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One social media post can change your life, especially when the thing you’re posting is a tray of custom cookies you’re convinced are “hideous.” We talk with Eva Armenta-Ketchell, the woman-owned force behind Sweet Cheeks Bakery in Farmington, New Mexico, about how royal icing experiments turned into nonstop demand, a loyal local following, and custom cookie orders shipping far beyond the Four Corners.

Eva walks us through what custom decorated cookies actually require: a true multi-day workflow, drying time to prevent color bleed, and the constant balance between soft cookies and icing that will finally set. We also get into the tools and tech that make modern cookie art possible, including edible printing for logos and detailed designs, plus the creative problem-solving needed when customers request themes you’ve never heard of.

We keep it honest on the business side too: why Instagram and Facebook marketing works and why posting can feel like creating more work, how she tracks orders without losing her mind, and why “staying small” can be the smartest growth strategy when quality matters. If you’re building a local business, a cottage bakery, or any creative side hustle, this conversation is packed with practical lessons and a refreshing dose of reality. Subscribe, share this with a friend who loves small business stories, and leave a review with your dream cookie theme.

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).

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A hardware store that’s lasted since 1946 has to be more than a place to grab a bolt. Sitting down with Evan Noel of Noel's Inc. in Farmington, New Mexico, we get into the real reason certain small businesses become permanent fixtures in the Four Corners: they earn trust one customer at a time, then protect it with consistency. Evan shares how he grew from working in the store as a teenager to leading a third generation, family-owned hardware business built on advice, problem solving, and relationships that span decades.

We talk candidly about what modern retail feels like from the owner’s seat: customers who want expert help but also want the lowest possible price, the constant pressure from online shopping, and why word of mouth still matters in a relationship-driven community. Evan explains why being out on the floor matters for leadership, how customer service becomes a competitive edge against big box stores, and what it takes to sell solutions across a huge product mix that ranges from industrial supplies to homeowner tools.

Then we go behind the scenes into operations and growth. Evan breaks down the time sink of paperwork, ordering, payroll, benefits, and compliance, plus the pain and payoff of switching ERP software to support better logistics and distribution. We also dig into a challenge many small retailers recognize instantly: major brands often hold the power on margins and support, and small businesses have to fight to be heard. The conversation closes with what success looks like next, including employee retention, sustainable growth, and expanding distribution beyond San Juan County and the Rockies region.

If you care about small business, customer experience, leadership, or the future of local retail in Farmington and the Four Corners, this one is packed with practical insight. Subscribe, share this with a business owner you respect, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway.

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).

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A lot of people think running a plumbing company is all wrenches and water lines, but the real test starts when the job is done and the paperwork begins. We’re joined by Jason Judah, owner of Creative Mechanical Solutions Plumbing (CMS Plumbing) in Aztec, New Mexico, to talk about building a trusted trade business in the Four Corners and what it takes to compete when bigger names have bigger budgets.

Jason shares how he got his start in plumbing in Phoenix, why he came back home, and what surprised him most once he became the owner. We dig into the unglamorous reality of estimates, commercial bids, scheduling crews, and setting up systems so the office side doesn’t drown the field work. He also breaks down how a plumber has to think mechanically and plan ahead, from stocking the right materials to handling code-heavy commercial projects.

Because this is a rural market, we also talk septic system installation, leach fields, high water tables, environmental permits, and when above-ground berm systems come into play. Jason explains what marketing works in a small town, why word of mouth is everything, and how a smaller local contractor can beat big chain plumbing companies by being faster, more flexible, and more personal. We close with hard-earned lessons on pacing growth, branding, hiring and training, and why the skilled trades still offer one of the clearest paths to a strong living without a college degree.

If you like honest small business stories and practical advice for contractors, subscribe, share this with a friend in the trades, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway.

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).

Support the show