Focus on Suppliers Is Humming a New Tune

Area suppliers and businesses gain a competitive edge by watching “Focus on Suppliers” produced by Bentonville-based retail supplier education company, 8th & Walton. This informative and educational tool takes viewers to the next level with its interviews featuring leaders in the retail world.

This month, the broadcast itself is taking a step to the next level by adding a personal touch to its production value: original music.

On April 23, “Focus on Suppliers” will debut its new opening theme. The original piece, titled “The Theme from Focus on Suppliers,” was written and arranged by Matt Nelson, a well-known composer, arranger and musician of Chicago.

Nelson has an impressive resume. Most of his recent work has been arranging and directing — as well as performing music for private and public events. His music has allowed him to perform internationally, and here in the states he has performed with Lupe Fiasco on “The Ellen Show,” “The Late Show with David Letterman” and “The Colbert Report.” The Matt Nelson Trio album entitled “NostalgiaManiac” earned a four-star rating review in Downbeat and was featured as one of jazz critic Neil Tesser’s Top Ten Albums of 2011. Some of Nelson’s current gigs are with Gary Sinise (Lieutenant Dan’s Band) and comedian/singer Sandra Bernhard.

The staff at 8th & Walton knows quality people produce quality products. It’s a proven formula for business, and music is no different. Before approaching Nelson, 8th & Walton had been using generic, “canned” music for broadcasts. With a quality visual show opener that was produced by the talent at Adair Creative and the ongoing top production from Vista Productions, it was unanimous that original music to fit the opener and tone of the broadcast was a must.

This was a new kind of assignment for Nelson. The melody he needed to create would have an audience of critics outside the music community and needed him to create music to set the mood for the retail environment.

One of the greatest strengths of 8th & Walton as a business presented one of biggest challenges for Nelson as a composer: generational diversity. The 8th & Walton Media team brings five decades of experience to suppliers seeking answers every day. Their taste for creative solutions is common, but their taste in music is all over the board.

Just like a good business proposal, the first composition was “off to a nice start” but went back to the drawing board with a few suggestions. It wasn’t long before Nelson had the tune that spoke to the heart of the broadcast. Capturing all the elements of the retail world — sense of urgency, high-energy feel, excitement and power — into a winning melody proved a great educational exercise for both composer and team.

Every good business is constantly looking for ways to improve its products for its customers. Original music for “Focus on Suppliers” is an example of a detail the media team employed to improve its television product. A dedication to constant improvement will keep any business moving to the next level of excellence — and not just singing the same old tune. 

Coming up on ‘Focus on Suppliers:’

The show broadcasts weekly on KNWA-NBC at 6:30 p.m. Saturdays and 5 a.m. Sundays. Full episodes and extended interviews can be found online at YouTube or Vimeo. Currently scheduled guests and episodes, which are subject to change:

April 16th: Jewelry & Sustainability Sampler

Armitron – Ben Lacy

Boys & Girls Club Benton County – Jason Barta

CaseStack – Colby Beland

Saatchi & Saatchi X – Jessica Hendrix

Sales One International – Brent Redmond

Unilever – Jim Breach

Waste Management – Shane Red

April 23rd: Sustainability Special

Eco-Vet Furniture – Mike Hagood

Environmental Defense Fund – Jenny Ahlen

KYYA Chocolate – Rick Boosey

Menasha – Kerry Bailey

Saatchi & Saatchi X – Jessica Hendrix

Tyson – Leigh Ann Johnston

Walmart – Laura Phillips