Sunday, May 16, 2021 marks the beginning of Minding Your Business, a radio show sponsored by Sunward each Sunday from 11 AM to noon on 96.3 News Radio KKOB.
Minding Your Business is presented by WESST, a statewide small business development and training organization committed to growing New Mexico’s economy through cultivating entrepreneurship.
Founded in 1989, WESST has nurtured the entrepreneurial dreams for thousands of New Mexicans by providing training, technical assistance, and access to capital. Minding Your Business is the latest addition to the WESST lineup of services developed to provide the resources to help business dreams a reality.
Ahead of their first ever show, we caught up with Melissa Stock, VP of Marketing at Sunward, for more information about the show, and a small sampling of what she will discuss as the show’s first guest. 
Q: For those unfamiliar with what this show is about, could you shed some light on what the show will cover and why Sunward wanted to be the sponsor?
The show, presented by WESST, was developed to highlight local small businesses and entrepreneurs and offer advice, experiences and opportunities to others who might be small business people, are thinking of starting a business or are simply interested in New Mexico's business climate. Sunward jumped at the opportunity to get involved, as we are local and have a deep interest in supporting our local economies and businesses. While most people know we are associated with Sandia National Laboratories, we also have more than 1,000 partner companies, and support these businesses and their employees through retail, business, and commercial lending opportunities. We live here, work here, and are invested in helping families and businesses increase their financial fitness.
Q: Minding Your Business will feature wisdom and inspiration from New Mexico business owners and entrepreneurs, what is the best wisdom or inspiration you have learned throughout your career?
Hard work and showing up beats about everything else, almost every time. I have also learned to be a lifelong and interested student. Finally, I would say that finding a company with whom you share values is extremely important. That's why I love Sunward - it is a value-based company which truly cares about its members, employees and community.
Q: If you could turn back time and talk to your 18-year-old self, what would you tell her?
Take more math classes! Data analytics is a part of my daily diet at work. Know how it all goes together and understanding how numbers are pulled and work together is critical.
Q: What advice would you give to someone wanting to pursue a career similar to yours?
Do everything in your power to hone your writing and critical thinking skills. AI (artificial intelligence) will never replace a person who can think creatively, write and communicate well. I believe those skills give every candidate from any discipline a huge advantage.
To hear more from Melissa, be sure to tune in from 11 AM to noon this Sunday to 96.3 KKOB FM radio for Minding Your Business.
