Behind the Counter

Business Stories from the Four Corners

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

We Put The “Art” In “Party” And The “Roll” In Cinnamon

Strategic Horizons Consulting, Kenneth Collins

We Put The “Art” In “Party” And The “Roll” In Cinnamon

A fourth-generation space becomes Farmington’s creative living room as Tara shares how a family dream turned a 1908 lumberyard into a thriving gallery and coffeehouse. We talk hiring, letting go, loca...

Dec 8, 2025

Gratitude, Grit, And Year-End Sales Momentum

Strategic Horizons Consulting, Kenneth Collins

Gratitude, Grit, And Year-End Sales Momentum

We pause for Thanksgiving and talk about why gratitude is a year-round advantage for small business. Ken shares early access details, a quick holiday sales plan, and an open invite to chat or share yo...

Nov 24, 2025

From Studio Dreams To Dance Legacy

Strategic Horizons Consulting, Kenneth Collins

From Studio Dreams To Dance Legacy

We sit down with AnnMarie Bean of AnnMarie’s Dance Academy to trace the leap from devoted dancer to studio owner and mom, unpacking how consistency, community, and grit power a thriving program. The c...

Nov 17, 2025

What If Serendipity Is The Best Business Plan

Strategic Horizons Consulting, Kenneth Collins

What If Serendipity Is The Best Business Plan

We trace how a small orchard became a year-round honey brand through loss, instinct, and a chance partnership with a beekeeper. Organic practices, co-opetition, and community education drive the missi...

Nov 10, 2025

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