Summary
On this episode of The Bentonville Beacon, host James Bell is joined by Toby Teeter, Director of the University of Arkansas Bentonville Collaborative. The Collaborative is an impetus for innovation in Bentonville, where the University of Arkansas’ presence focuses on outdoor recreation, bio-design, whole health, advanced mobility, and technologies for retail, supply chain, logistics, and corporate enablement. Additionally, Toby is a serial entrepreneur and investor, with his most current venture being Omni Brands, a company that designs, builds and scales ecommerce businesses with its product studio, third-party logistics and ad agency services. Toby also serves on the Greater Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Throughout the episode, James and Toby discuss modernization in Bentonville and The Collaborative’s mission and vision for the future.

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‍Show Notes
(0:51) Introduction to Toby
(4:08) About Omni Brands
(6:58) Goals of The Collaborative
(11:23) The Collaborative Initiatives
(17:26) Future Plans for The Collaborative
(22:17) Toby’s Experience and Background
(25:28) Having a Presence in Bentonville
(29:11) Bentonville Favorites
(32:21) #BecauseBentonville Story
(35:03) Advice to Entrepreneurs
(37:54) Closing Questions
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‍Links
JAMES BELL‍‍
‍BENTONVILLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT‍‍‍
‍TOBY TEETER
THE UOFA BENTONVILLE COLLABORATIVE
OMNI BRANDS, LLC

Quotes
“We’re more centered on economic development than applied research. It’s a little more pragmatic, but really the framing question is, ‘How can the University of Arkansas be a catalyst for innovation in Bentonville?’” – Toby Teeter, (8:17)

“One of the sectors of interest for us in Bentonville is smart mobility, and that in essence is the movements of both product and people by electric means, whether it be in the air or on the ground…That program is considering what degree offerings, facilities, equipment, faculty and research would put us on the map.” – Toby Teeter, (13:28)

“I love Bentonville. It’s a draw to people like us. This is a city on the move. Dynamic people are moving here by the day from all over the world, and they’re bringing such diverse talents.” – Toby Teeter, (22:20)

“The concept of innovation is simply thinking in a new way. And, often that requires a diversity of thought, is often inspired by art, good beer, coffee and good music. The leaders of this community understand that, and that is why [Bentonville] is essentially a theme park for innovators.”

“You don’t have to have everything figured out…Just get it out there, and you learn so much more stumbling your way through the early years until you figure it out. Sometimes it hurts, but so many entrepreneurs just sit on the startline and are afraid to actually launch the product.” – Toby Teeter, (35:19)

Catalyzing Bentonville’s Innovation Ecosystem with Toby Teeter of The University of Arkansas Bentonville Collaborative
On this episode of The Bentonville Beacon, host James Bell is joined by Toby Teeter, Director of the University of Arkansas Bentonville Collaborative. The Collaborative is an impetus for innovation in Bentonville, where the University of Arkansas’ presence focuses on outdoor recreation, bio-design, whole health, advanced mobility, and technologies for retail, supply chain, logistics, and corporate enablement. Additionally, Toby is a serial entrepreneur and investor, with his most current venture being Omni Brands, a company that designs, builds and scales ecommerce businesses with its product studio, third-party logistics and ad agency services. Toby also serves on the Greater Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Throughout the episode, James and Toby discuss modernization in Bentonville and The Collaborative’s mission and vision for the future.‍‍‍
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The Intersection of Education and Innovation
The Collaborative is the University of Arkansas’ education and research presence in Bentonville. The University of Arkansas is uniquely qualified to advance Bentonville’s innovative ecosystem through workforce development, start-up acceleration, the application of data science and the commercialization of technology. Within The Collaborative, there are several programs, including the Greenhouse Business Incubator, the Greenhouse Outdoor Recreation Program, Professional and Workforce Development, the Data Visualization Lab, and the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center (ASBTDC).
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“We’re more centered on economic development than applied research. It’s a little more pragmatic, but really the framing question is, ‘How can the University of Arkansas be a catalyst for innovation in Bentonville?’” – Toby Teeter, (8:17)
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Innovation Initiatives in Bentonville
The Collaborative’s outdoor recreation initiative trains and supports regional entrepreneurs focused on outdoor recreation-oriented hospitality and product design. Its biomedical and bio-design sectors work to connect researchers, clinicians, engineers and entrepreneurs to create solutions for emerging healthcare problems. Furthermore, The Collaborative pairs students with industry partners to develop software as a service (SaaS) platforms in Bentonville. The Collaborative is also working on transforming the air traffic ecosystem with the development of aerial and e-mobility technologies such as electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles.
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“One of the sectors of interest for us in Bentonville is smart mobility, and that in essence is the movements of both product and people by electric means, whether it be in the air or on the ground…That program is considering what degree offerings, facilities, equipment, faculty and research would put us on the map.” – Toby Teeter, (13:28)
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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! You may reach James at JBELL@GREATERBENTONVILLE.COM or (479) 273-2841.