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After years of balancing a full-time job and late nights in the shop, Bobby Lepitre turned his passion for machining into a thriving manufacturing business. Success in manufacturing rarely happens overnight. Behind every thriving shop are years of learning, persistence, and countless hours spent solving problems. For Bobby Lepitre, founder of Rockdale Manufacturing LLC. in Hot Springs, Arkansas, the journey began long before the company officially opened its doors. While work

Third-generation coffee farmer Geovanni Leiva is transforming a family legacy into a business that creates lasting opportunity. For many people, coffee is part of a daily routine. For Geovanni Leiva, founder of Leiva's Coffee in Roland, Arkansas, it has always represented something much greater. Every cup tells a story, one rooted in family, sacrifice, and a commitment to creating opportunities for future generations. Geovanni is a third-generation coffee farmer from Guatemal

Building a Business Through Integrity, Relationships, and Continuous Growth When Kelly and Patricia Hood founded Hood Tooling & Machine LLC in 2012, they weren't setting out to build one of the largest machine shops in the region. They simply wanted the opportunity to build something of their own after the manufacturing plant where Kelly worked closed its doors. The couple sold their pontoon boat, purchased their first machine, and opened a small shop behind their home. "We s

How founder Mike Thompson turned a childhood dream into a thriving business while staying true to his values, his community, and his commitment to quality. Sometimes the sweetest success stories begin with a childhood dream. For Mike Thompson, founder and Chief Pops Officer of Pedal Pops, that dream was opening an ice cream shop. After spending nearly 20 years in corporate accounting, he decided it was finally time to pursue his passion. What started as a vision for an ice cr

Learn how Chief Operating Officer Drew Martin is helping scale innovation, strengthen domestic manufacturing, and support the next generation of industry leaders through RAMP. Drew Martin has spent much of his career helping companies grow, adapt, and compete in increasingly complex global markets. As Chief Operating Officer of Conveyor Technology in Little Rock, Arkansas, he now finds himself leading one of the most unique manufacturing success stories in the country. With m

How one Arkansas entrepreneur turned a business challenge into a thriving manufacturing operation and a workplace where people can grow. Success rarely follows a straight path, and Marcos Sierra knows that better than most. Having spent much of his life pursuing new opportunities and overcoming challenges through hard work and determination, Sierra developed an entrepreneurial mindset long before he became a business owner. Today, as the owner of Sierra Group Roofing & Solar

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Northwest & Central Arkansas— April 2026 LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas — A new statewide accelerator is now accepting applications to help small and mid-sized manufacturers across Arkansas strengthen operations, increase revenue, and create high-quality jobs. The Reel Advanced Manufacturing Program (RAMP), sponsored by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) and the Walton Family Foundation, is now welcoming participants for its upcoming cohort. The