Who we are

Flyway Ventures is a real estate development group providing best-in-class residential rentals. We take pride in creating thoughtfully designed communities that redefine rental living, while being good stewards of the investments we receive. 

Our team has experience across some of the strongest markets in the country, including Northwest Arkansas, Tulsa, Kansas City, Dallas-Fort Worth, and more. With each new project, we shape communities that provide our residents with a reason to put down roots and our investors with long-term returns.

Core Values

Every project is guided by our core values. It’s how we go beyond just planning developments to shaping vibrant communities where people can connect and feel at home.

  • Every community we build boasts a consistent level of craftsmanship, a reliable living experience for residents and a stable investment opportunity for our stakeholders.

  • We prioritize transparent communication, fair practices and a commitment to delivering on our promises.

  • Our team has a proven record of success rooted in nearly two decades of buying, selling, building and developing real estate across the strongest markets and locations in the country.

  • Rather than pursuing one-off projects, we channel our efforts into building strong relationships with investors and developers, project after project, to increase efficiency.

  • By carefully analyzing market trends and anticipating future demands, we build properties that align with evolving needs and ensure long-term profitability for our investors.

Meet the Team

JOHN BAXTER

Co-Founder

John’s entrepreneurial instinctiveness has led him in 25 years of successful business and real estate development. John co-founded a large Property Management firm that manages over 20,000 units across multiple states, but that was only the beginning of his real estate ventures.

Sound, strategic financial finesse has become one of John’s most notable traits. One of his greatest skills being the ability to build winning teams that come together to produce incredible communities and results.

After immense success building large scale property management and insurance companies, the past decade has afforded John the opportunity to grow his personal multifamily portfolio through both acquisition and construction. John’s vision and entrepreneurial momentum continues to contribute to the housing markets in Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas.

Presently, John presides over Flyway Ventures, which serves as a synergistic platform to assemble the giftings and interests of like-minded investors who desire to develop the multifamily and commercial real estate sectors.

Thus far, Baxter, et al. has developed and managed an excess of 10,000 housing units across the mid-south.

John and his wife, Melissa, enjoy serving their family, community, and church through numerous roles over the years. They have three, amazing grown children: Allison, Alec and Ashlee.

Chris Woodard

CEO/Co-Founder

Licensed to practice law in the states of Arkansas and Texas, Chris has extensive experience on both sides of the development fence. As an attorney, he represented numerous investors and developers in transactions related to residential, multi-family and commercial real estate, while also owning and developing various real estate projects in and around the fast-growing Northwest Arkansas area.

Since the end of 2021 alone, Chris assisted clients in selling or purchasing nearly $150 million worth of real estate assets in various locations around Northwest Arkansas and the United States. Through these experiences, Chris forged a broad range of relationships and knowledge that positioned him to co-found Flyway Ventures with John Baxter, focusing on developing residential rental communities with high-quality finishes, amenities, located in strong school districts in NWA and high-growth areas around the country.

Chris received his B.S. in Marketing from Arkansas State University in 2008, where he was a 4-year letterman for the men’s golf team. After graduating from Arkansas State, Chris received his J.D. in 2011 from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. While at the U of A, Chris completed the study abroad program at the University of Cambridge in Cambridge, England, where he met his wife, Jenna.

Chris was recently recognized for his accomplishments, being named 40 Under 40 by the Northwest Arkansas Business Journal in 2021. Chris currently serves on the Board of Directors for both First Tee of Northwest Arkansas and the Arkansas State University Red Wolves Foundation, both of which he is past President. He and his wife Jenna have three children: Jones, Everett and Hayes.

Chief Operations Officer

Rebecca Kendall

Rebecca grew up in northern Minnesota and graduated with a B.S. from Moorhead State University. She has primarily worked in the legal field concentrating in business, contract and real estate law. Rebecca brings to Flyway Ventures over 20 years of professional knowledge in project management, research, technical analysis, and legal writing.

Rebecca and CEO, Chris Woodard, have worked together since 2014. As Chief Operations Officer, she will be promoting the Company’s vision and strategy and oversee the details of day-to-day operations. She is a critical thinker whose drive for excellence and relationship management skills are a perfect fit for the Company.

Rebecca and her husband, Ken, have made Northwest Arkansas their home since 2005. They have one child, Haley and son-in-law, Evan. They enjoy serving their family, church and community. In her free time, she also enjoys travel, cooking with her family, local coffee shops, and walking trails in the area.

Chief Financial Officer

Chase Williams

Originally from Fort Smith, Arkansas, Chase attended Arkansas Tech University where he graduated with a B.S. in Accounting and Agriculture Business – Animal Science.  Chase previously worked in tax and audit.  After working for a large CPA firm for nearly two years, Chase shifted gears and made the move to first work with John Baxter, and now Baxter Properties, Inc. dba Flyway Ventures, where he quickly determined that real estate development and asset management are areas he greatly enjoys and highlights his professional strengths.

Chase coordinates and provides oversight of the Company’s real estate projects while also handling the day-to-day financial operations. At Flyway Ventures, Chase “wears many hats,” but truly excels in focused, challenging work, problem-solving, and collaboration in our fast-paced, dynamic environment. With his natural talent for numbers, his experience in accounting, synthesizing data, he provides the bedrock for the Company.

When he has free time, Chase will likely be on his bike, on a run, or swimming laps with friends for his next triathlon.  He also loves to cook and is always experimenting and sharing new recipes. Aviation filled nearly every square inch of his childhood and Chase looks forward to being able to continue growing his knowledge and skill as a pilot as he gets older.

Office Coordinator

KARA PARKER

Kara Parker is from Van Buren, AR and graduated with a B.S. in Human Resources and Workforce Development Education from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. She is a veteran of the United States Navy where she worked as an Electrician’s Mate in the highly competitive and challenging Naval Nuclear Power Program. Her previous experience post-military includes several years working for J.B. Hunt Transport as a background investigator in their corporate driver personnel department, as well as data administration and analysis for Tennessee Connections Academy.  

Kara joined the company in September of 2022. As Office Coordinator, she helps maintain daily operations by supporting office communication, assisting with accounting operations and coordinating events.   

Kara and her husband Jason moved to Northwest Arkansas from middle Tennessee in early 2022. They have three dogs; Rosie, Tucker, and Winnie. They enjoy spending time with family, traveling, and getting out and exploring the area.