What does it take to run a family-owned company that’s thrived for over 35 years?
In this episode of NWA Founders, we sit down with Matt, Mitchell, and Matthew Mawby of Professional Business Systems, to explore how a local family business built its success on systems, service, and integrity. From humble beginnings to becoming a go-to partner for hundreds of organizations across Northwest Arkansas, this is a story about legacy, leadership, and operational excellence. If you're building a business with your family—or dreaming of one that can last for decades—this conversation is full of hard-earned lessons and practical inspiration.

Summary

Professional Business Systems started with a simple promise: treat every customer like a neighbor. That philosophy has guided the company’s growth for over three decades. The Mawby family shares how they’ve stayed relevant by adapting to changing technology while holding tight to old-school values like trust, responsiveness, and personal service.

As the second generation steps in to lead the company, the Mawbys open up about the challenges and opportunities of family succession. From clearly defined roles to constant communication, they’ve learned how to transition leadership without losing the culture or momentum built by their parents.

What keeps a multi-decade, multi-person family business running smoothly? Systems. Whether it's inventory tracking, territory management, or team accountability, the Mawbys talk about how implementing structure has allowed them to scale responsibly, maintain quality, and work better together as a family.

Highlights

00:00 – Introduction

10:30 – Culture of customer service

20:00 – Transitioning to the second generation

40:00 – Lessons from growing too fast

01:05:00 – Technology adoption and staying current

01:30:00 – Leadership lessons from two generations

01:50:00 – Future goals and what growth looks like for the next five to ten years.

Takeaways

1. Professionalism is a growth strategy - Clear communication, reliability, and appearance create a lasting impression that wins business.
2. Systems create freedom - SOPs and well-defined processes aren’t just about efficiency — they’re about enabling your team to succeed.
3. Culture and clarity go hand in hand - A well-run business supports its people through structure, not in spite of it.

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