https://simplecast.com The Heart of Business Hosted by Carla Sonntag, this series celebrates the backbone of our economy: small business owners. Each episode dives deep into the personal journeys, entrepreneurial grit, and community contributions of New Mexico’s local business leaders. Real stories. Real impact. Local heroes. © 2025 The Federal Newswire en Wed, 7 Jan 2026 13:00:00 +0000 Wed, 7 Jan 2026 13:00:13 +0000 https://the-heart-of-business.simplecast.com The Heart of Business https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/dfcd0ad9-2260-4872-93ef-d778d3e93ff7/617eef3e-4e74-431c-9bca-a59ca77bf399/3000x3000/hobsquare.jpg?aid=rss_feed https://the-heart-of-business.simplecast.com episodic Hosted by Carla Sonntag, this series celebrates the backbone of our economy: small business owners. Each episode dives deep into the personal journeys, entrepreneurial grit, and community contributions of New Mexico’s local business leaders. Real stories. Real impact. Local heroes. New Mexico Sun false https://feeds.simplecast.com/wmZeyNGy albuquerque, business, new mexico, santa fe The Federal Newswire admin@thefederalnewswire.com 376fb834-155d-4fd7-ae3f-bd16112454ff Defiant Wealth Management in New Mexico w/Mark Trimmer In this in-depth Heart of Business interview, Mark Trimmer of Raymond James shares his unconventional approach to wealth management, investment strategy, and financial advising in New Mexico. From navigating market volatility and resisting one-size-fits-all portfolio models to leading through economic storms, Trimmer explains why experience, adaptability, and client trust matter more than formulas. A candid conversation on independent financial advising, long-term investing, leadership gaps in New Mexico, and what it takes to protect and grow wealth in uncertain times.

Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@NewMexicoSunPodcasts/videos

]]> Wed, 7 Jan 2026 13:00:00 +0000 admin@thefederalnewswire.com (The Federal Newswire) https://the-heart-of-business.simplecast.com/episodes/defiant-wealth-management-in-new-mexico-w-mark-trimmer-es1yYrkp In this in-depth Heart of Business interview, Mark Trimmer of Raymond James shares his unconventional approach to wealth management, investment strategy, and financial advising in New Mexico. From navigating market volatility and resisting one-size-fits-all portfolio models to leading through economic storms, Trimmer explains why experience, adaptability, and client trust matter more than formulas. A candid conversation on independent financial advising, long-term investing, leadership gaps in New Mexico, and what it takes to protect and grow wealth in uncertain times.

Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@NewMexicoSunPodcasts/videos

]]> Defiant Wealth Management in New Mexico w/Mark Trimmer The Federal Newswire 00:32:09 wealth management, new mexico business, defiant wealth, economic leadership, long term investing, raymond james, mark trimmer, heart of business, financial advisor, market volatility, investment strategy, financial planning, independent advisor false full 12 059d6f5d-36c9-4f98-9c00-16698aeb41c1 Why Small Business Still Matters in New Mexico: A Conversation with John Thomas John Thomas, founder of John Thomas Jewelers, shares his journey from Niagara Falls to Albuquerque and how he built one of the most innovative custom jewelry businesses in the United States. In this in-depth conversation, Thomas discusses entrepreneurship in New Mexico, ethical business practices, custom manufacturing, workforce loyalty, public safety challenges, and why small businesses remain the true heart of the state’s economy.

Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@NewMexicoSunPodcasts/videos

]]> Wed, 17 Dec 2025 13:00:00 +0000 admin@thefederalnewswire.com (The Federal Newswire) https://the-heart-of-business.simplecast.com/episodes/why-small-business-still-matters-in-new-mexico-a-conversation-with-john-thomas-xAqZxA4_ John Thomas, founder of John Thomas Jewelers, shares his journey from Niagara Falls to Albuquerque and how he built one of the most innovative custom jewelry businesses in the United States. In this in-depth conversation, Thomas discusses entrepreneurship in New Mexico, ethical business practices, custom manufacturing, workforce loyalty, public safety challenges, and why small businesses remain the true heart of the state’s economy.

Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@NewMexicoSunPodcasts/videos

]]> Why Small Business Still Matters in New Mexico: A Conversation with John Thomas The Federal Newswire 00:30:11 Building a Custom Jewelry Powerhouse in New Mexico Building a Custom Jewelry Powerhouse in New Mexico small business matters, entrepreneur story, new mexico business, economic development, heart of business, custom jewelry, american made, small business owner, family business, business leadership, local business, albuquerque nm false full 11 beaf25f9-1019-426c-b381-ac3a34aaf1dc New Mexico Roofing & Solar in Crisis In this episode of The Heart of Business, Dave Simmons—founder of EverGuard Roofing—shares his journey from the lumber and biomass energy industries to building New Mexico’s largest roofing company. Simmons breaks down the sharp collapse in new construction, the realities of paying skilled trade workers fair wages, and why government policy has distorted both the roofing and solar markets. From stalled public projects and disappearing solar grants to workforce shortages and infrastructure failures, this conversation offers a candid look at what New Mexico businesses are facing right now—and what policymakers are getting wrong.

Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@NewMexicoSunPodcasts/videos

]]> Fri, 12 Dec 2025 13:00:00 +0000 admin@thefederalnewswire.com (The Federal Newswire) https://the-heart-of-business.simplecast.com/episodes/new-mexico-roofing-solar-in-crisis-3Uyxz__I In this episode of The Heart of Business, Dave Simmons—founder of EverGuard Roofing—shares his journey from the lumber and biomass energy industries to building New Mexico’s largest roofing company. Simmons breaks down the sharp collapse in new construction, the realities of paying skilled trade workers fair wages, and why government policy has distorted both the roofing and solar markets. From stalled public projects and disappearing solar grants to workforce shortages and infrastructure failures, this conversation offers a candid look at what New Mexico businesses are facing right now—and what policymakers are getting wrong.

Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@NewMexicoSunPodcasts/videos

]]> New Mexico Roofing & Solar in Crisis The Federal Newswire 00:25:05 EverGuard Roofing’s Dave Simmons on Labor, Energy Policy, and Survival EverGuard Roofing’s Dave Simmons on Labor, Energy Policy, and Survival energy policy, construction industry, new mexico business, heart of business, commercial construction, new mexico economy, renewable energy, solar energy, roofing industry, trades work, small business, workforce challenges false full 10 3bebb6be-23f5-4465-9140-777ecc36dbd8 Homegrown Healing: Dr. Sandra Y. Herrera-Spinelli on Mental Health, Immigrant Roots, and Building New Mexico’s Wellness Workforce Dr. Sandra Y. Herrera-Spinelli shares her remarkable journey from a Mexican-American, first-generation New Mexican to founder of Wellness From Within, a growing mental-health practice serving families, first responders, veterans, and working women across Albuquerque and Rio Rancho. In this conversation, she opens up about her immigrant family story, her father’s U.S. Army service, the challenges of building a behavioral-health workforce, the struggle small practices face with insurance and policy implementation, and her mission to provide accessible care for communities often caught between high deductibles and limited support. This interview offers an honest look at the heart, grit, and advocacy behind one of New Mexico’s most community-rooted mental-health leaders.

Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@NewMexicoSunPodcasts/videos

]]> Thu, 13 Nov 2025 13:00:00 +0000 admin@thefederalnewswire.com (The Federal Newswire) https://the-heart-of-business.simplecast.com/episodes/sandra-herrera-spinelli-iW86CYC7 Dr. Sandra Y. Herrera-Spinelli shares her remarkable journey from a Mexican-American, first-generation New Mexican to founder of Wellness From Within, a growing mental-health practice serving families, first responders, veterans, and working women across Albuquerque and Rio Rancho. In this conversation, she opens up about her immigrant family story, her father’s U.S. Army service, the challenges of building a behavioral-health workforce, the struggle small practices face with insurance and policy implementation, and her mission to provide accessible care for communities often caught between high deductibles and limited support. This interview offers an honest look at the heart, grit, and advocacy behind one of New Mexico’s most community-rooted mental-health leaders.

Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@NewMexicoSunPodcasts/videos

]]> Homegrown Healing: Dr. Sandra Y. Herrera-Spinelli on Mental Health, Immigrant Roots, and Building New Mexico’s Wellness Workforce The Federal Newswire 00:34:24 Dr. Sandra Y. Herrera-Spinelli shares how her immigrant roots, social-work training, and commitment to New Mexico families shaped her journey into building a community-centered mental-health practice that serves first responders, working parents, and underserved communities. Dr. Sandra Y. Herrera-Spinelli shares how her immigrant roots, social-work training, and commitment to New Mexico families shaped her journey into building a community-centered mental-health practice that serves first responders, working parents, and underserved communities. latina leaders, behavioral health, small business nm, mental health, albuquerque, first responders, veteran support, nonprofit leadership, new mexico, wellness from within, community care, immigrant stories, women in business, social work, healthcare access false full 9 8cb4ec4c-1f35-4104-9712-a43517c1cdab Integrity and Leadership in New Mexico Real Estate In this episode of The Heart of Business, host Carla Sonntag sits down with Cassandra Morrison, a 20-year veteran of the Albuquerque Police Department turned real-estate leader with Real Broker. Morrison shares her journey from crisis negotiations to managing over 200 brokers across New Mexico—discussing integrity, mentorship, and how technology is transforming real estate. She opens up about why she stayed in Albuquerque, the challenges of leadership, and her call for stronger business-minded leadership in New Mexico. A candid look at professionalism, perseverance, and what it takes to keep New Mexico moving forward.

Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@NewMexicoSunPodcasts/videos

]]> Thu, 30 Oct 2025 12:00:00 +0000 admin@thefederalnewswire.com (The Federal Newswire) https://the-heart-of-business.simplecast.com/episodes/integrity-and-leadership-in-new-mexico-real-estate-vsbIahvD In this episode of The Heart of Business, host Carla Sonntag sits down with Cassandra Morrison, a 20-year veteran of the Albuquerque Police Department turned real-estate leader with Real Broker. Morrison shares her journey from crisis negotiations to managing over 200 brokers across New Mexico—discussing integrity, mentorship, and how technology is transforming real estate. She opens up about why she stayed in Albuquerque, the challenges of leadership, and her call for stronger business-minded leadership in New Mexico. A candid look at professionalism, perseverance, and what it takes to keep New Mexico moving forward.

Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@NewMexicoSunPodcasts/videos

]]> Integrity and Leadership in New Mexico Real Estate The Federal Newswire 00:34:22 the heart of business, real broker, leadership matters, carla sonntag, new mexico economy, new mexico real estate, cassandra morrison, integrity in business, women in business, business leadership, local business, albuquerque nm false full 8 2bc8e17a-2d94-4f30-863d-01cb5e838ebe Gerald Hamilton on Building Compassionate Care: The Beehive Homes Model in New Mexico In this episode of The Heart of Business, host Carla Sonntag, President and CEO of the New Mexico Business Coalition, sits down with Gerald Hamilton, owner of nine Beehive Homes assisted living franchises across New Mexico and Nevada.

Hamilton shares his journey from nursing home administration in California to becoming a hands-on business owner dedicated to creating small, family-style assisted living environments. The conversation explores the differences between nursing homes and assisted living, the challenges of staffing and regulation, the evolving needs of senior care, and what makes New Mexico’s business climate both promising and difficult for care providers.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, policymaker, or family member navigating elder care, this episode offers insight into what compassionate, community-rooted care really looks like in practice.

Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@NewMexicoSunPodcasts/videos

]]> Wed, 29 Oct 2025 12:00:00 +0000 admin@thefederalnewswire.com (The Federal Newswire) https://the-heart-of-business.simplecast.com/episodes/gerald-hamilton-my-qowun-2cIcuBjp In this episode of The Heart of Business, host Carla Sonntag, President and CEO of the New Mexico Business Coalition, sits down with Gerald Hamilton, owner of nine Beehive Homes assisted living franchises across New Mexico and Nevada.

Hamilton shares his journey from nursing home administration in California to becoming a hands-on business owner dedicated to creating small, family-style assisted living environments. The conversation explores the differences between nursing homes and assisted living, the challenges of staffing and regulation, the evolving needs of senior care, and what makes New Mexico’s business climate both promising and difficult for care providers.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, policymaker, or family member navigating elder care, this episode offers insight into what compassionate, community-rooted care really looks like in practice.

Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@NewMexicoSunPodcasts/videos

]]> Gerald Hamilton on Building Compassionate Care: The Beehive Homes Model in New Mexico The Federal Newswire 00:19:40 elder care, healthcare business, entrepreneurship, assisted living, new mexico business coalition, heart of business, carla sonntag, beehive homes, new mexico, senior living, gerald hamilton, family care, business leadership, small business false full 7 836b6ae2-347a-4722-91d9-79e38dbe7998 From Zippers to Zeal: How Albuquerque’s Luggage Repairman Keeps Craftsmanship Alive In this episode of Heart of Business, host Carla Sonntag sits down with Joel Grieshaber, owner of Albuquerque Luggage & Zipper Repair, to talk about how a New Jersey musician became New Mexico’s go-to craftsman for everything from backpacks to body bags. Grieshaber shares how he built his business on recycling, resilience, and an old-school work ethic that’s carried him through 9/11, the 2008 crash, and COVID shutdowns—all while balancing life, travel, and drumming gigs.

Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@NewMexicoSunPodcasts/videos

]]> Fri, 10 Oct 2025 12:00:00 +0000 admin@thefederalnewswire.com (The Federal Newswire) https://the-heart-of-business.simplecast.com/episodes/joel-grieshaber-uRM_FgQA In this episode of Heart of Business, host Carla Sonntag sits down with Joel Grieshaber, owner of Albuquerque Luggage & Zipper Repair, to talk about how a New Jersey musician became New Mexico’s go-to craftsman for everything from backpacks to body bags. Grieshaber shares how he built his business on recycling, resilience, and an old-school work ethic that’s carried him through 9/11, the 2008 crash, and COVID shutdowns—all while balancing life, travel, and drumming gigs.

Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@NewMexicoSunPodcasts/videos

]]> From Zippers to Zeal: How Albuquerque’s Luggage Repairman Keeps Craftsmanship Alive The Federal Newswire 00:31:26 Musician-turned-repairman Joel Grieshaber shares how he built Albuquerque Luggage & Zipper Repair into a one-of-a-kind small business rooted in craftsmanship, resilience, and the joy of recycling what others might throw away. Musician-turned-repairman Joel Grieshaber shares how he built Albuquerque Luggage & Zipper Repair into a one-of-a-kind small business rooted in craftsmanship, resilience, and the joy of recycling what others might throw away. craftsmanship, small business stories, luggage repair, new mexico business, albuquerque, entrepreneurship, abq repair, heart of business, sustainability, zipper repair, made in new mexico, local business false full 5 de30e355-2337-45bb-b342-1bab0ebb6f23 From Sandia Labs to Small-Town Success: How Noelle Gemmer Turned Manzano Mountain Retreat into New Mexico’s Family Getaway In this inspiring episode of Heart of Business, Noelle Gemmer of Manzano Mountain Retreat shares how her family transformed a former summer camp into a thriving, year-round destination for weddings, corporate retreats, and community festivals. Discover how this tight-knit New Mexico family built a business rooted in hospitality, faith, and local pride—creating jobs, welcoming neighbors, and reviving a rural gem in the heart of Torreon.

 

Watch Full-Length Interview: https://www.youtube.com/@NewMexicoSunPodcasts

Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@NewMexicoSunPodcasts/videos

]]> Wed, 8 Oct 2025 12:00:00 +0000 admin@thefederalnewswire.com (The Federal Newswire) https://the-heart-of-business.simplecast.com/episodes/from-sandia-labs-to-small-town-success-how-noelle-gemmer-turned-manzano-mountain-retreat-into-new-mexicos-family-getaway-7HF5qXQc In this inspiring episode of Heart of Business, Noelle Gemmer of Manzano Mountain Retreat shares how her family transformed a former summer camp into a thriving, year-round destination for weddings, corporate retreats, and community festivals. Discover how this tight-knit New Mexico family built a business rooted in hospitality, faith, and local pride—creating jobs, welcoming neighbors, and reviving a rural gem in the heart of Torreon.

 

Watch Full-Length Interview: https://www.youtube.com/@NewMexicoSunPodcasts

Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@NewMexicoSunPodcasts/videos

]]> From Sandia Labs to Small-Town Success: How Noelle Gemmer Turned Manzano Mountain Retreat into New Mexico’s Family Getaway The Federal Newswire 00:37:12 Noelle Gemmer shares how her family turned Manzano Mountain Retreat into a year-round New Mexico destination for weddings, retreats, and community events rooted in family and local pride. Noelle Gemmer shares how her family turned Manzano Mountain Retreat into a year-round New Mexico destination for weddings, retreats, and community events rooted in family and local pride. rural revitalization, community building, manzano mountain retreat, family owned, new mexico business, hospitality industry, entrepreneurship, heart of business, corporate retreats, weddings, small business success, apple festival false full 4 ea09c4f5-8387-4925-a1da-2d8769a39ea8 Walter Bracken on Building BMC Tactical, Serving New Mexico, and Defending the Firearms Industry Wed, 13 Aug 2025 12:00:00 +0000 admin@thefederalnewswire.com (The Federal Newswire) https://the-heart-of-business.simplecast.com/episodes/walter-bracken-on-building-bmc-tactical-serving-new-mexico-and-defending-the-firearms-industry-MsGxt1Zc Walter Bracken on Building BMC Tactical, Serving New Mexico, and Defending the Firearms Industry The Federal Newswire 00:16:47 In this episode of The Heart of Business, Carla Sonntag talks with Walter Bracken, owner of BMC Tactical, about his journey from a family automotive business to running one of New Mexico’s premier firearms and tactical supply companies. Walter shares the story of starting out with just $500, how BMC has grown into multiple locations, and the challenges and opportunities of running a small business in New Mexico. They discuss law enforcement partnerships, educating the public about firearms laws, and why Walter believes in staying and building a better future for the state. In this episode of The Heart of Business, Carla Sonntag talks with Walter Bracken, owner of BMC Tactical, about his journey from a family automotive business to running one of New Mexico’s premier firearms and tactical supply companies. Walter shares the story of starting out with just $500, how BMC has grown into multiple locations, and the challenges and opportunities of running a small business in New Mexico. They discuss law enforcement partnerships, educating the public about firearms laws, and why Walter believes in staying and building a better future for the state. firearms industry, tactical gear, new mexico business, entrepreneurship, heart of business, public education, business growth, second amendment, walter bracken, law enforcement, local business, bmc tactical, small business false full 3 763aeb45-55f3-4eb6-aaf6-03410e7918a1 From East Coast Hustle to New Mexico Vision: Rich Ringrose on Albuquerque City Lifestyle Thu, 7 Aug 2025 12:00:00 +0000 admin@thefederalnewswire.com (The Federal Newswire) https://the-heart-of-business.simplecast.com/episodes/rich-ringrose-e0GP4nbE From East Coast Hustle to New Mexico Vision: Rich Ringrose on Albuquerque City Lifestyle The Federal Newswire 00:19:54 In this episode of The Heart of Business, Carla Sonntag sits down with Rich Ringrose, owner and publisher of Albuquerque City Lifestyle magazine. Rich shares his journey from coaching football and launching marketing firms on the East Coast to reshaping local media in New Mexico. They discuss entrepreneurship, the power of niche publishing, challenges in New Mexico’s healthcare system, and why hyper-local storytelling is thriving. Discover how Ringrose is building community, supporting small businesses, and planning to grow his impact across the state. Check out: Albuquerque City Lifestyle Magazine 🔗 https://citylifestyle.com/albuquerque-nm New Mexico Business Coalition (Host Organization) 🔗 https://nmbizcoalition.org In this episode of The Heart of Business, Carla Sonntag sits down with Rich Ringrose, owner and publisher of Albuquerque City Lifestyle magazine. Rich shares his journey from coaching football and launching marketing firms on the East Coast to reshaping local media in New Mexico. They discuss entrepreneurship, the power of niche publishing, challenges in New Mexico’s healthcare system, and why hyper-local storytelling is thriving. Discover how Ringrose is building community, supporting small businesses, and planning to grow his impact across the state. Check out: Albuquerque City Lifestyle Magazine 🔗 https://citylifestyle.com/albuquerque-nm New Mexico Business Coalition (Host Organization) 🔗 https://nmbizcoalition.org heart of business podcast, albuquerque magazine, entrepreneur spotlight, hyperlocal journalism, new mexico business, business in new mexico, albuquerque lifestyle, rich ringrose, publishing industry, local media, small business growth false full 2 8d3c1cc9-ff5f-4a80-86a1-7bdfd2095f0b Paul Jew on Moji Cinema, Legacy, and Local Impact Tue, 29 Jul 2025 19:30:44 +0000 admin@thefederalnewswire.com (The Federal Newswire) https://the-heart-of-business.simplecast.com/episodes/paul-jew-on-moji-cinema-legacy-and-local-impact-pa4GNxJd Paul Jew on Moji Cinema, Legacy, and Local Impact The Federal Newswire 00:25:43 In the premiere episode of Heart of Business podcast, host Carla Sonntag (President, New Mexico Business Coalition) sits down with Paul Jew, founder of Moji Cinema, to uncover the remarkable story behind one of Albuquerque’s most community-rooted creative businesses. From humble beginnings in the BARELAS neighborhood to leading a cutting-edge video production firm that helps New Mexico businesses tell their story and grow their audience, Paul shares: - His family’s multigenerational journey from China to Albuquerque - Why he pivoted from photography to filmmaking - How Moji Cinema blends storytelling with digital strategy - His passion for local business, education, and community transformation - A sneak peek at an upcoming feature film based on a powerful true story This series highlights the people behind New Mexico’s small businesses—their grit, vision, values, and the challenges they overcome to build a better state. 📌 Subscribe to follow future episodes featuring the unsung heroes building New Mexico from the ground up. In the premiere episode of Heart of Business podcast, host Carla Sonntag (President, New Mexico Business Coalition) sits down with Paul Jew, founder of Moji Cinema, to uncover the remarkable story behind one of Albuquerque’s most community-rooted creative businesses. From humble beginnings in the BARELAS neighborhood to leading a cutting-edge video production firm that helps New Mexico businesses tell their story and grow their audience, Paul shares: - His family’s multigenerational journey from China to Albuquerque - Why he pivoted from photography to filmmaking - How Moji Cinema blends storytelling with digital strategy - His passion for local business, education, and community transformation - A sneak peek at an upcoming feature film based on a powerful true story This series highlights the people behind New Mexico’s small businesses—their grit, vision, values, and the challenges they overcome to build a better state. 📌 Subscribe to follow future episodes featuring the unsung heroes building New Mexico from the ground up. mojicinema, smallbusinessspotlight, newmexicobusiness, nmentrepreneurs, videomarketing, pauljew, supportlocalnm, businessheroesnm, albuquerquestories, localbusinessheroes false full 1