The Lead Live Podcast! April 7, 2025 episode

The Lead Live featured a diverse range of topics and guests on its April 7, 2025, episode, including discussions on housing, the stock market, and local events.

Scott Knudsen, owner of the Kerrville franchise of Clayton Homes, joined the show to discuss the history and innovation of the modular home builder. Knudsen highlighted that Clayton Homes, founded in 1956 by Jim Clayton and later led by his son Kevin, offers 17 models on their lot with custom designs available.

Knudsen emphasized the affordability and quality of modern manufactured homes, noting they often exceed local building codes. Homes can be delivered and set up in approximately 90-100 days after closing, with financing options becoming more accessible. Knudsen also mentioned their new location on Junction Highway and an upcoming Easter egg hunt for the community. He detailed specific home models like the Oceanside and the custom Hill Country model, and shared his background, including a previous career and his enjoyment of the current business, comparing it to his experience in rodeo.

Gilbert Paiz and Andrew Gay of Texas Hill Country Advisors discussed the stock market’s volatility. They noted significant swings on the day of the show, with the market moving from nearly 3% down to briefly 3% positive before settling. International markets also experienced a downturn earlier in the day. They highlighted lower oil prices as a positive note. Paiz and Gay explained the stock market as a bellwether of economic futures, linking stock valuations to expected company performance. They addressed the impact of uncertainty, such as potential tariffs, on market volatility and the importance of a holistic investment strategy beyond just the stock market, including fixed income investments. The advisors discussed the return of market volatility and the shift in focus from inflation concerns to growth concerns. They reviewed the significant economic events of the last five years, including COVID-19, associated stimulus, and the subsequent rise in interest rates. They recommended looking at the 10-year US Treasury yield chart and advised long-term investing, not worrying about short-term market fluctuations, and recognizing potential opportunities during market downturns.

Leslie Jones previewed numerous local events for the week. These include:

 the Texas Wood Carvers Guild at the Hill Country Youth Event Center,  exhibits at the Kerr and Cultural Center, a Native Plant Society meeting at the Riverside Nature Center on Tuesday, a Friends of the Library book sale, Sprouts, a free reading program at Riverside Nature Center, the Light the Way annual banquet. 

The hosts also discussed comments and reactions to a recent story about a protest, noting a high volume of comments, with a majority being negative and including conspiracy theories and personal attacks.