NWA Founders: Retail & Consumer founders, episode pages (no audio)

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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.