C-Suite: Scott Dillard

FAST FACT: Dillard co-founded CRI in 2002 with his late father Dr. Johnny Dillard.

Has it been a good thing or bad thing in terms of how the pandemic has altered your business’ strategy? While the pandemic has presented a number of challenges, it has also allowed us to be flexible and creative in exploring the efficiencies and dynamics that can arise from working remotely.

What keeps you up at night or worries you the most? Creating long-term strategic growth for our companies.

What has been your toughest leadership challenge during the pandemic? The pandemic caused our company to make the difficult decision to implement temporary layoffs that affected more than 200 employees. I wanted to hold out as long as we could. But ultimately we had to do it for the financial stability of the company. It’s important to me to grow business and invest in the Northwest Arkansas community. We are hopeful business levels will begin to rebound next year, and when it does, we’re committed to bringing back those jobs and adding more.

If you had $1 million to give, what would you support? The causes I am most passionate about are education and job training for single moms, support for children in foster care and veteran’s issues.

What is the best business advice you have ever received? I worked with my dad, and he imparted to me some basic principles that have always served me well: work hard, be on time, be a good listener and follow instructions.

If you weren’t in your current profession, what would you be doing? Creating and starting a new business.

What’s the first app you launch on your phone each day? Email app.

Describe your morning routine. Check email, drop off my son to school, then come into work, check email again, and read/listen to any updates to business/financial related news.

What is the most important thing about being a leader? Consistency and reliability in leadership allows a team to achieve its goals.