Episodes
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Summary
In this episode of Startup Junkies, hosts Jeff Amerine, Daniel Koonce, and Harrison Kitson sit down with Bryan Fittin, founder and CEO of Go Rogue Studio, to explore the story of his transition from corporate life to entrepreneurship.
Initiating his career within the corporate confines of Walmart’s vendor community, Bryan always harbored a passion for content creation. This passion ultimately gave birth to Go Rogue, a podcast dedicated to entrepreneurs transitioning from corporate settings. But his ambitions didn't stop there; inspired by Jeff Amerine's sage advice on product-market fit, Bryan courageously ventured into the entrepreneurial realm, launching Go Rogue Studios in 2019.
The pandemic turned out to be a pivotal moment for Bryan's video marketing business. As remote content production surged in demand, Go Rogue Studio, already adept at video podcasting, found itself ahead of the curve. Through Go Rogue Studio, Bryan and his team offer comprehensive content creation services, from video production to thought leadership, focusing on simplifying the process and enabling businesses to connect authentically with their audiences.
In this episode, Bryan emphasizes the importance of genuine human connection through content, the value of an abundance mindset in entrepreneurship, and overcoming personal barriers to success. Tune in to learn from Bryan’s inspiring entrepreneurial journey and discover actionable insights for your own business endeavors!
Show Notes
(00:00) Introduction
(01:18) Bryan’s Backstory
(08:20) About Go Rogue and Its Services
(11:00) Strategies for Being on Camera
(14:45) What Inspired Bryan’s Marketing Workshops
(19:57) Renting Go Rogue’s Studio
(23:11) Advice to Younger Self
(25:15) Closing Question
Links
Jeff Amerine
Daniel Koonce
Harrison Kitson
Startup Junkie
Startup Junkie YouTube
Bryan Fittin
Go Rogue Studio
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Summary
En este episodio, Robert comparte su inspiradora trayectoria marcada por su fe, su familia y su pasión por el emprendimiento. Con una carrera diversa y un profundo compromiso con la comunidad latina, ofrece valiosos consejos sobre liderazgo, tendencias en negocios y lecciones aprendidas trabajando con emprendedores. Una conversación llena de inspiración y estrategias para crecer.
Show Notes
(00:05) Welcome & introduction.
(00:53) Who is Robert McGrew?
(02:14) What inspired you?
(06:39) A change in perspective.
(08:15) Getting started.
(12:04) Top 40.
(12:55) On my own.
(19:11) Looking ahead.
(22:30) What’s in a name.
(27:24) Biggest challenge.
(31:15) Serving others.
(32:45) Leadership.
(36:40) Lessons learned.
(39:15) Back to the past.
Links
Ignacio Balderrama
Startup Junkie
Kiva Northwest Arkansas
Robert McGrew
McGrew Solutions Inc.
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Missing episodes?
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Summary
In this episode of Startup Junkies, hosts Jeff Amerine, Daniel Koonce, and Harrison Kitson are joined by co-founders, Joshua Hedeby and Moner Attwa, of Opportunity Hound by GovBidAI where Joshua serves as the CFO and Moner is the CEO. GovBidAI is an innovative platform designed to streamline the complex landscape of government contracts for small to mid-sized businesses and is revolutionizing the way these companies navigate the government sector.
GovBidAI’s mission is to demystify government contracts and make it easier for smaller businesses to access a market where thirty percent of federal spending is allocated to them. Joshua and Moner share their professional backgrounds in public accounting and finance, leading to their passion for supporting smaller enterprises in the government contracting space.
Additionally, GovBidAI provides a suite of tools, including the aptly named "AP Deep Dive" report and a proprietary search function that delves into government contract solicitations down to the document level. This innovation helps businesses quickly discern whether an opportunity is worth pursuing, saving time and valuable resources.
Throughout the episode, the conversation highlights the affordability of GovBidAI's services and the company’s future plans. It even teases upcoming features and vertical expansions, aimed at further simplifying government contracting. Listen today!
Show Notes
(00:00) Introduction
(01:46) GovBidAI’s Elevator Pitch
(02:53) Joshua’s and Moner’s Roles and Backgrounds
(06:19) The Problem GovBidAI is Solving
(13:42) GovBidAI’s Pricing Tiers
(19:35) How GovBidAI is Staying Above the Curve
(21:58) Advice to Younger Selves
(24:52) Closing Question
Links
Jeff Amerine
Daniel Koonce
Harrison Kitson
Startup Junkie
Startup Junkie YouTube
Joshua Hedeby
Moner Attwa
Opportunity Hound by GovBidAI
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Summary
In this episode of Startup Junkies, hosts Caleb Talley, Daniel Koonce, and Harrison Kitson sit down with Nathan Rosenberg, founder and CEO of Farmblox. Founded from Nathan's dual expertise in farming and robotics, Farmblox is pioneering automation solutions designed specifically for the agricultural sector. Initially conceptualized as a project to grow crops inside forty-foot shipping containers, Farmblox has since pivoted to enhance and support existing farms. Today, it’s involved with over seventy farms across the U.S., focused on specialty crops like maple syrup farms, vineyards, and orchards.
Nathan explains that Farmblox operates akin to "Zapier for physical stuff on farms," enabling farmers to automate processes such as irrigation based on soil moisture and weather data. Through its innovative platform, Farmblox connects various sensors and devices, providing real-time data and alerts that can be monitored and managed from a farmer’s smartphone. This effectively saves farmers up to seventy-five percent of their time—a precious commodity in the world of agriculture.
The conversation also touched on the challenges and skepticism farmers face when adopting new technologies, with Nathan emphasizing the importance of demonstrating tangible benefits and simplifying technological integrations to meet farmers' unique needs without disrupting their traditional practices. Nathan's vision for Farmblox extends to reducing water usage by fifty percent in some of the most water-intensive agricultural areas in the U.S., and eventually expanding into European markets. The episode closes with Nathan sharing his entrepreneurial journey and the importance of timely investment and growth decisions. Tune in today!
Show Notes
(00:00) Introduction
(01:30) Nathan’s Backstory
(03:46) About Farmblox and Its Solutions
(05:40) The Gap Between Entrepreneurship and Farming
(07:01) Convincing Farmers to Utilize Automation
(9:31) Farmblox’s Strategy for Agriculture in the South
(13:38) Farmblox’s Future Plans
(16:23) What Winning Looks Like to Farmblox
(18:01) Farmblox’s Ideal Customer
(18:48) Farmblox’s Partnerships
(22:06) Foreseeing the Next Leap in Farming Technology
(23:25) Advice to Younger Self
(24:54) Closing Question
Links
Caleb Talley
Daniel Koonce
Harrison Kitson
Startup Junkie
Nathan Rosenberg
Farmblox
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Summary:
Welcome to another great episode of Startup Junkies!
On this episode, hosts Caleb Talley, Jeff Amerine, and previous Startup Junkie Michael Iseman sit down with Philip Mudd, a former CNN correspondent and counterterrorism analyst. During Philip’s extensive and accomplished career, he was a valuable asset to the FBI, CIA, and the American nation as a whole and received numerous CIA awards for his expertise and diligence. Philip is also the author of three distinguished publications and is a member of multiple prestigious associations. Throughout this episode, Philip shares insight on how to present information to your boss (in his case, President George W. Bush), how to successfully navigate chaos, and why you need to have a “call mom” sentence for any project.
Show Notes:
(1:03) Introduction to Philip
(1:58) From English Major to Senior Executive
(4:29) Leadership Basics
(8:34) Decision Advantage
(16:08) Addressing Vulnerabilities
(19:00) Navigating Crises
(28:00) Taking Responsibility When Things Go Wrong
(31:12) Hiring People More Experienced than You
(39:24) Voicing your Opinion to a Worldwide Audience
(44:44) Protecting Data
(48:51) Cyberattacks during Times of War
(55:14) Geopolitical Business Consequences
(1:06:50) Advice to Younger Self
Links:
Caleb Talley
Jeff Amerine
Michael Iseman
Philip Mudd
Startup Junkie
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Summary
En este episodio, exploramos el mundo de la consultoría y el outsourcing en Nicaragua a través de Castlewalk, una empresa innovadora fundada en 2021. Nuestros invitados, Allison Lacayo, Ricardo López y María Elena, comparten sus experiencias y desafíos al trabajar con empresas de EE.UU., destacando cómo Castlewalk personaliza sus servicios para adaptarse a cada cliente. Conversamos sobre el impacto de la externalización, las claves para mantener relaciones a largo plazo, y cómo Castlewalk ayuda a sus clientes a optimizar recursos y mejorar la eficiencia operativa.
Show Notes
(00:10) Welcome & introduction.
(00:39) What is Castlewalk?
(05:14) The journey begins.
(07:08) Human resources.
(09:16) Family’s sacrifice.
(13:18) All about the focus.
(16:40) The biggest challenge.
(22:01) Resilience.
(24:22) Never give up.
(29:08) Different entrepreneurship cultures.
(23:04) Networking.
(37:39) Vision for the future.
(40:01) Sound advice.
(41:41) Advice from the past.
Links
Ignacio Balderrama
Startup Junkie
Kiva Northwest Arkansas
Allison Lacayo
Ricardo Lopez
Castlewalk Group
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Summary
In this special celebratory installment of Startup Junkies, we sit down for our four hundredth episode! Hosts Jeff Amerine, Jon Cadieux, Caleb Talley, Daniel Koonce, and Matthew Ward gather to reminisce about past ventures and share their experiences in the entrepreneurial ecosystem of Northwest Arkansas. The episode marks a significant transition for the podcast, highlighting their first in-person international engagement with a South Korean accelerator cohort.
The discussion delves into the unique entrepreneurial energy in Northwest Arkansas, characterized by frequent networking events and a supportive community. As the hosts collectively reflect on their roles within Startup Junkie, they emphasize the multitasking nature of their small but dynamic team that managed to organize over two hundred events in 2023.
Additionally, several investments are highlighted, including Torch Dental, Privacy Hawk, and Persimmon, showcasing their success due to strategic timing and market needs. The team amusingly touches on controversial entrepreneurial ideas, including one about creating rain using a spray rig that required a wildly fluctuating budget and another about a contentious T-shirt website that attracted Secret Service scrutiny.
Throughout the episode, the team shares lighthearted anecdotes, including a humorous comparison between cryptocurrencies and the US dollar, missed investment opportunities in Tesla and Amazon, and analyzes entrepreneurial education versus real-world experience. Ultimately, the episode celebrates the evolution of both the podcast and the entrepreneurial landscape in Northwest Arkansas, marked by strong community ties, innovative ideas, and collective growth in the startup ecosystem.
Show Notes
(0:00) Introduction
(9:59) Recognizing Missed Opportunities
(12:51) Analyzing Failed Investments
(17:27) Economic Crisis Impacts
(23:34) Driving Global Investments
(32:20) Podcast Experience and Insights
(35:05) Transformative Growth Since 2020
(38:52) Supporting Emerging Entrepreneurs
(43:06) Ensuring Ideas Don’t Become Obsolete with Time
(46:10) Closing Statements
Links
Jeff Amerine
Jon Cadieux
Caleb Talley
Daniel Koonce
Matthew Ward
Startup Junkie
Startup Junkie YouTube
NWA Workplaces
Bike Rack Brewing
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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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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
