Forty Under 40: Rick George

Springdale native Rick George, son of poultry pioneers Luther and Helen George, learned from his parents that success can be achieved even through adversity.

After graduating from the University of Arkansas with a marketing degree in 1989, George became personnel manager at J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc. From there, he became the companys benefits manager, then manager of human resources management systems, where hes now director.

George has been a key person in developing programs to reduce paperwork and give J.B. Hunt employees online access to all their information.

Employees need to know what is going on, George said.

George was not yet 2 years old when his father died of heart disease. Because of his fathers untimely death, George strives to be as healthy as he can for his family.

He also strives to help others. He worked on a team to create a Better Health For Life program to help J.B. Hunt employees achieve a healthy lifestyle. In addition, George teaches group fitness classes at the Fayetteville Athletic Club.

George has served on the Northwest Medical Center Community Development Council and has worked on starting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Arkansas.