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In a region growing as fast as Northwest Arkansas, who helps guide the pace of progress?
In this episode, we sit down with Marshall Saviers, CEO & President of Cushman & Wakefield | Sage Partners, one of the most influential commercial real estate firms in the region. With nearly two decades of experience, Marshall has brokered some of the largest and most impactful deals in Arkansas, but it’s his long-term mindset, focus on relationships, and local-first approach that truly set him apart.

From early lessons learned under seasoned mentors to co-owning and operating a full-service brokerage, Marshall’s journey is grounded in curiosity, trust, and consistency. Whether you’re in real estate, economic development, or simply trying to scale a business with staying power, this conversation is filled with timeless takeaways on partnerships, patience, and playing the long game.

Summary

Marshall shares how his early career was shaped by mentors who modeled both market expertise and personal integrity. He quickly learned that the best deals aren’t just about square footage or price, they’re about listening well, building trust, and solving real problems. That relational focus has guided every chapter of his career, from his first cold calls to navigating nine-figure development projects.

Now as president of Sage Partners, Marshall leads a team that manages more than 6 million square feet of property across Arkansas and beyond. He reflects on what it’s like to grow a business through people, and how transparency, local knowledge, and consistent follow-through keep Sage ahead in a competitive industry. He also talks about partnering with Cushman & Wakefield, and how that relationship has expanded their capabilities without sacrificing their NWA roots.

In a post-COVID world, commercial real estate is changing fast and Marshall has a front-row seat. He shares insights on the rise of mixed-use development, the importance of placemaking, and why Northwest Arkansas’s momentum is still just getting started. Through it all, Marshall emphasizes humility, clear communication, and staying grounded as both a business leader and community member.

Highlights

00:00 Starting Sage Partners

10:30 Surviving the 2008 Recession

29:00 Rapid Growth
43:00 Developing the Analyst Program
53:00 JB Hunt's Vision for Pinnacle

Key Takeaways

1. Play the long game - Marshall’s entire career proves that real estate isn’t about chasing fast deals, it’s about showing up, staying steady, and serving people well over decades.
2. People over property - At every turn, Marshall reinforces the idea that relationships drive results. That mindset has built trust with clients, partners, and the region as a whole.
3. Local roots scale better - Even while partnering with a global brand like Cushman & Wakefield, Marshall and the Sage team have stayed deeply committed to Northwest Arkansas—because that’s where the real value lives.

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What happens when a broke college student trades potpourri for a secondhand stove and ends up running one of the most productive candle factories in the country? 
In this episode, we sit down with Burt Hanna, founder of Hanna’s Candle Company, to talk about building a business brick by brick in Northwest Arkansas. From 20-hour work weeks as a student to multi-million-dollar Walmart orders, Burt's journey is a masterclass in grit, scrappiness, and figuring it out.

This one’s not about flashy exits or polished pitches. It’s about showing up and staying scrappy, even when your entire inventory burns to the ground (literally). Burt opens up about the highs and lows of scaling from $100 side hustles to a $60 million revenue machine, plus what it means to build a company that outlives you. Whether you're a founder in the trenches or just candle-curious, there’s something here for you.

Summary

It all started in 1987, when Burt Hanna was a senior at the University of Arkansas just trying to make an extra $100 a month. With $4,000 in savings and a little help from his dad and a line of credit, he began selling potpourri to local gift shops. By the end of that year, he’d sold over $180,000 worth.

At its peak, Hanna’s Candle Co. hit $60 million in sales, fueled largely by a runaway product: the 6x6 pillar candle. But as with all great runs, the momentum slowed. Between 2005 and 2012, revenue dropped to $9.6 million, a brutal season marked by product saturation, price cuts, and the harsh realities of scale.

Burt didn’t sell to private equity, doesn’t chase government grants, and isn’t interested in brand hype. Why? Because he believes in jobs, real ones. Hanna’s Candle Co. employs hundreds of people in Fayetteville, many of whom have been there for over a decade. And Burt sees the factory as more than just a place to work, it’s a place where people feel safe, respected, and proud of what they build.

Highlights

00:00 Starting Hanna's Candle Company

17:30 From pot-pourri to candles

29:35 The '6 x 6' Candle

41:00 Decline from 2005-2012

1:00:00 Future of Hanna's Candle Company

Key Takeaways

1. Commitment: Burt’s decision not to sell to private equity, and his focus on local jobs, is a bold stance that more founders should consider.
2. Focus: He’s stayed in his lane. No distractions. Just jar candles done better than anyone else.
3. Figure It Out: Whether it was building a machine from scratch, trading potpourri for a stove, or surviving a recession, Burt embodies the scrappy, figure-it-out mentality every founder needs.

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What does it take to grow a local HVAC company into a multi-state home services powerhouse?
In this episode of NWA Founders, we sit down with Charley Boyce, CEO of Paschal Air, Plumbing, & Electric, to talk about legacy, leadership, and how he’s scaled one of Northwest Arkansas’s most trusted brands while staying rooted in the values that built it.

Charley acquired Paschal in 2010, inheriting a strong foundation. What followed was an aggressive, intentional expansion across multiple states, trades, and service verticals, all powered by Charley’s obsession with operational excellence, customer satisfaction, and performance. Whether you know Paschal from their signature blue vans or from a 2 a.m. plumbing rescue, you’ve probably felt the impact of their work.

Summary

Charley shares how he went from field tech to company president, taking over the family business while still learning the ropes. He reflects on his decision to grow the business beyond its local roots, opening new locations in Fort Smith, Joplin, and eventually across multiple state lines, all while keeping quality and culture intact.

Growth didn’t happen by accident. Charley explains his “do things right, not fast” philosophy when entering new markets, why he’s bullish on brand consistency, and how he evaluates potential acquisitions.

At its core, Paschal’s business model is built on showing up, doing the job right, and treating people with respect. Charley dives into the company's standards for customer service, the importance of training and techs who buy into the mission, and how trust is earned over time, one visit, one household at a time.

Highlights

00:00 Charley's background in the trades

23:30 Operational Excellence

41:00 Acquisitions

56:00 Competing with Private Equity Firms

1:13:00 Franchising?

Key Takeaways

1. You can’t scale chaos - Operational excellence is non-negotiable when building something big.
2. Legacy can fuel innovation - Instead of staying stuck in “how it’s always been,” Charley used legacy as a launchpad for growth.
3. Service is a brand, not just a department - Paschal’s reputation wasn’t built on marketing, it was built on thousands of interactions done right, over time.

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What does it take to serve an entire area through good food and world-class experience?
In this episode of NWA Founders, we sit down with Carl Garrett, founder of Table Mesa Restaurant Group, whose name has become synonymous with Bentonville’s food scene. From launching his first concept with a simple vision to building a hospitality brand that now includes Table Mesa, Tavola Trattoria, and Mirabella’s Table, Carl’s journey is one of resilience, reinvention, and relentless attention to quality.

Whether you’re in food, retail, or any customer-facing business, this conversation is filled with timeless lessons on brand, people, and perseverance.

Summary

Carl shares how a love of food and hospitality, paired with a dissatisfaction in his previous career, led him to pursue the dream of opening a restaurant. But that leap wasn’t easy. In the early years, he faced deep uncertainty, personal sacrifice, and even considered walking away altogether. It was only through grit, clarity of purpose, and sheer willpower that Table Mesa became the cornerstone of Bentonville’s evolving downtown.

What followed wasn’t a rush to expand but a focus on doing things right. Carl breaks down how Tavola and Mirabella’s were born, how he thinks about customer experience, and why he refuses to cut corners, even when scaling gets tough. His approach to growth is old school: build something great, one guest at a time.

Carl reflects on the evolution of Northwest Arkansas and how the region’s growth has affected hiring, operations, and expectations. He talks about leadership through COVID, how Bentonville’s identity shapes his decisions, and why longevity matters more than hype.

Highlights

00:00 How Carl found his way into hospitality

08:30 Opening Table Mesa

26:00 Opening Tavola Trattoria

43:00 Opening Mirabella's Table

1:10:00 What’s next in 2026

Key Takeaways

1. There are no shortcuts in hospitality - Carl built his brand by sweating every detail and showing up when it mattered most
2. Get back to the basics - Many people open restaurants, but few last. Carl reminds us that staying power is built on character, consistency, and care.
3. Service is the true bottom line - Every one of Carl’s restaurants exists to serve people

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What makes Underwoods different from every other retail jewelry shop?
In this episode of NWA Founders, we sit down with Troy Underwood, Vice President of Underwoods Fine Jewelers, to explore the legacy, craftsmanship, and entrepreneurial mindset behind one of Arkansas’ most respected jewelry businesses. From serving multiple generations of families to adapting a traditional craft for a modern world, Troy shares how purpose, patience, and personal connection fuel his family’s lasting success.

Summary

Troy reflects on the early days of Underwoods Fine Jewelers and how his grandfather Bill's idea grew from a small Fayetteville shop into a trusted regional brand. He explains how Bill's precedent of investing in craftsmanship and maintaining a reputation for excellence has allowed the company to serve families for decades.

While Underwoods is rooted in traditional jewelry-making, Troy emphasizes how important it is to embrace change. From technology that transforms the design process to evolving customer expectations, he explains how the business continues to innovate while keeping quality and trust at the forefront.

For Troy, success isn’t about the number of diamonds sold, it’s about building lasting relationships. He shares insights into leading a team with integrity, creating value that extends beyond a transaction, and why caring for customers as family is at the heart of Underwoods’ identity.

Highlights

00:00 What makes Underwoods different?

23:00 Fake diamonds...

50:00 The perfect diamond?

Key Takeaways

1. Legacy is built through consistency – Long-term trust is earned by prioritizing craftsmanship.
2. Innovation sustains tradition – Modern tools and practices can enhance,  but not replace timeless artistry.
3. Relationships define value – Success comes from caring for customers and team members beyond the transaction.

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What does it take to build a Law Firm where people actually love and care about each other?
Most people think of law firms as cutthroat, high-pressure places but Joseph Reece has built something different. As co-founder of RMP Attorneys at Law, Joe shares how faith, integrity, and a “no jerk” culture have shaped one of the most successful firms in Arkansas. From humble beginnings in Ozone, Arkansas, to leading a 40+ attorney practice with offices across the state, Joe’s journey is about persistence, people, and building a business that lasts.

Summary

Joe reflects on his small-town upbringing, the influence of hard working parents, and the encouragement that set him on the path to law school. He shares how his career began with mentors, and how those early relationships provided the foundation for RMP’s growth.

Unlike many firms built on rigid strategic plans, RMP grew out of necessity: filling roles and expanding practice areas to meet client demand. From estate planning and tax law to litigation and business transactions, Joe explains how “meeting needs with excellence” fueled steady expansion into Bentonville, Jonesboro, Little Rock, and beyond.

At the heart of RMP is a culture built on sacrifice, generosity, and care. Joe describes the firm’s “no jerk rule,” the importance of recruiting people of integrity, and why clients buy more than expertise; they buy wisdom. Looking ahead, he discusses technology’s role, including AI’s potential to transform efficiency, while emphasizing that wisdom and care can’t be replaced.

Highlights

00:00 Joe’s origin

18:00 Founding RMP

32:00 Building healthy culture

57:00 Expansion

70:00 The future of law + A.I.

Key Takeaways

1. Growth follows need – RMP didn’t scale from a master plan, it grew by solving problems and meeting client demand.
2. Culture drives cohesion – Excellence, generosity, and care are at the core of attracting and retaining top talent.
3. Wisdom matters most – Clients don’t just buy legal services, they invest in the wisdom and integrity of their attorneys.

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Building Walkable Communities in Northwest Arkansas with High Street Real Estate & Development
In this episode, we sit down with Ward Davis and Jason Keathley, the partners behind High Street Real Estate & Development, to talk about how they’re reshaping Northwest Arkansas through walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods like Johnson Square, the 1907 Building in Rogers, and the ambitious Drake Farms project. Their story blends persistence, conviction, and care, three traits that every founder, investor, and entrepreneur can learn from.

Summary

Ward and Jason share their unique paths into development (one from finance, the other from construction) and how those backgrounds shaped their approach to creating vibrant communities. They explain why walkability, design, and food & beverage anchors are essential ingredients of their projects.

From battling zoning restrictions to investing in projects when downtown Rogers felt like a ghost town, High Street’s success has hinged on conviction. Jason candidly recalls thinking Johnson Square would never work, only to become one of its biggest believers. Together, the duo emphasize that creating lasting neighborhoods requires seeing beyond today’s obstacles to tomorrow’s potential.

Perhaps what sets High Street apart most is care. From helping local restaurants navigate PPP loans during COVID to rethinking how apartments interact with bike trails, their projects show that thoughtful details compound into neighborhoods people cherish.

Highlights

00:00 – The origins of High Street

20:00 – Johnson Square

50:00 – The 1907 Building

60:00 – Drake Farms

Key Takeaways

1. Persistence matters most – Every business will face roadblocks. Stubbornness and grit are the traits that carry you through.
2. Conviction is non-negotiable – If you don’t believe in your vision, you can't be in development.
3. Care creates culture – When you care about design, tenants, and neighborhoods, you inspire others to care too.

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What does it take to run a multi-location car dealership while preserving a 75-year family legacy?
In this episode, we sit down with Matt, Shelby, and Taylor Lewis, fourth-generation leaders of Lewis Automotive Group, to talk about what it’s really like to operate a large family business in one of the fastest-growing regions in the country. The Lewis brothers are doing more than selling cars, they’re stewarding legacy, shaping culture, and building for the long haul.

From strategic growth and leadership development to managing family dynamics and honoring their ancestor’s vision, this conversation is a playbook for modern succession and values driven businesses. Whether you’re in a family business or just trying to scale something, this episode delivers real insight on what it takes to do both with excellence.

Summary

Matt, Shelby, and Taylor share the Lewis family history and how they grew up immersed in dealership life as they slowly took on more responsibility under their dad’s leadership. Today, they oversee multiple dealerships and more than 300 employees across Northwest Arkansas.

To scale responsibly, the brothers have developed a strategic leadership team, and created systems that protect both culture and operations. They walk through how they’ve divided roles, stay aligned on vision, and navigate decisions together.

Throughout the conversation, the brothers reflect on the values passed down by their father: integrity, humility, and servant leadership. Their goal isn’t just short-term performance, it’s to lead with intention, grow the business in healthy ways, and ensure Lewis Automotive is still thriving 100 years from now.

Highlights

00:00 – Lewis family history

24:00 – Working in the Business

1:25:00 – New Campus + Future Goals

Key Takeaways

1. Legacy is built with intention - Matt, Shelby, and Taylor are proving that honoring the past doesn’t mean resisting change.
2. Alignment beats authority - Running a family business with multiple leaders isn’t easy, but their clarity on roles, respect for each other, and shared mission make it work.
3. Growth should make the business better, not busier - With the right systems in place, the Lewis brothers are scaling without sacrificing culture.

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What does it look like to lead one of Northwest Arkansas’s most trusted commercial real estate firms in the middle of a regional development boom?
In this episode, we sit down with Clinton Bennett, co-founder of Focus Commercial Real Estate, to explore how he and his team are helping shape the future of Northwest Arkansas one deal, one relationship, and one intentional decision at a time. Whether he’s guiding first-time business owners into their first retail space or partnering with developers on multi-million dollar projects, Clinton is doing it with a philosophy that prioritizes trust over transactions and service over scale.

Summary

Born and raised in Arkansas, Clinton shares how his farming upbringing shaped his belief in hard work and service. After working with with some national firms, he took the leap and launched Bennett CRE during a pivotal moment in the market. He explains how his early bets, mentorships, and scrappy beginnings set the foundation for a values-first company.

Unlike traditional firms focused solely on volume, Bennett CRE took a slower, relationship-driven path. Clinton explains how he developed a client-first model, intentionally grew a team of high-character agents, and made long-term trust the core of every deal.

With Northwest Arkansas booming, Clinton discusses the challenges and opportunities that come with a business merger and rapid development. From infrastructure strain to affordable housing to land scarcity, he unpacks where the region is headed and Focus CRE plays a central role in shaping what it becomes.

Highlights

00:00 – Introduction

15:00 – Launching Bennett CRE

30:00 – Life Changing Deals

55:00 – Growth in NWA Market

Nick's 3 Key Takeaways

1. The long game always wins - Clinton’s story is a reminder that meaningful success doesn’t come from chasing the biggest check, it comes from playing the longest game with the right people.
2. Values scale faster than tactics - When you build your business on trust, consistency, and character, your reputation becomes your strongest asset.
3. Real estate is about people, not property - Whether it’s a lease or a $10M deal, Clinton shows that every transaction is an opportunity to serve, build relationships, and shape a better community.

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What happens when you leave a stable corporate job with nothing but an idea you believe in?
In this episode of NWA Founders, we sit down with Bethany Taylor, the powerhouse founder behind Gratsy: a curated sampling and brand experience company that delivers personalized gift boxes directly into consumers’ hands. Bethany’s story is one of grit, vision, and unwavering belief. After years in retail marketing at Sam’s Club, she saw a gap in how brands connect with people. So she built Gratsy: a smarter, warmer alternative to mass sampling, powered by data and personal touch.

Summary

Bethany left a comfortable role with no backup plan but a burning desire to build something better. She shares how early motherhood and brand experience gaps gave her the idea for Gratsy, and how she turned that idea into a business through faith, hustle, and firsthand customer empathy.

Gratsy isn't just about free samples, it's about delight at the right time. Bethany explains how the brand crafts deeply personal experiences through a blend of targeting, timing, and storytelling helping brands reach consumers in their most meaningful life stages, from pregnancy to major transitions.

Without outside investors, Bethany had to scale Gratsy through resourcefulness. She breaks down how they built operational infrastructure, managed explosive growth, and built trust with global CPG clients—all while staying true to a people-first culture rooted in gratitude and purpose.

Highlights

00:15 – Leaving corporate to start Gratsy

15:00 – Building a home-based startup

30:00 – How Gratsy works

45:00 – Operational challenges and keeping clients happy

1:00:00 – Leadership lessons and staying grounded

1:15:00 – Bethany’s vision for what’s next...

Nick's 3 Key Takeaways

1. You don’t need a safety net to start - Bethany built Gratsy from nothing not because she had all the answers, but because she trusted the problem and stayed committed.
2. Delight is a business model - Gratsy’s success shows that when you prioritize real human experience, everything else: clients, growth, and momentum follows.
3. Purpose keeps you grounded - Through every pivot and challenge, Bethany returned to her “why”: to serve people with intention and gratitude, not just scale.

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