Episodes
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Summary
In this episode of Startup Junkies, hosts Daniel Koonce and Caleb Talley are joined by international guests Lena Goo of Maycoders from South Korea and Alex Benamou, a recent addition to the Korean company EMCT.
First up, we have the inspiring Lena Goo from Maycoders, a K-beauty specialist company that's revolutionizing the beauty industry. Lena takes us on her entrepreneurial journey, starting from her days at Samsung to co-founding Maycoders. She explains how the company connects international clients with Korean manufacturers to source and create high-quality beauty products. Lena sheds light on the unique competitive culture of the Korean skincare industry, emphasizing the importance of innovation, affordability, and quality in staying ahead of the curve.
Our second guest is Alex Benamou from emCT, a startup focused on remote monitoring solutions for control panels. Despite being relatively new to the team and originally hailing from France, Alex has quickly become an integral part of this Korean company. He gives us an insider's look into EMCT's groundbreaking technology that simplifies facility management and tackles the pervasive issue of false alarms. Alex shares his experiences of cultural integration and the exciting journey of working in a startup that bridges global markets.
Throughout this episode, you'll hear how these startups are navigating the complexities of international business, leveraging technology for innovative solutions, and building robust networks across borders. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned business professional, or simply someone fascinated by global market dynamics, this episode is brimming with valuable insights and inspiring stories.
Show Notes
[0:00] Introduction - Lena Goo
[02:30] The Company’s Origin Story
[04:05] Lena’s Background
[10:02] Business Culture in South Korea
[11:13] Advice from Lena
[12:55] Introduction - Alex Benamou
[14:57] Transitioning to Startup Culture
[15:37] About emCT
[20:52] Arkansas Culture
[24:09] Advice to Younger Self
Links
Jeff Amerine
Caleb Talley
Daniel Koonce
Startup Junkie
Startup Junkie YouTube
Maycoders
Lena Goo
emCT Website
Alexandra Benamou Linkedin
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En este episodio de Querido Emprendedor, conversamos con Paola Lopez, una líder con más de 13 años de experiencia en educación superior, destacada por impulsar Latinx. Paola comparte cómo ha fomentado la colaboración entre estudiantes y desarrollado sus habilidades en gestión de crisis. Además, nos ofrece consejos para emprendedores sobre la importancia de construir conexiones comunitarias y superar desafíos en el camino al éxito. ¡No te pierdas esta charla inspiradora!
Host:
Ignacio Balderrama
Guest(s) Name and Company:
Paola Lopez | Serve2Perform and LatinXNA
Guest & Company Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/paolaclopez/
https://www.serve2perform.com/
https://www.latinxna.com/
https://www.startupjunkie.org
Show Notes
(00:05) Welcome & introduction.
(00:43) Paola’s story.
(03:18) Two languages.
(06:01) Big project.
(07:10) Finding your voice.
(11:17) Hispanic nuances.
(15:34) Big challenge.
(17:56) The big leap.
(21:36) Community impact.
(25:15) Advice from the past.
Quotes
“Siempre mi mamá era ‘eres puertorriqueña’ - Con eso siempre lleve la cultura a mis clases, a las diferentes ferias... Cada verano desde kínder hasta casi terminando mi escuela superior los pase en Puerto Rico.” -Paola Lopez (01:25)
“Aprendí inglés watching Sesame Street y Garfield, así aprendí inglés... La educación de los 90’s.” -Paola Lopez (01:52)
“El proyecto que fue un logro fue ese desarrollo y ese trabajo en la Universidad de Oklahoma por que fue teniendo la visión siendo una profesional bien joven, teniendo esa visión de decir ‘vamos a hacer lo que necesitamos que hacer no importa las barreras, las puertas que casi abren o casi están cerradas’ y persistiendo.” -Paola Lopez (06:01)
“Para un profesional joven es difícil encontrar tu voz y usar tu voz.” -Paola Lopez (07:10)
“Mi estudio son en servicios humanos, una combinación de psicología y psicología industrial y organizaciones.” -Paola Lopez (08:14)
“La belleza de ser latino es el matizado de ser latino.” -Paola Lopez (11:16)
“De brincar de educación alta hasta emprendedor y un startup, una comunidad diferente, he aprendido mucho en los últimos dos años.” -Paola Lopez (17:56)
“Usa tus librerías públicas, conéctate con la comunidad, yo sé que es difícil y que hay mucho miedo, pero hay gente que te quieren ayudar y te quieren apoyar, y específicamente en Northwest Arkansas, yo nunca he vivido en un área que tiene tanto y tantos resources para la comunidad y para seguir adelanta… No pierdas la visión, no pierdas la confianza, sigue adelante.” -Paola Lopez (22:01)
“Para la comunidad latina, como mi mamá dijo ‘eres puertorriqueña’, vallas a la escuela con ese orgullo, sea latino, tenga ese orgullo, no importa si sabes el lenguaje o no, eres latino, nadie te puede robar de eso y aquí estas por un propósito.” -Paola Lopez (24:37)
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Episodes manquant?
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Summary
In this episode of Startup Junkies, hosts Matthew Ward and Victoria welcome Katie Linder-Jesse, the innovative mind behind Small Bay Solutions. Small Bay Solutions supports tenant businesses and aims to drastically reduce the failure rates of small enterprises. Situated in Northwest Arkansas, the facility comprises 33,000 square feet of climate-controlled, new construction units designed to be customizable for various types of businesses.
Katie elaborates on how Small Bay Solutions distinguishes itself by regularly surveying its tenants to pinpoint their struggles—be it marketing, logistics, or accounting. Once identified, the facility brings in relevant resources to address these challenges. This hands-on approach helps businesses not just survive but thrive. Small Bay Solutions also engages through active promotion, paid advertising, and networking events, thereby creating a robust support community.
Katie advises newcomers to actively engage with this welcoming community in Northwest Arkansas, as genuine connections can pave the way for business growth and success. They also dive into tenant experiences, showcasing success stories from businesses like In Bloom Floral and Mountainside Properties.
For those interested in joining this thriving community, Small Bay Solutions offers simplified and transparent contracts, ensuring all commitments and services are clear. To explore more about what Small Bay Solutions has to offer, you can visit their Springdale location or reach out via their website.
Show Notes
(0:00) Introduction
(01:16) Katie’s Origin Story
(05:04) Why Small Bay Solutions was started in NW
(09:16) Tenants of Small Bay Solutions
(14:57) Ideal Tenant
(19:50) NWA Culture
(23:18) Process to get Connected
(28:46) Advice to Younger Self
(30:25) Closing Question
Links
Matthew Ward
Victoria Dickerson
Jeff Amerine
Startup Junkie
Startup Junkie YouTube
Katie Linder-Jesse | CEO of Small Bay Solutions
Small Bay Solutions Website
Small Bay Solutions Facebook
Small Bay Solutions LinkedIn
Small Bay Solutions Instagram
Connect with Us!
Do you consider yourself a startup junkie? Join the conversation by following us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter! Startup Junkie wants to come alongside these entrepreneurs every step of the way. Want to learn more about our services?
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Summary
In this special episode of Startup Junkies, we’re recording live from Startup Crawl 2024 where we sat down with a variety of guest entrepreneurs and their innovative ventures.
Louis Lee, CMO of Wonderful Platform, discussed its pioneering work in senior care technology. Wonderful Platform’s companion robot, Avadin, addresses elderly loneliness and depression through personalized AI-driven interactions.
Jangwon J Lee’s company, DeepSales, tackles the unique sales challenges in Asia. By building a comprehensive business database and employing AI, it streamlines lead generation and pre-qualification for SMEs.
Sarah No, a champion for early childhood education, shared insights on Playtag. This game-changing platform leverages AI and computer vision to analyze child behavior, enhancing teacher-parent communication and improving learning outcomes. With a ninety percent satisfaction rate in Korea, Sarah aims to refine Playtag's offerings for the U.S. market through valuable customer feedback.
Kris Adams enlightened us on Startup Junkie’s robust event calendar, boasting over two hundred free events to support local entrepreneurs. He introduced the ARse program focusing on tech and tech-enabled startups in Arkansas. In a short time, ARise has already connected one hundred and nine startups with thirty subject matter experts, offering free coaching, access to capital, and valuable industry connections.
Stephen Park of DOWHAT, a hospitality venture, enhances operational efficiency in hotels via mobile app integrations, already serving fifty-five hotels in Korea. Stephen's positive experience in Northwest Arkansas and ambitious goals for market expansion encapsulate the collaborative spirit of the region.
Overall, this episode reflects on the warm, family-like community among entrepreneurs, epitomized by the growing success of the Startup Crawl event, making it clear that the commitment to collaboration and consistent effort forms the backbone of NWA’s thriving startup ecosystem.
Show Notes
(0:00) Introduction
(0:54) Louis Lee’s Origin Story
(2:23) The Solution Wonderful Platform is Offering
(4:12) Closing Question
(5:04) Introduction to Jangwon J Lee
(5:20) Jangwon’s Background
(6:50) DeepSales’ Ideal Customer
(7:45) DeepSales’ Pre Qualification Process
(8:38) Customers’ Responses to DeepSales
(9:24) DeepSales’ Sourcing Solutions
(10:32) Jangwon’s Origin Story
(12:04) Jangwon’s Impression of Northwest Arkansas
(12:32) Closing Question
(13:11) Introduction to Sarah No
(13:28) About Playtag
(15:00) Sarah’s Background
(15:54) Sarah’s Goal with the Accelerator
(16:48) Closing Question
(17:37) Introduction to Kris Adams
(17:47) About the ARise Program
(20:03) ARise’s 2024 Milestones
(24:49) ARise’s Outreach Initiatives in Arkansas
(26:09) About Kate Loughridge’s Role as Marketing Manager of ARise
(27:57) About Steven Park
(29:59) About DOWHAT
(31:28) Steven’s Anticipation of Joining the Accelerator
(33:55) Introduction from Calvin Smith
(34:14) About Startup Crawl 2024
(36:13) The Growth of Startup Crawl
(38:41) Caleb Talley’s Experience with Startup Crawl and its Ecosystem
(40:51) What’s Next for Startup Junkie
Links
Jeff Amerine
Caleb Talley
Startup Junkie
Startup Junkie YouTube
Louis Lee
Wonderful Platform
Jangwon J Lee
DeepSales
Sara No
Playtag
Kris Adams
ARise
Steven Park
DOWHAT
Calvin Smith
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Summary
In this episode of Startup Junkies, hosts Caleb Talley, Daniel Koonce, and Jeff Amerine sit down with Lane Patterson, founder of HIGHWAY Ventures, a startup studio that incubates and launches mobility companies in Northwest Arkansas. Unlike conventional venture studios that build minimum viable products, HIGHWAY Ventures focuses on leveraging federally funded technologies from various research labs to solve existing problems and create market-ready companies.
HIGHWAY Ventures’ unique model includes licensing technology solutions, assembling executive teams, and facilitating innovation within specific fields. This year alone there is a projected two-hundred billion in funding for federal research and development going directly towards new technology innovation. However, the resources required to bolster that tech out of the lab and commercialized in the private sector are vastly underfunded. That’s where HIGHWAY Ventures comes in as the bridge over the valley of death that exists where technology is running out of funding and dying in the lab.
Throughout the episode, the conversation highlights Lane’s dynamic journey from his origins at Kansas State University to gaining significant experience in the entrepreneurial landscape. Lane shares anecdotes from his early career in the telecommunications sector and his evolution into the startup world, emphasizing the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurial ventures and the importance of resilience and strategic planning.
Additionally, Caleb, Daniel, Jeff, and Lane dive into the complexities of commercializing federal research, addressing challenges such as navigating outdated patents and ensuring the applicability of technologies across different sectors. Lane also touches on the motivations and dynamics of founding teams and the importance of aligning incentives to drive success. Listen now!
Show Notes
(0:00) Introduction
(0:47) Lane’s Origin Story
(4:25) Why HIGHWAY Ventures Was Established in NW
(6:02) About HIGHWAY Ventures
(9:33) Utilizing Technology to Start a Company
(12:51) The Startup Studio Cycle and Impact
(17:07) The Importance of an Exit Plan
(21:19) Advice to Younger Self
(22:47) Closing Question
Links
Caleb Talley
Daniel Koonce
Jeff Amerine
Startup Junkie
Startup Junkie YouTube
Lane Patterson
HIGHWAY Ventures
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Summary
En este episodio de Querido Emprendedor, conversamos con Brittany Yvonne Johnson, fundadora de Ambivert Books, un emprendimiento dedicado a los libros, enfocado en la comunidad hispanohablante. Durante la charla, Brittany nos comparte su experiencia como emprendedora, los retos de lanzar un negocio, y su historia personal. Además, hablamos de cómo su pasión por la literatura y la conexión comunitaria han impulsado sus proyectos, y de qué manera ha logrado crear espacios para que personas de diferentes orígenes se conecten.
Show Notes
(00:06) Welcome & introduction.
(00:29) New name.
(00:55) Brittany’s story.
(01:58) NWA adventure.
(04:11) Love of art.
(06:22) International program.
(13:38) How it started.
(18:06) A shared problem.
(19:27) Mom knows best.
(21:48) Where to find you.
(22:25) Advice from the past.
Links
Ignacio Balderrama
Claudia Scott
Startup Junkie
Kiva Northwest Arkansas
Brittany Johnson
Ambivert Books
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Summary
In this episode of Startup Junkies, the focus is on navigating banking challenges using technology, featuring Joe Ehrhardt, CEO of Teslar Software. Host Caleb Talley, alongside co-hosts Daniel Koonce and Jeff Amerine, delves into the significance of ethical business practices and the integral role of technology in modernizing community banks.
Teslar Software is a forward-thinking technology company out of Springdale, Arkansas with a focus on software solutions for financial institutions. Created to help the FDIC post-2008 financial crisis, Teslar has pivoted to assisting community banks in modernizing their services, especially in consumer lending. Joe explains the necessity for community banks to invest in technology to remain competitive, noting the decline in traditional networking and the rising demand for online services, particularly among younger consumers.
Throughout the episode, Joe emphasizes the importance of trust, initiative, and long-term impact in Teslar’s operational philosophy, aiming to empower community banks and promote sustainable tech ecosystems. Additionally, Joe highlights the importance of building a company culture that prioritizes long-term relationships with customers and ethical decision-making, even if it doesn't yield immediate returns. The discussion highlights the supportive ecosystem of Northwest Arkansas, known for its community-driven values. Tune in today!
Show Notes
(0:00) Introduction
(1:04) Joe’s Origin Story
(7:16) About Teslar Software
(9:30) How Teslar Has Integrated Into Community Banks
(19:53) The Solutions Teslar Software Provides
(22:43) Community Banks’ Investment in Technology
(23:31) The Current Health Status of Community Banks
(26:22) Teslar’s New Space in Springdale
(28:29) Building a Strong Company Culture
(31:15) Advice to Younger Self
(34:29) Closing Question
Links
Caleb Talley
Daniel Koonce
Jeff Amerine
Startup Junkie
Startup Junkie YouTube
Joe Ehrhardt
Teslar Software
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With Startup Crawl 2024 being right around the corner, we wanted to rerelease last year's Startup Crawl episode. Get a sneak peek at what to expect at this year's event!
Summary
On this special episode of Startup Junkies, hosts Jeff Amerine, Caleb Talley, and Victoria Dickerson head to Startup Crawl, where they interview several entrepreneurs participating in this year’s event. The night celebrated entrepreneurship in the Heartland with food trucks, local craft beer, live music, and entrepreneurial connection. Jeff, Caleb, and Victoria sat down with Joshua Carnes of Sights & Sounds NWA, Brody Maxwell of TrueRep, Orson Weems of the Music Education Initiative, Bryan Fittin of Go Rogue X, and Bridgett Skeirik of Montay Coffee to discuss their entrepreneurial endeavors and Startup Crawl’s impact on the community.
Show Notes
(0:32) Joshua Carnes and Sights & Sounds NWA
(3:33) Brody Maxwell and TrueRep
(7:02) Orson Weems and the Music Education Initiative
(13:34) Bryan Fittin and Go Rogue X
(22:03) Bridgett Skeirik and Montay Coffee
Links
Jeff Amerine
Caleb Talley
Victoria Dickerson
Startup Junkie
Startup Junkie YouTube
Joshua Carnes
Sights & Sounds NWA
Brody Maxwell
TrueRep
Orson Weems
The Music Education Initiative
Bryan Fittin
Go Rogue X
Montay Coffee
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Summary
In this episode of Startup Junkies, we sit down with guests Don Huffner and Scott King to explore the dynamic landscape of entrepreneurial ecosystems in Northwest Arkansas. Don Huffner is an investment professional with RZC Investments, where his keen eye for sourcing, evaluating, negotiating, and monitoring investments drives success. With a rich background that includes private equity investments at 1K1V and roles in investment banking at Barclays and management consulting at Accenture, Don brings a wealth of experience and a global perspective to the table. A graduate of the University of St. Andrews in the United Kingdom, Don holds degrees in Business Management and International Relations.
Additionally, Scott King is the Chief Experience Officer at Runway Group, where he excels in creating world-class experiences through strategic design and placemaking. With over 30 years of experience, Scott's expertise spans business strategy, experience strategy, retail & brand strategy, design research, and more. His impressive portfolio includes work with top-tier organizations such as Frog Design, AT&T, General Motors, CVS, and multiple start-ups. Scott's extensive knowledge in business process development, systems integration, product development, and supply chain management makes him an invaluable asset to any entrepreneurial discussion.
Together with hosts Jeff Amerine and Caleb Talley, the conversation delves into the unique, collaborative culture of the Ozarks, comparing it to the Silicon Valley of the late '90s and early 2000s. They highlight the importance of mentorship in the startup ecosystem and explore strategic investments that continue to shape the region's growth. The discussion underscores the potential and promise of Northwest Arkansas as a fertile ground for innovation and entrepreneurship.
Show Notes
(0:00) Introduction
(1:08) Don’s Backstory
(5:39) Scott’s Origin Story
(9:47) About Runway Group
(10:40) About RZC Investments
(13:45) The Appeal of NWA and Its Quality of Life
(20:07) RZC Investments’ Fund of Funds Strategy
(24:29) The Helpful Ecosystem of NWA
(30:17) Advice to Younger Selves
(34:56) Closing Question
Links
Caleb Talley
Jeff Amerine
Daniel Koonce
Startup Junkie
Startup Junkie YouTube
Don Huffner
RZC Investments
J. Scott King
Runway Group
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Summary
In this episode of Startup Junkies, hosts Victoria Dickerson, Jeff Amerine, and Daniel Koonce are joined by Anna Beth Gorman, CEO of The Women's Foundation of Arkansas (WFA). Founded in 1998, the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas has been working to understand the diverse needs and realities facing women and girls so it can respond through purposeful action and engaged philanthropy.
The foundation's initiatives, such as the Women’s Economic Mobility Hub, support Black women entrepreneurs by providing them with unrestricted funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities. WFA also addresses barriers faced by women entrepreneurs, including language barriers, resource awareness, and access to capital.
Additionally, the foundation's internship program, funded by the Delta Regional Authority, offers housing and transportation for high-paying internships, helping first-generation college students gain essential social and financial capital. Gorman also mentions the "Girls of Promise" program, which introduces young women to STEM careers through hands-on activities and job shadowing. WFA’s extensive efforts in promoting women’s economic development in Arkansas involve publishing reports on economic indicators for women and advocating for inclusive language and easier resource accessibility.
Throughout the episode, Anna Beth shares about her experience working to support women entrepreneurs in Arkansas, the unique barriers that exist for these women, and how running for the Arkansas Secretary of State impacted her approach to advocacy.
Show Notes
(0:00) Introduction
(0:44) Anna Beth’s Origin Story
(2:40) The Difference the WFA is Making
(4:33) Barriers to Women Entrepreneurs
(7:44) WFA Success Stories
(10:17) About the WFA’s Financing Options
(12:34) The WFA’s Impact
(14:35) The WFA’s Program for Young Entrepreneurs
(18:34) How to Get Involved in the WFA’s Programs
(20:00) About Anna Beth’s Background
(24:53) Lessons from Running for Arkansas Secretary of State
(28:33) What’s Next for the WFA
(29:02) Closing Question
Links
Victoria Dickerson
Jeff Amerine
Daniel Koonce
Startup Junkie
Startup Junkie YouTube
Anna Beth Gorman
Women’s Foundation of Arkansas
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Summary
En este episodio de Startup Junkies en Español, conversamos con George Ramirez, dueño, CEO y fundador de HEXA Insurance Agency LLC. George comparte su experiencia como emprendedor latino y los retos que ha enfrentado al iniciar y hacer crecer su negocio. Discutimos la importancia de enfocarse en un nicho específico y cómo identificarlo, además de cómo aprovechar las relaciones para impulsar el crecimiento. También hablamos sobre la relevancia de estar en los lugares adecuados y rodearse de las personas correctas, el valor de servir a la comunidad, y cómo diferenciarte de la competencia para destacar en el mercado.
Show Notes
(00:05) Welcome & introduction.
(00:44) George’s story.
(01:35) The invitation.
(02:45) Wanting a business.
(05:25) Customer service.
(08:58) What is Hexa insurance?
(11:47) All about networking.
(14:59) Biggest challenge.
(17:45) Find your niche.
(24:10) Who you know.
(28:40) Golfing.
(30:46) Having a vision.
(31:42) Advice from the past
Links
Ignacio Balderrama
Ana Ortiz
Startup Junkie
Kiva Northwest Arkansas
George Ramirez
HEXA Insurance Agency
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Summary
In this episode of Startup Junkies, hosts Claudia Scott and Daniel Koonce are joined by Stephanie Sirianni and Caitlin Livingston, co-founders of The Wellnest Shop, a brand that brings you the best in authentic health and healing, and products to support self, family and home. Founded in 2022, The Wellnest Shop stands as a beacon of holistic wellness and community support, providing a range of services like workshops, events, and a wellness home program.
The Wellnest Shop also has an in-house essentials line and offers unique product categories including but not limited to cosmetics, house and home, personal care, pets and animals, and toys and games. With these products, The Wellnest Shop isn't just a place to purchase goods, it’s a nurturing space where monthly birth meetups and community support groups are held, all aiming to prioritize bio-individuality for their customers.
Additionally, Caitlin and Stephanie run a podcast named The Wellnest Mamas and are active on social media and YouTube, providing a platform for alternative health and wellness information. Future ambitions include launching a second location in Fayetteville and developing a franchising program. Their journey underlines the importance of dreaming big and fostering a supportive community environment, encouraging others to pursue their dreams and contribute to a healthier lifestyle!
Show Notes
(0:00) Introduction
(0:48) About The Wellnest Shop
(2:46) Top Three Non-toxic Products You Should Have at Home
(4:44) About Non-toxic Product Sourcing
(5:53) Erasing Non-toxic Stigmas with Brick and Mortar Consulting
(7:06) Making Non-toxic Products Attainable with Community Based Entrepreneurship
(7:45) The Wellnest Shop’s Community Support
(8:38) The Wellnest Mamas Podcast
(10:16) The Wellnest Shop’s Startup History
(11:30) The Wellnest Shop’s Workshops and Events
(13:41) Advice for Starting a Non-toxic Journey
(16:55) About The Wellness Home Program
(18:05) The Wellnest Shop’s Recent Relocation
(22:21) The Meaning Behind The Wellnest Shop’s Name
(23:02) Stephanie and Caitlin’s Upcoming Wellness Services
(26:10) What’s Next for The Wellnest Shop
(27:02) Advice to Younger Selves
Links
Claudia Scott
Daniel Koonce
Startup Junkie
Startup Junkie YouTube
Caitlin Livingston
Stephanie Sirianni
The Wellnest Shop
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Summary
En este episodio, el Dr. Adam Arroyos, CEO y fundador de Serve2Perform, comparte su inspiradora trayectoria y los desafíos que ha enfrentado como emprendedor exitoso. Conoceremos qué lo motivó a escribir 'PerformanceGPA®', las influencias que han marcado su camino y lo que lo impulsa a seguir sirviendo a nuestra comunidad. También hablamos sobre los desafíos más comunes que enfrentan los negocios latinos al comenzar y los muchos recursos disponibles en Estados Unidos. Adam ofrece valiosos consejos para los dueños de negocios actuales, brindando una visión única sobre el equilibrio entre la vida laboral y personal y el desarrollo del talento y liderazgo. ¡Únete a nosotros para una conversación llena de inspiración y aprendizajes clave para líderes y emprendedores!
Show Notes
(00:04) Welcome & introduction.
(00:38) Adam’s story.
(01:53) Tejano.
(02:50) U of A decision.
(05:25) Becoming an entrepreneur.
(08:41) An idea.
(13:30) It’s a network thing.
(16:00) Making a difference.
(17:13) Writing a book.
(18:58) Advice for new entrepreneurs.
(21:51) The challenges.
(30:21) Time for change.
(33:10) Book recommendation.
(34:52) A look into the future.
(41:18) Work / life balance.
(43:32) Advice from the past.
Links
Ignacio Balderrama
Startup Junkie
Kiva Northwest Arkansas
Adam Arroyos
Serve2Perform
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Summary
In this episode of Startup Junkies, hosts Victoria Dickerson, Caleb Talley, and Daniel Koonce sit down with Tom Gordon, the dynamic co-founder and CEO of Slim Chickens, a restaurant setting itself apart by offering high-quality chicken products and embodying southern hospitality. Founded in 2003, Slim Chickens has expanded to two-hundred and eighty-four restaurants globally, including franchises in the United Kingdom and forthcoming ventures in Germany.
Slim Chickens thrives thanks to its unique menu, which boasts seventeen different dipping sauces, unique sandwiches, and quality tender breading. This diverse menu has contributed significantly to the brand’s success and popularity, particularly among consumers aged eighteen to forty who seek both good food and a memorable dining experience. Despite its success and growth, Slim Chickens remains committed to its core identity, choosing not to over-diversify its menu to ensure consistent quality and experience for its customers.
Moreover, managing a growing enterprise isn't without its challenges. Tom emphasizes the importance of solving problems and handling financial analyses to maintain profitability, especially in the face of inflation and supply chain hurdles. Despite these challenges, Tom remains passionate about hospitality, continually striving to balance franchise owner satisfaction with high employee wages.
Throughout the episode, Tom discusses his vision for Slim Chickens, including ambitious goals such as reaching a billion dollars in revenue by 2027 and expanding the domestic and international footprint of the chain. Additionally, Tom shares his advice to young entrepreneurs, highlighting openness to partnerships and investor input, stressing the necessity of finding common ground to foster business growth. Tune in today!
Show Notes
(0:00) Introduction
(0:52) Tom’s Origin Story
(3:59) Slim Chickens’ Locations Globally
(5:41) Slim Chickens’ Franchising
(6:38) Exploring the Intricacies of the Restaurant Industry
(9:35) About Slim Chickens’ Cultural DNA
(11:30) Fried Chicken Competitors Internationally
(13:20) The Impact of Recent Inflation and Supply Chain Challenges
(16:41) Collaboration between the Culinary and Marketing Teams
(18:48) What Sets Slim Chickens Apart Domestically
(20:12) Tom’s History with the Restaurant Industry
(24:39) What’s Next for Slim Chickens
(26:21) The Importance of Staying Involved in the NWA Community
(27:57) Advice to Younger Self
(31:37) Closing Question
Links
Victoria Dickerson
Caleb Talley
Daniel Koonce
Startup Junkie
Startup Junkie YouTube
Tom Gordon
Slim Chickens
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Summary
En este episodio de nuestro podcast, tenemos el placer de conversar con Federico Deciga, dueño de Deciga’s Lab. Federico comparte con nosotros su inspiradora trayectoria en el mundo de las finanzas, desde sus comienzos y las influencias que lo llevaron a seguir esta carrera, hasta su transformación al negocio de la comida. A lo largo de nuestra charla, Federico nos habla de los desafíos que ha enfrentado y las estrategias exitosas que ha implementado. Además, nos ofrece una visión personal de cómo equilibra su vida laboral y personal, sus hobbies y las lecciones importantes que ha aprendido en su camino como emprendedor. ¡No te lo pierdas!
Show Notes
(00:05) Welcome & introduction.
(00:59) Federico’s story.
(05:00) Flying solo.
(07:31) It is up to you.
(13:15) Our first food truck.
(21:35) It is a community.
(22:54) It takes a team.
(29:35) Honest criticism.
(31:07) Biggest challenge.
(32:27) Quality quality quality.
(34:26) Starting advice.
(35:13) The best time to start.
(37:05) The ups and downs.
(39:49) Advice from the past.
Links
Ignacio Balderrama
Startup Junkie
Kiva Northwest Arkansas
Federico Deciga
Deciga’s Lab
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Summary
In this virtual episode of Startup Junkies, hosts Caleb Talley, Daniel Koonce, and Jeff Amerine chat with serial entrepreneur and founder of Growth Readiness, Todd Westra, about what it means to be “growth ready.” Drawing from his experience interviewing two-hundred and fifty CEOs in thirteen weeks, Westra identifies recurring themes in business growth, particularly the importance of people, processes, and tools. He uses the analogy of SpaceX rockets to explain the difference between launching a business and scaling it, emphasizing the need to transition from what got the business into orbit to focusing on what needs to happen in orbit.
Moreover, Westra introduces his growth readiness framework, which consists of four stages of transition and three growth checkpoints in each stage. He highlights common growth blockers, such as financial fluency, understanding cash flow, and managing expenses. Westra also stresses the importance of client profiling, simplifying deliverables, and being less emotionally connected to the product to achieve scalability and efficiency.
Throughout the episode, Todd talks about his previous business ventures, his current business, Growth Readiness, and how to grow and scale your business, including crafting an exit strategy. Tune in to this episode to learn about Todd's Orbit Framework and Growth Readiness Assessment so you can identify what might be holding your company back from real growth!
Show Notes
(0:00) Introduction
(1:04) About Todd
(7:12) The Four Stages of “Launch Transition”
(16:18) Challenges That Can Inhibit Growth
(22:22) Scaling a Trust Based Business
(27:38) Crafting an Exit Strategy
(33:13) Advice to Younger Self
(34:54) Closing Question
Links
Caleb Talley
Daniel Koonce
Jeff Amerine
Startup Junkie
Startup Junkie YouTube
Todd Westra
Growth Readiness
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Summary
In this episode of Startup Junkies, hosts Daniel Koonce and Jeff Amerine are joined by Rick West, chairman and co-founder of Field Agent, a company revolutionizing B2B retail solutions by offering an on-demand marketplace with efficient, cost-effective tools for retail professionals to evaluate in-store conditions, drive sales, understand shoppers, and generate ratings and reviews. The platform is designed to be user-friendly and affordable, allowing users to deploy solutions quickly. As an all-in-one retail toolkit, every solution in the Field Agent Marketplace can be launched with just a few clicks, in just a few minutes, for just a few dollars.
Furthermore, Rick explains his entrepreneurial journey, highlighting his early days growing up in Appalachia and his international stint with Procter & Gamble, which ignited his entrepreneurial spirit. He emphasizes that Field Agent operates in two economies: the traditional B2B model, where large companies like Walmart and Procter & Gamble hire them to collect data, and a B2C model, where everyday users download the Field Agent app to perform tasks and earn money.
The company recently underwent significant changes, including a Series B funding round and acquiring Shelfgram, enhancing Field Agent's machine learning and AI capabilities. This acquisition enables real-time data collection and predictive analytics, providing clients with a competitive edge.
Throughout the episode, Rick talks about the importance of relationships and mentorship in the business world, how he was able to develop an app that "really pays to use," and how he is adjusting to his new role within Field Agent. Tune in to learn about what the future looks like for Field Agent and to hear how you can make cold hard cash while you shop!
Show Notes
(0:00) Introduction
(0:42) Rick’s Background and Origin Story
(4:16) What’s Next for Field Agent
(7:15) Stepping Back from Day-to-Day Work
(10:58) About Field Agents and Its Recent Acquisition, Shelfgram
(16:10) Using Historical Information to Be Predictive
(21:23) The Role of Social Listening
(26:04) Field Agent’s Process: Everyday People Reviewing Products
(28:03) Rick’s New Role and What’s in the Future for Him
(30:00) Closing Question
Links
Daniel Koonce
Jeff Amerine
Startup Junkie
Startup Junkie YouTube
Rick West
Field Agent
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Summary
En este episodio de Startup Junkies En Español, conversamos con Mauricio Guerrero, propietario de 211 Café en Bentonville. Mauricio nos comparte su historia que inicia en Guatemala, su pasión por el café, las adversidades vividas y su experiencia siendo un emprendedor latino en el Noroeste de Arkansas. Hablamos sobre la transición de su carrera en el mundo corporativo, a ser un dueño de negocio y abrir su propio café, los desafíos enfrentados, y su visión para el futuro. ¡No te pierdas esta inspiradora charla sobre café, cultura y comunidad!
Show Notes
(00:04) Welcome & introduction.
(00:25) Mauricio’s story.
(01:30) A deal is a deal.
(04:50) Arrving in NW Arkansas.
(05:00) Traveling is life.
(06:31) The beginning.
(07:40) Childhood memories.
(13:20) The changing times.
(23:50) Starting a network.
(26:35) Working for free.
(31:16) Something about a name.
(35:11) The evolution of coffee.
(41:50) An important message.
(44:04) Advice from the past.
(45:05) Where can we find you?
Links
Ignacio Balderrama
Startup Junkie
Kiva Northwest Arkansas
Mauricio Guerrero
211 Cafe
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Summary
In this episode of Startup Junkies, hosts Harrison Kitson and Daniel Koonce welcome Josh Owen and Daniel Fritsche to talk about their NFT trading platform, TradePort, which is the most comprehensive multi-chain NFT aggregator for traders and developers.
Founded in 2021, TradePort is a multi-chain NFT marketplace and infrastructure company aimed at seamlessly integrating the creation, buying, selling, and bidding of digital assets across multiple blockchain networks. The company's journey began after observing the lack of documentation and infrastructure in the rapidly growing NFT space. Initially starting as a launchpad for NFT projects, TradePort evolved into an aggregator, integrating supply from multiple marketplaces and developing a universal data model for digital assets.
A standout goal for TradePort is to dominate the NFT marketplace by commanding ninety-four percent of transaction volume while continually increasing supply in the order book. They also aim to bring real-world assets on-chain, thereby serving as the core infrastructure for tokenizing real-world items such as traditional watch dealers' assets. Their long-term vision includes expanding to all relevant NFT chains and becoming a programmatic interface for all digital assets, including decentralized finance (DeFi). By facilitating transparent provenance and reducing dependency on traditional gatekeepers in asset validation, TradePort aspires to transform how assets are managed and traded globally.
Throughout the episode, Daniel and Josh give an inside look at their journeys and how they first became involved in the cryptocurrency space as a hobby to how they were able to monetize this shared interest. They also explain what NFTs are, what makes them unique, and how you can trade them on TradePort. Tune into this episode to learn about Crypto and the future of NFTs!
Show Notes
(0:00) Introduction
(1:00) Daniel, Josh, and TradePort’s Backstory
(8:02) Venturing into the NFT Space Early
(12:50) What Makes an NFT Unique
(14:49) About TradePort
(21:41) Educating People on NFTs
(25:22) The TradePort Experience
(26:09) An NFT Success Story
(28:05) What’s Next for TradePort
(33:59) Exploring Potential Privacy Issues
(36:21) Advice to Younger Selves
(38:43) Closing Question
Links
Harrison Kitson
Daniel Koonce
Startup Junkie
Startup Junkie YouTube
Josh Owen
Daniel Fritsche
TradePort
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Summary
In this episode of Startup Junkies, hosts Harrison Kitson and Caleb Talley dive into the innovative Carbon Chicken Project with Turner Tomlinson, Jody Hardin, and Richard Ims. These pioneers are at the forefront of renewable agriculture, utilizing biochar and up-cycled poultry litter to revolutionize farming practices.
Turner Tomlinson, with a background in chemical engineering and water management, underscores the importance of addressing the issue of excess poultry litter. Therefore, the Carbon Chicken Project involves upcycling this poultry litter using pyrolysis technology to produce bioenergy, thus establishing a carbon-negative farming ecosystem that combats climate change by promoting regenerative farming practices and carbon sequestration.
Jody Hardin, a fifth-generation farmer, introduces the vision of creating the first carbon-registered project in Northwest Arkansas. This initiative aims to enable local companies to offset their carbon footprints while revolutionizing agriculture.
Lastly, Richard Ims brings his entrepreneurial experience to the discussion, emphasizing the commercial viability and diverse applications of biochar in increasing feed efficiency and water retention. Their target customers range from backyard gardeners to commercial farmers, showcasing the product’s versatility.
Throughout the episode, Turner, Jody, and Richard share their motivations, the challenges they face, and the innovative solutions they're implementing to create a meaningful impact on the environment. Join us for an inspiring conversation about the future of agriculture and our role in combating climate change!
Show Notes
(0:00) Introduction
(0:59) Turner’s Background
(2:19) About Jody
(3:57) Richard’s Origin Story
(7:25) The Genesis of the Carbon Chicken Project
(19:22) Potential Markets for the Carbon Chicken Project
(21:59) Exploring the Carbon Chicken Project’s Mission and Legacy
(28:32) Multifaceted Problem Solving
(33:17) The Carbon Chicken Project’s Ideal Customer
(35:21) Why the Carbon Chicken Project’s Product is Emerging Now
(39:29) Advice to Younger Selves
(42:34) Closing Question
Links
Harrison Kitson
Caleb Talley
Startup Junkie
Startup Junkie YouTube
Turner Tomlinson
Jody Hardin
Richard Ims
Carbon Chicken Project
