A Journey of Service, Leadership, and Building Community
By Andrea Hampe
In the vibrant and rapidly growing city of Frisco, Texas, one name stands out among the crowd as a testament to the power of dedication, leadership, and community spirit – Tony Felker. From his early years in Mexico City to his pivotal role as President of the Frisco Chamber of Commerce, Tony’s journey is one of resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to the betterment of his community.
Born and raised in Mexico City, Tony’s childhood was shaped by the rich cultural tapestry of his surroundings. Spending his formative years immersed in the vibrant rhythms and traditions of Mexican life, Tony developed a deep appreciation for diversity, community, and the importance of hard work. At the age of twelve, his family made the decision to relocate to New Braunfels, Texas, where he would spend his adolescent years and complete his high school education. Graduating with pride as a Unicorn from New Braunfels High School, Tony’s early experiences instilled in him a sense of resilience, determination, and a strong work ethic – qualities that would serve him well in the years to come.
Following high school, Tony embarked on his academic journey at the prestigious University of Texas at Austin (UT), where he pursued a dual degree in Business Administration with a focus on Marketing and Journalism. It was during his time at UT that he honed his skills as a critical thinker, communicator, and community builder, laying the groundwork for his future endeavors.
After graduating from UT, Tony embarked on a diverse career path that would see him navigate the worlds of real estate finance, entrepreneurship, and community engagement. In 1997, he made a bold leap of faith, leaving behind his career in real estate finance to pursue his entrepreneurial dreams. Founding his own landscaping company in Frisco, Tony embraced the opportunity to contribute to the city’s burgeoning growth and development while forging deep connections with its residents.
“Beginning in 1998, I served on numerous boards and committees and then ran for City Council in 2001…unsuccessfully,” said Tony. “But then I did a year on the Board of Adjustments, then a year on Planning and Zoning, and then ran for Council again in 2003. This time, I won in a three-way race. I avoided a runoff election by two votes. Yes, full recount, hanging chads, dimples…all of it … but I won! Then, in 2006, I ran for a second term (limited to two terms at that time) and won uncontested.”
A few years later, Tony’s journey took another unexpected turn when he joined the team at Frisco STYLE Magazine, a local publication dedicated to celebrating the vibrant culture and community spirit of Frisco. It was here that Felker’s innate talent for sales, marketing, and community engagement truly began to shine, laying the foundation for his future leadership roles within the Frisco community.
“After running my own small landscaping company for three years and being a member and ambassador for the Frisco Chamber, Linda Sutton, then owner of Frisco STYLE Magazine, asked if I wanted to help sell advertising for the Frisco Chamber Relocation Guide,” said Tony. “Apparently, I can sell. Then I went to work for Frisco STYLE for four years. After that, knowing the Chamber and the community well, I went to work for the Frisco Chamber in member retention. That then evolved into Director of Membership and the early stages of Governmental Affairs, to Vice-President, Interim-President, Vice-President and then President.”
It was Tony’s pivotal role at the Frisco Chamber of Commerce that would ultimately define his legacy as a champion for economic growth, innovation, and collaboration in Frisco. Joining the Chamber in 2004, he dedicated the next two decades of his life to serving as its President, guiding force, and tireless advocate for the business community.
Under Tony’s visionary leadership, the Frisco Chamber of Commerce blossomed into a dynamic hub of economic activity, entrepreneurship, and community engagement. Through strategic initiatives, partnerships, and advocacy efforts, he helped to position Frisco as a premier destination for businesses, families, and individuals seeking opportunity, growth, and a high quality of life.
Throughout his tenure at the Frisco Chamber of Commerce, Felker spearheaded numerous initiatives aimed at fostering economic development, supporting small businesses, and nurturing the next generation of leaders. From launching the Young Entrepreneur Academy (YEA!) to expanding the Leadership Frisco program, his impact on the city’s business community and beyond is immeasurable.
“There were so many incredible moments and accomplishments that the Frisco Chamber team shared and completed while I was there,” said Tony. “It is impossible to list them all, and none of them were done by myself – it took everyone. However, some of the top ones that come to mind include righting the financial ship for the Frisco Chamber over the years, achieving our 5-Star Accreditation with the U.S. Chamber and being in the top 1% of all chambers in the country, establishing the Young Entrepreneur Academy here in Frisco 15 years ago and really kicking off the entrepreneurial fever that is now all over Frisco, and continuing and strengthening the Leadership Frisco program that has graduated so many amazing people into leadership and helping to take this community forward.”
“At the end of the day, I hope I left the Frisco Chamber of Commerce in a better position than when I took it over,” said Tony. “That encompasses all those accomplishments and especially having the best team the organization has ever had in place. Then, convincing Christal Howard to join that team allowed me to step down, knowing the organization had a great team in place to take it forward for many years to come. Making it better over my years and doing the best I could to ensure it was in good hands going forward.”
Yet, Tony’s contributions extend far beyond the confines of his professional career. A dedicated community servant and advocate, he has been actively involved in a wide range of civic organizations, charitable endeavors, and community initiatives. Whether advocating for affordable housing, championing environmental conservation, or supporting local education initiatives, Tony’s commitment to making a difference has left an indelible mark on Frisco’s landscape and its residents.
While so many of Tony’s memories are of advocating for, growing, and celebrating Frisco, he was able to experience unique opportunities during his time as President. One of note was the chance to meet President George W. Bush during an event in Plano. Tony admits he (George W. Bush) was just one of the incredible people he had the privilege of meeting by being part of the chamber.
As he reflects on his remarkable journey, he attributes much of his success to the guiding hand of fate, the unwavering support of his family and friends, and the countless mentors and collaborators who have helped shape his path. One particularly special relationship Tony has cherished through the years is the one he has with his mom, as they both love to live life to the fullest. In looking back on a trip to New York with his mom, Tony recalls their time in the Big Apple when they tried to get noticed one morning by Good Morning America, which serves as a testament to their zest for life living life to its fullest. “We took a chance; she got noticed by the folks in the show, and we were invited to sit in on the set!” Tony remembers.
From his early days in Mexico to his transformative experiences in Frisco, Tony’s life is a testament to the power of resilience, adaptability, and the transformative potential of community.
“It has been an honor and privilege and a blessing to do what I have over the years,” said Tony. “To do my small part in growing this amazing community. However, the more I thought about it, the more I view this recognition as an opportunity for me to thank all of those who helped me, guided me, supported me, and pushed me over the last 27 years. I am a product of all of you. From the amazing folks at the Frisco Chamber to mentors, friends, challengers, and critics. I have learned from each of you, and you have helped me grow and become who I am today. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart and soul. God bless each one of you, and God continue to bless Frisco!”
Today, as he looks towards the future, Tony remains committed to living life to the fullest, embracing new opportunities, and continuing to make a positive impact on the world around him. Whether traveling the country, spending time with loved ones, or simply enjoying the beauty of Frisco, Felker’s zest for life is infectious, reminding us all to savor every moment and cherish the communities we call home.
“On a big picture scale, I think I am most proud of just living life to its fullest and with no regrets,” said Tony. “Some of this was God’s plan and out of my control, but some of it is the way I approach life. One of my favorite songs is by Jimmy Buffett titled Growing Older but Not Up. While I try to do just that in my life, the better line in the song goes, ‘I’d rather die while I am living, than live while I am dead,’ and I live that every day. This is part of what allowed me to run for City Council.”
Right now, Tony is just enjoying life, traveling, helping to take care of his mom, and just catching his breath. “I know God has plans for me, but he has not yet given me the full picture,” said Tony. “All I can do is keep my eyes open, live life to the fullest every day with no regrets, and we will see what lies ahead.” He knows Frisco is home, and it will always have a special place in his heart. As he travels, people ask him where he might want to move to at some point. While there are so many amazing places across this country, the more he travels, the more he realizes just how special Frisco is and how it is a great place to come back to at the end of a trip.
In honoring Tony Felker as the Frisco STYLE Magazine Person of the Year, we celebrate not just an individual, but a shining example of service, leadership, and the transformative power of community. As he continues to leave his mark on Frisco and beyond, Tony’s legacy serves as a beacon of inspiration for generations to come, reminding us all the importance of dedication, passion, and a commitment to making a difference.
Andrea Hampe is a content writer, mom of three boys, and a youth sports fanatic.
“I had the honor of working closely with Tony for six years while serving on the Chamber Board of Directors and later when I joined the Frisco Chamber staff. I am grateful to call Tony both a mentor and a friend. He has a large passion for helping businesses but an even bigger heart for everyone around him.
Tony and I got to work together on getting the Frisco Chamber Foundation up and running. There was a lot of behind the scenes work to get this accomplished, and it probably took more time than either of us could’ve imagined, but Tony’s vision for how it can benefit and impact our community will live on for decades to come.
Tony served as a leader in this community through a time of significant change and fast growth. He built a strong foundation at the Frisco Chamber that positions us to be able to keep pace with the big bold dreams of today’s Frisco business community and in the future. Tony is a giant in our community, one who I’m grateful has allowed us to stand on his shoulders.”
Christal Howard,
President/CEO Frisco Chamber of Commerce
“I’ve known Tony for, gosh, probably close to 20 years now. What was funny, is when I was first elected to City Council in 2007, the Sunday after my election, he is the one who hand-delivered my council packet to my home. That’s before everything was electronic and I think he brought over two or three large binders.
I got to serve with Tony for a few years on City Council in that regard. And I’ve certainly gotten to know him as a friend over the years. He was a client of mine, helped him buy his home and then worked with him for many, many years with his role in the business community and the Chamber of Commerce. He’s served selflessly for many, many years, he’s very deserving of the award.
I’m happy for him and the recognition for the time invested and the Frisco Chamber, I mean when he took it over, it was very different than what it is today. He helped grow the Chamber into a professional organization. I know they’ve gotten accolades and certifications and certainly grown the membership base, but the Chamber grew as the Frisco community grew. Here in the last five to ten years, we started getting higher profile businesses coming to town, Fortune 500 companies, and they’ve elevated that as well. And we’ve really viewed them as a partner in our whole business economic development strategy. And they worked hand in hand with the EDC (Economic Development Corporation) here in Frisco and he was integral to the growth and success of what we’ve seen here in Frisco.
One of the most memorable endeavors we’ve worked on together was growing the entrepreneurial community here in Frisco, because that took so many different pieces and parts. I mean, it took bringing in a university partner like University of North Texas and certainly Collin College, and they helped kind of be the go-between there and bringing those connections in to the startups and helping incubating the small businesses as well. And so the Chamber really, really was an integral piece of the puzzle as far as putting all this together just because we didn’t necessarily have all the resources to do that. So I would say the success we’ve had there is certainly very memorable.”
Jeff Cheney,
Mayor of Frisco, TX
“The opportunity to recognize Tony as our Person of the Year has a certain nostalgic, coming-home sorta feel. For more than 20 years, our paths have crossed in various capacities, and it has always been a pleasure to work with Tony and learn from his authenticity, perspective, and insight.
When I purchased Frisco STYLE in March 2003, Tony was an Account Executive, representing the magazine in the community. Naturally we interacted regularly, and Tony’s commitment to Frisco was evident. This commitment continued, as through the twists and turns of business, Tony ended up in an active role at the Chamber of Commerce and, later, serving as president of the Chamber.
Some years later, he invited me to be a part of the Board of the Chamber of Commerce, which ultimately led to my having the opportunity to serve as Board Chairman. Our serving together at the Chamber included many discussions related to business structure, strategies, programming, and deliverables.
Through all our interaction, I found Tony to be consistently authentic, insightful, unassuming, always seeking the best outcome for everyone.”
- Chris Johnson, Publisher
Frisco STYLE Magazine
