

I Am Northwest Arkansas®
Randy Wilburn
The I am Northwest Arkansas Podcast covers the intersection of Business, Culture, Entrepreneurship, and Life in Benton and Washington County Arkansas. If you are thinking about moving here or already live here, we've got great inspiring stories, ideas, things to do, places to see, people to meet, and food to eat. Learn why we are one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas of the US.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 5, 2020 • 42min
Andrew Gibbs Dabney LIVSN Some of The Most Comfortable Pants in Northwest Arkansas
A brief summary of this episodeMentioned 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

Sep 28, 2020 • 58min
Get Out And Vote 2020 With Engage Northwest Arkansas
About the Show:Today's episode is all about Voter participation. While we don't do Politics here at I am Northwest Arkansas, we talk about other ideas, and doing your civic duty to get out, and vote is one of them. We were recently asked by EngageNWA and the Northwest Arkansas Council to Moderate an event with local business leaders from Walmart, Tyson, and Kitestring, and the Arkansas Secretary of State, John Thurston, to discuss the Voting process and answer questions about the upcoming election season. A couple of Key Facts:Election Day is Tuesday, November 3rd, 2020. The deadline for registering by mail to vote is (postmarked by) October 5, 2020.The deadline to request a ballot by mail is (received by) October 27. The early voting period runs from October 19, 2020 to November 2, 2020.Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Website for EngageNWA Voter PageWebsite for Northwest Arkansas CouncilWebsite for Secretary of State of ArkansasWebsite for WalmartWebsite for TysonWebsite for KitestringWebsite for Operation Vote SafeWebsite for Time to VoteWebsite for Arkansas Rock The VoteWebsite for Walmart.com/Vote 2020This 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

Sep 21, 2020 • 44min
Dr. Joe Daniels is Building Community Through Love in Northwest Arkansas and Beyond
About the Show:We sat down with Build Community Through Love founder Dr. Joseph Daniels to learn about his new podcast and the organization that shares the same name. Dr. Daniels is on a quest to create an authentic community with anyone that will listen. He is a Civil Engineer by trade and a Preacher's son by birth. Dr. Daniels has proven that he is good at multitasking as he practices engineering by day and works to make a difference in his local community here in Northwest Arkansas and beyond at night and on the weekends. Even the pandemic has not slowed him down. Dr. Daniels recently started a podcast to share his stories and experiences and those of other people around the country trying to make a difference where they live. The primary focus of Build Community Through Love is Economic Development, Community Development, and Education. While Dr. Daniels gives equal time to everyone in the community, his focus has been on creating systems that foster equitable opportunities and access to each community member, especially those systemically, racially, and economically disenfranchised. Hear all of this and also learn how Dr. Daniels and I initially met during his quest to sit down with 100 people for coffee. Of course, not at the same time, but over a few months. It is such a unique story and one that will encourage those of us that are trying to get out of our shells and meet new people. Important Links and Mentions on the Show* Website for Build Community Through LoveBuild Community Through Love on InstagramBuild Community Through Love on 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: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.

Sep 14, 2020 • 39min
Kurt Berman and The Ropeswing Hospitality Group are Keeping Northwest Arkansas Fed, Happy, and Safe
About the Show:We sit down with Ropeswing Hospitality Group CEO Kurt Berman to learn how the Restaurant Group has managed to maintain its wits during this pandemic.According to Kurt, it's all about managing expectations and figuring out ways to remain relevant in a difficult time.With so many great restaurants in their group - Pressroom, The Preacher's Son, Undercroft, RECORD, The Holler, LOUISE, and BlakeSt., they have figured out different ways to keep their restaurants open and patrons coming in. In addition, they have learned to fine-tune the Takeout + Delivery model during a time when so many are still not comfortable going out to eat.All of this and more on this episode of the I am Northwest Arkansas podcast...Important Links and Mentions on the Show* Website for Ropeswing Hospitality GroupRopeswing Hospitality Group on InstagramRopeswing Hospitality Group on TwitterRopeswing Hospitality Group 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.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!"

Sep 7, 2020 • 30min
Helping Service Workers Stay Employed and Get Shift Done in NWA
About the Show:Get Shift Done, founded by Patrick Brandt and Anurag Jain is an organization that has created a concept to employ displaced workers within the hospitality industry due to the pandemic with the assistance of local non-profits and food banks. The mission quickly expanded and is now in 11 cities including Northwest Arkansas to help activate and stabilize local communities and economies.Hear all about Patrick and Anurag’s mission to give aid to basic income and hunger relief on this episode of I am Northwest Arkansas.Important Links and Mentions on the Show* Website for Get Shift DoneEmail Anurag JainGet Shift Done on InstagramGet Shift Done on FacebookGet Shift Done on TwitterGet Shift Done on 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: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.

Aug 31, 2020 • 44min
It's Rabbit Season according to Brian Bonk CEO of Pel Freez
About the Show:Brian Bonk is new to Northwest Arkansas but the company he runs, Pel Freez, based in Rogers, has more than a 100-Year track record as the largest supplier of Rabbits in the United States for both Food and Scientific Purposes. Hear how Brian ended up here in Northwest Arkansas and learn more about why Rabbits serve an important role in some of the finest restaurants in the world as well as some of the most successful research science labs. You will never look at Rabbit Stew the same way again. Hear all about Brian's fascinating journey on this episode of I am Northwest Arkansas. Important Links and Mentions on the Show*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: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.

Aug 24, 2020 • 41min
Geovanny Sarmiento is Working Behind the Scenes to Make Rogers and Northwest Arkansas a Great Place To Live For ALL
About the Show:Geovanny Sarmiento is the Vice President & Community Engagement and Inclusion Officer for the Rogers Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce. Geovanny’s journey to Northwest Arkansas became a blessing because of his wife’s employment at Walmart.Hear all about Geovanny’s fascinating journey on this episode of I am Northwest Arkansas.Important Links and Mentions on the Show*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!"

Aug 17, 2020 • 37min
Keith Kidd on why Razorbacks, Vikings, and Chicken and Waffles make a great combination.
About the Show:In this episode, we sit down with Keith Kidd, Founder of KDK Chicken & Waffles. Keith has been around Northwest Arkansas for more than 40 years. He originally came up here to play football for the Razorbacks back in 1980, made it to the NFL as a ninth-round draft pick with the Minnesota Vikings, and then found his way back to the Ozarks at the end of his pro football career. Keith’s entrepreneurial journey started with his janitorial business which he has run for many years. A fortuitous haircut appointment, a few years ago ended up sending Keith on a different entrepreneurial path with the start of KDK’s Chicken and Waffles. Originally rolled out in a food truck at Fiesta Square, Keith has grown the business and his reputation for the best chicken and waffle combination in Northwest Arkansas. He has been a source of down-home comfort food to everyone that’s visited his food truck including the thousands of University of Arkansas students and student athletes. Woo Pig!Hear all about Keith’s fascinating journey on this episode of I am Northwest Arkansas. Important Links and Mentions on the Show*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: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.

Aug 10, 2020 • 25min
Observations of The Pandemic Here in The Ozarks
About the Show:In this episode of the podcast, I sit down to talk about the pandemic and how we are dealing with it here in Northwest Arkansas.Here are the six things that I discuss:1. There is nothing to compare this pandemic to.2. We have to continue moving the needle forward.3. Stop keeping score.4. If there was ever a time to start a business now is the time!5. Just be Nice!6. If you know of someone in need and you are in a position to help them – “Just Do It."Important Links and Mentions on the Show* 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!"

Aug 3, 2020 • 45min
Mervin Jebaraj is Economically In Tune with Northwest Arkansas
About the Show:In this episode of I am Northwest Arkansas, we sit down with local Economist and Director of the Center for Business and Economic Research at the University of Arkansas, Mervin Jebaraj, to discuss the local and national economy and how Covid-19 has affected things and when we can expect to bounce back from this pandemic. Important Links and Mentions on the Show*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.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