Forty Under 40: John Rambadt

John Rambadt seems to have success neatly boxed in Gravette-based R&R Packaging Inc.

Projecting the business will gross $10 million this year and $20 million in 2003, Rambadt said he plans to relocate R&R’s packaging division next year to the 150 acres of farmland he recently bought in south Gravette.

He intends to construct a 145,000-SF warehouse on the land, and he wants to operate R&R from 1 million SF within five years.

Rambadt, 33, said he is proud of the business’ growth, considering the doors first opened in 1997.

Part of the acceleration stemmed from Rambadt’s 1998 diversification into electronics repair. Aside from packaging and distribution, R&R refurbishes point-of-sale equipment, including cash registers and printers.

Now about half of the company’s sales come from the repair services.

Currently managing 80 employees and anticipating adding another 80 in the next year, Rambadt’s first concern is keeping the staff motivated. He arrives at work by 6:30 a.m. and leaves by about 6 p.m.

A self-described class clown, Rambadt tries to have fun at work and encourages others to do the same.

“If work stops being fun, I won’t come,” Rambadt said.