The conversation
Unbounded Vision: Tony Chase on Industrial Disruption
Serial entrepreneur and ChaseSource CEO Tony Chase details his journey from founding Cricket Wireless and ChaseCom to navigating the capital hurdles faced by minority-owned firms. He discusses the operational advantages of implementing virtual AI recruiters, the absolute necessity of prioritizing cash flow liquidity over rapid expansion, and why Houston's unique oil-and-gas heritage creates a perfect ecosystem for backing bold entrepreneurial risks.
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Tony Chase’s journey as an entrepreneur and leader shows the power of strategic vision, dedication and connection to community. He had humble beginnings in Houston’s public schools and he eventually became the chairman and CEO of one of the nation’s largest minority-owned firms, ChaseSource LP. Tony's career is marked by his ability to spot opportunity and foster growth in business.
From the start of his journey, Tony focused on continuous improvement. In our interview with him, he shared that the guiding principle behind his business is simple:
Tony Chase
It was always a focus on increasing our operational capability as a firm, making sure that we were best of class in the industry and providing a high-quality product and service.
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This mentality of Chase’s led him to multiple successful ventures. Chase’s first success was Chase Radio Partners, a company that controlled different radio stations, which he sold to Clear Channel Communications in 1998. This was only the beginning for Chase.
After his success, Tony co-founded Cricket Wireless, a phone service provider. Tony was early in the telecom industry, and quickly expanded the company in Tennessee until he sent it to Leap Wireless. His biggest success was with ChaseCom, a global call center operation. The company would be sold to AT&T in 2007, and these ventures show Chase’s reputation as being an entrepreneur knowing how to scale business and knowing when to exist.
We asked Tony about the challenges of scaling a minority-owned business, and Tony’s response was practical:
Tony Chase
I would suggest not focusing on being a minority-controlled business, but rather, simply being the best at what you’re doing.
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Tony addressed that minority-owned businesses face many obstacles especially with capital access, but he said if you manage to create a profitable business those challenges fade.
After moving to ChaseSource, a recruiting and consulting company, Tony focused on operational efficiency.
Tony Chase
I think it’s true for every business, really, ever industry beyond just staffing and facilities management, but virtually every industry, it seems to me, is impacted by new technology.
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Over the years, ChaseSource has embraced new technology for a competitive edge.
Tony Chase
We’ve got virtual recruiters now. If you had told me that 15 years ago, I wouldn’t have believed it.
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Technology has allowed ChaseSource to increase productivity and reduce costs. Virtual recruiters can handle interviews and follow-up calls without human limitations. They don’t get sick, don’t need benefits and they can work around the clock.
Tony Chase
It’s really pretty amazing.
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This adoption of technology has made ChaseSource remain resilient, even during economic downturns. As he put it,
Tony Chase
We’ve always focused on liquidity and cash flow, good credit, relationships with the financial community … and we’ve never really been put into a bind.
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Tony also has a very deep commitment to his community. He served in leadership roles in many organizations from the Houston Endowment to the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. During Covid-19 he chaired the City of Houston’s Relief fund. He explained that community service is an important part of his life,
Tony Chase
I think it’s important for leaders of all types, including business leaders, to be involved in the community.
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He says his philanthropic nature also comes from his father, as he serviced the Houston community in many ways.
Today, as he looks to the future, Tony is aware of the rapidly changing landscape for entrepreneurs. Houston, where Tony has made his mark, has the most unique opportunities.
Tony Chase
I’ve always thought that Houston was one of the best cities in the world to be an entrepreneur.
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Houston’s rich history in oil and gas has made it a city that appreciates a risk which is a great quality for entrepreneurs.
Tony Chase
People in Houston, investors, are used to putting a big amount of money behind drilling a hole in the ground that they know might be dry. That kind of risk profile is very good for entrepreneurs.
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Tony Chase’s success is not just defined by the businesses he’s created, but by the impact he’s had on his community, his industry, and everybody around him. He continues to lead ChaseSource and shape Houston’s ecosystem. His example shows what it means to build with purpose and lead with integrity.