Local Business Spotlight - Blue Collar Rising: Inside iHawl’s Bold Approach to Construction and Community Impact in NWA

About the Show:"I want to see the guys that help build a company and the guys that are out there in the field...have something to fall back and be proud of, who they are. They're the backbone of this country."       – Stephen Van Der MerweIn this episode of I Am Northwest Arkansas®, host Randy Wilburn sits down with Stephen Van Der Merwe, founder of iHawl, an innovative excavation and civil construction business based in Northwest Arkansas. Stephen shares his remarkable journey from farming in South Africa to building a thriving company in Prairie Grove, Arkansas. With a blend of "old-school grit" and modern technology, iHawl is committed to delivering on promises, meeting deadlines, and shaping the land for the next generation.Listeners will hear how Stephen’s background in farming, sports, and a strong faith shaped his work ethic and business philosophy. He details how iHawl started as a small side business with a trailer, hauling debris, and grew into a leading construction company by focusing on reliability, teamwork, and groundbreaking technology. Stephen also talks about the importance of “blue collar rising” and how iHawl supports team culture, community engagement, and career paths for both young and experienced workers in the trades.Key Takeaways:Grit and Innovation: Hard work, patience, and faith built the foundation for iHawl’s growth and success in excavation and construction.Embracing Technology: Using advanced tools and machines, like GPS-enabled equipment, helps iHawl save time, avoid mistakes, and finish projects on schedule.Community Commitment: iHawl sponsors local sports teams and invests in education and outreach to encourage new generations to join the trades.Blue Collar Rising: Stephen believes blue collar work deserves respect, recognition, and strong support for workers and their families.Opportunity for All: Whether you’re a young person considering the trades or someone looking for a career change later in life, there are rewarding jobs in construction.All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas® podcast.Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Website: iHawl.comiHawl Careers and Contact: Visit the website for job openings and contact information.Phone: 479-900-4119Email: [email protected]: 140 Southwinds Rd, Ste 137, Farmington, AR 72730FindItNWA.com NWA’s Hyperlocal Business DirectoryThis episode is sponsored by*iHawl Land Specialist - Excavation and Civil Construction in Northwest ArkansasSignature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!" FindItNWA.com *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