People. Purpose. Impact.

A Storytelling Series

The Meeting Makers

Stories About the People Behind Great Events

From the Walk • Think • Grow™ Studios  ·  Dallas, Texas

Portrait of John Martin & On The Levee Team

John Martin & On The Levee Team

Resilient. Welcoming. Visionary.

When On The Levee opened its doors in the spring of 2020, it should have been the beginning of an exciting new chapter. Instead, it coincided with the shutdown of the live events industry. Weddings disappeared, corporate gatherings stopped, and a brand-new venue faced challenges few businesses could survive. In this episode of The Meeting Makers, Doug Rice tells the remarkable story of John Martin, Jamie Martin, and Michael Cohen—three partners who refused to let extraordinary circumstances define their dream. Through perseverance, generosity, and an unwavering belief in the power of bringing people together, they transformed one of the worst business launches imaginable into one of Dallas’ most respected event venues. Their story is a reminder that great gathering places aren’t built only with steel, brick, and beautiful design. They’re built on relationships, resilience, and the conviction that community is always worth investing in.

The strongest gathering places aren’t defined by the buildings themselves—but by the people who refuse to stop bringing others together.

  • Role: Event Production
  • Title: Owner, Diversified Media Prod Group
  • Based In: Lewisville, Texas
  • Connect on LinkedIn
Doug Rice, creator and host of The Meeting Makers

Curious about the voice behind The Meeting Makers?

The Meeting Makers is produced by Doug Rice and Walk · Think · Grow™—a keynote experience in motion that helps leaders, teams, and organizations transform insight into action through the power of movement.

Visit Walk · Think · Grow™

About The Meeting Makers

The Meeting Makers is a storytelling series that shines a light on the people behind great events — the planners, producers, and leaders whose work turns meetings into moments that matter. Rooted in hospitality and built on relationships, each episode celebrates leadership with purpose: real stories from real people who bring conferences, meetings, and live events to life. Because great events don’t happen by accident — they happen because of people.

Listen. Watch. Be Inspired.

People. Purpose. Impact.

A Storytelling Series

The Meeting Makers

Stories About the People Behind Great Events

From the Walk • Think • Grow™ Studios  ·  Dallas, Texas

Portrait of John Martin & On The Levee Team

John Martin & On The Levee Team

Resilient. Welcoming. Visionary.

When On The Levee opened its doors in the spring of 2020, it should have been the beginning of an exciting new chapter. Instead, it coincided with the shutdown of the live events industry. Weddings disappeared, corporate gatherings stopped, and a brand-new venue faced challenges few businesses could survive. In this episode of The Meeting Makers, Doug Rice tells the remarkable story of John Martin, Jamie Martin, and Michael Cohen—three partners who refused to let extraordinary circumstances define their dream. Through perseverance, generosity, and an unwavering belief in the power of bringing people together, they transformed one of the worst business launches imaginable into one of Dallas’ most respected event venues. Their story is a reminder that great gathering places aren’t built only with steel, brick, and beautiful design. They’re built on relationships, resilience, and the conviction that community is always worth investing in.

The strongest gathering places aren’t defined by the buildings themselves—but by the people who refuse to stop bringing others together.

  • Role: Chief Experience Officer
  • Title: Owner, Diversified Media Prod Group
  • Based In: Lewisville, Texas
  • Connect on LinkedIn
Doug Rice, creator and host of The Meeting Makers

Curious about the voice behind The Meeting Makers?

The Meeting Makers is produced by Doug Rice and Walk · Think · Grow™—a keynote experience in motion that helps leaders, teams, and organizations transform insight into action through the power of movement.

Visit Walk · Think · Grow™

About The Meeting Makers

The Meeting Makers is a storytelling series that shines a light on the people behind great events — the planners, producers, and leaders whose work turns meetings into moments that matter. Rooted in hospitality and built on relationships, each episode celebrates leadership with purpose: real stories from real people who bring conferences, meetings, and live events to life. Because great events don’t happen by accident — they happen because of people.

Listen. Watch. Be Inspired.