As the donut truck worked its magic, local musician Shayne Green filled the air with live guitar. Folks from surrounding businesses, nonprofits, and the Grand Prairie Chamber of Commerce came together to share food, music, and conversation.

The owners of Donut NV, Christian and Jazmin Garza, even gave us a peek inside their truck — and let me try my hand at making some mini donuts (spoiler: theirs turn out much prettier than mine).

Moments like this are why the Faces of Grand Prairie Media Group was created— to capture and share the stories that show our city at its best.

Follow Donut NV on Facebook to find their next location.

Frost Bank is located at 2810 S. Hwy 161 in Grand Prairie, find out more about them here.

To book Shayne Green or find out more about his music, visit his website here.

And if you’d like to support us in making more of these community stories, consider buying us a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/facesofgp.

Together, we can keep shining a light on the people and businesses that make Grand Prairie special.

Did you know Grand Prairie has its very own feed store? Grand Prairie Feed & Garden has been serving our community for decades, offering everything from pet food and livestock supplies to garden staples and fall décor. Locally owned and operated by GPISD alum Justin McAbee, the store is a hidden gem where customer service still means carrying your dog food to the car and helping you find exactly what you need.

Follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grandprairiefeed

If you’d like to become a member, you can:

• Sign up online here: Grand Prairie Chamber New Member Application

• Or call 972-264-1588 and ask for Kevin Locks, Membership Director.

In this episode of Taking Care of Business with the Grand Prairie Chamber of Commerce, CEO Brian Bondy and Membership Director Kevin Locks sit down with Dr. Ken Rothfield, Chief Medical Officer at Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital, and Vicki Popplewell, a longtime leader in the hospital supporting the hospital’s president.

They share how the Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital’s unique culture of collaboration and respect has made it one of the best places to work in healthcare. From stroke care and trauma services to women’s health renovations and cutting-edge cancer detection with robotics and AI, Arlington Memorial continues to grow while staying true to its community roots.

The conversation also covers:

• The hospital’s promise of “individuals caring for individuals together.”

• Their nationally recognized approach to stroke treatment and new thrombectomy capability.

• Renovations that are transforming labor & delivery and NICU spaces into spa-like, family-centered care environments.

• Advanced cancer care that now uses robotics and AI to detect and treat lung nodules at the earliest stages.

• How they recruit and retain top medical talent in a competitive DFW market.

• The hospital’s commitment to preventative care, community partnerships with schools, and support for families in need.

It’s a fascinating look at how a local hospital is innovating while never losing sight of the people it serves.

Grand Prairie is stepping into a new season of growth, and it shows on every corner. From Main Street’s upcoming transformation into a walkable, pedestrian-friendly destination to plans for a new amphitheater at City Hall Plaza, the city is reshaping itself with both residents and visitors in mind. On the latest episode of Taking Care of Business, Chamber Membership Director Kevin Locks sat down with Michelle Hernandez of the Economic Development Department to talk about what’s next for the city.

Hernandez explained how her team is attracting not just big names like Portillo’s and BJ’s Wholesale, but also unique restaurants and retail concepts that give the community its own flavor. Downtown businesses such as Zavala’s and Firehouse Gastro Park will stay accessible throughout construction, reflecting the city’s commitment to growing with its small businesses rather than around them.

Further south, large-scale projects are on the horizon. Goodland, a 2,500-acre master-planned development with its own water tower and retail square, could bring as many as 50,000 new residents. Lake Song, another planned community north of 287, is poised to add its own distinctive character to the city’s landscape. Together, they represent Grand Prairie’s shift toward city-within-a-city living while maintaining the charm of established neighborhoods.

What stands out most is the city’s posture toward small business owners. Through programs like Elevate GP, entrepreneurs can access free resources, training, and guidance, making Grand Prairie one of the region’s most approachable cities to work with. Growth here isn’t about wiping the slate clean — it’s about deepening the character and opportunities that already make Grand Prairie unique.

The Faces of Grand Prairie Media Group is a proud member of the Grand Prairie Chamber of Commerce.

Kevin Locks, Membership Director of the Grand Prairie Chamber of Commerce, sits down with Christian Garza — entrepreneur, chamber board member, and owner of both Donut NV and 2CL Specialties Construction.

Christian shares how he and his wife Yasmin built Donut EV into a family-run franchise on wheels, bringing hot donuts, lemonade, and coffee to events across Grand Prairie and Arlington. Their kids pitch in too — from running the trailer window to handing out samples. Despite challenges like permits, weather, and staffing, Christian says the payoff is seeing smiles on customers’ faces and running a business as a family.

Alongside Donut Envy, Christian runs 2CL Specialties Construction, a company handling commercial projects, concrete, painting, drywall, and more — even expanding into residential flips and custom builds. He emphasizes teaching his kids hands-on skills, hoping one day they’ll help grow the business into a full-service family firm covering architecture, engineering, and construction.

Both ventures, Christian says, thrive on community support — from chamber connections to neighbors who book the trailer for events. His story highlights the grit, challenges, and rewards of family-driven entrepreneurship in Grand Prairie.

👉 Click here to RSVP now — space is limited!

Are you showing up everywhere, posting online, and still not seeing results?
The truth is, marketing only works when your face-to-face efforts and social media strategy work together.

That’s exactly what we’ll cover in this free Marketing Workshop:

✨ How to connect locally while positioning yourself as a trusted expert online
✨ Why consistency matters — and how to make it realistic in your schedule
✨ The biggest mistakes business owners make (and how to avoid them)
✨ Practical tips for turning conversations into content and connections

📍 Where: Grand Prairie Chamber of Commerce
📅 When: September 9, 2025
🕘 Time: 9:00 am – 10:00 am

⚡ Seats are limited — RSVP today so you don’t miss this one-hour, high-value workshop.

👉 Reserve your spot here

Brought to you by the Faces of Grand Prairie Media Group.

Today’s episode is hosted by Kevin Locks, Membership Director for the Chamber of Commerce. He sits down with Aniska Douglas, Chief of CTE and Innovative Programs for Grand Prairie ISD, to discuss how the district’s award-winning Career and Technical Education (CTE) program is preparing students not just for careers, but for leadership and lifelong success.

GPISD CTE: Blending Education and Workforce Readiness

Douglas explains that GPISD operates one of the most robust CTE models in Texas, spanning 30+ programs of study across Dubiski Career High School and traditional campuses like Grand Prairie High and South Grand Prairie High. Students can pursue pathways ranging from health sciences to engineering, masonry to barbering, all while gaining hands-on experience through internships with local businesses.

The program’s impact is wide-reaching:

• Internships & Workforce Partnerships: GPISD matches students with real-world opportunities—supported by community partners like Mama Moore’s Popcorn, Prairie Paws, and major industry players. Businesses simply submit their needs, interview candidates, and the district helps with placement and even transportation.

• Certifications: Beginning freshman year, students earn credentials in cybersecurity, OSHA safety, and customer service, then advance toward industry certifications in construction, graphic design, culinary arts, and more.

• Competitions: Students regularly advance to national CTSO competitions, sharpening technical expertise while also mastering soft skills like communication, teamwork, and leadership.

• Innovation: GPISD is leading in forward-thinking education—rolling out AI and computer science curriculum as early as elementary school, plus esports programs in middle schools, ensuring students stay ahead in a rapidly changing workforce.

• New Pathways: The district recently launched barbering and is preparing to introduce plumbing in 2026–27, addressing local workforce gaps in high-demand trades.

Student Spotlights

While today’s episode features a conversation with Aniska Douglas, previous episodes of Taking Care of Business have also highlighted what CTE students are accomplishing:

🎙️ Media pathway students helped conduct an interview with the Superintendent—demonstrating professionalism, technical skill, and confidence in a real-world setting. Watch the full interview ➝

Faces of Grand Prairie Media Group

Getting to Know Newly Appointed GPISD Superintendent Dr. Gabe Trujillo

This episode was sponsored by the following Grand Prairie Businesses: Jenna Pecor with Bancroft Realty, Amanda Herrara with Amerliorate Counseling, Coffee News GP, Grand Prairie United Charities and Jennarocity Estate Sales. To Sponsor an episode, reach out via email at facesofgrandprairie@gmail.com…

Listen now

10 months ago · Jenna Pecor

🤖 Dubiski robotics students shared their story after bringing home competition wins, showing how teamwork, innovation, and CTE training prepare them for success. Watch the full interview ➝

Faces of Grand Prairie Media Group

Building Jebediah Towhouse: The Robotics Journey from Dubiski HS to Winning at SkillsUSA

🎓🤖📢 Support Student Voices & Community Storytelling…

Listen now

9 months ago · 1 like · Jenna Pecor

College and Careers

Douglas underscored GPISD CTE’s dual mission: preparing students for college and careers. Some graduates leave with associate degrees in nursing; others enter apprenticeships that lead to journeyman licenses.

“It’s not an or—it’s an and,” she explained, emphasizing that students don’t have to choose between higher education and career readiness.

How Chamber Members Can Get Involved

The Taking Care of Business series is about more than conversations—it’s about connections. GPISD’s CTE program thrives when the business community gets involved, and Chamber members have a unique opportunity to support the next generation of talent.

Here’s how you can take action:

• Host an intern: Provide real-world experience by opening your business to GPISD students.

• Support externships: Give teachers hands-on exposure to industry trends they can bring back to the classroom.

• Sponsor certifications or scholarships: Help cover costs so every student has access to career-ready credentials.

• Partner with pathways: From health sciences to robotics to media, there’s a CTE track that aligns with your industry.

Interested in partnering with GPISD CTE or learning more? Reach out to the Brian Bondy, President of the Grand Prairie Chamber of Commerce to get connected.

This launch episode sets the tone for Taking Care of Business: highlighting the partnerships, programs, and people who are driving Grand Prairie forward.

This April 2021 episode of Faces of Grand Prairie features Matthew Loh, owner of Asia Times Square, a cultural and commercial hub that has been serving the community for over 13 years. Matthew reflects on his family’s escape from communist Vietnam to Texas and how that experience shaped his values of perseverance, community, and opportunity. He shares the story of opening Asia Times Square with his family, highlighting the importance of passion, purpose, and hard work in business. He also discusses the deep relationships he’s built with local leaders, businesses, and the Grand Prairie police department—and how those connections have been vital to his success. The conversation explores upcoming events and future expansion plans, offering a glimpse into the growing role Asia Times Square plays in the city’s cultural and economic life.

This interview was recorded on-site at Asia Times Square during the early days of the Faces of Grand Prairie podcast. Unfortunately, the sound equipment malfunctioned, so Matthew’s voice is quieter than intended. It was one of the experiences that led us to move future recordings to the podcast studio at The Epic for improved audio quality.

Unfortunately, this wasn’t an isolated incident.

In Grand Prairie, unpermitted street vendors—those operating without a license or permission from the businesses whose parking lots they occupy—have become commonplace. Every holiday weekend, Highway 303 resembles an unregulated flea market, with trucks parked backward, signs waving at cars, and people selling everything from flowers to dollar-store trinkets. On Mother’s Day alone, I counted 16 vendors between Belt Line and Carrier Parkway.

I called the city’s permit office to ask what’s being done about this. They acknowledged it’s a known issue, but after I requested a comment for this article, I never heard back.

To those ready to dismiss this concern by calling me heartless—or a “Karen”—let me be clear: I’m a single mother who has started four businesses in Grand Prairie over the past 11 years. I know firsthand how difficult and discouraging it is to build something from the ground up, with little money and few resources. That’s exactly why this issue cuts so deep.

Legitimate businesses—many of them owned by locals who are also struggling—are being undercut by pop-up vendors who bypass every rule and regulation the rest of us are expected to follow. These vendors operate rent-free in someone else’s parking lot, often selling goods that compete directly with the stores behind them—stores that have spent thousands on permits, licenses, taxes, leases, insurance, and payroll. Many of them have storefronts to maintain, employees to pay, and overhead to juggle just to keep the lights on.

As an estate sale provider, I’m required to obtain a garage sale permit from the city—even though I operate out of someone’s home. That same level of compliance is not being enforced on these pop-up professional yard sellers. Last year, we held an estate sale in the Racquet Club neighborhood. A neighbor on the street held their own unpermitted yard sale and even stole my signage—flipping my $1 poster board inside out, duct-taping it to the post, and redirecting traffic to their own “sale.” My team had spent four weeks preparing for that estate sale—our income relied on it—and in an instant, we were undercut by someone who didn’t even bother to follow the most basic rules.

Permits aren’t expensive. A garage sale permit costs $0. A booth at the city’s Farmers Market costs $10. The reason vendors avoid both is simple: rules exist, and those rules would limit their ability to treat public and private spaces as open-air stores. In residential zones, you’re limited to a few garage sales per year—for good reason. Neighborhoods are not meant to be commercial zones. If someone wants that kind of atmosphere, they move to a Main Street loft—not a quiet cul-de-sac.

The problem isn’t just that these vendors exist—it’s that they’re multiplying. The message being sent is clear: there’s no enforcement, so there’s no reason to stop. If the city can’t keep up with its own compliance regulations due to staffing or resources, then it needs to either adjust the rules or better enforce them. Because right now, those of us who follow the rules are the ones paying the price—while those who don’t are allowed to thrive.

And whether intentional or not, the city’s inaction sends a message to its business community: you’re on your own.

The Grand Prairie Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors meeting, held on Friday, June 20 at Chick-fil-A off Highway 161, was well attended and energized by several new faces. As Leading Ambassador for the Chamber’s Ambassador Committee, Tami Parker of TOMCO warmly welcomed attendees and encouraged new members to get involved by becoming Ambassadors and actively participating in Chamber events. Kevin Locks, the Chamber’s Director of Membership, also addressed the group, inviting them to consider new program ideas and training opportunities to better support incoming members.

The Grand Prairie Chamber of Commerce is experiencing a renewed sense of direction under the leadership of President Brian Bondy, who joined the organization last year. With a seasoned background in leading Chambers of Commerce—including his most recent tenure in Granbury—Mr. Bondy brings a wealth of experience and fresh momentum to Grand Prairie. In late April, the Chamber launched a successful membership drive, and ongoing initiatives are in place to attract and engage new members.

A key part of this revitalization is the rollout of a new membership investment structure, designed to offer enhanced benefits and greater value to joining businesses.

The Chamber’s next monthly luncheon will be held on June 25 at Lone Star Park, featuring newly appointed GPISD Superintendent Dr. Gabe Trujillo as the guest speaker. This event will offer members an opportunity to hear directly from Dr. Trujillo about his vision for the district and to build connections between local business and education leaders.

In the episode, Coach Daron discusses the free gift he’s sharing with the Faces of Grand Prairie audience, which can be found here!

You can find Daron:

On this website, https://www.daronfranklin.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coach2_inspire/

X: https://x.com/coach_dfrank

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/F42Empowerment