The Startup Junkies Podcast

Summary

On this special episode of Startup Junkies, hosts Caleb Talley, Grace Gill, Darian Harris, and Tom Douglass head north to the Ledger in Bentonville, where they sit down with four of the participants in Fuel’s AI and machine learning 2023 cohort. Fuel is specifically designed for seed and growth-stage technology companies ready to scale and become enterprise-ready. Members of the cohort receive mentorship and education from leaders in their vertical, as well as coaching and connections from Fuel’s enterprise partners. Caleb, Grace, Darian, and Tom sat down with Andrew Bart of AlgoFace, Dexter Caffey of Smart Eye Technology, Kevin Butler of Edify, and Keith Fix of Retail Aware to discuss their entrepreneurial journeys and their experiences with Fuel thus far. 

Show Notes

(0:35) Introducing This Year’s Fuel Accelerator 

(2:51) Andrew Bart and AlgoFace

(13:11) Dexter Caffey and Smart Eye Technology

(23:14) Kevin Butler and Edify

(32:44) Keith Fix and Retail Aware

Links

Fuel 

Caleb Talley

Grace Gill

Darian Harris

Tom Douglass

Andrew Bart

AlgoFace      

Dexter Caffey

Smart Eye Technology

Kevin Butler

Edify.ai      

Keith Fix

Retail Aware

Quotes

“Even in the mentor sessions, I know we’re here to acquire enterprise-level customers and learn how to be better at doing that and optimizing that process. But the reality is I came here to meet people. The way I’ve operated in life historically is that things tend to develop organically…People do deals with you ultimately because they like you and they trust you. And look, I just want to engage with people in the community. I’ve met an incredible group of people. The exposure [through Fuel] has been nothing short of amazing.” - Andrew Bart, (6:11)

“The business climate [in Northwest Arkansas] is something that’s completely different than any other place I’ve been in the States as well as globally…It’s a completely different environment here business-wise. I don’t think a lot of people understand that.” - Dexter Caffey, (18:26)

“Getting exposure to mentors and business people around the area is a huge benefit [of Bentonville]...But even though it’s a small market, Walmart, a Fortune 1 company, is here. We’re not limited in where those connections go and where the results of Fuel take companies, and I see that as one of the big benefits here.” - Kevin Butler, (27:06)

“I don’t think anyone really understands or knows what’s happening in [Northwest Arkansas] until you get here. It’s just such a hidden gem.” - Keith Fix, (37:29)

Summary

En nuestro segundo episodio del podcast Startup Junkies En Español tenemos como invitada a Jessica Sánchez. Jessica es propietaria de NWA Bilingual Solutions una compañía que se especialista en proveer servicios de traducción e interpretación a diferentes corporativos y organizaciones del área para beneficio de la comunidad. Fundada a finales del año 2020, NWA Bilingual Solutions también se dispone a concientizar a la comunidad de los derechos que la ley le otorga en cuanto a la interpretación en su idioma sin costo alguno se refiere. Jessica tomo experiencias vividas en su niñez y la convirtió en una compañía la cual está haciendo la diferencia en el Noroeste de Arkansas. 

Show Notes

(00:28) What is your company? How did it start? What was the need you saw?

(02:21) When did you launch the company?

(03:15) You saw the need and decided that you would do something about it. 

(05:54) Parents needing their kid’s help for translation & interpretation.

(07:47) From idea to business

(09:40) Who is Jessica Sánchez?

(11:46) No place to live.

(12:08) Cultural shock

(13:01) Learn English

(16:15) Give value to the service you offer.

(18:06) The importance or limits

(19:59) Linguistic access

(20:57) Where is the diversity?

(22:35) Where do you see your business in the next few years?

(26:10) Your kid is dead.

Links

Jessica Sánchez 

NWA Bilingual Solutions

Claudia Scott

Ana Ortiz

Quotes

“Como muchos que crecieron en este país que son padres de la primera generación en este país hemos estado interpretando por nuestros padres.” - Jessica Sánchez, (01:05)

“Esto fue un crecimiento gradual.” - Jessica Sánchez, (09:10)

“Yo soy Jessica y tengo ansiedad social.” - Jessica Sánchez, (09:56)

“Yo crecí en ese papel donde yo tenía que encargarme o ayudarles a mis papás de lo que fuera la necesidad de ellos.” - Jessica Sánchez, (10:19)

“Nos mudamos aquí (Arkansas) en el 2005 y otro cultural shock… Yo no entendía el inglés… ¿Qué es y’all? ¿Qué es esa palabra que utilizan en inglés?” - Jessica Sánchez, (12:12)

“Cuando mi mamá iba y les decía ‘spanish please’ o algo, no, la miraba horrible, la ignoraban, la hacían a un lado, entonces, he crecido mirando eso, he crecido mirando las diferencias y la discriminación que hay por el idioma que uno habla y como las personas nada más se lavan las manos diciendo ‘aprende inglés’ estamos aquí en los Estados Unidos y exactamente por eso porque estamos en los Estados Unidos en un lugar que es una mezcla de culturas que está basado en esto.” - Jessica Sánchez, (13:01)

“Uno tiene que darle valor al servicio que uno provee.” - Jessica Sánchez, (16:22)

“Culturalmente se nos ha enseñado una lealtad ciega a la familia.” - Jessica Sánchez, (18:45)

“Una de las cosas que más me encanta de tener mi propio negocio… Es que nadie me puede tapar la boca.” - Jessica Sánchez, (34:25)

“Tenemos que ser pacientes cuando estamos empezando nuestros propios negocios.”  - Jessica Sánchez, (37:16)

Summary

On this episode of Startup Junkies, hosts Jeff Amerine, Caleb Talley, and Victoria Dickerson are joined by returning guest Brendan Howell, co-founder and CEO of Loloft, which is reimagining the warehousing industry by offering small and growth-stage companies a physical space to store and manage their products without the burden of traditional long-term leases. Loloft officially opened its first location in Rogers at the beginning of September, and it is already surpassing its early targets and goals. Throughout the episode, Brendan discusses Loloft’s emphasis on community building, which cities are next for Loloft, and his thoughts on appealing to an unexpected market.

Show Notes

(0:32) Introducing Brendan Howell and Loloft

(7:51) Loloft’s Emphasis on Community

(11:55) What’s Next for Loloft? 

(16:28) Brendan’s Origin Story

(24:56) Appealing to an Unexpected Market

(29:50) Loloft’s Intentional Positioning

(32:07) Advice to the Younger Self and Closing Thoughts

Links

Jeff Amerine 

Caleb Talley

Victoria Dickerson

Brendan Howell

Loloft  

Quotes

“So the best way to describe what we’re doing is office coworking combined with warehousing. So it’s really a kind of mix of the two concepts. And we coined the term industrial coworking to try and accurately describe what we’re doing.” - Brendan Howell, (4:27)

“It was really eye-opening to see the access you can get by being in a community that is actually trying to build community and trying to build connections. So companies can come in and just do their own thing here, but if they want to participate, there’s that option as well.” - Brendan Howell, (10:27)

“We never intended to be in this business. We’re not property people. We don’t have a background in commercial property. But we saw a solution to a problem that we had, and a lot of other people had the same problem. So, we weren’t constrained by the dogma of the industry. We just came from outside and solved the problem.” - Brendan Howell (20:49)

“For us, from a business operations perspective, it’s dollars outside of square feet. There’s a lot of opportunity for us as a business to provide services. For the members, it’s below cost relative to getting a full-time employee. But for us, it’s also good revenue because we’re not just renting space, we can provide a service inside the space.” - Brendan Howell, (27:42)

Summary

Nuestro primer episodio del podcast Startup Junkies En Español tiene una invitada increíble. Ana Sáenz, propietaria de la panadería en línea The Magical Spatula. Originaria de Costa Rica, Ana se mudó a Arkansas hace 5 años con su esposo. Apasionada por la cocina desde muy chica, y sobre todo el gusto por hornear, Ana decidió llevar su pasión al siguiente nivel al decidir tomar clases de cocina y graduarse del centro Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food en la ciudad Bentonville en el Noroeste de Arkansas. 

Show Notes

(0:05) Introducing Ana Sáenz and Her Origin Story

(1:46) What inspired you?

(4:31) Best part of culinary clases 

(9:22) Challenges of entrepreneurship

(11:34) Networking 

(18:30) Education & Recepies

(20:34) What makes you different?

(33:45) What’s next?

Links

Claudia Scott

Ana Ortiz

Ana Sáenz

The Magical Spatula

Quotes

“Desde niña siempre horneé con mi abuelita y me acuerdo que todas las navidades hacíamos galletas, hacíamos tamales… Y me acuerdo de escoger con ella sabores, colores y todo ese tipo de cosas y siempre fue la cocina en general pero especialmente la parte pastelera con ella siempre fue recuerdos que tengo de mi niñez con ella.” - Ana Sáenz, (01:46)

“Paso el tiempo y perdí el miedo al idioma, perdí el miedo a manejar e independizarme y mi esposo me dice ¿por qué no te metes a clase culinarias y lo haces una carrera profesional?”

- Ana Sáenz, (02:40)

“Los eventos que hacían en la universidad, en Brightwater, traían chefs de todo el mundo… Super interesante, super divertido.” - Ana Sáenz, (04:57)

“Yo no quise entrar al mundo de pedir préstamos, no quise entrar a pedir capital o a pedir algún préstamo a ningún banco, yo quise empezar con lo que yo tenía, como yo pudiera y de ahí partí.” - Ana Sáenz, (09:24)

“Lo que mejor aprendí es que todo está en networking, todo está en ámbito de con quién te relacionas, que contactos puedes absorber, que personas adecuadas puedes reunirte o puedes estar en contacto con y de ahí salen tus ramas al éxito definitivamente.” - Ana Sáenz, (11:45) 

“Algo que admiro de la cultura aquí o de donde estamos, es la cantidad de oportunidades de hacer ese networking, esas conexiones.” - Claudia Scott, (12:11)

“Siempre va a haber miedo, siempre va a haber dudas de uno mismo, pero yo siento que depende de las herramientas que la gente busque así va a haber el éxito después de esto.” - Ana Sáenz, (14:59)

“Yo sé que nunca es tarde para empezar un negocio… Nunca, nunca, nunca es tarde.” - Ana Sáenz, (23:14)

“Tienen que confiar en lo que su instinto les dice.” - Ana Sáenz, (31:12)

“Yo no quiero llegar al punto de odiar lo que hago, quiero seguir amando lo que hago, que es lo que hago hasta el momento, amo dar mis clases, amo atender a mis clientes, amo ver esa sonrisa cuando comen pancitos.” - Ana Sáenz, (32:59)

Summary

On this special episode of Startup Junkies, hosts Jeff Amerine, Caleb Talley, and Victoria Dickerson head to Startup Crawl, where they interview several entrepreneurs participating in this year’s event. The night celebrated entrepreneurship in the Heartland with food trucks, local craft beer, live music, and entrepreneurial connection. Jeff, Caleb, and Victoria sat down with Joshua Carnes of Sights & Sounds NWA, Brody Maxwell of TrueRep, Orson Weems of the Music Education Initiative, Bryan Fittin of Go Rogue X, and Bridgett Skeirik of Montay Coffee to discuss their entrepreneurial endeavors and Startup Crawl’s impact on the community.  

Show Notes

(0:32) Joshua Carnes and Sights & Sounds NWA

(3:33) Brody Maxwell and TrueRep

(7:02) Orson Weems and the Music Education Initiative

(13:34) Bryan Fittin and Go Rogue X

(22:03) Bridgett Skeirik and Montay Coffee

Links

Jeff Amerine 

Caleb Talley

Victoria Dickerson

Joshua Carnes

Sights & Sounds NWA

Brody Maxwell

TrueRep

Orson Weems

The Music Education Initiative

Bryan Fittin

Go Rogue X

Montay Coffee         

Quotes

“The reactions we’ve been seeing tonight [at Startup Crawl] have been really cool. People have been…enjoying learning about the ecosystem of small businesses and startups here in Northwest Arkansas. It’s just been cool how engaged people want to be.” - Joshua Carnes, (2:39)

“With the way we’ve structured our pricing and also the affordability of using a product and a hardware device that most people carry around every day, and then just our magnet we sell at cost, you’re able to utilize velocity-based training whether you’re a strength coach at the university level and you want to outfit your athletes with the latest programming that professional athletes are using, or if you’re just an everyday gym-goer that wants to utilize programming that D1 athletes are utilizing, we’re able to provide that.” - Brody Maxwell, (5:39)

“What we’re doing is exposing careers and opportunities in music, entertainment, and live events. Because, as you said, that ecosystem, that’s a sector of industry that people don’t think about, that nighttime economy where most people go out.” - Orson Weems, (9:03)

“[Startup Crawl] is like a big family reunion for entrepreneurs because you get to see people that you only see online or haven’t seen in a couple of years or whatever else…And so it’s so encouraging to see so many people doing well [and] thriving here.” - Bryan Fittin, (19:25)

“[Startup Crawl] was incredible. There were so many people here. The vibe was really cool, just with all the music and everything, and getting to interact with so many people who are interested in our story and entrepreneurs and wanting to support. It was just great connections for us.” - Bridgett Skeirik, (25:21)

Summary

On this episode of Startup Junkies, hosts Caleb Talley, Victoria Dickerson, and Claudia Scott sit down with Erin Campbell, co-founder of Gen Z Water. Erin joined the podcast last year after Gen Z Water won the People’s Choice Award at Startup Crawl 2022, and she’s back this week to share what she’s been up to since. Throughout the episode, Erin discusses the unique challenges of marketing water, how she found her ideal niche in the Gen Z market, and the benefits of taking risks as an entrepreneur.

Show Notes

(1:17) Introducing Erin Campbell and Her Origin Story

(6:47) Marketing Water

(12:39) Connecting with Gen Z Customers

(20:53) Leaning into Risk as a Startup

(26:28) Building to Sell

(31:10) What’s Erin up to Now?

(33:06) Advice to the Younger Self and Closing Thoughts

Links

Caleb Talley

Victoria Dickerson

Claudia Scott

Erin Campbell 

GEN Z Water 

Quotes

“With the insights and the data and the research that we did during the pandemic, it was incredibly clear that that fit, filthy-rich, famous brand imagery was a huge disconnect from the value system of the Gen Z generation, [and] much more inline with the aspirational millennial generation.” - Erin Campbell, (13:22) 

“It landed so well because I feel like we did it with such intention. There is a story, there is a reason, there is a strategy, there is a data point, there is an insight behind every decision that we made. So, to that risk point, they’re informed, and they’re educated risks. They’re not just careless; they’re very calculated, and we made sure that we had a reasonably data-informed argument that would justify that risk.” - Erin Campbell, (22:46)

“I don’t know if [my] younger self would have been ready to hear, ‘just take risks.’ I think she had to go through the whole process to get to where I am today.” - Erin Campbel, (34:29)

Summary:

We're gearing up for Startup Crawl 2023! In this special episode of the Startup Junkies Podcast, we're revisiting the live show we recorded during Startup Crawl 2022. It's an evening of exciting startups, passionate entrepreneurs, incredible craft beer, and amazing live music. Tune in to get a taste of what you can expect at Startup Crawl 2023, happening Friday, September 8th from 5-9 pm at the Fayetteville Square! Get tickets at www.startupjunkie.org/startupcrawl.

Show Notes:

(0:46) All about Gen Z

(1:17) The Genesis behind Gen Z

(4:01) Reception from Buyers

(4:45) What’s Next for Gen Z?

(8:09) Background on Calvin Smith 

(12:54) A Metaphor for Entrepreneurship: Little Failures Lead to Greater Success

(16:12) What We Need from the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs 

(19:11) Advice to Younger Self

(20:51) Ronnie Brewer, Hero of Basketball

(21:10) Thoughts on the Startup Crawl

(22:57) Excellence in Athletics Translates to Entrepreneurship 

(25:11) Accept Nothing Less than the Best

Links:

Jeff Amerine

Erin Campbell

Bo Mo

Calvin Smith

Ronnie Brewer

Quotes:

“...I think in this culture of fast fashion, fast this, fast that, we can slow down and enjoy things and enjoy the smile that these bottles bring. And it's so unique because not a lot of products these days really are doing that.” - Bo Mo, (6:04)

“...What we need is the next generation of people coming up…to give back selflessly, without expecting anything in return and saying, ‘Hey, if I give back to this community, we're all better for it. I’m better for it.’” - Calvin Smith, (17:42)

“...The constraints that you have on yourself [are]…only in your mind. If you let that go, anything is possible and you can achieve anything. And we’re a prime example with the Razorbacks. But again, we're just scratching the surface. And that's motivation to people in the entrepreneurial world, and you can do anything, but don’t just settle for scratching the surface - keep on grinding, keep on getting better.” - Ronnie Brewer, (26:05)

Summary

On this episode of Startup Junkies, hosts Grace Gill, Harrison Kitson, and Claudia Scott are joined by Brittnie Simon, founder and owner of Collab Design Co. Collab is a digital marking agency in Northwest Arkansas whose goal is to elevate businesses through creative initiatives that drive results through strategy, marketing, and design. In this episode, Brittnie talks about what she learned about culture in corporate America, as well as how she builds a culture in her company that encourages growth and innovation. 

Show Notes

(0:53) Brittnie’s Origin Story

(12:27) Introducing Collab Design Co.

(15:00) The Importance of Support Networks

(19:29) Building a Company Culture and Avoiding Burnout

(27:01) Selling Clients What They Need

(29:20) Social Media Advice for Small Businesses

(37:38) Advice to the Younger Self and Closing Thoughts

Links

Grace Gill

Harrison Kitson

Claudia Scott

Brittnie Simon

Collab Design Co.   

Quotes

“What really stood out to me on my journey was how many people that I was able to lean on, like connections that supported me…[and it was the same experience] when I launched my business. When I started networking and connecting in the community, people want to refer locally and they want to get to know who they’re referring.” - Brittnie Simon, (15:43)

“If you have your cup and it’s full of creative juices, and as you’re doing things you kind of lose it, and if you don’t have a way to refill it…then you’re kind of at the end of your cup and you’re not doing successful work. So being able to say, hey my cup’s empty and build that communication there, then we can pivot and help give you opportunities to refill.” - Brittnie Simon, (20:26)

“I think there’s a misunderstanding of what consistency means [on social media], and I think that’s the biggest challenge. Consistency isn’t posting every day. Can you post weekly, on a regular basis consistently? Even if it’s once or twice a week. You just determine your level of consistency and commit to it.” - Brittnie Simon, (29:25)

“The other thing I’ve learned is that social media is a long game. Marketing is a long game. So trying to see return on investment one week after you started posting consistently is going to dishearten you…You’re probably going to be putting effort in for about a year before you’ll see those results.” - Brittnie Simon, (33:37) 

Summary

On this episode of Startup Junkies, hosts Jeff Amerine, Victoria Dickerson, and Grace Gill sit down with Jonathan Sasse, chief strategy officer at Metova. Jonathan talks about the process of implementing new technologies, such as AI and machine learning, into businesses with outdated or inefficient systems. He also discusses the importance of understanding why their customers purchase from them, how to build trust with clients, and how to end up with the right product rather than the easiest solution. 

Show Notes

(0:36) Introducing Jonathan and His Origin Story

(3:21) What’s on the Horizon for Metova

(5:40) Jonathan’s Take on AI

(10:34) Knowing When to Implement New Technologies

(15:26) Metova’s Ideal Customer

(19:14) Helping Decisions Makers Understand the Need for New Tech

(23:13) Metova’s Development Cycle

(27:06) Building Relationships with Clients

(29:35) Advice to the Younger Self

(31:04) Closing Thoughts

Links

Jeff Amerine

Victoria Dickerson

Grace Gill

Jonathan Sasse 

Metova 

Quotes

“[We’re] really looking at things through the customer’s lens. So like, what do your customers want from you? What are they hiring you for in the first place? And what’s frustrating them? And if AI can help make that better, great. But we also have to be careful [of] technology for the sake of technology, because it will happen. They’re like, here’s all the things I need, and it’s the five buzziest technology things.” - Jonathan Sasse, (8:27) 

“So as a customer, I’m applying a lens of, I know it’s possible, but you didn’t do it. And so now I want this from you because it’s clearly possible. And it’s not so much that your competitors dangled some new feature to me, but I was exposed to something that’s clearly technologically possible that you could choose to implement and make my life better.” - Jonathan Sasse, (12:25)

“Our sweet spot is really established companies that don’t have technology as their core DNA and that are at some kind of a crossroads. They’re not exactly sure where to go, but they have the resources to invest in doing it, and they have enough upside to come out of that with the ROI that’s needed.” - Jonathan Sasse, (15:53)

“A dev shop will build what you tell them to build…As a product agency, it’s more about the consulting and advising—you know, we’re bringing things to the table that are maybe going to change the direction of their business, maybe change their business model. We’re going to be advisors at a very high level and certainly a strategic partner…” - Jonathan Sasse, (28:38)

Summary

On this episode of Startup Junkies, hosts Jeff Amerine and Victoria Dickerson are joined by entrepreneur Mo Elliott. Mo founded Fayettechill while he was a student at the University of Arkansas and served as the CEO for thirteen years before eventually selling the outdoor lifestyle brand in 2022. After a successful exit from Fayettechill, Mo pivoted to real estate, flipping houses and eventually purchasing and operating multiple Airbnb properties in Santa Fe, New Mexico with the Pecos Group, which he founded. Throughout the episode, Mo, Jeff, and Victoria discuss Mo’s transition from retail to real estate, why he chose Santa Fe, and what’s next for Mo and the Pecos Group.

Show Notes

(0:36) Introducing Mo Elliot and His Origin Story

(6:14) Leaving Retail for Real Estate

(10:27) The Magic of Santa Fe

(13:26) Establishing Fayettechill as a Northwest Arkansas Staple

(15:44) What’s Next for Mo?

(21:00) Staying Connected to Fayetteville

(22:06) Advice to the Younger Self

(24:21) Closing Thoughts

Links

Jeff Amerine

Victoria Dickerson

Mo Elliott

Dos Hermanas Compound

Tesuque Outpost  

The Pecos Group

Fayettechill   

Quotes

“What I love about real estate is you make the purchase and it’s a tangible asset in front of you and you can control everything. With manufacturing, it’s rough. We’re buying 50,000 units twelve months in advance. We have data to understand what we sold last season, but it’s such a question mark with manufacturing, and it’s always changing.” - Mo Elliott, (6:42)

“I built [Fayettechill] with all the ideals of a little Patagonia. And so having a north star of our ideals and then eventually creating products that I wanted to use outside. And then the employees that worked for us, we were our own test dummies on the products that we wanted. So it wasn’t like we were designing for another core market that we weren’t a part of.” - Mo Elliott, (14:30)