Summary
On this episode of The Bentonville Beacon, host James Bell is joined by Andy Martin, Owner and CEO of Moonlight Games, a video game company dedicated to developing mobile apps. Moonlight Games’ extensive list of applications includes Wishfluence, the first branded wishlist app to provide luxury jewelry stores with the means to connect every customer with their dream product. Andy founded Wishfluence with his wife to streamline how jewelry stores manage their customer’s favorite pieces. Throughout the episode, James and Andy discuss Andy’s entrepreneurial journey, the pros of being located in Bentonville and what it’s like to build a company with your spouse.

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‍Show Notes
(0:52) Introduction to Andy
(26:07) Gauging Competition
(30:33) Andy’s Experience with Innovate Arkansas
(39:04) Benefits of Establishing in Bentonville
(49:21) How Families Thrive in Bentonville
(58:00) Advice to Couples Starting a Business
(1:01:12) Future Plans for Wishfluence
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‍Links
JAMES BELL‍‍
‍BENTONVILLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT‍‍
‍ANDY MARTIN
WISHFLUENCE
MOONLIGHT GAMES, LLC
CARIN MARTIN
NORTHWEST ARKANSAS TECHNOLOGY SUMMIT
ARKANSAS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (AEDC)
JEANETTE COLLINS
NORTHWEST ARKANSAS COUNCIL
YEE-LIN LAI
WALTON FAMILY FOUNDATION
SARAH GOFORTH
UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS OFFICE OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP & INNOVATION
INNOVATE ARKANSAS
ARKANSAS I-FUND
1 MILLION CUPS – BENTONVILLE
EXCHANGE BENTONVILLE
JOE SAUMWEBER
REVUNIT
EDWIN ORTIZ
NWA USER UNITY GROUP
DR. DAVID FREDRICK
UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS TESSERACT CENTER FOR IMMERSIVE ENVIRONMENTS AND GAME DESIGN
CRYSTAL BRIDGES MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART
CATHERINE CORLEY
DAVID SANDERS
USC CYCLING: BENTONVILLE BECOMES HOME FOR U.S. NATIONAL MOUNTAIN BIKE TEAM
SLAUGHTER PEN – OZ TRAILS NORTHWEST ARKANSAS
8TH STREET MARKET
28TH STREET PARK – CRICKET PITCH
HELEN R. WALTON CHILDREN’S ENRICHMENT CENTER
BOOK: SAM WALTON, MADE IN AMERICA
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Quotes
“I said, ‘I’m going to do this wishlist thing, and I’m going to do it right.’ Because I’m passionate about startups and I really like how this is solving a problem.” – Andy Martin, (21:30)

“I realized I was in the same position I’d been in building the technology based on what I think the people need without a real avenue to get it to them. And the thought that it will just be good enough and they’ll sign up is not how it works.” – Andy Martin, (30:42)

“..another thing about LA is how cutthroat it is. Why would someone tell me about an opportunity that could help me if it in any way diminished their chances of being helped by that thing? Where I don’t think we have that mentality here at all…the thought is there’s plenty for all to share and we can grow it all together.” – Andy Martin, (39:23)

“I received this advice a lot, and hopefully one day I can take it, which is to leave the work at work.” – Andy Martin, (59:44)

Turning Wishes into Sales with Andy Martin of Wishfluence
On this episode of The Bentonville Beacon, host James Bell is joined by Andy Martin, Owner and CEO of Moonlight Games, a video game company dedicated to developing mobile apps. Moonlight Games’ extensive list of applications includes Wishfluence, the first branded wishlist app to provide luxury jewelry stores with the means to connect every customer with their dream product. Andy founded Wishfluence with his wife to streamline how jewelry stores manage their customer’s favorite pieces. Throughout the episode, James and Andy discuss Andy’s entrepreneurial journey, the pros of being located in Bentonville and what it’s like to build a company with your spouse.‍‍‍
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The Impact of Wishfluence
Wishfluence’s mission is to convert customers’ jewelry wishlists into sales. Wishfluence helps jewelers serve their clients through the entire customer experience, including clienteling, marketing, texting, email, prospecting and fulfillment. Wishfluence allows customer information to be readily available, making the in-store experience personalized and professional.
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“I said, ‘I’m going to do this wishlist thing, and I’m going to do it right.’ Because I’m passionate about startups and I really like how this is solving a problem.” – Andy Martin, (21:30)

One of the most unique qualities of Wishfluence is that it allows jewelers to utilize their own branding to stay aligned with their company’s look and feel. When the app opens, jewelers will find an Instagram-like arrangement where they can make notes or reminders to follow up with their customers. Furthermore, Wishfluence provides insights into which customers might need to be contacted and sends weekly reports to staff members, sharing which pieces have been added.
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The Beauty of Bentonville
In recent years, there’s been an exponential increase in the number of individuals in the tech industry that have migrated to Bentonville. Oftentimes this influx is attributed to Walmart establishing its headquarters here along with its staggering amount of suppliers. However, no matter the reasoning for their arrival, the one thing most agreed upon is that Bentonville’s entrepreneurial ecosystem rivals that of larger tech hot spots like Silicon Valley.
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“..another thing about LA is how cutthroat it is. Why would someone tell me about an opportunity that could help me if it in any way diminished their chances of being helped by that thing? Where I don’t think we have that mentality here at all…the thought is there’s plenty for all to share and we can grow it all together.” – Andy Martin, (39:23)
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When asked about what makes Bentonville so special, the most common answer is its approachability and affordability. Entrepreneurs are welcomed with open arms and can readily obtain access to entrepreneurial programs and industry leaders in world-renowned companies. Other than offering startup opportunities, Bentonville also boasts incredible experiences pertaining to the arts and outdoors with its exceptional museums and mountain bike trails.
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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!