SO NWA

Episode 34 - In this episode of SO NWA, we sit down with Emily and Josh Saffran, owners of The Gents Place in Bentonville, to talk about entrepreneurship, family, leadership, and creating an experience that goes far beyond a haircut.

We dive into how Josh's vision for a premium men's grooming club became a reality, how Emily transitioned from nursing into business ownership, and what it takes to balance raising six kids while running a growing company.

We also discuss:
• The story behind bringing The Gents Place to the Walmart Home Office campus
• Why experience matters more than transactions
• Building meaningful relationships in Northwest Arkansas
• The impact of GentsGiving and giving back through community initiatives
• Entrepreneurship, growth, and work-life balance
• Their favorite places around Northwest Arkansas
• Rapid-fire questions, food favorites, and plenty of laughs

Whether you're a business owner, community builder, or simply love hearing local success stories, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration.

Follow SO NWA for more conversations with the people shaping Northwest Arkansas.

https://thegentsplace.com/service_location/bentonville-fountain-plaza-ar/

Episode 33- In this episode of SO NWA Podcast, we sit down with Kassie Ogle — furniture store owner, home staging expert, CrossFit athlete, and entrepreneur — for one of our most personal and eye-opening conversations yet.

Cassie opens up about her experience with Hashimoto’s disease, chronic inflammation, anxiety, gut health, and the lifestyle changes that completely transformed her health journey. We talk about the impact of stress, processed foods, fitness, holistic healing, and what it really means to prioritize your health in today’s world.

Beyond health, we also dive into:
• Home staging & real estate
• Building businesses in Northwest Arkansas
• CrossFit & community
• Nutrition, habits & mindset
• Moving from NWA to Joplin
• The future of wellness and entrepreneurship

This episode is packed with practical advice, honest conversation, and a powerful reminder that health truly is wealth.

Follow SO NWA Podcast for more stories highlighting the people, businesses, and communities shaping Northwest Arkansas.

Episode 32 -This week on the SO NWA Podcast, we sit down with Northwest Arkansas comedian Francisco Valencia — better known as Frisco Kid.

From moving to Arkansas through J.B. Hunt to building one of the fastest-growing comedy brands in the region, Frisco Kid shares the real story behind the laughs. We talk about betting on yourself, handling criticism, building community, staying authentic, and how comedy completely changed his life.

We also dive into:

• His journey from open mics to packed comedy shows Performing in places like Oklahoma, Nashville, and New York
• His upcoming testimony-based comedy show about faith and transformation
• Why Northwest Arkansas became home
• The importance of supporting local dreams and creators
• Kill Tony stories, Chappelle Show memories, and hilarious crowd moments

This episode is funny, motivating, raw, and full of real conversations about purpose, hustle, and staying true to yourself.

If you’ve ever thought about chasing a dream, starting something new, or stepping outside your comfort zone — this episode is for you.

Follow Frisco Kid:
📲 @thefriscokidlive

Follow SO NWA Podcast:
📲 @sonewapodcast

Episode 31- In this episode of SO NWA, we sit down with Ana Xavier, a podcast strategist and producer with over a decade of experience helping entrepreneurs launch and grow impactful podcasts.

From starting her first show in 2008 to working across Portugal, London, and the U.S., Ana shares what actually works when it comes to podcasting—and what most people get wrong.

We talk about:

-Why most podcasts never grow-How to use a podcast as a business tool (not just content)-The mindset shifts that separate successful creators-How to stay consistent without burning out-Turning listeners into real relationships and opportunities

Ana also breaks down how podcasting can be used as a tool for building trust, growing your network, and creating real opportunities.

Whether you're thinking about starting a podcast or already have one, this episode is packed with practical insight and honest perspective.

https://www.thepodcastspace.com/

https://www.instagram.com/thepodcastspace/?hl=en

Episode 30-In this episode of SO NWA, we sit down with Yair Benitez — a young entrepreneur making serious moves here in Northwest Arkansas.

From starting out cutting hair in a garage to owning multiple barbershops and building a name in real estate, YB shares what it really takes to grow something from the ground up.

We talk about:
• The power of consistency (and what it actually looks like)
• Taking risks when nothing is guaranteed
• Balancing multiple businesses at a young age
• Why responding fast can change everything in real estate
• Staying grounded, giving back, and building real relationships

This episode is for anyone trying to level up, stay focused, and build something meaningful — especially right here in NWA.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure about your next move… this one’s for you.

🎧 Follow & connect with YB:
Instagram: @ybtherealtor

📍 Based in Northwest Arkansas

https://www.facebook.com/CultureCutsRogersAR/

https://www.instagram.com/ecstasybarberstudio_/

Episode 29- Thor O’Connor, owner of Thor’s Barbershop in Pea Ridge, shares his journey from college burnout to building a thriving barbershop in Northwest Arkansas.

In this episode, we dive into what it really takes to start from scratch, the challenges of stepping out on your own, and how Thor turned a tough situation into an opportunity to build something authentic. From cutting hair in his garage to owning a 5-star shop, his story is all about resilience, community, and betting on yourself.

We also talk about the growth of NWA, entrepreneurship, and why creating a unique experience keeps clients coming back.

If you're into business, self-growth, or local stories that hit home, this one’s for you.

https://www.thorsbarbershop.com/

Episode 28-In this episode of SO NWA, we sit down with Deysi Chicas, an executive closing agent with over 20 years of experience at Waco Title. If you’ve bought or sold a home in Northwest Arkansas, there’s a good chance you’ve been across the closing table from her.

Deysi shares her journey from moving to the U.S. in 1994 to building a long, successful career in the title industry. We dive into what really happens behind the scenes during a real estate closing, how technology is changing the process (including remote and international closings), and why trust and relationships are everything in this business.

Beyond real estate, Deysi opens up about her personal growth, stepping away from management to refocus on what she loves most, and the importance of family, community, and staying grounded. Plus, we get into some fun rapid-fire questions covering her favorite local spots, weekend activities, and dream job on a beach somewhere.

If you’re curious about real estate, love local stories, or just want to hear from someone who’s helped shape the NWA community behind the scenes, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

We’re local real estate agents here in Northwest Arkansas—if you’re thinking about buying, selling, or investing, we’d love to connect. Reach out to us on Instagram email us at [email protected].

https://www.instagram.com/sonwapodcast/

Episode 27 - In this episode of So NWA Podcast, hosts Enrique and Juan Carlos switch things up and get a little more personal.

They recap recent real estate wins, including closing deals and the strategies behind getting homes under contract quickly. From there, the conversation shifts into a fun “favorites” episode where the hosts share stories about childhood memories, comfort foods, favorite music, weekend routines, and life lessons.

You’ll hear everything from growing up in Florida and California, to favorite restaurants, music artists, and the simple things they love about living in Northwest Arkansas.

This episode is a laid-back conversation that gives listeners a deeper look at the people behind the podcast and their journey as local real estate agents serving the community.

If you’re new to the show or have been listening for a while, this episode is a great way to get to know the hosts a little better.

Episode 26- In this episode of SO NWA, we sit down with Cody and Mike Duley of Keller Williams for an honest conversation about leadership, growth, and building something that lasts.

We dive into their journey in real estate, how they’ve built and scaled a successful team, and what it really takes to create long-term impact in Northwest Arkansas. From lessons learned along the way to the mindset required to lead at a high level, this episode is packed with practical insight and real perspective.

We also talk about legacy, mentorship, and the responsibility that comes with serving clients and developing people. Whether you’re in real estate, running a business, or just looking to grow personally, there’s something here for you.

If you’re part of the NWA community or interested in what’s shaping our local market, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

Episode 25. In this episode of SO NWA, Juan Carlos and Enrique sit down with Joseph Nguyen, the local food influencer behind Hangry Peddler. Joseph shares his journey into content creation, his connection to Northwest Arkansas, and how becoming a father shifted his priorities, mindset, and approach to social media.

The conversation covers food, cycling, community, balance, and staying humble while building something meaningful. Recorded live at Iron Horse Coffee in Rogers, this episode feels like a real, unscripted conversation about life, growth, and supporting local.