Frisco Podcast by Lifestyle Frisco

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Community. Neighborly. These words are the genesis of why two Frisco locals created the nabo app. Meaning "neighbor" in Danish, nabo is a grocery app where neighbors can help each other by picking up items at their local store and dropping them off to one another.

At the store and have a few extra minutes? Check and see if there's anything a neighbor needs. At home and need just a few items? See if anyone on nabo can help you out while they're at the store.

Listen and enjoy as we explore a little more about how nabo services our community and our local nonprofits.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Pzy1qxxW9Q

SHOW NOTES: [00:23] What is nabo? [02:54] How is it different? [06:51] Who can use nabo? [09:56] Launch date and what's next for nabo

LINKS & RESOURCES: * Nabo on Lifestyle Frisco | Website | Facebook: @nabodelivery | Instagram: @nabodelivery

Connect with Lifestyle Frisco on: * YouTube * Facebook * Instagram * Twitter * LinkedIn

Transcript Machine-generated.

Welcome to the Frisco Podcast. I'm your host today, Kelly Walker. And we are talking to local business owners, Jim and Charith, about nabo. We're going to learn what that means today. So welcome to the studio, guys. How are you?

Great. Thank you so much for having us here, Kelly. We really appreciate it.

Well, I know a little about nabo, but I don't know if our audience knows everything. So I want to fill them in. The basics, I guess, is that Frisco has its own food technology startup. So tell us what that means, what it's all about.

Aboslutely, Kelly. Thanks for having us here. We, we love being here at Lifestyle Frisco's office. So well, the first thing is we are a delivery app and nabo means neighbor in Danish. So true to the word. We are all about neighbors. We are about building stronger communities, building stronger neighborhoods. That's what we're about. Now, if you take yourself back to the start of the pandemic, one of the things that we actually saw were people going out of their way to help each other, you know, I, I personally reached out to folks who were quite early in our neighborhood and said, Hey, do you guys want something? And it was just not me. Everybody was reaching out to people at, Hey, how can we help you? Think about the pandemic. Think about the snowstorm. And these are not one-off events. We know that neighbors want to help each other, but there's just nothing out there.

When we actually looked at the market up, there are a lot of apps delivery apps, but they're not focused towards communities. They're all focused towards, uh, being a big economy, right? You order through the app, somebody comes and delivers at your door. They're not transparent. The other day, in fact, I caught you a funny incident. Uh, my wife and I were talking and my wife said, Hey, uh, can you order something? That's $5 or more from Kroger? And I said, why? She said, I want to get the bill above $35. So we don't pay a delivery fee.

And I was like, yeah, it's crazy. You know? So,

So we got talking together and we said, um, Jared, and I, we said, we need to bridge this gap. We need to bridge the gap and get something in the market. That's for neighbors, for communities. And that's how the Genesis of nabo began by trying to build a delivery app that can bridge neighbors who are at stores, buying something for them, themselves, and neighbors who are actually wanting something. So we're at home needing help. Absolutely. We wanted to bridge that gap and that's the Genesis of it.

Which is such the neighborly way. Exactly. Unfortunately tend to lose that over time with, with schedules and just distance. And I don't know, there's something about the loss of that community neighbor feel sometimes. So I love the Genesis of this and that you're, you're, you're bringing that back. Like the whole, can I borrow a cup of sugar? It's can you grab me one at the store? Right.

You know, we, we grew up with that, Hey, knock the door and say, I'm out of sugar. I need to have my cup of tea. Can I have sugar? We want to get that back. Yes. I

Love it. So you mentioned fees and delivery fees, but I want to know kind other things about what makes nabo different from other types of delivery, app delivery apps that can help people out. Yeah,

Absolutely. Kelly hope. So. You know what happened originally? When James first reached out to me and said, Hey buddy, let's build a delivery app. And I was like, there's so many out there in the market already. I don't want to really focus on building a delivery app. Another one. Yeah. Another one. What's the point? Then he was like, no, no, no, no, you gotta hear me out. Let's let's get together on a call one day and I'll explain my concept. Uh, Jim and I go way back. We've known each other for a few years. Our kids play together. So we got together. We started talking and then he finally explained it to me. And then I got it. And then we quickly nailed it down to our mission to make this app more neighborly focused. So our mission is to bring neighbors together, make neighborhoods, uh, more neighborly. And that was the premise. And we then said, okay, so now how do we bridge that gap? And how do we make this successful? So we first and foremost said, okay, we cannot be charging exuberant fees, like other apps.

Because that takes away the simplicity of needing just two or three things.

That's right, exactly. So if you look at some other delivery apps, they have complex fee structure. So we said, okay, none of that will make a very simple, fee structure. We'll be very transparent with our customers. So all we do is charge a 5% or a dollar 99, whichever happens to be the most. And there is no minimum number of orders like Jim said, so people can place orders for any value. And, and next we said, okay, how do we make it bring, how do we get the neighbors together more? So they then make it local, make it local. Yeah. So we, we thought, okay, we need to implement some features like Groups feature. So imagine you have a few friends in your neighborhood who are all part of like a keto diet and you want to get together and talk about it. So we said, okay, let's create a group feature where people can form their own custom groups and then they can, uh, help each other when they go to the grocery store and say, Hey, I'm buying this thing. And I plan to make this meal today. Does anybody want to do the same thing? I was like, okay, let's, let's do it. So you can, you have instant notification of somebody who's already there in your neighborhood and they can bring something to you.

Okay. Like, as you're talking, I'm sitting here thinking up all these people that I need in my vegan group. Right. Because, because I do, I have this community of people. They're not all my exact direct neighbors. They're in some other pieces of Frisco, but we talk a lot about food and Hey, where'd you get that? I saw you post that vegan butter. Where'd that come from whatever. And so, um, I already know, like that would be perfect for me. And some of my friends who eat a specific way, or like you said, just of, I don't know, like-minded in a certain way that they shop. So that is cool. I love that idea.

And then we started thinking, Hey, if you're already doing so much good, how can we make, uh, enable people to do more good? Uh, so we thought, okay, let's see if we can work together with local. And how that really unfolded was that we said, okay, if we look at our target shoppers, they're not really in it to make money. They're just helping their neighbors out. And they just want to have fun join groups. So we said, okay, what if we give them an opportunity to donate their tips to a charity? So we partnered with a local charity. Uh, you might know this: Lovepacs. So we have successfully onboarded them to our platform,

We love Lovepacs at Lifestyle Frisco. Yes. We have partnered with them for many things and they are great. They do a lot. They work really hard to do a lot of good for this community.

I'm very, very pleased to have this feature because now there are two ways for somebody to do good. So you can help your neighbors out. And when your neighbor pays you tips like for, for your service, you have an option to say, I just want these tips to be donated to my local charity.

Yeah. Yeah. So you mentioned a shopper, um, I'm, I'm curious, like I know you're early in this, but who is your shopper? Who do you think your shopper is? Because I do want to clarify, like you mentioned, you don't become a shopper for nabo to make money. This is not an Uber driver or an errand runner where you're, this is not a side job, right? This is a community centric thing where you're, you're grabbing stuff for your neighbors, for the good goodness of being your neighbor, right. So who, who are your shoppers? And then when someone hears this and says, okay, I need to get in on that. How do they, how do they get in on it and sign up?

Amazing question Kelly. So our typical shopper, like you rightly said is not here for the money it's they hear from a neighborly perspective. So anybody who wants to help neighbors are our typical shoppers. And the best part about our app nabo is the shopper and the customer have the same app. You don't have to log into a different app as a shopper. And I know in many of our competitors, you have to log into a shopper app and a customer has to log into a customer app. Both of them are so beautifully integrated in our app that you could at one instance decide to be a customer, at the very next instance, decide to be a shopper with the same app. So that's great. Yeah. Let's take an example of a teenager who's on summer break and, you know, they want to help their neighbors or on some tips, they're our typical shoppers. Let's take an example of somebody shopping at Kroger at 11 at night. And you know, they're like, I have some time I can see orders by a number of items by distance from my house. So they see an order that's 50 feet from their house. They're like, wow, I never knew they needed some OTC medic medication. You know, there are typical shoppers, anybody who wants to help neighbors.

And, and I love the idea of you're already in this store. Don't make them get out and go get the thing because none of us like to get out and go get, you know, a few things. None of us like to make big trips either usually, but yeah, for one or two things like it's so nice when you don't have to make that trip sometimes. Right.

And Kelly, as a shopper, you decide which order you want to pick up. You can decide either by tips either by a number of items, distance from my house. So when you log in as a shopper and you see the app, you can see that, Hey, I've got three orders, which are a hundred feet from my house. I've got an order which has just two items, the exact same items I'm buying. Yeah. So the control is with you. Yeah.

I love that. So yeah. When you talk about your shoppers, it's really anybody who was going to be in a grocery store or who needs something from a grocery store, are your, your people, which is a wide range of people, right. It's men, it's women, it's young, it's old. Like it's everybody eats everybody shops, so anybody can do. Yeah. And,

And, and also Jim and I talk about this in our, how hot, extremely hot Texas summers get here. And a lot of kids out of high school, they like to get some extra money, right. They want to, most of them, the neighbor's lawn mowing their yard or wash cars. Now there is a new way of doing this. You can actually go and help out your neighbors and make the extra cash that way as well. The options are limitless.

Yeah. I love that. Okay. Well, at the beginning you mentioned the Genesis of this coming out, um, you know, in a year, in 2020, when it was a rough year for people and we needed to help each other. So obviously this is a young idea, right? A young concept, a young app. And I know that you've gone through some testing and different things. So where are you in that life cycle? And what's, what's next? Like what can we watch for, for nabo?

Absolutely. Kelly. So the journey so far has been incredible. I mean, for all of us here at nabo, we have, uh, started out, uh, we've done a lot of research and enormous amount of research. We've looked at other apps, we've done some market research and we've done the development and we've had the app used by some early adopters who gave us extremely valuable feedback. We've made improvements. And we're extremely excited to announce here that, uh, we are launching the app, uh, for general availability in both app store for Apple users, iPhone users, and for, uh, Android users in Google Play Store on July 4th. So yeah, July 4th is a huge day for all Americans. I mean, that's, that's the, the main reason why we chose that day, because we also want to kind of bring out the people, bring out the neighborliness app. We say, Hey, we have an extremely important day that we're all proud of. And we are going out of our way to celebrate this. Everyone gets together, everyone comes out into their-

Yeah. It's, it's a community day for sure. Okay. I love that. And easy to remember too.

Exactly. So very excited about that. And we can't wait, uh, to be, uh, to tell you the truth and it won't stop there really. Right? Like once we, once we launch, once we start, um, helping, uh, the North Texas, uh, or DFW rather, we're going to be launching all of all over DFW. Once we start there and we have a good customer base, we are going to expand to other cities in Texas. So major cities: we are thinking Austin, we are thinking Houston and so on and so forth. And what that means is that we also need to start looking at, uh, other big retailers, more stores, more stores.

Because we didn't touch on that, who are the store partners that you work with now?

Great. That you asked. So we have, uh, successfully onboarded, two major retailers, both Kroger and Walmart. And we also have, uh, one local, uh, business local to Frisco, in fact, a small business. And we want to kind of balance that out in our app. We want to have a good number of major retailers, um, because that's where most people tend to shop. Yeah. But we also want to support our local businesses. I love that.

Yeah. Because there are definitely items that you, um, need to go to your specialty or your local retailers for there's items that it goes both ways you can't get there. And there's some that you really want to get there. You seek them out for that reason. So that's great that those will start popping up too more and more as you guys, as you guys fully launched and you get those, the momentum and more partners and relationships, there'll be more that come around. Right.

Because one thing, one thing is there a Kelly, very local app, we were born out of Frisco. We, we want to make sure the community is involved. So these local, small businesses, we reached out to them and said, Hey, here's what we have. Here's how we can help you. Do you want to get onboarded? You know, so we're reaching out to them actively, you know, uh, local charities, local businesses, because they're a Frisco based startup. We have to help Frisco first. Love that.

And some of these local small businesses that are run by a mom-and-pop shops, like elderly people. They're not too tech savvy. Right. They don't know how to get started. So we want to help them as much as we can because, uh, and during our research, we found out that other delivery apps, uh, they charge a lot of fees to these retailers for their services. And, and that's where we also want to focus. We want to make sure that they're getting their fair cut and not just getting-

Yeah. Picked apart. Right? Yeah. I mean, it needs to be, it needs to make sense for them. It's different for a big box versus the mom-and-pop. They just don't have the margins and they can't give as much to, you know, to a supplier, um, as, as others can. So I was curious when you talked about, um, beta testing, research and feedback, and you said you got some valuable and made some adjustments, are there any of those you want to like mention, I'm curious if there was anything cool that you learned. All that it's always surprising, right? You don't know what your feedback is going to come back. That's why we do it. So I was curious if there's anything that, um, that you learned that you're now proud of as a feature.

So one of the things that, uh, really, uh, hit us was as we were partnering with, uh, one of the local, uh, uh, retailers, uh, local to Frisco, really, we realized that we not only need delivery, uh, feature, which we already have. That's our, uh, the main concept, but there's a need clear need for pickup, especially for the small, uh, retailers. We then got our, uh, dev team together. And then we decided, okay, how can we roll out this pickup feature as fast as possible, because we needed to show value to the, uh, partner. And that was an example of how we got feedback from both our early beta testers, the customers, and also a retailer. Yeah. Yeah. They said this, most people here, they actually just come to do a pickup. They they're close by. They don't really want to pay any fees. So, so what can you do for us?

So that's, I just don't want to go in the stores.

Don't want to go in the store. They just want to stay in the car and call it and then get it delivered.

It's so interesting how the pandemic spurred on some of these new behaviors that will continue on, right. We've now learned that we can do things different, a different way out of need that we had to, but that, because technology was able to shift and make, you know, accommodate those new behaviors, like they're going to, they're here to stay. We're all going to shop differently from now on.

In fact there was a study that we, uh, remember James, uh, uh, we encountered, what was it like by 2025?

Oh yeah. Yeah. So around, uh, the study was around 70% of all shoppers will shop online by 2025. That is crazy. And that number is amazing. So that's why, uh, you know, another thing that, uh, one of our, uh, shoppers said, Hey, uh, I'm not in a grocery store. What if, when are you guys going to support home improvement? So what we decide, you know, and we had this plan already. So we're launching right now with grocery stores, but as a shopper, you're in Michaels. You're at Hobby Lobby. Lowe's. Anywhere as a shopper. If you're 7-Eleven, we'll support you. Goodness. That's a whole new world

To open, up to think about. Yeah. There's days when I've made multiple trips to Home Depot, right? Because you just, you don't know what you need sometimes until you're in the project.

My wife makes me do that every time. I buy 10 bags of mulch and she's like, I want 11. One bag of mulch.

I, yes. I know. Believe me. Did she download the app? Well, speaking of, so I'm in, I love it. I love the idea and I'm gonna invite friends and we'll tell our, um, Lifestyle Frisco readers, obviously to sign up and we'll target that July 4th date that everybody can use it. So are there any other final words, anything we missed that our audience needs to know before we sign off?

Well, I, I think this app really hits a home run. It's, it's all about, you know, helping people, helping neighbors. So if you have that mindset, I would, I would really highly recommend you go to nabodelivery.com. That's our website. You can learn all about us, our Genesis, our idea, our vision mission, and then you can also download the app from there. So, yeah, just, just take that trip.

Yeah. And, uh, on our website, uh, nabodelivery.com, we also have, uh, put together some great tutorial videos, uh, back to your question earlier on, uh, about shoppers. So we have videos that explain how a shopper can, uh, sign up, uh, using our app and then start helping right away.

Awesome. Now, for those of you who are listening to this episode, because it rolled onto your playlist and you haven't seen it, nabo is spelled N A B O, so, um, when we're saying nabo delivery, that's in N A B O delivery.com. Just wanted to make sure we said that for those who are not reading the word on the screen somewhere, so awesome. Well Charith and Jim, thank you so much for teaching us a little bit about nabo and for building it and developing this app for our community.

It was a pleasure. Thanks for having us here.

I wish I could end with the jingle, but I don't have one. But maybe we will one day.

Yes. That's next. After you conquer all of the home improvement stores and the craft stores and all of Texas, then you guys can get a jingle going. Well, thank you for listening to this episode of the Frisco Podcast. Remember to subscribe so you can hear us next time.

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Working to a "failure success" is one of the keys to getting effective workouts at Practical Fitness. You get PRIVATE training sessions customized specifically to YOU — your body, your goals, your nutrition needs. Alcyr Coelho started Practical Fitness in 2009 and has been serving clients (some are still his clients from the beginning!) in a safe, private training environment.

And now, Practical Fitness has a new North Texas location in addition to the Frisco location. The Plano studio is now up and running with even more space. Visit their website today to set up your consultation. (Be sure to tell them Lifestyle Frisco sent you so you can get a few extra sessions for FREE!)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9fd9sGbHPU

SHOW NOTES: [00:28] The difference at Practical Fitness [04:30] How is 30 minutes so effective? [09:35] The ideal candidate for Practical Fitness [12:54] Practical Fitness has expanded to Plano! [14:16] Nutrition Fundamentals

LINKS & RESOURCES: * Practical Fitness on Lifestyle Frisco | Website | Facebook: @pracfitchapelcreek | Instagram: @PracticalFitness * Frisco Location: 8501 Wade Blvd. #1340 Frisco, TX * Plano Location: 5512 W Plano Parkway, Suite 200, Plano, TX

Connect with Lifestyle Frisco on: * YouTube * Facebook * Instagram * Twitter * LinkedIn

Transcript Machine-generated.

Thank you for joining us today on the Frisco Podcast. Today, we're talking to Alcyr Cohelio, the owner of Practical Fitness. We've had Alcyr on before, but we're going to learn about some new things happening over at Practical Fitness. Welcome to the show, Alcyr.

I'm glad to be here, Kelly. Very nice to talk to you.

Yeah. So for those who, um, haven't heard you talked to us before, tell us a little bit about what, you know, what's Practical Fitness all about 'cause it is definitely not your average, you know, gym per se. So, it's different. So, tell us what it is.

Yeah. So, yeah, we are definitely not a gym. Uh, we like to say to people that we're basically an extension of their home. Uh, when you come to see us, it's a 100% private experience, very professional. Uh, we have a state of the art equipment and you only need to see us once or twice a week for 30 minutes. And we are hundred customized to you. It's not like when you go to classes and you join a boot camp. When you come to us, the focus is only on you. Every single workout is customized to you to your goals. You can even pick your music. So, uh, it's uh, yeah, it's a 100% a private experience.

You don't, you know, assume that when someone's walking in that they're going to do the same workout as the person that came in before them, or that they need this or that, the same cookie cutter experience. You are going to meet with them and tailor what they need, specifically, for them.

A hundred percent. So basically I, so the experience begins with a one-hour consultation and we do offer the one-hour consultation, a hundred percent free to have a conversation with us. And we pair that with a 30-minutes session for you so that you can experience what our clients experience. And those are in separate days. So you come for a one-hour conversation. We listen to you, listen to what, you know, what you like to, uh, to achieve. And one of the things that we try to explain to people and we are able to achieve, I would say that probably 60-70% of our clients stay with us for over five years. And we do have clients that are with us since we opened our door back in Austin in 2009. We still have several, I would probably say probably 40 to 50 clients in Austin that are with us for over 10 years.

And that basically the same way we like to say the same way that you brush your teeth twice a day is the same thing for exercising. Our body needs to exercise. And one of the things that we emphasize as well, the exercise different than sports. Exercise is something that you do is so your body functions at their maximum capacity, right? Several of our clients that come with us with diabetes type two, for high blood pressure, individually, they have done hip replacements, knee replacements. We are able to substantially improve their, the, you know, their, their lives. Uh, several, I would say the most of our clients that come with us with high blood pressure, they quit the medicine. Yeah. Same thing with diabetes type two. And again, because the idea is you come to us, it's only 30 minutes, twice a week.

It is a challenging workout because exercise in order to be effective is a challenge. No one really comes more than twice a week. We have some individuals that do. But, when they do the third, uh, the third session is not as challenging as the first two, because basically it's a high, intense, workout, low-impact, extremely safe. That's why, you know, folks with knee replacement, hip replacement, they can, they can come to see us. So there is no momentum. There is no ballistic movement. You come, you exercise. And the days that you are resting, that's the day that your bodies recover and results come from. The results do not come when you exercise. The results come between the sessions. And between the sessions, we like to say that, you know, they, they can live the life they love because their body is going to be in an optimum state so they can have fun. They can take care of their grandkids. They can go rowing. They can go running. They can go play soccer. They can go play golf better. All those things we are able to improve because of the 30 minute session that they come to see us once or twice a week.

That's- you know, living the life you love is important because you're not in the gym every day for hours trying to accomplish something. So, um, with the 30 minutes, twice a week, you know, you have to wonder like how effective is it? And you just answered some of that. But, um, so tell me more. So it's it's you said high intensity, but low impact. So these are things they're going to be doing. Again, it's one-on-one right with the trainer. They're watching you. They're specifically, you know, watching to make sure you're doing this correct so that you maximize every minute of that 30 minute workout, right?

That's correct. So basically, yeah. So every single set of the exercise, we, we, we call the failure success. Cause basically we, you go toward muscle exhaustion. So we eliminate momentum because what you see a lot in the gyms is people doing their sets and they go too fast. So the effort [inaudible] and then the weight, the motion of the weight finish the movement for the person, right? So we eliminate momentum. We go very small. During the 30 minutes, our trainers are watching you. One of the things that we are very different: all of our trainers have a college degree. So they really understand the body. They really understand the muscle for what, you know, it's extremely safe exercise. We watching your form. When your, when the muscle can no longer do the movement, that's how we call success. It is not a failure.

Muscle exhaustion is the success. Actually the release of lactic acid, right? You feel that. A lot of people do not understand the burn that you feel is actually lactic acid that do two things for you. The lactic acid, uh, it tells your body "please, don't move more because you can hurt yourself." Right. It's actually very interesting. So basically the lactic acid also helps your body to absorb glucose better. 'Cause basically the glucose is the energy, right? So basically the food that you eat, the glucose and the glucose is the energy that makes you do things, right? So, so when you doing the movement with your, with your muscle, you're actually losing the sugar that is in the muscle to do the job. Once that you will, you go to muscle failure, that glucose is depleted from your body.

Then you begin to feel that the legs burn. So then you stop. And, uh, the, the muscles release hormones that goes to the brain. It's the messaging system saying "this fellow here wants to do this movement, but I cannot, you have helped me out." The brain, "okay, let me help you out." So that when, if you eat correctly, if you have protein, amino acids is it begins to send amino acid, amino acids to your, to your, to your muscle fiber so it can grow, to literally grow. But in order to do that, to do that, you cannot engage, uh, most of the high, higher intensity again. You have to wait for the muscle to do it's job.

And repair yeah.

The recovery time. That's why we don't want to you to come to see us in the next day. Go to some place to exercise. During the intervals that you're no longer that you're not coming to us, your sessions, then what we recommend people: go have fun, go do some low intensity yoga, go to do pilates, you know, take a walk, do a nice hike. And for sure all those, all those activities you're going to do much better. You know, some, some individuals that actually do not do that- one of the things that we offer in addition to when you come to Practical Fitness, you're not only getting the sessions with individually, with our trainers. One of the things that we offer our clients, we have an exclusive, uh, yoga we call Active/Rest Yoga that is every week online. We actually've Michelle Silva. She's over here- actually she's from Frisco and she tapes every week, an exercise session just for clients. Then you have to ask access to that. So basically you can come to us, you do your session and the days off you'll have a yoga available to you if you're, if you don't do that on your own, if you don't go to a yoga studio. It's very important that between sessions that you do something, you know, we tell people just don't, you know, come and just go to work and sit on your legs.

Yeah. Keep, keep moving. But, but not back to that point of muscle failure again. Yeah.

Because to do that, to actually going to impede recovery. What you want to do is keep your blood flowing through your body. So we offered that is an additional service that we offer to our clients.

That's great. I didn't know all of that. I mean, I, I burn- I like to feel the muscle burn and all that all the time. I didn't know that's what it's happening in there.

So it's very interesting because you are burning your glucose to do its job. The reason that strength training is so effective for diabetes type two, is because allows your muscle to use glucose better. Right? So it absorbs that glucose that you put it in your body to do its job. So people that do not exercise the muscle tissue receive- all your cells receive this extra sugar. So basically if you have a higher ratio of muscle to fat, you can do a better job absorbing sugar.

So you talked about people with high blood pressure, people with diabetes, - and that makes sense as to how you use glucose better, - people who maybe are recovering from a surgery or hip or knee replacement. I'm wondering: who else is ideal for this, you know, one-on-one private sessions? Is it also for healthy people who just want to continue to tone and get stronger?

A hundred percent. So you can, you know, muscles allows you to do movement. And that's what we do, right? I mean, when you, when you go to the supermarket carrying groceries, when you're getting to a plane, you're a professional, you know, a lot of our clients are professional because one of the advantage, right? I don't have to be in the gym all the time. I just have time for 30 minutes. And that's how, that's how I got involved in the business. You know? So you're able to get your luggage and put it up, you know, the overhead bin. So we've, we got a client that came to us once and that was two weeks- she's, she's in her 50s. Was on the road and she try one beautiful day to, to, to, to, to actually do the movement, pick up the luggage, put on the overhead bin. She couldn't. Said, "no, I need to do something." And, uh, she came to us and she says, "it's not an issue for me anymore."

Yeah, she just wanted to get stronger. Like there wasn't an, an underlying problem per se for her. She just wanted to get more strength.

Yeah. And then we have grandmothers that come to us because they want to be able to have fun with their grandkids and be able to carry them and you know, do stuff with them. So at the end of the day, if you, why do you see elderly folks- and for me, it's, I cannot believe that you see those commercials for elevators, for elderly, you should do the other way around: let them live in a two story house. Muscle is what allows us to live. And do not forget that the heart is muscle. Heart is a muscle. So one, a lot of people don't understand that when they come to us, they say, "Oh, what about my aerobic?" Because we slow down the exercise- and aerobics, what it is: I'm running down the street, right? Then the legs into the heart, "please send me more blood so I can continue to run."

So the heart begins to go faster. We do the same thing on the 30 minutes that you come to us. Because you are a one-on-one, there's nobody there. It's a private space just for you. We go from one equipment to another, from, an exercise to another. Doesn't stop. So really your heart rate, as soon as, as you're doing the exercise and you're doing a leg extension, right, which is going up and down, you know, move your legs, when you squat. You know, the bus is going to do the same thing. It's going to go to the heart to say, "send me more blood." So your heart rate goes up. So not only we doing your strength training, right. We make sure that your joint is very malleable because we are moving slowly. When we know we keep them moving that joint. We also, we use weights that you can handle, but they tend to be heavy. And because we slow, it's still very safe. We also compressing to bones. So if you have, you know, a start-up process for the lady, you know, we compress the bone. So we help you to repeat repeater. You know, the osteoporosis to happen to you. We also exercising your heart. So in 20 minutes, we're doing everything that you need to have a better quality of life fundamentally. Also be able to move, be able to walk, be able to go to places, to do a hiking with your friends, again, going back to taking care of your grandkids, engage in any sports. We do all of those things for you on those 30 minutes that you are with us.

Yeah. That's amazing. You mentioned Austin while ago, but I want to make sure. And that you guys started in 2009. We have told people about your Frisco location for a few years, but I know you've also expanded. So can you tell us a little bit about your expansion here and the, you know, North Texas, North Dallas area and what, where people can find you now?

Yeah. So basically you're going to a location in Plano. It's actually a beautiful location. It's almost double the size. Again, state of the art equipment, we use a medics, which you cannot find in any gym for you to have an idea. Each of our individual machines, probably three or four times of equipment that you find, uh, places on gyms. So it's state of the art. It's a, it's a beautiful location, super convenient. There's a parking. Basically you park a car, you walk, you walk four steps, you are inside the Practical Fitness. There's no- if you're going down Preston and going to Plano Expressway, you take a right. It's probably like two blocks- I mean, two miles from it. It's, it's, it's very convenient, very convenient, very scent, you know, it's right over there, you know, uh, just, uh, George Bush Expressway, that's probably south of-

So, right. So it's easy to get to, like you said, easy to just park and walk in. You're not in a big, big gym parking lot or anything, and you're by yourself. It's focused. How is the best way for somebody to get started? I mean, can they call you guys and set up a time for a consultation? Is that the best way to get started with you?

The easiest way is going to our website to schedule yourself for one hour consultation. Come to see us. We have a conversation, we listen to what you're looking for. And one of the items that we really have not caught in this conversation is a lot of folks come to us for, for weight loss. So, uh, one of the things that we do really well is, uh, butterfat, you know, in what we call Nutrition Fundamentals. We're not going to give you a diet, but we're going to bug you. Not that we are going to go over, we go in and create a program who is high-protein intake, but create a caloric deficit. And we're going to bug you. I mean, one of the things that we do well, because you private, we're not- is accountability because a lot of folks, you know, when they are the one they're not accountable, nobody really likes, you know, most of the people really don't like to exercise.

It's really out there, right? Uh, it's better for you to watch TV. But, uh, like I said, it's a fundamental for, for you to be able to enjoy the life, to live what we say, the life you love. We will, we will text you when you're not in to make sure that you are, that, uh, that you watching what you eat. We have this little thing that we call is, is a lot of people like to do logs, right? And write it down. Everything that you eat during the week. That one doesn't work. We do this thing that's really easy. It's called photo log meaning that every, during one week, everything that you put in your mouth, you put water take a picture, text to us. Super easy. Right? We know that you just have to take the picture because we know your phone number. So we know this coming from you.

And then we have a conversation because you see reality, right? And, uh, and the idea is to, is to change the way individuals eat. Still have fun, you know, uh, on weekends, you know, people like to drink. And, uh, so we work with you in a manner that you can collect, collect what we call caloric deficit. Since we, our work, we strengthen training, we are telling your body to grow your muscle. So when you clear a caloric deficit, as you do in strength, training. All the, the energy that the body needs that doesn't have is gonna come from the, from the fat cells that are in your body, right? That cells is just a battery reserve that millions of years of evolution humans developed because not too long ago, really, a hundred years ago, people didn't know when the next meal would come. So that's why the trait extra, the body then would convert that extra, and you know, that extra energy, that extra sugar into fat and store in your body for future use. And we know for women is, is it's harder because may have babies. So the body then makes the extra effort to keep it, that extra energy available to them, the baby. Now we don't have that anymore. So you don't need it. So, we help you create a healthy calorie, caloric deficit with emphasis on protein, because the protein allows you to use to build muscle, protect your muscle, continue to grow muscle.

So any extra energy that the body needs that is not getting to food is going to come from reserve that you have in your body. So you shrink your fat cells and then we change the ratio, right? Cause what we want is not a weight loss. So we want is a fat loss. So, uh, work with you. We were going to send you a text in the middle of the week and recount that to- the checkup to is going [weigh] you. If you don't want to see the weight, you don't have to. Just look at the ceiling, but we make a note. And every six weeks we have a review of your goals, how we are doing. And again, because as I mentioned, the, since we have clients over 10 years with us, goals do change. And we change those goals along with you. You know, so we become partners of our clients. And, uh, again, the same way you go to the dentist every six months, come to us once or twice a week. And, uh, we make sure that your is that your body's healthy. So you can do that and enjoy your life.

It's like maintenance, like you said, with the dentist. And oh my gosh, I love the, the, uh, nutrition fundamentals you talked about and the photo log. I think that is a great way to help you guys see what your clients are eating and bug them, like you said, to keep up. So that's fantastic. And it's all connected, right? What you eat protein that you eat, the muscle that you build, the fat that you lose, it's all part of the system. So I love that you guys at Practical Fitness are there to help your clients one-on-one and a really customized approach. So

Yeah, just one more thing: I think that, you know, a lot of people, uh, and you go to the gym, you know, they try to sell you out that contract. We do not have contracts. And uh, you know, they are with you to do the sale. Once the sale is done, you're on your own. And it's very difficult, especially if you know, and we do not have the same way that lawyers, you go to lawyers for, you know, to protect you. You go to the dentist because they know they're going to take care of your, you know, your teeth. You know, it's the same thing with us. If you want to take care of your body, come, come to see us. You're going to see the exercise is not for those body builders that you see at the gym. And you look at them. I mean, "how can I be like them?" With us you can be like them. Actually going to be better than they are because we are there every step of the way. Again, during those 30 minutes the space, a hundred percent yours, you pick your music. And it's very interesting to see folks in their eighties, listen to the music from the fifties. I actually like jazz. But even on that scale is really individual is for you. We make sure that you achieve your goals and you really enjoy your life. You're able to be better in your profession. Be better with your family. Be better having fun. Be better playing your sports.

Yes. Live the life you love. Well, that's such great information, Alcyr. Thank you so much. So, we will also include the addresses to your, um, your Frisco and Plano location so our listeners can find those and, uh, of course, the link to Practical Fitness so they can find you and set up a consultation. So, thanks Alcyr for your time and giving us the updated information. And thanks everyone for listening to this episode of the Frisco Podcast.

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After relocating to Texas, Sean and Ashley Green eventually decided it was time for a business that tapped into their passion for health and fitness. They opened their first Clean Juice location in Frisco, Texas in January 2020 and more recently, their second Frisco location in March 2021.

In this episode, we hear from the Frisco business owners about their many, delicious, organic offerings! From cold-pressed juice cleanses to protein smoothies, wraps, and bowls, Clean Juice has healthy options packed with the nutrition your body needs!

The atmosphere and customer service are worth a nod, as well... Enjoy this episode.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Z6cDrGWN0s

SHOW NOTES: [00:37] Meet Ashley and Sean Green [0:00] What is Clean Juice? [11:29] Menu items [15:34] Clean Juice Cleanses

LINKS & RESOURCES: * Clean Juice on Lifestyle Frisco | Website | Facebook: West Frisco and Starwood | Instagram West Frisco and Starwood

Connect with Lifestyle Frisco on: * YouTube * Facebook * Instagram * Twitter * LinkedIn

Transcript Machine-generated.

Welcome to the Frisco Podcast. I'm your host Kelly Walker. We're sitting with Frisco business owners, Ashley and Sean Green today. Welcome, Ashley and Sean, how are you? Hey, doing great. How are you? I'm good. I am excited to talk to you. I've talked to you before, usually in your store. So, this is fun, to get to kind of tell your story to our audience and learn even more about what's going on with you guys. So before we get into the business side, can you just tell me a little about yourselves? And I mentioned your business owners. So, tell us about you guys.

Yeah, sure. Well, um, Ashley and I are both from upstate New York, Rochester, New York. You know, grew up there, uh, went to school there. And we actually started dating when we were, uh, 19 years old. And, uh- just a couple of years ago. Just a couple of years ago. And, you know, if you've ever been to Rochester, beautiful place in the summertime, beautiful place. The winter time, yeah, not so much. Right. So we always wanted to live somewhere warm weather and a place that had a lot of opportunity. And we, we really fell in love with the idea of moving to Texas at a young age. And, uh, we, at 23 years old, we, we packed up our Penske truck. We drove from New York to Texas and we moved like somewhat on a whim.

I was going to say, were there, were there career plans in at this time that, that brought you here at all, or you kind of got here and figure the rest out?

We found jobs beforehand. And so we were able to get jobs beforehand. Uh, so we weren't just, you know, living off the streets or anything, but we, we did find jobs. And we drove down here. In fact, uh, we originally tried to buy a house and it fell through. So we were set to move and we literally had no place to live. So I drove down with a friend and, uh, we found a place. And, uh, I remember looking at places, sending pictures to Ashley saying, "Hey, uh, you know, I found a place." And she wasn't even here. That's hard.

Yeah. So keep in mind, we'd been married for six months and now we're about to purchase a home that I've never even seen before in a state that's 1400 miles away.

That's trust and faith that it's all gonna work out. And now that looking back, you also know: those things aren't permanent either. You know, I mean, sometimes getting in the wrong place at the beginning helps, you know, where you do want to be. In different, you know, section of town or different town completely or whatever, you know? So while it feels like getting into your first homes are really, really, really major, they're not permanent, you know.

And that was kind of our whole mindset on the whole move, too. Is, "Hey, what's the worst that's going to happen? If we get there. And we don't like it, we move again." But like Sean mentioned, we both had job opportunities. I had been working in senior living and I was able to transfer. So it was just, everything kind of fell into place and, and we did buy the house and it was great. And so it all, it all kind of worked out perfectly for us to settle here and eventually, you know, build a home and have a family. Yeah. Okay. So fast forward to, um, what I want to talk to you guys about: your business side of life, um, which is Clean Juice. So how did you get, how did you take that step? You mentioned you were in senior living. Like your career path was that which is, does not sound like the Clean Juice, uh, path. So how did this get into your life?

Well, uh, it started, I just left my corporate job a couple of months ago, actually. Um, I was working as a senior vice president of sales for a technology company. And I had been with that company for over 11 years and really enjoyed it. But I also saw that in the business world, there was so much change, right? So much change. And, and we really desired an opportunity to like take control of our own destiny and start our own business. And we've always felt like we're a great team. We compliment each other really well. And we wanted to do something that we were passionate about, which led us down to like, uh, something around health and nutrition.

Yeah we're looking at, um, businesses that we could tag team on that would also give us some flexibility because we do have kids. And as, as we were gearing up for our youngest and our kindergarten, we wanted to kind of preplan and look at something that, like Sean said, whether it was fitness or health and nutrition. And at the time, um, I had really gotten us into doing more juicing, and we were doing it at home. And anyone who's ever made juice at home knows it's not only a very time-consuming process, but it's messy. And, um, and it can be costly to o, especially when you're trying to source organically. Um, it's intimidating. It's a lot, it's a huge commitment, honestly. Um, and, and so I, you know, I have to give credit to Sean really, you know, when we started talking, well, what about, what about juice? Like, that's something that we both are really passionate about and, and it would have a broader impact too. I think that's something that, you know, is really important to us was to have a broader impact on the community from a nutrition standpoint, like how can we help other families to be healthy and to help their kids be healthy. Um, and so, um, thus began the search of a franchise opportunity, uh, that, that would kind of fit what we were looking for.

And we were actually, weren't sure we were going to do a franchise at first. We actually thought about starting up our own concept, but then we came across Clean Juice and it was like, literally, everything that we would have done in our own concept. We're like, "wow, this concept already exists."

When things are vetted out for you as a, as somebody in that space that like, obviously it sounds like you don't both just naturally have, you know, restaurant experience or food and beverage experience. So not having to jump those hurdles alone is a huge thing. I love the franchising concept in general. I worked in franchising for a long time, so I'm actually really love it because there are so many mistakes that new business owners make, regardless of if you have a franchise behind you or not, but to have so many of those things laid out for you is just a really nice stepping stone.

Absolutely. And like Sean said, it was like, Oh, it's certified organic. That was something that was important to us. Um, faith-based, I mean, as soon as we saw the core values were based on Bible verses, it honestly just felt like this, this was meant to be; this was what we were supposed to be doing.

So that was what I'm curious. Um, I know it as a customer, but yeah. What is the, you know, the, the basics of Clean Juice? Definitely. I would say what we're most passionate about is living organic, clean-eating, um, because it matters. Um, I think, I think that there's a lot of people who understand that there's pesticides and foods and that there's chemicals or whatever. Um, but they don't truly understand the long-term, um, problems and impacts that are associated with that. And, and as we look at what we're feeding our kids, um, you know, the, everything that we're now learning about food, um, food matters. I, this is my personal opinion. I think that food can make, uh, uh, the biggest impact on our lives than anything else. You know, uh, fitness is, is totally important too. Don't get me wrong, but I think that food can be a much more powerful- um, and we hear this from customers too, which is why I think I go back to that, that, that it's organic, that it's choosing to eat clean. Um, and we know, you know, there's no one's going to be perfect in that. Um, but, but in overall, just making that a priority in your life, the stories that we hear from customers are just simply incredible. Like how just small changes with nutrition can, can make a big difference.

I firmly believe it too, because you can be the most fit as far as workout. You can move all day long, but if you're still putting junk into your body or the wrong type of even, even healthy food, but processed or cooked wrong or fried those kinds of things, that's always going to outweigh those fitness benefits. You're getting like you, you can't work out a bad diet, I guess is- whatever is, there's the cliche, you know what I'm talking about. Your insides, be good.

Exactly. You may still get muscles and everything else, but you may get sick more often, you know? And so what you put into your body really matters. And, you know, I think a lot of people, the juicing became popular when that documentary came out: Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead. Uh it's on Netflix. So if you've, if you've never seen it, it's a great one.

And my eyes lit up because I love like health documentaries. Oh yeah. It changed my life a few years ago when I watched one. So, okay. Say the name of it again.

It's called Fat, Sick, & Nearly Dead. You know, a lot of people, you know, that's what kind of brought juicing out to the main stage a little bit. And so people started to really gain awareness around the benefits of juicing and fruits and vegetables and organic foods. And, you know, we fell in love. And when we saw benefits firsthand at our, our health, I mean, we, we are a very, very healthy family. And trust me, we were we're in like kid's locker rooms. We travel a lot, like we're in areas where, you know, we, we could be at risk to get sick, but we, we take such good care of our bodies. And we really believe that eating right exercising and getting sunlight are-

It's medicine. Right. I feel like it's medicine. I was just saying the other day to my daughter, how I feel like, um, there's something in this earth, like that grows from the ground, typically, that can solve most of our issues, problems like health-wise. Um, I mean, I guess it's obvious when people, I don't eat meat and things like that, but I really do think that you're way better off trying to solve some of your aches with natural and food type of, you know, solutions rather than just go into a medicine. Absolutely.

We wholeheartedly agree. And I think, you know, going back to, you know, what's most important to Clean Juice, too. Clean Juice. Um, the founders, Kat & Landon have a podcast. It's called Be Organic. And there's a general theme. For anyone, a listener who follows the podcast, um, just about anything can be treated, if you want to use that word, with food.

Um, and so they talk a lot about in different, in different aspects about how gut health is tied to your brain function and your, your mental state, your mental health, physical health, like, and it all goes back to food.

To what gets in your body, food and environmental type of things. Even like lotions and products and things that you just products that you buy every day on top of the food that- the food is the biggest way that you ingest, I guess, too. But, um, yeah. I mean, everything from depression and anxiety to the actual health of your gut, it all affects like your everyday life, your whole life. Absolutely. And I think when you care about it, it's almost mind blowing and can be life-changing I dare say. Um, I read the book, How Not To Die, which is really heavy when you think, "Oh, how not to die." Like, okay, it's like a super big book, but it's all about food and products. And, and, you know, I think just as powerful as the documentary is. When you, when you start ingesting that type of information and then you truly care and you start learning about how these things impact you, you know, if, if you really want to take good care of yourself, these are things that are important to you. Okay. So let's talk about, I'm trying to decide, should we talk about the menu items first or like the, juicing, the cleanses because they're, they're different to me. Um, but I guess so like give me a menu rundown. So when we go into a Clean Juice, um, and we're there to eat, what are we going to see on the menu?

So when a customer, first time customers come in, um, we generally try to walk them through the menu by, um, letting them know that when you read our menu boards left-to-right, it's least hungry to most hungry, in a sense. We have fresh juices that we make to order that are made on the centrifugal juicer. They're meant be consumed right away within 30 minutes or so, 45 max. And then, um, we move into smoothies as well as then protein smoothies then acai bowls. We have wraps. We have greenoa wobbles, which are our salads that have quinoa in them. So, or a little bit hardier. Uh, we have toasts. And then of course we're always going to have some type of a seasonal, um, menu that highlights something special that we're just doing for a short period of time. Um, all of that's overwhelming in and of itself to look at all of those choices. And then, like you mentioned on the cleanses and the cold-pressed juice, which is kind of the star of the show, um-

Okay, wait. Before we talk about the star of the show though, I'm curious because you guys are in the business and you live it and you love this food. I want to know your favorites on the menu. I love the left-to-right thing. I didn't realize that; kind of the, "how hungry are you?" So that's good to know. But, um, like, like Sean, what say you're, you're hungry, right? So what are you, what are you going for?

Man, I have, I have favorites in every category. Okay. So, yeah, but my go-to is The Youthful One, protein smoothie.

I just heard about that from Megan, our- the writer who focuses on you guys. And blueberries. I'm going to have to try that one. It's called The Youthful?

Yep. Youthful One. And, uh, I add hemp protein. So all of our protein smoothies, you can either pick between whey protein and hemp. And I like both proteins. I really do. Certain smoothies I prefer whey. And certain I like hemp. Youthful One is one that I actually prefer hemp protein. Okay.

That's what I would go with. It makes it more of a vegan-friendly option. Yeah.

And then there's like little hacks, you know, little add-ons you can add to things.

What do you add in?

A handful of spinach and spirulina. Oh yeah. So spirulina. Good for you. And really good for you. In fact, blue spirulina is considered gram for gram the most powerful and best, uh, superfood for you.

Does it change the flavor or consistency?

Not really. It, it, it does have a protein to it, so it adds a little bit more protein to the protein smoothie and, uh, it actually changes the color slightly. So it just makes it like a little- It makes everything prettier. Yeah. Nature's, like, own dye. Yeah. It's a detoxifying algae. That's awesome. Okay. And so what about food item then? Food item? I love the Cali wrap. Yeah. Cali wrap. If I want something like, you know, food, food, but I typically eat an acai bowl every day for lunch. Like literally every day.

It's like a dessert. You guys, um, introduced me to the Nutty bowl there and it is like a lunch that's really like a cheat. I feel like it's a cheat dessert because it's ice cream. I tell myself it's ice cream. Right. Um, I know it's not really ice cream, but it just, it's so light and sweet and flavorful, which is my stuff. That's what I am into. So I love acai bowls. So Ashley, what are some of your go-to's on the menu?

That's totally mine. I mean, the acai bowls are probably my most favorite. I eat them all. The Nutty Bowl is probably my absolute favorite. I'm always adding hemp protein. And then you're going to notice a common theme here. Sean and I both, I think, add spinach whenever possible. Um, and I, and I tell people this all the time, like spinach doesn't change the flavor. It's gonna change the color a little bit. Um, but especially for kids, um, you can add spinach to just about anything and give them some added vegetable. Um, and they won't even necessarily know. So that's something for me. I'm just like Sean. I mean, I, I eat one almost everyday, too, I think.

I would too, if I were you guys. Okay. Then the cleanses. So, um, these are fascinating. So people listening, if you haven't done a juice cleanse there, isn't just like, you know, you show up and there's one catch-all, and it's not some intense week-long thing you have to do with you guys. So kind of tell me what, like a beginner would see when they, when they come in and check out a cleanse option.

Yeah. They get- it's good that you say that because some times people are really intimidated by the idea of cleansing and they think that they're not going to be able to eat. So, um, we, we truly start with what we call it, The Beginner, um, it's four juices and that you drink throughout the day. And then you end your day with a light healthy meal. We typically would recommend heavy on the vegetables, a lean protein. Um, it's just going to get you all the nutrition you need without also giving your body a little bit of that break from digesting food. But not, not full force to where you aren't able to actually eat something that, that day. Exactly. So that's what you wanted. It's great for people who have never cleansed before aren't used to drinking juices. Um, I think that that's something else that, you know, you can't just jump into a 5-day cleanse and think that you're going to solve all of your health and nutrition problems. Um, especially if your body isn't used to the juice too. I think that that's something that's a common misconception that all of a sudden I'm going to start juicing, well, your body might be like, "Whoa, what's going on here?" So- You do anything that harsh to your body, even if it's harsh in a good way to change, you might not like the way it feels. Yeah, exactly. Or, you know, and, and I think that that's something that, you know, we, we like to say, "okay, well, don't, don't jump in quite so heavy." Like, let's start with The Beginner. Start incorporating the juices into your nutrition regularly and build up to a full day. Um, we even have customers who do The Beginner cleanse for multiple days in a row. Um, so that they're, they're drinking juice, but then still eating. Um, it's so individual, which is why I think it's so great that we have the different options and the different, um, the different cleanses in and of itself, because you can truly customize in a sense to what your goal is.

Which I didn't know that. So I tried a one-day cleanse. Is that the real name for it or is it they're real? Is there, yeah, I think you'd done The Original. Original. Okay. I was like, I knew there was a name for it, but it was, it was one day's worth of juice. Six juices, right? Yes. Well, six pack, took home, went through the drive-through, which is another favorite thing, um, I want to mention. But I loved that afterwards. I thought, "okay, well, one of them, wasn't my favorite flavor." And then I found out that you can actually switch that out. If it wasn't something that was right for you. And so knowing that was huge. I was like, "Oh, okay. I won't dread this again, because of that one hour, I sipped that one that I didn't love. Like, I'll swap that out for a different flavor or something. That's still like, you know, meets my goals. And so loving that it's customizable. Which one was it? That I didn't like? Yeah. You want me to say? Yeah. Um, whatever pink and yellow, like spicy lemonade. Okay. Yeah. It didn't, you know, I just, I got through it, but it would just not be something I go out and seek out to do. Like, I would like swap that out. I could get through it again, but-

And that's one that if you have, you know, if you don't like spicy foods, cause it has cayenne pepper in it, then we have people swap that out for the pink. But-

Wait, what did I say? Pink? Yeah. It was the yellow that you didn't, and then I was like, "Oh, well, we got it. Next time let's do the pink." I meant yellow that I didn't like, and I'm going to swap it out for the pink. Okay. Yep.

And that's, and that's common. You know, if, if someone doesn't like the yellow, we put the pink, but the yellow does have a lot of health benefits it's based off of the master cleanse. And so it's meant to really raise your metabolism act as a detox and flush your body.

See, it's so good for me. I probably should just stick with it another time, but it just like was kind of one of those things. Like, it's kind of like hard on my throat at that day. And so I don't know, but I do love that they're customizable and that, like you said, for everybody's goals, I can work up to more, you know, I feel like, "okay, that one actually, wasn't hard to do a day where I didn't eat chomp on food." That, that wasn't that big of a deal to me once I got into it. So then I immediately said, "can we do, can I do it today? Can I do it three days?" So I, I want to work up to that. So I'm sure that, um, that's part of your, what you want for your customers, right? Absolutely. I think it's, it's, you know, I use the analogy of exercise a lot when I talk to people about cleansing, because I think it's very mental and that when you learn and you gain the confidence, "Hey, like I can do this, like I can make it through another day."

And you sort of like, you build that like muscle memory, so to speak. You're getting stronger. Then you're more willing to try a second day and then you may be build to a third if you want. But, but again, it's so individual, like what your health goals are. Some people like to cleanse once a month and they do three days or maybe even five days. Some people, um, for me, like one day, once in a month is great. It's a nice little reset. I've learned what my body can tolerate throughout that. Um, and because juice is a regular part of my diet, too, it's, it's not something that I feel that my system needs that full, um, detox of five days. It's, it's like cleaning your house, right? This is one of the analogies that we use, too. Is, you know, what are you looking to do? Are we dusting, doing some light dusting or are we doing like a deep clean? And you may need to build up to that deep clean, like we talked about with your body and how it's going to react, but for your own like mental toughness to get through it and to be able to, um, you know, know that we all, you know, we all have families and friends and we're not going to be able to shut ourselves in a room for three to five days and not have people eat around us. You know? Like you've gotta be disciplined enough, um, to be able to, to carry through that commitment.

And how clean is your house currently, right? Like, is it, are we watching hoarders here? Or, or is it already clean? Right. So that's why I actually, I eat pretty clean. She eats more cleaner than I do.

I'm sure you guys do. I mean, this is, this is your, you know, your business, so you're into it and you've yeah.

I, I still eat the occasional pizza and burgers, but, uh, I'd say about 80% of the time. I'm really, really good. Yeah. Ashley's closer to probably 95%. Yeah.

I mean, it's lifestyle. Everybody has to, you have to have balance, make yourself, yeah, get through it. Because if you are too strict on yourself, it's a recipe for failure and giving up on it. So you gotta be able to give yourself grace and sometimes eat the thing you want to eat that day.

It's all in moderation. Right. And on one day, cleanse for me still is mentally tough. You know, you get six o'clock and it's like, "I want food. I'm hangry. Give me some food." She's laughing; I love it. But it's, but it's so beneficial. And I, you know, I'm, I'm always so glad when, when we get through it.

I love that analogy of cleaning the house. Okay. So for those listening, who haven't been to a Clean Juice yet, you guys now have two Frisco locations. Right. So, and tell us about those.

So we opened our first location in West Frisco and Main Marketplace at 423 Maine. Okay. At the end of January, 2020, so a little over a year ago. Um, and you know, that's been an adventure in and of itself, um, because obviously the world sort of shifted and things changed, but we were truly blessed to be able to, um, serve the community a really healthy product through a time where, you know, trying to maintain a strong immune system was really point of mind for everyone. Um, and so then when this opportunity came up here for, um, our second location on the shops of Starwood at Lebanon and the toll way, and, um, what's extra cool about this location is like you mentioned a little while ago. It's not only bigger on the inside, but it has a drive-thru. Drive-thru is just something, I don't know why it's so exciting for me. I'm I guess I'm sometimes just too lazy to actually park and get out. Whether I'm on a call or have kids in the car, whatever the reason, or just, just being lazy, being able to swing through a drive-thru is a big deal for me. And on top of that, if I can, pre-order it on my phone, on an app to where I don't even have to sit and think about the menu I'm just driving through and you hand me something and I go, I'm sold. That's a big deal. So I love that that, so the Starwood location is, has the drive-thru, but the West Frisco location is, um, Main and 423 Main. I mean, you can still do-

Or you mentioned that, you know, we can order ahead through the Clean Juice app. Um, we have tons of customers who still take advantage of that. When you do that, you can come in to pick up your order at West Frisco. You can do curbside where you call us when you pull up and we'll walk right out to you. Lazy people like me don't need the drive-thru. You can walk it out too. We always walk it out. And are you open morning, noon and night, or are you just lunch/breakfast? So Monday through Friday, we are open 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Saturdays, 8 to 8, and then Sundays, 9 to 6. Okay. So I've only had during the day, so that's why I thought "are you even there for dinner?" So you are. So, good.

Yeah. And we have tons of combos, too. Um, and you can see it in the app. I think that's, you know, for anyone who's curious about the menu, the easiest way for you to view it would be to go ahead and download the Clean Juice app or go on the Clean Juice website. But you can, you'll also notice that we have Create-Your-Own combos, which are pretty popular for lunch and dinner, where you can pair a cold-pressed with a greenoa, or a smoothie with a wrap, or, you know. You can put together a couple of things, um, and truly be able to give yourself a great nutritious meal on-the-go, which is, which is something that, you know, we think is such a great opportunity for us with, with the drive-thru, especially. Because we are so busy and we're juggling so many things, you know, a lot of, a lot of people are families and kids are just your own commitments. Um, so being able to offer something that's healthy and relatively quick and easy, you know, is such a blessing, um, for us to be able to provide to the community.

It is I love it. Well, Ashley and Sean, thank you. Thanks for sitting down with me and hopefully, uh, teaching our, our audience something they didn't know about Clean Juice before. And thanks for being local for school business owners. We appreciate it. Thanks for having us. And thank you for listening to this episode of the Frisco Podcast. We'll see you next time.

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Leadership Prep School in Frisco will host its second TEDxYouth event on April 24, 2021, and we got to chat with one of the cool kids who is planning to deliver her first-ever TED Talk! (We're guessing there will be more of these in her future...)

LPS teachers Loralea Ray and Tony Curtis, along with fifth grade student Shania Nagpal, joined The Frisco Podcast to share the fun facts about TEDxYouth. We talk about the school's application process, the rehearsals, and the soon-to-be-famous kids who have some impressive topics planned.

Listen and be inspired, Frisco! Details as to how you can watch 2021 TEDxYouth Frisco are within... Enjoy this episode.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lV-5U1TYcjk

SHOW NOTES: [01:26] How does a school apply to host a TEDx event? [02:38] Last year's inaugural TEDx event in Feb 2020, the speakers and topics [05:11] The speaker selection process for the 2021 event [07:25] How it works this year, live audience and YouTube [08:34] Student Shania shares about her TEDx aspirations [09:38] Getting ready for TEDx - choosing a topic, rehearsals, and having fun! [11:56] 2021 Speaker topics [12:50] What students are learning from the experience

Connect with Lifestyle Frisco on: * YouTube * Facebook * Instagram * Twitter * LinkedIn

Transcript Machine-generated.

Welcome to the Frisco Podcast. I'm your host, Nicole Barron. And today I have the privilege of chatting with Leadership Prep School in Frisco. If you're not familiar LPS, as we like to call them, is a highly regarded charter school, um, in West Frisco. And they are on a mission to inspire students, to learn, grow, and lead for a lifetime. They have a lot of incredible programs and curriculum that do exactly that. One of those we get to chat about today. It's a very, very impressive- Leadership Prep will be hosting their second TEDx event. And I have, um, two teachers and a student who have a lot to share with us about it. And you're definitely going to want to, um, watch the live event when it happens online. So let's just dive in and find out all about it. Welcome to my guests. We have Loralea Ray, who is a teacher at Leadership Prep.

We have Tony Curtis, also a teacher at Leadership Prep. And we have Shania Nagpal, a fifth grade student, which is very special that we have her here today because she's going to tell you all about what she plans to share at TEDx. Welcome. Hi, thank you so much for having us. You are very welcome. It's our pleasure. So let me just back up at the beginning and just say it cannot be easy. We hear about TEDx all the time. It's a very big deal. It's all over the country, the world. How does a school in Frisco, Texas get to host a TEDx? It can't be easy. Are there a lot of rules requirements? How did this happen?

Uh, yeah, definitely a lot of rules and requirements. Uh, last year was our first year. And, uh, it really just starTED with a brainstorm, uh, about how some of us were doing little mini, uh, sort of fake TED talks in our classroom. You know, just, just to kind of make the presentations seem more fun. And just one day I thought, "wait a second, why are we doing fake TED talks? Let's do a real one?" And so we just went to TED.com and we looked up the requirements and submitted an application. And really within 30 days they approved the application and we were in,

Oh my goodness. Well, they must've been impressed because I, again, there's there must receive a lot of applications really, but it's special when there are students involved. That's that changes everything. How all of we adults think we have a million great things to say, but when it's kids, that's better. I want to know what they have- Shania's nodding your head. I can see that. And you can ask. Right. Um, okay. So last year was the first one and it was right before the COVID craziness hit. Right. So you were able to have a live event at that time, is that correct? Yes. Okay. So how many students were involved in that and how old were they? Tell me a little bit about that event.

Uh, I, I believe we had 11 speakers ranging from second grade through 12th grade and, um, and really the ones that stole the show tended to be the, the younger ones.

Really. How cool. What kinds of things did they talk about? Do you remember? I don't mean to put you on the spot. It was like a year and a million things ago.

Yeah. Younger ones. Um, well, the TED Talks themselves were about, um, overcoming hardships, which you don't think of a second grader having to overcome that much, but it was, it was really inspiring talks, for sure. Having to just overcome, you know, negative thinking, uh, bullying, how to find that spark within yourself, but they are. Our theme last year was "evolve." So all of the talks had a little something to do with how, um, you know, the evolution from one, one place to another or something like that. Um, so they ranged anywhere from talking about, you know, positivity and trying to make sure that you kind of know your worth too. Um, our oldest, one of our seniors, um, he talked about how to change and reform the voting that was happening at that time, which actually became such a hot topic while we, you know, we're in a lockdown this last presidential election, it was, it was really cool because everything that he talked about really came to fruition with like this real-life event that was happening on all of our, um, whenever we were watching the news during the lockdown. So it was interesting, but it is always interesting to see how a student takes that theme and applies it to their passion talk. You know, they apply it to their own life. So the talks can be such a wide range of things.

The speaker that she's referring to, uh, Leo, he had a personal connection to it because he is a self-proclaimed Map Nerd. He creates maps for fun, specifically political maps. And he's actually published some of those maps on Wikipedia. So high school student and he's, you know, one of the experts in the world, you know, depending how you look at it on political maps.

Gosh, impressive. That's very cool. I'll have to look into that. So how did- now this year forwarding to this year. So the theme I heard is "catalyst." How does a student get involved? So we're fortunate to have Shania here, who we're going to chat with her in a minute, but, um, how many students have applied to be a speaker this year? And what does it require? How did they, um, what do they have to demonstrate in order to be qualified for it?

So this year, because we had such a wide variety of how students were choosing to attend school, right? We had some students that were asynchronous. We had some students that were synchronous online, and then we had some students that are in-person. So we couldn't just ask teachers for recommendations. You know, we like to take what a teacher has to say to heart, but it's not the only thing we look for.

You know, we don't- we tell teachers, we're looking for kids that are passionate, that are not afraid to tell you their opinions and that, you know, don't have a hard time taking a side on things. They're passionate about, you know, one way or the other. Um, so you're not always looking for the top of the class, the one that's the best-behaved, you know, TED tends to invite in people that have a lot of fire in their belly for what they're talking about. Um, and so this year was a little different because like, if a child, if a student had chose to be asynchronous, we don't see them. You know, they- they're choosing to not attend class every day, but just do their work at their own pace. And so we kind of took all of that into consideration and we took, uh, we gave, uh, uh, speakers- it's like in Google, what was it? The form? Thank you. Thanks, Shania. Shania saves the day. We sent them a Google Form for anybody that was interested. And we would just let them fill it out. And then we kind of, you know, Tony and I met and we went through them all and at one- and then we decided, "you know what? We're just going to let everybody try out." So this year we decided if somebody felt passionate enough and they wanted to come in and they wanted to audition, then we just thought, why not? It's a crazy year. Let's just do this. I love about that is that's one of the positive effects of the crazy weird year is that last year in person, you were limited your capacity was limited, right? How many speakers can we schedule in a day? And how many people can we have onstage? And if it's all online this year, which is very cool. And I mean, every TED talk I've ever watched, I watched online. Um, so then you can, there's really no limit is there? So what a great opportunity.

Yeah, well, we will actually have our speakers on the very same stage this year that we had last year. So we'll have all the same lighting effects and all the equipment that we had last time. However, the audience will be much smaller. There only be two family members per speaker and a select number of, of teachers and staff, um, that have, have been interested. But, you know, for COVID, we, we, we can't pack the room full of a hundred people like we did last year.

Right, gotcha. Yep. Okay. So I'm just really eager, eager, eager to chat with Shania. I'm so excited to chat with you, too. Thank you. You are precious. So I also have a sense that you are unbelievably intelligent already. I can already tell this and I'm eager to hear. So first of all, what made you want to do this? Why were you, you said you, this has been a dream forever. What made you want to sign up?

Well, growing up, I always like to be in front of a crowd. I always like to public speak. I was like to sing, I always like to play an instrument, but I never really had the opportunity to do it in front of a lot of people and to do it in such a big program. So when my English teacher, she, she was teaching us online and she said that she was a TED organizer and she gave us the link to that form. I like, I knew that I had to do it because I've always wanted to do it. So I, so I went downstairs after her class was over and asked my parents and they said it was a great opportunity and a great idea. And so I signed up and then we did the audition and then I got in and that day I was like smiling the whole day. I was so happy. And so, yeah, and I really just loved doing it so much fun. It's been such a good experience.

I'm so glad. So tell me about the process. Like, how is it a lot of hard work? Do you have to rehearse and rehearse and rehearse? Tell me about that.

Yes. Some parts are easy and some parts are hard. Like signing up was pretty easy, but then making the whole speech was really pretty hard because you have to pick the right words. You had to make something that made sense. You had to add humor, you had to make it something that people would find interesting. And another thing that I found hard was like picking the topics. Cause they were like so many things that you could do anything. And then you have to pick something you're passionate about. Like I'm passionate about so many things. So it took me like two days to pick a topic and yeah, it was really hard, but it was so much fun. Are you able to share with us what your topic is going to be or is that under wraps? Well, my topic is virtual reality and augmented reality and how you can escape a world if you have problems or violence and go into some, some place where you feel safe and excited and happy. And then with virtual reality and augmented reality, you can go to like a whole new world. Like if you're in America, you can go to France or you can go to, well anywhere you can go to India, Dubai, the desert, it's just like teleportation. And I think that's so cool. It is. That's very cool. I can't wait to hear. So how long is your speech going to be, do you know? 10 to 11 minutes. 15. Video's like 20 minutes but then we started limiting down. Yeah, I have a lot to say.

I've just, I told you this at the beginning, I'm an editor. That's what I do. And that can be very hard, especially when it's yourself to self-edit. Cause every word feels so important and "no, I want to say that and that and that and that." And it's very hard to cut things out, but it sounds like you're learning a lot about how to keep the audience engaged and what do they need to hear and maybe not need to hear. And that's a good, that's a great thing to learn as you continue through school and then you go to college, you're going to be writing papers and that's going to be a great skill. I cannot wait to hear. So do you have, um, there must be some of your peers and friends involved as well. What are some of the other topics we're going to get to hear? Do you know? Yes. There's like such a huge Gradle topics. Like there's so many, like every different type of thing. There's just a topic for that. There's beauty within. There's like how golf can teach you life lessons, change-,making positivity and kindness, finding your inner voice, homelessness. There's so many different topics and I'm so excited for you to hear all of them. I am, too, and you're going to be famous. You're going to be on YouTube. Well, I can't think of a better place to be famous than on your school's page where I know you're very proud to be a student there. They're so proud of you. So that is going to be fine. I promise. I'm going to watch for sure. So I'm going to jump back to your teachers for a second and then I would love to chat with you again in a second. So, um, as teachers, what do you see coming out of these students that, you know, the effect that this opportunity and this experience may have on, on your little speakers and all this hard work they're doing?

Well. I mean, we've already seen a ton of growth in them during the rehearsal process. You know, we're, uh, you know, we're, we're chipping away at the talks, you know, we're telling them to do more of this and less of that. And, and, uh, and they're just taking the, the advice and running with it. And, um, some of the humor that they've come up with, like, I don't even think they realized it was funny when they said it, but as soon as soon as, as soon as they did, it's like, "Oh, we gotta really focus on that. And we need a picture of a shark behind you on the screen when you say that. Cause that is hilarious." So I didn't even consider that-

Their self-esteem just goes through the roof. I mean, when they're getting up on stage and they're seeing that they're able to overcome that fear and not only that. Just their, the passion that they have about the topics that they speak about. And then we also encourage them this year because they were limited to, you know, with all the COVID and everything we encouraged, um, this year's students to call people in the community. You know, if they were writing about a certain topic, like homelessness, to call organizations in Frisco and talk to them about how they're combating this, especially during COVID. So you have very young students who are calling the heads of organizations. They were having Zoom calls with them. And so, you know, one of the parents of one of the girls speaking this year said, um, she noticed at church, her daughter would just go up to older people and she was no longer afraid to just have a conversation with them. And she had never seen that before. So I think that's really cool. This, that self-confidence, that they gain from learning how to speak to other people.

Absolutely. I think, I mean, I'm still working on that and I'm a whole lot older than Shania. That's very impressive. And yes, that, that will serve you well, it's great to have confidence and to challenge yourself, I was thinking about, um, just the mere fact that you have to memorize it. Right, Shania? You have to completely memorize it?

Yeah, no index cards on a TED stage.

No teleprompter. There's nothing. And it, it struck me when you said a Tony about the shark image behind, I tell me about the digital side of this and what's going on to help, you know, make it fun in the production side.

Oh, well, you know, as in most, uh, TED talks there often will be a projection screen behind them. And of course they never turn around to look at it. They're always facing the audience. And we're very fortunate to have an auditorium here that has that setup with a large screen behind our TED speakers. But at the back of the room, there is a big screen TV that's mounted on the wall. That's large enough, so they can see their own slides while looking forward above the heads of the audience. So, um, you know, we're, we're training them to watch those slides, not watch the ones behind them. And, and again, with TED, it's not like a standard PowerPoint. You know, you'll never see, you know, a list of bullet points that your audience has to try to read along with. It's always a simple, beautiful graphic imagery that just adds value to the words that are coming out of their mouth. So we're, you know, we're teaching them to communicate both verbally and visually at the same time. And of course, we're also teaching them about copyright and creative commons and make sure that we have the rights to use the images that are on there, because once you're on YouTube, you know, there are thousands of people are going to see this, including maybe the owner of that copyright.

That's a valuable lesson. Oh, wow. Okay. So I I'm again, so eager Shania to hear your, your speech coming up here real soon. Tell us, please, when the event is, um, any, any, whoever wants to chime in, when does the event and how can we support it? Since we can't go in person, but we absolutely want to see all these cool, hardworking kids. How can we do that?

The event is on April 24th and then, uh, it'll come out on YouTube. So I suppose you can support it by watching us and giving us views and liking our videos. Absolutely.

Smashing the "like" button.

Mash the "like" button. I like it. And share it and tell others. Absolutely. Shania, tell me, I'm going to ask you one last question: what do you like about your school, Leadership Prep?

I love everything. But something I like the most is the people here. They're just so nice. And so are the teachers like these two teachers are so nice. They're like incredible. They teach us all like everything and they're also TEDx organizers. So that's just like a plus. And then all the teachers and the people. They're all so nice. Also. I love all the things you can do here. Like there's different events that you can do. Like TED, there was a leadership summit previously and there's also a bunch of classes and stuff. There's like, in my old school there wasn't any Spanish, but there's Spanish here, which I think is cool. There's fitness fundamentals. Yes. There's robotics which is one of my favorite favorite classes. He taught us. It was also really [inaudible]. Right. Got to say that. Yes. Gotta plug my robotics class.

Yes. So Tony Curtis is the robotics teacher and Loralea Ray is the English teacher, a English teacher there. So yes. Are they, are they both your teachers then? Shania, you have both? Awesome. Well, how fun, how special that they're also helping you with this other huge goal that you have with TEDx. Well, I just am so proud. I think it's amazing that right here in Frisco, we've got TEDx. Is it TEDx Youth, technically? Is that what we call it? Is that right? Yes. That's what I thought. So that's pretty special and you all should be very proud of Shania. Keep on rehearsing. I know you're going to nail it. You're going to do a great job and I'm very eager to hear it. You're going to do great. Well, I appreciate each of you sharing with us about the event, because again, I just, I think it's very unique to Frisco and these kids are working so hard and it's very something we're very proud of for you. So thanks for giving us all the details.

Absolutely. Thank you so much for having us.

Thank you, all. Congratulations, Shania, on your great opportunity. Thank you. You're very welcome.

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We always enjoy chatting with Ann Anderson. A wealth of wisdom, Ann generously shares with us all of the Insurance matters that we never knew we needed to know — and thank goodness for it!

In this episode, Ann tells us how to be prepared for things like 2021's outrageous ICEMAGEDDON! She also offers perspective on purchasing Life Insurance policies for our children, as well as how to adequately insure your family fun vehicles (i.e. RV's, boats) — and the valuables inside them.

Ann's a friend to all in Frisco and genuinely cares for her clients. Enjoy this episode of The Frisco Podcast.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ge0iBUbKZhc

SHOW NOTES: [00:14] Meet Ann. [01:15] The impact of that crazy winter storm in February 2021 [06:12] What kind of coverage should we have to be prepared for a winter storm? [07:45] Why we should consider Life Insurance policies for our children [12:12] Summer fun: how to adequately insure boats, RVs, swimming pools, and more. [17:23] How often you should touch base with your Insurance agent, and why [20:46] How to reach Ann

Connect with Lifestyle Frisco on: * YouTube * Facebook * Instagram * Twitter * LinkedIn

Transcript Machine-generated.

Welcome to the Frisco Podcast. I'm your host, Nicole Barron. Today, I get to chat with the lovely Ann Anderson, who is one of our longest standing clients and friends. We always enjoy catching up with Ann because not only is she a good friend, but she educates us about a lot of things we never thought of and really need to know. So, Ann, welcome. Thank you. Good to be here. Glad to have you back. Ann is always on alert for us. She's an advocate to many members of our community. She's studies listens, learns what's happening in the insurance arena so that we can be prepared for anything. And she's walked alongside a lot of clients who had unforeseen circumstances, crazy things go on, and I'm sure she's learned a lot so that she can then carry that knowledge onto the next client. So, Ann's just a wealth of information. She's also, um, a parent and a wife and living the small-business-owner life. So she's just got all kinds of angles from which to fill us with knowledge. So, Ann, thank you. Thank you again. You know what I think we should start with? The big freeze. Yes, exactly. There were a lot of fun names that went around for the, uh, craziness that was February, 2021. And, um, you know, everything from of course, floods to repairs to, um, just having to hire contractors. There's so much there to unpack probably in terms of, um, what do we need to know to be prepared for something like that, that we just think, "nah, that'll never happen." So I know that's a whole lot there, but just what are your top tips about that kind of thing? What do we need to know?

You're so right. There's so much. And we never thought, right? I don't think, you know, we have friends in the North and they're like, "how do you not have electricity?" Or "why are the pipes breaking?" You know? And I'm like, "because we don't dig below the freeze line" and things like that, that are conversations we don't have in Texas. However, they never water their foundations either. So it goes both ways. But yeah, that freeze who- I mean, it was a hard freeze, right? We talk about it, but it was multiple days under freezing temperatures, very low temperatures. So that puts stress on your home, your plans. How many people are replacing bushes around their homes now because the, um, their Indian Hawthorn is all dead or whatever? But the biggest thing, of course, in the end, the worst thing you want is when you have a pipe break. So we, um, we've seen, um, a lot of those tankless water heaters, their holding tank have failed many, many of those that happened. So that's, you know, I will say we're, um, that's one of the biggest things. And of course, the first thing you want to do is try and stop the, stop, the water from flowing and remediate as much as you can so that you can, um, stop the loss from being greater than it has to be. However, you know, I will be honest. We have multiple clients with more than $150,000 claims going right now because they have so much damage. And, um, so that's the big thing where people say "that'll never happen to me." Water is so invasive. And we've learned that the hard way through the freeze and it gets everywhere. There's places where they're like, "but the water was on the other side of the house. Why is my kitchen wet?" That's the way it is. Water just goes everywhere. So that's, that's a big thing is we think it won't happen. How do we prevent that from happening? Well, one way is, you know, whole-house leak detections, which we've never thought of in the past. And a lot of people don't consider it, but there are devices out there that will actually shut off when they, when they noticed that the hot water tanks are failing, it'll shut off your water. So those are devices to prevent losses, right? Because we really want to protect yourselves and not have the big claim. The other part that you mentioned- or before we move to that is the other thing is everything's wet. How do we get it dry? It's freezing outside. We're blowing fans, we're doing everything we can, we want to prevent the growth of mold. Things are damaged, everything you can do. Um, we, you know, in this event, we, even our water mitigation companies that are local, we're just overwhelmed, right? Our adjusters at Farmers were completely overwhelmed. We had to bring in third-party adjusters. Every county in the state of Texas was in a disaster. It's never happened before. So that's huge. So then unfortunately, what happens on the backside of that is unethical, unscrupulous contractors come out of woodwork and people that want to prey on the misfortunes of others, which is just horrible. Um, I think it's a- I have a lot of things to say about that, but we're not going to deal with it. We just don't, they're just not good people. It's so important to find contractors that you know, or that you can be referred to you from a trusted source. And, um, it doesn't have to be your insurance agent, but I always say, if you don't think to call your insurance agent, when something like that happens, you might want to look for a new insurance agent because they should be, they should be your partner. And we try to be a partner with our clients. And so we do, we've had a lot of conversations with people who have claims that are still, we're still in the dry, um, in the rebuild phase. So working through that, but, um, things you can do on your own with contractors is check and see if they're listed the city because they should register with the city. Even if they don't have to be licensed, they should be registered with the city. That's a good place to start. If they should be licensed, there's a state repository of licenses online. You can look up their licenses. So, um, those are two ways to look. And then of course, if somebody says to you, "I want X dollars upfront" Red flag. I would say, "no, thank you." Because they, um, I've had seen it on next door. It hasn't happened to any of my clients, but I've seen our next door, the contractor left with $10,000 and they never come back. They want us to, you know, nightmares. So we don't ever want to see that happen. Um, wow. So yeah, that was, that was a crazy, crazy, crazy month.

Here's the, yeah. Yes, it was. And you're still still in it really, uh, with the aftermath, but what is the, this is such a naive question on my part, but what is the coverage we need to make sure we have to be prepared for this?

So I think the biggest thing is to make sure that your water coverage, um, and check the limits. So limits of insurance are a really big deal. And in every claim situation, we always say we only to, to the limits of the policies, usually what you read. And, um, some companies cover 25% of your dwelling value. Some 15%, some say 15% or 25,000, whichever is less. Um, but those words matter. Farmers insures a 100% to the, to the value of your dwelling, to your reconstruction value. That's a big deal when I have $150,000 claim if you think about it. Um, but that's something to really pay attention to. If you have a separate structures that include your pool and, um, you have exposed pool pipes and pool equipment, you want to make sure that that's covered, or how is that covered? Uh, you know, everyone, "I was breaking up the ice." Everyone. The pool's a big story, right? We've been covering those too. So that's been a good, a good thing for our company. Those are the biggest ones you want to make sure that the causes of loss, make sure you look at those because whether it's water and what forms of water, um, and, uh, you know, fire, theft, whatever, but you want to look at those causes of loss. Those are the important things.

Okay. So definitely just have a conversation with your agent, talk through it. Yes. And truly, and I know you'd be glad to take their call as well. Yeah. Okay. Good. Well, that's really good wisdom. Thank you for that. I'm going to totally jump to something still insurance-related, but away from Ice-mageddon. And that is, um, you actually educated me about this recently. Something I never thought about - life insurance for children and beginning having those conversations starting at pregnancy. And I've got three kids. Um, this did not come up when I was pregnant. No, we did not consider that at that time. So will you please, you know, there's so many young families and Frisco, I think this is a really valuable topic. What do we need to know?

So, you know, we hear about the Gerber Grow-Up Plan. But what I like to say is when you're pregnant and you're planning for that child, you're budgeting, right? We're budgeting for daycare, for diapers, for formula, little league, whatever. We should budget for life insurance. As young as 14-days old, as long as your child is healthy, they are eligible for life insurance and you can set up a plan that will really take them to the end of their life. I'm not going to say anything bad about any other company 'cause anything's better than nothing. But you know, like we have products that can grow with them, that accumulate cash inside of the money, inside of the policy. There's just a lot of options that we can do. And as young as 14, 14-days old, if you think about it, you know, there's no hopefully childhood illness yet. I mean, hopefully they're still healthy and that just grows and grows with them. But as you can imagine, a 14-day old person has a lot less to insure that a 40-year old person, you know. The cost of insurance is so much less. So there's I tell, I tell families, you know, for less than you would spend, probably at McDonald's during the month, you could have life insurance for your child. It's, I mean, the minimum is $25 cause that's to draft, you know, it's just so little and all the tiny importance is that we never know when there's going to be that line in the sand that says you can't get insurance anymore. And that's, it's sad. It's a sad thing to talk about. That's why we don't talk about it. Nobody wants to talk about this. We could not get insurance for our son until he was 18 and older enough to be rated as an adult because of childhood illness that prevented the automatic approval process. Um, as opposed to his sister who got it when she was much younger. And, um, we just didn't, if I would've known that was going to happen when he was 8, I would've made a different choice in his life for him as a parent, but nobody had that conversation with me. Um, I could have, you know, yeah. So, and so we had to hear the sad things too. I have a client who's a great client, but he had thyroid cancer when he was 18 or no, he was 16. So when he goes 26, we got him on a great insurance policy, but he said, I'll never not have life insurance. I had to wait so long because I had cancer when I was 16-years old. And you know, you just never know what it's going to happen. Certain types of diabetes that happen when you're young can prevent life insurance.

So that's why I say, I know it's something we don't like to talk about. It's not fun. People are like "why would you insure a child?" It's not because I want to profit if something happens, something horrific happens. I just want to protect them for their life. And I tell all parents, you know, you can always later on your children can take over those policies and pay for them themselves and everything else. They can, they can be the owners, whatever. But quite honestly, I will probably pay for my kid's policies their entire life. That's just what we do. We're mom and dad's right? And they'll probably pay for their kids' policies at some point for a little bit. But you know, um, it's not to be depressing or morbid. It's just, we don't think about it. I wish more people talk to parents when they were, when the kids were younger. 'Cause when I see something later, I just, it makes me sad. It makes me truly sad 'cause like [inaudible] never asking somebody when a bad thing has happened to them. I'm like, "Oh, did you have life insurance on your kids?" How, how horrible would that be? And I don't do that, but I keep it to myself and I just kind of go, "I hope they have life insurance."

Well, and then that's why you've always got that in your pocket when you're having an initial conversation with a new client or are you someone that you just found out is expecting or, you know, then you're, you can, you've got so much to pull from those experiences to share with someone ahead of that situation. So I think that's really, that's really great and good, good wisdom. Um, my husband, I know his parents, like you were saying, you know, did this for him when he was very young and when he was 18, they asked him to start paying into it and he's had it ever since, you know, and I think, um, in this case, you know, teaching him responsibility and taking ownership of that and, um, that's awesome too, so. Okay, good. Good. Thank you for all that. That was very good. So let's jump to something fun now. Yes. So summer is coming and uh, you know, for those of us that have students we're counting down, it's like thirty-something days. I can't even believe we made it. Like I, that would be shut down. We didn't, we weren't shut down. Anyway. So we're going to be hitting the lake, hopefully some of us. Can we talk about boats, trailers, all those like fun watercrafts and things that might people might be getting into this summer. And maybe you might even hit on pool insurance again, because that was a good one. People, a lot of people built pools this year. Did you notice? There was like everybody- Oh my gosh. So let's talk summer, summer fun. What do we need to know, Ann?

Well, summer's great. I will also tell you that last year was probably a banner year for trailers and RVs being sold because everyone discovered how the joy of glamping or camping and

I don't even think of RVs. Totally. Yeah.

Last year we were adding a lot of trailers to policies. So yeah, when you're buying trailers, boats or vehicles, just remember that they don't have wheels, but they're still a vehicle. So you want to have the right insurance again, you, you know, you're out on the lake, you have stuff in your boat, you want to protect the property that's in it. And the people that are in it. You know, at the end of the day, you don't want to, um, you know, we always, we all carry these little, these little rectangular phones around with us. They cost lots of money and sometimes they have insurance sometimes not, but if you're in the boat and you have these first- please put it into something that floats. [Inaudible]

I always hold it in my hand.

It will sink so fast. You'll never be able to catch it. I promise you. So you definitely no amount of rice can take care of that. Put it in something that floats, but also just be aware, you know, "Oh my gosh, I have $10,000 worth of personal property in my boat. I want to make sure that it's insured." Um, or in my camper when, uh, when we get trailers and campers, we gradually put stuff in it that we just leave it at all the time. So make sure that property is insured on your policy because the policy for your trailer probably has a much lower deductible than your home policy. So if you have a loss or a theft and you need to file a claim, you're not paying 1% deductible on a home, that's going to be, you know, $3,000 or more that you're going to pay, you know, maybe five-hundred or a thousand dollars deductible. So those are like details that are real important, right? And to think about. But we also want to just have fun and we want it to be confident when we're having that fun that we're protected and our friends are protected. We want to take care of everybody. Um, and when you talk about pools- a lot of people added pools and I always have a conversation with my clients. When they add a pool, I say, "please consider getting an umbrella policy for your home and auto that will also cover your pool." It raises all of your liability limits up by $1 million or 2 million, whichever limit you select. But I know that no amount of money will replace a person or replace their lifestyle if there's a serious injury. Right. But we also have heard the nightmare stories of serious injuries happening around pools. And I'm not saying "don't get a pool." 'cause I love pools. I hope to have one one day, but apparently all the pool contractors are very busy, [laughter] 'cause all of you were probably getting pools. But um, have that umbrella policy because you know, it makes a huge difference, um, to be able to, to compensate, you know, that person, if they have medical injuries or whatever, if that, if that accident happens. And the cost of an umbrella policy is so minimal in the grand scheme of all the other, you know, the other costs of having that pool. I have an umbrella policy. I've had it since I was 28-years old. It's not even a conversation. Even before I was an insurance agent. It wasn't even on the table to get rid of when we couldn't afford something else. I was like "gotta get rid of that." It helps me sleep at night if I cause a major accident on the highway, I know that I have good coverage. I hope this isn't putting a bullseye on me. Right? "Oh that's lot of insurance" No, but you want to be able to take care of your friends. And if you 'cause injury to a person, you, you want to know that there's enough to, to help put them back together again. So that's what the umbrella does. And when you have a pool, I tell everybody "I love pools. But remember it's a great big hole in your backyard with water." And so it's, uh, you know, in the insurance world, that's a really big risk. We do everything we can to, to mitigate the amount of risk to, to, um, make people save and everything else. "Don't run. Don't jump head-first," all those things. But, um, I just say, add that umbrella policy. I'd say the same thing with boats and trailers, the same, you know. Our family has had boats in the past and my brother has one that has a couple now actually, but he has a good insurance too. He doesn't live in Texas though. I have to travel quite a ways to get into his boat. But you know, it's just important. We, at the end of the day, I always say, we want it. If somebody is injured and it's my fault, we want to make sure that we put them back together.

I love that. Okay. That's good advice. So it sounds to me like, and I I'll say right now, my husband and I have not been good about this, that every, at a minimum, maybe every six months, pick up the phone and check in with your agent and just kind of, you know, is it, maybe you'd come up with a different timeframe for that. But, um, you know, we just sort of like signed annually and don't give it a whole lot of other a thought. You're probably thinking, "Oh my gosh!" No, no, I'd say that was probably 90% of the families. Every time I talked to you, I've had the privilege of interviewing you before and also, you know, reading your content on our site. And I, every time I'm like, "Oh my gosh, people need to talk to their agent." Talk to your agent, talk to your agent because there's so many things we don't know to think about. I don't know what I don't know. And you're the expert. You've been doing this for so long and you care very much about other families. I know you do. So, um, yeah. People need to call you if they don't have a trusted agent, for sure.

Yeah. Yeah. Well, thank you for that. Please call me. But no, you know, I would say, um, at the minimum annually, uh, you know, most people, their, um, their policies, a lot of times their auto policies are at a 6-month in their homes and everything else is annual. Sure. I would say at least once a year, sit down with your agent. You know, I I've had these conversations with clients. Like I had one really great lady and I, we spoke and I said, "Hey, how, how are things going? Has anything changed? Is there something, anything new in the house that I should, we talked about." She was like, "you know what? I bought myself a Rolex for Christmas and I maybe should insure that. I was like, "you probably should. It could fall off your wrist. All the things." So we just took care of that really quick for her, but it's, it's funny. Or someone will say, "Oh, I bought a boat. I meant to tell you about it earlier." Things like that happened. And we laugh, but you know, there's light changes too that happen. And this, I don't want to like harp on life insurance, but you know, a lot of times we have all our life insurance with our employer and I had people call me and they're like, "Oh, that's right. Um, I'm on a severance right now, but my life insurance is ending and I need to get with you and, you know, talk about that because I need to make sure I still have life insurance. I don't have with my employer anymore." So we have that conversation, but it's, it's just important things like things change, right. We don't know from year to year, from month to month, what's going to happen. So having conversations' worth it, you, um, you and your agent or if you call me we'll you'll, we will probably uncover things that you didn't consider. We don't think about because I don't know all the questions to ask in different situations. You know, when I go to talk to the mechanic who fixes my car, I don't know all the things to ask, but he, he prompts those conversations.

Exactly. Okay. Thank you so much, Ann. I always love chatting with you because you're so friendly, first of all, but it's very informative. It's useful. So, thank you.

Thank you. I will tell you that I am sort of a nerd about insurance. Um, but I, I just think it's so important to help people and do it the right way. And we have a great opportunity to help others. And, you know, we love to, to give back in the community and, and be involved when there's so much we're always doing, but, but helping individuals is really, you know, I think we get the most satisfaction from it and joy from just knowing that we've done a good job.

Absolutely. And thank you. So, everyone can find you at anninsurestx.com. Am I right? Yes. A N N insures tx.com. Um, you're on social media. You do a great job there. So we'll find you there as well. And then also on Lifestylefrisco.com. We've got beaucoups of interviews with Ann and articles that she has contributed to, uh, sponsored by her that, um, offer fantastic advice. The good example, you said about the Rolex, we've got a whole article about that, you know, ensuring your valuables. We've got an article about ensuring your students who are headed off to college. Um, so much good stuff out there. So definitely go to lifestylefrisco.com type Ann Anderson Insurance, and you'll find all of it. Um, thank you again. I hope you have a great rest of the day. I'm sure we'll be chatting with you again soon to uncover some more things we didn't know that we need to know.

Absolutely. Well, thank you. And thanks for your time. You're always easy to talk to and you make it an easy discussion. So thanks so much. Thank you. Have a good evening. You, too. Bye, Ann. Bye.

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What's new at Frisco Fresh Market? The cool, open-air marketplace is so much more than fresh, locally-sourced produce, y'all. It's homemade cakes, jams, meats, wreaths, handmade jewelry, flowers, coffee, hot meals, and more. Market Manager Michelle Anderson and Communications/Events team member Katharina Kreke joined The Frisco Podcast to tell us about the vendors, the vibe, and the visitors.

They're family-friendly, pet-friendly, small-business-friendly, and oh-so-Frisco.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHneIF4YjL8

SHOW NOTES: [00:50] What is Frisco Fresh Market? [01:18] FFM's unique products and vendors [06:43] How FFM aspires to be kid-friendly, pet-friendly [08:57] Upcoming events [10:08] So what about this Food Hall we're hearing about? [11:23] The FFM blog [14:26] How to become an FFM vendor

LINKS & RESOURCES: * Frisco Fresh Market on Lifestyle Frisco | Website | Facebook | Instagram

Connect with Lifestyle Frisco on: * YouTube * Facebook * Instagram * Twitter * LinkedIn

Transcript Machine-generated.

Well, Welcome to the Frisco Podcast. I'm Nicole Barron, your host for today. And I'm eager, eager to chat with today's guests because they are joining us from Frisco Fresh Market, which, while they have a lot of loyal visitors, they also have a lot of first-year residents who drive by and wonder: "What exactly is going on over there? I want to know more." So we're going to find out more today. We're joined with, by Michelle Anderson, who's the Market Manager, and Katharina Kreke, who does a little bit of everything over there, Communications/Events. You'll, you'll definitely be in touch with her if you're getting involved with the market. So I'm going to turn it over to you, ladies. Would you please give our audience a little overview of what Frisco Fresh Market is, when it joined Frisco, when you opened- that sort of thing?

Yes, absolutely. For starters, thanks for having us. We're excited to be here today and we are super excited to talk to you about the Frisco Fresh Market. So we are an outdoor farmer's market located on Main St. in Frisco. We are open every Saturday and Sunday year-round. Um, our hours on Saturday are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. And on Sundays we're open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM as well. And you can come out and find all kinds of goodies, such as fresh produce, fresh meats, seasonings, olive oils- pasta, baked goods- all kinds of baked goods. Pretty much anything you can think of we will have. If you're, if you're doing keto, low-carb, gluten-free, um, to peach cobbler and pound cake and brownies and cookies, everything. Definitely something this week, too. The best croissants you'll ever put in your mouth. It's amazing. And then you can come for regular lunches too. We have, um, a Mexican and El Salvadorian restaurant there.

Um, we have, uh, a Sri Lankan place. We have barbecue. We have gumbo. We really have, we have it all. And do we have to start on the gourmet coffee? I don't think so. It's to die for. Best coffee, oh my gosh. It's so good.

That's so fun because that's the thing that I don't think everybody realizes, except those that have taken the time to come visit and join our loyal visitors. They may not know that there's food. You can go and sit and walk around and actually have a meal. You're not just going to buy, produce. The produce is awesome. Exactly. There's so much more. Can you give a shout out to some of your specific vendors? I know you love them all. They're all valuable to you, but like who's kind of there that's unique that we may be like, "Whoa, really? I've never heard about that. That's fun." You just named some of the incredible products.

Oh my gosh. Uh, yeah. I mean, Yiayia's Coffeehouse and, uh, Yia Yia's Bakery. I mean you do, you're just not going to get a better cup of coffee than Yiayia's Coffeehouse. Um, I mean, but we also have Coffee Yan & Paws. Um, they, the teas they're, they're handcrafted sodas. They're um, their coffee as well. I mean, it's, it's, it's wonderful and Tu Bones BBQ. Oh my gosh. Chef Mike is amazing. And Ms. Bettie's Gumbo and, uh, Sweet Course Desserts our pound cakes. Oh my gosh are amazing. Um, and, but we also have Tell Me Something Sweet. He's a wonderful baker. Um, and, um, Milena's Bakery and uh, only those food Ollio Foods, the macarons, oh my gosh. We have The Gods' Foods and their, their, um, olive oils and their pastas and their, um, cheeses. And we have, uh, candles, Lakeside Bath & Body.

Their candles are amazing and, uh, Little Shop [of] Candles, hers. Um, her candles are amazing and, uh, Designs by Casey. I get all of my rates from Designs by Casey. And if I see a rate that I like on the internet, I can take a screenshot, send it to her. And she makes that exact rate for me. Um, there is, um, Texas, um, I mean Farm to Freezer Meats, uh, Kimberly Ratcliff. Um, she is an amazing rancher and, um, just their meats are amazing. And, um, you got Mr. B's Seafood, um- forever. You just know these off the top of your head. You love your vendors. Oh my gosh. They're so good. And I shop with them and- her whole family shops with them. And then my whole family, yes, my whole family comes out and shops. Um, and they're amazing. Uh, Honey Badger Crossing, The Organic Farmer. He is, um, he is so good. I, I cannot live without his carrots. I literally, I bought a bunch of carrots and then I regret not buying more carrots because I can't stop eating them.

I love carrots. So I need to get some carrots. Okay. Yes. Well, that was impressive. I don't know how you did that. You, I noticed, I noticed on your social media, that you all are really good about- well, in general, you're really good about keeping us up to date on social. But also you will announce kind of who's there that weekend and what they might have going on. And that's always very cool 'cause I'll see a delicious dessert, like you're describing. There's so many cool things that you all post to keep us up to date, like "come out this weekend." And Pi Day recently on Pi Day - PI, right? You all have all these amazing homemade pies. And so definitely we all need to be watching your social cause it's like-

Yes, definitely the best way to keep in touch with what's new what's coming. And also our newsletter is a good place to sign up for and we send out weekly updates; it gives you kind of an idea of who else is going to be there and what you can find. Okay.

That's really good. That's fine. Though, I will say, I know it's about to warm up right now. The weather is so perfect for you guys, you must just be loving it. Um, well, even when it warms up though, I remember those giant fans. You guys still have those giant fans, right? I mean, it's, it's breezy through there. Like there's this just natural breezeway that happens because of the way it's set up, plus the fans, plus the delicious beverages you can buy to cool down. So nobody should ever be shy to go even in the summer because it's just, you've got it all figured out where that's concerned. La Esquina Frutas, um, she just bought a new, um, snow cone machine. So she's going to be killing it with snow cones in there. Um, and um, all of our drinks are fresh mangonadas and pina locos and all that going to be killing it. So that's fun. Well, you all do a lot. The snowcones reminded me: you all do a lot to invite kids into the mix too, because naturally Saturday morning, it's a great family thing to do to go out. Parents can get coffee, get things, to get the fun stuff to cook with. Um, but I've noticed you do a lot to create activities for kids. Tell us about that.

Yeah, no, absolutely. We want it to be a family experience. We think it's great for kids to kind of learn that side of business, too. That that's how the world works a little bit, that they can see individual people and businesses start entrepreneurs making their path and, um, you know, something that maybe encourages them to look into that and be open-minded and do something themselves down the road too. So we also will have a kid's Business Fair on May 1st at the market. So we'll have more, um, setting up their own little businesses and selling their products for a few hours. So we're really excited about that. We love seeing kids in the market and, um, we also love seeing fur babies in the market. So, you know, pet owners can find products for their fur babies. So pets are always welcome as long as they're on leashes. As long as they're on leashes, they are always welcome.

And, um, Mike at the Pet Wants. He certainly outfits my, my, fur babies with all of their needs, with their, um, dog food and treats and, um, pig ears and, um, antlers, and all the works, all the works. I mean, he just, he takes care of me is he is amazing. Knowledgeable about everything you could want for a dog.

I need to check that out and I love what you said Katharina about, uh, inspiring children to see, to, first of all, watch others working and growing a business and working for themselves, but to be inspired to be entrepreneurs themselves, maybe one day, I did not consider that at all in terms of why you all were so family friendly. Of course, you're family friendly in terms of let's all be together on a Saturday and find some fun and be outdoors, but that's just an even better reason. I love that.

Exactly. And all our vendors, you know, are happy to share their story. So, I mean, they'll, they'll tell a kid or they'll tell anyone shopping at the market, how they came into the business and they just love sharing that part about their lives. So it's really great for kids to learn from them firsthand. Right.

Well, what else do you have coming up? I know there's a petting zoo coming up for Easter weekend. Am I right?

Yes. And then we actually have a British Car Show, um, on April 25th coming up. So that should be a lot of fun too, especially for the dads and sons out there, maybe come out and look at some really cool cars. And then, like I mentioned before, we'll have the, um, Acton Children's Business Fair on May 1st for a few hours in the morning. Um, and then the Frisco Fair is actually returning to the market from May 20th through June 6. So we are super, super excited to have them back. And, um, can't wait to see the rides and the games and the food that the fair will bring in to Frisco. Yeah. That is going to be so fun. We did go the first time, but it was here and the big Ferris wheels, all of that, it was really well done. Really fun. And this will be an 18-day event, so it's going to be the longest that it'll've been in Friscoe, but I think that's also good for, um, COVID purposes. So you don't have to expect, you know, there's going to be everyone going at the same day, but this gives people more days to go because it's more spread out.

Very thoughtful. Yes. That makes very good sense. Okay. I love that very much. All right. So now I'm going to jump from events over to those signs we're seeing about a food hall right off Main. And I know we're all kind of like, "Ooh, what's that? What's that what's happening? When's it coming? What is it going to be?" So please tell us a little bit more about that.

Yes. So the food hall is going to be opening. Hopefully sometime this summer, we don't have an exact date, but we're working with the city to get permits for it. Frisco Fresh Market is not the operator. We have an outside operator coming in, but we'll be working very closely with them. They fully plan on doing a lot of events, um, on a monthly basis as well. So we'll piggyback off them and they'll pay back off us. Um, and they're going to have around 10 different food concepts. Um, it's even more food to try. And, um, there's going to be some bar area there's going to be, um, some live music probably. So it should be a lot of fun. And it's going to go really great with what we're offering at the farmer's market already.

We need that because I know some of us run down to Legacy Hall once in a while for that kind of experience. But oh, I would so prefer to have our own right here in our backyard, something along those lines, that's really fun and perfect area for it in terms of downtown Frisco. And you could crawl up and down that area do all kinds of fun stuff. Absolutely, we are super excited. Can't wait. Good. Okay. Well, the next thing that I wanted to mention, cause I noticed it, maybe you can tell me if there's more of this to come, there's a blog on your website. I mean, who knew? So you all, there's so many things that people- I just mentioned, they need to follow you on social. Which is easy to find, just, you know, look up Frisco Fresh Market. Um, but also on your website, there's a lot about the vendors about what's coming up. And then a blog with really useful stuff. Who does that for you? Is that you?

We're working with a company that is better at writing blogs than we are. Well, the content is good. -the topic and supply them with information and then they do a really good job of making it pretty and sound good. But no, we'd always wanted to do that since the beginning and we are finally getting around, but I think we've been blogging since, I don't know, like July or August of last year. So, um, but we have monthly blog posts where you can learn anything about the farmer's market, really. Not necessarily only ours, but farmer's markets in general. You're supporting the general economy of the city and all that kind of good stuff. So we're really happy to have that up and going now and think, um, a lot more people are actually finding us because of the blog.

Well, Frisco is certainly, um, a city with a spirit for entrepreneurism and small business. And we love to support small business owners. So what you all do is very, very cool and important and very Frisco. Uh, so I applaud you and I applaud to all the creativity that you all bring, because I know at Christmas there's beautiful Christmas trees and all the things and, and the fall, there's all the pumpkins, which is my favorite. And you can take photos and you just come up with a lot of fun ways to engage our community and support small businesses. So what's better than that? Exactly that's our goal. And I do remember, um, when you all first opened, I was one of many who came out, um, on Media Day and got to kind of explore and see everything. And we did a live Facebook that day. And, um, I mean it blew up. Everybody was so excited because it was us, it was, everybody was just so excited about what you all were bringing and they could come and have fun. And, um, and I, as I said, I remember those big fans. I was just like, "Whoa." So I don't think any of us were really fully prepared for that week. We thought it was going to be popular, but, oh my gosh, we were blown away. I mean, we had vendors that were selling out the first 30 minutes we were open. So I mean, it was, we were really, really happy with the support that we got from Frisco and surrounding cities, too. Um, we definitely see a lot of people coming from Plano and Prosper and all around us. So it's not only Frisco that's supporting us, but, um, other areas as well.

Absolutely. I mean, I have customers who tell me they're coming from Fort Worth, um, and Keller and cities as far away as, as that to come to our market to shop because they just love the venue. They, they love our-

So lastly, um, at least from my, my end, you may have something else that you'd like to share. And I welcome that. Um, how does someone become a vendor if they're interested in that, who do we have a conversation with? What do we do?

So there's two ways of going- well, actually three. The first is to just go to our website and fill out an application there. And we usually get back to applications within 48 hours letting you know, you know, if you're approved or if your added to waitlist. Um, we are getting to waitlist point right now because we are getting a lot of duplicate vendors. So we don't want two same products in the market, but, um, you know, we always welcome vendors to apply because things do change and we'll reach out to someone as soon as a spot becomes available. Um, but so going to our website and filling out the application is one way, if you want additional information before applying, um, you can reach out to us by sending us an email to mgr@friscofreshmarket.com and someone in the team will probably get back to you within 24 hours of us receiving that email. And then, um, Michelle is also in the market every Saturday and Sunday because she is our Market Manager. So she is more than happy to answer any questions, show you around. And, um, she'll have you thought an application then too, but you can also talk to her in person if you want to do that before you fill out an application. Absolutely. Well, thank you. I appreciate you because I'm sure there are many who are like, "Ooh, I want in, I want in, you know." Yeah. Oh yes. Oh yes. We have. Especially over the weekends, we get a lot of applications, which is very exciting. I love coming to the office on Monday and seeing all the new vendors that want to join. I'm, like, "Yay!" Really cool. Yeah. So you mentioned a newsletter. How do we subscribe to the newsletter? Probably via your website? Yeah, exactly. You can go to the website and then on the homepage, it'll just ask you for your email address and then you'll be able added to our list and we send our newsletter out at 5:00 PM on Thursdays. At 5 PM. Mind's all over the place. No, we try to keep it consistent. So it might be 4:59 or up until like 5:15, but we keep it in that window.

Also, if you're at the market, you can come by my booth and I have a sign up sheet and you can sign up there for our newsletter and then we'll put you in, um, during the week and we'll sign you up that week.

Fantastic. Okay. Good. We got all covered. Is there anything else you'd like to share with our audience? You've done a fantastic job already of sharing all the greatness.

I think we were just excited in general to get this opportunity to talk about the market again. We just love it so much. I'm so passionate about it and hope that if you haven't come out already that, um, you come out this weekend, cause it will be there as of 8:00 AM on Saturday. Yes. What do you do when it rains? It's always, probably that really tough. "Do we call it? Do we not?" Like, what does it take for you to come to a close? We're open mostly for rain or shine unless it's, I mean, like, a complete downpour where no one is coming. Um, and if there's, you know, severe thunderstorms, obviously there's tornado warnings. We closed down. And we were closed during our crazy, crazy Texas freeze we had weeks ago because there's no way anyone want it to be out there. Um, vendor wise or customer wise or on Michelle's side. We were open that Saturday when it was coming in.

And we had our hardcore vendors who were still there, but, um, we had- uh, had a short day that day. We had a very short day that day. We called it and I think 10:30 or 11, something like that. And I mean, our faces were hurting so bad from the cold. We were like, "Yeah. Okay. We're going to call it. And we, we did, we showed up for a few people, but we, uh, we had to call it. So I would say usually we're open rain or shine. If it is raining, the best place to check for updates is our Facebook. Because if we are closing, we would post on there that the market is closing early. Okay. Easiest way to announce to everyone not to come out. Yes. Gotcha. Okay. That's good. Well, I appreciate you ladies so much. You've really, um, shined a even better light on all the fun and deliciousness that's happening over there. It's definitely where should be gift shopping and hanging out constantly, going to lunch. I love it. Yes, yes. Yes. Well, thank you, Michelle. Thank you, Katharina. I really appreciate your time today on the Frisco Podcast. And I look forward to getting this message out to everyone. Have a great, beautiful, fresh day. And hope you have a great day, too. Thanks. Bye, ladies. Bye.

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In this episode of The Frisco Podcast, host Scott Ellis and Kevin Carswell talk about what's new at Mochas & Javas, business in the time of COVID-19, and online ordering now available in Frisco.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EW16OmQMWeg

SHOW NOTES: [02:21] Business amid a pandemic [04:12] Changes & improvements to M&J [10:01] New menu items

LINKS & RESOURCES: * Mochas & Javas on Lifestyle Frisco | Website | Facebook | Instagram

Connect with Lifestyle Frisco on: * YouTube * Facebook * Instagram * Twitter * LinkedIn

Transcript Machine-generated.

Welcome to the Frisco Podcast. I'm your host Scott Ellis. This week, we're talking again to Kevin Carswell, the owner of Mochas & Javas, uh, a favorite coffee shop location here in Frisco, located at the corner of Legacy and Eldorado, that is, on the southeast corner of Legacy and Eldorado.

Yeah. So I was thinking in my head, but yes, that was correct.

Yeah. I always have to, I'm looking at it from the opposite direction. So I also have to turn the map in my head and make sure I get that right. But, uh, welcome to the show and thanks for joining us again.

Thanks for having me. I really enjoy it. Enjoy what you guys do up there in Frisco for us

Appreciate it. So yes, thank you very much. And we love supporting the local businesses as much as we can, yours included, but you're not in Frisco at the moment. It sounds like you're, uh, probably down in San Marcos,

I'm in San Marcos, um, was up in Frisco last week, just overseeing operations. Things are running very well through. We have a really good team in place right now and things they're really happy with, with our, um, staff up there. We're still hiring. Uh, I think that's something that I think every business Frisco seems to be doing, especially in the restaurant industry is hiring all the time. So we're open to UNT campus comes online here. Eventually allow us a little bit more staffing for the hours that we need which is typically 8 to 5, 6 to 5, Monday to Fridays. But, uh, it's we enjoy, uh, the Frisco area very much it nice to be up there. And it's, um, I was telling my daughter, we did, um, doing more t-shirts um, and my daughter and one of our staff are doing more of the designs and she does a great job of design. So they're just more solid after- the nice thing is the thing that I've noticed. The last been there three and a half years now, the nice thing I've noticed the last 12 months is more of our customer are buying our shirts and our tumblers cause they have funny bought into our brand up there, which is really nice.

Well that's good. You guys do have a solid brand and I will say you have, I've always noticed that you have an excellent staff in the Frisco location. Um, we're always very friendly, very knowledgeable. Um, they're really good at remembering people's faces and drinks. I've just always been impressed by the folks you've had in there. You guys are doing a great job. So with that said, as you mentioned, uh, you know, we're in a time when people are, you know, especially restaurants are always hiring, but, uh, right now things have been a little up and down for a lot of folks in your business. How are you guys handling? How has business been, I should say amongst or amids the, uh, the COVID pandemic?

Initially. I mean, initially when it first started and right at spring break, pretty devastating, especially in San Marcos, we're next to Texas State University. It happened, it started on spring break the first spring, a week of spring break, and everyone already had plans to go somewhere else for spring breaks. They all left, went home and 38,000 students never returned.

Yeah, that's, that's brutal

Plus staff and everybody else. So with, uh, we had a greater impact, uh, and a longer impact in San Marcos and we're still not back to last year's numbers. However, the Frisco store, we saw a big slowdown in March, April. We started seeing a business turning to pick up in May, June. Uh, summertime was moderate. We make some staffing changes in August. We have a really nice strong team in right now. Um, and we've actually been growing over the last year still since we hit September, partly because we have a drive-thru. I know we have great product and our timing has gotten better and we have a better supply of product on hand at all times, too. We were having some issues where sometimes, or we just weren't stocking as well as we could or not preparing as well. We've done a much better job now of keeping our products in stock and with increased volume, we turned those products that were very quickly, so we're constantly baking fresh items all the time. So invite helps a lot of things. One is it helps product movement and we just stock it more. And so we're able to fulfill our customer's orders and the needs a much better, which I think is a part of a reason why we're growing.

Oh, that's good to know. Cause you have some of our favorite snacks in Frisco. So like, uh, like hearing that. So you mentioned some staff changes, obviously some changes or at least some, uh, uh, improvements with, uh, keeping, you know, the food and things on hand. Uh, what other, if any changes have been happening here at the Frisco location?

Yeah, recently, it's about six last six, eight weeks. We added online ordering for the Frisco location. It's something we've had for a little over a year in San Marcos. Uh, we implemented about six to eight weeks ago. We're getting to the point now it's just drinks are in the process of starting to come up with a plan to add because some of our food, we bake it all day long, sometimes scones and croissants. We'll bake a certain number and we'll sell out. The more we throw more in the oven. And they're usually at about a 24 to 30 minute baking time. Some are 14. So making sure we can meet that demand when customers place orders online too. So we're fixing to start adding more of the food that you can order all of our drinks off the menu right now. Um, it gives a 15 minute window.

So you order, it's ready to 15 minute minutes, or you can say it your time out an hour or two or three, four hours. We have customers actually in Frisco and in San Marcos where they're, or they're wake up and order at five o'clock in the morning. We're not open for another hour, hour and a half staff come in. They pull a ticket at the time that they want it ready and we'll have it ready at that time in Frisco. We allow customers to choose to drive-thru. They can just type it in the memo section to do drive-thru. They can place the order it's already paid for. As they come to the line to drive-thru, they say "I have an online order", we'll pull their ticket right up and then their items and they're off out the door. Or they can just walk into the cafe. We'll have the ticket right there. They can see their name on the ticket, take their items, there out the door. It's very fast, convenient way, especially in a hurry to do online ordering.

I like that. So, uh, to order online people just go onto the website or do they need to- what's the best way? Okay.

So we don't have an app yet. That's something we're working on. So you go to our website, choose your location to online orders, then Choose Location. Of course, where you're at, choose the Frisco location, you'll pull up a menu. And then when you place order, it prints up a ticket that shows on one of our iPads also so we see it. It prints a ticket up, we mark it as received or mark it when it's ready. And the only ones when it's gone, when Mark is ready, it takes it off from there. Get done, ready to go. Okay.

Good deal. So we'll definitely check that out. That's mochasandjavas.com mochasandjavas, all spelled out, dot com. And just order online, choose the Frisco location. Sounds quick and easy. Yeah.

It's picking up heavily in San Marcos. We've had it for a little over a year now. So we're starting to see that same thing in Frisco. We're starting to have more and more orders coming into their own online ordering.

Yeah. Well, I can imagine as people are getting out the door in the morning, that kind of convenience and speed is, is very welcome. So we'll definitely make sure we make everybody aware of that. Uh, and of course, you know, it's that time of year right now, as we're recording this, we're about to head into the coldest few days that we have had here in a long time. Uh, by the time people are listening to this, it there'll be warming back up a little bit, but it's still gonna be chilly. So, you know, Mochas & Javas should be at the front of your mind for coffee, drinks and other warm tasty things. But I, I believe you guys have made some changes to the exterior as well. So as things start to warm up, if people want to hang out and be outside, talk to us a little bit about the patio and what's happened out there,

Well the roof, the roof line and the patio, it used to be a slatted top, but they were so far apart when the sun was out in the warmer months, it was almost like sitting in the full sun. So basically this, everything flat. It's not rainproof, but it's sun-proof. Puts a banners out there. A new lighting really helps and replace all the tables, too. So, we have new wood tables, uh, look really good, actually put a low ground approach in that real nice. Um, we're fixing to replace one of our middle tables for another big table again. So when you see that they look good. So we're slowly doing some preparation. The patio's a really nice area just to sit when the weather's nice. It's a great place. And the wifi works outside just as well as it does inside.

Yeah. You guys have a real nice patio out there. So it's definitely a, a good place. If somebody wants to get outside and get some fresh air, get a little work done outside, whatever the case may be. It's a good comfy spot to sit, but I'm glad to hear it's covered because as cold as it is right now, at least for, you know, this northern boy that relocated to Texas, it seems like summer always just comes up real fast and it gets hot out very quickly. So that, that shade will be very welcome.

Yes. Yes it will. Well, you talked about COVID but we did- so we did get phone calls everyday if we're open for sitting inside, and we are, um, some of our competitors are not, but we're doing a sit-inside. We're allowed 75% capacity. I say most days, if you look at our actual allowed-sitting for probably somewhere in the 30 to 55% in actual seating inside. So we still have people doing work outside of their house. Some people just can't work in their house seven days a week. It just drives them crazy. They want to get out and just be somewhere else besides your house, where they have a lot more distractions. So it's nice to come in and just focus on work, get work done to go back to the house.

Yeah. Okay. So that's good to know though, but you do have a 75% capacity allowed. Usually it's a little bit less than that. So people can space out and feel comfortable that they've got some distance and still get their work done and enjoy their coffee. Yes. And then I assume the patio is, is open all year round, weather permitting. People can sit out there anytime as well.

Yeah. And they can sit out there on Monday when it's four degrees. We don't mind.

Yeah. I don't know if too many people in Frisco are going to be doing that, but we'll let them know just in case. Yeah. In fact, I was looking at it this morning and now they're calling for a low of one, uh, one of those nights. So that'll be interesting to say the least. Well, Kevin that's, those are a great updates. I'm glad to hear you guys are hanging in there and businesses is doing well in Frisco. And we certainly want to encourage everybody to get out, grab your coffee at Mochas & Javas support these local businesses, especially right now, you know, it's, it's sorely needed. And uh, I'm glad to hear you guys are still up and running and fully functional.

I appreciate that very much. And if you haven't tried, Scott, our new Tuscan Turkey & Pepper Jack-Stuffed Croissant, I'd recommend it highly.

Okay. Yeah. And I was going to mention that. I assume you guys still have the, the almost famous chicken salad that everybody's getting from you guys and- yeah. Chicken salad's good. And the, the, was it the Lemon Poppy Scones?

Lemon Poppy Seed Scones Scones. Yeah. We've also, we were doing, we're not, we did it for the holidays. Maple Pecan. We may bring it back by just by, by demand. People will love that Maple Pecan still. So we're more in the process of tweaking the menu slightly in both areas, San Marcos and Frisco. Okay.

Okay. Any other new food items we should know about?

Uh, the Tuscan Turkey has been one of the most popular ones that we've added new. We're still doing. And we still have some seasonal items that we did doing Christmas. We are doing some holiday drinks, both North and South. And the stores on some of the holiday beverage will come up with their own names and creations for their holiday beverages. So San Marcos may be doing a little bit different than Frisco's. So I can't recall exactly what Frisco's done, but they've done a great job of being creative and the names are very fun. Also people really seem to like. So we have for of them in Frisco. They do all of our Christmas drinks did extremely well. And our Valentine drinks are already doing really well, too. Fun names. They're really good because we have great coffee. Great espresso. So I would definitely check out one of those too.

All right. That sounds good. And I think that goes back to the, uh, excellent staff that you guys always have working at that location. So glad to hear. They've got some, uh, creative juices flowing for the drinks as well.

They love that stuff. It's fun.

Yeah. Everybody has a good time with it. Well, Kevin, again, thanks for joining us. It's always good to talk to you and glad to hear how things are going and just to remind everybody it's Mochas & Javas, southeast corner of Eldorado and the Legacy, uh, kind of in the front of the Target, a Super Target that's there and lots of good food, lots of good drinks, great staff, plenty of room to spread out. If you want to sit inside and have a seat and get some work done and we'll look forward to that patio this spring. Sounds good. Nice seeing you, Scott. You, too, Kevin. Good talking to you and we'll talk to you again soon.

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The state of a child's education is always a concern for parents, whether it's helping them to keep up or to forge further ahead. The pressure to compete is ever more intense and now, in the age of COVID-19, it's all the more difficult.

Tutor Doctor is here to augment the education your child is getting in school (and from you) with a 1:1 setting that gets results.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKXhDLVI9u8&feature=youtu.be

SHOW NOTES: [00:46] What is Tutor Doctor? [01:29] Tutor Doctor's services [04:51] Helping virtual learning shortcomings [06:10] STAAR, ACT, & SAT testing and prep [09:01] Catch-up and enrichment tutoring [12:29] How to reach Tutor Doctor

LINKS & RESOURCES: * Tutor Doctor on Lifestyle Frisco | Website | Facebook | Instagram

Connect with Lifestyle Frisco on: * YouTube * Facebook * Instagram * Twitter * LinkedIn

Transcript Machine-generated.

Welcome to the Frisco Podcast. I'm your host, Scott Ellis. And in this episode, we are chatting with Sandy Tutwiler from Tutor Doctor. Sandy, welcome to the show. Thank you. Thanks for having us. You bet. It's good to have you here. And I think this is a very timely opportunity to chat with you about tutoring, the needs of students and all those things that are kind of happening in the age of COVID that have parents concerned, worked up, uh, trying to figure out what the best answer for their, their child, maybe. So before we get into all of that, um, tell us a little bit about Tutor Doctor and how you got started in doing this business.

Tutor Doctor's been around globally for about 20 years. Um, we tutor all over the world. Um, there are about 350 franchises all over the world and we are here in the United States and actually here Frisco-McKinney. Um, we've been in the area for about 10 years. And so we've been partnering with the Frisco and McKinney schools, primarily, for the last 10 years, um, offering one-on-one private tutoring solutions for kids primarily, um, K-12.

Okay. So K-12, you covered the pretty much the whole gauntlet of school there. So you say you've been in the Frisco-McKinney area for about 10 years. And is it all one-on-one tutoring or do you have any group tutoring? How does, what kind of, what, tell us about the services you offer and what parents can expect if they come to work with you guys?

We started out one-on-one tutoring and that's been the bread and butter for the last book of, of the tutoring years, um, or the- while we've been in business. Um, we started group tutoring and group tutoring really came about in the year of COVID and pandemic where we would offer families who wanted to do social learning, or they wanted to take the virtual learning options that were offered in school and really condense them to smaller groups and, and offer the option of reteaching lessons that were offered in the school virtually or even doing homeschooling options for some children, but with the social aspect tied in. So we do do some group tutoring, but we asked families to form their own groups because we don't want to be responsible for bringing people together that may not mesh well or may not, you know, be in the same circle of especially now, um, they're kind of their pandemic circles, their quarantine circles. Um, and that's worked out really well for us. So we do offer group tutoring had in the past more so now than ever before.

Okay. Yeah. That makes a lot of sense. Is, is everything purely online right now or are you doing some in-person tutoring as well?

We are actually doing about 85% of the tutoring that we're doing is actually in person. Only about 15% is online, which is remarkable considering where we've come. In March, we went 100% online. And at the end of July, we started offering in-person solutions again, taking into consideration families that needed to stay. We, we wear masks. We, uh, don't sit right next to each other anymore. We sit more across the table from each other. We're still social-distancing, but we're do- we're tutoring one-on-one in home in a very safe way. There were a few families as this summer that asked us to tutor outside. Um, and so we would tutor on a patio, a covered patio with the fan, but once it became a little safer and as things have progressed, we have moved into the home.

Okay. So I guess that's an interesting question, too. Does all the tutoring that is in person happened at the home or do people come to you?

We actually don't have any brick and mortar. Um, why we took off is that we're a very boutique solution that comes to you. It's one less errand that the parent has to run in running their children to and from tutoring. So we wanted to make it as convenient as possible for parents. Um, and also, you know, students learn better where they're most comfortable and they're most comfortable in their home.

Yeah. That makes a lot of sense. And I'm sure parents would be happy to have one less errand to run or to take their kids. Uh, well speaking of the kids. I know one of the things we've heard a lot about is kids falling behind, or at least parents being concerned about their kids falling behind where we've had, when we've had so much virtual learning.; it's just not quite the same as in-person. Uh, what are you guys seeing on that front and has that been a boost for you guys to try to help keep kids aligned with where they should be?

We are seeing some kids falling behind, not everyone. Um, but some. And what we're seeing is that, um, the kids that have fallen behind are a little bit further in math than they are in reading. So, you know, um, the news has come on to say that they're seeing kids falling about 30% behind in their math and 20% in their reading. Um, I would say that's par for the course. Um, what we're doing is we're spending an hour with a student, either two 30-minute online sessions or an hour in person with the student to try to help them focus on either or reading or both and just keep up with the class, keep up with the learning, make sure they're not falling behind and then make sure they're getting those, um, fundamentals stable.

Okay. And then along those lines, uh, testing is always a part of the whole educational process and evaluating where a child is. Are you in addition to the regular tutoring, are we doing specific test prep for them, or is this just kind of the normal sort of lesson tutoring, I guess if you will?

We do both. We do offer a couple of, of test prep. Um, we have- about this time of year, we see parents very concerned about the STAAR test that is, is given in Texas. And so we see a lot of parents, um, worried about "Is my child going to do well? Um, how do I get my child's anxiety, you know, lessened to, to really prepare for that test?" This year, as I understand, they're not going to be, they are going to be administering that test, but they're not going to be using the results in the same way. Certainly able to prepare them, but preparing them just means really focused on the fundamentals of reading and math, um, writing, where they're giving a writing sample. We also do test prep for SAT and ACT, and that world has changed dramatically with COVID. Um, colleges are in some cases dropping the testing requirement and using that only for scholarship purposes. So we're trying to develop a test plan based on the individual's high school student and what they're looking for, where they're going to school, what their hopes and dreams are, so that we can try to figure out where they need to be. We offer a couple of diagnostic tests as, as a service. So upon enrollment, we're happy to give some learning assessments to elementary school students to see if their parents are really concerned about whether they've fallen behind. Then we're happy to assess them, um, with, uh, reading, uh, math or both to see where they are. We also offer free practice SAT and ACT tests to help students as a starting point, if they don't have a PSAT or if they don't have another SAT or ACT that they've taken in the past to use as a baseline. So we can prep students, but we can also assess students with a lot of various, uh, tools that we have available.

Yeah. So it sounds like there's a lot of good options with you for parents. If they are concerned that their child might be falling behind or they're just unsure and want to find out, you can help them determine where they are and what would be the most appropriate course of action moving forward.

Absolutely. And we can use those test results to really pinpoint if they are behind what they're behind in and develop a plan specific for that.

How difficult is it? If it, if, if a child has fallen behind, how difficult is it for them to catch up? Does it just become a monumental amount of additional work for them, or is there a, a fairly streamlined way for them to go about doing it without overloading the student with so much work, you know, that they're going to have to do to try to catch up?

Depends on- you know, there's really not a straightforward answer for that. It really depends on how far they're behind. If they are behind just a few months to their grade level, then we can, we can work with them. You would be surprised how much an hour a week can do for a student. One-on-one tutoring, one hour a week, just focused on what they need, can really move a child forward. And we have parents who- I have a parent who started in a summer program just to see if her child could advance a little bit. She renewed for the fall and she's renewing again because she's realized is her, her daughter has come so far in just a few months and it's one hour of tutoring a week. Um, and we have seen her, she will catch up to her grade level and her peers this spring. And it's really exciting to see. If they are a couple of years behind, we may need a couple of hours a week. But that is something that we can develop a plan and we can make it in a way where it's not so overwhelming to the student.

Good. And I guess at the same time, the opposite side of that coin is if a student is looking to get ahead, even if they're not behind, does tutoring have the same effect? Is spending an hour a week with you really help them sort of leap forward, you know, if they were particularly ambitious or wanting to get into a certain school, that's going to require them to be top of their class in math or something like that? Same, same thing a lot?

It depends on, on what they want to get ahead on. We have a lot of students who do enrichment tutoring for that very reason. This is a, um, extreme- this is a time where students are very competitive and getting into that school and getting that scholarship and getting that money and staying ahead - it takes a lot of work. And sometimes they just need that little extra nudge and that little extra edge. And so we can work with them in an English & Composition where the, the writing structure is such that they're delivering college-like essays or research, um, while they're in high school and we can advance them. Same way with math, happy to work with them on advancing their math studies, um, as they can. And it can be as little- you know, once you start getting into the more, uh, complex subjects, it might be an hour-and-a-half a week versus an hour because it takes a little longer to teach.

Yeah. To say that students are more competitive now, I think, is that, it feels like an understatement to me. A few years back, I was interviewing some students for a summer internship. And I just remember thinking how grateful I was that I did not have to compete with these kids when I was that age.

No kidding. No kidding. The students right now are so advanced it's scary.

It really is. It really is. But, uh, it's also reassuring in some ways, too, to know that there's a lot of kids out there that are getting a great education putting, uh, putting in the work. So I want to make sure that people know how to get in touch with you, how to find you online, um, if they want to reach out, if they're interested in getting help for their child, what's the best way for them to track you down?

A couple of different ways. So they can always, uh, call us, um, (972) 703-9344 or tutordoctor.com/frisco-mckinney. Um, and there's a simple form they can fill out or they can go in and they can set up their own consultation. Um, I, you know, I'm the one that receives all of those forms. And so I get back to people pretty, gosh darn quick. Been taking a couple of days over the holidays to refresh and relax and spend with my family, but then we'll be right back at it. Um, helping families achieve their goals.

Very good. Well, thank you. We'll make sure we link all of that up. We'll include the phone number. All of that information will be in the post that accompanies this podcast so that people can just easily find it and find you. And thank you guys for everything you're doing to help, help our Frisco students out. We appreciate it. We know that those families do as well. Thanks for having us on. You bet. Sandy, thanks again for joining us and thank you to all of you for tuning into the Frisco Podcast. We'll talk to you next time.

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There's been a lot of confusion around COVID-19, vaccines, testing, and quarantining. In this episode of The Frisco Podcast, Dr. Jay Woody, founder of Legacy ER and Urgent Care, provides clarity and offers guidance, and shares how to ensure you're not overpaying for acute care.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQ9p4UMgMGw

SHOW NOTES: [00:54] Legacy ER's success story [03:27] What sets Legacy apart [08:30] About the COVID-19 vaccine [13:58] Doubts on COVID-19 testing and isolation periods [21:30] COVID-19 testing at Legacy [27:14] Find Legacy ER online

LINKS & RESOURCES: * Legacy ER on Lifestyle Frisco | Website | Facebook | Instagram

Connect with Lifestyle Frisco on: * YouTube * Facebook * Instagram * Twitter * LinkedIn

Transcript Machine-generated.

Welcome to the Frisco Podcast. I'm your host Scott Ellis. In this episode, we are having a chat with Dr. Jay Woody, the founder of Legacy ER. And we're going to talk a little bit about Legacy ER and the topic of the day, COVID. So, Dr. Woody, welcome to the Frisco Podcast.

Thank you for having me. Excited to be here today.

Thank you, good to have you here. Um, obviously with everything going on, there's a lot to talk about, particularly around COVID. Uh, but before we get into that, I wanted to talk specifically about Legacy ER. That is a business that you started. It's something that I would call a "Frisco success story." Um, but why did you start Legacy ER, and uh, how long have you guys been in business now?

So, my background is I'm Board-Certified in Emergency Medicine. Uh, worked in the traditional hospital, big hospital, ER settings. Uh, spent, uh, all my formative years down at Parkland Hospital, our level-one trauma center here in Dallas. And then sort of moved out to some other hospitals that most of you be familiar with in the community. And what, what, uh, I really saw was the patient experience was, was typically lacking and there also were a lot of patients that were coming through the emergency department. They didn't actually need to be in the ER. They needed acute care, but they didn't need emergency services. And what was happening is those patients that needed acute care, but not necessarily emergency care, they were being penalized financially by the big bills that we all know come out of the emergency department. And so, sort of taking my, my sort of passion of improving the patient experience and also, uh, including that billing experience as well. That's really the genesis of where Legacy ER & Urgent Care, you know, came, came from. And we opened our doors in August of 2008. Uh, back when Frisco was just a tiny, tiny little arm town, um, which, uh, for those of you that were here then, or remember, you know, it was pretty much a bunch of dirt fields where we opened up our original location on Main and Legacy. And, uh, obviously things have changed in the last, you know, 12+ years. And now of course we're surrounded by retail there and where we don't have farm fields around us anymore, but it's been very, very exciting. We now have two locations in Frisco and a total of six locations here in the North Dallas area. Uh, we, we've also been blessed to, uh, have a sort of success story that's very Frisco-centric and we now have, uh, additional two facilities in New Mexico, uh, three facilities in Indiana and, uh, one facility with another one soon-to-open in Florida. So, uh, really, you know, I live in Frisco, been here for about 16 years. And so this is, I I believe as a Frisco-success story and I'm excited to still be here and, and intimately involved with the business and care for the people of Frisco.

Well, good. And we're glad to have you here and thank you for opening those up. I know that early on, when we first started chatting with you, you wrote an article for Lifestyle Frisco about the difference between the different kinds of urgent care facilities, and hopefully I'm broadly classifying those. There's ER, like Legacy ER, but then there are other types of facilities that are also, I guess, urgent care, but the way they operate and the way they bill are kind of different.

Yeah. So, so I think, you know, I think we all understand the traditional hospital-based emergency room and we know how they bill. Is it's it's ER billing. Uh, and then sort of in 2000 about 2010, um, there became this trend of freestanding ERs, which I think, again, a lot of us probably saw the, the rise and sort of the fall of those. Those facilities where emergency rooms outside of a hospital, but they also only did emergency billings regardless of what type of care or level of care that you needed. It was emergency billing. So for example, if you just had a simple strep throat, they could definitely handle that, but it's gonna, it's gonna cost ya, you know, at least a thousand plus dollars for that. Um, and so the difference in what our model does is we have urgent-care billing for those minor problems such as strep throat.

And we have ER billing for those cases that typically would have to only be cared for in a hospital emergency room. So for example, people needing a CT or cat scans, sort of advanced labs or imaging. Uh, normally you have to go to the hospital to get that, but with our model, you can use those levels of service. As well as if you don't need those then you're not going to pay that emergency bill. You're going to have to lower urgent-care billing. So that, that is what is unique about our model and, and, and, you know, makes us sort of sets us apart. And obviously that's good for patients because healthcare is super expensive. So you, you really only, only want to pay for the, the care that you need and not for anything more or anything less - works both ways. And so I think, uh, you know, that's, that's what makes this model very patient-centric. We've also found that the payers like it because it saves them money as well. But we've also found that little businesses that are self-funded like it because if their employees go to the ER and they don't need our services, that that business is going to pay a lot for having the level of service that their employees didn't need. So this, this model is you connect it helps all three of those sort of pillars of the, you know, the community and healthcare system.

That's good information because I have a feeling that the billing side of that and the differences are something most people were just not familiar with and wouldn't know that one's going to be more expensive than the other, even if the treatment's the same in many cases. So knowing that you guys can, can adjust accordingly is, is very helpful.

Yeah, no, and I think it takes the guesswork out of patient's hands because a lot of times, for example, I'm a parent. And so I know how, you know, I wear a parent-hat sometimes. I wear a doctor has sometimes. So most of us that are parents, if our, if our child is injured, say, you know, falls out of a tree or off the monkey bars, you know, we panic a little bit and we say, "Hey, where do we go? And we can go to the pediatrician. Can we go to the urgent care? Or we need to go to the ER." And if you're not sure most of us default to the, to the highest level of care, we say, "You know what? It's my kid. I'm gonna go to the ER, 'cause I know they can take care of him." And that's absolutely true, but if they don't need the ER, then that's where that sort of financial penalty comes back and hurts you.

But again, you know, we're, we're asking patients to sort of be medical providers and most of us didn't get that training. And so it's not fair to put people in a position where they have to pick and if they pick wrongly, then, um, you know, they penalize one way or the other. The converse can be there as well. For example, if you ended up going to, uh, only urgent care, but you needed that higher level of care, well then, now you've got, you know, ambulance, uh, involved, transporting you to another facility. You know, you've got two co-pays or two, you know, two times hit your deductible. So again, our model solves for you. Don't have to know. You don't have to be a medical clinician to figure out, you know, where- do I go to the hospital? Do I go to the freestanding ER? Do I go to an urgent care? You just, you come to us and we'll make sure that you take care of, and we'll also make sure that you only get a bill that's appropriate with the level of service that you needed.

In Frisco-proper what locations do you have for Legacy ER?

Yes, we have two locations in Frisco-proper. Um, one is at Main St. & Legacy. And the other location is at Custer & Eldorado. Also we've got McKinney, Allen, Coppell, and North Richland Hills. So kind of, you know, across the whole sort of North-Dallas-metroplex area.

That sounds good. Just so that you know, people in the community know where to go. Okay. Next up is, uh, we're going to talk a little bit about COVID. This is obviously the topic du jour. There's a lot of information and I think sometimes very confusing information being spread around the disease itself, around the vaccines that are coming out, uh, so on and so forth. So I wanted to ask you a couple of questions specifically- COVID specific, uh, first and foremost, um, let's talk about the vaccines real quick. And what do you know about them? I, my impression is that these vaccines have been well tested. They are safe despite the fact that they were brought to us in record time. Um, but what have you been hearing? What do you know about getting vaccinated and should people be looking forward to getting vaccinated as soon as they're able to do so?

I'll start off with saying that, uh, I am, uh, very much looking forward to getting vaccinated. I obviously being on the front line, um, you know, uh, in the sort of front of the queue, if you will. And I do believe in, uh, the vaccine and I think, um, you know, that's given me hope sort of, as we close out the end of this year, you know, the vaccine is sort of one of the most helpful things for me and other health care providers, you know, for where we're going forward. So with that being said, I know there is definitely some apprehension out there because of the vaccine was developed so quickly. I get it. You know, I, as much as I know, I'm not an expert in vaccines. I've done a lot of reading about them and based on my understanding and based on you know people much smarter than me and experts in this area, you know, I feel comfortable with these vaccines and, and frankly impressed with the effectiveness of them because I think what most people don't realize, you know, we, we all know about vaccines.

We've been getting them all our life and most of them are good. Most of them are not great, but they work because everyone gets it. And so we sort of get that herd immunity that people are talking about. These vaccines are- even the ones that aren't the best are actually in the "great" category, my opinion. And so I think any now- there's a couple of manufacturers that are making these vaccines. Um, I, you know, I think they're, they're safe and they're effective. And I am, like I said, looking forward to, uh, getting mine and sort of navigating that right now, because not only is important for me but it's important, important for all the healthcare providers that you know, and my employees, because we, we got to keep them safe so they can continue to sort of help you and the others if you fall ill.

Yeah, absolutely. And I know that you guys definitely are on the front lines of this, and we're very grateful for everything that the healthcare providers have been doing to, to try to keep us all as safe and healthy and moving forward as possible.

Well, thank you. It has, uh, no doubt been a, a challenging year for, I think all of us in Frisco, in Texas, and essentially the whole world. So, uh, and then especially challenging for those of us in the healthcare field. So again, that's why, uh, I'm hopeful that the vaccine has arrived. There's been a lot of talk about it, but now the fact that I personally know colleagues that have received the vaccine, um, I'm excited and like I said looking forward to looking forward, to get getting, getting mine and starting that process since it's a two, two-shot process.

Yeah, that's right. It's one and then a second, a couple months later.

Well, think it's one and then depending on which vaccine it is, it can be three weeks to, uh, some more after that. Um, but yeah, it is. And I will emphasize too, it is important to get that second round or else the vaccine isn't as effective as, uh, the sort of the numbers you might've heard in media.

Very good. So I, I, without getting too deep into the science that would probably elude most of us anyways- as I understand that these are, uh, mRNA based vaccines, which are a little different than what we've had in the past. And the technology behind that's kind of fascinating and how they actually engineered these differently than vaccines that we've had in the past. So do you think that plays into the efficacy, though, of them? Is that part of why?

I think so because, uh, the, these are fascinating, um, vaccines and the technology behind is very fascinating. And so, uh, essentially what, you know, in the old days they would take, you know, a virus or something and they would weaken it and expose a person to it. And so your body kind of attacked it and built up antibodies to it. Sometimes they would take pieces of the protein of a virus or whatever it is, your vaccine again, and give that to a person so that your body can, again, build up an immune response to this. The way this vaccine just, I won't get too technical, but in a nutshell, it's basically, uh, put in these little lipid mini lipid droplets, which is why the sort of temperature control is so important because this lipid is, is unstable. And the mRNA is, is put into your body and your cell incorporates that MRA and actually starts sort of making, uh, making its own back, making the products that helps your body amount an attack. So very different technology. And I think that that, that is why the efficacy of it is so great because your body- your own body's immune system is doing the work to make this happen.

Interesting. Um, let's talk about testing. Some people have been, certainly have gone out and gotten tested. Other folks, um, have not been tested, uh, once you've been tested, if you get a positive result, there's typically some kind of quarantining protocol that goes along with that. Um, and then it may be even different whether you've been potentially exposed to something or you've got full-blown COVID. And to be honest, I'm not even clear on, you know, if that happened to me, what is the quarantining protocol? What am I supposed to do? How do I know when it's safe for me to be around other people again? Can you maybe clarify that for us a little bit, just so that as people are, uh, you know, potentially a situations where they might be exposed to somebody or they find out later somebody they were around was exposed or had COVID and you have some idea of what looking at doing or how they're going to handle it?

Yeah. It has been a very confusing and there's been constant changing on that. So, um, I appreciate the opportunity to kind of help hope, uh, direct people so that we can also work together to help each other and get us, get us out of this pandemic. So I'll start with the person who is positive, because that one, that one's sort of the easiest, uh, if you will. So if you test positive, the current CDC recommendations are that based on the day that the symptoms started, not necessarily when you took the test, but the day the symptoms started, that's day 1. And you basically need to march out 10 days post the day that your symptoms started. And then on that sort of last day, if you are fever-free without taking, you know, Motrin or Tylenol or anything like that, and, and this is fever-free, and you have improving symptoms, you are out of quarantine. There's confusion on when does-

When do I start counting my days? And it's not, it's not the day you tested positive. It's- because typically what happens is a guy starts to feel bad, and then all of us are in denial and we're like, "Oh, I'm sure it's nothing." And then the next day, our significant other says, "Hey, he really need to go to the doctor." And so you go in and they test you and you're positive. But that's like, you're on day 2 now, because your symptoms started that day. It's not from the day of testing. And then again, you got to march out those 10 days, and then assuming, no, no fever and assuming improving symptoms, not no symptoms, but improving symptoms, then you are free to roam about the city.

We don't want to encourage too much of that, but I understand that the point- with your mask, of course. With your mask, of course. Okay. So that's the situation for "I've got symptoms. I've tested positive."

That's right. So let's take the scenario. You live in a household where somebody tests positive. And so now you're saying, "What, what do I and the rest of my household need to do?" Well, one is I would even quarantine that person in the home themselves. And I would also have them wear a mask if they come out to sort of any common areas, just sort of to help prevent the spread to the others. But the other people in that household, or if it's at work or wherever it is you got exposed, um, you- now, there are two pathways that the CDC has come out with. They, they both require that you have zero symptoms during the monitoring period, but there's two, the two pathways are, one is again, the date of exposure is Day 1. You march out 7 days. And if you've had zero symptoms within those 7 days, you can get a test done. And if that test is negative, you, you're out of quarantine. The other pathway is again, start at Day 1 of exposure. You march out 10 days with no symptoms. And at the end of the 10 days, you're out of quarantine.

Gotcha. Okay. That's very clear. I think that makes total sense. So hopefully everybody will be able to follow along with that easily enough. And it gives us some idea of what to do if they have been exposed to someone that don't have symptoms, or if they've actually tested positive, and now they know what, you know, kind of what they're in for.

That's right. And just to clarify, this is a change from what the quarantining recommendations used to be. It used to be 14 days post-exposure. So again, if some of those, some of your listeners are thinking, "Wait, I thought it was 14 days," it used to be there was only one pathway. And it was 14 days if you have no symptoms, you're, you're out of quarantine. CDC revised those in order to try to encourage compliance. There is a slight increase of risk missing a few people with the two pathways I described. But those are the currently accepted recommendations. Um, and it also- the hope is that will increase compliance because what was happening is I think not everybody was staying at full 14 days. And obviously then we were getting some people that were positive that were out in the community, kind of spreading it around. So I, too, hope that the sort of shorter period will help everyone, you know, try to be as diligent as possible and stay compliant.

So that leads me to another question. And that is about individuals who may have contracted or have contracted COVID, but are asymptomatic. We've all heard a lot about asymptomatic spreaders. And I think that confuses a lot of people as well. Um, so I'm hoping you can maybe enlighten us a little bit to- if somebody gets tested for whatever reason, has a positive result from that test, but never shows any symptoms, there are still the risks that people who've been exposed to them in that timeframe may come down with COVID, correct?

That is correct. And going back at what does that patient that you described, um, where, what is their time frame start? Since they had, if they truly had zero symptoms, then you use the day of testing "positive" as Day 1. But, you're right. We don't really know when they were contagious, how many days prior to the testing. And so that'd be- that sort of, you know, contact tracing is ideal. Um, I know there's not a lot of that going on, but that is something maybe people heard about, you know, contact tracing, but that would be where, you know, anyone that the person that turned positive or anyone that they sort of have been around, not social distanced, and, you know, over the certain period of time prior, you can notify them. So then, one, they can either be tested, or follow the exposure/quarantine recommendations. I think it's very complicated. And I think that's one of the challenges why compliance has been difficult. Because one is, um, you know, not clear messaging, two, the messaging is very confusing, and three, it has changed over time and morphed. And so again, I get it and understand it and I sort of live it every single day. I still have to, uh, you know, I still am challenged to, to keep up with what's the right thing to do.

Yeah. Understood. But I really appreciate the clarification on all of those fronts. And hopefully anybody that's listening to this, uh, here in Frisco will- it'll make sense to them, but we'll also have it written up on the page that this episode will be on, on the website. So, uh, hopefully this will give people a little bit more clarity around what to expect. And then last but not least, if someone wants to get tested for whatever reason, can they come to Legacy ER for that?

Absolutely. So, um, sort of a good segue if it's okay. Kind of talk about the testing and the different testing. So, so there are a number of categories of testing. There, there are, there's something called antigen testing. Um, this is testing for active disease. And it's, it's that type of test is looking at, um, some of the parts of the virus itself. Now there's another type of testing called PCR testing. And that actually is looking for the mRNA that or the RNA that's actually within the virus. Uh, there, there is some discussion about which test is better than the other. From, uh, all the data that I've looked at, they're very similar, but the PCR test is considered the gold standard. The problem with the PCR testing is currently most of that has to go to a reference lab and it's taking from 3 to 10 days to get those results back.

So you're a little bit of a disadvantage because of the time frame, even though it is potentially a slightly better test. Um, there is, uh, more access to rapid antigen testing. Um, and the benefit of that is in 15 minutes, you have a result from that test. Now, the test is "negative," there are some caveats to that. If the test is "positive," then it's "positive" and you need to do the things that we just talked about. And Legacy ER, we have access to both the rapid antigen testing, and we also have access to the PCR testing. So you can get either one of those tests. Again, both testing for active disease. Um, there's also some- you might've heard of something called antibody testing and that's actually looking for antibodies within your body, uh, that would show that you have been exposed to COVID-19 previously. Not currently, but previously, and it's looking for something called IgG. It's an immunoglobulin. And that typically shows up, uh, about 3 to 4 weeks post-infection. So, so for example, if you were sick with COVID right now and I checked for your anti-body, then yours would most likely be negative.

Okay. Interesting. So, how, I guess, practical for most people is that test? It seems like the PCR or the other one would be better to find out if I'm actually gotten sick.

Yes, absolutely. You're right. The antigen testing or the PCR testing are obviously- those help us determine, you know, quarantining, you know, exposures, all those things. The antibody testing is probably a little bit more of a novelty. Um, you know, gosh, I was sick three months ago. Really bad: high fever, cough. Was it COVID? I would like to know. Like, do I have antibodies to COVID or do I not? Um, so I think it is helpful in some ways, as far as expert regarding, but it's not helpful sort of acutely right now because you know, we really, right now we're dealing with active cases and active disease and the rapid antigen test or the PCR test, or- that's what we need access to today to, to help direct people and guide them, you know, what, what do they need to do to protect their friends and family.

Okay. That makes sense. So before we, uh, before we knock off here, is there anything else regarding COVID or Legacy ER, that you would like to leave us with before we-

Yeah, so a couple of things. One is, uh, just, uh, reaffirm: we have, you know, like CR we do the rapid antigen testing. We can do the PCR testing. We can also do the antibody testing. So those are all available, available to those who need it. And, you know, the other thing is we've gone to great lengths to protect our patients who come through. And I think that's something particularly beginning, you know, people were not accessing healthcare and they were winding up getting into trouble, you know, having, uh, complications with appendicitis or not seeking, you know, the health or injured extremities and things like that because everyone was so afraid of COVID. But what, what I can reassure everyone is, you know, we have all the proper PPE equipment. Um, we've actually invested in some pretty cool technology that has ionizing radiation to sort of clean our rooms. Um, make sure, you know, all the countertops and services are, are code-free. And so I think just to sort of put people's minds at ease, if you come in and we're gonna keep you safe and we're keeping our employees safe so that they can continue to take care, take care of you.

Good. Well, thanks again to you and all of your staff for being there for us when we need you, whether it's COVID or something else, we appreciate you guys hanging in there.

Absolutely. And I am appreciative of all of the people in the Frisco community. They've been very supportive of us. We've had lots of nice notes and, and treats and well-wishes from everyone. And so we, during this time, when, uh, sometimes it seems overwhelming the number of patients coming through the bombardment with COVID-19 is continuing to rise despite our best efforts, you know, the support from the community has really helped us. So thank you, you know, City of Frisco for, for what you've done for us.

Very good. And last but not least, if people want to find out more about Legacy ER, where can they go?

You know, I think, uh, the best place these days is online. Um, you can just, uh, you can just Google Legacy ER Urgent Care and it'll show us all. It shows all our locations. There is a specific area that talks about COVID-19, um, informational plus the testing details. Um, there's also a pretty cool, um, FAQ section about COVID-19 and testing. So I think that would be a great resource to go to our website to learn more about COVID and testing and sort of what Legacy ER & Urgent Care offers in that regards.

Okay. And if they wanna go straight there, what is the website URL?

Um, it is, uh, www.legacyer.com.

Alright, there you go. We'll make sure to link that up in the show notes along with the transcript of everything we've talked about here today. So I want to thank you again, Dr. Jay Woody for joining us on The Frisco Podcast.

I appreciate your time and thanks for letting me, uh, offer, uh, some, some information today.

Thank you to all of you who are tuning into The Frisco Podcast. We appreciate you listening in and we'll talk to you next time.

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Horizon Hot Yoga continues to add opportunities and workshops for both beginners and those with experienced practices. They’re also making it easy to be flexible in where you practice. Come in for a physically-distanced class, or stay home and join them online. Learn more about their new opportunities and how you can get started or take your practice to the next level.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qn_tkLXXhE8

SHOW NOTES: [00:27] What’s new at Horizon Hot Yoga [01:54] Things to look forward to [06:50] Horizon’s Kundalini Class [09:42] Specials for newcomers [11:01] Horizon’s Workshops [13:34] Reinventing Horizon through COVID [16:58] Find Horizon Hot Yoga online

LINKS & RESOURCES: * Horizon Hot Yoga on Lifestyle Frisco | Website | Facebook | Instagram

Connect with Lifestyle Frisco on: * YouTube * Facebook * Instagram * Twitter * LinkedIn

Transcript Machine-generated.

Welcome to the Frisco Podcast. I'm your host, Scott Ellis. And on this episode, we are bringing back Mary Von Ahnen from Horizon Hot Yoga. And, uh, Mary, how are ya?

Feeling great, thanks.

I know it's been a year or so since we had a chance to sit down and talk and, oh, certainly a lot has happened, especially in 2020. So, uh, wanted to kind of catch up with you and hear what's new at the studio and what you guys have going on.

Yeah, so we, um, we're so fortunate that we are still growing. Um, obviously we're very limited in our class sizes since we have to, you know, keep the social distancing. But we, we get new students every week. So, there are people right now who want to take yoga. Um, and we're excited about that.

How are you guys handling most of your classes? Is it, are you doing able to do some in-person or is it all virtual or how is it kind of breaking down right now?

No, I guess when we look at the positives of COVID, which sometimes is hard to do, one of the things that it forced us to do was to redesign our business model so that we could offer online classes. And we still do offer online, um, almost every day of the week. I think we have six, um, six online classes. But, almost all of our classes are in person. They're just, like I said, very limited in size. And we have a huge cleaning protocol, you know? People need to wear masks until they're on their mat, because once they're on their mat, they, they're socially distanced. Our rooms are taped so that your mat is separated, your body is separated from the next person. There's been a change.

Yeah. I'm sure that's been a little bit of an adjustment for you as it has been for a lot of Frisco businesses. Um, I know one of the things we talked about the last time was that you guys were pretty big on was visiting, uh, instructors. Uh, you'd have, you know, special- people who were specialists or have competed and done very well, that would come through and do certain types of classes or certain things for you, guys. Is there anything like that that we have to look forward to?

Yeah, definitely. Um, so we- Hot 26, which is the classic Bikram yoga, uh, has been our fastest-growing and most successful format. Um, most of our classes these days completely sell out, uh, with the limited capacity, of course. And we are having two visiting teachers, one in February and one in April, who are coming to do, um, some workshops around the basic beginner series that we offer and also intermediate and advanced, um, because we have not, so far, offered intermediate and advanced as classes. But, this will give the students a chance to try on the more-advanced style and see if they like it. And then, they like it, we like it; bring it on. So we're really excited about that and also just about the growth of that format, in general. And then, you know, we've tried to kind of supplant with the inability to bring on visiting teachers from around the world. We've challenged our own teacher community to step up with their own talent, um, which is considerable. And so, they're offering their own workshops, which have been very successful. We, I guess two or three weeks ago, we had a handstand/forearm stand workshop that was, um, oversold. So we, uh, our own teachers have been able to bring a little bit of what we used to be able to do with visiting teachers.

Yeah, I know you guys have some exceptional teachers that are there on a regular basis. The Handstand Workshop sounds interesting. Uh, what, what is the, you know, for those of us that maybe are still very, uh beginner-level, what is the, the, the advantage of doing something like a Handstand Workshop? Why would I want to go do that? What am I learning there?

A lot of the more advanced practitioners do incorporate handstands into their practice. It's very common. So, this workshop was just designed if you are interested in learning how to incorporate handstands, headstands, forearm stands into your practice, but haven't done it, yet. This workshop was designed to show you how to do that with hand placement, with shoulder-stretching, et cetera. And if you already had handstands, headstands incorporated, it just gave you a few extra tips. And it's totally a choice. I mean, there's, there's nothing in our dialogue that our teachers give that force people to try to do a handstand if they're not ready for that. But, there's certain places in every class where a teacher will suggest, "If you have a handstand practice, you can take your handstands now."

Would you consider that as a part of someone's practice to be intermediate or advanced, or is it something that beginners can also incorporate?

Oh, I think beginners can absolutely incorporate it. It's, you know, it's um, and I'm, I'm coming from the place you are, Scott. I'm not- I don't have a handstand practice. Um, but, I think with just some, some diligence and practice that, you know, anybody can learn to do a handstand. So if it's interesting to you and you're passionate about it, you go to a workshop like that, which many people did, and you learn the basics and then you practice during your class working on the moves that will get you into a handstand.

Okay, fair enough. It does sound kind of interesting. I see people, you know, on Instagram and places like that that I follow who are, uh, avid practitioners sometimes doing handstands and things of that sort, and I don't think I could do one right now. But, it would definitely be worth learning. Yeah. It takes practice. No doubt. And I'm sure it's great for, you know, upper-body strength and balance and things like that, as well.

Tremendous, absolutely. If you, you know, the, the Hot-26 style focuses a lot on the lower body, um, and on the cardio and the, some of the Vinyasa classes where you would incorporate a handstand really help round out that upper body strength. So that's, as you know, from the last podcast, exploration is one of the tenants of Horizon Hot Yoga. So, if you explore a few different classes, and you kind of get your mix, um, then you got your body set for all kinds of great opportunities.

All right, sounds good. Um, are any of those going to be offered virtually, or are those just in person, as well, like things like the Handstand Class?

We, we did not offer that one virtually, um, but we have the technology now to offer anything virtually. So, we, you know, it took us awhile to, as probably you know, cause you're probably living in the same world we are with, with, um, things needing to be remote, it took us a while to get our audio equipment, um, the, the high standard that we wanted and, but we're, we're set now. So, we do plan to offer the, particularly with the visiting teachers when they come in, we do plan to offer those, um, virtually, as well.

Gotcha. All right, let's, uh, let's move on. I wanted to talk about the, uh, Kundalini classes, as well, that you guys are offering or are going to offer. Can you tell us a little bit about that?

Sure. So we, we've been, um- we've offered a Kundalini class for, about, the last six months. Kundalini is a pretty hard, um, class to find in the area. And it's, it kind of speaks to maybe the more spiritual side of yoga. Um, there's a lot of breath work and what they call mudras, which is the placement of your fingers, um, to stimulate certain parts of your brain. Uh, it's funny because we say Kundalini Yoga, but in India, where yoga was born, they would just call that yoga. And almost everybody from, literally, little kid on up does Kundalini yoga or does some form of it. Uh, they just don't call it Kundalini. So, we've had growing interest in that format. I think with the stress of COVID, um, you know, some of the classes that allow you to, to turn inward a little bit, to become spiritually, um, to focus on breath work that helps you, um, either calm down or there's breath work that can, can bring you energy, uh, that really resonates with people right now.

Yeah, I can imagine. And that would be something that would be good for a lot of people to take. I practiced meditation for a while. And the particular class I was taking was, uh, very focused on breathing and things like that. And, uh, I was really surprised. I mean, as somebody who'd admittedly a little bit skeptical about things like that, I was pleasantly surprised at how stress reducing that can be. So, I would imagine, especially for, uh, you know, in times like this, that having a class and some instruction and something like that would be beneficial to a lot of people.

Yeah. It makes a huge difference. Even scientific statistics, like blood pressure, you know, there's actually, you know, proven difference between people who don't meditate at all and people who do. So, good for you that you, that you've practiced some form of it.

Well, admittedly, I've gotten a little out of practice. But, I need to, I need, I think about it pretty regularly and I need to force myself to get back into it. In fact, uh, in my particular case, quick sidebar, I was, I would do it first thing in the morning and knowing that getting out of bed meant, you know, going to the, the place where I would sit and relax and meditating made it a whole lot easier for me to get motivated some days to get out of bed, um, as opposed to having to, just to dive straight into work or something like that.

Yeah, I get that. Sometimes those foundational morning practices really set the tone for our whole day.

They really do. And I was again, pleasantly surprised by how much that was true. So, we'll have to look into the Kundalini classes for sure.

Yeah, absolutely. Come visit.

Um, so, moving on, let's talk about, uh, I know, you know, we've talked about some of the classes we've talked about some of the visiting instructors, some of the things your regular teachers are doing in the class. So for anyone that's not already a member, uh, what sorts of things should they be looking for or thinking about if they want to consider joining up?

We have a great special that's running through the end of the year. Our intro month is $59. Um, it's been regularly $79. Um, and it, it's met with wonderful reception. Uh, $59 makes the price point so inexpensive that you, you know, you feel like you can jump in and try a month. And it's unlimited. So, anybody who's interested in seeing what it's like at Horizon and maybe trying, not just one format, but three or four of the different kinds of classes, uh, can enter at that price point. And then, right now we have a studio-wide sale going on. So, all of our merchandise, all of our longterm packages, 3, 6 and 12-month packages are on sale. Discounted pretty significantly. It's the biggest sale we've ever had in our history. So if you try the intro month, which is definitely the best entry point, and you love it, then through the end of the year, you can buy into a longer-term package at a really cheap rate.

Okay. Good to know. Good to know. And then one of the other things I was going to ask you about, we talked briefly about this before we hit record, but, um, you were talking a little bit about workshops and some of the focus there. Can you elaborate on that a little bit as to what are the workshops specifically and who are those for?

Yeah, I think, you know, our membership has, has come to kind of expect us to bring different things. So they, they come in, they get into a routine with our classes and they love our classes and our teachers, but most of our students really like to expand their horizons. And we've also found when we bring, for example, visiting teachers, um, or do a special workshop, we draw from, from other places in DFW. So, uh, not every studio does workshops. So when we have something special, sometimes we get people from- that are practicing in other studios. So, one thing that we've doing, and I think, again, back to COVID, it's been really great for people, is we're offering a monthly soundbath, uh soundbath healing workshop. And the way this works is that AJ Crowell, who is also, by the way, the, um, the founder of Dallas Yoga Magazine, she comes once a month and she does, she takes you through, about, 10 minutes of breathing, and that opens you up to receive the benefits of sound healing. Which, she brings these gorgeous crystal bowls, huge things, um, and makes this beautiful noise through them. She has chimes. She has a gong. And so the vibrations from the sound are actually kind of back to the science, proven to bring relaxation and healing. And those have been, uh, you know, sometimes they're sellouts and we do, we do it every single month. It was just something different. It's just a way to learn about another aspect of yoga and some of the natural healing. So that's why, that's why we focused on not only great classes, but on bringing in interesting workshops. It's just something different for people to enjoy deepening their skills and their practice with.

The soundbath sounds fascinating to me, actually. As a musician, which I've been most of my life, I can imagine very easily how those kinds of sounds could really help someone get into a deeper meditative state, or relax, or what have you. That's, that's a very interesting- I've never even heard that of yoga classes like that before, so.

Yeah, it's been pretty successful. And as you know, being a musician, I mean, there's a, there's a meditative quality to either listening to music or to playing music.

Oh, yeah. It definitely works different parts of your brain. No question.

Yeah, for sure.

One of the things I wanted to ask you about: your background, you've got a, you were a, uh, an executive at Fossil once upon a time. You've got a lot of, uh, business experience. What, what kinds of lessons, uh, from a business standpoint, would you say you've taken away or learned from having to deal with the pandemic?

Well, we definitely had to reinvent ourselves. I mean, we could, you know, go down with the ship and not jump on the technology bandwagon and not figure out new and exciting things for our people to enjoy, or we could integrate, reinvent ourselves and do things that weren't initially comfortable for us and stay afloat. And so, we obviously chose the latter. And so I think, I think when times change, um, for whatever reason, you have to, you have to learn in a business model to change that business model so that you're still serving your, your client base. And our client base, you know, we were literally closed. The actual studio was closed for two months. And so we, that's when we got on Zoom and now we have people that still pay their, their monthly dues just to take that one Zoom class a day. So we've, we've continued to serve people who don't want to come in the yoga studio yet, just because they're, they're isolating basically, but who still enjoy Horizon Hot Yoga.

How did you guys go about figuring that out, if you don't mind my asking?

Um, well, we chose Zoom as a platform just because it seemed to be kind of the one that everyone was jumping on. So rather than go to some esoteric one that was maybe bleeding edge, as I would say as a CIO, former CIO, uh, we kind of chose the leading edge. And obviously many businesses that already tried Zoom we're already on Zoom- it's really user-friendly. Um, we reached out and asked experts that do wonderful audio. Um, already, we reached out and asked what's the state-of-the-art audio setup, um, and we'd learned from, from people who had been doing podcasts and audio recordings of their classes and, um, visual recordings to buy the right equipment. And then it was trial-and-error. And, you know, we have such a great student population. They were just wonderful about, you know, sticking with us, telling us, "Hey, can't hear you," or, "that class wasn't clear," or "you didn't have the, um, iPad pointed toward the teacher," you know? We made all those mistakes, um, and like I said, to a very forgiving audience.

Yeah, I think that's, you know, that's an important point, though, too. You guys have a great community that you're building there and people will give you feedback and you just have to be open and receptive to that and knowing that it's not meant to be critical. It's really just trying to help you get further along as you're trying something new.

Oh, absolutely. Feedback's a gift. So we, you know, we got good at it, largely due to people giving us, um, good feedback on what we need to do better.

All right. Well, Mary, thank you so much for taking some time out to talk to us today. You guys have a lot of great stuff going on, really excited to take part in some of those classes.

I always enjoy talking to you. I appreciate you having us on the podcast.

Likewise, likewise, and certainly let us know if you need anything. We, uh, we love what you guys are doing. And I also want to express our appreciation to everybody that's out there listening to the Frisco Podcast. We're still here. We're still talking about Frisco and what's happening in our local businesses. So, please go out and visit Horizon Hot Yoga. Uh, Mary, by the way, let's leave off on this: where are the best places for people to find you online if they want to connect?

horizonhotyoga.com is our website. And then Facebook and Instagram are just @horizonhotyoga.

Perfect. So, @horizonhotyoga or horizonhotyoga.com. Go check'em out and thank you all again for tuning in to the Frisco Podcast. We'll talk to you next time.

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Luxury awaits you at Culture A Day Spa in Frisco. Holiday specials, like the Arctic Berry and Peppermint Facial, are a perfect retreat for yourself or to give as a gift to someone who could use pampering.

In this episode, Katelin Schebler talks to us about what’s different about Culture A Day Spa and what they do to keep you relaxed, comfortable, and safe. Katelin is an involved local business owner, to say the least, greeting customers, booking appointments, and even providing treatments alongside her fantastic team.

Enjoy this episode as you hear about Culture’s divine treatments, including the Illuminating Diamond Facial, the Couples Retreat, and the Meridian Massage.

Don’t miss these HOLIDAY SPECIALS: * Artic Berry and Peppermint Facial: 80 minutes $200 * Hot Stone Peppermint and Citrus Massage: 80 minutes $185

https://youtu.be/Q7Hz61nwSxY

SHOW NOTES:

[00:34] What is Culture A Day Spa? [02:02] Unique experience Katelin envisioned [03:36] Involved Local Owner [06:09] Changes 2020 brought [10:37] Favorite Treatments [20:35] Holiday Specials

LINKS & RESOURCES: * Culture A Day Spa on Lifestyle Frisco | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Connect with Lifestyle Frisco on: * YouTube * Facebook * Instagram * Twitter * LinkedIn

Transcript Machine-generated.

Welcome to the Frisco Podcast. Today, we're talking skin and spa with Katelin Schebler, owner of Frisco's Culture A Day Spa. Welcome, Katelin, how are you?

I'm doing well, Kelly. Thank you for having me.

Excited to talk about Culture A Day Spa because I have, um, visited there now several times recently. And so, I want to share that with other people. For those who haven't visited yet, can you just tell us a little overview about what Culture A Day Spa is all about?

Yes, of course. So, we are a locally owned, small business. And we are located in Frisco, Texas at the corner of Warren and Parkwood. And we are a five-star luxury spa. So, we focus on luxury massages, facials, body treatments. We're very much, um, focusing on the experience for our guests. We want to be an escape and a retreat for everyone here in Frisco, Texas. And so, when our guests come in, they get provided a private locker room in either our men's locker room or women's locker room. We have showers, all of our guests go into robes and slippers and they get to really enjoy their time with us. We also feature a relaxation lounge where everyone can relax before and after their treatments. Currently, we're serving a White Riesling, hot tea, bottled water, chocolates, and mints for everyone to enjoy. We also have seven treatment rooms for massages and facials, a beautiful couples suite with an oversized hydrotherapy shower, and we offer private dining for our guests, as well, where we can cater up to a three-course meal for a group of either one to our up-to six.

Wow. So those are a few examples of different unique things that make Culture A Say Spa different from, um, I don't know, just many of the other spots that people might have been in. So as, as this is, you know, your, your baby, your idea that was brought to life- and happy two-years, by the way.

Thank you so much. We're so excited.

So, how did you envision this? 'Cause some of these things that you mentioned seem very intentional when you're in there, like, so well thought-out and mapped out. So is, you know, talk about how you planned for that to make this feel so unique and luxurious.

Well, you- and you were absolutely correct. Everything is very intentional, very purposeful. I always believe that the beauty is in the details and we really strive to make those details perfect for our guests. So I hand-picked and selected everything in the spa. Our layout is unique as well. We custom-designed our layout. All of our treatments are custom and unique, as well. And I've been in the industry for 14 years and have always been in the luxury-spa industry. So, when my husband and I moved to Frisco about 7 years ago, we really felt the need for luxury spa, where our guests have a beautiful experience. And also that employee experience is very important to us where we can have the best-of-the-best team members and give them a place to be successful and grow in their career. And that is really what we wanted with Culture, which is why the name Culture A Day Spa became about because we believe in changing the culture of the industry - not only from our guests' experience and guests' perspective, but also from our employee experience and employee perspective.

I love that. And speaking of employees, your employees are awesome. Um, when you walk in, they're, they're so great when they greet you with that awesome, um, big rotunda, you have at the front there. But, you're also often there. And I love that, too. I love that you're the local business owner. Um, but, that you're in the business on a day-to-day basis. Now, maybe it's just every time I'm there, you're there. I'm not sure. But, what is your involvement on a day-to-day basis?

Yes. So, I am very passionate about, um, Culture. And I am- for the last two years, I have been there every day. Um, I absolutely love what I do. I love our guests. I love my team and I'm really want everyone to enjoy their experience. So, I am at the front sometimes, greeting and checking in the guests. I manage, I train the team, I hire the team. But as a licensed aesthetician, I also have clientele of my own. So, I'm often in the treatment room, performing treatments in addition to everything else that I'm doing on a daily basis. So, it's fun every day. Every day is very different, as well. And it really, everything I do comes out of passion and I love it. I wouldn't change anything.

So, you're in the rooms doing treatments also to, to your clients. Yes. That's cool. I didn't realize that you aren't just, you know, running the business. You're actually- still have your hands in it, too, right? Which is neat. I think that gives you a really good pulse on what your customers are experiencing in the rooms and different treatments and how you can innovate and evolve and different, the different specials that you guys offer, which I know we're going to talk about in a minute. But, um, what- is that something you enjoy doing still? Is kind of taking that role and still being able to do the actual treatments yourself?

Yes. I, I love facials. I love body treatments and makeup is my true passion and why I've been in the industry for so long. And I love having a well-rounded schedule where again, each day is different. But really, working with a client one-on-one, it just, it completes my career. It really does. And I enjoy working with the team and training as well. And I just feel very blessed that I'm able to do what I love every day.

I think you being there every day, which first of all, oh my goodness, Katelin, you need a vacation from your luxurious, vacation-like spa. I know it's amazing in there, but you still need a break, right? Um, but I think you being in there every day probably made a big impact on what this 2020 looked like for you, guys. Um, many small business owners had to make lot of changes as things completely changed during the year. But because you were there and had such a realistic pulse on what's happening in your business, I feel like that helped you guys stay on top of adjustments that needed to be made. So what, what, what did 2020 look like for you, guys? And you know, how did you have to adapt and what are y'all doing?

Yes, 2020 has been an interesting year. Um, wasn't something that I expected, you know. We were open just about a year-and-a-half or so before, um, COVID hit in March. So, we did shut down. Um, our entire team was shut down for about 65 days. And so, but in that time, we still were in communication every day. We actually launched a social media campaign during that time to stay in touch with our clients and our guests and, um, continue to let people know that Culture is still very much present in the community. And then I would still, um, in the business, answering the phones and just keeping the internal operations going while we were, during, while we were on shutdown. So once we were able to open back up, we were so excited. Um, the entire team was ready to go. So when Governor Abbott gave us the green light, we were ready to get back to work. And so, we have always had very high sanitation-disinfection practices at Culture A Day Spa. Um, we've always followed our licensing board regulations to the tee. But, I always like to go above and beyond with everything that I do, so, it's always been very clean and sanitary. So that, we had all of our equipment and tools ready for that- with opening back up with COVID. Um, so in addition to that, what we've done is we've actually limited our capacity currently to 25% or less. And in doing that, that allows our guests to feel extremely comfortable and really focus on that, um, private environment. And then it allows my team to go through the spa and completely disinfect each area that the guest comes into contact with as they transition through the spa. So as a guest comes into the lounge, they knew each and every time that it's been completely disinfected, um, while they were in their treatments. So, we also have implemented the mask policy, as well. Our entire team, um, it keeps, uh, facial masks on the entire time throughout, um, business hours. And then we're also asking our guests when they're in our common areas to please wear their facial masks or coverings.

I think it's so interesting how you, um, did this rotation of getting your clients in. Well, you talked about limiting it too. But you know, you really feel like because you- the way that you're rotating people in, you really do feel like you have certain sections of the place to yourself. Which- it's nice and this time of, of COVID-19, but it's really nice just relaxation-wise, too, that you, um, the way that you guys rotate people in the locker room and the lounge, and then your treatment rooms- you feel, like, so exclusive that, you know, you kind of have, have privacy everywhere you are.

Well, thank you. We worked very hard for that, and that is important to us. And even before COVID, I had the policy of relaxation and we want the guests to feel like they're our only guests in the spa. And that's what we strive for, even with our reservations. Um, we try, we provide guests specific check-in times. And with those check-in times, um, it allows us to try and check-in our guests, um, privately as much as we can. So again, you still feel like you have the spa to yourself, even if there are other guests and receiving treatments.

What are- speaking of check-in times, what are, what are the earliest and latest times that you guys are checking people in?

So, we ask that new guests arrive 30 minutes prior to their scheduled appointment times. So if they have a 10 o'clock reservation in the morning, we have a 9:30 check in time. Um, during the week we do stay open until 7:00 p.m. except for Thursdays. It's our latest evening; we're open until 8:00 PM. As far as the checkout times, will run until 8:30 at night.

That's nice. Okay. So, um, I am excited to talk about some of the specials, some of the different things that you guys rotate in throughout the year. For example, I think as we talk and record this Zoom here, I think you guys have a diamond facial, if I'm not mistaken. But I want, I want you to talk to me and explain to me some of these divine-sounding, um, treatments that you guys have going on.

So, we like to offer exclusive treatments at Culture A Day Spa; treatments that are result-oriented for our guests, but also very relaxing at the same time. So, one of our most popular facial treatments that's exclusive to Culture A Day Spa is our Illuminating Diamond Facial. And this is an 80-minute treatment focused on customizing for the guests needs, but also it includes a three-blend acid peel to really resurface and brighten the skin. And then we have a fresh-mix diamond mask that has real-diamond dust powder in the mask to brighten and illuminate. And with all of our 80-minute facials, we perform our signature shoulder-face-and-scalp massage. Our guests also receive a luxurious arm-and-hand massage, and then we have facial steaming on hot towels incorporated throughout the entire facial.

Oh, my gosh. That's a lot of good stuff. Okay. I know I just mentioned diamonds. So tell me, what did you call the- what's the actual name of the treatment? Illuminating Diamond Facial. Illuminating Diamond Facial. And those 80-minutes. I think that's, that's another unique thing is that it's not just a quick, you know, facial in-and-out or anything. You're in there. Like, it is an experience. You're in there a while and it gives you time to really, like, deeply relax and not worry that, you know, you're, you're in and out so fast. So, besides the Illuminating Diamond Facial, what are some of the other favorites?

Yeah. So, one of our most popular massages is our Meridian Massage. And we launched our Meridian Massage at our one-year anniversary. And then again, is custom and unique to Culture A Day Spa only. And in fact, we spent seven months creating the Meridian Massage and perfecting it. And it is a beautiful treatment customized for each guest, but it's available in 80 minutes or 110 minutes. And it's focused on full-body harmony. So, we're working on not only the tight muscles, but optimal circulation for our guests. So, we'll be doing acupressure points, light-movement cupping, dry brushing for circulation and advanced massage moves that you just won't experience anywhere else. It's extremely luxurious, but extremely purposeful at the same time. So, it is our highly requested and most requested treatment for massage at Culture.

Yeah, it sounds like it. That sounds amazing. Um, Meridian Massage. Okay. We need to make note of that. And these are really good things to make note of for other people, too, right? So of course, this all sounds great for us to get done to ourselves, but when you're thinking of, um, giving gifts, whether it's through the holiday season or teacher gifts or, um, your-wife gifts for anniversaries and birthdays, there's so many different reasons that you would want to buy both men and women gifts. Um, and like you said, there's a, there's a couples-treatment room, too, right? But gift, um, gift cards, gift certificates are so great for something like this, because then you can pass it off and let them go enjoy it themselves. So, tell me about that couples, um, did you call it a treatment room for couples?

Yes, we have a couple's suite. So, we are able to perform side-by-side treatments, um, in our couple's suite. They can also add on a shower- a private shower experience for them. We have a his-&-her showerhead and with our luxurious Signature Citrus Body Collection, as well. Also what's very popular for our couples is our Couples Culture Retreat, where they're able to experience an 80-minute massage, shower experience afterwards - and that follows with private dining, as well. And that's been very popular for special occasions and date nights for our couples. If guests are looking for gifts this holiday season, I would highly suggest utilizing gift cards. We offer online gift cards or also in-store gift cards. And a lot of the times, one of the biggest questions for the person getting the gift card is, "I don't know what, what my significant other or friend would enjoy." And so we would just recommend a dollar-amount for them. And then when they're- the gift receiver calls, we can then guide them through our menu and help them select which treatment would be best for them.

Yeah, that's awesome. And you can buy- do that, like you said online. So you, if you're just buying as a gift, you don't have to stop in in person. You can get it online or call you guys and help you determine the right value or dollar.

Oh, yeah. If- online is available, um, in-store's available, or if the purchaser would just prefer to call us, we can process it over the phone and do a curbside-pickup for gift cards. So, you may still want it wrapped and gifted to be a beautiful presentation. We can still offer curbside as well for gift cards.

Okay. That's fantastic. Okay. That Couples Retreat sounds pretty, pretty amazing, all that stuff. Okay. Katelin. So, I'm curious. As an owner, as somebody who is in there every day, um, watching people get these treatments and experiences and an aesthetician who is giving these treatments to others, what is your favorite treatment to receive as a customer, but then also to give?

Great question. So, it's also difficult question because I love all of our services. But my favorite treatment to perform on my clients is our Polynesian Pearl Lift. This treatment we also launched at our one-year anniversary. Um, I spent seven-to-eight months creating this facial and I just wanted it to be perfect and purposeful for all of our guests. So, the Polynesian Pearl has everything. We're going to brighten, resurface, clear your skin, but we're also going to sculpt and lift and tighten and tone the muscles. And so we do that with ultrasonic therapy and we also follow it through with cryotherapy to freeze in and lock all of our lifting and then we finish it with a fresh-mix pearl mat. And this is real pearls that are mixed together that are placed on the client's skin to brighten and illuminate. And the before-and-after results for our guests are just phenomenal. And it's just very gratifying that - to see the guests' results from when they start the facial to when we've completed it. Um, we have had some guests who really wanted to focus on lifting and sculpting their cheekbones or lifting and sculpting their eyelids. And we're able to do that with a pulsating treatment that tones the muscles it's very relaxing. So, the guests usually sleep through the treatment, but the after results are fantastic.

Oh, that's cool. I bet that is cool to watch, too. As you're performing it and watch it go through the process, all those different steps and, um, making those physical changes - that's really neat. Okay, then. What do you like if you get to just walk in, which I doubt you get to a lot of downtime, um, but what is your favorite one or two treatments to get?

Yes. So, my favorite treatment to receive, um, outside of facials, because I've, facials are close to my heart, um, would be more of our massage treatments. So, we have a Customized Culture Massage and it's available in a two-hour option. And I love the two-hour massages because it allows me to completely relax. It takes me probably a good 60 to 70 minutes to completely let my mind unwind. And so- exactly. And I think everyone understands that, too, especially this time of year. But it, that two-hour option just completely allows me to relax. And it's so luxurious and our massage therapists are so skilled. They can really, um, work out and correct any issues that I'm having with tight muscles and soreness and stiffness, but I'm able to fully relax and decompress at the same time. And so, that is one of my favorite treatments to receive because I can just truly melt into the table and just let everything go and not think about anything the entire time.

Yeah, that sounds fantastic. I'm like you. That's what I meant earlier with the longer-than-60-minute when we were talking about the 80-minute Illuminating Diamond Facial, is that it takes me that first hour to like, let my mind stop racing about what's happening in the outside world or my schedule or anything. Just, I don't turn off quickly, right? So, it takes me a while to kind of decompress. And so, when I do go somewhere where there's an hour-massage, every single time when it's over, I'm disappointed because it seems like it was too fast. So, that two-hour sounds awesome because you can really sink into it and really get that relaxation. I love that. Okay. What was that one called again?

That is our Customized Culture Massage.

Culture Massage, Customized Culture Massage. Okay. I hope everybody's taking notes. All right. So Katelin, you told us at the beginning where we can find you. Um, we will also link to the Culture A Day Spa website and social media accounts. So, I would advise everybody to go give you guys a follow so that you can see what's new every month or two. You guys have different specials. And some of these treatments that you keep talking about, you spending seven months, you know, perfecting and so go follow Culture so that you can be aware when these new ones are launched and you can go experience them for yourself. Anything else, Katelin that our listeners need to know about you, guys?

Yes. So, we are excited to enter the holiday season. This is our favorite time of year. So, we are launching, um, our signature holiday treatments. We'll be launching our Arctic Berry & Peppermint Facial, which is an 80-minute facial that incorporates a berry-infused enzyme and a peppermint mask. We're also launching our Hot Stone Citrus & Peppermint Massage this holiday season, as well. This is an 80-minute treatment incorporating hot basalt stones to really relax really tight muscles and reduce chronic pain. So, we'll be incorporating these treatments here in Frisco, starting November 26th through January 31st. And we'll also be relaunching our partnership with the American Heart Association in February. So, we ask that the local community help us support the American Heart Association. This February, we'll be donating a portion of select treatments directly back to the American Heart Association.

That's great. Okay. That's coming up February and then, ugh, there's the peppermint and berry- all of those facials and treatments sound fabulous. Fantastic. All right. Well, thank you for Zooming with us today, Katelin. And everybody make your way to Culture A Day Spa's page and check out their social so you can follow along, go get your treatments. Thanks, Katelin. Have a good rest of your day.

Thank you so much, Kelly.

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In this episode, we catch you up to speed on what’s happening at Kartland Performance Indoor Raceway in Frisco. Manager Nick Williams explains the differences in carts, namely the ages and speeds for each type of cart, as well as the leagues, specials, and other activities besides cart racing. Did you know they have virtual reality and a STEM station? So many ways to participate with or without your foot on the pedal.

Nick fills us in on the safety measures Kartland takes to keep you distanced and sanitized during your experience. Whether you are racing solo, enjoying a birthday party with friends, competing with your family on game night, or bonding with your teammates or colleagues, there’s plenty of fast fun to be had by all at Kartland.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N60u9tW1V-A

SHOW NOTES:

[01:09] What to expect at Kartland and what’s different [03:49] COVID-19 Safety Measures [05:24] Kinds of activities and parties [07:13] Go-Karts speeds and ages [11:56] STEM and Leagues [15:50] All You Can Race [17:26] Family Owned [18:36] Where to find Kartland

LINKS & RESOURCES: * Kartland on Lifestyle Frisco | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Connect with Lifestyle Frisco on: * YouTube * Facebook * Instagram * Twitter * LinkedIn

Transcript Machine-generated.

Welcome to the Frisco Podcast. Today we're talking Kartland Performance Indoor Raceway. We have the guy who runs the place, Nick Williams, on Zoom with us. So, Nick's going to give us a rundown of what's going on over there at Kartland. Welcome, Nick; how are you?

I'm good. I'm good. Just holding down the fort. It's a lot of fun. Um, pretty fast. We've been doing this now, guess, Kartland since 2018, February, 2018. So, this upcoming February will be three years, um, of just letting everybody experience the rush.

And I'm sure, I'm sure you guys plan really perfectly well for 2020, right? Nothing's changed.

Oh, yeah. Perfect. Perfectly. We've been going- actually, so, we opened up back again. Um, I think it was May 1st when everything was kind of allowed to start reopening. And since then, um, at each month keeps getting better.

That's fantastic. Good deal. Okay. Well, I want to talk to people about, um, you know - in general, people haven't been in there yet? Why Kartland- maybe why it's different from others? What they can expect when they go in. Let's start with that.

Yeah. Yeah. So, um, right now everything's kind of COVID; it's 2020. So, um, we recommend everybody wear masks when they come in. Um, once they get racing, we do require head socks, which are just- we sell them for $2 or you can bring in your own helmet if you don't want to use one of our rental helmets right now. Okay. Um, um, we walk in the door and have y'all registered. Get y'all set up, um, on that. If you've been here before, great. But if you haven't, we'll get you on little waiver. Get you inside. Get you set up for the races. Give you your head sock. Get you on a little safety video. Teach you about the karts cause they are a lot different than your normal pop-up karts. They're not your normal pop karts. Um, you're going 45 miles an hour here on our indoor facility. You're an inch off the ground and you're racing. So, they are a lot different. We're going to tell you everything. If you have any questions, my team's awesome. They'll take care of your racing line. If they see something that you can do a little bit better, be going faster, we're definitely gonna help you out with that.

Oh, cool. So, some of the stuff you mentioned, you probably can do online before you get in there too, right? Like registering and doing waivers. Some of that stuff could help, um, reduce the amount of, you know, waiting and or contact you have with folks when you get in there. Right?

Exactly. Exactly. So, we actually now do online booking, so you can entirely book your race online. Um, that- just go to our website, go to "book now;" set you up right there. Select, uh, all your different race packages. Um, there are some that you can do in store that gets you a little bit of a better deal. Um, but our most popular items are all right there online. You can also, if you just want to get yourself registered so you don't have to use the iPads when you come in, which are cleaned between every use, you can register online at that registration or register online link and sign your waiver. Uh, just come to the cashier when you're ready and we'll get you in your races.

Okay. Okay. We keep mentioning the online. So, I just want to take that chance to say that it's Kartland with a K kartland.com is where you can go to look at that stuff. And then I also want to make sure and call out - in August, we, um, did an article. So, lifestylefrisco.com, You guys can go look for an article entitled Kartland Waves The Green Flag on Indoor Fun. It's a fun article so you learn even more than you're going to learn from us probably here today. Um, so some different stuff. So go check that out. All right. So you mentioned about, um, ways online that we can register and maybe prevent some of the contact, but what are some of the other COVID related safety measures that you guys have going on?

Yeah, obviously we're- with the state mandate, you have to wear a mask whenever you come in. Um, we do now require a $2 head sock which covers your face. You'll wear it. It's a full-face or a full-head, head sock. So, it covers your hair, covers your head. Um, and you'll wear it up over your nose just kind of like a ski mask. Um, you'll wear that under the helmets to separate you from the helmets and the helmets from you. Um, but when you come in, uh, we'll give you all that and get you set up. Then between each race that a kart gets used, we'll wipe down everything. Get all nice and clean for y'all. Um, sanitize it. And then at the end of, or actually the end of the race, if you have more races, we'll ask you to hold on to your helmet for your entire stay. Then once you're done racing, we'll ask you to put it on our empty helmet rack that we have set up. And then we actually just got in a couple months ago, a UV sanitation unit. So, we'll- it's this nice big unit. We can, uh, clean or sanitize up to 10 helmets at a time. So, we'll stick those in there between, uh, anybody using them. It takes about eight minutes to sanitize them. And then they're nice and clean for y'all, for the next person.

I love that. I don't know why those UV sanitation lights are so fascinating to me. But, I just think right now it is just amazing that you can put something in there and know that in a matter of minutes, you're sterilized and good to go. That's great. Exactly; yes, ma'am. Um, okay. So, Nick, what are some of the kinds of activities that you can do? Obviously it's it's racing, but, um, what are some different ideas of activities or types of people and groups that come in there?

Yeah. So, um, just touch on all the activities we have. Uh, we don't just have go-karting. Um, we do, as soon as you walk into the door, you'll see our massive VR arena, our virtual reality arena. Uh, we have, uh, five or six different games on there for you to play. We can play with up to four players. Um, it's a lot of fun. Also, if you look over to your left, as you come in, we have, uh, karting simulators also. So, you can experience what it's like to actually race in a real racing kart. Um, for birthday parties, we have the rookie package, which is going to get you two races, a round on in our virtual reality arena for all the kids, all of this is our private events. So, your kids aren't racing with any randoms or anything, it's only-

You get the racetrack to yourself? That's awesome.

Exactly, you have the entire racetrack to yourselves. We also offer corporate events or just adult party packages which can get you a real racing experience as far as actually getting raced for position. It's going to start out with a practice so you get used to kart, get used to track, find your racing line. And then for qualifying now that you know, everything, you can go out there and try and set your single fastest lap time. And as I say that all of our races at kartland are scored based on your single fastest lap time. So, even if you come alone, you don't have to worry about not having anybody to race with. Um, if you're the only one- only person here, because all our times are based on that time challenge, trying to get that single fastest lap time. Um, so, and we always display all the top times of the day, the week of the month. So, you kind of have a benchmark of, okay, this is how fast I can go or I want to go or how I want to go faster than this time.

Very cool. Okay. So, speaking of speed, um, tell me more about the karts. I heard you say that they go 45 miles per hour, right? Sure do. And there's more than just one kind, I think. There's, um, cause there's, there's younger kids. Right. And then like youth karts. So give me the rundown on, like how old are you if you do the little karts and all that good stuff.

Yes. Yeah. So, I'll sit down with the kids. Um, you have to be 6 years old and 48 inches to race in the kids karts. Um, those go 25 miles an hour. Um, there are a lot of fun, even us adults, um, like to have some fun in them. Um, now, however, I say that with a grain of salt. Um, if- we can't have adults in the kids karts, um, but every now and then, as I say that as the employees have had, we'll hop in a car, if we need to have a, uh, like a kid doesn't want to race by themselves, we'll hop in one. Um, so they don't feel like they're racing alone, because they really want somebody to race with. Yeah. Um, then you have the youth karts, which are actually my adult karts just slowed down to 35 miles an hour. So, adults can race with their kids 12 and up in those races. Um, and they have to be 12 years old, 56 inches to fit in those karts. Then to actually drive the 45 mile an hour, um, adult karts, you have to have a driver's license, a physical driver's license and be at 56 inches. Um, unfortunately learner's permits do not count for that, but they actually have to be at- a real driver's license.

Sure. Okay. So, six years old, you can start with the junior karts, 12 years old, you can do the youth karts that go 35 miles an hour. And then when you have your legit driver's license, you can, you can go full speed at 45.

Exactly. Exactly. And while we're talking about the karts, they're, uh, Italian-made, um, electric high-performance go-karts. Um, so, they're made to go quick. Um, they're a lot of fun. They actually handle like a true go-kart would. Um, personally, I actually race go-karts myself. Um, and I go around to tracks all over, check out all other, uh, rental karts. And so far out of all the karts that I've been in, um, electric-wise, the OTL Storms that we have here are my absolute favorite with no bias opinions in there.

Fantastic. So, are these karts- you mentioned that you guys have been open since February, 2018. Are these karts that, um, Kartland purchased at that time or do y'all always kind of roll in new karts? How does that work?

So there are karts that we've had. Um, we were a different facility before we were Kartland. However, that does not mean that they are old karts. Um, every now and then a car will need a full-chassis rebuild. So, we will build, rebuild it from the chassis all the way up. So, essentially they're brand new karts whenever they do that. Got it. Yes. Ma'am.

Wow, awesome. I didn't realize that about all the types of karts. So then if my, um, if my, you know, 10-year-old, is there racing in one of the junior cars and he's going only going 25 miles an hour, which by the way, it makes me feel a lot better, um, is he only racing against other junior karts or are there guys going on 45 next to'em?

Exactly. So, it's only going to be kids karts with kids, for the youth races, with the adults that go 35. They all the karts in that race have to go 35 miles an hour. Okay. And then the adult karts, it's only adults on the track. Cool.

So, it keeps it fair and kind of different types of races are happening all the time so that they're not intermingled together.

Exactly, exactly the way we kind of rotate our, um, our schedule is on a, say a busy Saturday we'll have a kids race, a youth race and an adult race. And it will constantly be that in between. So, hopefully, it would be no longer than a 15-minute wait, unless we just have a crazy busy group. So, how long are the races? Each race is going to be 8 minutes long. Ooh, that's a good long time. Oh yeah. It's a lot of fun

Or that seems, um, that seems like a long time compared to some of the outdoor places that we've gone to. It feels like it, you get it, you wait in line for a while and then your race is like 2 minutes and you're done.

Exactly, exactly. It used to be- we used to do it by laps. Um, but we changed the track every quarter. Um, so it's a different track every time you come in. And this track, I noticed the times were a little bit too, too fast for the 12 lap races. They come out to like 4 minutes for my super-fast, uh, regulars. And so with that, I was like, let's just go and make it fair. Everybody races 8 minutes. And we've people have been loving it so far. It definitely from me, that's used to those 12 lap races, it's been kind of tiring. But it's plenty of fun.

Okay. That's cool, 8 minutes. That's a long race. So, tell me about, um, I hear you guys have like things like leagues and even like STEM kind of educational stuff going on there. So, tell me about that.

Yes, ma'am. So, we'll start with our STEM classes. Um, we, uh, like to have schools bring field trips in. Um, unfortunately, I don't think that many schools are doing field trips right now. Um, but we'll, we'll do as we set up kind of like centers. We'll have somebody in this room that I'm in right now and they'll be doing a PowerPoint, teaching them all about, uh, Newton's laws and showing them how they go correlate with racing. So, they're all kind of physics, STEM classes. Then, we'll have a lab out in our, uh, main area, um, our main waiting area with ramps and tires and balls and, um, we'll then calculate, um, speed, um, with the distance over time. So, the kids will have stopwatches and then we'll have, uh, the distances marked. So at each, uh, distance, someone will stop the stopwatch. Grab the time. Then, of course the kids can't come in here and not race. Um, so what better a field trip where you can come and race go-karts.

Yeah, but then there's also some kids that can't race, you know, just not able to physically or you're hurt or for some reason, or they're super scared. I love that there's something else, you know, they can, there's other kinds of activities and um, like the VR and things you mentioned a while ago. That's really cool that it's not only the, you know, racing.

Exactly, exactly. Um, we, we have kids that come in that we have their 6-year-old, their 6-year-old brothers in there racing, but they're not quite tall enough or old enough. And so, they have other things to do here for them.

That's great. Okay then, what about leagues?

That's my favorite topic. Right now we're doing a, uh, we just started or actually we're about to finish our youth league, which is going to it's a six, uh, 6-week league. And it went from the last week in September second, uh second to last or the last week in September, and it'll be ending this Tuesday. Um, it's been a lot of fun. We've been doing both the youth. So the 35 miles-an-hour karts and the juniors to 25 mile-an-hour karts. And we've had amazing turnout with it. The kids are enjoying it. We do a practice race so they get used to the karts to get used to the track every day. Um, then we have them do a qualifier. So like I mentioned earlier to try to get that single fastest lap time, then that last race is the coveted position based race. So we actually grid start everybody formula-one style out on the track. And as soon as the green flags drop, we give them the full speed and they're off to the races trying to be first. Then, um, that's 6 o'clock on Tuesday nights. Um, again, that's finishing up this Tuesday, the 27th of October, but, um-

There are other leagues, though, that start like, you know, you're probably continually starting and stopping.

Exactly. We'll probably be doing another one here in the winter. So, that'll- look out for that. We're definitely doing one in the spring. Um, so look out for that, to the kids.

Well, I love about that is it's a consistent activity that, you know, it's, it's getting your kids, um, out, but not- obviously it's indoor, so it's not weather permitting. You can consistently count on it. But, it's getting them away from, you know, things like devices or iPads or gaming things. If we're trying to get kids away from those and break certain habits, that's cool. It's like an another thing for them to go do this. That's physical and exciting for them.

Exactly, exactly. And right now in COVID times, I mean, this is something that they can do and not like football or soccer where they're right up on their opponent. Um, they're actually in their own individual karts separated from them, so.

Yeah, that's really cool. So, you mentioned leagues are right now on Tuesday nights. Um, I also know that you have- I would encourage people to go look at your website to see the other deals that you have going. I mean, while we record this, uh, we're rounding out October, so things will probably change as we hit in November. But, um, like right now, if you go on your site, you see things like All-You-Can-Race Wednesdays and $15 Mondays and even Happy Hour. So what does that even look like, Happy Hour Fridays?

So 4-7 on Fridays, you get $12.99 races. So, essentially you're getting our friends-and-family's, uh, price for races. And you do have to have what we call our Annual Race License, but the Annual Risk License is a sweet deal. It's $8.95. It gets you discounted races as well as a free race during your birth month. Um, so essentially getting an $8 race right there during your birth month. Wow. And then it pays for itself in special deals like that $12.99 special. On Mondays, we do $15 races. And then, like you said, on Wednesday nights, we have the All-You-Can-Race. Um, the awesome thing I've been seeing about the All-You-Can-Race is people have been really getting into karting from that All-You-Can-Race. Um, earlier this year when we started it in the summer, I had some people that were up here every, uh, every Wednesday night doing it. And then they actually started showing up for my Thursday night, uh, adult league, which starts at 7:30.

Yes, that's a good, it's a good way to expose people to it. Um, and going have more than one race if they're, you know, tight on what they can spend that night or whatever. So, that's awesome. So now, as far as Kartland goes, is this a unique like locally owned business or is this a franchise where we can find them everywhere?

This is a local Frisco family-owned business. Um, they're here almost every day, um, making sure we're doing things properly, taking care of things. And if you're up here during the weekday, most likely meet at least one of the owners.

Awesome. Well, who should we look for? What are their names?

So we have Kim and we have Frank. Um, they're awesome people. Um, Kim, um, she comes from a, uh, amazing background, so she knows how to run the place. Um, Frank, her husband, uh, quite the handyman. Um, he helps us out with anything we need fixed around the building. And, uh, they're both just some of the sweetest people.

I love that. I love that there, you know, it's Frisco family-owned. I love that they're in there on a regular basis. They probably know their customers and, and really like sounds hands-on like you said about Frank. So that's, that's good to hear. I love that. Like, it makes me want to go to places that are, that are part of the community like that even more. Right. For sure. Okay. Then let's see. What else, how can people find you? Like were- describe to people in Frisco where they can find you physically and as far as the best place to find you online or on social.

Right, right. So online, um, for our website, kartland.com, um, we're right there. Um, for social media, it's all going to be, uh, Kartland or Kartland Raceway. Um, it's kart with a K. Yep. Um, so not with a C. And then as far as our physical location, we're, uh, just a little bit hidden behind FC Dallas Stadium. I kind of call us Frisco's Hidden Gem. Um, we're off Frisco st. And All-Stars ave. Um, and that little business park right back there. Um, if you know, we're right between El Dorado and Maine, so.

So you're back there. A lot of volleyball people would know things back there, right? The LoneStar Volleyball- I think the warehouse, the warehouse section back there. Are you neighbors with Dude Perfect?

We are neighbors with Dude Perfect. We're in a couple of their videos. If you, if you pay close attention while they're in the back, you can see us. I was going to ask, have they ever been in there? Oh, they have. They have quite a few times.

Yeah. That seems right up their alley, getting in there and getting some racing going. Yes, ma'am. Fantastic. Well, Nick, thank you for your time and filling us in. I'm excited for people to hear this so they can go check it out and get in on it. Whether you're a family wanting to go have family night or corporate, you know, or business locally wanting to just let off some steam and have your employees get out for a minute and do something fun. Or whether you have like a youth team that you want to go and get some team-building in and something different for a change, um, go check out Kartland Performance Indoor Raceway.

Thank you. We look forward to seeing everybody on the track here soon.

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Subscribe on iTunes! Subscribe on Google Play Podcast RSS Feed Dawn Rice is in the business of teaching people to write. Write On! Creative Writing Center opened in March 2020 and learned quickly how to explore new formats, opportunities, and ways to serve the writing community for both kids and adults.

What originally started from her teaching experience in the classroom, then moved to camps and workshops in her home, is now an amazing center just off of Main Street and 5th Street in The Rail District of Frisco, Texas.

Writers at Write On! get the tools to feel confident about their writing process. From prompts to camps and workshops, anyone can unleash their imagination at Write On! Creative Writing Center.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltxWKCFRzFQ&feature=youtu.be

SHOW NOTES:

[00:16] Write On! Background [02:56] How To Start Writing? [07:36] Write On! Workshops and Services [12:48] Dawn Rice’s First Writings [14:25] Dawn Rice’s Education Experience [18:42] More About Write On!

LINKS & RESOURCES: * Write On! on Lifestyle Frisco | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Connect with Lifestyle Frisco on: * YouTube * Facebook * Instagram * Twitter * LinkedIn

Transcript Machine-generated.

Welcome to the Frisco Podcast. I'm your host, Scott Ellis. And today we are chatting with Dawn Rice from Write On! Creative Writing Center in Frisco. Dawn, welcome to the show.

Thank you. Thanks for having me.

It's good to have you here. I am thrilled to chat with you today because, as you know, writing is a big part of what we do at Lifestyle Frisco. We have some very creative writers that come up with some wonderful ideas and concepts in the things that they do and you guys are in the business of teaching people writing and creative writing. And, um, so I'm just kind of fascinated by you and your story. What made you start this business? And, uh, how's it going so far? I know you guys opened up back in March. So, kind of give us the background.

Well, and as you said, back in March, we opened up and then everything went crazy right after we opened our doors. But, it gave opportunity for a lot of things that we wouldn't have expected. And, um, and we're going to chat about that a little later. But like, with zoom and, and, um, just being able to, um, you know, explore things and offer opportunities that maybe we might not have otherwise. But I'm a little background on Write On! is, um, as an educator, I, um, loved bringing writing to my students and, um, through some opportunities that I had, I was trained and, um, gained skills to make writing more exciting and fun for my, my students that I was teaching. And rather than have it just being, you know, one time per month that we would visit a writing piece, we made writing part of our day every day. And, um, so through that process, I was so excited that I could see the results of these, these students go from being reluctant, um, writers or struggling writers to being passionate writers and excited about it. And those who were already somewhat proficient, just growing in their skills. And so, um, when I moved here to Texas, Write On! was born in my home and I had writers come for camps and workshops. And again, just being able to share that experience and seeing the benefits of it in trans- you know, seeing how it translated into their school writings. And, um, it just was very exciting.

And I'm sure very satisfying to watch them grow as writers and get better at what they do.

Yes, yes. There's nothing better than having a writer come to a workshop and being very apprehensive and really myself, not thinking, wow, not knowing where they're going to be able to go that day. And then having a time where we call Author's Chair and having the writer share and just being like, you know, shocked in a positive way to see the results. And I'm, that's probably one of the most fulfilling things is just to see what writers come up with no matter what their skill level.

So, when somebody comes to you and I'm sure heard this before, and they say, well, I'm not a natural writer. I'm not a talented writer, uh, or they just haven't really done much writing in the past: how do you get somebody started? Like how do you see them with the right ideas or the right motivation to sort of dive in and start putting words to paper? Because I will admit, there are times, you know, I do most of my writing online, but opening it up to write a post for Lifestyle Frisco, go for example, um, you know, that blank page can be kind of daunting - whether it's a piece of paper or, you know, on your screen. So, how do you, how do you get them moving in the right direction?

No, I, that's a great question. And, and really what we do is I think the approach is the best way I could put it. Um, if somebody comes in and tells me that they're, you know, not a good writer or they've had negative experiences, or they don't know where to start, really one of the, the phrases to live by is "the more you write, the better writer you become." And that doesn't mean you have to be writing essays to be a better writer. Um, you actually, any kind of writing. If you're journal writing, if you're writing to prompts, if you're writing just fun stories or just letting your thoughts flow, you are writing and therefore becoming a better writer. So when writers come here to Write On! uh, we always start our workshops with a writing prompt, and they really aren't connected necessarily to our lesson that we're going to do that day; but, they are very easy to respond to prompts no matter what your writing skill level is. And so that's really the start of it is just getting that comfort level, letting them transition from whatever positive or negative stuff that's happening in their life, to the, the thought process of just writing. And from there, um, the lessons that we introduce, we always try and, um, make them so that they are, um, they can, no matter what the skill level, again, that the writers can actually produce a work that will allow them to feel successful and grow in their writing. So, it's all part of the process to make sure that we're not just having writers come in and say, "okay, you're writing a short story today, good luck" and go find a spot. You know, we really give them those tools to make them feel confident. And, um, that then get started on the writing process.

And this is a good, that's a great opportunity for me to plug your Twitter account. So, for anybody that, if you're not following them, it's @writeonfrisco. W R I T E. And you guys do some put some of those prompts up there, like you, you, I've seen you throw some things out there that are ideas for writing, and I'm like, that's such a great idea. Um, and it kind of is the times inspired me to like, want to sit down and write a short story, or, you know, just where would I go with that even if I'm just sitting back and thinking about it. So, um, definitely wanna encourage anybody out there to go follow you guys on Twitter. Um, it's a great place to connect with you, but then also to kind of see some of those prompts and some of those ideas that you guys are putting forward.

Yes, definitely. And like you said, just having, if you sat down just each day for five to ten minutes, looked at a prompt and responded to it, yours writing skills are going to just continually grow and grow and grow. And, um, again, no matter even what your skill level is.

Yeah, your comment earlier about the more you write, the better you get at it also reminded me of one of my favorite writing quotes. Um, and it might be a little cliche to quote Stephen King in this world, but, uh, one of the things he did, he did a book called On Writing. I'm sure you've heard of that. It's a fantastic book. Um, and one of the things that, that seared into my brain when I read it was, he said, if you don't have time to read, you don't have time to write. How much do you find that reading, actively reading, also helps people with their creative writing?

Oh, they go hand in hand and you know, my, my education is in literacy skills and just, um, reading and writing of all forms, all support each other. So, I actually, the it's, I don't necessarily say it's my phrase, but again, the more you read, the better reader you become, the more they write, the better writer you become. And the more there you read, the better writer you become. So, they literally go together and you come up with ideas and even just word use just by the type of, if you are really into say Stephen King's writings, you are going to actually catch on to some of those writing, um, you know, phrases and things that he does in his writing that you'll find in your own writing, or you'll be able to, uh, work into your writing. So, um, just getting different, you know, different genres and, you know, ideas and stuff from different writers is amazing as well.

Yeah, I love it. So let's talk, a little bit about the, the services you offer. I mean, we talked about writing itself, but what kinds of classes, what, you know, level of writers are you catering to? What are some of the options, especially, you know, unfortunately, right now, we're in this COVID world where we're doing a lot of stuff, virtual. So just kind of tell us what are the, you know, if I'm interested in getting better at writing, and I want to come to Write On! what are the, what are the choices that I have?

Excellent. So we have workshops that we offer weekly, and we have them structured somewhat in a semester format, but anybody can join at any time. It's just kind of the, um, again, the format that we use to allow, if somebody started at the beginning of a semester, they would be able to have different workshops all throughout the whole time that they're in at Write On! And those weekly workshops are for 2nd through 12th grade. And then we also have a workshop specifically for adults that we offer on Thursday nights. And, um, the other workshops that we have currently are, again, they're for the 2nd through 12th grade, and we try and separate them into 2nd through 5th and then 6th through 12th. But, um, we also have specialty workshops on the weekend where we focus on say short story writing or poetry, or this weekend we actually have, um, one of our staff members is a published author and she's doing a workshop kind of focused around the book that she wrote. So we really want to bring in more authors and illustrators to have that experience. Uh, and in addition to that, we also, when there's an interest, we want to be able to add workshops in the future that will be able to support the wants and the skills to grow for, um, all types of writers. So, you asked specifically, um, you know, well, who do we cater to as far as writing levels? It is for all it is for those proficient writers who just want to have a place to write, have ideas to grow and, um, be able to just, you know, hone in more on their skills to the struggling or the reluctant writers that need to work on just writing and building their skills as well. And that's, that's evident at all levels, no matter if they're in elementary school, high school or even adults. I have so many adults that I can't spell, or I don't know, grammar, it's just that, that whole practice of writing. And again, that's where we give the opportunity and nobody's singled out or made to feel that, you know, their spelling is an issue. We want them to just write. And if they want to publish that piece, we want to have those opportunities, too, where they can take their pieces to publication and they can worry about their grammar and their spelling then, and we'll, you know, focus on getting everything tuned up and submitted for publication.

And that is very refreshing to hear. One of the things that, um, has always been a part of my writing process because I was, I was strong in math, not necessarily English growing up, um, was one of the things that I learned from my own benefit. And when I started writing was I just sit down and just kind of spill it out onto the page. I don't worry about the details. I don't worry about the grammar. I just, I try to get what's in my head out of my head and onto the page as much as possible. And then I can go back and look at, you know, restructuring things and editing things and changing the way things are phrased and, you know, thank goodness for spell check and grammar check that are, you know, more omnipresent now in some of the tools. But yeah, it's, uh, it's good to be able to just get your kind of thoughts out on paper, if you will, and, and then work them from there.

Yes, because that's, there's nothing worse than getting to a word that you can't spell. It's it becomes a roadblock. And then actually, you know, almost like a traffic accident where you can't go any further because you're so focused on spelling that word where if you just spelled it, however it flowed out of the pen and moved on, you would again, just let those ideas and thoughts come out of your head. So, that's what really what we try to encourage. And sometimes that can be one of the biggest challenges is just to get writers, to have that competence, to be able to just let their ideas flow.

Are there anything, any individuals that you find, not, not specifically people, but sort of skill sets or backgrounds that take more naturally to writing than others? So, as we're having, the reason I asked that is that we're having that conversation. I would almost wager that those who are, who grew up extremely good at things like spelling and grammar might be more likely to get hung up on those things while trying to write than somebody who like myself was not as strong in those areas. And then maybe that's not true, but it just sort of struck me as, uh, uh, you know, one possibility.

Right. You know, I would definitely say that that that might be a roadblock, you know, of sorts. Myself personally, when I was growing up, I loved to write, I loved to read, but I struggled with spelling. I struggled with reading and that's actually really what drove my passion in the long run is because I felt that I was oftentimes restricted from those opportunities. Um, and so I want to have that again, to be able to share that or build that confidence in people and be able to just have them not get hung up. I think I could probably just go both ways without one.

Were there stories or things, and we're just gonna, this is a personal question. Were there stories or things that you wrote when you were younger that you still have, or that you're still very proud of or maybe even thought about expanding on as an adult?

Oh, I love that question. So it's so funny. I kept so many things from when I was younger, like writings and stuff that I have, and they are not impressive. And I don't know if I would necessarily want to, um, expand on them, but maybe some of them, I have a lot of poetry and we did like poetry workshops. I remember a lot of, and some of them, they just make me laugh. And, um, you know, at that time it was dot matrix, you know, the computer or the printer. And so that's what I have these funny little cat pictures, all in the dot majors with my crazy poem on it. So, um, but they, they do definitely, um, it lets me see that I was not a great speller. It definitely asked me to see that I actually probably did freely write without too much concern because it's all right there.

Very good. Yeah. I'm still, I, my father just sent me a folder of some stuff from my childhood that he'd held on to, and that were a couple of short stories that I wrote. In fact, I distinctly remember writing them because it was in the back of the car, on a road trip to Florida, from Indiana. And, uh, there was certainly some common themes in my writing and a lot of really bad spelling. And, uh, it was not, as you said, not the least bit impressive, but it was sort of funny to look back on those. So

Yeah, I think I have a state report from the State of Oklahoma. I lived in California and did my state report on Oklahoma. So, had to go back and read those

Dusted off, so to speak, um, going back into your background. So, you were an educator. Can you talk to us a little bit about your experience as an educator? What did you, did you teach just writing or did that kind of come along with other things that you were teaching and what, what levels were you teaching at and things like that?

So, I started in education as a 2nd grade teacher, and then I also taught 1st and 3rd mixed in and together at times. And, um, so that's during the time that penmanship is, um, you know, very important and also, um, lots of reading skills are being acquired and the writing skills, all of that, we were heavy into, um, focusing on letter writing specifically. Um, and that really was what we focused on the whole year, every week we would do this letter writing. And so, um, as I mentioned, I went to, it was through the national writing project and I was part of a summer institute and it was there that, again, it was taking just very simple, fun writing lessons, bringing them to the students. And they were able to actually produce works that their skills grew in. And so, like I said, when I saw this and I was doing it as an adult and loving it and knowing that I could have my students do it, I brought it into the classroom and made it something daily that we had writing workshop that was being done as part of our, our daily routine.

And, um, so it, it definitely came from my experiences and being a teacher and seeing, um, that just there's so much that the educators have to bring to the students. And it's, you know, the math, the social studies science and language arts. Yes. And so they try and get the writing piece in there, but unfortunately it, a lot of times is just visited for a brief time and not really focused on or built on and developed. And, um, that's where I feel that a lot of the students become reluctant and dislike writing because it, all of a sudden becomes, I only do this when I have an essay to write, or I only have to do this for an assignment and there's no joy or enjoyment out of, you know, coming from writing. And, um, so again, that's really where that, that drive and that passion came from was that I need, I want to bring this and make this exciting and see the, the results in the long run of, you know, just these writers growing and enjoying it. And of course, there's still going to be those academic, you know, requirements and, and opportunities and all. But, there's a world a difference when you go to a test after writing daily and building that toolbox and then having, you know, to need to write a short story and being able to go into that experience toolbox and saying, Oh, I could write about that time when we went on a trip to, you know, Missouri or wherever. And you now have that instead of trying to rack your brain for ideas in a short period of time when you're, you know, stressed out. So, that's really where it all came from.

When you say letter writing, are you talking about actual, like letters of the alphabet or writing letters to people?

Great question. So, writing letters to people. So 2nd grade, it, that was that's really, the focus is the, you know, letter writing skills. So, sorry, not, not penmanship, but although, you know, cursive writing and stuff is really big, but that's really focused on more in the kindergarten, first grade, so -

Yeah, that's what I thought. But it was interesting at what made me think of that was the art of letter writing seems lost these days. It really feels like something that has just has just gotten lost, especially with modern technology. And so it's interesting that, you know, even recently that's still being taught.

Yes. Well, and it's definitely an important skill, but at the same time, it, a lot of times things are touched on in that grade level and then they're not revisited again. So I assure you, if I ask, you know, many, a high schooler, you're probably even adults nowadays, can you address this envelope? Or how do you write a friendly letter? It may not be something they could do.

No, but I tell you, if you really want to light somebody's day up, send them an actual handwritten letter, the thing shows up in the mailbox and people almost don't know what to do with themselves.

Yes, yes. We actually have a squirrel, actually a few squirrels, but when we call Scribbles The Squirrel and we welcome people to write to Scribbles and Scribbles will write them back, so.

Very good. Very good. So, what else should we know about Write On! that maybe we haven't talked about yet? What are the questions that we don't know to ask, if you will?

One thing we talked about the workshops that we have, and those are currently all offered in-person and online. So we, um, you know, for the majority of our workshops and events, even we have online options as well as the in-person options. And of course we're being cautious with, you know, um, are making sure we're are, we're having professional cleaning done that we're wearing face masks that we have hand sanitizer, temperatures being all that we're making sure we're really trying to follow a good routine and keeping it as safe as possible for everybody that's coming in here. And, um, so we do have the online options, uh, some other things about right on, we have an amazing website it's writeonfrisco.com. Definitely has lots of great information on there. We are always available for questions, you know, it reasonable hours. Um, so we have phone number, which is (214) 915-2155. And we have an email it's info@writeonfrisco.com. And as you mentioned, we do have Twitter, which has great, you know, just tips and, and tools for, you know, getting you writing. We also have Facebook, which is @WriteOnFrisco. And then we had Instagram too, um, which is also @writeonfrisco. And so trying to think if there's anything else specific with, um, Write On!, we have a lot of things. Again, as I mentioned earlier on, if there's something that somebody's interested in, I really encourage them to reach out. It's not that we haven't thought of it. It's not that we're not considering it. It's that we're really trying to get our feet off, you know, feet wet or, you know, get everybody out there knowing we exist. And we don't want to have too much and have nobody coming or few people coming. We would rather have less and then be able to grow in those and add more as time comes on. So, um, for example, we had someone reach out about grant writing and having a specialty workshop on grant writing. And, um, I have experience with grant writing. I've written several of them when I was an educator. And, so, that's something that I really want to explore and put out there as a possibility for people to come and be able to gain skills in grant writing, so -

Grant writing is definitely an art in and of itself. Have you guys, just out of curiosity, have you, do you have any, uh, classes or courses that are specific to online writing?

Um, so as far as like online writing for, um, like media purposes?

Journalist, anything of that nature.

So again, at this time we don't have a specific one scheduled, but it's all stuff that I don't even want to say it's slated. It's being considered. And really what it's going to come down to is, um, getting the, you know, the writers, you know, registered and coming and expressing an interest in that. And then, yes, definitely. We want to, we have, we have a blog that, um, one of our staff members does for our website. And so just giving those skills and giving people tips and suggestions about how to go about that is, you know, definitely significant, especially cause it's, you know, it's growing more and more as time goes on with technology and all.

And especially now that you guys are able to offer, um, courses online through zoom, as well as in person. Are you finding that you're attracting students from places beyond Frisco or is it mostly just local?

Um, that's a great question. So over the summer, we actually had some writers. We had a writer from Canada. We had, um, a couple from the eastern states as well as California. And so yes, it's, it's some with the start of the school year. I think everybody kind of went back to that "Oh my goodness, we're online again," you know, all this coming at us. And so we haven't seen a whole lot of it with the school year starting up, but definitely something that is an option. If somebody lives in Alaska or goodness, if they live in Europe or, you know, wherever they live, they can jump on and be part of one of our zoom workshops as long as time allows, you know, the time of day that it's scheduled for. And, um, that's, you know, so yes, to answer your question, we've had people from, from various places participate.

Good. Well, Dawn, thank you so much. I am absolutely thrilled to have you guys in Frisco. I love what you're doing. I think it's just, uh, it's, it's a beautiful business. Uh, you know, you're, you're connecting people with that passion and, and helping them develop the skills for creating that, that creative outlet through writing and, uh, something I hope we see more of.

Yeah, definitely. Thank you so much. I appreciate it. And thanks for having me again.

You bet. Thank you for joining us and thanks to all of you for tuning in to the Frisco Podcast. We will talk to you next time.

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Charlie Wendell fills us in on what's new with Melody of Hope, like transitioning from a Gala to a Music Festival. On November 6th, 2020, headliner Abby Anderson leads a roster full of talent for Melody of Hope's Encore! Drive-in Music Festival.

The Festival starts at 5pm at Verona Villa. Attendees will have designated tailgate space with 6-foot buffers for some built-in social distancing. Car passes are available at www.melodyofhope.org/musicfest.

In addition to the music, you'll also find food trucks, a silent auction PLUS a broadcast option too, for those of you who aren't able to get tickets.

Let the music bring hope, Frisco! For additional fun details about the event, read: A New Melodic Twist of Hope on an Old Classic in Frisco

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTQZGDmAt6I&feature=youtu.be

SHOW NOTES: [1:10] What's changing with Melody of Hope [4:30] Artists coming to Frisco [7:00] How will the music festival look in 2020? [8:46] Event details [11:24] Additional ways MOH is helping in the community [14:08] Overview on updates for the nonprofit

LINKS & RESOURCES: * Melody of Hope on Lifestyle Frisco | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter * Encore! Drive-in Music Festival Website

Connect with Lifestyle Frisco on: * YouTube * Facebook * Instagram * Twitter * LinkedIn

Transcript Machine-generated.

Scott: Welcome to The Frisco Podcast. I'm your host, Scott Ellis. And this episode, we're chatting again with Charlie Wendell from Melody of Hope. Charlie, how are you?

Charlie: Hey, Scott. I'm doing great. Thank you all so much for having me

Scott: Glad to have you back on the podcast. And we're going to talk about some of the changes to what's happening with melody of hope and your events, and what's been happening around town, but, where do we find you right now? Are you working from home or are you able to get out and about a little?

Charlie: Yeah, it's kind of, it's both, you know, but even before COVID I worked out of my office and I joke that that's how melody of hope is able to provide so much more funding towards our events and nonprofits is because I don't have an office rent and I work from home. So it's been great. Um, I've definitely been out and about, a lot of our networking groups have still been meeting and I've been meeting a lot of people on zoom as well. So it's been kind of a hybrid for us over here.

Scott: Very good. We're glad to hear you're staying safe and doing well. Um, so let's talk a little bit about what's coming up this year because the last time you and I actually had a chance to speak was almost a year ago at your big gala last year, hard to believe it's already been that long. Um, but you guys are making some changes to how you operate and how you do things. So why don't you kind of walk us through what's going on?

Charlie: Yeah, it's crazy how fast a year goes by? I mean, I remember we recorded the podcast probably a year ago today, and then the gala was about 10 months, 11 months ago. So, um, yeah, we've been making a lot of changes. Our, our board decided even before all the COVID stuff happened that we wanted to kind of shift away from a gala. The gala's been a really sweet spot for us and just a great event, but we, um, you know, it costs us about 40, 30 to 40 grand to put the gala on and, you know, all that's on the cheaper side, we just thought maybe that would be that money could be used towards maybe hiring a big headliner or a big talent to come in and maybe do a music festival. And so we were already thinking about this idea of transitioning from a gala to a music festival as our big, you know, our signature event and just to help, you know, I think that would help bring tourism and, you know, bring people from all over the North Texas area to come into our city and to help that. So, yeah, we've, we've been transitioning to a music festival before COVID.

Scott: Okay. Well, certainly for anybody that's ever put on an event, like the gala that you guys were doing knows how much work and how expensive those can be. So I commend you guys for that decision. Um, it's funny because I remember several years ago, uh, when Wendi and I were here in Frisco, there weren't really any events happening or very few, you know, where you would kind of get dressed up and go out and go to, you know, a nice event like that. And now it seems like there's a lot of them happening, especially around this time of year. So it's interesting to hear how you guys are differentiating yourselves.

Charlie: Yeah. It was also interesting because, you know, they're, you know, the 90 10 rule, there's like 10% of people that do 90% or go to 90% of events. And so we felt like we were maybe pulling from the same, you know, group of people and, you know, that's expensive if you're one of those, you know, 10% that goes to everything that gets kind of expensive to go to galas and, you know, while it's helping good causes, we just thought maybe we'll just bring the community together and have cheaper tickets, but still have a really big event. And so that's kinda what, another reason we decided to switch to the festival.

Scott: Yeah. And then the music festivals, a neat idea too, because it's not really something we have in Frisco. I mean, there've been a couple of big, you know, um, Edge Fest and things that have come through town, nothing that's local and, and focused on what you guys do.

Charlie: Yeah. We had noticed that too. We did a little bit of market research. But also we were wanting to do kind of an upscale component to our festivals. And so, you know, like, you know, Lifestyle Frisco, y'all have been such a great sponsor. We want to do something for our sponsors and our VIP is at our festivals. And so we'll, we'll still be having kind of an upscale VIP lounge this year. Obviously we'll look a little different because of COVID, but there's definitely a, um, a more upscale, kind of niche in our festival for our VIPs and sponsors. So we're excited about that too.

Scott: Can you tell us at all, and if you want to keep it secret for now, that's fine. But can you tell us about any of the artists or like what we would have to look forward to at this year's festival?

Charlie: Oh my gosh. Yes, absolutely. We have. So when we first decided to put this on, we just reached out to all of our artists. We've got about, um, we've really built our, our artists database during COVID. We kind of just blindly reached out to a bunch of artists in North Texas and were like, Hey, we have a lot of virtual shows. And, um, we've probably added about 40 artists to our roster during COVID. So that's been another silver lining to COVID. Um, but this year we've got, um, 19 artists that will be performing at the festival. Um, and we just hired and booked our headliner for the event. And her name is Abby Anderson. Um, she is out of Nashville, but it's kind of a funny story. She she's opened up for gosh, like Billy Currington, Brett Eldridge, you know, actually Rob Thomas of matchbox 20, which is one of my favorite bands.

Charlie: Oh my gosh, I love matchbox 20. They're so great. But yeah, she's, she's kind of up and coming, but she's done. Um, she was on the Buffalo Bills. Um, Oh, she did a song for the Buffalo Bill's team last year. And so she's up and coming, but she performed at our very first gala in 2014. Um, and she was like 14 years old and it's just been really cool to kind of see her, you know, grow into her own and, um, really take the music industry by storm last year. She's been doing great.

Charlie: Yeah. So she'll be headlining. Um, we're going to be blasting a lot of her videos in the next week or so, so you'll be on the lookout, but we've also got Ron Bultongez is, you know, he's kind of the hometown hero of Plano and Frisco area. He was on American idol and top 24 finalist. Um, and he's just great, you know, he's played for us a couple of times and then Grace Tyler, who also, she, you know, she's a Frisco kind of Frisco country queen. Um, so we've got a bunch of artists I can, you know, naming all 19 I can, but those are kind of like the three big hitters of our event.

Scott: Well, good. I'm glad to hear that. And it's funny. I was about to ask you about Grace Tyler. We've had her on the podcast before and done some interviews with her in the past, and she's a fantastic young talent and, you know, she graduated high school, I think a couple of years ago. And, um, I think she went to Nashville.

Charlie: Yeah. She's in Nashville. Yeah. Yeah.

Scott: But glad she'll be back for this event. So in the context of, of COVID and all that, that, that entails, um, how was the event going to look this year? How will it kind of fall together so that people are being safe and everything's, you know, people are comfortable coming out.

Charlie: Sure, sure. Yeah. So the biggest thing, um, that we are doing to make sure people are being COVID compliant is we have a, it's a drive in music festival. And so we have got, um, Verona Villa. So I don't know how many details you guys know. I guess our listeners don't know too many details, but, um, yeah, we were doing at Verona Villa to share in the parking lot and everyone has a designated tailgate space that is, you know, has six foot buffers. And so you'll have, you know, a parking spot and then a tailgate space. And then, so that's your six foot buffer. And so that's how we're kind of making sure everyone is staying safe. Um, and then if you have a truck, you know, bring your truck and tailgate, like physically tailgate in the back of it, um, in your little buffer, six foot buffer space. Um, so that'll be fun. We've seen it done before. Um, one of our volunteers, she works for a, um, a kind of independent radio station and they did this and it was a really big success. And so we saw it and we were like, man, we really need to do that. We have to do something for our community. You know, it's just trying to help boost the morale of the community and just bring people together in a safe way. And, um, that's really the heart of what we're trying to do is, you know, music is such a great unifier and, you know, I think politics aside it'll be right after the election. So I think people will be happy and sad. And so I think this is a great opportunity to just bring people together and, enjoy some good music and kind of forget about what's going on at home.

Scott: Yeah. I think first of all, what is the date? So people know,

Charlie: Yes, it is November the sixth. Okay. So right after the election and I'm sure that people, yes, everybody's going to welcome a distraction of any kind that is, we may not necessarily know the outcome yet, but I'm sure people will be ready to move on and think about other things. So that's great timing. Yes. Yes. And also I'm just touching on the COVID compliancy. We've also got contactless entry, so, you know, you buy a ticket and then you just show your ticket to the, um, at the checking table. But when you drive in and so it's contactless, we've got sanitation stations, we'll be providing masks for everyone. Um, and so that's a few other ways that we're keeping it covid safe.

Scott: Wonderful. Well, we're looking forward to it. I think it sounds like a great event. And how long, I mean, you've got 19 artists, how long has he been going to be?

Charlie: Yeah, so we just kind of redid the schedule. Um, so Ashley Miller and Corey Holmes are, they're both board members, they're emceeing the event. Um, we just kind of redid the schedule with them. We're going to be doing, um, kind of groups of artists. So it's called a song swap. And so the first six, 12 to 16 artists will be, coming on in groups of four and they will be kind of song swapping and kind of just, you know, bantering off of each other into the first four actual B groups. And then the last four will be, you know, the big hitters that the artists that have actual bands with them, a lot of these artists are just solo artists plug and play. So we're doing groups of artists first, and then the last four artists are solo artists that are, you know, with their band or whatever.

Scott: Okay. And I want to make sure that we, uh, plugged this a couple of times, but if people want to get tickets, where do they go?

Charlie: Yeah. So we've built a website actually during COVID, Google has been amazing because I just Google, like, I think that's part of being a business owner. You just Google a lot of things. Um, but we, we just Googled how to create a festival website and what a lot of them looked like. So we made one for the event, it's just melody of hope.org/music Fest. And so that has all the information. It has all the COVID compliancy information, the artists that we'll have a couple of food trucks there, um, you know, cause people have to eat, even though, you know, we can still make it COVID, COVID compliant and safe, but we'll have food trucks there we'll have a silent auction that's live. Um, we're also, We'll also be broadcasting the event too. So we just hired a company to come in and broadcast the entire thing. So if you can't attend, then you can still tune in. It's a free live stream. Um, you can still tune in and watch that as well.

Scott: All right. Very good. So we have, um, the festival coming up on November 6th and, uh, obviously you guys have kind of changed the format and, and what you're doing as melody of hope. Um, but we talked a little before we kicked off the call about, you know, businesses and helping local businesses as well. And the unique position you guys are in to help nonprofits and artists, but potentially also businesses. Can you talk a little, a little bit about what you guys have going on there?

Charlie: Yeah, absolutely. We have been in kind of a unique space because like I had mentioned, you know, music is so easily transferred to the virtual world and we've had a couple of our sponsors and donors that own businesses reach out and, you know, because they're not going out and networking as much or even doing events. They, a lot of them reached out to us asking if we could possibly provide an artist just for their Facebook page to go live on. And so, you know, you have an artist on a page for an hour that really helps to boost engagement. Um, you know, and that will help the business can get on intermittently and, you know, talk about what they do, but we've had a lot of people ask about, you know, how can we boost our brand and boost our Facebook viewers with an artist. And so we've been able to provide that Laurie, Laurie McCaffron, she's kind of the first one that kind of jumped on the idea and we've had like Stryker, roofing, um, Josh Smith insurance agent. So a few people that have used utilize those artists so far. And so if you're a business out there, we would love to help, um, provide an artist if you need some engagement for your live or just someone to, you know, boost your brand.

Scott: Yeah. And that's a really, that's an interesting idea. I've worked with some businesses that have, um, they do kind of all hands, you know, all company meetings and right now they're doing them virtually and they'll actually have an artist come on at some point during the all hands meeting, usually toward the beginning just to kind of make it fun and kick things off and it's been hugely successful for them and, and employees love it. Um, so I think there's a lot of different ways to, uh, to make that work.

Charlie: Yeah, absolutely. We've done that as well. Tabitha's T is one of the nonprofits that we partner with actually Ebony was, um, on Wendi. I interviewed Ebony yesterday, so, um, that's just came out. She came to my mind first, but yeah, we've provided, you know, we've still been able to provide artists for nonprofit events too, that have switched the virtual world. And so, you know, it's been, it's been a great opportunity for us and just trying to help, still employ the artists and the nonprofits are still fundraising. I mean, they're still helping, there's still needs in the community that, you know, have to be met even though COVID, you know, has kind of taken over, but we've been helping that way too.

Scott: Uh, how has the melody of hope doing overall?

Charlie: And doing great? Like I had mentioned, um, we added, we added three new board members, um, which has been incredible for us. We added, um, Ebony King, Earnest Morgan and Jeff Bankston to our board this year. And it's just been a time of growth for us. Um, you know, we can do that all virtually, you know, send in the applications and, you know, have board meetings virtually. So we've been kind of growing, um, growing in that way as well. And, you know, it's just, it's just a really great opportunity for us, you know, we exist to, to share the gospel and we do that from the stage. And so having a virtual, a strong virtual component from COVID has really helped us to just share the love of Jesus. Um, you know, we try to do that any chance we get and, and that's been great for us to be able to do that on a larger scale. You know, we have more virtual viewers then in person events. And so, you know, that's really why we exist and that's, um, you know, why we're doing what we do

Scott: Well, thank you for doing what you do. We appreciate it immensely. Um, and I know that a lot of people in Frisco, we're going to be looking forward to, to coming out to the festival, to hearing some live music, which is something a lot of us haven't had a chance to do in a while, uh, to forgetting about politics for hours, at least by all means, uh, you know, I think what you guys are doing is fantastic and we're grateful for it. So, uh, once again, let's kind of give everybody the rundown on the festival, they location to get tickets, all that good stuff.

Charlie: Yeah, absolutely. Um, so the festival is on November the sixth then, so that's four weeks from today. It's on a Friday. Um, the time it starts at five o'clock and it will last till probably about 10 30. Um, and you can get, uh, your car passes on our website at www.melodyofhope.org/music Fest. And then we are doing a free live stream. And so if you can't attend, um, if you don't feel good about, you know, socially distancing or COVID, and you don't want to attend, then you can still watch the show on it'll be streaming on YouTube and Facebook and portions of it on Instagram.

Scott: Awesome. And can people donate to melody of hope through your website?

Charlie: Oh yeah, of course. Yeah. That's just melody of hope.org and there's a donate button on the, on our page.

Scott: Okay. Good to know. So if people, uh, maybe if they don't want to come or they'd rather stay home and watch the live stream, but they still want to help out, they still want to contribute. That's a great way to do that. Um, so definitely head out to melody of hope.org, and look for that donate button. Charlie, thank you so much for coming on the show today. Really appreciate it and everything you guys are doing.

Charlie: Yeah. Thank you so much, Scott. And I just have to say thank you all so much. Lifestyle Frisco is the generous stage sponsor this year, and that has been such a great help. And so I cannot say thank you enough to y'all and the partnership we really, um, have enjoyed that. And we're so humbled and grateful for you guys.

Scott: Well, thank you very much. We appreciate that. And we appreciate each and every one of you for tuning in to the Frisco podcast, uh, you know, again, go out to melody of hope.org. Look forward to the music festival on November 6th, and we look forward to hopefully before too much longer being able to get out and see you around town. Thank you very much.

View Details

Subscribe on iTunes! Subscribe on Google Play Podcast RSS Feed Let's talk health and fitness. In this week’s episode, we chat with Beth Crain, owner of BEYOND Pilates Frisco, where she and her team work with clients from ages 16 to senior citizens.

Pilates is a mix of resistance and strength training in a low-impact environment. The signature class at BEYOND features their reformer to help work all major muscle groups in a 45-minute format.

Listen as we talk about the sweat-drenching challenge of the various types of classes and the 'work zones' within them!

We also learn about the journey Beth is on adapting to the necessary changes due to COVID-19, including crafting a safe reopen plan with a consultant after being closed for 11 weeks in the late spring of 2020.

BEYOND Pilates Frisco is growing! Hear about the new store coming to west Frisco!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zov9_5expX0&feature=youtu.be

SHOW NOTES:

[00:40] Intro to Beth Crain [1:56] How Beyond is different [4:45] Full Body [6:00] Changes due to COVID-19 [12:23] Gyms may be safer than you think [15:15] Pop Up studio (Legacy & Lebanon) and future studio (Lebanon & 4th Army) [19:10] Fall Challenge

LINKS & RESOURCES: * Beyond Pilates on Lifestyle Frisco | Facebook | Instagram

Connect with Lifestyle Frisco on: * YouTube * Facebook * Instagram * Twitter * LinkedIn

Transcript Machine-generated.

Kelly (00:06): Welcome to the Frisco podcast and welcome to Beth Crain with BEYOND Pilates. We're talking health and fitness today. Welcome Beth, how are you? I'm good. Thanks for having me. Yeah, thank you for joining us. So we have talked to you before on The Frisco Podcast, but a lot has changed a lot has changed in everybody's lives, but I want to learn to see what's changed and how things have evolved over at beyond since we last talked to you here. Um, so can you just kind of get us started with sort of the basics, first of all, who you are and introduce yourself to us and how you're connected to BEYOND.

Beth (00:40): Absolutely. Well, I am Beth and I am the owner of BEYOND Pilates here in Frisco. We opened at the very end of 2017. So we're coming up on our third birthday, which we're super excited about. This year we're celebrating by adding our second studio in West Frisco. So I think we'll talk about that a little later in the podcast. Anyways, I have an amazing, amazing team of instructors and studio staff and an on-staff nutrition coach over at BEYOND. Um, and we just, we work with men and women from like 16 to senior citizens every week. And, um, just help everyone get stronger and stay healthy.

Kelly (01:22): Well, one of the people that you have worked with is me recently. So, um, one thing I, I guess, you know, to communicate to the audience, a couple of words that, that remind me of being in there, so work zone. So these teachers get you in these positions and you work really specific muscle groups, and then they, then they hit you with the surprise that you're about to get into a work zone. And, you know, you're going to hold, so do the, do these other movements. So, um, I feel those four days and I love that feeling sore. You feel like, you know, you can tell you did something good. So give me sort of the philosophy on these moves and how this, how going to BEYOND is different than, um, maybe hitting a yoga yoga studio or doing just hit classes at a gym or all the other things that people do for fitness.

Beth (02:10): Yes. So people walk into the studio all the time and are like, I need to do Pilates that I need to stretch. And our first reaction is always like, Oh, well, we're not exactly a stretching studio. Um, you do work on your flexibility while you're there, but really by nature, Pilates is meant for strength training and, um, resistance training and a low impact environment. So you're not like jumping up and down and pounding on your joints, which gets important as we get older. So our classes are 45 minute format, always, using equipment. So you'll either be using our Pilates reformers, which have been fully customized to the way that we run our classes at BEYOND, or the Pilates chair. Um, and then we throw in a little, some other accessories to keep it interesting. Um, you'll always get a full body workout. So you're going with the reformer studio, our signature 45 minute class. You're going to get upper body, lower body and core every time you go beyond. Um, and then we also have a studio that's more like Pilates interval training, which combines Pilates chairs with kettlebells for like an amazing calorie torching 30 minute session. Um, and that is either your abs and arms format or abs and ass. Um, and that one is just like drenching, sweat. I don't think you were able to do it when you were in the studio this month, but.

Kelly (03:30): Well, just because I didn't do that one doesn't mean I wasn't drenching sweat. I was drenched with the basic class, so I love it.

Beth (03:37): And it's not, I mean, it's not basic. And I think what's amazing about the way we teach our classes at BEYOND, um, one what I found cause I was a client at the Dallas studio before, um, we talked to the woman who created it and we're able to bring it up to Frisco. So, um, I loved that everything was set to music. It's like a rhythm based Pilates class kind of like, I don't know, soul cycle. Exactly. Even though we were in Dallas before SoulCycle was so credit to Brandy Marino for creating our concept. The classes fly by because of the music. And like, even if you're in the worst of it, like, you know, you're talking about those little work zones where like you've been doing something like one move for like 45 seconds and you feel like your arm or your leg is about to fall off and then you have that work zone coming and you're like, well, if you take classes, you also know that's kind of like your final cue of like, okay, I've got like 10 or 15 more seconds I can get through this. Like I'm not going to quit because we're going to work zone. Then you're also, you know, probably have a song that you can either sing along to, or just like help motivate you through class, along with the instructors. So that's what makes us just fun. Yeah.

Kelly (04:44): And you know, yeah, there's some, there's some pain, you know, getting through 15 seconds at a time of, you know, short term pain is easy to get past mentally. Um, and you mentioned the full body. I think that's another part of it. So you're in there for 45 minutes, but you're not just going to like a legs class, which I have done, you know, done that at some gyms. And you're not just going to just burn out arms and back or whatever you, you kind of, I don't know if they do it in thirds. Right. But you know, there's going to be arms maybe at the beginning and throughout or whatever, and then maybe switch to legs or different parts. So you kinda get through each piece and it hurts. You're done with it. Move on to a larger, you know, different body section. So I love that to where you working everything the whole time, but you know, it's still focused sort of in those chunks during the class. Right?

Beth (05:35): Definitely. Yeah. And our format is like super intentional like that because there's nothing worse for me than being in a class. And you're like, what do you mean? We're going back to legs. I thought we might, like, he didn't even feel my leg anymore. I thought we were done with that. I don't have any more to give you. So we try to like, you know, really like pull you on that journey through class. Cause it's an experience. And then yet when you're done, you move onto the next group. Check.

Kelly (05:59): Yes. So now I do have to ask, you know, what, what does the COVID safe version of BEYOND look like? I hope that it's not a longterm look and I hope that it's not something that we even look back on this and go, Oh yeah, I hope it's, um, it's, it's short term, but I know we've already been six months into this. And so I'm curious to hear what you've had to do as a business owner to shift into, you know, staying open now or I'm sure you closed, but tell me what that, what that happened, what that looked like and what it is like now.

Beth (06:30): So the whole journey has been interesting. I don't even know what to say. Um, we actually were talking right before we turned on filming. So we're filming this in the middle of September. So six months ago we closed the studio and it feels like yesterday and it feels like a really long time ago. So I, um, fortunately, so I'm not, I own my own studio, but I'm not like one woman out on an Island. I talked to owners all over the country. And also, even some international owners. So through one of my business coaching groups, that's all fitness studio owners. Um, we heard about this in January when it was happening in China. Um, and I was trying to like rattle the bells with some of the owners I talked to locally and across the country. And everyone was like head in the sand, like just Windex, just spray some Windex, you'll be fine. And I'm like, guys, I think this is going to be a big deal here. So what happened is we came through March. If you remember the very first positive case of COVID was in Frisco, I'm the very first case in all of Dallas Fort worth. And I, when that happened, I was like to my management team, I was like, guys, get ready. We're going to be closing soon. And we ended up closing on Sunday night, March 15th. We sent the email out and we only closed because we'll one flatten the curve, that whole thing. But we really closed because at that point I had no idea what to do. Just like total transparency. I had no idea what to do. If a client got it. If an instructor got it, I had no idea how to prevent it or keep it from spreading. And so, um, we closed for 11 weeks and I went out and hired a consultant, um, who did work with a ton of Asian studios and was already kind of most of the way through it as their studios were starting to open again in early spring. And, um, she had worked with like doctors, scientists, immunologists, health hazard, OSHA, um, way beyond my expertise. And, um, we worked with her to craft a reopening plan that we felt like was safe. And we waited until we, I think governor Abbott let fitness studios open like March 18th and at, beyond we ended up waiting until June the first just to make sure we had really good systems in place because the most important thing to me as an owner, like I want my clients to be safe, but more than anything, I wanted my staff to feel comfortable and safe coming back. Um, and I know a ton of studios across the country lost a lot of their instructor talent because people did not feel comfortable coming back and I'm happy to say it BEYOND we had eight out of nine instructors come back, which was amazing. And the only person who did it yes, had lived with a high risk individual. And so like, it just wasn't physically possible for her to come back

Kelly (09:17): That says a lot about you as, you know, a team leader, taking the extra time to make sure everything is in place, um, per what your consultant said. That's fantastic that you went out and got outside resources and information too. Okay. And so I've, you know, watched all your communications during all that. And so when you did come out, you kinda, you know, you came out really buttoned up and ready to go. And I mean, In addition to limiting the member number of people who can register and yes, Spacing these reformer tables out, like those are the big things I'm guessing what else?

Beth (09:54): Yeah. So the big things on the back end. So for staff, um, they all get temperature checked when they come into the studio every day and they have to just stay up on, you know, answering all the good questions about, you know, do you have a sore throat? Have you been exposed to anyone? All those fun questions we all answer everywhere we go now. Um, so we really stay on top of them. They stay in full protective gear when they're teaching. So they have gloves on. And as you saw in class, they teach with the face shields. Um, just because it just helps keep them safe. And they're the ones that are the most exposed cause they're there every day. Um, and then for clients what's different when you come in versus, you know, back before, um, we used to have 12 reformers in our studio and they were not socially distanced six feet apart. So we put forward formers in storage. And so we now have eight in class now. So we've got smaller class sizes. You're always at least six feet apart. And over at our little popups studio, we're actually like eight to 10 feet apart cause we have a little more room in there. Um, so there's tons of personal space and, um, gloves were mandatory when we opened and then we were able to replace our loops, used to be cloth. And the company that made our equipment came out with like very easy wiping, um, vinyl ones. So, you know, everything you touched can be right down easily. We deep clean four times a day now, um, on top of the athletic wives and really with bodies, the awesome thing is you come into the studio, you have your mask on, you can take it off once you get to your equipment when you're safely apart from other people. And then you are only touching your equipment for that class. So you walk in, you know, that your equipment was sanitized, disinfected, completely cleaned since the last person was there and it will be completely cleaned disinfected after you leave before the next person comes in.

Kelly (11:41): You don't move around. You're, you know, it's not a situation where you're moving from a bar to an app section, you know, section of the room or something like that. You're removing, you know, rotating or, and I know that's Pretty common in some types of gyms, you're on your reformer and you're just using it and it's enough. You don't need it. Isn't that you don't need to go anywhere else to get an awesome workout.

Beth (12:03): And that's how our classes have always been. So I feel like Pilates has just naturally, um, a good modality to be doing right now. And then you do get sweaty, but it's not the huffing and puffing of running on a treadmill or rowing or doing that really high intensity like cardiovascular, because that is a concern right now. Just honestly, I have fun facts to share with you, which I just read this week. Yeah, not from our studio, but just for anyone out there, whether you're interested in and BEYOND, or whether you've been nervous to go back to your own gym or your own studio. Um, the International Health and Racquet Association, they did a study over the summer and it was 2,700 gyms fitness studios in the United States that cumulatively had over 49 million visits from June to the end of August.And they found that the incident of COVID in all of those cases was 0.0023%. That's so good. Well, yeah. So while the government has tried to like paint fitness as like an unsafe place to be right now, um, I think my advice is like, if you were going somewhere that does a really good job of cleaning and you feel good with their procedures and you see people in protective gear and you're taking those precautions, like it's unhealthier to not be working out.

Kelly (13:22): Right. That's what I was thinking. When you mentioned that stat, I'm thinking, well, yes, it, everything can be, um, I guess, dangerous too, but also the nature of an already healthy person going into stay healthy is part of the strong immune system that helps in fighting when you do get any strain of anything.

Beth (13:44): Yes. And also like this we know is, you know, a disease, it's a virus that is wreaking havoc on people who are obese, who have diabetes, who have heart conditions like, and all of that can get better with exercise. One of my favorite things that's happened since we reopened, we had like a very, very loyal member who did like every single video workout we did together. Like while we were closed for 11 weeks and then she never came back to the studio and I was like, where is this person? Like, we need to call and check in on her. And she dodged our calls and didn't answer our text messages. And then one day the studio door opens and she walks inside and we're like, we're so happy to see you, like what's up. And she goes, I just drove here straight from my doctor's office because I went in for my physical and he looked at me and he was like, what is wrong with you? Like all of your stats are worse than they were last year. And she goes, well, I haven't been to Pilates since March. And he goes, why not? Because of COVID. And he was like, no, no, no, no, no. If that's what you do when you love, like you need to be in there three times a week, like you were. And she drove straight from her doctor's office to our studio, and turned her membership back on.

Kelly (14:57): That's awesome. See, she needs it. She needed it to be healthy.

Beth (15:01): Yeah. But it was like, her blood pressure was higher. Her, her, uh, like everything was like, her weight was higher. Everything had gone the wrong direction. So when you started it around

Kelly (15:10): Yeah. Your body reacts when you stop working out sometimes. Yes. Okay. So you mentioned a popup studio and you mentioned West Frisco. I just want to get a quick update. Um, is the popup studio or where is that? And is that Permanent thing or is this temporary until West Frisco happens? So give us the lowdown on the locations.

Beth (15:29): Okay. So, um, for, for those listeners, long time listeners and fans, um, the last time I was on the podcast, we were super excited because we were about to open our cardio pilates format, um, in spring 2020. And, um, that came in, went right. Um, but we had signed a lease for an awesome location at fourth army in Lebanon. So, it's kind of like, you know, halfway between like Starwood and the tribute. Um, so if you live near Phillips Creek Ranch or any of those places were come into your neighborhood soon and with COVID, we had to obviously pivot and pivot and pivot again. So what we had planned to be our bigger cardio studio with treadmills and some other equipment, um, I don't feel safe opening right now because I don't should be running indoors. And so what we are able to do is we are going to moving our reformer studio from Legacy and Lebanon, where we've been for three years to Lebanon and fourth army. So we're literally going a mile West down the road, um, to where we have a much bigger studio, we'll have a huge retail space in the lobby, which, um, we're really known for our cute t-shirt, um, all of our cute workout gear that we stock and, um, we'll have a bigger space for that, but we'll also have room to put up to 14 reformers. So that's two more than we've ever had, um, into the studio and keep them six feet apart permanently. So we're just going to be social distance forever because we've also grown accustomed to having a little extra room and we like spreading out. So we are moving everything down there that will happen around holiday time. Um, we're about to start construction any day now. And then our pop up studio, came as a necessity the summer because we reopened in all of our classes were wait-listed for like weeks. And that's not a good experience when, um, you know, you have new clients who want to come in and try you out, or people who decided to return a couple of weeks late and it was really hard to get them into class. So, we hired and trained five amazing new instructors who as of next Monday, we'll all be on the schedule. Um, and we're super excited to welcome them to our family. So we have, I think we're up to 12 instructors and our instructor team. And then, I went to my landlord and I was like, I've got some equipment, I need extra space, like, what can you do for me? And there was an empty location in our same shopping center. So in the Kroger shopping center at legacy and lebanon where we are, um, BEYOND Pilates, our reformer studio has big signage up in front of it. And then a couple doors down. There's no signage because it's temporary is our popup studio. So that's where we have that kettlebell and Pilates teacher classes, the 30 minute format. So if you've got your kids at home with you this year, um, it's we really wanted like an express class format where like it was down and dirty, get it done in 30 minutes. Um, so we were able to take the equipment from the cardio studio except not the treadmills and do this popup studio. We've been open since, um, I think the first week of August and we'll be there until we open the new studio and then that equipment will move into our old studio and legacy and Lebanon,

Kelly (18:43): Just shuffling the deck, moving everything around.

Beth (18:45): Yeah. We've got some locations that are luckily really close together for our longtime members and, um, we're doing the best we can in the pandemic. And then hopefully in the future, it will be safe to open our BEYOND 500 format. So we're, we're super excited to bring that to Frisco at some point.

Kelly (19:01): Yeah, that is exciting. It's exciting. All the different formats that you're able to offer. And I caught wind of something the other day. I want to, um, let you tell us about an upcoming challenge. And I feel like, yeah, It has something to do with nutrition. So that's something I didn't know too much about with you guys. So tell me what this challenge is.

Beth (19:19): I will so quickly run down. We were so fortunate that at the beginning of 2019, Lisa Nelson joined our family at BEYOND. And, um, Lisa is not only a well known, um, instructor in the area. She teaches Pilates at our studio, but she also is a certified fitness nutritionist. So that is someone who is able to come up with a personalized meal plan for you and prescribe not only a meal plan, but a workout plan that works together to build lean muscle mass and lose body fat. Um, and so she's been working just one-on-one with nutrition clients, which is something we have that's ongoing, for almost two years now and getting absolutely amazing results. I think she's worked with like 50 or 60 clients. So this six week challenge starts October the fifth. And if you have not been to BEYOND before, or if you're returning after a while, you can get unlimited classes and six weeks of nutrition coaching with Lisa, um, all for one discounted price. So it's a great value and we have a limited by the time this airs, we may even be sold out, but we have a limited amount of spots because Lisa devotes so much one on one time to each of her nutrition clients. And I mean, I've done it with her. I, when we opened the studio, um, my son was two months old and a year later I had still quite not gotten back to where I wanted be. And, um, she whipped my butt in shape in like six weeks just working. I didn't even, you know, usually it's a four month program for outside clients, but, um, I mean within six weeks, like I was so happy with where she had gotten me and just the accountability of having to like come in every week and be like, here's what I ate. I got my workouts in, I didn't get my workouts in and she's so good. Like we had a client at one point who traveled a ton for work. And she would literally come in with the, like the restaurant menus and be like, Lisa, I have to take clients out. And this is the restaurant they picked, what am I going to eat? And they would sit there and like make a plan so that she walked into that restaurant and like confident knowing like I'm going to get the salmon with no this and no that that's on the side. That's a really big tool tool to have in your tool belts and know the nutrition part of it. Well, yes, cause it really is like, it's a lifestyle. So what we don't want is a six week crush diet where everyone puts it back on by Christmas. Like we want to make healthy lifestyle changes.

Kelly (21:48): And that sounds great. So by the time this does publish. If, if it's full, they can still reach out to you guys at BEYOND Pilates and find out, you know, how to get in on the next one or how to go ahead and just jump in and do some trial classes and see if membership what membership is right for you and get the full, you know, BEYOND experience from you guys. Yeah. Well thank you for your time. I love the updates.

Beth (22:14): Thank you, Kelly.

Kelly (22:15): All the growth. That's very exciting for you guys. So next time we have you on, you're going to have like four locations up and running by then.

Beth (22:21): I hope so.

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Subscribe on iTunes! Subscribe on Google Play Podcast RSS Feed In this week’s episode, let's debunk the notion that only wealthy people can make a difference in their community. We discuss some of the things the Communities Foundation of Texas is doing to serve our communities, including their notion that every person is a philanthropist.

Educate Texas, Working Families Success, the W.W. Caruth Jr Fund, and North Texas Giving Day are just a few of the huge ways they spread the love and give back to those in need. CFT manages more than donor-advised funds and agency funds focused on trying to better the quality of life of residents in Collin County.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwfz6rkBVwc&feature=youtu.be

SHOW NOTES:

[00:45] History of CFT & Programs [7:55] Expanding in Collin County [10:10] COVID-19 North Texas Cares Fund [11:14] North Texas Giving Day [17:10] How to get involved

LINKS & RESOURCES: * NorthTexasGivingDay.org | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram * Website: Communities Foundation of Texas * Communities Foundation of Texas on Lifestyle Frisco * Email Sarah Beeks Humphrey: shumphrey@cftexas.org

Connect with Lifestyle Frisco on: * YouTube * Facebook * Instagram * Twitter * LinkedIn

Transcript Machine-generated.

Kelly: Welcome to today's episode of the Frisco podcast. Sitting in for Scott Ellis today I'm your host Kelly Walker. We're talking nonprofits and community giving today. We have Communities Foundation of Texas with us and joining us with Communities Foundation of Texas. We have Sarah Beeks Humphrey. She is the Director of Charitable Giving Collin County and Jeri Chambers, the Donors Relations Officer Collin County. Welcome ladies. How are you guys doing today? Thank you, Kelly. It's a pleasure to be here today. Thank you for the opportunity. Yeah. We're excited to tell our audience about what you're doing over there at Communities Foundation of Texas. So to give us just sort of a little history, can you, um, can you give us a brief history and what Communities Foundation of Texas is?

Sarah: Absolutely. Communities Foundation of Texas is the largest community foundation in the state of Texas. We were founded in 1953 and we were founded by a number of philanthropic families that saw the need and certainly the benefit of a community foundation to serve the nonprofits and the individuals and the businesses to really match the needs that are in the community with the philanthropists and those that want to have life improved in DFW and in North Texas. So we started our community foundation as the Community Chest Trust, and that was back in 1953. So we've been in operation here in DFW and North Texas for a good number of years. We run several programs in house, such as our Educate Texas program, which is a statewide program, transforming public K through 12 and higher education systems across the state of Texas, really trying to improve every student's chance for success through our programs that we run our partnerships that we have with a number of foundations and individuals and corporations across the United States and our policy work. So we have staff in Dallas and in Austin working with the state legislature on policy issues for education. And then we also have staff in the Rio Grande Valley working with very at risk youth in working to get resources for them, for improvement of the education system in the Rio Grande Valley.

Kelly: We probably, um, with Educate Texas, it wasn't something I was very familiar with before, you know, learning about you guys. That's probably something that touches, like you said, all over Texas. Many of us that have school age children sounds like it reaches everyone K through 12. That's probably something that you guys are impacting, you know, our daily lives and we not even know it.

Sarah: That's exactly right. That's exactly right. Our partners are the school districts, the colleges, the universities across the state of Texas, obviously the businesses and the workforce organizations working on workforce development, many philanthropic agencies and foundations across the country, as well as the state of Texas. And of course the state agencies and policy-making organizations to really change the trajectory of how like education going forward. So we work with foundations, corporations, the Texas education agency, as well as the Texas workforce commission to really make education a priority in the state of Texas.

Kelly: That's a big one. What are some other initiatives that you guys have?

Sarah: Yes, indeed. We also work with the Working Families Success model, and that is an economic security for working families. It is providing a framework for nonprofits to deliver key services and financial support, to low income families using an integrated approach for many nonprofit agencies working together in three core services. So we work with employment services to provide skill assessment, job training, and job search and placement assistance. We also work with businesses and corporations on income support or benefits, screening applications, assistance, um, housing assistance, tax prep, and such. And we also provide an opportunity for the third area, which is the financial coaching. So it provides financial education counseling access to financial services. So that is a another really important program that our philanthropic team are really in charge of and make sure that they are addressing the issues in the low income families so that we can provide some additional assistance and provide resources to help them, their families going forward.

Kelly: Can you tell me about the WW Caruth Jr. Fund and what that is?

Sarah: Yes. The WW Caruth Jr Fund is one of our large, uh, supporting organizations that is administered through CFT., WW Caruth Jr and his family set up the fund with CFT back in 1974. And the thrust of this fund was to provide transformational multi-year grants in the areas of education, health, and scientific research and public safety. So it's a large portion of our asset base. Communities Foundation of Texas, $1.2 billion under management assets under management. And that includes over a thousand donor advised funds and agency firms and several supporting organizations like our larger WW Caruth Fund. So it allows our team, our philanthropy team and our organization too, to make very large grants, uh, to really make a difference in our DFW and North Texas region. And then our bulk of our work and our bread and butter, if you will, is our donor advised funds. So we have the opportunity, Jeri and I have the opportunity in Collin County in particular to work with individuals and families and businesses and nonprofit agencies trying to better the quality of life for all of our residents in calling County.

Kelly: So you said that's the donor advice fund? Yes. So, I mean, I take that as you, you and Jeri work with donors on helping them helping direct to, to the, put the funds in the best place or helping donations get to the best place and have to get the most out of them. And the best use?

Sarah: That's exactly right. We're thinking of a matchmaker. We match the needs that are there in the community with those that want to give back whether it's an individual or a family or business, or the nonprofits, of course, which are on the front lines with boots on the ground, delivering those resources and programs to help those in need.

Kelly: That's fantastic because there's probably some, some large donors out there. I mean, even me as just, you know, kind of your everyday small donor, um, you want to know that your money is where it's going or where it's going to end up. And so, especially, I'm sure if you're a large donor or you have a family trust or something you're trying to direct funds to, you really want to work with somebody and know where that money's going and how it's getting put to use the best. You probably feel better and end up donating more when you have that partnership with you.

Sarah: That's exactly right.

Kelly: So tell me about how you're expanding and the needs are expanding of CFT in the Collin County area.

Sarah: Of course, thank you. Collin County communities are some of the fastest growing communities in the country. And as a community foundation, one of the services that we provide is an opportunity to identify some of the needs in a growing community and be able to garner resources to address some of those needs directly, be it through the corporate fundraising and philanthropy or individuals and families. And we work with nonprofit agencies to help them and assist them in identifying those that are in need and developing their programs, sustaining and providing capacity building to bring a stronger philanthropic base for those growing communities. And so we established an office at Hall Park in Frisco, to address the community directly. So at that time we established a fund for Collin County, which would address the, the needs of the community and those nonprofits in Collin County that are serving that vulnerable population. So we were very excited to be able to seed that fund for Collin County initially with $500,000 from the Mabel Peter's Caruth fund at CFT. And then we were offering a challenge to the community to join us in building that fund for Collin County to a million dollars so that we would have a fund that would be longstanding and sustainable over time to address those needs in Collin County for many, many years to come. And we're pleased that over 95 donors and businesses and foundations stepped up, helped us raise the additional million. We're a little over 1,060,000 and growing. And we have an opportunity of course, to continue to grow that fund over time.

Kelly: In addition to the existing programs and initiatives that you run, I'm sure that the COVID-19 pandemic has created new challenges for you. So tell me how you have been able to react to those needs.

Sarah: Communities Foundation of Texas as a community foundation does have the opportunity to pivot, to move very quickly to mobilize funding for disaster relief. And so we certainly have, um, established a number of COVID response funds like the North Texas Cares fund and do a lot of collaborative work with partners across the DFW region to address those that are suffering. You know, we've got over 32 collaborative partners for our North Texas Cares fund, and we've been able to generate about $40 million out to nonprofits that are addressing, the community that are directly related to COVID-19.

Kelly: Now, Thursday, September 17th is coming up. It's right around the corner. It's North Texas Giving Day, 12 years of giving in Texas. We've talked a lot about this already with Lifestyle Frisco, but I want to let listeners hear it from you. Tell me a little about what North Texas giving day is. What are some of the goals for this year's giving day?

Jeri: Well, I'll take that one. And this is our 12th year for doing North Texas Giving Day. And it started with the idea that every person is a philanthropist and we have this notion that only very wealthy people can, can make a difference in their community. And we, we, we debunk that notion. In 2019, we raised $50 million in one day by the generosity of over a hundred thousand donors. So it was an incredible day, incredible opportunity for our community. This year, we certainly are very, um, straightforward with the idea that our nonprofits now need their support now more than ever because of the pandemic and what has happened to organizations, they now suddenly have an unbelievable increase in need to do services. For instance, the storehouse in Collin County has increased their clientele over 103% from January to August. So they're seeing double the amount of clients of the clients that are food pantries and food banks. We're seeing 60, 70% of those people are first time users, never done that. They've never done this. They've had to ask for food for before.

Kelly: It's a recent need that they've been asking themselves.

Jeri: It's a recent need. It's something that because of COVID-19 because of loss of wages or loss of job or whatever the situation is, um, people are hurting. And, and we are in an interesting situation because North Texas Giving Day is all about events and highlighting nonprofits and having a big, you know, big gatherings of people. And that's not going to be able to happen this year. So we have not moved virtually and we depend on to help us get the word out so that people know, know the need and also know how they can make a difference. So September the 17th or 6:00 AM, until midnight people can go to the North Texas Giving Day.org website and go shopping. We have 3,325 nonprofits participating this year. That's over. Is it's, 20 counties, I guess 15, I think it's 20 counties and 421 of them identify as being in Collin County.

Jeri: That's an uptick. It's, it's a hundred, about a hundred more than what we saw in 2018 and about 50, more than last year. So we were increasing at about 50 nonprofits every year. Uh, we demonstrate 27 different causes. That go, I mean, you may, I mean, it's a, cause it was from arts to domestic violence to, um, food security. You could go to our website and check out. So if, if that is something that you're passionate about animals, you can go to our sites, North Texas Giving Day.org and search the causes and find where your passion is and where your interests are. And you can make a choice about that.

Kelly: So the donors, um, they do get to choose where their donations end up? If it's, you know, like you said, animals, it's not just going in general to North Texas giving day. It is getting you get to pick and choose.

Jeri: I think one of the things is really important for everyone to understand is the North Texas giving day site is up 365 days of the year. So if someone decides in April that they have a passion for, um, I don't know, there's so many different fields. I don't know which one to pick women and childre. Go to our website at April and search women and children, and then see what nonprofits, um, address those issues. So the day is about getting some energy, getting some excitement about that Giving Day, but I use it all the time when I'm trying to look for a cause or an organization, um, that page will tell you about the organization. They may have a video about their organization and they'll have a direct link to their website. So it's just a really great tool for everyone in North Texas to use all the time. So there is that, and we did start early giving because we don't want people to feel like they have to only give on the 17th. So September 1st, early giving began. And I checked the website before talking with you Kelly today, and we're at over a million at this point, which is further than we have been in previous years. So we don't know what that means as far as what will happen on giving day, but we certainly are on pace. You're not, you're not noticing, you know, behind or anything at this point.

Kelly: That's good, but the people can, I hear this? You can go on right now and donate. Yeah, there's no need to wait for the 17th. The 17th is the big push day where you're going to hear about it a lot that day. And, and the, and that's probably where the bulk of your, of when the bulk of your donations do come in, I'm guessing.

Jeri: Yes, yes, absolutely. And the other thing that you need to know is that when COVID first happened, we recognized as a community, we needed to respond immediately, so we partnered with United way and the Dallas Cowboys. And we did at North Texas giving Tuesday Now at the beginning of may. And so on that day, which was planned with less than five weeks, um, our normal day is a whole 12 month process ready, but in five weeks we had a day, May 5th, and we raised over $20 million on that day, so that we have a very generous community. In fact, North Texas is one of the most generous communities in the country. And we know that we need that generosity now to show itself, um, more than ever.

Kelly: Well, speaking of that, speaking of generous, um, area North, Texas, and, and Colling County, um, beyond donating before or on the 17th for North Texas giving day, what in general can people do if they want to get involved by being, uh, you know, if you need extra hands, if you need volunteers, in addition to donations throughout the year.

Sarah: In addition to being able to give dollars on North Texas giving day through the platform, we for the first time did a volunteer, component, and you could actually volunteer hours as well. So on the platform North Texas giving day.org, it does give you the opportunity to say how many hours you'd like to pledge. And each of the nonprofit agencies will have on their profile page on North Texas giving day.org, what those volunteer opportunities could be. So it is a really important day and period of time, really from September 1st to September 17th, for each of the nonprofit agencies, to tell their story, to address some of the issues and the concerns and the resources that they need within their organization, to be able to provide, funding and support and programs to the community at large. So it's an opportunity for us, not only to raise funds on that day, but also raise the awareness of the programs, all the great nonprofits and their work out in, in the community each and every day. So it allows the nonprofit to put their profile out, to tell their story, let the community know where they might volunteer and the needs that are, that are required on that day in terms of funding.

Jeri: I just wanted to add to that, as far as right now in this moment, people sharing their giving- giving begets giving, and so letting people know I participated in North Texas giving day and hope that you will too, is the best message we can ask for people to do. We really see ourselves as somewhat of a matchmaker. Um, we match people with their money and their time to, to a nonprofit that they can be passionate about. And so that's really our role. And so we're really consultants for people and our resource for them. And if they are to a point where they want to be more strategic in their giving, we have tools that we can do to make, um, and to help that process for people. So we work side by side with the donors and we work side by side with the nonprofits to bring those two pieces together.

Kelly: Well, thank you, Sarah and Jeri, for your time today. And everyone at Communities Foundation of Texas for all the time and energy and resources that you put forward to really just benefit the community, our communities as a whole, and, um, North Texas as a whole and the thousands and thousands of nonprofits and families that benefit from all of your work. So everyone listening, NorthTexasGivingday.org is that website. You can also find out more from communities foundation of Texas, about some of the other nonprofits and funds that they manage. Um, those links will be in the show notes for this podcast at lifestylefrisco.com and ladies, thank you so much for your time. Good luck for North Texas giving day big push on the 17th. Thank you.

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Subscribe on iTunes! Subscribe on Google Play Podcast RSS Feed In this week’s episode, Texas WealthWave Senior Marketing Director Bryan Linder is here to discuss how his financial service company aims to help educate families and businesses in Frisco with financial management, and his advice for financial planning during the COVID-19 pandemic.

https://youtu.be/5yZ60vZetxk

SHOW NOTES:

[00:20] Introduction [02:15] What makes Texas WealthWave different? [04:00] Current events and current conversations [06:37] What common questions are people are asking now? [08:50] Available resources Texas WealthWave offers [13:10] Bryan's advice in the current climate [15:00] How to get in touch with Texas WealthWave

LINKS & RESOURCES: * Texas WealthWave on Lifestyle Frisco * Texas WealthWave Website * Texas WealthWave: Instagram | Facebook * Bryan Linder: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn

Connect with Lifestyle Frisco on: * YouTube * Facebook * Instagram * Twitter * LinkedIn

Transcript Machine-generated. Welcome to the Frisco Podcast I'm your host, Scott Ellis, and today we are hanging out with Bryan Linder from wealth wave. Bryan, welcome to the show.

Hey, thank you so much. I'm excited to talk to y'all.

Appreciate you taking the time to join us. I want to dig in and talk a little bit about what you guys do because I think people have known you for a couple of things around Frisco, but we really want them to understand what WealthWave is and what you guys do. And I think from that we're going to spring forward into some, some current event conversation around that as well. But why don't you start off by telling us a little bit about yourself and the story of WealthWave.

Yeah, I appreciate it. That's good. Yeah. You know what happens is funny, whenever I go somewhere they're like, Bryan, we see you all the time, but what do you really do for a living? What do you actually do? And so, you know, I, I do want to let people know, you know, I've been in the financial services industry, uh, 17 years. I'm going into my 18th year and I've owned and operated, uh, an independent agency of my own starting in ‘07. So the first part of that I was corporate and the rest of it, I've owned my own business, central Texas, and it's grown to over 2000 agents across the United States at this point. But we just moved our headquarters to Frisco last in September. So we operate right there out of the Star, right in formation. And so we're excited about expanding there. And so I guess to kind of wrap it up in a real quick nutshell, I mean, when you think of financial services, you think of companies like Merrill Lynch and Edward Jones and New York life and Fidelity and some of these bigger firms. And basically that's what we do in one place. So we're a brokerage within wealth way. We can represent about 300 different companies to help individuals, families, families, businesses, really with anything financial related between budgeting, debt management, college savings, retirement, estate planning, all those things. We do all that right there in Frisco.

I didn't realize you guys were quite that big. 2000 agents?

Yes. Yeah, we, you know, we started with just a couple. We expanded across a course, a bulk of them. They're in Texas, probably about 1200 here in Texas. The other 800 are spread out throughout the United States and Puerto Rico.

Okay, very good. So one of the first questions that comes to my mind is how is, how, how, what makes you different with respect to how working with um, you know, kind of mid middle tier clients rather than going to the really high end stuff. Like how does that, how is that different for people like us, for families and Frisco?

Yeah, that's a great question. You know, my dad started in the industry back in 1979 he actually opened up out of his Purina feed store right there in downtown Austin where the convention center is now today. And back then, you know, he started the company in a, in a vision that a business could create, could be created in our industry where instead of the wealthy being served by these financial advising firms, that everybody, the normal person, the coach that he coached with, the people that he sold cattle feed to get access to that type of management. But for them and for their own households, even though they didn't have 200 300 $500,000 to invest, all they had was maybe 50 bucks a month. And so fast forward now 40 years later. And that's really what separates us from most of the big firms and wire houses is I talked to people on a daily basis that can save $10 a month, some of them, some of them $500 a month. And now some are very wealthy clients. Of course it runs the gambit. But where we have our strength is we can sit down for free with a client or a family and we get fully on in involvement in their financial household to deliver a strategy that doesn't cost a dime for the information. And so I think that's one of the benefits that we offer is I'll, I'll spend hours and hours developing a strategy and the client doesn't have to pay me anything and I'm just there to provide that service and education.

All right, that's good to know. So, and I think, you know, kind of spilling over into current events, probably good timing for a lot of people because there's, there's a lot of folks that I know are feeling a lot of financial uncertainty right now and it's probably a more important time than ever for people to have a chance to sit down with somebody to chat about what's happening right now, how their finances are and, and having a game plan, I would think to deal with that. Are you guys having conversations with people around everything that's happening with the COVID-19 and the current pandemic?

Oh, 100% you know, for some reason, at the end of last year, I had this vision in my mind that to move my entire business practice virtual, so we still had our physical office and we still do meet physically with our trainees that were trained to become agents and our clients there in Frisco. But I wanted to try and do something where I could train from the office, but using Facebook Live and using Zoom. And so what's interesting about that is we had all of our platforms in place starting January 1st so when this happened, we were ready to go already. And so I'm doing trainings and client appointments from my home and yes, I probably spent anywhere from five to 10 client appointments a day right here in my, in my living room answering that question. And the benefit that I kinda have is I, when I started, I started my business in 2002 so it was right after the 2001 turn and I went through 2007 as an agent and advisor. And then here we are, 2020 and I think a lot of, uh, new clients, I've never been through a downturn before. Some of us that are a little bit older. Sure. We saw 2007 we saw the recession, but some of the millennials, they have never seen a downmarket. It's a 12 year old market. So they are panicking. There are a lot of questions and even those that are gen X or even boomers, you know, we're in the worst spot because most of us haven't saved enough. The boomers that are, we getting ready to retire now just saw 30% of their [inaudible] and just evaporate, which is what's crazy. It was the fastest downturn. It was a three week drop. That's never happened in the history of the stock market where it dropped that quickly and that much in that short of time. So yeah, panic has ensued and one of the things I challenged people on is you're very emotional with your money, right? You know, when it comes to your money, it's your money. And I get that. And that's where I advise people, get an outsource outside coach that can help you work through those things because in your mind you panic, you want to sell, you don't understand. It's frustrating, but if you have someone there that's cheering you on to help you understand it, you'll generally will stick with it. Just like you have a physical trainer that says keep the diet going, keep pushing the weights, eventually it'll work. The same thing happens with money and that's where I think people like us really can add value.

So what are some of the more common questions you're getting from people right now in the current climate?

I mean, right now it's how can I stop the bleeding more? The flip side is what would you suggest I get into? Right? Because for most common investors, you really don't have access to buying the market low, selling it high unless you have your own account that you're trading in. And most people don't have the financial education, the financial literacy to actually try it on their own. Or would I advise them to a thousand education and training. And so that's where I get a lot of the questions. So my first answer to the ones that are scared is, listen, we've seen this before. You know, it's a, it's a different chapter in the same book, markets go down, markets come up, but when panic ensues, your reaction is to pull out of the market, park it at the bank, park it in a cash or money market account, which is fine at this point, you've already lost it, right? So doing that doesn't really help you at this point. But the trick is now when you go back in, if you, if you waited this long and if you don't know how to manage the markets and you don't have an educational background, you may miss it. So what I saw happen in 2007 was clients panicking, pulling out, and then when the markets rebounded, they waited and waited and waited. And it was like 2012 2013 before they went back in the market. So they miss a very big upswing. And my opinion, this upswing coming after this is all settled down will be one of the fastest upswings you've ever seen in the market. Just like we saw it being one of the fastest downturns. So that's where I say don't panic. You know, if you have cash on the sidelines, this is a great opportunity to buy. It's like all the jeans in the store right now are 30 to 40% off. Why won't you go in and buy the jeans while they're on sale? Except for these jeans are going to have become more, more valuable down the road, not less valuable. So those are the main things is what do I do? How do I protect it? And then unfortunately what I'm getting a lot of is I'm not hearing from anybody. Um, I have a four one K at work. I haven't heard from my advisor. What can I do? Um, and so I would say reach out. There's all kinds of people like me, I'm not saying I have the market cornered on, on financial advising. So retail, there's all kinds of great professionals in Frisco that are there to answer your phone and give you some help. And so I would just reach out if you feel lost, just reach out to one of us and we'll help.

Are there other resources that you guys have available, like even before somebody talks to you or picks up the phone to have a call or assume as what we're doing today, is there, are there other resources that you guys have available that people can go to to start learning more about you and how you guys offer it?

Absolutely. You know, um, we have, there's a couple of ones. The first one I challenged people to do is go to our website, texaswealthwave.com, um, and take a look at what's on there. Um, on one of the screens on there focuses on the wealth wave division of our firm. And on that we actually do a series of client focused events. Like we just did one last Friday on the importance of longterm care, how it works, how to use it, how to add it to your financial strategy. On the next one coming up in the first week of April is how to eliminate your student loan. If you have a federal student loan, there are some no new rules on the books that you can maybe get that wiped out 100% wiped out. So we have a professional that gives them advice on that. We also have one mid April on understanding your 401k. So there's all kinds of education events. You know what? We want to become education provider for financial services. We don't want to sell you anything. We don't want to have to be pushy about stuff. We just want the education of how money works out there as much as possible. Because I believe an educated consumer is a good consumer, right? They make good buying decisions no matter what they're buying. And so the flip side is we also have a book, we call it, it's the book called how many words stop being a sucker. So it was written to to help people understand just simple potential concepts that weren't taught in schools, weren't taught in college, like compounding interest, simple versus compound interest. Why you should start saving early. Um, the effects of losses on your accounts. Just concepts that we think people should know that just haven't been taught to them. It's an a book that takes maybe 45 minutes to read. If they're interested in that, they just go to our websites and it's a quick email. We'll mail that to them for free right now during the Corona Virus. Um, if they're stuck in quarantine, uh, we'll ship them a book and they can read it and, and, and learn some things while they're sitting there stuck at home.

That's a very generous offer. I may take you up on that myself, but um, you know, one of the things that strikes me about what you're describing is it's definitely good for people to have opportunities to be educated, to understand better what's happening. And yet I don't want people to get the impression that even for a moment that that replaces someone like yourself that does what, what WealthWave does because there are so many financial tools and so many opportunities. You've mentioned, you know, some of the student loan things and probably SBA loans that are going to be part of the stimulus package and like things that, that those of us that aren't in this on a day to day basis have almost no hope of understanding in depth. Cause you just can't keep up with all of it and know what's out there. And I've got to believe that that's where working with somebody like you really, um, is a huge help to those of us that have other day jobs and other things that we have to focus on on a daily basis.

Oh, I would agree 100%. You know, I, I challenged people all the time to think, think this through with me. You know, look how far your cell phone has come since 2009 the, our video gaming has come since the Atari to virtual reality. You know, technology and, and, and time has changed. Every industry we've been in your car, your refrigerator. So it has affected financial products just the same. The hard part is you can't see them touch and feel them. So no one really knows what's going on. And since they don't have the educational background, they don't study it. So that's where a person like me comes in. I mean, do I know how a carburetor works? No. Do I know what it is? Sure. Am I going to fix it? Absolutely not. I'm gonna leave that to a professional. Right? And I also equate it to two medical doctors. If you were going into a medical doctor and you go and say, man, my shoulder hurts. Can you just give me a shot from my shoulder? The doctor is going to say, well, wait a second, I need to examine all of you. It might be your knee that's causing you shoulder problems. We need to fix your knee, not your shoulder. So if someone comes to me and says, Bryan, I need you to fix my 401k. I said, well, it might be your debt that's causing the problem. It might be something else. I need to do a full review. And that's where I think working with a professional comes into play is we're gonna look at the whole aspect of your financial strategy. And see what's, what's the issue. And then our firm, luckily we represent 300 different carriers. So we can go find the best solution in my opinion for what that need might be.

That's fantastic. So is there any, other than reaching out and talking to you guys and taking advantage of some of those resources, is there any other advice you would have for people right now in the current climate? Just taking into consideration what's happening.

Yes. I would just be proven right. I mean, I'm a student of, of, of humanity, right? I'm a student of crises and joys and ups and downs. Don't get too high with the highs. Don't get too low with the lows. You know, I keep telling clients this too shall pass. Um, it's tough and we have loved ones. And so while you're, while you're quarantined, what a great opportunity to pull out your finances, um, to look at what you've got. You may have life insurance, you may not know what it is or how it works. Pull it out. Have a discussion with your spouse if you're married, let's get, you know, people just don't talk about the money. And since you're siloed and stuck at home, what a great time to look that over and have discussions and estate planning and do we need this for our kids? I mean this for our grandkids. And start having those discussions first and start finding out what your questions are and then get a game plan. And I think a lot of people just don't reflect on that. And so a lot of clients aren't, you know, which is crazy to me. Will will hand me like six field envelopes and say, Hey, this is my 401k statement or my IRA statement. We don't open them anymore cause we're just scared to look at them. They stick their head in the sand. And I just hope that they're gonna look up and retire at 60 or 65 so my thing is, you don't need to understand it in detail, but what you do need to have is a working idea of what you want your money to do for you. Now I know you work as hard for your money as I do and I want it to work as hard for me as I worked for it. And so that's what we want challenged people to do is start thinking what do you want your money to do? And if it's savings, if it's a new home, if it's a car, if it's debt, whatever it might be, then how do I reach out to someone and get an actual written game plan I had to make that come true. And the reason I say written is just like everything else in life, once you see it in your mind, you write it down and you put it into action, the odds of it happening go dramatically up versus just, Oh yeah, you know I need to get out of debt. And then you keep and you get $1,200 from the government, you'll blow that again on something else that you don't need. Right.

Xbox, I've been, I am for awhile. That's really the solid advice as it is people who are thinking about this stuff now and wanting to reach out to you. First of all, what's the best way for them to do that is they want to get in touch with you guys. They want to set something up. Where do they begin?

Again, you know, I would go to Texaswealthwave.com. You can write through there on almost every page you can contact us. And it also links over to our Facebook page, which we put a lot of articles on. I do a good job, I think of scrubbing all the news and trying to find the ones that are relevant to middle income families, moms, dads, divorced moms or dads, business owners. There's all kinds of of of information out there. And it's good that we kind of helped sift through that. So if you jump on our Facebook page, you can connect with us there. A lot of the community events we do. Um, you know, for instance, we were going to do a volleyball tournament here at the end of April to raise money for Frisco fast packs. Um, I'm not sure that will happen. Depends on what happens. And then we have a golf tournament, uh, in October in conjunction with NBCF um, and so that you can plug in there as well. And then just on there is my information, my cell phone I think is on there. And so one of the things I, I pride myself on is, um, just call me on my cell. I literally work, you know, from about 8:30 in the morning until one in the morning and just, I'm always available, you know, I'm a dad, I'm a, I'm, I'm, you know, I'm a business owner, so if you have a question I want to answer it. And so that's what I would do. Just go to that page and that's got all that info. Just reach out and we'll, we'll get back to you as soon as we can.

All right, that sounds good. Well, I'm going to encourage people not to call you at one o'clock in the morning. You know, you might go to bed a little earlier, once in a while, but I hope that you guys are doing well through all of this as well and pulling up this as we're all kind of locked away in our homes. What kind of projects do you have going on that are keeping you busy outside of work?

Well, you know, between, you know, Bronwyn and myself, we have five kids so that that uh, is a little cumbersome. But you know, you finally, you joke about that. But my garage is literally packed full with just junk and so, you know, thank goodness it'll give me some time to clean that out and put the finally put the Christmas decorations away and yeah, but that's it. I'm not very handy. I don't put up curtains. I don't build stuff. So that's all I got is clean up the garage.

Yeah. I'm kind of the same way. I clean up and organize things, but if something needs fixed or hung or whatever, that's probably not my domain. But I do a little bit of that occasionally. Well, I'm glad you guys are holding up. Five is a lot. You got a full household, so wish you well. The sanity department there. And um, any other last thoughts you want to leave us with? Are we a sign off?

You know, the last thing I'll touch on is we also are looking for advisors. So you know, one of the things that I don't know people know about our industry, is it shrinking? The average age of an agent right now is 59 years old and we're losing between six and 10,000 advisors every year. That's including the life insurance industry. So right now in Texas there's only about 35,000 licensed in the entire state of Texas. And so most of them are boomers and retiring out. So our industry is shrinking every year as the neutral. What we do is expanding. And so one of the things I spend a lot of my time on is training and bringing reps in from inside the industry, outside the industry. If you know anybody that's ever wanted a career in financial services, they can work with us part time. Even see if it's something that they want to do. We do all the trainings now virtually and then we'll do them live again once we're up and running. But we would love anybody that's ever wanted to be in the industry to reach out and have a conversation if it makes sense to move forward with them. But we need people to help us because the need is only going to grow with the boomers hitting retirement, extras hitting, you know, their savings eight years and now millennials starting to get into the savings careers. We need more folks to help us out.

Well that's a great opportunity. Yeah, we'll definitely make sure we spread the word on that. And Bryan, again, love what you guys are doing. Love that. You're, you know, you're open to working with such a variety of people no matter what kind of stage they may be at financially. Um, in many cases I think it's, you know, those that are still earlier on in that journey that probably benefit the most from getting, you know, set up and things set up properly and, and having a longer term game plan. So definitely want to encourage anybody that's got questions, concerns, whether it's finances in general or specific to, um, dealing with finances in the current pandemic. Um, guys, reach out. It's Texaswealthwave.com. Uh, Bryan's numbers on there so you can pick up the phone and call him if you want to. Please just try to do it during normal business hours. Um, and again, Bryan, thank you so much for joining us. We really appreciate it. And, uh, you know, good luck, uh, through all of this.

That's right. Hey, I appreciate you. Thanks for your time, Scott. Man, we've had a great time ago.

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In this episode, Frisco resident Lisa Stubbs talks to us about MONAT - the first in its space to offer naturally based products, focused on scalp health. She educates us on dry shampoo, styling tips, and more to help us get to a healthy head of hair.

We also learn about Lisa's own story to get to healthy hair AND financial health through MONAT. She's proud to work with the number one premium hair care brand in the world! MONAT offers safe and sustainable hair and skin products for men, women, kids - and even pets now!

https://youtu.be/B9GOKSCQQ0s

SHOW NOTES:

[00:48] MONAT: Modern Nature [02:25] Dry Shampoo Tips [06:37] REJUVENIQE™ Oil Intensive & Scalp Tips [07:50] Lisa's Story of healthy hair and helping others [15:15] New and Notable MONAT News [19:00] How to find Lisa (972.693.3432)

LINKS & RESOURCES: * Lisa Stubbs on Lifestyle Frisco * Lisa Stubbs Monat Website * Monat Hair Quiz * Facebook | Instagram

Connect with Lifestyle Frisco on: * YouTube * Facebook * Instagram * Twitter * LinkedIn

Transcript Machine-generated. Welcome to the new Frisco beauty podcast with Lisa Stubbs. Just kidding. It's still the Frisco Podcast show, but I'm Kelly Walker and I'm sitting in today with our friend Lisa Stubbs of Monat. Hi Lisa.

Hey, how's it going, Kelly?

It's going really well. So thanks for jumping on with us today. I'm excited because you know, I'm a customer now of yours and so I'm like was excited to sit down and talk hair with you. I'm excited to be here and I know that you've talked to our audience before. Um, but for those who might be hearing your voice for the first time, I definitely want to start off with kind of a brief overview, like what is Monat? Sure.

I would love to share. So money, it actually stands for modern nature, so it's pronounced magnate if you're curious. And we are actually focused on anti-aging. We are the first really in this space to offer naturally based products for both hair and skin, but most known for our shampoos, conditioners, styling products, and the focus or the focal point is on scalp health and it's for men, women, and children. And we're actually now officially the number one premium hair care brand in the entire world. So that is a huge bragging, right. Yes. And we use active cellular renewal, so it preserves natural or artificial color and is safe for hair extensions and any way we're toxin-free vegan, gluten free leaping bunny certified, which means that we don't do cruelty like animal testing and leaping bunny. That's, yeah. Leaping bunny certified. It's a big deal and it's super expensive and we actually clinically trial every product and with thousands of choices. I don't know any other brand that can offer all of that. So it's pretty impressive. It is. It's

just to me, feels like it's all, all of the stuff you just said to wrap it up. It's like the healthy way to treat your hair. That's how I feel like now that I, I mean it's been a few months now since I've been one of your customers. I'm proud of that. Um, and because I'm a customer, I wanted to say that, um, I love the way my hair looks. Of course. I feel like it's healthier than ever. But what I like about, um, getting to know you and work with you with my hair is that you educate me. I think it's cool that, um, you help me understand like specific products that are best for me. For example, and you can, you can better explain this, but like you taught me about, um, like dry shampoo tips. Do you want to tell us about that?

Sure. So one of the best things that I've learned is that if you will shake up the bottle until it's cold, so you shake, shake, shake till it's cold to the touch, and then when you spray it on, it's best to do it at night if you're shampooing in the morning. So that way the dry shampoo, ours is actually a conditioning dry shampoo, which sounds like an oxymoron, but it moisturizes the scalp because it doesn't have a talk or a butane base. And so as your oil might start producing overnight, the dry shampoo is soaking that in. And so let's say you hold it too close to the scalp and you get like a white residue by morning, you're not going to see that right? So it's pretty sweet that way.

Yeah, it's, I don't know, I guess it's the, no talc and no butane that you mentioned that's different from some of the other dry shampoos I use. I jumped on the dry shampoo bandwagon a little while back, but it was always using a grocery store, bought dry shampoo, right. Kind of, I'm a cheap person so like I would buy like the cheaper versions of whatever. Um, and then once I switched over to using Monat, like it's a totally different feel in my hair with the cheaper grocery store stuff I call it. I know you probably hate me saying that, but um, my hair, my fingers would get like kind of stuck in that, that dry shampooed hair. But now it's still like a smooth, now that, that I do the tips that you just pointed out, like dry shampooing before bed, it's a smoother hair the next day, dry shampoo and night brush it out, sleep on it, and then it just feels like a fresher head of hair that's not like a clumpy with a bunch of weird products in it in the morning.

Yes. It's not suffocating your follicles and your scalp.

Yeah. Another tip that you gave me and taught me about my hair is this whole four inches of your hair being alive, but so can you educate us real quick on that?

Sure. So our natural oil production from our scalp can go all the way down to four inches. So basically that's why when we shampoo, we really need to focus shampooing on our scalp. And the conditioner is more for the dead hair. So four inches, four inches down and below is dead. And so that's why the conditioner needs to be there. And so if we put conditioner too close to our scalp, that can actually cause some more oil to produce because it doesn't really need that.

That's amazing. I never realized that like I'm 40 years old and learned that about which part of your hair needs to be shampooed versus which part needs to be conditioned. And then there's also, there's a Monat product that addresses that oil production part, right?

Yes. And before I address that, do you mind if I just mentioned really quickly that some people that have tried Monat they, we actually have found that because most people believe that they know how to shampoo and condition their hair, they might not use our product correctly and so they might not have the best experience. So it's all about, you know, really vigorously emulsifying the product between the palms of your hand before you so that you can activate the botanicals and as you put them into your scalp, it's just a much, you can get a much more luxurious lather at least on the second wash. and you do two washes in the same shower, but you're basically removing a lot of buildup. A lot of products out there. They have parabens and silicones plastics that we're kind of putting our hair and you know, then we're flat ironing it on, kind of like pressing it on like an iron. And so Monat will remove that buildup and that can take some time. And then what happens is your hair is actually, you see your hair for the first time. Some might actually have a more damaged strand of hair than they ever thought because they've been putting, you know, these treatments on their hair and it's just kind of suffocating the hair and which actually causes breakage in the long run. So you money will take some time to build, repair your hair back up. But it's really interesting to learn a lot of this stuff. But we offer safe and sustainable effective products that actually perform. So I love that you actually get what you want out of your hair products. So the product that you asked about is the oil, it's called rejuvenate oil intensive. And it's our flagship product. It's actually infused in about 80% of our products. It's a blend of the 11 essential oils. And we actually call it liquid gold because it smells like gold and it puts money in our pockets too. But it, our hair, our S, excuse me, our hair ages 10 times faster than our skin. And so this oil, say that again. Our hair ages 10 times faster than our skin. Yes.

See I didn't know that yet either. Okay.

So the sun is really, you know, penetrating our hair. It's aging our hair, hair ages, and we'll own all the dump we do to it. So most people don't even know that we age our hair, their hair ages. And so this oil has carrot seed in it. That's one of them. And that is a natural, you know, protection from the sun's rays. And so, wow, that's something that we need to pay attention to and it's even infused into our hairspray. And so as you put that hairspray on that, you know, I mean I could go on and on about how revolutionary or hers is, but we won't go there.

I haven't tried the hairspray yet. So now I'm curious you, you can tell that you enjoy teaching people about these products. And I'm curious from kind of a more personal side, what is it about these products or why did you get into this in the first place to have this now a connection a few years in, right. How many years in are you?

I've been using the products for just over five years. Yeah. So I will not let anything else touch my hair. Like I have to bring my products to the salon. I just, it's one of those things now for me and what I'm getting out of it is my, I mean basically if someone's looking for more volume or have their frizz, you know, improve or they're, they have fried strands that can be turned into smooth, supple locks. We have all the solutions people are looking for. And I just love that I'm able to offer a customized hair regime for people so that you don't have to keep wasting money. I would find that prob products would plateau for me after two to three months. And it was just another set of either parabens or silicones. But even if I went the clean route, yeah, my hair was cleaner, but it didn't look good. And so I was just really frustrated. It felt like I was in a rat race of trying to find the right products for my hair. And this line just covers everything. I don't have to have one, one of this from this company, one of this from this company. Right. And it does just really work in a blanket way like that. I love it.

So would you call yourself a hair person before this five years of this journey?

That's a good question. I would probably call myself a product hair junkie. Okay. Trying so many things. I just don't have a graveyard of hair products anymore and I just, I love that my kids can all use this and it's healthier. It's toxin-free and as most most know that are very interested in, you know, being more aware of what we're putting in or on our bodies. It only takes 26 seconds for toxins to enter our bloodstream once they touch our skin. So if you think about that right next to your scalp or you know right on your face, it's a big deal. I mean our brain is right there. Wow. So it's important.

You're constantly giving me tidbits of information. That's what I mean. Like kind of when I say where you a hair person. I, that's what I wonder. Like, have you always been this knowledgeable or is really, did you dive in when you took on, you know, your world of Monat as a business side? Did you, is that when you really started to like embrace learning so much about hair or, I was just curious, like have you just always been a hair person?

Yeah, so I guess I've always been a hair person. I would cut some roommate's hair just for fun and I still, I've been cutting my husband's hair all these 21 years and I was just doing my kids for a little bit and then decided it's not my time anymore. YouTube is not cutting it for me.

Okay. So then now knowing that you've always had an interest in hair, what's the story where it went from? Um, just an interest in hair to trying my eight products and then getting into it as a business opportunity?

Yeah, so my stylist, when I went in for an appointment, she's like, wait, people are asking you about your hair? And I said, yeah, it's kinda like, you know, when people lose a lot of weight, everyone wants to know. The secret is there was such a transformation I'd run into friends that I hadn't seen for a while. They're like, what did you do to your hair? And so she's like, you need to just share that, where they, where to get this. And I'm like, no, I'm not a sales person. My husband's in sales. He's the first to say my wife's a consumer and you know, I do like to spend money, I'll be honest. But, um, she challenged me and she says, I'll help you do it. And so I did it more out of helping her, not even though we did, we were struggling financially for about seven years. So I, as much as I had a need there, it was more that I wanted to help her. Isn't that interesting? So I just, I really love helping other people. And so the way that this even flourished was, Oh my goodness, I can help other people achieve their dreams. And you know, I started making maybe like $500 a month and that was kind of the amount that we needed to make ends meet each month. And so then my husband's after a few months, he's like, Lisa, why don't you up your goal 2000 and so I did. And then it just started to take off and I just never dreamed changing my shampoo was going to change my life. And I used to tease him that, you know, the Lord put this right in my lap, but truly he put it in my hair.

Right. I love that story though, because I do think a lot of people are reluctant to, I don't know, to take on a side business, the selling piece can be so intimidating and can, can turn like negative in our minds and we think, Nope, I'm not, that's not my background or that's not my forte or whatever. But it sounds like with you, it was such a natural selling tool piece because you were using it and finding success with it. So you probably, did you feel like you're, do you feel like you're selling or do you feel like you're just sharing and educating and introducing something to people?

Yeah, I definitely have to stay in the mindset of I'm just sharing because it's everybody else's choice if they want to use it or not, that's not my choice for them.

Okay. And so I can't force my beliefs or my thought process on people, but I can definitely offer the dessert. Right. And it's up to them if they want to take it or not. And we're not always interested in dessert when we go out to eat dinner, you know? And so it's may not be the right time for somebody at a certain point, but hopefully they'll think of me because I, I'm not pressure sales, you know? And that's not who I am. And I, I don't, I feel ugly when I'm that way, you know, if I tried to be that way. And so I just really enjoy the education piece because it makes sense. Like, why wouldn't you want to have the healthiest thing for your hair? It has not been an easy road because even in that seven year financial struggle or as experienced in the hair loss and the stress of life, um, being a stay at home mom and going through a lot of hormonal changes and things, um, you know, I got to the point where it's kind of hiding in my house and I wouldn't even answer the door or when people would call that, I actually knew if they didn't leave me a message, there was no way if I didn't know what they want to talk about, I wasn't going to talk and I wasn't gonna call them back.

And so there's been a lot of learning and growing through anxiety of just, I got to get outside of my own head. It all starts in our minds and, and a lot of times we'll give excuses. Our minds are wired to be negative. And so we say no just because we're not sure. It's like fight or flight. And so it's easier to say no even so I've been just trying to train my mind to be more open minded to anything and everything now just because I want to learn more and I want to grow and that's how I can expand myself and be, you know, reach more of my potential and be able to help more people too. So it's been a great journey.

Yeah, that sounds like a 180 I was gonna describe it as from from feeling like kind of trapped maybe in your own head and, but you're in your own home, like physically not wanting to see or talk to people who are return call. Going from that to now, I know you, I've known you for several years, but I know you as you know, a vibrant, outgoing, you're willing to start conversations and, and be, you know, put yourself out there and help people and educate people. So you have, you have come a long way.

Yes, absolutely. Yes.

Now, I wanted to ask you at the very beginning when you were describing kind of what some of the things that Monat is is good at. You mentioned the products are for women and men and now children and all those things. So, um, I feel that you guys are evolving in inventing new things all the time. What are kind of some of those new things that maybe somebody hasn't looked at Monat in awhile? What would they see now that's new?

Well, I'm really glad that you brought that up because there are a few things. Um, and this is not new like you said, but maybe we haven't talked about it in our family. We have someone named Zella and maybe you are realizing that that's not a person's name, but I don't know about any of you. But you know, we have this feeling that our dog is pretty much part of our family and so why not treat her with the best products out there as well and give her the best same care that we get. So gratefully, Monat, they launched a line that is for dogs. So our for babies can start to smell a few days after they've been washed because their pH levels start to fluctuate. But our, especially it had formula. It contains just the right ingredients to balance the dog's pH level and kill that grit and grime that makes them so smelly and anyway. So it's just, it's fun that way too. And we definitely recommend that people will chat with their veterinarian, you know, if you want to look at the ingredients with them to make sure. Of course we know it is. Yeah. And it passed the test. But two of my friends that were using the dog shampoo on their dogs that had sensitive skin, it's just worked wonders for them. And even my neighbor a little bit ago was petting Zella and she's like, why is your dog's hair so smooth? And I'm like, Monat. She looked at me almost like, Oh, I'm like, yeah, dog shampoo. That's great. I didn't even know that. So that's a good one. Yes. And then the other one is in September. This is really exciting news that just like I was on a journey to find new products for my hair. I've also been on a search for the right skincare for my face and I'd go around asking my friends, you know, if I had noticed that they had smooth skin or less wrinkles, I'd ask them what, what products do you use? And then I grab them and then I'd be disappointed again and just add them to that skincare graveyard. But with Monat becoming a $1 billion brand that yes, that's with a B in just under five years they became an industry disruptor just like Uber is with taxi or vaping is with tobacco. We Monat decided why not interrupt the skincare industry. So I tend to like products obviously that are not harmful to the skin and I've been waiting for company to nail something like this and I believe we've done that. I don't want to touch my face because of the oil on my fingertips, but when I can wash my face at night, you guys, I'm seriously there. I love washing my face so I can feel soft and smooth. My skin is, I feel like it's the first time in forever. I don't even, I don't even get it, but it's just exciting.

Yeah. Now you've got me interested. I'll have to give that one a shot. Okay. So you've told us about the new skincare line and products. Anything else that jumps out at you that we should know?

Yeah, so I feel like actually our best offering is the limitless opportunity where you can create a profitable, successful business working from anywhere that will bring you joy and you'll have fun while you change your life. So whether, like I was talking about two to $500 a month, or if you want double digit thousands, I know listeners may be out, maybe only thinking about the products, but when I really think about it, the business is what has transformed my life. And this is from someone who's never been in direct sales. So what I'm saying is if I can do it, anybody can do it. It's simply just sharing something you love, just like you know, you buy your favorite brand of deodorant or target might have the best sale on these clothes and you tell your people about it. That's exactly what this is. It's that simple.

I know you have a hair quiz that's kind of what you, the direction you pointed me at the beginning. So tell us about what's that, where did they find it and how can, can people get started and just kind of looking into you and your Monet products.

Sure. So I would love to serve anybody who has any questions or concerns or hair goals or for your skin. We have a customized hair or skin assessment and it's free. It only takes about three minutes and it's fun. So you're welcome to call me or text me and I can definitely hook you up. Um, my number if you want to write it down right now is nine, seven two six, nine three three, four, three, two or you're welcome to Facebook message me. It's under Lisa J Stubbs, whatever you want. But the link is also on the Lifestyle Frisco, uh, page. And I'd love to help you fall more in love with your hair or your skin because it's a beautiful thing that, you know, that helps boost your confidence. I just love what it's done for me.

Yes, I'd love to share that with others. We will have a link to that hair quiz on this podcast episode page of course so that people can quickly find it. I loved it because, um, I think I didn't really know all the things I needed. I thought I knew what my hair needed. But over time your hair changes. Well, mine has for sure. I used to describe my hair as oily and Oh, I, if I don't wash it every day it looks greasy and oily and um, through through these products and like the dry shampoo regimen we were talking about earlier, I would not say that about my hair anymore. And so you have to keep learning differently, learning new things about your, your own hair. It's interesting. I'm not a hair girl so I'm bumbling through it, but um, but I'm learning and enjoying it. Oh, thank you. Beautiful. Thank you. Okay, so everybody go check out the hair quiz and reach out to Lisa for all of your hair and now skin care needs. Thanks, Lisa. Thank you for having me. It's been so fun.

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Subscribe on iTunes! Subscribe on Google Play Podcast RSS Feed In this week’s episode, Guest Host Nicole Barron is back in the studio with Ann Anderson of Anderson Insurance Agency to discuss a wide variety of topics related to insurance, raising a family in Frisco, and the many seasons of life.

https://youtu.be/0B74CYPRf5c

SHOW NOTES:

[00:20] Introduction [01:15] What's new with Ann and her family [03:10] When kids go off to college and insurance questions [05:00] Seasons of life [08:30] Before Anderson Insurance Agency began [10:35] What people may forget or don't consider when it comes to insurance [13:15] How people can reach Ann

LINKS & RESOURCES: * Ann Anderson on Lifestyle Frisco * Anderson Insurance Agency Website * Ann Anderson Business Page * Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn

Connect with Lifestyle Frisco on: * YouTube * Facebook * Instagram * Twitter * LinkedIn

Transcript Machine-generated. Welcome to the Frisco Podcast. I'm your guest host today. Nicole Barron, sitting with Ann Anderson of Anderson Insurance here in Frisco. Hi Ann.

Hi. How are you Nicole?

Good. It's always a pleasure to see you. We got to do this together a year ago and at that time we had your lovely husband with us as well to chat and um, our relationship with you is so wonderful. You're one of our favorite clients because you're so fun to work with. You bring great content for us and the community adores you.

Oh, thank you. Well, I love our community, so it makes it easy and it's always been a great relationship with Lifestyle Frisco, so.

Well thanks. I appreciate that. So you and I were chit chatting beforehand and trying to catch up personally a little bit and it was fun to talk about where your kiddos are now and how things have changed for your family in the last one, what would you say? 10 to 15 years. How long have you been here again?

We just had 15 years. Yes. Years. So long.

And we won't, we won't do the cliche. Oh, back when it was fields on La Hacienda Ranch, we'll just breeze past that.

Thank you.

By the mall. Dirt roads. It's been said. It's been said. Um, so what is new with your family? How are things going?

So I think a year ago our daughter was in college in North Carolina, but now she's done a semester at Disney in an internship there with their college program, which was amazing. Also gave her some clarity and time to look back and think. So she's moved home and is doing Collin for a semester. So our, our college junior is home, which is different dynamic. And our youngest is about to graduate from Frisco High School. So we're um, he is very clear he's going to go to Collin for a couple of years and then to Texas Tech. That's been, he said that for years, uh, our, but now we're looking at colleges again cause our junior needs to transfer, so to finish up somewhere. So we're, we're back at that kinda stage, but she's, she's very level headed and she has a much better idea of what she's, where she wants to be.

So good. We have such good options here. Do you do that? Play the parent card, like, you know, you could go to UNT and just the around the corner. Are you comfortable with them going off and being wherever they want to be?

You know, she just did, you know, five, six months in Orlando without a car figuring it out. She only asked us for money once. She lived in an apartment with five other girls and have the most amazing time of her life. And I think she wants to go work for Disney for the rest of, for every forever. Right. She's like a Disney fiend now. But um, so I don't worry so as much, you know, um, we are, we are definitely looking at Texas colleges though she's, she's kind of put that like, I want to stay in Texas. It's easier. It, you know, it's not so far away. It'd be nice to kind of finish and then, and then we'll see where life takes her.

So, you know what, that's a unique segue into what you do professionally and are so good at is insurance. And I have to wonder because I have little kids, we're all very just living the Frisco life. Haven't had to give thought to like the future future quite yet. From an insurance perspective, when you're sending kids off to college in state, out of state, what do you have to think about? What are the, I mean that's a giant question.

It's a huge question, you know, and I will tell you that, you know, we have attorney friends there. Of course, there's so many things that they, they remind us of, you know, make sure you have a powers of attorney you have, there's a number of legal documents when our kids turn 18 they immediately are not our children anymore. They're adults in their own right. And so there's a lot of legalities around that and being able to even just have access when you go. Okay. The first rude awakening was at the college when we went to, it was called one-stop and that's where kind of the offices are. And you just went in and we wanted to find out some information about paying. We knew we wanted to pay them and they were like, we're sorry. Do you have the code that your student would have given you to access her account? I was like, I want to give you money. I kid, she's my kid. But those are real things and I, and I, I really understand the reasons for it. So, um, so yeah, even in insurance then we think about, well we need to make sure that, you know, she set up with insurance for her dorm room, that she has renter's insurance. We want to make sure she has the right, you know, we've indicated her correctly on our car policy. Like she didn't go to college with the car. So we, we made that distinction on our car insurance, just all the little things to make sure that, you know, she's set up right. And of course, you know, at some point we'll actually put her on her own and she'll have her own insurance policy. So we have to kind of, we definitely want to set her up for success in that regard as well.

So how, I mean, so many things I'll just have to keep in touch and, and salary advice. Um, so I mean, you were, we, again, we were sharing before we hit record today about seasons of life and you were kinda talking about, um, how dramatically things change. Um, what was, you know, sort of the dynamic of your life. Let's just say 15 years ago when you came to Frisco, you had littles.

Yes.

So what were you doing? What was your day to day like? Yeah, 15 years ago we were, I mean, it was Christmas season to believe it or not, we moved over the Christmas break. Corinne was in, Corinne was in first grade. Harold was in, um, not even, he was three years old. Um, and we were, you know, moving our whole, our whole family. Uh, it was my work that brought us here. So, um, if you can imagine, we were trying to figure out where we want it to live. We, we knew wherever we lived would be where we lived forever. My husband was adamant, you know, Thor grew up in the same house his entire life in Bismarck, North Dakota. So he's, you know, I was a military child, so we just kind of moved all the time. I thought that was normal. And he's like, no, I want the kids to have the same school district. I don't want to hop around the metroplex. So, you know, we just sort landed in Frisco, which were, we feel really thankful for to be honest. Um, but yeah, I mean 15 years ago I wasn't thinking about college and, and where we are today. And I was really worried about, you know, Corinne was wanting to get into Corrine. I think Corinne did girl Scouts, but I forgot what it's called when daisies, man, I think so. I haven't gone there yet. I mean, it was doing, it was all of those things. And of course, after we moved here, um, that's when Harold was, you know, we realized Harold had some needs and some sensory dis, you know, um, some challenges that were going to be unique to him. And so, um, those all became apparent. So we were even more thankful to be in Frisco, to be honest, because the special education department here is, is the best. It is absolutely the best and constantly growing and changing to, um, to meet the needs of the students. So, um, yeah, I, I will tell you, yeah, I can't even wait. But yeah, the seasons change, right? We go from um, worrying about the little littles and all the things like are they doing soccer, are they doing lacrosse? Are they, you know, what are the sports they're going to choose or not choose. And then moving to, you know, middle school, high school, you know, all the steps and like we were talking now, um, we have the 21 year old junior in college that moved home, which changed, changed the dynamic a little bit. We have the graduating senior who could be happier than his sister, his home. I mean, eh, and you know, my dad comes in the winter and stays with us for about three months cause it's warmer here. So we have dad here too. We're truly the multi generational family. So, but it's really nice. And, you know, I wouldn't change any of it to be honest. It, you know, it all presents its own struggles and its own challenges. But, um, this is our life and our story and we love it. So that's so nice. And it's, you know, now you've got the office space and that you, when was that? About a year ago. Two years ago.

It'll be three years in July. Yeah. Two and a half years. [inaudible] no, that's awesome.

And it's amazing though, because I bet back then when you had the little ones, you probably couldn't have imagined that you'd be, you know, in the seat that you are now the successful business, but community involvement at the level that you have it and the investments that you've made have brought that. But, um, so then I have to wonder why back then. What did you imagine like did you, was there another, you're so good at what you do and you're such a lovely person to know and to represent so many members of Frisco with their insurance needs. I mean, I, I, you're so trustworthy and personable. It's so nice. But I wondered, did you ever have other dreams of things that you were like, I want to be a, or where did you think you'd be?

Okay. So, okay. Uh, first of all, my family, there's a lot of entrepreneurs in my family. Oh really? Yes. In my, in our history, like my great grandfather even. And my grandfather, my dad's father owned a shoe repair shop and a little cafe. So he, my grandmother did that in Tennessee. But anyway, so there's kind of that, I think it's our DNA, maybe a little, uh, always kind of want it something. My brother's been self employed for years, so I always talked about it and, and I had a dream that, um, perhaps one day I'd leave financial services cause that's where I was all prior to this. Um, and I would open a bookstore, a bookstore with a coffee shop.

And so my husband's like, have you watched, You've Got Mail. The old Tom Hanks taught me the great movie, the shop around the corner. That would have been me out of business when the, you know, the big store moved in. But so, so it's not, and I was telling the kids actually, I said, you know, truth be told, my cousin and I, when we were young little, uh, we always said we would open a horse breeding ranch in Colorado. That was wow. Yeah, that never happened. Hey, there's still time. There's still time, young lady yet this, it's not going to happen. Okay. But the coffee shop in bookstore retirement may be maybe in like 20 years, I'll be like, I'm bored with someone else can run the insurance agency. I'm going to open my dream little coffee shop and want to serve the perfect London Fog because that's my drink of choice these days.

Oh my gosh. I hope you do it so well.

Right. But, but no, it's just so you to it back to reality though. You're so good at what you do. I mean we've been able to tell stories for you over the last few years and the level of insight that you bring to things that I just will say that I did not think of like, we need you, we need you to tell us what we have not thought of to protect our homes and families is you're like, uh, what do you think, and this is, uh, this may not be a fair question to throw at you, but what is the biggest thing that people may be forget about and don't consider is can you answer that or is there just like 10 of them?

Oh, that's the, yeah, it was really hard to think of like all the top of my, give me one example that I think that what people do more often than they under insure themselves in their auto insurance, trying to save a buck or two, they weigh under insure their auto insurance because I think it's going to be so much more expensive to have the higher limits, um, when it comes on the liability side. And, um, and I think that it's, you know, it's just, it's your own personal choice, but I think that's something that people do a lot. And I think we forget to insure ourselves. Our biggest assets is my ability to provide for my family. So the house isn't the biggest asset. I am the biggest asset. So if I don't have my life insurance in line, then that's wow. You know, that's kind of the, I think those are the two biggest things. They just, and yeah. And unfortunately it's usually something sad that makes us think of it, you know, you know, we had a, yeah, it's just, yeah, we all know those people. We all know the stories, right. You know, funeral services, whatever. Um, and those are the things that people just kind of neglect because I don't want to talk about it. I don't want to talk about it. Of course, night life insurance is not sexy. It's not, it's, you know, but it can be, I mean, it can be, if I think about that, if I'm not here, my daughter still gets to go to college and my son gets to go to college still and they still could have a great life. And you know, well that's, I mean, again, why we need someone like you to come and sit down and hopefully have an open mind and a teachable mind to listen to the experts say, here are some things that I've experienced and seen over the years. Please consider this. And like you said, it's up to them. It's a very personal decision, a financial decision. But at the end of the day, you bring perspective that we just might not have. So it's so valuable.

Well, thank you. And you know, and I will tell you the first half of my life was on the mortgage side of the business, but I've always been in financial services. So, and um, working or having our agency, uh, is just our opportunity to help people. And I tell people at the end of the day, that's just what I'm doing. I'm just giving information, whether you take it and run with it or, or you're like, thanks, but this isn't for me right now. That's okay. No harm, no foul. But now, you know. Yeah. You know, that's kind of my attitude at least now. You know.

Exactly. Yeah. Well Ann is a lovely person to know and I just can't say it enough. I know. I'm already so nice that you are. I mean, I think that when you seek an agent, you want it to be someone that you feel comfortable talking to and they're, you trust them and they are part of the community and you are all of those things. Well thanks. How do people reach you? They can call me.

Um, at our office, the number's (214) 619-4012 or my cell phone. It text me on my cell phones a lot easier than calling. Just, I think we've all gotten to that world. But it's two, one four, four nine one seven six one eight our websites and anninsurestx.com not the whole Texas, just the initials, TX. Um, and of course you can always find us at 6500 Preston Road, Suite B 11. So I tell everybody, ground floor, back of the building, there's a big parking lot and everything.

You're just everywhere and available and it's nice that you give out that cell number.

Well you know, and that's the, I think if you see me in a store or I'm hiding it or my baseball cap cause it's Saturday morning and I just like rolled out of bed and I need it to milk, just say hello. I love running into people. I probably, one of my favorite things about Frisco is even though we're this growing and thriving city and there's just so many, there's always something to do. But I love like bumping into people at the restaurants and um, you know, grocery stores where when you're out and about, doesn't it still give you that small town feel?

It does. It's a small, big town or big, small town. However you want to say that. Saying that. Yeah, totally. Yeah. Maybe that's where I heard it, but I agree with you. It feels like a small town. Sometimes. I'll be, I just was at Target this morning. I bumped into somebody that I swear I bumped into all over town and it's just, I don't know, I guess we're living the same life.

Well, it's, well, and it's like going to the, um, the Chamber's Gala on Friday night. I feel like you're, you're there with 600 of your best friends having, they probably are your best.

I don't know. It's just so much fun. And it was fun to like celebrate the history of the Chamber and the history of the city really. I mean, it's so inter, they're so intertwined and absolutely. Anyway, and just seeing where we're going. It's, I can't wait. Um, I can't wait to see what the next 15 years for me are 50 years for the Chamber. That just where the city's going to be. And you know, it's, it's just a lot of fun. I think we all just really fortunate and even, and I'll tell you my kiddos, especially our daughter, remember she's went to Orlando, she went to college in North Carolina. And so when she left, she, um, one of our favorite stories is she's using the college and she said, why did the buildings are kind of just old. And my husband's like, he said, I just really, she's never been in a education facility that's more than 10 years old.

Oh my gosh. I know our poor kids. That's the only thing is that the awakening they'll have when they, but even that, that's a good thing to go out and realize. That's a great thing. My sister Nancy, my sister in law told her, you will never again have the opportunity to be in a, in, it's such a small town. She was in a really small town called Cullowhee, which is technically a geographical area. It's not even a town, but you know, uh, it was such a great experience for her, you know? Yeah. And if you can ever do the Disney college program, it's amazing. I've heard that. Yeah. Adults can do it as nontraditional students, great leadership training, customer service, training, all of that.

All the best. You think, I think of Disney, they do everything just on point. Perfect. Have a magical day, have a magical day, a Disney day.

We're, we're total Disney fanatics and she, yeah, but you know what, like I think that she, I was telling you before we started, she just got a job offer and I honestly think her experience there opened that door. So yeah. Yeah. That's a good testimonial for that. Yeah. Very good. Yeah. And I appreciate you letting us get to know you a little bit personally as well, that you would allow us to dig in a little bit to your personal life here about your family. Um, but again, I have to say, I think that's a huge part of, you know, choosing an agent. Somebody that you like.

Well, well, I hope so. And has the expertise, which I know you have, I mean years and years and we're really fortunate. Denise in our office is amazing. She's been an insurance forever. You know, Thor joined me a couple of years ago. He's has his own expertise there and it's just been, um, we, yeah. And honestly, we just love helping people. We have some fun things planned for this year, so, you know, as we get out of the office more and, um, just anyway, uh, we're, we're hoping to put together a really fun summer programs, so hopefully we'll see that rolling out. We've got to get some interns in place and anyway, but we'll think.

Oh, good. Well, you'll be sure to tell us and we'll tell everyone.

Oh, I will, I will.

Thanks so much.

Thank you Ann.

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Subscribe on iTunes! Subscribe on Google Play Podcast RSS Feed In this week’s episode, Buddy and Robyn from Visual Learning Solutions discuss how their business has evolved and how they have developed a novel solution to the challenges leaders often face with content development and distribution of training programs.

https://youtu.be/_p5MAVEhJHw

SHOW NOTES:

[00:20] Introduction [01:10] What is Visual Learning Solutions [02:45] How Visual Learning Solutions began [04:00] Services offered at Visual Learning Solutions [07:15] Content development in training courses [10:40] Benefits of using Visual Learning Solutions' studio space [22:30] What questions should people ask Visual Learning Solutions [27:50] Where to find Visual Learning Solutions online

LINKS & RESOURCES: * Visual Learning Solutions on Lifestyle Frisco * Visual Learning Solutions Website * Visual Learning Solutions on Facebook * Visual Learning Solutions on Twitter * Visual Learning Solutions on LinkedIn

Connect with Lifestyle Frisco on: * YouTube * Facebook * Instagram * Twitter * LinkedIn

Transcript Machine-generated. Welcome to the Frisco Podcast. I'm your host, Scott Ellis. And today we're hanging out with Buddy and Robyn from Visual Learning Solutions. Guys, welcome to the show.

Thank you very much Scott.

It's good to have you here. Visual learning solutions, I'm guessing you help people teach.

Well are it's, it's visual because I'm a visual learner and uh, obviously we wanted when we pick the brand years ago and we wanted it to be in the name, you know what we do. So, uh, we designed training for the visual learner to be consumed as most people do now on some type of device. Uh, that's really kind of where we started was picking a lane on, on how we're going to deliver training. So it's training, development, basically if you like most people have taken some type of online training, you've consumed, say a e-learning or watched a training video, that is what we do.

Gotcha. Um, so just so I know kind of who we're talking to here, if I'm going to teach a course, I wanted to develop a course that's going to be out online in somehow consumed through devices online. Do I come to you to help me produce and develop that is, does that what I understand correctly then? Yes. So I, so I'm Buddy Broyles, I'm the CEO of the company. I'm the, I'm the uh, chief creative if you will, but I'm, I'm, I wear a lot of different hats and of course my business partner, Denise Broyles, she's the operations manager in Robin's seated to my right. She's the senior creative editor and other things. But as when we're approached and when we've talked to new customers, our goal is to understand basically from concept delivery and where they are in that cycle. So if you, for example, if you are a, uh, a typical trainer that is like instructor led, you lead courses, you talk in front of people in front of a room, maybe with a PowerPoint or something like that, we would want to understand, you know, what are your goals and who's the greater audience you're trying to reach for our co, our corporate customers, they will reach out to us and say, well buddy, we have instructional designers.

People that understand how people learn and that are trained in that area. They've written a script or they have some type of content already created. We, we need your help fulfilling that either it's video production or it's a e-learning design or graphic design or even help designing the brand of that training. What does it look like? How, you know, what's the user experience? How are people consuming that? So we can answer a lot of different questions based on whatever the need, whatever you bring to me as the, uh, even as someone who doesn't know how people learn, but you know that you have a topic that you need them to consume. Then we just start the conversation there.

Gotcha. So I'm curious what, uh, what was it that got you guys into this business and wanting to help develop courses and training and education for online consumption?

Well, Robin, if you don't mind just kind of start with your history.

Well, I'm like Buddy, I'm a visual person. You know, I've always been a visual storyteller and a, I started out in the industry, you know, working TV and, and corporate stuff. And then I went into teaching for a while and I was in public education. And teaching is something that came very naturally to me. And so when I got out of education and came back to the, uh, production industry, I, you know, met up with Buddy. I, uh, knew him while I was teaching. He actually came and talked to my classes. Um, but it was a perfect fit for me because I could utilize my education background and my visual storytelling strengths and marry the two together. It's kind of a management and have an Arthur. Yeah, for sure.

Good deal. So I'm kind of curious when, when you're putting together or helping somebody to kind of come up with a look in the field and in developing that, that online training, um, is it, are we building things that are not only maybe somebody on camera whiteboard stuff, but also graphics, infographics and kind of motion graphics and things like that, incorporate it into, do you guys do all that stuff?

We do it all. And so as I've mentioned before, or possibly it's concept to delivery, so, um, we'll first, uh, we'd like to host what it's called a discovery sessions, very similar to the marketing, uh, life cycle. So it's essentially bringing all of the stakeholders together, even if it's just one person on the other side of the table with us and to understanding their brand, their goals, their audience. So that's the discovery. And that usually results in a report that is, this is the roadmap for what the project should look like from a 10,000 foot up level. And so, um, once we have that, and that can be anywhere in the life cycle of the product, but it's essentially we understand all of the different things you want to do or at least we tried to extract that in that conversation. It's almost like a group therapy. We've had a session like that that literally lasted eight hours and we filled entire whiteboards with all of these different, basically just words, what does this mean to you? Well what about this? What does success look like? What are the different personas who are either giving the training, you know, facilitating if you will, or receiving the training. So we map all of that out and that's how we understand really where we're going with this because it's just like anything else. You, um, what is it? A failure to plan is planning to fail, right? And so that's very important in the training market, especially some of these projects are large. The largest project Robin and I are working on right now is a, is a training, uh, program. And we're on what, like month 18 or so. We've been at it for some time. So it's important to get it right from the beginning. So, um, to answer your question, it's, we offer so much that is everything that can be consumed. We have a vast network of really talented people and that's, you know, I'll get to our business model briefly, but we're, we call it a flex and surge. So we have five core employees and a handful of really powerful contractors that are here in house. And then we have, last year we had 60 to 99 so we have a bunch of different people that have, they're all every discipline you can imagine that contributes to the visual learning field. But from, again, from instructional designers to graphic designers to people that specifically do those hand drawn videos that you've seen. We have a lot of different talented artists. A lot of them have a background in even so they understand what, what, how the spatial relationship that needs to live on the screen so people can consume it at the pace they need to consume it. So to, you know, the real answer is we do it all. I mean, I, I hate to sound cliche when I say that, but, but we absolutely, um, bring the right, the flex and surge model, which Rob and I've talked about is, um, basically we, we been to whatever the needs are of that particular project and client and, um, an example would be saved. You're in the, um, food service industry. We'd find an instructional designer or a graphic designer or someone who has produced content somewhere within that industry rather than just putting a, you know, a, a round peg in a square hole, right? We don't just fit a person. We find the right fit. So when we present, uh, at the beginning of the project or wherever the project is in its life cycle, we make sure we bring the right team. So be, especially if there's a contractor, cause we want to understand the, the full project and where the, uh, talent, um, and the, you know, instructional design talent on the other side. And of course, where the learner is, when to make sure that the language is right, the vernacular, the proper vernacular is used. So it, uh, it basically, uh, eliminate some of the project learning curve and uh, eliminate some of the confusion and conversations so communication.

One of the key elements of any, any training courses, obviously the content itself, I would imagine that the customers that come to you have expertise in their area and they want to turn that into a course. How much of the actual content development side of things do you help with or is it kind of up to the person that's hiring you to really develop the content for the course?

It depends on the project. Um, you know, there's some times like Buddy said they'll come to with those, with the script and so then we just have to understand, you know, who the audiences and how they're best going to learn and then we can help structure the visuals to support that content. And then sometimes they'll come to us with a concept and you know, they'll say, okay, we've got this, this idea, but we don't know what it looks like. We don't know what it sounds like. And then we can certainly help break that down. And that goes back to that discovery session, understanding what the goals are and who the audience is for that. Because visual storytelling is all about knowing your audience and what they need to be able to consume it. Um, and so then, you know, we sometimes we start from the ground up and help them write that, um, whether it be dialogue or writing it out in pictures, you know, to, to tell the story. Um, but you know, like we have kind of a mantra that, you know, you can't put anything on the screen that's going to distract your viewer. You know, because you, you have to understand what the viewer is looking for and you have to know what the goal of the product is so that you can get those two to meet in the middle.

Makes a lot of sense. And it sounds like you guys have good alignment with that in terms of making sure that whatever's going to get produced is going to march down the path to meeting that goal. Right. Cause it's super easy to get off the rails on stuff like that. I've done it.

And even the audience, you know, the, the project that Buddy mentioned that we've been working on for 18 months, we started out with a fairly narrow audience. And what we realized as the project took life was that it really had a much broader audience than our target national. In fact. Yeah. And, and so that's, you know, that's been part of the growing that project and going, you know, everybody needs to see this, not just our original audience and just making sure that it's consumable in a lot of different ways. Right.

And one of the outcomes of the discovery session, we often find it, I mentioned it's kind of a group therapy, is that we discovered that the people who like you are basically either funding it or it's their baby per se, the project is their baby. We help them understand that they aren't necessarily the audience of this training. A lot of, especially I'm thinking in terms of business owners and whatnot, they, they, they see it as how they want it to be and they sometimes forget to step outside of that. And what is the learner needing from that? Because they may know their brand in and out. So they'll make assumptions all along that the training process of they should know this, they should know, this will say a new employee won't know. You know, what the company is about. They won't know certain things. Even if the company's been around for 20 business, 20 years in business, they may not know the brand. So there's all these different things that we try to pull them out of their product and we pull them away from them being the person that goes, yes, this is perfect for me. They're not the learner. Yeah, that's the audience.

That's a classic marketing mistake is assuming that you are the audience. Um, rarely is that the case. In fact, I think most of the time you have to kind of step outside your own body and you know, have that experience of looking in from the outside. So glad to hear that you guys bring that to the table. So you talked a little bit about the, uh, the flex model and having the contractors that kind of augment what you do depending on the need. One thing I know you guys have that is a bit more permanent is a pretty amazing studio space that you've built as well. Talk to us a little bit about the capabilities of that as I've seen a little bit of it, but I'm sure there's much more to it than what I've seen.

Certainly. Well originally, you know, Dallas is a big market and there are a lot of studios here. There's lots of capability here and that's actually the real benefit of being in this market. As I mentioned, the flex and surge model, we have access and of course we're members of the local ATD Dallas chapter. What does ATC is the association of the association of talent development. Got it. So we're a major sponsor, some of their events, but so by knowing that group and all these other ancillary groups, a alignment with UNT for interns and other talent, um, we have access to a terrific amount of talent. So, uh, recently with some restructuring in the current building we're in, we decided to take on an additional space. It's about 400 square feet with 17 foot ceilings. And given we do, we conduct so much of our production in house as in from script to screen, we decided to build a studio within our space. So we're in the, basically in the middle of the building on the second floor and it's a, we built in a white CYC on one side and then we have those heavy, you know, curtains for theater and whatnot. Um, and then, uh, in house we have four, fourK cameras with stands of course the, the grid. It's basically what you expect to see when you walk in a studio. You have a lighting grid, you have soundproofing, you have, uh, all types of capability. And, um, some of our on location, um, products, we use something called sling studio, which is a live switch product multi-camera that works very well in house as well because then we have several cameras set up. We can have people on set up to ideally three people on set. Again, this is a 400 square foot suit. It's not huge. So it's, it's right for a lot of the training products we do for like a green screen set up or stand and deliver. We have teleprompters in there that are camera mounted. So it looks like a news set if you will. So as a, as a trainer or anybody who has a message to convey, they're looking right into the audience's eyes. They're looking through the lens for the teleprompter. So it has terrific capability. Again, live switching even to the web, we can live stream multicam switch to the web. Um, the benefit of that and what we are telling people and is the, the benefit is you effectively have a live switch show. Once you're done, say you come in for 30 minutes, it's switched. I say live, it's, it's switched live, not necessarily broadcast live. And so you walk out with an edited program, a lot of people will take several cameras into the field and they have to go back and edit those individually into something finished. The benefit of using our studio in the setup is it's almost done. So it cuts down significantly on a heavy cost, which is post production. And very time consuming as well.

So, so when you say switch, just to be clear so that our audience knows what you're talking about, you're actually switching between the different cameras as the video is being shot.

Exactly. Yeah.

So instead of having to do that in post production, you've got this thing that nicely moves between different people that are, that are onset?

That's correct.

Okay. Yeah. Thank you.

Like any, any new show you've watched where you see the closeups, the wide shots, all of that is happening. Just like would happen in a live situation.

Fantastic. Yeah. Um, and it's sling studio. It's called sling studio. It's um, they make a backpack type thing. Yes. Yes. I think I know that's how they advertise is though it's basically a wireless hub. And again, we're not a reseller so I get no benefit from this. But we have two of them in house though because they, they are very useful for us. Th what's important about that product is it's wireless and battery capable. And you put a box, basically low broadcast box on top of your camera that's HTMI connected and it has, it has its own battery so you can effectively, the reason we invested in this was we had a, uh, oil and gas company that wanted to train on location and some of these locations, these pipes coming out of the ground that you'll see on the highways, those are out there.

So we had to have something that was completely wireless and battery capable. And so are our typical setup for a field situation using this technology is an iPad, which is the user interface so that you see little cameras, the layout on the screen and graphics and other video you can roll in. And then you have a hub and then multiple cameras with those little connectors. And it's also drone capable. So while this customer, we a drone in the air, which is a live video feed. So if you have someone out there training with, you know, their protective equipment in a truck or something like that, you can see it from above and you can see it from multiple, multiple camera angles and then we can live, switch it and record it right there so it's ready to go.

That's pretty cool. I'm kind of geeking out.

Right. That was the main reason is the portability, but it works very well in a studio setup.

Gotcha. And then, so you kind of answered my next question, but that was do you do a production in the field as well or is it just in studio? It sounds like you guys are out and about there when need be.

Certainly our most recent field production was a TEDx event in Pleasant Grove, um, this past month. And it was, again, it was, it was four cameras using the same setup. So it was a live setup, live stage. If you've seen a TEDx that's well-produced, that's, it looks good. Again, recording with fourK capable cameras, everything looks and sounds great. Um, but that's, we have a number of including the Southwest learning summit, which is put on by ATD Dallas in August. We, we have two different multi-camera setups planned for that event to where we record the speakers, record the keynotes and have all of that for posterity. And we'll also have a, we'll be doing a podcast there as well. But all of that is to augment or basically to, to show off, not augment, to show off our capability of how we can set up these, these multiple live events. And I, again, I say they're not necessarily broadcast live, but they're live switch. So as soon as we're done, as soon as the speakers is as finished speaking, we basically pulled a hard drive out and transfer it to them so they had the entire presentation writing. That's what makes our field unit so capable.

Okay. Is there an ideal customer for you guys? That's a good question. What do you think Robin?

We, we like to make training that does good in the world. We want to, we want our products to make a difference for, for someone. Um, and sometimes that's fairly simple. It means that a machine is going to be cleaned, right and everybody's going to be healthier and sometimes it's going to make people feel safe or be safe. And, and that's kind of, you know, we, we like the clients that come to us and say, we've got a product or we need a video that's going to make a difference in people's lives. That's, those are the ones we really like to get behind.

Okay. Fair enough.

And, you know, from a, just from a, that's kind of our why, you know, we, we really wanted to do good. Um, and, and Robin has this really great saying, you know, some projects are for the meals and some are for the reel, you know, and video production and film production, they call it, you know, that's your demo reel that shows off your best work. Um, and we understand that not all of it can be that way. So we, we definitely, we are definitely actively seeking, um, not just the real work, but, but something that does good and we'll continue to do that. We have basically two different product sets that we're working on. And you know, as what we've described up till now is custom work and we're approached by a customer who, um, usually they own everything and because it's an internal delivery, say some of the, some of the corporate entities that we work for that's not going to be outside of their walls because it's something, it's a, it's a proprietary process or something for their team, their training, what we're looking to do now actively seeking partners, say an instructional designer, someone that knows their industry, knows their field, maybe they've even developed some training content that they're currently giving a as an instructor in front of a live audience. And then we're wanting to turn that into a, off the shelf training. So right now everything we do is custom Dustin work for, for a specific audience. We want to now pivot to an additional product line that is off the shelf. So it's designed in mind of a larger audience than the the trainer currently has, you know, and, and maybe even outside of their market if necessary to give me an example of what that might look like. Just, uh, I'll, I'll, I'll give you a broad one. I'm not going to go that route, but it's, um, do you want, should I go to the puppy route? Why don't you describe it without giving away too much detail.

Um, Buddy was teasing me about doing a puppy training video. I was having a particularly emotional day with one of our products that that's just a tough topic. And, uh, he goes, don't worry that puppy training videos come in next. And uh, and I took him seriously and um, yeah, so, but thinking about, you know, who doesn't have a dog and you know, when you get a dog, you, you need, need help training it. And there are dog trainers and the dog trainers often need help training. And so, you know, we're talking to a couple of, uh, subject matter experts in dog training about possibly developing a curriculum that would, you know, target a lot of different audiences that that would involve dogs because it's fun and it's gonna do good.

It will do good. And is that something that you guys would produce just entirely on your own and then make it available to the trainers, for example, to, yeah, we're, we're working both of the, the kind of the front end talking to this particular expert on how well they know the industry, uh, kind of making a business case for it. And then separately, it's kind of like the discovery session I mentioned previously. We would have that within our group and decide, you know, who, who, what is the brand and especially who is the audience, what's the size of the audience? A lot of the corporate companies we serve, they serve thousands. You know, we're developing this training for thousands and it does cost a reasonable amount of money depending on the size of the project. So for something like this, we have to make sure that it has, has a reach that, uh, makes the investment worthwhile. And we're not just, I mean, we're targeting a number of different industries so it won't work. We don't, weren't planning for a niche here. It's more of a, um, we're looking at, um, one for a kind of a smaller aircraft training, you know, for, for different aspects of that. Uh, we have a SMI there, so we're not limiting that. You know, we're casting a very broad net. It's more about the process, you know, what's, what's the business case for each of these products and then who are, how big is the audience? And it doesn't have to be huge. It just has to justify the costs, you know, and yeah, that totally makes sense. Ideally something that does good, right. You know,

us, me being a subject matter expert and you know, really Buddy said it could be any, any industry, any, any subject matter expert that's out there that, that has, you know, a training program that needs an audience, you know, or that needs a product for their audience. That's, you know, we want to talk to them.

So I've got a training course that I've been planning to develop for a long time. Um, and it's going to be a paid course. Is that something I would come to you guys to help us develop as well? And kind of do all the nice polished production around that. Precisely.

Yes. Okay. Good to know. You're exactly the type of person we're looking for. You know, someone who has content, understands, you know, understands their content very well, probably understands their market and audience very well, but doesn't know, you know, it's always that leap that you have to make of, of the things you don't know. It's, it's the what you don't know that keeps you from moving forward. And that's where why we're here. Because we do know these things and if we don't, we know people who do and we'll bring them to the table.

Okay. Good to know. Well, yeah, part of the process I'm going through right now is assessing the market size, making sure it's going to justify the level of effort required to teach what I think, uh, you know, I want this course to look like. So, yeah.

And people like you. I mean, if they're listening, that's, we want to have those conversations, but we will have a qualifying conversation that, that answers those questions even for them. Again, it's, it's kind of a group therapy session. You may think that you have the, what I've been saying lately is like this, this product is the bee's knees. It's the thing that really solves all the problems. You may find out there's a market of 10, right. You know, 10 people and maybe they're not that interested because they've just gone to YouTube and found their answer and they're done.

Now what they don't, they don't know.

There's not a lot of things that are quite as deflating as putting a lot of work into building something like that. Only to find out that nobody cares. Right. Or they're just not interested. Yeah. Been down that road too. So we'll definitely make sure we get it right this time, so, okay. Is there anything about Visual Learning Solutions? I want to ask the questions that you guys wish people would ask you when they first come to you. What are the things that people tend to, maybe they don't know to ask or they shouldn't, they should be asking. I should say that, uh, that they don't,

I I think, I think the question is, um, I mean it's so hard for most people to get started and, and to understand the, the different models involved in developing this stuff. Um, because there's, there's science behind all of this. Um, I know I harp on the audience, but I mean that is really the most important question that you have to answer is who is your audience? Is my audience 10 people who may be should care or is it 100,000 people who do already care and are going to consume this? But do people, do people often I would imagine underestimate the level of effort involved in bringing something like this to life? I think that may be the better question cause I think that the first, the question we get most is how much does video cost right out of the gate?

So, um, it depends, is always the answer, right?

I mean, rolling, you know, a common misconception is video costs a certain amount. And so just to start this off, let me, let me give you a little bit of my history. You know, cause I met Robin and given hers, I started out in broadcast news and I've been in this business for about 30 years. Uh, just just about, uh, 2001 is 30 years for me. So historically I've produced video content, uh, for just about every subject including um, live patient surgery, cosmetic surgery, dentistry, firefighting, um, a lot of industrial. You literally, you name the topic for the most part. I've, I've been a part of it in some way. And the question most people approach us with is, you know, how much, how much is this going to cost? And so I always walk back to cost is such a such a variable. And what's important is we first understand, as Robin mentioned, who is the audience? You know, what are this really it all comes down to who are you and what's your brand? What are you trying to convey? You know, who's, who is your audience and what are your goals? What does success look like for this training? Probably. And that's, that's really it is, is what does success look like once we defined what does success look like for this product, who's going to learn and how are they going to learn and really what are the outcomes, you know, what are, what does success mean? And then from there we just scaled that back, you know, basically reverse engineer what the costs are. And typically when we approach costs, I'll give them a like a high low, you know, here's, here's the range we're expecting. If that's reasonable then we'll continue the conversation. But most people are, are either surprised or shocked by a sticker if we go there first because it's, it's very deflating until you figure out. And we also, having been in this business a very long time, I can also help with understanding the breakdown in savings in certain area. Or we can talk about the greater market and maybe influence where it's going to go. You know, because we don't know. I can basically can add anecdotes to, you know, other customers have had this same problem or other training products. I've had the same, the same goal as yours. And we can go back and I can talk about how those succeeded, you know, and kind of give them a little more reinforced enforcement of what they're doing and how they're doing it.

I think that's a huge benefit to somebody in working with you guys as you've seen so many of these courses in so many different types of training that have been built and delivered that you can help people avoid a lot of the pitfalls that, you know, if they haven't done this very much, they're inevitably gonna run into some of those things.

So I definitely would want to convey that a while. A Visual Learning Solutions. Uh, we started in uh, 2015 so we're in our fifth year while the business is relatively new. Um, we have been in this business a long time and so we, between Robin and I own, we've got roughly 30 years each, sorry, Robin, uh, to in this business.

And then she started at one year old. Amazing how bright she was at that age.

Brilliant, brilliant. But you know, we do bring a lot of of, you know, we've learned through hard knocks and other situations that things have to be done a certain way and they will succeed if you do that. And, um, and a lot of that happens just from the beginning of having conversations. And Robin will attest that when you begin talking to me, my ultimate goal is just to understand, is to understand you, your, you know, all the things I've mentioned before.

But there isn't, I, I'm never, I'm not here and my motivation isn't to make a dollar. It's to make good is, is to do good. And there I, there's a saying on my paraphrase, it was basically, you know, if, if you do what you love, you're, you're gonna make money doing it. So we don't worry about the budget so much. I mean, obviously we're in business, but it's more about understanding the goals and success, you know, success for my customers mean success for me.

Very good. Robin, any last thoughts before we, uh, log off here?

I don't think so. Okay. It's been a pleasure having you guys both on our show today. I mean we could probably go on talking about this for hours and I would definitely love to learn and hear more. So maybe we'll have you guys back on before too long.

I look forward to the opportunity.

I love seeing companies like this right here in Frisco, Texas, making it happen. So if you've got training, if you need to train your people, if you have a training course idea for a broader market like I do, then Visual Learning Solutions.com and where else can they find you online besides the website.

We do have a Facebook presence, which is the same. And basically if you just go to Facebook and type our name, you'll find is there a YouTube channel and development. Um, and of course I and the business are both, you know, we're all on LinkedIn and so we, we publish on those regularly. All right. And not, not to overlook what the, definitely the video production studio is the one part that is open to the public, you know, whereas the rest of it is specifically for training. It is a business friendly studio and with business friendly, friendly rates. Um, ideally it's someone who's trying to promote their business or promote a product or something.

I'm glad you mentioned that cause I didn't realize that you guys had the studio. Like people can book time and come in and see your stuff and yeah. And just for anybody that's curious, uh, we started shooting the series that we're doing with uh, UT Southwestern and Texas Health, the Frisco physicians series is being shot in your studio, so.

Correct.

Yeah, it's looking good. Thank you so much. Well guys, thanks again for coming on the show and for the time today we'll definitely have you back on, learn some more about it, but again, visual learning solutions.com and thanks to all of you for tuning into the Frisco podcast. As always, you can find us on YouTube, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, pretty much any place you're going to find a podcast, you're going to find us. So go out there, give us a likely, just comment, let us know what you think, talk to you next time.

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Subscribe on iTunes! Subscribe on Google Play Podcast RSS Feed In this episode of The Frisco Podcast, Portrait Photographer Me Ra Koh, Professional Organizer Sue Yaghi, and Howard "The Dirt Doctor" Garrett join us in the studio to give a sneak peek of what you can expect to see at the upcoming 2020 Greater Frisco Home and Garden Show.

https://youtu.be/rGj4Na29x8Q

SHOW NOTES:

[00:20] Introductions [02:30] KonMari Method explained [08:15] "The Dirt Doctor" discusses organic gardening [14:21] The experience of photographing family portraits [20:10] Where you can find Me Ra Koh, Sue Yaghi, and Howard Garrett online

Connect with Lifestyle Frisco on: * YouTube * Facebook * Instagram * Twitter * LinkedIn

Transcript Machine-generated. Welcome to the Frisco Podcast. I'm your host, Scott Ellis. And in this episode we're talking about the Home and Garden Show that's coming to Frisco on March 20th through 22nd I have a number of guests in the studio with me today. So, uh, I tell you what, instead of me introducing you guys, why don't we go around the room and you guys can introduce yourselves and I'm gonna start with Sue.

Hi, my name is Sue Yaghi. I am going to be the home and garden show and I am going to talk about the basic methods of the KonMari organizing.

So you're gonna be doing, talking to you have a booth there as well.

I do not have a booth. I'll be talking on Saturday. I have two sessions at 11 and two and then on Sunday at one o'clock. Perfect. Okay. Howard.

Well, I'm the dirt doctor. I'm been, I've been in the landscape business all my life. I'm currently doing the radio talk show weekly that's nationally syndicated. I've written 15 books on organic gardening, various specific subjects. And I, uh, just teach people how to go organic and stop using synthetic fertilizers and toxic chemical pesticides. We'll be speaking three times at the event.

Okay. Very good. I'm sure we'll have a number of questions for you. And last but not least, mirror.

Hi, my name is Me Ra Koh and I was a photo mom on Disney for several years, which is a show called capture your story. And I love empowering people with photo tips on how to capture their family. We're going to have a booth there as well. We um, just came here from Seattle and have a local studio now in Frisco. So I'll be on the stage giving tips on how to look thinner in photos, how to get high energy kids to like calm down for the photo. Just all kinds of tips that, you know, we just want when we're working with kids, um, as well as have some of our fine artwork of families on display there.

Well, we're going to have a lot of questions for you guys as well. So we're gonna have some fun here today. And again, the Home and Garden Show is happening. It's at the Star in Frisco. So if you didn't get to go last year, uh, this is the second year at the star and it is March 20th through 22nd. So it's coming up pretty fast. So, uh, let's go ahead and dig in with a little bit of organizing talk here because you know that that's a topic that comes up frequently, um, with some of our writers and other people that we work with at lifestyle Frisco. There's so many families moving into Frisco, you know, kind of clean slate, new house, all that kind of stuff. So tell us a little bit about the KonMari method. What exactly does that mean? And we'll go from there,

Right? The KonMari method really has three rules, uh, three basic rules. And the first rule is be honest with yourself and visualize your ideal life. What is your ideal life and why do you want to tidy? It's not just about tidying or houses. Why do you want to do it? And trust me, once you are done, you will find out that your life is just a little more and less, more stress, fee free. And therefore you have a better life. So that's number one. Number two are the rule number two is tidy in one go. Do not tidy. One room, do not tidy. One closet tidy in one go. Um, so you basically pile everything up. There are certain categories to go by, but basically you pile everything up so you see the magnitude of what you have. And the third and last rule is tidy by category. So you tidy. There are five categories in the KonMari method, clothes, books, papers, um, komono komono means miscellaneous, which is kitchen, bathroom, everything else. And the last one is sentimental. Sentimental meaning your albums, you know, the closets of albums and pictures, the pictures on the walls, sentimental item, psych, wedding dresses, um, maybe little trinkets, maybe the thousand Christmas cards that we've saved over the years. And we have, we don't have the heart to throw those away. So that is sentimental. So once you go by these three rules, you will really understand that once you're done, Oh my gosh, my life is stress free. So you, if you start with clothes, you basically take all the clothes you personally have not talking about your partner. I'm not talking about your kids, I'm talking about you personally. You, whoever wants to start it has to do it, has to go through the experience themselves. Throw all your clothes on the bed, socks, underwear, jackets, coats, um, anything you have, um, scarves. Throw them all on the bed in a huge pile and take a look at it and say, why do I have all of this? Do I wear all of this? Do I use all of this? And then the, maybe the most, the biggest trademark that the KonMari method has is the spark joy. So you pick up every single item. You have to pick up every single item. And trust me, I have done this exercise. You pick it up and you look at it and you think, does this spark joy to me? If it does not spark joy to you, you thank it. You put it in a pile for giveaway. If it sparks joy to you, put it in the spark joy pile. And then later on we'll talk about folding it and if you're not sure there's an item like, ah, I really like it but I haven't worn it. I'm not sure that's your maybe pile. By the time you're done with the spark joy pile that I really hate this pile, and the maybe you will come back to that maybe pile and say, okay, I know exactly what I want to do. Usually there's a couple of items that you're still not sure about. I say hang them up in the closet, put them in clear view, don't stack them somewhere. You'll never go back to them. If you stack them, hang them up and take a look at them every day. Maybe in a week or two, maybe in a month or two you'll say, why the heck am I holding onto this? I'm going to throw this away. Or Oh my gosh, I love this. I should wear this. As long as you're wearing it, keep it in the closet and then move it to your spark joy pile, which will be hanging up.

So what are the key benefits of going through this kind of a process? I mean, what do people, other than making more space and getting rid of things that they're not using, what are they really, really?

They're Galing. They're gaining the spark joy. So if you, if you think about it, if your closet sparks joy, your pantry sparks joy, your living room sparks joy, you're going to spark joy on the inside. You're going to be happy on the inside because everything is basically organized and then you think, okay, let me move to my second thing. What am I doing next? Has nothing to do with organizing. Has nothing to do with your house. Maybe it's, gosh, you know, all my life I wanted to do something. I wanted to do this hobby, but I haven't done it. So you do it because it sparks joy. You basically are teaching yourself a method of how to take care of yourself. I've worked corporate America for 20 years and I decided one day after I read Marie Kondo's books, I decided I'm going to take a break. I'm going to quit my job. My 50 hour week job and just do what I want to do. And I went through the whole course, the training, the seminars, the practice, and I feel like I've really done what I wanted to do. I even garden, you know, if never gardened before. I don't have a green thumb. I, I really am horrible at it. I've killed so many plants and finally I've taken the time to read through it to really learn how to do it. And I'm doing that. I travel because now I feel like while there's nothing holding me back, there's no one holding me back. So it's about what you want to do, your ideal life. That's why I said be honest with yourself and think, how do you visualize your ideal life?

Sounds wonderful. I can imagine for some folks it's probably harder than it sounds at times that we used to get going. Um, but good practice. And speaking of gardening, what a great transition. We're going to talk to Howard now, the dirt doctor who is also going to be at the Home and Garden Show and Howard, tell us what about the dirt doctor and what you guys are doing over there.

Well, if I teach you how to garden, will you come over and talk to my wife? I'm on the other end of the spectrum of that. Well, I as the dirt doctor, like I said, I specialize in organic gardening. I'm a practicing landscape architecture for a long time. I really don't do that anymore. I do a little consulting on projects that are special to me, that I've worked on in the past. But the main thing I do now is teach homeowners, farmers, ranchers, and others how to go a different route, go this natural organic route. And I try to teach people about all the misconceptions on it. We are, we have a little bit of a difficulty because none of the universities teach what I teach in the United States. Not one, including where I went to school, Texas tech.

So we're, we're battling all the time. What people are coming out of school, uh, having learned and go right into using the synthetic stuff and the toxic stuff. Um, my big love is trees of the three talks that I'll be doing. One is about the fabulous trees of the world. And I, I start that talk by uh, uh, explaining how to properly select and plant trees and then get into the management of trees. I have a completely different approach, a simpler approach than most people in the landscape business use. And then I cover some of the most fabulous trees in the world. Some of them are here in Texas, the national champion pecan tree. I've consulted on help the owners for a long time. And it's in Weatherford, Texas. It's about an 850 year old [inaudible] tree. We cover that and show the whole story of how in trouble it was when I started working with them and how, how it looks today. And we cover some of the big, uh, special trees in my yard, including my dog, our recent rescue dog, Nellie's climbing tree. And yes, she climbs it and she climbs all the way to the top, sometimes chasing squirrels and birds and things. That's been an experience. But then we also cover a 3000 year old tree in Wahaca, Mexico. That's a Montezuma Cypress. And I try to teach people that even though they're in Wahaca, it's that old and has a 50 foot diameter trunk. You can grow it in Frisco or Dallas or, or Denton, Texas or

I don't know if that would fit in most of our yards, but it sounds amazing.

Oh, it's like it's, it's a ball Cypress. It's just a little faster growing version. And most people up until the time we started talking about it, thought it would freeze here. They needed to be down in a tropical place. But that's not true. But the main thing I tried to teach people is this natural organic approach, um, works better than any other approach. Some people think that if it's organic, it has to be wild. And you know, it's okay for some of the university guys say, well, they'll work for Garrett at his house where he's sitting on his compost pile under his pyramid, smoking marijuana. But you know, it really won't work in corporate America and it won't work for most of us. Well, I designed the landscaping. It's the Frito lay national headquarters, and it was organic for many years until a university related people got back in charge of the maintenance and changed it back to the toxic way, which was a very big disappointment to me. But anyway, we, the main thing we teach is there, works better and it works better in every way, including from a financial standpoint because you can say 40 to 50% on your water bill using organic techniques.

Interesting. So is there anything I can do to make that live Oak in my front yard grow a little faster news for sure. One of the main things I teach people is a little process. It's not a product. It's a process called a sick tree treatment, which is something we devised years ago to save. The red tip for tinny is the [inaudible] Frazier eyes that were dying out all over the South. And we came up with this process called a sick tree treatment. And if you simply apply that to your tray out, I'll guarantee you without even seeing it, this'll work for you. The first step of that process is to take the soil off the base of the tree. So the flair that that part that looks a lot of people think is part of the root system. It's actually part of the trunk. You expose that flare to the rest of the sick trade treatment. It will put on new growth, uh, much faster than it's ever grown. It will eliminate insect and disease problems if it has some kind of a parasite in it, like mistletoe, that'll go away. If woodpeckers are pecking holes in the trunk, you know the sapsuckers that will stop. It's a pretty a amazing thing and it's very simple to do.

Interesting.

And we'll teach you how to do that.

All right, that sounds good. So you're doing it a couple of different talks.

Doing three will do on trees. One on it, a natural organic insect control and one on probably fruits and vegetable growing at home and soil improvement and that sort of thing.

Do you talk about grass at all?

Talking about turf? Uh, all the way from turf, the interior plants, orchids, you know, trees. I tend to, uh, spend the most of my time on trees because that's where the most money's involved. That's where the biggest investment is. Plus for a homeowner and a commercial owner as well. That's the one thing that you can do in landscaping that will actually increase property value.

Interesting. I did not know that.

Grass and ground cover and shrubs. Yeah, cow look nice. But the trees will actually increase the property values pretty substantially.

I can imagine that certainly is going to attract buyers as well if you have trees.

And that's right.

Good to know. All right, well that's something to definitely look forward to it. The home and garden. Show me fun. Let me find, look forward to talking to people. Absolutely. All right. So let's go over to Me Ra and talk a little bit about photography and you're gonna tell us how to look sexy, right? Pictures, even if we're not.

Yes.Well, what are my passion really is my husband and I work together. And it's really about diving into the story of who you are and your family and this season of life. And, and so we have this, um, really beautiful, rich photographic experience that we take families on when they, uh, come to us about a shoot. And the first step is to dive into a phone call. We call it a discovery call and just discover with them through a handful of just thoughtful questions, what is like most meaningful to them about one person in their family right now, whether it's their spouse or their, um, one of their kids. And just really kind of go into what is, what is unique about this season? What stands out to them? What are those little details that you know, are often so fleeting and, uh, and that we just never wanna forget.

And through that we start to build a creative vision around how to capture this family in this season of time. And, and it becomes this, you know, by the time if it's a family of four, by the time we actually do the photo shoot, we've done like almost six calls sometimes with one about each one. And the kids want to with both the parents about each other and what, you know, what made them first fall in love with each other, which is always like this great, um, refreshing kind of exercise and the midst of like the busy-ness of life, right? And that's what really guides the creative vision. And so everybody I think obviously wants to look their best and photos, but I think that when we start digging into why this is meaningful to capture this time in my life, all of that starts to like come to the surface versus being, um, really stressed or overwhelmed about our, all our outfit's going to match or like, do I need to go shopping for new things for us to wear? Because that's almost like a side thing, can compare it to the emotion of why we love each other and what means the most to us right now in life.

I love it. So you guys really kind of dig in deep and there's a lot going on before we even get to shooting the pictures. Yes. I feel like I, you know, I've been a photographer for almost 20 years and in the beginning I definitely started where, you know, I'd meet a family at a park and I would just take photos of them maybe laughing or smiling together. And I think I realized over the years that as great as that is, and it was like fun as those photos are to capture what is so meaningful is to like take the time to actually talk to the families, dig into who they are, and then let what they share with us, guide exactly what we're going to shoot. So there was this little girl, she's, I'm five years old and she has two best friends, um, Rosie and Crack. And they're her little hands, her right and left hand that she makes dinosaurs with and they're like her best friends. And I would have never have even have known this if I hadn't done a call with the mom on just this little girl. And, uh, and so we ended up doing this whole family portrait where everyone had their little hands as their little dinosaurs cause her dad had taught her this. Whenever she's lonely, she can have Rosie or Crack to keep her company and uh, and that just like, you know, that's a completely different, uh, story to capture.

That's fantastic. And everyone just looking at the camera and smiling, I have a friend named Crack, I don't even know where to go with that. Yes.

And so for them to have that on their wall, to like anchor back to visually and celebrate that when the daughter's first day of kindergarten came and, uh, you know, in August this year, uh, she told her mom that Rosie and Crack gonna stay at home. But she felt like she was okay to go without them. But I just thought, I know Bob was in tears. It was off. I was like, I'm so glad that we captured that in it's on the wall because I never want to forget that time in our lives. Yeah. That'll be good fodder for embarrassing her when she's a teenager too.

So it was family photography, what you specialize in. Yes, it's been my focus and passion for, yeah, like I said, like 20 years, I've published five different books. I often appear on Live with Kelly and Ryan, um, worked with Oprah and the Nate Berkus show. And then we had our Disney show for, I think it's still actually playing, cause I still have three and four year olds come up to me almost 10 years later and show me their phones that they're taking of their favorite things. I'm on their parent's smartphones and stuff. And so family's has always been our focus and families can be everything from, gosh, the couple that came in two weeks ago from Arizona to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary and what their marriage is meant. So we interviewed all of like their adult children and asked them what their mom and dad has taught them about life and what they all like when they think of them together, what do they think of? And it was so great. It's like them playing cards and, and grandpa always cheese and so we, you know, that was like the creative vision of capturing the two of them playing cards and I'm cheating in the midst of it, but for them to like always have that for generations of that's what they loved about who they were and what they represented to the family.

What are the books that you've written? Let's go ahead and get those out there while we have it.

Yes. Okay. The first one is called beauty restored and the second one is your baby and pictures, then your child and pictures and your family and pictures. And that's a series I did with random house it you can find at any bookstore on Amazon. And the last one is work happily ever after. And it's for entrepreneurs who are wanting to like get better with their branding and messaging.

Interesting. Okay. We'll be sure to link all of those up. And I think while we're at it, why don't we go around the table real quick and we'll kind of go back in the opposite order we just did starting with you. Where can people learn more about you and find you online?

Absolutely. Me Ra Koh that's, it's just my name. It's M-E-R-A-K-O-H, so merakoh.com. I'm on Instagram under Merakoh and Me Ra Koh The Photoh Mom on Facebook. Me Ra Koh The Photo Mom. I like.

Okay. Howard,

Well, excuse me, my website is Dirtdoctor.com. Uh, we uh, can be found on the radio syndicated on Sundays. We do three hour, uh, live call in talk show that, uh, uh, goes out of, uh, six 60 the answer in the Dallas Fort worth area, but it's on about 250 stations cross country. We created an online course because none of the universities teach what I teach. And it is through the nonprofit called the Texas organic research center [inaudible], which we've, we, uh, run, um, my book, so range from plants of the metroplex, which is the one I did years and years ago when I was just started through the Texas bug book to the now the organic manual that we did with mother earth, um, uh, news. And, um, there's other books on all kinds of subjects, herbs, trees, various things.

And they're all books that you've written.

Yeah, these are all my books and they're available on [inaudible] website dirtdoctor.com and bookstores. There aren't very many these days, you know, and so it's probably easiest to find it on our website or in some of the local stores that sell organic gardening products. We also do, uh, a column and I've done it for a long time. I've done it since the early eighties, I guess on, uh, in the Dallas morning news and it's called organic answers and it runs every Thursday.

Okay.

So that's a few places people can get some additional information.

Okay. And Sue, well, I have no books, [inaudible] Uh, but you can find me on, on online at sueschicinteriors.com. And I do interiors. I am, um, by trade and interior designer and have done that for 20 years. Um, so you can find me there. I do interior design, I do commercial design, which is more my husband, my specialty for 20 years. Uh, I do organizing, I help with house moving. So if you're moving, if you decide you want to move from one place to another, I help you with that. I also help older people transition or you know, go from a full house to a studio or a condo or whatever that is. And um, believe it or not, I have had adult children call me up and have me go help their parents who, you know, aren't physically capable of doing this on their own.

Okay. Well a whole lot of people moving to Frisco and even within Frisco. So I'm sure those services will be handy. I can't believe we've already rocked over 20 minutes already, but this has been a lot of fun. Just a little bit of a teaser of what people can expect at the home and garden show. So definitely get out there. Again, that is going to be March 20 through the 22nd at the Star. And you can go out and you can meet Sue and learn a little bit about organizing using the KonMari method. Be sure to get out there and say hello to Howard because we all have plants and trees and things in our yards that we're trying to take care of. Some like me are not very good at it. So I appreciate the, the advice today, Howard. And then of course, last but not least, we have a Me Ra who is doing a talk or two on a photography. So guys, thank you very much for tuning in. Again, check the Home and Garden show. Uh, we'll link all of this stuff up in the show notes for you. And as always, you can find the Frisco Podcast on Google play, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, or pretty much any place you're gonna find a podcast. You're gonna find us to go out there, leave us comment, give us a rating. We'd love to hear from you. Talk to you next time.

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Subscribe on iTunes! Subscribe on Google Play Podcast RSS Feed In this week’s episode, plastic surgeon Dr. Sean Hill sits down to discuss his journey becoming a medical doctor, his involvement in the community and why he chose to open his own practice right here in Frisco.

https://youtu.be/gqOgQOhGzJE

SHOW NOTES:

[00:33] Differences between a plastic surgeon versus a cosmetic surgeon [02:23] Lone Star Plastic Surgery [05:40] Where to find Lone Star Plastic Surgery on social media [06:20] Why Dr. Hill chose to start his practice in Frisco [08:30]Dr. Hill's involvement in the community [13:25] Most common questions patients ask and questions Dr. Hill wishes patients ask more [19:45] What age is appropriate to consult with a plastic surgeon [21:20] Patient Education [23:30] What makes Lone Star Plastic Surgery unique

LINKS & RESOURCES: * Lone Star Plastic on Lifestyle Frisco * Lone Star Plastic Surgery Website * Lone Star Plastic Surgery Facebook * Lone Star Plastic Surgery Instagram * Lone Star Plastic Surgery Youtube * Melanie Nance Instagram

Connect with Lifestyle Frisco on: * YouTube * Facebook * Instagram * Twitter * LinkedIn

Transcript Machine-generated. Welcome to the Frisco podcast. I'm your host, Scott Ellis. And in this episode we are joined by Dr. Sean Hill. Dr. Hill, welcome to the show.

Sir. Thanks so much. As always.

Glad to have you here. And we're going to talk about all kinds of fun doctory things today. It's you are a plastic surgeon if you prefer a cosmetic surgeon or does it really matter?

Oh, it does matter actually. Yeah, that's what I mean. I'll jump into that topic since you led me into that one. So, uh, I am a plastic surgeon. I also do cosmetic surgery, but I'm not a cosmetic surgeon. And the question you may ask then is, well, what is the difference between plastic surgeon and cosmetic surgeon and why would I have maybe taken offense to that? Well, so, uh, plastic surgeons, um, are trained in a full plastic surgery residency and then a will then they will be boarded by the governing body, the American board of medical specialties, which is a body that does board certification. Okay. And so that as part of that you have to do a board exam and then do continuing medical education throughout your entire lifetime. A cosmetic surgeon is anyone that's completed some medical residency, whether that is emergency medicine, family medicine, OB, GYN, internal medicine or anything. And then they do a short, maybe six month or one year fellowship in cosmetic surgery surgery. And lo and behold, there are cosmetic surgeon out there hanging a shingle and doing scary things like breast augs and whatnot.

Okay. That is, first of all, let me dive back in here for a minute. That's great information because I never knew there was actually a difference. I always just assume those two things were synonymous. So that's really good to know if somebody is looking for someone to do a procedure or maybe has needs a procedure of some kind. Um, it sounds to me, and I don't want to offend anyone else, but it sounds to me like what I'm looking for is a plastic surgeon.Ideally.

Yeah. I mean as, as we always tell people, do your homework. I mean, obviously, you know, cosmetic medicine and aesthetic medicine is a very lucrative thing. So it, you know, and when, when there is revenue in something, everyone wants to be doing it. So thus if you're going, even if you're going in for something as simple as simple, seemingly simple as Botox or fillers, you should do your homework because, you know, I mean, I don't just let anyone with a pair of scissors cut my hair. Um, I want someone that's actually been trained to cut hair to cut my hair and that's just my hair, which will grow back and well, I mean for me, Oh, a long time. But for the most, for average people, three weeks.

Yeah. Okay. So that makes a lot of sense. I'm thank you for clarifying that for us. Now that we understand. So you are a plastic surgeon and your practice is called Lone Star Plastic Surgery?

Yes, sir. A plastic surgeon. The plaque, the practices here in Frisco called Lone Star Plastic Surgery. I have done way too much training to be injecting poison in people's faces. I'm, I, uh, I'm from Illinois, originally. Did, um, general sir, I'm sorry. I did med school in the full general surgery residency there. And then I moved down to DFW to train at Parkland and UT Southwestern, uh, in plastic surgery, which is renowned as the top training program in the entire world actually. Um, and then did an extra year fellowship down in Austin, Texas doing cranial facial plastic surgery as well. So nine years of postgraduate training and three fellowships and boy am I exhausted.

Wow. Yeah. You've been in school for a long time. We're training of some sort for a long time.

Yeah, I know some, some, yeah. Longer than some people have been alive. They're probably listening to this.

So, um, when, when did you start your practice here in Frisco?

Oh, we've been open for about a year and a half now. Um, and, uh, it's, it's been an adventure, you know, we've seen growth every month as you can imagine, but it's been, it's kinda been fun getting to know everybody in town and then building up the, the Lone Star family.

Very good. Are there particular things that you specialize in?

Besides being awesome? Um, I, you know, I, I've done, like I said, I've done all of that training. So ultimately where I want the practice to grow as to, you know, be doing facial aesthetics. So facelift eyelids, a rhinoplasty especially. Um, but being an in Frisco, kind of the, the largest segment of the population here is probably the 35, 30 to 50 year old young family. And so up until now, pretty much the largest portion of our practice besides nonsurgical have been, uh, breast augmentation, breast lift, and the, you know, the proverbial mommy makeover.

Do you do some of the, the I guess somewhat lighter things like Botox and things like that?

Yeah, yeah. At this point I'm the only person in the practice that does any sort of the procedures. So I do my own Botox, I do my own, well, not on my selection on myself, I do as well. But on the patient, I'm the only one that does Botox and the fillers. And then we have a couple of, um, we do, you know, medical grade, chemical peel, so deeper chemical peels for like resurfacing. And then we also have a, a, a kind of minimally invasive skin tightening device in the office for kind of what we call the gap patient, which is the patient that is either not quite ready for surgery or is not, I don't wanna say old enough for surgery, but the person that doesn't necessarily need the changes of surgery, but they need something a little bit more invasive than a, you know, skin lotions and whatnot. So that's where those products come in, are those devices.

Okay. So are you the only physician in your practice right now?

Yes, as of right now it's just me and then a team of a very few folks.

Okay.

Who else do you have on the team? Can you tell us about.

Uh, yeah, my, my patient care coordinator, Carrie, she's been with me since, since day one. She's kind of the, the concierge. So if you, you come into the practice, she's your gateway to kind of everything there. And then our medical assistant, Brooke, is, I'm the newbie to the team, but she's kind of my right hand gal when it comes to, to procedures and whatnot throughout the office. And she's also kind of, if you ever watch any of our videos on our YouTube channel or on online, Brooke's always the camera person egging me on. So I will say or do pretty much anything and Brooke will kind of push, push me to do even more silly things. So there you go.

Fun. So yeah, we'll, we'll make sure to link that up. But while we're on that subject that people want to find you on YouTube or Facebook, where do they go? Facebook at lone star plastics or electric guys. It's just face. I'll just plug this lone star plastic surgery. Instagram is at lone star plastic surgery in the YouTube channels the same as well.

Okay, that's easy enough. Again, we'll make sure we link all that stuff up in the show notes so people can find you. Um, so you've been in business for a year and a half. First of all, congratulations on making over that one year hump.

The lights are still on and they haven't kicked me out.

Exactly. You know, that's always the first, uh, first goal for any small business. Um, Frisco has become home. And you said you came down from Illinois. How long have you, how long have you been in Texas?

Uh, I've, you know, I've, what's the saying like, I wasn't born a Texan, but I got here as quickly as I could. Uh, yeah, so I mean, I, I've been in Texas for since 2014, so five years. So three years in Dallas proper, one year in Austin and then, and then a year and a half here and in Frisco. And you know, I guess a question that you didn't ask Paul answered anyways, you know why Frisco, Texas? My next question. There you go. So why job [inaudible] yeah, go ahead. Just sit back and, and sip your coffee there, Scott. I got this. Um, so, um, you know why Frisco? Well, I'm from a town called Jerseyville, Illinois, which I guaran go ahead and map it. You're not going to know where it's at. It's, it's essentially in the middle of a cornfield in the middle of nowhere, Illinois close ish to st Louis. And so it's, as you could imagine, a small town. So you know, there's, everyone knows everyone's business and you know, kind of everyone is involved in the PTA and things like that or the lion's club or whatever. And so whenever I, I didn't, you know, med school in st Louis, the big city and they went to you by universal Illinois. And then when I came into Dallas, I love Texas, but I didn't really think I wanted to be in, you know, the big city of Dallas. So it was just a bit too much going on. And I kind of wanted that small town community feel that I had growing up back in Jerseyville. And so whenever I was looking at where to start at the practice I wanted, obviously you need to, you can't start a plastic surgery practice in a town of about 5,000 like I grew up in, you need a bigger city. And so Frisco kind of seemed to meet the urban cosmopolitan feel of Dallas, but also the small town feel of Jerseyville. And so that's why Frisco's seemed to be a perfect fit for me.

Very good. Yeah, Frisco is, has done a good job of still feeling like a small town in a lot of ways. Um, despite the obviously immense and significant growth that we're experiencing, you know, month in and month out. But, uh, I can actually kind of relate to your story a little bit here. So I'm also a Midwestern boy. I did most of my growing up in Indiana. Um, I was born in Michigan, but I also lived in a very small town in Illinois that was basically in the middle of a corn field, a little further North. It was a little town called Deer Creek, kind of halfway between, I want to say urea and I think it was peaking or Bloomington, I forget which one, but, Oh, that's so funny. I was impure after I did general surgery and, and, and uh, med school. That was Peoria actually.

Yeah. But this was a town of about 600 people. Really small and I was there for just a few of my elementary school years and then we moved back to Indianapolis, which was a great thing. I was glad we did that. And then like you, I went to college and then found my way down to Texas. So similar paths.

Well, there you go.

Yeah, very good. So, uh, you, I know that you're involved with, uh, some different things around town. I see you in many of the same events in places that we go to. So let's talk a little bit about what other things you're into besides, besides just working on people.

Yeah, well, you know, so I mean, when I first moved down here, I didn't, well, I first I should say moved up here since I was in Dallas when I first moved up here to Frisco, not knowing really anyone and trying to start a business, I felt the best way to kind of do it was just to basically throw myself into the community and, and essentially, you know, no offense Jeff Cheney, but I felt like I was running for mayor. And so, um, which I, I'm not despite the rumors. Um, and so I felt like I was running for mayor, so I had to, I wanted to get out and plus I wanted to be involved in the community. So I, I eventually I just threw myself into, to every kind of group that I could find my, get my hands on. And so I, the, the first group I actually, the first group I went to was the Frisco Quantas, which I'm not really affiliated with any longer, but, um, I, I joined the first go chamber of commerce almost immediately. So I, I'm, I'm a member of that. I, um, as such, I, I also help, uh, run a thing called get to know Frisco and get to know prosper. That was started by Miss Melanie Nance, who everyone knows as ms Frisco around here. Um, we, I'm very, very involved with the Frisco, uh, art society. I've, um, I've, I placed in there 5k last year and then this year I was, uh, unfortunately the, the race got a little out of hand, so I didn't quite finish place this year. Um, those are a couple of the big ones. Art. I also, you know, I go to, I feel like every night we're going to a different Gala or different events. I've, you know, I've, I've good friends with the Frisco fast packs. I I help out with that. The uh, national breast cancer foundation, is a group near and dear to my heart. Since, you know, we take care of a lot of, uh, breast cancer survivors and plastic surgery, um, actively involved with, um, uh, the melody of hope, which is in there, a group headline. But one of my friends there, we often go to the camp Craig Allen cookout every year. So, you know, I think, I'm sure I missed a few there, but pretty much if you, if you have a group in Frisco and you haven't seen me there, then you must not be advertising well enough.

So it's just a matter of time until you get out.

I'll be there eventually. I'm making my rounds.

You, if you want to keep your practice going, you don't want to run for mayor anyway. So Jeff takes, no offense, that's a full time job on top of a full time job.

So I thought it was just showing up for meetings and rubbing, cutting. So there's more to it than that.

I'll let you talk to Jeff about that, but I think it's a little bit more involved than just that. But yeah, he's done a good job. So it's, speaking of you, you mentioned a number of nonprofits around town, some of which you're involved with. Um, is there a side of your business that, do you do any like nonprofit work or is there a charitable side that lone star or are we not at that point yet? Cause I mean, just really you're saying

no, I mean, I mean we, we, we've just entered year. We, I mean, I guess we're officially in year two now. So not necessarily. I mean, we do sponsor, do we do sponsorship packages for a couple of them? I mean, for example, the, uh, the kids who shouldn't have cancer foundation has had their annual gala here in Frisco. And we sponsored, we were a spa, a gold sponsor that, um, and then we did do spawn a sponsorship of the Newman village lemonade stand as part of that as well. And then the melody of hope. We've always been sponsors that. So we sponsor a table at that. So we do sponsor tables, but we haven't necessarily kind of broached into the topic that, I mean we, we actually, interestingly enough, we did do a, um, melody Pope at a toy drive for the boys and girls clubs of Collin County. And we actually got the most toys of all the boxes they dropped off this year, which may or may not have had anything to do with the fact that if you brought a toy and you got 10 units of Botox,

Good thinking. Okay. I like that. But, so you guys probably had a Oh yeah. Quite a contribution going there.

Oh yeah, yeah, yeah. It's amazing. If you link toys to Botox, people will suddenly come out of the woodwork and bring you a toy from Walgreens.

I love it. Um, yeah, those are, those are all notable, uh, charities. And, and we kinda did this, something similar in that it took us at Lifestyle Frisco several years to figure out we wanted to do something that was sort of a, how are we going to get involved in the nonprofit side of what's happening in Frisco? And I mean, we started in 2013 and it wasn't until last year that we did our first Give for Frisco Day, which is coming up again. I'm sorry, I'm gonna plug it on your podcast, but February 14th pay attention. Um, so it took us a long time to figure out what made sense for us to do as a business. Um, but it sounds like you're, you're getting involved in a number of things and I'm sure those nonprofits appreciate those sponsorships immensely because you know, that is what helps a lot of them kind of keep going is, is those galas and raising funds in that way. So,

yeah, I mean, I, I figured you, I mean obviously I'm, I, if you, you know, when you, when your listeners do click onto the link here, they'll see that we're pretty active in social media. So we're, I always feel like if nothing else, if I can't give my my funds to these nonprofits, we're pretty active in plugging all of them on our social media. So, so we are, you know, that's kind of how our relationships grew with a couple of those already is because we're, I'm always plugging them on social media so they, they at least get some airplay for, for free out of me. So

yeah. And that's every, every little bit of that is helpful to all of them. And we do the same thing and they are all very appreciative. So let's go back to the practice side of things. I want to talk a little bit more about what you've got going at lone star, um, for those. And I want to talk for a moment to those that might be considering some kind of a procedure but haven't made the jump yet. What are some of the most common questions you get, number one and number two, what are the questions that you wish people would ask or research before they come in? That they often don't?

Well, that's what actually, um, that's my, that's a really good question, Scott. So, I mean, I always feel like it's funny cause my, my [inaudible], I'm pretty sure it could repeat everything that I always say because she always says you get the same questions over and over and it's almost like someone just could pull a cord on me. And in reality that, that, that was the original intention of our YouTube channel was to answer those questions. But obviously the practice keeps me a bit busy, so we haven't gotten as good there. But I mean it's, it's always kind of the, am I the appropriate candidate questions. And, and, and for the most part in plastic surgery, you know, really there's not really an age criteria for most of our procedures. It's almost, are you a healthy person? And, um, will, do you have reasonable expectations for the results? Because obviously if I walked in to, uh, a friend of mine who's a cosmetic surgeon and showed him a picture of Brad Pitt and said, this is what I want to look like, he would look at me and say, you're completely delusional. You're never going to look that ugly. And I'd say I appreciate that. But you know, so it's kind of a little bit of that. And then, you know, what questions do people I wish they would ask is what we have already talked about. You know, you know, essentially, you know, there is a difference between plastic surgeon and a cosmetic surgeon and you need to make sure that the person that you're meeting with is qualified to do the procedure. So that would be one. And then, you know, number two, it's, I feel like really is, you know, a mentor of mine told me at one point in time, you know, whenever knife touches someone's skin, you're married to them for the rest of their life until they either are no longer alive or they fire you. So in essence, anytime I'm thinking about operating on someone, I need to say to myself, is this someone that I want to be married to for the rest of my life? And so you'll see if a patient comes in for a concept, they'll see that really they'll walk in and we'll sit in my office and we'll chat. And the first, probably 15-20 minutes of their consultation is just us chatting and getting to know each other. And in essence they may feel like I'm trying to make them feel at ease, which I am. But another portion of that is I want them to decide, is this the person that I want to be married to? And vice versa. It's almost like speed dating. So we're speed dating there for the first portion of the, of the consult. And then we actually get down to the meat and potatoes of here's what the is like. You know, here's where we think we can get you, do you want, is this, are we a good fit? And so I think that that's a large portion of it. Cause I mean, when it comes to medicine and surgery, you know, not, you know, the, you know, there are complications no matter how great of a patient you are and how great of a surgeon you are. And really you want someone that you can beat that will be there with you through the, you know, if something bad happens, you want someone there, you want to know that person. They're across the table from you is the person that can, can get, can steer the ship out of disaster. And so that's kind of what if I were a patient I'd be looking for is, is this a person that can get me out of harm's way if, if they need to.

Makes sense. And it seems to me that you're making a very wise decision that I wish more business owners would make. And that is, it's not just, um, you're bringing your business. Yes. Come on in. Let's, let's do what we do. But you need to make sure that that patient is a good fit for you as well. Um, I know I've had from past businesses, I've had clients and customers that I wish I had never taken on and they just, it wasn't a good match for us or for what we were doing at that time. Um, so it's, it's certainly important for you as you know, to maintain your own sanity and happiness, to make sure that your patients are people that you can work with that are going to follow your instructions. I would imagine that can be a little bit of a challenge sometimes, especially post op.

Oh yeah. Well, you know, one thing that I, another mentor always told me, he said that essentially when you first got into practice, he's like, you need to pretend that your plate is full and that you don't necessarily need to take on every thing that walks in the door. Because otherwise you're going to build things up that you're not going to want. And then next thing you know that's going to monopolize your time. You're not going to be able to build what you want. And so, you know, I always joke with the staff. I mean, I'm probably never going to be the richest plastic surgeon or the most success or more than, nor the busiest. But my goal is to be the happiest. And so, I mean, in reality, that's, that’s kind of the goal of the practice.

That's a good goal. I mean, medicine is under so much pressure right now from so many different angles. I mean between the changes in legislation and insurance companies and all that kind of stuff. And I don't know if that, if that impacts you as much as it might some other specialties and you'd tell me, but, um, it just seems like doctors are really under, uh, under the gun and a lot of different ways and, and happiness. I have friends and actually a business partner that's a physician as well. He's an ear, nose and throat doctor. Um, and he's done a very good job of keeping his sanity and building his practice the way he wanted. Uh, but there was a tipping point where he could've very easily gone down this path where a lot of his cohorts have gone where they're, they're just not happy, they're miserable, they're burned out and they're not practicing medicine the way that they wanted to practice it. And so some of them were even just stepping away from it. Does that, do those outside pressures affect you in the same way or, or with what you do? Is it tend to be more a little bit insulated from that I guess?

Well, yes and no. I mean, you know, I, I uh, in as a plastic surgeon, I not only do I do cosmetics or I do reconstructive surgery as well. So I mean, I do, you know, I do fight the same fight that that other park practitioners do have, you know, insurance is this procedure cover and how much is it going to reimburse, all those kinds of things. So I'm not completely insulated. I do have to, you know, kind of fight those fights as well. So I mean, I do, you know, you'll, you know, you'll do some procedures and you'll say to yourself, I can't believe that that's what Medicare is, is going to give us back concerning the amount of energy that was invested there or the, I mean, one thing is, you know, like there's, there are certain things that patients will come in for that gets denied by insurance and you say to yourself, I understand why this procedure got denied. Obviously this person is suffering. Why is your insurance company not going to pay for this? So, I mean it's, it is a frustrating thing because there are patients suffering that I can't help out because of the insurance companies. So yeah, there is that pressure. And that's why, I mean, I joked about earlier about how, you know, everyone in their dog wants to do cosmetics because it's lucrative, but there's a reason a lot of plastic surgeons that are in practice for a decade aren't doing reconstructive stuff anymore. And that's, it's not because they're greedy, it's because of the frustrations of the insurance companies. And so that's why they will just start doing cosmetic surgery because they don't want to deal with, you know, fighting, you know, you know, Medicare to get this procedure covered or reimbursed or whatever. Or chasing the insurance company. I mean, I have procedures that I did a year ago that I haven't see the insurance companies pay before. I mean that's, and that's, and you know, you can't imagine and no other business would someone not get, collect an invoice after a year. But in medicine that's not an uncommon thing.

Yeah, no, I'm sorry to hear that. Um, I want to touch back briefly on something you said earlier and that was on age. Is there a, is there an age appropriate level at which people can come to you? I mean, if somebody came to you with their 16 year old that wanted something done, is that too young? Is that not appropriate or

it depends. I mean it depends on the procedure. I mean, you know, that's, that's a common, that's a common test and thing on plastic surgery ethic, ethical boards types questions is, you know, patient presents with 16 year old daughter wanting a breast reduction. That's the, probably the more common one. And you know, if they have reached kind of, you know, essentially maturity, meaning they've kind of, they've reached that point in time. You could do like a breast reduction, that wouldn't be a problem. You know, breast augmentation according to, you know, the, the uh, American society of plastic surgery guidelines, you know, you're supposed to typically wait until patients are at least 18 or 19 to do saline implants and you can't even place silicone implants until the patient is 22. I've got, that's not ASP S that's the, the a few FDA says Silicon implants can't be placed until the patient's 20 years old. And so they do try and place a guidelines on that and obviously there won't be pupil out in the world that will be kind of bending those rules. Um, you know, the other common one for the younger patient is, you know, rhinoplasty a patient comes in with their, you know, they're a high school age daughter and you know, she's been tormented because of, you know, you know, she either has a hump on her nose or her nose is crooked or she was in a car wreck, et cetera. And you know, would you do a rhinoplasty on a 16 year old? And again, that's more of a, if the patient's mature enough to understand it and they've reached skeletal maturity, doing a rhinoplasty is not that big of a deal. You know.

Do your patients in particular, do you find they've done a decent amount of research to understand what their teenager's not aside, I mean, just patients in general. Are people good about kind of learning before they come to you or is there still a lot of education involved? Let's get there.

I almost welcome the lack of education at times because you know, there's, the internet is just full of lots of, um, you know, as they say fake news. Oh come on. Okay, well, okay, fine. It's all real. It's all totally real. And, and you know, Betty on Facebook is, I saw something like thing and get their data that said like, you know, reliable source in the 80s and it was like a scientist reliable source in the 90s and it was a newsperson. And then in the two thousands it was like someone like, you know, his podcast person. And then in the 2010 it's like Betty on Facebook as the most reliable Facebook person, our most reliable source. So it's almost, I welcome the person that comes in that doesn't really know as much because then, cause I love to do patient education. I mean my consults are at least an hour long and a lot of that's me rambling like I am right now. And when I educate you, the ha, I mean, the first thing I'll say is here are the bad things that can happen with your procedure and we go through them. And so the patients that that don't necessarily know anything are kind of the best ones because that way, you know what I'm telling them is, you know, they're not, they're not full of misinformation, but I mean obviously you know, our patients more educated now than they were probably 20 years ago, I suspect. Yeah. I mean the internet is rampant. I mean there's shows like botch, people can watch that right now and learn. I mean, I, I, my girlfriend jokes all the time that she watches boxes, you could do my job, you know, so I'm, I'm pretty sure shout out Melanie Nance. I'm pretty sure that people think that they can, you know, they've gotten enough news from that. So yeah, I think people are probably more educated than they were 20 years ago, but there's still the patient that walks in that, you know, has no idea and that's okay. That's why they come see me.

Absolutely. So take that to take that to heart folks. You don't have to go out and become an expert. If you learn a little that's good, but don't get carried away. There is a lot of fake stuff on the internet.

There's a lot of rabbit holes that you can go down and next thing you know it's, and some of them are, some of them are really scary and, and, and how, why or types of situations. So just, yeah, don't get carried away with the internet research. So. All right, well, Dr. Hill, thank you so much for joining us today.

It's been fun to chat with you. Is there anything else, I feel like we could probably talk about this subject for hours. Is there anything else in particular about you, about Lone Star Plastic Surgery, about what you do that you would like the Frisco audience to know? I think I, you know, I think that, you know, what makes, I think the question we should ask is why Lonestar over, you know, the plastic up the street from me, right? What makes us unique? What makes us, uh, what makes our brand to plastic surgery different than their brand of plastics? Because essentially it's the same operation. It's not like, you know, I've got some magic wand, actually I do have a magic wand. It's still in the box, but I mean it's not like I have a magic wand that doctor up the street doesn't have, you know what? Like I said, you need to find someone that his personality matches with yours. But what we bring is, you know, our, our brand of, when I, when I started the practice, I said I want our office to be like a like a family, like a small town. And so when I said earlier, like, you know, we've been building the Lone Star family for the past year and a half. That's why I say that I've, you ever won in the office as a family member, I view all the patients that come in as family members. So when you come into our office, you're not a cookie cutter, you know, Oh, she's coming in for a breast aug, we're going to put the size of implants in and then we're done. Or Oh, I'm going to do a nose and it's gonna look just like the last knows I did it because all the noses look the same. No, we do a cookie cutter approach and I'm sorry, we do an individualized approach to each patient. So when you come in to us, that's our brand is individualized care for you. And so I want y'all to, you'll feel that way hopefully when you come into the office. And if you don't, please tell me that way. We can change things up because that's my goal. And so, um, that's what makes Lone Star different. And that's, I think all that I got.

I love the personal touch. So if you're, uh, thinking about any kind of a cosmetic or plastic procedure or need something along those lines, please reach out to Dr. Sean Hill at Lone Star Plastic Surgery. We're going to link up all of the places you can find him on the internet in the show notes here, and we'll definitely give a shout out to Nancy, Melanie, Nancy as well, and thank you so much for joining us today. Appreciate your time,

Scott, as always, thank you.

And thanks to all of you for tuning in to the Frisco podcast. As always, you can find us on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, and pretty much any place you listen to podcasts. So please go out, subscribe, leave us a rating, leave us a comment, let us know what you think and we'll talk to you next time.

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Subscribe on iTunes! Subscribe on Google Play Podcast RSS Feed In this week’s episode, Code Authority CEO Jason Taylor delves into how his team helps business owners by creating custom software developments and digital marketing services, as well as his involvement in the North Texas nonprofit, Mankind.

https://youtu.be/cuxcONn3N0I

SHOW NOTES:

[00:15] Introduction [00:45] Give For Frisco [02:15] Mankind [03:45] How men get connected with Mankind [04:30] Where Mankind is based [05:14] How Mankind raises funds [05:30] 10th Annual Mankind Charity Classic [07:33] Code Launch [09:24] Process of Code Launch [11:26] Code Authority [12:40] Give for Frisco

LINKS & RESOURCES: * Mankind on Lifestyle Frisco * Code Authority on Lifestyle Frisco * Mankind Website * Code Authority Website * Code Launch Website

Connect with Lifestyle Frisco on: * YouTube * Facebook * Instagram * Twitter * LinkedIn

Transcript Machine-generated. Welcome to the Frisco podcast. I'm your host, Scott Ellis. And this episode we are joined by Jason Taylor from Code Authority and Jason is the president and founder of Code Authority. You started that about 18 years ago. Welcome to the show. Glad to have you here today.

Thank you Scott.

And we're going to talk about Code Authority a little bit, but we're going to start off with Give for Frisco and you guys, Code Authority is the sponsor of Give for Frisco this year. Decided to get involved in stuff behind it, Give for Frisco's something we're hugely, hugely passionate about. Um, but what made you want to get involved in and sponsor the Give for Frisco initiative?

Well, um, like you mentioned, I did start Code Authority, um, 18 years ago and um, you know, that's a technology services business, um, software development, digital marketing. Um, but also 10 years ago I was asked to help get a charity started. And so a close friend of mine asked me to help him, um, everything from legal to forming a board to forming bylaws and try to get the structure going to create a charity that was designed to help men, um, in a way that we hadn't seen that had been done before. Um, so, um, my last 10 years of, of that effort, which has been all volunteer effort, I've learned and surprised to learn that was much more difficult to get a successful charity off the ground that was able to raise money and then distribute money, then, uh, it never was to get a traditional fee for service business off the ground and running healthily. So, um, when I found out about this, I thought, well, I can, uh, I know there's other small charities here in Frisco that are run by people out of their homes from the passion of their heart and, uh, you know, their desire to help and in some cause it's important to them. And so I thought, well, I want to support, you know, bringing light to those charities as well as mankind, um, as much as I can.

Okay. Talk a little bit about Mankind, especially for those that are not familiar with, with that organization. What does Mankind do?

Um, Mankind was created to help men who are facing a health crisis. So it's a, a, a needs based giving, a model where we basically are essentially helping people that are economically challenged and at the same time they're facing a tremendous uphill battle in some sort of medical crisis. So, um, specifically men, cause we felt like men are less likely to ask for help. Um, when they get in trouble, they usually take an inverse approach. Uh, they, they keep to themselves. Um, and that is they also tend to not take medical news as serious. They try to, they're, they're more likely to be in denial for a long time and even avoid medical care to avoid finding out something that they're afraid might be true. And so oftentimes men finally get face to face with something when it's taken too long for them to get to that point.And they could have been more proactive. So we try to encourage men to break those kind of patterns of behavior. Um, and then we also get directly involved with financial support for families, uh, of men that are facing some kind of health crisis.

So if, and I completely agree and believe you, when you say that man, we tend to put things off or live in a state of denial about something or not want to get the bad news, but how do you get connected with the men that need your service if they're not actively looking for it?

Well, that was one of the challenges that we found right off the bat that was very difficult. Um, but in the most recent a few years, we've made a lot of progress in the area by introducing ourselves and our cause to case caseworkers at institutions that are helping people like this.

So, um, cancer treatment centers, um, other charities that are designed to help people in need that will encounter, uh, men like the ones that we're looking for, we'll bring them to us and say, Hey, you should talk to these mankind people. And so, um, we have a nice funnel of potential beneficiaries coming at us pretty often. Okay, well that's good to know. And it sounds like a great organization. Is that based here in Frisco or is it nearby? So a, it's a collection of volunteer board members. Um, I would say about half of us actually live in Frisco proper. The founder has moved a few times since he started it and now he lives in Murphy. Um, and then a couple of other guys are from here and there around North Texas and it's mostly Collin County. And, um, the people that we help are from all over North Texas.So we've helped people better, um, actually outside of DFW proper. But somewhere in our North Texas, our community. And um, yeah, like this last year, um, we helped, uh, 20 people and we have two more in the queue right now that we're trying to raise funds for.

Okay. Very good. How do you guys go about raising funds for Mankind?

Well, uh, we have events throughout the year. Um, most recently we had a, um, we had a, a beer tasting event at a brewery in McKinney called Tupps brewery. So our next event is, um, the 10th annual Mankind charity classic, which is at the tribute golf course in Frisco on Friday, April 3rd.

Okay. Is that something anybody can participate in?

Anybody can participate and we need, um, we need companies to sponsor holes. So, uh, for 1500 bucks you can sponsor and brand a hole with your company and that includes a force him to come out and play. Um, we also need other types of sponsors like lunch and dinner sponsors. We have a great, um, collectable item, um, and uh, donated item auction after the tournament's over and lots of great prizes for winners and free gifts and giveaways, just like you have a lot of other charity golf tournaments.

Okay, awesome. So that's a great way for people to come out and support you. Um, but Mankind is also, if you go to giveforfrisco.com, uh, you guys are also one of our listed nonprofits in Frisco, so people want to make a donation to you guys on, give her first go day on February 14th. They can do that as well. Um, but I would definitely encourage people to come out to the golf tournament. It sounds like a lot of fun.

It is a lot of fun. We like, um, volunteers to come out and help us. So any way that you think you can evolve, we'll find a way for you to get involved. Mankind's a great organization that, uh, around 97, 98% of all of our money goes straight to people that need it right in their pockets.

Right.

So, um, we are really excited about this year's tournament and we're hoping to sell all 144 players.

Okay. I was gonna ask how many players you get. So that just answered my question. So, all right, very good. We'll make sure that we, uh, continued to promote that event and try to get as many people out there for you as possible.

Cool.

Um, are there any other nonprofits or things that you're involved with around Frisco or is that kind of take most of your volunteer time?

That takes all of my time. Um, and you know, I use Code Authority resources quite a bit to, to help it function.We, we do the, uh, digital marketing for Mankind and social activity. Um, my team there at Code Authority. So, um, we're always working a little bit on, on Mankind projects as well as Code Authority, Code lLunch and other other clients of ours. But, um, yeah, aside from that, that's my own personal passion.

Okay. Yeah. Tell us about code launch a little bit. I know we've, we've heard about that and we've, we've mentioned it, uh, more than a few times on lifestyle Frisco. But, um, for anybody that doesn't know what is, what is Code Launch?

Code Launch is a crazy idea that, um, a seed accelerator can take the format of professional software development companies building a startups product. So, um, as shorter version, it's a one day trade show and startup competition. Um, but what we do is we take companies like Code Authority, like Improving and, uh, like some other brands we'll be announcing soon that our North Texas, uh, dev shops and technology consulting companies, they provide their labor in the hackathon format. Um, like they're very experienced senior technical people and we pair them with a finalist startup that has applied from anywhere from other countries and continents to other States to right down the street. And they worked for three or four days on their product and then they come and show what they got done on stage and compete for prizes and cash and um, recognition.

Very good. So they kind of help springboard some of those startups forward a little bit with their, with what they're doing from a technology standpoint.

Yeah. The idea is to get, um, technology startups that are dependent upon software development to get their product to market. Um, some serious momentum toward that goal for a lot of them will come into code launch and have very little or no progress on the product part, but they'll have a great idea, a great attack plan, a great team, and they just need, um, some solid progress in their product to make fundraising progress.

Okay.

So that's what we're trying to do is elevate these startups so they can become fully funded and go to market.

Very good. How, how much I'm in the software business as well. I know how complex and time consuming some of this can be. How much can you get done in three, three, or four days?

Um, what we have noticed is that we can take something from ground zero to an impressive proof of concept. Uh, pretty much every time. Um, or if they already have a proof of concept, we can bolt on the next big feature or achievement they need to make progress.

Okay.

Um, if a company is already at what we call MVP, they've already got their minimally viable product in the marketplace. They're not eligible. So you have to be at a stage where, uh, a little bit of software development can take you a long way.

Gotcha. So, um, yeah, we cannot build a product in three days, but we can build a functioning piece of software that looks impressive and illustrates the idea.

It gives them that proof of concept. So. Okay. Very good. Um, let's circle back around. And so that's, uh, an event that you do under Code Authority?

Yeah. Code Authority produces that event. Um, this year we producing it with the help of, uh, of, of our parent company Improving, um, which acquired a Code Authority and Code Launch in October.

Okay. Congratulations.

Thank you. So, um, they're real excited about Code Launch and um, this year's event is going to be a template for the same event that we're going to take on the road all over the United States in 2021. So we're planning on Code Launches in other major metropolitan areas throughout the year in 2021.

Oh, fantastic. Do you know already know what cities you're going to?

We do not know yet, but there'll be cities that have an Improving office. Okay. And there's about seven of those right now and uh, two or three more under discussions about being bolted on.

All right. Very good. We'll definitely keep our eyes on that. That sounds like it sounds exhausting and fun all at the same time. I think you've got a road show ahead of you.

It's a lot of fun. It's a high energy, a space to be in. You know, tech startups, um, are always very, uh, hopeful and positive and energy and attitude. And so sometimes just getting behind them and lifting them up is enough to let them take off.

Yeah. And I'm sure that that energy can be infectious to it probably feels good.

Certainly.

You and the folks that you have that are involved.

Yep.

Okay. So tell us a little bit more now about Code Authority specifically. Um, I know you're, you do custom software development, you do marketing services, but kind of fill in the gaps for us and what you guys really focus on.

Well companies hire us to build products that they need, um, or tools they need to automate, transform their business? Um, sometimes they, they want to get rid of a software development vendor that they've become disenchanted with. Um, other times they're bringing something back on shore after years of trying to make it work off shore and giving up. Um, cause we're an all onshore, um, service delivery model and um, and then we do things like digital marketing. So we run websites, social media, search engine optimization and everything that entails. And, uh, so right now, um, we actually are looking for opportunities to do digital marketing for other B2B brands like Code Authority and Code Launch, which is where our expertise lies. Um, so if you are, you're your business or someone you know, needs full-scale professional digital marketing websites, social, um, search engine optimization, maybe some paper click ads and the whole thing, we can do that all in one office. So, um, and then obviously that software development experience feeds Code Launch and, and that's what we offer.

Okay. Makes a lot of sense. Um, circling back to, to Give for Frisco, beyond your involvement with Mankind, what made you want to get involved with Give for Frisco? We kind of jumped into Mankind itself, but let's talk a little bit about that initiative too.

Well, that's easy. I met Wendi, um, on the volunteer board for Inspire Frisco and got to know her over the past year and um, got to kind of see her energy for Frisco and for, um, all things, um, that Inspire Frisco was trying to do. And also, um, then I got involved in a networking group called Frisco Plano select, which is a exciting new, um, networking group that a colleague of mine, um, put together and she ended up being invited into that with me. So then we got a little tighter. And, um, that's how I found out about, she was looking for a sponsor for this year's Give for Frisco. And I already knew about Give for Frisco because last year I just made sure that Mankind was a part of it. Um, I, when I found out about it, you know, they would create a page for your charity. They would let people come visit the, uh, the Lifestyle Frisco, Give for Frisco page, and then like a one click donate to your charity. We made sure that Mankind was on there and represented. So I knew about it and, um, she came back and said, yeah, we need a, we need a presenting sponsor for this year's whole campaign. To me it was a win-win. Um, a win. Well, like for me as a Frisco resident, I'm big on Frisco. I always have been and I, and I love to do things for Frisco, um, on top of that Code Authority and Code Launch and on top of that, Mankind. I just didn't think that she'd find a better fit than me.

No, I don't think so either. And we definitely appreciate you stepping up for that. I know Give for Frisco was something that initially launched last year, so we're going into the second year with it. And um, it was done on very short notice last year. I think we had maybe 10 days from kind of concept to when, when the 14th hit and we had our kind of a nog year, we'll Give for Frisco day. Um, so this year, fortunately we've had obviously a lot more time to plan for it and start promoting it and to, to get the word out there as much as possible. Um, it took us a while to figure out how we wanted to give back to Frisco. I mean, Lifestyle Frisco itself is a business much as Code Authority is, but we wanted a part of that to support the nonprofits that, that do support Frisco. I think one of the things that we easily overlook or forget is Frisco being such an affluent town and, and growing so, so much and so fast that there are still, there are a lot of people here with different needs, um, and a lot of great nonprofits that are trying to take care of those needs. And so ultimately we, uh, we settled on kind of the model that we've done where we're going to provide our platform to those nonprofits to try to promote them and help drive it. And then eventually that became, we needed, we need a day, we need something where we're really pushing people to, um, go out there and choose whatever nonprofit, whatever cause they're most passionate about and, and make a small donation to that nonprofit. And it was, it was especially given the timeline, I thought it was remarkably successful last year. Um, we're looking to, you know, make that much bigger this year. And we were super excited and, and, and again, I can't say enough about how appreciative we are of Code Authority for stepping in and being the presenting sponsor.

Well, you're welcome. I'm really excited to glad to be the second year sponsor and really optimistic about the growth. This'll bring. Um, all the charities, um, especially Mankind as a, as I mentioned that we have a couple of people that are standing by right now waiting for us to write checks to them. And so we're in a holding pattern until, um, after the 14th.

Okay, well good.Well we'll make sure we're driving as much traffic to you as we can and, and, uh, promoting, you know, all of the charities in Frisco, but you know, Mankind is, is right up there front and center. So Jason, again, thank you very much for, for taking part and for stepping up and filling in that need for us and, and for all of the charities really in Frisco.

Well, you're welcome and thanks for having me on. Um, if anybody wants to know more about Mankind, the website is foremankind.org. That's F O R E like golf, uh, F, O R E, mankind.org. We help a lot of men, especially in men, uh, um, especially financially, um, in need men that are facing a health crisis like prostate cancer or other types of cancer.

Okay. Yeah, we'll definitely link that up in the show notes for this episode. And then if, if anyone's listening that is also interested in Code Authority, where can they go to learn more about you guys?

Codeauthority.com [and] Codelaunch.com.

Okay. Easy enough. Jason, thank you again, so much. Appreciate your time today. I know you're busy guys, so thanks for uh, coming out to record the podcast with us and we'll uh, we'll be seeing you soon. We'll let you know how it goes as soon as, uh, soon as the 14th gets here.

Cool. Good luck with the campaign.

Thank you very much. Thanks to all of you for tuning in again to the Frisco podcast. As always, please go out and subscribe. You can catch us on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, just about any place you're listening to a podcast right now. And if you are so inclined, we'd love to get your thoughts and feedback. So leave us a comment or give us a rating. We'll talk to you next time.

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Dr. Trillion Small is bringing the famed TEDx to Frisco, Texas on January 11th. She has an impressive lineup of speakers, and plans for future TEDxYouth and TEDxWomen events later this year.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s68vf9CYNmQ

SHOW NOTES:

[00:28] Introducing Dr. Trillion Small [04:33] Overcoming the stigma for seeking help for mental health issues [09:16] TEDxFrisco Coming January 11 [12:53] The difference between a TED Talk and TEDx event [15:55] TEDxFrisco Details - Event, Watch Party, and More [16:57] TEDxFrisco Women & Youth [19:00] TEDxFrisco Speakers [24:25] TEDxFrisco 2020 is sold out but here's how to see the speakers

LINKS & RESOURCES: * TEDxFrisco on Lifestyle Frisco * TEDxFrisco Speaker Lineup * TEDxFrisco Website

Connect with Lifestyle Frisco on: * YouTube * Facebook * Instagram * Twitter * LinkedIn

Transcript Machine-generated.

Welcome to the Frisco podcast. I'm your host, Scott Ellis. And today we are chatting with Dr. Trillion Small, who was the organizer of the upcoming TEDx Frisco. Dr. Small, welcome to the show. Thank you Scott for having me. It's such a pleasure to be here. Great to have you on. We are looking forward to having our first TEDx and Frisco. But before we get into that, I want to, I want to learn a little bit more about you. What kind of a doctor are you? So I have a PhD in clinical counseling, so I'm passionate about all things. Mental, emotional wellness. Do you, do you have a, so, okay, so you're in the, the mental health field. Do you have your own practice? Do you work inside of another practice? How does, what do you, how do you operate? I do, yes. So I've been working with clients individually for about eight years now.

Um, I'm transitioning a little bit from just doing the one-on-one to working with, um, athletes who are working on their mental performance. I love also working with companies who just are passionate about helping their staff take their performance to the next level as well. And so I'm finding different ways to really take my psychology degree and really apply it to different areas now. That's interesting. So usually when you talk to somebody about a mental health professional, you think about them treating things like depression or other mental health issues that that may come up. I don't think I've ever met anybody that focuses on the performance side aspect of mental health. What made you get, how did you get into that? That's very, that's interesting. Yes. So I do, I do work with those with anxiety and depression and PTSD. The majority of my clients have experienced trauma of some sort.

So when I say trauma, trauma is very subjective. Trauma for one person can be, I witnessed domestic violence while trauma for someone can be, my father never showed up to my basketball games and that affected them right. In a negative way. And so I still, I work with those. Your, your typical mental health issues. But I, I realized that if we have anxiety and depression, it affects our performance as, as it does with athletes. If they're, if they're at the free throw line and they're anxious, right? Their heart rate is increasing, their, their mind is all over the place that's going to affect their performance. And so just being the creative that I am and loving to be diverse as possible, I said, in what ways can I expand myself and what ways can I take my knowledge and help as many people as possible?

And I realized that it wasn't just limited to people who were cutting themselves and they were suicidal. It literally is the top CEO who says, our company is doing well, but I have this roadblock and I have a difficult time overcoming it. How do I, and it's really just working through cognitive distortions. It's working through those, those mental barriers that we, we know that they're there, but we don't realize we can actually overcome them. And so that's what I do. I love working with people, providing them with tools and techniques to really live a fulfilled life. And I don't believe that we have to live a life that is bound by our insecurities. It's just a matter of once you become aware of them, like, Hey, let's become aware of them and now let's do something about them.

Very interesting. I can imagine that would take you into all kinds of fascinating places and meeting with a lot of interesting people. Soit has, it has, it has opened up so many different doors. I would have never thought, right? Like working with, uh, attorneys, right? They're like one of the top, um, careers that are known for suicide, but, but we don't think about it that way. We just think, Oh, these are top attorneys. But you don't realize that the stress that they're under. And so it's just if you're helping person, if you, if you're a social person that loves social enterprise, if you will, you find a problem. That's what I do. I love finding problems. Not because I like problems, but because I like solutions. So when I see a problem, I say, Ooh, this is an awesome opportunity to make an impact in this area.

That's interesting. The, uh, you know, I think for a lot of folks, and just for the sake of disclaimer on the podcast, um, I have a bachelor's in psychology and I worked in a clinical environment for a couple of years. I am not the professional that you are and I know, pretend to be, although it is funny, as soon as you tell people you have a degree in psychology, the first thing they always want to know is if you're summing up, even assessing everything they say. And no, I'm not,

I'm not analyzing you, but yes I am. But no, no, I'm not. I'm curious how you feel about your mom, right? You just did this. Tell me, you tell me where did that come from?

Um, but there seems to some degree to be less of a stigma than there used to be around seeking, uh, help in the mental health field. Why do you think that for our, first of all, I'm glad that that's the case. And I know there's still some of that out there, but I'm also happy to see that people are becoming more open to working with someone such as yourself. It might be for something like depression, but it may also be, like you were saying, a CEO that recognizes they have a mental block of some kind and they need help getting over it. What, what do you see in the industry or in the world at large that has allowed that stigma to start to come down a little bit?

Well, I think vulnerability, but gets vulnerability. So when you have people who are truly open and honest and saying, Hey guys, you see my social media, it looks so perfect. It's so filtered. But guess what? I cried myself to sleep last night. Right? It's those moments that make you feel like people are tangible and it makes you feel like, Oh, I'm not the only crazy person. Right? So I know I'm in the psychology world that you're not supposed to use the word crazy, but I'm for stories, for storytelling sake. When I understand and I meet somebody and when their life feels perfect, I can't relate to them. But when they say, Oh man, let me tell you this has happened, this has happened. Doesn't mean divulge your entire life to me. But, but making people realize, helping people to realize like I am just like you, like my may not be your struggles, but I understand a struggle.

And I think what's, what's happening now is, especially celebrities, the more people who are in the spotlight began to normalize it. Everyone else will follow suit. Right? Because we would like to follow trends, if you will. I don't, I'm not saying this is a trend, but it's when your top celebrities and your top thought leaders are articulating that this is something that needs to be addressed, I think then everybody else in the public eye will look at it and say, wow, like I can relate to that. And I was gonna say, wow, me too. But that, you know, that's another segment of, you know, things that have a Rose because of a, uh, a top leader articulating what has happened to them. I don't mean me to in a sense of the sexual assaults or what has happened. I mean me too, as in me too. I can relate. Yes. Yeah. And

well, I hope if anybody out there is listening and has any concerns, thoughts, feels like they're suffering from PTSD or depression, that they will reach out to someone and get help. Um, if you feel like there's stigma attached to it, just try to let that go and, and, and go out and get the help you need. You know, you mentioned celebrities and, and they definitely have idealized lives, I think in a lot of our minds. And yet I think back to somebody like Robin Williams and like what just a treasure that guy was as an entertainer. Um, and how much laughter and happiness he brought to people for many, many years and was still struggling with those demons. And, and uh, you know it until you've really walked in someone else's shoes, you never really know what they're going through. So, right.

It affects us all. And one thing I will say as well, it's not even just celebrities, it's them as well. And just top leaders in those in the public eye. But I'm also an adjunct at UTD and one thing that I noticed about my students is that they are the generation that says no more being silent about this. Majority of their parents are against them in the psychology department because their parents say mental health doesn't, is not an issue. Mental illness does not exist, but they are the students who are going against their parents and saying, no, this is an issue. Anxiety does exist. Depression does exist. Trauma is a reality, and trauma does impact us and I'm not going to consent. Continue to sit here as we have done for generations and say, Oh, I'm fine. Go drink some water. Go lay down, you'll be fine. And then you sweep it under the rug and you can't figure out why you have generational curses of the same thing.

Yeah, we definitely see that happen a lot. Yeah. In the hospital I worked at the a, it was a mental health and rehab hospital and I worked on primarily, uh, we had three units, adults, adolescents and children. And I worked mostly on the adolescent unit, a little bit on the children's unit, but we had, you know, like group and family therapy and I will tell you nine times out of 10, the minute the parents walked through the door for the first time, I met them for the first time, you could see exactly where that kid's behavior was coming from. I mean, it's almost just like written all over him. And so we do pass those things along. So I'm glad to hear that the younger generation is, is more willing to just step up and address those things that will, that will make a difference and hopefully start to break some of these things longer term. Yes, I definitely agree. All right, we're going to shift gears now. Um, TEDx Frisco is coming up in January and you're the organizer of that. How did you get involved with that and what made you want to organize a TEDx in Frisco?

So I first did my own Ted talk at SMU, so it was TEDx SMU 2018 and it was actually exactly a year ago. Um, I had had always been on my bucket list to do a Ted talk. You know, I'm an aspiring international speaker, which I can kind of say I've marked that off now as Ted, even though I, I did my talk here in Texas. It literally has reached all over the world and that's been a blessing. But it was just one of those things that was on my, my bucket list of I just one day you have to do a Ted talk and then I'll be a for real professional speaker. And the moment I checked it off my list, I said, well, we can't stop there. You know, my TEDx experience can't stop there. Um, I love paying it forward. I love helping other people when, you know, God has blessed me in tremendous ways and I realize the older I get and I'm so young, but the older I get, I realize life is not about myself.

My life is not about me. It's about the impact that I can make for someone else. So the moment I stepped out that red carpet, I said, Hmm, how can I give somebody else's experience? And at the time I didn't know just anybody can apply to be an organizer. I thought it was just like universities or you know, I don't know who I thought it would be. I just didn't know that I could apply. And so I just went on ted.com trying to figure out, you know, if I could find answers to Hey, is this something that I can, you know, get involved with an organized and low and behold on their website it says, would you like to organize a Ted X? And I said, um, yes, I would sign me up. And so I just, I applied and is a about two month process and they accepted my application and my application was accepted in June, 2019 so not too long ago.

And the moment they sent me that email, I literally went out and started finding people to be on our team because I knew I couldn't build this on my own. We are a [inaudible] nonprofit and we're not just an event, we're, we're not just an event. We are an organization yet that cure rates events. But our main focus, yes are the events, but our main focus is bringing the community together to talk about ideas. Of course the model is sharing ideas worth sharing. And the biggest focus is getting people together, giving them a sense of belonging, um, giving them the space to have intellectual conversation, uh, uh, diverse topics and just really giving them the opportunity to also share their voice. And that's where the whole speakers component comes in, where we go through an application process. We say, Hey, who would like to become a speaker?

Right? There's so many people who just desire we have for our application process. We literally had people from Hawaii, from India, um, all over the world, of course in Texas, but literally all over the world saying, can I speak at TEDx Frisco? And so that's just the beauty in the Ted brand is the Ted and Ted X brand is that while we are local, we are global as well because all of our talks are posting on the global TEDx YouTube channel and some of them are posted on ted.com. And of course, there are, um, hundreds of countries that are affiliated with Ted and Ted. TEDx. Yeah. The Ted talks have become a really big deal. Yes. And so many amazing speakers over the years. Can you tell us what the differences between a Ted talk and a Ted X vendor talk? Yes. So a several years, about 30 years ago, um, the founders of Ted, uh, hosted this event and it was focused on technology, entertainment, and design.

That's what Ted stands for. Yeah. And so it was just their first event was focused on those three components. Of course, now today we cover just about any topic. Uh, but about 30 years ago, they said, Hey, let's create an event that merges the three topics. The first event, I think was a flop. And then about six years later, they said, okay, let's, let's try to do this thing again. And, and six years later it became a success. And that's when the first few videos received, uh, over a million something views. And so they started to realize, Oh, wow, there's something to these videos that are now going viral. Um, and in 2009, they said, great, our event Ted is doing very well. Um, but we want to have a local fingerprint. We want to have a local footprint in the community because um, at the time Ted was only invitation based.

So of course it's very limited to who can come now. It's open to anyone. You, you have to apply just as we have done with ours, you have to apply, but at least you have a greater chance rather than being invited because they don't know you. You're not getting invited. Right. So they have, I'm Ted global, we have Ted activation. There's, there's so many different Ted initiatives and one of them is Ted X and that's where they say, Hey, if you are in a community, you are at a school, um, and you desire to host an event that's Ted. Like, then we will give you a license. So we are affiliated with Ted, we are independently organized, which means they give us the rules and the regulations and they say, Hey, go be great and host an event in your community. And that's what they've done.

They've given us an amazing brand. Um, we literally have, it's not considered 24 hours, but I would say it's 24 hour assistance. If you need, you can ask as many questions. There is a TEDx community. We just had, um, the, the large Ted women conference in California and a lot of TEDx hers went out to just learn from other, um, organizers and to learn actually from the Ted staff. The Ted staff was, they're just teaching us on, on how to build your event, how to connect with companies and individuals in the community. Um, because we can't do it without partners. That's, that's, that is what Ted is all at. TEDx is all about. It's saying, Hey, we're going to go out in the community. We're here to build a community. Um, and we want to not only use our brand to impact the community, but we want to partner with other organizations and companies in the community to say, Hey, let's, let's join together and make an impact together.

Awesome. Awesome. So is this something that you foresee doing on an annual basis? Absolutely. Yes. So we have actually, we have our first, so this is so funny how this happened. So we have our first live event, live speakers January. But Ted said, Hey, um, there's still time if you would like to host a watch party. So although our watch party is December, actually it's this Friday. Um, it's this Friday at five 30. It's a Ted women TEDx. What's Ted women? 2019. It's a watch party. That's our first actual event. Um, but it's not, we won't have live speakers for that. We'll have live speakers in January. Um, and then we plan on adding a youth initiative as well, where we want to have, um, our young people in the community giving them the microphone and say, Hey, this whole event is about you law. Okay. So for the record that, that watch party you're speaking of is on December 13 December 13th.

That will be, um, that will have already passed by the time people heard this. But it's, the watch parties is something that people should definitely be on the lookout for in the future. So, so people should look out in the future for TEDx Risko women so that it normally won't be a watch party. Just for the sake of time. This one was just a watch party, which means we're going to watch other Ted talk videos. But in 2020 we actually plan on having live speakers. So we'll have a TEDx for SKO women where we'll bring all the dynamic brilliant women together and give them the stage. And then we'll have a TEDx youth at Frisco where we bring all the brilliant young people, high school and under together give them the the event. So throughout the year you will have plenty of opportunities to interact with TEDx Frisco, not just 2020, but 20, 20 and beyond.

We plan on doing this on a consistent basis. Fantastic. So, and there's so many sharp young people in this community doing really interesting things. And one of our speakers, we, uh, we chose her intentionally because we said, all right, well, TEDx Frisco is normally just going to be adults, but I wanted to kind of give a taste of what our youth event would look like at a smaller scale. And so we do have a young lady who is 17, she's at one of the first school high schools instead of being a Gosha Gosha what is she, what is she doing? Can you kind of give us a little, so she's an entrepreneur of her own company and she is going to be speaking about her passion for social enterprise and how she took, um, seeing a problem and then turning it into a business. Okay. Is she the, I'm forgetting the name of the young lady that did this might be her. It might not, but that invented a device for the blind. Yes.

That's wonderful. I've heard her actually speak at a couple of local events. She is brilliant. So impressive. And that's what we want. We want to say, Hey young people, uh, Gosha who is only 17 and she, I think she started this like three, four years ago. I'm like, I was not thinking about starting a business when I was 12, but I was climbing trees. Okay. So speaking of speakers though, can you give us a rundown of who we're going to be hearing at the January event? I can't. Yes. So we actually have 13 speakers and we are only, this is so funny. So we were only going to start with six and then after looking through applications, I said, okay, well let's go up to 10. And then after really working through it, I said, there's no way we can do 10. We have to do 13.

And so we have 13 for this year because there were so many great ones. Um, so we have Yakubu ruins. Um, he is from South African. He is going to be speaking about sex trafficking. And I am passionate about all these talks. I'm particularly passionate about this. When I didn't realize how prevalent sex trafficking was, you know, I thought it was across the globe somewhere. But I'm like, no, it's here. Right. It is within Texas and within the Dallas city limits. Um, and so he's going to be speaking about sex trafficking. We have Mr. Talkbox, he is an artist. He is going to be speaking about how he has taken his skills as a musician and self-branded and using use it to truly market himself and literally get himself on one of Bruno Mars, his songs. Wow. So he's the intro of the 24 karat magic song.

I'm like, you are so awesome. Then we have Asal Azizoddin. Um, she is going to be speaking about gratitude. Um, she is an oncology pharmacist and so, um, I'm not gonna, I'm not gonna ruin hers, her story for you, so I'll just say that. So you'll have to, you'll have to hear the talk. Then we have Maelyn Jarmon. She's actually a fresco native. She's um, one of the, um, the voice, the TV show. Um, she was the season of 16, I believe, winter for that. And so she's going to be speaking about women in the music industry, so that should be awesome. And then she's going to be singing too. So of course we couldn't have her come without singing, so we'd have, um, Ryan Calvert. He is an attorney. He's going to be speaking about domestic violence. Then we have Tomasz Kwiatkowski , he is a former athlete. He is a financial services sales executive.

He, he's a dynamic networker guru. And so he's going to be talking about, um, overarching theme. I'm not going to give away his talk either, but it's um, professional development. And then we have Jessica Vittorio, she is a business attorney and she has done some work at the border and so she's going to be speaking about, um, just her experience working with, um, immigrants and, and how she is an attorney, has, um, use her skills to help those there. And so she'll be talking about that experience. It's very powerful. Um, then we have a performance from Sebastian Mejias and his company, his samurai international martial arts. So they're going to be giving us an awesome demo of martial arts. So there'll be some awesome board breaking and all that. Then we have Stephanie Wagoner. She is with the Frisco EDC department and so she's going to be talking about, um, partnerships, partnerships with the city.

And so she's what you guys will probably have a lot of people Frisco heavily, a lot of people calling like, Hey, we're the city of so-and-so. Can you come help us? Her talk is amazing. Then we have candy. She is one of our performers as well. She's doing spoken word M and O. Her overarching theme is women empowerment. Then as I mentioned, Gouzia Sivarajah um, she is our high school student who we'll be speaking about as I said, just her passion in social enterprise and how she turned that into a business. Um, then we have David Gaschen and he is, um, known as the Phantom of the opera and Broadway. And so of course he's thinking as well, wonderful. We had rehearsals last night and he was just mind blowing. His voice is just impeccable. So he's going to be speaking about, honestly his, his journey of being a musician and how his faith is what has kept him throughout that entire process.

And then we have Danyel Surrency Jones. Yeah. So she's one of our speakers as well, the founder of power hands and she, it's funny. So while she, um, she's a CEO of her, her company that helps athletes and then others just through rehabilitation, um, she's going to be talking about some topics that are a little bit uncomfortable, um, as it relates to just social issues, race issues. So hers is very powerful. She does, she does tie in, um, the work that she does with athletes. But um, hers is one of those that make you say like, Oh, this is uncomfortable, but this is so great. Let's talk about that.

Yeah. And it's so important that we're willing and able to talk about those things because they'll never change if we don't. Right. And you've got to bring everybody involved at the table one way or another. And Danielle's a, an amazing person. I've had the chance to meet her a couple of times and love her business, love what she does and she is just a lovely human being. So definitely look forward to all of those talks. You've got a really good lineup of speakers there. Yeah. So is this going to be an all day event?

Um, it is from one until 5:00 PM who's a half day. Wow. And then pack them in there. We're going to pack them in there. We're like, and so the Ted style is you, you're only up there for no more than 18 minutes as the beauty in it, right? There is no keynote there. All speakers are equal. There is not one name above the other one. Um, our speakers specifically have between um, seven to 12 minutes, seven to 15 minutes actually. And so that's how we can literally fit 13 speakers in four hours. And then we have an after event as well. So again, the community is what's important and it's, yes, you heard a great, great conversation, great talks rather, but it's now what we want the conversation to continue and so it's going to be an all day thing, but the event particularly is from one until five.

Oh, that is an impressive lineup. And uh, I want to encourage everyone in Frisco and surrounding communities listening to this podcast. Get your tickets, go attend this event. It is going to be time very well spent. For those that are interested in attending, where do they go to get more information? Well, if they want to attend TEDx fresco 2020, we are now sold out. Oh, okay. Yes, we are sold out, but we will be announcing are the next two large events that'll be Ted, TEDx, Frisco women and TEDx youth at Frisco. We'll be announcing that very soon and those tickets will become available, um, this year, December, 2019. Okay. So you can't get, you can't come to the 2020 event, but there are other opportunities. These are going to be filmed, right. So we will have videos of all of this stuff that will be found to be posted.

So filmed and posted on the TEDx YouTube for free. Okay. Where is the event being held? Um, the black box theater inside of the Frisco does every center. Yes. So it's a nice, quaint, you know, cutes um, intimate space for our first one and for our following events, we plan on growing much larger. This is our very first one, so we wanted to make sure, um, we did it with excellence and so we didn't know I would love on. Ultimately my goal is to fill the Ford center and it's possible literally I just met a young lady, um, at California at the Ted conference and they do 10,000 every year. Wow. Sounds like it's possible. We just want to make sure as we grow, we still maintain the sense of community, keep that quality of the speakers coming and you will definitely grow year after year.

Thank you so much. We're excited about it. So are we, we're looking forward to it. The date is January the 11th, 2020 January 11th. So that's coming up. Sorry guys. It is sold out. However, uh, there are some other events coming up. This is all going to be on video and for all the information on this, everything you want to know, we'll be sure to link it up in the show notes for this episode. Dr. Small, thank you so much for coming on today. Thank you. So very nice to meet you. And we're looking forward to TEDx. Briscoe. Thanks for bringing that event to uh, to Frisco, Texas. You are so welcome. It's a pleasure to be here and for all of you listening, thank you so much for tuning into the Frisco podcast. As always, please go out and subscribe to the podcast we are on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google play, any place you want to find us where they are. Go ahead and subscribe and if you're so inclined, we'd love to have you leave a rating and a comment as well. Thank you again for tuning in and we'll talk to you next time.

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Mochas & Javas is a Texas original and they're tapping in to seasonal specials to help you warm your spirits.

Get the rundown on food and drinks, how to earn your nickname (hint: choose your drink wisely), giving back, and how they're tapping in to Texas culture.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5-myVZigY0

SHOW NOTES:

[00:29] Seasonal samples at Mochas & Javas [03:20] Mochas & Javas Locations [04:00] Outcome of the marketing study with Wakeland High School [05:40] Mochas & Javas expansion plans for Frisco [06:00] Things to be on the lookout for from Mochas & Javas [07:27] Tapping into Texas Culture [08:46] More seasonal specialties [10:15] The warm and welcoming environment [11:20] Get to know the coffee & Frisco staff [17:21] Crossover business in Frisco

LINKS & RESOURCES: * Mochas & Javas on Lifestyle Frisco * Mochas & Javas Website * Mochas & Javas on Instagram * Mochas & Javas on Facebook * Tumbleweed TexStyles * Jungle Joe's

Connect with Lifestyle Frisco on: * YouTube * Facebook * Instagram * Twitter * LinkedIn

Transcript Machine-generated.

Welcome to the Frisco podcast. I'm your host, Scott Ellis. And today we have Kevin Carswell from Mochas and Javas back in the studio. Kevin, thanks for joining us. Thanks for having me. I really enjoy coming up to Frisco. I always love talking to you because we get to talk about yummy stuff, coffee, food, all kinds of good things going on at Mochas and Javas. And you brought us some, some snacks today and we're going to dig into those in a little bit. But uh, tell us what are some of the, let's just talk about some of the seasonal stuff that's going on. Cause TIS the season for the coffee shop rate. Definitely the season for coffee shop. Um, Christmas time. We've had some, I always do some features for that are one of the samples that I brought today was our maple pecan scone made with real pecans of course, and a real maple syrup.

It has a maypole delays on top. It's got my name all over it. Oh that's fantastic. We started doing scones in San Marcus about two months ago and they're flying off the shelves. Prod you a few other sweets and then all smart use of our savior Adam's that have done really well here in Frisco. One of those you said is a, um, it's a gluten free blueberry muffin that is a gluten free. It looks like pumpkin. Okay. So we have, we do one different, we do a different flavor and gluten free. Um, as we sell them, we do about six to 10 a day. Um, the gluten free muffins have sold really well and then just picking up steam cause they're so good. If you don't tell people they're gluten free, they'll eat it without even knowing it's gluten free. You guys are so good form that recipe over several years and it does really well.

So we change out that flavor, um, almost daily. Okay. Good to know. And then there was also a vegan zucchini bread, is that what that and zucchini bread. So it has no egg or dairy in it. Okay. So does really well. It has really good, it's really good flavor. Very Nice. There are some good items you can add to vegan items to make it for the eggs. Okay. Well, it all smells and looks delicious, so I can't wait to dig in a little bit, but I'm not going to be chewing it, you know, chewing and everybody's here right now, so we'll have to wait. But you guys, that's something that you guys pay a lot of attention to, I've noticed over the years is you're always refining and perfecting your recipes for different things. So kind of what does that process look like for you guys? How do you go about figuring out what things to either keep around or take the next step with?

So menu mix wise, we do, we do have a menu mix, but as far as ingredients go, we're always looking at ingredients and trying to make sure we keep the best ingredients and we make as many items and almost everything in house from scratch. So we know what we're putting into everything. And we're not 100% but most everything you have in our stores we make from scratch. Um, and by doing that, there's five or six ingredients there. You can read the name of all of them. It just makes me feel good. And I prepare food at our stores the way I eat too. So, uh, my ended our stores all the time. And you're still nice and lean. I still look fit. And Iceland lane, yes. Always say the coffee helps too. Coffee probably does help and, and I just have to give a plug for the chicken salad sandwich cause my wife is a fiend for chicken salad.

She absolutely loves it. And yours is hands down her favorite. So yeah, it's it, it does really well here. It's been really picked up. Wells people are trying it. And then the San Marcus is one of our staples in San Marcus. Okay. So right now, um, what locations do you guys still have? We still have all four in San Marcus and then we have the one here in Frisco. We have five currently. Um, we've been in Frisco two years, August, so those past two years. Congratulations. Thank you very much. So we'll actually celebrate our 17 years in business in February. Wow, that's awesome. Well you guys are hitting some milestones and we love having you here in Frisco. So if anybody doesn't know, it's right on the Southeast corner of Eldorado and legacy. So can't miss it. Great location, super targets there in the parking lot. So most lot of people seem to shop at target.

That's a part of their destination too. Sure is. So one of the things we were talking about before we kicked off the recording was you guys did a marketing study with Wakeland high school, which is right down legacy from you guys. Correct. And you actually did it like the students did a class project and it was a marketing study for Mochas and Javas, which is kinda cool. It's nice to see that you guys are getting engaged with the students locally. But what was the, uh, tell us about that process and then what the outcome was. So I recall them talking to us about it, but our general manager, Megan's the one they interviewed for the marketing and they sent it, they did a really good job on this report. I mean, it looks, it's professionally done or great insights on it. So my brother and I've read through it, sent it to our marketing director.

So we're going to take some information now there. Fortunately some of the things that they recommend that we do, we've already are working on one of those things as online ordering. So we're going to launch online ordering for our LBJ location 1st of January or the first week of January. Work the details out and once we get everything ironed out we'll launch it all five locations and a mother that has just continued doing more community give back now Wakeland I think approach us cause we've done some community get backed with Wakeland with their band or orchestra. We've done some profit share days and just some off advertisement and some of their pamphlets. And then we've done some stuff with ed Gator Griffin band. As far as the gift card promotion goes, they help them raise funds for their band as well. There's other organizations we've donated coffee to or we're giving money back or funds to also we donate coffee 20 gallons coffee this morning to the um, all the bus drivers.

Oh that's nice. I bet they appreciated that. So cold morning this morning too. So, but the report from [inaudible] Lake home in early, well at a good insight and they recommend we open a location near the, the new Alfresco UNT campus. That seems like a very savvy thing to think about. Do you have plans to expand in Frisco? We do. We like we moved to North Texas for a reason. We like to grow at the fair. My brother's been up here for about 25 years in North Texas. We, we just happened to find this location in Frisco and really liked fresco in the North Texas area. So our plan currently is, is get through the rest of this year, get through the first half of next year and our goal is be looking for something by a fourth quarter of next year. Okay. Very good. Well I love to see you guys expand in Frisco and any way we can help make sure we're getting the word out.

We will definitely do so. Thanks for a much greatly appreciate it. Yeah. So what are some of the other things you guys have coming up? I know your, your, your brain's always spinning, you're always coming up with new ideas and, and different ways of promoting the business and in getting the word out there. So what are some of the things you guys have coming up that we should be looking for? So right now we're, we're working on a mailer that will give customers a dollar value in a gift card if they bring it into the store here in Frisco. So one we're, we're working out and if we're going to do that ourselves, partner with somebody on those flyers. Um, work with the HOA is, or some of the apartment complex is here. Okay. It's uh, and there's no catch. So if you receive on the flyers, you just bring it in and we'll give you that value.

And spray gets value. I'm not going to say what it is today, but it's a nice thing. I know we talked about it. It's a nice value. It's entices people to come in and once they get their gift card, if they only use it once for that one purchase, they'll have value left on it for another purchase. They could use the entire thing at that time though, either way. But we feel like they, if we can capture the customer to come to our store two to three times though, there'll become a regular of ours. Absolutely. We love, I mean, we encourage people as much as possible. Please support the local businesses and businesses like mocha is and Javas and you know, we're not going to go out and like bash the big box guys, but we're all about local. We're all about Frisco. So you know, if we're going to go get coffee, we want to send them your way.

Yeah. We changed some of our marketing. We change our, um, gift card design this past, uh, this past year, this year, um, our sleeves that will be in production again next year. We changed it to the Texas theme. People in Texas love Texas. So we're based, we're based in, formed in Texas. My brother and I grew up in, were born in Texas. So we are promoting that Texas theme and I think it will do really well for us. Also, I think people in Texas, like supporting local businesses, uh, other ones that were, um, created here in Texas. Like I always tell people our profits stay here in Texas. Have you ever had a chance to sit down and chat with the guys from tumbleweed textiles? I have not. They are, I mean their whole brand is kind of Texas culture. Um, and so yeah, I mean that, that really resonates with people around here.

They've done very well and um, we got to introduce you to those guys are probably be some nice crossover stuff. It'd be great to do. They're fun. They're really fun guys, sharp guys as well. So I'm tapping into that. Texas culture is, that's, that's a good move. Yeah. People want, people love, they're very proud of Texas. It's online. And I think for good reason, even for those of us that aren't originally from here, um, that it's hard for that Texas culture, not to, uh, kind of just through osmosis seep into your veins over time. And next thing you know, you're, you're a Texan whether you meant to be or not. Yeah, I agree. So, uh, what else is happening in the store? So we talked a little bit about some of the snacks you brought today, but what are some of the other things that, uh, we might look forward to on the shelves there or not that we, we just finished our pumpkin spice latte.

Um, we still, it's no longer available here in Frisco, but we made that recipe from scratch. We use pumpkin spice from scratch, but right now we're doing a peppermint bark, which is really good. It seemed like anything seasonal we do sells really well. We're working on a new gingerbread latte. So Megan, our, our general manager is working on a recipe to make the, uh, seasoning from scratch. So she's tweaking it and as we speak, and she made these, she bake some many gingerbread cookies. And so we're going to decorate those cookies. And so we're going to give out one of these little mini gingerbread cookies with every gingerbread latte baking those herself. Yeah. Oh that's fantastic. They look fantastic. So it's like great idea. So she's super nice. I see her most of the time when we do come in there and she's a, I was bright and friendly.

Then we've done some gift boxes that we've done some really good values on. So we've got three different sizes of small, am I saying small, medium, large. But there it's like a single and a double than a, and then like a couples, um, gift package though it's a good value. It has a variety of things in it. So it's uh, if you buy coffee or gift cards or tumblers, it's, I look for it on our shelves. So stop into the Mochas and Javas in checkout. The gift boxes, gift boxes and no, actually they're already discounted, but we're going to do a discount the last three days before Christmas also. Okay. Sounds good. Yeah, I'll definitely try to stop in and check those out. Okay. And you know, another one of the things I love that you guys have is it's a very comfortable atmosphere. Uh, you have their mochas and Javas.

It's very inviting so people can stop in and if they need to hang out and do some wifi and all that stuff, there's that as well. Correct. Most definitely you looking at are our clientele mix. It's during the day. We have a really good professional clientele. Um, lot of business meetings going on there every day. I think they feel comfortable coming into the business. Uh, it's relaxing. It's um, there's no pressure to buy. You can come in and just enjoy the internet and the space and meet people there. Um, most people do purchase. A lot of moms come there I think after dropping off kids and, and just meet and talk about the day, then we have a couple of knitting groups that meet there as well. Find a really good mix. Uh, we're getting more of the younger clientele. We continue to grow our footprint up here.

Also, the more that we, Marco think with the high schools and do some community give back. We're getting some of those students who had done the daytime. We have a really strong professional client that do business there every day. It's really good to see. No, that's good. I'm glad you guys are doing so well. And again, we love having you here in Frisco. So let's chat about coffee itself cause we've kind of glazed over that and you are a coffee shop. Um, I know you guys do your own roast, correct? We do. So the roast that I brought to you this morning is the a I brought you like, I know you like Americanos. We brought you a four shot Americano. He are awake to help pass 10 tonight. You know, why give me wired up. But yeah, that's really good. So we do, we've been doing the mochas and Javas blend with Texas coffee traders now for over 16 years.

So we um, RC and myself, uh, put this, uh, Rose together for our expresso roast. It's very good. Very smooth. It is. Yeah. So that is our signature roast and we do a light roast of the month. All the stores stay about the same schedule. Right now we're doing Mexican for our light roast for um, December and they won't start a rotation again in January. You can go to our website and see what our light Rose to the month is and it shows you where the region is. And talk a little bit about the coffee also. So if you're a light roast person, you can try a different one every month. Um, then you can also try the mochas cause and Javas win. So the express Rose is formulated and we designed it to be our espresso, but we also use it for our drip, a dark roast as well.

And then we do the ice toddy with that as well. Do you know what the, the, uh, the coffee in January that you're gonna be going to is ya? Uh, not yet. My daughter's actually going to be devising up our schedule for next year. A lot of, we have to get with our roasting cause the coffees do change as far as a plantations and what their crop looks like. Uh, we had some light roasts last year that we had to change the light roast schedule just because they weren't available. So as seasons change a weather, either too much rain or droughts can affect, uh, some of that light roast schedule. So we'll have to change our schedule on occasion, even though we do try to put out for 12 months. Okay. So do you actually, do you go and do the coffee tasting? Do you do the whole spooning thing?

And we do some of that testing wise and we do it also for training. And so we send our baristas to concentrators actually for coffee training. So they do some of the cupping and the helping. Thank you. Yup. And then they'll do a barista skills as far as pulling shots, understanding the shots, the amount that express would per shot, the time that it takes them through the shots, um, what the colors should look like, how it should smell. That's fantastic. That's good training. And where do they go for that? They go to our roaster in Austin. Okay. Let's agree. I mean, if you're a barista, I mean that's a fantastic opportunity to really kind of go a little deeper and learn. The nice thing about going to the roaster is you get to tour the roaster. So we actually see their wit, they tourist the entire warehouse.

So we actually get their work roast or March, the roast coffee and they, they roast a lot of coffee for a lot of companies. But we roast several hundred pounds a week for us. So wow. Fantastic. But it's good education. It really gives the staff a little bit more involvement and knowledge of what we are serving and what we're doing and where our coffee comes from and how fresh it is. Most people don't realize that we get our coffee roasted every week for everything. They're drinking our stores. So we keep about a 10 to 14 days supply in our, you know, on shells at all time. That's about it though. Okay. And yeah, people can buy the coffee as well off the shelf or you sell it by day? We sell a pound bags. Yeah. Good to know. And you guys, I've noticed, it seems like you have, and correct me if I'm wrong, but it seems like you have fairly low turnover in terms of staff relative to what I'm used to in, in like a retail type establishment.

Um, is that true or am I just happened to be seeing the same people all the time? Maybe just your schedule, but uh, we have since mid summer we've had a good, we've had a good core staff. We did Turner, Maine in the restaurant industry. We are a lot of students. They graduate, move on and they should, we had three of our um, holdouts from the, a former business that all three graduated, all got career jobs where some of the basketball, like great bright people. Um, that's usually what our turn looks like and that's kind of where reselling back down. And so we've hired, uh, the last 12 months more more staff and most of them are staying with us. And it's nice to build that education and knowledge and history with our staff. Cause a coffee is definitely a daily routine. So that routine and the, uh, rapport building with your customer is very important.

So when you get to see the same faces every time, get to know you by name, get to know you by your drink or both. I gotta admit, I was impressed that you knew like that I liked an Americano walking in and that was, that was good. So yeah, we try to reach, do to try to remember those things. But um, the first goes bigger than San Marcus of course. Uh, I don't see our clientele out in public as much as I do in San Marcus cause it's just a smaller town. But your, our baristas will say, I saw cappuccino at the HEB, you're named after your coffee. People choose wisely. So it's like, yeah, that's Tom. That's not kept Gino. But yeah, but it's funny cause they learn, they know customers buy drinks sometimes. Not by names. That makes sense. But, but you live down in San Marcos, correct?

Correct. But you're, it seems like you're here in Frisco at least half the time when I walk into the shop, you're there, uh, drove up this morning. I was here all last week, Tuesday through Saturday. Drove back Saturday evening, drove back up this morning, left San Mark's about seven when the store this morning about five and had some coffee and did some paperwork then hit the road. Okay. Be here through Thursday. Good deal. Well, we hope you're enjoying your time in Frisco while you're up here and I'm trying to get out more of an I'm here to, um, there's times that I'm needed behind the, as we're, um, training staff. There's this, um, August and September I was doing a lot of shifts at the store, just helping with training. Uh, Megan's, uh, does a great job, but she can only be so many places at one time. So sometimes helping her, um, just oversee the store, helps, uh, helps her kind of get things in perspective and do what she needs to do for the success of the store and this give her some support.

So there's times that I'll do that. Then there's times that I'll try it in the market out in the market. And so I'll be at the chamber, a networking group on Thursdays when I'm here on Thursday to try to go to the networking group. And then I try to go shop at other businesses to have lunch at different places. Just introduce myself and just go find other local places though. Well, if there's anybody you want to get connected with, let us know and we'll make every effort to make sure we get you. We certainly don't know everybody in every business in Frisco, but uh, we're connected to a lot of them in different capacities. So always happy to, it's fun to see that kind of crossover happening where businesses get to work. Cause I think, um, in fact, if I'm not mistaken, jungle Joe's is, you guys work with them, right?

Don't they have mochas and Javas coffee? Yeah. So Angela and I met at the chamber networking group about a year, maybe a little over a year ago. And as she's looking to, um, serve our roast in her a coffee shop or in her, um, I guess kind of like a playground. Indoor playground. Yeah. And they serve food and coffee. And so I was excited about that as my daughter had come back from um, Colorado and is our director of training, one of our general managers in San Marcus. And so we came up here last year and actually did a training session with her staff. Uh, Jordan. I had to calibrate their express machines, get them to actually improve properly and test them, run them. Then when we left that day, Angela is pretty excited cause she hadn't seen her express would make express it like that before. Ah, and steam milk the way my daughter is really skilled in the coffee trade and so she can, she can outdo me when it comes to the latte art.

Um, but uh, she's very skilled in that area and um, but Andrew was really happy and to see what we did. So we are, it's great to partner with somebody like that and I think she's done really well. So she orders our coffee from us, um, as needed in some of our sauces and syrups too. That's fantastic because I mean, if, if you know, we know her business has done really well, but if people are taking their kids in there to give them a chance to run around and play and blow off a little steam and they decided to have a cup of coffee while they're, you know, you're really supporting two businesses at the same time. Right. So we'd love to see that happen. And does your daughter ever come up to the Frisco shop? She's supposed to be here today with me, but um, she's working.

We have a plethora, we have most of the students working for us and most of them take off vacations. My daughters are working shifts this week. She's action. I'm trying to get her more involved into the management side of what I do in the business. I want to grow in and have our business grow and have her grow with our business. Uh, she's very passionate about moving back to Colorado. So when that happens, I hope that we're expanding business up there, that we're here to help oversee and run. Yeah, absolutely. What part of Colorado, if you don't mind my asking. She went to CCU for Colorado Christian university, so she, um, was in Lakewood about six years and worked at a cafe in golden, Colorado for about three years. So she loves Denver. She likes that area. So she, she'd probably be somewhere is on the West side of Denver if she had her choice.

Gotcha. Well we're, uh, we're tied into a couple of businesses up there as well. Obviously we don't advertise or do things with them on lifestyle Frisco, but, um, certainly if she, uh, winds up back there and you guys start expanding into Colorado, let us know and we'll get you connected there as well. Okay. Greatly appreciate this. Some good fun crossover businesses actually that I can think of. So, yeah, I think we're, we're a couple of years out from that, but that's a, that's been a goal with my brother and I used to have stores in Colorado. Just give us an excuse to go snow skiing or climb around the mountains. Yeah, absolutely. Yeah, absolutely. And there's no shortage of people that need good warm beverages up there. So correct that time of year. So, well Kevin, good deal man. Thanks for coming in today and it's been good to just sit down and catch up a little bit.

I know usually when I see you in the shop, you're kind of busy, so get to say hi, but you're uh, you're humping it back there. But you know, that's, that's what it comes, that's owning a business is all about. So being involved. Yes, definitely. I don't think I'll ever walk away from the business unless we sell it. I enjoy the, I enjoy the day to day routine. Um, they office out of stuffs as part of running a business, but the people side is what really makes the business good. Well, we're glad to hear that and keep us posted on your Frisco plans and photo. If your daughter ever does come up, please let us know. We'll, we'll get people coming in for their own special latte art and things that, that she is so masterful at. So that's been great to meet her. Okay. Well, thanks again, Kevin, for coming in and thanks to all of you for tuning into the Frisco podcast. Please go out and subscribe. You can find us on iTunes, Google play, Spotify, Stitcher, pretty much any place you're gonna listen to a podcast. Feel free to subscribe, leave us a comment, give us a rating. All of those things really help us out, and we will talk to you next.

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Through comprehensive programs for kids and adults Vogel Alcove is committed to ending the cycle of poverty and homelessness for families in the DFW metroplex.

Their annual fundraiser "Day 1 Dallas" is coming to Roughriders stadium in Frisco on January 1st and promises a host of fun activities for families for just $5.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3osLZ0_-rM

SHOW NOTES:

[00:29] Meet Karen Hughes, President & CEO of Vogel Alcove [01:30] Meet Sammy Gonzalez, VP of Marketing for Vogel Alcove [03:30] Volgle Alcove programs, and breaking the cycle of poverty [08:56] The history of Vogel Alcove [11:58] Day 1 Dallas event at Roughriders stadium [17:30] The geography that Vogel Alcove serves [18:20] How you can help Vogel Alcove

LINKS & RESOURCES: * Day 1 Dallas Event * Vogel Alcove's Website * Vogel Alcove on Lifestyle Frisco * Vogel Alcove on Instagram * Vogel Alcove on Facebook

Connect with Lifestyle Frisco on: * YouTube * Facebook * Instagram * Twitter * LinkedIn

Transcript Machine-generated.

Welcome to the Frisco Podcast. I'm your host, Scott Ellis. And this week we are joined by Sammy Gonzales and Karen Hughes from Vogel Alcove. And we're going to be talking a little bit about what their organization does and an upcoming event called day one Dallas. That's happening on January 1st, 2020 first and foremost, guys, welcome to the show. Cool, thank you. Thank you. And I feel, I think I introduced you in the wrong order because Karen is the president and CEO of Vogel Alcove. And tell us a little bit about yourself and your background and how you came to be involved with this organization.

Well, early childhood has always been my background. I started at Baylor and with elementary ed and then went to Houston and taught school and own my own school at one point and then got my masters degree and then went to Houston community college and started their onsite lab school and taught early childhood classes and then left the great state of Texas and moved to DC. And so I was in DC for about 10 years working for the national association for the education of young children. And then another nonprofit called the companion center. My husband and I adopted a little boy from Ethiopia when we were up there. And once we got Noah, we wanted to move back and the Vogel Alcove did a national search and found me there and I was ready to come home. So that's how I got back here.

Well, based on what little I know about Vogel Alcove, it sounds like you have exactly the right background to be leading this organization. So we'll talk some more about that in a little bit. And Sammy, how about you? Yeah, after the designer out of college, um, started here in Dallas and started working with the American heart association, uh, was in their brand advertising and design department. So I've really learned more about marketing back when marketing was still pretty new as far as like the blogs and, and you know, getting more content creation out and everything. And I found an organization that had a great role as the director of marketing it's called. And it was called Vogle Alcove. And so learned all about it and learned that there was homeless children in Dallas. Very naive to that subject. And then, um, and went through one of the toughest interviews I ever had in my entire life, um, sat here with Karen and uh, but really prepared me for the day to day operations of Vogel Alcove and that was going on about seven years ago.

Um, and so really to see the organization change so much, um, about using all my whole background, social media marketing, graphic design, um, really leaving that stamp on the organization and helping communicate to the public about what we do and how we serve the homeless children and families in Dallas. So, uh, that's a great segue into talking about Vogel Alcove and what that organization does. So prior to the, the podcast interview this morning, I was doing some additional research and reading about it and watching some of the video that you guys have produced. And, um, for whatever reason, homeless, the, the, the topic of homelessness is always something that's been a little bit close to my heart because I've always felt like for somebody that wants to get their life back on track, if they, if you don't even have a place to live, it's very hard to do.

Right? You don't even really have the basics covered. And I know there are organizations and a lot of help and support out there for homeless adults, but you guys are taking it a step further and not only are the adults getting what they need, but you guys are helping the kids and putting a lot of focus on that and trying to break that cycle, which I think is a phenomenal idea. So talk to us a little bit about, in a little more detail about what Vogel Alcove does and how you're helping the children that are part of homeless families.

Well, the children who come to us, um, every day are [inaudible] when they first come to us, they're living in a emergency shelter, a transitional housing program or a domestic violence shelter. Um, once they arrive and we work with them for awhile then and if their pant family gets housing, they can still stay. So right now it's about 50% of people are housed and 50% are still in shelter with the children that we have. I like to say in terms of our programs that what Vogel does is we, um, rewire brains. We repair hearts and we restore families. So the rewiring the brain part comes with the fact that our children are zero to three. So we work with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. And brain research will tell you that that's the most critical time in life for a child's brain to develop and that will make a difference for the rest of their lives.

And so a lot of our kids are in trauma. And so therefore, if you look at a child's brain under trauma and one that's not, the brain is totally wired differently. And so we've got to provide those experiences in relationships so that our children can literally rewire their brains so that they will be successful later on by giving them the correct environment. So we provide a quality early childhood program. We provide enrichment, um, activities. Um, and then we also provide developmental services. A lot of our kids have delays, so we provide speech therapy, occupational therapy and physical therapy on site. We also provide a health program. So we have a mental health clinic on site. We also provide breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack. Parkland is there once a week with doctors and nurses on their van. Um, and then we also provide a mental health clinic because mental health is a big issue, um, not only with the families but also with the children.

And so we provide play therapy as well as mental health therapies, counseling sessions for the families, the parents. And we do that in, in conjunction with the Dallas echo when Lennox center. Um, and then we provide family support services because we do believe, like you mentioned, we believe in a two generational approach. If you look at any of the research on how to break the cycle of poverty, um, it will tell you that you've got to work with both generations and so, and the more we can do under one roof so that parents don't have to go somewhere else, the better off we are. So we provide, um, a case manager for each of the families that are master level social workers and they meet those fans, those, and usually it's moms cause 95% of the people who we work with are single moms that are, and so they meet them where they are and they help them take the next step of getting their family's stability.

And that looks different for every single family that walks through the door. And so then we'd provide um, job ready classes in January. We'll, we've just registered about I think, uh, eight people in GED classes. We'll be doing ESL classes in January. So really what do they need to be able to get a job? We have a, a room called the parent opportunity center where they can go and find jobs on the computer. We help them with resumes and interviewing techniques and those kinds of things. We then have a career ready program. And again, a lot of our families may have jobs but they'll never get out of poverty with the kind of job they had. So we help them figure out how to go back to school, what other kind of job training programs are in town that will give them a better chance at a higher paying job. And then we provide network and support, um, with, um, many grants and things like that, just to keep them moving forward and an ability to connect with other people. Because like I said, most of them are single moms. They have no support system under them. And so we provide different things for them to keep them moving forward.

Well that is a comprehensive, to say the least. You guys are doing a lot to help these folks out. That's, that's probably the best word that I use. Whenever someone says, uh, you know, tell me a little bit about what you do. Um, and, uh, the best way to phrase that as one comprehensive but then to understanding that a family is in a state of stress and trauma and understanding that a child is in a state of stress and trauma. And so as a parent and so learn teaching parents to be great parents in that state of stress and trauma to a child that's in a state of stress and trauma. And we use those words a lot, um, because that's what they're under. It's toxic stress and trying to remove that from their life. Wow. Very good. And so what age up to what age are you able to help kids and provide that education and those services?

In our regular program, there's a day to day program. We provide for infants six weeks through age five when the kids go to kindergarten. But then during, um, Christmas break, which will be coming up in a couple of weeks, um, we provide a gap camp for kindergarten through fifth grade. And then during the summer we provide a full three month summer camp for kindergarten through fifth grade.

Okay. And so the, the, from kindergarten and above, are they going to public schools typically during that time? Correct. Okay. And for the younger ones, um, you, you mentioned helping train up the, the parents to go out and work and find jobs and presumably many of them do just that. So is there childcare?

Yeah, that's, that's our early childhood program. So we're there from 6:00 AM 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM and then the parents leave them there in our early childhood program and we provide the childcare for them.

Gotcha. So, um, I mean, I almost don't even know where to begin, but how, how did Vogel Alcove get started? And did it come out of the gate kind of this massive program that you have, or is it something that's evolved over the years? Um,

so the history is, it started in the Jewish faith actually. Um, and there was a group of people at Shearith Israel that were a, um, the social action committee and they decided to go do something about homelessness, um, 30 years over 30 years ago. Um, and they reached out to their counterparts at temple Emmanuel, um, temple. And, um, so they got together and then what really came of that? They created the Dallas Jewish coalition for the homeless, which ended up being about 23 different Jewish organizations. Once they did that, they broke up, broke up in teams and, and went out to look and see what project they were going to take on. Doris Bonnar was the chair of the childcare committee and they came back and presented and said, there's nothing for these children in town for childcare. People are working with the parents, but there's nothing in the shelter.

So they can't work with the parents if somebody doesn't work with the children. And so that was the beginning of Vogel Alcove. And um, so Thelma Vogel endorsed Butner where the founding, um, women who founded the organization, um, and began to run it. It started off with 10 kids in an Alcove in the downtown family shelter at the time, which is now family gateway. And that's kind of held. The name came about. And then, um, filma who started it was running the organization. There was a plane crash in the early nineties out at DFW airport and she was killed in that plane crash. And so then after that they named the organization after her, the Dallas Jewish coalition, um, dissolved and Vogel became its own nondenominational [inaudible] from there that we've moved about, I guess three times. Most recently, five years ago, we moved into old city park elementary school, which is 50,000 square feet of space.

And we did a major remodel. We rent that space from Dallas ISD. They had closed the school. Um, and so now we have a 50,000 square foot campus. When we moved, we doubled capacity, um, at that point. Um, and now we have not only space, more space for more kids, but we have a huge campus that also has wonderful vegetable gardens and outdoor gardens. We have a kitchen garden and, um, playgrounds and all natural playground that's been certified by the Arbor foundation. It's just a beautiful space. We call it the backyard because our kids don't have a backyard. Um, so that's kind of where, where we've been, um, to where we are now. Where is it located? We're at, um, at 1738 Ganos street, but it's just South of 30. I'm in, down in the Cedars neighborhood downtown. If you know where, um, old city park is, or heritage village. We're right across the street.

Okay, very good. We had a beacon at one point this time, a unfortunate beacon. Um, but uh, you might've remembered the ambassador hotel and it was there downtown that caught on fire. Well, we were across the street from that, so unfortunately. Um, but yeah, that's, that's kind of where we are located. That didn't affect you guys in any way. Did it? Okay, good. We were all worried. I'm sure I'm, that would have been a blow, but right. Glad to hear that. So, um, you've got an event coming up in Frisco. Let's talk a little bit about that because I want to make sure we get the word out and get people to come out and take part in what you guys have going on called day one, Dallas, not as happening at the Frisco Roughriders stadium here in Frisco on January 1st. So tell us about the event.

What are we going to be getting ourselves into? Sure. You want me, you want me to talk a little bit about it? Okay. So day one, Dallas. So name is a little misleading this year cause it's actually day one, Dallas and Frisco. Um, so for the past four years we've hosted this event. It's a free children and families fair held at fair park. But this year we moved it up to Frisco in partnership with the rough riders and the embassy suites a convention center. So that's where the location of this year's event and it's a event where for $5. So you come in at three to 7:00 PM, um, all kinds of games, activities, magic acts, live performances, um, pretty much everything you can, you can do for a kid to have fun with family on new year's day. And then we're going to culminate with the fireworks show, uh, outside of the Roughriders stadium as well.

So our slogan has come out and play on new year's day. We know, uh, I have two young children, so I know it gets a little restless in the holiday times. You spending lots of time together. So I want to get out, uh, whether it should be great and it's 90% indoors. Um, so that shouldn't be a factor at all, but we're going to have unique opportunities for people just to have some unique experiences such as you can, uh, hit off, um, a pitching machine and, uh, at the home run Derby, um, you can also utilize the pitching mountains, um, at, um, Roughrider stadium. But then inside the embassy suites too, we're going to have a DJ booth. We're gonna have a karaoke, we're going to have a big cardboard village. Uh, some of the different types of activities that children can participate in. And again, it's just $5 to get in. It's a donation to Vogel Alcove. And then they get to learn a little bit more about who we are. But really it's just about having fun together. And this is all the brainchild of Karen sitting. Here's how, I'll let her talk a little bit more about how she came up with the event. Sure.

Well, I'd mentioned that I'd moved back from the East coast. And on the East coast they have something, um, it's called first night and they have it in many cities across the East coast. And it's really a family event, um, for new year's Eve. And so when I had arrived here, we were looking again cause I had Noah and I was looking for something to do on new year's day and there was really nothing in the medic metroplex or even on new year's Eve. Um, and at the same time with Vogel, we were trying to do something different in terms of raising money. There are so many golf outings, so many galas, so many luncheons. What can we do differently, um, that not only would help the community but raise money. So we started, um, we did our first day one, Dallas and the rest is history. So we've, this is not a year number five. Very good.

What made you decide to bring it to Frisco? We're glad to have you here, but I'm just curious.

Well. Um, there's this, um, large event that's happening on new year's day called the NHL winter classic and they're coming to the cotton bowl, um, uh, at, um, on January 1st. And so NBC bought out the rights to the full fair park, but two weeks before and two weeks after, so we didn't have a home. So we began to look at somewhere else to go and it just made sense. Um, I'm a business owner here in Frisco, so, um, my husband and I also own in my other life own petty ans flowers here in Frisco on Marie. That's wonderful. And so because, uh, so in Sammy lives here, I live in Allen and so it's like we knew this was the family Mecca and so, and we then approached, um, the, the mayor's office and the visit Frisco and everybody was so encouraging that yes, y'all need to come here. And so that's how we landed here.

Well, very good. Well, I'm glad to hear you've had a chance to connect with city council and I'm sure they did welcome me with open arms. We've got a lot of great things happening in Frisco and I'm proud to be able to add you guys to that list of things we can go talk about for sure. And thanks for your support too. I mean, have us on the podcast helping us spread the word about what we do. It's, you know, being downtown in Dallas, a lot of people think homelessness is just a Dallas issue. Um, but you know, as, as our is growing here in Frisco, we want to make sure we get ahead of it too. So educating people, uh, about homelessness, educating people about, you know, brain's stress and trauma, um, and getting ahead of it here, uh, I think is important to you.

So being able to reach out to more people here in Frisco is important. I'm glad you mentioned that Sammy, because it is, it's something that's come up on, on the Frisco podcast a few times with various guests, but, um, Frisco does have its share of, of problems that I think we normally associate like homelessness, uh, childhood homelessness, um, that we normally associate with maybe, you know, downtown Dallas and things like that. You don't think about it in Frisco because it's really not that visible here, but it definitely does exist. We have families and kids in need and uh, there's been a lot of great organizations that have come up throughout the years to try to help solve those. And, uh, it's, it's something I think we have to stay on top of and keep our eyes out for because Frisco is growing so fast, everybody's so busy, very easy to overlook some of those things and just not even be aware that they're happening here.

Um, so, you know, I think that the events like what you guys are doing, yes, it will be fun and it's a great way to help your kids burn off some of the holiday energy and maybe go wear 'em out a little bit. Uh, but also to generate some awareness that this isn't just a Dallas problem or a big city problem. This kind of stuff happens in the suburbs and there are folks here that need help as well. And so actually that brings up a good question. What is the, the geography that you guys work with in terms of if people need help? Is it kind of more in Dallas proper or can people come from,

well, they can. Most people that come to Vogel Alcove are in Dallas, but we work with 23 different shelters. Um, and some of those are in Plano, um, domestic violence shelters. And so if the families can get down there, the transportation is the issue. But if a family is living in a shelter in Plano or somewhere else then, and they're working in Dallas and they can get down to Dallas to, with transportation, then they certainly can bring their kids to Vogel Alcove. Yeah. Okay. Very good. Uh, is there anything else about the organization that you would like us to know? Maybe any common questions that are questions that people don't ask enough of that you definitely want to make sure we get the word out? Well, I think the, one of the questions people ask is, um, especially as people go and come down and go and do a tour and then they walk out and they're like, so what can I do to help?

That's kind of the main question. Um, we have a five and a half million dollar budget. We only get about a million and a half of that from governmental type grant sources. So we raise the rest from the community. So we certainly can always use financial donations. Um, and we would love to people, we have a program we call flight where you can actually make a recurring donation, um, and a monthly donation and be part of our flight, um, program. Um, and then we have, um, in kind donations. We've just finished our holiday store last year. The gym was totally transformed into a toy story store, but throughout the year we need things like diapers. We go through 5,000 diapers a month. Um, so diapers, wipes, shoes, any kind of used clothes, uh, gently used clothes, um, and toys because we give each of the children a birthday party on their birthdays.

So we continually use the toys throughout the year. And so in kind donations and then volunteers. So our staff are very well trained, um, early childhood professionals and social work professionals. Um, but we, you can't have enough people loving on these kids. And so we have volunteers that come out, they work in the classrooms. Um, they also do, um, events for us or they work in the gardens. Um, so there's all kinds of things that corporations or individuals can do or civic groups, um, is in terms of coming down and doing a volunteer project. And then we have a board of 47. And so people are looking for leadership opportunities. We're always, um, some people are rolling off and we're needing new new leadership. So those are the main things that people can do to help us. We, we literally could not do what we do in the Dallas community if it wasn't for the Dallas community.

Yeah. And there's another program that I like to mention. It's for, it's created for small to midsize businesses because some people think it's like, well, we're, you know, we're a small company. We can't really make an impact financially, but what can we do to help? And so there's, we have a small program called community heroes and that's essentially we get, uh, companies to do small to mid size businesses to do three things. One is to donate, one is to volunteer and one is to share the message. And so it's a great opportunity for people to come down and take a tour of our facility. So if you go to our website, you can see it. It's, it's under, uh, community heroes. But if people want just don't know how to give back or their, their businesses ready to start giving back, that's a great

entree into rallying your, your, uh, team members to be able to do that together. And we've, we find that the people that serve together really form a tight bond at work and then they're able to kind of help their business grow themselves. And so many people in this area, especially, they're moving in, they just don't know about the different resources that are available. It's a families. And so we'd like to educate them and say, you know, if you want to give back your reach out to us, we do a open house event once a month. Uh, so the next one would be in January, call it coffee with the kids. So take a tour of our facility. Uh, my running joke is that we don't give the kids coffee. Um, so we like to keep them manageable. Um, but come on down, have a cup of coffee, learn more about our programs, services and how you can get engaged and involved either as an individual or as a company and then be able to integrate yourself into helping other people.

Very good. Well you guys are doing great work and amazing things and thank you so much for uh, taking that on and continuing the mission that was started by Vogel and, and others. So and again, happy to have you guys up in Frisco for that event on January 1st three to seven Roughriders ballpark. I assume people just show up, make their $5 donation and get a wristband. Okay. They can also, there's tickets on sale online, right? Okay. Tickets are available now. Day one. dallas.com says day number one, dallas.com. Okay. Tickets, $5 you can go online and then pre-purchase those to help you skip the onsite lines. Um, but then just come out and play on new year's day. Just have a good time. Sounds fantastic. And for people, if people want to learn more about the organization, about Vogel Alcove, where do they go? Vogel Alcove.org uh, is the main website and again you can go and look at the advance that we have there.

Day one Dallas is listed there as well. Okay, very good. And I know you guys have a page up on Lifestyle Frisco as well in the Give for Frisco section. Absolutely. So you can also jump out to a give for frisco.com and it will redirect you and in search for Vogel Alcove and you can get a bunch of information there and that'll link out to your other properties. There's buttons there for a donating and things like that as well. And just by a way of of plugging it, there's a, an event coming up called give for Frisco day on February 14th where we encourage people to go out and make donations to charities that are close to their hearts and things that they want to support and contribute to. So hopefully we can help you guys do a little fundraising on that day as well. Oh, great. Thank you so much guys. Thanks again for coming out and thanks to all of you for listening to the Frisco podcast. As always, you can find us on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google play, and pretty much any place you're listening to podcast. So please head on out there, give us a rating, leave us a comment and be sure to subscribe. We'll talk to you next time.

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If you want to prepare your children to be the leaders of tomorrow look no further than Leadership Prep School in Frisco. A free charter school in its 9th year serving our community, Leadership Prep offers personalized attention to their students and the flexibility to innovate and develop their leadership skills, problem-solving skills, and so much more.

The staff at Leadership Prep School is passionate about what they do and it shows in this episode of The Frisco Podcast.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBdCXKTqu_I

SHOW NOTES:

[00:58] This is what sets Leadership Prep apart [07:42] LPS Enrollment [08:32] Extracurricular activities at LPS (including sports) [09:45] Opportunities for the public to get to know LPS [11:15] Applying to Leadership Prep [12:30] The future of LPS and their first graduating class [14:28] Favorite things about working at LPS

LINKS & RESOURCES: * Leadership Prep Website * Leadership Prep on Lifestyle Frisco * Leadership Prep on Twitter * Leadership Prep on Facebook

Connect with Lifestyle Frisco on: * YouTube * Facebook * Instagram * Twitter * LinkedIn

Transcript Machine-generated.

Welcome to The Frisco Podcast. This is Nicole Barron, editor in chief of Lifestyle Frisco. And today I have the privilege of sitting with representatives from Leadership Prep School in Frisco off Teel Parkway. There's a lot of great things you need to learn and know about this fantastic charter school in Frisco. But first I want my guests to introduce themselves. Please. We'll begin right here with our superintendent.

Please. Hi, my name is Stacy Alton. I'm the superintendent at Leadership Prep School.

Hi, my name is Audra Floyd. I'm the principal at the secondary campus.

And my name is Michelle Creamer, and I'm the elementary principal.

It is a pleasure to have you because I think I, I'm as I say, I'm assuming, but I've been, I'm a first go parent. I live very near the school and I know that many of my friends we drive past. I'm familiar because I work, you know, you all are clients of ours, but many of my friends drive past and they don't understand the difference. What sets you all apart, why you exist, uh, what your goals are as a school for the students you serve. So let's just start at the top. For anyone listening that isn't familiar with Leadership Prep . Stacy, can you please share a little bit about the school?

Absolutely. Um, Leadership Prep is a public school. It is free. It's open to all and offering opportunities for every student to be future ready. Uh, our focus is to offer personalized attention to our students and we have the freedom to continuously innovate and give students the hands on experience they need to become the thinkers and leaders of tomorrow with one of the most robust and fastest growing job markets in the country. We need the workers of tomorrow to be highly skilled and ready to rise to the challenge. Employers are asking for a workforce with leadership set skill sets and to prepare students to be future ready, they must have opportunities to lead today. So our mission at Leadership Prep School is to inspire students to learn, grow and lead for a lifetime. And I'll let one of our principals talk a little bit about our leadership model and what sets us apart.

Good. Because I really would like to know all of that incredible messaging that you just delivered about leadership. That was what I got the most that I, that you seem to be emphasizing. I would love to know what that looks like day to day, both at the elementary and secondary level. I'm Andrea, anything you want to share about your experience and what you see day to day that sets you all apart? Yeah, absolutely. So at the secondary campus we are really focused on graduating all of our students into leadership. And what that means is that we have some strategic partnerships with Franklin Covey, Microsoft, a new tech network and code to the future that helps us to grow our students leadership, critical thinking and communication and collaboration skills. And they all get to learn from and hear from our partners from places like Toyota, a Nokia, Scottish Rite at and The Frisco Arts.

And we also get to have our students solve some real world problems. And they also get to serve in the community with, um, some amazing projects that they've done through project based learning. So project based learning, you, you gave some fantastic examples of how you all are partnering the community and programs that you have. What does a, give me an example, if you don't mind, if a project based activity going on this year at the school, what would be something that a child would experience? Right now we have a student that is working with, um, she's started in the, the first goal. Entrepreneurial leader or gang entrepreneurial programs. Yes. And so part of that partnering, uh, she needs a logo for her business. And so our, um, our graphic design company or, uh, classes are designing and have gone through, you know, multiple reiterations of, of what they might look like and people are voting and the community's voting on which one they liked the best.

And so that's one of the, we've gotten to do that for lots of different companies have brought that project to us. Um, they're organizing a Ted talk right now where all of our students are going to be presenting it that, um, we do lots of planning for, uh, community outreach things that we do. Um, just to get out in the community and serve. It sounds like some of these activities could be resume items really, right. When they begin to apply for college, they have this actual hands on experience already in something that they might want to do in the future. Absolutely. That's really amazing. Yeah. With, especially with the graphic design and the it, that's really one of our goals is to get them ready to take, um, the industry based certifications and be able to have a, be able to step into a company and start working.

And I bet it's fun. And I want to get to you Michelle, about this because I'm guessing, especially at the elementary level, it's really fun to get hands on and do projects with other kiddos and not just be head down at a desk, working independently all the time. So what does it look like at the elementary level of Michelle? Absolutely fun learning should be fun and if they're not having fun, then they're going to hate school. And that's not the goal. And so I like to see that elementary is the foundation. And a lot of times people think that you can't teach these skills until they're older. And it's like I see kindergartners learning how to use those seven habits cause we focus on the seven habits of highly effective people. And you'll hear little five-year-olds talking about synergizing and wow. And you watch them do that.

And it's, it's fantastic because they don't realize. And I have adults come in and they're like, I wish I had learned about when I was five years old. How do I work in a group? How do I make my voice heard? But how do I listen to others? And how do we then come up with the best alternative? Um, so it creates this really engaging, innovative environment for them where they feel empowered in their own learning and it's not sit and get and just give us what we tell you you should know. Right? But it really is children empowered in their own learning. And, and it's fun for cause. My teachers, we want to have fun every day we, we went into education because we're passionate about these children growing up to make a difference in the world. So we want to have fun to you and it's great to watch their little light bulbs go on.

I bet it is. And, and I also recognize that there's incredible soft skills development going on here, personal development skills that are perhaps not as prevalent as they used to be. You know, because we're also wired and we're in our devices and we're working independently on our devices. And so the fact that the leadership skills are being taught are not just taught, but hands on being implemented every day. Opportunities to shine, opportunities to step up and lead a project or work in a team. That's incredible to me because I see it in my own kids already, you know, that they're not necessarily being, that's not being cultivated as much as I wish it was. Stacy, what would you add about what sets you all apart? Because yes, Frisco has an incredible school district, but this is a different method. Another approach.

Absolutely. And I think part of that is that, um, there's not a one size fits all for every child. So it's really making sure that we're focused focusing on each and every individual child and their individual needs. And, um, we have an environment in place at our school that allows for that to happen. Really knowing the kids, getting to know the kids, having that smaller feel, even though we have a pretty good sized school at this point, but really focusing, um, our staff and our administration on what does each and every child need and how do we fill that need. What is your enrollment at this point? Um, we're at almost 1300 students currently, so that's K through 12. Um, and then of course over two campuses we've got the elementary campus and then we've got the middle school and high school in one building on one campus currently.

Okay. Okay. That's far more than I have. Yeah.

Right. Right. And so, yes, I think that, you know, those are some of the key things that we really, um, hear from our families and hear from our students is that they really feel like they are known, um, that they are cared for and that they are getting what they need.

[inaudible] yeah. That one on one, like knowing each child exactly where they're headed and what their goals are. And that's really incredible. Okay. So one of the, some of the, just sort of, I hate to use the word silly, but questions that I know other moms might ask or wonder about when comparing your school to when we've always known with just the general public school system. Do you all have a mascot? Do you have extra curriculars? Like is it, is it similar to our public school system and the ISD?

Yes, in many ways, yes. We have a mascot. We actually have two. We have a boy and a girl, mr [inaudible]

lions right there, the lions. That's fun. Do you have an academic I'm in a sports program. Have, yes, we

have a sports program, um, pretty robust for as small as we are. Uh, we do have, uh, volleyball and soccer and baseball and flag football and golf team and cross country and softball and you know, yeah. So for, and cheer of course. Um, so yes, for as small as we are, we do offer as much as we possibly can. Um, and again, it's, it's about the whole child and those extracurriculars are very important. Uh, we have a band, uh, choir theater department. The theater department is amazing. Um, and then, um, of course we have visual arts and, um, yeah, digital arts, digital arts

of course. Oh yes, I'm sure. So when do you all, is your campus open for things such as a theater, you know, production or a concert and music concert? You know, are there opportunities for the public to come in and support those things and get to know your campus a little bit? Absolutely. We always, we do have a Google calendar that is shared on the website that has all the things, there's, uh, all the band and all of the, uh, like we have a leadership exhibition coming up in March that we love to have everybody come in and see every single student at the secondary campus, fifth through 12th grade, um, shows off. So they, they are showing off something that they are super proud of, um, that they've either made an a project or they're super talented and cheer or they're super talented in theater.

So they all have the opportunity to really show and show off, not only whatever it is that they're showing off, but also their soft skills of presenting and communicating and being able to look somebody in the eye and shake their hands and speak clearly. That's so important. I just can't, I mean that's, that's where I keep going in my head with how, what an incredible job you're doing is those skills that you're helping kids to develop that they otherwise might not please. Yes. Michelle, we also do open houses for parents who are interested in a perspective of, um, applications. Um, so we have those coming up in January as well. But yes, we love to have the families who want to get to know us. We have a carnival, we have all kinds of fun events where, yeah, it's coming to the sporting events, getting to know us, getting to know our families, um, because they are our best marketing in my opinion because they can tell you what you want to know.

Yeah. Well how does one apply and what does that timeline for four possibly be coming enrolled? So it is an online application, so it's just on our website and it's available from the first Monday of February till the third Friday of February every year. So this year that happens to open up on February 3rd. Um, and so we take all applications for those three weeks and if we receive more applications and then we have spaces available, um, then we go into a lottery so that the state wants us to have that availability to be there for every child. So it's a random computerized drawing from the applications that generates who is offered spaces also, uh, the list for the wait list. And once you're enrolled, are you guaranteed enrollment in subsequent years? Okay. Your space is your space until you give it up and your siblings actually are given priority, which is nice. So if we have open spaces, siblings of current students do get priority for those. That is nice. Okay. Well that's interesting. Another question,

application stays online year-round, so you can always apply at any time of the year. If we have spaces available in a grade, then you can go ahead and apply and get right in. If there's a wait list then you just go to the bottom of the wait list. But that application is up and going all year long.

Okay. Fun. Was there anything you want to share about the future at LPS? Do you all have plans for growth or is that a premature question? Well, one, it's a milestone year.

This is our first graduating class this year, so that is very huge. Um, we, we, we are in our ninth year of operations that we've been in for school for nine years now. We love our community, we love our community partnerships. Um, but this, this is the year that we have our very first seniors, our very first graduating class. It is very nice to see all of these students that are, um, starting to get those college acceptance letters and starting to make plans for the future and what they're doing next. Um, but beyond that, yes. Um, we, you know, we are at capacity at this current time. Um, we really, 1300 1400 students is really about all that we can feasibly housed in our current locations. Um, and we still are leasing space out of a church for our elementary campus. So there is always that opportunity as Frisco continues to grow, um, and our wait list continue to grow that we may want to look at expanding into an additional campus to be able to serve our students.

Okay. I see you're in a beautiful area. You know, your, your building is beautiful first I have to say, but South of main street teal. Um, yes, just a beautiful space and a great area. Easy to get in and out of and um, yeah. Well that's good. That's really interesting. As I said, you know, I know Paris, I'm sure you do as well that have just curiosity about why a charter school and what's different and why would I want to do it, you know? And so I appreciate all that you've shared about the project based learning and the leadership lessons. I think that's really what does set you apart is the emphasis there. Anything you want to add that I didn't think of? Because I want you to have your, I mean, what is your favorite thing about working at LPs? I'm just gonna throw you, put you on the spot and I'm going to ask you that question.

It's, it's my family. It is, this is not my job. This is really my passion. And having been able to be there from the very beginning and watch us grow and watch these students grow from the time they started with us until now graduating. And then my current elementary students thinking about their, it's, I feel like what I do matters and who doesn't want that? And that's what I want for them. I want them to feel empowered to make a future for themselves and for the rest of our community where they really make a difference. That's awesome. Anything you want to add Audra? Oh, my favorite thing is definitely along the same lines as they are the kids and the, and the staff. We're all just a big family and so it's so much fun to get to see them every day and high five them every day and get to celebrate babies and weddings and all of that stuff with my staff.

And, uh, just watching them grow this first graduating class, they were, a lot of them were fourth-graders, you know, we've added since then, but several of them started with us in fourth grade. And so I've, I've already told everybody that there's going to have to be somebody else announcing names cause graduations day because you know them for so long, you're not just in a school for a few years and then move on. It's the whole journey and I think it's exciting. You were saying Stacy, about the milestone year and the first set of graduates and how cool is it going to be when you have those testimonies of college life and how they were prepared and the colleges they got into. As you said, that's all starting to happen right now and it's going to be so exciting when you have those stories to share about how successful they are out in the real world coming out of Leadership Prep .

We can't wait. I bet that was, well we'll just have to have you back to talk about that. Maybe we can invite some of them back like Oh my gosh, yes, exactly. Well, so I want to, um, share that you all invested in a business page on our website. so @lifestylefrisco.com just type in Leadership Prep . We have lots of great content about y'all. You mentioned that exposition night exhibition, excuse me. Goodness. Um, and we, I know we have an article about that, lots about the project based learning. If people want to learn more about your philosophy at the school, we've got tons of content and interview with yourself. Stacy on our side, I know, um, where a couple of, they find you online. Who wants to, any of you can please chime in with that and absolutely. It's www.lpsfrisco.com. Perfect. That's easy. And you're on social media. Absolutely. Yes. I can find you there. Facebook, Instagram, awesome. Twitter, Twitter, all of it. Okay, perfect. Well, I appreciate so much you sharing all of this fun stuff because I, you know, I think people just need to understand who you are and what you're doing in our community, the role that you're playing. Lots of good partnerships that you mentioned. Thank you so much. Thank you. We appreciate it. Thank you.

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Whether it's movie time in the media room, a creative gift for someone you know, or a trip down memory lane, POParella's is THE place to go in Frisco. With dozens of creative flavors like Dr Pepper, Mango Margarita, and Dill Pickle, your taste buds are in for a treat they never knew was possible!

Pay them a visit in Frisco Square and indulge your inner child.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sWOCOKyvTY

SHOW NOTES:

[00:32] New owners of POParella's [02:07] Where did the name POParella's come from? [02:45] Get to know the popcorn (including the "Frisco Blend") and treats [07:00] Seasonal flavors [08:08] Gifting ideas from POParella's [10:30] Celebrating the events in Frisco Square (and when to get free samples) [14:03] How to get free popcorn

LINKS & RESOURCES: * POParella's Website * POParella's on Lifestyle Frisco * POParella's on Instagram * POParella's on Facebook

Connect with Lifestyle Frisco on: * YouTube * Facebook * Instagram * Twitter * LinkedIn

Transcript Machine-generated.

Welcome to the Frisco podcast. I'm your host, Nicole Barron editor in chief of lifestyle Frisco. And today I have the privilege of sitting with the owners of POParella's Gourmet Popcorn and Treats in Frisco Square. I'm a name and a business you've known for a long time. There may be some new things that we get to share with you that you weren't familiar with about POParella's. So I'm going to go ahead and let our guests introduce themselves.

Hi, I'm Gina Johnson. I am the cone co owner of POParella's Gourmet Popcorn and Treats and I'm Robert Johnson also Kona gourmet pepper rolls going my popcorn and treats.

Fantastic. I'm so happy you're both here because what a fun business to get to talk about. So we all know Frisco square as I sort of walkable, you know, area. Lots of events happen on down there all year long, which I want to talk about how that impacts you and what that's like for you all. Um, when did you purchase POParella's? Because although it's been around a long time and you can tell me exactly how long, when did you enter the scene?

So we entered the scene back in July of 2018 so it's been a little over what, 16 months or so. Wow. Okay. How long has POParella's has actually been there before you took over? We just had a birthday. You did? 11 years. 11 years? Yep. Yep. 11 years. So what has this last year and a half nearly been like for you? I bet learning so much. Um, I had a little bit of background around popcorn because I, uh, kinda did it out of my house. I had a cottage food store out of my house and sold it by word of mouth and that's how Gary, the previous owner found me. So I didn't go in totally blind, but there was so much to learn. Um, different types of seed. I only used one kind of seed. We use two different kinds of seed in the store. Um, flavoring machines, uh, cash register personnel, HR, your everything. When you step into that role.

Wow. What a great opportunity though. I can't imagine what that's been like for you. So do you happen to know, this is like a way background question, where does the name proper Relas come from?

So Gary, um, initially opened the store with a name called love, peace, popcorn, but he found out pretty quickly that he had to change the name because that name was already taken by the trademark association. So, um, he had to come up with the name quickly to name the store. And his last name's pepper Ella. So they took the a between the P a P and put an O there. And so it's pop. So it's a name after his last name. That's a fun bit of history. Yeah, it is. It is. Yeah. So

interesting. All right, so tell us about the popcorn. We need to know, I mean, this is not just your basic popcorn. This is super fun

and where, and so tasty. Um, he, he has these recipes down to the T. um, so when we bought the store, we bought the name, but we also bought the recipes. Nothing's changed. The name hasn't changed in the recipes, haven't changed, which in my opinion are the two most important things in the store. Um, the recipes, uh, he, over the 10 years that he owned the store, uh, he refined them to where they are just perfect. Uh, majority of the people that come in and like them 99.9% of the people that come in, like the flavors say they are true to the flavor that they're, they've asked for. So, um, now we're up to a little over 60 flavors. 60, 60 flavors. Yup. Four different categories. Um, savory kettles, caramels, Candide and specialties. So what's the, and Robert, maybe you have an opinion about this. What's the like craziest, I mean that's, you know, a relative term, but what's the craziest flavor? Like something people just would not think of or believe could be done?

I heard there's one called a Frisco blend. What's that first go blend is a cheese and caramel mix. Probably like dr pepper maybe or a dill pickle. Oh my gosh. Those must surprise me a lot. Dr pepper. That's big around here. It is huge. How cool is that? Yeah. And we compliment it with dr pepper, cotton candy and dr pepper gummies. And occasionally I'll make some dr pepper fudge to go with it. Oh my gosh. So we specialize in a basket that has all dr pepper flavored items in it that can be purchased on our website. We need to partner with dr pepper ballpark if you haven't yet. Oh, we have a little bit of work. You'd be surprised at all of it here that okay. Awesome. So, and then you mentioned the Frisco blend. Any other, Oh wait, let me back up. So, gourmet popcorn and treats.

What don't, you just mentioned a couple of the dr pepper themed gummies and whatnot. What other treats do you have? Yup. So we make our fudge in house. Um, we offer four to five, sometimes four to six flavors of fudge. Uh, we also make our candy nuts and house almond, cashew, peanut and pecan. Uh, those are the ones that are cinnamon and sugar, roasted peanuts or nuts. Uh, we also have cake bites. We have a company called cake bites LLC, come in and, uh, keep our display full of cake bites. We also make chocolates. We have one whole wall that has nostalgic candy in it. Um, I think I've got everything. Oh. And we have a new machine in the store, a little cotton candy machine, and we've been playing around with it. We can actually make different flavors of co different flavors of cotton candy, um, based off of the flavors of our popcorn. So if we decide that we want to feature mango margarita as a seasonal flavor, we can make mango margarita cotton candy now or pina colada. We can even make red hot cinnamon, which we, we tested the other day. So, uh, the cotton candy machine is available for rent. Uh, I can take it places. [inaudible] excuse me. [inaudible] excuse me. I can take it places along with penny popper, which is our portable popper that we pull behind our car.

So do you go to events then? We do. We do. Wow.

Gone to, um, HOA events, uh, saw copy events for schools, um, churches, uh, soon we'll be going to the Ford aquatic center. I believe so, yeah. We pull the popper around and the cotton candy machine will now follow.

That is so fun. Yeah. Well, so in Frisco square though, all year long bears, you know what comes to mind for me, arts in the square music and the square clear the Christmas in the square is huge. Um, so a lot of people probably walk in off the street for that reason. And I can attest it is like a little bit of nostalgia when you walk in there. You see, you mentioned the nostalgic candies, you know, and things are treats, but it does feel that way. I mean, not often can you find a adorable candy store these days to just pop in and get your fudge? My husband loves fudge. I'm gonna have to tell him. Um, so I want to talk more about those flavors. You just mentioned a mango margarita and that really peaked my interest. Um, do you have seasonal flavors? We do. We have

seasonal flavors year-round. Um, we try to, uh, have at least two different flavors, uh, for that month. So for December, it's our biggest year of the month. Sorry. It's the biggest month of the year. And for December we have four different seasonal flavors. Um, I'm going to go ahead and mention them because they are so, so popular. Peppermint snowflake, which is a white chocolate base with crushed peppermint on it. Oh my gingerbread cookie. Um, let's see. Gingerbread cookie, Apple pie. That one's new this year. Very, very popular. And then rum and eggnog.

Oh my gosh. That's awesome. That's such a fun idea right there. Yep.

And they're very, very popular. All four flavors are so popular. We'll continue to carry them every December. Um, and then starting in January we'll start with some other flavors. But yeah, mango margarita typically rolls out in the summer.

Yeah, I guess so. That's so fun. So those make fantastic gifts, which I know is a huge part of what you offer as well. Like I've seen, you can see the pictures on your beautiful website and of course if you pop in all the beautiful wrappings and packaging, tell us about that.

So I, I think it's really cool the way we're set up because you can totally customize your basket or your box the way you want it. Um, for corporations, they can bring in their own literature or marketing material and we can actually include it inside the basket before we shrink wrap it and put a pretty bow bow on it. So, um, we have total customization of baskets because you, uh, purchase all a cart, so you'll purchase your basket and then you'll go and purchase one of the 60 flavors of popcorn to put in the basket or two or three different flavors. So it's total customization, which is what I love about how we're set up now. Um, and you can also do the same thing on our website, but it's nice to go into the store, talk with us or consult with us because we can help you, um, put that basket together and tell you how it would look if you carried three different sizes of flavors inside that box or, or basket. Yeah, absolutely. And you can ship these, is that correct? Absolutely. We ship nationwide. We can even ship worldwide. We've done that one time. And so, um, that can get a little costly because you are going on the other side of the world. But we do ship nationwide. Um, when we ship nationwide, we ship via U S P S. uh, we'll continue to use them for quite some time because they are very reasonable and it gets our popcorn there within two to three days. So our popcorn is nice and fresh. When, uh, the, uh, recipient receives it,

it'd be so fun to send someone in another state, the Frisco blend, you know, I mean, just like a little nod to, you know, where they're from maybe or you send it to your child in college that, you know, there's, I can just imagine a lot of fun things you could do to gift family members and friends and corporate gifts across the country.

Right, right. And, and we have that happen a lot along with our tens, which are probably just as popular as our gift baskets. Forgot about the 10. Yeah, there's a bunch. So we have sports. Um, we have, uh, professional collegic, uh, theme, um, holiday. We have all kinds of tens, but I would say that the most popular ones up until December are the sports. The, the collegic tends seem to be the most popular because parents want to ship, you know, uh, Texas tech 10 to their daughter or their son. So very, very popular.

Oh, that's cool. Okay. So I want to go back to all the events in Frisco square. How does that affect you all? I mean, do you just get crazy busy on some of these Christmas in the square evenings and arts in the square and whatever else may be going on line out the door? Yeah, and I think part of it is because, um, we offer samples, we offer free samples of our wide and free samples on our fudge. Hey everybody, for example, I'll encourage it.

We want people to know what they're buying. So we encourage people to try it and because we know once they try it, they'll fall in love with, you know, the flavor that they're asking for. Um, so yeah, yeah. Might take some time to, to be with each customer. So we'll just ramp up on staff and uh, we'll have everyone out there helping customers.

Oh my gosh, that's fine. I remember, I'm like, gosh, it wasn't last year. Uh, my family and I walking along for Christmas in the square and I remember standing right in front of your shop. We had the snow flurries coming down, those artificial but awesome snow flurries that they do sometimes down there. And it was just such a beautiful spot, you know, and you just fit so well in that adorable square. You really are just perfect right there. We love it. We love it. Yup. Good. Well, I can't imagine as you indicated at the top of this conversation what the ride has been like for you the last 16 months. Did you say it was or almost 16 months. Yep. So do you anticipate that things calming down anytime soon or it's just always going to, I mean, business owners, I've met so many of you in Frisco, it's just always going to be hard work, isn't it? It is. It's hard work, but it's very rewarding. So I'm working for yourself. We've been in the corporate world our whole life and so, uh, it's rewarding knowing that we're working for ourselves. Yeah. Well, Robert, I should have asked you this earlier. What is your background and how do you contribute to POParella's? I know you play a big role.

Uh, I spent about 35 years as a software engineer. And so, I mean, this is a totally different,

yes,

but I did most of the back office things, accounts receivable and payable and payroll and

the hard stuff. That's not the fun stuff, but like has to be done.

But it is interesting. I mean, I've learned a lot by doing it, so it's been a good experience. Yeah,

it's crucial. It's crap at you. You're really grateful for him. Absolutely. So you get to play with flavors in the cotton candy machine and he's back there in the books. Exactly. Yeah. But you probably have the right mind for that. You mentioned software engineer. Um, so that's probably just a really good fit and a fantastic way for you to support this business. Do you eat a lot of popcorn, Robert? What's your favorite flavor?

Uh, rotates a lot. I like, I like the dill pickle. I liked the movie time and um, [inaudible] several other flavors are really like a movie. Time is like a, uh, just a regular pop one with just some buttery topping on it. Uh, and uh, but

not your average. This has gotta be like a jillion times better than what I would get at the movie theater. It's a bestseller in the store, is it? Yeah. What's your favorite flavor? Uh, difficult. Yeah. That's really fascinating. I'll have to try that one day. It's a unique idea all over coming for it. People from Carrollton will drive and they'll tell me, I'm coming just for your deal. Popcorn. Really it's the third bestseller out of our savory category, but our fourth overall. Oh my gosh. How fun. Yeah. Well everybody needs to get down there and have a free sample and then buy either a package for someone else or just have some popcorn with your family. I mean, how fun is that? I go out and enjoy the square or whatever's happening at that time. Yup, yup. And we have a loyalty program, so the more you buy, the more points you earn towards free popcorn.

So you can do, you can get free popcorn in addition to our coupons that we roll out in between. Oh good. Perfect. Everybody loves a loyalty program and appreciates it, you know, because it, you're recognizing their them as patrons. And that you value that. So there, I think it means a lot to people. Absolutely. For that. Thank you for that. Yep. Well, okay, so let's run down where you are online. Where can people find you? Uh, www dot [inaudible] dot com it's POParellas.com. Gotcha. And you're on social media? We are. We're on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, everywhere. Yep. Okay, good. Good for you. Well, it also, you've invested in a business page on our website, so@lifestylefrisco.com and our business section, we have, I believe it's under shopping and services category. We have all kinds of fun stuff about you there so people can get a one stop shop and a feature article we wrote about you. So more to come on our site about you all. We really have value you as clients. It's really fun to talk about popcorn and treats. I mean, good grief. That's so fun. Thank you. Thank you for having us. Yes, I appreciate your time. It's been a pleasure to get to know you.

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After more than 50 years in business Gold Medal Pools has racked up an impressive list of projects including the Lazy River at Dr Pepper Ballpark (home of the Frisco RoughRiders), the Rooftop Pool at the Omni Frisco Hotel, the pool at Twelve Cowboys Way, and the Crystal Lagoon at Windsong Ranch.

But there's more to Gold Medal than just pools. They're still a family run business that cares about the community they serve. They have a proud tradition of giving back, including serving as a drop off location for Toys for Tots this holiday season!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tydUWl7YIik

SHOW NOTES:

[00:25] Notable Frisco pool projects [01:31] Why Toys for Tots and where to drop off toys [02:42] How to donate a toy if you can't get by the showroom [03:29] Gold Medal Pools Project Types (they do more than pools) [05:14] The difference between building a rooftop pool vs a backyard pool [06:11] The biggest "pool" Gold Medal has built so far [07:14] The demand for backyard pools [08:32] The things to think about before you put in a pool [09:43] 50 years of doing business in North Texas [10:51] Notable project outside of North Texas

LINKS & RESOURCES: * Gold Medal Pools Website * Donate to Toys For Tots (Amazon Wishlist) * Gold Medal Pools on Lifestyle Frisco * Gold Medal Pools on Instagram (great inspiration!) * Gold Medal Pools on Facebook

Connect with Lifestyle Frisco on: * YouTube * Facebook * Instagram * Twitter * LinkedIn

Transcript Machine-generated.

Welcome to the Frisco podcast. I'm your host, Scott Ellis. And this morning we are joined by Josh Sandler, the president and CEO of Gold Medal Pools. Josh, welcome to the show. Thank you. Pleasure to be here, Scott. Yeah, it's good to have you on. I, I've been interested to chat with you for a while because as I understand it, some of the more interesting and fun kind of cool, uh, Frisco pool projects or Gold Medal Pools projects. Can you tell us a little bit about a couple of those love to, um, you know, obviously we've built, uh, my family's built residential swimming pools in this market for over five decades. And, um, you know, over the past several decades, we've grown our presence in the commercial space and we've been fortunate enough to work with the city and some other great partners on, uh, some pretty unique projects. One of them being the lazy river and the rough riders park.

Uh, we built a pool on the roof of the Omni at the star. We're building the pool on the roof of 12 Cowboys way. Um, we're, we're doing a several large found and hardscape projects at, uh, grand scapes. They're connected in Nebraska furniture Mart. So, uh, we've found a niche for ourselves doing, uh, uh, doing some pretty unique projects and we're super proud of them. Very cool. I definitely want to dive into a couple of those. Uh, just cause I have some key questions. I've been curious about how rooftop pools get built for awhile without, you know, caving in and causing any problems. I'm sure there's an art to that, but before we dive into all of that, uh, it is the holiday season. It is a time of year forgiving and you guys are big supporters of and a drop off point for the toys for tots and drive that is happening right now.

So first of all, is there any particular background? Is this just something you guys have done for a long time or is it, why is that important to Gold Medal Pools? Our company and family is focused on giving, you know, this cause, uh, really resonates with us, you know, for a number of reasons. One, um, you know, having the Marines and armed forces involved. Um, we're just so thankful for everything they do for the daily freedoms that we can have. And then being able to help, uh, children that aren't as fortunate as some of our children here, uh, during, during the holiday times is, is just something that, uh, holds a special place in our heart. So for those that would like to come by the show, is it the showroom where people can drop things off? Yes, sir. Okay. So if people want to come by the showroom, drop off toys, where, where is that located?

We're at 43, 26 Preston road. Okay. Um, if you know where the new Tinder barbecue is, we're just up from the Hacienda. You can't miss us. We're right on Preston road. We've got several show pools and uh, and displays built for our clients to see. In addition to coming by. And we definitely want to get people to come over to the showroom and see all the cool projects. But if they want to donate a toy for the toy drive but don't have an opportunity to get by for whatever reason. Uh, I understand you guys have another way for people to uh, to contribute to the cause. We do and thank goodness for technology. We actually have an Amazon registry. Uh, you can go to Gold Medal Pools, toys for tots if you're unable to make it by our location and still donate a toy to the cause.

Okay, very good. Yeah, so you guys will definitely link that up in the show notes. If you want to make a donation a contribute, I strongly recommend go by the show room if you can, especially if you're in the area. But if for whatever reason you cannot make it by, there is another opportunity there. And again, look at the show notes for the link. Do you guys go beyond just the pools? I assume you do like the whole backyard thing and all that stuff as well or no? We, we do a really how we've grown this is by listening to our clients and you know, where it started off many years ago with my dad and building a swimming pool in the backyard. Uh, we've grown upon that, you know, our clients have grown as well. So really, uh, what we do is we listen to our clients on the residential side and anything that they would need in the backyard around the home or equipped to build.

And then on the commercial side, um, same thing goes. There's handfuls of projects that we build that, uh, don't even have so many pulls on them at this point on our commercial construction side. Okay. So really it's just a matter of finding a niche and listening to our clients and, and performing for them. What would some of those types of projects be? Uh, for instance, uh, in some neighborhoods we'll do all the hardscapes entry features, screening walls, sidewalks in addition to the amenity sites. So historically, where 20 years ago we would just build a swimming pool. Now we'll develop the whole side along with the amenity buildings, the playgrounds, the water features, the parking lots. Really just looking to make it easy for our clients and the residents and providing a turnkey solution for them. Okay. Very interesting. So, uh, I assume if I want the outdoor kitchen and the patio and the pool and all that fun stuff, like you guys are a one stop shop and I can get all of that through Gold Medal.

We are, we like to tell people, uh, we'll give you one throat to choke. Yeah. And I'm sure you guys probably, uh, you hear from your residents and your, your customers from time to time because they're anxious to get into their backyards and pools, but looking at some of the work that you have done, I think you guys do a fantastic work, so thank you. I appreciate that. Yeah, no problem. Let's, let's talk a little bit about the commercial projects as well because those are kind of interesting to me. As I mentioned at the start of the show, I've always wondered how different is building a pool, say on the rooftop or near the rooftop of a building as opposed to something that's in a residential backyard. It seems like that would, uh, require quite a bit of engineering to, you know, it does. And each project has its own, uh, challenges.

Um, obviously building on the roof has significant challenges cause you're working directly in line with, uh, the structural engineers on the, on the buildings. Essentially when they pour that deck of the building, they actually pour a pool or a tub in the floor and we come within their waterproofing and building another pool inside of that pool to get to the finish pool. So really it's a, the challenge is just to make sure that all the different parties are talking, coordinating all the engineers, consultants, general contractors, and just making sure that doesn't leak. Yeah, I can imagine that would be sort of important, especially in these residential minor detail occasions. Yeah. So what's the, what's the, uh, like the biggest pool you guys have built? Uh, the biggest one we've built by far, and I don't know if you could call it a pool, but a body of water is the crystal lagoon in Windsong ranch.

Oh wow. Yeah, I've heard about that. Talk to us about that a little bit. It's a pretty neat project, a really unique project. And once again, I'm thankful for the Telus group that had the vision and the foresight to build it and allow us to build it. Um, it's actually a five acre body of water, if you could imagine that. Um, Sandy beaches, beach volleyball courts, cabanas observation platforms, it's unbelievable. You can go out into the middle of farmland, what was once farmland and prosper and you feel like you're in the Caribbean. Wow. Yeah. And then you can say that about, you know, we used to be able to say it about Plano and still a little bit in Frisco and I'm sure it's bleeding into prosper and Selena now that farmland is a, is a quickly going away and giving weight, all the development, but it's quickly becoming a thing of the past.

Yeah. Do you guys, is there a lot of demand for backyard pools in the North Texas area? Do a lot of people build them? There really is, uh, in art and our family and our art team is so thankful for that. That's really what's gotten us here and allowed us to grow our families and feed her children. Yeah, I just wondered because I know in a lot of the neighborhoods there's a community pool as well. Um, where we live in Cobb farm there was a community pool, but my wife and I have been discussing very extensively doing our backyard and putting in a pool and all that kind of stuff. So now we know who to call. Well we appreciate that. And the thing for us is, you know, we're a family based organization, you know, have, um, you know, two brothers that are in ownership in the company as well that are, are, you know, the ground was laid by our father that's been in the business, uh, for many, many years.

Um, he's now retired and we're super thankful for everything he's taught us. But the thing about us is yes, it's wonderful and it's beautiful to add that that piece of art and improvement to your house. But it's really a gathering place for the family and anything we can do to help facilitate that. That's how we use it in our family. So any, any small part we can play and families getting together and friends getting together is really what makes it satisfying. Yeah. And that's a great way to look at it as well. It is a pools do become a gathering place for people to get together and yes they do and have a lot of fun and create memories. What are some of the things that, so for example, again my wife and I are thinking about putting in a pool at some point. What, what are the things that, because we've never done this, we just don't know, but we should be thinking about if we're wanting to put in a pool.

Well really, you know the style is, is probably secondary. You know, everyone has their own style, whether it's shape, layout, but really, you know, we can, we can mold the style to any former functions. So really think about how you want to use it, what things are important to you, you know, do you need gathering areas? Do you need space for pets? Do you want a space to have a trampoline? You know, things that that might not be swimming pool. And generally in planning these, we'll identify all those sections and then the remainder will design the swimming pool. And so at the end of the day, when we do get done with the design, it makes sense and it fits the needs for what your family wants to accomplish. Right? Yeah. I think a lot of people's minds first goes to the shape of the pool or how deep do they want it and things like that.

Things that are sort of obvious to us that are not in the business. Sure. But I can imagine that it is a better place to start by thinking about what is, what is the lifestyle that we want to create around that and incorporating the pool into that rather than just starting with the pool itself. Yeah, that's exactly right. It's actually the opposite of what a lot of people think. Yeah. I can imagine. Talk to us a little bit more about, so you've been around for, you said about 50 years. Our family has been in this for 50 years and I personally have been in the business since the very early two thousands full time and always in the North Texas area. Uh, yes sir. Do you guys go, have you branched out into other places as well? Now? We do for more projects specific, uh, for more project specific locations, uh, on our commercial side, you know, for instance, we're building a project in Clarendon Texas by Amarilla right now if your municipality, um, we'll look at prod.

We have projects in horseshoe Bay projects in Houston. So really it's based on the relationships that we have for our clients. Uh, we're not necessarily seeking tons of work out of town, but one of our great clients in town asked us to travel. We absolutely find a way to accommodate them. Okay. Very good. Um, any notable projects? We talked about the rough riders pool, which is a pretty interesting one. The lazy river, I should say. Um, the Omni, uh, the 12, you said 12 Cowboys, that's a new condo building that's actually on the star property that the Jones family is building and partnership. Okay. Other notable projects you've mentioned horseshoe Bay, any other things outside of the DFW area that are good dimension? Um, yeah, we're, we're looking at a handful of other lagoon projects outside of town. Um, obviously we're doing a wonderful swim center for the town of Clarendon up there.

Um, we rebuilt the beach club in Houston for a community up there. You know, really the unique thing and what keeps it exciting for us is every project's different. Anything else that we should know about Gold Medal Pools? We've kind of talked about the history and some of the notable projects. You guys do residential, you do commercial, you do lagoons. That's pretty cool. Is there anything else maybe about the business or about the company that, the questions that we should ask that maybe you don't get asked often enough? Well, really, um, yes we are assuming pulling a construction company, but like I said before, you know, our, we're a client focus company, uh, and a family focused company. You know, our, our, not only do we have a number of family members working in the business, but we have many folks who've worked with us for many years who we also consider family.

So really the most important thing for us that we want people to know is that we care and we care about you and we will do the right thing by you 100% of the time. So when you think about it, we really focus on our new construction business and we also do renovation or commercial construction, uh, but we also do weekly cleaning, a weekly cleaning or any service or other maintenance you would need on your swimming pool. Uh, really out of necessity for our clients with the tens of thousands of clients we have out there. Over the years, we just, we like to keep them for a lifetime and be their go-to for anything that they need. So really that's the main message for us is that we care about our clients. We want to help them make memories and do a great job for them. Yeah. And that's fantastic.

And I think that, I'm glad you brought that up because that feels like the kind of thing that becomes an afterthought as everybody gets excited and we're going to build out the backyard, we're going to have this awesome pool, but it does require upkeep and it does require maintenance. And you know, if you're like me time is it a premium all too often and going out and cleaning the pool is not something I'm going to make a priority. So knowing that the same people that built the pool will come out and help us take care of it is, uh, is wonderful. Yep. We're proud to be part of it for life. Good deal. It's a great way to keep your customers close to you as well. You bet. Josh, thank you so much for coming out today. I know we've got a lot more to talk about in the future about Gold Medal Pools.

We recently published an article on Gold Medal Pools, so everybody can go out and we'll again link that up in the show notes. And if people want to find out more on their own about Gold Medal Pools, where should they go? goldmetalpools.com that's easy enough. And social media. Absolutely. We have a Facebook, Instagram, Twitter. Um, so feel free to give us a follow. We've always got exciting content, pictures of beautiful projects, and uh, what's coming down the pipe. Yeah, go take a look at those pictures, get some ideas for your own project and see some of the amazing things they've done. Josh, again, thank you so much for coming out today and thanks to all of you for tuning into the Frisco podcast. We'll talk to you next time.

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Head out Thanksgiving morning and join 10,000 of your friends and neighbors for the 9th Annual North Texas Turkey Trot supporting the Miracle League of Frisco.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWr5OxhINI0

SHOW NOTES:

[02:27] Rain or shine the event is on! [02:38] How many participants take part in the Turkey Trot? [04:13] What's new in 2019 and what are the run options? [05:36] Who benefits from the North Texas Turkey Trot? [06:41] What sports does the Miracle League of Frisco provide? [09:30] Are dogs welcome? [13:57] Get your picture in front of the step-and-repeat wall. [15:40] 46 states and 5 countries taking part in the Turkey Trot. [18:19] Parking and getting around the day of the event. [19:01] Start times. [19:40] How to register. [20:51] Volunteer if you need service hours.

LINKS & RESOURCES: * North Texas Turkey Trot * Register * Volunteer * Miracle League of Frisco * Full article about North Texas Turkey Trot * Give For Frisco: Miracle League of Frisco

Connect with Lifestyle Frisco on: * YouTube * Facebook * Instagram * Twitter * LinkedIn

Transcript machine generated

Welcome to the Frisco podcast. I'm your host, Scott Ellis, and today we are joined by Alison Byram from the North Texas Turkey Trot. It's that time of year again. Allison, welcome to the show. Scott, thanks for having me. I cannot believe it's November already. I know that, uh, the Turkey Trot is going to sneak up on us pretty fast. I know, I honestly can't believe it. And this is going to be our ninth year doing the North Texas Turkey Trot. Thank you. And yours is a, that's a bunch in Frisco. That's a long time in Frisco. We were, you know, we got started before fresco was really getting started or as it was getting started. We've really grown with the city. 2010 was the first year, 2011, 2011 was the first year. And I haven't been involved since the very beginning, but I know a lot of the committee and a lot of our participants have been involved since the beginning.

So it's excited. It's exciting to have made it this far. So great segue into the first question and that is how did you become involved in the North Texas Turkey trial? Oh, that's a really, really good question. When I was out, I own my own PR consulting firm for a while now and I got involved by way of some people that I knew that were on the board of the miracle league of Frisco. And so the North Texas Turkey Trot raises money for the miracle league. So it was just kind of a, a perfect marriage for me. An organization that I really care a lot about. The miracle league of Frisco supports kids with special needs, providing sports opportunities and across seven different sports. And I know we'll get into that a little bit, but just by way of knowing people in Frisco and got plugged in and found it was a cause that I really cared about.

And what's more fun than getting up on Thanksgiving with thousands of Frisco residents and people from surrounding suburbs and you know, putting on a cool tee shirt and maybe a Turkey hat and you know, sweating it out before you eat all the Thanksgiving calories. I've done a few runs on Thanksgiving morning in my time and I tell you, it is very, uh, satisfying to go burn off those calories before you take them all in again. So absolutely. Wow. I eat double because I cause I've earned it. Right. And I encourage everyone to do that too. I'm very good and hopefully we'll have a good weather again this year for the Turkey Trot. I hope so. Last year was beautiful and I know you and Wendy and the lifestyle Frisco team were out. The weather was perfect and I always say with Texas and our unpredictable weather, you know, some years we're putting the layers on and some years we're taking them off who's to say what this year's going to look like, but we are a rain or shine event.

So you know, despite, you know, unless crazy ice appears and it's just not safe to do the rice, we will be there. So want people to know that uh, yeah, something you can depend on and thanks so many people come out to the event. Let me, let me rephrase that. Cause I know a lot of people come out, but how many people run? Sure. So and just, it's funny, there is this interesting, in 2011 we had 1600 participants and I was saying the race has really grown as Frisco has grown. Last year we had more than 8,000 participants and more than 12,000 on the race site. We're expecting more than that this year. It way, you know, the grassroots nature of how this event has really grown year over year is so exciting to see. And with all the new families moving to Frisco and surrounding areas, you know, it makes sense that our event is has grown and we're just really, really excited about it.

Well good. Congratulations on all that growth. Yeah, that's a lot of, that's a lot of runners. I know we're actually the city of Frisco's largest active lifestyle event, which is great because it's an industry that has kind of senior, we saw some rapid growth over the years and it's kind of just spin a little stagnant or even declining in some markets just because you saw so many races pop up. So for ours to continue to grow despite an industry that's maybe not doing as well, I think just speaks volumes to the team that works behind this. And I think to the dedication of, you know, and the beauty that is tradition, you know, we have all of these families who come out year after year and they've, you know, when they started, their kids were teeny tiny and being pushed in a stroller and now they're able to maybe run the five K on their own.

So, you know, we're really thankful that the city of Frisco has made this their Thanksgiving day tradition and just continues to come out and, and sweat with us and have some fun. And it is a fun tradition and we love being a part of it. What, uh, what, if anything is changing this year compared to years past? You know, not a lot has changed just because, you know, the event has, has been running so smoothly and we offer three options that people really do enjoy. We've got the miracle mile, the five K and the 10 K. so there really is something for everyone. We're going to have our sponsor village like we did last year. I know you all are going to be out there, lifestyle Frisco with your booth and your step and repeat so people can certainly count on opportunities to interact with your team and get their photo taken.

Our mascot, the Turkey's going to be around, you know, giving hugs to all of the kids and high fives to purchase. He was very popular last year and he enjoys it. One of our great volunteers that's dressed up as the Turkey, you know, year after year. So what we're thankful, you know, some years it can probably get quite a warm inside of that costume. So for his sake, maybe, I hope it's a little cooler this year, but, um, so no, I think more of the same. Um, we're going to, like I said, have a, have some of our sponsors out there. We're going to have lifestyle, Frisco, Frisco, running company, uh, Academy and Dallas sidekicks all on board this year. So we've got a really great roster of sponsors and just want to say, you know, without our sponsors, you know, this event is, it wouldn't be what it is.

And without everyone's, you know, dedication year after year to coming out our event wouldn't be what it is. Which leads me to the main reason why do we do this? Well, one, it's a fun family friendly Thanksgiving tradition too. It's the time of year for giving back. And so 100% of the proceeds from the North Texas Turkey Trot go to benefit the miracle league of Frisco, which is a nonprofit organization that has been in Frisco since 2005 and offering opportunities for children with special needs. And what's interesting is the miracle league and Frisco is the largest one in the country by the number of sports that we offer. We offer seven sports. Wow. So you know, the North Texas Turkey Trot is our largest fundraising event of the year. So if it weren't for our sponsors and everyone coming out, you know, we wouldn't be able to year after year, offer all of these sports opportunities to these.

Just amazing athletes and scholarships in uniform. So it's, I kind of call this a twofer. You get out, you have fun and you can leave knowing that you supported a really good Frisco nonprofit who's just making a huge difference at the end of the day. Right. I'm going to put you on the spot. Okay. You know, the seven sports with the miracle league of Frisco provide. All right, let's see. Football, basketball, track field, cheerleading, bowling. And if I didn't say baseball, I'm hoping I hit it with, we didn't say baseball. Baseball number seven. Okay. So it's a runs the gamut really. And I personally love the bowling team. It's just a fun to watch these kids. But it all started with baseball. So, um, former Frisco may or Mike Simpson was a huge influence in reason and helped with spearhead the development of miracle league in the first place back in 2011.

And so I'm Mike Simpson, miracle league field is over it back as park on the East side of town and that's where we play all of our baseball games. So, um, it's really where it all started. And you know, there's such an, I think people are starting to become aware of the growing need for opportunities for special needs, for the special needs populations for these kids and also their families. Um, it's, it really is such a family affair. These athletes and their parents, um, just, you know, get to network with, with people like them going through same experiences and getting to play sports and settings that are designed for them. And it's such a joy to see. And um, I know that the track team is starting to train for the Turkey Trot because they kick off the miracle mile. Very nice. So super excited, getting all trained to up and uh, Frisco, I'm running companies, actually the sponsor for our track team this year.

So it's super excited to have them on board and because of them we can put those athletes in their uniforms, uh, and really nothing's a better feeling for these kids. Then getting out there and hearing ready, set, go and, and firing off and the look that you see on their faces when they crossed the finish line. And we've got athletes that run on their own. We've got athletes being pushed in wheelchairs. I mean, it really runs the gamut and we have a lot of our miracle league volunteers, the buddies that are out there as well, helping their athletes make it through that mile. And uh, those of you who are out there, you'll stand at the finish line. It's, it's certainly inspiring if you're not running the race yourself, set up camp at the finish line and watch these children's faces when they, when they crossed some true. That is a very rewarding, rewarding experience. Absolutely. I know that, uh,

anytime we do content that focuses on, uh, kids with special needs, the parents just come out. I mean, the parents come out of the woodwork and they're so appreciative of knowing about opportunities for their kids that are designed for their kids. Um, and you know, by and large frisk is doing a pretty good job of, of, of nurturing some of those opportunities and creating some of those opportunities. I'm sure we can always do more, but I'm glad to know that uh, the North Texas Turkey Trot has such a strong tie in to the miracle league and helping those kids out with another awesome experience.

Us too. And you know, I was thinking back to um, things that make our events special and something that I want to mention. We've talked about families, we've talked about the mile, the 5k, the 10 K various opportunities to get involved walking and running. Why didn't talk about that? We are a canine friendly event and one of my favorite things every year is seeing the dog costumes. So we've got adults, I've seen Turkey hats of every kind at this point. And we've got people that are more ambitious with their, their costumes. I think last year I saw a couple of people in those inflatable dinosaurs that have become quite popular at Halloween. Why not wear it again out at the Trot? Um, and I think that the dog costumes, so you can register your dog. So when you go to Trot frisco.com to sign up for the race, there is a canine signup and they get their own bandana and bib. So, um, it's always fun for us to see all of the, and I wish that I could bring my dogs. They're not tame enough to experience the Trot, but if you've got dogs that are used to being around people and walking and running and these types of events, bring them along and it's super fun for the kids as well. Who doesn't like to see a dog and a bandana? Thanksgiving

really truly is an event for the whole family. Even including the furry kids

and grandparents too. You guys year before last, Scott, one of the top finishers in the five K was a 70 year old man. Awesome. So talk about, we talked about inspiration from the miracle league athletes. Let's talk about being inspired by our friends and neighbors. Um, and I, it just, it brought a smile to my face when they reported back the results and you see these people go out and get their metals and I get to do a lot of the, um, get the privilege of doing a lot of the social media around the event. So I was quite proud to post this man's picture year before last and it got great engagement because again, who isn't refreshed by, you know, seeing people of all ages, you know, dedicated to like I said, supporting a good cause, but also getting a little bit more fit on Thanksgiving.

Again, burning those calories. Absolutely. So you can eat double the mashed potatoes. So how long have you personally been in Frisco? I've been in Frisco for nine years now. Um, my husband actually brought us here. He was a teacher and coach in Frisco ISD and we now have, um, two young sons here in Frisco. And uh, it is such a great place to raise a family obviously, as evidenced by the, the growth that we've seen, the massive growth over the last decade and beyond and growth. That's still to come. So I'm really just thankful for all of the various opportunities. It's such a family friendly town. And I was talking to, um, you know, Wendy about this last year and I think Nicole Baron as well. And we talk about, um, just I think, um, how refreshing it is on any given weekend. I think last weekend, lifestyle for scope put out a piece, all the different things to do this weekend and Frisco, I bet in the, in the city what used to be, you know, we can where two things were going on. Last weekend I had my choice of, you know, you had the, the, the carnival, the fair and you've got, you know, the Frisco square trick or treating and you know, this and that and it's, I mean, who wouldn't want to raise a family here? And uh, it's just such a blessing to be able to do it.

Yeah. There is no shortage of things to do in this town on any given week. So, yeah, we published something called this week in Frisco every week. And that's a rundown of all the events that are happening and kind of what's going on around town. So

absolutely. And people need to subscribe to that if they haven't. I see it every week. And like I said, as a parent, I depend on, you know, kids are not, you depend on these resource guides to tell you what the heck is going on and where you should be that weekend and especially during the holiday season and the weather's been cooling off. And I hope that it stays kind of moderate, um, for the next several weeks before we just get, you know, cold. Um, but I think that, so thank you for that resource that you all put out every week and if you haven't subscribed, what I encourage everyone to do that. Thank you for that plug. Yes, of course.

But it is, it's a good resource and it's free to subscribe. So just to go out to the lifestyle for cisco.com/subscribe and

please join us. Absolutely. Well, I will say, Scott, thank you to you and Wendy and the entire team at lifestyle Frisco for being involved. This is the second year and I wanted to say, how was your experience last year?

We had a blast last year. Um, it was very cold early in the morning when we were setting up. Um, we've got little chili. We didn't come quite prepared for that, but it did start to warm up pretty quickly once the sun came up. And um, you know, about the time the coffee was running out for us that we had brought. So, uh, it was good for that, that it warmed up a little bit, but the, the step and repeat wall was incredibly popular. I was not, not only grateful, but a little surprised at how many people waited in a very long line to, uh, you know, get there, have an opportunity to take their picture in front of the step and repeat. Uh, certainly when the Turkey was there, people were shooting a picture with him as well. Um, it was a ton of fun and we're looking forward to having all of that bag out there again this year.

Oh my gosh. Yes. It was a massive line. I want to thank everyone for waiting in that line. I want to encourage you to do it again this year in those step and repeat photos. We're all over social media. I'm sure everyone was tagging lifestyle Frisco when a lot of them were tagging us on Instagram, where at and Turkey Trot as we're at Lifestyle Frisco, right on Instagram, on Instagram. And then um, I I w I want to say like I said, those photos were everywhere and want to encourage everyone again tag us in these photos this year we're on Facebook, North Texas, Turkey Trot. Like I said on Instagram, we want to see these photos and we'll be reposting them and it's just a, it's so great for us to see all of the smiling faces year after year that come to this event. And uh, I wish we could keep up better track of watching.

Now that we have the step and repeat, it would be neat to see if we could start doing some comparison photos year after year so we can show how families really grow with the events. Something maybe to look forward to. But um, I'm just super excited and I know that we got so much great feedback from having you all out last year and I think this is the society we live in. Everyone loves a good step and repeat these days. It's just fun and exciting and fresh. We really enjoy it and we get to meet a lot of people and interact with a lot of people in Frisco that we might not otherwise. So thank you. Absolutely. And I did want to say something cool about our demographics is that last year we had 46 States represented at our events. So we have a lot of people who live here whose family members come into town and do the event, which is fantastic.

And we had five countries represented last year as well, which isn't that hard to do. We're kind of a melting pot here in Frisco. Anyway, those countries were off hand. No I don't. But I did tell you the seven sports in the miracle league. Just curious. Um, no, that's, that's um, really a great question and I need to need to find that out. But um, and another interesting thing, um, 72% of people that come out do the five K 20%, the 10 K and the rest do the miracle mile. So like I said, I think everybody likes that in between option, not too short, not too long. And I know that last year, you know, do want to tell people we do experience some congestion at times just given the nature of the course. But I appreciate everyone bearing with us and just want to say if you are pushing a stroller or something, um, or have a dog, we kind of encourage people kind of go towards the back or to the sides because we do have, it's a family friendly event, but we do have competitive running groups that participate and um, so want to make sure that we give them room to do their thing as well or there, is it a staggered start?

It is a staggered start last year. I, so I think the miracle mile, don't quote me, I think it starts around 8:00 AM and then the five K shortly thereafter. And then the 10K last year I stood at the start line for the five K and I think I counted 15 minutes it took to get everybody through the starting line. So again, that's one of, you know, kind of a blessing and a curse about having such a well attended event. But you know, no complaints, everyone just appreciates the atmosphere. We had a, an exceptional energy last year that I hadn't felt in previous years. Um, I know that, um, our MC is going to be out again this year and he's always great at getting the team. Um, just kinda energized. We had the mayor, mayor Cheney came out last year and you know, had some words to say for everyone, so appreciate his support as well.

And we want to see that same energy back out. I think we'll have the drone back out again this year. And it's always great to see that footage and uh, to see also how Frisco has grown from an aerial view over the years. There's been so much construction in and around, um, Frisco square and now we have the national soccer hall of fame across the street and our, um, our routes go around Toyota stadium and all of that. So it's also just a cool place in town for maybe people who don't go to the middle of Frisco is often, um, it's, it's a neat experience and they can see how it continues to grow and, and change.

So let's talk logistics for just a second. What do you, where does everybody park? How do they navigate this whole thing when they come out? Since a lot of people

it is a lot of people and thankfully, um, we get to use the parking lot at Toyota stadium. So that's where most people, um, decide to park. If you get there early enough, you can maybe squeeze into the garage behind city hall. But we, the streets closed the streets shut down I think around six, six 30. Um, and don't quote me on that, but most people park across the street at Toyota stadium and walk across the street. Well there's been plenty of parking every year and haven't had any issues. So just to encourage people though to get there, get there early, make it a little easier on yourself and save some of that energy for the race versus having to park super far away. Okay. That makes a lot of sense. Yeah. Good deal. And what time does the race start to this year? So miracle mile starts at 8:00 AM and then the, the five K and 10 K just happened right after that.

So encourage people to kind of get out around that same time. Eight, eight 30. Um, and you know, like I said, as we continue to grow, that just means kind of the longer it takes sometimes to get through. So if you're one of those people that like to be the first out of the gate, we do encourage you to get there and, and line up quickly. But you know, I think that, um, I'm not saying we don't have a lot of competitive runners, but you know, for the most part, you know, see a lot of families out there who aren't necessarily, you know, in a hurry. Just like I said, like being with their friends and neighbors and having this Thanksgiving experience.

Good, good. Well it is a great event and I wanna encourage everybody to go out and register. Where do they do that?

So everyone can go and register@trotfrisco.com. Okay. That's easy. We'll make sure to link it up in the show notes. Thank you. And again, find us on Facebook, North Texas, Turkey Trot. We're also on Instagram and T Turkey Trot. Most people find us on, on Facebook and we get a lot of direct messages there. So if anybody has a question about registration, but it's all fairly clear on the website and I will mention there is a sleep and option if you want to register your aren't able to come to the event because you're, you're not able, you're out of town or you just don't feel like, you know, running that day you can still register and all of that money goes to the miracle league of Frisco's. So want people to know there is an option to be involved without actually coming out to the event.

Okay, good to know. That's great that you guys are able to do that. And I'm sure the miracle league very much appreciates that as well.

I know that, like I said, largest fundraising event for the miracle league of Frisco of the year. So we want as many people there as possible and you know, race events like this aren't cheap to put on. So after we're done, after they're done paying for the race, all the remainder of the proceeds, like I said, 100% goes to the miracle league. And one other thing that I do want to say, Scott, is that this is an all volunteer event. So we depend, you know, we've got a lot of groups. Our committee is comprised of volunteers or planning committee, but we have a lot of Frisco ISD students that volunteer at our van as a way to get, you know, service hours for honor society and other commitments where they have to, you know, meet a certain amount of hours. So you can also find information about being a volunteer@trotfrisco.com whether you come out to Academy for packet pickup, we always need volunteers to help with packet pickup and then day of at the water stations and holding signs so that people know where to go. Um, this event wouldn't be what it is without all of the amazing volunteers. So parents, if you've got students who need those volunteer hours, go tell him to go on over to TrotFrisco.com and get them connected with.

Right. That's a great way to get in those hours and a great cause to support. Well Alison, thank you very much. I appreciate you taking some time to chat with us today and looking forward to the ninth annual North Texas Turkey trial.

Absolutely. Run first, eat later. That's our motto. So thank you so much for having us look forward to seeing the lifestyle Frisco team out at the event, which is November 28th

we will be there and we will be dressed accordingly. Thank you. Thank you, and thanks to all of you for tuning into the Frisco podcast. As always, you can find us on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, pretty much any place you're listening to, a podcast. So please go out and subscribe. We really appreciate it. It helps us out a ton and we will talk to you. Okay.

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After 3.5 years in the cafe and indoor playspace business, Angela Holt knows what her customers want and how to keep them coming back. Learn from Angela on her trials and successes of owning and operating Jungle Joe's in Frisco.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZF4MlD0A52U

SHOW NOTES:

[00:34] Intro to Jungle Joe's [01:40] Focus on the food [03:38] Age range for kids [05:20] Better parties for your kids (and you) [09:30] Football Sunday's at Jungle Joe's [12:56] Seasonal camps [16:45] Lessons learned after 3.5 years in business

LINKS & RESOURCES: * Jungle Joe's Website * Jungle Joe's on Lifestyle Frisco * Jungle Joe's on Instagram * Jungle Joe's on Facebook

Connect with Lifestyle Frisco on: * YouTube * Facebook * Instagram * Twitter * LinkedIn

Transcript Welcome to the Frisco podcast. I'm your host Kelly Walker. I'm filling in today and I'm happy because I get to chat with Angela Holt. How are you Angela? I'm good, thank you. How are you? I'm great. So this is funny cause this is not your first time joining us on the Frisco podcast. Right, right. So we love Jungle Joe's so much that we keep working with you and wanting to let people in Frisco know all about Jungle Joe's. So to do that can we just start off with a quick kind of intro and recap kind of what is Jungle Joe's? Absolutely. Yes. So we are a cafe where kids can play, we call ourselves the kids cafe. We have the structure where the kids can run around and play and all different kinds of kids activities, arts and crafts Monday through Friday. And the parents can come in and chill, relax.

We're smaller than most indoor plays and they can work, they can have coffee, they can have good food. And then we have other things like birthday parties and camps and all the other kid related items as well. So you are what, three and a half years into Jungle Joe's? Yes ma'am. Three and a half years. You've probably learned a lot right by now and I'm sure things are smoothing out. Um, so some of the things I kind of want to ask you about that maybe have evolved or changed, um, lately since um, some of our listeners have gone into Jungle Joe's. One thing I noticed last time I was in there, the menu I feel like, and then I know that you do some specials. I saw chicken tacos or something the other day. So yeah, like your menu has um, expanded and maybe evolved and I don't know all these things.

So tell me about what you guys are doing over there on the cafe side of things. Yeah. Well we have a Jen who has been an employee there for, gosh, almost three years now. So with her help, we've been able to bring on some new menu items over the summer. We had a really good roasted veggie wrap and then we had a summer salad with fruit and tomatoes and cucumbers and it was really good. And then she makes a phenomenal tortilla soup that we're bringing back on the menu for the winter that we're going to start doing here now that it's starting to get cold. That sounds good. Yeah, it is. That's what I think is interesting. It's not, you know, I've, I've had plenty of mommy play dates or coffee play dates. Right, right. Um, or coffee meetups. Um, but it's not your kind of typical like there's a croissant over there or a donut or I don't know, pastries here and there.

Like it's, it's full-blown fresh, real food that you want to eat. We make everything fresh. Yeah. Nothing is frozen. We roast our vegetables, we make our soup, we make our salad dressings. It's chemo parables. We do everything. Everything in house. Yes. So then let's talk about, um, the day parts. So you have breakfast, what are all the different day parts of food you offer? Yes. So we just brought on our brunch menu that we started less than a month ago. So now on Saturdays and Sundays you can come in and not only order off our full menu, but we have a breakfast sandwich with eggs and bacon or sausage. Um, we have really, really good homemade methods that are a weekend supervisor makes that are carrot or carrot with chocolate or carrot with nuts. They're fantastic. Um, and then there's other things that we've always offered, like our breakfast taco and our veggie breakfast taco and different things like that. So there's a good variety of things that you can order on that menu as well. And that served till one o'clock on Saturday and Sundays.

The brunch menu, the new brunch menu. Okay. I didn't know about that. I'll have to check that out. Yeah. And I must say like I don't have, let's talk about the age range cause I was going to talk about how Mike, how I relate to Jungle Joe's. What is the primary age range of the kiddos that are in their playing? I usually say eight and under. Okay.

Kids are welcome, but we are a smaller, we're 3,500 square feet and the structure is not huge. But that's the beauty of Jungle Joe's in the customer feedback we get is that it's not huge. Parents really can sit and have a nice lunch and talk to their mommy friends and, and grandparents bring in their, their, uh, grandchildren. I actually speak to them a lot and not just them, but a few of them have come up to me lately and just been like, thank you for having a place that we can come and hang out and not have to be running around everywhere and chasing the kid. Yeah.

Be comfortable and not, you know, I have thankfully grandparents that help us with things too and with kids and you know, chaos doesn't, doesn't always work well for the grandparents. If they, if they have any kind of fear of losing a kiddo or losing sight of them, it's not a comfortable place for them to be. So that's a good point. What I was gonna say is I've, my kids have now aged out, um, of really kind of that playground type of age group. But I have still been at Jungle Joe's recently, so it's kind of funny because if you have, um, one of my best friends has a little toddler and so sometimes we need a place where I'm going to see her. It's gotta be a kid friendly place that she can bring him. So it's a good place even if you don't have your own kiddos to come play.

Right. Absolutely. As a friend of a person who does and let them have a minute and has some good lunch and hang out. Yeah. And adults are free. So we charge admission for the kids, but adults can come in and hang out and have lunch and are a good, we serve mocha and Java's coffee there too. So we have really good coffee. That sounds good. Yeah. Okay. So I also have heard, um, that you have a really good birthday party there too, right? I think so, yes. It's a fabulous strategy. You seen, um, has your birthday parties changed at all over the few years that you've been open?

Yes and no. We've always gone to the same format, but we've really focused on, we want the customers to not have to lift a finger if they don't want to. Our team, our team is trained that when they walk in, even before we call them, before they party and we go over all the fine details and make sure that we know their food order and we have everything ready to go. They walk in, the host will go over what, what to expect during the party, the timing of the party and then they parents can go and relax and chat and entertain their guests and talk to them while we take care of everything. That's nice. That's nice that you communicate with the parent before they have party. Yes. I've had plenty of parties where, you know, maybe I have a little bit of a control issue and I do want to know what's going on.

Um, but I've, I kind of have that anxiety like will I be able to bring this in or is someone going to be their hands on helping me set this table up or checking kids in all those little things. So it's nice that your staff communicates that. We do. Yes. That Monday or Tuesday we have all our parties in front of us. We call each and every one. We make sure we know that what they want cause they are, we have a whole party menu as well. So not only can you order food at the cafe, but we have sandwich platters spending, any platters, kids' platters, different that pizzas. We don't make the pizzas in house, but we have somebody that we partner with and yeah, they have, we have a private party this weekend that ordered, you know, a whole 50 different things for that party.

So it's really good. They, they, it's more of a, um, not a catering, but they really are taking care of, they can have a full menu. Everybody can eat food and it's, it's not junk that you might get, you know, somewhere else. Yeah. Yes. About the adults there especially. Appreciate that. Yeah. What's your average birthday party look like as far as how many kiddos come to that party? So we have a few options. Uh, we have one room that includes 10 kids, another room that includes 15 kids, but then we also offer private parties and those can have as many kids. Usually we say about 35 at the most just because of the size of our space and we want to make sure that they're safe while they're playing. But the private party, they get the whole place to themselves for two hours. So 35 so if you're, if you had, you know, you invite the whole class or the whole class and your team and all these other people you can fit mostly everybody.

Yes. We have a party of 80 this weekend and then not 80 kids, 80 total. And then even somebody called this weekend booked a baby shower that they have a ceremony that they do for the mother to be and they booked it for three hours. So it's not just birthday parties that people can book this space. It's, we've had holiday parties with that coming up. We've been promoting that as well for $100 off if you want to come and uh, you can, um, order food from us. But we've had people that have brought in their own food. We charge a fee for doing that. But we've had parties where they had their holiday family get together there so the kids can go run and play while the parents can also, you know, there's our spaces there for people to rent for any, any purpose that they want. And for the private parties you can be why OB as well. So, yeah. So people will do that. Yeah. Yes. Yeah. Forgot about that. I know. The beauty of that is that you can, and I mean,

you know, all of us who've had toddlers at some point and young kids, they're a mess. They make a mess. Your house is, I had a five-year-old party at my house and thought when everyone left, I thought I will never do that again. It's a disaster. This leaves your house in a disaster. Just a mess. So that is a, a big perk for the parents. You can just, you go and they may, they can make massive somewhere else and we take care of it all. Yup. That's right. That's right.

Awesome. And so you also have a, so what about if there's people standing around this party that wants to watch a game or something

then there might be on TV? Yeah, we show football every Sunday. We'll really, we can do college football on Saturday too, but we, we advertise and promote that every Sunday we have football on and um, they can come in and watch the game. Dads love it because they have a place that, you know, maybe mom wants a day off and they can come in and watch the football games while they, and then this year we also did a fantasy football league with 10 people. Yeah. There's 10 people that are on the league. And I've really had been bad about keeping up with it because I know you're a big sports person, but I am not. So I keep asking my husband like we need to get on and like see where everybody's at and like figure it all out. But that was fun too. Two kids to do the draft and we all got to do that. Yeah.

Do you find that um, dads bring kiddos up like in the mornings? On the weekends? Yeah. Yeah. I don't know if that's a, I don't know if it's something new or not, but um, in my neighborhood and walking distance, there's a place that I might take my kiddos for like a donut or something every now and then. And we notice how many dads walk in there with their son or daughters. And it's just like some, you know, dad and kid time on the weekend mornings and I think it's so cool, but it's kind of funny. Like everybody that walks in there lately has been a dad with their kids. So, um, so it's not just a Jungle Joe's, isn't it? Just a mommy and me place, right.

Dads, grandparents, anybody really. Yeah. Another friend, another family just came in. I think I told you that's why I was late today. A family that from McKinney grandparents, they have their, their grandchildren for the week and they came in to have lunch and, and hang out at Jungle Joe's. They'd never been in before. So it's good. And I, and I know them from other business networking and stuff, so it was good to see them come in.

So speaking of, so somebody was there for lunch, um, this is also not a place that's just like pop in and, and you know, you can stay for an hour and leave. But do you find that people, um, that juggle work at home situations or whatever come up there and actually like you know, camp up for the day and work, work?

Yes. They're there for awhile. Yeah. They get on our wifi and they stay for hours and that is that, that also I think differentiates us too. It's not a time limit. And we also, people come in the morning if they want to come back in the afternoon, they play paid admission that day. We allow that too. So it's really all day depending on how all day play. No. Oh no. It really is common stay. That's what we always envisioned. Like having a place really where you can come. I mean I'm a working mom, you're working mom. Sometime you have to have somewhere that you can really just go yeah. And not be like interrupt. Cause then when you're at home too, you're interrupted every five minutes. Mom, mom, mom said this, another mom came in last week and said that very thing. She's like, I knew I had like two hours of work still to do and I thought we're going to Jungle Joe's main came in happy and you get to focus on what you need to do on your computer.

Exactly. And then again the house isn't being ran. Yeah. And they make a mess and you don't have to clean it up. It's perfect. Yeah. So the all of the all day play. Right. I think that's cool. I didn't realize that that was part of like the admission. It always had been, but we never really advertised it. It was, Oh we, we never had a time limit and we always told people they could come back if they asked. But we, we, we have put it on our website now and started telling people when they came in to are in. Yeah. So that's awesome. Okay. But then there are situations when you actually can leave your kid and go do something else. It's not often, but it's camps. Right. So tell me about your camps. Well, summer camps are huge. We have them every week, um, of summer and they, we really try to customize it for every parent.

So we have one day drop-offs. You can register for the whole week, you can do half a day in the morning, half a day in the afternoon, you can stay all day. And that has been really good for us. Uh, the last few years, but this year we're also going to do winter break camps. Um, it falls in a weird Christmas and new year's fall on a weird Wednesday. Not that it's weird day of the week. Camps are, yeah. So we'll do Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, both weeks. And then spring break. We did that last year and we'll do spring break camps again this coming year too. So when you do that, is it like Frisco ISD one week only or do you spread that camp out over a few weeks for the spring break and the winter break we followed the Frisco ISD schedule. Yes. Okay. And and with the summer too, but we're, we do it all summer. How early do you, can you book those things?

Well winter break camps will be up hopefully in the next week or two because we really want to like, we're advertising with different people too and we want to start getting that out with, with them. So I'm working on that this week. How early does this summer usually show up to register? I'm a, I'm a planner mom, so I always am like, you know, me and the other moms start texting and sharing ideas pretty early for what are we going to do with these kids all summer. I know summer, summer will be up by March this year. Last year I dropped the ball big time. This year we, I, I've had a such th we've grown so much in the last three years. Like I finally just was like, now I have people in place that it's been a blessing to be able to kind of like start delegating, which I was really bad at open life of a, of an entrepreneur, right?

You gotta do it all yourself right at first and then it's hard to let go of some of those Holy ground, my gosh. But now you feel like you're in a place where you've got the help that you need to get some of those things done and you're not behind the ball. I bet like that example, and we know like, okay now and you know, Rick and I opened this, we thought we knew what we were doing, but we, we had never owned a business before. It's just him and I, we're not a franchise. So we're like, okay, this is how the year goes and now we really know, okay, start planning for this now summer camps and men and March and you know, yeah. For holiday parties. We started advertising in October and yeah, we, we figured it out finally and can predict trends and ups and downs and yes, the planning, that's probably huge.

Yes. Cause the first year you're, you're, you're operating day to day to figure it out. Right still. Right. But then you realize, Oh, the summer camp, it's here and we didn't get a plan or it didn't do it, you know. Yeah, yeah. We did it. Yeah. You're getting there. So that you said March. That's, that's exactly the younger my kids were, the earlier I start bringing out their summer. Um, the older they have gotten a more, I'm winging it a little more. That's a little later. Yeah. Like we'd start talking way before school was out when chase was younger and now it's kinda like, Oh, we'll figure out, Oh, he wants to go to the field house. Okay, we'll do the notes. All right. I get, you know, the independence of being able to actually ask them and then when they're old enough to be lazy a little and stay home, it's like, okay, yeah.

You know, that's good for kids. I think that's good for kids. Yeah, exactly. Some downtime at home and not always have something planned out. Right. Like it's like the old back in the day, summers have just go outside and find something to do. Yeah. So I bet you have, you and your husband have learned a lot over the three and a half years. What, you know, what advice do you have when people come up to you and say, um, I'm admiring what you did but it's scary. What do you say to those people? And we have had a couple people that have moved out of the area and said, Oh, we're thinking of doing this. And I've, I have reached out to them again. Um, just, it doesn't matter how much research you do or how plan do you think you are, it's never going to be what you think it is.

And that was, that was hard for my husband. He's not, he's like the, that didn't do, you know, none of this is happening like you had on the spreadsheets, all your projections. This is not what we thought was going to happen. But you know, we've been open for three years now and we have seen the increase each year and we just had to really sit back and say okay and you know, make things change things. We changed a lot of things that like even when I was just talking about how I dropped the ball on summer camps last year, I actually thought I'm not going to do summer camps this year and focus on the cafe cause we're a cafe. And then I really looked back at what we did in summer camps the year previously and I was like, that is a huge mistake. I ha, you know, and, and moms were asking where, why aren't you doing summer camps?

Or we want to be here for the summer. Our kid loved it last year when we were here. So it really has been a journey of okay and lots of prayer and you know, just is this the right thing? And going with my gut and just saying, okay, there's a reason. And I don't know if I've ever shared with you, and I know I haven't shared with anybody that's listening, that we came to Frisco with this idea and we couldn't find any place and we had a spine McKinney that we were so excited about. And then it got w we signed the lease and then the landlord changed his mind. So then we gave up and we were like, we're not going to do this. And I, I'm a realtor. That's what I did for 15 years in San Diego and I was just going to go back to real estate. And then Rick found this spot that we're in now offer Hillcrest enroller, rollator roller. [inaudible]

that's it. Um, and so I felt, and I still feel like it was meant to be, like that was the plan all along. God put us here for a reason and we were like, okay. And now whenever I think of that, I just, I always keep thinking, keep going, like don't give up. And not that we need to give up because our businesses isn't successful. Don't give up because it is so much more work than you ever ever think it's going to be. Yeah. And so hard. Like you think you have an employee and things are okay and you can take a step back and then you find out it's not the case. They it or they were doing some, you know, you always have to be on. Yeah. You always have to be on. You always have to be thinking what's next. You always have to project. I mean it's just, it's, it really is nonstop and it has been hard for Rick, like I said, just to kind of see like he worries about me working so much, but we just actually had this conversation like not even a month ago where I was like, but I really can't imagine doing anything else. Like if I were to not ever have open Jungle Joe's, what would I be doing now? And this is what I love. Like I do. I love it a lot. So that was a really long answer.

I love it. You can tell you love it a lot because it's, you're, you're living it. You, you're there. Are you turning on the lights every day? Are you [inaudible] okay. I'm not, no, I there every day. And you're, you're invested in the menu and you know, you're listening to your, your customers tell you things about, you know, summer camp. You need to be here. Yeah. I was going to say, do you have, um, an inner circle of people? Maybe it's just you, maybe it's your husband and you that you can bounce those ideas off of. So when you say, I'm not going to have summer camp and then you realize, wait, I should, is that all just your inner monologue or do you have a, uh, a council of people that help?

I don't. I do, but I don't like I have people that I throw things at my best friend, I talk to her a lot. She's a business woman and I am always like, Oh gosh, this is, you know, am I doing this or whatever. But for the most, and that was very hard because in real estate you have people that you collaborate with or like, Hey, I have this buyer or I'm going to list this house, what should I, you know, what do you think about these comps or whatever. But with this I was on my own and I really honestly thought I would have a S I didn't realize the employee turnover that we would have. And I did recently just lose a manager. So to answer, I'm not there every day and I wasn't there that much when I had the manager. But then I started to see, I do need to keep, I need to be, they're not there so much physically, just kind of overseeing everything a little bit more.

Yeah. So, so staffing is sounds like the big one of the biggest challenge. The biggest, yeah. And anybody that has to hire people will see that. And, and I, we had a brokerage where I had other agents that worked for us, but it wasn't, and nowadays like I feel like you have a conversation with employee and you're just kinda saying, Hey, you know, how can I help you, you know, get to here because this is what, you know, what we expect or whatever and it's, it's not just a, Oh, okay, let me try to do it. It's, I'm not doing this anymore. You know, a lot of times and it's not even a, like it's just a conversation and a lot of times they're just like, ah, this is not what I want to do. It sounds like that that staffing, you know, issue or challenge, it isn't even related to the business that you're trying to run specifically.

You know, it's not about the actual business model, it's just the people getting the right person in that will be there in the long haul is a lot harder than it sounds. Huh. It's so hard. But like I said, Jen has been with me for three years. She is my GoTo person. I do run a lot of things off her. She makes, she runs the kitchen. She is absolutely in charge there. I let her do her own things and then you have that. Yeah. And other people have cycled in and out. But she has been with me for a while and now I do have somebody sharing that we'll run the kitchen on the weekends. So like I said, I don't have to be there every day, but I do have, yeah. Do you get to actually like leave town and I do be gone.

Yeah. With those two I'm able to, like, we all kind of like say, okay, this is our schedule. I won't be here. Or if they're off, like if Sharon can't work a weekend then I know that I'll have to go in and kind of help out. But, and then I do have to say I have a high school student who's been with me over a year who can now run the kitchen. That's pretty amazing. Her name is Maya, she's awesome. And she has been a huge, I've seen her grow so much so that and see that's what I mean. Like I sound like it's all negative with employees. It's really not like I have good ones. It's just sure the amount of tuna turnover was surprising. Yeah. And that takes a lot of energy and emotional energy to keep up with having the stuff you need. Right. I bet. Right, right. Yeah. So now you can, you know, take off and vacation. I bet that's different from your first year. Your first year. Were you

just 24, seven

every day. Every day. Yeah. And I was so tired and I think that's kind of, Rick saw that and he was like, Oh my gosh. Like that. My other good friend that used to live in round rock moved to Boise, Idaho and I'm going to go stay with her, um, in November for my birthday. And so yes, I do, I'm able to travel and Rick and I have been taking Sundays off with our son and we've gone to see to Tyler state park and then we just went to the pilot point's the park. Since we've lived here, I've never really seen this part of Texas because we're not a chance. Right. And that's what I'm starting to see. I'm like, wow, it's beautiful. It's like beautiful parts. It Texas over here. I'm just so in Frisco.

Yeah. Yeah. Well, as a business owner, that's one of the commitments. Yes. That you're there. But I love that you're not, I'm not far away from it, but you're three and a half years then you have the ability now to go and enjoy your personal time and have the staff around you that can support that for you. So spend time with my son. Yes. 11 now. So yes. That's good. Yeah, yeah, yeah. He's probably a put in some, you know, sacrifices himself to, to wait this out and them now. I'm glad you guys get to go enjoy your, your family time. It's great. Yeah. Awesome. Thank you for jumping in here with us. I know that, I know you're busy. I know you're in the cafe all the time and um, keep coming up with new things for Jungle Joe's, for everybody to enjoy. So I appreciate you coming in and giving us the update. You,

you, y'all are awesome. You know, really enjoyed being, you know, knowing all of you guys at Lifestyle. For sure.

Yeah. We go way back right to the beginning of, I mean, I don't know. We, I feel like we've had a relationship with you from the beginning. We have, yeah. Yeah. Pulled together since that, since the beginning. Yes. We love supporting you and sending people your way because we love your concept and, and you guys as owners, so thank you so much. Thank you.

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Frisco-based Tumbleweed TexStyles has grown from side hustle to a 7-figure business as a Texas lifestyle brand.

Founders and teachers Jeb Matulich (still teaching) and Brian Wysong (now full time at TWT) have a passion for sharing their knowledge and experience. They sat down with Lifestyle Frisco to share their thoughts with all of you who are looking to start or grow your own business.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAsaMAqIpck

SHOW NOTES:

[00:30] What's new at Tumbleweed TexStyles [02:50] Growing beyond t-shirts [03:18] Tapping into the Texas identity [03:34] The vision for Tumbleweed TexStyles and the importance of partnerships [08:30] How Bryan and Jeb started working together [10:00] Learning to pivot your business, and not overthinking it [12:07] Learning as you go [12:58] Making the hard decisions [17:01] Deciding when your side hustle needs to become your full-time job [19:01] Knowing when to hire and finding fulfillment [24:53] Establishing core values [26:03] Getting to know your customer (and how to serve them) [32:09] Advice from Jeb and Bryan on getting your business started

LINKS & RESOURCES: * Tumbleweed TexStyles Website * Tumbleweed TexStyles on Instagram * Tumbleweed TexStyles on Facebook * Tumbleweed TexStyles on Lifestyle Frisco

Connect with Lifestyle Frisco on: * YouTube * Facebook * Instagram * Twitter * LinkedIn

Transcript (Machine-Generated)

Welcome to the Frisco podcast. I'm your host, Scott Ellison. Today I am joined by Jeb and Bryan, you know them as Tumbleweed Texstyles. Good to have you with us today, guys. Thanks for having us. Yeah, appreciate it. Always fun to chat with you guys. And we're going to get into talking a little shop today, but we're going to talk about business specifically, not just Tumbleweed Texstyles, but before we get into all of that, give me an update, like what's been new with you guys? What's happening, what's, what's going down?

Well, um, we're in the middle of our fall season, so we've launched, been launching quite a few tee shirts and hats and things. Uh, here recently we've got a few new items coming up. Um, of course we're gearing up for, uh, a big holiday season. You know, this is usually kind of our busier time of the year as far as e-commerce goes. Uh, so October, November, we really get going, especially with like black Friday and everybody, uh, shopping for Christmas. So that's kind of on our, uh, immediate, uh, mine's, you know, right now. Uh, we've also got our, uh, our store, our first brick and mortar store that's going to be coming in, uh, at the patios, at the rails, uh, there at South County in Maine. And so, um, that's under construction at the moment. So we're hoping that's going to be opening up, uh, the first of the new year. So that's another thing we're kind of preparing, uh, with as far as, uh, dealing with architects and contractors and trying to get all that stuff figured out how the build out's gonna look.

So yeah, we are definitely excited for that. That's really cool that you guys are gonna have a bricks and mortar place that people can go in and shop is going to be all t-shirts. Now. It's not going to be all t-shirts. We're going to try and, um, that's another kind of exciting thing. We, we're, we're kinda gonna branch out a little bit and kind of do some, um, some more, uh, some different types of apparel. Um, you know, we're, we have hoodies, long sleeves, um, some collared shirts, things of that nature. But then we're also gonna carry our glassware. Um, some artwork, um, books, I mean, just kind of a whole, you know, run the gamut, a lot of different items. Okay. Sounds like fun. Yeah. And

part of that as an extension to what's going on is we're also still growing our wholesale, um, partners. So we actually just signed up a deal with hallmark and so we have 30 stores in the area that we'll be carrying our shirts, which is exciting, a little different target audience than we've had in the past. Um, continuing to grow our wholesalers like buckle Tyler's rally house, um, as they grow our products throughout the state and maybe even extending outside of the state one day I'm carrying our products in their stores there as well. Um, but also about the products. Uh, you know, we, we were trying to grow beyond just the teacher guys. And so with our store, we're hoping to kind of live off of our, our motto drift and explore and, uh, kind of become a lifestyle brand with tee shirts, glassware, um, home decor, uh, different things that make us more than just your, I guess, concert, a bar brand, but also said that you can go camping and hiking and fishing and kind of live the outdoors and the different Texas lifestyle.

I love it. Yeah, it's funny. I think one of the, the advantages that you guys have, uh, is that Texas has, every state has some to some degree in identity, but Texas really has a strong, very recognizable identity no matter where you go. So I, I've traveled a bit internationally and any time I've been somewhere where I tell the person I'm from Texas that I've met, they like, they instantly light up. They have this vision of what Texas means in their mind. Um, in two distinct stories. I remember one was, uh, a cab driver in London as soon as I got in the cab and he said, where are you from? I said, Dallas, Texas. I was living in Dallas at the time. I was not in Frisco. Um, but he, all he wanted to do was talk about the Dallas Cowboys, um, the whole time.

And he was fascinated by that. And then in another occasion, um, I was actually visiting a resort in Bulgaria and we were on the beach and we had a, a person that was working in that area that, that we met and she's like, where are you from? And I said, Texas. And, and she just wanted to sit down and talk all about Texas. What's it like? How did you end up in Bulgaria? So it's, it's, it's neat that you guys have that to kind of as a part of, of Tumbleweed Texstyles and I think it's something that will definitely carry you forward even as the brand expands beyond Texas. I mean, that's something that a lot of people identify with for sure. Yeah. I think that's one of the things that kind of propelled our business from the GetGo. I mean, I know now it seems like there's state, you know, pride brands all over the place for every state.

And there's, you know, a ton of other ones in Texas, but, and there were some before us, but we felt like there wasn't anyone kind of doing exactly what we started up, you know, eight years ago, kind of with more of a unique kind of style. It wasn't just the flag on a shirt, it wasn't just the state of Texas on a shirt or God bless Texas or anything like that. So we tried to come up with unique designs on a soft comfortable shirt. And I think that's kind of when we hit that niche, um, people were drawn to that. And of course, yes, Texas pride, people love Texas. And so we had that going for us. And so creating a product that, that people could be proud of and then also that was comfortable and unique. I think that's really kind of what helped us early on. Kind of get our feet wet and get going for sure. And you guys have had a lot of success. So let's go back to the beginning. When you guys started Tumbleweed, did you envision that this was where it was going to go or has it really kind of blossomed beyond any expectations you might have had, if you can remember that far back?

So, well, first off, I'm probably core to Tumbleweed. Texstyles is not Texas t-shirts as much as jobs craft of art and design and my craft of more marketing business and just honestly sales. And so when we were in his classroom deciding what we're going to do and how we're going to do it, we knew we wanted to kind of live out our teaching a class, you know, where our classes were. So, um, of course with me being more the visionary in Jeb can agree, I remember sitting in his back patio saying, we're gonna make this $1 million company. I believe it. Um, he probably was nodding his head, uh, sipping on his beer saying no way at all. Um, but I did have a vision to take it to where it's at today. And I think Jeb, ah, tell me if I'm wrong, but it was more about the design and having a good time. And, uh, us as friends, just living out our craft. Um, what's your thoughts?

Oh, I would totally agree. I think early on I was very narrow minded, kind of with what we were doing. I was like, Oh, this is B, this'll be fun. You know, print up some t-shirts with my artwork on it and we can sell to family and friends. We'll make a couple hundred bucks here and there. There'll be kind of neat, you know, to see people wearing our shirts, Bryan from the GetGo, definitely he is more the visionary. So he was kind of looking longer term like, you know, we can get in stores, we can do this, we can, you know. So I was just thinking, Oh, let's just sell a few shirts and can I see what goes on? So Bryan's been good for me as far as like kind of getting in line with a vision and, you know, making some of these things that we've talked about actually come true.

And on the flip side, job's good for me because a, I'm so focused on growth and expansion and, uh, being, uh, effective and successful. He kinda just brings me back down to earth that have a good time and [inaudible] and realized that, you know, uh, there's a lot more to life than just business the success. Um, you know, the concept back and enjoy family and enjoy traveling and music and food and um, and that's really the heart behind Tumbleweed Texstyles is the lifestyle, not just being driven for fashion and success.

Yeah. And I think that's the first good takeaway kind of business lesson here is when you have a partnership with somebody and you're starting that business, finding somebody that isn't necessarily just like you, but somebody that complements you and you guys compliment each other as you guys seem to, um, you know, one of you more focused on the business side and the growth and the vision. Somebody else more on the, maybe the product side and the artwork and all that kind of stuff is a, it's a good, a good partnership for you guys for sure. Right. Yeah. What was it, what was it like when you first started working together? Had you known each other for a while or was the friendship fairly new as well? Um, I'd have to think about it. I don't know exactly what year Bryan got to Liberty high school. I've been there since the get go and I know he came in. What year was it? 2009. Okay. So he was there. We'd known each other maybe about a year and a half before or a year or so. I before we both went

to Texas tech. So that was kinda how we hit it off. You know, we had, we could talk about, uh, red Raider sports and things of that nature. But, um, I would say we weren't longtime friends. We had only known each other for a little while.

Right. And you know, my wife at that time was not teaching. She is now, but she owned at that time a photography business. So I think actually one of our first conversations was around her doing some portraits for his family and interesting. And then we start talking about Colorado cause we both traveled to Colorado each year. And, um, then talk about Texas and, and beer, craft beer and wine and, um, barbecue and food. And we just started making a connection. And then from my experience in advertising, uh, I saw him drawing something and I was like, man, we've got to do something with that that, you know, cause my creative juices were flowing and so our interests in connection then saw an opportunity and that's where we kicked it off. Okay. Very good. So

as you guys started Tumbleweed and the business started to get some traction and take off, uh, talk to us a little bit about any places along the way where you maybe had to change directions or pivot a little bit. Cause if there's anything I know about running a business, it never goes exactly according to plan. Right? There's always things that kind of come up and maybe shift your thinking or where you're going with that. How much has that happened for Tumbleweed? Or have you guys just spent on a nice linear path and you're one of the lucky ones that that all kind of fell in line for it. Okay.

You know, kind of even going back as a business student in college, to actually being in the business world, starting previous businesses before Tumbleweed, Texstyles. And then as a business teacher, um, the textbook answer is make a business plan, create a mission, vision, um, write everything out and then then go. But for us it was the complete opposite. And it was, let's get going. You know, it's, let's create art. Let's sell it, let's create more, let's sell it. Uh, we didn't really have time to stop and think about it. And, um, and that's really, I think how we got started is we weren't thinking too much. You know, we, we found a niche, uh, we knew who we could sell it to and we utilize our community, which was Facebook, Twitter, um, Instagram. Slowly getting there and then just emailing our friends. And I remember sitting down with him the first day, and I think I either by email or by a sheet of paper, and I created a target and I, and I created the core of the center of the target and said, who would be the lowest hanging fruit? Who shall we try to reach out to, which was our parents, our sisters, you know, brother, whatever. And then I created the next ring and it was, um, our peers that people were teaching with. And then I created the next ring and you know, going on from there, our neighbors and so on. And that's really how we took, uh, took the next steps of ain't no creating our

product and then you're reaching out to people and an organic way. I don't think for the first few years we did any paid advertising, it was solely word of mouth and relational based marketing. Right. And then, uh, as far as like issues, I mean they were happening from the get go. Like we really didn't know what we were doing. I remember we wanted this particular shirt color for our very first design and the manufacturer was out of it. So we had to go with another color. And then we thought we were getting some really good quality shirts, but we were still kind of being cheap. Um, you know, we didn't want to spend a whole lot of money. So, um, some of the shirt, the shirt quality early on we were kinda like, ah, maybe we should move to a different brand after, you know, we kind of printed our first friends cause we're finding out, you know, people were saying, well, they're kind of shrinking up.

And so we were just learning on the fly totally at the beginning. Um, as far as pivoting goes, I mean we were, it was just always like a constant learning process, you know, cause we didn't know a whole lot about the screen printing industry either. And so we were learning that, uh, as well. Yeah. Nonstop adjustments for sure. Oh yeah. It still is. And I think with that is we're, we're good old boys as I think that's how people would describe us. Very loyal. Uh, Ashley loyal to a sense that it could be detrimental for our business. And I think early on we learned, um, our loyalty had to be to ourselves and to our core, um, our family because there was decisions that sometimes we would make that were not best for the company. But we're better for our friendship such as screen printers or other business partnerships.

And so we've really learned early on that there's hard decisions that have to be made for the best of our company, which the best of our companies, what's best for our customers and best for the good of our families in the long run. So, um, you know, early on as he mentioned, uh, some of those garment and quality decisions, um, part of that was changing to a new printer, uh, changing, uh, instead of us fulfilling out of our garage, moving to a fulfillment agency that could get things out quicker and faster and, uh, with quality. So yeah, it makes a lot of sense. I, those are tough decisions sometime to balance, you know, you've got to make decisions that affect you. I mean, if you're running the business, they affect you and the business and, and keeping the balance between those things. It's interesting. Are there any maybe other examples that you can give me of a decision that you guys had to made, where make, where maybe it wasn't necessarily what would have seemingly been in the best interest of the business, but it was better for you guys, your families, something like along those lines.

I mean, kind of what he was saying with our screen printer, we went with, um, some great guys that of Denton, a w that was just kind of a screen printer that had been recommended to us. And we started printing a lot of shirts and they outgrew their space and they moved to another space and they kept printing more of our shirts and they, they're having hard time keeping up. They moved twice while we were with them, I guess, actually three times to a big facility. And then we, that's when we kind of had them start taking on our fulfillment. Um, and you know, they were doing pretty good job but they weren't quite on pace with what we were kind of like, what Bryan's vision was like we need to grow, we need to be pushing stuff out. And there they were a little bit more laid back as far as that goes.

And so still slowing us down a little bit. So I think that was one of our, our kind of big moments where we were like, we need to, cause we were kind of getting courted from other screen printers at the time too. Um, and so we had that really kind of sit down and have a hard conversation with those guys. And eventually we ended up going to another printer. Not that those, the first group was bad or anything, it just wasn't, they were kind of hindering our growth I guess you could say. So that was a really tough decision because we really liked those guys a lot. They became our friends and, and uh, it was hard to do that. I remember that conversation was, was pretty difficult moving cause we were their biggest client. Right. And, and I think a another example,

um, where we had to make a decision that was better maybe for us, our family. Um, it's kind of a still a ongoing thing and that's w deciding to stay as teachers, uh, from myself and jab and my wife, uh, probably longer than someone like a Mark Cuban would say we should on shark tank, you know, and um, Jeb is still full time teacher and my wife is still full time teacher as well. Um, so I'm the only actual full time on paper person for our company. Um, and so I know if all of us went full time, we could probably exponentially grow but for our family, that conservative decision to allow them to stay as full time teachers, um, is probably what's better financially for their family while we slowly build our, our, you know, our company to where we hope to go with it.

Yeah, that's a, I think that's a really good point. There's a lot of, hopefully people that are listening to this are, you know, there's a lot of folks out there that have side hustles or they want to start a business, but they're going to have to work their full time job while they're doing that. And that can be a very tough balance to find. Is there a point at which in your case you, you've rolled full time into the business or not actively teaching now, was there a certain level that you got to or, or something that happened in the business that made you say, okay, this is the right time. We need at least one of us to roll into this full time and focus on, on the business?

For sure. And I think, uh, the decision was actually not for Tumbleweed. Texstyles I think is actually for my students. Um, there was a, I as Jeb can probably a vouch for me on this one is a, I'm a workaholic. I love to work. I love to give my very best in everything I do. And I finally started realizing, one, my passion was more towards entrepreneurship in our business. Then the classroom, but then to without purposely this I noticed that was causing my time and focus to be more for Tumbleweed Texstyles, then my students. And I knew at that point it was time to step away so that they wouldn't hinder their learning for future years. But then secondly, when I, when we, when we started, it was a $700 investment, $350 each for those first couple of years. We didn't take, you know, an income.

We just kept on re investing the profit. So finally, fast forward to when I stepped away, we were able to actually pay ourselves and, and I was able at that point to pay myself what I was, what I was getting paid as a teacher and then so I felt fully safe for that. And then, and also my daughter was going into a kindergarten, so we weren't having to pay childcare anymore. So that was also a big part of that decision is the expenses for our family. Um, and then also just the vision of knowing, getting wholesale accounts and, uh, the opportunities for opening a store in Frisco. We knew it was either going to be me going full time or we're going to have to hire someone to do it full time and I would rather pair myself than someone else to do what I know I'm most passionate about.

Yeah. How do you, how do you know and you personally when you've kind of hit that limit that there's only so much that you can do and at some point we have to start handing off parts of our business to other people and letting them kind of run with that. Um, I completely understand not being comfortable and like wanting to be involved in everything, but there comes a point where that just doesn't work anymore. Are you guys hitting that on uncertain levels or are you anticipating that at all?

We're definitely hitting that point. Um, yeah, we realize, you know, early on, I know we try to do everything. Like we were doing social media, we were doing fulfillment, we were doing design, we were doing every aspect of the building. And it gets exhausting and it gets overwhelming at times. And, and of course we listened to a lot of business podcasts, read a lot of books and things too. And, and they basically say, you know, you have to release and get rid of some of the things that you're not, you know, there's always going to be someone that's probably better at what, something that you don't like or that enjoy something that you don't like doing hand that off to someone. And so we've definitely done that in some cases. We've got, um, a girl name Audrey that lives in, um, Colorado, which is Bryan's sister-in-law.

She runs all of our, um, customer service. So she answers, cause that was taking up a lot of our time, answering emails, you know, and inquiries on Facebook or wherever, Hey, does this shirt come in? This color does. I have a, I had a little hole in my shirt. How do I return it? I mean, we were just dealing with that was taking up a ton of our time. Um, we handed that all over to her. We didn't have to mess with it anymore and it's been awesome. Um, we've also got a couple of folks that help us in the wholesale business as far as like sales rep and they kind of go out and they find, um, you know, stores and companies that can carry our goods. Where

that was something that Bryan was kind of doing full time too. So we took that off of his plate. And so that gives Bryan more time to do the things that he loves. And so I think that's real important for any small businesses. You know, and there's millions of people that have said this before, but the stuff that you don't like doing, there's going to be someone out there, you know, they can take that load off of your shoulders and then that gives you more time to do the things that you're passionate about and that you love and that's going to help grow your business. Even though it's an, an expense, you're like, Oh man, it's going to cost a lot of money to pay so-and-so to do this job. But in the long run, it usually in our situation has paid off because that helps our growth even more.

And it helps your happiness versus you're not doing things that you don't like. And one of the things that I've found over the years on that front is it's not only things that I don't like to do, but there are w what's hard for me to get my head around sometimes is there might be an aspect of a business that I just, it has to be done, but I hate doing it. There are somebody out there that loves doing that activity. Right. For sure. Um, and it's hard to imagine when you, when you don't like doing something that there's somebody out there that's exactly the opposite and would absolutely love to be doing that. But those people are out there. And I think that's what you have to find somebody that has a passion for customer service or something like that, that is really going to hit it out of the park for

sure. And actually there was kind of a moment, uh, this past year, uh, I was actually at a conference at, uh, Preston trail church and it was a work as a warship. And, um, just, just something random I decided to go to, I was invited to a, from a friend and I was really convicted when they're starting to S uh, you know, call it a, a verse or a quote, but it was, uh, uh, not being the light of the world and being the salt. And I was convicted because I started realizing my biggest passion is not Texas T shirts. We love it. That's not my passion. My passion isn't sales. It actually isn't marketing. It's actually building a team. It's actually management. And so when I started looking back at maybe the, the little successes in my life going all the way back to high school, from, um, being, uh, the capped on the soccer team to being in student council, fast forwarding to being a soccer coach at Liberty and then being a teacher at Liberty, it wasn't actually the content of marketing that I loved.

It was creating teams, inspiring people, helping people, education and teaching someone. Um, and with that said, I started realizing my role at Tumbleweed Texstyles is more than just sales. It, I need to build a team. I need to be a light to my staff. And that really to me is my biggest mission, I believe, is to help build a team. And it provided great place for someone to want to work. And I know that's gonna take time. It might take years before we have a full team. Um, but it's one of those things that I know that will give me the most fulfillment in my job. Um, because all the time since I've left teaching, I'm thinking, man, I'm not helping people anymore. Well, I can help my staff, you know, and I can encourage them, inspire them, motivate them, uh, not necessarily in a religious way, just in a, in a just a good life kind of way. And, um, and so that's kind of my goal as we move forward. And that's actually what Jeb and I had been working on over the last few months is kind of our core values and our core principles as a, as an internal team so that we can start seeking out the best fit, uh, the people that are the best fit for our team to then hopefully serve our customers as they deserve.

Yeah, I think having those core values identified becomes really important as you grow. Um, and that's one of those things that maybe might change from when you very first start to kind of where you go down the road or he may not. But, uh, I know that's something that lifestyle fresco, Wendy and I, and um, and even Nicole and Kelly on our leadership team have all taken part in really establishing what are those core values and, um, how do those fit into our business? Have you guys really clearly defined those at this point? Are you still working through what those are?

Um, it's of, it is ongoing because as we start thinking, Oh, we're, we're, we might, um, be growing in this direction. You know, we're in such a growth mode right now that there are things going on that we didn't even know the, you know, it's going on. But I think we, for the most part have our core values pretty well locked down. Um, I mean, do you want to kind of share it, share kind of the direction we're going or, well, like Bryan said, we're kind of fine tuning them. I guess you could say. We have a long list of things that we want to be and we, you know, we stand for and it's more of a matter of, I guess, of just kinda whittling those down to, uh, kind of what falls under what category as far as, you know, we want to be, you know, good stewards of the community. We want to give back. Uh, we also want to create, you know, unique, um, designs and kind of be a forward thinking as far as that kind of stuff goes. Um, the way we interact with people, the relationships that we build. Um, so yeah, it's just, you know, all that kind of all in a a bundle or kind of the things that we stand for. For sure.

So one of the things I wanted to, to drill in on a little bit more, you talked about the target that you are drawing when you first started and who are we going to go and present our business to and you know, let them know that we're doing this now. I'm a big advocate of having a, a persona that you, so you know who you're talking to, who you're selling to kind of helps with brand voice and things like that. Have you guys really laid out a persona of who your ideal customer is or have? Is it just sort of kind of come along with the business as you've grown? And

I think we very much defined who we were going to be reaching back in 2011 and that was people like us, you know, cause we knew who we are, we knew how people effectively reach us. So naturally, if we know who we are, we could easily go pursue people like us. But we quickly found that it was a lot of women buying our product and not men. You know? And yeah, that's one of the amazing things about social media and Google analytics is when you start digging into the data, we started realizing, okay, it was majority women buying our product. And at that time we decided, okay, we're going to roll out, uh, these women cut t-shirts. Well, very quickly the women were like, no, we don't wanna wear women cut t-shirts. We want comfortable shirts. And so then we change our products from just men's and women's to just straight men's slash unisex fit t-shirts.

And when we did that, our, you know, our sales exponentially grew. We used to sell our t-shirts that, you know, $20. And when we bumped our shirts to 25 for the S the fiddle wholesale model, um, cause we had a match that, you know, with their pricing is right, sales increase and we're thinking what, you know, cause it, the value of the shirt was more in, you know, in the minds of our customer. And with that said, we started realizing it's, it's the everyday kind of fiscal person. Um, it's, you know, uh, middle-class, uh, person that uh, wants to buy a shirt but they don't want to waste money on it. They want a good quality tee shirt that they put on a hanger in their closet. They don't fold and put it in their dresser. Um, it's a person that likes to get out and have a good time. But as a family person, um, it's someone that values education, values are values the craft, um, and, and craft meaning barbecue and food, tacos at wine, whiskey, beer, but then also the arts. And so that's kind of our, our person is the person that as we say, drift and explore that they want to get out and try new things. And I have a good time with family and friends doing that

and be comfortable and look good doing it. Exactly. When you're, uh, when you're coming up with a new design, how much are you thinking about the person that might want to wear that design or you just kind of letting your mind go and getting creative and whatever comes out comes out? Well, that's, that's been something that I've kind of struggled with because early on I was creating a lot of things that I thought would be something I would want to wear, something cool or unique that I would want to wear. And some of that resonated with people. Um, other things didn't as much. There was some things that I thought would be a home run and they're like, eh, you know, they weren't really, didn't do that well. And then we kind of, as you know, so we've been around for eight years, so as we've kind of moved forward, we've noticed, I mean, some of our top sellers have been our top sellers for five, six, seven years, the same design.

We're kept thinking it's going to die off, but it doesn't. And so you kind of evaluate those top designs and then you kind of work around that theme or idea. And then we always throw in some kind of creative kind of off the wall artsy type of stuff too, just to kind of see what's, what's gonna stick. But, uh, I think definitely we have, we've learned kind of, at least for our, the stores and things that sell our stuff, kind of what, what sells and we kind of try and move some of that stuff that way. Um, but you know, we do have a lot of little niches that in Texas that we designed for it, you know, so there's a certain, you know, niche that the BBQ crowd likes. There's certain niche that the Texas music crowd likes too. So we also kind of designed to those specific groups as well, whether it be colors or just kind of designs or like in style, kind of trendy, um, topics or whatever it might be. And, and to kind of

expand on that, a lot of times when people are starting a business and they're trying to figure out who they're going to reach, what they do is they try to copycat another brand if it's in fashion or another product, whatever it is. And that's one of our things that we value maybe more than anything is a Jeb in our, our design team, we don't want them looking at other artists and designs because they're more likely to copy that design.

Yeah. Even if it's subconscious sometimes, right. It gets into your head and then it comes out in your work.

Yeah, for sure. And, and obviously we're humans and so that probably happens cause we are naturally always reading magazines and looking at, uh, websites, Pinterest, Instagram. But we tried to design our designs in a very unique creative way with our spin on it at all times. And from there it how we do the colors or how, what kind of garment we put it on or if it's decor or glassware that really will differentiate it to our target audience. Um, or what are, you know, cause obviously, uh, our wholesaler Cavenders is a lot different than buckle and both of those are a lot different than Tyler's or, um, you know, one of our retailers they call Mark. So that really differentiates our audience just by their audience. But I'm taking those products and making them, you know, are those designs, making them fairly universal, eclectic in nature, uh, then allows us to put it on a product and, you know, build specifically targeted audience.

Sounds good. Well before we, uh, wrap things up here, I want to ask you guys just kind of want to open ended question. If you were giving advice to somebody who's listening to this is planning to start their own business, whether it's a side hustle or they're going straight into a full time, uh, what advice would you give someone that's just an I, that's a big, broad question. There's probably a lot of things you could say, but what one or two pieces of advice would you give to somebody that's just, just getting started?

Uh, I'll start. Um, I would say just [inaudible] start it, start it, you know, don't think too much about it. I mean, don't, there's a lot of times people try and get everything exactly perfect. Whether it's the timing of it, like I'm gonna start my business, but I've gotta wait until I get to this point or I gotta do this. I think if you just jump in, it doesn't have to be perfect from the get go. And then those are things that you can kind of tweak as you start. Cause there's going to be mistakes like we talked about earlier. I think it's like if you have a really good idea and you kind of have the groundwork and you ha and you have, you know, do it before someone else does it, kind of get in the game, then start kind of picking up the pieces and figuring out how to perfect it. But I think a lot of people, they get so honed in on trying to make everything perfect before they launch and they're wasting all this time. And then another other people. Yeah. So I would say just, you know, if you have an idea, get it going and then kind of fix, fix it up as you go. That's great advice. And I would say it kind of sounds like it contradicts that, but um, it, it doesn't,

so I would say dot. Not formally, but just mentally in your heart. Think about who are you, uh, what are your morals and move forward in a way that doesn't con you know, contradict who you are and what you believe in because that's so easy to do when you start looking at money and opportunities and um, start trying to chase the easy money is just you know, who you are and what you believe and make sure you stick to that. And then a second thing is as you do start going and moving forward, immediately build systems on the fly such as accounting systems, QuickBooks, put all your data in a, in a QuickBooks, immediately start Google analytics. So you start gathering the marketing data, um, project management systems, like something like a sauna. I'm quickly getting that so that everything can be well organized because that was one of the hardest things I feel like for us is having to backtrack, gather all this data, looking through emails, looking through a Google drive and trying to clean up things like Dropbox. And if you immediately do that right off the get go, it will make your life a lot easier and will hopefully help you make wiser choices and decisions later as as your company's growing and being successful.

Yeah. All right. I think that's really good advice cause yeah, going back and trying to reconstruct that stuff down the road can be an absolute nightmare. Um, we're also a big fan and of documenting our processes. Something we've become pretty hardcore about, uh, so that as we bring other people on board, they can, it's easy for them to train them up and for them to kind of take over in a role or do what they need to do. And it's all nicely documented. But to your point, to Jeff's point, it's not, the documentation isn't perfect. I tend to be very detailed about it, yet somebody else will come along and still find gaps or while I wasn't sure what to do here or what do I need to do there. And you gotta get comfortable with that not being perfect all the time. Just get started, get going and let it evolve.

Right. For sure. Yeah guys, thank you so much for coming on and sharing some of these insights with us. I think I, you know, if people kind of tune into this podcast and enjoy it, hopefully they'll leave us in comments and let us know. If you're listening and you have questions you would like to ask these guys, leave us a comment and maybe we can turn this into a small series. We can come back and revisit some of this stuff from time to time. I'm a, you guys are actual teachers, but I love sharing the knowledge and experience I've gained in, in the businesses I've been involved with as well. And I'd love to see us, uh, revisit this from time to time and, and help people along their journey as well. That'd be fun. Love it. So, yeah, you guys, you heard it here first.

So start asking some questions and uh, we'll bring these guys on. Maybe we'll reach out to some other business owners to join us from time to time and we'll turn it into a thing. It sounds good. All right guys, thanks for joining us today. Thanks to all of you for tuning into the Frisco podcast. As always, please go out and subscribe. You can find us on iTunes, Google, play, Stitcher, Spotify, and pretty much in the place you're listening to podcasts. We're also putting the podcast out on YouTube, so if you haven't subscribed to us there, please do so and we'll see you next time.

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Since 1973 KC and the Sunshine Band has been putting out hits. Hits that we still dance to today... On November 2, 2019, KC invites you to come out and shake your booty for a "Boogie Bash" at Comerica Center in Frisco, Texas.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sf7toVVgnp4

SHOW NOTES:

[00:44] KC and the Sunshine Band in Frisco, Texas on November 2, 2019

[00:52] The origin of the name "KC and the Sunshine Band"

[02:28] Early influences

[04:15] Establishing longevity

[08:18] The Show Experience (what to look forward to)

[9:45] Dallas/KC and the live debut of "Shake Your Booty"

LINKS & RESOURCES: * KC and The Sunshine Band Website * Get tickets to the Nov 2, 2019 Frisco Show

Connect with Lifestyle Frisco on: * YouTube * Facebook * Instagram * Twitter * LinkedIn

Transcript Machine Generated

All right Frisco. We are very fortunate today to have a very special guest with us, none other than KC from KC and the Sunshine Band. KC, thanks for joining us.

Thank you for having me. How's everything?

Everything is going great. We're looking forward to having you in Frisco very soon. So, uh, how's the tour going so far?

Well, it's always going great. I mean, I do mostly weekends, so, um, I'm looking forward to coming to Frisco. I don't think I've ever been to actually Frisco and, uh, coming, you know, with the band and having a good time with you, with everyone. Well, very good. So for everybody listening to us, KC and the Sunshine Band are going to be here at Comerica center on November the second, so that's coming up very quickly. Be sure to go out and get your tickets for that. Uh, but KC, why don't we have you, I wanted to just kind of get a little bit more about you and some of the background on the band. And the first question I have is how did you come up with the name, the Sunshine band?

Uh, my last name is KC and I worked in a record store in the prefix for Columbia records at the time was aK and a C. and, um, so when I'm coming up for the name, there was no band. It was just me really. So, um, I had been to a wedding and I saw this chunk of new band and so I made this record and I thought, well, I'll just call the KC and the Sunshine Band from the state of Florida. And it was actually KC, the Sunshine junk, a new band, what I called it. And, uh, we, we, I dropped the junk and after the second record, cause it was kinda just too long to go on playlist and everything like that.

Totally makes sense. So, and when did you actually form, uh, formed the band?

Uh, the day I put out the first record actually, I mean, you have to understand that there was really no band. Uh, it was just studio musicians that I used and, and, and hired to, to play on the records. And, um, uh, all of a sudden I start becoming successful with this name and there's no bands. So eventually, um, after the second album or whatever, I have to get down at night or those started happening, I just went to the, some of the guys who were playing on the record and asked, you know, would you be part of, you know, Gladys as KC and the Sunshine Band.

Oh, very good. And in terms of, of the music you write, it's, it's a lot of fun. It's very danceable. Um, what were some of the early influences for you in, in the stylistically the type of music that you've been putting on?

Well, I've always just all kinds of music around. Like my mother loved music. My mother loved more B music. My father could care less about any kind of music, I think. Um, I mean he enjoyed it, but I don't think he ever bought a radio or anything in his life. Um, um, which is not a bad thing. And my father was the most amazing person to have, either one, like downplaying my father's being somewhat bad person, but, um, uh, so I grew up listening to, to that. I grew up in the gospel church. Uh, and, uh, so I, I gravitated more towards RNB music. Um, you know, the gray ends up in the Motown sound that definitely a lot of the Motown sound and, uh, you know, the greater reach of Franklin stop with all the horns and the stacks stop with Sam and Dave and, uh, you know, Johnny Taylor and then all the LATIC stumble, Wilson Pickett and, um, you know, just all that great R and B music at the time. And then there we came along, then came James Brown, of course James Brown. And uh, then later on it was like Joe Cocker and Englishman. Uh, uh, I just, you know, that whole scene. And then there was Chicago and blood, sweat and tears. So it just kind of grabbed me, you know, from what I think I, I was just, I was influenced by a little bit of everybody, but probably more by Motown than, than anyone. I would think totally makes sense. And there are certainly a lot of that reflected I think in the music that we hear. Um, knowing that we were going to have a chance to chat a little bit today, I've been going back and listening to a lot more of the old songs and you can certainly hear that Motown influence in that.

Um, another interesting aspect of your music to me has been the longevity. You've written songs that people still love to listen, to, still love to go out and dance to and, and have a good time. When KC and the Sunshine Band comes on, what would you attribute to, to that longevity? How did you pull that off?

You don't have a gender. They were great songs, you know, they were, critics destroyed them all the time. I mean we were always put down by the critics. Like it got to a point where I just wouldn't even read anything, any, any critic, any review that was written about us or anything about the music. Uh, they would just, uh, you know, just constantly this constant backlash against it and, and, and that sort of thing. I guess it's proven, you know, it's amp stood the test of time and it's, it's proven that there's some substance to it. Evidentaly because you know, every attended over 250 movies and TV commercials and every sporting events and everywhere you go, every party that wedding and bar mitzvah and everything else, it's, you know, it's there. So, um, I guess they weren't so bad after all.

Yeah. I don't know, not really a big fan of some of the critics in their criticisms. Anyways, I think the, uh, the true test is how the fans have reacted. The longevity normally the critic's role because every critic has their own, it seemed like back then, I mean, most critics were rock and roll, you know, from the rock and roll era, whatever. So you can always tell what their influences were because you would see all these great reviews of this rock stuff may get some R and B or something like us and just destroy it. It's like, you know, I mean, they were being so partial and it was so evident blatantly like right in your face how partial they were, they were being, do you think that just kind of part of the time when you guys were coming about and becoming more famous with the transition in New York? I think it has a lot to do with part of the times. I think our music was threatening to a lot of different genres and then a lot of different people for some reason. Um, you know, like, like when Elvis came in, his music was threatening and the Beatles music was threatening to everyone. And I think we really was the same way with us really. If you think about it, I mean, we did change the sound of music. We did change, you know, we ushered in this whole dance thing or whatever, and it was our upbeat that just created this whole movement that was sort of there. But we, we were the fire that ignited it. You know what I mean? Um, and, uh, I kind of lost my train of thought, but no, that's for violet.

So, so, so, so in a sense we became very threatening. That sound, that whole thing that was started, happened, became very threatened to other artists of other JARAs, uh, because people were not, were, were gravitating toward this whole new sound, that idea of music and everything. Well, we're very grateful that you did not listen to the critics and that you kept, uh, being true to yourself and left us with all the books. Sure. I mean, I, I never, I never have really listened to people if I would've done that, I never would have made it at all because I was told I, uh, you know, I was white and I would never make it in an R and B world. So, uh, you know, it was kind of crazy that there was these type of pres prejudicial ideas that if you're white, you can't sound black and if you're black, you can't sound white. And if your country, I can't sound, not country and you know, et cetera, et cetera, well, cheers to proving them wrong. Um, yeah. You know, I do what I do and I do, and what I do is just natural that comes to me. I don't imitate anyone. I've never imitated anything. Um, I just do what is KC? And that's who I am. And um, yeah, no, no. I was even prayed to study music because I was afraid it would take away any natural sounds that I had or, or it would make me part of the machine. I was always afraid of being a part of this machine that they all want us to be a part of. And I was afraid of, I became too much part of that machine that I would not have my own identity.

So coming up with the show, now you're going to be playing in Frisco again on November 2nd. What should people be looking forward to? What kind of experience are they going to get when they come out to the show?

Okay, well if you know, you know, our shows, there's 15 people on stage, including the dancers and everyone and everyone. I like everyone to participate. You know, there's times when one of the singers will kind of do some of that talking to the audience and I just kind of take a little step back. I want everybody to, to, to be a part of the show and everyone is a part of the show. Um, and you know, it's, uh, I'm not sure how long our show is going to be that night, but it all depends, but it's, you know, it's all the hits and then some, and I've been throwing bits and pieces of other songs from, from the albums into the show. Um, I've always wanted to keep it from [inaudible], uh, to, to, to, to everyone that comes. So, um, you know, I try not to have too much kind of filler in some of the pillar I do use would be like a song from the 70s or something like that, just to keep it familiar, more familiar with the, the, the entire audience instead of just, you know, the truth. I mean, of course the two KC, ESB fans, that's very important. But I want everybody to be able to connect so well and I think they will. And I think you're going to find a very welcoming and warm audience in Frisco. We're very much looking forward to having you here.

Well, I mean, I've always loved that area. I mean, how far are you from Dallas?

So Frisco was about, uh, 2030 minutes North of Dallas to kind of depending.

Okay.

Oh yeah. It's a, it's a Northern suburb, but, right. No, I know how warm. I mean, I remember when we first really shake your booty. I think it was in, uh, it's six flags over Texas that I first debuted that song to a crowd and, um, I wasn't sure it would be a hit record and we did the song and the crowd went crazy and that just confirmed that I was wrong on that one. I was right on all the other ones, but I was a little skeptical, skeptical about shaker booty for some reason, but it was, uh, in that area of Texas that I first debuted that song alive. So it, there's a lot of fun, fond memories there. So, yeah, that's a good little bit of a trivia, something for us to think about as people are coming out to the show. So thank you again.

Well listen, I know you've got a very packed schedule and we've only got a few minutes with them.

I appreciate you taking your time out of the day. That to have me on.

Yeah, you bet. And again, everybody in Frisco look forward to having KC and the Sunshine Band here in Frisco, Texas on November 2nd. And thanks again.

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Community is the cornerstone at Horizon Hot Yoga in Frisco. But beyond the camaraderie, they offer a wide variety of yoga classes, special workshops, nutrition training, and massage therapy.

If upping your yoga game in a supportive environment sounds right for you, tune into this episode of the Frisco Podcast and get to know founder Mary Von Ahnen and instructor Sally Scott. They'll give you the full picture of what to expect at Horizon Hot Yoga.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AeI6IK1aSV4

SHOW NOTES:

[00:47] Starting Horizon Hot Yoga

[02:07] The community experience at Horizon Hot Yoga

[03:23] How Horizon Hot Yoga is different than other yoga studios

[05:18] Styles of Yoga

[08:54] Rocket Yoga

[10:05] Getting to know the instructors

[11:03] Special workshops and becoming a yoga champion

[12:48] You can become a yoga instructor (or just enhancing your yoga knowledge)

[14:45] Why Mary wanted to open Horizon Hot Yoga

[15:45] How Sally became a nutritionist and yoga instructor

[16:53] The nutrition program at Horizon Hot Yoga

[20:00] Massage therapy at Horizon Hot Yoga

[21:12] Hot is their Bikram class and other class temperatures

[20:20] Yoga Nidra (yogic sleep/meditation) class

[24:00] Pricing, packages, and options (including options for kids)

[26:10] Schedules

LINKS & RESOURCES: * Horizon Hot Yoga Website * Horizon Hot Yoga on Lifestyle Frisco * Horizon Hot Yoga on Facebook * Horizon Hot Yoga on Yelp * Horizon Hot Yoga on Instagram

Connect with Lifestyle Frisco on: * YouTube * Facebook * Instagram * Twitter * LinkedIn

Transcript Machine-Generated:

Welcome to the Frisco podcast. I'm your host, Scott Ellis. And today we're gonna stretch out a little bit and we're going to talk about yoga. We have Mary Von Ahnan, sorry about that. And Sally Scott from Horizon Hot Yoga in the room. Welcome to the show. Good to have you both here. Uh, my wife is a huge yoga fan. In fact, Sally, she was in your class this morning and I've done a little bit of yoga myself. I don't do it as consistently as I should, but I've always enjoyed hot yoga. It's hard, but it always feels good. Um, first of all, why don't we start off talking just a little bit about Horizon and how that got started. When did you come to Frisco and what made you want to do the yoga studio?

So we started our business in January of 2018 and my husband and I had been searching for something that we both enjoyed and could do together. I've practiced yoga since 2007 and Mike, maybe just a few years after that, started his yoga practice. And I think Frisco was such an attractive growing community and also just a community that embraces small business. Um, we really had a vision for our studio to be inclusive of anyone and we love it that we're living that dream. Um, Sally, we'll talk a little bit about her perspective on our community as well, but we do feel like we're a place for, for anyone yoga should be for everyone. So we offer a number of different styles so that you can come and find your style. What really fits you? Um, our community ranges in age greatly. Um, race, body type. I mean we, we are inclusive, so, uh, that was really important to us to have a community that made everyone comfortable.

Yeah. Yoga definitely is one of the those fitness slash wellness areas that seems to really foster community a lot. People kind of get into it, they get into it together and everybody's there to learn and improve their practice and, and do well. So I'm glad to hear you guys are having success with that. Yes. Um, Sally, did you want to talk a little bit about the, the community itself at Horizon? What's it like? What's the experience? What is the community experience like for somebody that comes to Horizon and think of it as somebody coming for the first time, what would they expect

It is like no other. And I can just say that it started with great owners who had this great vision, great vision for teachers who love their students. Um, and when you walk into the doors, you are greeted. You are more than likely hugged. We tend to be a little touchy, huggy, loving community. Um, but they just, I think the moment that they walk in, they, they feel it. They're greeted, the teachers love their students and they keep coming back. In fact, they, they, they might stay a while each day. They might take several classes every day and they, they feel it and you become, you become friends. I became just like, you're a new family. But that is truly the feeling that you get when you come to horizon. How long have you been teaching yoga there? Since we opened the doors from the beginning. Right out of the gate. Okay, good. Glad to hear it. Best decision ever.

So, Mary, what are, what are some of the things beyond just the community aspect of it that you feel make Horizon yoga unique compared to other yoga studios?

Sally touched on it. I do feel as if we, we pay hand picked our teachers. I'm very careful about hiring experienced teachers, um, that really understand their, their, the depth of their style. We offer multiple styles. I think I counted 10 plus. We have two rooms and so we, you know, and they're each built out differently. So our, our hot 26 classes kind of, it's the classic beat from yoga and it's a very different room, a very different type of yoga than classic Vinyasa for example. So I D I do feel like having multiple styles where you can get different needs met in different classes. I mean, Wendy would tell you that, you know, she's taken three or four different types at our studio. Um, normally you go to a studio and you get the type that they offer a, we also try really hard to bring in world-class workshops. You know, we, we feel like infusing our students and even our teachers with people who bring experience from different places is very important. Um, we offer a nutrition program and massage, so we feel like we're really a holistic studio where students can get all their needs met.

Yeah. Interesting. I don't think I've ever heard or known of a yoga studio, at least not one that I've been to in the past that did the nutrition and massage part as well. So let's, we'll dig into all of those things a little bit. Um, let's start off with the variety. Um, again, most studios that I've been to in the past usually have one or two different styles I've done [inaudible] before. I know that's kind of like the grandfather of hot yoga, um, for you. Yeah. But it's a specific like regimen, right? With the from, and there are kind of offshoots of that, of people that do hot yoga, but it's not strictly Bikrum. Right. So you guys do Bikram. And then what other styles of yoga and classes do you have there?

Sally, talk a little bit about her Vinyasa and sculpt classes and then I can pick up with some of the other formats. Okay, perfect. So, um, I teach a Vinyasa, which is just more of a flow stretching balance. It's not in as hot of a room as big room, but it is still a hot practice. Um, it, it, it, it incorporates balance, strength flowing meditation. And then I also teach a sculpt class which incorporates yoga, but we will mix it up with medicine balls. Um, free weights, dumbbells, bans, blocks, little rubber balls. So you get like full strength training. Okay. So that's the one my wife did this morning, wasn't it? Yeah, cause she came home just dragging. Yes. Yes. It's awesome. But like you get, you, do, you become addicted to it because it just, the, the after feeling is just amazing. And then the Vinyasa is more on the stretching side.

Yes. It's more flowing. I wouldn't say it's so, I mean it does involve stretching, but um, we have some really strong students, but it's for everybody. Beginners can come to it and work their way up. Okay. I will say to our community, um, kind of likes about kicking and we've learned that at the time. So we started out when we first opened, having a slow flow and having, and we really realized that, that most people come in and they want to work. And so even the Vinyasa, yes, it's a flow and yes, they're stretching, but it's a pretty good workout. And I think there people have a couple of different mindsets when they do yoga. I personally prefer a fixed series. Um, I have rheumatoid arthritis and I've had some injuries and so I really kind of have to prepare my body for exactly how to do postures.

So a class like B crumb or like a Xanga, which is a fixed series, it's the same every time is more comfortable for me to practice. Some people absolutely love the variety of a Vinyasa or a sculpt or even a rocket yoga, which is kind of like Ashtanga, but it mixes up the postures. They get bored with the set series. Some of our classes, like the beach crumb or the Ashtanga does not have music. Other classes like Sally's sculpt. And the Vinyasa classes do have music. So that's why I say it's, it's interesting and nice for students to just try different things. We also have a year in class, which is very much focused on stretching. Okay. That's probably the one that I shouldn't be taking because I am well you're invited. Flexible at all. Thank you. I will take you up on that sometime soon.

I flexibility has never been my strong suit, so when I do yoga and I should stick with it, it's definitely a good thing for me. But um, so it sounds like you've got a good variety of classes as well for all different levels of people. So there's a, which ones were, had been JASA was one you mentioned that was good for beginners. Um, what are some of the more advanced things for somebody like my wife that's been doing yoga forever and really wants to go get after it, what are the best choices there? And I would say the only class that we encourage people to have taken some yoga before would be rocket yoga. And it's because it's largely arm balancing. But one of the things that is so wonderful about our teacher team because they are all soaks, aren't so experienced, is that they are able to cater the class to all levels. And so if you walk in and we've had this happen, a number of people just come in and say, I've never tried yoga, I want to buy a month. Um, you can walk into any of our classes and feel comfortable. If you're advanced like Wendy is, you can also go in and feel like the teacher can, can cue you to do more advanced things. Rocket yoga sounds like fun. That's a great name. What you described it to me cause I've never heard of rocket yoga before.

So it is, it's a fast paced version of Ashtanga and Ashtanga is a set series, kind of like the Beacom series, but it does focus a lot on what we sometimes call arm floating or arm balancing. There's a lot of inversions handstands. Headstands gotcha. Yes. So Sally, you may want to expound a little bit on that. Yes. So if you're it, anybody can do rocket yoga, but if you are more advanced and you want to get into inversions and those are balancing poses, that's a class for you to go to and try out.

Definitely sounds like one that would require upper body strength. A lot of upper body strength for that. So, okay. Yes. So if you're still working on the upper body strength, maybe start with something else to kinda work up to that.

Yes. Or you can do it or you can just try it and see what happens. I'm not afraid to fall on my head. Okay. Take what you need. I like it. I think I'll start with the easier ones though. The stretching stuff. Perfect. I have good upper body strength, but yeah, I haven't done that in awhile. So, uh, so let's now talk and shift gears a little bit and talk about the, the teachers or the instructors that you have there. You said you focus on hiring experienced yoga instructors, right? Um, do you also bring instructors along? Do those instructors get additional training? What sort of instructor training things I guess are also happening to, so we actually, yeah, that's a great question Scott. We actually do require that instructors pursue continuing education because in Sally can talk more, but it is, it is pretty common for an instructor come to kind of get in a rut and teach their particular format and not ever reach out. It actually is one of the reasons too that we bring in people from the outside. For example, just this weekend we had Henry Winslow's, the raining men's yoga champion of the world. We had him do a whole weekend of workshops for us and a lot of the instructors, our instructors took advantage of that. So it wasn't just for students. It's said that instructors can continue to go deeper and learn from people that are even more experienced or have a different perspective.

Okay, good. Now let's talk about those workshops cause that sounds interesting. First of all, how does somebody become a yoga champion? That it, in my head, I don't reconcile that.

So there is a yoga, a competition every year and you've start by submitting a videotape. And then out of those videotapes are called people who are actually going to be contestants in the yoga championship. And so Henry runs low, won the world men's division. Um, so it's, it's actually a thing.

Wow. How do you, I guess, what are you competing on? Is it like how long they can hold a pose or [inaudible] and I think the different poses that they can do, it's the advanced stage of the posture. You get certain points if you pick a more difficult and more advanced posture, you get more points for that. Um, sticks in a way. It is. Yeah, exactly.

Interesting. Yeah. I have no idea. I'm not that ambitious, but it sounds interesting. So what are some of the other workshops that you guys have? Um, just examples of other workshops, maybe your other guests that come in and do things at Arisun? So we had, um, earlier this year we had been Sears who actually hails from the serious dynasty, but is nothing like his corporate family at all. Um, he had developed a yoga called sacred geometry Vinyasa and he came in and did a weekend of workshops for us and we sold that out. It was really fantastic. Interesting. Um, we had a lady and had a Ripley in and she's very famous in the beacon community. Uh, we try to keep it kinda balanced and offer different styles and different experts. Um, we have, we've had Carson clay Calhoun in the studio. He was a huge success and he's, he's quite famous internationally acclaimed and he's actually the one doing our very first teacher training coming up in February.

Oh, wonderful. Yes. So, okay. So on that front, can anybody like, that's a new wants to become a yoga teacher. Can they come and take that training? I'm gonna let Sally talk to this. Absolutely. The best opportunity. Um, I have already been through yoga training, but I am going to do it again to be with Carson. He will be in our studio for an entire month. Um, great opportunity for anybody and not necessarily wanting to become a teacher, but wanting to learn more about yoga. Um, and he's a perfect one to come and, and teach us and take us through that. He's phenomenal. So you could go through the training, even if you don't intend to become a yoga teacher, if you just don't really want to go deeper on your practice, this would be a great way to do it. Absolutely. Absolutely. A lot of people that go through teacher training aren't necessarily, I was one of those people, I just, I I'd love to yoga, I wanted to learn more about it and I thought, I'm never going to teach and you'd hear you on yet.

So it's a great opportunity and we are so fortunate. I just have to, I have to say this because Mike and Mary do such a great job of bringing in these well known teachers and as a yoga teacher to have that right in our studio and take advantage of that and learn. I mean you just, you just grow and learn so much. We're really excited about Carson. Um, because he is going to be focusing heavily on rocket yoga and by Xanga and rocket Jaeger has specialties and normally a rocket yoga is just a workshop teacher certification. But he's really going to go deep in that format and I'm actually one of those ones who am going to take it. But I'm not planning to teach. So you know, it's very unusual to have studio owners not be teachers. Um, neither Mike nor I teach, but I realized just being full time in the business for a little while that I really want to go deeper and I want to understand more and have the language of yoga more kind of close to my heart.

So I'm only benefits you as a business owner to have that level of knowledge even if you're not one of the teachers. But if you're, if you didn't start off teaching or you haven't been a yoga teacher, what made you want to open a yoga studio to with how did that happen? Just because yoga changed my life. You know, I was such a gym person. Um, hardcore corporate America type, definitely type a, um, and I was working out, yes, I'm Wendy and I've had this conversation too, but I was working out with a personal trainer and she recommended there was a [inaudible] opening in Oh seven, right across catercorner to the gym. And I literally never went back to the gym. So I feel like I, I went in first for exercise and I kind of came out a year later is truly somebody who had been changed, you know, much softer around the edges, much more patient with life, just, you know, more Zen.

I mean it sounds very cliche, but it really happened for me. It does. Yoga has that effect on you. It really kind of helps you calm your mind a lot. And yeah. You know, for, for someone such as yourself with the corporate background, myself included, you can really use that often during the day. And Sally, what about you? What was your, what were you doing before you became a yoga instructor or do you do still do others? I know I am pretty much strictly yoga in nutrition and um, I was, I was a head Hunter back in the day, corporate headhunter and was having serious back issues and almost to the point of having surgery. And I had a great doctor who's like, you know what, I really want you to try some yoga first cause you're young. Back then I was, you said try some yoga.

Chiropractic and I got into yoga and Pilates and yoga literally changed my life. It changed my body. Um, I have had a healthy back for years now with no kind of surgery, no injections. Um, the strength, I've never, I've never had a lot of strength in my body. I found it through yoga. You're, you're using your body and you can hold your body up. You're, you're working some strength there. So it, I just, I never looked back and I went through teacher training and just kind of started teaching and then I keep doing it and I love it. Wonderful. Yeah. So I'm glad you brought up the nutrition aspect of that. So are you the, I guess the resident nutritionist or at Horizon? Okay. And so we have a great nutrition program and it strictly is nutrition. So it is working one on one trying to find what works for you as an individual person based on your weight, your height, your age, um, your activity level.

So we're trying to get your fat down, get your muscle up, find foods that work for you, work on foods that might cause inflammation, take those things out. So it's, it's for, it's for anybody. It's not necessarily you have to be overweight, but if you're lethargic, not feeling good, you know, work, get with a nutritionist, find out what's causing all that in your body. Um, so it is, it's a great program. I love it. [inaudible] is the nutrition aspect of that something that comes with the membership or that something that people pay for additionally? They pay for additional. Okay. I would've thought so, but I just wanted to ask you that. You get, you sign up for nutrition, you get, um, a month of yoga free to, okay. So you kind of have a package deal that you can get you to do at all. Yeah.

And it really helps to have that exercise component and the nutrition component to work together. And Sally got into nutrition a long, long time ago, but she got into it to solve some of her own problems. And I do feel like everyone at our studio is very authentic, so we're not, we're not trying to sell something we don't personally know something about. So I, I mentioned earlier that I have rheumatoid arthritis. My yoga practice back in 2010 or 11 helped me tremendously to get through the struggles of that disease. And I feel like if you talk to each one of our teachers about what they do specifically, they have a very authentic story to tell about why they got into yoga, why they got into nutrition. Um, which I think makes a difference to our community know. Absolutely. It feels like you are with a community that, that really, we practice what we preach, if that makes sense.

It does. And I think it's, it's phenomenal that you have someone like Sally on board that can help with that nutrition component. For those that want to go down that road. I feel like we're at to an interesting intersection in time right now where the nutrition science has advanced a lot. Our understanding of how nutrition affects our bodies has advanced a lot even just in like the last like eight or 10 years. Right. It's really come a long ways. Um, and I know it's something that I'm, especially as I'm getting older now, I'm 47 something I've started paying a lot more attention to, you know, when I was younger, working out and trying to eat semi healthy had a lot more to do with, you know, vanity, right? It was wanting to look good and feel good. But now it's really just about trying to stay healthy and feel my best and be able to function for as long into my life as possible.

And that you can't do it without the nutrition component. So that's super important. Anything else about Horizon that we should let people know? Where are you guys located? Let's start there. We're at Preston in Stonebrook. Okay. So we're in the same people always identify us as, Oh yeah, you're with Aldi. Okay, gotcha. It's really centrally located. Um, like I said, we were pretty holistic. We offer all a lot of different kinds of yoga and massage is something we haven't touched on, but we have a great massage therapist on site. Oh yes. And we actually offer massage less as a way of actually making money and more as a way of complementing our services. It's really inexpensive with Christina, she's wonderful. So we find a lot of students pair massage with their yoga practice and it's a great combination. Notice somebody has to be a member if they want to come in and get a massage.

Okay, good to know. Yes. I'm glad you, I'm thank you for reminding me about the massage part. I'm sure that that can be very helpful, especially as tight muscles and all those kinds of things that can come along with exercising and especially when you're first getting started. Yeah, I would imagine the heat helps with that somewhat though in some of the high classes though too, doesn't it? Yes, very much so. Yeah. It's been a long time since I've practiced in a cold room. Um, I started my yoga practice with [inaudible] and so I, I've always kind of practiced in a hot room. But now if I'm in a cold room, it really feels like I might injure myself. I mean I truly believe in not just the detoxification that the heat will do and all of that, but also just the support of safely practicing yoga.

From a muscle perspective. How hot is the crim class? Cause I've been at different studios at different times and some of them were hot but tolerable. Others when I went to down in Dallas a long time ago was so bloody hot, I couldn't stand it. Like I just, we, I would finish the class in the summer and walk outside when it was literally 99 degrees and it felt like an ice. Like I would just walk into a freezer cause it was so hot in the class. Um, that speak grim. Yeah, it's one Oh five in there. It's hot. Okay. And it's not for everybody. I mean if someone says I like hot yoga, but I don't love the heat that much, I won't recommend the beacon class. Okay. Sally keeps her sculpt. What around [inaudible] around 90 okay. So it's warm, but it's, that's definitely much more.

Yes, and not as intense as that be [inaudible] and I would say most of our classes are more around the 90 range classes, like the yen class, no heat. So we do have a few that are low or no heat. Our movement flow, for example, that Joshua teaches, he doesn't, he's not a fan of the heat. So his class will be, you know, 80 78 ish. Okay. You know, warm enough to not be cold. Right. But not hot. Right. Is there just a Sebastien mCLASS massage? Right. We actually have a class of very interesting, it's called yoga nature and we offer it once a month and it truly is yoga and sleep. And I will tell you, I am not very good at meditation. I never have been. I try, but yoga Neidra put me in a state that is, it's not sleeping, it's not waking. It's kind of this InBetween in between and it's delicious.

It's a whole hour. You lie on your back and sh it's a guided, thank you. I'm glad I asked because it sounds like exactly what I was really kind of phasing. This could be the first class. Yeah. Yeah. I'm actually a huge fan of meditation. It's something I started a few years ago and it always sounded kind of hokey to me, but it hit a point where I was very just stressed out all the time, high levels of stress, way too busy. And I found that for me it was, uh, it helped me want to get out of bed in the morning if I knew I had a really busy day, you know, there's that temptation to just say, Oh, I'm going to sleep 30 more minutes and avoid this for as long as I can, which wasn't always healthy either, so I would get up. But I, it was much more relaxing to get out of bed knowing that I was just going to go sit in a chair.

And then 20 minutes of meditation was how I was going to start. And I use an app for guided meditation. Uh, but I just fell in love with it. It really does kinda help get you off on the right foot. So in the end, people, people are never still anymore pulled out, ever shut down. So meditation can be a little scary and it's, it's, it's difficult. But once you get past that, it's so rewarding. Yeah, absolutely. Second window at yoga Nadirah October 27th at five o'clock. Yoga. Neidra okay. I'm going to remember that. I love it. And we announced the date for each month, the previous month, so, okay. Yeah, it's quite an experience. So let's talk a little bit about the options people have with Horizon Hot Yoga. Do they pay for a package of classes? Is it monthly? Is it one off? How do you guys price things?

And so for people that want to come out and check it out, hopefully sign up, what are, what do they have? So our introductory month is $79 and it's unlimited yoga. Um, we do have class cards, so we have a 10 class card and the 20 class card, um, that you can buy if you feel like I might go once a week or something. Um, our kid's class, a lot of the kids buy class cards because they, they only come once a week. I just ages five to 11. Okay. You have kids yoga? We do and they are adorable. They love it. I'll bet. And if you can believe it, we do get them into a meditative state at some point during that class. I know a lot of parents are gonna come sign their kids up right now. No, I'm sorry. What other packages and things do you guys have then?

If you want to stay after the $79 intro, which most people do, um, you can pay on an auto pay every month and that's one 15. Um, so you just, we just charge your credit card as you go. We don't have any contracts or anything like that, so. Okay. Uh, we have a three month package, a six month and an annual. And obviously the annual is the most cost effective, but some people just can't afford to pay that upfront. Right. So, but you can also go month to month if you want to do it that way. Okay, so the one 15 is that a month? A month. Right, right. Okay. So if somebody does the $79 they love it. They want to keep going one 15 a month and it's all you can eat. Yup. Yes. Okay. Any other classes? Right. Okay. Yeah. I can stay all day long.

Yes. And some do. Yes. And like Sally said, we've had people that stay for two or three classes. Wow, that's amazing. I had a, the really hot yoga studio that I was talking about that I went to for a while. How to, I went with a couple of buddies and one of them decided he was going to try to do marathon yoga and he'd do a whole bunch of classes back to back in like B crumb. And after, I think the third or fourth class, they had to like cardinality. You just, you can't, I know you're not doing this anymore. He just, he was so drained, it was terrible. So I can't imagine doing that many classes back to back. But if you mixed it up and it wasn't all hot, then maybe that wouldn't be so bad. Right, right. Funny. I love it. So.

Okay. Um, and as far as class times too, just to comment on that, we have more than 40 classes a week and we do offer early, early morning 5:45 AM because there are a lot of people that they just, they're not going to get it in if they don't do it. We have a noon class that does well for professionals too. And then Sally teaches in several teachers teach kind of mid mornings for mom classes or for stay at home dads, even eight 39 45 time ish. And then we have the evening classes, 6:00 PM in both rooms. So can you pretty much whatever time works for your schedule, you can find a class at Horizon. And how late did they go again? Um, the, the yen class is seven 15 on Tuesday, Thursday. And then we have an Ashtanga class at seven 15 on Wednesday. Okay, good. So there really is a time that should work for just about anybody. Yes. Yep. Okay. Six PMs every night and website. Can we find more information online? Horizon Hot Yoga.com that's easy. We'll link, of course. You guys have a, I think a business page with us and we're going to link all that up in the show notes for this, so we'll make sure that everybody can find all that information just fine.

Yeah. All right. Well guys, thank you very much for joining us today. This has been fun and you do have some interesting classes. I was kind of joking about the whole Savasana thing, but uh, what was the name of that class again? [inaudible] Yoga Neidra. All right, I'm going to go sign up for that for sure. It's a good place to start. Great. Well thank you guys very much. And everybody, if you want to go get your Zen thing on, check out Horizon Hot Yoga and maybe ask for Sally. She does some good classes. Go do some rocket yoga if you're ready for that. And, uh, thank you all for tuning in to the Frisco podcast. Appreciate having you guys here and for all of you listening in, be sure to subscribe. We are on iTunes, Google play, Spotify, Stitcher, any place you're listening to a podcast, you're going to find it. So please go out and subscribe. We really appreciate it.

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President and GM of the Frisco RoughRiders, Andy Milovich, has been on the sports ride of a lifetime. From South Bend, Indiana to Frisco, Texas, he has stories to tell (including why a move to Frisco was a no-brainer for him and his family).

In this episode of the Frisco Podcast, Andy gives us a look at some of the many events that happen at the ballpark in the offseason, as well as a behind the scenes of the RoughRiders’ effort to personalize your experience every time you visit.

And BONUS -- enjoy a look ahead at the 2020 season!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4ZigxonwKA

SHOW NOTES:

[00:47] From Indiana to Frisco, Texas

[02:49] Setting records last season

[03:45] Off-season events at Dr. Pepper Ballpark

[07:40] Rangers Camp

[08:45] The Future of Dirk's Heroes Celebrity Softball Game

[10:38] Movie Night at the Ballpark & Season Ticket Holder Events

[11:55] Booze and Beers Festival

[12:40] Winter Wonderland Event with Toys for Tots

[18:14] The Biggest Attendance Day's in RoughRiders History

[18:38] The Closing of Rangers Ballpark and what the Building mean to the Sport

[21:00] Looking ahead to the RoughRiders 2020 season

[24:00] Using data to personalize your ballpark experience

LINKS & RESOURCES: * Frisco RoughRiders Website * Frisco RoughRiders on Lifestyle Frisco * Frisco RoughRiders on Facebook * Frisco RoughRiders on Twitter * Frisco RoughRiders on Instagram * Hustle & Pro Sports Podcast

Connect with Lifestyle Frisco on: * YouTube * Facebook * Instagram * Twitter * LinkedIn

Transcript Scott Ellis: Welcome to the Frisco podcast. I'm your host, Scott Ellis. And today I am joined by somebody you know from hustle and pro Kelley walkers in the, in the studio with me today. Hey Kelly.

Kelly Walker: Hi.

SE: And our guest is Andy Milovich, the GM and President of the Frisco roughriders. Thank you for joining us today.

Andy Milovich: Thank you for having me.

Scott Ellis: It's great to have you here. I want to let everybody know before we get going that before we started recording we kind of kicked this off by finding out that we're both Indiana boys and big IU basketball fans. So if any of you out there are big IU basketball fans, please connect with us one way or another on social media. We need more of you around.

Andy Milovich: Absolutely.

Scott Ellis: So how did you make your way from Indiana to Frisco, Texas?

Andy Milovich: Well, it was a long winding road through some, a lot of small towns and I guess, uh, like a lot of kids growing up. I had a dream of playing major league baseball and um, I was fortunate to have had an opportunity to play in college. Started. I, you finished at Valparaiso university and from there the, the opportunity to play professionally clearly wasn't going to happen. Um, and so for me, the, the front office route was the way I wanted to go. And, um, the player development side is appealing is that was back in the early nineties. If you hadn't had a career playing professionally, there really wasn't much of a transition to get into the baseball operations side of it. So the front office and the minor league baseball side of it was a perfect fit and you know, had a chance to go to the minor league baseball winter meetings. And in Atlanta in 93, I had done three internships prior to that, hooked on with the team in Madison, Wisconsin, running food and beverage, uh, in a really, really challenging situation.

A lot of fun but not a lot of success. And, um, I learned quite a bit after a year with that organization, I hooked up with, um, my former GM in South bend. He had put me in touch with the guys that were opening a new ballpark in Erie where they needed some staff and I joined them and spent 18 years with Palisades baseball open three different ballparks in Erie, then as the GM in Mahoning Valley in 1999 in Northeast Ohio and then in Charleston, West Virginia in Oh-five. And at the end of the 2012 season, again at the winter meetings, um, I was approached by Chuck Greenberg about an opportunity in Myrtle beach and, um, close friend of mine, best man in my wedding I had worked with for 15 years, had been considering that job, wasn't a great fit from a timing standpoint with his family. And um, he put Chuck in touch with me and um, moved down to Myrtle beach, spent six years there before the opportunity here to, to move over with Chuck presented itself and we've been here since last July, so we're really excited and having a lot of fun and learning the community and making ourselves at home.

Scott Ellis: Well very good. We're very excited and happy to have you here in Frisco. And I understand that we have a, maybe set some records this year at the dr pepper ballpark.

Andy Milovich: Yeah, we had a great year. Um, you know, like every year we had some ups and downs, some challenges. It was my first full season here. And so learning the operation, learning the community, learning what worked and what didn't. Um, you know, it's always a pretty involved process. But, um, we hit our stride and, and felt really good about things. I think we had our second biggest attendance ever next to Dude Perfect night last year. And, uh, we had our biggest final weekend the team has ever had. So we feel really good about what we've been able to do in the last year. Uh, feel great about our role in the community and the strides that we've made and we're looking forward to bigger and better things, uh, in the years to come.

Scott Ellis: Well, the Roughriders have become, I think of them as an institution and Frisco been here for a long time. A lot of good things that are happening with, not just with the team itself, but around the team and the ballpark. Um, since we're at the end of a baseball season, I thought it might be fun to get into some of the other things that are happening in the ballpark that will still get people coming out and getting people together and having fun and doing community oriented activities.

Andy Milovich: Yeah, there's all kinds of things that take place and people are always surprised when we tell them that October is actually our busiest month of the year earth of all park. We have something going on seemingly every day from uh, the traditional events. We have our big casino night with sponsors and season ticket holders. Um, the red river rivalry game where we have the, the Oklahoma and Texas celebrities come out and play in a softball game against each other. There's a lot of fun, uh, similar to the Dirk's Heroes event that we, that we have every year in the summer. Um, but with, uh, Texas and Oklahoma flair to it, um, McConaughey is actually a much better hitter and athlete than probably a lot of people would think, know a lot of those big football players. They're not capable of hitting the ball though it's fun to watch them try to swing it.

It is funny to watch them kind of out athletes professional athletes. But um, it, it does happen. And then we have our, our fall festival this year we've got a, uh, a blues, uh, booze and uh, Blues festival angle to it where we're going to be doing some things, uh, with our friends from Franconia around that, uh, is a, is a beer festival event that ties into our fall festival. And, and even the Rangers have jumped on board this year. They moved their fall instructional leagues, created a prospect's camp. We're playing games against Texas tech, a couple of games, uh, Dallas Baptist and different schools in the area where the H the, the Rangers, top prospects from around the system are getting a chance to play here at home and work out at our facility every day. So between the corporate events, the public events, the private events and the range of stuff we have going on, it's a really, really busy month at the ballpark.

Kelly Walker: So I can vouch for what you said about October being busier than you would think. Um, this month of October, there are, there's a time when then my family will be there two or three nights in a row. And of course it's not watching Roughriders baseball, but it's for the things like you mentioned the casino night as season ticket holders, we get to that and it's awesome. It's so much fun to play money and, and get to be out on the field. And um,

Andy Milovich: is that only for season ticket holders or can anybody attend the casino night event? Yeah, it's [inaudible] season ticket and then, and then some sponsors as well. So, um, you know, for us it's a chance just to say thank you and have a lot of fun. It's casino games on the infield. Uh, a great buffet that chef created, uh, creates us, um, music and, and you're playing with funny money but to buy prizes and when things, so it's just a lot of fun in a way to say thanks. Kind of kick off the next year.

Kelly Walker: It is. And to meet other, you know, fans and friends and we've made friends there over the years. And then I'm super excited about that. You guys are bringing the Rangers camp. I mean it's been called a few things over the years, caravan and a couple of different things and um, but to bring my red Raiders in for that is exciting because we're a bunch of friends and I get to go watch that and um, to watch, uh, Josh the number one prospect play. So hopefully, I mean, I don't know, I mean the first chance to really get a glimpse of him for a lot of people. So to see him here is really exciting. And um, it's good to know that we have a fellow, uh, Red Raider. My, my daughter has already decided even though she's 10, she's going to play basketball, either Baylor or Texas tech. So she's all in effect.

Scott Ellis: Now, speaking of the, the whole IU connection, I mean, you guys had a Bobby Knight there for a little while as well. Yeah. he was no longer at IU, yeah, that was a kind of a sore spot. I think for some IU fans, but it was a glad to see him land somewhere for a little while. Anyway.

Andy Milovich: Yeah, that was an interesting time as an IU fan. And, uh, the winter meetings happen to be in Dallas, I think the first year after he came here and I ended up, uh, somehow boarding a plane, uh, in, in flying from here to Lubbock and we call it the Louisiana tech Texas tech game.

Went into the Bob Knight pregame shoot around, got a chance to meet him, sat in the first row behind a bench. So, um, the one time I actually met coach up close and personally was not as a Hoosier, but as a, as a red Raider. So ah, interesting.

Kelly Walker: Yeah, he turned our program around and look at us now.

Scott Ellis: He did indeed. So are the, is the Rangers' camp event, is that something that, that people can come and attend and watch as well?

Andy Milovich: Yeah, it is. Um, so we've got a couple of different games that are public and open to everybody. All the details are at ridersbaseball.com with the exact date start times and ticket availability. Um, but it's, uh, it's great. They've got 60 guys in their, in their camp and um, it's kind of a spring training like atmosphere. So, uh, you might play seven innings, you might play nine, you might get four outs in an inning just to let a pitcher kind of work through a situation or get the, get the number of pitches they want in and so forth. So it'll be a, it'll be a fun kind of atmosphere and a chance to really get to see a lot of these guys up close and personal.

Kelly Walker: Okay. And similar to that. Yes. Anybody can go. You buy, it's, they're really affordable tickets, but other things that happen throughout the year that sometimes people don't realize and they need to watch out for. Um, one of our favorites. You mentioned the Dirk game, so the Dirk's Heroes, um, celebrity game, but I think that's usually a June timeframe. Yes. Yeah. But then

Scott Ellis: Kelly, real quick, is he going to keep doing that now that he's retired?

Andy Milovich: So we haven't heard anything official yet. There is some speculation that he may want to continue with that. Um, and there's rampant speculation about who might take the Baton if he doesn't and decided to retire. So.

Kelly Walker: Well, I mean, I'm just saying with Jason Terry here now, it wouldn't be a bad handoff if he wanted to hand that off to, to him. But I'm also, and not sure if this will come back, but it's been here for a few years. When the Cowboys do a home run Derby, um, that's a fun event and some years it's free. Some years it's five bucks to get in and it's really cool to take your family and you sit in the baseball bleachers, but you're watching the Cowboys hit and, and their families out there. And it's a fun time cause we try to hit. Right. Right. And Jason Garrett is actually one of the better betters.

Andy Milovich: It's, it's amazing to watch those guys talking about, you know, professional athletes and what they're good at and what they aren't like. I feel like basketball players, baseball players, and most athletes who kind of step on to any field and at least look the part. But when you just watch some of those off fences and defensive lineman's try to catch a baseball coming at him with a glove. It's scary. Um, and then watching some of them swing, I think they asked, uh, Cooper last year when he got out of the cage after he and 12 swings maybe swung and missed at eight of them, filed three off and hit one in play. Uh, when the last time he hit was. And he said, today's the first time I've ever hit. Oh wow. So some of them will blow you away with what they can do. And others you're like, wait a minute, this doesn't add up.

Kelly Walker: And it's fun. Cause like when Dak goes up to hit the first time, maybe he doesn't hit as good as he wanted. You can tell he's like, I will do better next time around. And he does and he hits good. So it's fun. That's one of the other fun events that people need to watch out for because it sneaks up. Do you usually like in may or so and, um, it's easy to access and go do so watch out for that one.

Scott Ellis: Okay. I understand there's a, a, this sounds kind of cool to me. A movie night at the ballpark as well.

Andy Milovich: Yes. We have a handful of movie nights. Traditionally they're not public events. You get into some licensing licensing issues with the movies and the production company. Okay. Um, but we do have a lot of movie nights that take place with our different corporate partners. We do a season ticket holder movie night, and some of our major sponsors, we'll do different events at the ballpark.

Kelly Walker: Um, that's why you need to be a season ticket holder. You get to go to all these events.

Andy Milovich: Yeah. There's batting practices taking place this week for season ticket holders. There's, there's movie nights. Um, one of my favorite events we do with a corporate partner is, uh, Dr. Pepper does a kickball karaoke. So their employees have to sing a song before they get a chance to kick. Um, interesting. Which is entertaining. Um, but yeah, that's the great thing about minor league baseball is really the sky's the limit when you've got a ballpark like we do with the led everywhere, a lazy river, the lights in the field, you can do all kinds of crazy fun events that are part of a game that are standalone events and it's really a lot of fun.

Kelly Walker: Another standalone event that everyone can come enjoy. There's always Easter egg hunt for the little kiddos, um, around Easter time. And like you mentioned the fall festival with this cool new name, the bruise and booth [inaudible] beers and booze. Yeah, those booze and beers. But that's fun. Anybody can, um, you know, there's everything from obviously adult things happening, adult beverages, but also kids getting their face painted and all kinds of activities for kids. You can spend the whole afternoon,

Scott Ellis: Is that festival coming up soon, I would assume.

Andy Milovich: Yeah. End of the month. Uh, that takes place. And there's costume contest for kids and there's just, it's a, it's a four hour window, I think with all kinds of stuff going on. Pumpkin patches, um, you name it, it's out there and it's all free to the public.

Scott Ellis: Oh, we've got a, we've got a a long, uh, posts that we update every year of fall festivals and pumpkin patches and things like that. So it's, it's already in there. If not, it wasn't [inaudible] we'll make sure it is so and there.

Andy Milovich: And then fast forward after that you've got the winter Wonderland.Yeah. And the winter Wonderland is fantastic cause that's a toys for tots partnership. I think last year on a cold, rainy, miserable night, we did a over 12,000 toys, more than a hundred bikes and several thousand dollars. We raised in one night, um, with the toys for tots event at the ballpark. So hopefully this'll be our third year with that event. Hopefully it'll be the first time the weather actually cooperates cause we can do a lot more stuff other than just people stopping by to drop off. When is that event? Uh, that is in December. So I want to say it's the first week of December. Okay. And are there other activities happening around that as well? Like what are some of the other features of that event? Well, there were a lot of things that were supposed to happen and last year was my first time experiencing it and none of those activities happened because it was sleeting and raining.

Kelly Walker: I have been when all of the activities have happened and it was fine, whether I mean called but you know, good. Um, hot chocolate weather. So my kids like to get hot chocolate and sip on that the whole time we're in there. Um, you can do a horse drawn carriage ride around the M like exterior perimeter of the ballpark and the field has Christmas lights on it. I don't think you'd go on the field at that time, but it's really pretty, it's a good picture to have in the background with the lights on the field. I'm pretty sure there's a real reindeer there too.

Andy Milovich: I think we had reindeer, I think Santa has been there and taking pictures. I think there's cookies and crafting and

Kelly Walker: plenty going on for, for family entertainment in December. There.

Scott Ellis: : Sounds like fun. You guys do keep that park busy.

Andy Milovich: Yeah, it's, it's really, um, become, uh, a community center really. And, um, you know, when you think about what's happened here in Frisco, and I've heard the mayor speak a number of times about this being the greatest place to raise a young athlete and now the safest place to raise a young athlete. Um, that's really what drove us to, to Frisco is as a parent of two kids. My wife was a college basketball player, I was a college baseball player. We have two young athletes and we looked at the quality of schools, the quality of life, the, the sports that, the proximity to the DFW metroplex and everything. It has the offer on the big league level. And, and really just said, if, if we don't move here, somebody should take these kids away from us.

Like we would be irresponsible parents if we don't do this. And, uh, we missed the beach, don't get me wrong. But, uh, the move has been fantastic. But as we talked to different sponsors and people in the community, and I think about kind of how this division started in the late nineties it started with that TIF district at the ballpark and that was the first dive into sports. And you look at what's happened through FC Dallas and the stars and the S and the Cowboys and the legends and the PGA and everything that's going on in this community. It's really remarkable to think that it started with minor league baseball and that vision, that commitment and to see it manifest itself and unfold this way is really an incredible thing and a lot of fun to be a part of.

Kelly Walker: And I think you guys have a unique perspective in that as a minor league team with your, your ranger team down the road just a little bit, you know right down the road to where your players can bounce back and forth for more than a normal market would be able to do that. So as a fan perspective, that's really cool that you can see players back and forth and mostly get promoted. And stay there for several years and you know, half your ranger squad are Roughriders.

Andy Milovich: Yeah, it's, it's really a neat thing and it doesn't happen a lot, but when it does, it's, it's so special for the fans that are growing up in the community and coming to that ballpark. And you know, that game has such a, an incredible connection from one generation to the next. And I know that's how I got into it. My dad was coaching baseball when he was 18, four years before I was even born and he coached into his sixties. And so, you know, for me, I grew up on Cubs baseball and our, our team in Myrtle beach is a Cubs affiliates. So to be there and be a part of it and feel connected to that big league team that you grew up with was really, really special. And, um, you know, to get a world series ring as a part of it was a crazy dream come true.

You know, I wasn't the starting shortstop like I envisioned as a kid, but, uh, you know, um, you were there in spirit for sure. Um, I at least stood behind Glazer Torres while he was feeling ground balls before they traded for Chapman and won a championship. But, um, you know, that part of it, to see these guys on their way to the big leagues and then see them realize that dream up close and personal is really cool. And then because of that proximity, you get to see so many of these guys when they, uh, have a rehab assignment where they come back down and they get a chance to still stay in their own beds, stay with their families, but, but come back to Frisco where it can all started form as a really cool thing as well.

Kelly Walker: It is, we enjoy that. It's fun to go see, you know, Goosmann and I don't know dull. I know a lot of people come through every year, people rehab through and it's kind of a fun, you probably get a nice pop of attendance on some of those nights to a random Tuesday night when somebody's pitching, rehabbing through, huh?

Andy Milovich: Yeah. It's, it's weird. So because we're in the metroplex, um, you do get a bump, but it has to be a really big name to get a bump. Um, you know, if you have a, a utility infielder coming down, maybe that means an extra 30 or 40 autograph seekers come out, but it takes a, Yu Darvish, Josh Hamilton to really move the needle. Whereas in a, if you're in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, any big your gets that community excited and they come out.

Kelly Walker: Right. Yeah. Some of the bigger, I remember for stuff like that was Yu coming through, I mean, everybody would come out for those starts when he was, especially when he was new, when he was first pitching in Texas at all, he came through Frisco for, I feel like he came to Frisco before he actually hit Arlington to pitch. And, um, that was exciting.

Andy Milovich: Yeah, I looked, um, I'm a big numbers and data guy, so I, I combined five years worth of game log data. When I got here, I was just looking at our, our biggest days in the team's history and categorized them and, uh, dude, perfect is number one. Sure. Uh, and then, uh, like the next five or six dates are a couple of you Darvish, uh, a Josh Hamilton and a, uh, a, um, Cole Hamels appearances. So those, those big time, big name rehabs, especially pitchers because you get to see them more than just Fort bat seems to make a really big difference.

Kelly Walker: Can I ask you one question you mentioned earlier about openings and ballparks? Yes. I had to say goodbye to, well the baseball part of saying goodbye to the ballpark. Um, in Arlington. Um, I get to go back one more time for Billy Joel, few weeks. So you get to go down on the field one last time. But, um, so what are your thoughts? Have you been following the farewell tour of all the players and, and well wishes that everybody's been given the ballpark these last few months?

Andy Milovich: Yeah, I mean, I've, I've followed it a little bit. Obviously it's been, it's been a crazy time. The, the, the baseball season is crazy time for us as well, but, um, to me that kind of speaks of, to the power of sports. Right. Um, you know, we talked to him being born in Bloomington, delivered by an AAU team doctor growing up in South bend. I feel like I have a real appreciation for what sports can mean to a community and how it transcends socioeconomic boundaries and brings people together and can and when used correctly can lift communities. And when you think about growing up at a, at a stadium or at a ballpark, like global life park, it's such a special place and there's such fond memories that go beyond the baseball. It's the connection that you have to your family or your friends or who you enjoyed that game with.

It anytime you lose a building that meant that much to you, it's a really tough thing to get your head around. And I was a Brown season ticket holder, uh, it municipal stadium. So when I went back and I got my tickets at the new place, it just didn't feel right. Um, municipal was dirty, it was grungy. The bathrooms were discussing, there was trouble and fights and stuff all over. Like it was crazy, but it had so much character and so many memories. And it meant so much to that community. And then they brought back this new sterile kind of really ultra clean place with really, really bad football. And all of a sudden it just took a long time to even feel like you were at home. So it is, it is a challenge. But you know, if you look at Sunday's game as an example, what was the temperature 96 degrees and people were frying out there.

And uh, so I get it. Um, progress isn't always fun, but it is necessary at times. And I think at the end of the day, hopefully this will give them the opportunity to, to, to really drive more attendance to, to create a better environment for the team and ultimately drive the revenues it takes to be successful. It makes a lot of sense.

Scott Ellis: So on that note, uh, is there anything you can, uh, you can tell us at this point about what's coming up for the Roughriders maybe next season? Some things to look forward to?

Andy Milovich: Well, we're, we're right now we're, we just got back from El Paso and we spent a week down there. At the minor league baseball innovators summit. And, um, you know, we went back, uh, to El Paso where this seminar originally started 40 years ago. And there's a young man named Jim Paul at the time who had created this promotional seminar with, uh, 12 people that all got together to share ideas.

And it turned into this thing that up until I think 98' or 99' was known as the El Paso promotional seminars, and it was just minor league baseball people getting together to share ideas and brainstorm and help everybody get better. And so with the 40th anniversary with Jim Paul getting up there into his seventies, felt like we need to take it back to its roots, reconnect with him, and share ideas in El Paso and see their new ballpark. And, um, so we just spent a week down there and got a chance to spend a few hours with Jim and really reconnect with what kind of has made this such a special industry beyond the baseball. And, um, we had, I think, seven people from our staff down there. And we're, we're meeting next Tuesday, or no, I'm sorry. Uh, this Tuesday tomorrow to debrief and kind of talk through all of our promotions, everything that we're doing.

And I think probably our biggest goal next year is to have more fun than anybody in minor league baseball. I love it. Uh, that was our goal in, in Myrtle beach and not just from a fan's perspective but from a staff perspective. Cause when, when we're having a great time and everybody's feeding off that energy and that creativity, it leads to great promotions, leads to great things in the ballpark. And um, you know, I'm just really excited to kind of get back to, now that we've torn apart ticket packages and re-evaluated concessions and, and kind of really tore down the, uh, the engine to the block and rebuild some things to get back to what we do best and that's having fun and playing baseball and putting on a great show for the community.

Kelly Walker: I was going to say, I bet at the innovators, um, meetings, they're all waiting to hear what you guys are saying. The Roughriders lead the league in different, you know, innovative ideas and what you guys do to the ballpark. So they were probably all waiting to hear your new brainstorming ideas.

Andy Milovich: Yeah. They were, and you know, it's interesting. Um, we, we're pretty forward thinking in terms of embracing data on the business side of things and, um, we've had a great partnership for the last year with UNT, so it's great that we're over here on the campus. And, um, part of what we've done has been really focusing on where our, where our attendance comes from, what industry verticals. It's driven from where we're success and not in different verticals so that we can get better at it. Kind of managing our ticket sales staff. We have over 20 people on our ticket sales staff, which is a big staff to kind of get your head around it and determine who's performing and who isn't. So, um, a lot of what we've talked about the last few years at this innovator summit has been how do you embrace data and how has this helped teams get better?

So we were really heavily involved in those discussions. We partnered with UNT on some different projects on that front. We also are the only team in minor league baseball. It has a full time business intelligence analyst. Um, who's a data guy who had spent years at Yahoo, is a coder in India before moving to the U S and, um, he's been with me for a few years. So we're, um, we were heavily involved in kind of the future and where we're going. But at the end of the day, to me, what data really represents, if you break it down, is how you can better understand your fans and what emotionally drives their decisions and draws them to your team. And once you can use data that way, it allows us to better connect with you in a way that's relevant and personal and emotionally connecting. And, um, that's what it's all about for me.

You know, I have an eight and 10 year old girl, so we're going to sporting events all the time. But my social calendar is largely dictated by what their interests are. And so everybody's a different life stages. The community's exploding. There's that, they're building everywhere. You look. So for us it's about how do we build a promotional schedule and build a marketing campaign that's relevant to people individually. Because at the end of the day, that's really the only thing that matters is how you personally want to be treated. And then us trying to create that game day experience that meets your expectations. And that's different for everybody. And so I think that's, that's the sweet spot, the intersection of data and emotional connections.

Scott Ellis: It's interesting to hear you talk about that because as a digital media company, it's something that we're very focused on as well. Um, it's much easier to measure those things in a digital environment than it is in a bricks and mortar online environment like you guys have. And I know that that crosses over into digital to some extent, but, um, you've got a physical base to start looking at in terms of attendance and ticket sales and things like that. So, uh, it's, it's, it's good to hear that you guys are taking that approach and really trying to personalize that experience for the community.

Kelly Walker: And what a challenge. I mean you have, like you said, you want everybody to have the game day experience that they want. That's from toddlers to 90 year olds that are out there watching baseball. So that's a tough thing to achieve.

Andy Milovich: There's no question. Um, and if you're going to tailor that individual experience, you know, it takes time. It takes additional resources staffing wise, money-wise, you name it. But I think the, the first big step is, is shifting to this a membership experience specialist team that we have now to make sure that our, our, our primary core audience, our season ticket base is taken care of. And it's interesting. Um, there's a gentleman, um, Brian Burns who used to be on the steering committee for the national sports forum, uh, w which I'm on. And um, he's the, the top business intelligence guy for the Oklahoma City Thunder. Um, he has since moved up in the ranks and there's somebody else that's heading up that effort. Has his brother Michael Burns actually, and his wife Jenna, both worked with the Roughriders at one point and now run the Oklahoma City Dodgers.

And, um, he had, he had suggested when, when I first met him and attended a presentation breakout that he had held at the sports forum. He had talked about their, their membership experience team or whatever the name of it was. And, um, he said every interaction with a customer, they're tasked with learning three new bits of information about them, which sounds pretty creepy. Uh, but it's all about trying to figure out how do you tailor that experience. So you know, whether you're a motorcycle enthusiast or a boating enthusiasts or your kids, um, are into the mascot, their goal is to learn as much about you as they can so that when opportunities for the boat show or the, the indoor motorcycle, whatever they call that show, um, where they're jumping around with lights and cannon blasts and do flips on, yeah, it's one of those crazy shows.

A nitro circus comes to town, um, that they know who's a great candidate and who would have an interest in one show versus another. And, and he said, you know what, what really hit home for me was he made the comment that, um, they have a gentleman who owns the four seats between the bench and the scores table and he spends like $480,000 a year on these four season tickets. And they're personal tickets. It's not a company's name. And just out of curiosity, he said, this is such a major investment. How do you justify this? I could see from a business standpoint, but for you personally. And he said, well listen, I've done very, very well in my life. I've made a lot of money and I obviously can do just about anything I want to do. But when I brought my four year old daughter out here and it was her birthday, the mascot came over along with the dance team, presented her with the birthday present and a cake and sang happy birthday to her on the court.

I didn't make a call, I didn't ask. I wouldn't do those things he said, but the fact that you guys cared enough to do that, I can't put a price on that. And so that's, that's kind of the trick, right, is how do you figure out what's important to different people and then how do you deliver that experience without making it feel like you're intrusive. And, and in Oklahoma City's case, and hopefully in ours, it'll be through this membership experience team that will take care of your ticket exchanges, anything you might personally need with your account while getting to know you better and delivering a higher level of service.

Kelly Walker: It's, it's happening. I see it. Um, uh, over the years we've had a couple of different reps. our original one now runs the sales department. So, um, but they know that we're friends, I'm friends with all of them. They know our kids, we know when their kids are, you know, coming and born and they know what the sports we're attending and all of our interests and what we're up to. So your staff is doing a good job of it.

Andy Milovich: Yeah, we're, we're fortunate. We have some really good people and, and they're committed and Ross and David have been here for a long time and done a great job. And now we've got a full time dedicated, you know, service team that's going to take care of all of our season ticket holders. Whether you're a first year and just getting into a rookie on-boarding program or you've been here eight or 10 years to know your way around the ballpark, uh, you know, like you do and it's uh, for us it's all about how do you make this a seamless, enjoyable family night out at the ballpark. Because at the end of the day, you know, our fans are just like us. We're all starved for time. We don't have enough hours in a day. We have a million things going on. And when you do have that chance to spend two or three hours with the people you care about, you want a seamless, fun experience that, that, that creates the memories in that downtime that you're looking for.

Scott Ellis: Absolutely. I think that's a great place to end it off. But Andy, thank you so much for joining us today. That's a great look at all this stuff happening at the ballpark. A good look at kind of how you guys are thinking about things behind the scenes and why it is such a special experience and why I'm going to go back and say that the the Frisco riders are Frisco Roughriders already a Frisco institution, and thank you guys for all you doing.

Andy Milovich: Thank you.

Scott Ellis: Yeah, keep up the good work. Kelly, thanks for joining us as well.

Kelly Walker: Thanks for having me and thanks to all of you for listening into the Briscoe podcast. Please be sure to go out and subscribe to us on iTunes, Google play, Spotify, Stitcher. Pretty much any place that you're listening to a podcast, you're going to find the Frisco podcast, and while you're at it, go look up Kelly's hustle and pro as well and make sure you subscribe to her podcast too. Thanks to all of you for tuning in. We'll talk to you next time.

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This podcast is sponsored by Kalypso Wellness Centers.

If you or someone you know has depression, PTSD, fibromyalgia, or chronic pain this episode is a must listen.

If other treatments don't seem to be helping, this episode may have options that many, even in the medical community, are not be familiar with.

With a success rate above 70%, Kalypso Wellness Centers is having great success treating those conditions with Ketamine.

Listen in as I chat with Dr. Cannon Clifton about how Kalypso got started, how they're helping patients and finding amazing success with their treatments. Depression does not have to be destiny.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ju_ArPm2fY0

SHOW NOTES: [00:55] Starting Kalypso Wellness Centers - Two Brothers in Medical School

[04:55] Ketamine background, side effects, and mitigating side effects

[07:37] Discussing the safety, connotations, and truth about Ketamine

[09:26] The science behind Ketamine (in lay terms)

[12:17] Treatment timelines, frequency, and how long treatments last

[16:29] The success rate at Kalypso Wellness Centers

[19:24] How to connect someone you know that needs help with Kalypso Wellness Centers

[23:17] Getting Treatment In Frisco

[27:15] Beyond Depression, other conditions that benefit from Ketamine treatment

[31:00] How to connect with Kalypso Wellness Centers

LINKS & RESOURCES: * + Kalypso Wellness Centers Website + Kalypso Wellness on Facebook + Kalypso Wellness on Twitter + Kalypso Wellness on LinkedIn + 800-737-3820

Connect with Lifestyle Frisco on: * YouTube * Facebook * Instagram * Twitter * LinkedIn

Transcript Scott Ellis:

Scott Ellis: Welcome to the Frisco podcast. I'm your host, Scott Ellis. And today we are here with Dr. Cannon Clifton from Kalypso wellness centers. Dr Clifton, welcome to the show. Thanks for having me out, Scott. Good to have you on board. So we're here to talk about a subject that is near and dear to my heart. So one thing a lot of people don't know about me is I have a degree in psychology and I worked in a clinical setting for a little while, eventually got out of that. But um, it's still something that, that I think that experience gave me a different perspective on the topic we're going to talk about today and that is depression and the treatment of depression. And so you have co founded something called the Kalypso wellness centers and you guys have a, I guess a unique approach to how you're treating depression and some of the success that you're having with that. So let's start there. Tell us a little bit about your background and how you got into Kalypso and treating depression.

Dr. Cannon Clifton: Definitely. Well, uh, I started off, uh, initially as a chemical engineer and actually worked for five years up at an oil refinery up in Minneapolis. Uh, it got to the point where somebody was gonna have to start making the gasoline, but it just wasn't going to be me anymore. And at the time, my brother was in medical school and I started talking to him and, uh, I realized that why I really wanted to figure out how to get into medical school so I can still do science related stuff but maybe help more people. Uh, fast forward a bunch of years and went to medical school and ended up doing residency and got my, uh, a certification in anesthesiology and was practicing as a anesthesiologist in San Antonio for about eight or nine years. And about that time, my brother who also decided to specialize in anesthesia, he had moved to San Antonio as well.

And we were in the same group. And we started looking to say, okay, what can we do? We keep getting the subset of patients that, that need more help, uh, whether it be chronic pain or depression or anxiety. In San Antonio where we practice, there's a lot of veterans that have PTSD. And we started coming across as research of patients that would get low dose ketamine infusions that was having pretty remarkable results. And so then we started talking to some other pain physicians that are now our partners. And they said, yeah, we've heard about that, but we just don't have time to kind of explore it more. And so my brother and I said, well, we'll make time out of our anesthesiology schedule and let's start seeing some of your patients. And so we saw 10 of their worst pain and depressed patients and remarkably nine out of 10 of those patients got way better.

And we said, man, we might be onto something here to get a new type of treatment for these patients. And so then from there we said, well, let's, let's do all the research. Let's see what's going on. And one of the things we found was that unfortunately, the medicine itself, ketamine, while it's highly effective for helping these, it also had a pretty bad side effect profile. Uh, the literature States that 40 to 60% of patients, you know, can't tolerate getting infusions. And we found that for our first 10 patients, almost exactly half of 'em said, boy, that really helped me, but I don't know if I want to do that again. Um, and medicine, there's an old joke that if I come up with a cure for cancer, if it causes Alzheimer's disease, not a very good cure. Right. Um, so that's when we said, well, let's go back to the drawing board.

I mentioned I was a chemical engineer. We started looking at more of the organic chemistry literature. Uh, one of our partners, Dr. Mark Moran, he's got a master's in pharmacology. Um, my brother I mentioned, he's always just been kind of a research nut. And so we started looking at all different types of things that we can say, what can we add in to help put the ketamine to make it either work better? And maybe more importantly have less side effects. And, um, you know, I'm sure we'll talk about it here in a bit, but that's kind of how we got going and started Kalypso. Uh, again, it was a purely out of that there's gotta be something better to help these patients with their depression and anxiety, PTSD, their chronic pain, their migraines, fibromyalgia, and, uh, you know, from there we were kind of off and running and, and that's, you know, I'm here talking with you now.

SE: Okay. So are you guys, is this your full time focus now? Is the Kalypso Wellness Centers, are you still a practicing anesthesiologist?

Dr. Clifton: I'm still a practicing anesthesiologist as is my brother. Uh, the other two founders are still practicing traditional pain management. Uh, but essentially we were working two full time jobs and, uh, you know, our, our goal would be as a, hopefully one day we could, uh, switch to just doing Kalypso full time. Uh, there's, you know, way too many patients out there that, that need to hear about it, that need this treatment. Uh, there's way too many physicians and people in the medical community that don't even know about this treatment that need to be educated too. So that's the goal is hopefully we can get to it so that more people can get access to this.

SE: All right. So it's already opening up a whole bunch of questions for me. The first of which is what were the side effects that was making the ketamine treatment so, so hard on people? What was it, what were they experiencing?

Dr. Clifton: Well, first, just a little quick background on ketamine. It's actually a very old medication. It was invented in the 60s and uh, we use it as an anesthetic all the time. Uh, in fact, the world health organization listed as one of their core medicines in the world. So it's a very safe, very, uh, effective anesthesia agents we use it for is that we give these patients infusions of the medicine over an hour and really low doses. So it's not even enough of the medicine that you could do a procedure on them, like a true anesthetic if you had to get a surgery or some type of procedure. The problem with ketamine is that it has a very just fork, um, out of body type of experience.

Some patients, uh, state that they get some hallucinations and a lot of people don't like that, that feeling. And in fact when we use it as an anesthetic, we actually give patients a very powerful amnesia medicine as well. So that way they don't remember having um, that kind of out of body, um, you know, experience where they have these kind of weird hallucinations and doesn't, don't like the way they feel even at these low doses. These patients still are getting some of those side effects. And that's when we said, okay, you know, if they can't tolerate it then there's no use and continue with this medication. And now what we did is, again, I mentioned earlier about the different research we did. We found other medicines that we use commonly that we can mix with the ketamine and I can't stress enough the ketamine is the main medicine that's doing all of the benefits that's helping the patients.

But these other medicines greatly reduced the side effect profile that now all of our patients, they still say it's a weird experience, but nobody says it's a bad experience anymore.

SE: Not enough to keep them from wanting to continue or to, to have the treatment?

Dr. Clifton: correct. And everybody's always a little nervous about coming in the first time because usually they do nothing about ketamine or if they have heard of it, they usually have heard of some of the bad connotations with ketamine.

SE: And I was going to ask, I know that for those that have even heard the word ketamine before, they may have an association with it being used illicitly or in some other way that's recreational but not advisable. So, um, how do we get people more comfortable with the idea that this is a drug that we can treat these problems with and you're going to be okay.

Dr. Clifton: Yeah. It's all about education and, and surprisingly not just to the general public, but even to my other healthcare colleagues because unless you're an anesthesiologist or maybe an emergency physician, most people learned about ketamine for just a couple of days their first year of medical school and then they forgot about it. Um, the problem that most people hear the negative connotations is they say, well, isn't that a party drug? And isn't that a horse tranquilizer? And the short answer is yes, but then I always have to explain that any type of substance or medicine can be abused. People abused caffeine, people will lose alcohol. People abused, you know, the opioids that we have prescribed for pain. Um, so it's two and they're taking those in much higher doses than what we even give as a, as true anesthetics in the operating room. The other big one, I think that was a worst, um, connotation with it is that when people ask me about it being a horse tranquilizer, and because they throw their horse in front of it, people think, Oh, this must be super powerful.

It can't be, you know, it must be too strong. And the truth is that's used ketamine all the time for the simple reason that we can also give it as almost like a flu shot intramuscularly. And that's important because we use that for children all the time too. Because what kids and animals don't let us do is start IVs on. They don't like needles, but when you give it intramuscularly, then the, the child, the adolescents or the animals will start to calm down and then you can do what you have to do to them or you can then start an IV and do the procedure. And the key part of this is that the reason why ketamine is so safe as it's our only anesthetic that actually increases your heart rate a little bit and increases your drive to breathe a little bit interesting. So that's why it's great for the vets because animals as a general rule are harder to maintain their airway, keep them breathing than they are with humans.

And so this actually helps them out so they can do their procedures. So usually anytime that I'm talking with somebody like you Scott or giving a talk or we're talking to patients to come in for a consult, then they, I explained this to them and they say, Oh, that makes a lot more sense now I understand. You know why people say these things about ketamine and actually it turns out, like I said, it's a very safe and very effective medication.

SE: Okay, that's good to know. For those of us that like to kind of nerd out on these things a little bit and we won't go too far down this rabbit hole, can you describe what is it that ketamine is actively doing that is helping alleviate symptoms of say, PTSD or depression?

Dr. Clifton: Yeah. Well you may take me down the rabbit hole cause I love to nerd out about this stuff.

Um, but in short, the, it's got four main things that it does. The first thing that ketamine does is the very potent anti inflammatory medicine. In fact, that may be one of the most potent anti inflammatory medicines that we have at our arsenal. And that's very good for anybody that has any type of chronic pain. There's usually inflammatory component and just recently they've also linked inflammation and depression together and they're not sure if the depression causes inflammation or if inflammation causes more depression. So it's certainly gonna help with that aspect as well. And that's been new to hear just in the last three to five years. They've, they've pieced that together. Number two, just from the pain side of things, a ketamine targets a specific receptor in your body. And again, here's the nerdy part of it. It's called the NMD receptor. And the only reason that's important is because all of our other pain medicines mostly targets a different receptor that's associated with morphine type medicines.

And so therefore when patients are exposed Academy and they have chronic pain, usually it's a novel medicine. Their body's never seen before, and so they have a profound reaction to it that helps them to start to feel better almost right away. It makes sense. Yep. So that's great for those patients. Back to the mental health side of things. Depression, anxiety, PTSD. The medicine also targets the receptor in your brain called the glutamate receptor. And that's really important because glutamine is one of the main excitatory amino acids in your body. That's great. If you're taking a test or running from a bear, it's not great when it's time to relax and your brain needs to sleep. And, uh, you talk to any patient with depression, with anxiety, PTSD, you know, they feel like that even if they're going to sleep, their brains are still running a mile a minute.

And so this medicine helps to truly calm their brain down and start to quiet things down. And the last thing that the Ketamine does, and this is what I think is the coolest part about the whole thing, is that the medicine actually helps for new nerves to regrow and synapse. They don't have the memory or the imprints that I've got. Chronic pain, chronic depression, chronic anxiety, fibromyalgia, and you know, we've actually got research studies now and, uh, functional MRIs that have shown that the ketamine helps to stimulate these new nerves and start growing faster and connections together while we're blocking all those receptors I just talked about. Uh, so that way the patients, you know, gets hopefully truly longer term benefits and relief and not just a transit type of medicine. So in a nutshell, hopefully that wasn't too, too nerded out, but that's, that's what it does.

And I love talking about it because, uh, again, it's just for the patients that get these treatments, uh, it's been life changing for them.

SE: I think that was, that was a great description, I think, uh, at a high enough level that most of us can still relate to it or understand it anyways. When somebody comes in for treatment, how long does that treatment take and then how long does it last? How frequently do they have to come back? Things like that.

Dr. Clifton: We get asked that all the time. It's a great question. So two answers to that one. At Kalypso wellness centers or any of our managed partners, uh, facilities. The infusions themselves are exactly one hour. There's about 15 to 20 minutes beforehand to fill out the some standard vetted out questionnaires that everybody fills out beforehand and then there's about 15 to 20 minutes afterwards for the immediate effects to kind of wear off and you know, get you so we can get you to go home in a safe manner.

How long did the treatments last is kind of dependent on the severity of the patient's disease state, how long they've had it, what other treatments or medications they might be on. We've done so many infusions now though that when patients come in for consults, we have a good idea that we say, Hey look, we know you're going to need four to six treatments kind of right off the bat and then at three to six months you may need a maintenance or booster infusion and then maybe another one at around a year Mark. And that's the majority of our patients as a protocol that they fall follow. We certainly have some patients that come in and get one or two treatments and they doing way better and they say, Hey, we'll come see you again if we need to. Uh, we also have a subset of patients that have either been maxed out on narcotics or they've had all the surgeries they could have or from their depression and anxiety.

They've tried every antidepressant, they've tried electric shock therapy, they've seen every type of therapist and psychiatrist and nothing has helped. And this is the only thing that helps them for those patients. They say, Hey, we would rather not get back on more medicines with more side effects and come in and see you guys, you know, once every two or three months for an infusion. Because then it takes away all my anxiety, all my depression, all my, you know, thoughts of suicidality. And so we have a small sets up subset of patients that do that as well. So the key though is, is that every patient's different. We know that when patients come in for the consultations, we want to talk to any of referring physicians that they may have that sent them over. We want to discuss what medications they're on currently. We want to discuss what their goals and plans are.

Uh, do I have time to tell a quick story?

SE: Yeah. By all means.

Dr. Clifton: We had a patient that came in and he was a grandfather who was 78 and he had chronic pain, had two failed back surgeries. I'm maxed out on narcotics and he said his grandson was coming into town and he heard about us and nothing else helped him. So he wanted to try it. So he got an infusion with us on Wednesday. His grandson was coming in on Friday and we said, we're going to call and check on you. And like we do all our patients. And we called them on Monday and we said, how are you doing? And he said, Oh man, I had the grip of best time ever. I took my son to SeaWorld. Uh, we went to go out to go play a, he loved that. We got to go to the park.

And I just had made him do that. And for years we said, that's great. That means you're responding well to the medicine. We know you've had two failed back surgeries and you're max out on narcotics, you probably should come back in. And that way we can give you longer term relief. I said, no, I'm good. I'll just come in next time. My grandson comes in town next year or two. And we kind of chuckled cause you know, that's all he wanted to do was to uh, you know, come in for, you know, that one short time it was your aunt's son was in. So my point was, is it different patients have different goals and we want to work with them to achieve what goals they want to have, um, but also give them the maximum benefit. So if somebody is on, I guess what I would consider a normal or typical protocol in the beginning, they're coming in more regularly for awhile before they go into the maintenance mode.

SE: Is it monthly, weekly, every two weeks? What's the schedule typically look like for somebody like that?

Dr. Clifton:There's the medical literature that's out there and then our empirical data that we found too has been that usually you want to get a block of infusions closer together. At the beginning we found that usually as long as you get an infusion and about seven to 10 days or less, then you get the chance for the most and longest benefits. Okay. So most of our patients, if they need four to six infusions, they usually get one or two infusions a week for two to three weeks. And then after that we say, okay, let's see how you do for a month or two because that's when those new nerves are regrowing and recent [inaudible] and you know, see how their benefit is. And then again, we check in again about three to six months and that's when they may need to come back for another maintenance dose.

But most of the time they usually get the block of infusions within the first two to four weeks of them coming in for their first treatment. Okay. That makes sense. What sort of overall, what sort of success rate do you see with people? I know from experience that different people react differently to different types of treatments and medications. Not everything works for everyone.

SE: How does, how well does this work overall for, for people, especially those that have maybe tried other things to treat their condition and it, they just haven't had any success so far.

Dr. Clifton: So for us, we've done a little over 6,300 infusions now since we started Kalypso and our patients, we have an 85 to 90% patient saying they're getting the benefit that they wanted. Um, this isn't us leading them with questions. Uh, we have again, both questionnaires they fill out before their infusions that we track and these are nationally vetted questionnaires that deal with depression, anxiety, pain, um, and we track those numbers.

And then after their infusions, again, we have a survey that we follow up with that it's just a question, you know, one to 10, do you feel happier, do your meditations working better to getting more sleep? And then they answer those questions and they're not even any of the physicians that call and ask these questions. So that way we can't be biased. So 85 to 90%, which is huge in medicine. Um, I'd like to point out too that and most of the medical literature out there for uh, any research during studies or other places that are, uh, giving these ketamine infusions, usually they mentioned around a 60 to 70% benefit rate. Now that being said, we're certainly proud of the work that we're doing and that with our formulations, patients seem to be getting more benefit than just getting standard ketamine. But I'd like to also stress it again, there's lots of patients that could benefit from this and even 60 to 70% benefit is huge in medicine.

SE: Yeah, absolutely.

Dr. Clifton: Um, I think the bigger difference with Kalypso, which I think you are going to get to here in a second, is that back to that side effect profile and a 40 to 60% side effect profile where patients can't tolerate it. That part is terrible in medicine. In fact, most of the time we like anything if there's going to be some type of side effect or if a patient asks, you know, Hey, what's my chances of this happening in a surgery? We like one to 2% or less. And so with our formulations now we've gotten our percentage of those side effects down to that one and 2%. Um, our biggest side effect now some patients would get a little nauseous and we get patients and let's say I have an allergy to it, a anti-nausea medicine beforehand and so therefore side effect profiles now is essentially down to zero and that's just phenomenal and great because again, as we've talked about at the beginning, if patients don't want to come get this infusion or they feel like it makes them feel so bad afterwards that they have these bad side effects, then they're not going to even give it a chance to get their benefits.

SE: Yeah, no, it's great that you guys have managed to find ways of mitigating that as much as possible so that people are getting the benefits without that sort of negative side effect that that might prevent them from wanting to continue with their treatment. When I want to shift gears a little bit and talk about all of those people that would potentially benefit from this but maybe don't know about it. Um, haven't had access to it yet. Um, if I know someone that has PTSD or depression or anxiety and would like them to consider this, how do I begin to educate that person, help them get connected with you guys one way or another so that you're having the opportunity to treat as many people as possible?

Dr. Clifton: Yeah, that's a great question because we've got, had lots of friends, family, patients that have said, you know, I've got this uncle, I've got this cousin, you know, I've got a friend of a friend that they could really benefit and I don't know how to get through to them or what's the right way to do it. So the internet is a great thing and also can not be the right thing. Right? Indeed. Yeah. Everybody thinks if they're go to Google, then they'd become an expert. Right. Um, but the good thing is, is that if people truly just Google or put in their, you know, ketamine infusions, low-dose ketamine infusions, tons of stuff is coming up now because it seems like there's a new article every week that's coming out and talking about some of the benefits for us specifically at all of our Kalypso managed partner locations.

We give free consultations, uh, on our websites. They can send in either anonymous or their name and say, I want more information. We can get back to them either by phone, emails in the literature. They can certainly stop in to any of our clinics and ask for information. Our biggest thing is that we want to educate the patients. We feel like that an educated patient is somebody that is going to do better. They're going to feel more empowered about their ability to get their treatment. Uh, we only leave any stone unturned when we're talking to patients and, you know, go, we'll go back over and over again. The same things we talked about earlier. You know, about what's the side effects. You know, I've heard bad things about Academy and um, you know, what, why isn't more people offering this? And so we truly want the patients to be as educated as possible.

So um, go to the internet or have them call us, have them check out our website, go to any of our clinics. And the more conversations we have the better.

SE: Do you guys work with other um, referring like psychiatrists or psychologists or other organizations? Like we have a lot in Frisco. There are a number of organizations here that work with veterans in different capacities. If they are identifying somebody that maybe has PTSD or is at risk in some way, suicidal. Do organizations like that have a path to easily reach out to you guys and try to get you connected with the people that would potentially be a good, a good patient?

Dr. Clifton: Yes and no. We, we've tried to reach out to a lot of these organizations and there's, there's, I say several, there's many that are national organizations. There's some that are just specific to different cities and States.

The, I think the issue is, is that a lot of the patients are, or these groups are a little leery because maybe something we should have talked about in the beginning is that these low dose infusions or we're using this considered an off label use by the FDA. When we use it as an anesthetic in the operating room, it's FDA approved. But in this setting it's considered off label use. So therefore insurance doesn't readily cover it. Um, other people that might send us patients and send referrals, then our leery because they say, well, if it's off label FDA use and there must be something wrong with it, which is not true. And medicine, we do lots and lots of things that are considered off label use. And so we're trying to keep it, uh, again, back to the education piece to explain what it is we're doing and how we're doing as much as possible.

But for any of those organizations, we've tried many times and will continue to try and that we want to reach out to them, we want them to reach out to us. How can we help? How can we see the people you're seeing that need this help? Again, especially in San Antonio, it's a big veteran city that we've got lots of, uh, military bases and a VA system. Um, and so any way we can reach out to those people and help them, we're, we're happy and want to do to help them out.

SE: Yeah, it makes sense. And I think there are a lot of, um, use cases for medicine. I mean that I, even as a layperson that I know of where a medicine was designed for one thing, but it's then treated for something else. And I think that's, that's fairly common, but people don't always recognize that.

Dr. Clifton:So I'm glad you made that point.

SE: Okay. So you guys started in San Antonio, correct? Yes, sir. And you've expanded out into some other places. Um, I know that there is a Kalypso wellness center in Dallas, but for our folks here in Frisco, that's our main audience, uh, first go and surrounding cities. Is Dallas their best location or is there another place that they can go to, uh, to get treatment or connect with you guys at least know?

Dr. Clifton: Definitely in Dallas. They're their best spot and we're super excited cause we just partnered with a new group of physicians, uh, here in the, in the area and they're called principle spine and wellness. It's Dr. Paul Kurian and Dr. Arpon Singh. And again, their background is pain management doctors, but then have also been doing their own research about ketamine, ketamine infusions. Um, it's interesting, you know, we were talking earlier about the depression side of things.

We see lots of patients that have depression that have no component of pain, but almost every patient that has chronic pain has a component of depression and anxiety because they're always sick and tired of feeling sick and tired. That is completely understandable. So, uh, Dr. Kurian and, uh, Dr. Singh reached out to us and they said, Hey, you guys have kinda been pioneering this treatments, uh, have these protocols set in place. You know, we'd like to meet up with you and see if we can kind of work together and have this partnership. And so just recently, um, you know, we've partnered with them and they're providing Kalypso wellness centers and fusions at their office. Again, Principle Spine and Wellness. And, uh, yeah, that's a great resource for all of your listeners to go to. Again, they do free consultations. Uh, they can call and, and reach out to them.

Speaker 3: Hey, we just got the question about this or we want to hear more about, you know, we heard on the podcast that Dr. Clifton mentioned this. Can you explain that some more and they'll be happy to talk with them. And, and again, I, I can't stress enough how excited we already have a presence, uh, here in Dallas. Um, do you know, there's a large veteran population here in Dallas as well. And again, you know, being a super large city in Texas, um, you know, there's thousands if not millions of patients that could benefit from these, these, uh, these treatments.

SE: Yeah, absolutely. And it's definitely something that we wanna uh, I'm happy to have you on today because I want to get the word out that there is another path for people that have, uh, that have one of these conditions want to treat it, especially if they haven't had success trying other things. This is going to be new to a lot of people. So let's make sure that they're aware that this is an option for them and it's something worth investigating. It sounds like you guys are having tremendous success with, with the Ketamine infusions.

Dr. Clifton: We have and it's great and you just kind of hit the nail on the head that, that almost all of our patients are patients that nothing else has worked for them. Again, they've tried every medicine, they've tried, every surgery, they've tried every treatment. Most of these patients don't even want to go see a physician anymore because the physicians a sink, they're quote unquote crazy because nothing works. And it's interesting, we found that all of these patients, while they're unicorns and themselves, cause they're all unique. We found a Kalypso. Now, we almost have, we called a herd of unicorns because they're all individually unique, but they're all the same in the sense that nothing's worked for them.

And so when we talked to these patients, um, you know, again, we, we are always forthright and tell them that, you know, again, if we're getting 90% success rate, that means that there's 10% that this may not work for them. Um, but we're giving them hope again. And, and, and that's an important thing to these patients. You know, feel like that then nothing's ever gonna change. And what keeps me going and excited about coming in and talking with you and educating people and, and talking about ketamine infusions is that we have patients all the time that they come back to us and say, you know, you got my wife back, you got my son back, I can go back to work again. I don't want to kill myself again. I mean, that, that, that stuff is just as super powerful. And I can't stress that enough as a physician how rewarding that is.

And in fact, this has been the most rewarding thing I've ever done as a physician.

SE: So I can't even begin to imagine how much. So that's gotta be the case. So I want to close off with two things. First, let's start with directly talking to the people that would benefit from this. So we've talked about depression, we've talked about PTSD, anxiety, and chronic pain. Is there anybody else, any other conditions, people that we want to say, if you are suffering from this, if you've tried other things for X, Y, orZ , give us a call. At least come talk to us.

Dr. Clifton: We would love to try to help. Definitely in, those are the main kind of big umbrella diagnoses. But we've actually helped treat 32 different disease States at our, we've got our clips or senators and some of the other big ones that patients come to see us for migraines.

I didn't realize how debilitating it can be. The patients that have migraines that this helps them with that. Patients with fibromyalgia. Again, that's another one of those kind of weird diseases that the medical community even until recently used to think was kind of a made up deal. And until you meet these patients that have fibromyalgia, you realize that this is a really true, debilitating disease that is ruining their lives and they get no treatment. Um, and we have a kind of a class of what we call the weird diseases. We, I joked about unicorns earlier, but while we're not gonna cure any of these diseases, lots of these different diseases, these patients have severe symptoms of depression, anxiety, pain, and we help with those symptoms. And those diseases are things like ALS or Lou Gehrig's syndrome, um, multiple sclerosis, Lymes disease, lupus, uh, again, want to make sure we're clear.

We're not going to cure any of these diseases, but we can to help out a ton with the, the symptoms and the severity of their disease States. So if we, the kind of two big umbrellas you can think of as a patients that have some type of pain component, whatever that may be. And in the mental health side of things, which again includes depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, OCD. So almost everybody knows somebody that has some of these symptoms. And again, most of the time this isn't considered a first line treatment, but it certainly can be. Um, most of the time our patients are the ones that like we've talked about that everything hadn't worked and then they come to see us.

SE: So I'm going to come on and come at you out of left field with this one, you talked about it helping nerves grow back or nerve connections get made. Is there any benefit to somebody with a neurodegenerative disorder like a [inaudible] or things that are related to like a Parkinson's or like dementia and Alzheimer's, things like that. Is there any benefit to those patients even with symptoms with ketamine? Just curious.

Dr. Clifton: So there hasn't been any studies that have come out yet that have helped anything with Alzheimer's. There has been a couple studies that have said that it has helped patients with Parkinson's disease but has been more from the mental health side of things that they feel like they can, okay, I've got this terrible illness, I can know how to deal with it a little bit better for neurodegenerative types of issues. What we always tell patients when we talk to them is, is it our medicines are never going to fix a true mechanical injury. Uh, that being said, there's lots of patients that have partially herniated discs.

They have, uh, issues where nerves are partially impinged upon. And we've talked about the antiinflammatory properties. So those patients are great candidates. And what happens is we have lots of patients that they go to see a neurosurgeon per se, and they're kind of plus minus, and whether they want to do some type of spinal surgery. And so the patients will try our infusions first and a lot of times then they don't need to go get surgery. We've also had patients that they tried it and then it turns out that their mechanical injury was too great. So they get the surgery. But then the cool thing is, is that we're hearing feedback from the spine surgeon saying that our patients that came and saw us first, the recovering quicker or they've requiring less narcotics and their postoperative stay, um, they get out of the hospital quicker.

So in that sense, it's kind of a win win anyway if they ended up having to have surgery because they're getting more benefits and having less side effects once they get their surgery. Fantastic.

SE: All right, so let's make sure we're going to kind of go out on this one. I want to make sure that people know how to find you guys, how to reach you. So if people want to learn more, if they want to connect with Kalypso wellness centers, tell them where to go here in the Dallas area and we want you to go and call the principles spine and wellness. Our national website is www.kalypsowellness.com you can give us a call at one 800-Reset20 no matter where you're at in the United States, uh, you can get routed to the closest place, uh, to where you live. And we hope to hear frame it because again, if you just want information, we'd love to educate you. Let, let us see how we can help you out.

SE: And that's Kalypso with a K and we'll have all this linked up. All the information will be in the show notes, so if you're listening to this podcast, definitely hit those show notes and connect with these guys. If you know, if you or somebody you know could, could use their help, we appreciate it. We'd love to talk to anybody. Dr Clifton, thank you so much for joining us today. You guys are doing great work and really appreciate it.

Dr. Clifton: Thanks for having me on. I appreciate it. Thank you, sir.

SE: You bet. And to all of you who are listening, thank you very much for tuning into the Frisco podcast. As always, please be sure to subscribe to us on iTunes, Google play, Spotify, Stitcher, and anywhere that you guys are out there listening to badass cause we're all over the place now. Thank you very much for tuning in and we'll talk to you next time.

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There's so much going on around Frisco it's hard to keep up with it all. So Lifestyle Frisco is bringing you "In Case You Missed It," a quick rundown of some of the interesting stories and upcoming events this week.

SHOW NOTES: * Flying Cars: Uber Elevate is bringing flying taxis to Frisco * Jason Terry: 6th Man of the Year with the Dallas Mavericks joins the Texas Legends Staff * 5A High School Football: Lone Star is tops after week 3, but keep an eye on these other Frisco Schools too + Hustle & Pro Interview with Greg Tepper * Upcoming Events: + [Article] Frisco Oktoberfest - Everything You Need To Know + [Audio Podcast] Frisco Oktoberfest - Get the Inside Scoop + [Vide0] Frisco Oktoberfest - Interview with keith Ashley and Kaylee Kelley * Mariposa Masquerade Gold Party + The Story of The Kids Shouldn't Have Cancer Foundation

Connect with Lifestyle Frisco on: * YouTube * Facebook * Instagram * Twitter * LinkedIn

Transcript This transcript is machine-generated. Please forgive errors.

Welcome to the Frisco podcast. I'm your host, Scott Ellis and this week we're going to try something a little bit different. We're going to do a rundown of things that you might've missed or in case you missed it happening around Frisco and we're going to pull from a bunch of different sources and learn a little bit about some things that are happening in Frisco that you may or may not have heard about yet, but we've got some interesting news updates so let's go ahead and dig in. The first one I've got for you is the Uber elevate project that's coming to Frisco. Now you're probably familiar with the company Uber who will bring you a car. You just order it up on the app and somebody will come and take you wherever you want to go. Uber is working on a project called Uber elevate where it is shared aircraft for short distance travel, so Frisco is going to be one of the first test beds, the one of the first places where they're going to try this out with test flight starting next year.

That's in 2020 and commercial availability. Hopefully in 2023 but what they've got going is a landing pad. It's a hell a pad of sorts that will be anchored in Frisco station and you will be able to go down there, call up an Uber elevate, which looks like a small airplane, but it's got a couple of rotors that rotate, um, on the wings for vertical takeoff and landing. And then obviously horizontal travel. And the route will be from Frisco to DFW airport and it will take nothing more than seven minutes. So for those of you that are traveling up and down the toll road or down one 21 to get to the airport, this is gonna be a really, really cool thing. It's certainly an interesting answer to at least a part of the traffic problem we have going on here and a ton of cool factor and we're very excited for first, not only to be a part of that, but at least at this point it looks like we're going to be the first place they're going to be testing it out.

So definitely check out the link below to that. There's some cool videos embedded in the article that we link to that'll give you a sense of how that's going to work and what that's all gonna look like in Texas legends news. We've got something really exciting here. If you remember Jason Terry, if you're a Mavs fan at all, you remember Jason Terry. Jason was six man of the year and was just a really beloved player on the Mavericks. Well he has been brought on board with the Texas legends as a part of the front office staff. So he's going to be the assistant in general manager for the Texas legends starting this season. So we're super excited to have Jason Terry on board. You know, a lot of great NBA players have been apart of the Texas legends, uh, after their NBA careers were over, done a lot of great things for the team.

Uh, this was one I didn't see coming, but I gotta tell you I'm super excited to see Jared, Jason Terry coming onboard. So Jason, welcome to Frisco. We love having you here. Now also on sports, if you haven't been keeping with high school football, our own Lonestar is currently top of the five a rankings. As of the time of this. They've had I believe 119 points this year so far. They're three games in, they are undefeated so they're sitting at the top of the five a, they are definitely a team to keep an eye on this season. And if you caught an earlier episode with hustle and pro, you know that uh, there's a couple other schools here in Frisco and the five [inaudible] that are also very worth keeping a super close eye on. And those would include Frisco Reedy who we know has been, uh, just a really excellent football program, especially for one that is so young and also Frisco high school.

So go check out the latest episode of hustle and pro where Kelly talks to Greg Temper. He gives you a great rundown of high school football in Texas in general, but with some particular emphasis of course for us on Frisco football. So go check out that episode. And I will also link to a post that has the current rankings of the five eight teams. So you can check that out if you're interested. And then last but not least, let's talk, talk about a couple of upcoming events. It is going to be a big, big weekend and Frisco coming up. So on Saturday there are a number of, of events happening. Um, but the two that I want to call out are first and foremost Frisco Oktoberfest, starting at a 5:00 PM and along with mayor Cheney, I will be there to tap the keg and we'll kick this thing off, right?

Our Frisco Oktoberfest is one evening only. That's five to 10:00 PM in Frisco square. And we'll have links, uh, here in the, in the notes for this episode. Go check that out. It's going to be a really fun time, very traditional, um, Oktoberfest. If you want to learn more about that, I will link to both the article, the video and the podcast episode we have about it. This is a fun one for us because Oktoberfest was an event that we thought about for a long time at lifestyle Frisco, but it was really something that needed to get put together by the pros and the folks at SPG hospitality of have done it. Again, we're really looking forward to this event. So be ready for that on Saturday at 5:00 PM. And then a little later in the evening starting at 7:00 PM is the Mariposa masquerade gold party. So if you've heard about the gold party in the past, you know that this is a big event where everybody gets dressed up, kind of gold themed, and it is all benefiting the kids who shouldn't have cancer foundation.

Uh, and that's a really, really touching story. We'll have some links to, uh, how that came about and the woman who, whose son had cancer and why she started this foundation. Um, but it's really, it's a great, great cause. Uh, it supports the kids who had, shouldn't have cancer foundation, which is raising money for pediatric cancer. And it's a beautiful event. It's a ton of fun. And again, that is happening Saturday night at 7:00 PM so if you're a real trooper or if you happen to be a media sponsor like us, both of those events, I'll see you at Oktoberfest. I'll be there for a little while and then I got to go home, change and head out to the gold party. Hopefully we'll get a chance to run, run into yet one of those two events. If you do, please come up and say hello. We'd love to meet you in person and a hope that was a good rundown. Let me know what you think of this. We'll try to do some more of these in the future, just to help you stay up to date with all of the incredible things that are happening around this amazing city. So thank you all very much. Have a great week and I'll talk to you next time.

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Subscribe on iTunes! Subscribe on Google Play Podcast RSS Feed Melody of Hope is a non-profit that supports other nonprofits by providing musical entertainments for their events. Founded in 2013 by Charlie Wendell, Melody of Hope is a part of 50+ nonprofit events each year.

In this episode of The Frisco Podcast, Charlie gives us the breakdown of what Melody of Hope does, how nonprofits can work with them, and how the organization is growing to support even more nonprofits in our community.

Tune in to hear about the events they'll support through the end of this year. And, learn how you can help by attending the one event they do every year to support themselves so they can continue supporting others, the Melody of Hope Christmas Gala in December.

SHOW NOTES: [00:34] What is Melody of Hope.

[03:27] Who are some of the non-profits Melody of Hope is working with this year?

[04:36] How did Melody of Hope get started?

[08:13] Is the Ark of The Covenant in Ethiopia?

[09:14] 2019 Upcoming events for Melody of Hope.

[13:00] The need in Frisco.

[14:28] How nonprofits can work with Melody of Hope and how you can get involved.

[18:10] What kinds of events does Melody of Hope help with?

LINKS & RESOURCES: * + Melody of Hope Website + Melody of Hope on Lifestyle Frisco + Get Tickets to the Melody of Hope Christmas Gala (Black Tie) + Camp Craig Allen + Project Relo + Frisco Fastpacs + Frisco YMCA + Boys and Girls Club + Frisco Arts + National Breast Cancer Foundation + Tabitha's Tea Party + Suad Bejtovic

Connect with Lifestyle Frisco on: * YouTube * Facebook * Instagram * Twitter * LinkedIn

Transcript Scott Ellis: Welcome to The Frisco Podcast. I'm your host, Scott Ellis. And today I am joined by Charlie Windell from Melody of Hope. Charlie, welcome to the show.

Charlie: Hi, thank you so much for having me. Y'All are so great.

Scott: Thrilled to have you here because we're going to talk about a subject today that is near and dear to both of our hearts, music, but you're taking what you're doing with music and doing something really well beyond that and doing a lot of good with music. So I'm very excited to hear you tell myself and everybody listening. What is Melody of Hope and how did you get started?

Charlie Wendell: Absolutely. Well, once again, thank you so much for having me. I feel honored to be on your podcast. I'm, you and Wendy are just incredible people and I've gotten to know you guys over the last two years and so I really appreciate it. Um, so in a nutshell, Melody of Hope, we are a music nonprofit that does benefit concerts and builds live music programs into nonprofit events. And so we partner with about 16 nonprofits a year. Um, in January. Our board votes on the nonprofits we partner with and we basically provide free of charge, live music programs and to all of their events. And so, um, you know, we're doing the camp cro gala barbecue, we're doing the Frisco arts walk in the fall, so there's a ton of nonprofit events, um, that are already happening in the community. So we really want to come alongside of what they're already doing and help in, you know, in any capacity that we can. Um, and the foundation of what we do though is based on the Gospel. And so we share the gospel at every event we do. That's kind of the trade-off is, you know, we provide this free musical talent and production and then we get the stage for like a minute to share, you know, about the true hope that we believe in, which is found in Christ. So that's the foundation of it. Yeah.

Scott: Okay. Very good. So you would, would you consider yourselves a faith-based nonprofit?

Charlie: So government wise we are, um, I think our code is an x, which is a religious, but, um, you know, our mission is based on the Lord, but you know, we don't just do Christian events. A lot of nonprofits that we're helping, they don't have a faith-based mission. Right. And so we really try to be in the community and do other nonprofit events, not just faith-based.

Scott: Well, you're out there doing good and that's what's, that's kind of the core of it. All right, cool. Thank you. [inaudible] is the, is is the model, if I'm a nonprofit and I'm having an event, usually having some kind of, or options are usually often having some kind of entertainment is a part of that. Sure. So is that what you guys are doing is to come in and help offset the cost that would normally be associated with having that entertainment there, that musical entertainment?

Charlie: Sure. And honestly, what we found is a lot of these nonprofit events, they didn't have a music component to them. Um, you know, I think the best example I have is the Camp Curl Camp Craig Allen Barbecue. It's a massive event and they had never had a musical component. And so we came in and basically built a music fest onto it. But it's, it was interesting because not a lot of nonprofit events have the music component. They never thought about it, you know, it's just their mission is not centered around music and so it's just something that they had never thought about. But

Scott: I would imagine that serves as a good driver to get more people out and keep them there longer and taking part in, in the event. For sure.

Charlie: Yeah. We've, um, we hope to be just another outlet and a revenue stream for their event. And so like I had mentioned, we do everything free of free of charge and so we'll help market the event, we'll help market. The artists will help, you know, provide volunteers. We're lucky to have about 25 committee members and board members that are, you know, in the community already. And so we have a couple of different outlets and how we can help not only with music, but other things.

Scott: Okay. Well, I know Amanda and team have done a great job with Camp Craig Allen. Yes. There were some of the other nonprofits that you guys are partnering with this year.

Charlie: Sure. Um, so we have Project Relo. We have Frisco Fastpacs, we have the YMCA, we have the Boys and Girls Club. We have, um, Edison Global. We have, um, Frisco Arts. We have, oh my gosh, National Breast Cancer Foundation. I feel like any nonprofit that you know, and Frisco we're probably partnered with in some capacity, which is a great thing. I mean, we get inundated. I mean, the Lord has really blessed us and with all of our members and our board members really being out in the community, we, we seem to get inundated with a lot of different nonprofits that, you know, I'd never heard about. And so it's really good because I have no idea. And I feel like a lot of people don't really know what's happening in their backyard. And so it's great to have these nonprofits that I never heard about. Just be like, Oh hey, we heard about you. Can you help us? And so it's just, it helps me, you know, hear about everything that's going on in the community.

Scott: Yeah. And I think you guys are a part of our GiveForFrisco initiative. Yes. And I think there are something like 60 nonprofits on there. All of whom serve, most of them are in Frisco, but all of them serve Frisco in some way. There's a lot of worthwhile causes.

Charlie: Yeah. Thank you. But we love what you guys are doing.

Scott: So how, how did you come up with this idea though, and what was the history of, of Melody of Hope?

Charlie: So it's kind of a crazy story. Um, I used to work for a record label when I was in Grad school and it was a rap record label. And so if you've noticed, you know, I love rap music and you know, all these rap concerts, Ashley Miller and I are soul sisters. We go to all these rap concerts together. Um, so I worked there for two years. And, you know, I just felt like God was really moving me out of there. I had, it was just a feeling, I don't know how to explain it, but, um, I just saw all the good that music could do in the world. And sometimes, you know, rappers, the music industry is a very dark industry

Scott: It can be a very dark industry.

Charlie: Um, there is a lot of good that's happening in the music industry of course, but I just thought, you know, there's so much good that can be done with music.

And so, um, after deciding to get out of there, I felt the Lord was moving me to Africa. So I lived there for about a year. Um, I came back early cause I've got a parasite, it's a long story. But I had started kind of restructuring a business plan that I had created in Grad school that was, uh, around like a traveling music show. And so living in Africa, I saw how, how easy it was to help the local community. And so coming back, I thought, you know, it's so much easier to just start where you are. And there's so much happening in your backyard like I had mentioned. And so that's really how Melody of Hope came about is, you know, how can we use good to help with music and people and just spread the love of Jesus. And that's really, you know, how it came about.

Scott: Interesting. What part of Africa, where you living in?

Charlie: So I lived in Ethiopia. Addis Ababa is the capital and I was there with a ministry called campus crusade. And we worked in college campuses. I actually taught doctors, which is crazy because they were so much smarter than me, but know teaching them just how to share the gospel and just how to, you know, it's church pair, church organization. And so we just help them, you know, share the gospel in their community. And we did a lot of, um, mission work in orphanages and, you know, Coray which is the trash dump there. And so we just did a lot of, um, humanitarian stuff as well.

Scott: Interesting. I'm sure that was still very fulfilling work to do while you were there. It was, um, you know, I feel like, I don't know, something about helping people. It just really impacts your heart and your soul.

Charlie: And it was just a really sad to see everything that, you know, majority of the world lives like that on less than a dollar a day. And we're so blessed as Americans and we just don't realize it. And so it's easy to, you know, get caught up in the day to day things and you know, get upset with things. But the majority of the world is lives on less than a dollar a day, which is, it's almost hard to imagine.

Scott: So crazy roll through Starbucks and spend three or four bucks on a cup of coffee. Absolutely. And for some people that would be a week's worth of income.

Charlie: I really struggled with that coming back because, um, Ethiopia is like the coffee capital of the world. And so I could get coffee for like 10 cents and this was like incredible, like top of the line coffee. And then the week I was back, I was at Starbucks, you know, drop him five bucks.

And I remember thinking, this is someone's entire like weeks worth of wages. So it was convicting, but then I really, I realized that you shouldn't feel bad for your blessings. They're just, they're given to you by God so you can help others. And so anyways, it really changed my mindset on helping and not feeling bad for what we were blessed with.

Scott: Not to get completely off track if Ethiopia is an interesting place to me. So my uncle was there in the peace corps and like, okay, wow, okay. Um, he was a couple of parts of Africa and he was in Ethiopia and Kenya and maybe somewhere else. Um, but because of that, I always, he would send me postcards and tee shirts and things when I was a kid and I would always have this sort of fascination with that location. And if I'm not mistaken, Ethiopia actually has a huge Christian population.

Charlie: They do. Absolutely.

Scott: It's one of the, um, one of the places where supposedly in a church in Ethiopia is the resting place of the lost Ark of the covenant.

Charlie: I knew you're going to say that they think that they won't let anybody in there to see it's in a rock church. It's um, they're built up, it's called Lali Bella is the name of the town. Um, but there are all these rock churches and apparently it's the arc of the covenant is there. Yeah, that's what they say. But fortunately, they won't let anybody in to look at it.

Scott: And there's like, isn't there like one guy that's allowed to go inside for maintenance and when he dies and there's one other guy that takes over.

Charlie: But for sure it's a, it's a different concept. I mean biblically, I think that the Gospel, that was the second place the Gospel was taken. And so I get what they're, you know, I can kind of wrap my head around it, but you know, one person being able to see it. That's not,

Scott: No, no, no, nothing like that either. I would like to know for sure if they're just stating the archeological story of a historical and religious kind of component. But absolutely. Anyways, that's a complete sidebar. Let's come back to Melody of Hope. Okay. Let's come back to talking about what you guys are doing. So, um, we've talked about who you've partnered with and what are some of the upcoming events, uh, maybe through the end of the year that you guys have.

Charlie: Right, right. Yeah. So, um, we have about 50 events throughout the year and I think the majority of them happened in the fall. And so, like I'd mentioned the camp corral barbecue, the Frisco arts walk and run, we're partnered with a ministry called Tabitha s. T they empower women, they do Bible Studies. We're doing that event. Um, we are working on, trying to think off the top of my head. Um, Briscoe fastbacks has an event at the end of October. Um, it's the empty bowls. Uh, it's a series of the empty bowls event that they did. Um, but our biggest event is our Christmas gala. And, um, I don't think a lot of people know this, but our Christmas gala is the only event that we actually do for ourself. We do North Texas giving day, but that's not really an event. That's just an all day giving know. Um, and then, um, GiveForFrisco.

So there are two events we do, but this is the big event we do for ourselves. And so, um, it is on December 7th, and it is right here in Frisco. We've found that moving our events are Frisco last year. Oh my gosh. Increased our attendance by at least 25 to 30%. And so we're like, well, we're Santa Frisco, which, you know, I kinda thought that was gonna happen anyway, you guys. And we're so happy to be here. Um, and another blessing, we've outgrown every venue except for two. And so I'm, the embassy suites is graciously hosting us. Um, you know, the capacity is we could have about 2000 people there, you know, if God willing, you know, we're able to have that many people there. That's the goal. Yep. Um, but there's a lot of room for growth there. And our gala is a masquerade theme. This year.

We've never had a theme, so our board decided, you know, we need to have something different. And so the theme is Masquerade this year and we're going to have probably four or five different types of live music. We have a silent auction, you know, played a dinner or drinks at your typical gala, but just kind of a concert feel. And so, um, our events are really fun. You know, we have people on the dance floor all night. We have a short programming, about 30 40 minutes to let our attendees hear about what we're doing. And I think the coolest component is we highlight the nonprofits that we're already partnering with. And so we give nonprofits free partnerships and sponsorships to the gala so they can come and set up a booth so all of our attendees can kind of see what's happening. You know, they hear about what these nonprofits are doing from our social media and our website. But it's, they get to hands on, see what they're doing and talk to the executive directors and some of their board members. And so it really is to highlight some of the nonprofits in the community as well.

Scott: Okay. Wonderful. Yeah. Can you, can you tell us, do you know already who the performers are going to be in December or is that still undetermined?

Charlie: So I know too, we don't, we haven't solidified all for, um, we're working on a bigger named artists at an Asheville. That was actually one of our original board members. Um, I don't know if I should tell, but we can keep a secret. I'll tell you, I'm under the table after the podcast.

Scott: When, when the mics are off. Sorry you, you aren't gonna find out for a while. You have to come on December the 7th to find out. Um, but Tyler Hook is one of our local performers and then Kelvin Thomas, um, he is, he's done a lot of events for us and so we have a couple of performers already solidified.

Scott: And if for those that aren't familiar with them, what styles of music are those?

Charlie: So Kelvin, I don't know if you know Leah. I know you're a big music fan, so you probably know Leon bridges. He kind of sounds like Leon bridges. Tyler Hook is more of your pop rock, like acoustic singer-songwriter. Gotcha. So there's a couple of different genres. Um, and we are doing a VIP reception right before the gala for our sponsors. Um, you know, including you guys. Thank you so much for being a gracious sponsor. Oh my gosh, Wendi, you guys sponsored it last year and so y'all are actually, one of the hosts for the VIP reception that we're doing and we'll have, um, a different type of artist at that as well. Okay. We're not sure on that artist yet. That's not a secret. We just haven't solidified the artist. Hopefully. Um, we're looking at a female piano player here in Frisco. She's incredible. Sounds like lady Gaga, so, oh yeah. There's so much incredible talent in Briscoe.

Scott: It really is. Um, but going to, going back to your mission of helping people, it's easy when you live in a town like Frisco, that is as affluent as we are, even relative to just the rest of the United States as much less the rest of the, you know, other parts of the world to not realize how much need there still is in Frisco in a number of ways. Right. There's a lot of, there is homelessness here, there are a lot of people that need help with food and things like that. So you know, all of these nonprofits definitely need our support and loved what you guys are doing to support them and help them kind of grow and increase what they're doing in, in the community that we live in. Because that's where it really starts. Right.

Charlie: I'm a firm believer in that. Yeah. You know, living overseas, I think that if you have a heart for doing ministry or helping overseas, then you know, go for it. But it's so much easier to start in your local community. And you know, Frisco fastbacks is a great example to me because they like, who knew a thousand kids in Frisco over a thousand kids didn't have food on the weekend in such an affluent city like Briscoe, like you just have no idea. And so it's just, you know, it's ignorance and people just have no idea what's going on and it's not bad. You know, ignorance is, bliss is one of my favorite statements. Sometimes it's don't know.

Scott: But if you don't know that those things are happening, then you're probably not inclined to go out and try to solve or help solve those problems. And if you do know, then it's much easier to get involved and, and it doesn't really take much to do that. You know, there's a lot of good organizations out there doing a lot of great work and, um, so for, for the nonprofits that are out there, uh, and, and in that community might be listening to this podcast if they wanted to work with melody of hope, what is their process for doing that?

Charlie: Sure. So in January, um, we send out an application, so we'll post it all over social media. Um, and the nonprofits that reach out to me during the year, they can sign up on our newsletter list and they'll get the application. But we've tried to streamline how many nonprofits we help only because if we have like, you know, 50 events a year, it's easier for us to plan, know if people will apply in January, then we can help, you know, probably more people at one time. But they can apply through our application process. Okay. And you know, if we have the capacity to do it, like, you know, we'll just take on events as they come, but it's really hard for us because we're so, you know, I'm the only paid employee. Um, and then, you know, we have a board and committee members, but it's really hard to do over 50 events a year.

Scott: Well, yeah, I mean you, you've only got so much capacity to trying to do one event a week would be yes. I'm very challenging to say the least.

Charlie: Um, but we love helping, you know, so if any nonprofit is listening and they have an event, go ahead and email me. And if we have the artists that are available, you know, the dates available, then we would of course love to help. And if we can't, um, pay for the artist, you know, if we don't have the budget, then we can, you know, give you resources that maybe will allow you, so sponsors that will help, help pay for it. And so we have a ton of different resources available.

Scott: Okay. Is there any specific criteria people should know ahead of time? So before they apply, they know whether or not like I'm not gonna make it on this one because of x, y or Z. Right,

Charlie: right. So the only thing that we require is that you'd be local. Okay. So that's it. So local is in DFW,

Scott: DFW. Okay. That was going to ask that. Yes. Yeah. For us, little local means, you know, for lifestyle Frisco, and I think a lot of people in our audience don't know this. It means Frisco. Sure. But, but we don't draw the borders as a hard line. It's kind of a fuzzy line because if you live in, you know, far west Briscoe than what happens in little elm still matters. Now. We don't necessarily talk a lot about as much about those surrounding communities, but we'll certainly cover certain things that are happening now, including nonprofit events and things like that. So yeah, for sure. Okay. So they have to be local. Do they have to be like a registered 501c of some kind. Okay.

Charlie: I apologize. So there are two criteria. Is that just a 501c3 and then you have to just be a local organization. Okay. And that's really it. Um, you know, and then based on the people that apply, so we've never not accepted our nonprofit. And so that lets me know that we do have the capacity to grow and we are growing. And so, you know, we have 16 partners this year. We had I think 13 last year. And so, you know, next year, probably 20 just based on how much we, we'd been growing. Okay. And we're really thankful to have just incredible board of directors. I can't say enough. I feel like that is really one of the foundational pieces of our nonprofit is who we have on our board. And they're just so like we have a working board and they get out there and they promote and they sell a sponsorship. I mean, they're just so great. And so,

Scott: So does your board stay the same all like all the time or do you cycle through people each year or how does that work?

Charlie: So I'm in our bylaws, it says that you can be a board member for as long as you want, but we do cycle. So our growth is, we have six board members now and we can grow up to 11, but we do, we've had some board members, you know, trickle out, um, you know, cause they moved or had, you know, babies and it's hard to serve on the board with like four kids. So I get that. Um, but yeah, we cycle out, but you can stay a board member forever. It's Kinda like I'm a judge being a judge. Wait, what's the on a judge anyways. Yeah, yeah.

Scott: No, but that's, that's good to know. So if you've still got some capacity on the board, so if somebody is listening to this and they're interested in being on your board and helping out in that way, um, reach out to Charlie. We'll make sure we've got all of her contact info and website links and all that stuff in the show notes for this.

Charlie: We are taking applications. I've had a couple people ask me, okay, we just had a board retreat a couple of weeks ago. And so people have asked me, cause I seen pictures and stuff. So we do have an open application process that you know, throughout the year. Okay. So you're interested.

Scott: And then one last question back on the events. Do you guys, so when you're working with nonprofits and helping support their events, do you do all sizes of events?

Charlie: We do, yes. Okay. So it's not just big Gail is, but if it's a small, smaller type of events, absolutely you can still help them out with that. So we help 'em I'm involved with the Rotary Club and we do the farmer's market.

We just provide the talent for that. And that's a smaller event. Um, but then the Frisco pass pax event, their first empty bowls event was I think a hundred people and the Tabitha's tea party, there's like 40 people there. And then, you know, the first go arts walk is like 2000. And so, um, you know, like I said, if we just have the capacity to help and that's, we will do that. Okay. Wonderful size. That sounds awesome. When is the date on your gala again? So it's December the seventh. Um, you can find all information@melodyofhope.org slash gala. We have a whole page dedicated to the gala. You know what to wear. It's a strict black tie event. Um, it's plated dinner drinks, music. I had mentioned that but we had, we've tried to change it up a little bit, um, in the past couple of years, but we've just found that, you know, played a dinner, works best every time and you know, drink tickets and then strict black tie.

So we haven't been, we've tried to be strict black tie but we haven't really enforced it. So this year it is.

Scott: Do you, I'm curious, how do you enforce it?

Charlie: You know, it's hard. We posted on our website, you know, we tell our guests that it is black tie, but you know, if, I don't know, we'll have to discuss that as a board. Um, you know, next week when we have our board meeting.

Scott: One of our, one of our writers and our photographer Suad Bejtovic, you know, very fashionable, he's a J. Hillburn rep. So I'm going to give him a plug if you guys need it. He's great. And give Suad a call. He's probably going to be on our fashion police and making sure that you're there and dressed appropriately. So that's what we're going to enforce it. Suad I just put you on this hook for that.

Charlie: I'll be calling you later today. We'll get him a badge. Yes. He could be the official fashion enforcer.

Scott: I'm like, okay. We'll see if he's up for that. I don't want to speak for him. He's a great guy to call. If you need help in that department. I certainly do.

Charlie: So, oh my gosh, me too. I just look at Pinterest and then that's really how I get everything.

Scott: It's much harder for you. You guys have options like for guys pretty much means Tux for sure.

Charlie: Pretty much. Yeah. That's kinda the end of the line right there. So yes. Tuxes and Ballgowns for females. I'm, and don't forget a mask. Um, so I'll tell your podcast this, but we're not, you know, blasting this publicly yet. But if you don't have a mass, we will have a mask tree that you can pull a mask from. So don't stress over, you know, not being able to find a mass are going to be a cost for that. No cost, no cost, just your ticket cost and tickets are very cheap for a black tie gala there $100 if you buy early and then at the door they're $125. Okay.

Scott: Now that's exceptional.

Charlie: Yeah. And that, like I said, that includes everything

Scott: You should charge for the masks. I think that's another good way to raise some funds.

Charlie: That's a good idea. Yeah. I mean, I will say we did get most of them at dollar tree and so they were pretty cheap.

Scott: But okay, this is a fundraiser. We're trying to help people out.

Charlie: So it is a fundraiser. Um, and so, you know, you can purchase silent auction items. We're going to have a raffle. You know, there's a lot of different ways that you can help support our cause too. Yeah. Yeah. And we're hoping could, because tickets are so cheap, you know, we'll get more of a party environment, you know, because there, you know, it's just a great party to have. There's not a lot of black tie events in Frisco, which there's not. I'm talking to your wife last year, that was one of the things that she put in my head like, oh, there really isn't. And so, um, you know, we're hoping to be one of the two or three black tie events. Strict black tie.

Scott: Yeah. We'll just go, you know, my wife, you know, she loves fashion and she would like to see more black tie events.

Charlie: She is goals getting dressed up and loves those kinds of things. So yeah. So we're pushing that this year.

Scott: All right, good deal. Well, Charlie, thank you so much for coming out today. This has been a lot of fun. We'll have you back on some time. We'll talk some more about how things are going. Okay. And kind of what you got maybe queued up in 2020 but that's a good rundown of what's happening through the rest of this year.

Charlie: Wonderful. And thank you all so much again for being sponsors of the VIP reception. Y'All are presenting that and then you know of the gala. So we're so thankful.

Scott: Oh, we're honored to be a part of it, so thank you. Thank you so much, and thank all of you for tuning into The Frisco Podcast. If you haven't already, subscribe to the podcast. I want you to go out to iTunes, Google Play, Stitchr, Spotify. Pretty much any place that you can find a podcast, you're going to find The Frisco Podcast. Just search for the Frisco podcast. Please subscribe because that really helps us out. The more of you that are tuning in, the more we can bring on guests like Charlie and others that are doing great things in our community. So thank you. Please subscribe and we'll catch you next time.

Charlie: Thanks, Scott.

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An authentic German Oktoberfest is coming to Frisco on September 28, 2019! If you're thinking about going you must listen to this episode to get the inside scoop from SBG Hospitality organizer Kaylee Kelley and Presenting Sponsor Nine Band Brewing Co. founder Keith Ashley.

You'll get all of the details as well as some inside tips on getting the most out of the event.

SHOW NOTES: [01:38] What will the Frisco Oktoberfest experience be like?

[03:40] Presenting Sponsors Nine Band Brewing Co.

[04:36] What beers will be on tap for Oktoberfest?

[04:55] Tapping the keg to kick off Oktoberfest.

[06:11] Visiting the Nine Band Brewing Co. brewery

[07:02] When is Frisco Oktoberfest?

[07:20] Featured performers.

[09:07] How much is Frisco Octoberfest and how to get tickets.

[11:09] Oktoberfest competitions.

[13:12] Where to get Nine Band Brewing Co. beer.

[13:45] Chris Kyle Frog Veterans Foundation.

[17:00] Family-friendly activities.

LINKS & RESOURCES: * Frisco Oktoberfest Website * Get Tickets to Frisco Oktoberfest * Full Post on Frisco Oktoberfest * LIFESTYLE PROFILES video interview - Frisco Oktoberfest * Nine Band Brewing Co. * SBG Hospitality * Traditional German Dress: + Buy lederhosen on Amazon + Buy dirndl on Amazon * Frisco FastPacs * Chris Kyle Frog Foundation

Connect with Lifestyle Frisco on: * YouTube * Facebook * Instagram * Twitter * LinkedIn

Transcript Scott Ellis: Welcome to the Frisco Podcast. I'm your host, Scott Ellis. And today we are here with Kaylee from SBG Hospitality and Keith from Nine Band Brewing. And we're going to talk about one of, one of my favorite topics, beer, or more specifically, Oktoberfest. Frisco's having its first October fest and SBG is putting that on. So thank you guys for joining me today.

Keith Ashley: Well I'm happy to be here and I'm glad we were able to be invited.

Scott: Yeah, good to have you here.

Kaylee Kelly: Absolutely. We're glad to share what's to come at Frisco Oktoberfest with everyone in Frisco.

So I'm gonna start off by saying that Oktoberfest is an idea, it's something, I've been to the Oktoberfest in Munich before and it was so much fun. I've wanted to see one come to Frisco for a long time. We thought about doing one at lifestyle Frisco. But as you know, events of that scale are a huge undertaking and it takes a lot of work to pull something like that off. So we just, we never did it. And we're really glad that you guys are doing it. Cause you did a fantastic job with the wine festival last year or so. Or was it the spring I should say?

Kaylee: Yes, it was the spring. And you're definitely right about festivals like this with the attendance rates. They are massive and a lot of work goes into it. But we are so excited to do it all and to bring this style of event to Frisco, especially with all the expectations being so high of knowing what a general Oktoberfest is. Um, we're definitely excited to bring a whole authentic German experience to Frisco.

Scott: So you already started down the road of my first question and that is what is the experience going to be like? Because I've Bend Oktoberfest in Munich, which is kind of like the granddaddy, but I've been to other Oktoberfest here around the country and they're all a little bit different and sometimes they're not quite like the, um, what I would consider the authentic or original German Oktoberfest. So how were you guys kinda queuing up the experience for what's going to happen in Frisco?

Kaylee: So something that is great that we think is not only are we bringing in authentic German experience, but we're also involving a lot of the local restaurants and vendors as well just to kind of bring fresco together as a whole. But as long as far as the Oktoberfest experience goes, there will be live German music and dancers as well as some entertainment such as some stilt walkers. So you'll definitely have plenty to be entertained by. We'll also have some delicious German cuisine so you can expect lots of a Broadway or sinned, sauerkraut and things of that sort. Um, and then aside from that we'll have, we'll have costumes. Everyone is recommended to come out in their best German attire as well as our entertainment. We'll be all decked out in German attire. And then as far as for the local Frisco, we'll have a ton of local restaurants. They're serving up food as well. And then local vendors probably have over a hundred of them out on display for lots of shopping.

Scott: Okay, wonderful. And so are we gonna have the beer tents or is the getting your beer experience going to be a little different than that?

Kaylee: Well, it wouldn't be Oktoberfest without the beer tents.

Scott: Ok, Good News.

Kaylee: So we will definitely have beer tins filled with a Nine Band Brewing beer. They're breaking out some special edition beers for the October fest. So we're really excited about that. And um, absolutely with a beer pass that you can buy on Frisco octoberfest.com it does come with a vintage Bier stein, it'll be 16 ounces and that's what our attendees will use to drink beer out of for the entire Oktoberfest.

Scott: Wow. Wonderful. That sounds like fun. I'm already getting excited. And so we're going to talk to Keith now a little bit. You are with nine band brewing and you guys are the presenting sponsor for this first October fest in Fresco. Tell us a little bit about what we can expect, um, in the beer treatment.

Keith: Well, we are a very thankful that we were chosen to be the, uh, presenting, uh, beer sponsor. Um, we're very excited. Uh, we, uh, we have a specialty beer that, uh, outside of our Oktoberfest beer of course, but, uh, we have a specialty beer that will not be tapped anywhere else except the Frisco Oktoberfest. And it will be the first to actually have it and it's probably gonna um, make Starbucks, uh, pumpkin spice run for the hills. It's going to be a pumpkin beer, uh, and it's going to be filled with a lot of flavor. I can promise you that.

Scott: That sounds like fun. Yeah, I'm looking forward to that already. So, uh, what else will be on top.

Keith: We're going to have a, uh, four beers, uh, are going to have a half advising and that's our hoop snake. Kevin buys them. Okay. And then we're going to have a cactus cat Kolsch and it's a true style Kolsch um, and then our October fest, of course, and then our, uh, brand new, uh, first-ever pumpkin spice beer.

Scott: Okay. So one of the, um, the events that kind of kicks off October fest is tapping the CAG. And I, I'm, I feel very, very fortunate that, uh, in conjunction with Mayor Cheney, he and I get to tap the keg at this inaugural event. So I'm super excited to do that, but I have no idea what I've gotten myself into here, so.

Keith: Oh, well I'm gonna tell Ya, that is an experience that you're going to remember for all a long time.

Scott: Am I going to be wearing it? Uh, no.

Keith: You might not wear it if you do it right. We'll see how that goes.

Scott: I'll bring a change of clothes or just wear some rubber boots.

Keith: You'll be fine. Okay. There you go. Can you tell us what we'll be tapping in that first keg?

Keith: Ah yes. That is going to be Oktoberfest. Okay. Of course. I mean, I, yeah, I was thinking of filling it with water, but I didn't think that'd be too fun.

Scott: No, no, no. We're gonna we're going to say cheers or Prost, kicked off

Keith: So and so, uh, we're gonna, um, we're gonna be having a great time out there. Uh, you know, uh, whoever taps that keg, um, get ready to drink a lot of beer immediately.

Okay. So, uh, if that's going to be you, you might need to have a, you know, bring a few straws. Okay. So because it's gonna come out fairly quickly.

Scott: Okay. I'll be ready for that. I'm like I said, change your clothes just in case it sounds like I might need all wore all worn Mary Cheney as well, so he's prepared. Oh yeah. But it sounds like a lot of fun. So it's going to be a blast. Where is Nine Band located?

Keith: Uh, we're located in Allen at Bethany and 75. We're actually off of prestige. Um, and we've got an 8,400 square foot structure out there. We do tours on Saturdays. Uh, we have all our beer on tap and thanks to the new law. September 1st we can have beer to go. So bring your growlers by your cases of beer. You can do everything right out of our location.

Scott: Oh, wonderful one. You're just kinda just over the border for Frisco. So for us that still counts. Yeah.

Keith: Okay, good. I was hoping that that was going to be okay, but absolutely. Yeah. I mean, I was here in like five minutes, so yeah, no, no, no problem.

Scott: So we'll definitely, uh, have to come to check you guys out as well due to where the facilities sometime soon and uh, see what you guys have going on over there.

Keith: Oh yeah, we're looking forward to it.

Scott: Okay. So Kaylee, back to you. What, what is the date for Frisco? Oktoberfest. Let's make sure people know and get this on their calendar right now.

Kaylee: Absolutely it is this year. It'll be Friday, September 28th from five to 10:00 PM and that will be at Frisco Square. We'll be all in the grassy area. And you're more than welcome to bring out blankets to sit out and watch all of the entertainment and enjoy your German cuisine and just take in the entirety of the festival.

Scott: Oh, that sounds like fun. Who, who are? Can you tell us who some of the acts are or some of the performers that we're going to have there? No? No?

Kaylee: Okay. I have a hard time pronouncing their names, but one of them for a fact is the Polka Meisters and they're actually coming from Oklahoma. So that's exciting. And then we do have some dancers that will perform um, about halfway through the festival and um, you can jump on in and learn the ways of German dancing.

Keith: But I'd like to say something if you want to see that wonderful tapping of the keg. You better be there at five o'clock cause I hear it's going to happen at Five o'clock sharp.

Scott: Yeah. Well, I will certainly be there.

Keith: Okay, good.

Scott: Good advice for everybody else.

Keith: It's a fun experience. You can, you know, possibly get your Stein fields you never know right out of the gate. [inaudible] sounds like a fun way to kick it off.

Scott: And then, so we've got German food, we've got German dancing, we're encouraging people to come out in German attire, traditional Oktoberfest attire. I don't know where we would like, where would I go by later hosing around here. Okay. Any ideas?

Kaylee: Oh man, I'm almost thinking some online shopping is your best bet for some real

Scott: We'll look some stuff up and link it up in the post associated with this, uh, this podcast so that everybody can go by their, their appropriate German attire and get ready to party.

Kaylee: I'm sure you're not the only one asking that question. So,

Scott: So it sounds like fun. Um, anything else we should know about it? And so it's five to 10. September 28th. Um, what was the website again?

Kaylee: It's Frisco, oktoberfest.com. And then we're also on Facebook as Frisco Oktoberfest.

Scott: Okay. So you can go out now, you can buy your tickets to get your Stein and your, uh, is it a wristband or something that they get or,

Kaylee: Yeah, so there's a couple of different options that you can look at on our website. Um, it starts off at $20 and it goes anywhere up to 80 and the $20 pass gets you a beer Stein and a couple of free beers and that's the way in to get beer. You cannot purchase beer or wine without purchasing a pass. So be sure to pre-purchase that. But then we'll also have a VIP option. So at Frisco October festival, have a tent with exclusive beer and food tastings only available with the VIP pass and you'll also get a swag bag full of goodies and some other fun experiences. So that's just another option. It gets you some extra free beers in the general area. So whatever your price range is, there's definitely a few options. But in general, the festival is free and family-friendly. Um, in fact, you can go online and register for a general admission ticket, and again it is free, but for everyone who registers for that general admission ticket, we're doing a raffle to win a free bike from Richardson bike mart. Oh cool. So absolutely. So be sure to go on and either pre-purchase your tickets so that you're not waiting in that long registration line and you can get straight to the beer or a just go ahead and register for that general admission for your chance to win a bike.

Scott: Okay. And is the $80 range, is that the VIP?

Kaylee: That would be the VIP, yeah. Okay, good to know.

Scott: So yeah, get out there early. Get your tickets. Is there any cap on the number of people we can invite?

Kaylee: Nope. You can bring all your friends and family for VIP. However, there are only 250 tickets, so if you want some extra perks so you kinda gotta be quick on that. Um, and dogs are even welcome as well, so have them on a leash.

Scott: Good to know. Very puppy friendly. And uh, I can tell you from my experience at Oktoberfest, it is definitely advisable to get there early, not only so that you don't miss the tapping of the keg, but you know, the beer tents, the tables, all those things start to fill up pretty quickly as people are getting there and hanging out. So go grab your space, grab your beer and get ready to celebrate.

Kaylee: Absolutely. And you also don't want to be too late to the festival because there are a lot of competitions going on throughout the festival. So we'll have some keg rolling comments. Oh yeah. Yes. I don't know.

Keith: Those probably won't be filled with beer. They might be. We don't know yet.

Kaylee: Yeah, I think that that would be probably a bit of a struggle. They start rolling and keg full of beer. I don't know how heavy those kegs are.

Keith: I think we're gonna fill them with either beer or water. Okay. And see how strong people are. There we go. Warehouse. So they need a beer by the time. By the time it's over. Yeah.

Scott: Leave mine empty. So I look super strong. Okay. I'll lift it over my head and no one will know. Don't tell anybody.

Kaylee: Yeah, yeah, yeah. Here we go. But aside from the keg rolling, I will also have a Stein hoisting competition and a brat eating. And for all of those different competitions, there's a various array of prizes. So come out and participate also with the Stein hoisting competition, all the proceeds from people that sign up with that, we'll go to Frisco FastPacs. So it's also for a great cause.

Scott: Wonderful. Okay. So is there a cost associated with signing up for the competition? Separate from the ticket prices with the Stein hoisting?

Kaylee: Yes. I'm, it's $20 per entry, but again, you are donating back to your community at Frisco Fastpacks. And then in general as well, all a portion of the proceeds from the entire festival are also going to Frisco FastPacs. Yeah. So for everybody that comes out, just know that you're also helping out your local community.

Scott: Yeah. First go fast facts is fantastic nonprofit here in town. They do a lot of good work. So I'm glad you guys are connected with them.

Scott: Yeah. So anything else you want to tell us about Nine Band? I'm looking forward to visiting the brewery itself, but uh, and having you guys at Oktoberfest?

Keith: Uh, no, we're just a privately owned and we are, I'm happy to be able to be a part of the first-ever inaugural, um, fresco October fast and hopefully there'll be more to come and uh, we'll just grow it year after year and be able to donate back more proceeds to this fast pack. Yeah.

Scott: Frisco FastPacs. Is there, are there places around town where people can get your beer?

Keith: As of right now, yes. We're a actually a distributed through the whole state of Texas. So we're in, I'm Kroger's specs, total wine, I mean central market, market street, a bunch of mom and pops, a bunch of c-stores, a bunch of restaurants. So we're growing, um, slowly. So we need a lot of people to buy six packs. So I can put my kids through college.

Scott: We'll definitely put links up and let people know where they can find your stuff.

Keith: Yeah. And, uh, we also have a, a, um, nonprofit, so one of our beers called the badge honey blonde. Um, I don't wanna, you know, deter, but being a vet, it's very important there to me to let everybody know that, uh, portions of our, uh, products go back to a, uh, Chris Kyle Frog Foundation and, uh, that's, you know, to helps families, spouses and everything through the military.

Scott: Okay. Well, can you tell us a little bit more about that? We've actually worked in, in done promotion for a number of, of veteran-related, uh, nonprofits around town. So go ahead and, and just tell us a little bit more about that one.

Keith: Yeah. Well, uh, that's, that's really near and dear to my heart is because I being in the military, um, and leaving the military, um, there's a transition period that a lot of, uh, males and females go through, uh, not being able to, uh, be together with their spouses or their significant others. Um, and this organization, Chris Kyle Frog Foundation was founded for couples and they actually have psychologists, uh, um, uh, family counselors, social workers. When military personnel comes home in order to reconnect with their significant others, they do multiple retreats, they help them just get revitalized with each other. And it's very, very important because it's not just the person in the military, it's the entire family. Right. And so, uh, Chris Call Frog Foundation, um, we have a beer called the badge honey blonde and we give a lot of proceeds back to try to help as many families as humanly possible.

Scott: Oh, wonderful. Thank you for taking that on. And are there any other beers, stuff that we haven't already mentioned for Oktoberfest, but other things that you guys make that may be, are particularly popular or that you'd like to call out? So as people are going out and starting to look for your beers around town, they know kind of what to look for?

Keith: Uh, yeah. Um, we have a, um, few different partnerships, uh, one that, uh, took us about eight months. Uh, we partnered with pudge, Rodriguez as well. Um, he has a beer called 13 Gold and that's a that's a light lager. Um, but we also have, you know, Hazy IPA's, we have kolsh's, you know, honey blondes, we have a lot of products. Um, and uh, their new product coming online is this pumpkin beer and we actually are only going to tap it at the Oktoberfest and you guys will be the only ones who have it on tap.

Scott: Oh, I love it. Anything exclusive like that. We're all about it, right?

Keith: Yeah. It's not exclusive, but we just didn't make enough. Okay.

Scott: Well that's a good, we just have it. Yeah, that's our story and we're sticking to it. So, um, okay. Kaylee, is there anything else we should know other than we've got the date, we've got the location, we know how much it costs. Anything else about Oktoberfest? Um,

Keith: Rain or shine,

Kaylee: Rain or shine, rain or shine. As some of you may know from SBG's event this spring, Frisco uncorked, we went on rain or shine. I'm so Oktoberfest with Texas weather. It can be unexpected, but we're expecting a wonderful evening. I'm out in Frisco Square again, be sure to pre-purchase your tickets and get there early and stay for all of the fun. All right. Um, probably the last thing. Um, along with the family-friendly is we do have a play area for kids. A just again, to promote that family friendliness. We will have a rock wall as well with a few different activities. So if you're thinking you need a babysitter for Saturday night, um, we got you covered. So wonderful. Absolutely. So everyone can come out and just, there's something for everyone.

Scott: Yeah, no excuses now you now, no babysitter or excuses. Come on out. There's going to be a play area or rock wall - sounds like fun, especially if you're not drinking beer. Yes, I'd be careful with that.

Kaylee: I mean it is labeled a kid's area, but okay, fair enough. I see you up there. I won't, I won't be surprised.

Scott: We'll try to try to not let anybody get too carried away with that. All right, well Keith and Kaylee, thank you both very much for joining us today. Super, super excited to have our first Frisco Oktoberfest going down September 28th, 2019 just can't say how thrilled we are to be a part of it.

Kaylee: Yeah, and we're excited to host it. So thank you to Keith and Nine Band for helping SBG bring that to Frisco.

Keith: Absolutely. Can't wait to try some of your beer. I can't wait for you to drink.

Scott: It sounds like a plan. Okay, and thanks to all of you for tuning into the Frisco podcast. As always, please be sure to go out and subscribe on iTunes, Google play, Spotify, stitcher. Pretty much any place you can find a podcast, you're going to find the Frisco podcast. So go out there and subscribe. We really appreciate it. It helps us out a ton. And if you have any questions about Frisco Octoberfest be sure to hit the, uh, podcast posts on lifestylefrisco.com we're going to link up all of the information and then some for you. So get ready to party in September.

We'll talk to you next time.

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SHOW NOTES:

[00:50] Why Frisco For Rush Cycle

[03:33] The Rush Cycle Experience

[05:09] Rush Cycle Instructors

[6:00] The Rush Cycle Certification

[07:10] Beyond The Ride

[07:57] Cost & Current Deals

[11:53] Rush Cycle Frisco Grand Opening

[13:00] Rush Cycle Special Events

[16:10] Rush Cycle Location

[17:34] Ride With Master Trainers (for Free) - Limited Time

LINKS & RESOURCES: * Toni Tegeler (Rush Cycle instructor) * Rush Cycle on Lifestyle Frisco * Rush Cycle on Website * Rush Cycle on Instagram * Rush Cycle on Facebook

Connect with Lifestyle Frisco on: * YouTube * Facebook * Instagram * Twitter * LinkedIn

Transcript Scott: Welcome to the Frisco podcast. I'm your host, Scott Ellis. And today we're sitting down with Jeremy and Justin from rush cycle. Guys, welcome to the show. Hey, thanks for having us. Thanks. Good to have you here today. Um, I'm a huge fan of cycling. I do it mostly indoors. I'm not an outdoor guy so much, but I'm excited to have you here because I want to hear a little bit more about rush cycle and what brought you guys to Frisco and what makes this different than other similar types of workouts. So what's a, Jeremy, why don't we start with you and then we'll go over to Justin, but how did you come to be a part of this and, and why this particular business?

Jeremy: Like a lot of things you, you think about, uh, the booming air or the booming industry, the booming economy. Like I want to get a part of that. I want, I want to get involved, be a part of a, a big time city exploding and there's probably not a larger city like that in America right now than Frisco. Um, so with that in the back of the head, my wife found the franchise found, uh, on a show she liked that we don't watch together because it gives me anxiety. Um, anyway, it, we, we talked to send an email to the guys over in San Diego, Tim Suski and Corey Spangler, we flew out to meet them. We rode a class. It killed us. A lot of fun as you can. You can tell we're, we're not like a fit and uh, you know, we're not the biggest cyber athletes yet

Scott: Working on it though, right?

Jeremy: We're working on it. And so we, uh, we talked to those guys out there. We bought into their brand, their community focus, their culture. Um, Rush is a place where you come in and you're not left out, you're not looking over there and somebody is just looking to be the strongest or the fastest and you're just in the way. Everybody, it's like Cheers. You walk in, everybody knows your name, they're glad you're there, you kind of go into it together, you ride together and then when you finish, you're sweating like always. And then you come back the next day, the day after. That's Kinda the goal.

Scott: I love that, and I know that that kind of community focus and camaraderie is a good, good way to encourage people to keep coming so that they're meeting their goals and doing the things that they need to do. Justin, how about you? What was, what inspired you to get involved in this and take part in Rush Cycle?

Justin: Much like Jeremy said, I've always had kind of a vision to be a franchise owner. I'm originally thought it was going to be food and then realize that maybe that's not the best idea how much work goes into that. Um, but then Jeremy, like he said, his wife found, um, from the show Out Daughtered a place in league city. They opened up a rush cycle and that's kind of what initially got us interested in it. And then he brought me in a couple months after he's been going through the process, brought my wife and Whitney and I in and we went out there to San Diego, did the ride and just had an absolute blast.

I mean we've, I had zero spin cycle experience prior to this. My wife had done a couple in college and you know, at the, you know, anytime fitness, or not Anytime but LA Fitness, but a, we went out there and just had an absolute great time. You know, we were very intimidated going into it. Then once you're there and you're kind of in the setting, it's dark, it's dim lit, you know, everybody's kind of doing their own thing. There's not some big projection scoreboard showing you you're in first or last. You're kind of ran at your own pace and you're getting a great workout. And, um, we just fell in love with it immediately.

So describe the experience to somebody that's never been to Rush Cycle. When I go to my first class, what am I, what should I be ready for? What am I in for?

Justin: So the main thing they say is it's very rhythmic. It's a rhythmic workout. It's a, you have a lead instructor on her podium. Then you've got 43 bikes in front of her, him or her, and they are just, they're dancing, they're keeping you, you know, they're dancing in and out of the saddle. They're, you know, not up jumping around in between the seats, but they are just going, they're keeping you on beat and you're just, you're riding. Next thing you know, you feel like, you know, 45 minutes, it's just gone by so fast. It's dark black lit. It is. It's a really fun thing to do. And you're burning, I mean, I checked my iWatch, it was like 650 calories.

Scott: Yeah. That's a good burn in that time. Yeah. Okay. So it's basically kind of, it's a dark room, but you say it's black lit. So

Justin: yes, there's a, there's a power board up there that our instructor has and she can hit the big lights, the black lights. There's four lights around the podium that she can turn on anytime. And so, I mean, it just kinda keeps you engaged and it's just fun.

Scott: So you can kind of modify that environment per the instructor

Jeremy: Yeah, they're doing a little bit playlist depending on what music they want. And that goes with DBA. They're also the DJ, I think they're a part pastor. They kind of do the sermon midway through. And they'll turn all the lights off and that's when people are still spinning. You're supposed to be still, it's very club like you need [inaudible] right. Right in that moment. Okay. And then they just crank it back up and it's, I mean

Scott: It sounds like good energy though. They're kind of keeping everybody go in and engaged the whole time. So tell us about some of the instructors. Do they have, I assume they have different personalities, different types of playlists.

Jeremy: They are the rock stars. Yeah. So they keep the people coming back. We were very fortunate to get, uh, her name is Tony Tegeler from league city actually.

So she was with rush cycle and Houston had to move up here. Um, she found out about a year ago that we were coming to Frisco and she lives in Dallas. Okay. And so she had pinged our national instructor, kind of the master trainer who has been in town for a couple of weeks. And it's so easy because she comes up, she's already been through the training and that's a big part of rush too. They're not just there for their shift. They're not just, hey, I'll just come be an instructor. There is a legit four week intense certification process they go through. Okay. So they have to have that passion. They have to have that, that drive to do that. And they do. And you'll feel it when you're on that bike and they're not stopping.

Justin: And there's no, you know, a lot of these places and a lot of different gyms. You have a two day certificate training and then, Hey, boom, you've got your class, let's go. And like Jeremy said, I mean it's a four week, you know, they have to invest in it as well. Um, and they come in and they, they're not teaching those first four weeks. They're riding along with our master trainers. And then after that four weeks is up, it's kind of their time to go. Okay.

Scott: Okay, and that sounds like an important differentiator as opposed to, you know, somebody that does have a much shorter certification process. You guys are, they're really required to, like you said, invest time and effort into doing what Rush Cycle, you know?

Justin: Yeah. Cause at the end of the day a major people are coming for the community and, but they also are coming for, you know, that instructor, you know, she's the talent.

She's up there killing it and then, you know, get him that workout. So if they're not ready we need to scale them back and we'll go from there.

It's one of those things you definitely can tell the difference when you walk in the door. Yeah. The uh, the training, that sounds like fun.

So are there, are there other types of activities that go along with the rides? Like I know I've seen in some cases I prefer when I get on a bike I just want to ride and ride hard. But in other cases where maybe they do some lightweights or they have bands or other things that are going on around that too. The, does rush cycle incorporate some of those things as well or are we just in there to ride?

Justin: We're there to ride. We also have weights. Okay. We'll do some arm exercises.

Jeremy: Um, usually like the last two or three songs we'll incorporate apartment sizes and we've got two three, four and five pound weights. Okay. Kind of go at your own if you're a big bulky guy, double up. Yeah.

Justin: The five pound weights, you think that's not enough? Yeah. But after a 45 minute ride might be stigmatized.

Scott: Yeah. Okay. That sounds good. Um, so what else can, what else can you tell us about this? So how much, first of all, how much does it cost to become a member of our cycle?

Justin: So right now unlimited membership is $109. Okay. A, it's kind of the first month we're in the soft opening phase. That's going to jump to about $129 and we're going to offer eight pass a a-class pass $109 and then we're mixing in some four class passes. And it's kind of a, every market's unique, right? And so they're trying to figure out the best schedule, uh, for the exact classes in the morning. Like right now we have 5:45 well if we find out that we can, you know, get people there a little earlier, 5:15 so they can get showered and get out to work, we may adjust that way. And same with the packages. If people can't go eight times or more a month, then we'll do an inlet down to the four, maybe a six class pass. So it's kind of a

Scott: Kind of learning what the market needs in Frisco, right.

Justin: Working out the kinks right now, just to make sure.

Scott: But for right now, if somebody wants unlimited it, they can sign up for $109 a month. Okay, well that's good. And you can go to as many classes as you want with that. Okay, good news. Yeah. What is the right cadence of going to classes? Like is there such thing as too much? Is there an ideal, I mean, everybody's fitness level, maybe a little different, but what do you guys recommend?

Justin: Let's say, you know, if you could as much as you can go, but definitely your body needs rest with whatever you're doing. You know, I would, I mean five days a week, I think it would be pushing it, um, consult with your physician.

Scott: Yeah, yeah, absolutely. Okay. No, that's good to know though.

Jeremy: I mean, I think most people in this kind of fitness boutique era, they're gonna make sense. They're gonna do spend one day, they'll go do kind of like a hit class another day. I mean, I think it's, we like having a bunch of other things around us so that way all these people can go and kind of incorporate all of these things or that workouts and that,

Scott: That makes a lot of sense to me. I like to do the same thing. I think if you do the same thing over and over and over, every day it gets a little bit, he's a little bit dry,

Jeremy: And you hit a bunch of good results quick and then you kind of go stagnant for a while. So think about spinach. It's good, great cardio, no doubt, but it's great for your joints and it's, you know, it's something that a lot of people can do.

We're not asking you to grab up a sledge hammer, right. Turn around and flip tires and you know, it hurt that way. But yes, at least we could, I mean most utmost respect for those that can. Right. But this is kind of a, yeah. And then bring it together type thing.

Scott: And I think one of the things, and one of the reasons that I fell in love with, with writing was it, it is something that you can do for a very long period of time. You know, I'm sure you guys see all ages and levels of people in there. And you know, as I, when I was in my twenties and thirties it was all about lifting heavy and much more focused on aesthetics. When I got into my forties it really became a lot more about focusing on my health and longevity of, of being able to keep working out.

Um, and so something like, you know, riding a bike, whether it's stationary or even on the street, you the it lower impact, still a great workout is something I can see myself still doing. You know, decades down the road.

Justin: We've had a lot of cyclists kinda mentioned to us like, Hey, this is great because when it's raining I can't, I can't road bike but I need to keep training. So this is another good idea for me to come in here. Or when it's 110 hours, I'm just going to say I wasn't going to bring up the whole summer in Texas.

Scott: But yeah. Well, and it's also, I think it again, if for somebody that does ride street, it kind of breaks things up a little bit. It's a bit of a different workout. You get some, you know, get a good DJ up there who's also, you know, motivating you and pushing you a little bit.

And to be fair, I do see people riding in Frisco, but Frisco, I wouldn't consider it the most bike friendly city to ride around in either. So not anymore. Now, especially with all the traffic. Yeah, it's getting busier and busier, so, but all that busy-ness should also be great for your guys' business.

Justin: We're hoping so.

Scott: So when did you actually open? What was the date?

Justin: So grand opening is actually on September 7th okay. That's coming up. Okay. We're in this, we're still in the soft opening phase right now.

Jeremy: nd that's been going on since two Mondays ago. 12th of August? Yeah. August 12th okay. But September 7th is the official grand opening. Grand opening. And it'll be a, it'll be a week long deal. So it'll start September 7th and end on September 14th okay. So it'd be a full week long of grand opening deals. All right. We're gonna have things at the studio.

We're going to have local sponsors and you know, whoever else we can get to go, there may be a couple of mascots, heads heads up Frisco.

Scott: Yeah, we'll be sure to let us know what activities are happening and kind of what special events are going on around that. We'll make sure that everybody knows to come out and check you guys out and come take a look. But it sounds like a lot of fun. So I've got to get you in there. I do, I need to come in and do a class sometime soon.

Justin: So what's kind of cool about it is to, uh, other studios around the country. Once they get up and going, we'll do themed rides, Halloween, you know, put on your costume, come ride, we'll uh, Kinda do some pop up events around town. So negotiating with local businessmen and women, like maybe you'll see us kind of near the star with 40 bikes out there riding just outside, depending on the weather of course.

Right. A little fun, things like that. Just kind of get involved. We're around, um, just everywhere.

Scott: That sounds like a lot of fun. So I'm, one of the things that we try to do as much as possible with, with everybody that we work with, the Llifestyle Frisco is to try to get businesses connected and working together as much as we can. Um, and sometimes that happens, you know, we helped that along. Other Times it's completely organic and they do it on their own. Um, but we've seen a lot of good success when businesses compliment each other and team up. So I would suggest to all of the other businesses out there in Frisco, if you're looking for a fun different kind of event to do, then call up these guys at Rush Cycle and see about maybe doing something at your location if that's a fit and appropriate.

But I can imagine a lot of places it would be, I've already got a picture of you guys on the, uh, the plaza at the, at The Star, you know, with a bunch of talks out there. Great big screen.

Jeremy: My dream is to have Justin dressed up as Teen Wolf top of a van on the bike drive through town.

Scott: That would be fun. But that's a throwback. I haven't seen that one in awhile.

Jeremy: Yeah, but no, you're a team building. Yeah. People around towns and you know, their employees up go ride together, things like that. I mean, it's all over the board.

Justin: I mean when you go in there and have just a hard 45 minute workout and then you're done and you're in the, you're in the lobby, you're changing out your shoes and everybody's there and they just went through the exact same thing with you and it's just really easy to connect with people.

Yeah. And we've seen that just as through these last two weeks of soft opening. You know, it's just been really great and can everything we wanted as why we got the bit why we got the franchise here. Good.

Scott: We're excited to have you guys in town.

Justin: The beers go down smooth app.

Scott: I bet they do. Yeah. So that actually brings up a good question cause I know beer probably isn't the answer as much as I would like it to be. Is there something that you guys would recommend post-workout? What's the ideal other than water? If I want to get rehydrated and kind of get myself going again, what's, what's the best thing to drink right after a hard spin class?

Jeremy: You know, you'd have to come in and ask some of the instructors in our front. Okay, fair enough. Some great new products that we, it's like something new every day.

There's some Goo, there's some flavor mixer and then there's all kinds of little like trail berry mixed type stuff. So I couldn't even tell you. I don't want to get to lying to you.

Justin: You don't have any brands? No. Nothing off hand. Yeah.

Scott: But you guys have some stuff in, in store that people can come in and, and, well they are in studio.

Justin: We're just selling water. Okay. Water. And then, um, eventually we'll kinda see what, what kind of partnerships? Kind of partnerships era. Yeah. Yeah. Okay. Yeah. Okay.

Scott: Well then the, I guess the lesson is ask your instructor, they'll probably have some good recommendations for you. I know when I get done with spin class, I just feel like a puddle. I was going to say something to pick me back up is get some ice and you sit down. Yes. Could be trying to see straight.

Scott: Well, again, we're excited to have you guys in Frisco loving working with you guys. Love what you got going on at Rush Cycle. If people want to find out more, uh, where do they find you online? Let's start there. Uh, rushcycle.com/frisco. Okay. That's easy enough. You should populate, uh, based on your location.

Scott: And we'll certainly have all this stuff in the show notes so people can just click out to it. And then where is, where is the studio located?

Jeremy: We are 6700. Stonebrook. So if you are north bound on the tollway exit Stonebrook come back across the tollway. There's a brand new strip on your right, Subway at one corner. We're at the other corner. Okay. Right across from Starwood village.

Scott: I know exactly where that is. So on the northwest corner of basically the Dallas North Tollroad and Stonebrook, correct?

Yeah. Okay. Yeah, that's a good location. That's good. Lots of good stuff going on.

Justin: Other hospitals popping up high schools. Booming.

Scott: Well that's Frisco. I mean you guys alluded to that at the beginning of this place is still growing like crazy. So it's a good place to be and hopefully that's going to treat you guys really well.

Jeremy: That's what we hope so too.

Scott: Okay. What about social media? You guys on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, all of those?

Justin: All of the above. Maybe not Twitter yet.

Jeremy: Yeah, we are on Facebook and Instagram. @rushfrisco.

Scott: Okay. That's easy to remember. That's for Frisco. Yeah. I'll make sure that we link all those up in the show notes here. You guys have a business page on the side as well. So links are always there and while always link over to that as well. So alright.

Justin: And first-class is free.

Scott: First Class is free. No excuses, no excuses. Come check it out. First-Class is free. And if you get in early, it's one $109 a month unlimited. And I assume that your grandfather's even at that rate for eternity, as long as you keep coming and keep paying. Right? Keep riding. I love it. Keep riding.

Jeremy: And we've got um, just the next few weeks we still have our master trainers in town, so come ride with, okay. Some of the originals that started out in San Diego.

Justin: That's a good point. So if you want to get in that free first ride and really see what this is all about, come ride with the master trainers. Um, how long are they in town for? So

Jeremy: Angie was here for two weeks, a little under two weeks and Alicia will be here for the, they'd kind of split the difference.

Scott: So two and two 30 the grand opening through the grand opening. Okay. So this'll probably be, I don't know the exact publish date when people are going to be listening to this, but it's probably going to be right around that time. Okay, perfect. So you should still have a little bit of time to squeeze in that free ride with the master instructors. Okay guys, thank you very much for coming in today. I really appreciate it and very much Everybody, if you are looking for a great workout and you want to have fun doing it, check out rush cycle. All the links to all this stuff is in the show notes. They are located at Dallas North Tollway in Stonebrook on the northwest side. So pop in, say hi, check them out. Soft opening now, grand opening, September 7th and uh, thanks again for joining this guy.

Jeremy: Thanks. Thank you very much. Happy to be here.

Scott: Yep. And thanks to all of you for listening to the Frisco podcast. Be sure to subscribe to us on whatever platform you like to listen to podcasts on. We're on iTunes, we're on Spotify, we're on Google play, we're on Stitcher. So please subscribe to the podcast. That means a ton to us and we'll talk to you next time.

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Heading into fall it's time to put the summer reads to the side and open up something new. Wendi is on track to read 50 books this year and has four great recommendations for you. From fun fiction to insightful social topics this reading list has something for everyone.

Do you have a fall reading book that you would recommend? Drop us a comment below and be sure to click one of the buttons above to subscribe to The Frisco Podcast above!

If you decide to purchase a book through one of our Amazon affiliate links, we will receive a commission at no additional cost to you.

SHOW NOTES:

[1:55] How To Up Your Shelfie Game

[2:20] Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan

[4:12] Why Wendi chose to read Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore

[5:13] Invisible Women - Data Bias in a World Designed for Men by Caroline Criado Perez

[10:00] I'll Be Gone In The Dark - One Woman's Obsessive Search for the Golden State Killer - Michelle McNamara

[12:18] Finding The Exit - It's Not Where you Start, It's Where You Finish - Lea Ellermeier

[14:27] Factfulness - Ten Reasons We're Wrong About the World--and Why Things Are Better Than You Think by Hans Rosling (check out the video below)

RESOURCES: * Goodreads * Hans Rosling's 200 Countries, 200 Years, 4 Minutes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbkSRLYSojo

Connect with Lifestyle Frisco on: * YouTube * Facebook * Instagram * Twitter * LinkedIn

Transcript Scott Ellis: Welcome to the Frisco podcast. I'm your host, Scott Ellis. And today, I get to interview my wife.

Wendi McGowan-Ellis: This is so fun.

Scott: Yes, we're going to talk about books because you have become an absolutely voracious reader in the last couple of years. You how many books did you read last year?

Wendi: Okay, last year I read 24 books.

Scott: And this year as of August?

Wendi: As of August, 2019 I've read 38 bucks and my goal is 50.

Scott: Since January 1st?

Wendi: Since January 1st, yes.

Scott: That's probably more books than I've read in my whole life.

Wendi: Well, I doubt that because you're smarter than I am and you know all that big tech brain you got over there. But first let's talk about something else. Let's talk about where we physically are right now.

Scott: So this is the first episode that we are recording in our new podcast studio at UNT inspire park.

Wendi: Yes, in our new offices. And we are super thrilled with this room and how it turned out and all of the baffling on the walls and the fact that we've got four mikes and we've got to a flat screen TV to show great things while we're recording. So I am just thrilled. This is like a dream come true.

Scott: Pretty amazing. And UNT, the guys did a great job. We're very grateful to them for all the work they put into this room.

Wendi: So yes we are. Yes we are.

Scott: Alright, so we get back into talking about books.

Wendi: Yes, we can get back into talking about that.

Scott: Allright. So we're going to talk about your fall reading lists. Yes. And that's a, a rundown of I think four books that you're recommending for fall.

Wendi: Yes. I'm just going to kind of recap four that I've read already. Um, and in no particular order, um, I kinda did a how to up your shelf-ie game for a summer reading list, um, on the site. And it was a big article. I'm a gigantic listicle on there. So yeah, we're going to talk about fall. All to the, all of the kids have gone back to school and they're all reading. So parents, it's time to break out the bookmarks, then head back to the library and get some interesting stuff.

Scott: Right. Summer's over time to turn your brains back on.

Wendi: That's right. Exactly. So, um, so I'm going to start off with a fiction book that I have not finished, but I'm reading it right now called Mr Penumbra's 24-hour bookstore by Robin Sloan. And this book is just a whimsical little jaunt to back in 2009 during the great recession. Um, the book is set in San Francisco and the hero of the story has been fired from his web design, um, coding job because of the great recession and he's taken a job in Mr Penumbra's 24 hour bookstore and he soon discovers that there's rarely a customer in the bookstore like he has.

First of all, he works the night shift. He literally works from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM there's rarely a customer that comes into the store, but when they do come into the store, they ask for a section that he internally dubs to himself the way back list because it's all of the dusty musty items like way in the back of the store and they're hard to find on shelves. But these customers are completely deliberate about what book they want. Now, not only do they ask for a specific dusty musty book, they also don't pay for them. They turn in another dusty musty book in exchange for the new one that they just get. So our hero of the story, Clay Janin is perpetually confused by this process. The fact that no money is changing hands, but yet this is supposed to be a business and a 24 hour one at that.

So I'm having quite the joy ride on this one.

Scott: What would you say made this book the most fun for you to read?

Wendi: Well, the reason why I picked it up is because it was recommended on a list, um, for book lovers about book lovers or book or libraries.

Scott: Very meta?

Wendi: Yes, it was. Yes, it was metadata on libraries, people who love to read, et Cetera. So I received this list of 10 books that were either about libraries, about books, about the process of reading, et Cetera. And this one looked completely the most intriguing and it is so fun. It's completely fiction. It's, it's being, it's giving me a great time right now.

Scott: And what little you've told me about it. The characters that come in store are probably more interesting and quirky than the characters that they're reading about in the books that go.

Scott: Sounds like a fun one.

Wendi: Brain candy, totally fine. You have to keep up with it though. It's not like a complete, you know, just something that you're going to read in a day. Um, so I'm, I'm loving that too. So that's my fiction book. Um, my second book that I'd like to talk about is something that I recently finished and you had to witness me hemming and hawing and exasperated throughout almost the entire process.

Scott: Allright, your not selling this book very well.

Wendi: Yes, I am going to tell it. Well, so the title of the book is Invisible Women - Data Bias In A World Designed For Men by Caroline Criado Perez. And first of all, I want to say this book is not a man Basher. This is, this is something that is factual information about how things are designed for men without women in mind. And I'll give two examples.

Number one is traffic lights and traffic patterns. Men Typically, you know, from the 50s or the forties, whenever they started working and really driving cars, men leave home, drive directly to a destination, stay at that destination all day and then drive directly back home. Women get in a car and drive to the school to drop off kids. Then they go to the dry cleaner, then they stopped by Starbucks and grab a coffee and then they go to the grocery store and then they eventually come back home. So you've gotten men who have a single destination, single point, um, uh, of, of driving and women who do a spaghetti bowl of driving on a daily basis typically, and how our traffic patterns are designed to give the maximum free flow for that linear structure of driving. And so women are, um, penalized if you will, for having that kind of driving pattern.

So that's one, that's one example of data bias in this book. My second example that I'll share is office temperatures and the fact that women free is in the summer. Most of us have to take blankets, put heaters under our desks. There's a lot of women smiling and nodding right now cause I know they do this, um, extra sweaters they keep in the office. And that is because in 1950 a scientific study was conducted on 170 pound male WWE office worker and what his resting metabolic, uh, body temperature was and what would be of the maximum maximum comfort to him and that that level is 68 degrees. So that's why all offices are set at 68 degrees and women freeze because we don't have that much of a metabolism. We have more body fat on us and less muscle. And so therefore that's why we freeze.

So those are just two little examples. There's a ton of other great um, data on the world. And honestly, this book was something that just was really eye opening. It was, you know, something that I wouldn't have typically picked up. Um, again, it was something that kind of wandered through an email list on me or I, it might've been recommended to me by good reads. So I'm on a site, we can talk about that at the end, but good reads.com don't let me forget to come back to that. So that's my, my second book. Do you have any questions about that one? Do you want to know?

Scott: We have a million questions about that one. Probably much more would take much more time than what we have here. Okay. Um, but I think there was one other example I remember you talking about that was, uh, bathrooms or bathroom designs or something to that effect. How you like it typically if you go into an establishment, there's a men's room and a women's room and yet women have more a need of the facilities than men do, right? It takes them longer. They're doing other things like maybe fixing makeup and things like that.

Wendi: A lot of times it's pure like clothing design. Like they think about just the physical anatomy of how much more clothing women have to physically take off in order to use a facility. Whereas you guys can walk in and use a zipper and then walk out and be done. I mean, that's not even getting into, yes, the checking the hair, the checking, the makeup, the, you know, the straightening of the clothes that you've now completely half redressed yourself. So yes, that, those are very interesting stats around even when, uh, facilities design, um, uh, a large number of restrooms for women versus w versus men, they still typically build an equal number and how that just will never work. And also and also the d…. Well we won't talk about that. So anyway, yes.

Scott: Let's go on. Let's talk about a book number three.

Wendi: Ok, book number three, um, is a mystery suspense because, you know, I love my Agatha Christie. Um, Agatha Christie is literally my favorite author in the world, but this one is not by her. This is a true story called I'll be gone in the dark one woman's obsessive search for the golden state killer by Michelle McNamara. And Michelle McNamara was a, I'm an investigative journalist and unfortunately she passed away during the writing of this book so she did not see it through to completion. Um, the forward is by Gillian Flynn of gone girl fame. Um, and the afterward and completion of the book is by a man named Patton Oswald. And it's a story about, um, for more than 10 years a mysterious and violent Predator committed 50 sexual assaults in northern California in the seventies and eighties.

And Its her investigative journalism of finding who this killer was. And to her credit, it was through her work that, um, authorities eventually find who this guy is, like really recently, like in the last three, two or three years, the killer has, was discovered and all of these killings happened in the [inaudible].

Scott: And it was her research they used?

Wendi: Yes. Not completely directly, but she did pull a lot of threads that were new findings in, um, case files that had gone stored in the back of a closet. So yes, incredibly interesting book to watch a woman kind of have that investigative mind and kind of see where that all went. Plus, I love a true story.

Scott: That was good. That was interesting cause it was, was it scary to read at all?

Wendi: No, it really wasn't and it wasn't. Um, there's not a lot of Gore and detail on everything. It's really just a lot about the minutia of the clues and how professionals look at things that way.

How police, FBI, you know, crime scene investigators, just how they look at different, um, pieces of evidence. So it was, it was very interesting from that perspective.

Scott: Oh, I, very good. Okay. So you got one more for us.

Wendi: I've got one more, and this one was also included in my summer shelfy reading list, but I just have to give it an extra plug, um, because it motivates me. I've read it twice and I'm probably gonna read it a third time here pretty soon. Um, it's called finding the exit. It's not where you start, it's where you finish by Lee Eller Meyer. So she is a Dallas woman who started an orthodontic device company and was, um, you know, it's, it's the story of her whole process of being a startup and taking a company all the way through to that final, um, acquisition by a fortune 100 company in less than five years. So she's kind of my girl crush, so she motivates me. She is local, local. She is here and she, she is here in Dallas and is still here in Dallas and yes.

Scott: Yeah. And she's got a really, really powerful story. Yes. Um, I haven't actually read the book, but I have met her. That's where I actually got the book. Ended up on your shelf. Yes. And I'm quite something if, if she's ever doing a book signing locally, she's definitely somebody I would recommend to go out and meet and hear her speak and, and learn a little bit more about her story, both from a, an entrepreneurial standpoint but also from just a personal standpoint, everything, all the adversity that she has gone through and, and, and where she, how she got to where she is now. Just really fascinating. I don't want to ruin it for you. Just go pick up the book. And what was the name of that again?

Wendi: Finding the exit. It's not where you start. It's where you finish by Lee, Ellermeier. And it's L-E-A even though it's pronounced Lee. Um, Ellermeier.

Scott: All right, so we're going to put links to all of these books in the show notes so you can go out and grab your Ebook, hard copy, whatever it is that you want. So we'll make sure that you guys can get an easy access to these books.

Wendi: Do you have a book you want to talk about, Scott, before we close out?

Scott: I've read a couple of books this year, I could probably recommend either one of them. They've both been very good reads, but I'm going to go with one called the Factfullness. Ooh. So facts wellness is a, is a book by a gentleman named Hans Rosling. Unfortunately, he passed away in 2017, and I actually didn't know that until I read the book. Uh, but I had followed him for several years and he's done a lot of, uh, videos and some online things. But he, he started, uh, an organization that's now running, I believe it's by his son and daughter-in-law that they, they research various topics and their mission is to, to bring, uh, a factful worldview to people. So the, the interesting thing about the book was, and he demonstrates us very clearly that most of us have bias in our view of the world that is outdated. So our, our view of the world is based on things that we learned a long time ago.

And even things that like people in my age range that we learned back in the 70s 80s and 90s which may not at all be true today, and we know they're not true, but yet our view of the world is still biased by the things that we learned back then. We still think they're true because we just haven't gone out to find, you know, the information or done the research that tells us that's not really true anymore. And part of the problem is the longer you believe something, the more ingrained it becomes in your worldview. And the most fun part of the book is how he demonstrates that when he quizzes people, and I don't mean just average citizens, he will quiz experts in industry and how often they perform very poorly on these, these basic quizzes because of that outdated worldview. So much so, so much so that he did a random, uh, test with chimpanzees.

Now you can imagine chimpanzees don't really understand the questions or the answers, so their guesses are completely random. But in a random sampling, they still end up getting about a 33% on the quiz. There were only one or two examples where anybody, any group ever exceeded 33% of, most of the times, even people who are very knowledgeable, uh, they would quiz them on, on things like, you know, uh, what is the expectation of our world population in 2040 or 2050, um, are people better off or worse off than they were 10 or 20 years ago? Are people wealthier? Are they healthier? All these types of things. Uh, and, and in most cases, in almost every case, they scored worse than chimpanzees whose guesses were completely random because our, our view of things is so biased by outdated information. So the whole book is about, it's partly about what is true and what are some of the more factual things that are going on.

He supports it with a tremendous amount of research and evidence, but the bigger picture is changing the way you think about the world and recognizing that the information I have right now may or may not be current accurate, and it's always worthwhile to challenge our own knowledge and assumptions because much of the time what we believe is simply not true.

Wendi: That sounds incredible.

Scott: It's a really fascinating book. It'll make you question everything, which can be a little bit scary, but it's, it will change the way you think about the world. So fact fullness by Hans Rosling. Really, really good rate. So that'd be my one recommendation.

Wendi: All right, well I think that's a pretty good list. We can get at least get people through Christmas, maybe on those five books.

That would be, that'd be pretty good. That's almost one a month at this point. So guys get cracking. All right, so we're going to wrap this up, but I hope you had fun. This was something different on the Frisco podcast and we'll be doing more of of this kind of thing in the future. So we'll try and get windy back for a winter reading list. Since she’s our resident reader right now. Maybe we'll get some of the other team to input as well. But yeah, thanks for joining us today and thank you for your recommendations.

Wendi: Thank you. Thank you for having me. And one final p.s. to everyone who's listening, come by and visit us. Come and see our podcast studio! We are typically here several days a week if not all of them Monday through Friday during office hours. So we are at the UNT Inspire Park building at 6170 Research Road in north Frisco, just north of just south of El Dorado on Frisco Street.

Scott: And there's some more stuff being built out here. So once it's all done and ready, then we're going to have a ribbon cutting and we'll not announce that so everybody can come out to the, yeah, we're going to throw down for that party.

All right. But until then, thanks again for tuning in to the Frisco podcast. Please be sure to subscribe to us on iTunes, Google play, Spotify, Stitcher, whatever your favorite podcast outlet is. We're there, so go out and subscribe to the Frisco podcast. We really appreciate it and leave us a comment, let us know what you think of the shows and on this one, what are your favorite books? If you have a favorite book, leave us a comment and we'd love to hear about it until next time.

Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men

I'll Be Gone in the Dark: One Woman's Obsessive Search for the Golden State Killer

Factfulness: Ten Reasons We're Wrong About the World--and Why Things Are Better Than You Think

Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore: A Novel

Finding the Exit: It’s Not Where You Start, It’s Where You Finish

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Maureen Beville, Owner of Dwell Yoga Studio in Frisco, joined us to share about her journey from novice yogi to certified instructor, and now, business owner.

She's honest about her initial reaction when the nudging in her heart first began. "Absolutely not!"

She didn't feel qualified or worthy of the calling and wanted to say no. But now, seeing the beauty and purpose in her journey, she's the first to say, "Even in the fear, just obey…and God will work out the details."

With a wide range of classes for all levels and abilities, Dwell Yoga Studio aspires more than anything to communicate that whatever you can bring to your mat on a given day, "It's enough."

They set the tone and provide the instruction, but ultimately, your time on your mat is whatever you need it to be.

Listen to this relatable conversation with Maureen, new small business owner and Frisco resident. Learn what "Christ-centered yoga" means, and find out what's new this fall.

SHOW NOTES:

[1:00] Maureen's personal history, background in Health and Wellness

[3:00] How a Holy Yoga Experience in Dallas inspired her next steps

[5:15] Understanding "mind-body worship"

[8:00] Creating a Christ-centered yoga studio

[11:50] Infrared sauna and private pilates reformer sessions

[14:00] Additional class types this fall - 75 min All Level flow, youth stretch clinics, Soul Care

[23:20] Fostering a grace-filled environment

[28:00] Remaining community-focused

RESOURCES: * Dwell Yoga Studio in Frisco: Come As You Are * Dwell Yoga Studio on Lifestyle Frisco * Dwell Yoga Studio Website * Dwell Yoga Studio on Facebook * Dwell Yoga Studio on Instagram

Connect with Lifestyle Frisco on: * YouTube * Facebook * Instagram * Twitter * LinkedIn

Transcript {coming soon}

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Bronwyn Osburn, Partner and Marketing Manager at Linder Legacy Group, joined us to outline the impressive portfolio of services they offer in North Texas.

With financial management resources, accounts receivable and debt collection services, and dynamic business coaching, the team at Linder Legacy Group has resources and key partnerships to support individuals and businesses of all sizes.

New to Dallas, but not new to the finance industry, Linder has recently partnered with Wealthwave® and with Transworld Systems, Inc., further solidifying their position as leaders in their industry.

Hear more about these partnerships and how they set Linder Legacy Group apart.

Show Notes

Linder Legacy Group on Lifestyle Frisco
Linder Legacy Group Website
Linder Legacy Group on LinkedIn
Linder Legacy Group on Facebook
Linder Legacy Group on Instagram

Connect with Lifestyle Frisco on: * YouTube * Facebook * Instagram * Twitter * LinkedIn

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We visited with Katelin Schebler, Founder, Owner, and Creator of all things lovely and luxurious at Culture A Day Spa in Frisco. Coming up on her one year biz anniversary, Katelin's goal is to consistently provide five-star, tailored, luxury services to her clients.

It began by hand-selecting every detail to ensure a truly an exceptional experience for her guests. And it must be working, because Culture A Day Spa is the official spa referral of the Omni Frisco Hotel (known for its high standards).

Body treatments, facials, massage, waxing, make-up application, lash tinting... But beyond high-quality products and stellar customer service, Culture's goal is that your entire experience from start to finish is one of luxury.

Their philosophy? Time does not exist. Culture invites you to experience an environment solely focused on you.

Get to know Culture A Day Spa in this episode of The Frisco Podcast.

Show Notes * Culture A Day Spa on Lifestyle Frisco * Culture A Day Spa Website * Culture A Day Spa on Facebook * Culture A Day Spa on Instagram

Connect with Lifestyle Frisco on: * YouTube * Facebook * Instagram * Twitter * LinkedIn

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For nearly 20 years, the Frisco School of Music and Performing Arts has joyfully introduced Frisco children to the arts with programs that both teach and inspire. The school combines top professional instructors and time-honored methods with inventive and creative experiences.

The result is a program where kids learn, have fun, gain confidence, and develop a lifelong love for the arts.

Chris Duncan, Owner and Executive Director of FSMPA, opened the school in 2000 with a heart to help kids discover all that music and performing arts has to offer. In this episode of the Frisco Podcast, she shares her own journey, from the early years of begging her parents to let her quit piano lessons, to her own season as a parent looking for consistently available, quality instruction for her son.

She shares about their unique and prestigious Musical Arts Schoolhouse preschool and Kindergarten program, as well as the opportunity for older students to try new things as they discover what inspires them the most.

Whether her students go on to become famous jazz musicians, or they move on to other interests, Chris Duncan believes in the value of arts education from an early age.

Listen to this episode and get to know the Frisco School of Music and Performing Arts. Stop by anytime for a tour!

Show Notes

Frisco School of Music and Performing Arts on Lifestyle Frisco
Frisco School of Music and Performing Arts Website
Frisco School of Music and Performing Arts on Facebook
Frisco School of Music and Performing Arts on Instagram
Musical Arts Schoolhouse Preschool and Kindergarten

Connect with Lifestyle Frisco on: * YouTube * Facebook * Instagram * Twitter * LinkedIn

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Frisco resident and high school student Tara O'Donnell joined us to talk about winning 'Chopped Junior' on Food Network a couple of years ago, as well as her current business, future aspirations and favorite Chefs.

Tara discovered her love for cooking at a very early age. With supportive parents and a family that enjoys cooking together, Chopped Junior was an incredible opportunity to demonstrate her talent.

Now, Tara has her eyes set on a future career as a Chef. But good news -- you don't have to wait for her to graduate from culinary school. Her Frisco-based business, Tara's Tasty Table, is available for hire. Trust us - she's beyond capable and will wow your palate.

Listen as Tara shares a sample dinner party menu and don't miss her big announcement. Something special is coming up at the end of this year!

On her website, visitors can view Tara's catering menus, read her biography, visit the press sites for all her activities, see pictures of her travels and cooking, and share her adventures on Chopped Junior!

Show Notes

Tara's Tasty Table on Facebook
Tara's Tasty Table Website
Tara O'Donnell on Lifestyle Frisco

Connect with Lifestyle Frisco on: * YouTube * Facebook * Instagram * Twitter * LinkedIn

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Besides sports, what's more Frisco-centric than a small business owner with a great idea and a personality to match?

Meet Andre Ketter, owner of Fill-A-Bin, a local business that rents reusable, eco-friendly moving boxes for commercial and residential customers across the DFW area. They're strong, stackable, and come with free delivery and pick up.

Whether you're moving across town, preparing for renovations, or packing your college-bound student, Fill-a-Bin offers a variety of packages to suit your storage or moving needs.

It's a family-built business with a lot of heart, soul, and sweat behind it. It was our pleasure to get to know Andre better.

Show Notes

Fill-a-Bin Website
Fill-a-Bin on Lifestyle Frisco
Fill-a-Bin on Twitter
Fill-a-Bin on Instagram

Connect with Lifestyle Frisco on: * YouTube * Facebook * Instagram * Twitter * LinkedIn

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Just as you may have guessed, the story of Major League Roofing begins with a love for baseball. Steve Nathan and Jason Hamilton's friendship started while coaching their sons' baseball teams, but it's their unique business backgrounds that led them to develop DFW's premier roofing company.

Clearly, in Texas, we have to talk about hail damage, but these guys have a lot of other sound advice to share as well. With expertise in both commercial and residential roofing, a long list of very impressive credentials, and solid relationships with insurance companies, these are the guys to talk to for anything roofing-related.

(We also found out who their favorite baseball teams are!)

Show Notes

Major League Roofing Website
Major League Roofing on Lifestyle Frisco
Major League Roofing on Facebook
Major League Roofing on Instagram

Connect with Lifestyle Frisco on: * YouTube * Facebook * Instagram * Twitter * LinkedIn

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Dr. John Dougherty, Owner of Conquer Fitness and Performance in Frisco has created an injury-proof, results-driven, motivating strategy for optimizing your health and fitness.

Hear WHY John's target market is men and women between the ages of 40-60, and how he has designed his workouts so they won't beat up your body and you won't get lost in the crowd.

In our conversation, John offers some fantastic tips about how to stay in shape during the busy summer months. And bonus - he also shares some male-specific and female-specific advice, understanding that some fitness challenges and goals could vary between genders.

Show Notes

Conquer Fitness and Performance Website
Conquer Fitness and Performance on Lifestyle Frisco
Conquer Fitness and Performance on Facebook
Conquer Fitness and Performance on Instagram

Connect with Lifestyle Frisco on: * YouTube * Facebook * Instagram * Twitter * LinkedIn

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When it comes to home accents, Karen White, owner of Oasis Accents in The Shops at Starwood, has some GREAT tips and ideas for you, Frisco! She knows a thing or two (or two hundred) about color, style, balance, shelving, trends, decluttering, and transitioning your decor.

At the end of the day, it's about surrounding yourself with home accents that make your heart happy, and not being afraid to GO FOR IT! And, Karen can help you do just that with her new home accessorizing packages!

Enjoy this light-hearted conversation with Karen White, and learn what's hot right now in home decor. Visit her shop in person or browse her website to see what's available!

Show Notes

Oasis Accents Website
Oasis Accents on Lifestyle Frisco
Oasis Accents on Facebook
Oasis Accents on Instagram

Connect with Lifestyle Frisco on: * YouTube * Facebook * Instagram * Twitter * LinkedIn

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While we can all dream of a world where our family’s medical issues happen on a convenient schedule, this simply isn’t reality. Inevitably, issues will arise at unpredictable times and our decisions for urgent and emergency care matter. They come with major health and financial consequences (not to mention the potential for the tremendous inconvenience).

Having a trusted, available provider is really valuable. We sat down with Dr. Jay Woody, Chief Medical Officer and Founder of Legacy ER and Urgent Care to talk about the realities of making the decision to go to Urgent Care or the ER, and the importance of integrity and fair billing.

Hear what makes Legacy ER and Urgent Care special, and WHY you shouldn't worry about visiting their office when you're unsure what's going on with your child's health or your own health.

Show Notes

Legacy ER Website
Legacy ER on Lifestyle Frisco
Legacy ER on Facebook
Legacy ER on Instagram

Connect with Lifestyle Frisco on: * YouTube * Facebook * Instagram * Twitter * LinkedIn

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A year and a half into entrepreneur-life, Beyond Studios' Owner Beth Crain has never been more proud of where they've been and excited for what's coming next. Beyond Studios in Frisco has established a consistently growing clientele who cheer each other on during challenging Pilates Reformer sessions. And there's room to grow.

Beyond has done so well in Frisco that Beth has added new classes to the schedule, nutrition coaching, and...she has another surprise up her sleeve that you don't want to miss!

If you want to reshape your body, find community, and experience music-infused, challenging Pilates classes in Frisco, reach out to Beth Crain!

It's not Pilates...it's BEYOND.

Show Notes

Beyond Studios Website
Beyond Studios on Lifestyle Frisco
Beyond Studios on Facebook
Beyond Studios on Instagram

Connect with Lifestyle Frisco on: * YouTube * Facebook * Instagram * Twitter * LinkedIn

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Since 1978, The Family Place has been helping victims of family violence in North Texas by providing safe housing, counseling, and skills that create independence while building community engagement and advocating for social change to stop family violence.

Paige Flink, CEO of The Family Place, sat down with us to share the bigger picture of domestic violence and its devastating impact on not only the direct victims, but to witnessing children, and the entire community. "If we don't help the people who are hurting, a lot of other things aren't going to work in the world."

Paige describes the warning signs, including those easily missed or misinterpreted. She explains how to help a friend who may be a victim, how a victim can escape gracefully, and what domestic violence looks like in a wealthy community like Frisco.

It does happen in Frisco, although it's often well-hidden. This is an important, eye-opening conversation that you no one should miss.

Show Notes

The Family Place Website
The Family Place on Give for Frisco
The Family Place on Facebook
The Family Place on Instagram
Donate to The Family Place

Connect with Lifestyle Frisco on: * YouTube * Facebook * Instagram * Twitter * LinkedIn

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Frisco StrEATS is back in the Rail District for its 8th year with more than 25 gourmet food trucks, live music, and new this year...a WINE GARDEN! Listen to this episode of the Frisco Podcast with downtown boutique owner Chantal Walsh to get all of the food, beer, wine, and music details, and find out which local businesses will be on-site to entertain all ages!

Frisco StrEATS is hosted by the Downtown Merchants Association and presented by Title Sponsor Nack Development. Many of your favorite businesses will be a part, such as Tumbleweed TexStyles, Bittersweet Ivy, Crafted, Countdown 2 Escape, and more!

Lifestyle Frisco is proud to be a partner of the 2019 Frisco StrEATS Festival.

Show Notes

Frisco StrEATS Website
Frisco StrEATS on Lifestyle Frisco
Nack Development
Bittersweet Ivy
Crafted
Tumbleweed TexStyles
Countdown 2 Escape
DFW Scavenger Hunt

Connect with Lifestyle Frisco on: * YouTube * Facebook * Instagram * Twitter * LinkedIn

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With no two workouts ever the same, The 12 has developed a dedicated following for their boredom busting, plateau-proof workouts that are scientifically formulated to achieve results.

We sat down with Josh Boyd, CEO and Founder of The 12 to talk about their workouts, their philosophy, and their new studio opening nearby.

The conversation went well beyond the who/what/where details, however, as we discussed the emotional side of health and fitness. Why it's HARD, how extra weight can affect our relationships and careers, the judgments we feel these days because of social media... And trust us, Josh GETS IT. He is more concerned with his clients' hearts and souls than anything else, emphasizing that everyone has a story before they walk into The 12.

Josh's personal journey from corporate life to life-changing success in the fitness industry is nothing short of inspiring. It's a great, personal interview that many people will identify with on a number of levels...

Connect with Lifestyle Frisco on: * YouTube * Facebook * Instagram * Twitter * LinkedIn

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Meet Shannon Hammond, the new Co-Owner of Countdown 2 Escape in the Rail District. Not long ago, after years of working and raising a family in Frisco, Shannon and her husband Fred decided that it was time for a new chapter. They considered opening a local business in the area but wanted to stay true their core values and passions.

When they found Countdown 2 Escape, it was a natural fit. Escape rooms encourage groups to connect, collaborate, and maybe even set their phones down for a little while. Shannon and Fred value the encouragement that true connection provides, and encourage their guests to stay awhile and enjoy the space, play games and hang out as long as they like.

Our conversation was recorded in the lobby of their downtown Frisco business, which - if you haven't been in lately - has been completely refreshed into a very inviting and cozy space perfectly suited to host friends, families, or colleagues who are interested in out of the ordinary FUN!

If you've never tried an escape room, you need to check out Countdown 2 Escape!

Show Notes

Countdown2Escape Website
Countdown2Escape on Lifestyle Frisco
Countdown2Escape on Instagram
Countdown2Escape on Facebook

Connect with Lifestyle Frisco on: * YouTube * Facebook * Instagram * Twitter * LinkedIn

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Do you ever wish you were more comfortable creating with paint, had the first idea about power tools, or had the courage to set about turning raw materials into something fabulous?

Enter Crafted, Frisco’s very own home-grown wood-crafting studio! At Crafted, expert instructors guide crafters during group workshops through the use of materials, paint, and even power tools. Do-it-yourselfers, from no experience to advanced crafters, can create fantastic and customized wood creations that look polished, professional, and – more importantly, for those of us inclined to stop halfway through our Pinterest-inspired projects – finished and ready to display.

Owner Melissa Winton is passionate about creating a welcoming, supportive environment for the inexperienced crafters and loves passing on knowledge and a sense of success. Listen to her story and learn how YOU can get Crafted!

Show Notes

Crafted Website
Crafted on Lifestyle Frisco
Crafted on Instagram
Crafted on Facebook

Connect with Lifestyle Frisco on: * YouTube * Facebook * Instagram * Twitter * LinkedIn

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In 2016 Trinity Oaks Mortgage was established with a mission to love their customers generously by orchestrating a simple home buying experience that positively impacts lives. That's not something you hear every day...

Buying a home is one of the biggest personal investments you’ll make during a lifetime. When beginning this process the financials can be daunting so it’s important to find an organization with whom you can work in harmony. You want to seek out someone that not only knows their business but with whom you can trust to fulfill one of your biggest dreams.

We recently sat down with TJ Henley, President of Trinity Oaks Mortgage, to learn more about their approach to business and what's happening on the real estate front in the Frisco area. But, it was his genuine heart for people that kept shining through more than anything else.

Show Notes

Trinity Oaks Website
Trinity Oaks Mortgage on Lifestyle Frisco

Connect with Lifestyle Frisco on: * YouTube * Facebook * Instagram * Twitter * LinkedIn

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Whether it's a great patio on a Saturday night, an outdoor festival, or a major artist at Toyota Stadium, Frisco is ROCKING.

Our Contributing Writer Brandon Novara has a personal passion for music, often interviewing local bands for his Artist Spotlight Series and always maintaining a pulse on the local, live music scene.

Get the scoop on the 2019 Off the Rails Country Music Festival coming this May, including a preview of the local artists who will grace the same stage as the headliners, parking tips, and 5 Reasons you don't want to miss it!

And, for our local, live music enthusiasts, hear what's developing across Frisco...the latest venues, local artists, and annual festivals that invite you to kick back, enjoy time with family or friends, and be entertained close to home.

It's a conversation you don't want to miss!

Show Notes

Off the Rails Country Music Festival
Frisco Uncorked
Music in the Square
Frisco StrEATS
Eight 11 Place
Frisco Rail Yard
The Best Places to Find Live Music in Frisco
The Reservoir is Rocking the Stage in Frisco
Grace Tyler Music
Frisco Music Scene/Whistlestop Jamboree
Sip and Savor the Frisco Uncorked Food & Wine Festival

Connect with Lifestyle Frisco on: * YouTube * Facebook * Instagram * Twitter * LinkedIn

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Outdoor festival enthusiasts, this one is for you! The inaugural Frisco Uncorked Food and Wine Festival presented by O’Neil Wysocki Family Law is just a few weeks away, Saturday, April 6 from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

Lauren Stephan, Event Organizer and President of SBG Hospitality, joined us on The Frisco Podcast to give us all the DELICIOUS details, from the more than 100 varieties of wine that will be featured to the popular, local restaurants who will be on site offering bites for your mouth-watering pleasure. Add to that, live entertainment, a grape-stomping competition, and fun for the entire family!

Whether it's a bring-your-lawn-blankets and picnic basket sort of day, a date with your special someone, or a staycation with gal pals, this conversation will leave you saying, "I'll drink to that!"

Lifestyle Frisco is the exclusive media sponsor of Frisco Uncorked!

Show Notes * Frisco Uncorked Website

Connect with Lifestyle Frisco on: * YouTube * Facebook * Instagram * Twitter * LinkedIn

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When it comes to dentistry, you want the best. We sat down with two members of Ideal Dental’s team of dentists to learn not only what sets their practice apart from other neighborhood dental practices, but we also busted a few myths and acknowledged that dental anxiety is not only real but common.

Dr. Valerie Slater and Dr. Diala Chahine are experienced, personable, and relatable. Spend even just a few minutes in their company and you'll quickly recognize that they sincerely want their patients to have a positive experience while in their care.

Convenient hours, specialists in-house, and strategies to make patients more comfortable, Ideal Dental is a DFW-wide team of caring professionals who understand, first-hand, about busy, demanding lifestyles; they want your dental experience to be a positive one.

Show Notes * Ideal Dental Website * Ideal Dental on Lifestyle Frisco * Connect with Ideal Dental: + Facebook + Twitter + Instagram + Yelp

Connect with Lifestyle Frisco on: * YouTube * Facebook * Instagram * Twitter * LinkedIn

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We sat down with Kelly Walker to get the scoop on her new podcast that will launch this month, Hustle & Pro. Kelly will explore athletes' stories, young and old, from youth leagues to professional players, to discuss what drives them and what obstacles they've had to overcome. She'll also share perspectives from coaches and entrepreneurs to hear about what sports are growing and flourishing in Frisco, Texas.

Find out why Kelly is the die-hard sports fan that she is, and what inspired her to develop Hustle & Pro. It's as Frisco as it gets!

Show Notes * Hustle & Pro Podcast Page * Hustle & Pro Podcast Feed

Connect with Lifestyle Frisco on: * YouTube * Facebook * Instagram * Twitter * LinkedIn

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Subscribe on iTunes! Subscribe on Google Play Podcast RSS Feed Mike and his wife Rachael (Rae) Phillips-Luther set out to create a concept that would allow them to spend more time with their family while creating food that makes you feel your best so you can be your best.

That concept became UP Inspired Kitchen.

It's not strictly "health food" but it is better for you food, that also includes a cheat category.

UP Inspired Kitchen is also one of our favorite brunch spots, and places to find good coffee.

If you want to feel good after you eat and enjoy every bite of your meal in a fast-casual atmosphere, UP Inspired Kitchen is the place to go. But keep in mind they're only open for breakfast and lunch.

Go ahead... Live it UP.

The Frisco Podcast is brought to you on the Real News Communications Network.

Up Inspired Kitchen Website
Up Inspired Kitchen Contact Info, and More

Connect with Up Inspired Kitchen

Instagram
Facebook
Yelp
TripAdvisor

Connect with Lifestyle Frisco on:

YouTube
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
LinkedIn

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After 40 years in telecom and a brief stint of retirement, Ken Morris was ready to take his next step. He was inspired to take something that had changed his life dramatically and help others change theirs.

TITLE Boxing Club was that next step.

If you think it's just about hitting bags or exclusively for advanced athletes, think again.

Appropriate for all levels, TITLE Boxing is a "fit club" not a "fight club". You don't have to worry about the contact side of the sport but you can count on getting an intense workout.

If burning up to 1,000 calories in an hour and letting go of a little stress sounds good to you, TITLE Boxing is a must.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZVi20HRqKE&feature=youtu.be Subscribe on iTunes! Subscribe on Google Play Podcast RSS Feed

The Frisco Podcast is brought to you on the Real News Communications Network. * Title Boxing Frisco Website * Title Boxing Hours, Contact Info, and More

Connect with The Bar Method Frisco * Instagram * Facebook

Connect with Lifestyle Frisco on: * YouTube * Facebook * Instagram * Twitter * LinkedIn

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The Bar Method develops long, lean, toned bodies through dance fitness style training while utilizing lower impact physical therapy techniques to prevent injury.

Owner Reshoo Patel developed a passion for barre fitness during her corporate days. After having two kids and moving to Frisco she ditched corporate life for her passion, giving her more flexibility (in more ways than one) and new community.

More than simply providing fitness classes, Reshoo enjoys helping her members connect with one another and stay accountable so they achieve the best possible results.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLJAcBO-whg&feature=youtu.be Subscribe on iTunes! Subscribe on Google Play Podcast RSS Feed

The Frisco Podcast is brought to you on the Real News Communications Network.

The Bar Method Frisco Website
The Bar Method Frisco Hours, Contact Info, and More
Jungle Joe's

Connect with The Bar Method Frisco * Instagram * Facebook

Connect with Lifestyle Frisco on: * YouTube * Facebook * Instagram * Twitter * LinkedIn

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A few members of the Lifestyle Frisco team gathered to share some Frisco features they most look forward to enjoying in 2019.

What does Frisco have to offer that you haven't yet enjoyed but plan to this year? Leave us a comment so some of your neighbors can learn about things they may not even know Frisco has to offer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GdbaC_1l2-8&feature=youtu.be

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The Frisco Podcast is brought to you on the Real News Communications Network.

Frisco Garden Club
North Texas Turkey Trot
The Frisco Heritage Center
The Rail District
Frisco Sports Teams
- Texas Legends
- Frisco Roughriders
- The Dallas Stars
- Dallas Cowboys
- FC Dallas
- Dallas Rattlers
- Texas Revolution
- PGA of America (coming to Frisco)
Traintopia
National Video Game Museum
Frisco Parks
- Frisco Pump Park

Connect with Lifestyle Frisco on: * YouTube * Facebook * Instagram * Twitter * LinkedIn

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A few members of the Lifestyle Frisco team gathered to share some of their favorite Christmas Traditions.

From local events and Frisco favorites, to personal traditions the Lifestyle Frisco team makes the most of the holidays.

We would love to hear about your favorite traditions. Leave us a comment and let us know how you celebrate.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=merO8a1AAGc&feature=youtu.be Subscribe on iTunes! Subscribe on Google Play Podcast RSS Feed

The Frisco Podcast is brought to you on the Real News Communications Network.

Cowboys Christmas Spectacular
Christmas in the Square
Must see Christmas Light Displays in Frisco
Jeff Trykoski - The Man Behind The Lights In Frisco Square
Best Thai
La Hacienda
Glorias
Silver Fox
Randy's Steakhouse

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWuZV_Whdm4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHRoU_HztQc

Connect with Lifestyle Frisco on: * YouTube * Facebook * Instagram * Twitter * LinkedIn

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With a mission to improve lives in Collin County, the Junior League of Collin County is made up of 1,000 dedicated service members. In their 42 years of serving our community, this dynamic, female-driven volunteer organization has made significant investments in the lives of North Texas residents.

Listen as Shannon Kmak, President, and Emily Moore, VP of Communications, share about the impact of Junior League's many year-round service projects and their partnerships with local non-profits. Hear a recap of their largest annual fundraiser, the 'Neath the Wreath Holiday Market, which saw more than 11,000 shoppers over five days!

Something which sets the JLCC apart from other volunteer organizations is their commitment to developing the potential of women. They provide extensive training each year for their service members, yielding resume-worthy personal and professional growth in areas such as leadership, business, marketing, grant-writing, communication skills, and more.

Learn how to become involved (8:30), when vendors can apply for the 2019 'Neath the Wreath event (5:16), and mark your calendar for Trinkets to Treasures coming up in the spring (7:00), and the Excellence in Volunteer Service Awards.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgY-w7ZnuPw&feature=youtu.be Subscribe on iTunes! Subscribe on Google Play Podcast RSS Feed

The Frisco Podcast is brought to you on the Real News Communications Network.

Junior League of Collin County Website
Junior League of Collin County on Lifestyle Frisco
(00:51) Recap of 2018 'Neath the Wreath Holiday Market
(1:55) What is JLCC
(3:00) Standout service projects
(5:16) How vendors can apply for the 2019 'Neath the Wreath
(7:00) Upcoming Events
(8:30) How to join

Connect with JLCC: * Instagram * Facebook * Twitter * LinkedIn

Connect with Lifestyle Frisco on: * YouTube * Facebook * Instagram * Twitter * LinkedIn

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When we talk about Frisco businesses the first thing that often comes to mind are restaurants, boutiques, and other brick-and-mortar shops. But the businesses that exist to serve other businesses and people are an important part of the small business ecosystem.

Ann and Thor Anderson started their insurance agency in 2013. In 2018 they opened their new office space and are here to give us insights on protecting your business, assets, pets, and family in ways you may not expect.

Ann and Thor are also very involved in the Frisco community supporting multiple charities and our local veterans.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9TgI2BwTto&feature=youtu.be Subscribe on iTunes! Subscribe on Google Play Podcast RSS Feed

The Frisco Podcast is brought to you on the Real News Communications Network. * Ann Anderson Insurance Website * Ann Anderson Business Page (contact info and more) * Docs Comics * Barre Social * Frisco FastPacs * Melody of Hope * Frisco Chamber Veterans Council * Mayor's Veterans Council * Frisco VFW * American Legion * Frisco Senior Center * Project Relo

Connect with Ann Anderson
- Instagram
- LinkedIn
- Facebook
- Twitter

Connect with Lifestyle Frisco on: * YouTube * Facebook * Instagram * Twitter * LinkedIn

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Donny Churchman from Nack Development joins the Frisco Podcast to talk all about the Rail District in Frisco. He's eager to restore historic downtown to what it was 80 years ago...the core of the city, where people want to come, spend time...and adopt it as the heartbeat of Frisco.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXyDRe0egoU&feature=youtu.be Subscribe on iTunes! Subscribe on Google Play Podcast RSS Feed

The Frisco Podcast is brought to you on the Real News Communications Network. * Nack Development Website * Nack Development business page * Connect with Nack Development + Instagram + LinkedIn + Facebook

Connect with Lifestyle Frisco on: * YouTube * Facebook * Instagram * Twitter * LinkedIn

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As Frisco grows in population and popularity, the number of people starting, buying, and selling businesses is also increasing. If you're thinking about buying a business, there are a lot of pitfalls to avoid, and not knowing what they are can doom a business before it has a chance to get off the ground, even if you're buying an existing business.

Tiffany Swartz, President of Transworld Business Advisors of North Texas has sage advice on how to protect yourself in the buying process, and how to find the right business for you.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9gmu-p-7lI&feature=youtu.be Subscribe on iTunes! Subscribe on Google Play Podcast RSS Feed

The Frisco Podcast is brought to you on the Real News Communications Network. * Tumbleweed Texstyles Website (checkout with code Lifestyle20 to save 20%) * Transworld Business Advisors on Lifestyle Frisco * Transworld Business Advisors Website * Texas Legends * Poparella's * Patty Ann's Flowers * Pole Position Frisco now Kartland Frisco * Life According To Tiff * 469-989-7008 * tswartz@tworld.com * Connect with Transworld Business Advisors + LinkedIn + Facebook

Connect with Lifestyle Frisco on: * YouTube * Facebook * Instagram * Twitter * LinkedIn

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It's a story we never get tired of telling.

The story of Tumbleweed Texstyles begins seven years ago with two teachers at Liberty High School in Frisco and a modest $700 investment.

Jeb Matulich, an Art teacher, and Brian Wysong, at the time, an Independent Study and Mentorship and Marketing/Entrepreneurship teacher, found inspiration in Jeb’s cool, Texana-style artwork. The two friends and colleagues saw an opportunity to combine their talents and make a difference in the community.

The teachers gained notable credibility with their students for the real-world experience they were bringing to their classrooms. They also give back to the Frisco Education Foundation.

Tumbleweed Texstyles is still very much a Frisco business but their success has taken them beyond our borders. They're now in over 150 retailers.

Tune in and hear the story in their own words and learn about the new designs they just released - including the new Frisco collection.

When you check out, don't forget to use code Lifestyle20 to save 20%.

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The Frisco Podcast is brought to you on the Real News Communications Network. * Tumbleweed Texstyles Website (checkout with code Lifestyle20 to save 20%) * Tumbleweed Texstyles - Location, Hours, and More Info * Frisco Education Foundation * Connect with Tumbleweed Texstyles + Instagram + Facebook + Twitter

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It's an old cliche' but from the moment Dave found his grown boys smoking cigars in the hot tub, "do it right" has been the mantra that has guided their story.

"If you're going to do something, do it right."

That commitment still held true years later when together they brought Industrial Cigar Co. to Frisco, and the minute you walk in the door you'll feel it.

Industrial Cigars is where to go with you're ready to hang with friends, learn a thing or two about cigars, enjoy fun events, entertain business clients, or to find a sense of community.

As you can see, Industrial Cigar Company is about more than just cigars, it's about relationships.

"Welcome to the family."

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The Frisco Podcast is brought to you on the Real News Communications Network. * Industrial Cigar Company Website * Industrial Cigar Company - Location, Hours, and More Info * Connect with Industrial Cigar Co. + Facebook + Instagram

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Interested in saving time every morning AND having amazing hair for days? Cherry Blow Dry Bar at the Star in Frisco is made for you.

Cherry Blow Dry Bar is a must visit before all those holiday parties, that day of that big presentation, pre-travel, special events, new moms, prom, or any occasion where you want your hair to rock!

All of their stylists are licensed cosmetologists and they love making YOU look and feel great.

Book your appointment now with Cherry Blow Dry Bar at The Star in Frisco.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjV6hTQ5Oi4&feature=youtu.be Subscribe on iTunes! Subscribe on Google Play Podcast RSS Feed

The Frisco Podcast is brought to you on the Real News Communications Network. * Cherry Blow Dry Bar Website * Cherry Blow Dry Bar on Lifestyle Frisco * Book An Appointment * Connect with Cherry Blow Dry Bar * + Facebook + Twitter + Instagram + Yelp

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The only thing better than a big Thanksgiving feast is a Thanksgiving feast after a good run for a good cause.

The North Texas Turkey Trot is back, so get ready to get your run on this Thanksgiving morning. You can walk/run the "miracle mile", 5k, or 10k race and 100% of the proceeds will go to the Miracle League of Frisco.

The race makes a great family tradition on Thanksgiving morning, with many participants choosing to dress up for the occasion in everything from fall-themed flair to turkey costumes!

If you're interested in volunteering you can register online. You're also welcome to come hang out with us at the Lifestyle Frisco media sponsor booth!

Now tune in and hear from Allison Burum for all of the fun details! Registration prices go up on November 6th so register now!

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The Frisco Podcast is brought to you on the Real News Communications Network. * North Texas Turkey Trot Website * Miracle League of Frisco on Lifestyle Frisco * Miracle League of Frisco * North Texas Turkey Trot * + #ntTurkeyTrot + #runFirstEatLater + Facebook + Twitter + Instagram + Tumbleweed Textiles

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Founders Kristen Williams, C.B. Willams, and Matt Baker are here to give you the inside scoop on the most fun you'll have "adulting" this holiday season.

The 5th Annual Frisco Santa Pub Crawl is back. The event gets bigger every year. That means more money raised for charity and more fun for Frisco!

The pub crawl will hit some of the hottest venues in town, you'll get treated to fantastic live music, make new friends, and do it all for a good cause. If you find yourself on the long waitlist, rest assured, the Pub Crawl team is always looking for ways to address the logistical obstacles and open the event to more people each year.

If you're associated with a local business, trust us...you want your name on this event! Reach out to the Frisco Santa Pub Crawl to inquire about in-kind donations, branding and sponsorship opportunities.

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The Frisco Podcast is brought to you on the Real News Communications Network. * Frisco Santa Pub Crawl Website * Blakes House * Santa Pub Crawl: + Facebook + Twitter + Instagram

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When it comes to Breast Cancer there's a good chance you've known someone who was affected, even if you weren't aware. Frisco based National Breast Cancer Foundation is at the forefront of patient advocacy.

The entire company has a big heart and a visionary mind on how to help the lives of those affected by breast cancer.

President and COO Kevin Hail joins us to talk about the mission of NBCF, how to get involved, and about putting on innovative fundraisers (like cutting-edge live streaming video game telethons) without losing sight of their purpose.

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The Frisco Podcast is brought to you on the Real News Communications Network. * National Breast Cancer Foundation Website * National Breast Cancer Foundation on Lifestyle Frisco * Donate to NBCF * Fundraise for NBCF * Volunteer with NBCF * GamePink * National Breast Cancer Foundation: + Facebook + Twitter + Instagram

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If you love coffee, and most of us do, Kevin Carswell is the man you want to know. In this episode, he digs into the details of how Mochas & Javas custom create their coffee blend, how to get the most flavor out of your coffee, and the tasty treats they offer in the shop.

We'll also give you the inside scoop on what "strong" coffee really means and how to brew the right coffee for you at home.

Mochas & Javas even has bulletproof coffee, or will whip you up a proper Americano. Don't know what those are? Tune in to this episode of the Frisco Podcast and get your coffee education with Kevin Carswell.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dAtLRWoQ18&feature=youtu.be Subscribe on iTunes! Subscribe on Google Play Podcast RSS Feed

The Frisco Podcast is brought to you on the Real News Communications Network.

Show Notes & Links

Mochas & Javas Website
Mochas & Javas on Lifestyle Frisco
Mochas & Java's:
- Facebook
- Yelp
- Instagram

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The Texas Legends are a force in the NBA G-League in more ways than one. They're setting G-League records for attendance and send-ups to the NBA while at the same time making a direct and meaningful impact in Frisco.

The Legends provide basketball camps, kid-friendly activities during the game, community charity events, veterans events, and so much more. When it comes to community involvement, the Legends are second to none.

Tune into this interview with Texas Legends president Malcolm Farmer.

Listen all the way through to the end for the inside scoop on who may be, will be, and might be back for the 2018-2019 season.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8rXw6ekORA&feature=youtu.be

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Show Notes & Links

Texas Legends Website
Texas Legends Schedule
Texas Legends on Lifestyle Frisco
Keith Hornsby - Wedding Article
Mavs Sign Kostas Antetokounmpo to Two-Way Contract
Texas Legends
- Facebook
- Twitter
- Instagram
- YouTube
Suad Bejtovic Interview
Suad Bejtovic Author Page on Lifestyle Frisco

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Serial entrepreneur Andre Angel started TangoTab following a volunteer experience that brought him face-to-face with today's working hungry.

Armed with his business experience and a new-found passion, Andre founded TangoTab to apply business principles to solving a social problem. And solving problems is, in Andre's words, what entrepreneurs do.

For you, TangoTab is free, easy, and makes a difference in our community. Find the links below to download the app and be sure to use the code FRISCO when you register to help feed the hungry in Frisco.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3VvkkfIM34&feature=youtu.be

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Show Notes & Links

TangoTab Website
TangoTab iPhone App (register using code FRISCO)
TangoTab Android App (register using code FRISCO)
TangoTab on Lifestyle Frisco
TangoTab on Facebook
TangoTab on Instagram

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As Frisco grows, so does everything about it. Thanks to Tammy Meinershagen and the Frisco Associate for the Arts, the Frisco Arts scene is starting to get traction, but that hasn't come without dedication and work. No matter what your interest in arts, you'll love this episode and everything Frisco Association for The Arts is doing to further the arts in Frisco.

If you want to be a patron of the arts in Frisco, you can join the Frisco Association for the Arts as an individual or member.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eojW0-K9-8c Subscribe on iTunes! Subscribe on Google Play Podcast RSS Feed

The Frisco Podcast is brought to you on the Real News Communications Network.

Show Notes & Links

Frisco Association for the Arts Website
Frisco Association for the Arts on Lifestyle Frisco
Frisco Association for the Arts on Facebook
Frisco Association for the Arts on Instagram
Frisco Youth Theater by Nack Development
Frisco Arts Walk and Run
Music City
eSports in Frisco
Gearbox Software
Cliburn Competition
UNT Announcement
Tim Noble
Scott's Long Hair Pictures

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Sonia Elhence has a passion for food that is not only nutritionally sound, but tasty, balanced, and accessible. As an entrepreneur, she wanted to bring that passion to life and is doing so through the multiple Freshii franchises that she owns.

If you're looking for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or catering that will keep you energized and feeling great, you have to visit Freshii at The Star in Frisco.

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The Frisco Podcast is brought to you on the Real News Communications Network.

Show Notes & Links * Freshii Website * Freshii on Lifestyle Frisco * Freshii on Facebook * Freshii on Instagram * Located in The Star

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Jungle Joe's has surpassed it's 2nd year in business, a milestone for any small business. Much of that success is attributed to Angela and Rick listening to their customers and stepping up to meet their needs and desires, superior food, and finding the right staff.

They now offer Parent's Night Out twice per week, more structured activities, and more.

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The Frisco Podcast is brought to you on the Real News Communications Network.

Show Notes & Links * Jungle Joe's on Lifestyle Frisco * Jungle Joes Website * Jungle Joe's on Facebook * Jungle Joe's on Instagram * Dave Frakes Interview (Industrial Cigar Co.)

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jmhbqog2JIM&feature=youtu.be

The Frisco Podcast is brought to you on the Real News Communications Network.

Show Notes & Links * Legacy Locators on Lifestyle Frisco * Legacy Locators Website * Legacy Locators on Facebook * Legacy Locators on Instagram

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywIgXV7m_SA&feature=youtu.be

The Frisco Podcast is brought to you on the Real News Communications Network.

Show Notes & Links * The Rail District * Nack Development * The Patios at the Rail * The Tower at the Rail * The Calaboose * Donny Churchman (VIDEO) * Frisco Heritage Center * Box Car House * BrookieLynn's Bungalow * Brooklyn and Matt Calloway (VIDEO) * Summer Moon * Heritage Table * The North Platinum Corridor * Creeks on Hickory * Almega Homes - Modern Farmhomes Coming To The Rail District * Nack Theater * City of Frisco Downtown Master Plan * Frisco Music City * Email Yvonne: yvonne@lifestylefrisco.com * Articles by Yvonne Brown on Lifestyle Frisco

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Lisa Stubbs is on a mission to change lives. You may not think of shampoo as life-changing but Monat is the fastest growing direct sales company for a reason. Whether you're looking for healthier hair or a business opportunity, this interview with Lisa is a fascinating look into the growth of a business and the science behind anti-aging hair care.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dzvSerVdKA&feature=youtu.be

The Frisco Podcast is brought to you on the Real News Communications Network.

Show Notes & Links * Lisa Stubbs on Lifestyle Frisco * Lisa Stubbs Website * Lisa Stubbs on Instagram * Lisa Stubbs on Facebook * Call Lisa: 972-693-3432 * Email Lisa: sweethair92@gmail.com

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As Frisco grows so grows our arts scene thanks to the many patrons and champions for the arts in our city. Frisco Fine Art Gallery is taking the visual arts in Frisco to a new level. Ty Fawley joins us to talk about the gallery and bringing fine art to Frisco.

If you're looking for art for your home, Frisco Fine Art Gallery is a don't miss. You'll see art from national and international artists and well as local artists.

If you're a local artist in Frisco and want to display your art in the Frisco Fine Art Gallery be sure to stop in and chat with them.

Frisco Fine Art Gallery is also a great space for any arts-inspired event.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94q__9MsxRA&feature=youtu.be

The Frisco Podcast is brought to you on the Real News Communications Network.

Show Notes & Links * Frisco Fine Art Gallery on Lifestyle Frisco * Frisco Fine Art Gallery Website * Frisco Fine Art Gallery Instagram * Frisco Fine Art Gallery Facebook * The Art of Peter Max * Dale Earnhart's Peter Max Painted Car

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On the 100th episode of the Frisco Podcast, CEO Wendi McGowan-Ellis joins us to talk about "the first follower", why we started Lifestyle Frisco, where we are now, and plans for the future of the platform.

Thank you to RNCN for helping us achieve the 100th episode milestone!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSs6hD5itoU&feature=youtu.be

The Frisco Podcast is brought to you on the Real News Communications Network.

Show Notes & Links * Subscribe to Lifestyle Frisco * Wendi on Instagram * Email Wendi * Real News Communications Network * Yvonne Brown on Lifestyle Frisco * Meet the Lifestyle Frisco Team * Lifestyle Profiles Video Series * Jeff Trykoski Profile Video * Give for Frisco * Advertise on Lifestyle Frisco

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=esfhJuuShm4&feature=youtu.be

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Show Notes & Links * Nicole Barron * Email Nicole * Connect with Nicole On Linkedin * Connect with Nicole On Instagram * Connect with Nicole On Facebook * Connect with Nicole on Twitter * Frisco Fresh Market * Frisco Rotary Farmers Market

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Few things give us confidence like success. That lesson is learned early in life and is why so many parents will go to the ends of the earth to ensure their child has every possible advantage. But the confidence that comes from success is earned through hard work and the experience of failure.

While we can't hand our kids success, we can provide them with the right tools, coaches, teachers, and tutors to help them overcome areas they struggle with and solidify the areas where they excel.

In this interview, I sit down with It's Not Complicated (INC) Tutoring founder Jay Veal to get an inside look at how INC provides the competitive advantage that gives students an edge at achieving the success they, and you, dream of.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7nxwUY1NLU&feature=youtu.be

Show Notes & Links * INC Tutoring on Lifestyle Frisco * INC Tutoring Website * INC Tutoring on Facebook * INC Tutoring on LinkedIn * Call INC Tutoring: 682-777-8213

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When it comes to fitness, getting started is often the hardest part. Jenny Dean will get you going, keep you going, and encourage better choices for a healthier life.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXe_jcDDKvM&feature=youtu.be

Show Notes & Links * Jenny Dean Fitness on Lifestyle Frisco * Jenny Dean Fitness Website * Jenny Dean Fitness on Instagram * Jenny Dean Fitness on Facebook * Hot Body Yoga

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Practical Fitness is about the quality of time spent working out. By employing a deep understanding of the science of exercise, at Practical Fitness you'll do more work in less time and get fit faster. If you're a busy executive, or anyone that want's to stay fit but spend as little time as possible working out, then Practical Fitness is for you.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5mP6jN5Wco

Show Notes & Links

Practical Fitness on Lifestyle Frisco
Practical Fitness Website
Practical Fitness on Facebook
Practical Fitness on YouTube
Call: 469-514-5733
How to Reverse Aging with Art De Vany (the Tim Ferriss podcast referenced on the show)

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Show Notes & Links: * DeVance Electronic Lifestyle on Lifestyle Frisco * DeVance Electronic Lifestyle Website * DeVance Electronic Lifestyle Facebook * Call: 214-389-4985

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We hope everyone took a moment out to remember our fallen soldiers and great Memorial Day on Monday. Here are your highlighted events for this week in Frisco!

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Show Notes & Links: * Ladies Who Launch * A Night Out At The Star * Havana Summer Nights at the Omni * Dirk Nowitzki Celebrity Baseball * Get all of the details and links in the full edition of This Week in Frisco – Week of June 4, 2018

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We hope everyone took a moment out to remember our fallen soldiers and great Memorial Day on Monday. Here are your highlighted events for this week in Frisco!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JDsyXpJrMU

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Show Notes & Links: * Super Cars & Super Wishes * Music in the Square * Roughriders - Link for tickets to donate to those afflicted with breast cancer * FC Dallas

Get all of the details and links in the full edition of This Week in Frisco – Week of May 28, 2018

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vltFiDl3pwo

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Show Notes & Links: * Verona Villa Website * Verona Villa on Lifestyle Frisco * Verona Villa on Instagram * Verona Villa on Facebook * Call Verona Villa: 972-837-8034

Juliet's Balcony in Verona, Italy:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BGCA6jDAiqM/?taken-by=vsellis

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Time for teens to volunteer, movie night at the star, swimsuit season is officially open and a business event not to miss. I’m Ashley Miller, here are this week’s highlighted events.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0aC8f6b1Xs

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Show Notes & Links: * Teens4Green Hands-On Recycling * Movie Night at The Star * Frisco Water Park is open for Memorial Day Weekend * Entrepreneur Summit + Discount Code: FRISCO * Get all of the details and links in the full edition of This Week in Frisco – Week of May 21, 2018

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7RmXHJMIdEE

Karen White has a knack for design. Her business Oasis Accents is the perfect place to start and finish when you're needing the perfect accent or a keen eye to help you create the perfect space.

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Show Notes & Links: * + Oasis Accents Website + Oasis Accents on Lifestyle Frisco + Oasis Accents on Instagram + Oasis Accents on Facebook + Call Oasis Accents: 214-494-4544 + Tru Fire + De Mario

Vases referenced in the podcast:

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bgt0BJVHYr5/?taken-by=oasis_accents

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-9Ceb3Co_Q

We all want our children to be problem solvers and critical thinkers but every child learns differently and at their own pace. Growing IQ works with kids from 3 - 11 to develop those skills in a way and at a pace that is tailored to each individual child.

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Show Notes & Links: * Growing IQ * Growing IQ on Lifestyle Frisco * Get a FREE trial class and 20% discount when parents mention “Lifestyle Frisco” during registration. Use this link to register for the free trial class: www.growingiq.com/texas

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The Mayor’s Business Round Table, Free Photos, art, and fitness are all a part of our highlighted events This Week In Frisco.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUD7NRab4FU

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Show Notes & Links: * Mayor's Business Roundtable * Verona Villa * Jungle Joe's * Replenish Event * Frisco Fine Art * Get all of the details and links in the full edition of This Week in Frisco – Week of May 07, 2018

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvajemrHEh8

Since 2012 Nikki Cooley has been producing sweet and delicious confections in Frisco. Her business "Sweets on a Stick" continues to grow and she now has a commercial kitchen in the Rail District. Cake pops are the signature item, but they make oh so much more!

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Show Notes & Links: * Sweets On A Stick * Sweets On A Stick on Lifestyle Frisco * Sweets On A Stick on Facebook * Sweets On A Stick on Instagram * Sweets On A Stick on Pinterest * House of Hadley Kate * Jungle Joes Frisco

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Sip, sweat, and Shop for charity, celebrate Frisco History, take in another amazing performance with Frisco Arts and above all, get out to VOTE in the election.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7N2CU_rwZ_w

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Show Notes & Links: * Frisco Arts Red Carpet Event * Frisco Arts * Sip, Sweat, and Shop Event * Beyond Studios * Frisco Fast Pacs * Frisco Heritage Center * 2018 May Elections + Interview with John Keating + Interview with Will Sowell * Get all of the details and links in the full edition of This Week in Frisco – Week of April 30, 2018

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LT51DfDbRvY&feature=youtu.be

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Show Notes & Links: * Beyond Studios on Lifestyle Frisco * Beyond Studios Website * Beyond Studios on Facebook * Beyond Studios on Instagram * Beyond Studios on Yelp

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tBUf_P_9ZA

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Show Notes & Links: * Frisco Young Professionals * Industrial Cigar Company * Dallas Rattlers * Frisco Rotary Farmers Market * Rustic Cuff * Get all of the details and links in the full edition of This Week in Frisco – Week of April 23, 2018

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Will Sowell is running for his 3rd term as a Frisco City Councilman. If you want to learn more about how Frisco is tackling traffic, economic development, and keeping Austin out of Frisco, tune in and learn more about Will's vision for Frisco.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6F3lMvBbY_s

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Show Notes & Links: * Will Sowell for Frisco Website * Will Sowell for Frisco on Facebook * Will Sowell for Frisco on Twitter * Call John: 972-658-4697 * Email John: wsowell@friscotexas.gov

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If the name John Keating is familiar to you it should be. John has been a dedicated servant of Frisco, TX serving on city council, volunteering for multiple organizations, and working hard to ensure the future of Frisco is the community we want it to be.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URGWrNCYA44

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Show Notes & Links: * Keating for Frisco Website * Keating for Frisco on Facebook * Keating for Frisco on Twitter * Call John: (214)-587-0827 * Email John: John@KeatingForFrisco.com

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For all the things you need to get done around the house but don't have the time or skill for, there's Sometimes Spouse. More than just a handyman service, they'll help you pack or unpack for your move, or do just about anything that doesn't require a licensed professional.

Finish those DIY projects or just call sometimes spouse to do it for you!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61Ct5u-sbYI

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Show Notes & Links: * Sometimes Spouse Website * Sometimes Spouse on Lifestyle Frisco * Sometimes Spouse Facebook * Call Sometimes Spouse: 972-646-1824

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjwpQ1ORveo

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Show Notes & Links: * Dallas Startup Week Gaming Track * Frisco Youth Theater * Frisco Roughriders Opening Day * Bottled In Bond * Get all of the details and links in the full edition of This Week in Frisco – Week of April 2, 2018

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Going on its third year, the Entrepreneur Summit is a labor of love for founder Erin Smith and an amazing opportunity for entrepreneurs in Frisco. The event caters to a global audience but is held right here in Frisco.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKHt2FLGkfs&feature=youtu.be

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Show Notes & Links: * ESummitEvents * Discount code FRISCO * Get Tickets * Entrepreneur Summit on Facebook * Entrepreneur Summit on Twitter * Entrepreneur Summit on Instagram

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When it comes to your car, peace of mind is worth a lot. Solutions Automotive takes a personal and high-touch approach to taking care of you and your car.

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Show Notes & Links: * Solutions Automotive * Solutions Automotive on Facebook * Solutions Automotive on Instagram * Call Solutions Automotive: (972) 978-8797

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Spring is here and it’s an arts heavy weekend in Frisco so get ready to get outside and enjoy the change of seasons.

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Show Notes & Links: * Goat Yoga at Frisco Rail Yard * L'Fleurs D'Art Frisco Fine Art * Texas Legends * 9th Annual Arts in the Square * Get all of the details and links in the full edition of This Week in Frisco – Week of March 19, 2018

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Show Notes & Links: * Plush Dentistry * Plush Dentistry on Lifestyle Frisco * Plush on Facbook * Plush on Instagram * Call Plush: 469-850-0786

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Get ready to Sip, Shop, and Stroll your way down historic Main Street, cheer on your favorite C-USA Basketball teams, or run in the annual Paddy Dash 5K…all This Week in Frisco!

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Show Notes & Links: * Texas Pinball Festival * TangoTab Feed the City * British Lion * Live Music + Eight 11 + Frisco Rail Yard + The Reservoir + The Common Table * Get all of the details and links in the full edition of This Week in Frisco – Week of March 12, 2018

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Show Notes & Links: * Up Inspired Kitchen * Up Inspired Kitchen on Lifestyle Frisco * Up Inspired Kitchen on Facebook * Up Inspired Kitchen on Instagram * Call Up Inspired Kitchen: 469-579-4197

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Get ready to Sip, Shop, and Stroll your way down historic Main Street, cheer on your favorite C-USA Basketball teams, or run in the annual Paddy Dash 5K…all This Week in Frisco!

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Show Notes & Links: * Moms With Wings + Jungle Joe's + Decluttered Spaces * Conference USA Basketball Tournament * Sip, Shop, and Stroll * Paddy Dash

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Show Notes & Links: * Jared Patterson Website * Jared Patterson on Facebook

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You may think you have to go to a chain pharmacy, or that an independent pharmacy would be more expensive. Think again. At RenueRX Pharmacy in Frisco, your care is more personalized and the cost is the same.

Show Notes & Links: * ReNueRX on Lifestyle Frisco * ReNueRX Website * ReNueRX on Facebook * Call ReNueRX Pharmacy: (469) 294-2001

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Show Notes & Links: * Frisco Mayor's Business Roundtable * Project RELO * Casino Royale Night * Texas Legends * Live Music Showcase presented by Frisco Arts and Melody of Hope Event at Frisco Fine Art * Beyond Studios Pilates - Free Event

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Show Notes & Links: * Fast Forward Valet Website * Call Fast Forward Valet: 323-209-5187 * Available for: + Restaurants + Hospitals + Shopping centers + Bars/night clubs/lounges + Weddings + Sporting events + Private events

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Show Notes & Links: * Clint Bedsole Website * Clint Bedsole Facbook * Call or Text Clint: 214-202-3203

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Show Notes & Links: * FC Dallas * Black Box Theater / I Do! I Do! * Jungle Joe's * Trick-a-Trout * Frisco Starfest

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Show Notes & Links: * Molly Claire Coaching on Lifestyle Frisco * Molly Claire Coaching Website * Molly Claire Coaching on Facebook * DivorcedMormonMom.com

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Show Notes & Links: * Frisco Public Library - Harry Potter Book Event * Frisco Fine Art Gallery - Vino Meets Van Gogh * 22nd Annual Daddy Daughter Dance * Industrial Cigar Company - Superbowl Party * Get all of the details and links in the full edition of This Week in Frisco for the week of January 29, 2018

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Show Notes & Links: * RNCN on Lifestyle Frisco * RNCN Website - The Real News Communications Network * RealNewsPR * RNCN on Facebook

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Show Notes & Links: * SkinBasix on Lifestyle Frisco * SkinBasix website * 972-441-5858 * The Flying Locksmiths on Facebook

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Show Notes & Links: * The Flying Locksmiths on Lifestyle Frisco * The Flying Locksmiths website * 972-441-5858 * The Flying Locksmiths on Facebook

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Show Notes & Links: * Theater Frisco - Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and then some) [0:18] * Christmas in the Square Special Events Night [0:30] * Special Events Night Video on YouTube * Get all of the details and links in the full edition of This Week in Frisco for the week of December 11, 2017

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Show Notes & Links: * Plush Dentistry on Lifestyle Frisco * Plush Dentistry * 469-850-0786 * Plush Dentistry on Facebook * Plush Dentistry on Twitter * Plush Dentistry on Instagram

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Show Notes & Links: * Follow Lifestyle Frisco on Twitter for live Game of the Week Scores * Follow Tim on Twitter * Frisco High School Football Weekly Scores and Schedules

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Show Notes & Links: * Follow Lifestyle Frisco on Twitter for live Game of the Week Scores * Follow Tim on Twitter * Frisco High School Football Weekly Scores and Schedules

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Show Notes & Links: * Follow Lifestyle Frisco on Twitter for live Game of the Week Scores * Follow Tim on Twitter * Frisco High School Football Weekly Scores and Schedules

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Show Notes & Links: * Vitality Bowls on Lifestyle Frisco * Vitality Bowls * 972-987-5144 * Vitality Bowls Menu + Order Online

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Show Notes & Links: * Follow Lifestyle Frisco on Twitter for live Game of the Week Scores * Follow Tim on Twitter * Frisco High School Football Weekly Scores and Schedules

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Show Notes & Links: * Ladies Who Launch 0:15 * Chunk Your Junk 0:22 * Frisco's Got Talent 0:38 * Get all of the details and links in the full edition of This Week in Frisco for the week of October 30, 2017

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Show Notes & Links: * Anderson Insurance Agency on Lifestyle Frisco * Anderson Insurance Agency * 214-618-4012 * 214-491-7618 * Anderson Insurance Agency on Facebook * Anderson Insurance Agency on Twitter * Anderson Insurance Agency on Instagram

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Show Notes & Links: * Frisco High School Football Weekly Scores and Schedules

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Show Notes & Links: * Homewatch Caregivers on Lifestyle Frisco * Homewatch Caregivers of Dallas * (972) 960-9999 * Homewatch Caregivers on Facebook * Homewatch Caregivers on Twitter * Homewatch Caregivers on Instagram

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Show Notes & Links: * Leadership Frisco Alumni Happy Hour [0:06] * Frisco Farmers Market [0:17] * Up Inspired Kitchen [0:21] * Plush Dentistry Grand Opening [0:24] * Friscovania [0:31] * Bob Seger at the Ford Center [0:37] * Get all of the details and links in the full edition of This Week in Frisco for the week of October 16, 2017

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Show Notes & Links: * Official Ribbon-Cutting on MI COCINA * Frisco Fine Art Grand Opening * Halloween Moviemaking Workshop * Second Annual Frisco Arts Walk presented by Frisco Arts * Get all of the details and links in the full edition of This Week in Frisco for the week of October 2, 2017

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Show Notes & Links: * Frisco High School Football Weekly Scores and Schedules * Frisco Texas HS Football Week 5 Game of the Week: Legacy Christian @ Colleyville Covenant

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Show Notes & Links: * 1 Million Cups Frisco * Emmitt Smith Gran Fondo * Shawnee Trail Cowboy Day * Frisco Rail Yard * Get all of the details and links in the full edition of This Week in Frisco for the week of August 18, 2017

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Show Notes & Links: * Decluttered Spaces on Lifestyle Frisco * Decluttered Spaces * 469-269-5311 * Decluttered Spaces on Facebook * Decluttered Spaces on Twitter * Nicole Lynn on LinkedIn

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Show Notes & Links: * Coffee With Your Collin County Legislator * Frisco Chamber of Commerce: Frisco Tech Talks * 16th Annual Mother Son Dance * 2017 Guide to Fall Fun in Frisco * The full edition of This Week in Frisco for the week of August 18, 2017

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Show Notes & Links: * Transworld Business Advisors of North DFW * Texas Legends * Countdown 2 Escape * Tiffany's Tips: + If you're looking to sell a business, talk to a broker well in advance of when you want to sell. They can help you prepare. + Get your books in order + Make sure your broker will co-broke + Finding the right kind of business for your personality * 214.556.1382 * Tiffany Swartz on LinkedIn * David Cheek on LinkedIn * Transworld Business Advisors on Facebook

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Show Notes & Links: * Two Men and a Truck on Lifestyle Frisco * Two Men and a Truck * Get help getting organized with Decluttered Spaces * Carolyn's Moving Tips for Less Stress: + Get rid of stuff you don't want or need BEFORE you move (start long before you think you need to) + Find small easy jobs for kids like labeling or coloring boxes (or color code by room), they want to be involved and help + Label every box clearly + Use quality new or lightly used boxes. New, unused boxes can be returned for a full refund. Hint: Two Men An A Truck will also deliver boxes for free! + Get more boxes than you think you'll need. You'll need them! + Use as many of the same sized box as possible. They're easier to stack, load, and move. + Put heavy things in small boxes (think: books, records, papers, etc...). + Put big, light things like pillows and blankets in larger boxes. + Start packing long before the move and tackle one room, or cabinet, or closet per day. * Download a checklist from TwoMenAndATruck.com * 214.556.1382 * Two Men and a Truck on Facebook * Pro Tip: You can get better rates on moving if you're able to move on a Monday - Wednesday.

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Show Notes & Links: * Wine Up Wednesday at Silver Fox * pARTy with the Mayor - Art En Blanc at Gallery8680 * Doggie Splash Day * Frisco Starfest * The full edition of This Week in Frisco for the week of August 4, 2017

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Show Notes & Links: * Career Ladder Institute on Lifestyle Frisco * Career Ladder Institute * 7 Steps of Your Career Ladder * Peak Performance for Millennials * (972) 235-2025 * Career Ladder Institute on Facebook * Career Ladder Institute on Twitter * Career Ladder Institute on YouTube * Connect with Rodrigo Martineli on LinkedIn

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Show Notes & Links: * FC Dallas * Dan Johnson * Stan's Main Street * The Frisco Bar * Neumann Village - Lemonade Stand Event * The full edition of This Week in Frisco for the week of August 21, 2017

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Show Notes & Links: * Countdown2Escape on Lifestyle Frisco * Countdown2Escape.com * (972) 235-2025 * Countdown 2 Escape on Facebook * Countdown 2 Escape on Instagram * Countdown 2 Escape on Twitter

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Transcript Scott Ellis: Welcome to the Frisco Podcast. I'm your host, Scott Ellis and this week we are joined by Scott Hartman, the owner of Countdown 2 Escape. If you've never been to or even heard of an escape room, get ready for some Frisco fun.

Welcome to the show, Scott Hartman from Countdown to Escape, glad to have you here today.

Scott Hartman: Glad to be here.

Scott Ellis: You are the owner of an escape room, which sounds a little scary at first, but it's actually a ton of fun. Why don't you tell people who may not already know what an escape room is.

Scott Hartman: I got to tell you, it's such an exciting venue for people of all ages, as well as for corporate team building events. An escape room is where you and either your family or your friends, or even complete strangers or business colleagues would go into a themed room, and you basically have nothing, but the clues that are provided for you in that themed room to try and escape, or solve the puzzle that's inside the room.

Scott Ellis: Okay, so you may not literally be trying to get out of the room. We don't want people to think that they're seriously locked in there and can't get out, right?

Scott Hartman: Right, yeah.

Scott Ellis: There is a puzzle or something that they're trying to solve and that is the escape, that is getting out of the room.

Scott Hartman: Correct, yeah. In the State of Texas actually, we cannot legally lock you in the room. Otherwise, we break some state laws.

Scott Ellis: Yeah, I'm sure people would be glad to hear that although nobody is too surprised, but yeah, it's a team oriented activity and there's a couple of different themes that people can pick from, so what are the puzzle themes that you guys have going right now?

Scott Hartman: Yeah, so far to date we have three puzzle themes. The first being cabin fever, where we have actually constructed a cabin inside of the room. The second being old war games, which is set back in the Nixon era and the job there is to stop a nuclear launch, and then the third theme is casino heist, where your job is to, based on some tips you have, figure out how to get in and find the money.

Scott Ellis: Okay. All of those sound like a lot of fun. Are there varying degrees of difficulty? Are these all appropriate for all ages? What should I expect when I'm coming?

Scott Hartman: Well, we [inaudible 00:02:35] than anyone 12 years old or older can play the games. Most of our customers are adults of all ages and a lot of times if it's a family, they bring their children with them to play, so everyone can participate. The venue is really built for, again, adults of all ages, so for example when I first played it was my father, who's 82 years old, myself and my brothers, all of our children, which went down through teenagers and down to a 10-year-old, all played in one room and we all had a great time.

Scott Ellis: It sounds like fun, but any of the rooms would really be appropriate for any age?

Scott Hartman: Yes.

Scott Ellis: What about the difficulty?

Scott Hartman: Any of the rooms are appropriate for any age. The cabin fever is considered our entry level room. Cold war games would be our intermediate skill level and then casino heist would be considered our most difficult skill level.

Scott Ellis: Okay. I have to admit the cabin is intriguing, but something about a casino heist and the cold war launch that really have my attention. They sound like they could get a little bit intense though, so maybe walk us through a little bit of the experience when we first come through the door. I'm at the escape room. I'm coming for the first time. What happens next?

Scott Hartman: Well, the first thing we do is give an orientation to the group. We'll have one of our game masters come out and talk you through how to use each of the locks and then give you an overview of the theme and the story behind each room prior to going into the room. Once you get into the room, you'll be given further instructions and you'll notice that you have a big flat screen TV with 60 minutes on it, and as soon as we shut the door, the clock starts to tick down.

Now, while you're in the room, we give each group up to 3 hints and unlimited, what we call code checks, so the hints obviously would help you along if you get stuck in the game, and code checks are simply if you get what you believe to be the right code for a lock for a particular puzzle that was solved but it's not working, you can ask us and we will gladly tell you whether that is correct or incorrect.

Scott Ellis: Okay, so if we get stuck, we're not just stuck in place. We can get a little bit of help along the way, a little nudge here and there if we need it?

Scott Hartman: Yes. We're there. We interact with you via walkie-talkies in each room and we have cameras in every room to watch the play, so we're there to help your experience to be the absolute most fun it can be and to help you be as successful as you can be in the room.

Scott Ellis: Okay. What is the number of people that actually succeed?

Scott Hartman: That varies by room. Going in reverse order, the casino heist, we're somewhere around a 30% success rate, in cold war games a little over 40, and in cabin fever it's a little over 50% success rate.

Scott Ellis: Okay, wow, so even the easiest room, you've only got about half the people that actually finish it.

Scott Hartman: By the way, the experience isn't just in finishing the puzzle. It's so much fun all along the way in figuring your way out as you work through the puzzle. It's such an interactive process and everyone's involved and it's just a great way to spend an hour of your day.

Scott Ellis: It sounds like it. If I come in and we do a room, but we don't quite finish it or time runs out, do we learn how the story ends or do we have to come back and try again?

Scott Hartman: Yes, one of the things that we do different than some of the other venues is that we actually will go ahead, we'll ask you first but most people what to know, and so we'll go ahead and kind of walk you through the finish of it, so you can see what would happen next. A lot of venues don't do that but we just feel that helps you complete, give you some closure to your experience.

Scott Ellis: Yeah, I'm not sure if I would want to know or not because part of me would like the challenge of coming back and trying to do it again, but I can certainly understand how people would want to know.

Scott Hartman: Yeah, clearly we have people in both camps, about 50% of the time people want to know and about 50% of the time they don't.

Scott Ellis: Let's talk a little bit more about the people that come and do this. This immediately strikes me as an amazing team building opportunity. I would imagine that's a fair number of people that come in?

Scott Hartman: There is. We can hold at any one time about 35 people, actually playing the games, so we've done corporate events with up to double that amount, where one group of 35 will go play. The other will have some food and some drink and then they'll switch. It is a very interactive process amongst your colleagues or team members, or even if it's just date night and you're out with a date and you get paired up with some other couples, or with you're with your family.

Scott Ellis: That leads me to the next question is, if I just come in by myself or my wife and I decide we want to come have an experience, we don't necessarily have to come with a group. We can just come in and if there's availability you'll pair us up with whatever other rooms are, have availability. Is that how that works?

Scott Hartman: That's correct. Yeah, you can come in as a single or 2 people or more. We do give a price break if you book with 5 or more people. If you book with 5 or more people, there's basically a 10% discount from 0 to 4 people, but you can book as a single if you so choose.

Scott Ellis: Okay, what is the cost to play?

Scott Hartman: For 4 or less it's $27.50 and for 5 or more it's $25.00.

Scott Ellis: That's per person, correct?

Scott Hartman: We also have corporate rates if a group would like to schedule one room or more, or the entire facility.

Scott Ellis: Okay, so those rates are per person, is that correct?

Scott Hartman: That's correct.

Scott Ellis: I think we're going to have to bring the Lifestyle Frisco team just to have everybody together and experience this, and really relay it. What would you say is the ideal number of people? What is the, does that vary by room? Is it kind of geared towards 10 or so people, or if we had just 4 or 5 would that be okay too? How does that work in terms of the number of folks in a room at a time?

Scott Hartman: Yeah, all the rooms can work with as little as 2 people. We suggest that you have, that there's at least 4 people in every room. That tends to be where there's enough brain power to help get through each of the rooms. On the maximum side, the cabin fever, we can hold up to 12 or maybe even up to 13 people. We suggest a group size of 10. In cold war games and casino heist, we could hole easily up to 12 or 13 people, but again, we suggest a room size of 10.

Scott Ellis: I would imagine it can get fairly intense, especially as the clock is ticking down and people are getting close to solving the puzzle. How close to that, especially for the teams that win, how close to that no time left do they normally get?

Scott Hartman: It's amazing Scott. It really is. The level of enthusiasm, I mean we hear cheering and screams and moans all day long. Not only from the players but from our staff as well, and from all ages of people. Everybody gets so involved and engrossed in the process that they really, really enjoy the experience from start to finish, regardless of the outcome.

Scott Ellis: All right. Well, I think this is something that is, it feels like a very fun, unique opportunity to get out and have a more interactive, entertaining and team building type of experience right here in Frisco. Where are you guys located?

Scott Hartman: We're at 6963 Main Street, right in downtown Frisco.

Scott Ellis: You're right in old downtown Frisco and if I'm not mistaken, it's like right down the street from Summer Moon and some of the other shops that are there on the south side?

Scott Hartman: Correct. We're right by Randy's Steak House, Summer Moon, 811 Wine Bar, right there.

Scott Ellis: All right. That sounds like just a date night waiting to happen. Grab a bite to eat and go get yourself a fun interactive experience and see if you can escape the room.

Scott Hartman: That's right, and for corporate events, don't forget that we can also help them cater in food and drink if they so choose or they can organize their own, but we have the ability and we have extra room to allow corporate events to do more than just come and play.

Scott Ellis: Good, yeah, so if they want to bring in food, if they want to hang out in that area for a little while then they can do that as well.

Scott Hartman: Right and for private events as well. If you have a birthday party or a bridal shower or a celebratory retirement party, any of those things we can accommodate not only the play but if you want to cut cake afterwards, we have some room to do that, and we can help you organize that part of the event as well.

Scott Ellis: All right. Well this sounds like a ton of fun. I cannot wait to try it. The only question left is, which room are we going to pick, but we will definitely get out there soon and have that experience for ourselves. It sounds like a lot of fun.

Scott Hartman: Well we look forward to having you and hearing your feedback.

Scott Ellis: You bet and thank you for bringing this fun, interactive, interesting experience to Frisco. It's kind of amazing what's happening with the city and how much growth we have. I think businesses like this just make it that much more interesting and give us that much more stickiness, you know, for people to stay close to home and have a lot of different, fun experiences, so we're very glad to have you here.

Scott Hartman: Well thank you. Yeah, we're excited to be there. We've literally had people come through our venue from all over the world. There's people that travel just to play escape games and so we're very excited to be in Frisco, a part of Frisco, and look forward to growing with Frisco.

Scott Ellis: All right. That sounds good. Scott, if people want to find out more, where is the best place for them to go?

Scott Hartman: Go to our website at www.countdown2escape, and that's the number 2, .com.

Scott Ellis: Okay, just countdown2escape.com, and we'll make sure we link that up in the show notes. We'll get everybody connected to other social channels you may have phone number, all that stuff would be a part of this post, but guys if you want to have a good, fun experience, head out to Countdown 2 Escape right in downtown Frisco. You can have a great time. I can't wait to try it and we'll let you know when we do. Scott, thank you very much for joining us today. I appreciate the time.

Scott Hartman: Thank you, Scott and thank you Lifestyle Frisco.

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