Behind the Scenes of Local Business

Welcome to the inaugural episode of Behind the Counter, a podcast that explores the authentic stories of small businesses in the Four Corners region. Host Ken Collins introduces the show's mission to uncover the real narratives of local entrepreneurs—their grit, growth, setbacks, and creativity that don't make it into their marketing.

• Weekly conversations with business owners about their behind-the-scenes experiences
• Focus on startup stories, motivations, systems, strategies, and ongoing challenges
• Authentic discussions without polish or performance—just real people doing real work
• Content for both business owners and community members who value local enterprises
• Opportunity to learn about the people behind the businesses you frequent

If you know a business that deserves to be featured, or if that business is yours, visit strategichorizonsconsulting.com or betterbizhelp.com and find the podcast link in the main menu to get in touch.

Be sure to follow or subscribe!  And, if you're a local business owner who'd like to be featured - or know someone whose story should be told - get in touch at Ken@StrategicHorizonsConsulting.com

This show is brought to you by Strategic Horizons Consulting (a division of Ken Collins Marketing).

Transcript

Welcome to Behind the Counter

Ken Collins 1:05

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. What's their story? That's what this show is about.

Ken Collins 1:54

We're just now launching the show, so the schedule might change. For now, 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 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 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.

Who This Podcast Is For

Looking Ahead: Future Episodes

Ken Collins 3:04

So whether you're catching this on a morning or evening commute, while you're closing down your shop or just taking a well-earned break welcome, I'm glad you're here. Or just taking 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 strategichorizonsconsultingcom or betterbizhelpcom. They'll 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.