What is Growth before 9?
Good coffee. Real conversations about commercial growth.
Growth before 9 is Simon-Kucher Houston's recurring coffee series, bringing together business and commercial leaders every other month to exchange ideas, share experiences, and learn from one another.
No lengthy presentations. Each gathering begins with a short perspective from Simon-Kucher or a guest speaker. But the real value comes from the discussion that follows: exchanging experiences, exploring different approaches, and learning how others are tackling similar challenges.
Over time, we hope to build a community of Houston professionals who get to know one another, return regularly, and have a trusted place to exchange ideas.
What to expect
We keep things informal, practical, and interactive. Come with a challenge, an idea, or simply a perspective to share. You don't need to prepare anything.
A fresh perspective
A 15–20 minute introduction from Simon-Kucher to frame the topic and spark discussion.
An open conversation
Most of the session is dedicated to questions, shared experiences, and real commercial challenges.
Meaningful connections
A small-group setting where you can get to know Houston leaders beyond the usual conference introductions.
Who should join?
Growth before 9 is designed for executives and senior professionals responsible for commercial decisions and business performance.
We welcome CEOs, CFOs, Chief Commercial Officers, business unit leaders, operating partners, and VPs and Directors across sales, marketing, strategy, and pricing.
Our focus is the Houston business community, particularly energy and industrial companies, while bringing together perspectives from software, private equity, and other industries.
Sessions
| November 18, 2026 | The tough price conversation When rising costs demand steep price increases, negotiations with powerful key accounts can put both margins and customer relationships at risk. Every account is different, but preparation doesn't have to be. We'll explore how energy and industrial companies can strengthen their negotiating position, manage concessions, and negotiate pricing and contract terms that protect profitability without sacrificing long-term relationships. |
| January 20, 2027 | Hidden growth: Unlocking more value from your existing customers Your next growth opportunity may already be in your customer base. From differences in customer profitability and cost-to-serve to pricing leakage and missed cross-sell opportunities, businesses often leave significant value on the table. We'll discuss how commercial leaders can identify these opportunities and turn them into profitable growth. |
| March 17, 2027 | The data center boom: Who captures the value? AI-driven data center growth is creating enormous demand for power, electrical equipment, cooling, and related services. But not every supplier will benefit equally. We'll discuss where pricing power is emerging, how energy and industrial companies can capture more value, and how to balance today's opportunities with sustainable long-term growth. |
