How NWA Serial Entrepreneur Brant Barnes Found Success in Authenticity

About the Show:If you are looking for motivation to get your business idea off the ground or just need that extra push for your current business bookmark and listen to this episode for great stories and motivation to achieve your dreams here in the Ozarks whether big or small.  We recently had a chance to sit down and talk with Brant Barnes, the owner of the local Shelter Insurance in downtown Fayetteville.  We connected with Brant through our friend on the podcast, Mark Zweig, a professor of Entrepreneurship at the Sam Walton School of Business at the University of Arkansas.The cool thing about Brant is that he doesn’t just own an insurance agency - his dad was a long-time insurance agent in Mountain Home - but he also has a knack for running businesses. He built some strong relationships early in his insurance career that propelled him to buy into the Papa John's Franchise in Mississippi and then ultimately he converted those successful operations into multiple locations in Arkansas and Missouri. Brant also has his car dealer license and he is a very good pilot that even knows how to crash-land a plane and live to tell the story. You have to hear the whole story to believe it. This is one of our most engaging episodes and Brant shares one nugget of wisdom after another. Be prepared to strap in focus and take some notes. You will not be disappointed.Brantisms: Yes, we made this word up but it is applicable.  “Where we learn is on the edge of comfort!”“Always have a plan, no matter what.”All this and more on this episode of I am Northwest Arkansas.Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Email Brant BarnesWebsite for Shelter Insurance - Brant BarnesShelter Insurance - Brant Barnes Agency on FacebookBrant Barnes on LinkedInThis episode is sponsored by*Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!" Try Canva For Free Today! Northwest Arkansas Council - "Life Works Here!" *Note: some of the resources mentioned may be affiliate links. This means we get paid a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase.Connect more with I am Northwest Arkansas:Grab our Newsletter Email Us at [email protected] With Our Facebook Page Connect With Us on Threads Connect With Our Instagram Connect With Our LinkedIn PageJoin The Facebook Group Connect with our Fearless Host, Randy Wilburn on LinkedInThank you for listening to this I am Northwest Arkansas podcast episode. We showcase businesses, culture, entrepreneurship, and life in the Ozarks. Consider donating to our production team to keep this podcast running smoothly. Donate to I Am Northwest Arkansas Mentioned in this episode:Winetopia 2026Winetopia 2026 Date: Friday, October 16th Time: 7-10pm Place: Stonebreaker Hotel on Markham hill Winetopia is Restore Humanity’s biggest annual fundraiser and brings together the very best of Northwest Arkansas (restaurants, artisans, small businesses, and (community members) to support our work. While the event raises essential funds for children in Kenya, its heartbeat is entirely local. There are over 100 local businesses who contribute auction items, regional chefs and beverage makers who showcase their craft, and the hundreds of residents gathering to celebrate community generosity. Winetopia strengthens local partnerships, elevates homegrown talent, and reinforces Northwest Arkansas's identity as a place where global compassion is fueled by local collaboration. Winetopia is a beautiful demonstration of how a united local community can create life-changing impact for children and families worldwide. Winetopia 2026