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In this milestone 50th episode of the Northwest Arkansas Founders Podcast, host Cameron Clark rides around the UHP (Unlock Human Potential) campus with founder Matt Hesse, a former Army veteran and serial entrepreneur who has dedicated his life to solving the veteran transition crisis. After selling his sports nutrition company, Hesse invested heavily in veteran suicide research and discovered that loss of purpose—not combat trauma—is the primary driver of veteran suffering. In just four years, he has transformed 800 acres of raw Arkansas farmland into a $40+ million campus that trains veterans in human performance, industrial trades, and entrepreneurship, with a goal of serving 1,500 veterans per month by 2031. What makes UHP unique is its preventative approach: rather than treating the symptoms of veteran suffering through therapy and retreats, Hesse's team rebuilds purpose by helping veterans identify what they're passionate about, skilled at, believe in, and value—then channels them into thriving careers. The campus has become a magnet for major partners including Walmart, Google, NASCAR, Raytheon, and Apple, all drawn to Hesse's mission-driven model. The episode weaves together the personal story behind UHP's founding, the business case for investing in veteran talent, and Hesse's broader vision for making Northwest Arkansas a national case study in community-building. Key Moments 4:30 — Hesse describes UHP as combining "Disneyland, Fort Bragg, and the University of Arkansas" into one campus6:10 — The devastating statistic: 7,300 combat deaths vs. 200,000 veteran suicides over 20 years of the Global War on Terror8:08 — Hesse identifies loss of purpose and identity—not combat trauma—as the primary driver of veteran suffering, explaining why UHP focuses on prevention over treatment50:15 — The transformation story of Mike Gerardo, a Marine who overcame injury, addiction, homelessness, and parole to become a mental health counselor serving veterans59:20 — Hesse unveils plans for a franchise model where veterans graduate from UHP and own a business with zero debt and no capital of their own, making up to $150,000 in under a yearKey Takeaways 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.

In this episode of the Northwest Arkansas Founders podcast, hosts Cameron Clark and Nick Beyer sit down with Jim Smith and Rebecca Hurst, the co-founders of Smith Hurst law firm and Emeraude (a multifamily office and business services platform). Jim and Rebecca share their parallel journeys — both with accounting degrees, both with tax LLMs from NYU — and trace the arc of their careers from the Friday firm (Arkansas's largest law firm) to launching Smith Hurst in 2011. They discuss the evolution of family offices in Northwest Arkansas, the explosive growth of the region's M&A and private equity landscape, and the strategic decision to expand beyond legal services into Emeraude, which provides family office and back-office business services to entrepreneurs and wealthy families. Throughout the conversation, Jim and Rebecca reflect on the relationships and timing that fueled their early success — from landing the Rockfish/WPP deal out of the gate, to the $83 million Acumen Brands capital raise in 2013. They cover practical topics like how M&A attorneys get paid (hourly, not success fees, to maintain objectivity), when to involve counsel in a deal (ideally before the letter of intent), and how AI is transforming legal practice. They also share the Wizard of Oz–inspired origin of the Emeraude name, discuss the $124 trillion wealth transfer ahead, and close with personal reflections on success, purpose, and the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of building a business in Northwest Arkansas. Key moments: 0:0013:45 — Their competitive edge: relationships, not the firm name — 738 files moved in two weeks14:30 — Landing the Rockfish/WPP acquisition deal out of the gate, giving the new firm instant credibility17:30 — Acumen Brands' $83M capital raise from General Atlantic, a top-five Q1 2013 PE deal45:35 — Why Smith Hurst bills hourly instead of success fees: maintaining objectivity51:18 — The Wizard of Oz / Emerald City story behind the Emeraude name75:55 — What's next: staying relevant as big players arrive in NWAThree key takeaways: 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.

This episode of the Northwest Arkansas Founders Podcast features the team behind Duncan & Stone Paper Co. — Garrett Peters, Stephanie Peters, and Sarah Autry — discussing how they built a keepsake journal and gift business that now does e-commerce across Amazon, Etsy, and their own Shopify store. They trace the origin story back to Sarah quietly hand-making pregnancy prayer cards from her living room, Stephanie recognizing the business potential, and a family medical crisis that pushed them to seriously commit. A scrappy weekend at a stationery conference in LA, sketched-out plans on a cardboard box, and a risky $30,000 wire transfer for their first inventory order set the company in motion just before the pandemic — which, unexpectedly, became a growth catalyst as people stuck at home began filling out baby books. The conversation then moves into the mechanics of scaling an online consumer brand: navigating Amazon dupes and copycats, structuring ownership (52% women-owned, quarterly financial reviews, an annual planning retreat), managing cash flow and inventory forecasting for seasonal spikes, and deliberately staying lean with just four full-time owners and outsourced specialists instead of an office and large staff. They dig into marketing economics (ad spend, return on ad spend, shifting traffic from Amazon to their own Shopify store), product strategy (designing a "funnel" of journals across life stages), and the unpredictability of channels like TikTok. The episode closes on reflections about partnering with best friends, protecting relationships through trust and quick communication, and how each founder defines success — mostly in terms of financial stability and time with family rather than pure revenue growth, even as they debate whether to scale toward $10 million. Key moments: 2:00 – Team introduces the business and Amazon/Etsy brand-building approach5:06 – Discussion of Amazon copycats, dupes, and trademark/copyright protection7:28 – Origin story: Sarah's stationery side hustle and the pregnancy prayer cards19:02 – Landing the manufacturer, the $30,000 first order, and pallets in the garage24:01 – Garrett quits his job to go all-in on the company28:42 – Scaling numbers: from 10 pallets in year one to 200 pallets today35:25 – Why they've kept the team to just four people, no office51:55 – Breaking down e-commerce mechanics: cost of goods, ad spend, ROAS69:36 – Each founder defines what success means to themThree key takeaways: 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.

Steve Graves joins the NWA Founders Podcast to talk about his four-decade career coaching CEOs, founders, and business owners through his firm, Cornerstone Coaching. He shares his philosophy of working with individuals rather than companies directly, on the belief that as the leader grows, so does the organization. He explains how he and his original partner, Tom Addington, start the business on faith and word-of-mouth alone, deliberately keep a small client portfolio to protect quality and their personal lives, and eventually build a scalable model only after multiple failed attempts, with the right team finally making it work. The conversation ranges widely across leadership philosophy: the "composite scorecard" for measuring a holistic successful life, the danger of listening to too many strategic voices versus unlimited voices of inspiration, the difference between businesses designed to scale versus those that aren't, harnessing ambition to something bigger than yourself, and staying alert to market shifts (using Kodak as a cautionary tale). He closes by reflecting on why Northwest Arkansas is a hotbed for talent and thought leadership, and how he personally defines success through a faith-anchored, multi-dimensional lens rather than money alone. Click the link for The Founders Toolbox - https://www.stephenrgraves.com/nwafounders. An exclusive coaching tool for listeners developed by Steve Graves & NWA Founders.  Highlights: 0:44 – The "composite scorecard" concept: your results reveal your organization's design.10:57 – Steve's origin story: choosing philosophy/theology over law, and eventually founding Cornerstone with Tom Addington.34:44 – "A man with a testimony is never at the mercy of a man with an argument" — on overcoming the "age barrier" as a young coach.45:04 – The two voices every founder hears: unlimited inspiration vs. very limited, trustworthy strategic guidance.50:46 – Why his core strategy is offensive, not defensive — set your own pace and execute your plan.58:01 – "Businesses create cultures, cultures create businesses — but people create the businesses and the cultures."63:17 – The "Bonfire on the Beach" metaphor: focus on one real fire (business) instead of scattering energy across many small ones.81:57 – The Kodak cautionary tale — staying "heads up" to market change instead of just executing.87:51 – Defining success through a faith-anchored, multi-dimensional "composite scorecard" rather than money alone.Three key takeaways: 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. Full show notes, the transcript and every chapter: nwafounders.com/episodes/steve-graves-cornerstone-coaching/ More on Cornerstone Coaching: nwafounders.com/guests/steve-graves-cornerstone-coaching/ Every episode, searchable: nwafounders.com

David Harris is a fifth-generation Rogers, Arkansas native and founder of David Harris Construction, one of Northwest Arkansas's most respected custom and luxury home builders. In this conversation, David takes us through his unlikely path into homebuilding — starting with spec homes on the side while working for his father's real estate company, dabbling briefly in the llama business, and slowly falling in love with the craft of building homes for families in a region he's watched transform from a quiet small town into a nationally recognized market. David opens up about what it means to build a legacy business in Northwest Arkansas — from navigating the 2008 recession with a balanced portfolio of custom and spec homes, to sourcing world-class subcontractors, architects, and materials from Atlanta, Texas, London, and beyond to meet the demands of today's ultra-luxury buyers. He also shares what it's like to bring his two children into the business, the discipline behind his loyal subcontractor relationships, and why he still shows up to the office until 6:30 PM every evening — not for himself, but for the next generation. Highlights 3:32 — "My least expensive home is now $950K": how David's price floor has shifted over his career10:11 — The llama business and other early entrepreneurial swings before construction took over13:09 — The origin of Shadow Valley: a golf course as a loss leader to attract relocating families29:08 — Building a team: why common sense and work ethic beat pedigree1:03:48 — Defining success: family, faith, and loving what you do — not the bottom lineKey Takeaways 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. Full show notes, the transcript and every chapter: nwafounders.com/episodes/david-harris-david-harris-construction/ More on David Harris Construction: nwafounders.com/guests/david-harris-david-harris-construction/ Every episode, searchable: nwafounders.com

Allisha Watkins is the founder and CEO of Paradox Audio — a Rogers-native-turned-NWA-entrepreneur who spent 20 years in the corporate CPG world, including stints at Procter & Gamble and Mars Wrigley, before going out on her own. She launched Paradox in 2019 after watching the traditional holding-company agency model fail the brands it was supposed to serve — with opaque fee structures consuming upward of 50% of client budgets and no real accountability to growth. Allisha built Paradox to sit at a different intersection: not a retail brokerage, not a mega-agency serving Coca-Cola, but a full-service retail marketing partner purpose-built for challenger and emerging brands who need someone in their corner. After a co-founder departure at the end of 2023, Allisha rewrote the business from the ground up — new values, new service model, new team structure — and that reset is what finally lit the rocket. Today Paradox is an 80% retainer business with a no-a*****e policy, a 90% client retention target, and a portfolio that spans Igloo, Health-Ade, Jinx Pet Food, Genius Gourmet, and a handful of brands being built from scratch, including a new beer brand and a Dollar General owned-label they took from naming all the way to shelf. Highlights 0:10 — How a physical therapy student became a CPG marketer: the curiosity pivot that launched a 20-year agency and brand career 10:34 — Why Allisha believes the holding-company agency model is structurally broken — and the moment she realized 50% of a client's budget was disappearing to fees 22:18 — What a "challenger brand" actually means, and why Igloo and Harry's are textbook examples of companies choosing mindset over market share 35:44 — The COVID boom, the supply chain crash, and how the aftermath forced Paradox to figure out exactly who they wanted to serve 49:02 — Taking over as sole CEO in 2023: rewriting the vision, mission, and values — and implementing EOS as the operating backbone 1:03:15 — The hardest part of ownership: carrying the weight of your people, and why the marketing is the easy part Key Takeaways 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. Full show notes, the transcript and every chapter: nwafounders.com/episodes/allisha-watkins-paradox/ More on Paradox: nwafounders.com/guests/allisha-watkins-paradox/ Every episode, searchable: nwafounders.com

Summary Alex and Lauren Blass are the husband-and-wife team behind the Blass family office in Northwest Arkansas — a fourth-generation operation that spans Blue Ribbon Industries, commercial real estate, and master-planned development. Alex grew up in Little Rock and came to NWA for college, eventually joining Sage Partners and taking a bet on a small landscaping company that became the foundation for everything that followed. Over the next several years he scaled aggressively — sometimes too aggressively — building trucking, site work, dumpster, and topsoil businesses on top of multiple development deals, all while processing the loss of his mother. Lauren left a 15-year CPG agency career — most recently as SVP leading Coke North America's commerce marketing — after her health made clear something had to give. After a year-and-a-half sabbatical she stepped into the family business, and the combination of her strategic discipline and Alex's vision has resharpened the focus of every arm of the operation. Today their active projects include the Bellevue mixed-use buildings, NWA Industrial flex warehouses along I-49, the long-in-the-works Pinnacle Village mixed-use site, and Trade Winds — a 130-acre master-planned neighborhood in Springdale that broke ground three weeks before this recording. Highlights 0:10 — How Alex got his start: the "crazy young guy" who approached Miss Hunt at Sage, bought a landscaping company with an SBA loan, and doubled revenue in year one7:34 — Why Alex says working together as a couple has been the hardest thing in 17 years — and also the best15:46 — The 18-month period where grief over his mother's cancer diagnosis drove Alex to launch five businesses simultaneously — and what it cost him35:22 — The design philosophy behind Bellevue: building something that looks like it has been there for 100 years in a market full of new construction51:18 — Alex's case for why Pinnacle can become the true downtown of NWA — and why TIF districts and shared parking structures are the key to getting there1:25:40 — Lauren on leaving her SVP career, the health wake-up call that forced the decision, and what she'd tell other women in the same positionKey Takeaways 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. Full show notes, the transcript and every chapter: nwafounders.com/episodes/alex-and-lauren-blass-blue-ribbon-industries/ More on Blue Ribbon Industries: nwafounders.com/guests/alex-and-lauren-blass-blue-ribbon-industries/ Every episode, searchable: nwafounders.com

What if a clothing company focused less on clothes and more on experiences? In this episode, Donny Hubbard shares the remarkable story of going from a self-described poor kid who struggled in school to becoming one of Northwest Arkansas’ most connected entrepreneurs and the founder of one of the region’s most recognizable retail brands. Donny Hubbard didn’t build Hubbard Clothing Co. through venture capital, viral marketing, or a perfectly mapped-out business plan. He built it through relationships, relentless hustle, and a genuine passion for serving people. Summary What makes this conversation so compelling is that it’s not really about clothing. It’s about mentorship, sales, community, and the power of showing up consistently over decades. Donny walks through the lessons he learned from influential mentors, the early days of making cold calls from the Yellow Pages, and the relationships that ultimately opened doors he never could have unlocked on his own. Along the way, he shares stories of launching his first store, navigating economic uncertainty, betting on himself with limited resources, and building a business rooted in trust. Whether you're a first-time entrepreneur looking for practical wisdom or an experienced founder reflecting on your own journey, Donny’s story is a reminder that sustainable success is often built one relationship at a time. For founders and business owners, this episode also offers a masterclass in personal branding. Hubbard Clothing Co. has become far more than a retail store—it has become a gathering place, a network, and a trusted name throughout Northwest Arkansas and beyond. Donny explains how authenticity, consistency, and genuine care for people have fueled growth for more than three decades. Highlights 00:00 How Hubbard Clothing Co. curates experiences 14:30 Turning point in Donny's business 19:00 Starting a store in Louisville39:00 Developing the "Hubbard" Brand41:00 Balancing A.I. & Originality55:00 American vs. Italian suits1:02:00 Tailwater Club1:12:30 John Calipari's suit1:25:00 Scale and future of Hubbard Clothing Co. Key Takeaways 1. 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.2. 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.3. 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. Follow us on LinkedIn NWA Founders Follow us on Instagram @NWAFounders Follow us on YouTube NWA Founders For guest suggestions or inquiries [email protected] NWA Founders is a voice for Founders, Owners, and Builders driving growth in Northwest Arkansas, and is hosted by Cameron Clark and Nick Beyer. Full show notes, the transcript and every chapter: nwafounders.com/episodes/donny-hubbard-hubbard-clothing-company/ More on Hubbard Clothing Company: nwafounders.com/guests/donny-hubbard-hubbard-clothing-company/ Every episode, searchable: nwafounders.com

What would it look like for your company's message to actually connect with it's biggest stakeholder? The local public. AM Group founders Andrea Ritchie and Mary Mickel have built one of Northwest Arkansas’ most respected communications and public relations firms by helping organizations tell their stories better. In this conversation, they share how a chance friendship evolved into a business partnership, why communications should be part of every company’s growth strategy, and how authentic storytelling can shape everything from local restaurants to billion-dollar development projects. Summary Andrea and Mary walk through the early days of building AM Group, growing from a handful of clients to a rapidly scaling agency trusted by some of the region’s most influential organizations. They discuss the importance of understanding your audience, owning your narrative before someone else does, and why relationships remain one of the most valuable assets in business. Their experience spans hospitality, tourism, real estate development, technology, economic development, and community-building initiatives, giving them a unique perspective on what makes organizations stand out in a crowded marketplace. The conversation also offers an inside look at modern public relations in an era dominated by AI, social media, and nonstop information. Andrea and Mary explain why businesses can no longer rely on their products to "speak for themselves," how strategic communications influences growth, and why founders should view storytelling as a core business function rather than an afterthought. Perhaps most importantly, they share lessons on building a values-driven company, choosing the right business partner, scaling a team without losing culture, and creating a business that serves both clients and employees well. For founders at any stage, it's a thoughtful conversation about growth, relationships, community impact, and the power of telling the right story at the right time. Highlights 00:00 What is AM Group? 7:30 How much of PR is putting out client's fires? 22:30 Landscape of PR & Communications in NWA27:00 Client success story: Experience Fayetteville41:00 Balancing A.I. & Originality55:00 Partnering with national brands coming to NWA69:30 What is the ROI on PR? Key Takeaways 1. 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. 2. 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. 3. 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. Follow us on LinkedIn NWA Founders Follow us on Instagram @NWAFounders Follow us on YouTube NWA Founders For guest suggestions or inquiries [email protected] NWA Founders is a voice for Founders, Owners, and Builders driving growth in Northwest Arkansas, and is hosted by Cameron Clark and Nick Beyer. Full show notes, the transcript and every chapter: nwafounders.com/episodes/andrea-ritchie-and-mary-mickel-am-group/ More on AM Group: nwafounders.com/guests/andrea-ritchie-and-mary-mickel-am-group/ Every episode, searchable: nwafounders.com

What does it actually look like to scale a business through uncertainty without losing your people, your values, or your long-term vision? In this episode, Taylor Faught, CEO of TRS Healthcare, shares the story behind building and scaling a healthcare staffing company from a regional family business into a national operation. From navigating explosive growth during COVID to leading through a more challenging, post-pandemic market, Taylor offers a rare look into what it takes to grow sustainably while staying grounded in relationships and purpose.  Summary At the heart of the conversation is Taylor’s leadership philosophy: growth is only meaningful if it’s built on strong culture and clear values. Whether it’s transitioning to a fully remote workforce, maintaining team connection through intentional communication, or celebrating wins even in difficult seasons, Taylor emphasizes that people (not just performance) drive long-term success.  The episode also unpacks the evolution of the healthcare staffing industry, from pre-COVID stability to pandemic-driven demand and today’s more competitive, transparent market. Taylor shares how TRS adapted by focusing on efficiency, automation, and speed while never losing sight of their core mission: improving patient care by placing the right people in the right roles.  Finally, Taylor reflects on the deeper “why” behind the business. Through personal stories of how TRS nurses have impacted real lives (including his own) he reframes success beyond revenue. It’s about building something bigger than yourself, creating opportunities for others, and making a meaningful difference in moments that truly matter.  Highlights 00:00 What is TRS Healthcare 7:00 State of the Healthcare industry today 24:00 Why not scale more now?38:00 How TRS actually helps hospitals51:00 Alice Walton's impact in NWA Key Takeaways 1. 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?” 2. 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. 3. 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. Follow us on LinkedIn NWA Founders Follow us on Instagram @NWAFounders Follow us on YouTube NWA Founders For guest suggestions or inquiries [email protected] NWA Founders is a voice for Founders, Owners, and Builders driving growth in Northwest Arkansas, and is hosted by Cameron Clark and Nick Beyer. Full show notes, the transcript and every chapter: nwafounders.com/episodes/taylor-faught-trs-healthcare/ More on TRS Healthcare: nwafounders.com/guests/taylor-faught-trs-healthcare/ Every episode, searchable: nwafounders.com

What does it look like to build a software company in a highly regulated industry while remaining innovative? In this episode, Joe Ehrhardt, founder and CEO of Teslar Software, shares the story behind building one of the fastest-growing fintech companies serving community banks across the country. From early lessons in leadership and entrepreneurship to navigating the realities of scaling a software business, Joe offers a grounded look at what it takes to build a company that lasts. Summary Joe walks through the early days of Teslar Software, including how the company identified a major operational problem inside community banking and created technology that helps banks automate workflows, improve efficiency, and better serve customers. Rather than chasing trends, Teslar focused on solving practical problems for real people—something that ultimately became a competitive advantage as the company scaled. The conversation also highlights the importance of listening closely to customers and building products alongside them instead of for them. Beyond software and banking, this episode dives into leadership, company culture, and the challenge of growing a business without losing the mission that made it successful in the first place. Joe shares insights on hiring the right people, creating alignment inside a growing team, and why humility and consistency matter more than flashy leadership styles. For founders in Northwest Arkansas and beyond, there’s a refreshing honesty to the way he talks about growth—not as a straight line, but as a long process of learning, adapting, and staying committed. One of the most compelling parts of the conversation is Joe’s perspective on storytelling as a founder. As companies mature, founders often realize their role shifts from simply building products to communicating vision, culture, and purpose. Joe explains why telling the story behind the business matters—not just for customers, but for employees, future hires, partners, and the broader community. Highlights 00:00 Working with Mark Cuban during PPP Forgiveness 7:30 How to prepare for luck as a business owner 18:00 College project turned company30:00 Why is innovation important for Teslar?44:00 Raising capital for expansion60:00 A deeper look at PPP Forgiveness1:21:30 A.I. Integration Key Takeaways 1. 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. 2. 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. 3. 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. Follow us on LinkedIn NWA Founders Follow us on Instagram @NWAFounders Follow us on YouTube NWA Founders For guest suggestions or inquiries [email protected] NWA Founders is a voice for Founders, Owners, and Builders driving growth in Northwest Arkansas, and is hosted by Cameron Clark and Nick Beyer. Full show notes, the transcript and every chapter: nwafounders.com/episodes/joe-ehrhardt-teslar-software/ More on Teslar Software: nwafounders.com/guests/joe-ehrhardt-teslar-software/ Every episode, searchable: nwafounders.com

What if one of the biggest business opportunities in the world was hiding inside a problem most people never think about? In this episode, Are Traasdahl, founder of Crisp and Arkade, shares the story behind building a company aimed at solving one of the most overlooked global challenges: food waste. With one-third of all food produced globally lost before it ever reaches consumers, Are saw not just a broken system, but a massive opportunity to rebuild it using data, technology, and AI. Summary Are walks through his journey from growing up in a small town in Norway to building and exiting multiple technology companies in the U.S., including early innovations in mobile content and programmatic advertising. But Crisp represents something different. Inspired by a trip around the world where he witnessed both massive food waste and deep food insecurity, he set out to build a data platform that connects the entire retail supply chain—what he calls a “supply web”—to reduce inefficiencies at scale.  At the core of Crisp is a simple but powerful idea: if you can unify data across retailers, suppliers, and distributors, you can dramatically improve decision-making—from what gets stocked on shelves to how products are priced and distributed. What started with zero customers and tens of millions invested in technology quickly accelerated during the pandemic, growing to thousands of brands as the industry realized the need for better data visibility and collaboration.  Beyond the business itself, Are shares a broader philosophy on building: focus on solving meaningful problems, be willing to invest ahead of the market, and commit to creating something that delivers value not just for customers—but for the world. His “triple bottom line” approach—good for the world, good for customers, and good for the business—offers a compelling framework for founders thinking about long-term impact.  Highlights 00:00 Why is Are building in NWA? 4:00 Are's other companies (Thumbplay, Tapad) 19:00 Crisp is solving food waste in the supply chain31:00 What makes Crisp different46:00 Are's vision for Arkade Key Takeaways 1. Solve problems at scale—or rethink the problem entirely - Are didn’t choose a “cool” industry—he chose a massive one. The food supply chain isn’t flashy, but it’s a $10+ trillion ecosystem filled with inefficiencies. For young founders, this is a reminder: the biggest opportunities often live in overlooked industries. For seasoned founders, your story becomes more powerful when it’s tied to a problem that actually matters. 2. You need to be 10x better—not just slightly better - Incremental improvements don’t drive change—especially in complex, B2B environments. Crisp’s success comes from building a fundamentally different system, not just optimizing an existing one. If you’re building something, ask yourself: is this truly different, or just marginally better? 3. Build ahead of the market—and be willing to wait - Crisp invested tens of millions into technology before generating revenue. That’s uncomfortable—but it created a long-term advantage when the market caught up. Whether you’re early or experienced, there’s a tension here: can you see where things are going—and are you willing to build for that future before it’s obvious? Follow us on LinkedIn NWA Founders Follow us on Instagram @NWAFounders Follow us on YouTube NWA Founders For guest suggestions or inquiries [email protected] NWA Founders is a voice for Founders, Owners, and Builders driving growth in Northwest Arkansas, and is hosted by Cameron Clark and Nick Beyer. Full show notes, the transcript and every chapter: nwafounders.com/episodes/are-traasdahl-crisp-arkade/ More on Crisp, Arkade: nwafounders.com/guests/are-traasdahl-crisp-arkade/ Every episode, searchable: nwafounders.com

What if the real edge in your business is leaning into A.I.? In this episode, Eric Howerton, co-founder & CGO of AdFury.ai, pulls back the curtain on how AI is reshaping the future of retail, advertising, and entrepreneurship in Northwest Arkansas. This isn’t a hype conversation about AI; it’s a grounded, hard-earned perspective from someone who’s spent over a decade solving real problems for real customers. Summary Eric reframes what it means to be an entrepreneur in today’s world. It’s not about titles like “founder” or chasing funding—it’s about seeing a problem so clearly that you can’t ignore it. That mindset led him to build WhyteSpyder from $850 in the bank to a successful exit, and now drives his work at AdFury, where he’s tackling what he calls the “content supply chain” - the bottleneck that prevents brands from delivering personalized, relevant experiences at scale.  At the core of AdFury’s innovation is a simple but powerful shift: using AI not just to automate tasks, but to unlock entirely new capabilities. Instead of manually creating dozens of ad variations, brands can now generate highly personalized, dynamic content for individual shoppers in seconds: something that was previously impossible due to time and cost constraints.  Zooming out, Eric challenges the broader Northwest Arkansas ecosystem to think differently. Rather than trying to imitate Silicon Valley, he argues the region’s true strength lies in its deep retail expertise and problem-solving culture. The opportunity isn’t to chase trends, it’s to double down on solving meaningful problems faster than anyone else, especially as AI reshapes the industry at an accelerating pace. Highlights 00:00 What is the difference between a founder, entrepreneur, & business owner? 9:00 Evolution of tech scene in NWA 23:00 What is AdFury.ai ?41:00 A.I. advice for small business owners47:00 How AdFury is gonna change retail58:00 Eric's hope for AdFury Key Takeaways 1. Real entrepreneurs are obsessed with problem solving - Eric didn’t start businesses thinking about exits or valuations. He started because he saw gaps that needed to be solved. If you’re early in your journey, focus less on “what could this become?” and more on “what needs to be fixed right now?” 2. AI isn’t just a tool—it’s a new playing field - Most people approach AI as a way to do existing tasks faster. Eric’s perspective flips that: AI enables things that were never possible before. The founders who win won’t just optimize, they’ll rethink what’s even possible in their industry. 3. Your environment matters more than you think - Northwest Arkansas isn’t Silicon Valley, and that’s the advantage. The density of real problems, real operators, and real businesses creates a unique opportunity: solve meaningful problems where you are, instead of chasing abstract ideas somewhere else. Follow us on LinkedIn NWA Founders Follow us on Instagram @NWAFounders Follow us on YouTube NWA Founders For guest suggestions or inquiries [email protected] NWA Founders is a voice for Founders, Owners, and Builders driving growth in Northwest Arkansas, and is hosted by Cameron Clark and Nick Beyer. Full show notes, the transcript and every chapter: nwafounders.com/episodes/eric-howerton-adfury-ai/ More on AdFury.ai: nwafounders.com/guests/eric-howerton-adfury-ai/ Every episode, searchable: nwafounders.com

What would happen if more of the capital shaping your area actually came from the people who live there? In this episode, Brad Henry of Natural Capital shares a behind-the-scenes look at building a private investment firm designed to do exactly that: keep opportunity local, empower founders, and give families in Arkansas a seat at the table. It’s a conversation about money, but more than that: it’s about trust, relationships, and building something you’re genuinely proud of.  Summary Brad breaks down how Natural Capital operates as a relationship-driven investment firm, pooling capital from local families and deploying it into both real estate and businesses across Arkansas and the broader Heartland. With a focus on diversification, the firm balances cash-flowing real estate with growth-oriented company investments, creating stability while still capturing upside. What stands out is their intentional strategy: not chasing “home runs,” but consistently hitting “doubles” through disciplined, lower-risk investing. The story behind Natural Capital is just as compelling as the strategy. Born out of a gap in the Arkansas market (where most private investing was done by a few large families) the firm was built to democratize access to private markets. Brad shares how early fundraising leaned heavily on trust, asking friends and family to believe in a vision before it was proven. That reputational risk became a defining feature of the company’s culture: relationships first, always. At its core, this episode is about impact. From investing in affordable housing across Northwest Arkansas to partnering with founders as minority investors, Natural Capital is focused on long-term value, both financially and within the community. Brad makes it clear: success isn’t just measured in returns, but in whether investors and partners feel proud to be part of what they’re building together. Highlights 00:00 What is Natural Capital? 14:00 NatCap's investment strategy 28:00 Company case study: Harvest Group37:00 Raising the 1st Fund47:00 What growth looks like in NWA Key Takeaways 1. Build through relationships, not transactions - The best opportunities (and the best outcomes) come from trust. Whether you’re raising capital or telling your story, long-term relationships will outperform short-term wins every time. 2. You don’t need to swing for home runs to win - Natural Capital’s strategy is simple: avoid unnecessary risk and focus on consistent, repeatable outcomes. For founders, this is a reminder that sustainable growth often beats flashy, high-risk bets. 3. Your story is part of your strategy - For seasoned founders especially, how you communicate your journey matters. Brad and his partners raised their first fund by inviting others into a story they believed in. If people understand your vision, they’re far more likely to invest—financially and relationally. Follow us on LinkedIn NWA Founders Follow us on Instagram @NWAFounders Follow us on YouTube NWA Founders For guest suggestions or inquiries [email protected] NWA Founders is a voice for Founders, Owners, and Builders driving growth in Northwest Arkansas, and is hosted by Cameron Clark and Nick Beyer. Full show notes, the transcript and every chapter: nwafounders.com/episodes/brad-henry-natural-capital/ More on Natural Capital: nwafounders.com/guests/brad-henry-natural-capital/ Every episode, searchable: nwafounders.com

What does it look like to take a small, family-run manufacturing shop and turn it into a diversified, innovation-driven company competing on a national level? In this episode, Chris Chandler of Chandler Capital Group shares the real story behind building, losing, rebuilding, and ultimately redefining what success looks like in business. From taking on massive debt to buy the family company to navigating industry crashes and launching entirely new product lines, Chris offers a grounded, honest look at what it takes to build something that lasts. Summary Chris walks through the evolution from Chandler Equipment to Chandler Capital Group, explaining how the business expanded from manufacturing parts for 18-wheelers into multiple automotive brands, including direct-to-consumer products. After experiencing the volatility of the oil and gas industry—and laying off dozens of employees—he made a pivotal decision: diversify or risk repeating the same mistake. That decision led to the creation of Chandler Truck Accessories and a long-term strategy centered on solving real customer problems.  A major theme throughout the conversation is innovation through necessity. Whether it’s introducing robotics to increase efficiency, redesigning toolboxes based on real-world failures, or shifting from B2B to DTC, Chris emphasizes learning through trial and error. Growth didn’t happen overnight—it took years of rejection, iteration, and persistence before things began to click.  Beyond business strategy, Chris shares a deeper perspective on leadership and life. In recent years, he’s redefined success—not as revenue or scale, but as becoming a better husband, father, and leader. That shift has influenced how he runs his company today: focused on developing people, staying hands-on, and building businesses that serve both employees and the local community in Northwest Arkansas.  Highlights 00:00 What is Chandler Capital? 7:00 Buying the family business19:00 Scaling 30:00 Getting into truck accessories50:00 Acquiring Backwoods Adventure70:00 The future of Chandler Capital Key Takeaways 1. Solve real problems—not theoretical ones: The breakthrough for Chandler Truck Accessories came from observing what was actually failing in the market (like broken toolbox doors) and building something better. Look for friction in the real world—that’s where opportunity lives.2. You have to earn your way into leadership: Chris didn’t skip the hard part. Years of operating, failing, and problem-solving built the foundation that now allows him to lead and develop others. There’s no shortcut around the “doing” phase.3. Diversification isn’t optional—it’s survival: Relying too heavily on one industry nearly cost them everything. Building multiple revenue streams within a focused niche gave them stability and long-term growth. Follow us on LinkedIn NWA Founders Follow us on Instagram @NWAFounders Follow us on YouTube NWA Founders For guest suggestions or inquiries [email protected] NWA Founders is a voice for Founders, Owners, and Builders driving growth in Northwest Arkansas, and is hosted by Cameron Clark and Nick Beyer. Full show notes, the transcript and every chapter: nwafounders.com/episodes/chris-chandler-chandler-capital-group/ More on Chandler Capital Group: nwafounders.com/guests/chris-chandler-chandler-capital-group/ Every episode, searchable: nwafounders.com