Summary

In this engaging episode of Startup Junkies, hosts Daniel Koonce and Harrison Kitson sit down with Gopi Chandran and Shannon Williams from AssistNow, a rapidly growing IT services and consulting firm specializing in Workday, ERP systems, and AI integration. Gopi shares the story of founding AssistNow four years ago, bootstrapping the company from its early days after decades of experience in the ERP space. Shannon, who recently joined the team, discusses the company's core offerings: Workday staffing, consulting services, post-go-live support, and the innovative use of AI through in-house tools like Assistly. The conversation explores how AI is revolutionizing day-to-day support for clients, simplifying tasks and delivering instant answers, and hints at new tools currently in development.

The discussion delves into AssistNow’s competitive edge. The team emphasizes their cost-effectiveness, commitment to customer satisfaction (including a rare money-back guarantee), and focus on building authentic relationships rather than relying solely on aggressive sales tactics. They also talk about the importance of trustworthiness, personal connection, and adaptability as drivers of their organic growth. Gopi and Shannon share valuable lessons from their entrepreneurial journeys, including the pitfalls of doing business with friends and the importance of reading contracts carefully. Looking ahead, AssistNow is planning strategic global expansion and continued innovation in AI, while maintaining its core values and personalized approach. The episode is an insightful look into what it takes to succeed—and grow—authentically in the tech consulting world!

Show Notes

(00:00) Introduction

(05:46) Creating Reports with Assistly

(07:35) Targeting Mid-Market and Recoveries

(11:30) Customer Retention Through Proactive Responses

(16:02) Expanding Global Office Strategy

(18:24) Lessons in Business and Friendship

(20:22) Avoiding Desperate Decisions

(23:32) Closing Thoughts

Links

Daniel Koonce
Harrison Kitson

Startup Junkie

Startup Junkie YouTube

Shannon Williams

Gopi Chandran

AssistNow

Summary

In this engaging episode of Startup Junkies, host Daniel Koonce sits down with artist and entrepreneur Susan Edgmon and curator Allen Paulose to explore the intersection of art, business, and community in Northwest Arkansas. Susan shares her remarkable journey—how a life-changing car accident led her from being a business owner to becoming a professional artist, teacher, and inventor, all centered around her love for creative expression. She emphasizes the importance of following your passions, seizing unexpected opportunities, and embracing the philosophy of “finding a need and filling it,” which shaped both her artistic and entrepreneurial endeavors.

Additionally, Allen recounts his transition from a career in engineering to curating art exhibitions, inspired in part by his father’s experience as an under-recognized artist. His work bridges artists with the community and market, using innovative, community-focused approaches—including events, collaborations, and themed exhibitions—to promote inclusivity and connection. He and Susan discuss the challenges and rewards of creative entrepreneurship, underscoring the importance of experimentation, mentorship, and supporting one another.

Both guests reflect on the power of community, the need to stay open to life’s twists, and the significance of giving back. Their advice for aspiring creative entrepreneurs: keep learning, be kind to yourself through setbacks, and pursue what you love!

Show Notes

(00:00) Introduction

(04:24) Rediscovering Purpose Through Art Classes

(08:46) Embarking on a Painting Journey

(11:39) Unexpected Opportunities in Art Career

(15:34) Finding Purpose Through Failure

(22:10) Curating Underrecognized Artists' Stories

(25:16) Turning Art into Business

(31:01) Creative Entrepreneurship: Filling Market Gaps

(33:55) Art for All: Inclusive Engagement

(40:07) Closing Thoughts

Links

Daniel Koonce

Startup Junkie

Startup Junkie YouTube

Allen Paulose

Susan Edgmon

ARt deCentrale

Summary

In this engaging episode of Startup Junkies, hosts Daniel Koonce and Caleb Talley sit down with Daniel Marques, the dynamic CEO and co-founder of Skin Check, to discuss his unique entrepreneurial journey and the innovative technology his team is bringing to digital healthcare. The episode opens with Daniel’s refreshingly candid take on entering the startup and medtech world with little prior experience, powered mostly by curiosity and grit. Raised in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and later moving to Tulsa, Oklahoma, Daniel built bridges between both cultures and leveraged local gaps in care to inspire his entrepreneurial mission.

Skin Check stands at the cutting edge of healthtech, offering an end-to-end digital dermatology platform that expedites access to expert skin care and enables early detection of skin cancer—a disease for which early diagnosis is life-saving. With an app already boasting over one hundred and sixty-five users, Skin Check harnesses AI and computer vision for accurate screenings across all skin tones, making equity a priority both in design and delivery.

Daniel shares stories from his early ventures—including building vital medical devices during the COVID-19 ventilator shortage and founding university-based incubators—highlighting his passion for empowering underrepresented innovators. Throughout the episode, what stands out is Daniel’s commitment to democratizing healthcare access, particularly for rural and underserved communities. The discussion also covers the challenges of building a tech startup outside the typical Silicon Valley hubs and the power of community and perseverance. Listen in for inspiration, actionable insights, and a glimpse into the future of digital dermatology!

Show Notes

(00:00) Introduction

(03:42) Engineering Entrepreneurship in Ventilator Innovation

(08:35) How Community and Collaboration is Crucial

(15:10) Inclusive AI Technology for Skin Tones

(20:04) Asynchronous Teledermatology Services Model

(21:10) Innovation in Dermatology Services

(25:02) Rural Startup Success in Healthcare

(34:06) Closing Thoughts

Links

Daniel Koonce

Caleb Talley

Startup Junkie

Startup Junkie YouTube

Daniel Marques

Skin Check

Summary

In this engaging episode of Startup Junkies, hosts Daniel Koonce and Caleb Talley sit down with Ali Al Jabry, founder of Kwema—a company dedicated to improving workplace safety. Ali, whose journey began in Kenya and took him across Latin America and the U.S., shares the story behind Kwema and how his personal experiences led him to entrepreneurship.

Kwema’s flagship product is a smart badge reel that discreetly keeps employees safe. With the press of a button, it sends exact location data during emergencies—assisting everyone from healthcare workers facing rising workplace violence to social workers and home health professionals entering unknown environments. Ali emphasizes that beyond technology, they also offer de-escalation training and tips for situational awareness.

The discussion dives into the evolution of Kwema, starting from smart jewelry to their now widely adopted badge reels. Ali provides valuable insights for entrepreneurs—highlighting the importance of persistence, community, and resilience when breaking into tough industries like healthcare. He also shares what keeps him motivated: the drive to scale up and serve more customers without compromising quality. Ali closes with advice for fellow founders—reminding us that nobody has all the answers and that listening, empathy, and continuous learning are keys to success. Listen today!

Show Notes

(00:00) Introduction

(03:24) About Kwema’s Innovative Safety Badge Technology

(09:26) Unexpected Client Interest and Uses

(16:07) Growing Through Strategic Partnerships

(19:24) How Community Support is Boosting Success

(22:52) Preparing for Increased Demand

(24:21) Kwema’s Future Market Expansion Strategy

(27:36) Closing Thoughts

Links

Daniel Koonce

Caleb Talley

Startup Junkie

Startup Junkie YouTube

Ali Al Jabry

Kwema

Summary

¡Bienvenidos a otro episodio de Querido Emprendedor! En esta inspiradora conversación, nuestra invitada Itzel Velazquez comparte su trayectoria como una líder apasionada, involucrada activamente en varios comités y organizaciones latinas y latinoamericanas. Itzel habla sobre la importancia de crear conexiones, mantenerse motivada y apoyar a la comunidad latina, destacando especialmente el valor de que las mujeres latinas no tengan miedo de aprovechar y mostrar sus fortalezas en el ámbito profesional. Acompáñanos mientras nos cuenta sobre el valor de la colaboración, cómo enfrentar nuevos retos y su compromiso por empoderar a otros para perseguir sus sueños y aprovechar nuevas oportunidades.

Show Notes

(00:05) Welcome & introductions.

(00:28) What’s new?

(01:21) Past experiences.

(03:50) What’s your job?

(03:50) What’s your job?

(05:14) What is it about helping people?

(06:16) Melting pot.

(07:35) Biggest challenge.

(09:30) How do you define success?

(11:35) First in my family.

(12:44) Opening doors.

(14:31) Lessons from entrepreneurs. 

(16:03) A balanced life. 

(19:00) Stumbling along the way. 

(20:58) Choosing a team.

(22:52) A commitment to the community. 

(24:50) Carrer objectives. 

(26:18) Business advice.

(28:30) Fighting the fear.

(29:46) Lasting footprint.

(31:44) Advice from the past.

Links

Ignacio Balderrama

Startup Junkie

Kiva Northwest Arkansas

Itzel Velazquez (Little Rock Kiva Hub-Capital Access Manager)

FORGE, Inc.

Summary

In this engaging episode of Startup Junkies, hosts Daniel Koonce and Caleb Talley are joined by Lee Porter, founder and owner of Ozark Green Roofs. Lee shares the inspiring story behind her journey to starting a green roof company in Arkansas, rooted in her passion for landscape architecture and sustainability that began in college. After realizing there were no green roof companies in the area, Lee pivoted from her original career plans and took the entrepreneurial leap, launching Ozark Green Roofs in 2018 with support from Startup Junkie and her network.

The conversation explores the challenges and milestones of building a unique niche business, from early residential projects to high-profile commercial jobs such as the Fayetteville Public Library, First National Bank, Uptown Apartments, and most notably, the ambitious green roof for the Alice L. Walton School of Medicine. Lee details the technical and environmental benefits of green roofs, sharing how these projects contribute to sustainability, stormwater management, and improving urban environments.

Additionally, Lee discusses the importance of teamwork, mentorship, and her advisory board in growing the company. She highlights her recent steps into hiring and expanding her team, her commitment to offering employee benefits, and her ambitions to become the leading regional green roof provider. Through candid reflections on entrepreneurial challenges and the value of asking for help, Lee delivers an inspiring message about perseverance and building something meaningful in your own backyard. Tune in today!

Show Notes

(00:00) Introduction

(05:05) Lee’s Journey Starting Ozark Green Roofs

(09:27) The Alice L. Walton Green Roof Experience

(14:43) Reevaluating the Triple Bottom Line: People, Planet, Profit

(17:15) The Benefits of Advisory Boards

(19:31) Charitable Choice: Donations Over Payments

(24:19) Expanding the Ozark Green Roofs’ Team

(26:26) How Strategic Guidance is Growing Lee’s Business Passion

(29:15) Advice to Younger Self

(31:36) Closing Thoughts

Links

Daniel Koonce

Caleb Talley

Startup Junkie

Startup Junkie YouTube

Lee Porter

Ozark Green Roofs

Summary

In this engaging episode of Startup Junkies, hosts Daniel Koonce and Jeff Amerine welcome Catelyn Hooser, the dynamic founder and owner of Chug NWA—a Farmington-based soda shop that’s stirring up the beverage scene in Northwest Arkansas. From the get-go, Catelyn’s entrepreneurial spirit shines through as she shares the story of how she transformed a mobile soda trailer into a bustling brick-and-mortar storefront. 

With a background as a hairstylist and a drive to do something different, Catelyn jumped into small business ownership inspired by her father’s example and a desire to carve a unique path. Chug NWA’s menu, full of inventive soda recipes developed by Catelyn and her team, sets it apart from chain competitors like Sonic and Swig. The Cowboy (Dr. Pepper, vanilla, and homemade coconut cream) is a local favorite, alongside “guy-favorite” combos like the Float Trip (root beer, butterscotch, and vanilla).

Listeners will love hearing about the challenges and rewards of running both a storefront and a mobile drink truck—from serving teacher appreciation events to handling equipment stress and expanding the menu with soft pretzels to boost revenue.

Additionally, Catelyn opens up about balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood, the importance of instilling confidence and skills in her young team, and her long-term vision of expanding—perhaps with her daughter’s help someday. Her advice to herself and other entrepreneurs? “You only grow when you’re uncomfortable—keep grinding and never give up.” For anyone inspired by grassroots business and community, this episode is a must-listen!

Show Notes

(00:00) Introduction

(01:08) About Chug NWA

(05:35) Challenges vs Opportunities with a Mobile Truck

(08:42) Promoting Efficiency and Speed in Production

(11:50) Chug NWA Expansion Plans

(15:20) Combating Uncertainty with Optimism

(17:03) Embracing Discomfort to Grow

(17:31) Closing Thoughts

Links

Daniel Koonce

Jeff Amerine

Startup Junkie

Startup Junkie YouTube

Catelyn Hooser

Chug NWA

Summary

In this engaging episode of Startup Junkies, hosts Caleb Talley and Daniel Koonce sit down with Eric Howerton, serial entrepreneur, co-founder of White Spider, and currently the co-founder of AdFury.ai. The conversation dives into Eric’s journey as an entrepreneur, his approach to solving niche problems in the retail media and advertising space, and the importance of relentless purpose over simple profit-seeking.

Eric introduces AdFury.ai, a new SaaS platform that leverages artificial intelligence to automate the creation of highly relevant display and video ads for retailers and agencies. He explains how, while sponsored search advertising is well established, display and video ad creation remains painfully manual, limiting its reach and effectiveness. AdFury automates the process, allowing agencies and brands to quickly scale and personalize creative assets based on keywords, thus increasing efficiency and relevancy for both advertisers and end customers.

The episode goes beyond technical discussion, with Eric sharing hard-earned wisdom about what it takes to succeed as a founder. He emphasizes emotional intelligence, resilience, and having a clear sense of purpose, warning that entrepreneurship isn’t for the faint of heart or those simply chasing a lifestyle or wealth. Instead, it’s about being deeply committed to solving real problems and being prepared to persevere through inevitable adversity. Eric’s candid reflections and practical advice make this episode a meaningful listen for anyone considering, or currently navigating the entrepreneurial path. Listen now!

Show Notes

(00:00) Introduction

(04:22) AI-Driven Ad Creation Software

(12:35) Optimizing Ad Spend Efficiency

(17:00) E-commerce Content Optimization

(20:02) Adapting Quickly to AI Advances

(26:13) Motivation for Entrepreneurs

(29:24) Prioritizing Family Time Over Work

(31:26) The Risks of Promoting Entrepreneurship

(38:05) Unlearning Societal Expectations

(44:22) Ignorance, Missteps, and Self-Reliance

(48:55) Subconscious Intuition in Entrepreneurship

(49:32) Trusting Optimism Amid Uncertainty

(50:21) Closing Thoughts

Links

Caleb Talley

Daniel Koonce

Startup Junkie

Startup Junkie YouTube

Eric Howerton

AdFury.ai

Summary

In this engaging episode of Startup Junkies, hosts Caleb Talley and Kendall Jasper are joined by Humphrey Chin, founder of CLIPr, who shared how his startup is revolutionizing documentation for police officers. Originally conceived as a tool to pinpoint important moments in any video—serving students, event attendees, and enterprise teams—CLIPr found its true calling during a pivotal accelerator program. After a Bentonville police officer heard Humphrey’s pitch, it became clear that law enforcement needed a faster, smarter solution for creating police reports from hours of body cam footage.

CLIPr’s technology now automatically generates the first draft of a police report from body cam videos, slashing the time officers must spend on paperwork. As Humphrey explains, this means police can focus more on patrol and less on administrative burdens. By integrating seamlessly with body camera providers, CLIPr simplifies uploading, ensures searchability, and maintains accuracy—capturing what’s said, not just what’s seen.

The reception from law enforcement has been overwhelmingly positive. Departments now go straight to discussing pricing, not just possibilities—a clear sign CLIPr solves a real problem. Humphrey hopes this is just the beginning, envisioning future applications for social workers, insurance adjusters, and anyone facing mountains of documentation. Check out the episode now!

Show Notes

(00:00) Introduction

(05:33) Competing Video Tools vs CLIPr’s Utility

(08:08) The Necessary Challenge of Police Documentation

(11:24) Using Audio as Truth in Law Enforcement

(16:44) AI Transcription Accuracy Levels

(20:37) How CLIPr Makes Documentation Effortless

 (23:45) Utilizing CLIPr Outside of Law Enforcement

(28:38) How Success Requires Post-Meeting Action

(31:53) Closing Thoughts

Links

Caleb Talley

Kendall Jasper

Startup Junkie

Startup Junkie YouTube

Humphrey Chen

CLIPr

Summary

In this engaging episode of Startup Junkies, hosts Daniel Koonce, Jeff Amerine, and Harrison Kitson sit down with John Ferrante, the co-founder of EO Space, a design studio based in Fayetteville, Arkansas. John shares insightful stories about his entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the importance of building unique offerings and maintaining strong relationships with clients. He discusses the challenges and surprises he has faced over the last five years, particularly the simplicity at the core of running a business: working with people and keeping promises.

John explains EO Space's mission of being a people-friendly design studio, highlighting the importance of customer-centricity and fostering strong partnerships with founders. He also shares exciting news about an upcoming project involving an innovative alternative drink that has already received global accolades, illustrating EO Space’s role in shaping its brand experience.

In addition to his entrepreneurial endeavors, John talks about his pursuit of an MBA at SMU in Dallas, expressing his desire to be surrounded by excellence and further his business acumen. He reflects on the differences between the entrepreneurial communities in Northwest Arkansas and Dallas, noting both the competitive nature and supportiveness present in each.

Looking forward, John envisions EO Space specializing more in the consumer packaged goods sector and growing their network within Arkansas. He ends with advice for aspiring entrepreneurs to prioritize taking action and seeking customer feedback over excessive planning. Listen today!

Show Notes

(00:00) Introduction

(04:48) Rethinking Business Success Fundamentals

(08:40) Personalized Success in Entrepreneurship

(11:25) Prioritizing People in Business

(18:44) Motivation Through Earning Trust

(20:22) Striving Beyond Average

(26:24) From Festivals to a CPG Focus

(27:26) Engaging with Local Entrepreneurs

(29:49) Closing Thoughts

Links

Daniel Koonce

Jeff Amerine

Harrison Kitson

Startup Junkie

Startup Junkie YouTube

John Ferrante

EO Space