The Building Texas Show Newsroom

In a special episode of the Change & Creativity Podcast, host Judy Oskam interviews Justin McKenzie, host of the Building Texas Show. They discuss Texas’s innovation ecosystem, the critical role of local leadership, and how storytelling can drive economic development from the Panhandle to the Hill Country.

Live from South by Southwest (SXSW) 2026 in downtown Austin, startup strategist Paul O’Brien joined The Building Texas Show to discuss the launch of his new book, Startup Ecosystems. O’Brien shared strategic insights on navigating SXSW, building resilient innovation hubs, and the critical importance of regional collaboration for the Texas economy.

An America House panel, moderated by Justin McKenzie, recently gathered national tech leaders at the Texas Capitol to discuss evolving innovation ecosystems. The discussion highlighted Texas' collaborative advantage, diverse founder support, and strategic investments in critical sectors, with insights from Capital Factory leaders.

State Representative Donna Howard (HD 48) clarifies the Texas election process, emphasizing the critical role of primaries and her long-standing work on the House Appropriations Committee. She discusses legislative challenges, the Women’s Health Caucus, and constituent services in a recent Building Texas Show interview.

Luis Martinez of Capital Factory discusses Texas’s booming startup ecosystem, with Austin securing $8B in VC funding in 2025. He highlights the state’s critical mass of talent, favorable regulatory environment, and growth in key sectors like space, energy, AI, and biotech, positioning Texas as a global innovation leader.

Michael Shear of Strategic Office Networks champions distributed work networks as vital for Central Texas growth. On The Building Texas Show, he discusses leveraging fiber optics & smart city planning to reduce congestion, enhance quality of life & bring work opportunities, advocating for a new 21st-century urban development model.

Justin McKenzie, host of The Building Texas Show, will moderate a panel on Texas innovation ecosystems at America House on March 12 in Austin. This invite-only event gathers national tech leaders and investors for regional briefings and networking.

After more than 50 years in the hospitality industry and 17 years leading Visit Boerne, Director Larry Woods has announced his retirement, leaving a legacy marked by record-breaking economic growth and statewide mentorship. A recipient of multiple lifetime achievement awards, Woods is celebrated for transforming Boerne into a premier destination.

American Katerra, a green steel fabricator with Japanese roots, is launching operations in San Antonio. The company will decarbonize the steel supply chain, opening a factory in 2028 and actively hiring for engineering, design, and automated welding roles.

Neil Katz, CEO of Exceptional HR Solutions, discusses how fractional HR services help Texas businesses manage rapid growth, ensure compliance, and reduce risk related to employee classification and workplace issues.