#22 - Pat Smith

#22 - Pat Smith

If You Denton Know Pat Smith, now you do. Pat Smith is the founder and CEO of Serve Denton, a nonprofit hub that houses 25 partner organizations under one roof and was built entirely without government funding. A Denton native, retired Air Force colonel, and son of two of Denton's most beloved small business owners, Pat brings decades of leadership experience to a mission rooted in his hometown. His story is a window into how one community came together to create something rare in the nonprofit world. In this episode, listeners will hear how Serve Denton went from a vacant church sanctuary to a 10 million dollar campus, why Pat partnered with Toyota to bring world class operations to a nonprofit, and how a difficult Pentagon assignment shaped his approach to servant leadership. It is a conversation about hope, hometown roots, and what it looks like when private investment, faith, and good leadership build something that lasts. Guest Bio Pat Smith is the founder and CEO of Serve Denton, the nonprofit center that partners with 25 organizations to better serve people in need across Denton County. A Denton native and retired Air Force colonel, Pat spent 28 years in the military managing large scale construction and housing projects before returning home to launch Serve Denton in 2012. He is the son of Jim Smith of the legendary Jim's Diner and Rose Smith of Rose Costumes. Key Topics Covered * Growing up in Denton and the legacy of Jim's Diner and Rose Costumes * Pat's 28 year Air Force career, from the Academy to the Pentagon * The leadership lessons that shaped his philosophy of servant leadership * How losing his father became the catalyst for Serve Denton * Turning a vacant church sanctuary into a 10 million dollar nonprofit hub * Partnering with Toyota to bring the Toyota Production System to nonprofits * Why Serve Denton operates without government funding * Expanding the model to other Texas cities and beyond Timestamps 00:00 — Guest introduction  01:00 — The original 1976 vision for a human services center  01:45 — Jim's Diner, Rose Costumes, and growing up in Denton  04:35 — From the Air Force Academy to building air bases overseas  07:03 — The Pentagon assignment that defined his leadership philosophy  12:07 — Losing his dad and finding a new calling  15:34 — Launching Serve Denton with Tommy Nelson's blessing  17:21 — Buying the building and the new market tax credit breakthrough  19:38 — Bringing Toyota Production System to the nonprofit world  22:30 — The mission, the model, and staying in their lane  30:24 — Teaching servant leadership to the next generation  37:05 — Denton favorites and upcoming events Denton Highlights * Jim's Diner on Fry Street * Rose Costumes * Metzler's Barbecue * Dan's Silverleaf * Fine Arts Theater * Cartwright's Ranch House Guest Links and Resources * Serve Denton website: servedenton.org [https://www.servedenton.org/] * Email: psmith@servedenton.org [psmith@servedenton.org] * Upcoming event: Dragon Boat Races on Lake Lewisville, June 27 * Upcoming event: Christmas concert with David Pierce at the Fine Arts Theater, December 21

#21 - Tommy Mainord

If You Denton Know Tommy Mainord, now you do. Coach Tommy Mainord returns to the University of North Texas in a brand new role, stepping off the football field and into one of the most talked about positions in college athletics. After more than a decade in Denton and a career that took him from Tarleton State to Texas Tech, Kentucky, and back to UNT, Tommy now serves as Senior Associate Athletic Director for NIL and Football Strategy. In this conversation, Tommy breaks down the rapidly changing landscape of college sports, including NIL, revenue sharing, and the transfer portal. He explains how UNT is building its strategy in real time, why local businesses and alumni play such a vital role, and how the success of Mean Green athletics ripples out to lift restaurants, hotels, and the entire Denton community. It is a candid look at where college football is headed and how Denton fits into the bigger picture. Guest Bio Tommy Mainord is the Senior Associate Athletic Director for NIL and Football Strategy at the University of North Texas. A Texas native who grew up around the game as the son of a longtime football coach, Tommy spent seven years as an assistant coach at UNT, helping develop standout players like All American Jaylen Darden. He has coached at Tarleton State, Sam Houston State, Lamar, Texas Tech, and Kentucky throughout his career. Key Topics Covered * Tommy's journey from coaches' kid to college coach * Coaching stops across Texas, Kentucky, and the Big 12 * Returning to UNT in a new front office role * The difference between NIL and revenue sharing explained * The 21.4 million dollar national rev share cap * How technology and AI have transformed recruiting and game prep * What the next five years could look like for college athletics * How Denton businesses of any size can get involved with UNT athletics Timestamps 00:00 Welcome and introduction  01:06 Navigating the new world of NIL  02:08 Growing up as a coach's son  03:07 Choosing baseball, then football at Tarleton State  05:08 Career stops from Lamar to Texas Tech to Kentucky  07:14 Coaching Jaylen Darden at UNT  10:22 The new role and the longest title in college sports  11:26 NIL versus revenue sharing  16:02 How technology changed recruiting and game planning  22:33 How local businesses can get involved  25:22 Favorite spots around Denton Denton Highlights * The Denton Square * Local Mexican food spots around the square * Denton barbecue restaurants Guest Links and Resources * Email Tommy directly at tommy.mainord@unt.edu [tommy.mainord@unt.edu] * University of North Texas Athletics: meangreensports.com [https://meangreensports.com/]

#20 - If You Denton Know the City of Denton Candidates, Now You Do

If You Denton Know the City of Denton Candidates, now you do. Episode Description Election time is here, and this one is huge. Denton voters are filling four council seats and the mayor position, with early voting ending April 28 and election day on May 2. To help the community make informed choices at the ballot box, every candidate was invited onto the show to answer two simple questions: What do you love most about Denton, and what is your vision for the city if elected? This special episode brings together the candidates for Mayor, District 1, District 2, Place 5, and Place 6 in one place. Each conversation is short, focused, and designed to let the candidates speak for themselves. Use this episode as a tool to learn what each candidate values, where they want to take Denton, and how their priorities line up with yours. Then get out and vote. Key Topics Covered * What each candidate loves most about the city of Denton * Each candidate's vision for Denton if elected * The values and priorities shaping the 2026 city races * Perspectives from candidates running for Mayor, District 1, District 2, Place 5, and Place 6 * Why local elections matter for Denton's future * A reminder to participate in early voting and election day Timestamps 02:22 Mayor 02:37 Chris Watts 15:02 Brian Beck 27:15 Angela Brewer 36:17 District 1 36:33 Michael Herron 42:57 Jordan Villarreal 50:47 Kris Cox 57:59 District 2 58:13 Nick Stevens 1:05:52 Robert J Archer III 1:11:47 Place 5 1:12:07 George Michael Ferrie 1:20:57 Erica Garland 1:28:35 Place 6 1:28:52 Jill Jester Voting Information * Early voting ends April 28 * Election day is May 2 * Seats on the ballot: Mayor, District 1, District 2, Place 5, Place 6 * For more information, visit https://www.votedenton.gov/election-day-information/current-and-upcoming-election-information/ [https://www.votedenton.gov/election-day-information/current-and-upcoming-election-information/]

#19 - Peter Salisbury

If You Denton Know Peter Salisbury, now you do.  From launching a tiny AM station in his living room to building KUZU 92.9 FM into a 24/7 community-powered radio station, Peter shares how passion, persistence, and local music shaped one of Denton’s most grassroots success stories. In this episode, Peter talks about growing up in Texas, falling in love with Denton’s music scene, and the long road to securing an FM license. He explains how KUZU operates entirely with volunteers, how anyone in the community can host a show, and why local voices still matter in a world dominated by corporate media. If you’ve ever wondered how community radio works, how KUZU got started, or how you could become part of Denton’s creative scene, this episode is for you. ⏱️ KEY TIMESTAMPS 00:00 — Meet Peter Salisbury & the Story of KUZU Radio Peter shares his background in photography and how he found his creative home in Denton. 04:15 — Growing Up in Texas & Finding Denton From Houston to Garland to UNT, Peter talks about why Denton became home. 08:40 — The Birth of KUZU: A Radio Station in a Living Room How an empty bedroom and a small AM transmitter sparked the KUZU idea. 14:20 — From Backyard Radio to FM Licensing The multi-year journey to securing a Low Power FM license. 20:45 — Building KUZU with Volunteers & Community Support How friends, board members, and community members helped bring KUZU to life. 26:10 — How KUZU Programming Works Anyone can apply to host a show and contribute to the station. 31:30 — The Volunteer Model & Funding the Station Why KUZU runs entirely on volunteers and membership donations. 36:50 — Lessons Learned from Building a Radio Station Peter reflects on fear, persistence, and learning as he went. 41:10 — KUZU’s Future & Vision for Growth Plans for expanding programming and eventually owning a dedicated studio. 44:10 — Denton Favorites Peter shares his favorite local spots to relax and recharge. 🎧 Episode Highlights * How KUZU started as a tiny AM station in a spare bedroom * What it takes to secure an FCC radio license * Why community radio still matters today * How KUZU operates entirely on volunteers * How local musicians and creators benefit from the platform * Why anyone in Denton can host their own radio show * The story behind KUZU’s first broadcast * Lessons learned from building something from scratch 📻 About KUZU Radio KUZU 92.9 FM is Denton’s volunteer-powered community radio station. Broadcasting 24/7, KUZU features freeform programming, local voices, independent music, talk shows, interviews, and creative content from over 50 volunteer producers. The station exists to amplify local culture, support independent artists, and give everyday community members a voice on the air. Learn more or apply to host a show: 🌐 kuzu.fm [https://www.kuzu.fm/] 🍳 DENTON FAVORITES (FROM PETER) * Cartwright’s Ranch House — A go-to spot for breakfast and coffee * Jupiter House — Favorite order: smoked salmon bagel with a mocha * Norman Roscoe — A favorite stop on the Square 🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS * Big ideas often start small, sometimes in spare bedrooms. * Community-driven projects can thrive without corporate backing. * Fear of failure is often the biggest obstacle to starting something meaningful. * Local media still plays a powerful role in shaping culture. * Denton’s creative community continues to fuel innovation and collaboration.

#18 - Jason Reimer

If You Denton Know Jason Reimer, now you do. On this episode of If You Denton Know, we sit down with musician, filmmaker, and creative director Jason Reimer to talk about one of the most anticipated projects in Denton… the revival of the historic Fine Arts Theatre. Jason has spent years shaping unique cinematic and live experiences through his work at the Texas Theatre in Dallas, as well as through film, music, and multimedia production. Now, he’s bringing that same vision to Denton in a way that’s deeply rooted in the culture and creativity of the community. Brad and Jason dive into what it’s been like working together behind the scenes on this project, why this theatre matters so much to Denton, and what people can expect when the doors finally open. From independent films and live performances to 70MM, 35MM, and DCP projection, the Fine Arts Theatre is set to become a one-of-a-kind destination for cinephiles, creatives, and anyone who loves the arts. This isn’t just a movie theatre… it’s a cultural hub in the making. What You’ll Hear in This Episode * Jason’s journey from music to filmmaking to theatre ownership * The story behind the Texas Theatre and how it was brought back to life * How those lessons are shaping the Fine Arts Theatre in Denton * What makes this theatre different from anything else in the area * The vision for programming: films, concerts, events, and more * Why 70MM film projection is such a big deal * How the theatre will serve Denton’s creative community * What the renovation process has looked like behind the scenes * When the community can expect the theatre to open Why This Matters for Denton The Fine Arts Theatre has been a missing piece of Denton’s cultural landscape for years. Its revival represents more than just reopening a building, it’s about creating a space where film, music, and community come together. With Jason’s experience and vision, paired with a deep commitment to making it feel authentic to Denton, this project has the potential to become one of the most meaningful creative hubs in the city. About Jason Reimer Jason Reimer is a musician, filmmaker, and producer whose work spans music, film, and live performance. He has composed film scores, directed music videos, and worked with major brands like Coca-Cola and Jack Daniel’s. He is co-founder of the Oak Cliff Film Festival and a partner in Aviation Cinemas, serving as Creative Director of the historic Texas Theatre in Dallas. His work continues to push the boundaries of how film and live experiences intersect. Connect & Stay Updated Follow along for updates on the Fine Arts Theatre opening, upcoming programming, and special events as Denton prepares to welcome this iconic space back to life. @fineartsdenton [https://www.instagram.com/fineartsdenton/] Texas Fine Arts Theatre [https://www.texasfineartstheatre.com/]