Summary
On episode 5 of Business Buzz, host Daniel Koonce welcomes Fayetteville’s own Lewis Chase, one of the founders of Feed and Folly, City Park, and Guisinger Cocktail Club. Daniel and Lewis discuss Lewis’s background, his relationship with his business partners, and the origin of “the Dudes of Folly.” Lewis talks about what inspired him to start each new venture and how he is able to bring something unique to Fayetteville every time. Tune in to learn about the importance of your business’s location, prices, and culture. Lewis dives into his most recent venture, the Guisinger Cocktail Club and explains how he was able to create such a creative menu and a unique customer experience.
Thank you to Fossil Cove Brewing Co. for sponsoring this episode! If you want to learn more about Fossil Cove, go to www.FossilCoveBrewing.com.
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Summary
En este emocionante episodio, nos acompaña Azalia Molina, la talentosa dueña de Clever NWA, una destacada agencia de marketing que ha revolucionado el panorama empresarial. Azalia nos guía a través de su increíble viaje, compartiendo cómo convirtió su pasión en un negocio exitoso. Descubre los secretos detrás de su impresionante trayectoria empresarial y aprende de su experiencia única como emprendedora latina.
A lo largo de la conversación, Azalia ofrece valiosos consejos para aquellos que buscan iniciar y hacer crecer su propia empresa, destacando la importancia de la perseverancia, la innovación y la conexión con la comunidad. Además, exploramos el enorme potencial de las conexiones en el Noroeste de Arkansas (NWA) y cómo estas pueden ser un motor fundamental para impulsar tu éxito.
No te pierdas esta conversación llena de conocimientos, estrategias y motivación que te inspirará a seguir tus sueños y alcanzar nuevas alturas. Ya seas un aspirante a emprendedor o alguien en busca de inspiración, este episodio te proporcionará las herramientas y la confianza necesarias para avanzar en tu camino empresarial.
Show Notes
(00:24) Welcome & introduction.
(01:32) The beginning.
(02:43) Art into business.
(03:41) What is your favorite art outlet?
(04:47) My first piece of art.
(05:52) Business challenges and achievements.
(09:50) A valuable lesson.
(11:47) The greatest challenge of starting a business.
(17:05) Sound advice.
(19:15) A balancing act.
(24:12) Where can we find you?
(24:39) What is next?
(25:38) Advice from the past.
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Summary
In this episode of the Startup Junkies Podcast, hosts Caleb Talley and Harrison Kitson welcome two dynamic companies making waves in the outdoor and creative content industry: Blk Elk Media and LIVSN Designs. Joined by Andrew Gibbs-Dabney from LIVSN and Daniel Mitchell and Trent Sugg of BLK ELK, this engaging conversation dives into the origin stories of these innovative brands, their journey in Northwest Arkansas, and how they have managed to grow and thrive in a supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Founded in 2018, LIVSN is a company using natural and technical materials to create sustainable, high-quality outdoor clothing with classic styling and a modern fit. Additionally, BLK ELK is a production company specializing in outdoor and adventure content, focusing on working with brands in the outdoor industry. The collaborations between LIVSN and BLK ELK have resulted in some of the most successful Kickstarter campaigns in Arkansas.
Throughout the episode, Andrew, Daniel, and Trent discuss how Northwest Arkansas has become a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, how storytelling has been instrumental in both businesses' growth, and what’s in store for both companies' futures. From production challenges to the importance of community engagement, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Show Notes
(0:00) Introduction to Andrew, Daniel, and Trent
(1:44) About BLK ELK and Its Origin Story
(3:00) LIVSN’s Origin Story
(4:49) BLK ELK and LIVSN’s Collaboration
(7:11) Working Within NWA’s Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
(12:36) How NWA’s Outdoor Scene Has Developed
(19:54) About the Well Worn Life Documentary Series
(27:13) Exploring LIVSN and BLK ELK’s Fifth Kickstarter Campaign
(30:38) Advice for Successful Kickstarter Campaigns
(35:57) What’s Next for BLK ELK and LIVSN
(46:11) Advice to Younger Selves
(53:06) Closing Question
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Summary
In this episode of the Startup Junkies Podcast, hosts Jeff Amerine, Caleb Talley, and Harrison Kitson are joined by Travis Hester, founder of Eat My Catfish, a successful catfish and seafood restaurant in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Inspired by his love for cooking and his culinary background, Travis established Eat My Catfish fifteen years ago, which has now blossomed into a thriving chain of eight restaurants and four food trucks.
Travis discusses the transition from a food truck to a brick-and-mortar store, highlighting one of the pivotal moments in expanding Eat My Catfish when a friend suggested crawfish. Implementing this suggestion led to skyrocketing sales, with the restaurant eventually sourcing over one hundred thousand pounds of crawfish annually. Travis credits Eat My Catfish’s farm-to-table approach and commitment to fresh ingredients as defining factors in its success.
In addition to business insights, Travis underscores the importance of striking a balance in life, valuing his roles as a father, husband, and employer, and illustrates a heartfelt customer story, signifying the profound bond between his business and the community. He also mentions their involvement in educational initiatives, like school visits to teach children about crawfish, emphasizing his and the restaurant’s commitment to giving back.
During the episode, Travis shares his entrepreneurial journey, including navigating challenges, embracing opportunities, and building a thriving business. Through his candid storytelling, he highlights the importance of hard work, positivity, and giving back to the community, offering valuable insights into entrepreneurship, leadership, and the resilience required to overcome adversity.
Show Notes
(0:00) Introduction to Travis Hester
(0:59) Eat My Catfish’s Origin Story
(3:52) From Food Truck to Brick and Mortar
(11:58) Finding Confidence to Begin
(14:46) What’s Next for Eat My Catfish
(20:58) Eat My Catfish’s Arkansas Business of the Year Award
(25:30) Eat My Catfish Customer Stories
(30:16) Advice to Younger Self
(31:56) Closing Question
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Summary
Join hosts Jeff Amerine, Caleb Talley, and Harrison Kitson on this episode of Startup Junkies as they dive into the world of storytelling and book publishing with Michael DeLon, #1 Amazon Best-Selling author of On Marketing, creator of The Credibility Game Plan, and founder of Paperback Expert. Paperback Expert equips entrepreneurs with marketing strategies to attract more clients, and guarantees business growth if clients adhere to their system, demonstrating a book's versatility in attracting leads, converting sales, and generating referrals.
By using Paperback Expert’s proprietary “speak-to-write” process, business owners can create their own book in under a day. Through a series of structured phone calls, Paperback Expert helps clients outline their book, record their book, and publish their book. Then, once their book is published, Paperback Expert shows them how to use their book to position themselves as an expert in their industry. Until now, having your own book was either too difficult or too expensive, but that’s no longer the case with Paperback Expert.
Throughout the episode, Michael shares his inspiring journey, from ministry to entrepreneurship, and the pivotal role a book played in establishing his expertise. He also explores the step-by-step process of turning your ideas into a published work, leveraging your book as a powerful marketing tool, and building a lasting legacy for generations to come. Listen today and discover how crafting your unique story and publishing a book can transform your credibility, attract more clients, and elevate your business.
Show Notes
(0:00) Introduction to Michael DeLon
(1:04) Michael’s Origin Story
(5:39) About Paperback Expert and Its Clients
(6:46) The Process of Writing a Book with Paperback Expert
(8:29) Increasing Brand Awareness with Digital Platforms
(10:49) Connecting with Clients and Marketing their Books
(15:09) Balancing Life with a Family Run Business
(20:57) Overcoming Obstacles in Business
(28:40) What’s in the Future for Paperback Expert
(31:19) Advice to Younger Self
(33:28) Closing Question
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On Marketing: The Definitive Guide for Small Business Owners
Summary
En este episodio de Startup Junkie en Español, nos acompaña Geovanny Sarmiento, de la Cámara de Comercio de Rogers-Lowell. Geovanny profundiza en la importancia de mantener una mente abierta en el camino del emprendimiento. Destaca cómo los emprendedores pueden beneficiarse al buscar y valorar recomendaciones no solo de amigos y familiares, sino también de desconocidos y expertos en diferentes campos. A través de su experiencia y conocimientos, Geovanny nos ofrece estrategias prácticas para integrar diversas perspectivas en la toma de decisiones empresariales. Descubre cómo abrirte a nuevas ideas y enfoques puede impulsar la innovación y el crecimiento de tu negocio. ¡No te pierdas esta inspiradora y educativa conversación que te ayudará a transformar tu enfoque emprendedor y llevar tu startup al siguiente nivel!
Show Notes
(00:05) Welcome and introductions
(00:32) About Geovanny Sarmiento
(02:38) How Geovanny ended up in Northwest Arkansas
(05:45) Defining community
(09:28) General necessities
(14:16) Building trust
(24:10) The Spanish advantage
(32:50) Advice to past self
(41:09) Closing question
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Summary
On this episode of Startup Junkies, hosts Caleb Talley and Harrison Kitson are joined by Kenny Tomlin, serial entrepreneur and co-founder of CourtAvenue, a cutting-edge digital transformation company. Founded in 2020, Court Avenue, headquartered in Austin, partners with Fortune 500 clients to harness emerging technologies, transforming client interactions, and optimizing business operations. Its focus has increasingly shifted towards AI-driven solutions, helping companies adapt and innovate in an ever-accelerating tech landscape.
A key facet of CourtAvenue’s strategy is its selective approach to incubating boutique services and technologies. This includes ventures like an experiential design business and a platform focused on conversational commerce using AI. By incubating these specialized entities, CourtAvenue not only addresses immediate market needs but also anticipates future technological trends. Kenny’s broader vision for Court Avenue includes potential expansion into new markets such as Latin America, Asia, and Europe, signifying a commitment to global growth. Additionally, CourtAvenue’s selective nature regarding co-founding and incubating entities ensures each venture aligns with its core values and strategic objectives.
In this conversation, Kenny offers advice on identifying opportunities within emerging technologies like AI, navigating the evolving digital landscape, and the essential mindset required for long-term entrepreneurial success. Drawing from his experiences at the forefront of digital innovation, including founding and selling companies like Rockfish, Kenny highlights the paramount importance of building strong relationships, continuous learning, and embracing the unpredictable nature of entrepreneurship.
Show Notes
(0:00) Introduction to Kenny Tomlin
(6:40) Navigating the Digital Transformation
(9:42) About CourtAvenue
(13:29) The Process of Incubating Companies
(17:26) Kenny’s Entrepreneurial Experience
(25:35) What Winning Looks Like to Kenny
(29:28) CourtAvenue’s Future Vision
(32:45) Advice to Younger Self
(39:38) Closing Question
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