Behind the Cubicle

In this episode of Behind the Cubicle, Stephanie Kennedy-Mell sits down with Greg Willson, General Manager of Purveyor, to talk about the journey from starting at the bottom of the industry to leading one of Huntsville’s most elevated dining experiences.Greg shares how working as a server assistant shaped his leadership style, what it takes to build a strong team culture, and why consistency matters more than perfection in hospitality. The conversation also touches on what it means to be part of a restaurant recognized by the Michelin Guide and the level of detail, discipline, and execution required to meet that standard every night.They also get into:• What separates fine dining from other restaurant experiences• How staff training and menu knowledge elevate every guest interaction• The behind-the-scenes reality of managing hundreds of guests each week• Creating memorable experiences through concepts like Supper Club and live art shows• And how great teams recover when things don’t go as plannedIf you’ve ever wondered what makes a restaurant truly stand out, this conversation gives you a real look behind the scenes.

In this episode, Stephanie Kennedy-Mell sits down with Brandon Zeller, the Operations Manager for Mazzara’s in Huntsville and Athens, and the longest-tenured employee of Church Street Family. Brandon shares his journey from starting as a part-time server at Purveyor in 2017 to leading operations across multiple restaurants. Along the way, he reflects on lessons learned in restaurant management, what guests don’t see behind the scenes, and the unique culture that defines the Church Street Family.They discuss the realities of hospitality, the teamwork required to run great restaurants, the stories that happen behind the dining room doors, and what excites Brandon most about the future—including bringing spirits and cocktails to Mazzara’s historic Huntsville location.

In this episode of Behind the Cubicle, we sit down with Dawn Pumpelly, editor and owner of The Scout Guide Huntsville, along with her talented team—Sabrina, Amanda, and Ashley. Together, they pull back the curtain on what goes into creating the beautiful print guide and the growing digital presence that celebrates Huntsville’s small businesses.From creative photo shoots (and the occasional wildlife surprise) to building meaningful community connections, The Scout Guide team shares how their work has evolved into a true advocate for local entrepreneurs. They dive into the collaborative process, their passion for storytelling through photography and design, and the events that bring business owners together in authentic ways.It’s a conversation about creativity, community, and the friendships formed when you’re committed to highlighting the best of Huntsville.https://www.instagram.com/tsghuntsville/https://thescoutguide.com/huntsville/

In this episode, we explore the powerful partnership between DEVCOM Aviation and Missile Center and the Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering (ASCTE). With a shared commitment to growing the next generation of STEM talent, this collaboration provides students with hands-on experience, early exposure to real-world projects, and even the opportunity to begin obtaining security clearances while still in high school. We discuss how this partnership is setting a new standard for workforce development, how students are contributing to mission-critical work in Huntsville, and why other agencies and companies are beginning to take notice. Whether you're in government, education, or industry, this episode is a compelling look at the future of innovation and talent cultivation in one of the nation's leading tech hubs.

In this episode, we sit down with Michael Cox, Site Lead for RTX in Huntsville, Alabama, to explore the impactful partnership between RTX and the Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering (ASCTE). From a $4 million investment to hands-on mentorship and internship opportunities, RTX has played a critical role in shaping the school’s mission and preparing students for real-world careers in engineering and defense.Michael shares his career journey from the U.S. Air Force to leading RTX’s local operations, and how the company helped pioneer one of the region’s first high school internship programs in the aerospace and defense industry. You'll also hear directly from ASCTE student interns Otto Fisk and Giselle Lozano about their experience working with RTX and how it’s preparing them for the future.If you're passionate about workforce development, STEM education, or the future of engineering, this episode is a must-listen.

In this episode Clark Dunn, Founder & CEO of Beyond Rockets, sits down with Joe Newberry, President & CEO of Redstone Federal Credit Union, to discuss Redstone’s deep-rooted commitment to education, workforce development, and community growth.We dive into Redstone’s partnership with the Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering (ASCTE), exploring how this collaboration is shaping the next generation of cyber and engineering professionals. From funding initiatives to internship opportunities, Redstone is playing a pivotal role in preparing students for careers in technology and finance.Tune in to hear:🔹 Why Redstone Federal Credit Union invested in ASCTE and what it means for Huntsville’s future🔹 How internships and mentorship programs are creating real-world experiences for students🔹 Joe Newberry’s perspective on leadership, innovation, and community impactWhether you’re an entrepreneur, educator, or someone passionate about the future of cybersecurity, this episode offers valuable insights into the power of collaboration and forward-thinking leadership.

Alicia shares how ASCTE is making a lasting impact—not just on her company, but on Huntsville and beyond. From preparing the next generation of cyber leaders to strengthening Alabama’s presence in the tech world, this school is shaping the future in a big way.It’s more than just education—it’s about building a stronger, more innovative community.https://www.ascte.orghttps://www.ascte.org/foundation

In this episode, Christy Wimberly, Owner of Honest Coffee in Huntsville and Madison, joins store managers Caleb Setzer and Andrew "Dilly" Loudin to explore Honest Coffee's core values of community, kindness, and investing in their team. They discuss the company’s commitment to fostering an environment where both customers and employees feel valued and connected. With insights from both locations, they share how they build supportive spaces, nurture talent, and create meaningful experiences that extend beyond a cup of coffee. https://www.instagram.com/honesthsv/ https://www.instagram.com/honestmadisonal/ https://www.honesthsv.coffee

In this episode of Behind the Cubicle, Elayne Walker, co-owner of Bard and Glass, and PeggyLee Wright, founder of The Company You Keep, discuss their respective journeys as business owners and the importance of relationships in their work.Peggy shares her background, including her military career, moving to Huntsville in 2011, and eventually transitioning to running her own business after years of volunteer work and consulting. Her company, The Company You Keep, focuses on leveraging Huntsvil...

Tune in to see why turning your business into a personal brand and diving into genuine storytelling is key to success.