Dallas-based business advisory firm Embark has opened an office at Ledger in downtown Bentonville amid rapid growth. The 500-square-foot office is the firm’s 18th office nationwide and the first in Arkansas.

David Bushby, managing director and Arkansas market president for Embark, said the firm has offices in 12 states and Washington, D.C. The Bentonville office is at 240 S. Main St., Suite 342.

Over the past year, the firm has opened offices in Miami and Tampa, Fla., New York City, San Diego, and Washington, D.C. Some of the firm’s clients include Neiman Marcus, GameStop and HelloFresh.

Practice areas include financial accounting advisory, business transformation, capital markets and transaction advisory work. Business transformation comprises helping clients that are looking at implementing new systems. Capital markets services include helping companies that are considering an initial public offering. Embark’s transaction work helps clients determine business value for acquisitions. Recently, popular practice areas regard environmental, social and governance, and sustainability.

“Long story short, we do what these big accounting firms do, less the audit and tax side of things,” Bushby said. 

Asked why Embark opened a Bentonville office, Bushby, who moved to the area from Toronto in 2016, cited a Wayne Gretzky quote about going to where the puck will be, not where it’s been. He added that the firm’s leaders, founder Paul Allen and CEO Clancy Fossum, are visionary and see the area’s potential.

“It speaks for itself,” Bushby said. “I think we have everyone from the Fortune 1 company to startups who have different needs but Embark kind of covers the gauntlet of services.”
Also, Embark looks to tap into the area’s talent pool. The Bentonville office has two staff, but the number is expected to rise in the coming months. He said the company has nearly 650 employees and recently established a board. 

To read the full article from Northwest Arkansas Business Journal, click here.