

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 19, 2020 • 45min
Colin Massey and the University of Arkansas Extension Serve The Local Community On So Many Levels
About the Show:Today's episode is all about The University of Arkansas Extension Agriculture and Horticulture Program. Colin Massey is our guest and is the Washington County Agriculture and Horticulture Agent. Colin shared some great stories and walked us through all that he does to promote native horticulture in Arkansas. He gives us a glimpse into all of the services offered in his department, and the cool thing is that most of them are free. We also talked about the Master Gardener program and how his office supports its local efforts. Colin shared many resources - PDFs and Videos - with us, and we wanted to share them with our listeners. Videos:raised bed garden on a budget video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFmjK_vE3rAexpanded bed garden how-to-fact sheet: https://bit.ly/uaexRBinvasive honeysuckle control demonstration: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGAwSlUa2R8&t=345sclean water podcast series - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiHo1j3RgHqqGmVl-QgBKPwPDF’s:A few links for native plants:https://anps.org/https://www.fayetteville-ar.gov/3028/Invasive-Plants-and-Native-Alternativeshttps://www.uaex.edu/environment-nature/water/docs/NWA_native_plants.pdfhttps://www.beaverwatershedalliance.org/pdf/Riparian%20Planting%20Guide%20Ozarks-Update.pdf If you have a question about your yard or need some horticulture help, please don’t hesitate to reach out to:Colin MasseyCounty Agent - Ag/HorticultureUofA System Division of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service2536 McConnell Ave, Fayetteville, AR 72704479.466.1651 (mobile)Text plant disease with photos if possiblecmassey@uaex.eduImportant Links and Mentions on the Show* Website for UofA Division of Agriculture, Research & ExtensionUofA Arkansas Division of Agriculture 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.comLooking 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"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.

Oct 12, 2020 • 45min
Is Northwest Arkansas the Unicorn of Real Estate Investing? A conversation with Henry Washington
About the Show:We recently sat down with Henry Washington from Independent Realty Group based in Springdale, Arkansas. Over the past few years, Henry has learned the ropes of real estate investing, had some significant investment wins, and is now teaching others to do the same. Hear Henry’s journey and if you have ever thought about investing in Real Estate and weren’t sure where to start this is the episode for you. You can also get access to Henry’s Real Estate Investing (Bank Financing 101) course right HERE or you can click the link below.Listen to Henry’s story and be inspired. Important Links and Mentions on the Show* Website for Independence Realty GroupIndependence Realty Group on TwitterIndependence Realty Group on InstagramThis 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.comLooking 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"FindItNWA.com

Oct 9, 2020 • 30min
IANWA - Bonus Episode: BIke.POC - If Not Me, Who? If Not Now, When?
About the Show:This is a special episode to highlight the BIke.POC program to create awareness of biking for people of color. We had a chance to learn more about why this program started with the founders, Beatrice Apple and Kim Seay. In addition, this episode should be encouraging for anyone that wants to get on a bike and take advantage of all the trails that Northwest Arkansas has to offer. The next BIke.POC ride is scheduled for October 11, 2020, from 3 PM to 5 PM in Downtown Rogers. The ride is open to EVERYONE and it will be a short 3.5-mile ride along the BikeNWA Slow Streets Route. Please meet at 225 Walnut St., in Downtown Rogers - The Lot is across from the Rosa Parks Mural. Please wear and bring your mask. Riding a bike can be transformational. Listen to Beatrice and Kim’s story and be inspired. Important Links and Mentions on the Show* Website for BikeNWAWebsite for Ozark Beer CompanyWebsite for Phat Tire Bike ShopPhat Tire Bike Shop on FacebookPhat Tire Bike Shop on InstagramThis 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.comLooking 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"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.

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.FindItNWA.comLooking 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"FindItNWA.comSignature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"

Sep 28, 2020 • 59min
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:Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"FindItNWA.comLooking 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"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.

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: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.comLooking 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"FindItNWA.com

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.Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"FindItNWA.comLooking 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"FindItNWA.com

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: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.comLooking 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"FindItNWA.com

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: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.comLooking 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"FindItNWA.comSignature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"

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.comLooking 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"FindItNWA.comSignature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"


