Live from the YTexas event at Dallas College, The Building Texas Show welcomes Robert Ahdieh of Texas A&M Fort Worth for an insightful discussion on the evolving relationship between higher education and industry. Ahdieh explains how Texas A&M Fort Worth, a multi-billion-dollar campus project, is designed to bridge the gap between academic institutions and business needs, fostering innovation, workforce training, and research collaborations.

Drawing on lessons from innovation hubs like Boston and Philadelphia, Ahdieh emphasizes the importance of university partnerships in economic development. He addresses misconceptions business leaders may have about academic collaborations and highlights the role of institutions in lifelong learning. Additionally, the conversation sheds light on the Fort Worth-Tarrant County Innovation Partnership and how businesses can leverage this ecosystem for talent acquisition and development.

This episode provides a compelling look at why education is more than just classrooms—it’s a driving force behind Texas’ continued success.

Introduction to the Episode (0:11)

• Overview of the special edition recorded at the YTexas event.
• Introduction of guest, Robert Ahdieh from Texas A&M Fort Worth.

The Vision Behind Texas A&M Fort Worth (1:00)

• The concept of creating an innovation-driven academic and industry hub.
• How the project evolved from a single building to a billion-dollar campus.

Bridging Academia and Industry (3:30)

• Addressing the workforce gap with research collaborations.
• Why startups, mid-sized businesses, and Fortune 500 companies all benefit from shared innovation spaces.

Lessons from Boston’s Success (5:45)

• Why Boston thrived while other cities declined.
• The impact of higher education institutions on business growth and innovation.

The Role of Lifelong Learning in Economic Development (8:00)

• The importance of continued education beyond college years.
• Why collaboration between universities and businesses is essential for workforce training.

The Fort Worth-Tarrant County Innovation Partnership (10:00)

• Creating opportunities for returning professionals and local businesses.
• How companies can engage with Texas A&M Fort Worth’s programs.

Why Texas’ Future Depends on Collaboration (12:00)

• The power of open dialogue between business leaders and academic institutions.
• How Texas can accelerate growth by fostering deeper educational partnerships.

Closing Thoughts (14:00)

• Encouraging business leaders to see education as a resource, not just an institution.
• The importance of staying engaged in broader economic conversations.

✈️ **What Could *You* Build On an Airport?**

In this episode of *The Building Texas Show*, we uncover one of the most surprising aviation assets in the entire state of Texas: the Hondo Municipal Airport.

Bigger than San Antonio International.

Home to World War II’s largest air navigation training center.

Now? 2,400 acres of wide-open opportunity.

We sat down with **Ryan Elder**, airport director and U.S. Navy veteran, to explore how this small-town airport is ready for a next-generation transformation. From **aircraft maintenance, aerospace innovation**, and **MRO operations**, to the future of **cargo**, **space commercialization**, and **eVTOL**—Hondo’s airport is a rare blank canvas for developers, entrepreneurs, and visionary leaders.

🚀 **So we ask the question:**

👉 *What would YOU build on 2,400 acres of runways, rail access, and open skies?*

Whether it’s a drone tech hub, vertical lift launch site, aircraft recycling facility, or a next-gen aviation campus—Hondo is ready.

👷‍♂️ Whether you're in aviation, logistics, education, economic development, or just love Texas history—this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

🎯 **What You'll Learn in This Episode**:

- Hondo’s hidden role in WWII aviation

- How the airport compares to major commercial hubs

- Why aerospace companies are eyeing this land

- What general aviation means for small-town economies

- Smart infrastructure planning that supports growth without disruption

- Inspiring local students with real aviation opportunities

📍 **Learn more about Hondo’s aviation future:**

🔗 [https://hondo.buildingtexasshow.com]

🔔 **Subscribe for more episodes about Texas cities on the rise.**

#TexasAviation #HondoAirport #AerospaceDevelopment #FutureOfWork #BuildingTexas #AirportDevelopment #EconomicDevelopmentTexas #eVTOL #CargoHub #MRO #AirportInnovation #publicspaceport

🎙 What if one broken fan belt could derail an entire future?

In this episode of The Building Texas Show, we sit down with Dr. Justin Lonon, Chancellor of Dallas College, to explore how education can be a game-changer—when barriers are removed. From free public transit passes to eliminating textbook costs and even offering free childcare, Dallas College is pioneering bold solutions to ensure students don’t have to choose between school and survival.

Dr. Lonon shares eye-opening insights on:

✅ Why colleges are failing if they don’t connect with the real world 🌍

✅ The $18 million shift that’s saving students from crushing textbook costs 📚

✅ How a couple hundred bucks can mean the difference between graduating or dropping out 🚗

✅ What businesses are saying when they knock down Dallas College’s doors for skilled workers 🏭

🎧 No matter where you live, there’s a community college near you making an impact. Find out what programs exist in your area and how higher education is evolving to meet today’s workforce challenges.

📌 Listen & Subscribe to The Building Texas Show!

🔗 Watch on YouTube: Dallas College

#BuildingTexas #Education #DallasCollege #WorkforceDevelopment #BreakingBarriers #TheBuildingTexasShow

🌱 Can healthier soil save farms and revolutionize agriculture? In this episode of The Building Texas Show, we dive into the fascinating story of MedinaAg, a multi-generational business in Hondo, Texas, that’s reshaping the future of farming.

Andrew Franke, the driving force behind MedinaAg, shares how microbial soil solutions are helping farmers increase yields, conserve resources, and stay profitable—even in tough conditions. From cutting-edge technology to preserving local agriculture, this episode is packed with insights every farmer, entrepreneur, and sustainability enthusiast needs to hear!

🔹 What You’ll Learn:

✅ How Medina Ag’s biological farming solutions improve soil health

✅ Why their products are used nationwide

✅ The hidden problem with chemical fertilizers—and the alternative that works

✅ How MedinaAg went from family farm to industry leader

✅ Why efficiency & automation are critical in modern agriculture

🔔 Don’t forget to LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for more inspiring stories from Texas' top innovators! Will you be attending the YTexas Innovation Summit in September 2025? Join us there!

#Farming #Agriculture #Sustainability #SoilHealth #MedinaAg #TexasBusiness #hondoeconomicdevelopment #dirt #TexasInnovation #YTexas #singingwatervineyards

In this episode, The Building Texas Show host Justin McKenzie sits down with Bryan Peckinpaugh, VP at Baker Hill, to explore the state of community banking in today’s tech-driven world. Bryan explains how Baker Hill, a 40-year-old fintech company, is helping banks and credit unions modernize while maintaining their critical role in local economies. They discuss the importance of personal banking relationships, the competition posed by fintech and neobanks, and how the right technology can free up bankers to act as strategic advisors rather than just transactional service providers.

The conversation also touches on the challenges banks face, from regulatory hurdles to the pressure of competing with instant digital services. Bryan highlights Baker Hill’s efforts to bridge the gap with innovative lending solutions, AI-driven decision-making, and digital transformation strategies tailored to community financial institutions.

Whether you’re a business owner, banker, or someone interested in the future of financial services, this episode sheds light on why the role of community banks is more important than ever.

Episode Title: The Future of Community Banking: Fintech vs Community Bank: Who Will Win?

Guest: Bryan Peckinpaugh – VP at Baker Hill, a leading provider of lending technology for financial institutions.

Topics Covered:

✔️ The history and evolution of Baker Hill in fintech

✔️ Why community banks are vital to small businesses and local economies

✔️ Challenges community banks face in competing with fintech and big banks

✔️ The role of technology in modernizing lending and banking services

✔️ How AI and automation can help banks provide better customer service

✔️ The importance of building relationships with your banker before you need them

✔️ Upcoming events, including Baker Hill’s conference featuring Malcolm Gladwell

🔗 Resources & Links:

• Learn more about Baker Hill: www.bakerhill.com
• Baker Hill Lending Conference (May 2025, San Diego): Prosper2025 San Diego 

📌 Enjoying the podcast? Subscribe & leave a review!

• Guest: Paul Mayer, CEO, Garland Chamber of Commerce
• Location: YTexas Event at the Dallas College Convention Center, Garland, Texas
• Episode Topics:
• The power of community collaboration: How the city, chamber, and schools work together for Garland’s economic development.
• Stewardship in leadership: Paul’s perspective on creating sustainable partnerships and his experience shaping the city's future.
• Workforce development: The collaboration between Garland's businesses, Dallas College, and the local school district to prepare the next generation of workers.
• The role of the chamber in building a thriving city: How the Garland Chamber supports local businesses and elevates the community.
• Overcoming fragmentation: The story behind the formation of the Garland Economic Development Partnership and its long-term success.
• Garland’s approach to regional collaboration: How local chambers and the broader North Texas region work together to drive growth and attract new opportunities.

1. Introduction [00:00]
2. Justin McKenzie introduces the special episode with Paul Mayer at the YTexas event in Garland, Texas.
3. The Role of the Chamber in Garland [02:00]
4. Paul discusses the unique role of the Garland Chamber of Commerce and how it serves the community by supporting local businesses.
5. Garland’s Economic History & Manufacturing Legacy [04:00]
6. Paul highlights Garland’s history, from agriculture to its manufacturing roots, and how the Chamber has aligned its programming to support this economy.
7. Building Collaborative Partnerships [06:00]
8. The discussion moves to the importance of collaboration between businesses, the city, and local schools. Paul emphasizes how these partnerships have shaped Garland’s success.
9. Workforce Development & Education [08:00]
10. Paul talks about the role of Dallas College and local school districts in preparing Garland’s future workforce and ensuring long-term economic success.
11. Overcoming Fragmentation in Garland’s Leadership [10:00]
12. A look into the city’s early challenges in leadership collaboration and how the formation of the Garland Economic Development Partnership changed the course of the city.
13. Regional Collaboration & Strategic Growth [12:00]
14. Paul discusses the importance of thinking regionally and working with other chambers and organizations to boost the Dallas-Fort Worth area’s growth
15. The Culture of Collaboration in Garland [14:00]
16. Reflecting on how Garland’s culture of collaboration has become ingrained in the community’s DNA, driving continued prosperity and innovation.
17. Conclusion & Final Thoughts [16:00]
18. Justin and Paul wrap up their conversation and discuss the importance of leadership that elevates others in shaping Garland’s future.

In this episode of The Building Texas Show, Justin McKenzie sits down with LaKesha Raynor, the Director of the Ascend Institute at Dallas College. LaKesha shares her work in workforce development, apprenticeships, and building key partnerships with both local and international organizations. She discusses how Dallas College is preparing the next generation of workers to meet the demands of evolving industries like logistics, autonomy, and technology. LaKesha highlights the importance of education, creativity, and collaboration in shaping Texas’ future workforce. Through her work with the Texoma Logistics Innovation Engine and partnerships with global entities, LaKesha emphasizes the interconnectedness of sectors such as logistics, AI, and the creative arts in the modern economy.

• Guest: LaKesha Raynor, Director of the Ascend Institute at Dallas College
• Location: YTexas Event at Dallas College, Garland, Texas
• Episode Topics:
• LaKesha’s role at the Ascend Institute and the key focus on workforce development and apprenticeships.
• How Dallas College collaborates with external partners to offer specialized training to employees and employers.
• The significance of logistics, freight mobility, and cybersecurity in the modern economy.
• LaKesha’s international presence, including her work in Barcelona and Monterrey, Mexico, and the global reach of Dallas College.
• The role of YTexas in fostering collaboration and creating innovative ecosystems in Texas.
• The future of workforce development: Preparing the next generation for jobs in emerging sectors such as autonomous vehicles and AI.
• Breaking the myth of job loss with autonomy: Creating new job opportunities through technological advances.
• How creative industries like film production intersect with logistics, technology, and workforce development.

Links & Resources:

• Learn more about the Ascend Institute at Dallas College: Dallas College Ascend Institute
• Discover more about YTexas: ytexas.com
• Watch other episodes of The Building Texas Show: buildingtexasshow.com

1. Introduction [00:00]
2. Justin McKenzie introduces the special episode with LaKesha Raynor at the YTexas event in Garland, Texas.
3. LaKesha’s Role at Dallas College [01:00]
4. LaKesha explains her role at the Ascend Institute, focusing on workforce development, apprenticeships, and relationship management.
5. International Reach of Dallas College [02:15]
6. LaKesha talks about her international work, including speaking engagements in Barcelona and Monterrey, Mexico, and Dallas College's global partnerships.
7. The Texoma Logistics Innovation Engine [04:00]
8. LaKesha discusses the logistics innovation project funded by the National Science Foundation and its focus on autonomy, logistics, and cybersecurity.
9. The Importance of YTexas in Building Connections [06:00]
10. LaKesha shares how YTexas has helped her build valuable connections and expand Dallas College’s influence through new partnerships.
11. Preparing the Future Workforce [08:00]
12. LaKesha discusses how Dallas College is preparing students for the future workforce, focusing on next-gen sectors like autonomous vehicles and AI.
13. Myth Busting: Autonomy Creates Jobs [10:00]
14. LaKesha challenges the notion that automation and autonomous vehicles will eliminate jobs, explaining how these technologies create new opportunities.
15. Creative Arts Meets Logistics & Technology [12:00]
16. Exploring the intersection of the creative arts, logistics, and technology, LaKesha shares insights from her visit to the Austin Film Society and how industries overlap.
17. Conclusion & Final Thoughts [13:00]
18. Justin and LaKesha wrap up their conversation, emphasizing the need for education, collaboration, and innovation in building Texas’ workforce.

In this episode of The Building Texas Show, host Justin McKenzie sits down with John Naron, City Manager of Hondo, Texas, to discuss the city’s strategic growth, infrastructure development, and economic future.

Hondo, located on Highway 90, has long been a hub of transportation and industry, and today, it's at the forefront of smart rural development. From sports fields to rail expansion, workforce opportunities, and water infrastructure, this episode breaks down how Hondo is building a future-ready community while preserving its small-town heritage.

🔑 Key Takeaways from This Episode:

✅ Hondo’s Economic Engine – How rail, highways, and aviation infrastructure are positioning the city as a business hub.

✅ Strategic Growth Planning – How Hondo is balancing growth while maintaining its character and quality of life.

✅ Investing in Youth & Quality of Life – The city’s $400K sports complex upgrade and how parks drive economic development.

✅ Infrastructure & Water Conservation – Why Hondo is laser-focused on water system upgrades, reducing leaks, and preparing for future growth.

✅ The Boise Cascade Expansion – What this major industrial project means for local jobs and business investment.

✅ Public Engagement & Transparency – Why master plans, community surveys, and open collaboration matter for Hondo’s future.

🚀 From small-town pride to major economic moves, Hondo is proving that rural Texas is ready for the future.

🎥 Watch now and join the conversation about how Hondo is shaping its next chapter!

📲 Follow the City of Hondo & Learn More:

🌎 City Website: hondo-tx.org

🔔 Subscribe to The Building Texas Show for more episodes on Texas innovation, leadership, and economic growth!

#BuildingTexas #HondoTexas #EconomicDevelopment #WorkforceDevelopment #Infrastructure #RuralTexas #RailIndustry #Aviation #PublicPrivatePartnerships #TexasGrowth #BoiseCascade #Highway90 #WaterConservation #CityPlanning #CommunityEngagement

San Antonio is evolving, and no one knows it better than **Davis Phillips**, the President & CEO of **Phillips Entertainment**. In this episode, we dive into the incredible transformation of **Alamo Plaza**, the **booming tourism industry**, and the challenges and opportunities that come with rebuilding an entertainment empire.  

🔹 **How San Antonio became a top-tier destination**  

🔹 **The $600M Alamo Plaza revitalization project**  

🔹 **How local businesses are adapting to change**  

🔹 **The rise of themed entertainment & immersive experiences**  

🔹 **Behind the scenes of "Be Kind & Rewind" and upcoming attractions**  

If you’re passionate about business, tourism, or just love a good comeback story, this episode is for you!  

**👥 Guest:** Davis Phillips – President & CEO, Phillips Entertainment  

**📍 Location:** San Antonio, TX  

📢 **New to the channel?** Subscribe for more insightful conversations about business, innovation, and the people shaping the future!  

📩 **Stay Connected:**  

✅ Follow Davis Phillips: [Insert Socials]  

✅ Learn More About Phillips Entertainment: [Insert Website]  

✅ Follow Us for More Episodes: [Insert Socials]  

🛎 **Subscribe & Hit the Bell** to stay updated on future episodes!  

---  

### **⏰ YouTube Chapters:**  

00:00 - **Intro: Welcome to Episode 24**  

02:15 - **San Antonio’s Tourism Boom: How We Got Here**  

05:30 - **The $600M Alamo Plaza Transformation**  

10:00 - **Economic Impact of Tourism & Hidden Benefits for Locals**  

15:45 - **The Role of Private Businesses in Public Development**  

20:30 - **From Wax Museums to Immersive Experiences: The Evolution of Phillips Entertainment**  

25:15 - **The Making of "Be Kind & Rewind": A Nostalgic Experience**  

30:00 - **New Attractions Coming to San Antonio: Haunted Houses & Themed Bars**  

35:45 - **Why Collaboration Over Competition is the Key to Success**  

40:00 - **How Tourism Leaders Are Shaping the Future of San Antonio**  

45:30 - **Closing Thoughts & The Call for Local Support**  

🔥 **Let us know in the comments:** Which part of San Antonio’s transformation excites you the most?  

In this compelling episode of The Building Texas Show, host Justin McKenzie sits down with Joseph Kopser, entrepreneur, military veteran, and co-founder of Grayline Group and US Tomorrow, to discuss the intersection of education, workforce development, and Texas' booming space industry.

Filmed at Dallas College during the YTexas event, this episode highlights the critical connections between industry, education, and the future economy. With insights from Kopser’s experience in aerospace, economic development, and technology, we explore:

✅ The importance of workforce development – How Texas can better prepare its youth for high-paying careers in emerging industries.

✅ The Texas space economy – From Firefly Aerospace's lunar landing to the 1,800+ commercial space companies shaping the future.

✅ The rural talent challenge – How fiber internet, reshoring manufacturing, and new industries can revitalize small-town economies.

✅ Public-private partnerships – The role of businesses and investors in shaping Texas' economic future.

✅ Dual-use innovation – How military-backed technology is unlocking new commercial applications in robotics, automation, and infrastructure.

🔥 Plus, we dive into the upcoming Firefly Aerospace lunar landing, why Texas has launched more people into space than any other state, and how SWIFT (Space Workforce Incubator for Texas) is creating pathways for skilled trade jobs in aerospace.

Whether you're a business leader, policymaker, student, or entrepreneur, this episode is packed with insightful takeaways on how Texas is shaping the future—not just in space but across every industry.

🎥 Watch now and join the conversation on the future of Texas!

📲 Follow Joseph Kopser:

🔗 LinkedIn: @JosephKopser

🌎 Grayline Group: www.graylinegroup.com

🔔 Subscribe to The Building Texas Show for more episodes on Texas innovation, leadership, and economic growth!

#TexasBusiness #BuildingTexas #YTexas #SpaceIndustry #EconomicDevelopment #WorkforceDevelopment #FutureOfWork #FireflyAerospace #SWIFT #Entrepreneurship #RuralTexas #Manufacturing #PublicPrivatePartnerships #Innovation #Leadership #SpaceX #BlueOrigin #GraylineGroup