The Building Texas Show

In this episode of The Building Texas Show, host Justin McKenzie sits down with Mayor Dylan Hedrick of Garland, Texas, the Cowboy Hat Capital of Texas. Mayor Hedrick shares how he moved from city council to the mayor’s seat, why listening is the most important part of leadership, and how Garland is navigating redevelopment, manufacturing growth, major bond investments, and the challenges of being a 98% built-out city.

Learn how Garland is planning its next 25 years, why a single pothole can define city government, and how the city is positioning itself for new employers, a private hospital, and transformative development at I-635 and Shiloh.

Garland Texas, Mayor Dylan Hedrick, Garland Cowboy Hat Capital, Garland economic development, Texas cities, Garland manufacturing, Garland hospital, Garland 635 Shiloh, Garland redevelopment, Building Texas Show, Justin McKenzie, Texas podcast, Fifth and State podcast

Developer Gilley Mendoza, founder of Gilley International, joins The Building Texas Show to discuss how intentional, community-driven development is reshaping the future of South San Antonio. From the rapid growth around Palo Alto College and Texas A&M University–San Antonio, to the expansion of Toyota, JCB, and other advanced manufacturing employers, the South Side is becoming one of Texas’ most important economic corridors.

In this episode, Gilley breaks down his development strategy, including his new 80-unit Villaret Commons project positioned directly across from Palo Alto College. He explains why “approachable housing,” workforce alignment, school quality, and smart infrastructure matter more than ever as Texas absorbs massive population growth.

If you want to understand San Antonio real estate trends, the future of South Side development, or the emerging Texas Triangle economy, this is a must-watch discussion.

Learn more:

Villaret Commons – https://villaretcommons.com

The Building Texas Show – https://buildingtexasshow.com

00:00 Introduction

00:17 Meet Developer Gilley Mendoza

00:35 How Real Estate Became a Career Path

01:40 First Development Deal and Lessons Learned

02:55 Why the South Side Is the Future of San Antonio Growth

04:22 The Impact of Palo Alto College and Texas A&M–San Antonio

05:42 Water, Infrastructure, and Development Challenges

07:25 Inside the 80-Unit Villaret Commons Project

08:32 Growing Gilley International into a Multi-Generational Brand

10:35 Community Feedback and Responsible Development

12:45 Housing Market Trends, Interest Rates, and Builder Strategy

14:47 The Coming Housing Shortage and Workforce Needs

15:57 How Workforce Data Shapes Site Selection

18:19 The Texas Triangle and Secondary Market Opportunities

19:01 Why Approachable Housing Matters in Texas Growth

20:47 Schools, Workforce Retention, and Long-Term Community Strength

23:07 Overcoming Barriers and Re-Earning Community Trust

23:59 Closing Thoughts

LOCOAL is entering its breakout moment.

In this episode of The Building Texas Show, three-time guest Miles Murray, Founder & CEO of LOCOAL, returns to share the company’s major milestone: their first commercial waste-to-energy unit is now deployed just outside Houston. This marks LOCOAL’s transition from prototype to full commercial operation.

Their modular 50-foot system transforms wood waste, storm debris, and industrial byproducts into clean energy, high-purity carbon, and bio-oil—creating a new circular economy for Texas and beyond.

Whether you’re an investor, entrepreneur, municipal leader, or part of the carbon/energy sector, this episode delivers a powerful look at the future of decentralized clean-tech infrastructure.

What You’ll Learn

• How LOCOAL converts waste into energy and high-purity carbon

• Why counties, cities, and recyclers are turning to mobile waste-to-energy systems

• The explosive growth of biochar in agriculture, concrete, steel, and battery science

• U.S. Air Force–funded innovation pushing LOCOAL toward national deployment in 2026

• How LOCOAL secured $250M in LOIs and strategic investment for scaling

• Why wildfire mitigation and landfill reduction need decentralized solutions now

LOCOAL has developed a patented waste-to-energy system designed to bring clean energy generation directly to the source of waste. Their mobile modular units convert organic and rubber feedstocks into energy, bio-oil, and market-grade carbon while reducing wildfire risks and diverting waste from landfills.

Learn more: https://www.locoal.com

About The Building Texas Show

Hosted by Justin McKenzie, The Building Texas Show highlights the entrepreneurs, innovators, industries, and rural communities shaping the future of Texas.

Subscribe for more episodes on:

• Texas innovation

• Clean energy & carbon markets

• Entrepreneurship & investment

• Rural economic development

• Future of work + emerging industries

If you found this episode insightful, please like, comment, and subscribe.

Your support helps us spotlight the innovators building the future of Texas.

Chapters

00:00 – Intro & Welcome to Miles Murray (Third Appearance)

00:29 – The Startup Journey: Idea → Prototype → Commercial Pilot

01:16 – What LOCOAL Does: Making Landfills Obsolete

03:05 – Origin Story: Iraq, Hard Environments & Mobile Waste Solutions

04:09 – Timber Economics & Domestic Energy Demand

05:40 – Turning Waste Into Valuable Feedstock

05:51 – Customer #1: Pallet Recycling & Wood Waste

07:11 – Why Mulch Piles Catch Fire

08:46 – Wildfire Risk & Post-Flood Debris in Texas

11:11 – Biochar 101: From Soil to Steel

14:00 – LOCOAL Today: Pilot Deployment & 2026 Outlook

16:06 – Patents, Global Expansion & $250M in LOIs

16:52 – What the System Looks Like: A 50-Foot Power Plant

18:50 – From Waste Pile to Energy, Carbon & Bio-Oil

19:42 – Why Municipalities Should Pay Attention

21:36 – Carbon Credits & Molecular-Level Tracking

22:57 – Agriculture, Biochar & Rural Economic Impact

23:06 – 2026: Breakout Year & How to Connect

24:24 – Closing Remarks

Cedar Park is becoming one of Texas’ most dynamic tech-driven cities — and Mayor Jim Penniman-Morin shares how thoughtful leadership, global mindset, and long-term planning are fueling that transformation.

Learn how companies like Firefly, Element USA, and international entrepreneurs are choosing Cedar Park — and why the city’s focus on quality of life is the true accelerator. We also discuss water planning, regional cooperation, affordability, the Bell District, and major developments like Nebraska Furniture Mart and Scheels.

Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome to Cedar Park

00:24 – Introducing Mayor Jim Penniman-Morin

01:00 – Why top companies choose Cedar Park

02:20 – Global talent & multicultural growth

03:15 – Water planning, resilience & long-term infrastructure

05:05 – Regional cooperation with Leander & Liberty Hill

06:10 – Attracting corporate headquarters

08:00 – Affordability, housing, and growth balance

09:30 – City identity, amenities & becoming full-service

10:45 – The true role of a mayor

12:00 – Community building & the “giving machine” story

13:10 – Maintaining small-town feel in a global city

14:10 – Major developments: NFM, Scheels & hotel/convention center

15:10 – Building the Bell District (Cedar Park’s future downtown)

16:20 – Global mindset, Texas heritage & welcoming culture

17:30 – Why you should visit Cedar Park

In this episode, Justin McKenzie sits down with Dr. Andrew Johnson III, Workforce Powerhouse and leader at Lone Star College, to explore how community colleges are reshaping talent pipelines, partnering with global employers like Apple, Foxconn, SpaceX, SLB, and Daikin, and creating life-changing opportunities for Texans of all ages.

Dr. Johnson shares insights into:

• Why community college is not a second choice

• Texas’ urgent skilled-trades workforce gap

• How employers should be using community colleges as their talent strategy

• The affordability advantage

• Lone Star College's upcoming lights-out manufacturing line

• Dual-credit programs that help students graduate high school with college credits

• Scholarships, technical pathways, and career-ready training for Texans 16–60+

Whether you're an employer, educator, policymaker, or parent — this episode shows how community colleges are preparing the workforce that will power Texas for decades.

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction

00:02 – Welcome Back: Andrew Johnson Returns

00:32 – Why “Workforce Powerhouse”?

00:52 – The Scale & Importance of Community Colleges

01:51 – Texas Workforce Needs & the 2035 Skills Gap

03:14 – Affordability vs. For-Profit Education

05:05 – How Community Colleges Serve Employers

05:40 – Why Corporate America Should Be on Campus

07:18 – Major Employers Visiting Lone Star (Foxconn, Apple, SLB, Daikin)

07:35 – What Impresses Global Companies

08:49 – Custom Training & Corporate Partnerships

09:04 – The Three Pillars: Customized Training, CE, Credit Hours

10:51 – Justin’s Story: Transferring from Alamo Colleges

12:19 – How to Show Parents the Value of Community College

14:43 – Scholarships & Opportunities for Skilled Trades

15:04 – Transportation, Access & Adult Learners

15:48 – Employer Loyalty & Dual-Credit Programs

16:31 – The Growth of Texas Workforce Pathways

17:11 – Community College as a Premier Career Path

18:15 – SpaceX, Dyken, and Hiring Local Technicians

19:11 – What Success Looks Like

19:19 – When to Enroll & How Community Colleges Adapt

19:40 – Employer-Student Training Models

21:56 – Dr. Johnson’s Journey: From Welder to PhD

23:00 – Closing Thoughts & Future Vision for Texas Workforce

23:03 – Episode Close

On this episode of The Building Texas Show and our Visiting Texas series, Justin McKenzie sits down with Zane Adamo, frontman of The Soda Crackers, a California band carrying the classic Bakersfield Sound across Texas and Oklahoma.

We dive into the band’s first multi-state tour, their deep ties to Texas dance halls, the Western Swing roots of the Bakersfield Sound, and how a new generation is keeping honky-tonk traditions alive. From Turkey, Texas, to Albert Dance Hall, Zane shares stories from the road, their musical influences, and the spirit behind their debut album coming December 1st.

If you love Texas music, dance halls, or the legacy of Buck Owens (Sherman, Texas), the father of the Bakersfield sound, Bill Woods (Denison, Texas), and the Dust Bowl era — this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

It don't matter who is in Austin, Bob Wills is Still the King.

Find The Soda Crackers online:

Store: thesodacrackers.bigcartel.com

Streaming everywhere December 1st.

photo credit: Felix Adamo

Watch more episodes:

buildingtexasshow.com

Discover Glen Rose, Texas like never before. In this episode of The Building Texas Show, host Justin McKenzie sits down with Mayor Joe Boles to explore the heart, heritage, and holiday magic of Glen Rose. From its beloved Christmas Parade to its world-famous dinosaur tracks, Glen Rose is a small Texas town with big charm—and Mayor Bowles invites you to come experience it for yourself.

Located just over an hour from the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex, Glen Rose blends community spirit, Texas tradition, outdoor adventure, and a welcoming environment that keeps families coming back year after year. Whether you're looking for a small-town Christmas celebration or a weekend getaway filled with nature and history, Glen Rose has something for everyone.

Plan your weekend in Glen Rose, Texas:

• Enjoy the Glen Rose Christmas Parade on Friday, November 29, 2025

• Stay in one of Glen Rose’s inns, bed & breakfasts, or resorts

• Explore Dinosaur Valley State Park, Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, historic downtown, and more

Watch the full interview to hear Mayor Boles' story, Glen Rose traditions, and why you should make plans to visit.

Chapters & Timestamps

00:00 — Welcome to Glen Rose

00:29 — Kindness and culture in a small Texas town

01:15 — Why people seek out small towns like Glen Rose

01:44 — What brought Mayor Joe Boles to Glen Rose

02:43 — A career shift and a new beginning

03:18 — How Mayor Boles began serving the city

04:32 — Entering public service: planning & zoning

05:24 — Becoming mayor of Glen Rose

06:00 — Celebrating Christmas in Glen Rose

06:21 — Revitalizing holiday traditions and decorations

07:20 — The nativity scene and a powerful moment

08:29 — Santa, Mrs. Claus, and community volunteers

09:10 — A true small-town Christmas experience

09:37 — Glen Rose Christmas Parade details

10:23 — Where to stay in Glen Rose

11:10 — Making Glen Rose a full-weekend destination

11:38 — Dinosaur Valley State Park & Fossil Rim

12:20 — The appeal of Glen Rose year-round

12:47 — Mayor Boles’ final invitation: Come to Glen Rose

About The Building Texas Show

The Building Texas Show highlights the people, places, and ideas shaping communities across the Lone Star State. Hosted by **Justin McKenzie**, the show brings you stories from small towns, local leaders, and Texas innovators making an impact.

Explore more episodes at:

https://www.buildingtexasshow.com

https://www.buildingtexasshow.com

In this milestone 100th episode of The Building Texas Show, host Justin McKenzie sits down with Texas entrepreneur David McInnis, founder of PRWeb and co-founder of Newsworthy.ai. From selling lollipops in middle school to pioneering one of the first online press release platforms, McInnis’ story captures the spirit of innovation that fuels Texas business.

Justin and David explore:

Justin also shares insights from The Building Texas Show’s own partnership with Newsworthy.ai, revealing a 20x increase in web traffic after integrating Texas-focused news feeds and SEO-driven content.

“This show started as a radio experiment,” Justin reflects. “Now, 100 episodes later, we’re telling stories that help define the future of Texas — one entrepreneur at a time.”

Listen now at buildingtexasshow.com or wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode of The Building Texas Show, host Justin McKenzie talks with Sarah Rothstein, founder and owner of The Charmadillo, a unique eco-friendly glampground in Center Point, Texas.

Sarah shares her inspiring story of moving from Minnesota to the Texas Hill Country to build something extraordinary from the ground up — a destination that blends adventure, nature, and community connection. From the name’s quirky origins to The Charmadillo’s national recognition as a top 10 Hipcamp newcomer, Sarah’s journey captures the entrepreneurial spirit and authentic charm that define small-town Texas.

Discover why this Center Point, Texas is becoming one of the Hill Country’s most exciting up-and-coming communities — and why now is the time to visit.

www.TheCharmadillo.com

www.BuildingTexasShow.com

In this audio-only feature of The Building Texas Show, host Justin McKenzie sits down with Tex Toler, Tourism Director for Glen Rose, Texas, to uncover the stories that make this Hill Country town one of the most charming Destinations, Texas.

Located just southwest of Fort Worth, Glen Rose is home to Dinosaur Valley State Park, Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, and the International Texas Longhorn Association. It’s a place where history, nature, and community spirit meet — a perfect escape that feels far from the city yet close to home.

In This Episode:

Where in Texas is Glen Rose?!

How the Texas Longhorn shaped America’s West?

Glen Rose’s titles: Dinosaur, Bluegrass & Moonshine Capitals of Texas

Christmas traditions and the magic of a Norman Rockwell-like square - could it be the Nativity Capital of Texas? Come find out.

The launch of https://visitglenrosetx.com/ and the town’s new tagline “On the Doorstep of Nature”