The Front Porch

Season 4, Episode 9: Ashlee Palma had a tough decision to make when she was opening her own salon. She was living in Melissa, Texas, but starting her business down the road in McKinney was the safer bet. Ashlee decided to take a chance and get ahead of the wave in her new hometown. She opted to open The Society Salon and Boutique in Gateway Village last November, and she's starting to hit her stride. The community has embraced her business model, which revolves around creating community within community. This is a empowering conversation with a small business owner, wife...

Season 4, Episode 8: Tarnesha Nickens is a firecracker! That is said probably ten times on this episode of The Front Porch. After hearing her story and all the ways she is giving back in Melissa, Texas, you understand how fitting that title truly is. She gets stuff done, and her driving force revolves around legacy. During our conversation, she said: "Sometimes your legacy is not always with the next generation - with your children - it's what your handprint has left in the community that you're in." That one was one of many "drop the mic" moments on this...

Season 4, Episode 7: Father Fred Caldwell is spreading the love of God across Melissa, Texas. And he's doing it in a very unique way. If you visit Kroger ... or WalMart ... or HEB in this community, there is a great chance you'll run into this 91-year-old Catholic priest. He'll be wearing one of his unique spiritual t-shirts, and he'll simply be visiting with people. He has no agenda, but when they find out he's a priest, the conversation usually turns spiritual. But this is only part of Father Fred's ministry. He has also launched a podcast and a video series, w...

Season 4, Episode 6: Brittany and Brian Shull are extra - in the most wonderfully great way. Everything they do is done full throttle, and the ripple effects they're creating across Melissa, Texas, are profound. On this episode of The Front Porch, Brittany and Brian discuss all the different ways they're giving back and supporting this community – whether that's through the youth football league or turning their front yard into a winter wonderland at Christmas. Spoiler Alert: There are countless number of "drop the mic moments" on this episode, because the Shulls are passionate about anything and everything Melissa, Texas.  #fro...

Season 4, Episode 5: Ericca Boone has only lived in Melissa, Texas, for six months, but she already has a heart for this community. On this episode of The Front Porch, we get amazing perspective from someone who discovered exactly where she "should be," after spending a majority of her adult life in the Greater DFW area. Do you know what surprised her the most about Melissa, Texas? Listen and find out!  #frontporch

Links:


Hope Coffee Podcast: Listen Now

City of Melissa: Website

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Season 4, Episode 4: Sgt. Bryan Kile has worked for the Melissa Police Department for 16 years, and his love for his department and this community runs deep. Throughout this episode of The Front Porch, Sgt. Kile references the strong culture across the city. It's evident how proud he is to work for the Melissa Police Department.

Reminder: Our shadow mission when visiting with city staff is to humanize them. They are real people serving this community. Sgt. Kile shares a couple things he loves to do when he's not wearing the badge. One of those pastimes involves "herding...

Season 4, Episode 3: Tyler Bark was born to work in parks and recreation. He watched his father work in that capacity of city government for most of his life. Then, Tyler got his own little taste of the parks and rec world while he was in college. That's when a legacy was born. Now, Tyler serves as the Parks and Recreation Manager for the City of Melissa. When we recorded this episode of The Front Porch, Tyler had only been on the job for 6 weeks, but he had already developed a love for this community, and he a...

Season 4, Episode 2: Jon Underbrink gets the opportunity to give back in Melissa, Texas, in a very caffeinated way. As a shift supervisor at the Meilissa Starbucks from Day 1, it has been his mission to create positive ripple effects across this community - one cup of coffee at a time. On this episode of The Front Porch, Jon shares how he ended up in Melissa and waited patiently for the Starbucks to be built ... he talks about his 19-year career with Starbucks ... and he explains what he loves about this community.  #frontporch

Links:

Starbucks Coffee: W...

Season 4, Episode 1: Andrea and Scott Murray - owners of Ash & Sage Sauna Spa - have a simple goal. They want to create community through wellness. This power couple has taken an out-of-the-box wellness concept - which is emphasizes self-care and self-love - and started to make it come to life in the heart of this community. On the spa's Facebook page it says: "A sanctuary where you can elevate your wellness routine with contrast therapy & luxury hydrotherapy." On this episode of The Front Porch, Andrea and Scott share their story, they talk about where Ash & Sage originated and th...

Season 3, Episode 26: The 601 Boutique is leaving its mark on Melissa, Texas. It has turned into the go-to place for Cardinals gear, and it has grown into a unique store-front. All of this is fueled by one family's love - for each other and the community. On this episode of The Front Porch, we sat down with Brittany Dyden and her mom, Michelle. They are the co-owners of The 601 Boutique. They share how they ended up in Melissa and how this entrepreneurial endeavor captured the heart of Cardinal Pride. #frontporch

Links:

The 601 Boutique: Facebook

Season 3, Episode 25: Mark Stover is starting to become an expert in retirement. Over the years, this recent retiree has accumulated quotes, tips and tricks to create his own blueprint for life after the 9-to-5. Now, he wants to share his findings with other people and help them retire with grace and intentionality too. On this episode of The Front Porch, Mark tells his story, shares some of his retirement nuggets and talks about being retired in Melissa, Texas. He also shares his affinity for Meals on Wheels of Collin County. #frontporch

Links:

Meals on W...

Season 3, Episode 24: Jerry Song has seen other North Texas communities grow up around him. He's spent time in Richardson and he currently lives in Frisco. But now, as the market president for Texas Republic Bank in Melissa, he's getting a front-row seat as this community starts to grow. On this episode of The Front Porch, Jerry discusses talks about his excitement for the growth, but he also discusses potential growing pains for Melissa. The big takeaway: Jerry is on the board for the Melissa Chamber of Commerce and he talks about the importance of everyone pulling in the...

Season 3, Episode 23: Rob Zschau is strengthening Melissa, Texas - literally and figuratively. He is the owner of Redigo Coaching, which is located in Downtown Melissa. His No. 1 goal is empower individuals navigating changes in their lives. He definitely has a heart for this community, which he has called home for almost 19 years. On this episode of The Front Porch, Rob shares his story of relocating to Texas, he talks about running a small business in Melissa and he reveals what he loves about this community.  #frontporch

Links:

Redigo Coaching: Website

Melissa Chamber o...

Season 3, Episode 22: This is an engaging conversation with Katie and Rendell Hendrickson - two people who have a heart for Melissa, Texas, and feel inclined to serve in the community they love. Rendell is on Melissa's City Council, while Katie is heavily involved with the organization Feed the Need. One of the most powerful parts of our conversation revolved around why they do what they do in regards to giving back.  

Besides our discussion on serving, Katie and Rendell share a couple lighthearted stories about relocating to Melissa from the Pacific Northwest.  #frontporch

Links:

Season 3, Episode 21: Emeka Eluka is living and loving "the process." That's how he describes his time in Melissa, Texas. Driven by "grit, global roots and a whole lot of heart," Emeka has wrapped both of his arms around this community. He has fallen in love with Melissa, and he's paying to forward by getting involved and giving back. Early on in the conversation, he said that he'll be in Melissa forever.   #frontporch

Links:

City of Melissa: Website

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Season 3, Episode 20: You won't meet many 16 year olds like Zeke Vest. This Melissa native is driven. He's smart and mature. He has an amazing work ethic. All of that has helped this young man build a successful lawn care service in this community. On this episode of The Front Porch, Zeke shares the story of how Kid with a Cart Lawn Care got started ... he talks about all the people who have supported him ... and he discusses his plans to serve our country after graduating from Melissa High School.  #frontporch

Links:

City of Melissa: We...

Season 3, Episode 19: This is a powerful and impactful episode of The Front Porch. We'll get the opportunity to meet Brooke Carreker, co-founder and executive director of Rustic Way Ranch. Her "rollercoaster" story is rooted in faith, and it led her to a local couple that changed her life. Now, Brooke's organization, which she started with her husband, is creating profound ripple effects in the lives of young people. And it's all happening on 20 acres right here in Melissa, Texas.

The mission statement of Rustic Way Ranch: A place where the mental and emotional health of teens...

Season 3, Episode 18: Gail Dansby has left it all on the field for the City of Melissa. She has worked for the city for 21 years, starting out in finance and moving into the role as Executive Administrative Services Director. Over the last two decades, her intense loyalty has been driven by her heart for this community. On this episode of The Front Porch, Gail shares her passion for Melissa and the unwavering  love for her job – especially the people she works with. Because of her impressive tenure with the city, we ask Gail to capture the heart and essence of M...

Season 3, Episode 17: Joey Mitnick is cutting to the heart of Melissa, Texas - literally. He is the owner of Buffalo Joe's Barber Lounge in Melissa, and he's excited for his small business to be a cornerstone of this community. Joey firmly believes that a barber shop has the potential to positvely impact the community it serves. He'll be quick to tell you ... it's more than just a place to get your haircut. On this episode of The Front Porch, Joey share his story, reveals his heart for Melissa and discusses the bold impact he wants to have...

Season 3, Episode 16: Published author Tammy Osburn Oveross does not live in Melissa, Texas. She doesn't work in Melissa either. But she is the perfect guest for this episode of The Front Porch, because her roots run deep in this community, and Tammy Oveross loves family, history and legacy. During our conversation, Tammy shares stories of her family in Melissa, and she discusses her first published children's book, Cucumbers to Pickles. She'll also explain why family history is so important to her. #frontporch

Links:

Cucumbers to Pickles: Amazon

Podcast: Parris Hill Farm and R...

Season 3, Episode 15: Published author Jake Evans now calls Melissa, Texas, home. He loves this community, but it's his communities within the community that are starting to create impactful ripple effects - whether that's at his church, in his neighborhood or in his book club. On this episode of The Front Porch, we'll discuss Rise of the Oceanborn, Jake's book ... we'll talk about how he ended up in Melissa ... and he'll share his heart for this community.  #frontporch

Links:

Rise of the Oceanborn: Amazon

Rise of the Oceanborn: Audible

Pod...

Season 3, Episode 14: The Melissa Farmer's Market is alive again - and it's thriving! That is thanks to the love and passion of Caitlin Trahan and Britney West. These two stay-at-home moms wanted to restart the farmer's market, and it has grown into so much more. These two sisters have built a community within a community. How did they do it? Again ... love and passion for small businesses in this community! 

Want to experience Melissa Farmer's Market for yourself? First, listen to this episode of The Front Porch. Then, make your way to City Hall f...

Season 3, Episode 13: When Rachel and Lance Buckley moved to Melissa, Texas, in 2019, they found exactly what they were looking for. But there is more to the story, because Lance Buckley - now a member of the Melissa Police Department - initially had his doubts. But in his defense, he was napping when his wife took intentional action to find a house in this unfamiliar community and start writing the next chapter in their family's journey. It's a heartwarming story that evolves into the best decision this family ever made. Now, Rachel and Lance have a...

Season 3, Episode 12: When Marcial Marichalar put on his shorty shorts, boots and cowboy hat to run through the snowy streets of Melissa in 2019, he never imagined the impact it would have on his community. He just wanted to make people smile. That's really all Marcial wants to do in every aspect of his life. During our sitdown conversation, he even said: "I want to bring the energy and make people smile." On this episode of The Front Porch, we find out why this is so important to Marcial. This is a heartfelt and inspiring episode.  #frontporch
...

Season 3, Episode 11: It's ironic that Jennifer Nehls has an incredible story, because for the last nine years she has worked at the Melissa Public Library. Her plan going into college was to be a marine geoscientist. Now, she's the Library Director in Melissa. After sitting down and visiting with her, it's kind of hard to imagine her doing anything else, because Jennifer has a genuine heart for library services. She understands that it's more than books on a shelf. She'll quickly tell you that a library is a community within a community, and it's her mission to get...

Season 3, Episode 10: Jennifer Clark moved to Melissa, Texas, in 2019. She instantly fell in love with her new community. It didn't take her long to become very curious, too. So, she decided to scratch that curiosity itch by getting involved. It started with a tenure on Melissa's City Council, where Jennifer embraced opportunities to connect with fellow residents and contribute to the community she loves.
 #frontporch

Links:

City of Melissa: Website

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com
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Season 3, Episode 9: Amy Mathews has a pretty intimidating title. She is the Development Services Director for the City of Melissa. But don’t be scared by her position with the city. This is an engaging episode that really captures how Melissa is growing - from the new grocery stores to the new downtown area. The Development Services Director plays a vital role in that process. Amy Mathews is new to Melissa, but she brings years of experience from other North Texas communities, and she already has a heart for Melissa, Texas. #thefrontporch


Podcast - Tyler Br...

Season 3, Episode 8: Terrell Smith has only been on the job in Melissa, Texas, for a few months, but the new assistant city manager already has a heart for this community. On this episode of The Front Porch, Terrell Smith shares his story, talks about how he ended up in Melissa and he explains what an Assistant City Manager actually does. He also shares his perspective and experience in other communities, and how the City of Melissa can use that as an asset as it continues to grow. #thefrontporch

City of Melissa: Website

Music: https...

Season 3, Episode 7: Growing up in different metropolitan cities, Katy Vendetti never planted roots. After moving to Texas and becoming a mom ... that's all she wanted to do. Spoiler Alert: She quickly made that happen in Melissa, Texas. How did she do it? It all began at McKillop Elementary. She started out volunteering as a room mom, and now she's on the board for the school's PTO, co-chairing the organization's one-and-only fundraising event. The best part of Katy Vendetti's story ... she is absolutely loving it and those roots are firmly planted.  #thefrontporch

McKillop PTO: Website

Season 3, Episode 6: Meals on Wheels of Collin County is creating ripple effects in Melissa, Texas (not to mention the other 26 cities across the county.) On this episode of The Front Porch, we sat down with two Meals on Wheels rock stars - Queen Ellison and Shannon Revels. Both of these amazing women have a heart for giving back, especially giving back to the elderly across the county. Think you know about Meals on Wheels? I bet you learn a few powerful things about the organization just listening to this episode, including the fact the local agency distributes 2,200 meals...

Season 3, Episode 5: If you live in Melissa, Texas, you might not know the name Judy Lewis Smith, but I promise you know exactly who she is. You just know her as "Braum's Granny," and she has probably put a smile on your face with her heart-felt and genuine Facebook posts. Maybe she was sharing a creative recipe using Braum's jalapeno dip, or giving her two cents about orange yogurt. Regardless, there is no doubt that she's provided a little light, hope and kindness in this sometimes dark world. Why does Judy - Braum's Granny - start...

Season 3, Episode 4: It's all about community and giving back for Steve Zeigler, owner of Mountain Mike's Pizza in Melissa, Texas. That's why he opened his very first Jersey Mike's. That's why he opened five more locations of the popular sandwich shop in North Texas. And that's why he jumped into the world of pizza and opened a restaurant in Melissa. Along with his son, Steve is leaving a mark on Melissa - providing yummy pizza in a family-friendly environment and creating ripple effects with his giving heart. On this episode of The Front Porch, S...

Season 3, Episode 3: Sebastien Leitz wants to put Melissa, Texas, on the map, and he wants to do it one young athlete at a time. This former collegiate tennis player, who is co-owner of The Athlete Group, is helping turn up the knob on youth sports and training in this community. The approach at TAG is develop the athlete and then provide the best coaching in the world, based on their sport of choice. On this episode of The Front Porch, Sebastien tells his story, talks about his vision for youth sports in Melissa and he shares his heart...

Season 3, Episode 2: On this episode of The Front Porch, we share a conversation between Mayor Jay Northcut and community advocate Doug Zadow. Both of these gentlemen have been on the podcast before, but this particular episode will highlight their sit-down conversation about the Z-Plex. They discuss the misconceptions surrounding the state-of-the-art complex and the vision of the world-class facility.  #thefrontporch 


Complete Conversation: Watch Video

Melissa Sports: Website

Podcast - Lynn Vanlandingham (Five Tool Baseball): Listen Now

Podcast - Mike Demsky (Doug Out...

Season 3, Episode 1: Incredible ripple effects are being felt across Melissa, Texas, and the local Rotary Club is the catalyst behind a lot of it. On this episode of The Front Porch, we'll focus on a this impactful organization. We'll tell the Rotary Club’s story through the stories of three dedicated Rotarians. On this episode, we’ll hear from John Cave, past president of the Melissa Rotary Club … Ken Truax, who joined the Rotary Club in 2022 … and Mary Grubbs, the current chapter president. #thefrontporch 


Melissa Rotary Club: Website

Season 2, Episode 24: John Duscio, assistant police chief in Melissa, doesn't live in the community he serves, and he hasn't worked here very long. That doesn't matter. This long-time public servant already has a heart for Melissa, Texas. He also has an excitement for this community as it really starts to grow. Assistant Chief Duscio is excited because he's lived through this before in McKinney and Wylie. On this episode of The Front Porch, he shares his advice on growing the right way. (His passion for public service is also showcased.) #thefrontporch 


Melissa Police Department: Website

Season 2, Episode 23: Coach Ashley Pruitt loves her family, and that is more than just her husband and two kiddos. That is also every volleyball player at Melissa High School. Coach Pruitt has instilled a family-first mindset in the volleyball program, and it's her mission as the head varsity volleyball coach to "develop great humans." She said that the school district and the community demands excellence, but in her eyes that is more than just winning volleyball games #thefrontporch 


Melissa High School: Website

Melissa Varsity Volleyballl: Website

City of Melissa: We...

Season 2, Episode 22: Potential has always intrigued Brian Masters, president of Hope Coffee. That is why he started his inspirational brand and why he wanted to bring his company to Melissa, Texas. Brian Masters firmly believes in this community, and he's proud to be a cornerstone of the new Gateway Village development in Downtown Melissa. This is Hope Coffee's third location and it's creating ripple effects in each of its communities. The crazy part to this story: Before starting this inspiring brand ... Brian Masters didn't even drink coffee.  #thefrontporch


Hope Coffee Melissa: Website

Gateway V...

Season 2, Episode 21: Coach Matt Nally wants to win football games, but over the last few years he's realized that's not why he does what he does. In the midst of his success on the football field, his philosophy on coaching has evolved. Instead of focusing on the wins and losses, the leader of the Melissa Cardinals Football Team wants to pour into his players and coaches. He wants to help them be strong men, good citizens, loving husbands and engaged fathers. For Coach Nally, it's not about winning football games ... it's about winning life. #thefrontporch

Season 2, Episode 20: Alan Ellen has been fighting for his dream for a long time. Now that lifelong dream is becoming a reality in Melissa, Texas. Alan is the Chief of Instruction at Pro Black Belt Academy, the new martial arts facility in Melissa. His passion for his sport, and his love for his adopted community, really come out on this episode of The Front Porch. Talking to small business owners in this community provide a completely different perspective to the heart of Melissa. #frontporch

LINKS:

Pro Black Belt Academy: Website