The Startup Junkies Podcast

SummaryIn this week’s episode of Startup Junkies, hosts Daniel Koonce and Caleb Talley sat down with Andrew Gibbs-Dabney, founder of LIVSN Designs, a Bentonville-based outdoor apparel company with a mission to create high-quality, versatile clothing for outdoor enthusiasts who value experiences over possessions. Andrew’s vision for LIVSN is clear: make products that last, fit into multiple situations, and help customers "own less, live more."Andrew traced the company's roots back to a personal journey focused on simplifying life, which ultimately inspired LIVSN’s commitment to durability and versatility. The business was initially jump-started via Kickstarter, leveraging community support to raise production funds and validate market fit. Andrew emphasized how in-person events and local connections, like pop-ups and startup crawls, have been vital for the tactile nature of their apparel.Sustainability and community drive every aspect of LIVSN, from rigorous dedication to responsible sourcing and transparency in the supply chain, to innovative repair and resale programs. Andrew explained that true sustainability goes beyond labels; it’s about continual improvement and extending product life cycles. The company’s recent B Corp certification stands as a testament to its holistic approach, valuing people, planet, and profit equally.LIVSN’s story is also one of community ownership, with hundreds of customers investing through campaigns like WeFunder. With intentional product expansion and ongoing partnerships, Andrew’s team is proving that responsible business practices and building trust can compete head-to-head with industry giants. Tune in today!Show Notes(00:00) Introduction(02:59) LIVSN’s Kickstarter Experience (07:18) Designing by a Set of Principles(12:25) Holistically Building a Business(15:05) Sustainability Through Product Longevity(16:54) Community-Owned Business Vision(21:30) Intentional Growth and Expansion(26:11) 2025 Achievements: B Corp Certification & New Store Opening(28:35) Closing ThoughtsLinksDaniel KoonceCaleb TalleyStartup JunkieStartup Junkie YouTubeAndrew Gibbs-DabneyLIVSN Designs

SummaryIn this week’s episode of Startup Junkies, host Daniel Koonce sits down with Tyler Flagg, founder and CEO of Flying Company, to discuss his mission to transform private aviation and put Bentonville, Arkansas, on the map as an emerging aviation tech hub.Tyler shares his unique journey from failed child actor to fourteen-year Air Force pilot and squadron commander, and ultimately, tech entrepreneur. After leaving the military, Tyler found himself managing a private business jet and was shocked at the pain points in finding and hiring contract pilots. The process, relying on Facebook posts, word-of-mouth, and reams of paperwork, was inefficient and outdated. Sensing a gap in the market, he created the Flying Company, a streamlined platform that connects pilots and operators, handles credentials, agreements and payments, and even helps operators and pilots save valuable time and money.The conversation dives into the realities of startup life, the surprising lack of digital innovation in aviation, and Tyler’s long-term vision: a one-stop career and staffing system for pilots from student certification through retirement. He also touches on his hopes for Bentonville to grow into an aviation tech hub and the value of surrounding yourself with like-minded entrepreneurs.Show Notes(00:00) Introduction(05:10) Building a Marketplace for Aviation(09:54) Addressing Pilot Frustrations: Communication & Payment(14:57) Employing Quiet Professionalism over Ego(17:31) Making Bentonville an Aviation Hub(22:35) Next Steps: Aviation Career Progression Platform(27:31) Closing ThoughtsLinksDaniel KoonceStartup JunkieStartup Junkie YouTubeTyler FlaggFlying Company

SummaryIn this episode of the Fuel Podcast, Grace Gill sits down with Amit Hasak, CEO of Transship Corp, to dive into the challenges and innovations reshaping the logistics and supply chain industry. As a seasoned supply chain logistics professional, Amit recounts his two-decade journey running a cold storage warehouse in Chicago. His deep involvement with exporters of perishable goods gave him firsthand insight into the chaos and inefficiency plaguing traditional shipping. After fielding endless complaints from clients about the unpredictable and costly shipping process, Amit saw the need for change, prompting the birth of Transship in 2020.Transship’s mission is simple: empower shippers. By leveraging API connectivity, AI, and robust data analytics, Transship streamlines bookings, provides competitive rates, and delivers real-time shipment visibility down to temperature and tampering alerts, something the industry desperately lacks. But as Amit emphasizes, technology alone isn’t enough; the human element in customer service remains crucial.The conversation also touches on the entrepreneurial realities of bootstrapping a startup. Amit candidly shares the stresses, risks, and ultimate rewards of maintaining control of his company, offering practical advice for founders navigating similar paths. Listeners get a glimpse of why he is excited about Bentonville, Arkansas, and how participation in the Fuel Accelerator is fueling Transship’s global growth. The episode is a testament to resilience, innovation, and the ongoing importance of human connection in a tech-forward world!Show Notes(00:00) Introduction(05:30) Shipment Tracking Beyond Devices(08:41) Bootstrapping: Vision, Struggles, and Rewards(11:27) Transship’s Global Expansion(14:12) Freight Tech Solutions and SupportLinksGrace GillFuel AcceleratorAmit HasakTransship Corp

SummaryIn this week’s episode of Startup Junkies, hosts Daniel Koonce and Caleb Talley sit down with Patrick Pulliam and Thomas Burkholder, founders of the NWA Patio Community, to explore the power of building meaningful connections through local social events.The conversation kicks off with a deep dive into both Patrick and Thomas’s origin stories—unconventional journeys into real estate and entrepreneurship that led them to Northwest Arkansas. Both found that authentic networking opportunities were in short supply, especially outside of the typical business settings. As a result, founded four years ago, NWA Patio Community’s Patio Socials offer a fun, relaxed space for professionals and newcomers alike to meet, connect, and support each other. The free monthly events have grown rapidly, attracting crowds of over two hundred attendees and gaining nearly four thousand followers on Instagram.The episode highlights how NWA Patio Community thrives on collaboration, local sponsorships, and a community-driven approach. Patrick and Thomas share that most sponsors are event attendees first, ensuring genuine buy-in and engagement, and giveaways spark excitement and increase participation, while innovative merchandise creates a sense of belonging.Listeners get an inside look at the challenges and rewards of scaling a for-profit community-focused business, balancing fun with intentional networking, and making real, lasting impact. If you’re searching for inspiration to build community or grow your business, tune in today!Show Notes(00:00) Introduction(04:41) Patio Socials: Community & Networking(09:10) The Growth of Patio Socials(14:35) Remembering Faces Without Names(20:35) Strategies for Engaging Sponsors(23:37) Navigating Business and Community Goals(29:34) How Opportunities Shape Our Lives(30:15) Closing ThoughtsLinksDaniel KoonceCaleb TalleyStartup JunkieStartup Junkie YouTubePatrick PulliamThomas BurkholderNWA Patio Community

SummaryEn este inspirador episodio de Querido Emprendedor, Ignacio Balderrama conversa con Diego Angarita, un gerente de producto en Walmart con una trayectoria única que combina emprendimiento, trabajo en organizaciones sin fines de lucro y una profunda conexión con la comunidad latina.  Diego relata su labor en Massachusetts con jóvenes puertorriqueños, donde fomentó el respeto por la cultura y la participación activa en asuntos comunitarios como la mejora del almuerzo escolar, mostrando cómo la voz de los jóvenes puede generar cambios reales y significativos. También reflexiona sobre los retos emocionales que enfrentan los emprendedores, la importancia de rodearse de personas que comparten la misma mentalidad y cómo manejar la autocrítica para mantener la motivación.El episodio ofrece además consejos prácticos sobre la recaudación de fondos, destacando que es más efectivo pedir consejos antes que dinero y la importancia de elegir aliados estratégicos que aporten experiencia y compromiso, no solo capital. Finalmente, Diego comparte sus aprendizajes actuales como product manager y su visión para futuros emprendimientos, invitando a la audiencia a valorar la humildad y el aprendizaje constante en el camino emprendedorUn episodio lleno de sabiduría, experiencia y motivación para todos aquellos que buscan crecer y transformar sus ideas en realidades exitosas.LinksIgnacio BalderramaStartup JunkieKiva Northwest ArkansasDiego Angarita