LevelUp Russellville

Join us for an in-depth conversation with Crystal Malloy as she opens up about her transformative journey from public servant to political candidate, offering rare insights into what it truly means to run for office while maintaining your moral compass. In this candid follow-up to our November interview, Malloy tackles the harsh reality of how society treats those willing to serve, challenging the automatic assumption that entering politics makes someone a "criminal or sleazeball." We dive deep into the corrosive effects of identity politics and explore Malloy's refreshing commitment to policy-focused discussions over personal attacks. She shares her philosophy of serving "an audience of one" and reveals how her faith guides her decision-making process, including a powerful moment when a fellow church member prayed over her in the church lobby. The conversation takes a compelling turn as we examine critical policy issues shaping Arkansas and beyond. Malloy provides her thoughtful analysis on the delicate balance between privacy and public safety, discussing everything from surveillance cameras to digital ID requirements for social media platforms. Her approach to evaluating policy through the lens of "what happens when the bad guys get control?" offers a unique framework for understanding government overreach. We also break down the controversial Education Freedom Accounts program, with Malloy providing firsthand experience as both a legislator and a homeschooling parent who participates in the system. She dispels common misconceptions about the LEARNS Act, explains how the funding actually works, and shares an inspiring example of a specialized micro school being developed for autistic and special needs children in her district. This episode offers an unfiltered look at local politics, the human cost of public service, and the real-world impact of education reform. Malloy's commitment to dignity, integrity, and principled leadership provides hope for those who believe politics can be about service rather than self-interest.

What happens when you sell everything, move your family across the country in seven days, and start over in a place you barely know? In this episode of LevelUp Russellville, we sit down with Jeremy and Nicole King from Olive Branch, a landscaping company based in Conway, Arkansas. Originally from Northern California, they made the leap to Arkansas before their oldest started kindergarten—and they haven’t looked back. But this isn’t just a story about changing zip codes. It’s about changing how you think about success, competition, and what it really means to build something that matters. Jeremy shares a refreshingly honest take on the landscaping industry: instead of undercutting competitors, what if businesses actually talked to each other? What if there really is enough work for everyone? We dig into their philosophy of collaboration over competition, how they’ve redefined success from dollars to impact, and why they believe in giving people second chances. Nicole opens up about work-life balance as entrepreneurs and parents—and how a business coach helped them create boundaries that actually made them more productive. We also get into managing employees without micromanaging, the “80 ways to do something” principle, and what it means to choose love over fear in every business decision. Whether you’re running a business, thinking about starting one, or just curious about what makes local entrepreneurs tick, this one’s worth your time. Jeremy & Nicole King Owners, Olive Branch Conway, Arkansas Resources Mentioned Living Fearless by Jamie Winship (book recommendation) Business on Purpose (business coaching program) Connect With Us: 📧 Email: team@rvtownsquare.com 📞 Phone: 479-397-4600 🌐 Website: rvtownsquare.com Mentioned in This Episode: Jeremy & Nicole King Owners, Olive Branch Conway, Arkansas

It’s the day before Thanksgiving 2025, and I’ve got something on my mind. We hear a lot about being thankful for what we have—but what about being thankful for who we are? In this episode, I dig into why the words “I am” might be the most powerful words in the English language, and how what we tell ourselves shapes everything. I also get real about a recent conversation I had with Jacob Stanford of Ramhorn Films—one of the best outdoor videographers in the state—and how that coffee meeting gave me unexpected clarity about what we’re actually building here. Spoiler: we’re not a media company. We’re a tech company on a mission to build tools that actually serve our communities. And I’ve never been more certain about that. Happy Thanksgiving, y’all. Find something to be thankful for—and make it about who you are. Connect With Us: 📧 Email: team@rvtownsquare.com 📞 Phone: 479-397-4600 🌐 Website: rvtownsquare.com Mentioned in This Episode: Jeremy & Nicole King Owners, Olive Branch Conway, Arkansas

What does it take to build a team so loyal that nobody calls in sick for an entire year? Terrence Hall, founder of Daisy Lawn Care, figured it out—and his journey from being undervalued at $8/hour to creating one of Russellville’s most dedicated crews is a masterclass in leadership done right. In this conversation, Terrence opens up about: His wake-up call working for a boss who showed zero appreciation Why he puts his employees first (yes, before customers) The power of empowerment over micromanagement Growing from solo operation to a thriving team without losing culture His path from addiction to redemption through faith and hard work Balancing the addiction to work with family time The story of Job and how faith guides his business decisions This isn’t just a business success story. It’s about what happens when someone decides to lead the way they wish they’d been led—and how that creates a ripple effect throughout our entire community. Connect with Daisy Lawn Care: Website: www.daisylawncare.com Email: daisy.lawns.llc@gmail.com Phone: 479-880-3050 LevelUp Russellville is brought to you by our partners and collaborators in the Arkansas River Valley. Want to suggest a guest or share feedback? Visit rvtownsquare.com or reach out directly. Connect With Us: 📧 Email: team@rvtownsquare.com 📞 Phone: 479-397-4600 🌐 Website: rvtownsquare.com Mentioned in This Episode: Jeremy & Nicole King Owners, Olive Branch Conway, Arkansas

In this raw, on-the-go episode recorded under a full Arkansas moon, I reflect on my journey away from big tech and toward something better for local communities. Four months ago, I sold my iPhone and switched to a device without social media apps. Six weeks later, I deleted my Meta account entirely—no more Facebook, no more Instagram. This from someone who built his business helping companies run Facebook ads. The irony isn’t lost on me. But neither is the relief. In this episode, I open up about: Why I’ve grown to dislike companies like Facebook and Google (even while still using some of their products) The moment I realized Facebook had “killed the follow”—how the algorithm replaced genuine connection with manufactured engagement My recent discovery of a tea house in Booneville that’s been open for two years, and how it mirrors businesses in Russellville that have been around longer than I’ve been alive—yet people still don’t know they exist Where everyone’s attention actually is (spoiler: we all know the answer) What my team and I have been building for the past two and a half years: Town Square, a platform designed to reconnect residents with their local anchors—businesses, churches, clubs, and organizations How AI and modern development tools are finally making it possible to build what seemed impossible before The “neighbor” system: turning everyone into local journalists, content creators, and authentic influencers Interactive experiences and gamification that incentivize people to engage with their actual community instead of doom-scrolling Why this isn’t about competing with Facebook or Google—it’s about going deeper than either could ever go on a single community This episode is about reclaiming attention from the platforms that siphon it, and redirecting it toward the places and people that actually matter. Key Quotes “The platforms are free because you are the product. Advertisers are the customers. Your attention is the commodity being bought and sold.” “I’ve lived in Russellville my whole life. There are businesses that have been there longer than I’ve been alive that are telling me the same thing: people are blown away when they come inside and say, ‘I didn’t even know you were here.’” “Facebook and Google could fix this in a day if they wanted to. But they’re not, and I don’t see that they ever will unless pressure is put on them.” “I can’t expect [the average person] to care about local economy and communities and businesses the same way that you and I do. So what can we do about that? We can incentivize them. We can build experiences, games, and rewards that get them interacting locally.” “With AI and modern frameworks, anything is possible. It always has been, but now I truly can do anything. It’s just a matter of: should I? Is it solving a real problem? Is it worth the time? Am I passionate about it?” Links & Resources Town Square Website: rvtownsquare.com Contact: 479-397-4600 | tal@rvtownsquare.com | team@rvtownsquare.com Listen to More Episodes: shows.rvtownsquare.com Recorded at: Co-Create Innovation Hub, Russellville, Arkansas Supporters Special thanks to our collaborators who make this podcast possible: Rubio Accounting Wooten Customs Jonathan Fontes Tags #AntiSocialMedia #BigTech #LocalBusiness #CommunityBuilding #RussellvilleAR #TownSquare #DeleteFacebook #LocalFirst #CivicTech #AI #SmallTown #LocalEconomy #Arkansas Episode Length Approximately 29 minutes Episode Date November 8, 2024 Connect With Us: 📧 Email: team@rvtownsquare.com 📞 Phone: 479-397-4600 🌐 Website: rvtownsquare.com Mentioned in This Episode: Jeremy & Nicole King Owners, Olive Branch Conway, Arkansas

In this episode, we sit down with Ariel Cohen, founder of The Voice Box, calling in from Israel to discuss how AI and voice technology are transforming small and medium-sized businesses. Ariel shares his journey from developing AI algorithms for speech-to-text and noise reduction to helping businesses implement practical automation solutions. Joined by local entrepreneur Jonathan Fontes, we explore real-world applications of AI in everyday business operations—from automating invoices to streamlining customer communications. Jonathan shares how he’s already using ChatGPT to save hours of work, while Ariel breaks down the difference between AI hype and actual business value. Key Topics Discussed: How AI voice technology works (deepfakes, voice cloning, and detection) Practical AI applications for construction and service businesses The AI audit process: diagnosing business inefficiencies before implementing solutions Real examples of automation saving businesses time and money AI-powered customer support and receptionist systems The future of voice agents and conversational AI Education and training for businesses adopting AI tools Guest Contact Information: Email: ariel@thevoicebox.ai Phone/Text: 435-774-0265 00:00 - Introduction & Guest Introductions 01:00 - Ariel’s Background: From AI Developer to Business Consultant 03:00 - What is Voice AI Technology? 04:00 - Jonathan’s Experience with ChatGPT in Construction 06:00 - Voice Cloning & Deepfake Technology Explained 09:00 - The Voice Box Business Model: AI Audits & Implementation 12:00 - Quick Wins vs. Long-Term AI Strategy 15:00 - Real-World Examples: Automating Business Processes 20:00 - AI Voice Agents for Customer Support 25:00 - Overcoming Fear & Misconceptions About AI 30:00 - The Human Element: When AI Can’t Replace People 33:00 - Education & Training for AI Adoption 37:00 - Wrap-Up & Contact Information Connect With Us: 📧 Email: team@rvtownsquare.com 📞 Phone: 479-397-4600 🌐 Website: rvtownsquare.com Mentioned in This Episode: Jeremy & Nicole King Owners, Olive Branch Conway, Arkansas

What does 34 years at Walmart teach you about real leadership? How do you help dreamers turn their ideas into viable businesses? In this roundtable episode, we sit down with James Guhl (ASBTDC Regional Director), Sarah Teagle (Teagle Consulting), and Josh McMillian (I-40 Shooting Range) to explore the intersection of leadership, entrepreneurship, and continuous learning. In This Episode: Leadership That Actually Works: James shares the Walmart leadership philosophy that made a meat department worker tear up—and why speaking first matters more than your title The Entrepreneur’s Reality Check: Why warm fuzzies don’t pay the bills, and how the ASBTDC helps turn passion into profitable business plans (hint: maybe rock climbing hangboards aren’t the best idea for Russellville) Corporate Culture Gone Right (and Wrong): From toxic hierarchies to innovation from the bottom up—how the People Greeter program started with an hourly associate in Louisiana Never Stop Learning: Book recommendations including “Emotional Intelligence 2.0” and “The Art of Learning,” plus why your brain at 25 is just the beginning The Mark Twain Effect: That moment when you realize your parents actually knew what they were talking about Key Takeaways: Address behaviors, not people—the leadership lesson that changes everything A business plan isn’t just for banks—it forces you to crystallize whether your idea actually works Emotional intelligence at 21 beats technical skills without self-awareness Your brain is a muscle—challenge it with new languages, piano lessons, or crossword puzzles Featured Guests: James Guhl - Regional Director, Arkansas Small Business Technology & Development Center (ASBTDC) Sarah Teagle - Teagle Consulting Josh McMillian - I-40 Shooting Range, Pottsville, AR Resources Mentioned: ASBTDC (Arkansas Small Business Technology & Development Center) - FREE business consulting services funded by government grants and Arkansas Tech University Book: “Emotional Intelligence 2.0” Book: “The Art of Learning” by Josh Waitzkin Movie: “Searching for Bobby Fischer” Connect: This is a Level Up Russellville production. Building businesses, growing leaders, and keeping it real in the River Valley. Connect With Us: 📧 Email: team@rvtownsquare.com 📞 Phone: 479-397-4600 🌐 Website: rvtownsquare.com Mentioned in This Episode: Jeremy & Nicole King Owners, Olive Branch Conway, Arkansas

The RVCAC is a non-profit organization that provides advocacy, forensic interviews, medical exams, and therapy for children experiencing abuse. Connect With Us: 📧 Email: team@rvtownsquare.com 📞 Phone: 479-397-4600 🌐 Website: rvtownsquare.com Mentioned in This Episode: Jeremy & Nicole King Owners, Olive Branch Conway, Arkansas

Crystal Malloy isn’t your typical candidate. She’s a mother of three, a self-taught entrepreneur who built a wedding chapel from the ground up, and a fierce advocate for her community. In this candid conversation, Crystal shares her journey from small-town business owner to political contender—balancing faith, grit, and a desire to fix what’s broken in District 52. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to go from building something with your own two hands to stepping into public service, this is the episode you need to hear. 00:00 - Introduction: Meet Crystal Molloy 05:00 - From Wedding Photography to Political Ambition 12:00 - Why City Council Was Just the Beginning 20:00 - The Entrepreneurial Approach to Politics 30:00 - District 52: Challenges and Vision 40:00 - Personal Philosophy: Authenticity and Faith 50:00 - The Mom Perspective in Politics 60:00 - Campaign Message and Future Goals Connect With Us: 📧 Email: team@rvtownsquare.com 📞 Phone: 479-397-4600 🌐 Website: rvtownsquare.com Mentioned in This Episode: Jeremy & Nicole King Owners, Olive Branch Conway, Arkansas

Join us for an engaging conversation with Ryan Crowley from Full Force Exteriors as we dive into his unique uses of AI, explore gambling strategies, discuss social media challenges, and get insights into running a local business. From using ChatGPT for roulette analysis to creating social media content, Ryan shares his innovative approaches to technology and entrepreneurship. YouTube Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction and Podcast Background 1:00 - AI and ChatGPT Usage 5:00 - Roulette Strategies and Casino Experiences 9:00 - Business Marketing and Social Media Challenges 20:00 - AI for Content Creation 31:00 - Future Business Ideas and Aspirations 45:00 - Local Business and Convention Center Discussion Connect With Us: 📧 Email: team@rvtownsquare.com 📞 Phone: 479-397-4600 🌐 Website: rvtownsquare.com Mentioned in This Episode: Jeremy & Nicole King Owners, Olive Branch Conway, Arkansas

Join Rachel Ralston as she shares her incredible photography journey - from high school darkroom classes to becoming a sought-after sports photographer in Russellville. Learn how passion, creativity, and community connection can transform a hobby into a thriving business. Discover tips for aspiring photographers, the importance of capturing student athlete memories, and how one person can make a difference through visual storytelling. Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction to Rachel’s Photography Journey 2:00 - Learning Photography Basics 4:40 - Traveling and First Camera in Australia 7:15 - Animal Shelter Photography Experience 11:10 - Transitioning to Professional Photography 15:30 - Social Media and Business Growth 19:50 - Capturing Community Sports Moments 22:30 - Working at Co-Create Hub Connect With Us: 📧 Email: team@rvtownsquare.com 📞 Phone: 479-397-4600 🌐 Website: rvtownsquare.com Mentioned in This Episode: Jeremy & Nicole King Owners, Olive Branch Conway, Arkansas

In this episode of the Town Square Podcast, we sit down with Mary Ella Yamashita and Edna Smith from the Pope County Library to explore everything the library offers—beyond just books! From free Wi-Fi, notary services, and technology training to homeschool programs and even a Library of Things where you can check out tools, equipment, and more! We also discuss the growing role of libraries in the digital age, their community programs, and how they serve as a valuable resource for local entrepreneurs, students, and families. 🔗 Learn more: PopeLibrary.org 👍 If you found this helpful, like & subscribe for more community stories! 📌 Topics Covered: ✔️ When did libraries become more than books? ✔️ Free notary, fax, and Wi-Fi services ✔️ What is the Library of Things? ✔️ Libby app for free eBooks & audiobooks ✔️ Homeschool and tech education programs ✔️ Genealogy research & Ancestry access ✔️ Community events & volunteer opportunities Connect With Us: 📧 Email: team@rvtownsquare.com 📞 Phone: 479-397-4600 🌐 Website: rvtownsquare.com Mentioned in This Episode: Jeremy & Nicole King Owners, Olive Branch Conway, Arkansas

Today we sit down with Penny Schomaker from Fire Within Fitness Training in Russellville, AR! Connect With Us: 📧 Email: team@rvtownsquare.com 📞 Phone: 479-397-4600 🌐 Website: rvtownsquare.com Mentioned in This Episode: Jeremy & Nicole King Owners, Olive Branch Conway, Arkansas

Today we sit down with Haleigh from RVCAC (River Valley child Advocacy Center) to discuss their organizations large impact in our community. Connect With Us: 📧 Email: team@rvtownsquare.com 📞 Phone: 479-397-4600 🌐 Website: rvtownsquare.com Mentioned in This Episode: Jeremy & Nicole King Owners, Olive Branch Conway, Arkansas

Today we sit down with Ed Schwartz and Jacob Reddell from Cogswell Motors to talk about the history of the dealership, selling cars, and the community of Russellville, Arkansas. Connect With Us: 📧 Email: team@rvtownsquare.com 📞 Phone: 479-397-4600 🌐 Website: rvtownsquare.com Mentioned in This Episode: Jeremy & Nicole King Owners, Olive Branch Conway, Arkansas

In this episode of Level Up Local, we sit down with Joshua Beam, the owner of Pintail Powerwashing, to talk about his journey from the Air Force to entrepreneurship. He shares insights on marketing, the real benefits of pressure washing, and how he’s growing his business in the River Valley of Arkansas. We discuss: ✔️ His transition from military service to business ownership ✔️ The difference between pressure washing & soft washing ✔️ How pressure washing increases property value ✔️ Marketing strategies that work for local businesses ✔️ The challenges of entrepreneurship and scaling a service business ✔️ Government contracts and opportunities for veteran-owned businesses 🔗 Learn more: Pintail Powerwashing 📌 If you enjoyed this, like & subscribe for more local business stories!

Arkansas Gov. Huckabee has recently formed an AI Taskforce to stay on top of the technology and how the State of Arkansas can utilize it. We sat down with a member of the task force, Allyson Lewis, to talk about AI and her business - 7minute.ai How do you use AI in your life? 00:00 The Dawn of AI: A New Era 02:49 Navigating the Wild West of AI 06:04 AI for Everyone: Bridging the Gap 09:06 Practical Applications of AI in Daily Life 11:49 Enhancing Business Marketing with AI 15:04 Creating Compelling Content with AI 17:55 The Future of AI in Business and Society 26:52 Creating Effective Marketing Materials with AI 30:31 The Power of AI in Small Business Marketing 34:56 Leveraging AI for Content Creation and Repurposing 39:50 Transforming Transcripts into Marketing Strategies 43:58 The Future of AI in Business and Community Growth

Did you know there’s up to $1.2 billion in grant funding available for state-of-the-art cybersecurity upgrades? We’re talking 8K cameras, night vision, and enterprise-grade systems to protect your data and make you insurance compliant—no IT team replacement needed. This is your chance to secure your organization like never before. Share this and let’s bring this funding to our community! Book a meeting with Chris & ARK-TOS Here: https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/bookings/arktos-meeting-at-your-location Or Call Them +1 501-518-1488

In this episode of Level Up Local, we sit down with Sarah Teagle from Teagle Consulting to uncover the secrets to scaling your business and planning for a smooth exit strategy. 💼 Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up, Sarah’s insights are pure gold. 🌟 🎯 What You’ll Learn: 📝 Why documenting your processes is non-negotiable 🎯 How to shift from day-to-day chaos to big-picture thinking 💡 The importance of planning your exit strategy from day one 🔗 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more actionable tips to take your business to the next level. Let us know your biggest takeaway in the comments! 👇

Yes, for real. With the right tax strategy, Esme Rubio has discovered you can legally pay $0 in taxes. Esme is someone who stays on top of her craft and is constantly educating herself. You can find more about her and Rubio Accounting at rubioaccounting.com or on YouTube @Esme Rubio, Accountant Make sure to follow us on all platforms and hope you enjoy LevelUp Local! Connect With Us: 📧 Email: team@rvtownsquare.com 📞 Phone: 479-397-4600 🌐 Website: rvtownsquare.com Mentioned in This Episode: Jeremy & Nicole King Owners, Olive Branch Conway, Arkansas