Forum on Entrepreneurship Series

About April Ancira

April Ancira’s story began in 1997, when she stepped into the exciting world of Ancira VW, Kia and Subaru at just 16 years old. What started as a summer job answering phones quickly evolved into a lifelong passion for the automotive industry. From her first role as a phone operator to becoming a cashier, Ancira faced every opportunity with enthusiasm. The only brief detour in her journey was a summer stint at Chili’s Bar and Grill, because she wanted a little more than her dad’s minimum wage.

Committed to her education, Ancira graduated from Trinity University in 2002 with a degree in Marketing and Finance, complemented by a minor in Economics. A year later, she earned her MBA from UTSA, setting the stage for her full-time role at Ancira, which she stepped into in January 2004. It was during her time at the NADA Dealer Academy in 2005 that she met her husband, Jason Thomson, who joined her in both life and business as the Vice President of Operations.

Ancira’s dedication to professional growth didn’t stop there. She pursued advanced finance training and remains committed to her education through NADA and TADA. Her leadership skills quickly became apparent as she took on significant roles, serving as chairman of the local San Antonio Dealer Association twice and leading the Texas Automotive Board in 2021. Her influence extended to the Texas Automobile Dealers Association, where she was Chairman Elect and she played key roles on various boards, including legislative committees and strategic development.

But Ancira’s impact isn’t limited to the automotive world. She actively participates on 10 to 12 non-profit and civic boards, tirelessly fundraising and contributing to the San Antonio community. Her dedication has earned her numerous awards and recognition from both educational institutions and civic organizations.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Ancira thrives on adventure and challenges. She holds a pilot’s license, dabbles in stand-up comedy and while she once faced a hilarious mishap singing the national anthem at a baseball game, she took it all in stride. Not to mention, she has conquered 13 full Ironman races, including the prestigious World Championship in Hawaii.

April Ancira’s life is a testament to perseverance, passion and the pursuit of excellence, inspiring those around her.

Linda Ratner is an accomplished business owner, master coach and sought-after speaker. She is a trusted adviser across the service, professional, industrial and technology industries. Her client roster includes companies in legal, engineering, HVAC, trucking, healthcare, insurance, pest control, accounting, wealth management, construction, non-profits, IT and manufacturing. Executives leverage her vast business experience to navigate disruption and change. With her strong financial acumen, she enables business owners to drive productivity, growth and long-term success – no matter the business climate.

Ratner holds a broad range of certifications, including, but not limited to: 

MBA
Registered Nurse
Value Builder Coach
The Predictive Index
Native Spanish Speaker
Scaling Up Certified Coach
Value Builder Coach’s Coach
60 Minute CFO Certified Coach
Former Certified TAB facilitator
Stakeholder Centered Coaching
Former Certified EOS implementer
Certified Exit Planning Adviser (CEPA)
John Maxwell Certified Leadership Coach
Cash Flow Financial Analysis & Forecasting

Unlike other coaches with similar credentials, Ratner is an actual business owner. She’s successfully built and sold her own company, Impact Urgent Care Clinics. She currently leads Ratner Consulting and 541 Investments.

As a registered nurse, Ratner has a heart for helping others. Specifically, her emergency room experience allows her clients to rely on her cool, calm approach. She’s able to ask the right questions, prioritize and triage to drive fast results for her customers. As a business leader, executives harness her acute eye for detail and problem-solving skills to reach their goals.

Whether scaling operations or rightsizing, Ratner helps business leaders navigate today’s business environment through financial clarity, effective execution and sustainable growth. When not helping business owners grow and adapt, Ratner enjoys tennis, traveling and her three children, Jacob, Bailey and Aaron. She resides in San Antonio, Texas, with her husband, Evan, and her two dogs, Roxy and Mac.