What happens when design, grit, and place come together to form a global architectural voice rooted in Northwest Arkansas?
In this episode of NWA Founders, we sit down with Marlon and Ati Blackwell, founders of the award-winning firm Marlon Blackwell Architects, to explore how they grew a boutique firm into a nationally recognized name—all while staying anchored in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

From designing carports and honey houses to winning embassy commissions, Marlon and Ati share how they’ve built a practice defined by authenticity, discipline, and deep connection to place. With over 250 design awards and a strong belief in the power of design to shape culture, their story is a testament to what’s possible when vision meets relentless hard work.

Summary

The firm began in the early '90s with modest projects like backyard renovations and carport studios. But with each opportunity—like the iconic Honey House and Tower House—came national recognition. These projects helped the Blackwells prove that exceptional architecture could happen anywhere, including the Ozarks.

By staying rooted in their values and refusing to chase trends, Marlon and Ati grew the firm intentionally. They share how they transitioned from doing two projects a year to leading major institutional and cultural commissions—while keeping design integrity at the center.

As longtime educators, the Blackwells emphasize the importance of disciplining imagination and building strong teams. They also walk through the pivotal moments—like winning the Fulbright building and Whole Health Institute—that required them to double down, expand operations, and bet on themselves.

Highlights

00:10 – Humble beginnings and the philosophy behind their design approach

10:00 – Marlon’s unconventional path from Bible salesman to architect

20:00 – Early struggles: job-hunting with $7 in your pocket

30:00 – Meeting Ati, long-distance collaboration, and joining forces in Fayetteville

40:00 – From hand-drawn sketches to scaling up: the early years of growth

50:00 – The “Tipping Point” moment: national recognition and major awards

1:00:00 – Building in Bentonville: Crystal Bridges, Whole Health Institute, and competing nationally

1:10:00 – Recession survival: rebranding, risk-taking, and growing instead of shrinking

1:20:00 – Looking ahead: housing, health, and the legacy of designing for place
1:30:00 – The Importance of Core Values

Takeaways

1. Architecture is a service and a cultural act – The Blackwells approach every project, from homes to embassies, as an opportunity to enrich daily life and elevate public experience.
2. Success requires both risk and repetition – They built their practice on the idea that systems, creativity, and discipline must coexist—and that consistency outperforms flash.
3. Great design can happen anywhere – From a parking garage in Bentonville to buildings in Boston and Central Africa, their story proves that place is not a limitation—it’s a strength.

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What does it take to run a family-owned company that’s thrived for over 35 years?
In this episode of NWA Founders, we sit down with Matt, Mitchell, and Matthew Mawby of Professional Business Systems, to explore how a local family business built its success on systems, service, and integrity. From humble beginnings to becoming a go-to partner for hundreds of organizations across Northwest Arkansas, this is a story about legacy, leadership, and operational excellence. If you're building a business with your family—or dreaming of one that can last for decades—this conversation is full of hard-earned lessons and practical inspiration.

Summary

Professional Business Systems started with a simple promise: treat every customer like a neighbor. That philosophy has guided the company’s growth for over three decades. The Mawby family shares how they’ve stayed relevant by adapting to changing technology while holding tight to old-school values like trust, responsiveness, and personal service.

As the second generation steps in to lead the company, the Mawbys open up about the challenges and opportunities of family succession. From clearly defined roles to constant communication, they’ve learned how to transition leadership without losing the culture or momentum built by their parents.

What keeps a multi-decade, multi-person family business running smoothly? Systems. Whether it's inventory tracking, territory management, or team accountability, the Mawbys talk about how implementing structure has allowed them to scale responsibly, maintain quality, and work better together as a family.

Highlights

00:00 – Introduction

10:30 – Culture of customer service

20:00 – Transitioning to the second generation

40:00 – Lessons from growing too fast

01:05:00 – Technology adoption and staying current

01:30:00 – Leadership lessons from two generations

01:50:00 – Future goals and what growth looks like for the next five to ten years.

Takeaways

1. Professionalism is a growth strategy - Clear communication, reliability, and appearance create a lasting impression that wins business.
2. Systems create freedom - SOPs and well-defined processes aren’t just about efficiency — they’re about enabling your team to succeed.
3. Culture and clarity go hand in hand - A well-run business supports its people through structure, not in spite of it.

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What if you could run a warehouse remotely with AI-powered insights and real-time data?
In this episode of NWA Founders, we sit down with Tanner Green, CEO and co-founder of Ox (Operator Experience), to explore how his company is transforming warehouse logistics through human-centered AI and automation. From a startup idea backed by research to an end-to-end warehouse suite that reduces costs and improves efficiency, Ox has grown into a leader in digital warehouse management, wearable technology, and AI-driven automation.

Summary

Tanner Green and co-founder Charu Thomas launched Ox after identifying inefficiencies in warehouse operations. While many companies invested in expensive automation, they saw an opportunity to develop wearable technology and AI-driven software that enhances human performance rather than replacing workers.

In just a few years, Ox went from a prototype to securing major Fortune 500 clients, raising over $16 million in venture capital, and deploying solutions that increase warehouse productivity by 15-20%. Unlike traditional SaaS businesses, Ox works closely with its clients for long-term implementation, driving measurable cost savings and efficiency.

Ox is pioneering end-to-end warehouse solutions that go beyond simple workflow automation. Their latest innovations include AI-powered warehouse orchestration, 3D digital twin models, and remote warehouse visibility, allowing companies to optimize operations without physically being on-site.

Highlights

[00:02:00] – What is Ox? The Operator Experience explained

[00:10:00] – Tanner’s early entrepreneurial ventures and passion for technology

[00:16:30] – How Charu’s research led to the founding of Ox

[00:26:45] – Landing the first enterprise customer and proving ROI

[00:37:30] – Raising venture capital in Arkansas: Challenges and lessons learned

[00:50:20] – The evolution from wearable devices to an AI-driven warehouse suite

[01:10:00] – The future of automation: Why human-centered AI is the next big shift

[01:25:00] – The long-term vision for Ox and the future of logistics technology

Takeaways

1. AI is a tool to enhance human performance, not replace it - Ox’s solutions help workers increase productivity while maintaining job security and improving working conditions.
2. Raising capital is challenging, especially outside Silicon Valley - Ox successfully raised $16M+ despite limited venture funding in Arkansas, proving that investors will back strong ideas with real market traction.
3. Long-term partnerships matter more than quick wins - Unlike typical SaaS models, Ox prioritizes enterprise relationships, continuous improvement, and deep customer integration to maximize ROI.

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