Summary
On this episode of The Bentonville Beacon, host James Bell is joined by Josh Kyles, the mastermind and developer behind Ledger, and Mary Best, the director of operations at Ledger. As the first bikeable building, Ledger is cultivating working environments that everyone can thrive in while elevating an individual’s desire for movement and well-being. Throughout the episode, James, Josh, and Mary discuss the artistic details incorporated within Ledger, who Ledger caters to, and how it seamlessly blends into the Bentonville culture.
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Show Notes:
(0:55) Introduction to Josh and Mary
(4:37) Josh’s Inspiration behind Ledger and Its Bentonville Location
(8:18) About Ledger
(9:49) Inspiration Behind the Bug Gem Artwork
(14:08) Meaning behind Bikeability
(16:52) Highlighting Artists with Conference Rooms
(19:26) Intertwining Ledger into the Fabric of Bentonville
(22:39) Businesses Opening at Ledger
(24:48) What Ledger Means to Bentonville
(29:25) Overcoming Challenges While Building Ledger
(32:21) Closing Questions
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‍Links
JAMES BELL‍
JOSH KYLES
MARY BEST
LEDGER

Quotes
“I tell my people one of my favorite times was when I saw some guys that worked on the job by the fence showing it to their kids. That’s what you want to create. Where that sense of ownership and pride travels through to every person that touches the job.” – Josh Kyles, (7:17)

“…it’s this ethos and this story around how now is the best time to be alive. It’s that these bugs are doing the work to create something that’s bigger and better for everyone.” – Mary Best, (11:53)

“We had investors and developers who said this building should be a mirror and the community should see themselves here.” – Mary Best, (18:17)

“We hope that not just on the architectural side that it starts to set the bar for not just Bentonville, but the region. People look at it and say, ‘This is what can be done. Here’s the interaction that can be had. Here’s how it’s done right.’” – Josh Kyles, (26:01)‍‍
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Improving Workplace Well-Being with Ledger‍
On this episode of The Bentonville Beacon, host James Bell is joined by Josh Kyles, the mastermind and developer behind Ledger, and Mary Best, the director of operations at Ledger. As the first bikeable building, Ledger is cultivating working environments that everyone can thrive in while elevating an individual’s desire for movement and well-being. Throughout the episode, James, Josh, and Mary discuss the artistic details incorporated within Ledger, who Ledger caters to, and how it seamlessly blends into the Bentonville culture.
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Art Installations with a Purpose
Aside from the workspace-on-demand element of Ledger, there is also an artistic component of its design. The architecture of Ledger itself is an inspiring art piece, however, there’s also an immense collection of art throughout the building. Stefan Sagmeister, a nationally awarded designer, created an installation of mosaics that are embossed within the concrete of the built-in bike ramps. These mosaics showcase local insects carrying precious jewels on their backs.
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These bugs paired with the gems look as if they are crawling up the bike ramps, and when they make it to the top, they portray the message “Now is better.” They represent the work being done inside the building and the magnitude of the projects created in the space. Sagmeister’s goal with this art piece was to emphasize that it’s not just the end product that’s important, it’s the work everyone does to get there.

“…it’s this ethos and this story around how now is the best time to be alive. It’s that these bugs are doing the work to create something that’s bigger and better for everyone.” – Mary Best, (11:53)

Highlighting the Community through Architecture
“We had investors and developers who said this building should be a mirror and the community should see themselves here.” – Mary Best, (18:17)

Ledger was constructed as a clear glass building to encourage the idea that what’s happening inside is also happening outside. It’s a playful balance of transparency that is designed to match the elements that surround it. The ground floor has more earthy tones and wood textures. Then as you move up the building, those tones turn into lighter, more airy hues to mirror what you would see outside.

Furthermore, other than merely offering work spaces to the community, Ledger wanted to embody the creativity of local artists. As a result, every conference room has an art piece showcased inside, and the room itself is named after the artist who created the work of art for that room. Ledger was built with the intention that it would effortlessly align with Bentonville’s ecosystem, which is why displaying local artists and messages about being part of a bigger movement are so vital to its mission.
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Get Connected!
‍Thanks for tuning in to this episode of The Bentonville Beacon! Join us weekly for more stories from entrepreneurs and business leaders who are making a positive impact on Bentonville’s culture, community, and lifestyle. Don’t forget, Bentonville is a place where you can have more of what you want and less of what you don’t!