In this episode of Yuma Stories, Melissa Short sits down with Brad Millner to explore a story rooted in Yuma, entrepreneurship, innovation, and a willingness to keep evolving.Brad shares how growing up in rural Yuma County and working in agriculture shaped his work ethic, how an early career in sales eventually led him into the flooring industry, and how he built a business and team that have grown alongside the community.The conversation also takes a look at what’s next. Brad shares how he’s embracing artificial intelligence to streamline operations, develop new tools, and rethink the way businesses work—while still finding time for one of his biggest passions: off-road racing.From building businesses and leading teams to AI, family, racing, and advice for the next generation, Brad’s story is a reminder that success rarely follows a straight path.🎙️ Yuma Stories celebrates the people, places, and experiences that make the Yuma community unique.#YumaStories #YumaAZ #Entrepreneurship #ArtificialIntelligence #BusinessLeadership #YumaCommunity #OffRoadRacing

In this episode of Yuma Stories, host Carmen Marcus sits down with sisters Pauline Via and Anna Martinez to explore the 77-year legacy of El Charro Café, a longtime staple of the Yuma community.Pauline and Anna share the story of their grandparents, Tony and Lola, who built the family business from the ground up, and reflect on growing up in the restaurant, learning family recipes, working alongside longtime employees, and eventually stepping in as the third generation to carry the restaurant forward.From preserving recipes and traditions to embracing change, supporting local organizations, and treating employees and customers like family, their story is about much more than food — it’s about hard work, community, family, and the memories created across generations.Join us as we celebrate the people, flavors, and traditions behind one of Yuma’s longtime family businesses.Watch more episodes of Yuma Stories at yumastories.com.

Step inside one of Downtown Yuma’s most iconic establishments: Lute’s Casino.In this episode of Yuma Stories, Bruce Gwynn sits down with Bob and Mike Lutes to look back on generations of family history, the evolution of Lute’s Casino, and the many changes they’ve witnessed in Yuma over the decades.From the early days of downtown Yuma and the family’s wedding chapel to pool tables, pinball machines, famous menu favorites, and unforgettable local characters, Bob and Mike share stories and memories behind a business that has become part of Yuma’s history.Discover how Lute’s Casino evolved through generations while holding on to the atmosphere, traditions, and community connections that have made it a longtime Yuma favorite.Thanks for watching Yuma Stories. Find more episodes and learn more at yumastories.com.This project was partially or fully funded by the Arizona Local News Foundation’s Startup and Innovation Grant.

For generations, Stan’s Grocery has been more than just a local business — it’s a Yuma tradition built on family, community, and legacy.In this episode of Yuma Stories, we sit down with Joanna and Christian to talk about the history behind Stan’s, the responsibility of carrying a family business into the next generation, and what it means to preserve the legacy created by their parents and grandparents.They also reflect on the incredible support they’ve received from the Yuma community, including 26 consecutive years of being voted Yuma’s Best Burrito, and share how they hope to continue growing the business while keeping the flavors and traditions that have made Stan’s a local favorite.Watch the full episode and discover the story behind one of Yuma’s longtime local businesses.Find more episodes and platforms at YumaStories.com.This project was partially or fully funded by the Arizona Local News Foundation’s Startup and Innovation Grant.

Yuma Stories - Ep 5 | Yuma Investment Group

Yuma Stories - Ep 4 | Chris Wheeler Owner of Prison Hill Brewing

David Fornof | 47 Years at the Yuma Sun | The Story Behind Local News | Yuma Stories PodcastWhat does it take to produce a newspaper every single day for nearly half a century? In the very first episode of Yuma Stories, Yuma Sun Editor Mara Knaub sits down with David Fornof, Director of Operations and the Yuma Sun's longest-serving employee, whose 47-year career has helped shape the newspaper and preserve the history of Yuma.David shares an insider's look at how the Yuma Sun has evolved—from afternoon editions and hand-inserted newspapers to today's modern printing operation. Along the way, he explains the remarkable precision behind newspaper production, the fascinating history of the Yuma Sun, and why local journalism continues to play such an important role in our community.In this episode you'll discover:How David began working at the Yuma Sun as a high school studentThe history and evolution of the Yuma Sun over more than 150 yearsWhy the newspaper changed from an afternoon edition to a morning paperHow newspapers were printed before today's digital technologyThe incredible engineering behind the Yuma Sun printing pressExperiments with alternative paper, recycled newsprint, and soy-based inksThe story behind the famous Star Wars: Return of the Jedi filming in Yuma and the special commemorative publicationWhy local newspapers remain essential for preserving community historyThe Thanksgiving chili tradition that has fueled Yuma Sun employees for decadesThe importance of fact-checking, fairness, and trusted local journalismIf you've ever wondered how a newspaper is made, what happens behind the scenes, or why local journalism matters more than ever, this episode offers a fascinating look inside one of Arizona's longest-running community newspapers.📰 Enjoyed this episode?👍 Like this video🔔 Subscribe to the Yuma Sun YouTube channel💬 Leave a comment with your favorite Yuma Sun memory or story📤 Share this episode with someone who loves Yuma historyListen & Watch Yuma Stories:🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@YumaSun🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/🎵 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcastsFollow the Yuma Sun:🌐 https://www.yumasun.com📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yumasunnews📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yumasunnews#YumaStories #YumaSun #DavidFornof #LocalJournalism #Newspaper #PrintingPress #YumaArizona #ArizonaHistory #CommunityNews #StarWars #ReturnOfTheJedi #LocalHistory #BehindTheScenes

Jeff McCloud | Accurate Automotive | Yuma Stories PodcastFor more than 55 years, Accurate Automotive has been more than just a repair shop—it's been a trusted part of the Yuma community. In this episode of Yuma Stories, Yuma Sun Editor Mara Knaub sits down with Jeff McCloud, third-generation leader of Accurate Automotive, to discuss how one family's commitment to integrity, innovation, and customer service has built one of Yuma's most respected family businesses.Jeff shares the remarkable story of his grandfather, Dennis McCloud, who founded the business in 1969 after returning from military service with a dream of owning his own automotive repair shop. From a small three-bay building on Third Avenue to multiple locations serving Yuma, the conversation explores decades of growth, changing automotive technology, family traditions, and the values that continue to guide the business today.In this episode you'll hear about:The history of Accurate Automotive and its growth through three generationsDennis McCloud's entrepreneurial spirit and the lessons he passed downHow automotive technology has transformed the repair industryFunny shop stories, memorable towing experiences, and family traditionsWhy integrity, honesty, and hard work remain the foundation of the businessWhat it means to be a family-owned American business during America's 250th anniversary celebrationThe future of Accurate Automotive and serving the Yuma community for generations to comeThis episode is a celebration of the people, businesses, and families that have helped shape Yuma's history—and a reminder that behind every successful local business is a story worth preserving.If you enjoyed this episode:Like this videoSubscribe to the Yuma Sun YouTube channelShare this episode with friends and familyLeave a comment with your favorite Yuma family business or community memoryListen & Watch Yuma Stories:🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@YumaSun🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/🎵 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcastsFollow the Yuma Sun:🌐 https://www.yumasun.com📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yumasunnews📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yumasunnews🐦 X: https://x.com/yumasunnews#YumaStories #YumaSun #AccurateAutomotive #JeffMcCloud #FamilyBusiness #YumaArizona #SmallBusiness #AutomotiveRepair #America250 #LocalHistory #OralHistory #CommunityStories #Arizona