NWA Founders

What does it take to run a family-owned company that’s thrived for over 35 years?
In this episode of NWA Founders, we sit down with Matt, Mitchell, and Matthew Mawby of Professional Business Systems, to explore how a local family business built its success on systems, service, and integrity. From humble beginnings to becoming a go-to partner for hundreds of organizations across Northwest Arkansas, this is a story about legacy, leadership, and operational excellence. If you're building a business with your family—or dreaming of one that can last for decades—this conversation is full of hard-earned lessons and practical inspiration.

Summary

Professional Business Systems started with a simple promise: treat every customer like a neighbor. That philosophy has guided the company’s growth for over three decades. The Mawby family shares how they’ve stayed relevant by adapting to changing technology while holding tight to old-school values like trust, responsiveness, and personal service.

As the second generation steps in to lead the company, the Mawbys open up about the challenges and opportunities of family succession. From clearly defined roles to constant communication, they’ve learned how to transition leadership without losing the culture or momentum built by their parents.

What keeps a multi-decade, multi-person family business running smoothly? Systems. Whether it's inventory tracking, territory management, or team accountability, the Mawbys talk about how implementing structure has allowed them to scale responsibly, maintain quality, and work better together as a family.

Highlights

00:00 – Introduction

10:30 – Culture of customer service

20:00 – Transitioning to the second generation

40:00 – Lessons from growing too fast

01:05:00 – Technology adoption and staying current

01:30:00 – Leadership lessons from two generations

01:50:00 – Future goals and what growth looks like for the next five to ten years.

Takeaways

1. Professionalism is a growth strategy - Clear communication, reliability, and appearance create a lasting impression that wins business.
2. Systems create freedom - SOPs and well-defined processes aren’t just about efficiency — they’re about enabling your team to succeed.
3. Culture and clarity go hand in hand - A well-run business supports its people through structure, not in spite of it.

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Full show notes, the transcript and every chapter: nwafounders.com/episodes/matt-mitchell-and-matthew-mawby-professional-business-systems/

More on Professional Business Systems: nwafounders.com/guests/matt-mitchell-and-matthew-mawby-professional-business-systems/

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What if you could run a warehouse remotely with AI-powered insights and real-time data?
In this episode of NWA Founders, we sit down with Tanner Green, CEO and co-founder of Ox (Operator Experience), to explore how his company is transforming warehouse logistics through human-centered AI and automation. From a startup idea backed by research to an end-to-end warehouse suite that reduces costs and improves efficiency, Ox has grown into a leader in digital warehouse management, wearable technology, and AI-driven automation.

Summary

Tanner Green and co-founder Charu Thomas launched Ox after identifying inefficiencies in warehouse operations. While many companies invested in expensive automation, they saw an opportunity to develop wearable technology and AI-driven software that enhances human performance rather than replacing workers.

In just a few years, Ox went from a prototype to securing major Fortune 500 clients, raising over $16 million in venture capital, and deploying solutions that increase warehouse productivity by 15-20%. Unlike traditional SaaS businesses, Ox works closely with its clients for long-term implementation, driving measurable cost savings and efficiency.

Ox is pioneering end-to-end warehouse solutions that go beyond simple workflow automation. Their latest innovations include AI-powered warehouse orchestration, 3D digital twin models, and remote warehouse visibility, allowing companies to optimize operations without physically being on-site.

Highlights

[00:02:00] – What is Ox? The Operator Experience explained

[00:10:00] – Tanner’s early entrepreneurial ventures and passion for technology

[00:16:30] – How Charu’s research led to the founding of Ox

[00:26:45] – Landing the first enterprise customer and proving ROI

[00:37:30] – Raising venture capital in Arkansas: Challenges and lessons learned

[00:50:20] – The evolution from wearable devices to an AI-driven warehouse suite

[01:10:00] – The future of automation: Why human-centered AI is the next big shift

[01:25:00] – The long-term vision for Ox and the future of logistics technology

Takeaways

1. AI is a tool to enhance human performance, not replace it - Ox’s solutions help workers increase productivity while maintaining job security and improving working conditions.
2. Raising capital is challenging, especially outside Silicon Valley - Ox successfully raised $16M+ despite limited venture funding in Arkansas, proving that investors will back strong ideas with real market traction.
3. Long-term partnerships matter more than quick wins - Unlike typical SaaS models, Ox prioritizes enterprise relationships, continuous improvement, and deep customer integration to maximize ROI.

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Full show notes, the transcript and every chapter: nwafounders.com/episodes/tanner-green-ox/

More on Ox: nwafounders.com/guests/tanner-green-ox/

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What happens when two passionate therapists come together to create a one-of-a-kind resource for children with developmental needs?
In this episode of NWA Founders, we sit down with Kym Hannah and Cindy Watson, co-founders of Children’s T.E.A.M., to hear how they built one of Northwest Arkansas's most comprehensive pediatric therapy organizations. From a single location with a handful of therapists to a thriving multi-site practice with specialized schools and groundbreaking adult services in development, Cindy and Kym share how their mission to serve families has fueled sustainable, purpose-driven growth.

What started as two separate therapy practices—one focused on speech therapy and the other on physical therapy—merged into a unified effort to create Children’s T.E.A.M. Their goal was clear: provide comprehensive, high-quality therapy services for children in Northwest Arkansas. Beginning with speech, physical, and occupational therapy, they soon expanded to address broader developmental needs, including applied behavior analysis (ABA) and specialized education programs.

With the increasing demand for services tailored to children with autism, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injuries, and other complex diagnoses, Cindy and Kym scaled the organization with purpose. They opened The Gray School, designed to support children with behavioral and developmental challenges, and acquired Kid's Studio Preschool, ensuring inclusive early childhood education for kids with and without disabilities.

As their patients aged, a new challenge emerged—how to support these individuals into adulthood. Children’s T.E.A.M. is now developing innovative adult service programs, ensuring lifelong support and creating employment, housing, and community opportunities for adults with disabilities. Their model continues to evolve, driven by the same mission that started it all: serving the whole person, at every stage of life.

Highlights

[00:01:00] – How Children’s T.E.A.M. began: Two founders, one mission

[00:07:00] – Building careers in pediatric therapy and answering the community’s call

[00:17:00] – Challenges of early growth and lessons in leadership

[00:30:00] – Creating The Gray School for children with behavioral needs

[00:41:00] – The launch of Kid's Studio and fostering inclusion in early education

[00:54:00] – Introducing adult services and expanding care beyond childhood

[01:10:00] – How culture and team values sustain long-term success

[01:25:00] – Future plans for growth, impact, and improving services across NWA

Takeaways

1. Find the right people first - Cindy and Kym credit their success to intentionally hiring team members who share their passion and values, reinforcing culture over rapid growth.
2. Let purpose guide expansion - Every new service or location has been the result of listening to community needs and ensuring solutions align with the organization's core mission.
3. Long-term impact requires long-term thinking - Whether it's helping children gain communication skills or ensuring adults with disabilities have meaningful opportunities, sustainable growth requires a commitment to people over profits.

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Full show notes, the transcript and every chapter: nwafounders.com/episodes/kym-hannah-and-cindy-watson-children-s-t-e-a-m/

More on Children's T.E.A.M.: nwafounders.com/guests/kym-hannah-and-cindy-watson-children-s-t-e-a-m/

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How can farmland investment become more accessible, transparent, and scalable?
In this episode of NWA Founders, we sit down with Carter Malloy, founder and CEO of AcreTrader and Acres.com, to discuss how his company has modernized farmland investing and land data management. Carter shares his journey from hedge fund analyst to startup founder, the challenges of scaling a venture-backed business, and why land remains one of the most underutilized asset classes in the U.S.

Summary

Carter Malloy launched AcreTrader to democratize farmland investment, making it easier for individuals to own shares in farmland without the complexities of direct ownership. As the platform scaled, Carter and his team realized a bigger issue—a lack of accessible data on land transactions and ownership. This led to the creation of Acres.com, a geospatial technology platform that provides real-time land data and analytics for farmers, investors, and real estate professionals.

Raising venture capital and growing a tech-driven agribusiness in Arkansas presented unique challenges, but Carter successfully secured funding from top investors while building a high-caliber team. He discusses the importance of hiring intentionally, fostering a strong company culture, and adapting business models to stay competitive.

Like many startups, AcreTrader faced market shifts, particularly as interest rates and venture capital landscapes changed in 2023. Carter shares candid lessons from scaling too fast, making difficult layoffs, and refocusing on long-term sustainability. His ability to balance rapid growth with operational discipline offers key takeaways for any founder navigating uncertainty.

Highlights

[00:02:15] – Carter’s background in finance and the early inspiration for AcreTrader

[00:12:45] – The mechanics of farmland investing and why it's historically overlooked

[00:22:10] – Raising venture capital outside of Silicon Valley: Myths vs. reality

[00:30:30] – Building Acres.com: Solving the land data transparency problem

[00:41:50] – Scaling a business quickly and lessons from overexpansion

[00:50:25] – How farmland investment compares to other asset classes

[01:02:10] – Carter’s thoughts on leadership, hiring, and company culture

[01:15:30] – What’s next for AcreTrader and the future of land investment

Takeaways

1. Market Disruption Requires Timing & Execution – The success of AcreTrader and Acres.com highlights the power of solving inefficiencies in legacy industries, but execution is just as important as having a great idea.
2. Growth at All Costs is Not Sustainable – Carter candidly shares how scaling too quickly led to tough decisions in 2023, reinforcing that long-term success comes from balancing growth with operational efficiency.
3. Data is the New Competitive Advantage – From farmland investment to geospatial analytics, access to high-quality data is transforming industries, and businesses that leverage data effectively will lead the market.

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Full show notes, the transcript and every chapter: nwafounders.com/episodes/carter-malloy-acretrader/

More on AcreTrader: nwafounders.com/guests/carter-malloy-acretrader/

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What does it take to build a beloved breakfast brand from the ground up?
In this episode of NWA Founders, we sit down with Sam Russell, co-founder of The Buttered Biscuit, to discuss how he and his wife transformed a dream into a thriving restaurant brand in Northwest Arkansas. From corporate America to scratch-made biscuits, Sam shares the journey of identifying a market gap, scaling a restaurant business, and leading with purpose, strategy, and culture.

Sam Russell never planned to open a restaurant, but after recognizing that Northwest Arkansas lacked high-quality, scratch-made breakfast options, he and his wife saw an opportunity. With backgrounds in corporate strategy and real estate, they launched Buttered Biscuit in just 40 days after acquiring their first location.

What began as a single breakfast spot quickly evolved into a multi-location brand with six thriving restaurants and more in development. Sam outlines how they self-funded expansion, built a strong leadership team, and made key real estate decisions that positioned Buttered Biscuit for long-term success.

For Sam and his team, success isn’t measured only by revenue—it’s about creating a company that invests in people. From providing full healthcare benefits for employees to launching Project Biscuit, an initiative focused on empowering underestimated individuals in the workforce, Buttered Biscuit demonstrates how a company can grow while maintaining its core values.

Highlights:

[00:02:15] – The vision behind Buttered Biscuit: identifying a market need

[00:07:30] – From corporate America to hospitality: Sam’s transition

[00:15:45] – The 40-day challenge: How they launched their first location

[00:24:10] – Lessons learned from early operational mistakes

[00:33:25] – Scaling to six locations: strategy, leadership, and real estate

[00:47:40] – Why Buttered Biscuit isn’t franchising—yet

[00:55:15] – Building a purpose-driven workplace and launching Project Biscuit

Takeaways:

1. Meet a real market need – Buttered Biscuit thrived because Sam and his wife listened to the community and built their business model around a clear demand for high-quality, made-from-scratch breakfast.
2. Brand culture drives consistency – The Buttered Biscuit Brand Card ensures employees understand and embody the company’s values, creating a strong and unified work environment.
3. Growth should be intentional – Rather than expanding too quickly, Sam and his team focused on building a scalable, high-quality model that supports future expansion without compromising execution or culture.

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Full show notes, the transcript and every chapter: nwafounders.com/episodes/sam-russell-the-buttered-biscuit/

More on The Buttered Biscuit: nwafounders.com/guests/sam-russell-the-buttered-biscuit/

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What does it take to turn a local café into an international coffee powerhouse without losing sight of values, people, or quality?
In this episode of NWA Founders, we sit down with Andrea Allen, co-founder of Onyx Coffee Lab, to hear how she and her husband Jon transformed a small Northwest Arkansas coffee shop into one of the most influential specialty coffee brands in the world.

From winning national barista championships to expanding into multiple states, Andrea shares the behind-the-scenes story of building a brand known for excellence, transparency, and relentless innovation. With honesty and depth, she opens up about what it means to scale a values-based business while raising a family and leading in a highly competitive industry.

If you're a founder building something with integrity (or just a coffee lover with high standards) this episode is a masterclass in purpose-driven entrepreneurship.

Summary

Andrea and Jon launched Onyx Coffee Lab in 2012 with one goal: make exceptional coffee accessible without compromising on ethics or aesthetics. In the early days, Andrea handled operations, payroll, and everything in between. Their passion for design, flavor, and sourcing turned heads and eventually led to Andrea becoming a US Barista Champion and World Barista runner-up.

Andrea talks about the challenges and joys of growth: managing people, building systems, and making sure the brand evolves without sacrificing its identity. With locations in Bentonville, Rogers, Fayetteville, and Tulsa, Onyx has scaled with intention never chasing fast money, but always staying dialed in to culture, creativity, and excellence.

From merch to messaging, Andrea explains how every detail at Onyx is crafted with meaning. She shares how they’ve cultivated a team of passionate, disciplined professionals and why service is still at the center of everything. Looking ahead, she’s focused on creating opportunity, expanding leadership, and making Onyx a place where craft and community coexist.

Highlights

00:00 – Starting Onyx: the early days, purpose, and creative drive

15:00 – Barista competitions and shaping brand values

30:00 – Scaling with structure

45:00 – How Onyx builds long-term career pathways

60:00 – Balancing family, leadership, and personal growth as a founder

75:00 – What’s next?

Nick's 3 Key Takeaways

1. Make the work the reward - Andrea doesn’t chase external validation, she finds meaning in doing the work with excellence every single day.
2. Clarity creates alignment - The reason Onyx scales well is because everyone, from baristas to leadership, knows the mission and standards inside and out.
3. Build what you want to see in the world - Andrea and Jon created Onyx to reflect their ideals. In doing so, they built something the world needed: something beautiful, honest, and world-class.

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Full show notes, the transcript and every chapter: nwafounders.com/episodes/andrea-allen-onyx-coffee-lab/

More on Onyx Coffee Lab: nwafounders.com/guests/andrea-allen-onyx-coffee-lab/

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What does it take to build the largest independent real estate brokerage in Arkansas?
For Stuart Collier, the answer lies in resilience, redemption, and radical trust in people. On this episode of the NWA Founders Podcast, Stuart opens up about his personal battle with addiction, the pivotal turning points in his journey, and how he's flipped the traditional real estate model on its head with Collier & Associates. Whether you're building a business or rebuilding a life, his story offers a blueprint for doing both with integrity.

Summary

Raised in small-town Augusta, Arkansas, Stuart Collier’s journey started far from the high-stakes world of real estate. After early struggles with addiction and a near-fatal accident at 20, Stuart’s path took him through rehab, humility, and hard-fought recovery. His return to Northwest Arkansas marked the beginning of a redemptive story, one that would eventually lead him to found Collier & Associates.

From cooking eggs in a nursing home kitchen to running a top-ranked healthcare facility by age 23, Stuart’s work ethic and people-first leadership style became clear. He then channeled that same energy into real estate, beginning with one agent and no office space. Over the past decade, Collier & Associates has grown to 250+ agents, multiple office locations, and nearly $775M in annual volume, thanks in part to Stuart’s unshakable belief in empowering those closest to the customer.

Today, Stuart continues to lead with humility, purpose, and a deep spiritual center. His focus on agent support, cutting-edge tech like Collier Connect, and a culture of service has redefined what real estate success looks like in Northwest Arkansas. His story is a reminder that sustainable business is built on more than just sales: it’s about people, perspective, and purpose.

Highlights

00:00 – Humble beginnings in Augusta, AR
15:00 – Career in healthcare, managing nursing homes, and shifting leadership models
30:00 – Rebuilding life from rock bottom
45:00 – Early days of Collier & Associates
1:00:00 – Real estate market insights
1:15:00 – The role of AI at Collier & Associates
1:30:00 – Commercial real estate expansion
1:45:00 – Stuart's vision for Northwest Arkansas

Nick's 3 Key Takeaways

1. Stuart’s radical transparency about addiction and recovery underscores the power of vulnerability in leadership.
2. Collier & Associates thrives because it focuses not on chasing commissions, but on empowering agents and adding true value to clients.
3. Stuart’s definition of success is deeply rooted in faith, family, and impact - not just transactions or revenue.

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Full show notes, the transcript and every chapter: nwafounders.com/episodes/stuart-collier-collier-and-associates/

More on Collier & Associates: nwafounders.com/guests/stuart-collier-collier-and-associates/

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What does it take to turn a backyard smoker into one of the most recognizable restaurant brands in Arkansas?
In this episode of NWA Founders, we sit down with Jordan Wright, founder of Wright’s Barbecue, to talk about the humble beginnings, explosive growth, and unwavering values behind one of Northwest Arkansas’s most beloved food businesses. From late nights at a food truck pop-up to serving Arkansas governors and Razorback football fans, Jordan has built more than a restaurant, he’s built a brand that represents quality, consistency, and community.

If you’re building something from scratch or dreaming of scaling your side hustle into a full-time operation, this episode is a masterclass in vision, grit, and the power of staying true to your roots.

Summary

Wright’s started as a side project - Jordan cooking brisket for friends in his backyard - and with no formal culinary background or restaurant training, he took a leap of faith, renting a gas station kitchen and cooking through the night. Word spread fast, and what began as a simple meat trailer became a local sensation with multiple brick-and-mortar locations and a cult-like following.

As the business grew, so did the pressure. Jordan shares how he’s learned to lead, delegate, and build a team that shares his passion for excellence. From hiring his first employee to building a company culture rooted in hospitality, humility, and hard work, Jordan talks about what it takes to maintain consistency while scaling fast.

Whether it's feeding Razorback athletes or expanding into tailgating, catering, and branded merchandise, Jordan has made Wright’s more than a barbecue joint: it’s become part of the culture in Arkansas. He opens up about the creative process, the mistakes that taught him the most, and what’s next for a brand that shows no signs of slowing down.

Highlights

00:00 –Starting Wright's BBQ

15:00 – The early days

30:00 – Opening the original location

45:00 – Growing into multiple stores and Razorback partnerships

1:00:00 – What Jordan looks for when hiring and creating culture at Wright’s BBQ

1:15:00 – The bigger vision

Nick's 3 Key Takeaways

1. Go all in even if it’s not perfect - Jordan didn’t wait for a business plan or investor he just started with what he had and let the work speak for itself.
2. Your product only matters if your people are aligned - Great barbecue got Wright’s noticed but a strong team and culture are what made it last.
3. Grow the brand, not just the business - Wright’s success isn’t just about brisket it’s about building something people believe in, wear, and want to bring home.

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Full show notes, the transcript and every chapter: nwafounders.com/episodes/jordan-wright-wright-s-bbq/

More on Wright's BBQ: nwafounders.com/guests/jordan-wright-wright-s-bbq/

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What happens when a Springdale native leaves a safe corporate role to bet on himself during a market crash?
In this episode of NWA Founders, we sit down with Blake Hanby, founder and CEO of City Title & Closing, to hear how he turned a folding-table operation in his pool house into one of the most trusted title companies in Northwest Arkansas. Blake shares how growing up in a family of entrepreneurs planted early seeds of ownership. But it wasn’t until 2011, in the aftermath of the housing crisis, that he took the leap, starting with no office, no staff, and no guarantees. Now, more than a decade later, City Title serves major commercial and residential deals across the region, with a reputation for diligence, trust, and community-first values.

If you’re an entrepreneur wondering when to make your move, or how to build a company that lasts, this episode is for you. Blake’s story is one of calculated risk, long-term thinking, and building something meaningful in the place he’s always called home.

Summary

In the depths of the 2011 housing crash, Blake made the leap. Armed with legal knowledge, a network of community connections, and a desire to control his own destiny, he founded City Title, operating out of his pool house until he could secure office space. What looked like poor timing to others became a rare opportunity for focused growth and smart hiring.

As the company grew, Blake had to evolve from jack-of-all-trades to leader-of-the-team. He explains how he recruited top talent, many of whom took pay cuts to take a chance, and built a service-driven culture where clients and closings are handled with care. His success is rooted in high-touch relationships and a deep respect for the people who trusted him early on.

Even as City Title expanded into Benton County and beyond, Blake stayed grounded in his mission: serve with integrity and invest in people. He shares how his team manages growth, maintains strong internal culture, and adapts to the future: whether it’s through AI innovation or opening new offices. His vision for the next five years is clear: sustainable growth without losing what makes City Title great.

Highlights

00:00 – Blake’s Springdale roots

15:00 – Leaving a stable job to start City Title in 2011

30:00 – Pool house beginnings

45:00 – Culture, client trust, and building a team

1:00:00 – Title industry innovation

1:15:00 – Expansion strategy

Nick's 3 Key Takeaways

1. Start before you’re ready - Blake didn’t have everything figured out, but he acted decisively when the time was right and built the rest as he went.
2. Bet on people, not just process - His early team and community connections were the foundation of City Title’s growth and reputation.
3. Integrity scales - Even as the business grew, Blake never lost sight of the values that set him apart: honesty, service, and attention to detail.

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Full show notes, the transcript and every chapter: nwafounders.com/episodes/blake-hanby-city-title/

More on City Title: nwafounders.com/guests/blake-hanby-city-title/

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What happens when three longtime friends decide Fayetteville needs more than just another bar?
In this episode of NWA Founders, we sit down with Lewis Chase, the visionary co-founder behind some of Northwest Arkansas’s most popular food and drink destinations: Feed & Folly, City Park, and The Guisinger. A Fayetteville native with deep family roots in the city, Lewis didn't start in food, he started in real estate. But after a trip to Colorado and a realization that Fayetteville needed better hospitality experiences, he rallied longtime friends and restaurant pros Matt and Mikey Sutton to bring their talents home. Together, they’ve created spaces that balance fun and function, craft and comfort, each one designed with intention, community, and storytelling at its core.

This episode dives into how they built it all from scratch: scraping by with small business loans, hustling through COVID, and staying rooted in the culture and character of Northwest Arkansas.

Summary

Before launching Feed & Folly, Lewis was working in residential real estate, but he didn’t love it. A bachelor trip to Durango opened his eyes to what was possible when food, culture, and community collide. Inspired by what his friends were building out west, he convinced them to return to Fayetteville, and together they turned a dream into a destination.

With no prior experience opening a restaurant, Lewis quickly became the “fluff and vision” guy, leaning on his ability to see potential in old buildings and his partners’ strengths in operations. They learned fast, scrapping through permitting, lawsuits, and even a pandemic. Their success is a masterclass in figuring it out, staying scrappy, and betting on people over polish.

From offering health insurance to helping staff buy cars, Lewis and his team are redefining what it means to be an employer in the hospitality world. Each space they’ve created has its own personality, but all share a core value: take care of your people and the business will follow. It’s a people-first philosophy that’s powered them from one concept to three, and likely many more to come.

Highlights

00:00 – Growing up in Fayetteville

15:00 – The Colorado trip that inspired Feed & Folly

30:00 – Opening Feed & Folly during COVID

45:00 – Building City Park and The Guisinger

1:05:00 – Investing in staff and culture

1:20:00 – Looking ahead

Nick's 3 Key Takeaways

1. Creativity thrives in chaos - Whether it was legal setbacks or launching during COVID, Lewis and his team embraced the messy parts and made them part of the story.
2. Take care of your people - Offering stability, benefits, and room to grow isn’t just good ethics. It’s also good business.
3. Design matters, but culture lasts - Every space they create feels intentional, but the real differentiator is how people feel when they walk in and when they leave.

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Full show notes, the transcript and every chapter: nwafounders.com/episodes/lewis-chase-feed-and-folly-city-park-the-guisinger/

More on Feed and Folly, City Park, The Guisinger: nwafounders.com/guests/lewis-chase-feed-and-folly-city-park-the-guisinger/

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