Episodi

  • AJ Rodriguez of Guadalupe Bank on Community Banking, Local Growth, and Interest-Rate Uncertainty

    AJ Rodriguez of Guadalupe Bank on Community Banking, Local Growth, and Interest-Rate Uncertainty
    Apr 29 2026
    Welcome to the award-winning The Hill Country Podcast. The Texas Hill Country is one of the most beautiful places on earth. In this podcast, Tom’s partners, Gilbert Paiz and Andrew Gay, take the lead in visiting with AJ Rodriguez, now the interim CEO and board member of Guadalupe Bank. AJ recounts entering banking after a ranch fire led him to college, an internship, and an examiner role with the U.S. Treasury, and subsequent roles at larger banks before becoming CEO of a South Texas community bank that grew to 31 branches and $2.2B in assets; after retiring in 2012 and moving to Fredericksburg, he helped launch the Backwoods barbecue restaurant and later joined Guadalupe Bank, stepping in as CEO after the prior CEO resigned. They contrast community banks with national banks, emphasizing local decision-making, relationship-based service, community involvement, and support for small businesses, and provide Guadalupe Bank details (about $254–$256M in assets, ~37–38 employees, locations in Kerrville and Fredericksburg, and a San Antonio production office planned to become a branch). They cover recruiting talent via a Schreiner University internship rotation program, regional optimism post-flood and amid steady growth, current products and fraud-prevention investments, and non-advisory commentary on interest rates, inflation, and market volatility. Resources: Guadalupe Bank Other Hill Country-Focused Podcasts: Hill Country Authors Podcast Hill Country Artists Podcast Texas Hill Country Podcast Network Cover Art Nancy Huffman
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    44 min
  • Schreiner University’s Jane Ragsdale Memorial Polo Celebration: Honoring Legacy and Funding the Equestrian Team

    Schreiner University’s Jane Ragsdale Memorial Polo Celebration: Honoring Legacy and Funding the Equestrian Team
    Apr 16 2026
    Welcome to the award-winning The Hill Country Podcast. The Texas Hill Country is one of the most beautiful places on earth. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with the people and organizations that make this one of the most unique areas of Texas. In this episode, host Tom Fox speaks with Sage Walter about the upcoming Jane Ragsdale Memorial Polo Celebration, which will be held at Camp Stewart in Hunt, Texas, on Saturday, April 18, 2026. The event honors longtime Schreiner Board member Jane Ragsdale, who was lost in the July 4 flood, and raises funds to build an endowment for Schreiner’s equestrian team led by head coach Ashley Brune, whose riders compete through IHSA against larger universities and have recently attended a national qualifier. Sage outlines event logistics and programming, including sponsor/VIP tents, general admission options, halftime equestrian demonstrations, hat contest, divot stomping, polo basics, parking details, and “rain or shine” execution. VIP and sponsorships are sold out, with general admission still available, and attendees are advised on smart-casual polo attire. Highlights include: Meet the Equestrian Team Remembering Jane Ragsdale Tickets, Weather, and Attire Jane Ragsdale Memorial Polo Celebration Other Hill Country Focused Podcasts Hill Country Authors Podcast Hill Country Artists Podcast Texas Hill Country Podcast Network Cover Art Nancy Huffman
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    16 min
  • Kerr250’s Evolution Car Show: Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday and Community Resilience

    Kerr250’s Evolution Car Show: Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday and Community Resilience
    Apr 1 2026
    Welcome to award-winning The Hill Country Podcast. The Texas Hill Country is one of the most beautiful places on earth. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with the people and organizations that make this the most unique areas of Texas. In this episode, host Tom Fox speaks with Doug Hetzler about Kerr250, a community effort to celebrate the United States’ 250th anniversary leading up to July 4, 2026. We discuss the “Evolution Car Show” envisioned as 250 cars displayed in chronological order to show the evolution of American auto manufacturing. The event will be a free show at Louise Hays Park, with food trucks and vendors, aiming to rebuild positive community memories after the flood. Doug describes other Kerr250 initiatives, including DAR-supported flag displays on Sydney Baker Street, commemorative tree sales with medallions, and a Fourth on the River program split into a memorial and a celebration. He emphasizes broad community participation, provides the website (kerr250.com) and contact (info@kerr250.com), and encourages inclusion of everyday vehicles, not just high-end classics. Highlights Include: · Vision for Evolution Car Show · What Is Kerr250 · How to Join and Website · Why 250 Years Matters · Car Show Open to All Cars Resources Kerr250 website Evolution Car Show Other Hill Country Focused Podcasts Hill Country Authors Podcast Hill Country Artists Podcast Texas Hill Country Podcast Network Cover Art Nancy Huffman
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    15 min
  • Greg Faldyn: Leadership and Legacy in Rotary

    Greg Faldyn: Leadership and Legacy in Rotary
    Feb 18 2026
    Welcome to the award-winning The Hill Country Podcast. The Texas Hill Country is one of the most beautiful places on earth. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with the people and organizations that make this one of the most unique areas of Texas. In this episode, host Tom Fox speaks with Greg Faldyn, a seasoned insurance industry professional and a long-time Rotarian. Greg, an insurance professional with over 40 years of experience and a dedicated Rotary Club member for nearly 25 years, views the 100th anniversary of Rotary in Kerrville as a landmark achievement in the organization’s enduring commitment to community service. Having played a pivotal role in organizing the celebration as the foundation chair, Greg has been instrumental in highlighting Rotary’s century-long partnerships with key local organizations, such as the Peterson Foundation and the Raphael Clinic. He proudly points to the Hill Country community’s collective resilience, particularly in the wake of events like the July 4th flood, as a testament to Rotary’s strength and impact. Passionate about engaging young professionals, Greg believes that the milestone anniversary serves not only as a celebration of past achievements but also as a call to future service and community enhancement. Highlights include: Rotary’s Centennial Celebration in Kerrville’s Community Community Support through Rotary Foundation Grants Rotary Club Weekly Engagement Why Join Rotary? Resources: Rotary Club of Kerrville Rotary District 5840 Rotary International Other Hill Country Focused Podcasts Hill Country Authors Podcast Hill Country Artists Podcast Texas Hill Country Podcast Network Cover Art Nancy Huffman
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    20 min
  • Inside Local Journalism in Kerr County with Irene Van Winkle

    Inside Local Journalism in Kerr County with Irene Van Winkle
    Dec 17 2025
    Key highlights: Irene’s Background and Journey to Kerr County Career in Journalism The Print Media Scene in Kerr County The Role and Character of the West Kerr Current Impact of Local Sports Coverage July 4th Flood and Community Resilience Rebuilding and Recovery Efforts West Kerr Current Other Hill Country Focused Podcasts Hill Country Authors Podcast Hill Country Artists Podcast Texas Hill Country Podcast Network Cover Art Nancy Huffman
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    34 min
  • Lorena Guillen on the July 4th Flood: Part 2 - Aftermath and Recovery

    Lorena Guillen on the July 4th Flood: Part 2 - Aftermath and Recovery
    Dec 10 2025
    Welcome to the award-winning The Hill Country Podcast. The Texas Hill Country is one of the most beautiful places on earth. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with the people and organizations that make this one of the most unique areas of Texas. Today, I begin a two-part series with Lorena Guillen, owner of Howdy’s Restaurant and Blue Oak RV Park. The July 4th flood completely inundated her RV Park. In Part 1, Guillen discussed the events of the morning of July 4. Today in Part 2, she discusses the aftermath of tragedy and attempts at recovery. In Part 2, Guillen shares the harrowing aftermath of a devastating flood that hit her RV Park on July 4th. Her details reveal the initial chaos, rescue efforts, and the critical role her property played in facilitating emergency response. The narrative transitions to the prolonged struggles to restore her business, the challenges of navigating FEMA and SBA processes, and the emotional and financial toll on her family. Despite immense difficulties, the unwavering support from the community provides hope and highlights the importance of local resilience. This story offers insight into disaster recovery and the bureaucratic obstacles small business owners often face. Highlights include: The Aftermath of July 4th: A Rollercoaster Ride Ground Zero: The First Two Weeks Community Support and Recovery Efforts Struggles with FEMA and SBA Hope and Future Plans Unanswered Questions and Final Thoughts Other Hill Country Focused Podcasts Hill Country Authors Podcast Hill Country Artists Podcast Texas Hill Country Podcast Network Cover Art Nancy Huffman
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    23 min
  • Lorena Guillen on the July 4th Flood: Part 1 - The Flood

    Lorena Guillen on the July 4th Flood: Part 1 - The Flood
    Dec 3 2025
    Welcome to the award-winning The Hill Country Podcast. The Texas Hill Country is one of the most beautiful places on earth. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with the people and organizations that make this one of the most unique areas of Texas. Today, I begin a two-part series with Lorena Guillen, owner of Howdy’s Restaurant and Blue Oak RV Park. The July 4th flood completely inundated her RV Park. In Part 1, Guillen discusses the events of the morning of July 4. In Part 2, she will discuss the events of that tragedy through today. She begins with the beauty of July 3rd and goes to bed early on July 4. Guillen relates being awakened by flashing lights of a swift water rescue team, putting into the river. She recounts the devastating flood event where a second wave of water caused severe damage and displacement. She describes the rapid onset of the flood, the destruction of RVs, and the harrowing survival of her husband, who was swept 30-45 feet down a river but managed to climb to safety. She relates the surreal sensation of feeling electricity in the water and the loss of animals they were trying to rescue. The fire department eventually evacuated everyone from a nearby restaurant as the water levels continued to rise. Other Hill Country Focused Podcasts Hill Country Authors Podcast Hill Country Artists Podcast Texas Hill Country Podcast Network Cover Art Nancy Huffman
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    26 min