182. From the Ground Up: The Untold Success Story of Bianca Rhodes and Knight Aerospace

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we turn our attention to Knight Aerospace—an innovative San Antonio company with a global footprint, yet little name recognition. Based at Port San Antonio, Knight Aerospace specializes in creating advanced modular systems for military and government aircraft, enabling rapid transformation for missions ranging from medical evacuations to VIP transport.Bob sits down with Bianca Rhodes, CEO and president of Knight Aerospace, to examine her journey from the Rio Grande Valley to the helm of a company at the intersection of manufacturing, medicine, and aviation. The discussion traces the company’s evolution, how the region’s educational and business infrastructure shapes its workforce, and where San Antonio fits in the broader aerospace and biomedical landscape.They discuss:• The origins and unique business model of Knight Aerospace• How the company pivoted during the Ebola and COVID-19 crises• The realities—and opportunities—facing women in aerospace and manufacturing in San Antonio• San Antonio’s economic and educational challenges, and what’s needed for the city to reach its potential• Rhodes’ faith and commitment to educational outreach, workforce development, and her work with local nonprofitsFor those interested in how local industry, education, and civic leadership intersect in San Antonio’s growth story, this conversation provides a grounded look at both the possibilities and the obstacles ahead.RECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN:▶️ #98. Public School Funding in Texas: What San Antonio’s Business Leaders Want Lawmakers to Fix – Host Bob Rivard sits down with top business leaders Mario Barrera and Luis Rodriguez to tackle the urgent crisis facing public education funding in San Antonio. If you care about the city’s economic future and the challenges local schools face, this episode delivers an essential look at how funding decisions today will shape tomorrow’s workforce.-- --GET THE NEWSLETTER📰 If you enjoyed this conversation, sign up for Bob Rivard's Midweek — sharp takes on San Antonio's politics, culture, and civic life, delivered to your inbox every Wednesday. Independent, nonpartisan, and free to read.Subscribe here.-- --CONNECT📸 Connect on Instagram🔗 Join us on LinkedIn🎥 Subscribe on YouTubeSPONSORS🙌 Support the show & see our sponsorsTHANK YOU⭐ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts⭐ Rate us on Spotify