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In this episode of McKinney Momentum, Luke sits down with Rudy DiPietro, President of Kroger Texas, for a conversation about growth, grocery, leadership, local investment, and why Collin County continues to be one of the most exciting places in Texas.

Rudy shares his journey from growing up in Maine and starting in the grocery industry as a dishwasher and prep cook to now leading Kroger’s Texas division, which includes more than 200 stores across Texas and Louisiana. The conversation covers Kroger’s expanding presence in North Texas, the company’s focus on value and convenience, and why McKinney and Collin County are key parts of Kroger’s growth strategy.

Luke and Rudy also talk about Kroger’s marketplace format, pickup and delivery options, fuel rewards, private brands like Private Selection and Simple Truth, and the company’s work to better serve the growing and diverse communities across the region.

The episode also gets into Rudy’s leadership philosophy, including the idea of “build it, use it, fix it,” why simplicity matters in large organizations, and how Kroger is thinking about local products, multicultural grocery offerings, and long-term investment in Texas.

Plus, Rudy shares his favorite meal, favorite books, first job, go-to Kroger snacks, and why he still has a deep love for kitchens, coaching, and great food.

In this episode:

* Why Kroger is investing heavily in North Texas and Collin County
* How grocery stores follow rooftops, growth, and community development
* What makes the Kroger Marketplace format different
* How Kroger is expanding pickup, delivery, fuel rewards, and convenience
* The importance of local products and authentic Texas community engagement
* Rudy’s leadership advice around simplicity, humility, and fast iteration
* Kroger’s Zero Hunger | Zero Waste efforts and food insecurity partnerships
* Rapid-fire questions on food, books, movies, productivity, and more

Resources Mentioned:

Kroger
https://www.kroger.com/

Kroger Boost Membership
https://www.kroger.com/pr/boost

Kroger Zero Hunger | Zero Waste
https://www.thekrogerco.com/impact/zero-hunger-zero-waste/

Scales Restaurant in Portland, Maine
https://www.scalesrestaurant.com/

Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain
https://www.harpercollins.com/products/kitchen-confidential-anthony-bourdain

The River of Doubt by Candice Millard
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/114592/the-river-of-doubt-by-candice-millard/

Endurance by Alfred Lansing
https://www.basicbooks.com/titles/alfred-lansing/endurance/9780465062881/

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Stay connected for more conversations with business leaders, community partners, and people helping shape what’s next in McKinney and Collin County.

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When cardiac arrest hits, every minute without help drops survival by 10%.

In this episode, Battalion Chief Ben Jones of the McKinney Fire Department sits down with Luke Gajary to share how the city is becoming a "4-Minute City," where an AED can reach anyone in town within four minutes. Ben walks through the journey from a 10% cardiac survival rate to nearly 47% in 2025, the technology that makes today's AEDs nearly impossible to misuse, and the bold goal of training 400 Neighborhood Heroes to carry life-saving devices into their homes, cars, and communities.

You'll hear:

- Why putting AEDs in 88 police cars changed the game
- A real story of a father saved on the side of the road by dispatchers, officers, and a quick-thinking neighbor
- The three ways you can get involved today

This is what happens when a city decides survival should not depend on luck.

👉 Become a Hero, sponsor an AED, or donate. https://www.mckinneytexas.org/821/Neighborhood-Heroes

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What does it take to move from writing checks to actually building a thriving innovation ecosystem?

In this SZN2 Premiere episode of the McKinney Momentum Podcast, Luke Gajary sits down with Troy Billett to unpack the evolution of McKinney’s Innovation Fund into something much bigger. What started as a grant program has grown into a multi-layered ecosystem designed to support founders at every stage, not just financially, but relationally.

Troy shares his journey from university in Switzerland, to launching a company, to working in venture capital and ultimately taking a leap into local government. Along the way, he discovered something unique about McKinney: a city willing to invest in early-stage innovation in a way that most places simply don’t.

But this conversation goes far beyond funding.

They break down the shift from a single program to a 12-pillar innovation strategy, covering everything from capital access and corporate partnerships to talent pipelines and global connections. The goal? Create a connected network where founders, investors, and organizations aren’t operating in silos but are actively building together.

A key theme throughout the episode is the power of relationships. As Troy puts it, success in a startup ecosystem isn’t just about proximity, it’s about intentional connection. In a region as spread out as DFW, creating that “mesh” between people is what unlocks real growth and opportunity. 

You’ll also hear practical insights for founders, including:
• What the Innovation Fund looks for in early-stage companies
• Why revenue matters more than fundraising
• How to plug into the ecosystem even if you’re not ready for funding
• The importance of staying in the “innovation cycle” through reinvestment and mentorship

Whether you’re a founder, investor, student, or just someone interested in how cities can drive innovation, this episode gives you a clear look at what it means to build something sustainable and scalable.

And maybe most importantly, it answers the question:
What happens after the check clears?

Connect with Troy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/troybillett/

Learn more about the Innovation Exchange and see if you qualify: https://uniquemckinney.com/ix/

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