Why I Started My Business in Arkansas, and You Should, Too
Learn about an entrepreneur who launched a successful company in The Natural State.
Arkansas is a highly attractive place to live, thanks to its low cost of living, friendly residents, diverse food scenes, entertainment options, stunning views, and, of course, its wide range of outdoor recreation activities. On top of these appealing amenities, The Natural State is also a great place to launch and grow a business, as it boasts a strong economy, incentives for startups, grant programs and supportive communities.
To learn more about Arkansas’ business scene and why individuals should consider starting their businesses here, we sat down with a veteran in the entrepreneurial world, Rose Schweikhart, who opened Superior Bathhouse Brewery in Hot Springs National Park in July 2013.
What made you want to start Superior Bathhouse? And why did you launch it in Arkansas?
I was a classical tuba player in college. I got a graduate degree in Manchester, England, where I spent time traveling through Europe and drinking beer. When I [moved back to the U.S.] I started home brewing as a hobby and fell in love with it.
I relocated from Springfield, Illinois, to Hot Springs, Arkansas, for personal reasons, and it seemed like a good chance to chase the dream of being an entrepreneur. Opening the brewery in Hot Springs happened organically. The city was ideally suited for making beer – the first step in brewing is heating water, and Hot Springs had 143-degree water bubbling out of the ground.
I also noticed the Arkansas business environment was promising. Hot Springs National Park was leasing historic bathhouses for use by small businesses and, if things worked out, I knew it would be the first in a U.S. national park – and the first in the world – to use thermal spring water as the main ingredient.
Did you utilize any state or local resources when you were first starting out?
Getting started was challenging, but I utilized many area resources to aid the journey. I took advantage of as many programs as I could because pulling together Superior Bathhouse Brewery was a complex process.
I used the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center and the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. I also partnered with the local chamber of commerce and the Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise.
How has your business grown since the beginning?
We’ve been fortunate to experience double-digit growth year after year except for 2020 because of the shutdowns. After 10 years, we more than tripled my 10-year projections.
I have twice as many employees as I estimated. I am pleasantly surprised year after year by how it’s gone. This success is a testament to the Arkansas economy and Hot Springs community.
How has the community responded to your business?
The community’s response has been exceptional, and the residents welcomed the rehabilitation of the building. We took a building that had been vacant for 30 years and brought new life to it. That was important to locals.
People also love what we do with the spring water. The thermal water has historically been used for bathing and relaxing. People like to drink it, too, but it’s cool that we turn it into a fun product and offer a new way to enjoy it.
Breweries, in general, are economic engines on a local basis. We have many supply needs, like food, raw materials, maintenance and construction projects. Sometimes, I feel like a big hub of activity, so we’re not just creating jobs, but purchasing services because it takes a lot of resources to keep what we do running every day.
What have you learned since your company’s inception?
One of the things that surprised me most is who Arkansas appeals to and attracts regarding tourists and those who choose to live and relocate here.
Arkansas is special. We have diverse people and backgrounds. This is evident in the variety of businesses and entrepreneurial projects but also in my staff of over 50 people in the height of tourism. So many people have found a home in this area. We have something for everyone, whether you are visiting, choosing to live here or opening a business.
Why would you recommend Arkansas to others looking to start a business?
Arkansas has much to offer to entrepreneurs. One of the most appealing aspects is the favorable business laws. For me, specifically, brewery laws are good, but tax-wise, we have relatively fair corporate and personal income taxes that make it an affordable place to live.
Property values are reasonable and relative to the prevailing wages in the area. This is a good place to attract quality talent.
For example, I was able to hire a general manager, and because of the area’s affordability, I recruited someone from a larger market for a competitive wage. An added bonus is that we have so much to offer, including a great culture and plenty of recreational opportunities.
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs trying to open a business?
Develop a long-term plan and goals. And don’t be afraid to take steps toward your goals, even if they seem unachievable.
Too often, when people start a new business, they are afraid to take the first step or don’t know if they can achieve it. But take a step, acknowledge it, and prepare for the next one – that’s how you get stuff done.
What is your favorite beer?
Our Güdrun beer. We make it only once a year for the mountain biking festival at our Northwoods Trails System in Hot Springs. We harvest an eastern red cedar from our trail and use it to brew the beer. It creates a fresh taste.
This article was sponsored by Arkansas Tourism.