Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify / Stitcher / RSS In this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, host Aaron Alejandro speaks with Dan Taylor, a prominent figure in Texas agricultural education and the FFA. They discuss the importance of gratitude, mentorship, and the journey of Dan’s life in agriculture, including his experiences as a teacher, businessman, and philanthropist. The conversation also highlights the significance of the Discovery Center in Lubbock, Texas, and the legacy of the Texas FFA Foundation. Watch Full Interview: https://youtu.be/ZJsxShJIyqE Story Notes: Gratitude and Its Impact on Life Dan Taylor’s Journey in Agriculture The Influence of Mentorship…
Author: Texas FFA
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify / Stitcher / RSS In this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, host Mike Obada speaks with Jennifer Green, the Public Relations and Events Manager at Cavender’s. They discuss Jennifer’s journey from her early days shopping at Cavender’s to her current role, emphasizing the importance of relationships, research in job interviews, and finding a competitive edge. Jennifer shares valuable insights on leadership skills, the impact of FFA on personal development, and the significance of resilience and adaptability in careers. The conversation concludes with fun questions about concerts and personal reflections. Watch Full Interview: https://youtu.be/EcPWNaHUWCk Story…
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify / Stitcher / RSS On this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, we meet Colton Kyle, president of American Sniper, discussing themes of growth, leadership, and the importance of discernment. Colton shares his journey, emphasizing the significance of gratitude, vulnerability, and effective communication in leadership. The conversation highlights the value of asking questions and seeking truth in an age of misinformation, while also reflecting on the lessons learned from agriculture and personal experiences. In this conversation, Aaron and Colton discuss the importance of connections, competitive edges, and living one’s faith in business. They explore how…
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify / Stitcher / RSS In this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, host Aaron Alejandro engages with Dr. Sarah Sprayberry, an advocate for agriculture and social media influencer. They discuss the importance of family support, the journey of Sarah in agriculture, and how she uses social media to promote agricultural literacy and advocacy. The conversation emphasizes the need for a positive online presence, resilience in leadership, and the significance of sharing the true stories of agriculture to combat misconceptions. Watch Full Interview: https://youtu.be/yAK2dws7e7w Story Notes: The Importance of Family Support Sarah Sprayberry’s Journey in Agriculture…
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify / Stitcher / RSS In this insightful episode of Growing Our Future, host Aaron Alejandro sits down with Zoee Nolen, a 2022-2023 Texas FFA officer and junior at Texas A&M University. Zoee shares her remarkable journey, from growing up on a traditional West Texas farm to discovering a passion for agriculture through FFA after two major injuries derailed her sports career. Now a double major in Agricultural Communications & Journalism and Agricultural Economics, Zoee reflects on how her family’s work in agriculture ignited her deep appreciation for the industry. Zoee also discusses her involvement at Texas…
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify / Stitcher / RSS In this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, host Aaron Alejandro interviews Jackie Hoegger, owner of Hoegger Communications. They discuss the importance of storytelling and empathy in leadership, as well as the value of mentorship and continuous learning. Jackie shares her journey of starting her own company and emphasizes the power of telling personal stories. She also highlights the significance of living your brand and leaving a legacy. Watch Full Interview: https://youtu.be/JjyaRGJDqyc Story Notes: Discovering the Power of Storytelling The Importance of Failure and Learning Living Your Brand and Leaving a…
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify / Stitcher / RSS In this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, host Aaron Alejandro interviews Ron Kitchens, the CEO of the Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce. They discuss the importance of gratitude, the power of a job in changing lives, and the role of agriculture and FFA in creating opportunities. Ron shares his personal journey from poverty to becoming a leader in economic development, emphasizing the value of showing up, lifelong learning, and leaving a positive impact on others. They also address the workforce challenges faced by businesses and the need to invest in…
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…
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:…