Subject Matter Experts

Serial entrepreneur and early-stage investor. Author. Three Fortune 500s. Nine Startups. Sixteen years teaching New Ventures at the UA.

Investor, entrepreneur, ESO operator, residential RE developer, veteran focused on making an impact.

I am a Senior Project Manager supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs at the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC). As a subject matter expert in Smartsheet, a versatile low-code/no-code software, I specialize in spreadsheet optimization, automations, and data analytics. My passion lies in transforming data into actionable insights, streamlining decision-making, and automating manual processes. I have

Kristopher Adams currently manages ARise (Arkansas Innovators, Startups, and Entrepreneurs), a new statewide technology program funded by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission and led by Startup Junkie. With extensive experience in nonprofit leadership, strategic communications, and community building, Kristopher’s work spans various sectors. Previously, as Director of the NWA Tech Summit, he drove impressive growth

My name is Carley Gray. As a Financial Analyst at Arvest Bank, I am responsible for driving financial growth and optimizing profitability across the organization. I use advanced financial modeling techniques to analyze data, identify trends, and provide insights for strategic decision making. I also collaborate with various stakeholders, such as business units, senior management,

Scott Benedict is an accomplished retail merchant, educator, consultant, author, advisory board member, keynote speaker, and digital retailing executive with more than 35 years of diverse experience spanning traditional brick-and-mortar retailing, eCommerce, omnichannel, and international retail merchandising and operations.

Rashel Hariri is a marketing consultant, fractional CMO, and founder with 15+ years of experience. She has crafted award-winning campaigns for top brands like McDonald’s, Shopify, and ING Direct/Tangerine Bank. Specializing in B2B and B2C sectors, Rashel has advised global businesses in CPG, E-Commerce, Martech, Fintech, and Logistics. She is a consumer-driven marketer with a

Zak offers a unique blend of creativity & cybersecurity expertise, strategic consulting, and innovative technology integration to enhance the security, compliance, and efficiency of his projects. With two decades of experience in global security assessments, risk management, and cutting-edge technology application, lends confidence to delivery of future-forward solutions.

A marketing and advertising education, mixed with digital strategy and real-world business experience. I’m an entrepreneur at heart, building businesses for myself and with others.

Walter Burgess, Co-CEO at Power Technology, Inc., is a Central Arkansas native with more than 25 years of experience in the laser and photonics industry. As the manager of both a Sales team and an Engineering team, he uses entrepreneurial skills to shepherd products from the idea stage through commercialization. This includes product ideation, technical