Forty Under 40: Clifton Beckham

Clifton Beckham is one great example of climbing the corporate ladder.

After graduating in 1994 with a bachelors degree in science and accounting from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, Beckham started working at USA Truck Inc. in Van Buren as a staff accountant. He became chief accountant in 1996, controller in 1999, treasurer in 2001 and then CFO in 2002.

Beckham said the highlight of his career was being with USA Truck through the 1990s when the company had strong revenue numbers, then went through turbulent times when revenue was down, then back up again 2001.

In 2000, the companys net income was a mere $94,000, down from $8.6 million in 1999. But in 2001, things started to pick up, and in 2005, USA Truck recorded net income of $15.5 million.

Regarding the future, Beckham said hed like to continue as the CFO as the company doubles in size and becomes a consistent industry leader.

Beckham, a Fort Smith native, said his motivation comes from having the self-discipline to be the best and have something to be proud of.

Currently, Beckham is a board member for the Van Buren Chamber of Commerce and is a volunteer coach for the Fort Smith Boys and Girls Club and church league baseball.