McKinney Momentum

McKinney Economic Development Corporation
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A multi-channel video and audio podcast featuring local community leaders , entrepreneurs, economic developers, and more to highlight our amazing community from an economic development standpoint in McKinney, Texas

  1. APR 10

    Beyond the Check: Building a Startup Ecosystem That Actually Works

    Send us Fan Mail What does it take to move from writing checks to actually building a thriving innovation ecosystem? In this SZN2 Premiere episode of the McKinney Momentum Podcast, Luke Gajary sits down with Troy Billett to unpack the evolution of McKinney’s Innovation Fund into something much bigger. What started as a grant program has grown into a multi-layered ecosystem designed to support founders at every stage, not just financially, but relationally. Troy shares his journey from university in Switzerland, to  launching a company, to working in venture capital and ultimately taking a leap into local government. Along the way, he discovered something unique about McKinney: a city willing to invest in early-stage innovation in a way that most places simply don’t. But this conversation goes far beyond funding. They break down the shift from a single program to a 12-pillar innovation strategy, covering everything from capital access and corporate partnerships to talent pipelines and global connections. The goal? Create a connected network where founders, investors, and organizations aren’t operating in silos but are actively building together. A key theme throughout the episode is the power of relationships. As Troy puts it, success in a startup ecosystem isn’t just about proximity, it’s about intentional connection. In a region as spread out as DFW, creating that “mesh” between people is what unlocks real growth and opportunity.   You’ll also hear practical insights for founders, including:  • What the Innovation Fund looks for in early-stage companies  • Why revenue matters more than fundraising  • How to plug into the ecosystem even if you’re not ready for funding  • The importance of staying in the “innovation cycle” through reinvestment and mentorship Whether you’re a founder, investor, student, or just someone interested in how cities can drive innovation, this episode gives you a clear look at what it means to build something sustainable and scalable. And maybe most importantly, it answers the question: What happens after the check clears? Connect with Troy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/troybillett/ Learn more about the Innovation Exchange and see if you qualify: https://uniquemckinney.com/ix/ SyncID MB01MLV5JVREY5F

    26 min

  2. 12/10/2024

    Solutions for the homeless epidemic in Collin County with the Samaritan Inn

    Send us Fan Mail This week on McKinney Momentum we feature Dana Riley and Jill Scigliano from the Samaritan Inn right here in McKinney. The Samaritan Inn was founded in 1984 as a 10-bed single men’s homeless shelter. Since then, it has grown to become one of the largest shelters for our unhoused neighbors in North Texas. They serve single men, women, and families and have the capacity to serve up to 226 residents. Funded by private donors, city grants, and the InnStyle Resale Shop, YOUR giving and volunteering go a long way. Learn more about how to donate and get involved here: https://saminn.org/ Shop InnStyle: https://innstyle.org/  Subscribe to their YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesamaritaninn6565

    35 min

  3. 11/13/2024

    Be a Maverick and disrupt industries - Tom Currier with Maverick Power

    Send us Fan Mail This week, our own Madison Clark Interviews Tom Currier, founder and CEO of Maverick Power. Tom has been the driving force behind the company's strategic growth and innovation since January 2020. In his role at Maverick Power, Tom leads the organization with a clear vision, ensuring operational excellence and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Maverick Power has solidified its position as a leader in the energy sector, known for its cutting-edge solutions and exceptional service and was just named as the number 1 on the Dallas Business Journal’s 50 fastest-growing companies in Dallas-Fort Worth. The “Fast 50” is an annual competition that ranks DFW’s fastest-growing private and public businesses with annual revenue between $10 million and $1 billion, based on three-year revenue growth.  Maverick Power was No. 1 overall at 5,789%. Yes, you read that number right  Maverick Power designs and manufactures power distribution equipment for a variety of industries with a focus on data centers. Under CEO and President Tom Currier, the company has achieved more than $100 million in revenue while becoming profitable in under three years. Its employee count has gone from from roughly a dozen in 2021 to over five hundred now.  Learn more about Maverick Power maverkpwr.com or find career opportunities by contacting jobs@maverickpwr.com Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@McKinneyEDC   For audio episodes of McKinney Momentum, subscribe on your favorite podcast network: https://mckinneymomentum.com

    35 min

  4. 07/19/2024

    Blue Screen of Death? McKinney IT and Cyber Security Experts Speak on the Crowdstrike Incident

    Send us Fan Mail Blue screen of death? IT Issues all day? Grounded flights?  What is going on???  Join us today as Rick Webster from Falkon, Josh Aaron from Aiden, and Stan Golubchik from ContraForce share a concise view of what happened across the globe in cyber security, explain the incident, and share tips on how people can stay ahead of either malicious or neglectful IT and cybersecurity problems.  Mckinney EDC: http://UniqueMcKinney.com Falkon Technologies: http://Falkon.net Aiden: http://MeetAiden.com Contraforce: http://Contraforce.com

    20 min

  5. 06/07/2024

    Practical and Insightful Leadership with Shawn Pratt, MISD Superintendent

    Send us Fan Mail This week, our own Madison Clark Interviews Shawn Pratt, McKinney ISD Superintendent, about his origins growing up in Collin County, serving MISD for over 30 years, and some stand-out moments he's experienced. We also talk about ways we can better support educators, and some new initiatives the district is implementing to better help high schoolers with personal financial literacy.  Learn more about the McKinney Independent School District: https://www.mckinneyisd.net/ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@McKinneyEDC   For audio episodes of McKinney Momentum, subscribe on your favorite podcast network: https://mckinneymomentum.com

    37 min

  6. 04/18/2024

    Empowering the next wave of MISD students: Sheila Due with McKinney Education Foundation

    Send us Fan Mail This week, our President Michael Kowski Interviewed Sheila Due, the president of the McKinney Education Foundation. Sheila masterfully unpacks how the MEF works, how many students they've helped, how it all started, and how the everyday McKinney residents can get involved and make a difference. Plus, we learn about a new hot spot for chicken fingers in McKinney!  Learn more about the MEF: https://www.mckinneyef.org/ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@McKinneyEDC   For audio episodes of McKinney Momentum, subscribe on your favorite podcast network: https://mckinneymomentum.com

    22 min

  7. 03/14/2024

    Sportstech partnerships & the World Cup 2026 - with Rikodi and Snipitz

    Send us Fan Mail Today’s episode is a fun one! Two companies who met through their connection to the Innovation Fund have partnered together, and Mike Wilkes sits down with the founders to chat all things sports tech, fan engagement, the World Cup 2026, and more.  Meet Andrew Naugher of Rikodi, and Denny Darmo of Snipitz on today’s episode of McKinney Momentum and hear about their partnership Readabout Rikodi: https://uniquemckinney.com/mckinney-economic-development-corporation-rikodi/ Read about Snipitz: https://uniquemckinney.com/snipitz-market-expands-corporate-hq-in-mckinney/       Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@McKinneyEDC   For audio episodes of McKinney Momentum, subscribe on your favorite podcast network: https://mckinneymomentum.com

    43 min

  8. 02/13/2024

    Corporations linking arms with startups via Plug and Play - McKinney Momentum

    Send us Fan Mail We’ve had 2 major announcements recently with global tech platform Plug N Play, and today we pull back the curtain a bit to unpack a little more of how this works with connecting startups to corporate partners. This week on McKinney Momentum, MEDC’s Michael Talley sits down with Plug and Play partner Kevin Parakkattu and discusses how the partnership came to be, how it builds on our existing Innovation Fund, what the collaboration with Frisco looked like, and what the full launch will look like by mid-March.  Read our McKinney Plug and Play press release and FAQ: https://uniquemckinney.com/global-innovation-platform-plug-and-play-launches-new-location-in-mckinney-texas/ Read about the Fintech partnership with Frisco: https://www.plugandplaytechcenter.com/press/plug-and-play-launches-fintech-startup-accelerator-program-in-frisco-and-mckinney-texas/ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@McKinneyEDC For audio episodes of McKinney Momentum, subscribe on your favorite podcast network: https://mckinneymomentum.com

    30 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

A multi-channel video and audio podcast featuring local community leaders , entrepreneurs, economic developers, and more to highlight our amazing community from an economic development standpoint in McKinney, Texas

Information

  • Creator
    McKinney Economic Development Corporation
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    23
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 McKinney Momentum
  • Show Website
    McKinney Momentum