Podcasts about Northwest Arkansas

Self-storage is one of the most misunderstood asset classes in commercial real estate. Most investors assume it's a simple, low-complexity play. Ryan Gibson built it into a billion-dollar operation by treating it like anything but. As Co-Founder and President of Spartan Investment Group, Ryan has organized over $1 billion in capital across 90 facilities and 7 million square feet in 15 states, ranking Spartan as the 29th largest self-storage operator in the country. In this episode, he breaks down the market selection framework, operational systems, and ancillary revenue strategies that separate serious operators from everyone else in the space. About Ryan Gibson Ryan Gibson is Co-Founder and President of Spartan Investment Group, the 29th largest self-storage operator in the United States. He has organized over $1 billion in capital across 90 facilities and 7 million square feet in 15 states. Before real estate, Ryan was a commercial airline pilot. He applies aviation's checklist-driven, risk-first discipline to every aspect of how Spartan evaluates deals and operates properties. He is also co-host of the Passive Income Pilots podcast. What We Cover in This Episode How aviation checklists and go/no-go decision-making translate directly to real estate underwriting The Swiss cheese model of risk stacking and why deals fail for multiple reasons, never just one How to identify the right moment to set the parking brake and walk away from a deal Why Ryan avoids hyped markets and what he looks for in lesser-known markets instead Specific markets with strong fundamentals: Lincoln NE, Northwest Arkansas, coastal South Carolina, coastal Georgia, and markets near military bases and universities The market structure insight that led Ryan to self-storage: 70% mom-and-pop ownership, 10% REIT, and the aggregation opportunity in between How renting his own storage unit during a home renovation changed Ryan's entire investment focus The fish-in-the-middle strategy: buying mom-and-pops, aggregating, and positioning for an eventual institutional exit Spartan's current portfolio (90 stores, $1B AUM) and growth target of 300 stores The virtual manager kiosk system: how one store manager can run five facilities remotely How Spartan's distributed team opens East Coast and West Coast stores outside normal office hours AI voice technology running the after-hours call center, and why it performs as well as their former offshore team How 65% of bookings happen through the kiosk screen with less than 10% face-to-face The tenant insurance captive: how Spartan adds $70,000 to $80,000 in NOI on property takeover, worth over $1 million in valuation at a six cap Why U-Haul partnerships are no longer worth the labor cost How to register every property for cell phone tower placement and generate triple-net lease income Leverage thresholds by deal type and why fixed-rate debt is non-negotiable How Ryan uses Claude AI connected to Spartan's data warehouse to cut 50 monthly investor updates from 80 hours to 7 hours Key Insight Ryan discovered self-storage the way most people discover something that changes everything: by accident. He was renting a unit during a home renovation that stretched from five months to a year and a half. When the landlord raised his rent 20%, he tracked the owner down to complain. The owner told him he had 500 units, raised rents 20% after six months, and nobody ever moved out. Ryan did the math on the spot. That one conversation reoriented his entire investment career. Today Spartan owns 90 facilities. It started with a $20 monthly bump on a unit full of stuff he probably should have thrown away. Why This Episode Matters Self-storage is often treated as a set-it-and-forget-it asset, but Ryan's framework shows it rewards operators who understand demand dynamics, leverage discipline, and operational integration at scale. Investors considering the asset class will come away with specific market criteria, a concrete underwriting framework, and a realistic picture of how scale changes the economics. The tenant insurance captive alone is a revenue strategy most real estate investors have never encountered and can apply immediately on their next acquisition. Find Out More Website: https://spartan-investors.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-gibson1/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@passiveincomepilots/videos YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SpartanInvestmentGroup Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spartaninvestmentgroup/ Sponsors Today's episode is brought to you by Green Property Management, managing everything from single family homes to apartment complexes in the West Michigan area. https://www.livegreenlocal.com And RCB & Associates, helping Michigan-based real estate investors and small business owners navigate the complex world of health insurance and medicare benefits. https://www.rcbassociatesllc.com

Most founders think you need a $250,000 VC check to get funded, but angel investors will write you a check for $5,000, actually get to know you, and stick around as a mentor long after the money lands.In this episode, Chris, the new director of 412 Angels, explains the real difference between angel investors and VCs, why founders should start building investor relationships long before they need the money, the most overrated (and underrated) traits he sees in early-stage founders, and what's next for 412 Angels — including plans to launch a fund and lead their own deals.In this episode:✅ The real difference between angel investors and venture capital✅ When founders should start reaching out to investors (hint: earlier than you think)✅ Where to actually meet investors in Northwest Arkansas✅ The most overrated trait in early-stage founders✅ Chris's advice to his younger, first-time-founder self⏱️ CHAPTERS00:00 – Why 90% of a founder's job is networking 00:21 – Meet Chris Ehrhardt, back after 10 years01:24 – From Germany to Arkansas: Chris's origin story 02:23 – Building a startup and moving to Canada on a startup visa 05:22 – What is 412 Angels? 06:28 – Why keeping funding local matters for founders 08:20 – Angel investors vs. venture capitalists 10:24 – When founders should start talking to investors 11:51 – Where to actually meet investors in NWA 14:21 – The most overrated trait in early-stage founders 15:36 – The most underrated trait: coachability 18:09 – How 412 Angels pays it forward 19:50 – What's next for 412 Angels 22:53 – Advice to his younger self 25:26 – Where to find Chris and 412 Angels—Connect with Chris & 412 Angels

Are you easy to buy from? Or do you make buying harder than it needs to be? We talk about common mistakes and sales and what keeps customers from making the easy purchase.   This episode is sponsored by Best Option Restoration of Northwest Arkansas. Are you looking for the trusted answer when disaster strikes in your home? Whether its water damage, fire damage, or mold, Best Option Restoration are the perfect answer for when you need that immediate response, which is why they have a 24/7 call line.    Call (479) 458-8840 or visit https://borestorationofnwarkansas.com/ for more information.    Enjoy the podcast? Support the Patreon at Patreon.com/GoodAdvice.

In this week's edition of the Flavors of Northwest Arkansas podcast, we're in Bentonville at Chick'n Headz, talking with owners Byron & Natasha Kendle, but before we sit down with them?!?! FOOD NEWS!!! Here come the grand openings! Saltine's Bakery & Kitchen announces when they'll open! Flyway Brewing opened their Bentonville location on the Walmart campus. CEO/COO Rob Byford talks about their growth in the northwest part of the state. Aida's is a Saturday night only spot in the 8th Street Market. We'll tell you about it! Punk Truck Stop is diversifying business in Fayetteville's Metro District! Bienvenue's Will Mauk talks about getting their Rogers spot turned around QUICKLY. Whole Hog Café turns 26, and we're all going to party like it's 2000 (literally)! Bucks on Emma celebrates a decade on Saturday – we have the deets! Foghorns on 15th street closed last weekend. It's your last chance to eat from the Blazin Asian food truck. Nosh Nola opens VERY soon, and in today's Flavors Flashback, you'll hear from owner/operator Hayne Begley, who took some time away from the restaurant life for a little stability. You'll never guess what he did for a living! Byron & Natasha Kendle are high school sweethearts from Little Rock. What brought them here is what brings many people here- Walmart. They both come from big families and have a pretty big one themselves. Though they have corporate backgrounds, there was a little restaurant experience and their recall from it's pretty funny. They'd always kicked around the idea of a restaurant, but it wasn't ever real. Until one day, and it's a story where their bluff got called, and they had to figure everything out on the spot. It's a great story. Finally, why the move from Fayetteville to Bentonville? It may not be what you think- you'll hear the reasons on this edition of the Flavors of Northwest Arkansas podcast!

Krista Cloud's path runs from a passion for climbing rock and riding trails in Southwest Missouri and Northwest Arkansas to brewing non alcoholic beverages for her own community. What started as home experiments to have something better than beer at bike and climbing events has grown into a brand built on natural ingredients and intentional choices. In this conversation, we talk about figuring it out, listening to customers early, outgrowing your space, leading alongside your spouse, realizing your capabilities, and understanding functional beverages.About Krista Cloud:Krista Cloud is the co-founder of Natural State Beverage Company, a Northwest Arkansas craft beverage company creating kombucha, functional sodas, and other naturally inspired drinks for people who value health, adventure, and great taste. What began as a home-brewing hobby alongside her husband, has grown into a thriving regional brand built on the belief that beverages should fuel an active lifestyle rather than work against it. Today, Krista helps lead the company through product development, brand building, and community engagement. As an entrepreneurial professional with over 10 years of experience in operations, customer relations, and marketing, she takes pride in creating thoughtful and innovative products that bring joy to others and support a healthier lifestyle.Learn more about Krista at:Website: https://www.naturalstatebeveragecompany.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krista-cloud-3b33a72b7/ To learn more, visit:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-shupp-18b4619b/ Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:https://missionmatters.com/author/Jason-Shupp/

He slept on the floor of a radio station he couldn't afford to staff, got told by the local coffee shop crowd he'd be out of business in six months, and ran that station for 45 years.Before he was a U.S. Congressman, Steve Womack was a Startup Junkie: a broadcaster's son who talked his way into a shoestring AM station in Rogers, Arkansas, and built it into an institution. In this episode, he sits down with Daniel Koontz, Jeff Amerine, and Caleb Talley to trace the throughline from that station to the Rogers mayor's office to Congress, and the entrepreneurial instincts that never really left him along the way.⏱️CHAPTERS0:27 – Welcome, Congressman Steve Womack1:06 – His "Marvel Origin Story"4:13 – Building a Radio Station From Scratch8:37 – Proving the Skeptics Wrong11:07 – Lessons From Football, the Army & "Make Your Bed"17:18 – Underwriting "Errors of Enthusiasm" as a Leader23:09 – The Vision Behind Rogers' West Side25:04 – "You're Not Thinking Big Enough": The Pinnacle Promenade Story27:16 – Northwest Arkansas' Growth Challenges32:06 – The Walmart Origin Story (and What Comes After It)38:21 – The Case for a Skilled Trades Campus41:27 – Government, Debt & a Coming Social Security Reckoning47:40 – Advice for Entrepreneurs and His Younger Self54:17 – A Tribute to Lt. Jason Hunt---

Bentonville's food scene didn't get great by accident. We're joined by Marshall Shafkowitz, Executive Director of Brightwater, to explain how Northwest Arkansas is building culinary and hospitality careers that actually meet the moment.We talk about why Brightwater is intentionally called a Center for the Study of Food rather than a traditional culinary school. The mission is bigger than teaching someone to cut, chop, and plate. Marshall breaks down Brightwater's three pillars, food as business, food as art, and food as wellness, and how they connect to the local food system. Farmers, ranchers, distributors, restaurateurs, grocers, and customers are usually separate conversations, but Brightwater trains students to link them, understand where food comes from, and make purchasing choices that strengthen the local economy and reduce waste and carbon footprint.You'll also hear who Brightwater serves, from high school students to learners in their 80s, plus short workforce development programs for people who want job-ready skills without a degree. We get into what “teaching the whole person” looks like in a kitchen classroom, why instructors stay industry relevant, and how Brightwater graduates quietly shape the visitor experience across Bentonville restaurants. If you want a reason to stop by, Marshall shares how the doors are open at A Street Market, with an art-filled campus vibe, outdoor spaces, and a student-run retail butcher shop with Burger Friday.Subscribe for more conversations with the people shaping Northwest Arkansas, share this with a friend who loves food and community, and leave a review so more listeners can find the show.A New American Town is here to help you plan your trip to Bentonville, Arkansas. From guides, events, and restaurant highlights. Find all this and more at visitbentonville.com and subscribe to our newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, and LinkedIn.  You can listen to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify, CastBox, Podcast Casts, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, and Podcast Addict.  

Will Blanchard shares the four characteristics found in churches that consistently multiply leaders, disciples, and new churches. Drawing from years of church planting experience and doctoral research, he explains why fewer than one-half of one percent of churches in North America are truly multiplying—and what every church leader can learn from them. Will serves as Teaching Pastor and Multiplication Team Leader at Fellowship Bible Church in Northwest Arkansas, where he helps equip leaders to plant churches and build multiplying ministries. In this conversation with Greg Nettle, he unpacks the four vital components that emerged through years of studying multiplying churches across North America. Together, they discuss how churches can intentionally build a multiplication-focused identity, develop a disciple-making culture, create leadership pipelines, and establish clear pathways for assessing, equipping, and sending church planters. Rather than relying on programs or quick fixes, Will demonstrates how multiplication becomes part of a church's DNA through intentional leadership and long-term investment in people. Whether you're planting a new church, leading an established congregation, or hoping to become a more sending-oriented church, this episode offers practical principles to help your ministry move beyond growth and toward lasting Kingdom multiplication. Resources Mentioned Fellowship Bible Church: https://www.fellowshipnwa.org/ Exponential: https://exponential.org/ Stadia Church Planting: https://stadiachurchplanting.org/ Table of Contents 00:00 – 04:20 Introduction to Will Blanchard and his church planting journey. 04:20 – 08:45 The research behind multiplying churches and why so few actually multiply. 08:45 – 12:45 Vital Component #1: Building a multiplication-shaped identity. 12:45 – 19:10 Vital Component #2: Creating a disciple-making culture. 19:10 – 22:50 Vital Component #3: Developing intentional leadership pipelines. 22:50 – 26:40 Vital Component #4: Establishing a pathway for assessing and sending church planters. 26:40 – 27:25 Final encouragement: Why the future of the Church is still full of hope.

The tailoring workforce in the US has been shrinking for decades. And the ones that remain aren't easy to find or get an appointment with.In this episode of HappyPorch Radio, Barry O'Kane speaks with Robin Atkinson and Cash Acrey, the husband-and-wife co-founders of Upkept, an online clothing repair platform based in Northwest Arkansas. You mail in clothes you want fixed, they repair them in a centralised facility, and they send them back. Robin says this should be as easy as ordering delivery.Robin's journey began with a different question: how do you create meaningful sewing jobs in America? Along the way she discovered something unexpected. The people learning these skills weren't excited by repetitive manufacturing. They loved repair, where every garment is different and every project demands creativity and problem-solving.That insight sits at the heart of Upkept: the technology isn't the product. Repair is the product, and the software exists to reduce friction so the human craft can scale.✨ In this episode:Robin explains why repair creates more fulfilling work than garment manufacturing, and why the workforce she trained took to it more quicklyCash shares how AI coding tools helped build Upkept's platform from scratch on a shoestring budget, and why no off-the-shelf solution fitRobin and Cash discuss balancing one-of-a-kind craftsmanship with operational scaleWhy Upkept's technology works as a mediation layer between a customer who needs simplicity and a production team that needs detailRobin's honest take on turning down the wrong investment to protect the mission, the workforce, and the size of the opportunityThe vision for brand partnerships and a future where it's embarrassing for a company not to offer a link to repair

WELCOME TO EPISODE 150 of the Flavors of Northwest Arkansas podcast!!! We're spending it at the legendary Bordinos in Fayetteville talking with co-owner Molly Allison and they're celebrating Bordinos 30th anniversary, but before we get into that?!?! FOOD NEWS!! We're hosting a Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives watch party on Friday at 7! Both Mezzaluna and Saiwok will be in this episode! Come watch with us! Chef Mauk announces the grand opening date for Bienvenue on today's podcast! Speaking of Bienvenue, Nosh Nola is about to open in their old spot in Downtown Springdale! Arkansas Trails Brewing Company opened over the weekend in a VERY significant building. Owners Audrey & Adam Jones will explain. It's Tontitown Grape Festival Week! Bloom Cheese Collective officially opened their front room remodel and opened a wheel of cheese the next day! This is the final week for Los Compas Margaritatown's physical location, and they're partying! In this week's Flavors Flashback, we go back to Chef Will Mauk from Bienvenue who tells us where he worked when he came to NWA. Jeff and Molly Allison had the opportunity to buy Bordinos in 2020 when Joe Fennell decided to sell and retire. Molly will tell you that story. Also, 30 years!!! Molly will tell you how they plan to celebrate and it happens soon! Finally, something that they didn't see coming... Covid. They hadn't owned Bordinos for even two months when that started. Molly tells us what they did to survive, and that's in this edition of the Flavors of Northwest Arkansas podcast!

Most restaurants don't survive their first year. This one won five awards in it. Including back-to-back People's Choice titles and a top finish for Best Asian Business in the entire state of Arkansas.Maria Smith left a long corporate career (including years at Sam's Club) to open Lasang Pinoy with her brother, bringing Filipino cuisine, and Filipino karaoke culture, to Northwest Arkansas. In this episode, she breaks down the history behind the cuisine, the real financial and emotional challenges of opening a restaurant, why one specific karaoke song is banned from the building, and her dream of franchising the concept nationwide.⏱️ Chapters00:20 Welcome & Meet Maria Smith 01:46 Maria's Origin Story: From the Philippines to Arkansas 03:06 One Year In: Awards & Milestones 04:58 The Rich History Behind Filipino Cuisine 07:06 Why Northwest Arkansas Connects with Filipino Food 07:36 Karaoke Nights: Go Bananas & Go Coconuts 09:23 The Golden Mic Karaoke Championship 10:00 The One Song Banned From Filipino Karaoke 11:55 Running a Restaurant with Family 14:50 Building the Right Team 16:07 The Power of Small Details 18:11 Biggest Challenges: Cash Flow & Emotional Endurance 21:21 Giving Back to the Community 24:14 The Future: Franchising Filipino Food Nationwide---Learn more about Lasang Pinoy: https://lasangpinoynwa.com/

About the Show:"I want the people that I work with and who I represent and who I inspire to know that it's worth it, that they're worth it, that they're valuable." – Robyn JordanIn this episode of I Am Northwest Arkansas®, host Randy Wilburn sits down with DJ, cultural facilitator, and HerSetHerSound founder Robyn Jordan to talk about the work she's doing to build greater economic opportunity, representation, and joy for women, people of color, and gender-diverse creatives in our region's music scene.Robyn shares how HerSetHerSound grew from a single festival into a year-round ecosystem—188 bookings, 55+ artists, and over $100,000 injected into the local creative economy. She talks about her own journey, why mentorship and intentional space-making matter, and why real empowerment means more than just "exposure."This one's for anyone who loves music, makes it, or cares about the people quietly shaping Northwest Arkansas's cultural life.Key Takeaways:Empowerment Through Action: HerSetHerSound has created real economic impact, paying artists fairly and centering women, people of color, and gender-diverse creatives both on and off the stage.Building Community, Not Just Events: Robyn emphasizes hospitality, intentional curation, and intersectionality, crafting spaces where every guest, artist, and vendor belongs and feels seen.The Power of Local Roots: Robyn's journey from party-goer to business leader is rooted in family legacy, mentorship, and a belief in bringing big possibilities to communities outside major cities.Challenging Industry Norms: The conversation highlights persistent wage gaps and barriers in the creative industry, calling for accountability, credit, and investment in those who make our culture thrive.Vision for the Future: With ambitions for more venues, year-round programming, and continued partnership with groups like NWA Pride and Juneteenth, HerSetHerSound models what inclusive growth in Northwest Arkansas music and nightlife can look like.All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas® podcastImportant Links and Mentions on the Show*Her Set Her Sound WebsiteHer Set Her Sound on InstagramBooking Her Set Her SoundTickets & Festival Info: FESTIVAL | Empower Change Today — Join the Movement — HER SET HER SOUNDArkansas Soul — Outlet amplifying Black and Brown voicesDelta Dirt Distillery — Black-owned, Helena, ARIndigo Road Hospitality Group: theindigoroad.comCousins Lounge (shoutout): Cousins Bentonville on FacebookNWA Juneteenth: NWA Juneteenth FacebookNWA Pride / NWA Equality: nwapride.orgDJ Afrosia (mentioned local artist): DJ Afrosia InstagramFindItNWA.com NWA's Hyperlocal Business DirectoryThis episode is sponsored by*Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"*Note: some of the resources mentioned may be affiliate links. This means we get paid a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase.Connect more with I am Northwest Arkansas:Grab our Newsletter Email Us at hello@iamnorthwestarkansas.comConnect With Our Facebook Page Connect With Us on Threads Connect With Our Instagram Connect With Our LinkedIn PageJoin The Facebook Group Connect with our Fearless Host, Randy Wilburn on LinkedInThank you for listening to this I am Northwest Arkansas podcast episode. We showcase businesses, culture, entrepreneurship, and life in the Ozarks.Consider donating to our production team to keep this podcast running smoothly. Donate to I Am Northwest ArkansasMentioned in this episode:Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"FindItNWA.comLooking to discover the best local businesses in Northwest Arkansas?

Tim Reavis, Senior Multimodal Transportation Planner for the Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission, joined the podcast to discuss celebrating America's 250th birthday. He shared the story behind the Washington County quilt, how he was able to get the other 29 counties and one parish on board, and the special history behind each quilt square. Host: Lauren Palmer

In this week's edition of the Flavors of Northwest Arkansas Podcast, we're in Bentonville at Turnbuckle Farm with the dynamic duo of Melissa & Adam Milsap, who have a great story to tell, but before thy do?!?! FOOD NEWS! Gaskins Trattoria officially opens TODAY! We'll hear from owners Lisa Provencio-Jones and Bert Jones. 4 Benton County restaurants will be on Guy Fieri's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives next month! La Cabanita will soon open in downtown Springdale. We'll hear from one of the owners. KAI will take Wasabi's former spot on Dickson Street in Fayetteville. The new La Familia Taco drive-thru in Farmington is CRUSHING. Siloam Springs is getting Indian Food! Made Market in Rogers made an announcement over the weekend. We'll tell you what it is! A local restaurant group has diversified their portfolio in a big way. We'll tell you about Red Light Retreat and who owns it! A Woodstone Craft Pizza Chef can win a BIG contest with your vote. Happy 5 years to Rendezvous Junction Brewing Company, as they turned 5 this weekend! Speaking of Rendezvous, in this week's Flavors Flashback, we go back to last year's podcast with them and hear about Owner Mike Peerson health problems before they opened. They were worse than you could imagine. Adam and Melissa Milsap grew up in Springfield, Missouri, got married there and started urban farming there in what wasn't a good place. In fact, it was the 2nd worst area in Springfield, and at times could be dangerous. You'll hear the story about how the community and the city gathered and rallied for them to be able to change the area into a farm! And how did they end up in Northwest Arkansas? It's hard to leave a place you love, especially one that's been home for your whole life. They'll tell the story. They'll talk about how they found their land in Bentonville-or Bentonvista as they call it. And on the food side? We'll hear what they're growing, and also? They have a Chef-driven food truck on-site, and it's popular. I think I know why, as I had an all-local egg and chorizo biscuit from there and it was an absolute flavor-bomb. Chef Simon talks about that in the food segment, as well as chef dinners there. In the creek. True story, and you'll hear all about it from them next here on the Flavors of Northwest Arkansas podcast.  

Host Trey Reid talks with Deke Whitbeck, president of the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation, about how the 501(c)(3) nonprofit supports the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission through fundraising and public engagement. They preview the 35th Arkansas Outdoor Hall of Fame banquet on August 29 at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock, which draws roughly 1,500–2,000 attendees and includes an online silent auction. They also discuss support for the Generation Conservation Summit, a new Legacy Lunker Banquet on October 29 in North Little Rock, and planned giving highlighted by Arthur Henderson's 150-acre green-space gift in Northwest Arkansas.

Scaling a business in a shifting economy means ignoring vanity metrics and confronting harsh market conditions head on. In a real estate climate defined by rising interest rates and fluctuating inventory, holding onto outdated strategy guarantees a pipeline full of stagnant listings. We sit down with Nick Limbird, Owner/Broker of Limbird Real Estate Group, to discuss how he transitioned from medical device sales into building Arkansas' top-performing real estate team.We get into the operational realities of closing 500 to 600 residential transactions annually while managing a portfolio of nearly 500 doors. Limbird shares his tactical approach to guiding stubborn sellers through pricing corrections, prioritizing high-ROI master suite and kitchen upgrades, and structuring profitable house-flipping partnerships with his internal agents. We also look at the economic growth of Northwest Arkansas and why long-term wealth building beats short-term market speculation every time.Sustaining a top-tier brokerage requires dealing with the messy realities of the business, from firing problematic clients to maintaining strict team accountability. Growth comes down to protecting your brand reputation, holding honest conversations about property values, and putting in the daily work required to stay dominant over a multi-decade career.If you care about real estate investing, market analysis, and business operations, you'll get a lot from this conversation. Be sure to Subscribe and Share. What is the single biggest challenge you are facing in the current real estate market? Let us know in the comments below!

In this week's edition of the Flavors of Northwest Arkansas podcast, we're at the Vagabond Coffee Bar in Bella Vista talking with co-owner/operator J.W. Gerike and his awesome story, but before we talk to him?!? FOOD NEWS!! We're heading into the final weekend of Fayetteville Restaurant Week Art of Wine is this Friday and bigger than ever! The Muse is a new cocktail bar in downtown Fayetteville. If you're a good salsa-maker, do I have a competition for you at Brewski's! Longtime Herman's Ribhouse stalwart has opened Possum Creek Bistro food truck There's a new restaurant at Prairie Creek Marina. We'll tell you about Yaya's Waterside! Bella Vista has a new bottle shop! We'll hear from the owner of the Little Bear Café. Dum & Grill is up and rolling in Bentonville. There will be 2 new restaurants in the new Visionaries building in Rogers. Bites & Bowls is downsizing in Springdale. Los Compas Margaritatown is going back to their roots... soon. Kung Fu Tea's location in Rogers is for sale. A pizza place on Dickson Street has shut down. Happy anniversary to La Favorita in Siloam, The Blind Bear in downtown Springdale, and Pizzeria Ruby in Johnson! Speaking of Pizzeria Ruby, in this week's Flavors Flashback, we go back to our podcast with them last October where they talked about getting the doors open 5 years ago. Sidenote for you, there's some salty language in this Flashback, so earmuffs for the kids!!!. Speaking of Covid, that changed the career trajectory for JW Gerike. By trade, he was a physical therapist in Ft. Worth, but Covid hit, and his hours weren't conducive to family life. Hear him talk about why he picked coffee. What were his first steps? Have you seen his 1979 Peugeot Coffee Van? Funny story about how he acquired that. At least he can laugh about it now. Speaking of, once getting established, he got some pretty cool gigs in Texas, including supplying coffee on a movie set. You won't believe which one. And then, the move to Bella Vista. How did they find it, and why did they make the move? And finally, after a very popular trailer at Tanyard Creek, they open a storefront. Some great stories coming your way in this edition of the Flavors of Northwest Arkansas podcast!

Why does water pool on your driveway after rain? We explore concrete slope requirements, Northwest Arkansas weather challenges, and the techniques pros use to prevent drainage failure on sloped properties. Discover what slope percentage protects your investment. AR Concrete Fayetteville City: Fayetteville Address: 10115 Webb Way Website: https://arconcretefayetteville.com Phone: +1 479 408 4968

In this Special Edition of the Flavors of Northwest Arkansas podcast, we're at the Walton Arts Center with Events Manager Whitlee Douthitt talking Art of Wine! There are some new elements to this year's event, which is happening THIS Friday from 7-9:30. We kick it off with the record number of vendors this year- you won't BELIEVE the number! There are retail opportunities that include getting a flash tattoo, take a tintype photo and more. Plus, if you're like me, you didn't get close to seeing the whole event last year. You can download the new Art of Wine app, and you'll be able to see where you are, what what's available, because let's be honest, the Walton Arts Center is huge, and you can get lost easily. You can also win during the event! You can get the app here: https://art-of-wine.vercel.app/.  Finally, Whitlee tells you where to get your tickets, and what the cost of the tickets goes to. It's all on this Special Edition of the Flavors of Northwest Arkansas podcast.

Ignition for local soccer culture does not happen in a vacuum, but a major international tournament on home soil behaves exactly like a catalyst for massive regional growth. When regular sports fans transition away from being passive observers into dedicated supporters, the underlying community dynamic shifts completely. In this episode, host Wes Harris connects with Parker Dodson in the studio to analyze the direct cultural impact of the current tournament cycle on the Northwest Arkansas community and its grassroots soccer ecosystem.We sit down to unpack the exact elements that convert traditional American sports fans into dedicated club and national team followers. Our conversation details the logistical success of localized watch parties at spots like the Upper Ramble and Luther George Park, the deep structural identity of elite European academy systems like Spain's top down approach, and the tactical weight of historical international rivalries playing out in high-stakes environments. We also look at the specific reality of managing tournament momentum when star studded frontline talent faces rigid, disciplined defensive spacing.The underlying reality of sports development is that driving genuine engagement requires massive, often exhausting infrastructure work behind the curtain. Putting on large scale community events involves serious logistical execution, long hours, and the constant navigation of variable crowd dynamics. Viewers will walk away with an honest look at how local club momentum builds on international excitement, a clearer understanding of rigid team systems versus individual flair, and a realistic preview of the final matchups before the post tournament depression sets in.If you care about soccer culture growth, community event management, and tournament bracket analytics, you will get a lot from this discussion. Please remember to subscribe to the channel and share this episode with anyone looking to understand the growth of the game. Considering how deep into the knockout rounds we are, which tactical system do you think is actually sustainable enough to lift the trophy this week?

In this Special Edition of the Flavors of Northwest Arkansas, we sit with Experience Fayetteville's VP of Marketing & Communications, Brannon Pack. We talk all things Fayetteville Restaurant Week, including those offering prix fixe menu's, who's offering half-off, who's being creative and some of our favorite offerings (and more).  To see who's participating, and what they're offering, go here: https://www.experiencefayetteville.com/restaurant-week 

In this week's edition of the Flavors of Northwest Arkansas podcast, we're in Bentonville talking to Rebecca & Jay Davitt, the owners of Stoic Brews Alternative, but before we hear from them?! FOOD NEWS!! We hear from Mallory Files, who sold Ozark Charcuterie & Wine Bar in Fayetteville and grand opened Ozark Charcuterie in Rogers in back-to-back days. Pearlsnap Picnic grand opened in the Jones Center. Vagabond Coffee grand opened at the Sugar Creek Shopping Center in Bella Vista. We'll hear from owner J.W. Gericke! HTeaO is open in Lowell! Jack in the Box is coming to Rogers (somewhere at some time?)? McAlister's is coming to Farmington. Saltine Bakery & Kitchen will open in South Fayetteville SOON. Happy 2-year anniversary to Butter & Bloom Cake Shop! Their anniversary menu-WOW. Happy 28 years to Iron Horse Coffee Company!! In today's Flavors Flashback, Mallory Files tells us what it was like to go viral back in 2024! Rebecca and Jay Davitt started Stoic Brews Alternative back in March of 2025. For those that don't know, Stoic brews gluten-free beer, and all their food is gluten-free as well. Rebecca has been on a gluten-free diet for a decade and Jay wanted to brew beer. Rebecca didn't want to do it until she found out that she could do it gluten-free, and with her food science background, a monster was created! Speaking of which, Rebecca struggled with imposter syndrome. She'll tell you why. Also, how did they find such a great spot? It's the old Pedaler's Pub, and they'll tell you that story. Finally, you don't know what you don't know. They'll talk about being ill-prepared to go through the emotions of seeing people have their first beer in over a decade because of gluten allergies and tear up. They go over that and so much more, on this edition of the Flavors of Northwest Arkansas podcast.

Flintco has been building Arkansas since 1951, and we took Flintco Talks on the road to Bentonville to celebrate 75 years of construction. We sat down with Scott Eccleston, President of Campus Planning and Facility Management for Art and Wellness Enterprises, Alice Walton's Bentonville-based cultural and wellness organization, and Flintco Construction Director Jesse Evans and Vice President Patrick Horrath, both based in Northwest Arkansas. You'll hear Scott's behind-the-scenes stories of a four-hour job interview with Alice Walton, crews working through the night to beat a museum opening, and an architect visibly moved by what the team built.The conversation covers a lot of ground. Scott shares how a walk through the woods with his three boys on what would become the site of Crystal Bridges and a late-night phone call from world-renowned architect Moshe Safdie set the course for the second half of his career. Jesse and Patrick relive some of the challenges they overcame delivering Phase II of Crystal Bridges on a site straddling a floodway, with controlled blasting within 80 feet of priceless artwork and a meticulous architect watching every pour of exposed concrete.They also talk about what's next. Art and Wellness Enterprises is developing a healthcare campus in Bentonville with a vision that has grown well beyond its original scope, and Flintco is building it. Scott makes the case for why a project of this magnitude and complexity requires a construction manager that delivers like a partner.If you attended the recent grand reopening of Crystal Bridges or are curious about the people and partnerships behind Bentonville's most ambitious projects, this episode of Flintco Talks is for you.

n this episode of The District 3 Podcast, we sit down with one of Northwest Arkansas's most beloved bartenders, Boston Daniels of The Odd Soul. From his journey behind the bar to launching his own side bartending business, Boston shares the experiences, lessons, and relationships that have shaped his career.We also dive into the unique role bars play in building community, creating memorable experiences, and bringing people together. Along the way, expect plenty of laughs, goofy stories, and the kind of easygoing conversation that makes you feel like you're hanging out with friends.Whether you're a cocktail enthusiast, a regular at The Odd Soul, or just curious about the people who make Northwest Arkansas special, this episode is a fun look at the man behind the bar.

If you assume you know everything about your own backyard, you are likely missing the most profitable and entertaining narratives driving your local economy. We sit down with Brian Johnson, the founder of Big on Bentonville, to uncover how he built a premier low-speed vehicle tour company that somehow managed to outrank world-class art museums in customer satisfaction.We get into the tactical reality of launching an unconventional hospitality business in Northwest Arkansas. Brian shares how a trip to Rome inspired him to buy his first custom cart, the precise legal boundaries between standard golf carts and low-speed vehicles, and how his team curated high-end experiences like their signature evening drinking tours. We also dive into the upcoming launch of their "Front Seat to Fabulous" home architecture tours and look at the exact pricing structures required to remain highly profitable.The actual execution of a local tour company isn't all scenic drives and champagne; the hidden overhead can completely stall an operation before it starts. Brian breaks down the brutal reality of commercial insurance costs, which can top $2,000 a month just to keep the vehicles street-legal. He also gives a candid look into the unpredictable nature of tipping culture, dealing with mid-summer weather cancellations, and the necessity of keeping your guides unindebted to corporate sponsorships to maintain an authentic, high-quality story.If you care about local entrepreneurship, scaling a high-margin side hustle, and the business of boutique hospitality, you'll get a lot from this conversation. Make sure to subscribe to the B Team Podcast and share this episode with a fellow founder.What is the best hidden local spot in your city that tourists completely miss? Let us know in the comments below!

I usually forget to do this here but wanted to make sure to ask you to subscribe to the podcast and rate it. I know that some watch on YopuTube and some listen. Every subscription and like helps. We appreciate it very much. In this week's edition, we talk to Kentedra Kentrice, also known as Keke. She owns and operates Kou'Sins Social Lounge in Bentonville, where we'll talk all things hanging, food and bev, but first?? FOOD NEWS!! We have 3 grand openings this week! Ozark Charcuterie grand opens their Rogers location on Thursday. We'll tell you what time! Big Biscuit grand opens their Rogers location. Pearlsnap Picnic brings a coffee shop to the Jones Center. You'll hear from the owners. Bauhaus Biergarten reopens! AQ Chicken House is fully open! Isabella's Bakery opens in Lowell- we'll tell you about the spot Playa Bowls is coming to Rogers. We'll tell you where! This year's Art of Wine is going to be HUGE! We'll tell you how to get tickets. Fayetteville Restaurant Week is just around the corner. Get the 127th Tontitown Grape Festival on your calendar! Happy 11th anniversary to MJ's Pizzeria! Speaking of MJ's, in today's Flavors Flashback, we go back to June of last year to our interview with Chef Miles James. He talks about an article that changed his life. Kentedra Kentrice, or Keke, moved to Northwest Arkansas to work for Walmart after working for them in the Atlanta area. Once here, she realized that Bentonville was missing something. A place where you can go out, not have to pay an arm and a leg, and just hang with some good food and drink. She talks about her professional past, her FIRST profession (you'll never guess), and what happened in the week leading up to opening Kou'Sins. There was some panic involved and she'll talk about how she got the doors open, and that's on this edition of the Flavors of Northwest Arkansas podcast.

Bryan catches up with Sach Oliver, an Influencers leader in Northwest Arkansas, to talk about the Journey Movie update, to recap his leadership talk on Passions, Awesomeness and Needs and to hear the story of how God led him to purchase land north of Arkansas to build a Prayer Retreat Center.  There are many lessons of faith and prayer and leadership in this power-packed podcast.

Summer's here and we're stepping away from the mic for a few weeks, so we're digging back into the archive to share some of our most downloaded conversations from the past year. This is one worth a second listen, or a first one if it's new to you. Lynn Wong and Mike Thompson turned a dream of an ice cream shop into Pedal Pops and Pedal Park, an all-natural fruit pop business that's grown into a real community hub in Farmington. This episode was part of our Future is Local series with the Walton Family Foundation.How a kitchen experiment turned into a beloved local brand built on customer feedback and creative flavorsWhy Pedal Park has become more than a food truck stop, hosting trivia nights, live music, and pop-up markets for the whole communityWebsite: pedalpops.com Listen to the original episode: https://iamnorthwestarkansas.com/326Mentioned in this episode:Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"2026 Best of IANWA Intro

You don't usually walk into an art museum wondering what you'll eat but once you've spent a full day at Crystal Bridges, food becomes part of the adventure. We're joined by Lauren Eck, Regional Vice President of Sales for Wolfgang Puck Catering, to talk about the new partnership at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and what it means for museum dining in Bentonville, Arkansas as the campus grows and visitor expectations keep rising.We get into the ethos behind Wolfgang Puck Catering and why it lines up so naturally with Crystal Bridges and The Momentary: accessibility without lowering the standard. Lauren shares how “elevated” doesn't have to mean expensive, how thoughtful hospitality starts long before someone sits down to eat, and why great people matter even more than great recipes. We also talk about designing food and beverage that complements exhibits, supports all-day exploration, and welcomes everyone including guests with dietary restrictions.If you care about farm-to-table dining, local Arkansas ingredients, and the future of hospitality in Northwest Arkansas, you'll love the behind-the-scenes details, including how the team sourced farmers market strawberries for the Crystal Bridges gala. Lauren also teases what's ahead as experience-driven dining grows, from roaming small plates to big plans leading into 2027.Subscribe for more stories about Bentonville, share this with a friend planning a visit, and leave a review so more listeners can find the show.A New American Town is here to help you plan your trip to Bentonville, Arkansas. From guides, events, and restaurant highlights. Find all this and more at visitbentonville.com and subscribe to our newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, and LinkedIn.  You can listen to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify, CastBox, Podcast Casts, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, and Podcast Addict.  

Not having access to the right tools kills the desire to build things. As more people look for physical hobbies to step away from their screens, the high cost and massive space required for a personal shop stop them dead in their tracks. We sit down with Charley Preston from The Workbench Collective to discuss how he is solving this exact problem by building a shared community maker space right here in Northwest Arkansas.We get into the logistics of starting a membership based woodshop and making the difficult leap from white collar corporate life back to a true trade. The conversation covers navigating liability waivers, structuring classes for adults versus kids, and transitioning a homeschool side project into a physical brick and mortar business. Charley explains his core philosophy that allowing people to take managed risks with power tools builds a level of confidence that carries over into every other aspect of their daily lives.Running a community space brings significant challenges regarding overhead costs and managing varying customer expectations. Keeping adults on track when they show up with highly complex Pinterest ideas is much harder than teaching straightforward skills to children. You will walk away from this conversation with a clear understanding of how to pivot a business model when the local market demands something slightly different than your original vision.If you care about local business development, community building, and hands on craftsmanship, you will get a lot from this episode. Make sure to subscribe to the channel and share this video with anyone interested in creating physical products or escaping the corporate grind. What is a hands on skill you have always wanted to learn but never had the space to practice?--Chapters:0:00 Welcome and Bourbon Introduction1:07 Escaping Corporate Life2:39 Launching a Homeschool Side Hustle5:17 Relocating to Arkansas7:53 Custom Gifts and Community Building9:15 Evolving the Shared Woodshop Model--Join us every Thursday at 10 AM for all things Bentonville, Business and Bourbon!Join the community:Instagram: @thebteampodFacebook: @The B Team Podcast TikTok: @bteampodhttps://www.bteampodcast.com/

Well hello there, and welcome to this week's edition of the Flavors of Northwest Arkansas podcast. I'm John Engleman- thanks for being here! This week, we're in downtown Rogers at Nola's Pantry where we talk with owner Alicen Rumsey and her daughter Melanie Keller, but before we sit with them?!?! FOOD NEWS!! Theo's has announced that they're closing their Rogers location. The artist formerly known as Bistro 16 in Springdale has announced that they'll be moving in. We hear about it from both owners. Speaking of Theo's, their owner is now the operator on The Leroy in Fayetteville. We'll hear what that means. The AQ Chicken House soft opens today. We'll hear about perfecting recipes with a few of their co-owners. Dixieland Crossing in Rogers had 2 new restaurants open this week! BITE at the Ramble in Fayetteville happens this Friday! Vagabond Coffee has announced the grand opening date for their brick and mortar! Happy 79th birthday to a true mainstay, Venesian Inn! Happy third anniversary to the Mad Rooster Beer Company! We've gotten word of when Fossil Cove's new spot in South Fayetteville hopes to open! Happy two-year anniversary to Gaskins on Emma! Hear why they originally didn't open their doors on time in today's Flavors Flashback! Absolute madness! Speaking of Gaskins, they're only a few weeks away from opening Gaskins Trattoria in downtown Springdale! Emilia's Kitchen in Fayetteville has closed. We'll tell you why. Alicen Rumsey started Nola's Pantry because of a hot sauce. Well, not really, but it prompted something in her, and she grew the idea further to open a specialty food store. That's not what it is now, but Alicen will explain that pivot. Speaking of that, if you look on their menu, you'll see influence of Alicen's daughter Melanie, who you'll also hear from. Finally, Alicen is a tweaker – no, not that kind, but she'll talk about the advantages and disadvantages of... tweaking. That and MUCH MORE is next here on the Flavors of Northwest Arkansas.

Bum of the week A special shoutout on our first official day on 93.7 FM in Northwest Arkansas. Love Island And Patricia Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What happens when a mentor gets more out of an accelerator than the founders do?Zak Morris joined the Fuel accelerator as a subject matter expert in AI — but quickly realized he was learning just as much as the companies he was advising. In this episode, Zak breaks down how working with startups across cybersecurity, AML, and healthcare sharpened his own thinking, why Bentonville's density of world-class talent is an underrated advantage, and how one early conversation with a founder led to a permanent board seat.Whether you're a founder, a seasoned professional sitting on the sidelines, or someone who's never thought of themselves as a mentor — this one's for you.

Bringing a high-profile international brand to Northwest Arkansas requires more than just capital; it demands an obsessive focus on product integrity, standard operating procedures, and local market education. In this episode, we sit down with Sofia Foyo, the entrepreneur behind the newly opened Amorino Gelato in Rogers, Arkansas, to uncover what it takes to launch a globally recognized brand in a rapidly expanding culinary market.We get into the swervy transition from a career in finance with Ernst and Young to the daily realities of frontline hospitality ownership. Sofia Foyo walks us through the tactical substance of managing supply chain logistics for raw ingredients imported straight from Europe, the precise technical differences between churning standard ice cream and dense, low-overrun gelato, and the structural challenge of establishing a premium "third space" in a high-traffic retail development like the Pinnacle Promenade. We also break down the brand's signature artistic presentation, seasonal flavor rotations like litchi rose, and why managing global quality standards leaves zero room for corner-cutting.The hard reality of retail food service is that luxury presentation requires exhausting logistical scaffolding. Behind the beautiful rose-shaped cones and handcrafted macarons lies the constant management of deep-freeze shipping chains, razor-thin labor shifts, and the administrative burden of back-office payroll. Viewers will walk away with a clear blueprint of how international franchise models execute market adaptation, a gritty reminder that owners must be willing to log shifts behind the counter themselves, and a system for evaluating premium franchise concepts.If you care about local business scaling, hospitality supply chains, and intentional community development, you'll get a lot from this conversation. Subscribe to the channel and share this episode with an aspiring founder who needs a dose of operational reality.What is the biggest operational hurdle you think you would face when transitioning from a corporate career to brick-and-mortar hospitality? Let us know in the comments.

In this week's episode of the Flavors of Northwest Arkansas podcast, we took a different direction – a little out of the norm for us. We talked to Nick Ferguson, an Englishman who lives in Pea Ridge, and owned and operated restaurants and bars in Vietnam. It's going to be story time, but before we hear from Nick? FOOD NEWS!!! AQ Chicken House announced when they'll be opening. Vagabond Coffee opened their first brick and mortar. We'll tell you where it is. The Protein House in Rogers is officially open! A popular chain opened a spot in west Fayetteville. Handel's Ice Cream opened in Fayetteville last week. We'll hear from the first person in line, and she'll tell us what time she got there! Taziki's will be opening in Rogers soon! We'll tell you how you can eat there for free! Dodo Coffee will be opening their new building next month! A smoothie/protein shake chain is opening in Fayetteville soon. Happy anniversary to the Vault Bar in Fayetteville and Ryn in Bentonville! Jaclyn's Kitchen has officially closed. We'll tell you when Do it Yum's last day at the 8th Street Market is. Nick Ferguson shot me a Facebook message last August from Vietnam. Said that he was moving here after owning and running restaurants over there. He met his wife in college in England, and she went to Bentonville High School. You'll hear him talk about working for English pub landlords, to opening a vegan brunch spot in the mountains of Vietnam, and much more, and that's in this edition of the Flavors of Northwest Arkansas podcast.

Brock and Jon welcome Hayley from Heirloom Event Company to the IDOIQ Podcast for a fun, honest, and insight-packed conversation about weddings, planning, vendor teamwork, and what makes a wedding actually feel personal.The episode kicks off with wild wedding speech stories, including a bride's dad who found the perfect way to shut down an endless lineup of groom-family speeches. Hayley shares one of her own early wedding horror stories involving a father-of-the-bride speech that lasted 52 minutes, proving once again that sometimes the most important wedding planning skill is knowing when to move things along.Hayley talks about growing up around Branson, moving through the TV and production world in Los Angeles and Chicago, and eventually finding her way into weddings. What started as a desire to bring people together through monthly events turned into planning weddings, building a team, and creating Heirloom Event Company, a brand focused on meaningful, timeless, and highly personal events.The conversation digs into what makes Heirloom different, including Hayley's commitment to radical transparency with couples. She talks about educating clients on real wedding costs, being honest about venues and vendors, helping couples avoid budget surprises, and making sure they understand what they are actually paying for. Brock, Jon, and Hayley also compare notes on how DJs and planners work together behind the scenes to keep a wedding flowing smoothly.They also cover the reality of wedding timelines, why couples should not overbook the dance floor, how late-night snacks can become an experience, and why great events are moving beyond “standard wedding” into something more interactive. From oyster shucking and Chicago dogs to mariachi bands, saxophonists, custom wedding merch, trucker hats, and branded cowboy hats, Hayley shares trends that are already popular in larger cities and may be heading toward Northwest Arkansas.The episode also includes plenty of classic IDOIQ humor, including strange wedding venues, tarped fences, cow-pie DJ setups, stripper pole surprise receptions, sword cake-cuttings, black-tie weddings with beer pong, Branson memories, Silver Dollar City talk, and the difference between big-city wedding expectations and Ozarks wedding culture.Hayley also shares what she hopes couples feel when they look back on their wedding: that they were truly able to enjoy the day instead of managing it. She emphasizes personal details, family memories, labeled memorial tables, recipes, heirlooms, and meaningful touches that help guests understand the couple's story.It is a great episode for couples planning a wedding, vendors who want better teamwork, and anyone curious about where Northwest Arkansas weddings may be headed next. 

About the Show:"I always want to have that posture of, like, what can I learn? How can I grow?" – Danielle KellerDanielle Keller didn't plan on becoming the steward of Northwest Arkansas's most beloved family magazine. She moved from California to Arkansas, built a life here as a mother and filmmaker, and somewhere along the way fell in love with the kind of community storytelling that big media rarely gets right.In this episode of I Am Northwest Arkansas®, Randy Wilburn sits down with Danielle to talk about her journey—from film and podcasting to relaunching Peekaboo Magazine in August 2025 with a bigger, higher-quality print edition that bets on something most people have written off.She makes the case for print in a digital world. Not as nostalgia. As intention.Personal essays from local parents, in-person community events, and real voices from across NWA — Peekaboo is proof that a magazine can still be a gathering place. This conversation is a reminder that the stories closest to home are often the ones worth telling most.Key Takeaways:Embrace Change and Growth: It's never too late to start something new or pivot your career—real growth often happens later in life.The Importance of Storytelling: Personal stories connect people and help communities feel seen, valued, and understood.Relationships Matter: Building relationships is key to both personal success and community building; everyone has something to offer.The Power of Local Media: Hyper-local publications like Peekaboo give a platform to everyday stories and voices that otherwise might not be heard.Print Isn't Dead: There's a renewed appreciation for tangible, high-quality media that people can hold, share, and keep on their coffee tables.Community Support: Sharing vulnerable stories can lead to compassion and real community action, supporting those who need it most.Be Inclusive: Not everyone is an extrovert—seek out and include those on the fringe, and help everyone feel welcome.All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas® podcast.Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Peekaboo magazine websitePeekaboo magazine on Facebook:Peekaboo magazine on LinkedIn:Peekaboo magazine on Instagram: @peekaboomagazinenwaPeople of Northwest Arkansas PodcastFayetteville Public LibraryDogpatch USA (featured in Danielle Keller's documentary work)John Brown University (JBU)Bentonville Film FestivalParkside Public (casual date night spot)Confident Coffee (favorite coffee shop)You can pick up a physical copy of Peekaboo magazine at local libraries, museums, and family-focused spots throughout Northwest Arkansas—from Fayetteville to Bella Vista and Siloam Springs.This episode is sponsored by*Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"*Note: some of the resources mentioned may be affiliate links. This means we get paid a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase.Connect more with I am Northwest Arkansas:Grab our Newsletter Email Us at hello@iamnorthwestarkansas.comConnect With Our Facebook Page Connect With Us on Threads Connect With Our Instagram Connect With Our LinkedIn PageJoin The Facebook Group Connect with our Fearless Host, Randy Wilburn on LinkedInThank you for listening to this I am Northwest Arkansas podcast episode. We showcase businesses, culture, entrepreneurship, and life in the Ozarks.Consider donating to our production team to keep this podcast running smoothly. Donate to I Am Northwest ArkansasMentioned in this episode:FindItNWA.comLooking to discover the best local businesses in Northwest Arkansas?

We sit down with Josh and Sean from The Hub to talk about Hub 2.0. It's designed for everything that happens around the ride, from a good cup of coffee to start the day to swapping stories after a bike ride. The goal is a space that feels easy and welcoming, where visitors start to feel like regulars pretty quickly. They've recently expanded both their menu and their space, and partnered with Santa Cruz Bikes to offer rentals as well.We get specific about what makes the Hub a true cycling experience center in Northwest Arkansas. Josh explains how the bike shop side works, from the Santa Cruz demo experience and rental fleet to the “white-glove” setup that helps you find the right ride, whether you're brand new or chasing bigger lines. Sean shares how the original vision started as a community gathering place and why growth was unavoidable once the lounge became more popular.Then we dig into the parts that turn a cycling trip into a full itinerary: live music, DJs, group rides, and partnerships with local organizations that keep the community connected. You'll also hear the practical details people actually need, like how to book rentals ahead, how the greenway leads you in, and what to order when you're refueling, from happy hour deals to brunch favorites. Make sure you subscribe, share the episode with a friend, and leave us a review so more people can find it.A New American Town is here to help you plan your trip to Bentonville, Arkansas. From guides, events, and restaurant highlights. Find all this and more at visitbentonville.com and subscribe to our newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, and LinkedIn.  You can listen to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify, CastBox, Podcast Casts, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, and Podcast Addict.  

In this week's edition of the Flavors of Northwest Arkansas podcast, we're in Rogers at the new Chuo Izakaya, talking to some seasoned vets- Owner Darwin Beyer, Head Chef Colin Stewart and Beverage Director Shaun Traxler. But first?!?! FOOD NEWS!! The James Beard Awards were held on Monday night. Onyx was a finalist for Best Bar in the US, and Jason Paul of Heirloom was a finalist for Best Chef of the South. You'll hear & see what happened. Handel's opens in Fayetteville on Thursday, and they're doing something special for it. We'll hear from one of the owners! Chicken chain Huey Magoo's is coming to NWA. We'll tell you where. Homegrown is officially coming to Fayetteville. We'll tell you where it'll be. We'll tell you about a food drive in Bentonville at Sun Painted Farm. Happy first birthday to Archie's Sandwichery. That was QUICK! A Dickson Street mainstay is closing. A Tex-Mex chain closed nationwide over the weekend, and their Rogers location In this week's Flavors Flashback, House 1830's Binh Hoang talksabout placing a premium on front of house hospitality. Chuo Izakaya has been a long time coming for Co-Owner Darwin Beyer. In his pursuit of building a Japanese Tavern experience in Northwest Arkansas, he was able to surround himself with some exceptionally experienced folks, including Head Chef Colin Stewart and Beverage Director Shaun Traxler. We'll hear from all three about how they got to Chuo Izakaya, we'll hear about the menu, including what's new, and we'll also hear about the sickly creative drinks coming from Shaun. Lastly, they're starting something new there, and you'll hear about it here, first. And that's on this week's edition of the Flavors of Northwest Arkansas podcast.

What does affirmative consent law reform, university sex education, and AI-powered law enforcement tools have in common? They're all part of Stefanie Hammett's ambitious startup, HMS.HMS (Have More Safety · Have More Sex · Have More Space) is a consent education company with a bold 2036 goal: insert affirmative consent into all 50 state criminal codes. But getting there means building a real business — with a direct-to-consumer product line, a university B2B pilot program, and a law enforcement tech partnership with Clipper AI.Stefanie breaks down:The "drip effect" strategy for getting consent education into university campusesWhy selling to law enforcement requires showing up 17 times before they trust youHow she balances a world-changing mission with the mechanics of actually building a startupHer advice to founders: presence, biohacking, and trusting your own clarityAnd more!

In today's episode 140 of the Flavors of Northwest Arkansas podcast, we talk with Henry Francis of Evergreen Pasture & Provisions- what a story they have... but before we sit with Henry?!?! FOOD NEWS!!! Emma's Market & Bottle Shop is open in downtown Springdale! We'll hear from the owners. Dave's Hot Chicken opened in Rogers to a HUGE line, and a guys taking he Reaper Challenge. Bless him! The gluten-free bakery Dempsey Bakery opened Monday in Fayetteville. We'll tell you about it! According to the Fayetteville Flyer, Gusano's is coming to the East side of Fayetteville. We'll tell you where! Today's your last chance to win some fine whiskeys, benefitting Lifeline NWA. A new dumpling and ramen restaurant is coming to Rogers! Happy 14th, Fossil Cove!! Foghorns in Springdale has closed their doors. In Today's Flavors Flashback, we hear from Owner & Executive Chef of Mezzaluna, Soerke Peters. In 1990, he was the executive chef for the World's Fair in Russia and Siberia. The stories in that podcast are some of the best that we've ever had... one of the best ones was about his plane ride from Munich, Germany to Russia. Henry & Kylee Francis own Evergreen Pasture & Provisions. They started by selling their beef at the Fayetteville Farmer's Market and were overwhelmed by the response they were getting. Since then? They've opened a storefront in the gorgeous Berryville Square, where they sell regional goods including some from local producers. And now? Delivery to most of Northwest Arkansas, with all coming shortly. We'll hear how Henry and Kylee met, how they ended up in Berryville, and how you can get your product on their shelves. That's next, here on the Flavors of Northwest Arkansas. Please like and subscribe!!

Brock and Jon sit down with longtime Northwest Arkansas wedding photographer Dale Benfield of Benfield Photography for a funny, story-filled conversation about weddings, photography, vendor teamwork, and 20 years in the industry.They kick things off with wild wedding stories, including a groom spending his honeymoon in jail, cake-smashing disasters, Klingon wedding ceremonies, and reception drama that proves weddings are never boring.Dale shares how he went from teaching to building a high-end photography brand, why relationships matter more than gear, how he handles luxury clients, destination weddings, celebrity/privacy situations, and why the best photographers know how to read people—not just camera settings.The episode also covers working with DJs, family legacy, emotional dad moments, wedding trends, building trust with clients, and Dale's advice for photographers trying to break into the business.

About the Show:"Black Paper Party doesn't exist if it's not for the authentic representation of the Black diaspora and our products." – Jasmine HudsonWhat does it really take to build a business rooted in culture, stay true to your mission, and scale to 20,000 points of distribution—all from Northwest Arkansas? Jasmine Hudson, co-founder of Black Paper Party, is living proof that it's possible.In this episode of I Am Northwest Arkansas®, host Randy Wilburn welcomes Jasmine back for a candid and wide-ranging conversation about entrepreneurship, representation, and what growth really looks like when you refuse to compromise your values. From packing orders in her garage during the early days to landing shelf space with major retailers, Jasmine pulls back the curtain on the journey—including what really happened after the Shark Tank cameras stopped rolling.Jasmine also shares how Black Paper Party is using AI and technology to operate smarter, what it means to be selected for the prestigious Endeavor Heartland Scale Up Accelerator, and why staying connected to the mission of celebrating Black joy and culture has been their greatest competitive advantage.Whether you're a founder grinding through the early stages, an entrepreneur looking to scale without losing your soul, or someone who simply believes that representation matters—this episode is for you. Pull up a chair and get ready to be inspired.Key Takeaways:Authenticity Matters: Staying true to your mission and serving your community is at the heart of lasting growth and brand loyalty.Growth Is a Journey: Black Paper Party went from the garage to major retailers by focusing on both process and relationships.Technology as a Tool: Leveraging AI can help small teams do more, from managing e-commerce to automating business tasks—but it should never replace original thinking.Retail Wisdom: Walmart can be a powerful incubator for brands, especially for those who understand their customer and the importance of scalability.Community and Networking: Programs like Endeavor Heartland Scale Up provide important mentorship and support, but you have to put in the work to benefit.Resilience in Business: Setbacks, like shipping disasters or lost deals, are part of the journey—true grit keeps you moving forward.All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas® podcast.Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Website: Black Paper PartyBlack Paper Party on InstagramBlack Paper Party on FacebookBlack Paper Party on LinkedInEndeavor Heartland Scale Up Accelerator: endeavor.org (Check show notes for direct links.)Canem Arkan Endeavor Heartland EmailShawn Morris Endeavor Heartland EmailJasmine Hudson on LinkedInFindItNWA.com NWA's Hyperlocal Business DirectoryThis episode is sponsored by*Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"*Note: some of the resources mentioned may be affiliate links. This means we get paid a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase.Connect more with I am Northwest Arkansas:Grab our Newsletter Email Us at hello@iamnorthwestarkansas.comConnect With Our Facebook Page Connect With Us on Threads Connect With Our Instagram Connect With Our LinkedIn PageJoin The Facebook Group Connect with our Fearless Host, Randy Wilburn on LinkedInThank you for listening to this I am Northwest Arkansas podcast episode. We showcase businesses, culture, entrepreneurship, and life in the Ozarks.Consider donating to our production team to keep this podcast running smoothly. Donate to I Am Northwest ArkansasMentioned in this episode:FindItNWA.comLooking to discover the best local businesses in Northwest Arkansas?

In this Special Edition of the Flavors of Northwest Arkansas, we learn about the first year of Chefs & Fire benefitting Apple Seeds in Fayetteville. It'll be happening Sunday, June 14 and tickets are going SUPER fast. To get yours, goto https://appleseedsar.org/events and HURRY! In this episode, we are joined by Mary Thompson, Executive Director of Apple Seeds, Jerrmy Gawthrop, co-owner/executive chef of Woodstone Pizza, and Elliot Hunt, owner/executive chef of Atlas the Restaurant. We talk about the concept of the evening, cooking over open flame and who will be joining Jerrmy and Elliot over open flame. That list includes Brooks & Ali Cameron of Bloom Cheese Collective, Sam Walker of Gaskins on Emma, Darwin Beyer of Meiji & Chuo Izakaya, Matt Cooper of Conifer & Ryn. Handshake will also be there for the wood-fired desserts and Crisis Brewing will be there with beer! Thanks for listening!

In week's edition of the Flavors of Northwest Arkansas podcast, we're at Columbus House Brewery in Fayetteville talking with co-owner Carey Ashworth – but before we talk with her?!?! FOOD NEWS!! Bentoville Food Theater is FINALLY open! Onyx at the Preserve is soft opening- KIND OF. We'll tell you what that means. Bloom Cheese Collective is expanding. We'll hear about it from co-owner Brooks Cameron! Ozzie's Ride & Dine has opened at the base of the OZ Trails Bike Park in Bella Vista. We'll hear from Luke Wetzel about their offerings. Ozark Charcuterie in downtown Rogers is officially open! Owner Mallory Files will tell you what the spot is, and what it's not! PJ's Coffee of New Orleans opened Monday at the Summit Shopping Center in Rogers. Local Franchisee Bo Grimes will tell us why it took so long! Dave's Hot Chicken is just a few doors down from PJ's. We'll tell you when they'll be opening. House 1830's Binh Hoang outlines Monday's House 1830/Downtown Rogers Night Market. Happy 9 year anniversary to Southern Food Company! Happy 7 years to Yankabilly Smokehouse! Happy first anniversary to Wu Zhao in downtown Bentonville! In Today's Flavors Flashback, Mallory Files talks about going HUGELY viral in 2024, when we interviewed her for the first time! The Columbus House Brewery has already been open for over a decade! Carey Ashworth and Jason Corral have taken a smallish 3-barrel system and absolutely run with it. Carey talks about the freedom that they have with their setup. Also, did you know that they initially looked to open at a Fayetteville landmark? Carey will tell you which one. Finally, Carey and Jason have grown a community at Columbus House, which was something that Carey had never had growing up as a military kid. She'll tell that story and much more, on this edition of the Flavors of Northwest Arkansas.

In this episode of Insurance Town, I get to interview my good friend Casey Armstrong of Canopy Connect. We dive into the innovative ways Canopy Connect is revolutionizing data collection for insurance agencies. Casey shares insights on how their platform simplifies client interactions, enhances data accuracy, and integrates seamlessly into existing workflows. Join us for an engaging discussion on the future of insurance technology and how agencies can leverage these tools for growth and efficiency..In this episode: Casey shares his journey with Canopy Connect from its inception in 2020 and how agency data collection has evolved.The simplicity of using QR codes and custom referral links to streamline prospect interactions.How Canopy Connect's Trailhead feature offers flexible, choose-your-own-adventure insurance pathways.The real-world impact of instant loss runs and deck pages extracted directly from carriers' systems.The role of AI in automating mundane tasks, freeing agents to focus on trusted advisory.Unique marketing strategies like limo rides and conference appearances to connect with customers creatively.The importance of human oversight in AI solutions to ensure accuracy and trust.Case stories illustrating premium increases through correct coverage and client advocacy.Practical tips for agencies new to Canopy Connect, including the ease of integrating it into current workflows.Casey's heartfelt message on gratitude, technological progress, and the future of insurance. Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome to Insurance Town & Casey Armstrong intro 00:29 - Canopy Connect: The one-click solution for agencies 00:58 - The benefits of automation and the Trailhead feature 01:26 - AI for insurance: saving time and improving accuracy 02:23 - Exploring innovative marketing strategies and conference fun 03:00 - Casey's background, biking stories, and Northwest Arkansas 07:28 - How Canopy Connect transforms prospect engagement 08:08 - The value of instant carrier data and loss runs 09:39 - Bringing human oversight to AI automation 10:34 - The manual effort saved by AI and data accuracy 12:23 - How deck pages from carriers eliminate errors 15:08 - Commercial accounts insights and loss history access 16:13 - Simplified onboarding for new users of Canopy Connect 16:53 - Embedding Canopy into existing agency workflows 20:16 - Real-world client stories: under-insured homes & premium impacts 24:28 - Trailhead: The flexible, customizable journey paths 28:23 - The speed and efficiency benefits of Canopy Connect 30:34 - Lead tracking and prospect management dashboard 36:37 - Creative marketing: conference limos & branded experiences 38:35 - Heartfelt messages to existing customers and prospects 42:08 - Casey's call to action: harnessing technology for growth & successResources & Links: Canopy Connect - Streamline client data collection and quoting1Fort AI - AI automation for insurance submissions and quotingMAV - Text messaging solutions for prospect qualification Casey Armstrong on LinkedIn Connect with Casey: LinkedIn Email: casey@usecanopy.com Note: This lively and authentic discussion highlights cutting-edge solutions shaping the future of insurance. Whether you're an agent, agency owner, or industry innovator, Casey's insights will inspire your next move—embrace technology, improve efficiency, and grow your business with confidence.

SummaryWhat happens when passion for storytelling meets the entrepreneurial spirit? In this episode of the Startup Junkies podcast, Danielle Keller, media entrepreneur, award-winning podcaster, and editor-in-chief of Northwest Arkansas's beloved Peekaboo magazine, joins Daniel Koonce, Caleb Talley, and Ty Steele for a conversation packed with inspiration, nostalgia, and the realities of building community through storytelling.Danielle shares her fascinating career journey, from her beginnings in California writing for school papers, through a detour in higher education, to diving fearlessly into documentary film, video production, and ultimately acquiring and revitalizing Peekaboo magazine. She details how Peekaboo, once a crucial parental resource before the rise of social media, became a passion project resurrected through grit, research, and community demand. The print magazine's unique sensory experience illustrates the hunger for tangible connections in a digital age.Listeners will delight in anecdotes about local mascot Ozzy the Ozark Fox, created by Danielle's daughter, and how family, authenticity, and real community voices shape every issue. The episode highlights the importance of collaboration, adaptability, and embracing both print and digital platforms as Peekaboo grows and evolves.With future visions of podcasts, dynamic web offerings, and newsletters, Danielle reminds us that it's never too late to pursue fresh dreams, amplify others' voices, and savor the present. This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, storytellers, and anyone who believes in the lasting power of local stories!Show Notes(00:00) Danielle's Career Path in Media(04:06) Starting Peekaboo for Parents(09:48) Evaluating Print Magazine Revival(18:10) Creating a Themed Editorial Calendar(20:37) Seasonal Advertising Opportunities(23:07) Expanding Digital Content(33:21) Closing ThoughtsLinksDaniel KoonceCaleb TalleyTy SteeleStartup JunkieStartup Junkie YouTubeDanielle KellerPeekaboo Magazine

Chad and Daniel are joined by Erick Sorenson and Dr Rob Solberg live from Here We Still Stand, Northwest Arkansas, to discuss his work on pronomian theology. Have a listen. Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education  What's New from 1517: 1517 Youtube: How God Still Speaks Today Being Family by Dr. Scott Keith A Reasoned Defense of the Faith by Adam Francisco Stretched: A Study for Lent and the Entire Christian Life by Dr. Christopher Richmann The Essential Nestingen: Essays on Preaching, Catechism, and the Reformation Philip Melanchthon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes, Translated by Dr. Derek Cooper More from the hosts: Daniel Emery Price Chad Bird

In this powerful in-studio episode of Kingdom Crossroads, host T.S. Wright sits down with Stephanie Haley to explore her deeply personal testimony and her active role in the Joppa House of Prayer in Northwest Arkansas.Stephanie shares her journey from growing up in a fundamentalist church environment to developing a genuine, intimate relationship with God. Though she always sensed God's presence, her understanding of salvation and surrender unfolded over time—culminating in a transformative commitment to Christ during her youth.Her story includes seasons of challenge, including family tension over her faith, major life transitions, and ultimately being led by God to Arkansas—where her ministry would take root.Today, Stephanie serves in multiple leadership and ministry roles at Joppa House of Prayer, including:Board member and secretaryWorship and soaking prayer facilitatorSocial media and livestream coordinatorDeliverance and freedom prayer ministry team memberShe discusses the heart behind Joppa House—a ministry centered on worship, prayer, and listening to the Holy Spirit. From “Soaking Saturdays” to interactive prayer gatherings, the focus is on cultivating God's presence and transforming lives and communities.Stephanie also emphasizes identity in Christ, highlighting scriptures such as:God's lavish love that calls us His childrenThe truth that nothing can separate us from His presenceThe conversation concludes with a call to action: pursue authentic prayer communities locally and engage deeply with God beyond traditional church settings.Key TopicsTestimony of salvation and spiritual growthOvercoming religious tradition to find true relationship with GodThe power of mentorship and spiritual coveringWorship as a lifestyle, not just an eventThe role of prayer houses in regional transformationIdentity in Christ and spiritual intimacyMinistry HighlightJoppa House of Prayer (Northwest Arkansas)Weekly gatherings: Tuesday & Friday nightsMonthly “Soaking Saturday” worship sessionsLive streaming available via FacebookFocus: Worship, prayer, and Holy Spirit-led ministryCall to ActionConnect with a local prayer community—or start oneEngage in deeper personal worship and time with GodPartner with what God is doing in your regionCheck out this link to view Kingdom Cross Roads on TV.https://jesussaid.tv/?affiliate=tswright_gccTo get a copy of our new book "Embracing the Truth" or to have TS Wright speak at your event or conference or if you simply want spiritual or life coaching or just a consultation visit:www.tswrightspeaks.comVisit our website to learn more about The God Centered Concept. The God Centered Concept is designed to bring real discipleship and spreading the Gospel to help spark the Great Harvest, a revival in this generation.www.godcenteredconcept.comKingdom Cross Roads Podcast is a part of The God Centered Concept.

We're gearing up for the second edition of RYDB Fest in Fayetteville, AR. In today's episode, we're breaking down everything you can expect this year. So what is RYDB Fest? A bike festival? An ultra-cycling race? A friendly bikepacking overnighter? The answer is: yes. RYDB Fest is an open invitation to ride your damn bike, any damn way you want. Built by the bikepacking community, for bikepackers of all shapes, sizes, and abilities. Everyone is welcome to play bikes with us in NW Arkansas! In today's episode, you'll hear from the team and supporters behind RYDB Fest as we get ready to welcome you to Northwest Arkansas for a full weekend of Bikes… or Death. RYDB Fest is brought to you by Ozark Gravel Cyclists and Bikes or Death, with help from key partners and friends who are making this whole thing happen. Expect grassroots vibes, strong community turnout, and some of the best damn bike riding in Arkansas. ~Show Notes ~ More info about RYDB Fest click HERE Register for the Fayetteville Ultra Circuit HERE **Use code FUCBOD at checkout for $15 off reg Register for the Bikepacking Overnighter HERE **Use code bod_rydb_26 for 20% off reg Find out more about the Wander Outdoor Adventure HUB HERE Suppor the show on PATREON