About Conductor

We built a community for you

Conductor was created by a partnership between the University of Central Arkansas and Startup Junkie. These two organizations saw that entrepreneurs and innovators weren’t getting the help they deserved in central Arkansas. It’s a big problem and we’re here to fix it.

Since launching in 2016, we’ve provided resources and knowledge to hundreds of small business owners and reached thousands of people through Conductor events. We want you to be next. You’re invited to join our community of entrepreneurs, friends, and mentors. Here at Conductor, we’re all energized by success.

Connect with us

Over 47,000 participants reached through events & services since 2016

91+ average net promoter score

In 2023, clients reported an average of 24.5% growth in revenue

In 2023, 96.1% of attendees reported learning something new at events

Conductor Client Stories

Entrepreneurship is at the heart of Arkansas’s growth, and every business has a story worth telling. These spotlights share the journeys of local founders who are shaping their communities, overcoming challenges, and building something remarkable, with the Conductor walking alongside them.

View Stories

Meet the Team

Conductor team works hard every day to grow small businesses and boost innovation across central Arkansas. We bring together a wide range of experience and expertise and make it all available to entrepreneurs and innovators like you.

A smiling man with glasses, short hair, and a light blue checkered shirt sits with his legs crossed in a modern, well-lit living room with neutral-colored decor and cushions.

Jeff Standridge

Managing Director, Strategy & Growth

A woman with long brown hair, wearing a grey suit and patterned blouse, sits smiling in a modern, comfortable office setting with plants and cushions in the background.

Grace Rains

Managing Director, Operations

A woman with long, wavy brown hair and a white outfit sits smiling in a modern, stylish office space with neutral decor and patterned pillows.

Kaitlyn Loughridge

Marketing & Communications Manager

A bald man with glasses and a short beard, wearing a blue checked suit jacket and white shirt, sits smiling in a modern office setting with plants and neutral-colored furniture in the background.

Kris Adams

ARise Program Manager

A woman with long brown hair, wearing a black blazer and black top, sits smiling on a white chair in a modern office setting with plants and neutral-toned decor in the background.

Leslie McColgan

Conductor Program Director

A man with glasses and a beard, wearing a dark suit and white shirt, sits smiling in a modern office with stylish chairs, a plant, and decorative pillows in the background.

Drew Smith

75Strong Program Director

A woman with long, wavy brown hair sits smiling in a bright, modern room. She wears a short-sleeve white button-up shirt and gold earrings. Cushioned chairs, pillows, and a plant are visible in the background.

Savannah Walthall

Community & Event Coordinator

Glenn Crockett

10X Advisor

A smiling man with a shaved head wearing a dark plaid suit jacket and a white collared shirt stands in front of a plain light background.

Kenney Kinley

10X Advisor

A smiling man with glasses and a shaved head, wearing a dark suit jacket over a gray button-up shirt, stands against a plain white background.

Jakob Michaelis

10X Advisor

A young woman with long, light brown hair and a striped beige sweater smiles while sitting indoors. Behind her is a shelf with a globe, books, and a small plant.

Chloe Jennings

Conductor Marketing Intern

A young person with short, light brown hair and a burgundy shirt sits on a couch, smiling at the camera. There’s a window and a light-colored wall in the background.

Rylie Melton

Conductor Marketing Intern

Fully Charged

Nothing in life is free, so how are we able to offer so much at no-cost to you? That’s where our incredible sponsors come in. These organizations believe in your small business, support your dream, and want to create a bright future for all Arkansans. Without their contributions, Conductor’s impact would not be possible.

No cost programs