Fast 15: Cody Few

Cody Few is just two years removed from college, but he is already thriving in the competitive world of executive recruiting.

Few joined Stout as an intern a little more than three years ago while studying at the University of Arkansas.

Since then, he’s proved to be a quick study at the company, whose niche is finding top talent for the area’s supplier teams who do business with Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and Sam’s Club.

A Tennessee native, Few was hired full time in May 2014 after earning a degree in small business and entrepreneurship.

Later that year, as an account executive, he made the largest first placement in the company’s history. In 2015, his first full year as a recruiter, Few was the second-highest producer in the firm and had the best “rookie” year in Stout’s history.

Few said his favorite part of the job is being able to help people improve their lives and find better personal situations.

Few is on track this year to earn Pacesetter status, a distinction for executives who are among the top 20 percent of recruiters nationally.

Company owner Marvelyn Stout says the young executive is on course to becoming the firm’s managing partner.

“Marvelyn has definitely been a good mentor for me,” Few said. “I was a little rough around the edges, but she took a chance on me. Remains to be seen if there’s a diamond in the rough.”

Few was actually the first intern ever hired by Stout. He has since helped develop an internship program at the company, responsible for hiring and training new interns from the UA into the Stout internship program.

“It’s really a great opportunity for a college student to grow their network,” Few said. “Marvelyn does a great job of making sure everyone is heavily involved. We’re very collaborative.”

Few teaches a kindergarten boys’ Sunday school class at New Heights Church in Fayetteville. He also coaches at the Boys & Girls Club in both Washington and Benton counties.

“Some of my biggest influences growing up were the coaches who gave up time with their families to invest in our lives,” Few said. “I love the opportunity to pay that forward.”