I Am Northwest Arkansas® Pursuing Purpose at Any Age: Matt Buell on Woodworking, Mentorship, and Living Fully
About the Show:
"If there's something that's calling you and it's not harming anybody, answer the call. Just do it."
– Matt Buell
On this episode of I Am Northwest Arkansas®, host Randy Wilburn sits down with Matt Buell, an award-winning furniture designer and woodworker, to talk about passion, persistence, and building a career that’s true to yourself. Matt didn’t start woodworking until he was almost 30 years old, but his journey from counselor in a jail to a national-award-winning craftsman is both incredible and inspiring.
You’ll hear how Matt transformed challenges into fuel for his creativity, and how woodworking helped him find direction and peace at a difficult time in his life. He shares why he gives back by mentoring young makers, his creative process, and why he believes it’s never too late to try something new. From custom restaurant pieces in Bentonville to mentoring the next generation, Matt’s story proves that it’s never too late to chase your calling—or to make a real difference in your community.
Matt and Randy also highlight the importance of the trades, the value of hard work and learning from failure, and how Northwest Arkansas continues to inspire and support those who want to create something lasting.
Key Takeaways:
- Embrace Second Chances: It’s never too late to follow a new dream or start over.
- The Power of Passion: True craftsmanship comes from loving your work, not just chasing a paycheck.
- Learning by Doing: Failure isn’t the end—it's an important part of mastering any craft.
- Mentorship Matters: Giving back by teaching others is both selfish and selfless; it’s a way to leave a legacy.
- Community Canvas: Northwest Arkansas is a rich landscape for creativity, offering opportunities and supportive people for artists and makers.
- Trades Are Vital: Young people can build amazing careers in skilled trades, and these paths are as valuable as a college degree.
All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas® podcast.
Important Links and Mentions on the Show*
- Matt Buell’s Website: https://www.mbuellstudio.com/bio
- Follow Matt on Instagram and Facebook
- FDMC Magazine (Furniture Design Manufacturing Cabinetry): FDMC Magazine
- The RYN Restaurant, Bentonville: RYN
- Special Mentions: Chef Matt Cooper, Conifer, Preacher’s Son, Northwest Arkansas Council, Center for Innovation in NWA, Mike Rowe (Dirty Jobs), ULI Northwest Arkansas
FindItNWA.com NWA’s Hyperlocal Business Directory
This episode is sponsored by*
Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!" Apple Seeds Fall Dinner 2025 Try ONBoardNWA.com Today!
*Note: some of the resources mentioned may be affiliate links. This means we get paid a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase.
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Mentioned in this episode:
Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"
Winetopia 2025
We’re back at the barn! Winetopia is THE annual event that highlights the best of what our NWA Community has to offer, and we are thrilled to be back at the Barn at the Stonebreaker this year! Winetopia is where you can taste incredible top-tier wine, local craft beer, top-shelf bourbon, a variety of other spirits from our favorite local distilleries, AND hand-crafted mocktails. A specially-selected menu from Stonebreaker catering and our favorite Mia Tarts round out the evening! A ticket is all you need to access one of the most special nights of the year. Your favorite features from Winetopia will be there - the famous wine toss with Carny in the Corner, DJ Shortfuze spinning smooth tracks all night long, and the best silent auction around! You’ve been waiting all year for this event, and it’s now around the corner! We cannot wait to see you there!
FindItNWA.com
Looking to discover the best local businesses in Northwest Arkansas? 🌟 From cozy cafes to essential services, FindItNWA.com has got you covered. Connect with your local community with just one click and explore something great. Visit finditnwa.com today! #LocalBusiness #CommunitySupport"