In a recent episode of the Change and Creativity Podcast, host Judy Oskam, professor and director of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Texas State University, interviewed Justin McKenzie, host of the Building Texas Show. The conversation centered on how Texas’s growth is being driven by local leaders and entrepreneurs, and the role of storytelling in fostering opportunity statewide.
Oskam opened the episode by noting that innovation is not limited to major cities. “In Texas, innovation isn't just happening in big cities, it's unfolding in small towns and communities across the state,” she said. McKenzie, a two-time Texas State graduate and first-generation college student, shared his journey from an international student to a prominent voice in Texas economic development. He recalled how growing up abroad as a Texan shaped his identity: “They'd say, ‘Oh, you're American.’ ‘Oh, we're from Texas.’ Immediately, American was forgotten. You're Texan.”
McKenzie’s show began as a local radio program in the Hill Country, driven by a desire to fill a visibility gap for entrepreneurs not covered by local media. “I was in the Hill Country and seeing some great entrepreneurial activities happening, but it's not making the local paper,” he explained. He believes storytelling is essential for acknowledging innovators, informing taxpayers, and inspiring the next generation. “High school kids need to see that even in the rural hill country, anything is possible.”
A significant portion of the Building Texas Show involves interviewing mayors across Texas. McKenzie shared common themes from these conversations, noting that rapid growth presents both challenges and opportunities. Cities like Bastrop, which has attracted companies like SpaceX and The Boring Company, as well as Lubbock and Amarillo, are all navigating how to scale while preserving heritage. He highlighted the symbiotic relationship between cities and universities, using Texas State University and San Marcos as a prime example. “If you can work that together, you can retain a lot of that talent,” McKenzie said, addressing a key issue for the state. “Texas is very guilty. We all export so much talent that if we could retain it here, it'll help with our growth.”
Beyond profiling builders and mayors, McKenzie has launched initiatives like Vote Like a Texan, which focuses on nonpartisan civic education, explaining local government roles and encouraging participation in local elections. “I really saw my hometown with a 7% turnout on a mayoral election. That May election was very important to our local community, our kids, and the future of that area,” he noted. The upcoming Work Like a Texan series will connect job seekers and employers, highlighting in-demand skills and partnerships with trade schools and community colleges.
When asked for advice, McKenzie encouraged entrepreneurs to take action. “Do it and then figure it out,” he advised. He suggested researching a city’s comprehensive plan and regional economic strategy before planting roots. “Anywhere that you're researching, pull back their comprehensive plan… and say, is this going to fit what I want to be doing in 10 years?” For students, he emphasized the value of community and mentorship. “What can you learn while you're at this phase or stage that you're in? It may be a professor from twenty years ago that you go back and call.”
The full interview offers deeper insights into Texas’s innovation corridors and the power of storytelling, and is available on the Change and Creativity Podcast.
