"Black Paper Party doesn't exist if it's not for the authentic representation of the Black diaspora and our products."

– Jasmine Hudson

What does it really take to build a business rooted in culture, stay true to your mission, and scale to 20,000 points of distribution—all from Northwest Arkansas? Jasmine Hudson, co-founder of Black Paper Party, is living proof that it's possible.

In this episode of I Am Northwest Arkansas®, host Randy Wilburn welcomes Jasmine back for a candid and wide-ranging conversation about entrepreneurship, representation, and what growth really looks like when you refuse to compromise your values. From packing orders in her garage during the early days to landing shelf space with major retailers, Jasmine pulls back the curtain on the journey—including what really happened after the Shark Tank cameras stopped rolling.

Jasmine also shares how Black Paper Party is using AI and technology to operate smarter, what it means to be selected for the prestigious Endeavor Heartland Scale Up Accelerator, and why staying connected to the mission of celebrating Black joy and culture has been their greatest competitive advantage.

Whether you're a founder grinding through the early stages, an entrepreneur looking to scale without losing your soul, or someone who simply believes that representation matters—this episode is for you. Pull up a chair and get ready to be inspired.

Key Takeaways:

• Authenticity Matters: Staying true to your mission and serving your community is at the heart of lasting growth and brand loyalty.
• Growth Is a Journey: Black Paper Party went from the garage to major retailers by focusing on both process and relationships.
• Technology as a Tool: Leveraging AI can help small teams do more, from managing e-commerce to automating business tasks—but it should never replace original thinking.
• Retail Wisdom: Walmart can be a powerful incubator for brands, especially for those who understand their customer and the importance of scalability.
• Community and Networking: Programs like Endeavor Heartland Scale Up provide important mentorship and support, but you have to put in the work to benefit.
• Resilience in Business: Setbacks, like shipping disasters or lost deals, are part of the journey—true grit keeps you moving forward.

All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas® podcast.

• Website: Black Paper Party
• Black Paper Party on Instagram
• Black Paper Party on Facebook
• Black Paper Party on LinkedIn
• Endeavor Heartland Scale Up Accelerator: endeavor.org (Check show notes for direct links.)
• Canem Arkan Endeavor Heartland Email
• Shawn Morris Endeavor Heartland Email
• Jasmine Hudson on LinkedIn
• FindItNWA.com NWA’s Hyperlocal Business Directory

Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"

*Note: some of the resources mentioned may be affiliate links. This means we get paid a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase.

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Thank you for listening to this I am Northwest Arkansas podcast episode. We showcase businesses, culture, entrepreneurship, and life in the Ozarks.

Consider donating to our production team to keep this podcast running smoothly. Donate to I Am Northwest Arkansas

Mentioned in this episode:

FindItNWA.com

Looking to discover the best local businesses in Northwest Arkansas? 🌟 From cozy cafes to essential services, FindItNWA.com has got you covered. Connect with your local community with just one click and explore something great. Visit finditnwa.com today! #LocalBusiness #CommunitySupport"

FindItNWA.com

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"There's something here for everybody in Northwest Arkansas, and it's the kind of place that, you know, you really can make your dreams come true in a space like this. It's not gonna be easy, but because, you know, people are really open to building relationships and really connecting with you, I mean, I can't think of more fertile territory for you to start something."

— Randy Wilburn

On this episode of I Am Northwest Arkansas®, recorded in partnership with the Startup Junkies Podcast, Daniel Koontz and Ty Steele welcome Randy Wilburn, founder and host of I Am Northwest Arkansas®, to share his journey from Boston to Fayetteville and the power of community, storytelling, and entrepreneurship in the region. Randy talks about building the podcast he wished existed when he moved here, the growth and unique character of Northwest Arkansas, and how relationships are the secret ingredient for business success.

Randy shares why he believes the region is fertile ground for founders, thanks to its welcoming ecosystem, mentorship opportunities, and teams willing to support even newcomers. Whether you’re inspired by the stories of Walmart, Tyson, and J.B. Hunt or you want tips for discovering your "why" and connecting with your audience, this episode gives you the tools to dream big—and start small.

• Relationships Matter: Success in Northwest Arkansas starts with building authentic connections. Taking time to network and ask for help—from mentors or other founders—can open the right doors 08:32.
• It’s a Fertile Land for Founders: The region’s collaborative spirit, from the legacy of local giants like Walmart and Tyson to today’s startups, makes Northwest Arkansas a unique place to launch and grow a business 10:16.
• Embrace Change and Be Ready to Pivot: The market speaks loudly. Randy shares the lesson that knowing when to change course is critical for lasting success 13:32.
• Storytelling is Timeless: Every founder needs to be able to clearly articulate their story and their why. Start with knowing who you are and what makes your business stand out 18:44.
• Incremental Growth Wins: Focus on getting just 1% better every day, and over time you’ll see huge results, both for yourself and your business 25:33.
• Take Advantage of Local Resources: From free tech tools to the Fayetteville Public Library and organizations like Startup Junkie, Northwest Arkansas has what founders need to test ideas and get started without huge upfront costs 37:40.
• Listen to the Market: Seeking honest feedback—beyond friends and family—is the fastest way to know if your idea has potential. Don’t ignore what real customers want 14:32.

All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas® podcast.

• I Am Northwest Arkansas® Podcast Website
• Fayetteville Public Library
• Startup Junkie
• Onyx Coffee
• Zweig Group
• Sam Walton’s Autobiography
• Atomic Habits by James Clear
• Northwest Arkansas Council
• JB Hunt
• Tyson Foods

This episode is sponsored by:

FindItNWA.com - Find It Fast. Find It Local.

Signature Bank of Arkansas

ONBoardNWA.com HyperLocal Jobs in NWA

FindItNWA.com - Find It Fast. Find It Local.

Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"

Try ONBoardNWA.com Today!

*Note: some of the resources mentioned may be affiliate links. This means we get paid a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase.

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• Connect With Us on Threads
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• Connect With Our LinkedIn Page
• Join The Facebook Group 
• Connect with our Fearless Host, Randy Wilburn on LinkedIn

Thank you for listening to this I am Northwest Arkansas podcast episode. We showcase businesses, culture, entrepreneurship, and life in the Ozarks.

Consider donating to our production team to keep this podcast running smoothly. Donate to I Am Northwest Arkansas

Mentioned in this episode:

FindItNWA.com

Looking to discover the best local businesses in Northwest Arkansas? 🌟 From cozy cafes to essential services, FindItNWA.com has got you covered. Connect with your local community with just one click and explore something great. Visit finditnwa.com today! #LocalBusiness #CommunitySupport"

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"My sense of identity as an American never was as pronounced as it was when I was overseas."

– Jamie Atkinson

Some people find Northwest Arkansas. Jamie Atkinson chose it after seeing most of the world first.

Before planting roots in the region, Jamie Atkinson spent years as a U.S. Foreign Service officer, living and working across more than 55 countries—Argentina, Nicaragua, Bulgaria, Bolivia, the Czech Republic, and beyond. Along the way, he discovered that Delta blues music wasn't just something he loved — it was a universal language that opened doors, built trust, and connected him to people across cultures and continents. Now back in the U.S. and deeply invested in Northwest Arkansas, Jamie joins me on the podcast to talk about what it means to carry your roots with you around the world, why this corner of the Ozarks convinced his family to stay, and how a lifetime of service is shaping what comes next.

Key Takeaways:

• Music is a Bridge: Delta blues connected people in Argentina, Bolivia, and the American South—showing that music can bring cultures together.
• Importance of Perspective: Living overseas gave Jamie Atkinson a deeper appreciation for being American and for appreciating other cultures.
• Building Community: Investing in Northwest Arkansas is about more than property—it’s about relationships, teamwork, and belonging.
• Local Roots with Global Experience: Jamie Atkinson’s experience in the Foreign Service taught him to listen, compromise, and find common ground—skills he brings to community leadership.
• Giving Back: Returning home, Jamie Atkinson seeks to serve his adopted community through both local business and public service.

All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas® podcast

• Website: Jamie for Arkansas
• Reach Jamie Atkinson on social: Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn
• Music Education Initiative (Orson Weems)
• Fayetteville Public Library
• Pryor Center Juke Joint
• FindItNWA.com NWA’s Hyperlocal Business Directory

This episode is sponsored by*

Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"

*Note: some of the resources mentioned may be affiliate links. This means we get paid a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase.

• Grab our Newsletter 
• Email Us at [email protected]
• Connect With Our Facebook Page 
• Connect With Us on Threads
• Connect With Our Instagram 
• Connect With Our LinkedIn Page
• Join The Facebook Group 
• Connect with our Fearless Host, Randy Wilburn on LinkedIn

Thank you for listening to this I am Northwest Arkansas podcast episode. We showcase businesses, culture, entrepreneurship, and life in the Ozarks.

Consider donating to our production team to keep this podcast running smoothly. Donate to I Am Northwest Arkansas

Mentioned in this episode:

Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"

FindItNWA.com

Looking to discover the best local businesses in Northwest Arkansas? 🌟 From cozy cafes to essential services, FindItNWA.com has got you covered. Connect with your local community with just one click and explore something great. Visit finditnwa.com today! #LocalBusiness #CommunitySupport"

FindItNWA.com

"I've never pivoted so much. Not even when I play post on pickup basketball do I pivot this much and this hard."

– Blanca Maldonado

Blanca Maldonado and Danielle Reynolds are back. If you caught their first appearance on I Am Northwest Arkansas® back in 2022, you already know these two are something special. A lot has changed since then — and in the best possible way.

In this episode, host Randy Wilburn sits down with the duo behind Sugar Apple Co. for a real, unfiltered conversation about what it actually takes to grow a small food business in Northwest Arkansas. We're talking Rice Krispie Treats — handmade, delicious, and now the centerpiece of a brand that's been tested, pivoted, and built with intention. Blanca and Danielle open up about customer feedback that changed their direction, creative marketing on a budget, the honest truth about shipping experiments, and what resilience really looks like when you're building something from scratch.

From pop-up events to a direct-to-consumer website, Sugar Apple Co. is proof that staying nimble and knowing your customer can take you further than any business plan.

If you love entrepreneurship, food, and stories of people betting on themselves — this one's for you. Pull up your favorite podcast app and give this episode a listen today.

Key Takeaways:

• Pivot Often and Stay Open: Blanca Maldonado and Danielle Reynolds show how adapting to customer needs and market feedback led to Rice Krispie treats becoming their signature and most successful product.
• Community Matters: Support from local mentors, colleagues, and places like Hill City Popcorn, Pearl’s Books, local commercial kitchens, and the Fayetteville Public Library made a big difference in their journey.
• Know Your Strengths: The Sugar Apple Co partnership works because each person stays in their own lane—Danielle focuses on food science and numbers, and Blanca takes on marketing and outreach.
• Test and Learn: Market research doesn’t have to cost thousands. The team used social media and QR codes to get quick, valuable data straight from real customers.
• Dream Big, Start Small: Sugar Apple Co is aiming for national distribution, but they’re building a solid foundation with direct-to-consumer sales, niche markets like runners and bikers, and steady local support first.
• Insider Tips: Hear shipping hacks, why quality and shelf-stable products are important for scaling, and how even a failed business attempt can spark a future win.

All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas® podcast.

• Sugar Apple Treats – Shop online (Use code IAMNWA for a special discount!)
• Sugar Apple Treats on Instagram
• Sugar Apple Treats on LinkedIn
• Pearl’s Books – Fayetteville, AR bookstore
• Fossil Cove Brewing Co – Fayetteville, AR
• Two Friends Bookstore – Bentonville, AR
• Hill City Popcorn – Fayetteville, AR
• The Momentary – Bentonville, AR
• Spring Kitchen – Commercial kitchen in Springdale, AR
• Fayetteville Public Library – Studio and kitchen resources
• FindItNWA.com NWA’s Hyperlocal Business Directory

Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"

*Note: some of the resources mentioned may be affiliate links. This means we get paid a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase.

• Grab our Newsletter 
• Email Us at [email protected]
• Connect With Our Facebook Page 
• Connect With Us on Threads
• Connect With Our Instagram 
• Connect With Our LinkedIn Page
• Join The Facebook Group 
• Connect with our Fearless Host, Randy Wilburn on LinkedIn

Thank you for listening to this I am Northwest Arkansas podcast episode. We showcase businesses, culture, entrepreneurship, and life in the Ozarks.

Consider donating to our production team to keep this podcast running smoothly. Donate to I Am Northwest Arkansas

Mentioned in this episode:

Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"

FindItNWA.com

Looking to discover the best local businesses in Northwest Arkansas? 🌟 From cozy cafes to essential services, FindItNWA.com has got you covered. Connect with your local community with just one click and explore something great. Visit finditnwa.com today! #LocalBusiness #CommunitySupport"

FindItNWA.com

After seven years of weekly episodes since April 2019, I’m intentionally changing how I Am Northwest Arkansas appears in your feed. Starting now, new episodes will drop every two weeks, with bonus episodes along the way. Same mission, same stories, same commitment to this community. Just a little more room to do it right.

This shift comes at a full season of life—I'm in my first year as director of communications and marketing at Fayetteville Public Library, growing my consulting work, and exploring some new ways to bring great content to you through this podcast and possibly some new formats down the road.

We also hit a milestone worth celebrating: 100,000 downloads over the past three years, with nearly a quarter million total since the very beginning. None of these achievements are possible without you — the listeners who have been showing up, sharing episodes, and sending great story recommendations since day one. Thank you.

Do you have a story worth telling? We want to hear it. Visit iamnorthwestarkansas.com and fill out the guest recommendation form. Some of our best episodes have started exactly that way.

Visit iamnorthwestarkansas.com

Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"

*Note: some of the resources mentioned may be affiliate links. This means we get paid a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase.

• Grab our Newsletter 
• Email Us at [email protected]
• Connect With Our Facebook Page 
• Connect With Us on Threads
• Connect With Our Instagram 
• Connect With Our LinkedIn Page
• Join The Facebook Group 
• Connect with our Fearless Host, Randy Wilburn on LinkedIn

Thank you for listening to this I am Northwest Arkansas podcast episode. We showcase businesses, culture, entrepreneurship, and life in the Ozarks.

Consider donating to our production team to keep this podcast running smoothly. Donate to I Am Northwest Arkansas

Mentioned in this episode:

Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"

FindItNWA.com

Looking to discover the best local businesses in Northwest Arkansas? 🌟 From cozy cafes to essential services, FindItNWA.com has got you covered. Connect with your local community with just one click and explore something great. Visit finditnwa.com today! #LocalBusiness #CommunitySupport"

FindItNWA.com

"It's not a lack of food problem. You know, our country has an abundance of food. It's getting that food to the people that need it."

       – Chef Sam Walker

Hunger doesn't take a day off.

For millions of children across the United States—and right here in Arkansas—food insecurity is a daily reality that shapes everything from how well a child sleeps to how clearly they think in school to how much hope they carry into their future.

On this episode of I Am Northwest Arkansas®, host Randy Wilburn sits down with Chef Sam Walker, the chef and owner of Gaskins on Emma in downtown Springdale, to talk about one of the most urgent and quietly persistent challenges facing our communities: making sure every child has enough to eat.

Sam's journey from growing up in Little Rock to building a restaurant rooted in hospitality and belonging has given him a front-row seat to both the power of food and the pain of its absence—and he's decided to do something about it.

Chef Sam Walker is the kind of cook who understands that food is never just food.

It is connection, dignity, memory, and care—all served on a single plate.

In this conversation, Sam opens up about how his love for the culinary craft has always been inseparable from his love for people and why that philosophy has drawn him into the fight against childhood hunger in a deep and personal way.

From the growing culinary renaissance reshaping Springdale and Northwest Arkansas into a legitimate food destination to the national movement rallying chefs, communities, and everyday people around the No Kid Hungry campaign, this episode is a reminder that the most powerful thing a community can do is feed its children—and that the people leading that charge are often the ones standing behind the stove.

Key Takeaways:

• Community Through Food: Bringing people together around the table builds lasting connections and support for those in need.
• Tackling Food Insecurity: Northwest Arkansas faces real challenges, but people in the region are stepping up to help.
• Chef's Night for No Kid Hungry: The event features 20 chefs, aiming to raise $50,000 to ensure kids don’t go hungry.
• Springdale’s Culinary Boom: Springdale is now recognized as a hub for outstanding food, thanks to chefs and entrepreneurs committed to growth.
• Multiple Ways to Help: Whether you buy a ticket, sponsor, or donate, you can be a part of this movement to end child hunger.

All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas® podcast.

• Chef’s Night for No Kid Hungry – April 26 at the Jones Center, Springdale
• Chef Cycle No Kid Hungry: Learn more, donate, or sponsor rides and events Chef Cycle 2026
• Chef Sam Walker on Instagram
• Chef Sam Walker on LinkedIn
• Gaskins on Emma (Springdale’s food corridor anchor)
• Hive at Bentonville – Raised $80,000+ for No Kid Hungry
• Mentioned chefs from out of town: Ted Cizma (California), Vinnie Cimino (Ohio), Joe Flamm (Chicago), Rebecca Masson (Texas), Lambert Givens (Boston)
• Sponsor, donate, or attend via links in the show notes or by emailing [email protected] for direct info and connections

FindItNWA.com 

Try ONBoardNWA.com Today!

*Note: some of the resources mentioned may be affiliate links. This means we get paid a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase.

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• Email Us at [email protected]
• Connect With Our Facebook Page 
• Connect With Us on Threads
• Connect With Our Instagram 
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• Join The Facebook Group 
• Connect with our Fearless Host, Randy Wilburn on LinkedIn

Thank you for listening to this I am Northwest Arkansas podcast episode. We showcase businesses, culture, entrepreneurship, and life in the Ozarks. 

Consider donating to our production team to keep this podcast running smoothly. Donate to I Am Northwest Arkansas

Mentioned in this episode:

FindItNWA.com

🎧 This episode is brought to you by FindItNWA.com – the hyper-local business directory made for Northwest Arkansas. From local eats to trusted pros, it’s the go-to spot for discovering what’s great nearby.

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"Financial wellness transforms communities."

– Alfred Milan, CEO Express Wages

In this episode of I Am Northwest Arkansas®, host Randy Wilburn sits down with Alfred Milan, founder and CEO of Express Wages—a connection made at a recent StartUP NWA VC event—to explore how giving employees faster access to their paychecks can transform small businesses across the region.

Alfred shares his journey from leading a Memphis healthcare company to launching Express Wages—inspired by workers who simply couldn't wait two weeks to access money they'd already earned. You'll hear how Earned Wage Access (EWA) strengthens hiring and retention, why financial literacy is a game-changer, and how small businesses can compete with big corporations for talent—without spending a dime extra.

Whether you own a local business, care about your team's well-being, or just want practical solutions for paycheck-to-paycheck challenges, this episode delivers insights and tools you can put to work right away.

Key Takeaways:

• Earned Wage Access (EWA): Employees can access a portion of their pay as they earn it—no more waiting two weeks for a paycheck. This helps 79% of Americans who live paycheck to paycheck.
• Leveling the Playing Field: Small businesses can compete for talent by providing speedy wage access and financial wellness tools, just like big companies.
• Employee Retention and Morale: On-demand pay and useful financial education build loyalty, reduce turnover costs, and support personal emergencies for workers.
• No Cost to Employers: Express Wages gives businesses value with no invoices or hidden fees. Employees only pay a small fee if they use the service, and there’s even a free option.
• Extra Benefits: Express Wages partners with organizations offering budgeting tools, credit repair, legal support, and identity theft protection—empowering employees for the long term.
• Fast, Easy Setup: Most companies can launch Express Wages in just 5–7 minutes, connecting easily with payroll providers like ADP, Paylocity, Paychex, or QuickBooks Cloud.

All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas® podcast.

• Express Wages – Request Your Free Demo
• LinkedIn: Alfred Milan
• Call or text Alfred Milan: 901-489-3915
• Partners mentioned: Monarch Money, LegalShield, Allstate
• Organizations referenced: Northwest Arkansas Council, Walmart, City of Memphis

Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"

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Try ONBoardNWA.com Today!

*Note: some of the resources mentioned may be affiliate links. This means we get paid a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase.

• Grab our Newsletter 
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• Connect With Us on Threads
• Connect With Our Instagram 
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• Join The Facebook Group 
• Connect with our Fearless Host, Randy Wilburn on LinkedIn

Thank you for listening to this I am Northwest Arkansas podcast episode. We showcase businesses, culture, entrepreneurship, and life in the Ozarks.

Consider donating to our production team to keep this podcast running smoothly. Donate to I Am Northwest Arkansas

"As soon as we started setting foot in Northwest Arkansas, we had a hand reach out and say, 'What do you guys need?' How can we help? How can we make this event bigger?"

– Pedro Garza, Club America

What happens when one of the world's most storied soccer clubs chooses Fayetteville, Arkansas, as its next big stage?

That's the conversation at the heart of this episode. I sat down with Pedro Garza, International Development Director for Club América, and Jose Romero, Sports Sales Manager with Experience Fayetteville, to talk about how our SEC college town landed its first international doubleheader—and why it matters well beyond game day.

The Golden Clash at Razorback Stadium isn't just a sporting event. It's a signal. Soccer is taking root here at every level, global brands are paying attention, and this is shaping up to be a once-in-a-generation sports experience for Northwest Arkansas.

Whether you love the beautiful game or you're simply proud of what this region is becoming—this one's for you.

Key Takeaways:

1. World-Class Soccer Comes to Fayetteville: The Golden Clash doubleheader brings both men’s and women’s teams from the legendary Club América to Northwest Arkansas, making sports history in the state.
2. Big City Events in the Ozarks: Fayetteville’s top-notch stadiums, vibrant sport culture, and welcoming atmosphere make it the perfect spot for events of this size.
3. Deep Local Soccer Roots: Regional youth teams, college programs, and partnerships with groups like Ozark United and Comets FC show how soccer is growing fast in Northwest Arkansas.
4. Economic and Community Boost: Events like this bring visitors, fill hotels and restaurants, and create new opportunities for local businesses and families.
5. Building for the Future: The episode celebrates how these matches inspire future generations and foster a love for soccer that will continue to grow throughout the region.

All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas® podcast.

1. Experience Fayetteville: experiencefayetteville.com
2. Find event info, buy tickets, and see what’s happening around town.
3. Club América: Follow on your favorite social platform: @ClubAmerica
4. Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium: Host site for the Golden Clash.
5. Comets FC, Ozark United, Parks and Recreation (Bentonville): Partners in local soccer clinics and youth activities.
6. Events Calendar: Check Experience Fayetteville’s online calendar for hundreds of events every month.
7. FindItNWA.com NWA’s Hyperlocal Business Directory

Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"

Try ONBoardNWA.com Today!

*Note: some of the resources mentioned may be affiliate links. This means we get paid a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase.

• Grab our Newsletter 
• Email Us at [email protected]
• Connect With Our Facebook Page 
• Connect With Us on Threads
• Connect With Our Instagram 
• Connect With Our LinkedIn Page
• Join The Facebook Group 
• Connect with our Fearless Host, Randy Wilburn on LinkedIn

Thank you for listening to this I am Northwest Arkansas podcast episode. We showcase businesses, culture, entrepreneurship, and life in the Ozarks.

Consider donating to our production team to keep this podcast running smoothly. Donate to I Am Northwest Arkansas

Mentioned in this episode:

NWA Daily Version 4

Try NWA Daily Today!

Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"

FindItNWA.com

🎧 This episode is brought to you by FindItNWA.com – the hyper-local business directory made for Northwest Arkansas. From local eats to trusted pros, it’s the go-to spot for discovering what’s great nearby.

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"A community that buys into its future, buys into its youth, can really create something special."

– Coleman Warren

This episode is part of a special series supported by the Walton Family Foundation. Through their Home Region program, the Foundation is investing in the people and ideas shaping Northwest Arkansas—across housing, entrepreneurship, transportation, and leadership.

Before he was a Rhodes Scholar or the co-founder of the Compass Foundation, Coleman Warren was just a kid from Farmington, Arkansas — a small town that had no idea what it was sending out into the world. In this episode of I Am Northwest Arkansas®, Coleman traces the full arc of that journey: from a rural upbringing shaped by teachers and community members who saw something in him, to launching a socially-minded ice cream business that proved you could build something meaningful and mission-driven from the ground up.

But it was the experience of stepping into elite spaces — and feeling the weight of being underrepresented in them — that lit the fire behind Compass. Co-founded by Coleman, the Compass Foundation is a mentorship and scholarship program purpose-built for first-generation and low-income students in rural Arkansas. It's not just about financial support. Compass surrounds students with mentors who've walked similar paths, opens doors to real-world experiences they might never encounter otherwise, and does the quieter work of helping young people believe that where they come from is a strength, not a limitation.

This is an episode about what's possible when someone who made it decides to reach back — and build something that makes the path a little clearer for everyone who comes next.

Key Takeaways:

1. Community Investment Pays Off: Positive investment in young people leads to lifelong returns, both for individuals and their communities.
2. The Power of Mentorship: Having caring adults and mentors can change a student’s life, especially for those who may not have guidance at home.
3. Education Beyond Finances: Compass goes past scholarships and includes ACT tutoring, personal development, and capstone experiences like studying abroad or community projects.
4. Importance of Rural Representation: Rural voices are underrepresented in elite spaces, which inspired Coleman to focus on rural student success.
5. Service at the Core: Compass encourages service-oriented mindsets and alumni giving back, sustaining local growth and support systems.
6. Not Just for College-Bound: Compass values students going into trades and non-college career paths, emphasizing leadership, critical thinking, and community-mindedness for all.

All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas® podcast.

1. Learn more, donate, or start a chapter: Compass Foundation Website
2. Follow Compass for updates and NWA Gives: Watch for tagged posts on I Am Northwest Arkansas Instagram
3. Email Coleman
4. Compass Foundation on Instagram
5. Compass Foundation on Facebook
6. Compass Foundation on LinkedIn
7. FindItNWA.com NWA’s Hyperlocal Business Directory

The Walton Family Foundation

The Walton Family Foundation is, at its core, a family-led foundation. Three generations of the descendants of founders Sam and Helen Walton, and their spouses, work together to lead the foundation and create access to opportunity for people and communities. The foundation works in three areas: improving education, protecting rivers and oceans and the communities they support, and investing in the home region of Northwest Arkansas and the Arkansas–Mississippi Delta.

Learn more at waltonfamilyfoundation.org

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"We are all one life-changing event away from having to navigate or make decisions in a landscape we never thought we would find ourselves in."

– Cherie Clark

In this heartfelt episode of I Am Northwest Arkansas®, host Randy Wilburn sits down with Cherie Clark, Director of External Relations at Purview Life NWA, for a deeply personal conversation about aging life care management and what it really means to support families through some of life's most challenging seasons.

Cherie's path to this work didn't start in a boardroom — it started at a bedside. Her own experience as a family caregiver led her to Purview Life, a company she describes as a "general contractor for health care." They organize resources, connect families with the right support, and when necessary, step in as medical POA or guardian. It's hands-on, heart-forward work — and her passion for it comes through in every story she tells.

From practical advice on vetting care providers and understanding costs to real-life success stories and guidance for families planning ahead, this episode delivers something rare: genuine hope alongside actionable insight. Whether you're a local caregiver in Northwest Arkansas, supporting aging parents from across the country, or simply starting to ask "What's next" — Cherie's message is clear: you don't have to figure this out alone.

Key Takeaways:

1. Aging Life Care Management: Purview Life serves as a life-centric, holistic care manager for seniors and adults with special needs, supporting individuals and their families through every stage.
2. Support for Caregivers: Whether you’re a spouse, child, or neighbor, Purview Life offers help to prevent caregiver burnout, mediate tough decisions, and provide crisis relief.
3. Local Expertise, National Network: Purview Life’s care managers are deeply knowledgeable about Northwest Arkansas resources and are connected nationwide through the Aging Life Care Association (ALCA).
4. Flexible and Transparent: Services range from one-time consultations to ongoing support, and billing is clear (in six-minute increments, with detailed invoices).
5. Planning Brings Peace: Even tough conversations about aging and care make things smoother later—proactive education and planning help avoid crisis-driven decisions.
6. How to Vet Providers: Look for credentials, connections to organizations like ALCA, and a focus on client needs, not kickbacks. Always ask questions and make sure your chosen provider gives you options.
7. Help Wherever You Are: Purview Life can support families locally or connect you to qualified care managers anywhere in the U.S.

All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas® podcast.

1. Website: Purview Life NWA
2. Phone: 479-579-8723 (call or text to connect with Cherie Clark and her team)
3. Cherie Clark on LinkedIn
4. Aging Life Care Association (ALCA): aginglifecare.org
5. Purview Life Testimonial Videos: Available on their website

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*Note: some of the resources mentioned may be affiliate links. This means we get paid a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase.

• Grab our Newsletter 
• Email Us at [email protected]
• Connect With Our Facebook Page 
• Connect With Us on Threads
• Connect With Our Instagram 
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• Join The Facebook Group 
• Connect with our Fearless Host, Randy Wilburn on LinkedIn

Thank you for listening to this I am Northwest Arkansas podcast episode. We showcase businesses, culture, entrepreneurship, and life in the Ozarks.

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