The CommerceCast

Todd Baltz and Mark Holt
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Business

The CommerceCast is a podcast hosted by Mark Holt and Todd Baltz. It features interviews of community and business leaders in Randolph County, with a focus on members of the Randolph County Chamber of Commerce. Send in questions or guest suggestions to: commercastpod@gmail.com

Episodes

  1. Apr 7

    Episode 11: Marilyn Hogan: Building Marr Street And You're Never Too Old

    This week on The CommerceCast: Todd Baltz and Mark Holt sit down with Marilyn Hogan, the creative force behind Mar Street Productions and a staple of the Pocahontas downtown square. Marilyn takes us back to the very beginning—learning piano at age 9 and eventually teaching out of the attic of the old Burks department store. Today, her studio offerseverything from violin and voice to ballet and Irish dance. Always a student herself; she shares the incredible story of deciding to learn the violin at age 40 alongside her sons, and teaching Taekwondo and eventually earning her 5th-degree black belt. All of this and more, on this week’s episode of The CommerceCast.   In This Episode: Building Marr Street: From buying an old department store to eventually taking over the Downtown Playhouse Theater. Black Belt Jazz Musician: The surprising story of how a momlooking for a martial arts class for her teenage sons ended up becoming a 5th-degree Taekwondo Grandmaster-in-training. The Science of Practice: Drawing on her 30-plus years as aspeech-language pathologist to explain why mandatory music practice is just as important as reading homework for a child's developing brain. Links & Resources: Follow the Chamber on Facebook: www.facebook.com/randolphcountychamber Buy a ticket for Celtic Nights: www.marrstreetspa.org Check out the music and martial arts classes: www.marrstreetspa.org    Join the Conversation: Have a story we should tell? Email us at commercecastpod@gmail.com. Chamber Inquiries: Reach out to the team at chamber@randolphchamber.com. Rate & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!   Credits: The CommerceCast is a production of FoxLion Studios. Hosted by: Mark Holt and Todd Baltz Produced by: FoxLion Studios Executive Producers: Todd Baltz and Mark Holt Music by: AGI Special Thanks: The Randolph County Chamber of Commerce (c) 2026 The CommerceCast. All Rights Reserved.

    43 min

  2. Mar 24

    Episode 10: District Judge Alex Bigger: From the Bench to the Gun Range

    This week on The CommerceCast: Mark Holt and Todd Baltz are joined by the Honorable Alex Bigger, the District Judge for the 11th Judicial District covering Randolph, Lawrence, and Sharp counties. Appointed in the height of the 2020 pandemic and subsequently elected to a full term, Judge Bigger breaks down the mechanics of the state district court system and why it operates much like a multi-county business.  Judge Bigger also gives us an inside look at his "weekend job" as an elite, competitive 2-gun shooter. Currently ranked as a Grandmaster, he shares stories from his recent first-place victory at an extreme "run-and-gun" competition in Missouri and why the Pocahontas public range is becoming a premier destination for shooters across the South.    In This Episode: Inside the 11th District: What a typical day looks like for the District Judge, and the push to bring uniformity across the courts in three separate counties. The Butterfly Effect: Alex shares the hilarious and fateful story of reconnecting with his wife, Graycen, while studying for the bar exam in Fayetteville. The Grandmaster: A deep dive into the world of competitive 2-gun shooting, the cutting-edge "shoot house" at our local range, and the mental game of staying loose under pressure.   Links & Resources: Follow the Chamber on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/randolphcountychamber    Join the Conversation: Guest Suggestions: Have a story we should tell? Email us at commercecastpod@gmail.com. Chamber Inquiries: Reach out to the team at chamber@randolphchamber.com. Rate & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!   Credits: The CommerceCast is a production of FoxLion Studios. Hosted by: Mark Holt andTodd Baltz Produced by: FoxLion Studios Executive Producers: Todd Baltz and Mark Holt Music by: AGI Special Thanks: The Randolph County Chamber of Commerce  (c) 2026 The CommerceCast. All Rights Reserved.

    43 min

  3. Mar 17

    Episode 09: Joseph and Belinda Ward: From the Farm to Your Freezer

    This week on The CommerceCast: Mark Holt and Todd Baltz sit down with the 2025 Chamber Members of the Year: Joseph and Belinda Ward, the husband-and-wife team behind Two Rivers Land and Cattle. Taking a third-generation farm into the digital age is no small feat. Joseph and Belinda walk us through their transition from traditional farming to a direct-to-consumer model, leveraging social media, onlineordering, and local farmers' markets to bring high-quality beef right to their neighbors' doors. We break down the stark difference between buying meat from a massive packing plant versus a local farm, and how their faith drives their mission to feed their community. From battling the elements during the recent winter storm to setting up subscription boxes and their new on-site farm store, the Wards are the ultimate example of modern agricultural hustle.   In This Episode: The Direct-to-Consumer Pivot: How they launched theironline presence two years ago, navigating the challenges of high cattle prices and learning to sell cuts directly to families. The Quality Difference: Why grass-fed, grain-finished cattleraised on open acres produce a far superior product to the massive feedlots.   Links & Resources: Follow the Chamber on Facebook: www.facebook.com/randolphcountychamber Subscribe to 2 Rivers Land and Cattle’s newsletter: 2riverslandandcattle.com Follow: 2 Rivers Land and Cattle on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok!    Join the Conversation: Have a story we should tell? Email us at commercecastpod@gmail.com. Chamber Inquiries: Reach out to the team at chamber@randolphchamber.com. Rate & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!   Credits: The CommerceCast is a production of FoxLion Studios. Hosted by: Mark Holt and Todd Baltz Produced by: FoxLion Studios Executive Producers: Todd Baltz and Mark Holt Music by: AGI Special Thanks: The Randolph County Chamber of Commerce (c) 2026 The CommerceCast. All Rights Reserved.

    34 min

  4. Mar 10

    Episode 08: Mike Thompson: The Business of Community and the Redskin Broadcasting Network

    This week on The CommerceCast: We sit down for a "Take Two" with Mike Thompson, President of First Horizon Bank and former President of the Randolph County Chamber Board. Mike walks us through his journey from growing up in Pocahontas to traveling the country with Walmart, and finally making his way back home to northeast Arkansas. We discusshis deep commitment to community service, which ranges from his work with the BRTC Foundation and the Chamber, to finding quiet time off the grid at a duck club in Knobel. But Mike's passion extends far beyond the bank. He gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the explosive growth of the Redskin Broadcasting Network, which was recently a top-eight finalist for a state broadcasting award. He also shares his work with Imagine Arkansas—a nonprofit using comic books to boost childhood literacy—and the inside scoop on the upcoming Randolph County Business and Sports Hall of Fame.   In This Episode: The Adult at the Table: A candid discussion on local business, why hiring Ann Savage was a "home run," and the importance of Randolph County not siloing its efforts if it wants to compete with Paragould and Jonesboro. Redskin Broadcasting Goes Global: How a volunteer crew leveled up with StarLink satellites and wireless mics to broadcast games, gaining an international audience that includes Japan and the Marshall Islands.   Links & Resources: Follow the Chamber on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/randolphcountychamber   Follow Redskin Broadcasting Network on YouTube: @redskinbroadcastingnetwork   Follow Imagine Arkansas on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567043615765   Donate to Imagine Arkansas: bonesyjonesycomics.com   Join the Conversation: Email us at commercecastpod@gmail.com. Chamber Inquiries: Reach out to the team at chamber@randolphchamber.com. Rate & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!   Credits: The CommerceCast is a production of FoxLion Studios. Hosted by: Mark Holt and Todd Baltz Produced by: FoxLion Studios Executive Producers: Todd Baltz and Mark Holt Music by: AGI Special Thanks: The Randolph County Chamber of Commerce (c) 2026 The CommerceCast. All Rights Reserved.

    36 min

  5. Mar 3

    Episode 07: Dr. Rodney Harris: Preserving the Past and the Grand Opening of the New Rural Life Gallery

    This week on The CommerceCast: Mark Holt and Todd Baltz are joined by Dr. Rodney Harris, Department Chair at Williams Baptist University and President of the Randolph County Heritage Museum.   SPECIAL EVENT ANNOUNCEMENT: Join us Saturday, March 7, from 4:00–6:00 p.m. as we celebrate the grand opening of the Ruth Ann Cox Agricultural and Rural Life Gallery. This incredible new space more than doubles our exhibit area and helps us tell the powerful story of Randolph County’s agricultural roots like never before. Ribbon cutting at approximately 4:30 p.m.   With the museum's 20th anniversary on the horizon, Rodney gives us a sneak peek into the massive expansion happening on the building's second floor. We discuss the brand-new agriculture and rural life exhibits, the addition of a much-needed elevator, and the breathtaking generosity of local families like the Coxes, Trammels, and Jacksons who are quietly funding the preservation of our history. Rodney also shares his own remarkable journey—from his first college days to earning his PhD and tenure.   In This Episode: Opening the Second Floor: An inside look at the new exhibits exploring farming, banking during the Great Depression, and how the cotton crash shaped local agriculture. The Non-Profit Crisis: A sobering look at why the Heritage Museum (and all local volunteer organizations) must pivot to secure endowments as the baby boomer generation passes the torch.    Links & Resources: Follow the Chamber on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/randolphcountychamber Connect with the Randolph County Heritage Museum: randolphcountyheritage.org870-892-4056rodneywharris@gmail.com   Join the Conversation: Have a story we should tell? Email us at commercecastpod@gmail.com. Chamber Inquiries: Reach out to the team at chamber@randolphchamber.com. Rate & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!   Credits: The CommerceCast is a production of FoxLion Studios. Hosted by: Mark Holt and Todd Baltz Produced by: FoxLion Studios Executive Producers: Todd Baltz and Mark Holt Music by: AGI Special Thanks: The Randolph County Chamber of Commerce  (c) 2026 The CommerceCast. All Rights Reserved.

    34 min

  6. Feb 24

    Episode 06: Amy Jumper: Madam President and the Journey to the Corner Office

    This week on The CommerceCast: Mark Holt and Todd Baltz sit down with Amy Jumper, the newly appointed President of Riverbank. From answering a help-wanted ad for a loan assistant back in 1998 to taking the helm of a growing regional bank, Amy shares the lessons she's learned over her 25-year career. We discuss the early mentors who shaped her vision (like Frank Walden), the transition from Planters & Stockmen to Liberty and eventually Riverbank, and the unmatched thrill of giving a first-time borrower the chanceto build their dreams. But Amy’s leadership doesn't stop at the bank doors. She takes us behind the scenes of her annual mission trips to Gallup, New Mexico, where she and 70 volunteers from the rural Hoxie Church of Christ and Morrilton, AR roll up their sleeves to lay floors, scrape paint, and work a massive bull-riding rodeo to fund a local children's home. In This Episode: The Path to President: Amy’s journey from a busy loan assistant in 1998 to being named President of Riverbank, and why she insists the new title won't change her daily grind.  The Art of Lending: Why she still finds joy in the accounting side of the banking, funding local poultry farms, and watching new customers develop.  The New Mexico Mission: The incredible story of how a 150-person church mobilizes dozens of youth every July to support the Manuelito's Children Home out west.  Community Shout-out: A spotlight on Ethan Leslie and the new "KEY" (Keeping Evangelism Youthful) program hosting a conference this April.    Links & Resources: Follow the Chamber on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/randolphcountychamber Check out RiverBank’s interest rates: https://www.eriverbank.com/ Sign up for KEY’s April Conference: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BjeCcQMF4/ Follow Hoxie Church of Christ: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1CBpxmAjEs/ Donate to Manuelito’s Children Home: https://mnch.org/   Join the Conversation: Guest Suggestions: Have a storywe should tell? Email us at commercecastpod@gmail.com. Chamber Inquiries: Reach out to the team at chamber@randolphchamber.com. Rate & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! Credits: The CommerceCast is a production of FoxLion Studios. Hosted by: Mark Holt and Todd Baltz Produced by: FoxLion Studios Executive Producers: Todd Baltz and Mark Holt Music by: AGI Special Thanks: The Randolph County Chamber of Commerce  (c) 2026 The CommerceCast. All Rights Reserved.

    31 min

  7. Feb 17

    Episode 05: Scott Baltz - The Cavalry, The Capitol, and the "Posse"

    This week on The CommerceCast: Mark Holt and Todd Baltz sit down with Scott Baltz, the Fire Safety Officer for the City of Pocahontas and a man who has spent 39 years telling his community, "The cavalry is on the way". In a recent conversation that ranges from the front lines of the snow and ice storm two weeks ago to the backrooms of the State Capitol, Scott pulls back the curtain on what it actually takes to keep a small town safe. We explore his "posse" of inmate workers, his refusal to play partisan games, and he warns residents about the human effect of harsh social media comments. In This Episode: The Cavalry Mentality: Scott recounts his 39-year career, from joining the department in 1980 to managing the city’s current ISO ratings to save citizens money on insurance. Little Rock Confidential: Scott opens up about the "hard-nosed politics" of his time as a State Representative, including his "surplus supply" hustle that saved the district thousands and his refusal to wear a "big red S" for any political party. The "Posse": A surprising and humorous look at how Scott utilizes the 309 inmates for city maintenance—including the time a crew tried to jump out of the truck to help him catch a suspect. A Plea for Patience: Scott urges any Facebook critics to remember the human beings behind the first responder badges. Links & Resources: Follow the Chamber on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/randolphcountychamber Join the Conversation: Guest Suggestions: Have a story we should tell? Email us at commercecastpod@gmail.com. Chamber Inquiries: Reach out to the team at chamber@randolphchamber.com. Rate & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! Credits: The CommerceCast is a production of FoxLion Studios. Hosted by: Mark Holt and Todd Baltz Produced by: FoxLion Studios Executive Producers: Todd Baltz and Mark Holt Music by: AGI Special Thanks: The Randolph County Chamber of Commerce (c) 2026 The CommerceCast. All Rights Reserved.

    38 min

  8. Feb 10

    Episode 04: The Mayor, The Rancher, and "Mongo" with Keith Futrell

    What happens when you put a commercial ranch manager in the Mayor's office? You get a leader who runs the city like a business, keeps a "posse" of department heads on speed dial from the duck blind, and isn't afraid to call out the changing culture of Arkansas hunting.  This week, Mark and Todd sit down with Mayor Keith Futrell known to many simply as "Mongo." We go behind the scenes of the recent ice storm response (and the strategic reason the plows were chasing the trash trucks), the clean-up of 60 dilapidated homes to boost property values, and the bureaucratic nightmare that stalled the Baltz Lake project.  But it’s not all city business. Keith gets candid about his life as a conservationist at Buck Hollow Ranch and delivers a fiery take on the state of public duck hunting—from "boat racers" destroying the timber to the influence of social media on overcrowding. In This Episode:  The Snowstorm Strategy: Why the city prioritized streets based on the garbage pickup schedule, and Keith’s response to Facebook critics who thought they were forgotten.  Revitalizing Pocahontas: The push to reach a population of 10,000, the "two Baltz Lakes" permitting mix-up, and the aggressive cleanup of derelict properties.  The Culture War in the Timber: Keith sounds off on the shift from traditional hunting to "boat racing," high-horsepower motors, and how Instagram is pressuring the local resources. Links & Resources: Follow the Chamber on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/randolphcountychamber Get Involved: Interested in the Ambassador program or the Hall of Fame nominations? Contact Ann Savage at the Chamber office: chamber@randolphchamber.com.    Join the Conversation: Have a story we should tell? Email us at commercecastpod@gmail.com. Chamber Inquiries: Reach out to the team at chamber@randolphchamber.com. Rate & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!   Credits: The CommerceCast is a production of FoxLion Studios. Hosted by: Mark Holt and Todd Baltz Produced by: FoxLion Studios Executive Producers: Todd Baltz and Mark Holt Music by: AGI Special Thanks: The Randolph County Chamber of Commerce (c) 2026The CommerceCast. All Rights Reserved.

    1h 14m

  9. Feb 3

    Episode 03: Judge Ben Wicker - The CEO of the County (No Robe Required)

    This week on The CommerceCast: Mark Holt and Todd Baltz host Judge Ben Wicker for a look at the "CEO of the County" —a role that involves far less gavel-banging and far more logistics than most people realize.  Recorded in the wake of a major winter storm, Judge Wicker takes us inside the decision-making process of clearing 2,000 miles of county roads, admitting the hard truth that "one of us is going to be first, and one of us is going to be last". We also discuss the shifting weather patterns that have brought seven tornadoes to the county in two years, the quirky history of the courthouse lawn, and his journey from working on a garbage truck to the highest elected office in the county.   In This Episode: From the Trenches to the Bench: Ben shares his rise from the road crew and sanitation department to the County Judge's seat, and why he prays over his crews every morning before work. The Logistics of "Snowmageddon": A breakdown of the county's response to the ice storm, the strategy of using dirt over plows on gravel roads, and why patience is the only real solution during a freeze.  The Weather Shift: Ben discusses the anxiety of managing a county that has seen increased tornado activity.   Links & Resources: Follow the Chamber on Facebook: www.facebook.com/randolphcountychamber   Join the Conversation: Guest Suggestions: Have a storywe should tell? Email us at commercecastpod@gmail.com. Chamber Inquiries: Reach out tothe team at chamber@randolphchamber.com. Rate & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!   Credits: The CommerceCast is a production of FoxLion Studios. Hosted by: Mark Holt and Todd Baltz Produced by: FoxLion Studios Executive Producers: Todd Baltz and Mark Holt Music by: AGI Special Thanks: The Randolph County Chamber of Commerce   (c) 2026 The CommerceCast. All Rights Reserved.   Ownership & Non-Partisan Disclosure: The CommerceCast is a FoxLion Studios Original, owned and produced exclusively by FoxLion Studios. The podcast is recorded on-site at the Randolph County Chamber of Commerce as a service to the local community. Please be advised that the views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of FoxLion Studios, the Randolph County Chamber of Commerce, or its Board of Directors. The Chamber remains strictly neutral inall local, state, and federal elections; a guest's appearance on this program does not constitute an endorsement of their candidacy by FoxLion Studios or the Chamber leadership.

    36 min

  10. Jan 27

    Episode 02: Dedication on Display: A Sit-Down with Executive Director Ann Savage

    This week on The CommerceCast: Mark Holt and Todd Baltz host a special "Time Machine" episode featuring Ann Savage, Executive Director of the Randolph County Chamber of Commerce.  This episode is split into two parts, recorded months apart, tracing Ann's journey from a dedicated board member to the driving force behind the Chamber's recent revitalization. We discuss her deep family roots in Chamber work, the transition from her long career at BRTC to leadership, and the exciting new programs aimed at building the next generation of Randolph County leaders.   In This Episode:  The Legacy of Service: Ann reflects on growing up watching her mother work for the Chamber in Tennessee and how that shaped her definition of "community." From Marketing to Management: How 22 years at Black River Technical College (BRTC) prepared Ann for the Executive Director role. The Student Ambassador Program: A deep dive into the new initiative involving high-achieving local students and teaching them the "gears" of city and county government. Announcements: A first look at the upcoming Business Hall of Fame and Sports Hall of Fame awards.   Links & Resources: Follow the Chamber on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/randolphcountychamber Upcoming Events: Mark your calendars for the Ag Expo at the Clover Bend Historic District on February 20th. Get Involved: Interested in the Ambassador program or the Hall of Fame nominations? Contact Ann Savage at the Chamber office: chamber@randolphchamber.com.   Join the Conversation: Guest Suggestions: Have a story we should tell? Email us at commercecastpod@gmail.com. Chamber Inquiries: Reach out to the team at chamber@randolphchamber.com. Rate & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!   Credits: The CommerceCast is a production of FoxLion Studios. Hosted by: Mark Holt and Todd Baltz Produced by: FoxLion Studios Executive Producers: Todd Baltz and Mark Holt Music by: AGI Special Thanks: The Randolph County Chamber of Commerce   (c) 2026 The CommerceCast. All Rights Reserved.

    32 min

  11. Jan 20

    Episode 01: Pat Johnson and the Eddie Mae Herron Center

    This week on The CommerceCast: Mark Holt sits down with Pat Johnson, Executive Director of the Eddie Mae Herron Center in Pocahontas, Arkansas. As we move into Black History Month, we explore the vital role of historical preservation in Randolph County. We reflect on the recent MLK Memory Walk, discuss the overwhelming community support that keeps the center thriving, and look at the importance of passing cultural traditions down to thenext generation. Keep an eye out for the special shout-outs! In This Episode: Reflections on MLK Day: A look back at the January 19th Memory Walk and what it means for the community today. Preserving History: How the Eddie Mae Herron Center serves as a bridge between the past and the future of Pocahontas. Community & Tradition: Why local support is the lifeblood of historical preservation. Upcoming Events: Details on the Dinner with NBA legend Sidney Moncrief.   Links & Resources: The Eddie Mae Herron Center:herroncenter.org Follow the Center on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/EddieMaeHerronCenter Tickets & Inquiries: To purchasetickets for the Dinner with Sidney Moncrief or for event details, contact Mrs. Pat Johnson at 501-921-2298.   Join the Conversation: Have a story we should tell? Email us at commercecastpod@gmail.com. Chamber Inquiries: Reach out tothe team at chamber@randolphchamber.com. Rate & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!   Credits: The CommerceCast is a production of FoxLion Studios. Hosted by: Mark Holt and Todd Baltz Produced by: FoxLion Studios Executive Producers: Todd Baltz and Mark Holt Music by: AGI Special Thanks: The Randolph County Chamber of Commerce (c) 2026 The CommerceCast. All Rights Reserved

    47 min
  • 11 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

The CommerceCast is a podcast hosted by Mark Holt and Todd Baltz. It features interviews of community and business leaders in Randolph County, with a focus on members of the Randolph County Chamber of Commerce. Send in questions or guest suggestions to: commercastpod@gmail.com

Information

  • Creator
    Todd Baltz and Mark Holt
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Todd Baltz and Mark Holt
  • Show Website
    The CommerceCast