Forty Under 40: Jay Howard

The CEO and co-founder of I.O. Metro is on his fourth BlackBerry in two years. Since starting his company, he simply wears the gadget out.

I.O. Metro is on the verge of an expanded regional franchise rollout after building successful home furnishing stores in Bentonville, Rogers, Fayetteville, Little Rock and Tulsa with revenue of $5 million in 2006.

Howard can’t sleep until his “inbox” is empty and dealing with overseas suppliers with 12- to 14-hour time differences makes for long days, he said.

The self-described “lake junkie” also takes time out to mentor youth with an incarcerated parent as part of the Hope Inspiration Protection program.

Howard, a Helena native, learned a love of retail from his parents, who owned a sporting goods store in his hometown. He was a magna cum laude in finance from Westminster College in Missouri and saw the opportunities available within the Wal-Mart supplier community.

Secure in his position after growing Lebanon Seaboard Corp.’s account by getting its lawn care products into Sam’s Club, Howard took a leap of faith by going on his own.

Given his age and the success of I.O. Metro, it isn’t surprising Howard’s advice to others is to take risks, believe in yourself and never take no for an answer.