The Front Porch

Season 2, Episode 17: Chris Thatcher was destined to work in city government. From his father to his brothers, public service has become a calling, and Chris Thatcher takes his role as Utility Billing Director in Melissa, Texas, very seriously. For many residents, his department is the primary source of contact with the City of Melissa. He totally recognizes that and understands the importance of...

Season 2, Episode 16: Andrew Lowery served our country for 34 years in the Army Reserves. When he got out, he made it his mission to give back and embrace the community that supported him and his family for so long. Melissa, Texas, has benefitted from his selfless spirit. One of the main giving back initiatives that Andrew Lowery supports is Wreaths Across America, which honors our fallen service...

Season 2, Episode 15: Nolan Harvey , the contracted city engineer in Melissa, brings a completely different perspective to this episode of The Front Porch . He has worked for the City of Melissa for almost 9 years, and he has been at the forefront of the growth and development. With every decision that is made, Nolan and his staff have the "good and growth of the community in mind."  #frontporch L...

Season 2, Episode 14: Alyssa Chaney grew up in Melissa, Texas. She left to attend college in Stephenville, Texas, but as soon as she graduated from Tarleton State University, she came straight back home. Now, she is getting the amazing opportunity to celebrate anything and everything for Melissa Schools. Her role as Communications Specialist for Melissa ISD gives her the opportunity to tell the st...

Season 2, Episode 13: Melissa's Fire Chief does not live in the community that he serves, but his love and passion for Melissa, Texas, runs deep. That love and passion - along with his heart for his fire family - is what inspires Carl Nix to spend two and half hours a day commuting from Sulphur Springs, Texas. On this episode of The Front Porch,  we get the chance to hear Chief Nix story, discuss...

Season 2, Episode 12: On this podcast, we tell the story of Melissa, Texas, by sharing the stories of the people who live and work here. This episode of The Front Porch is a little different. Our featured guest, Don Dykstra - owner of Bloomfield Homes, doesn't live in Melissa or have an office in Melissa. But his company is building high-end houses in this community, and he does have a huge heart...

Season 2, Episode 11: Coming out grad school, Tyler Brewer's first "real" job was with the City of Melissa. Ten years later, he's never left. On this episode of The Front Porch , the executive director of development explains what he loves about Melissa, Texas, and why he's so proud to work here. Since he's also oversite for some many different departments within the community, he has some profoun...

Season 2, Episode 10: Before jumping into commercial construction and owning/operating a local restaruant, Joseph Armstrong was a former youth pastor. During that season of his life, he learned the importance of focusing on other people. That life lesson continues to have ripple effects across his life, including with his role on Melissa's City Council. On this episode of The Front Porch, we hear...

Season 2, Episode 9:  Tammy Davis is a longtime resident of Melissa, Texas. She also has a huge heart for giving back. It’s safe to say that Tammy Davis is selfless, and you’ll quickly find out in our conversation where her kind heart comes from. On this episode of The Front Porch , we'll get to know this Godly woman who has a heart for serving others and positively impacting her community. #front...

Season 2, Episode 8: It didn't take Bridget Saxton long to fall in love with Melissa, Texas. As the new communications manager for the city, Bridget has grown fond of this community in a very short amount of time. On this episode of The Front Porch , we'll discuss Bridget's passion for Melissa, and we'll discover how she ended up here. She also discusses some of the challenges facing Melissa, and...

Season 2, Episode 7: Dana Conklin will be quick to tell you that she is a "victim of her raisin'. " She is definitely a servant leader, and she points to her upbringing for establishing that foundation of giving back. From serving on the Melissa City Council to her involvment with Rotary, Dana is creating ripple effects throughout her community. On this episode of The Front Porch , we get to know...

Season 2, Episode 6: I bet you didn't know that Mayor Jay Northcut has run 20 marathons. I bet you also didn't know that he loves comic books. On this episode of The Front Porch , we pull back the curtain and really get to know the elected leader of Melissa, Texas. Besides revealing his hobbies on this episode, Mayor Northcut also shares his story, and he talks about how much Melissa has changed s...

Season 2, Episode 5: There is nothing like a good comeback story - a story highlighted by resilience, love and selflessness. This is one of those stories! Our featured guest on this episode of The Front Porch is Courtney Willis . Courtney and her husband founded Mission Regan after the blessing-riddled adoption of their youngest son. They were barreling towards rock bottom, but their faith forced...

Season 2, Episode 4: Preston Taylor and his young family now call Melissa, Texas, home. When he's not blazing a trail in commercial real estate, he is the chairman of Melissa's Planning and Zoning Comission. On this episode of The Front Porch , we will share Preston's impressive story. Spoiler Alert: This guy is an all-star - a real go-getter. But the coolest part of his story revolves around the...

Season 2, Episode 3: Deric Salser a nd the Salser Development Group are leaving a profound impact on Melissa, Texas. On this episode of The Front Porch , Deric Salser shares the vision and story and expectations of Gateway Village, which is starting to take shape downtown. Maybe you have seen the progress or heard whispers about the project, but Deric Salser tells the story behind this signature d...

Season 2, Episode 2: Kelton Brewer drowned when he was two years old. Based on accounts from the incident, Kelton said he actually died. But thanks to a neighbor, and Plano Fire and Rescue, he was revived and survived the near-tragic accident. Since that moment, the Melissa High School graduate has wanted to pay it forward. And that's exactly what he's doing as a firefighter and paramedic in Melis...

Season 2, Episode 1: Erik Stokes hasn't been the Police Chief in Melissa, Texas, for very long. But he already has a heart for this community – and according to him, it starts with the people. After a long tenure – and working up the ranks – in Farmer's Branch, Chief Stokes finally got the opportunity to put his policing philosophy and his leadership skills to the test. After listening to this one...

Episode 30: Mike Demsky has started a new chapter in his life. After spending many years in the golf industry – working at some of the best courses and clubs in North Texas – he decided it was time for a new adventure. That's when this 11-year resident of Melissa, Texas, was handed the keys to the Doug Out Sports Grill. Not only is he the general manager of Melissa's newest restaurant and lounge,...

Episode 29: The importance of relationships in Melissa, Texas, keeps coming up on this podcast. Symmetry Sports Construction, which has played a significant role in almost every sports facility in Melissa, wholeheartedly believes in that philosophy. On the company website it says: "We believe in the relationships we cultivate and the synergy it creates." That is why Wayne Poage, director of sales...

Episode 28: Lynn Vanlandingham, owner of Five Tool Baseball, has a passion for baseball. The cool part of his story is that fact that he has partnered with a community – Melissa, Texas – that has a passion for the game as well. On this episode of "Heart of Melissa," Lynn shares how that partnership was formed, but more importantly how it has grown into something special. He also talks about what d...

Episode 27: Kent Jones Davis has called Melissa, Texas, home for more than 14 years. He has a heart for this community, but we wanted to bring him on the podcast to talk about the amazing ripples he's generating across the world with The 25 Project. Kent, the executive director for the global ministry, has a heart for Jesus, and his organization is spreading that love to underprivileged children i...

Episode 26: Dena Norton has a servants heart for Melissa, Texas. She is the Director of Community Outreach, which runs the food pantry in Melissa. When Dena talks about the food pantry, and the amazing people they serve, she lights up. It was very fitting that we recorded this episode of "Heart of Melissa" at the place where her and her volunteers are changing lives. Also on this episode: We discu...

Episode 25: Teenagers provide a completely different perspective about community. On this episode of "Heart of Melissa," we got the chance to visit with Carson Ross and Kadyn King, seniors in the Class of 2021 at Melissa High School. They discussed what they love about their hometown and what they're going to miss the most when they leave for college. #powerofcommunity Melissa ISD: https://www.mel...

Episode 24: A series of powerful events led Marcus Eckert to Melissa, Texas. It started with a high school football game ... next came a hug from Duke Sparks ... then an answered prayer in the form of bird that landed on his back fence. That bird was a cardinal, and when Marcus Eckert saw it, he knew his life was about to change. Now, Marcus is the principal at Melissa Middle School. Just like eve...

Episode 23: Stacey Piyakhun doesn't mix her words. She has a heart for the people in Melissa, Texas, and she does a beautiful job expressing that love and admiration. On this episode of "Heart of Melissa," Rev. Piyakhun – lead pastor at Melissa United Methodist Church – she puts on several different hats to explain her passion for her community. Spoiler alert: She has a handful of drop-the-microph...