With Butler: Jay Kleberg
About Jay
Jay Kleberg looks great in a hat—which is good because he sure does wear a lot of them. He's the co-founder of Explore Ranches, a former Democratic candidate for Texas Land Commissioner, and even a filmmaker. Jay helped produce “Deep in the Heart” the first-ever nature documentary dedicated to Texas and narrated by Matthew McConaughey. The film is a testament to Texas’ diverse landscapes and remarkable wildlife, as well as Jay’s dedication to nature conservation.
We collaborated with Jay on the Texas State Parks 100 Years campaign when he was working at the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation. We also worked with him in his role as the executive director of the Gulf of Mexico Trust on designing the organization’s identity system.
As part of our With Butler series, Jay shares why it’s important to follow your own path in life and why he collaborates so well with the ones he loves most.
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In a word or two, how would you describe working with Butler?
Methodical and immersive.
What’s the one thing you love most about your job?
I get to work with scientists, outdoor enthusiasts, innovators, and community leaders on projects that elevate the value of nature.
What’s the most valuable piece of advice someone has given you?
A few years back, I was at a crossroads, choosing between continuing a career in business or charting a new path in conservation. I told a mentor that I was concerned about what others might think of “throwing away” a more lucrative future in the private sector. In response, he said “f**k” ‘em.” I carry an unabashed sense of purpose thanks to that advice.
What quality do you value most in a collaborator?
Honesty, integrity, and creativity.
Who’s the one person you work best with and why?
She might be surprised by this, but my wife. We’ve raised three grounded girls and are now working on a documentary film series together. It’s not always easy, but she holds our family together and is making this project more fun and impactful because of her insights and passion.
About With Butler
We get to work with some truly amazing people. With Butler is an ongoing series where we highlight the many remarkable clients, partners and leaders we’ve been able to collaborate with over the years. In the series, we ask them to share lessons they’ve learned and how they like to collaborate by answering five thought-provoking questions.