In this episode of the Gulf Coast Growth Show, Tony Wood, Site Manager of the LyondellBasell Channelview Complex, shares his remarkable career path from part-time security guard to leading one of the largest petrochemical facilities on the Gulf Coast. Tony discusses industry leadership, workforce development, the future of petrochemicals, AI and digital transformation, safety innovation, and the role organizations like East Harris County Manufacturers Association (EHCMA) and the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region play in supporting regional growth. A must-watch conversation for anyone interested in manufacturing, energy, leadership, and the future of the Houston Port Region.

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

In this episode of the Gulf Coast Growth Show, Jason Lee and Zeke Smith sit down with John Golashesky, Senior Vice President at Turner Industries and longtime industry leader, to talk about the future of workforce development, construction careers, and what it takes to build the next generation of talent. John shares insights from 40+ years in the industrial sector, the importance of industry collaboration, training investments, and how partnerships between owners, contractors, schools, and workforce organizations are helping shape the future of the Gulf Coast workforce. Plus, a great reminder that leadership isn’t just about business, John also shares one of his personal non-negotiables: Friday night date night with his wife for the last 20 years. No matter how busy life gets, family stays a priority. A conversation about service, leadership, opportunity, and building more than projects, building people.

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

On this episode of the Gulf Coast Growth Show, Host Jason Lee and Co-Host Zeke Smith sit down with Steve Cote, Senior Vice President at Brady, Chapman, Holland & Associates and Secretary of the Executive Board for Economic Alliance Houston Port Region. Steve shares how he became involved with Economic Alliance, his passion for supporting industry and community growth across the Houston Port Region, and the important role organizations like Economic Alliance and Associated Builders and Contractors – Greater Houston play in connecting businesses, industry leaders, and economic development efforts. The conversation also dives into entrepreneurship, relationship-building, risk management, and the growing impact of “nuclear verdicts” on Texas businesses and insurance costs. Plus, Steve talks about his new podcast, Owner Origin, where he highlights the stories behind business owners and entrepreneurs.

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

Economic Alliance Houston Port Region & BIC Alliance’s Industrial Procurement Forum | Thursday, May 21. Want to win more work in the industrial space? This is where it starts. In this episode of the Gulf Coast Growth Show, we preview the Industrial Procurement Forum, a focused event connecting suppliers, contractors, and service providers directly with the companies awarding work. Hear from leaders at Port Houston, Zachry Group, Technip Energies, Optimal Field Services, Verde, Gulf Coast CCS Alliance, and LSG as they share what they’re working on, what they need, and how to do business with them. Who should be there: Suppliers, contractors, EPC-focused vendors, and business development professionals ready to grow. Why attend: Real project insight. Direct access to decision-makers. High-value connections. If you’re trying to get your foot in the door—or expand your footprint—this is the room.

Get your spot now: https://economicalliancehoustonportregion.growthzoneapp.com/ap/Events/Register/oXFKjZqc6C2CB

📅 May 21, 2026 ⏰ 7:00–10:00 AM 📍 San Jacinto College LyondellBasell CPET Spots and sponsorships are still available. Show up ready to connect.

In this episode, Host Jason Lee and Co-Host Zeke Smith take a step back for a real conversation during Mental Health Awareness Month and ahead of Men’s Health Month, about what’s really happening beneath the surface in the Gulf Coast industrial and construction community. As we recognize Mental Health Awareness Month in May and look ahead to Men’s Health Month in June, it’s a good time for a real conversation in the Gulf Coast industrial and construction community between our two GCGS hosts. The truth is, the men & women who build, maintain, and power our industries are often the least likely to speak up when they’re struggling. Long hours. High-risk environments. Pressure to provide. A culture that too often equates toughness with silence. And the data reflects it, as 83% of mental health issues in our industry goes unreported / undiagnosed. That’s why conversations matter. Check-ins matter. Leadership matters. Whether it’s a jobsite talk, a peer-to-peer moment, or simply asking “you good?” We all play a role in changing the narrative, and EVERYONE can do something Organizations like the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention are helping move this forward, but culture shifts happen one conversation at a time. Let’s keep showing up for the work, and for each other, and most importantly… JUST. START. TALKING!

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

In this episode of the Gulf Coast Growth Show, Host Jason Lee and Co-Host Zeke Smith welcome Sarina Landers Chairman Associated Builders and Contractors – Greater Houston and VP/Chief of Staff at Corvus Construction. Sarina shares her journey into the construction industry, the importance of collaboration between organizations, and how ABC supports workforce development, advocacy, and growth. The conversation also highlights the rise of women in construction and the opportunities shaping the industry’s future.

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

In this episode of the Gulf Coast Growth Show Zeke Smith sits down with Mark Bookmyer. Mark shares his 35-year journey in the chemical industry with us. From growing up in Baytown to leading major operations along the Houston Ship Channel, Mark dives into leadership lessons, workforce development, and the powerful economic impact of the industry. Hear insights on safety, community involvement, and why the chemical sector continues to be a driving force for growth and opportunity.

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

​In this episode of the Gulf Coast Growth Show, host Jason Lee sits down with Andrew Biar to break down the real meaning of stakeholder outreach. From pipelines to refineries and community development, Andrew shares how building relationships, communicating early, and engaging local leaders can make or break a project. The conversation also highlights how companies across the Houston Port Region collaborate, despite being competitors, working together for regional growth through advocacy and active participation. A must-listen for anyone involved in development, public affairs, or community impact.

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

Join Chad Burke for a special Gulf Coast Growth Show conversation with Glen Hayes of ExxonMobil Baytown, who also serves as Vice Chair of the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region Executive Board. From his early beginnings in Alabama to leading one of the largest integrated petrochemical complexes in the world, Glen shares insights on leadership, industry evolution, and the critical role the Houston Port Region plays in powering global energy and manufacturing.

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

Behind the scenes of the Houston Ship Channel with the Houston Pilots—often called the “special ops” of maritime navigation. In this episode of Gulf Coast Growth Show Host Jason Lee sits down with Captains Clint Winegar and Matt Glass to break down what it takes to safely guide massive ships through one of the busiest and most complex ports in the world. From navigating vessels just 100 feet apart to performing the famous “Texas Chicken” maneuver, to managing fog delays, 24/7 operations, and billion-dollar economic impacts—this episode highlights the skill, precision, and teamwork that keep our region and nation moving.

⚓ Learn what pilots do, how they’re trained, and why their role is critical to global trade.

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