Forty Under 40: Rex Holstein

The scale of Rex Holstein’s job is difficult to grasp. He leads teams to make sure Tyson Foods procures the best market prices for commodity items — grains, cooking oil, meat ingredients and natural gas and electricity for one of the world’s largest processors of chicken, beef, pork and prepared foods.

Volatility and risk management are everyday matters for Holstein. And he has five children at home.

Holstein’s father worked for Tyson Foods. At age 16, Holstein began working in the company store. After earning two business degrees from the University of Arkansas, in finance management and accounting, he joined the company full time.

His trajectory has increased since; he’s already had the opportunity to work in accounting, warehousing and human resources.

At a young age, Holstein knew he was skilled with numbers and envisioned himself on Wall Street, trading commodities. He credits his dad for his work ethic, and one particular boss, Clark Irwin, for teaching him how to lead a group with a shared purpose.

“I do enjoy the challenge of reaching our goals, but I’m fueled by relationships — helping others to lead, grow and achieve,” Holstein said.

Holstein and his wife are ardent supporters of foster parenting, and he is on the local advisory board for the nonprofit group The CALL (Children of Arkansas Loved for a Lifetime).