Jason Ford
Cornfields to Commerce: How Jason Ford is Driving Frisco Forward
In the mid-1980s, I remember being a little guy in the backseat of my dad’s Ford LTD as we sped along… (as much as 55 miles per hour could be considered speeding) towards grandma’s house. We made our way southwest on State Highway 121, a two-lane blacktop connecting Allen to Lewisville and even the big city of Fort Worth beyond. Corn stalks rose from the ground in neat, endless rows, hypnotizing my young eyes as we drove past. Approaching Preston Road, marked by nothing more than a four-way stop, I noticed a sign that read "FRISCO," with a proclaimed population of just over 3,000. From the road, no sign of those 3,000 souls was visible. Frisco then was a farming community—a quiet town on the outskirts of Dallas, benefiting from its proximity to the big city while steering clear of its challenges.
Today, that same stretch of highway tells a completely different story. It’s now home to the headquarters of Fortune 500 companies, state-of-the-art sports complexes, and vibrant mixed-use developments. This remarkable transformation didn’t happen by chance—it’s the result of strategic vision, tireless collaboration, and the work of leaders like Jason Ford, president of the Frisco Economic Development Corporation (EDC).
"Our community is very forward-looking," Ford says. "It’s a modern city. It’s a city that values excellence, a city that values innovation. We’re focused not just on today but on ensuring Frisco remains a thriving, financially sustainable city for decades to come."
From attracting the PGA headquarters and the Dallas Cowboys training facilities to envisioning Frisco as the premier venture capital hub of the Central U.S., the EDC has been instrumental in crafting a city that is both an economic powerhouse and a welcoming home. The story of Frisco, and the role of its EDC, demonstrates how intentional planning and innovation can turn quiet rows of cornstalks into a destination for people from all over the world.
Growth with Purpose
Frisco’s remarkable rise from a quiet farming community to a nationally recognized economic juggernaut is no accident—it is the product of a clear, strategic vision driven by leaders like Ford and his predecessors. Ford has dedicated himself to ensuring that Frisco’s growth is not merely rapid but controlled and purposeful, benefiting both current and future generations.
This vision traces back to the foresight of Frisco’s early city leaders, who recognized the city’s unique position “in the path of growth” decades ago. Ford builds on this foundation with an unwavering commitment to sustainability and quality of life. “If our goal is to be a long-term, financially sustainable city... we need to make sure we have the financial resources to reinvest in our public amenities, our streets, our roads, our libraries, our parks, other recreational activities, the arts…” Ford explains. His determination to create a well-rounded community—one that thrives economically and socially—sets the tone for Frisco’s development.
Key to this strategy is balancing the needs of residents and businesses. Frisco’s leadership has consistently prioritized amenities that serve both groups, from top-ranked schools and innovative public safety programs to state-of-the-art infrastructure. These efforts ensure that Frisco’s growth enhances the community without compromising its character. As Ford notes, “We’re focused not just on today but on ensuring that Frisco and the residents here thrive for decades to come.”
The result is a city designed for long-term success, where growth supports quality of life and financial stability. This intentional approach has established Frisco as a model for other cities, proving that with clear purpose and collaboration, extraordinary transformation is possible. It has also made them a good neighbor for surrounding communities, working with EDCs and senior leadership in other Collin County cities to boost the development beyond its municipal boundaries. “It’s a symbiotic relationship,” says Ford, “with cities around Collin County working to support each other. Maybe you don’t live here but you work here, or you visit and shop here. That still helps us create the Frisco we want to be part of so we are more than willing to collaborate with surrounding communities.”
Big Names and Bold Moves
Frisco’s rise to national prominence can be traced to its ability to attract marquee organizations and transformative projects that elevate its reputation as both an economic hub and a premier destination. Under Ford’s leadership, the Frisco EDC has secured partnerships with some of the most recognized names in business and entertainment, solidifying the city’s position as a leader in innovation and growth.
Ford’s approach is rooted in identifying projects that bring long-term value to Frisco while aligning with its unique community character. “Having all of our sports stadiums, our mixed-use environments, our walkable environments—that's a differentiator for Frisco,” he explains. One of the EDC’s most celebrated successes is attracting the PGA of America’s headquarters, a project that not only brought prestige but also opened the door for Frisco to become a premier destination for golf enthusiasts worldwide.
Another landmark achievement is the upcoming Universal Studios theme park, designed specifically with families in mind. This project is a testament to Frisco’s appeal as a city that balances cutting-edge development with community-focused initiatives. These additions, along with existing anchors like The Star—the Dallas Cowboys’ World Headquarters, training facility, and a thriving mixed-use development—have positioned Frisco as a city that seamlessly integrates business, sports, and lifestyle amenities.
Ford’s strategic vision extends beyond high-profile projects. Through partnerships with innovative organizations like Plug and Play, a VC firm focused on deploying capital to early stage tech companies, Frisco is emerging as a hub for venture capital and corporate innovation. “Today, virtually every Fortune 500 company defines themselves as a technology-enabled or technology-led company,” Ford shares. By cultivating an ecosystem that attracts startups, investors, and major corporations, Frisco offers a dynamic environment where businesses can thrive and innovate.
Each of these successes reflects Ford’s tireless commitment to creating a city that appeals to businesses, residents, and visitors alike. By securing bold projects and fostering an environment where they can flourish, Ford and the EDC are ensuring Frisco’s legacy as a destination for excellence and opportunity.
Empowering Talent
For Jason Ford, the true foundation of Frisco’s economic success lies in its people. As president of the Frisco Economic Development Corporation, he understands that talent development and innovation are the cornerstones of a thriving economy. By fostering an ecosystem where education, entrepreneurship, and industry intersect, Ford ensures that Frisco is not just growing but building a future-ready workforce and community.
“One of the secret ingredients is our schools, our colleges, and our universities, which play a tremendous role in job creation,” Ford explains. “Not only [do they] create the talent for those companies, but they also foster new technologies and research that spin out new companies.” Frisco’s commitment to cultivating talent begins early, with programs like the Young Entrepreneurs Academy. This nationally recognized initiative, a collaboration between the Frisco Chamber of Commerce and the EDC, empowers middle and high school students to develop business skills and entrepreneurial thinking. “These are our future CEOs,” Ford says proudly. “We want to support them at a very early age and help them become CEOs as quickly and as successfully as possible.”
Ford’s focus on talent development extends to every level of the community, ensuring that both companies and individuals have the tools to succeed. From workforce training programs to fostering partnerships between schools and businesses, the EDC is actively shaping a sustainable economic future. “It’s not just about creating jobs,” Ford explains, “but creating opportunities for people to grow, thrive, and innovate here in Frisco.”
By prioritizing education and innovation, Ford and the EDC are building a Frisco that’s not only prepared for today’s challenges but also poised to lead in the decades ahead. It’s this vision that ensures that despite the radical changes of the last few decades, the city’s brightest days are yet to come.
A Vibrant Community
While Frisco’s rapid growth has made headlines, Ford is just as focused on ensuring the city retains its unique charm and offers a high quality of life for its residents. For Ford, economic development isn’t just about attracting businesses—it’s about creating a vibrant community where people can thrive in every aspect of their lives.
“People really want to see an authentic Frisco,” Ford says. “Someplace that’s warm and cozy. It feels like home.” This philosophy drives much of the EDC’s work in fostering a community that balances big-city amenities with small-town appeal. Initiatives like the revitalization of the Rail District, with its boutique shops, local eateries, and walkable charm, are a testament to Ford’s commitment to preserving Frisco’s character while accommodating its growth.
The city’s amenities are a major draw for residents and businesses alike. The Star exemplifies the intersection of lifestyle and business that sets Frisco apart as a world class city. Lifestyle amenities, including parks, trails, and entertainment venues, create a community that is as appealing to families as it is to corporations.
Ford’s vision extends beyond the present, with projects like Firefly Park and Fields West set to further enhance Frisco’s appeal. These developments, along with plans for a Performing Arts Center, will add cultural and recreational opportunities that complement the city’s growing economy. “It’s about creating a place that people love to call home, a place that is fun,” Ford shares, “while making sure it remains a safe and welcoming city for generations to come.”
Frisco’s ability to combine innovation with authenticity is one of its greatest strengths, and it’s a direct result of Ford’s leadership and vision. By ensuring that growth enhances, rather than diminishes, the community’s unique character, Ford is ensuring Frisco is not only a great place to work but also an extraordinary place to live and play.
Effective Leadership
Jason Ford isn’t just shaping Frisco’s future—he embraces the spirit of the city itself. In his role at the EDC he is known for his collaborative leadership style and passion for building a thriving, connected community. His approach blends a focus on teamwork, empowerment, and sustainability, ensuring that Frisco’s growth benefits everyone, from businesses to residents. “We have a culture of unrivaled performance here that Jason sets the tone for,” says Emily Pollard, the Frisco EDC Head of Communications. “He makes sure that everyone is all in. He uses the term ‘collabetition’, which I think he coined, but he says he didn’t,” she laughs. “Collabetition is each of us collaborating to work together but competing to be better than we’ve ever been, to make Frisco better than any city around it. That’s what drives us toward that unrivaled performance.”
Ford’s journey to becoming one of Frisco’s most influential leaders started with a coin flip during his college years at the University of Mississippi, where he chose to major in economics. That seemingly trivial decision set the stage for a career spanning 25 years and three states, marked by a commitment to fostering innovation and growth. His early experience in Austin, Texas, taught him the power of technology-driven economic development, lessons he continues to apply in Frisco today. “All of my professional and life experiences added up to bring me to Frisco,” Ford says. “If any one of those major events or roles in my career hadn’t happened, I don’t know if I would have found my way here.”
Not only is he an effective leader, he is also the model of the perfect Frisco resident: hardworking, forward-thinking, and deeply invested in family and community. Ford and his wife, Michelle, moved to Frisco as their children entered high school, drawn by the city’s reputation for excellent schools and its vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere. “One of the key reasons I took this role in Frisco was to ensure my kids could launch their academic careers in one of the best school districts in the state,” he shares. Both of his children have excelled academically, with one on track to graduate college early. Ford credits the city’s small-school model and focus on knowing each student by name and need for setting his kids on a path to success.
Beyond his work, Ford is just like many other Frisco residents enjoying all the city has to offer. “My wife and I enjoy bike riding together, walking trails, and we’re always on the hunt for the best tacos in Frisco,” he says. His role as a good neighbor makes him a good community leader who understands the importance of maintaining the city’s character while planning for its future.
At the EDC, Ford’s leadership reflects this same balance of professional rigor and personal care. “We can’t be afraid to take risks and delegate or empower staff to do things,” he explains. Ford prioritizes creating opportunities for his team to grow, whether it’s junior staff members hosting Fortune 500 CEOs or his inspiring “working board members” to serve as unpaid ambassadors for Frisco. “My goal as a leader is to build confidence and capability and create those opportunities for success for every member of the team,” he emphasizes.
Ford’s ability to connect on both a professional and personal level sets him apart as a leader. He isn’t just shaping a city—he’s building a legacy of collaboration, innovation, and community. Through his work and his example, Ford is ensuring that Frisco remains a place where families like his can thrive for generations to come.
Frisco’s Bright Future
As the sleepy little farming community fades into the past, Frisco stands as a beacon of what thoughtful planning, collaboration, and innovation can achieve. The fields of corn and the quiet crossroads remembered by a young boy in the backseat of his father’s car have given way to a vibrant city, known by name nationwide and filled with opportunity, culture, and connection. That transformation is thanks in no small part to leaders like Jason Ford and the work of the Frisco Economic Development Corporation.
“Our city leadership is looking far into the future to ensure that we have a sustainable economy, that we have a safe city, and that we have great amenities that appeal to everyone,” Ford says. Through his tireless efforts, Ford has helped make Frisco a city where growth and community thrive hand in hand. From attracting marquee businesses like the PGA of America, Plug and Play, and Universal Studios to fostering talent through programs like the Young Entrepreneurs Academy, Ford’s leadership has shaped Frisco into a city that is both dynamic and deeply connected to its roots.
Ford’s true impact clearly goes beyond the big projects and high-profile partnerships. His vision for Frisco has always been rooted in creating a place that people love to call home. Whether it’s biking the city’s trails with his family or enjoying tacos at a local eatery, Ford shares the same connection to Frisco as its residents, because he is one. “We’re making good humans here in Frisco, we want them to love living here, and we want those things to be true far into the future,” he reflects.
Today, Frisco serves as a model for other communities—proof that a city can grow rapidly without losing its authenticity or sense of purpose. As the city continues to evolve, it carries with it the legacy of Ford’s leadership and the shared determination of its people to build a brighter future. What was once just a sign on a blacktop road is now a nationally recognized destination, a testament to what vision and hard work can accomplish. Frisco’s journey is far from over, and with leaders like Jason Ford at the helm, the best is still to come.