflow parking at 626 Taylor St.
2026 Economic Outlook:
Fort Worth & North Texas
A professional gathering and panel offering insights on capital flow relevant to regional banking and professionals in service of capital.
Featured Panelists
Shane Smith
Director of Research
Downtown Fort Worth, Inc.
Shane Smith is a seasoned economist and research professional with extensive experience in both academic and applied economic research. He is the Director of Research at Downtown Fort Worth, Inc. (DFWI), leading data-driven initiatives to support urban development and community insights.
Shane has also taught economics as an adjunct professor at Dallas County Community College, sharing his knowledge with the next generation of economists. His research background includes a role as a research analyst at the University of Texas at Dallas, where he contributed to critical projects in public policy and economic analysis. He also holds a Master's degree in Economics from the University of Texas at Dallas and is certified as a Geographic Information Services Professional (GIS).
Shane is married to his wonderful wife, Yolanda, and they serve in the ministry of Parker County Bible Church, a church plant.
Shane Benner
First Vice President of Investment Sales
Bradford Commercial Real Estate Services
Shane Benner specializes in commercial real estate investment sales focused on cash-flow and revenue-generating properties, including industrial, office, and retail assets. Shane serves as First Vice President, Investment Sales at Bradford Commercial Real Estate Services and a Faculty Member at Texas Christian University's M.J. Neeley School of Business, where he teaches Real Estate Principles (FINA 30313) and informs the next generation of real estate professionals.
Shane holds a BBA in Finance and Accounting from TCU's Neeley School and an MBA from the Texas McCombs School of Business. His career spans leadership roles in investment sales, tenant representation, and entrepreneurial ventures.
Shane has held various leadership roles with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant County and contributed to organizations like the Ronald McDonald House of Fort Worth.
Alex Seleska
CEO
Sparton Capital
Alex Seleska is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Sparton Capital. An exited founder with over 17 years of experience building and scaling businesses, Alex now leads a single-family office focused on investing in companies that advance human flourishing through innovation and impact.
At Sparton Capital, Alex oversees the identification and development of early-stage and growth companies with transformative potential. He partners closely with visionary founders, providing not only capital, but also strategic guidance, mentorship, and long-term perspective. His leadership philosophy is rooted in collaboration, intellectual curiosity, and a deep commitment to empowering entrepreneurs—supporting bold ideas and fostering environments where creativity, discipline, and progress converge to create meaningful, lasting value.
Invocation Leader
Gilbert Little
Private Banker at First Horizon Bank
Gilbert Little is a private banker with over 30 years of experience in the financial industry, joining Southside Bank as a senior vice president in the North Texas Region in 2018. Previously, he was a private banker for BBVA Compass and a sports marketing agent for PGA Tour golfer Hal Sutton. Little was also a founding partner in the development of Boot Ranch and was involved in the creation of the Hal Sutton Foundation, which led to the establishment of Sutton Children's Hospital in Louisiana.
U.S. and Texas Pledge Leader
Dr. Sasha Ortiz
Private Banker at First Horizon Bank
Dr. Andrea Sasha Ortiz is an international award-winning clinical psychologist, author, TED speaker, and the reigning Miss World International 2024. She specializes in trauma recovery, PTSD, depression, and anxiety, serving veterans, women, and children through evidence-based clinical practice.
She holds degrees from Spelman College, Columbia University, and the University of North Texas, along with an honorary doctorate in Judaic Theology. Dr. Ortiz is also the Chief Beauty Officer of Golden Goddess Beauty Corporation, a global beauty brand she leads as a recognized industry mogul.
Her advocacy centers on economic empowerment for women through her E3 Program and reducing stigma around intimate partner violence. Previously named Internationalist Texas 2022, she has earned multiple state and international pageant titles and serves on several nonprofit boards. She has been honored as one of the New York Journal’s 30 Women Under 30 for her contributions to psychology, women’s leadership, and global community impact.
Veteran Community Leader
Alexia Tuttle
Managing Partner, Tuttle Equity
Acknowledging a rising leader with a heart for supporting veterans and connecting them to capital communities, which God Bless Retirement is honored to facilitate.
We are proud to support the following veteran foundations as official partners with God Bless Retirement events.
The Special Forces Foundation is a non-profit organization supporting U.S. Army Special Forces Green Berets and their families by providing programs and resources for their mental and physical well-being, aligned with the Preservation of The Force and Family (POTFF) program.
The organization offers immediate and ongoing assistance for psychological and relationship challenges, including crisis support, transition assistance, and support for Gold Star Families.
A panel and professional gathering of professionals in service of capital and community.
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About the host, God Bless Retirement
An M&A firm offering mid-market competency for the lower market.
We manage the process of
buying or selling a business.
GBR also provides syndication support through accredited-anchored events and deal calls.
Certified Valuations
Our thorough valuations include research and assessment from personnel who are certified by the National Association of Certified Value Analysts.
Getting Deals Done
Working with a broker communicates to the market seriousness about buying or selling a business. Our team's resources, relationships, and capabilities further propel this commitment.
Sourcing Buyers & Sellers
After years of marketplace matchmaking, we leverage private-listed channels with qualified buyers and sellers. We engage relationships and optimize outreach on behalf of our clients.
Transferrable Valuations
Our NACVA-certified valuations and appraisals are accepted by buyers, sellers, banks, courts, and the IRS. We do not use ballpark estimates to protect clients from significant opportunity costs.
Confidentiality Protection
Confidentiality enables businesses to maintain their value without operational disruption or internal discord. Our processes factor this priority in each stage.