Hey there – thanks for tuning in to this very first episode of Behind the Counter. I’m Ken Collins, and since you just heard the official intro, I’ll skip the formalities and get right to the heart of it.
I created this show because I believe small businesses are the soul of our community. Not just because they keep the local economy going – but because they’re full of stories. Real stories. Grit, growth, setbacks, creativity – all the stuff that doesn’t make it into the marketing.
And if you’re anything like me, you’ve walked into a shop, or a restaurant, or even passed a food truck and thought, “What’s their story?”
That’s what this show is about.
We’re just now launching the show, so the schedule might change. For now, once each week, I’ll sit down with one business owner right here in the Four Corners and have an honest conversation about what it’s really like behind the scenes. We’ll talk about how they got started, what keeps them going, what systems or strategies they’ve put in place – and what still feels like a struggle. Nothing polished or performative – just real people doing real work.
This show isn’t just for business owners. If you’re someone who shops local, supports community events, or simply likes knowing more about the people behind the businesses you love – you’re in the right place.
And I’ll be honest – sometimes these conversations reveal ways I can help. That’s my day job, after all: helping businesses build better systems, find clarity, and plan for growth. But that’s not the goal here. The goal is simply to listen, learn, and shine a light on the people who make this region special.
So whether you’re catching this on a morning – or evening commute, while you’re closing down your shop, or just take a well-earned break – welcome. I’m glad you’re here.
We’re getting this episode out now. Once we have some more interviews conducted, we’ll start scheduling them. The first interview may drop before too long, and I think you’re really going to enjoy it. Until then, if you know a business that deserves to be featured – or if that business is yours – head over to either strategichorizonsconsulting.com or betterbizhelp.com – they both get you to the same place. You’ll find a link to the podcast in the main menu. Let’s talk.
Thanks again for starting this journey with me. I can’t wait to see where it goes.