Houston native and 5th generation Texan Chris Conrad joins 713 Live to share how he turned a love of travel, history, and craftsmanship into one of Houston’s most authentic Texas experiences. From liquidating his 401k to start a custom boot shop, to running crocodile farms in Mexico, hunting alligators for hides, and producing up to 30 custom boots a week in The Heights — Chris is redefining what Texas pride looks like.
We talk about his journey from A&M engineer to wine lover in Italy, why he believes Houston deserves a stronger Texas identity, and the wild story behind his newest project: a real castle on 12 acres in Johnson City, complete with a wine cellar, hat bar, hotel, and event grounds. Grand opening May 1–3, 2026.
Whether you’re a boot connoisseur, a Texas history buff, or just curious about the people building Houston’s coolest experiences, this conversation is packed with stories — including custom boots for Hank Williams Jr., the Texans cheerleaders, and the McNair family.
