The Bentonville Beacon

SummaryCurious for a more intimate look into the lives of Fixer to Fabulous stars, Dave and Jenny Marrs? Eager to find out what sparked their journey into television and what projects they have on the horizon?This week on The Bentonville Beacon, host James Bell explores the captivating world of Dave and Jenny Marrs, the dynamic duo behind HGTV’s beloved series, Fixer to Fabulous. Known for their skillful renovations, the Marrs beautifully marry contemporary design with the historical essence of homes in the Greater Bentonville Area, bringing those homes to life while ensuring they reflect the unique personalities of those who inhabit them. It is not just about achieving perfection but creating spaces where life's best moments can unfold.Beyond their television fame, Dave and Jenny are profound community builders, spearheading ventures like Marrs Developing, Marrs Mercantile, and The Welcome Inn—each a testament to their commitment to fostering communal spaces that encourage connection and joy. Their agricultural initiatives at The Berry Farm highlight their dedication to sustainable living, with proceeds aiding agricultural training programs for orphaned children in Zimbabwe.In this heartfelt episode, they share the milestones of their renovation careers and television journey, discuss their new projects, and reveal the profound impact of the Bentonville community on their work and lives. Additionally, Jenny gives us a glimpse into her recently published design book, House + Love = Home, offering personal anecdotes alongside practical home design tips and DIY projects, while Dave provides a sneak peek at what is coming next.Tune in to uncover the layers of creativity, community spirit, and genuine passion that make Dave and Jenny Marrs a truly inspirational pair in the world of home design and beyond. Don't miss this blend of personal stories with professional insights—only on The Bentonville Beacon.Tune in to this enriching episode today, and see for yourself why Dave and Jenny Marrs continue to captivate and inspire audiences both locally and globally.Show NotesTimestamps in this blog are for the audio-only version of the podcast; video timing differs.(0:52) Introduction to Dave and Jenny Marrs(6:11) About Dave and Jenny’s Other Ventures(8:18) The Fixer to Fabulous Backstory(13:49) Dave and Jenny’s Most Challenging Project(18:08) Balancing Modern Trends with Historical Integrity(20:28) Dave and Jenny’s Commitment to the Region(24:42) Business Support from Local Government Organizations(27:27) Dave and Jenny’s #BecauseBentonville Story(30:32) How Bentonville Helps Dave and Jenny Live, Work and Play(35:11) Upcoming Projects and Initiatives(38:48) How to Make Your Home Fixer to Fabulous Famous(43:30) Lessons Learned from Home Renovation and Television(46:53) Closing Question ‍LinksDave Marrs and Jenny Marrs (Instagram)Jenny Marrs (Instagram)Dave Marrs (Instagram)Dave and Jenny MarrsHGTV’s Fixer to FabulousMarrs DevelopingThe Berry FarmBlueberry FestMarrs MercantileThe Welcome InnFixer to Fabulous: Welcome Inn (HGTV)The Story Behind Dave and Jenny Marr’s Italian Villa Renovation (HGTV)Feed Their TummiesFixer to Fabulous Fans Are Shocked After Jenny and Dave Marrs Posted Deleted Scene to Instagram (Country Living)HGTV's Dave & Jenny Marrs' Hidden Wine Cellar Is A Fan Favorite Reveal For Good Reason (House Digest)HGTV’s Hometown TakeoverHouse + Love = Home: Creating Warm, Intentional Spaces for a Beautiful Life by Jenny MarrsJames Bell, MBA Bentonville Economic DevelopmentGreater Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce

SummaryCurious how the Walton Family Foundation is catalyzing inclusive economic growth and cultural enrichment in Northwest Arkansas and the Arkansas-Mississippi Delta? Tune in to this episode of The Bentonville Beacon, where host, James Bell, is joined by Robert Burns, Home Region Program Director at the Walton Family Foundation.The Walton Family Foundation represents several generations of family rooted in the places they work and in a family legacy of giving back. It brings together diverse perspectives to the same table, including caregivers and conservationists, educators and entrepreneurs, farmers and futurists, and doers and dreamers, to listen and learn, to reach a shared understanding, and to create innovative solutions that achieve true impact. The foundation works in three areas: strengthening the connections between K-12 education and lifelong opportunity; protecting rivers, oceans, and the communities they support; and advancing the Home Region of Northwest Arkansas and the Arkansas-Mississippi Delta.In the Home Region, the Walton Family Foundation supports communities in Northwest Arkansas and the Arkansas-Mississippi Delta, working to realize a vision where everyone has access to opportunity so that every person and community thrives. They strive to catalyze a more vibrant, inclusive economy in Northwest Arkansas, and to grow equity through education and financial security in the Delta.With its roots in Northwest Arkansas, the foundation is committed to making opportunity available to everyone who lives in the area by supporting entrepreneurs and innovators who strengthen the local economy; engaging teachers, parents and students to improve schools; and working to ensure residents in every neighborhood can access affordable housing, diverse transportation options and vibrant cultural spaces.Likewise, the foundation is committed to investing and engaging in the Arkansas-Mississippi Delta, where they are looking to the next generation of community leaders with innovative ideas to strengthen schools, support small businesses and create economic opportunities that help Delta residents build a brighter future for their region through bold, homegrown solutions to the unique challenges facing their people and communities.Throughout the episode, Robert shares how partnerships and collaborations facilitate meaningful transformation, the critical importance of storytelling in relating a powerful and clear understanding of people and the impact of their work, and how the Walton Family Foundation discovers and selects the game-changing initiatives it supports. Thanks for tuning in!Show NotesTimestamps in this blog are for the audio-only version of the podcast; video timing differs.(0:54) Introduction to Robert Burns(3:57) About the Walton Family Foundation (WFF) and Its Mission(6:42) The WFF’s Objectives in Northwest Arkansas and the Arkansas-Mississippi Delta(12:30) Highlight the WWF’s Home Region Initiatives(17:54) NWA’s Contribution to Innovation across the Country(22:34) The WWF’s Support for and Collaboration with EforAll(25:53) Local Organizations the WFF Supports(29:55) Robert’s #BecauseBentonville Story(32:40) Future Initiatives of the WFF’s Home Region Program(36:50) Starting a Sustainable Relationship with the WFF(40:01) How Storytelling Plays a Role in the WFF’s Community Engagement(45:16) Closing Question ‍LinksRobert BurnsWalton Family FoundationWalton Family Foundation Home RegionJames Bell, MBA Bentonville Economic DevelopmentGreater Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce

SummaryWant to hear some big Bentonville and Northwest Arkansas announcements from Youthful Savings? Check out this episode of The Bentonville Beacon, where host James Bell shares the studio with Somya Munjal, Founder and CEO of Youthful Savings, a tech-powered, learning ecosystem dedicated to socioeconomic empowerment through youth and beyond. Youthful Savings’ ecosystem consists of The Learning Marketplace (TLM), the Youthful Savings Marketplace (YSM) and the Youthful Savings Foundation (YSF). Through Youthful Savings’ educational products, youth are inspired to become heart-intelligent world citizens supporting mental well-being, economic empowerment and community development.The Learning Marketplace is an innovative learning platform featuring revolutionary, downloadable learning exercises that include various topics such as entrepreneurship, personal finance, technology, Bitcoin and NFTs, art, vertical farming and artificial intelligence. Additionally, the Youthful Savings Marketplace aims to disrupt the growing wealth gap through the power of entrepreneurship and education. Lastly, the Youthful Savings Foundation provides engaged learners monthly capital through its Community Investment Fund (CIF), effectively reducing the bias in capital raising and providing equal opportunities for all.Throughout the episode, Somya elaborates on Youthful Savings’ philosophy that if all youth receive the proper education and initial investment, they can create businesses that economically empower themselves and their communities. She also shares Youthful Savings’ positive impact on communities and some exciting announcements regarding Bentonville and Northwest Arkansas.Thanks for tuning in!Show NotesTimestamps in this blog are for the audio-only version of the podcast; video timing differs.(0:55) Introduction to Somya Munjal(1:57) About Youthful Savings and Its Mission(5:25) A Youthful Savings Success Story(7:29) Somya’s Experience with Fuel’s Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning Accelerator(9:05) What’s Upcoming for Youthful Savings in Bentonville(11:48) About Youthful Savings’ Ledger Office(13:31) Youthful Savings’ First Enterprise Client(14:37) Youthful Savings’ Partnership with Northwest Arkansas Community College(15:53) How Partnerships Further Youthful Savings’ Mission(16:51) Somya’s #BecauseBentonville Story(19:50) Advice to Business Leaders for Reflecting Their Values(22:35) Closing Question ‍LinksSomya MunjalYouthful SavingsJames Bell, MBA Bentonville Economic DevelopmentGreater Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce

SummaryDiscover how health tech companies are reshaping the future of medicine from Bentonville. In this special three-part series of The Bentonville Beacon, host James Bell meets with cohort members of this year’s Fuel for Your Health Accelerator. James kicks off the episode with Grace Gill, Fuel’s Operations Manager, who shares how this accelerator matches scalable health tech startups with key enterprise partners to expedite the adoption of their transformative medical technologies. Different from other programs, during each Fuel accelerator, high-growth startups from around the world benefit from programming and support focused on developing operational value and selling to large customers, rather than just venture capital coaching.This episode highlights several of Fuel’s current cohort members and innovators, including TapRoot Interventions & Solutions Founder and CEO, Scarlett Spring, and Chief Clinical Officer, Dr. Linda Buscemi; Dart Health’s Founder and CEO, Brian Sage; and SOAP Health’s Founder and CEO, Dr. Steven Charlap.Phoenix, Arizona-based TapRoot Interventions & Solutions is a woman-owned technology company at the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI), dementia care and behavioral healthcare. With its revolutionary AI-powered digital platform, Ella, TapRoot is helping organizations and caregivers to improve care for those living with dementia through a person-centered approach.Denver, Colorado-based Dart Heath is reducing the cost of serving group healthcare by fixing the fundamentally broken exchange of data between group benefit providers and self-insured employers. Dart Health compiles disparate data sources from employers, providers, benefits administrators and claims, to portray a real individual with medical needs, effectively creating a single, secure, HIPAA-compliant, 350-degree view of a healthcare customer.Boca Raton, Florida-based SOAP Health offers the ideal medical AI assistant. SOAP Health enhances and integrates patient intake and note creation to significantly reduce time of documentation and symptom assessment, appreciably increase average revenue and reduce malpractice exposure.Thanks for tuning in!Show NotesTimestamps in this blog are for the audio-only version of the podcast; video timing differs.(0:54) Introduction to Grace Gill(2:55) What’s Next for Fuel(5:19) How Fuel Partners with the Community(6:45) Fuel’s Funders(7:13) Grace’s #BecauseBentonville Story(9:24) Introduction to Scarlett Spring and Dr. Linda Buscemi(10:33) About TapRoot Interventions & Solutions(10:48) How Fuel and Bentonville Are Helping Scarlett and Dr. Buscemi(15:59) Scarlett’s #BecauseBentonville Story(16:49) Dr. Buscemi’s First Impression of Bentonville(17:42) Introduction to Brian Sage(19:46) About Dart Health(22:48) How Fuel and Bentonville Are Helping Brian(29:11) Brian’s #BecauseBentonville Story(32:30) Introduction to Dr. Steven Charlap(35:10) About SOAP Health(38:38) How Fuel and Bentonville Are Helping Dr. Charlap(40:23) Closing Thoughts ‍LinksGrace Gill (grace@startupjukie.org)Fuel for Your Health AcceleratorScarlett Spring, EMBA (scarlett@taprootela.com)Linda Buscemi, PhD (linda@taprootella.com)TapRoot Interventions & SolutionsBrian Sage, MBADart HealthSteven Charlap, MD, MBA (scharlap@soap.health, 617-319-6434)SOAP HealthJames Bell, MBA Bentonville Economic DevelopmentGreater Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce

SummaryIn this special three-part series of The Bentonville Beacon, host James Bell meets with cohort members of this year’s Fuel for Your Health Accelerator, a program that matches scalable health tech startups with enterprise partners to expedite the adoption of transformative medical technologies. James kicks off the episode with Tom Douglass, Fuel’s Entrepreneur in Residence, and is then joined by Rand Ragusa, Co-Founder of QuickTake Health; Erin Keyes, Co-Founder and CEO at Telegenixx; Dr. Bechara Saab, CEO and Chief Scientist with Mobio Interactive; and Natalie Shew, Founder and CEO from EmployWell.New Orleans, Louisiana-based QuickTake Health provides innovative vital sign workflow automation and patient engagement kiosk solutions, revolutionizing the way healthcare facilities manage patient intake documentation and interactions. Dedicated to improving healthcare outcomes and enhancing patient experiences through innovative solutions, QuickTake’s intuitive interface allows patients to easily download their content to their phone and engage with personalized health resources, empowering them to take an active role in their own well-being.New York-based Telegenixx is a digital health marketplace that unifies regenerative health physicians, laboratories, pharmacies and patients into one central platform focused on accessibility, affordability and easy-to-follow care plans. Through a tiered, all-inclusive subscription model, Telegenixx offers patients affordable access to elite physicians specifically trained in cutting edge peptide- and hormone-based protocols. Singapore-based Mobio Interactive addresses the increased demand for mental healthcare globally with its commercialized AI digital diagnostic and psychotherapy platform. The platform serves as a stopgap for patients on waitlists for healthcare services, and contains convenient, scalable and remote monitoring tools that facilitate clinical decisions and the personalization of therapy according to real-time measures. Lastly, Fayetteville, Arkansas-based EmployWell helps nurses work smarter not harder with its clinic workflow, Provider Ally, which is an AI-powered assistant that maps clinic workflows and automates nurse admin tasks for better work satisfaction and productivity. By automating administrative tasks and streamlining care team efficiency, nurses are able to voice and solve their top challenges and free up their time to focus on more direct patient care.Thanks for tuning in!Show NotesTimestamps in this blog are for the audio-only version of the podcast; video timing differs.(0:54) Introduction to Tom Douglass(2:12) A Fuel Success Story(6:53) Fuel’s Local Partnerships(7:38) Tom’s #BecauseBentonville Story(9:22) Introduction to Rand Ragusa(10:35) About QuickTake Health(13:01) How Fuel and Bentonville Are Helping Helped Rand(14:20) Rand’s #BecauseBentonville Story(15:36) Introduction to Erin Keyes(16:56) About Telegenixx(18:18) How Fuel and Bentonville Are Helping Erin(21:00) Erin’s #BecauseBentonville Story(23:05) Introduction to Dr. Bechara Saab(24:19) About Mobio Interactive(27:48) How Fuel and Bentonville Are Helping Dr. Saab(29:15) Dr. Saab’s #BecauseBentonville Story(30:55) Introduction to Natalie Shew(31:43) About EmployWell(33:39) How Fuel and Bentonville Are Helping Helped Natalie(37:19) Natalie’s #BecauseBentonville Story(39:29) Closing Thoughts ‍LinksTom DouglassFuel for Your Health AcceleratorCatapult ConsultingRand Ragusa, AHIP (rand@quicktakehealth.com)QuickTake HealthErin KeyesTelegenixxBechara Saab, PhDMobio InteractiveNatalie Shew, MSEmployWellJames Bell, MBA Bentonville Economic DevelopmentGreater Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce

SummaryIn this special three-part series of The Bentonville Beacon, host James Bell meets with cohort members of this year’s Fuel for Your Health Accelerator. James kicks off the episode with Fuel’s Director, Darian Harris, who shares how this accelerator matches scalable health tech startups with key enterprise partners to expedite the adoption of their transformative medical technologies. Different from other programs, during each Fuel accelerator, high-growth startups from around the world benefit from programming and support focused on developing operational value and selling to large customers, rather than just venture capital coaching.This episode highlights several of Fuel’s current cohort members and innovators, including Tyler Zanon, CEO of EndoShunt Medical; Beth Gall, Vice President of Sales with Rainfall Health; and Andy Olson, Co-Founder and CEO at Inherent Biosciences.Chicago, Illinois-based EndoShunt Medical offers an innovative medical device used for targeted hemorrhage control in emergency situations. With a vision of ending preventable abdominal hemorrhage death and improving patient outcomes, EndoShunt’s goal is to give trauma surgeons the gift of time so they can give trauma patients the gift of life. The device is a novel endovascular delivery system that allows surgeons to place a temporary length adjustable shunt within the major abdominal vessels, effectively controlling hemorrhaging from an injury while maintaining blood flow to the rest of the body.Berkley, California-based Rainfall Health was established to help bridge the gap in providing access to quality healthcare in medical deserts by breaking down barriers to healthcare and ensuring patients receive the comprehensive care they deserve. Rainfall Health is a partner to health systems, healthcare plans and government organizations, where its platform enables streamlined clinical care, in-depth health analysis, patient care coordination and rural care with the help of artificial intelligence (AI). For patients, it provides quick scheduling, easy discovery of in-network providers plus immediate access to provider ratings.Salt Lake City, Utah-based Inherent Biosciences is a team of molecular biologists, data scientists, healthcare providers and entrepreneurs at the intersection of epigenetics and AI. They are working together to create new clinical solutions to address complex healthcare concerns. Through the use of its platform, Inherent Biosciences detects dysregulation across multiple genes and related pathways to pioneer a new category of diagnostics and therapeutics, radically transforming how healthcare providers diagnose and treat complex diseases like infertility. Thanks for tuning in!Show NotesTimestamps in this blog are for the audio-only version of the podcast; video timing differs.(0:54) Introduction to Darian Harris(2:19) About the Fuel Accelerator(4:31) How Fuel Partners with Other Organizations(5:25) Darian’s #BecauseBentonville Story(8:29) Introduction to Tyler Zanon(9:17) About EndoShunt Medical(11:12) How Fuel and Bentonville Has Helped Tyler(13:08) Tyler’s past Experiences in Bentonville(16:17) Tyler’s #BecauseBentonville Story(17:29) Introduction to Beth Gall(18:46) About Rainfall Health(20:18) How Fuel and Bentonville Has Helped Beth(21:49) Beth’s #BecauseBentonville Story(23:10) Introduction to Andy Olson(24:17) About Inherent Biosciences(29:13) How Fuel and Bentonville Has Helped Andy(33:44) Andy’s #BecauseBentonville Story(37:14) Closing Thoughts ‍LinksDarian Harris, MBA (darian@startupjunkie.org)Fuel for Your Health AcceleratorTyler Zanon, MPH (tyler@endoshunt.com)EndoShunt MedicalBeth GallRainfall HealthAndy Olson, MBAInherent BiosciencesPath FertilityJames Bell, MBA Bentonville Economic DevelopmentGreater Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce

SummaryIn this episode of The Bentonville Beacon, host James Bell is joined by Dana Schlagenhaft, Executive Director of Downtown Bentonville Incorporated (DBI), a private, not-for-profit organization uniquely positioned as a driving force to build and promote a welcoming, secure and lively downtown Bentonville. Established over two decades ago, DBI has played a key role in revitalizing the city and making it a place that people are eager to visit, discover and share with others.Downtown Bentonville Inc. works to activate downtown spaces through expertly executed events, advocating for current and future downtown businesses and amplifying the voices of all Bentonville residents. Events include the Bentonville Farmers Market and Virtual Farmers Market, First Friday, the Art Market, the City of Bentonville’s Lighting of the Square, the Bentonville Christmas Parade, Market at Record, New Year’s Eve celebrations, Bentonville Toyland, Shop the Block, and Downtown Bentonville Art and Culinary Week. Additionally, DBI hosts a live show Sundays on KFSM Sundays called DWTN Now where Dana and her co-host, Aaron Nolan, highlight the unique stories of Downtown Bentonville.During the episode, Dana shares her fascinating journey and her role in bringing to life the festive community events. She also expands on Downtown Bentonville Incorporated’s mission, the unique spirit of the Greater Bentonville Area community and her thoughts on Bentonville’s vibrant future.Thanks for tuning in!Show NotesTimestamps in this blog are for the audio-only version of the podcast; video timing differs.(0:53) Introduction to Dana Schlagenhaft(3:03) About Downtown Bentonville Incorporated and Its Mission(4:20) Exploring DBI’s Events(6:09) Telling Unique Stories through DWTN Now(7:43) Supporting Small Businesses Downtown(9:10) How DBI Partners with Local Organizations(10:57) Dana’s Vision for the Future(13:20) Dana’s #BecauseBentonville Story(14:45) What’s Upcoming for DBI(16:45) Advice for Getting Involved in Downtown(18:25) How to Help Further DBI’s Mission(20:02) Closing Question ‍LinksDana Schlagenhaft (dana@downtownbentonville.org)Downtown Bentonville IncorporatedJames Bell Bentonville Economic DevelopmentGreater Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce

SummaryIn this episode of The Bentonville Beacon, host James Bell sits down with Canem Arkan and Quinn Roberston from Endeavor, where Canem serves as Managing Director for Endeavor Heartland and Quinn is Director of the 412 Angels Program. Endeavor is the leading, global community of, by, and for high-impact entrepreneurs. It is on a mission to build thriving entrepreneurial ecosystems in emerging and underserved markets around the world. With the belief that high-impact entrepreneurs transform economies, Endeavor creates a multiplier effect by inspiring high-growth founders to dream bigger, scale faster and pay it forward, effectively compounding their individual impact.Endeavor was established with the idea that entrepreneurship can thrive anywhere if given the right resources to grow, resulting in its global footprint spanning over 900 companies in more than 42 growth markets across Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, the United States and Canada. Endeavor’s portfolio companies have created more than 4 million jobs and generated over 24 billion dollars in revenue. In 2024, Endeavor Heartland took responsibility for 412 Angels, an investor network and program created to educate and grow the level of angel investing in the super region along the U.S. Highway 412 corridor from Tulsa, Oklahoma, through Northwest Arkansas.Throughout this episode, Canem and Quinn expand on Endeavor’s approach to supporting scale-stage entrepreneurs and startups, and they share their views on how Bentonville and Northwest Arkansas’s thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem has evolved. They also discuss 412 Angels’ investment thesis and how they are increasing the number of local angel investors through the platform.Thanks for tuning in!Show NotesTimestamps in this blog are for the audio-only version of the podcast; video timing differs.(0:52) Introduction to Canem Arkan and Quinn Robertson(4:55) Endeavor Heartland’s Mission and Presence in Bentonville(8:14) About 412 Angels(11:33) 412 Angels Investment Thesis(15:28) Why to Consider Angel Investing(19:45) How Bentonville’s Startup and Capital Funding Landscape Has Evolved(26:05) Canem and Quinn’s #BecauseBentonville Stories(28:29) Partnerships with Other Entrepreneurial Support Organizations(32:33) About The Multiplier Effect Podcast(40:34) Closing Question ‍LinksJames Bell Bentonville Economic DevelopmentGreater Bentonville Area Chamber of CommerceCanem Arkan (canem.arkan@endeavor.org)Quinn Robertson (quinn.robertson@endeavor.org)EndeavorEndeavor Heartland

SummaryIn this episode of The Bentonville Beacon, host James Bell is joined by Mayor Bill Edwards of the City of Centerton, a community focused on a wholesome lifestyle, cultural history, environmental preservation and nurturing local business growth. Since the 2020 U.S. Census, Centerton’s population has grown more than thirty-five percent, vaulting it to the twentieth largest city in Arkansas.Centerton’s population has grown from 9,500 to nearly 25,000 residents during Mayor Edwards’ pivotal fourteen years at the helm. During that time, Mayor Edwards has prioritized adding amenities that strengthen quality of life. Among these amenities are outdoor recreation opportunities including parks, pavilions, splash pads, a sports facility and walking trails–and now, a community center.During the episode, Mayor Edwards describes his journey of transitioning from a career at J.B. Hunt to his first foray into politics as on the Centerton City Council to Centerton’s top leadership role–and he shares insights into how the city is evolving by blending progress with preservation. You’ll also hear what exciting initiatives are underway, like the new Community Center, and how the City of Centerton collaborates with the surrounding Greater Bentonville Area and Northwest Arkansas region as a whole.Thanks for tuning in!Show NotesTimestamps in this blog are for the audio-only version of the podcast; video timing differs.(0:52) Introduction to Mayor Bill Edwards(2:45) Mayor Edwards’ Journey to Becoming Mayor(3:59) The Growth and Development of Centerton(5:28) Accomplishments of Centerton’s City Departments(6:38) Sustaining Quality of Life While Expanding(8:41) Centerton’s Collaboration with the Greater Bentonville Area and NWA(9:52) Business Opportunities in Centerton(10:49) Mayor Edwards’ #BecauseCenterton Story(11:55) Centerton’s Future Community Center and Initiatives(14:27) Closing Questions ‍LinksJames Bell Bentonville Economic DevelopmentGreater Bentonville Area Chamber of CommerceMayor Bill Edwards on FacebookMayor Bill Edwards - Contact InformationCity of Centerton

SummaryIn this episode of The Bentonville Beacon, host James Bell is joined by Jessica Pearson, Manager of the Bentonville Moves Coalition, a vibrant alliance of more than five hundred community organizations, local businesses, schools, institutions, civic leaders and engaged residents working together to make the Greater Bentonville Area the safest and most connected city in the Heartland by 2027. With a commitment to creating a mobility network that is equitable to all users, the Bentonville Moves Coalition supports increased transportation choices for Bentonville’s bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, plus policies and initiatives that improve prosperity, health and quality of life.As a visionary leader, Jessica previously oversaw the development of twenty-five miles of natural surface trails in Springfield, Missouri. She now leads the Bentonville Moves Coalition to keep the Greater Bentonville Area community informed about projects headed by Trailblazers and the City of Bentonville.Throughout the episode, Jessica expands on how the Bentonville Moves Coalition’s is bringing their vision to life, emphasizing tactical urbanism, protected routes, and clear road rules to further bolster Bentonville's amazing quality of life. Additionally, Jessica highlights how upcoming projects, active committees, and a mini-grant program are accelerating Bentonville's transportation and mobility innovationsThanks for tuning in!Show NotesTimestamps in this blog are for the audio-only version of the podcast; video timing differs.(0:52) Introduction to Jessica Pearson(5:53) About the Bentonville Moves Coalition(9:50) Highlighting Coalition Members(14:38) Bentonville Moves Coalition Committees(19:47) The Coalition’s Mini Grant Program(23:38) Bicycle Friendly Neighborhoods Designation(27:30) Jessica’s #BecauseBentonville Story(30:35) Upcoming Bentonville Moves Coalition Projects(36:20) Closing Question ‍LinksJames Bell Bentonville Economic DevelopmentGreater Bentonville Area Chamber of CommerceJessica Pearson (jessica@bentonvillemoves.org)Bentonville Moves Coalition

SummaryIn this episode of The Bentonville Beacon, host James Bell sits down with Ravi Dadi, Co-Founder of Beach BBQ, which has proven to be a vibrant addition to Bentonville's culinary scene and is known for its fresh, innovative approach to barbecue. With a rich background in his prior role in information technology at Walmart, Ravi brings a unique blend of corporate savvy and entrepreneurial spirit to the table, where he and his team are transforming the traditional BBQ experience with flavors that surprise and delight. Throughout the episode, Ravi shares how Beach BBQ’s carefully crafted menu amplifies the customer experience and how the Greater Bentonville Area has bolstered Beach BBQ by enthusiastically welcoming the restaurant to its award-winning culinary landscape.Thanks for tuning in!Show NotesTimestamps in this blog are for the audio-only version of the podcast; video timing differs.(0:51) Introduction to Ravi Dadi(3:38) Transitioning from the Corporate Information Technology to the Restaurant Industry(5:29) Creating the Beach BBQ Experience(6:56) About Beach BBQ’s Ambience and Menu(9:53) Bentonville’s Impact on the Development of Beach BBQ(12:22) How the Community Has Helped Grow Beach BBQ(14:30) The Future Vision for Beach BBQ(17:19) Advice to Individuals Switching Industries(22:23) Closing Question‍LinksJames Bell Bentonville Economic DevelopmentGreater Bentonville Area Chamber of CommerceRavi DadiBeach BBQQuotes“We have to make sure, no matter whether it’s vegetarian or nonvegetarian, we have to create the same ambience for the customer when somebody walks into Beach BBQ. Because they should not be worried that they’re vegan and won’t be getting any options. We want to make sure that even the vegetarians that come will be getting better options than the nonvegetarians.” - Ravi Dadi, (9:34)“[Bentonville’s] a great community to do business in Northwest Arkansas because we have seen the customers coming and they are appreciating the local businesses and they are passing the message to their friends and families.” - Ravi Dadi, (10:09)“Greater Bentonville is helping us a lot. Also, Ledger…we have gotten a lot of customers from there…and even the biking community. We have been invited to do the catering for biking when big events happen. Even the school.” - Ravi Dadi, (12:33)“Northwest Arkansas is one of the best places. If I had to go back and say wherever I want to do business, I would say Northwest Arkansas should be the first place to do business. The way the community is helping the newcomers and getting [Beach BBQ] connected…that’s one of the best parts of Northwest Arkansas. I don’t think we can see this in the bigger towns” - Ravi Dadi, (13:10)

SummaryIn this episode of The Bentonville Beacon, host James Bell chats with Ramsay Ball, Founder of Grey Space Collective, a nonprofit organization based in Bentonville that focuses on community development. Through Grey Space, Ramsay and his team focus on real estate, ventures, hospitality and nonprofits to catalyze community development and impact investing. Throughout the conversation, he shares how cultures, colors and companies blend together to form new relationships, accelerate entrepreneurship and create more good for our community and people. And it is by seeding opportunities for more music, food and art, that Grey Space does its part to do more good, which results in a virtuous cycle of doing more good for the Greater Bentonville area.Thanks for tuning in!Show NotesTimestamps in this blog are for the audio-only version of the podcast; video timing differs.(0:53) Introduction to Ramsay Ball(6:51) About Grey Space Collective(17:12) Creating Collisions with Diverse Social Clustering Initiatives(21:54) Defining Impact Investment(29:15) Ramsay’s #BecauseBentonville Story(32:29) The Secret to Happiness(38:08) Closing Question‍LinksJames Bell Bentonville Economic DevelopmentGreater Bentonville Area Chamber of CommerceRamsay Ball (479) 640-6405Grey Space CollectiveHighGround HospitalityFocus Commercial Real EstateQuotes“[We] ended up moving to Bentonville and it was the best move of my life. It’s such a dynamic region and there is so much opportunity here. So that’s how I got here, and I love being here…but so many people were not born here. So many people have come from different parts of Arkansas and around the country. It’s just wonderful. Truly, the land of opportunity is in Northwest Arkansas.” - Ramsay Ball, (5:02)“...you mix artists, you mix tech people, tech people from different companies,all. Everyone will go to a show, enjoy music, enjoy food, and it creates an opportunity for breaking down barriers, whatever barriers might be there. We often say culture and colors–between different cultures and different colored people, we have a lot of diversity [in Bentonville], and then companies, confluence of companies or people with companies to come together. And we heard that–I heard that–and I was thinking ‘Aha!’, this makes sense, and there’s an economic reason to do it also. So that was really the beginning of the thought process of Grey Space Collective.” - Ramsay Ball, (18:33)“Impact investment has been an investment thesis for our group and I call it profit with a purpose…I’m a big believer that there are opportunities in impact investment to potentially beat a market return…So that’s a focus that we have is to hopefully demonstrate that you can do really good things and make above market return on your investments.” - Ramsay Ball, (22:39) “I’ve heard [the Greater Bentonville Area] described in many ways, but the difference here is the culture. I noticed that when I moved up here. That’s what really sucked me in back in the day, was the opportunity and how things were merit-based…It’s progressive and so many people that come here feel that same spirit.” - Ramsay Ball, (29:28)“The strategic leadership [in Bentonville] is so good. The mindset of the people here is so good. It’s very practical in ways, but very accepting of new ideas and thought processes. It’s unique, but there’s a certain magic here.” - Ramsay Ball, (31:42)

SummaryIn this episode of The Bentonville Beacon, host James Bell sits down with return guest Phil Libin, a renowned serial entrepreneur known for his transformative ventures such as Evernote, All Turtles, mmhmm and now, Bentoville. Bentoville is a new concept that promises to revolutionize the dining experience in the Greater Bentonville Area by combining Japan’s culinary art with vibrant, local food culture from Northwest Arkansas. Throughout the conversation, Phil shares his insights on entrepreneurship,outlines his journey from the San Francisco tech scene to Northwest Arkansas and delves into the virtuous cycle and connection of quality of life and quality of work, while shedding light on the philosophy behind Bentoville.Thanks for tuning in!Show NotesTimestamps in this blog are for the audio-only version of the podcast; video timing differs.(0:52) Introduction to Phil Libin(3:36) About Bentoville’s Co-Founders(5:15) The Inspiration and Vision behind Bentoville(13:11) Bentoville’s Approach to Sustainability and Local Sourcing(18:47) Belonging and Co-Creation(21:25) How Phil’s Thoughts on Bentonville and Northwest Arkansas Have Evolved(25:58) Phil’s #BecauseBentonville Story(32:15) Advice for Entrepreneurs in Goldilocks Cities(36:22) Closing Question‍LinksJames Bell Bentonville Economic DevelopmentGreater Bentonville Area Chamber of CommercePhil LibinBentovilleQuotes“There’s a business hypothesis behind [Bentoville]...And it’s the theme that we were calling the Goldilocks cities. And what it means is over the next decade or so, more and more people will have the opportunity to choose where they want to live and where they want to work and not have those two decisions to be completely tied to each other…And a lot of those people are going to choose places that are optimizing for quality of life.” - Phil Libin, (6:39)“We want people to think that you don’t have to give up anything. We don’t have to give up much because the perception in the past is…we get a slightly better quality of life, but we’re probably giving up some food and some culture and other things. And we’re saying, no, all of it can be better. Obviously, everything has some trade offs, but you don’t have to make any of those big sacrifices to go to a place that’s meant to be a great place to live.” - Phil Libin, (9:54)“Bentoville is Japan style food, meaning it’s authentic Japanese food, but the important thing is not that it’s ingredients from Japan or even strict dishes, we’re not trying to make an American’s idea of a Japanese restaurant, we’re trying to make a cool restaurant in Japan.” - Phil Libin, (13:31)“One of my board members said this quote that really stuck with me. She said, ‘What’s the difference between belonging to something and just being invited?’ And she said you can only belong to something that you help create, so if you want to have a feeling of belonging, you have to help create it. You can’t belong to something that you were a passive participant in…And so we’re really reaching out to the community, to people and to businesses because we want to be in that co-creation process.” - Phil Libin, (19:04)“Everyone shows up [to Bentonville] without much expectation, and then everyone leaves blown away by how cool it is and how liveable it’s been.” - Phil Libin, (23:05)

SummaryIn this episode of The Bentonville Beacon, host James Bell sits down with Cindi Marsiglio, Senior Vice President for Corporate Real Estate at Walmart. With over two decades of experience in corporate real estate and government affairs, Cindi is at the forefront of Walmart’s monumental new home office located in Bentonville. She brings a wealth of insight from overseeing the mammoth task of managing Walmart’s office space across the United States, solidifying her as a leader who plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of Bentonville’s thriving community. Throughout the conversation, Cindi shares the significance and intent behind Walmart’s cutting edge, open-concept campus, the sustainability efforts it’s championing and how it's transforming the way we live, work and play in the Greater Bentonville Area. Thanks for tuning in!Show NotesTimestamps in this blog are for the audio-only version of the podcast; video timing differs.(0:54) Introduction to Cindi Marsiglio(3:35) Cindi’s Role as Senior Vice President for Corporate Real Estate(6:46) How Walmart’s New Campus Fits Its Goals(10:25) Walmart’s New Campus’ Work Atmosphere(15:57) The Sustainability of Walmart’s New Campus(20:31) The Opening Timeline of Walmart’s New Campus(24:53) About the Walton Family Whole Health and Fitness Center(30:26) The Open Campus Design of Walmart’s New Home Office(34:45) How Bentonville Helps Cindi and Her Family and Her Family Live Their Best Lives(39:53) Cindi’s #BecauseBentonville Story(41:56) Advice for Tackling Challenges to Propel Careers(50:03) Closing Questions‍LinksJames Bell Bentonville Economic Development @ Greater Bentonville Area Chamber of CommerceCindi MarsiglioWalmartWalmart’s New Home OfficeQuotes“[Walmart’s new campus] is part of our overall aspiration to provide really great jobs with really great benefits. And part of that is to have a home office campus that is fit for the future. We want to retain great talent and attract new great talent…because Bentonville has been our home, staying in Bentonville was a fairly straightforward decision for us. We knew this was a place we wanted to continue to build the future of our global company, and that Bentonville was going to partner with us and go along on that journey with us.” - Cindi Marsiglio, (7:00)“...it is about a mile from the downtown Bentonville square, and so it very much is in the heart of the Bentonville community. We have businesses and residents living on every edge of the campus and it’s a unique open environment. And so you want to be very much thoughtful about how you positively impact the community as a whole.” - Cindi Marsiglio, (10:52)“...even more important than that, for me, is Bentonville’s evolution to becoming a much more broad, evolving, thoughtfully inclusive community so that people who visit here or choose to build a life and have a family or have a career here, it’s a journey that we’re on together. And I can play my own unique role, my family can play a unique role. But I think we can all find a place inside the community to be additive to that. I think it’s very unique, and I think Bentonville’s desire to be the best Bentonville we can allows us to chart that path.” - Cindi Marsiglio, (36:11)

SummaryIn this episode of The Bentonville Beacon, host James Bell is joined by Brooke Bierhaus Sutton, Co-Founder and Owner of Third Space Coffee, a beloved coffee haven nestled inside Best Friends Pet Resource Center Northwest Arkansas in Bentonville. As an award-winning documentary filmmaker, Brooke’s work has appeared in National Geographic, PBS, NBC Sports, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, ABC Australia and more. Brooke’s curiosity and passion for cultural experiences led her to embrace the study of food anthropology and delve into the world of coffee, exploring the rich histories and communal aspects hidden in every cup. With the belief that sharing moments over coffee can create a lasting impact and break down barriers, Brooke shares about the founding of Third Space Coffee, why its menu is as intentional as the space it occupies and how it's fostering a community hub on the ancestral lands of the Quapaw, Caddo and Osage, in the heart of Bentonville, where connections are forged, ideas are exchanged and dreams are nurtured.Thanks for tuning in!Show NotesTimestamps in this blog are for the audio-only version of the podcast; video timing differs.(0:53) Introduction to Brooke Bierhaus Sutton(2:48) From Documentary Filmmaker to Coffee Shop Owner(7:51) About Third Space Coffee and Why It’s Unique(12:29) Third Space Coffee’s Mission(17:52) Best Friends Pet Resource Center Northwest Arkansas(20:29) Potential Opportunities with 8th Street Gateway Park(23:25) Community Partnerships(28:37) Brooke’s Journey to Bentonville and Northwest Arkansas(31:56) Brooke’s #BecauseBentonville Story(35:08) Advice for Tackling Unknown Challenges(43:53) Closing Question‍LinksJames Bell Bentonville Economic DevelopmentGreater Bentonville Area Chamber of CommerceBrooke Bierhaus SuttonThird Space Coffee CoBierhaus CreativeBest Friends Pet Resource Center Northwest ArkansasQuotes“I think one big thing about Third Space is that even in the name, we teased how we’re a third place now. Third places are needed in society. They’re not home or the office. They’re this place where it needs to be accessible in public to everyone.” - Brooke Bierhaus Sutton, (7:59)“We always say that we’re not just connecting humans to humans, we’re connecting humans to nature, humans to wildlife…but maybe it is a day where you put headphones in and you just want to work somewhere that’s good energy and around good people. And that’s what we want to provide.” - Brooke Bierhaus Sutton, (9:50)“It was really important to us to be this shining bright light on someone’s day. And people who come in, they could be having an awful day, but if you get just three to five minutes to make it better, you’re doing something right.” - Brooke Bierhaus Sutton, (16:02)“[The Greater Bentonville Chamber of Commerce has been] huge in allowing us to really get connected with other businesses as well, and be a part of the community and to either give some of our time and also be given a lot of insight and connections as well.” - Brooke Bierhaus Sutton, (23:36)“People really lend their time, and I really believe that could only happen [in Bentonville]. And so Third Space Coffee is the manifestation of all of that, the culmination of all those connections.” - Brooke Bierhaus Sutton, (34:10)

SummaryIn this episode of The Bentonville Beacon, host James Bell is joined by Bella Vista Mayor John Flynn. Bella Vista is known for its scenic beauty, outdoor activities and growing community spirit, and as only the third mayor in the city’s history, Mayor Flynn’s leadership is pivotal in guiding and shaping Bella Vista’s growth. With a diverse background in law, education and public service, Mayor Flynn’s journey from corporate counsel to professor to Mayor of one of Northwest Arkansas’s most picturesque cities, solidifies his commitment and willingness to serve and improve the community he has grown to call home. Throughout the conversation, Mayor Flynn shares Bella Vista’s compelling blend of rich history and his vision for its future. He also discusses how the town’s friendly residents, community spirit and quality of life attract newcomers seeking natural beauty and opportunity, making Bella Vista a true gem in Greater Bentonville and Northwest Arkansas.Thanks for tuning in!Show NotesTimestamps in this blog are for the audio-only version of the podcast; video timing differs.(0:54) Introduction to Bella Vista Mayor John Flynn(3:59) Mayor Flynn’s Motivation for Public Service(5:36) How Mayor Flynn’s Experiences Have Shaped His Mayoral Career  (7:21) Bella Vista’s Fascinating History(11:40) Mayor Flynn’s Vision for Bella Vista’s Future(16:10) Bella Vista’s Personality and Its Role in Northwest Arkansas(19:20) Current Developments in Bella Vista(23:40) Experiences People Can Have in Bella Vista(25:49) Mayor Flynn’s #BecauseBellaVista Story(27:16) Why Bella Vista is Unique(31:43) Advice to Residents Aspiring to Get Involved in Local Government(34:02) Closing Question‍LinksJames Bell Bentonville Economic DevelopmentGreater Bentonville Area Chamber of CommerceMayor John FlynnCity of Bella VistaQuotes“[Bella Vista] has continued to grow in a successful way, and for the future, it certainly appears we’re going to continue to have growth, and that’s not going to be a problem. I’m looking to have controlled growth and maybe even keep from growing too fast. We’d like to develop the commercial side a little bit more.” - Mayor Flynn, (12:10)“The nice thing about this area is there’s people in Bentonville and in Northwest Arkansas who are very interested in connectivity. Walmart’s been encouraging their employees to ride to work, and they have a goal of having ten percent of their employees riding their bikes to work, and there are a few people from Bella Vista doing that now.” - Mayor Flynn, (13:59)“[Bella Vista’s] morphed into a combination of a [retirement community] and a bedroom suburb because so many people are going into town working at Walmart or JB Hunt. So we have an awful lot of people working at those folks and living in Bella Vista. And the trails have had an effect of making Bella Vista a bit younger, too…We have a vibrant trails community. And to have a lot of different outdoor activities, whether on purpose or just developed that way, we’ve become quite an outdoor recreational area and Bella Vista has certainly got a lot of outdoor recreational opportunities.” - Mayor Flynn, (16:48)“[Bella Vista] is very welcoming and I feel like it’s a special place. And one of the things I always think about is you could play golf, or you could go on the trails, or you could go to Cooper Chapel, but most people move from out of town and the thing they comment on is how friendly and welcoming the people are.” - Mayor Flynn, (27:32)

SummaryIn this installment of The Bentonville Beacon, James Bell hosts Chef Rafael Rios, Founder and CEO of Yeyo’s. Yeyo's stands out as a celebrated culinary enterprise in Bentonville and Northwest Arkansas, acclaimed for its authentic Mexican cuisine and dedication to sustainable farming practices. This journey began with the Rios Family Farm and one of Bentonville's first food trucks, eventually expanding into multiple venues, including a restaurant in Bentonville’s 8th Street Market and a mezcaleria in downtown Rogers. Yeyo's is distinguished by its farm-to-table approach, using fresh ingredients from the family's farms to craft flavorful and traditional Mexican dishes. Chef Rios has been recognized as a multi-time James Beard Semifinalist, underscoring Yeyo's exceptional culinary quality and innovation. This prestigious acknowledgment places Yeyo's among America's top culinary experiences, highlighting its commitment to excellence and deep-rooted passion for Mexican food culture. During the discussion, Rafael shares how his familial heritage has shaped Yeyo’s approach to cuisine, how he blends his roots with the local culture and how Yeyo’s remains true to its farm-to-table philosophy while providing distinct experiences at each of its establishments.Thanks for tuning in!Show NotesTimestamps in this blog are for the audio-only version of the podcast; video timing differs.(0:54) Introduction to Chef Rafael Rios(4:04) Rafael’s Journey to Becoming a Restaurateur(10:23) Multi-time James Beard Award Semifinalist(12:59) Passion for the Farm-to-Table Philosophy(19:32) Key Factors Leading to Yeyo’s Growth(20:41) Breaking News: Unveiling Casa Magnolia in Springdale and a Fayetteville Food Truck(24:39) Each Yeyo’s Location Offers a Unique Experience(29:47) Happiness is What Brings People to Bentonville(33:44) Rafael’s #BecauseBentonville Story(35:56) Blending Rafael’s Mexican Roots with Local Culture(39:12) The Spiritual Connection of Corn and Mexican Cuisine(41:51) Advice to Aspiring Culinary Entrepreneurs(43:41) Closing Questions ‍LinksJames Bell Bentonville Economic Development Rafael RiosYeyo’sRios Family FarmYeyo’s Food TruckYeyo’s El Alma de MexicoYeyo’s Mezcaleria y TaqueriaQuotes“We have the ability and the capability of changing the culinary scene in our region…We are resilient. We know what we want, and our team embraces that. Our family embraces that. We work harder now…it allows us to fulfill a certain level of obligation that we now have with our community, the Latino community specifically, to empower them and let them know that we’re here and that we can do a lot of things if we do it from the heart.” - Chef Rafael Rios, (11:24)“[Family] matters to what I consider a vital element to a healthy community. So what is it that you are truly doing with your business, and how is it seen by the community? Is it a sustainable business? But the most important thing is the added value to a meal and how it connects with the soil and Northwest Arkansas…everything is tied up to an experience at the end of the day. So we focus on what the experience is going to be.” - Chef Rafael Rios, (18:21)“There is love for community, which is one of the biggest things that drove me to live [in Bentonville]. There is kindness throughout. There are opportunities…Living in Bentonville is a culmination of what our story was initially intended to be. We were looking for a place where we can be ourselves and we can be happy, a place where we can have opportunities to grow. Our kids can have good schools to go to, and the overall quality of life is amazing…So the overall thing is happiness. Happiness is what brings people to Bentonville.” - Chef Rafael Rios, (30:01)

SummaryIn this episode of The Bentonville Beacon, host James Bell is joined by Bryan Fittin, Founder and CEO of Go Rogue Studio, a video production company who partners with individuals and businesses to create exceptionally customized content fit for unique brands, strategies and goals. With fifteen years of experience in the corporate world, Bryan’s journey from a career in sales and development to founding a creative agency provides a unique perspective on what it takes to thrive in today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving business landscape. Bryan’s multifaceted role as a leader, mentor and community influencer makes him a key player in shaping the strong entrepreneurial spirit of the Greater Bentonville Area. Throughout the conversation, Bryan shares how lessons he learned from his corporate background have translated to business ownership, how Go Rogue is striving to build a network of creators and how Bentonville works to foster creativity and innovation in its entrepreneurial ecosystem.Thanks for tuning in!Show NotesTimestamps in this blog are for the audio-only version of the podcast; video timing differs.(0:57) Introduction to Bryan Fittin(4:29) About Go Rogue(8:47) About the Rogue Creators Podcast(11:07) Building a Network of Creators(13:53) Translating a Sales Background to Leadership Skills(17:54) How Bentonville Has Impacted the Growth of Go Rogue(20:14) How Bentonville Fosters Creativity and Innovation(22:28) Why Bentonville Stands Out to Entrepreneurs and Creators(25:34) Bryan’s #BecauseBentonville Story(28:39) What’s Next for Go Rogue(33:20) Advice to Aspiring Entrepreneurs(49:17) Closing Thoughts‍LinksJames Bell Bentonville Economic Development Bryan FittinGo Rogue StudioRogue Creators PodcastQuotes“[The Rogue Creators podcast] is a more selfish desire for me to be around other creatives and have those conversations and really create a community and a network of people because a lot of times what happens is, especially creators, we get this silo mentality…And that’s just not a way of growing. You have to collaborate to grow. And so for me that’s how can I get around creatives, have fun conversations with them, and get to know them as well as their processes.” - Bryan Fittin, (10:21)“I expected [the Rogue Creators event] to be something small and we had people show up and it was great. We had some great sponsors as well and it was just a great time of people getting to know each other, and now we have people asking us when are you guys going to do that again…We even had some sponsors come on and say we want to sponsor the next one, which is super encouraging. And so that is something specifically for Bentonville, and Northwest Arkansas in general is a great place to be because of that. The community here wants to support.” - Bryan Fittin, (11:46)“I think with the investments of the Waltons in general, obviously with the technology side of things, as well as mountain biking, I would say just being around and being in these conversations and hearing them and what you’re seeing, it only encourages you to do more and to be a part of that. And so this community is very alive. Bentonville is very alive.” - Bryan Fittin, (20:29)

SummaryIn this insightful episode of The Bentonville Beacon, host James Bell shares the studio with Andres Lazarte, Co-Founder & President of Basis Health, a pioneering healthcare provider that relocated from Boise, Idaho, to Bentonville, Arkansas, in 2021. Basis Health is revolutionizing healthcare for aging people by delivering expert medical care right in the comfort of their homes. Basis makes healthcare accessible to elderly patients regardless of living setting and is reducing unnecessary hospital visits and healthcare costs, improving their quality of life.Dedicated to innovation, Basis Health is at the forefront of shifting healthcare to a preventative, patient-centered model. As they continue to innovate, what will further set them apart is their use of cutting-edge artificial intelligence and predictive modeling technologies designed to continuously analyze conditions of their patients, identify the earliest onset of clinical decline and rapidly provide medical interventions and follow-up care.Tune in now to discover the future of medicine!Show NotesTimestamps in this blog are for the audio-only version of the podcast; video timing differs.(0:55) Introduction to Andres Lazarte(3:46) About Basis Health and Its Unique Approach(6:07) The Future of Healthcare(8:54) Basis Health’s Relocation to Bentonville(13:33) Basis Health’s Involvement in the Greater Bentonville Community(15:45) How Bentonville Helps Andres and His Family Balance Work and Life(19:36) Andres’ #BecauseBentonville Story(23:43) Advice to Aspiring Healthcare Entrepreneurs(26:12) Closing Question‍LinksJames Bell Bentonville Economic Development Andres LazarteBasis HealthQuotes“Our unique approach is that we send providers, nurses, and urgent care workers to the patient’s home and we see them on a consistent basis. We’re able to see how their living looks, whether it’s assisted living, independent living, memory care. Wherever the patient is, we can  meet them and bring healthcare to their door.” - Andres Lazarte, (4:17)“Bentonville is the perfect spot because there’s support everywhere. We can really take all this healthcare and move it home because all the pieces are here, the support is here, the community is all about it…if you’re an entrepreneur, you should be flocking to Northwest Arkansas.”  - Andres Lazarte, (13:05)“[Bentonville] is such a unique location because it gives us the opportunity to get out in nature. We get to go to all these incredible activities. Almost every single weekend there is something to be done, something we can do as a family or individually that doesn’t involve me being in my office or going out and visiting some of my clients, so it really does a great job. We work hard and we play hard here in Bentonville.” - Andres Lazarte, (16:38)“There was a day I woke up early in the morning, I went fishing, went on a hike though Kohler, and then within that same morning had a meeting with some Fortune 500 business owners and people who work for some of the biggest companies in the country. That doesn’t happen anywhere else…and because of Bentonville, I’m able to fulfill my love of being with my family, go out and fish and enjoy nature and hike, and then also make meetings with people that other people in other parts of the world have to fly hundreds of miles to get to.” - Andres Lazarte, (20:00)

SummaryIn this engaging episode of The Bentonville Beacon, host James Bell visits with Phillip Shepard, the visionary behind All Things NWA and a seasoned Realtor at Collier & Associates. Phillip brings more than a decade of real estate prowess to the table, passionately guiding people through the captivating landscape of Greater Bentonville and Northwest Arkansas. He explores the region's unique fusion of outdoor allure, bustling event scenes and tight-knit community, all set against a backdrop of a thriving business environment and abundant high-quality job opportunities. A champion of the area's blend of mid-sized city comfort and big-city amenities, Phillip proudly labels it as the best place to live, work and play in America. He recounts his own transition from Chicago, exploring numerous remarkable U.S. communities before identifying Northwest Arkansas as the ultimate locale. Throughout the conversation, Phillip sheds light on how the Greater Bentonville Area is drawing a diverse populace, fostering growth and entrepreneurship within a community fabric that's rich in collaboration and unity. Thanks for tuning in!Show NotesTimestamps in this blog are for the audio-only version of the podcast; video timing differs.(0:54) Introduction to Phillip Shepard(4:26) Phillip’s Relocation to NWA(7:06) The Status of NWA’s Residential Property Market(11:39) The Benefits of Living in the Greater Bentonville Area(19:27) NWA’s Big City Amenities(24:22) Upcoming Developments in the Greater Bentonville Area(28:13) Phillip’s #BecauseBentonville Story(31:44) Why Bentonville’s a Desirable Place to Live, Work and Play(42:27) Closing Question‍LinksJames Bell Bentonville Economic Development Phillip ShepardAll Things NWAAll Things NWA YouTubeEverything NWACollier & AssociatesQuotes“In the scale of everything, Northwest Arkansas still is very affordable in comparison. Now, the asterisk there, is you can find cheaper housing in America, but the unique thing about this area is that you get all the benefits of a larger area but with affordable housing. It’s really hard to find that sweet balance between having an area where you can have a job, you can live, you can work, you can play all in NWA. But you can’t find that anywhere else in America and have that affordable housing aspect to it.” - Phillip Shepard,  (11:02)“...to talk about the perks of Bentonville. That’s just kind of baked into the cake of being so close to the downtown section, all the events, all the community, all the biking trails, all of the things that go on in Downtown Bentonville. It’s fantastic.” - Phillip Shepard, (12:57)“The fact the the Downtown [Bentonville] Area, which is very community focused, in a matter of months, can go from in one weekend, we can do farmers market, we can do a one hundred mile gravel race, we can do a 5k, we can do a Bentonville Film Festival, then an ice skating rink, and there’s a Bentonville Bike Fest happening. And it’s like how can so much happening in such a small area have such an impact and be done so well…you can leave the downtown square and come back the next day and it’s totally different. It’s an endless amount of stuff that only happens [in Bentonville].” - Phillip Shepard, (28:44)“From a cultural perspective, there’s something for everyone. And the things that Bentonville has been focusing on are things that are core to almost everyone. If you say what’s important to a family, I want to have great schools for my kids, check. What’s important for people that want to move here, jobs and a career path, check. What’s important for people that just want to retire, you have Bella Vista, check. What’s important for single people that want to start a new life and get a new community, check. So you can go down the list and [the Greater Bentonville Area] hits so many important things.” - Phillip Shepard, (32:33)