By Tony Buzbee
People often ask me, “What’s the secret to building an empire?” They want to know how you go from a small-town farm in East Texas to building a law firm that takes on the biggest corporations in America, and from there, into real estate, philanthropy, and public service. There’s no single answer—but there are a few lessons I’ve learned along the way that I believe can help anyone with big ambitions.
Let me tell you, I didn’t grow up with a silver spoon. I was raised on a farm in Atlanta, Texas. I learned early that nothing is handed to you—you have to work for it. That work ethic stuck with me through Texas A&M, through the Marine Corps, and through every case I’ve ever taken to court. Empire-building doesn’t start with capital or connections. It starts with grit.
Lesson One: Take Risks That Others Won’t
Whether in the courtroom or the boardroom, I’ve never been afraid to take a risk. Most of my biggest wins—multi-million dollar verdicts, complex business acquisitions, real estate developments—started with a leap. But I don’t take blind leaps. I prepare. I research. I calculate. Then I jump, while others hesitate.
Fear keeps a lot of talented people on the sidelines. They wait for the perfect moment, the guaranteed win. In my experience, there’s no such thing. Bold decisions—when grounded in preparation—separate leaders from followers. If you want to build something big, you can’t wait for permission. You take it.
Lesson Two: The Courtroom is a Masterclass in Strategy
There’s no better training ground for business than a courtroom. In trial, you have to think five steps ahead. You have to read people—judges, juries, opposing counsel—and you have to adapt under pressure. Every word matters. Every move matters. That kind of strategic thinking carries over into every area of business I touch.
The ability to remain calm under fire, to make decisions quickly with incomplete information, and to persuade people to your side—those are courtroom skills that make you dangerous in business, in a good way. I’ve used those same instincts to close deals, manage teams, and invest wisely. Legal wins taught me how to think like a chess player—and every business move since has been part of a larger plan.
Lesson Three: Build More Than a Business—Build a Brand
Winning cases isn’t enough. You have to build something people trust and remember. That’s what I’ve tried to do with The Buzbee Law Firm. From the start, I wanted the firm to represent more than legal muscle—I wanted it to stand for fearlessness, fairness, and results.
In business, your name is your brand. Your reputation opens doors—or closes them. That means every interaction, every client, every community event is part of your empire’s foundation. I’ve always believed in standing up for the underdog. That belief built loyalty and brought in the kind of clients and partners who align with our values. An empire built on integrity is one that lasts.
Lesson Four: Use Success to Create Opportunity for Others
As you grow, you have a choice—hoard your wins, or use them to build something bigger than yourself. I’ve always chosen the latter. Whether it’s donating my car collection to fund charity work, chairing galas that raise millions for kids, or supporting veteran causes, I believe success is only meaningful if it lifts others with it.
Philanthropy isn’t a side hustle—it’s a core part of the empire. It builds goodwill, creates impact, and frankly, it’s the right thing to do. If you’re in a position to help, you should. That’s part of real leadership. And make no mistake: people remember those who give back.
Lesson Five: Stay Rooted While Reaching Higher
No matter how far you go, never forget where you came from. I’m proud of my rural roots. I’m proud of my time in the Marines. I’m proud of every lesson I learned working in the dirt and fighting for a seat at the table. Staying grounded gives you clarity. It keeps your ego in check and your priorities straight.
When building an empire, it’s easy to chase status, luxury, or headlines. But in my view, legacy is more important than luxury. I want my kids to inherit more than wealth—I want them to inherit a mindset. One that values purpose, resilience, and service to others.
Empire-Building Is a Daily Choice
Empires aren’t built overnight. They’re built day by day, decision by decision. Sometimes it’s in the courtroom; other times it’s in a meeting, on a construction site, or at a charity event. You don’t need a blueprint to start—you need commitment. Commitment to excellence, to people, and to something greater than yourself.
I’ve had my share of wins and losses, but I’ve never stopped moving forward. That’s what empire-builders do. They learn, they adapt, and they keep building—brick by brick. If that’s your path too, don’t wait. Start today. Be bold. Be relentless. And above all, be true to who you are.
Because that’s the foundation no one can take from you.