Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify / Stitcher / RSS In this episode of Growing Our Future Podcast, Eddie Priefert, the president of Priefert, shares his journey and the success of the Priefert brand. The company started with 300 acres, one product, and a two-car garage, and has now grown to a 3,500-acre ranch and a campus with 35 acres under roof. Priefert is involved in the ranch equipment and rodeo markets, as well as the steel industry, selling converted steel to other manufacturers. They also offer Priefert Complex Designs (PCD), which helps design and build animal agriculture facilities. Eddie emphasizes the…
Author: Texas FFA
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify / Stitcher / RSS In this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, host Aaron Alejandro interviews Robert Smith, a magician and consultant in the fair industry. They discuss the importance of gratitude, the positive impact of organizations like FFA, and the power of storytelling and advocacy. Robert shares his journey from being a magician to creating unique experiences at fairs and expos. He also talks about starting the Fair Game podcast to document stories from the industry. The conversation highlights the resilience and adaptability required to navigate challenges and find opportunities for growth. The conversation…
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify / Stitcher / RSS In this episode, Dale Alexander shares insights on leadership and the qualities that make a great leader. He emphasizes the importance of growth, empathy, and humility in leadership. Dale also discusses the power of influence and how leaders can positively impact others. He encourages listeners to surround themselves with the right people and to think like an owner in order to achieve success. The episode concludes with a reminder to focus on the long road and to stay committed to personal and professional growth. Watch Full Interview: https://youtu.be/5QB0Bsdk9dw Story Notes: The Power…
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify / Stitcher / RSS In this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, host Aaron Alejandro interviews Dale Alexander, a certified financial planner and author. They discuss the importance of gratitude, passion, and purpose in life. Dale shares his journey of personal growth and how he became passionate about financial planning. They also discuss the power of giving and serving others, and how it can bring fulfillment and success. Dale’s book, ‘The Talk,’ is highlighted as a valuable resource for young adults to make wise financial decisions and create a prosperous future. Dale Alexander has poured…
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify / Stitcher / RSS In this episode, Aaron Alejandro interviews Madeleine Musick, an Agricultural Science Teacher at Elgin High School and founder of Farmstead Annalise. Madeleine shares her journey from being a non-traditional FFA student to establishing a successful family-run business in the food industry. She emphasizes the importance of students exploring their interests and strengths to shape their career paths, while also highlighting the significance of time management and reliability as essential leadership skills. Aaron and Madeleine conclude by encouraging listeners to embrace continuous learning and personal growth within the agricultural community. Watch Full Interview:…
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify / Stitcher / RSS In this episode, Aaron Alejandro hosts Sheldon McKinney, Executive Director of the Kentucky FFA Foundation. Sheldon shares her journey from a high school student in Eastern Kentucky to her current role, highlighting the pivotal role of her ag teacher in guiding her career path. She emphasizes the importance of curiosity, hard work, and vision in leadership, drawing parallels between agricultural values and professional success. Sheldon also discusses the unique qualities FFA instills in students, such as communication skills, empowerment, and networking, all of which provide a competitive edge in today’s world. The…
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify / Stitcher / RSS In this episode of Growing Our Future, host Aaron Alejandro welcomes Marty Bryan, a multifaceted entrepreneur, seasoned restaurateur, and a beacon of hospitality. Marty shares his journey, beginning with his upbringing in the FFA, through his experiences in the restaurant industry, to his current ventures. He emphasizes the importance of gratitude, faith, and hard work in his success, highlighting his commitment to providing hospitality and building connections through his businesses. Marty’s leadership philosophy revolves around hiring the right people, fostering honesty, and exercising discipline, creating a thriving culture centered on service and…
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify / Stitcher / RSS In this episode of the “Growing Our Future” podcast, host Aaron Alejandro welcomes Carissa Jones, a Strategic Account Manager at BASF. Carissa shares her journey from a non-traditional agricultural background to her current role, emphasizing the importance of initiative, learning from setbacks, and developing soft skills through FFA involvement. She highlights networking, effective communication, and being coachable as key to success in any career. Aaron and Carissa underscore the value of FFA in cultivating essential skills and offering practical advice for listeners navigating their own career paths. Watch Full Interview: https://youtu.be/f0MAGt464qw Story…
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify / Stitcher / RSS In this episode of “The Growing Our Future” podcast hosted by Aaron Alejandro, Gary Joiner, the Director of Communications at the Texas Farm Bureau, shares insights into the vital role of communications in agriculture. Gary reflects on his journey, starting from his chance encounter covering a Farm Bureau event to becoming its communications director. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling in bridging the gap between farmers and the public, especially the youth. The conversation delves into the diverse career opportunities in agriculture communications, highlighting the need for skilled communicators to amplify the…
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify / Stitcher / RSS In this episode of The Growing Our Future podcast, hosted by Aaron Alejandro with guest Victor Guerra, the conversation delves into the essence of gratitude, resilience, and leadership within the context of agricultural education and personal development. Aaron and Victor begin by emphasizing the significance of gratitude in daily life, highlighting the importance of acknowledging even the smallest blessings. Victor reflects on his upbringing on a ranch and his journey through the FFA program, underscoring the transformative power of gratitude amidst life’s challenges. He shares personal anecdotes, including his aspirations to become…
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify / Stitcher / RSS In this episode of The Growing Our Future podcast, host Aaron Alejandro interviews Andrew Christensen, Senior Managing Director at Ascendion. Andrew shares his journey, starting from his passion for veterinary science in high school to his current leadership role. He emphasizes the importance of trying out different activities, networking, and building relationships. Despite growing up in a city, Andrew found his path through FFA, which offered him unique opportunities and a diverse network. He encourages listeners to embrace opportunities, be prepared, and prioritize relationships to achieve success. Watch Full Interview: https://youtu.be/ydC-XNvnICk Story…
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify / Stitcher / RSS Hosted by Aaron Alejandro, this episode features a captivating conversation with Roger Rickard, the Founder & President of Voices in Advocacy®, and author of “7 Actions of Highly Effective Advocates.” Roger shares his journey from humble beginnings in a blue-collar town to becoming a renowned advocate and leader in advocacy efforts. In this episode, Aaron and Roger delve into Roger’s early experiences in political campaigns, highlighting the importance of grassroots efforts and personal connections in advocacy work. Roger emphasizes the significance of believing in the impact of one’s actions and staying informed…