The Building Texas Show

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)

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

Bridging Academia and Industry (3:30)

Lessons from Boston’s Success (5:45)

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

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

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

Closing Thoughts (14:00)

✈️ **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:

📌 Enjoying the podcast? Subscribe & leave a review!

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

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

In this exciting episode of The Building Texas Show, host Justin McKenzie sits down with Norman Garza, the Executive Director of the Texas Space Commission, to discuss how Texas is leading the next era of space commercialization.

Recorded at YTexas in Garland, Texas, this episode unpacks how House Bill 3447 launched the Texas Space Commission, the state's $150 million investment in the commercial space industry, and the future of space exploration, workforce development, and innovation.

🌟 Key Takeaways from This Episode:

✅ Texas’ Growing Space Industry – The state is home to SpaceX, Blue Origin, Firefly Aerospace, Intuitive Machines, and 1,800+ space companies.

✅ Public-Private Partnerships – Why Texas is investing in commercial space stations, satellite manufacturing, and hypersonic technology.

✅ Workforce & Economic Development – How universities, trade schools, and businesses are preparing the next generation of space professionals.

✅ Rural Texas’ Role in Space – How Hondo, Kerrville, Midland, and other towns can capitalize on commercial space investment.

✅ Texas' Global Leadership – Why international investors and companies are choosing Texas as the epicenter for space innovation.

🚀 We also discuss how Texas is competing with California, Colorado, and Florida in the global space race, the impact of Firefly Aerospace’s lunar landing, and why space isn't just about rockets—it's about every aspect of our economy.

🔔 Watch Now and Join the Conversation on the Future of Space in Texas!

📲 Follow Norman Garza & The Texas Space Commission:

🌎 Website: space.texas.gov

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

#TexasBusiness #BuildingTexas #YTexas #SpaceEconomy #TexasSpaceCommission #FireflyAerospace #BlueOrigin #IntuitiveMachines #WorkforceDevelopment #EconomicDevelopment #FutureOfWork #SpaceX #PublicPrivatePartnerships #Innovation #Leadership #TexasPride

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.

Links & Resources: