I Am Northwest Arkansas®

About the Show:"Financial wellness transforms communities." – Alfred Milan, CEO Express WagesIn this episode of I Am Northwest Arkansas®, host Randy Wilburn sits down with Alfred Milan, founder and CEO of Express Wages—a connection made at a recent StartUP NWA VC event—to explore how giving employees faster access to their paychecks can transform small businesses across the region.Alfred shares his journey from leading a Memphis healthcare company to launching Express Wages—inspired by workers who simply couldn't wait two weeks to access money they'd already earned. You'll hear how Earned Wage Access (EWA) strengthens hiring and retention, why financial literacy is a game-changer, and how small businesses can compete with big corporations for talent—without spending a dime extra.Whether you own a local business, care about your team's well-being, or just want practical solutions for paycheck-to-paycheck challenges, this episode delivers insights and tools you can put to work right away.Key Takeaways:Earned Wage Access (EWA): Employees can access a portion of their pay as they earn it—no more waiting two weeks for a paycheck. This helps 79% of Americans who live paycheck to paycheck.Leveling the Playing Field: Small businesses can compete for talent by providing speedy wage access and financial wellness tools, just like big companies.Employee Retention and Morale: On-demand pay and useful financial education build loyalty, reduce turnover costs, and support personal emergencies for workers.No Cost to Employers: Express Wages gives businesses value with no invoices or hidden fees. Employees only pay a small fee if they use the service, and there’s even a free option.Extra Benefits: Express Wages partners with organizations offering budgeting tools, credit repair, legal support, and identity theft protection—empowering employees for the long term.Fast, Easy Setup: Most companies can launch Express Wages in just 5–7 minutes, connecting easily with payroll providers like ADP, Paylocity, Paychex, or QuickBooks Cloud.All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas® podcast.Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Express Wages – Request Your Free DemoLinkedIn: Alfred MilanCall or text Alfred Milan: 901-489-3915Partners mentioned: Monarch Money, LegalShield, AllstateOrganizations referenced: Northwest Arkansas Council, Walmart, City of MemphisThis episode is sponsored by*Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"FindItNWA.com Try ONBoardNWA.com Today!*Note: some of the resources mentioned may be affiliate links. This means we get paid a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase.Connect more with I am Northwest Arkansas:Grab our Newsletter Email Us at hello@iamnorthwestarkansas.comConnect With Our Facebook Page Connect With Us on Threads Connect With Our Instagram Connect With Our LinkedIn PageJoin The Facebook Group Connect with our Fearless Host, Randy Wilburn on LinkedInThank you for listening to this I am Northwest Arkansas podcast episode. We showcase businesses, culture, entrepreneurship, and life in the Ozarks. Consider donating to our production team to keep this podcast running smoothly. Donate to I Am Northwest Arkansas

About the Show:"As soon as we started setting foot in Northwest Arkansas, we had a hand reach out and say, 'What do you guys need?' How can we help? How can we make this event bigger?" – Pedro Garza, Club AmericaWhat happens when one of the world's most storied soccer clubs chooses Fayetteville, Arkansas, as its next big stage?That's the conversation at the heart of this episode. I sat down with Pedro Garza, International Development Director for Club América, and Jose Romero, Sports Sales Manager with Experience Fayetteville, to talk about how our SEC college town landed its first international doubleheader—and why it matters well beyond game day.The Golden Clash at Razorback Stadium isn't just a sporting event. It's a signal. Soccer is taking root here at every level, global brands are paying attention, and this is shaping up to be a once-in-a-generation sports experience for Northwest Arkansas.Whether you love the beautiful game or you're simply proud of what this region is becoming—this one's for you.Key Takeaways:World-Class Soccer Comes to Fayetteville: The Golden Clash doubleheader brings both men’s and women’s teams from the legendary Club América to Northwest Arkansas, making sports history in the state.Big City Events in the Ozarks: Fayetteville’s top-notch stadiums, vibrant sport culture, and welcoming atmosphere make it the perfect spot for events of this size.Deep Local Soccer Roots: Regional youth teams, college programs, and partnerships with groups like Ozark United and Comets FC show how soccer is growing fast in Northwest Arkansas.Economic and Community Boost: Events like this bring visitors, fill hotels and restaurants, and create new opportunities for local businesses and families.Building for the Future: The episode celebrates how these matches inspire future generations and foster a love for soccer that will continue to grow throughout the region.All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas® podcast.Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Experience Fayetteville: experiencefayetteville.comFind event info, buy tickets, and see what’s happening around town.Club América: Follow on your favorite social platform: @ClubAmericaDonald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium: Host site for the Golden Clash.Comets FC, Ozark United, Parks and Recreation (Bentonville): Partners in local soccer clinics and youth activities.Events Calendar: Check Experience Fayetteville’s online calendar for hundreds of events every month.FindItNWA.com NWA’s Hyperlocal Business DirectoryThis episode is sponsored by*Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"Try ONBoardNWA.com Today!*Note: some of the resources mentioned may be affiliate links. This means we get paid a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase.Connect more with I am Northwest Arkansas:Grab our Newsletter Email Us at hello@iamnorthwestarkansas.comConnect With Our Facebook Page Connect With Us on Threads Connect With Our Instagram Connect With Our LinkedIn PageJoin The Facebook Group Connect with our Fearless Host, Randy Wilburn on LinkedInThank you for listening to this I am Northwest Arkansas podcast episode. We showcase businesses, culture, entrepreneurship, and life in the Ozarks.Consider donating to our production team to keep this podcast running smoothly. Donate to I Am Northwest ArkansasMentioned in this episode:NWA Daily Version 4Try NWA Daily Today!Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"FindItNWA.com🎧 This episode is brought to you by FindItNWA.com – the hyper-local business directory made for Northwest Arkansas. From local eats to trusted pros, it’s the go-to spot for discovering what’s great nearby. 📣 Are you a business owner? Get listed today and connect with thousands of locals looking for what you offer. 👉 Visit FindItNWA.com to explore or join now. FindItNWA.com

About the Show:"A community that buys into its future, buys into its youth, can really create something special." – Coleman WarrenThis episode is part of a special series supported by the Walton Family Foundation. Through their Home Region program, the Foundation is investing in the people and ideas shaping Northwest Arkansas—across housing, entrepreneurship, transportation, and leadership.Before he was a Rhodes Scholar or the co-founder of the Compass Foundation, Coleman Warren was just a kid from Farmington, Arkansas — a small town that had no idea what it was sending out into the world. In this episode of I Am Northwest Arkansas®, Coleman traces the full arc of that journey: from a rural upbringing shaped by teachers and community members who saw something in him, to launching a socially-minded ice cream business that proved you could build something meaningful and mission-driven from the ground up.But it was the experience of stepping into elite spaces — and feeling the weight of being underrepresented in them — that lit the fire behind Compass. Co-founded by Coleman, the Compass Foundation is a mentorship and scholarship program purpose-built for first-generation and low-income students in rural Arkansas. It's not just about financial support. Compass surrounds students with mentors who've walked similar paths, opens doors to real-world experiences they might never encounter otherwise, and does the quieter work of helping young people believe that where they come from is a strength, not a limitation.This is an episode about what's possible when someone who made it decides to reach back — and build something that makes the path a little clearer for everyone who comes next.Key Takeaways:Community Investment Pays Off: Positive investment in young people leads to lifelong returns, both for individuals and their communities.The Power of Mentorship: Having caring adults and mentors can change a student’s life, especially for those who may not have guidance at home.Education Beyond Finances: Compass goes past scholarships and includes ACT tutoring, personal development, and capstone experiences like studying abroad or community projects.Importance of Rural Representation: Rural voices are underrepresented in elite spaces, which inspired Coleman to focus on rural student success.Service at the Core: Compass encourages service-oriented mindsets and alumni giving back, sustaining local growth and support systems.Not Just for College-Bound: Compass values students going into trades and non-college career paths, emphasizing leadership, critical thinking, and community-mindedness for all.All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas® podcast.Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Learn more, donate, or start a chapter: Compass Foundation WebsiteFollow Compass for updates and NWA Gives: Watch for tagged posts on I Am Northwest Arkansas InstagramEmail ColemanCompass Foundation on InstagramCompass Foundation on FacebookCompass Foundation on LinkedInFindItNWA.com NWA’s Hyperlocal Business DirectoryThis episode is sponsored by*The Walton Family FoundationThe Walton Family Foundation is, at its core, a family-led foundation. Three generations of the descendants of founders Sam and Helen Walton, and their spouses, work together to lead the foundation and create access to opportunity for people and communities. The foundation works in three areas: improving education, protecting rivers and oceans and the communities they support, and investing in the home region of Northwest Arkansas and the Arkansas–Mississippi Delta.Learn more at waltonfamilyfoundation.org*Note: some of the resources mentioned may be affiliate links. This means we get paid a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase.Connect more with I am Northwest Arkansas:Grab our Newsletter Email Us at hello@iamnorthwestarkansas.comConnect With Our Facebook Page Connect With Us on Threads Connect With Our Instagram Connect With Our LinkedIn PageJoin The Facebook Group Connect with our Fearless Host, Randy Wilburn on LinkedInThank you for listening to this I am Northwest Arkansas podcast episode. We showcase businesses, culture, entrepreneurship, and life in the Ozarks.Consider donating to our production team to keep this podcast running smoothly. Donate to I Am Northwest Arkansas

About the Show:"We are all one life-changing event away from having to navigate or make decisions in a landscape we never thought we would find ourselves in." – Cherie ClarkIn this heartfelt episode of I Am Northwest Arkansas®, host Randy Wilburn sits down with Cherie Clark, Director of External Relations at Purview Life NWA, for a deeply personal conversation about aging life care management and what it really means to support families through some of life's most challenging seasons.Cherie's path to this work didn't start in a boardroom — it started at a bedside. Her own experience as a family caregiver led her to Purview Life, a company she describes as a "general contractor for health care." They organize resources, connect families with the right support, and when necessary, step in as medical POA or guardian. It's hands-on, heart-forward work — and her passion for it comes through in every story she tells.From practical advice on vetting care providers and understanding costs to real-life success stories and guidance for families planning ahead, this episode delivers something rare: genuine hope alongside actionable insight. Whether you're a local caregiver in Northwest Arkansas, supporting aging parents from across the country, or simply starting to ask "What's next" — Cherie's message is clear: you don't have to figure this out alone.Key Takeaways:Aging Life Care Management: Purview Life serves as a life-centric, holistic care manager for seniors and adults with special needs, supporting individuals and their families through every stage.Support for Caregivers: Whether you’re a spouse, child, or neighbor, Purview Life offers help to prevent caregiver burnout, mediate tough decisions, and provide crisis relief.Local Expertise, National Network: Purview Life’s care managers are deeply knowledgeable about Northwest Arkansas resources and are connected nationwide through the Aging Life Care Association (ALCA).Flexible and Transparent: Services range from one-time consultations to ongoing support, and billing is clear (in six-minute increments, with detailed invoices).Planning Brings Peace: Even tough conversations about aging and care make things smoother later—proactive education and planning help avoid crisis-driven decisions.How to Vet Providers: Look for credentials, connections to organizations like ALCA, and a focus on client needs, not kickbacks. Always ask questions and make sure your chosen provider gives you options.Help Wherever You Are: Purview Life can support families locally or connect you to qualified care managers anywhere in the U.S.All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas® podcast.Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Website: Purview Life NWAPhone: 479-579-8723 (call or text to connect with Cherie Clark and her team)Cherie Clark on LinkedInAging Life Care Association (ALCA): aginglifecare.orgPurview Life Testimonial Videos: Available on their websiteThis episode is sponsored by*FindItNWA.comTry ONBoardNWA.com Today!*Note: some of the resources mentioned may be affiliate links. This means we get paid a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase.Connect more with I am Northwest Arkansas:Grab our Newsletter Email Us at hello@iamnorthwestarkansas.comConnect With Our Facebook Page Connect With Us on Threads Connect With Our Instagram Connect With Our LinkedIn PageJoin The Facebook Group Connect with our Fearless Host, Randy Wilburn on LinkedInThank you for listening to this I am Northwest Arkansas podcast episode. We showcase businesses, culture, entrepreneurship, and life in the Ozarks.Consider donating to our production team to keep this podcast running smoothly. Donate to I Am Northwest ArkansasMentioned in this episode:NWA Daily Version 4Try NWA Daily Today!FindItNWA.com🎧 This episode is brought to you by FindItNWA.com – the hyper-local business directory made for Northwest Arkansas. From local eats to trusted pros, it’s the go-to spot for discovering what’s great nearby. 📣 Are you a business owner? Get listed today and connect with thousands of locals looking for what you offer. 👉 Visit FindItNWA.com to explore or join now. FindItNWA.com

About the Show:"Get your LinkedIn polished, treat it like a professional network and read. Read the things that interest you, but read the things that will challenge you." – Jose SocorroIn this episode of I Am Northwest Arkansas®, host Randy Wilburn sits down with Jose Socorro, regional director for Jan Pro of Arkansas and self-proclaimed "Jersey boy," to explore his journey from Jersey City to the Ozarks and what it takes to build a life in a new place.Jose's path wasn't straight—it wound through Missouri and Oklahoma before landing him in Northwest Arkansas. Along the way, he built small businesses with family, weathered Hurricane Sandy, coached high school football, and worked for major companies like JB Hunt and Central States. Being bilingual opened doors, but it was his willingness to hustle, stay connected, and keep learning that kept him moving forward.Now thriving in Northwest Arkansas, Jose shares what makes this region different—the welcoming business community, the power of chambers of commerce, and how foundational skills like Excel can launch a career. Throughout our conversation, gratitude and community emerge as the thread connecting it all.This episode is for anyone considering a move to Northwest Arkansas, looking to build business connections, or simply curious about what life looks like when you trade the Northeast for the Ozarks.Key Takeaways:Embrace the Power of Connections: Northwest Arkansas has a “one degree of separation” feel—networking and community matter.Learn Essential Skills: Mastering basics like Excel and building a strong LinkedIn profile are musts for young professionals.Gratitude and Perspective: Overcoming challenges and staying thankful helps you grow and prepares you for what’s next.Community Matters: Chambers of commerce, local business groups, and giving back make Northwest Arkansas special for workers and families.Quality of Life: The cost of living, opportunities, and welcoming environment make Northwest Arkansas a great place to raise a family or launch a career.Read the Room: Understanding people and staying humble go a long way in business and life.All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas® podcast.Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Jose Socorro on LinkedInThis episode is sponsored by*Try ONBoardNWA.com Today!*Note: some of the resources mentioned may be affiliate links. This means we get paid a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase.Connect more with I am Northwest Arkansas:Grab our Newsletter Email Us at hello@iamnorthwestarkansas.comConnect With Our Facebook Page Connect With Us on Threads Connect With Our Instagram Connect With Our LinkedIn PageJoin The Facebook Group Connect with our Fearless Host, Randy Wilburn on LinkedInThank you for listening to this I am Northwest Arkansas podcast episode. We showcase businesses, culture, entrepreneurship, and life in the Ozarks.Consider donating to our production team to keep this podcast running smoothly. Donate to I Am Northwest Arkansas

About the Show:"if you stay active, if you stay engaged in your life and you're serving a larger cause, like for me, helping other people to find the courage and the energy to reinvent themselves and go back to their childhood, which is what I've done with myself." – David NelsonWhat does it look like to reinvent yourself at 71? For David Nelson, it starts with a pickleball paddle and a whole lot of intentional joy.David is a wellness expert, motivational speaker, and founder of AHA University — and he'll be the first to tell you he's also the CEO of Fun. In this episode of I Am Northwest Arkansas®, he sits down with Randy Wilburn to talk about what happens when you stop treating age as a ceiling and start treating it as a starting line.After a running injury forced him to find a new outlet, David discovered pickleball — and what began as physical therapy quickly became something much bigger. He's now using the sport as a bridge between generations, cultures, and communities, proving that a simple game can open doors that might otherwise stay closed.This is a conversation about reinvention, the underrated power of play, and why Northwest Arkansas keeps showing up as the kind of place where people — and possibilities — flourish. No matter where you are in life, David's story might just be the nudge you didn't know you needed.Key Takeaways:Reinvention Has No Age Limit: You can start something new, find purpose, and build community no matter how old you are.Pickleball as a Gateway: Pickleball brings people of all ages together and helps build coordination, connection, and confidence.The Power of Play: Play is not just for kids—adults and seniors need it for mental and physical health.Active, Healthy Aging: Staying active makes a difference, even if it’s just walking or playing with friends.Importance of Family & Community: Northwest Arkansas is a place where family matters, and there are many ways to connect with others.Storytelling & Legacy: Sharing your story and listening to others can inspire, heal, and help you find your real voice and values.Consistency Matters: Small steps and gradual improvement add up over time.All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas® podcast.Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Aha.UniversityDavid Nelson on LinkedInFindItNWA.com NWA’s Hyperlocal Business DirectoryThis episode is sponsored by*Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"Try ONBoardNWA.com Today!*Note: some of the resources mentioned may be affiliate links. This means we get paid a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase.Connect more with I am Northwest Arkansas:Grab our Newsletter Email Us at hello@iamnorthwestarkansas.comConnect With Our Facebook Page Connect With Us on Threads Connect With Our Instagram Connect With Our LinkedIn PageJoin The Facebook Group Connect with our Fearless Host, Randy Wilburn on LinkedInThank you for listening to this I am Northwest Arkansas podcast episode. We showcase businesses, culture, entrepreneurship, and life in the Ozarks.Consider donating to our production team to keep this podcast running smoothly. Donate to I Am Northwest ArkansasMentioned in this episode:NWA Daily Version 4Try NWA Daily Today!Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"

About the Show:"We are a Victorian house burdened by optimism." – Cognac FranklinWhat happens when historic charm collides with a new vision for community connection?In this episode of I Am Northwest Arkansas®, host Randy Wilburn sits down with Cognac Franklin, Director of Operations at Stonebreaker—Fayetteville's stunning hotel, club, and gathering space perched atop Markham Hill.Cognac takes us through the rich history of this unique property, from its origins as the Pratt family homestead and bed & breakfast to its recent transformation into a community-centered haven that honors the past while embracing the future.You'll hear about Stonebreaker's distinctive approach to hospitality, membership, and intentional design—where every guest is treated like family, whether they're checking in for the night, enjoying club membership perks, or simply stopping by for a quiet cup of coffee.Discover how Stonebreaker is creating a true "third space" for the community—a place for relaxing, collaborating, celebrating, or finding a moment of tranquility at one of Fayetteville's highest points.Whether you're new to Northwest Arkansas or a lifelong local, this conversation illuminates how connecting to place and purpose brings people together in meaningful ways.Key Takeaways:Blending History and Modern Hospitality: Stonebreaker honors Markham Hill’s heritage, integrating touches from its farm, summer camp, and music festival past into a contemporary, welcoming environment.Community, Not Exclusivity: Despite being a private club, Stonebreaker’s mission is rooted in inclusivity—emphasizing a social, open-door approach for locals and newcomers alike.Building a Unique “Third Space”: Stonebreaker offers more than just a hotel or restaurant. It’s intentionally designed for collaboration, creativity, relaxation, and connection as Fayetteville grows and evolves.Intentional Design & Thoughtful Experiences: Every element, from the hotel rooms to the club amenities and the grounds, is curated to spark conversation, learning, and belonging.Membership with a Purpose: Club members play a direct role in shaping the community and experiences at Stonebreaker, ensuring it remains responsive and meaningful for Northwest Arkansas residents.All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas® podcast.Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Stonebreaker Hotel and Restaurant Fayetteville | stonebreakerhotel.comStonebreaker on LinkedInStonebreaker on FacebookStonebreaker on InstagramCognac Franklin on LinkedInFindItNWA.com NWA’s Hyperlocal Business DirectoryThis episode is sponsored by*Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"Try ONBoardNWA.com Today!*Note: some of the resources mentioned may be affiliate links. This means we get paid a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase.Connect more with I am Northwest Arkansas:Grab our Newsletter Email Us at hello@iamnorthwestarkansas.comConnect With Our Facebook Page Connect With Us on Threads Connect With Our Instagram Connect With Our LinkedIn PageJoin The Facebook Group Connect with our Fearless Host, Randy Wilburn on LinkedInThank you for listening to this I am Northwest Arkansas podcast episode. We showcase businesses, culture, entrepreneurship, and life in the Ozarks.Consider donating to our production team to keep this podcast running smoothly. Donate to I Am Northwest ArkansasMentioned in this episode:ONBoardNWA.comLooking for your next career move in Northwest Arkansas? Check out ONBoardNWA.com, the hyper-local job board designed to connect job seekers with leading employers in our community. From entry-level positions to executive roles, ONBoardNWA is your one-stop shop for job opportunities right here in NWA. Take the next step in your career and visit ONBoardNWA.com today.FindItNWA.comLooking to discover the best local businesses in Northwest Arkansas? 🌟 From cozy cafes to essential services, FindItNWA.com has got you covered. Connect with your local community with just one click and explore something great. Visit finditnwa.com today! #LocalBusiness #CommunitySupport"FindItNWA.com

About the Show:"This is one of those initiatives that we are going to look back on, I believe, as a turning point for our city." – Mayor Molly RawnIn this episode of I Am Northwest Arkansas®, I sit down with Fayetteville Mayor Molly Rawn to talk about the city's $375.5 million bond proposal heading to voters on March 3rd. This episode is specifically for Fayetteville residents—one of the four major cities that make up Northwest Arkansas. As a Fayetteville resident for more than a decade, I wanted to share this conversation because this bond directly affects our community. You might have seen the "One Cent, One City, One Purpose" campaign around town—and here's the good news: it's designed to fund critical infrastructure and quality-of-life projects without raising your taxes.Mayor Rawn and I talk through what's actually in this bond package—roads, utilities, parks, a new aquatic center, and a much-needed animal shelter upgrade. We also get into her first year as mayor, the realities of managing a fast-growing city, and how Fayetteville residents helped shape what made it onto the ballot. One important note: Question 1 on the ballot refinances the 2019 bonds and keeps that existing one-cent sales tax working for the city, and it needs to pass for the other initiatives to move forward.Whether you've been here for decades or just moved to Fayetteville, this bond affects your daily life—from the streets you drive on to the parks where your kids play. We'll help you understand what's at stake, why this moment matters for Fayetteville's future, and how you can make an informed decision before March 3rd.Key Takeaways:● Fayetteville’s 2026 Bond Proposal: The city is advancing a $375.5M initiative funding essential infrastructure and amenities—from water/sewer upgrades to parks—while keeping taxes steady.● Quality of Life & Community Growth: Projects like the aquatic center and improved animal shelter directly enhance resident well-being, attract talent, and fuel economic activity.● Infrastructure Drives Housing: Without water, sewer, and roads funded by this bond, housing development (including affordable units) stalls, impacting everyone from students to seniors.● Forward-Thinking Planning: Fayetteville’s leaders are focusing on proactive investments, shaped by public feedback, to ensure the city retains its character amid rapid growth.● How to Get Involved: Residents are urged to get informed, ask questions, connect with city officials, and spread the word to neighbors ahead of the March 3rd bond vote.All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas® podcast.Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Guest: Molly Rawn, Mayor of FayettevilleEmail: mayorsoffice@fayetteville-ar.govCity of Fayetteville Official WebsiteBond Campaign Info:Build Fayetteville’s Future – www.buildfayettevillesfuture.comCity Resources – www.fayetteville-ar.govImportant Dates:Early Voting Begins: February 17Election Day: March 3Support Local:Follow news and updates through Fayetteville city council and social mediaThis episode is sponsored by*Try ONBoardNWA.com Today!*Note: some of the resources mentioned may be affiliate links. This means we get paid a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase.Connect more with I am Northwest Arkansas:Grab our Newsletter Email Us at hello@iamnorthwestarkansas.comConnect With Our Facebook Page Connect With Us on Threads Connect With Our Instagram Connect With Our LinkedIn PageJoin The Facebook Group Connect with our Fearless Host, Randy Wilburn on LinkedInThank you for listening to this I am Northwest Arkansas podcast episode. We showcase businesses, culture, entrepreneurship, and life in the Ozarks.Consider donating to our production team to keep this podcast running smoothly. Donate to I Am Northwest ArkansasMentioned in this episode:FindItNWA.com🎧 This episode is brought to you by FindItNWA.com – the hyper-local business directory made for Northwest Arkansas. From local eats to trusted pros, it’s the go-to spot for discovering what’s great nearby. 📣 Are you a business owner? Get listed today and connect with thousands of locals looking for what you offer. 👉 Visit FindItNWA.com to explore or join now. FindItNWA.com

About the Show:"My greatest takeaway was that no matter where I am in life, no matter how old I get, I will always find time for moments like this to share my knowledge with someone else." – Rochelle BradshawFrom touring with reggae royalty to calling Northwest Arkansas home, Rochelle Bradshaw has lived a life in music that most artists only dream about.In this episode, Randy sits down with the Jamaican-born singer-songwriter to trace her journey from Portland, Jamaica, to the stages she shared with the Marley family and other reggae legends, and ultimately to the Ozarks, where she's building something entirely her own.Rochelle doesn't hold back. She talks about what it's really like working with icons, navigating the disruptions of COVID-19, and releasing her debut solo album, Island Girl at 50—a milestone that came with its own set of challenges and triumphs. She also shares how she's blending her music career with her work as a brand ambassador at The Source Dispensary in Rogers, proving that creative careers rarely look the way we expect.This conversation touches on mentor Joseph Israel's lasting impact, the realities of being a working artist, and why community matters when you're chasing big dreams. Whether you're a music fan, a creative trying to figure out your path, or just someone who loves a good story, this episode delivers.Key Takeaways:Community Roots: Rochelle found a sense of community in Northwest Arkansas that reminded her of home in Jamaica and influenced her decision to stay.Legendary Experiences: She’s toured and performed with reggae’s biggest names, including the Marley family and Burning Spear, and learned the value of humility, hard work, and sharing wisdom.The Creative Journey: Rochelle emphasizes the importance of personal growth and letting go, reflected in her finally releasing her own album, Island Girl, at 50.Multiple Streams: In a changing industry, having “side hustles” and staying adaptable, as Rochelle does through music and her job at The Source Dispensary, is essential for musicians.Uplifting Wellness: Rochelle’s passion for healthy alternatives inspired her to create all-natural, vegan gummies for The Source, shaped by her wellness journey and desire to educate others.Giving Back: Rochelle organizes annual Bob Marley tributes at George’s and leads community initiatives, such as monthly non-profit tip matches, supporting the region she now calls home.Collaboration & Perseverance: Building a band and musical career as a transplant is challenging, but local musicians and venues make the journey rewarding for passionate creators.Personal Triumph: Through it all, Rochelle learned she’s “stronger than she gives herself credit for,” conquering fear and walking confidently into her next chapter.All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas® podcast.Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Rochelle Bradshaw’s Website: www.rochellebradshaw.comIsland Girl album: Listen hereThe Source Dispensary (Rogers, AR) – learn more & check out their Roots and Reefer Program on YouTubeBob Marley FoundationGulley Park Concert SeriesShoutouts: Shelly Mouber (artist), Sarah Fennell Buchanan (Restore Humanity), Joseph Israel, Mandy Strickland (The Source), Anthony Ball, Reggie James, Patty Steele, Jeff Kearney, and Nate Walls (Secondhand Smoke NWA)FindItNWA.com NWA’s Hyperlocal Business DirectoryThis episode is sponsored by*Try ONBoardNWA.com Today!*Note: some of the resources mentioned may be affiliate links. This means we get paid a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase.Connect more with I am Northwest Arkansas:Grab our Newsletter Email Us at hello@iamnorthwestarkansas.comConnect With Our Facebook Page Connect With Us on Threads Connect With Our Instagram Connect With Our LinkedIn PageJoin The Facebook Group Connect with our Fearless Host, Randy Wilburn on LinkedInThank you for listening to this I am Northwest Arkansas podcast episode. We showcase businesses, culture, entrepreneurship, and life in the Ozarks.Consider donating to our production team to keep this podcast running smoothly. Donate to I Am Northwest ArkansasMentioned in this episode:FindItNWA.com🎧 This episode is brought to you by FindItNWA.com – the hyper-local business directory made for Northwest Arkansas. From local eats to trusted pros, it’s the go-to spot for discovering what’s great nearby. 📣 Are you a business owner? Get listed today and connect with thousands of locals looking for what you offer. 👉 Visit FindItNWA.com to explore or join now. FindItNWA.com

About the Show:Best of I Am Northwest Arkansas®Shining a Light on Homelessness with 7hills Homeless CenterIn this Best of episode, we revisit a powerful conversation from December 2024 with Becci Sisson, CEO of 7hills Homeless Center, and Will Roth, President of the Board. At a time when community support is more important than ever, this episode reminds us of the critical work 7hills is doing to provide hope, stability, and long-term solutions for those experiencing homelessness in Northwest Arkansas.🎧 Originally aired December 2024. Listen to the full episode and see the original show notes here:👉 Empowering Change: The Northwest Arkansas Blueprint for Eradicating HomelessnessThis episode is sponsored by*Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"Try ONBoardNWA.com Today!*Note: some of the resources mentioned may be affiliate links. This means we get paid a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase.Connect more with I am Northwest Arkansas:Grab our Newsletter Email Us at hello@iamnorthwestarkansas.comConnect With Our Facebook Page Connect With Us on Threads Connect With Our Instagram Connect With Our LinkedIn PageJoin The Facebook Group Connect with our Fearless Host, Randy Wilburn on LinkedInThank you for listening to this I am Northwest Arkansas podcast episode. We showcase businesses, culture, entrepreneurship, and life in the Ozarks.Consider donating to our production team to keep this podcast running smoothly. Donate to I Am Northwest ArkansasMentioned in this episode:FindItNWA.com🎧 This episode is brought to you by FindItNWA.com – the hyper-local business directory made for Northwest Arkansas. From local eats to trusted pros, it’s the go-to spot for discovering what’s great nearby. 📣 Are you a business owner? Get listed today and connect with thousands of locals looking for what you offer. 👉 Visit FindItNWA.com to explore or join now. FindItNWA.com