I Am Northwest Arkansas® Local Business Spotlight - Blue Collar Rising: Inside iHawl’s Bold Approach to Construction and Community Impact in NWA
About the Show:
"I want to see the guys that help build a company and the guys that are out there in the field...have something to fall back and be proud of, who they are. They're the backbone of this country."
– Stephen Van Der Merwe
In this episode of I Am Northwest Arkansas®, host Randy Wilburn sits down with Stephen Van Der Merwe, founder of iHawl, an innovative excavation and civil construction business based in Northwest Arkansas. Stephen shares his remarkable journey from farming in South Africa to building a thriving company in Prairie Grove, Arkansas. With a blend of "old-school grit" and modern technology, iHawl is committed to delivering on promises, meeting deadlines, and shaping the land for the next generation.
Listeners will hear how Stephen’s background in farming, sports, and a strong faith shaped his work ethic and business philosophy. He details how iHawl started as a small side business with a trailer, hauling debris, and grew into a leading construction company by focusing on reliability, teamwork, and groundbreaking technology. Stephen also talks about the importance of “blue collar rising” and how iHawl supports team culture, community engagement, and career paths for both young and experienced workers in the trades.
Key Takeaways:
- Grit and Innovation: Hard work, patience, and faith built the foundation for iHawl’s growth and success in excavation and construction.
- Embracing Technology: Using advanced tools and machines, like GPS-enabled equipment, helps iHawl save time, avoid mistakes, and finish projects on schedule.
- Community Commitment: iHawl sponsors local sports teams and invests in education and outreach to encourage new generations to join the trades.
- Blue Collar Rising: Stephen believes blue collar work deserves respect, recognition, and strong support for workers and their families.
- Opportunity for All: Whether you’re a young person considering the trades or someone looking for a career change later in life, there are rewarding jobs in construction.
All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas® podcast.
Important Links and Mentions on the Show*
- Website: iHawl.com
- iHawl Careers and Contact: Visit the website for job openings and contact information.
- Phone: 479-900-4119
- Email: Office@ihawl.com
- Address: 140 Southwinds Rd, Ste 137, Farmington, AR 72730
- FindItNWA.com NWA’s Hyperlocal Business Directory
This episode is sponsored by*
iHawl Land Specialist - Excavation and Civil Construction in Northwest Arkansas
Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"
*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.
Connect more with I am Northwest Arkansas:
- Grab our Newsletter
- Email Us at hello@iamnorthwestarkansas.com
- Connect With Our Facebook Page
- Connect With Us on Threads
- Connect With Our Instagram
- Connect With Our LinkedIn Page
- Join The Facebook Group
- Connect with our Fearless Host, Randy Wilburn on LinkedIn
Thank you for listening to this I am Northwest Arkansas podcast episode. We showcase businesses, culture, entrepreneurship, and life in the Ozarks.
Consider donating to our production team to keep this podcast running smoothly. Donate to I Am Northwest Arkansas
Mentioned in this episode:
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!
Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"
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"