The Front Porch

Season 4, Episode 18 of The Front Porch Podcast 

100 Episodes. Countless Stories. One Community.

Every community has a story, but it's the people who make it worth telling.

In this special 100th episode of The Front Porch Podcast, we look back on the journey that has brought us here with three familiar voices: City Manager Jason Little, Facilities Director and former Mayor Reed Greer, and Executive Director of Administrative Services Gail Dansby.

Together, they reflect on Melissa's remarkable growth over the past two decades, the culture that has made the c...

Some of the greatest impacts on a community happen behind the scenes.

In this episode of The Front Porch Podcast, we sit down with Paul Anderson, President of the Melissa ISD School Board, to talk about his journey from moving to Melissa in 2007 to becoming one of the community's longest-serving leaders.

For the past 16 years, Paul has helped guide one of the fastest-growing school districts in North Texas, all while keeping the focus on what matters most: creating opportunities for students and preserving the culture that makes Melissa feel like home. He reflects on...

Season 4, Episode 16 of The Front Porch Podcast features Darren Thompson, who serves on the Melissa School Board and was an inaugural member of Leadership Melissa.

The people who shape our lives often never realize just how far their influence will reach.

From growing up in a family of educators to building a career as an IT Engineer for Toyota, Darren shares how his mother's passion for serving students inspired a lifelong commitment to giving back. What began around the family dinner table eventually led him to Melissa, where a simple question, "How c...

What starts as an idea can sometimes grow into something much bigger.

In this episode of The Front Porch Podcast, we sit down with Roberto and Katie Hern, owners of Hern's Pest Control and Hern's Pro Products, to talk about the journey that led them from Southern California to North Texas and from a simple observation in the pest control industry to becoming inventors with a patented product.

After nearly three decades in the pest control business, Roberto noticed a common problem in Texas homes that wasn't being addressed. What began as...

Season 4, Episode 14 of The Front Porch Podcast features Anthony Obiselu, part owner of Yonx Pizza Bar & Co.  

Links:

Yonx Pizza Bar & Co: Website

City of Melissa: Website

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

Season 4, Episode 13 of The Front Porch Podcast features Cachelle and Puc Westrupp, the owners and operators of FC Cardinals Soccer Club in Melissa.

What started with a single team of 4-year-olds has grown into a program serving more than 200 kids across 14 teams, all built around one mission: putting kids first.

In this episode, Cachelle and Puc share why they saw opportunity in Melissa long before the growth arrived, how they’ve worked to make competitive soccer affordable for families through sponsorships and scholarships, and why creating quality young adults matters ju...

Season 4, Episode 12: Faith led Jamie and Seth Tilley to Melissa, Texas. They were traveling three days a week from their home in Richardson to attend First Melissa and spend time with Seth's dad. During those frequent visits, they started to fall in love with community, specifically the people. Then ... a seed was planted by one of Seth's friends that changed everything. That seed was watered by Jamie and Seth's entrepreneurial spirit and Cardinal Carriers Express was born, filling a huge void in the community. On this episode of The Front Porch, Jamie and Seth share their story, which...

Season 4, Episode 11: Zach Stinton and Bruce Tyner love the game of football. They also love kiddos and Melissa, Texas. What do you do with all that love? You create Cardinal Nation Sports. On this episode of The Front Porch, these two passionate fathers talk about how and why they created this community's premier sports league. Cardinal Nation gives every kid in Melissa, Texas, the opportunity to play football or run track. That's all Zach and Bruce wanted to do - that has been their driving force since Day 1. But they also have a lofty sh...

Season 4, Episode 10: Phil Lytle – a.k.a. Santa Phil – has a heart for giving back in this community. That is kind of ironic to say, because his actual heart was the culprit behind this life-changing transformation. It was a health scare and a brush with death that inspired Santa Phil to start spreading joy across Melissa, Texas. Whether that's greeting customers at Ace Hardware, putting out flags for the Rotary Club or participating in one of the city's citizen's academies ... he's determined to be a light in this community. We even asked him if he thought he was a bl...

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...