I Am Northwest Arkansas®

About the Show:Victor Dover returns to Northwest Arkansas to find a new great American small town emerging but must question whether the old values of placemaking can be maintained in order to sustain its prosperity. He is part of the Northwest Arkansas Council’s Future is Now Speaker Series.  "If you're trying to figure out, and you're scratching your heads trying to figure out where there's room to build to solve the housing problem, the answer is some of this land that's thought of as good for nothing but Taco Bell and the like could in fact be housing land. And that is a tall order because it requires all those corridors, everyone, to work together. You can't do it without the Department of Transportation and the Department of Public Works reconceiving the very idea.”Victor DoverVictor Dover is an award-winning urban designer and co-author with 25 years of experience designing walkable, sustainable development. His work spans five continents and has been featured in major city planning textbooks.Victor Dover was surprised to find the transformation of Bentonville Square from a threadbare, lonely place to a vibrant community. He was inspired by the reinvestment in the town and the conversations being had about placemaking and how to best use the land. He shared his experience of how successful development in other towns was achieved through design and creating places that people wanted to live in. Victor encouraged Northwest Arkansas to use the same approach to balance out the increasing demand for housing, especially affordable housing, and to build places that people were proud to live in.In this episode, you will learn the following:1. How the "second coming of the great American small town" is being achieved in Northwest Arkansas.2. How to build great, walkable, beautiful neighborhoods that are satisfying basic utilitarian needs and creating value for developers.3. How to learn from the successes of places like the Low Country, South Carolina, and Buffalo, New York to channel prosperity into long-lasting gifts for the future.All this and more on this episode of I am Northwest Arkansas.Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Website for Dover Kohl & PartnersLinkedIn for Dover Kohl & PartnersEmail for Victor DoverVictor Dover on LinkedInWalton Family FoundationDowntown Springdale AllianceConnect with the Northwest Arkansas CouncilNWA Council WebsiteNWA Council on InstagramNWA Council on FacebookNWA Council on LinkedInNWA Council on TwitterThis episode is sponsored by*Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!" Try Canva For Free Today! Northwest Arkansas Council - "Life Works Here!" *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.comConnect With Our Facebook Page Connect With Us on Threads Connect With Our Instagram Connect With Our LinkedIn PageJoin The Facebook Group Connect with our Fearless Host, Randy Wilburn on LinkedInThank 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:Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"FindItNWA.com🎧 This episode is brought to you by FindItNWA.com – the hyper-local business directory made for Northwest Arkansas. From local eats to trusted pros, it’s the go-to spot for discovering what’s great nearby. 📣 Are you a business owner? Get listed today and connect with thousands of locals looking for what you offer. 👉 Visit FindItNWA.com to explore or join now. FindItNWA.comONBoardNWA.comLooking for your next career move in Northwest Arkansas? Check out ONBoardNWA.com, the hyper-local job board designed to connect job seekers with leading employers in our community. From entry-level positions to executive roles, ONBoardNWA is your one-stop shop for job opportunities right here in NWA. Take the next step in your career and visit ONBoardNWA.com today.

About the Show:Take the "Oops!" Out of Unexpected Periods with femPAQ, and Let Women everywhere Feel Empowered and Comfortable in Every Space. A conversation with Founder April Roy."I always told people I would rather read a book any day than have to push out five garments by the end of the week. It was brutal. It was so brutal that when I graduated, I was like, I don't want to see another sewing machine. I don't want to see another piece of fabric ever again."April Roy, femPAQ Founder on working in the fashion industryApril Roy is the founder and CEO of femPAQ, which provides accessible period care in every space where menstruating people exist. She has a background in fashion design and has worked in the apparel industry, in the city of Chicago, and in a large retailer in Arkansas.April Roy was a fashion designer who moved to Chicago and worked in the city's healthcare and family services. After struggling to find a job in fashion, she opened a showroom for independent designers. Following the birth of her daughter, April developed an interest in Women's health. On a girl trip to LA with her best friend, she noticed the lack of accessible period care in public spaces and decided to create a product that would meet the needs of all women. After attending the Venture Center's SCALE Challenge with the Walton Foundation, she was inspired to continue her mission and make period care more accessible.In this episode, you will learn the following:1. How a fashion designer could take the "oops" out of unexpected periods.2. How lack of education and decision-making power contribute to the lack of period care products.3. The story of a woman entrepreneur who discovered the need for accessible period care and created a solution.All this and more on this episode of I am Northwest Arkansas.Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Website for femPAQEmail for April RoyfemPAQ on TwitterfemPAQ on FacebookfemPAQ on YouTubefemPAQ on LinkedInThis episode is sponsored by*Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!" Try Canva For Free Today! Northwest Arkansas Council - "Life Works Here!" *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.comConnect With Our Facebook Page Connect With Us on Threads Connect With Our Instagram Connect With Our LinkedIn PageJoin The Facebook Group Connect with our Fearless Host, Randy Wilburn on LinkedInThank 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:FindItNWA.com🎧 This episode is brought to you by FindItNWA.com – the hyper-local business directory made for Northwest Arkansas. From local eats to trusted pros, it’s the go-to spot for discovering what’s great nearby. 📣 Are you a business owner? Get listed today and connect with thousands of locals looking for what you offer. 👉 Visit FindItNWA.com to explore or join now. FindItNWA.comSignature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"ONBoardNWA.comLooking for your next career move in Northwest Arkansas? Check out ONBoardNWA.com, the hyper-local job board designed to connect job seekers with leading employers in our community. From entry-level positions to executive roles, ONBoardNWA is your one-stop shop for job opportunities right here in NWA. Take the next step in your career and visit ONBoardNWA.com today.

About the Show:In this podcast episode, we sit down with Danny Collins as he leads an international roster of adventure racers through the breathtaking Ozarks to compete in the Adventure Race World Series and discover the hidden beauty of his backyard."The outdoors is what we have here, and so what better way to connect with it, even for your corporate groups. We see the value in the outdoors as being that environment to build, those team bonding, those leadership skills, and especially in this post-COVID world, we need different ways to engage with each other."- Danny Collins, Race DirectorDanny Collins is a past guest on the podcast - Episode 56 - and the founder of 37 North Expeditions, specializing in curating exceptional outdoor experiences. He has been adventure racing for 15 years and is the director of the upcoming Expedition Ozark, an adventure race circuit of the Adventure Race World Series.Danny Collins was in awe of the beauty of the Ozarks and wanted to make it easier for people to get outside and explore. With 37 North Expeditions, Danny curates exceptional outdoor experiences, providing the equipment and transportation and taking the planning steps out. Danny's passion for adventure racing and the outdoors led him to create Expedition Ozark, a five-day, 375-mile race with teams from 10 countries. With an opening ceremony, a flag ceremony, and a huge finish festival, Danny is excited to give the racers and the community an experience they won't forget.In this episode, you will learn the following:1. Adventure racing around the world as part of the Adventure Race World Series2. An upcoming Expedition Ozark race taking place across 375 miles of the Ozarks in Northwest Arkansas3. An opening ceremony in Fayetteville and a celebration in Bentonville on April 8th are both open to the community.All this and more on this episode of I am Northwest Arkansas.Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Website for Expedition OzarkEmail Danny CollinsExpedition Ozark on InstagramExpedition Ozark on FacebookDanny Collins on LinkedInWebsite for 37North ExpeditionsThis episode is sponsored by*Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!" Try Canva For Free Today! Northwest Arkansas Council - "Life Works Here!" *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.comConnect With Our Facebook Page Connect With Us on Threads Connect With Our Instagram Connect With Our LinkedIn PageJoin The Facebook Group Connect with our Fearless Host, Randy Wilburn on LinkedInThank 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:FindItNWA.com🎧 This episode is brought to you by FindItNWA.com – the hyper-local business directory made for Northwest Arkansas. From local eats to trusted pros, it’s the go-to spot for discovering what’s great nearby. 📣 Are you a business owner? Get listed today and connect with thousands of locals looking for what you offer. 👉 Visit FindItNWA.com to explore or join now. FindItNWA.comSignature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"ONBoardNWA.comLooking for your next career move in Northwest Arkansas? Check out ONBoardNWA.com, the hyper-local job board designed to connect job seekers with leading employers in our community. From entry-level positions to executive roles, ONBoardNWA is your one-stop shop for job opportunities right here in NWA. Take the next step in your career and visit ONBoardNWA.com today.

About the Show:Be part of the band and join NextUp to advance women in business and the workplace through the power of community."It's important to see people that not only look like you but have had some of the same shared experiences, as it helps validate the path you're on and strengthens your voice." - Kimberly McGeeLela Davidson is a 19-year Northwest Arkansas resident and co-chair of NextUP, an organization dedicated to advancing women, growing businesses, and transforming the workplace through the power of community. Kimberly McGee has been in Northwest Arkansas for 20 years and is a co-chair of NextUP, where she leads the team that launched the Mentor Circles program.Kimberly McGee and Lela Davidson met through mutual involvement in the Junior League. They decided to join forces to get involved with NextUP, a national organization that helps advance women and grows businesses. They helped establish the Northwest Arkansas chapter of NextUp. Through mentoring circles and events like their annual LPGA event, NextUP has provided a safe space for women to develop their voices, grow professionally, and build a robust and supportive community of like-minded individuals. Men are encouraged to become allies; anyone can join the movement and become "part of the band."In this episode, you will learn the following:1. How can men become allies to advance women's issues?2. How can companies create a more inclusive environment for female employees?3. What opportunities are available for female entrepreneurs through the NextUP organization?All this and more on this episode of I am Northwest Arkansas. Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Email Lela DavidsonEmail Kimberly McGeeWebsite for NextUpNextUp on LinkedInNextUP on YouTubeNextUp on InstagramNextUp on FacebookNextUp on TwitterNextUp on Tik TokThis episode is sponsored by*Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!" Try Canva For Free Today! Northwest Arkansas Council - "Life Works Here!" *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.comConnect With Our Facebook Page Connect With Us on Threads Connect With Our Instagram Connect With Our LinkedIn PageJoin The Facebook Group Connect with our Fearless Host, Randy Wilburn on LinkedInThank 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:FindItNWA.com🎧 This episode is brought to you by FindItNWA.com – the hyper-local business directory made for Northwest Arkansas. From local eats to trusted pros, it’s the go-to spot for discovering what’s great nearby. 📣 Are you a business owner? Get listed today and connect with thousands of locals looking for what you offer. 👉 Visit FindItNWA.com to explore or join now. FindItNWA.comSignature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"ONBoardNWA.comLooking for your next career move in Northwest Arkansas? Check out ONBoardNWA.com, the hyper-local job board designed to connect job seekers with leading employers in our community. From entry-level positions to executive roles, ONBoardNWA is your one-stop shop for job opportunities right here in NWA. Take the next step in your career and visit ONBoardNWA.com today.

About the Show:Taryn Mead is an assistant teaching professor for the Strategy, Entrepreneurship, and Venture Innovation (SEVI) Program at the University of Arkansas. Matthew A. Myers is the program manager for the Masters of Science in Product Innovation program.Two inspiring individuals, Taryn Mead, and Matthew A. Myers had a chance to share their story of how they are enabling a burgeoning entrepreneurial culture in Northwest Arkansas through the University of Arkansas' Strategy, Entrepreneurship, and Venture Innovation Program. Through the program, students can gain specialized knowledge on outdoor entrepreneurship, product innovation, and Web 3.0, giving them the tools to create a unique and sustainable brand that will impact the outdoor industry. With their passion and enthusiasm, Taryn and Matthew allow the next generation to take advantage of this opportunity and make a lasting impact.In this episode, you will learn the following:1. The burgeoning entrepreneurial culture of Northwest Arkansas and the opportunities for outdoor entrepreneurs.2. The University of Arkansas's Strategy, Entrepreneurship, and Venture Innovation Program (SEVI) and the benefits of specialized education to go deep into a subject.3. The potential for Bio Design and Web 3.0 to revolutionize the outdoor industry and democratize information.All this and more on this episode of I am Northwest Arkansas.Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Email Matthew A. MyersEmail Taryn MeadWebsite for Walton College of BusinessTaryn Mead on LinkedInMatthew A. Myers on LinkedInThis episode is sponsored by*Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!" Try Canva For Free Today! Northwest Arkansas Council - "Life Works Here!" *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.comConnect With Our Facebook Page Connect With Us on Threads Connect With Our Instagram Connect With Our LinkedIn PageJoin The Facebook Group Connect with our Fearless Host, Randy Wilburn on LinkedInThank 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:ONBoardNWA.comLooking for your next career move in Northwest Arkansas? Check out ONBoardNWA.com, the hyper-local job board designed to connect job seekers with leading employers in our community. From entry-level positions to executive roles, ONBoardNWA is your one-stop shop for job opportunities right here in NWA. Take the next step in your career and visit ONBoardNWA.com today.Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"FindItNWA.com🎧 This episode is brought to you by FindItNWA.com – the hyper-local business directory made for Northwest Arkansas. From local eats to trusted pros, it’s the go-to spot for discovering what’s great nearby. 📣 Are you a business owner? Get listed today and connect with thousands of locals looking for what you offer. 👉 Visit FindItNWA.com to explore or join now. FindItNWA.com

About the Show:“Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” MaimonidesCarol Silva Moralez is the president and CEO of Upskill NWA, a workforce development program that provides low-income wage earners with access to education and high-wage, high-demand jobs in healthcare. She has 25 years of experience in Walmart, including 18 years as an operator and 7 years at the Walmart home office.Carol Silva Moralez has had an incredible journey to the position of president and CEO of Upskill NWA, a program that connects low-income workers to education and high-wage healthcare jobs. She drew on her experiences at Walmart to build a team and create a culture to uplift those in the program. The program has already changed the lives of 100 participants, and the children of those participants are more likely to go to college. Despite the hardships of the pandemic, the program is still going strong and has had an incredible financial impact of $617,000 in the first eight months of 2022."It's truly an honor to be there, to be the support, and to lift them up so they can do the things that they need to do to graduate from school and change their lives." Carol Silva MoralezIn this episode, you will learn the following:1. How a 25-year Walmart company veteran succeeded as the President and CEO of Upskill NWA.2. The success story of a workforce development program that has been in place for 30 years and has had significant wins.3. How Upskill NWA has seen a dramatic financial impact in Northwest Arkansas within eight months of its launch.All this and more on this episode of I am Northwest Arkansas.Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Carol Silva Moralez on LinkedInUpskill NWA on LinkedInWebsite for Upskill NWAUpskill NWA on InstagramUpskill NWA on FacebookThis episode is sponsored by*Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!" Try Canva For Free Today! Northwest Arkansas Council - "Life Works Here!" *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.comConnect With Our Facebook Page Connect With Us on Threads Connect With Our Instagram Connect With Our LinkedIn PageJoin The Facebook Group Connect with our Fearless Host, Randy Wilburn on LinkedInThank 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:ONBoardNWA.comLooking for your next career move in Northwest Arkansas? Check out ONBoardNWA.com, the hyper-local job board designed to connect job seekers with leading employers in our community. From entry-level positions to executive roles, ONBoardNWA is your one-stop shop for job opportunities right here in NWA. Take the next step in your career and visit ONBoardNWA.com today.Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"FindItNWA.com🎧 This episode is brought to you by FindItNWA.com – the hyper-local business directory made for Northwest Arkansas. From local eats to trusted pros, it’s the go-to spot for discovering what’s great nearby. 📣 Are you a business owner? Get listed today and connect with thousands of locals looking for what you offer. 👉 Visit FindItNWA.com to explore or join now. FindItNWA.com

About the Show:Are you an entrepreneur looking to start, build, and run a business? Are you sick of hearing generic advice and tips that don't work? If your answer is yes, then this podcast episode is for you! Mark Zweig, Founder of Inc 500/5000 companies and a business savant is here to share his knowledge and experience discussing his book, Confessions of an Entrepreneur: Simple Wisdom for Starting, Building, and Running a Business. Bob Lutz, a former vice chairman of General Motors, says it best: "I highly recommend this book to anyone thinking of creating their own business. Mark Zweig has a well-deserved record of success as an entrepreneur, and he shares his vast knowledge and experience. It's filled with practical how-to advice, and he never fails to emphasize the key traits common to success: a positive belief in the idea and a willingness to take the necessary risks." Mark Zweig will help you to understand the fundamentals of entrepreneurship and guide you to find the success you have been searching for.Mark Zweig is a Founder of 3-time Inc 500 companies, a University of Arkansas Walton School of Business Professor, and a friend to many. He is the former owner of Zweig White and Associates, which then became Zweig Group. His expertise and business knowledge have made a lasting impression on students and entrepreneurs in Northwest Arkansas and beyond. His latest book, Confessions of an Entrepreneur: Simple Wisdom for Starting, Building, and Running a Business, is filled with practical advice and emphasizes the key traits common to success. Tune into this I am Northwest Arkansas episode to learn more about Mark Zweig and his book.Mark outlined six steps you need to follow to find success in business.:1.    Have a positive belief in your business idea and be willing to take the necessary risks.2.  Reach out to mentors and people with experience in the field.3.   Utilize resources available to you, such as universities and other educational institutions.4.  Take advantage of networking opportunities.5.   Assemble a team of experts to help you along the way.6.   Have a plan and stick to it.     All this and more on this episode of I am Northwest Arkansas.Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Mark Zweig on LinkedInWebsite for Mark Zweig Inc.Website for Zweig Group This episode is sponsored by*Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!" Try Canva For Free Today! Northwest Arkansas Council - "Life Works Here!" *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.comConnect With Our Facebook Page Connect With Us on Threads Connect With Our Instagram Connect With Our LinkedIn PageJoin The Facebook Group Connect with our Fearless Host, Randy Wilburn on LinkedInThank 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:ONBoardNWA.comLooking for your next career move in Northwest Arkansas? Check out ONBoardNWA.com, the hyper-local job board designed to connect job seekers with leading employers in our community. From entry-level positions to executive roles, ONBoardNWA is your one-stop shop for job opportunities right here in NWA. Take the next step in your career and visit ONBoardNWA.com today.FindItNWA.com🎧 This episode is brought to you by FindItNWA.com – the hyper-local business directory made for Northwest Arkansas. From local eats to trusted pros, it’s the go-to spot for discovering what’s great nearby. 📣 Are you a business owner? Get listed today and connect with thousands of locals looking for what you offer. 👉 Visit FindItNWA.com to explore or join now. FindItNWA.comSignature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"

About the Show:Newly married Neil Greenhaw embarks on an inspiring journey from small-town Arkansas to the global stage, only to return home to find his true calling in cultivating a vibrant music and entrepreneurial culture in Northwest Arkansas with collaboration, passion, and purpose."Always be in the room with people that are better than you because it'll make you better." - Neil Greenhaw.Neil Greenhaw is the principal owner of HAXTON Road Studios and a former touring musician. He has experienced the world through music and now brings his spirit of collaboration and expertise to his recording studio and real estate business in Northwest Arkansas.Neil Greenhaw grew up in Harrison, Arkansas, until he graduated college and his life took off. His wife got accepted into college in Nashville, and he got an audition to play for a band that traveled worldwide, opening his eyes to new cultures and inspiring him. After moving back to Arkansas, Neil and his wife decided to start a family and looked for a way to make their dreams a reality. They built a studio in their house and started recording, eventually outgrowing the space and building a full-blown commercial facility. The spirit of collaboration in Nashville taught Neil how to work with others, and the facility became a place for artists to come, be inspired, and make their art. He believes Bentonville and Northwest Arkansas need more venues to bring in top musical talent for recording purposes.In this episode, you will learn the following:1. How did Neil Greenhaw's small-town upbringing change his perspective on life?2. How did the spirit of collaboration contribute to the success of Neil's Nashville studio?3. What challenges and opportunities exist for artists in the Northwest Arkansas music scene? All this and more on this episode of I am Northwest Arkansas.Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Email Neil GreenhawWebsite for Haxton Road StudiosHaxton Road Studios on InstagramHaxton Road Studios on FacebookHaxton Road Studios on TwitterHaxton Road Studios on LinkedInThis episode is sponsored by*Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!" Try Canva For Free Today! Northwest Arkansas Council - "Life Works Here!" *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.comConnect With Our Facebook Page Connect With Us on Threads Connect With Our Instagram Connect With Our LinkedIn PageJoin The Facebook Group Connect with our Fearless Host, Randy Wilburn on LinkedInThank 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:ONBoardNWA.comLooking for your next career move in Northwest Arkansas? Check out ONBoardNWA.com, the hyper-local job board designed to connect job seekers with leading employers in our community. From entry-level positions to executive roles, ONBoardNWA is your one-stop shop for job opportunities right here in NWA. Take the next step in your career and visit ONBoardNWA.com today.Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"FindItNWA.com🎧 This episode is brought to you by FindItNWA.com – the hyper-local business directory made for Northwest Arkansas. From local eats to trusted pros, it’s the go-to spot for discovering what’s great nearby. 📣 Are you a business owner? Get listed today and connect with thousands of locals looking for what you offer. 👉 Visit FindItNWA.com to explore or join now. FindItNWA.com

About the Show:“We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.”Albert EinsteinWhen Chris Thompson hit rock bottom on Thanksgiving Day 2018, he realized that alcohol was his only solution and that his best thinking had gotten him there. Faced with overcoming his ego, Chris took a leap of faith and launched a sobriety support app to help others, transforming his suffering and shame into purpose."Recovery isn't about overcoming alcohol or drugs; it's overcoming ego. Alcohol and drugs are just the fuel that makes you so attached to your ego and so much in self-preservation mode. Fear driven. And fear only comes from the ego. It's about protecting a conception of yourself that isn't even real." Chris ThompsonChris Thompson is the founder of Sober Sidekick, an app that helps people in recovery stay connected and overcome isolation. He is a former college athlete and entrepreneur who has been in recovery for four years.Chris Thompson was an ambitious college athlete who had just started his first business and felt invincible. However, when a difficult situation arose, alcohol became his only solution for all his problems. On Thanksgiving Day, he woke up on the sidewalk for the fourth consecutive day, feeling hopeless and isolated. He realized his best thinking had gotten him there, and he decided that today would be his day one. He called a hotline, sought treatment, and eventually found his way to a sober living facility. With his friends' help, he could commit to recovery and put his goal of sobriety first. He channeled his ambition into creating The Sober Sidekick app, which allowed people in recovery to connect and support each other and saw their suffering and shame be transformed into purpose.In this episode, you will learn the following:1. Everyone has an opportunity to be in recovery from anything - not just drugs or alcohol.2. What if today was the day that you made that change?3. How can an algorithm be created so that no one ever goes without support?4. Why Chris moved to Northwest Arkansas and what this area has meant to him. All this and more on this episode of I am Northwest Arkansas.Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Email Sober SidekickWebsite for Sober SidekickSober Sidekick on InstagramSober Sidekick on FacebookSober Sidekick on LinkedInSober Sidekick YouTubeThis episode is sponsored by*Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!" Try Canva For Free Today! Northwest Arkansas Council - "Life Works Here!" *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.comConnect With Our Facebook Page Connect With Us on Threads Connect With Our Instagram Connect With Our LinkedIn PageJoin The Facebook Group Connect with our Fearless Host, Randy Wilburn on LinkedInThank 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:ONBoardNWA.comLooking for your next career move in Northwest Arkansas? Check out ONBoardNWA.com, the hyper-local job board designed to connect job seekers with leading employers in our community. From entry-level positions to executive roles, ONBoardNWA is your one-stop shop for job opportunities right here in NWA. Take the next step in your career and visit ONBoardNWA.com today.FindItNWA.com🎧 This episode is brought to you by FindItNWA.com – the hyper-local business directory made for Northwest Arkansas. From local eats to trusted pros, it’s the go-to spot for discovering what’s great nearby. 📣 Are you a business owner? Get listed today and connect with thousands of locals looking for what you offer. 👉 Visit FindItNWA.com to explore or join now. FindItNWA.comSignature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"

About the Show:We have been toying with the idea of creating an episode Hall of Fame for the I Am Northwest Arkansas podcast. We figured we would start keeping track of the most downloaded episodes we’ve shared and the episodes that impact the host and listeners most.  While we are excited to share the first entry into our podcasting hall of fame, we are equally saddened by the reason that we have to do this now.  Two years ago, Mark Zweig, who many of you have heard us mention on the podcast, introduced us to a dynamo of an Entrepreneur named Brant Barnes.  Randy had the best time sitting with Brant in his Shelter Insurance office here in Fayetteville. Brant told one story after another, going back to childhood and ending up at the age of 41 with multiple pizza food franchises, a ton of rental properties, and an incredibly successful insurance agency.  He entertained us so with his energy and stories. Randy even moved all of his personal and business insurance to Brant’s Shelter Insurance Agency.  The other thing that struck us about Brant was that he was always willing to give his time and talent to his teammates across all of his businesses and to special organizations.  He was a businessman that made a difference in the communities he served in.  We lost Brant a few weeks back.  He crashed his plane on approach to Drake Field. It was dark, and he was in an unfamiliar aircraft.  Mark Zweig wrote a great article about Brant recently. You can read it here.  The letter is a tribute to Brant and a reminder that every day is precious.  This episode is worth a listen.  Episode 119, entitled “How NWA Serial Entrepreneur Brant Barnes found success in Authenticity.” will be the first entrance into our I am Northwest Arkansas Podcast Hall of Fame.  If you need some encouragement and have struggled in business or life. This is the episode to listen to.  Please consider sharing this message with a friend.  We could all use a reminder of how precious each day is.  Godspeed Brant!         All this and more on this episode of I am Northwest Arkansas.Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Original Show Notes Episode 119 with Brant BarnesBrant Barnes Shelter InsuranceShelter Insurance Website - Brant BarnesThis episode is sponsored by*Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!" Try Canva For Free Today! Northwest Arkansas Council - "Life Works Here!" *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.comConnect With Our Facebook Page Connect With Us on Threads Connect With Our Instagram Connect With Our LinkedIn PageJoin The Facebook Group Connect with our Fearless Host, Randy Wilburn on LinkedInThank 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:Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"FindItNWA.com🎧 This episode is brought to you by FindItNWA.com – the hyper-local business directory made for Northwest Arkansas. From local eats to trusted pros, it’s the go-to spot for discovering what’s great nearby. 📣 Are you a business owner? Get listed today and connect with thousands of locals looking for what you offer. 👉 Visit FindItNWA.com to explore or join now. FindItNWA.comONBoardNWA.comLooking for your next career move in Northwest Arkansas? Check out ONBoardNWA.com, the hyper-local job board designed to connect job seekers with leading employers in our community. From entry-level positions to executive roles, ONBoardNWA is your one-stop shop for job opportunities right here in NWA. Take the next step in your career and visit ONBoardNWA.com today.