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
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.
Links
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.
Links
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
Links
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
Links
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
Links
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
Links
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
Links
Summary
On Episode 4 of the latest Startup Junkie Podcast Series, host Daniel Koonce welcomes the founder of Scarlet Letter Beverage Co., Jesse Core. Daniel and Jesse discuss how Core Brewing developed into Scarlet Letter Beverage Co. Jesse dives into how his team approaches flavor innovation, their partnership with Sam’s Club, and how he modernized brewing in Northwest Arkansas. Join us to learn how to listen to the data to figure out what the consumer wants, how to get over the hump of growing pains and establish the right capacity and resources to get out ahead of growing demand, and how to follow market trends. Tune in to hear about Scarlet Letter’s newest product hitting the market this summer.
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Summary
On this episode of Startup Junkies, hosts Caleb Talley, Jeff Amerine, and Daniel Koonce dive into the world of specialty coffee with Jon Allen, co-founder and creative director of Onyx Coffee Lab. Founded in 2012 with the mantra “Never Settle for Good Enough,” Onyx has built an award-winning team of roasters that ship freshly roasted coffee worldwide and serve unique brews in four locations across Northwest Arkansas.
Jon’s, and his wife and fellow co-founder, Andrea’s, commitment to exceptional coffee led them to a method they call relationship coffee, meaning that for seventy percent of the coffee they import, they visit the farms where it is grown and pay the producers directly. This approach allows them to establish their standards for coffee quality and ensures transparency with Onyx Coffee Lab consumers because they share detailed purchase information on Onyx’s website. Visitors can see the price paid to the producer, the market commodity price at the time of purchase, the fair trade price, the import costs, and the individuals involved in bringing the coffee to the United States.
Throughout the episode, Jon discusses Onyx's unique approach to sourcing, roasting, and distributing high-quality coffee, which includes transparency in pricing, traceability to the farmers, and a deep respect for the coffee's origin. He also shares insights into the industry's evolution, the growing demand for specialty coffee worldwide, and the importance of supporting sustainable practices at the source. This conversation offers a glimpse into the passion, dedication, and innovation driving the craft coffee movement that has taken off in Northwest Arkansas.
Show Notes
(0:00) Introduction to Jon Allen
(1:03) About Onyx Coffee Lab
(3:57) Onyx’s Origin Story
(6:01) Pricing Transparency
(9:04) Focusing on Green Coffee
(15:10) From Coffee Roasting to Consulting
(22:33) The Rise of Coffee Ventures
(29:50) Onyx’s Interior Design Vision and Narrative
(34:58) Advice to Younger Self
(38:15) Closing Question
Links
Summary
En esta edición número 9 de Startup Junkie en español, entrevistamos a Juan Bahena, un destacado emprendedor en la industria restaurantera especializada en comida mexicana. Juan nos lleva a través de su inspirador viaje con Tula, su aclamado restaurante ubicado en Downtown Fayetteville. Tula no solo se distingue por su auténtica cocina mexicana, sino también por la experiencia única que ofrece a cada cliente. Desde platillos tradicionales hasta innovaciones culinarias, Juan nos muestra cómo ha creado un lugar que va más allá de la comida, fomentando una comunidad vibrante y apasionada alrededor de su negocio.
Descubre cómo Tula ha llegado a ser un referente en Fayetteville, donde cada comida es una celebración de la cultura mexicana y cada visitante se convierte en parte de una gran familia.
¡No te pierdas esta conversación llena de inspiración y sabor!
Show Notes
(00:11) Introduction to Juan Bahena
(02:38) The Inspiration behind Tula Mexican Restaurant
(04:05) About Tula’s Menu
(07:23) The Dining Experience at Tula
(09:32) Finding Your Value
(12:37) Tula’s Rule
(15:26) Tula’s Ideal Customer
(17:23) Overcoming Career Obstacles
(22:16) Business vs Community
(37:24) Behind the Scenes of Tula
(41:44) How to Get in Touch
(47:34) Advice for Younger Self
Links
Summary
On this episode of Startup Junkies, hosts Daniel Koonce and Jeff Amerine sit down with co-founders of Few.io, Arlton Lowry and Zackery Hill. Few.io is an award-winning agency helping get digital products to market faster through strategy, UX/UI, and development for web and mobile applications.
Few’s goal is to have a positive impact in people’s lives, including its employees, believing that if it focuses on people and quality of work, the rest will take care of itself. With Few’s proven partner approach, its clients’ success is also its success. From concept-to-scale, Few:
Talks to Users: Discovers pain points, goals, and preferences so clients can create a product that addresses those needs in the most effective way possible.
Develops a Strategy: Delivers a clear plan of action around user needs and business goals, allowing teams to work together more efficiently and effectively.
Designs Solutions: Designs an intuitive and visually appealing user interface that enhances the user experience, reducing the user learning curve and increasing adoption.
Builds to Scale: Allows access to experienced developers and engineers that play a pivotal role in ensuring products are functional, secure, and scalable.
Ships Products: Provides the support needed to launch and scale products confidently through quality assurance, testing to branding, and go-to-market strategy.
Throughout the episode, Arlton and Zack share Few's journey from a creative conference to a thriving digital agency, their approach to fostering innovation and problem-solving for their clients, and the importance of strategic risk-taking in business growth.
Show Notes
(0:00) Introduction
(0:38) Few.io’s Origin Story
(2:24) The Key to Few’s Success
(6:15) About Few’s Culture
(9:34) Few’s Remote Team
(14:43) Promoting Curiosity
(17:36) The Impact of AI
(22:40) Few’s Ideal Customer Profile
(27:15) Managing Risk with Startup Clients
(33:52) Growing up in Arkansas
(36:04) Few’s Collaboration with the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts
(40:24) Advice for Beginner Developers
(43:15) What’s Next for Few.io
(46:37) Advice to Younger Self
(49:46) Closing Question
Links
Summary
On this episode of Startup Junkies, hosts Harrison Kitson and Kristopher Adams sit down with Gavin Magee, founder of Fayetteville City Lifestyle, a community-focused digital magazine aiming to connect residents to the people, places, and things that make Fayetteville such a special town. Whether readers are native to Northwest Arkansas or are new to the area, the Fayetteville City Lifestyle is a one-stop-shop for hyper local, expertly created content that inspires and connects communities.
Rather than taking a content-first approach like other publications, the City Lifestyle stands out by positioning people first, ultimately creating a platform that highlights the best of what Fayetteville has to offer by the people who represent it best. City Lifestyle’s mission is to inspire, instruct, and uplift readers through entertaining articles, detailed and searchable listings of local eateries and businesses, and by sharing unique experiences and events in and around their area.
Throughout the episode, Gavin shares his entrepreneurial journey in franchising a national publication, discusses discovering hidden gems to partnering with local businesses, and emphasizes the importance of storytelling and fostering a sense of pride in the city he calls home.
Show Notes
(0:00) Introduction
(0:39) About Gavin Magee and Fayetteville City Lifestyle
(5:46) Gavin’s Backstory
(9:55) Exploring City Lifestyle’s Content
(14:03) Appealing to the People of Fayetteville
(16:59) Identifying Business Partners
(21:29) Obstacles That Gavin Had to Overcome
(25:59) The Future Vision of City Lifestyle
(30:03) Advice to Younger Self
(32:51) Closing Thoughts
Links
Summary
On episode three of Business Buzz, host Daniel Koonce visits the Go Rogue Studio in Bentonville, Arkansas to interview Go Rogue’s Founder and CEO, Bryan Fittin. Daniel and Bryan dive deep into how Bryan monetized his hobby, why he turned down his dream job, and how his video marketing company evolved to find their own lane. Join us as Bryan talks about his favorite podcast, touches on Go Rogue’s workshops and creator events, and describes what separates a good podcast from a great podcast.
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Summary
En este episodio número 8 de Startup Junkies en Español, nos sumergimos en el vibrante mundo de la gastronomía mexicana con nuestro invitado Rodrigo Salas. Rodrigo comparte su fascinante viaje como emprendedor en el negocio de las salsas mexicanas y cómo su mudanza al noroeste de Arkansas marcó un punto de inflexión en su vida, abriendo nuevas oportunidades y desafíos. Además, como director ejecutivo de 'E for all', Rodrigo comparte su pasión por impulsar el crecimiento empresarial y el espíritu emprendedor en comunidades diversas. Únete a nosotros para una conversación inspiradora sobre resiliencia, innovación y el poder de seguir tus sueños, sin importar los obstáculos que puedan surgir.
Show Notes
(00:05) Welcome & Introductions
(00:30) About Rodrigo Salas
(02:18) Focusing on Your Business
(02:53) Mentorship
(03:43) About EforAll
(07:11) EforAll’s Selection Process
(11:05) Entrepreneurial Transition
(13:41) The Advantages of a Non-Profit
(18:50) Major Differences
(21:51) Initial Advice
(27:11) EforAll’s Impact
(32:23) Advice to Younger Self
Links
Entrepreneurship for All (EforAll)
Quotes
“Mi negocio lo empecé hace 8 años, casi 9, y es de salsas mexicanas para poder preparar platillos fáciles para comer o salsas picantes.” - Rodrigo Salas (01:13)
“Nosotros nos sabíamos que esperar de NW Arkansas como siempre la ignorancia pues te da miedo, pero nos ha encantado vivir aquí.” - Rodrigo Salas (01:13)
“Lo más difícil para mí con mi negocio es que todo está en Texas, nuestra distribución, nuestra producción… En lo primero que me enfoque fue asegurarme que lo que teníamos allá lo podíamos seguir haciendo.” - Rodrigo Salas (02:28)
“Algo que me ha ayudado mucho a mi como emprendedor ha sido gente que han sido mis mentores y que me han ayudado en cosas que yo no tenía ni idea de lo que tenía que hacer.”
- Rodrigo Salas (02:53)
“Desde que empecé mi negocio yo empecé a regresar ese favor y hacer mentoría con otras personas.” - Rodrigo Salas (03:09)
“Mi idea fue hacer eso, algo que fuera realmente autentico y que realmente reflejara esos sabores.” - Rodrigo Salas (05:37)
“Por tres años yo produje las salsas en una cocina industrial.” - Rodrigo Salas (06:15)
“Mi proceso era bastante simple, como quería recrear esos sabores de México, los ingredientes tenían que reflejar eso.” - Rodrigo Salas (07:22)
“Yo busque los proveedores de ingredientes… Les pedí certificaciones del origen, de los pesticidas que usaban… Y así fue como escogí los ingredientes.” - Rodrigo Salas (08:30)
“Fue una transición difícil, no te voy a decir que no, por qué yo nunca había trabajado para una non-profit, nunca había hecho este tipo de trabajo, entonces para mí fue algo nuevo.” - Rodrigo Salas (11:17)
“Para mí la principal ventaja de trabajar en una non-profit es que no importa que tan mal sea tu día, no importa que tanto trabajo tienes, la satisfacción del trabajo que estás haciendo y el apoyo que le estas dando a la gente, para mi es lo que me motiva todos los días.” - Rodrigo Salas (13:52)
“Ese sentimiento de que pudiste ayudar a una persona, olvídate de diez, veinte, una que veas que le pudiste tener un impacto, agregarle ese valor para mi es invaluable.” - Rodrigo Salas (14:40)
“Para mí lo más importante es realmente que no se dejen llevar por la pasión... Creo que es importante tener una pasión por lo que estás haciendo y por lo que quieres lograr, pero al mismo tiempo detenerte, pensar y ver si hay una verdadera oportunidad en ese mercado.”
- Rodrigo Salas (22:01)
“Llegamos obligados y nos quedamos por gusto.” - Rodrigo Salas (24:45)
“Si no te gusta, salte rápido y prueba otra cosa.” - Rodrigo Salas (35:40)