#11 - Mayor Gerard Hudspeth

If You Denton Know Gerard Hudspeth, now you do.Mayor Hudspeth has been serving this city long before he ever wore the mayor’s pin. In this episode, Brad sits down with Denton’s head honcho to talk about growing up here, leading through crisis, loving small business, and what comes next as Gerard runs for Denton County Commissioner.In this episode, you’ll hear about:Growing up a Denton kid, taking the “scenic route” through NCTC and UNT, and why he never really leftHow a nudge from others led him from Planning and Zoning to City Council to the mayor’s seatWhat it was like to become mayor in 2020 during a pandemic, protests, and a historic winter stormHow faith, community, and strong city staff helped him lead through chaosHis core priorities as mayor: keeping families safe, responsible growth, protecting quality of life, and supporting small businessWhy Landmark and the west side growth matter for Denton’s future, from entry level homes to executive housingHis full time role with Freeit Data Solutions and what it takes to balance a sales career with a “volunteer job” as mayorBeing Denton’s first Black mayor, lessons on respect, and how his family’s story fits into Denton’s historyWhy good people should still run for local office, even when it looks messy from the outsideHis next chapter, running for Denton County Commissioner, and how city experience can help shape the whole countyConnect with Mayor Gerard Hudspeth:Website: gerardfordenton.comSocial: Facebook @Gerard For Denton and Instagram @hudspethgerard