McKinney Economic Development Corporation’s Post

What inspired me to work in the affordable housing industry? Can't wait to hear from our panelists Nov 18th in the Windy City! Two pivotal experiences shaped my path: Volunteering for @Junior Achievement each year in Charlotte, NC. I learned firsthand about food insecurity, financial struggle, and unsafe neighborhoods. I’ll never forget asking the children what they were dressing up as for Halloween—one little boy burst into tears because his mom couldn’t afford a costume, and none of the students trick-or-treated in their own neighborhood.  (Happy to report my team at PwC bought the entire class costumes.) Poverty Simulation hosted for employees by PwC opened my eyes to the uphill battle faced by those financially behind. Simple things like having direct deposit versus riding a bus to a check-cashing agency, or the dilemma of sick children keeping a parent from work translating to no pay for that day (no paid PTO), reminded me how fragile financial stability can be. These experiences gave me a deep sense of purpose—to help ensure that everyone has access to safe, affordable housing and the opportunity to live in thriving communities. It’s about creating security, opportunity, and dignity for all. #AffordableHousing

𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿, 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀: 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗝𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗻, 𝗪𝗪𝗔 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻 The saying goes: New Year, New You. But at Walker Wayland, we see it a little differently. We believe in empowering you to stay true to yourself—just better. For some time now, the Walker Wayland Board and I have been reflecting on what truly makes our association special. Toward the end of last year, we had a lightbulb moment. It became clear that the most powerful element we offer is this: the ability for our members to be who they truly are, but better. Better through access to a collaborative and supportive community. Better through shared knowledge and resources. Better through an association that is always working to lift each other higher. 2025 is here, and with it comes fresh opportunities to rethink how we approach success. This year, our focus is sharper than ever: helping our members and partners reach their goals with a personal touch. At Walker Wayland, we’re not here to tell you to change who you are. We’re here to enhance what you already do best. From embracing innovation to collaborating with integrity, we aim to ensure that every step you take with us feels intentional and impactful. We are excited to support you in unlocking the next level of your potential. Because With us, you do you. Just better. Here’s to a meaningful and successful 2025 for you, your teams, and the communities you touch. Let’s make it count together. - Jason Croston

Fortune City

Four years in business—unbelievable! To mark the occasion, I splurged on (another) camera and dove right back into the mission: making radical, life-changing impacts across all systems. When I say radical, I mean making big moves that count. People often ask, "Can one person really make a difference?" They're right; I don’t do this alone, I never have. I stand shoulder-to-shoulder with passionate lived experience experts, practitioners, leaders, and organisations, all committed to empowering each other and reshaping systems—and the experiences of those who connect with them. This isn’t just about stories or numbers. It’s about giving people caught in the struggle a real shot at a better life. We're not just talking—we're taking action to build safer communities and unlock potential in those left behind. I want this collective legacy to bleed impact—a testament to a better world. As a young person, I doubted what was possible, but now, that drive fuels me. I want my sons to know the power of standing with those who stand alone. This one hits home. It blows my mind that what started as a dream — Wounds & Wisdom — is now a powerhouse training organisation and consultancy firm, shaking up multiple sectors. I look forward to my partnership with Stephane Shepherd at 16 Yards doing the same (and more). Huge thanks to everyone on this journey, for sharing their stories and knowledge. Your grit and insight drive everything we do. I can't wait to keep pushing boundaries with those who inspire me. Every day, I think of those who believed in me—some still stand with me, others have passed on. Their support is never forgotten. And to my rock, my wife and kids—you keep me grounded and fired up through every challenge. Now, let's get back to work.

✍️Announcing a pivotal moment, esteemed colleagues, and partners: Ray Treadaway enters the scene, your paramount advocate in sculpting victors and forging lasting legacies.✍️ ✍️Today, we delve into a matter of personal significance. ✍️We are setting sights on a transformative landscape where parenting transcends mere survival, blossoming into prosperity. Where top performers are not sidelined, but command the forefront with vigor, passion, and dynamism. ✍️A moment of Candor: this vision, while exhilarating, also invokes apprehension. Its magnitude is daunting, yet its significance is undebatable—it's about life-changing impacts, beyond mere financial gain. ✍️Excitement surges as we contemplate the Legacy Builder Program, a concept that sets our aspirations soaring. Picture a life liberated from financial vigilance during routine errands, enriched with unfettered family moments, un-shadowed by occupational burdens. ✍️This is my chosen crusade. If this resonates with you, igniting a fervent spark, then you are the ally I seek. ✍️Together, we will embark on this expedition to craft legacies that will be celebrated by generations. Let’s convert aspirations into tangible triumphs, one champion at a time. ✍️Are you prepared to join forces? Let's connect and weave the extraordinary fabric of our lives. Because in the fleeting journey of existence, we owe our families the pinnacle of excellence. Are you ready to manifest the extraordinary? ✍️To Learn More…contact me with more info!!

Amidst life's hustle and bustle, it's easy to lose sight of our true direction. That's why finding our North Star – that guiding beacon of values and purpose – is essential. By anchoring ourselves to it, we not only stay focused but also become better stewards of our influence. It's about staying true to our core principles, even when the winds of change blow strong. Let's remember to nurture and protect our guiding light, for it illuminates the path towards making a positive impact in our communities and beyond. #Stewardship #StayFocused #FindYourNorthStar

Dave Maddux with Leadership, Luck & Life. We are in the middle of the holiday season, one of the all-time favorite holiday families has got to be the Griswold’s. Clark. Ellen. Cousin Eddie. Millions have watched the now classic movie of the Christmas season, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. There is a reason this movie is one of the most popular in American culture – it presents a view of the imperfections of life, family, and relationships. And, it is just plain funny. Here are a few leadership lessons that we can learn from Clark this Christmas. 1. Every group, family or team comes with quirks, not just yours.    2. Unrealistic expectations can result in some serious disappointment. 3. Solutions to problems are often found in the least expected places. 4. Generosity matters. This year has had challenges we could not have imagined this time last year. And yet, here we are at Christmas 2024, may you accept the imperfect people surrounding you (including yourself), keep your expectations in check, and show some generosity to others, and thank God for his unconditional charity that continues to be shown to each of us through Jesus. As Clark would say, "Have the hap-hap-happiest Christmas." Leadershiplucklife.com    leadershiplucklife@gmail.com #iPEC, #Lifecoaching, #Executivecoaching, #ICF, #managing, #leadership, #successful, #mentorship, #leadershipdevelopment, #inspiration, #peopleovereverything, #talentdevelopment #growthmindset #alwaysbelearning, #multitasking , #confidence, #connecting, #positive, #mindset , #priorities, #support, #followme, #motivation, #success, #management, #training, #life, #Mondaymotivation, #griswolds, #nationallampoons https://lnkd.in/egYRRirz

The Holiday Season Is Here—Let’s Celebrate Together! 🎄🥂 As the year draws to a close, there’s no better time to hit pause and appreciate all that we’ve accomplished. With Thanksgiving and Christmas just around the corner, we’re gathering the community for a night of celebration, connection, and meaningful conversations. Join us for our Chai & Share Holiday Happy Hour, where we’ll be toasting to an amazing year and looking forward to what’s next. This evening is all about coming together to unwind, connect, and share insights as we wrap up 2024 and set the stage for an exciting 2025. Event Details: 📅 Date: Thursday, November 21 🕖 Time: 7:00 - 9:00 PM CST 📍 Location: Holiday Inn Houston Energy Corridor 1112 Eldridge Parkway, Houston, TX 77077 We’re grateful to our partner Skyline Title for making this evening extra special by sponsoring the drinks. It’s going to be an evening filled with laughter, inspiration, and deep dives into topics that fuel us—tech, entrepreneurship, and even some unique insights into real estate from our friends at Skyline. What to Expect: 🎉 Celebrate Together: Take a break from your busy schedule to connect with fellow professionals and reflect on a year of growth, challenges, and successes. It’s the perfect chance to meet new people, catch up with familiar faces, and enjoy some downtime as we head into the holiday season. 💡 Conversations That Matter: The evening will be packed with discussions on the latest trends in technology and entrepreneurship. Whether you’re scaling a business, exploring new tech innovations, or curious about how real estate intersects with these industries, there’s something here for everyone. 🚀 Looking to the Future: We’re excited to share a sneak peek of what’s ahead in 2025! Our community is all about supporting one another, and next year, we’re aiming to create even more opportunities for collaboration and growth. So bring your energy, your questions, and your ideas. Let’s raise a glass to the wins of 2024 and gear up for what’s next. 🍷✨ We can’t wait to celebrate with you. Here’s to ending the year strong and starting the new one even stronger! 🌟 See you there! ✅ RSVP here: https://lnkd.in/guxqxGN3

My inspiration for this inaugural event came from my deep connection to professional sports and the respect I hold for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, which honors NFL athletes for their excellence both on the field and in their communities. In the same spirit, the CHANGE AGENTS OF PHOENIX event was created to celebrate real estate professionals who excel in their field while also making a lasting impact beyond their transactions. In real estate, where authenticity is key, I believe greatness extends far beyond exceptional performance in transactions. True greatness enriches an agent’s work and purpose—it embodies the ability to think beyond individual deals, to give back, and to positively influence the communities that support them. My mission is to elevate real estate and showcase how the industry, through its unique relationship capital, can serve at a much greater capacity—transforming lives and communities through our everyday business responsibilities. A select few outstanding local agents, nominated and voted on by my event partners and industry peers, have been named this year’s CHANGE AGENTS for exemplifying these core values: - Create Impact Beyond Transactions: Using their success to drive positive change. - Embody Core Values: Integrity, purpose-driven action, and collaboration. - Lead with Inspiration:Their stories inspire meaningful service. - Serve the Phoenix Metro: Dedicated to improving their local communities. - Engage Online: Amplifying their impact through a strong online presence. Their stories are inspiring, and we can’t wait to walk alongside them and honor their dedication and lasting contributions. Next month’s event will be an exclusive, private gathering held at a custom spec home still under construction, thoughtfully planned in partnership with my builder partner Living Stone Builders and Brian North of North&Co. This intimate setting will provide the perfect backdrop to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our honorees and the genesis of what’s to come. #changeagent #changeagentsofphx #realestate #homesforgood #phoenix #scottsdale #paradisevalley #arizona Real https://lnkd.in/gg4BSY6v

𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐈𝐍 𝐌𝐄 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐁𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐍𝐄𝐖 𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐀𝐋 𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐊𝐄𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐃𝐈𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐎𝐑 Incredible milestone reached by our Nese. From a new mum on maternity leave, feeling anxious & doubtful about starting a new business with us… to achieving this milestone after a 4 year journey which comes with a £28,800 bonus. What an inspiring journey of growth, leadership, and transformation. In Nese’s own words: “So many different personalities, ages, backgrounds, lives… but the amount of love that fills our team is unmatched. I’m so blessed all our paths crossed, and I’ve been given the opportunity to help change your lives like you’ve changed mine.” This is what’s possible when you say YES to an opportunity that aligns with your vision and values. Whether you’re looking for time flexibility, financial growth, or a community that supports you every step of the way — this business could be what you’re searching for. Nese’s story is a reminder that your background, experience, or circumstances don’t define your potential. It’s about being coachable, consistent, and committed to your goals. If you’re curious about what we do and how we can support YOU in 2025, let’s chat. 💬