The Front Porch

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

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