Your dreams are worth defending.
We create The Space.
Meet Our Founders
Brooke Plack
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Justin Bates
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Born and raised in Central Arkansas, Justin Bates began his career in the corporate world before leaving in 2016 to work in the Small Business Arena. Justin is currently the President of Empire Kids & Connect Academy for Children, as well as the Tumbling Department Leader for Empire Kids. He is the proud father of his and Brooke's son Crew. Together Justin & Brooke (his wife) have two Boston Terriers, Hopson & Barley.
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In his free time, Justin plays disc golf and loves to paint - but he is often dragged into the woods by Brooke to go hiking and overnight backpacking.
After launching a business from her garage in 2014, Co-Founder & Owner Brooke Plack has successively opened businesses focused on serving the children & families of Central Arkansas. As a serial entrepreneur herself, she knows the importance of working in beautiful places with positive vibes and is beyond excited to bring The Space at The Palace to the community.
Brooke is also the Founder & Owner of Empire Kids and Connect Academy for Children, as well as the Co-Founder and Board Chair for The EMpact One Foundation, a local non-profit organization focused on empowering youth by raising funds for children and youth in need to participate in high-quality sports and extracurricular activities.
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In her free time, Brooke immerses herself in her garden (and soon to be greenhouse) and enjoys traveling, hiking, reading, and listening to audiobooks.
Elizabeth Richardson
From being Brooke's very first cheer mom in her garage in 2013 to now Vice President and Partner, Elizabeth Richardson has built her career by always finding a need, showing up with a smile, and taking active steps to grow and improve both herself and those around her. Truly, no task has ever been too big or too small for her to fully dedicate her time, talents, and focus.
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Elizabeth is currently the Vice President of Administration for Empire Kids & Connect Academy for Children, as well as a Partner for The EMpact One Foundation.
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In her free time, she enjoys time with her husband, kids, and grandkids. She loves random road trips, a good book, and is always looking for an adventure.
From being Brooke’s very first employee at Empire to now leading the Human Resources and Business Development for an entire family of brands, Maddy Jacobs has built her career on her commendable work ethic, ability to deliver outstanding results, and her eye for design and impeccable vision for what’s next. Maddy lives in Benton along with her husband Jaret and son Cooper. In her free time Maddy spends it with their horses at Oaklawn or planning events for family and friends!
