Forty Under 40: Paul Wilson

Paul Wilson is an entrepreneur and problem solver at heart.

Originally from Coffeyville, Kan., Wilson wanted to work in finance from age 6. In 2000, to put himself through Wichita State University, he worked as a teller for Intrust Bank and fell in love with banking’s problem-solving and sales aspects. Wilson graduated magna cum laude in finance in three years.

After graduation, he continued at Intrust and was promoted to construction loan manager in 2004. Wanting to experience the lending side, he moved to Northwest Arkansas to open an Intrust office in 2008, starting from scratch.

“The recession was happening, and it was a bad time to be a brand new lender in a new market, not knowing anyone,” he said. “But it hit a chord with me in terms of the entrepreneurial core I have. I got to play the part of being an entrepreneur on behalf of someone else by building out and participating in a new market.”

Promoted to vice president in 2009 and president in 2011, Wilson believes that with his experience and nature, he can identify with entrepreneurial clients to help them strategize and find solutions to mitigate risk and accomplish their goals.

“I get to come alongside and support them in those initiatives. So, if someone wants to start a business or wants to acquire a business or wants to invest to build wealth and create a better life from themselves in the future, that’s what we do.”

Passionate about his faith, Wilson is drawn to helping solve problems in the community. His greatest achievement is his community service, which has included the Boys & Girls Club, 7hills Homeless Center, Mercy Health, the Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Benton County and helping found NWA Emerging Leaders.