Summary

In this engaging episode of Startup Junkies, hosts Caleb Talley and Daniel Koonce dive into the innovative world of Birdie and Brews, an indoor golf lounge in Northwest Arkansas. They are joined by Tyler and Shania Watkins, co-founders of this unique establishment that blends the thrill of indoor sports with a welcoming lounge atmosphere.

Tyler shares the inspiration behind Birdie and Brews, which began as a brainstorming concept three years ago. He aimed to create a space where people could enjoy golf regardless of the weather, drawing from experiences at various golf facilities across the country. As a pilot, Tyler had the opportunity to explore these facilities extensively, learning what worked and what could be improved upon.

The Watkins talk about the rapid growth of their venture, describing the first few months since their December 2024 launch as a whirlwind. Contrary to their initial expectations of a slow build, the response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive, with corporate events and birthday parties contributing significantly to their success.

The conversation highlights the importance of maintaining the personal experience in business, with both Tyler and Shania emphasizing the role their dedicated team plays in fostering an inviting environment. Shania's background in management shines as she discusses the value of nurturing a supportive work culture where staff feel like family.

Looking ahead, Tyler and Shania envision expanding Birdie and Brews to additional locations while preserving the unique atmosphere that sets them apart. Tune in to the full episode to hear more about their entrepreneurial journey and future plans!

Show Notes

(00:00) Introduction

(05:26) Creating Affordable Atmosphere Excellence

(11:33) How Corporate Events Changed Business Model

(17:02) Creating Vision and Operational Harmony

(22:29) Choosing a Full Swing Simulator

(29:28) How Sharing Dreams Drive Success

(31:48) Navigating Team Dynamics in a Small Business

(37:37) A Local Breweries and Staff Focus

(39:19) Closing Thoughts

Links

Caleb Talley

Daniel Koonce

Startup Junkie

Startup Junkie YouTube

Tyler Watkins

Birdie and Brews

Summary

In this engaging episode of Startup Junkies, hosts Daniel Koonce, Harrison Kitson, and Jeff Amerine welcome back Bo Counts, the founder of Pinpoint Fayetteville. Bo returns to discuss the fascinating niche he’s carved out with Pinpoint, Arkansas’s only barcade that uniquely blends retro pinball games with craft cocktails. Delving into his journey, Bo shares how his collection hobby morphed into a full-fledged business that prioritizes unique experiences over typical bar antics.

Bo is renowned for his knack for trend prediction, playfully dubbed “Boastrodonics.” He reflects on market shifts, noting how Pinpoint has offered non-alcoholic cocktails since 2017—an initially overlooked concept that’s gaining traction. Listeners are offered a behind-the-scenes peek into the complexities of the spirits industry, from navigating inventory challenges to innovating with popular drinks like the espresso martini. Bo also sheds light on the cultural factors influencing drinking habits, emphasizing how economic pressures steer consumers towards familiar favorites.

Beyond pinball and cocktails, Bo’s impact extends into local entrepreneurship, where he serves on boards and consults aspiring businesses. His insights on collaboration and pushing the envelope are not only inspiring but also a testament to his commitment to community growth. As he ventures into new frontiers with projects like a restaurant and champagne bar, Bo leaves listeners with valuable advice: embrace the unknown, follow happiness, and always strive for innovation. Listen now!

Show Notes

(00:00) Introduction

(04:16) Hunting Vintage Games Through Networking

(09:21) A Curated Bar Experience Strategy

(14:30) Predicting Future Alcohol Trends

(19:23) Trendsetting Before Popularity Hits

(22:11) Returning to Familiar Trends

(27:49) Bitters: From Medicine to Cocktail

(33:53) Rejecting the Business is Business Mentality

(34:25) Closing Thoughts

Links

Daniel Koonce

Harrison Kitson

Jeff Amerine

Startup Junkie

Startup Junkie YouTube

Bo Counts

Pinpoint Fayetteville

Summary

In this first episode of the Fuel Podcast, hosts Tom Douglass and Grace Gill sit down with co-founders of Path Fertility, Andy Olson and Krisin Brogaard, to discuss their fascinating journey in transforming male reproductive health diagnostics. Andy and Kristin dive into the often-overlooked issue of male infertility, explaining how traditional sperm analysis just isn’t cutting it anymore. As a result, they’ve come up with a cutting-edge solution that looks at sperm’s epigenetic profiles to provide more accurate diagnoses and better treatment paths.

The conversation explores their experience with the Fuel program in Northwest Arkansas, which has been a game-changer for Path Fertility. It’s given them the tools to secure funding from thirty-three employers and has significantly boosted their company’s growth. Along the way, both Andy and Kristin embraced the local community, which surprisingly enriched both their personal lives and business network. Kristin also shares exciting future plans for expanding their technology to livestock fertility, working with major artificial insemination groups, meaning Path Fertility is making big strides not just in human health, but also in helping the agricultural sector.

Throughout the discussion, Andy and Kristin reflect on the lessons learned during the Fuel program, particularly the value of strong commercial partnerships and strategic planning. The episode highlights the impactful work that Path Fertility is doing and emphasizes the importance of advancements in the field of reproductive health. Listen today!

Show Notes

(00:00) Introduction

(05:16) Male Infertility Misdiagnosis Issues

(08:33) Fertility Testing: Employer-Paid Initiative

(12:09) Fertility Test Marketing Strategy

(15:07) Executive Engagement Through Fuel Training

(17:04) A Strategic Focus on Companies

(22:10) Innovative Preventative Healthcare Initiative

(23:12) Healthcare Innovation in Arkansas

(26:55) Closing Thoughts

Links

Tom Douglass

Grace Gill

Fuel Accelerator

Andy Olson

Kristin Brogaard

Path Fertility

Connect with Us!

For more insights and updates, follow us on LinkedIn and subscribe to the Fuel Podcast. Stay tuned for more episodes, where we dive into the stories of more inspiring startups and the incredible things they’re doing. Don’t miss out on the conversation—join our community and be part of the entrepreneurial journey!

Welcome to The Fuel Podcast, the official podcast of Fuel Accelerator! Whether you're an entrepreneur, innovator, or visionary, this podcast is designed to fuel your growth and drive your success.

In each episode, we'll dive deep into the world of startups, scaling, and business acceleration, featuring insights from industry leaders, experts, and Fuel Accelerator's own success stories. You'll gain practical advice, strategies, and inspiration to elevate your business and take your entrepreneurial journey to the next level.

This is your go-to resource for actionable insights and behind-the-scenes looks at what it takes to build and scale a thriving business. If you're ready to ignite your potential and accelerate your business, you’re in the right place!

https://www.fuelaccelerator.com/

Summary

In this engaging episode of Startup Junkies, hosts Caleb Talley, Daniel Koonce, and Jeff Amerine are joined by Mallory Files, Owner of Ozark Charcuterie Wine Bar, who shares her inspiring journey from experiencing burnout in a full-time job to creating a thriving catering service and eventually opening a successful wine bar.

Feeling the pressure of a demanding job and grappling with mental health challenges, Mallory discovered solace in creating charcuterie boards, inspired by her grandmother’s culinary finesse. Encouraged by friends and her therapist to pursue this passion, she started an Instagram page that quickly grew into a business. Despite facing personal challenges, including a difficult pregnancy, Mallory persevered, leading her business to remarkable growth through strategic social media and SEO efforts.

Mallory's entrepreneurial spirit shines as she describes the distinct customer avatars she created for her catering and wine bar clients, as well as her decision to focus more on catering while integrating the wine bar aspect creatively. The discussion highlights her marketing strategy, emphasizing SEO over social media and targeting specific customer needs.

The hosts delve into Mallory's efforts in managing a growing team and expanding her product offerings, all while maintaining a personalized touch. Mallory shares her vision for the future, including aspirations for personal branding and scaling her business wisely. Her story is one of resilience and strategic growth, offering valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs navigating similar paths. Tune in today!

Show Notes

(00:00) Introduction

(03:03) Mallory’s Backstory

(07:43) Costly Convenience vs. Budget Living

(10:17) Marketing Strategies for Platforms and Audiences

(12:36) Curating an Ideal Audience

(17:34) What Goes Into a Perfect Charcuterie Board

(21:49) Custom Gourmet Platter Experience

(22:48) Balancing Kindness with Assertiveness

(26:42) Building a Personal Brand Journey

(29:24) Embracing Change in Business

(31:19) Closing Thoughts

Links

Caleb Talley

Daniel Koonce

Jeff Amerine

Startup Junkie

Startup Junkie YouTube

Mallory Files

Ozark Charcuterie & Wine Bar

Summary

In this episode of Startup Junkies, hosts Caleb Talley and Harrison Kitson connect with Anya Cheng, the founder of Taelor, a men's clothing service that uses AI technology. The discussion starts with Anya detailing her journey from working in big tech companies like Meta and eBay to founding Taelor, inspired by her own wardrobe challenges while being a leader in those organizations. Taelor simplifies fashion for men who dislike shopping, using AI to select outfits based on users' preferences and needs and offering rental services.

Throughout the episode, Anya illustrates Taelor's success, noting its impressive growth and partnerships with renowned companies and influencers. The company integrates global brands and works even with emerging designers, offering high-quality clothing. Taelor collaborates with women’s rental services and dating sites to reach more consumers. Anya highlights how Taelor aids sustainability by reducing waste from unsold inventory through a circular fashion model.

The conversation discusses the importance of customer feedback and AI in evolving the business, as well as the secret to startup success—believe in yourself and trust your knowledge of the problem you aim to solve. Moreover, Anya emphasizes the value of curiosity and open-minded networking for entrepreneurial growth. The episode concludes with details on how listeners can explore Taelor, offering discounts for a firsthand experience of their service. Overall, the episode provides a deep dive into the challenges and triumphs of combining fashion with cutting-edge technology in a startup venture!

Show Notes

(00:00) Introduction

(04:28) Post-Holiday Wardrobe Updates

(09:14) Online Personalized Style Consultations

(10:54) Everyday and Occasion Fashion Styling

(14:21) A One-Stop Shop for Men’s Needs

(19:00) Global Partnerships with Quality Brands

(22:13) Startup Resilience and Self-Belief

(23:16) Interactive Development and Feedback Importance

(27:01) Embracing Curiosity and Not Just Strategy

(27:45) Closing Thoughts

Links

Caleb Talley

Harrison Kitson

Startup Junkie

Startup Junkie YouTube

Anya Cheng

Taelor

Summary

In this episode of Startup Junkies, we dive into the electrifying world of lithium, renewable energy innovations, and its impact on the economy. Hosts Caleb Talley and Jeff Amerine are joined by guests Florence Meaders, program manager of the Lithium Regional Innovation Cluster (LRIC) and Matt Newman and Aviram Hadash from Brightmerge, who explore the profound potential of the Smackover Formation in South Arkansas and the revolutionary technologies shaping the future.

One key highlight of the episode was the transformative potential of the Smackover Formation, which has the capacity to supply ten times more lithium than the entire U.S. currently produces. Florence emphasized its unique extraction process—direct lithium extraction (DLE)—which minimizes environmental impact compared to traditional methods.

Additionally, Brightmerge’s cutting-edge innovations were also in the spotlight, with CEO, Aviram, detailing how their technology solves key challenges in optimizing electric vehicle (EV) fleet charging and microgrid design. Focusing on tailored, data-driven solutions, their platform helps fleet owners determine optimal charging schedules, equipment, and total cost of ownership (TCO), while factoring in local energy resources and environmental variables. Partnering companies like Volo X amplify their mission to make EV transitions both practical and economical.

Matt provided a broader perspective, stressing the importance of diversifying energy sources to accommodate future demands. From smarter lithium usage to energy storage evolution, the conversation stressed the need for strategic partnerships, resource recycling, and advancing battery technology.

This episode encapsulates the profound transformation underway in energy and logistics—underscoring innovation, collaboration, and sustainability as key drivers of progress. Tune in to unlock the future of lithium and EV advancements!

Show Notes

(00:00) Introduction

(05:36) Fleet EV Charging Challenges

(10:26) Optimizing Last-Mile Delivery Algorithms

(14:15) EV Fleet Transition Cost Comparison Tool

(17:58) Renewable Energy and Grid Innovation

(22:34) Advancements in Solar Energy and Storage

(26:46) Future of Lithium vs. Alternatives

(31:22) Recruiting Lithium Industry Experts

(36:36) Closing Thoughts

Links

Caleb Talley

Jeff Amerine

Startup Junkie

Startup Junkie YouTube

Aviram Hadash

Matt Newman

Brightmerge

Florence Meaders

Lithium Regional Innovation Cluster (LRIC)

Summary

En este episodio, nos adentramos en el apasionante mundo de la estuquería en Bolivia de la mano del líder de Cayara SRL, Guillermo Torrez. Conversamos sobre los mayores desafíos del sector de la cal y el estuco, los secretos que pocos conocen y cómo equilibrar tradición, innovación y compromiso con el medioambiente. ¡Una charla para conocer cómo se forja el éxito en un rubro tan único como vital!

Show Notes

(00:05) Welcome & introduction.

(00:56) Who is Guillermo Torrez?

(01:10) Family business.

(04:19) Overload.

(06:43) New opportunities.

(16:40) New experiences.

(18:54) Government regulations.

(23:42) Focus.

(27:30) All about the norms.

(35:53) Seize the opportunity.

(39:55) Teamwork.

(41:22) Entrepreneurship lessons.

(46:04) Advice from the past.

Links

Ignacio Balderrama

Startup Junkie

Kiva Northwest Arkansas

 Guillermo Torrez

Summary

In this episode of Startup Junkies, hosts Caleb Talley and Daniel Koonce are joined by Phill Shellhammer and Zoe Rose Maddox from the Greenhouse Outdoor Recreation Program (GORP) to discuss the newly launched Arkansas Global Cycling Accelerator and how it’s changing the entrepreneurial landscape in northwest Arkansas and beyond.

Phil kicks off the conversation by highlighting the foundational role GORP has played since October 2021 in nurturing early-stage startups in the outdoor recreation space, emphasizing GORP's mission to turn innovative ideas into viable business models rapidly. Zoe then brings attention to the scale of GORP's impact, noting that forty-six companies have participated, with many still active and generating revenue.

One of the standout projects discussed in this episode is the Arkansas Global Cycling Accelerator. This program differs from GORP, which focuses primarily on incubating new ideas, by aiming to push established companies to the next level. Zoe explains that the accelerator targets businesses ready to scale, particularly those innovating around cycling technologies, products, and community-building platforms. In a testament to the global reach of their endeavor, Zoe shares that applications have poured in from countries like the Czech Republic, the UK, France, New Zealand, and Korea, underscoring Bentonville’s growing reputation as a hub for cycling innovation.

A key insight from the episode is the reflection on overcoming imposter syndrome and embracing curiosity. It's an inspiring reminder for all entrepreneurs to persist and stay passionate about their ventures. Tune in today!

Show Notes

(00:00) Introduction

(03:16) Arkansas’s Outdoor Recreation Entrepreneurship Expansion

(06:40) How Arkansas Models Business Support

(10:40) Av Bike-Focused Accelerator Program Launch

(13:11) Marshall: Industry Expert & Cohort Advisor

(17:18) How Bentonville’s an Emerging Hub for Remote Work

(20:08) Virtual Cohort Launch and the Bentonville Summit

(23:09) Bentonville’s Expansion Dream

(28:43) Community Support for Entrepreneurs

(30:46) Embracing Curiosity Over Expertise

(33:18) Mission-Driven Work Satisfaction

(34:41) Closing Thoughts

Links

Caleb Talley

Daniel Koonce

Startup Junkie

Startup Junkie YouTube

Phil Shellhammer

Zoe Rose Maddox

Office of Entrepreneurship & Innovation

Greenhouse Outdoor Recreation Program

Arkansas Global Cycling Accelerator

Summary

En el reciente episodio de nuestro podcast, tuvimos el honor de conversar con Andy Choque, gerente general de Banacorp S.R.L. y miembro de la mesa directiva de la Unión de Bananeros (UNIBAN) en Bolivia. 

Andy nos compartió detalles sobre la vida cotidiana de los productores de banano en la región del Chapare, Cochabamba. Desde las primeras horas del día, los agricultores se dedican al cuidado meticuloso de las plantaciones, asegurando que cada planta reciba la atención necesaria para producir frutos de alta calidad. Este arduo trabajo refleja la dedicación y compromiso de los bananeros bolivianos con su tierra y producto.

La banana boliviana ha ganado reconocimiento en mercados internacionales por su sabor distintivo y calidad superior. Andy destacó que factores como el clima favorable del Chapare y las prácticas agrícolas sostenibles contribuyen a estas características. Además, la proximidad geográfica a mercados clave en Sudamérica permite una distribución más eficiente y rápida, garantizando que el producto llegue fresco a los consumidores.

La industria bananera boliviana ha enfrentado desafíos significativos en los últimos tiempos. Andy mencionó que, debido a bloqueos y conflictos sociales, se han perdido cajas de banano destinadas a la exportación, lo que representa pérdidas económicas considerables para los productores. 

Show Notes

(00:05) Welcome & introduction.

(00:51) Who is Andy Choque?

(02:33) Growing in the industry.

(08:05) Yearly reduction.

(11:08) Personal growth.

(14:24) Just like marriage.

(26:39) Competition.

(30:45) National blockades.

(33:29) The best of times, the worst of times.

(52:24) Winning qualities.

Links

Ignacio Balderrama

Startup Junkie

Kiva Northwest Arkansas