The Pace of Progress

Good morning friends,

Apologies in advance to Prince - it’s been 7 hours and 15 days since I sent some words your way…maybe a little more even.

Northwest Arkansas has been full gas. Economic summits, VC convenings, community events, bike races, and creative experiences leave little time for spectating, even less time for reflection.

It was one year ago this week that I launched this communication. Thank you so much for riding along. This is had been a muscle building routine. Knowing there was an audience kept me accountable. You’ve made me better.

The Prologue will shift into a twice a month cadence.

Northwest Arkansas is not coasting. We pedal downhill. The talent, the investment, the innovation, the community-building—we accelerate through every turn.

Billions of dollars in private investment is actively shaping this region—from transformational healthcare projects to corporate expansions to outdoor and cultural assets.

The energy is unmistakable and the opportunity is unlimited. Still, the pace around here can feel relentless. Delivering value and seizing opportunity demand focus, intentionality and trusted partnerships. Coaches and teammates.

Whether you’re a CEO, entrepreneur, nonprofit leader, or community builder, this is the operating manual that helps you (at least it helps me) stay sharp in a market that rewards agility, ambition and collaboration.

The Playbook for What’s Next

Be Strategic

Prioritize. Lean into long-term value. Set clear goals and say no to distractions. Stay focused on your mission and your lane.

Surround Yourself Well

Seek out great partners and trusted advisors. Find proximity to positivity, and invest in professional and personal mentors who will both challenge and support you. Strong partnerships amplify your capacity and outcomes.

Keep Your Ear to the Ground

The region is buzzing with opportunities. You have to be engaged to be positioned. Show up. Network. Volunteer. Host. Participate. The opportunities find you when you’re out in the world.

Look Down the Trail

What would a Northwest Arkansas strategy be without a cycling reference? Eyes up! If you’re staring at your front wheel, you’re done. Anticipate regional trends, workforce needs, policy changes, and evolving priorities before they become immediate. Vision is a competitive advantage.

Set Real Goals, and Stretch

Define realistic goals that build momentum and confidence. But don’t play small. Stretch goals that make you a little uncomfortable are what fuel real growth. They’re in our region’s DNA.

Stay Accountable

Stay disciplined. Check in on your progress. Keep yourself and your team grounded in purpose and performance. Accountability creates clarity, and clarity creates progress.

Be Efficient, Be Effective, Be Human

Streamline what you can. Maximize what matters. Whether it’s tech adoption, workflow improvements, or cutting unnecessary steps—free yourself to focus on high-value work.

Good business is still about people. Don’t forget the community side of the equation. Talent stays where people feel they belong. Customers buy from people they trust. Partnerships form with those who show up. Invest in real relationships to build something lasting.

Leverage Partnerships

Northwest Arkansas over indexes on cool experiences and exciting opportunities—it’s easy to get lost or fatigued. Identifying organizations and individuals who can help you navigate how to bring value and find your organic lane lets you do your highest and best work.

The right partnerships give you more than capacity—they give you clarity. They offer perspective, open doors, and help you avoid wasted effort. Whether you’re a startup looking for product-market fit, a nonprofit seeking deeper community outcomes, or a business exploring expansion, strategic partners can help you ask better questions, access smarter data, and align with shared goals.

This region rewards those who collaborate with purpose. Don’t just network—build alongside people who aligned with you but not duplicative.

Frame Your Impact

If you’re doing business in Northwest Arkansas, giving back isn’t optional—it’s expected. It’s not written anywhere, but it’s a code we all understand. It’s how you get involved and take ownership of our collective future.

Giving back doesn’t mean giving blindly. Build a framework around your philanthropic and impact efforts. Clarify where you want to make a difference. Set boundaries so you don’t burn out. Establish hatch points—specific moments to check in and measure progress.

Treat your investment in the community the same way you treat other strategic investments: with intentionality, discipline, and a clear sense of outcomes. Whether it’s supporting education, workforce development, the arts, housing, or health equity, make your giving part of a longer-term vision that aligns with your values and goals.