#9 Jul 02, 25

How This Billboard Family Built Dallas from the Ground Up

Discover the untold story of Dallas's iconic billboards and how one family's legacy helped shape the city's skyline and culture.

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In this episode of Building Dallas, we sit down with Ben Ralston of Ralston Outdoor, the largest independent billboard company in North Texas. From his grandfather's first dozen signs in the 1960s to battling billion-dollar giants like Clear Channel, Ben shares how his family turned paint, steel, and strategy into a Dallas empire. Plus, learn how they infused local history into landmarks like the Katy Trail Ice House and what it really takes to build a billboard business today. If you're into entrepreneurship, legacy building, or just love Dallas, this episode is packed with insight, nostalgia, and vision.

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(00:00) - Introduction to the Ralston Family Legacy
(00:43) - Meet Ben Ralston: The Man Behind Ralston Outdoor
(02:28) - The Origins of Ralston Outdoor
(05:05) - Challenges and Changes in the Billboard Industry
(12:48) - The Art and Craft of Billboard Painting
(19:55) - Iconic Billboards and Their Stories
(22:14) - The Evolution of Billboard Advertising
(48:04) - Design Principles in Advertising
(50:33) - Billboard Real Estate and Leasing
(52:12) - Navigating Regulations and Restrictions
(01:07:43) - Digital Billboards and Technological Advances
(01:16:42) - Personal Stories and Industry Evolution
(01:27:27) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Episode Video

Creators and Guests

Host

Chris Arrington

Chris Arrington is the President and Founder of Arrington Roofing. Originally trained as an architect, Chris left the drafting table over 40 years ago to pursue his true passion: building. With a lifetime of experience in construction, development, and roofing, he brings unmatched enthusiasm, depth, and vision to Building Dallas as a co-host. Get ready to go deeper as Chris shares the secret behind his success — a love for people and a relentless focus on the bigger picture.

Host

Reese Arrington

Reese Arrington is a co-host of Building Dallas, bringing a fresh perspective and dynamic energy to the show. Born and raised in Dallas, Reese's passion for storytelling and community engagement shines through in every episode. With a background in acting and media production, he excels at connecting with guests and drawing out compelling narratives. Reese's commitment to authentic conversations and his deep-rooted love for his hometown make him an integral voice in exploring the people and stories that shape Dallas.

Producer

Chase Arrington

Chase Arrington is the creator and executive producer of Building Dallas and owner of Arrington Media, a subsidiary of The Arrington Group, LLC. A fourth-generation Dallas native, Chase brings his lifelong passion for storytelling, entrepreneurship, and creative leadership to the show. With a background in filmmaking, music, and corporate media production — and a heart for building authentic connections — he’s driven to create spaces where people can share honest conversations, find meaning, and become their best. Chase is also a proud husband and father of three girls, and a believer in using vision and collaboration to help build a stronger, brighter Dallas for generations to come.