Preston Howell is a visionary entrepreneur, executive strategist, and media innovator best known as the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of SouthernPlex Group, Inc., a diversified media, technology, and venture development company built at the intersection of growth intelligence, data-driven strategy, and creative storytelling. With more than 15 years of executive leadership experience, Howell has established a reputation for launching, scaling, and advising high-growth ventures across industries including media, energy, technology, marketing, and emerging consumer markets.

As CEO of SouthernPlex, Howell leads the company’s long-term vision, venture development initiatives, and strategic partnerships, overseeing a growing portfolio of businesses and strategic investments. SouthernPlex was founded with a core mission: to help companies scale intelligently by combining capital access, operational strategy, data analytics, and modern media execution. Under Howell’s leadership, the firm has become known for its hands-on approach to growth, working closely with founders and executive teams to identify opportunities, accelerate market entry, and build durable, future-focused brands.

A key extension of that vision is SouthernPlex Media, the company’s entertainment and production division. Howell serves as Executive Producer for the upcoming television series Going For It!, based on the award-winning book by Paul Salfen. The project reflects Howell’s belief in the power of media as both a cultural force and a strategic growth engine—one capable of shaping narratives, amplifying brands, and inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs and creators.

Beyond his role as CEO, Howell is deeply involved in coaching, advising, and strategy implementation for SouthernPlex venture partners and clients. His work spans corporate growth strategy, brand positioning, go-to-market execution, and leadership development. Known for his ability to translate complex data into actionable insight, Howell brings a rare blend of analytical rigor and creative intuition to every engagement.

Prior to founding SouthernPlex, Howell co-founded O3 Energy, a commercial solar development firm that quickly rose to national prominence. Under his leadership, O3 Energy was recognized by Inc. Magazine as one of the fastest-growing private companies in Texas and ranked among the top 10 solar developers in the United States in 2019. Howell played a pivotal role in scaling the company’s operations across the U.S. and Pacific territories, helping establish O3 Energy as a trusted leader in the renewable energy sector during a period of rapid industry expansion.

Throughout his career, Howell has held executive and advisory roles across a wide range of industries, including consumer wellness, emergency response, construction, and digital learning. This cross-industry experience has shaped his holistic view of business—one that emphasizes adaptability, disciplined execution, and long-term value creation over short-term trends.

Howell’s thought leadership has been recognized nationally. He was a contributor to the Forbes Communications Council, where he shared insights on branding, growth strategy, and modern leadership. His work and commentary have also been featured in major publications such as AP News, MarketWatch, Yahoo Finance, USA Today, and Solar Power World Magazine, further cementing his reputation as a trusted voice in entrepreneurship, innovation, and growth strategy.

At the foundation of Howell’s career is a deep commitment to entrepreneurship and education. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Entrepreneurship and Marketing from the University of North Texas, where he developed the entrepreneurial mindset that continues to guide his work today.

Driven by curiosity, execution, and impact, Preston Howell continues to build, advise, and invest in companies that shape the future of business, media, and technology. Through SouthernPlex and his broader body of work, he remains focused on one core principle: helping bold ideas scale into meaningful, enduring enterprises.