Season 3, Episode 25: Mark Stover is starting to become an expert in retirement. Over the years, this recent retiree has accumulated quotes, tips and tricks to create his own blueprint for life after the 9-to-5. Now, he wants to share his findings with other people and help them retire with grace and intentionality too. On this episode of The Front Porch, Mark tells his story, shares some of his retirement nuggets and talks about being retired in Melissa, Texas. He also shares his affinity for Meals on Wheels of Collin County. #frontporch

Links:

Meals on Wheels Podcast: Listen Now

Meals on Wheels Collin County: Website

City of Melissa: Website

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

Season 3, Episode 24: Jerry Song has seen other North Texas communities grow up around him. He's spent time in Richardson and he currently lives in Frisco. But now, as the market president for Texas Republic Bank in Melissa, he's getting a front-row seat as this community starts to grow. On this episode of The Front Porch, Jerry discusses talks about his excitement for the growth, but he also discusses potential growing pains for Melissa. The big takeaway: Jerry is on the board for the Melissa Chamber of Commerce and he talks about the importance of everyone pulling in the same direction. #frontporch

Links:

Texas Republic Bank: Website

Melissa Chamber of Commerce: Website

City of Melissa: Website

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

Season 3, Episode 23: Rob Zschau is strengthening Melissa, Texas - literally and figuratively. He is the owner of Redigo Coaching, which is located in Downtown Melissa. His No. 1 goal is empower individuals navigating changes in their lives. He definitely has a heart for this community, which he has called home for almost 19 years. On this episode of The Front Porch, Rob shares his story of relocating to Texas, he talks about running a small business in Melissa and he reveals what he loves about this community.  #frontporch

Links:

Redigo Coaching: Website

Melissa Chamber of Commerce: Website

City of Melissa: Website

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

Season 3, Episode 22: This is an engaging conversation with Katie and Rendell Hendrickson - two people who have a heart for Melissa, Texas, and feel inclined to serve in the community they love. Rendell is on Melissa's City Council, while Katie is heavily involved with the organization Feed the Need. One of the most powerful parts of our conversation revolved around why they do what they do in regards to giving back.  

Besides our discussion on serving, Katie and Rendell share a couple lighthearted stories about relocating to Melissa from the Pacific Northwest.  #frontporch

Links:


City Council; Website

North Texas Feed the Need: Website

City of Melissa: Website

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

Season 3, Episode 21: Emeka Eluka is living and loving "the process." That's how he describes his time in Melissa, Texas. Driven by "grit, global roots and a whole lot of heart," Emeka has wrapped both of his arms around this community. He has fallen in love with Melissa, and he's paying to forward by getting involved and giving back. Early on in the conversation, he said that he'll be in Melissa forever.   #frontporch

Links:

City of Melissa: Website

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

Season 3, Episode 20: You won't meet many 16 year olds like Zeke Vest. This Melissa native is driven. He's smart and mature. He has an amazing work ethic. All of that has helped this young man build a successful lawn care service in this community. On this episode of The Front Porch, Zeke shares the story of how Kid with a Cart Lawn Care got started ... he talks about all the people who have supported him ... and he discusses his plans to serve our country after graduating from Melissa High School.  #frontporch

Links:

City of Melissa: Website

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

Season 3, Episode 19: This is a powerful and impactful episode of The Front Porch. We'll get the opportunity to meet Brooke Carreker, co-founder and executive director of Rustic Way Ranch. Her "rollercoaster" story is rooted in faith, and it led her to a local couple that changed her life. Now, Brooke's organization, which she started with her husband, is creating profound ripple effects in the lives of young people. And it's all happening on 20 acres right here in Melissa, Texas.

The mission statement of Rustic Way Ranch: A place where the mental and emotional health of teens is enhanced through therapeutic horsemanship, professional counseling, nature-based experiences. RWR professionals are literally the boots on the ground - dedicated to blazing the trails that lead to hope and healing.  #frontporch

Links:


Rustic Way Ranch: Website

City of Melissa: Website

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

Season 3, Episode 18: Gail Dansby has left it all on the field for the City of Melissa. She has worked for the city for 21 years, starting out in finance and moving into the role as Executive Administrative Services Director. Over the last two decades, her intense loyalty has been driven by her heart for this community. On this episode of The Front Porch, Gail shares her passion for Melissa and the unwavering  love for her job – especially the people she works with. Because of her impressive tenure with the city, we ask Gail to capture the heart and essence of Melissa, Texas. She gave us a heart-felt answer.  #frontporch

Links:

City of Melissa: Website

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

Season 3, Episode 17: Joey Mitnick is cutting to the heart of Melissa, Texas - literally. He is the owner of Buffalo Joe's Barber Lounge in Melissa, and he's excited for his small business to be a cornerstone of this community. Joey firmly believes that a barber shop has the potential to positvely impact the community it serves. He'll be quick to tell you ... it's more than just a place to get your haircut. On this episode of The Front Porch, Joey share his story, reveals his heart for Melissa and discusses the bold impact he wants to have on this community. There is a very cool energy and vibe to this conversation.  #frontporch

Links:

Buffalo Joe's Barber Lounge: Facebook

Buffalo Joe's Barber Lounge: Squire

City of Melissa: Website

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

Season 3, Episode 16: Published author Tammy Osburn Oveross does not live in Melissa, Texas. She doesn't work in Melissa either. But she is the perfect guest for this episode of The Front Porch, because her roots run deep in this community, and Tammy Oveross loves family, history and legacy. During our conversation, Tammy shares stories of her family in Melissa, and she discusses her first published children's book, Cucumbers to Pickles. She'll also explain why family history is so important to her. #frontporch

Links:

Cucumbers to Pickles: Amazon

Podcast: Parris Hill Farm and Ranch: Listen Now 

City of Melissa: Website

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