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All Up In Your Business — Government & Organizations
All Up In Your Business

Separating rumors from reality + real economic development insight in College Station, Texas — Home of Texas A&M University.

Copyright: © Copyright 2019 All rights reserved.

Latest Episodes:

All Up In Your Business: What’s the city’s role in redevelopment? Jun 06, 2023

In the June episode of All Up In Your Business, Chief Development Officer Natalie Ruiz and Economic Development Manager Brian Piscacek talk about why the city’s role in redevelopment is essential.

Long Term Planning Administrator Alyssa Halle-Schramm joins the discussion, taking us deep into the details of the city’s small area plans, including the Texas and University Redevelopment Plan.

Be sure to look for the next episode of AUIYB in August.

All Up In Your Business is available via:

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Apple Podcasts
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iHeartRadio
Spotify
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Please subscribe, rate and recommend!

If you have a suggestion for a future topic or interview, email Public Communications Director Colin Killian at ckillian@cstx.gov.

All Up In Your Business: Trends in economic development and retail markets Feb 23, 2023

Since longtime host Jay Socol retired last spring, it's been a while since our last episode of All Up in Your Business. Due to popular demand, the podcast returns, but with a slightly different look.

College Station Chief Development Officer Natalie Ruiz now co-hosts the program with Economic Development Manager Brian Piscacek to update us on business trends and the restaurants, retailers, industries, and events that might be coming to town. We'll produce a fresh podcast addressing various topics on a quarterly basis.

In this discussion with Aaron Farmer of The Retail Coach, Natalie and Brian break down the evolution of local, regional, and national retail markets, along with the recent Economic Outlook Conference. They also address the challenges presented by continued inflation, supply chain issues, and staffing shortages.

Aaron and Brian were rolling, so the episode ran longer than usual, but we think you'll find the discussion insightful and well worth your time.

All Up In Your Business is now available via:

Podbean
Apple Podcasts
Google Podcasts
iHeartRadio
Spotify
Stitcher
YouTube

Please subscribe, rate and recommend!

Have a suggestion for a future topic or interview, or just want to say hi? Send to ckillian@cstx.gov.

All Up In Your Business: CS‘s taco prowess + Nat‘s takes on who/what might be coming Nov 10, 2021

It's been quite a while since College Station Economic Development Director Natalie Ruiz stepped up to the podcast microphone to update us on the restaurants, retailers, industries, and events that might be coming to CSTAT.

In this discussion with College Station Communications Director Jay Socol, Natalie covers Midtown, Costco, Gringo's, the Wolf Pen Creek area, and how CS ranked so high on a list of Texas cities with the best tacos.

All Up In Your Business is now available via:

Podbean
Apple Podcasts
Google Podcasts
iHeartRadio
Spotify
Stitcher
YouTube

Please subscribe, rate and recommend!

Have a suggestion for a future topic or interview, or just want to say hi? Send to jsocol@cstx.gov.

All Up In Your Budget - Ep. 4: FY22 Capital Projects & Debt Jul 14, 2021

What a difference a year makes! Last year, the pandemic gave us a near-dormant economy and enormous uncertainty. This year, there are genuine signs of hope and recovery -- normalcy, even? -- that went into the development of the City of College Station's proposed fiscal year 2022 budget.

In this four-part mini-series called All Up In Your Budget, we'll talk about the main takeaways from this proposed $353.7M budget (Spoiler: No recommended increases to the tax rate or to the electric, water and wastewater rates.) and talk about some important proposed increases to public safety and other core services.

Fiscal Services Director Mary Ellen Leonard

Communications Director Jay Socol

Episode-1: Conditions & Revenues

Episode-2: Expenses

Episode-3: Enterprise Funds (Electric, Water/Wastewater, and more)

Episode-4: Capital projects and debt

You can view the entire proposed FY22 budget document at cstx.gov/budget.

All Up In Your Budget - Ep. 3: FY22 Enterprise Funds Jul 14, 2021

What a difference a year makes! Last year, the pandemic gave us a near-dormant economy and enormous uncertainty. This year, there are genuine signs of hope and recovery -- normalcy, even? -- that went into the development of the City of College Station's proposed fiscal year 2022 budget.

In this four-part mini-series called All Up In Your Budget, we'll talk about the main takeaways from this proposed $353.7M budget (Spoiler: No recommended increases to the tax rate or to the electric, water and wastewater rates.) and talk about some important proposed increases to public safety and other core services.

Fiscal Services Director Mary Ellen Leonard

Communications Director Jay Socol

Episode-1: Conditions & Revenues

Episode-2: Expenses

Episode-3: Enterprise Funds (Electric, Water/Wastewater, and more)

Episode-4: Capital projects and debt

You can view the entire proposed FY22 budget document at cstx.gov/budget.

All Up In Your Budget - Ep. 2: FY22 Expenses Jul 14, 2021

What a difference a year makes! Last year, the pandemic gave us a near-dormant economy and enormous uncertainty. This year, there are genuine signs of hope and recovery -- normalcy, even? -- that went into the development of the City of College Station's proposed fiscal year 2022 budget.

In this four-part mini-series called All Up In Your Budget, we'll talk about the main takeaways from this proposed $353.7M budget (Spoiler: No recommended increases to the tax rate or to the electric, water and wastewater rates.) and talk about some important proposed increases to public safety and other core services.

Fiscal Services Director Mary Ellen Leonard

Communications Director Jay Socol

Episode-1: Conditions & Revenues

Episode-2: Expenses

Episode-3: Enterprise Funds (Electric, Water/Wastewater, and more)

Episode-4: Capital projects and debt

You can view the entire proposed FY22 budget document at cstx.gov/budget.

All Up In Your Budget - Ep. 1: FY22 Conditions & Revenues Jul 14, 2021

What a difference a year makes! Last year, the pandemic gave us a near-dormant economy and enormous uncertainty. This year, there are genuine signs of hope and recovery -- normalcy, even? -- that went into the development of the City of College Station's proposed fiscal year 2022 budget.

In this four-part mini-series called All Up In Your Budget, we'll talk about the main takeaways from this proposed $353.7M budget (Spoiler: No recommended increases to the tax rate or to the electric, water and wastewater rates.) and talk about some important proposed increases to public safety and other core services.

Fiscal Services Director Mary Ellen Leonard

Communications Director Jay Socol

Episode-1: Conditions & Revenues

Episode-2: Expenses

Episode-3: Enterprise Funds (Electric, Water/Wastewater, and more)

Episode-4: Capital projects and debt

You can view the entire proposed FY22 budget document at cstx.gov/budget.

All Up In Your Business: The business of managing College Station Jun 02, 2021

Bryan Woods became College Station's city manager in November 2018, but less than two years later he began a year-long deployment to the Middle East with the U.S. Navy Reserve. Now he's back with a lot of work to do, including prepping a draft budget for FY 2022, overseeing completion of a new city hall, and helping sustain economic growth as we emerge from a pandemic.

Woods and Communications Director Jay Socol cover topics ranging from the nature of Woods' relationships with Texas A&M, the City of Bryan and Brazos County...to the significantly different role the next city hall will have in the lives of College Station residents.

All Up In Your Business is now available via:

Podbean
Apple Podcasts
Google Podcasts
iHeartRadio
Spotify
Stitcher
YouTube

Please subscribe, rate and recommend!

Have a suggestion for a future topic or interview, or just want to say hi? Send to jsocol@cstx.gov.

All Up In Your Business: A hot market is filling vacant properties May 24, 2021

Our economy is rebounding -- you can feel it. And while so many businesses didn't make it through the worst of the pandemic, no matter how hard they fought, College Station is once again a hot market for retailers looking to establish a location. Filling empty properties is among the top priorities for our Grow College Station team, and that's the primary focus of this episode.

You'll hear Communications Director Jay Socol and Economic Development Manager Aubrey Nettles talk about the vacancies where they're seeing the most interest, some confirmed (and nearly confirmed) successes, and even the context behind some chronically vacant properties that many in College Station wonder about. Jay even asks Aubrey about the quasi-mythical Pappadeaux property.

Also in this episode is strikingly positive news in terms of the latest sales tax revenue report for College Station.

All Up In Your Business is now available via:

Podbean
Apple Podcasts
Google Podcasts
iHeartRadio
Spotify
Stitcher
YouTube

Please subscribe, rate and recommend!

Have a suggestion for a future topic or interview, or just want to say hi? Send to jsocol@cstx.gov.

All Up In Your Business: What you should know about Costco Apr 07, 2021

Earlier this week, we dropped a podcast episode that reviewed what's new in, and what's coming to, College Station. (Spoiler: It's a lot!)

During that episode, we teased an announcement that was expected later in the month -- a development on 19 acres of city-owned land in College Station's Midtown. Turns out later in the month is now: Costco Wholesale has filed a site plan for that location.

We hope you'll take just a few minutes to listen to our brand-new mini-episode that explains what Costco's site plan filing means -- and what it doesn't mean just yet.

Economic Development Director Natalie Ruiz and Communications Director Jay Socol get All Up In Your Business about Costco!

All Up In Your Business is now available via:

Please subscribe, rate and recommend!

Have a suggestion for a future topic or interview, or just want to say hi? Send to jsocol@cstx.gov.

All Up In Your Business: We're getting a what? Apr 04, 2021

Our first episode of 2021 covers a lot. So much, in fact, that we ditched the studio and did an actual tour of some of the fastest-growing areas of College Station to talk about what's new and what's coming.

Communications Director Jay Socol and Economic Development Manager Aubrey Nettles make stops at Jones Crossing, CapRock, Tower Point, the Lowe's Shopping Center and Midtown -- then finish with a lightning round that covers additional areas of College Station.

Keep in mind that this episode was shot for video, so the audio-only version cuts out some driving time and other elements that make a bit more sense if you're watching it. Want to see those? Check the YouTube link below!

All Up In Your Business is now available via:

Please subscribe, rate and recommend!

Have a suggestion for a future topic or interview, or just want to say hi? Send to jsocol@cstx.gov.

All Up In Your Business: How tourism can fuel business recovery Oct 23, 2020

This is the first time College Station Communications Director Jay Socol has interviewed Economic Development Director Natalie Ruiz since the pandemic changed everything. In spite of the local, state and federal funding put into the hands of local businesses, we still lost far too many. So, now what?

In this episode, Natalie talks about her dual role of supporting local businesses while aggressively working to bring in more jobs that diversify College Station's economy. She also explains how her office's brand-new tourism division aims to bring people to College Station at a time when there is still a reluctance to travel, attend events and visit destinations.

Also in this episode is Economic Development Manager Aubrey Nettles, who is leading a holiday campaign to make College Station the Christmas destination in Texas, thanks in large part to a strategic partnership with Santa's Wonderland.

Nat finishes up with a few fun biz updates on things coming soon to College Station.

All Up In Your Business is now available via:

Transcript + video link: https://bit.ly/2HBTfUo

Please subscribe, rate and recommend!

Have a suggestion for a future topic or interview, or just want to say hi? Send to jsocol@cstx.gov.

All Up In Your Budget - Ep. 4 (Capital projects, tourism) Aug 09, 2020

After a multi-month, coronavirus-inspired break, we're back -- this time with a special miniseries: Four episodes that focus on the College Station's proposed budget for fiscal year 2021. We're calling it All Up In Your Budget.

The idea is to take a 330-page budget document and explain the big ideas in it, the changes caused by this health and economic crisis, how sustainable we think those are and what it means to our residents. This is a budget year like no other and we want to make sure that residents and taxpayers understand what's in it, what's not in it and why.

Fiscal Services Director Mary Ellen Leonard

Communications Director Jay Socol

Episode-1: Conditions

Episode-2: Revenues

Episode-3: Expenses

View the entire proposed budget document at cstx.gov/budget

All Up In Your Budget - Ep. 3 (Expenses) Aug 09, 2020

After a multi-month, coronavirus-inspired break, we're back -- this time with a special miniseries: Four episodes that focus on the College Station's proposed budget for fiscal year 2021. We're calling it All Up In Your Budget.

The idea is to take a 330-page budget document and explain the big ideas in it, the changes caused by this health and economic crisis, how sustainable we think those are and what it means to our residents. This is a budget year like no other and we want to make sure that residents and taxpayers understand what's in it, what's not in it and why.

Fiscal Services Director Mary Ellen Leonard

Communications Director Jay Socol

Episode-1: Conditions

Episode-2: Revenues

Episode-4: Capital projects and tourism

View the entire proposed budget document at cstx.gov/budget

All Up In Your Budget - Ep. 2 (Revenues) Aug 09, 2020

After a multi-month, coronavirus-inspired break, we're back -- this time with a special miniseries: Four episodes that focus on the College Station's proposed budget for fiscal year 2021. We're calling it All Up In Your Budget.

The idea is to take a 330-page budget document and explain the big ideas in it, the changes caused by this health and economic crisis, how sustainable we think those are and what it means to our residents. This is a budget year like no other and we want to make sure that residents and taxpayers understand what's in it, what's not in it and why.

Fiscal Services Director Mary Ellen Leonard

Communications Director Jay Socol

Episode-1: Conditions

Episode-3: Expenses

Episode-4: Capital projects and tourism

View the entire proposed budget document at cstx.gov/budget

All Up In Your Budget - Ep. 1 (What we're dealing with) Aug 09, 2020

After a multi-month, coronavirus-inspired break, we're back -- this time with a special miniseries: Four episodes that focus on the College Station's proposed budget for fiscal year 2021. We're calling it All Up In Your Budget.

The idea is to take a 330-page budget document and explain the big ideas in it, the changes caused by this health and economic crisis, how sustainable we think those are and what it means to our residents. This is a budget year like no other and we want to make sure that residents and taxpayers understand what's in it, what's not in it and why.

Fiscal Services Director Mary Ellen Leonard

Communications Director Jay Socol

Episode-2: Revenues

Episode-3: Expenses

Episode-4: Capital projects and tourism

You can view the entire proposed budget document at cstx.gov/budget.

All Up In Your Business: Dallis family/Burger Mojo Feb 26, 2020

The Dallis family has operated some of the most-iconic food and beverage destinations in College Station. Cafe Eccell may be their best-known restaurant, but they recently entered the highly competitive burger market through their new concept Burger Mojo.

In this episode, Economic Development Director Natalie Ruiz and Communications Director Jay Socol talk to Costa and Andreas Dallis about their legacy of business ventures and how difficult it is to remain relevant in a fast-growing, student-driven community. They even explain why they believe a burger joint in close proximity to so many other burger joints has a solid chance.

Meanwhile, Natalie also talks about the importance of redeveloping older commercial areas in College Station, and how her office has seen early success and is continuing that focus.

All Up In Your Business is now available via:

Please subscribe, rate and recommend!

Have a suggestion for a future topic or interview, or just want to say hi? Send to jsocol@cstx.gov.

All Up In Your Business: Walk-On's Feb 11, 2020

Who better to open a Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux in College Station than a former walk-on to the Texas A&M football team? Cory ('08) and Jenny ('01) Davis are poised to open their business in south College Station -- their first foray into the restaurant business -- and talk about how College Station was the only city they ever considered for such a major endeavor.

Also in this episode, Economic Development Director Natalie Ruiz and Communications Director Jay Socol talk about how the City of College Station sometimes spots opportunities to help new businesses or developers find just the right location for whatever they want to bring to the market.

Finally, Nat shares updated info on some additional restaurants under development in south College Station or, as Jay calls it... "SoCol."

All Up In Your Business is now available via:

Please subscribe, rate and recommend!

All Up In Your 2020 (The FujiDunkinMacAndCheeseBuc-ee's Episode) Dec 29, 2019

In terms of economic development, 2019 was a heckuva year for College Station.

Economic Development Director Natalie Ruiz -- who recently was recognized in public for the first time due to this podcast (such a diva...) -- and Communications Director Jay Socol reflect on some of the successes (and near-misses) from the past year + look ahead at what 2020 might bring in terms of new jobs and a diversified economy for College Station. Among the broad topics:

2020 bringing more focus to Northgate
Why a grocer or Target near Northgate makes sense
More quality jobs from FUJIFILM Dyosynth Biotechnologies
What the former Sears location might become
When CS and Texas A&M are chasing the same amenities
"The big beaver nugget in the room"
Nat finally announces Jay's preferred coffee fix is on the way!

Video version + transcript: http://bit.ly/2Q8Dw11

All Up In Your Business is now available via:

Podbean
Apple Podcasts
Google Play
Spotify
Stitcher

Please subscribe, rate and recommend!

College Station Eco-Devo 101 Sep 25, 2019

We hear it all the time:

"Hey, College Station, how come you don't bring a [fill in the blank] to town?"

Or the other side of that is, "Hey, bozos, why do you keep bringing more [fill in the blank] to our city?"

First, some of you have anger issues. Seriously, though, a lot of people don't understand:

What the city can be credited for bringing to town
What the city should not be credited/blamed for bringing to town
What our economic development staff is actively recruiting to CS

In this episode of AUIYB, College Station Economic Development Director Natalie Ruiz and Communications Director Jay Socol discuss all these points, as well as some things about Post Oak Mall you may not have known. (cliff-hanger!)

** Click here for video pod and show transcript **

Subscribe (rate, review, recommend...) to All Up In Your Business at your favorite podcast source:

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Send questions and comments to jsocol@cstx.gov

Learn more about locating your business or HQ in College Station by visiting grow.cstx.gov.

All Up In Your Business: Breakfast you'll be la Gladeleine about Aug 04, 2019

In this podcast episode, College Station Economic Development Director Natalie Ruiz returns to talk about new restaurants, office space, commercial growth and more. Natalie and Communications Director Jay Socol also dive into an email from a pod listener (we have one!) who expressed concerns about what feels like constant expansion in College Station.

You can submit a question or comment, too: jsocol@cstx.gov

Video version + transcript: https://youtu.be/tGBSkp0BW2k

All Up In Your Business is now available via:

Podbean
Apple Podcasts/iTunes
Google Play
Spotify
Stitcher

Please subscribe, rate and recommend!

The Culpeppers: Legacy residential, retail developers who still have plans Jun 25, 2019

If you've lived in College Station or Bryan more than a minute, then you probably know about the Culpepper family. If not, then you're certainly living, shopping, dining or being entertained in spaces that were developed by the Culpeppers.

President/CEO of Culpepper Realty Co. Jack Culpepper, and General Counsel Larry Haskins talked about the beginnings of the family business, its early successes throughout the twin cities (and beyond) -- and even gave some hints about their next redevelopment moves on property just across from Texas A&M. Hint: Think of the space where IHOP, Schlotzsky's and Hurricane Harry's are located --across from Century Square.

There's great insight from a family that's already invested in College Station for nine decades, with its fourth generation already working on the next big announcement.

Video version + transcript: https://youtu.be/-UdYJS5KJX0

All Up In Your Business is now available via:

Podbean
Apple Podcasts/iTunes
Google Play
Spotify
Stitcher

Please subscribe, rate and recommend!

What's coming to CS + real talk about Gringo's and Buc-ee's May 07, 2019

College Station Economic Development Director Natalie Ruiz and Communications Director Jay Socol have a jaunty (thanks, thesaurus!) discussion about some businesses either recently on the ground or at least have a really good shot at it. But they also talk about one that appeared to be a sure thing until...it wasn't: Gringo's.

Back in aspirational mode, Nat explains how genuine the interest is from Buc-ee's in a College Station location vs. her own wishful thinking.

Also discussed: Why it matters so much that extensions to Lakeway Drive and Pebble Creek Parkway are now open (hint: Midtown).

And for those brave enough to sample the video version of this episode, we apologize profusely for obscuring Nat's face with the new microphone. A partial Nat eclipse was definitely visible to the naked eye.

Video version + transcript

How Krispy Kreme finally came to CS Apr 11, 2019

Like BBQ, burgers, tacos -- or any other food type you can think of - donuts are a pretty personal thing for people. College Station has a variety of options, all with loyal followings.

But long-suffering fans of Krispy Kreme can finally rejoice: The red light of happiness is in Aggieland.

Franchisee Brian Davis doesn't have the typical connection with College Station or with Texas A&M University. He talked to us about why he chose College Station, why the Harvey Road location was actually his second choice, how it takes nearly 100 people to operate a single location, and how he plans on giving back to a community that he's only spent limited time in.

Video version + transcript: https://youtu.be/5trKMOR7c7g

We hope you enjoy this first episode of All Up In Your Business, and we hope you'll subscribe, rate, review and recommend.

Jay Socol, Communications Director

Natalie Ruiz, Economic Development Director

All Up In Your Business: An introduction Apr 10, 2019

For those of you who listened to a previous podcast series about economic development in College Station, Texas -- "Is This A Thing?" -- we now bring you something new.

Our reinvented podcast, "All Up In Your Business," will still bring focus to what's coming to College Station and what's not + feature deep-dive discussions with those who are bringing new development to our city. But "All Up" will also feature legacy business owners and developers to hear their successes and struggles.

For anyone who lives in the College Station-Bryan area, or maybe who has a connection to Texas A&M University, we think you'll enjoy this new venture.

Our inaugural interview is with Brian Davis, who can be credited with bringing the first Krispy Kreme to our market. it was a great chat that you won't want to miss.

We hope you'll subscribe, rate and recommend!

Jay Socol, Communications Director

Natalie Ruiz, Economic Development Director

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