In this episode of "Beyond the Bite," host Eddie Aldrete sits down with Melissa Mastrodomenico, current president of the San Antonio chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), and Aquila Mendez-Valdez, longtime NAWBO member soon-to-be board president. The episode kicks off with a lighthearted discussion about how Aquila and Melissa first met—though neither can recall the exact moment, they agree it was through NAWBO and solidified when Aquila sought out Melissa for her expertise in international tax accounting as her husband played professional basketball abroad.

The conversation quickly moves into the role NAWBO has played in their professional journeys and the substantial support network it offers women entrepreneurs. Both women open up about starting their own businesses while pregnant, with Mastrodomenico recounting a pivotal moment when she left her corporate job over ethical concerns. They credit NAWBO for much of their success, highlighting the organization’s mentorship, camaraderie, and advocacy work—particularly its commitment to policy at both the local and national levels. This includes organizing forums, advocacy days, and efforts to define and support "micro businesses" through legislative action.

A significant part of the discussion centers on the challenges facing women business owners, including recent state policy changes limiting gender and race as qualifying criteria for contracts. Mendez-Valdez and Mastrodomenico express both frustration and resolve, emphasizing the need for ongoing advocacy and the importance of service-based leadership. They also detail NAWBO San Antonio’s high school mentorship program and annual gala, which aims to raise substantial funds for scholarships, helping to foster the next generation of women entrepreneurs.

The episode concludes on an uplifting note as Aldrete, Mastrodomenico, and Mendez-Valdez reflect on the value of mentorship, perseverance, and community. Both guests encourage those considering entrepreneurship—or those simply in need of support—to connect with NAWBO and believe in themselves, reinforcing the idea that, with the right support system, anyone can overcome obstacles and thrive in business.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/aquilamendezvaldez/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-mastrodomenico-478740189/

In this episode, Host Eddie Aldrete sits down with Steve Spriester and Demonte Alexander for a deep dive into San Antonio’s evolving political and civic landscape. The conversation kicks off with reflections on Spriester’s 30-year career at KSAT-TV as an anchor and reporter including the changes he witnessed in local media, city development, and community engagement.

The episode transitions to explore broader themes around local governance, political leadership, and consensus-building within city and county government. Aldrete, Alexander, and Spriester analyze the race for Bexar County Judge, impact of shifting public opinion, and the challenges new leaders face as they move from campaigning to governing. They also discuss the recent city council decision to move municipal elections to November, highlighting both the political strategies at play and the implications for community participation.

Looking ahead, the group shares insights about San Antonio’s future, focusing on persistent challenges like poverty, economic development, and equitable access to opportunities. Through stories, data, and personal experiences, they underscore the need for collaborative solutions and visionary leadership to lift up the entire community. The episode is a candid, insightful, and at times humorous conversation that captures the complexity—and possibility—of life in San Antonio.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-spriester-5471637/

https://www.instagram.com/stevespriester/

https://perfectedclaims.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/demonte-alexander-7a6a7620/

https://www.instagram.com/demonterashaad/

https://www.bridgewcg.com/

When host Eddie Aldrete sat down with David McGee, CEO of Amegy Bank for the Central Texas Region, he discovered why the bank moved from its longtime airport location to the city’s core. McGee said the strategic decision signaled Amegy’s commitment to economic revitalization post-COVID and supports the ongoing development momentum in the area. Their conversation uncovers why vibrant city centers matter, both for business growth and community connection, and how San Antonio’s leaders are pushing for ambitious redevelopment projects to make the city world class.

David McGee draws from his decades-long career in banking, as well as his experience on nonprofit boards like SAWS, to reflect on the importance of relationship-building, mentorship, and servant leadership. Together, Aldrete and McGee share candid perspectives on the challenges and opportunities of remote work, its impact on professional development, and the need to foster in-person collaboration for career growth. The discussion highlights the recent passage of Propositions A and B, which promise to bolster San Antonio’s destination appeal by funding major infrastructure initiatives—such as renovating the Alameda Theater and developing sports and entertainment districts—and building a new baseball stadium and basketball arena, intended to attract high-wage employers and retain local talent.

The episode closes with timely insights into San Antonio's looming water challenges, from aging infrastructure and leaks to the impact of rapid population growth and the demands of industries like data centers. David McGee shares his outlook on a potential SAWS rate increase in 2026, conservation measures, and the need for city leaders to balance economic ambition with environmental stewardship. Whether you're a downtown enthusiast, business leader, or lifelong San Antonian, this episode offers a thoughtful look at how collaboration and bold vision are shaping the city’s next chapter.

https://www.amegybank.com/personal/

https://www.instagram.com/amegybank/

https://www.facebook.com/AmegyBank

https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mcgee-0b7a3116/

https://www.saws.org/

In this episode of Beyond the Bite, host Eddie Aldrete welcomes Thad Rutherford, President of SouthStar, and Jessica Loudermilk, Chief of Staff to the president of Texas A&M University - San Antonio, for an in-depth conversation about Project Vida. Project Vida is a transformative, mixed-use development on San Antonio's south side, designed to bring together education, housing, healthcare, and economic opportunity. The conversation begins with an overview of SouthStar’s approach to community building and the innovative partnership that has developed between SouthStar, Texas A&M San Antonio, and other major stakeholders, including University Health System.

Throughout the episode, Rutherford and Loudermilk describe how Vida is carefully planned to create not just housing, but an entire ecosystem where residents, students, and workers can thrive. They detail the thought that went into every phase, from diverse home types and affordability to public art and connected green spaces. Loudermilk highlights the unique opportunity for Texas A&M San Antonio to play a central role in this young, growing community, underlining the mutual benefits for the university and the development. The inclusion of a full-service trauma hospital right next to campus further cements the area as a hub for education, healthcare, and innovation.

The discussion widens to include the South Texas Business Partnership, which both guests are engaged in, emphasizing coordinated regional growth and collaboration across South San Antonio and South Texas. Loudermilk shares how the university works closely with local school districts to support a college-going culture and increase access for local students—many of whom are first-generation college attendees.

For more information, on this project, go to the following partner websites:

• https://www.livevida.com/
• https://southstartx.com/
• https://www.tamusa.edu/

To watch the video version of this episode, go here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oK47LdelUpw&t=7s

In this episode of Beyond the Bite, host Eddie Aldrete sits down with Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai for an in-depth discussion about the upcoming county ballot propositions A and B. Judge Sakai provides listeners with a rich historical context, detailing the longstanding needs of San Antonio’s major sports and entertainment venues, like the Frost Bank Center and the Freeman Coliseum. He explains how preliminary discussions of the Spurs possibly moving to a new downtown arena set off a collaborative effort between the county, city, and the Spurs to develop sustainable business plans that would protect and revitalize these vital community assets.

The conversation dives deep into the specifics of Proposition A, aimed at reimagining and transforming the county facilities and the surrounding east side. Judge Sakai shares insights on proposals that would enable the San Antonio Rodeo to expand year-round operations and describes how similar projects in cities like Fort Worth, Texas and Calgary, Alberta, Canada have spurred economic growth. He stresses the importance of the county venue tax—emphasizing that it’s a tourist tax, not a homeowner property tax or a sales tax—and how its proper use could lay the foundation for revitalizing the east side and ensuring equal access and opportunity for local residents and businesses.

Eddie and Judge Sakai also tackle common misconceptions about funding for the Spurs, highlighting the team’s deep philanthropic ties and the necessity of remaining competitive as a small market city. They discuss the broader impact a public-private partnership could offer, from local job creation to fostering a multi-use destination capable of attracting diverse events and amenities. Judge Sakai closes by urging voters to base their decisions on accurate facts and reminding everyone of the transformative potential these propositions hold—not just for the venues, but for the future of San Antonio’s East Side and the community as a whole.

For more information on Props A & B

How to find polling locations near you

Video version of Beyond the Bite on YouTube

In this episode of Beyond the Bite, host Eddie Aldrete welcomes Mike Lynd, CEO of Kairoi Residential, for a deep dive into economic development and the pivotal opportunities facing San Antonio. Mike shares his personal journey from Florida to Texas and discusses how his family's business background shaped his approach to property development and community investment. The conversation highlights Kairoi’s impressive projects, such as the landmark 6G building and Waterline in Austin, and explores the impact of visionary economic planning on shaping vibrant, prosperous cities.

The discussion shifts towards the pressing issue of San Antonio’s downtown development, focusing on the upcoming November 4th ballot measures related to a new Spurs arena and proposed investments in the urban core. Mike draws on lessons from Austin’s economic resurgence and the importance of sustained, private-sector-led economic development. He explains how coordinated, long-term planning—coupled with catalytic projects like the proposed arena—can create unprecedented job opportunities, boost incomes, and revitalize the city center, using greaterSATX’s recent achievements as proof of what’s possible.

Mike and Eddie also clarify that the proposed arena deal leverages state and tourist dollars rather than local taxpayer funds. They make a strong case for embracing these investments, not only as a way to secure San Antonio’s status as a major-league city but also to support inclusive growth that uplifts underserved communities. With insights on the broader implications for the rodeo grounds, convention center, and local economic momentum, this episode is a powerful call to action for residents and stakeholders to recognize what’s at stake and for the people of San Antonio to invest in their own future.

https://www.kairoi.com/

https://www.kairoi.com/about-kairoi/our-team/michaelj-lynd/

https://www.howsawins.com/

https://www.bexar.org/2237/Early-Vote-Information

In this episode of Beyond the Bite, host Eddie Aldrete turns his attention to a story on the Texas gulf coast as he sits down with Stephanie Hajducek from Project YaREN and Dolly Gonzales Trolley from Voices for Coastal Bend Energy as they dive into the details of a proposed ammonia plant in Ingleside, Texas.

The discussion opens with the basic question of who and what is Project YaREN? Turns out, it's a joint venture between Enbridge and Yara. Yara is a long time leader in the ammonia space while Enbridge specializes in deep-water docks and exporting crude oil from Enbridge’s Ingleside Energy Center. Hajducek explains her role in community and stakeholder engagement, outlining her efforts to dispel misconceptions, build relationships with the local community, and highlight the workforce development opportunities the project will bring, including the creation of up to 200 new jobs.

Hajducek and Gonzales Trolley answer questions about safety, water use, and the proposed plant's proximity to schools and neighborhoods. Hajducek highlights the extensive safety planning YaREN has developed and while they have their own specialized emergency response system, they coordinate regularly with local emergency responders and emergency management planners.

One would expect environmental groups to be speaking out on an issue like this, but the environmental groups that are responding are coming from outside of the region. That’s where Gonzales Trolley comes in. She describes how Voices for Coastal Bend Energy supports responsible growth in the region amid increased activity from national environmental groups. She encourages local residents to get involved by submitting public comments, attending meetings, and staying informed through the organization’s digital platforms. The episode wraps up by stressing the importance of local voices in guiding development decisions and offers practical ways for listeners to learn more and participate in the process.

Project YaREN

Voices for Coastal Bend Energy

Stephanie Hajducek

Dolly Gonzales Trolley

In this episode of Beyond the Bite, host Eddie Aldrete is joined by Pete Cortez, CEO of La Familia Cortez Restaurants and board chair of the Alameda Conservancy, along with Trey Jacobson, consultant and interim executive director for the Conservancy. Together, they dive into the rich history and exciting future of the iconic Alameda Theater in downtown San Antonio. The conversation begins with a look back at the theater’s origins in 1949 as a vibrant center for Mexican and Mexican American arts and culture—a place that played a pivotal role in the city’s identity, community, and family stories.

The conversation takes listeners through the Alameda's architectural heritage, the unique features of its design—including its famed blacklight murals—and the challenges of restoring the building to meet modern standards while preserving its historical character. With the help of the city, county, and private donors, a massive restoration project is now underway, transforming the former movie house into a versatile performance and events venue. Listeners get an inside look at how new and accessible spaces, innovative lounge seating, upgraded technology, and educational programming will help ensure the Alameda becomes a hub for cultural pride and entertainment for generations to come.

Finally, Pete and Trey open up about the capital campaign powering the Alameda’s reopening, the importance of community involvement, and what’s needed to reach the finish line. They stress their commitment to ensuring at least half of the public programming remains focused on Latino culture, while also welcoming the entire San Antonio community. With an anticipated reopening in late 2027, and a call for both large and small donors to participate, the episode captures the sense of hope, excitement, and collective responsibility in bringing this cultural landmark back to life.

https://www.alamedatheaterconservancy.org/

In this episode, host Eddie Aldrete sits down with April Ancira of the Ancira Automotive Group for a wide-ranging, candid conversation about the state of the auto industry, the value of giving back to your community, and the evolving political landscape of San Antonio.

April shares the fascinating history behind the Ancira Automotive Group, including their expansion beyond San Antonio into smaller Texas towns and the philosophy behind keeping dealerships local and rooted in their communities. The duo dives deep into how the car-buying experience is changing—addressing the rise of online shopping, the challenges and opportunities of electric vehicles, and how the dealership model is adapting to consumers’ evolving expectations.

You’ll also hear April’s insights on the importance of local dealerships being invested in their communities, not just as businesses but as pillars for civic engagement and philanthropy. She highlights community programs such as Charlie’s Seats at the Tobin Center, which provides free performing arts tickets to military families, teachers, students, first responders, and those in need. She further discusses her passionate support of UTSA football—sharing how her family business became a major sponsor and learning the hard way, what it means to be a booster.

The conversation also features April’s perspectives on local politics, San Antonio’s unique cultural identity, and her personal hopes for the city’s growth and inclusivity.

Quote of the Episode:

“I can't do well unless everybody's doing well. When I support something, I never leave anybody behind.” – April Ancira

https://www.ancira.com/about-us/

https://www.instagram.com/april_ancira/

https://x.com/AprilAncira

https://www.tobincenter.org/aprilancira

The question going around town is when will the campaigning stop and the governing start?

In this episode of Beyond the Bite, host Eddie Aldrete sits down with Trish DeBerry, CEO of CENTRO, and Kevin Wolff, partner at Spire Risk Management, both former Bexar County Precinct 3 commissioners. They break down what happened, do a deep dive into the high-stakes decision over Project Marvel and the proposed downtown arena for the San Antonio Spurs—a decision that ultimately hinged on two critical council votes. Eddie, Trish, and Kevin unpack the political theater, the role of strong and weak mayoral forms of government, and how consensus-building has historically made or broken leaders in San Antonio.

The conversation covers the leadership style of newly-elected Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones, contrasting her approach with past consensus builders like former Mayor Phil Hardberger. Trish and Kevin share firsthand experiences from their time on the commissioner's court and offer perspectives on the importance of relationships, respect, and the art of compromise in local government. They discuss recent events in detail: from the District 10 budget townhall meeting to the contentious press conference interruption, culminating in the high-profile council votes on the Spurs arena. As a result the mayor’s inability to build consensus, unexpected coalitions are forming across the political spectrum and pointed critiques of how a lack of diplomacy is shaping the current council climate.

Looking ahead, the guests examine the path forward for both the mayor and the city, touching on upcoming campaigns around the November venue tax vote and the next year’s city bond election. The episode wraps with reflections on the lessons learned, the pressing need for collaboration to support city infrastructure and iconic institutions like the Spurs, and a collective hope for more unity on the council. Throughout, Eddie, Trish, and Kevin emphasize that political success—and the city’s prosperity—rests on humility, open communication, and a willingness to both lead and listen.