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…
Author: Texas FFA
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:…
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…