The Kendall Gentleman
Contributors
Meet The Kendall Gentleman contributors.
Michael G Ethridge
Role at The Kendall Gentleman: Owner and publisher
Writes about: Publisher’s Note, Cover Stories
Background: Michael G. Ethridge is the owner and publisher of The Kendall Gentleman. He has built the magazine into a trusted voice that blends storytelling, local history and modern lifestyle content, and he previously hosted the Grand Old Chat on Boerne Radio 103.9 FM.
Kendall County connection: Born and raised in Boerne; Boerne High School Class of 2006; Founding Director of Das Festival of Kendall; board member of the Comfort Chamber of Commerce and Hill Country Aid & Relief.
Selected stories:
- Wes Holekamp: The Long Road Home
- Faithful in the Small Things
- Peyton Turk: A Destination, Not a Chore
- Knowing What Is Important
- A Man’s Word
Short bio for the author page: Michael G. Ethridge, a Boerne native, is the owner and publisher of The Kendall Gentleman.
Tom Allred
Role at The Kendall Gentleman: Contributor
Writes about: History
Background: Tom Allred, born in 1949, has a passion for uncovering local history, especially stories of men who made significant contributions to their communities. His interest in history was influenced by his great-uncle, James V. Allred, the 33rd Governor of Texas.
Kendall County connection: Moved from San Antonio to Kendall County in 1993 and has lived here since.
Selected stories:
- The Holekamps: A Family That Helped Build Kendall County
- Ernst Kapp and the Extraordinary Community of Sisterdale
- August Hoffmann: A German-Texan Survivor of War, Principle, and the Hill Country Frontier
- Men of the Hill Country: Kendall County’s Legacy in America’s 250-Year Story
- Hermann Lange (1844 to 1862): A Hill Country Unionist Remembered A Young Life Lost in the Struggle for Principle
Short bio for the author page: Tom Allred, born in 1949, has lived in Kendall County since 1993 and is a dedicated contributor to The Kendall Gentleman. Inspired by his great-uncle, James V. Allred, the 33rd Governor of Texas, Tom explores local history and the legacies of men who shaped their communities.
Stan Leech
Role at The Kendall Gentleman: Contributor
Writes about: Faith & Leadership
Background: Stan Leech is a legendary high school basketball coach, now in his 42nd year with Boerne ISD and his 28th as Athletic Director.
Kendall County connection: In his 42nd year with Boerne ISD; has taught Sunday School at First Baptist Church for over 30 years.
Selected stories:
Short bio for the author page: Coach Stan Leech is in his 42nd year with Boerne ISD and his 28th as Athletic Director, and has taught Sunday School at First Baptist Church for over 30 years.
Jonathan Mallard
Role at The Kendall Gentleman: Director of Photography, Contributor
Writes about: Hope for Heroes Texas Feature, Cover Stories, Behind the Lens
Background: Jonathan R. Mallard is a retired U.S. Army Sergeant and Combat Medic who served with the 772nd Forward Surgical Team, 101st Airborne Division, providing lifesaving care in Iraq and Afghanistan. After more than a decade with the 36th Infantry Division, he now captures stories of faith and community through photography across the Texas Hill Country while pursuing a Theology degree at Grand Canyon University.
Selected stories:
- More Than the Medicine
- Grounded in What Matters
- Hope for Heroes: Serving the Community He Calls Home
- Hope for Heroes: Jose Javier Escalante
- Finding Home Through Service
Short bio for the author page: Jonathan R. Mallard, a retired U.S. Army Sergeant and Combat Medic, is the Director of Photography for The Kendall Gentleman.
Jed Mazour
Role at The Kendall Gentleman: Contributor
Writes about: Outdoors
Background: Jed Mazour is an avid outdoorsman who leads the faith-based Boerne Bass Club, helping youth anglers in grades 6 through 12 compete in bass fishing.
Kendall County connection: Has lived in Boerne for over 30 years with his wife, Denise, and their two kids.
Selected stories:
- The Call of the Wild
- Summer Shootout at Inks Lake
- The Perfect Weekend in Boerne, Texas
- Passion and Christ
- The Pecos River and The Starlight Canvas
Short bio for the author page: Jed Mazour, a Boerne resident for over 30 years, is an avid outdoorsman who leads the faith-based Boerne Bass Club.
Renita Reavis
Role at The Kendall Gentleman: Contributor
Writes about: Whiskey, Spirit Reviews
Background: Renita Reavis is an Army veteran and whiskey enthusiast with a passion for craft distilleries in Texas and around the world. She completed the Executive Bourbon Steward course through Moonshine University in Louisville, Kentucky, and Whiskey Sommelier Level 1 through the Wizard Academy in Austin, Texas.
Kendall County connection: Boerne resident for 15 years.
Selected stories:
- Back to School: Whiskey Style
- A Trip of a Lifetime: Edinburgh, Scotland
- Mashbills: The Agricultural Recipe for Whiskey
- Bottle-In-Bond: The First Whiskey Guaranteed to Be Safe to Drink
- Be It Resolved: A Whiskey Lover’s New Year
Short bio for the author page: Renita Reavis, a 15-year Boerne resident and Army veteran, is a whiskey enthusiast passionate about craft distilleries. She holds an Executive Bourbon Steward certification and Whiskey Sommelier Level 1, blending her love for unique flavors with rich experiences, friendships, and mentorships in the whiskey world.
Clay Smoot
Role at The Kendall Gentleman: Contributor
Writes about: Cigar Reviews
Background: Clay Smoot is the owner of The Cigar Society, a local business dedicated to offering premium cigars for aficionados. His selection is available at Kendall County spots like Free Roam Brewing Company and Roc-N-Ritas.
Selected stories:
Short bio for the author page: Clay Smoot owns The Cigar Society, a local business offering premium cigars.
John Eddie Vogt
Role at The Kendall Gentleman: Author of Witches, Bitches, and Other Small Town Folks
Writes about: Musings of JEV
Background: The late John Eddie Vogt wrote Witches, Bitches, and Other Small Town Folks, published in 2011, a book of tales about growing up and living in Kendall County from the 1930s through the 1960s. The Kendall Gentleman shares excerpts from it with his family’s permission.
Kendall County connection: Grew up and lived in Kendall County; former Kendall County judge and local historian.
Selected stories:
- Musings of JEV: The Boerne Limited
- Musings of JEV: Town Water Tank
- Uncle Willie and Zodiac Farming
- Musings of JEV: Earl Wellborn
- Felipe and the Schwarz Field
Short bio for the author page: The late John Eddie Vogt wrote Witches, Bitches, and Other Small Town Folks, stories of growing up in Kendall County that run as the Musings of JEV column.
Dale Adams
Role at The Kendall Gentleman: Contributor
Writes about: BetterMENt
Background: Dale Adams owns The Boerne Bookshop, where his passion for stories and community thrives. He has called various places across the U.S. home.
Kendall County connection: Settled in the hills outside Boerne with his wife, Jaye; owner of The Boerne Bookshop.
Selected stories:
- BetterMENt: The Importance of Dialogue
- BetterMENt: The Relentless Pursuit of Understanding
- Why I Read
Short bio for the author page: Dale Adams owns The Boerne Bookshop and lives in the hills outside Boerne with his wife, Jaye.
Frank Addington
Role at The Kendall Gentleman: Contributor
Writes about: BetterMENt
Background: Frank Addington is a world-record-setting professional archer known for his skill with Hoyt recurve bows. He is also a sales associate at Texas Ranch Sales on Main Street in Boerne and was named 2024’s Top Listing Associate.
Kendall County connection: Lives locally with his wife, Amanda, and their two sons; works at Texas Ranch Sales on Main Street in Boerne.
Selected stories:
Short bio for the author page: Frank Addington is a world-record-setting professional archer and a sales associate at Texas Ranch Sales in Boerne.
Louis Barnes
Role at The Kendall Gentleman: Contributor
Writes about: BetterMENt
Background: Louis Barnes attended Baylor University and has a background in accounting and finance, along with pursuits in writing and filmmaking.
Kendall County connection: Spent his formative years in Boerne and returned home after several years in Houston; lives in Boerne with his wife and young son.
Selected stories:
Short bio for the author page: Louis Barnes grew up in Boerne, attended Baylor University and returned home with his wife and young son. He has a background in accounting and finance and pursues writing and filmmaking.
Brayden Church
Role at The Kendall Gentleman: Contributor, Former Intern
Writes about: BetterMENt, Cover Stories
Background: Brayden Church played football at Boerne Samuel V. Champion High School and has interned at Oakridge Media.
Kendall County connection: Has called Boerne home for seven years.
Selected stories:
Short bio for the author page: Brayden Church has called Boerne home for seven years, played football at Champion High School and has interned at Oakridge Media.
Lance Lira
Role at The Kendall Gentleman: Contributor
Writes about: BetterMENt
Background: Lance Lira holds a BS in Biology from The University of Texas at San Antonio and has an extensive background in research science and pharmaceuticals. He has decades of experience in fitness and nutrition, is a full-time Realtor, and with his wife owns Nature’s Presence Supplements in Boerne.
Kendall County connection: Kendall County resident for over 20 years; plays alto saxophone with the Boerne Concert Band and the Boerne Jazz Band; serves on the boards of the One Hundred Club of Kendall County and the Boerne Concert Band; Booster President for the Mighty Greyhound Band and Colorguard.
Selected stories:
Short bio for the author page: Lance Lira, a Kendall County resident for over 20 years, holds a degree in Biology from UTSA and has a background in research science, fitness, and nutrition. A musician and community leader, Lance serves on local boards, leads the Mighty Greyhound Band Boosters, and co-owns Nature’s Presence Supplements in Boerne.
Tommy Mathews
Role at The Kendall Gentleman: Contributor, First Cover Story
Writes about: BetterMENt
Background: Tommy Mathews leads Westward Environmental, headquartered in Boerne, which he founded in 1996.
Kendall County connection: Boerne native and Boerne High School Class of 1978; roles with the Boerne Kendall County EDC and Visit Boerne, where he serves as Chairman; member of St. Helena’s Episcopal Church.
Selected stories:
- BetterMENt: Following the Ratio
- BetterMENt: The Power of Our Word
- BetterMENt: The Road Less Traveled
Short bio for the author page: Tommy Mathews, a Boerne native, leads Westward Environmental and serves as Chairman of Visit Boerne.
Sam McGee
Role at The Kendall Gentleman: Contributor
Writes about: BetterMENt
Background: Sam McGee, CFA, is the founder of Crestmont Private Wealth, a fiduciary firm serving high-net-worth families across Texas. He holds an MBA in finance and a BBA from Texas A&M University.
Kendall County connection: Boerne resident; his firm is based in the historic Dienger homestead on South Main Street, which he and his wife, Kristen, restored; active at Bridge Fellowship, Boerne Fire and National Charity League.
Selected stories:
- BetterMENt: A Personal Account of Balance
- BetterMENt: Wildlife Exemptions vs Agricultural Exemptions, Conservation Easements and FLPs: Differences and Benefits
Short bio for the author page: Sam McGee, CFA, is the founder of Crestmont Private Wealth, a fiduciary firm based in Boerne’s historic Dienger homestead.
Brian McVey
Role at The Kendall Gentleman: Contributor
Writes about: BetterMENt
Background: Brian T. McVey, MAPP, is a former Chicago police officer and an adjunct professor. He writes about men’s mental health, leadership and living with purpose.
Selected stories:
Short bio for the author page: Brian T. McVey, MAPP, is a proud father, former Chicago police officer, adjunct professor and writer focused on men’s mental health, leadership and living with purpose.
Collin Miller
Role at The Kendall Gentleman: Contributor
Writes about: BetterMENt
Background: Collin Miller holds an English degree from Texas A&M and is pursuing law at St. Mary’s. He is passionate about storytelling, justice and Texas traditions.
Kendall County connection: Born in San Antonio and raised in Boerne.
Selected stories:
- Deep Roots Create Strong Trees: Serving Our Neighbors in Kendall County.
- BetterMENt: Men Need MENtors
Short bio for the author page: Collin Miller, raised in Boerne, is a Texas A&M English graduate pursuing law at St. Mary’s.
Dennis Postiglione
Role at The Kendall Gentleman: Contributor
Writes about: BetterMENt
Background: Dennis Postiglione is the owner and managing member of Postiglione Law, PLLC in Boerne. A civil litigation attorney with more than 23 years of experience, he earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Texas and graduated near the top of his class from South Texas College of Law.
Kendall County connection: Practices law in Boerne and explores the Texas Hill Country with his wife and three children.
Selected stories:
Short bio for the author page: Dennis Postiglione is a civil litigation attorney and the owner of Postiglione Law, PLLC in Boerne.
Addison Schuepbach
Role at The Kendall Gentleman: Contributor
Writes about: BetterMENt
Background: Addison Schuepbach is a senior at Boerne High School and an Eagle Scout. She runs hurdles for track, plays tennis and loves reading and writing.
Kendall County connection: Senior at Boerne High School.
Selected stories:
Short bio for the author page: Addison Schuepbach is a Boerne High School senior and Eagle Scout who loves to read and write.
Paul Stephenson, M.A., LPC
Role at The Kendall Gentleman: Contributor
Writes about: BetterMENt
Background: Paul Stephenson is a counselor who works with adults, couples, families, and adolescents facing depression, anxiety, trauma, and related challenges. A former Navy officer and educator, he blends lived experience with Emotionally Focused, Cognitive Behavioral, and Reality Therapy, grounding his work in listening, grace, and truth.
Selected stories:
Short bio for the author page: Paul Stephenson, LPC, is a counselor and former Navy officer and educator who works with adults, couples, families, and adolescents.