In this episode of the Gulf Coast Growth Show, hosts Jason Lee and Zeke Smith sit down with Michael Richter—President & CEO of ABC Greater Houston and the Construction and Maintenance Education Foundation (CMEF). Michael shares his inspiring journey from being the youngest master plumber in Texas to leading two organizations committed to workforce development, safety, and advocacy in construction. Learn how ABC and CMEF are addressing the skilled labor shortage, supporting high school trades programs, championing mental health in the industry, and advocating for fair competition. A must-watch for anyone in or connected to the industrial and construction sectors!

SUBSCRIBE:    / @theeconomicalliance   Produced in the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region Podcast Studio, sponsored by Chevron Pasadena Refinery. Sound sponsored by Apache Industrial. Thank you, Host Chad Burke for another great episode! Speaker Suggestions: Jason Lee:   / jasonleeexponent   Zeke Smith:   / zekesmith   Amanda Baucum:   / mandy-baucum-5540013a  

Victor Ortega shares his global career journey from Spain to Germany, Baytown, and back, working in chemical engineering and plant leadership roles. Covestro’s Baytown site produces key materials used in everyday products like foams, coatings, and plastics, supporting over 2,100 workers. Victor highlights industry challenges like global competition and labor shortages but is optimistic about U.S. innovation and talent. Covestro is committed to sustainability—aiming for climate neutrality by 2035—and gives back through community volunteering and local partnerships.

SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCicchcQYIpHpNBZFl_nPy1A?sub_confirmation=1

Produced in the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region Podcast Studio, sponsored by Chevron Pasadena Refinery. Sound sponsored by Apache Industrial.

Thank you, Host Chad Burke for another great episode!

Speaker Suggestions: Jason Lee: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonleeexponent/

Zeke Smith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zekesmith/

Amanda Baucum: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandy-baucum-5540013a/

Traci Pelter, Market President & Publisher, and Florian Martin, Growth Team Editor at the Houston Business Journal, bring a wealth of insight into the city’s rapid development and the evolving media landscape. With deep roots in the community and a passion for storytelling, they discuss HBJ’s mission, its award-winning coverage, and how they stay on top of Houston’s explosive growth. They also reflect on their personal journeys, recent promotions, and the mentors and family who helped shape their paths. Expect highlights on upcoming HBJ events, local nonprofit involvement, and what continues to drive their success.

SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCicchcQYIpHpNBZFl_nPy1A?sub_confirmation=1

Produced in the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region Podcast Studio, sponsored by Chevron Pasadena Refinery. Sound sponsored by Apache Industrial.

Thank you, Host Jason Lee for another great episode!

Speaker Suggestions:

Jason Lee: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonleeexponent/

Zeke Smith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zekesmith/

Amanda Baucum: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandy-baucum-5540013a/

State Representative Jared Patterson, a four-term legislator and leader at Able Power Management & member of Economic Alliance shares insight on the challenges of managing Texas’ real-time electric grid. He reflects on Winter Storm Uri’s impact, noting how natural gas outperformed under pressure and how decades of federal renewable subsidies shifted investment from reliable base-load generation. Since then, Texas lawmakers have taken steps to strengthen grid reliability and prevent future outages. Whoop!

SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCicchcQYIpHpNBZFl_nPy1A?sub_confirmation=1

Produced in the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region Podcast Studio, sponsored by Chevron Pasadena Refinery. Sound sponsored by Apache Industrial.

Thank you, Host Chad Burke, filling in for Host Jason Lee and Co-Host Zeke Smith!

Speaker Suggestions: Jason Lee: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonleeexponent/

Zeke Smith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zekesmith/

Amanda Baucum: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandy-baucum-5540013a/

Ryan Sitton, former Railroad Commissioner and CEO of Pinnacle, joins us to break down where the energy industry is headed. We talk outsourcing, capital trends, and how data analytics is transforming decision-making in oil & gas. He also shares what facilities must do to stay competitive—and why Pinnacle is at the center of it all.

– Featuring his book Crucial Decisions

SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCicchcQYIpHpNBZFl_nPy1A?sub_confirmation=1

Produced in the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region Podcast Studio, sponsored by Chevron Pasadena Refinery. Sound sponsored by Apache Industrial. Thank you, Host Chad Burke, filling in for Host Jason Lee and Co-Host Zeke Smith!

Speaker Suggestions:

In this episode podcast Host Jason Lee and Co-Host Zeke Smith talk about the importance of Men’s Health Awareness. June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month—a crucial time to recognize that mental well-being is a top safety priority. Just like physical hazards, mental health challenges can impact focus, performance, and lives. It’s vital that employees feel safe speaking up, and that employers foster a culture where mental health is treated with the same urgency as any other safety concern. If you or someone you know needs help, call or text 988—the national Mental Health Crisis Lifeline. Let’s break the stigma and support one another. Always remember a caring phone call, text, or email communication could help a friend in need.

SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCicchcQYIpHpNBZFl_nPy1A?sub_confirmation=1

Produced in the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region Podcast Studio, sponsored by Chevron Pasadena Refinery. Sound sponsored by Apache Industrial. Thank you, Host Chad Burke, filling in for Host Jason Lee and Co-Host Zeke Smith!

Speaker Suggestions:

In this video, we catch up with John Moseley and dive into his incredible career journey—from his early beginnings to becoming the Chief Commercial Officer at Port Houston. We explore the milestones of Project 11, a major expansion of the Houston Ship Channel, and give an update on where things stand today. Plus, we look ahead to Project 12 and what it means for the future of Houston’s port infrastructure. With new tariff discussions on the horizon, we also discuss their potential impact on the region and the port’s operations. And of course, we had to ask—what’s the coolest thing about working with the Port of Houston? You won’t want to miss his answer. Tune in for insights, updates, and a behind-the-scenes look at one of the busiest ports in the U.S.!

SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCicchcQYIpHpNBZFl_nPy1A?sub_confirmation=1

Produced in the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region Podcast Studio, sponsored by Chevron Pasadena Refinery. Sound sponsored by Apache Industrial. Thank you, Host Chad Burke, filling in for Host Jason Lee and Co-host Zeke Smith!

Speaker Suggestions:

Why Should You Attend the Gulf Coast Industry Forum 2025?

SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCicchcQYIpHpNBZFl_nPy1A?sub_confirmation=1

Produced in the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region Podcast Studio, sponsored by Chevron Pasadena Refinery. Sound sponsored by Apache Industrial. Thank you Host Jason Lee and Co-Host Zeke Smith!

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In this episode, we sit down with Yasmene McDaniel, Chief Executive Officer of HCA Houston Healthcare Southeast, to discuss the hospital’s recent growth, investments, and commitment to expanding access to quality care. Yasmene shares insights into new program offerings, community partnerships, and the reopening of the renovated ER. She also reflects on the values and leadership principles that have shaped her journey, and the recent recognitions the hospital has earned — from national awards to being named one of the top 250 hospitals in the country.

SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCicchcQYIpHpNBZFl_nPy1A?sub_confirmation=1

Produced in the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region Podcast Studio, sponsored by Chevron Pasadena Refinery. Sound sponsored by Apache Industrial. Thank you Host Jason Lee and Co-Host Zeke Smith!

Speaker Suggestions:

Tune in to hear Co-Host Zeke Smith’s mom Kathy Smith’s Inspiring Journey as a mother, wife & “Meecie” (Grandmother). Kathy shares her journey of balancing family life with a long and successful career in the industrial industry at Brown & Root, Santin Brothers, & Tex-Trude, —a field where she not only thrived but paved the way for others. Her stories of resilience, hard work, and love for her family are truly inspiring. Thank you, Kathy—it was wonderful having you on the show, and we’re so grateful you shared your time and wisdom with us!

SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCicchcQYIpHpNBZFl_nPy1A?sub_confirmation=1

Produced in the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region Podcast Studio, sponsored by Chevron Pasadena Refinery. Sound sponsored by Apache Industrial. Thank you, Co-Host Zeke Smith!

Speaker Suggestions: