NWA Founders

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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Full show notes, the transcript and every chapter: nwafounders.com/episodes/matt-shelby-and-taylor-lewis-lewis-automotive-group/

More on Lewis Automotive Group: nwafounders.com/guests/matt-shelby-and-taylor-lewis-lewis-automotive-group/

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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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Full show notes, the transcript and every chapter: nwafounders.com/episodes/clinton-bennett-focus-commercial-real-estate/

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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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Full show notes, the transcript and every chapter: nwafounders.com/episodes/bethany-taylor-gratsy/

More on Gratsy: nwafounders.com/guests/bethany-taylor-gratsy/

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What does it take to build a multimillion-dollar screen printing business from the ground up?
In this episode of NWA Founders, Ben Clark shares the remarkable story behind B-Unlimited, a screen printing and custom apparel company based in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Ben’s journey started with dishwashing jobs and door-to-door T-shirt sales, followed by a stint with Chick-fil-A, failed restaurant ventures, and a bold move to purchase B-Unlimited. What followed was decades of learning the hard way through risk, reinvention, and relentless perseverance.

Summary

Ben walks us through the early days of B-Unlimited: buying the business with borrowed equity from his house, learning operations on the fly, and investing in relationships more than marketing. He shares how B-Unlimited became a trusted name in collegiate and Greek apparel by focusing on quality, creative freedom, and servant leadership.

Throughout the episode, Ben talks candidly about failure, loss, and the lessons that shaped him. From losing his brother to navigating COVID and a company merger, he explains how personal hardship clarified what really matters: family, integrity, and helping others succeed. Whether he’s leading a staff of 100 or a startup cohort across the globe, Ben leads with authenticity.

After years of growth at B-Unlimited, Ben launched Bold Creators, a faith-centered entrepreneurial mentorship initiative connecting Arkansas business leaders with young Ugandan founders. With 78% of Ugandans under age 30, he sees the country as a rising hub of talent and resilience, offering weekly coaching and culminating in a transformative in-person business retreat.

Highlights

00:00 – Introduction: Learning through failure

15:00 – Bankruptcy

30:00 – Scaling B-Unlimtied

45:00 – Navigating COVID

1:00:00 – The launch of Bold Creators

1:15:00 – Defining success

Nick's 3 Key Takeaways

1. Failure is a class, not a curse - Every failure, from bad credit to business closures, was part of Ben’s leadership training.
2. You can’t skip steps - There’s no shortcut to integrity. From leasing equipment to leading teams, lasting success is built slowly.
3. Generational impact matters - Whether mentoring young entrepreneurs or working alongside his own children, Ben sees legacy as the highest return.

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Full show notes, the transcript and every chapter: nwafounders.com/episodes/ben-clark-b-unlimited/

More on B-Unlimited: nwafounders.com/guests/ben-clark-b-unlimited/

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What does it take to grow a one-man AV setup into a multi-million-dollar production company serving some of the biggest stages in America?
In this episode of NWA Founders, we sit down with Cameron Magee, founder of avad3 Event Production, to explore how he went from running tech for church services to producing high-stakes corporate events across the country. Cameron shares the full behind-the-scenes story starting in high school with nothing but passion, gear, and grit. 

What began with simple lighting and sound setups grew into a business that now handles everything from live streams to large-scale conferences for Fortune 500 clients. And it all started in Northwest Arkansas. If you're an entrepreneur building a service-based business, or just love stories of creative people scaling impact through systems and excellence, this episode is packed with wisdom and insight.

Summary

Cameron’s entrepreneurial journey began at age 14, helping churches with AV setup. He founded avad3 while still in college and slowly scaled the business by prioritizing reliability, client service, and doing the little things right. His approach wasn’t flashy - it was intentional. And that commitment to quality is what set avad3 apart from day one.

Instead of chasing flashy growth or big marketing campaigns, Cameron focused on refining process, building team culture, and empowering his crew. By creating systems and building trust, he turned avad3 into a company that could operate at a national scale without losing its human touch. Cameron discusses how discipline, delegation, and documentation have been essential to sustainable growth.

Today, avad3 serves clients coast to coast, yet remains proudly based in Northwest Arkansas. Cameron talks about why he chose to stay rooted in the region, how his team continues to innovate with gear and training, and what it means to elevate the entire experience—not just the event itself.

Highlights

00:00 – Early beginnings: high school gigs, gear collecting, and church events

15:00 – Founding avad3

30:00 – Building credibility, hiring a team, and learning how to lead

45:00 – Developing systems and the philosophy behind quality control

57:00 – When the White House calls

1:15:00 – Staying rooted in NWA while growing a national client base

Nick's 3 Key Takeaways

1. Slow growth is strategic growth - Cameron didn’t sprint to scale, he refined, repeated, and built carefully for the long haul.
2. Excellence is in the details - From pre-event prep to showtime execution, avad3’s competitive edge comes from flawless attention to detail.
3. You don’t have to leave home to go big - Cameron proves that national impact can come from local roots, if the product is strong and the vision is clear.

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Full show notes, the transcript and every chapter: nwafounders.com/episodes/cameron-magee-avad3/

More on avad3: nwafounders.com/guests/cameron-magee-avad3/

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How do you turn your passion for duck hunting into a nationally recognized brand rooted in culture, hospitality, and grit?
In this episode of NWA Founders, we sit down with JD Blagg, Aaron Seifritz, and Josh Teff - the three founders of Fowlco Outfitters, a waterfowl-focused outfitting and lifestyle brand based in Oklahoma, to hear how they’ve built one of the most respected names in modern hunting. What began as a interesting idea has evolved into a high-end guiding service, a product line, and a brand that’s redefining waterfowl culture across the country. From the first hunts to national brand partnerships and apparel drops, this episode covers the full journey.

Summary

Fowlco was born from deep friendship and a shared obsession with duck hunting. The founders leaned on hard-earned skills, local knowledge, and a relentless work ethic to create an outfitting experience that felt different - more personal, more consistent, and more premium. Word spread quickly, and what started small grew into something that now draws clients from across the country.

Early on, the team understood the power of brand. Through cinematic storytelling, a clean aesthetic, and thoughtful product design, Fowlco grew from a local guide service into an authentic lifestyle brand. Instead of chasing trends or gimmicks, they built a brand rooted in who they are and it resonated with hunters far beyond Arkansas.

With growth came challenges: training new guides, managing demand, and expanding without compromising their standards. The team shares how they’ve scaled with intention, created systems that reinforce their values, and kept their heads down through it all. Whether they’re guiding executives or cleaning gear at midnight, they’re still doing the little things right.

Highlights

00:15 – The origin of Fowlco: three friends, one pit blind, and a whole lot of passion

15:00 – Building a premium hospitality experience in the middle of a duck field

30:00 – Brand building through design, photography, and storytelling

45:00 – Launching Fowlco gear: what it takes to create products that hold up

60:00 – Growing the team and training the next generation of guides

75:00 – Staying grounded: hard work, small-town roots, and long-term vision

90:00 – Final reflections and advice to anyone building something from scratch

Nick's 3 Key Takeaways

1. Take the long way - Fowlco didn’t rush growth, they prioritized relationships, authenticity, and product over shortcuts.
2. Be real - Everything from their gear to their hospitality is an extension of who they are. Authenticity isn’t a marketing strategy, it’s their core advantage.
3. Put your head down and do the work - Success didn’t come from luck, it came from early mornings, late nights, and doing the work others overlook.

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Full show notes, the transcript and every chapter: nwafounders.com/episodes/jd-blagg-aaron-seifritz-and-josh-teff-fowlco-outfitters/

More on Fowlco Outfitters: nwafounders.com/guests/jd-blagg-aaron-seifritz-and-josh-teff-fowlco-outfitters/

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

Summary

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

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

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

Highlights

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

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

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

45:00 – Scaling from $150M to $1.7B

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

75:00 – Brock’s leadership philosophy

90:00 – The next era of Greenwood Gearhart

Takeaways

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

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Full show notes, the transcript and every chapter: nwafounders.com/episodes/brock-gearhart-greenwood-gearhart/

More on Greenwood Gearhart: nwafounders.com/guests/brock-gearhart-greenwood-gearhart/

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What do you get when a college student blends together a family recipe and a vision for something bigger than herself?
In this episode of NWA Founders, we sit down with KK Goodwin, founder and CEO of Mamaka Bowls, a cali-inspired smoothie bowl restaurant with a cult following across 9 US locations. What began as a side hustle out of a Fayetteville college house has become a powerful example of purpose-driven entrepreneurship, nostalgic brand building, and operational grit. From avoiding the franchise model to opening stores with a credit card, KK shares how Mamaka grew one bowl at a time—without compromising culture or creativity.

Summary

Mamaka’s story began with KKs mom’s homemade granola recipe and a Google phone number in high school. With no outside investment, she revived the concept in college, hand-delivering smoothie bowls made in her shared house. By graduation day, she opened Mamaka’s first retail location in Fayetteville—with no restaurant experience, no commercial kitchen, and no formal business plan.

Mamaka grew fast—but intentionally. KK and her team opened nine stores in seven years, expanding into Texas, North Carolina, and beyond, all while refusing to franchise. Instead, Mamaka stayed operator-led, building strong culture and daily team calls that measure everything from net profit to labor percentages. KK walks us through the costs, chaos, and clarity behind sustainable scaling.

KK shares how brand consistency, aesthetic integrity, and people-first leadership drive Mamaka’s momentum. With a yearlong pause in store openings, she’s now focused on perfecting systems, expanding lifestyle products, and preparing for the next wave of growth—without chasing trends or losing control of what makes Mamaka special.

Highlights

00:00 – Origins of Mamaka Bowls

15:00 – Launching Mamaka's first ever location in Fayetteville

30:00 – First year emotions

45:00 – Expanding to Waco

1:00:00 – Fort Worth and locations 4, 5, & 6

1:15:00 – 9 stores in 7 years = choosing to pause

1:30:00 – Dreams for Mamaka Bowls

Takeaways

1. Start scrappy, scale intentionally – KK’s first two stores were launched without loans, and her story proves you don’t need big capital to build a big business—just consistency and care.
2. Culture is a competitive advantage – Mamaka’s daily metrics calls and internal team systems help the brand maintain quality and unity across nine locations.
3. Pausing can be powerful – After explosive growth, KK is stepping back—not because growth has stopped, but because the best next step is building a business that lasts.

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Full show notes, the transcript and every chapter: nwafounders.com/episodes/kk-goodwin-mamaka-bowls/

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What does it take to sustain a family-owned bank for over 100 years—and still be positioned for explosive growth?
In this episode of NWA Founders, we sit down with Jon and Max Harrell, the fifth and sixth generation leaders of Generations Bank, to hear the story of how a small-town bank in South Arkansas transformed into a billion-dollar institution rooted in the heart of Northwest Arkansas.

From the early days in Calhoun County to their strategic relocation to Rogers, Arkansas, the Harrells share how vision, family legacy, strategic acquisitions, and an unwavering commitment to relationships have fueled their remarkable growth. Whether you’re leading a family business, navigating generational succession, or growing a startup, this conversation offers timeless lessons on leadership, scaling, and staying true to your values.

Summary

Starting in 1907 in tiny Harrell, Arkansas, Generations Bank’s story is one of endurance and vision. Jon Harrell shares the origins of the bank, how it survived the Great Depression, and how it quietly served small communities for decades before setting its sights on broader opportunities in Northwest Arkansas.

Leading a family-owned business into its sixth generation is rare. Jon and Max discuss how clear communication, strategic growth decisions, and honoring the company’s values have allowed them to not just survive but thrive. From expanding into Rogers, Fayetteville, and Bentonville to acquisitions across Missouri, the Harrells explain how they’ve modernized the bank while keeping its relational DNA intact.

As Generations Bank crosses the billion-dollar asset mark, Jon and Max reflect on the new challenges ahead—cybersecurity threats, non-bank disruptors, and the need to balance tech innovation with personal service. They share their vision for the new Rogers headquarters and how they plan to continue building a culture that attracts top talent and prioritizes long-term community relationships.

Highlights

00:10 – The Origins of Generations Bank in Harrell, Arkansas

10:00 – Choosing to Join the Family Business: Jon and Max’s Journeys

20:00 – Surviving the Great Depression and Growing in Rural Arkansas

30:00 – Transition to Northwest Arkansas: Buying the Rogers and Siloam Springs Branches

40:00 – Rebranding to Generations Bank and Moving the Charter to Rogers

50:00 – Strategic Acquisitions and Expanding into Bentonville and Missouri

1:00:00 – Preparing for $1 Billion in Assets and Regulatory Shifts

1:10:00 – Challenges Ahead: Cybersecurity, Talent Recruitment, and Market Disruption

1:20:00 – Vision for Rogers and Northwest Arkansas Over the Next Decade

Takeaways

1. Legacy is Built Through Intentional Leadership - Passing a business through six generations requires clear communication, adaptability, and deep respect for the original mission.
2. Relationships Will Always Win - Even in an increasingly digital world, Generations Bank proves that personalized service and community engagement are irreplaceable assets.
3. Vision and Instinct Drive Sustainable Growth - From moving the bank’s charter to seizing opportunities in new markets, Jon and Max show how trusting your gut—backed by thoughtful planning—creates lasting impact.

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Full show notes, the transcript and every chapter: nwafounders.com/episodes/jon-and-max-harrell-generations-bank/

More on Generations Bank: nwafounders.com/guests/jon-and-max-harrell-generations-bank/

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What happens when design, grit, and place come together to form a global architectural voice rooted in Northwest Arkansas?
In this episode of NWA Founders, we sit down with Marlon and Ati Blackwell, founders of the award-winning firm Marlon Blackwell Architects, to explore how they grew a boutique firm into a nationally recognized name—all while staying anchored in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

From designing carports and honey houses to winning embassy commissions, Marlon and Ati share how they’ve built a practice defined by authenticity, discipline, and deep connection to place. With over 250 design awards and a strong belief in the power of design to shape culture, their story is a testament to what’s possible when vision meets relentless hard work.

Summary

The firm began in the early '90s with modest projects like backyard renovations and carport studios. But with each opportunity—like the iconic Honey House and Tower House—came national recognition. These projects helped the Blackwells prove that exceptional architecture could happen anywhere, including the Ozarks.

By staying rooted in their values and refusing to chase trends, Marlon and Ati grew the firm intentionally. They share how they transitioned from doing two projects a year to leading major institutional and cultural commissions—while keeping design integrity at the center.

As longtime educators, the Blackwells emphasize the importance of disciplining imagination and building strong teams. They also walk through the pivotal moments—like winning the Fulbright building and Whole Health Institute—that required them to double down, expand operations, and bet on themselves.

Highlights

00:10 – Humble beginnings and the philosophy behind their design approach

10:00 – Marlon’s unconventional path from Bible salesman to architect

20:00 – Early struggles: job-hunting with $7 in your pocket

30:00 – Meeting Ati, long-distance collaboration, and joining forces in Fayetteville

40:00 – From hand-drawn sketches to scaling up: the early years of growth

50:00 – The “Tipping Point” moment: national recognition and major awards

1:00:00 – Building in Bentonville: Crystal Bridges, Whole Health Institute, and competing nationally

1:10:00 – Recession survival: rebranding, risk-taking, and growing instead of shrinking

1:20:00 – Looking ahead: housing, health, and the legacy of designing for place
1:30:00 – The Importance of Core Values

Takeaways

1. Architecture is a service and a cultural act – The Blackwells approach every project, from homes to embassies, as an opportunity to enrich daily life and elevate public experience.
2. Success requires both risk and repetition – They built their practice on the idea that systems, creativity, and discipline must coexist—and that consistency outperforms flash.
3. Great design can happen anywhere – From a parking garage in Bentonville to buildings in Boston and Central Africa, their story proves that place is not a limitation—it’s a strength.

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Full show notes, the transcript and every chapter: nwafounders.com/episodes/marlon-and-ati-blackwell-marlon-blackwell-architects/

More on Marlon Blackwell Architects: nwafounders.com/guests/marlon-and-ati-blackwell-marlon-blackwell-architects/

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