Episodios

  • Gonzalo Serrano - Texas Defense Firm

    Gonzalo Serrano - Texas Defense Firm
    Apr 13 2026
    Welcome to The McKinney Podcast, where we celebrate the people and happenings that make our city "Unique By Nature." Our guest for this episode is Gonzalo Serrano, Attorney at Texas Defense Firm. The MCKPOD is presented by RiskWell and FredShots Photography and recorded at the RiskWell studio in McKinney. Your hosts are James Jenkins and Fred Mahusay. Key Topics: Born in Guanajuato, Mexico and immigrating to McKinney as an undocumented child in 1990 Growing up in McKinney ISD and the schools that shaped his early years Earning a fellowship at the Texas Senate and working for state legislators in Austin and Laredo Attending UT Law School and representing immigrant workers at the Equal Justice Center Transitioning from nonprofit law to the Dallas County District Attorney's office Joining Texas Defense Firm and the firm's focus on comprehensive criminal defense The philosophy that every client deserves honest, compassionate legal representation Navigating the stigma of criminal defense work and building trust through client relationships Reflecting on growing up undocumented and the role McKinney played in his path to becoming an attorney Deep roots in McKinney, commitment to public education, and raising his family in the community Resources Mentioned: https://www.texasdefensefirm.com https://latienditamckinney.org Visit https://www.mckinneypodcast.com to subscribe to the email list and never miss an episode. Join the #MCKPOD community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mckinneypodcast and engage with your neighbors and fellow fans of the show. Check out the #MCKPOD YouTube Channel to watch the video versions of our episode and see lots of additional content: https://youtube.com/@mckinneypodcast James and Fred would love to hear from you with any comments, questions, or ideas! Email the show at mail@mckinneypodcast.com and you may be featured on a future mailbag segment.
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    48 m
  • Betty Petkovsek - Citizen Of The Year

    Betty Petkovsek - Citizen Of The Year
    Apr 6 2026
    Welcome to The McKinney Podcast, where we celebrate the people and happenings that make our city "Unique By Nature." Our guests for this episode are Betty Petkovsek, 2026 Carey Cox Outstanding Citizen of the Year and Jim Petkovsek. The MCKPOD is presented by RiskWell and FredShots Photography and recorded at the RiskWell studio in McKinney. Your hosts are James Jenkins and Fred Mahusay. Key Topics: Growing up as a McKinney native, born in 1956 and raised in the historic district Betty's father's pharmacy legacy and his role in motioning to integrate McKinney schools in the 1960s Graduating McKinney High School in 1975 and pursuing a pharmacy degree at UT Meeting Jim at UT and returning to McKinney to carry on the family pharmacy business Operating the pharmacy as a second-generation business and launching a home health care division Serving 12 years on the McKinney ISD school board beginning in 1994 Selling the pharmacy in 2007 and finding purpose through community volunteerism Joining McKinney Rotary Club and co-chairing the Parade of Lights for two years Serving as campaign treasurer for Mayor Bill Cox and reflecting on McKinney's local leadership Receiving the Kerry Cox Citizen of the Year Award and championing McKinney's enduring community spirit Visit https://www.mckinneypodcast.com to subscribe to the email list and never miss an episode. Join the #MCKPOD community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mckinneypodcast and engage with your neighbors and fellow fans of the show. Check out the #MCKPOD YouTube Channel to watch the video versions of our episode and see lots of additional content: https://youtube.com/@mckinneypodcast James and Fred would love to hear from you with any comments, questions, or ideas! Email the show at mail@mckinneypodcast.com and you may be featured on a future mailbag segment.
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    58 m
  • Scott Michaels - Rockstar Realtors

    Scott Michaels - Rockstar Realtors
    Mar 30 2026
    Welcome to The McKinney Podcast, where we celebrate the people and happenings that make our city "Unique By Nature." Our guest for this episode is Scott Michaels, Owner of Rockstar Realtors. The MCKPOD is presented by RiskWell and FredShots Photography and recorded at the RiskWell studio in McKinney. Your hosts are James Jenkins and Fred Mahusay. Key Topics: Growing up in a family of professional musicians and starting to play drums at age 12 Building a career as a professional drummer and developing an entrepreneurial mindset early on Launching a cruise line musician booking agency while working as a shipboard band leader Relocating from Detroit to DFW to pursue the thriving corporate and wedding event market Founding Aura, a 12-piece high-end entertainment company performing at events nationwide Transitioning from drummer to front man, MC, and lead vocalist with a growing band Family ties to McKinney and the goal of returning to the community with his wife and two sons Entering real estate and building Rockstar Realtors into a growing business in its fourth year Running two companies while staying client-focused and delegating to a trusted inner circle Embracing self-acceptance, learning from mistakes, and approaching each day with purpose Resources Mentioned: https://auramusic.band Visit https://www.mckinneypodcast.com to subscribe to the email list and never miss an episode. Join the #MCKPOD community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mckinneypodcast and engage with your neighbors and fellow fans of the show. Check out the #MCKPOD YouTube Channel to watch the video versions of our episode and see lots of additional content: https://youtube.com/@mckinneypodcastJames and Fred would love to hear from you with any comments, questions, or ideas! Email the show at mail@mckinneypodcast.com and you may be featured on a future mailbag segment.
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    56 m
  • Leadership McKinney Sneak Peek

    Leadership McKinney Sneak Peek
    Mar 23 2026
    Welcome to The McKinney Podcast, where we celebrate the people and happenings that make our city "Unique By Nature." This special episode features Elizabeth Mahusay, alongside hosts James Jenkins and Fred Mahusay, for an inside look at Leadership McKinney and why you should consider applying. The MCKPOD is presented by RiskWell and FredShots Photography and recorded at the RiskWell studio in McKinney. Your hosts are James Jenkins and Fred Mahusay. Key Topics: Why Elizabeth, James, and Fred all waited years before applying to Leadership McKinney Elizabeth's motivation to apply and how the program stretched her thinking and personal growth Fred's early exposure to Leadership McKinney through photographing graduation ceremonies James discovering that the majority of McKinney's most admired leaders were Leadership McKinney alumni Professional benefits of the program including access to high-level presenters and cross-industry networking Fred using his photography skills to amplify community causes connected through Leadership McKinney James reflecting on the lasting impact of his class and the strength of the alumni network How the program deepens civic awareness and compels graduates to engage more meaningfully in McKinney James's vision for a more connected and equitable city, including support for East McKinney and local nonprofits Encouragement for McKinney residents and workers to apply, with details on eligibility and the chamber website Resources Mentioned: https://www.mckinneychamber.com/leadership-mckinney Visit https://www.mckinneypodcast.com to subscribe to the email list and never miss an episode. Join the #MCKPOD community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mckinneypodcast and engage with your neighbors and fellow fans of the show. Check out the #MCKPOD YouTube Channel to watch the video versions of our episode and see lots of additional content: https://youtube.com/@mckinneypodcastJames and Fred would love to hear from you with any comments, questions, or ideas! Email the show at mail@mckinneypodcast.com and you may be featured on a future mailbag segment.
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    42 m
  • Douglas Ringer - American Lawnscape

    Douglas Ringer - American Lawnscape
    Mar 16 2026
    Welcome to The McKinney Podcast, where we celebrate the people and happenings that make our city "Unique By Nature." Our guest for this episode is Douglas Ringer, Owner of American Lawnscape. The MCKPOD is presented by RiskWell and FredShots Photography and recorded at the RiskWell studio in McKinney. Your hosts are James Jenkins and Fred Mahusay. Key Topics: Growing up in Omaha, Nebraska and early love of the outdoors and nature Joining the Army Reserves in high school and pursuing theater, journalism, and marching band Serving as a combat military policeman and operating a POW camp during Desert Storm Returning from service, earning a biology degree, and entering the turf industry via golf courses Writing books on nutritional supplements and transitioning away from golf course management Returning to military service in 2006 as a career counselor supporting soldiers dealing with PTSD Reconnecting with Barbara, relocating to McKinney, and launching American Lawnscape in 2013 Evolving from a full-service lawn company to a specialized turf treatment and fertilization business Customizing lawn care plans based on individual yard biology, soil conditions, and seasonal changes Barbara Crouch's role as partner and the company's commitment to communication and community Resources Mentioned: https://americanlawnscape.com Visit https://www.mckinneypodcast.com to subscribe to the email list and never miss an episode. Join the #MCKPOD community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mckinneypodcast and engage with your neighbors and fellow fans of the show. Check out the #MCKPOD YouTube Channel to watch the video versions of our episode and see lots of additional content: https://youtube.com/@mckinneypodcast James and Fred would love to hear from you with any comments, questions, or ideas! Email the show at mail@mckinneypodcast.com and you may be featured on a future mailbag segment.
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    54 m
  • Chris Wilkes - Business Consultant

    Chris Wilkes - Business Consultant
    Mar 9 2026
    Welcome to The McKinney Podcast, where we celebrate the people and happenings that make our city "Unique By Nature." Our guest for this episode is Chris Wilkes, Business Consultant. The MCKPOD is presented by RiskWell and FredShots Photography and recorded at the RiskWell studio in McKinney. Your hosts are James Jenkins and Fred Mahusay. Key Topics: Marketing degree from Texas Tech and MBA from Texas A&M, leading to a career in technology and sales Managing storage infrastructure at Southwestern Bell and transitioning into corporate leadership and M&A Taking over as CEO of Sigmetrics, a McKinney-based mechanical engineering firm Founding EnginSoft USA and delivering engineering simulation services to aerospace and EV industries Moving from Plano to McKinney and falling in love with the city's small-town feel and community culture Volunteering with the Dallas Entrepreneur Center and mentoring startups through the North Texas Angel Network Explaining the difference between McKinney's EDC and CDC and their roles in diversifying the tax base Supporting McKinney Airport expansion as an economic driver and discussing the property tax burden on residents Navigating school closure concerns and the boundaries of CDC influence on MISD decisions Lifelong commitment to food security, civic volunteerism, and servant leadership rooted in faith Resources Mentioned: https://enginsoftusa.com https://www.mckinneycdc.org https://thedec.co https://www.northtexasangels.org Visit https://www.mckinneypodcast.com to subscribe to the email list and never miss an episode. Join the #MCKPOD community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mckinneypodcast and engage with your neighbors and fellow fans of the show. Check out the #MCKPOD YouTube Channel to watch the video versions of our episode and see lots of additional content: https://youtube.com/@mckinneypodcast James and Fred would love to hear from you with any comments, questions, or ideas! Email the show at mail@mckinneypodcast.com and you may be featured on a future mailbag segment.
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    56 m
  • Evan Hunt - Democratic Nominee – TX CD3

    Evan Hunt - Democratic Nominee – TX CD3
    Mar 2 2026
    Welcome to The McKinney Podcast, where we celebrate the people and happenings that make our city "Unique By Nature." Our guest for this episode is Evan Hunt, Democratic Nominee – TX CD3. The MCKPOD is presented by RiskWell and FredShots Photography and recorded at the RiskWell studio in McKinney. Your hosts are James Jenkins and Fred Mahusay. Key Topics: Running as a Democrat in a district unrepresented by Democrats since 1968 Military service background and the shift from apolitical citizen to congressional candidate Building a grassroots campaign independent of DNC influence and party mandates Healthcare reform and protecting ACA subsidies for District 3 constituents Immigration policy, due process, and redirecting federal resources to local law enforcement Opposition to unlimited school voucher programs and support for strong public school funding Concerns about party loyalty replacing constituent representation in Congress Organizing a bipartisan open candidate town hall debate at Guitar Sanctuary on March 11 Encouraging voter engagement one conversation at a time to strengthen democratic participation Resources Mentioned: https://www.electevanhunt.com Visit https://www.mckinneypodcast.com to subscribe to the email list and never miss an episode. Join the #MCKPOD community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mckinneypodcast and engage with your neighbors and fellow fans of the show. Check out the #MCKPOD YouTube Channel to watch the video versions of our episode and see lots of additional content: https://youtube.com/@mckinneypodcast James and Fred would love to hear from you with any comments, questions, or ideas! Email the show at mail@mckinneypodcast.com and you may be featured on a future mailbag segment.
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    1 h y 1 m
  • Vesta Schneider - Realtor

    Vesta Schneider - Realtor
    Feb 23 2026
    Welcome to The McKinney Podcast, where we celebrate the people and happenings that make our city "Unique By Nature." Our guest for this episode is Vesta Schneider, Realtor. The MCKPOD is presented by RiskWell and FredShots Photography and recorded at the RiskWell studio in McKinney. Your hosts are James Jenkins and Fred Mahusay. Key Topics: Growing up in Soviet-controlled Lithuania and experiencing cultural transition after independence Coming to the United States on a work visa and meeting her husband in Delaware Making the quick decision to marry and stay in America versus returning home Working in restaurant business and adjusting to life as a young immigrant Becoming accidental landlords and discovering a passion for real estate investing Moving 12 times across the country while raising two children and building family Finding McKinney 10 years ago and choosing it as their permanent home Balancing real estate career with being present for family and maintaining strong relationships Giving back through McKinney Chamber and Women's Alliance committee involvement Real estate advice on investing wisely, market strategy, and selecting the right agent Visit https://www.mckinneypodcast.com to subscribe to the email list and never miss an episode. Join the #MCKPOD community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mckinneypodcast and engage with your neighbors and fellow fans of the show. Check out the #MCKPOD YouTube Channel to watch the video versions of our episode and see lots of additional content: https://youtube.com/@mckinneypodcast James and Fred would love to hear from you with any comments, questions, or ideas! Email the show at mail@mckinneypodcast.com and you may be featured on a future mailbag segment.
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    47 m