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
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
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
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
Summary
En este episodio, nos sumergimos en la inspiradora historia de Diego Morales Ibarra, un líder comunitario dedicado y multifacético. Diego, originario de Guanajuato, México, nos comparte su viaje desde sus inicios hasta convertirse en una figura clave en el desarrollo económico y comunitario de Arkansas. Exploramos cómo su paciencia y perseverancia han sido fundamentales en su rol como Director Adjunto en Conexión de Negocios Latinos y fundador de DIMORI Services LLC. A través de sus experiencias en el Consulado Mexicano y el ASBTDC, Diego nos demuestra cómo el tiempo y la dedicación pueden transformar comunidades y abrir nuevas oportunidades para las poblaciones minoritarias. No te pierdas esta conversación llena de aprendizajes sobre el poder de la paciencia en la construcción de un mejor futuro.
Show Notes
(00:05) Welcome & introduction.
(00:49) Your story.
(03:07) It’s a health thing.
(06:43) Life after the consulate.
(07:18) Being the boss.
(10:43) El mercadito.
(11:36) Initial advice.
(13:51) Networking?
(15:08) The inspiration.
(16:51) Latino growth.
(19:23) Significant challenge.
(29:54) Arkansas Latino Business Awards.
(29:54) Advice from the past.
Links
Summary
In this week’s episode of Startup Junkies, hosts Caleb Talley and Daniel Koonce are joined by Rachel Heisten and Alissa Owsley, founding partners of LifeWork Talent, a consulting service helping organizations unlock the power of their people by building a culture where individuals thrive, enjoy the best experience, and develop exceptional human skills.
Alissa and Rachel, who initially met while working in human resources in 2011, speak candidly about the challenges and rewards of practicing what they preach as business advisors, sharing the importance of taking time to appreciate the present and redefine traditional notions of success. LifeWork Talent focuses on customized talent management services, encompassing workshops, executive coaching, and strategic partnerships, to intertwine life with work and inspire positive change in organizational cultures.
Additionally, Rachel and Alissa underscore the significance of flexibility, adaptability, and continuous learning in their entrepreneurial journey, rejecting the societal trope that entrepreneurship is an inherent quality. They also address imposter syndrome, urging listeners to embrace and navigate the challenge of enjoying work without it becoming their identity.
Throughout the episode, we dive into Rachel and Alissa’s inspiring journey of two close friends and former corporate professionals who transitioned from the structured environment of a large corporation to founding their own consulting business. Rachel and Alissa share their origin stories, the obstacles they faced during the pandemic, and how an intervention from friends and mentors pushed them to pursue their dreams. Furthermore, they offer valuable perspectives on personal growth, the challenges of starting a business, and the importance of staying true to one's values while navigating the business world. Tune in to see our guests put Life before Work!
Show Notes
(0:00) Introduction to Rachel and Alissa
(1:11) Rachel, Alissa, and LifeWork’s Origin Story
(6:21) Recognizing and Addressing Unmet Needs
(10:25) The Shifting Mindset of Job Security Post Pandemic
(16:17) About LifeWork’s Services
(19:28) Combating Imposter Syndrome
(23:22) Navigating the Good and Bad of Entrepreneurship
(29:11) Differentiating between Purpose and Identity
(33:02) How Rachel and Alissa Define Winning
(37:33) Managing the Growth of a Business
(42:23) Advice to Younger Selves
(47:01) Closing Question
Links
Rachel Heisten (rachel@lifeworktalent.com)
Summary
Join our hosts Caleb Talley, Jeff Amerine, and Daniel Koonce in this episode of Startup Junkies as we explore the fascinating world of sleep therapy with Elsbeth Fast, a dedicated entrepreneur transforming lives through innovative sleep solutions. Elsbeth is the founder of True Sleep Therapy, a private practice specializing in cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTI).
Elsbeth’s career began in clinical settings, focusing predominantly on veterans struggling with PTSD and insomnia at the Veterans Healthcare System in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Here, she became a national trainer for the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBTI) program. Moving into the civilian sector, she founded True Sleep Therapy to provide CBTI to a broader population. Her work primarily involves addressing sleep disorders, using evidence-based techniques to aid individuals in improving their sleep hygiene without the reliance on medications.
Beyond her clinical skills, Elsbeth had to quickly learn the non-clinical aspects of running a business—skills such as budgeting, business planning, and social media marketing. Throughout the episode, she shares her journey of founding a successful sleep therapy practice, the challenges she faced, and the triumphs she celebrated along the way. Discover the unique techniques and strategies she employs to help clients achieve better sleep, and gain valuable insights into the business side of health and wellness.
This episode is a must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs in the therapeutic field and anyone interested in improving their sleep health!
Show Notes
(0:00) Introduction to Elsbeth Fast
(0:56) About True Sleep Therapy
(2:03) Defining Cognitive Based Therapy
(10:44) Tips and Tricks for Getting Better Sleep
(12:16) Elsbeth’s Origin Story
(24:52) How Insomnia Is Detrimental to Health
(29:30) How Lucid Dreaming Correlates to Proper Sleep
(35:15) Navigating the Obligations of Business Ownership
(39:42) Advice to Younger Self
(40:46) Closing Question
Links