Behind the Counter | Strategic Horizons Consulting

Behind the Counter

Business Stories from the Four Corners

How A Farmington Maker Built A One Of A Kind Engraving Shop

Strategic Horizons Consulting, Kenneth Collins

How A Farmington Maker Built A One Of A Kind Engraving Shop

We sit down with Bonnie Cummings of Third Axis Custom Engraving and trace how she builds a one-of-a-kind shop through moves, setbacks, and relentless self-teaching. We talk about mastering machines, p...

Apr 3, 2026 Behind the Counter

Running A Family Barbecue Legacy

Strategic Horizons Consulting, Kenneth Collins

Running A Family Barbecue Legacy

We sit down with Carrie West, third-generation owner of The Spare Rib BBQ, to talk about taking the keys to a family legacy and learning the parts of ownership nobody sees. We dig into leadership, sta...

Mar 30, 2026 Behind the Counter

Selling Cars, Not Snake Oil: And Sometimes Bourbon

Strategic Horizons Consulting, Kenneth Collins

Selling Cars, Not Snake Oil: And Sometimes Bourbon

We sit down with Clay Jaqua of 505 Motorsports to trace a small-town journey through risk, resilience, and reputation. From a forced move to a stronger home base, we swap stories on opportunity, team ...

Mar 23, 2026 Behind the Counter

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 Behind the Counter

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 Behind the Counter

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 Behind the Counter

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 Behind the Counter

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 Behind the Counter

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 Behind the Counter

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 Behind the Counter

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 Behind the Counter

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

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