About The Show:

"We're not here just to show up, we're here to make a difference in people's lives."

- Dennis Hanley

Welcome to a fresh and invigorating episode of Ozark Natural Foods, The Co-Op Podcast, where we dive into the heart of Northwest Arkansas' food scene. In this episode, host Randy Wilburn is thrilled to welcome two pivotal figures steering the course of the largest food Co-Op in Arkansas—Dennis Hanley, the interim General Manager, and Alicia Powell, the Operations Manager.

Dennis brings with him a wealth of global retail experience, spanning 48 years and various formats, including his latest foray into the natural and organic space with Ozark Natural Foods. Alicia, a seasoned Co-Op veteran, shares her journey through different roles and her vision for the Co-Op's operational excellence. Together, they're writing the next chapter in the Co-Op's storied history, infusing the space with a vibrant and empowering culture that resonates with both staff and customers alike.

What you will learn in this episode:

• The transformative leadership of Dennis Hanley and his approach to revitalizing the Co-Op with a focus on empowerment and fun.
• Alicia Powell's insights into the operational shifts that are bringing back the Co-Op's roots and creating a happier, more positive shopping experience.
• The unique challenges grocery stores face in providing healthy food options and how the Co-Op addresses these issues with its local-first ethos.
• The importance of community and member-owner engagement in shaping the Co-Op's offerings and driving its growth.
• The exciting future of Ozark Natural Foods as it continues to evolve and serve as a beacon of local, fresh, and sustainable food in Arkansas.

All this and more on this episode of Ozark Natural Foods The Co-Op Podcast. 

What You Will Learn In This Episode:

• The transformative leadership of Dennis Hanley and his approach to revitalizing the Co-Op with a focus on empowerment and fun.
• Alicia Powell's insights into the operational shifts that are bringing back the Co-Op's roots and creating a happier, more positive shopping experience.
• The unique challenges grocery stores face in providing healthy food options and how the Co-Op addresses these issues with its local-first ethos.
• The importance of community and member-owner engagement in shaping the Co-Op's offerings and driving its growth.
• The exciting future of Ozark Natural Foods as it continues to evolve and serve as a beacon of local, fresh, and sustainable food in Arkansas.

All this and more on this episode of Ozark Natural Foods The Co-Op Podcast. 

Important Links and Mentions In This Episode:

• Visit Ozark Natural Foods: The Co-Op website to learn more about their history, standards of quality, and the importance of being locally focused.
• Listen to Ozark Natural Foods: The Co-Op podcast to hear stories and information about the largest food Co-Op in Arkansas.
• Check out Modus Studio's website to learn more about its architecture and prototyping services.
• Explore the Co-Op's new location at the corner of Lafayette and College Avenue in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
• Visit the Co-Op in person to experience the unique design and atmosphere created by Modus Studio.
• Become a member of the Co-Op to support their mission of providing healthy food and community support.
• Follow Ozark Natural Foods: The Co-Op on social media for updates and news about their products and events.

This Episode is Sponsored By:

Ozark Natural Foods

Connect More With Ozark Natural Foods:

• Grab our Newsletter 
• Email Us at [email protected]
• Connect With Our Facebook Page 
• Join The Facebook Group
• Connect With Our Instagram 
• Connect With Our LinkedIn Page
• Learn more about the History of Food Coops

We get by with a little help from our Co-Op Members and Friends!

Please consider rating and reviewing our podcast on Apple Podcasts or your Podcast player of choice. A little Love goes a long way. 

About The Show:

“Knowing where your food comes from is a huge part of your life”.

- Becky Canning

Born and raised on a farm in Ames, Iowa, Becky Canning had a deep-rooted appreciation for locally sourced food. In 2014, her move to Fayetteville, Arkansas introduced her to a community that echoed her passion for homegrown produce. It was this shared ethos that led her and her husband to launch Parmelee Homestead Creations in 2021. Specializing in jams, jellies, sauces, and salsas, the business also offers home canning lessons and seedlings for aspiring patio gardeners.

Adapting her farming techniques to Arkansas's distinct soil and climate was a challenge for Becky. She found innovative solutions, such as using compost and raised garden beds, to compensate for the less fertile ground. To further her business acumen, she participated in a local food-focused business program, gaining invaluable insights and resources.

At the core of her venture is a commitment to supporting local food systems. Parmelee Homestead Creations aims to provide high-quality products tailored to diverse dietary needs, like their vegan raspberry jam. Becky stresses the importance of community and accountability, valuing the role that organizations like local co-ops play in connecting consumers with farmers.

Though she misses the rich soil of her Iowa upbringing, Becky has wholeheartedly embraced her new life in the Ozarks. Through Parmley Homestead Creations, she continues to foster a love for home canning and gardening within her community.

What You Will Learn In This Episode:

• Discover the magic of Parmelee Homestead Creations' canning and engaging with local foods.
• Understand the immense value of supporting local farmers and businesses via co-ops.
• Uncover unique ways to adapt and adjust your business strategies in the face of challenges.
• Appreciate the role of The Co-Op in fostering community bonding and spreading educational endeavors.
• Grasp the importance of choosing sustainable and healthy food options for a better consumer experience.

All this and more on this episode of Ozark Natural Foods The Co-Op Podcast.

Important Links and Mentions In This Episode:

• Visit Ozark Natural Foods store in Fayetteville, Arkansas, to purchase jam, jelly, Sauce, and Salsas from Parmelee Homestead Creations.
• Embrace the valuable opportunity you've been given by indulging in the gift of canning lessons. 
• Follow Parmelee Homestead Creations on Facebook.

This Episode is Sponsored By:

Ozark Natural Foods

Connect More With Ozark Natural Foods:

• Grab our Newsletter 
• Email Us at [email protected]
• Connect With Our Facebook Page 
• Join The Facebook Group
• Connect With Our Instagram 
• Connect With Our LinkedIn Page
• Learn more about the History of Food Coops

We get by with a little help from our Co-Op Members and Friends!

Please consider rating and reviewing our podcast on Apple Podcasts or your Podcast player of choice. A little Love goes a long way. 

About The Show:

“Our work begins with an approach that is grounded in curiosity and learning.”

- Shane Hart

In today's episode, we dive into the fascinating journey of Shane Hart, a creative and branding consultant who helped revitalize a local Co-Op in Fayetteville. Shane, with his deep roots in the community and a personal connection to the Co-Op, was eager to tackle this significant project.

To understand the Co-Op's essence, Shane's team engaged in months of research. They spoke to a diverse group of stakeholders—board members, customers, vendors, and farmers—to grasp the unique history and values that defined the Co-Op. 

What emerged was a revitalized brand that strikes a perfect balance: honoring its community-focused legacy while also attracting new members and shoppers. Shane's commitment to the project stemmed from recognizing the Co-Op's iconic status in Fayetteville, and his vision was instrumental in reestablishing it as a beloved institution.

Today, thanks to this thoughtful approach to branding and community engagement, the Co-Op remains an integral part of life in Fayetteville, successfully adapting to the evolving food market.

What You Will Learn In This Episode:

• Delve into the importance of community involvement in the realm of Co-Op success.
• Realize the diverse benefits that arise from supporting local farming and craftsmanship.
• Grasp the obstacles faced in branding and marketing co-operatives and effective methods to tackle them.
• Understand the impact of compelling narratives in engaging potential members.
• Explore how to adjust to evolving circumstances while preserving your Co-Op's cherished past.

All this and more on this episode of Ozark Natural Foods The Co-Op Podcast.

Important Links and Mentions In This Episode:

• Listen to Ozark Natural Foods: The Co-Op podcast to learn about the history and standards of quality of the Co-Op.
• Check out Black Box's website to learn more about their creative and branding consultancy services.
• Become a member of the Co-Op to support the community and have access to exclusive benefits.

This Episode is Sponsored By:

Ozark Natural Foods

Connect More With Ozark Natural Foods:

• Grab our Newsletter 
• Email Us at [email protected]
• Connect With Our Facebook Page 
• Join The Facebook Group
• Connect With Our Instagram 
• Connect With Our LinkedIn Page
• Learn more about the History of Food Coops

We get by with a little help from our Co-Op Members and Friends!

Please consider rating and reviewing our podcast on Apple Podcasts or your Podcast player of choice. A little Love goes a long way. 

About The Show:

“The Co-Op is still important to me. It's not just out of habit that I come back. There's something more about the Co-Op”. 

- Rania Truelly

In this episode, host Randy Wilburn sits down with Rania Truelly, a former employee and dedicated member of the Ozark Natural Food Co-Op. Together, they unpack the riveting history of this Arkansas staple. Originating as a modest buying club back in 1971, the Co-Op had a simple mission: to provide wholesome, nutritious food to the local community.

Rania offers her unique insights into the Co-Op's evolution, detailing its journey from humble beginnings to its current standing as the largest food Co-Op in Arkansas. Don't miss this deep dive into an organization that has touched the lives of many in the community.

What You Will Learn In This Episode:

• Delve into the transformative journey of the Ozark Natural Foods co-op from a modest buying club to a thriving retail business.
• Empathize with the challenging hurdles this Co-Op maneuvered through during its ambitious relocation and growth phases.
• Appreciate the sense of community and belonging that the Co-Op has nurtured over the years while staying true to its roots.
• Recognize the Co-Op's unwavering dedication to superior-quality, organic food and sustainable practices.

All this and more on this episode of Ozark Natural Foods The Co-Op Podcast.

Important Links and Mentions In This Episode:

• Visit Ozark Natural Foods store in Fayetteville, Arkansas. 

This Episode is Sponsored By:

Ozark Natural Foods

Connect More With Ozark Natural Foods:

• Grab our Newsletter 
• Email Us at [email protected]
• Connect With Our Facebook Page 
• Join The Facebook Group
• Connect With Our Instagram 
• Connect With Our LinkedIn Page
• Learn more about the History of Food Coops

We get by with a little help from our Co-Op Members and Friends!

Please consider rating and reviewing our podcast on Apple Podcasts or your Podcast player of choice. A little Love goes a long way. 

About The Show:

“When you are really taking a painstaking approach to make sure the ingredients are of a high quality, the work and effort that goes into that are that much and it lasts a lot longer”.

- Stephanie Kirkpatrick

Stephanie Kirkpatrick, an entrepreneur with a knack for wholesome food, found her footing in Northwest Arkansas. She started with Bartleby's, a food truck renowned for its delicious, all-natural cutlet sandwiches. As the truck gained traction, Stephanie realized the need for a broader platform to reach more customers.

That's where Ozark Natural Foods Co-Op came in. This community-focused grocery store embraced Stephanie's vision, offering her products a coveted spot in their refrigerated section. The partnership couldn't have been more fruitful; Bartleby's items quickly became a hit among the Co-Op's clientele, who appreciated the quality and flavor of her offerings.

Now with a line of sauces and nuggets in the pipeline, Stephanie credits much of her success to the relationships and opportunities provided by the Co-Op. Her business is not just surviving, but thriving, thanks in part to the supportive and like-minded community that the Co-Op has cultivated.

What You Will Learn In This Episode:

• Unearth the importance of promoting local establishments in fostering communal development.
• Learn the gains of collaborative food marts in supporting fledgling businesses.
• Examine the variety of bulk provisions in grocery outlets that cater to diverse needs.
• Realize the obstacles encountered by small ventures owing to supply network disturbances.
• Be inspired by a triumphant account of a small business thriving via community backing.

All this and more on this episode of Ozark Natural Foods The Co-Op Podcast.

Important Links and Mentions In This Episode:

• Visit Ozark Natural Foods store in Fayetteville, Arkansas to purchase original breaded and spicy nuggets along with fan-favorite Bartleby Special sauce, vegan honey mustard, spicy sauce, and vegan ranch from Bartleby’s Food
• Connect with other local vendors, such as Ozark Natural Foods, The Coop Beverages, and SAP Top Farms to learn about small business growth and overcoming hurdles.
• Follow Bartleby’s Food on Facebook.

This Episode is Sponsored By:

Ozark Natural Foods

Connect More With Ozark Natural Foods:

• Grab our Newsletter 
• Email Us at [email protected]
• Connect With Our Facebook Page 
• Join The Facebook Group
• Connect With Our Instagram 
• Connect With Our LinkedIn Page
• Learn more about the History of Food Coops

We get by with a little help from our Co-Op Members and Friends!

Please consider rating and reviewing our podcast on Apple Podcasts or your Podcast player of choice. A little Love goes a long way. 

About The Show:

“The Co-op is the best place to get the highest quality supplements and locally produced goods in Northwest Arkansas”.

- Danielle Dotson

In today's episode of Ozark Natural Foods: The Co-Op Podcast, we're thrilled to introduce our guests, Joshua Youngblood and Danielle Dotson. Both are dedicated Co-Op members and board members, passionate about sustainable and locally sourced food. Joshua's experience in Tallahassee, Florida, has given him valuable insights into the cooperative model, while Danielle's unwavering commitment to quality food and community access makes her a driving force on the board. Together, they bring a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to our conversation.

Join us as we delve into their stories, exploring the significance of supporting local and sustainable food choices. Their experiences and insights will undoubtedly inspire you to make a positive impact in your own community. Get ready for an enlightening discussion that emphasizes the importance of sustainable food options.

What You Will Learn In This Episode:

• Discover the power of community engagement in co-ops and how it can positively impact local neighborhoods.
• Uncover the crucial role of the board in shaping the future of co-ops and how their decisions can make a difference.
• Explore the commitment to sustainable and locally sourced food, and learn how it contributes to a healthier and more environmentally friendly community.
• Understand the challenges and opportunities faced by co-ops, and how they navigate through them to create thriving and resilient businesses.
• Delve into the value of preserving and sharing the rich history of co-ops, and how it connects us to our roots and builds a sense of belonging.

All this and more on this episode of Ozark Natural Foods The Co-Op Podcast.

Important Links and Mentions In This Episode:

• Listen to Ozark Natural Foods: The Co-Op podcast to learn about the history and standards of quality of the Co-Op.
• Embrace the valuable opportunity you've been given by indulging in the gift of canning lessons. 

This Episode is Sponsored By:

Ozark Natural Foods

Connect More With Ozark Natural Foods:

• Grab our Newsletter 
• Email Us at [email protected]
• Connect With Our Facebook Page 
• Join The Facebook Group
• Connect With Our Instagram 
• Connect With Our LinkedIn Page
• Learn more about the History of Food Coops

We get by with a little help from our Co-Op Members and Friends!

Please consider rating and reviewing our podcast on Apple Podcasts or your Podcast player of choice. A little Love goes a long way. 

About The Show:

“The Co-Op is not just a grocery store, it's a place to connect with other people in the community”.

- Mark Laney

Marc Laney began his journey with Ozark Natural Foods Co-Op as a skeptical college student. Drawn in by the fresh produce, he quickly transformed from a casual customer to a dedicated employee.

While working at the Co-Op, Marc experienced a shift in perspective. He witnessed how the Co-Op prioritized values over profits, fostering a strong sense of community among its members. Unlike large corporations, Ozark's emphasis on sustainability and ethical sourcing has made it a hub for conscious consumers.

Marc's time at the Co-Op cemented his belief in the power of the cooperative model. Local partnerships and a focus on ethical sourcing make for a purchasing experience that's grounded in trust and pride.

Today, Marc isn't just an employee; he's a devoted member of a community that cherishes sustainability, ethical sourcing, and the betterment of its local environment.

What You Will Learn In This Episode:

• Discover the significance of supporting neighborhood farmers in creating a sustainable, quality-driven future.
• Apprehend the advantages of joining a Co-Op, such as cost savings and increased community engagement.
• Recognize the stringent safety measures Co-Ops took to weather the pandemic storm.
• Comprehend how the Co-Op model prioritizes ethical values over monetary gains, paving the way for a conscientious marketplace.
• Analyze the opportunities for ingenuity and progress offered by the collaborative nature of the Co-Op model.

All this and more on this episode of Ozark Natural Foods The Co-Op Podcast.

Important Links and Mentions In This Episode:

• Visit Ozark Natural Foods in Fayetteville to experience the community and locally sourced food.
• Check out the Taproom at Ozark Natural Foods for a variety of beverage options and prepared foods.
• Purchase organic and locally sourced produce and groceries from Ozark Natural Foods to support sustainable and healthy food practices.
• Connect with like-minded individuals at Ozark Natural Foods to build a stronger community around food and nutrition.

This Episode is Sponsored By:

Ozark Natural Foods

Connect More With Ozark Natural Foods:

• Grab our Newsletter 
• Email Us at [email protected]
• Connect With Our Facebook Page 
• Join The Facebook Group
• Connect With Our Instagram 
• Connect With Our LinkedIn Page
• Learn more about the History of Food Coops

We get by with a little help from our Co-Op Members and Friends!

Please consider rating and reviewing our podcast on Apple Podcasts or your Podcast player of choice. A little Love goes a long way. 

About The Show:

“I'm going to work for the community, and I'm going to help build this business”.

- Mike Anzalone

In this episode, host Randy Wilburn talks to Mike Anzalone, whose connection to Ozark Natural Foods Co-Op began in childhood. Mike's health-conscious mother used to drive to great lengths just to shop at the Co-Op, little knowing that her son would one day play a pivotal role in the same organization.

After honing his skills at Trader Joe's and returning to Arkansas, Mike joined the Co-Op as a retail manager. Unbeknownst to him at the time, this was the same place that had left a lasting impression on him as a child. Mike's passionate leadership helped transform the Co-Op from a modest store into a thriving community hub, boasting its largest membership to date.

Mike's journey is not just a career story; it's a testament to the power of community and the cooperative business model. His relentless dedication to serving the Co-Op members has had a lasting impact, not only enriching his own life but also touching the lives of countless others in the community. Tune in to hear more about Mike's inspiring tale and the transformative power of committed leadership.

What You Will Learn In This Episode:

• Unearth the perks and member-driven nature of the cooperative business framework.
• Explore the rich history and growth of Ozark Natural Foods Co-Op.
• Realize the impact of supporting hometown farmers and the local economy.
• Gain insights into navigating industry shifts and overcoming competition hurdles.
• Delve into methods for broadening outreach and mitigating rural food scarcity.

All this and more on this episode of Ozark Natural Foods The Co-Op Podcast.

Important Links and Mentions In This Episode:

• Visit Ozark Natural Foods store in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

This Episode is Sponsored By:

Ozark Natural Foods

Connect More With Ozark Natural Foods:

• Grab our Newsletter 
• Email Us at [email protected]
• Connect With Our Facebook Page 
• Join The Facebook Group
• Connect With Our Instagram 
• Connect With Our LinkedIn Page
• Learn more about the History of Food Coops

We get by with a little help from our Co-Op Members and Friends!

Please consider rating and reviewing our podcast on Apple Podcasts or your Podcast player of choice. A little Love goes a long way. 

About The Show:

“There's a difference when you consume a product with the least amount of processing and real ingredients”.

- Krista Cloud

Krista Cloud started her journey as a passionate supporter of local businesses and communities in Southwest Missouri. There, she volunteered at a farmers market, forming meaningful relationships with farmers and vendors. After moving to Northwest Arkansas with her husband, the pair launched Natural State Beverage, a company specializing in kombucha and natural sodas.

The inspiration to create their own business came from hosting a bike-packing event in Northwest Arkansas. The positive feedback they received on their homemade drinks led them to turn their passion into a business venture. As Krista settled into her new community, she became both a vendor and a shopper at Ozark Natural Foods (ONF). Her commitment to supporting local vendors traces back to her time in Missouri, and she's thankful for the supportive environment that ONF provides.

As Natural State Beverage continues to grow, Krista has high hopes. She aims to be the local go-to source for kombucha and sodas while maintaining strong community ties. 

I hope this version is more in line with what you're looking for. Let me know if you'd like further adjustments!

What You Will Learn In This Episode:

• Uncover the secrets behind Natural State Beverage's eco-friendly and sustainable practices.
• Discover the uncompromising commitment to quality at Ozark Natural Foods.
• Explore the vital role community connections play in the food industry landscape.
• Realize the far-reaching benefits of supporting local businesses for community development.
• Envision positive global impact through the power of sustainable food industry practices.

All this and more on this episode of Ozark Natural Foods The Co-Op Podcast.

Important Links and Mentions In This Episode:

• Visit Ozark Natural Foods to purchase Kombucha and natural soda products.  There’s a variety of mouthwatering flavors that you can get from Natural State Beverage Company.
• Attend local farmers markets and connect with farmers who supply the Co-Op.
• Consider starting your own business and take advantage of the entrepreneurial environment in Northwest Arkansas.
• Follow Natural State Beverage Company on Facebook.

This Episode is Sponsored By:

Ozark Natural Foods

Connect More With Ozark Natural Foods:

• Grab our Newsletter 
• Email Us at [email protected]
• Connect With Our Facebook Page 
• Join The Facebook Group
• Connect With Our Instagram 
• Connect With Our LinkedIn Page
• Learn more about the History of Food Coops

We get by with a little help from our Co-Op Members and Friends!

Please consider rating and reviewing our podcast on Apple Podcasts or your Podcast player of choice. A little Love goes a long way. 

About The Show:

“The design of the co-op building was about more than just aesthetics. It was about creating a space that could overcome challenges and leverage its unique features to thrive and grow”.

- Chris Baribeau

Chris Baribeau is more than just an architect; he's a local hero deeply invested in his community. His involvement with Ozark Natural Foods wasn't merely professional; it was a labor of love. Tasked with reinventing a former Safeway and Marvin's IGA, Chris faced more than just design challenges. He had the weight of community expectations on his shoulders.

Chris rose to the occasion with creativity and vision, transforming the space into more than just a store. It became a haven for college students, a gathering spot for locals, and a symbol of the Co-Op's resilience. His design didn't just meet aesthetic goals; it captured the very essence of the Co-Op, turning the location into a hub for communal interaction.

Every time Chris passes by the Co-Op now, he can take pride in knowing his work has had a lasting impact. His story serves as a testament to the transformative power of community involvement, innovative design, and personal dedication.

What You Will Learn In This Episode:

• Discover the unique journey and growth of the Co-Op Building that brought it to its current charm.
• Uncover the elements that enhance visitor’s experience and appreciation when they step into the Co-Op space.
• Learn about the honor and pride that members hold in making the Co-Op their second home.
• Understand the pivotal role of the only Food Co-Op in Arkansas in boosting local food production.
• Recognize the welcoming environment of Ozark Natural Foods that opens its doors for all, fostering a sense of community.

All this and more on this episode of Ozark Natural Foods The Co-Op Podcast.

Important Links and Mentions In This Episode:

• Visit the Co-Op in person to experience the unique design and atmosphere created by Modus Studio.
• Explore the Co-Op's new location at the corner of Lafayette and College Avenue in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
• Visit Ozark Natural Foods: The Co-Op website to learn more about their history, standards of quality, and the importance of being locally focused.
• Follow Modus Studio on Facebook.

This Episode is Sponsored By:

Ozark Natural Foods

Connect More With Ozark Natural Foods:

• Grab our Newsletter 
• Email Us at [email protected]
• Connect With Our Facebook Page 
• Join The Facebook Group
• Connect With Our Instagram 
• Connect With Our LinkedIn Page
• Learn more about the History of Food Coops

We get by with a little help from our Co-Op Members and Friends!

Please consider rating and reviewing our podcast on Apple Podcasts or your Podcast player of choice. A little Love goes a long way.