→ Learn more about Greenwood Gearhart

What does it take to serve an entire area through good food and world-class experience?
In this episode of NWA Founders, we sit down with Carl Garrett, founder of Table Mesa Restaurant Group, whose name has become synonymous with Bentonville’s food scene. From launching his first concept with a simple vision to building a hospitality brand that now includes Table Mesa, Tavola Trattoria, and Mirabella’s Table, Carl’s journey is one of resilience, reinvention, and relentless attention to quality.

Whether you’re in food, retail, or any customer-facing business, this conversation is filled with timeless lessons on brand, people, and perseverance.

Summary

Carl shares how a love of food and hospitality, paired with a dissatisfaction in his previous career, led him to pursue the dream of opening a restaurant. But that leap wasn’t easy. In the early years, he faced deep uncertainty, personal sacrifice, and even considered walking away altogether. It was only through grit, clarity of purpose, and sheer willpower that Table Mesa became the cornerstone of Bentonville’s evolving downtown.

What followed wasn’t a rush to expand but a focus on doing things right. Carl breaks down how Tavola and Mirabella’s were born, how he thinks about customer experience, and why he refuses to cut corners, even when scaling gets tough. His approach to growth is old school: build something great, one guest at a time.

Carl reflects on the evolution of Northwest Arkansas and how the region’s growth has affected hiring, operations, and expectations. He talks about leadership through COVID, how Bentonville’s identity shapes his decisions, and why longevity matters more than hype.

Highlights

00:00 How Carl found his way into hospitality

08:30 Opening Table Mesa

26:00 Opening Tavola Trattoria

43:00 Opening Mirabella's Table

1:10:00 What’s next in 2026

Key Takeaways

1. There are no shortcuts in hospitality - Carl built his brand by sweating every detail and showing up when it mattered most
2. Get back to the basics - Many people open restaurants, but few last. Carl reminds us that staying power is built on character, consistency, and care.
3. Service is the true bottom line - Every one of Carl’s restaurants exists to serve people

Follow us on LinkedIn NWA Founders

Follow us on Instagram @NWAFounders

Follow us on YouTube NWA Founders

For guest suggestions or inquiries nwafounders@gmail.com

→ Learn more about Greenwood Gearhart

What makes Underwoods different from every other retail jewelry shop?
In this episode of NWA Founders, we sit down with Troy Underwood, Vice President of Underwoods Fine Jewelers, to explore the legacy, craftsmanship, and entrepreneurial mindset behind one of Arkansas’ most respected jewelry businesses. From serving multiple generations of families to adapting a traditional craft for a modern world, Troy shares how purpose, patience, and personal connection fuel his family’s lasting success.

Summary

Troy reflects on the early days of Underwoods Fine Jewelers and how his grandfather Bill's idea grew from a small Fayetteville shop into a trusted regional brand. He explains how Bill's precedent of investing in craftsmanship and maintaining a reputation for excellence has allowed the company to serve families for decades.

While Underwoods is rooted in traditional jewelry-making, Troy emphasizes how important it is to embrace change. From technology that transforms the design process to evolving customer expectations, he explains how the business continues to innovate while keeping quality and trust at the forefront.

For Troy, success isn’t about the number of diamonds sold, it’s about building lasting relationships. He shares insights into leading a team with integrity, creating value that extends beyond a transaction, and why caring for customers as family is at the heart of Underwoods’ identity.

Highlights

00:00 What makes Underwoods different?

23:00 Fake diamonds...

50:00 The perfect diamond?

Key Takeaways

1. Legacy is built through consistency – Long-term trust is earned by prioritizing craftsmanship.
2. Innovation sustains tradition – Modern tools and practices can enhance, but not replace timeless artistry.
3. Relationships define value – Success comes from caring for customers and team members beyond the transaction.

Follow us on LinkedIn NWA Founders

Follow us on Instagram @NWAFounders

Follow us on YouTube NWA Founders

For guest suggestions or inquiries nwafounders@gmail.com

→ Learn more about Greenwood Gearhart

What does it take to build a Law Firm where people actually love and care about each other?
Most people think of law firms as cutthroat, high-pressure places but Joseph Reece has built something different. As co-founder of RMP Attorneys at Law, Joe shares how faith, integrity, and a “no jerk” culture have shaped one of the most successful firms in Arkansas. From humble beginnings in Ozone, Arkansas, to leading a 40+ attorney practice with offices across the state, Joe’s journey is about persistence, people, and building a business that lasts.

Summary

Joe reflects on his small-town upbringing, the influence of hard working parents, and the encouragement that set him on the path to law school. He shares how his career began with mentors, and how those early relationships provided the foundation for RMP’s growth.

Unlike many firms built on rigid strategic plans, RMP grew out of necessity: filling roles and expanding practice areas to meet client demand. From estate planning and tax law to litigation and business transactions, Joe explains how “meeting needs with excellence” fueled steady expansion into Bentonville, Jonesboro, Little Rock, and beyond.

At the heart of RMP is a culture built on sacrifice, generosity, and care. Joe describes the firm’s “no jerk rule,” the importance of recruiting people of integrity, and why clients buy more than expertise; they buy wisdom. Looking ahead, he discusses technology’s role, including AI’s potential to transform efficiency, while emphasizing that wisdom and care can’t be replaced.

Highlights

00:00 Joe’s origin

18:00 Founding RMP

32:00 Building healthy culture

57:00 Expansion

70:00 The future of law + A.I.

Key Takeaways

1. Growth follows need – RMP didn’t scale from a master plan, it grew by solving problems and meeting client demand.
2. Culture drives cohesion – Excellence, generosity, and care are at the core of attracting and retaining top talent.
3. Wisdom matters most – Clients don’t just buy legal services, they invest in the wisdom and integrity of their attorneys.

Follow us on LinkedIn NWA Founders

Follow us on Instagram @NWAFounders

Follow us on YouTube NWA Founders

For guest suggestions or inquiries nwafounders@gmail.com