Podcasts about houston livestock show

It's Beyonce weekend here in H-Town as Queen B takes over NRG for her Cowboy Carter tour. So, Host Raheel Ramzanali is talking to Dr. Alicia Odewale, National Geographic MasterClass professor, about how Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter album spotlights Black cowboy culture and how we can celebrate it in Houston.  Learn more about the sponsors of this June 26th episode: Visit Navasota Jones Dairy Farm A.D. Players Theater Dive deeper with these resources recommended by Dr. Odewale:  Dr. Odewale's MasterClass  Black Cowboys in the American West: On the Range, on the Stage, behind the Badge  The Black West: A Documentary and Pictorial History of the African American Role in the Westward Expansion of the United States Black Cowboys of the Old West: True, Sensational, And Little-Known Stories From History African American Women of the Old West The Black Cowboy Museum and Hall of Fame in Rosenberg, TX Black Heritage Day at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston  Follow us on Instagram  @CityCastHouston Don't have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know!  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let's Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

*The Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association met last weekend in Fort Worth.  *Mexico is delivering some of the water it owes to the Rio Grande Valley.   *Texas cattle feeders are seeing good times right now, but there could be troubles ahead.  *The U.S. is preparing to levy new duties on tomatoes from Mexico, while China has raised it tariffs on U.S. goods. *The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo was a record-breaking success this year, thanks to some great partnerships.  *Nursery production and sales are strong in the spring.  *Thrush is a common horse foot disease.  

*New World screw worms are a real threat to Texas livestock producers.  *U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins says the Trump administration will protect U.S. farmers and ranchers when negotiating tariffs.*The economic situation for Texas High Plains feedlots is pretty good right now.  *Mexico is sending water to South Texas.  *The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo raised a record amount for youth education.  *The outlook is bright for the Texas FFA.  *There are some options for treating small ruminant diseases that have no vaccines.  

*Fed cattle weights are bigger than ever.  *A Texas farm and a cattle company are both being recognized for their efforts to preserve and protect the environment.  *The American Farm Bureau Federation weighs in on the tariff situation.*President Trump is taking on the issue of Mexico not delivering water to the Rio Grande Valley.  *This was a record breaking year for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.  *Cattle ear tags can be an important source of information.  *Two new grain sorghum varieties are available to Texas farmers this year. *There are lots of diseases in small ruminants that do not have vaccines available.  

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is without a doubt one of the most notorious shows in the nation. The team had the privilege to sit down with the market steer judge, Mr. Jack Ward, and discuss what sorting on the green chips was like.Empowerment Is Here.

Tune in as Kyler and I give y'all the run down on this year's Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. We talk all about the shows we saw and the food we ate! Follow us:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Formally Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hear The Buzz Playlist⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Discogs

Host Raheel Ramzanali and Axios Houston's Shafaq Patel break down H-Town's biggest stories. They recap all the records the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo broke this year, why Tilman Ferttita might leave Landry's, and a wild theft scandal in Houston's little league sports! Stories we talked about on today's show:  Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo sees over 2.5M attendees during 2025 season Houston Rodeo volunteers let Colin Drum into the Rodeo because he looks like CJ Stroud Tilman Fertitta resigning from Landry's role as he prepares to become U.S. ambassador to Italy Why Texas could face a steeper burden if Trump slashes FEMA Trump travel ban may hit Astros players from Cuba, Venezuela With passage of SB 3, Texas Senate green-lights ban on THC products in the state Expect a strong bluebonnet season in Houston President of northwest Houston little league club removed after thousands of dollars goes missing Read more of Shafaq's stories here  Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston  Follow us on Instagram  @CityCastHouston Don't have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know!  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let's Talk! Learn more about the sponsors of this March 25th episode: Visit Port Aransas Bayou City Art Festival Artechouse St. Thomas High School Momentum Indoor Climbing - Save 10% on camp registration with code CITYCAST at checkout! Photo: Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ted steps in it when comparing a local celebration to Mardi Gras, plus some impromptu haiku, real rodeo cowboy names, and notes from the baseball tournament. And a leading question: what pen is most like a pencil? Houston Livestock Show and RodeoUni Jetstream EdgePentel sign penProject 3.18's Spring Training Story

Today, as part of our “Tricks of the Trade” series, we’re at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, where students put goats and lambs up for sale to the highest bidder. Here, livestock auctions generate a pile of philanthropic money for a Texas scholarship fund, and the bids go up and up and up. But first: Air travel is in a snarl today with a power outage at London’s Heathrow Airport.

Today, as part of our “Tricks of the Trade” series, we’re at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, where students put goats and lambs up for sale to the highest bidder. Here, livestock auctions generate a pile of philanthropic money for a Texas scholarship fund, and the bids go up and up and up. But first: Air travel is in a snarl today with a power outage at London’s Heathrow Airport.

Today, as part of our ongoing “Tricks of the Trade” series, “Marketplace Morning Report” host David Brancaccio hears tips from the next generation of ag industry leaders at the Houston Livestock Show. There, he receives pointers on showing cattle, learns about livestock as an investment business and even meets some friendly podcasting competition. But first: The breakfast cereal indicator shows that consumers are careful and concerned about spending on basics.

Today, as part of our ongoing “Tricks of the Trade” series, “Marketplace Morning Report” host David Brancaccio hears tips from the next generation of ag industry leaders at the Houston Livestock Show. There, he receives pointers on showing cattle, learns about livestock as an investment business and even meets some friendly podcasting competition. But first: The breakfast cereal indicator shows that consumers are careful and concerned about spending on basics.

Today, as part of our ongoing “Tricks of the Trades” series, Marketplace’s David Brancaccio heads to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. With a mic in hand and a Stetson on head, Brancaccio gleans lessons on labor, trade policy and bang for your buck from the businesspeople who dish up Texas-sized portions of food to nearly 2.5 million rodeo attendees. Also, the Federal Reserve is poised to have a new chief bank regulator.

Today, as part of our ongoing “Tricks of the Trades” series, Marketplace’s David Brancaccio heads to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. With a mic in hand and a Stetson on head, Brancaccio gleans lessons on labor, trade policy and bang for your buck from the businesspeople who dish up Texas-sized portions of food to nearly 2.5 million rodeo attendees. Also, the Federal Reserve is poised to have a new chief bank regulator.

#mmapgxphotoshoot

It's Houston biggest event of the year.

EPA to revise the definition of a Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS).High winds leads to an increased wildfire risk in parts of Texas. Something is happening to the bees.Texas cotton farmers have new varieties to consider this year.There's plenty to do and see at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.What is the most important factor that impacts the survival of new born kids and lambs?

City Cast Houston host Raheel Ramzanali loves the wild food at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo—but does it truly reflect our diverse food scene? Chron.com food reporter Erica Cheng shares how she thinks it could better represent all of H-town. Plus, they dig into Trill Burgers' expansion and the political red meat behind Lt. Governor Dan Patrick's push to rename the New York Strip steak after Texas. Stick around to hear the best thing Erica ate last month! Dive deeper into the stories and places from today's show:  NY restaurants fire back at Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick's strip steak plans Trill Burgers brings its famous smashburgers to another Houston neighborhood Houston, meet the Rodeo's only Asian street food vendor: Asian Streetness Hong Kong Food Street in Katy, TX  Learn more about the sponsors of this March 12th episode: Port Aransas Chamber of Commerce Foundation Camp Champions Destination Bryan Artechouse Meow Wolf Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston  Follow us on Instagram  @CityCastHouston Don't have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know!  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let's Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeanette, Evette and Tina are heading to the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. If you've never been the ladies show you how to dress, eat and have fun just like a Texas cowgirl on the latest episode of their travel podcast.

Send us a textBBQ Radio Network is brought to you BBQr's Delight 100% All Natural Wood PelletsOur special guest is Dan Barrington from Brisbane, Australia, representing Lane's BBQ AU and Smoked Beyond Smoked BBQ. Dan is in the U.S. to compete in the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo World Championship BBQ Contest, and he's sharing his journey, competition prep, and what it takes to bring Australian BBQ flavors to the world stage.This week on the BBQ Radio Network, Todd and Andy check back in with Phil from Jacksonville for a follow-up on tri-tip preparation for his big event. Got a BBQ question? Send it to BBQRadioNetwork@Gmail.com—be sure to include your t-shirt size and how you listen to the show!ATBBQ.com Product Spotlight:

*The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo attracts visitors from 80 different countries.  *This is a very stressful time for Texas farmers.  *Thousands of USDA employees have their jobs back.  *The livestock brand registry system in Texas may be getting a lot simpler.  *The nation's largest farm organization is concerned about the Trump administration's tariff proposals.  *USDA released updated guidelines for battling highly pathogenic avian influenza. *Cattle fever ticks are a continual problem in South Texas.  

*The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is underway.  *The state legislature is making efforts to protect natural resources.  *It has been a dry winter for the Texas High Plains.  *Economic assistance payments will soon be making their way to farmers.  *The very high winds across Texas this week created a challenge for farmers and ranchers.  *Cushing's disease is common in older mares. 

quick update. #evanwrekn

Flipping Thru The Streets Of Houston. #evanwrekn #mmapgx

March might be one of the City Cast Houston team's favorite months in H-town. It's rodeo season, the weather is actually nice so we can enjoy the outdoors more, and, of course, we got great eats. In this episode, we've got expert tips and recommendations that you won't hear anywhere else, from kite festivals to fusion restaurants that can only be found in H-Town.  Our picks for March:  City Cast Houston at Mardi Gras Galveston  Sam Houston Race Park Camel Races  Little BIPOC Book Fest at Discovery Green Keith-Wiess Park International Art & Kite Festival Mutton Bustin' Alora Restaurant  Coltivare  The Best Places in Houston for Viet-Cajun Crawfish LA Crawfish Join City Cast Houston for a pre-game mixer at the Houston Rockets on March 25th. Get your tickets here with the special code: CITYCAST2025 Want even more things to do at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo? Check out our guide to the wildest (and most delicious!) foods to eat this year at the rodeo.  Learn more about the sponsors of this February 27th episode here: Inprint Wild West Brewfest Destination Bryan Sam Houston Race Park Downtown Houston+ Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston  Follow us on Instagram  @CityCastHouston Don't have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know!  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let's Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sure, the epic concerts and world-class rodeo events are a big draw for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, but the incredible food has become one of the main attractions as well! From trending desserts to gigantic turkey legs, the rodeo has some wild and delicious food. Host Raheel Ramzanali is putting together a list of the ones you need to try with the man behind all the wild creation, Dominic Palimieri aka The Midway Gourmet!  List of delicious foods mentioned on today's episode:  Mike's Hot Honey Turkey Leg at Biggy's Mike's Hot Honey Corndog at Biggy's  Hot Honey Pickles at Biggy's  Hot Honey Bacon Wrapped Pork Belly at Biggy's Hot Cheeto Cheese Pickle Pizza at Enzo's Dirty Sodas at Cowboy Kettle Corn Aguas Frescas at Michelaguas  Cowboy Cookie Crumble at Totally Baked Cookie Joint  The Chocolate Strawberry Cup at Candy Factory (located right in front of Mutton Bustin' Tent) Ice Cream Nachos at Fried A Fair Deep Fried Cheesecake (Various stalls)  Deep Fried Butter (Various Stalls)  Other links from today's show: Follow Dominic on Instagram  9 Must-Visit Barbeque Spots in Bryan, TX Learn more about the sponsors of this February 26th episode here: Inprint Wild West Brewfest Destination Bryan Sam Houston Race Park Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston  Follow us on Instagram @CityCastHouston Don't have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know!  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let's Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thirty years ago, Selena made history at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo with her iconic concert. But this year, the Rodeo didn't include any tribute for the Tejano superstar— and booked few women and artists of color to perform. Host Raheel Ramzanali talks to Joey Guerra, Houston Chronicle's music critic and writer, about attending that legendary performance in person, how the rodeo can improve its lineup, and why Selena's legacy lives on. (Plus, don't miss Joey's Selena picks for our Rodeo Week playlist!) Dive deeper into rodeo music and Selena's legacy:  Does the Rodeo concert lineup represent Houston diversity? Shows include few women, artists of color Living with Selena, 25 years later Learn more about the sponsors of this February 25th episode here: Inprint Wild West Brewfest Destination Bryan Sam Houston Race Park Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston  Follow us on Instagram  @CityCastHouston Don't have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know!  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let's Talk! Photo credit: Arlene Richie/Getty Images Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's Rodeo Week on City Cast Houston! We're kicking things off with a look at Black cowboy culture and its impact on today's rodeo. Host Raheel Ramzanali talks with Dr. Alicia Odewale, a University of Houston professor, about how Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter album spotlights Black cowboy culture, and how we can celebrate it all year long!  Plus, don't miss our special Rodeo Week playlist on Spotify, inspired by this conversation and others all week long. Listen and add your favorite rodeo songs here.  Dive deeper with these resources recommended by Dr. Odewale:  Black Cowboys in the American West: On the Range, on the Stage, behind the Badge  The Black West: A Documentary and Pictorial History of the African American Role in the Westward Expansion of the United States Black Cowboys of the Old West: True, Sensational, And Little-Known Stories From History African American Women of the Old West The Black Cowboy Museum and Hall of Fame in Rosenberg, TX Black Heritage Day at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Learn more about the sponsors of this February 24th episode here: Inprint Wild West Brewfest Destination Bryan Sam Houston Race Park Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston  Follow us on Instagram  @CityCastHouston Don't have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know!  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let's Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the Texans exploring the possibility of building a new stadium, Brandon Scott tries to make sense of it all with Houston Chronicle investigative reporter Dylan McGuinness, who co-authored the latest piece and has been following the NRG Stadium negotiations between Harris County, the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo and the Texans. How did we get here and where might we be headed. B.Scott and McGuinness tackle those questions in this conversation.#texans #houston #houstontexans #nrg #nrgstadium #nfl #nflstadiums #localgovernment #harriscounty #houstonrodeo

A conversation with Amber Burda, Chief Revenue Officer for HLSR.  This iconc event is part of the fabric of Houston.  Saddle up and learn how this month-long celebration brings people together and will generate 28 million dollars in scholarships and educational programs.  It's time to rodeo!

Team Never Quit Podcast: From the Inauguration to the Rodeo – A Look Back & Ahead In this week's electrifying episode of the Team Never Quit Podcast, Marcus, Melanie, and Hunter take a trip down memory lane, revisiting some of the most unforgettable podcast episodes of 2024. But that's just the beginning! The team shares their firsthand experience attending the historic inauguration of the 47th President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, in Washington, D.C. From rubbing shoulders with dignitaries and famous faces to taking in the awe-inspiring monuments and museums, they give you an inside look at this monumental event.

DITCH THE DRAMA, UNLOCK CONNECTION! Tired of misunderstandings and conflict? Discover "Bempathy," the game-changing communication technique that combines lighthearted banter with genuine empathy. Interview Jill Robin Payne. Bempathy®: Simplifying Communication by Looking at the Third Side of the Coin is your guide to understanding others and yourself like never before. This engaging read offers a unique approach that's: Simple yet powerful: Easy for kids to grasp, yet insightful for adults. Practical tools: Learn to see others' perspectives and build confidence, navigating diverse relationships with ease. Fun and relatable: Three delightful cartoon characters guide you through real-life scenarios, making learning fast and enjoyable. BEMPATHY GOES BEYOND EMPATHY It combines the power of playful banter with genuine understanding to build harmonious connections in all areas of your life both personal and professional. Transform negatives into positives, and watch even good interactions become exceptional. YOUR KEY TO UNLOCKING HAPPER, HEALTHIER RELATIONSHIPS: Seeing eye-to-eye: Understand diverse perspectives and build bridges, not walls. Sparking compassion: Cultivate harmonious relationships in all areas of your life. Turning conflict into win-win: Navigate tricky situations with confidence and grace. Ready to experience communication like never before? Join our charming characters on their journey and unlock the secrets of "Bempathy" today! Suggested Interview Segment Topic: How to use Bempathy® to improve personal and professional communication. 5 easy ways to improve your family relationships. 5 easy ways to improve your romantic relationship. 5 ways to spot a dud before you waste time. 5 ways to improve communication with friends and family 5 ways to improve communication with your partner. 5 ways to improve communication with your coworkers. 5 communication skills that everyone needs. 5 ways we should act more like children. 5 ways to prepare for a healthy marriage. Guest Bio: Jill was the first student from her college to intern at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland. She interned at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Houston for her master's degree. While working at Bellaire Hospital in Houston she authored a guide for positive rehabilitative activities for the emotionally and physically challenged. During her over 40 years of work experience in the mental health field, she has given numerous lectures, taught college level Behavior Modification as an adjunct professor, is an author who continues managing a diverse practice. She is heard on all social media outlets plus local and national radio and television stations commenting on the intersection of current events and social psychology. Jill is a member of the American Counseling Association, Houston Alumnae Chapter of ZTA, Texas State Society and a lifetime member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Recreational Therapy from Longwood University and a master's degree in clinical/counseling psychology with honors from Houston Christian University. Jill's practice is devoted to advancing the notion that seeking advice for mental health is as important as seeking advice for physical health. With a background in Pilates certification, reiki mastery, an undergraduate degree in recreation therapy, and a master's in psychology, she developed a concept that she copyrighted and trademarked as Bempathy® – a term she herself coined. Bempathy® represents a unique approach to communication and social skills, combining banter with empathy to build and maintain harmonious reciprocal relationships. All of Jill's work and efforts stem directly from the heart. Her passion is to 'Spread the Goodness' using the synergy of mind, body, and Bempathy®. Please Mention: Jill's Bempathy books are available on Amazon or by visiting www.jillrobinpayne.com

DITCH THE DRAMA, UNLOCK CONNECTION! Tired of misunderstandings and conflict? Discover "Bempathy," the game-changing communication technique that combines lighthearted banter with genuine empathy. Interview Jill Robin Payne. Bempathy®: Simplifying Communication by Looking at the Third Side of the Coin is your guide to understanding others and yourself like never before. This engaging read offers a unique approach that's: Simple yet powerful: Easy for kids to grasp, yet insightful for adults. Practical tools: Learn to see others' perspectives and build confidence, navigating diverse relationships with ease. Fun and relatable: Three delightful cartoon characters guide you through real-life scenarios, making learning fast and enjoyable. BEMPATHY GOES BEYOND EMPATHY It combines the power of playful banter with genuine understanding to build harmonious connections in all areas of your life both personal and professional. Transform negatives into positives, and watch even good interactions become exceptional. YOUR KEY TO UNLOCKING HAPPER, HEALTHIER RELATIONSHIPS: Seeing eye-to-eye: Understand diverse perspectives and build bridges, not walls. Sparking compassion: Cultivate harmonious relationships in all areas of your life. Turning conflict into win-win: Navigate tricky situations with confidence and grace. Ready to experience communication like never before? Join our charming characters on their journey and unlock the secrets of "Bempathy" today! Suggested Interview Segment Topic: How to use Bempathy® to improve personal and professional communication. 5 easy ways to improve your family relationships. 5 easy ways to improve your romantic relationship. 5 ways to spot a dud before you waste time. 5 ways to improve communication with friends and family 5 ways to improve communication with your partner. 5 ways to improve communication with your coworkers. 5 communication skills that everyone needs. 5 ways we should act more like children. 5 ways to prepare for a healthy marriage. Guest Bio: Jill was the first student from her college to intern at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland. She interned at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Houston for her master's degree. While working at Bellaire Hospital in Houston she authored a guide for positive rehabilitative activities for the emotionally and physically challenged. During her over 40 years of work experience in the mental health field, she has given numerous lectures, taught college level Behavior Modification as an adjunct professor, is an author who continues managing a diverse practice. She is heard on all social media outlets plus local and national radio and television stations commenting on the intersection of current events and social psychology. Jill is a member of the American Counseling Association, Houston Alumnae Chapter of ZTA, Texas State Society and a lifetime member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Recreational Therapy from Longwood University and a master's degree in clinical/counseling psychology with honors from Houston Christian University. Jill's practice is devoted to advancing the notion that seeking advice for mental health is as important as seeking advice for physical health. With a background in Pilates certification, reiki mastery, an undergraduate degree in recreation therapy, and a master's in psychology, she developed a concept that she copyrighted and trademarked as Bempathy® – a term she herself coined. Bempathy® represents a unique approach to communication and social skills, combining banter with empathy to build and maintain harmonious reciprocal relationships. All of Jill's work and efforts stem directly from the heart. Her passion is to 'Spread the Goodness' using the synergy of mind, body, and Bempathy®. Please Mention: Jill's Bempathy books are available on Amazon or by visiting www.jillrobinpayne.com

In this episode of Building Texas Business, I met with Chris Gillman, President and CEO of Team Gillman, to discuss how technology is transforming car dealerships in Texas. I learn how his team uses AI and virtual assistants to streamline customer service, enabling online car purchases and digital service scheduling. Their approach to technology has improved both customer experience and internal operations while maintaining strong relationships with car buyers. Chris shares his path from general manager to business owner, including a key moment when he had to terminate an employee who broke company policy. This experience taught him about insurance requirements and legal considerations that protect the business. We explore how Team Gilman adapted during COVID-19 by focusing on company culture and employee development. Chris explained their strategy of reinvesting in staff training and using customer data effectively, which has supported steady growth without aggressive marketing tactics. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS We explore how technology is reshaping the car dealership landscape in Texas, emphasizing the integration of AI and virtual assistants in enhancing customer service and streamlining operations. Chris discusses his leadership journey, highlighting the importance of hiring ambitious individuals and giving them the autonomy to excel in their roles. The episode delves into the challenges and rewards of transitioning from a general manager to a business owner, offering insights into leadership in the automotive industry. We examine the significance of building a strong company culture and the strategies for maintaining employee-centric leadership, especially during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic. Chris shares the value of leveraging existing customer data to sustain a market presence without aggressive advertising, focusing on customer satisfaction and long-term business sustainability. The discussion includes the role of technology in employee management, mentioning tools like Paycom and Reynolds for digital transactions and HR processes. Chris emphasizes the balance between short-term gains and long-term sustainability by reinvesting in employees and fostering a growth-oriented environment. We talk about the evolving work landscape and the shift back to traditional office settings, with insights on adapting leadership styles to meet changing work habits. The conversation touches on the impact of recent legislative changes in Texas, such as the removal of state inspections for pre-owned vehicles, and the implications for the automotive industry. Chris shares personal stories and leadership philosophies, stressing the importance of leading by example and treating employees with respect to drive business growth. LINKSShow Notes Previous Episodes About BoyarMiller About Team Gillman GUESTS Chris GillmanAbout Chris TRANSCRIPT (AI transcript provided as supporting material and may contain errors) Chris Hanslik: Chris, I want to welcome you to Building Texas Business. Thanks for taking the time to join us today. Thank you. Chris Gillman: I look forward to it. Chris Hanslik: So let's just start by telling the audience about your business and maybe a little bit about how you got into the business. Chris Gillman: Okay, well, last name's Gilman Been, a family name here in Houston since 1938. I'm a third generation car dealer. We started off in downtown Houston with Pontiac and GMC at the corner of Milam and Pease, and then my father took it over, ran it, did everything, built it all the way up, and I've kind of taken over kind of since then, since my father's passed away since 2011. We roughly have around almost 800 employees and we do roughly around 18,000 cars a year here in Houston. That sounds like a pretty big volume. It's definitely a small family business. Chris Hanslik: Yes, I think it's pretty good volume. Yeah, it sounds like it and so let's you know. Talk about. There's a lot, especially at the beginning of the year, about looking ahead. There's been a bunch of conversations in the last two years about AI. What are some of the emerging technologies that you see now or may be coming as it relates to your industry? Chris Gillman: Well, right now, one of the big things is almost 20 to 30 percent of every service appointment. When you bring in your car for service, when you set your appointment, you are actually talking to somebody. That is an AI virtual assistant that is scheduling your service appointment for you and you actually think you're speaking to a human and that is setting up a pickup and delivery. Or hey, I need to drop my car off at three o'clock, I need a loaner or I need a shuttle you're actually dealing with. I don't want an ai virtual voice setting your service appointment kind of like the virtual assistant. Yeah, it's full-blown. And also, a lot of times, if you're setting an appointment to come in, to come test drive a car, there are tools right now that we are utilizing to streamline and make and make the car buying and the servicing of your vehicle a lot easier. Chris Hanslik: I'm sure most people will love hearing that because almost like death and taxes. Most people say you talk about buying a car and they just like poke a needle in my eye because it's such a painful process yeah, it's you's. Chris Gillman: You know back from way you know me being 47 years old. You know buying a car the way it did in 1985 and 1995, hell, even in 2005,. It's completely different. Now you can get in and out of a car dealership with not only an hour and a half, but the days of, oh, let's go haggle and beat up and go negotiate and oh, hear me roar. Those days are gone. If you want to make the car buying process difficult, you can, or you can make it very simple. Chris Hanslik: Well, you bring up a good point, though right, with the consumers much more informed these days because of the internet way more, and so which? Chris Gillman: is great. By the way, an informed buyer is a better buyer, you know. You know what it was in I think it was 2010. Your average consumer used to visit 5.2 5.5 dealerships before they bought a car. Now it's like 1.3 wow, yeah, so more efficient way. Chris Hanslik: More efficient? I don't. I mean. My sense is that's common across a lot of industries. Right, and with the age of the internet, more price comparing and shopping online and things like that oh, it's just like buying a home. Chris Gillman: You see all the photos online and you look at it and go. You know, you know, back in the day you used to go visit 20 different homes before you bought it. Now you might only look at three. Chris Hanslik: That's a good point. So you got dealerships across the greater Houston area, 800 employees. Anything that you know we talked about technology for the consumer, anything you're using to kind of help hire, manage, train employees, that is kind of innovative. Or using technology to help you there. Chris Gillman: Some of the technology that we're using. You know I'm not here to promote a payroll system or anything like that, okay, but you know we've been able to lower our HR staff by using a company called Paycom. Chris Hanslik: Okay. Chris Gillman: And also our hand. Also our digital handbook is in that we have training videos and all that. That's from the employee standpoint, from the consumer standpoint. We use a company called Reynolds, and Reynolds they're a Texas based company, or they have a company in Dayton Ohio, but they started off in Houston. There's a thing that we call DocuPad, where you do the whole car deal, everything. It's all digital. It's no paper, it's all digital and we are able to also I don't want to use the word FaceTime, but if you are remote, we're able to do a virtual go back and forth so you can sign your paperwork while you're sitting at home or at your office or you can be on a boat fishing if you want to do it, and you can do your whole car deal and you don't actually have to come into the dealership. Chris Hanslik: That's amazing. I've experienced the DocuPad. It looks like just you're sitting at a desk. Chris Gillman: Yeah, it's a gigantic iPad. Chris Hanslik: And I've seen you I mean in action when you have any car that you know you have access to under your umbrella is for sale. I think we were on a day trip and you sold a Tahoe. Chris Gillman: Yeah, just it's. You know, no matter where you are, you know you can have a tablet or a phone and you can do a whole car deal everything right there and there. You see, you know if you think about it we're in the world of the now, yeah absolutely and that's you know. The world has taught, Amazon has taught us that you could buy anything in three clicks. Well, if you want to go buy a $50,000 car in three clicks, I want to be able to provide that for you, sure. Chris Hanslik: So you know, I think we all, born and raised in Texas, very proud to be. What do you see as some of the advantages of having and starting and growing a business in the state of Texas? Chris Gillman: The state of Texas is very pro-business. The state of Texas likes it for people to have employees to create business, to create I don't want to say an economy, but you're generating taxes for them, right? Sure, so they are pro-business and that's, and the state of Texas likes that. And there's a lot of car dealers that wish they were car dealers in Texas that aren't in Louisiana, colorado, california. Chris Hanslik: Yeah, there's a lot. So those are some of the positives. Any challenges or headwinds you see coming maybe specific to your industry or just in Texas in general about operating here. Chris Gillman: Well, just from like Texas, they've just passed a new law and the new law is today's pre-owned vehicles do not need a state inspection on the car. Well, what I mean by that is the car does not for you to get a new registration for your new license plates, you don't have to have a state inspection. Well, you can now have a car with one headlight seatbelt not working, the emissions terrible, bad tires, no brake lights. That is just unsafe for the state of Texas. Chris Hanslik: It seems that way. I'm not sure I understand the logic. Chris Gillman: I have not a clue. I spent a lot of money lobbying and a lot of time in austin texas fighting that deal and I lost really so I'm just curious what was the lobby? It was the support of saying that it is getting rid of the state inspection because that state inspection it hurts the average texan of paying a fee of $25 to have them inspect their car for a safe vehicle. Chris Hanslik: So my view that falls in the definition of penny wise pound foolish. Chris Gillman: You know, in the famous words of John Wayne, you can't fix stupid. Chris Hanslik: So you know, talk a little bit about you know your management style and kind of your approach to leading your team of 800 there at Team Gilman. You know how would you describe your leadership style? Chris Gillman: My leadership style. I've kind of inherited from my father the ready fire, aim type mentality, but something that my father beat into me a long time ago hire people that are better than you. Hire people that are smarter than you. Pay them what they deserve, I mean you know God forbid. you pay somebody what they're worth, right? You pay them what they're worth and get out of their way. Let them do their job and also give them the authority and give them the power to make decisions where they don't have to be overlooking their shoulder, and let's not rule by a committee. I know these are all buzzwords I'm saying, but in all honesty, let them eat, let them earn, let them do what they need to do. You're wanting to hire them for a reason. Chris Hanslik: Put them in let them go, Tell them the job you expect them to do and give them autonomy to do it Correct. Chris Gillman: Say this is your sandbox and give them autonomy to do it Correct, say this is your sandbox, these are your rules. Go build and you know a lot of employees. I would rather have to pull the reins back on them than go have to kick them. Chris Hanslik: Yeah, I use. I'd rather pull the reins and crack the whip all the time around here. Right, it's so true. Right, you want someone that has that ambition and the initiative to go do stuff. Chris Gillman: Yeah, there's you know you can't teach hustle, you can't. You know you can tell when you were talking to someone. Okay, that person has drive, or that guy's a popcorn fart. Well, I mean, it's true, right. So I mean, at the end of the day you look at it and be like, yeah, no, that guy's just, or that person is just not going to get it done, or you look at him and go that guy's going to get it done, but I know I'm going to have to pull the reins back on him. Chris Hanslik: Yeah. Chris Gillman: I would rather surround myself with that guy and then go. Okay, by the way, we'll work on polishing you later. Sure, Sure. Chris Hanslik: Right, it's something to work with, right. So you know, you say you kind of, over the last what 13, 14 years you've been building this company, what are some of the things that have occurred along that journey that you maybe surprised you and wish you had to know, and kind of those hard lessons that you learned along the way. Chris Gillman: But man, you're like man. I'm gonna try to use the word empathy and feeling bad for a situation verse what happens from a business insurance legal world. We had a technician that was working on a car after hours, illegally, with another employee as another employee's car, and the company policy is you have to have a ticket, a repair order, on any car that's in our shop. That is standard rule, that is rule number one. Rule number two working on an employee car is especially, you have to have a manager signature. Number three you can't be working on a car after hours without the shop being open, with management around. Well, this technician and this his buddy, both of employees working on a car after hours. The car goes up on an alignment rack, they don't fully secure it, the car falls down and the car falls on the employee's head and his jaw is just dangling. I mean, it's just terrible. Right ambulance comes. He rushes to the hospital. I find out I was like, oh my god, I'm at home. It's like 8 o'clock at night, I run the hospital. You know, at the time you new, fresh business owner Dad's passed, got all this stuff, like what. So I call the attorney, insurance agent, people. What do I do Right and he goes. Did he violate company policy? Yes, he did. He goes. When you first see him fire and I'm like, have you lost your damn mind? This man is in the hospital car and he goes. Chris, the violent company policy yeah, yes, you have to fire him and I go, but his jaw is dang. He's in this hospital. This is bad. He goes, chris, if you don't do it, I will drive down there and I will do it for you. You need to fire him. And I was like, oh my God, so will do it for you. You need to fire him. And I was like, oh my god, so I went. I saw this guy and had his mother and his sister, his girlfriend, a bunch of employees are all in the lobby like oh this, you know, poor guy, and I fired him. I felt is like a piece like, like just a piece of sand, like a piece of grit, you know. Yeah, and that was the defining moment of knowing, okay, I now live where I was just a normal general manager employee. Now I've gone to business person owner. This is the world now I live in and to me that was like a turning point of know your insurance, know the law, know the HR and when an incident happens which something will always happen, no matter what make sure that when you make the phone call at that time you have somebody you trust that will give you the right advice so you can make the right decision. Because the employee sued anyway and they lost because we did everything by the book, right. But my normal mindset would have been like, okay, let's do this, you know, and I would have done it, I would have handled it differently, but the attorney told me to do it like that. So have good representation, that's a good point. Chris Hanslik: Look, there's the, especially with us being a law firm. Chris Gillman: Yeah exactly by the way Boyd Miller used them. Chris Hanslik: Yeah, the. But there's a fine line right of that, as the leader and owner, having to make some tough calls to protect the business while still trying to show some compassion and empathy towards your employees, because you want to retain good employees, you want to have loyalty amongst your employees where they are true team members, right, and so it's finding that balance. It's not easy. Chris Gillman: Well, it's also that during the hiring process, you know you have someone that has. You know we do background checks on you, okay, and let's just say, let's say you have some bad stuff on your background, right? Well, it's my job to have it. So when female employees come to work, they know that the 879 other employees people, right, you know you have to have that good work environment instead of going okay. By the way, we've got a guy over here. He's been a past felon. It was 10 years ago, but hey, it's 10 years ago, it's past. Like no, I mean, that's probably crossing some of the HR laws right now, but I background check you and if you're a famous words of what Trump says, you're a bad hombre, I don't hire you. Chris Hanslik: Oh man, that's good. So what would you say if you were advising a young entrepreneur, maybe about to start? What are some of the biggest lessons that you would want to pass along? Maybe one or two, maybe three things of. Here's some things that you ought to consider that I did, or I've seen others do, that worked. Chris Gillman: You know, the number one thing I would definitely say is you're going. I'm going to use this example and tell it to a lot of people. At one point in time, babe Ruth was the home run king. He was also the strikeout king. You've got to keep swinging and there's going to be failure. You're going to stub your toe. You've got to find a way every day to get back up on the horse, get back in the saddle, get back in that car, drive your ass to work, figure out a way. It's going to work out If you believe in it and you do it and you hustle and surround yourself with people that believe in the same thing that you do. And just, you've got to keep fighting. It's the fighters that work and people are like oh, that's just cheesy as shit. You know something? I've never met anybody that has started their business and said you know, it just fell into my lap. Chris Hanslik: Yeah, I'll tell you this. I mean we're, I don't know 80 some odd episodes into this podcast and everyone that's come on has said it was harder than I thought. It will be harder than you expect it to be. Expect the unexpected Right. All those things Right, Because it's not easy. Chris Gillman: It's not easy, but if it was easy everybody would be doing it, yeah for sure. Chris Hanslik: So part of that to get to success is you've got to be profitable. Yeah, so let's talk a little bit. I mean maybe your mindset and how you balance getting the short-term profitability to keep the business going against long-term sustainability. Chris Gillman: So one thing I'm going to say, and people kind of get mad at me for saying this, but profit is not a bad thing. Chris Hanslik: Period, period, end of story. That's what you're in business for that's why I'm in business. Chris Gillman: Okay, return on my investment. Not only you need to reinvest into your employees. If you reinvest into your employees, they will bring back profitability and make your business go longer. Put the money back into your employees. That's number one. Number two there's a big thing that we're currently doing is I use the word data mining. Data mining is I'm taking my own current customers that are doing business with me in the service department. They're driving a two to three year old car and I just look at him. I go, hey, would you like the exact same car, one trim level up, at the exact same payment? and the customer goes you're telling me if I can get 2.9 for 60 months. The exact same car, but now this car has leather as a sunroof, has navigation, has Apple CarPlay and they have the exact same payment. Sounds Sounds too good to be true and I go, yeah, and they go, yeah. That's a no brainer. I've spent zero advertising dollars, right, yeah. Chris Hanslik: So you're just looking at what the data you already own. Chris Gillman: Right, I own the data. It's managing my own data and then, I'm leasing that customer and I'm currently doing gas and go. The only thing you got to do is put gas in the car. I cover your maintenance. I cover doors, dings and whatever road hazard stuff on your car. The only thing you got to do is put gas in it and then, when you're done, come back, come get another car. So I am creating my own market so I could be sustainable. Chris Hanslik: Yeah, so like a reoccurring revenue, almost like software licensing right. Chris Gillman: Exactly. But I'm doing that with my own customer base so I don't have to rely on going to go get new customers to go battle 16 other Honda stores, eight other Subaru stores and we're all fighting for that one customer, over $100 on the price of a car. I'm keeping my current customers happy so I don't have to play in that crazy. Oh, let's all go cut each other's throats price war. Chris Hanslik: Yeah, there's so much truth to that. To me, that is transcends in across all industries. We always find ourselves, I think, trying to get the new customer and we lose sight of the existing right and we have this existing customer base. That's gotten our business where it is, and not that you don't want to grow, but you can grow the existing base. You can grow revenue and profit from your existing base if you're smart about it, and not that you don't want to add new customers too right, but it's that current customer already likes you. Chris Gillman: You already have good csi. Well in the industry it's good is customer satisfaction and index. I like to call it constant source of income right yeah, and so your current customer base is. That's where your money is. That's what you need to focus on. You don't need to go focus and go spend thousands of millions of dollars to go find new customers. You already have people that are happy with you already yeah, no, you're right, it's. Chris Hanslik: Yeah. Chris Gillman: You don't have to convince them no, you don't have to give it and they're coming back into your service department anyway. So so they bought the car and they're servicing with you. I mean, do you need to get hit over the head with a two by four? Hey, they already like. Chris Hanslik: Yeah, so you mentioned something to the first point you said was reinvest in your employees. Yeah, when you? When I think about that concept, and which I think is very true, it brings up to mind culture. Right, you're investing in your employees. You want them to like where they are, you want them to see opportunity. How would you describe the culture that you have built or trying to build at team gilman? Chris Gillman: number one. We are trying to build this thing daily on a culture right. So whatever the vision is I'm sorry, the vision that we have up on top, we're trying to really push it down and sometimes the culture from the bottom comes up and we find a way to meet it. It's you know I don't want to say how do I say it. I want you to treat everybody kind of like it's your grandmother right Right. You know, if your grandma's in the room, if you feel like that's something bad, you shouldn't be doing it right? You know don't ask, don't tell someone to do something Unless they've seen you do it first. You know, if you ask someone to go pick up a piece of trash while you're walking around the car lot because trash blows, you know that employee's not going to pick it up unless he sees you do it. You know, lead by example, right. You know, doing stuff like that Giving back into the community, being the SPCA, doing it with dog shelters, buying dogs and training them for blind people, stuff like that donating to cancer, whatever charity that we have going on I want the employees to know that not only am I giving back to the community, but I also want them to know that, hey, your kid's soccer team, your kid's football team, I want to sponsor it, I want to take care of it, and they also feel like it's a good thing for them yeah, okay, so that inclusive, we're going to take care of you. Chris Hanslik: Yeah, we're going to take customer right. Chris Gillman: So like during covid, you know I'll probably catch a lot of shit for this, but you know, hey, it is what it is. Chris Hanslik:During covid, new car supply was non-existent the inventories went down, right prices went down everything. Chris Gillman: Well, I needed also used cars to sell. Well, the only way you get used cars is to take trade-ins, right. Well, we normally trade company average around 50. So for every 100 new cars you sell, we get 50 trades. Well, I sat there and I said hey guys, we need to be trading around 80%. I have people that need to buy cars and I had some people get mad at me. They're like well, what happens if I don't have a trade? I got 20%, but I'm not selling you a car. They go well, that's just not fair. And I go well, okay. Well, I got 20%, but I'm not selling you a car. And they go well, that's just not fair. And I go well, okay. Well, out of my 800 employees, how about I just have to go fire 160 of them and we'll see what's fair? You know it's make you mad or go fire these 160 souls that have nothing to do with it, because the economy is something it wasn't. It wasn't something that I did as a bad businessman. It was just because of a virus or whatever. Right, and next thing I know is they have to lose their job. So I made business rules to keep these employees intact. Now, did I piss off some customers. Yeah, I did but did. But at the end of the day I kept my 160 employees and at the end of the day I put my employees first, over the customer. And some people might disagree or agree with that, whatever, but I put my employees first and that's what makes me successful. Chris Hanslik: I think that's what you've got to do, so they take care of the customer, right? Yes, because if you have customers with no employees to service them, you're not going to have that customer very long either, right? So that makes sense. What were some of the? You mentioned, obviously the shortage of new car supply. I mean, you know, it's nice to kind of be turning the page into 2025 and we're five years now from 2020, which you know is you know a distant past, but talk about some of the leadership challenges you face in keeping the company together, keeping all those employees together oh, well, you know, finding good people is hard. Chris Gillman: It is really hard. There are some benefits to COVID, you know. I mean you hear, you know let's talk about Texas business. Okay, sure, there's a lot of businesses. Talk about Texas business. Okay, sure, there's a lot of businesses that had record years during COVID. Chris Hanslik:Okay. Chris Gillman: Some of them failed, some of them dive bombed, but some guys they had not only record years, but it was crazy. So let's talk about that elephant in the room. Right, there are some people that just got overpaid during COVID Period, end of story. And it wasn't because of their stellar management style, it wasn't because of what they did or what they brought to the table. It was the market that got them overpaid, right, and when COVID went down, then now they have to get back to working, get back to doing follow-up, get back to the basics, get back to the foundation of whatever industry that they're in. And it's made some people lazy and it has created a vacuum or a vortex of people hopping around different businesses because they keep chasing that COVID number that's out there and some of them have come to, okay, you know Now, some of them, it's made them lazy. Chris Hanslik: I've seen it. I call it the COVID malaise. Yes, and just saying we're five years removed and it's still out there. And it's still to me, one of the biggest impediments to your business achieving its fullest potential Right Is getting people. So many people came into the workforce at that time, yeah, and that's all they knew. And they don't know any different. And I mean, was it yesterday, in the last day or so? Right, jp Morgan, everyone's back to work in the office five days a week? Absolutely. Amazon announced it in what October or so, but it started this week and I said for a while that was where the pendulum was going to start swinging back and it's back there where the hybrid work. I don't know if it will ever go away but it is going away in big numbers. Chris Gillman: I had salespeople come to me and go. I want to work from home. And I went great, knock yourself out. And they were like I'm at home. I've, I've been at home now for 10 days and I haven't sold a car and I go, yeah, because no one's knocking on your home door to come by a car. Chris Hanslik: They're knocking on my door, I mean some of them. It just makes sense, right? Chris Gillman: I mean it's just like a you know, some people just need to stay home, I guess. Right, well, it's, you know, covid. Chris Hanslik: Decisions have consequences. Chris Gillman: Yes, they do. Chris Hanslik: Yes, they do. So let's talk about you. Look back since 2011, when you took over. What's the one thing you're maybe most proud of at this moment? Knowing that you still have goals ahead of you. Chris Gillman: I guess one of the things that I look at each dealership like. They have their own heartbeat, you know, instead of making it a blanket, okay, these are the business rules at all. Yeah, we have our basic foundation rules, but each store has its own little heartbeat, you know. Chris Hanslik: And that's from a business standpoint. Chris Gillman: You know, I grew it from three stores to eight stores, so we we've doubled it up, almost tripled it. By the end of this year year we should have a night store. So I would have tripled the business. And just, we're just having fun, man, you know, just having fun, that's, yeah, every day's a new day and I'm not here to be cheesy when I say it, but it's, I don't think I've had one bad day. We're just having fun and every day's a new day and we're just kind of throwing a pickle on the windshield on the window. We're just kind of throwing a pickle up on the windshield on the window. We're like let's just see what happens, man you know. So we're having fun, so I'm sorry that's such a cheesy answer. Chris Hanslik: No, look, if you can't have fun, it's. I mean you won't be able to make it through the tough times, right, right and then they're going to be there. Chris Gillman: So if you don't love it, you know you're, you're in trouble. Chris Hanslik: Yeah, you're definitely in trouble. So well, that's great. I'm going to turn a little bit to some just going to be texas related things. Okay, tell us what's your favorite kind of maybe vacation spot in texas or a place to visit I think south texas is the most prettiest place in the world. Chris Gillman: You know, some people might look at a cactus or or a mesquite tree, but I look at him. You're like, well, that's just a thorny little bush man, but it's too. I love to hunt and I love to fish, so I love South Texas. I love lower Laguna, madre, I just died that whole ecosystem, everything down there. I think there's nothing better in life having a margarita looking at a South Texas sunset man. I think that's just. I think that's the most awesome feeling in the world. I'm sold. Chris Hanslik: I couldn't agree with you more. Well, kind of continuing that then. What about you know? Texas traditions, houston traditions, anything that you just love to do every year? Chris Gillman: So I have been fortunate enough. You know, one of the staples here in Houston is the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, so I'm one of the announcers for Mutton Bustin'. Chris Hanslik: Okay. Chris Gillman: One of the volunteer gets you know. It's just a, it's a, it's an eight second ride for a little five year old, right and a fistful of wool Right. Literally it's a. You know, when they fall off that sheep it's a face full of dirt and a lifelong worth of drift of memories. Yeah, so I love the houston livestock show and rodeo only because I'm an announcer. As a kid my dad used to take me to the art car parade and so now, because of the financial situation, I'm in team gilman automotive, we are the main title sponsor and we have kind of built back up the art car parade. Okay, that's every year, that's in april, that goes up and down allen parkway I've been it. Chris Hanslik: I mean, if no one, especially if you're listening and you're in the greater houston area and you haven't been right, you owe it to yourself to go at least once it's definitely. Chris Gillman: you know, I was sitting there talking to a bunch of kids the other day and all these kids, all these different schools that I've donated some cars to, and they're like what's the one thing? that you can tell us and I go. Creativity takes courage and you know something? Amen, be creative, decorate the car, express it, do whatever you want, and let's just hope to God, the car runs in April so you can go up and tell them I'll impart quality, you know, because there are some cars, man, you're like, ooh, this thing needs some extra oil, right? So those are probably my two Houston things that I do tradition-wise. Chris Hanslik: All right, I love it. So last question do you prefer Tex-Mex or barbecue? Ooh, that's a bold that's tough. Chris Gillman: Save the hardest for the last. Chris Hanslik: That is tough man. Chris Gillman: I love crispy tacos man. I the hardest for the last. That is tough man. I love crispy tacos man. I mean, if you have a great three, three crispy tacos, I think everything else in the restaurant is good. Chris Hanslik: But it's also it's hard to beat a good dry chopped beef sandwich oh well, the crispy tacos you have to actually be able to eat right. Some places you know they're already in the grease and you can't pick them up. Chris Gillman: Yeah no, no, I'm the standard. I like old-fashioned Crispy tacos man. All right, I'm Texas, it's crispy tacos. Got it, chris? This? Chris Hanslik: has been great. Chris Gillman: Oh, thank you so much. Chris Hanslik: Really enjoyed the conversation. Congratulations for what you and your team are doing, not just with your business, but what you do for the community. So with your business and what you do for the community, so really appreciate it. I appreciate it, thank you for having me. Chris Gillman: And if anybody wants to buy a car? It's teamgillmancom. Chris Hanslik: There you go, all right, Special Guest: Chris Gillman.

Zane Carson Carruth is an award-winning international children's book author, a certified business etiquette and protocol professional and sits on numerous non-profit boards in Houston, TX as well as the Vice President of Carruth Foundation. Zane serves on the SPCA board of directors, Discovery Green Conservancy, TUTS (Theatre Under the Stars) and previously on The Houston Grand Opera Board for 6 years.Carruth has been honored to be named an ABC13 Woman of Distinction for 2020, Top Inspiring Woman Impact Maker for 2020, an honoree of The Houston Business Journal's Women Who Mean Business Award, named one of the March of Dimes Houston's Best Dressed 2023 recipients, and St Jude's Woman of Philanthropy for Houston TX 2021.She and her husband Brady were named Houston Treasures 2022 and Houston Heros 2023 by Texas Children's Hospital. She was also honored to serve as First Lady of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo for the 2021 to 2023 season, when her husband, Brady Carruth was Chairman of the Board of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo.She currently hosts a Live Broadcast titled Elegance, Polished Demeanor & Posh Living on USA GLOBAL TV & RADIO in Partnership with E360 TV the last Thursday of each month. She won the USA GLOBAL TV & RADIO 2023 Rising Star Host award for her very successful broadcast.LATEST BOOK: ABELLA AND THE HAUNTED HOUSE: Abella and Darcie befriend a haunted house and the ghost that lives there. Thanks to Abella's quick thinking and determined nature, they save the big, haunted house from being torn down. And in the process, make new friends in the weirdest places! Never underestimate the can-do spirit of these two little fairies.  http://WorldsFirstToothFairy.comhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWYx5e7rYZI

Send us a textBefore you buy your next rack of ribs you owe to yourself to hear what Craig Sharry says about how you can get tricked into getting what you DON'T want.  Craig Sharry is the Pitmaster of Texas Pepper Jelly Competition BBQ team out of Houston, TX. Craig is a 2-time World Champion at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Craig is also a 2-time winner of the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo BBQ Cook-Off, the 3rd largest sanctioned cook off in the United States where over 220 teams competed.  He has won well over 80 Grand Championships and Reserve Grand Championships combined during his 15+ years of cooking. Many backyard BBQ enthusiasts and competition cookers all over the world have used his Texas Pepper Jelly, Rib Candy and Craig's Sauce in their BBQ cooking over the past 13 years.Todd and Andy will also expand on the use of “jelly's” in BBQ and what to consider before getting your next cooker, as well as a little bit about electric smokers.www.bbqradionetwork.com www.holsteinmfg.com

Send us a textMark Lambert is a 5-time Memphis in May World Champion, the 2017 American Royal World Champion in Ribs, and won the 2019 World Championship at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. He also was the first runner up at the 2018 World Food Championship BBQ competition. Residing just outside of Memphis, Tennessee, Mark will tell you that his aim is to cook meat to blow your mind, not to taste like something you've had before. He is considered to be one of the best pork pitmaster's in the world! In this show Mark is going to talk about the real issue with pellet cookers (avoidable) and getting that great caramelization on your meat. Todd Johns will discuss with Andy how to glean from TV Pitmaster's and competition champions (like himself).www.bbqradionetwork.com www.holsteinmfg.com

Linda Galayda grew up in Katy, TX where her family raised cattle and farmed rice. She earned a degree in marketing from the University of Texas. Following graduation, she took a job with Foleys Department Stores and had a successful career as a fashion designer, but still continued to ranch throughout her career. She is currently the owner/managing partner of Jordens Cattle Co. / 7-7 Ranch and resides in Elkhart, TX. In 2020, she was named Woman of the Year in Texas Agriculture in District 5. She is an active member of Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, a lifetime member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, a member of the Ladies of Texas Tradition, and serves on several county and state advisory committees.

Last year she made history as the first woman to be named Chairman of the Board at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. With a year under her belt buckle, Mann Phillips is now focused on improving what she calls the "Super Bowl" of rodeo, while remaining focused on the event's significant charitable giving. In this episode, HBJ Editor-in-Chief Sean McCrory invites Mann Phillips to share her vision.

Welcome to Where Rodeo Meets the Road, where we bring you the stories of individuals making waves in the world of rodeo. Today, we are thrilled to introduce Katelyn Scates, Director of Sports and Event Presentations at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo—one of the largest and most prestigious rodeos in the world. Katelyn's journey to the top began with childhood trips to Rodeo Houston, where she fell in love with the sport. Today, she oversees everything from the grand entry to the nightly concerts, ensuring the seamless production of this iconic event. With nearly a decade of experience at Rodeo Houston, including roles in the Education Department and as interim Director of Membership, Katelyn's leadership and expertise have been crucial in shaping the rodeo experience for both competitors and fans alike​. Join us as we dive into Katelyn's journey, her passion for rodeo, and her insights on what it takes to manage one of the biggest events in the sport!

Send us a Text Message.Mark Lambert is a 5-time Memphis in May World Champion, the 2017 American Royal World Champion in Ribs, and won the 2019 World Championship at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. He also was the first runner up at the 2018 World Food Championship BBQ competition. Residing just outside of Memphis, Tennessee, Mark will tell you that his aim is to cook meat to blow your mind, not to taste like something you've had before. He is considered to be one of the best pork pitmasters in the world! In this show Mark is going to talk about the real issue with pellet cookers (avoidable) and getting that great caramelization on your meat. Todd Johns will discuss with Andy how to glean from TV pitmasters and competition champions (like himself).www.bbqradionetwork.com www.holsteinmfg.com

In this episode of Building Texas Business, I sit down with Amanda Hanks Bayles, the 100th president of the Junior League of Houston. Amanda shares her remarkable journey within this organization, which is dedicated to empowering women and bettering local communities. She reflects on 11 years of involvement, emphasizing the value of mentorship and smooth leadership transitions. Amanda provides keen insight into balancing leadership roles as a volunteer and professional. She discusses integrating volunteer experiences into her career at Plains All-American Pipeline and the support of employers. Wrapping up, Amanda offers practical advice on embracing change and maintaining balance. Through this insightful conversation, examples from her path illuminate strategies for cultivating leadership abilities with heart wherever one's journey may lead. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS Amanda Hanks Bayles, as the 100th president of the Junior League of Houston, emphasizes the organization's commitment to promoting voluntarism and developing the leadership skills of women. We explore the structure of the Junior League of Houston, highlighting the executive committee and board of directors, as well as the 4,500 total members, including 1,400 active volunteers. Amanda discusses her 11-year journey within the Junior League, focusing on the importance of saying yes to opportunities and the value of annual leadership transitions for continuous personal development. We touch on the challenges of balancing leadership roles in volunteer organizations with professional careers, and the supportive role played by employers like Plains All-American. Amanda shares insights into leadership development, particularly the importance of owning mistakes and learning to communicate effectively within a large organization. The conversation includes how the Junior League's Leadership Institute Training Program and the Outside Board Representative Program prepare members for impactful roles on nonprofit boards. We discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Junior League, noting how virtual meetings have enhanced inclusivity and the organization's ability to address mental health issues in the community. Amanda offers practical advice for business leaders and aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing the need to embrace change and balance professional and personal commitments. The episode touches on Amanda's personal journey, from her first job to her educational path, and her love for Tex-Mex cuisine and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Amanda's story serves as an inspiration for women leaders, showcasing the potential for growth through volunteerism and community service. LINKSShow Notes Previous Episodes About BoyarMiller About Junior League Of Houston GUESTS Amanda Hanks BaylesAbout Amanda TRANSCRIPT (AI transcript provided as supporting material and may contain errors) Chris: In this episode, you will meet Amanda Hanks-Bales, President of the Junior League of Houston. Amanda shares insights on how the Junior League works to build a better community by being grounded in gratitude. Okay, Amanda, welcome to Building Texas Business. I want to thank you for coming on the podcast. Amanda: Thank you for having me. It's great to be here. Chris: So you are currently, among other things, you're the 100th president of the Junior League of Houston, and so I want to kind of focus a little bit around that organization, tell us what the Junior League is and what it does. Amanda: Absolutely. The Junior League of Houston is a nonprofit organization. We are dedicated to promoting voluntarism through developing women and then unleashing our trained volunteers into the Houston community through effective action and leadership, and that's really our bread and butter. We focus on training generation after generation of outstanding women to then go out and tackle our community's greatest issues and hurdles, and we've done a great job at overcoming some of those things. Chris: When was the Junior League of Houston founded it? Amanda: was founded in 1925. So we are vastly approaching our centennial celebration, which we are very excited about and, in true Junior League form, we've been planning it for about five years. So we're ready to stop the planning process and to start executing. Chris: That's great. So what inspired you? To get involved in the beginning. Amanda: Yeah, I joined about 11 years ago. I really was just looking for a way to give back. I had a really great job and had some spare time and was trying to find what my passion projects would be with that spare time. And the Houston Junior League really gave me an opportunity to one meet a ton of women both in my relative age range and then other generations, and then it also really gave me a great introduction to the nonprofit landscape here in Houston, and so through my years of membership I've been introduced to. I think we partner with 32 community agencies that we send volunteers to, but we also award what we call our community assistance grants to, you know, 15-ish nonprofits every year, and it's a great introduction to all of the really incredible things that are happening here in Houston. Chris: That's great. So then you know, so you get involved as a member. 11 years ago, Then what was the inspiration? To kind of make the bigger commitment and get into leadership. Amanda: Yeah, that's. I wish I knew the specific event. You kind of just get called and asked to step up, and it's learning to say yes instead of no is probably what launched my trajectory in the Junior League of Houston. I'm going back through all of the roles I've had. I like to call the Junior League life on steroids, because we do an annual turnover, the junior league life on steroids because we do an annual turnover. So it's you get new co-workers every year, you get a new league boss every year and you can completely change what you're doing in a matter of months, and so it's just a really cool way to develop yourself and especially your leadership skills. Chris: Well, that sounds challenging in and of itself, that kind of annual turnover. So what, I guess? What has your experience been and what have you tried to do in your term as president to make that as smooth of transition over time for the benefit of the organization? Amanda: Yeah, well, we again, in true junior league form. We have lots of. We have a sheet of paper that we call our chronological and it is your job duties for whatever leadership role you take on, and those get updated annually and passed on. So there's definitely a process there for us to document. I like to say the best day on a league job is when you get your successor, because you're then not I no longer felt alone. It was then someone I could loop into something to then say like, hey, what do you think about this? Or I'm leaning towards us doing one event instead of two. Give me your thoughts and it's. It actually becomes a really great mentorship or friendship bond between your predecessors and successors, because I think we all remember feeling like, oh gee, what did I get myself into? And then having the women around us support us and prove that we can handle whatever role we take on. Chris: Very good. So how many in the leadership team then at the junior league? Amanda: So hard question. We have an executive committee that's comprised of about seven members total, including myself, and they oversee kind of each of our bigger areas within the league. And then our board of directors is 23 members strong. That includes some of the executive committee and as well as some other directors in charge of some other key areas that we do. But beyond that, you know, we have a head active role, which are the actives in a community placement or a tea room placement who are really working with our first year members and making sure they have a good year. And I honestly think in some ways I learned more as my time as a head active with that one-on-one interaction than I have in some of my higher level with finger quotation roles. So I would say we have close to 250 total leadership roles. Those obviously span the gamut of what type of leadership you're interested in. Chris: So you said 250, maybe total leadership. What's the total membership? Amanda: Total membership, we have about 4,500 members. Of those 4,500, we have about 1,400 who are active members, and those are the ladies who are signing up to volunteer at least 60 hours a year in our community or here at the Junior League of Houston. So the remainder of our membership are what we call our sustainer members of Houston. So the remainder of our membership are what we call our sustainer members and they are the women who have served their time as active members and choose to stay a part of our organization to continue to build the next generation. Chris: Yeah so that's a sizable organization by anybody's definition. Tell me a little bit about, I guess, what you have done in those senior leadership roles and as president to effectively lead the organization. What are some of the skills or things that you have learned along the way that you've implemented to make sure that everything is running smoothly and efficiently? Amanda: Geez, the list is long, so I would say Top two or three maybe. Back to the list of or the league being lifelong steroids. Moving up the ranks to get to president, I really got to work with some incredible women and pick what I liked about each of them that made them a fantastic leader, and so I really went into this year saying you know, so-and-so was a great motivator. She always knew how to start a meeting and make us feel valued, and so I really focused on expressing gratitude, because the other challenge with being a president of the Junior League of Houston is you are not. We have eliminated salaries, right, so everyone is there out of the goodness of their hearts, and trying to figure out how to motivate people when a paycheck is not in the equation is an interesting formula to come up with, and so I really have always focused on understanding people, what makes them tick, what drives them, and trying to individualize that on whichever leader or member I'm talking to, to get them to either create the results we're wanting in a fundraising event or, to, you know, make sure that they feel like they're supported in a way that can continue to help them feel like they can move up in the organization. Chris: So I think you kind of referenced something that's very important for any leader or an aspiring leader, and that is be aware of your surroundings and learn from others. Like you said, you kind of saw others and what they did. Like you said, you kind of saw others and what they did and you get to pick and choose what you think might work or might fit for you and mold yourself from a number of different sources, and I think any smart leader should be aware of that and should try to emulate that. Amanda: Absolutely, and that's been the true blessing of my time at the Junior League is having the annual turnover. I think it's our blessing, and our curse is the ability to work with so many women so quickly and to really use that chance to hone my own skills as to the type of leader I wanted to be. Chris: So you mentioned. It's a great segue because you said how you're not getting a paycheck, nor are any of the other members or leaders at the junior league, but you do have a day job where you do get a paycheck. Amanda: I do. Chris: Right, so you're an in-house lawyer at Plains All-American right, I am. So let's talk about first. There's a couple of things we can, I think, cover. But just how do you maintain that balance of making sure you're doing and meeting your commitments for All-American while also meeting your commitments to the Junior League? Amanda: Yes, and that is a huge balance to try to manage. Try to manage. I am very blessed to work at a place that, when I told them about this opportunity that was given to me at the Junior League, they immediately saw the experience I would receive and the skill set I would be able to develop and they saw immense value in that, and so for that I am immensely grateful to Plains for their support and my direct supervisors for understanding, like some days there are random days I need to take a vacation because I have a long list of junior league things to do, and they have accommodated that beyond my expectations. The balance I just I don't know, I don't like the phrase work-life balance because I think if it's important to you, you find a way to integrate it into your life. Chris: I couldn't agree more. Amanda: So there have been weeks that have been work-heavy and I've had to put Junior League on hold, and then there have been weeks that have been league-heavy and I've had to ask for grace at my office and my co-workers have all been very cooperative of it or supportive of it. So it's been a really great experience on all ends. Chris: Well, I think it was beneficial for you, but also wise of Plains All-American, to see the value in some skills that you could develop, that they maybe couldn't provide that same opportunity but would receive the benefit because you take what you learn in the leadership roles of junior league and apply them in your day job. Amanda: Right. Chris: And, I'm sure, in all aspects of your life. Amanda: Oh, yes, absolutely. But to your point, I have been for several years now intrinsically involved in managing, you know, close to $40 million budget for the junior league, and really not just administering it but having to be responsible and report out to various stakeholders about that budget, and that's something that that gate hasn't opened at my professional career yet. And so there's just been a really great way to supplement and enhance some of the skills that I know I will need at some point in the future at work, and then the Junior League has been a really great resource for that. Chris: Yeah, how has it translated into the rest of balancing or lessons you've learned? That kind of make you better in all aspects of your life. Amanda: Yeah, I will say I reached a point where a mentor of mine at the Junior League told me as soon as you realize that the job's a lot less about the to-do list and a lot more about the people, the better you'll do. And from that I realized that I was extending grace to a lot of people on my teams or volunteers I was talking with who were struggling, and you know the work-life balance we all try to find, and I realized that I wasn't necessarily extending the same grace to myself. And so I will say being having to act on all capacities for a year plus, both professionally and with the junior league, has been a masterclass in how to be graceful with yourself and be proud of what you're done, what you're doing and not focus on what you haven't done. Chris: That's a very astute observation and something that I think everyone could benefit from keeping in mind, because it doesn't come natural to us. Amanda: No, no, we're our worst critics, unfortunately. Chris: Now I also understand that Junior League, in addition to doing great work in the community, also, I guess, has some training available to your members to help them develop the skills to be in leadership positions and serve on boards. Tell us about that. Amanda: Yeah, we do. We have. We call it our Leadership Institute Training Program and it's a comprehensive program for our up-and-coming league leaders to introduce them to all the facets of the operations of the junior league and help them get better on board for future league experience. And then we have a program called our Outside Board Representative Program and those are agencies, nonprofits that we work with, where we place a junior league member as a non-voting member on their board, with where we place a Junior League member as a non-voting member on their board, and some are very well established nonprofits are up and coming. We have about 35 of them and the terms for our outside board representatives run from, I think, two to three years. And what's really great about that is we let the nonprofit tell us what they need. Do they need help with with governance? Do they want someone that you know was trained heavily in robert's rules of order? We will try to place a member there that can help them with that. And sometimes they say we need a lawyer, or sometimes they say we need someone who can help us with communications, and so it's a really cool. It's ended up being a really cool network of just nonprofits out in the Houston community that then all of our members come back and tell us about. And then we started having some meetings with the executive directors of all of those nonprofits and just to have the conversation of what's fundraising doing this year. How are you motivating your people, those types of conversations? So it's a really awesome way to get the junior league experience and kind of launch you into what I call the next phase of finding your passion and making a difference. ADVERT: Hello friends, this is Chris Hanslick, your Building Texas business host. Did you know that Boyer Miller, the producer of this podcast, is a business law firm that works with entrepreneurs, corporations and business leaders? Our team of attorneys serve as strategic partners to businesses by providing legal guidance to organizations of all sizes. Get to know the firm at boyermillercom. And thanks for listening to the show. Chris: That's great. So you know. Obviously you've developed along the way. I want to ask you about, and whether it's in your professional career, as you've grown and moved up the ranks, or at the junior league, think about some challenges or setbacks that you've encountered. Maybe a mistake, but did you overcame it and learn from it, and it made you a better leader today because of that. Amanda: Oh, I mean absolutely, and I think that's another thing. That's what's great about spending time. The time I've spent at the Junior League is it taught me how to handle a mistake right To own it right up front and say I think I screwed something up, I missed this, and then say here are my steps to fix it. And I think you have to live through that a couple times to realize you need to say and here's my plan to fix it. Chris: Right. Amanda: And then owning up to the mistake isn't quite as bad as you think it will be. So, yes, I mean, there were times I remember I mailed a donor packet to the wrong donor and that poor vice president that was in charge for me was not happy. I apologized profusely and got to write a thank you slash, I'm sorry. Note to the donor and it ended up being perfectly fine. I think everyone understands mistakes happen, but it's certainly again a training ground to give you a chance to figure out how you want to respond when a situation like that comes up. Chris: I think you're so right Mistakes are going to happen. I think it's what you do when they do occur. That is kind of the test right, and owning up and not turning away or running from it or leaving it to someone else to fix but be a part of the fix shows determination to just own up to it. Right, absolutely. And those are all important skills because the odd chance that was your first mistake, we know won't be the last, right, it's very true. So that's good. Thanks for sharing that. I know some people don't like sharing the mistakes and challenges, but I think there's so much learning in that, absolutely. It's going back just to kind of the ins and outs of the role as president with this large organization. What I mean? I have to believe communication is key. So what are some of the things that you do to make sure that communication is not only clear but consistent, so that people stay on the same page? Amanda: Yes, and we actually have a person on our board whose sole responsibility is communication, so she helps me immensely in the messaging and it's one of those things you think you only need to say it once and you realize you need to say it three or seven times and all it takes is one email response where someone interpreted what you were saying differently to go oh, I really messed that message up. I think I have lived in a world of trying to be transparent and wanting people to understand my logic and my reasoning when something's changing or a decision's being made, and then just being open to the why of whatever is being communicated and also including that in my communications, especially to our board members. Chris: And I think that, at least for that group, has fostered a really great collaborative environment for us. That's great. I think you know transparency, clear communication, is so important. I also know that if you're communicating things out to that many people, there's going to be a few that just don't get it or don't read it the way you intended right. Amanda: So it's just, it's inevitable, absolutely. Let's talk a little bit, I mean any organization has a culture. Chris: Right, You've got one at Plains All-American and the Junior League has a culture. How would you describe the culture at the Junior League as a organization and what have you done to try to continue to foster and build upon that? Amanda: Yeah, that's a great question. I have always found our culture is rich in traditions. We have almost 100 years of trying to build a better community. That's our tagline, and what I have found to be most impactful in that culture is when we take a moment to express gratitude, and so each president's given the opportunity to develop an annual theme, and my theme this year was grounded in gratitude, and I quoted it was a Warren Buffett quote that and I'm going to butcher it on the spot, but it is essentially those who plant the acorn aren't intending to sit in the shade of the tree that grows, and so I really think what the Junior League has done really good at is we've created women who are not afraid to plant an acorn and then know that they're not going to reap the benefits of it. Someone who comes behind them 20, 30, 100 years later are the ones that will reap that reward. Chris: Kind of that attitude of pay it forward. Yes, that's very inspiring and noble. So what so sounds like a very collaborative and supportive culture? Absolutely, I want to talk a little bit. Maybe you know, outside of culture, just in the ins and outs of running this organization. What is a junior league doing with technology to help serve the mission, further the mission or anything innovative that the organization's trying to do to keep the organization current and move it into the next generation? Amanda: Yeah, gosh, that's a question we try to answer all the time. Covid forced us to change a lot of things from a member experience perspective and we've shifted some of our meetings to the virtual space, which I really think created an inclusive environment. Because if someone's being asked to attend a one-hour meeting and they were being asked to drive to and from our building, you're looking at a two, two-and-a-half three-hour commitment right there. And then I at one point realized the number of women who were having to line up child care so that they can make that meeting. So then the added burden of expense and just making your day-to-day work right. Sure that our leadership after COVID, when we realized that we really could communicate some of our meetings and our trainings in that capacity in a virtual manner, embraced it. Our trainings in that capacity in a virtual manner, embraced it. And so our approach has really been like, if you are in a situation where you need to line up childcare and you need to, you know, take three hours off of work to make a time with the junior league work. We wanted them to be spending their time in the Houston community, and so I really think that's been a pivotal shift for us where, like. Yes, our meetings and our, our trainings are important, but what's more important is us getting our volunteers out in the community yeah and so it's. It's been in. A change is interesting, right. People react to change in various ways. It's challenging right. Chris: So I mean a lot of what I hear you saying is you're there's been a focus, at least two things. One how do we use technology to increase our member engagement? But what I'm interpreting what I've heard you say is that's been grounded in a focus on how does this help further our mission and help our members further the mission and that is your guiding light Absolutely, and that's true, it should be true for any organization. Right, when you're making these tough decisions or navigating through difficult times. Right, any other examples of technology or innovation where you think things that you're trying to implement. Amanda: Things that we're trying to implement. We always try to be at the forefront of issues as they come out in the community. I love talking to some of our sustaining members who were part of our organization in the 80s and 90s, because they will talk about what the Junior League of Houston did to start helping and assist children with HIV, which was a very taboo topic back then, and so our membership is really focused on mental health and what we can do to support those struggling with mental health in our community, and so we are continuing to find new ways to either train our own volunteers to spot mental health issues and the appropriate steps to move that forward, and then we're continuing to try to find places. It's a tricky placement, right, because you borderline healthcare and need someone with certain certifications, but to find a way to interweave our members so that we feel like we're giving appropriate energy and resources to a really important topic. Chris: Yeah, to find that intersection of what those organizations may need and then where you can help. So obviously you've talked a couple times about the annual transition of leadership. Let's talk a little bit about, maybe, what has been your experience and what are you trying to do as you're about to transition out to kind of prepare the organization for that change in leadership again, so that to keep it as smooth as possible yeah, I always say you need mentors and sponsors, right, and you need people who are supporting you, who are the phone of friends, that you come and you say like I don't know how to do this, please help me. Amanda: And then there are the people behind the scenes who are saying you need to do this, you can do this, and I think I really have tried to one do that to all of the people on my team and then encourage them to do that for their teams, because I think once you realize you have women speaking up for you saying like, oh, amanda, she's great, she can do this, your confidence level increases and then you're not afraid to ask the questions, because what happens in the annual turnover is you go. Oh, no one told me about that one thing right that wasn't an issue last year, but it's suddenly an issue this year, and how do I address it? So I really think, creating the environment of there's no dumb question. How can we support you? Tell me how I can help. What can I do for you to make your job easier? Or what can I do to you to help get you the clarity you need to feel like you can move forward? And to your point earlier, that's a culture thing. Right like that goes back to that supportive culture right, it's a safe place. Chris: Right, that's got to be key to one. Furthering an organization for as long as it's been around right, but continuing that flow of solid leadership, right, um, I think that's. I think that's important for any business to try to create that environment where people feel safe in asking questions, asking for help and not feeling like they're going to be criticized for doing so. Amanda: Absolutely. Chris: You're basically running, would you say, a $40 million business. You obviously have an important role at Plains All-American Plains All-American. What is some advice you might offer to someone that is a business owner leading a business now or maybe an aspiring entrepreneur about? You know from your experience what you've learned, to just pass on a couple of key things that might help them in their journey. Amanda: Yeah, I mean first I would say yes, when someone calls you with a wonky idea and you don't always feel like you need to say no, embrace change, embrace different. And then I would say and this is probably me looking in hindsight, since I'm coming up on the end of my term as president is set expectations and it's, I think that's, I mean, it's universal and can apply to anyone, right, your team, your staff, but then also, like yourself and your family, and you know, I tried to make a commitment to my husband that I would try to not do Junior League on Sundays, and that would be the day where I wasn't answering emails or on the phone. And so to really, as you're taking on something new, to create the boundaries for everything that's gonna be impacted by a decision. And then I succeeded and I didn't succeed at the same time. Chris: Well, that's okay, right, I mean, I think it's really. I mean you're so spot-on, set expectations of yourself, of your team, hold people accountable right, set boundaries, but know that no one's perfect. And I think it's about awareness. So, just as you said, you weren't perfect at it, but you were aware when you didn't. And then you're like okay. Amanda: And to be able to have the follow-up conversation when something isn't right with someone on your team. Like I thought, our goal was this we seem to be straying from it. What's going on? And that goes back to what my mentor told me it's normally there's something with the person and not the job. Right, there's something underlying that's causing a shift in that expectation. So to circle back or, you know, confront those expectations months in or years in, it's definitely something's worth it. Chris: Yeah, I agree. So what about you as a leader? How would you describe your leadership style? Amanda: I would describe my leadership style as what is it? I would say I love rolling my sleeves up and getting into the trenches. I just I don't. I think we I preached on this to my board servant leadership, Like I will never ask someone to do something that I'm not willing to do myself. And if you need help, say you need help and I will be there right alongside you helping. If it's stuffing envelopes, if it's planting trees, whatever it is, and it's just that's. I think that's just who I am as a person and that's who I've seen some of my favorite leaders be over time, or the people who are there who focus on. We're here for a greater cause, we're here for the common good, and let's find a way to accomplish it together. Chris: Very good Anything that you would point to over the last few years that you've done to help grow and develop as a leader Books, mentors, conferences, anything like that. Amanda: Yeah. So we had a time management coach come and speak to us at our board this year and I I would tell you I before talked her name is Anna dearman Cornick. She is fantastic and before I would tell you, I thought time management was a bunch of hooey and like who has time for time management, essentially. But some of the tidbits she gave were eye-opening and it again, I mean, probably goes back to the expectation she was big on you schedule time for the important stuff you can't miss, whether it's, you know, personal relationship, your health, your faith, whatever that is, and then you find a way to make the other stuff happen around the really important matters. And it was a good perspective check for me hearing it. So it's, I do like time management now that I've been won over to the side of time management. Chris: She won you over to change your perspective and your mindset. Very good. So just kind of wrapping things up, I mean, give you a chance. If someone out there listened to this and was interested in joining the Junior League, what should they do? Amanda: Yeah, you can go to our website. It is JLH for Junior League of Houston, jlh.org. There is a join how to join section which you can look at, and then there are links to take you. We have a admissions process that runs once a year. It opens up September ish and runs through January, so it's fall to winter time, and then we can help you with all of the steps of filling out your application and getting you on board. It's a really great way to enhance your network and find all of the fantastic things that are happening in the Houston community and be a part of it. Chris: Great. Well, Amanda, let's turn away from the business side of things and tell us what was your first job. Amanda: My first job, gosh, it was. I worked at the Gap and I was I don't even know what my title was I would fold jeans. Chris: Everyone came in and messed them up, even know what my title was I would fold jeans. Amanda: Everyone that came in and messed them up. I never realized how people, how messy. People were in dressing rooms until I was the one having to fold it all after. It changes your behavior now right, Absolutely. Chris: So okay, native Houstonian right. Amanda: I am a native Houstonian, grew up in the Klein Champions area. I moved away for college, which was at the University of Texas at Austin, and then I did my law school and MBA at Texas Tech. So the move from Austin to Lubbock was an interesting one. I didn't know that tumbleweeds were real until I lived in Lubbock and then I quickly came home. I miss the great Houston community so much, so happy to call it home now. Chris: Very good. So do you prefer Tex-Mex or barbecue? Amanda: Oh, tex-mex, all right. Chris: And tell us one of your favorite hobbies or pastimes when you're not working at Plains All-American or volunteering with the Junior League. Amanda: I truly love the Houston livestock show and rodeo and luckily my husband is from Louisiana and I onboarded him into loving the rodeo, but we can go every night and just watch the rodeo itself or the exhibits. That's a fun time of year here in Houston. We're big fans of it. Chris: That's a good one. No, it's a true Houston treasure. Amanda: Absolutely. Chris: Well, Amanda, I want to thank you again for coming on the show and taking time to be with us today and share your story and that of the Junior League. So congratulations to all y'all are doing for our community. Amanda: Thank you so much and thank you for having me. Special Guest: Amanda Hanks Bayles.

Dave Alexander's musical journey is a tapestry woven with accolades, collaborations, and a deep-rooted love for Texas music. From his early days as a Western Swing enthusiast to his status as a revered multi-instrumentalist and vocalist, Dave has left an indelible mark on the music scene.Starting with the formation of "The Legends of Western Swing," Dave surrounded himself with musical luminaries, including former members of Bob Wills' Texas Playboys. This collaboration laid the foundation for a career marked by unforgettable performances and enduring musical partnerships.His talent caught the attention of the industry, leading to a prestigious role as the "House Band" for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, where he forged lasting connections with country and Western Swing icons like George Strait, Willie Nelson, and Lyle Lovett.Throughout his career, Dave has amassed a treasure trove of awards and accolades, including Grammy nominations and multiple Will Rogers Awards from the Academy Of Western Artists. He has been honored with inductions into several Hall of Fames, including the Texas Western Swing Hall Of Fame and the Oklahoma Country Music Hall Of Fame.Dave's musical journey is not just about accolades—it's about collaboration and connection. From sharing the stage with music legends to collaborating with a diverse array of artists, including George Strait, Willie Nelson, and Sheryl Crow, Dave's versatility and talent shine through in every performance.As he continues to uphold the rich tradition of Texas music, Dave Alexander's legacy is not just in the awards he's received or the stages he's graced, but in the hearts of fans who have been touched by his music, his passion, and his unwavering dedication to the art form he loves.http://www.davealexander.com/Support the Show.Thanks for listening for more information or to listen to other podcasts or watch YouTube videos click on this link >https://thetroutshow.com/

We're in the midst of spring which means it's Texas Major time. I love hearing about who's winning what and how high the auctions go with these shows. And when talking about the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, this year has been nothing short of exciting. I was lucky enough to have winner of the Grand Champion Steer from Houston, Blaize Benson, join me on this episode. Blaize won with his Simmental steer named Woozy. So, join me as learn more about Blaize's showing career and his crazy ride with his Simmental. 

Madalynn Kainer grew up on a row crop farm in Victoria, Texas. Through her experiences on the farm and her involvement in 4-H, Madalynn knew she wanted to pursue a career in agriculture. During her time at Texas A&M University, she saw an opportunity to work in agriculture, communications and event management. She is currently the Assistant Manager at the Washington County Fair in Brenham, Texas. When Madalynn is not planning and managing the oldest county fair in Texas, she can be found reading a book, trying new recipes, volunteering at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, or serving as a member of the Texas Farm Bureau Young Farmer & Rancher Advisory Committee. Follow Madalynn: @madalynn_kainer Thank you to Ag Chicks Sponsors: Strayhorn: Use code AGCHICKS at checkout ⁠⁠https://www.strayhorn.com⁠⁠ ------------------------------------------------ Merch: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.agchicks.net/shop⁠⁠⁠ ⁠ ------------------------------------------------ Find Ally: Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.agchicks.net⁠⁠⁠ ⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://instagram.com/agchicks⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://facebook.com/agchicks⁠⁠⁠ ⁠ YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠ @AGCHICKS --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/agchicks/support

We're getting ready for Bun B to takeover the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, but is Drake really joining him? Plus, Mayor Whitmire is proposing budget cuts as the city prepares for their fiscal year to start in July. And, another day, another story filled with HISD drama. This time, there's legal action being threatened. Host Raheel Ramzanali and producer Carlignon Jones recap the stories you need to know to start the week.  Featured stories: Mayor Whitmire proposes cuts to upcoming budget  HISD principals list could lead to legal action  Michelle Williams reassigned  RodeoHouston art brings in A LOT of money Syphilis cases on the rise in Houston  Bun B getting ready to takeover the Houston Rodeo  Turkey Leg Hut offices catch fire  Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston  Follow us on Instagram  @CityCastHouston Don't have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know!  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let's Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The RODEOHOUSTON is one of the biggest professional rodeos that the professional cowboy and cowgirls will compete at all year long! With the winning purse paying $50,000 this is no small rodeo! We sit down with Katelyn Scates, who is the Director, Sports and Event Presentations, to discuss all elements of Rodeo Houston! From the 35,000 volunteers to all of the different events, there is literally nothing that Rodeo Houston does not offer! Rodeo Houston was one of the first big Texas Swing Rodeos to give the professional breakaway ropers a chance to compete at the $50,000 purse, and it is one that many look forward to roping at each and every year! The RODEOHOUSTON Super Series is a 20-day tournament-style competition that crowns an event champion in bareback riding, bull riding, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, team roping, and women's barrel racing and breakaway roping.  With a total payout of $2,178,000, each champion is awarded $50,000, plus previous round winnings, a custom-made saddle and belt buckle, and an invitation to compete at RODEOHOUSTON the following year.RODEOHOUSTON is an official PRCA NFR money event, with earnings from RODEOHOUSTON counting toward qualification for the NFR and the PRCA World Standings. Visit their website here https://www.rodeohouston.com/rodeohouston/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/houston-livestock-show-and-rodeoInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rodeohoustonTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rodeohoustonX: https://twitter.com/rodeohoustonFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/RODEOHOUSTON/in the LOOP Podcast hosted by Jordan Jo Hollabaugh, is inspired by the western culture and breakaway roping lifestyle. This podcast highlights the raw, real, truth behind the box of the breakaway roping industry. Bringing you behind the scenes stories of what real life looks like everyday from; breakaway ropers, cowgirls, cowboys, producers, leaders, trailblazers, and the like, all sharing stories of the western culture and lifestyle that they live daily. Get in the LOOP Podcast with Jordan Jo Get the Newsletter at https://www.thebreakawayropingpodcast.com Like us on Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/intheloopbreakaway Tag us on Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/intheloopbreakaway Follow us on TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@jordanjo.hollabaugh Watch more on our Youtube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjpVQcSSiobXsMiD89OvTvA

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is known for cowboys, concerts, and cattle, but the food is starting to become one of the top attractions. From wild creations like hot cheeto dill pickle pizza to twists on classics like peaches and cream funnel cake, one man is on a mission to bring the craziest and most delicious food items to your plate. Host Raheel Ramzanali is talking to Dominic Palmieri aka The Midway Gourmet about his wildest food creations for this year's rodeo. Find out more about the Midway Gourmet and try out some of these wild creations with the links below! Follow The Midway Gourmet on Instagram Map of the midway on the rodeo grounds Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Instagram @CityCastHouston Don't have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know!  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let's Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The City Cast Houston team is live from Tecovas store in Rice Village for a special Tuesday episode recapping some of the biggest news to start the week. Host Raheel Ramzanali, producer Carlignon Jones, and producer AK AL-Moumen are talking about how HPD dropped the ball in sexual assault cases, how far $100K goes in Houston, rodeo trivia, and more! Rodeo Week is brought to you by Tecovas. Gear up for the rodeo with boots, western wear, and accessories at their stores in Rice Village and City Centre! Featured stories: HPD to review 4k sexual assault cases NASA is looking for people to live on a 3D printed Mars simulator $100K salaries go further in Houston The community impact of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Instagram Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! or leave us a voicemail/text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts, we love hearing from you! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let's Talk! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's Rodeo Week here on City Cast Houston and we're getting things started with the best tips to know before you head to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo! From parking tips to picking the best food items, host Raheel Ramzanali, producer Carlignon Jones, and Hey Houston newsletter editor Brooke Lewis are sharing their best advice so you can tackle the rodeo like a pro! Rodeo Week is brought to you by Tecovas. Gear up for the rodeo with boots, western wear, and accessories at their stores in Rice Village and City Centre! What to know when planning your rodeo trip: Parking at the Rodeo Park and Ride info for the Rodeo Plan your visit for the Rodeo Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let's Talk! Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Instagram Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! or leave us a voicemail/text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts, we love hearing from you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices