Growing Our Future

In this insightful episode of Growing Our Future, host Aaron Alejandro sits down with Zoee Nolen, a 2022-2023 Texas FFA officer and junior at Texas A&M University. Zoee shares her remarkable journey, from growing up on a traditional West Texas farm to discovering a passion for agriculture through FFA after two major injuries derailed her sports career. Now a double major in Agricultural Commun...

In this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, host Aaron Alejandro interviews Jackie Hoegger, owner of Hoegger Communications. They discuss the importance of storytelling and empathy in leadership, as well as the value of mentorship and continuous learning. Jackie shares her journey of starting her own company and emphasizes the power of telling personal stories. She also highlights the signi...

In this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, host Aaron Alejandro interviews Ron Kitchens, the CEO of the Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce. They discuss the importance of gratitude, the power of a job in changing lives, and the role of agriculture and FFA in creating opportunities. Ron shares his personal journey from poverty to becoming a leader in economic development, emphasizing the val...

In this episode of Growing Our Future Podcast, Eddie Priefert, the president of Priefert, shares his journey and the success of the Priefert brand. The company started with 300 acres, one product, and a two-car garage, and has now grown to a 3,500-acre ranch and a campus with 35 acres under roof. Priefert is involved in the ranch equipment and rodeo markets, as well as the steel industry, selling...

In this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, host Aaron Alejandro interviews Robert Smith, a magician and consultant in the fair industry. They discuss the importance of gratitude, the positive impact of organizations like FFA, and the power of storytelling and advocacy. Robert shares his journey from being a magician to creating unique experiences at fairs and expos. He also talks about sta...

In this episode, Dale Alexander shares insights on leadership and the qualities that make a great leader. He emphasizes the importance of growth, empathy, and humility in leadership. Dale also discusses the power of influence and how leaders can positively impact others. He encourages listeners to surround themselves with the right people and to think like an owner in order to achieve success. The...

In this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, host Aaron Alejandro interviews Dale Alexander, a certified financial planner and author. They discuss the importance of gratitude, passion, and purpose in life. Dale shares his journey of personal growth and how he became passionate about financial planning. They also discuss the power of giving and serving others, and how it can bring fulfillmen...

In this episode, Aaron Alejandro interviews Madeleine Musick, an Agricultural Science Teacher at Elgin High School and founder of Farmstead Annalise. Madeleine shares her journey from being a non-traditional FFA student to establishing a successful family-run business in the food industry. She emphasizes the importance of students exploring their interests and strengths to shape their career paths...

In this episode, Aaron Alejandro hosts Sheldon McKinney, Executive Director of the Kentucky FFA Foundation. Sheldon shares her journey from a high school student in Eastern Kentucky to her current role, highlighting the pivotal role of her ag teacher in guiding her career path. She emphasizes the importance of curiosity, hard work, and vision in leadership, drawing parallels between agricultural v...

In this episode of Growing Our Future, host Aaron Alejandro welcomes Marty Bryan, a multifaceted entrepreneur, seasoned restaurateur, and a beacon of hospitality. Marty shares his journey, beginning with his upbringing in the FFA, through his experiences in the restaurant industry, to his current ventures. He emphasizes the importance of gratitude, faith, and hard work in his success, highlighting...

In this episode of the "Growing Our Future" podcast, host Aaron Alejandro welcomes Karissa Jones, a Strategic Account Manager at BASF. Karissa shares her journey from a non-traditional agricultural background to her current role, emphasizing the importance of initiative, learning from setbacks, and developing soft skills through FFA involvement. She highlights networking, effective communication,...

In this episode of "The Growing Our Future" podcast hosted by Aaron Alejandro, Gary Joiner, the Director of Communications at the Texas Farm Bureau, shares insights into the vital role of communications in agriculture. Gary reflects on his journey, starting from his chance encounter covering a Farm Bureau event to becoming its communications director. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling i...

In this episode of The Growing Our Future podcast, hosted by Aaron Alejandro with guest Victor Guerra, the conversation delves into the essence of gratitude, resilience, and leadership within the context of agricultural education and personal development. Aaron and Victor begin by emphasizing the significance of gratitude in daily life, highlighting the importance of acknowledging even the smalles...

In this episode of The Growing Our Future podcast, host Aaron Alejandro interviews Andrew Christensen, Senior Managing Director at Ascendion. Andrew shares his journey, starting from his passion for veterinary science in high school to his current leadership role. He emphasizes the importance of trying out different activities, networking, and building relationships. Despite growing up in a city,...

Hosted by Aaron Alejandro, this episode features a captivating conversation with Roger Rickard, the Founder & President of Voices in Advocacy®, and author of "7 Actions of Highly Effective Advocates." Roger shares his journey from humble beginnings in a blue-collar town to becoming a renowned advocate and leader in advocacy efforts. In this episode, Aaron and Roger delve into Roger's early exp...

Welcome to another episode of the Growing Our Future Podcast with host Aaron Alejandro, featuring Joanna Pineda,Founder, CEO and Chief Troublemaker at Matrix Group International, and host of the "Associations Thrive" podcast. Joanna shares her journey from the Philippines to Silicon Valley, her pivotal role in the development of the online bidding system for FCC spectrum licenses, and the founding...

Welcome to another episode of Growing Our Future! Host Aaron Alejandro expresses gratitude for the audience's continuous support and the opportunity to learn from inspiring guests. This week's special guest is Terren Moore, the dynamic Agency Owner of Moore Farms & Insurance. Aaron expresses excitement about having Terren on the podcast and looks forward to delving into his experiences and ins...

In this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, host Aaron Alejandro welcomes Bruce Cobb, Executive VP at Certified Angus Beef. The episode explores Bruce's journey in agriculture, emphasizing the role of mentors and ethical leadership.  Bruce shares insights on the positive aspects of competition and the importance of aligning values in leadership. The discussion highlights the virtues of...

Welcome to another insightful episode of the Growing Our Future podcast hosted by the visionary Aaron Alejandro. This week, we are privileged to have a distinguished guest, Mitchell Dale, Chairman of the Texas FFA Foundation Board of Directors and President of McRee Ford. The conversation highlights the importance of gratitude, family, and faith in shaping Mitchell's life. Mitchell shares insights...

Welcome to another inspiring episode of the Growing Our Future podcast. Host Aaron Alejandro brings you another insightful conversation with a special guest who has sown seeds of greatness throughout his life. Today's guest is none other than Congressman Bill Sarpalius, the Grand Duke of Lithuania. Let's dive into his incredible journey and the lessons he shares. Congressman Hon. Bill Sarpalius' l...

In this episode of the Growing Our Future Podcast, host Aaron Alejandro interviews Lieutenant Colonel Don "Doc" Ballard, a Medal of Honor recipient and Vietnam War hero. Doc shares his upbringing surrounded by military veterans, emphasizing the values of caregiving, community support, and gratitude. Despite humble beginnings, Doc started his own business at 14, teaching him the importance of hard...

Aaron welcomes the listeners to another exciting episode of the Growing Our Future podcast. He emphasizes the importance of guests who share their insights and experiences, highlighting the significance of planting the right seeds in agriculture for a prosperous future. James Huang, President of eXp Commercial, a publicly traded company. James shares his journey, from his childhood in New York Cit...

Welcome back to another captivating episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, hosted by the insightful Aaron Alejandro. Today, Aaron sits down with a true luminary in the field of agricultural education, Dr. Gary Moore, a passionate historian and educator whose impact has been felt across generations. In this episode, Aaron and Dr. Moore delve deep into the roots of agricultural education, explor...

In this episode of the "Growing Our Future" podcast, host Aaron Alejandro welcomes Tucker Brown as their special guest. The podcast aims to explore insights, expertise, and experiences from individuals who are actively shaping the future. As Abraham Lincoln once said, "The philosophy of the school room in one generation will be the philosophy of government in the next," emphasizing the importance...

In this week's episode of the "Growing Our Future" podcast, host Aaron Alejandro is joined by the esteemed CEO of the National FFA, Scott Stump. Together, they embark on a captivating journey through Scott's life and career, exploring the transformative power of FFA, the importance of saying "yes," and the pivotal role agriculture education plays in shaping the future. Aaron delves into Scott's un...