NWA Founders

What does it take to run a family-owned company that’s thrived for over 35 years?In this episode of NWA Founders, we sit down with Matt, Mitchell, and Matthew Mawby of Professional Business Systems, to explore how a local family business built its success on systems, service, and integrity. From humble beginnings to becoming a go-to partner for hundreds of organizations across Northwest Arkansas, this is a story about legacy, leadership, and operational excellence. If you're building a business with your family—or dreaming of one that can last for decades—this conversation is full of hard-earned lessons and practical inspiration.SummaryProfessional Business Systems started with a simple promise: treat every customer like a neighbor. That philosophy has guided the company’s growth for over three decades. The Mawby family shares how they’ve stayed relevant by adapting to changing technology while holding tight to old-school values like trust, responsiveness, and personal service.As the second generation steps in to lead the company, the Mawbys open up about the challenges and opportunities of family succession. From clearly defined roles to constant communication, they’ve learned how to transition leadership without losing the culture or momentum built by their parents.What keeps a multi-decade, multi-person family business running smoothly? Systems. Whether it's inventory tracking, territory management, or team accountability, the Mawbys talk about how implementing structure has allowed them to scale responsibly, maintain quality, and work better together as a family.Highlights00:00 – Introduction10:30 – Culture of customer service20:00 – Transitioning to the second generation40:00 – Lessons from growing too fast01:05:00 – Technology adoption and staying current01:30:00 – Leadership lessons from two generations01:50:00 – Future goals and what growth looks like for the next five to ten years.TakeawaysProfessionalism is a growth strategy - Clear communication, reliability, and appearance create a lasting impression that wins business.Systems create freedom - SOPs and well-defined processes aren’t just about efficiency — they’re about enabling your team to succeed.Culture and clarity go hand in hand - A well-run business supports its people through structure, not in spite of it.Follow us on LinkedIn NWA FoundersFollow us on Instagram @NWAFoundersFollow us on YouTube NWA FoundersFor guest suggestions or inquiries nwafounders@gmail.comNWA Founders is a voice for Founders, Owners, and Builders driving growth in Northwest Arkansas, and is hosted by Cameron Clark and Nick Beyer.

What if you could run a warehouse remotely with AI-powered insights and real-time data?In this episode of NWA Founders, we sit down with Tanner Green, CEO and co-founder of Ox (Operator Experience), to explore how his company is transforming warehouse logistics through human-centered AI and automation. From a startup idea backed by research to an end-to-end warehouse suite that reduces costs and improves efficiency, Ox has grown into a leader in digital warehouse management, wearable technology, and AI-driven automation.SummaryTanner Green and co-founder Charu Thomas launched Ox after identifying inefficiencies in warehouse operations. While many companies invested in expensive automation, they saw an opportunity to develop wearable technology and AI-driven software that enhances human performance rather than replacing workers.In just a few years, Ox went from a prototype to securing major Fortune 500 clients, raising over $16 million in venture capital, and deploying solutions that increase warehouse productivity by 15-20%. Unlike traditional SaaS businesses, Ox works closely with its clients for long-term implementation, driving measurable cost savings and efficiency.Ox is pioneering end-to-end warehouse solutions that go beyond simple workflow automation. Their latest innovations include AI-powered warehouse orchestration, 3D digital twin models, and remote warehouse visibility, allowing companies to optimize operations without physically being on-site.Highlights[00:02:00] – What is Ox? The Operator Experience explained[00:10:00] – Tanner’s early entrepreneurial ventures and passion for technology[00:16:30] – How Charu’s research led to the founding of Ox[00:26:45] – Landing the first enterprise customer and proving ROI[00:37:30] – Raising venture capital in Arkansas: Challenges and lessons learned[00:50:20] – The evolution from wearable devices to an AI-driven warehouse suite[01:10:00] – The future of automation: Why human-centered AI is the next big shift[01:25:00] – The long-term vision for Ox and the future of logistics technologyTakeawaysAI is a tool to enhance human performance, not replace it - Ox’s solutions help workers increase productivity while maintaining job security and improving working conditions.Raising capital is challenging, especially outside Silicon Valley - Ox successfully raised $16M+ despite limited venture funding in Arkansas, proving that investors will back strong ideas with real market traction.Long-term partnerships matter more than quick wins - Unlike typical SaaS models, Ox prioritizes enterprise relationships, continuous improvement, and deep customer integration to maximize ROI.Follow us on LinkedIn NWA FoundersFollow us on Instagram @NWAFoundersFollow us on YouTube NWA FoundersFor guest suggestions or inquiries nwafounders@gmail.comNWA Founders is a voice for Founders, Owners, and Builders driving growth in Northwest Arkansas, and is hosted by Cameron Clark and Nick Beyer.

What happens when two passionate therapists come together to create a one-of-a-kind resource for children with developmental needs?In this episode of NWA Founders, we sit down with Cindy Watson and Kym Hannah, co-founders of Children’s T.E.A.M., to hear how they built one of Northwest Arkansas's most comprehensive pediatric therapy organizations. From a single location with a handful of therapists to a thriving multi-site practice with specialized schools and groundbreaking adult services in development, Cindy and Kym share how their mission to serve families has fueled sustainable, purpose-driven growth.What started as two separate therapy practices—one focused on speech therapy and the other on physical therapy—merged into a unified effort to create Children’s T.E.A.M. Their goal was clear: provide comprehensive, high-quality therapy services for children in Northwest Arkansas. Beginning with speech, physical, and occupational therapy, they soon expanded to address broader developmental needs, including applied behavior analysis (ABA) and specialized education programs.With the increasing demand for services tailored to children with autism, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injuries, and other complex diagnoses, Cindy and Kym scaled the organization with purpose. They opened The Gray School, designed to support children with behavioral and developmental challenges, and acquired Kid's Studio Preschool, ensuring inclusive early childhood education for kids with and without disabilities.As their patients aged, a new challenge emerged—how to support these individuals into adulthood. Children’s T.E.A.M. is now developing innovative adult service programs, ensuring lifelong support and creating employment, housing, and community opportunities for adults with disabilities. Their model continues to evolve, driven by the same mission that started it all: serving the whole person, at every stage of life.Highlights[00:01:00] – How Children’s T.E.A.M. began: Two founders, one mission[00:07:00] – Building careers in pediatric therapy and answering the community’s call[00:17:00] – Challenges of early growth and lessons in leadership[00:30:00] – Creating The Gray School for children with behavioral needs[00:41:00] – The launch of Kid's Studio and fostering inclusion in early education[00:54:00] – Introducing adult services and expanding care beyond childhood[01:10:00] – How culture and team values sustain long-term success[01:25:00] – Future plans for growth, impact, and improving services across NWATakeawaysFind the right people first - Cindy and Kym credit their success to intentionally hiring team members who share their passion and values, reinforcing culture over rapid growth.Let purpose guide expansion - Every new service or location has been the result of listening to community needs and ensuring solutions align with the organization's core mission.Long-term impact requires long-term thinking - Whether it's helping children gain communication skills or ensuring adults with disabilities have meaningful opportunities, sustainable growth requires a commitment to people over profits.Follow us on LinkedIn NWA FoundersFollow us on Instagram @NWAFoundersFollow us on YouTube NWA FoundersFor guest suggestions or inquiries nwafounders@gmail.comNWA Founders is a voice for Founders, Owners, and Builders driving growth in Northwest Arkansas, and is hosted by Cameron Clark and Nick Beyer.

How can farmland investment become more accessible, transparent, and scalable?In this episode of NWA Founders, we sit down with Carter Malloy, founder and CEO of AcreTrader and Acres.com, to discuss how his company has modernized farmland investing and land data management. Carter shares his journey from hedge fund analyst to startup founder, the challenges of scaling a venture-backed business, and why land remains one of the most underutilized asset classes in the U.S.SummaryCarter Malloy launched AcreTrader to democratize farmland investment, making it easier for individuals to own shares in farmland without the complexities of direct ownership. As the platform scaled, Carter and his team realized a bigger issue—a lack of accessible data on land transactions and ownership. This led to the creation of Acres.com, a geospatial technology platform that provides real-time land data and analytics for farmers, investors, and real estate professionals.Raising venture capital and growing a tech-driven agribusiness in Arkansas presented unique challenges, but Carter successfully secured funding from top investors while building a high-caliber team. He discusses the importance of hiring intentionally, fostering a strong company culture, and adapting business models to stay competitive.Like many startups, AcreTrader faced market shifts, particularly as interest rates and venture capital landscapes changed in 2023. Carter shares candid lessons from scaling too fast, making difficult layoffs, and refocusing on long-term sustainability. His ability to balance rapid growth with operational discipline offers key takeaways for any founder navigating uncertainty.Highlights[00:02:15] – Carter’s background in finance and the early inspiration for AcreTrader[00:12:45] – The mechanics of farmland investing and why it's historically overlooked[00:22:10] – Raising venture capital outside of Silicon Valley: Myths vs. reality[00:30:30] – Building Acres.com: Solving the land data transparency problem[00:41:50] – Scaling a business quickly and lessons from overexpansion[00:50:25] – How farmland investment compares to other asset classes[01:02:10] – Carter’s thoughts on leadership, hiring, and company culture[01:15:30] – What’s next for AcreTrader and the future of land investmentTakeawaysMarket Disruption Requires Timing & Execution – The success of AcreTrader and Acres.com highlights the power of solving inefficiencies in legacy industries, but execution is just as important as having a great idea.Growth at All Costs is Not Sustainable – Carter candidly shares how scaling too quickly led to tough decisions in 2023, reinforcing that long-term success comes from balancing growth with operational efficiency.Data is the New Competitive Advantage – From farmland investment to geospatial analytics, access to high-quality data is transforming industries, and businesses that leverage data effectively will lead the market.Follow us on LinkedIn NWA FoundersFollow us on Instagram @NWAFoundersFollow us on YouTube NWA FoundersFor guest suggestions or inquiries nwafounders@gmail.comNWA Founders is a voice for Founders, Owners, and Builders driving growth in Northwest Arkansas, and is hosted by Cameron Clark and Nick Beyer.

What does it take to build a beloved breakfast brand from the ground up?In this episode of NWA Founders, we sit down with Sam Russell, co-founder of The Buttered Biscuit, to discuss how he and his wife transformed a dream into a thriving restaurant brand in Northwest Arkansas. From corporate America to scratch-made biscuits, Sam shares the journey of identifying a market gap, scaling a restaurant business, and leading with purpose, strategy, and culture.Sam Russell never planned to open a restaurant, but after recognizing that Northwest Arkansas lacked high-quality, scratch-made breakfast options, he and his wife saw an opportunity. With backgrounds in corporate strategy and real estate, they launched Buttered Biscuit in just 40 days after acquiring their first location.What began as a single breakfast spot quickly evolved into a multi-location brand with six thriving restaurants and more in development. Sam outlines how they self-funded expansion, built a strong leadership team, and made key real estate decisions that positioned Buttered Biscuit for long-term success.For Sam and his team, success isn’t measured only by revenue—it’s about creating a company that invests in people. From providing full healthcare benefits for employees to launching Project Biscuit, an initiative focused on empowering underestimated individuals in the workforce, Buttered Biscuit demonstrates how a company can grow while maintaining its core values.Highlights:[00:02:15] – The vision behind Buttered Biscuit: identifying a market need[00:07:30] – From corporate America to hospitality: Sam’s transition[00:15:45] – The 40-day challenge: How they launched their first location[00:24:10] – Lessons learned from early operational mistakes[00:33:25] – Scaling to six locations: strategy, leadership, and real estate[00:47:40] – Why Buttered Biscuit isn’t franchising—yet[00:55:15] – Building a purpose-driven workplace and launching Project BiscuitTakeaways:Meet a real market need – Buttered Biscuit thrived because Sam and his wife listened to the community and built their business model around a clear demand for high-quality, made-from-scratch breakfast.Brand culture drives consistency – The Buttered Biscuit Brand Card ensures employees understand and embody the company’s values, creating a strong and unified work environment.Growth should be intentional – Rather than expanding too quickly, Sam and his team focused on building a scalable, high-quality model that supports future expansion without compromising execution or culture.Follow us on LinkedIn NWA FoundersFollow us on Instagram @NWAFoundersFollow us on YouTube NWA FoundersFor guest suggestions or inquiries nwafounders@gmail.comNWA Founders is a voice for Founders, Owners, and Builders driving growth in Northwest Arkansas, and is hosted by Cameron Clark and Nick Beyer.