By: Chris Gallagher
Texas has long been a land of opportunity and ambition, attracting bold thinkers and innovative leaders from around the globe. Among these visionaries is Larry Puckett, a highly regarded venture capitalist and entrepreneur whose journey from startup founder to CEO of multi-million-dollar businesses reflects the entrepreneurial spirit of the Lone Star State. As the CEO of Theon Global, Larry is not only making waves in various industries but also illustrating why Texas serves as an attractive home for entrepreneurs like him.
For Larry, Texas isn’t just a place to live and work—it’s home. “I love everything about Texas. I love the culture and the people. I love that I can be on the coast this morning and be in the hill country that afternoon. Not to mention the Astros, Texans, and Texas A&M,” he explains. What makes Texas even more special for Larry is his family. “My favorite thing about living in Texas is the fact that our son, daughter, and five granddaughters live here. Because the weather is great most of the year, we are able to spend a lot of time in the water and outdoors. The heat isn’t for everyone, but I love it.”
This connection to Texas extends far beyond personal ties. Larry sees Texas as a state full of opportunity for businesses, a sentiment he eagerly shares. “For starters, the Texas economy is strong. With its large and fast-growing population, businesses often find significant in-state support. The regulatory environment here tends to be tax-friendly, which is appealing to companies looking to scale. In addition to that, the talent pool is very strong, and running a successful company comes down to people and processes. Being able to find skilled people is easier. Another thing that makes it a great place to be is real estate. If you want a big facility, Texas has the space for it.”
Larry’s entrepreneurial success and lifestyle are deeply influenced by Texas. “We spend a lot of time outside most months of the year, so that fits our lifestyle. Texas was a natural fit for us because we align with traditional Texas values. Professionally, being here has supported our ability to grow and scale without being overly burdened by taxes and regulations,” he says. While he feels the state is nearly perfect, he jokes that he wouldn’t mind seeing summer extended even further. “Maybe I would keep summer for 11 months and three weeks. Let it be cold the week of Christmas.”
At the forefront of Larry’s ventures is Theon Global, a company he co-founded with Laire Lightner that aims to innovate in the holistic supplement industry. “Currently, one of my companies, Theon Global, which I built with a very close friend, Laire Lightner, is working on advancing the holistic supplement industry. A colleague who is the science behind some of our products has developed methods to help beneficial plants achieve absorption rates in the body that are significantly higher than traditional methods. For example, while something like turmeric typically has an absorption rate of about 8%, our approach has shown potential rates of up to 98%. So we have some very exciting products releasing over the next two quarters that we hope will make a meaningful impact in the industry. We’re excited about the potential, and I’m proud that it’s a Texas company leading this effort.”
While Larry is busy leading game-changing businesses, he places immense value on his health and fitness, which he believes is critical to success. “I train at Colby and Angela Davis’ Northside Gym in The Woodlands, TX, with my trainer Aziah West. Colby and Angela have built a unique gym. They have more than great equipment; they have built a winning atmosphere. In my opinion, it’s the ideal place someone in my area might find the support and expertise they need to achieve their fitness goals, whatever they may be. It’s a big part of my life because I believe as an entrepreneur, fitness is critical, and I prioritize it. I start my day with fitness, so no matter what, I get it in. I think to be outstanding in business, or really anything in life, you have to be committed to being the most outstanding version of yourself. Business and fitness are the same in that when you don’t feel like it or when it hurts to do it, you still get up and do it anyway.”
Larry Puckett’s story is one of relentless drive and vision, shaped by the opportunities and values Texas provides. As he continues to push boundaries and lead groundbreaking ventures like Theon Global, Larry stands as a shining example of what’s possible in the Lone Star State. His commitment to his family, business, and community underscores his belief in Texas as an excellent home for dreamers, doers, and leaders.
Published by Drake M.
