The Building Texas Show

✈️ **What Could *You* Build On an Airport?**

In this episode of *The Building Texas Show*, we uncover one of the most surprising aviation assets in the entire state of Texas: the Hondo Municipal Airport.

Bigger than San Antonio International.

Home to World War II’s largest air navigation training center.

Now? 2,400 acres of wide-open opportunity.

We sat down with **Ryan Elder**, airport director and U.S. Navy veteran, to exp...

Episode Description: The Building Texas Show – Dr. Justin Lonon on Breaking Barriers in Education

🎙 What if one broken fan belt could derail an entire future?

In this episode of The Building Texas Show, we sit down with Dr. Justin Lonon, Chancellor of Dallas College, to explore how education can be a game-changer—when barriers are removed. From free public transit passes to eliminating textbook costs and even offering free ...

🌱 Can healthier soil save farms and revolutionize agriculture? In this episode of The Building Texas Show, we dive into the fascinating story of MedinaAg, a multi-generational business in Hondo, Texas, that’s reshaping the future of farming.

Andrew Franke, the driving force behind MedinaAg, shares how microbial soil solutions are helping farmers increase yields, conserve resources, and stay profitable—even in tough conditions. From...

Episode Summary

In this episode, The Building Texas Show host Justin McKenzie sits down with Bryan Peckinpaugh, VP at Baker Hill, to explore the state of community banking in today’s tech-driven world. Bryan explains how Baker Hill, a 40-year-old fintech company, is helping banks and credit unions modernize while maintaining their critical role in local economies. They discuss the importance of personal banking relationship...

Show Notes:

• Guest: Paul Mayer, CEO, Garland Chamber of Commerce
• Location: YTexas Event at the Dallas College Convention Center, Garland, Texas
• Episode Topics:
• The power of community collaboration: How the city, chamber, and schools work together for Garland’s economic development.
• Stewardship in leadership: Paul’s perspective on creating sustainable partnerships and his experience shaping the city's future.
• Workforce develop...

Episode Summary:

In this episode of The Building Texas Show, Justin McKenzie sits down with LaKesha Raynor, the Director of the Ascend Institute at Dallas College. LaKesha shares her work in workforce development, apprenticeships, and building key partnerships with both local and international organizations. She discusses how Dallas College is preparing the next generation of workers to meet the demands of evolving industri...

In this episode of The Building Texas Show, host Justin McKenzie sits down with John Naron, City Manager of Hondo, Texas, to discuss the city’s strategic growth, infrastructure development, and economic future.

Hondo, located on Highway 90, has long been a hub of transportation and industry, and today, it's at the forefront of smart rural development. From sports fields to rail expansion, workforce opportunities, and water infrastru...

San Antonio is evolving, and no one knows it better than **Davis Phillips**, the President & CEO of **Phillips Entertainment**. In this episode, we dive into the incredible transformation of **Alamo Plaza**, the **booming tourism industry**, and the challenges and opportunities that come with rebuilding an entertainment empire.  

🔹 **How San Antonio became a top-tier destination**  

🔹 **The $600M Alamo Plaza...

In this compelling episode of The Building Texas Show, host Justin McKenzie sits down with Joseph Kopser, entrepreneur, military veteran, and co-founder of Grayline Group and US Tomorrow, to discuss the intersection of education, workforce development, and Texas' booming space industry.

Filmed at Dallas College during the YTexas event, this episode highlights the critical connections between industry, education, and the future econo...

In this exciting episode of The Building Texas Show, host Justin McKenzie sits down with Norman Garza, the Executive Director of the Texas Space Commission, to discuss how Texas is leading the next era of space commercialization.

Recorded at YTexas in Garland, Texas, this episode unpacks how House Bill 3447 launched the Texas Space Commission, the state's $150 million investment in the commercial space industry, and the future of sp...

🌟 Key Takeaways from This Episode:

✅ The Story of Chateau Claire – How a historic home from 1914 became a thriving bed & breakfast.

✅ Preserving Texas History – Restoring original shiplap, hardwood floors, and historic architecture.

✅ A Unique Event Venue – Hosting weddings, tea parties, family gatherings, and more.

✅ Ties to WWII & Hondo’s Aviation History – The home’s connection to airmen training at Hondo’s famous airfie...

📌 Episode Title: The AI Threat No One Is Ready For

🎙️ Host: Justin McKenzie (The Building Texas Show)

🎤 Guest: Lee Martin, cybersecurity expert at CoFense

🚀 Episode Overview:

In this episode, The Building Texas Show dives deep into AI, cybersecurity, and the future of work with Lee Martin, a leading expert in cybersecurity training and human risk management. As AI evolves, so do the risks of phishing, deepfakes, and cyber deception...

📌 Show Notes

🎙 Episode Title: The Hidden Power of Brand Identity | Ed Howie | The Building Texas Show

🚀 Episode Overview:

How can businesses stand out in a crowded market? In this episode, branding expert Ed Howie (BTY Creative) shares why most businesses struggle with branding and what they can do to fix it. From working with HEB, Chick-fil-A, and Texas MedClinic to helping startups clarify their message, Ed breaks down t...

Summary

In this episode, Ben Marquart discusses the future of mobility, focusing on electrification and its applications in defense vehicles through his startup, Pawnee Mobility. He shares his journey to San Antonio, the advantages of electric vehicles in military contexts, and the importance of navigating the SBIR funding process. The conversation highlights the innovative design of a new tactical vehicle and the critical role of b...

Introduction: Welcome to another inspiring episode of "The Building Texas Show"! In this week's episode, we're thrilled to be in our new studio at Das Greenhouse, hosting a conversation with Charles Woodin, CEO of Geekdom in San Antonio. Join host Justin McKenzie as they delve deep into the entrepreneurial ecosystem of San Antonio, discussing how innovation can flourish in various industries and communities across Texas.

Summary of ...

Introduction: Welcome to another inspiring episode of The Building Texas Show! Today, we're thrilled to bring you a compelling conversation with a true visionary in the construction industry—Karla Alvarado, founder of Homenovate. Join host Justin McKenzie as he delves into the unique journey of Karla, exploring her innovative approach to home renovations and how her expertise is transforming homes and lives in the San Antonio area.

...

Introduction: Join host Justin McKenzie on this enthralling episode of The Building Texas Show as he sits down with the visionary James Oleen, founder of American Tenet. Together, they embark on a deep dive into the revolutionary world of dual-use drone technology, uncovering its vast potential for both military and commercial applications.

Summary: In this episode, James Oleen shares his ambitious journey from leaving his job to fo...

Welcome back to "The Building Texas Show," where we spotlight the trailblazing individuals who are driving progress and innovation across Texas and beyond. In this episode, our esteemed host Justin McKenzie sits down with Andrew Cutcomb, co-founder of Uncommon Entrepreneurs and a key player in Puerto Rico's burgeoning startup ecosystem. Get ready for an engaging and enlightening conversation that explores the intersection of techno...

Welcome to "The Building Texas Show," where we dive deep into the stories of the people and projects shaping the Lone Star State. In this episode, your host, Justin McKenzie, sits down with the remarkable Wood Chipman of Guy Chipman Construction. As both a master craftsman and history enthusiast, Wood brings a unique perspective to preserving Texas's rich architectural heritage.

Join us as Wood Chipman recounts the meticulous restor...