What does it look like to run a financial firm built on trust, resilience, and generational vision?
In this episode of NWA Founders, we sit down with Brock Gearhart, CEO of Greenwood Gearhart, to explore how he transformed a respected Fayetteville-based firm into a 1.7 billion dollar wealth management leader with deep ties to the community and a clear strategy for the future. From his early days on Wall Street to returning home at the height of the 2008 financial crisis, Brock shares how he navigated economic turmoil, led through generational transition, and kept clients first through it all. If you care about legacy, strategic growth, and building businesses that last, this conversation is a masterclass in leadership through long-term thinking.

Summary

Greenwood Gearhart was founded by pioneer Mary Ann Greenwood, who built a fiduciary firm well ahead of its time. Brock stepped in with a plan to honor her values while expanding the firm's offerings. From adding estate planning and financial concierge services to developing one of the region's only independent family office models, Brock walks us through how the business scaled with integrity.

As Greenwood Gearhart enters its “3.0” phase, Brock emphasizes a renewed focus on client outcomes, culture, and innovation. With an intentional hiring strategy centered on people-first values (not just financial acumen) his team has helped drive smart growth without sacrificing quality. The firm now manages over $1.7B while delivering deeper service through comprehensive financial planning and investment management.

Brock also shares the story behind Natural Capital, a private investment firm he co-founded with Marshall Saviers, Todd Simmons, and Brad Henry. With a focus on real estate and operating businesses in Northwest Arkansas, Natural Capital has raised over $150M to date, mostly from Arkansans. The goal? Keep the state’s best deals in-state, create shared upside, and give Arkansas investors access to institutional-grade opportunities.

Highlights

00:15 – How Greenwood Gearhart stands out in a crowded industry

15:00 – Lessons from Wall Street and the 2008 crisis

30:00 – Transitioning the firm from Mary Ann Greenwood (founder)

45:00 – Scaling from $150M to $1.7B

60:00 – Building Natural Capital to keep opportunity in Arkansas

75:00 – Brock’s leadership philosophy

90:00 – The next era of Greenwood Gearhart

Takeaways

1. Trust and clarity outperform short-term performance - Brock’s firm focuses on long-term client outcomes—helping people live more fulfilled lives, not just outperform benchmarks.
2. Growth should make the product better, not worse - Greenwood Gearhart’s services have improved as the firm scaled—proving that growth and excellence can go hand in hand.
3. Put down roots to grow real value - Natural Capital is a case study in how to invest where you live, keep capital local, and serve your community while earning strong returns.

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NWA Founders is a voice for Founders, Owners, and Builders driving growth in Northwest Arkansas, and is hosted by Cameron Clark and Nick Beyer.