NWA Founders: Finance founders, episode pages (no audio)

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. 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. 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. 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. 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.