Catalyzing Bentonville’s Innovation Ecosystem with Toby Teeter of The University of Arkansas Bentonville Collaborative

Summary

On this episode of The Bentonville Beacon, host James Bell is joined by Toby Teeter, Director of the University of Arkansas Bentonville Collaborative. The Collaborative is an impetus for innovation in Bentonville, where the University of Arkansas’ presence focuses on outdoor recreation, bio-design, whole health, advanced mobility, and technologies for retail, supply chain, logistics, and corporate enablement. Additionally, Toby is a serial entrepreneur and investor, with his most current venture being Omni Brands, a company that designs, builds and scales ecommerce businesses with its product studio, third-party logistics and ad agency services. Toby also serves on the Greater Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Throughout the episode, James and Toby discuss modernization in Bentonville and The Collaborative’s mission and vision for the future.

Thanks for tuning in!

Show Notes:

(0:51) Introduction to Toby

(4:08) About Omni Brands

(6:58) Goals of The Collaborative

(11:23) The Collaborative Initiatives

(17:26) Future Plans for The Collaborative

(22:17) Toby’s Experience and Background

(25:28) Having a Presence in Bentonville

(29:11) Bentonville Favorites

(32:21) #BecauseBentonville Story

(35:03) Advice to Entrepreneurs

(37:54) Closing Questions

‍Links

James Bell

Bentonville Economic Development 

Toby Teeter

The UofA Bentonville Collaborative

Omni Brands, LLC

Quotes

“We’re more centered on economic development than applied research. It’s a little more pragmatic, but really the framing question is, ‘How can the University of Arkansas be a catalyst for innovation in Bentonville?’” - Toby Teeter, (8:17)

“One of the sectors of interest for us in Bentonville is smart mobility, and that in essence is the movements of both product and people by electric means, whether it be in the air or on the ground…That program is considering what degree offerings, facilities, equipment, faculty and research would put us on the map.” - Toby Teeter, (13:28)

“I love Bentonville. It’s a draw to people like us. This is a city on the move. Dynamic people are moving here by the day from all over the world, and they’re bringing such diverse talents.” - Toby Teeter, (22:20)

“The concept of innovation is simply thinking in a new way. And, often that requires a diversity of thought, is often inspired by art, good beer, coffee and good music. The leaders of this community understand that, and that is why [Bentonville] is essentially a theme park for innovators.”

“You don’t have to have everything figured out…Just get it out there, and you learn so much more stumbling your way through the early years until you figure it out. Sometimes it hurts, but so many entrepreneurs just sit on the startline and are afraid to actually launch the product.” - Toby Teeter, (35:19)