CODY YANCEY
Owner/Operator, Yancey’s Dickson Street Dogs
A local Northwest Arkansan, Cody Yancey has lived here his whole life, first in Avoca and then in Fayetteville for college. Cody served in the Army National Guard from 2002-2010 with a deployment to Kuwait in 2006-2007. He and his wife Katelyn have two kids, Hazel and Forrest. Cody started Yancey’s Dickson Street Dogs in 2008 and has two locations on Dickson Street in Fayetteville. Cody offers his establishments as a safe place for any individuals who may need help while on Dickson Street, noting that he helps someone every night he’s working. He and his team are available 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and if people find themselves in an unsafe situation, he’s happy to help.
Education:
B.S. Business Administration, University of Arkansas
When did you know what you wanted to do?
When I got home from deployment in 2007, I began to realize I didn’t want a traditional office job. I decided to open a hot dog stand in 2008, and I found that I loved it and wanted to do it long term.
Best part of your job:
Working outside and smiling and laughing with my friends/customers. I essentially get paid to hang out with people.
First big break:
The city of Fayetteville didn’t use to allow vending on public sidewalks. Working with them to create an ordinance to allow that, seeing it passed through the city council, and then being able to apply and eventually open my first hot dog cart was crucial to the start of my business.
One thing you’d love to master in business:
I’m quite unorganized and just keep track of everything in my head, which is a terrible method for a busy adult/parent/business owner. I should be better about dedicating more time to spend with my lovely wife.
If you won the lottery, what cause/organization would you support?
Veterans organizations and children’s organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters
What do you do for fun? Any hobbies?
I’m a BIG hobby guy. Mountain biking, canoeing, hunting, fishing, hiking and camping, exercising, snow skiing, boating, and water sports.
Best advice you’ve ever received:
My dad used to always say, “Good things happen to good people.”
Do you still seek out mentors or mentees?
I like to try to be a good role model for the young adults in this area, and I seek out opportunities to speak to them about my learnings and philosophies of life and business.
How would you describe yourself in three words?
Happy, kind and adventurous
Describe yourself in a hashtag.
#ThisIsAwesome