From Waterloo to the Alamo

In this episode, Traci welcomes Vaike O’Grady , a nationally respected leader in housing research and analysis, now serving as Market Research Advisor for UnlockMLS and the Austin Board of REALTORS® . Vaike shares what first drew her to the data side of real estate and how her career with Zonda, Metrostudy, and Hanley Wood shaped her unique perspective on housing markets. She opens up about what m...

In this inspiring episode, host Traci Turnquist-Wilson sits down with Michele Anderson, CEO of Austin Habitat for Humanity, to explore how one of Central Texas’s most impactful organizations is tackling the affordable housing crisis head-on. Michele shares her journey to nonprofit leadership, the pivotal moments that shaped her path, and the qualities she believes define effective leadership in to...

From Waterloo to the Alamo with host Traci Turnquist-Wilson welcomes Austin-based artist and painter Alexis Sones for a conversation that’s equal parts inspiring and extraordinary. Alexis takes us on her artistic journey, from her early years painting figurative portraits of people and pets, to a life-altering moment in 2018 that forever changed her path. After visiting a local crystal shop and ho...

In this episode, Traci welcomes Jill and Nate Powell , the powerhouse team behind Austin Integrative Real Estate Group and Global Real Estate Advisors at Engel & Völkers . Based in the Texas Hill Country, Jill and Nate combine their deep understanding of rural real estate with years of appraisal experience, giving clients a competitive edge in both luxury and land transactions. As active membe...

From the Austin Chamber to Austin Habitat for Humanity to her current role as CEO of C12, Phyllis has spent decades shaping leaders, championing purpose-driven growth, and making a meaningful difference across Central Texas and beyond. But this episode isn’t just a walk through her résumé—it’s a powerful reminder of what happens when faith and leadership collide. Phyllis shares: Her bold career pi...

This week, we’re honored to welcome Yanelys Thompson, a powerhouse Global Real Estate Advisor with Engel & Völkers Austin and San Antonio, whose story is one of bold reinvention and unwavering resilience. Born and raised in Cuba, Yanelys began her professional life as a nurse—dedicated to caring for others in a country where resources were limited but determination ran deep. After immigrating...

This week on From Waterloo to the Alamo, host Traci Turnquist-Wilson sits down with Whitney Walker, the creative force and founder behind Farrington Lane, a Central Texas brand known for curating homes that feel as good as they look. From her early beginnings in design to launching a beloved brick-and-mortar storefront, Whitney shares how she built a business that blends timeless style, soulful in...

What do Division 1 hockey, Hollywood scripts, and high-stakes development have in common? For Eric Perardi, they’re all chapters in one extraordinary story. Join host Traci Turnquist-Wilson as she sits down with Eric Perardi, Director of Development & Commercial Services for Engel & Völkers, to explore the unconventional path that shaped his career—and his vision for redefining real estate...

In this episode, host Traci Turnquist-Wilson sits down with Melissa Morman, an industry trailblazer who has spent over two decades redefining how homebuilders connect with their customers and the technologies that power those experiences. Melissa takes us on a journey through the pivotal moments that shaped her remarkable career, from championing digital transformation long before it was cool to m...

In Part Two of this powerhouse series, host Traci Turnquist-Wilson dives even deeper with Tu-Anh Cloteaux of Richmond American Homes and Christina Kelley of Inframark—two trailblazers shaping not only where Texans live, but how they thrive. This episode explores the next frontier of land acquisition and community creation in Central Texas. Tu-Anh unpacks the ripple effects of Sekisui House’s acqui...

In Part One of this powerhouse two-part series, host Traci Turnquist-Wilson sits down with two of the women making Central Texas’ growth not just possible—but purposeful. Tu-Anh Cloteaux, Director of Land Acquisition for Richmond American Homes in Austin, shares what it takes to navigate one of the most competitive land markets in the country. With nearly 25 years in the game (and the scars to pro...

In this episode of From Waterloo to the Alamo , host Traci Turnquist-Wilson sits down with April Whitaker, Regional President of Taylor Morrison Austin, for a powerhouse conversation on leadership, innovation, and building beyond the blueprint. April shares the pivotal career moments that shaped her path from the ground up, what drew her to Taylor Morrison’s mission-driven culture, and how she’s s...

In this episode of From Waterloo to the Alamo, host Traci Turnquist-Wilson sits down with Emily Blair—one of Central Texas’ most respected voices in housing and development. With a rare career that spans both the homebuilding and multifamily sectors, Emily brings a unique perspective to the evolving landscape of housing in Austin and beyond. From her days leading the Greater Austin Home Builders A...

In this episode, host Traci Turnquist-Wilson welcomes two visionary leaders from RVi Planning + Landscape Architecture— Peter DuFrene , PLA, Associate Principal, and Shane Lekwa , Director of Planning—for a candid conversation about designing places that matter. With more than 50 years of combined experience, Peter and Shane have helped shape everything from national veterans cemeteries and resort...

In this next episode of From Waterloo to the Alamo , host Traci Turnquist Wilson sits down with two visionary healers redefining wellness in Austin—Dr. Natalie Ledbetter and Dr. Billy Ledbetter, founders of Upgrade Labs Austin. From burnout to breakthrough, the Ledbetters share their deeply personal journey from traditional medicine to bio-optimization—bringing cutting-edge treatments like red lig...

This episode isn’t just high-energy—it’s high-octane. Special host Jana Maloney heads trackside at COTA (Circuit of The Americas) in Austin, Texas, to catch up with Sarah Stasney , a trailblazing female race car driver, instructor, and all-around speed enthusiast. As Sarah hits the track in her McLaren , Jana rides along—literally—experiencing the thrill from the passenger seat before the two sit...

This week on From Waterloo to the Alamo, host Traci Turnquist-Wilson steps out of the studio and into a living piece of history—the Roosevelt Library and Social Club in San Antonio. Built in 1929, this former public library has been transformed into a vibrant gathering space by the ever-dapper Leland Stone, a trained butler and fifth-generation purveyor of fine fixtures. Leland shares his journey...

In this episode of From Waterloo to the Alamo , host Traci Turnquist-Wilson sits down with Engel & Völkers Global Real Estate Advisors Jana Maloney and Arion Crenshaw for an inside look at building a successful brand within a brand. Jana shares her perspective on why joining a brokerage must be the right fit for both the Realtor and the brokerage, reflecting on her personal journey from indivi...

In this episode of Shop Talk, we’re shining a spotlight on San Antonio with native son and Global Real Estate Advisor Jeff Hornbeak. Before stepping into real estate, Jeff spent years in the medical field, traveling monthly to Colorado and gaining a deep appreciation for precision, care, and human connection—skills he now brings to every client interaction. Jeff is more than just a real estate exp...

From Waterloo to the Alamo with host Traci Turnquist-Wilson welcomes Keri Moses, Senior Vice President of Mortgage Lending at Jefferson Bank, for a dynamic conversation on today’s evolving mortgage landscape and the power of personalized lending. With over 40 years of deep roots in San Antonio and a degree from SMU, Keri brings a unique perspective to the table. From her early days in sales to dis...

🎙️ From Waterloo to the Alamo with host Traci Turnquist-Wilson welcomes Bill Shown, CEO of Oxbow Development Group, and a visionary who has helped shape the soul of San Antonio’s urban core. From building spec homes in college to leading the transformation of Pearl over the past two decades, Bill’s journey through law, development, and design is nothing short of legendary. In this episode, he shar...

In this episode, Traci sits down with Debbie Horridge, a proud native Texan and a well-known force in the Central Texas homebuilding industry. With deep roots in the Lone Star State and decades of experience, Debbie shares her journey—from growing up in Texas to becoming an influential leader within the Greater Austin Homebuilders Association (HBA). Debbie opens up about the evolution of Austin&ap...

It’s no secret that the real estate market has been a wild ride over the last few years, with rising interest rates, fluctuating home prices, and shifting buyer-seller dynamics. But as we wrap up the first quarter of 2025, are we finally seeing a turning point? In this episode, host Traci Turnquist-Wilson sits down with some of the most respected real estate advisors from both the U.S. and Europe...

🎙️ From Waterloo to the Alamo Join host Traci Turnquist-Wilson as she sits down with Emily Baucum, Associate Director of Public Relations for The Alamo. In this enlightening episode, Emily delves into the rich history and cultural significance of one of Texas' most iconic landmarks. Discover the stories that shaped The Alamo, the latest preservation efforts, and how this historic site continu...

In this episode of From Waterloo to the Alamo, host Traci Turnquist-Wilson sits down with Brian Hurd, Senior Vice President at Cardinal Financial, to explore the evolving landscape of mortgage lending, new home construction financing, and the future of manufactured housing. As the son of a custom homebuilder in Austin, TX, Brian has been immersed in the homebuilding industry from an early age. His...