Letter from the Editor: The Power of Showing Up

We interrupt your regular Thursday programming—and your Thanksgiving meal prep—to deliver our most anticipated newsletter of the year: the official Greater Mason Co Venture Fest Impact Report.

On October 2nd, our community proved what happens when we commit to building our own future. With 110 leaders, entrepreneurs, and students registered, and 95 in attendance, we achieved a phenomenal show-up rate, proving that this region is not content to wait for change. We are hungry for resources that support our future workforce and drive multi-county growth.

This special edition is the tangible proof of that commitment. I encourage you to read every sponsor profile—from Gold Sponsor Fredonia Peanut Co. to multi-generational leaders like 9 Bar Land & Cattle and Yonker Bros—and absorb the incredible student stories. The success of winning teams from both MISD and FISD validate the entire mission: creating success pathways right here at home.

The Heart of the Fest: Validating Our Future Workforce

The energy was palpable. The inaugural Venture Fest established itself as the premier platform for fostering entrepreneurship and connecting the capital and community influence necessary to keep our best and brightest young people invested right here in the Hill Country.

The core thesis was simple: Seize the Momentum. For years, our region has needed resources that specifically focus on connecting our talented youth directly to the workforce and solving critical labor force challenges. The Venture Fest successfully answered this call by placing students at the center of the conversation.

The most talked-about part of the evening wasn't the panel discussion—it was the student pitches. The Venture Fest provided a high-stakes, real-world platform for our high school entrepreneurs, offering invaluable lessons that a textbook can never teach.

• Real Capital: Our sponsors’ commitment translated into immediate financial support, including $500 in cash prizes for the young innovators.

• Real Acumen: One of the winning teams, Bombshell Bronze, demonstrated high-level strategic thinking, noting their presentation stood out because they successfully articulated the market size and potential revenue—a key metric for any real investment.

• Mentorship: As sponsor Tina Painter noted, "These students are lucky to have this program... I can’t wait until May to see how far they’ve come with their ideas." This isn't just a one-night event; it’s the start of a sustainable mentorship commitment.

The Leadership Angle: Our Collective Responsibility

The Venture Fest shatters the myth often heard in rural communities: "I’m not political enough," or "They don’t need someone like me." Our small towns are just as innovative as any city, and that success is entirely dependent on everyone deciding to show up.

We want our young people to have wings—to leave and gain valuable "real-world" experience. But we also must provide roots—a thriving, innovative place where they can choose to return and build a successful career. The Venture Fest is where those wings and roots connect.

Right now, many of our local leaders are spread thin. Their burden is heavy, and it’s a gentle reminder that this is your community, your county, your region. It’s not expected that you give 100% all the time, but it is expected that you give your best 100% of the time. The commitment to our region's future is up to all of us—and the Venture Fest provides a clear, high-impact venue for that contribution.

🎥 My Thanksgiving Toast & The Call to Action

The success of 2025 is a challenge to every single reader to take ownership.

This year, I am profoundly grateful for this community and the spirit of innovation and shared leadership we saw come to life on October 2nd.

As you gather around the table today, I have one final request.

The professional promotional video, captured at the event, is the visual culmination of every success story you’ll read below. It is the proof that innovation is thriving here.

Please screencast the video (at the end of the newsletter) for your family and friends during your Thanksgiving dinner. Show them the high-stakes student pitches, the "uncanned dialog" from the expert panel, and the powerful community you are building across the Hill Country. Let your Thanksgiving conversation be a proud moment for shared regional commitment.

Tonight, I will be toasting all of you with a glass of local red. Thank you for making The Townie's mission—and the future of our region—possible.

Happy Thanksgiving!

— Katie

[email protected] // 325-475-4991

The next Venture Fest is scheduled for: Thursday, October 1, 2026.

The momentum is real, and the foundation is set. Ready to build the next generation of entrepreneurs? Complete the indication of interest sponsor waitlist form here to secure your spot in this impactful event for the Greater Mason Co Venture Fest 2026.

For readers who want access to the FULL 10-page white paper impact report, click here to download.

The Signal Flare: Why Fredonia Peanut Co.'s Gold Sponsorship is a Blueprint for Rural Prosperity

A Commitment to the Next 45 Years

For 45 years, Fredonia Peanut Company Inc. (FPC) has been more than just a supplier of high-quality feed and grain across the Hill Country—it has been a proving ground for rural adaptability. FPC’s decision to serve as the Gold Sponsor for the inaugural Greater Mason Co Venture Fest on October 2, 2025, was not a simple sponsorship; it was a strategic investment that perfectly aligns with the company's forward-looking philosophy.

FPC demonstrates daily that innovation is not exclusive to urban centers. Their operation, which serves a multitude of counties and works with 25+ dealers, features modern infrastructure, including advanced automation technology, like their robotic palletizer in their warehouse. This action shows a clear commitment to competitive viability by pairing the company's deep-rooted tradition with 21st-century efficiency.

Aligning Action with the Fest's Mission

FPC's leadership recognized that one of the goals of the Greater Mason Co Venture Fest—to connect capital, technology, and talent to regional opportunities—is the blueprint for the next generation of rural business.

Their Gold Sponsorship signaled a powerful understanding that regional success requires cross-industry support. By contributing at the highest level, FPC actively helped create a platform where other regional businesses, startups, and educational institutions could find the resources needed to modernize and thrive. Their support directly amplified the message that when local businesses invest in innovation, our entire region benefits through stable supply chains and economic resilience.

From Labor Challenges to Learning Opportunities

A core theme of FPC's operations—and a key outcome of the Venture Fest—is the upskilling of the regional workforce.

FPC’s adoption of automation illustrates a shift from muscle work to higher-value, technical roles. This requires a local talent pipeline equipped with skills in control systems, maintenance, and programming. The company’s presence as a Gold Sponsor reinforced the importance of the Fest’s discussions around workforce development initiatives, such as CTE programs and JET Grants, that train students for these in-demand careers right here in the Hill Country.

By visibly supporting the Venture Fest, Fredonia Peanut Co. is directly contributing to an environment where young talent can realize that technology jobs are available down the road, creating a pathway to genuine rural mobility where people can grow their careers without leaving their hometowns.

A Model for Prospective Sponsors

Fredonia Peanut Co.’s long-term success and continued investment in regional advancement serve as a powerful endorsement for future participants and sponsors of the 2026 Venture Fest (scheduled for October 1, 2026).

Their Gold Sponsorship demonstrated an active choice to be a leader in the conversation about rural prosperity, not just a bystander. For other companies looking to build brand alignment with community impact, technical education, and regional stability across The Townie's readership of stakeholders, FPC provides a high-standard example of how to make that commitment visible and meaningful.

Investment That Stacks Up

Fredonia Peanut Co. is a company that quietly and steadily gets the job done—whether that is supplying quality grain for 45 years or stepping up to ensure the region has a successful Venture Fest. Their unwavering belief that rural Texas can innovate, adapt, and thrive is evidenced by their actions and their status as the Gold Sponsor. Their commitment continues to shape a competitive, prosperous future for the Greater Mason Co region.

Fredonia Peanut Company Inc. and Hill Country Grains, owned and operated by Randy Moore, have served the Texas Hill Country for over 45 years, offering top quality feeds, seed, fertilizer, fuel and hunting supplies. To learn more, visit them at 11020 East RR 1222 in Fredonia, or call 325-429-6211.

🥈 Silver Sponsor Features

Stewarding the Next Generation: Why 9 Bar Land & Cattle Invests in the Region’s Future

9 Bar Land & Cattle, led by Owner and Broker Helen Dockal, embodies the long-term perspective essential for sustained regional prosperity. As a fourth-generation rancher whose family has operated the same land for over 130 years, Helen brings a lifetime of hands-on experience in land management, ranching, and community dedication to her real estate practice.

This deep-rooted commitment to the Hill Country is why 9 Bar Land & Cattle proudly served as a Silver Sponsor of the Greater Mason Co Venture Fest. Their sponsorship underscores a belief that economic growth—whether measured in a new venture or a legacy ranch sale—must be guided by careful stewardship and a commitment to keeping the community welcoming and resilient.

A 130-Year View on Regional Growth

9 Bar Land & Cattle offers comprehensive real estate services across ranches, residential, and commercial properties. This broad expertise allows them to see the regional economy from every angle, recognizing the subtle, long-term changes in the five-county area.

The firm understands that while new owners and recreational ventures have changed the landscape, the timeless values of the region—hard work, accountability, and an uncompromising commitment to service—remain paramount. It is this appreciation for tradition and modern professionalism that makes 9 Bar Land & Cattle a pivotal partner in the region's development.

For Helen Dockal, every transaction, from a young couple buying their first home to a multi-million-dollar ranch acquisition, is special. This consistent dedication to client goals—a practice she advises requires continuous hard work and preparation for market fluctuations—is the foundation of their success and their ability to build a loyal clientele.

The Legacy of the Venture Fest

9 Bar Land & Cattle’s support for the Venture Fest reinforces a message critical to stakeholders and prospective investors: sustainable growth is a family affair. The firm is actively building its future, with Helen’s daughter, Tana Autrey, and son-in-law, Cody Autrey, already integral to both the real estate and ranching operations.

By aligning with the Venture Fest, 9 Bar Land & Cattle directly supports the event’s goal of attracting and retaining the next generation of regional entrepreneurs and landowners. They are investing not just in sales, but in the long-term health of the very community they have served for over a century.

9 Bar Land & Cattle, located at 705 San Antonio / Hwy 87 S. in Mason, offers expert guidance across ranch, residential, and commercial real estate, guided by generations of experience. Contact them at 325-347-8020.

The Intersection of Growth: How Texas Regional Bank Bridges Public and Private Leadership

Emily Kirchner, Vice President of Economic Development at Texas Regional Bank (TRB), operates at a unique vantage point in the Hill Country: the intersection of banking and public leadership. As both a banker and a Fredericksburg City Council member, Emily views regional growth through a holistic lens—seeing "the full picture of how a community grows: from the plan-on-a-napkin idea to the ribbon-cutting and everything in between."

This dual perspective is exactly why Texas Regional Bank served as a Silver Sponsor for the Greater Mason Co Venture Fest. It reflects a core belief that economic development isn't just a buzzword; it is about creating the specific conditions where families put down roots and businesses feel confident investing.

Relationships Before Spreadsheets 

Texas Regional Bank’s approach to rural entrepreneurship is guided by a philosophy of "local decisions, local investment." Kirchner emphasizes that in the Hill Country, banking is fundamentally personal. It requires looking at "relationships before we look at spreadsheets" and understanding the resilience that defines rural business owners.

"We believe capital should be deployed by people who actually live in and understand the communities they serve," Kirchner notes.

This strategy ensures that the bank and the business owner are rowing in the same direction, fostering a stability that benefits the entire region. Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is grounded in this same reality:

"Start with clarity and relationships."

She reminds leaders that the businesses that succeed here are the ones that are well-rooted and patient. "If you invest in the place," she says, "the place will invest in you."

A Region of Shared Possibility 

TRB’s support of the Venture Fest highlights their commitment to the broader regional ecosystem. Kirchner sees Mason County as a vital anchor in the Hill Country, offering a "deep sense of place that attracts people who want authenticity, not anonymity."

Reflecting on the energy at the Venture Fest, Kirchner was struck by the "top-notch" student pitches and the electric atmosphere of support in the room. To her, the event was a powerful reminder that "innovation isn’t limited to big cities: it’s alive and well in the Hill Country."

By supporting events that bring together business owners, ranchers, students, and civic leaders, Texas Regional Bank is helping to fuel a "sense of shared possibility," ensuring that the Hill Country continues to punch above its weight in the statewide economy.

Texas Regional Bank is dedicated to helping you build your legacy. Emily Kirchner, Vice President of Economic Development, can be reached at (512) 202-8529.

🥉 Bronze Sponsor Features

The Art of the Pivot: Fly Gap Winery and the Spirit of Local Collaboration

When the Greater Mason Co Venture Fest needed a location that embodied innovation and community building, Fly Gap Winery and the Spring St Coop were the natural choice. As a Bronze Sponsor, Fly Gap Winery didn't just write a check; they opened their doors, showcasing the kind of creative, resilient entrepreneurship that the Venture Fest celebrates.

Owner Brock Estes sees local business success as a blend of ingenuity and determination. For him, "local entrepreneurship means being creative, flexible, thick skinned, hard working, and willing to take risks." This philosophy guides both his winemaking—where he relies on intuition and a deep "chemistry between myself and the fruit"—and his business structure.

The Power of Collaboration

Fly Gap is a driving force behind the Spring St Coop, a unique model where four independent businesses share space to offset rural challenges like labor shortages. While Estes notes the structure requires "strong leadership, trust, and communication," it has become a powerful source of community strength.

This collaboration exemplifies the ingenuity required to build a business with "Old Roots, Young Spirit", a Fly Gap wine-making motto, in the Hill Country.

A Focus on Hospitality and the Future

Hosting the Venture Fest was a high point for the winery, reinforcing their commitment to the regional ecosystem.

This dedication to hospitality and celebrating success is vital for the region. As Fly Gap adapts to economic fluctuations (even planning a new entry-level wine program to increase volume), they offer simple, powerful advice to future entrepreneurs: "Hard work and consistency can often work in these parts... Value experts opinions only. Listen to your customers. Don't be afraid to take a risk."

Fly Gap Winery is a testament to the fact that the spirit of innovation is thriving right here in Mason, and we thank them for hosting the inaugural Venture Fest.

Fly Gap Winery

• Location: 117 North Spring Street, Mason, TX 76856

• Phone: 832-723-2203

• Website: flygapwinery.com

The Power of Practicality: Yonker Bros and the Roots of Rural Entrepreneurship

For Yonker Bros, being a thriving rural business means being indispensable. Their support as a Bronze Sponsor for the Greater Mason Co Venture Fest is rooted in a clear philosophy that leader Justin Yonker defines succinctly: rural entrepreneurship is about "filling the gaps your community feels every day."

The business—which spans multiple services including processing—operates on a foundation of practical, hands-on problem-solving. It’s a culture built on unwavering leadership, where the team is empowered because, as Yonker realized, "Leadership is about setting expectations, backing your people, and never asking anyone to do something you wouldn’t do yourself."

Scaling with Soul

As demand grew, especially in processing, Yonker Bros faced the crucial challenge of scaling up without sacrificing the personal touch that defines rural service. This challenge forced them to evolve.

This model of systematic yet personalized growth is exactly what the Venture Fest encourages across the five-county region.

Investing in the Local Path Forward

Yonker Bros’ sponsorship reinforced their belief that small towns can innovate just as much as big cities. Yonker was particularly inspired by the energy at the event:

Yonker Bros is committed to strengthening Mason by keeping jobs and money circulating locally. To young entrepreneurs in the region, his advice is grounded in action: "Start small, start practical, and start now... Find a need, solve it well, treat customers with respect, and follow through on your word."

Yonker Bros is a proud example of the practical innovation that fuels our region, and we thank them for their Bronze Sponsorship.

Contact Yonker Bros

• Location: 936 San Antonio St, Mason, Texas 76856

• Phone: (325) 294-4844

• Hours: Monday – Friday: 6:00 am – 8:00 pm | Saturday & Sunday: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm

Purpose and Pluck: Tina Painter on Finding Freedom in Rural Entrepreneurship

Tina Painter is a unique force in Mason County, running two distinct, purpose-driven businesses: AEIOU Students LLC (special education advocacy) and Sunless Glo Mobile Tanning. Her commitment to both education and personal confidence made her a vital Bronze Sponsor and a bridge between the Venture Fest and the next generation of rural innovators.

When asked about women-led entrepreneurship in a rural setting, Painter’s answer is immediate: "Freedom! I'm free to be original and creative. I love being my own boss, setting my own hours, and making my own rules!"

From Empathy to Empowerment

Painter's businesses are centered on highly empathetic service. Through Sunless Glo, she works with women who are often "very vulnerable, oftentimes insecure with their bodies." Her response is always one of affirmation: reminding them that "their body tells their story (stretch marks, scars, and all)."

Her work as a special education advocate with AEIOU Students is similarly driven by a deep desire to help families navigate complex systems—a mission rooted in her own past struggles as a single mother. This commitment to serving others is how she sees local entrepreneurs strengthening the community:

Connecting with the Next Generation

A major highlight of Painter's sponsorship was her follow-up engagement with the FISD Incubator program after the Venture Fest. She dedicated time to mentor students, reflecting the event's core mission of inspiring youth.

This dedication to mentorship exemplifies the community investment the Venture Fest fosters, showing that sponsorship extends beyond financial support and into hands-on engagement.

Advice from the Heart

Running multiple businesses in a small town requires exceptional dedication that often goes unseen. As Painter’s father used to say, "If it was easy, everyone would be doing it." Her advice for young women dreaming of starting their own venture is simple, resilient, and deeply personal:

We are grateful to Tina Painter for her DUAL Bronze Sponsorships, which champion both business ingenuity and the critical need for supportive community service.

Contact Tina Painter

• AEIOU Students LLC: 411 Fort McKavitt, Ste C, Mason, TX 76856 | (325) 294-4524

• Sunless Glo Mobile Tanning: (432) 559-5573 | Servicing the Texas Hill Country

Generational Leadership: Mason Bank on Relationship-Driven Rural Growth

Since 1904, Mason Bank has been a pillar of financial stability in the community, and their Bronze Sponsorship of the Greater Mason Co Venture Fest is a direct extension of their philosophy of generational banking.

According to Thom Canfield, Mason Bank President, local economic leadership means more than just financing. Mason Bank practices a culture of looking at customer relationships "generationally" and is committed to "serving on a wide variety of committees and boards that serve the community in other ways that keep Mason a vibrant, attractive place to call home."

A Tailored Approach to Lending

Rural lending requires an approach distinct from big-city banking. Mason Bank takes pride in its commitment to personalized service, evaluating every application on a case-by-case basis.

This commitment to tailored solutions helps local businesses navigate the evolving economic landscape, where they are challenged by consolidation and the demands of e-commerce, but benefit from the ability of the internet to overcome low volumes. Mason Bank believes that in this environment, "Excellent customer service will never go out of style."

Inspiring the Next Wave of Entrepreneurs

Mason Bank’s sponsorship is an investment in the momentum of the regional economy. For them, an event like the Venture Fest represents pure potential.

Canfield specifically noted the value of the panel discussion by real business owners, highlighting the "uncanned" dialog as a valuable feature of the event.

For anyone in the community looking to start or grow a business, Mason Bank's advice is clear and practical: while a local bank is keen to help convert ideas into reality, entrepreneurs must first ensure their venture is financially sound. As Canfield routinely reminds people, "if they can't make the numbers look good on paper, then the reality is less likely to meet up to expectations."

We thank Mason Bank for their Bronze Sponsorship and their deep, generational commitment to the financial health of our community.

Forward Motion: MIDC on Regional Resilience and Inspiring the Next Generation

The support of the Menard Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) for the Greater Mason Co Venture Fest reinforces the critical need for regional collaboration across county lines. As a Bronze Sponsor, MIDC's engagement highlights economic resilience built on a simple, essential priority: maintaining current businesses while proactively facilitating new ones.

For the MIDC, resilience means a focused effort to "catch traffic moving through so that they want to stop (maybe stay, but definitely come back)," while keeping existing businesses motivated. Cherry Swindall, representing MIDC, notes that networking with other leaders in the economic development field is "vital to growing what your community is doing but also your own knowledge."

Turning Workforce Challenges into Opportunity

Workforce development is a primary focus for the corporation. MIDC recognizes the struggle for a reliable workforce but views it as an opportunity for training and skills development.

By turning these challenges into training opportunities, MIDC directly helps local businesses keep their doors open and prepares residents for the changing employment landscape.

The Hope in Hometown Momentum

MIDC's sponsorship of the Venture Fest underscored the potential of rural areas. Their support championed the event's role in inspiring new entrepreneurs and energizing current business owners with a dose of contagious enthusiasm.

The biggest source of hope for Menard's future, however, is a deeply personal one: entrepreneurship and community spirit.

Menard is a community moving forward, slowly but steadily. They want the region to understand that growth is happening—new businesses, young families, and a commitment to forward momentum.

We thank the Menard Industrial Development Corporation for their vital Bronze Sponsorship and commitment to regional economic strength.

Deep Roots, Local Promise: Joe David Yates & Liverman Real Estate

Building a thriving regional economy requires a foundation of strong local leadership. As a Bronze Sponsor of the Greater Mason Co Venture Fest, Joe David Yates & Liverman Real Estate helps support the next generation of Hill Country entrepreneurs by bringing decades of heritage and the "Spirit of Texas" to the table.

With offices in Mason and Kingsland, the firm offers a unique dual expertise that spans productive cattle ranches, hunting operations, and Highland Lakes living. Broker Joe David Yates has practiced real estate for over 28 years, leading a team of agents who are as deeply embedded in the land as the properties they represent.

A Business Built on Values The firm operates on a clear professional ethos, distinguishing itself through a commitment to integrity and "unmatched local expertise." Their mission is defined by a simple but powerful pledge to their clients:

Invested in the Community 

Whether helping a seller maximize a property's potential or listening carefully to a buyer to find the perfect ranch, the team—including Todd Liverman and a roster of experienced agents—treats every transaction with a long-term perspective.

We appreciate Joe David Yates & Liverman Real Estate for their generous support of the Venture Fest and their ongoing commitment to serving the people of Mason County with a handshake and a promise kept.

Joe David Yates & Liverman Real Estate Location: 510 Ft. McKavitt St., Mason, TX 76856 | 102 Bob, Kingsland, TX 78639 Phone: (325) 567-3036 Website: joedavidyates.com

Refining the Rugged: Champion Ranch and the Standard of Excellence

The Greater Mason Co Venture Fest celebrates big visions and the drive to execute them perfectly. As a Bronze Sponsor, Champion Ranch stands as a prime example of what happens when Texas heritage meets world-class innovation. Located in Rochelle, this premier destination demonstrates how the region can attract global attention through a commitment to quality and service.

Champion Ranch is "exclusively unknown," a sanctuary designed to immerse guests in the untamed beauty of Texas without sacrificing comfort. By blending generations of land stewardship with high-end amenities, they have created a retreat where "luxury and tradition come together," whether for a trophy hunt, a corporate retreat, or a family getaway.

A World-Class Experience 

The ranch has set a new standard for hospitality in the area. From the "Trophy Room" to private Casitas, the accommodations and dining are designed to rival 5-star hotels, proving that rural businesses can offer top-tier luxury.

Shared Moments 

At the heart of their operation is the belief that "life’s best moments are shared." Whether it is the thrill of an exotic game hunt or a quiet evening by a crackling fire, Champion Ranch is dedicated to facilitating connection.

We thank Champion Ranch for supporting the Venture Fest and for showcasing the exceptional potential of the Texas Hill Country to the world.

Champion Ranch Location: 379 PR 863, Rochelle, TX 76872 Phone: (806) 630-0794 Website: championranch.com

The Business of Building Cities: How Texas Street Brings Private-Sector Discipline to Public Growth

The Greater Mason Co Venture Fest is built on the belief that rural communities are engines of opportunity, not just dots on a map. That conviction is shared by Bronze Sponsor Omegadson Saint-Felix, the strategist behind Texas Street, a platform dedicated to helping city leaders build fiscally strong, founder-friendly communities.

Omegadson’s approach is refreshing: he believes cities should perform like companies. "Know your financial position, protect cash flow, and invest in things that create long-term value," he explains.

Why Rural Wins 

While many analysts focus on the limitations of small towns, Omegadson focuses on their "real advantages." He argues that rural towns can move faster than metros and align leadership without years of political gridlock.

His advice for Greater Mason County is to remove the "hidden friction" of slow permits and unclear processes to truly punch above its weight.

Making Revenue Stick 

His strategy for rural economic health is grounded in practicality: stop the leaks. "Most rural revenue leaks to the nearest metro," he says. By improving lodging, curating downtown experiences, and adding "missing middle" services like childcare or coworking, a town can make its economy "stickier." "It is less about chasing a unicorn project and more about making the basics work well," he advises.

Supporting the Vision 

Though based outside the region, Omegadson supports the Venture Fest because it signals that Mason County is serious about growth.

We thank Omegadson Saint-Felix and Texas Street for their support and for providing the strategic blueprint that helps communities like ours turn potential into prosperity.

Texas Street Focus: Economic Intelligence & Strategic Execution Website: texasstreet.co

🚀 The Next Generation of Rural Grit: How Two High Schoolers Pitched Their Way to the Top

The $250 Idea: Self-Tanner, Solved.

One of the goals of the Greater Mason Co Venture Fest is designed to connect capital with community. But on October 2nd, the biggest spark of enthusiasm didn’t come from a boardroom pitch—it came from two high school students, Kaylee Marks and Caroline McDade, whose product, Bombshell Bronze, won the $250 prize for Most Innovative Presentation.

Their idea is simple but revolutionary for a multi-million dollar market: a self-tanning shower oil that eliminates the classic problems—streaks, splotches, and that tell-tale orange smell.

The Fredericksburg High School (FISD) students, along with teammates Ryland Grona and Davis Bronson, developed the concept through the new FISD Business Incubator program. They were randomly grouped, yet quickly coalesced around a problem they all shared a "personal experience" with.

The "leapfrog moment" came in class when a team member suggested replacing the standard active ingredient (DHA) with henna. "That was the moment that our product idea came to life," Caroline noted. "There is not a current self tan product on the market that uses henna, and since then, that has been our main focus."

From Hallway Pitch to the Shark Tank

The Incubator class itself is what put Kaylee and Caroline on the path to the Venture Fest stage. For Caroline, who had never taken a business class, the program was pitched as "pretty much like Shark Tank." Kaylee, already interested in business and marketing, dropped a speech class to get in on the final day of enrollment.

A typical week in the class moves quickly from theory to real-world application. They learn business terms and immediately discuss how to apply them to their product. But the biggest surprise for Caroline was "how hands-on it was."

The Venture Fest was just one example of this real-world immersion. The students are constantly interacting with the community, hosting business owners for lunch, and even planning a ribbon-cutting ceremony for their new classroom with the Chamber of Commerce. This exposure, Kaylee noted, helps "propel the speed of how fast your product is being made."

Winning the Pitch: Clarity and Market Size

The hardest part of the process wasn't the delivery—it was the writing. They had to ensure their Unique Value Proposition (UVP) was instantly clear in just 60 seconds. In the week leading up to the Fest, they completely scratched their initial pitch and started fresh with their mentor, focusing on four key elements: the problem, the solution, the market, and the audience.

That focus paid off. The keynote speaker, Ron Ondechek, personally complimented the girls on the element that separated them from the pack: the market size.

Kaylee added that presenting the market so clearly is "how we probably won." Their ability to articulate the potential profit helped them make the most compelling case to a room full of regional investors and entrepreneurs.

The Entrepreneurial Bug: A Career Pivot

The incubator class has been so transformative that it has caused both students to rethink their academic and career paths.

For Caroline, who previously planned on studying astronomy, the class opened a floodgate of possibility: “I’m like, wait, maybe I don’t even have to go to college. Maybe we can be rich at high school. That’d be awesome. Business is just more like fun than I thought it was going to be.” Her ambitious vision includes the four partners as CEOs in a big-city office building, complete with a pool.

Kaylee, whose parents are both in business, has a more grounded, dual-path vision: getting her real estate license at 18 while pursuing a business degree and "hopefully running Bombshell Bronze on the side."

Their experience at the Venture Fest cemented this outlook, proving that even in a small town, hard work and a good idea can compete. Caroline realized that "there are a lot of really good ideas and there will always be someone who seems like they are doing better, but the real success comes from hard work and perseverance."

What Happens Now? Prototype and Peace of Mind

The $250 prize money went to the overall program, a collective investment in the next round of students. But for the Bombshell Bronze team, the real prize is the momentum.

The team is taking the right, measured steps forward. Their advice to other high schoolers who might be hesitant about entrepreneurship is simple: don't let fear hold you back. Students often worry about asking "dumb questions" or fear they're "not smart enough." But the girls found that once they connected with a product they loved, they realized, "you can make it something personal, something you can enjoy, and you can kind of make it your own."

The Greater Mason Co Venture Fest was a regional proving ground for the Bombshell Bronze team. These students didn't just win a competition; they proved that the future of entrepreneurship in the Hill Country is bright, creative, and ready to compete on a national level.

The Bombshell Bronze team included Kaylee Marks, Caroline McDade, Ryland Grona, and Davis Bronson. They earned the Most Innovative Presentation Award at the 2025 Greater Mason Co Venture Fest.

🚀 Rooted in Community: How Two Students Plan to Grow a Healthier Future

The $250 Idea: Better Grades Through Better Food.

One of the goals of the Greater Mason Co Venture Fest is to connect capital with community. But sometimes, the most powerful ideas aren't about profit margins—they are about the fundamental health of the town itself. On October 2nd, the team behind Seeds for Change, Chloe Swan and Adalie Thomas, took home the $250 prize for Best Presentation by connecting the dots between soil, nutrition, and student success.

Their concept was born from a simple but sharp observation: the link between what is on a child's plate and what goes on in their classroom.

From a "Simple Solution" to a Community Necessity

What started as a plan for a garden quickly evolved into something much larger as the team moved through the Venture Fest process. The "leapfrog moment" for Seeds for Change happened when they realized they weren't just pitching agriculture—they were pitching public health.

"The biggest surprise in my team was seeing how much our community would benefit from a garden," Swan noted. "My team thought the garden could help reduce poor nutrition, but as we went through the process, we realized how much our community needs a garden."

The Venture Fest provided the structure to validate that need. As Swan described it, the event "opened doors and allowed for the idea to continue to grow," proving that a healthy community is a strong community.

Winning the Pitch: Pride in the Purpose

While financial projections are important, Seeds for Change won Best Presentation because they articulated the human impact of their work. The judges recognized that this team wasn't just solving a math problem; they were solving a quality-of-life problem.

For Swan, the motivation goes beyond the nutritional data. It is about the intangible benefits of a shared space.

The Entrepreneurial Lesson: Start Small, End Big

The experience of building a business case from scratch changed the team's perspective on what it means to be an entrepreneur in a rural setting. The intimidation factor of "business" faded as they realized that innovation starts with a single step.

"The Venture Fest changed my perspective on entrepreneurship by helping me learn that you don’t have to start big to end big," Swan reflected. Her advice to other students who might be hesitant to enter the competition next year is grounded in that same fearlessness: "Never say no to trying out an idea. Ideas grow businesses, and without ideas, you will never have growth."

What Happens Now? Making it Real

The $250 prize is just the beginning for Seeds for Change. The team isn't letting the idea die on the pitch stage. They are now looking toward implementation, with a goal to "continue the project, make it a reality in our town, and help other communities do the same."

By identifying a local problem and proposing a homegrown solution, Chloe Swan and Adalie Thomas proved that the next generation of leadership in Mason County is already here—and they are ready to get their hands dirty.

The Seeds for Change team included Chloe Swan and Adalie Thomas. They earned the Best Presentation Award at the 2025 Greater Mason Co Venture Fest.

🎥 The Unveiling: Experience the Momentum

You've read the stories of the entrepreneurs, you've seen the commitment of our sponsors, and you've absorbed the data that proves our regional impact. Now, it's time to see it for yourself.

The investment in professional videography—made possible by our sponsors—has delivered this powerful asset that captures the energy and the vision of the inaugural Greater Mason Co Venture Fest.

This video is the culmination of every story in this newsletter special edition. It's the proof that innovation is thriving in the Greater Mason Co region.

Hit play, and join us in celebrating a true moment of regional success.

Watch the Official Venture Fest 2025 Video Now!

Don't Let the Momentum End Here

Feeling that energy? The stage is set for an even bigger impact in 2026.

We are already building the partner roster for the next event, October 1, 2026. If you or your organization believe in the power of regional entrepreneurship and workforce development, secure your spot today.

➡️ SECURE YOUR 2026 SPONSORSHIP (Indication of Interest Form): https://forms.gle/BYpEZNoYktNa9DQC7