For the past seven years, Secondhand Smoke NWA has been serving up some of the best barbecue in Northwest Arkansas, blending old-school smoked meats with innovative plant-based options that have become fan favorites. Whether it’s melt-in-your-mouth brisket or smoked jackfruit, owner Nate Walls has built a reputation for flavorful, carefully crafted dishes. But for Nate, barbecue is more than just food — it’s about connection.
“Barbecue is communal,” he said. “When I was a kid, everybody gathered around the grill. It was Grand Central Station. Everyone shared stories, music, and laughter. That, to me, is what Secondhand Smoke is about.”
That sense of community is woven into every aspect of his business, from the food he serves to the people he employs to the work he does beyond the kitchen.
Like many great businesses, Secondhand Smoke NWA started unexpectedly. What began as casual backyard cookouts quickly turned into a side hustle and eventually a full-fledged catering business.
“Honestly, I started accidentally,” Nate said. “We were barbecuing at people’s houses, and folks started asking for sides. Before I knew it, they were paying me for it.”
His reputation grew as he catered local events, particularly for underserved communities. Word spread, and soon, Secondhand Smoke was handling large-scale corporate catering. As his business scaled, Nate realized he needed to move beyond passion and into strategy — and that’s where the Entrepreneurship Team at Communities Unlimited (CU) came in.
CU first connected with Nate in July 2023. His initial meeting was with Area Director Brian Wells, which later led to CU Management Consultant Sierra Polk working with Secondhand Smoke. Over the last year and a half, Nate worked closely with Sierra, diving into costing, scalability, branding, and financial management — areas he hadn’t fully considered before.
“I learned the difference between running a business and just working in one,” Nate said.
Sierra helped him understand his numbers, ensuring he knew not just what he was making but how to price his services sustainably. She also guided him in marketing and social media, emphasizing the importance of a strong foundation over just going viral.
“Watching Mr. Nate’s growth and impact in the community has been exciting. We encourage clients to use marketing and social media to capture genuine moments, not just for exposure. When you build strong foundations internally, that success shines through externally.”
— Sierra Polk, CU Management Consultant
Today, Secondhand Smoke NWA is growing. Nate has expanded from a one-man operation to employing four people, ensuring that his business not only feeds customers but also creates jobs and opportunities.
“At first, I wasn’t sure if I could afford it,” Nate said. “But I wanted to help people and their families. Now, I feel like I’m truly benefiting them — not just paying wages but investing in their growth. And it’s all because I understand my numbers.”
Nate’s commitment to making a difference extends beyond his for-profit business. Through his nonprofit, Second Helping, he provides food to under-resourced communities across the region. The success of his business plays a crucial role in sustaining this mission.
Second Helping became a vital resource, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when many families faced food insecurity. By reinvesting earnings into the community, Nate creates a continuous cycle of support for those in need.
Nate’s long-term vision includes securing a brick-and-mortar location, but now he’s approaching that goal with strategy. His work with CU has given him a solid financial foundation and a deeper understanding of sustainability.
Rather than just focusing on revenue, he now considers the bigger picture — identifying the financial benchmarks needed to cover expenses, pay employees, and set aside funds for future growth. He also recognizes the importance of having precise financial data when seeking a business loan.
“Working with Sierra and CU, it loaded me up. Am I a better chef? Yes. Am I a better business owner? Absolutely. I have to thank them for that. Get with Communities Unlimited because you don't know what you don't know. You must know your numbers, or you'll just be spinning your wheels. There are so many talented people out there, but talent means nothing if you don’t know how to quantify it.”
— Nate Walls, Owner of Secondhand Smoke NWA
Nate’s success is a testament to the growing entrepreneurial ecosystem in Northwest Arkansas. Through partnerships like the Walton Family Foundation and CU, small business owners are receiving the support they need to thrive.
Due to CU’s success in supporting small businesses, the Walton Family Foundation renewed its grant in October 2024, awarding $800,000 over two years, evenly allocated between CU’s Entrepreneurship and Lending Teams. Since 2020, CU has provided technical assistance to 85 entrepreneurs in Northwest Arkansas. Of these businesses, 100% are still operating, and 58% have increased their sales.
For Nate, this type of ecosystem fuels growth — not just for him, but for the entire community.
“I learned to put my business out there and talk to people,” Nate said. “I don’t know if you can be successful in business if you’re not successful with people. Service comes first, and everything else follows.”
He added, “A rising ship lifts everybody else up. If I can do it, everybody can do it.”
With his commitment to great food, strong business practices, and community impact, it’s clear that Secondhand Smoke NWA isn’t just a business — it’s a movement.
