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 Rishab Kattimani & Ben Mesa, Co-Founders of Benevolate.

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:

Starting a tech company in middle school and making it real

Coding skills meet fundraising expertise to launch Benevolate

Why nonprofit CRM systems need more than just good intentions

Balancing homework and client emails at 14 and 17 years old

Lessons learned leading adult teams as teen entrepreneurs

Building software from scratch and why AI gives them the edge

Scaling support, setting deadlines, and pushing for launch

Big dreams, bigger hustle: skipping college if the million comes first

Family-first business culture with their dads in the mix

Resources Mentioned:

https://benevolate.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 Dr. Stephanie Robinson, Executive Director of Volunteer McKinney.

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:

From Tulsa roots to UNT grad and PhD, Stephanie shares her unique journey

Launching a disability services firm from scratch—and why $127 didn't stop her

Why service has to be bigger than self—and how that shaped every career move

Making the leap from entrepreneur to nonprofit leader with Volunteer McKinney

Strategic planning meets servant leadership in a nonprofit context

Bridging gaps between nonprofits through education and collaboration

The surprising role of business principles in nonprofit success

Why McKinney’s nonprofit density is both a blessing and a challenge

A call for alignment, not duplication, in local charitable efforts

Volunteer McKinney’s dual mission: engage people and strengthen nonprofits

Resources Mentioned:

https://volunteermckinney.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 Bill Cox, Mayor of McKinney.

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:

Prioritizing infrastructure without neglecting legacy neighborhoods.

The value of being a commercial real estate broker, not a developer.

A candid discussion on the future of McKinney National Airport.

Housing policy and navigating Texas Senate Bill 840.

Protecting city services from unchecked ETJ growth.

Why collaboration with schools, county, and state leaders is essential.

Resources Mentioned:

https://www.mckinneytexas.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 Rick Wells, Owner of Wells Group McKinney.

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:

Betting the farm to launch Rick’s Chophouse and restore McKinney's Grand Hotel

The evolution from restaurateur to multi-business entrepreneur and community builder

How failure in his 20s shaped Rick’s leadership philosophy and hunger for growth

Creating Harvest to drive a local food movement and tipping the balance in North Texas

Building businesses that serve people: from preschools to donation farms

Why “the Water Boy” mentality guides everything from dishwashing to philanthropy

Leveraging success to make McKinney and the world a better place

Resources Mentioned:

https://www.wellsgroupmckinney.com/

https://www.facebook.com/wellsgroupmckinney

https://www.facebook.com/harvesttx

https://www.facebook.com/RicksChophouse

https://www.facebook.com/theseedprojectfoundation

https://www.facebook.com/mckinneroots

https://www.facebook.com/grandhotelmckinneytx

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickawells/

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 Rod Lambert and David Rose of Fresh Start Christian Sober Living

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:

From real estate success to rock bottom: Rod Lambert’s journey of addiction and recovery.

Growing up amid addiction: David Rose’s path from dealing drugs to prison to ministry.

The impact of Celebrate Recovery and faith in rebuilding lives.

Establishing faith-based sober living homes in Texas.

Building trust and community support in neighborhood recovery housing.

Facing and overcoming the challenges of running nonprofit recovery homes.

Stories of redemption: from street life to ordained ministry and leadership.

Resources Mentioned:

FreshStartCSL.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 Kenneth Ussery, McKinney ISD Board of Trustees.

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:

Kenneth Ussery’s multi-generational McKinney heritage and lifelong community involvement

Transitioning from ministry and music to real estate and life coaching

The evolution of McKinney over the decades and its booming growth

Behind the scenes of McKinney ISD’s bond project and stadium development

Volunteering in local schools amid statewide funding challenges

The importance of non-partisan leadership in school board service

Celebrating local history, family legacies, and community impact

Resources Mentioned:

https://kennethusserymisdplace2.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 DeAnna Stone, Executive Director of Chestnut Square.

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:

Transitioning from theater arts to preserving McKinney’s heritage

The origin story and evolution of Chestnut Square

Chestnut Square’s role in community memory-making and cultural education

Behind the scenes of McKinney’s beloved Farmer’s Market

Living history through Prairie Adventure Camps and curated collections

Leadership McKinney’s personal and community-wide impact

Why quiet leadership and shared stories build stronger cities

Resources Mentioned:

www.chestnutsquare.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 Corey Homer, McKinney ISD Board of Trustees.

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:

From coaching to campus leadership: Corey's evolution in public education.

Lessons learned in alternative education settings and how they shaped his career.

The AVID program’s impact on students—and on Corey’s teaching philosophy.

Managing McKinney ISD’s stadium launch and student-led video production.

Balancing fatherhood, family, and a bold career shift to real estate.

Why Corey ran for school board—and how a grassroots campaign crushed expectations.

Looking ahead: school population shifts, redistricting, and the future of McKinney ISD.

Resources Mentioned:

http://www.homerformisd.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 guests for this episode are Carolyn Brooks & Sheila Due from the McKinney Education Foundation.

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:

The founding story and three core missions of the McKinney Education Foundation (MEF).

Scholarships, grants, and college advising: how MEF empowers students at every step.

Supporting skilled trades and workforce development as a crucial educational path.

Why Collin College is a hidden gem for affordable, high-impact education.

The evolution of MEF’s fundraising, including the wildly successful “Purses with Purpose” event.

How McKinney’s Top Model competition boosts fundraising and community engagement.

The ripple effect of MEF’s work on families, classrooms, and McKinney’s economic future.

Resources Mentioned:

https://mckinneyef.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."

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:

Reflecting on the podcast’s humble beginnings and vision-driven mission.

Behind-the-scenes on running a local podcast with no sponsorships and 20K+ in expenses.

The impact of local leadership: mayoral interviews, school district insights, and civic challenges.

Entrepreneurial journeys, including immigrant success stories and small biz triumphs.

Moderating live debates during McKinney’s election season—what really happened behind the scenes.

The podcast’s most memorable guests and the lessons they left behind.

How community feedback has shaped the show—and what’s next for Year 2.

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.