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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

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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.

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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.

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Building Walkable Communities in Northwest Arkansas with High Street Real Estate & Development
In this episode, we sit down with Ward Davis and Jason Keathley, the partners behind High Street Real Estate & Development, to talk about how they’re reshaping Northwest Arkansas through walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods like Johnson Square, the 1907 Building in Rogers, and the ambitious Drake Farms project. Their story blends persistence, conviction, and care, three traits that every founder, investor, and entrepreneur can learn from.

Summary

Ward and Jason share their unique paths into development (one from finance, the other from construction) and how those backgrounds shaped their approach to creating vibrant communities. They explain why walkability, design, and food & beverage anchors are essential ingredients of their projects.

From battling zoning restrictions to investing in projects when downtown Rogers felt like a ghost town, High Street’s success has hinged on conviction. Jason candidly recalls thinking Johnson Square would never work, only to become one of its biggest believers. Together, the duo emphasize that creating lasting neighborhoods requires seeing beyond today’s obstacles to tomorrow’s potential.

Perhaps what sets High Street apart most is care. From helping local restaurants navigate PPP loans during COVID to rethinking how apartments interact with bike trails, their projects show that thoughtful details compound into neighborhoods people cherish.

Highlights

00:00 – The origins of High Street

20:00 – Johnson Square

50:00 – The 1907 Building

60:00 – Drake Farms

Key Takeaways

1. Persistence matters most – Every business will face roadblocks. Stubbornness and grit are the traits that carry you through.
2. Conviction is non-negotiable – If you don’t believe in your vision, you can't be in development.
3. Care creates culture – When you care about design, tenants, and neighborhoods, you inspire others to care too.

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What does it take to run a multi-location car dealership while preserving a 75-year family legacy?
In this episode, we sit down with Matt, Shelby, and Taylor Lewis, fourth-generation leaders of Lewis Automotive Group, to talk about what it’s really like to operate a large family business in one of the fastest-growing regions in the country. The Lewis brothers are doing more than selling cars, they’re stewarding legacy, shaping culture, and building for the long haul.

From strategic growth and leadership development to managing family dynamics and honoring their ancestor’s vision, this conversation is a playbook for modern succession and values driven businesses. Whether you’re in a family business or just trying to scale something, this episode delivers real insight on what it takes to do both with excellence.

Summary

Matt, Shelby, and Taylor share the Lewis family history and how they grew up immersed in dealership life as they slowly took on more responsibility under their dad’s leadership. Today, they oversee multiple dealerships and more than 300 employees across Northwest Arkansas.

To scale responsibly, the brothers have developed a strategic leadership team, and created systems that protect both culture and operations. They walk through how they’ve divided roles, stay aligned on vision, and navigate decisions together.

Throughout the conversation, the brothers reflect on the values passed down by their father: integrity, humility, and servant leadership. Their goal isn’t just short-term performance, it’s to lead with intention, grow the business in healthy ways, and ensure Lewis Automotive is still thriving 100 years from now.

Highlights

00:00 – Lewis family history

24:00 – Working in the Business

1:25:00 – New Campus + Future Goals

Key Takeaways

1. Legacy is built with intention - Matt, Shelby, and Taylor are proving that honoring the past doesn’t mean resisting change.
2. Alignment beats authority - Running a family business with multiple leaders isn’t easy, but their clarity on roles, respect for each other, and shared mission make it work.
3. Growth should make the business better, not busier - With the right systems in place, the Lewis brothers are scaling without sacrificing culture.

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What does it look like to lead one of Northwest Arkansas’s most trusted commercial real estate firms in the middle of a regional development boom?
In this episode, we sit down with Clinton Bennett, co-founder of Focus Commercial Real Estate, to explore how he and his team are helping shape the future of Northwest Arkansas one deal, one relationship, and one intentional decision at a time. Whether he’s guiding first-time business owners into their first retail space or partnering with developers on multi-million dollar projects, Clinton is doing it with a philosophy that prioritizes trust over transactions and service over scale.

Summary

Born and raised in Arkansas, Clinton shares how his farming upbringing shaped his belief in hard work and service. After working with with some national firms, he took the leap and launched Bennett CRE during a pivotal moment in the market. He explains how his early bets, mentorships, and scrappy beginnings set the foundation for a values-first company.

Unlike traditional firms focused solely on volume, Bennett CRE took a slower, relationship-driven path. Clinton explains how he developed a client-first model, intentionally grew a team of high-character agents, and made long-term trust the core of every deal.

With Northwest Arkansas booming, Clinton discusses the challenges and opportunities that come with a business merger and rapid development. From infrastructure strain to affordable housing to land scarcity, he unpacks where the region is headed and Focus CRE plays a central role in shaping what it becomes.

Highlights

00:00 – Introduction

15:00 – Launching Bennett CRE

30:00 – Life Changing Deals

55:00 – Growth in NWA Market

Nick's 3 Key Takeaways

1. The long game always wins - Clinton’s story is a reminder that meaningful success doesn’t come from chasing the biggest check, it comes from playing the longest game with the right people.
2. Values scale faster than tactics - When you build your business on trust, consistency, and character, your reputation becomes your strongest asset.
3. Real estate is about people, not property - Whether it’s a lease or a $10M deal, Clinton shows that every transaction is an opportunity to serve, build relationships, and shape a better community.

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What happens when you leave a stable corporate job with nothing but an idea you believe in?
In this episode of NWA Founders, we sit down with Bethany Taylor, the powerhouse founder behind Gratsy: a curated sampling and brand experience company that delivers personalized gift boxes directly into consumers’ hands. Bethany’s story is one of grit, vision, and unwavering belief. After years in retail marketing at Sam’s Club, she saw a gap in how brands connect with people. So she built Gratsy: a smarter, warmer alternative to mass sampling, powered by data and personal touch.

Summary

Bethany left a comfortable role with no backup plan but a burning desire to build something better. She shares how early motherhood and brand experience gaps gave her the idea for Gratsy, and how she turned that idea into a business through faith, hustle, and firsthand customer empathy.

Gratsy isn't just about free samples, it's about delight at the right time. Bethany explains how the brand crafts deeply personal experiences through a blend of targeting, timing, and storytelling helping brands reach consumers in their most meaningful life stages, from pregnancy to major transitions.

Without outside investors, Bethany had to scale Gratsy through resourcefulness. She breaks down how they built operational infrastructure, managed explosive growth, and built trust with global CPG clients—all while staying true to a people-first culture rooted in gratitude and purpose.

Highlights

00:15 – Leaving corporate to start Gratsy

15:00 – Building a home-based startup

30:00 – How Gratsy works

45:00 – Operational challenges and keeping clients happy

1:00:00 – Leadership lessons and staying grounded

1:15:00 – Bethany’s vision for what’s next...

Nick's 3 Key Takeaways

1. You don’t need a safety net to start - Bethany built Gratsy from nothing not because she had all the answers, but because she trusted the problem and stayed committed.
2. Delight is a business model - Gratsy’s success shows that when you prioritize real human experience, everything else: clients, growth, and momentum follows.
3. Purpose keeps you grounded - Through every pivot and challenge, Bethany returned to her “why”: to serve people with intention and gratitude, not just scale.

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What does it take to build a multimillion-dollar screen printing business from the ground up?
In this episode of NWA Founders, Ben Clark shares the remarkable story behind B-Unlimited, a screen printing and custom apparel company based in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Ben’s journey started with dishwashing jobs and door-to-door T-shirt sales, followed by a stint with Chick-fil-A, failed restaurant ventures, and a bold move to purchase B-Unlimited. What followed was decades of learning the hard way through risk, reinvention, and relentless perseverance.

Summary

Ben walks us through the early days of B-Unlimited: buying the business with borrowed equity from his house, learning operations on the fly, and investing in relationships more than marketing. He shares how B-Unlimited became a trusted name in collegiate and Greek apparel by focusing on quality, creative freedom, and servant leadership.

Throughout the episode, Ben talks candidly about failure, loss, and the lessons that shaped him. From losing his brother to navigating COVID and a company merger, he explains how personal hardship clarified what really matters: family, integrity, and helping others succeed. Whether he’s leading a staff of 100 or a startup cohort across the globe, Ben leads with authenticity.

After years of growth at B-Unlimited, Ben launched Bold Creators, a faith-centered entrepreneurial mentorship initiative connecting Arkansas business leaders with young Ugandan founders. With 78% of Ugandans under age 30, he sees the country as a rising hub of talent and resilience, offering weekly coaching and culminating in a transformative in-person business retreat.

Highlights

00:00 – Introduction: Learning through failure

15:00 – Bankruptcy

30:00 – Scaling B-Unlimtied

45:00 – Navigating COVID

1:00:00 – The launch of Bold Creators

1:15:00 – Defining success

Nick's 3 Key Takeaways

1. Failure is a class, not a curse - Every failure, from bad credit to business closures, was part of Ben’s leadership training.
2. You can’t skip steps - There’s no shortcut to integrity. From leasing equipment to leading teams, lasting success is built slowly.
3. Generational impact matters - Whether mentoring young entrepreneurs or working alongside his own children, Ben sees legacy as the highest return.

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