"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:

Winetopia 2026

Winetopia 2026

Winetopia 2026

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:

Winetopia 2026

Winetopia 2026

Winetopia 2026

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.

• 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:

Winetopia 2026

Winetopia 2026

Winetopia 2026

"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!"

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.

• 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:

Winetopia 2026

Winetopia 2026

Winetopia 2026

"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!

Winetopia 2026

Winetopia 2026

Winetopia 2026

"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

*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:

Winetopia 2026

Winetopia 2026

Winetopia 2026

"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

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.

• 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!

Winetopia 2026

Winetopia 2026

Winetopia 2026

"Get your LinkedIn polished, treat it like a professional network and read. Read the things that interest you, but read the things that will challenge you."

– Jose Socorro

In this episode of I Am Northwest Arkansas®, host Randy Wilburn sits down with Jose Socorro, regional director for Jan Pro of Arkansas and self-proclaimed "Jersey boy," to explore his journey from Jersey City to the Ozarks and what it takes to build a life in a new place.

Jose's path wasn't straight—it wound through Missouri and Oklahoma before landing him in Northwest Arkansas. Along the way, he built small businesses with family, weathered Hurricane Sandy, coached high school football, and worked for major companies like JB Hunt and Central States. Being bilingual opened doors, but it was his willingness to hustle, stay connected, and keep learning that kept him moving forward.

Now thriving in Northwest Arkansas, Jose shares what makes this region different—the welcoming business community, the power of chambers of commerce, and how foundational skills like Excel can launch a career. Throughout our conversation, gratitude and community emerge as the thread connecting it all.

This episode is for anyone considering a move to Northwest Arkansas, looking to build business connections, or simply curious about what life looks like when you trade the Northeast for the Ozarks.

Key Takeaways:

1. Embrace the Power of Connections: Northwest Arkansas has a “one degree of separation” feel—networking and community matter.
2. Learn Essential Skills: Mastering basics like Excel and building a strong LinkedIn profile are musts for young professionals.
3. Gratitude and Perspective: Overcoming challenges and staying thankful helps you grow and prepares you for what’s next.
4. Community Matters: Chambers of commerce, local business groups, and giving back make Northwest Arkansas special for workers and families.
5. Quality of Life: The cost of living, opportunities, and welcoming environment make Northwest Arkansas a great place to raise a family or launch a career.
6. Read the Room: Understanding people and staying humble go a long way in business and life.

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

1. Jose Socorro on LinkedIn

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:

Winetopia 2026

Winetopia 2026

Winetopia 2026

"if you stay active, if you stay engaged in your life and you're serving a larger cause, like for me, helping other people to find the courage and the energy to reinvent themselves and go back to their childhood, which is what I've done with myself."

– David Nelson

What does it look like to reinvent yourself at 71? For David Nelson, it starts with a pickleball paddle and a whole lot of intentional joy.

David is a wellness expert, motivational speaker, and founder of AHA University — and he'll be the first to tell you he's also the CEO of Fun. In this episode of I Am Northwest Arkansas®, he sits down with Randy Wilburn to talk about what happens when you stop treating age as a ceiling and start treating it as a starting line.

After a running injury forced him to find a new outlet, David discovered pickleball — and what began as physical therapy quickly became something much bigger. He's now using the sport as a bridge between generations, cultures, and communities, proving that a simple game can open doors that might otherwise stay closed.

This is a conversation about reinvention, the underrated power of play, and why Northwest Arkansas keeps showing up as the kind of place where people — and possibilities — flourish. No matter where you are in life, David's story might just be the nudge you didn't know you needed.

Key Takeaways:

1. Reinvention Has No Age Limit: You can start something new, find purpose, and build community no matter how old you are.
2. Pickleball as a Gateway: Pickleball brings people of all ages together and helps build coordination, connection, and confidence.
3. The Power of Play: Play is not just for kids—adults and seniors need it for mental and physical health.
4. Active, Healthy Aging: Staying active makes a difference, even if it’s just walking or playing with friends.
5. Importance of Family & Community: Northwest Arkansas is a place where family matters, and there are many ways to connect with others.
6. Storytelling & Legacy: Sharing your story and listening to others can inspire, heal, and help you find your real voice and values.
7. Consistency Matters: Small steps and gradual improvement add up over time.

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

1. Aha.University
2. David Nelson on LinkedIn
3. 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!

Winetopia 2026

Winetopia 2026

Winetopia 2026

"We are a Victorian house burdened by optimism."

– Cognac Franklin

What happens when historic charm collides with a new vision for community connection?

In this episode of I Am Northwest Arkansas®, host Randy Wilburn sits down with Cognac Franklin, Director of Operations at Stonebreaker—Fayetteville's stunning hotel, club, and gathering space perched atop Markham Hill.

Cognac takes us through the rich history of this unique property, from its origins as the Pratt family homestead and bed & breakfast to its recent transformation into a community-centered haven that honors the past while embracing the future.

You'll hear about Stonebreaker's distinctive approach to hospitality, membership, and intentional design—where every guest is treated like family, whether they're checking in for the night, enjoying club membership perks, or simply stopping by for a quiet cup of coffee.

Discover how Stonebreaker is creating a true "third space" for the community—a place for relaxing, collaborating, celebrating, or finding a moment of tranquility at one of Fayetteville's highest points.

Whether you're new to Northwest Arkansas or a lifelong local, this conversation illuminates how connecting to place and purpose brings people together in meaningful ways.

Key Takeaways:

1. Blending History and Modern Hospitality: Stonebreaker honors Markham Hill’s heritage, integrating touches from its farm, summer camp, and music festival past into a contemporary, welcoming environment.
2. Community, Not Exclusivity: Despite being a private club, Stonebreaker’s mission is rooted in inclusivity—emphasizing a social, open-door approach for locals and newcomers alike.
3. Building a Unique “Third Space”: Stonebreaker offers more than just a hotel or restaurant. It’s intentionally designed for collaboration, creativity, relaxation, and connection as Fayetteville grows and evolves.
4. Intentional Design & Thoughtful Experiences: Every element, from the hotel rooms to the club amenities and the grounds, is curated to spark conversation, learning, and belonging.
5. Membership with a Purpose: Club members play a direct role in shaping the community and experiences at Stonebreaker, ensuring it remains responsive and meaningful for Northwest Arkansas residents.

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

1. Stonebreaker Hotel and Restaurant Fayetteville | stonebreakerhotel.com
2. Stonebreaker on LinkedIn
3. Stonebreaker on Facebook
4. Stonebreaker on Instagram
5. Cognac Franklin on LinkedIn
6. 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:

ONBoardNWA.com

Looking for your next career move in Northwest Arkansas? Check out ONBoardNWA.com, the hyper-local job board designed to connect job seekers with leading employers in our community. From entry-level positions to executive roles, ONBoardNWA is your one-stop shop for job opportunities right here in NWA. Take the next step in your career and visit ONBoardNWA.com today.

Winetopia 2026

Winetopia 2026

Winetopia 2026