What Happens When an Idea Built From Failure Swims Toward the Sharks?
The THINKER Method™ was built from lessons learned the hard way. Now it's aiming for one of entrepreneurship's biggest stages.
By James W. JenkinsCreator of The THINKER Method™
There is something almost poetic about submitting The THINKER Method™ to Shark Tank.
Because this wasn't an idea born from everything going right.
It was built from things going wrong.
Failure. Setbacks. Closed doors. Wrong turns. Starting over. Learning
There are places we live, and then there are places that become part of how we think.
For me, that place is Havre de Grace, Maryland.
Before the books, before the awards, before the business plans, before The THINKER Method™, there was a hometown at the mouth of the Susquehanna River—a community whose own history contains lessons about destruction, rebuilding, transportation, commerce, courage, adaptation, and growth.
When I look at Havre de Grace today, I don't simply see the place where I was BEFORE THE BOARDROOM: WHERE LEADERSHIP REALLY BEGINSCompanies spend billions developing leaders. What if leadership development began decades before the first promotion?
By James W. JenkinsCreator of The THINKER Method™
Organizations invest enormous resources trying to build something every family has an opportunity to begin developing much earlier:
Accountability.
Critical thinking.
Resilience.
Problem-solving.
Character.
Execution.
Leadership.
We call these professional competencies once someone
What If Better Thinking Became a Business Strategy?
The question corporate leaders may need to ask before their next strategy meeting
By James W. JenkinsCreator of The THINKER Method™
Companies spend enormous amounts of time talking about strategy, innovation, productivity, leadership development and organizational culture.
But there is a question that may come before all of them:
How well does the organization actually think?
Not how intelligent its executives are.
Not how impressive the résumés
How One Award-Winning Author Is Transforming a Book Into a Global Leadership Movement
By Editorial Staff
Some books are written to entertain.
Some are written to educate.
A select few are written to redefine how people think.
For James W. Jenkins, The Complainer and The Thinker was never intended to be another self-help title competing for shelf space. It was designed as a practical framework—a philosophy capable of changing families, businesses, schools, leadership teams, and communities from the
The Inventor Who Refuses to Think Small
How Three-Time Award-Winning Author James W. Jenkins Is Quietly Building Two Innovations That Could Spark Conversations Across the Fitness Industry
In an era when innovation often feels incremental, every so often an individual emerges with a vision that challenges conventional thinking—not by making louder promises, but by asking better questions.
That appears to be exactly what James W. Jenkins has spent the past several years doing.
Already Harford Family House hit a grand slam for the community as its annual Home Runs for the Homeless event raised a record-breaking $109,817.23, making it the most successful fundraising event in the organization's history. Since the event's inception in 2009, Home Runs for the Homeless has raised an incredible $900,000 to help end homelessness in Harford County.
Held at Union Field at Ripken Stadium, this year's sold-out home run derby brought together a record 33 teams of men and women who competed
The Blessings No One Could See
How an Empty Parking Lot Became the Foundation for My Future
By James W. Jenkins
Before sunrise, the parking lot belonged to silence.
A thin layer of dew stretched across the windshield, softening the first light of morning. The streetlights were beginning to fade as another day quietly announced itself. Around me, cars sat motionless, their owners still asleep behind the walls of homes they would soon leave for work, school, or the routines that define ordinary
Some success stories begin in boardrooms.
Others begin in garages.
James W. Jenkins' story began with uncertainty, sacrifice, and a decision that would eventually become the foundation of an award-winning movement.
Today, Jenkins is recognized as the author of The Complainer and The Thinker, recipient of International Impact Book Awards honors in Business of Sustainable Practices and Environmental Leadership, and a Finalist for Author of the Year. His work has evolved into The Thinker Method™, a
Harford Chamber Announces New Vice President
Bel Air, MD – The Harford County Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the promotion of Natalie Pixley to Vice President, effective July 1. Following four years of distinguished service as Director of Strategic Partnerships, Pixley steps into this executive role to partner with President & CEO, Angela Rose and the Board of Directors in advancing the Chamber’s strategic vision as it builds the foundation for the next 50 years of local economic I'm honored to announce that from a pool of businesses across the nation, we were selected for the 2026 Confidence Collective, powered by Hello Alice and BOTOX® Cosmetic. The Confidence Collective is an initiative dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs. The program provides chosen business owners with 12 weeks of intensive hands-on training, mentorship, and resources covering digital strategy, marketing, finance, and pitch refinement. From Washing Cars to General Manager: Five Decades of Leadership, Loyalty and ServiceBel Air, MD – July 14, 2026 – On June 29, Jones Junction celebrated a remarkable milestone as Larry Kropff marked 50 years of service with the company, a journey that began when he walked into the dealership as a teenager looking for his first job and evolved into a leadership career spanning five decades.Larry joined Jones Junction June 22, 1976, just after his 16th birthday. After responding to a newspaper advertisement CASE STUDYFrom Reactive to Resilient: IT Risk Assessment for a Specialty Trade SubcontractorEngagement Type: IT Assessment | Industry: Specialty Construction (Subcontractor) | Organization Size: ~10 employees24+Findings Documented18Recommendations Delivered$50K–$500K+Estimated Annual IT Exposure at Time of Engagement
The Situation
Stone Brook Solutions was engaged by a family-owned specialty trade subcontractor operating in the commercial and residential construction market. The organization Chamber Awards 7 Scholarships at Annual Education Breakfast
Bel Air, MD – The Harford County Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Education & Scholarship Breakfast on Friday, June 12th, at Harford Community College. This event celebrates the Harford County Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation scholarship recipients and recognizes the Harford County Public Schools’ Teacher of the Year. Furthermore, the event serves as an opportunity for the business community to gather and network with future leaders Chamber Hosts the 49th Annual Military Appreciation Event
Bel Air, MD – On Tuesday, May 19th, The Harford County Chamber of Commerce hosted their annual Military Appreciation Luncheon event, presented by Freedom Federal Credit Union and hosted at Top of the Bay, Aberdeen Proving Ground. This year marked the 49th anniversary of the event, highlighting the Chamber’s history and commitment to Aberdeen Proving Ground and the men and women who serve our country in uniform. The event centered around the 250th Legislative Wrap-Up Provides Insights into the 2026 Legislative Session
Bel Air, MD – On Thursday, April 30th, The Harford County Chamber of Commerce hosted their annual Legislative Wrap-Up event, hosted at Maryland Golf & Country Clubs and sponsored by Harford Community College. The event featured a panel of Maryland Delegates and Senators to discuss the results of the 2026 Maryland
Legislative Session and key priorities for next year. The panel consisted of Senator Jason Gallion – District 35, Senator Harford Chamber Hosts 2nd Annual Harford Regional Civics BeeBel Air, MD – On Saturday, April 18, the Harford County Chamber of Commerce hosted the second annual Harford Regional Civics Bee in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and Civics Trust. The event was held at Towson University in Northeastern Maryland and sponsored by APG Federal Credit Union, Baltimore Gas & Electric, MedStar Health, Harford Bank, Harford County Public Library and Harford Community College.
The event began in
Dear Community Members,
We are at a pivotal juncture, marking a profound strategic evolution for our organization. This moment signifies not an end, but the powerful genesis of a new era, singularly dedicated to cultivating the potential and fostering the growth of our next generation.
Central to this renewed vision is the launch of **Literal Excellence USA**, an initiative designed to empower young minds with the tools for critical thinking, innovation, and leadership. Our commitment is unwavering: Economic Insight Breakfast Equips Businesses with Knowledge and ResourcesBel Air, MD – On Tuesday, March 31st, The Harford County Chamber of Commerce hosted their annual Economic Insight event, presented by APG Federal Credit Union, at Maryland Golf & Country Clubs. Featured speakers: Dr. Daraius Irani of Towson University and Regional Economic Studies Institute, and Karen Holt of Harford County’s
Department of Economic Development, and Ben Seigel, Deputy Comptroller of Maryland for Policy, Public Works,
Scaling your market research means building a repeatable system for gathering, analyzing, and acting on customer and competitive intelligence — so your business decisions stay grounded in data as your needs grow and change. For small businesses in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson region, that system doesn't require a big budget or an outside consultant. It requires knowing which tools exist, which methods match your stage of growth, and how to keep your findings from sitting unused in a folder no one
A media kit is a curated collection of brand assets, company information, and story angles that helps businesses present themselves clearly to journalists, partners, and event organizers. For businesses seeking stronger public relations outcomes, increased visibility, and consistent media engagement, a well-built media kit acts as both a credibility signal and a conversion tool. It organizes your narrative so others can tell it accurately and quickly.Key Takeaways
A media kit centralizes your brand
Sixty percent of small businesses encounter disputes with vendors or suppliers, and those disputes can drain 9% of annual revenue — a cost most owners never anticipate because they assumed a strong relationship would handle anything. In Harford County, where businesses regularly work across healthcare supply chains, federal contracting relationships, and the broader Baltimore logistics network, a vague agreement creates exposure that outlasts the deal. This guide covers what to include, what assumptions Harford County Chamber of Commerce Celebrates 50 Year
AnniversaryBel Air, MD – On March 4, 2026, the Harford County Chamber of Commerce reached a historic milestone, celebrating the 50th anniversary of its incorporation. To mark five decades of service, the Chamber hosted a commemorative "Golden Anniversary Ribbon Cutting & Membership Social," bringing together business leaders, community partners, and local officials to honor the organization’s enduring legacy and vibrant
future.
Since its founding in Harford Chamber and Partners Host Minority and Small Business Resource Fair
Bel Air, MD – On Wednesday, February 25th, the Harford County Chamber of Commerce hosted the Minority & Small Business Resource Fair in partnership with the Harford County Department of Economic Development and Harford County Caucus of African American Leaders. The event, sponsored by APG Federal Credit Union, was held at the Converge Center in Aberdeen.
The event featured 38 business resource vendors, 2 educational breakout
Small businesses in Harford County often grow fastest when they don’t grow alone. Partnerships—formal or informal—help owners expand their reach, reduce risk, and combine strengths that would be difficult to achieve individually. But successful collaboration doesn’t happen by accident; it’s engineered through clarity, communication, and trust.
Learn below about:
Why partnerships succeed or fail
How to identify the right partner
Ways to structure agreements that protect everyone
Tools for keeping County Executive Cassilly Provides Update for Business Community
at Harford Chamber’s State of the CountyBel Air, MD – On Thursday, January 22nd, The Harford County Chamber of Commerce hosted their annual State of the County event, sponsored by MedStar Health. Harford County Executive Bob Cassilly gave his State of the County Address, sharing the administration’s accomplishments this past year and future opportunities. Harford Chamber Board Chair, Chris Stone of E-Moxie, welcomed guests and recognized Chamber Hosts Pre-Legislative Breakfast with Army Alliance and State and National ChambersBel Air, MD – On Tuesday, December 16th, the Harford County Chamber of Commerce hosted their Eggs & Issues Legislative Breakfast, in partnership with the Army Alliance and presented by Harford Community College. This year’s event featured two panel discussions focused on each organizations’ priorities for the 2026 legislative session.
Harford Chamber Board Chair, Chris Stone, E-Moxie, offered welcome remarks,
Harford Chamber Announces Harford Award Recipients, Celebrates Shining Stars of Business at 33rd Annual Ceremony
Bel Air, MD – Members of the Harford County business community and local dignitaries gathered for the 33rd annual Harford Award on Monday, October 20th at Water’s Edge Events Center. The prestigious award honors companies and organizations which exemplify a strong commitment to the Harford County business community. Recipients are chosen through a nomination/application process focused on
There’s a fine line between throwing money at a problem and investing in something that transforms a team. Training isn’t a cure-all, but when done for the right reasons, it becomes a catalyst. The challenge is knowing when the timing is right—and what kind of training will actually make a dent in performance or culture. Companies often rush to upskill or reskill without asking the deeper questions that separate check-the-box exercises from real development.
The Tension Between Growth and Plateau
The
In the competitive landscape of startups, digital marketing is not just an option but a necessity for growth. The right strategies can significantly enhance your brand’s presence and foster meaningful connections with your audience. By adopting innovative marketing tactics, startups can navigate the complexities of the digital world and position themselves for long-term success. This article delves into effective strategies that can transform your startup’s marketing efforts, ensuring you stay ahead in
?? BIG NEWS: THE THINKER METHOD™ HAS ENTERED THE TANK. ??
Where the River Meets the Bay—and Resilience Meets Purpose Havre de Grace, Maryland: The History Behind a Hometown, a Three-Time Award-Winning Author, and The THINKER Method™ By James Jenkins
BEFORE THE BOARDROOM: WHERE LEADERSHIP REALLY BEGINS
WHAT IF BETTER THINKING BECAME ORGANIZATION’S COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE?
AWARD RECOGNIZED. MISSION REALIZED.
The Inventor Who Refuses to Think Small
Harford Family House's Home Runs for the Homeless Raises Record $109,817
The Blessings No One Could See How an Empty Parking Lot Became the Foundation for My Future By James W. Jenkins
FROM MANUSCRIPT TO MOVEMENT How One Man Turned Hardship into an Award-Winning Mission By Medium | Special Feature
Harford Chamber Announces New Vice President
BOTOX Grant Awarded to Heated 4U • California Heat
Jones Junction celebrates Larry Kropff’s 50 Years of service
From Reactive to Resilient - A small business case study
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Chamber Awards 7 Scholarships at Annual Education Breakfast
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Chamber Hosts the 49th Annual Military Appreciation Event
Legislative Wrap-Up Provides Insights into the 2026 Legislative Session
Harford Chamber Hosts 2nd Annual Harford Regional Civics Bee
Author Of The Year - Hollywood Gala
Economic Insight Breakfast Equips Businesses with Knowledge and Resources
How Harford County Small Businesses Can Scale Market Research Without a Research Firm
The Business Case for Building a Media Kit That Gets You Noticed
Before You Shake Hands: A Contract Guide for Harford County Business Owners
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Harford County Chamber of Commerce Celebrates 50 Year Anniversary
Harford Chamber and Partners Host Minority and Small Business Resource Fair
How Small Business Owners in Harford County Can Collaborate Effectively
County Executive Cassilly Provides Update for Business Community at Harford Chamber’s State of the County
Chamber Hosts Pre-Legislative Breakfast with Army Alliance and State and National Chambers
2025 Harford Award Press Release
Training Isn't Optional: Knowing the Right Time to Educate Your Team
Propel Your Startup’s Success Through Savvy Digital Marketing Tactics
