Welcome to The McKinney Podcast, where we celebrate the people and happenings that make our city "Unique By Nature."

Our guest for this episode is Scott Michaels, Owner of Rockstar Realtors.

The MCKPOD is presented by RiskWell and FredShots Photography and recorded at the RiskWell studio in McKinney. Your hosts are James Jenkins and Fred Mahusay.

Key Topics:

Growing up in a family of professional musicians and starting to play drums at age 12

Building a career as a professional drummer and developing an entrepreneurial mindset early on

Launching a cruise line musician booking agency while working as a shipboard band leader

Relocating from Detroit to DFW to pursue the thriving corporate and wedding event market

Founding Aura, a 12-piece high-end entertainment company performing at events nationwide

Transitioning from drummer to front man, MC, and lead vocalist with a growing band

Family ties to McKinney and the goal of returning to the community with his wife and two sons

Entering real estate and building Rockstar Realtors into a growing business in its fourth year

Running two companies while staying client-focused and delegating to a trusted inner circle

Embracing self-acceptance, learning from mistakes, and approaching each day with purpose

Resources Mentioned:

https://auramusic.band 

Visit https://www.mckinneypodcast.com to subscribe to the email list and never miss an episode.

Join the #MCKPOD community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mckinneypodcast and engage with your neighbors and fellow fans of the show.

Check out the #MCKPOD YouTube Channel to watch the video versions of our episode and see lots of additional content: https://youtube.com/@mckinneypodcast
James and Fred would love to hear from you with any comments, questions, or ideas! Email the show at [email protected] and you may be featured on a future mailbag segment.

Welcome to The McKinney Podcast, where we celebrate the people and happenings that make our city "Unique By Nature."

This special episode features Elizabeth Mahusay, alongside hosts James Jenkins and Fred Mahusay, for an inside look at Leadership McKinney and why you should consider applying.

The MCKPOD is presented by RiskWell and FredShots Photography and recorded at the RiskWell studio in McKinney. Your hosts are James Jenkins and Fred Mahusay.

Key Topics:

Why Elizabeth, James, and Fred all waited years before applying to Leadership McKinney

Elizabeth's motivation to apply and how the program stretched her thinking and personal growth

Fred's early exposure to Leadership McKinney through photographing graduation ceremonies

James discovering that the majority of McKinney's most admired leaders were Leadership McKinney alumni

Professional benefits of the program including access to high-level presenters and cross-industry networking

Fred using his photography skills to amplify community causes connected through Leadership McKinney

James reflecting on the lasting impact of his class and the strength of the alumni network

How the program deepens civic awareness and compels graduates to engage more meaningfully in McKinney

James's vision for a more connected and equitable city, including support for East McKinney and local nonprofits

Encouragement for McKinney residents and workers to apply, with details on eligibility and the chamber website

Resources Mentioned:

https://www.mckinneychamber.com/leadership-mckinney 

Visit https://www.mckinneypodcast.com to subscribe to the email list and never miss an episode.

Join the #MCKPOD community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mckinneypodcast and engage with your neighbors and fellow fans of the show.

Check out the #MCKPOD YouTube Channel to watch the video versions of our episode and see lots of additional content: https://youtube.com/@mckinneypodcast
James and Fred would love to hear from you with any comments, questions, or ideas! Email the show at [email protected] and you may be featured on a future mailbag segment.

Welcome to The McKinney Podcast, where we celebrate the people and happenings that make our city "Unique By Nature."

Our guest for this episode is Douglas Ringer, Owner of American Lawnscape.

The MCKPOD is presented by RiskWell and FredShots Photography and recorded at the RiskWell studio in McKinney. Your hosts are James Jenkins and Fred Mahusay.

Key Topics:

Growing up in Omaha, Nebraska and early love of the outdoors and nature

Joining the Army Reserves in high school and pursuing theater, journalism, and marching band

Serving as a combat military policeman and operating a POW camp during Desert Storm

Returning from service, earning a biology degree, and entering the turf industry via golf courses

Writing books on nutritional supplements and transitioning away from golf course management

Returning to military service in 2006 as a career counselor supporting soldiers dealing with PTSD

Reconnecting with Barbara, relocating to McKinney, and launching American Lawnscape in 2013

Evolving from a full-service lawn company to a specialized turf treatment and fertilization business

Customizing lawn care plans based on individual yard biology, soil conditions, and seasonal changes

Barbara Crouch's role as partner and the company's commitment to communication and community

Resources Mentioned:

https://americanlawnscape.com 

Visit https://www.mckinneypodcast.com to subscribe to the email list and never miss an episode.

Join the #MCKPOD community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mckinneypodcast and engage with your neighbors and fellow fans of the show.

Check out the #MCKPOD YouTube Channel to watch the video versions of our episode and see lots of additional content: https://youtube.com/@mckinneypodcast

James and Fred would love to hear from you with any comments, questions, or ideas! Email the show at [email protected] and you may be featured on a future mailbag segment.

Welcome to The McKinney Podcast, where we celebrate the people and happenings that make our city "Unique By Nature."

Our guest for this episode is Chris Wilkes, Business Consultant.

The MCKPOD is presented by RiskWell and FredShots Photography and recorded at the RiskWell studio in McKinney. Your hosts are James Jenkins and Fred Mahusay.

Key Topics:

Marketing degree from Texas Tech and MBA from Texas A&M, leading to a career in technology and sales

Managing storage infrastructure at Southwestern Bell and transitioning into corporate leadership and M&A

Taking over as CEO of Sigmetrics, a McKinney-based mechanical engineering firm

Founding EnginSoft USA and delivering engineering simulation services to aerospace and EV industries

Moving from Plano to McKinney and falling in love with the city's small-town feel and community culture

Volunteering with the Dallas Entrepreneur Center and mentoring startups through the North Texas Angel Network

Explaining the difference between McKinney's EDC and CDC and their roles in diversifying the tax base

Supporting McKinney Airport expansion as an economic driver and discussing the property tax burden on residents

Navigating school closure concerns and the boundaries of CDC influence on MISD decisions

Lifelong commitment to food security, civic volunteerism, and servant leadership rooted in faith

Resources Mentioned:

https://enginsoftusa.com 

https://www.mckinneycdc.org 

https://thedec.co 

https://www.northtexasangels.org 

Visit https://www.mckinneypodcast.com to subscribe to the email list and never miss an episode.

Join the #MCKPOD community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mckinneypodcast and engage with your neighbors and fellow fans of the show.

Check out the #MCKPOD YouTube Channel to watch the video versions of our episode and see lots of additional content: https://youtube.com/@mckinneypodcast

James and Fred would love to hear from you with any comments, questions, or ideas! Email the show at [email protected] and you may be featured on a future mailbag segment.

Welcome to The McKinney Podcast, where we celebrate the people and happenings that make our city "Unique By Nature."

Our guest for this episode is Evan Hunt, Democratic Nominee – TX CD3.

The MCKPOD is presented by RiskWell and FredShots Photography and recorded at the RiskWell studio in McKinney. Your hosts are James Jenkins and Fred Mahusay.

Key Topics:

Running as a Democrat in a district unrepresented by Democrats since 1968

Military service background and the shift from apolitical citizen to congressional candidate

Building a grassroots campaign independent of DNC influence and party mandates

Healthcare reform and protecting ACA subsidies for District 3 constituents

Immigration policy, due process, and redirecting federal resources to local law enforcement

Opposition to unlimited school voucher programs and support for strong public school funding

Concerns about party loyalty replacing constituent representation in Congress

Organizing a bipartisan open candidate town hall debate at Guitar Sanctuary on March 11

Encouraging voter engagement one conversation at a time to strengthen democratic participation

Resources Mentioned:

https://www.electevanhunt.com

Visit https://www.mckinneypodcast.com to subscribe to the email list and never miss an episode.

Join the #MCKPOD community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mckinneypodcast and engage with your neighbors and fellow fans of the show.

Check out the #MCKPOD YouTube Channel to watch the video versions of our episode and see lots of additional content: https://youtube.com/@mckinneypodcast

James and Fred would love to hear from you with any comments, questions, or ideas! Email the show at [email protected] and you may be featured on a future mailbag segment.

Welcome to The McKinney Podcast, where we celebrate the people and happenings that make our city "Unique By Nature."

Our guest for this episode is Vesta Schneider, Realtor.

The MCKPOD is presented by RiskWell and FredShots Photography and recorded at the RiskWell studio in McKinney. Your hosts are James Jenkins and Fred Mahusay.

Key Topics:

Growing up in Soviet-controlled Lithuania and experiencing cultural transition after independence

Coming to the United States on a work visa and meeting her husband in Delaware

Making the quick decision to marry and stay in America versus returning home

Working in restaurant business and adjusting to life as a young immigrant

Becoming accidental landlords and discovering a passion for real estate investing

Moving 12 times across the country while raising two children and building family

Finding McKinney 10 years ago and choosing it as their permanent home

Balancing real estate career with being present for family and maintaining strong relationships

Giving back through McKinney Chamber and Women's Alliance committee involvement

Real estate advice on investing wisely, market strategy, and selecting the right agent

Visit https://www.mckinneypodcast.com to subscribe to the email list and never miss an episode.

Join the #MCKPOD community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mckinneypodcast and engage with your neighbors and fellow fans of the show.

Check out the #MCKPOD YouTube Channel to watch the video versions of our episode and see lots of additional content: https://youtube.com/@mckinneypodcast

James and Fred would love to hear from you with any comments, questions, or ideas! Email the show at [email protected] and you may be featured on a future mailbag segment.

Welcome to The McKinney Podcast, where we celebrate the people and happenings that make our city "Unique By Nature."

Our guest for this episode is Lidiya Dunn, Owner of Maid In Texas.

The MCKPOD is presented by RiskWell and FredShots Photography and recorded at the RiskWell studio in McKinney. Your hosts are James Jenkins and Fred Mahusay.

Key Topics:

Growing up in Crimea, Kazakhstan, and Hungary as daughter of a Soviet military officer

Teaching middle school history in the former Soviet Union

Meeting her future husband and choosing to immigrate to America

Arriving in 2001 with no English and mastering the language within months

Working multiple jobs and opening her first cleaning business in California

Navigating California's challenging business environment and workers compensation costs

Relocating to Texas in 2017 and launching Maid in Texas

Building customer relationships through personalized service and community engagement

Winning awards consistently and establishing presence in McKinney

Encouraging others to pursue their dreams despite uncertainty and fear

Resources Mentioned:

https://maidintx.net 

Visit https://www.mckinneypodcast.com to subscribe to the email list and never miss an episode.

Join the #MCKPOD community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mckinneypodcast and engage with your neighbors and fellow fans of the show.

Check out the #MCKPOD YouTube Channel to watch the video versions of our episode and see lots of additional content: https://youtube.com/@mckinneypodcast

James and Fred would love to hear from you with any comments, questions, or ideas! Email the show at [email protected] and you may be featured on a future mailbag segment.

Welcome to The McKinney Podcast, where we celebrate the people and happenings that make our city "Unique By Nature."

Our guest for this episode is James Stennett, Owner of Christian Brothers Automotive.

The MCKPOD is presented by RiskWell and FredShots Photography and recorded at the RiskWell studio in McKinney. Your hosts are James Jenkins and Fred Mahusay.

Key Topics:

Growing up in Fargo and relocating frequently for his father's food service career

Learning to connect with people through constant moves and high school football

Texas State graduate starting in restaurant management at Two Rows during the Great Recession

Seven years in outbound phone sales at Bank of America, building trust and overcoming objections

A decade building franchise businesses

Researching SBA loan default rates to identify Christian Brothers Automotive as a franchise

Buying the McKinney location after 19 years as a resident and transforming the culture

Transparency through courtesy inspections and customer education in automotive service

Leadership McKinney, chamber ambassador, and Rotary member serving the community

Planting roots in McKinney and connecting with neighbors beyond transactions

Resources Mentioned:

https://www.cbac.com/mckinney 

Visit https://www.mckinneypodcast.com to subscribe to the email list and never miss an episode.

Join the #MCKPOD community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mckinneypodcast and engage with your neighbors and fellow fans of the show.

Check out the #MCKPOD YouTube Channel to watch the video versions of our episode and see lots of additional content: https://youtube.com/@mckinneypodcast
James and Fred would love to hear from you with any comments, questions, or ideas! Email the show at [email protected] and you may be featured on a future mailbag segment.

Welcome to The McKinney Podcast, where we celebrate the people and happenings that make our city "Unique By Nature."

Our guests for this episode are Dr. Ayesha Hosein & Wyatt Kennedy, Spineally Chiropractic.

The MCKPOD is presented by RiskWell and FredShots Photography and recorded at the RiskWell studio in McKinney. Your hosts are James Jenkins and Fred Mahusay.

Key Topics:

Military service in Field Artillery with combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan

Meeting Wyatt Kennedy in military training and reconnecting years later

Growing up in Trinidad and Brooklyn before joining the Army at 30

Compression fracture injury from Chinook helicopter and years of chronic pain

Finding relief through chiropractic care after VA treatment failed

Leaving the military to attend chiropractic school at Palmer in Florida

Choosing McKinney for its diversity and welcoming community

Opening spinally Chiropractic with Gonstead system precision approach

AMA's historic boycott of chiropractors and the Chester Wilk victory

Advocating for veterans' pain management and Medicare coverage parity

Resources Mentioned:

https://spineallychiropractic.com 

Visit https://www.mckinneypodcast.com to subscribe to the email list and never miss an episode.

Join the #MCKPOD community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mckinneypodcast and engage with your neighbors and fellow fans of the show.

Check out the #MCKPOD YouTube Channel to watch the video versions of our episode and see lots of additional content: https://youtube.com/@mckinneypodcast

James and Fred would love to hear from you with any comments, questions, or ideas! Email the show at [email protected] and you may be featured on a future mailbag segment.

Welcome to The McKinney Podcast, where we celebrate the people and happenings that make our city "Unique By Nature."

Our guest for this episode is Keresa Richardson, Candidate for State Representative - HD 61

The MCKPOD is presented by RiskWell and FredShots Photography and recorded at the RiskWell studio in McKinney. Your hosts are James Jenkins and Fred Mahusay.

Key Topics:

Born in Denison and 11th generation Texan with deep family roots in North Texas

Education at Texas A&M and graduate school at Oklahoma State University

Building a plumbing business with her husband that grew into multiple service verticals

Expanding across Texas and helping launch the Ben Franklin Plumbing franchise

Over 25 years of community involvement through Cottonwood Church and chambers of commerce

Caring for her mother with Alzheimer's and the decision to run for office

Philosophy on limited government and the balance between state and local control

Legislative work on school choice, public education funding, and housing affordability

Voting record focused on fiscal conservatism and core government functions

Constituent engagement through town halls, open-door policy, and community forums

Resources Mentioned:

https://keresafortexas.com 

Visit https://www.mckinneypodcast.com to subscribe to the email list and never miss an episode.

Join the #MCKPOD community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mckinneypodcast and engage with your neighbors and fellow fans of the show.

Check out the #MCKPOD YouTube Channel to watch the video versions of our episode and see lots of additional content: https://youtube.com/@mckinneypodcast
James and Fred would love to hear from you with any comments, questions, or ideas! Email the show at [email protected] and you may be featured on a future mailbag segment.