“Start With a Why,” AGEC 425 Survivor Sam Webb ’07 Builds a Purposeful Career

Watch his story here

Pursuing College as a First-Generation Student

Webb was heavily involved in 4-H and FFA growing up, going so far as to be the state champion livestock judger. In practicing for these competitions, learning to write reasons and argue his case set the framework for his future endeavors into law. “Coming into college, I knew that I wanted to do something related to public policy, government, as well as economics; and so I ended up being an Ag-Eco major.” His studies led him to Mentors Dr. Ed Rister, Joe Swinbank, and Dr. Ron Lacewell through his involvement with the agribusiness entrepreneurship program. For his AGEC 425 project, Webb conducted an analysis on a wind farm, tasked with studying the effects of “limp wind,” a concept that – he discovered – does not exist. Guided by his mentors, Webb decided to go to law school. At the time, there was an agricultural economics to-law-school pipeline, so he took the steps and enrolled in law school at Texas Tech.  

Starting a Career in Law: 

“Law school is different in that you are spending an inordinate amount of time reading and trying to comprehend a large, vast subject…so it’s a very 'drinking from a fire hose' type of experience which was a lot like the entrepreneurship program,” Webb relates. Through the program, students are tasked with conducting a large amount of research across multiple areas of business and piecing it together into a neatly packaged project. During law school, Webb made many connections including finding his wife of, now, 15 years. Upon graduation, they moved to Washington DC where he worked in tax law and policy for almost five years. While in DC, Webb developed a great relationship with the owners of the firm for whom he worked. They advised him to establish his own practice, and even handed over cases that gained him cornerstone clients for his new business.  

Building a Business: 

At the time, Webb’s now-business partner, Keith Strahan, was also looking to start his own firm. The two sat down and had a conversation: “We always start with the 'why.' And, that is, we want to set up our business in such a way that our family life flourishes, as opposed to our business flourishing at the expense of our family life.” And so, Webb Strahan, PLLC was born. From general counsel to wealth management, they offer a variety of legal services to large and small businesses in the Houston area. Webb fulfilled his dream of becoming his own boss and successfully designed a business that seamlessly aligns with his personal “why.” 

Sharing His Story:

Sam Webb’s journey is a testament to the power of entrepreneurship in shaping not just careers, but lives. By building a law firm that prioritizes both professional success and family well-being, Webb demonstrates how purposeful business ownership can create a lasting impact. As he continues to grow his practice and pass on his knowledge through teaching with Texas A&M's financial planning program and Department of Agricultural Economics, Webb’s story is a shining example for future entrepreneurs, proving that starting with a strong “why” is the key to building both a thriving business and meaningful life.