Beyond Rockets

In this episode of Beyond Rockets, Clark Dunn sits down with Clayton Hinchman, Chairman and CEO of IGNITE, to discuss his journey from West Point and Army service to leading one of Huntsville's fastest-growing companies. After surviving a life-changing IED explosion while serving in Iraq, Clayton transitioned into entrepreneurship, founded and sold his first company, and eventually became the leader of IGNITE.During the conversation, Clayton shares how military leadership shaped his approach to business, why discipline and culture are critical to long-term success, and how IGNITE has grown from a regional defense contractor into an international organization with employees across the country and around the world.They also discuss entrepreneurship, acquisitions, employee ownership, leadership during adversity, the importance of grit, and what it takes to build a company that lasts.Recommended Books Mentioned📖 Grit by Angela Duckworth📖 The Culture Code by Daniel Coyle📖 The SAIC Solution by John Robert Beysterhttps://igniteimpossible.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/clayton-hinchman-194b4431/

In this episode of Beyond Rockets, Clark Dunn sits down with Chef James Brown (The Standard), Ben Brennan (Del Chuco), and Luke Hawk (The Local)—three key leaders behind Huntsville’s Mercado Group. They share how their paths first crossed in Huntsville kitchens years ago, what it’s been like building three distinct downtown concepts in rapid succession, and why making nearly everything from scratch is non-negotiable. You’ll hear stories from opening weekend chaos, how the teams collaborate across restaurants, and what goes into evolving menus when the crowd doesn’t “get it” right away. Plus, they unpack Del Chuco’s Underground vibe, the catering arm of the group, and tease what might be coming next in 2026.https://themercadogrouphsv.com

In this episode of Beyond Rockets, Clark sits down with Erica Hardesty, Founder & Executive Director of Make It Matter Collective and Owner of Noella’s Flowers, to explore how one idea, one flower truck, and one leap of faith turned into a movement changing the lives of young people aging out of foster care.Erica shares her journey from social work to launching a nonprofit dedicated to mentoring teens ages 13–19, providing stability, life skills, and real pathways to adulthood. She also opens up about building Noella’s Flowers—from a vintage truck to a thriving storefront—and how it fuels job opportunities and funding for Make It Matter.The conversation dives into:What it really looks like for teens aging out of foster care in AlabamaHow Make It Matter is partnering with Huntsville City SchoolsThe vision behind the 614 Initiative, a $7.5M housing project designed to provide safe, supportive transitional livingThe role of mentorship, community, and faith in building long-term changeWhat anyone with a dream or idea should do nextWhether you're interested in social impact, entrepreneurship, community building, or Huntsville’s growing nonprofit landscape, this episode will absolutely inspire you.https://www.makeitmattercollective.comSponsored by Yellowhammer Brewing — learn more at yellowhammerbrewery.com.

Former TV anchor turned “socialpreneur” Lee Marshall shares the 20-year story behind Kids to Love—one of Alabama’s most impactful nonprofits serving children in foster care. Lee opens up about her adoption roots, the flight that sparked the nonprofit’s founding in 2004, and how Kids to Love grew from a garage project into a statewide ecosystem: K-TECH workforce training, college scholarships, a child-placing agency, Davidson Farms and cottages for girls aging out of care, and the new Smith Family Wellness Center—home to one of the nation’s most comprehensive trauma therapy programs. We also dig into Alabama’s new Safe Haven baby boxes (and how Lee helped make them a reality), scaling best practices to Tennessee, winning “Best Place to Work,” building a leadership team, and why education—not band-aids—is the path out of poverty.Holiday help: Kids to Love provides full wish lists (toys + clothes) for 2,000+ kids each year. Grab an ornament at partner locations or learn how to get involved at Kids2Love.org.Sponsored by:NexGen Crane & Rigging — nexgencrane.comYellowhammer Brewing — yellowhammerbrewery.com

We take Beyond Rockets on the road—straight into a golf bay. Co-owners Kerry and Jassen Garner share how their “fun factory” idea became The Golf Lab, South Huntsville’s new indoor golf hub offering public bookings and 24/7 member access. We dig into why they chose UNEEKOR launch monitors with multi-camera capture, an AI swing trainer, session logging, and exportable shot data—plus how GS Pro unlocks 1,700+ courses (from The Ledges and Gunters Landing to Pebble Beach, Augusta, and TPC Sawgrass).You’ll hear the origin story, the build-out behind Whitesburg & Airport (near First Watch), and everything planned: PGA-pro lessons, leagues and tournaments, corporate and birthday events, and a grand opening on October 20, complete with a $10,000 hole-in-one challenge (they’re open now, with free demos). We also walk through on-course practice, putting on sim vs. the in-house green, BYO food & drink, and how the system learns your game to suggest clubs and even build a handicap. Stick around for a live range session and a par-3 at The Ledges—mulligan included.https://www.thegolflab.clubhttps://www.instagram.com/golflabhuntsville/SponsorYellowhammer is a local craft brewery serving Huntsville for the past 14 years. They are known for their premium craft beers like T-Minus and Rebellion, but what you might not know is they also offer spirits, wine, seltzers, and non-alcoholic drinks. Next time you stop by their location try one of their seasonal cocktails made with Gemini Bourbon or Yellowhammer Vodka. Or try this year's big hit, Pineapple Punch seltzer. You can find out more information about Yellowhammer Brewing by visiting their website ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.yellowhammerbrewery.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ or visiting their taproom located at Campus 805.MusicAny Day by Them Damn Dogs⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/artist/3HrncTSw4a7J9YiyMIxHdu?si=qw6Df7J6SwKm6-WOEc7U7w

Huntsville muralist Jessie Andrews returns to Beyond Rockets with a four-year update that’s hard to miss—literally. From her chandelier in “Chandelier Alley” behind 106 Jefferson, to Good Fortune at MidCity, to multiple pieces at The Orion Amphitheater, Jessie breaks down the making of Huntsville’s largest mural at Stella: a 2.5-year journey with five months on the lift, winter pauses, and a toolkit that ranges from squiggle grids and projectors to mixed reality with Meta Quest. We get into creative control vs. client vision, timelines, budgets, and why signing your work matters. Jessie also shares practical advice for aspiring muralists—how to get that first wall, when to take smaller budgets for portfolio wins, and the “next best step” mindset that keeps her moving. Plus, a peek at what’s next, including new work for Mellow Mushroom and the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. If you’ve snapped photos of Huntsville’s murals, there’s a good chance you’ve already met Jessie’s work.https://www.instagram.com/honeyblood.muralco/SponsorYellowhammer is a local craft brewery serving Huntsville for the past 14 years. They are known for their premium craft beers like T-Minus and Rebellion, but what you might not know is that they also offer spirits, wine, seltzers, and non-alcoholic drinks. Next time you stop by their location, try one of their seasonal cocktails made with Gemini Bourbon or Yellowhammer Vodka. Or try this year's big hit, Pineapple Punch seltzer. You can find out more information about Yellowhammer Brewing by visiting their website ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.yellowhammerbrewery.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ or visiting their taproom located at Campus 805.MusicAny Day by Them Damn Dogs⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://open.spotify.com/artist/3HrncTSw4a7J9YiyMIxHdu?si=qw6Df7J6SwKm6-WOEc7U7w

In this episode, we sit down with Dylan Cavaliere and Ryan Saunders of Altos Mensa, a social club designed to connect and inspire young professionals, entrepreneurs, and creatives in Huntsville and beyond.Dylan and Ryan share the story of how Altos Mensa began—from early podcast collaborations to recognizing a gap in fun, engaging networking opportunities for 20- and 30-somethings. They walk through their first event, the lessons learned from over-preparing, and how they’ve refined their approach to create meaningful connections without losing the fun.The conversation also covers:Why Huntsville’s young professional scene is ready for more than just “engineers and rocket scientists”The challenge of launching in two cities and why they’re focusing on building in Huntsville firstHow running events has sharpened their leadership, entrepreneurial skills, and networksThe launch of the Altos Mensa membership card and community calendar as tools to keep members connected and engagedWhether you’re a young professional looking to grow your network, an entrepreneur interested in community building, or just curious about how a small idea can grow into a movement, this episode offers inspiration, practical insights, and a behind-the-scenes look at creating something new from the ground up.Learn more about Altos Mensa and upcoming events at altosmensa.club or on Instagram at @altos.mensa.SponsorYellowhammer is a local craft brewery serving Huntsville for the past 14 years. They are known for their premium craft beers like T-Minus and Rebellion, but what you might not know is they also offer spirits, wine, seltzers, and non-alcoholic drinks. Next time you stop by their location try one of their seasonal cocktails made with Gemini Bourbon or Yellowhammer Vodka. Or try this year's big hit, Pineapple Punch seltzer. You can find out more information about Yellowhammer Brewing by visiting their website ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.yellowhammerbrewery.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ or visiting their taproom located at Campus 805.MusicAny Day by Them Damn Dogs⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://open.spotify.com/artist/3HrncTSw4a7J9YiyMIxHdu?si=qw6Df7J6SwKm6-WOEc7U7w

In this episode, we sit down with Huntsville native Ricky Fernandez, the Marketing Promotions Director and Game Day MC for the Rocket City Trash Pandas. From producing morning radio shows to selling chicken out of a truck during COVID, Ricky shares his winding journey to becoming the voice and energy behind one of Minor League Baseball’s most exciting franchises.We dive into:The early days of the Trash Pandas and the challenge of launching during a pandemicHow Town Madison’s growth has fueled the team’s successThe transformation of the stadium into a multi-use venue hosting everything from SEC softball to holiday light showsWhat it’s like being the MC in front of 7,000+ fans every nightThe unexpected success of theme nights—like Cat Night 🐱The ever-changing roster and how it connects the Rocket City to the LA AngelsWhether you're a diehard fan, Huntsville native, or just love a good underdog story, this episode is packed with energy, heart, and hometown prideSponsorYellowhammer is a local craft brewery serving Huntsville for the past 14 years. They are known for their premium craft beers like T-Minus and Rebellion, but what you might not know is they also offer spirits, wine, seltzers, and non-alcoholic drinks. Next time you stop by their location try one of their seasonal cocktails made with Gemini Bourbon or Yellowhammer Vodka. Or try this year's big hit, Pineapple Punch seltzer. You can find out more information about Yellowhammer Brewing by visiting their website ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.yellowhammerbrewery.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ or visiting their taproom located at Campus 805.MusicAny Day by Them Damn Dogs⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://open.spotify.com/artist/3HrncTSw4a7J9YiyMIxHdu?si=qw6Df7J6SwKm6-WOEc7U7w