Walmart announced that it’s planning to remodel more than 650 of its stores around the U.S. while it also will open about 20 new stores in 2026 and early 2027.

The retail giant said on Thursday that the plan builds on its 2024 commitment to open or convert over 150 new locations while updating its existing store portfolio.

“This investment is intended to create jobs, help strengthen local economies, and make shopping faster and more convenient for our customers,” Walmart said, adding that the new stores and remodels will drive construction jobs during the projects while creating long-term roles in retail, pharmacy and store leadership.

WALMART GIVES GREAT VALUE ITS FIRST REFRESH IN OVER A DECADE, SPANNING THOUSANDS OF PRODUCTS

Among the changes that customers may notice at updated stores are wider aisles and updated layouts, new displays with expanded assortments, more pickup and delivery service options including express delivery, refreshed interiors and exteriors with improved parking and landscaping, plus new digital touchpoints to show the company’s online assortment for in-store shoppers.

Walmart plans to remodel more than 650 stores in the U.S. (David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

The remodels will also update Walmart’s vision centers and pharmacies with private consultation rooms.

Walmart’s Neighborhood Markets will see expanded deli and hot bar selections, pharmacy delivery options, improved lighting and fixtures, as well as upgraded areas for fulfilling online grocery orders. 

Select Neighborhood Markets are being updated through a rapid remodel program that aims to complete the project quicker with minimal customer disruption.

WALMART CUSTOMERS SEEKING VALUE DRIVE SALES HIGHER

“Our goal is simple: we want shopping to feel easy, intuitive, and connected while continuing to deliver the everyday low prices our customers expect,” Walmart said.

The company’s announcement noted that this year it already opened new Walmart Supercenters in Eastvale, California, along with Apollo Beach, Jacksonville, and The Villages, Florida. It also opened a Walmart Neighborhood Market in Ocala, Florida.

Later this year, Walmart said that it will expand its Supercenter in Tucson, Arizona, while opening a new Supercenter in Celina, Texas. Walmart also noted that it opened nine new stores across Alabama, California, Florida, New Jersey, Texas and Utah in 2025.

WHO IS JOHN FURNER, WALMART’S NEW CEO?

The remodels will also update Walmart’s vision centers and pharmacies. (Gabby Jones/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

The retailer’s announcement on store remodels and openings comes after it announced on Wednesday that it was moving forward with a sweeping redesign of its flagship Great Value label, covering nearly 10,000 food and household products.

The effort marks the brand’s first full refresh in over 10 years and is the largest private-label update in Walmart’s history.

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FOX Business’ Sophia Compton contributed to this report.

Instagram appeared largely operational Saturday but users continued to voice frustration over intermittent posting and publishing issues, according to real-time tracking sites, even as no widespread global outage was confirmed by Meta Platforms Inc.

Downdetector, a popular service that aggregates user reports, showed elevated complaints centered on the “Posting / Publishing” category, accounting for about 73% of recent submissions in the United States. Smaller spikes appeared in the app itself and feed loading, though overall volume remained far below levels seen during major past disruptions.

Other monitoring tools, including DownForEveryoneOrJustMe, reported no broad detection of problems with Instagram as of early Saturday morning. The last significant detected outage occurred on March 20, 2026, lasting roughly 36 minutes. Scattered individual reports from April 17 mentioned error messages, but these did not indicate a coordinated service failure.

Meta, which owns Instagram along with Facebook, WhatsApp and Threads, had not issued an official statement on any current technical difficulties by mid-morning Eastern Time. The company’s business products status page showed no known issues for core Instagram services as recently as April 16.

The latest wave of user gripes arrives amid ongoing scrutiny of Meta’s platform stability and algorithm changes throughout 2026. Creators and everyday users alike have complained about fluctuating Reels performance, reduced reach and occasional random account restrictions, topics that frequently trend on Reddit and X.

Instagram, with more than two billion monthly active users worldwide, has become a critical tool for social connection, influencer marketing, small business promotion and news consumption. Even minor glitches can disrupt millions, prompting swift backlash on rival platforms when the app falters.

Recent months have seen several notable Instagram hiccups. On April 8, Meta platforms experienced fluctuations lasting nearly 10 hours, affecting Reels posting and general stability, according to user posts and outage trackers. Earlier incidents in March included widespread DM failures that left thousands unable to send or receive messages, with reports peaking above 10,000 on Downdetector.

On March 11, users primarily in the United States reported trouble accessing the app, server connection errors and feed loading problems. Similar patterns emerged on March 27 and April 7, often involving login difficulties or frozen interfaces that resolved within hours.

These episodes highlight the growing complexity of Meta’s infrastructure as the company integrates artificial intelligence features, expands shopping tools and pushes short-form video to compete with TikTok. Engineers routinely roll out updates that occasionally introduce unintended side effects.

When problems strike, users typically turn first to Downdetector or X to check if the issue is widespread. Hashtags such as #InstagramDown and #InstagramOutage quickly gain traction, often accompanied by memes and screenshots of error screens. Many express relief upon discovering they are not alone, while others vent about lost productivity or missed engagement opportunities.

For influencers and brands, downtime carries financial stakes. A halted posting schedule can mean lost sponsorship revenue or diminished audience interaction during peak hours. Small businesses reliant on Instagram Shops or direct messaging for customer service face particular headaches.

Meta has improved its transparency in recent years by acknowledging outages more quickly on its status channels or through official accounts. In past major blackouts, such as the December 2024 event that took down multiple Meta apps for hours, the company cited “technical issues” without providing deep technical details.

Experts attribute recurring glitches to several factors: massive scale requiring constant server synchronization, sophisticated content moderation systems that sometimes flag legitimate activity, and the relentless pace of feature rollouts. End-to-end encryption changes planned for direct messages after May 8, 2026, have also sparked separate debates about privacy and functionality.

Despite occasional disruptions, Instagram’s core appeal remains strong. The platform continues to evolve with new AI-powered editing tools, enhanced Reels analytics and tighter integration with Meta’s broader ecosystem. Users in Seoul and other global hubs, where mobile-first usage dominates, often notice issues faster due to high traffic volumes.

Saturday’s reports appeared more localized or tied to specific features rather than a full platform collapse. Some users noted difficulty uploading Stories or Reels, while others experienced delays when trying to publish carousels or tagged posts. Refreshing the app or switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data frequently resolved the problems.

Analysts monitoring social media reliability suggest that partial outages affecting posting are becoming more common than complete blackouts. These “soft” failures frustrate users because the app still opens and scrolls, creating the impression that only their account or action is broken.

For those encountering issues, common troubleshooting steps include updating the Instagram app, clearing cache, restarting the device, or checking internet connectivity. Meta generally advises waiting a short period, as many glitches self-correct once backend systems stabilize.

The broader context includes heightened regulatory attention on Meta. Lawmakers in multiple countries continue to examine platform stability, data practices and algorithmic impact on mental health, particularly among younger users who spend significant time on Instagram.

Parents and educators have expressed concern when outages coincide with school hours or family time, underscoring society’s growing dependence on these digital spaces. At the same time, the rapid spread of outage news demonstrates the platform’s cultural centrality.

As Saturday progressed, Downdetector graphs showed the spike in posting complaints beginning to level off, suggesting any localized problems were easing. No evidence pointed to a coordinated cyber incident or major hardware failure.

Instagram’s engineering teams work around the clock to maintain uptime, employing redundant data centers and sophisticated monitoring. Still, with billions of daily interactions involving photos, videos, messages and live streams, absolute perfection remains elusive.

Users in different time zones often experience issues at varying intensities. Reports from the United States and Europe frequently dominate trackers during North American business hours, while Asian users may notice glitches during evening peak usage.

Looking ahead, Meta is expected to continue investing heavily in infrastructure to support emerging features such as longer-form content, advanced shopping experiences and deeper AI integration. Each new capability brings additional layers of complexity that must be stress-tested.

For now, most Instagram users can likely access their feeds, view Stories and scroll Reels without major interruption. Those still facing posting troubles are advised to try again later or use the web version as a temporary workaround.

The episode serves as another reminder of how quickly social media can shift from seamless utility to source of collective anxiety. In an always-on digital world, even brief service hiccups generate headlines and millions of concerned messages across the internet.

Whether this latest round of complaints signals routine growing pains or hints at deeper scalability challenges, Meta will almost certainly monitor the situation closely. In the meantime, users worldwide continue refreshing their apps, hoping their next post goes through without a hitch.

Instagram’s resilience has improved over the years, but Saturday’s scattered reports illustrate that perfect reliability remains an ongoing pursuit for one of the world’s most-used social platforms.

As the Los Angeles Lakers prepare for their first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets, the biggest storyline surrounding LeBron James is no longer his on-court dominance at age 41 but where the NBA’s all-time leading scorer will suit up for the 2026-27 season — or whether he will play at all.

James, who exercised his $52.6 million player option last summer to remain with the Lakers for the 2025-26 campaign, is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer. The decision has fueled months of speculation, with NBA insiders pointing to three primary options: a return to the Lakers, a homecoming with the Cleveland Cavaliers or a surprising move to the Golden State Warriors.

League executives and reporters who have spoken to multiple team sources describe the situation as fluid. James has not publicly committed to retirement or any specific destination, maintaining his trademark cryptic approach when asked about the future. His agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, has emphasized that James prioritizes a realistic chance to compete for a sixth NBA championship.

The Lakers currently hold the strongest financial position to retain James. With projected cap space and full Bird rights on key pieces like Austin Reaves, Los Angeles could structure a deal that allows roster flexibility while bringing James back on a shorter-term contract, possibly at a discount from his current salary. Some reports suggest the organization is prepared to let James “choose his story,” signaling respect for his legacy while building around younger stars like Luka Dončić.

Yet multiple insiders believe the Lakers and James may be drifting apart. The front office appears focused on long-term construction around Dončić and Reaves, making a massive commitment to a 42-year-old veteran less appealing. James’ cap hold of roughly $20.9 million would impact Los Angeles’ spending power if he tests the market, though the team could still use the room mid-level exception to re-sign him after addressing other needs.

Cleveland has emerged as a sentimental favorite for many. Multiple league sources told ESPN that the Cavaliers would welcome James back with open arms for a third stint if he desires it. The Cavs boast a young, talented core that reached the playoffs this season, potentially offering James a chance to chase a title in his hometown while mentoring the next generation. A reunion would also create compelling narrative symmetry, bookending his career where it began.

However, salary constraints could complicate a Cavs signing unless James accepts a significant pay cut or the teams engineer a sign-and-trade. Cleveland’s cap situation is tighter than Los Angeles’, limiting its ability to offer max-level money without roster upheaval.

The Golden State Warriors have quietly positioned themselves as a credible dark-horse destination. Stephen Curry and Draymond Green have reportedly expressed interest in recruiting James, creating the possibility of a star-studded lineup chasing one final title run. Warriors executives have made previous attempts to acquire James via trade, and rival teams routinely describe Golden State as one of the few realistic landing spots outside the Lakers or Cavs.

A move to the Bay Area would pair James with Curry in what could become one of the most watched partnerships in league history. Yet questions remain about fit, chemistry and whether James would accept a reduced role or salary to join a Warriors team still centered on Curry’s timeline.

Other names surface occasionally in rumor mills. The New York Knicks, Denver Nuggets and even the Los Angeles Clippers have been mentioned as long-shot possibilities, drawn by James’ desire for big-market spotlight or contention windows. However, most reporting clusters the realistic choices around Los Angeles, Cleveland and Golden State.

Financial reality looms large over every scenario. At 41 — turning 42 in December — James is unlikely to command a max contract on the open market. Most projections suggest he would need to accept the mid-level exception or veteran minimum on a contending roster, or a short-term deal with the Lakers that preserves their flexibility. His current production — averaging around 21 points, six rebounds and seven assists while shooting efficiently — still justifies a roster spot, but teams must weigh the long-term commitment against his age and injury history, including recent foot management issues.

James has repeatedly downplayed retirement talk. In interviews this season, he has said he wants to “live” and evaluate his body and competitive drive after the playoffs. Playing alongside his son Bronny James on the Lakers roster added historic layers to the 2025-26 campaign, and family considerations — including younger son Bryce’s college career — could influence any decision.

The playoffs themselves may shape the narrative. A deep run by the Lakers could sway James toward staying in Los Angeles for a farewell tour, while an early exit might accelerate talks about new beginnings. James’ leadership and clutch performances have kept Los Angeles competitive despite roster inconsistencies, reminding observers why he remains a difference-maker even in his 23rd season.

Off the court, James continues building his empire through SpringHill Company, media projects and business ventures that provide security beyond basketball. Retirement would open more time for those pursuits, yet the competitive fire that has defined his career shows few signs of extinguishing.

NBA analysts note the unprecedented nature of the situation. James opted into his deal last summer without securing a longer extension, a rare move that deliberately set up unrestricted free agency. That decision has kept the rumor mill churning since training camp and will dominate headlines until he signs or announces his plans.

For fans, the uncertainty creates both excitement and anxiety. Lakers supporters hope to see the King finish his career in purple and gold, perhaps lifting another banner. Cleveland loyalists dream of a storybook return, while Warriors fans fantasize about James teaming with Curry for one last dynasty push.

Ultimately, the choice rests with James. He has earned the right to dictate the final chapter of one of the greatest careers in sports history. Whether he returns to the Lakers on team-friendly terms, heads home to Cleveland for emotional closure or joins the Warriors for a high-profile reunion, the decision will reshape the 2026-27 NBA landscape and spark endless debate.

As the Lakers-Rockets series unfolds this weekend, every James highlight will carry extra weight. Observers will scrutinize his minutes, efficiency and leadership for clues about his physical readiness and mental commitment to another season.

One thing remains clear: at 41, LeBron James is still performing at a level that commands attention and generates championship contention chatter. The free agency rumors will only intensify once the playoffs conclude, turning the summer into a must-watch saga for basketball fans worldwide.

Wherever he lands — or if he chooses to step away — James’ impact on the game will endure. For now, the King holds the cards, and the NBA waits with bated breath for his next move.

The latest NatWest Growth Tracker show a slowdown from private sector firms

Cost inflation for firms in Yorkshire and Humber has hit a three-year high, pushing the region’s private sector economy into decline, a new survey suggests.

NatWest’s Yorkshire & Humber Business Activity Index, which measures change in the area’s manufacturing and service sectors, posted a four-month low of 48.4 in March, down from 50.1 in February. Scores above 50 in the index denote growth.

The decline in local business output contrasted with a marginal expansion across the UK as a whole. But Yorkshire and Humber was one of just a few areas where business confidence did not fall in March.

Malcolm Buchanan, chair of the NatWest North Regional Board, said: “The immediate impact of the war in the Middle East is being felt by businesses in Yorkshire & Humber, with firms reporting the fastest increase in costs for over three years. The energy price shock has pushed fuel costs up sharply, squeezed supply chains and driven the price of oil-intensive goods higher.

“Cost increases are being passed on, but not fully, hinting at some reservation to ratchet up charges given the high degree of uncertainty surrounding the conflict and its duration. Companies continue to exercise caution, holding back on hiring, leaving vacancies unfilled and prioritising productivity growth.

“Backlogs of work fell in March, despite employment decreasing, indicating strong efficiency gains. Nonetheless, business confidence remained resilient. In fact, local firms were even more optimistic than in February, with the region just one of two across the UK where expectations picked up.”

The level of new business received by private sector companies in Yorkshire & Humber decreased during the latest survey period, marking the first monthly reduction since November last year. But Yorkshire & Humber companies were optimistic of activity growth in the next 12 months, with those expectations underpinned by investment plans, entries into new markets and upcoming product launches.

Headcounts fell during March but the rate of job shedding slowed for a second month in succession and was the softest since October 2025, in line with the overall UK trend.

The growth tracker has been released ahead of a week of key economic data being released. Next week sees the publication of monthly unemployment and inflation figures.

This article was written by

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Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro Max is shaping up as one of the most significant redesigns in years, with fresh leaks pointing to under-display Face ID, a groundbreaking variable aperture main camera, a larger battery and a striking new Dark Cherry color option as the flagship prepares for its expected September launch alongside a foldable iPhone model.

Reliable supply chain reports and analyst predictions indicate the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will feature several camera, design and performance upgrades that could reshape how users capture photos, interact with the display and manage daily battery life. While Apple has not commented on any upcoming products, the steady flow of details from sources close to the manufacturing process has intensified excitement — and speculation — about the 2026 flagships.

One of the most talked-about rumored changes involves the front-facing camera system. Multiple reports suggest the iPhone 18 Pro Max will incorporate partial under-display Face ID technology, moving key infrared components beneath the screen. This shift could shrink the Dynamic Island noticeably — potentially by around 35% — creating a cleaner, more immersive viewing experience while preserving the functionality of notifications and Live Activities. Some leaks mention the front camera possibly shifting to the top-left corner, though consensus points to a narrower pill-shaped cutout rather than a full under-display camera.

On the rear, the iPhone 18 Pro Max is expected to introduce a variable aperture system for the main camera, a first for Apple smartphones. Unlike fixed-aperture lenses on current models, the mechanical iris would dynamically adjust to control light intake and depth of field, offering photographers greater creative control similar to professional DSLR cameras. Supply chain reports from Korea indicate production ramp-up has already begun for this component, with analyst Ming-Chi Kuo previously highlighting the upgrade’s potential for improved low-light performance and bokeh effects.

Battery life stands out as another major rumored leap. The iPhone 18 Pro Max could pack a capacity between 5,100 and 5,200 mAh — potentially the largest ever in an iPhone — enabling up to 40 hours of video playback in some projections. A slightly thicker body, possibly around 8.8mm, may accommodate the extra cells while maintaining the premium titanium frame. Combined with efficiency gains from the new A20 Pro chip manufactured on TSMC’s advanced 2nm process, the device could deliver noticeably longer endurance for heavy users.

Performance upgrades center on the A20 Pro chipset, expected to bring faster processing, better thermal management and enhanced capabilities for Apple Intelligence features. Apple’s in-house C2 5G modem is also slated to debut, promising improved efficiency and potentially always-connected satellite capabilities for broader coverage. RAM is rumored to increase to 12GB, supporting more demanding AI tasks and multitasking.

Color options have generated buzz among enthusiasts. Recent leaks point to a headline “Dark Cherry” finish — a deep wine-red shade described as replacing the polarizing Cosmic Orange from the prior generation. Other rumored hues include Light Blue, Dark Gray and a classic silver or titanium variant. The absence of a standard black option in some reports has sparked debate, though final decisions typically remain closely guarded until launch.

Display sizes are expected to carry over from the current generation, with the iPhone 18 Pro Max retaining its large 6.9-inch OLED panel. Rumors mention possible LTPO+ technology for even greater power efficiency, which would complement the bigger battery and under-display sensor work. The Pro model is tipped for a 6.3-inch screen.

Pricing strategy appears cautious despite rising component costs. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has indicated Apple aims to keep starting prices steady for the iPhone 18 lineup, absorbing some increases in memory and other parts to avoid alienating buyers. Current iPhone 17 Pro Max models start around $1,199, suggesting the successor could follow a similar structure with tiered storage options up to 2TB.

The launch timeline aligns with Apple’s traditional September event, though the company is reportedly adjusting its broader roadmap. The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are expected to debut alongside Apple’s first foldable iPhone — potentially named iPhone Ultra or Fold — while standard iPhone 18 models may shift to a spring 2027 release. This staggered approach would position the Pro duo and the innovative foldable as the headline attractions for the fall.

Design tweaks could extend to materials, with some leaks suggesting refined titanium finishes or subtle back-panel adjustments. The overall aesthetic is likely to remain premium and familiar, prioritizing incremental evolution over radical change while focusing innovation on internals and photography.

These developments come as Apple continues pushing Apple Intelligence deeper into its ecosystem. The more powerful A20 Pro chip and increased RAM could enable on-device processing for advanced AI features, reducing reliance on cloud resources and improving privacy and speed.

Competition in the premium smartphone space remains fierce, with rivals offering foldables, advanced zoom cameras and aggressive AI integrations. The iPhone 18 Pro Max’s rumored variable aperture and efficiency gains could help Apple maintain its edge in computational photography and all-day battery performance — two areas where loyal users consistently rank the device highly.

Of course, all details remain unconfirmed until Apple’s official announcement. History shows that supply chain leaks can shift as production matures, and final specifications often include surprises not widely rumored beforehand. Features like full under-display Face ID or Touch ID integration may still be reserved for future models.

For consumers debating an upgrade from the iPhone 17 Pro Max, the combination of a potentially record-breaking battery, smarter camera system and sleeker front display could prove compelling. Early adopters of the foldable iPhone may also influence purchasing decisions, as the ecosystem expands in new directions.

As September draws closer, expect more concrete leaks from reliable analysts and clearer imagery of prototypes. In the meantime, the iPhone 18 Pro Max rumors paint a picture of a refined flagship that prioritizes meaningful upgrades in photography, endurance and screen immersion — hallmarks that have defined Apple’s Pro lineup.

Whether the Dark Cherry color becomes an instant hit or the variable aperture transforms mobile photography, the 2026 iPhone 18 Pro Max is generating the kind of anticipation that keeps the smartphone world buzzing. Apple fans and tech watchers alike will be watching closely for any new details in the months ahead.

Sarah Fowlkes did not follow a straight path into the architecture and engineering (A/E) industry. Instead, she built her career step by step, learning different skills along the way. Today, she is a Client Account Manager, supporting Army and Air Force clients. Her work sits at the intersection of strategy, relationships, and mission delivery.

“I’ve always been drawn to roles where I can connect people and make things run better,” Sarah says. “That’s what keeps me engaged every day.”

Her story is not about quick success. It is about steady growth, adaptability, and long-term commitment.

Early Life and Strong Foundations

Sarah grew up in Dripping Springs, Texas, in what she describes as a “standard white picket fence childhood.” Her father worked as an arborist, and her mother ran her own environmental consulting firm. Entrepreneurship and hard work were part of her daily life.

“My parents showed me what it means to build something from the ground up,” she explains.

In school, Sarah stayed busy. She participated in band, cheerleading, choir, theatre, and several clubs. She made varsity in both cheer and choir. These early experiences helped her build confidence and discipline.

“I liked being involved in everything,” she says. “It taught me how to manage my time and work with different types of people.”

Education and Early Career Experience

Sarah graduated from Dripping Springs High School on a distinguished track. She then attended St. Edward’s University on an academic scholarship, earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a pre-med focus.

While in college, she worked as a pharmacy technician at local pharmacies, including Walgreens. This gave her early exposure to responsibility and detail-oriented work.

“Working in a pharmacy taught me precision and accountability,” she says. “You can’t afford mistakes in that environment.”

After graduation, Sarah explored different career paths. Each role added a new layer to her skill set. She learned how to communicate clearly, stay organized, and handle pressure.

Transition into Business Development

A key turning point came when Sarah joined her mother’s company, AmaTerra. She worked there as a Business Development Coordinator for seven years. This role introduced her to the business side of projects and client relationships.

“That experience changed how I think,” Sarah says. “I started to see the bigger picture—how relationships, strategy, and execution all connect.”

At AmaTerra, she focused on building partnerships and supporting growth efforts. She learned how to navigate complex environments and support long-term business goals.

This period laid the foundation for her move into the A/E industry.

Working with Military Clients

In 2024, Sarah Fowlkes was an Client Account Manager and now she supports Army and Air Force clients, working within a highly structured and mission-driven environment.

Her role requires strong communication, organization, and trust-building. She helps align project goals with client needs while managing expectations across teams.

“In this space, relationships matter,” she explains. “You need to understand the mission and support it in a real way.”

Sarah’s background in business development helps her approach challenges with a strategic mindset. She focuses on long-term value rather than short-term wins.

Leadership in the Society of American Military Engineers

One of the most defining parts of Sarah’s career is her involvement with the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME). She has been a member for nine years and has served on the San Antonio Post Board of Directors for eight years.

Her roles have included Secretary, Small Business Chair, and Vice President. In 2026, she serves as President of the San Antonio Post.

“SAME has been a huge part of my life,” Sarah says. “It’s where I’ve grown the most as a leader.”

Through SAME, she works to connect industry professionals, support small businesses, and advance collaboration between the public and private sectors.

“It’s all volunteer-driven,” she adds. “People show up because they care.”

Awards and Industry Recognition

Sarah’s work has not gone unnoticed. In 2023, she received the SAME Regional Vice President Medal for her service to the San Antonio Post. She also earned the National SAME Small Business Liaison Officer Award.

These awards recognize her efforts to support federal small business programs and strengthen industry relationships.

“For me, it’s not about the awards,” she says. “It’s about knowing the work is making a difference.”

Her focus remains on impact rather than recognition.

A Leadership Style Focused on Community

Sarah’s leadership style is grounded in service and consistency. She invests her time in building connections and supporting others in the industry.

“All of my extra time goes to SAME,” she says. “That’s where I can give back and help others grow.”

She believes leadership is not about titles. It is about showing up, doing the work, and helping others succeed.

“You don’t have to have all the answers,” she explains. “You just have to be willing to step in and contribute.”

Looking Ahead in the A/E Industry

As Sarah continues her work at SAME, she remains focused on growth and impact. She is especially interested in strengthening the role of small businesses within federal programs.

“There’s a lot of opportunity to bring more people into the conversation,” she says. “That’s something I care about.”

Her journey shows that leadership is often built over time, through consistent effort and meaningful involvement.

For Sarah Fowlkes, success is not defined by a single moment. It is shaped by years of steady work, strong relationships, and a clear sense of purpose.

Scott William Clymo’s career did not follow a straight line. It moved fast. It started early. And it was built on bold moves that shaped his path across industries.

Today, he serves as CEO and Chairman of Speedy Holdings Group, leading a portfolio of national companies focused on technology, funding, and franchising. But his story began far from boardrooms and capital raises.

Early Life and Military Discipline

Clymo grew up in upstate New York. He spent his early years playing sports like soccer and baseball. Those experiences helped shape his competitive mindset.

At 19, he made a major decision. He joined the United States Air Force.

That moment changed everything.

“The military gave me structure and discipline,” Clymo says. “It taught me how to stay focused and push through challenges.”

While serving, he also pursued his education. He earned a business management degree from the University of South Carolina, Sumter. That combination of service and study built a strong foundation for what came next.

Breaking Into the Automotive Industry

After leaving the Air Force, Clymo entered the automotive industry. He moved quickly.

By the age of 22, he became a finance manager. At the time, he was already earning over $250,000 a year. That level of success came early, but it did not come easy.

“I learned fast that results matter,” he says. “You either perform or you don’t. There’s no middle ground.”

His ability to lead and produce results helped him rise even further. He later became Chief Operating Officer of a large automotive management company. During that time, he also gained ownership equity in eight new car dealerships.

This phase of his career gave him real-world leadership experience. It also exposed him to large-scale operations and team building.

Building and Exiting a Financial Company

Clymo did not stay in one lane. He pivoted into financial services and launched a credit card processing company.

This move marked a shift toward entrepreneurship.

“It was about creating something of my own,” he says. “I wanted to build systems that could scale.”

That company eventually led to a successful exit in 2012. The experience gave him both capital and confidence to take on bigger projects.

It also reinforced a key idea that would guide his future work: build businesses that can grow beyond the founder.

Launching Speedy Holdings Group

After his exit, Clymo moved into business funding and fintech. He founded what would become Speedy Holdings Group.

Today, the company includes multiple businesses under the “Speedy” brand. These companies focus on funding solutions, financial technology, and franchising models.

“We built the platform with scale in mind from day one,” Clymo explains. “The goal was to create opportunities for others, not just operate a single company.”

Over time, that vision expanded. The Speedy ecosystem now includes 10 national companies designed for franchising. The model focuses on systems, structure, and repeatable processes.

This approach has helped position Clymo as a leader in the fintech and business funding space.

A Focus on Systems and Scale

One of the defining traits of Clymo’s career is his focus on systems.

He does not just build companies. He builds frameworks that others can use.

“Anyone can start something,” he says. “The real challenge is building something that works without you.”

This mindset has shaped the Speedy brand. It also reflects his long-term thinking. Instead of chasing short-term wins, he focuses on building lasting infrastructure.

That approach has gained recognition.

His company has been nominated for Fintech Startup of the Year for the 2025 Northern American Startup Awards. In addition, U.S. Business Lending, one of his ventures, was named one of the top venture capital companies in Florida in 2021.

Leadership Style and Industry Impact

Clymo’s leadership style is direct and results-driven. It reflects his early experiences in both the military and the automotive industry.

He values performance. He values accountability. And he expects teams to operate with clarity.

“I’ve always believed in setting high standards,” he says. “If you do that, the right people rise to the top.”

At the same time, his work in franchising shows a focus on access and opportunity. His business models aim to give others a path into entrepreneurship.

This balance between structure and opportunity has become a key part of his leadership identity.

Life Outside of Business

Outside of work, Clymo stays active. He enjoys sports, boating, and spending time on the water. He also likes attending concerts and comedy shows.

These interests reflect a different side of his personality. One that values balance and personal time.

“Business is important,” he says. “But you also need to enjoy life along the way.”

A Career Built on Momentum

Looking at Clymo’s career, one theme stands out: momentum.

From the Air Force to automotive leadership, from financial services to fintech, each step built on the last. Each move opened new doors.

He did not stay still. He adapted. He scaled. And he kept building.

“The key is to keep moving forward,” he says. “Every stage teaches you something you can use in the next one.”

Today, as he leads Speedy Holdings Group, that mindset continues to drive his work.

His journey offers a clear example of how discipline, risk-taking, and long-term thinking can shape a career across multiple industries.