What if one of the biggest business opportunities in the world was hiding inside a problem most people never think about?

In this episode, Are Traasdahl, founder of Crisp and Arkade, shares the story behind building a company aimed at solving one of the most overlooked global challenges: food waste. With one-third of all food produced globally lost before it ever reaches consumers, Are saw not just a broken system, but a massive opportunity to rebuild it using data, technology, and AI.

Summary

Are walks through his journey from growing up in a small town in Norway to building and exiting multiple technology companies in the U.S., including early innovations in mobile content and programmatic advertising. But Crisp represents something different. Inspired by a trip around the world where he witnessed both massive food waste and deep food insecurity, he set out to build a data platform that connects the entire retail supply chain—what he calls a “supply web”—to reduce inefficiencies at scale. 

At the core of Crisp is a simple but powerful idea: if you can unify data across retailers, suppliers, and distributors, you can dramatically improve decision-making—from what gets stocked on shelves to how products are priced and distributed. What started with zero customers and tens of millions invested in technology quickly accelerated during the pandemic, growing to thousands of brands as the industry realized the need for better data visibility and collaboration. 

Beyond the business itself, Are shares a broader philosophy on building: focus on solving meaningful problems, be willing to invest ahead of the market, and commit to creating something that delivers value not just for customers—but for the world. His “triple bottom line” approach—good for the world, good for customers, and good for the business—offers a compelling framework for founders thinking about long-term impact. 

Highlights

00:00 Why is Are building in NWA?

4:00 Are's other companies (Thumbplay, Tapad)

19:00 Crisp is solving food waste in the supply chain
31:00 What makes Crisp different
46:00 Are's vision for Arkade

Key Takeaways

1. Solve problems at scale—or rethink the problem entirely - Are didn’t choose a “cool” industry—he chose a massive one. The food supply chain isn’t flashy, but it’s a $10+ trillion ecosystem filled with inefficiencies. For young founders, this is a reminder: the biggest opportunities often live in overlooked industries. For seasoned founders, your story becomes more powerful when it’s tied to a problem that actually matters.

2. You need to be 10x better—not just slightly better - Incremental improvements don’t drive change—especially in complex, B2B environments. Crisp’s success comes from building a fundamentally different system, not just optimizing an existing one. If you’re building something, ask yourself: is this truly different, or just marginally better?

3. Build ahead of the market—and be willing to wait - Crisp invested tens of millions into technology before generating revenue. That’s uncomfortable—but it created a long-term advantage when the market caught up. Whether you’re early or experienced, there’s a tension here: can you see where things are going—and are you willing to build for that future before it’s obvious?

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What if the real edge in your business is leaning into A.I.?

In this episode, Eric Howerton, co-founder & CGO of AdFury.ai, pulls back the curtain on how AI is reshaping the future of retail, advertising, and entrepreneurship in Northwest Arkansas. This isn’t a hype conversation about AI; it’s a grounded, hard-earned perspective from someone who’s spent over a decade solving real problems for real customers.

Summary

Eric reframes what it means to be an entrepreneur in today’s world. It’s not about titles like “founder” or chasing funding—it’s about seeing a problem so clearly that you can’t ignore it. That mindset led him to build WhyteSpyder from $850 in the bank to a successful exit, and now drives his work at AdFury, where he’s tackling what he calls the “content supply chain” - the bottleneck that prevents brands from delivering personalized, relevant experiences at scale. 

At the core of AdFury’s innovation is a simple but powerful shift: using AI not just to automate tasks, but to unlock entirely new capabilities. Instead of manually creating dozens of ad variations, brands can now generate highly personalized, dynamic content for individual shoppers in seconds: something that was previously impossible due to time and cost constraints. 

Zooming out, Eric challenges the broader Northwest Arkansas ecosystem to think differently. Rather than trying to imitate Silicon Valley, he argues the region’s true strength lies in its deep retail expertise and problem-solving culture. The opportunity isn’t to chase trends, it’s to double down on solving meaningful problems faster than anyone else, especially as AI reshapes the industry at an accelerating pace.

Highlights

00:00 What is the difference between a founder, entrepreneur, & business owner?

9:00 Evolution of tech scene in NWA

23:00 What is AdFury.ai ?
41:00 A.I. advice for small business owners
47:00 How AdFury is gonna change retail
58:00 Eric's hope for AdFury

Key Takeaways

1. Real entrepreneurs are obsessed with problem solving - Eric didn’t start businesses thinking about exits or valuations. He started because he saw gaps that needed to be solved. If you’re early in your journey, focus less on “what could this become?” and more on “what needs to be fixed right now?”

2. AI isn’t just a tool—it’s a new playing field - Most people approach AI as a way to do existing tasks faster. Eric’s perspective flips that: AI enables things that were never possible before. The founders who win won’t just optimize, they’ll rethink what’s even possible in their industry.

3. Your environment matters more than you think - Northwest Arkansas isn’t Silicon Valley, and that’s the advantage. The density of real problems, real operators, and real businesses creates a unique opportunity: solve meaningful problems where you are, instead of chasing abstract ideas somewhere else.

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What would happen if more of the capital shaping your area actually came from the people who live there?

In this episode, Brad Henry of Natural Capital shares a behind-the-scenes look at building a private investment firm designed to do exactly that: keep opportunity local, empower founders, and give families in Arkansas a seat at the table. It’s a conversation about money, but more than that: it’s about trust, relationships, and building something you’re genuinely proud of. 

Summary

Brad breaks down how Natural Capital operates as a relationship-driven investment firm, pooling capital from local families and deploying it into both real estate and businesses across Arkansas and the broader Heartland. With a focus on diversification, the firm balances cash-flowing real estate with growth-oriented company investments, creating stability while still capturing upside. What stands out is their intentional strategy: not chasing “home runs,” but consistently hitting “doubles” through disciplined, lower-risk investing.

The story behind Natural Capital is just as compelling as the strategy. Born out of a gap in the Arkansas market (where most private investing was done by a few large families) the firm was built to democratize access to private markets. Brad shares how early fundraising leaned heavily on trust, asking friends and family to believe in a vision before it was proven. That reputational risk became a defining feature of the company’s culture: relationships first, always.

At its core, this episode is about impact. From investing in affordable housing across Northwest Arkansas to partnering with founders as minority investors, Natural Capital is focused on long-term value, both financially and within the community. Brad makes it clear: success isn’t just measured in returns, but in whether investors and partners feel proud to be part of what they’re building together.

Highlights

00:00 What is Natural Capital?

14:00 NatCap's investment strategy

28:00 Company case study: Harvest Group
37:00 Raising the 1st Fund
47:00 What growth looks like in NWA

Key Takeaways

1. Build through relationships, not transactions - The best opportunities (and the best outcomes) come from trust. Whether you’re raising capital or telling your story, long-term relationships will outperform short-term wins every time.

2. You don’t need to swing for home runs to win - Natural Capital’s strategy is simple: avoid unnecessary risk and focus on consistent, repeatable outcomes. For founders, this is a reminder that sustainable growth often beats flashy, high-risk bets.

3. Your story is part of your strategy - For seasoned founders especially, how you communicate your journey matters. Brad and his partners raised their first fund by inviting others into a story they believed in. If people understand your vision, they’re far more likely to invest—financially and relationally.

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What does it look like to take a small, family-run manufacturing shop and turn it into a diversified, innovation-driven company competing on a national level?

In this episode, Chris Chandler of Chandler Capital Group shares the real story behind building, losing, rebuilding, and ultimately redefining what success looks like in business. From taking on massive debt to buy the family company to navigating industry crashes and launching entirely new product lines, Chris offers a grounded, honest look at what it takes to build something that lasts.

Summary

Chris walks through the evolution from Chandler Equipment to Chandler Capital Group, explaining how the business expanded from manufacturing parts for 18-wheelers into multiple automotive brands, including direct-to-consumer products. After experiencing the volatility of the oil and gas industry—and laying off dozens of employees—he made a pivotal decision: diversify or risk repeating the same mistake. That decision led to the creation of Chandler Truck Accessories and a long-term strategy centered on solving real customer problems. 

A major theme throughout the conversation is innovation through necessity. Whether it’s introducing robotics to increase efficiency, redesigning toolboxes based on real-world failures, or shifting from B2B to DTC, Chris emphasizes learning through trial and error. Growth didn’t happen overnight—it took years of rejection, iteration, and persistence before things began to click. 

Beyond business strategy, Chris shares a deeper perspective on leadership and life. In recent years, he’s redefined success—not as revenue or scale, but as becoming a better husband, father, and leader. That shift has influenced how he runs his company today: focused on developing people, staying hands-on, and building businesses that serve both employees and the local community in Northwest Arkansas. 

Highlights

00:00 What is Chandler Capital?

7:00 Buying the family business
19:00 Scaling

30:00 Getting into truck accessories
50:00 Acquiring Backwoods Adventure
70:00 The future of Chandler Capital

Key Takeaways

1. Solve real problems—not theoretical ones: The breakthrough for Chandler Truck Accessories came from observing what was actually failing in the market (like broken toolbox doors) and building something better. Look for friction in the real world—that’s where opportunity lives.
2. You have to earn your way into leadership: Chris didn’t skip the hard part. Years of operating, failing, and problem-solving built the foundation that now allows him to lead and develop others. There’s no shortcut around the “doing” phase.
3. Diversification isn’t optional—it’s survival: Relying too heavily on one industry nearly cost them everything. Building multiple revenue streams within a focused niche gave them stability and long-term growth.

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What if one project completely changed the trajectory of your business?

In this episode of NWA Founders, Jeremy Hudson, CEO of Specialized Real Estate Group, shares the story behind some of Northwest Arkansas’ most meaningful developments and the philosophy that drives them.

From Eco Modern Flats to South Yard and Markham Hill, Jeremy walks through what it really takes to build places that last. This isn’t just a conversation about real estate. It’s about culture, health, long-term thinking, and building neighborhoods that matter.

Summary

Jeremy’s development philosophy was forged during Eco Modern Flats, a downtown Fayetteville apartment renovation that reshaped how he thought about health, sustainability, and community. What began as a simple value-add play became a deeper mission: design spaces that improve indoor air quality, reduce energy costs, and foster real human interaction.

Specialized didn’t grow incrementally. After Eco, Jeremy and his team jumped into large purpose-built student housing projects like Sterling and The Cardinal (deals that were bigger than anything they’d done before). It was risky. It required outside partners.

But those years built their financial literacy, operational discipline, and capital relationships. 

Over time, the strategy sharpened: focus on meaningful places or create them at scale. Projects like Brick Avenue in Bentonville and South Yard in Fayetteville reflect that thesis—medium-scale, mixed-use developments designed to feel like neighborhoods, not complexes.

Highlights

00:00 Eco Modern Flats

17:00 '08 Recession

22:00 UofA Student Housing
28:00 Uptown in Fayetteville
45:00 Jeremy's investment thesis
62:00 South Yard in Fayetteville
76:00 Markham Hill Development

Key Takeaways

1. Culture Is Your Competitive Advantage - Jeremy attributes longevity to values alignment—internally and with capital partners. If your investors, consultants, and team don’t share your vision, growth will fracture your mission.
2. Grow Boldly, But With Advisors - Specialized scaled quickly by partnering with experienced capital and development teams.
3. Think in Decades, Not Deals - Drake Farms may take “more than one decade and hopefully less than two” to fully realize that kind of timeline changes how you build. It changes how you hire. It changes how you underwrite risk.

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What if your company made the Inc. 500 and then almost went out of business?

In this episode of NWA Founders, we sit down with Thomas Addington and Allen Befort, co-founders of Givingtons, to unpack how they built a fast-growing book company and how it almost got away from them. Today, they've built a powerhouse that blends storytelling, product design, and brand strategy into something entirely different from traditional publishing, but it wasn't always like that.

For founders who are struggling in building efficient processes for their people, this episode is a masterclass in failing, learning, and persevering while scaling.

Summary

Thomas and Allen break down how Givingtons positioned itself inside an old industry without becoming trapped by it. Rather than competing with traditional publishers on volume or price, they focused on design, presentation, and emotional connection. They built a creator-first book company.

Givingtons grew fast (but not by accident). The founders share how they approached product development with intentionality, how they navigated wholesale and retail partnerships, and why packaging and perceived value matter as much as content.

While Givingtons has a thriving creative culture today, it wasn't always like that. Thomas and Allen rehash the company's most difficult years and their commitment to building a company that focuses on people over products.

Highlights

00:00 What is Givingtons?

13:00 Why books?

22:00 Scaling and failing early
48:00 Polymath Acquisition + Growth Season
58:00 What's next for Givingtons?

Key Takeaways

1. Differentiate in crowded markets by owning a category - Givingtons didn’t try to be a better publisher, they built a different kind of book company.
2. Creative brands still require operational discipline - Product design, inventory, margins, and cash flow matter just as much as vision.
3. Focus on people over products - The founders stayed committed to creating a thriving environment for their people, which in turn makes for better products.

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What does it take to lead a 70+ year old family-owned company into the future without losing sight of what made it successful in the first place?

In this episode, we’re joined by Todd Simmons of Simmons Foods for an in-depth conversation on leadership, legacy, and building a company with a long-term vision. As a multi-generation family business rooted in Northwest Arkansas, Simmons Foods has grown by staying deeply committed to its people, its values, and the communities it serves.

Todd shares thoughtful insights on what it means to lead responsibly, how family businesses can navigate growth without losing their identity, and why stewardship matters just as much as scale. We talk about making decisions with future generations in mind, developing strong leaders from within, and balancing innovation with tradition in an ever-changing industry.

Whether you’re a founder, executive, or emerging leader, this episode offers meaningful perspective on leading with intention and creating impact over the long haul.

Summary

Todd opens up about growing up in Siloam Springs, watching the company expand under his father and grandfather, and how that shaped his views on responsibility and work ethic. After years of learning every part of the business, he stepped into the CEO role and helped transform Simmons into a vertically integrated powerhouse.

One of Todd’s greatest challenges has been maintaining Simmons’ strong internal culture through rapid expansion. He talks about how core values like servant leadership, long-term thinking, and putting people first aren’t just internal slogans, they’re guiding principles baked into how the company operates, recruits, and retains talent.

Todd discusses how Simmons Foods has adapted to market changes, workforce dynamics, and supply chain challenges, all while investing in innovation and infrastructure. He also shares advice for other leaders: take care of your people, have the discipline to make hard decisions, and don’t let growth outpace your values.

Highlights

00:00 Todd's earliest memory of working in Simmons Foods

10:00 Origin of Simmons Foods (Bill Simmons)

33:00 Chaplain Program & Employee Clinics
46:00 NWA in the early 2000s
69:00 Growth of Pet Food Unit

Key Takeaways

1. Lead with values - Simmons Foods has scaled because its leadership is rooted in long-term principles not short-term trends.
2. Culture doesn’t scale automatically - You have to fight for it, reinforce it daily, and protect it as you grow.
3. Stewardship is a strategy - Treating a company like something you’re building for the next generation leads to better decisions.

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What happens when you combine blue-collar grit with high-tech precision and build a company from the ground up without taking on a dime of debt?

In this episode, we sit down with John Musser, president of Custom Electronics, to explore how a regional integrator went from a borrowed truck and a box of cables to a 100+ employee business working on some of the most iconic projects in Northwest Arkansas.

Custom Electronics is behind the scenes of places like the Ledger, the AMP, and University of Arkansas athletics facilities. But John’s story is about much more than wires, it’s about betting on people, staying debt-free, building from scratch, and creating a culture where hard work isn’t optional, it’s expected.

If you’re a small business owner, tradesperson, or young founder trying to figure out what real, sustainable growth looks like, this episode offers an honest, practical roadmap.

Summary

Custom Electronics was started in 2008 by Victor and Daphne Rell during a housing boom in NWA. John joined in 2014 with a background in commercial electrical work and a drive to scale their commercial offering. Over the next decade, the company would grow 10x, all while running lean, hiring people based on hustle (not résumés), and refusing to take on debt.

Despite national competitors with bigger marketing budgets and deeper pockets, Custom Electronics has carved out market share by focusing on service, speed, and simplicity. From security and AV to smart homes and large-scale commercial systems, John and the team built their reputation by doing the job right and doing it fast.

With five core values (humility, efficiency, dependability, generosity, and excellence) literally tattooed on John’s hand, it’s clear the culture at Custom Electronics is more than a plaque on the wall. They hire for work ethic over experience, reward loyalty with six-figure promotions, and maintain a workplace where hard work is both expected and celebrated.

Highlights

00:00 What is Custom Electronics?

08:00 The shift in the trades

22:00 Aversion to debt
29:00 Technology in BIG buildings
47:00 Core values
57:00 What's next for Custom Electronics?

Key Takeaways

1. You don’t have to take on debt to grow - Building at the speed of cash forces discipline, prioritization, and smarter decisions.
2. Hire on grit, not credentials - John built a 100-person team by looking for people who showed up, worked hard, and wanted to learn.
3. Your culture is your product - From warehouse signage to how you show up at job sites, every touchpoint communicates what your business stands for.

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What started as a side hustle is now a multi-employee business with customers across the country...

In this episode, we sit down with Kendall and Bailey Beykirch, the married co-founders of KenzKustomz, to talk about how they built a thriving custom accessories brand rooted in hustle, resilience, and an eye for design.

Originally launched to serve a niche market with personalized tote bags and phone cases, KenzKustomz quickly evolved into a fast-growing brand with a loyal customer base and a hands-on approach to scaling.

Kendall and Bailey open up about learning business the hard way from purchase order mishaps and TikTok virality to handling copycats and managing a warehouse team in their 20s. If you're a young founder navigating the chaos of early growth, trying to turn a good product into a lasting business, this episode is packed with real-world insights you won’t find in a business book.

Summary

Kendall first started KenzKustomz out of her dorm room, fulfilling orders by hand and figuring things out as she went. Bailey soon joined her full-time, bringing a complementary skillset that helped them professionalize operations. Together, they leaned into social media, word-of-mouth, and direct engagement with customers to build momentum without outside capital.

From managing inventory to training employees, Kendall and Bailey learned how to grow in real time. They walk through key turning points like opening their warehouse space, investing in the right equipment, and responding to a TikTok boom that sent their order volume through the roof.

As their business scaled, so did the pressure. Bailey shares how they worked through burnout, solved packaging and fulfillment challenges, and protected their intellectual property in a competitive online space. Now with clear roles, a strong backend system, and a roadmap for future product lines, they’re focused on long-term sustainability.

Highlights

00:00 KenzKustomz origin story

07:30 Working with influencers

27:00 Moving into retail
38:00 Instagram account deleted...
51:00 Hat of the Month Club
57:00 What's next for KenzKustomz?

Key Takeaways

1. Start with what you have - You don’t need a warehouse, investors, or a business plan to launch, just a product, a platform, and some persistence.
2. Be ready to learn as you go - Real growth happens when you treat every challenge (inventory, hiring, marketing) as a lesson to level up.
3. Clear roles build better businesses - Knowing your lane and respecting your partner’s strengths makes all the difference in a growing company.

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What does it look like to step out of a successful brokerage career and build your own investment firm from scratch?
In this episode, we sit down with TJ Lefler, founder of Lefler Capital, to talk about entrepreneurship, capital allocation, and what it really takes to build something sustainable in Northwest Arkansas.

After years of experience in commercial real estate, TJ transitioned from being a dealmaker to becoming an owner and investor. Today, his firm focuses on strategic, long-term real estate investments and brings a measured, patient approach to growth.

Whether you're running a small business, expanding into real estate, or simply looking for clarity on what “smart growth” looks like, this conversation delivers tangible insights from someone who's in the trenches.

Summary

TJ shares why he chose to leave the brokerage world and take the risk of starting his own firm. He talks about the key inflection points in that transition, including what he underestimated, what he got right, and why ownership has changed how he thinks about long-term value.

Lefler Capital isn’t chasing volume. It’s focused on the right deals with the right partners. TJ explains his criteria for investing, how he structures deals, and why patience is often the hardest but most important strategy. For small business owners considering real estate as a path to scale, this segment offers tactical advice.

As a founder, TJ emphasizes keeping things simple, staying focused, and knowing your numbers. He shares how he approaches growth, manages investor expectations, and builds a team that operates with clarity and consistency. His playbook is refreshingly straightforward and widely applicable beyond real estate.

Highlights

00:00 T.J.s background

15:00 Making Deals in a "small town"

27:00 Bloom Building in Bentonville
35:00 Balancing 'Investor Return' and 'Community Impact'
54:00 What's next for Lefler Capital?

Key Takeaways

1. Know when to bet on yourself - Leaving a steady income isn’t easy, but timing, preparation, and conviction matter more than comfort.
2. Simple systems win - Don’t overcomplicate your growth strategy. Start with a clear plan, tight numbers, and steady execution.
3. Ownership changes everything - When you own the asset, whether it's real estate or your business, you think differently about risk, time, and long-term value.

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What does it take to not only build a thriving company but to buy it back after it fails and make it stronger than ever?

In this episode, we sit down with Mark Zweig, founder of Zweig Group, a nationally recognized consulting firm for architects and engineers. Mark opens up about his multi-decade entrepreneurial journey from fixing up houses and starting a consultancy from scratch, to surviving bankruptcy, private equity disasters, and buying back his own business.

Whether you’re a new founder, a tired operator, or an aspiring entrepreneur with no roadmap, this episode will give you a masterclass in perseverance, problem-solving, and building a business with your bare hands.

Summary

Mark shares how he left Boston and a successful consulting firm to restart his life in Fayetteville, Arkansas. He explains why NWA’s welcoming, “Wild West” spirit made it the ideal place to teach, build, and rebuild. As a former architect-turned-entrepreneur, Mark’s story weaves together content creation, education, real estate development, and grit, all with one goal: make things better than you found them.

Mark describes himself as a “fixer,” and it shows. From flipping homes with authenticity and style to taking back the reins of Zweig Group after a failed private equity takeover, he’s done it all. His philosophy? Stay in the fight, outlast the storm, and don’t be afraid of risk, just don’t take stupid ones. He breaks down the true cost of failure (not just the trendy kind), how to navigate debt and cash flow crises, and why being hands-on with your team and customers matters more than ever.

Today, Mark teaches entrepreneurship, sits on multiple boards, mentors former students, and writes with brutal honesty. His definition of success is simple: “Spending your time the way you want, with the people you want to be with.” He makes the case for acquiring existing businesses instead of starting new ones, urges young founders to own their role, and reminds us all that you’ll never fail if you don’t give up.

Highlights

00:00 Afraid of taking risks?

10:30 Starting Zweig Group

20:00 Remodeling Homes
31:00 Buying back Zweig Group
43:00 Teaching at Walton College of Business
57:00 Starting a Business in NWA

Key Takeaways

1. Don't romanticize failure. “Fail fast” sounds good in a TED Talk, but in the real world, failure can wreck your credit, reputation, and relationships. Experiment, yes, but don’t build a business on the idea that it’s okay to crash.
2. Buying a business > starting one (most of the time). Acquisitions are often less risky, with built-in cash flow, customers, and teams. Startup worship has made founders overlook this path.
3. Success is ownership over your time. True freedom isn’t money or scale. It’s doing what you want, when you want, with people you respect.

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In a region growing as fast as Northwest Arkansas, who helps guide the pace of progress?
In this episode, we sit down with Marshall Saviers, CEO & President of Cushman & Wakefield | Sage Partners, one of the most influential commercial real estate firms in the region. With nearly two decades of experience, Marshall has brokered some of the largest and most impactful deals in Arkansas, but it’s his long-term mindset, focus on relationships, and local-first approach that truly set him apart.

From early lessons learned under seasoned mentors to co-owning and operating a full-service brokerage, Marshall’s journey is grounded in curiosity, trust, and consistency. Whether you’re in real estate, economic development, or simply trying to scale a business with staying power, this conversation is filled with timeless takeaways on partnerships, patience, and playing the long game.

Summary

Marshall shares how his early career was shaped by mentors who modeled both market expertise and personal integrity. He quickly learned that the best deals aren’t just about square footage or price, they’re about listening well, building trust, and solving real problems. That relational focus has guided every chapter of his career, from his first cold calls to navigating nine-figure development projects.

Now as president of Sage Partners, Marshall leads a team that manages more than 6 million square feet of property across Arkansas and beyond. He reflects on what it’s like to grow a business through people, and how transparency, local knowledge, and consistent follow-through keep Sage ahead in a competitive industry. He also talks about partnering with Cushman & Wakefield, and how that relationship has expanded their capabilities without sacrificing their NWA roots.

In a post-COVID world, commercial real estate is changing fast and Marshall has a front-row seat. He shares insights on the rise of mixed-use development, the importance of placemaking, and why Northwest Arkansas’s momentum is still just getting started. Through it all, Marshall emphasizes humility, clear communication, and staying grounded as both a business leader and community member.

Highlights

00:00 Starting Sage Partners

10:30 Surviving the 2008 Recession

29:00 Rapid Growth
43:00 Developing the Analyst Program
53:00 JB Hunt's Vision for Pinnacle

Key Takeaways

1. Play the long game - Marshall’s entire career proves that real estate isn’t about chasing fast deals, it’s about showing up, staying steady, and serving people well over decades.
2. People over property - At every turn, Marshall reinforces the idea that relationships drive results. That mindset has built trust with clients, partners, and the region as a whole.
3. Local roots scale better - Even while partnering with a global brand like Cushman & Wakefield, Marshall and the Sage team have stayed deeply committed to Northwest Arkansas—because that’s where the real value lives.

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What happens when a broke college student trades potpourri for a secondhand stove and ends up running one of the most productive candle factories in the country? 
In this episode, we sit down with Burt Hanna, founder of Hanna’s Candle Company, to talk about building a business brick by brick in Northwest Arkansas. From 20-hour work weeks as a student to multi-million-dollar Walmart orders, Burt's journey is a masterclass in grit, scrappiness, and figuring it out.

This one’s not about flashy exits or polished pitches. It’s about showing up and staying scrappy, even when your entire inventory burns to the ground (literally). Burt opens up about the highs and lows of scaling from $100 side hustles to a $60 million revenue machine, plus what it means to build a company that outlives you. Whether you're a founder in the trenches or just candle-curious, there’s something here for you.

Summary

It all started in 1987, when Burt Hanna was a senior at the University of Arkansas just trying to make an extra $100 a month. With $4,000 in savings and a little help from his dad and a line of credit, he began selling potpourri to local gift shops. By the end of that year, he’d sold over $180,000 worth.

At its peak, Hanna’s Candle Co. hit $60 million in sales, fueled largely by a runaway product: the 6x6 pillar candle. But as with all great runs, the momentum slowed. Between 2005 and 2012, revenue dropped to $9.6 million, a brutal season marked by product saturation, price cuts, and the harsh realities of scale.

Burt didn’t sell to private equity, doesn’t chase government grants, and isn’t interested in brand hype. Why? Because he believes in jobs, real ones. Hanna’s Candle Co. employs hundreds of people in Fayetteville, many of whom have been there for over a decade. And Burt sees the factory as more than just a place to work, it’s a place where people feel safe, respected, and proud of what they build.

Highlights

00:00 Starting Hanna's Candle Company

17:30 From pot-pourri to candles

29:35 The '6 x 6' Candle

41:00 Decline from 2005-2012

1:00:00 Future of Hanna's Candle Company

Key Takeaways

1. Commitment: Burt’s decision not to sell to private equity, and his focus on local jobs, is a bold stance that more founders should consider.
2. Focus: He’s stayed in his lane. No distractions. Just jar candles done better than anyone else.
3. Figure It Out: Whether it was building a machine from scratch, trading potpourri for a stove, or surviving a recession, Burt embodies the scrappy, figure-it-out mentality every founder needs.

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What does it take to grow a local HVAC company into a multi-state home services powerhouse?
In this episode of NWA Founders, we sit down with Charley Boyce, CEO of Paschal Air, Plumbing, & Electric, to talk about legacy, leadership, and how he’s scaled one of Northwest Arkansas’s most trusted brands while staying rooted in the values that built it.

Charley acquired Paschal in 2010, inheriting a strong foundation. What followed was an aggressive, intentional expansion across multiple states, trades, and service verticals, all powered by Charley’s obsession with operational excellence, customer satisfaction, and performance. Whether you know Paschal from their signature blue vans or from a 2 a.m. plumbing rescue, you’ve probably felt the impact of their work.

Summary

Charley shares how he went from field tech to company president, taking over the family business while still learning the ropes. He reflects on his decision to grow the business beyond its local roots, opening new locations in Fort Smith, Joplin, and eventually across multiple state lines, all while keeping quality and culture intact.

Growth didn’t happen by accident. Charley explains his “do things right, not fast” philosophy when entering new markets, why he’s bullish on brand consistency, and how he evaluates potential acquisitions.

At its core, Paschal’s business model is built on showing up, doing the job right, and treating people with respect. Charley dives into the company's standards for customer service, the importance of training and techs who buy into the mission, and how trust is earned over time, one visit, one household at a time.

Highlights

00:00 Charley's background in the trades

23:30 Operational Excellence

41:00 Acquisitions

56:00 Competing with Private Equity Firms

1:13:00 Franchising?

Key Takeaways

1. You can’t scale chaos - Operational excellence is non-negotiable when building something big.
2. Legacy can fuel innovation - Instead of staying stuck in “how it’s always been,” Charley used legacy as a launchpad for growth.
3. Service is a brand, not just a department - Paschal’s reputation wasn’t built on marketing, it was built on thousands of interactions done right, over time.

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What does it take to serve an entire area through good food and world-class experience?
In this episode of NWA Founders, we sit down with Carl Garrett, founder of Table Mesa Restaurant Group, whose name has become synonymous with Bentonville’s food scene. From launching his first concept with a simple vision to building a hospitality brand that now includes Table Mesa, Tavola Trattoria, and Mirabella’s Table, Carl’s journey is one of resilience, reinvention, and relentless attention to quality.

Whether you’re in food, retail, or any customer-facing business, this conversation is filled with timeless lessons on brand, people, and perseverance.

Summary

Carl shares how a love of food and hospitality, paired with a dissatisfaction in his previous career, led him to pursue the dream of opening a restaurant. But that leap wasn’t easy. In the early years, he faced deep uncertainty, personal sacrifice, and even considered walking away altogether. It was only through grit, clarity of purpose, and sheer willpower that Table Mesa became the cornerstone of Bentonville’s evolving downtown.

What followed wasn’t a rush to expand but a focus on doing things right. Carl breaks down how Tavola and Mirabella’s were born, how he thinks about customer experience, and why he refuses to cut corners, even when scaling gets tough. His approach to growth is old school: build something great, one guest at a time.

Carl reflects on the evolution of Northwest Arkansas and how the region’s growth has affected hiring, operations, and expectations. He talks about leadership through COVID, how Bentonville’s identity shapes his decisions, and why longevity matters more than hype.

Highlights

00:00 How Carl found his way into hospitality

08:30 Opening Table Mesa

26:00 Opening Tavola Trattoria

43:00 Opening Mirabella's Table

1:10:00 What’s next in 2026

Key Takeaways

1. There are no shortcuts in hospitality - Carl built his brand by sweating every detail and showing up when it mattered most
2. Get back to the basics - Many people open restaurants, but few last. Carl reminds us that staying power is built on character, consistency, and care.
3. Service is the true bottom line - Every one of Carl’s restaurants exists to serve people

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What makes Underwoods different from every other retail jewelry shop?
In this episode of NWA Founders, we sit down with Troy Underwood, Vice President of Underwoods Fine Jewelers, to explore the legacy, craftsmanship, and entrepreneurial mindset behind one of Arkansas’ most respected jewelry businesses. From serving multiple generations of families to adapting a traditional craft for a modern world, Troy shares how purpose, patience, and personal connection fuel his family’s lasting success.

Summary

Troy reflects on the early days of Underwoods Fine Jewelers and how his grandfather Bill's idea grew from a small Fayetteville shop into a trusted regional brand. He explains how Bill's precedent of investing in craftsmanship and maintaining a reputation for excellence has allowed the company to serve families for decades.

While Underwoods is rooted in traditional jewelry-making, Troy emphasizes how important it is to embrace change. From technology that transforms the design process to evolving customer expectations, he explains how the business continues to innovate while keeping quality and trust at the forefront.

For Troy, success isn’t about the number of diamonds sold, it’s about building lasting relationships. He shares insights into leading a team with integrity, creating value that extends beyond a transaction, and why caring for customers as family is at the heart of Underwoods’ identity.

Highlights

00:00 What makes Underwoods different?

23:00 Fake diamonds...

50:00 The perfect diamond?

Key Takeaways

1. Legacy is built through consistency – Long-term trust is earned by prioritizing craftsmanship.
2. Innovation sustains tradition – Modern tools and practices can enhance,  but not replace timeless artistry.
3. Relationships define value – Success comes from caring for customers and team members beyond the transaction.

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What does it take to build a Law Firm where people actually love and care about each other?
Most people think of law firms as cutthroat, high-pressure places but Joseph Reece has built something different. As co-founder of RMP Attorneys at Law, Joe shares how faith, integrity, and a “no jerk” culture have shaped one of the most successful firms in Arkansas. From humble beginnings in Ozone, Arkansas, to leading a 40+ attorney practice with offices across the state, Joe’s journey is about persistence, people, and building a business that lasts.

Summary

Joe reflects on his small-town upbringing, the influence of hard working parents, and the encouragement that set him on the path to law school. He shares how his career began with mentors, and how those early relationships provided the foundation for RMP’s growth.

Unlike many firms built on rigid strategic plans, RMP grew out of necessity: filling roles and expanding practice areas to meet client demand. From estate planning and tax law to litigation and business transactions, Joe explains how “meeting needs with excellence” fueled steady expansion into Bentonville, Jonesboro, Little Rock, and beyond.

At the heart of RMP is a culture built on sacrifice, generosity, and care. Joe describes the firm’s “no jerk rule,” the importance of recruiting people of integrity, and why clients buy more than expertise; they buy wisdom. Looking ahead, he discusses technology’s role, including AI’s potential to transform efficiency, while emphasizing that wisdom and care can’t be replaced.

Highlights

00:00 Joe’s origin

18:00 Founding RMP

32:00 Building healthy culture

57:00 Expansion

70:00 The future of law + A.I.

Key Takeaways

1. Growth follows need – RMP didn’t scale from a master plan, it grew by solving problems and meeting client demand.
2. Culture drives cohesion – Excellence, generosity, and care are at the core of attracting and retaining top talent.
3. Wisdom matters most – Clients don’t just buy legal services, they invest in the wisdom and integrity of their attorneys.

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Building Walkable Communities in Northwest Arkansas with High Street Real Estate & Development
In this episode, we sit down with Ward Davis and Jason Keathley, the partners behind High Street Real Estate & Development, to talk about how they’re reshaping Northwest Arkansas through walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods like Johnson Square, the 1907 Building in Rogers, and the ambitious Drake Farms project. Their story blends persistence, conviction, and care, three traits that every founder, investor, and entrepreneur can learn from.

Summary

Ward and Jason share their unique paths into development (one from finance, the other from construction) and how those backgrounds shaped their approach to creating vibrant communities. They explain why walkability, design, and food & beverage anchors are essential ingredients of their projects.

From battling zoning restrictions to investing in projects when downtown Rogers felt like a ghost town, High Street’s success has hinged on conviction. Jason candidly recalls thinking Johnson Square would never work, only to become one of its biggest believers. Together, the duo emphasize that creating lasting neighborhoods requires seeing beyond today’s obstacles to tomorrow’s potential.

Perhaps what sets High Street apart most is care. From helping local restaurants navigate PPP loans during COVID to rethinking how apartments interact with bike trails, their projects show that thoughtful details compound into neighborhoods people cherish.

Highlights

00:00 – The origins of High Street

20:00 – Johnson Square

50:00 – The 1907 Building

60:00 – Drake Farms

Key Takeaways

1. Persistence matters most – Every business will face roadblocks. Stubbornness and grit are the traits that carry you through.
2. Conviction is non-negotiable – If you don’t believe in your vision, you can't be in development.
3. Care creates culture – When you care about design, tenants, and neighborhoods, you inspire others to care too.

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What does it take to run a multi-location car dealership while preserving a 75-year family legacy?
In this episode, we sit down with Matt, Shelby, and Taylor Lewis, fourth-generation leaders of Lewis Automotive Group, to talk about what it’s really like to operate a large family business in one of the fastest-growing regions in the country. The Lewis brothers are doing more than selling cars, they’re stewarding legacy, shaping culture, and building for the long haul.

From strategic growth and leadership development to managing family dynamics and honoring their ancestor’s vision, this conversation is a playbook for modern succession and values driven businesses. Whether you’re in a family business or just trying to scale something, this episode delivers real insight on what it takes to do both with excellence.

Summary

Matt, Shelby, and Taylor share the Lewis family history and how they grew up immersed in dealership life as they slowly took on more responsibility under their dad’s leadership. Today, they oversee multiple dealerships and more than 300 employees across Northwest Arkansas.

To scale responsibly, the brothers have developed a strategic leadership team, and created systems that protect both culture and operations. They walk through how they’ve divided roles, stay aligned on vision, and navigate decisions together.

Throughout the conversation, the brothers reflect on the values passed down by their father: integrity, humility, and servant leadership. Their goal isn’t just short-term performance, it’s to lead with intention, grow the business in healthy ways, and ensure Lewis Automotive is still thriving 100 years from now.

Highlights

00:00 – Lewis family history

24:00 – Working in the Business

1:25:00 – New Campus + Future Goals

Key Takeaways

1. Legacy is built with intention - Matt, Shelby, and Taylor are proving that honoring the past doesn’t mean resisting change.
2. Alignment beats authority - Running a family business with multiple leaders isn’t easy, but their clarity on roles, respect for each other, and shared mission make it work.
3. Growth should make the business better, not busier - With the right systems in place, the Lewis brothers are scaling without sacrificing culture.

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What does it look like to lead one of Northwest Arkansas’s most trusted commercial real estate firms in the middle of a regional development boom?
In this episode, we sit down with Clinton Bennett, co-founder of Focus Commercial Real Estate, to explore how he and his team are helping shape the future of Northwest Arkansas one deal, one relationship, and one intentional decision at a time. Whether he’s guiding first-time business owners into their first retail space or partnering with developers on multi-million dollar projects, Clinton is doing it with a philosophy that prioritizes trust over transactions and service over scale.

Summary

Born and raised in Arkansas, Clinton shares how his farming upbringing shaped his belief in hard work and service. After working with with some national firms, he took the leap and launched Bennett CRE during a pivotal moment in the market. He explains how his early bets, mentorships, and scrappy beginnings set the foundation for a values-first company.

Unlike traditional firms focused solely on volume, Bennett CRE took a slower, relationship-driven path. Clinton explains how he developed a client-first model, intentionally grew a team of high-character agents, and made long-term trust the core of every deal.

With Northwest Arkansas booming, Clinton discusses the challenges and opportunities that come with a business merger and rapid development. From infrastructure strain to affordable housing to land scarcity, he unpacks where the region is headed and Focus CRE plays a central role in shaping what it becomes.

Highlights

00:00 – Introduction

15:00 – Launching Bennett CRE

30:00 – Life Changing Deals

55:00 – Growth in NWA Market

Nick's 3 Key Takeaways

1. The long game always wins - Clinton’s story is a reminder that meaningful success doesn’t come from chasing the biggest check, it comes from playing the longest game with the right people.
2. Values scale faster than tactics - When you build your business on trust, consistency, and character, your reputation becomes your strongest asset.
3. Real estate is about people, not property - Whether it’s a lease or a $10M deal, Clinton shows that every transaction is an opportunity to serve, build relationships, and shape a better community.

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What happens when you leave a stable corporate job with nothing but an idea you believe in?
In this episode of NWA Founders, we sit down with Bethany Taylor, the powerhouse founder behind Gratsy: a curated sampling and brand experience company that delivers personalized gift boxes directly into consumers’ hands. Bethany’s story is one of grit, vision, and unwavering belief. After years in retail marketing at Sam’s Club, she saw a gap in how brands connect with people. So she built Gratsy: a smarter, warmer alternative to mass sampling, powered by data and personal touch.

Summary

Bethany left a comfortable role with no backup plan but a burning desire to build something better. She shares how early motherhood and brand experience gaps gave her the idea for Gratsy, and how she turned that idea into a business through faith, hustle, and firsthand customer empathy.

Gratsy isn't just about free samples, it's about delight at the right time. Bethany explains how the brand crafts deeply personal experiences through a blend of targeting, timing, and storytelling helping brands reach consumers in their most meaningful life stages, from pregnancy to major transitions.

Without outside investors, Bethany had to scale Gratsy through resourcefulness. She breaks down how they built operational infrastructure, managed explosive growth, and built trust with global CPG clients—all while staying true to a people-first culture rooted in gratitude and purpose.

Highlights

00:15 – Leaving corporate to start Gratsy

15:00 – Building a home-based startup

30:00 – How Gratsy works

45:00 – Operational challenges and keeping clients happy

1:00:00 – Leadership lessons and staying grounded

1:15:00 – Bethany’s vision for what’s next...

Nick's 3 Key Takeaways

1. You don’t need a safety net to start - Bethany built Gratsy from nothing not because she had all the answers, but because she trusted the problem and stayed committed.
2. Delight is a business model - Gratsy’s success shows that when you prioritize real human experience, everything else: clients, growth, and momentum follows.
3. Purpose keeps you grounded - Through every pivot and challenge, Bethany returned to her “why”: to serve people with intention and gratitude, not just scale.

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What does it take to build a multimillion-dollar screen printing business from the ground up?
In this episode of NWA Founders, Ben Clark shares the remarkable story behind B-Unlimited, a screen printing and custom apparel company based in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Ben’s journey started with dishwashing jobs and door-to-door T-shirt sales, followed by a stint with Chick-fil-A, failed restaurant ventures, and a bold move to purchase B-Unlimited. What followed was decades of learning the hard way through risk, reinvention, and relentless perseverance.

Summary

Ben walks us through the early days of B-Unlimited: buying the business with borrowed equity from his house, learning operations on the fly, and investing in relationships more than marketing. He shares how B-Unlimited became a trusted name in collegiate and Greek apparel by focusing on quality, creative freedom, and servant leadership.

Throughout the episode, Ben talks candidly about failure, loss, and the lessons that shaped him. From losing his brother to navigating COVID and a company merger, he explains how personal hardship clarified what really matters: family, integrity, and helping others succeed. Whether he’s leading a staff of 100 or a startup cohort across the globe, Ben leads with authenticity.

After years of growth at B-Unlimited, Ben launched Bold Creators, a faith-centered entrepreneurial mentorship initiative connecting Arkansas business leaders with young Ugandan founders. With 78% of Ugandans under age 30, he sees the country as a rising hub of talent and resilience, offering weekly coaching and culminating in a transformative in-person business retreat.

Highlights

00:00 – Introduction: Learning through failure

15:00 – Bankruptcy

30:00 – Scaling B-Unlimtied

45:00 – Navigating COVID

1:00:00 – The launch of Bold Creators

1:15:00 – Defining success

Nick's 3 Key Takeaways

1. Failure is a class, not a curse - Every failure, from bad credit to business closures, was part of Ben’s leadership training.
2. You can’t skip steps - There’s no shortcut to integrity. From leasing equipment to leading teams, lasting success is built slowly.
3. Generational impact matters - Whether mentoring young entrepreneurs or working alongside his own children, Ben sees legacy as the highest return.

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What does it take to grow a one-man AV setup into a multi-million-dollar production company serving some of the biggest stages in America?
In this episode of NWA Founders, we sit down with Cameron Magee, founder of avad3 Event Production, to explore how he went from running tech for church services to producing high-stakes corporate events across the country. Cameron shares the full behind-the-scenes story starting in high school with nothing but passion, gear, and grit. 

What began with simple lighting and sound setups grew into a business that now handles everything from live streams to large-scale conferences for Fortune 500 clients. And it all started in Northwest Arkansas. If you're an entrepreneur building a service-based business, or just love stories of creative people scaling impact through systems and excellence, this episode is packed with wisdom and insight.

Summary

Cameron’s entrepreneurial journey began at age 14, helping churches with AV setup. He founded avad3 while still in college and slowly scaled the business by prioritizing reliability, client service, and doing the little things right. His approach wasn’t flashy - it was intentional. And that commitment to quality is what set avad3 apart from day one.

Instead of chasing flashy growth or big marketing campaigns, Cameron focused on refining process, building team culture, and empowering his crew. By creating systems and building trust, he turned avad3 into a company that could operate at a national scale without losing its human touch. Cameron discusses how discipline, delegation, and documentation have been essential to sustainable growth.

Today, avad3 serves clients coast to coast, yet remains proudly based in Northwest Arkansas. Cameron talks about why he chose to stay rooted in the region, how his team continues to innovate with gear and training, and what it means to elevate the entire experience—not just the event itself.

Highlights

00:00 – Early beginnings: high school gigs, gear collecting, and church events

15:00 – Founding avad3

30:00 – Building credibility, hiring a team, and learning how to lead

45:00 – Developing systems and the philosophy behind quality control

57:00 – When the White House calls

1:15:00 – Staying rooted in NWA while growing a national client base

Nick's 3 Key Takeaways

1. Slow growth is strategic growth - Cameron didn’t sprint to scale, he refined, repeated, and built carefully for the long haul.
2. Excellence is in the details - From pre-event prep to showtime execution, avad3’s competitive edge comes from flawless attention to detail.
3. You don’t have to leave home to go big - Cameron proves that national impact can come from local roots, if the product is strong and the vision is clear.

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How do you turn your passion for duck hunting into a nationally recognized brand rooted in culture, hospitality, and grit?
In this episode of NWA Founders, we sit down with JD Blagg, Aaron Seifritz, and Josh Teff - the three founders of Fowlco Outfitters, a waterfowl-focused outfitting and lifestyle brand based in Oklahoma, to hear how they’ve built one of the most respected names in modern hunting. What began as a interesting idea has evolved into a high-end guiding service, a product line, and a brand that’s redefining waterfowl culture across the country. From the first hunts to national brand partnerships and apparel drops, this episode covers the full journey.

Summary

Fowlco was born from deep friendship and a shared obsession with duck hunting. The founders leaned on hard-earned skills, local knowledge, and a relentless work ethic to create an outfitting experience that felt different - more personal, more consistent, and more premium. Word spread quickly, and what started small grew into something that now draws clients from across the country.

Early on, the team understood the power of brand. Through cinematic storytelling, a clean aesthetic, and thoughtful product design, Fowlco grew from a local guide service into an authentic lifestyle brand. Instead of chasing trends or gimmicks, they built a brand rooted in who they are and it resonated with hunters far beyond Arkansas.

With growth came challenges: training new guides, managing demand, and expanding without compromising their standards. The team shares how they’ve scaled with intention, created systems that reinforce their values, and kept their heads down through it all. Whether they’re guiding executives or cleaning gear at midnight, they’re still doing the little things right.

Highlights

00:15 – The origin of Fowlco: three friends, one pit blind, and a whole lot of passion

15:00 – Building a premium hospitality experience in the middle of a duck field

30:00 – Brand building through design, photography, and storytelling

45:00 – Launching Fowlco gear: what it takes to create products that hold up

60:00 – Growing the team and training the next generation of guides

75:00 – Staying grounded: hard work, small-town roots, and long-term vision

90:00 – Final reflections and advice to anyone building something from scratch

Nick's 3 Key Takeaways

1. Take the long way - Fowlco didn’t rush growth, they prioritized relationships, authenticity, and product over shortcuts.
2. Be real - Everything from their gear to their hospitality is an extension of who they are. Authenticity isn’t a marketing strategy, it’s their core advantage.
3. Put your head down and do the work - Success didn’t come from luck, it came from early mornings, late nights, and doing the work others overlook.

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What does it look like to run a financial firm built on trust, resilience, and generational vision?
In this episode of NWA Founders, we sit down with Brock Gearhart, CEO of Greenwood Gearhart, to explore how he transformed a respected Fayetteville-based firm into a 1.7 billion dollar wealth management leader with deep ties to the community and a clear strategy for the future. From his early days on Wall Street to returning home at the height of the 2008 financial crisis, Brock shares how he navigated economic turmoil, led through generational transition, and kept clients first through it all. If you care about legacy, strategic growth, and building businesses that last, this conversation is a masterclass in leadership through long-term thinking.

Summary

Greenwood Gearhart was founded by pioneer Mary Ann Greenwood, who built a fiduciary firm well ahead of its time. Brock stepped in with a plan to honor her values while expanding the firm's offerings. From adding estate planning and financial concierge services to developing one of the region's only independent family office models, Brock walks us through how the business scaled with integrity.

As Greenwood Gearhart enters its “3.0” phase, Brock emphasizes a renewed focus on client outcomes, culture, and innovation. With an intentional hiring strategy centered on people-first values (not just financial acumen) his team has helped drive smart growth without sacrificing quality. The firm now manages over $1.7B while delivering deeper service through comprehensive financial planning and investment management.

Brock also shares the story behind Natural Capital, a private investment firm he co-founded with Marshall Saviers, Todd Simmons, and Brad Henry. With a focus on real estate and operating businesses in Northwest Arkansas, Natural Capital has raised over $150M to date, mostly from Arkansans. The goal? Keep the state’s best deals in-state, create shared upside, and give Arkansas investors access to institutional-grade opportunities.

Highlights

00:15 – How Greenwood Gearhart stands out in a crowded industry

15:00 – Lessons from Wall Street and the 2008 crisis

30:00 – Transitioning the firm from Mary Ann Greenwood (founder)

45:00 – Scaling from $150M to $1.7B

60:00 – Building Natural Capital to keep opportunity in Arkansas

75:00 – Brock’s leadership philosophy

90:00 – The next era of Greenwood Gearhart

Takeaways

1. Trust and clarity outperform short-term performance - Brock’s firm focuses on long-term client outcomes—helping people live more fulfilled lives, not just outperform benchmarks.
2. Growth should make the product better, not worse - Greenwood Gearhart’s services have improved as the firm scaled—proving that growth and excellence can go hand in hand.
3. Put down roots to grow real value - Natural Capital is a case study in how to invest where you live, keep capital local, and serve your community while earning strong returns.

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What do you get when a college student blends together a family recipe and a vision for something bigger than herself?
In this episode of NWA Founders, we sit down with KK Goodwin, founder and CEO of Mamaka Bowls, a cali-inspired smoothie bowl restaurant with a cult following across 9 US locations. What began as a side hustle out of a Fayetteville college house has become a powerful example of purpose-driven entrepreneurship, nostalgic brand building, and operational grit. From avoiding the franchise model to opening stores with a credit card, KK shares how Mamaka grew one bowl at a time—without compromising culture or creativity.

Summary

Mamaka’s story began with KKs mom’s homemade granola recipe and a Google phone number in high school. With no outside investment, she revived the concept in college, hand-delivering smoothie bowls made in her shared house. By graduation day, she opened Mamaka’s first retail location in Fayetteville—with no restaurant experience, no commercial kitchen, and no formal business plan.

Mamaka grew fast—but intentionally. KK and her team opened nine stores in seven years, expanding into Texas, North Carolina, and beyond, all while refusing to franchise. Instead, Mamaka stayed operator-led, building strong culture and daily team calls that measure everything from net profit to labor percentages. KK walks us through the costs, chaos, and clarity behind sustainable scaling.

KK shares how brand consistency, aesthetic integrity, and people-first leadership drive Mamaka’s momentum. With a yearlong pause in store openings, she’s now focused on perfecting systems, expanding lifestyle products, and preparing for the next wave of growth—without chasing trends or losing control of what makes Mamaka special.

Highlights

00:00 – Origins of Mamaka Bowls

15:00 – Launching Mamaka's first ever location in Fayetteville

30:00 – First year emotions

45:00 – Expanding to Waco

1:00:00 – Fort Worth and locations 4, 5, & 6

1:15:00 – 9 stores in 7 years = choosing to pause

1:30:00 – Dreams for Mamaka Bowls

Takeaways

1. Start scrappy, scale intentionally – KK’s first two stores were launched without loans, and her story proves you don’t need big capital to build a big business—just consistency and care.
2. Culture is a competitive advantage – Mamaka’s daily metrics calls and internal team systems help the brand maintain quality and unity across nine locations.
3. Pausing can be powerful – After explosive growth, KK is stepping back—not because growth has stopped, but because the best next step is building a business that lasts.

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What does it take to sustain a family-owned bank for over 100 years—and still be positioned for explosive growth?
In this episode of NWA Founders, we sit down with Jon and Max Harrell, the fifth and sixth generation leaders of Generations Bank, to hear the story of how a small-town bank in South Arkansas transformed into a billion-dollar institution rooted in the heart of Northwest Arkansas.

From the early days in Calhoun County to their strategic relocation to Rogers, Arkansas, the Harrells share how vision, family legacy, strategic acquisitions, and an unwavering commitment to relationships have fueled their remarkable growth. Whether you’re leading a family business, navigating generational succession, or growing a startup, this conversation offers timeless lessons on leadership, scaling, and staying true to your values.

Summary

Starting in 1907 in tiny Harrell, Arkansas, Generations Bank’s story is one of endurance and vision. Jon Harrell shares the origins of the bank, how it survived the Great Depression, and how it quietly served small communities for decades before setting its sights on broader opportunities in Northwest Arkansas.

Leading a family-owned business into its sixth generation is rare. Jon and Max discuss how clear communication, strategic growth decisions, and honoring the company’s values have allowed them to not just survive but thrive. From expanding into Rogers, Fayetteville, and Bentonville to acquisitions across Missouri, the Harrells explain how they’ve modernized the bank while keeping its relational DNA intact.

As Generations Bank crosses the billion-dollar asset mark, Jon and Max reflect on the new challenges ahead—cybersecurity threats, non-bank disruptors, and the need to balance tech innovation with personal service. They share their vision for the new Rogers headquarters and how they plan to continue building a culture that attracts top talent and prioritizes long-term community relationships.

Highlights

00:10 – The Origins of Generations Bank in Harrell, Arkansas

10:00 – Choosing to Join the Family Business: Jon and Max’s Journeys

20:00 – Surviving the Great Depression and Growing in Rural Arkansas

30:00 – Transition to Northwest Arkansas: Buying the Rogers and Siloam Springs Branches

40:00 – Rebranding to Generations Bank and Moving the Charter to Rogers

50:00 – Strategic Acquisitions and Expanding into Bentonville and Missouri

1:00:00 – Preparing for $1 Billion in Assets and Regulatory Shifts

1:10:00 – Challenges Ahead: Cybersecurity, Talent Recruitment, and Market Disruption

1:20:00 – Vision for Rogers and Northwest Arkansas Over the Next Decade

Takeaways

1. Legacy is Built Through Intentional Leadership - Passing a business through six generations requires clear communication, adaptability, and deep respect for the original mission.
2. Relationships Will Always Win - Even in an increasingly digital world, Generations Bank proves that personalized service and community engagement are irreplaceable assets.
3. Vision and Instinct Drive Sustainable Growth - From moving the bank’s charter to seizing opportunities in new markets, Jon and Max show how trusting your gut—backed by thoughtful planning—creates lasting impact.

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What happens when design, grit, and place come together to form a global architectural voice rooted in Northwest Arkansas?
In this episode of NWA Founders, we sit down with Marlon and Ati Blackwell, founders of the award-winning firm Marlon Blackwell Architects, to explore how they grew a boutique firm into a nationally recognized name—all while staying anchored in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

From designing carports and honey houses to winning embassy commissions, Marlon and Ati share how they’ve built a practice defined by authenticity, discipline, and deep connection to place. With over 250 design awards and a strong belief in the power of design to shape culture, their story is a testament to what’s possible when vision meets relentless hard work.

Summary

The firm began in the early '90s with modest projects like backyard renovations and carport studios. But with each opportunity—like the iconic Honey House and Tower House—came national recognition. These projects helped the Blackwells prove that exceptional architecture could happen anywhere, including the Ozarks.

By staying rooted in their values and refusing to chase trends, Marlon and Ati grew the firm intentionally. They share how they transitioned from doing two projects a year to leading major institutional and cultural commissions—while keeping design integrity at the center.

As longtime educators, the Blackwells emphasize the importance of disciplining imagination and building strong teams. They also walk through the pivotal moments—like winning the Fulbright building and Whole Health Institute—that required them to double down, expand operations, and bet on themselves.

Highlights

00:10 – Humble beginnings and the philosophy behind their design approach

10:00 – Marlon’s unconventional path from Bible salesman to architect

20:00 – Early struggles: job-hunting with $7 in your pocket

30:00 – Meeting Ati, long-distance collaboration, and joining forces in Fayetteville

40:00 – From hand-drawn sketches to scaling up: the early years of growth

50:00 – The “Tipping Point” moment: national recognition and major awards

1:00:00 – Building in Bentonville: Crystal Bridges, Whole Health Institute, and competing nationally

1:10:00 – Recession survival: rebranding, risk-taking, and growing instead of shrinking

1:20:00 – Looking ahead: housing, health, and the legacy of designing for place
1:30:00 – The Importance of Core Values

Takeaways

1. Architecture is a service and a cultural act – The Blackwells approach every project, from homes to embassies, as an opportunity to enrich daily life and elevate public experience.
2. Success requires both risk and repetition – They built their practice on the idea that systems, creativity, and discipline must coexist—and that consistency outperforms flash.
3. Great design can happen anywhere – From a parking garage in Bentonville to buildings in Boston and Central Africa, their story proves that place is not a limitation—it’s a strength.

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What does it take to run a family-owned company that’s thrived for over 35 years?
In this episode of NWA Founders, we sit down with Matt, Mitchell, and Matthew Mawby of Professional Business Systems, to explore how a local family business built its success on systems, service, and integrity. From humble beginnings to becoming a go-to partner for hundreds of organizations across Northwest Arkansas, this is a story about legacy, leadership, and operational excellence. If you're building a business with your family—or dreaming of one that can last for decades—this conversation is full of hard-earned lessons and practical inspiration.

Summary

Professional Business Systems started with a simple promise: treat every customer like a neighbor. That philosophy has guided the company’s growth for over three decades. The Mawby family shares how they’ve stayed relevant by adapting to changing technology while holding tight to old-school values like trust, responsiveness, and personal service.

As the second generation steps in to lead the company, the Mawbys open up about the challenges and opportunities of family succession. From clearly defined roles to constant communication, they’ve learned how to transition leadership without losing the culture or momentum built by their parents.

What keeps a multi-decade, multi-person family business running smoothly? Systems. Whether it's inventory tracking, territory management, or team accountability, the Mawbys talk about how implementing structure has allowed them to scale responsibly, maintain quality, and work better together as a family.

Highlights

00:00 – Introduction

10:30 – Culture of customer service

20:00 – Transitioning to the second generation

40:00 – Lessons from growing too fast

01:05:00 – Technology adoption and staying current

01:30:00 – Leadership lessons from two generations

01:50:00 – Future goals and what growth looks like for the next five to ten years.

Takeaways

1. Professionalism is a growth strategy - Clear communication, reliability, and appearance create a lasting impression that wins business.
2. Systems create freedom - SOPs and well-defined processes aren’t just about efficiency — they’re about enabling your team to succeed.
3. Culture and clarity go hand in hand - A well-run business supports its people through structure, not in spite of it.

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What if you could run a warehouse remotely with AI-powered insights and real-time data?
In this episode of NWA Founders, we sit down with Tanner Green, CEO and co-founder of Ox (Operator Experience), to explore how his company is transforming warehouse logistics through human-centered AI and automation. From a startup idea backed by research to an end-to-end warehouse suite that reduces costs and improves efficiency, Ox has grown into a leader in digital warehouse management, wearable technology, and AI-driven automation.

Summary

Tanner Green and co-founder Charu Thomas launched Ox after identifying inefficiencies in warehouse operations. While many companies invested in expensive automation, they saw an opportunity to develop wearable technology and AI-driven software that enhances human performance rather than replacing workers.

In just a few years, Ox went from a prototype to securing major Fortune 500 clients, raising over $16 million in venture capital, and deploying solutions that increase warehouse productivity by 15-20%. Unlike traditional SaaS businesses, Ox works closely with its clients for long-term implementation, driving measurable cost savings and efficiency.

Ox is pioneering end-to-end warehouse solutions that go beyond simple workflow automation. Their latest innovations include AI-powered warehouse orchestration, 3D digital twin models, and remote warehouse visibility, allowing companies to optimize operations without physically being on-site.

Highlights

[00:02:00] – What is Ox? The Operator Experience explained

[00:10:00] – Tanner’s early entrepreneurial ventures and passion for technology

[00:16:30] – How Charu’s research led to the founding of Ox

[00:26:45] – Landing the first enterprise customer and proving ROI

[00:37:30] – Raising venture capital in Arkansas: Challenges and lessons learned

[00:50:20] – The evolution from wearable devices to an AI-driven warehouse suite

[01:10:00] – The future of automation: Why human-centered AI is the next big shift

[01:25:00] – The long-term vision for Ox and the future of logistics technology

Takeaways

1. AI is a tool to enhance human performance, not replace it - Ox’s solutions help workers increase productivity while maintaining job security and improving working conditions.
2. Raising capital is challenging, especially outside Silicon Valley - Ox successfully raised $16M+ despite limited venture funding in Arkansas, proving that investors will back strong ideas with real market traction.
3. Long-term partnerships matter more than quick wins - Unlike typical SaaS models, Ox prioritizes enterprise relationships, continuous improvement, and deep customer integration to maximize ROI.

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What happens when two passionate therapists come together to create a one-of-a-kind resource for children with developmental needs?
In this episode of NWA Founders, we sit down with Kym Hannah and Cindy Watson, co-founders of Children’s T.E.A.M., to hear how they built one of Northwest Arkansas's most comprehensive pediatric therapy organizations. From a single location with a handful of therapists to a thriving multi-site practice with specialized schools and groundbreaking adult services in development, Cindy and Kym share how their mission to serve families has fueled sustainable, purpose-driven growth.

What started as two separate therapy practices—one focused on speech therapy and the other on physical therapy—merged into a unified effort to create Children’s T.E.A.M. Their goal was clear: provide comprehensive, high-quality therapy services for children in Northwest Arkansas. Beginning with speech, physical, and occupational therapy, they soon expanded to address broader developmental needs, including applied behavior analysis (ABA) and specialized education programs.

With the increasing demand for services tailored to children with autism, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injuries, and other complex diagnoses, Cindy and Kym scaled the organization with purpose. They opened The Gray School, designed to support children with behavioral and developmental challenges, and acquired Kid's Studio Preschool, ensuring inclusive early childhood education for kids with and without disabilities.

As their patients aged, a new challenge emerged—how to support these individuals into adulthood. Children’s T.E.A.M. is now developing innovative adult service programs, ensuring lifelong support and creating employment, housing, and community opportunities for adults with disabilities. Their model continues to evolve, driven by the same mission that started it all: serving the whole person, at every stage of life.

Highlights

[00:01:00] – How Children’s T.E.A.M. began: Two founders, one mission

[00:07:00] – Building careers in pediatric therapy and answering the community’s call

[00:17:00] – Challenges of early growth and lessons in leadership

[00:30:00] – Creating The Gray School for children with behavioral needs

[00:41:00] – The launch of Kid's Studio and fostering inclusion in early education

[00:54:00] – Introducing adult services and expanding care beyond childhood

[01:10:00] – How culture and team values sustain long-term success

[01:25:00] – Future plans for growth, impact, and improving services across NWA

Takeaways

1. Find the right people first - Cindy and Kym credit their success to intentionally hiring team members who share their passion and values, reinforcing culture over rapid growth.
2. Let purpose guide expansion - Every new service or location has been the result of listening to community needs and ensuring solutions align with the organization's core mission.
3. Long-term impact requires long-term thinking - Whether it's helping children gain communication skills or ensuring adults with disabilities have meaningful opportunities, sustainable growth requires a commitment to people over profits.

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How can farmland investment become more accessible, transparent, and scalable?
In this episode of NWA Founders, we sit down with Carter Malloy, founder and CEO of AcreTrader and Acres.com, to discuss how his company has modernized farmland investing and land data management. Carter shares his journey from hedge fund analyst to startup founder, the challenges of scaling a venture-backed business, and why land remains one of the most underutilized asset classes in the U.S.

Summary

Carter Malloy launched AcreTrader to democratize farmland investment, making it easier for individuals to own shares in farmland without the complexities of direct ownership. As the platform scaled, Carter and his team realized a bigger issue—a lack of accessible data on land transactions and ownership. This led to the creation of Acres.com, a geospatial technology platform that provides real-time land data and analytics for farmers, investors, and real estate professionals.

Raising venture capital and growing a tech-driven agribusiness in Arkansas presented unique challenges, but Carter successfully secured funding from top investors while building a high-caliber team. He discusses the importance of hiring intentionally, fostering a strong company culture, and adapting business models to stay competitive.

Like many startups, AcreTrader faced market shifts, particularly as interest rates and venture capital landscapes changed in 2023. Carter shares candid lessons from scaling too fast, making difficult layoffs, and refocusing on long-term sustainability. His ability to balance rapid growth with operational discipline offers key takeaways for any founder navigating uncertainty.

Highlights

[00:02:15] – Carter’s background in finance and the early inspiration for AcreTrader

[00:12:45] – The mechanics of farmland investing and why it's historically overlooked

[00:22:10] – Raising venture capital outside of Silicon Valley: Myths vs. reality

[00:30:30] – Building Acres.com: Solving the land data transparency problem

[00:41:50] – Scaling a business quickly and lessons from overexpansion

[00:50:25] – How farmland investment compares to other asset classes

[01:02:10] – Carter’s thoughts on leadership, hiring, and company culture

[01:15:30] – What’s next for AcreTrader and the future of land investment

Takeaways

1. Market Disruption Requires Timing & Execution – The success of AcreTrader and Acres.com highlights the power of solving inefficiencies in legacy industries, but execution is just as important as having a great idea.
2. Growth at All Costs is Not Sustainable – Carter candidly shares how scaling too quickly led to tough decisions in 2023, reinforcing that long-term success comes from balancing growth with operational efficiency.
3. Data is the New Competitive Advantage – From farmland investment to geospatial analytics, access to high-quality data is transforming industries, and businesses that leverage data effectively will lead the market.

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What does it take to build a beloved breakfast brand from the ground up?
In this episode of NWA Founders, we sit down with Sam Russell, co-founder of The Buttered Biscuit, to discuss how he and his wife transformed a dream into a thriving restaurant brand in Northwest Arkansas. From corporate America to scratch-made biscuits, Sam shares the journey of identifying a market gap, scaling a restaurant business, and leading with purpose, strategy, and culture.

Sam Russell never planned to open a restaurant, but after recognizing that Northwest Arkansas lacked high-quality, scratch-made breakfast options, he and his wife saw an opportunity. With backgrounds in corporate strategy and real estate, they launched Buttered Biscuit in just 40 days after acquiring their first location.

What began as a single breakfast spot quickly evolved into a multi-location brand with six thriving restaurants and more in development. Sam outlines how they self-funded expansion, built a strong leadership team, and made key real estate decisions that positioned Buttered Biscuit for long-term success.

For Sam and his team, success isn’t measured only by revenue—it’s about creating a company that invests in people. From providing full healthcare benefits for employees to launching Project Biscuit, an initiative focused on empowering underestimated individuals in the workforce, Buttered Biscuit demonstrates how a company can grow while maintaining its core values.

Highlights:

[00:02:15] – The vision behind Buttered Biscuit: identifying a market need

[00:07:30] – From corporate America to hospitality: Sam’s transition

[00:15:45] – The 40-day challenge: How they launched their first location

[00:24:10] – Lessons learned from early operational mistakes

[00:33:25] – Scaling to six locations: strategy, leadership, and real estate

[00:47:40] – Why Buttered Biscuit isn’t franchising—yet

[00:55:15] – Building a purpose-driven workplace and launching Project Biscuit

Takeaways:

1. Meet a real market need – Buttered Biscuit thrived because Sam and his wife listened to the community and built their business model around a clear demand for high-quality, made-from-scratch breakfast.
2. Brand culture drives consistency – The Buttered Biscuit Brand Card ensures employees understand and embody the company’s values, creating a strong and unified work environment.
3. Growth should be intentional – Rather than expanding too quickly, Sam and his team focused on building a scalable, high-quality model that supports future expansion without compromising execution or culture.

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What does it take to turn a local café into an international coffee powerhouse without losing sight of values, people, or quality?
In this episode of NWA Founders, we sit down with Andrea Allen, co-founder of Onyx Coffee Lab, to hear how she and her husband Jon transformed a small Northwest Arkansas coffee shop into one of the most influential specialty coffee brands in the world.

From winning national barista championships to expanding into multiple states, Andrea shares the behind-the-scenes story of building a brand known for excellence, transparency, and relentless innovation. With honesty and depth, she opens up about what it means to scale a values-based business while raising a family and leading in a highly competitive industry.

If you're a founder building something with integrity (or just a coffee lover with high standards) this episode is a masterclass in purpose-driven entrepreneurship.

Summary

Andrea and Jon launched Onyx Coffee Lab in 2012 with one goal: make exceptional coffee accessible without compromising on ethics or aesthetics. In the early days, Andrea handled operations, payroll, and everything in between. Their passion for design, flavor, and sourcing turned heads and eventually led to Andrea becoming a US Barista Champion and World Barista runner-up.

Andrea talks about the challenges and joys of growth: managing people, building systems, and making sure the brand evolves without sacrificing its identity. With locations in Bentonville, Rogers, Fayetteville, and Tulsa, Onyx has scaled with intention never chasing fast money, but always staying dialed in to culture, creativity, and excellence.

From merch to messaging, Andrea explains how every detail at Onyx is crafted with meaning. She shares how they’ve cultivated a team of passionate, disciplined professionals and why service is still at the center of everything. Looking ahead, she’s focused on creating opportunity, expanding leadership, and making Onyx a place where craft and community coexist.

Highlights

00:00 – Starting Onyx: the early days, purpose, and creative drive

15:00 – Barista competitions and shaping brand values

30:00 – Scaling with structure

45:00 – How Onyx builds long-term career pathways

60:00 – Balancing family, leadership, and personal growth as a founder

75:00 – What’s next?

Nick's 3 Key Takeaways

1. Make the work the reward - Andrea doesn’t chase external validation, she finds meaning in doing the work with excellence every single day.
2. Clarity creates alignment - The reason Onyx scales well is because everyone, from baristas to leadership, knows the mission and standards inside and out.
3. Build what you want to see in the world - Andrea and Jon created Onyx to reflect their ideals. In doing so, they built something the world needed: something beautiful, honest, and world-class.

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What does it take to build the largest independent real estate brokerage in Arkansas?
For Stuart Collier, the answer lies in resilience, redemption, and radical trust in people. On this episode of the NWA Founders Podcast, Stuart opens up about his personal battle with addiction, the pivotal turning points in his journey, and how he's flipped the traditional real estate model on its head with Collier & Associates. Whether you're building a business or rebuilding a life, his story offers a blueprint for doing both with integrity.

Summary

Raised in small-town Augusta, Arkansas, Stuart Collier’s journey started far from the high-stakes world of real estate. After early struggles with addiction and a near-fatal accident at 20, Stuart’s path took him through rehab, humility, and hard-fought recovery. His return to Northwest Arkansas marked the beginning of a redemptive story, one that would eventually lead him to found Collier & Associates.

From cooking eggs in a nursing home kitchen to running a top-ranked healthcare facility by age 23, Stuart’s work ethic and people-first leadership style became clear. He then channeled that same energy into real estate, beginning with one agent and no office space. Over the past decade, Collier & Associates has grown to 250+ agents, multiple office locations, and nearly $775M in annual volume, thanks in part to Stuart’s unshakable belief in empowering those closest to the customer.

Today, Stuart continues to lead with humility, purpose, and a deep spiritual center. His focus on agent support, cutting-edge tech like Collier Connect, and a culture of service has redefined what real estate success looks like in Northwest Arkansas. His story is a reminder that sustainable business is built on more than just sales: it’s about people, perspective, and purpose.

Highlights

00:00 – Humble beginnings in Augusta, AR
15:00 – Career in healthcare, managing nursing homes, and shifting leadership models
30:00 – Rebuilding life from rock bottom
45:00 – Early days of Collier & Associates
1:00:00 – Real estate market insights
1:15:00 – The role of AI at Collier & Associates
1:30:00 – Commercial real estate expansion
1:45:00 – Stuart's vision for Northwest Arkansas

Nick's 3 Key Takeaways

1. Stuart’s radical transparency about addiction and recovery underscores the power of vulnerability in leadership.
2. Collier & Associates thrives because it focuses not on chasing commissions, but on empowering agents and adding true value to clients.
3. Stuart’s definition of success is deeply rooted in faith, family, and impact - not just transactions or revenue.

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What does it take to turn a backyard smoker into one of the most recognizable restaurant brands in Arkansas?
In this episode of NWA Founders, we sit down with Jordan Wright, founder of Wright’s Barbecue, to talk about the humble beginnings, explosive growth, and unwavering values behind one of Northwest Arkansas’s most beloved food businesses. From late nights at a food truck pop-up to serving Arkansas governors and Razorback football fans, Jordan has built more than a restaurant, he’s built a brand that represents quality, consistency, and community.

If you’re building something from scratch or dreaming of scaling your side hustle into a full-time operation, this episode is a masterclass in vision, grit, and the power of staying true to your roots.

Summary

Wright’s started as a side project - Jordan cooking brisket for friends in his backyard - and with no formal culinary background or restaurant training, he took a leap of faith, renting a gas station kitchen and cooking through the night. Word spread fast, and what began as a simple meat trailer became a local sensation with multiple brick-and-mortar locations and a cult-like following.

As the business grew, so did the pressure. Jordan shares how he’s learned to lead, delegate, and build a team that shares his passion for excellence. From hiring his first employee to building a company culture rooted in hospitality, humility, and hard work, Jordan talks about what it takes to maintain consistency while scaling fast.

Whether it's feeding Razorback athletes or expanding into tailgating, catering, and branded merchandise, Jordan has made Wright’s more than a barbecue joint: it’s become part of the culture in Arkansas. He opens up about the creative process, the mistakes that taught him the most, and what’s next for a brand that shows no signs of slowing down.

Highlights

00:00 –Starting Wright's BBQ

15:00 – The early days

30:00 – Opening the original location

45:00 – Growing into multiple stores and Razorback partnerships

1:00:00 – What Jordan looks for when hiring and creating culture at Wright’s BBQ

1:15:00 – The bigger vision

Nick's 3 Key Takeaways

1. Go all in even if it’s not perfect - Jordan didn’t wait for a business plan or investor he just started with what he had and let the work speak for itself.
2. Your product only matters if your people are aligned - Great barbecue got Wright’s noticed but a strong team and culture are what made it last.
3. Grow the brand, not just the business - Wright’s success isn’t just about brisket it’s about building something people believe in, wear, and want to bring home.

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What happens when a Springdale native leaves a safe corporate role to bet on himself during a market crash?
In this episode of NWA Founders, we sit down with Blake Hanby, founder and CEO of City Title & Closing, to hear how he turned a folding-table operation in his pool house into one of the most trusted title companies in Northwest Arkansas. Blake shares how growing up in a family of entrepreneurs planted early seeds of ownership. But it wasn’t until 2011, in the aftermath of the housing crisis, that he took the leap, starting with no office, no staff, and no guarantees. Now, more than a decade later, City Title serves major commercial and residential deals across the region, with a reputation for diligence, trust, and community-first values.

If you’re an entrepreneur wondering when to make your move, or how to build a company that lasts, this episode is for you. Blake’s story is one of calculated risk, long-term thinking, and building something meaningful in the place he’s always called home.

Summary

In the depths of the 2011 housing crash, Blake made the leap. Armed with legal knowledge, a network of community connections, and a desire to control his own destiny, he founded City Title, operating out of his pool house until he could secure office space. What looked like poor timing to others became a rare opportunity for focused growth and smart hiring.

As the company grew, Blake had to evolve from jack-of-all-trades to leader-of-the-team. He explains how he recruited top talent, many of whom took pay cuts to take a chance, and built a service-driven culture where clients and closings are handled with care. His success is rooted in high-touch relationships and a deep respect for the people who trusted him early on.

Even as City Title expanded into Benton County and beyond, Blake stayed grounded in his mission: serve with integrity and invest in people. He shares how his team manages growth, maintains strong internal culture, and adapts to the future: whether it’s through AI innovation or opening new offices. His vision for the next five years is clear: sustainable growth without losing what makes City Title great.

Highlights

00:00 – Blake’s Springdale roots

15:00 – Leaving a stable job to start City Title in 2011

30:00 – Pool house beginnings

45:00 – Culture, client trust, and building a team

1:00:00 – Title industry innovation

1:15:00 – Expansion strategy

Nick's 3 Key Takeaways

1. Start before you’re ready - Blake didn’t have everything figured out, but he acted decisively when the time was right and built the rest as he went.
2. Bet on people, not just process - His early team and community connections were the foundation of City Title’s growth and reputation.
3. Integrity scales - Even as the business grew, Blake never lost sight of the values that set him apart: honesty, service, and attention to detail.

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What happens when three longtime friends decide Fayetteville needs more than just another bar?
In this episode of NWA Founders, we sit down with Lewis Chase, the visionary co-founder behind some of Northwest Arkansas’s most popular food and drink destinations: Feed & Folly, City Park, and The Guisinger. A Fayetteville native with deep family roots in the city, Lewis didn't start in food, he started in real estate. But after a trip to Colorado and a realization that Fayetteville needed better hospitality experiences, he rallied longtime friends and restaurant pros Matt and Mikey Sutton to bring their talents home. Together, they’ve created spaces that balance fun and function, craft and comfort, each one designed with intention, community, and storytelling at its core.

This episode dives into how they built it all from scratch: scraping by with small business loans, hustling through COVID, and staying rooted in the culture and character of Northwest Arkansas.

Summary

Before launching Feed & Folly, Lewis was working in residential real estate, but he didn’t love it. A bachelor trip to Durango opened his eyes to what was possible when food, culture, and community collide. Inspired by what his friends were building out west, he convinced them to return to Fayetteville, and together they turned a dream into a destination.

With no prior experience opening a restaurant, Lewis quickly became the “fluff and vision” guy, leaning on his ability to see potential in old buildings and his partners’ strengths in operations. They learned fast, scrapping through permitting, lawsuits, and even a pandemic. Their success is a masterclass in figuring it out, staying scrappy, and betting on people over polish.

From offering health insurance to helping staff buy cars, Lewis and his team are redefining what it means to be an employer in the hospitality world. Each space they’ve created has its own personality, but all share a core value: take care of your people and the business will follow. It’s a people-first philosophy that’s powered them from one concept to three, and likely many more to come.

Highlights

00:00 – Growing up in Fayetteville

15:00 – The Colorado trip that inspired Feed & Folly

30:00 – Opening Feed & Folly during COVID

45:00 – Building City Park and The Guisinger

1:05:00 – Investing in staff and culture

1:20:00 – Looking ahead

Nick's 3 Key Takeaways

1. Creativity thrives in chaos - Whether it was legal setbacks or launching during COVID, Lewis and his team embraced the messy parts and made them part of the story.
2. Take care of your people - Offering stability, benefits, and room to grow isn’t just good ethics. It’s also good business.
3. Design matters, but culture lasts - Every space they create feels intentional, but the real differentiator is how people feel when they walk in and when they leave.

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What does it look like to build a business that scales without losing its soul?
In this episode of NWA Founders, we sit down with Ross Cully, founder and CEO of Harvest Group, a 300-person commerce agency serving brands at major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Amazon. From a kitchen table in Fayetteville to a fast-growing Rogers-based firm, Ross shares his journey of bootstrapping a values-led company that’s rewriting the playbook for success in the retail and media world. With roots in Springfield, Missouri, and a formative start at Procter & Gamble, Ross explains how his early career experiences laid the foundation for Harvest Group’s unique culture, one grounded in humility, integrity, and excellence. 

Summary

Ross shares how Procter & Gamble shaped his view of consumer packaged goods and why small and midsize brands became his passion. His decision to co-found Harvest Group wasn’t driven by a lifelong dream of entrepreneurship but by a desire to build a company where values and excellence could coexist.

He discusses the scaling years in detail, how client word-of-mouth fueled growth, how the team resisted short-term thinking in favor of long-term integrity, and how building a people-first culture helped attract top-tier talent. At every stage, Harvest Group stayed focused on delivering high service levels and staying aligned with their mission.

As Ross reflects on leading through hyper-growth, the evolving demands of his role, and the leadership investments required to scale, one thing is clear: Harvest Group’s success isn’t an accident, it’s the result of intentional leadership, deep-rooted values, and a commitment to serving both clients and employees well.

Highlights

00:00 – Founding the principles of Harvest Group
15:00 – What Harvest Group does and winning at Walmart
30:00 – Scaling challenges
45:00 – Managing growth
60:00 – Ross’s leadership philosophy
75:00 – Success defined
90:00 – Harvest Group's role in Northwest Arkansas

Nick's 3 Key Takeaways

1. Values shape vision – Harvest Group's success stems from a clear set of values that haven't wavered, even in the face of growth, adversity, or financial pressure.
2. People are the strategy – From employees to clients, Ross built his company around relational depth, cultural health, and long-term investment in leadership.
3. Stay purpose driven – Whether turning down clients who don’t align with company values or evolving his role as CEO, Ross shows that purpose is the most sustainable growth strategy.

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