President And COO, Firebird Restaurant Group
Livingston holds two degrees from the Jindal School, his MBA and his master’s degree in accounting. His undergrad degree in finance is from UT Austin. He is now with Firebird Restaurant Group, LLC, the parent company of El Fenix Mexican Restaurants, Snuffers Restaurant & Bar, Meso Maya, Village Burger Bar, Taqueria La Ventana and Tortaco, where he oversees the daily operations of 54 restaurants, a food manufacturing company and related companies. Brian was selected as the 2016 Frisco Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneur of the Year and elected to the Frisco City Council the following year.
Briefly, tell us how your degree has impacted your career.
My UTD degrees set me apart from most of my competition in the early stages of my career because I was able to work and go to school. This was because of the flexibility of the programs. The education I received at UTD was different than my undergraduate degree because the professors cared that I was learning and were available to help if needed.
What do you enjoy about your current position/profession?
The restaurant industry is always changing and no two days are the same. Plus, I get to eat at our restaurants every day.
How do you see your profession changing in the next five or 10 years?
Technology such as FAVOR and UBER EATS has already dramatically changed the industry and I anticipate the level of changes to only increase.
What unexpected experience or event has shaped and/or influenced your current professional life?
I was a corporate banker for 13 years and turned down the loan for the current owner to buy El Fenix in 2008. I would say things turned out a lot better than I would have imagined on that day 10 years ago.
What is a professional highlight of your career, either where you currently work or in the past?
In 2013, I was named one of the Dallas Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” and in 2012 I was a finalist in the DCEO Magazine Financial Executives of the Year Award.
What characteristics do you look for when hiring people into your workplace?
Willingness to learn and a great work ethic.
Why did you come to UT Dallas?
Convenience to my house, flexibility of schedule and the reputation.
What is your favorite UT Dallas memory?
Graduation!
Has something about your UT Dallas education surprised you since graduating?
It carries a lot more weight with people than I would have thought. The reputation the school has built definitely helps alumni.
What advice do you have for college students hoping to succeed professionally?
Try different things and don’t be afraid to fail. Find what you love and what you would do for free and you will never feel like you worked a day.
What makes an effective leader?
I think being fair to everyone and willing to admit when I am wrong are the main things. Communication is key and one of the hardest things to do personally and to manage for an organization.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I am a proud member of the Frisco City Council having been elected in June 2017. I am an avid sports card collector and enjoy seeking out collections to buy. Of course, spending time with my beautiful wife, Brittany, and two daughters is the highlight to every day.
