In this episode of Beyond Rockets, Clark Dunn sits down with Matt Curtis, founder of Matt Curtis Real Estate and leader of Alabama’s #1 real estate team for the past six years. From his beginnings as a computer engineering graduate in Knoxville to becoming one of Huntsville’s most recognized real estate leaders, Matt shares his journey of faith, family, and entrepreneurship.

He talks about the pivotal career changes that brought him from engineering into real estate, the lessons learned during the Great Recession, and how he scaled his brokerage from a one-man operation to one of the fastest-growing companies in the country. Matt also reflects on Huntsville’s rapid growth, the impact of Space Command, the future of the housing market, and why homeownership remains the key to long-term wealth.

Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a real estate professional, or simply curious about Huntsville’s explosive growth, this episode offers insight, inspiration, and a glimpse into the future of the Rocket City.

https://www.mattcurtisrealestate.com

https://www.instagram.com/mattcurtisrealestate/?hl=en

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.

Music

Any Day by Them Damn Dogs

⁠⁠⁠⁠https://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 of Beyond Rockets, host Clark Dunn sits down with Matt Herring and Jason Cunningham, two of the three co-founders of Method Mixology—a Huntsville-based venture blending hospitality, education, and entertainment through the art of cocktails.

Matt and Jason share their unique journeys from careers in ministry and defense contracting to launching Method Mixology alongside their partner, Renee. What began as casual nights of hosting friends with handcrafted cocktails evolved into a business that teaches people how to create consistent, approachable, and elevated drinks at home or in a group setting.

From their first small events to large-scale classes and corporate gatherings, Method Mixology has become a way to bring people together, breaking down the barriers of craft cocktails while adding creativity and fun to every event. They discuss the challenges of navigating Alabama’s ABC system, the importance of community feedback, and how their passion for cocktails has shaped their vision for the future.

Whether you’re curious about elevating your home bar, looking for a unique event experience, or just love a good old-fashioned (with a twist), this episode will give you a taste of what Method Mixology is all about.

https://www.instagram.com/method.mixology/

https://www.methodmixology.com

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 first

• How running events has sharpened their leadership, entrepreneurial skills, and networks

• The launch of the Altos Mensa membership card and community calendar as tools to keep members connected and engaged

  
  

Whether 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 of Beyond Rockets, I sit down with David Lewis, founder of Coffee Break—Huntsville’s small-batch specialty coffee roaster with a big vision. From engineering to nonprofits to tech, David’s winding journey eventually led him back to Huntsville (and into his garage), where a love for roasting turned into a thriving community-focused business.

We talk about:

• How Coffee Break began with a popcorn popper in Portland

• The early driveway pop-ups that brought neighbors together

• What makes specialty coffee different—and why Huntsville’s ready for it

• The importance of slowing down, showing up, and creating shared spaces

• Coffee Break’s subscription program and where you can find them this fall

Whether you’re a casual coffee drinker or a full-on third-wave enthusiast, this episode offers a look at how coffee can be a connector, a conversation starter, and a catalyst for community.

https://coffeebreakhsv.com

Sponsor

Yellowhammer 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.

Music

Any 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

In this re-release episode, we sit down with Dr. Nemil Shah, physician and co-founder of ApproXie Urgent Care, to revisit one of our most inspiring conversations to date. Dr. Shah shares his journey from growing up in Huntsville to building one of the area’s most innovative healthcare brands—starting with a buggy app idea, $5,000 in the bank, and a leased former Dairy Queen.

We dive into how ApproXie began as a software solution to reduce patient wait times, how he and his wife bootstrapped their first clinic, and how a commitment to service, speed, and patient experience helped them grow to three locations across Madison County. Dr. Shah also talks about the challenges of entrepreneurship in healthcare, building internal talent, and why Huntsville continues to be the perfect place for innovation and impact.

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to start something from scratch—especially in an industry as complex as healthcare—this episode is for you.

https://approxieurgentcare.com

YouTube: https://youtu.be/UGP2xm6CtLo?si=g988Ph-5T0Dzwd67

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

In this episode of Beyond Rockets, host Clark Dunn chats with Kamerra Liles, Assistant General Manager at The Orion Amphitheater and operations lead for the newly revived The Lumberyard in Huntsville.

Kamerra shares her journey from community events in Hawaii to shaping Huntsville’s hospitality scene with TVG Hospitality. She dives into the transformation of The Lumberyard—from historic lumberyard to vibrant event space—and how it’s now home to live music, pop-ups, cocktail classes, and more.

Learn how TVG is creating spaces where both guests and employees thrive, and why The Lumberyard is quickly becoming a new favorite hangout in the Rocket City.

🎧 Tune in to hear what’s next and how you can get involved!

https://tvghospitality.com

https://lumberyardhuntsville.com

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

In this episode, Emily Jones shares how she went from nursing to launching The Dirty Olive, Huntsville’s popular new bar and lounge. She talks about starting with a mobile tap trailer, transforming a former downtown space into a photogenic cocktail spot, and the lessons she’s learned as a first-time business owner. We cover growing a brand through social media, balancing creativity with operations, and tips for anyone ready to take the leap into entrepreneurship.https://www.thedirtyolivetap.comhttps://www.instagram.com/thedirtyolivehsv/

Sponsor

Yellowhammer 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, I sit down with Victoria Pittman, Marketing Manager for Power Brands Hospitality Group, to talk about the launch of their newest concept: One Eleven, a refined and experiential restaurant located in the heart of downtown Huntsville. We explore the fast-paced six-month journey that transformed the former Heritage Club into a vibrant destination known for its upscale atmosphere, innovative cocktails, and thoughtful menu design.

Victoria shares her background in restaurant consulting, her passion for storytelling through food, and how her experience on both the service and marketing sides of the industry shapes the way she brings new concepts to life. We discuss the intentional details behind One Eleven’s branding, staffing, and influencer strategy, plus what’s next for the space—including private dining, brunch, and full-restaurant rentals.

Whether you’re a foodie, a fan of Huntsville’s growing hospitality scene, or just love hearing the story behind a successful launch, this conversation offers a look into what it takes to open one of the city's most anticipated new restaurants.

https://www.oneelevenhsv.com

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