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What does it look like to build a business that scales without losing its soul?
In this episode of NWA Founders, we sit down with Ross Cully, founder and CEO of Harvest Group, a 300-person commerce agency serving brands at major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Amazon. From a kitchen table in Fayetteville to a fast-growing Rogers-based firm, Ross shares his journey of bootstrapping a values-led company that’s rewriting the playbook for success in the retail and media world. With roots in Springfield, Missouri, and a formative start at Procter & Gamble, Ross explains how his early career experiences laid the foundation for Harvest Group’s unique culture, one grounded in humility, integrity, and excellence.
Summary
Ross shares how Procter & Gamble shaped his view of consumer packaged goods and why small and midsize brands became his passion. His decision to co-found Harvest Group wasn’t driven by a lifelong dream of entrepreneurship but by a desire to build a company where values and excellence could coexist.
He discusses the scaling years in detail, how client word-of-mouth fueled growth, how the team resisted short-term thinking in favor of long-term integrity, and how building a people-first culture helped attract top-tier talent. At every stage, Harvest Group stayed focused on delivering high service levels and staying aligned with their mission.
As Ross reflects on leading through hyper-growth, the evolving demands of his role, and the leadership investments required to scale, one thing is clear: Harvest Group’s success isn’t an accident, it’s the result of intentional leadership, deep-rooted values, and a commitment to serving both clients and employees well.
Highlights
00:00 – Founding the principles of Harvest Group
15:00 – What Harvest Group does and winning at Walmart
30:00 – Scaling challenges
45:00 – Managing growth
60:00 – Ross’s leadership philosophy
75:00 – Success defined
90:00 – Harvest Group's role in Northwest Arkansas
Nick's 3 Key Takeaways
- Values shape vision – Harvest Group's success stems from a clear set of values that haven't wavered, even in the face of growth, adversity, or financial pressure.
- People are the strategy – From employees to clients, Ross built his company around relational depth, cultural health, and long-term investment in leadership.
- Stay purpose driven – Whether turning down clients who don’t align with company values or evolving his role as CEO, Ross shows that purpose is the most sustainable growth strategy.
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NWA Founders is a voice for Founders, Owners, and Builders driving growth in Northwest Arkansas, and is hosted by Cameron Clark and Nick Beyer.
