The Front Porch

Season 4, Episode 22

It all started with a sidewalk.

Growing up in Florida, Kim Wynarski remembers wishing she could simply walk from her neighborhood to see her friends. Years later, that childhood frustration would help spark an interest in urban planning, public service and, eventually, a career in local government.

In this episode of The Front Porch Podcast, Kim shares the unexpected path that brought her from Florida to Texas and eventually to Melissa, where she now serves as Assistant to the City Manager.

She takes us behind the scenes of a job that can touch everything from policy development and accessibility to community engagement, and explains why she hopes to become a city manager one day.

The conversation also turns to Leadership Melissa, the City's Citizens Academy, and why its real impact begins after graduation. For Kim, the goal isn't simply teaching residents how local government works. It's helping people feel connected, giving them the tools to get involved and creating ripple effects that can strengthen the community for years to come.

And yes, after all these years, she still has some very strong opinions about sidewalks.

Links:

City of Melissa: Website

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Season 4, Episode 21

You may know Aaron Woods as one of the people helping keep Melissa’s water, wastewater, and streets running. What you probably do not know is that he once helped transform an allegedly haunted bar into an elaborate, Hollywood-style haunted house.

In this episode of The Front Porch Podcast, Aaron shares the unexpected journey that brought his family from Nevada to Melissa without ever having visited Texas before. Drawn to the small-town atmosphere, local schools, and opportunities for his three sons, Aaron quickly discovered a community that felt like home.

He also takes us behind the scenes of his family’s passion for haunted houses. What began with his mother creating neighborhood haunts eventually grew into a commercial attraction built alongside his brother, whom Aaron calls the “Michael Jordan of art.” The building already came with its own unsettling history, unexplained alarms, flickering power, and former employees who insisted the place was truly haunted.

Beyond the scares, Aaron reflects on his role with Melissa Public Works, his experience in the City’s leadership development program, and the culture that makes serving this community different from anywhere else he has worked.

It is a conversation about taking chances, finding where you belong, investing in people, and discovering that some of the most interesting stories are hiding behind the people you see every day.

Links:

City of Melissa: Website

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Season 4, Episode 20 of The Front Porch Podcast 

Great communities don't happen by accident. They're built by people who choose to invest in one another.

In this episode of The Front Porch Podcast, we sit down with Human Resources Director Mitzi McCabe and HR Generalist Leslie Chapman to explore the culture behind the City of Melissa and what it takes to create a workplace where people genuinely want to stay.

From hiring the right people to developing future leaders and creating opportunities for employees to connect beyond their daily responsibilities, Mitzi and Leslie share how intentional leadership has helped shape an organization that feels more like a family than a workplace.

The conversation also takes a personal turn as they reflect on their own journeys, growing up in nearby communities, finding careers in public service, and watching Melissa transform over the years while still holding on to the small-town feeling that drew so many people here in the first place.

Whether you're curious about what happens behind the scenes at City Hall or simply wondering what makes Melissa different, this episode offers a look at the people and culture that help make it all possible.

Links:

Human Resources Department: Website 

City of Melissa: Website

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Season 4, Episode 19 of The Front Porch Podcast 

What turns a new address into a place you truly call home?

In this episode of The Front Porch Podcast, we sit down with Casey Hysell, a member of the inaugural Leadership Melissa class, to talk about what it means to move to a new community and intentionally become part of it.

After relocating to Melissa in 2021, Casey wanted more than just a place to live. She wanted to understand the city, meet the people behind it, and discover what makes Melissa different. What she found through Leadership Melissa was far more than an inside look at local government. She found friendships, meaningful connections, and a deeper appreciation for the people who work every day to serve this community.

Casey also shares her family's journey from Louisiana to North Texas, why they ultimately chose Melissa over other growing communities, and how raising her daughter here has reinforced the importance of knowing your neighbors, supporting local businesses, and getting involved.

Whether it's walking the Melissa Big Dill 5K, visiting the Melissa Market, or simply introducing yourself to the people around you, Casey believes strong communities aren't created by chance. They're built by people who choose to participate.

If you've ever wondered how to feel more connected to the place you call home, this conversation is a reminder that community begins with taking the first step.


Links:

City of Melissa: Website

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Season 4, Episode 18 of The Front Porch Podcast 

100 Episodes. Countless Stories. One Community.

Every community has a story, but it's the people who make it worth telling.

In this special 100th episode of The Front Porch Podcast, we look back on the journey that has brought us here with three familiar voices: City Manager Jason Little, Facilities Director and former Mayor Reed Greer, and Executive Director of Administrative Services Gail Dansby.

Together, they reflect on Melissa's remarkable growth over the past two decades, the culture that has made the community so special, and the people who have chosen to invest their lives in building something bigger than themselves. From a city of just a few employees to one of the fastest-growing communities in North Texas, they share the intentional decisions, partnerships, and servant leadership that have helped Melissa grow without losing its heart.

The conversation takes a deeply personal turn as Jason opens up about one of the most difficult seasons of his life and how the kindness of this community changed him forever. It's a powerful reminder that Melissa isn't defined by its growth, its buildings, or its boundaries. It's defined by people who show up for one another.

After 100 episodes and more than 100 stories, one thing has become clear: the heart of Melissa has always been its people.

Thank you for being part of the journey. Here's to the next 100 stories.

Links:

Gail Dansby Podcast: Listen Now

Jason Little Podcast: Listen Now

Reed Greer Podcast: Listen Now

City of Melissa: Website

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Some of the greatest impacts on a community happen behind the scenes.

In this episode of The Front Porch Podcast, we sit down with Paul Anderson, President of the Melissa ISD School Board, to talk about his journey from moving to Melissa in 2007 to becoming one of the community's longest-serving leaders.

For the past 16 years, Paul has helped guide one of the fastest-growing school districts in North Texas, all while keeping the focus on what matters most: creating opportunities for students and preserving the culture that makes Melissa feel like home. He reflects on the tremendous growth our community has experienced, the importance of planning for future generations, and why strong partnerships between the school district, the City, and community organizations are essential to Melissa's continued success.

Beyond the boardroom, Paul's passion for serving others extends to the Melissa Sports Connection, where thousands of children each year have the opportunity to learn, compete, and grow through youth sports. Whether it's watching students walk across the graduation stage or seeing young athletes take the field for the first time, Paul believes every child deserves the chance to succeed.

Throughout the conversation, one message rises above the rest: Melissa's greatest strength isn't just its growth. It's the people who continue to invest in one another. As Paul shares, everyone here is rowing the boat in the same direction, working together to create the best possible future for the next generation.

If you've ever wondered what it takes to build a thriving community while holding on to its small-town values, this episode is one you won't want to miss.


Links:


Melissa ISD: Website

Melissa Sports Connection: Website

City of Melissa: Website

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Season 4, Episode 16 of The Front Porch Podcast features Darren Thompson, who serves on the Melissa School Board and was an inaugural member of Leadership Melissa.

The people who shape our lives often never realize just how far their influence will reach.

From growing up in a family of educators to building a career as an IT Engineer for Toyota, Darren shares how his mother's passion for serving students inspired a lifelong commitment to giving back. What began around the family dinner table eventually led him to Melissa, where a simple question, "How can I help?", opened the door to serving both the school district and the community he now calls home.

Along the way, Darren reflects on why Melissa's schools first attracted his family, what he learned through Leadership Melissa, and why understanding how a community works is one of the best ways to become part of it.

This episode is a reminder that strong communities are built by people who care enough to get involved, invest in others, and leave things better than they found them.

Listen now for a conversation about education, leadership, service, and the ripple effect one person can have on an entire community.  

Links:

City of Melissa: Website

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

What starts as an idea can sometimes grow into something much bigger.

In this episode of The Front Porch Podcast, we sit down with Roberto and Katie Hern, owners of Hern's Pest Control and Hern's Pro Products, to talk about the journey that led them from Southern California to North Texas and from a simple observation in the pest control industry to becoming inventors with a patented product.

After nearly three decades in the pest control business, Roberto noticed a common problem in Texas homes that wasn't being addressed. What began as an idea developed in their kitchen eventually became a patented product designed to help homeowners protect their homes from pests. But bringing that idea to life wasn't easy.

Along the way, Roberto and Katie share the challenges, sacrifices, and unwavering faith that carried them through the process. They reflect on the importance of putting God first, family second, and community third, and how those values have shaped both their business and their lives.

The conversation also offers a glimpse into the partnership behind the success. Roberto credits Katie as the rock of their family and the person who encouraged him to pursue the idea when it was still just a dream. Katie shares her own commitment to serving others through her involvement in the community, church, and local schools.

This episode is a reminder that success isn't always measured by profits or patents. Sometimes it's measured by the people who stand beside you, the problems you're willing to solve, and the impact you're able to make along the way.

Listen now and hear the story of faith, family, perseverance, and a family's journey to turning an idea into reality.

Links:

Hern's Pest Control: Website

Hern's Pro Products: Website

City of Melissa: Website

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Season 4, Episode 14 of The Front Porch Podcast features Anthony Obiselu, part owner of Yonx Pizza Bar & Co.  

Links:

Yonx Pizza Bar & Co: Website

City of Melissa: Website

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Season 4, Episode 13 of The Front Porch Podcast features Cachelle and Puc Westrupp, the owners and operators of FC Cardinals Soccer Club in Melissa.

What started with a single team of 4-year-olds has grown into a program serving more than 200 kids across 14 teams, all built around one mission: putting kids first.

In this episode, Cachelle and Puc share why they saw opportunity in Melissa long before the growth arrived, how they’ve worked to make competitive soccer affordable for families through sponsorships and scholarships, and why creating quality young adults matters just as much as developing athletes.

From partnering with Melissa ISD and supporting Special Olympics to helping young players dream of one day competing in Melissa’s world-class high school stadium, FC Cardinals is focused on more than soccer.

They’re building community, friendships, and opportunities for local families. Listen as they talk about growth, family, affordability, and their ultimate goal of supporting Melissa students both on and off the field.

Links:

FC Cardinals: Website

FC Cardinals: Facebook

City of Melissa: Website

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com