Episode 88

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Published on:

16th Mar 2025

The Future of Workforce, Space, and Economic Growth

In this compelling episode of The Building Texas Show, host Justin McKenzie sits down with Joseph Kopser, entrepreneur, military veteran, and co-founder of Grayline Group and US Tomorrow, to discuss the intersection of education, workforce development, and Texas' booming space industry.

Filmed at Dallas College during the YTexas event, this episode highlights the critical connections between industry, education, and the future economy. With insights from Kopser’s experience in aerospace, economic development, and technology, we explore:

The importance of workforce development – How Texas can better prepare its youth for high-paying careers in emerging industries.

The Texas space economy – From Firefly Aerospace's lunar landing to the 1,800+ commercial space companies shaping the future.

The rural talent challenge – How fiber internet, reshoring manufacturing, and new industries can revitalize small-town economies.

Public-private partnerships – The role of businesses and investors in shaping Texas' economic future.

Dual-use innovation – How military-backed technology is unlocking new commercial applications in robotics, automation, and infrastructure.

🔥 Plus, we dive into the upcoming Firefly Aerospace lunar landing, why Texas has launched more people into space than any other state, and how SWIFT (Space Workforce Incubator for Texas) is creating pathways for skilled trade jobs in aerospace.

Whether you're a business leader, policymaker, student, or entrepreneur, this episode is packed with insightful takeaways on how Texas is shaping the future—not just in space but across every industry.

🎥 Watch now and join the conversation on the future of Texas!

📲 Follow Joseph Kopser:

🔗 LinkedIn: @JosephKopser

🌎 Grayline Group: www.graylinegroup.com

🔔 Subscribe to The Building Texas Show for more episodes on Texas innovation, leadership, and economic growth!

#TexasBusiness #BuildingTexas #YTexas #SpaceIndustry #EconomicDevelopment #WorkforceDevelopment #FutureOfWork #FireflyAerospace #SWIFT #Entrepreneurship #RuralTexas #Manufacturing #PublicPrivatePartnerships #Innovation #Leadership #SpaceX #BlueOrigin #GraylineGroup


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About the Podcast

The Building Texas Show
The Building Texas Show with host, Justin McKenzie, about the balance of business and governance. Each week, we’ll interview the local leaders affecting the issues and uncover the power you have to forge the future.

www.buildingtexasshow.com

About your host

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Justin McKenzie