SATXCowork
In this dynamic episode of the SA Cowork Podcast, host Audrey McKnight sits down with Edward Leos, the visionary publisher of The Hotel Guide and a guest speaker for the Last Thursdays Networking event at Venture X San Antonio Northwest (April 30, 2026). With over three decades of success in the publishing industry, Edward shares why he made the strategic decision to move his corporate headquarters into a collaborative workspace. Eschewing the isolation of a private suite, Edward explains the “Branding of Visibility”—how positioning your daily operations in the heart of a coworking lobby fosters a “family” dynamic and acts as a natural magnet for networking and organic business growth.
As an established leadership coach, Edward provides a masterclass in the shift toward “Experiential Travel” and its applications across all service-based industries. He argues that in the modern economy, consumers are no longer moved by a list of features; they are seeking meaning and memory. Whether you are in roofing, insurance, or luxury hospitality, Edward details how to transform clients into Brand Ambassadors by prioritizing the emotional impact of the consumer journey.
The conversation also explores the tactical evolution of The Hotel Guide, from its legacy as a print magazine to a high-performing digital ecosystem supported by an international board of advisors. If you are looking to escape the “muck” of professional isolation and scale your business through community and expert mentorship, this episode defines the “Venture X Advantage” for the next generation of San Antonio leaders.
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A greatest-hits lineup of can’t-miss conversations shaping Central Texas—spotlighting the bold ideas, influential voices, and growth-driving forces transforming San Antonio right now
MEET OUR HOSTS
Jim Garrett | Host
Jim Garrett is the visionary behind Venture X San Antonio, bringing a deep-rooted commitment to the community where he was raised and educated. As a champion of the “Citizen Leader” model, Jim founded his coworking spaces with a singular mission: to give back to the San Antonio ecosystem by providing high-growth businesses with the networking opportunities and cost-effective infrastructure they need to scale. With a keen eye for design, Jim has curated an environment that blends contemporary professional aesthetics with a “homey” community culture, ensuring that every member—from virtual office users to private enterprise teams—feels supported and welcomed.
Audrey McKnight | Co-Host
As co-host of SATXCOWORK, Audrey is a strategic partner in fostering the culture of collaboration and professional excellence that defines the Venture X brand. Sharing Jim’s foundational belief in community-driven growth, she plays a vital role in connecting San Antonio’s diverse business leaders and nonprofits. Audrey’s perspective is grounded in the idea that a workspace is more than just four walls—it is a catalyst for innovation and a support system for entrepreneurs at every growth stage. On the podcast, she bridges the gap between high-level industry trends and the human stories behind San Antonio’s most successful startups, ensuring that every conversation is both insightful and actionable.
RECENT GUESTS
Recent episodes of the SA Cowork Podcast and the Peachtree Rose Marketing network feature a diverse collective of innovators, technical experts, and legacy business leaders. These guests represent the “New San Antonio”—a blend of high-tech disruption, tactical marketing, and the enduring strength of established professional services. From AI architects to aerospace engineers, our guests provide the “how-to” for scaling a business in an increasingly digital and collaborative landscape.
Technical Innovation and the AI Frontier
Recent episodes offer a deep dive into the technologies redefining professional workflows. Guests like Andrew Martinez, CEO of Powerful Digital Solutions, deconstruct the shift from traditional SEO to Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), providing a blueprint for integrating AI agents into everyday business operations. This technical focus extends to Robert McVeigh of Review Genie, who demonstrates how NFC hardware and frictionless customer feedback loops can turn physical interactions into dominant digital authority on Google.
Disruptive Engineering and Hardware Scaling
The podcast highlights the visionary founders moving San Antonio into the global spotlight for hardware innovation. Sam Henao and Richard Soefje of Gyraline share the journey of transforming an aircraft-inspired concept into a portable, smartphone-integrated automotive alignment system. These conversations focus on the “threshold effect”—the critical operational pivot of moving from a home garage into a professional coworking community like Venture X to achieve the deep focus necessary for high-level manufacturing and global distribution.
Legacy Leadership and the "Full-Circle" Pivot
Beyond the startup world, the show features the seasoned titans of the San Antonio business community. Ralph Pena of Ralph Pena & Associates provides a masterclass in business longevity, discussing why a 40-year insurance agency would choose to trade a standalone retail space for a collaborative coworking environment. These sessions explore the “contagious excitement” of being surrounded by young entrepreneurs and how outsourcing the logistics of an office allows established brands to focus entirely on succession planning and client retention.
The Future of Workspace and Regional Growth
True to its roots, the network explores the massive expansion of the South Texas business corridor. Led by Jim Garrett, the podcast examines the “Flex-Office Revolution” and the prediction that 35% of all businesses will utilize coworking by 2030. These guests discuss the vital intersection of professional development and wellness—highlighting how amenities like on-site gyms, mental health support, and mentorship programs are becoming the new gold standard for attracting and retaining top-tier talent in the Lone Star State.
Episode Description
In this inaugural episode of the San Antonio Coworking Podcast, guest host Matt Nelson of Peachtree Rose Marketing sits down with Jim Garrett, the franchise owner of Venture X San Antonio Northwest, to explore how small businesses can leverage flexible office solutions to scale dynamically. Drawing from a diverse career as a Naval aviator, intelligence officer, and stockbroker, Jim discusses his mission to give back to his hometown of San Antonio by providing a high-tech, cost-effective infrastructure for local entrepreneurs. The conversation dives into the “Coworking Revolution,” detailing how businesses can utilize everything from virtual offices to private suites to maintain professional standards while reducing overhead.
The dialogue shifts to the long-term impact of the pandemic on commercial real estate and Jim’s vision for a “South Texas Expansion” reaching into San Marcos, Waco, and College Station. Jim outlines the strategic importance of the “Work-Life Integration” model, highlighting Venture X’s amenities—ranging from high-security, 24/7 access and wellness rooms to on-site fitness specialists. With a prediction that 35% of businesses will transition to flexible lease models by 2030, Jim emphasizes the role of coworking as a hub for professional development, minority outreach, and mentorship. By combining contemporary design with industrial aesthetics and a supportive community culture, Venture X is positioning itself as a vital catalyst for small business development and underserved community support across the Lone Star State.
RECENT EPISODES
Catch some of the most-recent episodes on YouTube, or wherever you listen to your favorite San Antonio podcasts:Â
