Meridith Manning Productions

04/25/2026

04/14/2026

Sad news on the entrepreneurial front today.....

Kate Weiser, founder of Kate Weiser Chocolate in Dallas, sadly announced that after 12 years in business, she and her financial partners have made the decision to close.

We profiled Kate back in 2019 for the Cadillac Shaping: DFW series. It was then, and still remains, one of our team's favorite pieces. Kate Weiser was the reason why (and truth be told, we also got to eat all of the chocolates that we used in the shoot). She is funny (like really, really funny!), warm, genuine, caring, communicative, and never, ever, took herself too seriously. She worked incredibly hard these past 12 years, even making deliveries herself during Covid, doing everything and anything necessary to pay her dedicated team.

Kate's chocolate bonbons are immediately recognizable because each is a teeny work of art--each one touched by a team member who cares so deeply about quality and beauty. And the flavors and creativity.....it is artistry, plain and simple.

Receiving a box of Kate's chocolates was the epitome of someone saying that you deserve the best.

Kate Weiser, I know, we know, you'll be back!

Until then, here's another look at Kate's Shaping: DFW piece:
https://lnkd.in/giyjCpBB

Metroplex Cadillac Dealers
Aurora Digital Cinema

01/16/2026

What a week!! What a way to kick off 2026!

This is what it looks like when a client insists that it was our video that helped Nasdaq choose them to ring the closing bell! And then invited me to join for that insane, momentous, joy-filled, experience.

Gardenuity is the first gardening company to be chosen to ring the bell, closing out a week dedicated to wellness.
Co-founder, Donna Letier , is one of the most genuine, kind, gracious, talented, and driven women, and one to keep your eye on. She is tirelessly committed to all that Gardenuity stands for and I don’t think she’ll sleep until she has turned ALL of us into gardeners.

🪴How is gardening wellness, you ask? Because just putting your hands in soil is calming, and let’s be honest, who doesn’t need a little calming these days?

Growing up in NJ, I’d been to Times Square more times than I can count (and waaay before it became a Disney-like tourist destination) but to be there this way, with my video playing on a massive screen, and celebrating along with the Gardenuity founders, team, family, and friends…I’m not sure it gets any better.

To Donna, and the entire Gardenuity team, thank you!!

12/16/2025

This is the last segment of the season, and like every one of our 10 seasons before, we’re ending on an inspirational high note.

Gardenuity was founded by two women in their 50’s who recognized that the majority of us, though so well-intentioned, are awful plant owners!

With with a combination of experience, wisdom, boundless energy, cutting-edge technology, and a goal of spreading wellness through experiential and successful gardening, they have proven the naysayers wrong.
They are solving for “X” in the world of gardening.

I will forever and always be so appreciative of all of our honorees — over 100 since we started this WFAA Cadillac series in 2015!—for trusting me to share their stories.

Aurora Digital Cinema
Metroplex Cadillac Dealers

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1AXiUBjSad/?mibextid=wwXIfr

10/17/2025

If you have ever picked up your phone to search for something--ANYTHING--Dallas related, changes are Dallasites101 popped up in the results. With 10,000 posts and 650,000 followers (and growing!), they’ve built a powerhouse community around local discovery.

The impact Kara Shannon and Lily Smith have had, and continue to have, on small businesses, and really on the businesses landscape in general, is extraordinary. Helping transplants and residents alike discover the best that the city (and Fort Worth and Austin!) has to offer, they've created a circular pattern of success where all parties end up better than when they started.



WFAA Metroplex Cadillac Dealers Cadillac 101Media

09/16/2025

This is the story behind Wondry, a wine based (delicious!) cocktail made by Whitney and Chaz Gates. You may have spotted it in Target, HEB, Walmart or Sam’s Club, or you may have seen them on Shark Tank. But what you may not know if that they are a former marketing exec and former attorney, parents of two toddlers, and some of the hardest working, committed people I have met. Their respect for each other, their friendship, is something that is so clear, as is their drive and determination. Wondry Wine
is one to keep tabs on because it really is disrupting the industry!

WFAA Metroplex Cadillac Dealers Cadillac


Aurora Digital Cinema

08/20/2025

Check out our latest Shaping: DFW mini-doc!

Jeremy Denson is the founder of Fort Worth-based Bison Coolers, one of the only American-made coolers in the US.

An entrepreneur from an early age, Jeremy has done what so many dream of: turned a side hustle into a family owned and operated, respected, high-quality, all-in, business.

It’s always nice to see good people come out on top, and the Denson family is no exception.



WFAA
Metroplex Cadillac Dealers
Cadillac

05/12/2025

Our newest segment is live!

If you're looking for a spot in Dallas where the food is great, but the feeling of connection is even stronger, check out these spots by restaurateur Olivia Genthe, who is committed to creating heartfelt, legacy concepts throughout Dallas.

☕🧀Fount Board and Table (Uptown)
🍷🍽 Little Blue Bistro (Bishop Arts)
🥪 Seegars (coming soon to The Cedars!)

03/23/2025

Back in 2016, I produced an interview series with legendary WFAA sports anchor, Dale Hansen. Our very first show was an hour-long episode featuring George Foreman.

At his home in Houston, he shared stories about his past, and showed off some of his beloved pets, but what I remember most was the fact he was warm, reserved, almost quiet. He was not the personality I would’ve expected from a 2-time World Heavyweight champion.

RIP to a legend.

In his 16,000-square-foot home outside Houston, we sat down with Texas native and former Heavyweight Champion, George Foreman, to talk about boxing, business, family, and his seemingly never-ending ability to reinvent himself.

03/18/2025

Our first Shaping: DFW segment is live!
Season 11 has officially kicked off, and right out of the gate, this story about Benjamin J. Vann of Impact Ventures shows the tenacity and passion needed to succeed as an entrepreneur. In such a short time, Impact Ventures has changed the trajectory of more than 250 small business owners. I can’t wait to see where they go from here.

WFAA Cadillac Metroplex Cadillac Dealers Aurora Digital Cinema