Shows
Titans of IndustryTitans of Industry Ep. 40 | Patrick Schueck, Titan of SteelIn this episode I head to Lexicon HQ to sit down with their CEO, Patrick Schueck. We discuss how Lexicon grew from humble beginnings as Schueck Steel to the construction powerhouse that it is today. We get an inside look on how Lexicon operates from a business perspective as well as how Lexicon operates as a family of companies that have been crucial to the overall success of the overall organization. Patrick is living proof that hard work and a great dedication to your craft can result in a very fulfilling and impactful career, considering his company is q...
2023-06-091h 03Titans of IndustryTitans of Industry Ep. 39 | Victoria DeFrancesco Soto, Titan of Public Service LeadershipIn this episode I had the opportunity to sit down with Victoria DeFrancesca Soto, the dean of the Clinton School of Public Service. We discuss her journey from studying political science and Latin American studies at the University of Arizona to becoming the public service figure that she is today. As an individual well versed in political strategy as well as social justice, Victoria shares her insights on the complex issues facing our society today. Her passion for serving her community is near unmatched as you’ll come to understand throughout this episode.Support the sho...
2023-06-0550 min
ARKAST PodcastTitans of Industry with Nate DisarroNate Disarro is the host of the Titans of Industry podcast. He talks to industry leaders and innovators who are achieving great success in their fields. On this episode, Nate tells us about his podcasting journey, what he loves about Arkansas, and his love of fighter jets.
The ARKAST podcast is produced and sponsored by the Arkansas Podcast Collaborative, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting and celebrating podcasters in the Natural State. Find out more at arkansaspodcasters.org.
2023-04-1731 min
Titans of Industry038 Heidi Bridenhagen | Titan of WinemakingIn this episode I took the show on the road to beautiful Napa Valley California to sit down with Heidi Bridenhagen, a master winemaker at MacRostie Winery in Healdsburg California as well as the Director of Winemaking for Distinguished Vineyards. Heidi was originally a pre-med student before discovering her passion for wine and at the age of 29, she became one of the youngest head winemakers in California. Heidi talks about her background in science and what led her from a harvest intern to a head winemaker, and how she approaches the winemaking process. We also talk about h...
2023-04-111h 06
Titans of Industry037 Aimee "Rebel" Fiedler | Titan of Military AviationIn this episode, I get to geek out about fighter jets with my guest, Captain Aimee Fiedler, callsign Rebel. Rebel was told by an air force instructor early in her training that she would never be a fighter pilot, but she quickly overcame adversity and is now the Commander of the F-16 Viper Demo Team, showcasing the ability of one of the toughest fighter jets in the world for millions of people each year.She talks about becoming a pilot at a young age and having to overcome challenges in fighter school, her path to t...
2022-11-211h 21
Titans of Industry036 Dr. Bruce Murphy | Titan of Healthcare LeadershipIn this episode, host Nate Disarro speaks with Dr. Bruce Murphy, Owner and CEO of Arkansas Heart Hospital and a pioneer of modern cardiology. At the time of its founding, Arkansas Heart Hospital was the nation’s second standalone cardiac hospital and there was no blueprint for success. Overcoming criticism from the medical community, Dr. Murphy went against the grain and ultimately bought the hospital with one major caveat: he had to forfeit his medical license in order to take ownership . This year, AHH is celebrating it’s 25th anniversary and has expanded its presence to provide care...
2022-10-0359 min
Titans of Industry035 Jason Brown | Titan of AgriCommsIn this episode, host Nate Disarro sits down with Jason Brown, a PR executive for the Arkansas Farm Bureau which is a nonprofit, private advocacy organization that works with families throughout the state to improve the livelihood of farmers and their families. Jason is also the host of the Arkansas AgCast, a podcast discussing the latest agriculture news in the state, and he’s the former President of PRSA’s Arkansas Chapter. He shares his insight about industry trends for the modern farmer, and the importance of honoring where our food comes from.Support the show
2022-09-2659 min
Titans of Industry034 Jeston George | Titan of EdTechIn this episode, host Nate Disarro speaks with Jeston George, CEO and Founder of Apptegy, an education technology and marketing start-up. Jeston realized the need for Apptegy when he wanted to receive the latest news from his nephew’s school. Realizing the gap that existed in public education marketing and communications, he created Apptegy to offer app-based solutions.Apptegy is now booming with 350 employees in multiple countries, a spectacular new office space, and a culture that values customer relationships and innovation without sacrificing quality.Support the show
2022-09-1942 min
Titans of Industry033 Shayla & Scott Copas | Titans of Lifestyle BrandingIn this episode, host Nate Disarro speaks with Shayla and Scott Copas, a power couple that are creating an all-encompassing lifestyle brand. Shayla has built a very successful interior design business, working with people all over to create the home of their dreams. Recently, she has launched her own design books along with signature furniture product lines, and now she is pushing out an elite travel planning business. Scott Copas is the back end of Shayla’s endeavors, primarily working with the operations, finance, and logistics side of the business. With his background in commercial cons...
2022-09-1256 min
Titans of Industry032 Phil Brandon | Titan of SpiritsIn this episode, host Nate Disarro speaks with Phil Brandon, Founder, CEO and Head Distiller at Rock Town Distillery. When faced with a layoff during his corporate IT career, Phil took his passion for whiskey and transformed it into an iconic Arkansas operation and the first to ever distill Bourbon in Arkansas. Using his background in engineering along with his MBA, Phil has put his entrepreneurial talents to the test by creating the Rock Town brand, distribution process, manufacturing standards, and a whole lot more. He has been creating handcrafted, award-winning spirits that you can find in restaurants, liquor...
2022-09-0555 min
Titans of Industry031 Tres Garner | Titan of Creative DirectionIn this episode, Nate Disarro has a long distance interview with Tres Garner, a young, but well established creative and visionary in Houston, TX! Tres is Co-Founder and Co-Director at GoodMeasure, an agency helping advocate for non-profit organizations and causes. Tres is also the Creative Director at The Bible Project, a nonprofit, crowdfunded organization that explains lessons from The Bible in a way that unifies people. He talks through his journey from an artsy kid to an agency professional and freelance creative, all while finding organization and a workflow that helps him progress in today’s competitive digital space....
2022-08-291h 09
Titans of Industry030 Kevin Shalin | Titan of Food WritingIn this episode, I speak with Kevin Shalin, food reviewer and blogger for The Mighty Rib! He’s a beloved icon in the Little Rock restaurant scene, and prides himself on authentic, unbiased chronicles of local cuisine. His work has been featured in publications like Only In Arkansas, Arkansas Times, and AY Magazine. The Mighty Rib Facebook page has an estimated monthly reach of about half a million viewers! Kevin talks to us about how he transformed his hobby into a career, built trust amongst a digital audience, and why he chooses to spotlight restaurants and their staff in hi...
2022-08-221h 02
Titans of IndustryBest of Titans of IndustryWe’re so excited for the upcoming launch of a new season! However, we wanted to take a walk down memory lane with a “Best of Titans of Industry" episode, where we look back on our favorite moments with our noteworthy guests. In this special episode, you can hear from:- Jeff Amerine & Jeff Standridge: The elements needed for entrepreneurs and companies to thrive- Heather Vassar: Changes in the digital world that affect the music industry - Sarah Catherine Gutierrez: Finding empowerment in the financial sphere- Dwayne Logan...
2022-08-1934 min
Titans of Industry028 Monica Millington | Titan of Fashion BrandingIn today's episode, I sit down with Monica Millington, founder and creative director of traffic a menswear brand that is disrupting the game with wardrobe staples built for life in the tropics. She's been featured in Esquire, variety and Singapore brides and was a top four competitor on the apprentice. Monica tells us how a girl from Texas ended up starting a business in Singapore. How participating in an incubator program and utilizing mentors were crucial to the success of her apparel brand, and why she believes that sustainable fashion should be more than a...
2021-10-051h 06
Titans of Industry028 Monica Millington | Titan of Fashion BrandingIn this episode, Nate Disarro sits down with Monica Millington, Founder and Creative Director of Tropick menswear brand that is disrupting the game with wardrobe staples built for life in the tropics. She's been featured in Esquire, Variety and Singapore Brides and was a top four competitor on The Apprentice. Monica tells us how a girl from Texas ended up starting a business in Singapore. How participating in an incubator program and utilizing mentors were crucial to the success of her apparel brand, and why she believes that sustainable fashion should be more than a trend. We also talk...
2021-07-191h 06
Titans of Industry027 Johnathan Goree | Titan of Pain ManagementIn this episode, Host Nate Disarro sits down with Dr. Johnathan Goree, the Director of Interventional Pain Management at University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Dr. Goree has a passion for bettering the quality of life for as many people as possible when not seeing patients. Johnathan also teaches at the Medical School equipping the next generation of doctors to find solutions to life's most painful problems. In our conversation, Johnathan tells the story of how early personal experiences with sports and mouth surgery led him to pursue anesthesiology and pain management. He describes how the lessons he learned...
2021-07-0655 min
Titans of Industry026 Gina Scarpulla | Titan of ProductionThis was a fun episode where Nate sat down with Gina Scarpulla, director of creative and production for the internal creative agency for Discovery Inc., the parent company of the largest non-fiction media network in the world.Gina tells us how she and her team developed the branding and marketing campaign for the new streaming service, Discovery Plus during the pandemic and the challenges that came a long with, but ultimately how execution is so crucial to her team’s success in producing some of the globe’s most recognizable television shows and marketing content,-- and we a...
2021-06-2142 min
Titans of Industry025 Dwayne Logan | Titan of Film DirectingThis weeks guest is Dwayne Logan, freelance filmmaker and director based in Nashville who has a passion for sharing the human experience through film. Dwayne a Chicago native talks about how his journey to becoming a film director had an unconventional path as he intended to get to Los Angeles, but had a detour through Nashville and never left. he recounts the events and experiences that drove him to create his first short film, black thoughts and how he values each and every person that plays a part in his creative endeavors. we dive into the realities of film...
2021-06-141h 14
Titans of Industry024 Sarah Catherine Gutierrez | Titan of Financial PlanningIn this episode, Nate Disarro sits down with Sarah Catherine Gutierrez, a money guru, owner of financial planning company Aptus Financial, and the mind behind Ladysplaining Money. Sarah Catherine is passionate about helping women build wealth, and she has been featured in Time Magazine, Forbes, Better Investing, and she and her husband own a Salsa Dancing business on the side.Sarah Catherine flips the narrative on how women can save money by being proactive rather than passive, defines just-in-time financial education, how to pay yourself first, and how savings accounts can enhance your happiness.
2021-06-0457 min
Titans of Industry023 Heather Vassar | Titan of Music MarketingHeather Vassar is the Vice President of Marketing for Empire Records Nashville. Heather tells us about the importance of storytelling in the lifecycle of an artist, how her experience halfway around the world in Bali changed her life, and how her background being a competitive athlete, musician, accountant, and creative helped her create her dream job.Heather joined Empire Records in early 2020 to oversee day-to-day artist strategies and development, marketing and digital initiatives, as well as partner relationships with sales and streaming services for EMPIRE’s Nashville roster.
2021-05-271h 08
Titans of Industry022 Jeff Amerine & Jeff Standridge | Titans of StartupWelcome back! Thank you all for joining us to kick off Season 2! In this episode, Nate Disarro sits down with Jeff Amerine and Jeff Standridge to talk about startup’s, and entrepreneurial success. These two are serial entrepreneurs, business consultants, authors and founders of Startup Junkie in Fayettville, AR and The Conductor in Conway, AR. Their goal is to provide entrepreneurial resources and strategic support to any individuals seeking to establish or grow their business.They tell us about the pillars of successful startups, talent, capital, entrepreneurial culture, community and enterprise engagement, the importance of hav...
2021-05-2151 min
Titans of IndustryBest of Season 1In preparation for Season 2, we wanted to put together a "Best of Season 1" episode where we revisit some of our favorite moments with our remarkable guests.In this very special episode, you can hear from:- Chase Rackley: Starting a business before you are ready- Wayne Miller: Talking about failure in order to success- Heather Nelson: Building a business in a new industry- Adam Head: When the entire organization shares the same story- Mitch Bettis: Finding success in niche markets...
2021-01-0730 min
Titans of Industry020 Wayne Miller | Titan of CollaborationIn this episode, I sit down with Wayne Miller, the Executive Director at the Venture Center in Little Rock. This Pittsburgh native is all about people and the power of teams. Wayne talks about his passion for helping to change the trajectory of FinTech organizations, why it's more valuable to have access to a market than access to capital, and how his 30 years of motorcycle racing might be responsible for his risk tolerance in business. Needless to say, Wayne is a powerhouse that is fueling the next generation of entrepreneurs who will inevitably change the world.Support...
2020-09-0858 min
Titans of Industry019 Miguel Lopez | Titan of CommunityIn this episode, I sit down with Miguel Lopez the chief community officer at encore bank, and a board member of multiple community organizations. Miguel talks about being a first generation immigrant from Mexico and how education was his ticket to a great life, how serving his community and encouraging diversity has become one of his greatest passions, and how he's part of a leadership team that has been referred to as the Avengers of banking. I also want to say congratulations to Miguel and being selected in the inaugural class of the future.Support the show
2020-08-2055 min
Titans of Industry018 Governor Asa Hutchinson | Titan of Public ServiceIn this episode, I went to the Arkansas state Capitol and sat down with Governor Asa Hutchinson. The Governor discusses juggling the unexpected demands of leading the state through the pandemic while still working to accomplish his goals, why he has been inspired by Arkansans, and why perseverance is the theme of his life. We even covered some of his personal daily routines including blues music and his love of basketball.Support the show
2020-08-0727 min
Titans of Industry017 Brian Mears | Titan of Mental HealthcareIn this episode, I talk with Brian Mears, founder, president and CEO of Alleviant Health Centers, mental health and chronic pain clinics headquartered in Little Rock and spanning 6 states in less than 3 years.Brian dives deep into the stigma surrounding mental health, why approximately 1 in 2 Americans are currently suffering from mental health, which is up from 24% at the beginning of 2020, and why he is a laser-focused on building and leading the best teams in order to grow Alleviant into a national brand.From entrepreneurship to mental health, this episode has...
2020-08-031h 11
Titans of Industry016 Brad Fausett | Titan of CannabisIn this episode, I talk with Brad Fausett, co-owner and co-CEO of Green Remedies Group, a cannabis cultivation and refinery company rooted in Arkansas.Brad talks about the difference between hemp and marijuana, how he consults with organizations all over the country to bring consistency and quality to the industry, and how his pHD in soil chemistry gives him an advantage to create some of the best and most beneficial strains of cannabis to meet vastly different needs.From CBD products to cannabis solutions for your pet, you will love...
2020-07-2752 min
Titans of Industry015 Gretchen Hall | Titan of TourismIn this episode, I sit down with Gretchen Hall, President and CEO of the Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau.Gretchen talks about her goals of growing Arkansas’ capitol city as a regional destination hub, and the steps she is taking towards reintegrating live events and conventions post pandemic. She also talks about how she is quite possibly the largest advocate for small business in the largest city in Arkansas.From DIVE restaurants to overlooked nature attractions, Gretchen shares all the hidden gems that Little Rock has to offer.
2020-07-1342 min
Talk to Your PharmacistHillary Blackburn as Guest on Titans of Industry - Part 2In this episode, I'm the guest on the new podcast, Titans of Industry. We pick up with Part 2 of the conversation with host Nate Disarro.
Some of the topics covered include:
1. What was your path to choosing to become a pharmacist? First Job you had?
2. What are the different areas within health care that pharmacists can practice?
3. What did the industry look like when you entered into it and where is it now?
4. What challenges have you run into that turned into positive opportunities? or- what failure or apparent failure has set you up for success later in life?
5. Interesting...
2020-07-0523 min
Titans of Industry014 Adam Head | Titan of Health AdministrationAdam tells us how he has brought his military leadership principles into today's crisis management , how having trust within your team is vital to creating a culture that can overcome just about anything, and how he and his team are living out the vision to create the best cancer care in the country. Support the show
2020-07-0251 minTalk to Your PharmacistHillary Blackburn as Guest on Titans of Industry - Part 1In this episode, I am a guest on the new podcast, Titans of Industry, with podcaster Nate Disarro. On the Titans of Industry podcast, we cover 3 main areas: 1) your career path, 2) the state of the industry, and 3) personal routines or anecdotes that connect to you personally as a leader/forward thinker in your field.
Here are some of the other topics that we hit:
1. What was your path to choosing to become a pharmacist? First Job you had?
2. What are the different areas within health care that pharmacists can practice?
3. What did the industry look like when you entered into...
2020-06-2832 min
Titans of Industry013 Heather Nelson | Titan of SolarIn today’s episode, I sit down with Heather Nelson, co-founder and President of Seal Solar.Heather tells us why the future of solar energy is a bipartisan issue, what she means when she says "the same skill that will build a company will kill it”, and how letting go of control can be the best step in leading a company. I really enjoyed this conversation and I’m pretty sure it was Heather’s first time out of the house since quarantine began.Support the show
2020-06-221h 03
Titans of Industry012 Zack Hill | Titan of Digital DesignIn today’s episode, I sit down with Zack Hill, CEO of digital design firm, Few. Zack tells us about the importance of creating a foundation for your digital presence that is scalable, his prediction for how companies will overcome the growing pains of working virtually, and his tips on leading a remote workforce, which he has done for years now.Support the show
2020-06-1958 min
Titans of Industry011 Shannon Newton | Titan of TruckingIn this episode, I sit down with Shannon Newton, the President of the Arkansas Trucking Association which represents over 300 members ranging from independent owner operators to international companies like Fedex and JB Hunt.I talk to Shannon about the importance of the trucking industry amid the COVID-19 crisis, how great leaders continue leading through hard times, and how her women-led team is breaking down barriers.Support the show
2020-06-151h 06
Titans of Industry010 Nate Disarro | Titans of IndustryThis short interjectory episode is to thank our listeners, and address a shift in content. Up until this point, the episodes released were recorded prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the upcoming episodes we will take into consideration how businesses and industries have been affected by COVID-19. And whether people will work towards getting back to business as usual or pivot and shift to do business differently for the foreseeable future.Support the show
2020-06-0803 min
Titans of Industry009 Mitch Bettis | Titan of PublishingIn this episode, I sit down with Mitch Bettis, owner and CEO of Arkansas Business Publishing Group based in Little Rock, ARMitch talks about how to double down to capitalize on a niche market, the importance of focusing on your mission and purpose to create the most impact, and why in business, only the paranoid surviveSupport the show
2020-06-011h 02
Titans of Industry008 Mary Elizabeth Davis | Titan of CreativeIn this episode, Nate sits down with Mary Elizabeth Davis, the former managing editor of Southern Living Magazine who is currently the Director of Creative Services for one of the most notable marketing and communications firms based in Nashville, TN.Mary Elizabeth talks us through her journey to landing her dream job as editor of one of the most popular magazines in the country, why she pivoted to use her storytelling skills for brands all over the nation, and how she learned what it means to rule with a “velvet hammer".You may note a sl...
2020-05-2543 min
Titans of Industry007 Ashley King | Titan of BroadcastingIn this episode, I sit down with Ashley King, a former radio personality and host of daytime talk show, The Vine.Ashley tells us about her family's roots in broadcasting, how random interactions with strangers lead her to some of her greatest career moments, and how she ended up in a Blake Shelton music video.Support the show
2020-05-201h 02
Titans of Industry006 Dan Wise | Titan of Music BusinessIn this episode, I sit down with Dan Wise, a Nashville artist manager in the music business. Dan talks about how “fake it until you make it” actually works, how he opted for practical experience over an academic path, and how hustling helped him end up on a management team that is home to artists like Kelly Clarkson and Blake Shelton.Support the show
2020-05-1553 min
Titans of Industry005 Hillary Blackburn | Titan of PharmacyIn today’s episode, I sit down with Hillary Blackburn, a Pharmacist in Nashville, TN who has created a career path that goes well beyond what you would think a pharmacist normally does. Hillary covers everything from opioids, to how patients can navigate the current state of drug prices, and of course we dive into CBD. We even get into her journey to becoming an author and empowering other women!Support the show
2020-05-0952 min
Titans of Industry004 Donnie Ferneau | Titan of CulinaryIn this episode, I talk with Donnie Ferneau, a nationally recognized award-winning chef, who has reinvented the modern diner experience.Donnie talks about how other chefs have influenced his philosophies, how he eventually learned to check his ego at the door, and how he wound up cooking for celebrities like Bill Clinton and Eva Longoria. Support the show
2020-05-021h 10
Titans of Industry003 Lauren Waldrip | Titan of AgricultureIn this episode, host Nate Disarro sits down with Lauren Waldrip, the executive director of the Arkansas Rice Federation and partner at Campbell Ward. She represents an industry worth $6 billion a year to the state. She talks about why people should be more concerned about the rice industry, how she’s getting young people and the community involved to help her tell the Arkansas Rice story, and why cauliflower rice is actually NOT a thing.Support the show
2020-05-0154 min
Titans of Industry002 Chase Rackley | Titan of RealtyIn this episode, host Nate Disarro talks with Chase Rackley, a realtor and face of the Rackley Team. His experience in marketing strategy and sales has launched a highly successful real estate business in just a few short years.Chase talks about how hearing a lot of “no’s” inevitably leads to “yeses,” invaluable lessons he learned from mentors and friends, and how starring in funny music videos has become part of his brand.Support the show
2020-04-301h 09
Titans of Industry001 - Host Nate Disarro IntroductionNate Disarro, host of Titans of Industry, introduces the concept and lays out the plan for what you can expect moving forward. Special thanks to Content Titan for sponsoring the show!Support the show
2020-04-3004 min