I Am Northwest Arkansas®

About the Show: We recently sat down with Kim Bryden, founder of Cureate , to discuss her organization and the service they provide, “food and beverage supply and demand matchmaking.”  Cureate is only seven years old, but they have built a three-legged stool of services to help these small businesses grow. Cureate Courses is a cohort model training program. Cureate Connect is a master supplie...

About the Show: We recently sat down with Alvin Singh and Martha Londagin from Startup Junkie and Kiva NWA to discuss small business startups and the micro-lending climate in Northwest Arkansas.  There are so many options available to anyone starting or running a small business here in Northwest Arkansas. Everything from small business coaching and consulting to strategic business advice and...

About the Show: We recently sat down with Jaron “Jay” Best. Jaron is a recipient of the Life Works Here initiative put on by the NWA Council and made possible by philanthropic support from the Walton Family Foundation .   Jaron learned about the program from a friend while living in Boston and working for Keurig Dr. Pepper and decided to throw his hat in the ring to see if he would be chosen....

About the Show: There is so much to be Thankful for this Thanksgiving. We share our thoughts about this holiday and season we are in here at I am Northwest Arkansas.  We are excited about the future and are looking forward to finishing the year strong.  2022 is going to be Amazing!   We are also thankful for all of the guests that have been on the show. To date, we have release...

About the Show: On the I am Northwest Arkansas podcast, we talk about the fertile ground for entrepreneurial opportunities in NWA. Whether you like music, art, or hope to create the next Walmart, there is something for everyone willing to hustle and make things happen.  The Food scene in NWA is another place of growth and opportunity. Jeremy Tran , the Founder of I am Gastronome , is doing hi...

About the Show: We sat down with Dan Robinson, Executive Director of Fayetteville, Public TV. Dan is a long-time resident of Fayetteville that has had experience in the local music, radio, and public television scene. He has a big heart to serve the needs of our local community in any capacity at his disposal.  “Giving people the opportunity to produce content without the obstacles of cost or...

About the Show: Everyone is talking about Cryptocurrency and the Blockchain , and there are more questions than answers when it comes to an understanding of the asset and technology and how it works.  We are taking our time to learn as much as we can about Crypto and Blockchain, how it has already impacted our lives, and what the future looks like.  We connected with the folks at Myceliu...

About the Show: Since starting this podcast back in February of 2019 I have had one great guest after another to feature. We are blessed beyond measure with this podcast. We've made new friends, uncovered great places to hang out, found some fantastic places to eat, and learned what makes Northwest Arkansas tick. Need a hint? Easy, it is the people that make Northwest Arkansas a great place to liv...

About the Show: Our  second episode of the I am Northwest Arkansas podcast  featured one of our community’s most culturally significant anchors here in the Ozarks,  Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art . Sitting on more than 120 beautiful acres in Bentonville, Crystal Bridges has had millions of visitors over the last ten years descend on Bentonville to see a prized art collection...

About the Show: Important Links and Mentions on the Show* Email The Witching Hour The Witching Hour on Facebook The Witching Hour on Instagram Email Oz Bagel on Wheels, Fayetteville Website for Oz Bagel on Wheels, Fayetteville Oz Bagel on Wheels, Fayetteville on Instagram Oz Bagel on Wheels, Fayetteville on Facebook Email The Chef’s Garage, Pea Ridge Website for The Chef’s Garage, Pea Ridge The Ch...

About the Show: The pandemic has been delayed or postponed a lot over the last 20 months and today’s episode is no exception. We originally sat down with Alex Holder English, Public Relations and Marketing Specialist with XNA Northwest Arkansas National Airport, in February 2020. Rob Smith from the NWA Council joined us as well. We had a great conversation about the growth and trajectory of the ai...

About the Show: On this episode of Randy Wilburn, we are joined by Michael La Salada, owner and Founder of Helion Bikes. Michael shares his experience growing up in the Pacific Northwest and his passion for BMX and cycling. He talks about his business, which creates a unique crossover between BMX and mountain bikes and shares the details about his signature front suspension fork that helps riders...

About the Show: Important Links and Mentions on the Show* Email Taqueria Guanajuato Website for Taqueria Guanajuato Taqueria Don Guero, Springdale on Facebook Email Taqueria Don Guero, Springdale Taqueria Don Guero, Springdale on Instagram Website for Cacahuzintle Un Pedacito de Mexico aka Rolling Taco, Bentonville Cacahuzintle Un Pedacito de Mexico aka Rolling Taco, Bentonville on Facebook Cacahu...

About the Show: We recently sat down with Daymara Baker of Rockin Baker to learn more about her transition from Corporate America to starting an Artisan Bakery in Fayetteville.   Daymara decided that she wouldn’t play around, and she attended the San Francisco Baking Institute to learn how to bake artisan bread.  And, if that wasn’t enough, Daymara apprenticed in a Cincinnati bakery to l...

About the Show: We sat down recently to speak with Susan Koehler and Jackie Griffin from the Benton County Fair to discuss this year’s event. The Benton County Fair takes place in Bentonville, AR, and runs from September 28th to October 2nd.   This year they are back to mostly normal operations, with measures to ensure COVID-19 safety protocols throughout the event.  There is something f...

About the Show: On this episode of the podcast, we sit down with Edwin Ortiz, one of the founders of  Rejoicy.com . Rejoicy creates digital storefronts and websites for small businesses while providing an online marketplace for the community to shop locally online. Rejoicy was born after the pandemic because another business Edwin was part of, Luncher, had to be shelved due to people working...

About the Show: On this episode of the podcast, we sit down with Patent Attorney, Meredith Lowry, to discuss the Women-Run program that she is a part of. You may remember Meredith from a previous episode of the podcast - Episode 44 - where we learned about her career, the world of patent law, and why she is bullish about the entrepreneurial growth of Northwest Arkansas. Women-Run is a networking g...

About the Show: This week we sit down with Anthony Sumlin. Anthony is one of the first friends that our host Randy made in Northwest Arkansas when he moved here back in 2014. They both attend New Life Church in Fayetteville . Anthony works at Sam's Club and is quite involved in the NWA Community. His involvement with SoNA and the Single Parent Scholarship Fund of NWA is an example of how relations...

About the Show: Originally from Michigan, Keaton Smith came to the University of Arkansas for school and never left.  He came with a curiosity for what it would be like to live in the South, and now, with a wife and a young daughter, Keaton feels genuinely at home here.  Keaton has a heart for housing and sustainability, and his efforts on a professional and personal level prove this. He...

About the Show: We recently sat down with Brandi K. Harris, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist serving Northwest Arkansas. A Tulsa native, Brandi is a great therapist and counselor, and she is also an accomplished author with two books born out of her counseling practice: Love Well and Grace for Parents .  In our conversation, Brandi breaks down the importance of seeking counseling help...

About the Show: We had a chance to sit down with Paul Gatling, the Editor and Associate Publisher of the Northwest Arkansas Business Journal recently. Paul has worked in Northwest Arkansas for more than two decades and cut his teeth in journalism and media at a daily newspaper in Central Arkansas as well as the Henderson State Sports Information office.  Paul walks us through the genesis of t...

About the Show: It's not often that we get to sit down with another local podcaster on the I am Northwest Arkansas podcast.  Episode 132 is unique because our guest hosts the Look What I Did Podcast , Daniel Quin.  We talked about the challenges of starting a podcast and why getting people to come on your show is easier than getting new listeners to the show.  There is so much we un...

About the Show: We don’t know about you but we love chicken!  Our next guest on the podcast, Tom Gordon, CEO and Co-Founder of Slim Chickens based in Fayetteville, AR breaks down how he and Co-Founder, Greg Smart got the successful fast-casual Chicken business started and are focusing on growing the business “One store at a time!”   Tom lives by one of our favorite quotes: "Don't pu...

About the Show: It’s reinvigorating to witness how Downtown Springdale, Arkansas has become a vibrant and energized hub of opportunities. We recently talked with Jill Dabbs, Executive Director of the Downtown Springdale Alliance, to discuss her insights and plans for the Downtown Springdale area and why it’s a great place for you to move whether you are from another state or even from another coun...

About the Show: On this IANWA Special Edition episode, we sit down with Jerra Nalley Toms to discuss some of the most incredible things opening here locally in Northwest Arkansas. Whether it's a new restaurant, Food Truck, Store, or something else, we've got you covered. Don't be the last to hear about something new in your backyard. This week we are focused on international food markets in Northw...