Ever wonder what happens when entrepreneurial vision meets professional sports? Join us for an engaging conversation with Ross Cully, founder and CEO of Harvest Group and investor in Ozark United FC, as he shares his two-decade journey in Northwest Arkansas.

Ross takes us back to his first encounter with NWA at Nolan Richardson's basketball camp, through his arrival with Procter & Gamble, to his decision to plant roots and build a thriving business in the region. What began as qualities like natural beauty and genuine relationships has evolved into a place now nationally recognized for its cultural amenities, outdoor recreation, and growing entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The transformation is stunning. Where Ross once had to explain where Northwest Arkansas was located during his business travels, he now meets people who enthusiastically share their experiences visiting Crystal Bridges or riding the region's world-class bike trails. This evolution mirrors the changing competitive landscape for NWA, which now benchmarks itself against larger markets across the country.

Drawing from his experience building Harvest Group from scratch, Ross provides invaluable insights into the entrepreneurial journey. He walks us through the distinct phases—from the scrappy survival mode of early days, through explosive growth periods, to the current challenges of scaling operations. These lessons directly apply to building Ozark United FC, reminding us that setbacks and pivots are natural parts of creating something meaningful.

Perhaps most compelling is Ross's perspective on the entrepreneurial ecosystem developing in Northwest Arkansas. Like Silicon Valley's cycle of success and reinvestment, NWA is seeing successful entrepreneurs who are now giving back and reinvesting in the next wave of regional growth—including professional soccer.

Ready to understand how sports, business, and community development intersect? Subscribe to Pitch to Pro and join the conversation about Northwest Arkansas's exciting journey to professional soccer!

As the FIFA Club World Cup captivates soccer fans around the globe, it feels like the perfect time to take a step back and revisit one of the most confusing—and often misunderstood—aspects of the beautiful game: how soccer is structured here in the United States. In this Stoppage Time episode of Pitch to Pro, we’ve pulled together highlights from Episode 10 that shed light on the U.S. soccer pyramid, including how Major League Soccer fits into the global game, why promotion and relegation don’t work the same way here, and what it means for young American talent coming through the ranks.

With the Club World Cup spotlighting international club competition, this is a timely refresher on how American soccer clubs position themselves in the broader landscape. Whether you're a diehard supporter or a newcomer trying to make sense of leagues like MLS, USL, NISA, and beyond, this episode offers clarity—and a little history—to help ground your fandom.

We also touch on the development path for players in the U.S., from youth academies and college programs to domestic professional leagues and overseas opportunities. Understanding this system is key not just for fans, but for aspiring players, parents, and even coaches trying to navigate the best route to the pro level.

With a wave of high-profile soccer events coming to the U.S.—including the 2026 World Cup—there’s never been a better moment to deepen your understanding of how soccer works stateside. Consider this your pregame warmup for the years ahead.

Welcome to this week’s Stoppage Time edition of the Pitch to Pro podcast, where we feature a powerful five-minute excerpt from one of our previous full-length conversations. In this episode, we take you deep into the economic transformation of Northwest Arkansas — a region whose growth story is often reduced to headlines about big-name companies. But there’s more to the evolution than just corporate giants, and this clip brings out the layered dynamics behind how real, sustainable regional development takes shape.

Our guest, Mervin Jebaraj, breaks down the phases of growth, starting in the 1990s when expansion was driven directly by the region's “big three” corporations and the university. That first wave was about attracting talent to those anchor institutions. The early 2000s saw a second wave: businesses that existed primarily to serve or collaborate with those core companies began thriving. Then came a third generation — companies that supported the support companies — creating a complex, interdependent economic engine that fueled unprecedented job growth.

But the conversation takes a turn when we explore the present and emerging future. Growth in Northwest Arkansas today is increasingly defined by lifestyle and infrastructure: healthcare, education, hospitality, and other services required to support the ballooning population. The pandemic highlighted this shift even more. Remote workers flocked to the area, bringing jobs from outside and proving that quality of life can be just as magnetic as corporate opportunity. Still, the region isn’t quite at the point where people move without a plan — like they might to New York, Austin, or LA — but it’s inching closer.

This episode also addresses what it means to be a “self-sustaining” region — one that can attract people and businesses simply because of what it is, not just who’s hiring. Mervin paints a picture of what it would take for Northwest Arkansas to become one of those places where people show up, figure it out, and still thrive even if Plan A doesn’t work. That kind of organic, resilient growth is aspirational — and, according to this conversation, within reach.

To close, we look at how the region measures itself. Initially benchmarked against metros of similar size, Northwest Arkansas consistently led in key indicators. So, the comparison group shifted to larger aspirational peers like Kansas City and Omaha — and the region still holds its own. This clip offers a compelling window into how smart, long-term growth is being mapped, managed, and measured. If you’ve ever wondered how a mid-sized community becomes a nationally respected economic player, this Stoppage Time episode is a masterclass in just that.

This Stoppage Time Episode pulls a powerful snippet from one of our earliest Pitch to Pro conversations - Ep. 16 - From Local Chambers to Soccer Fields: Pioneering Progress in Northwest Arkansas.

Soccer isn't just a sport; it's an engine for economic growth and a force for community connection. In this archival highlight, we revisit a moment that explored how professional soccer is helping transform Northwest Arkansas through both cultural integration and economic momentum.

As fans pour into Rogers from across the four-state area, local businesses—from restaurants to breweries to retail shops—see meaningful boosts. The sport’s economic footprint is already rivaling established regional draws like the AMP, while also sparking long-term infrastructure improvements.

But beyond dollars, soccer serves as a cultural bridge. With over 60% of Northwest Arkansas residents having roots elsewhere—many from soccer-loving countries—the game offers a shared language that builds inclusivity and belonging. It's a vital layer of connection that traditional sports can’t always offer.

Even then, the vision was clear: professional soccer wasn’t just entertainment—it was a “community shared value” in the making. Collaborations with youth leagues, schools, and local institutions pointed to a deeper model of community integration.

Listen back with us and see how the seeds planted back then are now helping shape the future of Northwest Arkansas—on and off the pitch.

Welcome to this Stoppage Time edition of the Pitch to Pro Podcast — a fast-paced highlight from last week’s full episode. In this five-minute segment, we explore how professional sports have transformed into one of the most lucrative investment landscapes in modern business.

From Jerry Jones’ once-controversial $250 million purchase of the Dallas Cowboys — now valued in the billions — to the $500 million MLS expansion in San Diego, this episode reveals just how high the stakes have become in the sports world.

But the conversation goes deeper. We shift focus to Arkansas and ask a bold question: Could soccer be the key to unlocking the state’s next wave of growth? With shifting cultural attitudes, widespread youth participation, and growing demand from major employers like Walmart, the timing might be perfect for Arkansas to enter the pro sports arena.

Whether you’re into venture capital, economic development, or just a fan of the beautiful game, this is a thought-provoking segment that shows how sports can shape the future of a region.

Ever wonder how waste management and professional soccer intersect? Andy McNeil, a successful Arkansas entrepreneur who built multi-million dollar environmental service companies, takes us on an unexpected journey through both worlds in this captivating conversation.

McNeil's business savvy shines as he explains how he transformed small waste management operations into industry leaders, including Denali—the largest food waste recycler in America with over a billion dollars in invested capital. But it's when the conversation shifts to soccer that his eyes truly light up. From coaching youth teams for 18 years to attending multiple World Cups and once finding himself in Roman Abramovich's owner's box at Chelsea, McNeil's soccer stories reveal why the beautiful game creates such powerful connections.

What makes this episode particularly valuable is McNeil's unique perspective on why professional sports—and specifically Ozark United FC—matter for Northwest Arkansas's future. "If we could leap forward 20 years and reflect back on today, what would set up Arkansas to be one of the best states? I think one of those things would be pro sports," he explains. This isn't just about entertainment; it's about economic development, talent attraction, and community identity.

The discussion also explores the remarkable investment opportunity soccer represents, with franchise valuations skyrocketing and the sport showing tremendous growth across all metrics in America. McNeil provides fascinating insights into why business fundamentals remain crucial even while building community-focused sports organizations, and why Ozark United FC's mixed-use development approach represents forward-thinking planning for the region.

Whether you're a soccer fan, business enthusiast, or simply care about Northwest Arkansas's future, this conversation offers valuable perspective from someone who understands both the boardroom and the beautiful game. Subscribe now and join us as we continue to explore the journey from pitch to professional soccer in NWA.

In this special Stoppage Time edition of The Pitch to Pro Podcast, we revisit one of the most heartfelt and powerful moments from a past episode—an honest reflection on the indescribable magic of Northwest Arkansas and the unifying spirit of soccer.

You’ll hear a behind-the-scenes glimpse from Mayor Greg Hines into the intentional process of building a professional club that’s not just about wins and business metrics, but about people, place, and purpose. From grassroots beginnings to the visionary impact of Ozark United FC, this conversation touches on everything from Ted Lasso to community identity and what happens when a sport becomes a shared cause.

Whether you're a longtime local, a recent transplant, or just someone who believes in the power of connection, this short but moving segment captures why the beautiful game means so much more off the field.

Ever wondered what truly separates exceptional soccer players from the rest? The answer might surprise you.

In this Stoppage Time edition of the Pitch to Pro podcast, we dive deep into player development, purpose, and the exciting soccer landscape emerging in Northwest Arkansas. The conversation explores how finding meaning beyond your career creates a foundation for success, not just in soccer, but in life. When you're self-aware enough to identify what truly matters, you can align your career path accordingly.

The spotlight then turns to the groundbreaking MLS Next program in Northwest Arkansas, an initiative creating unprecedented opportunities for local talent. "We want people to know, man, Arkansas has good soccer players," says Kevin Tello, highlighting how this program bridges the exposure gap that many talented players face in the region. For families considering this path, the program promises committed coaches, structured development, and potential pathways to collegiate and professional opportunities.

Most fascinating is the discussion about what elite coaches actually look for in players. While technical skills and athleticism matter, the distinguishing factors are often intangible: how players approach training, their intensity even in simple drills, and whether they push teammates to excel. Division I coaches increasingly evaluate prospects based on preparation habits, post-practice dedication, and interpersonal interactions, recognizing that in today's landscape, culture can be as important as talent.

Ready to discover more insights that could transform your understanding of player development? Subscribe to the Pitch to Pro podcast, the official podcast of Ozark United FC, available every Thursday on YouTube, Instagram, and wherever you get your podcasts.