Fast 15: Jennifer Ford

There may not be a friendlier person at J.B. Hunt than Jennifer Ford.

No really, it’s true. It’s a matter of fact that Ford has twice (2006, 2009) been named Ms. Congeniality at the annual J.B. Hunt Application Awards Ceremony.

“I catch some flak over that,” Ford joked. “I can’t say anything remotely mean without people reminding me that I’m Ms. Congeniality.”

But it takes more then just being likable to get on the fast track with one of the largest transportation companies in the United States.

In Ford’s case, it’s an intense determination to succeed.

“I’m not going to limit myself,” she said. “I love knowing there is room to grow and things to learn. That constant drive for the next level and to be the best you can be has always driven me from a very young age.”

Beginning with an internship in May 2004, Ford has averaged about a promotion a year at J.B. Hunt. In her current position, which she started last October, Ford oversees the 12 employees on the Finance IT team, five of whom are in the Philippines.

“It’s worked out well,” Ford said. “I’ve always been able to step into that next position. I think it’s because I haven’t found a place yet where I want to just hang out. A goal of mine is to keep pushing to the next level.”

Ford, one of 26 graduates from Oden High School, graduated from Arkansas Tech University in May 2004 with a degree in computer information science. A master’s degree in information systems from the University of Arkansas was the next goal, so upon moving to Northwest Arkansas that same month, she sought out an internship at J.B. Hunt.

Just four months later, though, Ford accepted a full-time job offer from the company and her “get-it-done” philosophy rose to the top. After a full workday, Ford took graduate classes at night, maintaining that schedule until graduating in May 2006.

Her parents, both educators, would be proud of that kind of balance. It’s the sort of time management that serves Ford and her husband well while raising their 2-year-old daughter.

“My parents were always the kind of people who say you can do whatever you want to do,” Ford said. “But whatever you do, you’re going to do it right.”