Behind the Counter | Strategic Horizons Consulting

Behind the Counter

Business Stories from the Four Corners

She Sold Shoes, Built Quads, And Accidentally Became Famous

Strategic Horizons Consulting, Kenneth Collins

She Sold Shoes, Built Quads, And Accidentally Became Famous

We talk with Jeri Hogue of Southwest Runners about turning a late start into a 16-year running hub, the family support that made it possible, and how a simple group run built a real community. We dig ...

Mar 12, 2026

From Family Pub To Powerhouse

Strategic Horizons Consulting, Kenneth Collins

From Family Pub To Powerhouse

We trace Clancy’s from a 1978 family start to a modern, community-first pub led by co-owners Louie and his brother. We dig into mobile bars, liquor law strategy, team culture, and the quiet decisions ...

Mar 9, 2026

AI Can Make Output, But Only Humans Build Strategy

Strategic Horizons Consulting, Kenneth Collins

AI Can Make Output, But Only Humans Build Strategy

We pull back the curtain on why we paused, what we learned testing AI, and why we’re expanding with human-crafted strategy and full-service marketing. Output is everywhere; judgment is rare, and that’...

Mar 2, 2026

How A Hobby Became A Community Staple And Grew Confidence Along The Way

Strategic Horizons Consulting, Kenneth Collins

How A Hobby Became A Community Staple And Grew Confidence Along The Way

We sit down with Jamie Goodwin of JG Cross Creations to explore how a family craft became a purpose-first business built on trust, patience and improvisation. From pricing through inflation to funeral...

Feb 23, 2026

How A 23-Year-Old Built Blooming Ember Massage Into A Calming Local Haven

Strategic Horizons Consulting, Kenneth Collins

How A 23-Year-Old Built Blooming Ember Massage Into A Calming Local Haven

We sit with Callie Frost of Blooming Ember Massage to trace how a “shed” became a studio, why authenticity beats algorithms, and how better books made better bodywork. The talk moves from craft to bou...

Feb 15, 2026

A Cancer Diagnosis Paused Her Career, So She Grew A Flower Farm That Healed Her And Her Community

Strategic Horizons Consulting, Kenneth Collins

A Cancer Diagnosis Paused Her Career, So She Grew A Flower Farm That Healed Her And Her Community

We trace Heather’s journey from losing a job to building Desert Bunny Blooms, and how flower farming carried her through cancer and into a deeper bond with nature and community. We talk cooperation ov...

Feb 9, 2026

From Farmers Market To Global Orders

Strategic Horizons Consulting, Kenneth Collins

From Farmers Market To Global Orders

We sit down with Josh Velasquez of Dark Wick Candle Co to trace the leap from weekend markets to wholesale orders and overseas shipments. We explore how scent builds identity, why quality beats shortc...

Feb 2, 2026

How Two Friends Turn Stones, Energy, And Curiosity Into A Life Of Service

Strategic Horizons Consulting, Kenneth Collins

How Two Friends Turn Stones, Energy, And Curiosity Into A Life Of Service

We trace how a journalist became a recognizable wire artist and how a healer built a teaching-centered practice rooted in Reiki, sound, and simple meditation. Along the way we talk belief, materials, ...

Jan 26, 2026

What If Success Is Helping A Town Believe In Its Own Art?

Strategic Horizons Consulting, Kenneth Collins

What If Success Is Helping A Town Believe In Its Own Art?

We sit with painter Karen Ellsbury of HEart Gallery to trace a life in art — through loss, collaboration, and community building — and how a shoestring gallery became a gathering place that helped ene...

Jan 19, 2026

Designed To Work, Not Wear You Out

Strategic Horizons Consulting, Kenneth Collins

Designed To Work, Not Wear You Out

We step back from season one and map the patterns that made small businesses sturdy: clear intent, simple systems, and growth that honors craft and community. We share how alignment reduces stress, wh...

Jan 12, 2026

Subscribed People Get Gifts Early, No Wrapping Required

Strategic Horizons Consulting, Kenneth Collins

Subscribed People Get Gifts Early, No Wrapping Required

We announce a short Christmas break, share how to subscribe for early access, and recap standout Four Corners business stories while encouraging you to rest, reflect, and plan for a focused start to J...

Dec 29, 2025

Chocolate, Magic, And A Cottage Factory

Strategic Horizons Consulting, Kenneth Collins

Chocolate, Magic, And A Cottage Factory

We sit down with Bryan Davis of Dotty Wampus Magical Chocolate Factory to explore how a two-person team blends culinary craft, magic, and animatronics into a tour guests can’t stop talking about. The ...

Dec 15, 2025

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