Some of Conway’s major employers and fastest-growing industries aren’t always the most visible. At FAB&T Outlook Conway, the Hiding in Plain Sight panel featured leaders from sectors — telecommunications, pediatric therapy, carbon development, electronics manufacturing, and accounting — that employ large numbers in Conway, but are not readily identified as large employers. Their discussion focused on the challenges of growth, the need for skilled talent, and how Conway’s business environment is helping companies scale in quiet but significant ways.

Moderated by Liz Hamilton, principal architect and co-owner of H+N Architects, the panel featured John Albritton of Landmark CPAs, Stuart Allen of NativState, Cory Ensley of Molex, Nathan Hughes of TriTechne, and Mohamed Zonfuly of Kids ABA Services.

Workforce Remains a Universal Hurdle

Staffing challenges emerged as a common concern across all industries represented. John Albritton, a CPA and partner at Landmark, pointed to the declining pipeline of accounting professionals due to outdated licensure requirements. He said current rules require 150 college credit hours, an added barrier deterring students from pursuing the field.

“We’re about to see a massive retirement wave,” Albritton said. “Nearly half of CPAs could retire in the next eight years, and we aren’t replacing them fast enough.”

Cory Ensley, director of engineering at Molex, echoed the concern in the tech and engineering fields. Molex’s Conway Design Center is tied to the global data infrastructure powering AI and cloud computing, and its demand for top talent is constant.

“Ten years ago, there was a line of applicants for every engineering role. Today, it’s the opposite,” Ensley said. “We’re working with the chamber and others to make Conway more appealing to young engineers.”

Mohamed Zonfuly, CEO of Kids ABA Services, said specialized healthcare faces similar challenges.

“Staffing is our biggest obstacle,” he said. “There’s an enormous need for pediatric therapy, but a very limited supply of passionate, qualified people.”

Technology and Risk Fuel Growth

Several panelists emphasized the role of technology in scaling their operations. Nathan Hughes, revenue officer at TriTechne, described how his company uses AI to streamline manual infrastructure permitting processes for broadband expansion.

“We’ve taken a $30-per-pole process down to $7 using image analysis and learning models,” Hughes said. “It’s helping us build smarter, more efficient fiber networks, especially in rural areas.”

Stuart Allen, founder of NativState, described his company’s work in forest carbon management as both technologically intensive and mission-driven. His team quantifies carbon absorption at the molecular level to create verified carbon credits for major corporate clients.

“It’s not just about climate,” Allen said. “It’s about legacy, land stewardship, and connecting landowners — some managing thousands of acres — with long-term value.”

Zonfuly emphasized the need for risk-taking in mission-based business models, sharing how his decision to expand into underserved areas came with uncertainty but produced high impact.

“Running a business is never comfortable,” he said. “But taking risks has allowed us to reach more families and change more lives.”

Investing in Conway’s Future

The conversation frequently circled back to Conway’s unique business climate. Panelists praised the community’s support systems, economic vision, and talent retention.

“Conway has this energy,” Hughes said. “It’s small enough to be connected but big enough to think long-term.”

Ensley noted that Molex has seen strong employee retention in its local design center and plans to expand its lab and engineering capacity.

“We want to grow a center of excellence right here,” he said. “Conway gives us that opportunity.”

Allen, who relocated to Conway after years in Southern California, said he returned because of the city’s momentum and leadership.

“There’s a foundation here — economic development, community values, and smart infrastructure — that makes this a place you want to invest in,” he said.

Zonfuly hopes his company’s future growth will attract more highly qualified therapists to the region.

“There are only about 70,000 board-certified behavioral analysts in the world,” she said. “Making Conway a magnet for that talent is part of our mission.”

Lessons From the Journey

In a closing round of reflection, the panelists shared insights from their entrepreneurial paths. Allen highlighted the importance of surrounding yourself with capable people.

“Great ideas are easy,” he said. “Execution is everything, and that takes a team.”

Albritton underscored the value of selecting the right clients and cultivating relationships.

“We’re not just doing tax returns,” he said. “We’re helping people make better decisions, and enjoying who we do it with matters.”

Zonfuly reminded attendees that mission-driven business requires courage.

“You never know the outcome when you take a leap,” she said. “But the rewards are life-changing, for both the families we serve and our team.”

As the session concluded, moderator Liz Hamilton thanked the panel for highlighting the people and industries that may be “hiding in plain sight,” but are vital to Conway’s growth and resilience.

“This is the kind of leadership,” she said, “that builds a stronger, smarter community, one decision, one person at a time.”

FAB&T Oulook Conway was presented by Landmark CPAs and Smith Ford. The Hiding in Plain Sight panel was sponsored by Conway Corp and First Security Bank.