Forty Under 40: Jason Godsey, 37

After earning a master’s degree in agricultural economics from the University of Arkansas in 1998, Jason Godsey began his career at Simmons as a frontline supervisor at the company’s plant in Southwest City, Mo.

Thirteen years later, he’s worn multiple hats while rising through the ranks at the Siloam Springs-based poultry processing company, from operations manager to project manager to director and vice president.

“Good things come over time,” he said. “Some people get greedy and want to leave, thinking the grass is greener on the other side.

“I’ve been afforded with good opportunities here and seeing the results of what we have achieved and the team we have developed has been very rewarding.”

Godsey, originally from El Dorado, began his undergrad path at the UA as a pre-med major, but felt a change was in order.

His stepfather, Ben Thompson, had enjoyed a successful career in the poultry industry and that became Godsey’s intention as well.

Godsey’s motivation for success is driven by the company’s culture and his own competitive spirit.

“I want to be able to see people who work with me and for me excel,” he said.
Godsey and his wife, Jessica, are expecting their first child this fall.