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
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
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
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
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