ChangeMakers

In this episode of the ChangeMakers Podcast, hosted by Jeremy C. Park and powered by Higginbotham Insurance and Financial Services, the spotlight is on Mike Berry, President of Hillwood, the developer of AllianceTexas. With over four decades of experience, Berry discusses his passion for Fort Worth, Texas, how he got his start in the industry, and the journey from the groundbreaking of Alliance Airport in 1988 to the creation of the 27,000-acre, master-planned community and global logistics hub, AllianceTexas. 

Berry delves into his leadership style, emphasizing his customer-driven, entrepreneurial approach that has transformed AllianceTexas into a vertically-integrated economic powerhouse. Under his guidance, the region has burgeoned into one of the fastest-growing in the country, generating an economic impact of over $111 billion and nurturing a robust local economy and population. Listeners will get an insider's view of Berry's personal life and professional career, his strategic planning, new business development, and his knack for cultivating innovative companies and industries. 

His ability to listen to customer needs has not only led to new opportunities but also to the creation of systems that foster mutual growth for both customers and AllianceTexas. The episode also highlights Berry's role in the Mobility Innovation Zone (MIZ), where he leverages the unique ecosystem of AllianceTexas to advance surface and air mobility innovations to commercialization. His work extends to Hillwood Urban, specializing in corporate office and mixed-use development, and his involvement in the development of Frisco Station, a high-density community in Frisco, Texas. 

Berry's illustrious career has earned him numerous honors, including induction into the North Texas Commercial Real Estate Hall of Fame and the Fort Worth Business Hall of Fame. His impact extends beyond real estate, as he is actively involved in various professional and non-profit organizations, including board positions at Texas Christian University and other civic groups. 

Educationally, Berry is a graduate of Vanderbilt University, Texas Christian University, and has completed an advanced program at Harvard University Graduate School of Design. His personal life, community involvement, and professional achievements paint the picture of a dedicated leader and innovator, deeply committed to the growth and success of North Texas. 

Visit www.hillwood.com or www.alliancetexas.com to learn more.

The ChangeMakers Podcast is produced by cityCURRENT and powered by Higginbotham Insurance and Financial Services.

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In a reversal of roles, normal ChangeMakers podcast host and producer, Jeremy C. Park, is the guest on this special episode, which is hosted by Dr. Sarah Petschonek, Founder and CEO of Volunteer Odyssey. 

Jeremy C. Park is the CEO of cityCURRENT, a shareholder in Higginbotham, author of two books, contributor to Forbes and The Business Journals, producer and host of television and radio shows and the ChangeMakers podcast, and a sought after speaker inspiring audiences around the nation to power the GOOD. 

During the interview, Jeremy shares how his parent's open door policy and community engagement shaped his and his brother's perspective on volunteerism and the importance of service and caring for others. He talks about how he has built his career around volunteerism and giving back, and shares some of the history and blueprint for cityCURRENT, which is an organization that connects business with community to power the GOOD through events, positive-media, and philanthropy. 

cityCURRENT is powered by and a partner with Higginbotham, which is based in Fort Worth, Texas and one of the nation's largest independent insurance brokers with locations coast-to-coast. Jeremy shares some of that story with his father's long relationship with the agency and how a full-circle moment happened when Lipscomb & Pitts Insurance partnered with Higginbotham in 2020. 

Throughout the interview, Jeremy talks about his family, his wife, Meredith, and two boys, Cooper and Cayson. He highlights his team and perspective on life and business, valuable lessons learned, and how tennis and music played an important role in his past and tennis continues to today. 

As an author of two books and the "Giving Back" columnist for a decade, he also shares advice for those who want to write a book. Overall, the interview is focused on how becoming a SPARK to power the GOOD can transform your life and community. 

Visit www.cityCURRENT.com or www.jeremycpark.com to learn more, and follow Jeremy C. Park on social media at @cityCURRENT or @jeremycpark.

The ChangeMakers Podcast is produced by cityCURRENT and powered by Higginbotham Insurance and Financial Services.

Be inspired by more positive media by following cityCURRENT here: www.cityCURRENT.com

Host Jeremy C. Park catches up with Dr. Sarah Petschonek, Founder and CEO of Volunteer Odyssey, who was one of the original ChangeMakers podcast interviews (episode 5) back in 2016. 

During the interview, Sarah shares how Volunteer Odyssey has grown over the last seven years to work with more than 28,000 volunteers who have given over 460,000 hours of service just to the Memphis community. Volunteer Odyssey is a nonprofit organization that serves as a volunteer center based in and built for Memphis and a one-stop shop for meaningful volunteer opportunities. 

Sarah discusses some of the current challenges nonprofits face with a critical shortage of volunteers and how Volunteer Odyssey is working with cityCURRENT to engage companies in meaningful ongoing volunteer opportunities through their new Corporate Compass model and program. She talks about why taking a new approach is necessary but how it can create a win-win-win for companies, employees and the community. 

Sarah also talks about how Volunteer Odyssey is positioning itself for a sustainable future through a strategic partnership with cityCURRENT and Higginbotham, which will allow the nonprofit to create operational, promotional and relational efficiencies. 

Sarah talks in-depth about her recent experiences volunteering in Poland to assist those impacted by the war in Ukraine, and how it is is reshaping her perspectives personally, professionally and spiritually. 

She talks about some of the conflicts noticed around efficiency and dignity, and the delicate art of doing good without doing unintentional harm to those being served. She shares a number of tips and recommendations for creating meaningful experiences and also for ways individuals and businesses can be more intentional with their volunteer efforts and impact. 

Learn more about Volunteer Odyssey by visiting www.volunteerodyssey.com or emailing Sarah at [email protected].

The ChangeMakers Podcast is produced by cityCURRENT and powered by Higginbotham Insurance and Financial Services.

Be inspired by more positive media by following cityCURRENT here: www.cityCURRENT.com

During the interview, Traci talks about growing up in Florida and some of the lessons she learned from her family and watching her father, who was en electrician. She discusses being the first in her family to go to college and how mentorship paved the way for many future opportunities, how the door was opened for her to join the team at what would become HGTV, some of the lessons learned and favorite experiences, and why she decided to quit her executive job to go on a soul-searching journey, which led her to create the Strategic Life Map process. Traci highlights her book and how she and her husband are now coaching C-suite executives and business leaders to help them break free from living on autopilot and live significantly successful. 

Visit https://www.tracischubertbarrett.com to learn more about Traci Schubert Barrett and visit https://www.navigatethejourney.com to learn more about Navigate the Journey. 

About Traci Schubert Barrett: 

Traci Schubert Barrett is a sought-after international speaker, best-selling author of What If There’s More? Finding Significance Beyond Success, and the founder of Navigate the Journey, a leading business consulting and leadership development firm. As one of the founders of the wildly popular national cable television network HGTV, she enjoyed the amazing ride of taking a fledgling idea and turning it into a billion-dollar media empire. But after over twenty years in the media industry, Traci began to wonder, what if there’s more to our vocational lives than success? In a leap of faith, she quit her executive job and went on a soul-searching journey, leading her to create the Strategic Life Map process. With a Master's in Professional Psychology and over 30 years of business experience, Traci specializes in coaching C-suite executives and business leaders, helping them break free from living on autopilot and discover purpose and clarity for the future chapters of their lives.

The ChangeMakers Podcast is produced by cityCURRENT and powered by Higginbotham Insurance and Financial Services.

Be inspired by more positive media by following cityCURRENT here: www.cityCURRENT.com

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Marcus Walker, Executive Director of Daily Bread Ministries, who shares his personal story of growing up in Texas and being called into ministry, serving overseas and meeting his wife from Switzerland, starting their family and moving back home to San Antonio to serve with the nonprofit organization that works with over 100 ministry partners who help distribute over $10 million dollars' worth of food annually. 

During the interview, Marcus talks about having a Swiss wedding and how serving overseas helped reframe his appreciation for the acts of service that happen behind the scenes to create success in life, work, and marriage. He talks about his faith and family and how that creates a strong foundation for his work as Executive Director of Daily Bread Ministries, and then highlights the nonprofit organization's mission, model and efforts to equip their ministry partners to truly help the people they serve through food distribution and training. Daily Bread Ministries focuses on repairing broken relationships to address the Root Cause of Poverty. Marcus details some of their educational programs and some of their plans for the very near future, talks about their facilities and volunteer opportunities and how the community can support their efforts. He also shares a number of important lessons learned, including "the good things that are in us need to be drawn out." It's an interview that will inspire you and help guide you to power the GOOD in your community! 

About Marcus Walker: Marcus Walker is the Executive Director of Daily Bread Ministries in San Antonio, Texas. Marcus’ journey into ministry began 25 years ago as a youth pastor in a local church, from there he felt called to become a missionary serving oversees in Europe and Africa. In 2011 God called Marcus and his family back home to San Antonio where he has faithfully served in a variety of roles at Daily Bread before taking over as the Executive Director in 2021. Marcus is happily married to his wife Doris and is the proud father of his 15-year-old son Noah.

The ChangeMakers Podcast is produced by cityCURRENT and powered by Higginbotham Insurance and Financial Services.

Be inspired by more positive media by following cityCURRENT here: www.cityCURRENT.com

In this episode of the ChangeMakers Podcast, Jeremy C. Park sits down with Matt Kripke, CEO of Kripke Enterprises, Inc., Mid South Aluminum. 

From humble beginnings in Toledo, Ohio, to becoming a majority shareholder and recognized expert in aluminum and hedging, Matt shares his journey of hard work, passion, and resilience. Having held significant positions in influential organizations such as the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI), Young Presidents Organization (YPO), and currently the Toledo Jewish Community Foundation, Matt provides valuable insights into leadership and community involvement. Listen as Matt discusses the importance of people development in business, his approach to managing risk in volatile markets, and how he balances a successful career with a fulfilling personal life. 

"Making the world a better place" is Matt's motto, a principle he ardently practices through substantial philanthropy and community service with his employees. Alongside his business achievements, he is deeply committed to serving the community, as evidenced by his support for organizations such as The Red Cross, United Way, Ronald McDonald House, Habitat For Humanity, Boys and Girls Club, Mom’s House, Josina Lott Community Services, Humane Society, Cherry Street Mission, Northwestern Ohio Food Bank, Hospice of Northwest Ohio, and Toledo Botanical Gardens.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation that underscores the importance of giving back, making a difference, and achieving purpose in life.

Learn more about Matt here: https://www.kripke.com/about-us/

Be inspired by other positive media produced by cityCURRENT here: www.cityCURRENT.com 

The ChangeMakers Podcast is produced by cityCURRENT and powered by Higginbotham Insurance and Financial Services.

Be inspired by more positive media by following cityCURRENT here: www.cityCURRENT.com

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with ChangeMaker, Justin Levy, Executive Director of Conscious Alliance, who shares some of his powerful and inspirational story of managing through hardships, including Cerebral Palsy, enduring 14 surgeries, being in and out of wheelchairs, having to learn how to walk four times before graduating high school, and severe dyslexia, to seek out his purpose and become the Executive Director of a national nonprofit bringing healthy food into underserved communities and fusing music with opportunities to make a positive impact. 

During the interview, Justin discusses some of his formative experiences in grade school and how a counselor and then a school trip changed the trajectory of his life, he talks about why and how he got involved in Conscious Alliance, how the nonprofit has grown to become a movement and the importance of their efforts and impact. He shares a number of ways individuals can awaken compassion to find their purpose and make a difference, as well, and highlights an easy way to join in the fight against hunger. 

ENTER TO WIN: Join Conscious Alliance in the fight against hunger! Complete 3 actions to be entered for a chance to win 2 Tickets to any 2023 Live Nation show at Red Rocks Amphitheatre (contest ends 3/31/23): https://consciousalliance.org/pages/take-action 

Learn more about Justin Levy and Conscious Alliance by visiting https://consciousalliance.org. 

About Justin Levy: Justin Levy has served as Executive Director of Conscious Alliance since 2012. His focus on expanding the organization's distribution capabilities resulted in the acquisition of a national distribution center and headquarters in Broomfield, Colorado in 2020, as well as the launch of new and innovative programs to accelerate delivery and impact. Levy has made food quality a priority, improving the health and nutrition standards of donated foods. Levy’s focus lies heavily on serving the Native American and youth communities through seeking donations, as well as implementing gardening programs that align with community culture. On a personal note, Levy’s story of overcoming a life of unique challenges is content-worthy all on its own. With Cerebral Palsy and severe dyslexia, Levy works with his limitations to bring a fierce spirit to support others. Levy has had 14 surgeries, has been in and out of wheelchairs, and has endured thousands of hours of painful physical therapy – and he had to learn how to walk four different times before finishing high school. Due to the hardships he has endured throughout his life, Levy is unable to read or drive. As a highly functioning Executive Director, where he lacks in creating spreadsheets and emails, he makes up for tenfold through inspiration, facilitating a powerful organizational culture, and cultivating meaningful partnerships through strong relationships. Levy holds a degree in Service-Learning Program Development from Warren Wilson College. 

NOTEWORTHY AWARDS: 

2021 Industry Leader & Community Champ Award by Naturally Boulder 

Top 25 Influential Young Professionals in Colorado

Biz GenXYZ Awards 40 Under 40 by BizWest 

Arthur M. Bannerman Memorial Leadership Award by Warren Wilson College 

Frederick G. Ohler Service Award by Warren Wilson College

The ChangeMakers Podcast is produced by cityCURRENT and powered by Higginbotham Insurance and Financial Services.

Be inspired by more positive media by following cityCURRENT here: www.cityCURRENT.com

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with ChangeMaker, Mark Melson, President and CEO of Gladney Center for Adoption, who shares some of his personal story in growing up in Euless, Texas, attending Texas A&M and the University of North Texas, moving to Louisiana and meeting his wife, and aligning his passions and purpose as both a "Gladney Dad" and leader of the nonprofit based in Fort Worth, Texas, that focuses on adoption and the belief that every child deserves a loving and caring family. 

During the interview, Mark talks about the power and magic of adoption, how growing up with an adopted older brother helped pave the way for he and his wife to adopt their son out of foster care and add to their family, and how Gladney Center for Adoption continues to evolve in order to help children, parents and families thrive. He talks about some of the challenges and yet the blessings received, as well as how the community can support their efforts and support foster adopting families and youth in your local community to help make a difference. 

Visit www.adoptionsbygladney.com to learn more. 

This podcast is produced by cityCURRENT and powered by Higginbotham. To learn more about Higginbotham, visit www.higginbotham.com. 

About Mark Melson: After joining the Gladney Center for Adoption in 2008 as the Chief Development Officer, Mark was later was appointed to Chief Operating Officer before being named President and CEO in 2018. Gladney allowed him to focus his efforts on bettering the lives of children in need not only in Texas, but around the world through both domestic and international adoption programs. Mark earned a BBA and MBA from the University of North Texas and later worked in various leadership capacities in Louisiana and North Texas not-for-profit organizations. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Children’s Home Society of America. Mark is an adoptive dad and resides in Texas with his wife and three children.

The ChangeMakers Podcast is produced by cityCURRENT and powered by Higginbotham Insurance and Financial Services.

Be inspired by more positive media by following cityCURRENT here: www.cityCURRENT.com

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with ChangeMakers, Tom and Ellen Harris, Co-Founders of The Jordan Elizabeth Harris Foundation, who share their story of meeting in college, living in Massachusetts and moving to Texas, starting their family, getting involved in the community and playing an important role in the development of Ft. Worth with Tom’s role as an executive with Hillwood, A Perot Company. Tom and Ellen talk about their family and about launching the foundation that is working to prevent suicide, eliminate stigma, and provide hope to people struggling with depression.

The Jordan Elizabeth Harris Foundation, which is based in Ft. Worth, Texas, was created to honor the life of their daughter, who was lost to suicide on March 27, 2012. Jordan was a young woman who touched countless people with her extraordinary love, compassion and kindness, and the foundation carries forward her passion of helping those in need by focusing on research and awareness related to depression and suicide.

During the interview, Tom and Ellen talk about Jordan and the foundation, their programs and impact. They highlight Hope Squad, a school-based peer support program that empowers students to take action to prevent suicide through a partnership with their local mental health agency. The program has grown to be active in 110 schools across the North Texas area with plans to expand it further in the future. They discuss QPR (Question, Persuade, and Refer) suicide prevention training and the importance of equipping everyone in our communities with the confidence and competence to help someone at risk for suicide. They offer tips and also ways people can support their efforts, like with their upcoming Light the Trail Ride, which takes place between October 1-15, 2022, and is designed to blaze a train of hope and spread awareness about the prevalence of mental health issues in our society. The bicycle ride will light the trail from the Canadian Border to the Gulf of Mexico, along the Mississippi River. It will feature teams of 4 riders, who will each ride an average of 48 miles per day, with featured stops along the way, including Memphis, Tennessee.

Visit www.jordanharrisfoundation.org to learn more about The Jordan Elizabeth Harris Foundation. Visit www.lightthetrailride.org to learn more about the 2022 Light the Trail Ride.

This episode is sponsored by Higginbotham.

The ChangeMakers Podcast is produced by cityCURRENT and powered by Higginbotham Insurance and Financial Services.

Be inspired by more positive media by following cityCURRENT here: www.cityCURRENT.com

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Michael Graber, Managing Partner of Epic Pivot, who shares his story of growing up in Memphis, Tennessee with both mother and father being entrepreneurs and being surrounded by the musical influences of the city, and how those experiences helped shape his future. During the interview, Michael talks about his work and efforts with Epic Pivot, a transformation, insights, innovation, and strategy boutique on a mission to make business a force of good in the world. He talks about their process, why the transformation to being purpose-driven is so important, and how it can drive new levels of growth for both the organization and the community. The interview covers important trends, Conscious Capitalism, lessons learned, advice for entrepreneurs, and much more. 
 

Visit www.epicpivot.com to learn more. 

About Michael Graber: Michael Graber is the founder and managing partner of Epic Pivot, a transformation, insights, innovation, and strategy boutique in Memphis. Michael has years of experience advising more than 250 top companies and non-profits, including Cardinal Health, Arrow, FedEx, ServiceMaster, Mars PetCare, St. Jude, Jack Nicklaus, and others. 

Pragmatic, edgy, globally inspiring, and yet infused with Southern charm, Michael’s style resonates with a wide range of audiences. A well-established author of multiple books and hundreds of published articles, when not working, you can find Michael playing music around his native Memphis, TN.

The ChangeMakers Podcast is produced by cityCURRENT and powered by Higginbotham Insurance and Financial Services.

Be inspired by more positive media by following cityCURRENT here: www.cityCURRENT.com