Ride for the Brand: Cody Davenport’s Mission of Legacy and Loyalty

Cody Davenport leans casually on a fence, smiling with a cowboy hat in hand and dressed in denim.

Cody Davenport isn’t the kind of CEO who spends his days behind a desk, distant from the work that drives the heart of his organization. Instead, the leader of the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo is a hands-on, boots-in-the-dirt Texan who can often be found alongside volunteers, loading livestock, or training with his staff … Read more

Broken Windows, Dead Roses, and Brown Patches

Portrait of Coach Stan Leech in a black suit and striped tie, smiling confidently against a black backdrop.

I remember it well. We were in the Williamsons’ backyard, playing our usual brand of neighborhood baseball, a mix of hustle, imagination, and questionable judgment. I got hold of a great pitch and sent it soaring…straight through the neighbor’s kitchen window. We all scattered like we were running from the law. A few yards later, … Read more

How Do You Experience Your Whiskey?

Renita Reavis smiling in front of a home, representing her passion for Texas whiskey and distilling.

We all have our preferences on how to enjoy a pour of our favorite whiskey, but have you considered whether you are drinking it correctly? Are special glasses to sip on whiskey only for those who, like me, enjoy being full-on hobbyists who might have taken things too far? Your preference is correct. There are … Read more

THE PLAZA

An elderly John Eddie Vogt in a red plaid shirt standing outdoors with a gentle smile, embodying wisdom and nostalgia.

Published in 2011, the late John Eddie Vogt’s book, Witches, Bitches, and Other Small Town Folks, brings to life the quirky, unforgettable, and entertaining tales of growing up and living in Kendall County from the 1930s through the 1960s. Thanks to the gracious permission of his family, The Kendall Gentleman is honored to share excerpts … Read more

Hope for Heroes Texas, Kendall County Featured Hero: Manny Casarez

Fire Chief Manny Cazares stands between fire trucks in uniform, smiling with pride and professionalism.

When Fire Chief Manny Casarez pinned the firefighter’s badge on his son, it wasn’t just a career milestone – it was the culmination of two decades of service, sacrifice, and purpose. Now leading the Boerne Fire Department, Casarez brings that same spirit of dedication to the Kendall County community every day. Originally drawn to firefighting … Read more

Albert Carl Riedel: Kendall County’s Unsung Storyteller

Tom Allred, a respected Kendall County leader and contributor to The Kendall Gentleman, photographed in classic Western attire.

In a world before instant gratification and digital archives, one man in the heart of the Texas Hill Country took it upon himself to ensure that the vibrant, hard-won stories of Kendall County’s past weren’t lost to the winds of time. Meet Albert C. Riedel (1851–1924), a name that might not be on every monument, … Read more

BetterMENt: Wildlife Exemptions vs Agricultural Exemptions, Conservation Easements and FLPs: Differences and Benefits

Sam McGee in a dark suit and cowboy hat, smiling confidently in a professional studio portrait.

Exploring Land Use Tax Benefits and Estate Planning Strategies for Wealthy Kendall County Families with Ranchland It is no secret that Kendall County has some pretty wealthy families living here. We have a heart for community, preservation, and our values are as timeless as the setting sun. Unfortunately, it is also not a secret to … Read more

A Gentleman’s Code: What It Still Means to Be a Man

Michael G. Ethridge stands at a wooden fence in the Texas Hill Country, wearing a cowboy hat and a thoughtful expression.

July is when the flags come out – on porches, in parades, on the backs of pickup trucks heading to river crossings and backyard cookouts. We celebrate independence, grit, and a country built by men who weren’t afraid to work hard, speak plainly, and live by conviction. So it seems like the right time to … Read more