One on One
Consultations
Our One-on-one Consultations are typically 30 minutes long and can be done in-person at the Arnold Innovation Center or on the phone. They are casual and friendly, but often have transformative impact as our team helps you navigate resources and overcome barriers in your business.
Step one
Make sure you’ve filled out the Onboarding form
Step two
That’s it! You’re all set to schedule your one-on-one
Jeff Standridge, Managing Director
Jeff is your choice for consulting on general business, specializing in financials, venture capital, growth strategies, leadership, and M&A
Grace Rains, Executive Director
Grace provides general consulting from getting a business started to growing an existing business, specializing in growth strategies, access to capital, marketing, business development, and team development
Kate Loughridge, Marketing & Communications Manager
Kate offers consulting in marketing, brand development, social media strategy, and event promotion. She helps founders build strong brand identities, grow their online presence, and plan strategic events that connect with their audiences.
Leslie McColgan, Program Director
Leslie provides consulting support to small business owners with a focus on strategic growth, operational efficiency, and stakeholder engagement. She brings a relationship-driven approach to helping businesses strengthen community connections and improve internal processes for sustainable success.
Melanie | loans and business banking
Melanie, your financial guide, specializing in SBA & Commercial Loans, Business Banking, and Management, with 8 years of industry expertise and a strong commitment to community involvement
Jakob | marketing genius
Jakob’s 20-year marketing career suits him well to assist individuals with marketing strategy, ideal customer profile development, unique value proposition development, and offer creation
Ron | builds businesses
Ron is the entrepreneurial maestro, orchestrating success through executive coaching, Lean Canvas Development, startup guidance, and global know-how
Tim | government contracting
Unlock government contracting success with Tim, a seasoned expert in government contracting, small business certification, and SAM registration.
Drew | runs multiple businesses
Drew, a lifelong entrepreneur, serves as a great resource for assistance with business strategy, process improvement, marketing, and leadership
Kenny | leadership, sales & finance
Kenny can help elevate your leadership skills and financial well-being, offering expert guidance in Leadership Development, Financial Planning, Sales, and Personal Finance, cultivated through a rich career experience
Zee | taxes and finances
Zee launched his CPA firm in 2024 and now serves taxpayers across 14 states. He has guided hundreds of clients in developing tailored tax strategies, focusing on retirement tax efficiency, real estate investment strategies, and business growth powered by automation.
Jessica | legal expert
Jessica can help you plan wisely for the future, offering expertise in Business Planning, Estate Planning, Probate, Real Estate, and Tax Law. She takes a holistic approach to the law—making sure every legal and financial base is covered with efficiency, clarity, and a bit of tough love when needed.
Austin | taxation and accounting
Austin Malone, CPA, is the Director of Taxation at Zee Barfoot, CPA PLLC, where he focuses on creating strategies that align with each client’s long-term goals. He combines a results-driven approach with a strong belief in client education, helping individuals, businesses, and fiduciaries make informed decisions.
Shelby | marketing & social media expert
Shelby McFarland is a marketing strategist, educator, and the founder of The Marketing Broker, a full-service marketing agency based in Arkansas. With 13 years of experience helping small and mid-sized businesses grow, Shelby has built a reputation for taking the overwhelm out of marketing and replacing it with clear, practical, and actionable strategies.
Zach | revenue, strategy, & leadership
Zach Carter is a revenue strategist and systems thinker known for building clarity, strengthening customer experience, and helping organizations operate with intention. With more than a decade across B2B sales, retention strategy, and operational leadership, he blends analytical discipline with people-centered insight to drive sustainable growth.
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