Futbol Takeover: E5 Eddie Mendoza

One, two, three, four. One, two, three, four. One, two, three, four. Hi, my name is Maria Duran, owner of Hi, my name is Maria Duran, owner of Duran Concepts and the host of the Duran Concepts and the host of the Duran Concepts and the host of the Football Takeover. This is a show at the Football Takeover. This is a show at the Football Takeover. This is a show at the intersection of business, community, intersection of business, community, intersection of business, community, culture, and our favorite sport, culture, and our favorite sport, culture, and our favorite sport, football. football. football. So, uh, welcome back. We're here every So, uh, welcome back. We're here every So, uh, welcome back. We're here every Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. um at the Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. um at the Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. um at the Innovation Studio. So, we're very Innovation Studio. So, we're very Innovation Studio. So, we're very excited to have you here join us because excited to have you here join us because excited to have you here join us because today we will continue to talk about all today we will continue to talk about all today we will continue to talk about all of those of those of those wonderful ways that football um wonderful ways that football um wonderful ways that football um intersects with so much of our lives. Um intersects with so much of our lives. Um intersects with so much of our lives. Um but first, I want to remind everybody but first, I want to remind everybody but first, I want to remind everybody that you can leave your comments and that you can leave your comments and that you can leave your comments and your questions in the live chat. We are your questions in the live chat. We are your questions in the live chat. We are streaming right now live on YouTube, streaming right now live on YouTube, streaming right now live on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. Um, so yeah. So Facebook, and Instagram. Um, so yeah. So Facebook, and Instagram. Um, so yeah. So this this will be a fun show. I'm very this this will be a fun show. I'm very this this will be a fun show. I'm very excited about it. I feel like every show excited about it. I feel like every show excited about it. I feel like every show it's just it's getting better. Um, it's just it's getting better. Um, it's just it's getting better. Um, not only because we're talking about, not only because we're talking about, not only because we're talking about, you know, soccer, football, um, in you know, soccer, football, um, in you know, soccer, football, um, in different ways, but also because, you different ways, but also because, you different ways, but also because, you know, we we have a lot of really know, we we have a lot of really know, we we have a lot of really interesting guests that are doing um, a interesting guests that are doing um, a interesting guests that are doing um, a lot of very interesting things. And so lot of very interesting things. And so lot of very interesting things. And so today, actually before we get into the

today, actually before we get into the today, actually before we get into the conversation, conversation, conversation, um let's see what's been happening um let's see what's been happening um let's see what's been happening around town. You know, this past around town. You know, this past around town. You know, this past weekend, we had the World Cup final. Uh weekend, we had the World Cup final. Uh weekend, we had the World Cup final. Uh well, we had the third place game and well, we had the third place game and well, we had the third place game and then the the final. And I must say I then the the final. And I must say I then the the final. And I must say I really really did enjoy that um the game really really did enjoy that um the game really really did enjoy that um the game on Saturday between France and England on Saturday between France and England on Saturday between France and England because that was that was some high because that was that was some high because that was that was some high adrenaline game there. Um but that final adrenaline game there. Um but that final adrenaline game there. Um but that final was really fun and so our correspondent was really fun and so our correspondent was really fun and so our correspondent uh Valentina Rea went out into the city uh Valentina Rea went out into the city uh Valentina Rea went out into the city to um to show us a little bit about what to um to show us a little bit about what to um to show us a little bit about what was happening. Um so let's go TO THE was happening. Um so let's go TO THE was happening. Um so let's go TO THE POLLS.

SO, I think Spain's been playing great. SO, I think Spain's been playing great. I think we need to connect on a goal. I I think we need to connect on a goal. I I think we need to connect on a goal. I think we're a possession monster. We've think we're a possession monster. We've think we're a possession monster. We've been like all over it all day. I don't been like all over it all day. I don't been like all over it all day. I don't think Argentina can handle Spain. They think Argentina can handle Spain. They think Argentina can handle Spain. They They can't get the ball. It's going to They can't get the ball. It's going to They can't get the ball. It's going to be a great game though regardless. Three be a great game though regardless. Three be a great game though regardless. Three 30 three-0 Spain. So, we are all from 30 three-0 Spain. So, we are all from 30 three-0 Spain. So, we are all from KT. We are from India. We are the KT. We are from India. We are the KT. We are from India. We are the supporter of Messi. Argentina, let's supporter of Messi. Argentina, let's supporter of Messi. Argentina, let's rock and let's win Argentina and golden rock and let's win Argentina and golden rock and let's win Argentina and golden boot FOR MESSI. >> OKAY, I'm going for Argentina. It's >> OKAY, I'm going for Argentina. It's going to be 2-1. That's my final going to be 2-1. That's my final going to be 2-1. That's my final prediction. Argentina, baby. Argentina. prediction. Argentina, baby. Argentina. prediction. Argentina, baby. Argentina. Argentina. span out played Argentina.

span out played Argentina. No question. It ended the way that it No question. It ended the way that it No question. It ended the way that it was supposed to. was supposed to. was supposed to. How do I say yay Spain? How do I say yay Spain? How do I say yay Spain? >> Um, it was a beautiful game. I think >> Um, it was a beautiful game. I think >> Um, it was a beautiful game. I think Spain did amazing. It was like 20 Spain did amazing. It was like 20 Spain did amazing. It was like 20 attempted goals versus one. Honestly, attempted goals versus one. Honestly, attempted goals versus one. Honestly, Spain, like I think this game really Spain, like I think this game really Spain, like I think this game really proved that Spain is the better team. proved that Spain is the better team. proved that Spain is the better team. >> I agree. And even though they were >> I agree. And even though they were >> I agree. And even though they were against Spain and they took that goal against Spain and they took that goal against Spain and they took that goal away from them unfairly, um, I still away from them unfairly, um, I still away from them unfairly, um, I still think they pulled through and they did a think they pulled through and they did a think they pulled through and they did a really good job. really good job. really good job. >> Yeah. Well, it looked like everybody had a lot Well, it looked like everybody had a lot of fun out there at in Katie. Um, and of fun out there at in Katie. Um, and of fun out there at in Katie. Um, and yeah, go Spain. [laughter] Well, now to get to our guest, uh, I'm Well, now to get to our guest, uh, I'm going I'm going to read his I'm going to going I'm going to read his I'm going to going I'm going to read his I'm going to read a little bit about what he's he's read a little bit about what he's he's read a little bit about what he's he's done because we have a lot to talk done because we have a lot to talk done because we have a lot to talk about. And, um, like I said, this is about. And, um, like I said, this is about. And, um, like I said, this is going to be such a great conversation.

going to be such a great conversation. going to be such a great conversation. So, Eddie Mendoza is the owner of So, Eddie Mendoza is the owner of So, Eddie Mendoza is the owner of Remodel HDX, a local builder and general Remodel HDX, a local builder and general Remodel HDX, a local builder and general contractor committed to delivering contractor committed to delivering contractor committed to delivering excellence in construction services. excellence in construction services. excellence in construction services. They have been providing on-site They have been providing on-site They have been providing on-site operations at the FIFA World Cup fan operations at the FIFA World Cup fan operations at the FIFA World Cup fan festival. He's also a lifetime uh festival. He's also a lifetime uh festival. He's also a lifetime uh football fan. Oh, sorry, a lifelong football fan. Oh, sorry, a lifelong football fan. Oh, sorry, a lifelong football fan. And he celebrated his football fan. And he celebrated his football fan. And he celebrated his fourth World Cup uh journey, I would fourth World Cup uh journey, I would fourth World Cup uh journey, I would say, uh this year. So, in those, you say, uh this year. So, in those, you say, uh this year. So, in those, you know, 39 unforgettable days, he attended know, 39 unforgettable days, he attended know, 39 unforgettable days, he attended 17 matches across the United States. He 17 matches across the United States. He 17 matches across the United States. He joined in uh 10 watch parties and then joined in uh 10 watch parties and then joined in uh 10 watch parties and then enjoyed the other 12 matches at home enjoyed the other 12 matches at home enjoyed the other 12 matches at home with family. So Eddie, welcome to the with family. So Eddie, welcome to the with family. So Eddie, welcome to the show. [laughter] show. [laughter] show. [laughter] >> Thank you very much. Thank you for >> Thank you very much. Thank you for >> Thank you very much. Thank you for having me. It's a great space and um I having me. It's a great space and um I having me. It's a great space and um I love what you're doing in the community love what you're doing in the community love what you're doing in the community and uh yeah, it was a great journey. 17 and uh yeah, it was a great journey. 17 and uh yeah, it was a great journey. 17 matches in 39 days. We went to five matches in 39 days. We went to five matches in 39 days. We went to five different cities. Had a chance to see different cities. Had a chance to see different cities. Had a chance to see seven in Houston, seven in Dallas, one seven in Houston, seven in Dallas, one seven in Houston, seven in Dallas, one in Atlanta, one in Kansas, and the final in Atlanta, one in Kansas, and the final in Atlanta, one in Kansas, and the final New York. So it was an amazing journey New York. So it was an amazing journey New York. So it was an amazing journey and I'm glad to experience it with and I'm glad to experience it with and I'm glad to experience it with friends and family.

friends and family. friends and family. >> Oh my god. So, so we we've known each >> Oh my god. So, so we we've known each >> Oh my god. So, so we we've known each other since the Dynamo days. other since the Dynamo days. other since the Dynamo days. >> Um, but I've also, you know, seen you in >> Um, but I've also, you know, seen you in >> Um, but I've also, you know, seen you in action with um, Real Madrid Houston action with um, Real Madrid Houston action with um, Real Madrid Houston Pñena. Pñena. Pñena. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> And I mean, you're you are a true fan. >> And I mean, you're you are a true fan. >> And I mean, you're you are a true fan. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> You are a true fan. So, where does that >> You are a true fan. So, where does that >> You are a true fan. So, where does that passion for the sport come from? passion for the sport come from? passion for the sport come from? >> So, pretty much just growing up, my dad, >> So, pretty much just growing up, my dad, >> So, pretty much just growing up, my dad, he's the one that showed me about he's the one that showed me about he's the one that showed me about soccer, showed me uh, how to start soccer, showed me uh, how to start soccer, showed me uh, how to start playing and pretty much it's just a playing and pretty much it's just a playing and pretty much it's just a family tradition that um, I got into it. family tradition that um, I got into it. family tradition that um, I got into it. Then I love the game and I play every Then I love the game and I play every Then I love the game and I play every Sunday still. And then it's just the Sunday still. And then it's just the Sunday still. And then it's just the community aspect. So I love watching the community aspect. So I love watching the community aspect. So I love watching the game at home, but it's even better when game at home, but it's even better when game at home, but it's even better when you're at local bar with some friends at you're at local bar with some friends at you're at local bar with some friends at a watch party or FanFest and we all a watch party or FanFest and we all a watch party or FanFest and we all enjoy the the goals together. enjoy the the goals together. enjoy the the goals together. >> Yeah. was one of the top players for Real was one of the top players for Real Madrid and then that's why I'm a Real Madrid and then that's why I'm a Real Madrid and then that's why I'm a Real Madrid supporter. And then in 2014 after Madrid supporter. And then in 2014 after Madrid supporter. And then in 2014 after we won the Champions League, we won the Champions League, we won the Champions League, >> we learned that the community didn't >> we learned that the community didn't >> we learned that the community didn't have a supporter group here in Houston.

have a supporter group here in Houston. have a supporter group here in Houston. So we created the Real Madrid Houston So we created the Real Madrid Houston So we created the Real Madrid Houston Pñena and we've been around for over 10 Pñena and we've been around for over 10 Pñena and we've been around for over 10 years years years >> and now we're we get together at Texas >> and now we're we get together at Texas >> and now we're we get together at Texas Tailgate and we watch uh some of the Tailgate and we watch uh some of the Tailgate and we watch uh some of the games every season. games every season. games every season. >> Holy moly. So like what what does it >> Holy moly. So like what what does it >> Holy moly. So like what what does it mean to be a true fan? because you know mean to be a true fan? because you know mean to be a true fan? because you know I I I would definitely describe you as a I I I would definitely describe you as a I I I would definitely describe you as a super fan super fan super fan >> um in the sense that you know you're >> um in the sense that you know you're >> um in the sense that you know you're you're out there you're organizing you're out there you're organizing you're out there you're organizing you're attending uh the events you know you're attending uh the events you know you're attending uh the events you know you you are really also like supporting you you are really also like supporting you you are really also like supporting advocating um investing right you know advocating um investing right you know advocating um investing right you know so like what does it mean um to be a fan so like what does it mean um to be a fan so like what does it mean um to be a fan >> so pretty much to me is uh just growing >> so pretty much to me is uh just growing >> so pretty much to me is uh just growing the game so helping the next generations the game so helping the next generations the game so helping the next generations I was a coach for my godson his I was a coach for my godson his I was a coach for my godson his 8-year-old soccer team 8-year-old soccer team 8-year-old soccer team >> so just trying to share any skills that >> so just trying to share any skills that >> so just trying to share any skills that I know, any um tactics, helping the the I know, any um tactics, helping the the I know, any um tactics, helping the the youth, and also supporting our local uh youth, and also supporting our local uh youth, and also supporting our local uh teams, the Dynamo and the Dash, getting teams, the Dynamo and the Dash, getting teams, the Dynamo and the Dash, getting the t the pretty much the friends the t the pretty much the friends the t the pretty much the friends together, go watch a Dynamo game. It's together, go watch a Dynamo game. It's together, go watch a Dynamo game. It's always a good time. And then whenever always a good time. And then whenever always a good time. And then whenever there are big international matches like there are big international matches like there are big international matches like USA, Mexico or Costa Rica, Venezuela, USA, Mexico or Costa Rica, Venezuela, USA, Mexico or Costa Rica, Venezuela, whoever comes, let's go support and whoever comes, let's go support and whoever comes, let's go support and watch them at NRG. And also just any watch them at NRG. And also just any watch them at NRG. And also just any event that they have at the Dynamo event that they have at the Dynamo event that they have at the Dynamo Stadium go support and just show that Stadium go support and just show that Stadium go support and just show that the soccer city is Houston. Yeah, I the soccer city is Houston. Yeah, I the soccer city is Houston. Yeah, I think we're very lucky that we live here think we're very lucky that we live here think we're very lucky that we live here in Houston. Yeah.

in Houston. Yeah. in Houston. Yeah. >> You know, because we have had some of >> You know, because we have had some of >> You know, because we have had some of the biggest games. Um we've had some of the biggest games. Um we've had some of the biggest games. Um we've had some of the biggest clubs and national teams the biggest clubs and national teams the biggest clubs and national teams come through the city. And so I just I come through the city. And so I just I come through the city. And so I just I kind of want to go back a little bit, kind of want to go back a little bit, kind of want to go back a little bit, you know, when they announced I think it was amazing. So, like I told I think it was amazing. So, like I told you, I've been to the last three World you, I've been to the last three World you, I've been to the last three World Cups, Brazil, Russia, Qatar. So, I've Cups, Brazil, Russia, Qatar. So, I've Cups, Brazil, Russia, Qatar. So, I've had to travel to go check it out and had to travel to go check it out and had to travel to go check it out and most of the time I travel with some most of the time I travel with some most of the time I travel with some friends are alone. friends are alone. friends are alone. >> So, it was really nice that it was here >> So, it was really nice that it was here >> So, it was really nice that it was here at home and I could take my family, took at home and I could take my family, took at home and I could take my family, took my wife, my um employees, my parents, my my wife, my um employees, my parents, my my wife, my um employees, my parents, my sisters. So, it was good for them to sisters. So, it was good for them to sisters. So, it was good for them to check out that atmosphere and also to check out that atmosphere and also to check out that atmosphere and also to watch a game in the stadium. watch a game in the stadium. watch a game in the stadium. >> Yeah. And so when you've traveled to the >> Yeah. And so when you've traveled to the >> Yeah. And so when you've traveled to the to the past World Cups, how would you to the past World Cups, how would you to the past World Cups, how would you what would you say has been how would what would you say has been how would what would you say has been how would you compare them? You know, because you compare them? You know, because you compare them? You know, because you've been what is it? Brazil. Yes.

you've been what is it? Brazil. Yes. you've been what is it? Brazil. Yes. >> Russia, >> Russia, >> Russia, >> Qatar, and well, and now the United >> Qatar, and well, and now the United >> Qatar, and well, and now the United States. States. States. >> I think this one was the best ever, the >> I think this one was the best ever, the >> I think this one was the best ever, the best World Cup ever in my um pretty much best World Cup ever in my um pretty much best World Cup ever in my um pretty much experience. So Brazil was nice. It's experience. So Brazil was nice. It's experience. So Brazil was nice. It's just really big. And it was my first just really big. And it was my first just really big. And it was my first time going, so it's kind of my rookie time going, so it's kind of my rookie time going, so it's kind of my rookie season. season. season. >> And then Russia was really nice. It was >> And then Russia was really nice. It was >> And then Russia was really nice. It was far, but it was um good time. Qar was far, but it was um good time. Qar was far, but it was um good time. Qar was small, so you could do a lot of games in small, so you could do a lot of games in small, so you could do a lot of games in a short amount of time. But I think we a short amount of time. But I think we a short amount of time. But I think we got blessed here in Texas. We got seven got blessed here in Texas. We got seven got blessed here in Texas. We got seven games in Houston, nine in Dallas. If games in Houston, nine in Dallas. If games in Houston, nine in Dallas. If you've never been to a World Cup match, you've never been to a World Cup match, you've never been to a World Cup match, >> you can literally check out 14 matches >> you can literally check out 14 matches >> you can literally check out 14 matches because there was only two games that because there was only two games that because there was only two games that overlap. overlap. overlap. >> So you could only go to one game in >> So you could only go to one game in >> So you could only go to one game in Houston and Dallas. So imagine never Houston and Dallas. So imagine never Houston and Dallas. So imagine never never been to a World Cup and you got 14 never been to a World Cup and you got 14 never been to a World Cup and you got 14 chances. That's pretty nice. chances. That's pretty nice. chances. That's pretty nice. >> It's only a four-hour drive. Check it >> It's only a four-hour drive. Check it >> It's only a four-hour drive. Check it out and you can come back. out and you can come back. out and you can come back. >> You don't got to get a hotel. You don't >> You don't got to get a hotel. You don't >> You don't got to get a hotel. You don't got to get a flight. You don't got to go got to get a flight. You don't got to go got to get a flight. You don't got to go through security. through security. through security. >> So, you just got to wake up early. >> So, you just got to wake up early. >> So, you just got to wake up early. >> Yeah. Yeah, you definitely do. So, how >> Yeah. Yeah, you definitely do. So, how >> Yeah. Yeah, you definitely do. So, how did you prepare? How did you prepare did you prepare? How did you prepare did you prepare? How did you prepare once, you know, you um once they once, you know, you um once they once, you know, you um once they announced all the cities? announced all the cities? announced all the cities? >> How did you prepare for like what your >> How did you prepare for like what your >> How did you prepare for like what your 2026 World Cup journey was going to be 2026 World Cup journey was going to be 2026 World Cup journey was going to be like?

like? like? >> So, pretty much I'm pretty structured >> So, pretty much I'm pretty structured >> So, pretty much I'm pretty structured because I'm project manager, so I'm all because I'm project manager, so I'm all because I'm project manager, so I'm all about budget and schedules. And um what about budget and schedules. And um what about budget and schedules. And um what I did is I pretty much did a lot of I did is I pretty much did a lot of I did is I pretty much did a lot of content on social media just to help content on social media just to help content on social media just to help people get ready because they've never people get ready because they've never people get ready because they've never been. how to make a FIFA account, know been. how to make a FIFA account, know been. how to make a FIFA account, know when it's phase one, two, three, four, when it's phase one, two, three, four, when it's phase one, two, three, four, how how to know how the lottery system how how to know how the lottery system how how to know how the lottery system works. Yeah. works. Yeah. works. Yeah. >> Also with every person they could buy 40 >> Also with every person they could buy 40 >> Also with every person they could buy 40 tickets. So, a lot of people didn't know tickets. So, a lot of people didn't know tickets. So, a lot of people didn't know >> four tickets per match. So, I was >> four tickets per match. So, I was >> four tickets per match. So, I was helping the community, sharing a lot of helping the community, sharing a lot of helping the community, sharing a lot of information, and my reward pretty much information, and my reward pretty much information, and my reward pretty much was people would let me know when they was people would let me know when they was people would let me know when they got selected. So, a friend of mine would got selected. So, a friend of mine would got selected. So, a friend of mine would be like, "Hey, I got selected. I've be like, "Hey, I got selected. I've be like, "Hey, I got selected. I've never done it. Let's do it together." We never done it. Let's do it together." We never done it. Let's do it together." We bought 40 tickets together. He got 20, I bought 40 tickets together. He got 20, I bought 40 tickets together. He got 20, I got 20. And then we just kept on going got 20. And then we just kept on going got 20. And then we just kept on going that way. So, that way. So, that way. So, >> just sharing all the information I knew >> just sharing all the information I knew >> just sharing all the information I knew and I guess the content c came around and I guess the content c came around and I guess the content c came around and they would reach out to me when they and they would reach out to me when they and they would reach out to me when they needed help and if there was any spare needed help and if there was any spare needed help and if there was any spare tickets I could purchase I would get tickets I could purchase I would get tickets I could purchase I would get them. them. them. >> That is awesome. All right. So now so >> That is awesome. All right. So now so >> That is awesome. All right. So now so you you're you're doing you're doing you you're you're doing you're doing you you're you're doing you're doing that and then now you have your tickets. that and then now you have your tickets. that and then now you have your tickets. Yes. Right. So what was your first Yes. Right. So what was your first Yes. Right. So what was your first match? match? match? >> My first match was here at NRG. So it >> My first match was here at NRG. So it >> My first match was here at NRG. So it was pretty nice because it was the first was pretty nice because it was the first was pretty nice because it was the first World Cup match ever here in Houston. It World Cup match ever here in Houston. It World Cup match ever here in Houston. It was Germany versus Kurasau.

was Germany versus Kurasau. was Germany versus Kurasau. >> So Germany ended up winning. It was >> So Germany ended up winning. It was >> So Germany ended up winning. It was really nice and um it was good really nice and um it was good really nice and um it was good atmosphere. So I really like that. atmosphere. So I really like that. atmosphere. So I really like that. >> That's cool. And so from there the other >> That's cool. And so from there the other >> That's cool. And so from there the other cities because you also went to Dallas. cities because you also went to Dallas. cities because you also went to Dallas. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Kansas City. >> Kansas City. >> Kansas City. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> And then >> And then >> And then >> Atlanta and New York. >> Atlanta and New York. >> Atlanta and New York. >> Ah okay. >> Ah okay. >> Ah okay. >> So pretty much in uh Kansas City I >> So pretty much in uh Kansas City I >> So pretty much in uh Kansas City I always do the um before they do the live always do the um before they do the live always do the um before they do the live um draw for FIFA in December. I like um draw for FIFA in December. I like um draw for FIFA in December. I like doing phase one because you don't know doing phase one because you don't know doing phase one because you don't know who's coming. So I got all the matches who's coming. So I got all the matches who's coming. So I got all the matches in Houston and Dallas. And we got lucky in Houston and Dallas. And we got lucky in Houston and Dallas. And we got lucky that Cristiano Ronaldo came twice to that Cristiano Ronaldo came twice to that Cristiano Ronaldo came twice to Houston. He came to Dallas. So, it's Houston. He came to Dallas. So, it's Houston. He came to Dallas. So, it's really nice to get them before you know really nice to get them before you know really nice to get them before you know who's coming because once you know that who's coming because once you know that who's coming because once you know that Messi is coming, Ronaldo's coming, those Messi is coming, Ronaldo's coming, those Messi is coming, Ronaldo's coming, those tickets are hard to get. tickets are hard to get. tickets are hard to get. >> Yeah. So that's one of the suggestions I >> Yeah. So that's one of the suggestions I >> Yeah. So that's one of the suggestions I tell people is always try to I really get to experience the I really get to experience the atmosphere. So that was fun. And besides atmosphere. So that was fun. And besides atmosphere. So that was fun. And besides that, just flying to Kansas, Atlanta, that, just flying to Kansas, Atlanta, that, just flying to Kansas, Atlanta, New York was a good time.

New York was a good time. New York was a good time. >> Oh my goodness. And so you you were able >> Oh my goodness. And so you you were able >> Oh my goodness. And so you you were able to share this with your wife, with your to share this with your wife, with your to share this with your wife, with your family. What was that experience like family. What was that experience like family. What was that experience like for them? Oh, for them? Oh, for them? Oh, >> it was the best. So, my wife Adriana, >> it was the best. So, my wife Adriana, >> it was the best. So, my wife Adriana, she got to see why I'm so obsessed with she got to see why I'm so obsessed with she got to see why I'm so obsessed with the World Cup and she got to see the the World Cup and she got to see the the World Cup and she got to see the atmosphere. Went to the two Portugal atmosphere. Went to the two Portugal atmosphere. Went to the two Portugal matches. matches. matches. >> So, the first was Portugal Congo. They >> So, the first was Portugal Congo. They >> So, the first was Portugal Congo. They ended up tying, but she got to see ended up tying, but she got to see ended up tying, but she got to see Cristiano Ronaldo. And then I took my Cristiano Ronaldo. And then I took my Cristiano Ronaldo. And then I took my wife, her dad, my two sisters, and my wife, her dad, my two sisters, and my wife, her dad, my two sisters, and my parents to the Portugal versus parents to the Portugal versus parents to the Portugal versus Usbekistan. Usbekistan. Usbekistan. >> Cristiano Ronaldo scored two and they >> Cristiano Ronaldo scored two and they >> Cristiano Ronaldo scored two and they won, I think, 5-0. won, I think, 5-0. won, I think, 5-0. >> And she loved it. She's like, "Wow, the >> And she loved it. She's like, "Wow, the >> And she loved it. She's like, "Wow, the atmosphere is nice. Everybody's here. atmosphere is nice. Everybody's here. atmosphere is nice. Everybody's here. They're enjoying it." So she got to They're enjoying it." So she got to They're enjoying it." So she got to really understand how big the World Cup really understand how big the World Cup really understand how big the World Cup is and is and is and >> that people from all over the world come >> that people from all over the world come >> that people from all over the world come to celebrate it. to celebrate it. to celebrate it. >> Yeah. I mean World Cup is on another >> Yeah. I mean World Cup is on another >> Yeah. I mean World Cup is on another level. Yeah. level. Yeah. level. Yeah. >> You know, it's it's uh it's definitely >> You know, it's it's uh it's definitely >> You know, it's it's uh it's definitely on another level and just the amount of on another level and just the amount of on another level and just the amount of diversity that's there. So it doesn't diversity that's there. So it doesn't diversity that's there. So it doesn't matter if you know Portugal is playing matter if you know Portugal is playing matter if you know Portugal is playing against us, you're going to see people against us, you're going to see people against us, you're going to see people from all over. And um and I know that from all over. And um and I know that from all over. And um and I know that you got to also just, you know, you got to also just, you know, you got to also just, you know, experience meet a lot of um meet a lot experience meet a lot of um meet a lot experience meet a lot of um meet a lot of people. I of people. I of people. I >> I follow I follow on social media. Um >> I follow I follow on social media. Um >> I follow I follow on social media. Um but you also got to uh I I saw that you but you also got to uh I I saw that you but you also got to uh I I saw that you did um or you were part of the broadcast did um or you were part of the broadcast did um or you were part of the broadcast with Speed.

with Speed. with Speed. >> Yeah, I ended up uh seeing Speed in >> Yeah, I ended up uh seeing Speed in >> Yeah, I ended up uh seeing Speed in Dallas. Dallas. Dallas. >> So I saw him a couple times. The first >> So I saw him a couple times. The first >> So I saw him a couple times. The first time was here in um Houston, the time was here in um Houston, the time was here in um Houston, the Portugal game. He's a big Ronaldo fan. Portugal game. He's a big Ronaldo fan. Portugal game. He's a big Ronaldo fan. I'm a big Ronaldo fan. So speed, what I I'm a big Ronaldo fan. So speed, what I I'm a big Ronaldo fan. So speed, what I like about speed is that he's for all like about speed is that he's for all like about speed is that he's for all the kids, the the generation that's the kids, the the generation that's the kids, the the generation that's coming up. So he's helping grow in the coming up. So he's helping grow in the coming up. So he's helping grow in the game. So anybody that's maybe like 15 game. So anybody that's maybe like 15 game. So anybody that's maybe like 15 and under, they love speed. They love and under, they love speed. They love and under, they love speed. They love like pretty much interacting with him, like pretty much interacting with him, like pretty much interacting with him, they that's he's a person that they can they that's he's a person that they can they that's he's a person that they can relate to. relate to. relate to. >> So and let's say if the World Cup comes >> So and let's say if the World Cup comes >> So and let's say if the World Cup comes back in 10, 12 years, they're the next back in 10, 12 years, they're the next back in 10, 12 years, they're the next group of people that are going to be group of people that are going to be group of people that are going to be purchasing the tickets and they're going purchasing the tickets and they're going purchasing the tickets and they're going to to to >> they're basically going to be loving the >> they're basically going to be loving the >> they're basically going to be loving the game even more. So speed, we got a game even more. So speed, we got a game even more. So speed, we got a chance to meet in Dallas. It was a chance to meet in Dallas. It was a chance to meet in Dallas. It was a Norway versus Ivory Coast game and it Norway versus Ivory Coast game and it Norway versus Ivory Coast game and it was at halftime and it was by the media was at halftime and it was by the media was at halftime and it was by the media area. So I was just stopping by and all area. So I was just stopping by and all area. So I was just stopping by and all the kids just were calling out his name the kids just were calling out his name the kids just were calling out his name Speed Speed, but he actually wanted to Speed Speed, but he actually wanted to Speed Speed, but he actually wanted to interact and do content. So asked, "What interact and do content. So asked, "What interact and do content. So asked, "What do you think about the game?" I was able do you think about the game?" I was able do you think about the game?" I was able to chat with him and tell him that I to chat with him and tell him that I to chat with him and tell him that I think Norway is going to win 2-1. think Norway is going to win 2-1. think Norway is going to win 2-1. Holland's going to score and that's what Holland's going to score and that's what Holland's going to score and that's what happened. And [laughter] it was a good happened. And [laughter] it was a good happened. And [laughter] it was a good time and I just told him thank you for time and I just told him thank you for time and I just told him thank you for what you're doing for the game and he's what you're doing for the game and he's what you're doing for the game and he's just helping the next generation just just helping the next generation just just helping the next generation just become soccer fans.

become soccer fans. become soccer fans. >> Yeah. Well, I I I saw some of the um the Well, I I I saw some of the um the covers that they were doing online and covers that they were doing online and covers that they were doing online and stuff, right, about getting to the stuff, right, about getting to the stuff, right, about getting to the stadium and how the Argentina fans I stadium and how the Argentina fans I stadium and how the Argentina fans I mean, they were just crossing the the mean, they were just crossing the the mean, they were just crossing the the interstate. Uh the fact that there was interstate. Uh the fact that there was interstate. Uh the fact that there was just so much going on in New York. I just so much going on in New York. I just so much going on in New York. I mean that must have been mean that must have been mean that must have been I I think about it this way just like I I think about it this way just like I I think about it this way just like you mentioned Qatar everything is so you you mentioned Qatar everything is so you you mentioned Qatar everything is so you know it's it's so small and compacted. I know it's it's so small and compacted. I know it's it's so small and compacted. I mean the atmosphere in New York must mean the atmosphere in New York must mean the atmosphere in New York must have just been on a whole another level have just been on a whole another level have just been on a whole another level because of that.

because of that. because of that. >> Yeah, it was amazing. It was the best um >> Yeah, it was amazing. It was the best um >> Yeah, it was amazing. It was the best um game out of my 17 World Cup match just game out of my 17 World Cup match just game out of my 17 World Cup match just because I've never been to a World Cup because I've never been to a World Cup because I've never been to a World Cup final and finally got to do it. final and finally got to do it. final and finally got to do it. >> So the final um we actually got there on >> So the final um we actually got there on >> So the final um we actually got there on Friday and on Friday there was a Friday and on Friday there was a Friday and on Friday there was a fanatics fest so it was really cool. It fanatics fest so it was really cool. It fanatics fest so it was really cool. It was good timing and there was a lot of was good timing and there was a lot of was good timing and there was a lot of good stuff going on. On Saturday we went good stuff going on. On Saturday we went good stuff going on. On Saturday we went to Soho. There was a House of Merc. So to Soho. There was a House of Merc. So to Soho. There was a House of Merc. So all the stuff for Mercury Vapor all the stuff for Mercury Vapor all the stuff for Mercury Vapor Superflies. There's a really cool Superflies. There's a really cool Superflies. There's a really cool activations and stuff going on in the activations and stuff going on in the activations and stuff going on in the city like you were saying. city like you were saying. city like you were saying. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And then on Sunday, >> And then on Sunday, >> And then on Sunday, >> uh the game was at 3. So 3 hours before >> uh the game was at 3. So 3 hours before >> uh the game was at 3. So 3 hours before we said let's get there at 12, we said let's get there at 12, we said let's get there at 12, >> but then at that point we're like, you >> but then at that point we're like, you >> but then at that point we're like, you know what, let's just go like at 9:00 know what, let's just go like at 9:00 know what, let's just go like at 9:00 a.m. because we're like we were thinking a.m. because we're like we were thinking a.m. because we're like we were thinking of having brunch and then going, but of having brunch and then going, but of having brunch and then going, but we're like we're like we're like >> we're going to have brunch and get to >> we're going to have brunch and get to >> we're going to have brunch and get to relax and then we're going to hit relax and then we're going to hit relax and then we're going to hit traffic. So we just traffic. So we just traffic. So we just >> we literally spent 12 hours. So, we left >> we literally spent 12 hours. So, we left >> we literally spent 12 hours. So, we left at 9:00 and we came back at 9:00. But it at 9:00 and we came back at 9:00. But it at 9:00 and we came back at 9:00. But it was super super fun cuz we got there and was super super fun cuz we got there and was super super fun cuz we got there and the gates actually opened 4 hours for the gates actually opened 4 hours for the gates actually opened 4 hours for the final. So, at 11:00, got to walk the final. So, at 11:00, got to walk the final. So, at 11:00, got to walk around and check out some stuff. But, around and check out some stuff. But, around and check out some stuff. But, >> it was a good time. I loved it. Um, I >> it was a good time. I loved it. Um, I >> it was a good time. I loved it. Um, I was going for Spain. I think they had a was going for Spain. I think they had a was going for Spain. I think they had a master class. They good possession and master class. They good possession and master class. They good possession and they finally got the goal.

they finally got the goal. they finally got the goal. >> Argentina didn't really do that much. >> Argentina didn't really do that much. >> Argentina didn't really do that much. They didn't take that many shots. They They didn't take that many shots. They They didn't take that many shots. They only had corner kicks and free kicks. only had corner kicks and free kicks. only had corner kicks and free kicks. >> But besides that, it was a it was a >> But besides that, it was a it was a >> But besides that, it was a it was a great um great um great um >> great experience. And I was also going >> great experience. And I was also going >> great experience. And I was also going to say they was the first time they had to say they was the first time they had to say they was the first time they had the halftime show. So Madonna was there, the halftime show. So Madonna was there, the halftime show. So Madonna was there, BTS, um Shakira, Burner Boy. So BTS, um Shakira, Burner Boy. So BTS, um Shakira, Burner Boy. So >> a little bit of everything. So it was a >> a little bit of everything. So it was a >> a little bit of everything. So it was a it really cool. cool. >> Oh my goodness. Yeah, that I mean it >> Oh my goodness. Yeah, that I mean it >> Oh my goodness. Yeah, that I mean it just sounds like you had such a just sounds like you had such a just sounds like you had such a wonderful experience and I see that you wonderful experience and I see that you wonderful experience and I see that you also, you know, have a lot of souvenirs also, you know, have a lot of souvenirs also, you know, have a lot of souvenirs and just different um paraphernalia from and just different um paraphernalia from and just different um paraphernalia from from the cup. Uh I mean, can you tell us from the cup. Uh I mean, can you tell us from the cup. Uh I mean, can you tell us a little bit about it? I I see the a little bit about it? I I see the a little bit about it? I I see the scarf. That scarf looks sweet. scarf. That scarf looks sweet. scarf. That scarf looks sweet. >> So, this is the official um World Cup >> So, this is the official um World Cup >> So, this is the official um World Cup final scarf and it has a little bit of final scarf and it has a little bit of final scarf and it has a little bit of the print from the the different the print from the the different the print from the the different countries. So, that's the Mexico um countries. So, that's the Mexico um countries. So, that's the Mexico um print and the stars for USA. So, print and the stars for USA. So, print and the stars for USA. So, something really nice.

something really nice. something really nice. >> And we had the um the official hat. So >> And we had the um the official hat. So >> And we had the um the official hat. So this is a hat and I actually went on the this is a hat and I actually went on the this is a hat and I actually went on the way out I got Russell Wilson the super way out I got Russell Wilson the super way out I got Russell Wilson the super back Super Bowl uh quarterback to sign back Super Bowl uh quarterback to sign back Super Bowl uh quarterback to sign it. Yeah. Just on the way out and um it. Yeah. Just on the way out and um it. Yeah. Just on the way out and um pretty cool. This is the the cold play. pretty cool. This is the the cold play. pretty cool. This is the the cold play. They basically put the the halftime They basically put the the halftime They basically put the the halftime show. show. show. >> Everybody was waving their flags and >> Everybody was waving their flags and >> Everybody was waving their flags and being part of it. being part of it. being part of it. >> This is the lineup Burner Boy BTS and >> This is the lineup Burner Boy BTS and >> This is the lineup Burner Boy BTS and everybody that was part of the halftime everybody that was part of the halftime everybody that was part of the halftime show. Nice. show. Nice. show. Nice. >> And then um on this side something >> And then um on this side something >> And then um on this side something that's really cool that everybody will that's really cool that everybody will that's really cool that everybody will collect. This is actually the cup that collect. This is actually the cup that collect. This is actually the cup that everybody wants. Um this is the FIFA the everybody wants. Um this is the FIFA the everybody wants. Um this is the FIFA the final. So it has both teams. It has final. So it has both teams. It has final. So it has both teams. It has Spain Spain Spain >> and Argentina. So, if uh you're a fan, >> and Argentina. So, if uh you're a fan, >> and Argentina. So, if uh you're a fan, then everybody had like four or five of then everybody had like four or five of then everybody had like four or five of those cups cuz that's pretty much a those cups cuz that's pretty much a those cups cuz that's pretty much a collection edition and everybody loves collection edition and everybody loves collection edition and everybody loves collecting those. So, it was a great collecting those. So, it was a great collecting those. So, it was a great time. We enjoyed it. time. We enjoyed it. time. We enjoyed it. >> It was a I love the score and everything >> It was a I love the score and everything >> It was a I love the score and everything about it. about it. about it. >> Yeah. So, are you ready for 2030? >> Yeah. So, are you ready for 2030? >> Yeah. So, are you ready for 2030? >> Yeah, I'm ready. I'mma take a little >> Yeah, I'm ready. I'mma take a little >> Yeah, I'm ready. I'mma take a little break, relax, but um No, I'm here to break, relax, but um No, I'm here to break, relax, but um No, I'm here to help anybody that that's planning on help anybody that that's planning on help anybody that that's planning on going. I'm here to just be um any going. I'm here to just be um any going. I'm here to just be um any questions they got to help plan. I want questions they got to help plan. I want questions they got to help plan. I want to help my community. I want to help you to help my community. I want to help you to help my community. I want to help you get ready. Like I was telling people, I get ready. Like I was telling people, I get ready. Like I was telling people, I know it it people were complaining that know it it people were complaining that know it it people were complaining that it was a little expensive, but if you it was a little expensive, but if you it was a little expensive, but if you basically set a plan, you can make it basically set a plan, you can make it basically set a plan, you can make it happen. 100 bucks a week is 5200 a year happen. 100 bucks a week is 5200 a year happen. 100 bucks a week is 5200 a year times four is 20,000. Whatever your plan times four is 20,000. Whatever your plan times four is 20,000. Whatever your plan is, you could is, you could is, you could >> you just got to budget it correctly.

>> you just got to budget it correctly. >> you just got to budget it correctly. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And then um yeah, I'm just open for any >> And then um yeah, I'm just open for any >> And then um yeah, I'm just open for any >> any advice that they need or if they >> any advice that they need or if they >> any advice that they need or if they want to help plan it, I'm here to help. want to help plan it, I'm here to help. want to help plan it, I'm here to help. >> Yeah. No, that's great. And like you >> Yeah. No, that's great. And like you >> Yeah. No, that's great. And like you said, I mean, it really is about said, I mean, it really is about said, I mean, it really is about planning. It's about budgeting and 2030. planning. It's about budgeting and 2030. planning. It's about budgeting and 2030. I mean, that World Cup is going to be I mean, that World Cup is going to be I mean, that World Cup is going to be very interesting because it's very interesting because it's very interesting because it's transcontinental. transcontinental. transcontinental. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> I mean, you have the the games that are >> I mean, you have the the games that are >> I mean, you have the the games that are going to happen in in Europe and North going to happen in in Europe and North going to happen in in Europe and North Africa, but then also it's starting in Africa, but then also it's starting in Africa, but then also it's starting in South America. So, it's going to be South America. So, it's going to be South America. So, it's going to be wild. wild. wild. >> Yeah. Yeah. So, pretty much it's the >> Yeah. Yeah. So, pretty much it's the >> Yeah. Yeah. So, pretty much it's the centennial one. They want to make it centennial one. They want to make it centennial one. They want to make it big. If I go, I'm probably going to go big. If I go, I'm probably going to go big. If I go, I'm probably going to go to Spain or um Portugal because they're to Spain or um Portugal because they're to Spain or um Portugal because they're close to each other. close to each other. close to each other. >> But, I think it's going to be amazing. I >> But, I think it's going to be amazing. I >> But, I think it's going to be amazing. I think it's going to be a great think it's going to be a great think it's going to be a great opportunity for people from all over the opportunity for people from all over the opportunity for people from all over the world to check it out. And um I really world to check it out. And um I really world to check it out. And um I really want to see I'm pretty sure the final is want to see I'm pretty sure the final is want to see I'm pretty sure the final is going to be in the Bernabel. Big Real going to be in the Bernabel. Big Real going to be in the Bernabel. Big Real Madrid fan. So I would like to check Madrid fan. So I would like to check Madrid fan. So I would like to check that out for Atletico Madrid. It's pretty nice. for Atletico Madrid. It's pretty nice. So if you go to Madrid and they got two So if you go to Madrid and they got two So if you go to Madrid and they got two stadiums, that's it's pretty cool. stadiums, that's it's pretty cool. stadiums, that's it's pretty cool. >> Yeah. Wow. Wow. Well, and so all of this >> Yeah. Wow. Wow. Well, and so all of this >> Yeah. Wow. Wow. Well, and so all of this budgeting and all of this preparing, I budgeting and all of this preparing, I budgeting and all of this preparing, I mean, it really does come down to to mean, it really does come down to to mean, it really does come down to to business, business, business, >> right? Yes. And and that's the other >> right? Yes. And and that's the other >> right? Yes. And and that's the other that's the other piece, right? Because that's the other piece, right? Because that's the other piece, right? Because you're also a business person. Yes. And you're also a business person. Yes. And you're also a business person. Yes. And that's that's another side that um that that's that's another side that um that that's that's another side that um that I think is very important because as a I think is very important because as a I think is very important because as a fan you understand the dynamics of of fan you understand the dynamics of of fan you understand the dynamics of of the sport and of the sports ecosystem, the sport and of the sports ecosystem, the sport and of the sports ecosystem, but then as a business person, you you but then as a business person, you you but then as a business person, you you have that knowledge and um and so you're

have that knowledge and um and so you're have that knowledge and um and so you're more aware about those opportunities more aware about those opportunities more aware about those opportunities because a lot of times I know that we because a lot of times I know that we because a lot of times I know that we don't we don't talk too much about the don't we don't talk too much about the don't we don't talk too much about the opportunities that exist for small opportunities that exist for small opportunities that exist for small business in sport, business in sport, business in sport, >> but um the economic impact is a very big >> but um the economic impact is a very big >> but um the economic impact is a very big reason why events like this come to reason why events like this come to reason why events like this come to cities like Houston and so can you tell cities like Houston and so can you tell cities like Houston and so can you tell us a little bit about, you know, your us a little bit about, you know, your us a little bit about, you know, your preparation on the business side when preparation on the business side when preparation on the business side when you found out about World Cup being you found out about World Cup being you found out about World Cup being hosted here in Houston? hosted here in Houston? hosted here in Houston? >> For sure. Yeah, I think that there's a >> For sure. Yeah, I think that there's a >> For sure. Yeah, I think that there's a whenever there's an event, somebody has whenever there's an event, somebody has whenever there's an event, somebody has to put it together. So, it's always a to put it together. So, it's always a to put it together. So, it's always a community leaders like yourself, community leaders like yourself, community leaders like yourself, everybody else that puts these events everybody else that puts these events everybody else that puts these events together and um just being informed. So, together and um just being informed. So, together and um just being informed. So, going to networking events, talking to going to networking events, talking to going to networking events, talking to the right people. There's a lot of uh the right people. There's a lot of uh the right people. There's a lot of uh email blasts that you get invited to. Um email blasts that you get invited to. Um email blasts that you get invited to. Um just taking those steps and getting just taking those steps and getting just taking those steps and getting informed whenever there's meetings, informed whenever there's meetings, informed whenever there's meetings, information meetings, it's good to go. information meetings, it's good to go. information meetings, it's good to go. Get registered. Um just to be in the Get registered. Um just to be in the Get registered. Um just to be in the loop and whenever there's any bid loop and whenever there's any bid loop and whenever there's any bid opportunities, just go ahead and put in opportunities, just go ahead and put in opportunities, just go ahead and put in a number. Take your time. Really get a number. Take your time. Really get a number. Take your time. Really get your ducks in a row. uh get your all the your ducks in a row. uh get your all the your ducks in a row. uh get your all the information documents that they need the information documents that they need the information documents that they need the insurance requirements and all that and insurance requirements and all that and insurance requirements and all that and just make sure that whatever you say you just make sure that whatever you say you just make sure that whatever you say you could do you could perform and execute.

could do you could perform and execute. could do you could perform and execute. >> So I think there's a lot of >> So I think there's a lot of >> So I think there's a lot of opportunities and thanks to you and everybody else that thanks to you and everybody else that was putting that together. Really was putting that together. Really was putting that together. Really appreciate it and uh it was nice to see appreciate it and uh it was nice to see appreciate it and uh it was nice to see a lot of vendors out there get an a lot of vendors out there get an a lot of vendors out there get an opportunity and be on the world's opportunity and be on the world's opportunity and be on the world's biggest stage. biggest stage. biggest stage. >> Yeah, I think that's that's one of the >> Yeah, I think that's that's one of the >> Yeah, I think that's that's one of the the highlights for sure. Um, you know, the highlights for sure. Um, you know, the highlights for sure. Um, you know, and so I guess just to kind of give a and so I guess just to kind of give a and so I guess just to kind of give a little bit more context on that, um, you little bit more context on that, um, you little bit more context on that, um, you know, I I was able to create and know, I I was able to create and know, I I was able to create and implement that vendor program that was implement that vendor program that was implement that vendor program that was used for for this. And so it was really used for for this. And so it was really used for for this. And so it was really exciting to see a lot of businesses that exciting to see a lot of businesses that exciting to see a lot of businesses that were preparing that um that wanted those were preparing that um that wanted those were preparing that um that wanted those opportunities. And like you said, you opportunities. And like you said, you opportunities. And like you said, you know, there is there is a lot of know, there is there is a lot of know, there is there is a lot of information that you need to have, you information that you need to have, you information that you need to have, you know, all your ducks in a row. You need know, all your ducks in a row. You need know, all your ducks in a row. You need to make sure that you're um that you're to make sure that you're um that you're to make sure that you're um that you're ready. And so once those bids started ready. And so once those bids started ready. And so once those bids started coming out and you became a vendor, coming out and you became a vendor, coming out and you became a vendor, >> what was that? What was that like for >> what was that? What was that like for >> what was that? What was that like for you? you? you? >> It was good. Um like I said, those >> It was good. Um like I said, those >> It was good. Um like I said, those information meetings that y'all put information meetings that y'all put information meetings that y'all put together, I attended. I took down my together, I attended. I took down my together, I attended. I took down my notes and any question that I had, I notes and any question that I had, I notes and any question that I had, I would reach out and pretty much um would reach out and pretty much um would reach out and pretty much um whenever the bid opportunities opened, whenever the bid opportunities opened, whenever the bid opportunities opened, register and make sure that um you know register and make sure that um you know register and make sure that um you know exactly what you're going to do, what exactly what you're going to do, what exactly what you're going to do, what you what you could um execute and then you what you could um execute and then you what you could um execute and then just put your bid. And I really enjoyed just put your bid. And I really enjoyed just put your bid. And I really enjoyed it because there I basically did like it because there I basically did like it because there I basically did like nine bids. I didn't get all of them, but nine bids. I didn't get all of them, but nine bids. I didn't get all of them, but I got two or three, which that was good I got two or three, which that was good I got two or three, which that was good to start. And once was once I was on to start. And once was once I was on to start. And once was once I was on site and I got to meet the team from site and I got to meet the team from site and I got to meet the team from FanFest. They were just saying, "Oh, you FanFest. They were just saying, "Oh, you FanFest. They were just saying, "Oh, you could do this as well. Can you help us could do this as well. Can you help us could do this as well. Can you help us out with this?" And just being a team out with this?" And just being a team out with this?" And just being a team player. So, first we went out there, we

player. So, first we went out there, we player. So, first we went out there, we started with the tree removal. So, started with the tree removal. So, started with the tree removal. So, before anything, we got to remove any before anything, we got to remove any before anything, we got to remove any trees that are in the way because that's trees that are in the way because that's trees that are in the way because that's where they're going to put the stage. where they're going to put the stage. where they're going to put the stage. That's where they're going to put all That's where they're going to put all That's where they're going to put all these different areas that we can't have these different areas that we can't have these different areas that we can't have the trees there. We got to remove them. the trees there. We got to remove them. the trees there. We got to remove them. So we could use just a clean playing So we could use just a clean playing So we could use just a clean playing field. field. field. >> Yeah. >> All the vendors. We got to pressure wash >> All the vendors. We got to pressure wash the warehouse 15,000 square feet. We got the warehouse 15,000 square feet. We got the warehouse 15,000 square feet. We got to put in new LED lights. We got to do to put in new LED lights. We got to do to put in new LED lights. We got to do all these adjustments. So whenever the all these adjustments. So whenever the all these adjustments. So whenever the vendors come, their spot is ready to go. vendors come, their spot is ready to go. vendors come, their spot is ready to go. >> And then after that, I just got >> And then after that, I just got >> And then after that, I just got recommended from those guys to other recommended from those guys to other recommended from those guys to other vendors that they set up the sphere of vendors that they set up the sphere of vendors that they set up the sphere of the big dome. the big dome. the big dome. >> They're like, "We do the dome, but we >> They're like, "We do the dome, but we >> They're like, "We do the dome, but we don't do a platform. We need a wooden don't do a platform. We need a wooden don't do a platform. We need a wooden platform 44T all around and we need it platform 44T all around and we need it platform 44T all around and we need it done in two days." They recommend me. done in two days." They recommend me. done in two days." They recommend me. Oh, talk to Eddie with Remodel HTX. Oh, talk to Eddie with Remodel HTX. Oh, talk to Eddie with Remodel HTX. He'll help you out. He'll help you out. He'll help you out. >> We were able to help that vendor out. >> We were able to help that vendor out. >> We were able to help that vendor out. >> Then on the Ramco stage, there was a big >> Then on the Ramco stage, there was a big >> Then on the Ramco stage, there was a big area where they had the um pretty much a area where they had the um pretty much a area where they had the um pretty much a soccer simulator where the kids would soccer simulator where the kids would soccer simulator where the kids would take shots like a penalty and the guys, take shots like a penalty and the guys, take shots like a penalty and the guys, they do all nothing but steel work. They they do all nothing but steel work. They they do all nothing but steel work. They set up the whole Ramco arena stage, but set up the whole Ramco arena stage, but set up the whole Ramco arena stage, but they don't do any wood framing. So, they they don't do any wood framing. So, they they don't do any wood framing. So, they would also say, "Hey, I think Eddie did would also say, "Hey, I think Eddie did would also say, "Hey, I think Eddie did the the platform for those guys. He the the platform for those guys. He the the platform for those guys. He could probably do the could probably do the could probably do the >> the the three walls for you on your >> the the three walls for you on your >> the the three walls for you on your simulator." So, we got a chance to work simulator." So, we got a chance to work simulator." So, we got a chance to work with other vendors on top of just with other vendors on top of just with other vendors on top of just working with FanFest. So, it was a great working with FanFest. So, it was a great working with FanFest. So, it was a great experience and I would always be on site experience and I would always be on site experience and I would always be on site and just checking in and see what's and just checking in and see what's and just checking in and see what's going on. Especially right now that going on. Especially right now that going on. Especially right now that we're uh doing the decommission, we're uh doing the decommission, we're uh doing the decommission, >> I'm going to go check on it and if >> I'm going to go check on it and if >> I'm going to go check on it and if there's any vendors that say, "Hey, my there's any vendors that say, "Hey, my there's any vendors that say, "Hey, my guys are backed up or we need to get out guys are backed up or we need to get out guys are backed up or we need to get out this week. Can you help us with two or this week. Can you help us with two or this week. Can you help us with two or three guys to help us expedite it?"

three guys to help us expedite it?" three guys to help us expedite it?" We'll help them out and then pretty much We'll help them out and then pretty much We'll help them out and then pretty much just charge them for that. just charge them for that. just charge them for that. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> So, there's always open opportunities >> So, there's always open opportunities >> So, there's always open opportunities whenever you go. You're out there in the whenever you go. You're out there in the whenever you go. You're out there in the right place in the right time. right place in the right time. right place in the right time. >> Yeah. No, exactly. And I mean, you know, >> Yeah. No, exactly. And I mean, you know, >> Yeah. No, exactly. And I mean, you know, so you you need to be ready, you need to so you you need to be ready, you need to so you you need to be ready, you need to apply, you need to network, and then you apply, you need to network, and then you apply, you need to network, and then you just need to have your your staff and just need to have your your staff and just need to have your your staff and and everybody good to go. and everybody good to go. and everybody good to go. >> For sure. Yeah. >> For sure. Yeah. >> For sure. Yeah. >> And yeah, we started on May 1st. So from >> And yeah, we started on May 1st. So from >> And yeah, we started on May 1st. So from May 1st, we were I wasn't on site every May 1st, we were I wasn't on site every May 1st, we were I wasn't on site every day, but anytime that they called me, day, but anytime that they called me, day, but anytime that they called me, hey, can we we want to add this scope hey, can we we want to add this scope hey, can we we want to add this scope work, we want to add this, I was there work, we want to add this, I was there work, we want to add this, I was there >> within an hour or two. So, I was close >> within an hour or two. So, I was close >> within an hour or two. So, I was close by the area where they called me for a by the area where they called me for a by the area where they called me for a meeting. I could show up and would walk meeting. I could show up and would walk meeting. I could show up and would walk it and we'll add it to the scope and and it and we'll add it to the scope and and it and we'll add it to the scope and and keep on moving. But, so I was kind of keep on moving. But, so I was kind of keep on moving. But, so I was kind of like their go-to guy with any little like their go-to guy with any little like their go-to guy with any little thing that popped up for the thing that popped up for the thing that popped up for the >> over over 60 days. >> over over 60 days. >> over over 60 days. >> No. >> No. >> No. >> But, you know, besides this, I mean, >> But, you know, besides this, I mean, >> But, you know, besides this, I mean, you've also done your your company has you've also done your your company has you've also done your your company has also done other work in the sports and also done other work in the sports and also done other work in the sports and entertainment uh environment. So, entertainment uh environment. So, entertainment uh environment. So, >> yes, correct. So, we've done we've had >> yes, correct. So, we've done we've had >> yes, correct. So, we've done we've had some experience with the Houston rodeo. some experience with the Houston rodeo. some experience with the Houston rodeo. So, we've done stuff for Telmundo. We So, we've done stuff for Telmundo. We So, we've done stuff for Telmundo. We set up their um pretty much their custom set up their um pretty much their custom set up their um pretty much their custom tent whenever they have it with the big tent whenever they have it with the big tent whenever they have it with the big um broadcast area. We've done stuff from um broadcast area. We've done stuff from um broadcast area. We've done stuff from from that aspect. And then yeah, just from that aspect. And then yeah, just from that aspect. And then yeah, just any opportunities. Um we do a lot of any opportunities. Um we do a lot of any opportunities. Um we do a lot of facility maintenance. So anything from facility maintenance. So anything from facility maintenance. So anything from Starbucks, Canes, Five Guys, Exxon, Starbucks, Canes, Five Guys, Exxon, Starbucks, Canes, Five Guys, Exxon, Shell, Chili's, day or night work Shell, Chili's, day or night work Shell, Chili's, day or night work orders, we're on demand. So they kind of orders, we're on demand. So they kind of orders, we're on demand. So they kind of know our capability and they know, well, know our capability and they know, well, know our capability and they know, well, I know Eddie could probably any little I know Eddie could probably any little I know Eddie could probably any little thing that pops up on a Sunday, we could thing that pops up on a Sunday, we could thing that pops up on a Sunday, we could take care of it.

take care of it. take care of it. >> Yeah. No. And that's that's exactly what >> Yeah. No. And that's that's exactly what >> Yeah. No. And that's that's exactly what you need to do. And I mean that your you need to do. And I mean that your you need to do. And I mean that your project management skills obviously come project management skills obviously come project management skills obviously come into play on this side and then also on into play on this side and then also on into play on this side and then also on the the fan fan side. So that's that's the the fan fan side. So that's that's the the fan fan side. So that's that's wonderful. wonderful. wonderful. >> Yeah. No, we really appreciate the >> Yeah. No, we really appreciate the >> Yeah. No, we really appreciate the opportunity and thank you for helping us opportunity and thank you for helping us opportunity and thank you for helping us out along the way. We really appreciate out along the way. We really appreciate out along the way. We really appreciate everybody that was a part of it and I everybody that was a part of it and I everybody that was a part of it and I think Houston did a really good job. think Houston did a really good job. think Houston did a really good job. >> Everybody loved FanFest. They were >> Everybody loved FanFest. They were >> Everybody loved FanFest. They were talking about it. Um especially when talking about it. Um especially when talking about it. Um especially when there was Mexico games there people six there was Mexico games there people six there was Mexico games there people six hours before the doors open. Um I think hours before the doors open. Um I think hours before the doors open. Um I think um um um >> Oh yeah, >> Oh yeah, >> Oh yeah, >> out of all 39 days, I believe they were >> out of all 39 days, I believe they were >> out of all 39 days, I believe they were open 34. So there was only a couple days open 34. So there was only a couple days open 34. So there was only a couple days that there were no matches. that there were no matches. that there were no matches. >> And I'm pretty sure the FanFest team >> And I'm pretty sure the FanFest team >> And I'm pretty sure the FanFest team were happy about that to take a little were happy about that to take a little were happy about that to take a little break cuz it was the whole city wanted break cuz it was the whole city wanted break cuz it was the whole city wanted to check out FanFest. It was um 7,500 to check out FanFest. It was um 7,500 to check out FanFest. It was um 7,500 people capacity and it would fill up people capacity and it would fill up people capacity and it would fill up quick. And um it was a great time. quick. And um it was a great time. quick. And um it was a great time. Everybody was rushing to get those Bank Everybody was rushing to get those Bank Everybody was rushing to get those Bank of America bracelets. I don't know if of America bracelets. I don't know if of America bracelets. I don't know if you got one, but you got one, but you got one, but >> I did. I did. I went on the preview day. >> I did. I did. I went on the preview day. >> I did. I did. I went on the preview day. There you go. That was one of the hits. There you go. That was one of the hits. There you go. That was one of the hits. And um everybody had a good time. I I And um everybody had a good time. I I And um everybody had a good time. I I really enjoyed it and I like to see the really enjoyed it and I like to see the really enjoyed it and I like to see the city go out there, watch the games, just city go out there, watch the games, just city go out there, watch the games, just the soccer growing and people everybody the soccer growing and people everybody the soccer growing and people everybody was taking their kids, their friends, was taking their kids, their friends, was taking their kids, their friends, their family, their parents. So it was their family, their parents. So it was their family, their parents. So it was good for the city and and it was a great good for the city and and it was a great good for the city and and it was a great experience.

experience. experience. >> So do you think that Houston will host >> So do you think that Houston will host >> So do you think that Houston will host again? again? again? >> I think they did. I think they would. I >> I think they did. I think they would. I >> I think they did. I think they would. I think they did a great job. The seven think they did a great job. The seven think they did a great job. The seven games we did were were amazing and I games we did were were amazing and I games we did were were amazing and I think we we kind of put a stamp that think we we kind of put a stamp that think we we kind of put a stamp that Houston's the spot we need to host and Houston's the spot we need to host and Houston's the spot we need to host and uh uh uh >> we delivered. So, I really want to thank >> we delivered. So, I really want to thank >> we delivered. So, I really want to thank everybody that was part of it because I everybody that was part of it because I everybody that was part of it because I think we we knocked it out the park. think we we knocked it out the park. think we we knocked it out the park. >> Yeah. Yeah. No, I mean I I've talked to >> Yeah. Yeah. No, I mean I I've talked to >> Yeah. Yeah. No, I mean I I've talked to some people that, you know, have come some people that, you know, have come some people that, you know, have come through the city, came to visit and through the city, came to visit and through the city, came to visit and Yeah. they they enjoyed it, Yeah. they they enjoyed it, Yeah. they they enjoyed it, >> you know, despite the heat. I don't >> you know, despite the heat. I don't >> you know, despite the heat. I don't think a lot of people really even think a lot of people really even think a lot of people really even >> they didn't mind. No, >> they didn't mind. No, >> they didn't mind. No, >> you know, and that's that's very that's >> you know, and that's that's very that's >> you know, and that's that's very that's amazing because when you don't mind is amazing because when you don't mind is amazing because when you don't mind is because there was enough or there was a because there was enough or there was a because there was enough or there was a lot more to do so that you didn't have lot more to do so that you didn't have lot more to do so that you didn't have to really think about like, oh, it's to really think about like, oh, it's to really think about like, oh, it's hot. hot. hot. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> You know, they got to enjoy it. >> You know, they got to enjoy it. >> You know, they got to enjoy it. >> There was a lot going on. Like you said, >> There was a lot going on. Like you said, >> There was a lot going on. Like you said, there was uh good activations. Lot the there was uh good activations. Lot the there was uh good activations. Lot the city had a lot of different things going city had a lot of different things going city had a lot of different things going on. It was in the east downtown, on. It was in the east downtown, on. It was in the east downtown, Sugarland, Cypress, Katy, everywhere. Sugarland, Cypress, Katy, everywhere. Sugarland, Cypress, Katy, everywhere. There was some activations for everybody There was some activations for everybody There was some activations for everybody in the community to be a part of it. in the community to be a part of it. in the community to be a part of it. >> And uh it was a great time. Um, I loved >> And uh it was a great time. Um, I loved >> And uh it was a great time. Um, I loved it. NRG was nice. They did a great job it. NRG was nice. They did a great job it. NRG was nice. They did a great job with the facility.

with the facility. with the facility. >> Um, the parking wasn't too bad. I would >> Um, the parking wasn't too bad. I would >> Um, the parking wasn't too bad. I would park um next to it at the Holiday in. park um next to it at the Holiday in. park um next to it at the Holiday in. >> Just had to walk one or two blocks. So, >> Just had to walk one or two blocks. So, >> Just had to walk one or two blocks. So, it was a great time and I think it was a great time and I think it was a great time and I think everybody hopes that it comes back and everybody hopes that it comes back and everybody hopes that it comes back and supposedly they're saying 2038. So, supposedly they're saying 2038. So, supposedly they're saying 2038. So, maybe we got to wait 12 years because maybe we got to wait 12 years because maybe we got to wait 12 years because after this World Cup, it's going to go after this World Cup, it's going to go after this World Cup, it's going to go like you said to Africa, Europe, and like you said to Africa, Europe, and like you said to Africa, Europe, and South America. So, those three are out. South America. So, those three are out. South America. So, those three are out. >> And then 2034 is um Saudi Arabia. And >> And then 2034 is um Saudi Arabia. And >> And then 2034 is um Saudi Arabia. And then there's a chance that it comes back then there's a chance that it comes back then there's a chance that it comes back to North America. So that'd be pretty to North America. So that'd be pretty to North America. So that'd be pretty cool if the US gets it again in 2038. cool if the US gets it again in 2038. cool if the US gets it again in 2038. >> That would be amazing. That would be >> That would be amazing. That would be >> That would be amazing. That would be amazing. And what about the women's amazing. And what about the women's amazing. And what about the women's World Cup? World Cup? World Cup? >> The women's World Cup's nice. It's next >> The women's World Cup's nice. It's next >> The women's World Cup's nice. It's next year, right? year, right? year, right? >> Yeah, >> Yeah, >> Yeah, >> that's that's going to be something. >> that's that's going to be something. >> that's that's going to be something. I've never been to one, so it'd be cool I've never been to one, so it'd be cool I've never been to one, so it'd be cool to attend. I just got to check out what to attend. I just got to check out what to attend. I just got to check out what cities. And I believe some of the cities cities. And I believe some of the cities cities. And I believe some of the cities are the ones that didn't get the World are the ones that didn't get the World are the ones that didn't get the World Cup for men's. There's going to be some Cup for men's. There's going to be some Cup for men's. There's going to be some games in those cities, so got to look games in those cities, so got to look games in those cities, so got to look that up. That'd be cool to check it out. that up. That'd be cool to check it out. that up. That'd be cool to check it out. Especially the the USA women's team. Especially the the USA women's team. Especially the the USA women's team. They've always been pretty well. They They've always been pretty well. They They've always been pretty well. They made it to the finals. They've won made it to the finals. They've won made it to the finals. They've won championships. So, it'd be nice to go championships. So, it'd be nice to go championships. So, it'd be nice to go support them. support them. support them. >> Yeah, I was I was talking to a friend >> Yeah, I was I was talking to a friend >> Yeah, I was I was talking to a friend about it. Uh because, you know, in about it. Uh because, you know, in about it. Uh because, you know, in Salvador, we have a we have a good Salvador, we have a we have a good Salvador, we have a we have a good women's team. Nice.

women's team. Nice. women's team. Nice. >> And so, I'm crossing my fingers and >> And so, I'm crossing my fingers and >> And so, I'm crossing my fingers and hoping that they make it because it hoping that they make it because it hoping that they make it because it would be a great excuse to make it out would be a great excuse to make it out would be a great excuse to make it out to Brazil. to Brazil. to Brazil. >> There you go. No, that'd be a great >> There you go. No, that'd be a great >> There you go. No, that'd be a great time. That'd be real good. time. That'd be real good. time. That'd be real good. >> Be really fun. Um well, and so my just >> Be really fun. Um well, and so my just >> Be really fun. Um well, and so my just to kind of wrap it up here. So this year to kind of wrap it up here. So this year to kind of wrap it up here. So this year there was a lot of changes you know there was a lot of changes you know there was a lot of changes you know overall with World Cup. I mean the the overall with World Cup. I mean the the overall with World Cup. I mean the the size um the I'm sorry the amount of size um the I'm sorry the amount of size um the I'm sorry the amount of teams um some of the different elements teams um some of the different elements teams um some of the different elements that they added into the actual game. that they added into the actual game. that they added into the actual game. What how would you say that these What how would you say that these What how would you say that these changes have impacted or where do you changes have impacted or where do you changes have impacted or where do you kind of see you know football and the kind of see you know football and the kind of see you know football and the World Cup going? World Cup going? World Cup going? >> Yeah, one of the main changes that >> Yeah, one of the main changes that >> Yeah, one of the main changes that everybody saw was a hydration break everybody saw was a hydration break everybody saw was a hydration break which I don't mind it to be honest. Um, which I don't mind it to be honest. Um, which I don't mind it to be honest. Um, if you ever play soccer, going 45 if you ever play soccer, going 45 if you ever play soccer, going 45 minutes without a break, that's pretty minutes without a break, that's pretty minutes without a break, that's pretty intense, which we're used to it, but intense, which we're used to it, but intense, which we're used to it, but with time it's okay to take a break. with time it's okay to take a break. with time it's okay to take a break. It's literally 3 minutes, get some water It's literally 3 minutes, get some water It's literally 3 minutes, get some water and get back out there, right? and get back out there, right? and get back out there, right? >> So, I guess they were doing that for >> So, I guess they were doing that for >> So, I guess they were doing that for safety precautions because it's like you safety precautions because it's like you safety precautions because it's like you were saying, it's super hot. were saying, it's super hot. were saying, it's super hot. >> Most of the stadiums were closed, but >> Most of the stadiums were closed, but >> Most of the stadiums were closed, but this um Sunday at Metife, that one's this um Sunday at Metife, that one's this um Sunday at Metife, that one's open. There's some other open stadiums.

open. There's some other open stadiums. open. There's some other open stadiums. So, it was good for the players, and So, it was good for the players, and So, it was good for the players, and it's not that bad for three-hour break. it's not that bad for three-hour break. it's not that bad for three-hour break. I mean, three minute break. And then the I mean, three minute break. And then the I mean, three minute break. And then the rest for rest for rest for >> the future. I think that um soccer after >> the future. I think that um soccer after >> the future. I think that um soccer after this is going to grow. I think it'll be this is going to grow. I think it'll be this is going to grow. I think it'll be a top three sport in the US. I think it a top three sport in the US. I think it a top three sport in the US. I think it might be uh football, baseball, soccer. might be uh football, baseball, soccer. might be uh football, baseball, soccer. It might knock off basketball. It might knock off basketball. It might knock off basketball. Basketball's doing good, but I think the Basketball's doing good, but I think the Basketball's doing good, but I think the the viewership's going a little down the viewership's going a little down the viewership's going a little down just because nobody plays defense just because nobody plays defense just because nobody plays defense anymore as they're all shooting threes. anymore as they're all shooting threes. anymore as they're all shooting threes. And uh a lot of people I think soccer And uh a lot of people I think soccer And uh a lot of people I think soccer after experiencing it, after going to after experiencing it, after going to after experiencing it, after going to FanFest, after going to a game, they're FanFest, after going to a game, they're FanFest, after going to a game, they're going to be like, "Wow, this is amaz." going to be like, "Wow, this is amaz." going to be like, "Wow, this is amaz." So a lot of the kids are going to start So a lot of the kids are going to start So a lot of the kids are going to start playing. And I know there's a lot of playing. And I know there's a lot of playing. And I know there's a lot of legacy programs where they're building a legacy programs where they're building a legacy programs where they're building a lot of parks for kids to keep on lot of parks for kids to keep on lot of parks for kids to keep on playing, enjoying the sport. And I look playing, enjoying the sport. And I look playing, enjoying the sport. And I look forward to that. And there's any way I forward to that. And there's any way I forward to that. And there's any way I could be involved, I'm going start could be involved, I'm going start could be involved, I'm going start coaching. And uh once I start having coaching. And uh once I start having coaching. And uh once I start having kids, I want to be involved and just kids, I want to be involved and just kids, I want to be involved and just grow the game in next 10 years. grow the game in next 10 years. grow the game in next 10 years. Hopefully um soccer gets up there and Hopefully um soccer gets up there and Hopefully um soccer gets up there and more people get to enjoy here in the more people get to enjoy here in the more people get to enjoy here in the city and the nation. city and the nation. city and the nation. >> Yeah, it's awesome. I mean, I I >> Yeah, it's awesome. I mean, I I >> Yeah, it's awesome. I mean, I I completely agree with you. I I think completely agree with you. I I think completely agree with you. I I think that there's a lot of people that maybe, that there's a lot of people that maybe, that there's a lot of people that maybe, you know, even in our circles that we you know, even in our circles that we you know, even in our circles that we didn't maybe didn't follow the game, but didn't maybe didn't follow the game, but didn't maybe didn't follow the game, but then this was it's a proita that they then this was it's a proita that they then this was it's a proita that they needed. Um, and even on social media, I needed. Um, and even on social media, I needed. Um, and even on social media, I mean, you're seeing it with a lot of mean, you're seeing it with a lot of mean, you're seeing it with a lot of content creators and just people in content creators and just people in content creators and just people in general who are saying, "Wow, I had no general who are saying, "Wow, I had no general who are saying, "Wow, I had no idea that this is what the game was."

idea that this is what the game was." idea that this is what the game was." >> And yes, they are >> And yes, they are >> And yes, they are >> they definitely got the best of the >> they definitely got the best of the >> they definitely got the best of the best, right? the most elite players, the best, right? the most elite players, the best, right? the most elite players, the the best teams, um you know, and even the best teams, um you know, and even the best teams, um you know, and even those teams that you didn't think those teams that you didn't think those teams that you didn't think >> maybe deserve to be there, right? Quote >> maybe deserve to be there, right? Quote >> maybe deserve to be there, right? Quote unquote, unquote, unquote, >> they absolutely showed up. >> they absolutely showed up. >> they absolutely showed up. >> Definitely. Definitely. Like, they did >> Definitely. Definitely. Like, they did >> Definitely. Definitely. Like, they did an amazing performance. Uh they played an amazing performance. Uh they played an amazing performance. Uh they played against Argentina, they took him to against Argentina, they took him to against Argentina, they took him to extra times. So, imagine that one of the extra times. So, imagine that one of the extra times. So, imagine that one of the smallest countries taking the world smallest countries taking the world smallest countries taking the world champs to extra times. They played here champs to extra times. They played here champs to extra times. They played here against Saudi Arabia in Houston. It was against Saudi Arabia in Houston. It was against Saudi Arabia in Houston. It was pretty cool to see those guys and um pretty cool to see those guys and um pretty cool to see those guys and um just everybody else. Kurasa, it was just everybody else. Kurasa, it was just everybody else. Kurasa, it was their first World Cup. They got to play their first World Cup. They got to play their first World Cup. They got to play here at NRG. So, we had some special here at NRG. So, we had some special here at NRG. So, we had some special moments here in Houston and moments here in Houston and moments here in Houston and >> I think it was amazing. Um especially a >> I think it was amazing. Um especially a >> I think it was amazing. Um especially a lot of people even if they weren't lot of people even if they weren't lot of people even if they weren't soccer fans, they were soccer fans, they were soccer fans, they were >> they were just waiting for what's the >> they were just waiting for what's the >> they were just waiting for what's the next match. So, next match. So, next match. So, >> the World Cup ended and everybody's >> the World Cup ended and everybody's >> the World Cup ended and everybody's like, "Man, I really missed that." We like, "Man, I really missed that." We like, "Man, I really missed that." We had four games that in one day we had had four games that in one day we had had four games that in one day we had you wake up, you watch a game, you go to you wake up, you watch a game, you go to you wake up, you watch a game, you go to sleep, you watch a game. There's a lot sleep, you watch a game. There's a lot sleep, you watch a game. There's a lot of good of good of good >> good action and I think it was one of >> good action and I think it was one of >> good action and I think it was one of the best World Cups ever. Yeah. What the best World Cups ever. Yeah. What the best World Cups ever. Yeah. What about you?

about you? about you? >> I do too. I do too and I am very excited >> I do too. I do too and I am very excited >> I do too. I do too and I am very excited about what it means about the impact about what it means about the impact about what it means about the impact about the legacy and about the legacy and about the legacy and >> you know just and also having these new >> you know just and also having these new >> you know just and also having these new fans come into into the fold because we fans come into into the fold because we fans come into into the fold because we >> I know we've we've been we we've been >> I know we've we've been we we've been >> I know we've we've been we we've been out there you know trying to grow this out there you know trying to grow this out there you know trying to grow this game and so now um there's game and so now um there's game and so now um there's >> now it's really more about upkeeping >> now it's really more about upkeeping >> now it's really more about upkeeping >> for sure. like upkeeping and making sure >> for sure. like upkeeping and making sure >> for sure. like upkeeping and making sure that you know we continue to like that you know we continue to like that you know we continue to like provide the environment for kids to provide the environment for kids to provide the environment for kids to explore the game um for new new fans to explore the game um for new new fans to explore the game um for new new fans to come and watch you know games and then come and watch you know games and then come and watch you know games and then also like I want to see more also like I want to see more also like I want to see more international games here in Houston. I international games here in Houston. I international games here in Houston. I want to see more more women uh more uh want to see more more women uh more uh want to see more more women uh more uh women's games here in Houston. I mean I women's games here in Houston. I mean I women's games here in Houston. I mean I just I I I think that there's there's a just I I I think that there's there's a just I I I think that there's there's a lot a lot that we can do. lot a lot that we can do. lot a lot that we can do. >> Yeah. And also what do we learn from the >> Yeah. And also what do we learn from the >> Yeah. And also what do we learn from the World Cup? So basically like some World Cup? So basically like some World Cup? So basically like some examples like you saw whenever examples like you saw whenever examples like you saw whenever Netherlands was here they did the big Netherlands was here they did the big Netherlands was here they did the big march with the orange bus and they had march with the orange bus and they had march with the orange bus and they had over thousands of fans follow it like over thousands of fans follow it like over thousands of fans follow it like why don't we pick something up like that why don't we pick something up like that why don't we pick something up like that like with the dynamo. You don't have to like with the dynamo. You don't have to like with the dynamo. You don't have to do it every match but like say one or do it every match but like say one or do it every match but like say one or twice a season you get an orange bus you twice a season you get an orange bus you twice a season you get an orange bus you talk to Metro they donate it you paint talk to Metro they donate it you paint talk to Metro they donate it you paint it orange and just build from what we it orange and just build from what we it orange and just build from what we learned. So having something like that learned. So having something like that learned. So having something like that would be pretty cool. Just the new would be pretty cool. Just the new would be pretty cool. Just the new traditions and just learn from the the traditions and just learn from the the traditions and just learn from the the seven games that were here. What did we seven games that were here. What did we seven games that were here. What did we learn from Kurasa? What did we learn learn from Kurasa? What did we learn learn from Kurasa? What did we learn from Netherlands? What did we learn from from Netherlands? What did we learn from from Netherlands? What did we learn from Portugal? Like all those different fan Portugal? Like all those different fan Portugal? Like all those different fan bases that they came and showed us bases that they came and showed us bases that they came and showed us something different about the beautiful something different about the beautiful something different about the beautiful game.

game. game. >> No, it's true. It's true. And you know >> No, it's true. It's true. And you know >> No, it's true. It's true. And you know what we need because we we had that what we need because we we had that what we need because we we had that orange bus. So at the Dynamo, I remember orange bus. So at the Dynamo, I remember orange bus. So at the Dynamo, I remember Teo um Pineda, I think that's his name. Teo um Pineda, I think that's his name. Teo um Pineda, I think that's his name. He had the little orange bus and we He had the little orange bus and we He had the little orange bus and we actually used it for some of the actually used it for some of the actually used it for some of the marketing. um some marketing promotions marketing. um some marketing promotions marketing. um some marketing promotions that we did back in the day, but we need that we did back in the day, but we need that we did back in the day, but we need to bring that back for sure and we need to bring that back for sure and we need to bring that back for sure and we need to do more with the supporter groups to do more with the supporter groups to do more with the supporter groups because they already have they already because they already have they already because they already have they already have the vibe, right? So now it's how have the vibe, right? So now it's how have the vibe, right? So now it's how can we uplift that even further and how can we uplift that even further and how can we uplift that even further and how can we can we can we >> make sure that um >> make sure that um >> make sure that um >> more of the regular fans are also >> more of the regular fans are also >> more of the regular fans are also interacting with the supporters so that interacting with the supporters so that interacting with the supporters so that some of those traditions truly grow. some of those traditions truly grow. some of those traditions truly grow. >> For sure. No, I agree. And like I said, >> For sure. No, I agree. And like I said, >> For sure. No, I agree. And like I said, it could be once or twice a season. it could be once or twice a season. it could be once or twice a season. Maybe on a big match against Inter Miami Maybe on a big match against Inter Miami Maybe on a big match against Inter Miami and Messi, you see the bus coming and and Messi, you see the bus coming and and Messi, you see the bus coming and the whole Dynamo Stadium just turns the whole Dynamo Stadium just turns the whole Dynamo Stadium just turns orange or maybe it's a rivalry match orange or maybe it's a rivalry match orange or maybe it's a rivalry match against Austin FC or Dallas. against Austin FC or Dallas. against Austin FC or Dallas. >> One of those. But some good ideas and I >> One of those. But some good ideas and I >> One of those. But some good ideas and I think we're going to learn a lot from think we're going to learn a lot from think we're going to learn a lot from this World Cup and it's just going to this World Cup and it's just going to this World Cup and it's just going to make us even better. make us even better. make us even better. >> Yeah. Well, this is very exciting and I >> Yeah. Well, this is very exciting and I >> Yeah. Well, this is very exciting and I mean 2030 we're we're getting ready for mean 2030 we're we're getting ready for mean 2030 we're we're getting ready for it. We're getting ready for next year.

it. We're getting ready for next year. it. We're getting ready for next year. And um Eddie, thank you so much for for And um Eddie, thank you so much for for And um Eddie, thank you so much for for being here with us and sharing not only being here with us and sharing not only being here with us and sharing not only your World Cup journey and experience, your World Cup journey and experience, your World Cup journey and experience, but then also from the business side, but then also from the business side, but then also from the business side, right? What that impact really looks right? What that impact really looks right? What that impact really looks like for small business or, you know, like for small business or, you know, like for small business or, you know, for business, local business, um and for business, local business, um and for business, local business, um and what are some of the things that what are some of the things that what are some of the things that business owners can do or must do in business owners can do or must do in business owners can do or must do in order to um seize these opportunities? order to um seize these opportunities? order to um seize these opportunities? >> For sure. And like I said, I'm always >> For sure. And like I said, I'm always >> For sure. And like I said, I'm always here to help. So my Instagram is here to help. So my Instagram is here to help. So my Instagram is [email protected]. [email protected]. [email protected]. That's my email. remodelhtx That's my email. remodelhtx That's my email. remodelhtx on Instagram and Eddie Mendoza PR on on Instagram and Eddie Mendoza PR on on Instagram and Eddie Mendoza PR on Instagram. So any questions they have, Instagram. So any questions they have, Instagram. So any questions they have, I'm here to help. Send me a DM and uh I I'm here to help. Send me a DM and uh I I'm here to help. Send me a DM and uh I could help you prepare for the next could help you prepare for the next could help you prepare for the next event or if there's any bid event or if there's any bid event or if there's any bid opportunities that you kind of have some opportunities that you kind of have some opportunities that you kind of have some questions about. That's what we're here questions about. That's what we're here questions about. That's what we're here for, to help the community. for, to help the community. for, to help the community. >> That's awesome. Cool. Well, will you >> That's awesome. Cool. Well, will you >> That's awesome. Cool. Well, will you stay with us for the the stay with us for the the stay with us for the the >> Definitely. Yes. >> Definitely. Yes. >> Definitely. Yes. >> The remainder of the show. >> The remainder of the show. >> The remainder of the show. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Awesome. Well, thank you so much, Eddie. >> Awesome. Well, thank you so much, Eddie. >> Awesome. Well, thank you so much, Eddie. And you know, one of the things that we And you know, one of the things that we And you know, one of the things that we started um because our first guest was started um because our first guest was started um because our first guest was Katie Omana. She's a a Latina sports uh Katie Omana. She's a a Latina sports uh Katie Omana. She's a a Latina sports uh photojournalist.

photojournalist. photojournalist. >> Nice. >> Nice. >> Nice. >> We started the Enya photo of the week. >> We started the Enya photo of the week. >> We started the Enya photo of the week. And so this week she sent us um we're And so this week she sent us um we're And so this week she sent us um we're going to call it a throwback. [laughter] going to call it a throwback. [laughter] going to call it a throwback. [laughter] >> A throwback from the semifinals. >> A throwback from the semifinals. >> A throwback from the semifinals. >> Okay. Okay. Uh, so this is the Enya >> Okay. Okay. Uh, so this is the Enya >> Okay. Okay. Uh, so this is the Enya photo of the week and it is our 2026 photo of the week and it is our 2026 photo of the week and it is our 2026 FIFA World Cup champion Spain um when FIFA World Cup champion Spain um when FIFA World Cup champion Spain um when they were playing they were playing they were playing France there in Dallas. And so you were France there in Dallas. And so you were France there in Dallas. And so you were at that game. at that game. at that game. >> Yeah. So I was actually at that game. I >> Yeah. So I was actually at that game. I >> Yeah. So I was actually at that game. I was rooting for uh France. I really like was rooting for uh France. I really like was rooting for uh France. I really like how they were playing. Mbappe OS how they were playing. Mbappe OS how they were playing. Mbappe OS Dembele. They just had an amazing Dembele. They just had an amazing Dembele. They just had an amazing attack. But just the fact that um Spain attack. But just the fact that um Spain attack. But just the fact that um Spain could just neutralize them, control the could just neutralize them, control the could just neutralize them, control the mid and pretty much that was the best mid and pretty much that was the best mid and pretty much that was the best attack in the World Cup and he just shut attack in the World Cup and he just shut attack in the World Cup and he just shut him down. I was like, "Wow, these guys him down. I was like, "Wow, these guys him down. I was like, "Wow, these guys are legit." So Spain played really well. are legit." So Spain played really well. are legit." So Spain played really well. They ended up winning and uh Spain went They ended up winning and uh Spain went They ended up winning and uh Spain went on to win the final. But that game was on to win the final. But that game was on to win the final. But that game was kind of my wake up call where, wow, they kind of my wake up call where, wow, they kind of my wake up call where, wow, they they took out Mbappe, Ois, Dembele, all they took out Mbappe, Ois, Dembele, all they took out Mbappe, Ois, Dembele, all the all the strikers that were scoring the all the strikers that were scoring the all the strikers that were scoring one or two goals every match.

one or two goals every match. one or two goals every match. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And they played really well as a team. >> And they played really well as a team. >> And they played really well as a team. So that's where I kind of told myself I So that's where I kind of told myself I So that's where I kind of told myself I think Spain will take it if they make it think Spain will take it if they make it think Spain will take it if they make it to the final. to the final. to the final. >> Yeah. And they have such a young squad. >> Yeah. And they have such a young squad. >> Yeah. And they have such a young squad. So So So >> a lot of their players are 19, 23. They >> a lot of their players are 19, 23. They >> a lot of their players are 19, 23. They still got one or two more World Cups still got one or two more World Cups still got one or two more World Cups with them. So and especially the next with them. So and especially the next with them. So and especially the next World Cup is going to be in in Spain. So World Cup is going to be in in Spain. So World Cup is going to be in in Spain. So that's going to be special for them. that's going to be special for them. that's going to be special for them. >> And then they go to Portugal, which is >> And then they go to Portugal, which is >> And then they go to Portugal, which is close by. Morocco is close by. So they close by. Morocco is close by. So they close by. Morocco is close by. So they don't got to travel that far. don't got to travel that far. don't got to travel that far. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And normally when you're a host country, >> And normally when you're a host country, >> And normally when you're a host country, you kind of play your most of your games you kind of play your most of your games you kind of play your most of your games in in your country. So that'll be good in in your country. So that'll be good in in your country. So that'll be good for them. And for them. And for them. And >> they got an amazing team. So maybe they >> they got an amazing team. So maybe they >> they got an amazing team. So maybe they could repeat. could repeat. could repeat. >> So they they really line things up for >> So they they really line things up for >> So they they really line things up for next for for next World Cup basically. next for for next World Cup basically. next for for next World Cup basically. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] >> Yeah. Yeah. Or maybe France gets their >> Yeah. Yeah. Or maybe France gets their >> Yeah. Yeah. Or maybe France gets their revenge and they they make it to the revenge and they they make it to the revenge and they they make it to the final. Maybe they see each other in the final. Maybe they see each other in the final. Maybe they see each other in the final. That'd be nice. final. That'd be nice. final. That'd be nice. >> That's true. >> That's true. >> That's true. >> France, Spain 2030. >> France, Spain 2030. >> France, Spain 2030. >> Wow. Well, this that's going to be I'm >> Wow. Well, this that's going to be I'm >> Wow. Well, this that's going to be I'm already looking forward to it. So need already looking forward to it. So need already looking forward to it. So need to need to get h going with uh with the to need to get h going with uh with the to need to get h going with uh with the savings plan and everything for 2030. savings plan and everything for 2030. savings plan and everything for 2030. >> Um well, and so I want to give a shout >> Um well, and so I want to give a shout >> Um well, and so I want to give a shout out. So today I am wearing my Midas out. So today I am wearing my Midas out. So today I am wearing my Midas Soccer Academy jersey and this is an or Soccer Academy jersey and this is an or Soccer Academy jersey and this is an or a nonprofit organization that's here in a nonprofit organization that's here in a nonprofit organization that's here in Houston and um started founded by BOL Houston and um started founded by BOL Houston and um started founded by BOL Arashi and so I just want to give a Arashi and so I just want to give a Arashi and so I just want to give a shout out because they're doing an shout out because they're doing an shout out because they're doing an amazing um job in providing you know amazing um job in providing you know amazing um job in providing you know soccer academy for for the community and soccer academy for for the community and soccer academy for for the community and uh Bayion has has just been amazing and uh Bayion has has just been amazing and uh Bayion has has just been amazing and or a a huge force in um making sure that

or a a huge force in um making sure that or a a huge force in um making sure that kids are are invested in the sport. And kids are are invested in the sport. And kids are are invested in the sport. And so major shout out to to him. And I also so major shout out to to him. And I also so major shout out to to him. And I also want to give you guys a little preview want to give you guys a little preview want to give you guys a little preview about our East Aldine football uh what about our East Aldine football uh what about our East Aldine football uh what we're doing up in East Aldine. So roll we're doing up in East Aldine. So roll we're doing up in East Aldine. So roll the video. East Aldine, are you ready to the video. East Aldine, are you ready to the video. East Aldine, are you ready to play? Registrations are open for East play? Registrations are open for East play? Registrations are open for East Aldine district's football paratos Aldine district's football paratos Aldine district's football paratos program. We're hosting free soccer camps program. We're hosting free soccer camps program. We're hosting free soccer camps this summer for kids 6 to 15 years old. this summer for kids 6 to 15 years old. this summer for kids 6 to 15 years old. For more information, visit east For more information, visit east For more information, visit east alaldine.org. Yeah. So, we're growing the game and we Yeah. So, we're growing the game and we want to make sure that East Aldine is want to make sure that East Aldine is want to make sure that East Aldine is providing um opportunities and so make providing um opportunities and so make providing um opportunities and so make sure to go to east aldine. So that you sure to go to east aldine. So that you sure to go to east aldine. So that you can register for the camps that are can register for the camps that are can register for the camps that are currently happening and the ones that currently happening and the ones that currently happening and the ones that will be happening this fall. But thank will be happening this fall. But thank will be happening this fall. But thank you Eddie again for being here. And I you Eddie again for being here. And I you Eddie again for being here. And I just want to remind everybody that um just want to remind everybody that um just want to remind everybody that um every Wednesday at 10 a.m. you'll see us every Wednesday at 10 a.m. you'll see us every Wednesday at 10 a.m. you'll see us here on Facebook, Instagram, and here on Facebook, Instagram, and here on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. And so thank you so much for YouTube. And so thank you so much for YouTube. And so thank you so much for being part of the football takeover.

being part of the football takeover. being part of the football takeover. Yeah.