The Shrimp Tank Podcast Arkansas - The Best Entrepreneur Podcast In The Country

Ian Akers / Northwest Event Technology and Big Rock Productions The teams at Northwest Event Technology (NET) and Big Rock Productions, provide state of the art technical production support with a trustworthy and hardworking mentality, building long-lasting relationships with their partners and clients. While the live event support team at NET waits for in person events to return to the region safely, Big Rock Productions is hard at work executing virtual and broadcast style events with their clients in this dynamic era of event production. With their fully outfitted Virtual Command Center and Broadcast Studio facility in Woodinville, WA, and their industry expert staff, Big Rock Productions is ready to partner with you to create an engaging and rewarding experience for your attendees and stakeholders. The teams at NET and Big Rock believe it is important in business to execute a strong character, and they have forged long lasting, positive relationships with their clients, co-workers, trade unions, and partners throughout the globe. They have continued to strengthen these relationships through honesty, respect, hard work, and a desire to provide the highest quality service. They have been fortunate to team up with some of the most notable organizations, on some of the most memorable and demanding events around the world. They truly have a passion for their trade, the people in it, and the experiences they help to create.   Contact Information: Northwest Event Technology – Local Event Technology Resources https://www.nweventtechnology.com events@nweventtechnology.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/northwest-event-technology Big Rock Productions – Global Communications and Event Solutions https://www.bigrockproductions.com sales@bigrockproductions.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/big-rock-productions   https://youtu.be/cuwyBmq2za8   Dan Weedin / First Underwriters Insurance Brokers (Co-Host) Brad Berger / Cornerstone Financial Strategies (Co-Host) Ian Akers / Northwest Event Technology & Big Rock Productions (Guest)

Dr. Jordan Cooper / Cooper Family Dentistry Dr. Jordan Cooper is from Jacksonville, AR. His father is Dr. James Cooper, a Jonesboro, AR native and practicing dentist of 39 years and his mother, Tracy Cooper, is a dental hygienist from Little Rock. Dr. Cooper graduated high school from Central Arkansas Christian, after which he entered at the University of Arkansas as a Chancellor’s Scholar in 1998. During his studies at the University of Arkansas, Dr. Cooper studied abroad in Mexico, Costa Rica and Spain. The culmination of his studies resulted in a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from the University of Arkansas, after which he enrolled in the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry. Dr. Cooper graduated from UT in 2006. After dental school, Dr. Cooper joined his father in practice in Jacksonville. Dr. Cooper was a member of the Board of Directors of the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce from 2008 to 2011. He has recently graduated from a prestigious program with the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce called Leadership Arkansas, designed for future state business leaders. He is published in The Progressive Dentist Magazine and functions as the Arkansas State Lead for the DHI Head Start Program. He is active in his church and various mission organizations, with experience providing dentistry and health care to several countries in Central America. He has led a dental group to Honduras summers of 2013 and 2014. Most recently, he was appointed an adjunct faculty member at UAMS Center for Dental Education. In the summer of 2015, Dr. Jordan Cooper released his first book, Chasing the Blue Marlin; a motivational book that discusses goal setting, entrepreneurship and pursuing your life’s passion. It has recently become an Amazon International Best-Seller.   https://youtu.be/hzINOv02qBY   David Sims / BRS Consulting (Host) Matt Haas / BRS Consulting (Co-Host) Dr. Jordan Cooper / Cooper Family Dentistry (Guest)    

Cindi Burleson / University of Central Arkansas Cynthia Burleson is currently a Lecturer and Director of the Center for Insurance and Risk Management at the University of Central Arkansas. She teaches in the Insurance and Risk Management degree program and works with the Center to develop connections with insurance and risk management industry partners to support student activities and promote growth in the program. Prior to coming to UCA, Cynthia worked in the insurance industry for more than 24 years. She started in the agency side where she became a Commercial Lines manager and worked with marketing large accounts. Cynthia moved into a compliance position, where she worked for 12 years, focusing on rate and form compliance. Additional activities included working with underwriting to help in understanding coverages and their application to specific program business. Cynthia also worked extensively with the IT department in developing rating algorithms and reviewing rating integrity through an audit process. Due to a corporate change within her company, Cynthia became a Regulatory/Compliance Manager in the Regulatory Services department of Crum & Forster in 2012. In 2014, Cynthia began an exciting chapter in her career in the compliance industry as she took on the role of Director of Compliance and Risk Management with Petfirst Healthcare located in Jeffersonville, IN. Cynthia was able to work in this capacity helping to shape the regulatory side of this line of business which continues to have a tremendous growth opportunity for the future. Cynthia works with various industry associations and enjoys promoting the insurance and risk management industry in this way. She currently serves on the Education Foundation Committee and Education-CIC Committee with the Independent Insurance Agents of Arkansas. In January 2020 she assumed the role of Treasurer with the Arkansas Chapter of CPCU. Cynthia is a native of Birmingham, Alabama though she has also lived in Florida, Kentucky, South Carolina, and Arkansas. She completed her MBA at the University of South Carolina and holds the AIDA, CRM, CPCU, CIC, and ACP designations.   https://youtu.be/_DjAjSpaSFM   David Sims / BRS Consulting (Host) Matt Haas / BRS Consulting (Co-Host) Cindi Burleson / University of Central Arkansas (Guest)  

Gina Johnson / Little Rock Tours Gina Johnson is the president of Little Rock Tours. She’s a native of Columbus, Ohio, and is a Summa Cum Laude graduate of Ohio University’s Scripps School of Journalism, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism. Gina’s background is in television news and has worked in newsrooms across Ohio and in Little Rock. She co-founded Little Rock Tours in 2003, which has been featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Southern Living Magazine, and various other national publications.           https://youtu.be/lRYvX0GpRNs   David Sims / BRS Consulting (Host) Matt Haas / BRS Consulting (Co-Host) Gina Johnson / Little Rock Tours (Guest)  

Tori & Leon Jones / Eden Salt Studio Tori and Leon Jones are the owners of Eden Salt Studio here in Little Rock. Prior to the business, Tori worked as an attorney in Washington, DC. While in DC, she discovered yoga, became an instructor, and has tried to integrate other aspects of wellness and mindfulness into her life. Leon is also an attorney and an entrepreneur at heart. He’s passionate about bringing families together in a way that benefits everyone.           https://youtu.be/eb5smTRXEsM     David Sims / BRS Consulting (Host) Matt Haas / BRS Consulting (Co-Host) Tori Jones / Eden Salt Studio (Guest) Leon Jones / Eden Salt Studio (Guest) Music by BenSound.com  

Catherine Thorpe / Full Out Barre Catherine Thorpe is a wife, mom of three, owner of Full Out Barre, and a veteran of the dance and pro-cheerleading world. Her experience as a dance instructor spans 18 years, and includes time as a trainer, judge, and choreographer. Catherine was a cheerleader with the Kansas City Chiefs and voted cheerleader of the year, most likely to change the world, and most positive and highest integrity.           https://youtu.be/15vjDW7yYGI   Rich Jensen / BRS Consulting (Co-Host) David Sims / BRS Consulting (Co-Host) Catherine Thorpe / Full Out Barre (Guest) Music by BenSound.com  

Brooke Moore / MyVirtual.Lawyer Brooke Moore is the Founder of MyVirtual.Lawyer and co-founder of MyVirtualLawyer Licensing, which we’ll get the skinny on later in the show. Brooke has also worked on the Arkansas Access to Justice Commission’s task force and serves the UALR Bowen School of Law Rural incubator committee. In 2017, she was named as an American Bar Association Women in Legal Tech honoree, and received the Fastcase 50 award.             Laura O'Bryan / MyVirtual.Lawyer Laura O’Bryan joined the MVL team in 2017. Her official title is Chaos Coordinator--we’ll have to hear more on that later! She’s a graduate of UCA--go bears!, and graduate of UALR’s Bowen School of Law. Laura was a 2019 ABA Women in Legal Tech honoree, and was also featured on the Maximum Lawyer Podcast and Gen Y Lawyer Podcast.         https://youtu.be/mxfEkk7bJIA   Rich Jensen / BRS Consulting (Co-Host) David Sims / BRS Consulting (Co-Host) Brooke Moore / MyVirtual.Lawyer (Guest) Laura O'Bryan / MyVirtual.Lawyer (Guest) Music by BenSound.com    

Tina McCord / Zuni Learning Tree Tina McCord is the founder and CEO of ZUNI. She had 15 years of experience in business prior to entering the field of education. She has over 20 years of experience in the field of education. Tina holds certifications in K-8 general education and K-12 special education. Her masters’ focus was Positive Behavior Support. She taught intermediate and middle school special education and held the position of Special Education Coordinator for Fairbanks, Alaska School District where she oversaw programs for the behaviorally challenged, learning disabled and gifted & talented. During her tenure there, she implemented new reading and GT programs across the district. As a passionate supporter of technology in instruction and an advocate for teachers, students and parents, she and a team of educators, parents, and students worked together to build ZUNI Learning Tree. ZUNI is designed to be the assistant every educator and parent dreams about needs, and deserves. She is the visionary behind the platform both technologically and academically.   https://youtu.be/xqjrdF20F1o   Rich Jensen / BRS Consulting (Co-Host) David Sims / BRS Consulting (Co-Host) Tina McCord / Zuni Learning Tree (Guest) Music by BenSound.com  

Budo Ratkovic / FLOATspa Budo and Brittany Ratkovic are the proud owners of FLOATspa. Budo is a Registered Radiologic Technologist and Licensed Contractor at Ratkovic Property Group. They opened FLOATspa with a goal in mind to offer a relaxing environment for EVERYONE. They are committed to serving the public in their personal business endeavors. They are strong believers in superb service and a “can do” attitude. Brittany and Budo believe that putting customers first is top priority for FLOATspa.       https://youtu.be/ZY8lpHoGnzc   Rich Jensen / BRS Consulting (Co-Host) David Sims / BRS Consulting (Co-Host) Budo Ratkovic / FLOATspa (Guest) Music by BenSound.com  

Jennifer Hopp / ATO Ventures Jennifer began investing in the capital markets at age 19, while an undergrad at UC Berkeley and Oxford University. She became an LP in an early stage Venture Capital fund at age 23. Several years later, Jennifer become a Venture Partner with Outsell, and then an active startup Advisor and Angel Investor. She founded ATO Ventures in 2018. As an entrepreneur, Jennifer started her first company at age 8, but she officially became a tax-paying citizen at age 10. (You can read more about that at https://Hopp.vc). After college, she was a testifying & consulting Commercial Damages Expert before returning to her passion - entrepreneurship! She founded her software company, WeMakeItSafer, shortly after business school, also completed at UC Berkeley. After launching in 2011, the company was acquired in 2016.   https://youtu.be/oHODRAVGN4E   Rich Jensen / BRS Consulting (Co-Host) David Sims / BRS Consulting (Co-Host) Jennifer Hopp / ATO Ventures (Guest) Music by BenSound.com  

Jennifer Hopp / ATO Ventures Jennifer began investing in the capital markets at age 19, while an undergrad at UC Berkeley and Oxford University. She became an LP in an early stage Venture Capital fund at age 23. Several years later, Jennifer become a Venture Partner with Outsell, and then an active startup Advisor and Angel Investor. She founded ATO Ventures in 2018. As an entrepreneur, Jennifer started her first company at age 8, but she officially became a tax-paying citizen at age 10. (You can read more about that at https://Hopp.vc). After college, she was a testifying & consulting Commercial Damages Expert before returning to her passion - entrepreneurship! She founded her software company, WeMakeItSafer, shortly after business school, also completed at UC Berkeley. After launching in 2011, the company was acquired in 2016.   https://youtu.be/2NWCKDwQZn0   Rich Jensen / BRS Consulting (Co-Host) David Sims / BRS Consulting (Co-Host) Jennifer Hopp / ATO Ventures (Guest) Music by BenSound.com  

Lee Welfel / Eagle Bank Mortgage & Trust Lee Welfel is a seasoned mortgage lending specialist and the President of Mortgage Lending, for Eagle Bank & Trust. His unique approach revolves around educating his clients on integrating their mortgage into their overall financial plan. He understands your mortgage is going to be one of the largest financial decisions you make in your lifetime, therefore your mortgage plan needs to be treated just as importantly as any other large financial decision you make. In 2013, Lee wrote and published “THE MORTGAGE BOOK” because he realized homebuyers need more education on the overall financing process. Since Lee joined Eagle Bank in 2014, Eagle Bank Mortgage has grown from three employees to almost 100 and is now one of the largest mortgage loan originators in the state of Arkansas. A big believer in self-improvement, Lee prides himself on reading a book a week. He resides in Maumelle, Arkansas, with his wife, Kelly, and sons, Dylan and Hudson.   https://youtu.be/2xiXW-5Kwk4   Rich Jensen / BRS Consulting (Co-Host) Matt Haas / Solupay Payment Solutions (Co-Host) Lee Welfel / Eagle Bank Mortgage & Trust (Guest) Music by BenSound.com  

Travis Hester / Eat My Catfish Travis Hester is the President of Eat My Catfish. A 2006 graduate of Northwood University, Travis obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Banking, Finance, and Management. He returned to Central Arkansas where his love of cooking became the driving force behind opening his first Eat My Catfish location in Benton. Travis' desire to positively impact others has become his purpose and motivation in all that he does. That is why Eat My Catfish's mission statement declares the company's goal of "exceeding expectations" in the store and in the community. He knows this can only be accomplished "by partnering with local suppliers" and focusing on "developing the future leaders of our communities."       https://youtu.be/7gBrnBw3DSI   Rich Jensen / BRS Consulting (Co-Host) David Sims / BRS Consulting (Co-Host) Travis Hester / Eat My Catfish (Guest) Music by BenSound.com  

Jim Karrh / Managing the Message Jim Karrh, Ph.D. guides business professionals, teams, and entire organizations to stand out through better messaging — which in turn produces better customer relationships, stronger brands, and more growth opportunities. Whether his clients need guidance in the form of speaking, consulting, or coaching, Jim can offer a perspective rooted in his world-class experience and training. As a consultant and coach, Jim has served clients on three continents including associations, small businesses, high-growth tech firms, North America’s largest martial-arts organization, and a dozen members of the Fortune 500. As a corporate marketing leader he helped America’s oldest continuously produced brand of bottled water to grow again – building an integrated marketing and public relations program judged best in the global bottled-water industry by the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA). Jim knows you don’t have to be the biggest in order to be the best. He is a popular speaker at events including The CMO Summit, Packaging That Sells, UB Tech, the Professional Convention Management Association, the Jim Beam Global Economic Summit, Euronet USA, and the Arkansas Executive Summit.   https://youtu.be/i9WhKl6HgSo   Rich Jensen / BRS Consulting (Co-Host) David Sims / BRS Consulting (Co-Host) Jim Karrh / Managing the Message (Guest) Music by BenSound.com  

Chris Wright / Citadel Systems Chris Wright is the Founder and Manager of Citadel Systems. He has over 20 years in military, government, and financial technology. His experience includes vulnerability management, security program development, penetration testing, and process automation and efficiency. He holds a bachelors degree in Computer Engineering and a Masters degree in Management Information Systems. He is heavily involved in the tech community in Central Arkansas as a mentor with The Venture Center, a Game Master for JOLT Hackathon, an organizer for the Central Arkansas Hackers Group, and an industry advisory board member for Arkansas Tech University and Philander Smith College.       https://youtu.be/AI6lTdWiYPQ   Rich Jensen / BRS Consulting (Co-Host) David Sims / BRS Consulting (Co-Host) Chris Wright / Citadel Systems (Guest) Music by BenSound.com  

Keith Jetton / RazorCity IT Keith Jetton finished his time in the Air Force and asked the question, “What’s next?” Next, was technology! So Keith, armed with a vision of what could be, set out on the adventure of a lifetime. RazorCity IT is the culmination of that adventure. With decades of experience under his belt, including time at a company ranked in 2015 in the top 100 Managed Services Providers for SMB, and over twenty-nine certifications in Microsoft, Microsoft Training, HP, HP ASE, and Citrix, Keith Jetton now leads the vibrant tech team of RazorCity IT. RazorCity IT utilizes technology solutions once reserved only for enterprise-level corporations to benefit small to mid-size businesses like yours. Plus, the RazorCity IT team brings a level of expertise in migrations, cloud technologies, and business productivity IT solutions that are unparalleled in the Little Rock, and Central Arkansas area.   https://youtu.be/Obj_X30Pyro   Rich Jensen / BRS Consulting (Co-Host) David Sims / BRS Consulting (Co-Host) Keith Jetton / RazorCity IT (Guest) Music by BenSound.com  

Drew Spurgers / Kangabloo Creative Drew Spurgers is an entrepreneur with a passion for marketing and management. He leads Kangabloo Creative, as well as SHADE Sunless Spa. Drew has a degree in marketing from UCA, as well as an MBA. Kangabloo serves medium sized businesses and organizations through creative video, design, and promotion. In his free time, you'll find Drew reading, cooking, traveling, or spending time with his husband and rescue animals.   https://youtu.be/IAa80d5ZdxQ   Rich Jensen / BRS Consulting (Co-Host) David Sims / BRS Consulting (Co-Host) Drew Spurgers / Kangabloo Creative (Guest) Music by BenSound.com  

Jeff Kemp / Retired NFL Quarterback Jeff Kemp played college ball at Dartmouth, and after being undrafted out of college, had the confidence, tenacity and talent to make it in the NFL anyway. At the start of his career Jeff played for the LA Rams, leading them in touchdown passes and a playoff berth in 1984. He also played for the SF 49ers during the Joe Montana years, as well as the Seattle Seahawks and finished his career with the Philadelphia Eagles. Jeff’s father, Jack, also played in the NFL with both the Buffalo Bills and San Diego Chargers, and after football became a well-loved and respected US Congressman. Jeff’s dad was also posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009 by President Obama. Jeff and his wife Stacey have lived in AR for the past 7 years are the parents of four boys, all now grown and married. He now makes his living as a professional speaker & motivator, as well as providing business and life coaching to CEO and C-Suite executives.   https://youtu.be/AltS1HREnas   Rich Jensen / BRS Consulting (Co-Host) David Sims / BRS Consulting (Co-Host) Jeff Kemp / Retired NFL Quarterback (Guest) Music by BenSound.com  

Jeff Kemp / Retired NFL Quarterback Jeff Kemp played college ball at Dartmouth, and after being undrafted out of college, had the confidence, tenacity and talent to make it in the NFL anyway. At the start of his career Jeff played for the LA Rams, leading them in touchdown passes and a playoff berth in 1984. He also played for the SF 49ers during the Joe Montana years, as well as the Seattle Seahawks and finished his career with the Philadelphia Eagles. Jeff’s father, Jack, also played in the NFL with both the Buffalo Bills and San Diego Chargers, and after football became a well-loved and respected US Congressman. Jeff’s dad was also posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009 by President Obama. Jeff and his wife Stacey have lived in AR for the past 7 years are the parents of four boys, all now grown and married. He now makes his living as a professional speaker & motivator, as well as providing business and life coaching to CEO and C-Suite executives.     https://youtu.be/x3Rslfp7pc8   Rich Jensen / BRS Consulting (Co-Host) Matt Haas / Solupay Payment Solutions (Co-Host) Jeff Kemp / Retired NFL Quarterback (Guest) Music by BenSound.com  

Kevin Williams / Retired NFL Defensive Lineman Kevin grew up in Fordyce, Arkansas, and then attended Oklahoma State University where he earned his General Studies degree. He helped the Cowboys improve from 3-8 to 8-5 by his senior season in 2002. After an outstanding performance during the Senior Bowl, Kevin went from a marginal first round choice to being selected by the Minnesota Vikings as the 9th overall pick for the 2003 NFL Draft. Kevin had an amazing 13 year NFL career (11 with the Vikings), recording 525 tackles and 63 sacks, reaching the Pro Bowl 6 times, making the NFL 2000’s alldecade team, and being recognized as one of the 50 greatest Vikings in 2010. Kevin reached the SuperBowl with the Seahawks in 2015 where they lost to the Patriots 28-24. He married his wife Tasha in 2005 who ended her collegiate basketball career in 2006 as a senior at Louisiana Tech and helped the Lady Techsters to the NCAA Tournament, earning all-conference honors. Kevin retired from the NFL in 2016 and enjoys spending time with his kids while Tasha coaches basketball.   https://youtu.be/tm6OGulbopI   Rich Jensen / BRS Consulting (Co-Host) Matt Haas / Solupay Payment Solutions (Co-Host) Kevin Williams / Retired NFL Defensive Lineman (Guest) Music by BenSound.com