Showcasing the Intersection of Culture and Entrepreneurship in Northwest Arkansas with Randy Wilburn

Summary

On this episode of The Bentonville Beacon, host James Bell is joined by Randy Wilburn, Founder and Host of I am Northwest Arkansas, a blog and podcast that covers business, culture, entrepreneurship and everyday life in the Ozarks. Randy is also a consultant who teaches business leaders how to podcast at a high level, as well as Chief Encourager at Encourage Build Grow, a leadership development consulting service that helps people discover how to “Get 1% better every day.” Throughout this episode, Randy discusses his various ventures and why Bentonville and the other cities that make up Northwest Arkansas are amazing places to build businesses and experience life, resulting in one of the fastest growing-cities and fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the United States. Also during this episode, Randy announces his newest venture!

Thanks for tuning in!

Show Notes

(0:52) Introduction to Randy Wilburn

(4:45) How Northwest Arkansas Has Changed

(11:22) How NWA Has Helped Randy Live His Best Life

(15:49) About Encourage Build Grow

(25:07) About the I am Northwest Arkansas Podcast

(33:03) What Business Leaders Should Consider about Bentonville

(38:13) #BecauseBentonville Story

(43:00) Events That Have Shaped Randy’s Life

(51:31) Closing Question

‍Links

James Bell 

Bentonville Economic Development 

Randy Wilburn

I am Northwest Arkansas

Encourage Build Grow

OnBoard NWA

Quotes

“What I’ve experienced in Northwest Arkansas gives me hope for the greater nation, and I know a lot of what’s driven here right now, a lot of it is economically driven, but I also see the social aspects that are playing into that, and I think that’s important and that shouldn’t be lost on anyone.” - Randy Wilburn, (14:21)

“We understand and know local businesses and organizations, we interview them all the time. This is a natural connection between the community we’re building with I am Northwest Arkansas and the online job board.” - Randy Wilburn, (23:21) 

“When you think about Bentonville, think about a city that is pro business, right? I think every city in Northwest Arkansas is pro business…but when I look at the city that is really open to helping steward this next round of entrepreneurship in this area, Bentonville is firmly a great place to do that.” - Randy Wilburn, (33:04)

“I’m putting Northwest Arkansas, as well as all four of the major cities, including Bentonville, up against any of these other major cities in terms of what’s available and what we have access to, and here’s the thing, it’s only going to get better.” - Randy Wilburn, (36:39)