Building Texas Show Host Highlights Statewide Innovation and Civic Engagement

Texas's economic expansion is being shaped by local leaders, entrepreneurs, and a commitment to sharing narratives that create statewide opportunity, according to entrepreneur Justin McKenzie, host of the Building Texas Show. In a recent interview on the Change and Creativity Podcast with host Judy Oskam, professor and director of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Texas State University, McKenzie emphasized that innovation extends beyond major urban centers. Oskam, a native Texan, supported this view, stating, "In Texas, innovation isn't just happening in big cities, it's unfolding in small towns and communities across the state."

McKenzie, a two-time Texas State graduate and first-generation college student, described how his upbringing abroad shaped his strong state identity. "They'd say, 'Oh, you're American.' 'Oh, we're from Texas.' Immediately, American was forgotten. You're Texan," he recalled. This perspective fuels his mission to portray Texas as a hub for growth, entrepreneurship, and opportunity. His show began as a local radio program in the Hill Country to address a visibility gap for local business activity. "I was in the Hill Country and seeing some great entrepreneurial activities happening, but it's not making the local paper," McKenzie explained. He asserts that storytelling is vital for recognizing innovators, educating taxpayers, and motivating youth, noting, "High school kids need to see that even in the rural hill country, anything is possible."

A significant focus of the Building Texas Show involves interviews with mayors from across Texas. McKenzie highlighted that rapid growth presents both challenges and opportunities statewide, citing examples from Bastrop—which has attracted companies like SpaceX and The Boring Company—to Lubbock and Amarillo. He stressed the interdependent relationship between cities and universities, using Texas State University and San Marcos as a model. "If you can work that together, you can retain a lot of that talent," McKenzie said, addressing a critical statewide concern. "Texas is very guilty. We all export so much talent that if we could retain it here, it'll help with our growth."

Beyond profiling builders and mayors, McKenzie has launched initiatives to engage Texans in civic and economic activities. His project Vote Like a Texan focuses on nonpartisan civic education, clarifying local government roles and encouraging participation in often-overlooked local elections. "I really saw my hometown with a 7% turnout on a mayoral election. That May election was very important to our local community, our kids, and the future of that area," he observed. The upcoming Work Like a Texan series will connect job seekers with employers, highlighting in-demand skills and collaborations with trade schools and community colleges.

When offering advice, McKenzie reiterated a principle from Oskam's TEDx talk: take action. "Do it and then figure it out," he recommended. He urged entrepreneurs to thoroughly review a city's comprehensive plan and regional economic strategy before establishing operations. "Anywhere that you're researching, pull back their comprehensive plan… and say, is this going to fit what I want to be doing in 10 years?" For students and lifelong learners, he emphasized the lasting value of community and mentorship, often found in unexpected places. "What can you learn while you're at this phase or stage that you're in? It may be a professor from twenty years ago that you go back and call." The full interview, offering deeper insights into Texas's innovation corridors, the future of work, and the power of storytelling, is available on the Change and Creativity Podcast.