Lessons in Success
We asked the 2025 Mays Outstanding Alumni to share advice and lessons learned from their decades of career excellence.
June 18, 2025
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Mays Business School
Established in 1992, the prestigious Mays Outstanding Alumni Award honors former students who exemplify the school’s mission to develop leaders of character. These distinguished honorees demonstrate leadership through their professional excellence, community impact, and dedicated service to Mays. This year’s recipients embody our commitment to preeminence, setting the standard for business leadership that inspires future generations of Aggies.
Here, they share some of their most lasting leadership lessons and best advice for future business leaders.
Cindy McClain ’90
A marketing graduate, Cindy worked at Procter & Gamble and Johnson & Johnson before launching health and beauty company Accelerated Manufacturing Solutions with her husband, Chris McClain ’90. After selling their original portfolio of brands including Dr Teal’s, cantu, and bodycology to private equity, they now own family health and beauty line, Aquation.
What advice would you give to Mays students about building a career that balances professional achievement with personal values?
“Set clear goals and objectives for each. Focus on aligning your job with your passions and principles. Explore roles and companies that align with your core values and interests. Try to maintain a healthy work-life balance by setting boundaries to protect time for family and hobbies. Regularly reassess your goals and objectives to make sure they are reflecting both your interests and values. Make sure to balance the time spent at work with time spent with family, friends, and those activities that bring you happiness.”
How has your connection to the Aggie Network influenced your professional path, and how do you maintain those relationships?
“The connection and relationships with other Aggies have helped offer guidance, networking, and encouragement. It offers collaboration and assistance on issues you may face in your professional or personal path. It is important to stay in touch by reaching out occasionally to check in, have dinner or lunch, catch up on life events. Show interest in other activities and support each other with follow up notes or encouragement. The Aggie Network is like a family, and we all look out for each other and encourage each other.”
Andrew M. Beakey III ’84
A consultant and retired tax partner with Ernst & Young (EY), Andy spent more than 35 years in public accounting, including 25 at EY, after earning his accounting degree. He also had a lasting relationship with Mays as the Texas A&M campus coordinating partner for EY, helping over 1,500 Mays students start careers at EY.
How did your experience at Mays shape your approach to leadership throughout your career?
“The faculty and students I interacted with set the tone for my leadership approach throughout my career. At Mays I worked with and learned from individuals who showed great respect for others and provided selfless service. Those two attributes served me well throughout my career working with employees and clients.”
How has your connection to the Aggie Network influenced your professional path, and how do you maintain those relationships?
“I am where I am today because of the Aggie Network. When I meet a fellow Aggie or see their Aggie Ring, there is an immediate bond and friendship. I know we share the same values.”
Reflecting on your career journey, what lasting difference do you hope to make for future business leaders?
“I remember walking into my first day of my Income Tax course and Dr. Clair Nixon starting the course with his signature line: ‘It is a great day for taxation.’ I hope I have been able to show that positive attitude and leadership to our future business leaders. It will attract people to you.”
Larry Little ’73
A Bryan native and first-generation college student, Larry earned his degree in marketing from Mays Business School. He followed his parents’ entrepreneurial path and started Ace Fence Company, which he grew to be the largest fence company in Texas. Now retired, he lives in Fairview and serves on the community’s town council.
Reflecting on your career journey, what lasting difference do you hope to make for future business leaders?
“I want people to see there is no set path to follow. Everyone has to blaze their own entrepreneurial way to success and never forget to give back in order to help others find their path to success.”
What business principle or lesson from your time at Texas A&M has proven most valuable in your career?
“To make the correct major business decisions and to choose the best people — both in my personal life and in business — to be associated with to achieve personal success.”
