NWA Founders: episode pages (no audio)

Ep. 50: Matt Hesse, UHP

Tue, 13 Oct 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Prevention beats treatment. The veteran support ecosystem is heavily weighted toward treating suffering after it happens, therapy, retreats, and symptom management. Hesse argues that the most effective approach is upstream: replacing the sense of purpose veterans lose when they leave the military, before suffering ever takes root.

Mission-driven businesses attract extraordinary partners. UHP built the only federally-funded, veteran-only school in the country, navigating legislation that wasn't designed for this model, and in doing so attracted Fortune 1 partners (Walmart), defense giants (Raytheon, Lockheed Martin), tech leaders (Google, Apple), and state-level support. When the mission is authentic, resources follow.

Northwest Arkansas is becoming a national case study. Hesse's decision to build UHP in Bentonville wasn't transactional, it was driven by the quality of people, servant-leadership culture, and the Walton family legacy of investing in community. He believes that in a few years, the region will be studied as a "one of one" example of what happens when values-driven leadership, corporate investment, and entrepreneurial grit converge in one place.

Ep. 49: Jim Smith & Rebecca Hurst, Smith Hurst, PLC

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Relationships are the real currency. When Jim and Rebecca left the Friday firm, the largest in Arkansas, 738 client files moved with them in the first two weeks. The business belonged to the relationships they'd built, not the firm name on the door. Jim emphasizes that most deals come through client and accountant referrals, and that the shift from legal advice to business strategy happens naturally over years of working alongside founders in the boardroom.

Objectivity is worth more than a success fee. Smith Hurst deliberately charges hourly rather than taking a percentage of deal value, so clients never have to wonder whether the attorney's advice is driven by a personal financial stake in closing. Jim frames this as a trust principle: "We don't want them to feel that they're at risk that we're not giving them sound advice because we don't get paid if they don't close a deal." The same logic drives Emeraude, they facilitate, advise, and connect, but they don't manage assets or sell insurance, keeping their counsel independent.

Northwest Arkansas is a once-in-a-lifetime window, and the clock is ticking. Both guests stress that the region's legitimacy as a market for private equity, venture capital, and talent is no longer a question. But Jim warns that bigger players will inevitably arrive as the population climbs toward 750,000 and beyond, and local firms must keep sharpening their edge. His advice to anyone on the fence: "Make the call", whether for a family office, business services, or a career move, because the opportunity in NWA is as rare as it gets.

Ep. 48: Sarah Autry, Stephanie Peters and Garrett Peters, Duncan & Stone Paper Co.

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 08:50:52 GMT

Know your "why" before you grind. Multiple founders emphasize that a clear, personal reason behind the business, not just wanting extra income, is what sustains people through the hardest years of building a company.

Structure and clarity protect both the business and the friendships. Formalizing ownership splits, roles, and communication norms (quick apologies, staying in your lane, quarterly financial reviews) before money is on the line kept the founders' partnership and friendships intact.

Growth isn't always the goal. Despite having a path to double revenue, the team repeatedly chooses to stay lean and intentional, prioritizing time with family over maximum scale, success is measured holistically, not just in dollars.

Ep. 47: Steve Graves, Cornerstone Coaching

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Vision, Steve's business model and mission stay remarkably consistent for nearly 40 years.

Wisdom, Decades of both failed and successful attempts to scale offer hard-won lessons on timing, team, and model design.

Steadiness, A patient, deliberate pace, rather than a rush to scale, defines his approach and his advice to founders.

Ep. 46: David Harris, David Harris Construction

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Relationships are your competitive moat. David has kept some subcontractors for 30+ years, not by overpaying, but by paying on time, treating them with respect, and staying loyal. When things go wrong (and they always do in construction), that loyalty is what gets problems fixed.

Know the gap in your market. Whether it's a price point no one else is hitting in a neighborhood or a type of buyer underserved by national builders, David's success comes from reading the market carefully and building to fill real demand, not just building what's easy or profitable.

Balance is a strategy, not a weakness. Staying roughly 50/50 between custom and spec homes wasn't an accident. It protected David through the 2008 crash, gave him creative fulfillment, and kept his business resilient across multiple market cycles.

Ep. 45: Allisha Watkins, Paradox

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Don't go dark, go smart. In uncertain economies, brands instinctively cut marketing spend. Allisha's counsel to every client right now is the opposite: show up clearly and consistently while competitors get quiet. The brands that hold their voice during downturns are the ones shoppers remember when things settle.

The foundation comes before the plan. No media buy, influencer campaign, or retail launch will work sustainably without knowing your shopper's mindsets, motivators, and barriers. Paradox added research and brand development to its offering specifically because the tactics were running ahead of the strategy, and without the foundation, you're flying blind.

Curiosity is the real competitive advantage. Allisha names it as one of Paradox's core values, but it shows up practically: asking why a category is declining, why a shopper buys, why a fee structure is the way it is. The brands and agencies that stop asking questions stop growing.

Ep. 44: Alex & Lauren Blass, Blue Ribbon Industries

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Know your lane, and your partner's. Alex is the visionary who finds the workaround; Lauren is the strategist who makes it executable. The partnership only started working when they stopped trying to operate the same way and leaned into what each of them actually does best.

Trust conviction over consensus. Alex called the demand for wrapped apartments in Pinnacle years before national developers would underwrite it. By the time the market agreed, construction costs had doubled. Local knowledge and gut conviction are worth acting on, even when the room says no.

Slow, controlled growth beats fast, chaotic growth. Scaling too many businesses too quickly without the right team creates fires, not momentum. The Blasses learned this the hard way and rebuilt the entire operation around that lesson.

Ep. 43: Donny Hubbard, Hubbard Clothing Company

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Relationships compound over time, Many of Donny’s biggest opportunities came from relationships he built years, even decades, earlier. The people you invest in today may become your greatest advocates tomorrow.

Mentorship can accelerate everything, From his first boss to industry leaders who invested in his growth, Donny’s story highlights how the right mentor can provide confidence, perspective, and opportunities that would take years to discover alone.

Hard work still matters, There are no shortcuts around effort. Whether it was making 50 cold calls a day, driving across the state for meetings, or starting a business with limited resources, Donny's journey demonstrates that persistence and consistency remain timeless competitive advantages.

Ep. 42: Andrea Ritchie & Mary Mickel, AM Group

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

If you don't tell your story, someone else will, The most successful businesses are intentional about shaping their narrative. Whether you're launching a startup, expanding into a new market, or navigating growth, clear communication builds trust and prevents others from defining your story for you.

Relationships are still the ultimate competitive advantage, AM Group's success has been built on authentic relationships with clients, journalists, community leaders, and partners. In a world filled with automation and AI, genuine human connection continues to create opportunities that technology can't replace.

Growth requires both strategy and culture, As companies scale, systems and processes matter, but so do people. Andrea and Mary emphasize hiring great talent, creating a healthy culture, and building a business that supports both client success and employee well-being.

Ep. 41: Taylor Faught, TRS Healthcare

Tue, 26 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Focus beats expansion (especially when things are working), One of the hardest decisions Taylor made was saying no, especially during COVID when opportunities were everywhere. Instead of chasing short-term revenue, he focused on long-term partners and sustainable growth. If you’re building, the question isn’t “Can we do this?” but “Should we?”

Culture doesn’t happen by accident, especially in remote teams, From daily company-wide calls to camera-on meetings and annual in-person gatherings, TRS built culture intentionally. As Taylor put it, “You can still have a culture in a remote environment”, but only if you’re willing to lead it on purpose.

Your business is only as strong as the people it serves and supports, Whether it’s nurses, clients, or internal team members, Taylor’s approach is simple: take care of people first. For younger founders, that’s your foundation. For seasoned founders, that’s your story, one worth telling clearly and often.

Ep. 40: Joe Ehrhardt, Teslar Software

Tue, 12 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

The best businesses often solve “unsexy” problems exceptionally well, Teslar Software didn’t grow by chasing hype. It grew by improving operational pain points inside community banks. For younger founders, this is a reminder that huge opportunities often exist in overlooked industries. For seasoned founders, it reinforces the value of staying focused on customer problems instead of constantly pivoting toward trends.

Company culture becomes more important as you scale, In the early days, culture happens naturally. As teams grow, culture has to become intentional. Joe’s approach highlights the importance of hiring people who align with the mission, communicate clearly, and care deeply about serving others well.

Founders eventually become storytellers, At some point, building the company isn’t enough, you also have to explain why it matters. Whether you’re raising capital, recruiting talent, or building customer trust, your ability to tell the story behind the business becomes a leadership skill of its own.

Ep. 39: Are Traasdahl, Crisp, Arkade

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 10:00:00 GMT

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.

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?

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?

Ep. 38: Eric Howerton, AdFury.ai

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 10:00:00 GMT

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?”

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.

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.

Ep. 37: Brad Henry, Natural Capital

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 10:00:00 GMT

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.

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.

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.

Ep. 36: Chris Chandler, Chandler Capital Group

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 10:00:00 GMT

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.

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.

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.

Ep. 35: Jeremy Hudson, Specialized Real Estate Group

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 11:00:00 GMT

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.

Grow Boldly, But With Advisors, Specialized scaled quickly by partnering with experienced capital and development teams.

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.

Ep. 34: Thomas Addington & Allen Befort, Givingtons

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 11:00:00 GMT

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.

Creative brands still require operational discipline, Product design, inventory, margins, and cash flow matter just as much as vision.

Focus on people over products, The founders stayed committed to creating a thriving environment for their people, which in turn makes for better products.

Ep. 33: Todd Simmons, Simmons Foods

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Lead with values - Simmons Foods has scaled because its leadership is rooted in long-term principles not short-term trends.

Culture doesn’t scale automatically - You have to fight for it, reinforce it daily, and protect it as you grow.

Stewardship is a strategy - Treating a company like something you’re building for the next generation leads to better decisions.

Ep. 32: John Musser, Custom Electronics

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 11:00:00 GMT

You don’t have to take on debt to grow - Building at the speed of cash forces discipline, prioritization, and smarter decisions.

Hire on grit, not credentials - John built a 100-person team by looking for people who showed up, worked hard, and wanted to learn.

Your culture is your product - From warehouse signage to how you show up at job sites, every touchpoint communicates what your business stands for.

Ep. 31: Kendall & Bailey Beykirch, KenzKustomz

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 11:00:00 GMT

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.

Be ready to learn as you go - Real growth happens when you treat every challenge (inventory, hiring, marketing) as a lesson to level up.

Clear roles build better businesses - Knowing your lane and respecting your partner’s strengths makes all the difference in a growing company.

Ep. 30: T.J. Lefler, Lefler Capital

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 11:00:00 GMT

Know when to bet on yourself - Leaving a steady income isn’t easy, but timing, preparation, and conviction matter more than comfort.

Simple systems win - Don’t overcomplicate your growth strategy. Start with a clear plan, tight numbers, and steady execution.

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.

Ep. 29: Mark Zweig, Zweig Group

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 11:00:00 GMT

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.

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.

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.

Ep. 28: Marshall Saviers, Cushman & Wakefield | Sage Partners

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 11:00:00 GMT

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.

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.

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.

Ep. 27: Burt Hanna, Hanna's Candle Company

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 11:00:00 GMT

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.

Focus: He’s stayed in his lane. No distractions. Just jar candles done better than anyone else.

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.

Ep. 26: Charley Boyce, Paschal Air, Plumbing & Electric

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 10:00:00 GMT

You can’t scale chaos, Operational excellence is non-negotiable when building something big.

Legacy can fuel innovation, Instead of staying stuck in “how it’s always been,” Charley used legacy as a launchpad for growth.

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.

Ep. 25: Carl Garrett, Table Mesa Restaurant Group

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 10:00:00 GMT

There are no shortcuts in hospitality, Carl built his brand by sweating every detail and showing up when it mattered most

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.

Service is the true bottom line, Every one of Carl’s restaurants exists to serve people

Ep. 24: Troy Underwood, Underwoods Fine Jewelers

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 10:00:00 GMT

Legacy is built through consistency, Long-term trust is earned by prioritizing craftsmanship.

Innovation sustains tradition, Modern tools and practices can enhance, but not replace timeless artistry.

Relationships define value, Success comes from caring for customers and team members beyond the transaction.

Ep. 23: Joseph Reece, RMP Attorneys at Law

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 10:00:00 GMT

Growth follows need, RMP didn’t scale from a master plan, it grew by solving problems and meeting client demand.

Culture drives cohesion, Excellence, generosity, and care are at the core of attracting and retaining top talent.

Wisdom matters most, Clients don’t just buy legal services, they invest in the wisdom and integrity of their attorneys.

Ep. 22: Ward Davis & Jason Keathley, High Street Real Estate & Development

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 10:00:00 GMT

Persistence matters most, Every business will face roadblocks. Stubbornness and grit are the traits that carry you through.

Conviction is non-negotiable, If you don’t believe in your vision, you can't be in development.

Care creates culture, When you care about design, tenants, and neighborhoods, you inspire others to care too.

Ep. 21: Matt, Shelby, & Taylor Lewis, Lewis Automotive Group

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 10:00:00 GMT

Legacy is built with intention, Matt, Shelby, and Taylor are proving that honoring the past doesn’t mean resisting change.

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.

Growth should make the business better, not busier, With the right systems in place, the Lewis brothers are scaling without sacrificing culture.

Ep. 20: Clinton Bennett, Focus Commercial Real Estate

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 10:00:00 GMT

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.

Values scale faster than tactics, When you build your business on trust, consistency, and character, your reputation becomes your strongest asset.

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.

Ep. 19: Bethany Taylor, Gratsy

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 10:00:00 GMT

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.

Delight is a business model, Gratsy’s success shows that when you prioritize real human experience, everything else: clients, growth, and momentum follows.

Purpose keeps you grounded, Through every pivot and challenge, Bethany returned to her “why”: to serve people with intention and gratitude, not just scale.

Ep. 18: Ben Clark, B-Unlimited

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 10:00:00 GMT

Failure is a class, not a curse, Every failure, from bad credit to business closures, was part of Ben’s leadership training.

You can’t skip steps, There’s no shortcut to integrity. From leasing equipment to leading teams, lasting success is built slowly.

Generational impact matters, Whether mentoring young entrepreneurs or working alongside his own children, Ben sees legacy as the highest return.

Ep. 17: Cameron Magee, avad3

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 10:00:00 GMT

Slow growth is strategic growth, Cameron didn’t sprint to scale, he refined, repeated, and built carefully for the long haul.

Excellence is in the details, From pre-event prep to showtime execution, avad3’s competitive edge comes from flawless attention to detail.

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.

Ep. 16: JD Blagg, Aaron Seifritz, & Josh Teff, Fowlco Outfitters

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 10:00:00 GMT

Take the long way, Fowlco didn’t rush growth, they prioritized relationships, authenticity, and product over shortcuts.

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.

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.

Ep. 15: Brock Gearhart, Greenwood Gearhart

Tue, 27 May 2025 10:00:00 GMT

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.

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.

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.

Ep. 14: KK Goodwin, Mamaka Bowls

Tue, 13 May 2025 10:00:00 GMT

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.

Culture is a competitive advantage, Mamaka’s daily metrics calls and internal team systems help the brand maintain quality and unity across nine locations.

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.

Ep. 13: Jon & Max Harrell, Generations Bank

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 10:00:00 GMT

Legacy is Built Through Intentional Leadership, Passing a business through six generations requires clear communication, adaptability, and deep respect for the original mission.

Relationships Will Always Win, Even in an increasingly digital world, Generations Bank proves that personalized service and community engagement are irreplaceable assets.

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.

Ep. 12: Marlon & Ati Blackwell, Marlon Blackwell Architects

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 10:00:00 GMT

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.

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.

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.

Ep. 11: Matt, Mitchell, & Matthew Mawby, Professional Business Systems

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 10:00:00 GMT

Professionalism is a growth strategy - Clear communication, reliability, and appearance create a lasting impression that wins business.

Systems create freedom - SOPs and well-defined processes aren’t just about efficiency, they’re about enabling your team to succeed.

Culture and clarity go hand in hand - A well-run business supports its people through structure, not in spite of it.

Ep. 10: Tanner Green, Ox

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 10:00:00 GMT

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.

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.

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.

Ep. 9: Kym Hannah & Cindy Watson, Children's T.E.A.M.

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 11:00:00 GMT

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.

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.

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.

Ep. 8: Carter Malloy, AcreTrader

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 11:00:00 GMT

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.

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.

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.

Ep. 7: Sam Russell, The Buttered Biscuit

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 11:00:00 GMT

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.

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.

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.

Ep. 6: Andrea Allen, Onyx Coffee Lab

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 11:00:00 GMT

Make the work the reward, Andrea doesn’t chase external validation, she finds meaning in doing the work with excellence every single day.

Clarity creates alignment, The reason Onyx scales well is because everyone, from baristas to leadership, knows the mission and standards inside and out.

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.

Ep. 5: Stuart Collier, Collier & Associates

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 11:00:00 GMT

Stuart’s radical transparency about addiction and recovery underscores the power of vulnerability in leadership.

Collier & Associates thrives because it focuses not on chasing commissions, but on empowering agents and adding true value to clients.

Stuart’s definition of success is deeply rooted in faith, family, and impact, not just transactions or revenue.

Ep. 4: Jordan Wright, Wright's BBQ

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 11:00:00 GMT

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.

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.

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.

Ep. 3: Blake Hanby, City Title

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 11:00:00 GMT

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.

Bet on people, not just process, His early team and community connections were the foundation of City Title’s growth and reputation.

Integrity scales, Even as the business grew, Blake never lost sight of the values that set him apart: honesty, service, and attention to detail.

Ep. 2: Lewis Chase, Feed and Folly, City Park, The Guisinger

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 11:55:00 GMT

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.

Take care of your people, Offering stability, benefits, and room to grow isn’t just good ethics. It’s also good business.

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.

Ep. 1: Ross Cully, Harvest Group

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 21:15:26 GMT

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.

People are the strategy, From employees to clients, Ross built his company around relational depth, cultural health, and long-term investment in leadership.

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.