Forty Under 40: Blake Evans

Blake Evans always knew when he took over his familys company, Peterson Industries, he would have some big shoes to fill. His grandfather, Lloyd Peterson, started the company in 1930. But before Evans took the reins, he spent time exploring other interests.

After graduating from the University of Arkansas in 1999 with a bachelors degree in business administration, Evans spent six weeks interning in Tanzania, Africa, on a fruit and vegetable farm for exports to retail markets. There he studied business plans and worked with financial investors.

He returned to the U.S. and in 2000 went to Joplin, Mo., to work for Continental Auto Mall, where he was the Internet and fleet sales coordinator. Then in 2001, he came back to Northwest Arkansas and worked as a financial adviser for Merrill Lynch in Rogers.

In 2004, after discussing the family business with his grandfather for two years, he decided to become CEO of Peterson Industries. He said he never knew if he would pursue the family business, but after doing several jobs he enjoyed sales and the financial business he was ready for the challenge.

Evans is currently a board member on the National Chicken Council, the Northwest Arkansas Community Foundation and ANB Financial N.A.