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The Leader’s Lens

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Ever wonder how early life experiences shape effective leadership? In our latest episode of The HaltingWinter Podcast, we explore how small-town values translate into big-city success.

The Journey from Paperboy to City Manager

Meet Austin Bleess, City Manager of Jersey Village, Texas, whose leadership journey began as an eight-year-old paperboy trudging through Minnesota’s sub-zero winters. Those early morning routes taught him persistence—a quality that would later help him secure over $30 million in grants for his community.

Crisis Management Meets Community Care

In Jersey Village, Bleess faces challenges that would make most leaders sweat:

  • Navigating hurricane responses
  • Managing multi-million dollar flood mitigation projects
  • Orchestrating infrastructure improvements
  • Leading through extended power outages

Yet it’s his small-town approach—focusing on people first—that makes the difference.

Beyond the Corner Office

But this isn’t just another success story. Bleess offers raw insights into the real challenges of municipal leadership:

  • How to truly unplug when you’re always “on call”
  • Setting boundaries while staying available for emergencies
  • Maintaining family connections amid crisis management
  • Finding purpose beyond the job title

Why You Should Listen

Whether you’re:

  • A current municipal leader looking for fresh perspectives
  • An aspiring public servant seeking practical wisdom
  • A community leader interested in effective governance

This episode offers valuable insights into building resilient communities while maintaining personal well-being.

The Takeaway

Leadership isn’t just about managing crises or securing grants—it’s about building communities where people thrive. As Bleess reminds us, “You are a person outside of just what the job title is.”

Ready to dive deeper? Listen to the full episode now and learn how small-town values can transform city leadership.

Don’t forget to subscribe to our weekly newsletter, “The Leader’s Lens,” for more insights on municipal leadership and community building.


Seth Winterhalter is President of HaltingWinter Municipal Solutions, dedicated to making stronger cities through stronger leaders. Through executive coaching, consulting, and the Municipal Leadership Development Circle (MLDC), HaltingWinter helps city managers and municipal leaders transform their leadership impact and their organizational culture.