Arkansas Talent

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This episode takes listeners inside the world of a seasoned CFO who has spent her career turning complex numbers into clear strategy, overseeing budgeting, financial reporting, and key decisions that support AFMC’s mission to improve health care quality and reduce costs across Arkansas. 

In this conversation, Phyllis shares how a love of “counting beans” (and occasionally chocolate ones) became a calling to lead finance teams, manage risk, and guide organizations through growth and change, drawing on decades of experience in health care and insurance, including 17 years as CFO at Delta Dental of Arkansas. 

Listeners will also learn about Phyllis Rogers’ deep commitment to the community as well as her leadership in finance. Beyond her work as CFO at AFMC, Phyllis serves as a board member and treasurer for the Ronald McDonald House of Arkansas and Northern Louisiana, where she is currently the chair of this year’s Chocolate Ball, the organization’s signature fundraising event. Through her passion for service and social impact, she demonstrates how financial leadership and community engagement can go hand-in-hand, offering inspiration not just to finance professionals but to anyone looking to create positive change

For more information, staffing, or career advice, get in touch with Chris Chunn and Stephanie Shine via Linkedin. 

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In this episode, hosts Stephanie and Chris welcome Ben Barr, Founder and Managing Partner of SG Performance Group, to discuss how strategic finance leadership can transform businesses of all sizes. With over 16 years of experience in finance—including guiding capital firms through more than $3 billion in equity and debt financing and $4 billion in M&A and IPO activity—Ben has built a reputation for helping small and mid-sized companies access the high-level CFO expertise typically reserved for larger organizations.

You'll get an inside look at Ben’s journey from his roots in Arkansas to founding SG Performance Group, where he provides interim and fractional CFO services, supports M&A and capital raises, and helps companies build stronger financial processes. Ben shares how he acts as a force multiplier for his clients, stepping in during pivotal moments like capital raises, bank negotiations, and major transactions. He explains his approach to performance improvement, from disciplined cost management to driving revenue growth by supporting sales teams, rethinking pricing, and optimizing customer profitability.

The conversation also explores Ben’s innovative use of offshore resources combined with U.S. strategy, leveraging international teams and AI to deliver both cost savings and higher-quality outcomes—while emphasizing the importance of upskilling U.S. finance professionals for the future. Ben addresses concerns about job displacement, arguing that technology and global teams can actually create better roles and processes for Arkansas talent.

Throughout the episode, Ben highlights the advantages of running a consulting business from Little Rock, including lifestyle benefits, access to talent, and the ability to serve clients nationwide. He closes with insights on work-life balance, favorite books and podcasts, and practical advice for anyone considering a career in strategic finance or consulting.

Whether you’re a business leader, finance professional, or aspiring entrepreneur, this episode offers actionable insights on how finance, strategy, and innovation intersect to drive business success—all from the perspective of a homegrown Arkansas expert.

For more information, staffing, or career advice, get in touch with Chris Chunn and Stephanie Shine via Linkedin. 

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Join us as we welcome Amy Porter, Corporate Controller at Vestcom, to the Arkansas Talent Podcast! Amy brings over 25 years of accounting and finance experience across several major Arkansas companies, including Alltel, Windstream, Inuvo, and now Vestcom. In this episode, Amy shares her journey in building and leading high-performing teams, especially through periods of organizational change and restructuring.

In this show, you'll learn more about: 

• Amy’s leadership philosophy and her approach to team building during transitions.
• How she fosters a strong company culture, integrates new team members, and the critical role flexibility plays in attracting and retaining top talent.
• Vestcom’s hybrid work model and the benefits that make it a great place to work, from flexible work arrangements to robust employee perks.
• Practical advice for finance leaders navigating change, and tips for aspiring accountants aiming for leadership roles.

Connect with Amy:(6) Amy Porter | LinkedIn

Learn More about Vestcom: Home - Vestcom

For more information, staffing, or career advice, get in touch with Chris Chunn and Stephanie Shine via Linkedin. 

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In this episode of the Arkansas Talent Podcast, hosts Stephanie and Chris sit down with Ryan Holder, Managing Director of Strategic M&A Advisors, LLC. Ryan is not only a respected expert in mergers and acquisitions but also a long-time friend and mentor to the hosts, having shared a similar career journey from recruitment at a Fortune 500 company to entrepreneurship. The conversation dives deep into Ryan’s background, the evolution of his business, and, most importantly, the critical role that teams and personnel play in company valuation and successful M&A transactions.

Ryan Holder brings over two decades of experience in sell-side M&A advisory, business valuation, and capital formation. With a Bachelor’s in Finance and a Master of Accountancy from the University of Mississippi, as well as a CPA designation, Ryan has built a reputation for guiding business owners through complex transactions. His firm, Strategic M&A Advisors, specializes in helping companies maximize their value and navigate the intricacies of mergers and acquisitions.

This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, business owners, and anyone interested in the behind-the-scenes factors that drive company value. Ryan’s practical advice and real-world experience offer valuable guidance for building a business that stands the test of time—and attracts the right kind of attention when it’s time to make a move.

Connect with Ryan: (1) Ryan Holder, CPA | LinkedIn

More about Strategic M&A Advisors: https://strategicmaadvisors.com

For more information, staffing, or career advice, get in touch with Chris Chunn and Stephanie Shine via Linkedin. 

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Join Stephanie and Chris, Co-Founders/Owners of Arkansas Talent Group and the Arkansas Talent Podcast as they celebrate their one-year anniversary! The two founded Arkansas Talent Group on February 14, 2024, and take you on their journey as entrepreneurs in Arkansas. They talk about their favorite memories, successes, lessons learned, and their future growth plans, as well as advice for other recruiters, business owners, and aspiring entrepreneurs. They will also take this opportunity to thank their partners, friends, candidates, and clients for their support and collaboration over the past year in fulfilling their mission of "connecting top talent with exceptional companies in Arkansas." 

For more information, staffing, or career advice, get in touch with Chris Chunn and Stephanie Shine via Linkedin. 

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Join us for an insightful conversation with Scott Street, a seasoned healthcare executive with over 30+ years of leadership experience. Scott shares his journey from college quarterback to healthcare visionary, discussing his role as CEO of Pediatrics Plus and the company's innovative approaches to addressing the rising needs in pediatric care. Don't miss this inspiring conversation about recruitment, retention, and continuous learning in healthcare.

Scott is a graduate of the University of Missouri, earning a master’s degree in healthcare administration. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Ouachita Baptist University, where he was an All-Conference quarterback. Scott joined Pediatrics Plus in 2022 as CEO. As a visionary and collaborative healthcare executive, Scott has a passion for enhancing organizational culture and developing leaders. He has served on and chaired several chamber and economic development boards over the years. He recently served on the Arkansas Governor’s COVID-19 Task Force. Currently, he serves as chairman of the Board for Ouachita Baptist University and serves on the OBU Hickingbotham School of Business Advisory Board. He is on the Board of Directors for Sharp Bancshares, and on the Board of Directors for the Bank of Cave City. 

For more information, staffing, or career advice, get in touch with Chris Chunn and Stephanie Shine via Linkedin. 

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Are you an employee bound by a non-compete agreement, or an employer enforcing one? Chris and Stephanie have navigated strict non-compete clause in the past, and they aim to shed light on current legislation and what the future may hold for both parties. With recent developments, including the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) attempt to ban most non-compete clauses, understanding the key elements of these agreements is more important than ever. Aaron Heffington, shareholder and director with Gill Ragon Owen, P.A lays the groundwork for non-competes, discusses their essential components, and provides insights into the evolving legal landscape. He also shares his thoughts on potential outcomes and suggests the best solutions for both employers and employees as they navigate these complex agreements.

Aaron received his undergraduate degree in Finance and Information Systems Management from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville in 2010. Mr. Heffington graduated cum laude from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock Bowen School of Law and joined the Arkansas bar in 2013. From contract and real estate litigation to corporate planning, Mr. Heffington’s legal practice focuses on his clients’ business needs, whether in the boardroom or the courtroom. Mr. Heffington routinely handles everything from contract disputes, enforcement of landlord’s rights, construction issues, and disagreements between business owners. Aaron's litigation and structured settlement transfer practices have afforded him the opportunity to appear in the court of nearly every county in Arkansas.

Connect with Aaron-(5) Aaron M. Heffington | LinkedIn
Connect with the Firm-Home - Gill Ragon Owen, P.A.

For more information, staffing, or career advice, get in touch with Chris Chunn and Stephanie Shine via Linkedin. 

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Join us as we talk with Beverly Roberson, Serving as the Principal Accounting Officer and Controller for Garver, an Arkansas-headquartered engineering firm.  Beverly Roberson’s expertise in financial acumen has served the company for over two decades. Her leadership and dedication have catapulted her through the ranks of the firm, and ultimately, led to her being named a partner within the firm.

Over the course of her career, Beverly has demonstrated admirable devotion to empowering the next generation through both professional initiatives and community service. She’s championed multiple programs within Garver – and beyond – that uplift young professionals, including the firm’s internship program and its networking program. Through the Garver Partners program, she provides financial guidance to serve DBE engineering firm partners. Additionally, she is a proud member of both the Arkansas chapter of Women’s Transportation Seminar and the Accounting and Financial Women’s Alliance.

Beverly joins Stephanie and Chris to discuss her remarkable 20+ year tenure at Garver, exploring the key factors behind their success, which is largely attributed to their people. The company has expanded from 150 employees to over 1,400, largely crediting their growth to a strong focus on their workforce and significant investments in employee development. The conversation delves into the exceptional benefits, programs, perks, and culture that Garver has cultivated to foster this success.

Learn more about Garver: www.garverusa.com
Connect with Beverly: Beverly Roberson | LinkedIn

For more information, staffing, or career advice, get in touch with Chris Chunn and Stephanie Shine via Linkedin. 

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Join us for an insightful exploration of the evolving landscape of public accounting with Jason Thomas, Tax Partner at Frost PLLC. In this episode, Jason takes us on a journey through the transformation of the industry, contrasting the traditional practices with the dynamic realities of today's accounting world. Jason sheds light on the numerous benefits of pursuing a career in public accounting, highlighting the opportunities for professional growth and development. He also provides a unique perspective on what sets Frost PLLC apart in the competitive field, discussing the firm's key differentiators that make it an attractive destination for aspiring and seasoned accountants alike. Whether you're a student considering your career options, a professional looking to make a change, or simply interested in the current state of the accounting industry, this episode offers valuable insights into the exciting world of public accounting. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the field's evolution and discover why a career in public might be a great career path.

Jason began his career in Memphis with Arthur Andersen (Andersen) in its Family Wealth Planning Team. At Andersen, he worked with high-net-worth individuals, family offices and closely held businesses and their advisors. Following Andersen, Jason joined the Rose Law Firm focusing on tax and securities law. Next, he transitioned to Morgan Keegan & Co. as an investment banker. In June 2008, Jason joined Frost, PLLC (Frost) and is currently a Partner. Founded in 1974, Frost is a leading independent accounting firm serving clients throughout the United States with offices in Little Rock (AR), Fayetteville (AR), Raleigh (NC), Scottsdale (AZ), Yuma (AZ) and Naples (FL). He is a Certified Public Accountant in Arkansas (active) and admitted to the Bar in Arkansas (active) and Tennessee (inactive).

Learn more about Frost PLLC: Home | Frost PLLC

For more information, staffing, or career advice, get in touch with Chris Chunn and Stephanie Shine via Linkedin. 

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Join us for an insightful exploration of the "Right Person, Right Seat" concept within the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS). In this episode, we sit down with Jennifer Bridges and Paige Hadidon from OrthoArkansas and dive into their transformative journey implementing EOS. Our guests share their firsthand experiences, focusing on the crucial "Right Person, Right Seat" component of EOS. Jennifer and Paige reveal how this strategic approach to talent management and organizational structure has revolutionized OrthoArkansas, leading to remarkable improvements across the board.

Jennifer joined OrthoArkansas in 2020, bringing with her more than 15 years of accounting, finance, and leadership experience. Her background includes experience in private equity, nonprofits, and Fortune 500 companies. She is a licensed CPA in Arkansas. She earned her MBA from the University of Arkansas and her undergraduate accounting degree from Arkansas Tech University.  Jennifer has recently been recognized as the 2022 Arkansas Business Large Private Company CFO of the Year and 2023 AMP Reader's Choice C-Suite Exec of the Year. 

Paige has been with Ortho for over 4 years and is currently the HR Director at OrthoArkansas. She has held many roles in the organization and has been a driver of EOS for the organization and brought this operating system to the executive leadership. Prior to her time with Ortho, she was an HR generalist at Performance Food Group for almost 5 years. Paige also holds an APHR. 

Connect with OrthoArkansas: OrthoArkansas
Connect with Paige: (16) Paige Hadidon, aPHR | LinkedIn

For more information, staffing, or career advice, get in touch with Chris Chunn and Stephanie Shine via Linkedin.