The Building Texas Show

The Alamo is more than a battlefield—it is a 300-year story that spans Spanish missions, revolution, preservation, and modern Texas identity. In this episode of The Building Texas Show, host Justin McKenzie sits down with Emily Baucum of Alamo Trust, Inc. to explore the Alamo’s past, present, and future. From its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site to the state-led $550 million Alamo Plan,...

In this episode of The Building Texas Show, host Justin McKenzie sits down with Mayor Jim Ross of Arlington, Texas to explore how one of Texas’ most recognizable cities is quietly becoming a national leader in innovation, diversity, and economic development. Known worldwide for AT&T Stadium, Globe Life Field, and major global events, Arlington is also emerging as a hub for startups, advanced m...

Odessa, Texas is experiencing one of the most dynamic growth periods in the state — and opportunity is at the center of it. In this episode of The Building Texas Show, host Justin McKenzie sits down with Odessa Mayor Cal Hendrick to discuss workforce shortages, energy innovation, entrepreneurship, infrastructure, and why the Permian Basin remains one of the most opportunity-rich regions in America...

In this episode of The Building Texas Show, host Justin McKenzie sits down with McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos for an in-depth conversation about one of Texas’ most misunderstood — and most successful — cities. McAllen has quietly become the economic engine of the Rio Grande Valley, earning recognition as one of the safest cities in the United States, a top destination for small business, and a r...

In this episode of The Building Texas Show, host Justin McKenzie sits down with Mayor Dylan Hedrick of Garland, Texas, the Cowboy Hat Capital of Texas. Mayor Hedrick shares how he moved from city council to the mayor’s seat, why listening is the most important part of leadership, and how Garland is navigating redevelopment, manufacturing growth, major bond investments, and the challenges of being...

Developer Gilley Mendoza, founder of Gilley International, joins The Building Texas Show to discuss how intentional, community-driven development is reshaping the future of South San Antonio. From the rapid growth around Palo Alto College and Texas A&M University–San Antonio, to the expansion of Toyota, JCB, and other advanced manufacturing employers, the South Side is becoming one of Texas’ m...

LOCOAL is entering its breakout moment. In this episode of The Building Texas Show, three-time guest Miles Murray, Founder & CEO of LOCOAL, returns to share the company’s major milestone: their first commercial waste-to-energy unit is now deployed just outside Houston. This marks LOCOAL’s transition from prototype to full commercial operation. Their modular 50-foot system transforms wood waste...

Cedar Park is becoming one of Texas’ most dynamic tech-driven cities — and Mayor Jim Penniman-Morin shares how thoughtful leadership, global mindset, and long-term planning are fueling that transformation. Learn how companies like Firefly, Element USA, and international entrepreneurs are choosing Cedar Park — and why the city’s focus on quality of life is the true accelerator. We also discuss wate...

In this episode, Justin McKenzie sits down with Dr. Andrew Johnson III, Workforce Powerhouse and leader at Lone Star College, to explore how community colleges are reshaping talent pipelines, partnering with global employers like Apple, Foxconn, SpaceX, SLB, and Daikin, and creating life-changing opportunities for Texans of all ages. Dr. Johnson shares insights into: • Why community college is not...

On this episode of The Building Texas Show and our Visiting Texas series, Justin McKenzie sits down with Zane Adamo, frontman of The Soda Crackers, a California band carrying the classic Bakersfield Sound across Texas and Oklahoma. We dive into the band’s first multi-state tour, their deep ties to Texas dance halls, the Western Swing roots of the Bakersfield Sound, and how a new generation is keep...

Discover Glen Rose, Texas like never before. In this episode of The Building Texas Show, host Justin McKenzie sits down with Mayor Joe Boles to explore the heart, heritage, and holiday magic of Glen Rose. From its beloved Christmas Parade to its world-famous dinosaur tracks, Glen Rose is a small Texas town with big charm—and Mayor Bowles invites you to come experience it for yourself. Located just...

Episode 100: From Lollipops to AI — The Entrepreneurial Journey of David McInnis In this milestone 100th episode of The Building Texas Show , host Justin McKenzie sits down with Texas entrepreneur David McInnis , founder of PRWeb and co-founder of Newsworthy.ai . From selling lollipops in middle school to pioneering one of the first online press release platforms, McInnis’ story captures the spiri...

In this audio-only feature of The Building Texas Show, host Justin McKenzie sits down with Tex Toler, Tourism Director for Glen Rose, Texas, to uncover the stories that make this Hill Country town one of the most charming Destinations, Texas . Located just southwest of Fort Worth, Glen Rose is home to Dinosaur Valley State Park, Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, and the International Texas Longhorn Asso...

In this episode of The Building Texas Show , host Justin McKenzie talks with Sarah Rothstein , founder and owner of The Charmadillo , a unique eco-friendly glampground in Center Point, Texas . Sarah shares her inspiring story of moving from Minnesota to the Texas Hill Country to build something extraordinary from the ground up — a destination that blends adventure, nature, and community connection...

Live from the YTexas event at Dallas College , The Building Texas Show welcomes Robert Ahdieh of Texas A&M Fort Worth for an insightful discussion on the evolving relationship between higher education and industry. Ahdieh explains how Texas A&M Fort Worth, a multi-billion-dollar campus project, is designed to bridge the gap between academic institutions and business needs, fostering innova...

✈️ **What Could *You* Build On an Airport?** In this episode of *The Building Texas Show*, we uncover one of the most surprising aviation assets in the entire state of Texas: the Hondo Municipal Airport. Bigger than San Antonio International. Home to World War II’s largest air navigation training center. Now? 2,400 acres of wide-open opportunity. We sat down with **Ryan Elder**, airport director a...

Episode Description: The Building Texas Show – Dr. Justin Lonon on Breaking Barriers in Education 🎙 What if one broken fan belt could derail an entire future? In this episode of The Building Texas Show , we sit down with Dr. Justin Lonon , Chancellor of Dallas College , to explore how education can be a game-changer—when barriers are removed. From free public transit passes to eliminating textbook...

🌱 Can healthier soil save farms and revolutionize agriculture? In this episode of The Building Texas Show, we dive into the fascinating story of MedinaAg, a multi-generational business in Hondo, Texas, that’s reshaping the future of farming. Andrew Franke, the driving force behind MedinaAg, shares how microbial soil solutions are helping farmers increase yields, conserve resources, and stay profi...

Episode Summary In this episode, The Building Texas Show host Justin McKenzie sits down with Bryan Peckinpaugh, VP at Baker Hill , to explore the state of community banking in today’s tech-driven world. Bryan explains how Baker Hill, a 40-year-old fintech company, is helping banks and credit unions modernize while maintaining their critical role in local economies. They discuss the importance of p...

Show Notes: Guest : Paul Mayer, CEO, Garland Chamber of Commerce Location : YTexas Event at the Dallas College Convention Center, Garland, Texas Episode Topics : The power of community collaboration: How the city, chamber, and schools work together for Garland’s economic development. Stewardship in leadership: Paul’s perspective on creating sustainable partnerships and his experience shaping the c...

Episode Summary: In this episode of The Building Texas Show , Justin McKenzie sits down with LaKesha Raynor, the Director of the Ascend Institute at Dallas College. LaKesha shares her work in workforce development, apprenticeships, and building key partnerships with both local and international organizations. She discusses how Dallas College is preparing the next generation of workers to meet the...

In this episode of The Building Texas Show , host Justin McKenzie sits down with John Naron , City Manager of Hondo, Texas , to discuss the city’s strategic growth, infrastructure development, and economic future . Hondo, located on Highway 90 , has long been a hub of transportation and industry , and today, it's at the forefront of smart rural development . From sports fields to rail expansion, w...

San Antonio is evolving, and no one knows it better than **Davis Phillips**, the President & CEO of **Phillips Entertainment**. In this episode, we dive into the incredible transformation of **Alamo Plaza**, the **booming tourism industry**, and the challenges and opportunities that come with rebuilding an entertainment empire.   🔹 **How San Antonio became a top-tier destination**&n...

In this compelling episode of The Building Texas Show , host Justin McKenzie sits down with Joseph Kopser , entrepreneur, military veteran, and co-founder of Grayline Group and US Tomorrow , to discuss the intersection of education, workforce development, and Texas' booming space industry . Filmed at Dallas College during the YTexas event , this episode highlights the critical connections between...

In this exciting episode of The Building Texas Show , host Justin McKenzie sits down with Norman Garza , the Executive Director of the Texas Space Commission , to discuss how Texas is leading the next era of space commercialization . Recorded at YTexas in Garland, Texas , this episode unpacks how House Bill 3447 launched the Texas Space Commission , the state's $150 million investment in the comme...