Pearland Stories Podcast

In this episode of Pearland Stories, host Brant Mills sits down with People First co‑owner and fractional HR leader Will Kruer to talk about what it really means to build healthy, people‑first workplaces. From his unexpected journey from finance into HR, Will shares how hiring, culture, and leadership all intersect to create sustainable organizations that people actually want to work for.They dig into how AI is changing the hiring process from both the company and job seeker sides of the equation, why trust and storytelling matter more than “perfect” resumes, and what small and growing businesses can do to future‑proof their culture. Will also explains practical ways leaders can improve onboarding, performance reviews, and managing tough conversations so teams stay aligned instead of burned out. Whether you’re a business owner, a manager, or a job seeker trying to make sense of today’s hiring landscape, this episode offers candid insight and actionable ideas straight from the HR trenches.Transcript Segment : Can you talk about some of the things that have changedin that space over the last five, ten years? There's a lot of talk about AI.There's a lot of talk about things changing and moving, and there's a lot offrustration, I think, on both sides, because people don't really understand. So can you give me a little insight?Yeah. Well, it's it's I'm glad you brought it up becauseevery hiring professional struggles with you're helping your clients hire, but you're also helping candidates get jobs. And those are two very different jobs. And I think that's what has changed over the last few years,a lot of people are struggling with is if if you scroll through your social media, if you're a job seeker and the algorithm latches on to the fact that you're a job seeker, you're going to get a ton of stuff in your feed about, you know, do this to your resume.Use this AI tool for your resume. Make sure you ask thesequestions in an interview. When all those things are important and you should be doing them in an ethical and, constructive manner. But at the end of the day, the candidates that are getting the job offers are the ones that are ableto build trust and then interview the ones that can articulate that they can solve the hiring managers problem.And so, you know, a lot of these flashy AI tools, I think alot of people spin their wheels with them because if you have a lot of people use AI for their resume, and so they put their resume in and they say, match my resume to this job description. Well, that might qualify your resume, but itdoesn't differentiate it.And so the so then on the other side, the employers using AIto to screen resumes. And so if the employer gets 100 resumes that are all qualified and, you know, a small handful of them are differentiating them themselves, the AI is going to separate those. And and the qualified resumes are going to go into a second bucket that's going to say maybe a fit.You know, there's going to be three buckets fit, maybe afit, not a fit and maybe a fit and not a fit. Don't get a lot of time from the hiring manager because they get so many applications. You know, the hiring managers are going to be focusing on the fit bucket. And so I think that that'sthe interesting dynamic that we've seen over the last few years, is that companies are using AI to screen resumes.Candidates are using AI to to write resumes, and people havetotally lost the people element of it. So my advice would be to to maintain that, you know, that people culture when you're applying to roles, you know, thinking about your unique value proposition and, and using that in your resume and in your interview, being able to confidently riff about your experience.And if you were a, a hiring manager, using AI as a tool fororganization, but not as a tool for decision making.

In the latest episode of Pearland Stories, we talk baseball.Pearland has a brand new collegiate summer wood-bat team, the Pearland Cobblers, competing in the Cowboy Collegiate League and gearing up for their inaugural season this summer. They’ll be taking the field right here in town, giving local families, baseball fans, and young players another way to connect, gather, and cheer together.Pearland Stories host Brant Mills sits down with Nokona Powell, the General Manager of the Pearland Cobblers and a 2021 graduate of Pearland High School, who’s now helping bring this team, and a new chapter of summer baseball, to his hometown.We’re going to talk about how the Cobblers came to Pearland, what fans can expect this first season, and how this team hopes to invest in local kids, families, and the wider community. So settle in, and let’s get into this episode of Pearland Stories.---Pearland Stories is a community-focused news and informationchannel. Our podcast captures the heartbeat of life in Pearland, Texas, by highlighting the entrepreneurs, creators, leaders, and community builders shaping the city’s future. Each episode is a conversation-driven look at the people and projects that make this place feel like home, from small businesses and local leaders to new ideas that are changing how we live, work, and play in Pearland.

In this episode of Pearland Stories, host Brant Mills sits down with Jeff Webb, President of the Forever Parks Foundation ofPearland, to explore the vision behind the Independence Park Project, one of the most ambitious and community-centered park initiatives in the city’s history.Jeff shares the story behind the project, what makes Independence Park a future “crown jewel” for Pearland, and how this next phase will transform the space into a destination designed for everyone. From a four-acre all-inclusive playspace to a regional water play area, this project is about more than amenities. It is about access, dignity, and connection.The conversation dives into what “universal design” reallymeans in everyday terms, how inclusive spaces impact families and neighborhoods, and why Pearland is choosing to go beyond minimum standards to create something truly welcoming for people of all abilities.Jeff also reflects on the success of the Ed Thompson Inclusive Park, the lessons learned, and how those insights are shaping what comes next. Plus, we break down the funding strategy, timeline, and how residents, businesses, and community leaders can play a role in bringing this vision to life.If you care about the future of Pearland, public spaces, orbuilding a more connected community, this is a conversation you do not want to miss.

In the debut episode of the Pearland Stories Podcast, host Brant Mills - owner of Content Execution Strategies and Pearland Stories sits down with two Pearland business owners who are helping clients navigate constant change in digital marketing and media. Marcee Juarez from Nexus Online Strategies and Harley Dugan from Wheelhouse Media share how they walk alongside local businesses that need to be found online, tell their story, and build trust in the community. Marcee explains how Nexus uses concierge style strategy, local SEO, and data driven branding so small businesses can show up online in ways that actually convert, instead of just checking boxes. Harley describes how Wheelhouse’s studio space, video production, and podcast services create a place where business owners can step in front of the camera, share their story, and rely on a partner who understands both content and community.The conversation explores community over competition, the importance of personal branding, why consistency beats perfection on social media, and how AI can support real human stories when it is used thoughtfully. If you are a Pearland business owner who wants more visibility and stronger connections, this first episode is a practical starting point.