Ep 22. From Air Base to Innovation Hub: Change Agent Jim Perschbach on Port San Antonio's Success

In this groundbreaking episode of Beyond the Bite, host Eddie Aldrete welcomes the visionary Jim Perschbach, President and CEO of Port San Antonio. Together, they explore the transformative journey of a former air force base into a booming tech innovation hub that is reshaping San Antonio's economic landscape. Perschbach shares the port's strategy of fostering a vibrant ecosystem brimming with talent and employers, thus resulting in a surge of job opportunities and enhancement of the city's stature in the tech and aviation sectors.

The episode delves into the profound influence of San Antonio as a pioneering city in electronic wizardry and cybersecurity, owing much to its synergistic collaborations with institutions like UTSA, Texas A&M San Antonio, Our Lady of the Lake University, The Alamo Colleges and more. Jim Perschbach highlights Knight Aerospace's innovative flying hospital room, encapsulating how San Antonio's integration of medical, cyber, and aircraft capabilities is leading to cutting-edge advancements. The port's unique business approach, which prioritizes community betterment over profit, has created a diverse pool of resources that bolsters national security and supports student-driven technological innovation.

Wrapping up the episode, the conversation pivots to the theme of aspiration within the workplace. Perschbach shares insights from urban rejuvenation he has seen around the world, advocating for work environments that inspire and enhance human performance.

From the historic achievements in aviation to fostering a new generation of tech-savvy thinkers, this episode of Beyond the Bite not only provides a look at San Antonio's past contributions but also paints an optimistic portrait of its future, ready to inspire listeners to engage with the world through an optimistic lens of innovation and progress.

Links and Resources:

https://www.portsanantonio.us/

https://www.portsanantonio.us/leadership-team

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwilsonanaglia/

https://knightaerospace.com/

https://www.boeingcentertechport.com/

https://www.samsat.org/

https://nscc.utsa.edu/

https://www.tamusa.edu/

https://www.sahcc.org/core4-stem

https://wacofsa.org/

https://wacofsa.org/about/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/spurs-sports-&-entertainment/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/shahrzad-sherry-dowlatshahi-a8a74634/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/paco-felici-62354217b/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaflores/

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