Allen Fairview Insider

Welcome back to the Allen Fairview Insider, the podcast where we dive into the vibrant heart of our community. Today's episode marks an exciting chapter in our journey as we reimagine and relaunch the show to be more inclusive and engaging than ever.  Super Dave Quinn and special host, Erin Gregor, talk about all of the new changes and what you can expect from this podcast.

In this special episode, we'll explore the podcast's evolution, honor the foundational work of the late Mark Friedman, and discuss our mission to provide valuable insights to all residents and business owners in Allen and Fairview. We'll also highlight our new format, featuring diverse series that cover everything from civic updates and community events to practical advice on homeownership and health.

Whether you're a long-time resident or new to our growing community, this episode will help you stay connected and informed. 

Make sure you follow the podcast on your favorite podcast player so you don't miss any of our exciting episodes.

Today's episode is hosted by Joe Boggs, who welcomes special guest, Cassandra Pesina, an enthusiastic educator involved in a groundbreaking externship program. This initiative partners local businesses with school districts like Allen ISD to provide teachers with invaluable real-world education that they can share with their students.

Cassandra shares her experience helping to bring this program to life and the impact she already sees with her students. In this episode, we'll delve into Cassandra’s eye-opening journey as she connects academic lessons with real-life applications, aiming to empower her students with practical skills for future success.

Joe and Cassandra discuss everything from the intricacies of credit management to the importance of early mortgage consultations, all while highlighting the significant impact community involvement can have on both educators and students.

For more information on Joe, visit: https://www.highlandsmortgage.com/agents/joe-boggs/

It’s not easy trying to squeeze in time to organize your home or office. Time moves quickly, life happens and your piles keep growing. Your office can get covered up, the kitchen becomes a wreck, and your closets burst at the seams.

945-260-8552

Friedo and Lidiya Dunn of Maid in Texas talk about simplifying your life through "Minimalism"

The Allen Fairview Chamber of Commerce has had plenty to be proud of over the last couple of years:

--Earning a 5 Star Accredidation

--Having a Nationally Recognized Membership Director in Saundra Midkiff

--And now, CEO Sharon Mayer is a Certified Chamber Executive

In this episode, Sharon discusses her journey into earning this title.   A journey that has taken plenty of work and some twists and turns.

 The Allen Fairview Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit association that strives to be an indispensable resource for Allen and Collin County businesses

Robert Simpson of Home Zone Furniture is in the spotlight in this episode of The Allen Fairview Chamber of Commerce Business Spotlight.

Whether you’re re-styling your entire home or searching for a single piece of living room furniture to seamlessly incorporate into your space, shopping for furniture at Home Zone is fun and effortless. Their warm and welcoming showrooms are designed to inspire without feeling overwhelming. They create a cozy, homelike atmosphere in their stores so you can imagine how a piece of dining or bedroom furniture would look and feel in your home. 

 The Allen Fairview Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit association that strives to be an indispensable resource for Allen and Collin County businesses

In this episode we feature The Allen Fairview Chamber of Commerce and give you the latest update on events and information about our members.

We also congratulate Saundra Midkiff for being recognized by The Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives.  

And Sharon Mayer for earning the internationally-recognized certification for chamber professionals! The Certified Chamber Executive (CCE)

The Allen Fairview Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit association that strives to be an indispensable resource for Allen and Collin County businesses

Keith Self was born in a military hospital during his father’s service in the United States Army and was raised in Texas.  After graduation from High School in Amarillo, he accepted an appointment to The United States Military Academy at West Point, where he began a 25-year career of service to our country.

Keith’s Army tours included Airborne Infantry Platoon Leader, Airborne Infantry Company Commander, Special Forces Detachment Commander and Special Forces Company Commander.  His service took him to Europe, the Middle East, and the Pentagon, where he worked on the most sensitive military programs.  He deployed to Grenada, Bosnia, Afghanistan, and Iraqi Freedom. During his career, Keith received the Master Parachutist Badge, Ranger Tab, Special Forces Tab, and Joint Staff Badge.  He retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Upon retiring from the Army, Keith was elected County Judge in Collin County, TX, in 2006.  He served three consecutive terms before retiring in 2018.

Keith and his wife Tracy have been happily married since his graduation from West Point.  They reside in McKinney, TX and are active members in their church and local community.

The Allen Fairview Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit association that strives to be an indispensable resource for Allen and Collin County businesses

It's time to meet Pamela Kuhl.

Pam the wine expert in The Allen Fairview Chamber of Commerce. 

She offers a guided wine tasting experience that make your event one to remember..

She is also full of surprises...and you'll hear some of those surprises during this episode.

He may be the Mayor of Allen...But this episode is all about his family business:  Two Rows

Mayor Baine Brooks has a long history of community service in Allen and North Texas. Before being elected Allen Mayor in 2023, Brooks served as an Allen City Councilmember from 2012-2022 and as Allen Mayor Pro Tem from 2021-2022.

Along with his experience in municipal government, Brooks is a former director of the North Texas Food Bank, past president of the Greater Dallas Restaurant Association and previously served as regional director of the Texas Restaurant Association. He is also the recipient of several community awards including the National Autism Association’s 2021 Community Angel Award, the 2019 Collin County MLK Jr. Day Drum Major Award and the 2015 Kiwanis Club of Allen Spirit of Community Award.

Brooks and his wife own and manage a local Allen restaurant they founded in 1995. He played baseball at Connors State College before transferring to the University of Oklahoma. Mayor Brooks holds a BA in Communications from the University of Oklahoma. In 2013, he was inducted into the Connors State College Baseball Hall of Fame.