E46: Beyond Blueprints: Exploring Engineering at Lamar University
Release Date: 01/10/2024
Southeast Texas Works!
We sit down with Charlie Foxworth, Broker/Owner of REMAX ONE and past president of the Beaumont Board of Realtors, to discuss the current state of the real estate market in Southeast Texas. Charlie shares valuable insights on housing trends, market challenges, and the impact of large-scale industrial projects on local real estate. We also dive into real estate career opportunities, how to get started as an agent, and what young people should focus on when entering the industry. Don’t miss this comprehensive real estate update from one of Southeast Texas’s leading real estate...
info_outline E60: Sparking Progress: Semiconductor Tech and AI in ManufacturingSoutheast Texas Works!
We speak with Gavin Jones, Regional Director of the Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center (TMAC), about the growing opportunities in semiconductor manufacturing in Southeast Texas. Gavin explains how TMAC is offering virtual reality-based training to prepare workers for a field poised for growth as manufacturers expand into the region. We also explore how AI is transforming the manufacturing industry, presenting both challenges and opportunities for businesses and the workforce. For more information on TMAC, visit
info_outline E59: Saving Lives in Southeast Texas: Acadian Ambulance Recruiter Talks EMS CareersSoutheast Texas Works!
Tune in for an interview with Casey Sullivan-Flood, Recruiter for Acadian Ambulance, as she provides an in-depth look at careers in emergency medical services. Casey shares her journey from paramedic to recruiter and offers valuable insights into the roles of EMTs and paramedics. She discusses Acadian's training programs, including their National EMS Academy, and describes the day-to-day life, challenges, and rewards of working in EMS. The conversation covers a range of topics, from salary and career advancement opportunities to Acadian's crucial role in hurricane response. Whether you're...
info_outline E58: Planting Seeds of Growth: Nederland EDC Cultivates Economic Prosperity in Southeast TexasSoutheast Texas Works!
In this episode, we sit down with Kay Decuir, the Executive Director of Nederland Economic Development Corporation (EDC). Kay provides a comprehensive overview of her role and the EDC's mission in fostering economic growth in Nederland, Texas. She also discusses the city's strategic location, its robust infrastructure including ports and transportation networks, and the ongoing major projects that are shaping the local economy. Discover the unique advantages Nederland offers to businesses, the challenges faced by employers, and the EDC's approach to site selection. To learn more, visit:
info_outline E57: Building Futures: Exploring Construction Careers with H.B. Neild ConstructionSoutheast Texas Works!
Jon Davis, COO, and Jacquetta Alleman, Director of Marketing, at H.B. Neild Construction join the show to talk about the company's history, in-demand jobs, and career pathways in the Southeast Texas construction industry. Learn about the skills needed, opportunities for growth, and future trends shaping the field. The company's new Orange location is also discussed. For more information about careers at H.B. Neild Construction, visit .
info_outline E56: Preparedness is Key: Lessons from Jefferson County's Emergency ManagementSoutheast Texas Works!
This episode features an interview with Robert Grimm, Emergency Management Coordinator for Jefferson County, Texas. Robert discusses his role in preparing for and responding to various emergencies, with a focus on hurricane preparedness. He explains the steps taken by the county when a hurricane is approaching, including evacuation procedures, resource staging, and damage assessment. He also touches on other emergency scenarios like industrial incidents and mass casualty events. The conversation covers topics such as the Southeast Texas Alerting Network (STAN), the importance of having an...
info_outline E55: Meeting Industry Demands: Inside LIT's Adaptive Workforce TrainingSoutheast Texas Works!
This episode features a conversation with Ana Pereda, Executive Director of Workforce at Lamar Institute of Technology (LIT). Ana discusses her role in managing and developing LIT's non-credit training programs, emphasizing their responsiveness to community workforce needs. She also highlights innovative approaches such as integrating English as a Second Language (ESL) components with technical training, and details various in-demand programs including CDL training, appliance repair, and leadership courses. Discover how LIT is adapting its programs to meet the evolving workforce demands of...
info_outline E54: Careers in the Petrochemical Industry: Opportunities and Insights from CP Chem's Carrie PhillipsSoutheast Texas Works!
In this episode of the Southeast Texas Works podcast, we speak with Carrie Phillips, plant manager at the Chevron Phillips Chemical Orange plant. Carrie shares her unique journey to becoming a plant manager, the importance of mentorship, and her day-to-day responsibilities in ensuring the safety of her team and the community while producing high-quality plastic products. She discusses the challenges and rewards of her role, the jobs in high demand within the petrochemical industry, and her advice for young students, particularly women, interested in pursuing careers in this field. Tune in to...
info_outline E53: Protecting the Petrochemical Heartland: RTFC's Vital Role in Southeast TexasSoutheast Texas Works!
This episode features a conversation with Paul Swetish, Fire Chief, and Brian McDonald, CEO and President of Refinery Terminal Fire Company (RTFC). They discuss the unique aspects of industrial firefighting and how RTFC, founded in 1948 in response to the deadly Texas City industrial fire, has become the largest non-profit industrial firefighting organization in the U.S. Chief Swetish outlines the career pathway and rigorous training to become an RTFC firefighter and reveals RTFC's specialized equipment, unified command structure, and emphasis on safety. Discover the strong need for new...
info_outline E52: The Power of Partnership: Collaborative Economic Development in Orange CountySoutheast Texas Works!
Megan Romero Layne, Executive Director of the Orange County Economic Development Corporation, joins the podcast during Economic Development Week for an insightful discussion on the multifaceted role of economic development in driving growth, creating opportunities, and enhancing the quality of life in Orange County. Megan shares her expertise on attracting major projects like the Golden Triangle Polymers facility, fostering strategic partnerships, developing a skilled workforce, and improving quality of life factors. Join us as we explore the collaborative, multidimensional nature of economic...
info_outlineExplore the dynamic world of engineering excellence in Southeast Texas with Dr. Brian Craig, the Dean of the College of Engineering at Lamar University. In this episode, discover diverse career pathways to becoming an engineer, gain insights into the pivotal role of education, and hear inspiring stories of success. Join us as we delve into the latest technological advancements and navigate the thriving hub of engineering innovation in Southeast Texas. For more information visit https://www.lamar.edu/engineering/index.html