Ever wonder how waste management and professional soccer intersect? Andy McNeil, a successful Arkansas entrepreneur who built multi-million dollar environmental service companies, takes us on an unexpected journey through both worlds in this captivating conversation.

McNeil's business savvy shines as he explains how he transformed small waste management operations into industry leaders, including Denali—the largest food waste recycler in America with over a billion dollars in invested capital. But it's when the conversation shifts to soccer that his eyes truly light up. From coaching youth teams for 18 years to attending multiple World Cups and once finding himself in Roman Abramovich's owner's box at Chelsea, McNeil's soccer stories reveal why the beautiful game creates such powerful connections.

What makes this episode particularly valuable is McNeil's unique perspective on why professional sports—and specifically Ozark United FC—matter for Northwest Arkansas's future. "If we could leap forward 20 years and reflect back on today, what would set up Arkansas to be one of the best states? I think one of those things would be pro sports," he explains. This isn't just about entertainment; it's about economic development, talent attraction, and community identity.

The discussion also explores the remarkable investment opportunity soccer represents, with franchise valuations skyrocketing and the sport showing tremendous growth across all metrics in America. McNeil provides fascinating insights into why business fundamentals remain crucial even while building community-focused sports organizations, and why Ozark United FC's mixed-use development approach represents forward-thinking planning for the region.

Whether you're a soccer fan, business enthusiast, or simply care about Northwest Arkansas's future, this conversation offers valuable perspective from someone who understands both the boardroom and the beautiful game. Subscribe now and join us as we continue to explore the journey from pitch to professional soccer in NWA.

More About this Episode

Building Soccer, Business, and Community in Northwest Arkansas: A Conversation with Andy McNeil

As we chart the course to bring professional soccer to Northwest Arkansas, we continue to find inspiration from the people behind the scenes. These are the individuals who believe in the game, in our mission, and in the region’s potential. Our recent episode of the Pitch to Pro podcast featured one such person: Andy McNeil. A longtime Arkansan by way of Atlanta and Portland, Andy is an entrepreneur and investor whose career has spanned industries. His heart, however, has long been connected to the beautiful game.

In this episode, we didn’t just talk about soccer. We explored how business, community, and vision come together to build something transformative. This article dives deeper into the themes of our conversation and why Andy’s journey and perspective matter to the future of soccer and Northwest Arkansas.

From Waste to Wealth: A Business Journey Rooted in Arkansas

Andy’s story is a testament to how temporary decisions can lead to lifelong impact. After moving to Arkansas for what was supposed to be a brief stint with a large corporation, he ended up staying for decades. He eventually built businesses that would become industry leaders in environmental services and specialty waste recycling.

Denali, one of Andy’s most notable ventures, has grown into the largest recycler of organic and food waste in the United States. With operations throughout the country and over a billion dollars in invested capital, Denali exemplifies what it means to take a long-view approach to business. From wastewater residuals used as fertilizer to fryer oil collection and food waste management, Andy’s companies have found purpose and profitability in sectors few talk about.

What stood out in our discussion is how much of this success came down to relationships, timing, and strategic foresight. It wasn’t just about what business he entered, but who he partnered with and how they structured for growth. As Andy pointed out, “It’s a people business. I mean, I think that it’s one of the things Wes, I would say too... just like what you guys are doing.”

The Evolution of Soccer in America

For Andy, soccer has been more than a hobby. It has been a constant presence in his personal and professional life. Whether it was playing in men’s leagues in his twenties, coaching youth soccer for 18 years in Russellville, or watching his sons win high school state championships, the sport has been foundational.

He’s also a fan in the truest sense of the word. From attending World Cup matches across continents — France, South Korea, Qatar, South Africa — to getting unexpectedly swept into MLS VIP events by simply showing up and talking to people, Andy’s love for the game is rooted in genuine curiosity and passion.

But he’s not just watching the game. He’s studying its business potential. “Soccer is one of the few sports where you can move up to the big times,” Andy noted. That’s not something minor league baseball or basketball can offer. In soccer, promotion and relegation — globally, if not yet fully here — create a unique investment and development opportunity.

The Business of Sports and the Future of Soccer in Arkansas

One of the most enlightening parts of our conversation centered on how professional sports intersect with economic development. Andy views sports investment not just as entertainment or philanthropy, but as a smart, long-term economic strategy. The impact of pro teams on recruitment, tourism, local business, and state pride can be profound.

“If we could leap forward 20 years and look back, I think we’d say: bringing pro sports to Arkansas was a pivotal decision,” he said.

That kind of foresight is critical. We often talk about growing Northwest Arkansas into a nationally recognized hub, not just for retail and business, but for quality of life. Pro soccer adds a new lever to that equation. It is a signpost to prospective residents and businesses that says this is a place with culture, ambition, and energy.

Why Soccer and Why Now?

Soccer’s rise in the United States is more than anecdotal. It is quantifiable. Youth participation is high. High schools are fielding more teams. The MLS and USL are expanding. Even player development is becoming a valuable revenue stream, with teams like Orange County SC and Louisville City FC showing how seven-figure transfers can become part of a sustainable business model.

Andy touched on this directly: “These are businesses at the end of the day. They’re not charity projects. People invest because they expect a return.” That’s true for Denali. It’s true for Ozark United FC.

And yet, there’s still room for heart in all of this. The ability to build something meaningful, to create spaces that bring people together, and to give back to a sport that’s given us so much.

Facilities, Community, and Vision

What excites Andy most about Ozark United isn’t just the team. It’s the entire vision. The stadium. The mixed-use development. The potential for concerts, markets, events, and more. “Even stadiums built 20 years ago feel outdated now,” he said. “You guys are building something with forethought. That’s going to be really good for the community.”

He’s right. What we’re creating is not just for matchdays. It’s for every day. It’s a shared space where families, fans, and visitors can connect, relax, and celebrate the unique spirit of Northwest Arkansas.

Soccer as a Global Gateway

Andy also highlighted soccer’s unique position as a global sport. Not only does it attract international talent, but it fosters global thinking. As Northwest Arkansas continues to evolve into a more connected, diverse, and economically vibrant region, soccer can serve as a cultural bridge. It is an accessible entry point for newcomers and a rallying point for locals.

“There are not many sports that operate on this level of internationalism,” he said. “And that’s part of what makes soccer so exciting.”

More Than Just a Game

As we wrapped up our conversation, Andy left us with this: “I’ll do more than cheer. I want to help this come to fruition.”

That kind of support fuels us. Not just financial, not just logistical, but philosophical. The belief that what we’re building matters. Not only because it brings soccer to our community, but because it reflects our shared desire to grow, to connect, and to invest in something bigger than ourselves.

In Andy’s story, we see what’s possible when vision meets community. And in Northwest Arkansas, we have all the ingredients to make that vision a reality.

Let’s get it over the line, together.