The Building Texas Show

In this episode of The Building Texas Show, host Justin McKenzie sits down with Gary Forni, Chairman of the Central Texas Angel Network, for a deep, behind-the-scenes conversation on how angel investing actually works in Texas.

If you’re an entrepreneur raising capital, a founder trying to understand investor decision-making, or a community leader working to build an innovation ecosystem in your city, this episode delivers rare clarity.

Gary breaks down what most people never see:

What an angel investor really is (and is not)

Why angels invest their own money—and how that changes everything

How angel networks reduce risk through discipline, governance, and process

Why Texas angel investing is becoming increasingly distributed

How rural and mid-sized communities like Abilene can participate in venture-backed growth

What founders must do before pitching to avoid common red flags

The conversation walks step-by-step through the Central Texas Angel Network’s full diligence and investment process, from reviewing over 100 applications per cycle to ultimately investing in just 1–2% of companies. Gary explains how structured screening, peer expertise, and multi-layer voting help angels avoid costly mistakes—and help founders become stronger, more investable companies even when the answer is “no.”

You’ll also hear how CTAN collaborates statewide through syndication, why angel education matters just as much as capital, and how angel investors actively give back through mentorship, ecosystem building, and early-stage feedback.

This episode is not theory—it’s real-world insight from someone who has evaluated hundreds of startups annually and helped guide companies from first checks to IPOs.

In this episode of The Building Texas Show, host Justin McKenzie sits down with Whit Runion, founder of Fuel Perfect to unpack an often-overlooked but mission-critical topic: diesel fuel risk.

Whit explains how fuel polishing works, why diesel fuel no longer lasts like it used to, and how contaminated fuel can silently disable generators at hospitals, data centers, utilities, nursing homes, and other critical facilities across Texas.

With increased strain on the Texas power grid, lessons learned from Winter Storm Uri, and explosive growth in data centers and backup generation, this conversation highlights why fuel maintenance is now infrastructure risk management.

Topics Covered:

Learn why fuel is expensive to buy—but relatively inexpensive to protect.

Like and subscribe to The Building Texas Show on YouTube for in-depth conversations on Texas infrastructure, energy, economic development, and the future of work.

In this episode of @thebuildingtexasshow host Justin McKenzie sits down with Rob Hardy, Mayor of Sunrise Beach Village, for a deep conversation on small-town leadership, life on Lake LBJ, and what it really takes to run a city of just 800 residents in the Texas Hill Country.

Located in Llano County, Sunrise Beach Village is a unique waterfront community with five public parks, a locally run police department, and a strong culture of volunteerism. Mayor Hardy explains why the city chose incorporation, how municipal services work in rural Texas and the realities of managing infrastructure, emergency services, and water systems in a fast-growing region.

This episode covers:

Why Sunrise Beach Village is incorporated while nearby communities are not

The challenges and benefits of governing a small Texas city

How parks, police, and code enforcement shape quality of life

The role of Emergency Service Districts and volunteer fire departments

Managing water infrastructure after acquiring it from Lower Colorado River Authority

Why mayors of small towns are often unpaid, full-time public servants

Growth pressures spreading west through the Hill Country

If you’re interested in Texas communities, rural leadership, municipal government, or the future of life along the Highland Lakes, this episode offers an honest, inside look at how it all works.

Subscribe for more conversations exploring the people and places shaping Texas.

In this news-style episode of ‪@thebuildingtexasshow‬ host Justin McKenzie sits down with Denton Mayor Gerard Hudspeth to discuss how the city is navigating rapid North Texas growth while preserving its unique identity.

From higher education and workforce pipelines to major employers, tourism, housing, and large-scale master-planned development, this conversation provides a grounded look at what’s shaping Denton’s future.

Mayor Hudspeth explains why cities must plan beyond election cycles, how Denton is creating pathways for graduates to stay and build careers, and what residents, visitors, and site selectors should be watching as the city moves toward 2026.

Companies, Institutions, and Brands Mentioned in This Episode The interview references several organizations that play a direct role in Denton’s economy, workforce, and quality of life, including:

‪@HEB‬ – Retail anchor for upcoming master-planned development

‪@PeterbiltMotorsCompany‬ – Major employer and manufacturing presence

‪@UofNorthTexas‬ Workforce, logistics, music, and public administration pipeline

‪@TXWomans‬ – Education and healthcare workforce contributor

Tetra Pak – Industrial and manufacturing operations

‪@Hillwood‬ – Partner on Denton’s landmark master-planned community

‪@buceesyt‬ – Regional tourism and retail draw

‪@DiscoverDenton‬ – Tourism, events, and visitor information hub

About ‪@thebuildingtexasshow‬

The Building Texas Show is a statewide media platform focused on telling the real stories behind Texas cities, communities, and economic growth.

Hosted by Justin McKenzie, the show features in-depth conversations with:

Mayors and civic leaders

Economic developers and site selectors

Entrepreneurs, operators, and investors

Community builders shaping Texas’s future

Each episode is designed to be discoverable, evergreen, and useful—helping audiences understand how Texas communities grow, plan, and compete in a rapidly changing economy.

In this episode of The Building Texas Show, host Justin McKenzie travels to Pampa in the Texas Panhandle to sit down with Mike Borger, Mayor of Pampa, to explore one of the most compelling rural growth stories unfolding in Texas today.

Once known primarily for oil, gas, and agriculture, Pampa is now positioning itself at the center of data centers, renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, and next-generation infrastructure. Mayor Borger shares how wind, solar, midstream energy assets, and strategic leadership are converging to drive new investment, higher wages, and long-term opportunity for residents.

The conversation covers:

This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in Texas economic development, rural revitalization, energy infrastructure, workforce strategy, and the future of small and mid-sized American cities.

Subscribe to The Building Texas Show for conversations with mayors, founders, and civic leaders shaping the future of Texas.

College Station, Texas sits at the center of the Texas Triangle—and at the center of one of the most dynamic growth stories in the state.

In this episode of The Building Texas Show, host Justin McKenzie sits down with Mayor John Nichols to explore how College Station is managing rapid growth driven by Texas A&M University, a transient student population of nearly 80,000, and an expanding private-sector economy.

Mayor Nichols shares a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to lead a city where tradition, research, entrepreneurship, tourism, and infrastructure all intersect. From startup and innovation hubs connected to Texas A&M, to sports tourism and hotel occupancy strategies, to long-range planning for housing, transportation, and infill development—this conversation offers a masterclass in modern municipal leadership.

Key topics include:

Managing town-and-gown dynamics in a fast-growing university city

Attracting entrepreneurs and supporting startups emerging from Texas A&M

Economic diversification beyond education and public employment

Tourism, hotel occupancy tax, and the impact of major events at Kyle Field

Long-term planning for density, infrastructure, and quality of life

Why College Station is positioned as a strategic hub inside the Texas Triangle

Whether you’re a civic leader, entrepreneur, investor, or someone interested in how Texas cities are planning for the next decade, this episode provides real insight into how growth is being managed at the local level.

Featuring: College Station

Guest: Mayor John Nichols

Host: Justin McKenzie

Subscribe to The Building Texas Show for in-depth conversations with mayors, founders, and leaders shaping the future of Texas.

The Alamo is more than a battlefield—it is a 300-year story that spans Spanish missions, revolution, preservation, and modern Texas identity.

In this episode of The Building Texas Show, host Justin McKenzie sits down with Emily Baucum of Alamo Trust, Inc. to explore the Alamo’s past, present, and future. From its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site to the state-led $550 million Alamo Plan, this conversation breaks down how Texas is preserving one of its most important historic sites while re-establishing the full footprint of the original mission and battlefield.

The discussion covers the Alamo’s evolving role in downtown San Antonio, ongoing archaeological discoveries, new public spaces like the promenade and Plaza de Valero, and what visitors can expect with the upcoming world-class Visitor Center and Museum opening in 2027.

If you’ve been to the Alamo before, this episode explains why it’s time to return—and why the Alamo remains central to Texas, American, and global history.

Watch the full episode and subscribe to ‪@thebuildingtexasshow‬ for more conversations on Texas communities, history, and economic development.

In this episode of The Building Texas Show, host Justin McKenzie sits down with Mayor Jim Ross of Arlington, Texas to explore how one of Texas’ most recognizable cities is quietly becoming a national leader in innovation, diversity, and economic development.

Known worldwide for AT&T Stadium, Globe Life Field, and major global events, Arlington is also emerging as a hub for startups, advanced manufacturing, aerospace, satellite technology, and workforce development. Mayor Ross shares his personal journey into public service, the role of community in shaping opportunity, and why Arlington has become one of the most diverse and welcoming cities in Texas—and the country.

This conversation dives into Arlington’s ability to host the world, from FIFA World Cup matches to major cultural events, while simultaneously building a future-focused economy anchored by education, entrepreneurship, and cutting-edge industries like space and defense manufacturing.

If you’re exploring Texas cities, economic development, innovation ecosystems, workforce growth, or the future of work, this episode offers a powerful look at how Arlington is positioning itself for 2026 and beyond.

Watch, like, and subscribe to ‪@thebuildingtexasshow‬ for more conversations with mayors, founders, and leaders shaping the future of Texas.

Odessa, Texas is experiencing one of the most dynamic growth periods in the state — and opportunity is at the center of it. In this episode of The Building Texas Show, host Justin McKenzie sits down with Odessa Mayor Cal Hendrick to discuss workforce shortages, energy innovation, entrepreneurship, infrastructure, and why the Permian Basin remains one of the most opportunity-rich regions in America.

Mayor Hendrick explains how Odessa’s economy extends far beyond oil and gas, touching on wind, solar, geothermal, nuclear energy, higher education, healthcare expansion, and the urgent need for skilled trades and entrepreneurs. From community colleges to spaceport innovation, this conversation highlights why Odessa is attracting workers, investors, and businesses from across Texas and around the world.

Whether you’re a tradesperson, investor, entrepreneur, policymaker, or someone considering a career pivot, this episode offers a candid look at what’s driving growth in West Texas — and why Odessa’s future matters to the entire state.

Subscribe to The Building Texas Show for in-depth conversations with mayors, founders, and civic leaders shaping Texas communities.

In this episode of The Building Texas Show, host Justin McKenzie sits down with McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos for an in-depth conversation about one of Texas’ most misunderstood — and most successful — cities.

McAllen has quietly become the economic engine of the Rio Grande Valley, earning recognition as one of the safest cities in the United States, a top destination for small business, and a regional hub for workforce, education, and international trade. Mayor Villalobos explains how regional collaboration, smart fiscal management, and strong partnerships with Mexico are shaping McAllen’s future.

From lowering property tax rates and maintaining strong city reserves to expanding the convention economy, workforce training, and cross-border manufacturing, this conversation offers a rare, grounded look at how modern Texas cities are being built — especially along the border.

Whether you’re a business leader, site selector, policymaker, or Texan curious about the future of the Rio Grande Valley, this episode delivers real insight into what’s working in McAllen and why its best days are ahead.

Subscribe to The Building Texas Show for conversations with Texas mayors, entrepreneurs, and leaders shaping the future of communities across the state.