Beyond Rockets

Hosted by Clark Dunn

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Episodes

283

Latest episode

Sep 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

As Huntsville AL is primarily known for being the Rocket City because of its close association with the US Space Missions but Huntsville is so much more than that Huntsville is home to many high-tech companies, entrepreneurs involved in interesting startups, talented creatives, and much much more. My goal is to introduce you to some of these individuals that are taking Huntsville Beyond the Rocket.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

October 20, 202646 min

Episode 284: How AI Is Changing the Way We Do Business with Matt McKenzie

AI is changing the way businesses operate, but what does that actually look like for business owners and their teams? On this episode of the Beyond Rockets Podcast, Clark sits down with Matt McKenzie, Founder and CEO of Meaningful AI, to talk about his journey in technology and entrepreneurship, what led him to start Meaningful AI, and how businesses can begin using AI to work smarter and grow. They discuss the opportunities AI creates for small businesses, why leadership plays such an important role in adopting new technology, and how AI can help employees spend less time on repetitive tasks and more time on meaningful work. Matt also shares his perspective on the future of entry-level jobs, the importance of developing young talent, and how Meaningful AI is helping organizations put AI into practice. The conversation also touches on Huntsville's growing AI community, Meaningful AI's expansion into North Alabama, and an upcoming hands-on AI conference designed to help businesses walk away with something they can start using immediately. Learn more about Meaningful AI and how they're helping businesses navigate the future of technology. ⁠⁠https://meaningful.ai⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewmckenzie/⁠⁠

September 2, 202626 min

Episode 283: Building FireTower Camp on Smith Lake with Billy Claunch

Clark sits down with Huntsville native and Firetower Camp owner Billy Claunch to talk about the vision behind this 350-acre outdoor getaway and the journey of bringing it to life. Billy shares his path from growing up in Madison to spending more than 25 years in the fire truck business, and how his love for building, travel, unique Airbnb stays, and the outdoors eventually led him into hospitality. They also dive into the story behind Firetower Camp’s relocated Monte Sano fire tower, the development of its first treehouse, plans for a second treehouse on the water, and Billy’s long-term vision for creating a place where guests can explore Smith Lake, hiking trails, waterfalls, caves, and hundreds of acres of Alabama outdoors. https://www.firetowercamp.com

August 11, 202633 min

Episode 282: Making Music in Huntsville with Jeromeo

Jeromeo returns to Beyond Rockets nearly five years after his first appearance to catch up on everything that’s changed since then. From the early days of Them Damn Dogs and the making of Unpoetic to new music, solo projects, and performing with Beastie Goys, Jeromeo shares how his approach to writing and performing has evolved over the years. We also talk about the growth of Huntsville’s local music scene, some of the artists he’s listening to right now, and what could be next for Them Damn Dogs and his own solo music. Plus, Jeromeo gives us a preview of Beastie Goys’ August 22 show at Mars Music Hall celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Beastie Boys’ Licensed to Ill . https://www.vonbrauncenter.com/events/beastie-goys-license-to-ill-40th-anniversary/ https://www.instagram.com/themdamndogs/ https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0ON7reb7MocCbh1O0i7Xm6

July 28, 202623 min

Episode 281: How Cocoa Bama Found Its Sweet Spot in Huntsville

In this episode of Beyond Rockets, Hannah shares how moving from Northern Virginia to Huntsville changed her perspective, why she believed Huntsville was the perfect place to continue her family's legacy, and what it was really like opening a retail business while still working a full-time job. We also talk about: • Growing up around a family business • Why Huntsville reminded her of her hometown • Finding the perfect location in Five Points • The challenges of opening a brick-and-mortar business • Handcrafted chocolates made fresh in-house • Building a business rooted in community • Advice for aspiring small business owners Whether you're an entrepreneur, love supporting local businesses, or just need another reason to visit Five Points, you'll enjoy this conversation. Learn more about Coco Bama: 716 Pratt Avenue, Huntsville, AL https://www.cocoabama.com

July 7, 202622 min

Episode 280: Building Apex Chiropractic from the Ground Up with Dr. Andrew Cummings

Clark sits down with Dr. Andrew Cummings, founder of Apex Chiropractic & Functional Wellness, to talk about what it takes to launch a business from scratch in a brand new city. Andrew shares his journey from growing up in Rome, Georgia, playing collegiate basketball, attending chiropractic school, to working as an associate in Birmingham before making the decision to open his own practice in Huntsville. He discusses why Huntsville felt like the right place, the challenges of opening a healthcare business, and what he's learned during his first few months as a business owner. The conversation also dives into the philosophy behind Apex Chiropractic, including a focus on root-cause care, movement, and functional wellness. Andrew explains how services like dry needling, cupping, kinesiology taping, and chiropractic care work together to help patients move and feel their best. Whether you're interested in entrepreneurship, healthcare, or simply enjoy hearing the stories behind Huntsville's growing business community, this episode offers an inside look at building a practice centered around serving people. https://apexchirowellness.com https://www.instagram.com/theapexchiropractic

June 23, 202643 min

Episode 279: Clayton Hinchman on Going from Army Officer to IGNITE CEO

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 Beyster https://igniteimpossible.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/clayton-hinchman-194b4431/

June 9, 202646 min

Episode 278: Zack Penney on Leading Bill Penney Toyota Into Its Next Generation

In this episode of Beyond Rockets, Clark sits down with Zack Penney, CEO of Bill Penney Motor Company, to talk about growing up in Huntsville, joining the family business, and eventually taking over leadership of one of Alabama's most recognizable automotive brands.Zack shares stories from his early days working in every department of the dealership, the lessons he learned leading through the 2008 financial crisis, and the importance of building a strong culture centered around people. He also discusses expanding into new markets, acquiring and selling dealerships, launching the nation's top Toyota collision center, and what it means to steward a family legacy that spans more than 80 years in the automotive industry.The conversation also explores leadership, faith, mentorship, succession planning, philanthropy, and why Huntsville remains one of the most exciting cities in America to live, work, and build a business.Whether you're a business owner, entrepreneur, leader, or someone who loves Huntsville's growth story, this episode offers valuable insight into building a company that lasts for generations. https://www.billpenneytoyota.com

May 26, 202653 min

Episode 277: Joanna White on Building Community Through Culture and Innovation in Huntsville

In this episode of Beyond Rockets, we sit down with Joanna White, Managing Director of the Apollo Coalition, for a conversation about Huntsville’s growth, the power of community, and what it means to build culture through innovation. A Huntsville native, Joanna shares her journey from growing up in the Rocket City and discovering the local music and arts scene to spending over a decade with Arts Huntsville helping shape events like Panoply Arts Festival and public art initiatives across the city. The conversation also dives into Joanna’s years working alongside Tommy Battle through multiple mayoral campaigns, the lessons she learned about leadership, collaboration, and community engagement, and how those experiences prepared her for her current role helping lead innovation and culture initiatives at RCP Companies and the Apollo Coalition. Clark and Joanna discuss the transformation of Huntsville’s creative scene, the legacy of spaces like Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment, Campus No. 805, and The Orion Amphitheater, and why MidCity has become a hub for connection, collaboration, music, entrepreneurship, and storytelling. Joanna also shares insight into major events happening through the Apollo Coalition including Market at MidCity, Camp to Amp, the MidCity Fourth of July celebration, WhistleStop BBQ Festival, and the vision behind the upcoming AIM Campus focused on arts and innovation. This episode is a conversation about preserving Huntsville’s history while creating space for the future, building ecosystems for human collaboration, and why now is one of the most exciting times to be part of the Rocket City. https://rcpcompanies.com/ https://www.midcitydistrict.com/ https://www.midcitydistrict.com/apollocoalition https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannabroadwhite

May 12, 202634 min

Episode 276: The Story Behind The Sift Podcast with Nathan Eldridge & Jeff Holsclaw

In this episode of Beyond Rockets, Clark sits down with Nathan Eldridge and Jeff Holsclaw, hosts of The Sift Podcast, to talk about how a simple idea turned into a growing platform centered around faith, honesty, and real-life conversations. Nathan and Jeff share the story behind launching The Sift, the mission of creating a space where people feel welcomed into conversations about life, marriage, struggles, faith, and the Bible without judgment or pretense. They discuss why they wanted to specifically reach men who may feel disconnected from church, how podcasting became a modern way to build community, and the impact honest conversations can have on people searching for hope and purpose. The conversation also dives into the realities of starting a podcast, the importance of chemistry between hosts, and how personal hardships shaped the heart behind the show. Nathan opens up about difficult seasons in ministry and life, while Jeff shares why helping create this podcast became a meaningful way to pour into others again. They also talk about: Why authenticity matters in faith-based conversations Building community through podcasting and social media The relevance of the Bible in everyday life Lessons learned during the first several months of podcasting Their vision for the future of The Sift Podcast Upcoming episodes centered around the life of David https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61582488430324 https://open.spotify.com/show/18Jlr9A1gyWsoglyBhF3rU?si=22e1ac04ff77466b

April 28, 202643 min

Episode 275: The Story Behind Cook Museum and Its Rapid Growth with Brian Cook

In this episode of Beyond Rockets, Clark sits down with Brian Cook, President and CEO of Cook's Pest Control and Board Chairman of Cook Museum of Natural Science. Brian shares the story behind a fourth-generation family business that started in 1928 and how it evolved into something far beyond pest control. What began as a small internal training tool eventually grew into one of North Alabama’s most impactful educational destinations. The conversation dives into: The legacy of Cook’s Pest Control and what it means to carry it forward How the museum grew from a 5,000 sq ft space into a major regional attraction The vision behind the 2019 museum launch and its rapid growth since opening Why STEM education became a central focus and how the museum earned statewide recognition Details on the upcoming expansion that could nearly double the museum’s size The balance of running a growing company while leading a mission-driven nonprofit With over 80,000 visitors annually and growing demand for deeper educational experiences, the museum is entering its next phase, one focused on scaling impact for future generations. Cook Museum of Natural Science: https://www.cookmuseum.org Cook’s Pest Control: https://www.cookspest.com Beyond Rockets: https://www.beyondrockets.com