Beyond Rockets

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 Alabama

• How Make It Matter is partnering with Huntsville City Schools

• The vision behind the 614 Initiative, a $7.5M housing project designed to provide safe, supportive transitional living

• The role of mentorship, community, and faith in building long-term change

• What anyone with a dream or idea should do next

Whether you're interested in social impact, entrepreneurship, community building, or Huntsville’s growing nonprofit landscape, this episode will absolutely inspire you.

https://www.makeitmattercollective.com

Sponsored by Yellowhammer Brewing — learn more at yellowhammerbrewery.com.

In this episode, we sit down with Melissa Thompson, CEO & President of the Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville, for a powerful conversation about generosity, growth, and what makes Huntsville unlike anywhere else.

Melissa shares her journey from growing up across multiple states to eventually landing in Huntsville, where she found a city defined by innovation, collaboration, and open arms. She walks through the early days of the Community Foundation, its explosive growth since 2011, and the pivotal moment in 2020 that shaped the Foundation’s identity and mission: mobilizing generosity.

From the impact of early ESOP partnerships with Dynetics and Torch Technologies, to navigating COVID-19 relief, to equipping the next generation of philanthropists through programs like Give256, Melissa offers a transparent and inspiring look at how generosity fuels community transformation across North Alabama.

Whether you’re a young professional wanting to get involved, a nonprofit leader seeking insight, or simply someone who loves Huntsville, this episode is full of wisdom on leadership, relationships, philanthropy, and the future of giving in the Rocket City.

https://givehsv.org

Sponsored by Yellowhammer Brewing.

http://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

On this episode of Beyond Rockets, we sit down with Larry Lowe, Chief Innovation Officer for the City of Huntsville. Larry shares his path from radar engineering and startup life to Fractal Brewing and data/AI, then into City Hall, where he’s helping the City of Huntsville, Huntsville Utilities, and the Solid Waste Disposal Authority use technology responsibly and transparently.

We talk about:

What a municipal CIO actually does—and why Huntsville created the role

How departments are adopting AI (policy, training, Microsoft Copilot)

Balancing innovation with public trust (including a project that was paused to listen)

Education and workforce efforts from K-12 to college

What progress looks like through 2026 as Huntsville keeps growing

Sponsors

NexGen Crane & Rigging: Full-service crane, rigging & transport across the Southeast. Learn more at nexgencrane.com

Yellowhammer Brewing: Craft beer, spirits, seltzers, and NA options at Campus 805. Visit yellowhammerbrewery.com

On this episode of Beyond Rockets, we sit down with Larry Lowe, Chief Innovation Officer for the City of Huntsville. Larry shares his path from radar engineering and startup life to Fractal Brewing and data/AI, then into City Hall, where he’s helping the City of Huntsville, Huntsville Utilities, and the Solid Waste Disposal Authority use technology responsibly and transparently.

We talk about:

What a municipal CIO actually does—and why Huntsville created the role

How departments are adopting AI (policy, training, Microsoft Copilot)

Balancing innovation with public trust (including a project that was paused to listen)

Education and workforce efforts from K-12 to college

What progress looks like through 2026 as Huntsville keeps growing

Sponsors

NexGen Crane & Rigging: Full-service crane, rigging & transport across the Southeast. Learn more at nexgencrane.com

Yellowhammer Brewing: Craft beer, spirits, seltzers, and NA options at Campus 805. Visit 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.club

https://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

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