McKinney Momentum McKinney Economic Development Corporation

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

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

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

Join MEDC marketing manager Luke Gajary today as he jumps out from behind the camera to interview startup founder Adam McAbee of StadiumDrop - an Innovation Fund portfolio company. Adam shares the story of how he and his wife started the company, how COVID19 affected their launch, and some unique achievements they've made along the way.

StadiumDrop is a game changing mobile ordering and delivery app, that allows you to stay in the moment. 

Order food, beverage and merchandise from your phone and let them bring it to you. 



Follow Adam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-mcabee-3a7711117/

Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@McKinneyEDC

For audio episodes of McKinney Momentum, subscribe on your favorite podcast network: https://mckinneymomentum.com

Join Madison Clark in our MEDC studio today as she interviews our new president and CEO, Michael Kowski. 

Kowski brings extensive long-term city planning experience to MEDC, including urban development and design, land acquisition, and capital improvement projects. He most recently served as the Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of McKinney where he oversaw projects like the creation of the $11 million indoor tennis facility at The Courts of McKinney, the $25 million renovation of the McKinney Soccer Complex at Craig Ranch, and the acquisition of 230 acres of parkland within the Painted Tree development that will be used for recreational facilities, and future community and economic development projects.

Read more about Michael and his role at the MEDC: https://uniquemckinney.com/mckinney-economic-development-corporation-appoints-michael-kowski-as-president-and-ceo/

For audio episodes of McKinney Momentum, subscribe on your favorite podcast network: https://mckinneymomentum.com

Join our own Mike Wilkes in our MEDC studio today as he interviews Jake Hamann and talk about his company, Autix, his entrepreneurship start, the vision for his company, rethinking how we price, sell,  and build cars, and of course, the impact of the Innovation Fund. 

A seasoned economic, ecosystem, and entrepreneurial development thought leader, Jake has not only built and grown his own successful ventures, but has helped countless others do the same by sharing his journey of successes and struggles along the way. Whether a large corporation, early-stage entrepreneur, or community looking to grow their economy, Jake is recognized for mentoring both individuals and organizations, imparting as much practical wisdom and experience as possible based on his broad range of experience and expertise.

Connect with Jake: https://jakehamann.me

Subscribe on Youtube for video episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@McKinneyEDC

For audio episodes of McKinney Momentum, subscribe on your favorite podcast network: https://mckinneymomentum.com