The Man Known Simply As ‘Archie’

The newest edition of Talk Business Quarterly is out and our cover story on retiring Tyson Foods executive Archie Schaffer is a great read.

Writer Rex Nelson tells Archie’s life story, including details recalled from his uncle, former Senator Dale Bumpers.

Much like Elvis, Archie Schaffer is often referred to by only his first name, at least in Arkansas. Just say “Archie,” and members of the state’s business and political community know immediately who you’re talking about. Back in the 1990s when a federal independent counsel named Donald Smaltz set his sights on Schaffer, “Free Archie” bumper stickers could be found across Arkansas.

He’s a bear of a man, but as his uncle notes, Schaffer is not one to raise his voice. He’s more apt to listen than talk, but one can almost see the wheels turning in his steel-trap mind.

“He’s very cerebral,” Bumpers said. “I was just sick when he left my Senate office in Washington, D.C., to move back to Arkansas because I had been dependent on him for so many years.”

Schaffer didn’t set out to be a political mover, shaker and fixer.

But he certainly became one. Schaffer worked on the gubernatorial and senatorial staff of Bumpers, but you may be surprised that his first political gig was with a Republican.

Also, Schaffer tells the story of how his life and career unfolded much differently than he intended.  Tyson Foods and the state’s business and political establishment are the beneficiaries of that career detour.

Access the full story at this link.