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In this episode of the Arkansas Talent Podcast, hosts Stephanie and Chris sit down with Ryan Holder, Managing Director of Strategic M&A Advisors, LLC. Ryan is not only a respected expert in mergers and acquisitions but also a long-time friend and mentor to the hosts, having shared a similar career journey from recruitment at a Fortune 500 company to entrepreneurship. The conversation dives deep into Ryan’s background, the evolution of his business, and, most importantly, the critical role that teams and personnel play in company valuation and successful M&A transactions.

Ryan Holder brings over two decades of experience in sell-side M&A advisory, business valuation, and capital formation. With a Bachelor’s in Finance and a Master of Accountancy from the University of Mississippi, as well as a CPA designation, Ryan has built a reputation for guiding business owners through complex transactions. His firm, Strategic M&A Advisors, specializes in helping companies maximize their value and navigate the intricacies of mergers and acquisitions.

This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, business owners, and anyone interested in the behind-the-scenes factors that drive company value. Ryan’s practical advice and real-world experience offer valuable guidance for building a business that stands the test of time—and attracts the right kind of attention when it’s time to make a move.

Connect with Ryan: (1) Ryan Holder, CPA | LinkedIn

More about Strategic M&A Advisors: https://strategicmaadvisors.com

For more information, staffing, or career advice, get in touch with Chris Chunn and Stephanie Shine via Linkedin.

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Join Stephanie and Chris, Co-Founders/Owners of Arkansas Talent Group and the Arkansas Talent Podcast as they celebrate their one-year anniversary! The two founded Arkansas Talent Group on February 14, 2024, and take you on their journey as entrepreneurs in Arkansas. They talk about their favorite memories, successes, lessons learned, and their future growth plans, as well as advice for other recruiters, business owners, and aspiring entrepreneurs. They will also take this opportunity to thank their partners, friends, candidates, and clients for their support and collaboration over the past year in fulfilling their mission of "connecting top talent with exceptional companies in Arkansas."

For more information, staffing, or career advice, get in touch with Chris Chunn and Stephanie Shine via Linkedin.

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Join us for an insightful conversation with Scott Street, a seasoned healthcare executive with over 30+ years of leadership experience. Scott shares his journey from college quarterback to healthcare visionary, discussing his role as CEO of Pediatrics Plus and the company's innovative approaches to addressing the rising needs in pediatric care. Don't miss this inspiring conversation about recruitment, retention, and continuous learning in healthcare.

Scott is a graduate of the University of Missouri, earning a master’s degree in healthcare administration. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Ouachita Baptist University, where he was an All-Conference quarterback. Scott joined Pediatrics Plus in 2022 as CEO. As a visionary and collaborative healthcare executive, Scott has a passion for enhancing organizational culture and developing leaders. He has served on and chaired several chamber and economic development boards over the years. He recently served on the Arkansas Governor’s COVID-19 Task Force. Currently, he serves as chairman of the Board for Ouachita Baptist University and serves on the OBU Hickingbotham School of Business Advisory Board. He is on the Board of Directors for Sharp Bancshares, and on the Board of Directors for the Bank of Cave City.

For more information, staffing, or career advice, get in touch with Chris Chunn and Stephanie Shine via Linkedin.

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Are you an employee bound by a non-compete agreement, or an employer enforcing one? Chris and Stephanie have navigated strict non-compete clause in the past, and they aim to shed light on current legislation and what the future may hold for both parties. With recent developments, including the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) attempt to ban most non-compete clauses, understanding the key elements of these agreements is more important than ever. Aaron Heffington, shareholder and director with Gill Ragon Owen, P.A lays the groundwork for non-competes, discusses their essential components, and provides insights into the evolving legal landscape. He also shares his thoughts on potential outcomes and suggests the best solutions for both employers and employees as they navigate these complex agreements.

Aaron received his undergraduate degree in Finance and Information Systems Management from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville in 2010. Mr. Heffington graduated cum laude from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock Bowen School of Law and joined the Arkansas bar in 2013. From contract and real estate litigation to corporate planning, Mr. Heffington’s legal practice focuses on his clients’ business needs, whether in the boardroom or the courtroom. Mr. Heffington routinely handles everything from contract disputes, enforcement of landlord’s rights, construction issues, and disagreements between business owners. Aaron's litigation and structured settlement transfer practices have afforded him the opportunity to appear in the court of nearly every county in Arkansas.

Connect with Aaron-(5) Aaron M. Heffington | LinkedIn
Connect with the Firm-Home - Gill Ragon Owen, P.A.

For more information, staffing, or career advice, get in touch with Chris Chunn and Stephanie Shine via Linkedin.

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Join us as we talk with Beverly Roberson, Serving as the Principal Accounting Officer and Controller for Garver, an Arkansas-headquartered engineering firm. Beverly Roberson’s expertise in financial acumen has served the company for over two decades. Her leadership and dedication have catapulted her through the ranks of the firm, and ultimately, led to her being named a partner within the firm.

Over the course of her career, Beverly has demonstrated admirable devotion to empowering the next generation through both professional initiatives and community service. She’s championed multiple programs within Garver – and beyond – that uplift young professionals, including the firm’s internship program and its networking program. Through the Garver Partners program, she provides financial guidance to serve DBE engineering firm partners. Additionally, she is a proud member of both the Arkansas chapter of Women’s Transportation Seminar and the Accounting and Financial Women’s Alliance.

Beverly joins Stephanie and Chris to discuss her remarkable 20+ year tenure at Garver, exploring the key factors behind their success, which is largely attributed to their people. The company has expanded from 150 employees to over 1,400, largely crediting their growth to a strong focus on their workforce and significant investments in employee development. The conversation delves into the exceptional benefits, programs, perks, and culture that Garver has cultivated to foster this success.

Learn more about Garver: www.garverusa.com
Connect with Beverly: Beverly Roberson | LinkedIn

For more information, staffing, or career advice, get in touch with Chris Chunn and Stephanie Shine via Linkedin.

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Join us for an insightful exploration of the evolving landscape of public accounting with Jason Thomas, Tax Partner at Frost PLLC. In this episode, Jason takes us on a journey through the transformation of the industry, contrasting the traditional practices with the dynamic realities of today's accounting world. Jason sheds light on the numerous benefits of pursuing a career in public accounting, highlighting the opportunities for professional growth and development. He also provides a unique perspective on what sets Frost PLLC apart in the competitive field, discussing the firm's key differentiators that make it an attractive destination for aspiring and seasoned accountants alike. Whether you're a student considering your career options, a professional looking to make a change, or simply interested in the current state of the accounting industry, this episode offers valuable insights into the exciting world of public accounting. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the field's evolution and discover why a career in public might be a great career path.

Jason began his career in Memphis with Arthur Andersen (Andersen) in its Family Wealth Planning Team. At Andersen, he worked with high-net-worth individuals, family offices and closely held businesses and their advisors. Following Andersen, Jason joined the Rose Law Firm focusing on tax and securities law. Next, he transitioned to Morgan Keegan & Co. as an investment banker. In June 2008, Jason joined Frost, PLLC (Frost) and is currently a Partner. Founded in 1974, Frost is a leading independent accounting firm serving clients throughout the United States with offices in Little Rock (AR), Fayetteville (AR), Raleigh (NC), Scottsdale (AZ), Yuma (AZ) and Naples (FL). He is a Certified Public Accountant in Arkansas (active) and admitted to the Bar in Arkansas (active) and Tennessee (inactive).

Learn more about Frost PLLC: Home | Frost PLLC

For more information, staffing, or career advice, get in touch with Chris Chunn and Stephanie Shine via Linkedin.

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Join us for an insightful exploration of the "Right Person, Right Seat" concept within the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS). In this episode, we sit down with Jennifer Bridges and Paige Hadidon from OrthoArkansas and dive into their transformative journey implementing EOS. Our guests share their firsthand experiences, focusing on the crucial "Right Person, Right Seat" component of EOS. Jennifer and Paige reveal how this strategic approach to talent management and organizational structure has revolutionized OrthoArkansas, leading to remarkable improvements across the board.

Jennifer joined OrthoArkansas in 2020, bringing with her more than 15 years of accounting, finance, and leadership experience. Her background includes experience in private equity, nonprofits, and Fortune 500 companies. She is a licensed CPA in Arkansas. She earned her MBA from the University of Arkansas and her undergraduate accounting degree from Arkansas Tech University. Jennifer has recently been recognized as the 2022 Arkansas Business Large Private Company CFO of the Year and 2023 AMP Reader's Choice C-Suite Exec of the Year.

Paige has been with Ortho for over 4 years and is currently the HR Director at OrthoArkansas. She has held many roles in the organization and has been a driver of EOS for the organization and brought this operating system to the executive leadership. Prior to her time with Ortho, she was an HR generalist at Performance Food Group for almost 5 years. Paige also holds an APHR.

Connect with OrthoArkansas: OrthoArkansas
Connect with Paige: (16) Paige Hadidon, aPHR | LinkedIn

For more information, staffing, or career advice, get in touch with Chris Chunn and Stephanie Shine via Linkedin.

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Discover how Andrea Parnell and her team at Southern Bancorp have mastered the art of talent acquisition. They have had incredible growth requiring over 200 new hires in which they've implemented strategic processes and HR initiatives to streamline recruitment and onboarding. In this insightful discussion, we'll uncover Southern Bancorp's preparation and innovative tactics for winning the war on talent. From targeted recruitment campaigns to onboarding, gain valuable insights to elevate your organization's ability to attract and retain top professionals. Join us as we explore Southern Bancorp's talent acquisition success story and learn strategies to conquer your own talent challenges.

Andrea Parnell is a seasoned professional in the field of human resources and currently serves in the role of Chief People Officer at Southern Bancorp. With a proven track record of driving organizational success through effective people strategies, she plays a pivotal role in shaping the company’s culture and driving employee engagement.

Prior to joining Southern Bancorp, she held key leadership positions in HR within the information technology and telecommunications industries where she spearheaded initiatives such as talent acquisition, performance management, succession planning, and leadership development programs. She has a proven ability to align talent initiatives with business objectives to achieve strategic goals.

She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arkansas and has a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) designation. Andrea Parnell is also actively involved in industry associations and regularly contributes to thought leadership on topics related to HR.

As Chief People Officer at Southern Bancorp, Andrea Parnell is dedicated to driving the human capital strategy forward, ensuring that the organization remains an employer of choice in a competitive labor market where talented people have options.

Connect with Andrea: (2) Andrea Parnell | LinkedIn
Learn more about Southern Bancorp: Careers - Southern Bancorp (banksouthern.com)

For more information, staffing, or career advice, get in touch with Chris Chunn and Stephanie Shine via Linkedin.